Genevieve Jewell Leads The Collective’s Nashville Office

Genevieve Jewell

Beverly Hills based management and production company The Collective has opened a Nashville office under the leadership of Genevieve Jewell.

Jewell previously served as a manager at Borman Entertainment, where she worked with Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Michael Franti and Alison Krauss among others. Before that Jewell worked with Nettwerk Management. In 2008, Billboard named her one of their “Top 30 Executives Under the Age of 30.”

Joining her at The Collective is management client Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.

In the three years since launching its music division, The Collective Music Group, the company has signed Linkin Park, Alanis Morissette, Counting Crows, Slash, Big Boi, Enrique Iglesias, and more.

“The Nashville music community has long played an integral role in the careers of many of the artists we represent so we’re excited to have found in Genevieve the ideal candidate to extend our presence there,” said The Collective CEO Michael Green.  

“I am thrilled to join The Collective and open their Nashville office,” Jewell said. “This is a true all-encompassing entertainment company that does a remarkable job of building sustainable careers and brands for their clients, no matter what genre they are. Michael has put together an incredible group of bright, forward-thinking people from all areas of the industry including sponsorship, radio, touring, TV/film and digital production, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this team.”

The Collective’s Nashville office is located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 402 Nashville, TN 37203, and Jewell can be reached at GJ@thecollective-la.com.

Chris Young Makes a Donation to MTSU

ACM-nominated singer and Murfreesboro native Chris Young recently donated a portion of his touring audio equipment and accessories to the Department of Production Services at Middle Tennessee State University. The department handles event production services for campus events and University-related off campus functions.

“We are pleased that Chris chose to donate some of his touring equipment to the University,” said Joe Bales, Vice President for Development and University Relations. “This donation represents his latest efforts to give back.”

Craig Doman, Director of Production Services, added “a great big thanks to Chris Young for thinking of us. We accept his donation with gratitude and look forward to incorporating his gift into our many services,” Doman continued. “Our staff, which includes more than 100 students, will greatly benefit.”

Earlier today (Jan. 26), Young was nominated for ACM Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Single Record of the Year for “Tomorrow.” His current single “You” is inside the Top 5 everywhere, and he’s currently on the road as part of Miranda Lambert’s On Fire tour.

12South Entertainment Launches In Nashville

Music industry veteran Ruth Gonzalez has announced the opening of 12South Entertainment, which will provide expertise for talent buying, touring, sponsorships, and event solutions.

Gonzalez has more than 15 years experience as a music talent agent, including nine years with CAA in Beverly Hills. While there she worked with Jesse McCartney, Ashlee Simpson, Nikka Costa, Will Hoge, Van Hunt and Phantom Planet among others. Most recently she was VP Operations for MAC Presents, where she oversaw sponsorship activation logistics, IT services, and publicity. Her career also includes time with Atlanta venues the Dark Horse Tavern and The Point, as well as stage management for the city’s Music Midtown Festival.

“I’ve worn many hats over the years in the music industry and at the end of the day, I’m still just a passionate music lover,” says Gonzalez. “The goal of my company is to search for new and additional revenue streams for artists.”

Current 12South Entertainment clients include The CMO Club, MultiplyLive, TEDxNashville, and The Steven Roth Band.

Reach Gonzalez here.

Lady A Owns The Night With Ticket Sales Gold

Reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum has already sold more than 500,000 tickets for their Own The Night 2012 World Tour, which kicks off Friday, Jan. 27, in Tulsa, OK. Darius Rucker and special guest Thompson Square will be joining Lady A for the journey.

High demand has caused advance sell-outs at some of the nation’s biggest arenas like the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Allstate Arena in Chicago, American Airlines Center in Dallas and the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“We have been really involved in the planning of our tour every step of the way…I remember drawing out an idea for our set design on a paper plate, so to now see it come to life is just crazy,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We are just so invested in every moment and making it a great experience for the fans, and we’re really excited for everything 2012 has in store.”

Fresh off celebrating their No. 1 hits “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” in Nashville this week, Lady A received five ACM nominations this morning (1/26), including Album Of The Year for Own The Night.

How To Become Famous? Hack Your Hit

Hack Your Hit: Free and cheap marketing tips for musicians

Writer: Jay Frank; Published by Futurehit, Inc. Nashville, TN

Jay Frank’s second book, Hack Your Hit, is scheduled for release Jan. 31, 2012. His first book, Futurehit.DNA garnered excellent reviews. It was a long form discussion of how to make a song “more hitworthy” and easier to discover based upon historical changes in the technology that control how we listen to music.

On Hack Your Hit, the author has returned with a punchy writing style and 41 short chapters that each reveal a single marketing tip. Ideas range across social media and even things as simple as why male artists should use images of pretty women. Frank succinctly advises, “Hot chicks get clicks.” He also preaches the wisdom of sending handwritten thank-you notes. Why? “Because it makes an impact, and one that gives you a crucial edge. To be memorable above all other artists, you must do the things that 99% of the other artists don’t, and one of those things is sending thank-you notes.”

But there are also buckets of implementable ideas based in the digital realm. Frank offers a healthy serving of innovative ways for an artist to speed up the career growth process and discover those fans that are most likely to be attracted to your music. Twitter, Facebook, Google Alerts and Google Search are some of the frequently mentioned players. Tips for cultivating Superfans, getting maximum impact on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and strategic ways to utilize Google’s incredible search results are expertly harnessed to boost sales and visibility.

The real power in Hack Your Hit however, is its premise. The sheer quantity of great ideas gathered in one place, elevates the work to a valuable resource and more importantly, an inspiration. As the author humbly notes in the intro, “…the best hacks are not all mine.” Regardless, the savvy reader/musician will find Frank an invaluable guide as together they methodically pick and choose those ideas that fit best their unique situation.

And if anyone doubts the writer’s devotion to self promotion, page 76 should wipe away any such thoughts. Here, while telling his readers they must have a gimmick, he instructs them how to describe his book, asking them to “memorize it and use it as a secret handshake for other musicians.” In fact, Frank promises, “If you post that phrase on your Twitter account, I’ll send you a secret link to download a free bonus hack chapter not included in this book.”

So let’s see if it works? Here’s the twitter-ready phrase, and it’s a fitting end to this review.

“Man, you gotta read Hack Your Hit! There’s a ton of great secrets on how to become famous.”

Alan Jackson Performing At CRS Luncheon

Alan Jackson has been confirmed to perform for the CRS Capitol/EMI luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 23. The luncheon will be held inside the Performance Hall at the Nashville Convention Center from 12:30 – 2:20.

“This will be a very special experience from a Country music icon and a true American original,” said Capitol Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan.

The 2012 CRS registration rates increase to $599 for the on-site rate effective Jan. 28.

Alan Jackson’s latest single, “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,” is from his forthcoming 2012 album.

Capitol Records Nashville is currently in the running for MusicRow’s CountryBreakout award for Label of the Year, which is based on spins from the CountryBreakout Radio panel. Capitol has won the honor for the previous six years, this year’s winner will be announced at the MusicRow Airplay Awards on Feb. 21. Capitol launched EMI Records Nashville in 2010.

MusicRow Hires Caitlin Rantala

MusicRow Publisher/President Sherod Robertson announces the hiring of Caitlin Rantala as Web Graphic Designer and Production Manager. Effective immediately, she will oversee the magazine’s art and design in both its printed and digital incarnations. She will also manage all advertising-related artwork, and contribute to online editorial content.

In 2010, Rantala graduated from Elon University in North Carolina with degrees in Digital Art and Professional Writing and Rhetoric. Shortly after, she moved to Nashville, where she has been writing part-time for MusicRow since September 2011.

“Caitlin Rantala is a testament to the power of emails and personal websites,” explains Robertson. “After she exchanged emails with Founder David Ross for a year, David forwarded one to me. Although I wasn’t hiring at that time, I quickly read it, clicked on her website, and archived it. But it made an impression. Six months later, she is the newest creative addition to MusicRow and I’m very delighted. Her creative energy is contagious and I’m looking forward to what she brings to our future.”

She can be reached at crantala@musicrow.com.

2012 ACM Award Nominations Announced

The 2012 Academy of Country Music Nominees were revealed in an all Facebook press conference this morning, and Kenny Chesney emerged as the leading solo nominee with 9 nominations. Taylor Swift led among solo females with 3 nominations. Lady Antebellum earned the most nomations for a group with 5. Top nominees listed below.

Earning their first-ever ACM nominations are Grace Potter, Aaron Lewis, Thompson Square, and Love and Theft. Show co-host Blake Shelton picked up his first Entertainer of the Year nomination.

Previous winners fared well in many of the categories. Brad Paisley has won the Male Vocalist category five times to date, and Miranda Lambert has won the Female Vocalist category three consecutive times. Kenny Chesney has won four Entertainer of the Year awards, and if he picks up a fifth it will tie him with Alabama.

Top Nominees:
Kenny Chesney — 9
Jason Aldean — 6
Lady Antebellum — 5
Brad Paisley — 4
Taylor Swift — 3
Eli Young Band — 3
Toby Keith — 3
Grace Potter — 3

• • • • • •

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Chris Young

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year
Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

New Artist of the Year (Announced Jan. 30)

Album of the Year
[Award to Artist/Producer/Record Company]
Chief — Eric Church (EMI Nashville) [Producer: Jay Joyce, Arturo Bunahora, Jr.]
Four the Record — Miranda Lambert (RCA) [Producer: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell]
Hemingway’s Whiskey — Kenny Chesney (BNA) [Producer: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney)
My Kinda Party — Jason Aldean (Broken Bow) [Producer: Michael Knox]
Own The Night — Lady Antebellum (Capitol Nashville) [Producer: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley]

Song of the Year
[Award to Composer/Publisher/Artist]
“Crazy Girl” — Eli Young Band (Composers: Liz Rose, Lee Brice) [Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)]
“Home” — Dierks Bentley (Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson) [Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)]
“Just A Kiss” — Lady Antebellum (Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott) [Publishers: Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI) Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)]
“Threaten Me With Heaven” — Vince Gill (Composers: Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley) [Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)]
“You and Tequila” — Kenny Chesney (Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter) [Publishers: Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc., (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)]

Single Record of the Year
[Award to Artist/Producer/Record Company]
“Crazy Girl” — Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville) [Producer: Mike Wrucke]
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow) [Producer: Michael Knox]
“Red Solo Cup” — Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal) [Producer: Toby Keith]
“Tomorrow” — Chris Young (RCA) [Producer: James Stroud]
“You and Tequila” — Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter (BNA) [Producer: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney]

Vocal Event of the Year
[Award to Artist/Producer/Record Company]
“Country Boy” — Aaron Lewis feat. George Jones and Charlie Daniels (R&J Records) [Producer: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud]
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow) [Producer: Michael Knox]
“Old Alabama” — Brad Paisley feat. Alabama (Arista) [Producer: Frank Rogers]
“Remind Me” — Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood (Arista) [Producer: Frank Rogers]
“You and Tequila” — Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter (BNA) [Producer: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney]

Video of the Year
[Award to Producer/Director/Artist]
“Tattoos On This Town” — Jason Aldean [Producer: John Burke; Director: Wes Edwards]
“Homeboy” — Eric Church [Producer: Brandon Arolfo; Director: Peter Zavadil]
“Red Solo Cup” — Toby Keith [Producer: Mark Kalbfeld; Director: Michael Salomon]
“Just a Kiss” — Lady Antebellum [Producer: Don Lepore; Director: Shaun Silva]
“Mean” — Taylor Swift [Producer: Oualid Mouaness; Director: Declan Whitebloom]

Songwriter of the Year
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Ben Hayslip
Luke Laird
David Lee Murphy

Promoter of the Year
Ben Ferrell ‐ Varnell Enterprises, Inc.
Brad Garrett ‐ Police Productions
Brian O’Connell ‐ Live Nation
Glenn Smith ‐ Glenn & Linda Present
Ed Warm ‐ Joe’s Bar

Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year
Ethan Hirsch ‐ Wilson Events
Jimmy Jay ‐ Jayson Promotions, Inc.
R.J. Kaltenbach ‐ Klein’s Attractions
Gary Osier ‐ Gary Osier Presents
Huston Powell ‐ C3 Presents

Venue of the Year
BOK Center ‐ Tulsa, OK
Bridgestone Arena ‐ Nashville, TN
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre ‐ Chicago, IL
Jiffy Lube Live ‐ Bristow, VA
Sprint Center ‐ Kansas City, MO

Nightclub of the Year
Billy Bob’s Texas ‐ Ft. Worth, TX
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace ‐ Bakersfield, CA
Grizzly Rose ‐ Denver, CO
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill ‐ Minneapolis, MN
Wormy Dog ‐ Oklahoma City, OK

Casino of the Year
Agua Caliente Casino ‐ Rancho Mirage, CA
IP Casino ‐ Biloxi, MS
Island Resort Casino ‐ Harris, MI
Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino ‐ Las Vegas, NV
WinStar World Casino ‐ Thackerville, OK

Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year
Eric Darken
Aubrey Haynie
Ilya Toshinsky
John Willis
Jonathan Yudkin

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Tony Harrell
John Hobbs
John Jarvis
Charlie Judge
Michael Rojas

Fiddle Player of the Year
Glen Duncan
Stuart Duncan
Larry Franklin
Joe Spivey
Jonathan Yudkin

Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Paul Franklin
Mike Johnson
Greg Leisz
Russ Pahl
Scotty Sanders

Guitarist of the Year
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Jay Joyce
Brent Mason
Adam Shoenfeld

Percussionist/Drummer of the Year
Matt Chamberlain
Chad Cromwell
Shannon Forrest
Chris McHugh
Greg Morrow

Bass Player of the Year
Mike Brignardello
Kevin “Swine” Grantt
Mark Hill
Michael Rhodes
Jimmy Lee Sloas

Audio Engineer of the Year
Jeff Balding
Derek Bason
John Kelton
Mills Logan
Justin Niebank

Producer of the Year
Mark Bright
Buddy Cannon
Nathan Chapman
Jay Joyce
Frank Liddell

ACM 2012 Broadcast Nominees

Radio Station of the Year – Major Market
KUPL-FM, Portland, OR
KYGO-FM, Denver, CO
WQYK-FM, St. Petersburg, FL
WXTU-FM, Philadelphia, PA
WYCD-FM, Detroit, MI

Radio Station of the Year – Large Market
KAJA-FM, San Antonio, TX
WLHK-FM, Indianapolis, IN
WQDR-FM, Raleigh, NC
WUBE-FM, Cincinnati, OH

Radio Station of the Year – Medium Market
KATM-FM, Stockton, CA
KUZZ-AM/FM, Bakersfield, CA
WBBS-FM, Syracuse, NY
WYRK-FM, Buffalo, NY

Radio Station of the Year – Small Market
KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO
KUAD-FM, Windsor, CO
WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
WXFL-FM, Florence, AL

On-Air Personality of the Year – National
Cody Alan, CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan
Kix Brooks, American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
Crook and Chase, Crook and Chase Countdown
Lon Helton, CMT Country Countdown USA
Lia, The Lia Show

On-Air Personality of the Year – Major Market
Kelly Ford & Rider, KYGO-FM, Denver, CO
Cledus T. Judd, Dave McKay, Veronica, WQYK-FM, St. Petersburg, FL
Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray, WUSN-FM, Chicago, IL
Trish Biondo, WUSN-FM, Chicago, IL
Edwards & Lee (Chuck Edwards & Linda Lee), WYCD-FM, Detroit, MI

On-Air Personality of the Year – Large Market
Randy Carroll & Jamie Martin, KAJA-FM, San Antonio, TX
Dave O’Brien, WLHK-FM, Indianapolis, IN
Mike, Marty and Janie, WQDR-FM, Raleigh, NC
Bill Cody, WSM-AM, Nashville, TN
Big Dave and Chelsie, WUBE-FM, Cincinnati, OH

On-Air Personality of the Year – Medium Market
Steve & Geoff in the Morning, KUZZ AM/FM, Bakersfield, CA
Cash and Carey (Natalie Cash and Jim Carey), KWEN-FM, Tulsa, OK
Tom & Becky, WBBS-FM, Syracuse, NY
Roger, Tom & Melissa, WPCV-FM, Lakeland, FL
Scott Wynn & Sue Wilson (Wynn and Wilson in the Morning), WQMX-FM, Akron, OH

On-Air Personality of the Year – Small Market
Scotty & Carissa in the Morning, KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO
Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry, KKNU-FM, Eugene, OR
Philip Gibbons, WGSQ-FM, Cookeville, TN
Bearman and Ken in the Morning, WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
Brent Lane, WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL

Industry Ink Wednesday (1/25/12)

"Next GAC Star" winners One Night Rodeo performed an industry showcase Jan. 19 at The Rutledge, hosted by Fox Hill Records. The band’s current single is "We Could Go To Jail." (L-R): The Consortium's Al Schiltz, Jennifer Blair of Jennifer Blair Promotions, ONR's Cory Hildreth, ONR Manager Ed Ciofani, ONR's Duane Allison, The Consortium's Mike Martinovich and Splash! PR's Vanessa Davis. Photo: Misty Hurt/Splash! PR

(L-R): Steve Freeman and Rick Monroe

• • • •

Rick Monroe has inked an exclusive recording deal with Nashville based Render Records. The label’s creative and ownership team is comprised of hit songwriters and award winning producers Steve Freeman, Rich Redmond, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, David Fanning, and entrepreneur Randy Adams (Yahoo, FunnyOrDie.com). Richmond, Allison, Kennedy and artist/producer David Fanning make up New Voice Entertainment, the production team behind Thompson Square.

Monroe’s first single for the label “Crazy Not To” will be shipped to country radio in late February. His most recent single “Get Ur Country On” resulted in a Jagermeister club tour of the same name in 2011. He has opened for Dierks Bentley, Josh Thompson, Eric Church and Randy Houser and had success with the singles “Honky-Tonk Road Trip” and “Midnight Rider.”

• • • •

Tomorrow night (1/26) The Producer’s Chair presents an interview with Byron Hill. The session is at 6 p.m. at Douglas Corner. Read Hill’s recent exclusive interview with MusicRow here.

• • • •

Heading into its 15th year, SOLID is reaching out to its alumni. The organization needs photos from all 15 years and updated alumni contact information. Email both to Sarah McGrady at smcgrady@cmaworld.com.

• • • •

The 39th annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be April 21-22 at Vanderbilt University, with a kick-off party on April 20 at BMI. The tournament benefits the Center for Child Development at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Register at www.MusicCityTennis.com or call Luann Mayer at (615) 322-7733.

• • • •

Nashvillian Jessica Ridley won the Bud United Presents: The Big Time, a new series on ABC-TV, and will perform at the massive iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. She competed against fellow Nashvillian Justin Nault and Laura Jeanne of St. Albans, England. The three finalists were picked from thousands who auditioned via Budweiser’s online casting call.

• • • •

Lori Bumgarner of paNASH Style image consulting and media coaching has a new office phone number. Reach her at (615) 37-LORIB.

• • • •

Universal Music Publishing Group has entered into an agreement to administer songwriter Irving Berlin’s music publishing catalogue for the world outside of North America. Among his beloved standards are “White Christmas,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” “Blue Skies,” and “God Bless America.”

• • • •

Nashville-based entertainment business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy has promoted Chris Hughes to associate business manager in the firm’s New York office. He was previously a member of the Island/Def Jam recording group Autopilot Off and according to FBMM, “drove his business managers crazy with questions because of his adeptness in reading a financial statement.” After his recording career ran its course, the firm offered Hughes a position.

• • • •

Johnny Cash’s 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Show Long Wheel Base Limousine, and Cornelius Vanderbilt’s 1913 Rolls Royce silver Ghost Town Car are among the cars hitting the auction block. The event will be Sat., March 3 in Rosansky, Texas at the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History. Details at www.dankruseclassics.com.

• • • •

Congrats to Fitzgerald-Hartley’s Terry Elam and wife Donna on the birth of grandson George Oliver Elam. He was born Jan. 15 in Nashville to parents of Matthew and Jordan Elam, weighing 7 lbs and 20″ long.

• • • •

As previously reported, Artist Growth held an official launch party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Jan. 17. (L-R): Joe Glaser, Harry Jacobson, Jonathan Sexton (CAO, Artist Growth), Karl Dean, Matt Urmy (CEO, Artist Growth), Joe Galante and Mark Montgomery. Click for details.