Laurel Kittleson Joins Curb In VP Role

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Laurel Kittleson

Curb Records announced today (Feb. 12) the appointment of Laurel Kittleson to the position of Vice President of Artist Development and A&R. Kittleson joins Curb Records from Big Machine Label Group where she most recently served as A&R Director.

In her new position, Kittleson will work closely with the A&R and publishing teams developing new artists, working with the current roster and cultivating new talent for the label. She will report to Jim Ed Norman and Ryan Dokke.

“We’re excited to have Laurel join our creative team. Her strong song sense combined with her artist relations skills and passion for music make her a perfect fit for the future of Curb Records,” comments Jim Ed Norman, CEO, Recorded Music and Publishing for Curb | Word Entertainment.

“Laurel’s experience and passion for artist development are exactly what we need at exactly the right time. With her addition to our team, we’re sending a signal to the community that Curb | Word Entertainment is a place open to all manner of creative partnerships.” adds Ryan Dokke, Senior Vice President / General Manager, Curb | Word Entertainment.

A Seattle native, Kittleson played a key role in the signing and development of 2018 ACM New Male Vocalist Brett Young and newcomer Dan Smalley. At BMLG her roster included Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Midland, Justin Moore, Ronnie Dunn, Eli Young Band, Carly Pearce, The Cadillac Three, and Danielle Bradbery. The Belmont University graduate also held creative positions at Toby Keith’s Show Dog-Universal Records and Elevation Music Publishing.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to grow my career at a company with as rich of a legacy as Curb Records. I am incredibly passionate about developing artists at all stages of their careers and I’m committed to building and developing the best talent possible with the incredible team at Curb!” adds Kittleson.

Kittleson is a MusiCares Ambassador, a voting member of CMA, ACM and a SOLID and Grammy Next alumni.

Weekly Register: Grammy Winners Dan + Shay Continue Country Streaming Reign

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Dan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Dan + Shay, who earned their first Grammy on Sunday, continue to reign atop the country streaming chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Their song “Speechless” earned 8.5 million spins over the past week. Their Grammy-winning single “Tequila” sits at No. 3, with 7.4 million, while the duo’s self-titled album is at No. 2 on the country albums chart.

Luke Combs‘ “Beautiful Crazy” is at No. 2 on the Top Country Streaming Songs chart, moving 7.8 million streams this week. Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 4 with 7.3 million, while Kane Brown’s “Heaven” is at No. 5 with 7 million. The top debut comes from Florida Georgia Line’s “Woman,” a collaboration with Jason DeRulo, which enters at No. 35 with 3 million streams.

Over on the country albums chart, Luke Combs’ This One’s For You extended its power for another week, moving 24K in total consumption. The aforementioned Dan + Shay are at No. 2, followed by Chris Stapleton’s Traveller at No. 3 with 12K. Kane Brown is at No. 4, with Experiment moving 11K units, while Jason Aldean’s Rearview Town is at No. 5 with 9.5K.

MusicRow Opens Applications For 2019 InCharge Print Issue

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MusicRow is now considering candidates for its annual InCharge issue, the published directory of Nashville’s music industry decision makers. Now in its 32nd year, InCharge serves as the April/May issue of MusicRow Magazine and is slated for a late April release.

If you feel you merit inclusion in this year’s edition of InCharge, please click below to access the 2019 InCharge application form.

Also, please send a recent head shot to art@musicrow.com. (Photo specs: 2” x 2” or larger, 266+ dpi, color, jpeg).

New submissions for InCharge close on Friday, February 22, 2019. 

All new submissions will be considered for the 2019 edition. However, not every candidate will be selected, even if the applicant has been included in past editions. Individuals listed in the 2018 InCharge were solicited separately. To request the information we have on file for you, email directory@musicrow.com.

For advertising opportunities, please contact srobertson@musicrow.com.

Tin Pan South 2019 Adds Three New Venues

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The 27th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, slated for March 26-30, has added three new venues to its list of clubs hosting shows: Analog at Hutton Hotel, the Lounge at City Winery and TRUE Music Room & Bar. Regions Bank returns for the 12th year as the presenting sponsor of the event. Songwriter rounds will also be held at staple venues including The Bluebird Cafe, The Local, Douglas Corner Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, The Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn and 3rd & Lindsley throughout the five-day event.

Hundreds of songwriters from every genre of music will perform songs as they were originally written during the festival, with close to 100 shows scheduled throughout the week. The popular week-long Fast Access passes, which eliminate the cover charge at the door and allow patrons advance entrance (space permitting), are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Feb. 26 at tinpansouth.com. Quantities are limited, and last year’s passes sold out in record time.

FBMM Promotes David Boyer To Owner, Vice President Roles

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David Boyer

David Boyer, a longtime business manager for Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM), has been named Vice President and owner of the entertainment business management firm.

With 17 years of business management experience at FBMM, he joins owners and business managers Julie Boos, Frank Bumstead, Jamie Cheek, Duane Clark, Trey Dunaway, Chuck Flood, Mary Ann McCready and Carmen Romano as an owner of the firm.

“David was one of the first members of my team, and as a former recording artist, he has brought a unique perspective and a rich mix of resources to our work,” said Boos, chairman of FBMM. “He knows where all of our clients started because he was once there too. He’s skilled at helping his newer and more experienced clients understand the financial dynamics of the industry in order to make well-informed decisions. We’re thrilled to welcome David to our strong group of owners.”

“David also has a deep understanding of the touring industry and the challenges artists face when they are on the road,” said Cheek, president of FBMM. “Being away from home and loved ones for weeks or months at a time can be difficult for artists at any stage of their careers. By focusing on their finances and the logistical aspects of touring, he allows his clients to focus on what drives them.”

Originally from Huntsville, Alaabama, Boyer moved to Nashville in 2001 after spending some years writing music and touring with his band. Soon after moving to Music City, he joined the FBMM family as an entry-level employee. Since then, he has risen through the ranks of the company and proved himself invaluable to each of the firm’s owners.

“It’s a great honor to become an owner of FBMM,” Boyer said. “I love working with artists in every stage of their careers. It’s great to see young artists grow in their careers and help them navigate that growth through comprehensive financial plans. It’s also very rewarding to work with artists on the other side of a career peak. Helping them make really good decisions to arrive at a financially stable place in life gives my work meaning.”

Boyer earned his B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi in 1994. He is a Leadership Music Class of 2013 graduate and former board member of the Nashville Film Festival. He now serves as a member of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA), and as a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Boyer is currently serving as treasurer of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).

Mat Kearney Signs With WME

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Photo credit: Dylan Reyes

Mat Kearney has signed with WME for representation in all areas.

Kearney’s distinct blend of spoken word and pop singing and writing has garnered three Top 20 Albums and five Top 40 hits during the course of his career. His music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows and he’s made appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Tonight Show.

Kearney skyrocketed to fame when his breakout single “Nothing Left to Lose” from his album of the same name was certified Gold. He has shared the stage with artists like John Mayer, Florence + The Machine, NEEDTOBREATHE, Train and Kelly Clarkson. As a singer-songwriter, Kearney has released six full-length albums with multiple awards nominations and RIAA certifications to his name.

A major label veteran whose previous albums were issued by Columbia and Republic, Kearney launched out on his own for his latest independent release, CRAZYTALK. He produced over half the new album at his home studio in Nashville.

Kearney is managed by Triple 8 Management.

Grammy Awards Fall In Demo Ratings, Remain Steady In Viewership

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During Sunday evening’s (Feb. 10) Grammy Awards, several artists took victory laps including Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Childish Gambino, but the evening’s final ratings don’t match the creative triumphs.

According to deadline.com, the 61st annual Grammy Awards show earned a 5.6 rating in the adult 18-49 demo, creating a new all-time demo low for awards show and undercutting last year’s record low of a 5.9 final rating.

The 2019 show, which returned to Los Angeles following last year’s airing from New York, pulled in 19.9 million total viewers, staying roughly on par with the 19.8 million viewers that watched in 2018.

Though 2019’s viewership stayed steady with last year’s numbers, the 2018 Grammy ratings represented a staggering 21 percent tumble from 2017, which boasted a 7.3 rating/18-49 and 23.97 million viewers.

In 2016, which featured country-turned-pop artist Taylor Swift taking home the top Album of the Year honor for 1989, the show aired on a Monday night and drew in 24.95 million viewers, as well as a 7.7 rating.

Dan + Shay, Warner Music Have A “Tequila” Night Following Grammy Win

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Pictured (L-R):Max Lousada (CEO of Recorded Music, WMG/Chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK); Dan Smyers; Shay Mooney; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN)

Warner Music Nashville duo Dan + Shay celebrated a milestone evening on Sunday, taking home their first Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance during the pre-telecast portion of the evening, for their smash hit “Tequila.” Then the duo’s Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney performed “Tequila” on the live telecast. The polished rendering became the most-Shazamed of the evening, and “Tequila” shot to No. 3 on the all-genre iTunes chart.

The track has earned nearly 400 million streams, making it the most-streamed country song in 2018.

“Thank you to the Recording Academy, everybody who voted for us, all the incredible artists in our category. That’s the beautiful thing about Nashville and country music – we are all family,” said Smyers upon accepting the award, adding, “Thank you to our co-writers Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon, [we] couldn’t do this without a great song.”

Dan + Shay’s new single “All To Myself” impacts radio today (Feb. 11) and has already earned 50 million on-demand streams and more than 360,000 track equivalents. “All To Myself” comes on the heels of their four-week No. 1 viral sensation “Speechless.”

Live Nation Makes Deal With Williamson County Venue Graystone Quarry

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Live Nation has partnered with Graystone Quarry Events to take advantage of the 138-acre rock quarry site in Franklin, Tennessee, to create a new amphitheater. The 7,500-seat facility will open in 2020 with a full season of concert events produced by Live Nation.

Graystone Quarry has a rising profile as an upscale destination for weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties. The amphitheater will be positioned at the base of a limestone rock quarry surrounded by cliffs up to 100 feet tall. The reclaimed quarry was active 50 years ago, with the rock used in the construction of Highway 65 through Williamson County.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Graystone Quarry to our portfolio of venues and provide artists with another amazing amphitheater to connect with their fans,” said Tom See, President of Live Nation Venues. “With our partner Graystone Quarry Events, Live Nation will deliver Tennessee concert-goers countless unique and memorable live event experiences starting in 2020.”

“We envision this venue hosting some of the most popular touring groups coming to Nashville,” said Brian Traeger, President of Live Nation Tennessee. “The spectacular natural backdrop, alongside modern-day amenities the space will offer are going to create a phenomenal experience for both artists and fans.”

“We’re focused on delivering memorable concert experiences which also include great food, comfortable seating, and convenient parking in a natural and inspiring outdoor setting ideal for enjoying a night of music and fun with friends,” said Rick McEachern, Owner at Graystone Quarry. “And we’re delighted to have Live Nation’s event expertise and talent roster to bring this new venue to life.”

SOURCE Nashville Announces Hall Of Fame Inductees

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SOURCE Nashville has announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. They include:

Sarah Brosmer (WMFD Radio, Ray Stevens Music, MusiVerse, a division of PolyGram, Compleat Records, MCA Records, Sony Records, Lytle Management)

Gayle Hill (Epic Records, G Hill & Company, Sound City Tours)

Beverly Keel (Nashville Banner, Polydor Records, American Profile, People magazine, Tennessean, UMG Nashville, MTSU)

Grace Reinbold (World Wide Media, What A Trip! Inc., rockUnashville)

Judi Turner (Country Music Association, Network Ink, Turner & Company, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Leadership Music)

Trisha Walker-Cunningham (Radio Luxembourg London, UK, MC Promotions London, UK, TWI, Trisha Walker International, Nashville, Tennessee)

Erika Wollam-Nichols (Greater Nashville Arts Foundation, Pro-Tours, NSAI, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, WPLN; Nashville Public Radio, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, The First Amendment Center, The Bluebird Cafe)

Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, this year marks the 17th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards. Set for Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium (401 Gay Street, Nashville, TN 37201), the annual awards will honor and induct a select group of women into the SOURCE Awards Hall of Fame.

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.