John Ettinger Joins Cold River Records

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John Ettinger

John Ettinger

Cold River Records President Pete O’Heeron has appointed John Ettinger to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion and Artist Development. Ettinger will report directly to O’Heeron, effective immediately.

“We are excited to take the next step and expand our team with someone who has such a fantastic reputation,” comments O’Heeron.

“The whole team at Cold River Records is overjoyed to welcome John,” said Cold River’s VP/Radio Promotion Jim Dandy. “John’s expertise and passion help continue our label’s commitment to excellence and growing new fans at radio for Drew Baldridge.”

With over 26 years in the music business, Ettinger’s previous roles include VP of Promotion at Mercury Records, leader of Disney’s Carolwood Records promo staff, and head of label-service company The Talent Associates.

“I am a fan of the talented group of promotion staffers Jim and Pete have put together at Cold River, and have been a fan of Drew Baldridge since I first saw him perform two years ago. They are a passionate team who are making great strides in the industry,” said Ettinger. “This new chapter is very exciting for me and I know The Talent Associates is in great hands with Ryan Barnstead!”

Ettinger can be reached at [email protected] or 615-438-7667.

Mackenzie Johnson Signs With Spirit/Fluid

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mackenzie johnsonMackenzie Johnson has signed with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution, for publishing. 

Pennsylvania native Johnson taught herself to play guitar at 15, and began uploading covers and original songs to her YouTube channel. She has since garnered over 425,000 YouTube subscribers and nearly 40 million views.

“I was intrigued by Mackenzie Johnson from the very first note. She is a uniquely talented singer, songwriter and artist. We look forward to helping her expand her already impressive fan base and bring her music to the world. Fluid Music Revolution could not be more excited to welcome Mackenzie Johnson to the family,” said Rogers.

 “I am thrilled to be starting my Nashville journey alongside everyone at Fluid/Spirit. I get to make music with Frank Rogers, one of my favorite people and someone who believes in my work wholeheartedly. I know my songs are in great hands with this entire team. I can’t wait to get to work!” said Johnson.

U2, The Weeknd, Margo Price Part of Bonnaroo’s 2017 Lineup

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BonnarooBonnaroo has announced its initial 2017 lineup, which includes U2‘s first-ever headlining festival performance and appearances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, Margo Price, and dozens of other artists. The four-day event will showcase over 100 artists June 8-11 in Manchester, Tennessee, at Great Stage Park, the 700-acre farm and event space that has hosted the festival since its inception in 2002.

Other artists performing this year include Chance The Rapper, Major Lazer, Flume, The XX, Lorde, Travis Scott, Marshmello, Big Gigantic, Glass Animals, Future Islands, Portugal, The Man, Car Seat Headrest, Louis The Child, Flatbush Zombies, The Orwells, and Lucy Dacus.

The festival continues to expand and improve upon its pursuit of true sustainability each year, and 2016 saw the grand opening of more than 400 permanent toilets and hundreds of permanent shower stalls and water filling stations, all made possible by the park’s investment in its own devoted water line. The festival has been recognized twice by the state of Tennessee, winning the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Pursuit of Excellence Award for its environmentally-friendly ways.

Tickets for Bonnaroo 2017 are on sale now exclusively at bonnaroo.com.

 

CRS 2017 Registration Rates To Increase Friday

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CRS 2017 LogoRegistration for Country Radio Seminar 2017 increases to $699 this Friday, Jan. 13. Individuals who have not registered, but are planning to attend, are encouraged to register today at the $599 rate, which is a $100 savings, at countryradioseminar.com.

The CRS 2017 panels include: “Objects are Larger Than They Appear: Small Markets that do BIG Things,” “Speeding Towards Tomorrow: Programming & Branding in the Mobile World,” a CRS Research Presentation: Presented by Edison Research,” “Women Empowering Women,” “Victory in the Hallways: Creating a Positive Work Culture,” “More Than Words: Presenting Ideas That Inspire Bold Action,” “Promotions Start to Finish: Part YOU,” “Capturing the Millennial Ear: Rethinking our Traditional Medium for the Next Generation,” and many more.

As a first time guest of CRS, Olympic figure skater, Scott Hamilton, will present the keynote address and will inspire others through his motivational story and how to overcome life’s obstacles.

Other CRS 2017 agenda highlights include two label luncheons and performances (sponsored by Big Machine Label Group and UMG Nashville), Acoustic Alley (sponsored by Bob Kingsley), the CRS featured speaker discussion, “My Way” with Toby Keith (sponsored by BMI), the popular New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance and more.

 

Bobby Bones Celebrates $5.9 Million Raised For St. Jude During Second Annual Show

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Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones‘ second annual “The BIG 98 Presents: Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ Million Dollar Show For St. Jude” celebrated $5.9 million raised to date for the children’s research hospital from the iHeartMedia personality. Held Monday evening (Jan. 9), the Ryman Auditorium show in Nashville played a part in the efforts, not only selling-out but saw a $2 million donation from Garth Brooks.

The Black River Entertainment duo was joined by country music superstars and friends, including Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Caitlyn Smith and The Band Perry. Surprise special guests included Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne and Thomas Rhett.

Rascal Flatts offered a performance of “Life Is A Highway,” while The Band Perry induced “DONE.” Thomas Rhett covered DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean,” Brothers Osborne performed a rendition of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and Sam Hunt took on Travis Tritt’s “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”

Brooks’ donation came after inspiration from a light-hearted phone call with Bones during the The Bobby Bones Show’s Radiothon broadcast. Upon hearing that the event raised over $1.3 million in just one day, Brooks decided to donate proceeds from a portion of the sales of his Target exclusive boxed-set The Ultimate Collection. Yesterday’s evening show came to a close with Brooks leading the crowd with a show-stopping singalong of “Friends In Low Places.”

Bobby Bones has long held radiothons, on-air fundraisers, charity concerts and more for the Memphis, Tennessee hospital.

Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones and Garth Brooks

“I’m still on a crazy high from everything that happened last night,” said Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show. “It’s hard to put into words how humbling nights like that are. The fact that so many superstars, that also happen to be really great people, took time out of their busy schedules to be a part of the event is not lost on me. It makes everything we do worthwhile, when we can all come together as a pretty unique community in that sense and benefit an important cause such as St. Jude. It’s one I’ll never forget.”

“We are incredibly humbled by the support of Bobby Bones, The Raging Idiots, Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Craig Campbell, Caitlyn Smith and the millions of country music fans that support our mission,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The funds announced last night in support of our mission are staggering and are another example of the country music industry’s incredible support of St. Jude for more than 20 years. These funds are critically important in helping St. Jude doctors and scientists find cures and save the lives of children in every community who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

Lari White Celebrates 25 Years In Music With Double-Disc EP

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lari-white

Lari White will celebrate 25 years as a recording artist as she prepares to release an all-new double-disc EP, Old Friends, New Loves. The project, White’s first release in 13 years, was produced via a Kickstarter campaign, and will release Feb. 10, 2017.

“It was all my wonderful fans who contributed to a Kickstarter campaign that allowed me to make this album,” White says. “This is the first recording I’ve done where the fans are the record label. They backed the project and I reported directly to them on every little detail, giving them control room access during the whole process.”

Recorded at The Holler, White’s landmark Nashville recording studio, friends and fellow stars Delbert McClinton, Suzy Bogguss, Lee Roy Parnell and other long-time collaborators from her earliest days as a country artist make special guest appearances on the album. The first disc, Old Friends, is highlighted by rootsy reinventions of White’s breakout hits like “Lead Me Not,” “That’s How You Know When You’re In Love” and “That’s My Baby.” The second, New Loves, features White’s recently penned originals and favorite covers, a rich stew of Americana, soul, jazz and country songs, featuring guests Shawn Mullins and bass legend Victor Wooten.

“My fans have followed me the whole way on this crazy, creative journey,” shares White. “We love music and we love storytelling, and we don’t let ourselves be limited by rules about genre or medium or ‘brand’ for God’s sake. The only rule is that it’s honest. And I honestly LOVE country and jazz and soul and movies and literature and photography and any art that moves the human spirit to a good place.”

“I can hardly believe I’ve been lucky enough to make music my entire life,” says White. “Sharing my music-making process is one way I can say ‘Thank YOU!’ to the fans who have made it possible for an amazing 25 years!”

Pre-sale orders are available starting today on iTunes and Amazon.

Old Friends, New Loves Track Listing:

Disc A / Old Friends

1. Wishes
2. That’s My Baby
3. Lead Me Not
4. Now I Know
5. That’s How You Know
6. If You Only Knew
7. Eden Before The Fall
8. Bare

Disc B / New Loves

1. Who’s To Blame
2. Kisses and Wine
3. Maybe It’s Love
4. Moonshine
5. In God’s Hands
6. Down So Low
7. Champagne

Hank Williams Jr. Announces 2017 Tour Dates

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hwj

Hank Williams Jr has revealed his first round of U.S. tour dates for 2017, beginning on Feb. 3 in Nevada. The tour will consist of of medium and large scale venues including an appearance at the Washington State Fair.

Hank Jr.’s most recent album, It’s About Time, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and broke the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200, landing at No. 8. During his career, Hank Williams Jr. has notched six platinum albums, 20 gold albums, 13 No. 1 albums and 10 No. 1 singles. Hank Jr. has been named ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon in addition to winning a Grammy and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Hank Williams Jr. Tour Dates
Feb. 3 – Peppermill Concert Hall – West Wendover, Nev.
April 29 – Georgia World Congress Center – Atlanta, Ga.
May 27 – Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, Fla.
May 28 – Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, La.
June 09 – Choctaw Grand Theater – Durant, Okla.
June 10 – Silver Star Hotel and Casino-Convention Center – Choctaw, Miss
July 1 – Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel – Salamanca, N.Y.
July 2 – French Lick Resort Casino – French Lick, Ind.
Sept. 15 – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – Pepsi Outdoor Amphitheater – Airway Heights, Wash.
Sept. 16 – Washington State Fair – Puyallup, Wash.

Drake White, Bailey Bryan Up For Grammy Artist Of Tomorrow Honor

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grammy-artist-of-tomorrow-570x380New artists Bailey Bryan and Drake White are in the running for the fan-voted Grammy Artist of Tomorrow award along with Farina. Bryan was nominated for the Grammy nod by Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, while White was chosen by the Zac Brown Band and Farina was nominated by Wyclef Jean. Fans can submit their votes daily at CBS.com, and voting closes February 8th.

Bryan recently stopped by for a visit with the MusicRow staff and to perform some of her songs.

The Grammy Artist of Tomorrow nominees are on-the-rise acts who are sure to be among the most buzzed-about artists of 2017 according to the Grammy veterans who nominated them. The winning artist will be featured during the Grammy Live webcast on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 at CBS.com and Grammy.com. The Grammys will air on CBS on Feb. 12.

ole Acquires Red Vinyl Music, Adds Chris Janson, Mark Irwin, Pavel Dovgalyuk

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Pictured (Nack row, L-R): Shellien Kinsey, ole, Creative Coordinator; John Ozier, ole, VP Creative; Mike Whelan, ole, Sr. Creative Director; Emily Mueller, ole, Creative Manager; Ben Strain, ole, Creative Director. (Back row, L-R): Songwriter Pavel Dovgalyuk, Singer/Songwriter Chris Janson, Songwriter Mark Irwin

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Shellien Kinsey, ole, Creative Administration Manager; John Ozier, ole, VP Creative; Mike Whelan, ole, Sr. Creative Director; Emily Mueller, ole, Creative Manager; Ben Strain, ole, Creative Director. (Front row, L-R): Songwriter Pavel Dovgalyuk, Singer/Songwriter Chris Janson, Songwriter Mark Irwin

ole has acquired the catalog, trademarks, and songwriter contracts of Nashville-based independent music publisher Red Vinyl Music, LLC. ole will now control Red Vinyl’s catalog of nearly 3,000 songs as well as futures for songwriters Chris Janson, Mark Irwin, and Pavel Dovgalyuk. The catalog includes Tim McGraw’s current single, “How I’ll Always Be,” which was co-written by Janson and ole songwriter Jeremy Stover, and the top 25 Chris Janson song, “Holdin’ Her.”

The catalog also includes the works of Streamsound Records artist/writers Dakota Bradley, Austin Webb, Jaida Dreyer, and Dave & Julia Carlson.

“The Red Vinyl catalog is an absolute gold mine, featuring an incredible body of work across their legacy and current writers. We’re thrilled to represent them, and understand the responsibility of taking care of and adding value to the catalog and those who have helped build it,” said John Ozier, Vice President of Creative at ole. “Furthermore, partnering with Warner Bros. recording artist Chris Janson is a huge honor, as we have all been fans of Chris from the beginning. The future of the ole creative team, working with this catalog and current writers like Chris, Mark and Pavel, is definitely going to be a bright one.”

“I’m so honored to be an official ole writer,” said Janson. “I love my job, and it fires me up to have a great publishing team that works as hard as I do.”

Red Vinyl Music was established in late 2010 when producer Byron Gallimore partnered with Jim Wilkes and Tim McHugh.

Downtown Music Publishing To Administer Big Yellow Dog Catalog

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big-yellow-dog-downtownDowntown Music Publishing has signed on to administer the catalog of independent music publishing and artist development company, Big Yellow Dog Music.

Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog represents Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, Maren Morris and more. Among Big Yellow Dog’s hits are Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Lips Are Movin” and “No”; Morris’ “My Church” and “80s Mercedes”; Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” co-written by Kear; and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” both co-written by Kear.

Big Yellow Dog Music also has songs recorded by Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Demi Levato and Rascal Flatts. Their film, television and brand division had over 400 placements in 2016 including uses by JCPenney, How to Get Away with Murder, Shades of Blue, HP, Mad Max: Fury Road, Moana, Peanuts, T-Mobile, and The Edge of Seventeen.

“Kerry O’Neil, Co-Owner, Big Yellow Dog Music, has been a true friend to Downtown for many years and we have always admired the company that Carla Wallace, Co-owner and CEO, and Kerry have built,” said Andrew Sparkler, Downtown’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Operations. “We are thrilled to strengthen our long-standing relationship with them by welcoming Big Yellow Dog Music and their world class catalog to the Downtown family.”

“Today’s business environment is as challenging and fast-paced as any in our 18 years of business,” Big Yellow Dog’s Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace said in a statement. “Being able to align our company with such a serious player in copyright administration is a great opportunity for us and our writers.”

Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is headquartered in New York with offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and Tokyo.