Industry Ink: Mitchell Tenpenny, BBR Music Group, Madison Entertainment

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Mitchell Tenpenny Celebrates Gold Single

Riser House/Columbia Nashville’s Mitchell Tenpenny is celebrating his first RIAA Gold-certified single, as the Top 15 debut hit “Drunk Me” has surpassed 500,000 units of downloads and streams in the U.S. Tenpenny wrote 56 songs for his first full album expected later this year, having since narrowed it down to what will become his first major label release.

“This is something I’ve always dreamed about,” said Tenpenny. “I have the best team and fans in the world! Thank y’all for being a huge part in this ride!”

 

BBR Music Group Promotes Ashley Wojcinski

BBR Music Group has promoted Ashley Wojcinski, formerly the Business and Legal Affairs Associate for BBR Music Group, to the role of Promotion Coordinator for Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records

Wojcinski has worked at BBR Music Group since July 2016. She had previously worked in promotion at WYRK Buffalo New York and WKDF in Nashville.

“Ashley has been a very valuable member of the BBR Music Group team and we’re looking forward to watching her grow into this new role,” said Carson James, SVP Promotion BBR Music Group.

She can be reached at [email protected] or 615-610-2086.  

 

Madison Entertainment Adds Two New Talent Buyers

Madison Entertainment has added two new talent buyers, Jonathan Wayland and Phil Benito, founder Roger LeBlanc announced Friday (Sept. 28). Wayland will be based in Madison’s Nashville, Tennessee office while Benito will maintain a Madison office in Tampa, Florida.

Joining Madison Entertainment as Senior Talent Buyer, Wayland has been a talent buyer and event producer for 17 years, most recently with Red Frog Events for the last three. Wayland served as Talent Buyer and Artist Relations Coordinator for two-time Pollstar “Festival of the Year” nominee Firefly Music Festival since its inception in 2012 through 2018, and worked in the same capacity for the BottleRock Festival in Napa, California, in 2015. He has twice been nominated for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) “Festival Buyer of the Year.”

Benito joins as Senior Talent Buyer for Southeast Markets. Benito has been a booking force in the Florida market for almost twenty years, curating a range of events including the Gasparilla Music Festival, the Tampa Bay Margarita Fest, OnBikes, the Summer of Rum party and more. Benito has consulted at various venues, is a highly competent production manager, and has his thumb on the pulse of the regional emerging music scene.

Country Music Industry To Observe ‘Moment Of Silence’ On Route 91 Anniversary

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A country music industry-wide “moment of silence” will be observed on the one-year anniversary of the Route 91 tragedy, Monday, Oct. 1 at 10:05am PT/12:05pm CT. All radio in the state of Nevada, country radio nationwide, record labels, publishers, agencies, organizations and others will stop for a moment, a minute or 58 seconds to remember those lost and all who were affected.

Everyone connected to country music is encouraged to spread the word and participate. #CountryStrong #VegasStrong

Among those already confirmed are:
Academy of Country Music
All Access
ASCAP
Association of Independent Music Publishers
BBR Music Group
Beasley Broadcast Group
Big Machine Label Group
Billboard
Black River Entertainment
BMI
Bob Doyle & Associates
CAA
CMA
CMT
Country Aircheck
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Cumulus Country
Curb Word Entertainment
Entercom
Front Man Music
The GreenRoom
iHeartCountry
Leadership Music
Major Bob Music
Maverick
MusiCares
Music Row Enterprises
Nielsen Music Nashville
Nevada Association of Broadcasters (all radio stations, all formats)
Nashville Songwriters Association International
Pearl Records
RAMP
The Recording Academy/Nashville
Red Light Management
Reviver Entertainment Group
SESAC
Show Dog Nashville
SiriusXM
Sony Music Nashville
SummitMedia
Townsquare Media
Triple Tigers Records
Universal Music Group/Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Group/Nashville
Warner/Chappell
Warner Music Nashville
WME

Kristin Chenoweth Kicks Off Three-Night Nashville Symphony Residency

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As part of the Nashville Symphony’s Pops Series, Emmy- and Tony-Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth kicked off a three-night residency at the Schermerhorn this Thursday, Sept. 27.

With grace and aptitude, the 4’11” singer charmed Nashville by making her home in New York City not seem so far away.

“I consider Nashville like a home,” said the Oklahoma native, who donned a Nashville Predators jersey at start. “When I was 18-19, I worked at Opryland USA in a show called Way Out West…I have had such a great journey. My friend Ty Herndon is here tonight…Larry Gatlin, I know you’re out there and don’t think I’m not a nervous wreck about it.”

Chenoweth then went into a mash-up of her own creating: Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Losing My Mind,” weaving in and out of lyrics with the symphony.

“I’ve always felt that country music and broadway weren’t that much different,” she said to laughs. “We’re all just trying to tell a story, right?”

What was a departure from country music was Chenoweth’s calling out of another female artist, namely Mariah Carey. Prior to the Wicked original, “Popular,” Chenoweth portrayed Carey’s recent performance flubs as needing advice from Broadway stars, who notably sing live.

A mentor of new talent however, Chenoweth brought out Charlotte Leigh to sing on the popular Wicked duet “For Good.” “I heard this young lady sing on a video with a band she’s going to join called Backroad Anthem, and my extensions fell out,” Chenoweth joked by literally laying herself on the floor before the 21-year-old.

“One of the roles I am so honored to have as an artist is the role of mentor,” she continued. “I love to shepherd and foster new talent, and I want other people—especially other women—to know there is room for everyone…I have a theater in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. It’s nuts. I said to them, ‘I’m too young to possibly have something named after me.’ I see my dad’s name, and my grandfather’s name [above the performing arts center] and in February we hold the Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp.”

It was announced today that NBC will air a live concert, A Very Wicked Halloween, on Oct. 29 for Wicked since celebrating 15 years on Broadway, when Chenoweth joined the original cast.

Chenoweth brought her musical director Mary-Mitchell Campbell with her, a talent currently serving as Music Director, conductor and arranger for the musical Mean Girls. Backing Chenoweth on piano and conducting the symphony, Campbell at times took turns at the microphone both singing and narrating songs such as an anniversary song “Fifty Years Long,” a title she brought to Chenoweth by Jason Robert Brown with lyrics the star changed to “West Oklahoma” to reflect her parents. Additionally the two performed the Eagles’ “Heart Of The Matter,” in honor of the Newtown, Connecticut shootings—noting that making music is most important in times of pain.

Similarly, Chenoweth’s guitarist and boyfriend Josh Bryant was invited to the stage for accompaniment on a teary rendition of the Eagles’ “Desperado,” followed by an extended kiss of affection.

The 50-year-old playfully danced around the Bible Belt audience, noting her love for reality TV on the Bravo network, aimed at 25-54 year-old women as well as the LGBT community. “As a Christian person, it’s very interesting to be in show business. I probably haven’t made all the decisions a Christian person would make and that’s okay. I’m an artist too, and I’ve had tough decisions—some I regret and some I don’t—that’s life, right?”

Chenoweth then explained she felt obligated to sing a song honoring her faith in performing Les Miserables‘ “Bring Him Home,” a song that crescendos to Chenoweth’s jaw-dropping vibrato. This was performed with a dozen from Vanderbilt’s choir.

Although fully capable of the operatic highs, Chenoweth displayed impeccable constraint and control for emotive emphasis within on classics like Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart” and the Hoagy Carmichael-composed “I Get Along Without You Very Well.”

However, her fervent operatic display reigned on Henry Mancini’s “The Sweetheart Tree,” My Fair Lady’s “I Could Have Danced All Night”

“I’ve been allowed to sing all over the world and I’m so honored to stand in front of you on this beautiful stage, which is now my second time to be here, in front of what I consider to be one of the best symphonies in the world…I would like to go on the record saying I want to record an album with you.”

Chenoweth’s acoustic encore of Nat King Cole’s “Smile” was delivered after her salutation to the crowd, “I want to say God Bless you, and don’t forget to stop at the Loveless Cafe—biscuits and gravy and sausage,” she trailed.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available at nashvillesymphony.org

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Alabama Tornado Relief Concert Raises Over $1 Million For Jacksonville State University

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(L-R): Jeff Cook (Alabama), JSU President John M. Beehler, Randy Owen (Alabama), Teddy Gentry (Alabama). Photo: Matthew Reynolds | JSU

The Alabama & Friends #JSUStrong tornado relief concert benefiting Jacksonville State University was a success despite a downpour of rain, which didn’t stop thousands in Jacksonville, Ala., from attending Wednesday night’s sold-out show. The concert generated a grand total of $1,280,000 for JSU, which includes funds from all ticket sales, sponsorships and in-kind donations.

At JSU’s Burgess-Snow Field, Country Music Hall of Famers Alabama assembled an all-star lineup of talent including Charlie Daniels, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Shenandoah, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, Drake White, Home Free, John Berry, Gordon Mote, Darren Knight “Southern Momma,” Sixwire, Sweet Tea Trio, and SiriusXM’s Storme Warren, who all donated their time and talents to raise funds for the tornado-ravaged university.

“Teddy, Jeff and I are so proud of the artists who played this benefit for tornado damage at Jacksonville State University,” says Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “With over $70 million dollars in damages, we’re glad that we, along with our artist friends, were able to help raise over a million dollars Wednesday night. I graduated from JSU so it’s very personal for me. Teddy and Jeff said ‘let’s do this’ the day I called them after the tornado. #JSUSTRONG.”

“We are so thankful to Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook of Alabama and all the other artists, sponsors, and university personnel who worked together selflessly to make this event a huge success,” said JSU President John Beehler. “Not only was nearly $1.3 million raised to help us rebuild our campus, but smiles were put on the faces of thousands of attendees who have endured so much since the devastating tornado ofMarch 19. The impact of this concert will be felt for years to come.”

On March 19 of this year, JSU and the surrounding Jacksonville community was hit by a EF-3 tornado, severely damaging 23 buildings and impacting more than 50 more, and causing millions of dollars in damage. Further donations can be made to JSU’s tornado relief fund here.

Charlie Daniels performs with Alabama. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Opry City Stage At Times Square Suspends Operations

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Ryman Hospitality Properties has announced it has temporarily suspended operations at its Opry City Stage location in New York City as the company evaluates the venue’s market positioning, concept and operating strategy.

The four-level, 28,000-square-foot venue, which opened nine months ago at 1604 Broadway in the heart of Times Square, features a two-story restaurant, bar and multiple performance spaces. The venue’s nearly 100 employees were informed Thursday (Sept. 27) that the venue was suspending operations.

“As we have shared over the past several months, our Opry City Stage venue has taken longer to ramp up its operations than we initially anticipated and has unfortunately underperformed our revenue expectations this year,” says Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO Colin Reed. “We have decided that suspending operations at Opry City Stage while we evaluate the venue’s ground floor experience and operations is the appropriate course of action.

I would like to thank both our New York City-based employees as well as the artists who have performed at Opry City Stage for bringing an authentic slice of Southern culture to life in Times Square. We look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.”

Ryman Hospitality Properties also oversees the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, 650 AM WSM, The Wildhorse Saloon, and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red properties in Nashville, Tennessee; Tishomingo, Oklahoma; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

 

Big Loud Promotes Lloyd Norman

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Lloyd Norman

BIG LOUD has promoted Lloyd Norman to the role of VP, Creative and Digital.

“It’s been an amazing ride since I joined Big Loud in 2014,” shares Norman. “I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to be able to work with a company and roster of talented artists that strive for innovation. I could not be more excited for what the future holds. Thank you to the partners at Big Loud for their continued support. I love my Big Loud family!”

After joining the Big Loud family in April 2014, Norman has been responsible for leading a five-person team of content creators and digital marketers while overseeing all creative and digital needs behind the social and web channels of the company’s dynamic Records and Management rosters, including Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Jillian Jacqueline, Mason Ramsey, and more. Boasting a strong personal career history, he previously ran his own creative agency working on the visual and social strategy for independent artists plus taught several design courses at SAE Institute and O’More College of Design.

According to Big Loud Records President Clay Hunnicutt, the ongoing success of their artists and the momentum building behind the label’s newest clients speaks to Norman’s value as a top-level playmaker in Country and beyond.

“Lloyd has been a long-standing, integral part of Big Loud,” Hunnicutt says. “His leadership and forward-thinking have benefited the company and all the artists in too many ways to count. We are glad he will continue to help us grow Big Loud into the next few years and beyond, with clear vision and amazing talent!”

That sentiment was echoed by Big Loud partner Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, another industry veteran who co-founded Big Loud’s innovative business model.

“Lloyd has proven over the years to be invaluable to our companies. He has thrived at every challenge and opportunity we have thrown his way during his time at Big Loud,” Zaruk adds. “He continues to learn and grow within Big Loud while setting new industry standards in the field of creative and digital content. We could not be happier to have Lloyd continue to be a massive part in the continued growth and future of Big Loud.”

Big Loud was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Zaruk, and Joey Moi, four industry veterans with a vision to bring song publishing, artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. The organization scored its first win when it helped launch the career of Florida Georgia Line – one of the most successful country duos in history – and in 2015 the partners expanded their firm with the creation of Big Loud Records, led by Hunnicutt.

After helping Florida Georgia Line achieve superstardom, Big Loud has gone on to introduce breakout country star Chris Lane, a high-flying vocalist with a smooth-R&B vibe whose debut single, “Fix,” proved a runaway hit. The song became a Gold-certified No. 1 success in 2016, and marked an unlikely feat for Big Loud – scoring their first chart-topper with the label’s very first release.

Since then, the label has gone on to add country superstar Owen and rising talent Wallen to its roster, scoring another pair of No. 1 smashes with “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” and Platinum-certified “Up Down” (featuring Florida Georgia Line), respectively. Lane has since posted two more Top 10 hits (“For Her,” “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly), while fresh-faced phenom Ramsey is chart-climbing with his debut single, “Famous.”

Balsam Range Named Entertainer of the Year At 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards

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Balsam Range

Balsam Range was among the big winners at the 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award during the festivities at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 27. This marks the second win for the North Carolina-based group, who won the award previously in 2014.

Other winners taking home trophies throughout the evening included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, Sierra Hull, and the Travelin’ McCourys. A full list of winners is included below. The Awards were voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

“Congratulations to this year’s awards recipients and all of the nominees,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “Being recognized by your professional peers with the highest honors in bluegrass music is quite an achievement, considering the number of incredible artists and recordings in our music today.  This is a moment for everyone in the bluegrass community to feel proud and celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year.  It is no wonder the appreciation of bluegrass is growing every day.”

The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards recipients:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Balsam Range

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (this is the band’s 8th win in this category, with the last win in 2007)

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Travelin’ McCourys (the band’s first award, although members of the band have won many awards individually)

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“If I’d Have Wrote That Song”– Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Larry Cordle/Larry Shell/James Silvers (writers) (the band’s first award in this category)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rivers & Roads– Special Consensus (artist), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label) (the band’s first win in this category)

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF A YEAR:
“Speakin’ to That Mountain”– Becky Buller (artist), Becky Buller/Jeff Hyde (writers), Crepe Paper Heart(album), Stephen Mougin (producer), Dark Shadow Recording (label)

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE:
“Squirrel Hunters”– Special Consensus with John Hartford, Rachel Baiman, Christian Sedelmyer, and Alison Brown (artist), Traditional arranged by Alison Brown/Special Consensus (writers), Rivers & Roads(album), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR:
“Swept Away”– Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle (artists), single release, Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Brooke Aldridge (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Buddy Melton (his second win in this category, previously in 2014)

BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Ned Luberecki (his first win in this category)

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Tim Surrett (his second win in this category, previously in 2015)

DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Justin Moses (his first win in this category)

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Michael Cleveland (his 11thwin in this category, previously in 2015)

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Molly Tuttle (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)

MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Sierra Hull (her third win in this category, previously 2016 and 2017)

Previously announced inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame– Ricky Skaggs, Paul Williams, Tom T. and Dixie Hall– were honored at the show.

At the Special Awards Luncheon held earlier in the day, the recipients of the following awards were also announced:

BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
Steve Martin (Northern Kentucky-based host of “Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass”)

BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Bluegrass on the Green– Frankfort, IL

BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT (tie):
Craig Havighurst – The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Peter Wernick – Carter Stanley’s Eyes by Peter Rowan

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT:
Lou Everhart – A Heart Never Knows by The Price Sisters

BLUEGRASS PRINT/MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Neil Rosenberg

BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jerry Salley

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR (first year presented):
Ben Surratt

The previously announced 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients – George Gruhn, Christopher Howard-Williams, Curtis McPeake, Walter Saunders and Chris Thile– were also honored during a luncheon.

Provident Label Group Promotes Brian Dishon, Dean Diehl

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Provident Label Group has announced two staff promotions, with Brian Dishon being elevated to Senior Vice President of Marketing. In addition, Dean Diehl has been named Senior Vice President of Strategy and New Business.

Dishon was formerly Vice President of Marketing for the label. As Senior Vice President, he will oversee marketing, promotions, digital, creative, and label operations for Essential Records and Reunion Records. Dishon began his label career in Radio Promotion at Sparrow Records in 1997. In 2007, he transitioned to Vice President of Promotion at Provident Label Group, and two years later moved over to be Vice President of Marketing.

“Brian’s promotion is a reflection of his hard work and dedication as well as his leadership and experience,” Terry Hemmings, CEO/President, Provident Label Group states. “He is an excellent team builder and we are pleased to have him continue as part of our management team in this new position.”

Diehl was formerly the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Provident Label Group. As Senior Vice President for Strategy and New Business Diehl will work closely with all divisions within Provident Music including Provident Label Group, RCA Inspirational, Provident Films, Essential Worship, and Essential Artist Services in developing strategic plans for the future as well as innovating around new business opportunities.

Dishon shares, “I’m grateful to Terry Hemmings and Dean Diehl for this opportunity at Provident. I love the Christian music business and the hope that artists sing about to encourage people in their faith. I cherish the team of people I get to work with and I look forward to guiding Provident Label Group into what the music business of tomorrow will be.”

Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music, whose labels include Provident Label Group, RCA Inspiration, Essential Worship and Essential Music Publishing, is home to an artist roster including Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, Third Day, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Matt Maher, Tenth Avenue North, Marvin Sapp, and more.

 

LANCO Extends Hallelujah Nights Tour Into 2019

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LANCO has added additional dates to its Hallelujah Nights Tour, with the 2019 leg kicking off on Jan. 9 at Joe’s in Chicago. The 26-city run in 2019 will take LANCO to the Midwest and Canada, visiting Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Calgary, and more.

On Oct. 2 the first tickets to select cities will be available to the “FANCO” fan club before tickets go on sale to the public Oct. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. local time on LANCO’s website.

“It’s been a long time coming for us with this new live show and after hearing how many fans asked us to come to their city there was no way we couldn’t add some more dates,” said Lancaster. “These past few years on the road have solidified who we are and we’re looking forward to sharing this chapter with our fans. We can’t wait to roll that energy over into 2019 and bring to life our album Hallelujah Nights on stage.”

The group’s multi-week No. 1 hit “Greatest Love Story,” just went double-platinum, while the track’s sole writer/lead singer Lancaster became the first member of a group to ever win NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year.

HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR DATES:
Jan. 9: Chicago, Ill. – Joe’s on Weed St
Jan. 10: Milwaukee, Wis. – The Rave
Jan. 11: Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live
Jan. 12: Minneapolis, Minn. – Varisty Theater
Jan. 16: Salt Lake City, Utah – The Depot
Jan. 17:  Boise, Idaho – Knitting Factory Concert House
Jan. 18: Seattle, Wa. – The Showbox
Jan. 19: Portland, Ore. – Wonder Ballroom
Jan. 20: Vancouver, BC- Commodore Ballroom
Jan. 22: Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
Jan. 23: Edmonton, AB – The Ranch Roadhouse

Weekly Chart Report (9/28/18)

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