Industry Ink: ASCAP, CAA, Leadership Music, True Grit Management

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ASCAP At The Bluebird

Pictured (L-R): (front) CAA’s Kylen Sharpe, Jameson Rodgers, Tenille Townes, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, (back) Canaan Smith, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Tyrone “Golden” Carreker, CAA’s Meredith Jones and CAA’s Michael Bryan.

ASCAP recently hosted its long-running monthly showcase series at the Bluebird Cafe and partnered for the first time with Creative Artists Agency to feature songwriters and artists that are both ASCAP members and clients of CAA.

Performers included Mercury Records Nashville artist Canaan Smith, Sony Music Nashville artist Tenille Townes, songwriter-artist Jameson Rodgers and, making his Bluebird Cafe debut, songwriter-artist Tyrone “Golden” Carreker.

 

Kelly Clarkson, Devin Dawson Speak at Leadership Music

Pictured (L-R): Devin Dawson, Kelly Clarkson, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN)

Warner Music Nashville and its Chairman & CEO John Esposito helped host the 29th class of Leadership Music for a portion of their Record Company Day last Tuesday (March 13). The Leadership Music board member was joined by Warner Music Nashville / Atlantic Records breakout artist Devin Dawson for a special performance, while Atlantic superstar Kelly Clarkson shared a few songs and discussed her storied career during the afternoon panel.

 

True Grit Management Launches In Austin

Artist manager Arthur Penhallow, Jr. formerly of Punch Enterprises andC3 Management has founded True Grit Management. Penhallow cut his teeth with Punch Andrews (Bob Seger and Kid Rock) for well over a decade.  His roster includes Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, Ward Davis, Blue Water Highway, and Sunny Sweeney.

“Absolute dedication to the artist is the foundation at True Grit Management. The artists deserve that to say the least. They work tremendously hard and sacrifice everything they have for a career in music. It is my job to make sure they get paid and to professionally provide them with career expertise at every level,” commented Arthur Penhallow.

In addition to the Management company, Penhallow recently acquired Austin based booking agency CTK Entertainment, which will now be known as True Grit Talent Agency.  Michael and Carrie Krug, along with the entire staff and roster at CTK have joined the True Grit team.

Nashville Bands The Sisterhood, Loving Mary Join Steven Tyler Tour

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Steven Tyler and Nashville’s Loving Mary Band have announced their summer tour in the U.S., Canada and Europe, with country rock duo The Sisterhood Band (comprised of Ruby Stewart, the daughter of Rod Stewart, and Alyssa Bonagura, daughter of Kathie Ballie and Michael Bonagura of Baillie & the Boys,) set to join Tyler on select tour dates.

Kicking off in June, the tour makes stops in major markets such as New York City, Calgary, Madrid, London and more. The Loving Mary Band is a powerful sextet from Nashville formed by Marti Frederiksen, longtime Aerosmith collaborator who co-wrote Aerosmith’s hit, “Jaded” and produced several of their albums including Just Push Play. The band backs Steven Tyler’s solo country project and tours with him frequently and is comprised of Frederiksen, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman, Andrew Mactaggart and Sarah Tomek.

Steven Tyler/Loving Mary Tour Dates:
June 12                 Lewiston, NY                         Artpark Amphitheater
June 18*                New York, NY                       SummerStage/Central Park
*City Parks Foundation Annual Gala
June 21                  Vienna, VA                           Wolf Trap
June 24                  Bethlehem, PA                     Sands Bethlehem Event Center
June 27                  Detroit, MI                            MotorCity Casino Hotel
June 30                  Northfield, OH                      Hard Rock Live
*Public Benefit for Akron Children’s Hospital
July 7                     Naperville, IL                         Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest
July 11*                  Calgary, AB                           Cowboys Stampede Tent
July 15*                  Sion, Switzerland                  Sion Sous Les Etoiles Festival
July 18                   Trieste, Italy                          Trieste Piazza Unita D’Italia
July 24                   Barolo, Italy                           Collisioni Festival, Piazza Colbert
July 27                   Rome, Italy                            Rome Cavea
July 30                   Madrid, Spain                        Teatro Real
August 2*               Marbella, Spain                     Starlite Festival
August 7                London, UK                            O2 Forum Kentish Town
*The Sisterhood Band not appearing

Carly Pearce Celebrates First No. 1 Song

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Pictured (L-R): busbee (BMI), Carly Pearce (ASCAP), Emily Shackelton (BMI)

“If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything,” said Big Machine Label Group artist Carly Pearce, as she celebrated “Every Little Thing,” her very first No. 1 song as both an artist and a songwriter during a celebration at the Country Music Association offices in Nashville on Monday (March 19).

Pearce, an ASCAP writer, was joined by her “Every Little Thing” co-writers busbee and Emily Shackelton (both BMI writers) during a party hosted by both of the performing rights organizations.

“I’ve dreamt of what it would be like to have a No. 1 song since I moved to Nashville,” shared Carly. “I have experienced that with my peers over the years and have listened to the stories behind the songs that changed other people’s lives, but I had no idea that ‘Every Little Thing’ was going to be that song for me.”

Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta agreed that the song has put Pearce’s career in overdrive, but noted that her work ethic is more than up to the challenge. Pearce was recently nominated for her first ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year honor, and will join several tours this year including a current stint with Blake Shelton’s Country Music Freaks Tour, followed by outings on Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes tour, Rascal Flatts’ Back To Us tour, and Luke Bryan’s What Makes You Country Tour.

Emily Shackelton (BMI), Carly Pearce (ASCAP) and bubsee (BMI) perform “Every Little Thing”

The chart-topping success comes after years of struggle for Pearce, who at one point acted as her own tour manager, booking agent and publicist, and personally reaching out to industry influencers such as John Marks, JR Schumann, and Leslie Fram to get them interested in her music.

Among those celebrating Peace’s first No. 1 song were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Mary Ann Keen, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose and Scott Ponce, BMG’s Kos Weaver, BMLG’s Borchetta and Allison Jones, CMA’s Brandi Simms, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, and MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, BMLG’s Allison Jones

Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton On Board For ACM Awards

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Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton and Keith Urban have been added to the stellar lineup of performers for the upcoming 53rd Annual ACM Awards April 15. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Entertainment Tonight host Nancy O’Dell, actress Rebecca Romijn, and Olympic Alpine Skier Lindsey Vonn have also been added as presenters for the ceremony.

Previously-announced ACM Awards performers include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Bebe Rexhaand Thomas Rhett. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 53rd ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.  ET/PT on CBS.

In Pictures: Dave Cobb, Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, AIMP Nashville, Leadership Music

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Berklee College Of Music Honors Dave Cobb

Berklee’s Stephen Webber and producer Dave Cobb are seen at Warner Music Nashville on March 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Berklee presented an American Master Award to Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb on Monday, March 19 as part of the college’s 33rd annual Nashville student trip. The award was presented at Warner Music Nashville in front of over 120 Berklee students and other invited guests. After the ceremony, Cobb gave the students a tour of his studio, the famed RCA Studio A, and answered questions about his process.

“Dave Cobb is the consummate American record producer,” Stephen Webber, executive director, BerkleeNYC, who presented the award. “His body of work is as important as it is diverse, and his commitment to the emotional integrity of each song serves as an inspiration to us all.”

 

Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series Launches In NYC

Pictured (L-R): J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano

The Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series launched in New York City on Friday, March 16. Songwriters performing in the round included J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano. The series continues in New York City at The Studio at Opry City Stage on March 30 with Dylan Altman, Marshall Altman, and Gabe Dixon.

 

NSAI Honors Senator Orrin Hatch With Stephen Foster Award

Pictured: NSAI Board President and songwriter Steve Bogard, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

NSAI’s Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard presented Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) with the Stephen Foster Award, in recognition of his lifetime of songwriter advocacy. The presentation was made Monday, March 12 during the press conference about the Music Modernization Act.

 

AIMP Nashville Holds Publishing Panel

Brad Peterson (Regions Bank), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ree Guyer (Wrensong), John Barker (ClearBox Rights, LLC), John Ozier (AIMP Nashville Ex. Director, ole), Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion)

AIMP Nashville held the panel Publishing 101: From Basic Copyright to the Latest on Licensing Digital Rights, on March 8 at ASCAP’s Nashville office. John Barker, founder and CEO of ClearBox Rights, gave a presentation that included a refresher on basic publishing and copyright practices, while also giving an in-depth look into the current state of copyright law.

 

Carly Pearce Shares Career Story With Leadership Music

Pictured (L-R): Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn, Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records GM Jim Weatherson, BMLG VP Rights Management & Business Affairs Jessica Myers

Carly Pearce joined Big Machine Label Group executives Allison Jones and Jim Weatherson on a panel for the 29th class of Leadership Music, to share the highs and lows of her career so far, as well as the risks she took to pursue her dream. From convincing her parents to leave high school at age 16 to perform at Dollywood to the nine years in Nashville that followed cleaning AirBnBs and nannying to make ends meet when she lost her first record deal, nothing was off limits for Carly, who shared her story on the long journey that lead to her breakout year with the Leadership Music Class of 2018. The event concluded with Carly performing two songs – Gold No. 1 “Every Little Thing” & current single “Hide The Wine” – that helped earn her first ACM Awards nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year.

Barry Dean Extends Publishing Deal with Pulse Music Group, Creative Nation

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Cutler (Pulse Music Group), Barry Dean, Beth Laird (Creative Nation), and Luke Laird (Creative Nation)

Los Angeles-based music company Pulse Music Group has acquired songwriter Barry Dean’s publishing catalog and, in partnership with Creative Nation, will continue to co-publish Dean. Dean has been a writer at Creative Nation and Pulse since November 2011.

“Barry was our first writer at Creative Nation and he really helped us define our culture. He set the tone of compassion, hard work and authenticity. Pulse has been our partner with Barry since the beginning, so it’s exciting to continue our relationship and keep building toward the future,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO Beth Laird says.

“It’s rare you get to be a part of such a great team. It’s very unique to have a situation as a writer where I get to write and focus on creativity and the artists I get to work with. I have so much confidence in the people around me – they’re creating that environment that allows great things to happen. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this since day one and I’m so thankful I get to continue be an active part going forward,” Dean says.

“We are honored to be extending our relationship with Barry Dean and thrilled to continue our journey together. Since we first established our partnership with Creative Nation in 2012, we’ve been fortunate to have Barry in our lives and consider him to be a part of a core group of writers that has propelled PULSE’s growth over the past several years. He is truly an ‘artist whisperer’ with a unique ability to get the best out of anyone he works with in the studio, no matter what genre or walk of life they may come from.” Pulse Music Group’s co-founder Scott Cutler adds.

Dean’s hits include “Pontoon” and “Day Drinkin’” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), “Think a Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Girls Chase Boys” and “Hell No” (Ingrid Michaelson), “God’s Will” (Martina McBride), and “1994” (Jason Aldean). His catalog also includes songs recorded by Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, BØRNS, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, and Carrie Underwood, among others.

Byron Chambers Inks With Sea Gayle Music

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Pictured (L-R:) Christina Wiltshire, Marc Driskill, Brandon Gregg, Byron Chambers, Jake Gear, Chris DuBois, JD Groover

Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers has signed with Sea Gayle Music. The two-time Dove winner and Orlando native got his start touring with Jonathan Butler, Britney Spears and NSYNC, among others.

His work includes features on Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2018, Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” Ft. Rihanna, and Thomas Rhett’s “Tangled.” His other work includes a feature on TobyMac’s single “Feel It” which was No. 1 for seven weeks on the Hot AC Christian Billboard charts. Chambers also co-wrote and is featured on T-Pain’s new song, “May I.”

“Byron is an undeniable talent. His creative energy along with his unique artistry makes working with him an absolute blast. Everyone here at Sea Gayle is extremely excited to have him join our team” says Sea Gayle EVP/GM Marc Driskill.

“I’m honored to join a team that is ready to push the envelope in the music industry as a whole! I look forward to bringing my diverse style to this team and to the world!” says Chambers.

CJ Solar To Release ‘Get Away With It’ In April

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CJ Solar is set to release his new EP Get Away With It on Sea Gayle Records April 13. 

Solar will be performing all five songs and more at exclusive launch parties in his hometown of Baton Rouge on April 13 and in Nashville on April 18. The new EP, which is available for pre-order now, includes his single “Airplane,” which is currently climbing the charts.

“I am so excited for this new music to come out and to be able to debut it in my home town of Baton Rouge and my adopted hometown of Nashville,” said Solar. “Everything I do is for the love of the music and the sake of the song, and I hope that comes through in this new EP.”

Solar’s Baton Rouge EP release show is scheduled for April 13 at The Texas Club, and fans can catch his Nashville show at The Basement East at 7 p.m. on the 18th.

Get Away With It EP Track Listing:
“American Girls” – Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hobby, CJ Solar
“Same Town” – Travis Denning, Chris Stevens & CJ Solar
“Airplane” – Westin Davis, Rick Huckaby & CJ Solar
“Get Away With It” – Jake Mitchell, Derek Sutherland & CJ Solar
“Hell No” – Bob DiPiero, Andrew DeRoberts & CJ Solar

Alabama, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley To Headline Citadel Country Spirit USA Festival

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Alabama, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley are set to headline Citadel Country Spirit USA, a new, three-day country festival coming to Chester County’s PA’s Brandywine Valley August 24-26, 2018.

Citadel Country Spirit is being presented by the producers of Country Summer, Northern California’s biggest country festival currently celebrating its fifth annual event in 2018.

“It’s exciting to expand our portfolio to the East Coast,” Alan Jacoby, Impact Entertainment’s executive producer, said. “Our goal is to create the Mid-Atlantic region’s foremost annual country music festival.”

Alabama headlines on Aug. 24, Toby Keith headlines on Aug. 25, and Brad Paisley headlines on Aug. 26, and the festival will feature more than 20 artists on two stages, with more artists to be announced soon. 

Three-Day Super Early Bird Passes, starting from $189 are on sale now at countryspiritusa.com. Three-Day Pass prices increase on March 30, and single-day tickets go on sale that day. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Kiefer Sutherland To Launch Tour With Grand Ole Opry Performance In April

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Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland will return to the road with the Reckless 2018 North American and European Tour launching April 10 with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. When Kiefer wraps up the North American leg May 28 in Long Island, New York, he’ll jet ‘across the pond’ to play more than 18 shows throughout Europe.

“I couldn’t have imagined the depth with which I have fallen in love with touring. To have the opportunity to convey intimate, personal stories to an audience, for me, has proven to be priceless,” Kiefer said.

RECKLESS TOUR 2018:
April 10 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
April 12 Delmar Hall – St. Louis, Mo.
April 13 Knuckleads – Kansas City, Mo.
April 14 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, Neb.
April 17 Bluebird Theatre – Denver, Colo.
April 18 Park City Live – Park City, Utah
April 20 Crystal Bay – Crown Room – Crystal Bay, Nev.
April 21 Fremont Theatre – San Luis Obispo, Calif.
April 22 Mystic Theatre – Petaluma, Calif.
April 24 Crystal Palace – Bakersfield, Calif.
April 26 Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
April 27 Music Box – San Diego, Calif.
April 28 Red Rock Casino Resort – Las Vegas, Nev.
May 1 Cactus Theater – Lubbock, Texas
May 2 Antone’s – Austin, Texas
May 4 Billy Bob’s – Fort Worth, Texas
May 5 Island View Casino – Gulfport, Miss.
May 7 The Cowan (Topgolf) – Nashville, Tenn.
May 10 The Phoenix – Toronto, Ontario
May 20 Birchmere – Alexandria, Va.
May 23 Bottle & Cork – Dewey Beach, Del.
May 25 Stone Pony – Asbury Park, N.J.
May 26 Bethel Woods – Liberty, N.Y.
May 27 Daryl’s House – Pawling, N.Y.
May 28 Stephen’s Talkhouse – Long Island, N.Y.
June 7 Kantine – Cologne, Germany
June 8 TivoliVredenberg – Utrecht, Netherlands
June 9 Parkbuehne – Leipzig, Germany
June 10 Gruenspan – Hamburg, Germany
June 12 Columbia Theatre – Berlin
June 13 Hirsch – Nuermberg, Germany
June 14 X-Tra – Zurich
June 16 Teatro Barcelo – Madrid
June 17 Bikini – Barcelona, Spain
June 19 Zappa – Antwerp, Belgium
June 21 Electric Ballroom – London
June 22 Waterfront – Norwich, England
June 23 Black Deer Festival – East Sussex, England
June 25 O2 Academy Oxford – Oxford, England
June 26 Komedia – Bath, England
June 28 Albert Hall – Manchester, England
June 29 Queens Hall – Edinburgh, Scotland
June 30 The Academy – Dublin
(More dates to be added)