UMG Chairman Lucian Grainge Tops Billboard’s Power 100 List

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Lucian Grainge 2016

Lucian Grainge

UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge was ranked No. 1 on Billboard‘s annual Power 100 list of the music industry’s most influential people. Grainge has appeared at the No. 1 spot on the rankings three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2016, making him the first to hold the top rank for consecutive years.

Live Nation president/CEO Michael Rapino is at No. 2, followed by Apple execs Eddy Cue, Jimmy Iovine, Robert Kondrk, and Trent Reznor (all at No. 3), Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris at No. 4, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Martin Bandier at No. 5.

Among the Nashville entertainment executives that made the rankings are:

  • Big Machine Label Group president/CEO Scott Borchetta (No. 22)
  • Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan (No. 29)
  • Live Nation Country Music President Brian O’Connell (No. 38, along with Live Nation execs Mark Campana, Bob Roux, Brad Wavra, and David Zedeck)
  • Warner Music Nashville President/CEO John Esposito (No. 63)
  • Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman (No. 67)
  • Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO Jason Owen (No. 82)
  • Morris Higham Management President/Partner Clint Higham (No. 93)
  • Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern (No. 99)

During Grammy weekend, Grainge’s 2016 artist showcase, held at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, offered insiders a look at some of the Grammy awards’ top nominees, including performances from Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, and The Weeknd, as well as Thomas Rhett, Halsey, Demi Lovato, and more.

Sam Hunt and Lucian Grainge CBE, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for UMG/AP Images.

UMG artist Sam Hunt and Lucian Grainge CBE, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for UMG/AP Images.

Chris Stapleton at Universal Music Group: Lucian Grainge's 2016 Artist's Showcase presented by American Airlines and Citi at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Citi/AP Images)

UMG artist Chris Stapleton at Universal Music Group: Lucian Grainge’s 2016 Artist’s Showcase. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Citi/AP Images

Weekly Register: Grammy Nominees Lead Country Albums Chart

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Chris Stapleton Traveller

Chris Stapleton, Charles Kelley and Sam Hunt are in charge of the country album sales chart this week—and all three projects are nominated for Grammys on Monday (Feb. 15).

Stapleton’s Traveller moved 32K units, rising to overall sales of 862.5K. It’s up for Album of the Year and Best Country Album, while the title track is competing for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song. Dave Cobb, who produced the set, is also up for Producer of the Year. Traveler is at No. 11 on the overall chart.

thedrivercharleskelleyKelley, best-known for his work with Lady Antebellum, makes a strong entrance at No. 2, selling 14K of his first-ever solo album, The Driver. The title track to that album received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, a distinction he shares with Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay. It enters at No. 35 on the overall chart.

Hunt keeps his game on with Montevallo at No. 3, with 11K units. Hunt is up for Best New Artist, while Montevallo is among the Best Country Album nominees.

Chart debuts include The Infamous Stringdusters’ Ladies & Gentlemen at. No. 44, Joey+Rory’s Hymns Project (ahead of its official release date of Feb. 12) at No. 54, a self-titled released from Dori Freeman at No. 62, and Moccasin Creek’s Hillbilly Rock Star at No. 67.

Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett

On the country tracks chart, Thomas Rhett holds onto No. 1 with “Die a Happy Man,” with 42.5K singles sold, and 1.1 million overall. Chase Rice arrives at No. 2 with “Whisper,” selling 32.5K in its debut week. Rounding out the Top 5 are Maren Morris’ “My Church” (30K), Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” (27.5K) and Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (25K). Dan + Shay’s “From the Ground Up” enters at No. 7 (21K).

Meanwhile, Flo Rida debuts at No. 1 on the overall tracks chart this week with “My House” with 127.5K units. Future’s EVOL tops the overall albums chart with 134K. Wiz Khalifa debuts at No. 6 with Khalifa (64K). Now 57 debuts at No. 7 (63K), and Elton John‘s Wonderful Crazy Night debuts at No. 8 (58K). Lucinda Williams debuts at No. 36 with her latest, Ghosts of Highway 20 (16K).

Luke Laird Honored By MTSU Prior To Grammy Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Ken Paulson, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment; Beverly Keel, chair of the Recording Industry department; Laird; alumnus Pete Fisher, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry; MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; and Erika Wollam Nichols, general manager of The Bluebird Café. Photo: Andrew Oppmann

Pictured (L-R): Ken Paulson, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment; Beverly Keel, chair of the Recording Industry department; Laird; alumnus Pete Fisher, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry; MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; and Erika Wollam Nichols, general manager of The Bluebird Café. Photo: Andrew Oppmann

Middle Tennessee State University honored Grammy winner and current nominee Luke Laird at a special reception held Sunday (Feb. 14) in Los Angeles, one day before the Grammy Awards.

Laird, who graduated from MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry in 2001, was recognized for his accomplishments by President Sidney A. McPhee, Media and Entertainment college dean Ken Paulson and Chair of the Recording Industry department Beverly Keel.

“This is a really special day for us—and especially poignant for me, personally—because we are here to honor Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Luke Laird,” said Keel, who taught Laird as a student in one of her classes.

“He continues to make country music history year after year,” she said. “Indeed, our students, who will take our History of Country Music class in 20 or 30 years, will study Luke’s accomplishments and be inspired by how he shaped country music’s sound for more than a decade.”

Laird, in thanking MTSU for the recognition, talked about the encouragement and support he received from the faculty, starting when he first visited the campus as a prospective student.

“Everyone there was so welcoming, I knew I was going to go to school there,” Laird told the audience. “I dreamed to be a songwriter and they never discouraged me. … The people there encouraged me, still to this day.

“My time at MTSU is a time I look back on very fondly.”

Laird is up for Best Country Song in the 58th Grammy Awards on Monday for “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools,” which was performed by Tim McGraw, and Best Country Album, as producer of Kacey Musgraves’ Pageant Material.

He has written 20 Billboard No. 1 hits and has been named BMI’s Songwriter of the Year and the Academy of Country Music’s songwriter of the year. He won a Grammy in 2014 for producing Musgraves’ debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park.

McPhee applauded Laird’s accomplishments and his devotion to his alma mater.

“Luke’s professional success and deep devotion to MTSU makes him a stellar example of the hard work and spirit we strive to instill in all of our students,” McPhee said. “We are proud of him.”

Darius Rucker, McGhee Entertainment Part Ways

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Darius-Rucker

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker and McGhee Entertainment have amicably parted ways after their management contract expired, MusicRow has confirmed.

Rucker has not signed with new management.

Rucker joined McGhee Entertainment, headed by Doc McGhee, in 2002. After selling millions of albums as the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville as a solo artist in 2006. He is currently in the studio working on a follow-up to his 2015 album, Southern Style. He will launch his Good For A Good Time Tour in June.

CRS Photo Round-Up III: Kelsea Ballerini, LANco, Chris Lane, Smith & Wesley, Women In The Industry

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Wrapping up Country Radio Seminar (CRS) week with country stars and radio executives mingling at the Omni Nashville Hotel, photos are left in the aftermath. Those included below are Kelsea Ballerini, LANco, Chris Lane, Smith & Wesley, and a panel titled Women In The Industry.

Pictured (L-R): Laurie Kapugi, Kelsea Ballerini, WUSN’s Jeff Kapugi.

Pictured (L-R): Laurie Kapugi, Kelsea Ballerini, WUSN’s Jeff Kapugi.

At new Arista Nashville band LANco's showcase at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley. Pictured (L-R): Consultant Joel Raab; LANco’s Jared Hampton; WQYK/Tampa OM/PD Tee Gentry; LANco’s Chandler Baldwin; WKXC/Augusta OM/PD Chris O’Kelley; LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, Eric Steedly, and Tripp Howell; and WQYK/Tampa MD Kevin Ebel. Photo: Alan Poizner

At new Arista Nashville band LANco’s showcase at 3rd & Lindsley on Tues., Feb. 8. Pictured (L-R): Consultant Joel Raab; LANco’s Jared Hampton; WQYK/Tampa OM/PD Tee Gentry; LANco’s Chandler Baldwin; WKXC/Augusta OM/PD Chris O’Kelley; LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, Eric Steedly, and Tripp Howell; and WQYK/Tampa MD Kevin Ebel. Photo: Alan Poizner

At the Chris Lane bowling party at Nashville's Pinewood Social on Tuesday. Pictured (L-R): Entravision/ Sacramento, CA KNTY PD Tosh Jackson, KHHM Jay Marzz, KNTY MD Mike Allen, Big Loud Shirt's Craig Wiseman, Big Loud Records Midwest promotion Roger Fregoso, and West Coast promotion Dave Kirth.

At the Chris Lane bowling party at Pinewood Social on Tues., Feb. 9. Pictured (L-R): Entravision/ Sacramento, CA KNTY PD Tosh Jackson; KHHM’s Jay Marzz; KNTY MD Mike Allen; Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman; Big Loud Records Midwest promotion Roger Fregoso; and West Coast promotion Dave Kirth.

Smith & Wesley performed at the Omni Nashville's Bar Lines on Tues., Feb. 9. Photo: Sara Kauss

Smith & Wesley performed an official showcase at the Omni Nashville’s BarLines on Tues., Feb. 9. Photo: Sara Kauss

Women In The Industry Panel on Breaking Barriers and Balance, Tues, Feb. 9. Pictured (L-R): Jules Riley, E.W. Scripps/Tulsa; Sarah Frazier, CBS Radio/Houston; Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment; Kristen Williams, Warner Music Nashville; Julie Talbott, Premiere Networks. Photo: Sara Kauss.

Women In The Industry Panel on Breaking Barriers and Balance took place on Tues, Feb. 9. Pictured (L-R): Jules Riley, E.W. Scripps/Tulsa; Sarah Frazier, CBS Radio/Houston; Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment; Kristen Williams, Warner Music Nashville; Julie Talbott, Premiere Networks. Photo: Sara Kauss.

Songwriter Ryan Beaver Plans ‘Rx’ Album Release For May 6

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Ryan Beaver dark

Nashville songwriter Ryan Beaver will release a new album, Rx, on May 6. Beaver co-produced the project with Jeremy Spillman and Ryan Tyndell.

Beaver is signed to a publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment. He is managed by Marc Rucker at Parallel Entertainment. Rx will be self-released.

unnamed-2Leading up to the release, Beaver’s music has been covered by Rolling Stone Country, Stereogum and Yahoo Music.

In addition, he will open three West Coast shows for Lee Ann Womack later this month. Three shows with JJ Grey & Mofro have also been confirmed for April.

“This album is titled Rx because these songs are like medicine to me,” Beaver said. “Making this record was so much fun, and so therapeutic. These songs serve as a prescription for getting excited about music and life. And if they’re like medicine for me, maybe they will be for the listeners.”

‘The Voice’ Winner Jordan Smith Announces Debut Album

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JORDAN SMITH debut album Something Beautiful

Jordan Smith, who won NBC’s The Voice in December, will release his full-length debut album, Something Beautiful, via LightWorkers Media/Republic Records, on March 18. His first single is “Stand in the Light.”

The 22-year-old from Harlan, Kentucky, is the highest-selling artist to ever emerge from The Voice. In less than six months, he sold over a million singles and made The Voice history by landing eight songs in the iTunes Top 10. He is one of only two artists, alongside Cassadee Pope, to notch three No. 1’s during the show’s season.

Some of his most popular digital tracks were renditions of “Somebody to Love,” “Mary, Did You Know?” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Hallelujah.”

This is the first record to be released under the new collaboration between LightWorkers Media and Republic Records. Producers are David Foster and Stephan Moccio.

“When you hear Jordan Smith’s beautiful debut album, Something Beautiful, you will be transported.” said executive producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. “These amazing song choices combined with his beautiful voice will take you on a heartfelt and hope-filled emotional journey. It is our hope that you allow this special album from this extraordinary young man to wash over you and renew your spirit.”

“We’re honored to expand our relationship with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, and LightWorkers Media,” said Republic Records Executive Vice President/General Manager of West Coast, Tom Mackay. “We all recognize Jordan Smith’s immense talent, presence, and charisma, and we’re going to collectively ensure that unmistakable voice of his is heard everywhere.”

 

Reviver Records Signs peermusic Songwriter Michael Tyler

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Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, David Ross, Michael Tyler, Michael Knox. Photo: Jeremy Westby, Webster PR.

Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, David Ross, Michael Tyler, Michael Knox. Photo: Jeremy Westby, Webster PR.

Michael Tyler, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Thayer, Missouri, has signed a recording deal with Reviver Records.

Tyler has co-written Dierks Bentley‘s new single,  “Somewhere on a Beach,” as well as Jason Aldean‘s “Laid Back” from the album Old Boots, New Dirt, and the LOCASH tunes “Shipwrecked” and “Ain’t Startin’ Tonight.”

“In signing Michael, we feel that we have landed an artist who has his ear very much in tune with where the country music format is headed,” said Reviver President David Ross. “The industry is quickly finding out about Michael as a songwriter, and we believe that soon people are going to become huge fans of his as an artist.”

At age 13, Tyler had an online meeting with Aldean’s producer, Michael Knox, who is now his manager. Tyler signed to peermusic as a songwriter in 2012, and is still repped by the publishing company. Knox is a Vice President at peermusic and CEO/President of Music Knox.

Reviver Records is distributed by BDG, RED – A Division of SONY Music, LLC.

Industry Ink: BMI, Friends Of Al Bunetta, RED Nashville, Heartland Records Nashville

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BMI Co-Presenting Songwriters Show In Memphis

Memphis songwriter fest

BMI and Memphis, Tennessee, radio station 94.1 The Wolf will present the first-ever Songwriter Fest at The Halloran Centre at The Orpheum on March 12 in Memphis.

Songwriters on the lineup include Shane Minor (“Live A Little Love A Lot,” Kenny Chesney; “Chillin’ It,” Cole Swindell), Phil O’Donnell (“Doin’ What She Likes,” Blake Shelton; George Strait’s “Give It All We Got Tonight”), Greg Bates (“Did It For the Girl”) and Shelley Skidmore. Tickets are $10 to $20 and available at Ticketmaster.

 

Concert By Friends of Al Bunetta Set For Feb. 20

Al and Juri Bunetta

Al and Juri Bunetta

An evening of music remembering the life of Al Bunetta has been scheduled for Feb. 20 at City Winery in Nashville.

Special guests are Robbie Dupree and Mike Reid with David Spinoza, Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff, Zhana Roiya and Christian Cullen. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven Family Shelter.

Bunetta co-founded one of Nashville’s first independent labels, Oh Boy Records. He spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman.

The concert is presented by the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation, named for Al and Dawn Bunetta’s son, who died in a car accident in 2011.

 

RED Nashville, ‘stache media Move To Music Row

RED Nashville office.

The RED Nashville office is located at 1014 16th Ave. S.

RED Nashville and ‘stache media have opened a new office located on Music Row at 1014 16th Ave. S.

Recognized as an industry leader in music distribution and artist development, RED specializes in digital and physical sales, digital and retail marketing, radio promotion and product development for more than 60 independent record labels, including Black River Entertainment, Red Bow Records, Stoney Creek and Wheelhouse.

RED, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, is headquartered in New York City. In 2009, RED launched ‘stache media, a full service marketing agency specializing in music to support RED releases and artists.

 

Gary Tackett Joins Heartland Records Nashville

Gary Tackett

Gary Tackett

Heartland Records Nashville has announced the addition of Gary Tackett as West Coast Regional V.P. of A&R.

Spending over 14 years in Nashville, Tackett has toured and recorded for Billy Currington (tour manager/bandleader), Merle Haggard (playing on the Blue Jungle album), Vern Gosdin, Eddy Raven, and Tammy Cochran, among others.

Gary has an extensive background in sales, marketing and business development for many national companies as well as a brief stint as a regional director of broadcast licensing for SESAC.

Tackett will be working with new artists on the West Coast, assisting them with production, artist development and radio promotion.

Exclusive: The Recording Academy’s Shannon Sanders and Alicia Warwick

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Inside the two-story building that houses the office of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter, preparations are in full swing, leading up to the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Monday,  Feb. 15.

Nashville Chapter President Shannon Sanders and Executive Director Alicia Warwick are enthusiastic while speaking about the importance of the Grammy Awards, The Recording Academy’s focus on advocacy for creators, and the value of Academy membership during a sit-down interview with MusicRow.

For the full interview, purchase a copy of MusicRow’s 2016 CountryBreakout Awards issue, or subscribe to receive your free copy.

A producer, songwriter, arranger, vocalist and musician, Sanders has crafted notable sounds for an array of artists, including India.Arie, Eric Benet, Jonny Lang, John Legend, and others. Among his honors are two Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Dove Award. During the conversation with MusicRow, Sanders points out that he is the first African-American president of The Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter.

“That honestly has been a big deal in the black community in Nashville,” he says. “They are very proud of that. So, I think more than anything it speaks to the diversity of our city and music community. I lead from my heart, I write from my heart, and anything I do, I give it my all. I’m in it for all the right reasons. Whatever I can do, whatever I have access to, I want to make available to the academy. I plan on being part of this organization for my entire career.”

Warwick joined the Recording Academy in 2006, and climbed the ranks to become the Nashville Chapter’s Executive Director. Warwick previously worked as NSAI’s Nashville membership director, and interned at Zomba Music, working under Neil Portnow, who is now Recording Academy President and CEO. Warwick is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Music.

Speaking about the diversity of Nashville’s music community, Warwick notes, “We’re so proud and aware of the importance of country music in Nashville from the foundation it sets in so many ways, but there are so many other genres that have set a foundation and that are here. I think we know how pivotal this moment is for us in Nashville. We consistently try to connect multiple times a week and it feels like now is the moment. Something’s brewing.”

The Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter is also highly involved in Grammy U, which provides professional development and experiences to full-time college students pursuing a career in the music industry. Sanders states that Nashville has the largest Grammy U membership of any chapter, describing them as “awesome and super active.”

Warwick agrees, adding, “They are so on top of the industry and uber-aware of the issues the industry is facing. When we do a Grammy U soundcheck, these high-level artists come in and the students ask the most perfect questions. Also we provide advocacy efforts and networking opportunities. We want to provide our members with those tools to be able to sustain their careers.”

Warwick also emphasizes the advocacy efforts that are part of Grammys on the Hill, an initiative that allows intimate interaction with lawmakers, allowing concerns of the music community to be heard.

“It’s a chance to see our music creators from throughout the country. That’s a favorite for many members because it’s a tangible meeting,” she says. “Being right there in front of them in D.C. has energy about it that you can’t describe. Music is energy. Sometimes creators can shy away from talking about their careers, but yet they convey their message so effortlessly.”

Sanders offers, “Advocacy in some ways is even more important to us. Unity is our power. The strength in numbers is our power, that’s why we stress membership. If you are a part of us, you are lending your voice to ours and it’s that much louder.”