The AMG Expands Staff; Adds Four Industry Executives

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Steve Bryan, Kristin Cantrell; (L-R, bottom row): Haley Teske, Ashley Van Nuck.

The AMG announced today (Oct. 19) that it has added industry executives Steve Bryan, Haley Teske, Kristin Cantrell, and Ashley Van Nuck.

Bryan and Teske have been added to The AMG’s Artist Management Team to work directly with artists on the company’s growing client roster.

Bryan is a 13-year industry veteran with substantial experience in business management, touring and artist management. Over the course of his career, he has worked with many artists including Bon Jovi, Florida Georgia Line and Eric Paslay.

Teske joins The AMG after spending nearly seven years working at WME. The former agent brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the live music industry.

“Our artists are our top priority, and we are constantly looking for ways to surround them with the best team in the business,” said The AMG CEO Rob Beckham. “Steve is an established manager who is well respected across the industry, and Haley is a smart and resourceful rising star. We are thrilled to have them join our team at AMG to help us better serve our clients.”

Additionally, industry executives Cantrell and Van Nuck have been added to The AMG’s leadership team.

Cantrell joins The AMG in the newly formed Chief Strategy Officer role to oversee the development and execution of corporate strategic initiatives, public relations and community outreach. Prior to joining The AMG, Cantrell was an executive at WME, managing PR and Events for the agency’s Nashville office.

Van Nuck joins The AMG as its Chief People Officer. In this role, she will supervise all aspects of human resource management and operations for the organization, as well as all corporate culture and wellness initiatives. Prior to joining The AMG, Van Nuck was Director of Human Resources for APA and worked in Human Resources at WME.

“The AMG staff has doubled over the last six months, and we are thrilled to add Kristin and Ashley to our leadership team,” said The AMG COO Kristy Reeves. “Their knowledge and experience combined with their innovative ideas and unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to identify growth opportunities and expand our reach within the industry.”

Cantrell and Van Nuck will join Beckham and Reeves to round out The AMG’s Executive Leadership Team.

Ashley Van Nuck can be reached at [email protected].

Kristin Cantrell can be reached at [email protected].

Haley Teske can be reached at [email protected].

Steve Bryan can be reached at [email protected].

Big Machine Music And Universal Music Publishing Group Sign Laci Kaye Booth

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Pictured (L-R, top row): UMPG Nashville Chairman/CEO Troy Tomlinson, BMM Creative Dir. Michelle Attardi, UMPG Sr. VP of A&R Cyndi Forman; (L-R, middle row): Red Light Management’s Rachel Silver, Laci Kaye Booth, Red Light Management’s Autumn House; (L-R, bottom row): BMM General Manager Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music and Universal Music Publishing Group on Monday jointly announced the signing of BMLG Records/19 Recordings artist and songwriter Laci Kaye Booth, to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. The American Idol alum is currently writing for her debut album.

Booth moved to Nashville following her time on season 17, which ended with her placing in the Top 5 thanks to her impressive covers of artists ranging from Brett Young to Miranda Lambert. She recently signed a record deal with BMLG Records and 19 Recordings.

BMM General Manager Mike Molinar said, “On behalf of myself, Michelle Attardi and our entire team at Big Machine Music, we are incredibly excited to work with an undeniable talent like Laci! It is truly a privilege to be part of her stellar team alongside our friends at UMPG, BMLG Records, 19 Recordings and her producer Dann Huff.”

Cyndi Forman, UMPG Nashville Sr. Vice President of A&R added, “When Laci first performed for our staff, we were all captivated by her voice and songwriting. She is building a great team around her and we’re excited to be part of it. Mike and Michelle share the same belief in Laci so it’s exciting to partner with them at Big Machine Music.”

“To be able to say I have one publishing partner is incredible but to be able to say I have two is insane,” said Booth. “When I met Troy [Tomlinson] and Cyndi, they understood who I am as an artist and songwriter immediately and when Mike and Michelle showed the same incredible passion for my songs…the rest is history. I’m so grateful to Universal Music Publishing Group and Big Machine Music for being willing to work together to create the best team I could ever ask for. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

HARDY Spends Fifth Week At Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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HARDY remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the fifth consecutive week, with co-writer credits on Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” Jameson Rodgers’ “Some Girls,” Robert Counts’ “What Do I Know,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell” and “One Beer.”

Josh Osborne remains at No. 2 this week, Jake Mitchell at No. 3 and Lance Miller at No. 4. Hillary Lindsey enters the top five with HARDY’s “One Beer,” Kelsea Ballerini’s “Hole In The Bottle,” and Jordan Davis’ “Almost Maybes.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Handwritten Lyrics Auction To Benefit Music Health Alliance COVID-19 Relief Plan

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An exclusive online charity auction, Handwritten Song Lyrics Benefiting Music Health Alliance, has launched at juliensauctions.com for advance bidding. Lyrics to Eric Clapton’s “Change The World,” Hall & Oates’ “Private Eyes,” Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “Midnight Train To Georgia,” Miranda Lambert‘s “Bluebird,” and Chris Stapleton’s “Broken Halos,” written on his Epiphone/AJ acoustic guitar, are among the highlights of the auction items available.

The auction will start closing in real time and in lot order for live bidding at 11:00 a.m. PT on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 with proceeds benefiting Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Plan, which was created to provide direct support for immediate needs of music industry professionals and their families during this public health crisis where many have lost their incomes.

Artists spanning pop, rock, country, blues/jazz, Americana, and gospel music personally donated handwritten lyrics of some of their most classic and famous hits to the initiative. Highlighted handwritten song lyrics signed by the songwriter and/or recording artist include:
  • Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, “Red Dirt Road”
  • Brandi Carlile, “The Joke”
  • Carlene Carter “Every Little Thing”
  • Rosanne Cash/Rodney Crowell, “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me”
  • Bruce Channel, “Hey Baby” (Released on Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack)
  • Terri Clark, “Better Things To Do”
  • Marc Cohn, “Walking in Memphis”
  • Shawn Colvin, “When Sunny Came Home”
  • Elvis Costello “Alison”
  • Rodney Crowell, “Shame on the Moon” (Recorded by Rodney Crowell and other artists including Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band in 1982)
  • Steve Earle, “Copperhead Road”
  • Peter Frampton, “Do You Feel The Way I Do”
  • Bill and Gloria Gaither, “Because He Lives”
  • Vince Gill, Medley of Hits: “When I Call Your Name,” “I Still Believe,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” and “Look At Us”
  • Amy Grant, Christmas Medley: “Breath Of Heaven,” “I Need a Silent Night,” “Tennessee Christmas,” and “Heirlooms”
  • Liz Rose, “White Horse” (Recorded by Taylor Swift)
  • Keb’ Mo’, “Life Is Beautiful”
  • Bryan Kennedy, “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association” (Recorded by Garth Brooks)
  • Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy Sims, “Change The World” (Recorded by Eric Clapton)
  • Miranda Lambert, “Bluebird”
  • Danny O’Keefe, “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues.” Recorded by Danny O’Keefe and other artists including Elvis Presely (1974), Willie Nelson (1984) and Dwight Yoakam (1997)
  • Thom Schuyler, “16th Avenue” (Recorded by Lacy J. Dalton)
  • Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos” written on his personal Epiphone/AJ acoustic guitar specifically for the auction (estimate: $1,000-$2,000)
  • Warren Pash, “Private Eyes” (Recorded by Hall & Oates) and signed by John Oates
  • Steve Wariner, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven”
  • Jim Weatherly, “Midnight Train To Georgia “(Recorded by Gladys Knight & The Pips)
  • Jimmy Webb, “Wichita Lineman” (Recorded by Glen Campbell) 2019 inductee, National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress

Jenna LaMaster Inks Co-Venture Deal With Sheltered Music And 50 Egg Music

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Pictured (L-R): Joey Harris, 50 Egg Music; Jenny Hall, Sheltered Music Publishing; Jonathan Singleton, 50 Egg Music; Tali Canterbury, 50 Egg Music; Darrell Franklin and Lance Freed, Sheltered Music Publishing; along with Jenna LaMaster

Jenna LaMaster has signed a co-venture deal with Sheltered Music and 50 Egg Music.

LaMaster was raised in California and spent time as a PRCA Rodeo Cowgirl in Texas before moving to Nashville to pursue a career as an artist and songwriter. She counts her deep-seated love for ’90s country as a primary influence in her own songwriting style.

Sheltered Music is the Nashville branch of Lance Freed’s All Clear Music, a company that in its first year has already completed deals with Burt Bacharach, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell, as well as established a creative development partnership with superstar producer Dann Huff. Sheltered Music is under the leadership of longtime publishing executive Darrell Franklin.

“For us to be able to pull our strengths together and deliver for an incredibly talented performer and writer of Jenna’s unique ability is beyond exciting,” Franklin said.

50 Egg Music is a full-service artist development and publishing company co-owned by Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, and publishing/A&R executive Tali Canterbury. Since its inception, 50 Egg Music has been a part of nine No. 1 songs and continues to build an incredibly diverse roster which includes Ashland Craft, Tyler Braden, Shane Minor, Rob Snyder, Kenton Bryant, Reid Isbell, Rob Pennington, and Jacob Lutz.

“From the moment we met Jenna, we knew there was a special sparkle about her. Not only is she an incredibly gifted singer, but also a songwriter wise beyond her years. We are very lucky that she chose to work with our team and cannot wait for the world to hear her music,” said Canterbury.

“I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to work with such motivated, hardworking, and enthusiastic people,” LaMaster said. “To have such well respected companies like Sheltered Music and 50 Egg Music join forces to create my ‘dream team’ is so honoring. They felt like family from the moment I walked in the door, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to call home.”

Josh Ronen Lands Joint Venture Deal With Arts & Crafts Music And Demolition Music

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Amy Eligh, Dir. of Publishing & Licensing at Arts & Crafts Music; Michael August, GM/Staff Writer at Demolition Music; Chloe Benner, Publishing and Licensing Coord. at Arts & Crafts Music; Lauren Spahn, Attorney at Shackelford Law. (L-R, middle row): Amanda Cooksey, A&R and Head of PR at Demolition Music; Adam Epstein, Head of A&R at Demolition Music; Josh Ronen, Staff Writer; Jamie Dryburgh, Creative Dir. at Demolition Music. (L-R, bottom row): Steve Bloch, Creative Consultant at Demolition Music; Sumiko Sprinkle; Shane Barrett, Song Plugger/Creative Consultant at Demolition Music; Jon D’Agostino, President of Demolition Music/ Staff Writer

Songwriter/producer Josh Ronen has signed a joint venture with Demolition Music and Arts & Crafts Music Publishing. The Chicago native wrote and produced LAVA Records artist somegirlnamedanna’s “Kitchen Table” as well as up-and-coming country artist Julia Cole’s “Side Piece,” which has garnered over one million views on TikTok. He has also had placements on The CW, The Young and the Restless, CBS, and NBA Gametime Live.

Ronen recently co-wrote rising country artist Spencer Crandall’s new song “Things I Can’t Say” featuring Julia Cole. Since the release on Sept. 11, the song has been picked up by Spotify’s Hot Country Playlist and currently has 2 million streams and counting.

“Ever since my first conversations with Demolition and Arts & Crafts, I’ve been blown away by the depth and range of their creative work with writers and artists. I’m excited to be joining such a great team and look forward to a long and successful relationship,” says Ronen.

“We are looking forward to enhancing our already great relationship with Arts & Crafts Music Publishing and combining our strengths to propel Josh’s career. Adding Josh to our team means we get to bring in someone who has a songwriting arsenal. He’s a writer and producer with pop, country, and tv/film sensibilities. I’m really excited about the depth he adds to our already stellar roster,” says President of Demolition Music Jon D’Agostino.

“Arts & Crafts is excited about this new partnership with Demolition Music and Josh Ronen. The team at Demolition is world class and Josh’s talent and dedication is a force that we’re honoured to be a part of. This exciting new relationship will further develop Arts & Crafts presence in the Nashville music community,” says Amy Eligh, Dir. of Publishing and Licensing at Arts & Crafts.

Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town To Help Raise Awareness On Opry Goes Pink Show

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Little Big Town is among the performers on Saturday’s Opry Goes Pink.

The Opry’s 12th annual Opry Goes Pink show will take place October 24 with a huge lineup set to support the fight against breast cancer. Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, and Rita Wilson with Victoria Shaw and Erin Kinsey are all slated to perform on the special show, which will be the Opry’s 4,797th Saturday night broadcast.

The show will have an in-venue audience of 1,100 in compliance with plans developed with the Nashville Public Health Department that include socially distanced seating, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices. Throughout the show, fans will learn more about the fight against breast cancer and the work of Susan G. Komen and be invited to donate to the cause.

Opry Goes Pink will air at 7 p.m. CT on Circle and Gray TV stations as well as DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV, and other affiliates in addition to a companion livestream hosted by Carly Pearce on Circle All Access Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Thomas Archer Signs With Madfun Music And Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Madfun Music’s Alicia Pruitt, Thomas Archer

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Madfun Music have signed a global co-publishing agreement with hitmaker Thomas Archer, co-writer of No. 1 songs including Jason Aldean’s current smash “Got What I Got,” and the Luke Combs hits “Lovin’ on You” and “Hurricane.”

Madfun Music is the new music publishing division of Madfun Entertainment, the full-service talent management company launched in 2018 by longtime publisher Alicia Pruitt in association with Red Light Management.

Pruitt says, “Thomas has the ability as a songwriter to make you believe he has lived every word he writes. That is what I love about his songwriting. With his work ethic and true love for music, I knew I wanted to work with him the first time we met. I’m thrilled to have him as part of this team and look forward to celebrating lots of wins together with my Warner Chappell family.”

Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville adds, “Thomas is one of the hottest writers in Music City and we’re over the moon to be on his team. We’re also excited to keep growing with Alicia and adding even more good times to our shared successful history.”

Archer also co-wrote Walker Hayes’ “You Broke Up With Me,” which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart. Archer has more than 60 cuts by other artists including Mitchell Tenpenny, Dustin Lynch, Jon Langston, Jordan Rager, Colt Ford, Waterloo Revival, and Payton Smith.

Laura Leigh Jones Signs With Billy Blue Music Publishing

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Pictured: (standing) Tyler Robertson (Laura Leigh Jones’ husband); Rick Shelton (Vice President of Music Publishing, Daywind Music Group); Ed Leonard (President, Daywind);
(seated) Laura Leigh Jones, Joe Dan Cornett (Creative Director of Billy Blue Publishing)

Laura Leigh Jones has signed with Billy Blue Music Publishing, part of Nashville’s Daywind Music Group.

Raised on country, bluegrass, and roots music on the Virginia/Carolina line, Jones has been writing and performing since her pre-teens. Growing up she performed with her family’s bluegrass band The Cana Ramblers, a group that garnered national attention with its final album release in 2009. After moving to Nashville in 2011, she began penning songs with some of Music City’s top hit makers, and several years later released her own solo EP featuring six originals. Jones’ most recent cut is “Poison” on Sierra Hull’s album, 25 Trips.

“I’m so excited to add Laura Leigh to our Billy Blue Music Publishing roster,” said Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director of Billy Blue Publishing. “The first thing that drew me to Laura Leigh, in addition to her songwriting skill, was the bubbly personality that is apparent the moment you meet her. She is also a walking encyclopedia of bluegrass music knowledge and the lineage of the genre.”

 

Garth Brooks Announces Two New Albums

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Photo: Copyright 2019 Blue Rose, Inc.

Garth Brooks is planning the release of two new albums on Nov. 20: his 12th studio effort, FUN, and a live album, Triple Live Deluxe.

The country superstar shared the news Monday morning via a video message and also invited fans to a live interactive preview of the albums on his TalkShopLive channel on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. ET.

FUN is home to 14 tracks including “Dive Bar,” his collaboration with Blake Shelton, a cover of “Shallow” with Trisha Yearwood, as well as “All Day Long” and “Stronger Than Me.” Brooks previously offered a digital-only release of seven tracks from FUN exclusively on Amazon. In November, there will be a standard edition of the album as well as a limited edition with a holographic foil cover.

The upcoming live album was recorded during the three-and-a-half year Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood, and the record shattering Stadium Tour. Triple Live Deluxe will have 30 tracks on three CDs in a slim jewel case. There will be six different album covers and each will include a booklet with photos from the road.

Brooks’ first live record was his two-disc album Double Live, recorded during the 1996-1998 World Tour. With 21 million units sold, it’s the best selling live album in history.

Photo: Copyright 2019 Blue Rose, Inc.