Chris Palmer To Join Valory Music Co. As VP, Promotion

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Chris Palmer

The Valory Music Co. has announced that Chris Palmer will join as Vice President of Promotion, effective Jan. 2. In the newly-created role, he will join the imprint in building relationships between radio and the talented roster – Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band and Delta Rae.

“I have known Chris since his days in radio and at times we have worked alongside each other on the road where he has built some of the most solid relationships at country radio,” said The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner. “Chris brings a wealth of experience and we’re all excited to have him on board. His passion for music and desire to win makes him a great addition to an already strong promotion team. THE EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES!”

“I’m humbled and honored by this incredible opportunity. When Scott Borchetta and George approached me about leading a team already producing at this level, I jumped at the chance!” said Palmer. “Ashley Sidoti has this crew humming as is and I’m looking forward to adding my skill set to The Valory Music Co.”

An industry veteran, Palmer most recently served as VP of Radio and Streaming at Warner Music Nashville following a decade-long stint at Lyric Street Records and years in radio.

Palmer will report directly to Briner and can be reached at 615-417-7486 and after the first the of year at [email protected].

Kings Of Leon Signs With WME

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Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon has signed with WME for exclusive worldwide representation. The agency represented Kings of Leon for international touring but will now represent them in all areas, including music, film, television, books, and endorsements.

Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon has sold over 21 million albums and over 38 million singles worldwide. The band, Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill, has had five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, all seven of their studio albums on Billboard’s 200 list, and five singles that reached No. 1 on Modern Rock radio.  Their seventh album WALLS debuted in October at No. 1 in the U.S., the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and Austria. They have won four Grammys, three NME Awards, two Brit Awards and one Juno Award and have toured all over the world, selling out top venues and headlining major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury.

Kings of Leon is managed by Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn at Vector Management.

Paradigm Talent Agency Makes Nashville Move

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Keith Richards (standing), Keith Levy, Joe Atamian, Jenny DeLoach, Matt Runner, Josh Swann, Nate Herweyer, Matt Korn, Greg Hoffman, Keith Shackleford (standing). Pictured (Front row, L-R): Maxwell Wiebrecht, Jeffrey Hasson, Clint Wiley, Jonathan Levine, Sam Gores, Amanda Ances, Max Braun, Casey Smith. [Click photo to enlarge]

Paradigm Talent Agency has moved its Nashville operation into larger offices, located at 222 Second Ave. S. in downtown Nashville. The new office opening follows Paradigm’s move a year ago to new Manhattan offices. A new, consolidated Los Angeles headquarters will open in early 2018. Paradigm also has offices in London, Chicago, Toronto, Monterey, San Diego, Berkeley, and Austin.

“Since Paradigm first opened a Nashville office 14 years ago, we have carved an independent path into Music City,” said Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores. “Since moving to Nashville from Monterey five years ago, our office head Jonathan Levine’s leadership and impeccable taste have anchored the growth of an extraordinary and unique Third Coast presence for our agency.”

“Over the last few years we have watched our business grow and thrive exponentially, not unlike the city of Nashville,” said Levine. “We’re thrilled to be moving downtown and want the new offices to be a welcome destination for our diverse roster of artists.”

Levine is joined by agents Andrea Ambrosia, Amanda Ances, Joe Atamian, Max Braun, Jenny DeLoach, Jeffrey Hasson, Nate Herweyer, Matt Korn, Keith Levy, Keith Richards, Matt Runner, Keith Shackleford, Josh Swann, Maxwell Wiebrecht and Clint Wiley.

Paradigm’s clients represented out of the Nashville office include recent Grammy nominees Brent Cobb (Best Americana Album) and The Mavericks (Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song), as well as producer Dave Cobb, who worked on songs and albums that earned a combined five nominations; as well as The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Echosmith, Margo Price, Ben Folds, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Cody Jinks, Big Gigantic, Anderson East, Young The Giant, Dr. John, Fergie, Aubrie Sellers, Flogging Molly, Lee Ann Womack, Asleep at the Wheel, Whitey Morgan, Shakey Graves, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Black Eyed Peas, and many more.

 

In Pictures: Margie Singleton, Temecula Road, Dan Varner

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Margie Singleton Visits MusicRow

Margie Singleton, Robert K. Oermann, Sherod Robertson

Singer-songwriter Margie Singleton recently visited the MusicRow office to perform songs both new and classic.

The 82-year-old’s biggest hit came in 1964 with “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” and found success as a writer and duet partner with artists including George Jones (pre-Tammy Wynette) and Faron Young. In 1958, she made her debut on the Louisiana Hayride.

Margie Singleton with MusicRow staffers.

 

Temecula Road Visits MusicRow

Temecula Road

California country trio Temecula Road, which includes sisters Emma and Maddie Salute as well as friend Dawson Anderson, recently performed a trio of tunes at the MusicRow office, including the holiday classic “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”. The trio’s first two singles, “What If I Kissed You” and “Hoping,” earned more than 1 million streams each on Spotify.

 

Dan Varner Visits MusicRow

Dan Varner and MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow

Singer-songwriter Dan Varner performed several tracks for MusicRow staffers, including “Stained,” and two tracks written by Varner, including “She Makes Me” and “Yesterdays.”

Dan Varner with MusicRow staffers.

Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, More Added To Merlefest 2018 Lineup

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MerleFest has announced new additions to the lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26 – 29, 2018. Rodney Crowell, Elephant Revival, Rhiannon Giddens, and Shinyribs will all play the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans at the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

The newest additions to the lineup join over 75 artists that have already been announced, including Kris Kristofferson , Jamey Johnson , Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, Mission Temple Fireworks Revival featuring Paul Thorn & Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the McCrary Sisters, a Midnight Jam hosted by Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale , and many more.

“For over 30 years, one of the major factors that has built and sustained MerleFest has been the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the 4 day festival,” says Ted Hagaman, Festival Director. “People truly feel that the festival is a great value and that is why music fans and families return year after year. We feel that the 2018 lineup again reflects the diversity and quality of performers and we look forward to another successful festival in April.”

Tickets for next year’s festival may be purchased at merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 14 to February 18, 2018, and Early Bird Tier 2 tickets may be purchased from February 19 to April 25. Tickets will be sold using Tier 3 pricing at the gate during the festival.

Integrity Music Names Greg Bays As VP, Commercial Partnerships And Marketing

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Greg Bays

Integrity Music has named Greg Bays as Vice President of Commercial Partnerships and Marketing, overseeing the label’s U.S.-based sales, streaming and marketing initiatives.

In this role, Bays reports to President Jonathan Brown, working from Integrity’s Nashville office in coordination with its U.K.-based team and Integrity’s parent organization, the nonprofit church resource provider, David C. Cook. Bays comes to Integrity with sales and marketing experience, most recently having served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Distribution for Capitol Christian Music Group.

“I’m so excited for this new journey and the opportunity to serve the global church as part of the Integrity team,” says Bays. “Christian music has been the soundtrack of my life, personally and professionally, and worship music especially has played a major part in my story. I’m honored to help Integrity curate and amplify songs of substance from and to churches around the world.”

“As we look for innovative ways to serve our artists and writers, it’s abundantly clear that the discovery and consumption points for music have become one and the same,” says Brown, “which is why we are so excited to have Greg join the Integrity family. He has a history of leading through digital transformation, making this the perfect time to bring sales and marketing together. It’s been a full and exciting year and we’re expecting 2018 to begin a whole new chapter as we welcome additional staff and partner with worship leaders who share our vision.”

Sony Music Nashville Names Jessica Valiyi As Associate Director, Digital Strategy

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Jessica Valiyi

Ed Rivadavia, Vice President, Digital Strategy, Sony Music Nashville, has appointed Jessica Valiyi to the position of Associate Director, Digital Strategy, Sony Music Nashville. Reporting directly to Rivadavia, Valiyi will execute progressive digital marketing initiatives for Sony Music Nashville, and her new role is effective immediately.

“Having worked with Jessica on a variety of digital and D2C initiatives in recent years, I am extremely excited to welcome such a creative and driven professional to SMN’s Digital Strategy team,” shared Rivadavia. “I’m confident that Jessica’s successful track record for executing digital initiatives on behalf of both established and developing artists in a fast-moving label environment will allow her to immediately contribute fresh ideas and perspectives on behalf of our amazing artist roster.”

Prior to joining Sony Music Nashville, Valiyi served as the Digital & eCommerce Manager in the Marketing Department at Big Machine Label Group. She launched digital campaigns across the entire BMLG roster for Thomas Rhett, Danielle Bradbery, Florida Georgia Line, Ronnie Dunn, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Jennifer Nettles, Carly Pearce, Brett Young, Midland, Cheap Trick, The Cadillac Three, and more.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Sony Music Nashville family in this next chapter of my career,” shared Valiyi. ”SMN’s commitment & vision in the digital space is unmatched. I can’t wait to join Ed and the team and provide my expertise to support the label group’s incredible roster in this ever-changing digital landscape.”

An Indianapolis native, Valiyi graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in 2010. Her career also includes time at Radio Promotions at Emmis Communications and Procurement at Roche Diagnostics.

Valiyi can be reached at [email protected].

On The Cover: MusicRow’s 2018 Touring Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, is proud to reveal its 2018 Touring Issue. The January 2018 print issue highlights all aspects of the touring business, and this year debuts the Touring Transportation Directory, adding to MusicRow‘s signature directory lineup.

The issue also includes edit highlighting MusicRow‘s 2018 Next Big Thing (NBT) selections, announced by MusicRow.com earlier today. MusicRow‘s 4th annual NBT list highlights 11 artists, ranging from established hitmakers prepping their next moves to newcomers ready to claim their turns in the spotlight.

The 48-page magazine’s exclusive coverage features agents Brian Waymire (APA), Marc Dennis and Michael Bryan (CAA), and Joey Lee (WME) for a feature on digital data and tour routing. Agents covered also include Greg Scott (Kinkead), Jonathan Levine (Paradigm), and Curt Motley (UTA) for an update on the latest happenings in touring. In-depth editorial also extends to Sandbox Entertainment’s office for Jason Owen‘s partnership for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul retail line with Lucky Brand. The issue also covers Chris Littleton, tour manager for The Doobie Brothers, Shania Twain, The Eagles, Madonna, and is currently on the road with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul Tour. Special effects company Pyrotek is also highlighted for their work with Florida Georgia Line, Metallica, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Songwriter Wynn Varble discusses taking his one man show on the road to supplement income while a legal feature discusses the need to register copyrights regarding the DMCA’s safe harbor.

Adding to MusicRow‘s three original print directory lineup, the 2018 Touring Issue debuts MusicRow‘s fourth print directory. The Tour Transportation Directory offers a useful guide, for anyone planning to send acts on the road, with pertinent bus and jet leasing companies listed for Nashville. Nine jet companies and 23 bus rental companies are included, all with a reputation for serving the Nashville touring industry.

“MusicRow’s annual Touring Issue is devoted to the segment of our industry which works so hard to give fans the gift of bringing music to life, every day, around the world,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “Now complete with a Tour Transportation Directory, MusicRow‘s Touring Issue will become an essential guide for managing gatekeepers on the road.”

Capitol Records Nashville/UMG headliner Luke Bryan graces the cover of MusicRow‘s 2018 Touring Issue. Luke Bryan has won CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year four times, and served as co-host for the latter television show. Bryan recently signed on as judge for the first season return of American Idol, on ABC. Bryan has garnered 18 No. 1 singles, performed for millions of fans on his headlining arena tours and sold over 10 million albums. His sixth studio album, What Makes You Country releases Friday, Dec. 8, 2017.

Single copies of MusicRow‘s Touring Issue print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $30, and are included with yearly subscriptions.

Will Hoge Signs With New Frontier Touring

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Will Hoge has signed with New Frontier Touring for booking. Hoge is touring in support of his current album, Anchors, released earlier this year.

“We’re really excited here at NFT to be working with Will, me especially,” said New Frontier’s Jon Bell. Will is Nashville songwriting royalty and there is no better place for him than at New Frontier.”

 

Byron Kennedy Named VP, Promotion For Stoney Creek

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Byron Kennedy

BBR Music Group has named Byron Kennedy VP of Promotion for label imprint Stoney Creek Records. Stoney Creek Records’ roster includes chart-toppers Randy Houser, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell, Adam Craig and emerging act Jimmie Allen.

Previously Kennedy served as Director of West Coast Regional Promotion for BBR label imprint Wheelhouse Records. He joined the BBR Music Group’s team in July of 2016.

Prior to his time with BBR, Kennedy spent 15 years at CBS Radio working his way up and overseeing a variety of formats as VP of Programming for the entire Sacramento cluster as well as Program Director of country KNCI. Kennedy launched several CBS Radio stations in Sacramento and Phoenix and worked previous stints in Honolulu and Fresno radio markets.

“Byron is one of the most natural promotion executives I have ever worked with,” says Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group. “Additionally, he is one of the most natural leaders I have ever worked with. I’m so excited to give him the reigns of the Stoney Creek staff with the huge year they have ahead in 2018 and have no doubt everyone will be trying to steal him as VP, just as they tried to steal him as a regional.

Kennedy will report directly to Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group. His new role will be effective immediately and he can be reached at [email protected] and 916-798-1025.