JUST IN: Monument Records Promotes Casey Thomas To VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships

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Casey Thomas & Ansley Neeley. Photos: Robert Chavers

Monument Records has promoted Casey Thomas to VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships. The label has also elevated Ansley Neeley to Manager, Marketing & Creative.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College and master’s degree from Boston College. She came to Monument from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and started as Manager of PR in 2018. Thomas was later elevated to Publicist and later, Director of Marketing, Publicity & Creative. In her new role, she will continue to oversee marketing, publicity, creative, digital and streaming.

“Casey has worked tirelessly in support of Monument and our artist roster over the years she has been with us. Her leadership and relationship skills along with her one of a kind marketing mind are beyond impressive and she will excel in this role,” says Katie McCartney, Monument Records GM.

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Neeley moved to Nashville in 2019 after graduating from The University of Alabama with a degree in public relations. She started her career as a Junior Publicist at The GreenRoom PR, and joined Monument Records in 2021 as the label’s Promotion Coordinator, later taking on Marketing Coordinator responsibilities ranging from facilitating the delivery and strategic setup of all the label’s releases, to planning various artist events and executing traditional and digital marketing campaigns. Most recently, Neeley has been involved in the process of overseeing and developing the roster’s creative elements. In her new position, she will step into project management and continue her work in supporting creative and publicity efforts.

“Ansley has leaned in and worked so hard to grow and learn all aspects of marketing and promotion. This is a natural progression for her and this elevation is well-deserved,” notes McCartney.

Thomas can reached at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com, and Neeley can be reached at ansley.neeley@sonymusic.com.

CMA Hosts MemberSIPS Event On Streaming Fraud

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Andrew Batey, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Beatdapp, leads a discussion during a MemberSIPS event focused on streaming fraud at CMA HQ. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA

The Country Music Association (CMA) hosted an informative MemberSIPS event focused on streaming fraud and the impact it has throughout the music industry on Thursday, April 11 at its Nashville headquarters.

Andrew Batey, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Beatdapp, a leading authority in fraud detection, led an interactive presentation and Q&A session at the event. Batey dove into the world of music streaming fraud with real case studies, data and examples of insights into this pervasive issue. Members learned how fraudulent activities impact labels, managers, distributors and artists, and discovered actionable strategies to safeguard themselves and the talents they represent.

CMA created MemberSIPS to cater to its members’ professional development needs, offering presentations, discussions and gatherings, and providing members a networking opportunity with like-minded professionals while enjoying a beverage with one another.

Russell Dickerson To Head Overseas For ‘Good Day To Have A Great Tour’

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Russell Dickerson is heading overseas on his new “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” in August.

Dickerson will visit seven cities in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands including Belfast, London, and Amsterdam through September 1, and tickets will go on sale starting Friday, April 19.

“I’m so excited to see the RD Fam across the world,” says Dickerson. “I’ve had the best time playing in the UK in the past so to be able to return and play in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands is honestly a dream come true. Can’t wait to see everybody – we are going to have many great days on the road this summer!”

The Tennessee native will also release his new song, “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” on May 3. He recently teased the new track on his socials, offering fans a sneak peek at the song’s feel-good lyrics.

In addition to headlining his own “Good Day To Have A Great Tour,” Dickerson will also be hitting the road this summer with Sam Hunt on the “Locked Up Tour 2024” and performing at fairs, festivals, and shows across the country.

“Good Day To Have A Great Tour” Dates:
August 23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Ulster Hall
August 25 – Lutterworth, U.K. – The Long Road Festival
August 26 – Glasgow, U.K. – Old Fruitmarket
August 27 – Manchester, U.K. – O2 Ritz
August 29 – Bristol, U.K. – 02 Academy
September 1 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg Max

Morgan Wade Slates New Album ‘Obsessed’ For Summer

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Photo: Matthew Berinato

Morgan Wade is prepping for the release of her third major-label album, Obsessed, on Aug. 16.

The stripped-down, 14-track collection written solely by Wade was produced by her touring guitarist Clint Wells. She writes about the ache for home and the emotion of being reunited with loved ones, of feeling dangerously preoccupied with someone and of situations society might consider outside the norm on the personal new collection.

Following her 2023 project, Psychopath, Obsessed features Wade’s first collaboration, as Kesha appears with her on “Walked on Water.” It also includes sneak-peek releases “Halloween” and “2AM in London.”

She will also embark on her headlining “Obsessed Tour,” which kicks off July 20 in Fargo, North Dakota. Ticket presales begin April 16, with public sales starting on April 19. For more information, click here.

Obsessed Track Listing:
1. “Total Control”
2. “Department Store”
3. “Time to Love, Time to Kill”
4. “Obsessed”
5. “Juliet”
6. “2AM in London”
7. “Hansel and Gretel”
8. “Spin”
9. “Reality”
10. “Walked on Water (feat. Kesha)”
11. “Halloween”
12. “Crossing State Lines”
13. “Moth to a Flame”
14. “Deconstruction”

CAA Expands Management Structure

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CAA has expanded its management structure by appointing nine new Managing Directors and a new Agency Board.

The Managing Directors will work alongside Co-Chairman & CEO Bryan Lourd, Co-Chairmen Kevin Huvane and Richard Lovett as well as President Jim Burtson on a wide range of strategic business and operational matters.

Those appointed include Rob Light, Howard Nuchow, Joe Cohen, Michael Levine, Joel Lubin, Maha Dakhil, Chris Silbermann, Tiffany Ward and Paul Danforth. Chief Financial Officer Carol Sawdye and Chief Legal Officer Hilary Krane will continue to serve in their leadership roles.

The Agency Board will work with the agency’s Co-Chairmen and President on ensuring the strength of CAA’s culture of service, collaboration and opportunity, built for personal client service. Among other areas, it will focus on organizational excellence, state-of-the-art dealmaking, training & development and sustained innovation.

Members include Katie Anderson, Emma Banks, Lorrie Bartlett, Matt Blake, Alan Braun, Austin Brown, William Brown, Libby Bush, Ben Dey, Jaime Feld, John Garvey, Liz Gray, Sloan Harris, Jeff Krones, Franklin Latt, Brandon Lawrence, Michelle Kydd Lee, Joe Machota, Lisa Joseph Metelus, Matthew O’Donohoe, Praveen Pandian, Dan Rabinow, Rachel Rusch, Roeg Sutherland, Nick Thimm, Natalie Tran and Ida Ziniti.

“Today’s announcement highlights not only the strength, momentum, breadth and depth of today’s CAA, but the incredibly exciting promise of our future, with two new teams of exceptionally talented, proven leaders, committed to serving our clients and colleagues,” says Lourd. “We have always been clear in our mission–to deliver world-class personal service to world-class clients. With our expanded corporate leadership structure and an entire company of the world’s best dealmakers, creative thinkers and career representatives, CAA has never been better positioned to help clients capture the best opportunities and navigate the challenges of today’s media and sports industries.”

Industry Ink: Dillon Carmichael, TapeSlate Productions, IBMA

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Dillon Carmichael Honored With FFA Blue Jacket

The National FFA Organization recognized country music artist Dillion Carmichael for his contributions to the agricultural community.

In a recent mini-documentary, The Blue Jacket, Carmichael received an FFA Blue Jacket as an honor, following the loss of his family’s home. As the official dress of the FFA, the corduroy jacket symbolizes faith, honor and pride for those serving their communities. A second jacket is rarely given out, yet after leveraging his musical career to advocate for local farmers, the FFA made an exception for Carmichael at last year’s National FFA Convention.

TapeSlate Launches Production & Photo Studio In Franklin

Full-service production collective TapeSlate Productions have unveiled their full-production and photo studio located at 1106 Harpeth Industrial Ct. in Franklin, Tennessee. Led by partners Bryson Sams, Porter Edwards and Dean Sams, TapeSlate’s services include creative, production and post production.

“We have specifically specialized in creating content for musicians, who are inherently creatives just like us, but express their art through a different medium,” explains Bryson. “I think these collaborations are imperative, and we work closely with our clients to help express their music through the visual medium.”

Recently TapeSlate partnered with the acclaimed chart-topping country band Lonestar for the music video for their latest single, “You Make Loving Fun.”

Elizabeth Dewey Joins IBMA As Administrative Manager

Elizabeth Dewey

Elizabeth Dewey has joined The International Bluegrass Music Association as Administrative Manager.

The Belmont University graduate began working with IBMA as an intern in 2021 and has continued to support IBMA staff, including onsite assistance at both the World of Bluegrass in 2023 as well as the IBMA Holiday Benefit Concert.

“I am thrilled to be joining the IBMA staff as Administrative Manager. My prior involvement with the organization has been fulfilling and meaningful, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with such a wonderful team,” says Dewey. “I look forward to serving the bluegrass community through this important work.”

Tim Montana To Get ‘Savage’ With Debut Rock Album

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Singer-songwriter Tim Montana will release his debut rock album, Savage, on July 12.

He shared the title track from the upcoming Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville project with fans this week. The album features ’90s-influenced riffs and a spirit that Montana deems freer than his previous releases.

“‘Savage’ is a window into my world and what I was inspired by over the course of writing and recording this album,” Montana shares regarding the title track. “If there is a keystone or a decoder ring to the themes of these songs, ‘Savage’ is it. It’s best enjoyed extremely loud.”

Montana has been endorsed by Dave Grohl and ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, and had his anthems used by the MLB and NHL. In 2023, his song “Devil You Know” surged onto Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay and Rock & Alternative Airplay charts. In its wake, iHeartRadio touted him as an “On The Verge Artist,” and he soon found himself booked for tours with Staind, Seether, Saint Asonia, Bush and Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains.

Savage Track Listing:
“Devil You Know”
“Savage”
“Ashes”
“Die Today” “Shut Me Out”
“Right Again”
“Get You Some”
“Lovely”
“Day By Day”

Spotify Debuts ‘Written By Ingrid Andress’ Playlist

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Spotify has launched the latest of their “Written By” playlists with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress.

Andress’ playlist includes songs she has penned and released herself, including hits “More Hearts Than Mine,” “Lady Like,” “Wishful Drinking” (feat. Sam Hunt), “Feel Like This” and “The Stranger,” as well as cuts she’s garnered by others such as “Boys” (Charli XCX), “Girl in the Mirror” (Bebe Rexha), “In Too Deep” (Why Don’t We), “Conflicted” (Halestorm), “No Saint” (Lauren Jenkins) and more.

The playlist totals 59 songs, crossing country, pop and rock genres. Andress’ playlist joins the ranks of other “Written By” lists for Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Murda Beats, Meghan Trainor, Sia and more. Spotify curates “Written By” lists to helps songwriters reach to new audiences, strengthen relationships with current fans and maximize discoverability on the platform by allowing listeners to hear career-spanning works.

“Written By Ingrid Andress” is available here.

Grand Ole Opry Partners With Sky Arts In The U.K.

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The Grand Ole Opry has partnered with Sky Arts in the U.K. to continue their global audience reach. Sky Arts will air 16 episodes of Opry content through June 14.

Sky Arts began airing Opry Live shows last fall, while Opry member Luke Combs was touring the U.K. This spring’s shows will feature material with June Carter Cash, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, CeCe Winans and more.

Fans everywhere can also tune in to Opry Live every Saturday night on Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels, or via the Circle Now app. United States fans can tune in through Circle Country.

Upcoming Opry performers include Clint Black, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, T Graham Brown, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan, Chase Rice, Nate Smith, Underwood and more.

iHeartCountry Festival’s 2024 Daytime Village Lineup Announced

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iHeartMedia has announced the Daytime Village lineup for the 2024 iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, on May 4 in Austin, Texas.

The free event will feature performances by Riley Green, Chris Lane, Walker Hayes, Ashley Cooke, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart as well as interactive experiences by iHeartRadio’s brand partners from 12:30-4:30 p.m. CT at the Dell Technologies Plaza of Moody Center.  

Now in its eleventh year, the 2024 lineup for the iHeartCountry Festival includes Green, Hayes, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Ashley McBryde and Brothers Osborne. The festival will once again be hosted by iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated top on-air country personality Bobby Bones.

iHeartMedia’s country music radio stations will broadcast the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio.com on May 4 at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the main stage are on sale now. For more information, click here.