Dane Schmidt Launches New Creative Management Company, Daschent

/by

Dane Schmidt

Former Senior Creative Director at Sony Music Publishing (SMP), Dane Schmidt, has launched his own venture, Daschent.

Originally from Minnesota, Schmidt moved to Nashville and formed WeVolve Music with his brother, hit songwriter/producer Jordan Schmidt. He then spent two years leading Florida Georgia Line’s Tree Vibez Music to more than 65 major label cuts, before joining Sony Music Publishing. While there, Schmidt was instrumental in signing Gabby Barrett to the SMP Nashville roster, whose song “I Hope,” was a multi-Platinum crossover smash and one of the biggest hits of 2020.

Schmidt shared that his last day at SMP was June 3 in a video message announcing the new venture.

“I’m very, very excited,” Schmidt said in the video. “It’s been an amazing ride the last seven years. I’m really excited to see what happens in the future.

“To Sony Music Publishing, I have two words for you—thank you,” Schmidt added. “Thank you for the opportunity that I’ve had for the last five years to really grow and develop as a publisher and as a human.”

Schmidt can be reached at ds@daschent.com.

BMI Presents Joe D’Angelo With Ambassador Award

/by

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Bruce Esworthy, Sirius XM The Highway’s Storme Warren, HD Radio’s Joe D’Angelo, BMI’s Mason Hunter, and Dan Spears. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI presented its Ambassador Award to Joe D’Angelo at the BMI Licensing Customers and Partners VIP Reception during the recent Key West Songwriters Festival.

The BMI Ambassador Award is given to an individual or company that has shown recognition, continuous support, and promotion of Nashville’s vibrant songwriting community.

D’Angelo, who has actively supported BMI for over 15 years, has played a critical role in the success of various BMI events and initiatives, including the Key West Songwriters Festival, the Maui Songwriters Festival, and various other BMI focused events. He has helped to use HD Radio’s platform to create a place for songwriters to highlight their craft and provide an outlet for fans to hear the stories behind their favorite hits.

The event featured comments by BMI’s Mason Hunter and previous Ambassador Award recipient Storme Warren.

“It is only fitting to recognize Joe with the BMI Ambassador Award during the Key West Songwriter Festival alongside his broadcast peers, songwriters, and past honoree Storme Warren,” says Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville.  “Joe and HD Radio have been supporting BMI songwriters through broadcast initiatives and events all over the country for nearly 15 years and his dedication to songwriters is unwavering. Even during the pandemic, Joe was able to create opportunities for songwriters through radio and social media performances.”

As Senior Vice President of Global Radio and Digital Audio for Xperi, D’Angelo is responsible for the global broadcast radio business and product development. As one of the founders of iBiquity Digital, the company behind HD Radio technology, he has over 20 years of experience in the radio technology industry. He has led commercial licensing, product development and technology innovation efforts during his tenure, and currently leads Xperi’s global radio services with a focus on HD Radio, DAB, hybrid and streaming radio services.

Meg Kehoe Named Head Of Media At Sony Music Nashville

/by

Meg Kehoe

Sony Music Nashville (SMN) has appointed Meg Kehoe as Head of Media. She will report to Jennifer Way (Senior Vice President, Marketing), relocate to Nashville, and start with the company on July 5.

The news follows the announcement that Allen Brown, Sr. VP of Media and Corporate Communications at Sony Music Nashville, would be retiring.

In this role, Kehoe will be responsible for the label group’s media team as well as overseeing the press strategy for both SMN and its entire artist roster. In addition to designing and implementing media campaigns and strategies for Sony Music Nashville artists, she will be identifying and pursuing new opportunities and partnerships for the label that will help amplify the artists’ narrative, maximize audience growth and drive consumption.

“Meg is a dynamic leader and one of the most diligent media executives I’ve ever know,” Way shares. “She is highly respected and trusted by her artists, managers, industry colleagues and partners alike. I am confident that her passion for country music combined with her diverse experience and knowledge across multiple genres will serve our team and artists well, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Sony Nashville Family!”

“I’ve been a fan of country music for as long as I can remember,” Kehoe adds. “I’m excited to further expand the profiles and reach of the company’s artist roster and am grateful to Sony Music for supporting my career growth with this new role as part of the team in Nashville.”

Most recently, Kehoe held senior media relations roles at RCA Records for 14 years where she developed and implemented the media campaigns for artists including P!NK, Pentatonix, Kelly Clarkson, Ray LaMontagne, Jimmy Eat World, Fousheé and most recently breakout star Tate McRae. She was also an integral member on the campaigns for Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, G-Eazy, Cam, Backstreet Boys, Elle King, Kane Brown, Tenille Townes and so many others.

She was one of the leading architects for the label’s external media storytelling as well as handled the strategy for RCA’s Grammy submissions, which led to 52 nominations this year alone, as well as Clio Awards, CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and more.

Kehoe began in the music industry as an intern for Jive Records and graduated from Fordham University in 2008.

She can be reached at meghan.kehoe@sonymusic.com.

The Warren Brothers Sign With Warner Chappell Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Christina Wiltshire (WCM)

The Warren Brothers–Brad Warren and Brett Warren–have signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

The Florida-native songwriting duo moved to Nashville in the mid-90s, signing a record deal with RCA Records and making three albums for RCA’s sister label BNA Records. During that time, they toured as the opening act for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, among others. McGraw has recorded over 30 of the duo’s songs, and many of their songs have also landed on the Billboard charts.

The Warrens also starred as celebrity judges on the second season of Nashville Star, and had their own reality series, Barely Famous, The Warren Brothers. They have collaborated with Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Gary Allan, Billy Currington, and many others.

Throughout their career the Warrens have received Grammy and CMA nominations, in addition to winning a Daytime Emmy Award for co-writing the Good Afternoon America theme song with Little Big Town. Their penned hits include Tim McGraw’s Platinum “Felt Good on My Lips” and the Gold single “If You’re Reading This,” Keith Urban’s Platinum “Little Bit of Everything,” Dierks Bentley’s Gold-certified “Feel That Fire,” Jason Aldean’s Gold “Lights Come On,” Blake Shelton’s Gold “Every Time I Hear That Song,” Chris Young’s Gold “Sober Saturday Night,” Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup,” and Faith Hill’s “The Lucky One,” among many others. They have also written for artists in other genres including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback, Hinder, Joss Stone, and Boys Like Girls.

“Brad and Brett are two of the best songwriters to ever grace Music Row,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville. “They have an uncanny ability to write both the deep lyrics and fun commercial songs with ease. They are true tunesmiths that also keep their co-writers and publishers laughing with their jokes and fast wit. Our Warner Chappell family looks forward to working with them!”

“Ben Vaughn, Christina Wiltshire, and the staff at Warner Chappell absolutely feel like home to us,” the brothers add. “There’s no place in Nashville we’d rather be. It’s great to have publishers who not only allow you to be yourself, but encourage it. We suck at being anyone else anyway.”

Colton Venner Inks First-Ever Publishing Deal With Concord

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Nite, Courtney Allen, Lauren Davis, Brad Kennard, Melissa Spillman, Colton Venner, Leah Venner, Mason Hunter (BMI), Rachel Guttman (Taylor Guttman PLLC), Matt Turner, and Jen Hubbard.

Concord Music Publishing has signed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Colton Venner to his first ever publishing contract. The worldwide publishing agreement includes Venner’s full catalog and future works.

A Fort Worth, Texas native, Venner draws inspiration from the likes of Chris Knight and legends like Johnny Cash, harnessing attention to detail when playing out a story within his songs.

“Signing a publishing deal is a lifelong dream come true! However, signing with the Concord team is so much better than I could have ever hoped for or imagined. I’m so excited to see what’s next,” Venner shares.

In addition to his songwriting career, he also releases music independently. His breakout 2019 single “Honey Slow,” with over 1.5 million streams on Spotify alone, showcases his songwriting talents blending country and Americana for an acoustic-guitar driven sound.

“We are honored that Colton has chosen our team to partner with him creatively,” says Melissa Spillman, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing, Nashville. “It was evident from his first song I heard that he is an incredible writer who will leave his stamp on our town. I’m excited for the rest of our community to get to know Colton and his songs, and we look forward to many successes together!”

Spotify House Unveils Fresh Finds Rooftop Lineup For CMA Fest Weekend

/by

In addition to the recently announced return of Spotify House for CMA Fest, this year’s event will also introduce the Fresh Finds Rooftop for the first time as part of its four-day marquee music event at Ole Red Nashville.

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting rising talent and music discovery, fans will be able to see new acts from Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country playlist perform live throughout the weekend.

Featured in the lineup of independent and rising artists will be Abby Anderson, Alana Springsteen, Chris Ruediger, David J, Dylan Marlowe, Ella Langley, Erin Kinsey, Finmar, Halle Kearns, Johnny Dailey, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jordan Rowe, Lauren Weintraub, Leah Marie Mason, Maggie Baugh, Megan Maroney, Peytan Porter, Pierre Alexander, Renee Blair, Reyna Roberts, Sophia Scott, Tanner Adell, Taylor Edwards, and Zack Dyer.

The Fresh Finds Rooftop at Spotify House will be first-come, first-serve for fans, with set times Thursday, June 9 through Saturday, June 11 from 6-8:00 p.m. CT, and Sunday, June 12 from 4 to 6:00 p.m. CT.

CAA Hosts 28th Annual Nashville Barbecue At GEODIS Park

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ryan McElrath, CAA’s Howie Nuchow and Jim Burtson, Jon Pardi, and CAA’s Brian Manning. Photo: Jason Myers

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) hosted its 28th annual CAA Nashville BBQ at GEODIS Park, the city’s new soccer stadium, on June 6. Held in celebration of CMA Fest, the event raised funds for Communities in Schools of Tennessee at Nashville and PENCIL, organizations supporting students at local public schools.

Pictured (L-R): Drew Parker, Priscilla Block, and Niko Moon. Photo: Jason Myers

Plenty of star-studded guests were in attendance at the barbecue, including Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, Drew Holcomb, Jelly Roll, Niko Moon, Jake Long, Filip Forsberg, Rex Ryan, CAA Nashville co-founder John Huie, and CAA Nashville Music Co-Heads Brian Manning, Marc Dennis, Jeff Krones, and Darin Murphy. 

“It’s been three years since we were last able to gather for one of our favorite events of the year so we were beyond excited to get together again after all this time,” shares Krones, Co-Head of CAA Nashville Music. “We are grateful for the funds raised in support of Communities in Schools of Tennessee and PENCIL – two causes near and dear to our hearts.”  

Pictured (L-R): CAA’s Blake McDaniel, Lauren Alaina, and Trisha McClanahan. Photo: Jason Myers

“For nearly three decades, our music colleagues have hosted this extraordinary event, which brings together our clients, colleagues and business partners in one of the most dynamic and energized sports and entertainment markets in the U.S.,” adds Howard Nuchow, Co-Head, CAA Sports.  “We are thrilled to join them in celebrating this special week of country music, and are proud to do so at the incredible GEODIS Park, which our colleagues at CAA ICON helped bring to fruition.” 

Nashville’s GEODIS Park is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada, featuring 30,000 seats. It officially opened its doors for Nashville SC’s first home match on May 1. CAA ICON oversaw development, design, and construction as Owner’s Representative for Nashville Soccer Holdings, owner of Nashville SC.

Will Hoge, The McCrary Sisters, More Added To AmericanaFest 2022 Lineup

/by

 

Pictured (L-R, top row): Sierra Ferrell, Hayes Carll, Mindy Smith; (L-R, bottom row): North Mississippi Acoustic, Leyla McCalla, Trousdale

Americana Music Association has added 58 acts to its annual AmericanaFest, which runs from Sept. 13-17 in Nashville. With 147 acts now confirmed to perform, a final round of performers will be announced in the coming months.

Among the performers added to this year’s lineup are The Wild Feathers, Will Hoge, The McCrary Sisters, Madeline Edwards, Early James, Ben Chapman, and more. The five-day festival and conference will bring together award-winning legends, trailblazing mainstays and buzz-worthy new artists for its 22nd year.

The week of festivities will kick off with the Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now to AmericanaFest Conference Registrants, and Americana Music Association Members will have a chance to buy tickets beginning July 21.

2022 AmericanaFest Passes, which allow admission into all evening showcase venues and select sanctioned special events, are now on sale to the public. 2022 Conference + Festival Passes provide access to the daytime educational conference, the evening music festival plus all sanctioned special events, and can be purchased here.

New Acts Confirmed to Showcase at AmericanaFest 2022:
Abby Hamilton
Abraham Alexander
Alex Williams
Ashley Ray
Autumn Nicholas
Bandits on the Run
Ben Chapman
Chuck Mead
Colin Lillie
Cordovas
Dan Bettridge
Early James
Fanny Lumsden
Ferris & Sylvester
Gabe Lee
Garrison Starr
Hannah Juanita
Hayes Carll
Jaime Wyatt
KINGSWOOD
Kyshona
Lady Nade
Larry McCray
Lauren Housley
Leah Blevins
Leyla McCalla
Lilli Lewis
Lisa Morales
Madeline Edwards
Margo Cilker
Mark Wilkinson
The McCrary Sisters
Megan Nash
Melody Moko
Memorial
Michelle Malone
Michigan Rattlers
Mindy Smith
Nicki Bluhm
North Mississippi Acoustic
Oliver Wood
Ordinary Elephant
Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls
Robby Hecht
Ryland Moranz
Sean McConnell
Sierra Ferrell
Tami Neilson
Them Coulee Boys
Tim Kelly with Ruston Kelly
Tommy McLain
Tommy Prine
Tristan Bushman
Trousdale
Webb Wilder
The Weeping Willows
The Wild Feathers
Will Hoge

Starwood Rehearsals Space Opens In Middle Tennessee

/by

Production Resource Group (PRG), the largest entertainment and live event production solutions provider of tour and event support, is opening Starwood Rehearsals. The new concept in rehearsal spaces will serve Nashville artists preparing for their tours.

The Starwood Rehearsals space is located at PRG’s Super Depot in La Vergne, Tennessee, and provides clients with direct access to the entire suite of PRG equipment and expertise, allowing for any type of production setup.

Starwood Rehearsals. Photo: Courtesy of Production Resource Group, LLC

The new, climate controlled 10,000 square foot facility boasts a 100 foot by 100 foot rehearsal space, dressing rooms, a green room, board rooms, production offices, and a gallery viewing space. Other venue features include a 50,000-pound distributed rigging capacity, multiple loading docks and drive-up ramps, 24/7 secure access, secure bus parking and power, and much more.

“With so much pent-up demand for the return of concert touring, artists and their management are experiencing a scarcity of suitable rehearsal facilities. With Starwood Rehearsals, we’re rounding out our service offering by answering that need,” shares Randy Hutson, CEO of PRG Music.

PRG quietly opened Starwood Rehearsals this spring, hosting several artists and groups including Dan + Shay, Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, and Leon Bridges as well as hosting a corporate video shoot for an event.

From 1986 to 2006, Starwood Amphitheatre was an outdoor music venue just five miles from PRG’s current facility. The Starwood Rehearsals name pays homage to Nashville’s local culture, the rich history of concert touring, and the artists and their production teams who put on shows at the venue.

Trisha Yearwood To Receive 2022 CRB Artist Achievement Award

/by

Trisha Yearwood will be honored with this year’s CRB Artist Career Achievement Award. She’ll receive the award during the 2022 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, set for June 30 at Virgin Hotel Nashville.

The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership, has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.

“Trisha’s career achievements are among the ultimate imaginable: country icon, TV star, bestselling author, philanthropist,” shares CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson. “Undeniably a legend. Let’s celebrate her together on this extraordinary night.”

A musical tribute, featuring a surprise performer, will be held during the evening in honor of Yearwood. The Class of 2022 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the event and include off-air honorees Becky Brenner, Bob Call and Barry Mardit and on-air honorees Whitney Allen, Debbie Conner, Cathy Martindale, and Rachel & Grunwald. Individual tickets are available for purchase here.

Previous Artist Career Achievement recipients include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, George Strait, and The Judds, among others.