Grand Ole Opry Debuts New Stage

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Jon Pardi performs on new Grand Ole Opry stage. Photo: Grand Ole Opry; photo by Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry unveiled a brand new stage featuring major upgrades during Saturday night’s show (Feb. 4).

This marks the first major set change for the show since its 75th Anniversary more than two decades ago. Christening the new stage during the Saturday night show were Mandy Barnett, Rudy Gatlin, Kat & Alex, Oak Ridge Boys, Jon Pardi, Don Schlitz, Ricky Skaggs, The War and Treaty, and Mark Wills.

The new staging is part of more than $4 million in venue upgrades to the set, audio/visual technology, and auditorium, including a new Barn with new lighting elements and capabilities, a 52’ w x 27’ high resolution Ross/D3 video wall upstage of the barn set, a completely new JBL A Series PA system, and more.

Artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Lady A, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and many others.

Nashville Talents Shine Bright At 65th Annual Grammy Awards

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Carly Pearce poses with her Grammy Award.

At the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (Feb. 5), talented Nashville musicians made the most of their time on screen via a handful of performances.

Brandi Carlile earned a rousing standing ovation when she kicked the night off with “Broken Horses,” the tune that won her both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song earlier in the evening.

Luke Combs made his debut as a performer on the Grammy stage with his newest, rising hit, “Going, Going, Gone.” Combs sounded great with an orchestra accompaniment. Combs was introduced by Justin Davis, his former boss from his time as a bouncer at a bar in Boone, North Carolina. Davis admitted that Combs wasn’t a great bouncer because he was too nice.

Another country music moment came when Chris Stapleton joined Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder on “Higher Ground.” The country star held his own with the legends in an epic moment of the night.

A standout moment for Nashville talent was Kacey Musgraves‘ gorgeous tribute to the late Loretta Lynn. With Lynn’s guitar in hand that the family loaned her, Musgraves sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Barefoot, sitting on a stool amongst a bed of flowers, Musgraves’ simple performance of the country standard started the official In Memoriam segment of the night. Among those remembered were Naomi Judd, Mickey Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Olivia Newton-John, Dr. Paul Kwami, Peter Cooper, Jeff Cook and more.

Maverick City Music, who were big winners of the day, joined Quavo to honor Migos member Takeoff in another portion of the In Memoriam tribute before Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood joined together to finish it off.

The only televised country award went to Willie Nelson for his A Beautiful Time, which won Best Country Album. Shania Twain presented the award and accepted it on Nelson’s behalf, as he was not in attendance.

In the pre-televised portion of the Grammys, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde made history as the first female pairing to win Best Country Duo/Group Performance. With “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Pearce and McBryde won their first Grammys.

During their acceptance speech, Pearce shared, “We wrote this song together and it has just transcended so many of my wildest dreams. We won a Grammy!”

“‘Til You Can’t,” recorded by Cody Johnson, won Best Country Song in the pre-televised awards. Songwriter Ben Stennis accepted the award. His co-writer Matt Rogers couldn’t be there as his daughter was sick.

“Dear Lord, this is crazy,” Stennis shared before thanking his publisher, his family and the Recording Academy. He also asked for prayers for Rogers’ daughter.

Click here for a list of Nashville-related Grammy winners.

Channing Wilson Releases New Single, Debut Album Out February 24

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Channing Wilson. Photo: David McClister

Singer-songwriter Channing Wilson has released his new single, “Gettin’ Outta My Mind,” which he wrote alongside Kendell Marvel. The track will be featured on his debut album, Dead Man, out on Feb. 24 via Ol’ Dog Records/Soundly Music.

“Gettin’ Outta My Mind” joins the three previously unveiled album tracks: “Sunday Morning Blues,” “Drink That Strong,” and “Blues Comin’ On.”

Wilson has written hits for Luke Combs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt and more. After two decades as a successful songwriter, Dead Man marks a new chapter for Wilson as he is coming into his own as an artist.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the 10-track project puts the Georgia native’s honest and empathetic voice on display as he addresses universal topics such as love, heartbreak, loneliness and human connection through a personal lens.

“Back in the Depression era, Jimmy Rogers was a big hit, and the reason why was because he sang all these sad songs that let people know they weren’t the only ones going through hard times,” shares Wilson. “There are so many people out there right now dealing with problems like mental illness, but we still don’t talk about it nearly as much as we should. So, the one thing I hope for this record is that it helps people realize that they’re not alone, that someone else feels the way they do. Because to me that’s the first step to feeling okay again.”

In celebration of the new music, Wilson will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Feb. 25, and continue to tour this spring with shows at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, Kansas City’s Knuckleheads, Columbus’ King of Clubs, Lexington’s Manchester Music Hall, Louisville’s Mercury Ballroom, Seattle’s Tractor Tavern and Portland’s Ponderosa Lounge & Grill, among others.

Dead Man Track Listing:
1. Drink That Strong
2. Running Down A Song
3. Beer for Breakfast
4. Blues Comin’ On
5. Sunday Morning Blues
6. Ol’ Dog
7. Dead Man Walking
8. Crazy Over You
9. Gettin’ Outta My Mind
10. Trying To Write A Song

The Mavericks To Release 10th Anniversary Edition Of ‘In Time’

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The Mavericks. Photo: David McClister

The Mavericks are releasing a special 10th Anniversary Deluxe edition of their acclaimed album In Time on March 3 via The Valory Music Co.

The revamped collection features 14 original tracks plus the previously unreleased song, “Tonight Is The Night,” which is out now, as well as the group’s take on “Gentle On My Mind,” and a rare conjunto version of “Ven Hacia Mi.” 

“We’re thrilled to offer up this special anniversary version with extra tracks and the original album art initially planned before Mark Tucker took the iconic group photo that became the cover people know and love,” explains Jerry Dale McFadden. “We weren’t sure what to expect when we got back together to make this album after many years of being off. What would The Mavericks sound like in this new 2.0 version? Would our fans dig it? Well, In Time ended up being a huge hit for us, creating new fans and satisfying old ones alike.”

The band’s Cuban-American roots were planted in Miami and reached all the way to Nashville, where they solidified their eclectic Americana fusion of country, rock and Tejano/Tex-Mex influences. The Mavericks have gone through three phases since forming in 1989. An initial period of success marked by big hits and critical acclaim in the 90’s gave way to a long hiatus starting in 2003, when the musicians each went their separate ways. After reuniting in 2012, they celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary.

Featuring the vocals of Raul Malo, drummer Paul Deakin, guitarist Eddie Perez, and keyboardist McFadden, the Grammy, CMA, ACM and Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award-winning quartet continues their legacy with this new, special anniversary edition album.

In Time (10th Anniversary Deluxe) Track Listing:                                                   
1. “Back In Your Arms Again”
2. “Lies”
3. “Born To Be Blue”
4. “Come Unto Me”
5. “In Another’s Arms”
6. “Fall Apart”
7. “All Over Again”
8. “Forgive Me”
9. “Amsterdam Moon”
10. “That’s Not My Name”
11. “As Long As There’s Loving Tonight”
12. “Dance In The Moonlight”
13. “(Call Me) When You Get To Heaven”
14. “Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me) (Spanish Version)”
15. “Tonight Is The Night”
16. “Gentle On My Mind (Live)”
17. “Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me) (Conjunto Version)”

Willie Nelson, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde Among 2023 Grammy Winners

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Another Grammy Awards has come and gone, with a new list of winners.

Willie Nelson was country music’s big winner of the night. The icon added two more Grammys to his case, including Best Country Solo Performance (“Live Forever”) and Best Country Album (A Beautiful Time).

“‘Til You Can’t,” recorded by Cody Johnson, earned Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers a pair of Grammys for Best Country Song. Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde took home Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”

Grammy darling Brandi Carlile added three Grammys to her collection, including wins for Best Americana Album (In These Silent Days) and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song (“Broken Horses”).

Maverick City Music were big winners in the Christian and Gospel categories, taking home Best Gospel Performance/Song, Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, Best Gospel Album, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

The Tennessee State University Marching Band won a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album.

In the general field, Bonnie Raitt took home Song Of The Year for “Just Like That,” Lizzo won Record Of The Year for “About Damn Time,” Samara Joy for Best New Artist, and Harry Styles took home Album Of The Year for Harry’s House.

Below are a selection of winners from the 65th annual Grammy Awards:

SONG OF THE YEAR
“abcdefu” – Sara Davis, GAYLE & Dave Pittenger, songwriters (GAYLE)
“About Damn Time” – Melissa “Lizzo” Jefferson, Eric Frederic, Blake Slatkin & Theron Makiel Thomas, songwriters (Lizzo)
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (The Short Film)” – Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“As It Was” – Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon & Harry Styles, songwriters (Harry Styles)
“Bad Habit” – Matthew Castellanos, Brittany Foushee, Diana Gordon, John Carroll Kirby & Steve Lacy, songwriters (Steve Lacy)
“Break My Soul” – Beyoncé, S. Carter, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant & Christopher A. Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
“Easy on Me” – Adele Adkins & Greg Kurstin, songwriters (Adele)
“God Did” – Tarik Azzouz, E.Blackmon, Khaled Khaled, F. LeBlanc, Shawn Carter, John Stephens, Dwayne Carter, William Roberts & Nicholas Warwar, songwriters (DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy)
“The Heart Part 5” – Jake Kosich, Johnny Kosich, Kendrick Lamar & Matt Schaeffer, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
“Just Like That” – Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt) – WINNER

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Don’t Shut Me Down” (ABBA) – Benny Andersson, producer; Benny Andersson & Bernard Löhr, engineers/mixers; Björn Engelmann, mastering engineer
“Easy on Me” (Adele) – Greg Kurstin, producer; Julian Burg, Tom Elmhirst & Greg Kurstin, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer
“Break My Soul” (Beyoncé) – Beyoncé, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Jens Christian Isaksen & Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, producers; Brandon Harding, Chris McLaughlin & Stuart White, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer
“Good Morning Gorgeous” (Mary J. Blige) – D’Mile & H.E.R., producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Pat Kelly, engineers/mixers
“You and Me on the Rock” (Brandi Carlile Featuring Lucius) – Dave Cobb & Shooter Jennings, producers; Brandon Bell, Tom Elmhirst & Michael Harris, engineers/mixers; Pete Lyman, mastering engineer
“Woman” (Doja Cat) – Crate Classics, Linden Jay, Aynzli Jones & Yeti Beats, producers; Jesse Ray Ernster & Rian Lewis, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
“Bad Habit” (Steve Lacy) – Steve Lacy, producer; Neal Pogue & Karl Wingate, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
“The Heart Part 5” (Kendrick Lamar) – Beach Noise, producer; Beach Noise, Rob Bisel, Ray Charles Brown Jr., James Hunt, Johnny Kosich, Matt Schaeffer & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Michelle Mancini, mastering engineer
“About Damn Time” (Lizzo) – Ricky Reed & Blake Slatkin, producers; Patrick Kehrier, Bill Malina & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers; Michelle Mancini, mastering engineer – WINNER
“As It Was” (Harry Styles) – Tyler Johnson & Kid Harpoon, producers; Jeremy Hatcher & Spike Stent, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

BEST NEW ARTIST
Anitta
Omar Apollo
DOMi & JD Beck
Muni Long
Samara Joy – WINNER
Latto
Måneskin
Tobe Nwigwe
Molly Tuttle
Wet Leg

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Voyage (ABBA)
30 (Adele)
Un Verano Sin Ti (Bad Bunny)
Renaissance (Beyoncé)
Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe) (Mary J. Blige)
In These Silent Days (Brandi Carlile)
Music Of The Spheres (Coldplay)
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (Kendrick Lamar)
Special (Lizzo)
Harry’s House (Harry Styles)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Amy Allen
Nija Charles
Tobias Jesso Jr. – WINNER
The-Dream
Laura Veltz

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
“Heartfirst” – Kelsea Ballerini
“Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan
“In His Arms” – Miranda Lambert
“Circles Around This Town” – Maren Morris
“Live Forever” – Willie Nelson – WINNER

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
“Wishful Drinking” – Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt
“Midnight Rider’s Prayer” – Brothers Osborne
“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” – Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert
“Does He Love You – Revisited” – Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde – WINNER
“Going Where The Lonely Go” – Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Humble Quest – Maren Morris
A Beautiful Time – Willie Nelson – WINNER

BEST COUNTRY SONG
“Circles Around This Town” (Maren Morris) – Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, Maren Morris & Jimmy Robbins, songwriters
“Doin’ This” (Luke Combs) – Luke Combs, Drew Parker & Robert Williford, songwriters
“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” (Taylor Swift) – Lori McKenna & Taylor Swift, songwriters
“If I Was a Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert) – Jesse Frasure & Miranda Lambert, songwriters
“I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die” (Willie Nelson) – Rodney Crowell & Chris Stapleton, songwriters
“‘Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson) – Matt Rogers & Ben Stennis, songwriters – WINNER

BEST AMERICAN ROOTS SONG
“Bright Star” — Anaïs Mitchell, songwriter (Anaïs Mitchell)
“Forever” — Sheryl Crow & Jeff Trott, songwriters (Sheryl Crow)
“High And Lonesome” — T Bone Burnett & Robert Plant, songwriters (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss)
“Just Like That” — Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt) – WINNER
“Prodigal Daughter” — Tim O’Brien & Aoife O’Donovan, songwriters (Aoife O’Donovan & Allison Russell)
“You And Me On The Rock” — Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile Featuring Lucius)

BEST AMERICAN ROOTS SONG
“Someday It’ll All Make Sense (Bluegrass Version),” Bill Anderson feat. Dolly Parton
“Life According to Raechel,” Madison Cunningham
“Oh Betty,” Fantastic Negrito
“Stompin’ Ground,” Aaron Neville With The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – WINNER
“Prodigal Daughter,” Aoife O’Donovan & Allison Russell

BEST AMERICANA ALBUM
In These Silent Days — Brandi Carlile – WINNER
Things Happen That Way — Dr. John
Good To Be… — Keb’ Mo’
Raise The Roof — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Just Like That… — Bonnie Raitt

BEST AMERICANA PERFORMANCE
“Silver Moon [A Tribute to Michael Nesmith],” Eric Alexandrakis
“There You Go Again,” Asleep at the Wheel feat. Lyle Lovett
“The Message,” Blind Boys of Alabama feat. Black Violin
“You And Me on the Rock,” Brandi Carlile feat. Lucius
“Made Up Mind,” Bonnie Raitt – WINNER

BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM
Toward the Fray, The Infamous Stringdusters
Almost Proud, The Del McCoury Band
Calling You From My Mountain, Peter Rowan
Crooked Tree, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – WINNER
Get Yourself Outside, Yonder Mountain String Band

BEST ROOTS GOSPEL ALBUM
Let’s Just Praise The Lord – Gaither Vocal Band
Confessio – Irish American Roots – Keith & Kristyn Getty
The Willie Nelson Family – Willie Nelson
2:22 – Karen Peck & New River
The Urban Hymnal – Tennessee State University Marching Band – WINNER

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM
Lion – Elevation Worship
Breathe – Maverick City Music – WINNER
Life After Death – TobyMac
Always – Chris Tomlin
My Jesus – Anne Wilson

BEST GOSPEL ALBUM
Die To Live – Maranda Curtis
Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) – Ricky Dillard
Clarity – DOE
Kingdom Book One Deluxe – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin – WINNER
All Things New – Tye Tribbett

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SONG
“God Really Loves Us (Radio Version)” (Crowder Featuring Dante Bowe and Maverick City Music) – Dante Bowe, David Crowder, Ben Glover & Jeff Sojka, songwriters
“So Good” (DOE) – Chuck Butler, Dominique Jones & Ethan Hulse, songwriters
“For God Is With Us” (for KING & COUNTRY & Hillary Scott) – Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Joel Smallbone & Luke Smallbone, songwriters
“Fear Is Not My Future” (Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin) – Kirk Franklin, Nicole Hannel, Jonathan Jay, Brandon Lake & Hannah Shackelford, songwriters – WINNER
“Holy Forever” (Chris Tomlin) – Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Chris Tomlin & Phil Wickham, songwriters
“Hymn Of Heaven (Radio Version)” (Phil Wickham) – Chris Davenport, Bill Johnson, Brian Johnson & Phil Wickham, songwriters

BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE/SONG
“Positive” (Erica Campbell) – Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Juan Winans, songwriters
“When I Pray” (DOE) – Dominique Jones & Dewitt Jones, songwriters
“Kingdom” (Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin) – Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore & Jacob Poole, Songwriters – WINNER
“The Better Benediction” (PJ Morton Featuring Zacardi Cortez, Gene Moore, Samoht, Tim Rogers & Darrel Walls) – PJ Morton, songwriter
“Get Up” (Tye Tribbett) – Brandon Jones, Christopher Michael Stevens, Thaddaeus Tribbett & Tye Tribbett, songwriters

Click here for a full list of winners.

Entertainment Production Campus Worldwide Stages Officially Opens

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Photo: Courtesy of Worldwide Stages

Worldwide Stages LLC (WWS) has officially unveiled its a massive entertainment complex in Spring Hill, Tennessee, just south of Nashville.

WWS has already provided facilities to multiple facets of the entertainment industry, including tour rehearsal spaces for artists and production facilities for diverse content creators to produce live-streaming events, music videos, commercials, episodic television series and feature films.

After aquiring the former world headquarters of Saturn, WWS invested millions of dollars into a complete renovation. The entertainment campus provides thousands of square feet in luxurious production facilities, greenrooms and professionally decorated artist suite; a variety of stages ranging in scale for music tour rehearsals, TV and film production; decorated gathering spaces for meetings or events; a private 70-seat theater with state-of-the-art audio equipment; acres of private parking for personnel and production equipment with easy access to major Interstate highways; and onsite medic and security personnel.

Photo: Courtesy of Worldwide Stages

“It feels like opening ‘Disneyland,’ but for entertainment production professionals and A-list stars,” shares Kelly Frey, CEO & President of WWS. “The first word we hear from artists and production companies visiting our facility is ‘Wow.’ We wanted to create not just a functional production environment but also a safe haven for A-list entertainers. We even designed a Speakeasy around a vintage 1920’s era solid wood bar that our guests can use for meetings, events or relaxation onsite.”

Frey adds, “Forget about the warehouses and industrial soundstages of the past. WWS is much more like a five-star hotel venue that happens to have the soundstages and ancillary production space A-list performers and international production companies need to produce their entertainment content securely and in comfort.”

Photo: Courtesy of Worldwide Stages

“The opening of WWS signals Tennessee’s trending growth and competitiveness in the entertainment sector on both a local and national level,” says Bob Raines, Executive Director for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission. “WWS will not only leverage Tennessee’s internationally renowned music industry, but also service the influx of television and motion picture professionals interested in producing the next generation of entertainment content.”

WWS is already planning expansion, adding additional soundstages onsite in Spring Hill in response to industry demand while investigating expansion to other entertainment-centric cities in need of the luxury-branded facilities curated by WWS.

Industry Ink: Tyler Hubbard, CAA, Spotify, Deluge Music

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Tyler Hubbard Sells Out Bowery Ballroom In New York City

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Liz Fischer and Tyler Hubbard at the Bowery Ballroom.

Multi-Platinum artist Tyler Hubbard sold out the Bowery Ballroom in New York City with his performance on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Hubbard released his debut solo album Tyler Hubbard last week on Friday, Jan. 27. The collection features hit “5 Foot 9” as well as his latest single “Dancin’ In The Country.”

 

CAA Amplify Kicks Off Black History Month Celebration With Intimate Dinner

Mickey Guyton at CAA Amplify’s Black History Month Dinner. Photo: Courtesy of CAA

CAA kicked off their celebration of Black History Month last night (Feb. 2) with an intimate dinner hosted by CAA Amplify alongside a group of Black female agents and executives.

The event was led by CAA Agency Board Member Lisa Joseph Metelus and Senior Motion Picture Agent Lorrie Bartlett. Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass, the first Black woman elected to the city’s top office, served as the surprise honored guest.

“We are honored to be in community with an incredible gathering of women leaders in the entertainment industry,” stated Metelus and Bartlett. “At its core, CAA Amplify is a powerful platform that celebrates the continued progress towards equity, and those breaking barriers daily. We are thrilled to welcome Mayor Bass, a woman shattering the glass ceiling, and offer our support as she works to best serve the needs of Los Angeles.”

Country music artist Mickey Guyton was in attendance along with Warner Bros. Television Chairperson Channing Dungey, Executive Vice President of TriStar Television Jennifer Turner, actress Jurnee Smollett, President of TriStar Pictures Nicole Brown, Vice President of Netflix Niija Kuykendall, Universal Studio Group Chairman Pearlena Igbokwe and many other leaders within the industry.

 

Spotify Nashville Represents At Women In Entertainment Event

Pictured (L-R): Gemma McInturff, Guest, Brittany Schaffer, Jackie Augustus, Rachel Whitney and Mary Catherine Kinney. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify hosted its 2023 Women in Entertainment event on Wednesday evening (Feb. 1) at Spago Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California.

Spotify Nashville team members Brittany Schaffer, Gemma McInturff, Jackie Augustus, Mary Catherine Kinney and Rachel Whitney were among those in attendance.

 

Deluge Music Signs Blake Wood

Pictured (L-R): Deluge Music’s Stephanie Greene, Blake Wood, Deluge Music’s David Robkin, and Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham.

Deluge Music has signed singer-songwriter Blake Wood to an exclusive global publishing agreement.

Born in Kentucky and raised in North Carolina, Wood made his way to Music City two years ago. He comes from a musical family as his brother Jon is also a Nashville-based artist and his father Steven is a musician and producer.

Berklee College & Electronic Arts Music Announce ‘Next Gen’ Scholarship

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Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President at EA Music and Nashville resident

The Screen Scoring Department at Berklee College of Music and Electronic Arts Music have partnered on a new EA/Berklee Next Gen Scholarship.

The new scholarship will, each semester, offer one qualified woman or non-cisgender composer studying in the Screen Scoring Department the chance to not only receive financial aid but also be mentored by an industry-leading team and learn how they compose, orchestrate and arrange an original score for an EA video game title.

“This is an exciting moment for the Screen Scoring Department and Berklee as a whole,” said Sean McMahon, department chair. “We are constantly striving to provide the best possible education for our students to attain personal and professional success. With this scholarship and mentorship program, Berklee and EA Music will collaborate on a vital initiative that allows the selected women to succeed, learn, and enter the world of composing with support from one of the most forward-thinking companies in interactive entertainment.”

The scholarship recipient will be announced at ‘EA Day’, an annual event beginning Spring 2023 that will bring notable guest speakers and Electronic Arts/EA Music executives to the Boston campus. The scholarship and mentorship program will empower deserving women to enter the industry with a practical understanding of what goes into composing an original video game score, a list of top-level professional contacts, as well as an understanding of working relationships.

“Our collaboration with Berklee is the latest in a series of EA initiatives designed to inspire the next generation to pursue STEAM-based careers,” says Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President at EA Music, and Nashville resident. “Music composition is traditionally a very male-dominated sector, with a recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finding that women currently represent only 1.7% of composers in screen music, and the gender ratio of male composers to female composers is 18.3 to 1. We must work together to change this – and fast. We hope this partnership will provide the women who take part with an incredible learning opportunity and remind them of the variety of roles available to them in the video games industry. We look forward to our continued role in developing a new generation of women composers”

Joe Baldridge Joins Ocean Way Nashville As Director Of Studio Operations

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Joe Baldridge

Joe Baldridge has joined The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business as Director of Studio Operations at Ocean Way Nashville.

In addition to teaching, Baldridge boasts a 35-year audio engineering career stacked with multiple No. 1s. He holds nearly 600 credits on All Music, earned a Dove Award for his work with TobyMac and a Grammy nomination for his work on Taylor Swift’s album Red.

“Joe has a fantastic balance of vast commercial and teaching experience and is a highly respected faculty member in our field,” says Michael Janas, Audio Engineering Program Chair and Instructor of Audio Engineering Technology. “With a combination of 35 years of professional experience and more than 13 years in the classroom, he understands the highest level of skill needed to succeed in the industry as well as what it takes for students to reach that level.”

“Ocean Way isn’t just a world-renowned studio; it’s also a space for students to learn and hone their crafts,” states Dr. Sarita Stewart, Interim Dean of Curb College “We’re excited for Joe to continue leveraging the Ocean Way name to bring more eyes to Belmont. After a national search, it was clear he was the best person to fill the role.”

“We have an excellent team here built on a solid reputation created by those who came before us,” says Baldridge. “We are excited to continue to serve recording arts and grow Ocean Way Nashville as a home for creatives from all over the world to do their best work.”

Additionally, Ocean Way recently hired Austin Atwood, a 2012 music business alumnus, to serve as Operations Manager and promoted Jamie Warden to Business Manager.

Designed by award-winning recording engineer Allen Sides and purchased by Belmont University in 2001, Ocean Way Nashville is the number one tracking room in Music City. The world-class teaching facility also serves an impressive client roster. Housed in a 100-year-old Gothic revival gray stone church, Ocean Way Nashville serves a diverse list of clients spanning pop, rock, hip hop, country and gospel and has emerged as the premier scoring facility in the Southeast. Besides being a sought-after space for full-band tracking, Ocean Way Nashville has become an internationally favored destination for orchestral recording as well as scoring for films and video games.

Carly Pearce Slates New Live Album For March

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Carly Pearce is set to release a new live project, 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City), on March 24.

The album was recorded during an intimate concert event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, which also featured special guests Lee Brice (“I Hope You’re Happy Now”), The Isaacs (“Easy Going”), Matthew West (“Truth Be Told”), Jenee Fleenor (“29”) and Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”).

Pearce will vie for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” at the 65th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday (Feb. 5) on CBS. Her current hit “What He Didn’t Do,” has amassed over 200 million streams to date.

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member joins Blake Shelton’s “Back to the Honky Tonk Tour,” starting Feb. 16 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) Track Listing:
1. “Diamondback (Live From Music City)”
2. “What He Didn’t Do (Live From Music City)”
3. “Easy Going (Live From Music City)”
4. “Dear Miss Loretta (Live From Music City)”
5. “Next Girl (Live From Music City)”
6. “Should’ve Known Better (Live From Music City)”
7. “29 (Live From Music City)”
8. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
9. “Your Drinkin’, My Problem (Live From Music City)”
10. “Liability (Live From Music City)”
11. “Messy (Live From Music City)”
12. “Show Me Around (Live From Music City)”
13. “Day One (Live From Music City)”
14. “All The Whiskey In The World (Live From Music City)”
15. “Mean It This Time (Live From Music City)”
16. “Truth Be Told (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Matthew West
17. “Every Little Thing (Live From Music City)”
18. “Hide The Wine (Live From Music City)”
19. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice