Mark Your Calendar – September 2015

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thomasrhett2015Album Releases

September 4
Brooke Hogan/I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend [EP]/Molly Dog Entertainment

September 11
Brett Eldredge/Illinois/Warner Bros.
Ben Folds/So There/New West Records
Jewel/Picking Up The Pieces/Sugar Hill Records

September 18
Clare Dunn/Clare Dunn [EP]/MCA
Leigh Nash/The State I’m In/Thirty Tigers
Mac McAnally/A.K.A. Nobody/Mailboat Records
Alabama/Southern Drawl/BMG
Home Free/Country Evolution/Columbia Records
Glen Campbell/British Live Performance Series [live]/Rainman Records

September 25
Thomas Rhett/Tangled Up/Valory Music Co.
Clint Black/On Purpose/Blacktop Records-Thirty Tigers
Don Henley/Cass County/Capitol Records
Kenny Rogers/Once Again It’s Christmas/Warner Bros.-WMN
Ron Block/Hogan’s House of Music
Patty Griffin/Servant of Love/PGM-Thirty Tigers

JoeNicholsFreaksLikeMeSingle Add Dates

September 7
Cassadee Pope/I Am Invincible/Big Machine
Macy Martin/Baby What Ya Doing/Go Time Records
Amanda Watkins/If I Was Over You/In2une Nashville
Tyler Steel/Drink #5/Magenta Records
Broseph E. Lee/Fill ‘Em On Up/Broseph

September 14
Brad Paisley/Country Nation/Arista Nashville
J. Michael Harter/Playing With Fire/Anozira Records-GMV Nashville
Michael Ray/Real Men Love Jesus/Warner Bros.- WEA
Rachele Lynae/Quicksand/Momentum-In2une Music
Dallas Smith/Kids With Cars/Blaster Records

September 21
Alabama/Wasn’t Through Lovin’ You Yet/BMG Music
Joe Nichols/Freaks Like Me/Red Bow Records
Emily Vance/Serendipity/Emily Vance Music
Jake Clayton/What Not To Do/Rebel Engine
Ashley Gearing/Train Track/Curb Records
Matt Gary/It’s On You/In2une Nashville

September 28
Southern Halo/Little White Dress/Southern Halo, LLC

foodwine1111Industry Events

September 1
9th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman in Nashville

September 9

  • 1st Mark Awards held at the Directors Guild of America headquarters in Los Angeles, after the one-day Production Music Conference
  • Songwriter contracts seminar at BMI Nashville from 10-11:15 a.m. ($10 for Arts & Business Council members, $15 for non-members)

September 10-14
CCMA’s Country Music Week in Halifax, Nova Scotia

September 15-20
2015 Americanafest in Nashville, Tenn. at the Hutton Hotel

September 18-19
iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

September 19-20
Music City Food + Wine Festival

September 24
WHO KNEW event

September 29
2015 SOURCE Awards at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium in Nashville

September 29-October 1
IBMA Business Conference and the Bluegrass Ramble in Raleigh, NC

CMT On Tour Releases Cities, Dates for ‘Suits and Boots’ Tour with Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett

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Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett will bring their soulful country sounds across the country this fall as co-headliners of CMT On Tour: Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett-Suits & Boots. The 14th installment of the CMT tour will launch Oct. 29 in New York City. BMLG artist Danielle Bradbery, season four winner of The Voice, joins the tour as a special guest.

Both Rhett and Eldredge will have plenty of new music to share with fans during the tour, from their respective sophomore releases. Eldredge’s Illinois releases Sept. 11, while Rhett’s Tangled Up will be out Sept. 25.

“Thomas Rhett and Brett are well on their way to becoming the superstars of our format. As they both celebrate back-to-back No. 1 singles, we’re beyond excited to have them co-headline the CMT Tour this year,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy, CMT. “On top of that, it’s an honor to celebrate and support Danielle Bradbery as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.”

For more information, visit cmtontour.cmt.com.

10/29/2015, New York, NY-Terminal 5
10/30/2015, Salisbury, MD-Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
10/31/2015, Salem, VA-Salem Civic Center
11/6/2015, Bangor, ME-Cross Insurance Center
11/7/2015, Hampton Beach, NH-Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
11/8/2015, Kingston, RI-Ryan Center
11/12/2015, Dodge City, KS-United Wireless Arena
11/13/2015, Kearney, NE-Viaero Events Center
11/14/2015, Sioux City, IA-Tyson Events Center
11/19/2015, Pikeville, KY-East Kentucky Exposition Center
11/21/2015, Independence, MO-Independence Events Center
12/3/2015, Youngstown, OH-Covelli Centre
12/4/2015, Fairfax, VA-EagleBank Arena
12/5/2015, Bethleham, PA-Sands Casino
12/9/2015, Kalamazoo, MI-Wings Stadium
12/10/2015, Toledo, OH-Huntington Center
12/11/2015, Chicago, IL-Rosemont Theatre
**More dates/markets to be announced.

Chris Young’s Fifth Studio Album To Release in November

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chris young i'm comin' over

Chris Young is set to release his fifth studio project, I’m Comin’ Over, on Nov. 13. The album’s lead single (and title track) is closing in on RIAA Gold certification, and Young says it’s an apt representation of the album as a whole.

“’I’m Comin’ Over’ is honestly such a sonic bridge for me, between what I sounded like on the last record and what we’ve done on this one,” Young said. “I think that this song is a really good introduction to what you’ll hear on the rest of this record.”

Super fan packages can be reserved at chrisyoungcountry.com starting tomorrow (Sept. 2). The bundles contain a Chris Young t-shirt, poster, flask, hoodie, keychain, koozie and coffee mug in addition to the new CD, I’m Comin’ Over.

Young will make a return appearance to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live tomorrow evening (Sept. 2) to perform the album’s title track.

The singer-songwriter will launch his I’m Comin’ Over World Tour Sept. 30 in Nashville at the new Ascend Amphitheater.

SESAC’s Simon Reid Signs With Diamond Eye Music

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Pictured (left to right): Diamond Eye Music’s Callie Benjamin and Chris Burch, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Reid and Diamond Eye’s Alyssa Adams. Photo: Bev Moser

Pictured (L-R): Diamond Eye Music’s Callie Benjamin and Chris Burch, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Reid and Diamond Eye’s Alyssa Adams. Photo: Bev Moser

SESAC-affiliated artist/songwriter/producer Simon Reid has signed a publishing agreement with Diamond Eye Music. Originally from the UK, Reid is also an accomplished session musician with 15 years of experience working with a variety of artists in Nashville studios.

As well as having an Honors degree from Edinburgh Napier University, he has produced a track for ABC Family’s 10 Things I Hate About You, co-written a song for The British Red Cross, won 1st place in The Pacific Songwriting Competition (Pop/Ballad category), and was awarded a place in the BBC Songwriters’ Academy in 2008.

As a session musician, Simon has performed live with The Wanted (BBC1), We See Lights (Canada), The Rise (Italy) and Jamie Kimmett (Italy).

Bone McAllester Norton Recruits Suzanne Kessler, Hank Adam Locklin

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Hank Adam Locklin

Hank Adam Locklin

Bone McAllester Norton PLLC announced today the addition of two entertainment attorneys to its Nashville firm. Suzanne Kessler, who previously served as an entertainment and transactional intellectual property attorney and consultant, and Hank Adam Locklin, the former Senior Adviser for Music and Entertainment Industries for the State of Tennessee, have joined the firm, expanding its entertainment law practice to four attorneys. They bring with them a combined total of 40 years of experience.

“The addition of Suzanne and Hank Adam brings a wealth of expertise and experience, enabling us to serve clients across the entertainment and IP spectrums,” said Charles W. Bone, founder and chairman of Bone McAllester Norton. “Both have been deeply embedded in the entertainment and music industries for decades. We could not be more excited to have them onboard and look forward to providing high-caliber work to all of our entertainment and IP clients.”

Suzanne Kessler

Suzanne Kessler

Kessler advises both traditional and new media clients, including record labels, recording artists, artist managers, film and television production companies and independent producers. Kessler previously served as Executive Director of the Nashville Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the GRAMMY organization); as Vice President of Business Development and Director of Legal Affairs at Universal Music Group; and as an attorney in private practice with an entertainment boutique law firm in Beverly Hills. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, she earned both a masters in communication (documentary film production) and a law degree from Stanford University. Kessler is a Class of 2005 Leadership Music graduate and currently serves as a board member for W.O. Smith Music School. She is also an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt Law School’s intellectual property program. She will practice in Bone McAllester Norton’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Law areas.

Locklin is an entertainment attorney who focuses his work on the creative and transactional ends of the music and entertainment industries. His executive experience relates to trade association management and administration, recording agreements, music production, artist/songwriter management, music publishing, sound recording licensing, touring and artist management. In his career, he has been responsible for overseeing and advising efforts to acquire A-level talent for state and government events, including the 2014 National Governor’s Association’s annual meeting; leading the recruitment of global entertainment companies to relocate or expand into Tennessee; and advising on numerous policy issues, including the Nashville television series.

Locklin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and is a Class of 2008 Leadership Music graduate. He is active in the local community, serving as a member of the Music City Music Council, charter board member of the Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, board member for the Women’s Music Business Association and a Shriner with the Al Menah Shrine Temple. Locklin will practice in the firm’s Entertainment Law area.

Stites & Harbison Launches Entertainment Practice

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TaylorS-color

Stephanie R. Taylor

Stites & Harbison, PLLC’s Nashville office has launched a new Entertainment Law practice with the addition of Member (Partner) Stephanie R. Taylor. Taylor will lead the team with help from current Stites & Harbison attorney, Jeremy Brook.

Taylor provides a broad range of legal services to clients involved in the creation, production and management of creative works. Besides being an accomplished attorney, Taylor is a classically trained violinist and has toured as a professional country/bluegrass fiddle player.

She received her J.D. and B.A. in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her M.B.A. from Belmont University. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Taylor was a Partner and Chair of the Entertainment Law Division at Bone McAllester Norton PLLC in Nashville. Prior to that, she was a tenured professor of music business at Middle Tennessee State University where she directed the school’s Recording Industry Exchange program with Russia.

“As the needs of the entertainment industry become more diverse, I am thrilled to have talented attorneys on my team with expertise in areas such as business transactions, litigation, real estate, estate planning and family law,” said Taylor. “I am confident the team approach at Stites will benefit my clients in all facets of their life and career.”

“We are thrilled to have Stephanie join us,” stated Gregory D. Smith, Nashville Office Executive Member. “She is a wonderful individual, a very fine lawyer, and a world-class fiddle player. She has built an impressive entertainment law practice, and we look forward to working with Stephanie and her clients.”

Outside of the firm, Taylor is active in community and professional organizations. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Taylor also donates her time to Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts. She is a member of the American Bar Association (Entertainment and Sports Law Forum), Americana Music Association, Country Music Association, International Bluegrass Music Association, The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and the Tennessee Bar Association (Entertainment and Sports Law Forum).

ASCAP, Logan’s Roadhouse Partner To Support Emerging Artists, Songwriters

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logans and ascapASCAP and Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants today (Sept. 1) announced a partnership to support emerging country music songwriters and artists. The new agreement will include integrated live performances, multiple philanthropic endeavors, mentorship programs, financial support for educational music programs, exposure to top music executives and a unique music experience for Logan’s Roadhouse patrons.

The Nashville based restaurant chain will also showcase an ASCAP-curated playlist in all of its 230 company-operated restaurants, which will feature emerging artists and independent artists. The playlist, which is already rolling out to restaurants in many states, will be updated over time.

ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Michael Martin commented, “We are constantly striving for new and creative ways to help our talented members get the exposure they deserve. This agreement provides a unique opportunity to do just that.”

ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said, “For music to thrive, it takes not only gifted songwriters dedicated to their craft and careers, but businesses who recognize and support the value of music. We are thrilled to form this alliance with the visionary folks at Logan’s Roadhouse, who are committed to fostering music discovery and appreciation throughout their communities. They are truly kindred spirits, and this unprecedented partnership will shine a new light on not only some of country music’s exciting new songwriter-artists, but on the powerful relationship between ASCAP and one of our important licensing customers.”

“ASCAP inspires a collaborative community of songwriters and musicians while working to insure those artists are compensated for their creative work sufficient to support their families,” said Sam Borgese, President and CEO of Logan’s Roadhouse, “and we are guided by likeminded core values that motivated us to form this alliance, supporting artists and creating unique experiences for our customers at the same time. With Nashville as our home, we have first-hand exposure to immense musical talent, and we are committed to creating new platforms for emerging songwriters and musicians in all of the communities we touch across the country—from small towns to big cities—through this alliance with ASCAP.”

Williams, Borgese, Martin and surprise guests will share more news about the alliance at a news conference on Sept. 15.

Pandora To Celebrate 10 Years With Day of Ad-Free Listening

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pandora-logoPandora is slated to celebrate a decade of business with Listener Love Day on Sept. 9, when the service will go commercial-free for U.S. listeners for 24 hours. The event is sponsored by Pandora One.

“Listener Love Day is a celebration of a decade of connecting music fans to the artists that matter to them,” said Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora, in a statement. “This is a thank you to each and every listener who has tuned in to Pandora over the past 10 years.”

Pandora has grown to boast 80 million monthly listeners since its inception, and includes more than 8 billion stations. Pandora will also celebrate 10 years with a “10×10 mixtape,” which catalogs songs that have received the most “thumbs up” from users over the past decade.

Listener Love Day will begin at 12:00am ET on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

UMPG Extends Deal with Sam Hunt

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Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville has extended its exclusive, worldwide representation of country singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, according to Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville.

Through the deal with Hunt and publishing partner Chris Hunter, UMPG Nashville will continue to represent Hunt’s entire catalogue, including all songs on his debut studio album, Montevallo (MCA Nashville), which has sold over 700,000 copies in the U.S. The album has garnered several hits including the No. 1 singles, “Leave The Night On,” “House Party” and “Take Your Time.” “Take Your Time” and “Leave the Night On” have already been RIAA certified platinum with over 1 million units sold.

“Sam Hunt is a game changer for the country format and is defining a new direction of country music. His influence reaches beyond the expected and his ability to engage a fresh fan base is exciting for country music. We are beyond excited and proud to continue our relationship with Sam and Chris Hunter,” said Earls.

“Excited to be working with UMPG. These guys have always been good to me,” said Hunt.

Hunt previously found success writing songs for other artists, landing a No. 1 hit with Kenny Chesney‘s “Come Over” in 2012, followed by Billy Currington‘s “We Are Tonight” and Keith Urban‘s “Cop Car” in 2013.