Aaron Eshuis Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Robin Palmer, Aaron Eshuis, Shane McAnally, Attorney Chip Petree and Kobalt’s Laura Alexander

SMACKSongs has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Aaron Eshuis, exclusively administered by Kobalt.

Eshuis is an accomplished writer and producer from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who has racked up cuts by A Thousand Horses, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, Kid Rock, Cole Swindell and more. Most recently, Eshuis produced Sony Records recording artist Ryan Hurd’s debut EP.

“Aaron is such a perfect fit for the SMACK family, it almost seems like he’s always been here,” said McAnally. “After years of admiring his production and songwriting, I feel honored that he would trust us with this next chapter.”

“SMACK is home to some of the kindest, most creative people I’ve ever met,” said Eshuis. “The passion and spirit of camaraderie in that building is inspiring, and I feel privileged to be a member of such a special group.”

 

Kaitlyn Moore Joins mtheory As Director Of Marketing

mtheory Nashville has added Kaitlyn Moore as Director of Marketing. She will report directly to President, Cameo Carlson.

Moore comes to mtheory from Maverick, where she spent the past three years as eCommerce Marketing Manager, overseeing eCommerce initiatives for artists like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker.

mtheory was founded in 2010 to provide artist managers with the tools they need to be successful in building multi-faceted artist careers. With over 30 employees and offices in New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, the company works with a diverse roster of artist managers across a variety of genres, including country, rock, pop, hip-hop, singer-songwriter and electronic.

Midland Turns To Texas For Solid Retro-Country Inspired Debut, ‘On The Rocks’

Midland. Photo: Harper Smith for Big Machine Records

Backstage at Nashville’s tiny, barebones dive, The Springwater Supper Club & Lounge, trio Midland prepped to preview their debut BMLG album On The Rocks for group of industry insiders later that evening.

However, trio’s collective thoughts were with their friends and family in Texas who had been recently affected by Hurricane Harvey. The trio themselves are residents of Dipping Springs, just outside of Austin. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by it,” says bandmember Mark Wystrach, who added that the trio is in the midst of planning a series of benefit concerts in Texas.

The trio’s love for the Lone Star State is well-placed. Midland’s Jess Carson, Wystrach, and Cameron Duddy forged their polished, old-school country sound in the dancehalls and tiny clubs of Texas, challenged by the unrelenting surge of talent the Lone Star state has to offer.

Oregon native Carson, Arizona native Wystrach, and California native Duddy met while each played for separate bands around California. Duddy and Carson first added their harmonies to Wystrach’s solid baritone when Wystrach and Carson were groomsmen at Duddy’s wedding, a first run at the trio’s now signature harmonies.

“It didn’t sound like this!” Wystrach recalls of their first time performing together.

After discovering their musical chemistry and common inspirations, Midland’s bandmembers, each in their mid-30’s, shifted their career focus to further develop their newfound retro-country sound. Duddy has found success as a video director, most notably for his work on clips including Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk.” Wystrach has been a model and actor on shows including 90210 and Scavengers, while Carson served as a clothier.

Instead of making the predictable move to Nashville, the trio instead relocated to Texas, soaking up inspiration and new sounds from fellow Texas bands that crossed their paths.

“Check Cashin’ Country,” another track from the trio’s Big Machine Records debut, On The Rocks, which released Friday, Sept. 22, details the long miles and late nights the trio endured on their mission to perfect their sound.

Midland. Photo: Harper Smith for Big Machine Records

“Luckily, Jess and Cam are perfectionists and I’m not doing harmonies because that’s the hard part,” Wystrach says. “By design or by necessity or by the grace of God, we were building it around my part. I give most of the credit for that to Jess and Cameron and hours of dissecting line for line, literally. If these guys hear something that’s not in, or you’re doubling that part…We spend so much time in a rehearsal space just overanalyzing songs. I forget who we are playing with, but someone said it sounded like we share the same DNA.”

“We’ve been good, but we want to be great,” says Carson. “If you want to be great you have to put it all on the line and work harder than anything you have in your life. It’s the most fun time you’ll have smashing your head into a wall but it is very much that.”

The time spent fine-tuning their sound is evident in the throwback traditional barroom country sounds found on their debut album, led by the chart-topping, RIAA gold-certified single “Drinkin’ Problem,” and its followup, “Make A Little.” Their solid harmonies blend with musical sensibilities that have more in common with the sounds of 1960s and ‘70s Gram Parsons than any overtly pop and hip-hop infused tunes county radio currently favors.

“Make A Little” hints at a classic Dwight Yoakam sound, while plenty of tracks like “Burn Out,” “Out Of Sight” and “At Least You Cried” cradle heartbreak lyrics in luminous harmonies, plucky guitar work and an occasional horn section.

Asked about the artists who gave them inspiration, a lengthy list peppered with Texas artists such as Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars, Gary P. Nunn, Aaron Watson, and Dale Watson follows. They credit Watson and Dwight Yoakam for letting Midland open shows in Texas for them.

“Texas has influenced us along every step of the way,” Carson says. “All the Texas acts and some of the house bands were setting a benchmark as we grew this and tried to get into their company and get invited to play those revered honkytonks.”

“That’s where you go if you are a fighter and you train for boxing, you need a sparring partner to raise you up,” adds Wystrach. “In Texas, that’s what we found. People who would raise our musicianship.”

That drive to continuously improve on their natural talents ultimately led to Music City, where they joined with heavyweight producers Dann Huff, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

Midland’s members had a hand in writing all 13 tracks on the album, including “Check Cashin’ Country,” which Carson wrote solo. An exclusive team of Nashville’s top-shelf writers, including McAnally, Osborne, Rhett Akins, David Lee Murphy, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Laird, and Rodney Clawson round out the writers on the album.

“When it came time to sign a deal there were a couple of other [labels] but it was really a no-brainer when the dust settled. [BMLG’s Sr. VP, A&R] Allison Jones has been taking us out to dinner, calling us, and showing up at every show we played since our first showcase in Nashville. Scott has talked to us straight as artists and musicians from the get-go as anybody ever has, and we knew you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“It’s just being crazy and shooting for the stars,” says Duddy. “We want the most people to hear what we’ve poured our heart and soul into.”

Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Adds Three

Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy has added three new employees to its team: Tyler Carter as a tax preparer, Lindsey Donovan as an account assistant and Amanda Marine as an executive assistant.

Carter previously was a member of the tax staff at Frasier, Dean & Howard, PLLC where he managed client accounts, reviewed returns and analyzed entity financial performance on behalf of clients. Prior to that, he also worked as a staff auditor for Iowa’s Office of Auditor of State and a volunteer income tax assistant at Iowa State University. Carter earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in entrepreneurship at Belmont University.

Donovan, a graduate of Indiana University, joins FBMM from Creative Artists Agency, where she developed and maintained relationships with talent buyers, clients and members of client management teams. She also worked on the settlements team at Creative Artists Agency and as a development manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Marine, a graduate of Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., comes to FBMM after serving as a resident service coordinator at Chippington Towers II, an apartment building in Madison, Tenn. Prior to that, she held positions at CNO Financial and Comfort Systems USA in Indiana.

“Tyler, Lindsey and Amanda are great additions to our growing team,” said Jamie Cheek, president of FBMM. “The skills and experience they bring to their roles will allow us to continue to fulfill our missions of providing services that support our clients’ business and financial goals.”

 

Nashville Artists To Unite For Harvey/Irma Relief Benefit Concert On Oct. 6

Some Nashville artists are banding together to raise money for Hurricane Irma and Harvey relief with Beautiful Voices of Nashville/Nashville Artists Unite on Oct. 6. Initiated by Emily West, the event will feature Nashville-based artists covering ’80s ballads.

Artists performing at the event include West, Alyssa Bonagura (The Sisterhood), Emerson Hart, Gabe Dixon, Jenny Gill, Kree Harrison, Larissa Murphy, Leigh Nash, Leroy Powell, Matthew Perryman Jones, Mindy Smith, Ruby Stewart, Sam Hunter, Sam Stephens, Scott Mulvahill, Tim Jones and special guests.

Doors open at 6 p.m. CT, and showtime is 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 day of show and can be purchased at 3rdandlindsley.com. In addition to the show, a Go Fund Me Campaign has been created for donations for those who wish to support and cannot attend: gofundme.com/NashvilleArtistsUnite.

Reba McEntire Celebrates 40 Years As Opry Member With Vince, Dolly, And Carrie

Photo: Rachael Black

Reba McEntire celebrated the 40th Anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday night (Sept. 22) with two sold-out shows and a surprise appearance from Dolly Parton. During the shows she performed the first song she ever sang at the venue, “Invitation To The Blues,” her induction song “Somebody Should Leave,” the theme song “Survivor” from her six-season sitcom Reba, and her signature tune “Fancy.” Fellow Opry members Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood also got in on the fun, joining her onstage for “Oklahoma Swing” and “Does He Love You,” respectively.

As part of the special celebration commemorating McEntire’s induction into the Opry family on January 17, 1986, surprise guest Dolly Parton stopped by and recalled how she made a last-minute Opry appearance on the night of Reba’s debut. Unknowingly reducing McEntire’s set to one song, Parton jokingly “gave the time back” and sweetly celebrated her friend.

She was also surprised during the celebration by RIAA President Mitch Glazier with a plaque commemorating more than 40 million in RIAA certifications across 27 albums. Reba is second only to Barbra Streisand for female recording artists with the most Gold (or higher) albums, which count sales and streams in the United States only. Streisand has sold over 56 million total albums worldwide.

“It was a lot of fun. It was nerve-wracking; it was scary. This means the world to me,” Reba said. “It’s been a wonderful 40 years. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I wouldn’t have wanted to!”

The superstar also just announced a new partnership with the Justin Boot Company, the REBA by Justin collection, which will launch Holiday 2017 at select retailers nationwide. The new line features Reba’s take on classic western boots, booties and casuals, and draws inspiration from pieces of her life story.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records/Nash Icon Records’ Jim Weatherson, Reba McEntire, The Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, RIAA’s Mitch Glazier. Photo: Rachael Black

Vince Gill and Reba perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Caitlyn Smith, Justin Weaver Earn 4x Platinum Plaques For “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Beth Brinker; Cornman’s Shea Fowler, Nate Lowery; writers Caitlyn Smith, Justin Weaver; BMI’s Jody Williams

Songwriters Caitlyn Smith and Justin Weaver were centerstage in a celebration on Thursday, Sept. 21 at Nashville’s Barcelona to celebrate the 4x Platinum success of the Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend single, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”

Plaques were presented for the song with PROs ASCAP and BMI in attendance.

Weekly Register: Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett Hold Country Charts Leads

Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett keeps hold on the country albums chart this week, and is at No. 3 on Nielsen Soundscan’s overall Top 200 rankings, with Life Changes moving 39K in total consumption.

Big & Rich debuts Did It For The Party, which makes its inaugural appearance on the country albums chart at No. 2, with 27K. Dustin Lynch‘s Current Mood lands at No. 3, with 12.7K sold, followed by Luke CombsThis One’s For You is at No. 4, with 12.6K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller is at No. 5 with 11K.

On the top country digital song sales rankings, Kane Brown retains his lead as “What Ifs” takes the No. 1 spot with 25K sold (last week’s top spot was held by Brown’s “Found You”). Sam Hunt follows with “Body Like A Back Road” at No. 2 with 20K. “Body Like A Back Road” has now reached 4.9 million streams.

Luke Combs‘ “When It Rains It Pours” is at No. 3 with 17K, while Thomas Rhett’s “Unforgettable” is at No. 4 with 16K. LANCO‘s “Greatest Love Story” rounds out the Top 5, with 16K.

Following the death of Montgomery Gentry member Troy Gentry on Sept. 8, this week’s top debut was Montgomery Gentry’s “Better Me,” released by Average Joes, which debuts at No. 10 country, with 10K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Live Nation Adds Lesley Olenik As VP, Touring

Lesley Olenik

Live Nation Entertainment has appointed Lesley Olenik as a VP of Touring for its US Concerts division. Based in Los Angeles, Olenik will report to Omar Al-Joulani, SVP of Touring.

“With a deep knowledge of the industry and an innate ability to connect with artists, Lesley is the perfect addition to help lead our touring group as we continue to meet the growing demand for concerts,” said Al-Joulani. “We’re extremely happy she decided to make the jump to Live Nation and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes as part of the world’s leading live entertainment team.”

Olenik most recently served as Senior Vice President of Talent Buying for Goldenvoice, where she booked and produced concerts throughout Southern California, including Adele’s eight-show run at The Staples Center, four performances by Flume at Shrine Expo Hall, and two editions of Radiohead at Shrine Auditorium. She regularly handled concerts at all these venues as well as Microsoft Theater, The Greek Theatre, and The Theatre at The Ace Hotel. Olenik also helped drive festivals at Goldenvoice.

She was instrumental in launching Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in 2011, and helped grow the fest from a single-day event for 2,500 attendees in The Staples Center parking lot to a full-fledged festival taking over all 160-acre Exposition Park. Olenik also curated talent, oversaw marketing strategies and managed production expenses for festivals including Festival Supreme, The L.A. Bluegrass Situation, Fool’s Gold Day Off and Low End Theory. Earlier in her career, Olenik held posts as the Director of Talent Buying for Nederlander Concerts, and Talent Buyer for Viejas Entertainment.

Olenik received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Carter Winter Inks Deal With BMI

Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins of BMI, Becky Harris of Huskins-Harris Management, Carter Winter, manager Zach Beebe, Jen Sackett of Huskins-Harris Management and Dickinson Wright attorney, Noah McPike.

Carter Winter dropped by the BMI Nashville office to affiliate as a songwriter for performing rights representation. The BMI affiliation follows Winter’s recently announced signing with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, a deal that includes both publishing and an album.

Winter recently visited the MusicRow offices to preview tracks from his upcoming album, and to discuss his deal with Roc Nation.