Breaking: Kent Earls Exits UMPG Nashville

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MusicRow has confirmed that UMPG Exec. VP/GM Kent Earls is exiting UMPG Nashville, following the appointment of Troy Tomlinson as Chairman/CEO of the division.

“The past 21+ years at UMPG Nashville have been truly incredible. I’m very proud of our many accomplishments while at the helm. We had multiple Grammy wins, Writer and Song of the Year accolades, countless No. 1 singles but the true joy was either signing, developing and furthering the careers of incredibly talented songwriters like Luke Laird, Rivers Rutherford, Chase McGill, Lori Mckenna, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Andrew Dorff and songwriter-artists like Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Maren Morris, and so many more. I am also so proud of the staff we assembled in my time there—they are second to none and are the reason we achieved so many highs. I love the Nashville music industry and community and excited to see what the future holds,” Earls says.

Earls joined UMPG in 1997 and rose through the ranks. In 2012, he was promoted to lead the company’s Nashville operations.

Chase Rice To Kick Off AM/PM Tour This Fall

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Chase Rice has announced his AM/PM Tour, titled from a line in his latest single,“Lonely If You Are,” the followup to his two-week No. 1 “Eyes On You.” The Fall headlining tour will kick off Aug. 1 and run through Dec. 14, hitting markets across the country including Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas and more, including a Nashville stop at Marathon Music Works on Sept. 27.  Cale Dodds, Chris DeStefano, Devin Dawson and Jon Nite will each serve as support on select dates.

Rice’s current Eyes On You Tour continues throughout the summer before he kicks off the AM/PM Tour in East Providence, R.I. He’ll also head overseas on his recently-announced headlining The Pint of Anything Tour in Europe in January.

AM/PM Tour Dates:
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Bold Point Park, East Providence, RI #
Friday, Aug 2. – The Papermill, Baldwinsville, N.Y. #
Sunday, Aug. 4 – Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Ind.
Thursday, Aug. 8 – Boots & Hearts Festival, Oro Medonte, Ont.
Wednesday, Aug. 14 – The Wiltern, Los Angeles, Calif. >>
Friday, Aug. 16 – Del Mar Race Track, Del Mar, Calif.
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Boots in the Park, Fresno, Calif.
Tuesday, Aug. 20 – Central States Fairground, Rapid City, S.D.
Saturday, Aug. 24 – Gympie Music Muster, Queensland, AUS.
Friday, Aug. 30 – Romare Bearden Park, Charlotte, N.C.
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Farm Jam Festival, Colville, Wash.
Sunday, Sept. 1 – Enumclaw Expo Center, Enumclaw, Wash.
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Touchdown and Tunes Tailgate Party, Paducah, Ky.
Thursday, Sept. 26 – The Clyde Theatre, Fort Wayne, Ind. >>
Friday, Sept. 27 – Marathon Music Works, Nashville, Tenn.  >>
Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Vic Theatre, Chicago Ill. >>
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh Pa. °+
Friday, Oct. 11 – Playstation Theater, New York, N.Y. °+
Saturday, Oct. 12 – House of Blues, Boston, Mass. °+
Thursday, Oct. 17 – White Oak Event Space, Greensboro, N.C. >>
Saturday, Oct. 19 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre, Wilmington, N.C. >>
Friday, Oct. 25 – Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, Las Vegas, Nev. >>
Saturday, Oct. 26 – House of Blues, Anaheim, Calif. >>
Monday, Nov. 4 – Norwegian Pearl Ship Sixthman Cruise, Miami, Fla.
Saturday, Nov. 16 – House of Blues, Orlando, Fla. >>
Thursday, Nov. 21 – The Sylvee, Madison, Wis. >>
Friday, Nov. 22 – The Masonic Temple, Cleveland, Ohio >>
Saturday, Nov. 23 – 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids, Mich. >>
Thursday, Dec. 5 – Gillioz Theater, Springfield, Mo. >>
Friday, Dec. 6 – The Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln, Neb. >>
Saturday, Dec. 7 – The Granada Theater, Lawrence, Kan. >>
Thursday, Dec. 12 – The Fillmore Silver Spring, Silver Spring, Md. >>
Friday, Dec. 13 – The Fillmore, Philadelphia, Pa. °+
Saturday, Dec. 14 – The Fillmore, Philadelphia, Pa. °+
>> Cale Dodds
° Chris DeStefano
# Devin Dawson
+ Jon Nite

Shania Twain Launches Las Vegas Residency Beginning In December

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Shania Twain is setting up shop in Vegas for a residency on the Vegas Strip at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning December 6. Shania Twain “Let’s Go!” The Las Vegas Residency will combine highlights from her three-decade long career with inspiration from her iconic videos and elements from her 2018 sold-out global NOW tour.

Twain will serve as creative director for the new show, which will take fans on a journey of nostalgia featuring outside-the-box concepts and visual spectacles. Twain, Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased will be donated to Shania Kids Can, which was established in 2010 by Twain. Shania Kids Can (SKC) provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in time of crises and economic hardship, including one-on-one consultations, academic support, group activities as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse.

Residency tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. PT. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, June 20 10 p.m. PT. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a pre-sale on Thursday, June 20 from 10 a.m. PT through 10 p.m. PT.

Shania Twain “Let’s Go!” The Las Vegas Residency Dates:
Dec. 2019: 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18
March 2020: 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28
May 2020: 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30
June 2020: 3, 5, 6

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Sets Another Headlining Ryman Run

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Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will return to the Ryman Auditorium for a seven-night headlining run this fall, marking the longest stand the group has had at the venue to date. The shows will take place October 18-20, 22-23, and 25-26.

The band has sold out 20 consecutive shows at the venue between 2014 and 2018. Last year, they also released a live project, Live From The Ryman, from those shows.  The  Ryman run has become an annual residency featuring different sets nightly and themed opening acts each year. 2018 featured all Nashville-based openers, while 2017 featured all female support. The opening slots for the 2019 shows have yet to be revealed.

This fall, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will also reissue two earlier projects, including 2009’s self-titled album, and 2011’s Here We Rest. Both projects have been remixed and remastered by producer Dave Cobb.

Tickets for the Ryman shows will go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. CST.

Morgan Evans Extends World Tour With Added North American Dates

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Morgan Evans is extending his World Tour into North America this winter, with more than a dozen dates set for the U.S. and Canada through December 14. Among the venues Evans will play on his stateside dates are L.A.’s the Troubadour, New Jersey’s Stone Pony, and the Bowery Ballroom in New York.

Further expanding his international fan base, the Australia native will crisscross the globe with 26 shows in eight countries on tap, including previously announced European and Australian dates. The performances mark Evans’ biggest shows to-date in his home country, already selling out one of two Sydney shows, as well as Perth, Adelaide and Toowoomba.

Fan club pre-sale for the new North American tour stops begins Wednesday, June 19, with general on sale Friday, June 21. To purchase tickets, visit MorganEvansMusic.com.

Evans will perform at several festivals this Summer including Country LakeShake, Faster Horses Festival and more before embarking on his West Coast run with Rascal Flatts’ Summer Playlist Tour in July.

Morgan Evans World Tour Dates:
Sept 3 – Dublin, Ireland – Green Room at The Academy
Sept 4 – Glasgow, Scotland – Oran Mor
Sept 5 – Liverpool, U.K. – Arts Club Loft
Sept 6 – London, U.K. – Borderline
Sept 7 – Lutterworth, U.K. – The Long Road Festival
Sept 9 – Berlin, Germany – Frannz Club
Oct 17 – Sydney, NSW, Australia – Enmore Theatre
Oct 18 – Sydney, NSW, Australia – Enmore Theatre – SOLD OUT
Oct 20 – Perth, WA, Australia – Astor Theatre – SOLD OUT
Oct 21 – Adelaide, SA, Australia – The Gov – SOLD OUT
Oct 22 – Melbourne, VIC, Australia – Forum Theatre
Oct 26 – Brisbane, QLD, Australia – Eatons Hill
Oct 27 – Toowoomba, QLD, Australia – Empire Theatre – SOLD OUT
Oct 29 – Auckland, New Zealand – Tuning Fork
Nov 6 – Vancouver, Canada – Venue
Nov 7 – Kelowna, Canada – OK Corral Cabaret
Nov 8 – Calgary, Canada – Cowboys Dance Hall
Nov 9 – Edmonton, Canada – Cook County Saloon
Nov 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
Nov 22 – Las Vegas, NV – Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Dec 5 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony
Dec 6 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
Dec 7 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom*
Dec 12 – Minneapolis, MN – The Varsity Theatre
Dec 13 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed Street
Dec 14 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
* = tickets for New York, NY go on sale Friday, June 21 at 12:00 p.m. local time

BREAKING: Troy Tomlinson Named Chairman/CEO Of UMPG Nashville

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Troy Tomlinson, who served as Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville’s President/CEO since 2005, has joined UMPG as Chairman/CEO of its Nashville division. With this appointment, Tomlinson becomes UMPG Nashville’s first-ever Chairman and CEO. He will begin his new role July 15 and will report to UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson.

In his new role, he will join UMPG’s global senior management team, with responsibility for the entirety of UMPG’s Nashville operations, including providing leadership to UMPG’s Tennessee-based royalty operations and Christian division. Further, Tomlinson will be a key creative voice throughout Universal Music Group, UMPG’s parent company and the world leader in music-based entertainment.

Gerson said, “Troy’s track record in Nashville is the stuff of legend. He is simply one of the best and most successful creative executives the Nashville publishing community has ever seen. And having worked closely with him during my time at Sony, I know firsthand of his ability to take a promising songwriter with a song and turn them into a career artist. I’m thrilled to have him join UMPG’s senior management team and accelerate our transformation into the most progressive and effective partner to songwriters anywhere.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “When it comes to identifying great songs, songwriters and artists, Troy is one of Nashville’s finest. I’m looking forward to him joining us at this pivotal time as we continue to build a home for songwriters like no other, one focused on long term careers and creating global opportunities.”

Tomlinson said, “I’m so excited to join Jody and her exceptional team at UMPG. For me, this is the right time and UMPG is the right place to channel my energy and passion to build something entirely new and dynamic for Nashville’s songwriting community. I’ve long admired Jody even before I had the opportunity to work with her at Sony, and to see what she’s achieved at Universal and the culture she’s created in just the few years since she joined is nothing short of inspiring. To be able to work with her again and contribute to UMPG’s incredible momentum is exciting to say the least.”

Tomlinson joined Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2002 as Vice President of Creative, rising to President and CEO in 2005. During his tenure he oversaw the songwriting careers of artists including Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Gary Levox (Rascal Flatts), Brett Eldredge, Jon Pardi, The Band Perry, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jimmie Allen, Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Charlie Worsham, High Valley, and Chase Rice.

In addition to Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s writer-artists, Tomlinson guided the careers of songwriters Josh Osborne, Chris DeStefano, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Jaren Johnston, Lindsay Rimes, Jim Beavers, Luke Laird as well as Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Bill Anderson and Bobby Braddock and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Tom Douglas, among many others. He was responsible for stewarding the song catalogs of Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Alan Jackson, Guy Clark, Buck Owens, Hank Cochran and the Everly Brothers. Under Tomlinson’s leadership in 2007, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville became the only country music publishing company in history to win the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year, BMI Country Publisher of the Year, SESAC Country Publisher of the Year, and Billboard’s Publisher and Publishing Corporation of the Year, the same year. Additionally, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has been named BMI’s Publisher of the Year for an unprecedented 16 consecutive years, as well as Billboard’s Country Publisher of the Year for the same time period.

Prior to joining Sony/ATV, Tomlinson worked at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President. While at Acuff-Rose he worked with famed songwriters Dean Dillon, Skip Ewing, Jim Weatherly, and Whitey Shafer, among others. During his early years at Acuff Rose, Tomlinson discovered four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney.

Before Acuff-Rose, Tomlinson ran the Nashville division of Fame Music Group, the company founded by Rick Hall, the Muscle Shoals studio legend.

MusicRow has confirmed that UMPG Exec. VP/GM Kent Earls is exiting.

“The past 21 + years at UMPG Nashville have been truly incredible. I’m very proud of our many accomplishments while at the helm. We had multiple Grammy wins, Writer and Song of the Year accolades, countless #1 singles but the true joy was either signing, developing and furthering the careers of incredibly talented songwriters like Luke Laird, Rivers Rutherford, Chase McGill, Lori Mckenna, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Andrew Dorff and songwriter-artists like Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Maren Morris , and so many more. I am also so proud of the staff we assembled in my time there-they are second to none and are the reason we achieved so many highs. I love the Nashville music industry and community and excited to see what the future holds.” Earls says.

Kent can reached at [email protected].

CCM News: for King & Country, Matt Redman, Red Street Records, GMA

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for King & Country Reveal “God Only Knows” Remix

Duo for KING & COUNTRY has teamed with Echosmith and Timbaland to release a new remix of their CCM hit “God Only Knows.”

 

 

 

Matt Redman Joins Integrity Music

Matt Redman

Matt Redman has joined Integrity Music. His songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more. He most recently celebrated a No. 1 radio single as a co-writer for Pat Barrett’s “Build My Life.”

Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music, shares, “It would be simply impossible to overstate what an honor it is for Integrity Music to partner with Matt Redman. Matt’s ability to articulate the heart cry of millions of worshipers around the world is truly a testimony to the gift and craft that he’s stewarded for over 20 years. We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the next season in Matt’s extraordinary career.”

 

Red Street Records Launches GMA IMMERSE Scholarship

Pictured (L-R): Jackie Patillo (Executive Director, GMA), Jay DeMarcus (Owner, Red Street Records), Abby Siler (GMA IMMERSE student and scholarship recipient), Don Koch (General Manager, Red Street Records), Kendall Pond (GMA IMMERSE student and scholarship recipient) and Justin Fratt (Director of Operations, GMA) Photo Courtesy of GMA / Gospel Music Association

Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records has established a GMA IMMERSE scholarship program. This year, two recipients of the fund attended GMA IMMERSE thanks to Red Street Records’ CEO/owner DeMarcus and General Manager Don Koch.

The scholarships, selected by a group of industry executives and Red Street Records team members, were awarded to Abby Siler and Kendall Pond.

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of GMA (Gospel Music Association) said, “We are so thankful for the generosity of Red Street Records. These scholarships allow students to attend the conference who otherwise would not be able to attend. It is a beautiful thing to see the heart of Jay, Don and their entire team – hearts that want to encourage and inspire the next generation. On behalf of GMA, IMMERSE and our students, we are abundantly grateful.”

DeMarcus added, “The GMA is doing such extraordinary work in the development of worship leaders and musicians by hosting IMMERSE. It is an honor for Red Street Records, and for me personally, to give back and invest in the lives and careers of such young, bright-minded talent in an industry that I so dearly love.”

Change The Conversation Partners With The Baltimore Orioles For Music Series To Showcase Female Artists

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Change The Conversation, a nonprofit organization which advocates for equality for women in the music industry, has partnered with the Baltimore Orioles’ Friday Fireworks & Music celebration to showcase emerging female country artists. Beginning today (June 14) and running through Aug. 23, Friday Fireworks & Music will offer postgame, on-field performances from rising female country artists just following each of the seven Friday home games.

Among the artists taking part are Sam Hatmaker, Lauren Duski, Clare Dunn, and Natalie Stovall.

The Orioles began the celebration to raise awareness of key women’s rights issues, significant moments in history, and to honor the 2019/2020 centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.

At each date, the artists will sign autographs and meet fans at the Standing Together exhibit during the fifth inning. Select items will be auctioned off to raise funds to benefit the National Women’s Party, Girls Inc., and Change the Conversation.

“We are thrilled that the Orioles have joined our team to promote women in country music,” said Beverly Keel, who co-founded Change the Conversation with music industry executives Leslie Fram and Tracy Gershon. “We can’t think of a better All-American summer pairing than baseball and country music. Orioles fans will fall in love with these female artists, and after seeing these talented women, we hope they will buy their music, tell their friends, and share the word on social media.”

The celebration will continue through next season with a culminating event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in August 2020.

Friday Fireworks & Music Schedule
June 14 – Sam Hatmaker
June 28 – Lauren Duski
July 12 – Clare Dunn
July 19 – Kylie Frey
Aug. 2 – Natalie Stovall
Aug. 9 – Carter Faith
Aug. 23 – Ruthie Collins

Big Machine/John Varvatos Records’ Pretty Vicious Sets Debut Album Release

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Pretty Vicious has announced the upcoming release of their debut album Beauty of Youth on July 12 via Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. The band teamed with producer Dan Austin for the 12-track album.

The UK natives share, “It’s been a long road to up to this point and we’re chuffed to bits that after all we’ve been through as a band of brothers, we get to share this record with our loyal fans. There have been some major lows along the way, but they’re far outweighed by the many highs and wild adventures that have gone into brewing up this album. We couldn’t be prouder of it, and of what our band has grown to mean to so many people.”


Beauty of Youth Track List:
1.         These Four Walls
2.         Move
3.         Something Worthwhile
4.         Someone Just Like You
5.         No One Understands
6.         Force of Nature
7.         Lost in Lust
8.         What Could’ve Been
9.         Playing with Guns
10.      I Don’t Wanna Know
11.      Are You Entertained?
12.      Little Molly

Sheryl Crow Reveals Collaborations With Chris Stapleton, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson For ‘Threads’ Project

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Sheryl Crow has unveiled the tracklist and cover art for her upcoming new album, THREADS. The project is available for pre-order now ahead of the Aug. 30 release on The Valory Music Co. and includes collaborations with Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, and more.

She premiered the new track “Still The Good Old Days” featuring Joe Walsh today. She’ll perform the new song during a run of upcoming European tour dates on The Graham Norton Show, airing tonight at 10:40PM GMT on BBC One.

“’Still The Good Old Days’ totally captures what Joe and I believe about getting older…that life is still fun no matter what stage of life you are at, and that living isn’t just for the young,” said Crow about the new tune.

Other advance tracks already creating a buzz from the diverse collection include “Redemption Day” featuring Johnny Cash, “Live Wire” featuring Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples and “Prove You Wrong” featuring Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris.

“I became inspired to record an album of musical experiences with the legacy artists who inspired me to want to be a great songwriter, musician, and producer,” said Crow. “It is a celebration with them, and a tribute to them. Just as importantly, I wanted to work with younger artists on this record, who I believe will pick up the torch and continue to light the way for humanity with their stories and their songs for many years to come. Their music inspires me every day.”

THREADS TRACKLIST:

  1. Prove You Wrong ft. Stevie Nicks & Maren Morris | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Al Anderson, Leslie Satcher
  2. Live Wire ft. Bonnie Raitt & Mavis Staples | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott
  3. Tell Me When It’s Over ft. Chris Stapleton | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton
  4. Story Of Everything ft. Chuck D, Andra Day & Gary Clark Jr. | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Steve Jordan, Carlton Ridenhour
  5. Beware Of Darkness ft. Eric Clapton, Sting & Brandi Carlile | Writer: George Harrison
  6. Redemption Day ft. Johnny Cash | Writer: Sheryl Crow
  7. Cross Creek Road ft. Lukas Nelson (digital/physical) / ft. Margo Price (vinyl) | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott
  8. Everything Is Broken ft. Jason Isbell | Writer: Bob Dylan
  9. The Worst ft. Keith Richards | Writers: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards
  10. Lonely Alone ft. Willie Nelson | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Shane McAnally
  11. Border Lord ft. Kris Kristofferson | Writers: Kris Kristofferson, Donnie Fritts, Stephen Bruton, Terry Paul
  12. Still The Good Old Days ft. Joe Walsh | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Joe Walsh
  13. Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You ft. St. Vincent* | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott
  14. Don’t ft. Lucius | Writer: Sheryl Crow
  15. Nobody’s Perfect ft. Emmylou Harris** | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott
  16. Flying Blind ft. James Taylor | Writers: Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton
  17. For The Sake Of Love ft. Vince Gill | Writer: Sheryl Crow