Activist Artists Management Promotes Staffers In Nashville, Los Angeles

Anna Kolander

Activist Artists Management, a full-service music and talent management firm, has promoted Anna Kolander to Senior Director of A&R/Creative in Nashville and Nathan Chwat to Artist Manager in the Los Angeles office.

Kolander is a manager in the Nashville office, where she started as an assistant with the company in 2013. She oversees daily team operations for The Lumineers and Frankie Ballard, and has aided with creative for clients including Michael Franti & Spearhead, Empire of the Sun, and more. Kolander earned a double major in Business Management and Business Marketing at Concordia University Wisconsin.

Chwat was previously an Associate Manager. Chwat joined the company as an intern, before becoming a full-time member of the team in February 2018 as assistant to Activist’s Head of Marketing. Chwat will continue to work with Empire Of The Sun and H3000. Originally from Paris, he grew up in Los Angeles and is a graduate of New York University, with majors in Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry and Philosophy.

Kate Willingham was also promoted to Associate Manager in Nashville just prior to the pandemic. She began as an assistant to Founder Matt Maher when the company started in 2018. Kate is a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she earned her BA in Arts Management with a concentration in Music Business.

Also in Los Angeles, Vineetha Ramesh has been promoted to Associate Manager. Ramesh was previously an assistant and will join Activist’s Digital Department, led by Lindsay Brandt who joined the firm as Senior Director of Creative & Digital at the end of 2019. Ramesh graduated from California State University Chico with a B.A. in Music Industry Studies and Minor in Public Relations.

“We are thrilled to announce these promotions as they reflect our growth as a company, as well as the emerging executive talent we have here at Activist. These individuals have demonstrated both a passion for our artists and for making a difference in the world,” said Activist Partner, Liz Norris.

Activist works with a range of music and entertainment clients such as Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Dead & Company (along with co-manager Azoff/Moir), Dwight Yoakam, Empire of the Sun, The Lumineers, and Michael Franti & Spearhead.

 

 

CMT Music Awards Adds Mickey Guyton, HARDY, Ingrid Andress, More To Performer Lineup (Exclusive)

As music fans gear up for this year’s 2020 CMT Music Awards on Oct. 21, the show has revealed the performers lineup for its Ram Trucks Side Stage. Ingrid Andress, Travis Denning, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Caylee Hammack, and HARDY will each perform on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

Notably, the Side Stage lineup features a 50/50 parity, in keeping with CMT’s Equal Play initiative and 50/50 Pledge.

Hammack will perform “Just Friends,” while HARDY will offer a rendition of his hit “One Beer.” Guyton will perform “Heaven Down Here” and Green will offer “If It Wasn’t For Trucks.” Denning will perform “After A Few.”

First-time nominees Hammack, Andress, Green and Denning will all be vying for the title of “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” alongside Blanco Brown and Gabby Barrett.

The artists join the growing list of previously announced all-star performers including Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Maren Morris, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The fan-voted show will air Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop and TV Land. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting open now at vote.cmt.com. The full list of nominees for the 2020 CMT Music Awards is available here.

2020 CMT Music Awards is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin and Amy Lin Johnson; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino.

Tree Vibez Music Signs Chris Loocke

Chris Loocke

Tree Vibez Music has added Chris Loocke as the newest songwriter on its roster. Founded by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, the current roster includes Kelley, Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Corey Crowder, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, and Blake Redferrin.

“I’m incredibly humbled to be a part of the Tree Vibez Music family,” Loocke says. “The amount of talent, knowledge, and passion that these folks have is only superseded by their greatness as people. I’m very excited to start my journey as a TVM writer and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Songwriter-producer Corey Crowder first met Loocke while he was playing guitar for Chase Rice on tour. Drawn to his showmanship, Crowder soon connected with him through mutual friends, and dug deeper into his catalog.

“He has such a cool style, and I was really struck by his talent as a songwriter and a producer,” says Crowder. So much so, that Crowder is taking on a new role at TVM as Loocke’s co-publisher. “I’m blown away at the work that he’s already putting in and the songs that he’s writing. I just thought it was a natural fit with TVM. He fits the culture, and I’m excited to be alongside this extremely talented dude for this new chapter.”

The Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist graduated from Berklee College of Music. Co-writing songs with GRAMMY-nominated Nappy Roots, The Cab, Josh Gracin, and songwriters from Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Motown Records, Loocke’s also produced tracks for artists like Chase Rice and Cale Dodds. His music has been featured on CMT, NBC’s The Voice, and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Loocke has played as a session and touring musician with a wide range of talent including Josh Gracin, Jana Kramer, Mike Marsh (drummer for The Avett Brothers; Dashboard Confessional), Chase Rice, Nappy Roots, and Love and Theft, among others, as well as recorded guitar for major musical theater productions featured nationally and at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition, he’s appeared in various music videos that have aired across CMT, GAC, and MTV, plus has stacked several high-profile live performances on the ACM Awards, NASCAR Awards, Good Morning America, TODAY, The Bachelor, Dance Moms, and more.

“Corey’s got a great ear and we’re really pumped he introduced us to Chris,” FGL’s Tyler Hubbard says. “He’s a family man and a hard worker – he’s going to fit perfect with our TVM crew.”

“We love discovering new talent and get so excited when we have the opportunity to invite them to join the TVM family,” adds FGL’s Brian Kelley. “Tyler, Corey, and I can’t wait to get into the writing room with Chris.”

Warner Chappell Music Nashville, King Pen Music Sign Ava Suppelsa

Top (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kelly King (King Pen), Sarah Beth Gerlecz (Ferrara & Associates). Bottom (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Ava Suppelsa, Harrison Sokoloff (King Pen)

Ava Suppelsa has signed a global publishing deal with King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

The Chicago native has been writing with Music City’s most promising talent since arriving in Nashville and has already had songs recorded by Keith Urban, John Paul White, Temecula Road, Austin Burke, Jamie O’Neal, Dylan Rockoff, Tristan Bushman, and more. Suppelsa penned the song “Lonely Girl’s World” featured on Home Free’s Dive Bar Saints, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Album Sales Chart. Her songs have amassed over 13 million streams across music platforms and have been featured on Spotify’s “Hot Country” playlist, SiriusXM, and Radio Disney.

“I was immediately impressed with Ava the first time I met with her,” said Kelly King, CEO/Owner, King Pen Music. “She had already established so many great relationships as an unsigned writer, and her strong work ethic and friendly nature proved to me she has what it takes to make a lasting impact in this town. Early on in our signing she has already proven her extraordinary talent. I can’t wait to see the impact she has on Music Row and this community.”

This year, Suppelsa founded Hope on the Row to support the homeless community in Nashville during the global pandemic. Every weekend a team of volunteers – primarily members of Nashville’s music industry – purchases, packages, and delivers personal items and comforts to Nashville’s unhoused community on and around Music Row.

Kobalt Capital’s Fund Acquires David Hodges Copyrights

David Hodges

Songwriter and producer David Hodges has sold his catalog to Kobalt Capital’s fund, where it will continue to be administered and serviced by Kobalt Music Publishing. Hodges, who is managed by Lucas Keller and his management company Milk & Honey, has also agreed to continue his long-time publishing partnership intact with Kobalt Music Publishing, for all of his future works.

Kobalt will continue its stewardship of some of Hodges’ biggest hit songs, including chart-toppers“Bring Me To Life,” “My Immortal,” “A Thousand Years,” “Because of You,” and many more.

“After many years of partnership and supporting David, we’re extremely proud to have helped him build such a great catalog of hits,” commented Willard Ahdritz, Founder and Chairman of Kobalt. “With his impressive catalog, David had his fair share of suitors. His decision to sell to Kobalt Capital’s fund and continue his partnership for Kobalt Music Publishing to service and administer his great work, is humbling and an honor.”

“David’s approach to music has born an amazing set of sensational and inspiring songs,” said Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt. “It’s clear Sas Metcalfe and our creative team have formed a winning combination with the brilliant songwriter/producer – and we know there is a lot more to come. It’s a privilege to continue and help ensure his talent is supported and recognized for years to come.”

Hodges said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kobalt for over seven years. As a creator, they have made me feel supported in my craft; and as a businessman, I have had a continued confidence that Kobalt was working efficiently and passionately on my behalf. Having poured my life into creating these songs over the last two decades, I could not think of a better home for them than Kobalt.”

“This is a red letter day in my 11-year relationship with David,” said Lucas Keller, President and Founder of Milk & Honey Management. “I am so happy that his catalog went to Kobalt, a place that he’s called home for many years now and a company that we both really believe in and have, from early on.”

Hodges was a founding member of Evanescence and has been penning hits with and for artists for over a decade. His chart-topping singles include “Bring Me To Life” and “My Immortal” (Evanescence), “A Thousand Years” (Christina Perri for Twilight), “Because of You” (Kelly Clarkson), “Dear Hate” (Maren Morris and Vince Gill), “See You Again” (Carrie Underwood), and “Miss Me More” (Kelsea Ballerini).

Hodges has also had his songs recorded by Keith Urban, 5 Seconds of Summer, Blink 182, Ben Rector, Weezer, Dan + Shay, Avril Lavigne, and more. He is currently working with Ed Sheeran, Danielle Bradbery, and many others.

Lee Brice Remains At No. 1 For Second Straight Week With “One Of Them Girls”

Lee Brice has scored a multi-week No. 1 with his latest single, “One Of Them Girls,” which remains at the top spot on both the Mediabase and Billboard charts for the second straight week. The chart-topper becomes Brice’s first two-week No. 1, and his third in a row and eighth overall. Brice co-wrote “One Of Them Girls” alongside Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson.

The single’s success comes fresh off the announcement of his latest album, Hey World, which will be available everywhere on Nov. 20, and follows his No. 1 hit with Carly Pearce, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

“Two weeks and still going strong?! Well I guess you know you’re writing with some great songwriters when you get a two-week number one!” Brice said. “Thank you, Dallas, Ashley, and Ben…love all y’all! And a massive thank you to everyone at Country radio for all their support with this song!”

The Mechanical Licensing Collective Sets Nashville Headquarters Location

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has announced its Nashville-based headquarters will be located on the second floor of MarketStreet Enterprises’ Three Thirty Three building, at the corner of 11th Avenue and Pine Street in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood, with plans to open the new 17,800-square-feet MLC headquarters in Spring 2021.

“The central location of the Three Thirty Three building – between Music Row, downtown, where so many of our future Members are located — was paramount to The MLC in our selection of the location for our new headquarters. It will be easily accessible to our Members who are based in Nashville, as well as to those based elsewhere who come to Nashville. Additionally, the building’s large floor plate and open design will give us the flexibility we need to design a space that can accommodate a variety of different activities within The MLC office, including work and collaboration spaces for our employees and space to host outreach and educational events for our Members and others in the music community,” said Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC.

The nonprofit MLC was designated by the U.S. Copyright Office under the Music Modernization Act of 2018. Beginning in January 2021, the MLC will issue and administer blanket mechanical licenses to eligible streaming and download services in the United States. The MLC will also collect royalties due under those licenses from the DSPs and pay songwriters, composers, music publishers and lyricists, at no cost to the writers, publishers or their administrators.

The MLC has enlisted the services of Nashville-based strategist and designer Heather Mathias to collaborate on the layout and design of its headquarters. Mathias has previously created progressive, creative office spaces for a number of Nashville’s leading technology and entertainment companies, including Asurion, Google, Lyft, Microsoft, Sony Music, Warner Music and WME. The MLC partnered with commercial real estate brokers Tom Hooper and Kevin Ziomek of JLL and Waller Law’s Philip Head and Andrew Cornwell to represent it in its lease negotiations.

“Our vision for Three Thirty Three was to utilize first-to-market, innovative technologies within the authentic form of an early 20th century warehouse. The office and retail space, along with the adjacent Noble Park, foster a sense of community for the enjoyment of our tenants, patrons and visitors to the Gulch. We are excited to welcome The MLC to the Gulch community and look forward to building a longstanding relationship as they shape the future of the music industry,” said Jay Turner, Managing Director of Market Street Enterprises.

Hillary Lindsey Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Hillary Lindsey jumps up to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with co-writer credit on “Almost Maybes” (Jordan Davis), “Hole In The Bottle” (Kelsea Ballerini) and “One Beer” (HARDY). Michael Hardy remains at No. 1 for another week, as does Josh Osborne at No. 2 and Jake Mitchell at No. 3.

Thomas Archer moves up one slot to No. 4, with co-writer credit on “Got What I Got” (Jason Aldean) and “Lovin’ On You” (Luke Combs).

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart 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.

Weekly Register: Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett Lead Country Sales Charts

Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett

Carrie Underwood leads this week’s country albums chart with her holiday project My Gift debuting at No. 1 with 43K in total consumption, according to Nielsen. Luke Combs‘s What You See Is What You Get remains glued to the upper echelons of the albums chart, landing at No. 2 this week with 23K. Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me is at No. 3 with 19K, followed by Combs’s This One’s For You at No. 4 with 19K. Kane Brown‘s Mixtape Vol. 1 rounds out the Top 5 with 14K.

Other debuts this week include Wheelhouse/BBR artist Granger Smith‘s Country Things-Vol. 1, which debuts at No. 25 on the country albums chart with 5.9K in total consumption.

Meanwhile, Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” leads at No. 1 on the country on-demand audio streaming chart, with 8 million streams this week. Lee Brice‘s current two-week country radio No. 1, “One Of Them Girls,” is at No. 2 with 7.2 million streams this week. Wallen takes the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, with “7 Summers” earning 6.7 million streams to land at No. 4, while “Chasin’ You” is at No. 5 with 5.8 million streams.

The top country debut this week comes from Chris Stapleton with “Cold” landing at No. 101 and streaming 1.7 million this week.

Warehouse West Entertainment Promotes Paige Kosinski

Warehouse West Entertainment has promoted Paige Kosinski to the role of Marketing Director. Kosinski joined Warehouse West Entertainment in April 2019 as Creative Coordinator. Her role has evolved into spearheading all marketing efforts for their growing artist roster – Willie Shaw, Maggie Miles, Jordan Brooker, Alana Springsteen, Brennley Brown, and TracieLynn.

Kosinski says, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to grow within a new role with Warehouse West Entertainment. Getting to work with a team this passionate and roster of artists I truly believe in everyday is a dream come true.”

Warehouse West Entertainment, which launched in June 2018, offers artist development, music publishing and artist management services. One of the company’s clients, Alana Springsteen, recently earned more than 20,000,000 streams across digital platforms within the year. Other milestones include album releases for Brooker and Miles, Miles’s endorsement deal with Yamaha, a Target campaign synch placement for Shaw, and Brooker’s cut with Luke Combs (“Refrigerator Door”).

“Paige never ceases to put artists’ needs first and continues to demonstrate unparalleled work ethic. She goes above and beyond daily for each of our clients and is absolutely brilliant with marketing strategy and content creation. She is an incredible asset to our team and there is no one I’d rather build artist careers from the ground up with” says Nicole Kasper, who runs artist management and creative for Warehouse West.

Kosinski is originally from Tribes Hill, New York, and earned her BBA at Nashville’s Belmont University. Before joining Warehouse West Entertainment, she held internships at WBA Entertainment, Sirius XM, and Mini Mac Music.