Country Radio Broadcasters released the latest installment of its CRS360 webinar on Thursday (July 25), stated “Country Radio 2019: Mid-Year Ratings and State of the Format Report.” The panel included KILT/Houston PD Chris Huff, as well as KNCI/Sacramento PD Joey Track. The session was moderated by MCA Nashville’s Sr. VP, Promotion Katie Dean.
Hear the full session here.
Bonfire Music Group will launch Nashville-based Bonfire Management on Aug. 1. Led by Steve Johnson, the team includes Bonfire Music Group’s owner Lonnie Lassiter, CEO Ethan Burkhardt and marketing director Kyle Watson.
The artists on the Bonfire Management roster are Chatham County Line, The Barefoot Movement, The Slocan Ramblers, Jason Lee McKinney Band, Mike & Amy Aiken, and Anna Lynch. Bonfire Management will also oversee the operations of The Earl Scruggs Music Festival slated for its inaugural event Labor Day weekend of 2020 in Mill Spring, North Carolina at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
“I’m looking forward to all the great things ahead with Bonfire. I’ve known Lonnie and Ethan for over 10 years, we have worked closely, and they have turned in to family, just like the artists I’m privileged to be working with on the roster,” Johnson says. “I can’t wait to get things going. I’m beyond excited to be leading their Management Division. We have assembled a strong roster of artists and will be supporting a few festivals. It’s a fun mix of working with artists and events, really all the fun things I enjoy about the music community. Now, let’s make some wonderful noise and get things going!”
Most recently, Johnson spent more than six years as Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest. He also spent time as Tour Manager for Steep Canyon Rangers. Johnson has a diverse background including stints in hospital administration, air medical/aviation services, leading non-profit organizations both in and out of the arts/music communities, and in government affairs having spent time on Capitol Hill. To his music industry credit, Johnson started Mountain Music Entertainment and HoosierDevil, both focused on artist and event management and booking. He has worked with many artists providing management and/or booking support, including Junior Sisk, Lorraine Jordan, Mark Newton, Danny Burns, Nu-Blu, Songs From The Road Band, and Rodney Dillard. Additionally his companies have produced or supported several music events, including the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass Series, and Jam in the Trees. Johnson has directly served as Artist Relations Staff to Red Ants Pants Music Festival, Mountain Song, and Graves Mountain Festival of Music.
“We are excited for this new direction and to have Steve on board with the team,” said Burkhardt, CEO of both Bonfire Music Group and Pinecastle Records. “Steve is known for being a hard worker in the music community and is well connected to many facets of the industry. We look forward to great things ahead.”
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced its new board of directors for both GMA and the GMA Foundation. Effective immediately, Scott Brickell, President of BrickHouse Entertainment becomes GMA Chairman while former congressman Zach Wamp, of Zach Wamp Consulting, becomes GMA Foundation Chairman.
“It’s an honor to serve the entire Christian and Gospel music industry.” states Brickell, “With the strong board and GMA staff, I think we can make significant progress in growing the genre to benefit the industry and work together to get our message out to the world.”
Wamp shares, “I’m really humbled to be a small part of the incredible legacy of Gospel music by serving the GMA. This genre shares a message that has impacted hearts and lives for generations and it’s our job to make sure that continues in new and innovative ways.”
GMA Foundation Board of Directors (newly elected in bold):
Dr. DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries, Jr., First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
Charles Dorris, Charles Dorris & Associates
David Bunce, Bessemer Trust
Mary Brandes, Cox Lumber Co.
Paul Sizelove, Gaither Music Group
Zach Wamp, Zach Wamp Consulting, Chair
GMA Board of Directors (newly elected in bold):
Bill Reeves, EMF Broadcasting (KLOVE/Air1)
Chris Hauser, Hauser Promotions
Demetrus Alexander, PureSprings Gospel
Ed Harper, The Harper Agency
Eric Eitel, Media Shout
Howard Gentry, Metropolitan Government of Nashville
Jonathan Brown, Integrity Music
Lloyd Parker, WAY Media, Inc. (WAY FM)
Melissa Chalos, Pandora
Mike Snider, William Morris Endeavor
Mike Harland, LifeWay Worship
Phil Thornton, RCA Inspiration
Rod Riley, Chick-Fil-A
Steve Blair, Apple Music
Vice Presidents
Chris Estes, Bethel Music
Roy Morgan, Premier Productions
Ryan Dokke, Curb/Word Entertainment
Zane King, Compassion International
Secretary
EJ Gaines, Motown Gospel
Treasurer
Michael Miller
Chaplain
Michael Guido, PR Ministries
Appointed Seats
Community Member Representative: Eboni Funderburk, EFG Promotions
GMA Foundation Chairman: Zach Wamp, Zach Wamp Consulting
GMA Academy Chairman: Jayme Thompson, The Worship Initiative
PRO Representative: Leslie Roberts, BMI
CCLI Representative: Malcolm Hawker, CCLI
SGMG Representative: Clarke Beasley, National Quartet Convention, Inc.
CMTA Representative: Ed Leonard, Daywind Music Group
SoundExchange Representative: Linda Bloss-Baum, SoundExchange, Inc.
International Representative: Henry Alonzo, Adarga Entertainment Group
Legal Counsel: Mark Maxwell
Dr. Randy Lowry, Lipscomb University
Cover Art Courtesy of The Valory Music Co./Tape Room Records
Avenue Beat, the collective of Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff, release their debut self-titled EP today on The Valory Music Co./Tape Room Records. Avenue Beat wrote all four tracks on the EP, which was co-produced by lead singer Savana, David Garcia and Ashley Gorley.
“Today’s the day!! We’ve been dreaming of this moment for so long and are FREAKING OUT that we finally get to share these songs with the world,” said Avenue Beat. “We see our band as a direct reflection of what our friendship looks like and hope that when people listen to our music, they walk away knowing who we are – just three best friends, navigating this crazy life together and figuring it out as we go.”
Avenue Beat joins the bill for Girls of Nashville’s 5th Anniversary show on August 6 at City Winery in Nashville.
AVENUE BEAT EP TRACK LIST:
1. “Delight” | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet
2. “Be A Bro” | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet
3. “Ruin That For Me” | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Justin Ebach
4. “Broke (wrktp)” | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos
The Zac Brown Band has set Sept. 20 as the release date of their upcoming new studio album, The Owl, via BMG. A new digital single from the album, “Leaving Love Behind,” is out now and available across all streaming platforms.
Zac Brown Band is currently touring its summer 2019 “The Owl Tour,” in support of the upcoming new album. Both the tour and album title are inspired by the lore surrounding the great horned owl, which can see perfectly at night, making it a reliable guide even during dark times. The new project reveals a deeper side of the band as they explore new sounds through unexpected collaborations with producers and writers across different facets of the music world including Skrillex, Andrew Watt, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder, among others.
“We’ve been working tirelessly on this album over the past couple years, ensuring every detail is perfect,” said Zac Brown. “We are always pushing ourselves as musicians by blurring genre boundaries and incorporating all kinds of music we are personally inspired by, elevating what we are capable as a group. This album will have something for everyone…The Owl is exciting, raw, and unexpected. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished on this record and can’t wait to finally share it with the fans.”
The Owl follows the band’s 2017 studio album, Welcome Home, which won the British Country Music Association Award for International Album of the Year. A three-time Grammy-winning band, Zac Brown Band has sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles and is the second act in history to have topped both Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Songs charts.
Pictured (L-R): Jason Turner (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC), Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music), Corey Kent, Chris Farren (Combustion Music) , Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music)
Corey Kent has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Combustion Music.
The Oklahoma-born artist, previously performing as Corey Kent White, began touring throughout the country at an early age. Shortly after college graduation, Corey wrote his first No. 1, William Clark Green’s “Hit You Where It Hurts.” He previously released the EP Making Noise in 2014, followed by Long Way in 2016.
“From the minute we met Corey we knew we had to work with him,” said Combustion Music Senior Creative Director Kenley Flynn. “His positive energy, work ethic and talent spoke for themselves. Combustion couldn’t be happier about this new partnership and look forward to bringing Corey’s music to the country fans nationwide.”
“I’ve always been really impressed with the things that the folks at Combustion have accomplished,” said Kent. “They’re incredibly efficient & effective. I’m stoked to have such a great team & humbled to be joining a roster of such fantastic writers/artists.”
Kent is set to release the first of three 3-song EPs on Friday, July 26. From The West Part 1 will feature the recently released, “End of the Trail,” along with two brand new songs.
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The 2019 CMA EDU Summit Sunday, July 20 – Tuesday, July 23 at the CMA offices in Nashville. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The Country Music Association hosted its sixth annual CMA EDU Executive Summit in Nashville July 21-23. Leadership officers of CMA EDU collegiate chapters are invited each year to attend the two-and-a-half-day event, which exposes college students to the Country Music industry through professional development and networking opportunities.
CMA EDU includes 14 universities nationwide with thousands of collegiate members. This year’s summit welcomed 48 members from 11 chapters, representing Belmont University, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Miami, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Southern Indiana, University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University.
Attendees participated in several trainings on topics ranging from communications and brand management to teamwork and conflict led by CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns, CMA EDU Coordinator Kate Kaltenbach, CMA Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Emily Evans and Noteflight Managing Director John Mlynczak. Both current CMA EDU officers and alumni enjoyed a mixer and welcome reception, featuring a performance by CMA KixStart artist Jameson Rodgers. Students learned the ins and outs of the industry while building their network. CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern welcomed the students and provided a look into the history of CMA, as well as her own personal career path. Tree Vibez Music stopped by to talk about songwriting and publishing in a panel featuring General Manager Leslie DiPiero, Songwriter/Producer Corey Crowder, Tour Manager/Creative Director Adam Romaine and Creative Director Emily Peacock.
Music industry leadership group SOLID (Society Of Leaders In Development) partnered with CMA EDU again this year to host a summer networking mixer at BMI, which closed with a keynote address from duo Thompson Square.
(L-R): Cindy Watts (Tennessean Country Music reporter), Caylee Hammack (Universal Music Group Nashville artist), Mary Hilliard Harrington (Red Light Management Senior Manager and CMA Board President Elect), Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville President), Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer) and Cyndi Forman (Universal Music Publishing Group Vice President Creative) gather following a panel discussion at the CMA EDU Executive Summit at the CMA office in Nashville. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
CMA EDU alumni spoke about their transition from college into the industry, which featured Old Dominion Production Assistant Anna Blake Atkinson, Warehouse West Entertainment Creative Manager Samantha Gutman and Spotify Global Strategic Marketing Coordinator Siri Yelamanchili.
Monument Records artist Teddy Robb performed an acoustic set and participated in a Q&A session. Monument Records Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations Katie McCartney and Monument Records Marketing Manager Nathan Pyle led an interactive workshop offering industry perspective to students. The students also engaged in a conversation with Joe’s Bar Co-Owner/Promoter and CMA Board Member Ed Warm, in addition to giving presentations and engaging in strategic planning for the upcoming academic year.
Tennessean Country Music reporter Cindy Watts closed out this year’s summit, moderating an artist panel featuring Universal Music Group Nashville artist Caylee Hammack, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Red Light Management Senior Manager and CMA Board President Elect Mary Hilliard Harrington and Universal Music Publishing Group Vice President Creative Cyndi Forman.
Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant reveal the historical marker honoring Belmont Church, Koinonia Coffeehouse and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)(GMA/Mickey Bernal)
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo, and Nashville Mayor David Briley were among those who celebrated the installation of a new historical marker at 1000 16th Ave. S. on Thursday (July 25) in Nashville. The marker honors the decades of musical influence the genre of Contemporary Christian Music, Belmont Church, and Koinonia Coffeehouse have had on the city of Nashville.
“The Gospel Music Association is thankful for our colleagues at Curb/Word Entertainment, Capitol Christian Music Group, and Provident Music Group for their financial support for the historical marker and dedication to serving our community in this way,” commented GMA President & Executive Director, Jackie Patillo. “We are also honored to receive the resolution from the Metro Council, on behalf of the CCM and Gospel industry based here, which honors the 50th year of the Dove Awards and we want to urge the community to consider attending the awards on October 15th at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena.”
“Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music have played a big, but sometimes unsung, role in Nashville’s creative evolution and in our being known worldwide as Music City,” said Nashville Mayor David Briley. He continued, “It’s fitting that we honor the impact these musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, engineers and others have had on listeners around the world.”
District 8 Councilwoman Nancy VanReece and Nashville Metro Historical Society Historian Jessica Reeves were also on hand for the celebration.
The Koinonia Celebration Concert will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. featuring artists and songs from the celebrated era including Dogwood, Fireworks and more at the Koinonia Coffeehouse (1000 16th Avenue South). The concert is open to the public on a first come basis.
On July 16, the Nashville Metropolitan Council included a reading of a resolution celebrating 50 years of the Gospel Music Association (GMA)’s Dove Awards, acknowledging the impact of the upcoming unveiling of the historical marker and thanking GMA for collaborating with three major CCM record companies to fund the historical marker.
Other Metro historical markers have been created to honor well known locations such as Ryman Auditorium, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Belmont Mansion, or markers are based on events such as the Battle of Nashville or the East Nashville Fire. Some markers honor its most famous leaders and creative people such as Revolutionary War General Thomas Overton, dancer Albertine Walker, and Poet Laureate Randall Jarrell.
(Front row, L-R): Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Brown Bannister. (Back row, L-R): Lanier Ferguson, Gary Pugh, Jackie Patillo, Nancy VanReece, Mayor David Briley, Steve Chapman, Annie Chapman and Scott Brickel. (GMA/Mickey Bernal)
Country music is back.
Luke Combs is the hottest guy in town, which tickles me no end. This week, he is joined by knockout performances from Jon Pardi, Chris Young and Cody Johnson, all of whom are wonderfully country, country and country.
The Disc of the Day belongs to the Eli Young Band. But there are plenty of other fine listening experiences in this stack of sounds.
Not the least of these is “On Paper” by newcomer Faren Rachels. I was first exposed to her during the CMA Music Fest and loved her live act. The single, which has been out for several months, demonstrates that she is just as potent in the recording studio. Give the lady a DisCovery Award.
By the way, Luke Combs took her on tour with him this year.
KASSI ASHTON/Field Party
Writers: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Publisher: none listed; UMG
– Please explain to me in what way this is a country-music performance/artist/song.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/It All Comes Out In The Wash
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– Her personality comes through wonderfully, although you’ll wear yourself out trying to find a melody.
TREA LANDON/Get The Girl
Writers: Justin Wilson/Paul Jenkins/Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– Very romantic. He has a warm, winning singing voice, and the song is loaded with nifty lyric details. I think I hear stardom.
KENNY CHESNEY/Tip of My Tongue
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/Ed Sheeran; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music
-Like swinging in a hammock in the summer sun.
JON PARDI/Me and Jack
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– This bops and rocks with plenty of drawling wit. You’ll tap yer toes and smile, I guarantee. Love the stuttering guitar as well as the boozer-loser lyric.
RACHEL WAMMACK/Something People Say
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– This lady continues to impress with every note she sings. This is an acoustic ballad with simple piano accompaniment, but it is written and performed so beautifully that it seems practically symphonic. Love this. Love her.
CHRIS YOUNG & LAUREN ALAINA/Town Ain’t Big Enough
Writers: Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder/Shay Mooney; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Soaring and stirring and sensational. Chris totally rules as a country vocal stylist, and the rhythmic undertow is inescapable. So nice I played it twice.
CODY JOHNSON/Nothin’ On You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– It’s a hold-her-tight slow dance with the lights down low. Plus, she’s nekkid.
FAREN RACHELS/On Paper
Writers: none listed; Producers: Aaron Goodvin/Sammy Mitchell; Publishers: none listed; FR
– Wow. She sings with immense authority, and the song packs a wallop. “He don’t look good on paper/But he looks good on me.” Somebody make this gal a star.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Break It In
Writers: Benji Davis/Brandon Day/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Valory
– Very, very cool. Your truck, your guitar, your blue jeans, your boots, your baseball glove all seem just great when they are new. Then you break ‘em in, and they are even better. Your heart’s like that, too. Churning and burning and brilliant. I believe I just heard a fifth No. 1 record for these talented fellows.