Words & Music Appoints VP, Business Development & Creative

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Dave Hopper

Dave Hopper


Dave Hopper has been appointed Vice President, Business Development & Creative, for Words & Music, it was announced today by Kim McCollum-Mele, President and Owner of Words & Music.
In this role, Hopper will lead in developing new business and strategic partnerships through client acquisitions, marketing and branding opportunities. While continuing to focus on the Nashville market, Hopper will also provide concentrated efforts on expanding Words & Music’s footprint in other music markets.
“The addition of Dave to our team marks an important step forward for Words & Music,” commented McCollum-Mele. “This new position will be essential to our continuing growth and development and will allow us to offer a wider spectrum of services to our songwriters. We’re very excited to have Dave join us.”
Added Hopper, “I feel honored to be joining Kim and her team. I cannot wait to help build upon the work they have already done to solidify Words & Music as an industry leader.”
Hopper has spent the last three years operating Violet Hill, which offers exclusive management to songwriters, producers and engineers from various musical genres in Nashville and Los Angeles.   Hopper will continue to represent those clients alongside his new responsibilities with Words & Music. Previously, Hopper was an integral part of the management and publishing team at Maximum Artist Management and MAXX Music Publishing, working with a roster of Gold and Platinum-selling artists and songwriters including Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys), Natalie Grant, Catt Gravitt, Phillip LaRue and Bernie Herms.
Words & Music is a full service copyright administration company dedicated to protecting the intellectual property of songwriters and music publishers and is currently ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s all genre “Top 10 Publishers Airplay Chart.” Over the past 12 years, the company has built an impressive roster of clients including Sea Gayle Music (Brad Paisley, Frank Rogers, Chris DuBois, Brandy Clark), Big Yellow Dog (Josh Kear, Shawn Camp, Al Anderson), Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Paul Overstreet, Jeff Cohen, Katrina Elam and Luis Resto, among many others. In addition to administration, Words & Music also co-publishes songwriter Bonnie Baker (Rascal Flatts, Reba, Sara Evans), who is currently enjoying success as a co-writer of Hunter Hayes’ latest single, “Invisible,” which he debuted on the 2014 Grammy Awards live telecast.

Lineup Revealed For Key West Songwriters Festival

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key westBroadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), a global leader in music rights management, today (Feb. 18) announced the lineup for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s 19th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, set for May 7-11. Proceeds benefit the Shepherd Center SHARE Military Initiative.

The impressive 2014 list of performers includes headliners Sara Evans, Anders Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen, Kree Harrison, DJ DU, Matraca Berg, Tony Joe White, and 2013 BMI Country Icon Dean Dillon.
After 2013’s record-breaking year, the 2014 edition of the festival promises to deliver even more finely-crafted music and stories behind the hits. Anders Osborne is set to headline the festival’s kickoff concert on Wednesday, May 7 on the Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key Resort. Over the course of five days, more than 50 free shows and in-the-round showcases featuring some of the nation’s finest songwriters will follow, including a free concert on Duval Street with Sara Evans, co-presented by RCA Records Nashville. Last year’s Duval St. concert saw a record audience of over 5,000 people. Six ticketed shows will pack the historic San Carlos Theatre, Tropic Cinema, and The Studios of Key West. 2014 GRAMMY Award winner Kacey Musgraves will close out the festival with a must-see performance on the Casa Marina Resort beach.
“Our involvement with the Key West Songwriters Festival is just another way we at BMI demonstrate our full commitment to our songwriters, getting their music exposed in meaningful, unique settings,” said BMI’s Executive Director of Writer/Publisher Relations Mark Mason. “We are honored to have the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association on board to make this year’s festival the biggest and best yet.”
Additional performers include The World Famous Headliners, Natalie Hemby, Wendell Mobley, Chuck Cannon, Colin Lake, Jeff Hanna, Even Stevens, Hugh Prestwood, James Slater, Steve Bogard, Doug Johnson, Love and Theft, Gary Chapman, Pete Abbot, Dean Alexander, Seth Alley, Dylan Altman, Marshall Altman, Al Anderson, Kelly Archer, Misa Arriaga, Sammy Arriaga, Sherrie Austin, Matt Backer, Phil Barton, Ty Bates, Jabe Beyer, Brinn Black, Blackwater Bride, Callaghan, Shawn Camp, Jessica Campbell, Mark Case, Tommy Cecil, Wiley Chandler, Jeff Cohen, Adam Craig, Rob Crosby, Jalan Crossland, Colby Dee, Josh Dorr, Mason Douglas, Erik Dylan, Brooke Eden, Amanda Flynn, Marti Frederiksen, John Frinzi, Ashley Gearing, Lacy Green, Sam Grow, Haley & Michaels, Michael Hardy, Sara Haze, Kat Higgins, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Courtney Jaye, Paul Jenkins, Bryson Jennings, Kimberly June, Kristen Kelly, Kingston, Shannon Labrie, Jesse Lee, Lindsey Lee, Marjory Lee, Sonia Leigh, Toby Lightman, Megan Linville, Little Feather, Misty Loggins, Loving Mary, Cheryl LuQuire, Phil Madeira, Josh Matheny, Erin McCarley, Clay McClinton, Pat McLaughlin, Suzie McNeil, Phoenix Mendoza, Mike Mentz, Jake Mitchell, Heather Morgan, Liz Moriondo, Maren Morris, Greg Morrow, Danny Myrick, Kallie North, Shane Piasecki, Patrice Pike, Danika Portz, Jacob Powell, Michael Ray, Tyler Reeve, Michael Rhodes, Jesse Rice, Jon Roniger, Ben Rue, Kylie Sackley, Aaron Scherz, Emily Shackelton, Lucie Silvas, Haley Steele, Adley Stump, Sundy Best, Bridgette Tatum, The Massacoustics, Michael Tolcher, Guthrie Trapp, Brianna Tyson, Walker McGuire, Bruce Wallace, Taylor Watson, Jason White, Channing Wilson, Jessy Wilson, Billy Yates, Kate York, and many more.
“The Key West Songwriters Festival blends the best in the music business with a lively city that encompasses the Florida experience, and we are thrilled to sponsor the event,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This year, we feel the diverse talent lineup will encourage people to take a trip to the state’s southernmost point to hear the stories behind the big hits and go on an adventure to a unique destination.”
Tickets will go on sale mid-March and can be purchased at keywestsongwritersfestival.com. Specific lineups and venue information will be announced soon.
 

Academy of Country Music Announces Radio Winners

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acm-awards-logo111featuredThe Academy of Country Music announced today the full list of radio award winners that will not be televised due to time constraints during the live telecast of the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
This is the first ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year Award win for Bobby Bones, Amy, and Lunchbox of The Bobby Bones Show, and third win for Lon Helton of Country Countdown USA.  Helton previously won this award in 2011 and 2008.
Winners in radio categories will be invited to receive their awards at a private reception in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 5, the day prior to the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
NATIONAL (TIE)               
Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox – The Bobby Bones Show
Lon Helton – Country Countdown USA
MAJOR MARKET—Paul Schadt, Meg and Geof – WKKT-FM – Charlotte, NC
LARGE MARKET—Lisa McKay – WQDR-FM – Raleigh, NC
MEDIUM MARKET—Andy Ritchie, Alison West, Jimmy Holt – WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
SMALL MARKET—Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry – KKNU-FM – Eugene, OR
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
MAJOR MARKET (TIE)
KUPL-FM – Portland, OR
WXTU FM – Philadelphia, PA
LARGE MARKET—WCTK-FM – Providence, RI
MEDIUM MARKET—WBBS-FM – Syracuse, NY
SMALL MARKET—WUSY-FM – Chattanooga, TN

Blaster Records Signs Montgomery Gentry

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Montgomery Gentry

Montgomery Gentry


Blaster Records has signed Country music duo Montgomery Gentry to their artist roster. Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Thomas Rhett and the ABC hit show Nashville) has been tapped to produce their new album expected for release in 2014; Knox previously produced the duo’s Top 10 single “Where I Come From.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about welcoming Montgomery Gentry to the Blaster Records family,” shares Derek Simon, President of Blaster Records. “Eddie and Troy are proven hit makers and consummate professionals. We can’t wait to get started and look forward to a very successful run together.”
Gentry echoes Simon’s sentiment noting, “Eddie and I couldn’t be more excited to be on the Blaster roster. Signing with these guys was a no brainer for us when we saw the team they have to put around us. It’s a great bunch of people that we look forward to working with.”
Montgomery adds, “Man, I can’t say enough about the Blaster guys and we haven’t even cut the album yet! I can already tell this is going to be an awesome ride!
Montgomery Gentry is comprised of Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery who, together, have celebrated multiple awards and nominations from the CMA, ACM, and GRAMMYs. They have released more than 20 charted singles, with anthems like “My Town” and “Hell Yeah” becoming indelible parts of the honky-tonk landscape. They have hit the top of the singles charts five times, with “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” “Back When I Knew It All” and “Roll With Me.”
Montgomery Gentry joins Chuck Wicks, Hank Williams Jr., Aaron Lewis, Jared Ashley, Brother Trouble and more on the label’s roster. Blaster Records is distributed through Warner Music Nashville. Montgomery Gentry is managed by Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis and booked by WME’s Greg Oswald.

Artists, Industry Toast Bob Kingsley's 40th Anniversary

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(L-R) Wade Jessen- Billboard, Teddy Gentry, Blair Garner-NASH/America's Morning Show, Bob Kingsley, Randy Owen, Steve Wariner, Lon Helton-Country Aircheck, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Pete Fisher- VP & General Manager, Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Wade Jessen, ‘Billboard;’ Teddy Gentry; Blair Garner-NASH/America’s Morning Show; Bob Kingsley; Randy Owen; Steve Wariner; Lon Helton, ‘Country Aircheck;’ Trisha Yearwood; Garth Brooks; Pete Fisher, VP & General Manager, Grand Ole Opry


WestwoodOne syndicated host and Country Radio Hall of Famer Bob Kingsley was honored last night (2/17) for 40 years in national radio syndication as part of American Country Countdown (1974-2006) and as host and owner of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 (2006-present). Kingsley walked into the Grand Ole Opry House believing he was there to pay tribute to the Opry’s 89th birthday, when in reality it was an event to celebrate him.
“I could not have been more surprised,” said a visibly moved Kingsley, “and I could not feel more honored. I have made a career of country music radio because I love it, and to have my friends in the business, from artists and songwriters to industry executives, tell me my work has made a difference, well it means the world to me. And to have the people I work with day in and day out here to celebrate with me makes it all the more special.”
Nearly 50 artists participated in the evening, which included 25-plus taped video messages, along with in-person appearances or performances by Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett, Alabama, Lynn Anderson, Garth Brooks, Eli Young Band, Radney Foster, Janie Fricke, Jack Ingram, Jewel, Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Will Robinson, Tom Schuyler, Red Stegall, Jeffrey Steele, Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner, Lee Ann Womack, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, and Chris Young. Many of the artists who paid tribute commented not only on their professional relationships with Kingsley but also on their personal friendships.
He won CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2001 and 2003, and the Academy of Country Music award for On-Air Personality-National in 2006. Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 can be heard on more than 350 radio stations around the world. He is also an ardent supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project.

MusicRowLife (2/18/14)

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joey+rory baby111

Rory Feek and newborn daughter Indiana Boone


Husband and wife duo Joey+Rory (comprised of Rory Feek and Joey Martin Feek) welcomed daughter Indiana Boone on Feb. 17 at 12:03 pm. She weighs 8 lbs 2 oz. This is the couple’s first child together. Rory has two daughters from a previous marriage, including daughter Heidi Feek, who just released her own album.

This is the couple’s first child together. Rory has two daughters from a previous marriage, including daughter Heidi Feek, who just released her own album.Read More: Joey + Rory Expecting a Baby | http://theboot.com/joey-and-rory-baby/?trackback=tsmclip
This is the couple’s first child together. Rory has two daughters from a previous marriage, including daughter Heidi Feek, who just released her own album.Read More: Joey + Rory Expecting a Baby | http://theboot.com/joey-and-rory-baby/?trackback=tsmclip

On Oct. 8, 2013, the duo released their fifth studio album, Made To Last, on their own Farmhouse Recordings record label. Made to Last debuted No. 44 on the Top Country Albums chart.

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bates

Greg Bates


“Did It For The Girl” singer Greg Bates is engaged to girlfriend Shelley Skidmore. Bates was formerly signed to the Republic Nashville label; the Nashville native graduated in 2010 from Belmont University.
Bates co-wrote “Did It For The Girl” with Lynn Hutton and Rodney Clawson.

Jason Aldean Adds Two Atlanta Shows To 'Burn It Down Tour'

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Jason Aldean will help The Opry celebrate its birthday.
Jason Aldean simultaneously sold out two nights at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where he’s slated to play for the first time on Sept. 17 and 18. He also sold out his May 17 show in Atlanta, which prompted the addition of two dates at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, which will go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 21 at ticketmaster.
Aldean’s 2014 Burn It Down Tour launches May 1 in Roanoke, Va. The 45-city trek includes Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Farr and Miranda Lambert on select stadium dates.

Cumulus Expected To Announce Nash Brand Expansion Plans

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nash logo111On Monday, (Feb. 17), Cumulus Media and American Media, Inc. announced a partnership to produce a 16-page section called Nash in AMI’s existing Country Weekly publication, effective in the Monday, Feb. 24 edition.
Lew Dickey said of the agreement, “We are excited to be partnering with AMI as we bring the NASH brand to life in print. We look forward to leveraging both brands to create an unparalleled experience for Country music fans and another important point of engagement for our clients.”
“This agreement is a transforming event for Country Weekly,” said AMI Chairman, President, and CEO David J. Pecker. “Partnering with Cumulus Media and combining their reach and voice with our expertise in print media will deliver an extraordinary consumer experience that is unmatched in the industry.”
Cumulus Media CEO and Chairman Dickey is expected to announce this week a plan to further expand his Nash-FM brand of Country music stations and stretch it across television, print, streaming audio, concerts and more, according to the New York Post. The website states the first step is an expected announcement that Cumulus is buying a 50 percent interest in American Media’s 20-year-old magazine, Country Weekly. The Nashville-based publication will be re-branded as Nash magazine.
The five-point plan for the company, after buying Dial-Global and its NFL, NCAA and Nascar rights last summer, is as follows:
• Form a dedicated Nash channel on digital radio service Rdio, which Cumulus recently purchased a major stake
• Launch a Nash Bash concert series
• Team with a cable channel to form the Nash Network
• Establish a home-goods line including furniture, paint and clothing.
• Explore a partnership with Dick Clark Productions to create a new Country awards show for radio.
According to the NY Post article, Dickey is reaching out to several television content companies which already possess Country-branded assets to explore partnership opportunities.

41st Annual Willie Nelson's Picnic To Return to Fort Worth

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Willie Nelson, September 9-14, 2011

Willie Nelson, September 9-14, 2011


Willie Nelson will once again host his Fourth of July Picnic on Friday, July 4, 2014 in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The Fort Worth Stockyards “North Forty” will be the site of the highly-anticipated all-day outdoor concert.
“Beginning in 1973 in Dripping Springs, Texas, Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic has become a Texas tradition unlike any other. We are thrilled to play a part in the 41-year history of the picnic and do it in the Fort Worth Stockyards. The artist lineup and festival environment this year will be the best in Picnic history. When you see it you will agree,” said Concho Minick, President of Billy Bob’s Texas.
Two stages will provide non-stop entertainment from noon until night. Special areas including a VIP Tent and Sky Box will add to the concert-going experience and provide guests with a place to stay cool.
This year ticket prices range from $20-$250 and can be purchased at billybobstexas.com, williespicnic.com  or by calling 817-624-7117. Willie’s Picnic enthusiasts will have the option to purchase a $20 General Admission ticket before any of the headliners are announced.

WMG Settles Royalty Lawsuit

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wmg1Warner Music Group has come to a settlement valued at a minimum of $11.5 million in a class action lawsuit regarding its process for calculating royalties on downloads and mastertones of recordings. In the suit, Warner Music Group denies any wrongdoing.
People who have received royalties from contracts dated prior to Jan. 1, 2002 with a WMG U.S. label, paying on a royalty rate basis or penny rate basis, could be eligible for payments on past royalties, and/or an increase in future download and/or mastertone royalties. The increased future royalties give artists an increase in five percentage points in their royalty rate on U.S. mastertones and downloads (possibly more, if necessary to reach a floor of 10 percent and a cap at 14 percent), as well as 2.5 percentage point increase in foreign exploitations.
Valid claims must be submitted by May 31, 2014.
Persons electing to retain the right to sue the label group are required to exclude themselves from the settlement by May 31, 2014. Those who stay in the settlement may object to it by May 31, 2014. The court hearing will be held Oct. 2, 2014, to determine approval of the settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees of up to $2,875,000, plus reimbursement of costs and expenses.
For more information regarding the settlement, visit wmgdownloadsettlement.com.