Glastonbury Festival Latest Casualty Of Coronavirus Pandemic

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The Glastonbury festival, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Somerset, England festival confirmed on Twitter that the June 24-28 event featuring headliners Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar has been canceled in the wake of new government measures announced this week in the UK.

The festival had just announced its third and final star Kendrick Lamar as the Friday night headliner last week and announced 90 additional acts last Thursday (March 12) before the decision to cancel came this week.

“We were so looking forward to welcoming you all for our 50th anniversary with a lineup full of fantastic artists and performers that we were incredibly proud to have booked. Again, we’re so sorry that this decision has been made. It was not through choice,” said the festival’s Michael and Emily Eavis in a statement.

Ticket holders will have the chance to roll their deposit over to next year, and guarantee the opportunity to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2021, or apply for a refund. Further information on coach packages, official accommodation bookings and other tickets will be added to the festival’s website in the next few days.

Grammy Museum To Release Artist Programs Online, Including Brandi Carlile, Yola, Billie Eilish

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The Grammy Museum will begin releasing digital Public Programs, including previously taped artist interviews, from their archive while the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles is closed through March 31.

The museum will release a series of pre-taped, sit-down interviews with artists and musicians from past programs, which were held in its 200-seat Clive Davis Theater. Since the museum opened 12 years ago, it has offered more than 900 public programs.

A new program will be released each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday on grammymuseum.org, with the first release happening today (March 18) with Scarypoolparty. Upcoming releases include interviews with Yola, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, Larkin Poe, and more.

The site will also house exhibit slideshows beginning Friday, March 20 with X: 40 Years of Punk in Los Angeles. The galleries will include images of artifacts, media content, exhibit text, playlists and more. The museum will also share daily playlists curated by staff, as well as educational content and lesson plans.

DIGITAL PUBLIC PROGRAMS
3/18 – Scarypoolparty
3/21 – Yola
3/23 – Bob Newhart
3/25 – Larkin Poe
3/28 – X Ambassadors
3/30 – Brandi Carlile
4/1 – Billie Eilish and FINNEAS
4/4 – Greta Van Fleet
4/6 – Kool And The Gang

Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, John Rich Aid Nashville Community

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Brad Paisley, John Rich and Dierks Bentley are a few artists who are helping Nashville’s community as many bars and restaurants in Nashville have either temporarily closed or limited patrons, and many in the Middle Tennessee area have opted to stay home as the COVID-19 novel coronavirus continues to spread.

On March 17, Paisley announced that The Store Nashville, a year-round free grocery store, will begin mobilizing delivery of a week’s worth of groceries to elderly neighbors in Nashville-area neighborhoods Edgehill and Berry Hill. Deliveries will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays; those interested in being included on the list should contact [email protected]. The elderly are among those with the highest risk of infection from the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

The Store will operate during regular hours from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays for walk in customers. Walk-in customers should bring an ID and either proof of income, proof of residence, or statement of unemployment. The Store broke ground in April 2019, and is a partnership between Brad and Kimberly Paisley, Paisley’s alma mater Belmont University, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

As Nashville Mayor John Cooper recommended that bars on Nashville’s Lower Broadway close temporarily, and that restaurants limit capacity to under 50%, Bentley and Rich have both come to the aid of employees at their Nashville venues. Bentley announced that he will be gifting each of his 90 hourly employees at Whiskey Row Nashville $1000 each to help in the short-term as the venue closes down. News Channel 5 reported that Rich’s Redneck Riviera will continue paying staff and bartenders during the shutdown.

Billboard Music Awards Postponed

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dick clark productions and NBC have announced that the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, which had been scheduled to air live on NBC from Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 29, will be rescheduled to air on NBC at a later date.

dcp and NBC offered the following statement:

“In accordance with the current guidelines set forth by national and local health officials and in order to ensure the health and safety of our artists, fans, guests and staff – we are postponing the Billboard Music Awards. For more than two decades, the Billboard Music Awards has honored the best in music based on the Billboard charts, and we look forward to celebrating the incredible artists who topped those charts over the last year. dcp and NBC will announce a new date and venue for the show in the near future.”

It was recently revealed that Kelly Clarkson would return for a third time to host the event; however, nominations for this year’s awards have not been announced.

Last year, the awards show had a 2.1 average rating in the adults 18-49 demo, with 7.96 million viewers, according to zap2it.com.

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, SMACK, PLA Media

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Kane Brown Celebrates Three New RIAA Certifications

Kane Brown

Kane Brown has added three new certifications to his tally. His self-titled debut album has reached 2x multi-Platinum, while his latest album Experiment, has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, Brown’s current No. 1 country radio hit “Homesick” has been certified Platinum.

Jamie Cologna Exits SMACK


Jamie Cologna has exited SMACK to begin work with WMA’s public relations division in Nashville.

Amber Anderson will begin in the role of Shane McAnally and Michael McAnally Baum’s executive assistant on March 23, and can be reached at [email protected] at that time.

PLA Media Adds Two Team Members

Pictured: Bicknell, Herrera

PLA Media has added two team members. Samantha Bicknell has joined PLA Media as a Social Media Coordinator and Maria Herrera will serve as a Publicity & Social Media Coordinator.

“We are thrilled to have two such talented, experienced professionals bring their expertise and new ideas to PLA to help us keep growing and improving our services,” say PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.

Bicknell, a New York native, moved to Tennessee to earn her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Her previous professional experience includes: Sony Music Global, Red Light Management and the Country Music Association. Herrera is a Florida native with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She has served on the communications team at multiple award shows including the Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Music Awards and American Music Awards.

They can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Regions Bank Announces $150,000 Commitment to Tennessee Tornado Relief

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The Regions Foundation recently announced a commitment of $150,000, including immediate grants to nonprofit organizations, in support of tornado recovery in Middle Tennessee. Additionally, Regions Bank announced a series of disaster-recovery financial services to help people and businesses amid the recovery from the March 3 tornado.

“Regions has served the people and businesses of Middle Tennessee for many years, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with our customers and communities throughout the recovery,” said John Turner, Regions President and CEO. “Our hope is that the grants we are announcing today, and the disaster-recovery financial services we are putting in place, will help make the recovery easier for our neighbors in need. Our team will stand with Middle Tennessee in the days, weeks and months to come as our neighborhoods and communities recover and rebuild.”

The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank that supports community investments. Organizations that will be supported by initial grants from the Regions Foundation include:

  • Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: Immediately after the tornado, the Community Foundation activated its Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofits working in areas that face a long and difficult recovery. The Emergency Response Fund works to “connect generosity with need” and delivers crucial financial backing that empowers the nonprofit community to meet local needs. A Regions Foundation grant of $50,000 will help fuel these efforts.
  • Cookeville/Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund: Some of the hardest-hit areas are east of the Nashville Metro. In Putnam County, the Cookeville/Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund has been established to receive donations and deliver support to people within the immediate area. As part of the Regions Foundation’s initial response to the tornado, a $25,000 grant will be issued to the Relief Fund.
  • Additional grants totaling $75,000 or more will be issued by the Regions Foundation to various organizations as longer-term needs are identified in the coming weeks. Altogether, grant totals from the Foundation are expected to reach $150,000 or more.

“We have seen first-hand the destruction left behind by this storm, and we understand the needs and challenges facing the people and businesses of Middle Tennessee,” said Lee Blank, Nashville Market Executive for Regions Bank. “We are focused on supporting the recovery while also serving as a financial resource. In addition to the disaster-recovery offers we are announcing today, we invite people to meet with us one-on-one at our local branches, share your needs, and allow us to offer customized insights and guidance that can help you with the financial aspects of storm recovery.”

Regions also offers an online Disaster Resource Center through Regions.com, which provides contact numbers and other helpful information to help customers with specific needs.
For more details, visit doingmoretoday.com.

Adam Doleac Renews Deal With Sony/ATV

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Pictured (Top row, L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Mya Hansen, Anna Weisband, Tom Luteran, Katie Kerkhover, Eric Garcia. Bottom row: Dane Schmidt, Adam Doleac, Rusty Gaston

Adam Doleac has renewed his global publishing deal with Sony/ATV. Under his first agreement with Sony/ATV, Doleac, who is also signed as an artist with Arista Nashville, earned songwriter cuts with Hootie & The Blowfish, Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, and Darius Rucker.

Doleac recently released his first single, “Famous,” to country radio; the song spent two weeks at No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway and earned more than 35 million global streams.

“I couldn’t be happier to re-sign with my Sony/ATV family,” said Doleac. “They have been big believers in me and my music since the very beginning, and for that, I will always be grateful. There’s no better team out there, and I’m excited to fill a few more blank pages of this journey with them.”

“I’m beyond excited to work alongside Adam for the next chapter of his career.” said Dane Schmidt, Creative Director at Sony/ATV. “I’m a huge advocate of great work ethic, and Adam has continued to show day in and day out he’s willing to go above and beyond to out work everyone. We’re thankful to be a part of his team, and look forward to our future together!”

The Recording Academy, MusiCares Launch COVID-19 Relief Fund

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The Recording Academy, along with its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares, have established a COVID-19 Relief Fund to aid music industry members affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the resulting cancellation of several music concerts, tours and events.

MusiCares will administer the fund, which will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need. Both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.

“Event cancellations are at unprecedented levels and the situation therefore requires an unprecedented response,” said Recording Academy Chair and interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “Many people in the industry are now in crisis, not knowing what the future holds or having to deal with dire commercial realities. We are asking the entire industry to stand with us to support the musicians, artists and professionals who are the bedrock and the future of our music community.

“It’s in times like these that many of us turn to music. Music can help us cope, and has the power to bring us together during a time when many of us might feel isolated. We encourage people everywhere to embrace the music industry which needs our help in these uncertain times.”

“The music industry is built on the work of musicians, artists, and music professionals,” adds MusiCares chair Steve Boom. “It is in times like these, that the industry needs to come together to support those who are struggling, particularly those who rely on touring incomes to survive. We know this fund will need to be significant. We will not be able to do it alone, and that’s why we are asking the entire music community including labels, streaming services, and anyone who is able to join us in this important effort. We’re all in when the good times roll, and it’s important that we’re all in when times are tough, too.”

Applicants should have at least five years of employment in the music industry, at least six commercially released recordings (singles), or at least six commercially or promotionally released music videos.

Applicants should also include the following information:

  1. a detailed music industry background documentation (articles, liner notes, letters from employers, etc.)
  2. a biography, resume or discography
  3. documentation of loss of income (copy of your contract, flyers or links to event sites listing your involvement in the canceled events, letter/email from employer identifying cancelation)
  4. a copy of lease or mortgage statement for mortgage consideration.

If you wish to support the Recording Academy’s efforts to assist music people in need, visit: grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit: musicares.org.  

New Heartland Group Enters Artist Management Space

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The New Heartland Group has launched an entertainment division, One Bullet Entertainment (1BE), which includes artist management as well as work in direct artist-to-brand partnerships. Paul Jankowski leads the new division.

Danielle Bradbery joins as the first artist signed to the new management company, while the new division has also announced that Lipton Tea retained 1BE to secure the Luke Bryan partnership, which includes Lipton’s sponsorship of Bryan’s “Proud To Be Right Here” tour.

“Paul and his team have been instrumental in managing all aspects of our Lipton brand partnership with music mega-star Luke Bryan,” said Pepsi-Lipton Partnership Brand Communications lead, Heather Simmons. “Paul has personally been involved in every step of the way.  He navigates inevitable challenges with urgency and professionalism, and keeps everything on track and moving forward.   Paul and his team are responsive and always willing to go the extra mile. Working with them is truly a pleasure.”

“Finding the right manager is as important as finding the right song,” said Bradbery. “There has to be deep mutual trust as well as an unwavering passion for the music.  There was no doubt that Paul and his team were the right fit for me, especially at this important phase of my career.  I love how they think strategically while really understanding me as an artist.  I’m excited to be One Bullet’s first artist!”

Jeff Van Driel Named GM/Global Administration For Concord

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Jeff Van Driel

Jeff Van Driel has joined Concord in the newly-created position of General Manager, Global Administration. Based in Concord’s Nashville headquarters, Van Driel will provide strategic and technical guidance on all Royalty, Copyright and Licensing administration for the company’s recorded music, publishing and theatricals businesses worldwide. He will report to Concord COO Jim Selby.

Since moving to the US from Canada 13 years ago, Van Driel has filled a variety of roles in the industry including 11 years at the classical label and distributor Naxos. He then took on the challenge of leading the music tech startup mVibe while also performing advisory, operational, legal, business affairs and administrative duties as a consultant for other companies.

“Jeff’s background in IT systems, best practices, finance, royalty and payment operations make him the ideal candidate for this much-needed new position at Concord,” says Concord COO Jim Selby. “He has a deep knowledge of how to integrate practical solutions and implement effective administrative technologies which will help to lead Concord’s team towards continued success and strategic growth.”

“I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the talented global team at Concord,” said Driel. “I have been impressed with the discipline and strategy that Concord employs in growing substantially through both acquisition and talent development while implementing supportive systems, forward-thinking procedures and a culture of diversity. I look forward to helping facilitate continued growth and ongoing success.”