Nashvillians Make Billboard’s “Power Players” List

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Billboard has released its annual “Power Players: Forty Under Forty list of young music executives who are re-shaping the music industry.

Nashvillians making the list include Arturo Buenahora Jr., GM Creative of ole publishing; Laura Hutfless, Music Sponsorship Agent of Creative Artists Agency; and John Zarling, VP of Promotion and Media Strategy of Big Machine Label Group.

Buenahora is credited with signing Taylor Swift to her first publishing deal, pairing Dierks Bentley with Brett Beavers and Jay Joyce with Eric Church, and developing the career of Miranda Lambert. Zarling has created promotional campaigns such as Jack Ingram’s Guinness World Record attempt for most interviews in a day, and Martina McBride’s cross-country train ride for her Eleven album release in fall 2011. Hutfless is responsible for securing brand partnerships such as Ram Trucks with Zac Brown Band, Hallmark with Demi Lovato, and the “Here’s Hope” campaign for ConAgra foods with Jewel, Jay Sean, and Owl City.

Also making the list are Spotify’s Daniel Ek, Vevo’s Rio Caraeff, Producer/Songwriter Dr. Luke, and Ryan Seacrest. See the full list here.

Friday Artist Update (8/3/12)

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Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Tony Brown, Eddy Bayers, Michael Rhodes, and Paul Franklin will reunite as the Notorious Cherry Bombs to supply a full evening of entertainment on Tues., August 21 at 3rd & Lindsley with special guests Emmylou Harris and Albert Lee supporting Rising Star Music Fund and W.O. Smith Music School.

The evening will honor the late Bob Mercer, who established himself with work at EMI in London, signing Queen, Kate Bush, Olivia Newton-John and the Sex Pistols. In later years, Mercer managed Paul McCartney and Roger Waters, relocated to Nashville to establish Margaritaville Records with Jimmy Buffett, and developed the Now CD hits collections.

An online auction including CMA Awards tickets, Autographed CD’s and more will go live on August 13. Presale for the $50 event is available here

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Pictured (L-R): Ricky Skaggs and Barry Gibb

Last Friday (7/27), pop singer Barry Gibb made his Grand Ole Opry debut alongside Ricky Skaggs. Skaggs commented to Gibb, “You’ve played all over the world,” to which Gibb replied, “Yes, but this is the center of the world – center of the universe musically, and I couldn’t be prouder. And I’m standing in the circle.”

Gibb and Skaggs performed an old Civil War song, “When The Roses Bloom Again” and two Bee Gees classics, “To Love Somebody,” and “How Do You Mend A Broken Heart.” Gibb worked with Skaggs’ on his upcoming Sept. 25 album, Music To My Ears.

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Jon Pardi

Captiol Records’ Jon Pardi appears on CMT’s Listen Up feature during August, including new videos, photo galleries, and interviews. Exclusive performances will be released throughout the month including “Chasin’ Them Better Days,” “Up All Night,” and “Happens All The Time.”

The official music video for Pardi’s debut single “Missin’ You Crazy” released last month on the site.

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Bonnie Bishop

Bonnie Bishop will release her latest 7-track album, Free, Tuesday (8/7) on her website before it is expected on iTunes in October. The lead single off the record, “Bad Seed,” is currently available on iTunes.

Bishop will celebrate the release in Dallas (8/6), Houston (8/7), Austin 8/10-11), and at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley (8/14) before heading to select dates in New York, Virginia and Washinton D.C.

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Rachele Lynae

Rachele Lynae will be among rising performers including Gwen Sebastian and Tim Dugger at 94.7-FM The Country Giant’s signature fundraiser Hot August Nights at Delmonaco Winery and Vineyards in Baxter, TN on Thurs., August 23.

The event benefits St. Jude’s cancer research, including a dinner and concert starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased from Delmonaco Winery and Duncan’s Clothing in Cookeville, TN.

Rachele is currently promoting her single, “Party ‘Til the Cows Come Home,” with radio around the country.

Industry Ink (8/03/12)

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According to various sources, two leaders of the US Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Issues have sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission regarding Universal Music Group’s acquisition of EMI. The move follows a June 21 hearing on the proposed deal.

“Without reaching any final judgment as to the legality of the deal under the antitrust laws, we believe this proposed acquisition presents significant competition issues that merit careful FTC review to ensure that the transaction is not likely to cause substantial harm to competition in the affected markets,” wrote Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Mike Lee (R-UT).

In response to the senators’ letter, UMG released a statement saying it was confident it would gain regulatory approval. Universal Music Group recently submitted a package to satisfy concerns of European regulators, but so far it has not extended the same concessions to earn FTC approval in the US.

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Jay Frank

DigSin founder and chief Jay Frank is profiled in a Tennessean feature, in which he discusses his company’s strategy and business model. Check it out here.

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Event streaming company Live It Now Entertainment has recently launched in Nashville. Founded by Tom Strother and Rick Patci, Live It Now will focus on broadcasting live events of all stripes. The company has worked with a variety of clients including Florida Georgia Line, Music City Roots, and more. Email Patci here and more info here.

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Kristin Johnson

Spin Doctors Music Group has launched a new division called Next Generation Artist Management, to be headed up by Spin Doctors Executive VP Kristin Johnson. First clients include Pour Boy Records artist John Karl and SMG Nashville artist Stephanie Grace. Reach Johnson here.

Spin Doctors has also added Amber Matthews as Promotions Coordinator and Director of Social Media. Matthews previously worked in radio for Clear Channel Nashville, and in Bowling Green, KY. Congratulate her here.

Kristy Lee Cook Joins Ram Truck Summer Tour

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Broken Bow recording artist Kristy Lee Cook will head out on the road as part of the Ram Summer Tour. Cook will post weekly videos on the Ram Truck brand’s Facebook page, offering fans a chance to win a variety of prizes through September 23.

The series will award the first 50 fans who correctly guess the upcoming tour stop each week for a gas gift card worth $25, $50 or $100, a camping tent, fish hunter rafts, sleeping bags, duffel bags, or a camouflage hunting cap. At the end of each week, one randomly chosen participant will win a pair of 2012 jet skis, or a single seat kayak. At the end of the tour, one fan will be randomly selected to win a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn pickup truck.

For more information click here.

Cook is currently in the studio working with executive producer and label mate Jason Aldean and a collection of his touring musicians called NV (New Voice Entertainment), the production team for Thompson Square. Cook’s debut single for Broken Bow will be released later in 2012.

Steven Curtis Chapman Partners With Provident Music Group

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Photo: Dale Manning

Steven Curtis Chapman has signed a recording agreement with Provident Music Group and his first release for the label, a Christmas album titled Joy, will hit stores on October 16.

“Steven and I have been friends for many years and I have always respected his character and integrity,” says Provident Music Group President/CEO Terry Hemmings. “He possesses the heart, passion and energy to do the work he’s been called to; not only in music, but in caring for others and utilizing his gifts for so much more. We’re excited to provide him a place to tell his story, while coming alongside him with the resources and channels to allow that story to be heard and experienced by many. We believe this will be a great ‘new adventure’ for all of us.”

“Many know that the last few years have been a difficult journey for my family and me, following the loss of our daughter Maria,” says Chapman. “So many have prayed for us and encouraged us, and having the opportunity to write, record and share this new music really feels like the beginning of a new season…a season of joy.”

In 2013, Chapman will follow up Joy with his first studio release of new material since 2007’s This Moment. His previous label home was the EMI-owned Sparrow Records. Over his 25 year career, Chapman has amassed 46 No. 1 singles, 57 GMA Dove Awards, and 5 Grammys from his 17 albums.

SoundLand Venue and Performers Announced

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SoundLand is set for an all-new location in 2012, and will bring fans to the lawn at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville on Saturday, October 6. The one-day outdoor music festival is presented by Next Big Nashville and features a multi-genre lineup including My Morning Jacket, Young the Giant, Divine Fits, JD McPherson, Jonny Corndawg and many more.

What began as Next BIG Nashville in 2006 became the three day, multi-venue SoundLand Music Festival in 2011. This year SoundLand is a one-day outdoor extravaganza with music, art, food, and more in its biggest venue yet. The event takes place from noon until 11 pm.

Tickets are available here.

Mike Eli Welcomes Baby Girl

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Mike Eli and Kline.

Eli Young Band’s Mike Eli and wife Kacey welcomed their first child on Mon., July 30. Daughter Kline Olivia Diaz was born in Dallas and weighed in at 6 lbs., 15 oz. and is 20¼ inches long.

“They tell you about this feeling that is beyond comparison … and the moment Kacey and I laid our eyes on little Kline we understood it’s absolutely the coolest thing ever!” the proud dad told People.

Eli Young Band is riding a major wave of success this year and is currently on the Rascal Flatts tour. EYB’s “Crazy Girl” has been certified Platinum for digital downloads, and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” has been certified Gold. In 2012 the band won its first ACM Award for Song of the Year, and was named the MusicRow Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Leadership Music Announces New Board, Staff Updates

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(L to R) Sally Williams, Jeff Gregg, and Lori Badgett

Leadership Music has selected 13 new board members from among the more than 900 alumni of the 23-year-old organization.

CAA’s Jeff Gregg has been elected board president. Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams has been named president-elect. City National Bank’s Lori Badgett is immediate past president; Time-Warner’s Linda Bloss-Baum will serve a second term as secretary, and FBMM’s Julie Boos—a new board member—has been named treasurer.

Selected to serve three-year terms are:
Tom Baldrica (Average Joe’s Entertainment)
Julie Boos (FBMM)
Debbie Carroll (MusiCares)
Teresa George (ACM)
Jimmy Harnen (Republic Nashville)
Michael Huppe (SoundExchange—Washington, DC)
John Ingrassia (Vector Management)
Ellen Lehman (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee)
Tom Lord (UMG)
Bill Mayne (CRB)
Wendell Moore (Baker Donelson)
Diane Pearson (City National Bank)
Chip Petree (Copyright Exchange)

Continuing to serve on the board are:
Drew Alexander (Curb)
John Allen (BMG Chrysalis)
Carey Nelson Burch (My Own Shingle)
Fletcher Foster (Red Light Management)
Jay Frank (DigSin)
Lynn Morrow (Adams & Reese)
Ken Paulson (First Amendment Center)
Larry Stessel (Revolver Marketing Group)
Bethel Thomas (Belmont University)
Stacy Widelitz (Stacy Widelitz Music)
Will Cheek (Bone, McAllister & Norton) serves as legal counsel

Additionally, Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Schwartz Linn has named Katie Plauche-Morris as Finance and Program Manager for the organization. A Louisiana native and graduate of Louisiana State University, Plauche-Morris joined the staff of the non-profit in 2008 as coordinator of operations and finance. She continues to oversee finances in addition to planning and coordinating the program.

Publicist and writer, Judi Turner, has joined the Leadership Music staff as Communications and Events Manager. An alumna of LM Class of 1996, Turner will serve as board liaison and coordinate communications efforts, as well as having oversight for Leadership Music events, including the annual Dale Franklin Awards, Digital Summit and other alumni engagement events. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Stark Exits Radio-Info.com

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Veteran Nashville journalist Phyllis Stark is among those exiting Radio-Info.com today (Friday, Aug. 3). She had served as Executive Editor, Country Music and authored the twice-weekly Stark Country newsletter since she joined the company in October 2009. The company will no longer be publishing its newsletters, resulting in a number of layoffs including writers Sean Ross, Dana Hall, and more.

Prior to joining Radio-Info.com, Stark was Nashville bureau chief at Billboard magazine and its websites, where she had worked for 17 years. She will continue to write her MSN blog, along with country music news for MSN, in addition to other freelance work.

Reach her at 615-463-7321 or p.stark@comcast.net.

Weekly Chart Report (8/3/2012)

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WBCT PD Dave Taft (L) visits with Billy Currington before a show in Grand Rapids last week.

SPIN ZONE
It was only a matter of time, really. Little Big Town released the irresistible “Pontoon” on the cusp of summer and after 14 weeks, it has floated up to the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. Last week’s No. 1 Keith Urban drops back to No. 2, and Love and Theft moves up to No. 3 with “Angel Eyes.” Blake Shelton’s “Over” holds at No. 4, and Lady Antebellum scoots up to the No. 5 spot with “Wanted You More.”

Major movers include Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” leaping 19-13 in its 5th week charting. Jason Aldean’s brand new “Take A Little Ride” gains 424 and moves 32-25. Eric Church’s “Creepin’” is one spot behind him at No. 26 with a gain of 335 spins. Toby Keith’s “I Like Girls Who Drink Beer” debuted at No. 59 in the previous chart and adds 554 spins to rocket up to No. 34.

One of this chart’s big surprises is a posthumous appearance by Waylon Jennings, whose version of Tony Joe White’s “Goin’ Down Rockin’” lands at No. 66. The track appears on the new collection Goin’ Down Rockin’: The Last Recordings of Waylon Jennings (Saguaro Road), due out September 11. Also debuting are Brantley Gilbert (“Kick It In The Sticks”) at No. 62, EMI Records Nashville newcomer Kelleigh Bannen (“Sorry On the Rocks”) at No. 69, Stephanie Grace (“Hey There”) at No. 79 and Zach Paxson (“Good Luck With That”) at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KDKD, KVAY, KVVP, WJVL, WKBQ, WXXK

Upcoming Singles
August 6
Lucas Hoge/Do What Makes You Feel Good/Animal House
Florida Georgia Line/Cruise/Republic Nashville
Chelsea Bain/What If I/Rock Ridge-InstiGator
Her & Kings County/Family Tree/Elektra Nashville-WMN
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk
Rich O’Toole/Red Wine On Your Lipstick

August 13
One Night Rodeo/Real Good/Fox Hill
Bucky Covington with Shooter Jennings/Drinking Side of Country/eOne

Big Ride’s Craig Wayne Boyd previewed his new CD for Mark and Shelly of the Breakfast Bunch at WWBE/Selinsgrove, PA last week. Boyd’s “I Ain’t No Quitter” lands at No. 50 on this week’s CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Mark Roberts, Boyd, and Shelly Marx

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Brantley Gilbert/Kick It In The Sticks/Valory – 62
Waylon Jennings/Goin’ Down Rockin’/Saguaro Road – 66
Kelleigh Bannen/Sorry On The Rocks/EMI Nashville – 69
Stephanie Grace/Hey There – 79
Zach Paxson/Good Luck With That/FutureGrass – 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Toby Keith/I Like Girls That Drink Beer/Show Dog-Universal – 554
Jason Aldean/Take A Little Ride/Broken Bow – 424
Luke Bryan/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye/Capitol – 343
Eric Church/Creepin’/EMI Nashville – 335
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine – 293

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Toby Keith/I Like Girls That Drink Beer/Show Dog–Universal – 31
Luke Bryan/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye/Capitol – 19
Jason Aldean/Take A Little Ride/Broken Bow – 18
Kip Moore/Beer Money/MCA – 14
Brantley Gilbert/Kick It In The Sticks/Valory – 14
Eric Church/Creepin’/EMI Nashville – 13

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Jon Wolfe/It All Happened In A Honky Tonk/Vision–Average Joes – 169
JB and The Moonshine Band/No Better Than This/Average Joes – 156
Katie Armiger/Better In A Black Dress/Cold River – 152
Craig Morrison/Fences/Lucky 53’s–GMV Nashville – 149
John Maison/Love Is A Trip/Big High Five – 145

Warner Music Nashville's HER & Kings County rock the boat in San Francisco with a group of local PDs & MDs