Metro Nashville Public Health Department Offering Free Masks

The Metro Nashville Public Health Department is now offering free cloth masks at three health center locations beginning today (May 6). Masks will be available between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Lentz Public Health Center on 2500 Charlotte Avenue, at Woodbine Health Center at 224 Oriel Ave., and at the East Nashville Center at 1015 East Trinity Lane.

The masks are being provided by Governor Bill Lee’s Unified Command Group and are being made available to follow the introduction of Metro Public Health Order 4, which asks all people who can safely wear a mask to do so in public settings, to help combat the spread of COVID-19. The order also requires businesses and facilities open to the public to post signage requesting those entering the facility to wear a mask.

Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the use of cloth masks can limit the spread of the virus, particularly by those who are infected but do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Cloth masks should not be worn by children under the age of two or by those who would jeopardize their health or safety by wearing one.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there have been 3,033 total cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County to date, and 30 deaths. To date, 1,513 people in Davidson County have recovered from from COVID-19.

Amanda Powers Named COO For Dick Clark Productions


Amanda Powers has been named Chief Operating Officer for Dick Clark Productions (dcp), producer and proprietor of event programming including The Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and more.

Powers transitions to dcp from dcp’s parent company Valence Media and will report to dcp’s president Amy Thurlow. Powers will manage, assess and provide strategic direction for dcp and will oversee international distribution, business development and the partnership and licensing teams, as well as multi-channel marketer Direct Holdings Group. She will also lead key initiatives and various projects for the President including collaboration and coordination across dcp, MRC and Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media group.

“Having had the pleasure of working with Amanda over the course of the past two years in her capacity at Valence Media, I have seen first-hand her leadership, remarkable insights, and strategic counsel and I am so excited to welcome her to the executive team at dcp,” said Thurlow.

Powers most recently served as Vice President of Strategy at Valence Media, where she managed the evaluation, structuring, and launch of new strategic partnerships, investments, and business lines across the film, television and non-fiction divisions. She led collaborations to launch the integration of MRC, dcp and Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Media Group and was integral to the formation of partnerships with Fulwell 73, Civic Center Media and A-Major Media. Prior to Valence, she served as VP of Corporate Development and Strategy at MRC Studios where she evaluated growth initiatives, strategic partnerships and capital raising opportunities. In this role she also led the evaluation of the international distribution landscape for scripted TV, helped to develop new film and TV underwriting processes, and oversaw post mortems to support continuous improvement.

Powers recently spent four years on the board of Female Executives in Media & Entertainment (“FEME”). Prior to joining MRC in 2015, she worked at Moelis & Company and UBS Investment Bank focusing on mergers and acquisitions, public and private capital raising, restructuring and activist defense. Powers also spent two years with The Clinton Foundation in the Global Pediatric HIV/AIDS team. She earned an MBA from The Wharton School and a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University.

The Outdoor Channel, UMG Nashville Team To Present ‘Country Outdoors LIVE’

The Outdoor Channel and Universal Music Group Nashville are teaming up to bring viewers live concerts on the outdoor lifestyle network beginning May 1 with Country Outdoors LIVE. Jon Langston, Caylee Hammack, Travis Denning, Jordan Davis and Brandon Lay will fill the month of May every Friday at 7 p.m. ET on the Outdoor Channel with live music from newly-released songs and albums.

Nick Hoffman, host of Outdoor Channel’s Nick’s Wild Ride, and Mary O’Neill Phillips, host of the Outdoor Sportsman Group podcast Country Outdoors, will introduce the live acts, as well as help viewers learn details behind-the-music during each 30-minute show.

“This is a creative way for two industries – television and music – to join forces during this unprecedented time and provide viewers with new and exciting programming,” Outdoor Sportsman Group President and CEO, Jim Liberatore said. “Because our programming content and audience allies so closely with country music fans, this is a natural development, providing live programming where we don’t have much right now.”

Universal Music Group Nashville and Outdoor Channel’s Country Outdoors LIVE television specials schedule:
May 1 – Jon Langston
May 8 – Caylee Hammack
May 15 – Travis Denning
May 22 – Jordan Davis
May 29 – Brandon Lay

Music Business Association To Hold ‘Music Biz Live’ Sessions

The Music Business Association will hold four Music Biz LIVE presentations (via Zoom) on Monday, May 11 through Thursday, May 14—the week the annual Music Biz Conference was originally slated to be held this year in Nashville. As previously reported, the conference has been postponed to Aug. 16-19 at the JW Marriott Nashville, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“With all the uncertainty the ongoing health crisis has presented us with, it’s more important now than ever for us to remain connected, positive and productive—both as industry professionals and as people,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “We’ve been thrilled with the turnout and caliber of programming on our Music Biz LIVE sessions, and look forward to bringing the industry together for this special series as we keep our fingers crossed that we can gather in person in Nashville this August.”

These featured presentations are an extension of the Association’s Music Biz LIVE program, in which Sabin interviews a collection of representatives from around different segments to address how COVID-19 has affected their businesses. On May 11, the guests will include Spotify Global Co-Heads Marian Dicus and Jeremy Erlich. On May 12, Mechanical Licensing Collective CEO Kris Ahrend will be the special guest, followed by Q&A leaders Troy Carter, J. Erving, and Suzy Ryoo on May 13. The sessions will round out on May 14 with Warner Records’ Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson.

The sessions will be held each day at 4 p.m. ET.

More information on each session is below:
Monday, May 11: Marian Dicus and Jeremy Erlich, Global Co-Heads of Music at Spotify
In their first keynote conversation as Global Co-Heads of Music for one of the most influential companies in the modern music business, this duo will detail how they are leading the charge in their new roles and jointly overseeing programming, editorial, artist & label marketing, industry relations, and overall music initiatives. We will kick off our special presentation series by discussing what the company has worked on since the COVID-19 crisis first hit, including listening trends over the past two months, launching the Artist Fundraising Pick feature, and instituting the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project which matches dollar-for-dollar up to $10 million for a growing list of organizations offering financial relief to creators around the world.

Tuesday, May 12: Kris Ahrend, CEO of The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is a new non-profit designated to manage the licensing, administration and payments process for digital audio mechanicals in the U.S. and provide greater transparency to self-administered songwriters and music publishers. Starting in January 2021, The MLC will process and distribute mechanical royalties paid by digital audio services in the U.S. at no cost to songwriters or music publishers. In his first public address since taking his new position, The MLC Chief Executive Officer Kris Ahrend will update viewers on the progress and priorities of The MLC, and lay out his vision for the future of this brand-new, globally recognized data & technology startup.

Wednesday, May 13: Troy Carter, Founder & CEO of Q&A; J. Erving, Founder & CEO of Human Re-Sources & Co-Founder of Q&A; and Suzy Ryoo, Co-Founder, President & Chief Strategy Officer of Q&A
Over the past year, this power trio has built a multifaceted music company that seeks to empower the next generation of artists through technology, tools and services. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, they instituted “The Panel” — a Zoom series featuring industry heavy-hitters that serves as a forum to support one another during this unusual time. Dozens of sessions later, we will turn the tables and interview them to get a first-hand look at what they have learned from their guests.

Thursday, May 14: Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO of Warner Records, and Tom Corson, Co-Chairman & COO of Warner Records
In the 18 months since this power duo jointly took the reigns at Warner Records, the iconic label has seen a name change, a new office location, an investment in exciting new talent, and seemingly, a rebrand. These industry veterans will take us inside what’s new at Warner Records (formerly Warner Bros.), as well as talk about their pivoted release strategy for one of their biggest projects — Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia.

To sign up for these special sessions, visit the Zoom registration page.

Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani’s Duet "Nobody But You" Reigns At Country Radio

Shelton, Stefani and team members from Warner Music Nashville and Starstruck Entertainment celebrate the No. 1 over the weekend via video conference.

Duet partners Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani remain at the pinnacle of the Billboard Country Airplay chart for a second week, as they rise to No. 1 on Mediabase/Country Aircheck this week with their hit “Nobody But You.” The single marks Shelton’s 27th chart-topper and 33rd RIAA certified single as it earns Gold status with more than 815,000 track equivalent sales, and is Stefani’s first No. 1 country song.

“I’m honored to know that this song is as important to fans as it is to Gwen and me,” Shelton said. “It’s so wild to me every single time one of my songs goes to No. 1, and I know how special it is to hold that spot for more than one week when there are other incredible and important songs on the chart. I’d like to again thank Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James for writing this song and Gwen for helping me make it come to life.”

Stefani shared on social media: “Trying to wrap my head around the fact that I even get to know Blake Shelton – let alone be on such a beautiful, classic duet with him. Thank you, Blake, for taking me along on this ride with you! I’m so grateful and blown away by all the support everyone has shown us!”

Chris Bandi Sets Debut EP For May 29

Chris Bandi. Photo: Matthew Berianto

Chris Bandi is set to release his debut self-titled EP via RECORDS on May 29. The seven-song project will include his single “Man Enough Now,” which has earned more than 80 million global streams. Bandi co-wrote four of the album’s seven tracks, alongside writers including Zach Kale, Billy Montana, Jason Massey, Dave Turnbull, Kylie Sackley and Jason Allen Duke. The project was produced by Bandi and Ash Bowers.

“I am so excited to let everyone know about my debut EP,” says Bandi.  “We’ve worked really hard to write and find some great songs and I am extremely proud of how everything came out.  It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Bandi is managed by Wide Open Music and aligned with BMG for publishing.

Chris Bandi EP Track List
1. “Dirt On Me” (Matt Jenkins, Michael Hardy, and Smith Anhquist)
2. “Leave It To A Song” (Zach Kale, Matt Rogers, and Jordan Fletcher)
3. “Would Have Loved Her” (Chris Bandi and Zach Kale)
4. “Free” (Allison Veltz Cruz, Zach Kale, and Connie Harrington)
5. “They Make Whiskey” (Chris Bandi, Billy Montana, and Dave Turnbull)
6. “What If We Don’t” (Chris Bandi, Jason Massey and Kylie Sackley)
7. “Man Enough Now” (Chris Bandi, Jason Allen Duke and Jason Massey)

AFM, SAG-AFTRA Announce Record-Breaking Royalty Payments For Session Musicians, Singers

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) and SAG-AFTRA announced that the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund has distributed $62 million in royalties to session musicians and singers — the largest distribution in the fund’s history.

The fund distributes domestic royalties that are required to be paid from interactive digital streaming providers to session vocalists and musicians. The fund also distributes royalties from various foreign performance rights organizations to U.S. session musicians and singers. More than 42,000 session musicians and singers in all 50 states, as well as Canada and other countries, will receive payment, with payment amounts averaging $1,500. The fund distributed $60 million in 2019 and has distributed more than $430 million since it was established in 2008.

“This is great news at such a difficult time for musicians. This fund provides for session players who live gig to gig, and there has never been a greater need for royalty income than right now, with the extensive cancellation of live performances,” said AFM International President Ray Hair.

“The music industry has been massively impacted by COVID-19, and no one more so than performers whose touring work has been halted and whose recordings are mostly cancelled. We’re proud of the fund’s commitment and diligence in ensuring that the distribution of royalties will reach tens of thousands of performers at a time when that financial security is needed more than ever,” said SAG-AFTRA’s Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this distribution went out on schedule to the performers who so greatly need it during these difficult economic times. Their dedication to the mission of the fund and its participants is unparalleled,” added distribution fund CEO Stefanie Taub.

Hair and Crabtree-Ireland also stated there is insufficient information to process payments for some performers and encouraged all musicians and vocalists to visit afmsagaftrafund.org/unclaimed-royalties.php to see if they may be owed a distribution of funds.

Musicians On Call Teams With Amazon Music, Bose To Expand Music Pharmacy Program

Music is a great healer, and Musicians On Call, the nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, has announced it has expanded its Music Pharmacy program, sponsored by Amazon Music and Bose. The expansion is in an effort to bring more music to patients, families and caregivers in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, enabling MOC to more than double the number of facilities with Music Pharmacies.

Each Music Pharmacy consists of a Fire 7 tablet, donated by Amazon, with free subscriptions to Amazon Music Unlimited and Bose noise cancelling headphones so that patients can enjoy custom-curated playlists to promote positivity and healing in the hospital environment.

MOC volunteer Kelsea Ballerini has hand-curated a new playlist especially for patients of the Music Pharmacy program. Patients and Amazon Music customers alike can now stream “Prescribed by Kelsea,” featuring some of her favorite songs that inspire calmness and relaxation.

“We are all living through a time when finding comfort and hope in the hospital is more important than ever. Musicians On Call’s vision is a world filled with the healing power of music and with our Music Pharmacies we can bring a welcome relief to patients and caregivers who are feeling isolated right now,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Amazon Music and Bose, and artist partners like Kelsea Ballerini, we can share the healing benefits of music with more patients at this critical time. Their generosity is enabling us to grow our Music Pharmacy program at a time when our signature in-person Bedside Performance Program is not possible.”

Musicians on Call has also expanded its Virtual Bedside Performance Program with live-streamed performances for pediatric patients and homebound seniors. Through the program, MOC Volunteer Musicians perform remotely for patients via live broadcasts through hospital closed-circuit TVs and in-home services, allowing MOC to reach vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

“We are so inspired by Musicians On Call’s incredible mission to bring the emotional power of music to hospital patients,” said Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music. “We hope our donation can bring some sense of comfort to patients in hospitals who need it most during this critical time.”

“We’re honored to work with Musicians On Call,” said Pat LaCroix, Global Director, Demand Generation at Bose. “Our headphones can help provide patients with access to music, entertainment, and even a little quiet, during a time when they need it most.”

Hospitals that are interested in receiving a Music Pharmacy can apply at musiciansoncall.org/musicpharmacy/.

BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Adds Adrian Michaels

Adrian Michaels. Photo: Cody Heckber

BBR Music Group has named Adrian Michaels to Stoney Creek Records staff as Vice President of Innovation, Radio and Streaming, effective June 1. He joins from his previous post as National Director of Radio and Streaming at Warner Music Nashville. He succeeds Byron Kennedy who has exited to follow his lifelong passion for comedy.

Michaels is a 27-year veteran of the Music Row community with stops at RCA, Curb and Warner Music. Over the course of his career he has represented country icons such as Alabama, Clint Black, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes and Kenny Chesney and has played a part in more than 100 No. 1’s. Most recently at Warner, he led the promotion team in launching the careers of Ingrid Andress, Devin Dawson, Michael Ray and Morgan Evans. He also developed two national television shows for HGTV and GAC and is a member of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.

Michaels will oversee the Stoney Creek Records radio promotion for its roster of artists, including chart-toppers Randy Houser, Parmalee, Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell, as well as multi-national six-man band King Calaway. Additionally, he will be charged with fostering innovation across the label’s three promotion teams to take advantage of the continually evolving technology and processes which help measure and drive music consumption at the local market level, while continually looking for ways to aid radio in creating even deeper connections with their listeners and BBR Music Group artists.

Michaels will begin effective June 1 following Kennedy’s departure and will report directly to Carson James, SVP Promotion, BBR Music Group.

“Carson and I have talked for years about how much we wanted Adrian to be part of the BBR family and feel like we just signed that MVP who is hitting free agency at the height of his career,” says Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. “I’m still pinching myself. Adrian not only brings with him 25+ years of deep and exceptional industry relationships, but also the curiosity and mind-set of a 25-year-old Silicon Valley whiz kid who is never-satisfied with the status-quo and is always looking to build a better mousetrap. He is going to make us all better and as a result, even better partners for our friends in radio.”

James added, “I had the pleasure to work with Adrian years ago during our time at Curb. He rose from regional to VP in a short time for two reasons… he’s the quintessential promotion person but… more than that, he’s a true record guy. There’s no bigger compliment in this business than to be THAT. I’m honored to be working with him again!”

“I am incredibly excited to join Jon Loba, Carson James and the BBR/BMG family,” said Michaels. “Being given the opportunity to innovate and re-imagine the art of promotion for such a progressive company is an honor. I can’t wait to join the already successful team. Any record man would be humbled to represent the artistry of the roster at Stoney Creek.”

Kennedy will be leaving to pursue opportunities in the comedy world which has long been a personal passion. Loba remarked, “I want to thank Byron for leading the Stoney Creek team to new heights. Under his tenure, they made history by delivering back to back No. 1’s on Jimmie Allen; further cemented Lindsay Ell’s stature as one of the most unique and accomplished females in the genre and was instrumental in introducing King Calaway and showing the world what an accomplished group of musicians and vocalists they are. His closing salvo was starting the early buzz on Blanco Brown and Parmalee’s new single, “Just The Way,” which stations started playing before it was even shipped.”

Loba continued, “While he played such an important role at BBR, I always encourage staff to pursue their passions, even if that means losing someone who means so much. When Byron started having some very real success with open mic nights, I encouraged him to take the leap and dive full-time into something he has dreamed about his entire life. We will be cheering him on all along his journey…and will hold him accountable when he thinks he is too big for meet and greets!”

“I’d like to thank Jon Loba and Carson James for taking a chance on me when I wanted to leave radio and move to the record side, when no one else would,” reminisced Kennedy. “The last four and a half years working in Nashville and for BMG have been some of the most amazing and gratifying years of my life. I think the transition from records to comedy will be an easy one for someone who has spent the last few years being laughed off the phone every time I tried to hand them a hit. It might in fact be why Jon Loba has been so supportive and encouraging me to follow this new path.”

He continued, “As hard as it is to leave an incredible company like BMG it would be even harder to not explore the opportunities that have recently presented themselves. Stay tuned for some exciting news and developments right around the corner!”

Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Lynyrd Skynyrd To Headline Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam

Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Lynyrd Skynyrd have been announced as headliners for this year’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam set for Sept. 4-6 in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Tickets go on sale for the festival beginning today (May 5) with limited three-day general parking and platinum parking passes also available beginning May 5. Finance packages with easy payment plans are also being offered, and details can be found at GulfCoastJam.com.

“All plans are moving forward for what we feel will be our biggest festival ever,” said Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “Our Jammers are some of the most dedicated music lovers on the planet, and we can’t wait to get them all down here for some fun in the sun!”

“We’ve said we want to play every venue and market we’ve ever visited around the world and even some we haven’t, so we get to see all of Skynyrd Nation,” said Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant. “We didn’t get to play Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in 2016 because of a hurricane so we are excited to return to the festival with our farewell tour!”

Last year’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam drew over 20,000 fans per day from all 50 states and 14 foreign countries to Panama City Beach’s Frank Brown Park. The full lineup for 2020 will be announced May 14.