Tree Vibez Music, Big Machine Music Sign Joint Venture With Daniel Ross

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(L-R): Back Row – Tree Vibez Music’s Emily Peacock, Adam Romaine, Leslie DiPiero and Tyler Hubbard, BMM’s Mike Molinar, Michelle Attardi, Jillian Whitefield and Alex Heddle; Front Row – Daniel Ross.   Photo: Seth Hellman for Big Machine Music

Big Machine Music and Tree Vibez Music have signed songwriter/producer Daniel Ross to a publishing deal in a joint publishing venture.

Ross moved to Nashville after graduating from Western Carolina University in 2015 and quickly immersed himself into the songwriting scene. The Hope Mills, North Carolina native spent his formative years playing in and producing local bands around the Southeast.

“Daniel’s music is current, commercial and shows an immense respect for the craft of songwriting,” says Mike Molinar, BMM General Manager. “I am incredibly honored to have him join our team of uniquely talented songwriters and equally excited to collaborate with our friends at Tree Vibez Music on this partnership.”

“BK and I knew from our first writing session that Tree Vibez Music would sign Daniel one day,” said FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “There was energy and flow to his songwriting that we knew was fresh. And, to team up with Big Machine from the publishing side is different and really exciting for us!

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel into the family – and to further extend our family to this new partnership with the Big Machine Music team,” said TVM General Manager Leslie DiPiero. This is going to be an incredible journey!”

“This is a dream crew to work with and I’m blown away that this is a reality for me,” says Ross about the new partnership. “I’ve never been more excited about creating music.”

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero and Tyler Hubbard, BMM’s Mike Molinar and Michelle Attardi; Front Row – Daniel Ross. Photo: Seth Hellman for Big Machine Music

Steven McMillan Promoted To Director At Round Hill Music

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Steven McMillan has been named Director of Tracking at Round Hill Music.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State with a Bachelor’s degree in Recording Industry Management, McMillan was previously Manager of Royalty Services for the company. Prior to joining Round Hill, he was the Manager of Financial Operations for Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information, where his responsibilities included collecting and distributing royalties for all clients, managing writer recoupable accounts, demo billing, royalty redirections, catalog valuations, desktop auditing, and Master Mechanical Royalties for label clients.

“I want to congratulate Steven on his promotion,” said Round Hill Music SVP/GM Mark Brown. “He’s been an asset to our company and I’m excited to see him take on this new role.”

Inaugural VenuesNow Conference Reveals LA Speaker Lineup

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The inaugural VenuesNow Conference, slated for July 12-14 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, aims to bring together thought-leaders and visionaries to discuss the issues and challenges facing the sports, entertainment and venue industry. The conference will focus on areas including music, concerts, technology, safety and security, branding and sponsorship.

Among this year’s speakers are Mac Presents’ Marcie Allen, Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw, McGhee Entertainment’s Doc McGhee, Messina Touring Group’s Louis Messina, Live Nation’s President of North American Concerts Bob Roux, WME partner and co-head Nashville Rob Beckham, CID Entertainment Founder/CEO Dan Berkowitz.

VenuesNow is produced by Oak View Group’s Tim Leiweke and former Billboard Executive Director of Content and Programming for Touring Ray Waddell.

For more, visit venuesnowconference.com.

Black River Publishing Adds Eric Hurt As Sr. Director Of Creative

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Eric Hurt. Photo: Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment’s VP of Publishing Dave Pacula has announced the hiring of publishing veteran Eric Hurt as Sr. Director of Creative.

“We are excited to welcome Eric Hurt to the Black River family!” says Pacula. “He is a perfect fit with our creative team and his extensive and diverse experience in multiple genres will be a great asset to our songwriters.”

Nearing 20 years in the music industry, Hurt has witnessed the ever-changing Nashville music scene first hand.

“It’s becoming a very versatile town where multiple genres of music are working together and pushing each other creatively, which is making it important for publishers to have a roster that reflects that evolution so that they are ahead of the curve.”

Hurt continued, “Black River’s roster achieves just that. I am thrilled to now be a part of Black River where all of our artists, writers and producers work hard to push musical boundaries and strive for something unique and authentic. I’m very much looking forward to helping our roster grow and finding new opportunities both within and outside of Nashville.”

Prior to joining Black River, Hurt spent time at Zavitson Music Group, Universal Music Publishing / Brentwood-Benson, Still Working Music and ForeFront Records. Most recently, Hurt served as Sr. Director of Creative at Spirit Music Group.

Hurt can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 615-780-3070 x 6205.

Shania Twain Gives Back With New Album

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With the Sep. 29 launch of her brand new album, NOW, Shania Twain is offering exclusive album packages to benefit Shania Kids Can. Shania promised herself that if she were ever in a position to give back, she would find a way to help children reach their full potential.

After overcoming the hardships, loss and poverty of her youth, Twain is now one of the most iconic country stars in the world and is helping to provide the best possible opportunities for youth today facing similar challenges through the Shania Kids Can Foundation. Established in 2010, the organization was created to help underprivileged children with academic, nutritional, therapeutic and extra-curricular support providing a safe, secure environment where a child can thrive and reach their personal best.

Package options for NOW range from the new Shania deluxe album, Shania Kids Can merchandise and autographed memorabilia to tickets to an intimate pre-release listening party, one-of-a-kind performance outfits worn by Shania, the custom motorcycle used in Shania’s Still the One Live from Las Vegas stage show, dinner in Nashville with Shania and much more. For additional details and package descriptions, PledgeMusic.com/projects/shania-kids-can.

Big & Rich Ready To Rock Again On ‘Did It For The Party’

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Big & Rich are cranking up the energy to 10 in their usual fashion on their latest CD Did It For The Party, which is due out Sept. 15. Upbeat rockers like “Congratulations (You’re A Rockstar)” and “No Sleep” punctuate the new project balanced out with softer side ballads like “Turns Me On.”

The album features 13 new songs produced by Big Kenny and John Rich, including their new single “California,” and fans who pre-order the album now will receive the track as an instant grat track along with the title tune. The album will also be promoted at Walmart stores nationwide through a newly announced partnership with TWIX.

“This new record is gonna rock America’s boots off,” said John Rich. “Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!” Big Kenny adds, “It’s been a blast working on this album and we can’t wait for everyone to hear our new songs!”

Did It For The Party Track Listing:
1. California
2. Did It For The Party
3. Congratulations (You’re A Rockstar)
4. Turns Me On
5. Wake Up Wanting You
6. Smoke In Her Eyes
7. No Sleep
8. We Came To Rawk
9. Funk In The Country
10. The Long Way Home
11. Freedom Road
12. My Son
13. Lie Cheat Or Steal

Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Agency33, Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Nashville

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Hostess Brands Teams With Brad Paisley

Hostess Brands has teamed with the Country Music Association, Sony Music Nashville, and Brad Paisley for a sweet summertime offering. Select Hostess® Twinkies® and Donettes® items will include a code providing access to a 42-song Spotify playlist curated by Paisley, and featuring tracks from his album Love And War. Hostess fans also have the chance to enter a Sweepstakes to win a grand prize trip to the 51st Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 8 in Nashville.

 

Joey Amato Launches LGBT-focused PR Firm Agency33

Joey Amato

Joey Amato recently launched Nashville-based, LGBT-focused firm Agency33.

Agency33 will also work with other public relations agencies and record companies to bring expertise and knowledge to their artists when needing to target this specific demographic. Agency33 will not focus solely on country music artists, having recently signed dance/pop artist Joey Suarez, who just released his latest single “Love Me Back.” Suarez recently performed in front of a massive crowd of admirers at NYC Pride in June and San Antonio Pride on July 1. A separate Agency33 division will be dedicated to Tour Press.

Most recently, Amato served as Publicity Manager for Webster Public Relations with previous stints at Sony Music New York, Relevant Communications, and iHeart Radio.  In addition, Amato served as publisher of Unite Magazine, Nashville’s premiere LGBT publication.

“Whether artists are aware of it, or not, LGBT individuals love country music and spend a fortune buying music, merchandise and concert tickets. I would love to see more artists make a conscious effort to reach this market as the LGBT consumer has more disposable income than almost any diversity group,” says Amato. “There are a few public relations firms in the U.S. that offer such a service but none in Nashville. As country music artists and brands have become more accepting and vocal about their support of the LGBT community, I felt it was important to make this one of the services we offer.”

 

Ray Stevens Announces 2017 Artist Lineup For ‘CabaRay Nashville’ Third Season

Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville has announced its summer 2017 lineup of musical guests. The third season of the national television show, starring country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens, will include appearances from Restless Heart, Shenandoah, John Michael Montgomery, Michael W. Smith, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, and more. Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville airs weekly on Public Television affiliate stations across the nation.

Summer 2017 Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville Guest Lineup:

Weekend of July 7 – Harold Bradley w/ Mandy Barnett
Weekend of July 14 – Shenandoah
Weekend of July 21 – Michael W. Smith
Weekend of July 28 – BJ Thomas
Weekend of Aug 4 – Rhonda Vincent
Weekend of Aug 11 – Restless Heart
Weekend of Aug 18 – John Michael Montgomery
Weekend of Aug 25 – Baillie & the Boys
Weekend of Sept 1 – Tommy Roe
Weekend of Sept 8 – Mark Wills
Weekend of Sept 15 – Duane Eddy

Oh Boy Records Hosts John Prine Tribute Night To Benefit Jessi Zazu

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Oh Boy Records is hosting a special benefit evening, “The Songs of John Prine,” July 27 at Basement East to support Jessi Zazu of the band Those Darlins in her battle with cancer. To celebrate the re-release of the 2010 John Prine tribute record Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows, Oh Boy Records will host the night of music featuring Nashville musicians covering classic John Prine songs, and will also be re-pressing the album (which includes Those Darlins’ rendition of “Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian”) on vinyl.

The lineup for the show features artists inspired by the man himself with performances by Alex Caress, Amanda Shires, Andrew Leahey, Brothers Osborne, Caitlin Rose, Caroline Rose, Colter Wall, Cory Branan, Darrin Bradbury, Elise Davis, Elizabeth Cook, Holly Williams, Jason Isbell, Jon Latham, Kelsey Waldon, Larissa Murphy, Lilly Hiatt, Muddy Magnolias, The Nicholson Brothers, Paul Cauthen, and The Whiskey Gentry with more to be announced.

The event is being sponsored by Hattie B’s, Flavor Catering, The Press House, and more, and all ticket proceeds will benefit Jessi Zazu.

The Grascals Return In September With ‘Before Breakfast’

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The Grascals‘ newest album, Before Breakfast, is set for release Sept. 1, and fans who pre-order the new collection will receive “Sleepin’ With The Reaper” as an instant grat track.

The 12-song album includes tunes like “Delia,” which features Grascals’ guitarist John Bryan on clawhammer banjo, the melancholy ballad “Lonesome” which was penned by Terry Smith and his brother Billy, the gospel jewel “I’ve Been Redeemed,” and the Flatt and Scruggs-penned “He Took Your Place.”

This is the second project this configuration of The Grascals has recorded together.  The current group features founders Terry Eldredge (lead vocals, guitar), Terry Smith (lead vocals, bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin), plus longtime banjo ace Kristin Scott Benson, fiddler Adam Haynes and John Bryan (lead vocals/guitar).

The group continues to evolve organically, as evidenced by their latest endeavor.  “We’re even breathing together vocally,” Terry Smith explains. “The Osborne Brothers always said that when you get to that point, it was right – and they were on to something.”

Before Breakfast Track Listing:
Sleepin’ With The Reaper (B. Buller/G. Williams)
Demons (B. Anderson/J. Randall)
Delia (J. Weisberger/C. Chamberlain/C. Humphrey III)
I’ve Been Redeemed (M. Dylan/R. Edwards)
Lonesome (B. Smith/T. Smith)
Beer Tree (H. Allen/R. E. Orrall)
Pathway Of Teardrops (W. P. Walker/W. Pierce/J. Hazlewood)
Lynchburg Chicken Run (D. Roberts/A. Haynes)
He Took Your Place (L. Flatt/E. Scruggs)
Lost And Lonesome (P. Overstreet/ B. Smith)
There Is You (K. Harrigill)
Clear Corn Liquor (T. Stafford/B.Starnes)

 

Weekly Chart Report 7/7/17

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