Downtown Music Publishing To Administer Big Yellow Dog Catalog

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big-yellow-dog-downtownDowntown Music Publishing has signed on to administer the catalog of independent music publishing and artist development company, Big Yellow Dog Music.

Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog represents Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, Maren Morris and more. Among Big Yellow Dog’s hits are Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Lips Are Movin” and “No”; Morris’ “My Church” and “80s Mercedes”; Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” co-written by Kear; and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” both co-written by Kear.

Big Yellow Dog Music also has songs recorded by Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Demi Levato and Rascal Flatts. Their film, television and brand division had over 400 placements in 2016 including uses by JCPenney, How to Get Away with Murder, Shades of Blue, HP, Mad Max: Fury Road, Moana, Peanuts, T-Mobile, and The Edge of Seventeen.

“Kerry O’Neil, Co-Owner, Big Yellow Dog Music, has been a true friend to Downtown for many years and we have always admired the company that Carla Wallace, Co-owner and CEO, and Kerry have built,” said Andrew Sparkler, Downtown’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Operations. “We are thrilled to strengthen our long-standing relationship with them by welcoming Big Yellow Dog Music and their world class catalog to the Downtown family.”

“Today’s business environment is as challenging and fast-paced as any in our 18 years of business,” Big Yellow Dog’s Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace said in a statement. “Being able to align our company with such a serious player in copyright administration is a great opportunity for us and our writers.”

Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is headquartered in New York with offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Shania Twain Exhibit Coming To Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

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Shania Twain

Shania Twain

Shania Twain will be honored with an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The yet-to-be-titled exhibit will open June 26, 2017 and run through June 17, 2018.

Twain is subject of the second artist exhibit revealed by the Country Music Hall of Fame this week. Yesterday (Jan. 9), it was announced that an exhibit honoring Jason Aldean will open May 26, 2017 and will run through Nov. 5, 2017. The announcements are part of a social media giveaway, where a complete slate of exhibitions planned for the calendar year are announced each day with opportunities for fans to win a lifetime membership or a flyaway for two to attend the VIP opening of that day’s announced exhibit.

Warner/Chappell Production Music To License CPM Music Library In U.S., Canada

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wcpmWarner/Chappell Production Music, Warner Music Group’s production music department, has announced the CPM Music Library is available for licensing in the U.S. and Canada. Warner/Chappell Production Music took ownership of the catalog in 2010, and has since represented the collection outside of the US and Canada. With the addition of the US and Canada, Warner/Chappell Production Music now represents CPM worldwide through its global offices and sub publishing relationships.

CPM, formerly Carlin Production Music, is comprised of over 40,000 tracks spanning three series: main series, archive series and classical series. Produced by Warner/Chappell Production Music’s own London production team, CPM got its start in 1988 and has grown its reputation since, gaining a following based on its wide range of musical genres and high production standards.

“CPM has a long history and contains a wealth of versatile music across every genre imaginable,” said Warner/Chappell Production Music President & CEO Randy Wachtler.  “We are extremely proud to represent such a well-regarded production music catalog across the US and Canada, and look forward to building on its already fantastic reputation.”

 

Graceland Expansion, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis,” Set to Open March 2

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Graceland

Elvis Presley’s Graceland will officially open its new $45 million, 200,000-square-feet, state-of-the-art entertainment complex, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis,” on March 2, 2017.

The expansion is currently under construction across the street from Graceland and on the Grand Opening Celebration weekend Graceland will welcome visitors from around the world to its largest expansion since first opening to the public in 1982. The opening four days (March 2-5) will feature major events each day, including live concerts.

In “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” fans can experience a new “Ultimate VIP” tour, Graceland’s most exclusive tour option. On it a small group of visitors are taken on a journey through Elvis Presley’s life story touring Graceland, the new Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, Elvis Discovery Exhibits, Elvis’ Custom Jets and an exclusive Ultimate VIP Tour Exhibit.

The cornerstone of the “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” experience is “Elvis: The Entertainer,”celebrating Elvis’ music, movie and live touring career. The museum will feature hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, from Elvis’ early days in Tupelo, Mississippi, through his first recording session in Memphis, rise to fame, Hollywood career, Army service, life at Graceland, the Vegas years and more.

A 20,000-square-foot soundstage will play host to a variety of live music acts during the Grand Opening Celebration, showcasing the rich music history of Memphis and the best of Memphis music today. With theater seating for 1,700, the Soundstage will provide a venue for live music performances and movie screenings and premieres and will be available for private events, corporate meetings, conferences and trade show exhibitions.

The new facility will also feature two theme restaurants named for Elvis’ parents, Gladys and Vernon. Gladys’ Diner will feature classic American fare, including Elvis’ favorite, grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Vernon’s Smokehouse will feature authentic Memphis BBQ, smoked in-house. A coffee bar and ice cream shop will also be located within the complex.

Tickets for “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” are now available for opening weekend and throughout the rest of 2017, as a combined ticket with the Graceland Mansion tour, at graceland.com.

Artist Updates: Hunter Hayes, Trace Adkins, Kacey Musgraves, Lee Brice, Mel Tillis, Carmen Justice

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Hunter Hayes, Trace Adkins, Kacey Musgraves Set For The Movies

Hunter Hayes. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Hunter Hayes. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Hunter Hayes performed “All for You” on Jan. 5 on ABC’s Good Morning America, in advance of the song’s appearance in the soundtrack of the new Paramount movie Monster Trucks, in theaters Jan. 13.

Kacey Musgraves and Northern Ireland’s Foy Vance created a song titled “Moonshine” for the Ben Affleck picture Live by Night, which also goes nationwide Jan. 13.

Trace Adkins joins Dennis Quaid and Cloris Leachman in the cast of I Can Only Imagine, a faith-based movie due out in 2018. Also, Rascal Flatts‘ country ballad “Bless the Broken Road” is the title of a movie that features the acting debut of former NFL player LaDanian Tomlinson. It is set to hit theaters Feb. 10.

 

Lee Brice And Wife Expecting Third Child

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Congratulations to Lee Brice and his wife Sara, who are expecting another baby, Brice confirmed to People. The baby will be the couple’s third child, joining big brothers Ryker Mobley, 3, and Takoda, 8. “Our whole family is thrilled to welcome our third child,” said Brice. “Takoda and Ryker are so excited and Sara is more beautiful than ever. We can’t wait for our new little one to get here this summer.”

 

Mel Tillis Recovering In Florida

Mel TillisMel Tillis is still recovering from his hospitalization from diverticulitis and resulting colon surgery last year. Tillis traveled from Nashville to his home state of Florida in November and is currently resting and undergoing physical therapy at his home in Ocala, according to his publicist Don Murry Grubbs, who adds, “His vitals are good and his sense of humor is very much intact.  He is trying to get stronger and we are hopeful that will be the case now that he’s back at home.  He misses all of his loyal fans and is beyond thankful for all of the well wishes.  Your continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

 

Carmen Justice To Release Solo Project

Carmen Justice

Carmen Justice, former front-woman for CCM girl band 1GN, is stepping out on her own as a solo artist, according to CCM Magazine. Her new single “Flaming Arrows,” will be available on all digital platforms on Jan. 20 with an EP to follow later this year. 

1GN, formerly known as 1 Girl Nation, is a Nashville-based band affiliated with Provident Label Group’s Reunion Records. The group’s first album released in 2013, followed by the sophomore project, Unite, in 2016.

Free Hearing Tests To Be Offered During CRS 2017

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CRS 2017 LogoCountry Radio Seminar will offer free hearing tests at CRS 2017, courtesy of Starkey Hearing Technologies.

Screening will be available on-site at CRS, starting Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 24 and will be administered by Starkey Hearing Technologies’ staff and hearing audiologists.  Starkey will have an exhibit in the center of the Broadway pre-function exhibit space at the Omni Hotel, where attendees can sign up to have their hearing tested in a private testing room on the 3rd floor. The test averages about 7-10 minutes. Results and free consultations will be provided on-site.

Starkey Hearing Technologies develops, manufactures and distributes hearing aids via three distinct brands – Audibel, NuEar and its original brand, Starkey. 

Nashville ENT, Audiology, at St. Thomas West, serves as the local partner, with Dr. Nancy Morgan providing all local attendees with consultation and referrals. A national database of certified audiologists will be available on-site to provide referrals to out of state attendees.

Bill Mayne, CRS Executive Director states, “Working in an industry where music is our life and livelihood, the ability to hear is crucial.  I know, I got my 19-year-old ears back! CRS is proud to offer these tests FREE to our registrants, as the average costs for these tests are between $250-$450, depending on provider. We need to hear ALL the music! We are so proud to partner with the great folks at Starkey to make this possible!”

Karen Spaeth, Director of PR & Customer Experience adds, “We are proud to join Country Radio Seminar in this opportunity to help educate attendees on their hearing and help identify hearing loss. We know first-hand how hearing loss can impact how music is heard and enjoyed. For those who we find do have hearing loss, this is also a great opportunity for them to learn about our ‘Made for Music’ Muse hearing aids, which feature a unique processing technology designed specifically for music. In fact, it was developed with the help of professional musicians and composers and hearing aid wearers.”

CMA To Honor Randy “Baja” Fletcher With CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award

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Randy “Baja” Fletcher

Randy “Baja” Fletcher

Randy “Baja” Fletcher will be honored with the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual CMA Touring Awards (formerly known as the SRO Awards). CMA Touring Awards will be presented in Nashville at Marathon Music Works on Monday, Jan. 23. The evening will be hosted by CMA Awards winner Kristian Bush.

The CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award is for an individual who has accomplished the highest level in the country music field of touring.

“Over the course of his amazing career, Baja has worked with countless artists, concerts, and events. He has been an integral part of some of the genre’s most ambitious tours, the careers of some of Country Music’s biggest icons, and the Country community. The respect that everyone who has ever worked with Baja has for him proves that he is a perfect fit to be the first recipient of this Award,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Fletcher’s touring career began at the age of 17 with Bill Deal and the Rhondels. He traveled with the band up and down the East Coast on solo dates, as well as part of packaged shows of the era that included pop and Motown artists. In May of 1969, Fletcher’s career was briefly interrupted while he served in the US Army, including a tour of Vietnam. After his tour of duty, he returned to work with the Rhondels.

While working as a concert stage manager in 1973, he made a connection that would land him a job on the road with rock legends ZZ Top, with whom he would tour for much of the mid ‘70s, including the notable Worldwide Texas Tour. In 1978, he began a 10-year run as stage and production manager for Waylon Jennings. During this time he also co-toured with country artists Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Willie Nelson, and many more. In 1988 he began working with Randy Travis on Travis’ first headlining tour, whom he would continue with for five years.

When Travis took a break from touring at the end of 1992, Fletcher began working with then-newcomer duo Brooks & Dunn. For the next 18 years he served as production manager for their tours. Following his time with Brooks & Dunn, Fletcher opened the current chapter of his career in 2011 when he took on the role as production manager for Keith Urban, with whom he tours currently.

Former Streamsound Offices For Sale

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The former Streamsound offices, located at 320 Southgate Court in Brentwood, are up for sale. The 10,970-square-foot freestanding office building includes 10 offices, two writers’ rooms/offices, a large 87′ x 66′ open area, and 35 parking spaces.

Byron Gallimore, producer/co-producer behind more than 50 hits for artists including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sugarland and more, launched Streamsound in 2012, alongside Jim Wilkes. The label’s debut artist was Jaida Dreyer. The company operated from the Brentwood location beginning in 2013.

For more, visit colliers.com.

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‘Nashville’ CMT Premiere Gives Network a Five-Year Best

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nashville-2016

Nashville’s debut on CMT last Thursday night (Jan. 5) drew a considerably smaller audience than it had on ABC, but also landed the network its best original premiere numbers since 2012, according to the Hollywood Reporter. For the show’s four airings across CMT and Nick at Nite, the two-hour launch achieved just shy of a 0.8 rating among adults 18-49 with nearly two million viewers.

On CMT alone, where the series will debut original episodes before subsequent streaming on co-financier Hulu, the first airing averaged 1.2 million viewers and a .45 rating in the key demo. In comparison, the finale broadcast season of Nashville on ABC averaged a live 1.0 rating among adults 18-49 and 4.2 million viewers. With just DVR, no streaming, the drama rose to a 1.8 rating among adults 18-49 and 6.6 million viewers.

Since moving to CMT the show’s costs are now shared by CMT and Hulu, but the star-studded cast isn’t contractually obligated to stay beyond the current 22 episodes.

Industry Ink: Maren Morris, Marshall Tucker Band, T.J. Martell Foundation

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Maren Morris To Be Honored At Music Biz 2017

Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville

Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present the Breakthrough Artist Award to rising star Maren Morris at the Music Biz 2017 convention’s awards luncheon on May 18 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Fueled by the Platinum-certified single “My Church,” Morris won New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, received the Breakthrough Artist Award at Billboard’s annual Women in Music Gala, and is also nominated for four 2017 Grammy awards, including Best New Artist and Best Country Album for Hero.

Morris joins past Music Biz Breakthrough Artist Award recipients Carrie Underwood, John Legend, The Killers, Nicki Minaj, Emeli Sandé, Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Sam Hunt, and Halsey.

 

Marshall Tucker Bands Signs With New Management

Photo ID L to R: Darren Hagen (Red Light), B.B. Borden (MTB), Tony Black (MTB), Rick Willis (MTB), Steve Lassiter (APA), Marcus Henderson (MTB), Cass Scripps (APA), Doug Gray (MTB), Charlie Brusco (Red Light), Jeff Hill (APA), Matt McGuire (APA) Photo credit: Steve Lowry

Pictured (L-R): Darren Hagen (Red Light), B.B. Borden (MTB), Tony Black (MTB), Rick Willis (MTB), Steve Lassiter (APA), Marcus Henderson (MTB), Cass Scripps (APA), Doug Gray (MTB), Charlie Brusco (Red Light), Jeff Hill (APA), Matt McGuire (APA)
Photo: Steve Lowry

The Marshall Tucker Band has signed with Red Light Management and APA for management and booking. Red Light’s Charlie Brusco and Darren Hagen will helm the band’s day-to-day management, with APA’s Steve Lassiter handling booking.

“Doug Gray and I have been friends for over 40 years; making this announcement both thrilling and fulfilling,” says Brusco.  “The Marshall Tucker Band has always been a definitive and incendiary live band, I’m happy to report that they still are, as I reaffirmed at a recent concert in Atlanta. The Marshall Tucker Band and their legacy has deep roots in all of our lives and we are very honored and thrilled that they are joining Red Light Management.”

 

T.J. Martell Foundation’s Southern Regional Headquarters Relocates

unnamed-1The T.J. Martell Foundation’s southern regional headquarters has moved. They are now located at 1114 17th Avenue South, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37212. The new phone number is 615-256-2002.