Weekly Register: Blanco Brown, Luke Combs Continue To Top Sales Charts

/by
Luke Combs and Blanco Brown extend their winning streaks atop the country albums and song streaming charts, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Top 5 Country Streaming Songs (streams this week/streams to date):
Blanco Brown, “The Git Up”:  24 million/131 million
Blake Shelton, “God’s Country”: 11 million/161 million
Morgan Wallen, “Whiskey Glasses”:  9.7 million/238 million
Luke Combs, ” Beer Never Broke My Heart”:  9.2 million /108 million
Luke Combs, “Beautiful Crazy”:  8.2 million/482 million

Top 5 Country Albums By Total Consumption:
Luke Combs,  This One’s For You – 23K
Dan + Shay,  Dan + Shay -15.5K
Luke Combs,  The Prequel EP – 13K
Morgan Wallen,  If I Know Me – 13K
Chris Stapleton,  Traveller – 12K

The Cars’ Ric Ocasek Signs With SESAC

/by

Ric Ocasek, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and artist best known as lead vocalist, songwriter and rhythm guitarist for band The Cars, has signed with SESAC Performing Rights.

During his time as a member and primary songwriter of The Cars, Ocasek penned enduring hits such as “Drive,” “Shake It Up,” “Good Times Roll,” “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed.” The Cars’ 1978 eponymous debut certified 6x Platinum, and from there, the band earned 13 Billboard Top 40 singles (four of them Top Ten hits), across a string of six studio albums that sold more than 17 million records in the U.S.

“As a multi-faceted artist, Ric continues to inspire with his creative influence and subtle bravado,” says John Josephson, Chairman and CEO, SESAC. “His remarkable career as songwriter and musician has made a significant impact on American music, and SESAC is proud to welcome Ric to our affiliate family.”

Ocasek’s music has been used in popular television shows including Dead to Me, Stranger Things and Arrested Development. The use of The Cars’ “Moving In Stereo” (co-written by Ocasek and Greg Hawkes) in the classic film Fast Times At Ridgemont High has become a popular culture reference in its own right.

Ocasek has also released several solo albums, including Beatitude (1982), Fireball Zone (1990),  Troublizing (1997) and Nexterday (2005). In addition, Ocasek has developed his career as a producer, working with bands and artists including Suicide and Bad Brains, as well as Weezer and No Doubt.

In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the surviving original members of The Cars, and in 2011 the band issued the album Move Like This.

Garth Brooks Announces Crystal Palace As Second Dive Bar Tour Stop

/by

Garth Brooks has revealed the second stop on his Dive Bar tour will be at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California, on Aug. 15.

The news was first announced last night on Brooks’ Inside Studio G weekly Facebook live series, where he shared the personal importance of the legendary venue. The Crystal Palace is the spot where Garth popped the question to now-wife Trisha Yearwood at an event in May 2005.

Local country radio station KUZZ got to announce the date of the concert this morning, and tickets will be available to win exclusively through radio, with more details to follow.

“Dive Bar,” which features a collaboration with Blake Shelton, is from Garth’s upcoming album, FUN, which will be released soon. The California stop follows the first show on Brooks’ Dive Bar Tour, which took place at Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago on July 15.

Songwriter Scott Stepakoff Inks New Publishing Deal

/by

Pictured (L-R): SMACKSongs Robin Palmer, Scott Stepakoff, and SMACKSongs Shane McAnally and Lee Krabel. Photo Credit: Daniel Vorlet

SMACKSongs, led by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, has signed Scott Stepakoff to a publishing deal.

Since moving to Nashville in 2004, Stepakoff has landed cuts with top artists such as Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Brandy Clark, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Dylan Scott, and Walker Hayes, among others. Although he spends most of his time writing with and for other artists, Stepakoff has released several of his own projects showcasing his abilities as a vocalist in addition to a songwriter.

“I am so fired up to be part of the SMACK team,” shares Stepakoff. “I have had the honor of writing songs with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne over the years, and I am a big fan of the family/songwriter driven environment they have built at SMACK. You really get the feeling when you walk in the building that you are in on something special. I am grateful to Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel for believing in what I do, and bringing me into a place where everyone truly operates at the top of their game. I look forward to my future with the SMACK family!”

“I’ve had the privilege of writing with Scott for years, so it’s a very seamless transition for us to now be working together. He is a songwriter’s songwriter and always makes everyone in the room better,” said McAnally. “I am so honored he is trusting SMACK to help take his career to the next level, which our team will undoubtedly do.”

River House Artists, SMACKSongs Add Nicolette Hayford

/by

Pictured (L-R): River House Artist’s Zebb Luster, Lynn Oliver-Cline, SMACKSongs Robin Palmer, Nicolette Hayford, SMACKSongs Shane McAnally and Lee Krabel and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo Credit: Daniel Vorlet

Songwriter Nicolette Hayford has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with SMACKSongs and River House Artists.

Hayford is best known for co-writing Ashley McBryde’s single “Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” with co-writers Ashley McBryde and Jesse Rice. Since her move to Nashville in 2009, Hayford has garnered multiple cuts with artists like Ashley McBryde, William Michael Morgan, Robert Counts, and Bishop Gunn.

“I am beyond excited and honored to be welcomed into these two amazing companies and to become a part of the SMACK and River House teams,” said Hayford. “I’ve long respected and admired both of these creative forces, and am so grateful and inspired to work with such talented and kind people who have made such a tremendous impact on the Nashville community.”

SMACKSongs Co-Owner and CEO, Shane McAnally, shares, “There isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t say to me, ‘Have you worked with Nicolette Hayford? She is amazing.’ Getting to know her, I was taken with her obvious talent and her original songs, but it has been her work ethic and heart that sealed the deal. She is on the verge of songwriting superstardom, and SMACK (in partnership with River House) is so fortunate to get to be along for this ride.”

Lynn Oliver-Cline of River House Artists stated “The team at River House is extremely excited to add Nicolette to our roster of talent. Her unique approach to songwriting is an inspiration to all of us. Partnering with Smack has already proven to be a dream partnership. We want to thank Shane, Michael and Robin for making this happen!”

Maren Morris, Shane McAnally, Ali Harnell Join New Lobbying Group For Artist Rights

/by

Maren Morris, Shane McAnally and Ali Harnell have joined artists and executives including Irving Azoff, Dave Matthews, and Coran Capshaw to form a new lobbying group titled Music Artists Coalition, which will advocate for and protect artists’ rights.

Led by Azoff, Capshaw, and John Silva, the initial Board for the organization will include artists such as Don Henley, Anderson.Paak, Meghan Trainor and Verdine White. The Board will also include Jordan Bromley, Jim Cicconi, Kristen Foster, Susan Genco, and Elliot Groffman. Other artists and songwriters who are committed to advocacy will be asked to join the Music Artists Coalition (MAC).

“There is no music business without the artists. We have a responsibility to protect the people who write the songs and create the music. MAC will be the voice and defender for all music creators,” said Azoff.

“Music plays a vital role in so many people’s lives and the creators of music are sacred, so their rights must be protected. MAC aims to represent, advocate for, and serve those creators in this evolving digital age,” said Harnell.

The newly formed Music Artists Coalition’s agenda is to address the complex issues facing artists today in a rapidly changing digital landscape, and to give artists an uncompromised voice in all debates which impact today’s artists and the artists of tomorrow.

From the Copyright Royalty Board proceedings, and the formation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective under the Music Modernization Act, to the modernization and reform of the safe harbor protections for the world’s largest online service providers, to the lack of national protection for the right of publicity, the Music Artists Coalition plans to tackle a wide-reaching set of issues. The coalition also intends to inspect and opine on various state legislation and policies that impact artists as well. The coalition will seek to inform, educate and protect all artists’ rights with active participation in national and state legislative and judicial matters affecting artists. The organization looks forward to partnering with other industry organizations where appropriate.

“Artists decide their musical fate every time they write a song or step on stage. Their true fate – the ability to protect their music – is being decided by others… bureaucrats, government legislators, and the powerful digital gatekeepers.  We are forming the Music Artists Coalition (MAC) to ensure that there is an organization whose sole mission is to protect the rights of music artists – performers and songwriters,” said Henley.

“Emerging artists deserve the same opportunity that many of us had – to be able to make a living creating music. It’s important for today’s musicians to pave the way for those in the future,” said Matthews.

Media Relations Companies PMK*BNC, Rogers & Cowan Announce Merger

/by

Two of the largest media relations companies, Rogers & Cowan and PMK*BNC, have announced they will merge, bringing together a roster of more than 500 actors, musicians, producers, directors, athletes and more.

Among the Nashville music clients represented by PMK*BNC are Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Dixie Chicks, King Calaway, Kings of Leon, and Jessie James Decker.

Led by Chairman Cindi Berger and CEO Mark Owens, the combined new agency’s clients will be represented by a team of 350+ marketing and communications experts across film, television, digital distribution, music, fashion, sports, gaming, technology, brand marketing and social media. Alan Nierob will become Chairman of the agency’s Entertainment Division. Shirley Hughes will manage the robust brand marketing practice as President.  Bill Rosenthal will act as company COO/CFO, Brad Cafarelli and Fran Curtis will both be Vice Chairmen in LA and NY respectively on the Entertainment side. The agency will unveil a new name and will elevate additional leadership in the coming months.

“This is a game changing and transformative moment for our agency, and a move that will create significant value and tremendous opportunities for our company and clients around the world,” said Mark Owens, CEO, Rogers & Cowan. “I have watched within IPG the great work that our now partners PMK*BNC, under Cindi’s leadership, have accomplished for an incredible list of talent and brand clients, and felt the timing was perfect to align and create an even more compelling offering.”

“With our diverse roster of creative and brand clients, and seasoned management, this partnership provides a remarkable opportunity for us to take our clients and campaigns to new levels,” said Cindi Berger, Chairman & CEO, PMK*BNC. “Our unique position and insight will deliver the best of brand marketing with the best of entertainment strategies, and further our ability to influence trends, spark meaningful conversations, and leverage culture to create defining moments and experiences that stand the test of time.”

“This merger allows us to combine the most talented client roster with the most talented group of individuals representing them,” said Alan Nierob, Co-President of Rogers & Cowan. “Our success over the years has always been defined by providing the highest level of professionalism and personal representation worldwide to our entire client roster, which we will continue to do on a larger scale.”

The combined company will have offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami, London and will be part of the Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network.

Tyler Braden Signs With 50 Egg Music And Triple 8 Management

/by

(L-R): Bruce Kalmick (Triple 8 Management), Katie Kerkover (Sony ATV), Joey Harris (50 Egg Music), Tali Canterbury (50 Egg Music), Tyler Braden, Pete Olson (Master Craft Management), Jonathan Singleton (50 Egg Music), Josh Van Valkenburg (Sony ATV) | Photo Credit: Marisa Evans

Tyler Braden has joined the 50 Egg Music roster. The deal is part of a comprehensive partnership with Sony ATV as Braden, represented by Braeden Rountree and Austin Neal at WME, also inks with Triple 8 Management for representation.

The Alabama native began writing songs while working as a firefighter in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, spending his off days playing shows throughout the Southeast. After his first performance at a writers round in Nashville two years ago, he made the decision to move to Music City. His debut single, “Little Red Wine,” has been popping up on Spotify’s curated playlists New Boots and Wild Country and has amassed more than 10 million streams and counting.

“It’s been a while since I met a new artist who wants this more than Tyler Braden,” shares Triple 8 co-founder Bruce Kalmick. “While we’ve been a part of Tyler’s team for a few years on an advisory level developing the music and structure to best set him up to succeed, we are excited to officially sign him to our management roster in partnership with Pete Olson. This alliance with 50 Egg and Sony/ATV is an exciting next step toward releasing more great music from Tyler.”

“Talent, work ethic and persistence are all things I look for in clients and Tyler definitely checks every one of those boxes,” adds Pete Olson of Master Craft Management. “He knows what he wants and he knows who he is as a writer and artist. We are thrilled to partner with Triple 8, 50 Egg and Sony ATV.”

“From the miles traveled, the people you meet, the naysayers and the supporters, the life long friends, the sleepless nights, the free shows, the shows where you’re paid with a plate of food and, most of all, the fans you meet and really connect with – those are the small victories that keep you going,” recollects Braden, who until last month worked as a full-time firefighter during the week and as a weekend road warrior across the Southeast on his days off. “You do it all in the pursuit of that once in a life time big break.”

Jordan Schmidt Extends Music Publishing Relationship With Tree Vibez Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Ivan Meneses/Kursza

Jordan Schmidt has signed a new deal with his publisher Tree Vibez Music. The music publishing company, founded by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, boasts a roster including Corey Crowder, James McNair, RaeLynn, Blake Redferrin, Daniel Ross, Canaan Smith, Ernest K. Smith, and Jared Mullins. Moving forward, Schmidt’s catalog will be administered by Sony/ATV.

“I’m very excited to keep working with BK, Tyler, and Tree Vibez,” says Schmidt. “We’ve been able to accomplish a whole lot together over the past four years, and I can’t wait to see what we do ahead. I started my writing career with Tree Vibez and I couldn’t imagine a better home for me!”

Since joining Tree Vibez as its flagship songwriter in 2015, Schmidt has earned five No. 1 singles, including “God’s Country,” “Drunk Me,” “You Make It Easy,” the 4x Platinum “What Ifs” and “Lights Come On.” He has had 82 cuts in total, including 10 by Florida Georgia Line.

“It’s already been an unbelievable journey with Jordan and we feel like we’re just getting started,” shares FGL’s Kelley. “He’s been the flagship TVM writer and continues to create and produce on a level that is unmatched.”

FGL’s Hubbard agrees, “We couldn’t be more excited and proud to continue this relationship and build on the strong foundation that’s already there. We admire how Jordan continues to step up his game and inspire not only the people around him, but the industry as a whole. We don’t call him J VIBE for nothing.”

“Jordan has proven himself to be a songwriting force in our industry. Besides his most recent success, Jordan’s work exhibits an original voice in Country music songwriting and producing today,” says TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero. “Listen to his music if you want to know where country music is headed.”

Kenny Chesney Celebrates New Coffee Table Book With CMHoF Panel

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jill Trunnell, Glen Rose, Allister Ann, Kenny Chesney, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Holly Gleason, Museum Editor Michael McCall and Heather Lose. Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Kenny Chesney was the center of an intimate time of discussion at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last Friday (July 26) with members of his fan club No Shoes Nation and members of the museum. The panel offered an in-depth look at the making of Chesney’s new coffee table book Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, discussing the evolution of Chesney’s electrifying and fan-centered live shows, behind the scenes with his road family, and the creation process behind the tour photography featured in the book.

Museum Editor Michael McCall moderated the discussion, titled Conversation: In Fast Forward, which featured Chesney alongside photographers Allister Ann and Jill Trunnell, art director Heather Lose and book editor Holly Gleason.

“I wanted to have a conversation to celebrate the work of these amazing photographers, whose eye has shown people what this looks like,” says Chesney. “To be able to catch the moment when dreams start to happen, and then you keep dreaming – that’s magic. A whole lot of people dreamed this along with us along the way, so this conversation was basically about the book, which is ultimately a love letter to the fans.”

The program will be made available on the museum’s YouTube channel this fall.

Chesney is the only country artist in Billboard‘s Top 10 Touring Acts of the past 25 Years, and earned the top-grossing country tour of 2018, according to Pollstar. He is also an eight-time Entertainer of the Year winner.

Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender

Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender