Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records Sign Singer-Songwriter Megan Moroney

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Megan Moroney

Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records have signed rising artist Megan Moroney. The singer-songwriter announced the news during her opening slot on Warren Zeiders‘ Nashville stop of “The Up to No Good Tour.”

“No one knows this at all, but here goes nothing,” she said from the stage. “Last week, I signed a record deal with Sony Music. I’m very thankful and couldn’t do it without the people have supported me.”

 

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Moroney also let the crowd know that her viral sensation “Tennessee Orange” will be her debut single at country radio.

The tune took off on social media after Moroney posted a TikTok of her singing the hook about a Georgia Bulldogs fan falling for a Tennessee boy. “Tennessee Orange” was written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David Fanning, and Paul Jenkins, and is currently at No. 19 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

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According to Billboard, Moroney’s team also includes PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith for management, UTA’s Elisa Vazzana for booking, and Alexandra Kolea for tour management.

Jordan Davis Hits No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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“What My World Spins Around” by Jordan Davis makes its way to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. Davis wrote the single with Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd. The single will appear on his recently announced album, Bluebird Days.

“This song is a reflection of me writing what I know from the place I am in my life, and letting that drive the music,” shares Davis.

Last week, Davis won the CMA Song of the Year award for his Platinum certified single “Buy Dirt” marking his first CMA win. The award was given to Davis and his co-writers Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, and Matt Jenkins. Click here to read more about the awards.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Capitol Christian Music Group Announces Staff Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Karrie Dawley, David Gutekunst, David Sylvester, and Joe Brazil

Capitol Christian Music Group has announced multiple staff promotions in Business Affairs, Operations and Publishing.

Karrie Dawley has moved up to SVP, A&R, and David Gutekunst has been promoted to SVP, Publishing. Meanwhile, Joe Brazil has been named SVP, Business Affairs, and David Sylvester will now serve as SVP, Operations.

“We are so excited to announce the promotions of David Sylvester, Joe Brazil, Karrie Dawley and David Gutekunst,” share co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “We want to recognize and honor the hard work of these key staff members and the roles they have played in the success of our company, and our relationships with our artists and writers. We are confident they’ll achieve even more in their new roles.”

Dawley began her career in radio promotion at Provident Label Group in 2003, followed by a position at Word Records as their Creative Director, Publishing. She later joined EMI/CMG in A&R, working with Mandisa and Kari Jobe, followed by a role at Essential Records as Creative Director, Publishing where she signed several writers, including Ethan Hulse and Red Rocks. She has spent the past five years as VP of Publishing at CCMG, signing writers including Hank Bentley and Jeff Sojka to the group.

“I’ve spent the last five years being thrilled that I get to wake up each day and serve the writers and artists at CCMG,” Dawley notes. “Learning from and working alongside Brad, Hudson and Casey [McGinty] has been a master class in leadership. I am so thankful for their belief in me over the years. Now, more than ever I am hopeful & excited about the team at CMP and just in awe of the artists and writers we get to work with and support each day. I am so looking forward to working with David as we build upon the amazing legacy at CCMG.“

Gutekunst’s music business career began with CCMG as Manager, Interactive Marketing in 2004, supporting and building the Worship Together brand. In 2014, he was promoted to Director, Digital Marketing & Strategy, which led to his most recent position as VP, Church Resources since 2017.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside our incomparable CCMG team, connecting the songs created by our best-in-class roster of artists and writers to the global church,” Gutekunst shares. “Brad, Hudson, and Casey are exceptional leaders and I am grateful for their belief in me over the years, and in this season. I am excited to partner with Karrie, and energized by the opportunity to help guide our market-leading publishing business into the future.”

Sylvester has been with CCMG since 1998 when he joined the team as Marketing Coordinator. Since then, he has held several leadership roles, including Manager, Regional Marketing, Director, Product Marketing and VP, Marketing & Operations.

“I’m excited to further serve our world-class artists and writers in this new role, and am grateful to Hudson and Brad for this opportunity and their continued trust,” Sylvester says. “As the music industry continues to change and evolve at a quicker pace, I’m focused on how CCMG can continue to resource our artists and help their music reach the broadest audience possible.”

Brazil began his role as head of Business Affairs for CCMG in 2013. He launched his career at Star Song Communications, which was acquired by EMI Christian Music Group–the predecessor of CCMG–where Brazil worked for several years. Brazil subsequently worked for the Music Row office of Loeb & Loeb, and later opened an entertainment law practice, representing labels, publishers, artists and songwriters.

“I am thankful to Brad and Hudson for this opportunity, and to be part of an industry-leading team that flexes as needed with innovative and creative deals in a fast-changing market,” Brazil adds, “and who continues to serve its artists, songwriters, and business partners with the highest level of excellence.”

Dolly Parton Expands Fragrance Collection

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Dolly Parton and Scent Beauty have continued their partnership with a variety of new fragrance products just in time for the holiday season.

A new Dolly: Smoky Mountain Eau de Parfum will be available exclusively via HSN this season, while Dolly’s Front Porch Collection, which features four scents, will be available at Walmart. Parton’s inaugural fragrance, Dolly: Scent From Above, will be available at Walmart, Walgreens and Perfumania in Eau de Toilette, body lotion, body cream and more.

Parton will return to HSN the weekend of Dec. 3-4  as the network exclusively premieres an animated video for her original recording of “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” as featured on the new Ultimate Deluxe Edition of her No. 1 album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

“I am so happy about the embrace we’ve had with our Scent From Above fragrance launch last year,” notes Parton. “That success has allowed me to experiment with new scents and bring different, inspiring fragrances into the world with the Front Porch Collection, which includes my Smoky Mountain fragrance. Nothing gets me more excited than to create something that brings people joy. And with this year’s new products, I drew on many of the memories from my youth to deliver a collection that I believe is really special.”

Parton, who continues to expand her line of products and brands, was recently inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights from the ceremony will air this Saturday (Nov. 19) on HBO and HBO Max.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Plan Their Return To The ‘CMT Crossroads’ Stage

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Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will reunite on the CMT Crossroads stage, as the network celebrates the 20th anniversary of its iconic television franchise. CMT Crossroads: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss will premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. CT, exclusively on CMT.

Revered for their solo careers as well as their collaborations, Plant and Krauss first teamed up for an episode of CMT Crossroads in 2008 following the release of their six-time Grammy-winning album Raising Sand.

14 years later, amidst a worldwide tour, they return to the CMT stage on the heels of three 2023 Grammy nominations for their latest project, Raise The Roof, including Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song (“High And Lonesome,” written by Plant & T Bone Burnett), and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Going Where The Lonely Go”).

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The anniversary special will feature a night of captivating performances as the two artists present hits from their collaborative albums, including “High And Lonesome,” “Can’t Let Go,” and “Gone Gone Gone” as well as classics such as Led Zeppelin’s “Rock And Roll” and “When the Levee Breaks.”

“Since its debut in 2002, CMT Crossroads has been instrumental in breaking down perceived barriers between genres and carving out a place in television history,” notes Margaret Comeaux, SVP, Production, Music & Events, CMT. “What better way to celebrate 20 years of incredible musical pairings than to reunite the beloved duo of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as we reflect upon and celebrate the magic of 70+ episodes of this trailblazing series.”

Encores are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 9:30 p.m. CT and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. CT.

Jameson Rodgers & Co-Writers Share A ‘Cold Beer’ At The Commodore Grille

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Brett Tyler, Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym, Hunter Phelps; (L-R, back row): Lauren Thomas, Columbia Nashville; MaryAnn Keen, BMI; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Lydia Schultz Cahill, SESAC. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Jameson Rodgers celebrated his second No. 1 single, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” at the Commodore Grille on Wednesday (Nov. 16).

Rodgers wrote the single with Hunter Phelps, Brett Tyler, and Alysa Vanderheym. The track features Rogers’ River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville label-mate Luke Combs.

The party was hosted by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. The Commodore Grille was chosen as its location because Rodgers met Phelps at a writer’s round there many years ago.

ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston served as emcee for the celebration. “It’s awesome that we’re at The Commodore Grille where Hunter and Jameson met and used to play rounds. That’s pretty full circle,” she said. “I’ve know these guys for a long time and couldn’t be happier or more proud. They’re two very deserving people.”

Pictured: Jameson Rodgers speaks to the crowd. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill was on hand to speak about affiliate Vanderheym, who was celebrating her first No. 1 song.

“It’s no secret how hard it is to have a No. 1 song in this business or how hard it is to even get a cut or a single,” she said. “Something that I really admire about Alysa is no matter the room, no matter the day, no matter the moment, she’s always bringing the vibes. Always bringing great energy.”

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen spoke on behalf of Brett Tyler, who was also celebrating his first No. 1.

“Brett is an incredible person. He’s not only hilarious, but an incredible friend, he’s a sweet husband and he’s very smart on the business side as well. With all of that, combined with his insane talent as a writer, we will be celebrating many more No. 1 songs,” Keen said.

Combustion’s Chris Farren was the first publisher to speak about and present plaques to writers Rodgers and Tyler.

“This is so satisfying,” Farren said. “To see their talent, focus, and perseverance—them not taking no for an answer and just doing great work—[the fact that it] took eight years to get a No. 1 is unbelievable. Now the doors are open for both of you guys.”

Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes and Kelly Bolton presented the writers with coozies for their “cold beers”—and Tape Room writer Phelps got a Yeti cooler.

“We get to work with Hunter every day. He literally turns in a smash hit every day. This crew is so fun to watch win,” Rhodes said.

Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel presented plaques to the crew and talked about the journey of “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” noting that it had been pitched around a lot but landed right where it needed to be: back in Rodgers’ hands.

“This was one of those songs that was not about ‘if’ but ‘when’,” he said. “It just needed to land where it started, with Jameson.”

Castle bound’s Andy Friday spoke about Vanderheym, who was nominated for a Grammy this week, too.

Columbia Nashville’s Lauren Thomas was on hand to talk about Rodgers’ accomplishments. “Jameson, you are one of 10 artists since 2015 to have their first singles go back-to-back No. 1,” she said.

When it was time for the writers to speak, Vanderheym went first. She thanked her publishers, mentors, co-writers, Rodgers and Combs, and producers. She made sure to call out Tina Crawford and Chandler Thurston for their early influence in her career.

“They set up my calendar as a young writer, helped make my brand, and dealt with me. I love them so much and I share this with them,” she said.

Phelps was up next. “It means a lot to get to celebrate a No. 1 spot in this spot. I met Jameson here literally 10 years ago back there at the bar,” Phelps said. He called out all of his publishers for their hard work–as well as the village who helped get “Cold Beer Calling My Name” to No. 1.

Tyler gave a funny and heartfelt speech when he got up to speak. He gave special attention to each person he thanked. “It’s always great to write songs with friends. It’s even more meaningful to have your first No. 1 song with them,” he said.

Rodgers took the same approach as Tyler—keeping things funny and sweet when thanking his village.

“There’s a lot of people in this room that I love,” he said. “This is nothing but a full-circle moment for me.”

Rodgers thanked his co-writers, publishers, label team, managers, and family—telling anecdotes about each one.

Allie Colleen Inks With APA Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): APA Nashville’s Casey Brosten, Jennifer Hludzik, Allie Colleen, APA Nashville’s Jeff Hill, and B! Noticed PR & Management’s Bev Moser. Photo: Moments By Moser.

Rising singer-songwriter Allie Colleen has signed an exclusive booking deal with APA Agency.

No stranger to the music industry, Colleen is a Belmont University graduate from Owasso, Oklahoma. Her debut single, “Work In Progress,” is a sweet sentiment regarding her introduction to the music industry co-written with hit songwriter Marcus Hummon and studio engineer Greg Beick. Her debut album Stones was released in November 2021, and her empowering single, “Halos and Horns,” produced by country stars Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann, made its debut in May of 2022. Her most recent single, “Feels Like,” was released in August.

With over 35 festival and theater performance dates across the country and internationally in 2022, Colleen has been building her following. The burgeoning entertainer starts off 2023 with shows in Tennessee (Jan. 21), California (Feb. 15-16), Las Vegas (Feb. 17), and more.

“My team and I are very excited about this new road season with APA. We are so grateful to have spent the time we did at our previous agency regardless of the decision for change. We cannot wait to return to previous venues as well as see some new places and faces along the way,” Colleen notes. “Come see me on the road everyone!! APA will assist on all booking inquiries going forward and I cannot wait for the opportunities ahead.”

“APA is excited to welcome Allie Colleen to our expanding roster. Allie’s undeniable talent, rising star power, and work ethic are a great fit for our team and new culture at APA,” shares Jeff Hill of APA. “We are all looking forward to getting her and the band out on the road to new audiences.”

Cameo Carlson Appointed CEO Of Mtheory As Company Confirms Multiple Promotions

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Pictured (clockwise): Cameo Carlson, Michael Corcoran, Kaitlyn Moore, and Ed Rivadavia. Photos: Courtesy of Sacks & Co.

Cameo Carlson has been named CEO of Mtheory, the respected artist development and management services company with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, and New York.

Mtheory works alongside artist managers and their teams to provide the necessary knowledge, resources, and additional personnel to build their clients’ careers, all while organically growing the size and engagement of artists’ fanbases. Their growing offerings of services and realms of expertise include strategic marketing, DSP relations, product management, tour strategy and marketing, live operations and production expertise, business affairs, digital and social marketing and strategy, creative services, and CRM and analytics. Mtheory also holds key relationships in distribution as well as project management capabilities enabling artists and managers to operate in an independent environment.

The company currently works with over 25 managers representing over 100 artists across multiple genres, including Galantis, Jelly Roll, Masego, Twenty Øne Pilots, Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band, and many others.

Carlson opened Mtheory’s Nashville office in 2017 after spending time as Head of Digital Business Development for Borman Entertainment and Executive Vice President of Universal Motown and Republic Records. She began her career in terrestrial radio before venturing into the online music space in 2000. Carlson is part of the Academy of Country Music Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, a Board Member of the Music Business Association, NIVA, and the Women’s Music Business Association. She is also co-creator of the Nashville Music Equality group and mentoring group Digital Divas.

In addition to her promotion, Carlson also announced the promotions of multiple team members as well as a key executive hiring, including some in Nashville.

Michael Corcoran, who joined Mtheory in 2017 after spending time as a tour and production manager and in artist management, has been named General Manager of Mtheory. He works with management teams for artists including Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band, and Jelly Roll.

Ed Rivadavia has joined the Mtheory team as Senior Vice President, Head of Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, he began his career as an intern at Polygram Group Distribution and a Midwest radio promotion regional for A&M Records. He most recently held positions as VP of Digital Strategy at Sony Music Nashville, Chief Marketing Officer for comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla and Head of Music with leading influencer marketing agency Songfluencer.

Kaitlyn Moore has been named Vice President of Marketing at Mtheory, overseeing teams in the Nashville office and working closely with artist managers and their rosters. She has been part of the team for five years and previously held positions at Maverick and Monkeyville on Vine.

Additional promotions outside of Nashville include: Carmela Frangella to CFO; Amy Davidson to Executive Vice President; Vince Amoroso to Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing; and Jonah Berry to Vice President of Marketing.

CMA Presents Industry Honors To Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan, Leslie Fram, Michael Strickland

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Pictured (L-R): Valerie Ponzio, Riveter Management’s Charlene Bryant, Miko Marks, CMA’s Mia McNeal, Leslie Fram, Madeline Edwards, Mtheory’s Tiffany Provenzano, Chantrel Reynolds, and Cameo Carlson. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA.

The Country Music Association recently presented its annual industry honors to four of the industry’s finest.

Renowned documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan are the 2022 recipients of CMA’s Joe Talbot Award; CMT Senior Vice President, Music Strategy Leslie Fram has received the 2022 CMA Media Achievement Award; and Bandit Lites Founder/Chair Michael Strickland is the 2022 recipient of the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Filmmaker Dayton Duncan receives the 2022 CMA Joe Talbot Award from CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. Photo: Courtesy of CMA.

The CMA Joe Talbot Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and tradition. Burns and Duncan were surprised with news of their awards via Zoom by CMA CEO, Sarah Trahern. Duncan was able to accept his trophy in person during a visit to Nashville for the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony in October. The two men are the visionaries behind the recent PBS documentary Country Music, which explores the history of the uniquely American art form, from its roots in small settings to its worldwide popularity over the course of the 20th century.

The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music. During the recent CMT Next Women of Country concert at Nashville’s City Winery, Fram was surprised by CMA Senior Director, Industry Relations & Inclusion, Mia McNeal. The pair were joined on stage by participants of CMT and Mtheory’s Equal Access Development Program, including Charlene Bryant, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks, and Valerie Ponzio as well as Mtheory’s Cameo Carlson, Tiffany Provenzano, and Chantrel Reynolds. Fram is at the forefront of a number of equity initiatives within country music, including CMT Next Women of Country and Equal Access.

Michael Strickland. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA.

The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award honors an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy, supporting worthwhile causes important to the country music community. Strickland was recognized at the Pre-Telecast Ceremony during the 56th Annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Strickland has advocated on behalf of the live events industry facet, testifying before the U.S. Senate on the pandemic’s effects on the music industry and ensuring live events professionals and organizations received federal funding through various legislative bills.

Jordan Davis To Drop New ‘Bluebird Days’ Album In February

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Jordan Davis will release his new full-length album Bluebird Days on Feb. 17 through MCA Nashville.

The project includes Davis’ multi-week, double Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt,” which earned Davis his first Song of the Year win at the 2022 CMA Awards.  One of the most-streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” was co-written by Davis and his brother Jacob, along with Matt and Josh Jenkins. The track is currently nominated for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards, airing Nov. 20 on ABC.

Bluebird Days will also feature several recently-released tracks “Next Thing You Know,” “Midnight Crisis” featuring Danielle Bradbery, “Part of It,” and his current hit single “What My World Spins Around.” The latter tune, which has amassed more than 145 million streams since its release, was written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd, and produced by Paul DiGiovanni.

Exclusive Bluebird Days packages are available now for Davis’ fan club, The Parish. General pre-order opens Nov. 18 via JordanDavisOfficial.com, along with upgrade packages and autographed memorabilia.

Davis will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his “Bring the Bar To You Tour.”