Staff Changes, New Location for Patrick Joseph Music

/by

pjmPat Higdon‘s Patrick Joseph Music has promoted Stevie Erickson to the role of Sr. Creative Director. Erickson joined PJM in 2013. Additionally, Christina Wiltshire has been hired as Creative Assistant. Wiltshire previously served internships at Warner Bros. Music and Cornman Music.
PJM recently relocated to 1012 18th Avenue South in Nashville. “With the new facility, as well as the staff promotion and new hire, Patrick Joseph Music continues to refine the level of service we provide for our writers in a boutique creative relationship,” says Higdon.
PJM was originally founded in 1989 by Pat Higdon. It was relaunched in 2012 as a partnership between Higdon and New York-based Songs Music Publishing. The roster features Matraca Berg, George Teren, Ben Carver, Kat Higgins, Jake Mitchell and Melissa Peirce.

No. 1 Party: Joe Nichols' "Yeah"

/by

Pictured (L-R): Producer Tony Brown, co-writer Ashley Gorley, Joe Nichols, co-writer Bryan Simpson, producer Mickey Jack Cones, (back row) BBR Music Group EVP Jon Loba and CEO Benny Brown, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing's Ryan Beuschel, Combustion Music's Chris Farren, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan and EVP of Membership John Titta, Sea Gayle Music's Mike Owens, Red Bow Records VP of Promotion Renee Leymon, BMI's Perry Howard and Triple 8 Management's George Couri. Photo: Ed Rode.

Pictured (L-R): Producer Tony Brown, co-writer Ashley Gorley, Joe Nichols, co-writer Bryan Simpson, producer Mickey Jack Cones, (back row) BBR Music Group EVP Jon Loba and CEO Benny Brown, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ryan Beuschel, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan and EVP of Membership John Titta, Sea Gayle Music’s Mike Owens, Red Bow Records VP of Promotion Renee Leymon, BMI’s Perry Howard and Triple 8 Management’s George Couri. Photo: Ed Rode.


“This is one of those songs that anyone could cut and have success,” said Joe Nichols at the No. 1 celebration of his Red Bow Records single “Yeah.” “Thanks to the guys for believing in me to release it.”
The songwriters, Ashley Gorley and Bryan Simpson, did believe in Nichols, but he was without a record label at the time. Nichols used his own money to record the song with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Tony Brown.
September 16 the crew gathered at the CMA offices to celebrate the No. 1 success of the title. ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan hosted the event together with BMI’s Perry Howard. ASCAP’s EVP of Membership, John Titta, traveled from New York specifically to honor Gorley.
“Joe is unarguably one of the best voices in Nashville,” said Gorley. “We know his end result is going to sound great.”
This is the business of relationships, which were highlighted big time. Gorley and Simpson noted of their close friendship. “[Ashley and I have] lived a lot of life outside the writer room,” said Simpson.
“[Bryan was] maybe the second or third co-write of mine, ever,” recalled Gorley. “He has slept in my living room, and my kids know him as an uncle. He’s one of my best friends in the world so it’s super special to share this with him.”
Similarly Cones acknowledged his gratitude to veteran co-producer Brown, saying, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Tony. So Thank You Tony!”
The No. 1 was special because it marked the first No. 1 for Simpson, who had previously had two top 5 songs (“Better Than I Used To Be,” “I’ll Just Hold On”). Simpson was presented with a No. 1 Epiphone guitar, marking the occasion. Sea Gayle’s VP of Creative, Mike Owens accepted on behalf of what was tallied as the publisher’s 37th No. 1.
Chris Farren of Combustion Music and Ryan Beuschel of Warner/Chappell offered remarks on behalf of Gorley. “[We have been] partners with Ashley for 14 years, he’s the best songwriter I’ve known,” acknowledged Farren, also offering a shout-out to Chris Van Belkom, who became engaged the night before.
New to his role, Beuschel noted of his initial meeting with Gorley. “Ashley wants a team around him that wants to do life together,” he said.
Red Bow’s crew also gathered. Acknowledgements were handed out left and right for the BBR staff from VP Promo Renee Leymon, including Benny Brown, Jon Loba, Shelley Hargis, and JoJamie Hahr. “We spent three weeks at No. 1,” said Leymon. “Making sure Joe is at the proper place in the format can’t happen without a team.”
Gold certification credits, matching Nichols’ previous single “Sunny and 75,” were celebrated by the promotion veteran, again with plaques for the house, including Alan Beckler of Red Distribution.

Industry Ink: Republic Nashville, A2IM, Unsigned Only Competition

/by

coonrod1Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group have promoted Angie Coonrod to Director of Northeast Promotion. Coonrod previously served as Republic Nashville president and BMLG Exec. VP Jimmy Harnen‘s Executive Assistant. She spent more than 14 years in the pharmaceutical field and management prior to joining Republic Nashville. Coonrod can be reached at [email protected] or at 615-324-7904.
Coonrod replaces Cliff Blake, beginning Sept. 30. Blake will be leaving to pursue other opportunities, and is available at [email protected] or 603-781-1818.
 

• • •

a2imA2IM has undergone a round of staff hirings and promotions. Molly Newman, previously of eMusic, has been named VP of the company. Newman replaces former VP Jim Mahoney. Newman served on the board from 2004-2011, and rejoins the company from Rhapsody International. She previously worked at eMusic.com, where she spent seven years as VP, Label Relations.
Other hirings/promotions include Jen Masset, who has been promoted from Director, Membership Services to Sr. Director of Membership Services. Fawn Goodman joins as Director of Industry Relations, after spending eight years with Warner Music. Marcus Assenmacher joins as Operations Manager; he previously worked as Director, A&R at Robot of the Century.

• • •

goodbye june1

Goodbye June


Unsigned Only Music Competition has announced its 2014 winners. The overall grand prize was awarded to Nashville band Goodbye June, with the song “Daisy.” The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals. The contestants were judged by a panel including artists Of Monsters and Men, Rosanne Cash, Mike Posner, John Oates, Dustin Lynch, Rolling Stone‘s Anthony DeCurtis and others.
For a full list of winners in various categories, visit unsignedonly.com/winners.

Nathan Nicholson joins Ten Ten Music Group

/by

Nathan Nicholson

Nathan Nicholson


Ten Ten Music Group has named Nathan Nicholson to lead their creative department as VP, Creative. Nicholson’s chart successes include David Nail’s current single, “Kiss You Tonight.” He will continue to handle Tim McGraw‘s StyleSonic Music, whose recent chart toppers include McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” and Jerrod Niemann‘s “Drink to That All Night.”
Nicholson’s previous placements include Toby Keith‘s “Red Solo Cup” and Montgomery Gentry’s “She Couldn’t Change Me,” as well as cuts by George Strait, Reba, Patty Loveless, and several others. Nicholson is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Management program and holds an MBA from Belmont’s Massey School of Business.

Spirit Music Group Obtains $50 Million in Funding

/by

spirit music group1111Spirit Music Group has obtained $50 million in new capital commitments from Fortress Credit Corp. This brings Spirit’s total capital raised since 2012 to more than $100 million. The company plans to use the capital to acquire additional music rights, including publishing and masters, as well as to increase its roster of catalogs, A&R activities and to further expand internationally.
“Spirit Music Group is on an aggressive growth path. We are pleased that Fortress has shown confidence in Spirit’s current business, staffing and vision to partner with us as we enter this exciting next phase of Spirit’s growth,” said Spirit Music Group Chairman David Renzer.
Spirit Music Group’s global network currently includes offices in New York, London, Los Angeles, Nashville and the Netherlands.

Grand Ole Opry Brings Second Annual Acoustic Series to NYC

/by

grand-ole-opryThe Grand Ole Opry and Southwest Airlines have teamed to bring a second annual series of free acoustic shows to Southwest Porch at Bryant Park in New York City. The Swon Brothers will perform Sept. 29, followed by Dustin Lynch (Oct. 1), and Kristian Bush of Sugarland (Oct. 2). The series will be part of the Opry’s 89th birthday celebration; the official 89th Birthday Bash will take place Oct. 10-11 in Nashville.
As part of the Nashville-to-New York experience, the artists will travel to Manhattan with the Opry’s signature microphone stand and a replica of the famed circle of wood from the Opry House’s center stage.
“All of these artists have been with us at the Opry recently to showcase their new music, so we know our friends in New York are in for some great performances,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “It’ll be great to extend our birthday party and Country Music Month beyond Music City to New York City.”
Full details are available at opry.com/nyc.

Artist Updates: Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Emmylou Harris

/by

Garth Brooks addresses the press. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser

Garth Brooks. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser


Garth Brooks has added shows in Lexington, Ky., to his Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. Brooks and Yearwood will play Lexington on Friday, Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rupp Arena.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. ET, with an eight ticket limit per purchase. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, at 1-800-745-3000, or Ticketmaster Express at 1-866-448-7849. There will be no sales at the venue box office or Ticketmaster outlets on Sept. 26.

Tickets will cost $57.55 plus $3.45 tax, a $2.00 facility fee and a $6.00 service charge, totaling $69.00.
• • •
fgl Jeremy CowartFlorida Georgia Line has partnered with Target for an exclusive deluxe edition of their upcoming album, Anything Goes. The deluxe edition will include exclusive cover art and three bonus tracks: “Girl on the Radio,” “Dance For Me,” and “That’s What’s Up.”

The deluxe edition is available now for pre-order and will release Oct. 14.

• • •
emmylou
Emmylou Harris will join Sting, India.Arie and Berry Gordy as the initial group of presenter-performers slated for the Nov. 17 ASCAP Centennial Awards Gala. The once-in-a-century ASCAP Centennial Award will be presented to ASCAP members Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Stephen Sondheim and Stevie Wonder.

Honorary Chairs include Gordy, Julie Andrews, Tony Bennett and Susan Bennedetto, and Quincy Jones. The presentations will take place Monday, Nov. 17 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, during a gala event honoring ASCAP’s 100th anniversary.

• • •
cathedralsProvident Label Group’s Tenth Avenue North will release its fourth studio album on Reunion Records on Nov. 10. The project, titled Cathedrals, will also be available as a deluxe version, including four bonus tracks.
Cathedrals was produced by John Fields (Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato). The band will embark on a headlining tour on Oct. 3.

Weekly Register: Lee Brice and Dustin Lynch Race To The Top

/by

leebriceidontdanceIt was debut week for Lee Brice’s third studio album and Dustin Lynch’s second project, which landed on the Country album chart at No. 1 and 2, respectively.
The title track “I Don’t Dance” propelled Brice’s Curb outing to sales of 38.5K. Fans were singing “yep yep” along with Broken Bow’s Lynch, who moved 31K of Where It’s At.
Broken Bow’s digital team is making inroads with Country consumers; Lynch’s album sales were 58 percent digital, and labelmate Jason Aldean holds the top 2 spots on the Country tracks chart with “Burnin’ It Down” (78K) and new track “Two Night Town” (53K).
Dustin-LynchAlso debuting on the Country albums chart is Alabama’s Angels Among Us, a Cracker Barrel exclusive with 7.6K, and Brothers Osborne’s debut EP, selling 1.6K. The Bros have swilled 141K downloads of single “Rum.”
To reiterate the slide in album sales, during the same week last year, Keith Urban held the No. 1 position with 98K. This week the No. 1 album sold about 60K fewer units.
Looking at the overall albums chart, Lecrae debuts this week at the top with 88K.
Releasing new albums this week are Tim McGraw and George Strait (live). Later this month brings the latest from Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Blake Shelton.
Meghan Trainor’s “It’s All About That Bass” booms atop the overall tracks chart, selling 312K and nearing the 2 million mark.
Sales from Nielsen Soundscan.
WeeklyReg091714

IBMA Announces Nominees for the 2014 Momentum Awards

/by

6E63900F-0664-4481-8CEB-D69854A2021FThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced today (Sept. 17) the nominees for this year’s Momentum Awards.
The Momentum Awards were instituted in 2012 to recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, while in the early stages of their careers, have contributed to, or had an influence on, bluegrass music. These contributions can be to bluegrass music in general, or done in a specific part of the industry.
“One of the distinctive features of the bluegrass world is that the peak years of careers are often measured in decades, even as we welcome an abundance of new artists and industry professionals into the ranks,” said Jon Weisberger, IBMA Board chair. “So as our top artists and professionals continue to enjoy recognition from their peers through its annual awards, the IBMA’s Board of Directors saw a need to salute some of the best and brightest among those who are closer to the beginnings of their careers, and created the Momentum Awards—noteworthy for including not just singers, pickers and bands, but events or venues and professionals—as a vehicle for drawing attention to their achievements.”
Performance Award nominees, Instrumentalists (final committee will select three)
Mike Barnett (fiddle)
Casey Campbell (mandolin)
Dominick Leslie (mandolin)
Janice Martin (banjo)
Cory Piatt (mandolin)
Andrew Rigney (guitar)
Zeb Snyder (guitar)
Jake Stargel (guitar)
Cory Walker (banjo)
Performance Award nominees, Vocalist (final committee to select one)
Savannah Church (The Church Sisters)
Jesse Gregory (Jesse Gregory & Faultline)
Sarah Harris (Trinity River Band)
Mo Pitney
Molly Tuttle (Molly Tuttle Trio)
Performance Award nominees, Band (final Committee to select one):
Barefoot Movement
The Lil’ Smokies
Meyerband
The Snyder Family
Vickie Vaughn Band
Industry Involvement Award nominees, Media/Artisan/Business/General
Jamie Deering – Deering Banjos
Cory Hemilright – Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Megan McNair – Sugar Hill Records
Ashlee Jean Trott – Music City Roots/Bluegrass Underground
Aaron Youngberg – Swing Fingers Studio
Nominees for Festival/Event/Venue
Bluegrass Situation showcases at Bonaroo & Americana Music Association
Colonial Theater, Balsam Range monthly concert series – Canton, NC
ISIS Music Hall – Asheville, NC
Redwing Roots – Mount Solon, VA
The Festy – Roseland, VA
Mentor Award (given to a bluegrass professional who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of newcomers to the bluegrass industry):
Jim Lauderdale
Stephen Mougin
Ricky Skaggs
Tim Surrett
Pete Wernick
The winners will be presented with their awards at a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event, Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

DISClaimer: Male-Female Duos Find Musical Homes in Americana

/by

Grace and TonyIt’s Americana week here in Music City.
For some reason, this genre has lately been specializing in male-female duos. Perhaps in emulation of The Civil Wars, Shovels & Rope, Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Over the Rhine and the like, we have a plethora of such teams on tap today — Carolina Story, Grace & Tony, Danika Holmes & Jeb Hart and Hardin Burns.
One of them, Grace & Tony, wins the DisCovery Award. They are married Nashvillians, and their last name is White. He is the brother of John Paul White of the aforementioned Civil Wars. Grace plays banjo and mandolin and is influenced by bluegrass. Tony plays guitar and comes from a rock background. No wonder they sound so refreshingly different.
The Disc of the Day prize goes to the enduringly great Lucinda Williams.
JIM LAUDERDALE/The Day the Devil Changed
Writers: Jim Lauderdale; Producer: Jim Lauderdale; Publishers: Ginger Dragon/Bug, SESAC; Sky Crunch (track)
-Jim Lauderdale was making Americana music before the genre even had a name. Fittingly, the award-show host was the artist who christened this week. He did so with a Monday-morning preview (at SESAC) and a Monday-evening premiere (at Bongo Java) of a new documentary about him. That film, The King of Broken Hearts, features this dramatic ballad, as well as its already well known title tune. Both can also be found on his new, 20-track CD, I’m a Song. This performance vividly illustrates that country’s loss is Americana’s gain, for it is a masterfully mournful, honky-tonk moaner. The album also features duets with Lee Ann Womack, Patty Loveless and Buddy Miller. Let a word to the wise be sufficient.

Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams


LUCINDA WILLIAMS/Big Mess
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Highway 20 (track)
-If Lauderdale is the father of Americana, Lucinda Williams is the mother. She was the first artist created by the genre to earn a Gold Record, and she remains a touchstone troubadour for all who have followed her. Her next project is a double album titled Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone. It is due September 30, but you can preview this soul-soaked track on her website now. Bluesy, groovy and goose-bumpy, this is one righteous slab of sound.
DANIKA HOLMES & JEB HART/Black Swan
Writers: D. Holmes/J. Hart; Producer: Jeb Hart; Publishers: none listed; Red Schoolhouse
-She’s the singer, and he’s the dexterous acoustic guitarist in this charming, lo-fi folk duo. The song is catchy, and her singing style is ear tickling. Jeb also teaches music, and I can hear that he has a lot to offer.
THE LOUDERMILKS/Everybody Knows You
Writers: A. Edwards; Producer: The Edwards Brothers & The Loudermilks; Publishers: Alchamash, ASCAP; You Know What
-This acoustic band hails from North Carolina. Its debut CD features this tuneful, gently swaying ode to an admired one who can break your heart.
CAROLINA STORY/When I Was A Boy
Writers: Ben Roberts/Emily Roberts; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publisher: Stitched Together, BMI; True Bearing
-Ben and Emily Roberts are a Nashville couple who are balancing their career as traveling troubadours with the impending birth of their first child. That’s why this sweetly sung bit of parental advice is so timely. The extremely likable sound of Carolina Story debuted on the Grand Ole Opry in June. Congratulations to all “three” of you.
GRACE & TONY/November
Writers: Grace & Tony; Producer: Lloyd Aur Norman; Publishers: none listed; Rock Ridge (track)
-I like these folks. The duo’s songs are structured unusually, with checkerboard rhythm shifts and choruses sung with full-throated harmonies. The excellent production expertly mixes multiple percussion, steel, accordion, banjo, guitar, bass and even a dash of trumpet on one track. Different is good. Well worth your attention.
HARDIN BURNS/Down the Deep Well
Writers: Jeannie Burns/Andrew Hardin; Producer: Andrew Hardin & Gabriel Rhodes; Publishers: Jeannie Mary Rachel/Alligator Farm, BMI; Ithaca (track)
-Vocalist Jeannie Burns was previously in The Burns Sisters. Partner Andrew Hardin brings a Texas drawl to the proceedings, as well as sterling lead-guitar lines. On the title tune to their collection, they fret and worry over their mental states while a steady, relentless rhythm shoves them forward. Simple, yet enormously compelling.
DAVID G. SMITH/One House
Writers: David G. Smith; Producers: Blue Miller; Publishers: Alrose, BMI; DGS (track)
-The title song and first track on this Nashvillian’s CD expertly combines social commentary with a solid, bluesy groove. He pleads on behalf of the 99 percent of us for a world of peace, justice and stability. In addition to producer Blue Miller, the CD includes contributions from such talents as Jelly Roll Johnson, Larry Franklin, John Catchings and Mary Gauthier. Haunting sonics.
AMY BLACK/Alabama
Writers: Amy Black; Producer: Lex Price; Publishers: Got My Dime, SESAC; Reuben (track)
-With a sturdy harmony vocal by Will Kimbrough, this anthem to Dixie sounds like an instant classic. Amy’s This Is Home Nashville CD has been out for several months now, but singer-songwriters this solid are timeless.
BEN GLOVER/Oh Soul
Writers: Ben Glover/Mary Gauthier; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Publishers: Carpe Vita Creative/Mary Gauthier, PRS/ASCAP; Carpe Vita Creative
-This Irish artist is now a Nashville resident. His fourth CD, titled Atlantic, features this lightly throbbing lament of a man who has lost his emotional compass. His soulful voice has just a touch of rasp, and he builds his song into a gospel-tinged epic with the help Lo Carter and April Rucker. Essential listening.