Industry Ink: Warner Music Nashville, APA, for King & Country, Curb Records

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Warner Exits Warner

Emilee Warner

Warner Music Nashville’s Sr. Director, Artist Development Emilee Warner has exited the company and the role has been eliminated. She joined the company in 2018; she previously worked for Cracker Barrel and City Winery Nashville. She can be reached at 615-418-4846 or [email protected].

 

Kaleb Lee Inks APA Deal

Pictured (L-R): Seth Meganck, Kaleb Lee, Steve Lassiter.

Kaleb Lee has signed with APA for booking representation. Lee was a participant on Season 14 of The Voice and both Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson turned their chair during the blind audition. He had a brief stint on Blake’s team before moving to Kelly’s team and finishing in the Top 6. Clarkson is executive producing Lee’s debut EP, slated for release in 2020.

 

for King & Country Celebrate Nashville Homecoming Show

Photo: Mitchell Schleper

CCM duo for King & Country recently celebrated a near sold-out show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, as part of the second leg of their burn the ships/World Tour 2019: North America.

for King & Country also weathered some transportation troubles en route to Nashville from their previous tour stop in Illinois. Their bus broke down, so they loaded their gear into a U-Haul, and made it to Nashville just two-and-a-half hours before the concert. Prior to the performance, they joined with members of their label home Curb Records.

The duo recently collaborated with Dolly Parton for a new version of their hit single, “God Only Knows.”

Pictured (L-R): Joel Smallbone, Mike Curb (Chairman of Curb Records), Linda Curb, Luke Smallbone.

for King & Country with Curb Records staffers prior to their concert at Ascend.

 

 

RCA Inspiration Appoints Ron Hill As VP, Artist Development

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Ron Hill.

RCA Inspiration has appointed Ron Hill as VP, Artist Development, to oversee all A&R/Creative matters and the newly-launched Brand Partnership division for RCA Inspiration, Essential Sound, and Verity. He will report to Sr. VP/GM Phil Thornton.

Hill joins RCA Inspiration from Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, where he was most recently President for Kirk Franklin’s Dallas/Fort Worth-area company and Franklin’s manager for the past six years. The Dallas native began his career interning at Fo Yo Soul Entertainment in 2007, and began managing Franklin and became President of Fo Yo Soul in 2013, where his work has included A&R, music production, tour management, and other creative and business endeavors.

Among Hill’s recent creative work and honors include co-creating the annual Gospel festival “Exodus Music & Arts Festival” with Franklin, which launched in 2018; acting as a Consulting Producer in 2019 for Season 9 of BET’s “Sunday Best”; winning two GRAMMY® Awards at the 2019 and 2017 shows as a producer on Tori Kelly’s Best Gospel Album-winner Hiding Place and Kirk Franklin’s Best Gospel Album-winner Losing My Religion; and garnering two nominations in 2019 from the Stellar Awards (Producer of the Year) and upcoming Dove Awards (as a producer, for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year). Hill has executive-produced albums for Kirk Franklin, Tasha Page-Lockhart, The Walls Group, Christon Gray, and Geoffrey Golden, and was the tour manager for Live Nation’s first Gospel tour “The King’s Men Tour” that featured Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Israel Houghton. He began his career in music while attending college in New Orleans.

Thornton says, “I have been working with Ron Hill for several years in conjunction with his work at Fo Yo Soul, and it is a joy to have Ron join the RCA Inspiration family in this new capacity as the VP of Artist Development. I look forward to collaborating with Ron on the development of our artists and the creative ideas and experience he brings, as we continue to shepherd Gospel and inspirational music to the next level.”

Hill adds: “I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role. Our genre is at a very pivotal moment in time and I believe now more than ever, Artist Development and A&R will help build lasting careers. I’m excited to have a hand in helping artists grow and reach a wider audience for the kingdom. I would like to thank Terry [Hemmings, Provident Music Group President/CEO] and Phil Thornton for this incredible opportunity, and Kirk Franklin for his continued support.”

Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen To Executive Produce Country Music Drama For FOX

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Jason Owen

Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen will serve as an executive producer on a scripted, multi-generational country music drama series, which has been given a script commitment with penalty from FOX. The yet-untitled series centers around “America’s first family of country music,” the Romans. The series follows the family as they divide their time between Austin, Texas and Nashville. While their name is synonymous with honesty, the very foundation of this family’s success is a lie. When dangerous truths bubble to the surface, the Romans’ reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy leading to more lies, betrayal and murder.

Also serving as executive producers on the series are Gail Berman, as well as Melissa London Hilfers, who also wrote the script. The project is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Sidecar Content Accelerator.

Owen launched full-service management and entertainment company Sandbox Entertainment in 2010, and represents artists including Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Midland and legacy clients including the John R. Cash Revocable Trust. Recently, Owen served as Executive Producer alongside Faith Hill & Oprah’s Lisa Erspamer to launch Nashville’s first ever national daytime syndicated talk show, Pickler & Ben. He has also been an executive producer for SHOWTIME’s music documentary Tim & Faith: Soul2Soul, The Cooking Channel’s Kimberly’s Simply Southern, (starring Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman); and Shania Twain’s hit ABC-TV concert special Shania: Still The One Live from Vegas. Owen is also co-president of Monument Records, an imprint of Sony Music Entertainment.

Miranda Lambert Named Artist of the Year At Inaugural RIAA Honors

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Pictured (L-R): RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier and Miranda Lambert. Photo: Courtesy RIAA

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) hosted its first ever RIAA Honors event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday night (Sept. 25), celebrating country music icon Miranda Lambert as Artist of the Year.

Singer-songwriter and Lambert’s long-time collaborator, Natalie Hemby, was on hand to present the award. Lambert and Hemby performed two songs they wrote together, “Bluebird” from Lambert’s upcoming album, Wildcard, and the ACM- and CMA-awarded Song of the Year, “Automatic.”

“It is an honor to receive this award at such a pivotal time in the music industry. I’m incredibly thankful to make a living writing and performing music,” said Lambert.

The event was hosted by RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier.

Pictured (L-R): Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby. Photo: Courtesy RIAA

Luke Combs Moves Into No. 2 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Luke Combs moves up five slots to No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credits on his charting tunes “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Even Though I’m Leaving” and “1, 2 Many.” Ashley Gorley maintains his top position for the ninth consecutive week, with seven charting titles.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Evvie McKinney Inks With Motown Gospel, Capitol CMG

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Evvie McKinney has signed an exclusive recording agreement with Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG. The emerging performer/songwriter has also entered into an exclusive publishing agreement with Capitol CMG Publishing.

McKinney rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural season of the TV singing competition The Four: Battle for Stardom on FOX. The young singer with Southern charm wowed judges Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor with her powerful voice and stage presentation, packing a punch as she effortlessly covered iconic soul songs like Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”

“After watching Evvie triumph on The Four, it was clear that she is the rare vocalist who is equally as gifted in her stage presence,” says Monica Coates, Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop her into a formidable artist.”

“We’re honored to partner with Evvie and the Motown Gospel team,” says Josh Bailey, VP of A&R, Capitol CMG. “We look forward to introducing her music to a wide range of audiences.”

McKinney has relocated to Nashville and is managed by Mitchell Solarek at Nashville-based Maximum Artist Management. The full-service entertainment group works with clients including Natalie Grant, director and television producer Laurieann Gibson, and Tauren Wells. McKinney’s cover of the Stevie Wonder hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” was recently featured on the Hitsville: A Motown Gospel Celebration project, commemorating Motown Records’ 60th Anniversary. She is currently working on her debut project to be released in 2020.

The Valory Music Co. Ups Ashley Sidoti To VP Role

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Ashley Sidoti

The Valory Music Co. has promoted Ashley Sidoti to Vice President, Promotion & Digital, effective immediately. Most recently serving as Senior National Director, Promotion & Marketing, she will continue to build relationships between radio and the label’s roster, which includes Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, Tyler Rich and Avenue Beat.

“It has been a pleasure to see Ashley Sidoti grow and contribute to what The Valory Music Co. has become,” said The Valory Music Co. President George Briner. “Ashley started with Valory as an intern in 2008 and has advanced through the ranks to now being the Vice President, Promotion & Digital.  As this business evolves, Ashley continues to embrace the music and how best to present music to the people.”

“What we have created at The Valory Music Co. is special; you don’t get the opportunity to work alongside a team and artists of this caliber often,” said Sidoti. “I am so grateful for Scott Borchetta and George’s continued confidence in me and the incredible opportunities they have created. I am honored to take on a larger role where I will have the opportunity to continue to grow and expand, while learning from the best in our industry. The future of Valory is bright and I’m excited to continue our journey together.”

Ashley can be reached at 615-574-7827 or via [email protected].

Blake Shelton Album ‘Fully Loaded: God’s Country’ Set For December

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Photo by Andrew Eccles

Just in time for Christmas, Blake Shelton is set to release his latest album, Fully Loaded: God’s Country, on Dec. 13. The 12-song collection will feature seven hits from previous albums and five new tracks, including his three-time CMA nominated hit, “God’s Country.”

“Well, I knew the label would come up with some plan to release an album,” joked Shelton. “I’ve been vocal about how much I like this new way of releasing songs more frequently. It keeps me excited and gives me the opportunity to find the hot new song that I love and get it out to the fans quickly. I think they like it too. With five new songs on this album, you’ve got “God’s Country,’ ‘Hell Right’ and a few more that haven’t come out yet – maybe I wasn’t supposed to say that. But the fans will hear most of the music on Fully Loaded before it hits the streets in December.”

Shelton’s new single “Hell Right” reunites him with his “Hillbilly Bone” pal Trace Adkins. Penned by David Garcia, Brett Tyler and Michael Hardy, the song is already moving towards the Top 20 on the charts. Between putting the finishing touches on Fully Loaded: God’s Country, Shelton has a few tour dates peppered in and is currently filming for the next season of The Voice, which premiered Sept. 23.

Mark Bright, Cole Johnstone, April Rider Team For Foundry Records

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Pictured (L-R): Cole Johnstone, Mark Bright and April Rider. Photo: Glen Rose

Producer Mark Bright, artist manager Cole Johnstone and record label veteran April Rider have entered into a strategic alliance with ADA Worldwide to create new entertainment company Foundry Records, a full-service independent record label based out of Nashville, that is dedicated to long-term artist development and will include a diverse roster of artists.

Johnstone will serve as General Manager, overseeing all day-to-day label operations, while continuing to operate Johnstone Entertainment, which guides the careers of Shenandoah and Austin Merrill. Bright will oversee A&R for the new label, while continuing to produce an array of artists. Rider will serve as VP, Marketing and Promotion.

The venture’s first signings, details on the label’s full staff and office location will be revealed soon.

“I am beyond excited to be in business with Mark, April and ADA on this label,” said Johnstone. “I’ve helped create and operate many artist-owned independent label imprints over the years from a management standpoint and this was the natural next step. When the opportunity presented itself for the three of us to partner together and create Foundry Records, it was a no brainer. Mark and April are both well-known and highly respected executives in the industry and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Prior to forming Johnstone Entertainment in 2015, Johnstone also helped manage the careers of Big and Rich, Randy Owen, John Rich and The Farm at Morris Higham Management.

Bright’s past production work includes music with collaborators including Carrie Underwood, Reba, Sting, Vince Gill, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Shakira and more.

Rider’s background includes work with artists such as Tim McGraw, Thompson Square, Jo Dee Messina, Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Hank Williams, Jr., Gary Allan, Logan Mize, Maggie Rose and LeAnn Rimes throughout her time as Sr. VP, Promotion at Curb Records, GM at BBR’s Stoney Creek Records, and artist management at RPM Entertainment Group.

ADA Worldwide, the independent distribution division of Warner Music Group, will support Foundry Records across sales and distribution on a global scale.

Johnstone can be reached at [email protected], while Rider can be reached at [email protected].

Angie K, Everette, Kylie Morgan Named Recipients Of CMA’s KixStart Scholarship Program

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Pictured (L-R): Everette, Kylie Morgan and Angie K have been announced as the second annual CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship recipients. Photo: Electric Machine/CMA

The Country Music Association has selected newcomer artists Angie K, Everette and Kylie Morgan as recipients of the second annual CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship.

The year-long program will launch Oct. 1. Each of the artists will be mentored, connected with top industry professionals, and receive opportunities to participate in CMA-related events including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, international events and CMA Foundation events. Additionally, each KixStart artist will receive a stipend to assist with various facets of their burgeoning careers. Last year, the inaugural recipients of the CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship included Kassi Ashton, Travis Denning and Jameson Rodgers.

“We are thrilled to welcome the new class of KixStart artists and take them under our wing,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Through this program, these artists will receive mentoring from some of country music’s most respected industry professionals and be provided opportunities that propel them forward in their career.”

Angie K
Averaging a grinding 10–15 shows a month year-round, Angie K has played over 1,000 live high-energy shows all over the United States and Central America. The Latin American Country singer has already independently released two original albums, both of which landed top five on iTunes. In 2017, Angie K collaborated with pop artist Jordan Fisher to release “Happily Ever After” for Walt Disney World. The song has already surpassed 4 million streams on Spotify alone and is currently the soundtrack for Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show. Her most recent single, “Leave California” premiered on CMT in 2019 and immediately landed a spot on Apple Music’s Hot Tracks playlist. Named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone Country, Angie K has already hit the road with country heavyweights Trace Adkins, Melissa Etheridge, Chris Janson, Sammy Kershaw, Jake Owen, Tanya Tucker and more. Read more at AngieKeilhauer.com.

Everette
Like the great American bands that came before them, new Broken Bow Records duo Everette doesn’t follow trends. Instead, the guys of Everette write what they live, weaving gritty tales of struggle and heartbreak alongside fun-loving stories of escapism and mischief. Hailing from humble beginnings, Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia unknowingly went to high school a mere eight miles apart in rural Bullitt County, KY. Named for George Clooney’s character in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” the duo is a bonafide triple threat. Rupard and Olympia co-write almost all of their songs as well as play nearly every instrument on Everette’s studio recordings. The two young artists produced their debut project “Slow Roll.” Everette recently announced their residency at the timeless Nashville dive, Springwater, adding to the duo’s anomalous distinction. Read more at Everette-Music.com.

Kylie Morgan
EMI Records Nashville’s Kylie Morgan began writing songs in her hometown of Newcastle, OK when she was only 12 years old. A masterful storyteller, the singer-songwriter released her music independently in her early teens, garnering national attention from music producers and television executives. This early success led Morgan to begin making regular trips to Nashville, crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting. When she turned 19, she made the decision to call Music City home. Recognizing Morgan’s unique talent, the SMACKSongs team signed her to their roster under the guidance of GRAMMY award-winning songwriters, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. An avid yoga enthusiast, she has earned her official Yoga Alliance Certification. She participates in yoga daily and it has become part of her lifestyle. Morgan has previously toured with artists including Billy Currington, Dan + Shay, Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge, Little Big Town and Maren Morris. She was named as part of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2019 and has spent the recent months performing shows across the country, opening for Devin Dawson, Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce and more. Her new song, “Boys Girl” was released in July and is currently being featured on SiriusXM. When she is not performing, you can find her in the studio working on her debut album with producers Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson. Read more at KylieMorgan.com.