Industry Ink: Miranda Lambert, ASCAP, Shore Fire

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Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Shares The Holiday Spirit Both Locally & Nationally

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Acacia Evans

Miranda Lambert and Tractor Supply Company, the exclusive retailer for Lambert’s MuttNation pet line and pet foods, have teamed up to help animal shelters, both locally and nationwide.

The country music star recently visited Franklin, Tennessee’s Tractor Supply store to purchase thousands of dollars of pet food, toys and supplies before making surprise stops at three local shelters: Williamson County Animal Center, Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control and Nashville Humane Association.

“This time of year, it’s so important to remember shelter animals everywhere. These three shelters have been important local partners to MuttNation over the past several years, and we all know how tough it’s been for them. I just wanted show my appreciation,” Lambert explains.

Tractor Supply Company surprised Lambert and MuttNation by giving $1,000 gift cards to 10 shelters and rescues that help senior pets and/or pets with special needs.

 

ASCAP Hosts 12th Annual Christian Music Songwriters Workshop

Pictured (L-R, top row): Jason Tucker, David Yost, Jason Houser, ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Kezia Curry; (L-R, middle row): Joan Hammel, Kathleen Fowle, Mark Woodring, Zadeeg Haroian; (L-R, bottom row): Nancy Scimone, Angelica Wilshire, Naomie Celestin

The ASCAP Nashville membership team virtually hosted The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop earlier this month, bringing together 11 rising Christian songwriters.

The workshops was led by award-winning ASCAP songwriter, motivator and facilitator Jason Houser. The event’s two sessions included intensives on the craft of songwriting, the art of co-writing, how to find one’s writing voice, and how to find the right balance between melodies, chord progressions and lyrics.

Now in its 12th year, the workshop is part of an ongoing series designed to focus on the development and education of promising new songwriters.

 

Shore Fire Media Elevates Maria Eilert To Junior Account Executive

Maria Eilert. Photo: Jonathan Sommer

Shore Fire Media has promoted Maria Eilert to Junior Account Executive. Based in Nashville, Eilert was formerly a Publicity Assistant.

A Belmont University graduate, Eilert studied Music Business and graduated in November 2020. Prior to joining Shore Fire, she held internships at Shore Fire, Warner Records, and Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Eilert began at Shore Fire as an intern in January 2020, and joined as a Publicity Assistant a week after graduating in November 2020. She has been an integral part of campaigns for musicians and creators such as Scarypoolparty, Jacob Sartorius, The East Family, Giannina Gibelli, Simone De La Rue, Baby Shark Live, Jocelyn & Chris Arndt, The East Family, Doctor Mike, Lyte and more.

“Maria joined our team as an intern, only working in an office with us for a few short weeks before the pandemic shut down. Despite the distance, her thoughtfulness, enthusiasm and mind for publicity have made her instrumental on our team,” says Senior Account Executive Andrea Evenson. “Maria has grown tremendously as a publicist, and we are all thrilled to see her take on this new role.”

Purple Heart Recipient Inspires Song of Hope With CreatiVets’ December Release

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Nashville-based nonprofit CreatiVets and Big Machine Label Group have shared their new song, “I’m With You,” as part of the year-long campaign to release a veteran-written track on the 20th of every month—paying tribute to the 20 veterans and active-duty members that commit suicide every single day.

Written by Purple Heart veteran Adam Mitchell and his mentor Greg Pihs, alongside songwriters Brian Davis and Joel Shewmake, the track is a product of CreatiVets’ songwriting program, which pairs combat veterans with Nashville songwriters to help them learn to use music as a form of therapy.

Since sustaining several injuries to the head and neck while serving overseas in 2005, Mitchell has struggled with communication, memory and balance, and continues to navigate the difficulties of post-traumatic stress. Going into the program, he knew he wanted to write a song about his children. As a result, “I’m With You” became a message not only to his kids, but to the thousands of military families awaiting the return of their loved ones.

“I found Creativets on accident while looking for a veteran-based music learning program,” Mitchell shares. “I’ve always loved playing along to other people’s songs, but I never thought of writing my own for fear of being vulnerable… Since my experience with Creativets, I have gotten over the fear of showing who I am.”

Since 2013, CreatiVets has helped more than 1,000 combat veterans, with over 500 of them participating in its songwriting programs. Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets through Scott and Sandi Borchetta‘s Music Has Value Fund and through Big Machine Music, which serves as the nonprofit’s co-publisher.

Parker McCollum’s Fan Club NFT Sees First Week Sell Out

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Parker McCollum. Photo: Tyler Conrad

Since its release last week (Dec. 15), Parker McCollum‘s Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition has sold out. This was the first such fan club NFT released through MusicFX.io, a digital community connecting artists to their fan bases through NFTs.

In total, 1,000 fans purchased the Black Card: Signature Edition membership. Included with their purchase was an individually signed and numbered digital membership NFT, 12-month membership to the Gold Chain Cowboy Club, VIP access to future events, secret airdrops into their Parker McCollum MusicFX Collection, opportunities for meet & greet passes at Parker McCollum concerts & events, and more.

“I’m just blown away by this,” shares McCollum. “Seeing the love and support from my fans is just awesome. I want to thank all of you who joined up today, we’re going to have some amazing times together.”

Those who have become Black Cardholders will be automatically entered into the Gold Chain Cowboy Club sweepstakes, where a handful of members will win special prizes, all personally selected by the Platinum-selling country artist himself.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the response to Parker’s Signature Edition NFTs,” adds Billie-Jo Aasen, co-head of MusicFX. “We were confident we had something special on our hands, but Parker’s fans have taken this to the next level. I know there’ll be some disappointed people out there who missed out, but we’ll have some great news for you shortly.”

For more information on McCollum’s NFT, click here.

Nashville Symphony Ball Raises $1 Million For 2021, Brad Paisley Presents Harmony Award

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Pictured (L-R): Concertmaster Jun Iwasaki, Brad Paisley, Violinist Johna Smith, Tuba Player Gil Long, Nashville Symphony President & CEO Alan D. Valentine. Photo: Nathan Zucker

The Nashville Symphony Ball Committee has succeeded in its 2021 challenge to raise $1 million to support the symphony’s artistic and educational mission.

2021 Symphony Ball Chair Lisa Manning and 2021 Patron Party Host Sandi Borchetta. Photo: Kathy Thomas

Supporters attended a Patron Party on Tuesday, Dec. 7, which was hosted and underwritten by Founder, President and CEO of Big Machine Scott Borchetta and his wife Sandi.

The evening was followed by a fundraising concert on Dec. 11, only one day after the Symphony’s 75th anniversary. At the concert, the orchestra musicians were awarded the annual Harmony Award, presented by 2013 winner and country music icon Brad Paisley.

This year’s Symphony Ball was a full-length concert featuring world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. The concert’s program also showcased the orchestra’s commitment to contemporary American repertoire, including: Carlos Simon’s The Block, Kenji Bunch’s Groovebox Fantasy, and Joan Tower’s Made in America, the last of which was featured on the Nashville Symphony’s Grammy-winning 2007 recording.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have reached this fundraising goal of $1 million! I want to thank everyone who has supported the Symphony during this season and throughout its history,” says Lisa Manning, the 2021 Symphony Ball Chair.

“The funds raised each year by the Symphony Ball are essential to our serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee with a variety of musical and educational programs. We humbly thank each of this year’s supporters,” adds Alan D. Valentine, president & CEO of the Nashville Symphony.

Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, More Join Musicians On Call Virtual Holiday Concert

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For its second consecutive year, Musicians On Call (MOC) will host “Hope for the Holidays Presented by Citi,” a virtual concert exclusively for hospital patients, their families, and frontline caregivers. The concert will be available on-demand for patients and caregivers to view throughout the month of December.

The event, hosted by Cassadee Pope, will feature performances by country artists Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Brett Eldredge, and Maddie & Tae, among others.  There will also be holiday greetings in video messages from Amanda Shires, Caitlyn Smith, King Calaway, Sofia Carson, Lester Holt, Katy Perry, Billy Porter, Olivia Rodrigo, Bryce Vine, and X Ambassadors.

The concert event will also feature award-winning, multi-Platinum artists, such as Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, Grace Gaustad, Norah Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Leslie Odom Jr., Teddy Swims, Switchfoot and more.

“Hospitals are a tough place to be this time of year, but we know a dose of holiday music is exactly what’s needed to help lift spirits. Musicians On Call is honored to be joined by such incredible artists to put smiles on the faces of adult and pediatric patients, Veterans and caregivers everywhere,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Thanks to sponsors like Citi and the American Hospital Association, who believe so strongly in the healing power of music, we are proud to host the largest virtual holiday concert exclusively for hospitals.”

MOC will share the concert with its extensive network of hospitals around the country and has once again teamed up with the American Hospital Association (AHA) to provide access to more than 5,000 AHA member hospitals and health systems nationwide.

“We are honored to continue our support for Musicians On Call and this important cause, ‘Hope for the Holidays.’ The pandemic continues to impact all of us, but it has disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups, including our country’s hospitalized patients and their caregivers. Citi is deeply proud to help spread the healing power of music this holiday season to all those who tune in to this special virtual concert,” says Citi Interim CMO Tina Davis.

Warren Zeiders Pays Tribute To Some Of His Heroes On New Acoustic Album

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Singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders has released his new project, Acoustic Covers (Deluxe).

The record features Zeiders’ takes on some of the songs that shaped him, and paying tribute to some legendary voices as he strips their work down to its essence. The opening track, “Outskirts of Heaven” was produced by Craig Campbell, who also plays guitar and sings on Zeiders’ new version.

Zeiders also offers up a lowdown version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” and his takes on hip-hop tracks like Afroman’s “Colt 45” and Post Malone’s “Feeling Whitney.” He also delivers faithful versions of Jason Isbell’s impassioned “Cover Me Up” and Tyler Childers’ intimate “Lady May” on the new album.

Zeiders burst onto the country scene last summer with the release of his single “Ride The Lightning.” His debut 717 Tapes EP, quickly followed by a full band version of “Ride The Lightning,” racked up multi-millions in streams, downloads, and You Tube views. In a short time, he has already garnered over 200 million views on TikTok and more than 33 million streams across platforms.

Acoustic Covers (Deluxe) Track List:
1. Outskirts of Heaven featuring Craig Campbell (Campbell)
2. Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
3. Drunk Driving (Wetzel)
4. Stone (Myers)
5. Cover Me Up (Isbell)
6. Colt 45 (Afroman)
7. Lady May (Childers)
8. Feeling Whitney (Post Malone)
9. Porch Swing Angel (Muscadine Bloodline)
10. Nose on the Grindstone (Childers)
11. This Damn Song (Pecos & The Rooftops)

CJ Solar To Embark On ‘Nashville Hits The Roof’ Series In January

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CJ Solar will kick off the new year with a series of dates as part of  Tin Roof’s “Nashville Hits The Roof” Concert Series.

Solar is set to perform at eight Tin Roof locations beginning Jan. 6 in Birmingham and wrapping Feb. 4 in Delray Beach, Florida. The singer-songwriter will also make stops in Memphis, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and more. Additional markets are likely to be added.

“This is such a great way to kick off the new year,” shares Solar. “The Tin Roof folks are incredibly supportive of new artists, and this is just the beginning of some great news that will be coming next month.”

Solar, a Belmont University graduate, recently signed an exclusive publishing deal with Edgehill Music Publishing. He has penned No. 1 singles for Morgan Wallen (“Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line) and Jameson Rodgers (“Some Girls”), and has won ASCAP Awards for both songs. He also co-wrote Jason Aldean’s “I Don’t Drink Anymore,” Justin Moore’s “Between You & Me,” Jerrod Niemann’s “The Regulars” and Top 30 “Blue Bandana,” and more.

“Nashville Hits The Roof” Dates:
January 6 – Birmingham
January 7 – Memphis
January 8 – St. Louis
January 20 – Cincinnati
January 21 – Louisville
January 22 – Indianapolis
February 3 – Orlando
February 4 – Delray Beach, FL

Brett Eldredge To Host Virtual ‘Glow Live’ After Contracting COVID-19

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Brett Eldredge. Photo: Andrew Eccles

Self-proclaimed Mr. Christmas, Brett Eldredge, will be taking his “Glow Live” Christmas show virtual tonight (Dec. 20) after contracting COVID-19.

Since being forced to cancel his back-to-back shows at The Chicago Theatre on Dec. 17 and 18, the Warner Records’ country artist announced via social media that he will be doing his holiday set from quarantine tonight on Instagram live beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

“Thank you everybody for your love and support. I am feeling so much better, and I am healing up nicely,” Eldredge shared through his Instagram story. “I’m missing playing shows, so I figured I’m going to do ‘Glow Live’ from my quarantine.”

Similar to the in-person “Glow” show, Eldredge will share stories, songs, and holiday spirit with fans, while also delivering some of the tracks from his recently released Mr. Christmas holiday record.

“Everybody get your cup of cocoa, throw on your PJ’s or a tux or a dress. Whatever you wanna do and however makes you feel festive! It’s kind of a crazy time so escape the world for a little bit. Come join me.”

Chicago’s “Glow Live” shows have been rescheduled for Dec. 29 and 30, respectively. More information will be shared with ticketholders soon.

Oh Boy Records To Host Kentucky Tornado Relief Benefit Concert On Jan. 1

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Oh Boy Records is presenting “Music For Paradise: A Benefit For Western KY Tornado Relief,” a concert event supporting the Muhlenberg County Disaster Relief Fund and Team Western KY. It will take place Saturday, Jan. 1.

The even will feature performances from artists with close ties to the area, including Abby Hamilton, Brit Taylor, Brother Smith, Cole Chaney, Eric Bolander, Grayson Jenkins, John R. Miller, Justin Wells, Kelsey Waldon, Leah Blevins, Logan Halstead, Magnolia Boulevard, Nicholas Jamerson, Scott T. Smith, Senora May, Wayne Graham and Wolfpen Branch.

The benefit concert will support those affected by the devastating tornado that recently crossed the region and will take place at The Burl in Lexington, Kentucky. The show will also carry simultaneous livestream broadcasts. Tickets for both the livestream and in-person concert are on sale now.

“We are heartbroken at the devastation that has hit Muhlenberg County and so much of Western Kentucky,” says Oh Boy Records’ Jody Whelan. “It’s a place that the whole Prine and Oh Boy Records family holds dear to their heart. But it’s been incredible to see how many people have come together, so quickly, to help in any way they can. In particular, John’s fans have continually shown us how willing they are to honor him by their acts of generosity for those in need. ‘How lucky can one man get.’ The folks at The Burl have put a lot of work into putting this show together, and we’re really grateful to be able to help out in any way.”

In continued support of the community, Oh Boy is offering several additional ways to raise money for Kentucky Tornado Relief, including Muhlenberg County and “Kentucky Is Pretty Good” t-shirts, “Paradise” prints, and more.

H. Jack Williams Inks With Anthem, Copperline, B! Noticed Public Relations

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Anthem Senior Vice President Publishing Gilles Godard, Jack Williams, Anthem President Nashville Tim Wipperman; (L-R, back row): Anthem Creative Emma Martin, Anthem Creative Director Courtney Crist, Anthem Senior Creative Director Noah Dewey, Scott Safford, Attorney Safford & Motley; Anthem Marketing Director Lindsay Hayslop.

Songwriter, composer and artist H. Jack Williams has inked exclusive representation deals with three Nashville entities: Anthem Entertainment for sync placements and publishing, Copperline Entertainment in conjunction with Sony Orchard for global digital music distribution, and B! Noticed Public Relations for publicity.

The native of Eureka, Florida, began writing songs shortly after his 1971 discharge from the US Marines Force Recon. Years later, with a $50 loan and a one-way bus ticket, Williams landed in Nashville and signed a publishing deal with The Oak Ridge Boys, who soon recorded his songs “Seasons” and “Everybody Wins.” Williams had his first major hit co-writing Gregg Allman’s “Just Before The Bullets Fly.”

PIctured (L-R): H. Jack Williams and William Edwards, Copperline Entertainment.

Williams returned to Nashville in 2005, landing cuts with artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Black Stone Cherry, and on the Miracles From Heaven Soundtrack. He signed a publishing deal with Lynn Gann Music Enterprises in 2015, scoring more cuts, including Aaron Pritchett’s Top 10 hit “Dirt Road In ‘Em.”

Williams has also worked closely with Kevin Costner & Modern West, who has recorded two of Williams’ songs, including the Top 20 hit “Love Shine.” An Academy award-winning actor, Costner has also cut five of Williams’ tracks for his the TV series’ Tales From Yellowstone soundtrack.

“Jack has a unique ability to craft songs and create epic musical moments for television and film! He is one of the hardest working writers I know, and I look forward to celebrating hits and magical sync placements together! Welcome to the Anthem family Jack.” shares Gilles Godard, Senior VP Publishing, Anthem Entertainment Group.

“We are excited to provide Jack with digital opportunities and distribution in partnership with The Orchard. His depth in his lyrics and unique sound is something rare and we look forward to reaching new horizons alongside him,” offers William Edwards, Copperline Distribution.

“I am blessed to work with H. Jack Williams, on this music project, he is one of the most driven and tenacious people I know who has the biggest heart and compassion to touch others who need to hear his words,” adds Bev Moser, Owner, B! Noticed Public Relations.