RaeLynn Signs Publishing Joint Venture With Tree Vibez, Warner/Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Travis Carter, BJ Hill, Cameron Montgomery, Megan Garrett, Daniel Ross, Jordan Schmidt, James McNair, Corey Crowder, Adam Romaine, Missy Iredell, John Esposito, Leslie T. DiPiero, Leslie Roberts, RaeLynn, Ben Vaughn, Alison Junker, Tyler Hubbard, Katie Jelen, Alicia Pruitt, Emily Peacock, Kerry Hansen, Stephanie Davenport, Will Overton, Jenn Witherell, Rohan Kohli, and Matt Michiels. Photo: Susan Berry [Click photo to enlarge]

Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville’s RaeLynn has signed a joint venture with Tree Vibez Music and Warner/Chappell Music. The Texas native celebrated the news with a party at Nashville’s FGL House yesterday (Oct. 30).

Top-level executives from Tree Vibez Music turned out for the event, including co-founder Tyler Hubbard, General Manager Leslie DiPiero, and Creative Director/Tour Manager Adam Romaine, along with Warner Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO John Esposito, SVP of A&R Cris Lacy and Warner/Chappell Music Nashville’s President Ben Vaughn. Additionally, Leslie Roberts, Executive Director of Creative at RaeLynn’s new performance rights organization home BMI, was also in attendance.

“Tree Vibez Music signed RaeLynn for her songwriting excellence and her unique artistry. She’s a strong, soulful and fearless young woman,” says DiPiero. “We are excited to start dreaming and working with her and Warner/Chappell.”

“Both Warner/Chapell and Tree Vibez are known for fostering a creative community and championing their songwriters,” says RaeLynn. “I’m honored that together they support the music that I’m creating. This really is a dream come true!”

Founded in 2015 by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Tree Vibez Music boasts a talented roster including Corey Crowder (Chris Young’s “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think of You”), Jordan Schmidt (Jason Aldean’s “Lights Come On”), James McNair (Luke Combs’ “Beer Can” and “Out There”), Cameron Montgomery (Ryan Follese’s “Put a Label On It”), and Daniel Ross.

Management Companies Hard 8, Working Group Merge

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Dirk Hemsath, Rich Egan

Artist managers and music industry entrepreneurs Rich Egan and Dirk Hemsath have merged their companies, Hard 8 and Working Group, respectively, to create The Hard 8 Working Group.

The newly expanded management roster includes Cheat Codes, Brantley Gilbert, Dashboard Confessional, Billie Eilish, and R.LUM.R.

“Dirk and I go back 20 years and have always shared a mutual respect, trust and work ethic, even when we were on opposite sides of a negotiation,” says Egan, who founded Vagrant Records in 1994, sold it to Interscope, bought it back and then sold it again to BMG last year. “It’s ironic that two punk rock kids ended up in Nashville together working with such an eclectic roster, but Dirk and I speak a common language. We do things that make sense to us and for our artists – and that isn’t a genre specific approach. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of this new company.”

“Inspired by our love of music, Rich and I both started labels as teenagers and grew them into successful companies that provided an outlet for artists and music that changed culture,” says Hemsath. “We both went into management at different times for the same reasons: to be passionate advocates for artists’ rights, work and their business. Rich is a true artist advocate and I can’t wait for what we will do together.”

In addition to a new publishing division, The Hard 8 Working Group will include Egan’s Folsom Records, which originally started as a vinyl only label and has been home to releases from Rise Against and Face To Face and will re-release Dan Layus’ critically acclaimed debut album.

The company will also include a new label division headed up by David Conway. “The freedom they give me to chase my passion—which is finding great songs and pairing up the right artists—is unreal,” says Conway.

As Hemsath’s Doghouse Records celebrates its 30-year anniversary in 2018, it will continue to focus on its expansive catalog, which includes releases from All-American Rejects and Say Anything, among many more.

Industry vet Laura Bender will serve as GM of both the management side and the labels and will take an active role in the greatly expanded venture. “I moved from New York to work with Rich because his passion is contagious—he goes all in on his artists and their music and is constantly bringing new ideas to the table. I was ecstatic when he told me that Dirk and his team were joining the family.”

Oak Ridge Boys Debut Second ‘Legends Series’ Suit Line

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The Oak Ridge Boys are debuting their second Legends Series suit collection, the “American Made Collection.” The Liberty Legends USA Series is a collaboration of Made in America businesses and leaders promoting a movement to buy American, bringing jobs and profits back to American soil. The American Made Collection is now available at oakridgeboys.com.

In addition to launching the suit line, Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys has joined the Executive Board of Directors of Liberty Legends USA. In this capacity, Duane will serve as one of the key ambassadors.

“We are honored to have Duane join the Executive Board. We look forward to working with him to build greater outreach networks so that we can take the ‘buy American’ message to greater audiences and the next level,” said Robin Worley, Co-Founder of the Liberty Legends USA brand. “If you have ever been to The Oak Ridge Boys concert, you have heard the passion behind the group’s commitment to the spirit of America. As we searched for our next legend in this mission, it was easy to see these guys have the heart and commitment to take this mission of building awareness to a new level.

“After spending decades traveling across the USA, I have seen the recent closing of many of our manufacturing companies, mill towns, and hometown businesses. When these places close, manufacturing is often relocated overseas, and we not only lose jobs, but Americans often must find a new line of work,” said Allen. “I am happy to be a part of Liberty Legends USA with its goal of keeping our factories and our mill towns open and providing good quality Made in America products. These products might cost a little more, but they’re an investment in our country’s economy. BuyingMade in America provides an opportunity for our businesses to grow, while Americans earn a fair wage.”

 

O’Neil Hagaman Promotes Sam Powers

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Sam Powers

Sam Powers has been promoted to Senior Manager, Special Projects at O’Neil Hagaman. He now oversees the business management firm’s publishing consulting activities including due diligence, catalog sales and related work.

Powers has worked in O’Neil Hagaman’s Special Projects division since 2007 and has been Manager of Special Projects at the business management firm for the last five years. O’Neil Hagaman’s Special Projects division focuses on intellectual property matters involving recorded masters, publishing, film and TV rights, catalog sales, due diligence and royalty examinations.

“I’ve worked with Sam Powers for 20 years at both Little Big Town Publishing and now at O’Neil Hagaman,” says O’Neil Hagaman co-founder Kerry O’Neil. “He has a rare combination of intellectual excellency and an ability to listen and understand people.”

Prior to joining O’Neil Hagaman, Powers worked at both Little Big Town Music and Sony/ATV Tree Publishing. He was bassist and songwriter for acclaimed indie-rock band Superdrag from 1999 to 2003. He has also contributed features for MusicRow magazine on behalf of O’Neil Hagaman.

Hunter Hayes, Brett Young Set To Perform At 35th Annual Christmas 4 Kids Benefit

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The Annual Christmas 4 Kids benefit concert has revealed the lineup for its 2017 Ryman Auditorium show, set for Monday, Nov. 20 in Nashville. Hunter Hayes will headline this year’s event, with Brett Young, John Berry, Halfway to Hazard, and Lindsay Ell also scheduled to perform. This year marks the organization’s 35th anniversary.

“We are so thankful for all of these great artists who have all volunteered to donate their time and talent to help bring a better Christmas to so many children in need,” says Christmas 4 Kids President Linda O’Connell. “This year, Christmas 4 Kids is celebrating its 35th anniversary so this concert will be extra special!”

“I am so excited to be part of the Christmas 4 Kids concert for the second year in a row,” said Berry. “Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to kids in the Nashville area.”

Tickets are $38.50 and $60.00 and are available for purchase now at Ryman.com. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Christmas 4 Kids organization.

MusicRowRecess: ‘Today’ Show Brings Halloween To Grand Ole Opry With Reba, Blake Shelton, Shania Twain

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Pictured (L-R): Savannah Guthrie as Kenny Rogers and Matt Lauer as Dolly Parton. Photo: Nathan Congleton / TODAY

The Today show celebrated Halloween this morning (Oct. 31) in country fashion, with appearances by the real Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus.

In front of a Grand Ole Opry backdrop, McEntire announced Today hosts one by one as they revealed their costumes with performances from country stars.

VIEW THE 8 MINUTE SEGMENT HERE (or below)

Al Roker did his best at Willie Nelson. Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer portrayed gender swaps for a rendition of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “Islands In The Stream,” respectively. Parton herself gave Lauer costume advice in a particular, presumably pre-recorded video segment.

But it was not only Carson Daly‘s version of Billy Ray Cyrus who surprised viewers with an appearance alongside the real country star Cyrus, but Hoda Kotb‘s portrayal of Blake Shelton was also joined by the Warner Music Nashville star. Megyn Kelly‘s version of Shania Twain was surprised later in the morning by the country legend. Twain joined Kelly on her own show later in the day as well as the rest of the costumed hosts. Kathy Lee Gifford made an effort at another Nashville darling, Miley Cyrus.

Shelton then surprised the Today crowd with a Halloween plaza concert in promotion of Texoma Shore, his forthcoming album out Friday (Nov. 3). He performed “I’ll Name the Dogs,” the first single from his new album, along with the album’s title track and the new song, “I Lived It.”

Cole Swindell To Release Latest ‘Down Home Sessions’ Installment Nov. 24

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Cole Swindell will release his fourth installment of his popular Down Home Sessions EP. Down Home Sessions IV is due Nov. 24.

The Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist will hit the road again in support of Down Home Sessions IV, returning to some of the cities, towns and venues where he made some of his first fans. The Down Home Tour IV follows three previous sold-out headlining Down Home Tours. The tour kickoff with cities and dates will be announced soon.

14th Annual ‘Rumble On The Row’ Matches Set For March

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Eight Nashville music industry professionals are set to mix it up in the ring in four Rumble On The Row bouts at the 14th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin on March 2.

The matches will include: Bobby Cory (CAA) vs. Bryan Vastano (UTA), Luke Cahill (Aloompa) vs. Brian O’Neil (Artist Manager), Tiffany Goss (Curb) vs. Elyse McKenna (Thiel Audio), and Will Lowery (APA) vs. Austin Mullins (WME). 

“These fierce competitors are entirely committed to the training process and helping raise money to touch the lives of so many kids,” said Carolyn Miller, founder and chairman of The Charley Foundation which produces the annual event. “Nashville’s music community continues to step up and presenting four bouts this year is a testament to the popularity of this anticipated annual event.”

The action-packed evening includes gourmet dining, music, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with one-of-a-kind items, and of course, boxing. The theme for this year’s event will be “The 70s”.

The annual event benefits The Charley Foundation, an organization that supports agencies that provide relief for children who are victims of neglect, abuse or other crises, children who live with chronic or critical illness, children who endure poverty or homelessness, and children who require mentoring or other proactive outreach.

Nashville Attorney Orville Almon, Jr. Dies

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Orville Almon, Jr.

Prominent Nashville attorney Orville Almon, Jr. has died.

He practiced entertainment and music law, IP law and business law for over 35 years, representing numerous prominent recording artists, music producers and songwriters, as well as record company executives, music publishers, record companies, television production companies, managers and other clients affiliated with the entertainment industry.

His practice has included re-negotiating existing agreements and new technology issues. He has extensive experience in and is renowned for drafting language for difficult-to-define issues, negotiating with record companies and drafting “issue-specific” agreements. Almon has also successfully negotiated high-profile book deals, including deals for Chicken Soup for the Country Soul and Kurt Cobain Journals).

Almon is a founding partner of Zumwalt, Almon and Hayes. In 2010, he opened his private practice Almon Law.

Over the years, Almon has earned many awards and accomplishments including being recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers and by BusinessTN as one of Tennessee’s Best 150 Lawyers. He is a Leadership Music Alumni (Class of 2009), and has been a member of the American, Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations, and the Country Music Association.

Almon earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. A distinguished military graduate from the Army ROTC program, he served four years in the Army until resigning his commission as a Captain to enter law school at University of Memphis in 1979, where he graduated from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

While at law school he was selected to the Memphis State University Law Review for his academic achievement and elected to the Editorial Board of the Law Review as Administrative Editor for the 1978-79 school year. Upon graduation he was selected as a member of The Order of Barristers for exhibiting excellence and attaining high honor through the art of courtroom advocacy.

Funeral arrangements have not been released at this time.

J.D. May, Mark Confroy Join Aloompa

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J.D. May, Mark Confroy

Nashville-based tech firm Aloompa has added JD May as Chief Operating Officer and Mark Confroy as Director of Client Fulfillment.

As COO, May will be responsible for developing and executing key growth strategies for the company in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the current business.  May has previously served in executive roles at Songkick, Front Gate Tickets and Ticketmaster. He was also a partner at music tech pioneer echomusic, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in 2007.

“JD has as long and successful history as a music and technology executive helping companies develop scalable, innovative solutions in the live entertainment space,” says company co-founder Drew Burchfield.  “He brings a global perspective and a wealth of experience to our team and will help us continue to take advantage of new opportunities in a rapidly developing market.”

“I’ve been a huge fan of Aloompa for many years and have seen first-hand how their powerful platform can combine advanced proximity-based technologies with detailed audience behavior data to provide event producers with never-before-seen insights on their attendees,” May says. “This is game changing for sponsors and brands who are all looking to maximize the impact of their partnerships and return on investment.”

Confroy is a mobile-focused digital leader with more than a decade of experience leading teams and strategy for various brands, institutions and artists. His past experience includes roles at Songkick, HelloWorld, and Mozes.

In 2014, Aloompa created the event proximity platform Presence.