Save The Date: MusicRow’s 2016 ‘Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards’

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SaveTheDate_CRS2016

MusicRow Magazine announces the date for its 2016 Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.

The invitation-only event will welcome MusicRow subscribed members and radio executives in downtown Nashville on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, beginning at 1 p.m. Invitations requesting RSVPs will be sent in January.

The ceremony occurs before Country Radio Seminar which attracts radio broadcasters from across the country for events Feb. 8-11, 2016.

MusicRow‘s afternoon will include the presentation of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Given annually, these honors recognize artists who earned the most airplay on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart during the preceding year. For 14 years, the CountryBreakout Chart has led the market for country radio’s secondary stations. Additionally, the event will feature performances from some of country music’s most promising rising artists.

“The value of the MusicRow chart is greater than it has ever been before,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “We are proud to pay homage to this important segment of our radio industry. Not only does the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart give insight to radio’s future trends, but it provides a fluid platform for established artists to expand success and allows new artists to begin their careers and create initial momentum.”

In-depth profiles of the yet-to-be-revealed awards winners will be included in the February/March 2016 edition of MusicRow Magazine, set to debut at the awards ceremony. Copies of the print issue will be available for attendees. MusicRow paid subscribers will receive copies by mail. Magazines are also available for purchase anytime at musicrow.com or the magazine’s 17th Avenue headquarters in Nashville.

Read more about last year’s exciting event:

Bobby Karl Works the 2015 Country Radio Meet & Greet

Loretta Lynn Comes ‘Full Circle’ On First Studio Album In More Than A Decade

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Loretta Lynn Full Circle

Loretta Lynn is set to release her first project of new music in over a decade. Produced by daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash, Full Circle was recorded at Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tenn., and will release on March 4, 2016 via Legacy Recordings.

The 13 recordings include original tracks alongside the 83-year-old country legend’s interpretations of country classics such as “Black Jack David” and “I Never Will Marry.” It is also volume one of the Cash Cabin Recordings, a series of new album projects created at Cash Cabin Studio.

Full Circle includes a duet with Willie Nelson on “Lay Me Down,” as well as guest vocals from Elvis Costello on “Everything It Takes.” Lynn offers a new rendition of “Whispering Sea,” the first song she ever wrote. She also revives songs from her own catalog of hits, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Fist City.”

PBS is set to release a new documentary commemorating Lynn’s life and career. American Masters-Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl will premiere Friday, March 4, 2016.

Full Circle is available for pre-order at amazon.com.

Full Circle Track Listing

  1. “Whispering Sea (Introduction)”
  2. “Whispering Sea”
  3. “Secret Love”
  4. “Who’s Gonna Miss Me?”
  5. “Black Jack David”
  6. “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”
  7. “Always On My Mind”
  8. “Wine Into Water”
  9. “In The Pines”
  10. “Band Of Gold”
  11. “Fist City”
  12. “I Never Will Marry”
  13. “Everything It Takes” (featuring Elvis Costello)
  14. “Lay Me Down” (featuring Willie Nelson)

City National Bank Has New Ownership

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city-national-co-logoRoyal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canada’s largest bank, completed the acquisition of City National Corporation last week (Nov. 2). The deal had been approved by the boards of both companies and announced in January of this year.

Calling the acquisition a major milestone for both City National Bank and RBC, Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC says, “City National is a great addition to RBC. I’m excited about combining our capabilities to deepen client relationships and to serve a broader client base with the aim of being the preferred provider in the U.S. to corporate, institutional, commercial and high-net worth clients and their businesses. Ultimately, our strategy is underpinned by a foundation of helping clients thrive, communities prosper and employees succeed.”

“We will continue to operate essentially as we do today and continue to grow,” says Diane Pearson, City National’s Sr. VP, Entertainment Division.

City National Sr. VP and Team Leader, Lori Badgett adds, “City National found the ideal partner in Royal Bank of Canada and this compelling combination will allow us to preserve and enhance what we can do for our clients, especially in the music business, and offer more support to the local communities we serve”

Based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of RBC’s common shares on October 30, 2015 of $56.83, the total transaction value is at $5 billion and will be paid with $2.6 billion in cash and 41.6 million RBC common shares. In addition, RBC will issue $275 million of RBC first preferred shares in exchange for all outstanding shares of City National preferred stock.

RBC previously announced they will combine its U.S. Wealth Management unit and City National into one line of business to be reported as part of the RBC Wealth Management segment. City National CEO Russell Goldsmith will lead the combined line of business from Los Angeles, where City National is headquartered and where it will continue to operate under the City National name.

Goldman says the acquisition marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in City National’s remarkable history adding, “RBC is the ideal partner for us and, over time, we plan to grow market share in the communities and among the industries that our company serves. We also intend to create new opportunities by working closely with RBC’s outstanding U.S. Wealth Management and U.S. Capital Markets businesses. Through this compelling combination, many of RBC’s clients and business-owners, entrepreneurs and their families and companies will gain access to City National’s excellent products, services and colleagues.”

The combined entity will include approximately 2,100 financial advisors in the U.S. with U.S.-based client assets of $336 billion in wealth and asset management.

Warner Music Nashville, Uber To Give Artists A ‘Big Break’

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warner music nashvilleWarner Music Nashville and Uber have teamed up to give rising talent a way to their music heard. Today (Tuesday, Nov. 10), the #UberBigBreak campaign will allow artists to request a meeting with top industry executives by entering the code BIGBREAK to unlock a special option in the app slider any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. today. If connected, they will be picked up and taken to an exclusive, face-to-face meeting with a top industry executive set to hear their music.

“We live in a songwriter’s city, and our core mission at Warner Music Nashville is to discover the best new talent and develop careers for artists that we believe in,” said John Esposito, CEO, Warner Music Nashville. “Uber Big Break is a groundbreaking partnership that marries technology and music in a fun new way to give aspiring artists a chance at stardom, and we always look forward to hearing new music.”

In addition to Esposito, the Warner Music Nashville executives available for meetings include Executive President of A&R Scott Hendricks, Vice President of A&R Cris Lacy and Vice President of National Promotion Kristen Williams as well as Damon Whiteside, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships at the Country Music Association and Hunter Kelly, Senior Correspondent at Rare Country.

“Nashville truly is Music City, full of incredible artists, and we’re super excited to provide an opportunity for folks to showcase their talent to some the industry’s leading executives at the touch of button,” said Luke Marklin, general manager of Uber Nashville. “Being able to leverage our technology and bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this to Nashville residents is something we hope our users will really enjoy.”

Songwriter Even Stevens To Release Autobiography

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Even Stevens

Songwriter Even Stevens, writer behind hits such as Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” and “Drivin’ My Life Away,” has penned an autobiography detailing his life as a songwriter.

In Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town (Heritage Builders Publishing), Stevens chronicles his ups and downs in the Nashville music industry. Thirteen of Stevens’ songs have earned BMI Millionaire status, representing more than 143 years of consecutive radio airplay.

Stevens’ songs have been recorded by: Joe Cocker, Tim McGraw, Eddie Rabbitt, Martina McBride, George Jones, Julio Iglesias, Kenny Chesney, Conway Twitty, Elvis Costello, J.D. Souther, Sammie Smith, B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, Engelbert Humperdinck, Blake Shelton, Marilyn McCoo, Tom Jones, Shel Silverstein, Mac Davis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Steel Pulse, Micky Gilley, Lacy J. Dalton, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Glen Campbell, Alabama, Kim Carnes, Paul Davis, Kenny Rogers, Dr. Hook, The London Symphony and even The Chipmunks.

Stevens now lives in Carthage, Ind.

Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town will release in November 2015.

CMA Songwriters Series Spotlights ‘Nashville’

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The men of ABC’s Nashville were on hand recently to take part in the CMA Songwriters Series, held at Nashville’s CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The in-the-round performance featured Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), Will Chase (Luke Wheeler), Charles Esten (Deacon Clayborne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), performing alongside “Nashville” guest star Mark Collie (Frankie), musician Colin Linden, and Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs, Chris Gelbuda, Travis Meadows, and Jonathan Singleton.

Pictured (L-R): Sam Palladio, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, CMA Board member Milly Olykan, Will Chase, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Sam Palladio, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, CMA Board member Milly Olykan, Will Chase, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Will Chase, Charles Esten, Colin Linden, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Will Chase, Charles Esten, Colin Linden, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA

Magic Mustang Music Publishing Adds ASCAP Songwriter

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Pictured (front row L-R): Colton McGee, BBR Music Group; Magic Mustang Music’s Lydia Schultz, Keithan Melton, Juli Newton-Griffith; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy; Robert Filhart, ASCAP. (Bottom row L-R): Taylor Davis; Benny Brown, BBR Music Group President/CEO. Photo: BBR Music Group

Pictured (front row L-R): Colton McGee, BBR Music Group; Lydia Schultz, Magic Mustang; Keithan Melton, Magic Mustang; Juli Newton-Griffith, Magic Mustang; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy; Robert Filhart, ASCAP. (Bottom row L-R): Taylor Davis; Benny Brown, BBR Music Group President/CEO. Photo: BBR Music Group

Magic Mustang Music has signed ASCAP songwriter Taylor Davis to its publishing roster.

A native of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Davis has been in Nashville for the past few years honing his songwriting craft.

“The moment I heard his music, I knew I wanted to sign Taylor,” says VP Publishing for Magic Mustang Music, Juli Newton-Griffith. “His vocal and unique songwriting instantly stood out to me.”

“I’m very blessed and excited to join Magic Mustang Music and to be part of the BBR Music Group family,” says Davis. “Songwriting is my passion, and I can’t wait to get to work!”

Founded by President/CEO Benny Brown in 1997, the BBR Music Group has grown from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent country label groups in the United States whose umbrella now includes publishing company Magic Mustang Music and management company BBR Management in addition to four label imprints: Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, RED BOW Records, Wheelhouse Records.

Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, The Recording Academy, Skyville Live

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Sony Music Nashville’s Vessio Exits

Jennifer Vessio

Jennifer Vessio

Director of Media Jennifer Vessio departed Sony Music Nashville’s publicity department last Friday (Nov. 6) after three years at the company, MusicRow has confirmed. Vessio oversaw publicity efforts across the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville rosters.

Prior to her time at Sony, she worked at NBCUniversal’s worldwide headquarters in New York in corporate communications, television/entertainment and digital publicity.

She is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at [email protected] or 347-924-7001.

 

The Recording Academy Teams With Finn Partners

recording_academy_logo_lThe Recording Academy has teamed with independent public relations and public affairs agency Finn Partners, to help increase its music advocacy presence on Capitol Hill.

“As an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of music creators, The Recording Academy works to ensure that policymakers understand how their decisions in D.C., impact the lives of music makers across the country,” said Neda Azarfar, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Recording Academy. “This partnership comes at a crucial time for the music industry as we address key issues resulting from the fast pace at which both the creation and distribution of music are evolving. By tapping into Finn Partners’ expertise in grassroots activism, we further our commitment to our members — enabling all creators to become more effective as music advocates.”

Finn Partners helped The Recording Academy grow its annual Grammys In My District Day, which activated nearly 1650 music creators to have face-to-face conversations with congressmen regarding creators’ rights, copyright review, and the impact of current regulations on the music community.

 

Skyville Live Launches New Season With Little Big Town

unnamedSkyville Live will return with a new season, featuring an all-star homage to Gregg Allman. Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will join blues performer Taj Mahal to honor Allman during a live-streamed performance on Dec. 11.

The event will stream on SkyvilleLive.com at 7 p.m. CT.

“We’re about ready to light the fuse on this rocket,” says Wally Wilson, Creator and Executive Producer for Skyville Live. “We have an incredible season of shows planned. The first one out of the box celebrates the legacy of Gregg Allman, who will be joined on stage by one of the hottest groups in country music, Little Big Town, with the amazing Taj Mahal, and a band of the greatest musicians in the world.”

Skyville Live debuted in January, with performances from Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, and Estelle. In April, the show featured an evening of collaborations from Kris Kristofferson, Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell, and Brandy Clark.

Blake Shelton Will Host 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards on Nickelodeon

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Blake Shelton, host of Nickelodeon's 2016 Kids' Choice Awards. Photo: James White/Nickelodeon. © 2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Blake Shelton, host of Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. Photo: James White/Nickelodeon. © 2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Showing the slimy side of television, Blake Shelton will host Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. The ceremony will air live on March 12.

The awards are presented to kids’ favorite celebrities from film, music, and television. The show will be seen around the globe on Nickelodeon channels in more than 180 countries and territories.

“I’ve been on countless stages throughout my life, but none have promised the madness, excitement and endless slime as Nick’s Kids’ Choice Awards, which is undoubtedly the ultimate party for kids,” said Shelton. “There is only one team here, and it’s Team Kids’ Choice so bring it on Nickelodeon!”

Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz are executive producers.

Big Deal Music and BMG Extend Publishing Agreement

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bigdealbmgBig Deal Music and BMG have extended their ex-North American relationship for an additional three years.

Under the agreement, BMG will continue to provide global administration and pro-active exploitation services for the Big Deal catalog in Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Benelux, Spain and Italy. The deal allows two companies to continue jointly signing talent. Previous signings have included songwriters John Ryan and Brett Beavers.

“We look forward to continuing our very successful and fulfilling relationship with BMG,” remarked Big Deal’s Kenny MacPherson. “It’s been a great partnership so far, and we look forward to many more successes to come.”

Laurent Hubert, President of Creative & Marketing at BMG, added, “BMG has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Kenny and the all-star team at Big Deal for the last few years. With our unique status as a new model music company with integrated platforms throughout the world, we have provided the roster with expanded opportunities. Of course, extending the relationship was a natural next step and we are on track for more accomplishments in the near future.”

Founded in September 2012, Big Deal Music has expanded to have offices in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville.