iHeartRadio Music Awards Returning in 2015

iheartradio music awards logo111Coming off its successful inaugural telecast on Thurs., May 1, NBC picked up the iHeartRadio Music Awards for 2015.
The event presented by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, was also broadcast on Clear Channel radio stations nationwide and the iHeartRadio digital music platform.
Awards were handed out at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where performers included Blake Shelton, Shakira, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Pitbull and Thirty Seconds to Mars. 
5.5 million total viewers watched the show on NBC, up 86 percent over the time period average. The awards reached a 1.7 rating /5 share for adults 18-49. The broadcast finished second for the night in adults 18-49.
There were 65 million listener votes leading up to the show. The awards generated 7.7 billion social impressions throughout the voting period and on the day-of. A total of 1.8 million social media users took part in the iHeartRadio Music Awards conversation and voting, generating more than 29 million pieces of content through posts and interactions.

Gotee Records Celebrates 20 Years

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Out of Eden in the studio recording “Constant” for the compilation album. Pictured (L-R): Andrea Baca, Danielle Kimmey, Brad Moist (Gotee Records’ A&R/Marketing Director), Lisa Kimmey-Winans.


Independent label Gotee Records turns 20 this year. The CCM label has released five RIAA Gold-certified albums and launched artists including Out of Eden, GRITS, Jennifer Knapp, Relient K and Jamie Grace.
In celebration, Gotee will release a compilation album, Gotee Records: Twenty Years Brand New, on June 17. The project will feature new recordings from its current artist roster along with Gotee alumni performing each other’s signature songs. The project features Relient K, Capital Kings, The Katinas, Sarah Kelly, Finding Favour, and others.
“Twenty years can feel like a lifetime, but when it’s filled with creation, dreams being fulfilled, new friends being made, character defining moments, memories catalogued, hopes being shared, potential being realized, family trees growing, and prayers being answered (not always the way one hopes), it all happens in the blink of an eye,” reflects Gotee President and co-founder Joey Elwood.
Track listing* for Gotee Records: Twenty Years Brand New:
1. Relient K – “Body Be” (originally performed by Johnny Q. Public)
2. Capital Kings feat. John Reuben – “Ooh, Ahh” (originally performed by GRITS feat. tobyMac)
3. The Katinas – “River” (originally performed by Out of Eden)
4. Out of Eden – “Constant” (originally performed by House of Heroes)
5. John Reuben – “Love Addict” (originally performed by Family Force 5)
6. House of Heroes feat. Stephanie Smith – “Stereo” (originally performed by 4th Ave. Jones)
7. Jamie Grace – “Getting Into You” (originally performed by Relient K)
8. Ayiesha Woods – “Refine Me” (originally performed by Jennifer Knapp)
9. Ryan Stevenson – “My Refuge” (originally performed by Sonicflood)
10. Soul Glow Activatur – “Doin’” (originally performed by John Reuben)
11. Harper Still – “Here’s My Heart” (originally performed by Out of Eden)
12. Sarah Kelly – “Bless the Lord” (originally performed by Jeff Deyo)
13. GRITS – “Undo Me” (originally performed by Jennifer Knapp)
14. Finding Favour – “One More Time” (originally performed by The Katinas)
15. Stephanie Smith – “I Celebrate the Day” (originally performed by Relient K)
16. Paul Wright – “Valley of Decision” (originally performed by Christafari)
17. Zilch – “Over Thinking” (originally performed by Relient K)
18. The Gotee Brothers – “Gotee’s Groovin’” (originally performed by Out of Eden)
**Bonus Tracks**
19. John Reuben – “Love Addict (Lounge Club Version)” [originally performed by Family Force 5]
20. Relient K – “Sadie Hawkins Dance (10 Year Reunion)” [originally performed by Relient K]

Brad Turcotte Joins UMG Nashville

Brad Turcotte

Brad Turcotte


Universal Music Group Nashville has tapped Brad Turcotte to join the company as Vice President of Marketing. He will report to Senior Vice President of Marketing Cindy Mabe and will oversee brand partnerships, music supervision for film and TV, international marketing, and general marketing strategy duties for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
Most recently, Turcotte oversaw International for Big Machine Label Group and worked with artists including Florida Georgia Line, Justin Moore, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba and Tim McGraw. Previously, he was an Executive Vice President at Music World (former management representing Beyonce and Destiny’s Child). Turcotte joined Music World after selling his record label, Compadre Records, to Mathew Knowles in February 2007. Turcotte started Compadre in 2001 while earning his law degree in Houston. Turcotte is a graduate of Belmont University and is a two-term Governor of the Texas Chapter of NARAS.
“I have respected Brad’s accomplishments, great relationships and strategic mind from afar, therefore, I am extremely excited to have him join the UMG Nashville marketing team where he can unleash his skills on our incredible roster of talent, both domestically and abroad,” shares Cindy Mabe. “He is such a great talent and I know he will take our artists and music to wider audiences and bigger platforms.”
“I am grateful to Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe for welcoming me into an extremely talented label team that supports an impressive roster of artists,” shares Turcotte. “As a music fan, I have admired their work for a very long time, and it is an honor to help extend their footprint within the United States and abroad.” Universal Music Group Nashville is home to artists including Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, George Strait, Jennifer Nettles, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Luke Bryan.
Turcotte can be reached at brad.turcotte@umusic.com and (615) 269-2085.

Industry Ink (5/6/14)

Screen shot 2014-05-06 at 11.36.54 AM1111Dark Horse Recording Studio is seeking a Public Relations Manager to spearhead efforts for Dark Horse Recording, Dark Horse Institute and Robin Crow. The ideal candidate will have the ability to obtain print and other media coverage, pitch stories, and will have excellent copywriting and editing skills. Resumes can be sent to jobs@darkhorserecording.com.

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THE BIG PAYBACKThe Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is hosting The Big Payback TODAY (May 6), an online day of giving celebrating Middle Tennessee’s local nonprofit organizations. For 24 hours, donors can make contributions to more than 500 participating Middle Tennessee nonprofits. There will be prizes awarded to the organization that receives donations from the most people or raises the most money.
To find a full list of participating organizations and to donate, visit thebigpayback.org.

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tim gray1111

Tim Gray


Tim Gray has launched Nashville-based Grayscale Entertainment, an artist management, strategic partnership and booking agency for all genres of music. GSE’s collective portfolio of brand partnerships include Ole Smoky Moonshine, Pilot Flying J, Southern Charm Traditional Wear, NASCAR’s – Kevin Harvick Inc., and Morton Buildings.
He previously worked at ticketing company Concert Gorilla, Inc., in artist management at Big Show Music Co. and as a booking agent at Artist Events Inc.

NEKST Sits Down With 'MusicRow' Publisher/Owner, Sherod Robertson

SherodInterviewMusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson is interviewed by David Ross, Pres. of NEKST.biz in today’s edition of NEKST.biz.
Ross, former owner and Founder of MusicRow, turns the table on Robertson, drilling down into his experience leading the industry publication during the past few years. From the origin of Robertson’s entrepreneurial spirit to the biggest challenge at the publication, the feature offers insight into the small-business mastermind as well as the process behind what is often referred to as the Industry “bible,” the InCharge issue.
The discussion also includes growing the MusicRow brand, including the Rising Women on the Row event which has continued to reach new heights each year.
Click here to read full article.

Matthew West Leads 36th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Capitol CMG Publishing's Eddie DeGarmo, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, ASCAP's Paul Williams and LeAnn Phelan. Photo by Ed Rode.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Eddie DeGarmo, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, ASCAP’s Paul Williams and LeAnn Phelan. Photo by Ed Rode.


Nashville’s Christian music industry had a night to shine at the elegant Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., for the 36th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards. Rising group PawnShop Kings opened the evening with their bluesy rock vibe of “Love Like Jesus.”
ASCAP president Paul Williams was on hand to welcome the industry-only crowd.
“This is the second time I’ve been here for the awards,” said Williams. “There is such a vibe here in Nashville. Every day I say, ‘Surprise me God, and lead me where you need me. Your work is holy work and I love being here.'” ASCAP’s Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan, Kele Currier and Ryan Beuschel were on hand to honor the artists, publishers and songwriters behind the past year’s most performed songs.

Pawnshop Kings perform "Love Like Jesus."

PawnShop Kings perform “Love Like Jesus.” Photo: Ed Rode.


Matthew West was the evening’s big winner, taking home the Songwriter of the Year honor as well as the Song of the Year honor for “Hello, My Name Is,” a song that spent 17 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. In 2013, West took home ASCAP’s Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor.
Before West stepped onstage to perform an acoustic version of the song, a video told the story behind “Hello, My Name Is,” the second single from West’s Into The Light project. West crafted the songs on the album as a way to share fans’ stories of hardship and victory, culled from thousands of letters and emails he has received.
“Hello, My Name Is” was inspired by the story of Jordan Jeffers, a one-time “all-American athlete,” who became addicted to prescription pain medication following a sports injury. His college let him go, and his parents took him to addiction center Teen Challenge. After going through the addiction program, Jeffers completed his degree and began working as a coach for the same college that had let him go a few years earlier.
“I’ve been coming here and never once felt like I belong with such amazing talent. I hope I always feel that way,” West said upon accepting the Songwriter of the Year honor. “For Paul [Williams] to be here two years in a row I think shows how much they believe in this music we are doing.”
The Publisher of the Year award went to Capitol CMG Publishing. This marks the publishing company’s 11th consecutive year as the recipient .
Michael W. Smith and Bart Millard. Photo: Ed Rode

Michael W. Smith and MercyMe’s Bart Millard. Photo: Ed Rode


Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith were both honored with ASCAP’s Century award, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th birthday, which recognizes the enduring influence of their careers on the Contemporary Christian Music industry.
In tribute to some of the musical genre’s most beloved compositions, Smith performed “Awesome God,” from the late Rich Mullins, and brought MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard to the stage for what Smith noted was their first collaboration. Smith backed Millard on MercyMe’s signature hit, “I Can Only Imagine.” Later in the program, Ashley Cleveland accompanied herself on acoustic guitar, performing “Thy Word,” from Grant’s 1984 album Straight Ahead.
Producer Brown Bannister and Nashville pastor Don Finto were on hand to pay tribute to Grant and Smith. “When you were starting out, there were practically no charts to top. It’s not about the hit and the success. It is about the long obedience, and you embody everything that is great about CCM. You just had a desire to share your hearts, and you’ve done it for three decades. That is long obedience in the same direction.”
“I heard Tom Petty say there are enough great songs in the world, but we keep writing because that’s what we do,” Grant said. “I will sing until the day I die because I love it. I love seeing the new music that has come up behind us.” Speaking to the artists and industry members, she said, “The great thing about knowing Jesus is that we don’t have to change anyone, manipulate anyone. We are free to love everyone because that’s who He died for.”
Songs Honored During the 2014 ASCAP Christian Music Awards
“Strangely Dim,” Francesca Battistelli
“Words,” Hawk Nelson feat. Bart Millard
“Build Your Kingdom Here,” Rend Collective
“We Won’t Be Shaken,” Building 429
“You Are I Am,” MercyMe
“Lord I Need You,” Matt Maher
“Your Love Never Fails,” Newsboys
“God’s Great Dance Floor,” Chris Tomlin
“Live With Abandon,” Newsboys
“My God,” Jeremy Camp
“Already There,” Casting Crowns
“Hurricane,” Natalie Grant
“Great I Am,” Phillips Craig & Dean
“Should’ve Been Me,” Citizen Way
“Lift My Life Up,” Unspoken
“Who You Are,” Unspoken
“He Is With Us,” Love and the Outcome
“You Are,” Colton Dixon
“Carry Me,” Josh Wilson
“Overcomer,” Mandisa
“Every Good Thing,” The Afters
“Yours Will Be (The Only Name),” Big Daddy Weave
“Gold,” Britt Nicole

BMI Nashville Promotes Three

Erica Glidewell

Erica Glidewell


BMI has promoted three employees in its Nashville offices, Erica Glidewell, Leslie Roberts and Noelle Michon. Glidewell, previously Exec. Assistant to BMI Writer/Publisher Vice President Jody Williams, has been promoted to Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations and Roberts, previously Associate Director, has been promoted to Director, Writer/Publisher Relations.
Glenda Hart, BMI Assistant VP, Special Projects, has promoted Michon to Director, Special Projects.
Williams noted, “Erica’s contribution to our department is simply invaluable. Her organizational skills, office management expertise, and excellent industry relationships combine to strengthen BMI’s special place in this community. It is an honor to work with such a dynamic and bright individual. I’m especially proud to see Erica receive this well deserved promotion.”
Leslie Roberts

Leslie Roberts


Glidewell will continue to assist Williams and work with songwriters, publishers and producers in Country, pop and Christian music genres. Prior to her work at BMI, Glidewell worked for The Dave Ramsey Show as a Live Events Coordinator and Global Expeditions as the Leadership Development Coordinator.
And in regard to Roberts, Williams remarked, “Leslie has proven to be one of the most vital members of the Nashville writer relations team. For the past five years, songwriters from multiple genres of music have benefitted from Leslie’s caring manner and industry expertise. This promotion is certainly well deserved and sets the stage for her next chapter of success at BMI.”
Noelle Michon

Noelle Michon


Roberts will continue to sign and work with songwriters, publishers and producers in various genres, and will continue to oversee creative and educational programs. She also plays a large role in the coordinating of BMI’s annual Country Awards, as well as the Christian Awards. Prior to her work with BMI, Roberts worked as a Manager, Artist & Repertoire at Sony BMG Nashville. She also previously served three years as a song plugger for Mighty Isis Music.
As Director, Special Projects, Michon will be responsible for managing all aspects of the BMI award selection process, including the research and analysis of performance information to identify award songs for Pop, Country, R&B/Hip-Hop, Latin, London, Christian and Trailblazer awards. In addition, she will be responsible for conducting research to confirm writer and publisher ownership information for all million-performance award citations. Michon will coordinate and conduct meetings with Writer/Publisher Relations, Performing Rights, and Research and Information to develop award criteria.

More Tickets Released For Roast of Rob Beckham

Rob Beckham

Rob Beckham


Eighty tickets have been released to the sold-out Roast of Rob Beckham. The T.J. Martell Foundation will highlight the career of Beckham, Co-Head of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment’s Nashville office, with a “roast” at its inaugural Ambassador of the Year event. The celebration will be held at The Rosewall on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. with proceeds benefiting leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.
The T.J. Martell Foundation’s “Ambassador of the Year” recognition is presented to a gifted professional who has earned the respect of industry veterans and serves as a mentor to the next generation of executives.
The VIP evening includes a cocktail reception, buffet dinner and special presentation where Beckham’s clients, colleagues and friends will share colorful stories.
“Rob Beckham is extremely generous and giving of his time,” says Tinti Moffat, Director of Strategic Development at the T.J. Martell Foundation. “His unwavering commitment to projects that are meaningful to him and to people he believes in, coupled with his willingness to invest in them, make him a most worthy recipient of this accolade.”
Beckham’s roster includes Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Reba, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Gary Allan, Chris Young, Easton Corbin and Jerrod Niemann among many others. He serves on the Boards of Directors of the Country Music Association, the T.J. Martell Foundation and Make-A-Wish for Middle Tennessee.
Tickets can be purchased at www.TJMartell.org. Sponsorships are available by contacting Tinti Moffat at 615-256-2002.
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On May 1 The T.J. Martell Foundation raised $100,o00 at its second annual Women of Influence Awards at New York’s Essex House. Honorees at the sold out event included NBC’s Today Show Hoda Kotb, famed New York fashion designer Randi Rahm, Z100 Radio’s Sharon Dastur and Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc. Cathy Hughes. The T.J. Martell Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Laura Heatherly welcomed the crowd. T.J. Martell Foundation Board President Marcie Allen and President of MAC Presents was also in attendance.
L to R: Megan Sikora, Randi Rahm, performer Jetta, Hoda Kotb, Laura Heatherly, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sharon Dastur, event host/actress Robin Quivers, Kerry Butler - Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Pictured (L-R): actress Megan Sikora, honoree Randi Rahm, performer Jetta, honoree Hoda Kotb, T.J. Martell CEO Laura Heatherly, TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford, honoree Sharon Dastur, event host Robin Quivers, and actress Kerry Butler. Photo: Getty Images

2014 Americana Awards Nominees To Be Announced

americanamusic_logoThe nominations press conference for the 2014 Americana Honors and Awards will be held on Monday, May 12 at 1 p.m. CST.
The nominations will be broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country, along with a live stream on musiccityroots.com. The live broadcast will feature music from hosts Elizabeth Cook, Buddy Miller, Jim Lauderdale, as well as special guests Hurray for the Riff Raff and Parker Millsap.
The Americana Honors and Awards will take place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Wednesday, Sept. 17. It will also be the first day of Americanafest, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 21. More information can be found at americanamusic.org.

CRS Agenda Committee Adds Ten New Members

crs 20151CRS has added to its 2015 Agenda Commitee. No Shoes Radio’s Jon Anthony, HitShop’s Tim Gerst, Warner Music Nashville’s Jeremy Holley, Jacobs Media’s Lori Lewis, CBS Radio/Houston’s Bruce Logan, Fusion Music’s Daniel Miller, Streamsound’s Steve Richardson, Steele Imaging’s Dave Steele, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN’s Brook Stephens and KFRG/Riverside’s Robin Ward will take part in planning the program for CRS 2015. They will join 14 members from last year’s committee to plan events for next year’s seminar.
Jeff Green (Partner/Stone Door Media Lab), Tom Hanrahan (Regional Program Manager/Clear Channel Media and Entertainment) and John Trapane (SW Regional/EMI Nashville) are leading this year’s committee.
CRS 2015 takes place Feb. 25-27 in Nashville’s downtown Convention Center.

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Additionally, CRS is seeking a replacement for Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Relationships Michelle Kammerer, who will exit CRS at the end of this month to pursue a new opportunity. Kammerer has been with the company since 2011 and can be reached at michelle@crb.org. Resumes for the opening can be sent to bill@crb.org.