Dylan Scott Joins KP Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Waylon Weatherholt (Day to Day Manager), Ethan Helms (Tour/Digital Content Coordinator), Dustin Eichten (VP of KPE). (L-R, front row): Leighanna Smith (Day to Day Manager), Kerri Edwards, Dylan Scott, Jacoby Plyler (Digital Marketing Manager), Cait Murphy (Executive Assistant to Kerri Edwards)

Dylan Scott has joined KP Entertainment for management, led by Kerri Edwards. KP Entertainment is home to artists including Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Jon Langston, CB30 and DJ Rock.

“Dylan has built such a strong base across country radio, streaming and touring,” Edwards said. “This opportunity to partner with him was one I couldn’t pass up. My team and I are excited to jump in!”

“I’m ready to start this next chapter of my career,” Dylan added. “When looking for who to do that with, I knew Kerri Edwards was the person! I’m excited to be a part of the KPE team!”

Additionally, Leighanna Smith recently joined KP Entertainment as day-to-day manager for Swindell and CB30. Her past stops include UMG Nashville and Q Prime South.

‘Songland’ Writer IRO Signs With SMACKSongs

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Pictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Shane McAnally; IRO; SMACKSongs’ Robin Palmer and Robert Carlton. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Songwriter and Songland winner IRO has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with SMACKSongs.

Discovered in a New York City subway station by one of Brazil’s most prominent DJs, IRO’s distinct talent as a songwriter has continuously led him to work with prestigious collaborators. He is best known for his collaboration with Macklemore, “Shadow,” which was featured on NBC’s Songland.

Through his participation on Songland, IRO found himself performing alongside Macklemore in front of 40,000 people at Lollapalooza Brazil in Sao Paulo. In 2019, he has performed in front of 400,000 fans while touring with Alok and Macklemore, accumulated over 4 million monthly streams and garnered 150 million lifetime streams.

“Meeting Shane completely threw me off guard. I had no idea my heart was headed to Nashville. The SMACK team is filled with talent and really feels like a family,” said IRO. “I’m beyond excited to see and hear all of the things that will come out of this melting pot!”

SMACKSongs Co-Owner and CEO, Shane McAnally, said, “IRO is truly like a walking song. He can’t help but turn every situation and moment into music, and we are so lucky to get to be a part of the soundtrack of his life. I love seeing the world through his eyes and collaborating with him, and I can never wait to see where he goes next. I feel blessed and honored to have him in the SMACK family.”

Brooklyn Bowl Nashville To Open March 2020

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Live music venue, bowling alley, restaurant, and nightlife space Brooklyn Bowl has announced the opening of a new branch in Nashville. Following successful clubs in New York City and Las Vegas, the Music City location will open its doors to the public on March 14. Located in Germantown, the space includes a 1,200 capacity live music venue, as well as a LEED certified bowling alley and restaurant courtesy of Blue Ribbon Restaurants.

Brooklyn Bowl Nashville’s initial 40-show lineup will feature a broad range of acts including Angel Olsen, The Revivalists, PJ Morton, Royal Blood, Larkin Poe, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, The String Cheese Incident and more.

“Nashville is a place that evokes the spirit of what was happening in Brooklyn when we opened there almost 11 years ago, and there’s so much great music,” says Brooklyn Bowl co-founder Peter Shapiro. “We’re really excited to bring our own vibe and energy to a place with so much history.”

“Combining what Nashville is famous for with the diverse and eclectic musical genres that we’ve become known for showcasing, we’re looking forward to being a new home for rock and roll in Music City,” adds co-founder Charley Ryan. “It’s a town with such amazing venues, and we’re excited and honored to be a part of the community.”

Colin Keegan from Brooklyn Bowl New York will serve as the Nashville location’s Head of Talent, working closely with Kirk Peterson, Director of Talent for Dayglo Ventures.

Brooklyn Bowl Nashville is a partnership between between Brooklyn Bowl and Live Nation. Tickets for the initial 2020 shows go on sale this Friday (Dec. 20) at 12 p.m. CT. Due to the demand of the initial run of shows, a pre-sale will take place Thursday (Dec. 19) from 10 a.m. CT – 10 p.m. CT. Get your unique code here.

Charlie Daniels Announces 2020 Volunteer Jam

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Artwork by Erick Anderson

Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels has announced the return of his legendary Volunteer Jam live concert. Headlined by The Charlie Daniels Band, the multi-artist event is set to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with participating artists to be announced in February.

“We play over one hundred cities every year and they’re all special in their own way, but when you get a chance to bring it all back home, especially when so many of your friends are joining you, it don’t get much better than that,” says Daniels. “Jammin’ in the Guitar Town, second to none!”

“The jam is unique in so many ways,” says Daniels’ manager David Corlew. “Multi-act shows are common these days, but none offer the opportunity to interact with the other acts, literally by jamming with a plethora of artists and musicians. It’s Charlie Daniels at his best!”

Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster this Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. central time. The event is produced by Outback Presents in association with David Corlew and Associates.

The Charlie Daniels Band performed the first Volunteer Jam on Oct. 4, 1974, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of a tradition. Over the Jam’s four-decade history, Daniels and his band have played alongside superstar guests including Ted Nugent, The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tammy Wynette, Roy Acuff, Carl Perkins, ALABAMA, Don Henley, Barefoot Jerry and more.

Blake Shelton Surprised With Plaque For “God’s Country” On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (WMN, EVP A&R/Creative Advisor); Blake Shelton; Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment); Brandon Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment)

Warner Music Nashville’s Blake Shelton was surprised by fellow The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson today (Dec. 17) on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a double-Platinum plaque for his hit song “God’s Country.”

The multi-week No. 1 is the title track off his new album Fully Loaded: God’s Country. Among the fastest country songs to reach one million U.S. equivalents this year, the track took home a CMA Award for Single of the Year last month and is currently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

Industry Ink: Texas Songwriter U, Carolina Blue, Koryn Hawthorne

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Mignon Is Texas Songwriter U’s Winning Writer

Pictured (L-R): Texas Songwriter U mentor Jessie Jo Dillon; winner Mignon; host Jack Ingram; mentor Jon Randall. Photo: Ted Parker, Jr.

Nashville songwriter Mignon has been named the Texas Songwriter U’s 2019 songwriting program winner. TxSU hosted its annual songwriter discovery and development program Dec. 11-13 at Hotel Ella in Austin. Eight selected songwriters showcased performances at both Yeti Flagship and The Saxon Pub and received extensive song feedback, access to industry professionals, a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and professional performance and workshop photography.

Mignon was awarded a co-write with host Jack Ingram, an opening for Ingram at a landmark Texas venue, a performance at the 2020 Mack, Jack & McConaughey After-Party, a recording studio demo session at Austin’s famed Arlyn Studios, an Epiphone Masterbilt Century Olympic acoustic-electric guitar, a three-night stay and two performances at the 2020 Key West Songwriters Festival, and a one-week Key West residency at The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.

 

Carolina Blue Joins Billy Blue Records Roster

Pictured (L-R, seated): Ed Leonard (Billy Blue Records), Bobby Powell, Timmy Jones; (L-R, standing) Reese Combs, Jerry Salley (Billy Blue Records), Aynsley Porchak, James McDowell

North Carolina-based band Carolina Blue has signed with Nashville’s Billy Blue Records. Carolina Blue, comprised of Bobby Powell (guitar and vocals), Timmy Jones (mandolin and vocals), James McDowell (banjo and vocals), Reese Combs (upright bass and vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle, recipient of the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Award), is recording new music for 2020.

“We are very excited and honored to be given the chance to work with them,” said Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director of Billy Blue. “They are a wonderful fit for Billy Blue Records and we look forward to partnering with them to help them grow their unique brand of bluegrass music.”

 

Koryn Hawthorne Celebrates Her Golden Moment

Koryn Hawthorne received a Gold plaque commemorating her No. 1 smash “Won’t He Do It” by her label, RCA Inspiration. The chart-dominating single placed No. 2 on Billboard’s Decade-End Hot Gospel Songs chart, and No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for 41 weeks, the Gospel Airplay chart for 19 weeks, and the Gospel Digital Songs Sales chart for 22 weeks. Hawthorne set a new record with “Won’t He Do It” earlier in 2019, becoming the female Gospel artist with the longest reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart upon the song’s 26th week in the top spot. RCAI presented Hawthorne with the Gold plaque at their office in Franklin, Tenn..

Sugarland Signs With Big Machine Records

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Sugarland. Photo: Shervin Lainez

Award-winning country duo Sugarland officially announced today (Dec. 17) that they have signed with Big Machine Records. Previously signed as a joint venture with Big Machine/Universal Music Nashville for their critically acclaimed album Bigger, Big Machine Records becomes their exclusive label home as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush embark on their next chapter.

“I am so proud to continue my association with Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records,” said Nettles. “Scott has been there for Sugarland since our very first release, ‘Baby Girl,’ and continues to be our biggest champion when it comes to our records. We are so excited about all that’s ahead!”

“Sugarland has always been a band with a mission to spread our message as far as we can into every corner of the world and I can imagine no better partner or bigger machine than Scott Borchetta and BMLG,” said Bush.

“The music that Jennifer and Kristian make and perform together is nothing short of magical and I’m honored that they now call Big Machine Records their exclusive home,” said Borchetta.

Since the band’s inception in 2002, Sugarland has sold nearly 10 million albums domestically, have earned seven No. 1 singles to date and amassed nearly 400 million on-demand streams. Their albums The Incredible Machine is Platinum-certified, Love On The Inside is 2x multi-Platinum and Twice The Speed Of Life as well as Enjoy The Ride are 3x multi-Platinum.

James McNair Tees It Back Up With Sony/ATV

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(L-R:) Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV VP A&R; Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV SVP A&R; James McNair; Katie Kerkhover, Sony/ATV Mgr. A&R; Dane Schmidt, Sony/ATV Dir. A&R

James McNair has re-upped with Sony/ATV in an extension of his exclusive worldwide publishing deal.

Since signing with the company in 2015, McNair has landed over 45 major label cuts with artists like Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, HARDY, The Cadillac Three, Tyler Farr, Chris Lane, and more.

“From day one, McNair has gone above and beyond to outwork his peers,” said Dane Schmidt, Director of Creative at Sony/ATV. “His perseverance & positive attitude inspire me every single day, and I look forward to watching him reap the benefits of the hard work he’s put into his craft.”

“I’m pumped to continue my career with my Sony/ATV family! I’d like to thank Dane, Big Tom, Josh and Katie for continuing to believe in me,” said McNair. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and I’m excited for the future!”

Music Row Businessman And Songwriter Robert “Bob” James Mather Passes

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Robert “Bob” James Mather

Music Row songwriter and businessman Robert “Bob” James Mather, passed away at his home in Franklin, Tenn. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. He was 68.

Bob enjoyed a 35-year career with EMI Publishing, where he retired as Vice President of Administration. He was a member of the CMA, the Recording Academy, and the Copyright Society of the South. The Springfield, Mo. native was a BMI award-winning songwriter, having co-written the Gold-certified hit “Sexy Eyes,” recorded by Dr. Hook.

Bob was also involved in the early years with the Country Radio Seminar, assisting in the production of the New Faces Show, and was one of the first program directors with WMOT Campus Radio at Middle Tennessee State University.

An avid gardener, Bob served as President of the Davidson County Master Gardeners and was on the Board of Directors of the Nashville City Cemetery Association.

Memorials in memory of Bob can be made to the Master Gardener’s of Davidson County or to the Nashville City Cemetery Association.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 20 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Graveside Service at Roselawn Cemetery at 1:00 p.m..

Industry Pics: Lauren Daigle, Steve Wariner, Tucker Beathard

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Lauren Daigle’s “The Price Fund” Gives The Gift Of Music To New Orleans Charities

Photo: Garrett Lobaugh

This past weekend Lauren Daigle spread some holiday cheer by giving more than $270,000 through her charity The Price Fund to the Ellis Marsalis Center, Young Audiences of Louisiana, Roots of Music and KID smART. The funds, presented after each organization had an opportunity to perform at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, will be used to enhance music education programs in underserved communities located throughout Louisiana.

“Thanks to everyone’s generosity, through The Price Fund we were able to give the children of New Orleans much needed funds this weekend,” shares Daigle. “Seeing children have hope and a future is something I care so much about. When we surprised these kids, their faces lit up and I knew, we’re doing something good here!”

 

Steve Wariner Performs Special Holiday Set at Historic RCA Studio B

Pictured (L-R): Abi Tapia, Director of Public Programs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Steve Wariner; Justin Croft, Manager of Studio B; Brinson Strickland, President, Collective Artist Management. Photo: Erin Lee Allender for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Steve Wariner performed original songs, holiday tunes and re-interpretations of classic hits recorded at Historic RCA Studio B at the studio on Friday, Dec. 13 as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Deck the Hall.

Wariner has multiple ties to Studio B. He was mentored by Country Music Hall of Fame members Dottie West, who recorded many hits in the room, and Chet Atkins, who managed RCA’s Nashville operation and produced hundreds of songs in Studio B. West encouraged Wariner to move to Nashville and play bass in her band, while Atkins signed Wariner to his first recording contract and eventually named him a “C.G.P.,” or “Certified Guitar Player,” a distinction given to only five musicians.

 

Tucker Beathard Wraps Headlining Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Tucker Beathard

Photo: Courtesy The Green Room

Tucker Beathard wrapped the last weekend of his headlining Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Tucker Beathard with high-energy sets through Chicago, Illinois (Dec. 11), Grand Rapids, Michigan (Dec. 12), Indianapolis, Indiana (Dec. 13) and West Peoria, Illinois (Dec. 14).

Following in the footsteps of Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Alumni including Macklemore, The Chainsmokers, Post Malone, Kane Brown and more, Beathard brought the tastemaker concert series across the Midwestern U.S., offering fans a sneak peek of new music from his forthcoming second installment of his debut double album.