Chris Young To Help CMA Foundation Honor Music Teachers

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

On Tuesday, May 8, the CMA Foundation will present the third annual Music Teachers of Excellence Awards, honoring 34 music educators from districts across the state of Tennessee, as well as Chicago, Cincinnati, Seattle and Los Angeles, for their innovation and commitment to music education.

The invite-only event will be hosted by multi-platinum RCA Records Nashville recording artist and CMA Foundation board member Chris Young at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. The CMA Foundation created the Music Teachers of Excellence program in 2016 in an effort to recognize the best and brightest music teachers from Nashville and beyond.

Award recipients were selected because of their dedication to bring a quality music program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music. In addition to a night of celebration, these dedicated educators will each receive a stipend from the CMA Foundation in recognition of their tireless work for their students and music programs.

“Research continues to show us that a quality music education will have a positive impact on a student’s academic achievement and social development and a lot of that responsibility falls in the hands of music educators, ” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach. “We are excited to have Chris Young join us this year as our host to help honor music teachers from across the country, thanking them for their dedication to students and their music community .”

“As someone who’s benefitted from music education, I am so thankful for the music teachers who helped me along the way,” said Young. “I look forward to celebrating the music educators who share their love of music with the next generation.”

2018 National Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipients:

Darnella Davidson, Los Angeles Unified School District, San Pedro, CA
Elizabeth Fortune, Seattle Public School, Seattle, WA
Andrew McGuire, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL
Christian Tierney, Cincinnati Public School, Cincinnati, OH

2018 Tennessee Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipients:

Pamela Andrews, Station Camp Elementary School
Ronda Armstrong, Stanford Montessori
Jennifer Barnes, Lockeland Design Center
Lisa Benton, Heritage Middle
Rita Black, Eakin Elementary
Christopher Blackmon, Thomas A. Edison Elementary
Jacob Campos, Franklin High School
Joel Denton, Ooltewah High School
Benjamin Easley, Nolensville High School
Kim Folsom, Dan Mills Elementary
Lisa Forbis, Hume Fogg High School
Glenn Fugett, Nashville School of the Arts
Mark Hale, Mt. View Elementary
Katie Harrah, Oliver Middle School
Trey Jacobs, Nashville School of the Arts
Kevin Jankowski, Oliver Middle Prep
Julie Jolly, West End Middle School
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic H.S., Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School
Jennifer Partridge, Gower Elementary
James Phillips, Oak Ridge High School
Lauren Ramey, Ravenwood High School
Alaina Schwartz, Crieve Hall Elementary
Matthew Taylor, Meigs Academic Magnet Middle
Barry Trobaugh, Munford High School
Alice Asako Wall, Waverly Belmont Elementary
Paul Waters, Bellevue Middle Prep
Kristina Waugh, Rossview Middle School
Franklin Willis, Andrew Jackson Elementary School
Chad Witemeyer, Henry Maxwell Elementary
Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry, Lascassas Elementary School

Music Teachers of Excellence is supported by Delta Air Lines, Anheuser-Bush and Uber.

Dan Hodges Music Opens DHM Collective

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Pictured (L-R): Trahan, Scire, Miller, Allison, Severson, Swenson, Hodges. Photo: Grannis Photography

Dan Hodges Music has opened DHM Collective, a branch dedicated to promoting writer and artists. DHM Collective’s first signings include Alyssa Trahan and individual agreements with Hannah May Allison, John Miller, Ashley Scire, Clayton Severson and Sean Swenson, all collaborative members of the writing group Smash 30.

“Alyssa is making her mark as a female in a male dominated tracking field,” said Hodges. “She loves a challenge and embraces opportunity. The Smash 30 writer/artists individually win hearts and raise the bar wherever they go…as a group they are a force. Each writer giving rise to our collective creates new rules and seeks to profit the other. They embrace our family philosophy and are knocking the ball out of the park with or without DHM. We are glad to be on board and be a part of their story.”

 

Live Nation Reveals $20 All-In Ticket Offer For National Concert Week

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Live Nation announced ‘National Concert Week’ will take place April 30 through May 8 with an exclusive $20 all-in ticket offer for fans to celebrate the kickoff to its biggest summer season. The deal will include over 1.5 million tickets to 2,000+ shows across Live Nation’s roster of summer tours including comedy, country, hip-hop, Latin, metal, rock, pop, and more.

For one week only, fans can get their hands on the $20 all-in tickets Monday, April 30 at 8 a.m. local time, through Tuesday, May 8 at 11:59 p.m. local time.

Nationally Touring Artists With Live Nation’s $20 All-In “National Concert Week” Ticket Offer:

311 / The Offspring
3 Doors Down / Collective Soul
5 Seconds of Summer
Alan Jackson
Arcade Fire
Avenged Sevenfold / Prophets of Rage
Backstreet Boys
Beck
Bon Jovi
Brad Paisley
Breaking Benjamin / Five Finger Death Punch
Bush / Stone Temple Pilots / The Cult
Charlie Puth
Chicago / REO Speedwagon
Chris Brown
Coheed and Cambria / Taking Back Sunday
Counting Crows / LIVE
David Blaine
Dead & Company
Def Leppard / Journey
Dierks Bentley
Dwight Yoakam / Lucinda Williams / Steve Earle
Enanitos Verdes / Hombres G
Erasure
Foreigner / Whitesnake / Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Game of Thrones
G-Eazy
Godsmack / Shinedown
Gov’t Mule / The Avett Brothers
Hall & Oates / Train
Halsey
Imagine Dragons
Janet Jackson
Jason Aldean
Jeff Beck / Paul Rodgers
Joe Biden
Juanes / Mon Laferte
Keith Urban
Kesha / Macklemore
Kevin Hart
Kid Rock
KIDZ BOP LIVE 2018
Kygo
Lady Antebellum / Darius Rucker
Lindsey Stirling / Evanescence
Logic
Luis Miguel
Luke Bryan
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Maroon 5
Miranda Lambert / Little Big Town
Ms. Lauryn Hill
NEEDTOBREATHE / JOHNNYSWIM
Niall Horan
ODESZA
Ozzy Osbourne
Paramore
Pentatonix
Poison / Cheap Trick
Post Malone
Rascal Flatts
Ray LaMontagne
Rise Against / AFI
Rob Zombie / Marilyn Manson
Rod Stewart / Cyndi Lauper
Shakira
Shania Twain
Steely Dan / The Doobie Brothers
Styx / Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers
The Smashing Pumpkins
Thirty Seconds To Mars
Vans Warped Tour
Weezer / Pixies
Zac Brown Band

 

Industry Ink: SESAC, PLA Media, Lauren Akins X Ladybird

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SESAC Sponsors GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards Dinner

Pictured (L-R): Phillip Sweet, John Josephson, Daryl Friedman, Neil Portnow, Judy Chu, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman and Doug Collins attend Grammys on the Hill Awards Dinner on April 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage for The Recording Academy

On Wednesday, April 18, the Recording Academy celebrated 20 years of advocacy in Washington, D.C., by honoring Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook of  Little Big Town at the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill® Awards. In addition, congressional honorees Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) were recognized for their longtime support of the creative community. SESAC, once again, served as the sponsor of the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards dinner.

 

PLA Media Adds To Roster

Ry Bradley

PLA Media has added California and Hawaii reared country artist Ry Bradley to its roster.  While he may be an emerging act in the Nashville scene, his songs have been featured in hit shows such as NBC’s Chicago Med and ABC Family’s The Fosters. Splitting his time between Music City and his home near Newport Beach, California, Ry will be releasing a new album this summer.

 

Lauren Akins Launches Lauren Akins X Ladybird

Thomas Rhett‘s wife Lauren Akins has launched Lauren Akins X Ladybird, a custom fine jewelry line that supports the children of Uganda through Love One International. 

“The impact Love One International is making on kids’ lives in Uganda is truly indescribable,” Akins shared. “We’re helping shape communities and rebuild families through these children. Their bellies are full and more importantly, so are their hearts. I know it is impossible to care for every child’s needs in the world, but we each can love one. This is the idea behind Love+1 and why we created this jewelry line.”In collaboration with Ladybird designer Emily Dee, pieces from Lauren Akins X Ladybird are made to order, with seven necklace options currently available: Sterling Silver ($99), 14K Gold pieces in White Gold, Rose Gold and Yellow Gold for $449 and each Gold variation with diamonds for $749. All necklaces include three delicate charms, LOVE, + and 1, honoring the spirit behind Love One International.

Gretchen Peters To Play Country Music Hall Of Fame Songwriters Session

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Gretchen Peters will participate in a Songwriter Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on May 12 in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Peters will perform and share stories behind the hit songs she has written during the program. Peters’ catalog includes George Strait’s “The Chill of an Early Fall,” Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and “My Baby Loves Me,” and Faith Hill’s “The Secret of Life,” among many others. In 2015, she was honored in the museum’s Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Songwriters series.

Presented by SunTrust, the Songwriter Session is included with museum admission, and is free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program pass is required.

Rhett Walker Band Sets Self-Titled EP For August Release

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The Rhett Walker Band has released a brand new single, “Say Hello,” from the band’s upcoming self-titled EP due out Aug. 10 on Essential Records/Sony Music.

“‘Say Hello’ is about how it’s easy to close off in our own little world and focus on our shame and get caught up in the what-ifs and how that can be a downward spiral, but the reality is because of Jesus, you can say ‘hello’ to the brand new you and find freedom and a family,” said Walker about the new song. “Say ‘goodbye’ to the worn and weary and say ‘hello’ to the brand new you.”

Two additional songs from the project will also debut this summer before the August release date. “Say Hello” follows the band’s 2017 single “I Surrender.”

Jason Aldean’s ‘Rearview Town’ Debuts On Top 200 Albums Chart Pinnacle

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Jason Aldean‘s latest album, Rearview Town, which released April 13, has debuted at the pinnacle of the overall Top 200 albums chart this week, with 183K equivalent album units earned, according to Nielsen Soundscan. This marks country music’s first No. 1 album of 2018, and Aldean’s fourth consecutive Top 200 chart-topping album.

The album is Aldean’s eighth for Broken Bow Records.

The achievement marks a week of wins for Aldean, who was honored as the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year on April 15. Aldean recently spoke with MusicRow about the process behind making the new project.

BREAKING: Apple Music’s Jay Liepis Relocates To Nashville

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Jay Liepis

Apple Music’s Jay Liepis has relocated to Nashville to lead a team dedicated to being more involved with artists, managers, songwriters and the label community at large. Apple also announced plans to open an office in Nashville later this year.

Liepis has been at Apple for more than 13 years, and has overseen all music programming and relationships across the music business. His career also includes time as an online marketing manager for Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

With the move, Apple will focus on further building its country music audience, but will also cater to Nashville’s diverse music scene which includes singer/songwriter, Christian and Gospel, alternative, rock pop, hip-hop and Americana.

Apple Music’s country audience continues to grow, with Apple Music’s A-List Country ranking as the third most-popular playlist, with a 151 percent year over year growth. Apple Music’s Modern Country radio playlist grew 70 percent last year while the country music category on Apple Music in the US is up 66 percent.

Since launching in 2015, Apple Music’s subscription music streaming has amassed more than 40 million subscribers in 115 countries.

Several of the Nashville music industry’s top executives praised the move.

“Jay has been with Apple for a long time and has a clear understanding of the digital landscape,” said John Esposito, Chairman/CEO of Warner Nashville. “I’m thrilled he’s back in Nashville, he is a great collaborator. The work he’s done most recently for Ashley McBryde is just the tip of the iceberg. Can’t wait to see what else we accomplish together.”

“Jay is one of the brightest minds of our (well, his) generation and we are anxious for him to join our business and personal community,” said Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Nashville. “I can’t wait to take him to Arnold’s (Where every meal is our Sunday best) for beef tips and fried okra.”

“Excited, game changing, thanks be to god!” said Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman.

“Jay’s move to Nashville is a reflection of Apple Music’s ongoing investment to our ever-growing and increasingly diverse music community,” says Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO Jason Owen. “The impact that Apple has on our industry worldwide is undeniable, and it excites me to know that Nashville is a top priority. The expertise that Jay brings from his tenure paired with his long-term relationships with our city makes this move ideal on every level. Plus, he’s an awesome hang.”

“Jay’s creativity effortlessly crosses genres and thrives in an ever changing industry… I don’t know of a better suited person to raise the bar in Music City,” says Q Prime South’s John Peets. “Having Jay in Nashville is not only a win for the music industry, it is a win for the city.”

ASCAP Names Exec. VP, Chief Strategy & Digital Officer

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ASCAP has appointed Nick Lehman as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Digital Officer, reporting directly to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Lehman will oversee Strategy, Business Development, Product Development and Administration Services as ASCAP enhances services to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members as well as to its music licensing partners.

Matthews said, “ASCAP is driving innovation through strategic partnerships and digital product development to move the entire industry toward data alignment and better services to music creators and our industry stakeholders. Nick’s track record of launching, scaling and transforming converged media and technology companies through product innovation and strategic alliances makes him a perfect fit for ASCAP’s transformation agenda. I am thrilled that he will be part of our executive leadership team.”

Lehman said, “The ASCAP repertory of music is not only an enormously positive force in our culture, but it is a major catalyst for driving the growth and success of virtually every media platform. I am excited to help lead ASCAP into new areas, technologies and partnerships that will support our members and help them thrive in the future.”

Nicholas Lehman most recently worked as Chief Strategy Officer for TEGNA, where he was responsible for guiding the media company’s vision, cultivating strategic partnerships, incubating new businesses, and driving innovation initiatives throughout all areas of the company.

Prior to TEGNA, Lehman was President of Digital for NBCUniversal. During his tenure, he oversaw and transformed a portfolio of the company’s native digital businesses, including Fandango, and launched a series of new convergent media brands for NBCUniversal.

Before joining NBCUniversal, Lehman served as CEO of Plum TV and as COO of Programming for IAC. He also held several executive roles at MTV Networks, where he oversaw digital strategy and operations and launched multiple new businesses in the digital music, mobile, gaming, and social media spaces.

Lehman has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree from Brown University. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children.

The Wild Feathers To Bring ‘Greetings From The Neon Frontier’

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The Wild Feathers (L-R): Ricky Young, Ben Dumas, Joel King, Taylor Burns

On June 29, The Wild Feathers will return with Greetings From the Neon Frontier, which finds the band embracing their more countrified influences. The upcoming album reunites The Wild Feathers with producer Jay Joyce, who oversaw the group’s 2013 self-titled debut and 2016’s Lonely Is a Lifetime, and is available for pre-order here.

“It feels like every mile we’ve traveled and every show we’ve played has led up to this album,” said singer-guitarist Ricky Young. “It’s truly the most honest and reflective collection of songs we’ve ever created.”

The Wild Feathers – who have opened for the likes of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson since forming in 2010 – will celebrate the announcement by taking the stage tomorrow (April 21) for a special Record Store Day performance at Grimey’s in Nashville. They will hit the road this summer for a series of festival dates around the country.

Greetings From the Neon Frontier Track Listing:
1. Quittin’ Time
2. Wildfire
3. Stand By You
4. No Man’s Land
5. Two Broken Hearts
6. Golden Days
7. Big Sky
8. Hold Onto Love
9. Every Morning I Quit Drinkin’
10. Daybreaker (Into the Great Unknown)