Industry Ink: Kelsea Ballerini, Swon Brothers, Natalie Hemby, Matthew J. Grosland, Bear Creek Brothers

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Kelsea Ballerini’s Xfinity ACM Encore

Kelsea Ballerini is up for two awards on the 52nd Annual ACM Awards this year, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year Presented by Xfinity for “Peter Pan.” Comcast’s Xfinity brand has officially partnered with the ACM Awards, and in addition to the live broadcast on CBS, Xfinity TV customers will be able to watch awards content on Xfinity On Demand leading up to the live broadcast, plus an encore performance from Ballerini after the show.

Xfinity TV customers will have access to content including “Behind the Performance,” which will take fans behind the preparations for Kelsea Ballerini’s encore performance, as well as archival clips from prior ACM Awards. The content will also be available online at xfinity.com/ACMawards.

 

The Swons Leave ‘Scars’ On Music City

Pictured (L-R): Zach Swon, Grand Ole Opry Vice President/GM, Sally Williams, and Colton Swon

The Swon Brothers performed songs from their brand new EP, Pretty Cool Scars, at The Grand Ole Opry last Friday night (March 17) and then signed autographs in the Opry store for fans who waited to meet them following their performance. The duo also sat down for a Facebook LIVE visit and Q&A with the Opry’s Facebook page before hitting the stage.

On Saturday (March 18) they delivered an energetic acoustic set of songs from the new EP, as well as some crowd favorites to a standing-room-only crowd at Nashville’s ACME Feed & Seed, which included friend and fellow artist, Easton Corbin. The performance was streamed LIVE on ACME’s Facebook page as well as on ACME Radio.

 

Natalie Hemby Makes Her Opry Debut

WSM’s Bill Cody and Natalie Hemby. Photo: Grand Ole Opry

Natalie Hemby had a big week last week, making her debut on the Grand Ole Opry last weekend, where she performed “Ferris Wheel” and “Worn” with her husband (and producer of her album Puxico), Mike Wrucke, on guitar. The show was a full-circle moment for Nashville native Hemby, whose high school graduation was held on the Opry stage. Last week she also joined some writers for the opening of the American Currents exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On display in the museum is Hemby’s notebook of handwritten song ideas for Miranda Lambert and a wooden number one carved by her grandfather to celebrate her song “White Liar” hitting number one on the charts.

 

Matthew J. Grosland Joins DeSalvo Law Firm

Pictured (L-R): Matthew J. Grosland, Ramona P. DeSalvo

Matthew J. Grosland has joined Nashville entertainment law firm DeSalvo Law Firm PLLC as an associate. He graduated at the top of his class at the Nashville School of Law with the highest GPA in the then-101-year history of the school. Upon admission to the Tennessee bar, Grosland worked as an Assistant Public Defender with the 18th Judicial District in Gallatin, Tennessee. Grosland’s diverse background includes extensive experience in both music and Information Technology.

In other DeSalvo news, the firm’s founding member, Ramona P. DeSalvo, recently was selected as a 2017 Fellow for the Nashville Bar Foundation. Fellows are selected by their colleagues, and each Fellows class is limited to approximately 2% of the bar in Nashville. The 2017 Fellows class was honored at a black tie event on March 11, 2017 at Loew’s Vanderbilt.

 

Bear Creek Brothers Members Ink With Kim McClean Music

Pictured (L-R): Rentfrow, Vermillion, publisher Kim McLean, Dylan Wright, and Creative Director Will McLean Johnston

Seth Rentfrow, Kevin Vermillion, and Dylan Wright recently celebrated their signing to Kim McLean Music, LLC during a visit to the ASCAP Nashville offices. All three writers are Michigan natives who’ve been honing their craft in Nashville for the last few years, and their band, the Bear Creek Brothers, is finishing up their first studio album.

McLean said, “I’m so proud of these guys and excited about the bright future they have ahead of them. They’re awesome people. Good times ahead!”

 

Breaking: ‘MusicRow’ Announces 2017 Rising Women On The Row Honorees

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Pictured (Top row, L-R): Tatum Allsep, Virginia Davis, Kerri Edwards. (Bottom row, L-R): Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith

MusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees of the sixth annual Rising Women on the Row celebration.

The premier breakfast event, saluting women in the Nashville music industry, will be held Tuesday, April 25, at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

It was previously announced that this year’s speaker will be Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group’s Lou Taylor. The performer will be Kalie Shorr.

City National Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2017 Rising Women on the Row.

Tickets are sold out. More info can be found here.

Tatum Allsep

Tatum Allsep
Founder/Executive Director—Music Health Alliance
Allsep founded the Nashville music industry’s first non-profit resource for healthcare in 2013. As a free resource, the organization aims to guide and to connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions. Allsep learned the business of health insurance at Vanderbilt Medical Center having been trained in healthcare advocacy at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Allsep met with President Obama during his term and participated in a roundtable for Mayor Megan Barry. Allsep has served on committees and boards of The Deanna Glossup Foundation, MS Society, Musicians On Call, the Peabody College, SOURCE Awards, St. Jude, Founder’s Committee, Project Paper Doll, Enroll America, and Stop Domestic Violence.

Virginia Davis

Virginia Davis
Managing Partner and Artist Manager—G Major Management

As managing partner, Davis has overseen the career of rising superstar Thomas Rhett since 2011, who has notched seven No. 1 singles, garnered 8 million digital sales and headlined many 2017 sold-out arena dates. Davis has also overseen the careers of Jewel and Danielle Bradbery after partnering with Scott Borchetta and Irving Azoff in the formation of B.A.D. Management, a subsidiary of Front Line Management. Most recently she formed Home Team Publishing with Rhett and his father/songwriter Rhett Akins as a partnership with Jay Z’s Roc Nation.

She fundraises and sponsors Thistle Farms, Porters Call, and the Thomas Rhett & Friends Annual event, benefiting 147 Million orphans.

Kerri Edwards

Kerri Edwards
President—KP Entertainment
Edwards launched her management company in 2005 at the start of a then unsigned Luke Bryan’s meteoric rise. In 2008, KP Entertainment partnered to manage Bryan with Coran Capshaw’s Red Light Management. In 2011 Edwards’ roster grew to include Cole Swindell, Kelleigh Bannen, Adam Craig, Jon Langston, DJ Rock, CB30, and Chancie Neal. A publishing arm of her company was launched with Sony/ATV to house writers Michael Carter, Jay Clementi, Jody Stevens, Chancie Neal and Cole Swindell. She also recently teamed up with Kobalt Music in representing songwriter Mike Mobley.

Her 20-year career includes time in music A&R/publishing with Deston Songs, Murrah Music, Arista Records, and Mark Bright Productions. Edwards is a founding member of SOLID, and serves on both the CMA and ACM boards.

Kella Farris

Kella Farris
Business Manager—Farris, Self & Moore
Certified Financial Planner with a business administration masters from Auburn University, Farris launched the business management firm The Kella Stephenson Company in 2006. Farris expanded the firm in 2015 to include touring artists as Farris, Self, & Moore, with Stephanie Self and Catherine Moore.

The passionate and respected leader’s clients, which include Hillary Lindsey, Luke Laird, Creative Nation, Natalie Hemby, Rodney Clawson and Nicolle Galyon, have cuts on more than 200 million albums sold and 75 No. 1 songs.

The Leadership Music 2014 alumna has served on her alma mater advisory board, and the Barefoot Republic Camp advisory board. Most recently, she became a mentor for the Nurturing Outstanding Women (NOW), a nonprofit organization started by previous MusicRow Rising Women honorees, Beth Laird and Abbey Adams. She enjoys hot yoga, spending time with her husband DJ, son Everett, and being on her family farm in Eufaula, Alabama.

Laura Hutfless

Laura Hutfless
CEO and Founding Partner—FlyteVu Agency
Hutfless is a founding Partner at FlyteVu, a Nashville-based marketing agency founded in 2015 with Jeremy Holley that has expanded to eight staff. FlyteVu connects brands to consumers through compelling storytelling, unparalleled experiences, and the authentic power of music. The agency builds and executes music campaigns for brands including Cracker Barrel, Bumble, Red Cross, Snap Fitness, Anheuser-Busch, Mary Kay, and Tennessee Tourism.

In their first year of business, FlyteVu’s campaigns have collectively earned multiple awards including a CLIO award for Best in Music, an Emmy award, a Grammy award, two Davey awards for Best in Content and Social Marketing and three Addy awards. Hutfless has consecutively appeared on multiple Billboard Power Player lists and was awarded a NBJ Women of Influence Award. She served on the 2017 Ballet Ball Soiree committee, Front Porch Ministry, Source member, and Leadership Music alumna.

Juli Newton-Griffith

Juli Newton-Griffith
Vice President—Magic Mustang/BMG
Since joining Magic Mustang Music at its launch 14 years ago, Griffith has helped score over 700 cuts, including 28 cuts in 2017 alone. As SESAC’s 2013-15 publisher of the Year, Magic Mustang is home to writers including Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Vicky McGehee, Runaway June, Brooke Eden, Thompson Square, Steve Bogard, Westin Davis, Lindsay Ell, Rob Hatch, Justin Wilson, Justin Lantz, Dave Pittenger, Jacob Durrett and Taylor Davis.

Newton-Griffith oversaw the 2017 publishing transition after BBR Music Group was acquired by BMG. She enjoys work with the Crazy 8’s, Miller Harris Foundation, Hands on Nashville, wine, sewing and cooking.

CBS Radio Event Draws Major Country Names

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Garth Brooks (bottom row, center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (bottom row, right of Brooks); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left); VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (bottom row, fourth from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, third from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, fourth from left); with CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country

CBS Radio recently hosted its annual country gathering in Nashville, with record labels, management teams, and artists attending the event. This year’s gathering included visits from Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Sam Hunt.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (left of McGraw); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left), VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (bottom row, fourth from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, third from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, fourth from left); and CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country

Sam Hunt (bottom row, center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (bottom row, right of Hunt); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left), VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (top row, seventh from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, fourth from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, sixth from right); and CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country. They are joined by Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO, UMG Nashville (bottom row, second from right) and Royce Risser, Senior VP, Promotion, UMG Nashville (top row, second from left)

Joel A. Katz Named Chairman Of T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Directors

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Joel A. Katz

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research’s board of directors has appointed Joel A. Katz as chairman of the board. Katz, chair of the global entertainment and media practice at Greenberg Traurig, has served on the T.J. Martell Foundation’s board since 1995 and will succeed Tony Martell who died Nov. 27, 2016, at the age of 90.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by Tony Martell,” said Katz. “The T.J. Martell Foundation has tremendous opportunities for growth in supporting innovative cancer research and ultimately improving the lives of patients. I am honored to have been selected as chair of this outstanding organization.”

“On behalf of the Martell Family, it gives us great pleasure to have Joel Katz as the Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation,” said Debbie Martell, daughter of Tony Martell. “Joel was very close to my father for many years as his entertainment attorney and as his friend. He will be an excellent leader and will help continue the important mission of the foundation.”

The Foundation was founded in 1975 in loving memory of Tony Martell’s son T.J., who died of leukemia. The foundation has provided more than $280 million dollars for research that supports eight flagship hospitals in the United States.

“We are deeply grateful and very excited about our future with Joel Katz. He has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the Foundation for many years,” said Laura Heatherly, the CEO of the organization.

Katz received the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Spirit of Excellence Award in 2009 and 2010, as well as serving as Chair Emeritus of the Atlanta’s Best Cellars Dinner for the foundation.

Katz has been named to Billboard Magazine’s ‘Power 100’ list of the most influential executives in the music business. His client list has included James Brown, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Ludacris, Jimmy Buffett, Julio Iglesias, Little Big Town, TLC, Steve Harvey, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Weekly Register: Josh Turner Makes ‘Deep’ Chart Impact

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Josh Turner‘s latest album for MCA Nashville, Deep South, debuts atop the country albums chart this week, with 18K. Little Big Town‘s Breaker (Capitol Nashville) falls to No. 2 this week, with 9.9K. Reba‘s Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope (Nash Icon) is at No. 3, with 8.2K.

Alison Krauss‘ Windy City (Capitol) is at No. 4 with 8K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller (Mercury Nashville) rounds out the Top 5 with 7K.

Among the top debuts this week are The Music of Nashville (Season 5) (Big Machine) at No. 9 with 5K. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives land at No. 18 with Way Out West (Superlatone) moving 2.7K this week. Sunny Sweeney‘s Trophy (Thirty Tigers) moved 2.3K this week to debut at No. 21.

Sam Hunt‘s “Body Like A Back Road” remains the top country track in the Hot Digital Tracks chart, moving 55K this week. Jon Pardi‘s “Dirt On My Boots” follows at No. 2 with 24.2K. Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” moves to No. 3, with 20.4K. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood‘s “The Fighter” is at No. 4, with 17.9K. Rounding out the Top 5 country entries this week is “Sanctuary,” from the cast of Nashville, moving 16.3K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

 

 

 

Industry Ink: Martina McBride, Duane Eddy, Music Biz

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Martina Sends Love To Covenant House Mothers

Martina McBride and her fan-driven charity, Team Music Is Love, turned her 2017 Love Unleashed Tour into a chance to help young mothers at Covenant House, a homeless youth shelter in New York City, by hosting a baby shower for the group. On March 9, Martina and her team celebrated the young mothers who live at Covenant House, partnering with Huggies Diapers, First Quality, and Cuties Diapers to stock the shelter with essentials all new mothers need. Each mother received a gift bag full of bath supplies, books, and educational toys and in all, over 18,000 diapers were donated to the Covenant House and the mothers. Martina also surprised the mothers and Covenant House staff by inviting the entire shelter to her show that night at PlayStation Theater.

 

Duane Eddy Speaks To Belmont University Students

Pictured (L-R): Duane Eddy, Dr. Don Cusic

Duane Eddy spoke at Belmont University’s Curb College on Friday, March 17. Interviewed by Dr. Don Cusic, Eddy covered his career and his early recordings were also played during the event.

 

Music Biz Career Workshops Set

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will host its Career Development programming at the Music Biz 2017 convention, May 15-18 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. Consisting of a series of Career Development Workshops on May 16 and Career Day on May 18, the offerings will teach students, aspiring startup founders, and others about how the music business works, provide guidance on careers, and connect attendees with companies and individuals crucial to landing a job or launching a startup.

The Career Development Workshops will begin with a keynote from “Musician with a Message” SaulPaul, after which reps from companies and universities will discuss careers in music, resources, networking, and other skills necessary to get a foot in the door. The program will wrap with Career Day, with representatives from BMI, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), ole, SESAC, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and others on hand to meet with attendees and discuss job opportunities and internships.

For more, visit musicbiz2017.com.

BMI, BMLG Showcase Nashville at SXSW

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BMI Nashville Artists Shine At SXSW

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI songwriter Brent Cobb, BMI’s Bradley Collins and Yeti Coolers’ Robert Sanchez pose backstage at the Yeti Coolers flagship store before Cobb’s performance. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI Nashville was proud to bring some of the top songwriters in country, indie rock, and Americana to this year’s South By Southwest festival, held March 14-19 in Austin, Texas. Americana artists Brent Cobb, Liz Cooper and indie rock band Colony House played to a packed house at the BMI and Yeti Coolers day party, filling the Yeti flagship store with fans.

Country crooners Caitlyn Smith and Devin Dawson brightened the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank, while rocker Ron Gallo opened the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

BMI songwriter Brent Cobb (right) and guitarist Mike Harris (left) tear through Cobb’s set at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Caitlyn Smith sings at the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

Nashville indie rock band and BMI songwriters Colony House performs to a full-capacity crowd at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party. Photo: Erika Goldring

One of the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank performers, BMI songwriter Devin Dawson treats the crowd to songs about finding love. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Liz Cooper, performing as Liz Cooper and the Stampede, rocks the stage at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Gallo opens the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater. His latest album, released just before SXSW, is called Heavy Meta. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Pope performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka.

BMI songwriter Langhorne Slim performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka at the legendary Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas.

 

BMLG Takes SXSW

A Thousand Horses chats with TuneIn Country Roads host Kelly Sutton prior to taking the stage. Pictured (L-R): TuneIn’s Kelly Sutton, A Thousand Horses’ Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Graham DeLoach, Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Dave Kelly and TuneIn’s Joyce Rizer. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Big Machine Label Group artists A Thousand Horses, Delta Rae and Midland also delivered standout performances to capacity crowds at this year’s South By Southwest festival.

Delta Rae kicked off the night with a spirited performance of their new single,
“A Long And Happy Life.” Pictured (L-R): Delta Rae’s Ian Hölljes, Brittany Hölljes, Liz Hopkins and Eric Hölljes (not pictured: Grant Emerson and Mike McKee). Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Midland preps their Top 40-and-rising single “Drinkin’ Problem” backstage Friday night. Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

A Thousand Horses closed the night with their new single, “Preachin’ To The Choir.” Pictured (L-R): A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby and Zach Brown. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Prep New Album, Single

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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will release their latest collaboration, “Speak to a Girl,” to country radio at 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 23. Subsequently, the new single on Arista Nashville, will be available to download and stream.

The track, penned by Shy Carter, Dave Gibson and Joe Spargur, and co-produced by Byron Gallimore, McGraw and Hill, will serve as the lead single from a Tim McGraw and Faith Hill album to be released by Sony Music Entertainment later this year. The couple announced their signing with the label last month.

McGraw and Hill will perform “Speak To A Girl” on the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 2.

Delta Rae To Release Debut BMLG EP March 24

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The Valory Music Co. band Delta Rae is releasing their debut EP, A Long And Happy Life on Friday, March 24. The Dann Huff-produced collection features four songs highlighting the family harmonies of the Hölljes’ siblings Brittany, Eric and Ian along with members Liz Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson.

The Durham, North Carolina-based band’s music melds together country storytelling over gospel and rock vocal stylings with bluegrass musicianship. Inspired by literature, Eric and Ian crafted the lyrics for their first single, “A Long And Happy Life,” by weaving four book titles from authors they admire. The group chose their name from a mythical story the Hölljes’ mother told them about a Southern girl named Delta Rae who summons the Greek gods to earth.

“As a band we strive to make people feel like they’re connected to each other through a place, an emotion or vivid moment in time,” said Brittany. “When you listen to these songs, envision the best summer of your life: It’s got young love and heartbreak, family and wildness, plenty of adventure.

“From writing to recording, we brought a different level of focus and craftsmanship to this EP. We’re incredibly proud of it and hope our fans will be too,” said Ian.

A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE EP Track List:
1.   “A Long And Happy Life” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes
2.   “I Moved South” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes
3.   “No Peace In Quiet” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Tiffany Goss, Adam Wood
4.   “Ain’t Love” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes

 

Razor & Tie Music Publishing Signs Sean McConnell

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Jen Duke, Creative Manager, RTMP; Brad Kennard, VP Creative, RTMP; Kent Marcus, Attorney; Ross DuPre, Manager. Front: Sean McConnell

Razor & Tie Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Sean McConnell. With a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and signing with Rounder Records in 2016, he released the eponymous Sean McConnell to critical acclaim.

McConnell says, “I’m thrilled to have signed with the passionate and creative team at Razor and Tie publishing. It’s a real joy to be working with Brad Kennard and the whole team. Their energy is infectious and I’m stoked about what we’re cooking up together. I’m looking forward to all that’s to come with these guys.”

“Sean is one of those people you dream of getting to work with. He has total respect from everyone in the industry…and he brings a superior level of cool to our team. Also, he’s truly one of the best humans on the planet. I’m honored he’d share his career with us,” Brad Kennard, Vice President, Creative at RTMP said.

McConnell will join Drew Holcomb again this year on his Souvenir Tour, running from March 29-April 8.