Industry Round-Up

Dove nominations • Joe Galante new email • NaFF scores sponsorship • Production Music panel • ACM hiring • New Faces Show • Jay McCarthy joins Roxstarz
>>Nominees for the GMA Dove Awards will be announced Wed., Feb. 16 at a press conference at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. Making the announcement will be Bishop Paul S. Morton, Carlos Whittaker, Francesca Battistelli, Lecrae, Mandisa, Third Day and Sisters. The press conference will be streamed live at Hearitfirst.com and GMCtv.com. A complete list of nominees will be available at www.gospelmusic.org. This is the first time the Dove Awards have taken place outside Nashville in 40 years. The show will be taped live at the Fox Theatre on April 20 and will air on The Gospel Music Channel on Sunday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
>>Effective Jan. 31, Joe Galante can be reached at Joe@jgalante.com. Emails sent to Joe.Galante@sonymusic.com will not be forwarded.
>>Nissan North America, based in Franklin, Tennessee, will be the presenting sponsor of the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) when it takes place April 14-21, 2011 at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas. The festival enters its 42nd year after a five-year stretch of increased attendance, and notable premieres. Films in major competition will be announced in mid-February. Tickets for the festival go on sale to the general public on April 7.
>>The Production Music Association (PMA) will hold a panel discussion in Nashville for the first time on Mon., Feb. 7, at 5:30 PM. Music supervisor Anastasia Brown, attorney Derek Crownover, composer Matthew Perryman Jones and Whizbang’s Jim Scherer will join out-of-town panelists Randy Thornton of Non-Stop Music, and Joe Saba of VideoHelper. The panel “Hot Topics In Production Music, 2011” will cover production music libraries, custom music and song licensing for film and TV. $10 for PMA members; $15 for non-members and guests.
>>Katie O’Halloran has made the leap from KKGO-FM to join the Academy of Country Music publicity team as Assistant, she can be reached at katie@acmcountry.com or 818-815-4218. She replaces Katie Jo Sheek who has found a new home as Account Executive at MS&L (Manning, Selvage and Lee) in Atlanta; she can be reached at katiejo.sheek@mslgroup.com or 404-870-6851.
>>Tickets to the CRS 2011 New Faces of Country Music Show® are sold out. Therefore, any CRS registrations sold from this point on will not include a New Faces ticket. As a result, the registration price is being reduced to the $399 Early Bird Rate. The 2011 New Faces are The Band Perry, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Steel Magnolia and Josh Thompson. CRS will be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center.
>>Air charter firm Roxstarz has added former music businessman Jay McCarthy as Director of Marketing and partner. Shawn Pennington and Andrew Fishbone launched the private air charter brokerage firm catering to the music, movie and sports industries last month. McCarthy’s career includes time with Clear Channel, CBS, and Red Light Management. He can be reached at (602) 321-4945 or jay@roxstarz.com.

Role Reversal For Radio Promoters Matthew Hargis, Bobby Young

Bobby Young (L) and Matthew Hargis (R)


Radio promotion executives Matthew Hargis and Bobby Young have essentially traded posts. Hargis has left his role handling southeast regional promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, and joined Republic Nashville as National Director of Promotion. In turn, Young has exited his post as Republic’s National Promotion Director to fill the vacancy left by Hargis at Capitol. They take office on Feb. 1.
In his new role, Hargis will oversee all aspects of the radio promotion department and radio activities for the Republic Nashville roster, which includes Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney. “I am honored and thrilled to be joining this stellar team of professionals led by Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen, says Hargis. “The Republic Nashville artist roster is bursting with talent that continues to blaze new trails with fresh, exciting music.”
The move reunites Hargis with former colleague, turned Republic Nashville President Harnen. “As long as I have known and worked with Matthew, he has always been the person who delivered solutions…a ‘go to guy,'” says Harnen. “It’s like having a Sherman tank in your garage. He has a unique way of looking at any situation and providing a fresh approach, not to mention he is one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet.”
Hargis will report directly to Harnen and can be reached at 615-324-7903 or matthew.hargis@republicnashville.com.
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Bobby Young will be based in Nashville and report directly to Capitol’s VP Promotion Shane Allen. He will join the promotion team in working Capitol artists Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and more.

“I am more than thrilled that Bobby has agreed to join our family at Capitol,” said Sr. VP, Promotion, Steve Hodges. “I couldn’t think of a better qualified candidate, anywhere! His vast knowledge of the ever-changing record business and his extensive promotion experience will be a tremendous asset, not only to the promotion department, but to our entire building.”
“I’ve admired the winning work ethic and champion environment at Capitol Records Nashville, and I consider the opportunity to be a member of this team and to work for Steve Hodges and Shane Allen second to none,” said Young.  “It’s a real blessing. I’m looking forward to not only working with Capitol’s great roster of artists, but also to being back in the Southeast working hands on with my friends in radio.”

Luke Bryan Plans New Spring Break EP


Luke Bryan


Luke Bryan will release his third Spring Break themed EP, Spring Break 3…It’s A Shore Thing, on March 1, 2011. His third annual spring break show is set for March 8 and 9 at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, FL.
The EP features four never-before-released songs co-written by Bryan, “If You Ain’t Here To Party,” “Faded Away,” “Love In A College Town,” and the title track “It’s A Shore Thing.” Bryan released his first Spring Break With All My Friends EP in 2009 followed by last year’s Spring Break 2…Hangover Edition.
“Are you kidding me? This is one of my favorite times of the year,” exclaimed Bryan. “I get to let loose, write new songs that are a little out of the box, play on the beach for 2 days and have fun with the fans during one of the best times of their lives!”

Photos: Paisley, the JaneDear girls, Jacob Lyda

Paisley Joined By GB Packers QB Onstage • the JaneDear girls Go Shopping With A Fan • Newcomer Jacob Lyda Performs A Private Showcase

Brad Paisley appropriately kicked off his H2O Frozen Over Tour in frozen Green Bay, WI last week (Jan. 21). The sold-out crowd was taken to another level of frenzy when Aaron Rodgers (L), starting quarterback for the NFC Champion Green Bay Packers, joined Paisley for a duet on “Still A Guy.” (Photo: Ben Enos)

Before the opening date of the Jason Aldean tour, the JaneDear girls and one lucky winner from KSSN/Little Rock, AR, had a shopping spree at a local mall. Pictured (L-R): KSSN Promotion Director Matt Cruz, Danelle Leverett, KSSN winner Denise Womble, Susie Brown, and WMN Senior VP Promotion Chris Stacey.

Davis Music Group and Nine North Records team members recently gathered for a private listening party at the Hard Rock Cafe featuring DMG’s Jacob Lyda. Among the collection of songs performed was Lyda’s new single, “I’m Doing Alright.” Pictured (L-R): Nine North’s Gregg Stevens, Tom Moran, DMG’s Mike Ulvila, Glenn Noblit, Nine North’s Brooks Quigley, DMG’s Gator Michaels, Winne Davis, Jacob Lyda, Randy Root, Nine North’s Larry Pareigis, Stan Marczewski and Kevin Mason.

Skyville Records Scores Sony Distribution

Stealing Angels

Skyville Records has entered an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Sony Music Nashville. The fall debut from Stealing Angels will be the first release via the new partnership.

Under the agreement, Sony Music Nashville will offer manufacturing, sales, copyright administration and website development. Under the creative direction of producer Paul Worley, Skyville will find, develop and produce the talent, as well as handle promotion, business development and legal affairs for its roster.
“Paul Worley has amassed an amazing track record through the years,” remarks Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “Supported by his talented staff and roster, Skyville is poised for an exciting future, and we’re privileged to share in it.”
“Our partnership with Sony Nashville is a distinctive one,” declares Kevin Herring, Skyville Records President. “This speaks volumes about Gary’s vision for the future and for our mutual commitment to reshaping the music business in the 21st Century.”
Industry veterans Worley, Wally Wilson and Glen Morgan joined forces in 2004 to launch Skyline Publishing. Wayne Halper joined the organization in 2009 as head of business and legal affairs. After many years of successful chart action, the partners founded Skyville Records in 2010, with a focus and emphasis towards toward recognizing and nurturing the talents of new artists and artist/songwriters.

A Message from Al & Dawn Bunetta

Dear Friends & Family,
The past few weeks have been indescribable for our family. Losing our beloved son Juri Bunetta was a tragedy like no other. But through this event, we found out so much more about him, the rest of our family and even ourselves.
We learned that true friendship has no limits or boundaries. It is timeless. And we learned of the lasting and large impact our son had on the lives of not only his family, but also his peers at school and at work. We will take solace in these stories and memories for the days, weeks and years to come.
To all of you who have comforted us and helped our family navigate through this unknown, we thank you. We are truly humbled by your sustained love and prayers. Let us all move forward with love and forgiveness for one another. We will turn this sorrow and anger into joy and understanding. Thank you.
-Al & Dawn Bunetta

FBMM Promotes Julie Boos, Trey Dunaway

Julie Boos


Nashville-based business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) has announced that Julie Boos, business manager, Nashville; and Trey Dunaway, chief compliance officer and vice president of tax and royalties; have become vice presidents and owner/shareholders of the firm.
Dunaway and Boos join founding owners Chuck Flood, Frank Bumstead and Mary Ann McCready, as well as more recent owners Jamie Cheek, Duane Clark, and Carmen Romano. According to the firm, these promotions complete and solidify its second generation of ownership.
Boos is a 1992 graduate of Kansas State University and a 2006 graduate of Belmont’s Massey School of Business where she earned her MBA. The Hiawatha, KS, native is president of the Nashville Film Festival Board and a 2008 graduate of Leadership Music.

Trey Dunaway


Dunaway is a 1996 honors graduate of Vanderbilt, who earned his MBA in 1997 from Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management. He became a CPA in 2003. The Thomson, GA, native has also earned the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist designation. He is the former director of finance for the Universal Music Group, a current member of the AICPA and TN Society of CPAs, and a 2010 graduate of Leadership Music.
Established in 1990, FBMM specializes in comprehensive business management for music artists, athletes and more. It has offices in Nashville and New York City, with clients including Kings of Leon, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, My Chemical Romance, Pearl Jam, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Gnarls Barkley, Dierks Bentley, MGMT, and John Hiatt.

[update] Nick Hunter Memorial Celebration


[Updated] Organizers are offering a live Internet stream for Nickfest, a celebration of Nick Hunter’s life and legacy to be held January 25, 2011, at 6 p.m. at 2602 Soundstage (2602 Westwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204).
For those not able to make it to Nashville for Nickfest (or if you know friends of Nick that can’t), click HERE and join us live via uStream. Let us know you’re watching by using the chat box. We won’t be chatting with you on the broadcast but we’d like to know you’re watching. Please pass along to anyone you know that might want to join us by internet.
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Friends of late music executive Nick Hunter are organizing Nickfest, a celebration of his life and legacy, to be held Tues., January 25, 2011, at 6 p.m. at 2602 Soundstage (2602 Westwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204).
Music industry colleagues and fellow baseball buddies are encouraged to attend and bring their favorite Nick Hunter stories to share. Organizers say dress for the evening will be standard “Nick Attire.”
Hunter’s family, including wife Margie and children Kate and Sam, are assembling a photo gallery to be displayed at the memorial and would like friends to send images of Nick (digital or print) to nickfest160@gmail.com or to 2709 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, TN 37212.
Please RSVP for the memorial by January 18 to nickfest160@gmail.com.
Those wishing to make memorial donations can send them to the American Cancer Society, the Nashville Humane Association, or to 2709 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, TN 37212. Donations will also be collected at Nickfest.
Organizers suggest the following accommodations for out-of-town guests:
Hampton Inn Suites, 2330 Elliston Place. 615-320-6060
Courtyard by Marriot, 1901 West End Ave. 615-327-9900
Holiday Inn Select Vanderbilt, 2613 West End Ave. 615-327-4707

ACM Nominations Coming Next Week

Ronnie Dunn and Miranda Lambert


On Tues., Feb. 1 Miranda Lambert and Ronnie Dunn will announce the nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Nominations for the 46th annual event will be revealed that morning at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
The ACM Awards, known as Country Music’s Party of the Year™, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Last year’s nominations announcement aired on the CBS Early Show.

“Memphis Mafia” Member Lamar Fike Passes

Lamar Fike, an enduring member of Elvis Presley’s so-called “Memphis Mafia,” as well as a Music Row businessman, has died in Arlington, Texas.
Mr. Fike was 75 years old. Born in Cleveland, Mississippi on Nov. 11, 1935, he was briefly a radio disc jockey at KEBE in Jacksonville, FL. He joined Presley’s inner circle in 1957. After Red West, he was the longest tenured of the Memphis Mafia members.
He remained by Presley’s side during the star’s Army service in Germany. Following their return, he became Presley’s tour manager.
Beginning in 1961, he alternated between being in Presley’s camp and serving as the road manager for Brenda Lee. In 1963, Mr. Fike moved to Nashville to run the Hill and Range Publishing office. He continued in this capacity until 1972.
He brought Presley such songs as “Kentucky Rain,” “Indescribably Blue” and “It Hurts Me.”

Elvis and Lamar Fike


When Presley began starring in Las Vegas, Mr. Fike became his lighting director. He remained by Presley’s side up until the star’s death in 1977.
In later years, Lamar Fike returned to Nashville to work as an assistant to record producer and label executive Jimmy Bowen, most notably during Bowen’s tenure as the head of Capitol Records, 1989-1995.
Mr. Fike was the co-author of the 2005 book Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. He also appeared in the documentaries The Elvis Mob (2004) and All the King’s Men (1997). At the time of his death, he was reportedly writing his memoir, Fike: An Uncommon Journey.
Mr. Fike had been hospitalized for lymphoma, on and off, since last October. He died Friday, January 21, according to fellow Memphis Mafia member Marty Lacker. The Brown, Owen, Brumley Funeral Home in Ft. Worth, Texas is handing the funeral arrangements. Mr. Fike wished to be cremated. According to Lacker, a memorial service will be held in Mart, Texas at a date to be announced later.