Industry Ink: Round Hill, Tenille Arts, Hard 8 // Working Group, Flying Buffaloes

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Round Hill Music Nashville Adds Lindsay Will As Manager, A&R

Lindsay Will

Round Hill Music Nashville has hired Lindsay Will as the new manager of A&R.

As an Arkansas native, Will previously interned for Big Deal Music and Round Hill prior to graduating from Middle Tennessee State University. She joins Round Hill most recently from Liv Write Play where she operated as the Creative Manager.

“We’re thrilled to have Lindsay on board,” says Round Hill’s Bob Squance. “Her knowledge, experience, and energy are a great addition to the creative team, and we look forward to building upon the amazing success of our songwriters.”

Since opening its doors in 2014, Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated over 50 No. 1 songs from its roster of hit songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, Jimmy Robbins, Zach Crowell, Katie Pruitt, Eric Arjes, Kyd the Band, Adam Sanders, and more.

 

Tenille Arts And Her Team Celebrate Her No. 1 ‘Somebody Like That’

Pictured (L-R): 19th & Grand Records’ Anna Bea Major; Gator Michaels Consulting’s Gator Michaels; Girlilla Marketing’s Lindsey Feinstein; Tenille Arts; 19th & Grand’s Dave Collins, Kellie Longworth, Jim Malito, Suzanne Durham, and Jim Dandy.

Tenille Arts and her 19th & Grand Records’ team were finally able to celebrate Arts latest No. 1 on country radio with “Somebody Like That.”

She first celebrated the historic milestone last month when the hit single placed the top spot on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart and became the first song in country music that was written, performed, and produced by all females to do so.

Arts co-wrote “Somebody Like That” with Allison Cruz and Alex Kline; Kline also produced the track which made her the first solo female producer to have a No. 1 single at country radio. The single took a record 70 weeks to hit the top spot, making it the longest chart run for a female act in the history of Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.

 

 

Hard 8 //Working Group Adds Aimee Beren To Manager Roster

Aimee Beren.

Dirk Hemsath, Co-Founder and CEO of Hard 8 // Working Group has announced that manager Aimee Beren and her client Awfultune will be joining the company’s Nashville division.

Beren signed Awfultune while previously working in a label services role at the indie record label Amuse. She will continue to handle the artist, who has over 125 million streams globally, and be the day to day manager for multi-Platinum selling artist Daughtry.

“I’m so happy to welcome Aimee to the Hard 8//Working Group family. Aimee comes so highly regarded and recommended by people inside and outside of the company. I’m proud she chose our company to be the home base for herself and her wonderful client,” says Hemsath.

“It feels great to be part of such a collaborative team and work alongside such esteemed individuals in the industry with Hard 8//Working Group. They were the perfect home for my artist and I,” shares Beren.

 

Ontourage Management Signs The Flying Buffaloes

Pictured (L-R): Manager Cody Payne, Flying Buffaloes members Danny Pratt, Brandon Cantwell, Barry Stone, and Tommy Leland, Sr. Vice President of Ontourage Management/Manager Brandon Mauldin, and President of Conway Entertainment Group, Tony Conway.

East Nashville-based, alt/roots rockers Flying Buffaloes have signed with Ontourage Management for exclusive representation, and they will also be releasing a new single “A New Day is Gonna Dawn” on May 21.

Co-written collectively by the Flying Buffaloes and produced by Donnie Reis at Twelve 3 South Recording, “A New Day is Gonna Dawn” reflects upon the group’s approach to times of trouble—to fight through the darkness with positivity and light. 

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have the support of such a notable and respected industry leader like Conway Entertainment Group,” says frontman Barry Stone. “After many years in the trenches, we finally feel we have the backing we need to elevate the band to its highest level and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

Ontourage Management will represent the band in its entirety with Manager Cody Payne running point as the band’s day-to-day representative. The team is currently booking dates in-house as well.

Mavis Staples, LeAnn Rimes, Melissa Etheridge Slated For Merlefest 2021

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Mavis Staples

Merlefest, presented by Window World, has announced the first round of performers for this year’s event which will take place in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on September 16-19.

Included in this first wave of artists is Mavis Staples, LeAnn Rimes, Melissa Etheridge, Tedeschi Trucks, Sam Bush, Donna The Buffalo, Scythian, and The Waybacks. Additional performers for Merlefest 2021 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Merlefest will be held on the Wilkes Community College campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The festival was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. Merlefest will host a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event.

Tickets for this year’s festival will go on sale on June 10.

Change The Conversation, MediaRow Partner On New Spotlight Series

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Change the Conversation and MediaRow have created a quarterly spotlight series to highlight three rising female artists across multiple genres and backgrounds. The new series begins with Jillette Johnson, Harper Grae, and Reyna Roberts on June 3 at 4 p.m CST.

Change the Conversation, a coalition designed to help create an even playing field for women in country music, was formed by Tracy Gershon, Beverly Keel and Leslie Fram in 2014. MediaRow offers artist development strategy, creative services, and digital marketing services such as social media & paid ad strategy, DSP release support, TikTok campaign activations and more.

“Tracy, Leslie, and Beverly are true artist and female advocates,” says Kaitlyn Parmenter, CEO and co-founder of MediaRow. “It’s an honor to partner with Change the Conversation & Starstruck to highlight female acts we are really excited about!”

“Fostering a community of talented up-and-coming female artists is part of the Change the Conversation mission,” says Gershon, co-founder of Change the Conversation. “We are pleased to resume our spotlight series to further this mission and highlight some of our community’s most promising talent.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with MediaRow & Starstruck to continue our work on supporting female artists,” says Fram, Change the Conversation co-founder.

Sponsored by Starstruck Entertainment, the first event will be held in Starstruck’s historic Gallery Studio and will have limited in-person attendance on a first come, first served basis. The event will also be broadcast live via Zoom for those who have registered to attend. For information regarding registration, click here.

Kelsea Ballerini And Kane Brown To Host This Year’s CMT Music Awards

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Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Shearer.

Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown will host the 2021 CMT Music Awards, country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show, which will air on Wednesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. CST on CMT.

This year marks Ballerini’s first time hosting the CMT Music Awards while Brown returns for his second consecutive year.

“Kelsea and Kane are two of the brightest, most sought-after stars in country music today and we’re thrilled to welcome them both as hosts of the 2021 CMT Music Awards,” shares CMT producers. “This dynamic duo reflects the show’s revitalized energy as live music returns to center stage in a night filled with incredible outdoor performances, cross-genre collaborations and a few surprises!”

“I’m so excited to be hosting the 2021 CMT Music Awards with Kane! The CMT Awards are so special because they are truly fan voted,” adds Ballerini. “Following a year plus where we have not been able to be with the fans and share music together, will make this night even more special.”

“I loved getting a chance to host the CMT Music Awards last year and I’m excited to be back this year with Kelsea,” says Brown. “The CMT Music Awards are special to me – it’s the first industry award I won and getting on that stage was an amazing feeling. I love that the fans get to have their voices heard as we celebrate the best in country music.”

Nominations for this year’s CMT Music Awards will be announced Thursday, May 13 at 10 a.m. CST in tandem with the start of fan voting which will run through June 1.

Performers and presenters for this year’s awards will be announced at a later date.

Connie Smith Announces First Release In A Decade, ‘The Cry of the Heart’

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Connie Smith. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Iconic country singer Connie Smith has announced her highly anticipated 54th album, The Cry of the Heart, will release on August 20 via Fat Possum. This marks the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s first release in a decade.

Known for the pain and heartache in her timeless country sound, The Cry of the Heart finds Smith collaborating on production for the third time with her husband and fellow Hall of Famer Marty Stuart.

Smith and Stuart contributed two original tracks written together as well, including “Here Comes My Baby Back Again” and weeper “Spare Me No Truth Tonight.” Other songs on the project include “I Don’t Believe Me Anymore” the 72nd song Smith has recorded written by Hall of Fame songwriter Dallas Frazier, and Merle Haggard’s “Jesus Takes a Hold,” which is a reflection of Smith’s faith in the midst of troubled times. Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter Carl Jackson pens “To Pieces” and “I’m Not Over You,” the latter composed with classic country singer Melba Montgomery.

“People ask me, ‘What is country music,’” says Smith. “I say, ‘To me, country music is the cry of the heart.’ We all have these experiences in our hearts and I’m trying to identify and communicate with people so they know they’re not alone.”

Artist Rights Alliance Executive Director Ted Kalo Steps Down

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The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), an artist run nonprofit fighting for a healthy creative economy and fair treatment for all creators in the digital world, has announced that Executive Director Ted Kalo will be stepping down. Kalo will remain on hand to assist in the selection of his successor and will act as an advisor to the organization moving forward.

“It has been an honor to serve the Artist Rights Alliance and to fight for a better future for the musicians and songwriters it represents,” says Kalo. “What makes ARA unique is that it is run by artists advocating for their fellow artists – a factor that made my five years serving as Executive Director particularly special. I am forever indebted to ARA’s artist-run board for their guidance, insight, and friendship. I look forward to the organization’s continued growth and success advocating for a more sustainable music economy that better supports the people who make the music we love.”

Under Kalo’s guidance and leadership, the ARA has become one of the most respected and trusted voices advocating for artists and songwriters in the music policy landscape today. Recent ARA accomplishments include advocating for the inclusion of songwriter protections in the Music Modernization Act, and supporting the Copyright Office’s implementation efforts that led to the recent payment of nearly $500 million in “black box” royalties to the Mechanical Licensing Collective.

“Ted’s decision to step down as Executive Director of Artist Rights Alliance is a significant loss for our organization,” board member Rosanne Cash says. “His brilliance in matters of policy and law, coupled with his patient guidance and unwavering vision, gave so much wind to our sails and so much clarity to our mission of protecting and advancing artists’ rights. He will be deeply missed, but we are fortunate to have benefited from his wisdom and will always count him as friend and advisor.”

Upon launching the Artist Rights Alliance, Kalo oversaw campaigns and efforts that improved the current climate for musicians and artists, constantly challenging unfair practices from the major players in music streaming and honing a laser focus on securing fair pay for creators.

Luke Bryan Reveals Dates For Las Vegas Exclusive Headliner Shows

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Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan, along with Concerts West/AEG Presents and Resorts World Las Vegas, has announced the dates for his first-ever headlining-run of shows in Vegas beginning Friday, Feb. 11.

“We are looking forward to putting a show together for the fans in Vegas that will be a unique way to see me in concert, something different than coming to a show on the road,” shares Bryan. “When I saw the renderings and all of the state-of-the-art technology that The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas was offering I just knew this was a place I had to headline. I am already working on ideas and set lists for these shows and can’t wait to get in front of the fans on this new playground where I can create a fun and super high energy experience.”

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Bryan joins the property’s additional founding headliners alongside Celine Dion, Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood. He is scheduled for six shows running February 11-12, 16, 18, 19, and 20 with more to be announced soon.

The shows will take place at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, the new 5,000-capacity, world-class theatre that will open its doors this November. Tickets, plus VIP and premium ticket packages, will go on sale to the public starting Monday, May 24 at 12 p.m. CST at AXS.com.

Carrie Underwood Announces First Las Vegas Residency To Kick Off In December

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Carrie Underwood. Photo: Jeremy Cowart.

Seven-time Grammy award winner and three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood has announced her first-ever residency, REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, beginning Dec. 1 at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Underwood joins Celine Dion, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan as the founding headliners at the Strip’s highly-anticipated new 3,500-room luxury destination, which is set to open June 24. The 5,000-capacity, world-class theatre will open its doors in November 2021 and is exclusively programmed and operated by Concerts West / AEG Presents.

“Touring is one of my favorite things I get to do as a performer and we’ve all really been missing that. I love being on the road and coming to the fans where they live but it will also be fun to get to do multiple shows in one place where people will be able to come to get that concert experience and have some fun in Las Vegas at the same time,” says Underwood. ”It’s such a special honor to be one of the first artists to get to perform in a brand new, beautiful, state-of-the-art theatre at such an exciting new destination as Resorts World Las Vegas.”

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Underwood has also arranged for a donation of $1 from each ticket sold for her shows to be contributed to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. She has been involved with the organization for more than 15 years.

Underwood’s first six shows are scheduled for December 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11 with Bryan kicking off his six-show engagement on Friday, February 11.

Tickets, plus a limited number of VIP and premium ticket packages, will go on sale to the public starting Monday, May 24 at 12 p.m. CST at AXS.com.

Crowder Plots 30+ Date Milk And Honey Tour For Fall

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Crowder has announced plans for his 2021 Milk & Honey Tour, which will kick off September 30 and feature more than 30 shows at venues including the Ryman Auditorium, Carnegie Music Hall, ACL Live at the Moody, and many others. The tour will follow Crowder’s Milk & Honey album due June 11 via Capitol Christian Music Group/sixstepsrecords.

Crowder is a three-time Grammy nominee who is armed with multiple Dove Awards, RIAA Platinum and Gold Certifications, more than 1 billion global streams and more than 2.5 million followers on social media.

Capitol CMG/sixstepsrecords artist Sean Curran will open select shows. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 14 at 11 a.m. CST while pre-sale has already begun. To purchase tickets and find more information, visit crowdermusic.com.

“We’re finally getting out of the basement! We can’t wait to see you fantastic folks in person for the Milk & Honey tour this fall! It’s going to be a family reunion like no other, see you there,” shares Crowder

The Milk & Honey Tour Dates:
Sept. 30 | Smoky Mtn Center for Perf Arts | Franklin, NC
Oct. 1 | House of Blues | Lake Buena Vista, FL
Oct. 2 | Florida Theater | Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 3 | Ruth Eckard Hall | Clearwater, FL
Oct. 4 | Broward Center for Perf Arts | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oct. 19 | Paramount Arts Center | Ashland, KY
Oct. 20 | Palace Theatre  | Columbus, OH
Oct. 22| Georgia Theatre | Athens, GA
Oct. 23 | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium | Spartanburg, SC
Oct. 24 | Taft Theatre | Cincinnati, OH
Oct. 26 | Mountain Arts Center | Prestonburg, KY
Oct. 27 | W.D. Packard Music Hall | Warren, OH
Oct. 28 | The Birchmere | Alexandria, VA
Oct. 29 | Fellowship Alliance Chapel | Medford, NJ
Oct. 30 | Community Arts Center | Williamsport, PA
Nov. 4 | Carnegie Music Hall | Pittsburgh, PA
Nov. 5 | The Berglund Center | Roanoke, VA
Nov. 6 | Niswonger Performing Arts | Greeneville, TN
Nov. 7 | Charleston Gaillard Center | Charleston, SC
Nov. 8 | Tabernacle | Atlanta, GA
Nov. 9 | The Orange Peel | Asheville, NC
Nov. 10 | Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, TN
Nov. 11 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN
Nov. 12 | Mt. Zion Church | Clarkston, MI
Nov. 13 | Mercy Health Arena| Muskegon, MI
Nov. 14 | The Palace Theatre | Louisville, KY
Nov. 18 | The Theatre at Grand Prairie | Grand Prairie, TX
Nov. 19 | Majestic Theatre | San Antonio, TX
Nov. 20 | Smart Financial Centre | Sugarland, TX
Nov. 21 | ACL Live at the Moody | Austin, TX
Nov. 22 | Rapides Parish Coliseum | Alexandria, LA

Sony Music Publishing Gives Second Donation For Writer Foundation

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Sony Music Publishing has made their second donation to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), half of which will fund grants through the non-profit organization called the WRITER Foundation (We’re Ready In Time of Emergency Relief).

“NSAI created the WRITER Foundation in 2020 to assist songwriters in financial need due to the Coronavirus pandemic following a generous donation from Sony Music Publishing to meet that need,” says WRITER Foundation Treasurer Bart Herbison. “Many songwriters are still experiencing great financial hardship as the live segment of the global music industry remains essentially shut down, impacting performance royalty income and other revenues. With the longevity of shutdowns and reciprocal effects, many songwriters who may not have initially experienced the Coronavirus-related economic impact are now struggling. Chairman/CEO Jon Platt and Sony Music Publishing recognized such needs and their generous gift will allow the Foundation to provide assistance to even more songwriters/composers.”

In addition to Sony Music Publishing, the Foundation received donations in 2020 from Concord Music Publishing, Troy Verges, MusicNotes, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Tamara Casey, Amy Cranford, Tim Reiland and Scott Parker.

The WRITER Foundation will reopen applications on Wednesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. CST for $1,000 assistance grants. Visit www.writerfoundation.org for more details on eligibility and registration.