Konicki Named Country Weekly Editor-In-Chief (updated)

Lisa Konicki

Lisa Konicki

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Media, Inc. (AMI) announced today that Lisa Konicki, former Photo Editor of Country Weekly magazine, has been named the new Editor-in-Chief effective February 1. Konicki will also have responsibility over the brand’s web site, countryweekly.com.

It remains unofficial, but sources confirm that Larry Holden, the previous Editor-in-Chief has exited. Also leaving are David Scarlett and Jerry Holthouse.

In making the announcement, David Pecker, AMI president and CEO, said, “Lisa’s wealth of leadership qualities and exciting ideas will continue to make our magazine and its web site a must-read for fans of country music’s biggest stars.”

Konicki, who has been with the magazine for 13 years, said, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve Country Weekly as its new Editor-in-Chief. I look forward to making it the most influential voice in the country music market, both in print and online.”

Along with Konicki, other important staff changes included the appointment of new Managing Editor, Ken Tucker, who currently serves as Editor of Billboard Country Update. As managing editor, Tucker will oversee the writing and editorial staff.

Additionally, Country Weekly welcomes back former staffer Eva Elliott. Elliott, who has held the art director position at Relish and Spry magazines for the last four years, formerly served Country Weekly as the assistant art director and will now serve as art director. She will oversee the layout and design of the magazine.

Larry Holden can be reached at 615-491-2745 or loholden@comcast.net.

David Scarlett can be reached at 615-500-1965 or dscarlett@aol.com.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc.  publishes  Star, Shape, Men’s Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Natural Health, and The National Enquirer.  In addition to print properties, AMI manages 14 different web sites. The company also owns Distribution Services, Inc., the country’s #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.

Country Artists Sing For Haiti

HaitiYesterday (1/28) at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios, multi-platinum, Dove Award winning artist Michael W. Smith gathered a who’s-who list from Nashville’s music community, including country stars Wynonna, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood and Restless Heart, to record “Come Together Now.” The song, penned by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan and produced by Bryan Lenox, was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti.

“The crisis in Haiti has left us all trying to figure out how we can help,” says Smith. “We wanted to create something that the community could support, for the greater good of those in Haiti. Everyone gave of their time: the studio was donated, the musicians donated their time and all proceeds from this song will go to designated charity/relief work through The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse. It’s incredible to be part of something that is going to help so many people.”

In addition to lending their voices in song, several artists also recorded PSA’s for The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse for use in upcoming months.

Rucker On Today Tomorrow

ruckerDarius Rucker will appear on NBC’s Weekend Today on Saturday (1/30) to talk with Lester Holt about his platinum-selling debut country album, Learn To Live, his fourth country hit, “History In The Making,” and his recent CMA Award win for New Artist.

“Lester was one of best interviews of my career with Hootie & The Blowfish,” says Rucker.  “Having the opportunity to talk with him about where I am as a country singer really made the entire process come full circle. I am so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given thanks to country radio, and now, thanks to Today.”

Gillette UNCUT Film Series Features Tim McGraw

TimmyGillette brought together some of the world’s most popular musicians yesterday (1/28), including country star/actor Tim McGraw, to launch its Gillette UNCUT music film series at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Directed by Danny Clinch, and executive produced by Greenlight Media & Marketing, the documentary short films provide viewers with unprecedented backstage access into the worlds of McGraw, will.i.am, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and the All-American Rejects featuring Tyson Ritter.

The event included a World Premiere screening of the Gillette UNCUT films, which feature the stars preparing for performances and revealing not only some of their pre-show rituals, but moments of introspection, self-doubt and re-assurance. In addition, Gillette has launched “Shave Like a Rock Star,” a series of tongue-in-cheek shaving tutorials featuring the gillettelikeness of each artist. Each of the films can be viewed here.

“I take every performance very seriously and my preparation for any show is critical,” says McGraw. “I’m excited to share this peek into my preparation in the Gillette UNCUT film directed by my friend Danny Clinch.”

Underwood To Sing At Superbowl

carrieThe NFL and CBS have announced that ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood will perform the National Anthem as part of Super Bowl XLIV pregame festivities at Sun Life Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 7. The performance will be televised live on CBS Sports prior to kickoff. More than 151 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year’s Super Bowl, the most-watched television program in history. The pregame show and Super Bowl XLIV will be broadcast worldwide in more than 230 countries and territories.

Underwood  joins a stellar list of performers who have sung the National Anthem at the Super Bowl including: Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Cher, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and many more. Underwood will be hitting the road in March for her headlining “Play On Tour.”

Jill Napier Joins Big Loud Bucks

Jill Napier

Jill Napier

Big Loud Bucks Administration and Information has announced the addition of Jill Napier as Executive VP of Administration. Napier comes to Big Loud Bucks from Ten Ten Music, where she spent the last 8 years and served as VP of Business Affairs.

“Jill is one of the most respected and experienced company officers and administrators in Nashville,” says Big Loud Bucks owner Craig Wiseman. “We are so excited about bringing Jill on board as a part of our restructuring and upgrading to better serve our award winning clients.”

ole Adds Kele Currier 

keleMusic publisher ole has announced the appointment of Kele Currier to the position of Director of Administration. Working closely with ole’s Toronto team on all administration matters, Currier will manage the company’s Nashville-based catalogs, serve as the administration client representative for ole’s roster of country music writers, and actively seek out new administration clients among the self-published Nashville songwriter community.

“Kele’s wealth of contacts and administration experience gives ole an even deeper connection to the Nashville music community and is further evidence of ole’s commitment to super serve country music songwriters,” says ole President Michael McCarty. “This move also provides us with an expert administration presence in the US market.”

Currier’s resume includes her most recent position as Executive Vice President of Administration for Big Loud Bucks, as well as roles with Integrated Copyright Group, Opryland Music, Maypop Music and SESAC.

Cadillac Sky Partners With Dualtone

sky2With their third album, Letters In The Deep, ready for release, genre-blending bluegrass band Cadillac Sky has formed a unique partnership with Dualtone Music for the release of their new music. After considering traditional offers from a handful of labels, the band will release their new album “independently” in early summer through Dualtone.

“After weighing all the opportunities for releasing this phenomenal new CD, remaining independent is without question the best option,” said band manager Evert Wilbrink. “With Dualtone, we will optimize our national and international momentum while still owning and controlling our music.”

Dualtone President Scott Robinson is excited about working with musicians who are known Dualtonefor their fresh approach to both their musical and business lives. “I really believe Cadillac Sky has the potential to be one of the big breakout artists of 2010. The direction they took with this new album puts them in a unique position to cross many genre boundaries that still exist out there and we’re pleased to be partnering up with these guys.”

Key West Songwriters Festival Ready To Roll

keys2Final preparations are underway for this year’s Key West Songwriters Festival, scheduled for Wednesday, April 28 – Sunday, May 2. Presented by Better Angels Music and benefiting the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, the  annual festival, now in its 15th year, will feature more than 100 top-tier songwriters.

Full band concerts will bookend the 2010 festival, with Universal South artist Randy Houser kicking things off with a free concert at the Ocean Key Pier on Wednesday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m. The Raul Malo Band will perform at the Ocean Key Pier Saturday, May 1.

Other scheduled performers include Robert Earl Keen, Kim Carnes, Jamey Johnson, Dean Dillon, Hugh Prestwood, Scotty Emerick, Shawn Mullins, Dallas Davidson, Chuck Cannon, Chuck Jones, Marty Dodson, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Kylie Sackley, Jon Mabe, Chas Sandford, Dave Pahanish, Sherrie Austin, Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Bonnie Bishop, Jaida Dreyer, Sunny Sweeney, Kelly Archer, Tim James, Ashley Ray, Heather Morgan, Emily Shackelton, Will Bowen, Casey Musgraves, Bobby Tomberlin, Molly Reed, Dan Adams, Joel Shewmake, Todd Wilkes, Josh Thompson, David Adam Byrnes and many more. Click here for more information.

Toby Keith Offers Semitrailers For Haiti

tobyToby Keith has joined two nonprofit organizations, Can-Do and Livin’ the Music, to donate seven semitrailers at a Nashville drop site to benefit Project Haiti. The trailers are located at Stage Call at 1420 Cowan Court and will be open seven days a week through Feb. 2. On that day, supplies will be shipped directly to the Port-au-Prince airport in Haiti.

Nashville residents are encouraged to donate medical supplies, nonperishable food and water purification products, as well as first aid kits, soap, workgloves, tarps, hydration containers, bandages, alcohol wipes, baby formula and headlamps.