Industry Pics: Home Free, Hunter Hayes, WMBA

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Columbia Records’ Home Free Makes Opry Debut

Columbia Records’ Home Free made their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night (July 17) and were warmly welcomed with a standing ovation. The Season 4 winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off performed their unique spins on Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is A Highway” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Immediately following their set, Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher invited them back for another performance.

“We were overwhelmed by the crowd’s response during our debut at the Grand Ole Opry. We were just honored to be among country royalty in Vince and Larry on Friday,” said Home Free’s Tim Foust. “We never imagined we would receive multiple standing ovations and get invited back on the spot!”

Pictured (L to R): Pete Fisher, Vice President and General Manager, Grand Ole Opry; Home Free's Tim Foust, Adam Rupp, Chris Rupp, Rob Lundquist and Austin Brown; Opry member Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Vice President and General Manager, Grand Ole Opry; Home Free’s Tim Foust, Adam Rupp, Chris Rupp, Rob Lundquist and Austin Brown; Opry member Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo

Hunter Hayes Opens The Notes For Notes Studio

CMA Award winner Hunter Hayes was on hand Saturday (July 18) on behalf of the CMA Foundation to open the Notes for Notes studio at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta. The multi-instrumentalist met and toured the recording space with Notes for Notes youth and performed his new single “21” as the ceremonial first song to christen the studio.

Pictured (L-R): CEO/Founder Philip Gilley, Hunter Hayes, and CMA Community Outreach Manager Tiffany Kerns at the opening of the Notes for Notes studio at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta Saturday, July 18.

Pictured (L-R): CEO/Founder Philip Gilley, Hunter Hayes, and CMA Community Outreach Manager Tiffany Kerns at the opening of the Notes for Notes studio in Atlanta.

WMBA Hosts Film/TV And Sync Licensing Panel At ASCAP

The Nashville Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) hosted its July membership meeting on Tuesday, July 21 at ASCAP’s Music Row offices. The panel which focused on the ins and outs of licensing for film, television and advertising, featured Nashville licensing experts Heather Cook, Creative Manager, Advertising Markets at peermusic; Gary Earl, Producer, multi-instrumentalist, mixer and writer at Gary Earl Productions; Paul Logan, Music Supervisor & Creative Music Integration at CMT; and Jennifer Wolczyk, Music Licensing & Artist Management at Whizbang, Inc.

​Pictured (L-R): WMBA Events & Education Co-Chair/Compass Records Group's Stacy Scism, Earl, Cook, Wolczyk, Logan and WMBA President/ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski.​

​Pictured (L-R): WMBA Events & Education Co-Chair/Compass Records Group’s Stacy Scism, Earl, Cook, Wolczyk, Logan and WMBA President/ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.​

Rich Bengloff Steps Down from A2IM Presidency

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a2im logo 2015Rich Bengloff is stepping down as President of A2IM, the American Association of Independent Music, after more than eight years in the role.

Vice President Molly Neuman will serve as interim President while the organization seeks a new leader.

According to A2IM’s announcement, Bengloff “spearheaded the organization’s role in changing public and industry perceptions, and has overseen many critical achievements for the organization including, but not limited to, the recognition and highlighting of the growth of the Independent Market Share based on ownership, creating a Washington D.C. presence with greater visibility for Indie Music Labels among D.C. and State and Local lawmakers, the ability to rally for equitable licensing terms, and the establishment of music’s first government-funded export trade programs… We thank him for building a base, tripling the organization’s membership and revenues during his tenure, all of which cumulatively will allow A2IM to flourish in the coming years.”

Bengloff added, “I considered my tenure as A2IM president as the greatest personal and professional honor of my career and thank our members for their trust and faith in me and the A2IM staff. But believing in term limits, as exists for the A2IM board, it’s time for a fresh look. While the search for the next President ensues I will be advising and consulting during the transition and I hope to keep in touch with many of our members going forward. I especially would like to thank the A2IM staff for their hard work and achievements…”

A2iM’s membership is comprised of over 360 labels and over 150 service providers.

Nashvillians on the A2IM Board of Directors include Dualtone CEO/Co-Founder Scott Robinson, and Curb Records Vice President Taylor Childress.

FGL And Kellie Pickler Surprise Nashvillians on New Reality Show ‘Knock Knock’

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Photo: Katherine Bomboy Thornton

FGL and Kellie Pickler on Knock Knock: Live. Photo: Katherine Bomboy Thornton

Florida Georgia Line and Kellie Picker changed some unsuspecting people’s lives last night in Nashville (July 21) on the premiere episode of a new gameshow called Knock Knock: Live on Fox. Guided by Ryan Seacrest from a mission control room, celebs surprise fans with amazing gifts and wishes fulfilled.

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest

Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard handed out a trip aboard their This Is How We Cruise in November. The award-winning duo also presented several FGL-inspired items and t-shirts from the Tribe Kelley line. Watch here.

“With unscripted, live TV we weren’t really sure what to expect but it was such a cool moment to share with our fans,” said Hubbard. “They were definitely surprised and I think there may have been a few excited tears.”

Kelley added, “To give back like this is a reminder of why we get to do what we love and we’re looking forward to hosting these fans on our cruise this fall. It’ll be another celebration for sure.”

Co-host Pickler was on hand to introduce FGL and gift $5,000 in prizes.

The live reality TV event is from Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

Stars including Luke Bryan, David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande will appear on future episodes.

Merle Haggard to Headline Ink-N-Iron Festival in August

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Ink-n-ironMerle Haggard has been tapped to headline Nashville’s first Ink-N-Iron Festival Aug. 6 at the Bicentennial Mall Park. The cultural festival featuring music, arts, and more will also have performances by Shooter Jennings with Waymore’s Outlaws, Jim Lauderdale & The Dream Players, Billy Joe Shaver, Hayes Carll, Asleep At The Wheel and the Quebe Sisters along with many more over the four-day event.

A special rockabilly showcase with performances by some of the legends of Sun Records will take place Aug. 8. A vintage fashion bazaar, motorcycle craftsman contest, hot rod show, and tattoo artist gathering are just a few of the events on tap for the edgy festival.

Tickets and more information on the festival can be purchased at nashville.ink-n-iron.com.

CMA Continues Promotional Partnership with Music Choice

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CMA music fest tv special 2015The County Music Association is continuing its strategic promotional partnership with Music Choice, the No. 1 free video on demand provider in the U.S.

The partnership includes CMA Music Festival content appearing on Music Choice On Demand, Music Choice Music Channels, the Music Choice app, and MusicChoice.com.

Music Choice will promote CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, which airs Tuesday, Aug. 4 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. On Music Choice Video On Demand, a top-level CMA Music Festival category will be available featuring behind-the-scenes content from this year’s festival as well as music videos from Little Big Town, Sam Hunt, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. The Today’s Country Music Channel will also feature a CMA Music Festival takeover leading up to the special from Aug. 1-4. CMA Music Festival artist facts and images will appear across other country channels.

Music Choice will also promote CMA content through 2015 for marquee events including The 49th Annual CMA Awards and CMA Country Christmas.

Music Choice is available in 50 million homes nationwide.

Sony/ATV Nashville Promotes Josh Van Valkenburg To Sr. VP

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Josh Van Valkenburg 2015

Josh Van Valkenburg

Sony/ATV Nashville has promoted Josh Van Valkenburg to the role of Senior Vice President, Nashville A&R.

In his new position, Van Valkenburg will head up Nashville A&R and will be responsible for new songwriter and artist signings, continuing to develop Sony/ATV’s existing roster, and managing the A&R creative team.

Van Valkenburg will report to Sony/ATV Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson who oversees the company’s Nashville operation.

Tomlinson said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Josh for the past three years since he joined our team with the acquisition of EMI Music Publishing. He has proven his ability to recognize and develop new talent and has the ability to relate to the various players in the Nashville music community. Additionally, Josh has demonstrated leadership skills that will both challenge and inspire our A&R team.”

Van Valkenburg commented, “It’s an honor to lead the A&R team of such a distinguished and historic publishing house. I’m excited to work alongside such an innovative, focused and passionate creative team and I strongly believe that we can continue to build upon our culture here—one that appreciates, cares for and protects its songwriters. We are blessed to work under the same roof as some of the best and brightest songwriters in Nashville and we will continue to deliver for them at the highest level. I want to thank Marty Bandier, Danny Strick and especially Troy Tomlinson for their belief in me. I look forward to making the most of this opportunity.”

Van Valkenburg began his career at EMI in 2005. Since joining Sony/ATV he has guided the songwriting careers of hit writer/producers Ross Copperman and Chris DeStefano, CMA New Artist of the Year Brett Eldredge, platinum-selling artist Chase Rice and rising stars JOHNNYSWIM, as well as CMA Triple Play songwriter Jon Nite.

Sony/ATV Nashville houses country music’s most revered catalogs including Acuff-Rose, Tree and EMI’s associated Nashville companies. It has been named BMI’s Publisher of the Year for an unprecedented 13 consecutive years, as well as Billboard’s Country Publisher of the Year for the same time period.

Publishing Hirings: Brahan Joins Big Yellow Dog, Segura to Centricity

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Elizabeth Brahan

Elizabeth Brahan

Brahan to Big Yellow Dog

Elizabeth Brahan has joined Big Yellow Dog Music as Catalog Manager. An MTSU alumna, Brahan graduated with an honors degree in Music Business & Recording Industry, and has held previous positions as Catalog Manager at Combustion Music, and Licensing and Administrative Assistant at Big Loud Bucks Administration.

“Elizabeth’s experience, worth ethic and attitude are the perfect combination for this position. She is a true asset to our staff,” said Big Yellow Dog A&R Director, Danni O’Neill.

Centricity Names Segura VP

Chad Segura has been named Vice President of Centricity Publishing. In his new role, Segura will oversee the development of songwriter and artist relationships, Centricity’s catalog, and sync opportunities.

Before joining Centricity Segura did stints at Capitol CMG Publishing, Word Music Publishing and his own company, Meld Music. He has guided the careers of artists King & Country, Matthew West, Chris Tomlin, and many others.

“To have someone with Chad’s experience and qualifications join the Centricity team is humbling,” says Steve Ford, GM of Centricity Music. “Chad has spent his career serving artists and writers who are making an impact for Christ. When Chad and I had our early conversations about joining the team it felt like he was the perfect fit for our culture.”

Chad Segura

Chad Segura

Bluebird Goes Bluecoat For Liverpool Music Festival

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Bluebird-CafeThe Bluebird Café will travel to the home of the Beatles for the first time ever Aug. 29 as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival. The three-part event, “The Bluebird at The Bluecoat,” will recreate the Bluebird magic for UK listeners at in-the-round shows featuring Jim Lauderdale, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Kim Richey and Don Henry alongside aspiring UK songwriters who have won a national competition to perform.

The show’s idea originated from Emma Foxall, Director of Monkey Mind Productions, a Liverpool songwriter who spent a few years in Nashville waitressing and playing at the Bluebird herself. In January an open call was put out to writers for a chance to win a trip to Music City to work with Nashville writers, attend Tin Pan South, and play the Bluebird. The open call winners, Karen Turley and Kirsty McGee, were selected by Monkey Mind Productions, Bob Harris with BBC Radio 2, David Macias from Thirty Tigers, Bluebird COO Erika Wollam, ASCAP’s Ralph Murphy, and Yaw Owusu of the Liverpool International Music Festival.

The Bluecoat venue will be transformed into the Bluebird for these special shows, which will mark the start of a synergistic relationship and talent development initiative between Liverpool and Nashville.

“The relationship between the two cities, Liverpool and Nashville, and their musical history is unmistakeable,” said Wollam. “Great songs have come from both these cities—songs that have changed the world. For The Bluebird Cafe to connect in this way with Liverpool’s musical heritage is a significant joining of hands and one we hope will continue beyond this initial partnership.”

Clint Black Plans New Album With Thirty Tigers

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clintblack 2015Clint Black has signed a record deal with Nashville-based entertainment company Thirty Tigers and will release his first album in nearly a decade. The as-yet-untitled project is expected this fall.

“Thirty Tigers has an independent spirit,” said Black. “They believe in allowing artists the creative freedom to create music we can all be passionate about. What’s more, I value and appreciate that their focus lies squarely where it belongs—on the music.”

“Thirty Tigers is a place that values not only great songwriters, but great performers,” said David Macias, Thirty Tigers President. “Clint is one of the format’s best at both. I could not be more excited about this new album—it’s long overdue—and for Thirty Tigers to get the chance to work with an artist of Clint’s caliber, whose music I’ve loved for so long, is truly an honor.”

Black has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and charted nearly two dozen No. 1 singles including “Nothing But The Taillights,” “Like The Rain” and “When I Said I Do.”

 

Parallel Music Publishing Re-Signs Songwriter Lance Carpenter

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Back Row L-R: Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb, LLP; Seated L-R: Hannah Showmaker, Parallel Music Publishing; Lance Carpenter; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing.

(L-R) back row: Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb, LLP; Seated: Hannah Showmaker, Parallel Music Publishing; Lance Carpenter; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing.

Hit songwriter Lance Carpenter has re-signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Parallel Music Publishing.

“I am so blessed to be able to to continue my music journey with Parallel Entertainment,” says Carpenter. “Before moving to town in 2011, a good friend said ‘Buddro when you move to Nashville you’ll meet a lot family you never knew you had’ and it truly feels like a family at Parallel. To have a home on music row with a publisher like Tim Hunze and his team is just incredible.”

Carpenter moved to Nashville in 2011 and in 18 short months signed his first publishing deal and secured two major cuts. He co-wrote Kelsea Ballerini’s recent No. 1 song, “Love Me Like You Mean It.”

“Lance is one of the hardest working writers I know, but above that he is simply a great human being,” says Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing, partner. “Lance will have a long and very successful career and we are excited to be a part of it.”