Wasserman Music Promotes Chappel McCollister, Yitzi Peetluk, More

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Chappel McCollister. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Wasserman Music has announced a series of promotions, including Nashville-based team members Chappel McCollister to SVP of Business Development and Yitzi Peetluk to Agent.

In his newly elevated role, McCollister is devoted to leveraging synergies between the company’s music, sports, film, marketing and social media divisions to build unique, high-profile and profitable campaigns for clients. In his four years with the Wasserman Music team, his campaign highlights include an award-winning brand collaboration for Kacey Musgraves with candle maker Boy Smells; a partnership between Musgraves and Chipotle featuring the brand’s short animated film that went on to win three Clio Awards and five Cannes Lions Awards; and the design of the global Blake Shelton x Land’s End collection. More recently, he helped Margo Price launch her cannabis collection with Dad Grass—branded Mom Grass—to support her latest album release, and helped launch Nashville Soccer Club’s brand-new Man in Black Kit, honoring one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, Johnny Cash, a partnership that was spearheaded by McCollister. He is also a co-leader of Wasserman Music’s country and Americana genres.

“I have seen the future of music, sports, business development, and brand partnerships. Its name is Chappel McCollister,” says Jonathan Levine, Wasserman Music EVP & Managing Executive. “Hard pressed to find anyone who out-thinks, out-shines, or out-hustles Chappel. He’s best in class and provides tremendous service to our clients across a broad array of creative opportunities.”

Yitzi Peetluk

Peetluk began his career at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he worked at The Red Room @ Cafe 939 and interned with Bowery Presents/Boston. Upon graduation, he was hired as an Assistant Talent Buyer for Cafe 939. In 2017, he moved to Nashville to work at CAA and became the Assistant to Wasserman Music Agents Keith Levy and Matt Runner in 2018. Since 2020, Peetluk has served as Coordinator and Senior Coordinator under Levy and Lenore Kinder. He works with artists including Sierra Ferrell, Shakey Graves, Joy Oladokun, Sarah Jarosz, Langhorne Slim and Nikki Lane, among others.

Along with Peetluk, Wasserman’s newly-promoted agents include Eli Gelernter, Logan Handelsman and Lindsay McDowell. The agency has also expanded its artist service teams with Fairs & Festivals Agent Jess Bumsted and Tour Marketers Mary Kate Carragher and Kaela Ismael. Additionally, Sara Pullman rises to the executive role of VP, Operations.

“Our two biggest priorities at Wasserman Music are the ongoing efforts to super-serve our clients and the continued career growth of our staff. These well-deserved promotions help us achieve both,” says Lee Anderson, Wasserman Music EVP & Managing Executive. “We could not be prouder of each of these employees and look forward to their continued success and contributions here at Wasserman.”

John Esposito Named New T. J. Martell Foundation Chairman Of The Board

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John Esposito. Photo: Eric Brown

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research has named Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus John “Espo” Esposito the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the organization, according to Billboard.

The announcement comes as the organization continues to rebuild following the embezzlement scandal concerning former Executive VP & GM Melissa Goodwin, who was found to have embezzled four million dollars from the music industry charity.

Esposito’s initial term will be for two years. He succeeds Universal Music Group General Counsel and Executive VP Jeffrey Harleston, who will now serve as Executive Chairman. Esposito, who departed his role as Chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville at the end of 2022, has served as a T.J. Martell Foundation trustee since 2006, but has supported the organization since 1997.

“We got the double whammy of the COVID pandemic and somebody being a bad actor,” says Esposito to Billboard. “I felt qualified with my knowledge of the organization and passion for them to do what I could to help get us back on track.”

Esposito and T. J. Martell CEO Lynn-Anne Huck noted that safeguards have been put in place, including a 28-page policies and procedures manual for financial transactions, to ensure more transparency in the future. “If you go to our website, you’re going to find more information than almost any other nonprofit. We are absolutely transparent with everything,” Huck tells Billboard.

The organization has also reported they are cutting down on the number of events held each year and are considering creating marathon teams to raise money for T.J. Martell, as well as increasing planned giving by individuals and estates in addition to increasing branding and sponsorship possibilities. By relying less on staffed events, Esposito and Huck hope to keep personnel numbers lower. In 2019, T.J. Martell had 25 full-time employees, but is now down to only three. They will reportedly hire more staffers as needed.

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by record executive Tony Martell in 1975 following the death of his son, T.J., from leukemia. the foundation holds multiple annual charity events and campaigns with the music communities in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami and more. They have raised more than $280 million in support of medical research grants and helped secure more than one billion dollars in research funding.

Grayscale Marketing Mourns Passing Of Colleague Matt Alese

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Matt Alese

Grayscale Marketing Senior Project Management and Operations Coordinator Matt Alese has passed away. He was 29.

Originally from West Islip, New York, Alese started his career at Grayscale in 2016 as an intern. In his most recent role, he helped successfully manage large projects across the country.

“I saw a drive and hunger in him even early on,” recalls Grayscale Marketing CEO, Tim Gray. “There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t or couldn’t challenge himself to do and you had to love that about him.”

Armed with his work ethic and a genuine passion for music, he quickly established himself as a fixture in the industry, regularly attending functions and serving as a member of the SOLID Board.

“Matt was an incredible colleague and friend, honest, consistently improving in his work, a committed Jiu-jitsu practitioner and avid hockey player,” remarks Gray. “He was a responsible person, a go-getter, enthusiastic, dedicated and had a sense of humor. The passion that he brought to his job, our team and this industry each and every day is something myself and others will never forget.”

A funeral mass was held Saturday, Feb. 25 in New York. Memories and condolences for the family can be left here.

Koe Wetzel Celebrates February 28 With Raising Cane’s Pop-Up Event

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Koe Wetzel at his Raising Cane’s Pop-Up Event in Nashville on Feb. 28.

Koe Wetzel and Raising Cane’s joined forces in Nashville yesterday (Feb. 28) to celebrate Wetzel’s unofficial, official day of the year.

The Texas native joined Raising Cane’s Founder & CEO Todd Graves at an exclusive food truck pop-up event at The Outfield along with some of Wetzel’s friends including Trey Lewis, Bailey Zimmerman, Caleigh Hardy, Dylan Marlowe, and Mandie and Danae. Wetzel even worked the Cane’s Food Truck, and provided a surprise when he changed the lyrics of his song, “February 28, 2016.”

Feb. 28 is a national holiday among Wetzel fans, which recalls a fan-favorite song he was inspired to write after being arrested on Feb. 28, 2016. In the song, Wetzel asks if someone will take him to Taco Bell. But to mark his friendship with Graves and his appearance at the event, Wetzel changed the lyrics and asked for someone to take him to Raising Cane’s instead.

“Koe and I have become good friends over the years, so I was stoked to celebrate Koe Wetzel Day and the start of his ‘Road to Hell Paso Tour’ with him and some of his friends on Tuesday,” Graves says. “His song, ‘February 28, 2016’ is iconic, so to have him sing new lyrics that include Raising Cane’s on the same date was amazing.”

Raising Cane’s recently signed on to sponsor Wetzel’s upcoming tour, which kicks off in Tallahassee, Florida tomorrow, March 2.

“I’m fine trading in tacos for chicken fingers and Cane’s Sauce moving forward on Feb. 28,” Wetzel says. “I had a great time hanging out with friends and learning how to man a food truck with Todd and the Cane’s Crew. I’ve been a fan of Raising Cane’s for a long time, and I appreciate Todd, his friendship and Cane’s sponsorship for my ‘Road to Hell Paso Tour.'”

Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Smith Ahnquist

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Relative Music Group’s Caroline Bouldin. (L-R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy and Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Sarah Kohrt

Relative Music Group has signed songwriter Smith Ahnquist in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

With a focus on publishing and artist development, Relative Music Group represents an array of songwriters, including Michael Hardy who is also a partner in the company.

Originally from Danville, Kentucky, Ahnquist moved to Nashville in 2006 and earned a degree in music business from Belmont University. He has since garnered cuts with artists such as Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Hardy, Jameson Rogers, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson and Matt Stell.

“I’ve always thought Smith was a great writer, and an even greater person. His attitude and presence in the room is so positive and contagious. I’ve been writing with him for years and have truly written some of my favorite songs with him. We have big plans for Smith and can’t wait to see the run he’s going to have in the future!,” shares Hardy.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Relative Music. I’ve always admired their ability to make sure songs get heard. I’m looking forward to joining their close knit team,” says Ahnquist.

Warner Music Nashville CRS Luncheon Lineup Revealed

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Cody Johnson is slated to headline this year’s Warner Music Nashville CRS Luncheon on March 13 along with Ian Munsick and Chase Matthew.

A few special guests are also on tap for this year’s luncheon, which is set to take place at 12 p.m. in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom. This will be one of three label lunches held during the three-day event.

“This year’s show will look and feel completely different – offering BIG performances from Cody Johnson, Ian Munsick and Chase Matthew,” says Warner Music Nashville SVP, Radio Kristen Williams. “These artists are selling out venues across the country and we’re bringing them LIVE to you!” 

Registration for CRS 2023 is open and available through CountryRadioSeminar.com. Single-day passes are also available for purchase and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music Show. Day passes can be obtained through the CRS 2023 registration page and will also be available for purchase on-site.

Morgan Evans Shares Personal Journey In Five-Part ‘Over For You’ Docuseries

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Morgan Evans. Photo: Chady Awad

Morgan Evans is taking viewers through the ups and downs of his 2022 musical journey with a new five-part documentary series, out now.

Directed by Peter John, the docuseries goes backstage and back home where Evans grew up, traveling to Australia and New Zealand, including the CMC Rocks QLD Festival, where he debuted his latest single, “Over For You,” for 25,000 people.

The CMC Rocks performance received hundreds of thousands of views on social media, and in response, “Over For You – Live in Melbourne” was then recorded and released to streaming outlets. “It felt like channeling all that sort of awfulness into something positive,” says Evans.

He recently released the “Over For You” music video, which was also directed by John, and captured in tandem with the documentary.

Industry Ink: Hailey Whitters, BMI, Masquerade Gala of Music City, Mixtape Music

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Hailey Whitters ‘Everything She Ain’t’ Certified Gold

Pictured (L-R): Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud), Nicolle Galyon (Label Head / Songwriter, Songs & Daughters), Hailey Whitters, Jake Gear (Producer / EVP, Hang Your Hat Music), Matt Graham (Managing Partner + Head of Music, Range Media Partners), Chris Kappy (Founder + CNO, Make Wake Artists)

Hailey Whitters‘ hit song “Everything She Ain’t” has attained RIAA Gold certification. To celebrate the accomplishment, her team at Big Loud presented Whitters with the certification plaque in Nashville.

“Everything She Ain’t” appears on Whitters’ 2022 album Raised. It is climbing at country radio and recently passed 100 million global streams.

 

BMI At The Blue Room Kicks Off 2023

Pictured: Members of Carol, The Blonde Bones, Olivia Barton, and BMI’s Nina Carter and Tyler Burns backstage at the Blue Room. Photo Credit: Angelina Castillo for BMI.

“BMI At The Blue Room” held its first showcase on Feb. 22 with performances by BMI singer-songwriters Olivia Barton, Carol, and Blonde Bones.

In partnership with The Blue Room at Third Man Records, this quarterly concert features talents from the Nashville community across a variety of genres. OneRPM is the official sponsor of this series. Next up, “BMI At The Blue Room” returns for another showcase on May 24. The show will be free and open to all ages.

 

Fifth Masquerade Gala of Music City Raises $55,000

5th Annual Masquerade Gala of Music City organizers and talent

Masquerade Gala of Music City marked its fifth year by drawing over 800 attendees to Marathon Music Works last week. The night, filled with dining and entertainment, raised over $55,000 for The Aloe Family organization.

Performers for the evening included Tenille Arts, Levi Hummon, Leah Turner, Kat & Alex, and more. Guests also donned festive masks and enjoyed the event’s pop-up bars, local art displays and an extensive auction.

“We are blown away with the talent and generosity of Nashville coming together for such a memorable night,” says Natalie Firkser, The Aloe Family founder and Masquerade Gala of Music City organizer. “This will create a huge and positive impact on our community with The Aloe Family!”

 

Mixtape Music Welcomes Hannah Meacham

Hannah Meacham

Mixtape Music Publishing announces the addition of Hannah Meacham as Assistant Catalog Manager.

Meacham is a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Program. Her job will include strengthening Mixtape’s footprint as a source for labels looking for new songs. Mixtape’s Bobby “McSongs” has a song on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, and two more releases coming this month.

Warner Music Nashville Promotes Bri Small, Claire Russo

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Bri Small, Claire Russo

Warner Music Nashville announces the promotion of Brianna (Bri) Small from Manager of Interactive Marketing to the new Director of Digital Content Strategy & Partnerships role. Coordinator of Interactive Marketing, Claire Russo, will rise to fill the vacancy.

“I am thrilled for Bri and for the way this role will serve to further enhance our label’s marketing capabilities and our artists’ reach,” says Torie Mason, SVP Strategic Marketing & Analytics. “Bri is an absolute star, and I can’t wait to watch her excel in this new, exciting, future-forward position.”

The newly created Director of Digital Content Strategy & Partnerships role will enhance end-to-end marketing campaigns and span the interactive, creative, publicity and business development departments.

Small graduated from St. Edward’s University with a Digital Media Management degree before starting her career at NBC Entertainment in Los Angeles. In addition to her accomplishments at WMN with artists including Ingrid Andress, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and Bailey Zimmerman, she worked alongside the corporate DEI team to launch the Warner Music HBCU Immersion Program.

Russo holds a Entertainment Industry Studies and Music Business degree from Belmont University. She held several digital marketing internships leading her to a job at Crowd Surf after graduation. She joined Warner Music Nashville in February 2022.

“Claire is a champion for our artists. Her experience, passion and creativity make her the perfect fit to step into this role,” adds Mason.

Nate Smith Signs With WME

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Nate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Nate Smith has signed with WME for global representation in all areas. The breakout country star will be represented by the agency’s Joey Lee, Sloane Cavitt Logue and Braeden Rountree.

Smith’s Platinum, multi-week No. 1 “Whiskey On You” has amassed over 240 million total global on-demand streams to date. He recently made his late-night television debut performing the chart-topping hit on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and has appeared on multiple 2023 Artist to Watch lists including Amazon’s Breakthrough Artists to Watch, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing and CMT’s Listen Up, among others.

This summer, Smith will be joining Thomas Rhett on his “Home Team Tour.” He is also set to perform at several major country festivals including Stagecoach, Country Thunder Arizona and Country Jam Colorado. His debut, self-titled album will be released on April 28.