WME Nashville Partners With Safe Haven Shelter For Christmas Holiday

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Pictured: Staff members from WME’s Nashville Office surround gifts purchased for sponsored families through partnering with Safe Haven Family Shelter. Photo: WME

WME’s Nashville Office has once again partnered with local non-profit Safe Haven Family Shelter this season to assist in providing families in need with a special holiday.

During November and December, Safe Haven works with over 150 families who are unable to provide gifts for their loved ones due to various circumstances. Each year they gather a wish list of items from each family.

“The holidays should be a special time for every family, no matter your circumstance,” shares WME agent Carrie Murphy, who spearheaded the agency’s holiday outreach effort. “When I shared I was looking to sponsor a few families, I was amazed at how many people wanted to help. I’m truly overwhelmed at the response of our WME family and friends wanting to ensure these parents will have something special to put under their tree for their kids.”

Over 20 families were sponsored through WME’s efforts with over 100 gifts purchased, ranging from bicycles and toys to clothes and daily essentials.WME client Lily Rose also sponsored a family.

“I’m a big believer in giving back to the community year-round, but there is something special about specifically getting kids gifts from Santa,” Rose notes. “I was so blessed to grow up in a household where my parents worked so hard and were able give us a dream Christmas year in and year out. Daira and I are so grateful to have the opportunity to give back and love this new tradition we’ve started. We cannot wait to get more people to hop on the Safe Haven train next year!”

Safe Haven Family Shelter is still accepting monetary donations, which can be made through visiting safehaven.org.

Centricity Music Adds Three Staffers, Celebrates Record-Breaking Year

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Centricity Music is closing out a record-breaking year with unprecedented growth and success.

The Franklin, Tennessee based label has added three new staffers to its marketing and finance departments. Tyler Osswald has been named Digital Marketing Manager and Sarah Shinn joins as Marketing Manager, Radio. Meanwhile, Camy McArdle comes on board as Sr. Manager Finance / Business Affairs.

Additionally, Centricity has received RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications for Lauren Daigle and reached the top of the charts four times with songs from Brandon Heath, Jordan Feliz and Katy Nichole.

Nichole’s “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” went on to become the biggest song this decade on the Hot Christian Songs chart, holding 20-weeks at No. 1. Her second single, “God Is In This Story,” spent another three weeks atop that chart. She tops six categories in this week’s Billboard Year in Music, including Top Christian Female, Top Christian New Artist, Christian Airplay and Christian Digital Song Sales.

Nominated for an American Music Award and a Dove Award, plus winning a K-LOVE Fan Award and making her Grand Ole Opry debut, Nichole was also featured on the “K-LOVE Christmas Tour 2022” and wrapped up successful tours with Jeremy Camp, Matthew West and more.

Signed to Centricity Music in 2021, 5x Grammy-nominated, 8x Dove Award-winning Brandon Heath released his first full-length album on the label, Enough Already, in April. The album sparked the No. 1 Billboard Christian AC radio hit, “See Me Through It,” and features eight more tracks.

RIAA Gold-selling, Dove award-winning pop artist and songwriter Jordan Feliz reached radio’s top position on multiple Billboard charts with his celebratory “Jesus Is Coming Back.” The song is featured on the 18-track deluxe version of Feliz’s third full-length album, Say It.

2x Grammy-winner and multi-Platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle had her Grammy-winning crossover hit, “You Say,” the longest-running No. 1 song of any genre on the weekly Billboard Hot charts, certified 5x Platinum. Her second full-length album, Look Up Child, is also certified Platinum, while her latest radio single and sixth No. 1, “Hold On To Me,” also certified Gold.

Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Luke Bryan, More Join ‘Nashville’s Big Bash’ For New Year’s Eve

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Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and more have been added to the lineup to help Nashville ring in the New Year on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, airing live from Music City on Dec. 31 on CBS.

Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, King Calaway, Sheryl Crow, Flo-Rida, Riley Green, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Steve Miller, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and The War And Treaty have also been added to the star-studded lineup for the five-hour celebration. Featuring 50 back-to-back performances, the special will cross multiple time zones, live from the home of country music.

Previously announced superstars also performing on the special include Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown Band. Artists will perform their biggest hits and perform covers of some of the most iconic country songs of all time, and collaborations will be stacked throughout the lineup. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Nashville will count down with the east coast at midnight and keep the party going through midnight CT with the city’s renowned Music Note Drop. The celebration will air live from 7- 9 p.m. CT and 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Americana Music Association Announces 2023 Board Of Directors

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The Americana Music Association has announced its 2023 Board of Directors.

This year’s newly-appointed board member is Lenore Kinder (Wasserman Music). Tracy Gershon (Northern Lights Music Publishing) and Kim Buie (New West Records) were also elected for a first and second term, respectively.

The 2023 Executive Committee includes President Courtney Gregg (Blue Sky Artist Management), President-Elect Bruce Warren (WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR), Treasurer Kurt Vitolo (KV Financial Group) and Secretary Lynne Sheridan (Grammy Museum). The Executive Committee’s At-Large members are Kim Buie (New West Records), Shannon Sanders (BMI/Producer) and Jody Whelan (Oh Boy Records).

Americana Music Association 2023 Board of Directors:
Kim Buie, New West Records
Emily Cohen, Amazon Music
Tressie McMillan Cottom, Author/MacArthur “Genius Grant” Award Recipient
Gail Gellman, Gellman Management
Tracy Gershon, Northern Lights Music Publishing
Brian Greenbaum, CAA
Courtney Gregg, Blue Sky Artist Management
Lenore Kinder, Wasserman Music
Mike Kopp, Kopp Management/Arts Advocate/Political Consultant
Jackie Marushka, Marushka Media
Gina Miller, MNRK Music
Mark Moffatt, Producer
Allison Russell, Artist
Shannon Sanders, BMI/Producer
Lynne Sheridan, Grammy Museum
John Strohm, Frost Brown Todd Attorneys
Kurt Vitolo, KV Financial Group
Andrea von Foerster, Firestarter Music
Bruce Warren, WXPN, Philadelphia/NPR
Megan West, Meta, Inc.
Jody Whelan, Oh Boy Records
Rachel Whitney, Spotify

Combustion Music Adds Chris McKenna To Writer Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music President Chris Farren, Combustion Music VP Chris Van Belkom, Chris McKenna, Combustion Music GM Keithan Melton, Combustion Music Director of Operations Kelly Lyons, and Combustion Music Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Austin Goodloe

Combustion Music has signed songwriter Chris McKenna to an exclusive publishing deal.

McKenna moved to Nashville in 2019 and quickly built relationships with writers in town. He has garnered a number of cuts, including “Biggest T-Shirt” from Avery Anna, “After Me” released by Morgan Johnston, “Blue Eyes” from Pierre Alexander, and more.

“Chris has built a solid co-writing foundation over the first few years of his songwriting career,” notes Combustion’s Keithan Melton. “What he’s been able to accomplish on his own is highly impressive and we’re thrilled to be on board for the next chapter.”

“I’m so excited to be joining Combustion Music for my first publishing deal,” McKenna adds. “This team has put so much faith into me and quickly made me feel like a part of the family. I can’t wait to get to work and see where it goes from here!”

Keith Urban Donates $250K To Nashville-Based Charities Ahead Of The Holidays

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Pictured (L-R): Carla Denham, Chief External Relations Officer; Rodney Crowell, recording artist; Urban; Tatum Allsep, Founder & Chief Executive Officer; and Shelia Shipley Biddy, COO & Certified Senior Advisor. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Before heading out on the Australian leg of “The Speed of Now Tour,” Keith Urban visited a handful of Nashville-based charities, presenting each with donations to recognize their work.

Urban poses with Nashville Food Project Staff and Volunteers. Photo: Brennon Williamson

The contributions included $50,000 to both The Nashville Food Project, which brings people together to provide food in order to alleviate hunger across the city, and Thistle Farms, which provides healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. The Music Health Alliance, who provides advocacy and access to life-saving healthcare resources for music professionals, received $100,000. An Urban family donation of $50,000 was also made to Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research.

“Keith Urban’s contribution and passion for Music Health Alliance helps our organization, and the people who work tirelessly on our behalf, to provide funds for life-saving healthcare advocacy and resources that serve vulnerable music makers facing healthcare challenges,” says Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Alliance. “He’s always supported our community and for that we are so appreciative.”

Urban poses with Thistle Farms Staff. Photo: Brennon Williamson

“This gift from Keith Urban will help so many of our neighbors get the food they want and need,” The Nashville Food Project’s CEO C.J. Sentell adds. “With this generous donation, we can share more than 15,000 meals and provide seeds, tools, and supplies for 100 families to grow their own food in 2023. We are grateful to Keith Urban and others like him who make this work possible every day!”

“We are overcome with gratitude at this gift from Mr. Urban, which will help Thistle Farms light the way for even more women survivors of commercial sex trafficking and exploitation,” Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms, shares. “25 years ago, we pioneered a unique two-year residential program in Nashville which incorporates free, trauma-informed care and a supportive community while providing meaningful employment. This gift paves the way for the next woman on the streets who is searching for a way home to find the love and safety she deserves.”

“I have a deep-seated respect and feeling of gratitude for the work that all of these organizations do to make people’s lives more manageable,” Urban explains. “Their commitment to community, what they do for Nashville, and for others across the country, is not only inspiring, but it shows how much we can accomplish when working together.”

The donations are the result of Urban’s participation in this year’s Cantor Charity Day, during which he raised the monies donated by Cantor on his behalf. To date, Charity Day has raised over $192 million for charitable causes around the world, and since its inception the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has raised and distributed over $369 million.

Final Voting For 65th Annual Grammy Awards Open Now

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The final round of voting for the 65th Grammy Awards, which determines this year’s winners, is open now until Jan. 4. Recording Academy voting members can cast their ballots here.

A historic total of 16,741 eligible entries were submitted for Grammy consideration this year with music professionals across all genres and disciplines participating in the voting process. Among the nominees are a wide range of musical genres, including dance/electronic, R&B, rap, pop, American roots, Latin and rock. Additionally, nearly half of this year’s nominees are women and more than half are people of color.

For more information about the voting process, key dates, an overview of this year’s new categories and more, visit RecordingAcademy.com. For a complete list of nominees across all 91 categories at the 65th Grammy Awards, click here. To see a list of Nashville nominees, click here.

The 65th Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Maddie & Tae Extend ‘All Song No Static Tour’ Into Spring

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Maddie & Tae. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Maddie & Tae will continue their headlining “All Song No Static Tour” into spring 2023 with stops in 12 additional markets, including Omaha, Detroit, Kansas, and more through April 8. Tickets for the new dates are on sale now.

The duo are wrapping a year that included the release of their two-part collection–Through The Madness Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, a CMT Music Award for Group/Duo Video of the Year, ACM and CMA Duo of the Year nominations, and more.

They are also gearing up to ring in the New Year with an appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023, performing two songs from Disneyland Resort on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Parmalee Slates ‘Take My Name Tour’ For Early 2023

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Parmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Parmalee is kicking off 2023 with their headlining “Take My Name Tour.”

The 11-date run launches in Champagne, Illinois on Feb. 2, and will visit St. Louis, Green Bay, Minneapolis, and more before wrapping April 22 in West Chester, Ohio. Tickets are available for general sale on Friday (Dec. 16).

Following a successful 2022, which included a No. 1 hit with their Platinum-certified single “Take My Name” and scoring their first American Music Award nomination, the band is excited to gear up for another year of touring nationwide.

“We’ve really been looking forward to this headlining tour! Everything we’ve built over the past couple years has been for this tour and for our fans,” the group’s Matt Thomas shares. “‘Take My Name’ has such a huge connection with folks and with all the love everyone has shown the song, we decided to name this tour run after it.”

Parmalee has taken three singles to No. 1, including 2019’s “Just The Way,” which has amassed over 500 million streams and scored an iHeart Award nomination for “Country Song of the Year.” Their new single, “Girl In Mine,” is impacting country radio now.

ACM LEVel Up Program Announces New 2023 Group Of Rising Industry Leaders

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The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has announced its 2023 cohort’s members on Tuesday (Dec. 13). They also celebrated the inaugural 2022 cohort’s completion of the first year of the two-year professional development program.

Pictured (L-R, back row): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside; Jenn Tressler; Nick Coulson; Ellen Ford; Markus Koger; Sabrina Butera; Synnovea Halsel; Chantrel Reynolds; and Jade Sampson, ACM; (L-R, front row): Kaela Allen; Shelby Moran; Mackenzie Cooper; Morgan Kenney; Daniel Killian; Vanna Moua; Kortney Toney; and Tommy Moore, ACM

The ACM LEVel Up Rising Leaders curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of the country industry into new audiences.

The first year is spent learning from thought leaders across the industry, as well as collaborating to develop a proposed plan to expand country’s reach into new and underrepresented audience segments. The second sees the class implement their plan, working intentionally to shape the future and move the industry forward.

The 2023 LEVel Up cohort is comprised of established young professionals in the industry from record labels, radio stations, podcasts, management groups, and many other industry roles.  Participants are typically in the mid stages of their career, primed to benefit from the professional growth and eager to serve as ambassadors for inclusivity and equity within the country industry.

ACM LEVel Up, 2023 Cohort:

  • Sabrina Butera, CAA
  • Nick Coulson, SiriusXM/The Highway
  • Ellen Ford, BBR Music Group
  • Aimee Graham, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Synnovea Halsel, Sony Music Publishing
  • Alex Heimerman, Universal Music Group Nashville
  • Roxy King, UMPG
  • Markus Koger, Smoking Section Podcast
  • Chantrel Reynolds, mTheory
  • Jenn Tressler, Opry Entertainment Group

ACM LEVel Up, 2022 Cohort, who have just completed the first year of the program:

  • Kaela Allen, Singer/Songwriter
  • Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers Records
  • Stephanie Davenport, Warner Music Nashville
  • Morgan Kenney, WME
  • Daniel Killian, FBMM
  • Shelby Moran, AEG Presents
  • Vanna Moua, Rhythm House
  • Kortney Toney, Naxos of America