Industry Ink: Crowd Surf, Relevant Communications, Straight 8 Entertainment

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Crowd Surf’s Cassie Petrey, Jade Driver Named 2018 Billboard Digital Power Players

Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, co-founders of marketing/PR/artist management firm Crowd Surf, have been recognized on the 2018 Billboard Digital Power Players list. Driver is the only woman based in Nashville on this year’s list, while Petrey is one of the youngest.

Starting Crowd Surf right out of college, Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, have grown the company to three offices (Nashville, LA, NYC) and employ a staff of over 35. Crowd Surf has evolved into a 50-person team, with four offices and a stacked roster of accounts boasting a collective social footprint of approximately 1 billion followers. Many of Crowd Surf’s campaigns have helped break and re-define acts – for example, they spearheaded Fifth Harmony’s “2014 VMA’s Best New Artist” fan-voted competition, and helped Britney Spears win the fan-voted “Best Show in Las Vegas.” In addition, Crowd Surf also offers artist management, and is currently managing AJ McLean (of Backstreet Boys), alongside legendary manager Johnny Wright, and Max & Harvey, the #1 Musical.ly stars in the UK who have over 5.7 million followers.

 

Relevant Communications Signs Aussie Trio Audio Vixen

Audio Vixen

Relevant Communications has signed Australian sibling trio Audio Vixen. The X-Factor Australia finalists are already one of the most well-establish touring bands down under and they will be bringing their harmonies to Nashville in 2019.

Their upcoming U.S. debut album The Colour of Sound was written, arranged and produced by all three members of the group and in 2013, Audio Vixen was invited by Bee Gee’s legend Barry Gibb, to be his support act for his Australian Mythology tour.

 

Celebration Time For Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard 

Pictured (L-R): John Wesley Satterfield, Jon Stone, Jerrod Neimann, Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard, Ira Dean, Joe Denim and Gavin DeGraw.

Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard celebrated his 40th birthday at Nashville Underground, alongside several artist friends.

For King & Country Plan Burn The Ships World Tour For 2019

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This fall, For King & Country brought fans live performances of the songs from their third studio album, Burn The Ships, by playing at intimate venues across the U.S. In 2019, they will continue the tour at theaters and auditoriums in Georgia, Texas and Tennessee, among other U.S. stops, as well as stops in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The tour launches Jan. 25 at Christchurch, New Zealand’s La Vida Centre and wraps April 20 in Beaumont, Texas.

Burn The Ships 2019 Tour Dates:
Jan. 25 Christchurch, NZ La Vida Centre
Jan. 26 Hamilton, NZ Festival One
Jan. 28 Sydney, AUS Sydney Opera House
Jan. 29 Newcastle, AUS The Grainery
Jan. 30 Brisbane, AUS Riverlife
Jan. 31 Gold Coast, AUS NewLife
Feb. 3 Melbourne, AUS Palais Theatre
Feb. 6 Adelaide, AUS Influencers Paradise
Feb. 7 Perth, AUS Riverview
Feb. 9 Manila, PHL Circuit Makati Concert Grounds
Feb. 11 Bukit Merah, SG Gateway Theatre
March 8 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium
March 9 Franklin, NC Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 10 Savannah, GA Savannah Civic Center Arena
March 11 Dothan, AL Dothan Civic Center
March 15 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Auditorium
March 17 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
March 21 Lafayette, LA Heymann Performing Arts Center
March 22 Birmingham, AL Samford University Wright Center
March 23 Paducah, KY Carson Center
March 24 Wichita, KS Century II Performing Arts Center
March 28 Stamford, CT The Palace-Stamford
March 29 Indiana, PA Kovalchick Complex
March 30 Wheeling, WV Capitol Theatre
March 31 Salisbury, MD Wicomico Civic Center
April 4 Saginaw, MI Dow Eventer Center
April 6 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
April 7 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
April 11 Wichita Falls, TX Memorial Auditorium
April 12 Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
April 13 Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center
April 14 Amarillo, TX Amarillo Civic Center
April 16 El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theatre
April 18 Longview, TX LeTourneau University Belcher Center
April 20 Beaumont, TX Julie Rogers Theatre

Kobalt Adds Jonathan Sherwood, Boy Named Banjo To Roster

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Boy Named Banjo signing

Kobalt​ has signed Nashville-based country group Boy Named Banjo (BNB) and alt-singer/songwriter Jonathan Sherwood. The worldwide agreements continue Kobalt’s existing partnership with publishing company Little Louder and includes worldwide administration for all of BNB and Sherwood’s future works.

Jesse Willoughby, GM for Kobalt Nashville, said, “We’re excited to continue our relationship with Little Louder and their growth by the new additions of Jon, Will and Barton. Arturo and Eric continue to identify incredible talent and we’re grateful to help them grow their company to new heights.”

Nashville natives founded BNB in 2011, releasing their first album The Tanglewood Sessions at the age of 18. The group has since released its sophomore record, Long Story Short (2014), and an EP, Lost On Main (2015). BNB took the stage at Bonnaroo in 2015. BNB is currently touring heavily, selling out shows across the eastern half of the US and recently performed at Colorado’s Seven Peaks Fest in August. Next up is a new album slated for release in 2019.

Said President, Little Louder Music, Arturo Buenahora, “I had known the kids in Boy Named Banjo for over a year before we signed them. Barton and William and the guys have been a touring band since their high school days and throughout college building a small but loyal fan base throughout the Southeast. The response to the music has been beyond anything we could have hoped for.”

Added Senior Creative Director, Kobalt Music, Laura Alexander, “The guys from Boy Named Banjo truly bring something different to our music community. We are fired up to see their story unfold going forward and are very thankful to have them join the Little Louder/Kobalt family!”

Jonathan Sherwood signing

California native Sherwood moved to Nashville five years ago after dropping out of college, and is now working with country up-and-comers: Seth Ennis, Brandon Ratcliff, and BNB.

Sherwood commented, “Little Louder and Kobalt hold the kind of reputation I want to be known for, so I am thankful they brought me into the family. We have great music in the works that I am eager and proud to put into the world.”

Buenahora said, “Laura Alexander sent me some of Sherwood’s music and I was immediately impressed with his style of songwriting. He got 2 cuts the day we signed him which is a first for me in over 20 years of publishing.”

Alexander added, “BMI sent Jon Sherwood over to meet with me and I instantly felt like he had something different to offer. Along with his unique style of writing, his energy and excitement for the craft stuck with me. Having Little Louder as a partner with us seemed like the perfect set up for someone like Sherwood. His positive attitude and work ethic are inspiring and we couldn’t be happier to have him in the family!”

Country Radio Seminar Reveals Agenda First Look For 2019

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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has revealed the first look of its agenda for Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event (CRS 2019), to be held Feb. 13-15 at the Omni Nashville.

The agenda for the milestone three-day event is comprised of appearances by some of the format’s biggest superstars, including a performance by Blake Shelton at the newly added Warner Music Group luncheon, a 60-minute discussion with featured speaker Jason Aldean (sponsored by BMI), and performances by some of country music’s fastest rising stars; five of which are the New Faces of Country Music Class of 2019.

Three label luncheons will also take place and will be presented by Warner Music Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 13, UMG Nashville on Thursday, Feb. 14, and Big Machine Label Group on Friday, Feb. 15. Amazon Music will also return for Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS. Talent lineups for the label luncheons and the Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS show will be announced in the coming weeks.

Other agenda items include informative panels ranging from smart speakers to time management, industry discussions, workshops, and boot camps; a broad range of topics relevant to today’s Country radio industry is to be covered, including social media and digital innovations, PPM, brand strategies, leadership skills, the relationships and economics of the radio and record industries and much more. A cutting-edge research presentation will also return.

Constituents will be offered numerous networking opportunities, including the CMA annual Welcome Reception, five mentoring breakfasts, nightly showcases, and more. Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley will also return, providing an intimate performance by some of the format’s top songwriters in an acoustic, in-the-row setting.

In light of this year being the 50th Anniversary event and the institution’s five decades of bringing the radio and record industries together, many surprise performances, special guests and extraordinary moments are expected to take place over the three days, making this year’s event a stand out year.

Judy Lakin, 2019 CRS Agenda Committee Chair commented, “The CRS 50 educational line up will host experts in technology, social media, imaging, programming, production, sales, promotions, and the list does not stop there. Don’t miss this ‘golden opportunity’ to educate yourself at the only country radio convention. It is one you and your career can’t afford to miss!”

The CRS 2019 Agenda-At-A-Glance includes:
(*Schedule subject to change*)
Wednesday, Feb. 13
11:45-Noon Pre-Lunch Performance (Encore Stage)
Noon-1:50 p.m. Lunch and Performance, Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville with performances powered by Live Nation
2:00-2:50 p.m. Time Management: Your Success Depends On It
3:00- 3:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
3:30- 4:00 p.m. CRHOF 2019 Class Announcement & Tom Rivers Award Presentation
4:00-5:00 p.m. Keynote Presentation
5:00-6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception, Sponsored by CMA
6:00-8:00 p.m. Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS, performances powered by Live Nation
8:30 p.m. CRS After Hours

Thursday, Feb. 14
8:00-8:50 a.m. Programming Mentoring Breakfast
8:00-8:50 a.m. Sales Mentoring Breakfast
8:00-8:50 a.m. DSP Mentoring Breakfast

9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Music Scheduling)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Voice & Talent Coaching)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Production)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Back to the Future: Turning The Remotes Of Yesterday Into the Remotes of Today
9:00-9:50 a.m. The Metrics That Matter to Predict Radio Hits

10:00-10:50 a.m. Daily Featured Speaker: Artist Spotlight
11:30-1:50 p.m. UMG Nashville Lunch and Performance

2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market, Big Responsibilities”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market Toolbox”/ “Creative Ways To Find Ratings & Research”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market, Big Star”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Cracking the Code to Digital Revenue: Real Ideas to Drive Digital Dollars
2:30-3:20 p.m. Running for Success: How to Maximize Grassroots Marketing Strategies

3:30-4:20 p.m. CRS Research Presentation: Country Parents of Teens Presented by Edison Research
4:30-5:20 p.m. Beer-Thirty: Research Follow-up Q & A

7:00-11:00 p.m. CRS After Hours
7:00-12:00 a.m. Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, Sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 and First Tennessee Bank

Friday, Feb. 15
7:30-8:50 a.m. Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, Sponsored by NuVoodoo Media
7:30-8:50 a.m. Digital & Tech Breakfast

8:00-8:50 a.m. Label Mentoring Breakfast

9:00-9:50 a.m. Daily Featured Speaker
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Music Scheduling)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Voice & Talent Coaching)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Production)

10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (Facebook & Instagram/”Social Media Live”)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (DSP)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (Compelling Content Creation)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Programming Working With Sales
10:00-10:50 a.m. The Hidden Demo
11:00-11:50 a.m. Inside The Studio: The Art of Storytelling
11:00-11:50 a.m. Best Practices: React & Recover

11:45-Noon Pre-Lunch Performance by Kaylee Rutland
Noon-1:50 p.m. Lunch and Performance, Sponsored by BMLG with performances powered by Live Nation

2:00-2:50 p.m. Smart Programming for Smart Speakers

2:00-2:50 p.m. Art of the Artist Visit: How to Maximize Your Time
3:00-3:30 p.m. Continuous Measurement in Diary Markets: How to Program in an Always-On World
3:30-4:30 p.m. Artist Interview with Jason Aldean: Overcoming Obstacles – Sponsored by BMI
5:30-6:15 p.m. New Faces Cocktail Reception, Sponsored by Riser House Entertainment
6:30-10:00 p.m. New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance, Sponsored by ACM & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – *Performances Powered by Live Nation
10:00 p.m. CRS After Hours

Mindy Smith’s Debut ‘One Moment More’ To Be Reissued On Vinyl

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Craft Recordings, in partnership with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mindy Smith, will reissue her 2004 Vanguard Records debut, One Moment More, on vinyl for the first time.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the project, Craft Recordings will offer the project on 180-gram black vinyl, beginning Jan. 25, 2019. The album was co-produced by Smith and Steve Buckingham, and recorded in Nashville.

“To partner with Craft Recordings to release One Moment More on vinyl for the first time has truly been a dream come true,” says Smith. “Originally released by Vanguard Records, I appreciate Craft collaborating with me from start to finish on this release.”

Following her debut project, Smith has since released five albums and numerous singles: Long Island Shores (Vanguard, 2006); My Holiday (Vanguard, 2007); Stupid Love (Vanguard, 2009); Mindy Smith (Giant Leap/TVX Records, 2012); Snowed In (Giant Leap/TVX Records, 2013); “Anymore Of This,” a duet with Matthew Perryman Jones (2013); “Someone Sometime” ft. Zach Berkman (2014); “Returning Fire With Fire” (2015); “On Top Of The World,” ft. Phillip LaRue (2015); “The Snow” and “Three Thousand Miles” (2016); and “Who Saved Who,” ft. Matthew Perryman Jones (2017).

Her songs have been recorded by Alison Krauss, Lee Ann Womack, Faith Hill, and the Gaither Vocal Band, and featured in various television shows, including Switched At Birth, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, HBO’s Six Feet Under, and the WB’s Smallville and Summerland. “Taking You With Me,” a duet with Daniel Tashian was featured in Paul Rudd’s film Our Idiot Brother (2011) and its accompanying soundtrack. In addition, Smith penned and recorded the theme song “Shelter Me” for the national PBS TV series of the same name.

Her vocals are currently featured on “Better Boat,” the latest single from Kenny Chesney.

Opry Entertainment Launches Year-Long Program To Promote Rising Artists

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Opry Entertainment has announced the launch of Opry NextStage, a year-long collaboration with four rising country artists: Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning. The collaboration will include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s award-winning content team. Throughout the year, Opry Entertainment will work closely with artist teams to amplify their initiatives using assets from across the company’s brands, venues and channels.

Each Opry NextStage artist will perform on the Grand Ole Opry at Ryman Auditorium in December. Townes will perform both shows at Opry at the Ryman on Dec. 7. Tegan Marie is scheduled for Dec. 8. Green will make his Opry debut on Dec. 11, and Denning, who just made his Grand Ole Opry debut last week, will return to Opry at the Ryman on Dec. 15. More Opry appearances will be scheduled in 2019.

Opry NextStage will officially launch with a kickoff party and concert featuring performances by the inaugural class at Ole Red Nashville on Jan. 8, 2019.

Tickets for the Opry NextStage kickoff party and concert at Ole Red Nashville on Jan. 8 will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 29 at 10 am CT.

 

Demolition Music Artist Haven Inks with LH7 Management

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LH7 Management’s Brian Teefey and Haven

Demolition Music artist/writer Haven has signed a management deal with LA-based LH7 Management. LH7 Management also represents Sophie Simmons, SEAFORTH, AK, KATY TIZ, FRANCIA RAISA, and more.

“The marriage between Haven and LH7 Management is a perfect match of talent, passion, hard work, and a relentless drive to make it happen” says Demolition President Jon D’Agostino.

“Haven is one of the rare young artists who has a clear vision of what she wants to accomplish with her artistry, and her sound makes for a perfect blend for Pop and Rhythmic radio.” Says LH7 owner Brian Teefey. “Finding an artist as grounded in her roots, who can sing, write, perform live, and connect with fans of different genres the way she can is like finding a needle in a haystack.  When we find an artist like that, who also has the determination and work ethic, we know we have a star on our hands.

“I’m so excited to be apart of the LH7 family!” Says Haven. “Their passion, drive & work ethic is everything I’ve ever wanted in my team and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together! It truly feels like a family with them and I’m beyond thankful to be working together!”

Dan+Shay To Lead Benefit Concert For Pittsburgh’s Tree Of Life Synagogue

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Dan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Dan+Shay will headline a benefit concert in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Dec. 2, aimed at helping Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue to rebuild and reopen following a mass shooting that left 11 people dead on Oct. 27, 2018.

Dan+Shay: A Concert For Unity To Rebuild And Reopen Tree Of Life Synagogue will also feature local Pittsburgh artists FRZY as well as The Andy Davis Band. All proceeds will go to Tree of Life Synagogue. Dan + Shay, FRZY, The Andy Davis Band, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the Byham Theater are donating their services to support the benefit.

“Pittsburgh suffered an unfathomable tragedy on October 27,” said Michael Spacciapolli, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Pittsburgh. “Our community has come together to support our neighbors in their time of need. Through the generosity of local Pittsburgh artists and partners like the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Byham Theater, A Concert for Unity will directly support rebuilding Tree of Life.”

“On behalf of our entire congregation, I wish to thank all who are involved in this amazing effort to support the rebuilding of our synagogue. We are so appreciative of A Concert for Unity for the Tree of Life’s benefit, just as we are humbled by this incredible show of support from all who are involved. This proves that love truly is stronger than hate,” said Samuel K. Schachner, Ph.D., President, Tree of Life Congregation.

Dan+Shay’s Dan Smyers was raised in Wexford, Pennsylvania, located approximately 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Dan+Shay have celebrated a career surge in 2018, spurred by their hit singles “Tequila” and “Speechless.” The duo was nominated for three honors at this year’s CMA Awards after the success of the Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 single “Tequila.”

Doors will open at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2, with the program beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at trustarts.com.

 

Mitchell Tenpenny To Launch 12-City Album Release Tour

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Mitchell Tenpenny is kicking off his Telling All My Secrets Album Release Tour Dec. 8 in Rome, Georgia, and will visit 12 cities through Feb. 1, 2019, including Chicago, Charlotte, Denver, and more. He’ll play a Nashville show at City Winery on Dec. 11. The tour will include special guests Adam Hambrick, Seaforth and Ross Ellis.

He launches the tour just as his new album, Telling All My Secrets, is set for release on Riser House/Columbia Nashville Dec. 14 and his debut single, “Drunk Me,” rises into the Top 5 at radio.

“There are so many people to celebrate this moment with, and I wanted to go to them with this release,” says Tenpenny. “From the first full-band gig I played in Nashville at 12th & Porter in July of 2017, to all the songwriters, musicians, publishers, industry executives and early critics that were willing to give my music a shot, this tour is so I have a chance to look you each in the eye and tell you ‘thank you for making this dream a reality.’”

Every ticket purchased online includes a copy of his album, and ticket packages are available at mitchell10penny.com.

Telling All My Secrets Album Release Tour dates:
Dec. 8:Rome, Ga.; Rome City Brewing*
Dec. 11: Nashville, Tenn.; City Winery ~
Dec. 12: Chicago; Joe’s on Weed St.~
Dec. 15: Macon, Ga.; The Crazy Bull^
Dec. 20: Grand Rapids, Mich.; The Intersection^
Dec. 21: Columbus, Ohio; The Bluestone^
Dec. 22: West Peoria, Ill.; Crusens^
Jan. 4: Charlotte, N.C.; Coyote Joe’s^
Jan. 5: Greenville, S.C.; Blind Horse Saloon^
Jan. 11: Charlottesville, Va.; Jefferson Theater*
Jan. 12: Silver Springs, Md.; The Fillmore*
Feb. 1: Denver; The Grizzly Rose*
*denotes a date with Seaforth
^denotes a date with Ross Ellis
~denotes a date with Adam Hambrick

Recording Academy Launches 21st Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition

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The Recording Academy has launched its 21st Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition, co-sponsored by the American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. Last year, the Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition was redesigned to focus greater attention on the winner and returned to the Recording Academy’s Membership & Industry Relations Department, where the program was initially created.

The Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition invites law students to write a 3,000-word paper on a compelling legal topic facing the music industry today. The contest is open to Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) candidates currently enrolled at an ABA accredited law school. Submissions must be received by Jan. 2, 2019 (1 p.m. ET). Winners will be announced Jan. 18, 2019.

A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to the author of the winning paper, and a $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to the runner-up. In addition, the winner will receive airfare and hotel accommodations for two and two tickets to the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards, which will be held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10.

The telecast will be broadcast live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The winner will also receive two tickets to other GRAMMY® Week activities, including the annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event & Scholarship Presentation on Feb. 8, where the winning student will be recognized; MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute honoring Dolly Parton on Feb. 8; and the GRAMMY Celebration®, the official GRAMMY Awards after-party.