Artist Updates: Love and Theft, Jerrod Niemann, CMA Awards, RaeLynn, Brett Eldredge

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Love and Theft album cover med - photo credit Jeff LipskyCMT has teamed with Love and Theft for the Night That You’ll Never Forget sweepstakes, in conjunction with the duo’s performance at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on Oct. 30.
The sweepstakes, which launched earlier this month and runs through Oct. 8, offers one winner and a guest the opportunity to sing onstage with Love and Theft, two tickets to the Gramercy Theatre performance, two roundtrip airfare tickets to NYC, two-night hotel accommodation, artist meet and greets and a merchandise package.
For more information, visit loveandtheft.com.

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Jerrod Neimann

Jerrod Niemann


Jerrod Niemann will perform at the 2014 SESAC Nashville Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Niemann’s recent chart-topper, “I Can Drink To That All Night,” was penned by SESAC affiliate Lance Miller.
Highlights of the evening will feature the presentation of special awards including Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

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Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum

Additional performers have been added to the 48th annual CMA awards. Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and The Band Perry will join previously announced performers Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban.

The 48th annual CMA Awards will take place Wednesday, Nov. 5, airing live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

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The Valory Music Co. artist RaeLynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday (Sept. 26), performing her debut single, “God Made Girls,” as well as two other songs, “Love Triangle” and “Young.”
“I’m so excited to be able to share such a special moment in my career with my family, fans and amazing team. They all mean so much to me and I wouldn’t be here without them. Being invited to sing at the Grand Ole Opry is an absolute dream come true,” said RaeLynn. “Standing in the same hallowed circle as my heroes and looking out into that crowd performing my own music is a moment I will never forget. Someone pinch me please!”

Immediately following her debut, RaeLynn thanked the Grand Ole Opry for hosting such a special night. Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s VP Promotion George Briner, Grand Ole Opry VP/General Manager Pete Fisher, RaeLynn, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Grand Ole Opry President Steve Buchanan. MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/dmgsbfd7s7e0mbn55ttk Photo by Chris Hollo, Courtesy Grand Ole Opry© 2014

Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s VP Promotion George Briner, Grand Ole Opry VP/General Manager Pete Fisher, RaeLynn, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Grand Ole Opry President Steve Buchanan. Photo by Chris Hollo, Courtesy Grand Ole Opry© 2014

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bill anderson111

Pictured (L-R): Brett Eldredge and Bill Anderson


CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Brett Eldredge returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage Tuesday night to perform two chart-topping songs, along with his latest single, “Mean To Me.”
Prior to his performance, he chatted backstage with Opry member Bill Anderson. Eldredge, Anderson and Brad Crisler penned “Signs,” a track from Eldredge’s album Bring You Back.

Findley, Flick Promoted at BBR Music Group

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Mary Forest Findley

Mary Forest Findley


The BBR Music Group has promoted Mary Forest Findley to the role of VP, Marketing, reporting to EVP Jon Loba and GM Rick Shedd. Findley will oversee brand partnerships, strategic marketing opportunities, and work to coordinate marketing efforts between each of the music group’s departments. She will continue to oversee national syndicated radio promotion.
Findley served as the music group’s Director of National Syndication and Radio Strategy since December 2012. Prior to her work at BBRMG, Findley worked six years as VP of Sales & Marketing at Country Aircheck. Previously served as R&R’s Country record label sales representative. She also worked for the Country Music Association and for Premiere radio.
Chelsey Flick has been promoted to the role of Manager of National Syndication and Radio Strategy, where she will manage national radio syndication directives for all three labels under BBR Music Group, and will report to Findley.
Chelsey Flick

Chelsey Flick


Flick served as radio promotion coordinator for both Broken Bow and Stoney Creek since October 2012. She previously worked as Office Manager for Crowd Surf, and as a booking agent assistant for Artist Events and a publicity assistant for Loudmouth PR.
Both promotions are effective immediately. A replacement for the Broken Bow and Stoney Creek Records radio promotion coordinator position will be announced soon.
Mary Forest Findley may continue to be reached at: 615-610-2098 and maryforest@bbrmusicgroup.com.
Flick can be reached at 615-610-2106 and chelsey@bbrmusicgroup.com.

Wes Vause To Begin WMN Sr. VP/Publicity Role Oct. 6

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wes vause featuredAs previously reported, Wes Vause will join Warner Music Nashville as Senior VP, Publicity. Vause will begin his new role Oct. 6. In his new post, Vause oversees all publicity for Warner Music Group’s country and Christian music operations, including artists on the Atlantic, Elektra, Warner Bros., LoudMouth, and Word Entertainment rosters.
Wes joins WMN from Sony Music Nashville, where he held the role of VP, Media. He is based in Nashville, reports to John Esposito, President and CEO, WMN.
“After 14 years with Sony Nashville, I’m thrilled about my new opportunities at Warner Music Nashville,” said Vause. “In just five years with WMN, John Esposito and his team have done an amazing job of signing and developing great artists and I look forward to working under his passionate leadership, and joining the Warner family!”
Esposito added, “We are truly thrilled to have Wes join our special Warner Music Nashville family. Not only is he a proven veteran with a great track record, but he also is one of the most artist sensitive people I have met, making him a perfect fit for our team.”
Prior to Sony, Vause held positions at Asylum and Polydor Records. Vause is a member of the Country Music Association, as well as the Academy of Country Music, and is an alumnus of Leadership Music, Class of 2010. Vause graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business, and currently resides in Nashville.
He can be reached at wes.vause@wmg.com or 615-214-1500.

Signings About Town: The Agency Group, SESAC

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The-LacsAverage Joes Entertainment recording artist, The LACS, have signed with The Agency Group Nashville for booking representation. Alec Vidmar will be their responsible agent.
“We are beyond excited to have The LACS join The Agency Group’s Worldwide Roster,” states Lance Roberts, VP of The Agency Group Nashville. “Though they are already an established brand in today’s market, I am excited to watch Alec Vidmar’s passion and vision take The LACS to the next level.”
The LACS are gearing up to release Nothing In Particular, an 11-track collection of fan-favorite songs on Oct. 28. The duo is currently on a 22-city Nothing In Particular – Road to Lactoberfest tour culminating at their annual fall fan-fest, Lactoberfest, in Bloomingdale, Ga. at the Big Nasty ATV Park.
Vidmar can be reached at 615-5642580 or alecvidmar@theagencygroup.com.

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Pictured (L-R): LBK Entertainment’s Marty Wheeler, SESAC’s Tim Fink, Layne, Ed Cash, Be Music’s Chris DeTray, Scott Cash, Be Music’s Michael Blanton and SESAC’s John Mullins. Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): LBK Entertainment’s Marty Wheeler, SESAC’s Tim Fink, Layne, Ed Cash, Be Music’s Chris DeTray, Scott Cash, Be Music’s Michael Blanton and SESAC’s John Mullins. Photo: Ed Rode


Singer/songwriter Ivory Layne has signed with SESAC for representation. Layne stopped by the SESAC Music Row headquarters with members of her management and publishing team to visit and celebrate.
Her song performance of “Something’s Gonna Happen” is currently featured in the fall TV campaign for the popular women’s clothier, White House|Black Market.

Nashville Managers Make The Hollywood Reporter's List of Most Powerful Managers

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hollywood-reporter

Pictured (L-R): Lou Taylor, Mary Ann McCready


The Hollywood Reporter released its list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Business Managers, and two Nashville managers were included on the list.
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment’s Lou Taylor is featured on the list. Taylor represents artists including Britney Spears and Steven Tyler, as well as Casey James, Jamie Lynn Spears, Corey Crowder and others. Tri Star Sports and Entertainment is located at 11 Music Circle South in Nashville. Taylor maintains an impressive footprint in the industry in both Nashville and LA.
Nashville-based Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy’s Mary Ann McCready was one of the managers featured. She has represented artists including Blake Shelton and Keith Urban. McCready was a featured speaker during MusicRow‘s 2013 Rising Women on the Row, and was one of Billboard‘s top “Women in Music” in 2011 and 2012. She was the first VP, National Sales and Marketing for a major label, and the first female recipient of the CMA’s Founding President’s Award.
 

Industry Ink: Sony/ATV Teams with Belmont, Urban Visits AMS, RareSpark Moves, Copyright Law Event

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sonyatv11Sony/ATV Music Publishing as teamed with Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business for the “All Access” program, which will allow students to share their talent with the publishing company, and give Sony/ATV the opportunity to discover Belmont University’s potential songwriting talent.
The program will allow students to have two songs reviewed by Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Creative Team. The team then selects a limited number of students to perform their songs live for the Sony/ATV team during showcases held each semester. After the live performances, a limited number of students will be extended an invitation to attend a day in the Sony/ATV studio with an engineer.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President and CEO Troy Tomlinson said, “We make a real point at Sony/ATV of being part of the community in Nashville and this new partnership with Belmont is a great example of that. We know the University is overflowing with talented students and by launching the All Access program we will now have a direct way to identify them so we can help them to reach their full potential. This is all about uncovering the next generation of songwriters and artists.”
James I. Elliott, Chair of Songwriting in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, added, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to have their music heard by Troy Tomlinson and his Creative Team. We look forward to the process and have high hopes that Sony ATV Music Publishing will discover some future hit makers at Belmont.”

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Keith Urban recently visited America’s Morning Show, with hosts Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Blair Garner.

Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Blair Garner

Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Blair Garner

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raresparkRareSpark Media Group is moving to a new location on Music Row, beginning Oct. 6. Suzanne Strickland serves as CEO/Founder, and Scot Sherrod serves as VP/GM.
The new location is 1602 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212. All other contact information for RareSpark Media Group stays the same.
Copyright Law Update for Songwriters and Publishers

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BelmontLogo Blk_Vert [Converted]IPAC (Interested Parties Advancing Copyright) and Belmont University (Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business) will host an event on Monday, October 6th, 4:00-5:30pm at Belmont’s Columbia Studio A. The event will feature Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA), author of the Songwriter Equity Act of 2014, and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) who will present updates of the U.S. Copyright Law Review and other legislative actions impacting songwriters and publishers, including a Q&A segment.
Mr. Collins is a member of the U.S. House Judiciary Sub-committee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and The Internet. The event will also include special guests, including a brief songwriter showcase.
Belmont University’s Columbia Studio A is located at 34 Music Square East. Parking is available in the lot behind (off of Music Cir. S) 34 Music Square East. You may enter Columbia Studio A from the back of the building.
The event is free; however, guests should RSVP to copyright@clearboxrights.com.

2014 IEBA Award Winners

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IEBA Executive Director Pam Matthews and Chris Young Photo: Getty Images

IEBA Executive Director Pam Matthews and Chris Young
Photo: Getty Images


Trade organization IEBA wrapped its 44th annual conference Tuesday (Sept. 30) with a ceremony honoring promoters, buyers, casinos, fairs, festivals, talent agents, and venues. The Doobie Brothers performed, and were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame, along with their longtime manager Bruce Cohn, as well as veteran agent and manager Jim Halsey and event producers Bob and Peggy Kaltenbach (Klein’s Entertainment).
2014 IEBA AWARD WINNERS:  
Casino of the Year: Little River Casino Resort – Manitsee, MI
Casino Buyer of the Year: Kell Houston – Houston Productions
Club Buyer of the Year: Adam Weiser – AEG Live
Corporate Buyer of the Year: Michael Boltzman – AEG Live Events
Fair of the Year: Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN
Fair Buyer of the Year: R.J. Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Festival of the Year: Country Thunder USA – Twin Lakes, WI
Festival Buyer of the Year: Nicole Moore – Neste Event Marketing
International Buyer of the Year: Rod Tate – Calgary Stampede (Canada)
Promoter of the Year: Ali Harnell – AEG Live / The Messina Group
Talent Agent of the Year: Jay Williams – WME
Venue of the Year: Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
Venue Executive of the Year: David Kells – Bridgestone Arena
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Farwell – Outback Concerts
 
MC Hammer at Sunday's Tailgate Party Photo Credit: Getty Images

MC Hammer at Sunday’s Tailgate Party. Photo: Getty Images


The Doobie Brothers with Vince Gill at IEBA's Honors and Awards Ceremony. Photo: Getty Images

The Doobie Brothers with Vince Gill at IEBA’s Honors and Awards Ceremony.
Photo: Getty Images

No. 1 Party: Thomas Rhett's "Get Me Some of That"

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Back Row (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Bradley Collins, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, producer Luke Laird, Luke Bryan, Kerri Edwards, Tom Luteran, Scott Borchetta, George Briner, Virginia Davis and BMI’s Jody Williams. First Row (L-R): Rhett Akins, Michael Carter, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett. Photo: Steve Lowry

Back Row (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Bradley Collins, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, producer Luke Laird, Luke Bryan, Kerri Edwards, Tom Luteran, Scott Borchetta, George Briner, Virginia Davis and BMI’s Jody Williams.
First Row (L-R): Rhett Akins, Michael Carter, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett. Photo: Steve Lowry


BMI and ASCAP hosted a gathering at Nashville venue The Sutler yesterday (Sept. 30) to celebrate CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Thomas Rhett‘s chart-topping single “Get Me Some of That.” Penned by fellow CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Cole Swindell, as well as Rhett Akins and Michael Carter, the songs is Thomas Rhett’s second consecutive chart-topper from his debut album.
MusicRow‘s June/July 2014 issue, featuring Thomas Rhett and father Rhett Akins, was prominently featured during the celebration. “How cool that a father and son celebrate success together,” said BMI’s Jody Williams.
It marked the first No. 1 for songwriter (and Luke Bryan’s bandleader) Michael Carter. It was also the first No. 1 for Luke Laird as a producer.
Kerri Edwards gifted Swindell a painting of the guitar that Swindell’s father used to play. She also gifted Carter with a painting of one of his favorite guitars.
Luke Bryan, a co-publisher on “Get Me Some of That,” joined to celebrate the song’s success, as did producer Laird and BMLG president/owner Scott Borchetta.
“When you believe for many years that someone can do something, then they go out to do it,” marveled Bryan. “It’s amazing when you follow your heart and your heart is right. [Carter] takes a lot of things on himself to take care of our backs. We tour like 140 days a year. Then he comes home and writes like 180 days, to the point I can’t get him to go fishing with me,” Bryan quipped. “We all grew up on country music and didn’t know anything else, and it’s cool that now we are driving the needle.”
Ron Cox of Avenue Bank presented a donation from Avenue Bank on behalf of the songwriters to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Shelia Shipley Biddy Introduces Life Story In New Autobiography

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unnamedLongtime music industry professional and current Director of Operations of Music Health Alliance, Shelia Shipley Biddy, has released her self-published autobiography entitled The Music In My Rearview Mirror: My 30 Years In Music & More.
Shipley Biddy highlights her career experiences in the music and entertainment industry and the hurdles presented before her as a woman who became one of the first females seated at the helm of a major label.
Shipley Biddy landed her first music industry job as a receptionist at Monument Records. She made her way up the ranks to become a leader in radio promotion (at RCA and MCA) and eventually became the first female to head-up a Nashville record label—Decca Records.
She was instrumental to the success of artists including Mark Chesnutt, Gary Allan and Lee Ann Womack.
The Music In My Rearview Mirror is now available on amazon.com and via Kindle. It will be available on the Kindle as an exclusive release through Dec. 31, 2014.  Five percent of the proceeds from orders placed via Amazon Smile will be donated to Music Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization established to create a safe and confidential place for the nationwide music community to gain the best healthcare and insurance solutions through defined and transparent advocacy services.

Industry Ink: Leadership Music, Stoney Creek Records, Outback Concerts

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Leadership Music’s Off the Record series recently welcomed two pioneering female A&R VPs, Martha Sharp and Mary Martin. Sharp spent the majority of her career at Warner Bros., while Martin worked at RCA and at Mercury. The event, a joint lunch with members of SOURCE, took place Sept. 30 at Nashville’s Sambuca restaurant, and was moderated by MTSU’s Beverly Keel.

Pictured (L-R): are Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Schwartz Linn, Martin, Keel and Sharp.

Pictured (L-R): are Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Schwartz Linn, Martin, Keel and Sharp.

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Derek Gunn

Derek Gunn


BBR Music Group has hired Derek Gunn as Director of Regional Promotion/West Coast for Stoney Creek Records.
Gunn spent the past 15 years at KBUL in Reno, most recently as Program Director.
He can be reached at derek@stoneycreekrecords.com or at 775-287-1722. The job is based in Reno, Nev.

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outback concerts1Outback Concerts has hired Kama Upton as talent buyer. She will continue to focus on comedy.
Upton has been heavily involved in the Nashville community. She is the current Alumni Chair in the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID), and a past president of the WMBA, among other honors.
Upton can be reached at kama@outbackconcerts.com or at 615-242-3323.