Industry Ink: Big Loud Rock, Industry Kickball Clash, Sierra Hull, More
Big Loud Rock & Parallel Vision Sign Common People
Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Asher Thomson, Konrad Ulich, Darren Potuck, Nicky Winegardner, Cormac Cadden, Sam Belzer, Daniel Oakley, Brad Shultz, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donavan
Big Loud Rock and Parallel Vision, the label founded by Daniel Oakley, Darren Potuck and Cage the Elephant co-founder/guitarist Brad Shultz, has signed Common People. The band, comprised of Nicky Winegardner [vocals, guitar], Sam Belzer [guitar], Asher Thomson [guitar], Konrad Ulich [bass, vocals] and Cormac Cadden [drums], have released their debut single in celebration of the signing.
“We’re so fired up about Common People. They bring a chemistry and a songwriting instinct that’s impossible to ignore. We’re excited to work with Parallel Vision to bring their vision to life,” shares Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner and Big Loud Rock President.
Red Light Management & United Talent Agency Host Inaugural Kickball Tournament
Red Light Management & UTA
Red Light Management (RLM) and United Talent Agency (UTA) teamed up to host the first kickball match between the companies. Red Light Management defeated UTA 12–5 during the match, held at West Park near The Nations. Red Light client Grace Tyler kicked off the match with the national anthem. The organizations hope to make this a regular event celebrating camaraderie and community.
Sierra Hull Partners With Gibson To Release Custom Mandolin
Sierra Hull.
Sierra Hull and Gibson have teamed up to release a custom mandolin, making Hull the first-ever female artist to have a signature Gibson mandolin. On Oct. 7, Gibson will debut the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and the Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins worldwide. Both mandolins will arrive in a Sierra Burst VOS Varnish finish.
“We spent about two years talking and dreaming about what this mandolin would become,” says Hull. “The exciting thing for me is that the mandolin that I have played exclusively since 2009 was signed by Master Luthier David Harvey. It’s become my voice after so many years of playing it. Being able to work on this project with David personally gave me the confidence that we’d be able to achieve something unique, while still honoring the legacy and history of those beloved Master Model mandolins. It’s exciting and full circle to see these new mandolins with my name on them and his signature inside. When I finally played the prototype for the first time, I knew these instruments would be something that I could be proud of. They are hand-built with the highest level of quality by the team at Gibson—many folks who have worked there for years. Mandolins can also be very expensive. They take a lot of time and care to build right. If I’m going to put my name on something with that kind of price tag, it needs to be a great instrument and something long-lasting. I truly believe these mandolins are, and I’m really proud of that.”
“Sierra Hull is one of the most gifted mandolin players and singer-songwriters of our time,” says Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson. “She has redefined what’s possible on the mandolin and across the many genres she explores. Her signature models reflect her passion for the instrument and her uncompromising approach to tone and feel. Each one is built with pride, authenticity, and soul at the Gibson Custom Shop, and we’re honored to have worked with Sierra to bring them to life.”
Craig Campbell Hosts Kenny Campbell Foundation Benefit At The Ryman
Pictured (L-R): Jim Murphy, Music Choice; Buzz Jackson, KIIM/Tucson; Campbell; Rod Phillips, iHeart; Elaina Smith, Backstage Country; Ryan McKiddy, iHeart; Maynard, iHeart.
Craig Campbell gathered backstage with radio friends at the inaugural Kenny Campbell Foundation Benefit Concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The Kenny Campbell Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Craig Campbell to honor his father who lost his battle with Colorectal Cancer at age 36. The organization specializes in raising money for research hospitals and doctors that focus on finding a cure and preventative measures for the disease.
Tony Cottrill Inducted Into Ohio Country Music Hall Of Fame
Tony Cottrill & Jackie Thomas. Photo: Taylor Thomas
Tony Cottrill was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame on Saturday (July 26), becoming the first audio engineer ever inducted into the Hall.
A Ross County native, Cottrill’s journey in music began as a drummer in local bands before launching a career in sound engineering and live production. Over the years, he has toured and worked with Ronnie Milsap, Exile, Juice Newton, Diamond Rio and Jamey Johnson, and taught courses at Belmont University, SAE Institute, The Recording Workshop and more. He is also the owner of Lonely Dog Productions at The DAWg Houze Nashville North. Cottrill currently serves as production manager and co-producer for the nationally syndicated television show Jimmy Bowen & Friends
“To be the first audio engineer inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame is incredibly humbling,” reflects Cottrill. “I’ve spent my life behind the scenes helping others sound their best, and to be recognized for that work—especially here in my home state—means more than I can say. This honor is not just for me, but for every technician, educator and road warrior who helps bring music to life night after night.”
Country Cruising Adds Angie K, Noah Thompson & Taylor Austin Dye To Lineup
Country Cruising has added Angie K, Noah Thompson and Taylor Austin Dye to this year’s lineup. The cruise travels from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas this fall.
These artists join a previously announced lineup of over 30 artists including Trace Adkins, Clay Walker, LOCASH, the Song Suffragettes and many more. More information on lineups, itineraries and booking is available here.
