Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Coming To Nashville
Nashville will soon be home to Dierks Bentley‘s latest Whiskey Row establishment, when the country bar opens in Music City in 2017. Whiskey Row will be located at 400 Broadway, on the northwest corner of 4th and Broadway, close to the Ryman Auditorium. The 14,500 square foot building is currently home to Tatyana’s Boutique.
The future home of Nashville’s Whiskey Row location was built in the late 1800s, and boasts a musical history as the longtime home Gruhn’s Guitars.
The Nashville location will mark the first Whiskey Row outside of Bentley’s home state of Arizona, following openings in Scottsdale and Tempe. The country bar will offer patrons menu items made from scratch in house, using responsibly sourced meats and locally farmed produce, along with more than 50 beers on tap and a unique selection of signature “cocktails on tap,” craft cocktails from the tap that are then customized with a mixer of guests’ choice. Whiskey Row Nashville will also have three different stages for live music.
“Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks are the stomping grounds of countless artists past to present chasing this crazy dream of playing music,” says Bentley. “It’s home of the bars where I cut my teeth night after night, usually running up a beer tab bigger than the tips I made covered. It’s pretty full-circle to think that we’re getting the chance to open one of my bars, backing right up to the Ryman Auditorium, where other artists will look back on as the place they got their start too.”
An investment partnership led by Michael Hayes and Brandon Kuvara of C. B. Ragland Company acquired the location at 400 Broadway from Brenda and Ruble Sanderson.
“This is the best corner in the lower Broadway Honky Tonk District,” said Hayes, President/COO of C. B. Ragland Company. “We plan a significant overhaul of the historic building to animate and activate the upper floors and rooftop with a new restaurant and music venue to compliment the entertainment district.”
“We are excited to announce that we have executed a lease with Management Company Riot Hospitality Group to open a Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row early 2017,” said C. B. Ragland Company managing broker Kuvara.
“We have loved being here the last three years,” said Tatyana’s President and founder Jan Glaser, “but have found with the significant growth in the tourist market, it has been difficult to serve our local customer base. We hope to find a new location soon and look forward to a strong future in Nashville.”
Nielsen Unveils 2015 Total Music Consumption Report
Adele
In a nearly 30-page report, Nielsen has released its 2015 U.S. Music Report for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31.
The country genre held 8.5 percent of total consumption among other genres, with its largest consumption coming from physical albums (37 percent). Country ranked second for radio consumption, with 9.1 percent of U.S. radio listeners aged 18-34 tuned in during any 15-minute period during the day. Radio (AM/FM or Satellite) remained the No. 1 way respondents discovered new music.
On-demand streaming was up 93 percent, with 317 billion streams in 2015.
Adele’s 25 was the year’s biggest seller in a single year since 2004, collecting over 7.4 million units moved in a six-week period (8 million overall) to close the year. Her 2015 album was notably unavailable on streaming services, which was also the case for Taylor Swift, who came in overall at No. 2 with her 2014 release, 1989. Swift has moved over 7.5 million units of 1989 to date.
Meghan Trainor‘s Title came in overall at No. 7 with 1.7 million. Sam Hunt‘s Montevallo was No. 9 overall with approximately 1.4 million while Luke Bryan‘s Kill The Lights moved 851,000 in U.S. sales. Notably, after a CMA winning streak and performance with Justin Timberlake, sales of Chris Stapleton’s Traveller increased 6,000 percent, putting it then at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Meanwhile, vinyl sales increased 30 percent, continuing 10 consecutive years of growth with nearly 12 million units sold in 2015. Adele and Swift led the vinyl race, with 116,000 and 74,000 units moved, respectively.
Although album sales experienced a decline in 2015 (-6 percent), the decline was about half that for 2014 (-11 percent ). Album sales plus track equivalent albums (10 tracks is equivalent to 1 album) and streaming equivalent albums (where 1,500 streams is equivalent to 1 album) increased more than 15 percent over 2014.
To download the full report, visit nielsen.com.
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Sarah Westbrook
Sarah Westbrook
Sony Music Nashville Senior Vice President, Marketing Paul Barnabee has announced the promotion of Sarah Westbrook to Vice President, Digital Strategy for Sony Music Nashville. Having served as Director, Marketing, since April 2013, Westbrook will continue to report to Barnabee in this newly created role.
Barnabee said, “Sarah’s exceptional performance over the past three years has consistently been grounded in a hands-on, vigorous, insightful, and in-depth understanding of the digital marketplace and how to effectively reach and engage music fans in a meaningful way. Her relationships with key digital partners, together with her experience and her vision for this role, make Sarah an extraordinary fit to lead digital initiatives across our entire Sony Music Nashville roster.”
Among her accomplishments as Director, Marketing, Westbrook contributed extensively to the label group’s digital direction. In addition, she spearheaded artist-specific milestones such as laying the groundwork with digital partners for breakout artist Cam and multiple noteworthy social media moments for Carrie Underwood.
On her new role, Westbrook said, “This exciting new position will allow me the opportunity to help progress our business in this rapidly-changing environment, and I’m very grateful. We have a lot of great artist stories to tell at Sony Nashville for 2016, and we’ll be focused on engaging country music fans with these stories by using the right resources and technology in the digital space.”
Westbrook joined Sony Music Nashville in 2013, after serving as Vice President of Marketing for SOUL by Ludacris, overseeing all marketing communications programs – including e-commerce, CRM strategy, digital advertising, PR, social media, and artist endorsements. Prior to that, she was a public relations consultant and Senior Manager, Global Corporate Communications for music instrument manufacturer Behringer/Music Group Services USA, responsible for directing all outward-facing marketing communication and web properties, including management of the customer web experience. Her background also includes marketing roles with The Stanton Group (Stanton DJ/KRK studio monitors) and Audiobahn, where her oversight included such areas as digital marketing strategy management, artist relations, and creative direction.
She can be reached at [email protected].
BMI Promotes Five, Adds to Writer-Publisher Relations Team
Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts. (Bottom Row, L-R): David Preston, Penny Gattis, Josh Tomlinson.
Five members of BMI’s Writer-Publisher Relations team in Nashville have been promoted, with elevated responsibilities assigned to Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts, David Preston, Penny Gattis and Erica Glidewell. Additionally, recent Belmont graduate Josh Tomlinson has been hired as Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.
“We are so proud of the work we do in our music community across all genres of music,” said Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations. “Our team has never been stronger and we will start 2016 with renewed energy and a focus on the future.”
Collins, formerly a Senior Director, has been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering No. 1 parties, representing BMI on the ACM board of directors, oversight of nightly showcases and events, such as Buzz at the Basement, and oversight of publishing company rosters.
Roberts, formerly a Director, has also been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering Christian music and the BMI Christian awards, college programming such as Catalog Cast, oversight of record company rosters and representing BMI within the AIMP.
Preston has been promoted to Senior Director from Director, with duties including covering legacy writer relations and as an industry and civic representative.
Gattis, formerly an Associate Director, has been promoted to Director, and will continue to spearhead the Nashville film and TV activities, including BMI’s Sync THIS! Events in both Nashville and Los Angeles, and the annual Fontanel Writer’s Retreat. This year’s Fontanel retreat features both country and pop writers and will take place January 18-22.
Glidewell has been promoted to Director, Strategic Partnerships, Writer-Publisher Relations. Her new duties will have her responsible for accounting oversight of sponsorships, fulfillment of contracts with sponsors and event space management. Additionally, she will continue to serve in her role as the executive assistant to Jody Williams.
Additionally, Tomlinson has been hired as an Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations. A recent Belmont graduate, he brings a fresh perspective on Nashville’s expanding music scene to the team.
“I am happy to announce these well-deserved promotions,” Williams continues. “This team works hard for writers in every stage of their careers, from signing and showcasing up-and-coming talent, connecting artists to the broader music industry, celebrating their success at awards shows and number one parties, and being meaningful advisors throughout their careers. These promotions reflect the fantastic work of the Writer-Publisher team. And, we are very excited to welcome Josh Tomlinson to our group. Josh’s energy and industry knowledge will no doubt benefit the next generation of BMI hit-makers.”
Industry Ink: Johnny Cash Trust, IBMA, Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music, Marbaloo
Johnny Cash Trust Names Lou Robin As Business Manager Emeritus
Johnny Cash
Veteran concert promoter and artist manager Lou Robin, who has worked with the Cash family for more than 45 years, has stepped into the role of Business Manager Emeritus for the Cash Trust, it was announced by Trustee for the John R. Cash Revocable Trust, Cathy Sullivan.
In the new role, Robin will continue to utilize his knowledge and experience to further the Cash legacy working on special projects. He will relinquish day-to-day management responsibilities to allow him to spend more time with his wife Karen, his children, and grandchildren.
“We are thrilled to recognize Lou for the incredible contributions he has made to the Cash and Carter families,” said Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without his constant and unwavering dedication. It is an honor to have his ongoing counsel to protect and promote the legacy of John and June.”
“Lou has helped bring my father and mother, John and June, to generations of fans,” said John Carter Cash. “We are lucky to have this expertise for future generations as well. It is a blessing to have Lou as a personal mentor and lifetime friend.”
In addition to producing 100 Cash concerts a year, Robin played a role in the licensing of Cash’s music, name and likeness, merchandising and a significant part in his recording career with Sony and American Recordings. Robin founded Artist Consultants Productions in 1957 and was responsible for promoting more than 5,000 concerts worldwide with major artists such as The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, The Tijuana Brass, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Robin began promoting concerts with Johnny Cash in 1969 and then became manager for both John and June from 1973 until their passing in 2003. From that time on, he continued to serve the Trust in the role of Manager of Business Affairs.
“I’m pleased to be able to use my knowledge to help continue the growth of this important American Icon’s image,” said Robin.
IBMA Adds Director, Communications and Professional Development
Shannon Turner
Shannon Turner joined the International Bluegrass Music Association as director, communications and professional development. Turner was previously an independent media/promotion executive and freelance writer.
Turner is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass.
Deluge Music, Gravity Gone Music Ink Co-Publishing Deal
Pictured, Back row (L-R): David Robkin, Managing Member, Deluge Music; Mark Friedman, President, Deluge Music. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Gravity Gone Music; Oran Thornton,
Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music have signed a co-publishing agreement with songwriter/producer Oran Thornton.
Deluge Music was formed in 2015 by Mark Friedman, David Robkin, and Larry Mazer, and has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. Gravity Gone Music owner Stephanie Greene runs the Nashville office.
Marbaloo Launches Internship Program
Marbaloo has launched its first internship program, MarbaLearn. The program offers for-credit and paid internships for students, with opportunities available in the areas of research, marketing, project management, publicity, journalism, social media, e-commerce, fan communities, tour marketing, copywriting, content curation, content creation, graphic design, photography, and video editing.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 31. For more information, visit marbalearn.com.
SESAC Signs Songwriter/Producer Dave Pittenger
Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang Publishing’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Pittenger and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Songwriter/producer Dave Pittenger has signed with SESAC for representation.
Pittenger, who co-wrote Tyler Farr’s “Better In Boots,” is signed with Magic Mustang Publishing, and stopped by SESAC’s Nashville office to visit with executives and make the partnership official.
DISClaimer: Jennifer Nettles, Eric Chesser Shine
The fallout from Dolly’s triumphant Coat of Many Colors holiday TV movie continues into this first DisClaimer column of 2016.
The film hit an emotional home run and was such a ratings blockbuster that they aired it twice. By the time they add up all the streamed and TiVo’d views, it could wind up as the most successful TV movie in history.
Here’s why it relates to today’s reviews. You see, the two best singles in this stack come from people who were in that film. Jennifer Nettles played Dolly’s mom. Stella Parton had a role as one of her aunts. Both of these women shine like beacons on their new outings this week. Jennifer Nettles earns the Disc of the Day.
Our first DisCovery Award of the year goes to Eric Chesser. He’s a 27-year-old fellow from a town outside of Chicago who sounds to me like he’s launching a promising career as a country singer-songwriter. We wish him the best.
JENNIFER NETTLES/Unlove You
Writers: Jennifer Nettles/Brandy Clark; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Jennifer Nettles/House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Clearbox, ASCAP; Big Machine
-Stunning. This burning ballad builds to a crescendo of anguish. The relationship is going nowhere, but she can’t deny her smoldering feelings. Power and passion in every note.
COLE SWINDELL/You Should Be Here
Writers: Cole Swindell/Ashley Gorley; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Combustion Engine/Jodie’s Favorite/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-It’s a perfect day. Perfect in every way but one. A loved one who has passed on isn’t here to share it with him. Aching and moving.
ERIC CHESSER/I Can’t Read Your Mind
Writer: Eric Chesser; Producers: Larry Beard/Eric Chesser; Publishers: Eric James/BIG BIG, ASCAP; BIG BIG (CDX)
-He has a sturdy, resonant baritone, and he puts it to good use on this self-penned, well-crafted ballad. She’s in a mood, and he can’t figure out why or how. A strong debut.
STELLA PARTON/Mountain Songbird
Writers: Stella Parton/Tom T. Hall/Dixie Hall; Producer: Stella Parton; Publisher: Good Home Grown, BMI; Raptor (CDX)
-Sweet. This is a lovely, acoustic, Appalachian tune, rippling with delicate picking and floating on female vocal harmonies. Clear and pure as a woodland brook.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE/Drink You Away
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (ERG)
-I’m a big fan of this guy. This is a real cool single, but I don’t hear it as all that “country.”
VIOLET DELANCEY/When The Clock Strikes Midnight
Writer: Violet Delancey; Producer: Brent Truitt; Publisher: Honky Tonk Fairytale, ASCAP; VD (track)
– The title tune to this gal’s CD is a toe-tapper with a nifty twang guitar (Bryan Sutton) and a steel (Paul Franklin) that “answers” her vocal phrases. Her voice is light, but she’s surrounded by such hot picking, harmony singing (Randy Kohrs and Brent Truitt) and production finesse that it’s easy to overlook. The piano solo by Jeff Taylor is cool too.
ALLIE LOUISE/It’s Gettin’ Old
Writers: Allie Louise/Doug Kahan; Producer: John Jaszcz; Publisher: none listed; Sixth Beat (track)
-Bopping and full of personality. It is also a very well-written girl-to-girl slice of advice.
JUSTIN MOORE/You Look Like I Need a Drink
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Matt Dragstrem/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publishers: Round Hill Works/Farm Town Songs/Big Loud Proud Crowd, BMI/ASCAP; Valory (ERG)
– Crunchy and thumping. His drawling, Dixie-fried delivery is just right to tell this tale of a good ol’ boy who’s knows he’s getting dumped.
LAURA McCORMICK/Just Around The Corner
Writers: Rick Rowell; Producers: Laura McCormick/Rick Rowell; Publisher: Kit, ASCAP; LMM (track)
-A lively country rocker, full of upbeat optimism, positivity and hope. The chorus voices and handclaps at the finale lift the already-inspiring tune even higher. A winner.
JIMMY CLAY FRIZZELL/Where Do I Go From Here
Writers: Jimmy Clay Frizzell/Jimmy Parker; Producers: Jimmy Clay Frizzell/David Frizzell; Publishers: Feat of Clay/Eastern Seaboard, BMI; Nashville America
-He’s the nephew of the illustrious Lefty, David and Allen Frizzell. Like them, he’s a hard country stylist. Alas, he’s not nearly as good a vocalist. In fact, he barely stays on melody.
Creative Nation Names Sarah Lai To Senior Role, Adds Tyler Johnson To Roster
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Lai, Tyler Johnson.
Creative Nation has moved Sarah Lai into the role of Senior Director of Marketing + Publicity. In this newly created position, Lai will oversee all marketing, digital and publicity initiatives for the company’s roster of songwriters and artists. She will also handle day-to-day management responsibilities for “Girl Crush” co-writer Lori McKenna. Previously, Lai’s company (SLPR) has worked with Creative Nation since 2014.
Lai can now be contacted at [email protected].
Creative Nation has also added Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Tyler Johnson, in a partnership with Los Angeles-based Pulse Music Publishing. Johnson’s credits include Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, One Republic, Elle King and Mikky Ekko. Johnson spent the last few years developing new country artist Cam, co-writing eight tracks and co-producing Cam’s debut release, Untamed. He is currently working with new artist Rafferty who broke into the scene last fall with his song “Apple Pie” (co-written/co-produced by Johnson), which was featured on the latest iPhone 6 commercial.
Johnson joins current Creative Nation roster, which includes Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Maggie Chapman, Steve Moakler and Native Run.
Big Deal Music Signs Ross Lipsey To Publishing Deal
Pictured, Back row (L-R): Greg Gallo, Big Deal; Dale Bobo, Big Deal; Bradley Collins, BMI. Front row (L-R): Pete Robinson, Big Deal; Ross Lipsey, writer; Noah McPike, attorney, Almon/McPike.
Ross Lipsey has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Big Deal Music.
“Ross is a tremendous artist, singer, and songwriter,” says Pete Robinson, GM/Senior VP of Big Deal Music.
“We’re honored and thrilled to have a talent like Ross on the Big Deal team,” mentioned Greg Gallo, Sr. Director of Creative.
Originally from Monterey, Louisiana, Lipsey moved to Nashville last year after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.