Chapel Hart, Sam Williams To Play Ty Herndon’s ‘Concert For Love & Acceptance’

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GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, and groundbreaking country artist Ty Herndon have added new names to the performance lineup for the “Concert For Love & Acceptance.” Chapel Hart, Sam Williams, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell and Bryan Ruby join the lineup for Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville on the eve of CMA Fest.

Previously announced, Maddie & Tae, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Desmond Child, Wendy Moten, Billy Gilman, Shelly Fairchild, and Justin Fabus will be performing with additional artist announcements forthcoming.

“At a time when there are so many folks trying to divide us, I’m so proud to see the Nashville music community coming together to support love and acceptance for all people,” says Herndon. “This is going to be a great night of music and positivity that celebrates LGBTQ artists, allies and fans—and we’ve still got more exciting announcements ahead.”

Herndon and GLAAD joined together for the first time in 2015 to create the “Concert For Love & Acceptance” to promote LGBTQ visibility and acceptance among the country music community and artists, industry leaders and fans. Held as an annual live event until 2019, the concert was staged as a virtual event in response to the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

The event has featured performances and appearances by LGBTQ artists and allies, including Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Brothers Osborne, Jake Owen, Kristin Chenoweth, Chely Wright, Tanya Tucker, Brett Young, Michael Ray, Mickey Guyton, Chris Daughtry, Lily Rose and many more.

“Although it is currently an extremely turbulent time for LGBTQ people as we are forced to navigate many barriers being brought forth by a wave of anti-LGBTQ bills popping up all over the country, there is still a palpable momentum happening in Nashville and within country music to make it a more welcoming place for queer people,” says Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD Vice President of Communications and Talent.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the “Concert For Love & Acceptance,” visit F4LA.org.

Kylie Dembek Joins ONErpm As Country Music Project Manager

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Kylie Dembek. Photo: Courtesy of ONErpm

Kylie Dembek has joined ONErpm as Country Music Project Manager.

In her new position, Dembek will focus on creating and executing release and marketing strategy for artists by designing marketing plans, setting timelines, managing budgets and focusing on music streaming growth.

She began her career at a country radio station in Boston during college, realizing early on that the music industry was where she wanted to focus her efforts professionally. After securing a summer internship at the Grand Ole Opry, Dembek moved to Nashville. Following a few positions in the industry, she eventually landed at Big Machine Label Group, where she worked as a strategic planning manager helping artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Brett Young and Shane Profitt develop radio and marketing strategies.

“Kylie is a driven, bright, knowledgeable and outgoing person who will fit in with the personality of our office perfectly,” says Tim Wipperman, ONErpm Nashville Managing Director. “The artists will love working with her.”

“I’ve always loved working directly with artists, particularly new artists,” says Dembek. “So, I’m very excited to dive in with so many emerging country artists at ONErpm.”

Music Biz 2023 Announces TikTok Keynote, Bizzy Awards Finalists, More

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The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has unveiled more details regarding its upcoming Music Biz 2023 conference, set to take place May 15-18, 2023 at the JW Marriott Nashville. The organization has announced the second of its three keynotes, the finalists for this year’s Bizzy Awards, and the presentation of the first-ever Impact Award to SoundExchange, along with over 150 new speakers to bring the total to over 300 participating industry experts.

All three keynote interviews at Music Biz 2023 will be led by Association President Portia Sabin and held under the Music Biz LIVE banner. Indie artist LU KALA; Jillian Rutstein, Director, Digital & Creative Synch for Prescription Songs and Amigo Records; and Tracy Gardner, Head of Label Licensing & Partnerships for TikTok, will participate in the final keynote interview on the morning of Thursday, May 18.

Additionally, Kobalt Founder & Chairman Willard Ahdritz has been confirmed for a keynote conversation on Tuesday, May 16, introduced by a special presentation from Luminate CEO Rob Jonas. Details for the Music Biz LIVE keynote taking place Monday, May 15 will be unveiled in the coming days.

Music Biz will also award industry executives at its second annual Bizzy Awards dinner on the evening of Wednesday, May 17. The evening’s festivities will be hosted by Noelle Scaggs, co-lead vocalist for Fitz and the Tantrums, an Elektra solo recording artist, and founder of Diversify the Stage. Nominees are below.

Additional honors to be given during the 2023 Bizzys include the Impact Award for Technological Excellence, which honors a company or individual that is at the forefront of innovation in the music business, by providing solutions to meet the needs of the modern industry or pioneering the ways it will operate in the future. SoundExchange will receive the first-ever Impact Award, in recognition of their two decades of leadership and technological innovation ensuring that artists receive the royalties they are owed accurately and on time.

MNRK Music Group’s SVP and General Manager, Nashville’s Gina Miller will receive the Association’s Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement, which is one of the Association’s highest and longest-standing honors.

An up-to-date interactive schedule for Music Biz 2023, including speakers and panel descriptions, can be found here.

2023 Bizzy Awards Nominees:

Leading Light Award (For a company or executive that has supported their staff via internal initiatives aimed at improving mental health & wellbeing and work/life balance.)
– Mike Heyliger, The Orchard
– Sarah Robertson, A to Z Media
– TuneCore
– Warner Music Group

Agent of Change Award (For a company that exemplifies a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring practices, executive development, and promotion structure.)
– mtheory Equal Access Development Program
– Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)
– Sony Music Publishing
– Warner Music Group

#NEXTGEN_NOW One To Watch Award (For an executive under 40 whose work (professional and/or volunteer) has been exceptional, innovative, and stands out as a contribution to the industry.)
– Chris Dampier, TuneCore
– Jenna Gaudio, Vydia
– Sarah Janiszewski, TIDAL
– Lindsey Major, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
– Emilio Morales, Rimas Publishing

Master of Metadata Award (For a company or executive who has made a significant impact in the area of data processing, credit clarification, streamlining or otherwise promoting clean data and best practices.)
– Kim Beauchamp, Universal Music Group
– Scott Farrant, Kobalt Music
– BMAT Music Innovators
– Jaxsta

Frontline Innovator (For a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.)
– D. Tobago Benito, DBS Sounds/ F.A.M.S. Coalition
– Harry Crumpler, T-Bones Records & Cafe
– Gallery of Sound
– Park Ave CDs

Marketing Superstar (For a marketing campaign that was innovative and thought provoking. Candidates can be from any sector of the industry, and campaigns can be physical or virtual.)
– “Drink to This” presented by Macklemore | FlyteVu
– Encanto IRL Meta Reels Activation | Disney Music Group and Meta
– Jack White — Fear of the Dawn / Entering Heaven Alive | Third Man Records, The Orchard, Monotone
– Scene Queen | Hopeless Records

Music Business Educator of the Year (Celebrates a music business educator who inspires students to enter the music business.)
– Kevin Block-Shwenk, Berklee College of Music
– Serona Elton, Frost School of Music – University of Miami
– Shea Fowler, Belmont University; University of New Haven
– Clyde Rolston, Belmont University

Industry Ink: Cody Jinks, FlyteVu, Dave Alvin, Big Timber Entertainment

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Cody Jinks Earns New RIAA Certifications

Cody Jinks with RIAA Certifications. Photo: Tyler Stubblefield

Cody Jinks has earned new RIAA certifications for his songs “Loud and Heavy” (double Platinum), “Hippies & Cowboys” (Platinum), “Must Be The Whiskey” (Platinum), “Mamma Song” (Gold), “I’m Not The Devil” (Gold) and “Cast No Stones” (Gold) as well as for his album, Adobe Sessions (Gold).

Jinks was named MusicRow‘s 2023 CountryBreakout Awards Independent Artist of the Year. For a second time, he received the most radio spins for an independent artist in a year on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio chart. Jinks is scheduled to continue his headlining tour through the summer and join Eric Church as support for select dates in August.

He also launched his label, Late August Records, in a deal with The Orchard at the end of 2022. The label is helmed by Jinks and his longtime manager, Arthur Penhallow, Jr., with Stephanie Hudacek leading the label’s new Nashville office.

FlyteVu Welcomes Beth Gebhard As Account Director

Beth Gebhard

Beth Gebhard joins FlyteVu this week as Account Director, bringing with her over two decades of communications and marketing experience. Her previous career stops include Random House Inc., The Walt Disney Company, ABC-TV, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and Marriott Int.

Gebhard’s specific expertise is in developing multi-platform marketing, branding, media and communication strategies as well as working with thought leaders and personalities including Caroline Kennedy, Steve Martin, George Carlin, Julie Andrews, Candace Bushnell, Stephen Colbert, Lisa Ling and the late Pulitzer Prize-winner David Halberstam.

CMHOF Hosts Dave Alvin Performance & Interview

Pictured (L-R): Michael McCall, Dave Alvin and Michael Gray. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted an interview and performance with Grammy-winning artist, songwriter and producer Dave Alvin, in support of the exhibition “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank.

Alvin, who is featured in the exhibit and contributed an essay to the exhibit’s companion book, performed several songs and shared stories from his career during the nearly two-hour long program, which was led by museum writer-editor Michael McCall. Alvin also signed copies of his book, New Highway, a collection of poems, essays and lyrics, published in 2022.

He was a founding member and lead guitarist of L.A. roots-rock bands The Blasters and The Knitters. His songs have been recorded by the Blasters, Los Lobos, Little Milton, Kelly Willis, X, Dwight Yoakam and more. Alvin has also produced music for Sonny Burgess, The Derailers, Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys, Chris Gaffney and Tom Russell.

Big Timber Entertainment Launches Full-Service Entertainment Group

Troy Brown & Mark Oliverius. Photo: Vitalii Garbulinskii

Troy Brown and Mark Oliverius have announced the grand opening of their new entertainment group,Big Timber Entertainment (BTE). BTE is a full-service, multi-genre entertainment company encompassing a record label, artist management, radio promotion, record distribution and publishing company, along with live show production all under one roof.

Big Timber Entertainment came to life when music business veteran and executive Brown joined forces with music producer, director, and hit songwriter Oliverius as they realized their extraordinary working synergy and their shared vision to develop and nurture emerging young artists to succeed.

Brown has a background in accounting and quality management. He is the head of a prominent global hardwood lumber company in Wisconsin and it was his passion for the timber industry and love of music that sparked the name Big Timber Entertainment.

Oliverius has had over 40 songs recorded by major label artists including Joe Diffie’s hit “Whole Lotta Gone.” His production company OMGNashville is currently producing recording projects, music videos, social media content and commercials for his extensive roster of clients.

Brown and Oliverius also have to their credit the live production. That’s 70s Music!, under the BTE roof, where spectators can relive the best of times with multi-genre vocalist Mia Brown and The Nashville Hitmen. Under the musical direction of Oliverius, the cast performs some of the most iconic songs of the 60s and 70s from Linda Ronstadt, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, The Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Dionne Warwick, to B.W. Stevenson, Jackie DeShannon, Journey, Hall & Oates, Paul Simon, The Spinners and Jackson Browne.

The MLC Seeking Board Of Directors, Advisory Committee Candidates

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is accepting nominees for Publisher candidates for its Board of Directors and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight, Dispute Resolution and Operations Advisory committees.

Under the Music Modernization Act of 2018 (MMA), certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of Publishers. The terms of several Publisher seats on the Board and the organization’s advisory committees are slated to end later this year.

The MLC will submit all recommendations it receives to the Board’s Publisher Nominating Committee for consideration. Elections for the open Board seats will be held this summer. Board and committee members sit for three-year terms and may be re-elected. Seats are filled pursuant to The MLC’s Bylaws.

There is an opening on the Board of Directors for one (1) Publisher representative.

The openings on The MLC’s advisory committees include:
– One (1) Publisher seat on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties
– Two (2) Publisher seats on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to the Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership
– Two (2) Publisher seats on the Operations Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of The MLC, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources

The MLC’s Board of Directors and committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation such that travel is not generally required. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here.

Suggestions should be made by May 24. To suggest a candidate for a Publisher representative seat to The MLC’s Board or committees, complete the suggestion form available here.

ACM Radio Award Winners Announced

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The winners of the ACM Radio Awards for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed on the Academy’s social media pages with the help of artists including ACM Award nominees Lainey Wilson and Priscilla Block.

Winners announced include two first-time On-Air Personality honorees, Elaina Smith of With Elaina for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year, and Julie and DJ of Julie and DJ in the Morning for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year.

WIVK-FM in Knoxville, Tennessee and WYCT-FM in Pensacola, Florida both take home their fifth total ACM Awards for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year and Small Market Radio Station of the Year, respectively. Steve Waters and Tiffany Kay of WFLS won the Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year title, making this Kay’s first ACM Award win and Waters’ second.

Additional winners include George, Mo and Erik of The Morning Bullpen with George, Mo, and Erik on KILT-FM in Houston, TX and Big Dave, Stattman and Ashley of The Big Dave Show on WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, Ohio for Major Market and Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year, respectively.

KKBQ-FM in Houston, Texas received an award for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, and WSIX-FM in Nashville received an award for Large Market Radio Station of the Year. This is the third overall win for The Big D and Bubba Show for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year.

“The Academy congratulates all of our ACM Awards radio winners for championing the artists that make up the soundtrack of country fans’ lives,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “Country radio has always been and continues to be one of the most important ways for today’s favorite artists to connect with fans, and for fans to find up-and-coming acts to fall in love with. We can’t wait to celebrate these stellar country radio personalities and stations in Frisco leading up to the ACM Awards on Prime Video on May 11.”

The two-hour show will stream live May 11 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas without commercial interruption exclusively on Prime Video for the second year in a row. Last year, the ACM Awards made history as the first major awards show to livestream exclusively.

On-Air Personality of the Year Winners:
National Daily – Big D, Bubba, Patrick Thomas, Carsen | The Big D and Bubba Show
National Weekly – Elaina Smith | With Elaina
Major Market – George, Mo and Erik | the Morning Bullpen with George, Mo, and Erik – KILT – Houston, Texas
Large Market – Big Dave, Stattman & Ashley | The Big Dave Show – WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market – Julie Kansy and Dale Sellers | Julie and DJ in the Morning – WPCV – Lakeland, Florida
Small Market – Steve Waters and Tiffany Kay | Steve & Tiffany in the Morning – WFLS – Fredericksburg, Virginia

Radio Station of the Year Winners:
Major Market – KKBQ – Houston, Texas
Large Market – WSIX – Nashville, Tennessee
Medium Market – WIVK – Knoxville, Tennessee
Small Market – WYCT – Pensacola, Florida

‘Country Music For Covenant’ Benefit Set For April 27

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Music Row and the Kiwanis Foundation of Nashville are joining forces for “Country Music for Covenant,” a fundraiser in support of the students of The Covenant School, on April 27 at the Local in Nashville.

Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Chris Tompkins, and many more will be on hand to perform in the round during the benefit, and the event will also include a silent auction.

Tickets for the show are available for a minimum donation of $25, with all proceeds going directly to The Covenant School. Tickets and more information can be found at country4covenant.eventbrite.com. Those unable to attend can also make a one-time donation here.

Top Five Hold Steady On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

The hitmakers filling the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart hold their positions this week.

With 12 currently charting songs, Morgan Wallen marks another week at No. 1. In addition to 10 of his own songs climbing the charts, Wallen is a co-writer on Keith Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby” and Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her.”

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 with 13 charting songs. Filling out the top five are Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5).

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Carrie Underwood Extends ‘Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency’

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Carrie Underwood during “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency.” Photo: Jeff Johnson

Due to high demand, Carrie Underwood has extended her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” production at Resorts World Theatre with three shows taking place Dec. 13, 15 and 16.

Designed exclusively for Resorts World Theatre, the residency has become a must-see as all 18 shows were sold-out in 2022. Underwood will return kickoff the 2023 run in this summer, starting June 21.

“We had a blast on the road with ‘The Denim & Rhinestones Tour’,” she says,”but it’s always nice to come back ‘home’ to Resorts World Las Vegas to continue ‘Reflection’. This show is truly a celebration of all my music, and I love having the chance to welcome fans from all over the world who come to see us in Vegas.”

Tickets for the additional shows will go on sale to the general public this Friday, April 28. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets to the new shows before then, beginning, tomorrow (April 25) at 10 a.m. PT until this Thursday, April 27 at 10 p.m. PT.

For more information, click here.

Hardy & Lainey Wilson Score No. 1 With ‘Wait In The Truck’

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records

Hardy and Lainey Wilson‘s chilling duet, “Wait In The Truck,” has reached No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.

“I’m just so happy a song like this still has a place in country music,” says Hardy about the achievement. “Thanks to everyone involved for taking this song to the top, and for believing in this one.”

“I’m so honored Hardy asked me to join him on a song that’s had an impact on so many people and shed light on a topic a lot of folks are scared to talk about,” Wilson shares. “He is one of the most brilliant songwriters I’ve ever met and puts on one heck of a show. I can’t wait to be back out on the road together this fall!”

The Platinum hit has also earned three ACM nominations for Song of the Year, Music Event of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. Named one of the Best Songs of 2022 by the Los Angeles Times, Billboard, Wide Open Country and more, “Wait In The Truck,” has been streamed over 219 million times and earned CMT Collaborative Video of the Year for its music video.

Additionally, the duet partners will tour the South and Midwest together on the fall arena leg of Hardy’s headlining “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour.”

With “Wait In The Truck” and Wilson’s prior No. 1 “Heart Like A Truck,” Wilson breaks a long-standing record on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart. The last female country artist to have two No. 1s this close together was Crystal Gayle 40 years ago at eight weeks apart.