BBR Music Group Signs Madeline Merlo

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Madeline Merlo

BBR Music Group has announced the signing of Madeline Merlo to its roster of artists.

The singer-songwriter and Vancouver native appeared on NBC’s songwriter series Songland, where she won with Lady A selecting Merlo’s co-penned “Champagne Night.” The trio recorded and released the tune digitally and, due to its initial success, became the first Songland winner to become a single—which then went on to become a three-week No. 1 single. Merlo also appears in the music video.

Merlo’s music bridges the pop-country gap, with quirky melodies and confident lyrics. The multi-talent who kickstarted her career at 16 doing demo work, went on to win CCMA’s Rising Star Award in 2015, before releasing her debut album in 2016. Since moving to Nashville in 2017, Merlo has garnered three Top 10 singles on Canadian Country radio, performed with her childhood idol, Shania Twain at the CCMA Awards, and hit the road with greats like Keith Urban and Willie Nelson, in addition to focusing on her songwriting.

“Madeline immediately drew us in with her stellar melodies and powerhouse vocals but it was the witty, confident vulnerability in her writing that made her an artist we had to have on our roster,” said Sara Knabe, VP A&R BBR Music Group. “We’re so excited for 2021 and beyond!”

“Getting the chance to be on BBR Music Group’s impressive roster is a dream come true,” said Merlo. “They are incredibly kind and hard-working individuals, and I am thrilled to be working with them. They see my vision and respect the artistry we have built. I know this next step will be the most exciting yet in my career.”

She is managed by Ron Kitchener at RGK Entertainment and is signed with Deluge Music for publishing.

On The Row: Chase Martin Combines Her Wit With Artistry

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Chase Martin. Photo: Jason Myers

Chase Martin is a singer-songwriter from Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated from high school early with a 5.0 GPA, and she scored a perfect score (a 36) on the ACT. She was offered a scholarship from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, but that’s not what brought her to Music City.

The impressive 22-year old moved to Nashville at 17 to chase her dream of artistry, after catching the bug at a school talent show. Her parents supported her dream, with her mom traveling back and forth from Tennessee to South Carolina while the teenager hunted down bar gigs and songwriter rounds to play in.

“I was in the fourth grade. There was a talent show at my elementary school, and I signed up for it,” Chase told MusicRow on a recent virtual visit. “I came home from school that day and said ‘Hey mom, I signed up for the talent show at school!’ She was like, ‘Oh okay, what’s your talent?'”

Chase wanted to sing and play guitar, even though she didn’t know how to play the guitar. After finding a Yamaha guitar in their attic, Chase took a few lessons at a guitar shop in her neighborhood.

“I learned ‘Our Song’ by Taylor Swift and I played it two weeks later in our talent show. I was so nervous getting up on stage, I cried to my mom,” Chase said. “Once I went up there they literally had to fishhook me off the stage because I didn’t want to get off… I was hooked.”

Chase then went to an art school, where she was in the band and learned to play the piccolo.

After a few years of grinding through as many gigs as she could play, and building an Instagram following, Chase met RECORDS Nashville / Wide Open Music’s Ash Bowers, who helped her get integrated into Nashville’s music business.

Pictured (L-R, top row): Monarch Publicity’s Heather Conley; MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell, Haley Crow; (L-R, middle row): Wide Open Music’s Lauren Hamrick; Chase Martin; Monarch Publicity’s Cindy Hunt; (L-R, bottom row): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Alex Parry

“About two and a half years ago, I met Ash [Bowers] and Brendan [Rich] at Wide Open. They have been the greatest thing to happen to me since I moved to town, they’ve really taken me under their wing. They ended up signing me and they got me my first record deal and publishing deal. So 2020 was a pretty good year for me,” Chase joked. “They’ve been a dream to work with.”

Now, five years later, Chase has a record deal with RECORDS Nashville and a publishing deal with Endurance Music Group. She also has her first single out, a song called “Levi Denim,” written by Matt Stell, Allison Veltz-Cruz, and Abby Anderson.

“The first time I heard [‘Levi Denim’] I was like, ‘Man, this sounds like something I would have written, something I should have written!’ I was shocked that I didn’t think of it,” Chase said. “As soon as I heard it, I was like, ‘I have to cut this song. It’s so me.'”

YouTube video

 

“Levi Denim” is the first single that RECORDS Nashville has released, after the Music City office was launched by RECORDS head Barry Weiss in a joint venture with Sony Music in fall of 2020.

In 2021, the determined Chase Martin is laser-focused on writing, cultivating her social media following, and building off the momentum she’s worked hard for.

Curb Records Ups RJ Meacham to SVP, Promotion

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RJ Meacham

Curb Records has announced the promotion of RJ Meacham to SVP, Promotion. Meacham will continue to oversee promotion efforts for the Curb Records roster, which includes Lee Brice, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, Filmore, Mo Pitney, and Hannah Ellis.

“RJ has done a phenomenal job as Vice President of Country Promotion and we are very excited that he has chosen to continue with our company as Senior Vice President of Country Promotion. Over the years, RJ has done an excellent job motivating our great promotion team,” says Mike Curb, Chairman of Curb Records.

Meacham began his career at Monument/Sony, moving to Curb/Asylum and then Sony’s BNA and Columbia Records before re-joining Curb Records in 2016 as Senior Director, Country Promotion. He was elevated to VP, Promotion in 2018.

“As our industry evolves, I’m excited to continue working alongside my amazing teammates at Curb to find new and innovative ways to raise the bar for our amazing roster and their music. Many thanks to Mike Curb for believing in me and for this incredible opportunity,” says Meacham.

Meacham can be reached at rmeacham@curb.com.

BREAKING: Department of Justice Ends ASCAP/BMI Consent Decree Review Without Action

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Anti-Trust Division head Makan Delrahim addressed today (Jan. 15) the DOJ’s review of the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees, in a webinar sponsored by Vanderbilt Law School. The DOJ has ended its ASCAP and BMI consent decree review without taking action.

Delrahim said compulsory licenses “are not the answer” and that any future changes Congress may consider should allow songwriters the ability to negotiate in the free market. Delrahim—who submitted his resignation letter on Jan. 13, effective on Jan. 19.—also suggested the DOJ consider reviewing ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees every five years. He applauded ASCAP and BMI for launching their new SONGVIEW database which will allow music users/licensees to more easily find song ownership data.

The consent decrees were put in place to prevent anticompetitive behaviors and determine sensible licensing rates. The ASCAP consent decree was modified in 2001 and the BMI consent decree was modified in 1994. The decrees require ASCAP and BMI to issue licenses covering all works in their repertory upon request from music users. If the parties are unable to agree on an appropriate price for a license, the decrees provide for a “rate court” proceeding in front of a U.S. district judge. Neither decree contains a termination date.

Many publishers, songwriters and other music industry members have criticized the longstanding decrees, stating that they limit the ability of songwriters and publishers to obtain their own licensing agreements that could result in higher revenues in a free marketplace.

Read how the music industry is responding to the issue here.

A&R Executive Larry Willoughby Dies

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Larry Willoughby

Loving husband, father, grandfather, singer-songwriter and former Vice President of A&R at Capitol Records, Larry Willoughby, died at the age of 70 after battling Alzheimer’s and having contracted COVID-19.

Larry was born on Feb 24th, 1950 in Houston, TX. He married his highschool sweetheart, Janet Howard Willoughby in 1969. After a few years as a firefighter, they moved to Nashville, with a passion and dream of being in the music industry and that they did. Last year they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Larry is the former Vice President of A&R for Capitol Records Nashville, where he helped shape the careers of many country stars, among them Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan.

 

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He got his big break in the music business when he earned a spot in country singer-songwriter Guy Clark’s band. Under Clark’s guidance, Willoughby honed his own songwriting and performing skills. Soon after, he landed a recording contract with Atlantic Records.

His debut album, Building Bridges, rose to No 47 on the Billboard charts in 1984. The title track from the album reached No. 55 as a single—but 12 years later took him to new heights. In 2006, Brooks & Dunn turned “Building Bridges” into a Grammy-nominated, Top 5 single. It featured guest vocals from Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow and was nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the CMA Awards and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals at The Grammys.

Willoughby spent several years on tour after the release of his Building Bridges album, then found himself drawn to the business side of country music. He signed on as tour manager for country stars Rodney Crowell, his cousin and so-called brother, and Rosanne Cash before moving in the direction of artist development. After a stint as director of membership with ASCAP, he was recognized for his talent for listening, pitching and placement of songs by renowned producer, Tony Brown and hired as Director of A&R at MCA/Universal Records. During Willoughby’s tenure, MCA became known as the “Golden” label recognized as the industry leader throughout the 90’s with major successes of recording artists, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, and The Mavericks.

Even with his move to Capitol as VP of A&R, he kept a hand in songwriting. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Waylon Jennings, Rodney Crowell, Eddy Raven, Big House, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Nicolette Larson and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Larry is survived by wife, Janet; two sons, Kobalt Nashvile’s Jesse Willoughby (Bonnie) and Cody (Laurin), and two granddaughters, Livia and Lailee Willoughby.

If desired, family and friends may make memorial contributions to an incredible non-profit Alzheimer’s Care and Event center in Memphis, Tennessee, Page Robbins.

Little Big Town Extends Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Little Big Town

Little Big Town has extended its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook have topped the charts numerous times with singles like “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush,” and “Better Man,” and scored Top 10 hits like “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Little White Church,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking.” Their ninth studio album, Nightfall, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered last year’s Grammy-nominated “The Daughters,” and their current single, “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” has racked up 75.3 million streams since its debut and is currently enjoying 3.3 million streams weekly.

Aside from writing much of their own material, Little Big Town also has credits on hits from Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, and others. The group is nominated for Best Country Album (Nightfall) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Sugar Coat”) at the upcoming 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Karen, Kimberly, Phillip, and Jimi for years and have watched them grow into the powerhouse group we all know and love,” said Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, WCM Nashville. “There’s no question they’re consistent hitmakers, but they’re also not afraid to take risks and make compelling creative choices with their sound. It’s always paid off, and this year is no different, with two major Grammy nominations and another hit single on their hands with ‘Wine, Beer, Whiskey.’ All of us at Warner Chappell are excited to continue this journey alongside them.”

“Warner Chappell has been our home since nearly the very beginning of our journey as Little Big Town. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the team there, whom we have great respect for,” added Little Big Town.

Throughout their nearly 25-year career, Little Big Town has been nominated over 60 times across the Grammys, CMAs, and ACMs, taking home over 20 awards, including ten ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year wins. In 2016, the group was honored with the ACM’s Crystal Milestone Award to mark their outstanding achievements in the music industry, and in 2018, the CMA awarded Little Big Town with the International Artist Achievement Award for their contribution to promoting country music outside of the United States.

Little Big Town is managed by Sandbox Entertainment and represented by Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig LLP.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rhonda Vincent, Sister Sadie, Carolina Blue, The Grascals

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Rhonda Vincent

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).

What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?

The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.

The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.

The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.

CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.

RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.

MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.

SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.

MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.

VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.

THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.

DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.

JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.

JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.

Sam Carter Signs With Spirit Music Nashville And 2 Mix Music

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Pictured (L-R): Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Mike Fiorentino, Director A&R, Spirit Music Nashville; Sam Carter; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R, Spirit Music Nashville/President 2MixMusic.

Sam Carter has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and 2 Mix Music, Spirit’s joint venture with producer Derek Wells.

A 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Dallas, Georgia, Carter spent the last few years playing shows around the Southeast and honing his craft as a songwriter.

“I couldn’t be more excited about starting the new year off with a talent like Sam Carter!” said Wells, Sr. Director A&R, Spirit Music Nashville/President, 2 Mix Music. “He’s a gifted, natural singer who knows what he wants to say as a writer and an artist. Our whole building is fired up to be a part of his team and we look forward to all of the successes that we see on the horizon for him.” 

“Sam has such a natural, raw talent. I can’t wait for everyone to get to know him,” said Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. “Not only does he stand out as an artist but paired with his passion for music and his hard-working approach, the sky is the limit for him. Our team is so excited to work alongside him and to help him reach his goals.”

“I am so excited for this opportunity to work with the Spirit/2 Mix family,” said Carter. “This has felt like home since day one. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and create some awesome music with them.”

BREAKING: Greg Thompson Appointed President And Partner Of Big Loud Management

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Greg Thompson

Big Loud Management announced today (Jan. 14) the appointment of executive heavyweight Greg Thompson to President and Partner, effective immediately.

“I’ve worked closely with Big Loud in the past, and have been able to see what an incredible organization they have built,” says Thompson. “I want to thank Seth [England], Joey [Moi], and Craig [Wiseman], for this amazing opportunity to join the family. I’m thrilled to lead a group of world-class managers and have the privilege to be on the same team as some of the greatest artists in the world.”

Coming from Maverick Management/Live Nation in Beverly Hills, California, Thompson served as President of the top-tier management conglomerate. Hands-on in helping synergize managers and superstar talent like U2, Madonna, Doja Cat, Brandy, and more, he led the charge in expanding their sought-after all-genre roster. Prior, Thompson held a long bicoastal tenure with Capitol Music Group/EMI, playing a critical role in developing artists Katy Perry, Sam Smith, and Coldplay. With over 25 years of high-level music executive experience, his early career stints include Island Def Jam, Elektra Records, and Chrysalis Records.

“It’s hard to imagine how things could get better at Big Loud right now, but adding Greg [Thompson] to our company is exactly that. He is a leader, mentor, and first-class executive. We are very thankful to him for coming on board when he could have chosen just about anywhere. He will be key in overseeing all of our managers and assisting with each of their respective artists, not to mention being a key resource for us partners as well,” says Big Loud Partners (Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman)

Expanding Big Loud’s footprint to Los Angeles, California, Thompson will continue managing clients Philmon Lee and Ananya Birla, while further elevating the leading Nashville, Tennessee-based independent management firm.

Thompson can be reached here.

Visionary Media Group Signs Clayton Anderson [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Tracy Percival, Anastasia Brown, Clayton Anderson, J.R. Hensley. Photo: Evan De Stefano

Country music artist, Clayton Anderson, has signed with the multi-dimensional entertainment and music company Visionary Media Group. VMG is set to expand upon his unique touring concept, provide assistance with the release of his children’s book, and help finish the screenplay he’s writing.

Anderson has racked up over 240K monthly listeners on Spotify and over 10 million streams on the platform alone. Earlier last year, he teamed up with Bud Light for the Bud Light Dive Bar Tour: Home Edition alongside Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, OneRepublic, and more, which allowed him to keep sharing music, virtually, with his fans during the pandemic.

“I’m beyond grateful and excited for the opportunity to be joining Anastasia Brown, Tracy Percival and the entire VMG family! I was so close to giving up my dream when COVID hit, but this partnership is such a blessing,” Anderson said. “Our ideals and passion for music are parallel and I honestly can’t convey how very thankful I am. I’m so fired up!”

Raised in southern Indiana, Anderson has built a loyal following with his blend of Midwestern rock and independent country. While enrolled at Indiana University, he wrote his first song in the school’s library and began playing fraternity parties around town, earning an audience long before graduation. He’s gone on to open for many artists, including Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jimmy Buffett, and Carly Pearce. He has also performed alongside Zac Brown Band at the Indy 500, with 40,000 people in attendance.

“When Renee Bell introduced me to Clayton, I flipped over his powerful voice. Then with time, I learned about his work ethic and how entrepreneurial he is—that’s when we knew he was the right fit to join the Visionary Family,” said Brown, VMG Chief Content Strategist.

Anderson is currently gearing up to release a slew of new singles throughout 2021 culminating in a new album release slated for 2022.