Industry Ink: Anna Lemme, LoCash, Heartland, CMA, We Should Write Sometime

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Anna Lemme Promoted To Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager

Anna Lemme. Photo: Chris Hollo

Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Anna Lemme to Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager. Lemme, who previously served as Artist & Label Strategy Manager for OEG, will now oversee marketing and promotional strategies for the Grand Ole Opry.

The Blandford, Massachusetts native earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Music Business from Belmont University. With five years at OEG, Lemme began as an intern at Starstruck Entertainment before joining the company as Marketing Partnership Coordinator and rising to Artist & Label Strategy Manager. During her tenure, Lemme has helped discover and engage new talent for the Opry and led the planning of the Opry NextStage program.

 

LoCash Kicks Off Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival

LoCash. Photo: Courtesy of BMI

The third annual Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival, a collaboration between iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7 and BMI, recently drew country music fans from across Florida for more than 50 songwriter performances at the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida.

The four-day festival kicked off with a performance by LoCash and was followed by 12 BMI songwriters, including Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh, who all shared the stories behind their biggest songs.

 

 

Heartland Presented With Platinum Plaques For “I Loved Her First”

Pictured (L-R): Keith West, Herb Graham, Jason Albert and Chuck Crawford. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media

In 2006, Lofton Creek Records, owned and operated by Mike and Martha Borchetta, pushed Heartland’s debut single, “I Loved Her First,” to No. 1 in only 17 weeks. Nearly 20 years later, Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management has presented the band with Platinum plaques for the same song.

“It’s remarkable that our song continues to be the wedding song for so many families. What we created as a band and what Mike and Herb did as a team was just undeniable,” says Jason Albert, lead singer for Heartland. “We are back and making new music, so who knows what the next chapter will bring, however, we shall celebrate this victory with pride.”

“Incredible is all I know to say!” says Mike. “Every year, we re-release the song to radio, just in time for wedding season, and people still love it. It’s a song that will never fade away, and I am sure glad about that.”

 

 

CMA Foundation & ABC Donate $60,000 to Music Education Programs

During the American Idol finale on May 19, the CMA Foundation, together with ABC, donated a total of $60,000 to three music education programs. The funds were distributed by the three finalists in visits to their hometowns, each receiving $20,000

Jack Blocker, Abi Carter and Will Moseley surprised Texas Music Project in Dallas, Texas, Tools for Tomorrow in Indio, California and Pride of the Pinewoods Band in Hazlehurst, Georgia, respectively with the gifts.

“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”

Later this week, the CMA Foundation will debut a case study on arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. This study is part of ongoing efforts since 2011 to support music educators in creating programs. Additional initiatives include Music Teachers of Excellence grants, professional development, virtual field trips, digital series for students, and grants for music education organizations.

 

 

We Should Write Sometime Adds Three To Advisory Board

 

We Should Write Sometime, the app aimed at connecting songwriters globally, has added Craig Campbell, Randall Foster and Lance Goodman to its advisory board.

“As an artist and songwriter, I understand firsthand the importance of empowering creators in today’s music industry. WSWS’s dedication to connecting songwriters and fostering their success resonates with me,” explains Campbell. “It’s exactly what this industry needs, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute on that front. The entrepreneurial spirit behind WSWS aligns perfectly with my values, and I believe in their vision for the future of songwriting.”

“Having spent years in the music industry, I’m constantly drawn to innovation that empowers creators. WSWS, at the intersection of technology and music creators, is exactly that. My background makes me excited to contribute to WSWS’s vision. I can’t wait to collaborate with the team and be a part of something that fuels the success of songwriters and creatives Everywhere,” Foster adds.

Goodman shares, “I am thrilled to join the WSWS advisory board. My experience in the music tech and startup sectors has shown me the immense potential for technology to revolutionize the music industry. WSWS is at the forefront of this change, and I look forward to helping shape its future and support the incredible community of songwriters it serves.”

John Nix Arledge
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