Tom Lord Joins Red Light Management

Tom-Lord-Headshot

Tom Lord


Tom Lord has exited Universal Music Group Nashville to join Red Light Management, where he will handle marketing efforts for the various artists on Red Light’s roster.
Lord had been with UMG since 2000, where he managed the film/TV licensing, international marketing, and partnership marketing efforts for the Mercury, EMI and Capitol Nashville roster of artists. He most recently served as VP, Marketing of the label group.
“I am honored to have been a part of Universal Music Group Nashville and am forever grateful for the experience and friendships,” Lord says. “I am also looking forward to my new opportunity at Red Light Management to work with their amazing staff and roster of artists.”
He can be reached at tom.lord@redlightmanagement.com.

SoundExchange Extends CEO Huppe's Contract

Michael Huppe

Michael Huppe


SoundExchange announced that Michael Huppe‘s contract to serve as SoundExchange’s president and CEO has been extended through 2018. Huppe will continue to be responsible for setting the strategic direction of SoundExchange, managing its day-to-day operations, and ensuring its long-term growth in service of the music industry.
“I wake up every day excited and honored to lead SoundExchange as we help shape the music industry’s future,” Huppe said. “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and look forward to working with them to continue to be a positive voice for both the organization and the recording artists and record labels we represent.”
SoundExchange is an independent nonprofit performance rights organization. The organization collects statutory royalties on behalf of recording artists and master rights owners for the use of their sound recordings by satellite radio, Internet radio, cable television music channels, and other services.

BMLG Promotes Kash To VP of Finance

Brad Kash

Brad Kash


Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and COO Andrew Kautz have promoted Brad Kash to Vice President of Finance.
Kash will continue to lead the finance, accounting and royalty teams throughout their support functions across BMLG’s three imprints – Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and Republic Nashville – and publishing arm – Big Machine Music.
Kash joined the company in 2012 as Director of Finance. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Saint Leo University, Kash began his music industry career as Assistant Controller for Williams-Bell & Associates in 1994. He was a founding partner and CFO of Big Fish Entertainment, working directly with such legendary artists as Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. His career also includes time as Senior Manager of Corporate Accounting & Finance with Hard Rock International, and serving as Director, Finance & Administration at EMI Christian Music Group.
“Brad is the right man for the job at BMLG. Upon arriving he was immediately able to understand what we needed to do to keep up with the scale of our growth,” Borchetta said. “Adding VP stripes was an obvious and easy decision. Well done Brad!”
“Brad has done an excellent job spearheading the effort to scale our Finance team to keep pace with our continued growth. His ability to understand our vision and fine tune our finance systems while adding the right team members to keep us on pace solidified this promotion,” Kautz said. “Brad understands that our need to keep Big Machine’s laser focus requires having our Finance processes complement our company’s relationships with our partners and especially our Artists. Scott and I are very pleased with what he’s accomplished and appreciate his contribution to our continued success.”
Kash can be reached via Brad.Kash@BMLG.net.

MusicRowPics: Natalie Stovall and The Drive

Natalie Stovall and The Drive Artist Visit

Natalie Stovall and The Drive artist visit


MusicRow welcomed Natalie Stovall and The Drive to its offices on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The five-piece band brought an infectious energy to the two-song performance, which included current single “Baby Come On With It” from the band’s self-titled, six-song EP on HitShop Records. “Baby Come On With It” was penned by Chris DeStefano, Jerry Flowers and Bobby Hamrick.

Chris Destefano, Jerry Flowers, and Bobby Hamrick
Chris Destefano, Jerry Flowers, and Bobby HamrickChris Destefano, Jerry Flowers, and Bobby Hamrick

Lead singer and Columbia, Tenn. native Natalie Stovall has been performing professionally since the age of 10, and she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry at the tender age of 12. The Drive includes guitarist Miguel Cancino, bassist Zach Morse, guitarist and vocalist Joel Dormer, and drummer James Bavendam, whom Stovall met in college.

made up of Miguel Cancino on guitar, Zach Morse on bass, guitarist and vocalist Joel Dormer, and drummer James Bavendam, who Stovall met in college.Read More: Natalie Stovall and the Drive Release Debut Single | http://theboot.com/natalie-stovall-and-the-drive-baby-come-on-with-it/?trackback=tsmclip

The band’s easy camaraderie, both on and offstage, has been hard-earned from performing more than 200 shows per year. “We started out doing the college showcases, and found an agent at one of the conferences,” said Stovall. “He booked our college dates, and that allowed us to play clubs and festivals. The college dates are what kept us afloat to play the other shows. Within a year, we went from random house gigs to having to block time off because we were playing so many shows.”
The demanding touring schedule is the primary reason the band delayed in signing with a label until last year, when they struck a deal with HitShop. “We were so busy touring that we didn’t have time to pursue a record deal,” says Stovall.
In 2012, she won the coveted Campus Activities Magazine Entertainer of the Year Award, marking the first time a female performer has received the honor in more than 20 years. The group is managed by Red Light Management’s Tracy Gershon and booked through the Paradigm Agency and Degy Entertainment.
They followed up “Baby Come On With It” with “The Long Way Around,” a song Stovall penned before heading into the studio to work on the group’s EP. “It’s about what we’ve been going through and how we got here,” said Stovall. “It felt like a song that needed to be written.”
Last year, the group spent ample time at Nashville club Anthem to not only present a showcase for members of the music industry, but to do a photo session and shoot an EPK and a music video. “The video is a compilation of our tour shows,” Stovall says. “We did a performance at Anthem as well, just to add a different feel to the video.”
The group’s EP was produced by Paul Worley and Clark Schleicher. “Natalie Stovall and the Drive have it all,” said Worley. “The talent, the songs, the look, the entertainment chops and a live show that will blow you away. Natalie is one of the best signers I have ever worked with.”
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Tonight: 'Nashville' Returns, 'Crazy Hearts' Premieres

Nashville_logoNashville returns tonight (Jan. 15) with Kelly Clakson in a cameo appearance, where she makes Gunnar and Scarlett an important offer. The Cadillac Three also perform on the episode which centers around the aftermath of a death. Meanwhile, Juliette’s reputation takes another blow, and Rayna deals with mounting pressure after buying out her Edgehill contract.
Nashville is executive produced by Dee Johnson, R.J. Cutler, Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan.

• • • •

A&E’s original series Crazy Hearts: Nashville premieres tonight (Jan. 15) at 10 p.m. CT with a replay tomorrow (Jan. 16) at 9 p.m. CT. It continues every Thursday at 9 p.m. CT. Here’s the gist of this songwriter saga: Lee Holyfield (daughter of songwriter Wayland Holyfield) was romantically involved with country rocker Leroy Powell. But Powell is more interested in recent Atlanta transplant Hannah Fairlight. Powell’s best friend is Anthony Billups, who is on-again, off-again with Amy Wilcox. Jimmy Stanley is a cowboy crooner and bartender at the Bluebird who is dating manager April Nemeth. Local personality Heather Byrd is the common thread.
Who’s behind it: Crazy Hearts: Nashville is produced by Eastern for A&E Network. Executive producers for Eastern are Toby Barraud, Stefan Springman and Mala Chapple, and co-executive producers are Angela Rae Berg and Jeff Grogan. Executive producers for A&E Network are Drew Tappon, Lily Neumeyer, Evan Lerner and Fred Grinstein.

Industry Ink (1/15/14)

blaster records111Blaster has promoted Sr. VP of Marketing and Artist Development Derek Simon to the role of President.
Simon recently signed singer-songwriter Chuck Wicks, who will release the single “Us Again” on Jan. 27.

                                                            • • •

Joe Bachman

Joe Bachman


Country singer Joe Bachman has signed with Rock Ridge Music. Rock Ridge will co-manage Bachman alongside his longtime manager Frank Annunziata of Anderson Entertainment.
President of Rock Ridge Music, Cynthia Cochrane, said, “The first time I saw Joe & the band live, I was blown away by their level of energy and the overwhelming crowd response. On top of being a huge talent, he’s as real and genuine as they come. We are all thrilled to be part of the next steps in Joe’s career.”
Bachman’s single “Lookatchu,” will hit radio in March.

• • •

SOLID’s first general assembly meeting of the year was held last night (Jan. 14) at BMI’s Nashville office. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern was the guest speaker.
“As the younger generation of the music industry, more than ever, you must work together to rise together,” Trahern told the SOLID membership, imparting some of the lessons she’s learned throughout a nearly 30-year career in television and music.

Pictured (L-R): Michelle Tigard Kammerer, SOLID Vice President; Brian O’Neil, SOLID President; Sarah Trahern; Stefany Reed, SOLID Education Committee Co-Chair; Alex Luebbert, SOLID Education Committee Chair.

Pictured (L-R): Michelle Tigard Kammerer, SOLID Vice President; Brian O’Neil, SOLID President; Sarah Trahern; Stefany Reed, SOLID Education Committee Co-Chair; Alex Luebbert, SOLID Education Committee Chair.

• • •

MusicCityCenter1The Music City Center welcomes Italian restaurant Al Taglio, which will celebrate a grand opening on Friday (Jan. 17). The restaurant is located on level one of the Music City Center; Al Taglio’s menu includes salads, soups, pizzas and sandwiches.

                           • • •

Jacy Dawn

Jacy Dawn

Jacy Dawn has launched the full-service media company Platinum Circle Media. Dawn’s more than 16 years of industry experience includes work in graphic design, promotions, marketing, publicity, social networking, website design and more.

Dawn recently worked as project manager for the release of Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan‘s project Dos Divas. Dawn has cover art credits on albums including Morgan’s Live and Wrapped Up in Love (2012), Kelly Lang‘s Shakes of K, Jesse Keith Whitley‘s Kentucky Thunder and more.

For more information, visit platinumcirclemedia.com

Dierks Bentley Announces '2014 Riser Tour'

riser dierks bentley11Typically, an artist announces a new tour via a press release, a video on the official website, or some similar method.
Not Dierks Bentley. The “I Hold On” singer “hacked” into CMT’s Twitter account to announce his forthcoming 2014 Riser Tour, and revealed via a series of tweets that Chris Young, Jon Pardi and Chase Rice will be joining the tour. The tour will launch May 9 in Charlotte, N.C.
“rule #1 — you should never leave your company’s twitter open at work. Guess I will have some fun with this.” Dierks said via Twitter.
He teased fans with a series of hints at who would be joining him on the tour.
“excited to see y’all out on the road! more info on cities and dates are coming soon. wonder if CMT will kick me off anytime soon,” he continued. The singer-songwriter later posted a photo with proof that he indeed got “kicked out,” before he could eat his Doritos.
A release with cities included on the tour arrived shortly after the tweets. Bentley’s upcoming studio album Riser releases Feb. 25.
First Announced Cities on the 2014 RISER TOUR First Leg:
Charlotte, N.C.
Raleigh, N.C.*
Virginia Beach, Va.
Washington, D.C.
Holmdel, N.J.
Bossier City, La.*
Robinsville, Miss.*
Detroit
Philadelphia
Scranton, Pa.
Hunter Mountain, N.Y.*
Thornville, Ohio*
Craven, SK*
Eau Claire, Wis.*
St. Louis
Morrison, Colo.
Los Angeles
Phoenix
San Diego
Mt. View, Calif.
Las Vegas
Sixes, Ore.*
Havelock, ON*
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Indianapolis
*Opening acts may vary, check concert listings for more details 



Tritt and Stuart Preview New Music During Theater Taping

Travis Tritt. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Travis Tritt. Photo: Terry Wyatt


Travis Tritt welcomed Marty Stuart to the stage with an exciting announcement during the second of a two-night acoustic stint at the Franklin Theater (Jan. 13-14) celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tritt’s rise to fame. Tritt shared news that the honky-tonk outlaws have already co-produced four sides for a forthcoming album, which may be available by the end of the year. “The new project is real close to unplugged – getting back to the root of things,” he said.
The comrades previewed Tritt’s first instrumental song, “Pickin’ At It,” which is expected for inclusion on the upcoming duet project.
In addition to impromptu road stories from the ’90s, Stuart and Tritt performed their mainstay duet, “The Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore,” for the sold-out crowd.
The theater’s Director, Dan Hays, welcomed audience members to the intimate performance, which was filmed for a yet-to-be-announced release. The evening served as a reminder of the quality catalog of songs the Georgia native retains, and his skillful guitar picking.
Leather pants and all, Tritt swung his hips for additional hits including “Where Corn Don’t Grow,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “Country Club,” “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),” “Best Of Intentions,” “Drift Off To Dream,” “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” and “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” James Otto joined him for a reprise of “Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man.”
The limited engagement offered tickets priced upwards of $100, with each ticket holder receiving a re-released, autographed copy of The Calm After… and commemorative “backstage” laminate.

'Idol' Tries To Get Back On Pitch

american idol 13Viewers tuning in to the 13th season premiere of American Idol on Wednesday (Jan. 15) can expect a revamped version of the singing competition. Fox is giving the show that was once its most valued vehicle a makeover to combat a ratings free-fall.
The judging panel will be made up of Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez. Ryan Seacrest will continue as host.
In the new season, the focus will be on the contestants instead of the judges. Last year’s cat-fighting between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj stole the show—and not in a good way.
Among other changes: cringe-inducing moments will be nixed, particularly the terrible auditions. Contestants will be allowed to audition with instruments. Before meeting the judges, hopefuls will go in a confessional type room dubbed “The Chamber.” The mid-season whittling down of contestants will be drastically condensed to about two hours of programming called “Rush Week.” There is a different set and different theme music.
The show also has new leadership. David Hill, a longtime executive with a string of success at Fox sports, will helm the show for the network, replacing Mike Darnell. Also recently on board is Director Louis J. Horvitz and four new principal executive producers.

DISClaimer: Music City's Americana

Hard Working Americans

Hard Working Americans


It’s high time we took an audio stroll through Music City’s Americana scene. Where have all our female singer-songwriters gone in this town? Evidently right here. Women dominate this stack of platters with worthy discs by Kim Richey, Julie Lee, Greta Gaines and Beth Nielsen Chapman. The other outstanding singer-songwriter platter belongs to Amos Lee. But the bands carried the day. Todd Snider’s new ensemble Hard Working Americans earned our Disc of the Day honor. The sensational The Wild Feathers flew away with the DisCovery Award.
GRETA GAINES/Good Side
Writer: G. Gaines; Producers: Eric Fritsch/Greta Gaines; Publisher: Oh Happy!; BMI; Big Air (track)
-Where to begin? For those not familiar with this Nashville singer-songwriter, she is the 1992 winner of the Women’s Extreme Snowboarding World Championship, the host of MTV’s broadcasts of similar events, the 2001-2004 star of the Oxygen channel series Freeride, a soundtrack composer, an ESPN broadcaster of fly fishing events and a board member of NORML, seeking to reform marijuana laws. All the while, she’s been releasing well-received CDs. Lighthouse & The Impossible Love is her fifth collection. This track departs from her prior country-rock sound in favor of a sultry, soul-inflected, sexy, soft vocal style. Heartily recommended.
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/The Mighty Sky
Writers: Chapman/Alvey; Producers: Beth Nielsen Chapman/Annie Roboff; Publishers: Rock Alvey/Songs of Prismight; BMI/SESAC; BNC (track)
-Chapman is nominated for a Children’s Music Grammy Award this year for a collection of astronomy songs. As always, this Nashville pop stylist is a mistress of lovely melody making, as this celestial title tune so ably illustrates. This truly is music for children of all ages. And I don’t care how old you are, the accompanying booklet will delight you with things you never knew.
JULIE LEE/Till and Mule
Writers: Julie Lee; Producers: Julie Lee/Aaron Roche; Publisher: Still House Road; SESAC; JL (track)
-I have long been a fan of this singer-songwriter. If you’re not, you should be. Her world-class, folk-country soprano is as crystal-clear as an Appalachian brook, and her vivid songwriting is just as stellar. This echoey title ballad of her new album will make your heart tremble.
HARD WORKING AMERICANS/Down To The Well
Writers: Kevin Gordon/Colin Kendall Linden; Producers: Dave Schools/Todd Snider; Publishers: Little Bug/Bug/WB; no performance rights listed; Melvin (track)
-This group is fronted by longtime Americana hero Todd Snider. On this thumpy, hard-times tune, his trademark raspy vocal delivery is given extra potency thanks to extremely tasty guitar work (Neal Casal) and an ultra-tough rhythm section (Duane Trucks, Dave Schools, Chad Staehly). In keeping with the band name, many of the tunes have blue-collar themes.
the wild feathers11KIM RICHEY/Thorn In My Heart
Writers: Kim Richey/Nelson Hubbard; Producer: Nelson Hubbard; Publishers: BMG Chyrsalis/Plastic Bird, BMI/PRS; Yep Rock (Track)
-Richey has returned to Music City. For which we should all shout, “Hallelujah.” The title tune of her current CD reminds you of how completely captivating her sweet-sad, world-weary style is. The harmony vocals by Will Kimbrough are equally soul-tugging. Luscious melody and infinite heartache. Buy this and every other album you see her name on.
AMOS LEE/Mountains of Sorrow
Writers: Amos Lee; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Soma Eel; BMI; Blue Note (track)
-This Americana fave and his band came to Nashville and put themselves in the capable hands of producer Jay Joyce. The result is a “drop the needle anywhere” album. It doesn’t matter which track you choose, your ears are in for an audio delight. The performances are mostly captured live, but in the case of this loping, engaging, mournful title tune, Patty Griffin was persuaded to add vocal harmony. Other illustrious guests dropping by included Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas and Mickey Raphael. Amos plays Music City Roots tonight.
FATS KAPLIN AND KRISTI ROSE/Gold
Writers: Rose/Kaplin; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pulp Country
-This esteemed sideman for Jack White (and many others) has a double CD. One disc is The Fatman Cometh and the other is World of Wonder, and both showcase his dazzling abilities on fiddle, mandolin, percussion, dobro, banjo, theramin and baglama, not to mention his composing skills. Kaplan’s partner Kristi Rose drops by to croon this bluesy love song on the second CD. This man’s music will enthrall you.
THE WILD FEATHERS/The Ceiling
Writers: Joel King/Taylor Burns/Ricky Young; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Effecter/Evan Taylor Burns/Young Town Mountain; ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-The thrilling debut album by this Nashville five-piece will restore your faith in the power of roots rock. This single/video showcases the group’s pile-driving rhythm, head-to-the-sky singing, supremely hooky melodic style, ringing instrumental abilities, sublime harmony vocalizing and addictive enthusiasm. It made me spin around the room in delight. Play it again and again and again.
WILL KIMBROUGH/Sideshow Love
Writer: Will Kimbrough; Producers: Will Kimbrough/David Henry; Publishers: Will Kimbrough/Bluewater; BMI; Daphne (track)
-This universally respected Nashville singer-songwriter-guitarist has been moving more and more in an Americana direction in recent years. The title tune to his new collection is a bluesy, stripped-down outing that wryly romps in all the right ways. I remain a big, big fan.
NED VAN GO/Poor White Trash Southern Reputation Blues
Writers: Hill/Webb; Producer: Michael Webb; Publishers: Ned Hill/DoubleKick; SESAC/BMI; NVG (track)
-I’m a little late getting to these drawling Kentuckians, whose Lost in the Trouble CD dropped a few months back. This hilarious, rawking, hillbilly romp tells you everything you need to know about their irreverence, wit and spunk.