BMI Hosts Second Publisher Takeover With Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams and David Preston, BMI songwriters Luke Dick, Casey Beathard, Jeff Hyde, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI and PNC Bank hosted the second installment of four Publisher Takeovers slated for the summer on July 18 with hit songwriters Casey Beathard, Luke Dick and Jeff Hyde of Little Louder Music.

Before the round began, BMI’s Jody Williams, Mason Hunter and David Preston presented the three songwriters with their coveted “Million-Air” awards, which are reserved for songs that have reached one million plays. In order to reach this milestone and receive an award, the song would have to be played back-to-back for an average of six years. Between the three songwriters, the number of spins they received certificates for totaled the equivalent of 125 years of continuous play.

The next Publisher Takeover will take place on BMI Nashville’s Creative Patio on August 15.

Luke Dick at the BMI Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry

Veteran songwriter Casey Beathard performs at BMI’s Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry

Jeff Hyde performs during the BMI Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry

Sturgill Simpson Announces New ‘Sound & Fury’ Album And Netflix Film Set To Arrive This Fall

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Sturgill Simpson

Grammy Award winner Sturgill Simpson has announced early details for Sound & Fury, the title of both his new album arriving this fall via Elektra Records and the original Japanese anime film he created simultaneously being released by Netflix.

The first trailer for Sound & Fury, including film footage and music from the forthcoming album, was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend during a panel featuring Simpson and two of the filmmakers, writer/director Jumpei Mizusaki and character designer Takashi Okazaki. Further details—including the release date for the album and Netflix film—will be announced soon.

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“We went in without any preconceived notions and came out with a really sleazy, steamy rock n roll record,” Simpson said. “It’s definitely my most psychedelic. And also my heaviest. I had this idea that it’d be really cool to animate some of these songs, and we ended up with a futuristic, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, samurai film.”

The album was produced by Simpson and marks his first, full length release since 2016’s acclaimed A Sailor’s Guide To Earth, which won Best Country Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 59th Grammy Awards. Merging American rock music and Japanese animation, Sound & Fury the film, is set entirely to music from the full album, with a different anime segment for each individual song.

Last month, Simpson unveiled a brand new track “The Dead Don’t Die,” the original theme song for the acclaimed film of the same name, written and directed by Jim Jarmusch.

Weekly Register: Blanco Brown, Luke Combs Top Country Charts

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Luke Combs and Blanco Brown continue atop two country charts this week, with Combs’ This One’s For You topping the country albums sales chart (in total consumption), according to Nielsen Soundscan. Meanwhile, Browns’ viral hit “The Git Up” continues to reign on the country streaming songs chart. Two debuts in the top 100 Country songs include Kane Brown’s “Like A Rodeo” with 4.1M and comes in at No. 25 and Kenny Chesney’s “Tip of My Tongue” at No. 31 with 3.6M.

Top Country Streaming Songs Chart (this week/to date):

Blanco Brown “The Git Up”  21M/107M
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”  11M/150M
Morgan Wallen  “Whiskey Glasses”  10M/150M
Luke Combs  “Beer Never Broke My Heart” 9M/99M
Luke Combs  “Beautiful Crazy”  8.4M/474M

Top Albums Sales Chart (total consumption):

Luke Combs –This One’s For You  23K
Dan & Shay –Dan & Shay 15K
Kane Brown – Experiment 14K
Luke Combs – The Prequel-EP 14K
Morgan Wallen – If I Know Me 13.5K

Big Machine Label Group, Tape Room Records Sign Trio Avenue Beat

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis, Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Dennis Entertainment’s Charly Salvatore, Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder; (L-R, front row): Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, Avenue Beat’s Sami Bearden, Avenue Beat’s Savana Santos, Avenue Beat’s Sam Backoff, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes

Big Machine Label Group’s Valory Music Co. has entered into a joint venture with Tape Room Records to sign trio Avenue Beat.

Quincy, Illinois natives Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff have been making music together since they were 14-years-old, when childhood friends Savana and Sam met Sami at a summer theater camp. The trio ultimately formed Avenue Beat and quickly went from teaching one another how to harmonize to playing local talent shows and festivals to making trips to Nashville for writing sessions. Now, four years later, the Nashville-based Avenue Beat will release their debut self-titled EP on Friday (July 26), which was co-produced by lead singer Savana, Ashley Gorley and David Garcia.

Avenue Beat are Taco Bell enthusiasts—and even namecheck the fast food joint in an upcoming song called “Delight”—so it was only fitting that the girls asked everyone to take the official signing photo at a Nashville Taco Bell location. Between the tacos and laughter, Avenue Beat shared, “We are SO EXCITED to have such a passionate and amazing team around us. How did we get so lucky?! It’s a great environment to be in for music making. They believe in us and what we want to say and how we want to say it, and that’s literally all we could ask for!”

VMC President George Briner commented, “The talent, energy, uniqueness and passion that Sami, Savana, and Sam have is incomparable to anything else out there. Their music and harmonies are infectious. Avenue Beat is a group that everyone will soon be talking about and remembering for a long time to come.”

“I was blown away the first time I heard Avenue Beat and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with The Valory Music Co. to introduce them to the world,” said Tape Room CEO Gorley.

Avenue Beat is managed by Dennis Entertainment in Nashville.

In Pictures: The Sisterhood Band, Ingrid Andress, Tenille Arts, SOLID, Bobby Messano

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The Sisterhood Band Rocks The Kimpton Aertson

(L-R): Fusion Music Management’s Daniel Miller and Nick Garvin, Sony Music Nashville Director A&R Margaret Tomlin, The Sisterhood Band’s Ruby Stewart, SMN VP Digital Strategy Ed Rivadavia and The Sisterhood Band’s Alyssa Bonagura, Fusion Management’s Danielle Broome and SMN’s Sr. Director Marketing Liz Cost, VP Finance Scott Stachelski, SVP Legal/Business Affairs Angie Magill and EVP Promotion/Artist Development Steve Hodges

At the fifth stop of the Kimpton Off The Record live concert series, Arista Nashville duo The Sisterhood Band performed recently at the Kimpton Aertson ballroom in Nashville. The Trevor Project benefits from the proceeds of the Kimpton music series, which is a partnership with Vinyl Me and Gibson Guitars.

Ingrid Andress Performs On NBC’s ‘Today’

Ingrid Andress with TODAY co-anchors Savannah Guthrie (L) and Jenna Bush Hager (R)

Ingrid Andress made her debut on NBC’s TODAY this morning, performing her brand new single “More Hearts Than Mine.” Andress will be taking her music across the globe in the coming months, from the CMA Songwriters Series in Phoenix on Aug. 21 to her just-announced European tour in September hitting Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

Tenille Arts Serenades NARAS Nashville

Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy’s Laura Crawford and Emily Kunst; Tenille Arts; The Recording Academy’s Bri Buchanan, Courtney White and Alicia Warwick.

Tenille Arts dropped by the NARAS Nashville Chapter recently to meet the staff and perform songs from her upcoming album. She has already released an EP and a full-length album, and her music has tallied over 25 million streams.

SOLID Breaks Music Market Fundraising Record

(L-R): CMA Foundation Project Manager Lindsey Jones, CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns, SOLID Music Market Chair Ellen Larson (APA), SOLID Music Market Co-Chair Amy Kadish (Wiatr) and SOLID President Johnny Cloherty (Songfluencer). Photo by Caitlin Alexander/CMA.

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) set a new record this year, raising $75,727 as part of their annual Music Market at CMA Fest – breaking last year’s record of over $74,000. $12,000 was donated to the CMA Foundation which is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs across the United States. Music Market is a four-day event held at CMA Fest’s Xfinity Fan Fair X that offers visitors opportunities to purchase and/or bid on items. Its silent “Backstage Auction,” allows fans to bid on exclusive artist merchandise, unique fan experiences, elite weekend packages, premier concerts, signed instruments, one-of-a-kind engagement opportunities and more from their favorite artists. The online auction is currently taking place, with new items added regularly at charitybuzz.com.

Bobby Messano Celebrates 40th Anniversary With ASCAP

Pictured, front row (L-R): Suzanne Lee, Bobby Messano, Mary Self. Pictured, back row, (L-R): Kele Currier, new VP/Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, Beth Brinker, author Richard Bender and Holly Chester

Blues/rocker Bobby Messano stopped by ASCAP during NAMM week to celebrate his 40 years with the PRO  and the release of his 9th solo album, Lemonade, distributed by Warner Music Group.

Terry Wakefield Joins UMPG

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Terry Wakefield

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has named Terry Wakefield as Senior Vice President, A&R for the company’s Nashville division. He will report to UMPG Nashville’s recently-appointed Chairman and CEO Troy Tomlinson. Prior to joining UMPG, Wakefield served as Senior VP, Creative at Sony/ATV.

In his new role, Wakefield is responsible for signing and developing new songwriting talent, as well as supporting the company’s current roster of writers. He will also play a key leadership role in further strengthening UMPG Nashville’s creative division.

On making the announcement, Tomlinson said: “Terry is the consummate professional and is widely known as an outstanding song man. His passion for songwriters and his personal relationships with artists will bring significant opportunities to our entire roster and creative team.” 

Said Wakefield: “I have worked with Troy Tomlinson for more than 17 years and I’m thankful to be able to continue our relationship. Jody Gerson’s commitment to Nashville is clear and inspiring. I am excited to become a part of the UMPG family.”

Among his numerous signings at Sony/ATV have been Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Tony Lane, Michael Carter and Lainey Wilson. Additionally, he guided the songwriting careers of Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Jim Beavers and Songwriter Hall Of Fame members Bill Anderson and Bobby Braddock.

Wakefield began his publishing career in 1994 with Little Big Town Music which was acquired by Sony/ATV in 1998. Prior to working in publishing, he was a member of the A&R team at Arista Nashville.

Blanco Brown Rises Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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BBR artist Blanco Brown moves into the Top Five at No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with the success of his catchy “The Git Up.” Ashley Gorley spends his third consecutive week at No. 1 this week, with Michael Hardy following him at No. 2, Hillary Lindsey at No. 3 and Bobby Pinson at No. 4.

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The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from 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.

Breaking: Sally Williams To Join Live Nation

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Live Nation Entertainment has hired Sally Williams as President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy. Beginning September 2019 and reporting to President of US Concerts, Bob Roux, Williams will play an integral part of Live Nation’s continued growth in Music City.

As President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy, Williams will drive Live Nation’s overall business and entertainment strategy in the market, including venue and client development. She will lead the company’s overall efforts in the programming and marketing of Live Nation’s concert activity in the greater Nashville market, and collaborate with Nashville-based artists to develop and execute their vision on a world-wide basis.  Williams will also oversee operations of Live Nation’s existing portfolio of Nashville venues, including Ascend Amphitheater, The Quarry and The Brooklyn Bowl, while also leading efforts in the development of new venues.

“Sally is a Nashville music industry icon, and the perfect executive to oversee Live Nation’s growing footprint in Nashville,” said Roux. “She’s spent decades contributing to the success of Nashville artists, venues, and events, and certainly the community itself, and we’re extremely fortunate to have someone with her industry knowledge and dedication to live music join our company.”

“For decades, Nashville has not only been my home, but also my passion,” said Williams. “It’s been a privilege to be in the middle of such incredible growth and I’m excited about what’s on the horizon. Live Nation has built a strong business here and has a terrific team in place. It will be an honor to collaborate with them to create world class experiences for fans and artists here in Nashville and beyond.”

Williams will join Live Nation following nearly 20 years at Ryman Hospitality Properties and Opry Entertainment Group. Since February 2017 she has served as the Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations, as well as General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, overseeing booking, programming, artist relations, artist collaborations and show production across the group’s venues, including: Grand Ole Opry, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red.  Prior to that, Williams served as General Manager of Ryman Auditorium. During her tenure, the Ryman was consistently recognized with a multitude of awards, and Williams herself garnered many accolades of her own, including Pollstar’s Facility Executive of the Year, Academy of Country Music’s Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year and Promoter of the year, the TJ Martell Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award, and more.

Williams has served as a steward of many organizations throughout Nashville’s music community, including as Chairman of the Country Music Association, President of Leadership Music and President of the Opry Trust Fund. Currently she is serving as Co-chair of the Music City Music Council and as Marketing Chair for the Country Music Association board of directors. She also is a member of the Academy of Country Music, the Americana Music Association, the International Association of Venue Managers, and the International Entertainment Buyers Association.

Williams’s last day with Opry Entertainment will be Aug. 9. Beginning Sept. 9, she will be in Live Nation’s Nashville office and can be reached at 615-346-9000.

Triple 8 Management Promotes Paul Steele

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Paul Steele

Triple 8 Management co-owners Bruce Kalmick and George Couri have announced the promotion of Paul Steele to Associate Partner, joining Jesse Atwell who was named an Associate Partner back in 2017.

“I am appreciative to George and Bruce for the opportunity to continue to serve Triple 8,” shares Steele. “Strong company culture is hard to come by these days, and I’m proud of what we’ve cultivated together here. Looking forward to what’s to come.”

“Paul Steele is a music veteran that has long been known for his integrity, leadership and ingenuity, traits that have long made him stand out from the rest, and therefore adds valuable input to the decision making we do at Triple 8 every day,” explains Couri of Steele, who first joined the Triple 8 Management team back in 2017 after serving as the CEO/Founder of the Nashville-based Good Time. Kalmick adds, “As we continue to grow, having Steele join Jesse Atwell at the Associate Partner position is going to be vital to our success.”

Indeed, Triple 8 Management has grown to be a 43-employee team with offices in both Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas. Triple 8 Management currently boasts a roster that includes Judah & The Lion, KALEO, Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, Chase Rice, Joe Nichols, Mat Kearney, Josh Abbott Band, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and Whiskey Myers among others.

Steele is a graduate of Texas Christian University. This promotion is effective immediately; congratulate Steele at paul@triple8mgmt.com.

UK-Based CODA Agency Formally Becomes Paradigm

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Paradigm London’s James Whitting, Dave Hallybone, Alex Hardee and Tom Schroeder; Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores, Head of Global Music Marty Diamond, and President Greg Bestick

The London-based CODA Agency announced today they will merge into Paradigm following a successful five-year partnership. The CODA Agency will officially take Paradigm’s name as the two companies fully integrate to focus on artist development and long-term career building, and to further amplify a shared philosophy of putting artists and the art they create at the center of their business.

CODA partners Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder, James Whitting and Dave Hallybone will continue to lead the London office, now under the Paradigm banner, with an emphasis on core values: intelligent and attentive client service, artist-centric and globally-focused representation, nimble response to an evolving industry, work/life balance and gender equality.

Paradigm first acquired a stake in CODA in early 2014, when the companies joined forces to pool their expertise and resources on a worldwide basis. The partnership flourished as both agencies grew, with CODA building world-class corporate events and brand partnership teams and also establishing the sports agency CODA Independent Sports last year.

“CODA and Paradigm have had tremendous success throughout our five-year partnership, creating opportunities and building enduring careers for a roster of exceptional talent,” said Sam Gores, Paradigm Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to the next chapter as one global company, driven by agents who share an unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create.”

“The success of Paradigm’s partnership with CODA has shown there are no longer borders in the global music industry — or within our two companies,” said Marty Diamond, Paradigm’s Head of Global Music. “Now as one company, we will continue to leverage our integrated approach in everything we do.”

“We have achieved the impossible: we found some Americans that we actually get along with,” joked CODA partner Alex Hardee. Fellow partner Tom Schroeder added, “We are A&R leaders, building creative plans for our clients in an industry that is in a constant state of change. Merging with Paradigm enables us to evolve and challenge a very dynamic marketplace. With this larger Paradigm platform, we can span the globe without losing our personality, ambition, individualism and innovative approach.”

Paradigm’s roster of globally-represented music artists includes Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Janet Jackson, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, Tiësto, Liam Gallagher, Missy Elliott, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Normani, Zedd, Kenny Chesney, Jess Glynne, Above & Beyond, Machine Gun Kelly, Disclosure, Bob Weir, Years & Years, Charli XCX, Estate of Johnny Cash, Bastille, Louis Tomlinson, Alan Walker, Sturgill Simpson, Buddy Guy, Old Dominion, and Hayley Kiyoko. With CODA’s roster merging into Paradigm’s, the agency now also handles international representation outside North America for Bon Iver, Ellie Goulding, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Payne, Mark Ronson, Pusha T, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn and Take That. Prior to becoming one agency, Paradigm and CODA shared more than 500 clients.