Creative Artists Agency Announces New Leadership Board

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CAA has formed a new board which will underscore the company’s continued growth and next-generation strategy. The board will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency and is comprised of Risa Gertner, Michael Levine, Emma Banks, Joe Cohen, Maha Dakhil, Paul Danforth, Michelle Kydd Lee, Joel Lubin, Sonya Rosenfeld, Rick Roskin, and Tiffany Ward. Each board member will also continue to serve in their existing leadership roles within the agency, in the areas of Motion Pictures, Television, Music, Sports, and Diversity and Inclusion.

“This is an exciting and important moment for our company,” said CAA President Richard Lovett. “The members of the new agency Board have distinguished themselves in our highest priorities – embracing our culture and working in support of colleagues, while also succeeding in our company’s mission to be the best in the world in creating opportunities for and serving our clients. This new group will build upon our tremendous momentum and accelerate the agency’s growth, through laser-focused ways in which we can support our clients’ goals and aspirations.”

The market leader across film, television, music, sports, and other areas of representation, CAA was the first talent agency to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, and establish a business in China, among other industry innovations. CAA’s investment bank, Evolution Media Capital, provides a broad range of traditional investment banking and strategic advisory services to organizations across the sports and media industries.

Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett To Lead Faster Horses Festival

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Michigan country music festival Faster Horses Festival will welcome Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett to headline its 2020 event.

The eighth annual festival will return to Brooklyn, Michigan on July 17-19. Also on the bill are Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Russell Dickerson, Gone West (ft. Colbie Caillat), Riley Green, HARDY, Chris Lane, Tracy Lawrence, David Lee Murphy, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Mitchell Tenpenny and DeeJay Silver.

Faster Horses Festival is the reigning ACM Festival of the Year, and is part of Live Nation’s collection of country music festivals, which also includes Washington’s Watershed, Florida’s Tortuga Music Festival, Colorado’s Seven Peaks Music Festival, and New York’s TrailBlazer Festival.

“As Faster Horses has continued to grow, we continue to look for more ways to provide an enhanced experience, this year is no exception,” shared President of Country Touring at Live Nation, Brian O’Connell. “Obviously, with the announcement of these stellar artists that will join us for the Party of the Summer, we are also introducing several new camping options, and a completely reimagined VIP experience for those that are looking for a more upscale getaway this summer.  We continually put our resources back in to the festival, from talent to amenities, to meet the growing needs of Faster Horses veterans, and new fans as well.”

This year, the festival has added three new RV campground options. The Tack Room VIP area expands with a two-story deck with lounge, reserved stadium seating and an option to reserve a “Mustang Suite” offering new views of the stage, a private bar and food buffet, and more.

Passes for the three-day event will go on sale Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. ET.

Alan Jackson Honored With CMA Joe Talbot Award

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Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern,Chief Executive Officer, CMA; Alan Jackson and Cindy Mabe, President, UMG Nashville. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Alan Jackson was recently honored with the Country Music Association’s Joe Talbot Award on Friday (Jan. 17) following his performance at the Ryman Auditorium. The Joe Talbot Award honors outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and traditions.

“Alan Jackson has always stayed true to his roots,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “That’s why fans love him and it’s how he’s made such a considerable impact on our genre.”

Jackson is the fourth artist to be recognized with this award. Previous recipients include Merle Haggard, George Jones and Marty Stuart. This award has been presented to seven individuals since 2001, including Nashville business leader Kitty Moon Emery, Louise Scruggs, Janette Carter, and the award’s namesake, steel guitar player and music industry exec Joe Talbot. Jackson is a 16-time CMA Awards winner and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.

Josh Osborne Joins Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Josh Osborne moves up four slots to No. 4 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with credits on Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks” and “Sinning With You,” Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s “Nobody But You,” and Old Dominion’s “One Man Band.”

Ashley Gorley tops the chart for another week. Laura Veltz and Jesse Frasure maintain their positions at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Big Machine Label Group Revamps Music Streaming Team

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Pictured (clockwise, L-R): Dave Kelly, Courtney Daly, Jasmine Byrne, Nathan Thomas, Bekah Digby, Marie Wapelhorst

Big Machine Label Group has revamped its music streaming team led by Vice President, Digital Consumption Dave Kelly. Courtney Daly and Jasmine Byrne have been promoted to Manager, Streaming roles, while Marie Wapelhorst and Bekah Digby have also been hired to Manager, Streaming roles. Nathan Thomas also joins Kelly’s team as Streaming Coordinator.

“The focus of our evolving department is to maximize exposure for our incredible roster of new music while increasing consumption of our extensive catalog,” said Kelly. “Working with our amazing streaming partners, we will focus on growing our existing artists’ profiles across all platforms while introducing our new talent to the diverse consumer bases.”

With over 28 years in radio programming on local and corporate levels, Kelly began his tenure in 2012 as the Director of Strategic Research. Vanderbilt University alum Daly began at BMLG as an intern in 2016 and Byrne in 2018 following a stint in marketing and commercial revenue at Warner Records in Los Angeles.

Digby’s prior stops include Universal Music Group Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group, while Wapelhorst held positions at Sony/ATV and Cold River Records. Recent Belmont graduate Thomas previously served as BMLG’s Operations intern.

Contact BMLG’s Streaming team here:

Dave Kelly: dave.kelly@bmlg.net | 615-324-9324
Jasmine Byrne: jasmine.byrne@bmlg.net | 615-846-7684
Courtney Daly: courtney.daly@bmlg.net | 615-324-7787
Bekah Digby: bekah.digby@bmlg.net | 615-324-7773
Marie Wapelhorst: marie.wapelhorst@bmlg.net | 615-324-7786
Nathan Thomas: nathan.thomas@bmlg.net | 615-651-8725

Scotty McCreery Celebrates Double Platinum RIAA Status

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Stem (McCreery’s Manager, Triple 8 Management), Norbert Nix (GM and Partner, Triple Tigers Records), Scotty McCreery and George Couri (McCreery’s Manager; Partner, Triple 8 Management; and Partner, Triple Tigers Records). Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Scotty McCreery is celebrating his latest RIAA certification, as his song “Five More Minutes” has been certified double Platinum for more than two million units in sales.

The song, which McCreery co-wrote alongside Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, was the lead single from McCreery’s album Seasons Change, and topped both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart and the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

“I have believed in this song since the day I wrote it with Frank and Monty, and I am thrilled that the fans have believed in it as well,” said McCreery. “This song was inspired by the passing of my grandfather, and I feel him with me every time I sing it. As I’ve said many times, it is my favorite song I’ve ever written. Thanks to Triple 8 Management, Triple Tigers Records and all my team for working so hard with me.”

Back in 2017, “Five More Minutes” became the first country song ever to reach the Top 50 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Singles chart without being released by a record label. McCreery soon inked a deal with Triple Tigers Records, and the song became a No. 1 hit in February 2018. “Five More Minutes” earned McCreery a BMI Award and was named one of the “Top Ten Songs We Wish We’d Written” by the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s professional membership.

McCreery has earned a string of RIAA gold and platinum honors, including a platinum album (Clear As Day) and a gold album (Christmas With Scotty McCreery).

 

George Strait Announces Tour Dates For 2020

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George Strait is kicking off the New Year in a big way by announcing some big new shows. The King of Country will head to Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 22 with special guests Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, and more, and tickets for that show will be available Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. CT at Ticketmaster.

Ahead of the newly-announced August dates, Strait will also return to the Heartland in 2020 with sold-out performances at INTRUST Bank Arena this Friday, Jan. 24 for “Visit Wichita Presents Strait to Oz” as well as “Strait to the Heartland” at Kansas City’s Sprint Center on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26.

Additionally, “Strait to Vegas” shows return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this summer on Aug. 28-29. There, Strait will be joined by a special guest, Monument artist Caitlyn Smith, whose second studio album, Supernova, will be released in March. Tickets to that show will be available Friday, Jan. 31.

CMT Pledges 50/50 Equal Video Programming Policy For Female Artists

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CMT has pledged to establish a 50/50 programming policy for music videos from female artists on both its CMT and CMT Music channels, effective immediately.

Of the full 29-hour primetime video hours across CMT’s platforms, female artists will account for half of those videos aired, an increase from its previous 40/60 ratio.

“Time is really up in 2020! All the talk around what can be done to support females in country music needs to transform into action, once and for all,” shared Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent, CMT. “At CMT, we are stepping up our own commitments, in addition to our work through the CMT Next Women of Country franchise, and will be announcing a new initiative in the coming weeks that will spark this much-needed change in our industry.”

Last week, Fram appeared on TBS’ Full Frontal With Samantha Bee, where she discussed the issue of sexism and lack of country radio airplay for female artists.

The 50/50 video requirement is the latest move in support of gender equality from CMT, which is well known for its CMT Next Women of Country franchise, which includes an annual music event in Nashville, as well as a tour (current multi-Grammy nominee Tanya Tucker will lead this year’s CMT Next Women of Country tour).

In January, CMT added a deal point to its radio distribution partnership extension, which allows CMT to impact programming on 230+ stations. CMT’s Next Women of Country: Artist of the Month on-air feature allows CMT control of one spin per week for rising female artists, directly increasing airplay for females and the country music charts.

Additionally, this year’s Listen Up feature, which spotlights new musical talent and is set to announce its 2020 list on Jan. 24, will include a 50/50 female-to-male ratio.

 

 

Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Releases Statement

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Harvey Mason Jr.

Interim Recording Academy President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. released a letter to Recording Academy members on Monday (Jan. 20) offering details regarding Deborah Dugan’s recent placement on administrative leave, which was announced just 10 days before the upcoming Grammy Awards on Jan. 26 at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

In the memo, Mason, a music producer who has worked with Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown and more, states that in November 2019, the Recording Academy’s Executive Committee “became aware of abusive work environment complaints alleged against Ms. Dugan.” The memo further states that in December 2019, “a letter was sent from an attorney representing a staff member that included additional detailed and serious allegations of a ‘toxic and intolerable’ and ‘abusive and bullying’ environment created by Ms. Dugan.”

The memo goes on to say, “After we received the employee complaints against Ms. Dugan, she then (for the first time) made allegations against the Academy. In response, we started a separate investigation into Ms. Dugan’s allegations. Ms. Dugan’s attorney then informed the Executive Committee that if Ms. Dugan was paid millions of dollars, she would “withdraw” her allegations and resign from her role as CEO. Following that communication from Ms. Dugan’s attorney, Ms. Dugan was placed on administrative leave as we complete both of these ongoing investigations.”

The memo is one of the latest in the saga, following the statement released on Friday from Dugan’s attorney Bryan Freedman to the Associated Press, which stated, “What has been reported is not nearly the story that needs to be told. When our ability to speak is not restrained by a 28-page contract and legal threats, we will expose what happens when you ‘step up’ at the Recording Academy, a public nonprofit.”

Read Mason’s statement in full below:

As a proud member of our music community and the Recording Academy’s interim President and CEO, I thought it important that I reach out to you all directly about Deborah Dugan. In her brief time with the Academy, Ms. Dugan and I were in sync about taking a fresh look at everything and making any and all changes necessary to improve the Academy as well as making it more current and relevant to the creative community we serve. I remain committed to that goal.

In November of 2019, the Executive Committee became aware of abusive work environment complaints alleged against Ms. Dugan and in December 2019, a letter was sent from an attorney representing a staff member that included additional detailed and serious allegations of a “toxic and intolerable” and “abusive and bullying” environment created by Ms. Dugan towards the staff. Given these concerning reports, the Executive Committee launched an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged misconduct of Ms. Dugan.

After we received the employee complaints against Ms. Dugan, she then (for the first time) made allegations against the Academy. In response, we started a separate investigation into Ms. Dugan’s allegations. Ms. Dugan’s attorney then informed the Executive Committee that if Ms. Dugan was paid millions of dollars, she would “withdraw” her allegations and resign from her role as CEO. Following that communication from Ms. Dugan’s attorney, Ms. Dugan was placed on administrative leave as we complete both of these ongoing investigations.

I’m deeply disturbed and saddened by the “leaks” and misinformation, which are fueling a press campaign designed to create leverage against the Academy for personal gain. As GRAMMY week is upon us, I truly hope we can focus our attention on the artists who’ve received nominations and deserve to be celebrated at this time of the year, and not give credence to unsubstantiated attacks on the Academy. To do otherwise is just not right.

As you know the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees is composed of creative and technical artists and music makers from all genres, who’ve devoted their lives to making music and volunteering their time dedicated to the mission of the Recording Academy. These Trustees as well as the Governors in our 12 chapters give their time freely and passionately. Many are entrepreneurs who run small businesses devoted to their art, and generously donate their time not only to recognize their peers, but to fight for the rights of music makers, foster music education, and provide support to those in need all year long. Furthermore our hardworking and knowledgeable staff could not be more dedicated to supporting and furthering our mission. The current attacks on the Academy are attacks on these people, which are unwarranted, uninformed and unconscionable.

I encourage anyone who is truly interested to go beyond the sensational sound bites and teaser headlines and look at what the Academy actually does and how it functions. Don’t buy into headlines generated for personal gain but seek the truth as I am doing. As I mentioned we have initiated two independent investigations to explore all claims and present objective findings. My pledge to you is that I will address the findings of these investigations fairly and honestly and work to make needed repairs and changes while ensuring we have an Academy that honors diversity, inclusion and a safe work environment for all concerned.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your support of our Recording Academy.

Harvey Mason, Jr.

Dugan took the helm of the Recording Academy on Aug. 1, following an outcry that erupted in 2018 when then-CEO/President of the Academy Neil Portnow made comments backstage at that year’s Grammy Awards. After male artists dominated the 2018 Grammy Awards, Portnow suggested that women “step up” if they wanted to receive equal recognition. Members of the larger music community were outraged, and Portnow later announced he would not extend his contract, which ended in July 2019.

In December 2019, the Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, led by Tina Tchen, released a detailed report, offering several strategies and action points to bring about greater equality on many fronts to the Recording Academy’s membership, leadership, and selection committees.

 

 

 

Industry Ink: Aaron Watson, Gene Watson, Lindsay Bowman, Chuck Wagon Gang, Innovo

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Aaron Watson Inducted Into Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame

Pictured: Aaron Watson. Photo: Lavender Pathways-Photography by Lola

Aaron Watson was inducted last Friday (Jan. 17) into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of fellow Hall of Famers George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson and Nolan Ryan. Watson was honored with TCHOF’s 2020 Spirit of Texas Award at the induction ceremony at Billy Bob’s Texas.

“Getting inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is a huge honor. Many legends and a lot of my heroes are on that list,” says Watson. “I am humbled by their recognition and it was a wonderful evening getting to celebrate it with my wife, kids and parents attending. Texas and Cowboys have had a huge impact on making me the man, artist, and businessman that I am today.”

Gene Watson Gets Vince Gill Welcome Into Opry Family

Vince Gill, Gene Watson Photo: Chris Hollo

Gene Watson was surprised on stage at the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry Friday night (Jan. 17) by Opry member Vince Gill with an invitation to become an official Opry member. Watson, whose hits include “Fourteen Carat Mind” and “Farewell Party,” made his Opry debut 55 years ago at age 21 on the Ryman stage.

“The Opry strives to showcase an array of musical styles in every show,” said Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “When Gene Watson steps onto the Opry stage, fans know they are going to hear one of the most respected traditional country singers of all time. For years, we’ve watched him wow audiences in the crowd and fellow artists backstage. He’s been committed to the Opry for decades, and we look forward to him becoming an official member of the family. Plus, when all is said and done, you just can’t beat that last note of ‘Farewell Party.’”

Lindsay Bowman Joins PLA Media Roster

Lindsay Bowman

Lindsay Bowman has signed with PLA Media for public relations representation. Bowman joins a client list that includes world-renowned attractions the Johnny Cash Museum, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Tina Turner Museum, as well as singer-songwriter Jesse Rice, and artist and actor Gary Morris. Bowman plans to release new music in 2020.

“I am thrilled to be working with an artist like Lindsay,” PLA Media President and CEO Pam Lewis said. “Her stellar voice and talents have brought her so far and we are excited to be a part of her journey.”

 

Chuck Wagon Gang’s “I’ll Fly Away” To Go Into Grammy Hall Of Fame

Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wagon Gang Members Shaye Smith, Stan Hill, Karl Smakula and Melissa Kemper

The Chuck Wagon Gang’s recording of “I’ll Fly Away,” written by Albert Brumley in 1932 and recorded by the Chuck Wagon Gang with its original members in 1948, will be inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.

“How honored we are to know that this classic Chuck Wagon Gang recording will be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for 2020!” says Shaye Smith, the current alto singer and granddaughter of original alto, Anna Carter Gordon Davis. “It is so exciting for us to see The Gang receiving such prominent recognition! I think those original four would be very proud!”

 

Innovo Management Adds To Staff

Innovo Staff

Innovo Management in Nashville has announced some new hires, internal promotions, and a new office space. Gemma Matchett has been promoted to Senior Project Manager, Lea Walker has been promoted to Senior Marketing Coordinator, Dallas Derr has been hired as Marketing Coordinator under Lea Walker, and Savannah Alday joins as Social Media Coordinator. The company’s new office address is 117 28th Ave N, Nashville, TN, 37203.

“In 2020 we’re breaking the mold of what music marketing agencies and management companies do for artists. We’ve built out a team of incredible people who will continue challenging and pushing boundaries of what we and this industry can be,” said Sam Saideman, Co-Founder/CEO Innovo Management.