UMG Nashville Adds Rachel Fontenot

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Rachel Fontenot

Universal Music Group Nashville has named Rachel Fontenot as Senior Director of Marketing & Artist Development for the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.

“Rachel is one of the most creative, passionate, skilled marketers I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” says UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. “She brings a wealth of experience met with a collaborative spirit and a distinct vision for where our artists and music are going.  She’s highly respected in our building and in the community. I’m so excited to have Rachel on the Universal team as she is helping us redefine the marketplace every day.”

Fontenot began her career with BMG Nashville and held several positions within the company including production, sales, artist development and marketing. She served as Director of Marketing at Sony BMG where she oversaw the marketing campaigns and international marketing efforts for the entire Sony Music Nashville roster. Fontenot also launched her own artist consulting firm in 2017 where she focused on marketing strategy and artist development while maximizing her well-established relationships with record labels, artists and managers. In her new role at UMG Nashville, Fontenot will oversee day-to-day artist development and marketing efforts for Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Brandon Lay, Jon Pardi, Shania Twain and Brothers Osborne.

UMG Nashville’s artist roster which includes Adam Hambrick Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Hootie & the Blowfish, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, and Vince Gill.

Jamey Johnson, Lindsay Ell, Travis Denning To Play 6th Annual Georgia On My Mind Benefit

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The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip) have announced the lineup of friends joining them for their “Gretsch Presents the 6thAnnual Georgia On My Mind” concert on Wednesday, July 17 at the Ryman Auditorium. Jamey Johnson, John Berry, Craig Campbell, Brent Cobb, Travis Denning, Lindsay Ell, Ray Fulcher, Amy Ray of Indigo Girls, Michael Ray, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out will all perform at the annual Georgia-centric benefit, as well as surprise guests and a special performance by the Otis Redding Foundation’s DREAM Choir.

“This annual night of music has been so successful because of the generosity of the artists who participate,” said Dallas Davidson, longtime chair of the Georgia Music Foundation. “The camaraderie on stage reflects the friendships and mutual respect that Ben, Rhett and I have for the musicians and Georgians who have been a part of and influenced our careers.”

Tickets are $54.50 and $44.50 and are available via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

The efforts of the Peach Pickers and friends have enabled the Georgia Music Foundation, which supports programs of music education, preservation and outreach, to award nearly $400,000 in grants to music programs at schools and non-profit organizations over the past five years.

The Peach Pickers, all Georgia natives, have accumulated more than 70 No. 1 songs collectively and individually since 2010, and earned numerous awards and accolades. Their respective catalogs include hit songs “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “All About Tonight,” “Gimme That Girl,” “Just A Kiss,” “When She Says Baby,” “Boys Round Here,” “It Goes Like This,” “We Owned The Night,” “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” “Point At You,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Star of the Show,” and many more.

CMA Honors Late Industry Exec Rob Potts With International Exchange Program

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The Country Music Association is honoring late music industry executive Rob Potts with the launch of the Rob Potts International Exchange Program. The four-week industry-focused program, which launches next year, will select two recipients—one from the United States and one from Australia or New Zealand.

Applicants for the Rob Potts International Exchange Program must be either a full-time college/university student or emerging industry professional between the ages of 18 and 25. The U.S. recipient’s program will take place in Australia, while the recipient from Australia/New Zealand will undertake the program in Nashville–with costs covered by the exchange program.

Both recipients will have a primary contact to guide them during the program. Those selected will participate in a series of internships and networking opportunities in Nashville or Australia. CMA task force groups in Nashville and Australia developed the comprehensive work experience program designed to expose individuals to various parts of the business, including the following areas: Marketing/Digital, Media/Public Relations, Booking Agency, Management, Record Labels, Publishing/PRO, Live Events/Stage Production, Radio, Video Production and Recording Studio. The exchange program is not intended for an individual pursuing a career as an artist or songwriter.

The application for the program is open now and closes at 11:59 p.m. CT on Sunday, June 30. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply at CMAworld.com. The two selected recipients will be notified later this year.

“We are honored to celebrate the legacy of Rob and his contribution to the country music industry through this exchange program and are looking forward to impacting the next generation of music industry professionals through this international program,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Even though his home was miles away in Australia, he was a regular fixture here in Nashville. I still expect to see him in the crowd at CMA Fest. Rob was a tireless advocate for Country Music and we are delighted to engage a new generation of the industry in his honor.”

“Anyone who ever met Rob knows how he could light up any room with his smile and energy,” says John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman/Chief Executive Officer and CMA Board member. “His passion for country music was unwavering. His passion to have it expand internationally was boundless. I am so thrilled to be a small part of helping lead the CMA task force that created this program. It will benefit future executives in the Country Music business. I’m sure Rob is smiling down on us as we carry the torch of his legacy!”

“The dream my father pursued for three decades was to build a bridge between country music in Australia and in Nashville, behind the scenes as much as on stage,” says Jeremy Dylan, Potts’ son. “This program will honor his legacy and further expand the global exchange of people and ideas that has made country music a truly international genre. I’m very grateful to Sarah, Milly Olykan, everyone at CMA, and everyone else who helped bring this project to fruition, and I’m excited to see the successful applicants embrace these amazing opportunities.”

“Country Music fans, artists and the greater global industry will forever be indebted to Rob for his immeasurable and unwavering dedication to developing country music, both in Australia and across the globe,” says Matthew Lazarus Hall, CMC Rocks Chief Executive Officer and CMA board member. “While always heavily involved in the detail, Rob never took his eye off the big picture, using his passion and expertise to bridge the gap between Australia and Nashville, and steering his efforts towards lasting growth and long-term development to build the Country Music profile and advocate for emerging artists. His impact is still evident today in his support and contributions to CMA, CMC, FANGATE and the CMAA Academy of Country Music. It has been an honor to work alongside such a passionate and inspiring friend, and we hope that the Rob Potts International Exchange Program will carry on his legacy for enhancing country music across the globe.”

Celebrated Australian manager, promoter, country music champion and CMA Board member, Potts’ career spanned more than 30 years. As CEO of his company Entertainment Edge, Potts helped open doors for Australian Country artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans and Keith Urban, in addition to serving as manager for Evans. His success in the touring of U.S. country artists in Australia led to Potts establishing the CMC Rocks festival brand and forging a long-running partnership with  Michael Chugg of Chugg Entertainment. Their flagship, CMC Rocks Queensland, is now the biggest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jon Pardi Reveals Track List, Cover Art For Upcoming Album, ‘Heartache Medication’

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Photo: Jim Wright

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jon Pardi gave a first glimpse into his new highly-anticipated album Heartache Medication today (May 29). Industry members gathered today at Pardi’s Nashville property for an exclusive listening party to introduce his yet-to-be-released 14-song album ahead of the title-track’s official radio impact date on June 3. The project releases Sept. 27.

Pardi discussed his forthcoming album along with Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. Heartache Medication has Pardi returning as a producer for a third time and once again pairs him with California Sunrise co-producer Bart Butler, with Ryan Gore joining as first-time co-producer. The track list features cuts from some of Nashville’s finest songwriters, including: Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean, Jimmy Yeary, Rhett Akins, Luke Laird, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele and more; and even features a collaboration with Lauren Alaina.

Pictured: Jon Pardi gives industry members an early listen to his upcoming album at his Nashville property. Photo: Sherod Robertson/MusicRow

Heartache Medication is the follow up to Pardi’s co-produced Platinum-selling No. 1 album California Sunrise, which featured multi-Platinum hits including “Dirt on My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache on the Dancefloor” and “Night Shift.”

Heartache Medication Track Listing:
1. “Old Hat” (Jeff Hyde, Matt Jenkins and Ryan Tyndell)
2. “ Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi, Barry Dean and Natalie Hemby)
3. “Nobody Leaves A Girl Like That” (Bart Butler, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary)
4. “Ain’t Always The Cowboy” (Brandon Kinney and Josh Thompson)
5. “Me And Jack” (Jon Pardi, Rhett Akins, Bart Butler and Luke Laird)
6. “Don’t Blame It On Whiskey (Featuring Lauren Alaina)” (Eric Church, Michael Heeney, Luke Laird and Miranda Lambert)
7. “Tied One On” (Bart Butler, Chase McGill and Jamie Paulin)
8. “Oughta Know That” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Luke Laird)
9. “Tequila Little Time” (Jon Pardi, Rhett Akins and Luke Laird)
10. “Buy That Man A Beer” (Clint Daniels, Justin Lantz and John Pierce)
11. “Call Me Country” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Driver Williams)
12. “Just Like Old Times” (Jon Pardi, Jeff Hyde and Michael Heeney)
13. “Love Her Like She’s Leaving” (Bart Butler, Dean Dillon and Jessie Jo Dillon)
14. “Starlight” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Jeffrey Steele)

Marking a career first, Pardi recently announced he will headline back-to-back nights at the Ryman Auditorium, where he will kick off his headlining Heartache Medication Tour in Nashville on Oct. 1 and 2. The Heartache Medication Tour featuring direct support Riley Green, is currently on-sale for select pre-sale opportunities, with tickets available to purchase everywhere starting May 31. Pre-order the album Heartache Medication and purchase tickets to the upcoming Heartache Medication Tour here.

John Prine Announces Kelsey Waldon Signing To Oh Boy Records

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Pictured (L-R): Collin Fiddler, Jody Whelan, Kelsey Waldon, Eileen Tilson

Performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage is a bucket list experience for every country entertainer. Kelsey Waldon‘s recent appearance got an extra special surprise, thanks to John Prine. After she performed her own Opry set, Prine called Waldon back to the stage to duet on his songs “Unwed Fathers” and “Paradise.” He then announced Waldon as the newest artist on Prine’s Oh Boy Records label. The announcement was a rarity, marking the first signing for the label in 15 years.

Jody Whelan, Director of Operations at Oh Boy, says of the signing, “It’s an honor for us to work with Kelsey. There is an honesty and commitment in her music, both as a performer and songwriter, that we’ve long admired. Evident in all her work is a strong point of view, and a reverence for the culture and history of country music and songwriting, she is exactly the type of independent-minded artist that Oh Boy Records was founded to support.”

Last year, Waldon was opening shows for Prine, Tyler Childers and Jamey Johnson and working on her full-length album, due out this fall on Oh Boy.

“It’s hard for me to put into words what it truly means to me to be signed to Oh Boy Records,” says Waldon. “To have someone like John, who I have looked up to my whole life, who I have set my songwriting standards after and my general music making standards after, to have someone like him endorse my music and care enough about it to make sure it reaches a wider audience…that means everything.”

Prine adds, “I am bursting with pride to have Kelsey Waldon recording for Oh Boy Records. Her music continues an important arc of traditional folk and country music. I love Kelsey’s singing. Her voice is one of the more authentic country voices I’ve heard in a long time. I’m looking forward to all the shows we’ll be performing together this year.”

Waldon will join Prine for a handful of dates starting in July.

 

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Brandi Carlile Signs With BMI

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, Brandi Carlile, BMI’s Mason Hunter

Brandi Carlile, along with her longtime collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth, have signed a long-term deal with BMI for performing rights representation.

“We are thrilled to have the incomparable Brandi Carlile and Phil and Tim Hanseroth join the BMI family,” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “We have admired their talents for many years. In terms of great songwriting, captivating vocals, and musical integrity, Brandi is raising the bar for this generation’s music makers. From hosting her own festival to her incredible evening at the Grammys, her year is off to a fantastic start and BMI is proud to be a partner in her ascending career.”
Carlile has had a landmark year following the release of her Grammy-winning album By The Way, I Forgive You. Produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings and recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album includes 10 songs written by Carlile and longtime collaborators and bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. 
By The Way, I Forgive You garnered six nominations, making Carlile the most-nominated woman at the 61st Grammy Awards. Her wins for the evening included Best Americana Roots Performance, Best Americana Roots Song, and Best Americana Album. Her other nominations included Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. In January of this year, she spearheaded the Girls Just Wanna Weekend, a music festival with an all-female lineup in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Over the course of their career, Carlile and her band have released six albums, and garnered seven total Grammy nominations including one for The Firewatcher’s Daughter and six for By The Way, I Forgive You. In 2017, she released Cover Stories: Brandi Carlile Celebrates 10 Years of the Story (An Album to Benefit War Child), which features 14 artists covering the songs on their breakthrough album The Story with all proceeds benefiting the War Child charity.
As the newest member of the BMI family, Carlile joins fellow BMI writers including Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Maren Morris, Lady Gaga, Shakira, Khalid, and Halsey among many others.  

Big Loud Names Lloyd Aur Norman To VP Role

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Lloyd Aur Norman

Big Loud has promoted Lloyd Aur Norman to VP of Special Projects and Strategic Management. After joining the Big Loud team in 2014, Norman was promoted to VP of Creative & Digital just last year, making immediate contributions to the label and management roster’s ongoing success with stars like Florida Georgia Line, HARDY, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, and more. In this new role, Norman will oversee and execute top-level initiatives integral to the firm’s continued success, including ambitious plays in original content, technology, investments, management, creative strategy and Big Loud’s growth in the broader entertainment landscape. Norman will be responsible for everything from the roster’s music videos to behind-the-scenes research on potential investments, and identifying new opportunities for Big Loud clients in emerging media, film and TV, cross-genre collaborations and more.

“As Big Loud continues to grow, and expand into new areas of the entertainment business, we saw the need for a Special Projects Division,” says Big Loud partner Chief Zaruk. “There is no one better to have at the helm than Lloyd. He is always pushing the boundaries creatively and will now have the opportunity to launch exciting ventures that elevate the Big Loud brand through this new division. We can’t wait to see all that is to come!”

Pictured: Tori Johnson; Kiley Donohoe; Caleb Donato

Big Loud has also announced additional organizational shifts. Tori Johnson will take over as Sr. Director of Creative and Digital, leading the company’s six-person creative and digital department. Kiley Donohoe rises to Digital Marketing Manager, while Caleb Donato joins the staff as Creative Media Producer.

Big Loud was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Chief Zaruk, and Joey Moi, four industry executives with a vision to bring song publishing, artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. The organization scored its first win when it helped launch the career of Florida Georgia Line, and in 2015 the partners expanded their firm with the creation of Big Loud Records, led by Clay Hunnicutt.

Inaugural Lynchburg Music Fest Announces Headliners Jamey Johnson, Easton Corbin

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Igniter Productions has revealed the initial artist line up for the first ever Lynchburg Music Fest. The two-day multistage event will be hosted Aug. 23 and 24, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., in downtown Lynchburg, Tennessee. Country artists Cassadee Pope, David Lee Murphy, Joe Diffie, Keith Anderson, Montgomery Gentry and RaeLynn are set to make an appearance. Easton Corbin will headline night one, while Jamey Johnson will take the second night.

Local pre-sale for tickets, which can only be purchased onsite at American Craft Distillery located at 34 Hiles Street in downtown Lynchburg, will begin on May 29 and end on May 30 for two-day passes. General on-sale, as well as VIP packages for attendees 21 and older, will be available beginning May 31.

Sponsors for the event include Lynchburg Winery, Flex Up Fitness, American Craft Distillers, CrossFit 931, Lynchburg Cigar Co., Adventurous Soul Travel Agency, Barrel House BBQ, Henry & McCord Law Offices and Miltec Rapid Manufacturing Systems.

The Lynchburg Music Festival lineup is as follows:

Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs Added To CMT Music Awards Lineup

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Keith Urban, hosts Little Big Town, Luke Combs, and the Zac Brown Band are the latest round of performers announced for the upcoming 2019 CMT Music Awards set for June 5 in Nashville.

Urban is nominated for “Video of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year,” Little Big Town is up for “Group Video of the Year,” Combs is nominated for “Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year,” and the Zac Brown Band is up for “Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year” honors.

The show will also feature collaborations by Brandi Carlile (nominated for “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) + Tanya Tucker, Brett Young + Boyz II Men (nominated for “CMT Performance of the Year” for their memorable performance from CMT Crossroads), Thomas Rhett (nominated for “Male Video of the Year”) + Little Big Town (“Group Video of the Year”) + Trombone Shorty, and Sheryl Crow with previously announced three-time nominee Maren Morris (“Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”).

Previously announced performers include Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Bryan.

Fans can vote now for their favorite artists via vote.cmt.com, up until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, June 4 for all categories. Tickets to the “2019 CMT Music Awards” are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. The show will air live from Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT.

Industry Ink: Ryman Hospitality, Chordwell, SNG Music

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Ryman Hospitality, Blake Shelton Head To The Doghouse

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton at The Doghouse opening on May 23, 2019, in Tishomingo, OK. Photo: Erika Goldring for RHP Properties

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties celebrated the grand opening of The Doghouse at Ole Red Tishomingo, a music hall and events venue expansion to the Shelton-inspired bar and restaurant located in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Luke Bryan made a special appearance on May 23, with Shelton performing on May 24.

Prior to Shelton’s performance, JD Strong, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Richard Hatcher, President of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Jean Kates, Treasurer Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, were invited to the stage. Shelton presented the group with a check for $144,500 benefitting the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation where he is a board member. The funds were raised by tickets sales to Thursday and Friday’s performances and will support conservation enhancement projects in Oklahoma a cause important to Shelton and Bryan, both avid outdoorsman.

 

Artist Development, Marketing Venture Chordwell Launches

Ryan Wesley Smith has launched artist development and marketing venture Chordwell in Nashville. The company is a full-service artist management and development company working with talent in a variety of genres. Additionally, Chordwell operates as marketing and business development partner working with artists and labels to further their impact.

Smith was previously at Story House Collective, where he handled marketing for four-time Grammy nominee and five-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award winner Matthew West, and new-artist Leanna Crawford. He’s also worked with artists for KING & COUNTRY, Ty James, YoungHeart, Cade Thompson, and labels Curb|Word Entertainment, Loyalty Records, and Capitol CMG.

“I’m thrilled to begin this new season. I believe the industry’s best days are ahead, and hope our team at Chordwell can become a disruptive force in entertainment and a catalyst careers of our clients,” said Smith.

For more, visit chordwell.com.

 

SNG Music Signs Oran Thornton

Pictured (L-R): SNG Creative Director Aubrey Schwartz, Oran Thornton, SNG Managing Partner Gary Reamey. Photo: Courtesy SNG

Multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Oran Thornton has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with SNG Music. Thornton joins a roster that includes Carson Chamberlain, Marty Dodson, Mark Nesler, Wyatt McCubbin, Gary Reamey, Zarni de Vette and Lee Starr.

“It’s great to have someone with Oran’s unique talents as part of our SNG Music team,” says Managing Partner, Gary Reamey.

Raised in the small town of Stockton, Missouri, Thornton made the transition to Nashville in 2009 after spending his teen years performing and touring across the U.S. and Europe with Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop/pop rock trio, DC Talk. Later, Thornton formed Flick with his younger brother before shifting focus on his new found passion for engineering, producing and songwriting. He has also worked on projects for Miranda Lambert, David Nail, Little Big Town, Eric Church and Angaleena Presley; and has contributed his engineering, producing and guitar talents to projects including the Eli Young Band, Stoney LaRue, Adam Hood, Brent Cobb and Logan Brill.