In This Issue: MusicRow’s Artist Roster Features Clint Higham & Ebie McFarland, Rachel Whitney, More

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Nashville music industry publication MusicRow Magazine has released its 2021 Artist Roster print issue, featuring ASCAP songwriters and Arista Nashville band Old Dominion on the cover.

This year’s edition features exclusive editorials including a chat with industry stalwarts Clint Higham and Ebie McFarland who continue to serve as cutting edge leaders in our industry. Higham and McFarland discuss lessons learned from the pandemic, “cancel culture,” TikTok and NFTs, and more.

This issue also highlights the National Museum of African American Music which is now part of our Nashville landscape serving as the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. “Education is a big part of who we are and what we do,” says NMAAM’s President & CEO H. Beecher Hicks III of the institution. “We think that educating young people, educating the community to understand how significant African American music and African American culture is in middle Tennessee not only will draw more tourists, but also better train our community and our population to take the jobs that are coming our way as our community grows.”

Spotify’s Head of Editorial for Nashville, Rachel Whitney, discusses the art and administration behind curating some of country music’s biggest playlists. Spotify maintains over 100 different country playlists and aims to have something for everyone. “We cover a ton of ground in terms of trying to meet people where they are and creating the soundtrack to whatever they might be doing or whatever they might be looking for,” Whitney says.

Elsewhere in Artist Roster, Sound Healthcare & Financial CEO/Founder R.J. Stillwell talks about the last 15 years of his healthcare advocacy and insurance organization that helps artists, songwriters, musicians, and other creative types navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. Finally, with music always traveling in tandem with technology, this issue covers the basics of non-fungible tokens, commonly referred to as NFTs.

Additionally, Artist Roster contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2021 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscribed memberships.

The AMG Adds Amanda Good, Kailyn Finnegan In Marketing And Touring

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Amanda Good and Kailyn Finnegan. Photo: Rachel Deeb

The AMG has announced industry veterans Amanda Good and Kailyn Finnegan as Head of Marketing and Senior Manager of Touring and Live Events, respectively.

“When we started the AMG two years ago, we knew we wanted to create a multi-faceted company where our artists would be surrounded with the best team in the industry. Amanda and Kailyn are undoubtedly the best and brightest in their fields, and we couldn’t be more proud to add them to our team,” shares President and CEO of The AMG Rob Beckham.

In this new role, Good will oversee the strategy and execution of marketing campaigns for all artists on The AMG’s roster. She will also supervise the company’s Digital Marketing and Creative teams. Good has over 15 years of industry experience, and most recently served as Senior Director of Marketing and Artist Development at Universal Music Group Nashville. While there she where she successfully managed over 35 album releases from artists including George Strait, Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack and Hootie & the Blowfish.

In her new position, Finnegan will be working closely with artists’ teams to create comprehensive action plans that best allocate budgets, resources, and timeframes for live events. Additionally, she will manage touring strategy and execution or all clients on The AMG’s roster. Finnegan has nearly two decades of touring experience including most recently with Live Nation, where she worked on some of the industry’s biggest tours, including Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and others.

“We have no doubt that our new team members’ unique experience and insight will help elevate all of the artists on our roster, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds,” says COO Kristy Reeves.

Good and Finnegan can be reached at amanda@theamg.com and kfinnegan@theamg.com, respectively.

Tyler Rich To Kick Off Two Thousand Miles Tour In September

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Tyler Rich. Photo: Zack Napier

Tyler Rich is planning a West Coast run this fall with the Two Thousand Miles Tour, featuring special guest Shy Carter. The tour kicks off at Club Rodeo in San Jose, California on Sept. 28, with stops in San Diego, L.A., Portland, Spokane, and more through Oct. 17.

“Postponed. Rebooked. Cancelled. Rebooked. Fourth times a charm?” jokesRich. “Being able to finally do my first headline tour, almost two years later, is an overwhelming feeling for so many reasons. Not only just performing again for a live crowd, but I’ll get to play songs for the first time from my debut album and my new single ‘Better Than You’re Used To.'”

The tour supports Rich’s debut album of the same name, Two Thousand Miles, out now via The Valory Music Co. Over the last year off the road, he has created and connected virtually, recording the aptly-titled  “Feels Like Home” from a makeshift home studio and hosting a weekly themed Instagram Live series. After teasing the demo on TikTok, Rich began working on plans to release “Better Than You’re Used To” and has since amassed over 19 million streams, with a career 282.9 million global streams to date.

Tickets and VIP packages in select markets go on sale Monday, June 21 at TylerRich.com.

Vince Gill Signs Publishing/Writer Management Agreement With Jody Williams Songs

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Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer

22-time Grammy Award winner Vince Gill has signed a publishing/writer management agreement with independent music publisher Jody Williams Songs. This agreement marks the first time the songwriter has engaged creatively with any publishing entity, as Gill has been self-published since the beginning of his career.

JWS founder Jody Williams says, “I’ve known and appreciated Vince since the mid ’80s when he first started having solo success as an artist. His self-recorded body of work has always been anchored by his exceptional skill as a songwriter. Those songs, along with that unmistakable voice and skill as a musician, have earned him a place of honor among the entire songwriting community… not to mention the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Now, we look forward to helping forge new writing relationships and facilitating the next chapter of his song catalog.”

“I look forward to my partnership with Jody and Nina Jenkins and their passion for songs,” adds Gill. “Having never done this before, I am grateful for their willingness to champion what’s next for me creatively, and for an even closer friendship that’s already pushing forty years.”

JWS Creative Director Nina Jenkins and Founder Jody Williams. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

In addition to Gill, JWS represents talents such as four-time Grammy nominee Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams, Nathan Chapman, Jeremy Spillman, Greg Bates, Jason Nix and Peytan Porter. Through JWS’s partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, Williams develops writers and writer-artists, secures covers, sources legacy catalogs and represents select WCM writer catalogs.

Rivers Rutherford Inks Publishing Deal With Kane Brown’s Verse 2 Music

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Pictured (L-R): CEO, Sony Music Publishing, Rusty Gaston; President of Verse 2, Kent Earls; Rivers Rutherford; Kane Brown

Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford has signed with Verse 2 Music, a Sony Music Publishing joint-venture helmed by multi-Platinum entertainer Kane Brown and publishing veteran Kent Earls.

“Rivers is a true songwriting craftsman in every sense of the word,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Sony Music Publishing family, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to push the boundaries of Nashville songwriting.”

One of music’s most talented and accomplished singer-songwriters, Rutherford’s cuts include hits for iconic legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, and Kris Kristofferson.

Over the course of his prolific career, Rutherford has had numerous No. 1 hits, multiple Grammys, CMA and ACM nominations, and over 20 ASCAP awards—including both of the coveted awards for Country Song Of The Year and Songwriter Of The Year. In addition to recent hits with Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire, the award-winning writer has penned No. 1 songs by Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn. His hit “Ain’t Nothin’ ‘Bout You” won Billboard’s and ASCAP’S Song Of The Year and spent 6 weeks at No. 1, marking Brooks & Dunn’s most successful single to date.

“I am very happy to sign to Verse 2 and be working again with my good friend Kent Earls. I am also grateful to be working with an artist as talented and exciting as Kane Brown, whose creativity and work ethic I greatly admire. Rusty Gaston and the rest of the Sony Music Publishing family are superstars and I’m honored to contribute to such a deep and storied catalog of classic country music,” shares Rutherford.

“Rivers Rutherford is a Nashville songwriting icon. He is a timeless creator of ultra cool, soulful country music. Rivers is an incredibly successful Hall of Fame songwriter but is an even better person at heart. To be able to sign him to Verse 2 is an honor and we’re excited to add him to our roster,” says Earls.

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records Sign Kolby Cooper

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Pictured (L-R): Chase Cooper (Floating Leaf Entertainment), Davis Danziger (Floating Leaf Entertainment), Chris Van Belkom (Falcon – Combustion Music), Chris Farren (Combustion Music), Jeb Hurt (Floating Leaf Entertainment), Kolby Cooper, Jared McManus (Floating Leaf Entertainment), Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville), Chris Poole (Director A&R, BBR Music Group), JoJamie Hahr (SVP, BBR Music Group). Photo: Wales Toney

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records has signed recording artist Kolby Cooper in partnership with Combustion Music.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, who has already racked up over 110 million streams, has been playing sold-out shows around the country and built an audience of thousands of fans. With a fresh sound, Cooper’s music is influenced by his Texas roots layered over a wailing electric guitar.

“The observational perspective of Kolby’s songwriting immediately piqued my interest but seeing the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response at live shows has been really exciting to witness,” says Chris Poole, Director A&R, BBR Music Group. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible talent and help expand his wildly passionate fanbase he’s been cultivating and take everything to the next level.”

“It’s badass, I’m really excited to be a part of a team that wants to make what I do as huge as possible and is down for it all,” says Cooper. “We’re about to light this thing up!”

Cooper will release his first song as a signed artist, “Excuses,” on June 25. Inspired by his guitar player’s sudden breakup, the new song delivers overwhelming relatability paired with his rough-hewn vocals. The song is available for pre-save and pre-add now.

Kolby is managed by Floating Leaf Entertainment, booked by Red 11 Music, and is a staff songwriter at Combustion.

Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Re-Enters Top 5 On Country Songs & Albums Chart

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

UMG Nashville’s Chris Stapleton has entered the top five this week on both the top country songs and albums chart. His 2015 hit single “Tennessee Whiskey” has taken the No. 5 slot with 5.3 million streams this week and 880 million RTD, while his critically acclaimed 2020 album Starting Over also earned the 5th spot on the country albums chart with 13K streams and 12 million RTD, according to Nielsen.

Luke Combs keeps up his streak at the top of the country song chart for the fourth week in a row with “Forever After All” racking up 9.9 million streams. Nelly & Florida Georgia Line gain 2 spots, rising to second with “Lil Bit” at 6.7 million. Recent CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year winner Dylan Scott jumps up to No. 3 with “Nobody” at 5.7 million, bumping Gabby Barrett‘s “The Good Ones” down to the fourth spot with 5.6 million streams.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album remains in its place as the top country album with 50K streams this week and 60 million RTD, according to Nielsen. If I Know Me, Wallen’s 2018 debut album, also holds steady at the fourth spot with 15K streams. Filling out the top 5, Combs maintains his momentum at No. 2 with What You See Is What You Get and No. 3 with This One’s For You at 28K and 18K, respectively.

Toby Keith’s Country Comes To Town Tour Launching June 20

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Toby Keith

Country recording artist Toby Keith is continuing his Country Comes To Town Tour June 20 in Prescott, Arizona after recently launching in California, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. The run will visit over two dozen markets across the country through the end of the year.

The tour name originates from Keith’s hit of the same name which was featured on his How Do You Like Me Now?! album. After adding the track back to the set list on his 2019 That’s Country Bro Tour!, Keith knew that its lyrics were perfect for this newest touring effort. As the song says, “You better be ready when the sun goes down, that’s when country comes to town.”

Keith recently hosted his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in Oklahoma. The 16th annual classic in 2019 raised $1.3 million and over the years the event has raised $13.7 million used to build and operate the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children being treated at area hospitals.

 

Toby Keith’s Country Comes to Town Tour:
6/20 – Findlay Toyota Center- Prescott, AZ
6/25 – Country Jam USA – Grand Junction, CO
6/26 – Nebraskaland Days – North Platte, NE
7/10 – Pendleton Whisky Music Festival – Pendleton, OR
7/15 – LaPorte County Fair – LaPorte, IN
7/17 – Meadow Event Park – Doswell, VA
7/30 – Adirondack Bank Center – Utica, NY
7/31 – Summer Stage at Tag’s – Big Flats, NY
8/1 – Orange Motorsports & Ent. – Middletown, NY
8/8 – Jackson County Fair – Jackson, MI
8/13 – Ashley for the Arts – Arcadia, WI
8/14 – First National Bank Arena – Jonesboro, AR
8/15 – Illinois State Fair – Springfield, IL
9/2 – The Great Allentown Fair – Allentown, PA
9/3 – Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT
9/4 – Bank of NH Pavilion/Meadowbrook – Gilford, NH
9/5 – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Atlantic City, NJ
9/10 – Freedom Fest – Fort Polk, LA
9/18 – Nugget Event Center – Sparks, NV
10/14 – Xtream Arena – Coralville, IA
10/15 – InTrust Bank Arena – Wichita, KS
10/16 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO
10/17 – Ford Wyoming Center – Casper, WY
10/23 – Laughlin Event Center – Laughlin, NV
12/3 – Hertz Arena – Estero, FL

Stephanie Greene Named President Of Deluge Music

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Stephanie Greene

Stephanie Greene has been named President of Deluge Music. She will helm the company’s Nashville office, which boasts a publishing roster that includes Madeline Merlo, Johnny Gates, Jason Saenz, Danny Myrick, Kylie Sackley and Mason Thornley.

Greene joins Deluge Music following tenures as Director of Publishing at My Good Girl Music, VP at Combustion Music, and Creative Director of Chrysalis Music. She will continue to operate her company, Gravity Gone Music, which is currently a joint venture partnership with Deluge Music and Saenz.

“Deluge has fostered an incredible group of songwriters and artists,” shares Greene. “I care about people and their stories. I want to help songwriters grow yet challenge them at the same time. I am very grateful and excited to be a part of this team!”

Mark Friedman, co-founder of Deluge Music, will continue with Deluge as Senior Advisor and be responsible for the company’s activity in Los Angeles.

CRB Raises Royalty Rate For Webcasters

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On Friday (June 11), the Copyright Royalty Board announced a royalty rate increase for digital performances of sound recordings over the Internet by nonexempt, noninteractive transmission services—or webcasters like Pandora and SiriusXM.

The ‘Web V’ rate increase for 2021 is $0.0026 per performance on commercial subscription services and $0.0021 per stream for ad-supported non-subscription services. The rates for the period 2022 through 2025 for both subscription and non-subscription services shall be adjusted to reflect the increases or decreases in the Consumer Price Index. Prior to the increase, the rates had been $0.0024 for paid subscription services and $0.0018 for ad-supported services.

Although SoundExchange was aiming for an increase to $0.0031 for paid services and $0.0024 for ad-supported services in the Web V royalty setting proceedings, the organization’s President/CEO Michael Huppe is pleased with the “step forward toward building a healthier music industry.” His full statement is below:

“This CRB decision means that creators will be compensated more fairly when their recordings are played on digital music services. While the rates are lower than SoundExchange and others proposed, they represent a step forward toward building a healthier music industry.

The decision reflects the compelling case made by SoundExchange and our allies that we need to close the gap between what artists and rights holders have been paid and what they should be paid for their work. We haven’t fully closed that gap, but today is a step in the right direction.

As an organization representing the entire recorded music industry, SoundExchange is committed to the principle that artists and rights holders should be respected for their work. That includes when their music is played on AM/FM radio. The music industry is in a state of transformation, and that means each player in the industry – creator and streaming platforms alike – need to evolve, as well. SoundExchange will continue to drive that evolution, because it knows that a healthy music industry is integral to society.

We also want to recognize the tireless efforts and dedication exhibited by the CRB judges and staff throughout this process.”