Anna Weisband Earns VP Stripes At THiS Music

Anna Weisband has been promoted to Vice President of THiS Music. Weisband, a Fredericksburg, Virginia, native and Belmont University graduate, began her career as an intern at THiS Music in 2012.

“Anna Weisband knows how to creates value! Her passion for songs and songwriters, combined with her personality, confidence and enthusiasm makes her a magnet for success,” said Rusty Gaston, Partner/GM, THiS Music. “Her abilities are limitless and we can’t wait to celebrate all her future successes in the many years to come.”

In her new position Weisband will continue all A&R duties including talent discovery, collaboration creation, artist/writer management and song placement.

THiS Music is owned by publisher Rusty Gaston along with songwriters Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington. The THiS Music roster includes Ben Hayslip, Emily Weisband, Marv Green, Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Molly Reed, JT Harding, Jimmy Yeary, Chris Stevens, Drew Baldridge, Chris Yarber and Jeff Outlaw.

Weekly Chart Report 11/3/17

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TIDAL Now Offers Detailed Artist Credits For Albums, Tracks

Music platform TIDAL is now offering subscribers access to extensive artist credits for their favorite tracks and albums, reminiscent of liner notes. The feature includes in-depth descriptions and credits for composers, lyricists, engineers, musicians, vocalists, instrumentals, mastering, production, mixing, album cover photographer, and more.

The information is available for numerous albums and tracks with more added every day. Album and track information is available on the desktop app, web player and mobile apps. TIDAL has brought the artist credits feature to life with “Live Credits,” which takes fans inside a notable song, album or video, by interviewing the people responsible for its creation. Through a combination of video, audio and the written word, artists, producers, songwriters, and engineers recount their experiences while offering unique, behind-the-scenes information.

TIDAL is available in more than 52 countries, with a 51 million-plus song catalog and 195,000 high quality videos.

Taylor Acorn Signs With Play It Again

Pictured (L-R): Play It Again Creative Coordinator Kirby Smith, CEO Dallas Davidson, Taylor Acorn, VP A&R Alex Torrez, CFO Megan Stinson.

Hit writer and CEO of Play It Again Music Publishing/Play It Again Records Dallas Davidson, along with VP A&R Alex Torrez, announced today (Nov. 2) the signing of artist and songwriter Taylor Acorn.

“We’re so thrilled to add Taylor to our roster,” said Torrez. “She’s an incredible singer and writer and a great fit for Play It Again… She has a grasp on lyric and commercial melody that can’t be taught. She’s a total natural.”

“I’m so honored to be working with some of the best in the industry,” said Acorn. “It literally feels like a dream come true.”

Acorn, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, previously released three singles independently. She’ll partner with Play It Again for the release of her upcoming, self-titled debut EP, due out Nov. 17.

Acorn joins a roster at Play It Again including Kyle Fishman, Trea Landon and Houston Phillips.

Big Yellow Dog Music Promotes Alex Stefano

Alex Stefano

Alex Stefano has been promoted to General Manager Creative – Film & TV Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music. In her new role, Stefano will oversee the day-to-day operations of the sync department including working with Big Yellow Dog Music’s stable of 20 writers to market and license their songs for sync. Sync is a central part of Big Yellow Dog Music’s business, and the company averages more than 400 sync placements a year.

Stefano has worked with Big Yellow Dog Music’s sync team for the past three years and has helped sign and develop Big Yellow Dog Music artist writers Keelan Donovan, Leah Nobel, Justin Forrest and Connor Thuotte. She previously served as a Creative Manager for the company and has a BBA in Music Business from Nashville’s Belmont University.

“Through Alex’s efforts, we have secured placements for our writers in Grey’s Anatomy, Big Little Lies, How to Get Away With Murder, T-Mobile, Toyota and many more,” says Big Yellow Dog Music CEO Carla Wallace. “As a classically trained pianist and a lover of films, she has an ability to combine those two strengths that creates great opportunities for our writers.”

DISClaimer: The Tried And The True

Country music charges into the fall season, still pretty much sticking to the tried and true.

That means rock, pop and hip-hop influences in the sounds of Lewis Brice, Eric Chesser, Tyminski and Jackson Michelson. Among the brightest spots in this edition of DisClaimer are the David Lee Murphy/Kenny Chesney duet and the Blake Shelton track.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Lady Antebellum, who have apparently returned from wandering in the pop wilderness. Bopping Susan Shann wins the DisCovery Award, partly because heaven knows we need more female voices in this format.

SUSAN SHANN/Rhythm of the Road
Writer: Susan Shann; Producer: Bil VornDick; Moose Lodge, ASCAP; SS (track)
– The band is cooking with gas in a taut, punchy, bopping arrangement punctuated by stinging guitar licks and fluid piano lines. The song’s toe-tapping, “traveling” groove is perfect for a sunny afternoon drive. Promising.

TYMINSKI/Bloodline
Writers: Tyminski/Barlowe/Frasure; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Broad Banz/Dan Tyminski/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/Spirit/Songs of Roc Nation/Telemitry Rhythm House/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI/SESAC; Mercury (track)
– His album Southern Gothic‘s lead single is a meditation on heritage, music and memory with a choppy backbeat and an r&b feel. Haunting and hooky.

LEO EIFFERT Jr./Blue Crawfish Cup
Writers: Lwo J. Eiffert Jr.; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Young Country, BMI; Young Country
– Amateur Hour at the bar and grill.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Heart Break
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
– Breezy and charming. Hillary takes the lead on this tuneful, mid-tempo ditty about healing from a bad relationship. The layered track shuffles and echoes beautifully.

BLAKE SHELTON/I Lived It
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Ross Copperman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– He is such a superb country singer, and this dreamy, nostalgic song is a perfect vehicle for him. Can’t wait for the new album.

NED LEDOUX/We Ain’t Got It All
Writers: Ned LeDoux/Chris LeDoux/Mac McAnally; Producer: Mac McAnally; Publishers: Rusty Spur/Mad Cracker, BMI
-The late rodeo champ, country singer and Garth Brooks fave Chris LeDoux left behind scraps of paper with song ideas on them. With help from Mac McAnally, his son has polished several of these into finished works. They’re included on Ned’s new CD Sagebrush. This one is a sturdy, home-folks outing with a steady backbeat that pumps right along. Recommended. By the way, the CD also includes a duet with Chase Rice on the elder LeDoux’s 1991 single “This Cowboy’s Hat.”

JACKSON MICHELSON/Rollin’
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (CDX)
– Please stop talking and sing, for pete’s sake. Also, please lose the rock guitars.

LEWIS BRICE/Best Ex Ever
Writers: L. Brice/M. Walker/B. Davis; Producers: Lewis Brice/Brian Bunn; Publishers: none listed; Pump
– She rescues him when he’s drunk. He knows they’ll never get back together, but he sure likes her then. Very cute. Especially when the whole band shouts the title.

DAVID LEE MURPHY & KENNY CHESNEY/Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Chris Stevens/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: none listed; Reviver/Blue Chair
– This has a steady groove that’s enormously pleasing. The feel-good message is certainly one we can use right now. I’m in.

ERIC CHESSER/Yes
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Big (CDX)
– I liked his last single quite a bit. This one not so much, largely because the production seems needlessly busy and noisy. He still sings splendidly.

Kid Rock, Justin Moore, Kenny Rogers Among Many Exiting Webster PR

Kid Rock, Kenny Rogers, Justin Moore

Kenny Rogers, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Anderson and Justin Moore are among artists confirmed as no longer affiliated with Webster PR, following the allegations made against the company’s President, Kirt Webster, earlier this week.

On Thursday morning (Nov. 2), Webster PR’s artist roster of more than 70 artist clients displayed on the company’s website had been slashed to nearly 40, before the list was removed completely Thursday afternoon.

Moore is no longer affiliated with Webster PR, MusicRow has confirmed with Moore’s management. Kid Rock is also no longer affiliated with Webster PR, according to a representative from BBR Music Group. Billy Ray Cyrus, Naomi Judd, and The Bellamy Brothers have signed with publicist Scott Adkinsnewly-formed PR company, Adkins PR. The Judds’ new affiliations have not yet been announced. Ex-Webster staffer Zach Farnum announced his 117 Entertainment Group in May 2017 and has recently signed clients including Randy Travis, NATD Honors, and Tim Rushlow.

Dailey & Vincent have signed with LCMedia.

Dolly Parton is among those artists whose name is no longer listed on the Webster PR site, along with fellow CTK Management (and former Webster clients) Kenny G and KC and the Sunshine Band. Danny Nozell, Parton’s manager at CTK Management, did not return MusicRow‘s request for comment.

A statement provided to media on Wednesday (Nov. 1) noted Webster PR would continue operations under the name Westby Public Relations, though MusicRow has since confirmed this is inaccurate. Westby Public Relations owner Jeremy Westby told MusicRow on Thursday the new company is completely separate from Webster PR.

Westby told MusicRow his company will be looking for new office space in downtown Nashville and that he is currently working on building staff, though he would not comment on whether any former Webster PR staffers would be joining Westby Public Relations.

Though Westby would not comment on Parton’s exit from Webster PR or the possibility of her joining Westby PR, he said he has been in communication with Parton’s management. Westby PR’s official site lists clients including many former Webster PR artists like The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, KC And the Sunshine Band, Kenny G, Don McLean, John Conlee, Wanda Jackson and Lucas Hoge.

Those who have not yet announced new PR affiliation include:

  • Dolly Parton
  • Tanya Tucker
  • Aaron Lewis
  • Big & Rich
  • Lee Greenwood
  • Nu-Blu
  • Jeannie Seely
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Olivia Lane
  • Hank Williams Jr.
  • Charlie Daniels
  • The Judds
  • Charley Pride
  • Crystal Gayle
  • T. Graham Brown
  • T.G. Sheppard
  • Don Williams
  • Ronnie McDowell
  • Janie Fricke
  • Moe Bandy
  • Mark Chesnutt
  • Collin Raye
  • Exile
  • John Michael Montgomery
  • John Anderson
  • Gary Morris
  • The Kentucky Headhunters
  • Confederate Railroad
  • Mark Wills
  • Sylvia
  • Ray Scott
  • Paulette Carlson
  • Baillie & The Boys
  • Jimmy Fortune
  • Craig Wayne Boyd
  • Tommy Roe
  • Lifehouse
  • Meatloaf
  • Seether
  • Brenda Lee
  • Rhonda Vincent
  • Sarah Dunn Band
  • Frank Foster
  • Denny Strickland
  • Shane Owens
  • Wilson Fairchild

BMLG Showcases Delta Rae’s Breakout Harmonies

Delta Rae. Photo: BMLG

Scott Borchetta, Founder/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, welcomed a slew of industry tastemakers to the back room of his 16th Ave. bungalow on Nov. 1 to preview new music from new six-piece outfit, Delta Rae.

Delta Rae is siblings Ian Holljes, Eric Hölljes and Brittany Hölljes, together with longtime friend and lead vocalist Liz Hopkins in addition to accompaniment from Mike McKee (drums) and Grant Emerson (bass).

With over 50 songs and an EP already on the shelves, the Valory Music Co. act sampled six titles, including their joyous, lead single “A Long And Happy Life.” The showcase also touched on their current single, a ballad titled “No Peace In Quiet,” which began going for adds on Oct. 16. “No Peace In Quiet” is a play on words about the silence band member Eric Hölljes experienced after a breakup in his home city of Durham, North Carolina, and influenced his move to Nashville. The band just released a music video for the single.

The acoustic afternoon began with the upbeat, amiable “I’m Moved South” and finished with an a capella encore at the urging of Borchetta, titled “Bottom Of The River.”

Although “A Long And Happy Life” was recorded with producer Dann Huff, Delta Rae was brought to the Big Machine Label Group by Borchetta’s VP of A&R, producer Julian Raymond.

“Julian had been working with Delta Rae for a lot of years,” said Borchetta. “He pretty much brought Delta Rae with him when he came to Big Machine. He said, ‘You have to see and experience this.’ If you haven’t seen Delta Rae yet, you will understand our excitement. They’re great storytellers that are true to the art. They deserve your attention.”

Delta Rae has already headlined 60 shows across the nation on their A Long And Happy Life Summer Tour 2017, booked by Madison House. They have previously performed at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Farm Aid, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, in addition to earning national media attention.

Crosshair Music Launches Monthly Program To Publicly Identify Influencer-Collaborators

Nashville-based Crosshair Music has launched Crosshair Elite, a monthly program with 15 associated publications, including Indie Pulse. The program selects the top 20 influencers to highlight from Crosshair’s back-end analytic system that are helping artists from all genres, including country, gain the attention from global Spotify-sponsored playlists. The feature is a reward perk, thanking the influencers for their involvement in providing feedback to undiscovered music.

The initiative is designed to bring awareness for Crosshair and its ability to drive music consumption with its proprietary back-end, identifying independent music influencers and their playlists. The digital influencers described in Crosshair’s inaugural list are noted as having driven hundreds of thousands of streams and engagements for artists this year. They are regularly the first playlists and channels to get an artist’s song over 1,000 plays as well as get them on the radar of the editors at Spotify. They are the first movers and partners to independent music. For example, in the case of Prohaize, an independent rapper in Atlanta, our Elite influencers drove enough engagement to drive his song “Next Time” onto Spotify’s Spotify And Chill playlist.

“Our Crosshair Elite program was designed to help communities like the music industry understand how impactful social influencers, beyond just playlists, are for independent artists,” said Crosshair CEO Garrison Snell. “I wanted to partner with publications to publish part of Crosshair’s analytics to raise awareness for these influencers. They are the first people to take a chance on an undiscovered artist and are not to be underestimated.”

At the end of each month, the 20 influencers will be re-evaluated based on criteria including timeliness of reviewing campaigns, responding to artist messages. Any influencer has the potential to become an Elite Influencer.

Crosshair Music is located in Nashville’s Gulch Crossing building. It’s aim is to affordably connect musicians directly to the playlist curators and social influencers who can help grow their audiences. Crosshair influencers are leading tastemakers on Spotify, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Artists can submit their music to Crosshair for a small fee, have their music reviewed, and get in contact with the best influencers who are actively looking for music to promote.

Two of the top country music influencers who were identified as driving discovery on Spotify, as noted by Crosshair for November 2017, are:

Adam Denney’s Public Spotify Playlist
-2017 Country Music

Ashley Bowsher’s Public Spotify Playlist
-Pop & Country

Dan Auerbach & The Easy Eye Sound Revue Launch Tour In February

Dan Auerbach & The Easy Eye Sound Revue, featuring performances by Auerbach, Robert Finley, and Shannon Shaw with special guests Shannon and the Clams, has announced a 2018 tour. The group will play dates in Dallas, L.A., San Francisco, Boston, Denver, and a Nashville show at the Ryman Auditorium Feb. 25, among others.

Presale started Tuesday (Oct. 31) and general on sale will start tomorrow (Nov. 3).

Feb 23, Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater –  Austin, TX
Feb 25, Ryman Auditorium –  Nashville, TN
Mar 24, Union Transfer –  Philadelphia, PA
Mar 25, House of Blues –  Boston, MA
Mar 27, Brooklyn Steel  – Brooklyn, NY
Mar 29, Dansforth Music Hall  – Toronto, ON
Mar 31, Agora Theater  – Cleveland, OH
Apr 2, Riviera Theatre  – Chicago, IL
Apr 3, Palace Theatre  – St. Paul, MN
Apr 4, The Truman  – Kansas City, MO
Apr 5, Paramount Theatre  – Denver, CO