CJ Solar Inks Deals With WME, Dreamcatcher

/by

Pictured (L-R): Powell Hedley, Dreamcatcher Managment; Barry Jeffrey, WME agent; Mark Roeder, WME agent; CJ Solar; Jim Mazza, Dreamcatcher Managment; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment. Photo: WME Endeavor

Singer/songwriter CJ Solar has signed with Dreamcatcher for management and aligned with WME for exclusive booking representation.

In addition to co-writing “American Girls,” the latest single from his Get Away With It EP, Solar also co-wrote Morgan Wallen’s No. 1 single “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line. Solar signed to Sea Gayle Music shortly after graduating from Belmont University and has had cuts by Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore, and Texas artists Mike Ryan and Kyle Park. He scored his first No. 1 as a writer with Park’s “What the Heaven” single, which topped the Texas Music chart.

“This is like the dream team for me,” said Solar. “These guys have already had me opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Janson and Hank Jr., and I’m looking forward to an incredible future with this crew.”

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Honors NSAI’s Bart Herbison, Steve Bogard

/by

Bart Herbison

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) recently hosted its 6th annual IP Champions event, Ideas in Bloom, to showcase how intellectual property fuels innovation, creativity, and competition in the United States and across the globe. The event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, the entertainment industry, academia, law enforcement, and technology experts to celebrate those who generate jobs, encourage innovation and creativity, ensure safety, and promote access to new products and services.

This year’s gala honored 11 innovators and creators for their contributions to intellectual property, including NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard, who were named IP Champions for Excellence in Advocacy. They were honored for their working counseling lawmakers on issues songwriters face and for their work in introducing the Music Modernization Act.

“Intellectual property-driven innovations are changing the world, making it safer, healthier, and more connected,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of GIPC. “In an era where technology is ever-changing, it’s increasingly important to incentivize and protect the inventions and creations so that the life transforming benefits can reach consumers around the world. We are proud to recognize this year’s winners as intellectual property visionaries, pioneers, and guardians.”

Headlining last night’s event were Nashville mega-hit songwriters, Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley. Miller and Mobley’s performance came at a particularly critical time, as the U.S. Senate considers the Music Modernization Act and weighs whether to address systematic IP issues facing many songwriters.

The Chamber’s Global Innovation Policy Center is working around the world to champion innovation and creativity through intellectual property standards that create jobs, save lives, advance global economic and cultural prosperity, and generate breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

Steve Bogard

 

Florida Georgia Line, Ashton Kutcher Celebrate Entrepreneurs During WeWork Creator Awards

/by

Pictured (L-R): Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, winner Stephanie Benedetto of Queen of Raw, Ashton Kutcher and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Florida Georgia Line and Ashton Kutcher were among those celebrating entrepreneurs in Nashville Thursday evening (Sept. 13), as part of the Nashville Creator Awards Regional Semi-Final event, held at Marathon Music Works.

The Creator Awards is part of an initiative that funds small businesses, nonprofits, performing artists and others who are achieving change through their businesses and services.

During the Creator Awards, nine winners received a total of $888,000. They were selected from a pool of more than 1,700 applicants, from the Eastern United States, Puerto Rico and Ontario. The finalists pitched their ideas, business models and organizations before a live audience and judges, including Florida Georgia Line, Kutcher, and Dia Simms, President of Sean Combs Enterprises. Nine winners were awarded from $18,000 to $360,000 in funding from projects ranging from smart, data-collecting fabric and medical interpreter certificate training, to interactive music programs for seniors.

“These Creator Awards are not just sweeping the nation, these Creator Awards are sweeping the world,” said host and judge Ashton Kutcher, who also shared his experience meeting WeWork founder Adam Neumann in 2002. The two had met through Neumann’s then girlfriend and now wife, Rebekah Neumann, and immediately recognized their shared ambition and work ethic.

The grand prize of $360,000 went to Queen of Raw, a two-sided marketplace bringing raw fabric back to life by giving the factories that overproduce it and the retailers that over-purchase it, a place to recapture its value.

“It was an honor and a privilege to even make it this far. The kinds of questions they asked were so valuable, informative, and supportive,” said Stephanie Benedetto, Founder and CEO of Queen of Raw. “This is a lot of money. We were a bootstrapped company and it took us all the way to launch. We want to be able to grow and scale beyond the U.S. and around the world.”

The event was open to the public and co-hosted by VP & Senior Editor of Forbes Media, Steven Bertoni, and WeWork Co-Founder & CEO, Adam Neumann, as well as his sister, former supermodel, Adi Neumann. The night also included a live performance by multi-platinum selling rapper and producer, G-Eazy.

Winners:

Business Venture Award: for entrepreneurs and companies with fresh ideas:
— ($360,000): Queen of Raw, Stephanie Benedetto, New York City
— ($180,000): Prommus, Anthony Brahimsha, Chicago
— ($72,000): Loomia, Janett Liriano, New York City

Nonprofit Award: for charitable organizations big and small:
— ($72,000): Found in Translation, Maria Vertkin, Boston, MA
— ($50,000): Girl Develop It, Corinne Warnshuis & Sally MacNicholas, Philadelphia, PA
— ($50,000): Everybody Dance Now!, Kelli Forman, New York City

Performing Arts Award: for entertainers and groups with a unique point of view:
— ($18,000): Melanie Faye, Nashville, TN

Community Giver Award: a surprise, community-nominated category for those making a difference:
— ($36,000): Good Good Good, Branden Harvey, Nashville, TN

Wild Card Winner: a surprise, pulled from the crowd live by Adam Neumann and Ashton Kutcher:
— ($50,000): Music for Seniors, Sarah Martin McConnell

Adam Neumann surprised guests after inviting two audience members (non-finalists) on stage for a chance to pitch their businesses and win prize money. Sarah Martin McConnell, Director at Music for Seniors, took home $50,000 after impressing judges with her growth plans.

Special guests and notable Nashville attendees included: Nashville Predators defenseman, P.K. Subban; Olympic skier, Lindsey Vonn; country singer, Hunter Hayes; Eric and Jessie James Decker; Lily Aldridge; Tennessee Titans safety, Kenny Vaccaro; and others.

The event celebrated entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, with attendees shopping local member and non-member products at the pop-up market and making connections at the job fair in partnership with Jobbio. Since March 2017, WeWork has hosted more than 28,000 attendees and given away millions of dollars across 13 Creator Awards Regional Semi-Final events around the globe, plus one Global Finals event in New York City in January 2018. According to previous winners, these awards can be a game changer for companies and organizations looking to reach the next level.

Pictured (L-R): Judges Ashton Kutcher, Brian Kelley of Florida Georiga Line, Dia Simms, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georiga Line and finalist Stephen Rose of The Peach Truck. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Kelsea Ballerini To Join Kelly Clarkson’s Meaning Of Life Tour

/by

Earlier today (Friday, Sept. 14) Kelly Clarkson announced her first headlining tour in three years, titled Meaning of Life Tour, after her most recent album. She also revealed that country hitmaker Kelsea Ballerini, as well as The Voice winner Brynn Cartelli, will join as special guests.

The 28-city tour launches Jan. 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. The trek includes a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on March 29.

“Meaning of Life is the album I always wanted to make and I am so excited to finally be able to tour it!” Clarkson said via a release. “Even while recording it, I couldn’t wait for people to experience the music live, to not only hear it, but feel it. It has taken almost a year of planning, and I can’t wait to see y’all on the road!”

Pre-sale ticket access begins Sept. 17, with public on-sale beginning Sept. 24.

The Meaning of Life Tour Dates:

1/24/19 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena**
1/25/19 – Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center**
1/26/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center*
1/30/19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena**
2/1/19 – Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena*
2/7/19 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center**
2/8/19 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center**
2/9/19 – Southaven, MS @ Landers Center**
2/14/19 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena*
2/15/19 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center**
2/16/19 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center*
2/21/19 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena**
2/22/19 – Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena**
2/23/19 – St. Louis, MO @ Chaifetz Arena**
2/28/19 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center*
3/2/19 – Wichita, KS @ INTRUST Bank Arena**
3/7/19 – Uniondale, NY @ NYCB Live Nassau Coliseum*
3/8/19 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden**
3/9/19 – Allentown, PA @ PPL Center*
3/14/19 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena*
3/15/19 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena*
3/16/19 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena**
3/21/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena**
3/22/19 – Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse**
3/23/19 – Cincinnati, OH @ U.S. Bank Arena**
3/28/19 – Duluth, GA @ Infinite Energy Arena **
3/29/19 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena**
3/30/19 – Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena**
**with Kelsea Ballerini and Brynn Cartelli
*with Brynn Cartelli

Zach Williams Issues New EP ‘Survivor: Live From Harding Prison’

/by

Zach Williams has released a special EP today (Friday, Sept. 14), titled Survivor: Live From Harding Prison. Recorded live earlier this summer from the Nashville-based prison where Williams performed acoustically along with Bethel Music’s “No Longer Slaves,” the project was produced in partnership with local non-profit, Men of Valor.

Each song featured on the six-song project, “Survivor,” “Old Church Choir,” “To The Table,” “No Longer Slaves,” “Fear Is A Liar” and “Chain Breaker,” were filmed with interviews from some of the inmates sharing their personal testimonies. Video footage will release weekly on Williams’ YouTube channel, and a devotional will be available in the coming weeks through YouVersion, written by a pastor with Men of Valor.

The project is something that Williams, who first made his name in 2016 with the record-breaking single “Chain Breaker,” has been wanting to do for years.

“As a songwriter, seeing God use the songs I write and my experiences to show His grace to others is one of the biggest blessings I have ever received,” Zach Williams shares. “A little over five years ago, I visited a prison in Arkansas with my wife and shared the story of what God was doing in our lives. What I experienced that day is something I will never forget. God broke my heart for these men and women. They had, ultimately, just made bad decisions which is something that I completely related to, and for me, that experience gave a whole new meaning to the word ‘grace.’ Ever since then, I have felt a calling to share my music and stories with men and women in prison in the hopes that lives can be changed by the power of the gospel. My prayer is to see chains broken and walls shattered. God has a plan for each and every one of our lives but we have to fully surrender to the Cross before those plans are revealed.”

Williams is performing on the Air1 Positive Hits Tour into October, and will hit the road with labelmate Matt Maher for several dates in late October and early November. He is also slated to appear on The Little Drummer Boy | The Christmas Tour with for King + Country in December. His new single, “Survivor,” goes to radio today.

Garth Brooks’ Notre Dame Concert Sells Nearly 85,000 Tickets In Less Than Three Hours

/by

Tickets went on sale for Garth Brooks‘ upcoming inaugural Notre Dame concert on Friday (Sept. 14), and in less than three hours, the event had sold just under 85,000 tickets.

Brooks commented, “Just when you think you have seen it all as an entertainer, today happens! I can’t wait to see all of you in October.”

Brooks’ show, the first-ever concert event to be held at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana, will take place Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET. The concert is sponsored by Amazon Music.

There are a few single seats left. Tickets can only be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000. The concert will be rain or shine.

Tickets cost $79.95 plus a $4.00 facility fee and a $15.00 service charge for a total of $98.95.

Signings: Rocky Block, DJ Cannon Banyon, T-Woods, Rebel Union

/by

Rocky Block Signs With Being Bob Music

Standing (L-R): Jamie Bruno, Being Bob Music; MaryAnn Keen, BMI
Seated (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Being Bob Music; Rocky Block; Jody Williams, BMI

Artist/songwriter Rocky Block, son of the late Billy Block, has signed a publishing deal with Being Bob Music and is being developed by Being Bob Music Owner Bob DiPiero.

“Rocky is one of the most talented artist/writers that I have ever heard,” said DiPiero. “We are looking forward to a long and successful run with Rocky and Being Bob Music.”

“It’s truly humbling to have someone as talented and successful as Bob believe in me. I’m excited to join his team and get to work,” said Block.

 

DJ Cannon Banyon, T-Woods Take The Backroad

Southern country artists DJ Cannon Banyon and T-Woods have signed with Backroad Records, a division of Average Joes Entertainment. Both artists will release new music in the coming weeks.

T-Woods’ debut music video “I Am Who I Am,” launches today, while Banyon, a producer and touring DJ based in South Carolina, will release his new single, “Shawty In The Truck,” on September 21.

“Cannon Banyon has been one of the top music promoters in the mud bog and country backwoods/underground world for years. We’re pleased to partner with him to create the next iteration of his sound. T-Woods’ new video is a great first look for a new artist we think fans will enjoy,” said Forrest Latta, A&R.

 

Rebel Union Joins PLA Media Roster

Rebel Union has inked with PLA Media for publicity representation. The four-part group, Suzanne Dennis, Allie Johnson, Blake Mohler and Zach Laughlin, recorded a video of a mash-up of “Hurricane” by Luke Combs and “Let It Rain” by David Nail which has garnered almost 200k views already. In the past year, the group released their debut single “Secondhand High.”

Toby Keith To Be Honored With Nashville Symphony’s Harmony Award

/by

Toby Keith has been named as the 2018 recipient of the Nashville Symphony’s Harmony Award.

Keith will be presented the award and perform during the 34th annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Presented annually by the Nashville Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.

“Toby Keith has the unique ability to capture the essence of life’s most passionate and memorable moments through music, as evidenced by an incredible career that has produced hit music every year over the past three decades,” said Katie Crumbo and Laurie Seabury, chairmen of the 2018 Symphony Ball fundraiser. “More than just an outstanding singer and songwriter with a legendary onstage energy, Toby has made selfless contributions to the world around him – including scores of performances for U.S. service personnel abroad and assisting the families of children with critical illnesses through the Toby Keith Foundation – that prove his impact reaches well beyond music. We look forward to celebrating Toby and all of his tremendous accomplishments at the 2018 Symphony Ball.”

“I’m so appreciative of this honor given to me by the Nashville Symphony,” Keith said. “Thank you, it means a great deal to me.”

The Symphony Ball is one of the Nashville Symphony’s two annual fundraisers. Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised millions for the Symphony, sustaining the organization’s mission of achieving excellence in musical performance and educational programs, while engaging the community, enriching audiences and shaping cultural life.

Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Chet Atkins, Mike and Linda Curb, Rascal Flatts, Béla Fleck, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Winwood and Trisha Yearwood.

Carrie Underwood To Team With Grand Ole Opry For 10th Annual Opry Goes Pink

/by

The Grand Ole Opry and Carrie Underwood are joining together in the fight against breast cancer on Friday, Oct. 26 with a special 10th Annual Opry Goes Pink. Opry member and Capitol Records Nashville artist Underwood will flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night as the “Cry Pretty” star takes the stage to perform on two shows that night. Underwood also flipped the switch on the inaugural Opry Goes Pink in 2009.

Underwood and the Opry have teamed to create Cry Pretty Opry Goes Pink packages featuring Opry Goes Pink tickets, Underwood’s Cry Pretty album (available now) and a collectible print. Beginning today, when fans order the package or tickets, $5 from every package and ticket sold will be donated to the fight against breast cancer. Tickets and packages are available at opry.com and at (800) SEE-OPRY.

Weekly Chart Report (9/14/18)

/by

Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.