Industry Ink: Randy Rogers, Belmont University, Johnathan Kayne, Centricity Music

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Randy Rogers Starts Artist Management Company

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Randy Rogers. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Randy Rogers of The Randy Rogers Band has launched an artist management company, Big Blind Management. The company is based in New Braunfels, Texas, and has inked Red Shahan as its first signing. The Randy Rogers Band will continue to be managed by 377/Red Light out of Nashville.

“Starting a management company is something that I have been thinking about for quite some time,” he continues. “Because our band tours so much, I have the opportunity to meet many talented people on the road. My goal is to help some of these artists in understanding the lesson I learned a long time ago from my friend Kent Finlay: ‘There’s music and then there’s the music business.’ Robin Schoepf, my partner in the management company, has been my personal day-to-day manager for more than 13 years. We have seen it all and are interested in working alongside artists we believe in.”

Artists moving to the new company from Schoepf’s Ro-Jo Management include Seth James, Jamie Lin Wilson, and Randy Rogers as a solo artist.

 

Belmont University Songwriters Association Welcomes Lineup Of Hit Songwriters

Josh and Justin

Pictured (L-R): BUSA Vice President Ashleigh Smith, Josh Mirenda, Justin Weaver and BUSA President Emma Place.

Belmont University Songwriters Association (BUSA) brought in a lineup of songwriters for a week of seminars. Guests included Lance Carpenter, Justin Weaver, Josh Mirenda, Emily Weisband and Devin Dawson. Speaking to a full audience of up-and-coming songwriters and artists each day, the writers shared their expertise on the industry and played a few of their favorite songs that they have written.

Jonathan Kane Joins NStyle Country

Johnathan Kayne

Johnathan Kayne

Designer Johnathan Kayne has joined as NStyle Country’s newest correspondent, using NStyle Country’s online platform to discuss Nashville’s biggest stars. He will also conduct interviews relating to celebrities and Nashville fashion.

Kayne has dressed stars such as Miranda Lambert, Lee Brice, Kellie Pickler and Brooke Hogan.

 

Centricity Music Signs Grayson Reed

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Grayson, Molly Reed, Centricity’s Ben Stauffer

Nashville-based Centricity Music has signed Grayson Reed. The husband-and-wife duo Grayson Reed includes singer-songwriter Mike Grayson, founder of CCM band MIKESCHAIR, and Molly Reed, a Nashville songwriter with songs recorded by Danielle Bradbery and Ashley Gearing.

Bobby Karl Works The Tin Pan South Kick-off Party

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BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 525

Tin Pan Kickoff 34

Lisa Harless (Regions Bank), Christopher Robertson (Watkins Art Contest Winner), Melodie Michael (Regions Bank), Brian O’Meara (Regions Bank). Robertson was presented the bike after creating the winning artwork and logo used in all Tin Pan South 2016 marketing materials.

There are so many reasons to attend the kick-off party for Tin Pan South.

First of all, it ushers in one of Nashville’s coolest annual festivals – 10 venues showcasing hundreds of songwriters. It has a $1.9 million impact on the city, I am told.

The opening party attracts many who are performing. Loads of industry supporters attend, so you’re going to run into beaucoups fabulons. Also, the food is always excellent, thanks to Maggiano’s.

The party on Monday (April 4) was staged in the lobby of the Region’s Bank in the Music Row Roundabout. As the evening goes on, this area becomes more and more congested and more and more loudly echoey. In a good, wacky way.

Tin Pan South Kickoff 3

Pictured (L-R): Steve Bogard, Bart Herbison (NSAI), Rob Crosby and Wood Newton

Songwriters gabbing away included Jimbeau Hinson, Wood Newton, Steve Bogard, James Dean Hicks, Marcus Hummon, Larry Weiss, Rob Crosby, Randy Perkins, Anthony Smith, Billy Burnette and the vividly purple-ishly blue-haired and robustly tanned rocker Jim Peterik (Ides of March’s “Vehicle,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger”). I thought it was especially nice that Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Dennis Morgan and Rory Michael Bourke stopped by.

Irene Kelley said, “I’m in bluegrass now. I don’t know who anybody is in country music anymore.” In a similar vein, Paul Childers demurred, “I’m not a country writer. I’m more of a jazz/pop singer/songwriter.” I said, “That’s okay. There’s room for everyone.” Who wouldn’t be nice? He’s the great, great grandson of Jim Beam.

Doobie Brother Tom Johnston (“China Grove,” “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’”) did media interviews while daughter Lara Johnston hovered nearby. Both are showcasing during Tin Pan South. Chris Robertson was there: He is the Watkins College of Art student who designed the very nice Nashville Scene cover of the festival guide.

Tin Pan Kickoff 5

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Harless (Regions), Tom Johnston (Doobie Brothers), Diane Johnston, Lara Johnston, Bart Herbison (NSAI) and Brian O’Meara (Regions)

Let me pause at this point to remind you of how busy the buffet line was. There was a steady stream of party people loading their plates with mini Italian meatballs, cucumbers with herb cheese, chicken pesto sliders, imported cheeses on gourmet crackers, tomato caprese skewers and BBQ brisket sliders. There was also a dessert station containing puddings and assorted specialty cookies.

Doak Turner and his partners were on hand promoting his musicstartshere.org website. Also on the tech frontier is Nick Palladino III, who is with MOO Creative. Preshias Harris was promoting Bailey Callahan. Publicists Katharine Richardson and Lynn Tinsey had a number of clients in tow.

“My mother says great things about you,” said Presley Tucker. He is a treetop-tall smiling dude who is the son of Tanya. I almost gasped when I met him, because I remembered him from when he was a toddler.

Working the room were Regions Bank’s sparkly host Lisa Harless, plus John Ozier, Craig Campbell, Barry Coburn, NSAI’s Bart Herbison, Charlie Monk, Chris Keaton, Jim Flammia, Sherrill Blackmon, Ralph Murphy, journalist Eric Patton, Tracy Gershon, Jed Hilly, Dave Pomeroy, Mark Moffatt, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame director Mark Ford, Bill Cakmis, Deford Bailey III and Tony Brown.

MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne said he had already worked out his festival schedule. Have you? Good luck, since overall tix are sold out. But you can still get single-show admissions to Blue Bar, the Commodore Grill, the Station Inn, Whiskey Rhythm Saloon, 3rd & Lindsley, The Country (what? where?), the Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner or the Hard Rock.

Pictured (L-R): Heidi Raye, Tony Brown, and Melanie Howard

Pictured (L-R): Heidi Raye, Tony Brown, and Melanie Howard

Tin Pan Kickoff 2

Special Concerts: Steven Tyler, Kacey Musgraves, ‘Nashville’ Tour

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Steven Tyler To Perform At Lincoln Center On May 2

Steven Tyler headshot

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler will perform an intimate concert, titled Steven Tyler…Out On A Limb, at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall on May 2. Award-winning director Brett Ratner and Tyler are collaborating to benefit Janie’s Fund, Tyler’s charitable initiative to help girls overcome the trauma of abuse and neglect.

Named after Aerosmith’s song “Janie’s Got a Gun,” Janie’s Fund (launched in November 2015) is a collaboration between Tyler and leading non-profit organization Youth Villages. Tyler will be backed by the Nashville band, Loving Mary. Tyler is signed to Dot Records, an imprint of Nashville’s Big Machine Label Group.

“I’m digging deep and finding some real buried treasure for this one. I’ve never performed quite like this before,” said Tyler. “I’m telling it like it is and getting to perform with some extremely talented musicians and dear friends from Nashville.”

Kacey Musgraves To Perform In Colorado On 4/20

Kacey Musgraves UMG

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves will perform at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, Colorado, on April 20. According to a press release issued by her management company, Sandbox Entertainment, Musgraves will “bring ‘High Time’ to Denver,” and will be “providing a special treat for her Denver fans.”

Not coincidentally, the date (a.k.a. “4/20”) is an unofficial holiday for pot smokers. Colorado first allowed recreational marijuana on Jan. 1, 2014. “High Time” is the lead track on Musgraves’ latest album, Pageant Material.

 

‘Nashville’ Stars Add Dates On International Summer Tour

nashvilleStars of ABC’s Nashville are set to play for audiences in England, Scotland and Ireland during a first-ever international tour this summer. The tour launches in Manchester, England on June 13, followed by dates in Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and London. Due to high demand, a third date at London’s Eventim Apollo Hammersmith has been added for June 19 and a show at Dublin’s 3 Arena has been added for June 20. Produced by Opry Entertainment, the tour will feature cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, and Sam Palladio performing songs from the series and original material.

“The Nashville cast is comprised of individuals who excel as actors, musicians, songwriters, and performers,” said Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment. “Since the first night the series went on the air, the cast members have also become incredible ambassadors for our Tennessee home, connecting with viewers around the world via television. Everyone is thrilled about the opportunity to be face to face with our fans throughout the UK and in Ireland during these intimate, exciting performances celebrating the best of Nashville.”

Shane Barrett To Lead Publishing Division Of Cold River Records

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Shane Barrett

Shane Barrett

Cold River Records has brought on Shane Barrett (on behalf of his company Shane Barrett Music, LLC) to lead a new publishing division, Placer Creek Music Publishing. The first signing to Placer Creek is Maggie Baugh.

“Shane has such a great reputation in the songwriting community and his ear is one of the best in the business,” said Cold River Records President Pete O’Heeron.

Barrett previously held positions at olé and MCA Records. In addition to securing hits such as “Crazy Girl” by Eli Young Band, Barrett has landed cuts with Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Montgomery Gentry, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, and most recently Jason Aldean and Wynonna.

“Maggie is a multi-instrumental artist and a prolific songwriter with a bright future,” stated Barrett. “I’m excited to work with such a passionate team at Cold River and I look forward to working with Maggie and the CRR catalogue to develop a track record of excellence in music.”

Barrett can be reached at  [email protected].

Maggie Baugh

Maggie Baugh

 

Sean McConnell To Release Rounder Debut On July 8

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Singer-songwriter Sean McConnell will release his self-titled Rounder Records debut on July 8. The signing was announced in February.

McConnell’s songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Christina Aguilera, Buddy Miller, Rascal Flatts, Marc Broussard, Plain White T’s, Wade Bowen, Brothers Osborne, Meatloaf, Martina McBride, the Eli Young Band, David Nail and others, and featured on the ABC series, Nashville.

The project was recorded in McConnell’s adopted hometown of Nashville at Sound Emporium B and The Compound with producers Ian Fitchuk and Jason Lehning, who also contributed drums and keyboards, respectively. The album features McConnell on guitar, Tony Lucido on bass, Danny Rader on guitars, banjo, mandolin, and bouzouki, and background vocals by Alyssa Bonagura. The album was mixed by Ryan Hewitt.

McConnell has launched a set of tour dates with American Idol winner Kris Allen, including a show at Nashville’s City Winery on April 29.

Sean McConnell Track Listing:
1. “Holy Days”
2. “Ghost Town”
3. “Bottom of the Sea”
4. “Beautiful Rose”
5. “Hey Mary”
6. “Best We’ve Ever Been”
7. “Queen of Saint Mary’s Choir”
8. “Running Under Water”
9. “One Acre of Land”
10. “Babylon”

Taylor Swift To Be Honored By BMI With First “Taylor Swift Award”

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Taylor Swift 1989 Tour.

Taylor Swift 1989 Tour.

BMI will present Taylor Swift with an award bearing her name in recognition of her creative and artistic talent and influence on music lovers throughout the world. The first-ever Taylor Swift Award will be given at the 64th annual BMI Pop Awards on Tues., May 10, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Barbara Cane.

This is only the second time in BMI’s 76-year history that the company has presented an award in someone’s name. The first was to Michael Jackson in 1990.

“Taylor Swift has transformed pop culture through her songs, artistry and indomitable spirit,” said Cane. “She has had a profound impact, not only musically, but also through her personal conviction and commitment to create a standard that values and respects music for everyone. We felt it appropriate to award Taylor with an honor that is as unique and special as she is.”

In addition, BMI will honor songwriting visionaries Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil with the BMI Icon Award for their contributions to the craft of songwriting. As one of the world’s most esteemed and celebrated songwriting teams, Mann and Weil’s iconic partnership has spanned decades with nearly every genre of popular music included in their massively successful repertoire. Their music has transcended time, leaving a lasting impression on fans around the world and influencing aspiring songwriters to follow in their footsteps.

O’Neill added, “This evening is a true celebration of music and a tribute to the artistry of songwriting that spans generations as defined by three of the most prolific and influential music creators in the industry: Taylor Swift, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.”

The private event will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed pop songs in the United States from BMI’s repertoire of more than 10.5 million musical works. The BMI Pop Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year will be named during the ceremony.

Swift is a 10-time Grammy winner and the youngest recipient in history to receive the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and the only female to win it twice. The first artist since the Beatles (and the only female artist in history) to log six or more weeks at No. 1 with three consecutive studio albums and the only artist in history to have an album hit the one million first-week sales figure three times: 2010’s Speak Now, 2012’s RED and 2014’s 1989. She’s been named Billboard Magazine’s Woman of the Year (the only artist to receive this nod twice, and their youngest-ever honoree), and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. She is the recipient of seven BMI Awards, including the prestigious President’s Award in 2009, Songwriter of the Year in 2014 and multiple Song of the Year honors for both pop and country.

Husband and wife team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil have written songs like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” (with Phil Spector), “On Broadway” (with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller), “Walking In the Rain,” “Kicks,” “Soul and Inspiration,” “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Here You Come Again,” “Never Gonna Let You Go,” “Just Once,” the Grammy-nominated “Don’t Know Much” (with Tom Snow), and the double Grammy-winning “Somewhere Out There,” among others.

Together they have amassed 112 pop, country and R&B awards from BMI and have been the recipients of the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Songwriters, The Clooney Foundation’s Award for Legendary Song Composition and the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Artist Updates: Luke Bryan, Elton John, Chris Stapleton

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Luke Bryan, Cabela’s Expand Bridge 32 Clothing Line

Luke Bryan1

Cabela’s and Luke Bryan have announced that Bryan’s 32 Bridge clothing line has expanded, offering a new apparel collection inspired by Bryan’s latest single, “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day.”

The new line, named HFE, debuted April 1 and is available exclusively at Cabela’s. The line offers men’s and women’s apparel, including short-sleeve T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, caps and more.

“I grew up hunting, fishing and loving the outdoors in Lee County, Georgia,” said Bryan. “No matter where you may be from, my hope is that living the HFE lifestyle will make you feel complete. My song ‘Huntin, Fishin and Lovin Every Day’ embodies who I am as a person and an artist and I want to share that with all my fans and those who share my love for the outdoors.”

 

Elton John To Make ‘Nashville’ Appearance

Elton John

Elton John

Elton John is slated to make an appearance on Nashville‘s May 18 episode, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He will play himself in the episode, performing alongside Sam Palladio‘s character Gunnar Scott.

Other artists slated to make appearances this season include Kesha, Kelsea Ballerini, and Thomas Rhett.

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

 

Chris Stapleton Brings Free Concerts To Hometown High School In Paintsville, Kentucky

Chris Stapleton visits with students at his former high school in Paintsville, Kentucky. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for RAM)

Chris Stapleton, along with Ram Trucks and ACM Lifting Lives (the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music), returned home to his former high school late last week, for a two-day whirlwind trip that saw the surprise delivery of much-needed band instruments, two free concerts and the unveiling of a Ram Nation volunteer-constructed outdoor stage.

The first day began with an early morning visit from Ram Nation volunteers (a grassroots team of Ram truck owners) who unpacked $57,000 worth of band instruments from two trucks, including sousaphones, trumpets, clarinets, tubas and flutes, donated by Lifting Lives via its partnership with the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Once the instruments were unloaded and set-up, the schools music teacher was walked into the classroom, followed by 16 students, who were caught by surprise. Amid tears of joy, Stapleton entered the room and met with the students, who had already broken open the instruments and began to play.

“A lot of the instruments that we have are broken or put together by duct tape,” said Martina Lutz, Director Johnson Central High School music program. “It’s hard to make a really good sound on your tuba, when your tuba has air leaks. I would’ve been blessed for just one tuba, but this…this is amazing.”

Album Releases Set For Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Drew Baldridge

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Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell and newcomer Drew Baldridge have scheduled new album releases over the next few months.

Chesney will release Small Town Somewhere on July 8 via Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville. The collection will feature his new single, “Noise.” Although a track listing has not yet been announced, songwriters who are confirmed for the album are Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, David Lee Murphy, Ross Copperman and Matraca Berg, as well as Allison Moorer, Hayes Carll and John Ed Baumann. Co-producing with Buddy Cannon, Chesney recorded the album in Los Angeles and Nashville.

Cole Swindell

Cole Swindell

Swindell’s You Should Be Here will arrive on May 6 on Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville. The project takes its name from his latest No. 1 single, which he performed on the ACM Awards on Sun., April 1. Swindell’s platinum-certified, self-titled debut was released in 2014.

Drew Baldridge

Drew Baldridge

Baldridge will release his new album, Dirt on Us, via Nashville-based Cold River Records on June 10. An Illinois native, Baldridge credits Josh Turner and Michael Jackson as equal influences. He co-wrote 11 of the albums’s 13 songs and worked with songwriters such as Tim Nichols, Monty Criswell, JT Harding and Josh Leo. The collection also includes the gospel standard, “It Is Well With My Soul.” He is confirmed for three performances during CMA Music Festival in June.

In Photos: SESAC ACM Awards After Party

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MGM Grand’s Losers Bar in Las Vegas served as the backdrop for SESAC’s festive party following the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM). The celebratory soiree attracted a diverse array of artists, songwriters, publishers and music industry executives crowning a week of performances and festivities.

Artist/songwriter Craig Campbell hangs out with SESAC’s Tim Fink.

Artist/songwriter Craig Campbell hangs out with SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

Craig Campbell, songwriter Vicky McGehee, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and songwriter Rob Hatch.

Craig Campbell, songwriter Vicky McGehee, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and songwriter Rob Hatch. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Huskins-Harris Business Management’s Becky Harris and SESAC’s Tim Fink.

SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Huskins-Harris Business Management’s Becky Harris and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

Shalacy Griffin, Jeffrey East, producer/publisher Michael Knox, Michael Tyler, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, songwriter Jaron Boyer and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

Pictured: Shalacy Griffin, Jeffrey East, producer/publisher Michael Knox, Michael Tyler, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, songwriter Jaron Boyer and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

MusicRowLife: Kara Holmes, Ben Enos, Granger Smith, Dee Jay Silver

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Kara Holmes, Ben Enos Wed

Kara Holmes (assistant at CAA) and Ben Enos (tour photographer for Brad Paisley) were married on Monday, March 28. The ceremony was held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nashville with a reception following at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center. They are currently on their honeymoon in Italy and Greece.

Photo: Al Gordon

Photo: Al Gordon

Kara Holmes Ben Enos 2

Photo: Al Gordon

 

Granger Smith, Wife Expecting Third Child

BBR Music Group artist Granger Smith and his wife are expecting their third child in May. The baby will join siblings, 4-year-old London and 2-year-old Lincoln.
Smith recently debuted as the No.1 selling new album on the Top Current Country Albums Chart. Granger’s major label debut, Remington, ranked as the No. 3 top-selling album across all country music releases during its release week (March 14).
Granger Smith

Granger Smith

 

Dee Jay Silver, Wife Expecting First Child

Dee Jay Silver and wife Jenna are expecting their first child in September.

The Nashville-based producer will return to the road as part of Jason Aldean‘s We Were Here Tour 2016 on April 29, to entertain concertgoers between sets from Aldean, Thomas Rhett and A Thousand Horses.

He also has several festival appearances lined up for the summer, including Rock the South (June 3-4 in Cullman, AL), Carolina Country Music Festival (June 10-12 in Myrtle Beach, SC), Windy City LakeShake Music Festival (June 17-19 in Chicago, IL),Faster Horses Country Music Festival (July 15-17 in Brooklyn, MI) and WatershedMusic Festival (July 29-31 and August 5-7 in George, WA).

Mingo Photography

Mingo Photography