Toby Keith Celebrates Solo Writes On New ‘100% Songwriter’ Project

Toby Keith is releasing a new package of his most iconic, solo-written songs, 100% Songwriter, on Nov. 3 via Mercury Nashville/UMe.

Available on vinyl and via DSPs, the project includes many fan favorites in one package, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “He Ain’t Worth Missin’,” “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” “Who’s That Man?” and many more, all penned by Keith alone.

Another track on 100% Songwriter, the newly RIAA certified quadruple Platinum “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American),” has its handwritten lyrics featured alongside Keith’s Takamine American Flag guitar and digital version of the song’s video in the traveling Songwriters Hall of Fame exhibit “The Power Of A Song.” The exhibit will be installed at Belmont University from Sept. 28 to May 9.

Keith will be honored as the Country Icon at next week’s inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, airing from Nashville on NBC.

100% Songwriter Track List:
1. Should’ve Been A Cowboy, from Toby Keith
2. He Ain’t Worth Missin’, Toby Keith
3. Wish I Didn’t Know Now, Toby Keith
4. Who’s That Man?, Boomtown
5. Big Ol’ Truck, Boomtown
6. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You, Blue Moon
7. Country Comes To Town, How Do You Like Me Now?!
8. You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This, How Do You Like Me Now?!
9. Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), Unleashed
10. Who’s Your Daddy?, Unleashed
11. Stays In Mexico, Greatest Hits 2
12. Honkytonk U, Honkytonk U
13. Crash Here Tonight, White Trash With Money

Billy Strings, The War & Treaty Among Americana Honors & Awards Winners

Billy Strings speaks onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Another Americana Honors & Awards ceremony is in the books, with Tyler Childers taking home the night’s coveted Album Of The Year award for his project Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? at this year’s 22nd annual event.

During the awards, which took place last night (Sept. 20) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Billy Strings received the Artist Of The Year nod—celebrating back-to-back wins in the category—and The War And Treaty also notched their second trophy for Duo/Group of the Year, as well.

Margo Price performs onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Bonnie Raitt‘s “Just Like That” took home Song of the Year honors during the ceremony, and S.G. Goodman was named Emerging Act of the Year. Instrumentalist of the Year went to SistaStrings, comprised of sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross.

Highlights from the evening included Patty Griffin accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from presenter Sarah Silverman. Allison Russell was given the Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award from John Seigenthaler and local lawmakers Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, putting her in the same company with Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash and Mavis Staples, who have all formerly received the award.

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

The Avett Brothers and Nickel Creek were also honored with Trailblazer Awards during the evening by two-time Americana Music Association Artist of the Year Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves, respectively. Soul singer-songwriter Bettye Lavette was also recognized for her 60-year body of work with the Legacy Award, presented by the National Museum of African-American Music during the special evening.

“I marvel at the talented musicians of our community who consistently surpass expectations and come together to highlight the importance of authenticity, friendship, and unity,” said Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, Jed Hilly, of the evening. “It is a privilege for me to be a part of this exceptional evening where we celebrate the well-deserved accomplishments of this incredible genre.”

PBS will broadcast ACL Presents: The 22nd Annual Americana Honors, a special episode of Austin City Limits featuring performance highlights from the show, on Nov. 25.

2023 Honors & Awards Winners:

Album of the Year: Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?, Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers

Artist of the Year: Billy Strings

Duo/Group of the Year: The War And Treaty

Emerging Act of the Year: S.G. Goodman

Song of the Year: “Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt; Written by Bonnie Raitt

Instrumentalist of the Year: SistaStrings

Bonnie Raitt performs onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

S.G. Goodman backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

SistaStrings’ Chauntee Ross and Monique Ross pose with Billy Strings backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Russell Dickerson Signs With Range Media Partners

Pictured (L-R): Matt Graham, Russell Dickerson, Shawn McSpadden, Jack Minihan

Russell Dickerson has signed with Range Media Partners’ Music Division.

Since debuting in 2011, Dickerson’s first four singles have reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, with “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma” reaching triple and double-Platinum status, and “Love You Like I Used To” and “Every Little Thing” reaching Platinum. Dickerson’s latest project, the summer-themed EP Three Months Two Streets Down, arrived in June and followed the late December release of the single “God Gave Me a Girl,” another top 10 hit at country radio.

The news follows the recent announcement of Nashville-based executives William Lowery and Shawn McSpadden joining Range Media Partners. McSpadden has been charged with growing the division’s already robust music division, talent roster and shared services department.

McSpadden shares, “I have watched Russell on the road over the years, and have always loved the spirit and energy that he brings to the stage. The first time we spoke, we had an immediate connection and both knew instantly that it was a match. We have hit the ground running with this dynamic partnership between Range and Russell—with a top 10 single and the ‘Big Wheels & Back Roads’ headlining tour, we’re just getting started!”

“Our connection and vision were aligned immediately,” Dickerson says of the partnership. “They are game-changers, power players and forward thinkers. I couldn’t be happier about building the future of my career alongside this incredible team.”

Dickerson returns to the road Sept. 21 in Philadelphia on his “Big Wheels & Back Roads Tour” set to begin later this month with openers Restless Road, Parmalee and Niko Moon. The tour will culminate with Dickerson’s first sold-out arena show in Estero, Florida.

Dickerson is signed to Triple Tigers Records and Concord Music Publishing.

Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment & Warner Chappell Music Sign Dipper

Pictured (L-R): Light Cave Entertainment’s Eric Garcia, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, The Core Entertainment’s Chief Zaruk, Dipper, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment’s Simon Tikhman, Underscore Works’ Charly Salvatore and Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow

Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment and Warner Chappell Music have teamed up to sign country singer-songwriter Dipper to a global publishing deal.

He has also signed a management deal with Light Cave Entertainment and will be represented by Eric Garcia.

The College Station, Texas native first came to prominence by posting covers and original songs on TikTok. He dropped his debut single, “She’s Got Wings,” earlier this year, followed by songs “Evergreen” and “One Thing Figured Out.” Dipper’s latest releases include “Buzz On” and “Hated Myself.”

With over 34K monthly listeners, the rising artist has been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, Next From Nashville and Young Nashville playlists, and took the Spotify House Fresh Finds stage at CMA Fest 2023.

“I’ve been watching Dipper for a couple years and have admired how much raw talent he has. I’m psyched to get to be a small part of his journey with our friends at Warner Chappell Music. We all believe in him so much,” says Zimmerman.

Collen Mayer Named CEO Of Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s The Store

Collen Mayer. Photo: Courtesy of The Store

The Store, a free referral-based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in the Nashville area, has brought on Collen Mayer as CEO.

Mayer brings years of leadership experience in the non-profit space having worked with Safe Haven Family Shelter, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and United Way of Central Alabama.

“We are excited to have Collen join our team and lead our efforts to combat food insecurity in Nashville,” says John Schario, Board Chair for The Store. “Collen has a history of serving the Nashville community and we could not be prouder to have him part of our mission.”

In 2020, the Paisley’s partnered with Belmont University to spearhead The Store. Individuals and families in need are referred by nonprofit and government agencies for a term of one year. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.

“I am excited to be leading The Store at such an important time in its growth,” says Mayer. “Nothing is more urgent in Nashville right now than ensuring that all of our neighbors have enough food to eat. The Store’s unique grocery store model ensures that people are able to choose the kinds of healthy, nutritious food that we all want to feed our families. The Store upholds the dignity of everyone who walks through our doors to receive food, and the agency connects caring volunteers to customers seeking healthy food.”

A philosophy of community empowerment means The Store aims to solve hunger issues in its community by developing programs to meet the needs of the community, including partnering with other organizations on issues of food security. The Store believes in cooperation and collaboration between organizations to better serve the population. With the support of additional programs at the Family Wellness Program at the Belmont Ministry Center, families can engage in therapy, counseling, cooking classes and several other services.

“Our work at The Store is just getting started,” Mayer continues. “Nashville is thriving right now but not everyone is benefiting from the city’s growth. It is morally unacceptable that in such a great city as Nashville, 1 in 7 people are still food insecure. The Store and its partners will not stop until every person in Nashville has access to the healthy food they want and need.”

In Pictures: Born & Raised Music Festival Hosts Third Annual Event

Born & Raised Music Festival 2023. Photo: Jason Ytuarte

The third annual Born & Raised Music Festival took place last week at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma. Presented by Patriot Auto Group, the event featured over 40 musical acts.

Turnpike Troubadours performing at Born & Raised Music Festival 2023. Photo: Jason Ytuarte

49 Winchester, The Damn Quails, Kat Hasty and Wyatt Flores got the party started at the Kick-Off Barbeque Party on Wednesday (Sept. 13).

On Thursday (Sept. 14), headliner Gary Allan took the stage along with Read Southall, Wade Bowen, Reckless Kelly, The Steel Woods, Kaitlin Butts, Mickey and the Motorcars, J.R. Carroll, Red Dirt Rangers, JD Clayton and Lance Roark. The day ended with a late-night set from Kendell Marvel.

Whiskey Myers severed as the Friday (Sept. 15) headliner. Other acts included Ryan Bingham, Lukas Nelson + POTR, Flatland Cavalry, Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Tanner Usrey, Mike and the Moonpies, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, The Weathered Souls and Matt Koziol as well as The Texas Gentlemen, who performed a late-night set.

On Saturday (Sept. 16), Oklahoma’s own Turnpike Troubadours headlined the festival. Randy Rogers Band, Randy Houser, William Clark Green, Cody Canada & The Departed, Muscadine Bloodline, Jamie Lin Wilson, William Beckmann, The Red Clay Strays, Them Dirty Roses and Holly Beth serenaded fans to close out the event.

Additionally, Nicky James, Cliff Cody, Lucas Jagneaux & The Roadshow and John Goolsby performed acoustic sets throughout the music and camping experience.

Gary Allan performing at Born & Raised Music Festival 2023. Photo: Jason Ytuarte

Whiskey Meyers performing at Born & Raised Music Festival 2023. Photo: Mike Savage

Music Health Alliance & Lauren Daigle Unite To Launch The Price Fund

Pictured (L-R): MHA’s Tatum Hauck Allsep, Lauren Daigle and MHA’s Shelia Shipley Biddy. Photo: Steve Lowry

Music Health Alliance (MHA), the Nashville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing the music industry with healthcare solutions, and Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle have united to establish The Price Fund, a first-of-its-kind combined senior healthcare program and fund designed specifically for industry veterans and legacy music makers.

MHA, Daigle and other special guests gathered at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for Performing Arts yesterday (Sept. 19) to address the critical healthcare needs of the industry’s senior population.

Approximately 20 percent of the 20,000 clients MHA has served over the past decade have been 55 and older, resulting in $6.5 million in senior medical savings. The seed money provided by Daigle’s Price Fund will help grow MHA’s team of trained senior care advocates and network of healthcare resources. It will also provide financial grants through The Price Legacy Fund to cover direct healthcare expenses, including those not covered by existing plans or Medicare; prescriptions, emergent rehabilitation services, and emergent short-term home healthcare or respite care.

“Any success I have comes with a deep-seated appreciation for the people who have come before me — those whose lives, hard work, creativity, and vision now serve as the bedrock upon which the music industry lies,” says Daigle. “These are the people that we honor and what I hope is the start of a long partnership with Music Health Alliance.”

“For the two years I was at LSU I lived with my grandfather, Julian Price,” she continues. “And what I noticed in that season of life was that I had someone who believed in me. And that changed everything for me. A few years after I moved to Nashville, he was diagnosed with cancer and one thing that happened that will never leave my heart, my soul, my spirit, my mind, was watching [my grandfather] pass with peace. He was privileged to pass away at home with hospice, surrounded by his loved ones, and we held his hand. There was something so pure and so peaceful about it, it changed my life forever. It was the first person I lost who was so close to my heart. Why is [The Price Legacy Fund] so important to me? It’s because I was able to see what a healthy transition looks like. I was able to see someone who had people and support all around him, whether it was medicinal needs or having resources to get from one appointment to the next, being able to pay for that X-ray or scan to see where the cancer had spread, those moments are really tender in the life of someone. Those are the moments where you find out how much you’re made of and how much you’re worth to the world.”

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve been an advocate for our aging music industry community — witnessing hardships, loneliness and the inability to pay for medical and prescription costs. I couldn’t be more excited about this fund and the impact it will have on one of the fastest growing populations of healthcare needs,” says Shelia Shipley Biddy, MHA CFO & Certified Senior Advisor. “The Price Legacy Fund will ensure that this often-overlooked population will never be alone or forgotten. Thanks to the support of Lauren and contributions through her Price Fund, there will always be a caring advocate who will help seniors find solutions to their daily health needs and provide counsel on Medicare and Social Security issues.”

MHA is celebrating 10 years of “Healing the Music,” and will kick off their annual “Heal The Music Day” campaign with a benefit dinner and auction at the Nashville restaurant Adele’s on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

SESAC Honors Nashville Songwriters At Annual Music Awards

Pictured (L-R): Scott Jungmichel (SESAC), Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC), Jon Nite, Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Sam Kling (SESAC) attend the 2023 SESAC Los Angeles Music Awards. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for SESAC

SESAC celebrated songwriters and music publishers behind the most-performed songs of 2022 across a variety of genres at The Highlight Room in Hollywood on Tuesday night (Sept. 19).

Pictured(L-R): Juli Newton Griffith, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Matt McGinn and Jon Nite. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for SESAC

Top music industry executives, artists, songwriters and publishers attended the event.

“We are honored to celebrate our songwriters and publishers across multiple genres,” shared Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights. “SESAC is proud of its affiliates who continue to write chart-topping hits and we enjoy every opportunity we get to celebrate their achievements.”

Opening the show was Kling and SESAC President & COO, Scott Jungmichel, as well as VP of Creative Services Mario Prins and AVP of Creative Ops & Admin, Diana Akin Scarfo. Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade,  from season 19 of The Voice, served as the MC for the evening.

Christian Stalnecker. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for SESAC

Nashville songwriters were honored with several SESAC Performance Awards throughout the event. Jon Nite took home a medal for “Pick Me Up” (recorded by Gabby Barrett), Matt McGinn nabbed one for “Like I Love Country Music” (recorded by Kane Brown), Josh Hoge and Christian Stalnecker received honors for “Thank God” (recorded by Kane & Katelyn Brown), Alysa Vanderheym was recognized for “Heartfirst” (recorded by Kelsea Ballerini) and Megan Moroney won a medal for “Tennessee Orange.” Additionally, Prescription Songs’ Malibu Babie was recognized for “Super Freaky Girl” (recorded by Nicki Minaj) and “Her” (recorded by Megan Thee Stallion).

McGinn, Nite and Stalnecker were in attendance to receive their awards, along with SESAC’s Jungmichel, Shannan Hatch and Lydia Schultz.

Jack Harlow was this year’s top honoree for the third consecutive year, taking home both Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year with his smash hit “First Class.” Sony Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year for the second year in a row, taking home a total of twelve awards including “First Class,” “We Go Up” recorded by Minaj and Fivio Foreign, “Count Me Out” recorded by Kendrick Lamar and “Mercury” recorded by Steve Lacy, among many others.

Click here to see a full list of winners.

Luke Laird To Be Featured In CMHOF’s Poets & Prophets Interview Series

Renowned songwriter Luke Laird will be featured in the next installment of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s in-depth interview series, Poets and Prophets, on Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

The series features songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music. The interview is included with museum admission, and will be illustrated with vintage photos, film and recordings. After the program, Laird will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.

A native of Hartstown, Pennsylvania, Laird moved to Tennessee after high school to attend Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). In the more than 25 years since, he has become one of country’s most sought-after songwriters. After graduating from MTSU with a degree in recording industry management in 2001, he took a job as Assistant Tour Manager for Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn. The following year, Laird signed his first publishing contract.

He has penned more than 20 No. 1 songs since 2007, when Carrie Underwood reached the top of the country chart with “So Small,” which she co-wrote with Laird and Hillary Lindsey. Laird’s biggest hits include Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand,” Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger,” Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” and Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins’ “Hillbilly Bone.”

As a producer, he has worked with Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Thomas Rhett and others. He co-produced Kacey Musgraves’ albums Same Trailer Different Park, which won a Grammy for Best Country Album, and Pageant Material, contributing to six songs on each album. Laird also co-wrote the Grammy-winning song “Space Cowboy” on Musgraves’ third major-label album, Golden Hour.

His other accolades include six CMA Triple Play Awards and ACM Songwriter of the Year. In 2011, Laird and his wife, Beth Mason Laird, co-founded Creative Nation, a music publishing, management, artist development and record company. He released his debut solo album, Music Row, in 2020.

Industry Ink: Mitchell Tenpenny, Rosanne Cash, Michelle Wright, More

Mitchell Tenpenny Strikes Gold With “We Got History”

Mitchell Tenpenny with his Sony Music Nashville and Riser House team members

Mitchell Tenpenny was recently presented with a RIAA Gold plaque for his current hit single “We Got History.” The Riser House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville artist wrote the song with Andy Albert, Devin Dawson and Jordan Schmidt.

“We Got History” is currently in the top 20 at radio and follows his back-to-back No. 1 singles, “Truth About You” and “At The End Of The Bar” with Chris Young. With his two back-to-back hits, Tenpenny made history at the time for achieving the shortest time between No. 1 songs in the modern chart era with a three-week span.

Tenpenny is on the road with Jason Aldean for the “Highway Desperado Tour” through Oct. 28.

 

Rosanne Cash Donates Career Artifacts To CMHoF And Museum

Rosanne Cash with Michael Gray, VP of Museum Services for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Grammy-winning artist Rosanne Cash donated four historic artifacts from her career to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection.

The donation was announced during a special conversation and performance in the museum’s Ford Theater with Cash and her longtime collaborator, the Grammy-winning songwriter and producer John Leventhal. The Hall of Fame presented this program in partnership with the Americana Music Association.

Michael Gray, Vice President of Museum Services, joined Cash onstage to accept the artifacts and thank her for her donation to the nonprofit museum’s educational mission. Artifacts donated included a custom-built acoustic guitar and three bomber-style tour jackets from Cash’s “Seven Year Ache Tour” in 1981.

 

Michelle Wright Signs With BFD/Audium Nashville to Release Masters

Michelle Wright

Michelle Wright, one of Canada’s most successful and widely-recognized country artists, has signed with BFD/Audium Nashville to re-release master recordings of some of her biggest hits into the marketplace. These songs, to be available as a series, were originally released on the Savannah Records imprint.

“I’m so excited to extend my relationship with BFD / Audium Nashville and announce the rerelease of these master recordings,” explains Wright. “These albums represent a body of work that has allowed me to take you on this wonderful journey I’ve been on and to share my life with you through my songs and recordings. Take a walk down memory lane with me.”

The first in the series will be The Wright Songs: An Acoustic Evening With Michelle Wright, set to drop Dec. 8, and will include 17 songs recorded live on tour. For the 2024 holiday season, Wright plans to release A Wright Christmas with three newly recorded songs added to the original 12-track compilation. Additional projects will be announced at a later date.

This October, Wright hits the road in Canada for her first co-headlining tour. Wright joins acclaimed Canadian country artists Doc Walker and Jason McCoy on “The Great Canadian Road Trip,” scheduled to continue through next year.

 

Mickey Bell Signs With Platform Artist for Exclusive Booking

Mickey Bell

Award-winning comedian Mickey Bell has signed with Platform Artists for exclusive booking representation.

Platform Artists represents some of the top names in Christian talent in the live events space. The full-service talent agency’s roster includes Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and more.

Bell, the 2021 Inspirational Country Music Awards Comedian of the Year, performs over 150 shows a year and is an advocate for mental health awareness, having battled his own severe bout of depression.

“I am blown away at the opportunities GOD continues to put in my path. First he put me with Scott Caldwell who has been a champion for me and a true friend since day one and throughout this journey. Scott will continue his management role as we begin a new season of growth. He didn’t just put me with a booking agency. He put me with the best in Christian music. I’m honored and humbled at the same time,” shares Bell.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mickey to the Platform Artists family. His unique ability to combine humor with vulnerability and honesty to promote healing is something that resonates with who we want to be as a company; and we look forward to how God will continue to use him moving forward,” adds Platform Artists’ co-founder Bryan Myers.

 

Amy Scruggs Media Sponsors Discover Sooner Sync Challenge

Amy Scruggs Media has sponsored a grant for the upcoming Discover Sooner Sync Challenge.

The Sync Challenge is an online program empowering songwriters, artists and producers to create music customized for the world of TV and film. Key highlights of the challenge include collaboration with teams, custom creation of two original songs designed specifically for a movie production and guidance from professionals in the industry.

The grant covers the full registration cost for the challenge for one songwriter and provides personalized marketing and branding meeting with Amy Scruggs. Applications for the Amy Scruggs Media grant must be submitted by Oct. 8 for consideration.

“We are thrilled to partner with Amy Scruggs Media to offer this grant to emerging songwriters,” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO at Discover Sooner. “The Sooner Sync Challenge is an exceptional platform that bridges the gap between talented songwriters and the film industry. With Amy Scruggs’ support, we are providing an opportunity for one songwriter to shine, to make their mark on the world of entertainment, and to receive personalized guidance that can amplify their career.”

Scruggs comments, “I’m delighted to be part of this initiative and to support the next generation of songwriters. The Discover Sooner Sync Challenge is a fantastic way for artists to showcase their talent and gain invaluable industry experience. I look forward to personally working with the grant recipient to help them navigate the complexities of marketing and branding in the entertainment world.”