April 2015 - Page 10 of 24

ACM’s 50th Anniversary Show Gets Ratings Spike

April 20, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

15.77 million viewers tuned in to CBS for the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards last night (April 19), giving the awards show not only the highest draw of the evening, but its highest ratings since 1998.

From 8:00-11:30 p.m., The Academy of Country Music Awards were first in adults 25-54 (4.6/12), adults 18-49 (3.6/11) and adults 18-34 (2.6/09). Compared to last year’s event (from 8:00-11:02 p.m. on April 6, 2014), The ACM Awards was up six percent in adults 18-49 (from 3.4/09), up seven percent in adults 25-54 (from 4.3/10), up four percent in adults 18-34 (from 2.5/08) and added 1.45 million viewers (from 14.32 million viewers, up 10 percent).

CBS was first in viewers for the night, garnering 14.61 million, adults 25-54 (4.0/10), and adults 18-49 (3.0/08), outranking NBC, ABC, and FOX in viewers.

Touchdown! ACM Awards Score At Dallas Stadium

April 20, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton are ready to take on Tony Romo.

Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton are ready to take on Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo.

Last night’s (April 19) ACM Awards proved that everything is bigger in Texas. The 50th anniversary event, staged at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, was a performance-packed extravaganza with more than 70,000 fans in attendance.

Country music was glossier than ever, with co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton looking spiffy throughout the night. Watching in the audience, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood seemed like the president and first lady of country.

The energy in the stadium was strong, and the top-notch sets were filled with plenty of flash and video. With a football field’s worth of floor space, there were multiple stages and room for artists to run through the crowd.

The genre’s history was on display throughout the night, starting with Eric Church and Keith Urban’s opening number “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag.” They went straight into current single “Raise ‘Em Up,” maintaining the balance between saluting the past and keeping it current.

Texas King George Strait performed his classic, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and then “Let It Go,” the lead single from his upcoming album.

Florida Georgia Line gave new meaning to ring of fire, with their performance of current single “Sippin’ On Fire” while pyrotechnics blazed around them in a circle.

Martina McBride reminded us that she’d been singing about spectacular fires since 1994, offering her modern country classic “Independence Day” with as pristine a voice as when she first recorded it.

Miranda Lambert, a four-time winner last night, was a Texas spitfire onstage. As usual, she gave one of the evening’s best showings, blending “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Little Red Wagon” with an eye-catching black and red set and wardrobe. When her tune “Automatic” won Song of the Year, she accepted with co-writer Natalie Hemby, who looked gorgeous for the occasion, and they saluted fellow co-writer Nicolle Galyon, who is home with her new baby with husband Rodney Clawson.

Miranda Lambert accepts ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award Recipient - Most Awarded Solo Female Artist.

Miranda Lambert accepts ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award for Most Awarded Solo Female Artist.

Medleys were a big part of the show, as producers kept the momentum at a maximum with hit after hit. Reba melded “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia,” and new single “Going Out Like That.” Four decades after signing her first record contract, the girl’s still got it.

Jason Aldean kept the party going with “Hicktown”/ “My Kinda Party”/ “She’s Country”/ “Tonight Looks Good On You.”

Shelton (“Sangria”), Kenny Chesney (“Young”/ “Wild Child”) and Bryan (“I See You”) were engaging as always. Brooks & Dunn reunited for “My Maria” and Alan Jackson was solemn but impactful on “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).” Offering new songs, Lady A’s “Long Stretch of Love” had a cool, Fleetwood Mac-esque groove, and Brad Paisley gave the live TV debut of “Crushin’ It.” New artist nominee Thomas Rhett exhibited some slick dance moves during “Make Me Wanna.”

Garth Brooks’ performance of “All-American Kid” was a major highlight, with members of the military marching out, while a section of the audience held up cards that formed a picture of the American flag. Given his recent return to country music, the lyric about the “all-American comeback kid” is especially appropriate.

Garth Brooks accepts Milestone Award—Most Awarded ACM Entertainer Of The Year.

A few artists took the less-is-more approach with their sets. Little Big Town and Dierks Bentley went low tech for “Girl Crush,” and “Riser,” respectively, letting the lyrics do the talking. Bentley was looking hip with his wavy Eurohawk ‘do.

Joining country from the outer realms were Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, Christina Aguilera, Nick Jonas, Taylor Swift and mother Andrea Swift.

Dan + Shay teamed with Jonas for the latter’s hit “Jealous.” Xtina sang “Riot” with Rascal Flatts. (The pop star/The Voice coach is also in the middle of starring in an arc on Nashville. With so many current Music City connections, observant insiders can’t help but wonder: Is Christina going country?) Speaking of, newly signed BMLG/Dot Records artist Steven Tyler was on hand for the grand finale, presenting Luke Bryan his second Entertainer of the Year trophy.

For a full list of last night’s winners, click here.

ACM co-hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, with Milestone Award winners Reba, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, trophy/ jewelry designer David Yurman, George Strait, Taylor Swift and Brooks & Dunn.

Photos: courtesy of ACM

Broadcasters Aim For Blocked FM Radio Tuners Inside Smartphones

April 20, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) are in a lobbying campaign to let the American public know they are paying for FM radios built in to their smartphones but the feature is deactivated in an estimated two-thirds of devices.

The issue surfaced during the broadcaster convention in Las Vegas, notably in Monday’s (April 13) opening speech from NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith.

“The HTC in Motorola phones have not been blocked,” said Jeff Smulyan, the point man on this issue for the NAB, to NPR. But Samsung, iPhone and LG have all had the chips turned off. Now for Sprint, we know all the phones (except iPhones) have the chip turned on. These phones are manufactured for global use, and in the rest of the world this isn’t an issue, [the FM receivers] are turned on and people listen to them.”

Broadcasters are appealing to consumers who pay for data, noting that the FM tuner could save millions of dollars of data charges, battery life, and provide emergency resources in case of a power outage.

“We have said to the carriers, ‘We will offer you a share of interactive revenues to recognize you are giving up data that they would be otherwise selling to the American public,” concluded Smulyan.

In 2013 the NAB, NPR and American Public Media teamed to create NextRadio, a free smartphone app that would access the FM chip. But the chip is inaccessible most notably by AT&T and Verizon Wireless devices. The NextRadio app is now owned by Emmis Communications.

Industry Ink: SESAC, Guy Clark, Green Hills Music Group

April 20, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Panattoni Development Awarded $13.9 million Permit For New SESAC Headquarters Building

A $13.9 million permit has been issued to Panattoni Development, to finish the 95,000-square-foot building that will house the new headquarters for performing rights organization SESAC. According to the Nashville Post, Alston Construction is building the five story structure and adjacent parking garage, which is located at 35 Music Sq. E.

Also of note: The crane that is being used on the site is limited to 137 feet in height, and has to be dismantled by Oct. 1.

Kickstarter Campaign Started for Guy Clark Documentary

Guy Clark Old Friends Reunion on Nov. 6, 2014. Front row: Robert Earl Keen, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Guy Clark and Maude the dog. Back row: Steve Earle, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely and Terry Allen.

A documentary on singer-songwriter Guy Clark is one step closer to fruition, thanks to the donations of friends, fans, and colleagues. A Kickstarter campaign has been created for the documentary Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, a documentary focusing on Clark’s life and career. Clark’s former publicist Tamara Saviano is set to oversee the project.

Saviano has spent the past seven years working on Clark’s biography, which is scheduled to be published in time for Guy’s 75th birthday on Nov. 6, 2016.

The documentary Without Getting Killed or Caught includes exclusive interview footage with Clark and his friends and family. The film integrates audio and video footage from personal interviews, one-of-a-kind photos and images from Clark’s private collection, and unique historical footage. He learned to play guitar from his father’s law partner, worked for the shrimp boat builders in the harbor, read poetry, and was awarded a National Science Foundation grant for summer study at M.D. Anderson Hospital.

There are 30 days left in the campaign, which aims to raise $75,000 for the project.

For more information on the Kickstarter campaign, visit kickstarter.com.

Green Hills Music Group, Grin Like A Dog Songs To Showcase Artists at Bluebird Cafe

Green Hills Music Group and Grin Like A Dog Songs will present several of their singer-songwriters in a writers round at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday, April 22, beginning at 6 p.m.

The lineup includes Danika Portz, Steve Mitchell, Rich Karg, and Hannah Mulholland.

50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Winners List

April 19, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Luke Bryan wins Entertainer of the Year at this year’s ACM Awards.

The Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated 50 years last night with a star-studded show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Luke Bryan, who co-hosted with Blake Shelton, took home Entertainer of the Year, while Jason Aldean earned Male Vocalist of the Year.

Miranda Lambert earned Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year (for Platinum), and Song of the Year (for “Automatic,” which she co-wrote with Natalie Hemby and Nicolle Galyon).

Meanwhile, Lee Brice‘s “I Don’t Dance” was named Single Record of the Year.

Florida Georgia Line earned the Vocal Duo of the Year honor, as well as Vocal Event of the Year, for “This Is How We Roll” featuring Luke Bryan.

Little Big Town earned Vocal Group of the Year, while Cole Swindell was named New Artist of the Year. Earlier in the evening, Dierks Bentley‘s “Drunk On A Plane” garnered Video of the Year honors.

Throughout the evening, the ACM paid homage to several of country music’s biggest trailblazers, honoring them with the ACM Milestone Awards. Those honored during the evening included George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn.

Read MusicRow‘s full review here.

Miranda Lambert took home multiple awards at the 50th Annual ACM Awards.

Miranda Lambert took home multiple trophies at the 50th Annual ACM Awards.

Nominees (Winners Marked In Bold):

Milestone Awards
George Strait
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Garth Brooks
Kenny Chesney
Brooks & Dunn

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Florida Georgia Line

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of the Year
Brandy Clark
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
The Swon Brothers

Vocal Group Of The Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

New Artist of the Year
Cole Swindell
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett

Album of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Old Boots, New Dirt – Jason Aldean
Producer: Michael Knox
Record Label: Broken Bow Records

Pain Killer – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Platinum – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Riser – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jaren Johnston
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

The Outsiders – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
American Kids – Kenny Chesney
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Label: Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville

Automatic – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Dirt – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Republic Nashville

Drunk On A Plane – Dierks Bentley
Producer: Ross Copperman
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice
Producer: Lee Brice
Record Label: Curb Records

Song of the Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
American Kids – Kenny Chesney
Songwriters: Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally
Publishers: Big Red Toe Music (BMI), Creative Nation Music (BMI), Farm Town Songs (BMI), Smack Ink (ASCAP), Songs Of Universal, Inc. (BMI), Twangin And Slangin Songs (BMI), Universal Music Corporation (ASCAP)

Automatic – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Wruckestrike (BMI)

Drink A Beer – Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Jim Beavers, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: 351 Music (BMI), Highway 508 Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Smack Ink (ASCAP), Universal Music Corporation (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

Give Me Back My Hometown – Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Laird
Publishers: Creative Nation Music (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Songs Of Universal, Inc. (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Twangin And Slangin Songs (BMI)

I Hold On – Dierks Bentley
Songwriters: Dierks Bentley, Brett James
Publishers: Atlas Holdings (ASCAP), Big White Tracks (ASCAP), External Combustion Music (ASCAP), Songs of Brett (ASCAP), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

Video of the Year [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
American Kids – Kenny Chesney
Director: Shaun Silva
Producer: Don Lepore

Cop Car – Keith Urban
Director: John Urbano
Producer: Michelle Abnet

Drunk On A Plane – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Clarke Gallivan

I’m Not Gonna Miss You – Glen Campbell
Director: James Keach
Producer: Julian Raymond

Somethin’ Bad – Miranda Lambert Duet With Carrie Underwood
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Trent Hardville

Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)
Lonely Tonight – Blake Shelton Featuring Ashley Monroe
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

Meanwhile Back At Mama’s – Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw
Record Label: Big Machine Records

Somethin’ Bad – Miranda Lambert Duet With Carrie Underwood
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

The South – The Cadillac Three Featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley & Mike Eli
Producers: Dann Huff, Justin Niebank
Record Label: Big Machine Records

This Is How We Roll – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Republic Nashville

Stars Align in Dallas For ACM Lifting Lives Benefit Gala

April 19, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Nancy O’Dell, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Getty Images

Garth Brooks, Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, Keith Urban and Trisha Yearwood were all on hand in Dallas to kick off the weekend’s Academy of Country Music Awards festivities by bringing music to help raise funds for a good cause.

The ACM Lifting Lives Benefit Gala, the first fundraising gala for the Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm ACM Lifting Lives, was held at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The event was co-hosted by Nancy O’Dell and Montell Williams.

The Band Perry helped spotlight the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp during their performance of “Bright Eyes,” a song the trio penned with the camp’s attendees. Several of the campers from the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp joined them onstage for the performance. The camp is a partnership between Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and ACM Lifting Lives, with the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome, while providing campers with music enrichment. The Band Perry also offered renditions of “Better Dig Two” and “If I Die Young.”

Lady Antebellum performs. Photo: Getty Images

Lady Antebellum offered performances of their hits including “Need You Now,” “Downtown,” and “Run To You,” while Hunter Hayes offered hits such as “Storm Warning” and “Tattoo.” The ladies and gents of Little Big Town brought their tight-knit harmonies to songs such as “Day Drinking,” “Girl Crush,” and “Pontoon.”

Keith Urban brought his rock-influenced brand of country with a high-energy set that included “Put You In A Song,” “You Gonna Fly,” “Raise ‘Em Up,” and more. Urban then ushered Brooks to the stage for a rendition of his classic “Friends In Low Places,” before welcoming Yearwood, who performed “She’s In Love With The Boy,” accompanied by Urban on guitar.

Hunter Hayes performs. Photo: Getty Images

The evening closed with Brooks performing a rendition of “The Dance,” featuring Urban and Hayes.

The evening went on to raise approximately $1.5 million to benefit ACM Lifting Lives, as well as Garth Brooks’ charity Teammates For Kids. Since its inception 50 years ago, Lifting Lives has given more than $8 million in grants to more than 150 charitable causes, including Musicians On Call, Sophia’s Heart Foundation, W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School, Wounded Warriors, and more.

The ACM Lifting Lives Benefit Gala was presented by Mattress Firm.

Pictured (L-R): Little Big Town and The Band Perry. Photo: Getty Images

Kenny Chesney Launches No Shoes TV

April 17, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is bringing the fun of his The Big Revival Tour to fans across the nation, via the newly-launched No Shoes TV. The series is a quick-hit roundup of the best moments from this year’s The Big Revival Tour’s major stadium shows. Correspondent Deanna Kay, who launched the series from Chesney’s recent Nashville show at Bridgestone Arena, will catch up with Chesney’s No Shoes Nation in the parking lot, on the road, and anywhere during the shows.

Kay has been capturing pre-game action as part of ESPN Music’s “College Game Day” for several years, as well as interviewing celebrities for ESPN Music’s “Game Time with Deanna Kay.” Her previous work includes VH1’s “Big Morning Buzz,” MTV’s “House of Style,” “TRL,” and the annual “Video Music Awards,” among other shows.

“I’ve always said there is so much more to these shows and this tour than what happens onstage,” says Chesney. “The No Shoes Nation are the most passionate music lovers I’ve ever seen. When you get out amongst them, you can’t help but get swept up. And I wanted to give the people who can’t be there a chance to get the feel for the whole day… because some of what happens, you’ll never get a regular TV network to make part of a concert special.”

“My dream job is to be an on-camera host mixing sports, music and social media. I want to make people smile, be informative and fun,” Kay says.

Kay will also be a ticket source. During tour stops, she will hide tickets, leaving clues via social media (@NoShoesNation on Twitter/Instagram, as well as No Shoes Nation’s Facebook page) to give fans the opportunity to have scavenger hunt fun and get upgraded, as well as rewarding people with the best stories some of the coveted wristbands for the GA area down front.

Watch the first installment of No Shoes TV below.

Tony Brown Launches Digital ‘Journey Through Four Decades’

April 17, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Tony Brown. Photo: Dead Horse Branding

Producer/businessman/instrumentalist Tony Brown has launched a new website, featuring rare videos, photos and information. TonyBrownEnterprises.com covers Brown’s extensive book of musical work, and allows visitors to take a digital journey through four decades of his produced hits.

The ACM board member has been responsible for over 100 No. 1 singles and record sales exceeding the $100 million mark. He spent 19 years at MCA Records, leading the company to become Label of the Decade for the ’90s. He has produced tracks and/or albums for Lionel Richie, George Strait, Sara Evans, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna, Pat Green, Brooks and Dunn, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett and Trace Adkins. Brown is winner of four Grammys, four ACM Awards, and 10 CMA Awards. His career began as a musician playing with the Oak Ridge Boys, Elvis Presley, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell.

Recently Brown collaborated on Dave Grohl’s Sonic Highways, produced eight of the 12 tracks on Reba McEntire‘s latest album Love Somebody, and is currently in pre-production on the Curb Records debut project for Mo Pitney.

Fans can also stay connected with Brown’s latest projects via Facebook.

Bob Kingsley To Host “American Country Countdown Rewind”

April 17, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Bob Kingsley

Country radio icon Bob Kingsley is set to host the “American Country Countdown Rewind With Bob Kingsley,” starting Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 across all Cumulus-owned Nash Icon branded stations.

The three-hour program will feature country music from the ’90s and ’00s.

“I am first and foremost a fan of country music, and I’m delighted that we’re opening the vaults of ACC during one of country’s great eras,” stated Kingsley. “These shows spotlight both Hall Of Famers and exciting young acts and, as always, my role is part tour guide, part storyteller.”

The show is being made available to radio stations and markets via Westwood One.

For more information, contact Shawn Struder at [email protected].

Industry Ink: AIMP, Webster PR, Shelly Brown Jewelry Collection

April 17, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

AIMP Welcomes Copyright Office’s Charlesworth

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville recently hosted Jacqueline Charlesworth, General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights for the United States Copyright Office.

Charlesworth spoke of the Copyright Office’s recently released report “Copyright and the Music Marketplace,” which gives recommendations of changes to copyright law, fixing the system of licensing recorded music. The full report can be found here.

Pictured (L-R): Randy Wachtler (Warner/Chappell Production), John Ozier (ole), Craig Currier (peermusic), Ree Buchanan (AIMP Treasurer/Wrensong), John Allen (New West Records), Kim McCollum-Mele (Words & Music), Charlesworth, Denise Nichols (AIMP Secretary/Primacy Firm), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank), Marc Driskill (AIMP Exec. Director/Sea Gayle)

Shelly Brown Launches Jewelry Line

Shelly Brown wearing designs from her jewelry collection.

Shelly Brown, wife of three-time Grammy Award winner Zac Brown, has launched The Shelly Brown Jewelry Collection, the first in her series of fashion designs. The collection is described as versatile glam meets Boho-chic, and will debut exclusively at the New York Accessories and Jewelry Market on May 3-5.

The collection, comprised of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, is made in the USA, and pieces retail on average from $200-$400. Shelly creates each original piece by hand, with leather locally sourced at Southern Ground Artists in Brown’s native Atlanta. All final pieces are produced in Rhode Island.

Brown graduated with a Fashion Design Degree from Bauder College in Atlanta.

The line will be sold at retail stores fall 2015.

Webster PR Adds Kevin Lane To Staff

Kevin Lane

Webster Public Relations has added publicist Kevin Lane to its staff. Lane previously worked at Mercury Nashville as Sr. Director/Media and at Warner Bros. Records. A graduate of MTSU, Lane joined Network Ink after college, overseeing campaigns for Sammy Kershaw, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, and Kathy Mattea, among others.

Lane recently received his Masters from Full Sail University in Entertainment Business Management.

Lane can be reached at [email protected], or at 832-499-8035.