Sony Music Nashville Nixes “Sony Boat” Event During CRS

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224607_126566564088064_1896736_nThere will be no “Sony Boat” showcase at the 2016 Country Radio Seminar, MusicRow has confirmed.

For years, one of the most anticipated events during CRS has been the label group’s annual party aboard the General Jackson, where the label showcases performances from several of its superstar artists, including appearances by surprise guests. Artists on board last year include Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, and Trisha Yearwood, as well as Logan Mize, Steven Lee Olsen, Cam, The Swon Brothers and Josh Dorr.

While Sony Music Nashville recently signed indie artist Kane Brown, other artists have exited the label. MusicRow has learned that The Swon Brothers, Sara Evans, The Henningsens, and Josh Dorr are no longer on the Sony Music Nashville roster.

Dustin Lynch Inks Deal With Magic Mustang Music, Warner/Chappell Music

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Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Safford Motley, PLC’s Scott Safford; Magic Mustang Music’s VP of Publishing Juli Newton-Griffith; Warner/Chappell’s Phil May; BBR Music Group EVP Jon Loba; Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel; BBR Music Group Legal & Financial Affairs Colton McGee. Pictured (Bottom Row, L-R): Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn; Dustin Lynch; BBR Music Group President/CEO Benny Brown

Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Safford Motley, PLC’s Scott Safford; Magic Mustang Music’s VP of Publishing Juli Newton-Griffith; Warner/Chappell’s Phil May; BBR Music Group EVP Jon Loba; Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel; BBR Music Group Legal & Financial Affairs Colton McGee. (Bottom Row, L-R): Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn; Dustin Lynch; BBR Music Group President/CEO Benny Brown

Dustin Lynch has signed a publishing deal with BBR Music Group’s Magic Mustang Music, in a co-venture with Warner/Chappell Music. Lynch has co-writing credits on five tracks from his album Where It’s At.

Magic Mustang’s VP of Publishing, Juli Newton-Griffith, says, “Dustin has been a part of the BBR Music Group family for years and it has been a joy to watch him morph into a commanding writer as his star power continues to soar. We are extremely excited to finally have him as a part of Magic Mustang. Warner/Chappell is the perfect partner to co-publish this superstar.”

“When I moved to Nashville years ago, one of the first doors that opened for me was Ben Vaughn’s,” says Lynch. “For the Magic Mustang and Warner/Chappell worlds to collide is a match made in heaven. I’m looking forward to this wonderful new chapter!”

Lynch is currently on the road headlining his Hell Of A Night Tour and will soon join Luke Bryan’s Kill The Lights Tour, kicking off this month.

Converse Studio Experience Returns to Nashville

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ConverseRubberTracks

Converse will offer a second Converse Rubber Tracks recording session to select local artists at the Grand Victor Sound Nashville from Feb. 22-26.

Emerging artists will record during the weeklong pop-up at Grand Victor Sound Nashville, retaining all rights to their music following their daylong session and working alongside a team of experienced engineers at no cost.

Five emerging artists enjoyed the free sessions in December 2015 for the first Nashville session. Since its 2011 inception though, Converse has brought the Converse Rubber Tracks experience to music cities worldwide, giving over 1,600 aspiring acts, artists, and musicians valuable recording time.

Visit conversemusic.com for more information or to apply.

In Pictures: ASCAP At Sundance, Luke Bryan, Tanya Tucker

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ASCAP at Sundance

As the Sundance ASCAP Music Café headed into the home stretch of its eight-day run, some of ASCAP Nashville’s top songwriters embraced the spotlight. On Jan. 27, country songwriters Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne and reigning three-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley performed as part of a special Bluebird Café Series set. Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum performed a few of his new songs as well as some Lady Antebellum hits.

The 18th Annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café also featured performances from Sting with documentary film composer J. Ralph, Veruca Salt’s Nina Gordon and Louise Post, Green River Ordinance, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Tift Merritt, and more.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Josh Osborne, ASCAP's Loretta Muñoz, Ashley Gorley, The Bluebird Cafe's Erika Wollam-Nichols, Chris DeStefano and ASCAP's Mike Sistad. Photo: ASCAP's Erik Philbrook

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Josh Osborne, ASCAP’s Loretta Muñoz, Ashley Gorley, The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam-Nichols, Chris DeStefano and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook

Charles Kelley performs at T​​he Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe. Photo: ASCAP's Erik Philbrook

Charles Kelley performs at T​​he Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe. Photo: ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook

 

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa Mexico

CMT Hot 20 host Cody Alan recently enjoyed a cigar with Luke Bryan while the two were in Mexico for Crash My Playa. Bryan co-hosts this weekend’s Hot 20 Countdown airing Saturday, Feb. 6 at 9am ET/PT. Alan’s interviews with Bryan and other Crash My Playa performers air this week on the radio show CMT After MidNite.
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Cody Alan

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Cody Alan

 

Dan Rather Interviews Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker will appear on an all-new episode of Dan Rather‘s The Big Interview, which will premiere Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7 pm. CT. During the conversation, Tucker discussed her career, overcoming a disfiguring chemical peel in 2008, and how her faith helped her heal.

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rather, Tanya Tucker.

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rather, Tanya Tucker.

Zach Katz Promoted To BMG US President Of Music Publishing

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Zach Katz

Zach Katz

BMG US has announced the promotion of Zach Katz to President of Music Publishing. His responsibilities are expanded to now lead BMG’s creative teams in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.

Katz joined the company in 2012 and most recently served as Chief Creative Officer. Based in Los Angeles, Katz will continue to report to Laurent Hubert, President of Creative & Marketing.

BMG US has garnered significant chart placements during Katz’s tenure, grown its roster with new talent and boosted its market share into double digits. Key signings Katz has overseen include Bebe Rexha, DJ Snake, Monsters & Strangerz, John Ryan, PVRIS, Bibi Bourelly, The Strokes, Greg Wells, Verse Simmonds, Gente De Zona, Nathaniel Rateliff and Juicy J.

Prior to BMG, Katz co-founded record label Beluga Heights with his client/partner JR Rotem, worked closely with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and served as GM of Groove Attack USA. He began his career in 1996 as a music attorney.

Hubert commented: “Zach is an exceptional leader whose track record for identifying and nurturing talent is second to none. He truly understands the power of a song and works tirelessly to promote BMG’s songwriters and bring out the best in them. BMG has reached new heights in the US on Zach’s watch and our current chart success speaks for itself.”

Zach Katz said: “I am honored to extend my relationship with BMG and expand my responsibilities at the company. I am incredibly proud of the strong community we have built with our brilliant writers, executives and partners. BMG is just seven years old. This is really just the beginning.”

Leadership Music Accepting Nominations For Class of 2017

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Leadership-Music-Logo570Nominations are being accepted for Leadership Music’s Class of 2017; nominations will run through Feb. 29 at midnight.

Leadership Music asks industry members to nominate the best leaders in their fields. Those nominated will receive an email from Leadership Music March 1 (when the application period begins), along with a link to apply. Nominees have through March 31 to complete the application. Candidates are not required to be nominated in order to apply for Leadership Music.

Previous candidates are encouraged to reapply. Leadership Music also notes the subcategories in which they have the fewest number of applicants: artist, songwriter, musician, and media/radio.

To nominate an industry leader, visit www.leadershipmusic.org/nominations/

Scholarships may be available for those requiring assistance with tuition.

There are six primary categories, with 29 subcategories. They are as follows:

Creative
o Artist
o Songwriter
o Musician
o Publisher
o Producer
o Engineer/Studio

Live Entertainment
o Booking Agent
o Concert Promoter/Buyer
o Concert Venue
o Touring Services

Marketing
o Record Company
o Distributor/Digital Music Delivery
o Independent Marketing/Promo/Consultant
o Public Relations/Publicity

Media
o New Technology/Mobile
o Media—Print/Web
o Media – Radio
o Media – TV
o Video/Film

Support
o Performance Rights Organization
o Artist Manager
o Business Manager
o Finance/Banking
o Attorney

Outreach
o Legislation/Government
o Education
o Organization/Non-Profit
o At Large (Miscellaneous)
o Outreach/Community Partners

Charles Kelley Revs Up For The Driver Tour, TV Appearances

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medium.sh8ZyDSOqFO-c1dZQvPgZDWYoUgP4IYGFKlR2TtnP7k

Charles Kelley will release his first solo album, The Driver, on Friday (Feb. 5). The singer-songwriter will celebrate the project with appearances on Good Morning America (Feb. 3), Watch What Happens Live (Feb. 4), and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Feb. 5).

Additionally, Kelley will embark on The Driver Tour for several dates in April and May. Kelley will bring brother Josh Kelley along as a special guest.

“This album was all about just making something I could be really proud of,” said Kelley. “So, to hear some of the early feedback that people are into the handful of songs that we’ve shared so far really confirms that taking this creative risk was worth it. It’s going to be great to get back out on the road now that we’ve got a full album of new songs to work with, and to have my brother out there with me is going to make it even cooler.”

Several of these tour dates are fulfillments, after they were postponed in December 2015. The tour is presented by Enterprise.

Beginning Friday at charleskelley.com, fans will receive a download of the new album with every ticket transaction.

The Driver Tour Dates:
April 9: Washington, D.C.; The Fillmore
April 11: Boston, Massachusetts; House of Blues
April 13: Cleveland, Ohio; House of Blues
April 14: Chicago, Illinois; House of Blues
April 15: St Louis, Missouri; The Pageant
April 23: Anaheim, California; House of Blues
April 24: San Jose, California; Club Rodeo
April 26: Los Angeles, California; Troubadour
May 1: Houston, Texas; House of Blues
May 3: Nashville, Tennessee; 3rd & Lindsley
May 6: Athens, Georgia; Georgia Theater

Industry Ink: Leadership Music, Cumulus, Hill Entertainment Group, Johnny Cash Museum

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Jeannie Seely Speaks At Leadership Music “Off The Record” Conversation

SOURCE, an organization of women executives in Nashville’s Music Industry, was invited by Leadership Music to attend their luncheon and “Off the Record” Conversation with Grand Ole Opry and SOURCE member Jeannie Seely at Sambuca Restaurant in the Gulch on January 28. Seely shared not only her sense of humor but also her historical timeline and stories of her extensive history working in the recording industry and for the Grand Ole Opry.

Pictured (L to R): Debbie Linn (Leadership Music Exec. Dir), Jeannie Seely, Shelia Shipley Biddy (SOURCE President), Dan Rogers (Director of Marketing – Grand Ole Opry) Photo credit: Denise Fussell

Pictured (L to R): Debbie Linn (Leadership Music Exec. Dir), Jeannie Seely, Shelia Shipley Biddy (SOURCE President), Dan Rogers (Director of Marketing – Grand Ole Opry)
Photo credit: Denise Fussell

 

Cumulus Adds John Shomby as Director of Programming, Nash

John Shomby

John Shomby

Cumulus has added John Shomby as Director of Programming for the Nash Network, overseeing programming for the Nashville network and syndication operations.

Shomby will be based in Nashville.

He previously worked at Max Media’s WGH/Norfolk as Director of Programming & Operations. He joined Max Media in 2002. His career also includes stops in Dallas, Portland, New Orleans, Boston and more.

 

Kathryn Woodard Rejoins Hill Entertainment Group

Kathryn Woodard

Kathryn Woodard

Former Hill Entertainment Group staffer Kathryn Woodard has rejoined the company in a senior management role, effective immediately. Woodard will report directly to Hill Entertainment Group CEO Greg Hill and oversee day-to-day management for Jana Kramer among other duties.

In addition to her initial tenure with Hill Entertainment Group from 2013-2014, Woodard’s previous stops include McGhee Entertainment and Red Light Management.

“I am excited to have Kathryn back with us,” said Hill. “We had worked together for over 13 years, and I am excited for her passion and experience to rejoin our growing team.”
 
Woodard can be contacted via email at [email protected].
 

 

Johnny Cash Museum Founder Acquires Lawrence Records Building

Lawrence-Record-ShopBill Miller, founder of Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum, has acquired the Lawrence Records Building, located at 409 Broadway in Nashville.

The property is expected to reopen as a “food and beverage concept,” according to the new owen.

Miller commented, “We are pleased to take ownership of the Lawrence Records building. This acquisition further demonstrates our commitment to and belief in the city of Nashville. We will be announcing details on an exciting and unique food and beverage concept for the site soon. Suffice it to say that we will continue to live up to the bar we set in terms of quality at The Johnny Cash Museum.”

Specific details surrounding the space will be released in the coming months.

 

[Updated]: It’s Official. Kane Brown Signs with Sony Music Nashville

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Kane Brown celebrates his new record deal on Sony Music Nashville with Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.

Kane Brown celebrates his new record deal on Sony Music Nashville with Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.

Independent country artist Kane Brown has inked a label deal with Sony Music Nashville to become an artist on Sony’s RCA Nashville imprint. The deal is a joint venture with Zone 4. Brown’s debut on RCA Nashville will release later this year.

The Georgia native grew up in Redbank, Tennessee. He released the independent single “Don’t Go City On Me” in 2014, and released his debut EP, Closer, in 2015.

Brown and label executives celebrated the signing at his sold-out headlining performance, Saturday, Jan. 30, at Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Brown’s social media presence is impressive for an unsigned artist in country music. His announcement of label deal with Sony via Facebook recently garnered more than 200,000 ‘likes’ within the first 12 hours. It now has more than 239,000 ‘likes.’

A new management company, EFG LLC, has been set up to focus on Kane’s career with Martha Earls in charge of daily operations. EFG LLC counts industry veteran Jay Frank as an investor.

"POPPIN BOTTLES !!! JUST SIGNED WITH RCA/SONY!!!!!!!!!!!" (via facebook.com/kaneallenbrown)

“POPPIN BOTTLES !!! JUST SIGNED WITH RCA/SONY!!!!!!!!!!!” (via facebook.com/kaneallenbrown)

BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival Lineup Revealed

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Key West fest MR2

BMI has announced the initial lineup for the 21st Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI and sponsored by Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Set for May 4-8, the festival will feature top country songwriters and up-and-coming talent performing in various venues in the southernmost point in the U.S.

The list of performers includes Jake Owen, Robert Earl Keen, Rhett Akins Band, Bob DiPiero, Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Wendell Mobley, Heather Morgan, James Slater, Even Stevens, Guthrie Trapp and the Mulekickers, Chuck Cannon, Bruce Wallace, Phil Barton, Randy Montana, Josh Dorr, Marti Fredriksen, Danny Myrick, Paul Jenkins, Jabe Beyer, Rick Farrell, Love & Theft and many more to come.

“This is a great opportunity for us to bring our songwriters and licensees together for five days of fun in the sun and once-in-a-lifetime performances,” says Mark Mason, BMI’s Executive Director of Writer-Publisher Relations. “Budding songwriter relationships and hit songs have come out of the Key West Songwriters Festival for 21 years now.”

“The Key West Songwriters Festival brings the best country songwriters to the most festive island venues in the southernmost state,” says Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to bring such a diverse talent line up to such a lively city as Key West, giving festival attendees the chance have a unique music festival experience.”

Attendees will have the chance to check out more than 200 songwriters playing more than 50 shows, free of charge. The SunTrust Kickoff Concert will feature the Rhett Akins Band, performing on the scenic Ocean Key Resort Sunset Pier, followed by free daily stages at the Southernmost Beach Resort, sunset show on the Pier House Resort beach, and a Main Stage Duval Street Concert featuring Jake Owen.

Shows will take place at the historic Sloppy Joe’s, the Green Parrot Bar and will be streamed live from Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Other shows include the NSAI “Bluebird at Blue Heaven” show, HD Radio’s late night jams with Guthrie Trapp and the Mulekickers at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, and a closing concert at the historic Casa Marina Resort.

Ticketed shows for the festival will include theatre shows at the San Carlos Institute, the Tropic Cinema, the Key West Theater, the Studios of Key West and Sunset Sail Shows aboard a Fury Water Adventures catamaran. Keen will host two Bloody Mary Brunch shows at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, in partnership with Texas Heritage Songwriters Association.

The entire event is hosted by Sirius XM host Storme Warren, who will broadcast his morning show live from the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival will benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions. Sponsors include SunTrust Bank, Texas Roadhouse, HD Radio, Epiphone and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association.