Industry Ink: UMG Nashville, Turnpike Music & Management, Given Music Publishing

Blain Rhodes Hired at UMG Nashville

Blain Rhodes

UMG Nashville has expanded its A&R department with new hire Blain Rhodes as Director of A&R. Rhodes’ most recent experience includes nearly four years as a manager with Warner/Chappell Music in Nashville, where he provided creative support across the company’s roster, assisting in the discovery of new talent and the development of the publisher’s signed songwriters.

While there, Rhodes placed songs with Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Frankie Ballard, Lee Brice, Craig Campbell, Billy Currington, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi and many more.

“I’m very excited to have Blain join our UMG team,” says Brian Wright, SVP A&R. “His track record of finding hit songs and great songwriters will be a huge asset to our A&R staff and artists.”

Justin Mason Signs to Turnpike Music & Management

Pictured (L-R): Kevin Mason, Turnpike Music EVP of Operations; Justin Mason; Larry Pareigis, Turnpike Music/Nine North Label Group President

Justin Mason has signed an exclusive deal for management, marketing and social media oversight with Turnpike Music & Management in Nashville. Mason is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and worked for six years as a police office in Arlington, Texas, before forming a band. Prior to that, he served five years in the U.S. Navy.

“Justin exemplifies the brash artistic independence that I am always looking to amplify,” said Larry Pareigis, President, Turnpike Music & Management. “The road to success for Mr. Mason begins here!”

Turnpike Music & Management is a part of the Nine North Records Label Group.

Naima Adedapo Signs to Given Music Publishing

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Naima Adedapo; Cindy Owen, Partner, Given Entertainment. (Back row, L-R) Wayne Milligan, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group; Mike Sebastian, VP/General Manager, Given Music Publishing

Naima Adedapo has signed a publishing deal with Given Music Publishing in Nashville. She was a Top 10 finalist on American Idol in 2011. She released an EP titled Beautifully Made in 2015.

“Naima is a very talented young writer/artist, who we are all excited to have as a part of our Given family,” said VP/GM Mike Sebastian. “With her upbeat, positive attitude, dedication and love for the music, good things are definitely headed her way.”

Given Music Publishing, a division of Given Entertainment, LLC, was formed in 2013 by music industry veteran Cindy Owen and business partner Jim Kacmarcik. Tri Star Sports and Entertainment is the exclusive administrator of Given Music Publishing.