No. 1 Celebration: Keith Urban’s “Little Bit of Everything”

(Back Row, L-R:) Sony ATV Music Publishing's Tom Luteran, Capitol Nashville's Royce Risser, BMI's Clay Bradley, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP's Kele Currier (Front Row, L-R): Co-writers Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Keith Urban, co-writer Kevin Rudolf, and producer Nathan Chapman. Photo: Rick Diamond

(Back Row, L-R:) Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Capitol Nashville’s Royce Risser, BMI’s Clay Bradley, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP’s Kele Currier (Front Row, L-R): Co-writers Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Keith Urban, co-writer Kevin Rudolf, and producer Nathan Chapman. Photo: Rick Diamond


Monday afternoon (Oct. 7), BMI and ASCAP celebrated Keith Urban’s single “Little Bit of Everything” at Nashville’s exclusive venue Aerial. Written by Kevin Rudolf and brothers Brad and Brett Warren, the song is published by EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Lion Aire Publishing, Fam Love Music, Sagequinnjude Music, EMI April Music and Kevin Rudolf Publishing.
Partygoers wandered on Aerial’s rooftop deck, socializing with one another and feasting on treats from local vendors, including juice Nashville, Sunflower Café and Las Paletas. Urban’s songs played on speakers throughout the venue, while the rumbling sounds of downtown Nashville wafted up from below.
BMI’s Clay Bradley welcomed the standing crowd, saying, “We’re here to celebrate Keith Urban’s 15th No. 1 single ‘Little Bit of Everything’.” Bradley spoke highly of Urban, calling him a “genuinely nice person with a generous heart,” and the Warren brothers, saying, “their approach to the creative process is fresh and never boring.”
ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan came onstage to honor co-writer Rudolf, who has written and produced for artists ranging from Lil Wayne to Selena Gomez. Phelan commended Rudolf on his first Country No. 1, saying, “Kevin, congratulations and welcome to the diversity of the Nashville songwriting community.”
Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran joined the stage to praise the Warren brothers and listed their previous successes, which include cuts by Chris Cage, Nickleback and Hinder. “These guys, they’ve got a whole lot of stories to tell,” said Luteran, before adding, “at the core of their existence is family.”
UMG Nashville’s Royce Risser added further congratulations to Urban and the writers, noting how appropriate it was for the singer’s 15th No. 1 to top the charts in 15 weeks. Risser distributed “Impaler Awards” to the No. 1 recipients, adding to the several awards they had received earlier.
Presentations followed by Country Radio Broadcaster’s Bill Mayne and CMA’s Brandi Simms. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox was also present to announce that a donation had been made in the writers’ names to Men of Valor, which helps the incarcerated community reintegrate into society.
Finally, Urban captivated the crowd with his Australian-Southern accent, thanking everyone involved with the song, his family and the crowd. “Thanks everybody for coming out for this, I really, really appreciate it.” The party ended on a high note as Urban, the three writers and producer Nathan Chapman performed “Little Bit of Everything” to the joy of the crowd. After the performance, people continued to mingle against the backdrop of the Nashville skyline on a warm fall day.

Branch & Dean – "Greenlight"

We’ve all heard the verse in Ecclesiastes that tells us “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Few people understand the importance of timing better than new country duo Branch & Dean. Known for their explosive live show and a potent repertoire that includes the unflinchingly raucous anthem “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone” and the poignant hit “The Dash,” Steve Branch and Dean Scallan have parlayed a lifelong friendship into an exciting creative adventure. “I grew up singing with Branch and I thought if you wanted to be a country singer, you had to be able to sound like the great Steve Branch,” says Dean.
Branch’s distinctive vocals anchor the duo’s breakthrough hit “The Dash,” a tribute to his 23-year-old son Theron who died after years battling Cystic Fibrosis. “The Dash” challenges listeners to make the most of every moment between the birth and death dates that will someday be listed on their headstones. “Life goes by so fast and our story’s defined by how we spend that dash,” Branch sings in the hauntingly beautiful ballad.
“We want to put out music that has meaning and this song has touched so many lives,” says Branch. “We’ve gotten so many letters. We got one just today from a 19-year-old Georgia girl named Allie who is living with Cystic Fibrosis. She said, ‘Your song truly spoke to me and made me think. It made me want to do more for myself in terms of treatment and trying to keep myself healthy. I’ll be seeing you guys at your next performance.’ When you get stuff like that it goes beyond music. It just means so much more because it lets me know that we’re doing the right thing.”
“We know how blessed we are to have a song that is such a gift,” Dean adds. “Music is intended to change lives. That’s what we set out to do and that’s what ‘The Dash’ is all about.”
Though the duo’s self-titled debut album definitely has songs of substance, Branch & Dean aren’t above throwing in some tunes specifically designed for some good old fashioned fun. Produced by Dean, Michael Huffman and Jeff Silvey, Branch & Dean’s debut album is an eclectic mix of rowdy up tempos and heartfelt ballads. “What I Do Best’ is a tender love song while “Buckle Bumpin” is a celebration of honky tonk fun. “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone” is a particular fan favorite. “It’s a fun song because it’s got yodeling, a little hip hop and a little rock in it,” says Dean. “The song is about how there’s a place for hip hop. It’s fun. There’s a place for rock. It’s fun and we love it all, but also don’t forget about country because there is still a place for real country music.”
“The Forgetter” is a rowdy tune that finds a heartbroken country boy looking for a powerful drink to drown his sorrows. “Ink” paints a portrait of a defiant country girl sporting some interesting tattoos, including an ex-boyfriend’s name that her new man isn’t so happy about seeing every day. The duo close the album with “The Jesus in You,” a modern gospel classic penned by Huffman and Dean that speaks of forgiveness and love.
Though they can skillfully deliver any style, Branch and Dean are most at home making country music. It’s a common denominator from the early days in their hometown Macclenny, Florida. Dean’s mother heard Branch sing “Rose Colored Glasses” at a local talent contest and became a huge supporter, encouraging the young artist to pursue a career and helping him get started by booking him at local venues. “I knew very early that I wanted to do music and I always felt like there was a purpose for it,” says Branch. “As you get older, your eyes open and you see a little bit clearer. It’s all a part of the plan. It’s helping a lot of people and that’s what music is all about.”
Like Branch, Dean had been interested in pursuing a music career since childhood and when he made the move to Nashville, he initially focused on songwriting. His talent earned him the respect of some of Music Row’s top professionals and he began collaborating with some of country’s most acclaimed writers. One day when Dean was playing demos for producer Michael Huffman (who Branch and Dean affectionately call Huff Daddy), his interest was piqued when he heard Branch’s voice. “He said, ‘Who is that singing?’ and I said, ‘That’s Branch, we grew up singing together,’” Dean says. “I told him we’d been friends forever.”
Huffman was excited about the blend of their voices and encouraged the long time friends to record together. “It just happened,” says Dean. “We’ve always been a duo. We were Branch and Dean way before we were Branch & Dean, but Steve went and got his experience his way. I got mine my way and now we both have a lot to offer. It was meant to be. We compliment each other.”
Managed by industry veteran Erv Woolsey, (George Strait’s longtime manager), Branch & Dean have quickly earned the respect of both peers and fans, not only for their distinctive vocal blend and songwriting prowess, but especially for their high-energy live show. “There ain’t no telling what you’ll see in a live show,” Branch says with a big smile. “We have fun on stage and we try to make sure everybody out there is having fun. If it looks like somebody isn’t having fun, I might just come out there and sit by them.”
After years of music and friendship, Branch & Dean’s time has arrived and they are thankful for the opportunity to reach more people with their unique brand of high-octane country. “You never know how big the wave is going to be or how long it’s going to go, but right now we’re having a blast,” says Dean.
They are also using their platform to help make a difference. They have become spokesmen for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and are working to make a difference in the lives of brave people like Theron who battle the deadly disease. “We’ve been wanting to do the music thing forever, but when my son passed and this came about, it changed,” says Branch. “It’s not about being famous or being a big country music star. We don’t care about that. We’re doing what we love to do and when ‘The Dash’ came about, it all changed for us. It’s music with a purpose and there’s a difference.”

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Names New CFO

Steven Macri

Steven Macri


Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has named Steven Macri as CFO, effective immediately. Macri will be based in New York City and will report to John Hogan, Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. In this role, Macri will oversee the administrative, financial and risk management operations for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. He will also develop financial strategies and tactical initiatives to further the company’s operations across all lines of business.
“Steven has a proven track record of successfully generating revenue growth and improving margins for large global corporations,” said Hogan. “He is a seasoned strategic and financial planning and analysis professional whose financial leadership experience will be an asset to the Clear Channel management team.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment team at such an exciting time,” said Macri. “The company has an incredible set of assets and I’m looking forward to assisting John and his team in achieving the next stage of growth.”
Macri previously worked at LogicSource Inc., a strategic sourcing company where he served as CFO (Chief Financial Officer.) Prior to LogicSource, he was Executive VP and CFO at Warner Music Group, Corp. where he oversaw global financial operations, treasury/risk management, information systems and taxes for the company. Macri received his M.B.A. from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business and his B.A. in Accounting, cum laude, from Syracuse University.

Nashville To Get New 24-Hour Diner Downtown

bildeDowntown Nashville will soon have its first 24-hour restaurant featuring breakfast round the clock and lunch and dinner seven days a week when The Diner opens next Spring in a new, nearly 15,000 square-foot, three-story building at the corner of Third Ave. S and Demonbreun.
Construction is slated to start next month on the restaurant, which is owned by six partners including Tootsie’s co-owner Steve Smith and will reportedly cost nearly two million. Additional stories will be built on top of the existing structure, which will also be expanded in the back and will include a rooftop patio. The new 32-story, 300-unit SoBro apartment tower that developer Tony Giarratana is planning to build will reportedly curve around the new Diner’s location.
The Diner will serve fare such as hand-carved prime rib, steaks, and chops, and each floor will include a bar serving alcohol and espresso drinks. The restaurant may soon have some company in the downtown area as well, since Chattanooga restaurateurs Lee Epstein and Jacob Lemus are rumored to be pursuing leased space to expand their City Café Diner concept to Nashville.

No Shave November Gathering Teams To Benefit St. Jude

Thompson Sqare

Thompson Sqare


The Third Annual No Shave November is gathering teams for the coming month. Each team will forgo shaving for the entire month, rallying friends and family to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The donations will help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children.
Thompson Square’s Keifer Thompson has been named the 2013 Honorary Chairman Of The Beard. “This has to be the most absurdly wonderful recognition I’ve received to date,” said Thompson, who was last year’s top fundraising artist. “For No Shave November to have raised so much money to further the tremendous work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is something every participant should be incredibly proud of. At the same time, for all of us to have done it by spending a month as a sloth is pretty ridiculous. I’m actually not sure if I’m honored to be the scraggly face of this thing or not!”
This year’s event encourages artists, radio stations, air personalities, companies and individuals everywhere to participate and join a team. Each team will encourage as many men (and women) to join and donate at least $30 to St. Jude. The event raised more than $38,000 in 2011 and a whopping $138,000 in 2012.
2013 participating artists who have started their own teams include Thompson Square, Benton Blount, Craig Campbell, Randy Houser, Dylan Scott and Austin Webb. Companies include Big Machine Label Group, Blaster Records, BBR Music Group, Country Aircheck, Country Weekly, MusicRow, Sony Music Nashville, Tenacity Records, Universal Music Group/Nashville and Warner Music Nashville. Radio stations and shows include the Bobby Bones Show, KAJA/San Antonio, KTEX/McAllen, TX, WCYQ/Knoxville, WDXB/Birmingham, WKML/Fayetteville, NC, WSIX/Nashville and WUSY/Chattanooga. Media partners include All Access and MusicRow. Supporters include ZZ Top and Mountain Man of Duck Dynasty fame.
To sign up for No Shave November, click here.

Industry Ink (10-8-13)

Pictured (L-R): Rich Egan (Hard 8 Mgmt), Brian Davis, Brantley GilbertBack: Steve Tusman (Davis' Mgr), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Alicia Pruitt (Warner/Chappell), Blain Rhodes (Warner/Chappell), Arlis Albritton (Davis' Mgr).

Pictured (L-R): Rich Egan (Hard 8 Mgmt), Brian Davis, Brantley Gilbert
Back: Steve Tusman (Davis’ Mgr), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Alicia Pruitt (Warner/Chappell), Blain Rhodes (Warner/Chappell), Arlis Albritton (Davis’ Mgr).


Singer-songwriter Brian Davis has signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville and its publishing partner, Brantley Gilbert’s Write Or Die Music. Davis has written songs cut by his frequent co-writing partner, Valory Recording artist Gilbert (“Lights of My Hometown,” “One Hell Of An Amen,” “Read Me My Rights), Curb recording artist Lee Brice (“More My Style”), and Sony Music Nashville newcomer Tyler Farr (“Wish I Had A Boat”) among others.

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desalvoNashville law firm DeSalvo & Levine PLLC has added Alan E. Korpady to the firm as a senior associate. Mr. Korpady received his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Law in 1981. He concentrates on intellectual property including entertainment, copyrights, trademarks, licensing and financial transactions, and related litigation. Korpady is also a dedicated guitarist and is working toward a Masters Certificate in Guitar from the Berklee College of Music Extension Program.
Dera Shelton has been promoted to the position of Executive Assistant; Shelton graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been with the firm for over two years and will provide administrative management for the growing firm.

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sjcmm_logo_final801111The 15th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon presented by Nissan will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2014. More than 30,000 runners are estimated to take part, with runners representing all 50 states and 26 countries. Over the 14-year history of the race, runners have raised more than $23 million for many causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
After its successful launch in 2012, the Mini Marathon distance will return. The 2.6-mile race starts at 6:45 a.m. at the start line adjacent to Centennial Park. At mile two of the race course, Mini Marathon participants will continue east on Broadway to 2nd Avenue, head North on Union Street, over the Woodland Street Bridge and finish at LP Field on 1st Street. Fifty of Nashville’s favorite live bands will perform along the course.
For more information or to register for the event, visit competitor.com

BMI Elects Three To Board At Annual Meeting

bmi-logo1111featuredBMI has elected three new members to its Board of Directors, the PRO announced at its annual shareholders meeting, held recently in Nashville. Albert Cheng, Dave Lougee and Michael O’Neill have joined the board, while Jack Sander and Mark Pedowitz were re-elected to their positions on the board.
O’Neill, it was announced earlier this year, will assume the title of President upon current President Del Bryant’s retirement. O’Neill joined BMI in 1995 as Director, Group and National Accounts, from the CBS network, where he was Director, CBS Affiliate Relations. He was appointed Assistant VP, Media Licensing in 1997, and VP, Sales and Administration, Media Licensing in 1999. In 2006, BMI named O’Neill Sr. VP, Licensing, and four years later to Sr. VP, Repertoire and Licensing. He holds a BA degree in Business Administration from Montclair University and an MBA from Rutgers University.
Cheng is Executive VP and Chief Product Officer, Digital Media, for the Disney/ABC Television Group, whose portfolio of networks includes ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Family and Disney Channel.
Lougee is President of the Broadcasting Division for Gannett Co., Inc., which operates 23 television stations in the U.S.
During the meeting, current Board member Paul Karpowicz, President, Meredith Broadcasting Group, CT, was also elected Vice Chairman. N. John Douglas, Chairman and CEO, AIM Broadcasting, LLC, Palo Alto, Calif., and Kenneth J. Elkins, St. Louis, Mo., are retiring from the Board of Directors. Both continue to serve as Honorary Directors. All newly-elected board members will serve terms that expire in 2017.

Skaggs To Reside During 2013 CMHoF Distinction

Ricky Skaggs

Ricky Skaggs


Ricky Skaggs has been announced as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2013 Artist-in-Residence, which recognizes a musical master credited with contributing a significant body of work to American popular music. The distinction will feature two presentations in the Hall’s CMA Theater on November 18 and 19.
Skaggs’ shows will feature a Country music theme for the first evening; special guests that night will include Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Gordon Kennedy and The Whites. The second evening will celebrate Skaggs’ bluegrass roots with Alison Krauss, Bruce Hornsby, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, Del McCoury and The Whites. Both nights will feature Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder.
“Ricky Skaggs has created his own career path,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “He is highly respected in country, bluegrass and gospel music, and he has a way of blending these styles that delights music fans. Ricky has been a great friend to the museum for many years.”
Tickets for the Hall’s shows range from $35-$55 and will be available to Museum Honor Society members at noon on Oct. 16, Museum Members through October 17, and the general public on Friday, Oct. 18 at noon. Visit countrymusichalloffame.org for purchasing information.
Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and won 14 Grammys, 11 IBMA awards, eight CMA awards and nine ACM awards. In August 2013, Skaggs released his autobiography, Kentucky Traveler: My Life in Music. Since 1997, Skaggs has released music on his own label, Skaggs Family Records, alongside Blue Highway, Cherryholmes, the Del McCoury Band and The Whites.
Previous Artist-in-Residence honorees include Cowboy Jack Clement, Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Buddy Miller, Connie Smith and Kenny Rogers.

Keith Urban Partners With HSN To Release Guitar Line

Urban-Guitar

Keith Urban. Photo courtesy keithurban.net.

Keith Urban has partnered with retailer HSN to offer an affordable line of guitars to musicians. The URBAN™ Guitar Collection, which includes two one-hour instructional DVDs, custom, limited edition acoustic and electric guitars and more, will be available for purchase on HSN, HSN.com and HSN Mobile on Sunday, November 3 at 12:01 a.m. EST. A portion of the proceeds from the Guitar Collection will go to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and The Grammy Foundation.

“I’ve watched some of the greatest guitarists in the world perform and I’ve seen people just learning how to play,” said Urban. “The looks on their faces are almost always the same and the connection with the instrument is genuine.”
The URBAN Collection features an acoustic and electric version of the “Phoenix Edition” guitar, and will be available in Brazilian Burst, Emerald Brazilian Burst, Rich Black and Vintage Natural Ivory. The entire 21-piece collection includes a custom amplifier, coated guitar strings, embroidered guitar strap, guitar picks and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Keith Urban to HSN,” said Joy Mangano, President of HSN subsidiary Ingenious Designs. “Great stories and great storytelling are at the heart of everything we do and I can’t think of a better guitarist and storyteller than Keith. His guitar playing skills are legendary and the passion he has for music will surely inspire our viewers to pick up a guitar and play when Keith makes his debut in November.”
The singer recently released his seventh studio album FUSE, which debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre charts in the United States, Canada and Australia. He is currently performing on his Light The Fuse Tour. 
For more information, visit keithurban.net.

Industry Ink (10-7-13)

In a surprise celebration backstage at the taping of their first CMT Crossroads, Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry of The Band Perry were presented with gold plaques for their sophomore album, PIONEER, by Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Republic Nashville President & Big Machine Label Group EVP Jimmy Harnen and album producer Dann Huff.

Pictured (L-R): Dann Huff, Scott Borchetta, The Band Perry, Jimmy Harnen

Pictured (L-R): Dann Huff, Scott Borchetta, Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Rick Diamond.

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Big Deal Music has signed  singer-songwriter Hannah Blaylock. Blaylock is the former lead singer of trio Eden’s Edge and is working on her forthcoming solo project.

Pictured: Jody Williams of BMI, Dale Bobo of Big Deal, Hannah Blaylock, Linda Edell Howard of Adams and Reese, Greg Gallo of Big Deal and Pete Robinson of Big Deal.

Pictured: Jody Williams of BMI, Dale Bobo of Big Deal, Hannah Blaylock, Linda Edell Howard of Adams and Reese, Greg Gallo of Big Deal and Pete Robinson of Big Deal.

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yepAlexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, will speak in Nashville on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. The event is presented by the Creators’ Freedom Project and Young Entertainment Professionals. For more information, visit withouttheirpermissionnashville.com.