Weekly Register: Jason Aldean Debuts At No. 1 On Country Albums Chart

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Jason Aldean debuts at the top of the country albums chart this week, with his ninth studio album, 9, moving 83K in total consumption (68K album only/17 million song streams). The album debuts at No. 2 on the overall albums rankings, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Last week’s chart leader, Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get, drops to No. 2 this week, with 41K. Combs also holds the No. 3 spot on the country albums chart, with his debut project This One’s For You, which moved 19K this week. Old Dominion‘s self-titled album holds at No. 4 again this week with 13K. Lady Antebellum‘s Ocean, the trio’s first effort under Big Machine, falls from No. 2 to No. 5 this week, with 12K.

Dan+Shay‘s collaboration with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours,” continues its run atop the country songs on-demand streaming chart with 11.4 million streams this week. Old Dominion‘s “One Man Band” is at No. 2 with 8 million streams. Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” is at No. 3 with 6.8 million. Diplo‘s “Heartless,” ft. Morgan Wallen, is at No. 4 with 6 million streams, while Maren Morris‘ “The Bones” rounds out the Top 5 with 5.4 million streams this week.

John Zarling, Jackie Campbell Team For Marketing Venture 615 Leverage + Strategy

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John Zarling and Jackie Campbell

John Zarling and Jackie Campbell have announced the alliance of their individual companies to create the new boutique marketing company, 615 Leverage + Strategy. The company will function as a full-service extension to artist and label marketing teams.

“During my 20 years in the music business, I have been part of building and expanding careers by converging multiple marketing pillars. As the industry adjusts to a new paradigm of music consumption, it is essential that focus on the larger career arc of an artist is not lost,” said Zarling, the firm’s President & Chief Strategy Officer. “I am excited to partner with Jackie, someone whom I have immense respect for, to focus in these lanes. By combining our strengths into a cohesive effort, all of our clients will benefit.”

Zarling & Campbell, whose collective proprietary client list includes artists, labels, management firms, and festivals, will bring their complementary skill sets to every campaign as Co-Founders and Partners.

“For me, this journey started nearly three years ago, when I decided to launch my own company to see if there was a better way to implement marketing and strategic partnerships within the music industry world,” said Campbell, the firm’s Head of Business Development & Client Service. “John has been a dear friend and mentor from Day One, and I could not be more thrilled to take this next step with him to expand and create a full-service marketing company to continue our mission to craft artist narratives through live events, partnerships and branded content.”

Joining 615 Leverage + Strategy at launch are Cheyana Weekley as Project Director and Jordan Lipsey as Project Manager.

Zarling launched his career at Mercury Records in 1999. He was promoted when the label merged with MCA in 2003, and later elevated to Manager, Charts & Syndication when DreamWorks was absorbed by the label group in 2004. During that time, Zarling found a mentor in Scott Borchetta, label group’s Sr. VP/Promotion at the time. When Borchetta launched Big Machine Records, Zarling became one of the company’s first employees.

He served Big Machine, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records (formerly Republic Nashville), Dot Records & NASH Icon imprints as SVP/Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, from the label group’s launch in 2005 through 2016. In 2017, Zarling transitioned to Sony Music Nashville where he spent two years as EVP/Marketing & New Business, overseeing marketing, digital, international, media, branding, premium content, and creative efforts for the RCA Nashville, Columbia Nashville and Arista Nashville imprints. Throughout his career, Zarling has been an integral part of over 100 million units sold, over 100 No. 1 hit singles and has inked partnership deals with brands worth over $30 million. Zarling is also executive producer the annual Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award ceremony, which has raised more than $350,000 for the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. He currently serves on boards of the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, Brad & Kimberly Williams Paisley’s The Store, and the Entrepreneurship Center/NEXT Awards. Zarling is a graduate of Belmont University.

Campbell most recently ran her own boutique brand strategy startup, directing partnership strategy for record label, artist management, festival, and brand clients. She previously served as the Director of Partnership Marketing for nearly six years for Big Machine Label Group, overseeing corporate partnerships and brand integrations for the label group’s 30+ artists and numerous initiatives. Prior to her Nashville move, Campbell spent nearly 10 years working for CBS Radio (now Entercom) in Chicago in various marketing and business development roles. Campbell serves on the Academy of Country Music board of directors and is a graduate of DePaul University.

Zarling can be reached at [email protected] or 615-975-7553. Campbell can be reached at [email protected] or 773-220-2633.

Mark Your Calendar—December 2019

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Industry Events

December 9, 2019
Final Round Grammy Voting Begins

December 14, 2019
Nashville’s 35th annual Symphony Ball at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

 

Single Add Dates

December 2
Brantley Gilbert/Fire’t Up/Valory
Matt Stell/Everywhere But On/RECORDS/Arista Nashville
Grace Asbury/Pour Me/Star Farm Nashville

December 5
Ismay/Stones

December 9
Miranda Lambert/Bluebird/Vanner Records/RCA Nashville
Morgan Evans/Diamonds/Warner Music Nashville/WEA Radio & Streaming
Lindsay Ell/I Don’t Love You/Stoney Creek Records
Jackson Michelson/Stay Over/Curb Records

 

Album Releases

December 6
Walker Hayes/8Ttracks Vol. 3-Black Sheep/Monument Records

December 13
Blake Shelton/Fully Loaded: God’s Country/Warner Music Nashville

Ashley Gorley Returns To Pinnacle Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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After falling below Luke Combs last week following a 16-week reign at No. 1, Ashley Gorley is back on top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With five charting songs, Gorley maintains the pinnacle spot with co-writer credits on Brett Young’s “Catch,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes,” LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song,” Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young” and Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads.” Combs drops down to the No. 2 spot, with 12 charting songs.

Laura Veltz moves up to No. 3, Zach Crowell shifts to No. 4 and Ross Copperman is at No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

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.

ACM Awards Submissions Now Open Through Jan. 3

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Submissions for the 55th ACM Awards are now open, Dec. 2, 2019-Jan. 3, 2020. Categories eligible for submissions include Main Awards, Radio Awards, Industry Awards and Video of the Year Award, in addition to updates to the Industry Awards categories. The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, will broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at 8:00 PM on CBS.

Industry Awards will now be voted on by the membership categorized in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent and Talent Buyer/Promoter categories. Previously, the Industry Awards were voted on by all membership categories. For updates to Industry Award category names, see the full list below.

“The ACM Board, Awards and Voting Committee and the Industry Awards Task Force feel that this next step in the evolution of the Industry Awards continues to strengthen the Academy’s relationship with venues, buyers and promoters who work tirelessly to showcase the finest in country music,” said Nick Di Fruscia, VP, Awards & Membership.  “We look forward to continuing the 20+ year tradition of celebrating our industry partners.”

The submissions eligibility period for the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards is Jan. 1, 2019 through
Dec. 31, 2019. Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2020 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:

  • Submissions Period Opens:    December 2, 2019
  • Submissions Period Closes:    January 3, 2020
  • First Round Voting:                January 21, 2020 – January 27, 2020
  • Second Round Voting:            February 4, 2020 – February 10, 2020
  • Final Round Voting:                March 3, 2020 – March 9, 2020

Industry Awards Category Names and Updates:

Casino of the Year – Small Capacity – Updated to Casino of the Year – Theater
This award is presented to an outstanding theater or showroom within a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The casino theater or showroom must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Casino of the Year – Large Capacity – Updated to Casino of the Year – Arena
This award is presented to an outstanding arena or amphitheater within a casino selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The casino arena or amphitheater must have bought or promoted at least four (4) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Festival of the Year – No Change
This award is presented to an outstanding country music festival where artist(s) received market value compensation for their performance, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board.  The festival must have taken place over two (2) or more consecutive days, included a minimum of ten (10) acts, with at least ninety percent (90%) of headlining acts classed in the country genre, occurred during the eligibility period, and be in good standing with all professional vendors and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Fair/Rodeo of the Year  – NEW CATEGORY
This award is presented to an outstanding fair/rodeo where artist(s) received market value compensation for their performance, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board.  The fair/rodeo must have included a minimum of one (1) Country Music artist as a headliner, occurred during the eligibility period, and be in good standing with all professional vendors and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category. 

Nightclub of the Year – Updated to Club of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding country music club, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The club must have bought or promoted at least ten (10) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales.  The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Small Capacity – Updated to Theater of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding theater or performing arts center, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The theater/performing arts center must have bought or promoted at least ten (10) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Medium Capacity – Updated to Outdoor Venue of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding outdoor venue, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The outdoor venue must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Large Capacity – Updated to Arena of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding indoor arena, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The arena must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year – NO CHANGE
This award is presented to an outstanding talent buyer, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The buyer must have bought at least fifteen (15) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Promoter of the Year – NO CHANGE      
This award is presented to an outstanding promoter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The promoter must have promoted at least fifteen (15) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales.  The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

A2IM Launches ‘A2IM Artist’ Program For Independent Artists

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The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has launched A2IM Artist, a new program designed to empower independent artists. The program will offer curated networking and educational events, as well as online educational content for artists.

The live event, which will last approximately three hours each, will take place on Mondays in various cities around the country. Each event’s first two hours will be devoted to panel presentations by industry visionaries and keynote speakers, hand-picked for their ability to inspire and motivate. The last hour will be devoted to networking and mingling.

Columbus, Ohio will host the kickoff event for A2IM Artist, followed by Miami and Philadelphia, with other U.S. cities with thriving music scenes to be announced.

“It is indeed an honor for Columbus to be selected as the kick-off host city. A2IM has done fantastic work, giving a voice to the independent label sector, leading the fight for equitable royalties and now the artists themselves,” says Bruce Garfield, Executive Director of the Columbus Music Commission.

A2IM Artist members will also gain access to the A2IM Artist portal where they can benefit from a wealth of educational content designed to boost success in the streaming economy.

Benton Wharton Named Talent Buyer At Outback Presents

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Photo credit: Stephan Pruitt Photography

Benton Wharton has joined Outback Presents as a newly-appointed Talent Buyer for the Nashville-based concert promotion company.

Wharton launched his career as founder and co-owner of Mountain Roots Management, an event management company in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2011, Wharton became the Talent Buyer at Pisgah Brewing Company where he also acted as the venue’s Marketing and Events Director. During his eight-year tenure, Wharton became instrumental in curating the Pisgah Brewing Company’s outdoor summer concert series for its 2,250 capacity venue. While at Pisgah, Wharton guided the development of nationally renowned boutique festivals events including The Marcus King Band Family Reunion (2017-present); Jam in the Trees (2016-2018); Leftover Salmon’s Blue Ridge Jam (2017-present); Dark Star Orchestra’s Pisgah Jubilee (2019); as well as the inaugural Strings and Suds (2019).

“We’re stoked to have Benton join the Outback team,” says Louisa Leiser, General Manager of Outback Presents. “He’s bringing in great booking relationships and tons of knowledge from his experience as a talent buyer. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Outback Presents, and to evolve my career in Music City,” says Wharton. “Aligning with a company that sees the music industry in the same light as I do is beyond refreshing, and I look forward to collaborating with this forward-thinking team.”

iHeartRadio Digital To Launch Nashville Headquarters

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iHeartMedia has selected Nashville as the location for iHeartRadio’s second digital headquarters, further expanding its current New York-based digital team. More details about the new office, which will be opening its doors in Q1 2020, will be announced soon. The new location will be home to a new hub for the iHeartRadio digital product team, which will be making additional technology advances in conjunction with its teams in New York, San Antonio and Silicon Valley.

“As we continue to invest in our ad tech, products, research, sales and content, and further build on the success of our digital service, this is the right time to expand our digital team — and what better location than Nashville, given that music is at the heart of our business,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio. “Nashville’s technology ecosystem is thriving, and combined with the city’s rich history in music, entrepreneurial spirit and diverse culture, we believe this is the perfect location for us to extend our digital leadership and recruit highly-skilled and passionate candidates for our second iHeartRadio Digital headquarters.”

Since its official launch as an all-in-one digital service in 2011, iHeartRadio has grown to become the number one streaming broadcast radio platform — with six times the digital listening of the next largest commercial broadcast radio company. The digital app now has more than 135 million registered users and is available on over 250 platforms and over 2,000 different connected devices – including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

“At iHeart we operate as talent first in the same spirit of entrepreneurship found in successful startups,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “We are excited to expand our NYC digital team into Nashville and tap into this city’s diverse pool of high tech and creative, ambitious talent. As the leading audio company in America, this new facility will allow us to continue to deliver the best content, cultivate even more innovation and drive further listener growth and revenue opportunities to our advertisers.”

iHeartMedia plans to begin hiring immediately in Nashville for positions in engineering, product development, data science and more.

Reba, Brooks & Dunn Extend Las Vegas Residency

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Reba and Brooks & Dunn have added 24 new shows to their popular “Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together In Vegas” residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

The newly added slate of performances begins April 8 and includes shows in June, October, and December 2020. Reba and Brooks & Dunn launched the residency in 2015.

Both Brooks & Dunn and Reba are contenders for the 2020 Grammys. Recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Brooks & Dunn collaborated with Luke Combs on the duo’s classic “Brand New Man” for their Reboot project; the song earned a nod in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category. Reba’s latest country album Stronger Than The Truth earned a nod for Best Country Album.

Acclaimed Nashville Photographer Raeanne Rubenstein Passes

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Famed celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein died in Nashville on Saturday (Nov. 30) at age 74.

During her colorful, six-decade career, Rubenstein photographed everyone from Mick Jagger to Johnny Cash, from Bob Dylan to Dolly Parton. She published more than 10 books, was exhibited internationally, created album jackets and posters, founded magazines, made films and was published in dozens of periodicals.

Her photo books include essays on the world of pro-wrestling and surveys of the New York rock world, as well as Honky Tonk Heroes (1975) and Gone Country (1997).

Rubenstein’s work has been exhibited in Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. She has been published in Life, People, Rolling Stone, Time and The Village Voice, among many other publications.

Born in Staten Island, NY, Rubenstein graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She studied photography at the Annenberg School and began her professional career as a fashion photographer in London.

In the 1960s, she settled on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. Andy Warhol took her under his wing, and she photographed the “superstars” at his Factory venue. She haunted rock clubs, poetry readings, theatrical performances and other events. During this era, she also co-founded Warhol’s magazine Interview.

Nashville’s Bonnie Garner, then also a New Yorker, arranged for Rubenstein to have permanent access to The Fillmore East concert venue. The photographer thus documented Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Lou Reed, Kiss, Pink Floyd, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Cameo, The MC5 and other major rock acts of the day.

Her star rose rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s. Diminutive, yet plucky, feisty and determined, she made her way through the competitive Manhattan media world. Magazine work trained her camera on the likes of Muhammed Ali, Abbie Hoffman, Rodney Dangerfield, The Beatles and Dustin Hoffman, among others.

Rubenstein first visited Nashville in 1975 and fell in love with the personalities in country music.

She subsequently photographed a who’s-who of the genre, including such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Loretta Lynn, Roy Acuff, Garth Brooks, Porter Wagoner, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, Kitty Wells, Merle Haggard, Brenda Lee, Vince Gill, George Jones, Conway Twitty, The Oak Ridge Boys, Emmylou Harris, Roger Miller, Glen Campbell, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, Mel Tillis, Tammy Wynette, George Strait and Randy Travis.

Rubenstein’s photographs usually pictured these iconic figures in unexpected, informal and extemporaneous situations, rather than in formal portraits. Her innovative, eye-catching work led to her renown.

She moved to Nashville in 1998. She founded the online, woman-oriented magazine Dish the following year.

Her 1999 book Gone Country: Portraits of Country Music’s New Stars featured 150 artists, including Wynonna, Steve Earle, Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, K.T. Oslin, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Ray Cyrus, Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis, Travis Tritt, Rodney Crowell and John Anderson.

In 2009, Rubenstein enrolled in Watkins Film School. During the next few years, she produced, directed and photographed 10 short movies, several of which won awards at film festivals.

The Frist Art Museum featured the photographer in a discussion and photo showing in 2011 that focused on her early work. It was titled “Andy, the Factory and Me.” In 2013, she mounted her “Jewish Comedians” exhibit at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. She was a celebrity speaker at other venues.

A national tour of her Nashville photographs was launched following an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. After “Country: Portraits of an American Sound” was installed at the Annenberg Space for Photography in L.A. in 2014, Rubenstein was profiled on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and in the pages of Sports & Entertainment Nashville, among other outlets.

Her photo archive has since been acquired by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. A number of her images were used in the Ken Burns Country Music documentary miniseries on PBS in 2019.

Raeanne Rubenstein suffered from Alzheimer’s in recent years. A respiratory infection reportedly led to her death on Nov. 30. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.