Nominees Announced For iHeartRadio Music Awards

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Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt, Zac Brown Band and Thomas Rhett are among the nominees for the upcoming iHeartRadio Music Awards, slated to air Sunday, April 3, on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony will be held at The Forum in Los Angeles.

This year’s event features awards in 31 categories, including several new honors such as Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Best Group/Duo of the Year, Best Tour, Country Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

Tickets go on sale for the general public on Saturday (Feb. 13) at 10 a.m. PST.

Nominees For iHeartRadio Music Awards 2016 

Country Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Blake Shelton
· Brad Paisley
· Luke Bryan
· Sam Hunt
· Thomas Rhett

Country Song of the Year:
· “Buy Me A Boat” – Chris Janson
· “Homegrown” – Zac Brown Band
· “I See You” – Luke Bryan
· “Lose My Mind” – Brett Eldredge
· “Take Your Time” – Sam Hunt

Female Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Adele
· Carrie Underwood
· Meghan Trainor
· Selena Gomez
· Taylor Swift

Male Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Ed Sheeran
· Justin Bieber
· Luke Bryan
· Sam Smith
· The Weeknd

Best New Artist:
· Fetty Wap
· Hozier
· Sam Hunt
· Shawn Mendes
· Tove Lo

Best Duo/Group of the Year: (New Category)
· Fall Out Boy
· Maroon 5
· One Direction
· Walk The Moon
· Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year: (New Category)
· 1989 – Taylor Swift
· 25 – Adele
· Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd
· In the Lonely Hour – Sam Smith
· X – Ed Sheeran

Song of the Year:
· “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift
· “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
· “Hello” – Adele
· “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
· “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

Best Tour: (New Category)
· Foo Fighters
· Garth Brooks
· Luke Bryan
· Taylor Swift
· U2

Alternative Rock Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· AWOLNATION
· Foo Fighters
· Muse
· Twenty One Pilots
· X Ambassadors

Alternative Rock Song of the Year:
· “Cigarette Daydreams” – Cage The Elephant
· “Ex’s & Oh’s” – Elle King
· “Renegades” – X Ambassadors
· “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
· “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots

Rock Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Breaking Benjamin
· Disturbed
· Five Finger Death Punch
· Foo Fighters
· Three Days Grace

Rock Song of the Year: (New Category)
· “Cut The Cord” – Shinedown
· “Failure” – Breaking Benjamin
· “Footsteps” – Pop Evil
· “Heavy Is The Head” – Zac Brown Band featuring Chris Cornell
· “I Am Machine” – Three Days Grace

Dance Song of the Year:
· “Hey Mama” – David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
· “Lean On” – Major Lazer & DJ Snake featuring MØ
· “Waves” – Mr. Probz
· “Where Are Ü Now?” – Skrillex & Diplo with Justin Bieber
· “You Know You Like It” – DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge

Dance Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Calvin Harris
· David Guetta
· Major Lazer
· Skrillex & Diplo
· Zedd

Hip Hop Song of the Year: (New Category)
· “Blessings” – Big Sean featuring Drake & Kanye West
· “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” – Rich Homie Quan
· “Hotline Bling” – Drake
· “Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap
· “Truffle Butter” – Nicki Minaj featuring Drake & Lil Wayne

Hip Hop Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Big Sean
· Drake
· Fetty Wap
· Future
· J. Cole

R&B Song of the Year: (New Category)
· “Bitch Better Have My Money” – Rihanna
· “Earned It” – The Weeknd
· “Planes” – Jeremih featuring J. Cole
· “Post To Be” – Omarion featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko
· “The Hills” – The Weeknd

R&B Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Beyoncé
· Chris Brown
· The Weeknd
· Trey Songz
· Usher

Latin Song of the Year: (New Category)
· “Ay Vamos” – J Balvin
· “El Perdón” – Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
· “Hilito” – Romeo Santos
· “La Gozadera” – Gente De Zona featuring Marc Anthony
· “Mi Verdad” – Maná featuring Shakira

Latin Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Enrique Iglesias
· J Balvin
· Nicky Jam
· Pitbull
· Prince Royce

Regional Mexican Song of the Year: (New Category)
· “Aunque Ahora Estés Con Él” – Calibre 50
· “Eres Una Niña” – Gerardo Ortiz
· “Levantando Polvadera” – Voz de Mando
· “Mi Vicio Más Grande” – Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
· “Te Mestiste” – Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: (New Category)
· Banda Los Recoditos
· Calibre 50
· Gerardo Ortiz
· Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
· Voz De Mando

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
· “Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
· “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
· “Hello” – Adele
· “Photograph” – Ed Sheeran
· “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth

Best Collaboration: *Socially Voted Category
· “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar
· “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” – Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend
· “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
· “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
· “Where Are Ü Now?” – Skrillex & Diplo with Justin Bieber

Best Cover Song: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
· “1989” (Album in Full) – Ryan Adams covering Taylor Swift
· “Bad Blood” – Alessia Cara covering Taylor Swift
· “Bitch Better Have My Money” – Kelly Clarkson covering Rihanna
· “Cheerleader” – Pentatonix covering Omi
· “Hands To Myself/Sorry” – Troy Sivan covering Selena Gomez And Justin Bieber
· “Hello” – Demi Lovato covering Adele
· “Hotline Bling” – Justin Bieber covering Drake
· “Hotline Bling” – Sam Smith & Disclosure covering Drake
· “Trap Queen” – Ed Sheeran covering Fetty Wap
· “Uptown Funk” – Fifth Harmony, Jasmine V, Jacob Whitesides and Mahogany Lox covering Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

Best Song from a Movie: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
· “Earned It” – The Weeknd (50 Shades of Grey)
· “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding (50 Shades of Grey)
· “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth (Furious 7)
· “Til It Happens To You” – Lady Gaga (The Hunting Ground)
· “Writing’s On The Wall” – Sam Smith (Spectre)

Most Meme-able Moment: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
· Adele and all of the “Hello” memes (Lionel Richie, Miss Piggy, Etc.)
· Drake and “Hotline Bling”
· Katy Perry and the Left Shark (from Super Bowl 49)
· Kanye West and Kanye For President / Kanye 2020
· Taylor Swift’s “Crazy Girl” with Running Mascara (from “Blank Space” video)

Best Fan Army: *Socially Voted Category
· 5 Seconds of Summer ­ 5SOSFam
· Adam Lambert – Glamberts
· Ariana Grande – Arianators
· Demi Lovato – Lovatics
· Fifth Harmony – Harmonizers
· Justin Bieber – Beliebers
· Little Mix – Mixers
· Nicki Minaj – Barbz
· One Direction – Directioners
· Selena Gomez – Selenators
· Shawn Mendes – Mendes Army
· Taylor Swift – Swifties

Acme Radio Will Launch Feb. 10 From Downtown Studio

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ACME 2

Downtown Nashville restaurant/venue Acme Feed & Seed, in partnership with TuneIn, will launch Acme Radio on Wednesday (Feb. 10) via TuneIn’s app.

From a state-of-the-art studio on site, Acme Radio will focus on music from Nashville, as well as live-streamed concerts from any one of its four floors.

Tom Morales, owner of Acme Feed & Seed, said, “If you are one of the best musicians in Nashville, you are one of the best in the world. Acme’s stage gives this talent a live, local platform and Acme Radio will give them an international one. We are creating the opportunity for these artists to be discovered regardless of the genre.”

Justin Hammel, who will serve as program director, said, “I’m so excited to be a part of Acme Radio. Building a radio station from the ground up has been an amazing experience and it’s just the beginning. I can’t wait to introduce our rich Nashville culture to a global audience and to show everyone why Nashville truly is Music City.”

Acme Radio’s lifestyle shows will include: Cropper Radio Hour with Steve Cropper; TAG Radio Hour with Guthrie Trapp; Roots Now with Barry Mazor; Entrepreneurial Mind with Dr. Jeff Cornwall and Kane Harrison; Vinyl Lunch with Tim Hibbs; Bhop & Baribeau Show with Brad Hopkins and Rachel Baribeau; The Side Men with Bruce Bouton; Cocktails with Nashville’s Bar Heroes; The Hive with Jennifer Masley; Pairs Wells with Food with Executive Chef Matt Farley; Nashville Jazz with Greg Pogue; Film Nashville Transmedia Hour with Andy van Roon; and Buzz Cuts UK with Chris Smith.

Bobby Karl Works The 14th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Kelsea Ballerini, Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, Kelsea Ballerini, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Let’s drop a few names right at the beginning, shall we?

MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Craig Shelburne, Troy Stephenson, Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Molly Hannula. Those are the people you need to know if you want to snag an invitation to the schmooze-a-minute whoop-de-do that is MusicRow magazine’s annual radio party and awards.

This event has historically been sardine-packed with attendees, so the organizers limited the number of invitations sent this year. Guess what? Everyone in the world RSVP’d, so it was still quite a crowd at Margaritaville on Monday afternoon (Feb. 8).

There was an impressive number of artists in this year’s throng. Billy Dean brought his protégé Jason Pritchett. Singer-songwriter Trent Summar was celebrating his new publishing deal with TenTen Music. Sierra Black was handing out cute lollipops with her picture in/on them.

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, LOCASH, Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, LOCASH, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Others working the room included such recording artists as Sammy Sadler, McKenna & Brock, Macy Martin, James Robert Webb, Morgan Riley, Charee White, The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd, Branch & Dean, Mitchell Tenpenny, SaraBeth, Denny Strickland, Courtney Dickinson, Lucas Hoge and Stephanie Quayle, not to mention award winners Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, LOCASH and Erica Nicole. 

“Welcome to our 14th annual CountryBreakout Awards,” said Sherod. He introduced Craig Shelburne, since this is Craig’s first appearance at the event as MusicRow’s general manager.

Wasting no time, Sherod and Craig swung right into an award presentation. Capitol Records Nashville won Label of the Year for the 12th time. Eleven of those wins have been consecutive.

“Every year, we love coming here,” said the company’s Shane Allen. “Thanks for everything, and feel free to reach out to us at any time….We couldn’t do what we do on the MusicRow chart without Diane Richey Promotions.”

Pictured (L-R):

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, Capitol Nashville label staff, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

The show’s first entertainer was Erica Nicole. She’s the first female artist to score three consecutive top-20 records on the magazine’s charts. Erica displayed a commanding stage presence, confident vocal belting and a feisty attitude. She wailed effectively on her rocking “I Listen to My Bad Girl” and kept the heat turned up on the potent “It’s Comin’ Down.”

Her first top-10 hit in MusicRow was “I’m Making Mine,” and she nailed the power ballad with plenty of oomph. Erica’s producer, Kent Wells, was in her band on guitar and backing vocals.

Sherod presented MusicRow’s Group/Duo of the Year award to Florida Georgia Line. “It’s an honor to be here,” said FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “Thank you guys for being here. MusicRow radio reporters were the people who believed in us when no one else did.”

“We really do feel like the luckiest guys in the world,” added his partner Brian Kelley. “We’re more inspired than ever.” Republic Nashville’s promo v.p. Matthew Hargis posed the guys for a photo with the crowd behind them and asked everyone to raise their hands in a No. 1 salute.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Craig Shelburne, FGL's Tyler Hubbard and Bryan Kelley, and MusicRow's Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Bryan Kelley, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Florida Georgia Line were also awarded five MusicRow Challenge Coins for co-writing the No. 1 hits “Anything Goes,” “Sippin’ on Fire,” “Sun Daze,” “Dirt” and “This Is How We Roll.”

For the first time in MusicRow history, the Breakthrough Artist and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to the same person, Kelsea Ballerini. “This makes me feel a lot cooler than I actually am,” she quipped. “If you had told me that this would happen a year and a half ago, I probably would have fainted.” When presented with her Challenge Coin for co-writing “Dibs,” Kelsea posed adorably with it, pursing her lips in a smooch.

Male Vocalist of the Year winner Jason Aldean was unable to attend.

The Songwriter of the Year was a three-way tie, with Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne each penning five chart toppers. “Congratulations to Shane and Josh,” said Ashley. “To be in their company is awesome.” Shane added, “I really appreciate everything MusicRow does. Thanks for putting this together.” Josh said, “This is a huge honor. We love sharing it with the MusicRow folks.”

Pictured: FGL's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley accept MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins to celebrate their chart-topping hits.

Pictured: FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley accept MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins to celebrate their chart-topping hits. Photo: Molly Hannula

“This is the guy you all need to know, if you don’t already,” said Sherod in introducing Troy Stephenson, MusicRow’s chart director. All of the awards are based on activity on his weekly listings. “I’m thrilled with every single radio station that’s on our [reporting] panel,” said Troy. He presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Erica Nicole.

“Thank you to MusicRow for making a platform for an artist like me,” she said. “Country radio, thank you for this moment. Thank you so, so much….I share this award with y’all.”

Troy announced Melissa Frost as MusicRow’s Reporter of the Year. She is the programming director at KRRV-FM in Alexandria, Louisiana.

“This is a pretty big honor,” Melissa began. “To all the females out there — keep doing your thing, because eventually it’s gonna pay off. It did for me.” She first learned about the music industry by reading MusicRow magazine as a teenager. How cool is that?

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, Erica Nicole, and MusicRow's Sherod Robertson.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, Erica Nicole, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

The members of LOCASH were given Challenge Coins for co-writing their MusicRow No. 1 “I Love This Life.”

“This is our first Number One, and it feels fantastic,” said the duo’s Chris Lucas. “Country radio, I can’t thank you enough.”

“We’re singing; we’re having fun,” added his partner Preston Brust. “Country radio, you are friends and family. Thank you for being here.”

Chris and Preston fronted their rocking band on the throbbing new single “I Know Somebody.” The frothing, emotional “Ship Wrecked” was dedicated to Preston’s wife, who is a new mom. LOCASH’s set concluded with  the rolling, driving, joyous “I Love This Life.”

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, KRRV's Melissa Frost, MusicRow's Sherod Robertson.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson, KRRV’s Melissa Frost, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

“Congratulations to all our winners!” said Sherod when bidding the crowd farewell. He gazed at a gathering that included such Music Row fabulons as Butch Baker, Tim McFadden, Paula Szeigis, Martha Moore, Bev Moser, Susan Niles, Skip Bishop, Butch Waugh, Woody Bomar, Rick Kelly, Clif Doyal, Preshias Tomes Harris, Neal Spielberg, David Macias, Rosey Fitzpatrick, Sarah Skates, Ron Huntsman, David M. Ross, Gator Michaels, Fletcher Foster and Jensen Sussman. 

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Craig Shelburne, songwriters Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and MusicRow's Sherod Robertson.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Craig Shelburne, songwriters Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

In Photos: Big Machine Label Group, Steven Tyler at CRS

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Scott Borchetta and Steven Tyler. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Scott Borchetta and Steven Tyler. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Big Machine Label Group hosted country radio and industry executives at a late-night, private showcase at aVenue in downtown Nashville on Monday night (Feb. 8), capping off the first official day of Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Steven Tyler. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Steven Tyler. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Performers from the label included Steven Tyler, A Thousand Horses, The Cadillac Three and Drake White.

Pictured (L-R): Drake White, A Thousand Horses’ Bill Satcher, Graham DeLoach, Zach Brown and Michael Hobby, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Steven Tyler, The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, and Kelby Ray

Pictured (L-R): Drake White; A Thousand Horses’ Bill Satcher, Graham DeLoach, Zach Brown and Michael Hobby; BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta; Steven Tyler; The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, and Kelby Ray. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

BMLG artists RaeLynn and Tara Thompson were spotted in the crowd, along with BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta and imprint leaders George Briner (The Valory Music Co. SVP Promotion), Jimmy Harnen (BMLG EVP & Republic Nashville President), Jack Purcell (Big Machine Records SVP Promotion) and Chris Stacey (Dot Records GM).

A Thousand Horses. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

A Thousand Horses. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

The Cadillac Three. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images.

The Cadillac Three. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Drake White. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images.

Drake White. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

“Grand Ole Omni” Opry Event Brings New Music To CRS

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Pictured (L-R): Trace Adkins; Maddie & Tae; Ashley Campbell; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manager, Grand Ole Opry. (Back): Bill Mayne, Exec Director, CRB/CRS; Easton Corbin; Chris Janson; Tracy Lawrence; Chris Carmack; David Nail; Charlie Morgan, President, CRB/CRS. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Trace Adkins; Maddie & Tae; Ashley Campbell; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manager, Grand Ole Opry. (Back row): Bill Mayne, Executive Director, CRB/CRS; Easton Corbin; Chris Janson; Tracy Lawrence; Chris Carmack; David Nail; Charlie Morgan, President, CRB/CRS. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

The Grand Ole Opry moved to the “Grand Ole Omni,” remarked host Bill Cody of a saying that floated around the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) event on Monday night (Feb. 8).

Open to all CRS registrants, the Opry performance continued a five-year tradition by bringing its signature barn backdrop and famous microphone stands to the annual seminar. The Omni Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom hosted the event for the first time, as CRS debuted at the venue this year, after moving from the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Three mirrored buffet lines offered tasty selections like mashed potatoes, biscuits, tacos and spiced apples.

The special 7:00 p.m. performance featured a star-studded lineup with Chris Janson, Tracy Lawrence, Maddie & Tae, Chris Carmack, Easton Corbin, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Ashley Campbell, and David Nail.

Unreleased music was showcased by the latter four. Opry member McBride said she “did some math” backstage and realized her upcoming single, “Reckless” (written by Sarah Buxton, Zach Crowell and Heather Morgan), will be her first in five years.

Martina McBride. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Martina McBride. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Nail has spent many sleepless nights with his wife, Catherine, since welcoming “miracle” twins Lawson Brent and Lillian Catherine on Dec. 12. Although he felt “guilty being out of the house,” the “Red Light” singer also previewed music he has been working on for an upcoming album, including its title track, “Fighter,” which has taken on new meaning for his wife these past few months.

David Nail. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

David Nail. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Adkins’ whole set explored new music from an upcoming Wheelhouse Records project, including his lead single “Jesus and Jones” (written by Jim McCormick, Casey Beathard and Tyler Farr) and “Soldier.” A stand-out song for the night was his “Watered Down,” which Adkins declared his favorite song on the upcoming album. “It’s about where I am in my life right now,” he confessed of the ballad about finding maturity and balance. In addition, Bill Cody introduced Opry GM Pete Fisher to present commissioned, copper-engraved artwork to celebrate the institution’s 90th year.

Additional stand-out titles came from Carmack (“Being Alone”) Campbell (“Remembering”), and Lawrence’s 1993 single “Can’t Break It To My Heart.” The only standing ovation of the night went to Chris Janson, whose set included a heartfelt dedication to his wife, sung with a strong vibrato, on “When I’m Holding Her,” about his wife. He concluded with a soulful harmonica solo in his first No. 1 single, “Buy Me A Boat.”

The Grand Ole Opry at CRS 2016 was sponsored by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the CMA. Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA, welcomed the crowd and showcased a CMA Awards promo, extending a virtual invite to attendees to its 50th annual event in November.

Chris Janson. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Chris Janson. Photo: Chris Hollo/Rachael Black

Label Heads, Radio Execs Discuss Artist Development At CRS

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Pictured (L-R): Rod Phillips, iHeart Country; Bill Hendricks, Cox Media Group; John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville; Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville. Photo: CRB.

Pictured (L-R): Rod Phillips, iHeart Country; Bill Hendrich, Cox Media Group; John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville; Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville. Photo: CRB.

Artist development and teamwork emerged as recurring themes during a presentation titled “New Views From the Top” at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville on Monday (Feb. 8).

The panel was intended to focus on the transition into new roles for the four participating executives: John Esposito (newly elected Chairman of the Board of the Country Music Association and President/CEO of Warner Music Nashville), Randy Goodman (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Bill Hendrich (Executive Vice President of Radio, Cox Media Group) and Rod Phillips (Sr. VP Programming, iHeart Country).

CRB President and Sr. VP and Market Manager for Emmis Communications/Indianapolis, Charlie Morgan moderated the panel. However, rather than a dialogue, the event served as a platform for each participant to speak at length about his viewpoint, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear about strategy from high-level executives. Here are some of the highlights:

Esposito: I knew I had to make some very tough decisions, and urgency for artist development was imperative if Warner was to rise out of the ashes and be a player in town. The good news is that people were very honest. I went out to country radio in the first 18 months and visited 85 stations. Because I knew I had to understand.

People were blunt with me about what our failures were, and why our records were put on the bottom of the stack. I remember somebody saying to me, “I never even bothered because your regionals weren’t even going to call us.” So many things reminded me that in [spite of] having an A&R team being amazingly great, none of it mattered. That tenacity is imperative because you guys [in country radio] have to believe that we’re serious.

We’re finding ways to tap into different assets other than just spins. Obviously spins matter a great deal to us, right? … We’re finding the larger chains wanting to have us get involved with them, particularly in social media, in such a way that helps the artist development story. I hate shuck and jive people, I really do. I think we’re getting to be a far more data-driven situation, on both sides of the situation, so it’s compelling information that we can give you that says there’s a reason why you should invest enough of your airwaves to give us a chance to find out if we have something [on a developing artist].

Goodman: It’s no secret that we [Sony Music Nashville] have had some struggles with artist development. I think that’s something that everybody is looking at us to see, are we going to be able to break out of that and really begin to break through some artists? And the artist development part of that has always been crucial because it’s about how you develop your roster—what’s next, and what your long-term needs to be. For us, it probably has a greater sense of urgency, because of the lack of that. You can only live so long on your superstars and your catalog until there’s a graying and a decay.

If you don’t have those new artists to mitigate that decay, then you’re in a problematic situation. So the number one thing for us was taking a look at the roster and saying, “OK, how do we allow ourselves some more agility? How do we get into the marketplace quicker with some of the new things we were excited about?” So, the artist development thing has been a really crucial part of what we have to do with great urgency and we have to do that in the near term.

I would say that for me, the great surprise and exciting thing was to walk in and find great people excited to do work. They wanted to be [allowed] to do what they were supposed to do. And to find things like Cam and Old Dominion there, and a great new Chris Young record, and a Carrie Underwood record to launch. I’ve used this term before, but there was a bit of an overgrown garden. If I’ve done anything, it’s pruning that garden so we can focus on those things that are showing promise and life.

Hendrich: I think the economic times have forged stress into the equation for both radio operators and for the labels. And whenever there’s stress, people begin to operate in slightly different modes than they do when there’s no stress. So I think the sides are all banging heads, trying to figure out how we’re going to make money, instead of coming together and going, “How do we work together to continue to make money by entertaining fans with great music, and making sure that they buy that music? How can we help each other?”

I think in this position, we could ask a group of the most influential people in the music business to sit down with us as a group, and drop our guard and have a conversation about how we can work together. How can we continue to promote the music out there? And how can we advance the career of new artists? I think we can bring those groups together. Whether we resolve anything or not, I think you can bring that group into the room and say, “Let’s look and see if we can come up with ideas that work for you, work for us, and work for the artist.” And if all three win, then the fans win.

Phillips: As a company we have a large effort around being diverse and offering a lot for our partners, because we are a big platform and we do need each other. … Somebody’s got to be the biggest. We [at iHeart Radio] are certainly proud to be that, but oftentimes, and you’ll hear it from [iHeart Chairman and CEO] Bob Pittman on down, that we feel like it’s our responsibility to make sure that radio as an industry can grow revenues, and not just our company. Let’s call it what it is. We want to grow revenues faster than the others. That’s our job. But ultimately we actually want to bring more money to the sector.

We still don’t get enough credit for what we do. I mean, 92-93 percent of Americans still tuning into radio on a weekly basis is absolutely spectacular. If you ask the average person with the rhetoric that’s out there, they might think that’s down to 70 percent. We are at the same percentage of impact that we were in 1970. It’s a phenomenal starting point.

Industry Ink: Warner/Chappell Music, Republic Nashville, Gary Burr

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Will Overton Appointed To Warner/Chappell A&R Post

Will Overton

Will Overton

Warner/Chappell Music has appointed Will Overton to A&R Manager, Warner/Chappell Nashville. In this role, Overton will work with new and established songwriting talent. He will report to Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Nashville.

Overton previously worked at music publisher Droptine Music and, before that, at William Morris Endeavor. He graduated from the University of North Carolina and went on to earn a Master’s in Management Studies at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

 

Republic Nashville Hires Stella Prado

Stella Prado

Stella Prado

Stella Prado has been hired as the Director of West Coast Promotion for Republic Nashville. Prado will replace Senior Director of West Coast Promotion Lois Lewis, who is joining iHeart Media’s KWNR in Las Vegas as the Assistant Program Director/Music Director and will be on-air during middays beginning March 7.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Stella to the team. Her experience in programming, on-air and sales make for the perfect triple threat to continue building the Republic Nashville brand at country radio,” said Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen. “In the midst of this transition, I cannot thank Lois enough for all the passion and hard work she has devoted to the birth of Republic Nashville over the last six and a half years. She has been a great ambassador for our artists and their music.”

“I am so excited to be joining the Republic Nashville family,” said Prado. “I want to thank Jimmy and Scott for this amazing opportunity, and I look forward to working with all the great country radio stations.”

Prado’s first day at Republic Nashville will be Feb. 28 and she will be based in L.A.

 

Gary Burr Announces Songwriting Series

Gary Burr

Gary Burr

Gary Burr, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, will explore a full range of songwriting styles and techniques during a seminar series scheduled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville from April 22-24. The series will also feature lectures and coaching from select songwriters.

Class size is limited to 25 students and registration is due by Feb. 25.

On the first day of the series, Burr will perform his hits and tell the stories behind the songs. The next day will offer a full slate of seminars and lectures, as well as one-on-one coaching and critiques. That night, Burr and three other songwriters will perform for the students at the Bluebird Café. More classes will be held on the final day.

In the 12 months following the class, attendees may seek advice/critique of up to 6 new songs.

 

ASCAP, ASCAP Foundation, Logan’s Roadhouse, Niemann Donate $3300 To High School

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Jerrod Niemann, Logan's Roadhouse's Sam Borgese, and Centennial High School Orchestra Director Allison Cowan and Principal Dr. Leigh Webb. Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Jerrod Niemann, Logan’s Roadhouse’s Sam Borgese, and Centennial High School Orchestra Director Allison Cowan and Principal Dr. Leigh Webb. Photo: Ed Rode

ASCAP, The ASCAP Foundation, Logan’s Roadhouse and Jerrod Niemann presented a $3300 check to the Centennial High School Orchestra on Monday (Feb. 8) as part of collective efforts to support school music programs.

The check was presented to school officials and student orchestra members during a presentation ceremony held in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Funds will be used to purchase instruments such as violins and a cello, as well as new strings, tuners and microphones.

Niemann, CEO of Logan’s Roadhouse Sam Borgese and Vice President of ASCAP Nashville Membership Michael Martin were in attendance to present the grant.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Logan's Roadhouse's Sam Borgese, Centennial High School's Allison Cowan, Jerrod Niemann (center) and members of the Centennial High School Orchestra. Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Logan’s Roadhouse’s Sam Borgese, Centennial High School’s Allison Cowan, Jerrod Niemann (center) and members of the Centennial High School Orchestra. Photo: Ed Rode

Niemann spoke to students, offering encouragement to follow their passion for music. “Dedicating your life to music offers a unique kind of give and take. You give it all you’ve got, music can take you anywhere,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud to team up with Logan’s and The ASCAP Foundation. We all believe in giving kids the opportunity to find a way to express themselves through the gift and love of music.”

“Logan’s Roadhouse believes in music and its power to make the world a better place. We also believe that great music comes from encouraging students like these,” said Borgese. “We are thrilled to support these students and the school so that together they can continue to enrich the lives of people around the world with their music.”

“Music education in schools is so valuable−not only is it a launching pad for the songwriters of tomorrow, it is known to improve many other facets of learning. We applaud Logan’s Roadhouse for their tremendous efforts to nurture music creators of all level. The ASCAP Foundation is proud to collaborate with Logan’s on this charitable initiative,” said ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams.

In addition to this grant, Logan’s Roadhouse recently announced $25,000 of funding to school music program across the country. This is the latest effort in Logan’s Roadhouse’s dedication to supporting emerging artists.

In 2015, Borgese and Williams announced a joint effort to support emerging artists through the Music City Live! Tour, naming Niemann as the tour’s spokesperson and mentor. Music City Live! will kick off in early summer and the artists will be showcased at specially-selected Logan’s Roadhouse locations throughout the country.

Industry Pics: Brandy Clark, Thomas Rhett, Ryan Kinder, Chris Young, Webster PR Legendary Lunch

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Brandy Clark Welcomes Radio Programmers To CRS

Brandy Clark welcomed radio to Nashville for CRS 2016 at a special lunch and performance with Warner Music Nashville’s Kevin Herring (SVP Promotion), Katie Bright (Director National Promotion), Kristen Williams (VP Promotion), Chad Schultz (VP Radio Interactive Mktg.), Mallory Opheim (Regional Promotion Manager), Rick Young (Regional Promotion Manager), Lou Ramirez (Regional Promotion Manager), Mark Niederhauser (Regional Promotion Manager).

Pictured: Kevin Herring (SVP Promotion), Katie Bright (Director National Promotion), Kristen Williams (VP Promotion), Chad Schultz (VP Radio Interactive Mktg.), Mallory Opheim (Regional Promotion Manager), Rick Young (Regional Promotion Manager), Lou Ramirez (Regional Promotion Manager), Mark Niederhauser (Regional Promotion Manager).

Pictured: Kevin Herring (SVP Promotion), Katie Bright (Director National Promotion), Wookie (WDSY), Jody Wheatley and Sue Wilson (WQMX), Bill Black (WKSJ), Brandy Clark, Crystal Legends (WRNS), Kristen Williams (VP Promotion), Chad Schultz (VP Radio Interactive Mktg.), Carletta Blake-Williams (WRNS), Mallory Opheim (Regional Promotion Manager), Mike Preston (KKWF), Rick Young (Regional Promotion Manager), Lou Ramirez (Regional Promotion Manager), Mark Niederhauser (Regional Promotion Manager).

 

Thomas Rhett, BMLG Celebrate New Single, “T-Shirt”

Thomas Rhett and members of Big Machine Label Group celebrated the release of Rhett’s latest single, “T-Shirt.”

Pictured (L-R): Allison Jones, Ashley Sidoti, Bradford Hollingsworth, Scott Borchetta, George Briner, Thomas Rhett, Brad Howell, Amy Staley, Ellen Mundy, Sean Stevens

Pictured (L-R): Allison Jones, Ashley Sidoti, Bradford Hollingsworth, Scott Borchetta, George Briner, Thomas Rhett, Brad Howell, Amy Staley, Ellen Mundy, Sean Stevens

 

Ryan Kinder Celebrates Grand Ole Opry Debut Performance

Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville’s Ryan Kinder made his Opry debut this weekend and posed for pictures afterward with Opry’s GM Pete Fisher.

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Kinder, Pete Fisher

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Kinder, Grand Ole Opry GM Pete Fisher

 

Chris Young Attends Westwood One Super Bowl 50 Pre-game Party

Chris Young took a night off from his I’m Comin’ Over Tour to attend the Westwood One Super Bowl 50 Pre-game Party at Verso in San Francisco on Saturday night (Feb. 6).

Pictured (L-R): John Kilgo, VP of Label Relations, Cumulus; Suzanne Grimes, President, Westwood One Division, EVP Corporate Marketing, Cumulus; Chris Young; Tommy Page, SVP Brand Partnerships, NASH Cumulus Media & Westwood One

Pictured (L-R): John Kilgo, VP of Label Relations, Cumulus; Suzanne Grimes, President, Westwood One Division, EVP Corporate Marketing, Cumulus; Chris Young; Tommy Page, SVP Brand Partnerships, NASH Cumulus Media & Westwood One

 

Webster PR Hosts 2nd Annual Legendary Lunch

The Webster Public Relations 2nd Annual Legendary Lunch was held this week at The Palm where music legends from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s came together with program directors from various country stations. The Country Music Association sponsored this year’s event.

Front (L-R): Sylvia, Lorrie Morgan, Dave & Sugar's Dave Rowland, Jennifer McCarter (McCarter Sisters), Jim Halsey, Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely, Lulu Roman, T. Graham Brown. Middle (L-R): Howard Bellamy, Bill Anderson, David Bellamy, Rex Allen Jr., Gene Watson, Lee Greenwood, Moe Bandy, Sonny LeMaire (EXILE), T.G. Sheppard, Marlon Hargis (EXILE), Roy Clark, Steve Goetzman (EXILE), Deborah Allen, Ronnie McDowell, Jimmy Fortune, Leroy Van Dyke, John Conlee. Back (L-R): CMA's Sarah Trahern, WPR's Kirt Webster, Mark Wills, Big Kenny, John Rich, John Anderson, Lorraine Jordan, Collin Raye. Photo: Rick Diamond (WireImage/Getty Images), photographer; for Jeremy Westby & Kirt Webster (Webster Public Relations).

Front (L-R): Sylvia, Lorrie Morgan, Dave & Sugar’s Dave Rowland, Jennifer McCarter (McCarter Sisters), Jim Halsey, Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely, Lulu Roman, T. Graham Brown. Middle (L-R): Howard Bellamy, Bill Anderson, David Bellamy, Rex Allen Jr., Gene Watson, Lee Greenwood, Moe Bandy, Sonny LeMaire (EXILE), T.G. Sheppard, Marlon Hargis (EXILE), Roy Clark, Steve Goetzman (EXILE), Deborah Allen, Ronnie McDowell, Jimmy Fortune, Leroy Van Dyke, John Conlee. Back (L-R): CMA’s Sarah Trahern, WPR’s Kirt Webster, Mark Wills, Big Kenny, John Rich, John Anderson, Lorraine Jordan, Collin Raye. Photo: Rick Diamond (WireImage/Getty Images), photographer; for Jeremy Westby & Kirt Webster (Webster Public Relations).

Martina McBride Teams With Sarah Cannon Network For Launch Of Band Against Cancer

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Picture (L-R): Nash Icon Records' Jim Weatherson, Cumulus' Shawn Parr, Sarah Cannon's Dee Anna Smith and Milton Johnson, Martina McBride and BMLG's Scott Borchetta. Photo: Adam Taylor

Picture (L-R): Nash Icon Records’ Jim Weatherson, Cumulus’ Shawn Parr, Sarah Cannon’s Dee Anna Smith and Milton Johnson, Martina McBride and BMLG’s Scott Borchetta. Photo: Adam Taylor

Martina McBride and Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) have teamed with Sarah Cannon Network, the global cancer institute of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), and announced today the launch of Band Against Cancer, activated through The Sarah Cannon Tour concert series.

The Sarah Cannon Tour will travel through several key U.S. cities in 2016 and return home to Nashville with a special concert event at the Grand Ole Opry in October. The tour, which helps to benefit several charitable cancer support organizations, includes performances by McBride and other country artists. Full details about each stop of the tour will be announced in the coming months at bandagainstcancer.com.

In addition to the concert events, Martina will anchor a national social and digital initiative engaging people in ways that every follower can help to advance our mission to fight cancer. Further, national awareness campaigns with iHeart Media, Premiere Networks, Cumulus Media and Westwood One will align with Band Against Cancer.

The initial focus of the campaign will be on people facing blood cancer. Approximately every three minutes, one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Further, 70 percent of all blood cancer patients who are in need of a transplant do not have a matched donor in their family. By arming people with resources and education, the initiative can help patients access potentially life-saving treatments including stem cell transplants and the latest targeted medicines.
 
“Helping families who are facing cancer has always been a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said McBride. “I’m honored to be the voice that connects these individuals and their families with a fully committed team of cancer experts. Together with Sarah Cannon, this means each person can fight cancer where they get their greatest strength, in their own communities, with their own band of support.”

“We have learned that when we bring cause and music together we’re able to cut through the media noise and bring very important messages to a greater number of people,” said Scott Borchetta, President/CEO Big Machine Label Group. “The sum is so much greater than the parts and it’s defined in our new relationship with Sarah Cannon.  The initial focus of our relationship is attacking blood cancer and we are honored to join them in spreading the message and reaching the greatest number of people possible with Martina McBride and other great BMLG artists and their music.”

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride and Scott Borchetta

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride and BMLG’s Scott Borchetta. Photo: Adam Taylor