Creative Nation Adds Belmont Student Kassi Ashton To Roster

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From (L-R): Beth Laird, Creative Nation; Matthew Beckett, Beckett Law Office; Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright; Kassi Ashton; Johnny Ellett, Ten Four Management; Luke Laird, Creative Nation; Carrie Murphy, WME.

From (L-R): Beth Laird, Creative Nation; Matthew Beckett, Beckett Law Office; Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright; Kassi Ashton; Johnny Ellett, Ten Four Management; Luke Laird, Creative Nation; Carrie Murphy, WME.

Creative Nation has signed songwriter Kassi Ashton to its roster. Ashton is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville, and is slated to graduate in December.

Creative Nation is an independent music publishing and management company owned by songwriter Luke Laird and CEO Beth Laird, and includes writers Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Maggie Chapman, Natalie Hemby, Native Run, Steve Moakler and Tyler Johnson.

“After I met with Creative Nation, it immediately felt like home,” Ashton says. “I couldn’t ask for bigger badasses for my first publishing deal!”

Beth Laird adds, “The first time Luke and I heard Kassi’s voice, we were blown away. Her authentic artistry and unique ability to connect emotionally makes her a force to be reckoned with.”

Big Yellow Dog Music Inks Deal With Keelan Donovan

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Pictured (L-R): Carla Wallace, co-owner, Big Yellow Dog; Devon Devries, VP of Film and TV A&R, Big Yellow Dog; Keelan Donovan; Alex Stefano, Film and TV Music Manager, Big Yellow Dog; Noah McPike, Partner, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Matt Lindsey, VP Creative, Big Yellow Dog

Pictured (L-R): Carla Wallace, co-owner, Big Yellow Dog; Devon Devries, VP of Film and TV A&R, Big Yellow Dog; Keelan Donovan; Alex Stefano, Film and TV Music Manager, Big Yellow Dog; Noah McPike, Partner, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Matt Lindsey, VP Creative, Big Yellow Dog

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed singer/songwriter Keelan Donovan to its roster, with plans to release an EP.

“Amazing voice, amazing songs, and a natural artist,” said Carla Wallace, CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music.

“Keelan is just finishing a new EP produced by Dan Agee and Daniel Tashian that we’re very excited to bring to the market,” said Devon Devries and Alex Stefano, who have worked with Keelan in the sync division of Big Yellow Dog Music.

CTM Writer’s INK Signs Paige Blue

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Paige Blue

Paige Blue

CTM Writer’s INK has signed writer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Paige Blue to an exclusive songwriting agreement.

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native starting writing in Nashville in 2015 and already has accrued a list of TV and film placements, including The Vow (Sony), Delivery Man (Disney), The Brass Teapot (Magnolia Pictures), Beauty is Embarrassing (Future You Pictures), Makers (PBS/AOL Initiative), The Words (CBS Films), and multiple placements on MTV’s The Real World.

Blue was also the drummer and vocalist for the indie-rock band Avian Sunrise, who released two records produced by Paul Leavitt (The Used, Yellowcard, All Time Low) and toured the U.S. for several years. She will continue writing for film and TV, and producing several indie-pop artists, but will also be writing for country and other projects as well.

“I was looking for a publishing family that fully supported and encouraged my work, even when it felt a little left-of-center. I am thrilled to have found that so quickly and to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at CTM Writer’s INK!” Blue said.

“Our CTM Writer’s INK family is excited to have Paige join our team of creators. What drew me to Paige is that she is a little left-of-center. Her tracks, producing and writing ability have been a hidden secret that Nashville is now starting to realize,” said Eddie Robba, President/CEO of CTM Writer’s INK.

“What I love about Paige is that her production instincts are fresh and risky. And I’ve heard from so many co-writers about her ability to sculpt a lyric as well, so we’re partnering with an incredibly diverse and adaptable talent who will be a big part of CTM breaking into new markets,” said Brandon Perdue, Creative Director of CTM Writer’s INK.

CTM’s roster also includes Scott Stevens, Faren Rachels, Autumn McEntire, Ella Mae Bowen, Chris Roberts and catalog of Marcus Hummon.

Live Nation, Municipal Auditorium Enter Three-Year Deal

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LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT LOGOLive Nation and Municipal Auditorium have partnered to bring more concerts to the downtown Nashville venue, MusicRow has confirmed.

The three-year deal entails a significant investment in the property, which opened in 1962. Live Nation has agreed to pay $1 million to the venue’s operating fund. Metro government will supply $1.5 million in upgrades to the venue as soon as possible, according to a spokesperson for Municipal Auditorium. According to The Tennessean, the Metro Council has approved upgrades for improved dressing rooms and restrooms, new paint, and high-speed internet, among other items.

The agreement indicates that if Live Nation’s net profit exceeds $2 million, the revenue will be divided evenly between the two entities. Live Nation and Metro Nashville also operate Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville.

Dwight Yoakam Plans Bluegrass Album With Sugar Hill Records

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Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam will release a bluegrass album titled Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… on Sept. 23 on Sugar Hill Records. The 11-track album features reinterpretations of his compositions from his extensive catalog.

The new album reflects the love for bluegrass music that Yoakam developed at an early age in Kentucky, and that has inspired him for many years thereafter.

This project was produced by Gary Paczosa, Jon Randall and Yoakam, recorded at both Southern Ground Studio in Nashville and the legendary Capitol Records Studio B in Los Angeles and mixed by Chris Lord Alge.

For the recording, the production team gathered a band of bluegrass’s current greats including Bryan Sutton on guitar, Stuart Duncan on fiddle and banjo, Barry Bales on bass, Adam Steffey on mandolin, and Scott Vestal on banjo. The collection also features harmony vocals by Jonathan Clark, Brian Whelan, Davey Faragher and newcomer Bryan Joyce.

In Pictures: BMI Showcases New Artists At Lollapalooza

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LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

LANco preps for the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI continued its presence at Lollapalooza showcasing new artists throughout the four-day Chicago festival, including Arista Nashville’s LANco.

Day Two at the BMI Stage featured indie rock quintet Horse Thief, boundary-pushing singer-songwriter Polly A, alt-rockers Weathers, duo Muddy Magnolias, electro-punk band PVRIS, R&B crooner JAHKOY, and psych-rock trio Sunflower Bean.

Day Three continued with pop-rockers AudioDamn!, punk-pop trio Potty Mouth, post-punk quartet DROWNERS, introspective alt-rockers Nothing, fiery pop singer-songwriter FRANKIE, and the electric Secret Weapons.

Wrapping up with Day Four country newcomers LANco, indie rock band the Dreamers, musically diverse duo Unified Highway, R&B crooner TOTEM, the unconventional quartet Mothers, and provocative rap trio the Flatbush ZOMBiES.

The festival’s 25th Anniversary wrapped Sunday, July 31. See photos from Day One of Lollapalooza.

LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

The Drowners plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

The Drowners at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Muddy Magnolias play the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

Muddy Magnolias at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Potty Mouth preps for the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

Potty Mouth at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

PVRIS plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

PVRIS plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring

RCA Inspiration Relocates To Nashville Under Provident Music Group

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RCA Inspiration LogoRCA Inspiration has shifted operations from New York City to Nashville under the umbrella of Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

RCA Inspiration is home to artists Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Le’Andria Johnson, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond and more. Artists on Kirk Franklin‘s Fo Yo Soul Recordings label are part of RCA Inspiration as well.

Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, says, “Provident Music Group is delighted to welcome RCA Inspiration, and their incredible lineup of artists whose ever-evolving and diverse sounds have continued to make such an impact on Gospel and inspirational music. They mark a valuable addition to Provident Music Group’s ongoing growth and shared vision in delivering wide-ranging and uplifting entertainment across the world.”

In relocating under Provident Music Group, RCA Inspiration joins the division’s scope of faith-based entertainment across multiple creative platforms from Christian music and worship to music publishing and film. Provident Music Group’s labels and entertainment entities encompass Christian and worship artists such as Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Third Day, as well as Provident Films (War Room, Woodlawn), Essential Music Publishing, among other services.

Industry Ink: SOURCE, BBR Music Group, Springer Mountain Farms

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SOURCE Membership Luncheon Features YWCA Nashville President/CEO Pat Shea

SOURCE held its monthly membership luncheon at ASCAP on July 28. Pat Shea, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville was the invited guest speaker. Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry.

Pictured (L-R): Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Edie Emery; Pat Shea, President & CEO, YWCA Nashville; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank. Photo: Lyndie Wenner/SOURCE.

Pictured (L-R): Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Edie Emery; Pat Shea, President & CEO, YWCA Nashville; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank. Photo: Lyndie Wenner/SOURCE.

 

BBR Music Group Adds Promotion Coordinator

Jessica Crans

Jessica Crans

BBR Music Group has added Jessica Crans as the new promotion coordinator for Broken Bow Records and Stoney Creek Records.

Crans spent the last three semesters as an intern in BBR Music Group’s radio promotion and digital marketing departments. While majoring in Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University, Crans was also employed by Ryman Hospitality and served as a tour manager for Stoney Creek Records’ Lindsay Ell on the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour.

Crans takes over the role formerly held by Carly Ronayne and will report directly to Broken Bow Records VP/Promotion Lee Adams and Stoney Creek Records VP/ Promotion Chris Loss.

Crans can be reached at 615-610-2134 and at [email protected]. Ronayne will remain with BBR Music Group through Aug. 12. She is currently exploring other opportunities and can be reached at [email protected].

 

Springer Mountain Farms To Host Nashville Shows

Springer Mountain Farms

Springer Mountain Farms will present Nashville concerts from country traditionalists Moe Bandy and Kelly Lang in August.

Bandy will celebrate the release of his latest album, Lucky Me, at the Nashville Palace on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The show will also include a performance from Hawshaw Hawkins Jr. Tickets can be purchased here.

Singer/songwriter Kelly Lang will take the stage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley on Monday, August 29 at 7pm to perform songs from her brand new album Throwback. T.G. Sheppard will be a featured guest. Tickets for the show can be purchased for $20 here.

Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Kix Brooks, Southern Halo

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Brad Paisley And His Team Thrill In Indianapolis

Brad Paisley joined members of his team backstage during a tour stop at Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis on July 30. The show was part of Paisley’s 2016 Life Amplified World Tour.

Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Arista Nashville's Paisley; Exec Producer Robert Deaton; and Rob Beckham, Co-head, Nashville division; William Morris Endeavor.

Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Paisley; Exec. Producer Robert Deaton; Rob Beckham, Co-head of Nashville division, WME.

 

Kix Brooks Cooks Up New Book Endeavor

Kix Brooks CookbookKix Brooks will release his first cookbook, Cookin’ It With Kix: The Art of Celebrating and The Fun of Outdoor Cooking on Aug. 30 through the W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. He will join TV host David Venable on QVC’s In The Kitchen with David on Sunday (Aug. 7) 

Written with longtime radio producer and friend Donna Britt, the book includes over 100 recipes showcasing Brooks’ passion for all types of outdoor cooking, oftentimes with a flare of his Louisiana heritage highlighted, in family recipes alongside personal stories.

From side dishes to desserts, cocktails to hot sauces and duck gumbo to beignets, Brooks created the book for casual get-togethers and easy entertaining. Readers can pre-order the cookbook at www.kixbrooks.com.

 

Sibling Trio Southern Halo Featured On Radio Disney

Southern Halo

Southern Halo

Sibling trio Southern Halo will be featured in a 10-week digital series, Southern Halo, which launched Tuesday (Aug. 2) on Radio Disney Country’s digital platforms. Episode 1 is available on the Radio Disney app, RadioDisneyCountry.com, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. The series was produced by Nashville’s Artist Integration.

“Having been early supporters of their music, we’re excited for our audiences to get to know this talented group even better and are glad to have them as part of the Radio Disney Country family,” said Phil Guerini, Vice President, Music Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide and General Manager, Radio Disney Networks.

 

Shane McAnally To Share Stories And Songs In CMHoF Series

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Shane McAnally

Shane McAnally

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host producer and songwriter Shane McAnally on Saturday, Aug. 13, as part of its songwriter series Poets and Prophets. McAnally will share stories behind hits he has penned for Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and more.

The session will be hosted by museum editor Michael Gray, and will include vintage photos, film footage and recordings from McAnally’s career.

After pursuing a recording career in Nashville and Los Angeles, Texas native McAnally emerged on the Nashville songwriting scene in 2008, as a writer of Lee Ann Womack’s “Last Call.” McAnally went on to write chart-topping songs for Kenny Chesney (“Somewhere with You,” “Come Over”), Jake Owen (“Alone with You”), The Band Perry (“Better Dig Two”) and Sam Hunt (“Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time”).

McAnally also penned major hits for Luke Bryan (“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”), Miranda Lambert (“Mama’s Broken Heart”), Lady Antebellum (“Downtown”), Thomas Rhett (“T-Shirt”) and Keith Urban (“John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16).”

McAnally shared the 2013 Grammy for Best Country Song for Kacey Musgraves’ “Merry Go ’Round,” and earned the 2014 CMA Song of the Year prize for Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow.”

In addition to songwriting, McAnally has produced albums for Kacey Musgraves (Same Trailer, Different Park; Pageant Material), Sam Hunt (Montevallo), Old Dominion (Meat and Candy) and Jake Owen (American Love).

Poets and Prophets is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and passes are required for admittance. Museum members can reserve their program passes in advance by phone (615-416-2050) or via [email protected]. The program will also be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.