In Pictures: Dave Cobb, Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, AIMP Nashville, Leadership Music

/by

Berklee College Of Music Honors Dave Cobb

Berklee’s Stephen Webber and producer Dave Cobb are seen at Warner Music Nashville on March 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Berklee presented an American Master Award to Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb on Monday, March 19 as part of the college’s 33rd annual Nashville student trip. The award was presented at Warner Music Nashville in front of over 120 Berklee students and other invited guests. After the ceremony, Cobb gave the students a tour of his studio, the famed RCA Studio A, and answered questions about his process.

“Dave Cobb is the consummate American record producer,” Stephen Webber, executive director, BerkleeNYC, who presented the award. “His body of work is as important as it is diverse, and his commitment to the emotional integrity of each song serves as an inspiration to us all.”

 

Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series Launches In NYC

Pictured (L-R): J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano

The Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series launched in New York City on Friday, March 16. Songwriters performing in the round included J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano. The series continues in New York City at The Studio at Opry City Stage on March 30 with Dylan Altman, Marshall Altman, and Gabe Dixon.

 

NSAI Honors Senator Orrin Hatch With Stephen Foster Award

Pictured: NSAI Board President and songwriter Steve Bogard, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

NSAI’s Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard presented Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) with the Stephen Foster Award, in recognition of his lifetime of songwriter advocacy. The presentation was made Monday, March 12 during the press conference about the Music Modernization Act.

 

AIMP Nashville Holds Publishing Panel

Brad Peterson (Regions Bank), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ree Guyer (Wrensong), John Barker (ClearBox Rights, LLC), John Ozier (AIMP Nashville Ex. Director, ole), Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion)

AIMP Nashville held the panel Publishing 101: From Basic Copyright to the Latest on Licensing Digital Rights, on March 8 at ASCAP’s Nashville office. John Barker, founder and CEO of ClearBox Rights, gave a presentation that included a refresher on basic publishing and copyright practices, while also giving an in-depth look into the current state of copyright law.

 

Carly Pearce Shares Career Story With Leadership Music

Pictured (L-R): Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn, Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records GM Jim Weatherson, BMLG VP Rights Management & Business Affairs Jessica Myers

Carly Pearce joined Big Machine Label Group executives Allison Jones and Jim Weatherson on a panel for the 29th class of Leadership Music, to share the highs and lows of her career so far, as well as the risks she took to pursue her dream. From convincing her parents to leave high school at age 16 to perform at Dollywood to the nine years in Nashville that followed cleaning AirBnBs and nannying to make ends meet when she lost her first record deal, nothing was off limits for Carly, who shared her story on the long journey that lead to her breakout year with the Leadership Music Class of 2018. The event concluded with Carly performing two songs – Gold No. 1 “Every Little Thing” & current single “Hide The Wine” – that helped earn her first ACM Awards nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year.

Barry Dean Extends Publishing Deal with Pulse Music Group, Creative Nation

/by

Pictured (L-R): Scott Cutler (Pulse Music Group), Barry Dean, Beth Laird (Creative Nation), and Luke Laird (Creative Nation)

Los Angeles-based music company Pulse Music Group has acquired songwriter Barry Dean’s publishing catalog and, in partnership with Creative Nation, will continue to co-publish Dean. Dean has been a writer at Creative Nation and Pulse since November 2011.

“Barry was our first writer at Creative Nation and he really helped us define our culture. He set the tone of compassion, hard work and authenticity. Pulse has been our partner with Barry since the beginning, so it’s exciting to continue our relationship and keep building toward the future,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO Beth Laird says.

“It’s rare you get to be a part of such a great team. It’s very unique to have a situation as a writer where I get to write and focus on creativity and the artists I get to work with. I have so much confidence in the people around me – they’re creating that environment that allows great things to happen. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this since day one and I’m so thankful I get to continue be an active part going forward,” Dean says.

“We are honored to be extending our relationship with Barry Dean and thrilled to continue our journey together. Since we first established our partnership with Creative Nation in 2012, we’ve been fortunate to have Barry in our lives and consider him to be a part of a core group of writers that has propelled PULSE’s growth over the past several years. He is truly an ‘artist whisperer’ with a unique ability to get the best out of anyone he works with in the studio, no matter what genre or walk of life they may come from.” Pulse Music Group’s co-founder Scott Cutler adds.

Dean’s hits include “Pontoon” and “Day Drinkin’” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), “Think a Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Girls Chase Boys” and “Hell No” (Ingrid Michaelson), “God’s Will” (Martina McBride), and “1994” (Jason Aldean). His catalog also includes songs recorded by Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, BØRNS, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, and Carrie Underwood, among others.

Byron Chambers Inks With Sea Gayle Music

/by

Pictured (L-R:) Christina Wiltshire, Marc Driskill, Brandon Gregg, Byron Chambers, Jake Gear, Chris DuBois, JD Groover

Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers has signed with Sea Gayle Music. The two-time Dove winner and Orlando native got his start touring with Jonathan Butler, Britney Spears and NSYNC, among others.

His work includes features on Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2018, Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” Ft. Rihanna, and Thomas Rhett’s “Tangled.” His other work includes a feature on TobyMac’s single “Feel It” which was No. 1 for seven weeks on the Hot AC Christian Billboard charts. Chambers also co-wrote and is featured on T-Pain’s new song, “May I.”

“Byron is an undeniable talent. His creative energy along with his unique artistry makes working with him an absolute blast. Everyone here at Sea Gayle is extremely excited to have him join our team” says Sea Gayle EVP/GM Marc Driskill.

“I’m honored to join a team that is ready to push the envelope in the music industry as a whole! I look forward to bringing my diverse style to this team and to the world!” says Chambers.

CJ Solar To Release ‘Get Away With It’ In April

/by

CJ Solar is set to release his new EP Get Away With It on Sea Gayle Records April 13. 

Solar will be performing all five songs and more at exclusive launch parties in his hometown of Baton Rouge on April 13 and in Nashville on April 18. The new EP, which is available for pre-order now, includes his single “Airplane,” which is currently climbing the charts.

“I am so excited for this new music to come out and to be able to debut it in my home town of Baton Rouge and my adopted hometown of Nashville,” said Solar. “Everything I do is for the love of the music and the sake of the song, and I hope that comes through in this new EP.”

Solar’s Baton Rouge EP release show is scheduled for April 13 at The Texas Club, and fans can catch his Nashville show at The Basement East at 7 p.m. on the 18th.

Get Away With It EP Track Listing:
“American Girls” – Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hobby, CJ Solar
“Same Town” – Travis Denning, Chris Stevens & CJ Solar
“Airplane” – Westin Davis, Rick Huckaby & CJ Solar
“Get Away With It” – Jake Mitchell, Derek Sutherland & CJ Solar
“Hell No” – Bob DiPiero, Andrew DeRoberts & CJ Solar

Alabama, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley To Headline Citadel Country Spirit USA Festival

/by

Alabama, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley are set to headline Citadel Country Spirit USA, a new, three-day country festival coming to Chester County’s PA’s Brandywine Valley August 24-26, 2018.

Citadel Country Spirit is being presented by the producers of Country Summer, Northern California’s biggest country festival currently celebrating its fifth annual event in 2018.

“It’s exciting to expand our portfolio to the East Coast,” Alan Jacoby, Impact Entertainment’s executive producer, said. “Our goal is to create the Mid-Atlantic region’s foremost annual country music festival.”

Alabama headlines on Aug. 24, Toby Keith headlines on Aug. 25, and Brad Paisley headlines on Aug. 26, and the festival will feature more than 20 artists on two stages, with more artists to be announced soon. 

Three-Day Super Early Bird Passes, starting from $189 are on sale now at countryspiritusa.com. Three-Day Pass prices increase on March 30, and single-day tickets go on sale that day. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Kiefer Sutherland To Launch Tour With Grand Ole Opry Performance In April

/by

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland will return to the road with the Reckless 2018 North American and European Tour launching April 10 with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. When Kiefer wraps up the North American leg May 28 in Long Island, New York, he’ll jet ‘across the pond’ to play more than 18 shows throughout Europe.

“I couldn’t have imagined the depth with which I have fallen in love with touring. To have the opportunity to convey intimate, personal stories to an audience, for me, has proven to be priceless,” Kiefer said.

RECKLESS TOUR 2018:
April 10 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
April 12 Delmar Hall – St. Louis, Mo.
April 13 Knuckleads – Kansas City, Mo.
April 14 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, Neb.
April 17 Bluebird Theatre – Denver, Colo.
April 18 Park City Live – Park City, Utah
April 20 Crystal Bay – Crown Room – Crystal Bay, Nev.
April 21 Fremont Theatre – San Luis Obispo, Calif.
April 22 Mystic Theatre – Petaluma, Calif.
April 24 Crystal Palace – Bakersfield, Calif.
April 26 Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
April 27 Music Box – San Diego, Calif.
April 28 Red Rock Casino Resort – Las Vegas, Nev.
May 1 Cactus Theater – Lubbock, Texas
May 2 Antone’s – Austin, Texas
May 4 Billy Bob’s – Fort Worth, Texas
May 5 Island View Casino – Gulfport, Miss.
May 7 The Cowan (Topgolf) – Nashville, Tenn.
May 10 The Phoenix – Toronto, Ontario
May 20 Birchmere – Alexandria, Va.
May 23 Bottle & Cork – Dewey Beach, Del.
May 25 Stone Pony – Asbury Park, N.J.
May 26 Bethel Woods – Liberty, N.Y.
May 27 Daryl’s House – Pawling, N.Y.
May 28 Stephen’s Talkhouse – Long Island, N.Y.
June 7 Kantine – Cologne, Germany
June 8 TivoliVredenberg – Utrecht, Netherlands
June 9 Parkbuehne – Leipzig, Germany
June 10 Gruenspan – Hamburg, Germany
June 12 Columbia Theatre – Berlin
June 13 Hirsch – Nuermberg, Germany
June 14 X-Tra – Zurich
June 16 Teatro Barcelo – Madrid
June 17 Bikini – Barcelona, Spain
June 19 Zappa – Antwerp, Belgium
June 21 Electric Ballroom – London
June 22 Waterfront – Norwich, England
June 23 Black Deer Festival – East Sussex, England
June 25 O2 Academy Oxford – Oxford, England
June 26 Komedia – Bath, England
June 28 Albert Hall – Manchester, England
June 29 Queens Hall – Edinburgh, Scotland
June 30 The Academy – Dublin
(More dates to be added)

CMA’s International Awards Honor Dean Brody, Little Big Town, John Marks, Mark Hagen

/by

The Country Music Association presented International Awards this past week during C2C: Country to Country festival in London as well as CMC Rocks QLD festival in Australia. Award recipients included Canadian singer/songwriter Dean Brody, BBC Radio 2’s Mark Hagen, six-time reigning CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town, Spotify’s John Marks, AEG Presents’ Milly Olykan and Chris Country’s Chris Stevens.

Pictured (L-R): RGK Entertainment’s Ron Kitchener, Uncommon Cord’s Matthew Lazarus-Hall, Brody, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and AEG Presents’ Milly Olykan. Photo: Lachlan Douglas

Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award – Dean Brody
The Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country Music format in their foreign-based territory. Dean Brody was surprised with the recognition backstage during CMC Rocks QLD festival on Saturday, March 17 in Queensland, Australia.

In 2016, Brody won his second JUNO Award for his album Gypsy Road, which featured the single “Bring the House Down.” The song was certified double Platinum in Canada and became the highest-selling digital single ever for a Canadian artist. His most recent album, Beautiful Freakshow, features the chart-topping single “Time,” which was the No. 1 selling country track in Canada for 13 weeks straight in 2017. Brody has won 16 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards and last year won CCMA Songwriter of the Year, Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year for “Time” and the coveted Fans’ Choice Award.

Pictured (L-R): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Kimberly Schlapman, Hagen, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet. Photo: Reid Long

Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award – Mark Hagen
The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States. Mark Hagen was surprised with the award by Little Big Town backstage at C2C in London following a BBC Radio 2 interview with Bob Harris on Sunday, March 11.

Hagen, a 40-year television and radio veteran producer, currently works for BBC Radio 2 where he produces “Bob Harris Country,” the U.K.’s only national country music radio program, as well as BBC Radio 2’s coverage of the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.” He also produces BBC Four’s television coverage of the CMA Awards. A former CMA Board member, Hagen has worked closely with successive generations of country stars, playing a key role in breaking the likes of Faith Hill, Kacey Musgraves, Shania Twain and The Mavericks throughout the U.K. and Europe.

Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook receive the CMA International Artist Achievement Award while in London Thursday, March 8 ahead of their performance at C2C: Country to Country festival. Photo: Reid Long

International Artist Achievement Award – Little Big Town

The International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. Little Big Town was surprised with the award by BBC presenter Steve Wright during a Radio 2 interview Thursday, March 8 in London.

Since their first appearance at the inaugural C2C festival in 2013, Little Big Town is the only act to perform at C2C three times, returning just last week as festival headliners. In 2017, the group completed a seven-day U.K. tour which included a sold-out performance at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. BBC Radio 2 has playlisted three Little Big Town singles to date. In 2017, Little Big Town performed at CMC Rocks QLD Festival in Australia and added additional shows in Canada.

Milly Olykan and John Marks (left and center) each receive a CMA Jo Walker-Meador International Award and Chris Stevens (right) receives the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award in London Friday, March 9 during CMA’s U.K. Advisory Group meeting. Photo: Brian Loschiavo

Jo Walker-Meador International Award – John Marks and Milly Olykan

The Jo Walker-Meador International Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States. The award was presented to both John Marks and Milly Olykan during CMA’s U.K. Advisory Group meeting Friday, March 9 in London.

Marks is the Global Editor for Country Music at Spotify where he curates over 25 country playlists, including his primary playlist, Hot Country, which is currently the fourth most-consumed worldwide. Marks, a CMA Board member, opens doors for country artists internationally and is the driving force behind Spotify’s initiative to increase consumption of country music worldwide.

As VP of Live Music and Major Arena Events for AEG Presents, Olykan is the Festival Director and co-promoter of C2C, the U.K. and Ireland’s largest country music festival. C2C has changed the landscape for country artists touring the U.K. and Europe. Her role in establishing the Pop-Up Stages, Country Music Week, presenting the Bluebird Café in the U.K., and co-promoting and touring the CMA Songwriters Series has provided significant platforms for new artists and songwriters. Since 2014, Milly has served on the CMA Board of Directors.

International Country Broadcaster Award – Chris Stevens
The International Country Broadcaster Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country. The award was presented to Chris Stevens during CMA’s U.K. Advisory Group meeting Friday, March 9 in London.

Stevens launched Chris Country Radio simply because he wanted to hear more Country Music on U.K. radio. Chris Country can now be heard in many parts of the U.K. on DAB Digital Radio including London and Manchester. A respected broadcaster, Stevens supports country festivals and shows including coverage of CMA Songwriters Series, CMA Awards, CMA Fest and C2C. He interviews top Nashville artists as well as local U.K. artists and presents the “Breakfast” show on the station.

HT Nashville To Create 75,000 Square Foot Entertainment Complex With Latest Acquisition

/by

HT Nashville LLC, an Ohio-based real estate holding company formed from the TC Restaurant Group LLC, has purchased the building located at 305-311 Broadway and 105-111 3rd Avenue South in downtown Nashville with plans to open two new multi-level entertainment destinations. The 51,958 square-foot building is currently home to TC Restaurant Group’s Tequila Cowboy, WannaB’s Karaoke Bar, Sun Diner and Luigi’s City Pizza.

TC Restaurant Group will continue to operate these existing venues, and the additions will expand the building by 23,000 square feet, creating a 75,000 square-foot space. This four-level dining and entertainment complex will be the largest in Nashville.

“With the purchase of this building, a multi-million dollar expansion and soon-to-be-announced new venues, TC Restaurant Group is excited about its continued commitment to and investment in Nashville,” says spokesperson Katie Goyette.

TCRG’s most recent Nashville opening is Florida Georgia Line’s FGL HOUSE on 3rd Avenue South. They also operate popular SoBro restaurant and bar Crazy Town as well as Sun Diner, Nashville’s first 24-hour diner that celebrates the history and legacy of famed label Sun Records. TC Restaurant Group also operates additional Tequila Cowboy outposts across the country with locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and Lansing, Michigan.

Chris Tomlin Extends Capitol Christian Music Group Deal, Launches Bowyer & Bow Imprint

/by

Pictured (L-R): Hudson Plachy, Chief Marketing Officer, Capitol Christian Music Group;
Brad O’Donnell, Chief Creative Officer, Capitol Christian Music Group; Chris Tomlin; Peter York, Chairman & CEO Capitol Christian Music Group; Casey McGinty, General Manager, Capitol Christian Music Publishing; Anthony Piedmonte, Piedmonte & Co., Tomlin Manager. Photo Courtesy of Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG)

Chris Tomlin has extended his recording and publishing deals with Capitol Christian Music Group, and has announced the launch of his own imprint, Bowyer & Bow, in partnership with CCMG.

The first artist signed to the new imprint is singer-songwriter Pat Barrett, a co-writer on Tomlin’s hit “Good Good Father.” The pair also teamed for the children’s book Good Good Father, which sold nearly 200,000 copies. Barrett will release his debut EP on March 30, with a single going to radio in May.

“I have enjoyed so many blessings in my career,” shared Tomlin. “I’m honored, humbled and invigorated to continue writing and creating my own music but also the creative freedom to work and mentor other promising artists and songwriters.”

“We are honored and pleased to enter yet another multi-year recording and publishing agreement with Chris Tomlin,” said Peter York, Chairman & CEO Capitol Christian Music Group. “He is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of our time. His music is consumed via streaming and radio on a massive level and his songs are sung in churches throughout the world every single day. It’s a privilege to continue our partnership with him in representing his music around the globe. His songs resonate in the hearts of those who hear them and they provide a meaningful soundtrack for life’s journey.”

Tomlin’s next Nashville stop will be on March 30 for his Good Friday Nashville Show at the Bridgestone Arena. His Worship Night In America Tour will launch April 5, with 24 stops in cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

Music Health Alliance, Saint Thomas Health Partner For Ben Eyestone Fund

/by

Ben Eyestone

Music Health Alliance and Saint Thomas Health have launched the Ben Eyestone Fund, which aims to provide preventative and primary care for uninsured or under-insured music industry professionals in Davidson Country and surrounding counties in Middle Tennessee that earn an adjusted gross income under 300 percent above the Federal Poverty Level, who also show an obvious diagnostic need.

The fund was launched in memory of 28-year-old Nashville drummer Ben Eyestone, who died on July 12, 2017 after a delayed biopsy revealed he had advanced colon cancer. Eyestone was a drummer for artists including Margo Price and Nikki Lane.

The Ben Eyestone Fund is launching with $50,000 in contributions from Saint Thomas Foundation, Music Health Alliance, the Eyestone family and generous industry peers.

“He had what I believe to be the greatest pre-existing condition in Nashville,” says Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO Tatum Hauck Allsep. “He was a poor, uninsured musician. Ben tried to utilize the resources available to him at free clinics and two public hospitals but the healthcare system failed Ben at every single turn. The goal is to offer 100% access and get all diagnostics covered while eliminating all the same barriers that ultimately led to Ben’s death.”

“We are honored to partner with Music Health Alliance, an influential organization that helps to provide necessary care to the poor and vulnerable,” said Dawn Rudolph, chief experience officer, Saint Thomas Health. “The Ben Eyestone fund has the potential to save lives by eliminating access barriers in the communities we serve.”

“Ben was only 28 years old,” said Allsep. “Freddie Mercury was 29 when he wrote ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ Neil Diamond was 28 when he wrote ‘Sweet Caroline,’ Dolly Parton was 28 when she wrote ‘I Will Always Love You,’ and Paul McCartney was a few days older than Ben was when he wrote ‘Hey Jude?’ Think about the potential this young man had yet to discover. Ben Eyestone did not have to die, and this fund will ensure that no one else dies a victim of the same system that failed him.”

To learn more about the Ben Eyestone Fund and how to contribute, contact Music Health Alliance at (615) 200-6896.