Industry Ink: Creative Nation, Belmont University, Starstruck Entertainment, Vol State

Lori McKenna Celebrates ‘The Bird & The Rifle’ With Album Release Party

Creative Nation and BMI hosted a private album release party yesterday (July 12) to celebrate Lori McKenna’s new album The Bird & The Rifle. Members from all segments of the industry came out to toast the songstress at The Country venue and before leaving, enjoyed an acoustic performance by McKenna of the title track.

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Creative Nation; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Lori McKenna, Beth Laird, Creative Nation; producer Dave Cobb

Belmont University’s PipeLine Project Calls On Music Entrepreneurs

Belmont University’s prestigious Pipeline Project, an undergraduate research team partnered with the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, is calling on entrepreneurs who have engaged in start-ups in the music or music-tech industries.

This summer, sponsored by key players in Nashville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Pipeline 6.0 is researching the needs of those entrepreneurs who are creating, launching, and growing music or music-tech entities. The study aims to provide perspectives on Nashville’s standing in the burgeoning field of music technology, so that the city can continue to provide for creators of all types who keep our industry running. Music Entrepreneurs can take part in the survey here, by answering a 5-10 minute questionnaire. Those who answer the questionnaire may enter for the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. 

The Pipeline Project began over six years ago as an effort by Belmont to foster innovation within the music and entertainment industries. Pipeline has partnered with industry members  from Warner Music to the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP). Only eight students are chosen each year to participate in the project.

Starstruck Entertainment, Vol State Team For Music Scholarship

Cliff Williamson and Steve Bishir in one of the two Vol State recording studios.

Starstruck Entertainment, which manages Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, has teamed with Volunteer State Community College to offer a scholarship to an aspiring singer/songwriter enrolled as a Music or Entertainment Media Production major for the fall semester, starting Aug. 22.

“For years, via internship programs, our industry has provided opportunities to music business graduates,” said Cliff Williamson, chief operating officer for Starstruck Entertainment. “Our goal with the Starstruck Scholarship is to elevate that to a place where deserving students can get financial assistance, have a relationship with Starstruck, and receive an outstanding education focused on their talent and dreams.”

To apply, visit volstate.edu. Auditions for the scholarship will be held in early August.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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