Industry Ink: Lindsay Rimes, Ben Hutto, Steve Smentek

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APRA Honors Lindsay Rimes for 1,000,000,000 Streams on Kane Brown’s “Heaven”

Lindsay Rimes

Nashville-based songwriter and producer Lindsay Rimes has been honored by APRA AMCOS, the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. Rimes has been added to The 1,000,000,000 List for co-writing Kane Brown‘s 2017 smash hit “Heaven.” This is the first country song, and the 35th overall, recognized for surpassing more than one billion streams across all major streaming services.

The track topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. It is certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. and triple Platinum in Canada.

“I’m thrilled to have a billion streams for ‘Heaven!’ Thanks to everyone who listened to the song and APRA AMCOS for their continued support of Aussie writers abroad,” Rimes shares.

Originally from Sydney, Rimes focused on songwriting and producing after an injury curtailed his rugby career. He relocated to Nashville and co-penned Dylan Scott’s country hit “Hooked” with Morgan Evans and Seth Ennis at an APRA AMCOS SongHubs and quickly became an in-demand collaborator. Rimes’ credits include releases by Locash, Luke Bryan, Tyler Rich, and more. He was honored with an Overseas Recognition Award at the 2019 APRA Music Awards.

“Lindsay Rimes proved, once again, that he is a HITMAKER on any continent! ‘Heaven’ was a massive song for Kane Brown and country music, and we are proud to represent Lindsay in all of his successes!” adds Sony Music Publishing, Executive Vice President, Nashville A&R, Josh Van Valkenburg.

 

 

Ben Hutto Rises To Director Of Brands & Partnerships At Triple 8 Management

Ben Hutto. Photo: Nathan Zucker

Triple 8 Management’s Ben Hutto has risen from artist manager to Director of Brands and Partnerships.

Hutto has secured brand and sponsor deals, with Triple 8 clients recently landing partnerships with EA Sports, Samsung, Microsoft, Shell, Citibank, Bud Light, ESPN, Journeys, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, Ford, Southwest Airlines and Wild Turkey, among others. He has been key in the company’s major successes in brand and sync opportunities including Judah & the Lion penning the Nashville SC theme song that plays in-stadium before every home game as well as Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors’ songs being featured in multiple award-winning ad campaigns.

“Ben and I actually met when he was in college–he was managing Judah & the Lion while they were all students at Belmont together,” notes Triple 8 Executive Partner Paul Steele. “I was so impressed by him and the band that I offered him a job the day he graduated, and it’s been a pleasure to work together ever since.”

“We love turning what may seem like one-off opportunities into career pillars for artists,” adds Hutto. “Our focus in that area with Judah & the Lion over the years is a major part of what has allowed them to grow their brand the way they have, so I’m excited to continue creating opportunity for all of our artists on the Triple 8 roster.”

 

 

Vibecity Music Publishing Signs Steve Smentek

Steve Smentek

Vibecity Music Publishing, a Nashville-based boutique publishing company owned by Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, has signed Steve Smentek to an exclusive staff songwriter deal.

A Chicago native, Smentek has been coming to Nashville on a regular basis to attend songwriting events and network, eventually joining SongTown. Smentek is currently working with a wide range of artists and co-writers.

“I’m really excited about Steve joining the VibeCity team. His tenacity for chasing down a hook and a great song is stronger than just about any writer I’ve worked with,” Mills says.

“Steve is one of the hardest working songwriters I know,” adds Dodson. “He continues to learn and grow as a writer and we are excited to see where his partnership with VibeCity can take us all.”

Dodson and Mills collectively have over 250 cuts and 12 No. 1 songs between them, including Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess.” They co-founded VibeCity in 2018, whose roster now includes Smentek, Josh Byrd, Kelly McKay and Jesse Slack.

Weekly Register: Dustin Lynch, MacKenzie Porter Leap Into Top 5 On Streaming Songs Chart

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Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter crack the top five on the country streaming songs chart this week with “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which jumps from No. 15. The duet earned 5.9 million streams, contributing to 141 million streams RTD since its March 2021 release, according to Nielsen. The track is currently at No. 4 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Monument’s Walker Hayes continues his reign at the top of the country streaming songs chart as “Fancy Like” adds another 10 million streams this week, for a total of 229 million streams RTD. “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) rises to No. 2 with 7.2 million streams, “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) dips to No. 3 with 6.7 million streams, and “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) falls to No. 4 with 6.7 million streams.

There’s no movement on the top streaming country albums chart this week. Morgan Wallen remains in the top spot as Dangerous: The Double Album racks up another 42,000 streams, totaling 50 million RTD. Wallen also keeps the fourth spot with If I Know Me gaining 13,000 streams. Luke Combs stays in the second spot with What You See Is What You Get adding 23,000 streams, and the third spot with This One’s For You adding 15,000 streams. Chris Stapleton seals the top five as Starting Over earns 13,000 streams this week.

Keb’ Mo’ Signs With WME

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Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Five-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo has signed with WME for representation. 

Keb’ Mo’ released his self-titled debut album in 1994, and two years later garnered his first Grammy award for Best Contemporary Blues Album (Just Like You). He eventually took home four more Grammys, including the 2020 award for Best Americana Album; received 14 Blues Foundation Awards; topped the Billboard Blues Chart seven times; and has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to The White House.

Throughout his career he has collaborated with Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Lyle Lovett; had compositions recorded and sampled by B.B. King, Zac Brown, and BTS; released signature guitars with both Gibson and Martin; composed music for TV series like Mike and Molly, Memphis Beat, B Positive, and Martha Stewart Living; and earned the Americana Music Association’s 2021 award for Lifetime Achievement in Performance.

In addition to his music, Keb’ Mo’ also established himself as an actor over the years, appearing as himself in Martin Scorcese’s The Blues, Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing, and even Sesame Street. He also portrayed Robert Johnson in the 1998 documentary Can’t You Hear The Wind Howl and the ghostly bluesman Possum in John Sayles’ 2007 film Honeydripper.

He recently released his latest single, “Good Strong Woman” featuring Darius Rucker, in support of his upcoming album Good to Be, which is set for release Jan. 21 via Rounder Records.

Keb’ Mo’ continues to be represented by manager Adriene Miller, co-founder of Salto Mgmt.

CRB Announces Nominees For CRS 2022 New Faces Of Country Music Show

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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has released the list of nominees for the 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show. The nominated artists for the show are Gabby Barrett, Priscilla Block, Blanco Brown, Callista Clark, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Parker McCollum, Niko Moon, Jameson Rogers, Elvie Shane, and Lainey Wilson.

Voting for the Class of 2022 will be open Monday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 19 at countryradioseminar.com. The five acts with the most votes will make the lineup up for the New Faces show, to be held Friday, Feb. 25 at Omni Nashville Hotel during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2022.

“These 11 artists represent a bright future for country music,” says CRB New Faces Committee chair, Chuck Aly. “They also give this year’s voters some very difficult choices to make.”

Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has played a pivotal role in many country artists’ careers. Five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period are selected each year to perform. The qualification period is Nov. 1 through Oct. 31, preceding the New Faces Show.

Changes to the New Faces of Country Music voter criteria went into effect last year and have been expanded to include a wider representation of the country music industry. Eligible voters must be full-time employees primarily involved in the programming, promotion, and distribution of country music, from the following types of companies: broadcast radio, satellite radio, television outlets, and digital service providers, while expressly excluding those with vested interests in individual artists or musical works such as labels, managers, agents, and publishers.

CRS will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25, 2022. The New Faces of Country Music Show closes out the event each year. Registration for CRS 2022 is open and available for purchase at countryradioseminar.com.

Matthew Holmberg Promoted To Director Of Marketing At BBR Music Group

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Matthew Holmberg, Photo: Cody Heckber

Matthew Holmberg has been promoted to Director of Marketing at BBR Music Group.

Holmberg will report to Sr. VP of BBR Music Group, JoJamie Hahr, and manage projects for the label group’s roster including Jason Aldean, Chase Rice, Dustin Lynch, Elvie Shane, Jelly Roll, King Calaway, Kolby Cooper, Lainey Wilson and more.

Formerly Holmberg was the Manager of Group Strategy, Syndication & Secondary Promotion, where he assisted Renee Leymon, VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy, with syndication and radio group strategy for the label group, built and maintained relationships with key syndicated partners, and created and executed radio tours, syndication/media days and content days.

Since joining BBR Music Group in April 2017, Holmberg has worked as a Promotion Coordinator, Manager of Secondary Promotion as well as a Catalog Coordinator in publishing. While attending Belmont, Holmberg interned for BBRMG in 2013 and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration — Music Business.

“Matthew is the perfect fit for this role,” says Hahr. “His passion, creativity and attention to detail is unmatched. He is so loved by our artists and their teams, and we are so thrilled to have him dig in!”

Holmberg can be reached at matthew@bbrmusicgroup.com.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Celebrates Newest Circle Guard Initiates

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Pictured (L-R): Emmylou Harris, Jerry Williams, Ken Levitan, Mike Milom, E. W. “Bud” Wendell

Emmylou Harris and E. W. “Bud” Wendell announced the newest initiates to the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Circle Guard recently at an intimate luncheon on the Museum’s Carlton Family Terrace. Harris and Wendell are Trustees Emeriti of the museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees, and Wendell is also a Chairman Emeritus of the board.

The Circle Guard celebrates individuals whose highest-level contributions of time, talent and treasure to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum safeguard the integrity of country music and make it accessible to a global audience. This is the second class of initiates to be honored with the designation.

In recognition of their significant contributions to the museum, the newest Circle Guard initiates are:

  • Ken Levitan, for engaging Vector Management’s artist-clients in the museum’s mission; providing generous philanthropic support; working as an entertainment producer for the museum’s All for the Hall benefit concerts; hosting events for the museum’s Honor Society membership program; and serving on the museum’s board for more than 15 years.
  • Mike Milom, for guiding the museum as its legal counsel since 1972 and being an architect of the institution’s culture; stewarding the preservation of country music history by ensuring that Bill Monroe’s mandolin, Mother Maybelle Carter’s guitar and two Johnny Cash guitars are held in the public trust through the museum’s collection for all time; and the ongoing work of Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC in service to the institution.
  • Jerry Williams, for advocating for country music and its museum across all sectors of the Nashville community for three decades; being present in institution’s daily life with her husband, Ernie Williams, who is a longtime museum board member; and making generous leadership gifts to the institution that ensure its future, including funding the Jerry & Ernie Williams Grand Lobby, located just inside the museum’s entrance from Rep. John Lewis Way S.

Beginning last Sunday (Nov. 7), these new initiates lead the Road to the Hall of Fame: Rite of Remembrance and Salute. The annual ritual, open to all museum visitors, pays tribute to each of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s yearly classes and their inducted members during the two weeks leading up to the annual Medallion Ceremony. Circle Guard members are conducting the ritual beginning Nov. 7 – Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. daily. The ceremony includes reading Country Music Hall of Fame members’ biographies in the museum’s Rotunda.

The new Circle Guard initiates join existing members David Conrad, Bill Denny, Mary Ann McCready, Seab Tuck, Steve Turner and Kyle Young.

Nashville Music Equality Launches ‘Dear Music City’ Podcast

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Nashville Music Equality (NME), the organization dedicated to creating an anti-racist environment in the Nashville music industry, has launched its own podcast, Dear Music City.

Dear Music City will include in-depth conversations with leaders in the Nashville community as well as music leaders around the world. The first episode of the podcast, featuring Color Me Country host and artist Rissi Palmer, is available now. Other special guests to be featured include NME board member and Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy at Maverick Nashville, Amanda Cates; CEO and CCO of The Change Agent-Cy, Lucia Folk and Lisa Chader; singer and contestant on NBC’s The Voice, Wendy Moten; Wasserman’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Lindsay LaBennett; former mayor of Nashville and substance abuse advocate, Megan Barry, and more. For more information or to listen to Dear Music City, click here.

Tonight (Nov. 8) the board of Nashville Music Equality—along with the Grammy Museum, the National Museum of African American Music, Rosedale Collective, and Propper Daley—will host the 1st Annual Rosedale Summit in Nashville. The event will feature a series of performances and conversations with Palmer, Frankie Staton, Allison Russell, Reyna Roberts, Louis York, Tony Evans Jr., and more that will celebrate and recognize the art of BIPOC country musicians of the past, as well as spark conversation around country music’s future.

Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, More Win Big At ASCAP Country Music Awards

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The winners list has been revealed for the 59th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards.

In place of an in-person event, the writers and publishers of country music’s most-performed songs of the past year will be honored by ASCAP on their social media platforms beginning today. Using the hashtag #ASCAPAWARDS, exclusive winner photos, videos, and acceptance speeches will be posted to @ASCAP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Dedicated posts for each winning song will be rolled out on @ASCAP social media each day through Nov. 10.

ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews and EVP, Chief Creative Officer John Titta kicked off the online festivities with a joint welcome video message along with congratulations from ASCAP Vice President, Membership Nashville Mike Sistad and the ASCAP Nashville team.

YouTube video

Hitmaker Josh Osborne is this year’s ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year for the first time. He is credited with eight chart-topping songs this year, including “7 Summers” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers and Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “Happy Anywhere” (Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani), “Hard to Forget” (Sam Hunt), “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts), “Next Girl” (Carly Pearce) and “Nobody But You” (Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani). This is Osborne’s 35th ASCAP Award, including Song of the Year wins in 2015, 2018 and 2020. George Strait, one of Osborne’s biggest influences, shared news of the win with Osborne in an exclusive video featured on @ASCAP social media.

Ashley Gorley’s chart-topping “One of Them Girls” (recorded by Lee Brice) received ASCAP Country Music Song of the Year honors. ASCAP shared Gorley’s award acceptance for the certified Platinum single, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, along with kudos from Brice and several of the song’s publishers on social media.

Sony Music Publishing wins Publisher of the Year for the first time since 2012. Its winning songs include “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “Hole in the Bottle” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Lady” (Brett Young) and “Things a Man Oughta Know” (Lainey Wilson). SMP CEO Nashville, Rusty Gaston, appeared on @ASCAP social media thanking the company’s songwriters and staff.

For a full list of winners, visit ascap.com.

The social media event will also include a celebration of the life of Connie Bradley, former head of ASCAP Nashville who passed away earlier this year. Bradley was a beloved trailblazer in the music business who served more than three decades at ASCAP, rising to Senior Vice President and head of the Nashville office at a time when women filled very few top leadership positions in the music industry. The video tribute features remembrances from Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant and more.

YouTube video

Exile Re-Issues Classic ‘Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas’ Album

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Goetzman, JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Les Taylor. Photo: Mark Conner

Exile’s classic Christmas album, Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas, is being reissued through a deal with Time Life just in time for the holiday season.

The multi-award winning album, containing vintage Yuletide favorites like “Little Drummer Boy,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and “Silent Night,” will be available on all digital platforms.

“Exile is driven by an astounding amount of talent, writing and performing music that appeals to everyone from rock to pop to country music fans,” says Time Life Sr. Vice President, Live Entertainment Mike Jason. “We’re thrilled to help deliver their music across digital platforms to all of them.”

“I have been aware of, and highly impressed with the Time Life brand for many years,” adds Exile’s Marlon Hargis. “It is a real thrill to be included in their family!”

Throughout their nearly six decades together Exile has garnered ten No. 1 singles including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory,” “Give Me One More Chance,” and their signature hit “Kiss You All Over” which appeared in the films Happy Gilmore and Employee of the Month. The five original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today, and current band members J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman recently celebrated 57 years for the band in 2020.

Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas Track List:
Run Rudolph Run
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Little Drummer Boy
Merry Christmas From Cancun
Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
Oh, Holy Night
Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas
Bluegrass Kind Of Christmas
Go Where I Send Thee (Live)
Silent Night (Live)

Walker Hayes Announces ‘Fancy Like’ Tour Kicking Off In January

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Monument recording artist Walker Hayes has announced “The Fancy Like Tour,” set to kick off in early 2022. With special guest Mackenzie Porter, Hayes will bring his show to nearly two dozen cities, beginning in Grand Rapids on Jan. 27.

For the first time since its release, Hayes will bring “Fancy Like” to stages across the country, as well as his extensive catalogue including the RIAA double Platinum-certified “You Broke Up With Me,” the loved “Don’t Let Her,” and fan-favorites “Craig,” “Country Stuff,” and “90s Country.”

The tour’s namesake made history when it jumped from No. 17 into the Top 10 at country radio earlier this year, making it the biggest jump into the Top 10 on the Mediabase country chart in 17 years.

“It has been so fun to watch everyone react to ‘Fancy Like,’ from Tik Tok, to country radio, to pop radio. I can’t wait to finally hit the road and play it live for the fans who have made it so big,” says Hayes. “After almost two years with no shows, it feels so good to get back up on stage and see you all in person.”

“Fancy Like” has been atop every country streaming and sales chart since its release in June. The track has spent a whopping sixteen weeks at the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs, while also being among the Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, Top 5 at country radio, and Top 5 at pop radio.