Women’s Programming & Leadership Roundtables Announced For Music Biz 2024

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The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced the slate of women-focused programming and leadership roundtable discussions set for May 16 during the Music Biz 2024 conference, which will take place May 13-16 at the JW Marriott Nashville.

The programming will start with the “Walking the Walk: Tactics to Boost Diversity & Inclusion Now” panel at 11:30 a.m., which plans to examine the current gender imbalance in the industry and discuss how industry members together to close the vast gender gap. The session will be moderated by We Are Moving The Needle’s Skye Landgraf, and feature panelists including Chartmetric’s Sarah Kloboves and Snafu Records’ Mira Howard, with more to be announced. The panel will also explore innovative strategies and real-world tactics employed by industry leaders that aim to foster diversity and inclusion.

The panel will be immediately followed by the “Walk the Walk Keynote” at 12:25 p.m., where Virgin Music Group’s Jacqueline Saturn will be interviewed by Women in Music’s Nicole Barsalona. Throughout her three-decade career, Saturn has earned executive accolades while holding positions at Epic Records, Harvest Records and Caroline, and has sought to inspire the next generation of young executives. She is active with Gilda’s Club, Friendship Circle of Los Angeles, Creative Community for Peace, and has run the New York City Marathon on the American Cancer Society’s Determination team. Saturn is also currently the Chapter Governor for the Los Angeles Chapter Board of the Recording Academy. In this keynote, attendees will learn about her music industry journey, the highs and lows of being a woman in the business, her mentors and mentees and her best advice for women who want to rise to the top.

From 1:30 p.m.–4 p.m., the “Women In The Room: Music Biz Leadership Roundtables” will include “Mentoring the Next Generation of Women Music Execs” led by Twitch’s Cindy Charles; “Women in the C-Suite” with Pex’s Amadea Choplin, “Entrepreneurial Women In Music Tech” led by Gritty In Pink’s Shira Yevin, “Overcoming Personal Challenges To Thrive In Life & Business” with NYU Steinhardt’s Judy Tint, “Mentoring Women In Music” led by Universal Music Group (UMG)’s Cristina Pimentel, “Social Impact & Inspiring Action For Systemic Change” with Landgraf, “Mental Health in the Workplace” led by Secretly Distribution’s Anna Bond and more to be announced.

Advance registration is required for the roundtable discussions and will be posted along with the full executive roster and topic list for attendee sign-up beginning Monday (April 1). For more information, click here.

“I am proud to say that we are once again raising the bar with our women-focused content at Music Biz 2024,” says Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “This year’s programming features so many powerful women executives that I am proud to work alongside, and our roundtables are sure to create meaningful connections and conversations that will have a positive ripple effect on our industry long beyond the event. I can’t wait to see everyone in Nashville!”

Additionally, Music Biz recently announced that the annual conference will move to Atlanta in 2025.

Riser House Extends Partnership With Michael Whitworth

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kirby Smith, Allison Pilotti; (L-R, front row): Brandon Perdue, Michael Whitworth. Photo: Shannon Bradley

Riser House Publishing has extended its partnership with songwriter Michael Whitworth. The songwriter first signed with Riser House in 2016.

“Riser House is family, and they have been since day one. They truly believe in me and have allowed me to grow and develop as a writer to find my authentic voice. It’s a no brainer to continue this partnership and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Jennifer Johnson and Matt Swanson believed in me early on, and there’s been no one better to understand and guide me as a writer than Brandon [Perdue], and now Kirby [Mathews]. I’m just really grateful. I can’t wait to see what down the road looks like,” shares Whitworth.

Since his signing, he has had over 100 cuts in country, rock and pop from Teddy Swims, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Alana Springsteen, Florida Georgia Line, Charlotte Sands and more. He co-penned Jelly Roll‘s No. 1 hit at rock radio “Dead Man Walking.” Last year, Whitworth notched 40 cuts in total.

“Michael Whitworth is someone I know I can put in any room and trust he’ll more than hold his own,” says Brandon Perdue, SVP of A&R + Publishing, Riser House. “Whether it’s a session with an A-list artist, a brand new signing, or a room full of fellow hit writers, I always know Michael is going to bring the heat. He isn’t interested in chasing trends others are setting, rather he is bringing fresh and challenging concepts and melodies to every session. Michael is truly one of the most talented creatives in this town and Riser House is so thankful to continue being Team Whitworth.”

Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina Coming To Nudie’s Honky Tonk In Nashville

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Tanya Tucker is teaming up with Nudie’s Honky Tonk in Nashville to unveil a new pop-up, Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina, on May 2.

The second floor of Nudie’s will transform into a cantina-style bar with Tucker’s own tequila brand, Cosa Salvaje, featured in a variety of cocktails alongside a reimagined menu curated to complement the theme. The menu will be developed by Executive Chef Bryan Lareau.

“I’m over the moon about Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina,” says Tucker. “It’s been a dream for several years to join the big boys on Broadway and Bill and Shannon Miller are making it all possible. They’ve done what no one else could do and I am so grateful. I can’t wait for the grand opening on May 2. I will be there walking on air!!!!”

“Shannon and I are thrilled to partner with our dear friend country music legend and icon Tanya Tucker on this incredible pop-up,” says Nudie’s Owner Bill Miller. “The three of us spent an entire day tasting cocktails crafted by our bartenders at Sinatra Bar & Lounge, Nudie’s and The Southern Turf Club all containing Cosa Salvaje as the primary spirit. This is going to be the most monumental pop-up Nashville has ever seen. Adding Tanya to the mix makes this project fun, exciting and adventurous, just like she is!”

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Adds To Lineup

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Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC), taking place April 23-25 in Napa Valley, California, has added more artists to its lineup.

Those joining the lineup are Callista Clark, Diner, Rose Falcon, Remy Garrison, Justbrandon, Jet Jurgensmeyer, Chloe Kat, Brett Kissel, Kylie Morgan, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, Ashley Ryan, Brittney Spencer and Callie Twisselman.

LITVGC will feature a welcome reception at Peju Winery, the Big Loud VIP Tailgate Takeover at Raymond Vineyards featuring Ernest, Larry Fleet, Hailey Whitters, MacKenzie Porter and Lily Rose, performances at the Uptown Theater and more. The event will end with a send-off brunch at the Hilltop at Carneros Resort and Spa.

For more information, click here.

Wade Bowen Is ‘Flyin’ This Spring With Latest Project

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Wade Bowen will celebrate spring with the release of his latest album, Flyin, on Bowen Sounds via Thirty Tigers/The Orchard on May 10.

He recently shared the first single from the new album, “Rainin On Me,” with an accompanying video. Written alongside good friend Randy Montana, “Rainin On Me” is an up-tempo, Eagles-inspired track that takes Bowen back to the music he listened to growing up.

The 12-song collection features a range of diverse songs, from old fashioned honky-tonk country to gut-wrenching ballads, classic rock and even a love song to Texas that highlights how his home state shaped who Bowen is today. Flyin came together over the course of a year, and marks the singer-songwriter’s tenth studio album as well as the second project that he has fully produced himself.

“More than ever, people need to hear songwriters talk about their lives,” Bowen says. “We don’t always have to search for monster hits. We can just write about our lives and maybe that might actually work. That’s what this record is a lot of. A lot of massive songs, but also a lot of me just writing authentically and honestly about my life. I feel like I’m flying into this chapter where I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been. Y’all better catch up or you’re getting left behind. I’m on fire!”

He is gearing up for a busy touring season, including a special run during May in his hometown of New Braunfels, Texas with longtime friend and collaborator Miranda Lambert.

Flyin Track Listing:
1. “Flyin”
2. “Mary Jane”
3. “Rainin On Me”
4. “Nothin But Texas”
5. “Two Hurts, One Stoned”
6. “Friday Night (feat. Troy Aikman)”
7. “Someone Else’s Now”
8. “When I Wanna Be Wanted (feat. Hillary Lindsey)”
9. “Love Does What It Wants To”
10. “The Request”
11. “The Hardest Part”
12. “Hidin Behind This Microphone”

Concord Taps Stephanie Hudacek As President Of Rounder Records

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Stephanie Hudacek

Concord has hired industry veteran Stephanie Hudacek as President of Rounder Records.

“Throughout her career, Stephanie has shown a deep commitment to artists and songwriters as well as an incredible intuition for what it takes to bring their music to the world. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her at the helm at Rounder,” shares the Chief Executive of Concord Label Group, Tom Becci. “She has the requisite skills to preserve the label’s distinct history while ensuring her artists and team have the resources necessary for continued success in an evolving environment.”

Rounder Records was founded in 1970 by Marian Leighton Levy, Ken Irwin and Bill Nowlin, and has developed the careers of artists such as Norman Blake, George Thorogood, Alison Krauss, Nanci Griffith, Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Sierra Ferrell, Katie Pruitt, Sarah Jarosz, John R. Miller and many more. With 54 Grammys in its 54-year history, Rounder Records was acquired by Concord in 2010.

“It is an unbelievable honor to be able to lead Rounder Records. Throughout its history, Rounder has shown an uncompromising devotion to great, authentic artistry, which has made it a natural home for artists seeking the same. That is a tradition I am thrilled to carry on,” says Hudacek.

Hudacek is the Founder and President of Soundly Music, a music distribution and label services company she founded in 2017 bolstered the careers of several notable artists including Kaitlin Butts, Joshua Ray Walker, Tyler Ramsey, Aubrie Sellers, Maggie Rose, Pony Bradshaw, River Whyless, Darrell Scott and more. In 2022 and 2023, Hudacek concurrently served as the President of Late August Records and worked with artists such as Cody Jinks, Erin Viancourt and Caned By Nod.

Her prior experience includes time as General Manager of Riser House Records and stints as both a recording engineer and tour manager, where she spent years in the studio and on the road.

Dennis Reese To Exit Sony Music Nashville

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Dennis Reese

RCA Nashville Sr. VP of Promotion Dennis Reese will reportedly exit the label after seven years with Sony Music Nashville, according to Country Aircheck. His last day is on April 1.

Reese has been responsible for the development, implementation and supervision of the strategic and tactical radio promotional plans for artists on the RCA roster including Kane Brown, Nate Smith, Chris Young and Restless Road, among others. With Reese on board, the imprint has celebrated 24 No. 1 hits.

He joined Sony Music Nashville following a successful run in pop music. His prior career stops include time as Sr. VP, Promotion at Epic Records and similar posts at Capitol Records, Elektra Records and Columbia Records. Reese began his career in radio, programming stations in Miami, Orlando and Charlotte.

EVP of Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges will reportedly oversee the RCA promotion team going forward.

Industry Celebrates Parmalee’s Fourth No. 1 Hit

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Jon Loba, Beth Laird, Caroline Hodson, Emilia James, Travis Wood, ET Brown, Casey Brown, Mason Hunter, Ashley Gorley, Greg Gallo, David Fanning, Adrian Michaels, Courtney Crist; (L-R, front row): Kari Barnhart, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Josh McSwain, Rusty Gaston, David DeVaul, Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Larry McCormack

Industry members and artists came together for a special No. 1 party earlier this week when Broken Bow Records’ Parmalee celebrated their fourth career chart-topper, “Girl In Mine.”

The afternoon’s rain clouds parted and sun filled the foyer of BMI as friends, family and colleagues eagerly awaited BMI’s Mason Hunter to take to the podium. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Travis Wood and Parmalee’s Matt Thomas along with fellow band members Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Joshua McSwain and producer David Fanning.

Hunter began the event by warmly introducing the songwriters and band members, highlighting their remarkable achievements. He then turned the spotlight to Canada native Wood, acknowledging his impressive track record of nine No. 1 Canadian singles and now, his first No. 1 hit in the United States. “When you score your first No. 1 in Canada, do they give you a hockey puck?” teased Hunter. “Here in Nashville, we present you with a Taylor guitar. Here’s to many more No. 1s on that guitar!”

ASCAP’s Emilia James took the stage next, followed by SESAC’s ET Brown, who honored Brown with a guitar of his own. “One of the things I admire most about Casey, besides his obviously powerful and strong surname, is his unwavering dedication to his craft, which is matched only by his commitment to his family,” remarked Brown.

On deck to congratulate their writers were Reservoir Music Publishing’s Greg Gallo, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul and Stoney Creek Record’s Adrian Michaels.

Gaston took to the mic in a whirl of enthusiasm to congratulate both Gorley and Thomas, “This is a remarkably special week for Gorley. As of this week, he has the No. 1 song in the U.S. and it is his 75th No. 1 song. What I want everyone to realize is that there is no songwriter ever before, in any genre or country, that has ever had as many hits as Ashley Gorley.”

Gaston continued on to congratulate Thomas by sharing a few of Gorley’s own quotes praising the band, or in his words, quotes from “the most successful songwriter in the history of music.” Finally, he closed in fashion befitting only “the reverend” himself, “Parmalee is our band, my band, your band and they are country music’s band. They are nominated for two CMT Awards coming up. Pull out your phones and vote for Parmalee! God bless everyone and God bless country music.”

After the whistles and applause died down, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Wood kicked things off saying, “This is the community I was really anxious to be a part of when I moved here, so to be here with you guys today is really special. I am thankful to be a Nashville songwriter and to be celebrating a No. 1 with you guys.”

Producer, songwriter and the band’s manager, Fanning, added, “While I am not as enthusiastic as Rusty, you guys go vote. Thank you for supporting [Parmalee] as we continue to elevate their career.”

Brown took the chance to thank his team and congratulate Wood on his first U.S. No. 1. He said, “Travis, I am so honored to be a part of your first. If I could put you up on DraftKings and bet a large sum of money that you would have about a million more of these, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

“I am just thankful to be a part of this,” said Gorley. “Thank you to my family for believing in me at home and also my family with Domain, Sony Music and Tape Room.”

Thomas closed, gesturing to his own family, “Speaking of family, I want to say thanks to my family for being here. My niece Charlotte actually wrote a song the other day sitting in my kitchen, and I said, ‘You can do this!'”

Parmalee’s frontman closed with, “We love our job, we love what we do and we love being in Nashville, so thank y’all.”

‘Willie Nelson’s 4th Of July Picnic’ To Move To Philadelphia Area

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This year, “Willie Nelson‘s 4th of July Picnic” will take place in the Philadelphia area for the first time.

Headlined by the country star, the annual concert event will be held at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. The Independence Day celebration will also include performances by Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples and Celisse.

“I am thrilled to bring the ‘4th of July Picnic’ to Philadelphia for the first time in our storied history,” says Nelson. “It’s an honor to host such an extraordinary lineup of talent in the birthplace of our country. We can’t wait to celebrate Independence Day with you.”

Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday (March 29), and Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets now until tomorrow (March 28) through the Citi Entertainment program. For more information, click here.

Annual Music Biz Conference To Move To Atlanta In 2025

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The annual Music Business Association (Music Biz) conference will move to Atlanta next year.

The organization, formerly known as the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), rebranded as the Music Business Association in 2013. From 2011-2014, the conference took place in Los Angeles, and moved to Music City in 2015. Starting with Atlanta in 2025, the event will revert to frequently traveling to a new city.

The Music Biz headquarters continues to be located in Nashville, and the Music Biz 2024 conference is set for May 13-16 at the JW Marriott Nashville. This year’s event plans to bring together more than 2,100 global music professionals to have conversations and build connections that aim to help shape the future of the music business and best serve the needs of all music professionals.

The 2024 conference also marks the debut of new summits centered around industry topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), “Concrete Results: Music’s Next Uncharted Frontier,” “Glocals Only: Music Marketing For A Borderless World,” “The Greatest Good: Social Impact Is Good For Business” and “Changing The Game: Music & Gaming’s Unique Synergies.” These new additions join programs like #NextGen_Now, “Let’s Talk Physical,” “Music & Money,” the 13th annual Metadata Summit and more. Featured speakers including Kobalt’s Laurent Hubert, SESAC Music Group’s John Josephson, BandLab’s Meng Ru Kuok, Hopeless Records’ Louis Posen and Virgin Music Group’s Jacqueline Saturn will take part in the event along with over 250 others.

As previously announced, mtheory’s Cameo Carlson will receive Music Biz’s 2024 Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement, and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) will take home the 2024 Impact Award for Technological Excellence at the third annual Bizzy Awards on May 15.

Specific dates and venues for Music Biz 2025 will be revealed at a later date.