Live Nation Assumes Controlling Interest in Bonnaroo

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Live Nation Entertainment Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn.

Live Nation Entertainment has assumed a controlling interest in the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, according to today’s (April 28) announcement by Live Nation and Bonnaroo’s founding partners, Superfly and AC Entertainment.

Founded in 2002 in Manchester, Tenn., Bonnaroo is recognized as a landmark of the festival scene. Additionally, Live Nation now also owns a share of the Bonnaroo property, Great Stage Park, also known as “the Farm.” With Live Nation on board, significant investment in the site and enhancements to the festival experience are planned. Superfly and AC Entertainment will continue to plan and execute the day-to-day operations of the festival and signature Bonnaroo initiatives, such as sustainability efforts and involvement with the Manchester community. Bonnaroo’s non-profit arm, the Bonnaroo Works Fund, will continue to be a priority.

“The addition of Bonnaroo builds on Live Nation Entertainment’s world leading festival portfolio of over 60 marquee festivals such as: Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Reading, Leeds, T in the Park, Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock Werchter, and Watershed Music Festival to name a few,” said Michael Rapino, Live Nation CEO and president. “We continue to expand the industry’s most unparalleled and scalable festival platform all while driving strong revenue and growth for Live Nation on a global basis. Bonnaroo is another crown jewel in this festival channel strategy, one that appeals to both fans and artists in uniqueness and experience.”

“We are strengthening our commitment to create the best possible experience at Bonnaroo,” said Rick Farman, co-founder, Superfly. “Through this partnership with Live Nation, we’re even more empowered to enhance the festival while preserving the integrity of the event that we’ve thoughtfully built over the past 14 years.”

“Partnering with Live Nation is a milestone for Bonnaroo. It opens up tremendous opportunities for us to continue to evolve the Bonnaroo experience in an exciting, powerful way,” said Ashley Capps, founder, AC Entertainment.

Live Nation Entertainment is comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management.

Live Nation Entertainment Festival

Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn.

Nelly Prepping Country Album?

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Nelly

Nelly

Music fans already know rapper Nelly for his singles such as “Country Grammar,” “Hot In Herre,” and “Grillz.” They may soon hear a more country-tinged style of music from the rapper’s next project.

According to a recent Billboard interview with Atom Factory co-president J. Erving, Nelly has split from his deal with Universal, and is now an independent artist. His next album will feature more of a country flavor.

“He’s a free agent on the label side now, and is working on a country-based Heartland EP, which should be really interesting,” Erving said. “He may be one of the first hip-hop artists to jump into that space in an authentic way with Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw, so we think he has an opportunity to grow that base even more.”

In 2004, McGraw and Nelly teamed for the song “Over and Over,” which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. More recently Florida Georgia Line released a remix of their smash hit “Cruise” featuring Nelly. The song earned an American Music Award for Single of the Year in 2013.

Artist Updates: Drake White, Jana Kramer, Amanda Watkins, The Swon Brothers

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Dot Records Artist Drake White Revs Up in Birmingham

Dot Records artist Drake White performed the National Anthem on Sunday, April 26 during the NBC Sports Network-televised Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham. Prior to the race, the soulful Alabama native met with Chip Ganassi/Big Machine Racing drivers Tony Kanaan (#10 IndyCar) and Sage Karam (#8 IndyCar).

Pictured (L-R): Sage Karam, Drake White, Tony Kanaan

Pictured (L-R): Sage Karam, Drake White, Tony Kanaan

 

Jana Kramer To Return To Grand Ole Opry April 28

Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville

Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville

Jana Kramer will perform her current single, “I Got The Boy,” during an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, April 28.

“It’s such an honor to play the Opry and share the stage that has been home to so much history,” says Kramer. “The Opry has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be back.”

Her latest single, “I Got The Boy,” is about watching a past flame move on. The song hit home for Kramer when she first heard it. “I’ve been trying to write this song about my high school sweetheart for years,” she says. “It’s amazing how songwriters can write your life and these lyrics say what I was trying to write for years.”

The song will be featured on Kramer’s forthcoming album, produced by Scott Hendricks.

 

The Swon Brothers Perform at Generations Riviera Maya in Mexico

The Swon Brothers recently performed for a packed crowd at Generations Riviera Maya in Mexico. The duo also shared the performance with CMT, offering exclusive access to their own experiences on CMT’s social media, and provided live updates to CMT’s followers via Snapchat.

Pictured (L-R): Jen Morrison (Music & Social Media Promotions, CMT), Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Jordan Stephens (Music Strategy,CMT), & Bob Foglia (Marketing & Media Manager, Sony Music Nashville)

Pictured (L-R): Jen Morrison (Music & Social Media Promotions, CMT), Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Jordan Stephens (Music Strategy, CMT), & Bob Foglia (Marketing & Media Manager, Sony Music Nashville)

 

Jamey Johnson, Amanda Watkins Team Up For “If I Was Over You”

Amanda Watkins

Amanda Watkins

Jamey Johnson and singer-songwriter Amanda Watkins blended their voices for the new duet, “If I Was Over You,” which is now playing on Sirius XM’s The Highway. Johnson released the Grammy-nominated Living For A Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran in 2012. Watkins is known for her work as part of the duo Miss Willie Brown, as well as on the Big & Rich song “Cheat On You.”

“I love Amanda’s voice,” Johnson says. “She and Rivers Rutherford wrote a great song and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The song can also be heard on Soundcloud.

Radio Personality Bobby Bones To Release Memoir

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Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones

Radio personality Bobby Bones has secured a deal to release his memoir, as announced by publisher Lynn Grady and Bones’ editor Carrie Thornton at Dey Street Books/HarperCollins.

Bones’ radio show The Bobby Bones Show can be heard each morning on iHeartMedia country radio stations, and through iHeartRadio’s digital service. In 2014, The Bobby Bones Show won its first Academy of Country Music Award.

The book addresses Bobby Bone’s (real name Bobby Estell) childhood, growing up as the son of a single, addicted mother and an absent father. He grew up in Mountain Pine, Ark., a lumber mill town with a population of under 800. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, and earned his first job in radio at age 17.

After taking the on-air name “Bobby Bones,” he built a career in radio, working in several cities including Little Rock, Ark., and Austin, Texas, before joining with iHeartMedia.

“I’m not a traditional country music guy,” says Bones, “but the music reflects where and how I grew up, and yes, you could say my life has been like a country song, full of highs and lows and some crazy stuff along the way. I aim to tell it from the front seat of this roller coaster ride.”

No release date or title for the memoir have been announced at this time.

Bonnaroo To Be Streamed Live By Red Bull

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Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo has partnered with Red Bull Media House to livestream its June 11-14 festival exclusively with Red Bull TV. Three channels will offer exclusives, live chat functions and select on-demand performances for 60 days.

Specifically, one channel will be hosted by Sal Masekela & Ted Stryker featuring exclusive artist interviews, behind-the-scenes access, POV angles and festival highlights. Two additional channels will capture different live performances from the main festival stages.

Although the official livestream lineup will be announced at a later date, this year’s festival will include more than 100 artists from the likes of Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Alabama Shakes and D’Angelo.

“We’re excited to partner with Red Bull to create a rich digital destination that extends the Bonnaroo experience beyond the festival grounds,” said Jonathan Mayers, co-creator of Bonnaroo. “Through the Red Bull TV livestream, we’re able to connect with our global community of fans across more platforms than ever to ensure that they’re a part of the festival experience from anywhere in the world.”

Catch the broadcast at Bonnaroo’s website and Red Bull’s website, the Red Bull TV app, Android, iOS and Windows phones, Apple TV, and Samsung TV’s Red Bull channels, and as a free downloadable app on Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Nexus Player, Roku Players, Roku TV models, and Xbox 360.

Chelsea Bain Joins WME Roster

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Chelsea Bain WME

Pictured (L-R): Greg Oswald, WME; Chelsea Bain; Keith Miller, WME.

Singer-songwriter Chelsea Bain has inked a deal with booking agency WME. Keith Miller will be her responsible agent.

“The first time I saw Chelsea perform, I was blown away with how she commands a stage,” said Miller. “We are excited to have her in the WME family and build on the impressive fan base she has created.”

Chelsea recently signed to Dreamcatcher Management, with career direction by Jim Mazza and Peter Keiser.

After recent performances at various NASCAR and NFL events, Bain is in the studio writing and recording for her debut album, which is slated for release later this year.

Singer-Songwriter Haley Georgia Inks Deal with EMI Records Nashville

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Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville artist Haley Georgia, UMG Nashville A&R Vice President Autumn House-Tallant. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, WME’s Kevin Neal, UMG Nashville VP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, UMG Nashville Sr. VP & COO Tom Becci. Photo: Alan Poizner

Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville artist Haley Georgia, UMG Nashville A&R Vice President Autumn House-Tallant. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, WME’s Kevin Neal, UMG Nashville VP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, UMG Nashville Sr. VP & COO Tom Becci. Photo: Alan Poizner

EMI Records Nashville has added Little Louder Music songwriter Haley Georgia to its artist roster. The 20-year old Texas native’s debut single “Ridiculous” currently playing on SiriusXM. The tongue-in-cheek tune is also available on streaming services and is expected to hit non-satellite radio this summer.

Haley has multiple performances lined up for Nashville’s CMA Music Fest this June – her first as an artist. CMA Music Fest performance details will be announced soon.

Watch the lyric video for Georgia’s single “Ridiculous” below.

Industry Ink: Women Rock For The Cure, George Uribe, Winter Jam 2015 Tour

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Women Rock For The Cure Sets Date For 2015 Young Survivors Retreat

ysrlogoWomen Rock For The Cure has set the date for its 2015 annual Young Survivors Retreat, aimed at helping connect young women who are fighting breast cancer. The four-day event will be held Sept. 24-27 at Deer Run Retreat Center, located at 3845 Perkins Road in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. The all-expenses paid event is open to approximately 20 women, who have been diagnosed between the ages of 18-40 years, and are either undergoing treatment or are survivors of breast cancer.

Activities during the event include sessions on art, relaxation, nutrition, fertility, relationships, and beauty tips.

The non-profit organization is helmed by Sweet Talk Publicity founder Jensen Sussman, who shares her own personal experience with the retreat: “Having to face breast cancer as a young woman is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. For WRFTC to bring together these women from all across the country who share in the same struggles and see how their connection forms a sisterhood of hope is inspiring.”

WRFTC raises funds for the Young Survivors Retreat throughout the year, and covers all travel expenses to and from Nashville for the retreat’s attendees. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. CT through May 4 at 5 p.m. CT, at womenrockforthecure.org. To donate to Women Rock For The Cure, click here.

 

George Uribe Named Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner

George Uribe

George Uribe

George Uribe, president and CEO of guestbooker.com has been named an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner, presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). Uribe will join an esteemed class of professionals honored with this distinction, including Rudolph Giuliani, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, John Glenn, Quincy Jones, John McCain and Rosa Parks. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service.

Uribe, a veteran television producer, leads a team of television producers and bookers specializing in strategic placement of guests on local, national and international television and radio programs. He served as a non-commissioned officer for the US Army Reserve, and has received numerous awards for media coverage by his peers including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York Chapter. He is the co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer, Music City Media Mixer and New York Newsmakers. Uribe was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the “Most Admired CEO” in his city and also serves on the Board of Rocketown, a regional outreach center for more than 800 teens across from Middle Tennessee.

 

Winter Jam 2015 Tour Breaks Attendance Records

Skillet's John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery

Skillet’s John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery

NewSong’s Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular wrapped its biggest tour to date with more than 600,000 people attending 47 shows across the country. The tour launched its 20th anniversary tour Jan. 2. Since then, the tour has notched 38 sellout shows and played to capacity audiences at St. Louis’ 19,000-seat Scottrade Center; Tampa, Fla.’s 17,000-plus seat Amalie Arena; and Detroit’s nearly 17,000-seat The Palace of Auburn Hills, among other venues. The tour concluded March 29.

Winter Jam 2015 was headlined by Skillet, along with Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, for KING & COUNTRY, Family Force 5 and evangelist Tony Nolan, while the Pre-Jam Party included Blanca, About A Mile and VERIDIA.
 

Momentum Label Group Teams With Alexander Music Marketing & Management

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John Alexander

John Alexander

Momentum Label Group has teamed with John Alexander of Alexander Music Marketing & Management, to oversee marketing, branding and strategic initiatives for the label’s flagship artist, Rachele Lynae.

“I’m thrilled to have John become part of our team,” says Momentum Label Group’s Managing Partner, Jimmy Murphy. “I’ve long been impressed by his creativity in marketing and branding. His passion and energy for recognizing and developing unique artists is a great fit for MLG.”

Alexander worked with Patty Loveless in the ’80s and more recently with artists including Sarah Darling.

Alexander has also held executive positions at Jones Media Networks, Great American Country, and Scripps Networks, where he was responsible for advertising, artist/brand integration, sponsorship sales, and developing cross-platform campaigns.

Cam Debuts Lyric Video Amid High-Profile Performances

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(Top photo) At the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, Cam walks the red carpet wearing Milly by Michelle Smith. Photo credit: Randi Radcliff

At the 50th ACM Awards, Cam walks the red carpet wearing Milly by Michelle Smith. Photo: Randi Radcliff

Rising Arista Nashville singer/songwriter Cam recently debuted the lyric video for her debut single, “My Mistake.” The track, from her Welcome to Cam Country—EP, is gaining traction and praise at country radio.

Picked by Spotify as the Country Spotlight artist to watch in 2015, the songs on the EP have collectively amassed 7 million streams in less than three months, with more than 2.3 million for “My Mistake” alone.

Cam’s EP and upcoming full-length album are produced by Grammy-winner Jeff Bhasker (Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, FUN., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift) and Tyler Johnson (Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Mikky Ekko).

The sunny California native performed at the sold-out Stagecoach Music Festival in her home state over the weekend on the “Mane Stage.” She played SXSW last month, and also at the recent ACM Party for a Cause Festival.

Cam performs at the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival. Photo credit: Neil Cooper/Getty Images

Cam performs at the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival. Photo: Neil Cooper/Getty Images