Monika Tashman has joined Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office as a Partner in the Entertainment department. She will continue her New York-based practice, working out of Loeb’s Nashville office.

“Loeb has been the leading law firm for the entertainment industry for over a century and I am excited to join in its storied history,” says Tashman. “The firm’s deep bench of entertainment lawyers, collaborative culture and strong industry experience are the perfect complements to my practice, and together I know that we will continue to provide optimal service to clients across the entertainment industry.”

Tashman earned her B.S. magna cum laude from New York University and her J.D. from Cardozo School of Law. She joins Loeb & Loeb from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Tashman represents all types of industry clients from entrepreneurial artists and record labels to emerging entertainment-focused businesses and experiential music production companies. Her deep industry knowledge, coaching background and legal experience enable her to offer a distinctive approach to negotiating strategic deals in the industry.

Beyond the music industry, Tashman’s experience and client base extends to literary, fashion, thought leaders, beauty, art and corporate matters. She has extensive experience handling complex and pivotal deals that have major impacts on the broader entertainment and media industry.

“With over 25 years of experience in the music and entertainment industries and an impressive track record of success, Monika is a fantastic addition to our team,” says Scott Edel, Chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Entertainment department. “Continued growth and being able to work seamlessly across key entertainment hubs is a strategic priority for our group, and Monika’s joining is an important step in continuing to action on those priorities.”

“Monika expands our music expertise and market presence on an international level,” says Derek Crownover, Co-Office Administrative Partner of the Nashville office and Vice Chair of the Music Industry practice group. “Her personality, leadership and client care will be a great addition to our practice group and the firm.”

Anna Lemme Promoted To Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager

Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Anna Lemme to Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager. Lemme, who previously served as Artist & Label Strategy Manager for OEG, will now oversee marketing and promotional strategies for the Grand Ole Opry.

The Blandford, Massachusetts native earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Music Business from Belmont University. With five years at OEG, Lemme began as an intern at Starstruck Entertainment before joining the company as Marketing Partnership Coordinator and rising to Artist & Label Strategy Manager. During her tenure, Lemme has helped discover and engage new talent for the Opry and led the planning of the Opry NextStage program.

 

LoCash Kicks Off Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival

The third annual Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival, a collaboration between iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7 and BMI, recently drew country music fans from across Florida for more than 50 songwriter performances at the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida.

The four-day festival kicked off with a performance by LoCash and was followed by 12 BMI songwriters, including Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh, who all shared the stories behind their biggest songs.

 

 

Heartland Presented With Platinum Plaques For “I Loved Her First”

In 2006, Lofton Creek Records, owned and operated by Mike and Martha Borchetta, pushed Heartland’s debut single, “I Loved Her First,” to No. 1 in only 17 weeks. Nearly 20 years later, Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management has presented the band with Platinum plaques for the same song.

“It’s remarkable that our song continues to be the wedding song for so many families. What we created as a band and what Mike and Herb did as a team was just undeniable,” says Jason Albert, lead singer for Heartland. “We are back and making new music, so who knows what the next chapter will bring, however, we shall celebrate this victory with pride.”

“Incredible is all I know to say!” says Mike. “Every year, we re-release the song to radio, just in time for wedding season, and people still love it. It’s a song that will never fade away, and I am sure glad about that.”

 

 

CMA Foundation & ABC Donate $60,000 to Music Education Programs

During the American Idol finale on May 19, the CMA Foundation, together with ABC, donated a total of $60,000 to three music education programs. The funds were distributed by the three finalists in visits to their hometowns, each receiving $20,000

Jack Blocker, Abi Carter and Will Moseley surprised Texas Music Project in Dallas, Texas, Tools for Tomorrow in Indio, California and Pride of the Pinewoods Band in Hazlehurst, Georgia, respectively with the gifts.

“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”

Later this week, the CMA Foundation will debut a case study on arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. This study is part of ongoing efforts since 2011 to support music educators in creating programs. Additional initiatives include Music Teachers of Excellence grants, professional development, virtual field trips, digital series for students, and grants for music education organizations.

 

 

We Should Write Sometime Adds Three To Advisory Board

 

We Should Write Sometime, the app aimed at connecting songwriters globally, has added Craig Campbell, Randall Foster and Lance Goodman to its advisory board.

“As an artist and songwriter, I understand firsthand the importance of empowering creators in today’s music industry. WSWS’s dedication to connecting songwriters and fostering their success resonates with me,” explains Campbell. “It’s exactly what this industry needs, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute on that front. The entrepreneurial spirit behind WSWS aligns perfectly with my values, and I believe in their vision for the future of songwriting.”

“Having spent years in the music industry, I’m constantly drawn to innovation that empowers creators. WSWS, at the intersection of technology and music creators, is exactly that. My background makes me excited to contribute to WSWS’s vision. I can’t wait to collaborate with the team and be a part of something that fuels the success of songwriters and creatives Everywhere,” Foster adds.

Goodman shares, “I am thrilled to join the WSWS advisory board. My experience in the music tech and startup sectors has shown me the immense potential for technology to revolutionize the music industry. WSWS is at the forefront of this change, and I look forward to helping shape its future and support the incredible community of songwriters it serves.”

Hannah Kerr plans to share her sophomore project, As I Am, on Aug. 30. The Curb Records artist recently gave listeners a taste of the album with the release of track “Church Hurt.”

As I Am marks the full-length follow-up to Kerr’s 2016 debut project, Overflow. This new body of work finds her wrestling with her insecurities in the light of grace and leaning on her faith in the wake of uncertainty. Kerr co-wrote each of the album’s 14 songs, including the lead single “Changed” as well as “If I Were You” and “Church Hurt.”

With “Church Hurt,” she pens a letter of apology filled with confessions and questions. Kerr penned the single alongside Tommy Iceland and Cindy Morgan.

Additionally, the singer-songwriter has been sharing the stage with Big Daddy Weave on their “Heaven Changes Everything Tour.”

As I Am Track Listing:

1. “As I Am”
2. “Jesus Is Why”
3. “If I Were You”
4. “Changed”
5. “Everything I Need”
6. “Fear Not”
7. “I Won’t”
8. “One Day Away”
9. “Church Hurt”
10. “No Conditions”
11. “The Things I Don’t Know”
12. “Pray On It”
13. “Same God”
14. “Your Love Is Everywhere”

Singer-songwriter Chris August has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.

Amassing more than 150 million streams with over 500,000 albums sold, the Dallas native’s work has ruled the Billboard Christian Songs chart, among others. His chart-toppers consist of “Starry Night,” “Restore” and “He Said” with Group 1 Crew. August’s credits also include “God Whispered Your Name,” “Battle” and more.

Having spent over two decades in the music industry, August has received various ASCAP honors, and took home multiple GMA Dove Awards—including Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year—in 2015. He has also collaborated with acts such as Keith Urban, Pentatonix, Tenille Arts, Meghan Patrick, Abbey Cone, Hootie & The Blowfish, Ryan Cabrera and Mandisa.

“I’m so excited to be joining the incredible team at Cornman and Warner Chappell,” shares August. “Getting to work with Brett James, Nate Lowery and Ben Vaughn and the entire team is a dang dream!”

“Brett and I are thrilled to be working with Chris alongside Ben and the incredible team at Warner Chappell. His talent and personality are top notch,” says Lowery, General Manager & VP, Cornman Music. “We’ve been fans of Chris for a while now, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. His experience across multiple genres will bring so much to our team.”

Emma Kiefer has been named Director of A&R at Group Projects.

In her new position, Kiefer will lead the development of Group Projects Publishing, as well as integrate across core functions within the company’s established artist management business, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett.

“It is an honor to be on the team charged with launching Group Projects Publishing,” says Kiefer. “Thank you, Anthony, Cooper, Warner Chappell and Red Light Management for your investment in the future of Group Projects, and for your trust in me to tag-team this exciting new endeavor. Can’t wait to get to work!”

Kiefer most recently served as A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, working with songwriters Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Jimmy Robbins. She helped facilitate cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore and more. Kiefer graduated with an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music, after which she moved to Nashville and held positions with Dave Cobb, Twelve6 and Boom before joining Group Projects in 2024.

“Emma’s connectivity in the songwriting community and her aptitude for recognizing and nurturing talent made it a no-brainer for us,” notes Manker. “We’re grateful to have her on the team, and looking forward to the success that we’ll share in the future.”

“Emma’s work ethic and passion are unmatched,” adds Anstett. “She’ll play an important role for the future of Group Projects.”

Kiefer can be reached at emma@thegroupprojects.co.