Steve Markland Joins Utopia Music As VP For Nashville Office

/by

Steve Markland

Music publishing veteran Steve Markland has joined Utopia Music, a Swiss Music fintech company. As Vice President for the company’s Nashville presence, Markland will help Utopia Music expand into the United States.

Markland has nearly three decades of experience working with songwriters, most recently in his role as Executive Vice President, Creative in the Nashville office of Downtown Music Publishing. Prior to joining Downtown, Markland served as VP of A&R at Warner Chappell Music. From 1996 to 2006, he was Vice President, Creative Affairs at Windswept Music Publishing. Markland began his publishing career learning from veteran Pat Higdon at Patrick Joseph Music

In his new role, Markland will be responsible for setting up and rolling out Utopia’s activities in Nashville. He will report directly to Utopia Music COO, Roberto Neri, who leads the company’s operations and is responsible for expanding its international office footprint.

“I’m delighted to join Utopia on its mission towards ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ and ultimately create new income streams for creators,” shares Markland. “Utopia’s vision is to focus on all sides of the music industry in a way that will immensely benefit writers and artists. As the number one growth partner worldwide, Utopia will leave a lasting positive impact on the wider music ecosystem.”

Working alongside Markland is Natalie Osborne, who is also joining the Utopia Music team. Osborne was fundamental in helping sign and develop artists at Downtown Nashville such as Yola Carter, Madi Diaz, Fancy Hagood, Sarah Buxton, Lucie Silvas, the Brummies and more. She also was a key part of developing the successful international writer travel program, Writer’s Across Borders.

“We are so pleased to welcome Steve and Natalie to Utopia Music,” adds Neri. “I have known Steve for many years and throughout his career he has worked passionately for Nashville’s songwriter and artist community, championing local talent and growing the city’s global profile as a music destination. Steve’s commitment to creators chimes perfectly with Utopia’s mission to deliver ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ on a global scale and we are so excited to start this journey with him.”

Kacey Musgraves Brings Her Awe-Inspiring Artistry To Bridgestone Arena

/by

Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment

When Kacey Musgraves brought her “Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Feb. 11), a wide-ranging demographic of fans came out to see the Texas native’s highly anticipated show.

After releasing her 2018 album Golden Hour to worldwide commercial and critical acclaim, Musgraves has found her music and her fame expanding far past any genre lines. With messages of acceptance in her lyrics that have been present since the beginning, and a sound that incorporates elements of country and pop, Musgraves reaches a wide-base of listeners.

Musgraves put it best during the show when she thanked the fans for allowing her to make music that isn’t bound by genre lines. “Thanks to the day-ones for embracing all these chapters: the ones that sound country and the ones that don’t sound country. They all come from me,” she said.

Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment

In keeping with the tragic aesthetic of Star-Crossed, Musgraves entertained from a heart-shaped stage with royal red curtains, white columns, and a golden arch behind her. Concert-goers donned their light up cowboy hats, feathers and rhinestones, and red Star-Crossed inspired attire.

She opened the show with a goosebump-inducing rendition of her cinematic title track “Star-Crossed.” To deafening screams, Musgraves emerged from behind the curtains wearing a red, leather ensemble. A flaming heart outlined a smoldering Musgraves as she set the scene for the rest of the evening.

After getting things started with “Star-Crossed,” a crew member with white angel wings brought the singer her guitar. She went into “Good Wife,” changing the last lyric from “I just wanna be a good wife” to “I know I was a good wife.”

Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Lydia Farthing

Confetti in “every shade of pink” fell from the rafters during “Cherry Blossom.” Later in the night, Musgraves would break out her leaf blower to blow off some confetti that landed on the stage. “This isn’t part of the show,” she joked.

As expected, the visuals for the “Star-Crossed” tour were striking. A pair of converse hung on a telephone wire for “Simple Times,” and multi-colored laser beams shot across the arena during “There Is A Light.”

She dedicated a portion of her set to the beloved Golden Hour, playing “Golden Hour,” “Butterflies,” “Lonely Weekend,” “Space Cowboy,” and “High Horse.” While the audience was thrilled to hear songs from Musgraves famed project, her performance had a melancholy feel.

Before launching into another Star-Crossed favorite, the Grammy-nominated “Camera Roll,” Musgraves stopped to address her home-town crowd. She basked in the screaming of her adoring fans before saying, “I moved here at the end of 2008, I was 19. Holy shit, now you’re selling out Bridgestone with me! It’s pretty nuts.

“My general practitioner is here,” Musgraves quipped. “My therapist is in the house!”

At one point in the night Musgraves broke out the karaoke mic. One lucky show-goer got to pick the song she sang. She chose wisely, picking Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”

Another special moment came when Musgraves performed her very first single “Merry Go ‘Round” with just her and a guitar.

When it came time for Musgraves to end the show, she went out the way she came in: with drama. The singer sang a perfect rendition of “Gracias A La Vida,” not missing a beat with her Spanish. With a dozen roses in her hand, Musgraves serenaded us goodnight with a haunting vocoder occasionally distorting her vocal. She slowly walked up some stairs before falling backwards, arms crossed, off the stage as the curtain closed.

After a booming crowd demanded her return, Musgraves re-emerged for an encore of “Slow Burn” and “Rainbow,” before bidding the Nashville crowd adieu.

Shane McAnally Enters Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Shane McAnally rises to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on “23” (Sam Hunt), “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes) and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde).

Ashley Gorley remains in the top spot again this week, with nine songs currently on the charts. Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).

Michael Hardy remains at No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Publisher, Producer & Songwriter Blake Mevis Passes Away At 73

/by

Producer and songwriter Blake Mevis passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 73 following complications from COVID.

A native of Plymouth, Indiana, Mevis moved to Nashville in 1971 before landing a job with Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Music. He later worked for ABC and MCA Records and served as President of Pride Music Group, Charley Pride’s publishing company, during the 1980s.

Co-writers Blake Mevis (left) and Byron Hill (right) celebrate the 30th anniversary of George Strait’s “Fool Hearted Memory.” Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

Mevis, who produced hit albums for George Strait and Keith Whitley, co-wrote Strait’s first No. 1 hit, “Fool Hearted Memory.” At one point in 1983, Mevis had four records in the Billboard country Top 20 that he had either written or produced. He was also responsible for pairing Strait with songwriter Dean Dillon who penned “Unwound,” which became Strait’s breakthrough hit.

Mevis’ other chart-topping songs include Pride’s 1983 “Night Games” and Joe Nichols’ “Brokenheartsville” in 2003. Mevis also had tracks recorded by the likes of Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Dave and Sugar, Charlie Rich, and Don Williams. He produced records for Pride, Vern Gosdin, The Kendalls, Clay Walker, and Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.

Crowd Surf Launches Career Development Program

/by

Crowd Surf, a leading digital music marketing company, has announced their inaugural Crowd Surf Career Development Program beginning this month.

Aiming to help aspiring music business professionals break into the industry, the program is free and applications are now open to everyone 13+ years old. Once admitted, Development Program members will be able to take part in monthly digital events featuring keynote speakers, a social community program to foment discussion and build connections, and other career-building and networking opportunities.

“I see a lot of people carry the stress that I carried as I was finding my footing in this business, and I feel for them all,” shares Crowd Surf co-founder, Cassie Petrey. “With the Crowd Surf Career Development Program, we wanted to create the kind of launching pad we music biz professionals would have appreciated pre-internship and pre-job.”

The first monthly digital event, a conversation with Adriana Arce, will take place on Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. CT.

Miami born and raised, Arce is the Vice President at Rebel where she manages Lil Nas X, and previously Miley Cyrus for close to a decade. Prior to being on the business side of entertainment, she was a full time musician, having been awarded a singing scholarship to Berklee College of Music.

To apply for the Crowd Surf Career Development Program, click here.

Weekly Register: Parker McCollum Breaks Into Top Five Country Streaming Songs

/by

Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations

Parker McCollum has entered the top five country streaming songs this week. The singer-songwriter’s current single, “To Be Loved By You,” comes in at No. 4 with 5.3 million streams, according to MRC data.

Securing the top spot on the top country streaming songs for another week is Walker Hayes‘ “Fancy Like.” The track boasts 6 million streams this week, contributing to a staggering 336 million streams RTD. The Monument recording artist also snags No. 3 as “AA” gains 5.7 million streams. “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) falls to No. 2 with 5.7 million streams. Cody Johnson round out the top with “Til You Can’t” adding 5 million streams this week.

On the albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to have the most consumed country album this week as Dangerous: The Double Album earns 41K in total consumption (1.4K album only/50 million song streams), according to MRC data. Taylor Swift holds steady in the second spot with Red (Taylor’s Version) gaining 25K in total consumption. Hayes’ Country Stuff: The Album falls to fourth with 17K. Luke Combs claims the remaining two spots: What You See Is What You Get in third with 17K and This One’s For You in fifth with 15K in total consumption.

Glenn Noblit Joins Studio2Bee Entertainment As Executive VP/GM

/by

Glenn Noblit

Glenn Noblit has been named Executive Vice President/General Manager at Studio2Bee Entertainment. In his new role, he will contribute oversight and strategic alignment to the Nashville-based artist development company.

Noblit most recently held the position of Director, National Promotion at Garth Brooks‘ Pearl Records, where he worked for over five years. He has served in various positions in publicity and radio promotion for more than two decades, including in roles at Warner Brothers, Lost Highway, AristoMedia, and Reviver Records.

“Glenn comes to us with an impressive resume, acute leadership skills and a magnificent professional demeanor,” says Studio2Bee CEO Skip Bishop. “He’s the ideal choice to lead Studio2Bee into the next level of growth.”

“I have been extremely blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work with my hero and the amazing Pearl Records’ family,” adds Noblit. “This exciting new chapter with Skip [Bishop], Butch [Waugh], and our Studio2Bee team of exceptional music professionals now begins, allowing me to follow a life-long passion to develop talented artists. I’m ready to lead our team as we grow and discover more new modern strategies together.”

Noblit can be reached at Glenn@Studio2bee.com.

Created in 2014 by industry veterans Butch Waugh and Skip Bishop, Studio2Bee offers Artist Development, MMO (DSPs, SIRUS XM and video outlets) Promotion/Marketing, A&R, Project Management and Promotion.

Lauren Alaina Welcomed As Newest Opry Member

/by

Trisha Yearwood officially welcomes Lauren Alaina as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

Lauren Alaina was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (Feb. 12) by her friend and mentor Trisha Yearwood.

Yearwood surprised Alaina before their performance of Yearwood’s classic “Walkaway Joe,” introducing her husband Garth Brooks to the stage to play guitar for them.

“What I have gotten to observe in knowing you for the couple of years I have known you is how genuine you are,” Yearwood shared. “I think country music is in good hands. You are exactly the kind of artist that the Opry loves, and wants and looks for. Usually when someone gets inducted they say ‘it’s on behalf of all the members of the Grand Ole Opry,’ and I’m going to say that, but I also want to say every single person from the house band, to the crew, to who is parking cars, everybody tonight says how deserving you are and it’s about time. So on behalf of myself, all the members of the Opry, the crew and everyone who is associated with the Opry, you are now officially a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Miss Lauren Alaina.”

Lauren Alaina. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of this moment,” said Alaina. “Both of my parents raised me with an appreciation for country music and all that it is, and all of the people who have come before me. I just want to say I promise to do everything I can to represent country music. I promise to represent this family well. I have felt like family here as long as I remember. Everyone at the Opry has always made me feel like family so for me to finally be officially in is the biggest dream come true of all time. Most little girls dreamed of their wedding; I dreamed of this. God Bless you guys and God bless country music.”

“We’re all thrilled to add an artist of Lauren’s caliber and a personality we all love to the Opry’s ranks,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “Anyone in the audience or tuned in tonight could easily see it’s going to be a great marriage for decades to come.”

The Opry was the first major stage Alaina played just a week after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, making her Opry debut on June 10, 2011. She has appeared on the hallowed stage more than 50 times since.

Mickey Guyton Stuns During National Anthem Performance At Super Bowl LVI

/by

Mickey Guyton. Photo: Bonnie Nichoalds

Capitol Nashville recording artist Mickey Guyton gave her stunning rendition of the national anthem before the Rams and Bengals faced off in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last night (Feb. 13).

Backed by a choir, the singer-songwriter delivered a pitch perfect performance, decked out with high-reaching runs and her own unique cadence. As the sole country artist at one of sports’ biggest events, the rising entertainer represented Music City and country music with class and talent.

Guyton is coming off a huge 2021 with the release of her debut studio album, Remember Her Name. She is also nominated for multiple Grammy awards, including Best Country Song (“Remember Her Name”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Remember Her Name”), and Best Country Album of the Year (Remember Her Name), the first-ever for a Black artist.

The 64th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, April 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For a full list of nominees, click here.

EJ Gaines Upped To Sr. VP Marketing/Co-Executive Director At Motown Gospel

/by

EJ Gaines

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has promoted EJ Gaines to Sr. VP Marketing/Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel.

Gaines has served as Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel and Vice President of Marketing at CCMG since 2018, prior to his position as Motown Gospel’s Vice President of Marketing. He reports to Capitol Christian Music Group Co-President Hudson Plachy.

In his new, expanded role, Gaines’ responsibilities include overseeing the marketing and brand development for many Capitol CMG artists, while also maintaining his role and responsibilities as co-executive director at Motown Gospel. Most recently, he oversaw the marketing campaigns for Harry Connick Jr.‘s award-winning project, Alone With My Faith; Tori Kelly’s Grammy winning Gospel album, Hiding Place; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s acclaimed Royalty: Live at The Ryman.

“I’m thrilled for EJ and this well-deserved promotion,” shares Plachy. “EJ is an important part of the senior leadership team at CCMG and he has taken on increased responsibility to serve our artists across the company. He brings unique experience and energy to the artists and partners we serve at CCMG.”

“EJ is an excellent executive who embodies our company’s mission,” echoes Co-President Brad O’Donnell. “We’re very thankful to have him on our team and believe he will do great things in his new role.”

Previously, Gaines was an entertainment attorney and artist manager, helping to guide the careers of numerous Grammy award-winning and chart-topping artists, including Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, William McDowell, and Jonathan McReynolds. He began his career at Jive Records and Verity Records, before becoming an executive assistant to Platinum-selling Gospel artist Donnie McClurkin.

“I’m thrilled to serve our artists, writers, and label team in this greater leadership capacity,” Gaines adds. “It’s an exciting time of forging new paths for our company, and I’m so fortunate to work with the best in the business as we continue to impact the world with our music.”