Industry Ink: Smith & Wesley, Copperline Music Group, BMI, NCS

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Smith & Wesley Sign With Artist Events Nashville

Country duo Smith & Wesley has inked a deal for booking representation with Artist Events Nashville. Smith & Wesley recently announced a national distribution deal with BFD via Orchard to handle all aspects of their current and future releases. As they ready their For Better or For Worse album, their “Hook Line & Sinker” single just cracked the Top 25.

 

Copperline Music Group Adds Marketing Manager

Copperline Music Group (CMG) continues to grow its team, adding Stephanie Onder as the company’s new Marketing Manager. In this role, Onder will actively manage the digital and promotional campaigns surrounding the label’s artist roster, working day-to-day with Craig Wayne Boyd, Jason Morton and The Chesapeake Sons, Ciera MacKenzie, and James Patrick Morgan.

BMI, Ohio Craft Brewers Association Team For BMI Nashville Songwriters Tour

BMI songwriters Will Bowen and Jason White perform at Grove City Brewing in Grove City, Ohio.

This August, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) proudly partnered with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association for the BMI Nashville Songwriters Tour that brought six Nashville songwriters to breweries in 11 cities and towns across the Buckeye state. The purpose of the tour was to give back to the many breweries in Ohio that support BMI songwriters through the licensing fees they pay, to shine a light on the craft of songwriting and to show the power of live music in driving business. The participating BMI songwriters included Hugh Mitchell, Jason White, Even Stevens, Aaron Barker, Will Bowen and Earl Bud Lee, who collectively have written No. 1 songs for country superstars including Garth Brooks, Eddie Rabbitt, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Lonestar.

BMI songwriters Earl Bud Lee and Aaron Barker perform at Railroad Brewing in Avon, Ohio.

 

NCS To Hold NCS Weekend Intensive For Aspiring Songwriters And Artists

Pictured (L-R): John Chisum (NCS Founder and Managing Partner), John Mays (Centricity Music Director of A&R), and Robert Till (NCS Partner), pictured here at the Summer 2018 NCS Weekend Intensive. (NCS photo)

Nashville Christian Songwriters (NCS), a coaching and resource company, will hold its NCS Weekend Intensive, on Sept. 27-29 in Franklin, Tennessee. The three-day event aims to serve singer-songwriters, aspiring Christian music artists, and songwriters at any stage of their careers. The event will include coaching and speaking from John Chisum (NCS managing partner and formerly Director of Song Development for Integrity), Tom Jackson (producer for Lecrae, Casting Crowns, and more), John Mays (Director, A&R, for Centricity Music), Mike Harland (Director of Lifeway Worship, publisher and writer), and CCM artist Cindy Morgan.

‘Women Of iHeartCountry’ Radio Show Launching Labor Day Weekend

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Bobby Bones and Amy Brown

This Labor Day weekend, Bobby Bones and iHeartMedia will launch ‘Women of iHeartCountry,’ an hour-long, weekend program devoted exclusively to female artists. Executive produced and hosted by Bones, along with co-host Amy Brown, the show will feature music from both established female artists and promising up-and-comers, with weekly guest appearances by other iHeartMedia female on-air personalities. Listeners can tune-in to the show on 125 iHeartCountry stations nation-wide beginning Saturday (check local listings), as well as on the iHeartRadio app.

“This weekend show is another example of iHeartCountry stations and program directors providing platforms that support female artists and voices,” said Rod Phillips, SVP of Programming, iHeartCountry. “’Women of iHeartCountry’ is an extension of efforts like our ‘On The Verge’ program where we have shined a spotlight on artists such as Cam, Carly Pearce, Maren Morris and Lauren Alaina as future stars in the country format.”

“Like the trailblazer and best kind of rule breaker he is, Bones is taking a conversation and concern that we’ve all been having for years about needing more female voices and perspectives and heart on the radio, and making a change to fix it,” said Kelsea Ballerini. “One of the things I admire most about Bobby is the way he champions artists he believes in…male, female, duo, or group…and this is another bold way of him being a cheerleader and voice for the artists he fights for.”

“Bobby has changed our format for the better in so many ways,” added Lauren Alaina. “He has been a champion for so many people who really need someone in their corner. I am so thankful to be one of those people. I am so excited for his ‘Women of iHeartCountry’ show. There are so many amazingly talented women in our format that are going to be able to shine their light a little brighter because he believes in them. I am so proud to be a part of his new show, and I’m even more proud to be his friend. He’s a really special guy.”

“Bobby Bones is a superhero for launching a dedicated station featuring all women,” shared Deana Carter. “Wow!! What an amazing testimony and gesture of respect and chivalry. So, by definition…Bobby, you are a gallant warrior and gentleman.”

“Bobby has always been such a huge supporter of my music and of female artists on country radio,” premiere week special guest Danielle Bradbery noted. “He was one of the first people to play my new single ‘Goodbye Summer.’ Creating this incredible platform for female voices really speaks to his character. I’m so grateful that champions like Bobby and this iHeartMedia show exist.”

“Bobby is such an influential and so generously kind voice from Nashville,” Rachel Wammack continued. “I didn’t have to be in this town long to recognize that. I’m truly blessed to have his support as an artist, and I can’t wait to kick it with him throughout my career.”

“I’ve always really appreciated the support Bobby has shown me and other female artists,” Lee Ann Womack added. “I’m happy to see him continuing that with young, up-and-coming talent as well.”

Darius Rucker, Jewel, Kip Moore Added To Nashville Songwriters Awards Lineup

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The inaugural Nashville Songwriter Awards has added Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, and Jewel to the lineup of artists performing during the evening dedicated to songwriters.

Previously announced artists performing include Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Jamey Johnson, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Bill Anderson, Chris Janson, LANCO, and Brantley Gilbert.

The Nashville Songwriter Awards will take place on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are available for purchase at ryman.com.

Pilgrimage Music Festival Reveals Full Performance Schedule

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The countdown is on for the fourth annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, set for Sept. 22-23 in Franklin, Tennessee. The festival has released the complete performance schedule with set times. The two-day festival will feature performances from Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews Band & Tim Reynolds, Brandi Carlile, and more.

Artists will perform on six stages this year, including Fender Premium Audio Midnight Sun, Gold Record Road, Solo Cup Harpeth River, ASCAP Shady Grove, Millville Stage, and Vanderbilt Health Lil’ Pilgrims. A new festival app will be available soon on both iPhone and Android, allowing festival goers to keep up with the latest info on all their favorite artists, set times, customized schedules, and time-sensitive notifications.

Various ticket packages are available, including a two-Day Pilgrimage pass ($210), two-Day VIP Village pass ($975), or a single-day pass ($125.) Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult Pilgrimage Pass.

In Pictures: Keith Urban, Bluebird Songwriter Series, CB30

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Keith Urban And Blair Garner Celebrate “Coming Home”

Keith Urban was interviewed by Blair Garner, Host of “The Blair Garner Show,” for an audience of 20 radio winners flown in to Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus in Nashville from the top 50 Cumulus markets to celebrate Urban’s latest single, “Coming Home,” going to No. 1.

 

Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series On Opry City Stage

Pictured (L-R): David Hodges, Liz Rose, Rob Carswell, and Tom Douglas. Photo: Mairéad Duffy

The Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series had its biggest night yet when hitmakers David Hodges, Liz Rose, and Tom Douglas performed at Times Square’s Opry City Stage on Friday, Aug. 24. All three songwriters shared stories behind the hit songs they have penned for artists like Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, Evanescence, Christina Perri, and Kelly Clarkson.

 

CB30 Guests On Luke Bryan’s Busch Stadium Show

Pictured (L-R): Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, CB30’s Christian Clementi, CB30’s Brody Clementi, and DJ Rock.  Photo: Ethan Helms

CB30 made a guest appearance opening for Luke Bryan on his What Makes You Country Tour – XL Stadium Sized this past Saturday at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Performing two original songs after Jon Pardi’s opening set, the brothers received resounding applause for their performance, which marks the second time they have joined Bryan on his current stadium tour, as they also played at Mile High Stadium in Denver earlier this month.

Michelle Wright To Release New Music Aug. 31

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Michelle Wright will release two new tracks, including the gospel-influenced “Lovin’ This Day” and “Attitude Is Everything,” on Aug. 31 across all digital platforms. These tracks mark Wright’s first new recordings since 2013’s Strong. In 2014, the singer-songwriter took a break from recording to focus on songwriting and performing.

“My music is always an extension of me,” says Wright, “Each new song is a chance to push a little harder, and dig a little deeper.”

For the new tracks, Wright enlisted the help of producer, fellow Canadian and long-time friend Bob Funk to begin the process of sorting through the mountain of songs she had written, co-written and received from other writers. Together, Wright and Funk also delved into the catalogs of another long-time friend Daryl Burgess and his cowriters Joanna Cotten and Angie Russell.

Wright will continue to write, record and release songs on the Navigator Records imprint, but by releasing the two tracks in single form Wright and her team are reaching out directly to music fans.

“Out on the concert trail, we see the changing way that people are consuming music. I will always make CDs, but technology allows us to put new songs in our show right along with the hits and make them immediately available to those that are moved by the music.”

In the early 1990s, Wright broke through on US country radio with the Top 10 hit “Take It Like A Man.” She has earned numerous No. 1 hits on Canadian country radio with hits including “One Time Around,” “Nobody’s Girl,” “One Good Man,” and more.

 

Garth Brooks Delivers Encore Performance Following Grand Ole Opry Show

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Garth Brooks performed during two sold-out shows at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night, delivering what Opry staff members believe to be the first-ever encore performance after the Opry House’s big red curtain had been lowered to end a show.

A few minutes after the night’s second show had concluded, the sellout 4,400-plus fans in attendance were still in the auditorium chanting for more from show-closer Brooks. Hearing the roar of the crowd from backstage, Brooks and band obliged. The show went back on the air, and the curtain went back up for several more Brooks favorites, including the encore lead-off, “That Summer.”

Following several other favorites including a cover of George Strait’s “The Fireman,” the Opry member and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year ended his two-show Opry night with the classic “The Dance” before shouting, “Thank you guys for one of the coolest freaking nights of my life!”

Garth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Announces Class Of 2018

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The Nashville Chapter of the AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishing) will host its fourth annual AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series on Thursday, Sept. 20 at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The event will feature a writers round of up-and-coming songwriters in the indie publishing community who have not yet celebrated a Top 20 on the Billboard or Mediabase country charts. The class of writers is selected by a special committee made up of music industry professionals, based on submissions from current AIMP Nashville members.

The AIMP Class of 2018 includes Anna Vaus (Black River Publishing), Jordan Brooker (Warehouse West Entertainment, Kassi Ashton (Creative Nation), Kylie Morgan (SMACKSongs), Mike Walker (HoriPro Entertainment Group), and Nicolette Hayford (Diamond Eye Music).

Since its inception in 2015, the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series has become an indicator of what’s to come from the thriving independent music publishing community.

“Each year, the talented group of writers unveils the budding talent that the independent publishing community prides itself on nourishing and developing here in Nashville,” says AIMP officer Michael McAnally Baum. “The evening is a great way to have everyone come together and get even more fired up about the songs our writers are creating every day.”

Previous AIMP class members have gone on to earn cuts by Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and more.

Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes, First Company Management

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Song Suffragettes Donate $10K To Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund

Pictured (L-R): Jenna McDaniel, Candi Carpenter, Jenny Ray, Tasji Bachman, Kalie Shorr, Jenna Paulette, Emma White, Chloe Gilligan, Gracie Schram, Regan Stewart, Emma Lynn White. Photo: Quinton Cook

Nashville’s all-female singer-songwriter collective, Song Suffragettes, celebrated the donation of $10,000 for the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund yesterday (Aug. 27). The money was generated through digital sales and streaming of their song “Time’s Up.”

In January, the group pointedly addressed gender inequality and sexual misconduct against women with their song and accompanying music video. The song was penned by CMT Next Women of Country member Kalie Shorr and Lacy Green.

“As the song and music video continue to be embraced, we look forward to writing even more checks to the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. Hopefully more media outlets and social media influencers will continue to help spread the word about the song, the organization and most importantly, discrimination issues against women.” said Todd Cassetty, founder of Song Suffragettes.

 

Mike McCloskey Joins First Company Management

Pictured (L-R): Mike McCloskey, general manager; Brandi Wagner, artist manager; Kevin Kookogey, general counsel

Mike McCloskey has joined the First Company Management team as general manager. McCloskey succeeds First Company’s longtime general manager Dave Wagner, whose scope of responsibility has increased within the firm.  

With 20 years of experience in artist management, label operations and concert promotions, McCloskey will oversee the artist roster, managers and team strategy for First Company, one of CCM music’s top multi-faceted entertainment firms. He will also handle day-to-day management duties for GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson, among other artists.   
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to the First Company family,” said Wes Campbell, president and founder, First Company Management. “Mike’s vast experience and knowledge of the music business is an invaluable asset for our team and growing roster.” 
 
First Company has also expanded the role of artist manager Brandi Wagner, as well as general counsel Kevin Kookogey. Wagner’s duties now include strategic and brand management for new clients and liaising with label and live show partners. Kookogey will continue to provide legal counsel for First Company’s executive team, while also offering a diverse range of support to the firm’s artists and managers.  
 
Along with McCloskey and Wagner, the First Company artist management division includes industry veterans Derek Bruner, manager of chart-toppers 7eventh Time Down; as well as Jason Davis, manager of breakthrough singer/songwriter Austin French.  
 

Lee Brice Welcomes Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw, Maddie & Tae For Thistle Farms Benefit Concert

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Back Row, standing: Red Light/377 Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, Taylor Dye, Madison Marlow, Lee Brice, Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw. Seated, front row: Haley McLemore, Red Light/377 Management; Amy Paige, The Big 98; Jennifer Clinger, Thistle Farms; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Lydia Schultz, SESAC.

Last night (Aug. 27), Lee Brice hosted the second of his three-show “Lee Brice Presents: The Analog Series” with special guests Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw and Maddie & Tae. The event, emceed by Amy Paige of 97.9 The Big 98, raised funds for local charity, Thistle Farms.

“I was introduced to music by my mom and her sisters. There’s not a time I don’t remember them singing Gospel songs; they even came to Nashville when they were teenagers to record a Gospel album. They all had an artistic influence on me, though it was my Aunt Henrietta specifically, who embodied a soulfulness that still informs my music today,” shares Lee.

“I’m so grateful for the influence of these women in my life. They’re like family to me,” he adds. “Every one of these Analog shows has a meaningful theme. With this show in particular, I wanted to shine a bright light onto the incredible artistry brought to Country music by so many women, and honor their fearless, pioneering spirits and creative contributions. To say I was honored to be on stage with Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw and Maddie & Tae last night is an understatement. Their talent is just mind-blowing.”

Jennifer Clinger of Thistle Farms was on hand at the event to share her story and thank the audience and artists for their support on behalf of Thistle Farms and the women it serves. The third and final show in the series — which has already sold out — will take place Monday, Oct. 1 when Lee and several friends pay tribute to Route 91 Festival’s one-year anniversary.

SESAC serves as the official sponsor of the Analog Series, along with the venue itself, Analog At Hutton Hotel.