Industry Ink: Hayes Carll, Brooke Antonakos, Bart Allmand, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Hayes Carll’s New Album Arrives In April

Hayes Carll will release a new album titled Lovers and Leavers via Thirty Tigers on April 8. It’s his first new album in five years.

Carll recorded the project with producer Joe Henry over five days in Los Angeles in the winter of 2015. He is currently Grammy-nominated in the category of Best Country Song for writing “Chances Are,” recorded by Lee Ann Womack.

“I didn’t have one song that I knew would be a sing along or would make people dance. I felt vulnerable in a way that I hadn’t in a long time. But I got what I wanted—a record with space, nuance, and room to breathe. It felt right for my art. It felt right for my life,” he said. “Lovers and Leavers isn’t funny or raucous. There are very few hoots and almost no hollers. But it is joyous, and it makes me smile. No, it’s not my Blood on the Tracks, nor is it any kind of opus. It’s my fifth record—a reflection of a specific time and place. It is quiet, like I wanted it to be.”

 

Brooke Antonakos Hired as VP at RED Creative Group

RED Creative Group has announced Brooke Antonakos as the Vice President of Creative Services for the Nashville-based publishing company. Antonakos will be in charge of all day-to-day creative responsibilities.

“We are extremely excited to have Brooke join our team. The combination of her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for our songwriters will make her a true advocate for our songs and our business going forward,“ says Jeremy Stover, songwriter-producer and owner of RED Creative Group.

“I am thrilled to join RED Creative Group,” says Antonakos. “Jeremy has some of the best writers in town and I couldn’t be more excited to represent their catalog. I look forward to expanding the careers of these dynamic writers. ”

Previously, Antonakos held creative positions at Big Yellow Dog Music and Byron Gallimore’s Red Vinyl Music.

 

 Bart Allmand Signs Co-Publishing Deal at MV2

MV2 Entertainment has signed Bart Allmand to an exclusive co-publishing agreement. Allman’s songwriting credits include Brooks & Dunn’s “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” and Steve Holy’s “Brand New Girlfriend.” The native of Holdredge, Nebraska, moved to Nashville in 1987 to attend Belmont University. He pursued a songwriting career after a period in radio promotion at Monument Records in the 1990s.

“Having been in the business for over 20 years, I can honestly say that Tony Harrell (General Manager, MV2), Clay Myers (Creative Director, MV2), and James Archer (CEO/President, MV2) have made me feel like I have a new family and a new home at MV2. I’m so excited and thankful for this opportunity,” Allmand said.

 

Webster PR Will Represent Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has enlisted Webster PR to promote their 50th anniversary of recording music and touring. Formed in California in 1966, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band consists of Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin), and Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals).

“It’s an honor to work with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and celebrate their milestone anniversary of five spectacular decades,” said Kirt Webster, President/CEO. “They’re one of very few musical acts to achieve such longevity and this level of success—a testament to their talent and authenticity.”