Musical Chairs, Memberships and More

The Society of Leaders in Development’s Education Committee (SOLID) has been hosting a series of continuing education events for members to connect with industry veterans and to learn more about the ever changing music business. Guests have included Jay Williams (WMEE), Chip Petree (Petree Law), David Ross (MusicRow), Jensen Sussman (Sweet Talk Publicity) and Diana Garcia (Turner Nichols). Recently, guests Chuck Flood and David Boyer of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy; and David Corlew of Blue Hat Records and Corlew Music Group spoke about grassroots touring. SOLID is recruiting new members now. Details at www.solidnashville.com. Pictured (L-R): SOLID’s Landon Dirickson; with speakers Chuck Flood, David Corlew and David Boyer
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Following the resignation of long time Lyric Street/Carolwood Records Vice President Greg McCarn, label President Randy Goodman has announced he has no immediate plans to fill the position. The current marketing department staff comprised of Director of Marketing Heather Conley; Director of Publicity Cindy Heath; and Senior Manager of Marketing Ashley Heron, will oversee operations for the Sales, Marketing, Publicity, Creative and New Media functions for Lyric Street and Carolwood Records, reporting directly to Goodman.
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Brooke Boston has left her post as BBR Promotion Coordinator and Director of Secondary Promotion. She has been with the company for nearly two years working hit singles including Jason Aldean’s recent 4 week No. 1 “Big Green Tractor.” She is looking for her next opportunity in promotions and can be contacted at brookeboston16@yahoo.com or 214-558-7922.
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CMA will be offering a special discounted rate of $85 for Sterling Individual memberships at NSAI’s World’s Largest #1 Party on Mon., Sept. 21. At the industry-only event sponsored by NSAI, CMA and Avenue Bank, prospective CMA members will receive the discounted rate as well as a complimentary gift. The Sterling Individual membership’s benefits, including the right to vote in the 2010 CMA Awards, can be found here. For more information, contact Betsy Walker at bwalker@cmaworld.com.
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Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher is the subject of an in-depth interview by Larry LeBlac. Read it here.
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Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains fame was in Nashville recently and visited with SESAC executives Hunter Williams and Tim Fink. The band will be releasing new album "Black Gives Way To Blue" on Sept. 29, and are currently on a worldwide tour. Pictured (l-r): Williams, Cantrell, and Fink Photo: Ed Rode
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Former Senator Gordon Smith (Rep.-Oregon) has been named president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
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Don Passman’s book All You Need To Know About The Music Business, has been updated to a new 7th Edition due out Nov. 17. The latest version includes all the music biz basics like record deals, songwriting, merchandising, and touring, as well as addressing digital downloading, digital royalties, piracy, and “360” deals. Passman is a well-respected Los Angeles based music industry lawyer.
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The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), a leading U.S. music rights licensing organization, was ranked #182 in the 2009 InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. One of the only media and entertainment companies on the list, HFA was recognized for how it has created new products and services and increased the efficiency of its business processes, which enabled the creation of new revenue opportunities for the company.
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Recording Academy members can now access to a new Facebook group to get real-time information about the issues in Washington that affect music makers. Facebook users log in and request to join the group “GRAMMYs on the Hill.”
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Thanks Sarah and David for supporting our After Work(shops). These continuing education events have been blessed to have the support of so many amazing talents on Music Row who are willing to share their wisdom with us in SOLID. We are truly grateful. One of the best things about Nashville is the sense of community and supportive environment fostered by organizations like SOLID, Leadership Music, the WMBA and Women Rock for the Cure.
Eric Griffin
2009 SOLID Education Chair
Special thanks to Sarah Skates.
As a songplugger,so much of my focus is on the mainstream commercial country artists, and the pitch. I knew very little about grassroots touring before this workshop. The challenges for Indie artists and whoever works with them are staggering. The insight, advice and stories from David Corlew, Chuck Flood & David Boyer are priceless. Kudos to grassroots teams and indie artists who are working it – It has to be about the music because it sure isn’t about the money!