Jacob Lutz
Songwriter Jacob Lutz has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with 50 Egg Music, the artist development and publishing company co-owned by Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, and Tali Canterbury.
Said hit songwriter Singleton, “I don’t know if I’ve ever picked up the phone to call Tali faster than the first time I heard Jacob sing. I didn’t know what we were gonna do, but knew we had to do something. Jacob’s voice is undeniable, his personality is one of a kind, his guitar playing is obviously ‘Jacob’ and no one else. He’s the thing we are all looking for.”
Lutz is a North Carolina native who grew up listening to Sam Cooke, Garth Brooks, and John Mayer. He brings those influences to new single “Same Love,” co-written with Blake Bollinger and Andy Albert. It follows his recent release “Lonely Heart.”
Since moving to Nashville, Lutz has opened shows for Combs, Ashland Craft, Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell and more.
“Jacob is one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met with a work ethic and determination to match,” said Canterbury. “I can’t wait to see the giant career he will have in music.”
“When I first met the 50 Egg Music crew there weren’t any doubts in my mind,” Lutz said. “Not only did they feel like family to me, but everyone else in town had nothing but good things to say. They are great at what they do and more importantly they are great people. Couldn’t imagine joining a better company/family to help take my dream to the next level.”
Since its inception, 50 Egg Music has been a part of 11 No. 1 songs. In addition to Lutz, the roster also includes Craft, Tyler Braden, Shane Minor, Rob Snyder, Kenton Bryant, Reid Isbell, Rob Pennington and Jenna LaMaster.
The Marshall Tucker Band Inks With United Talent Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Marshall Tucker Band has signed with UTA (United Talent Agency) for exclusive worldwide representation.
The MTB will be celebrating 50 years since it was originally founded in Spartanburg, SC in 1972 next year. With the band’s gold anniversary on the horizon, MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray is excited for what the future holds. “There are no words to describe how excited we are that we will be working with United Talent Agency,” said Gray. “Individually and wholly, we feel as if this company is the organization to take us into our 50th year. Looking forward to seeing you all down the road!”
With hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” and “24 Hours At A Time,” the 5-times Gold, 3-times Platinum-selling Southern rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide and had songs featured in major films and TV shows including Breaking Bad, Blow,
CMT named MTB’s “Can’t You See” the No. 4 Greatest Southern Rock Song, and their debut album, The Marshall Tucker Band, reigns as Gibson Guitar’s No. 5 Greatest Southern Rock Album.
50 Egg Music Signs Jacob Lutz
/by Sarah SkatesJacob Lutz
Songwriter Jacob Lutz has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with 50 Egg Music, the artist development and publishing company co-owned by Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, and Tali Canterbury.
Said hit songwriter Singleton, “I don’t know if I’ve ever picked up the phone to call Tali faster than the first time I heard Jacob sing. I didn’t know what we were gonna do, but knew we had to do something. Jacob’s voice is undeniable, his personality is one of a kind, his guitar playing is obviously ‘Jacob’ and no one else. He’s the thing we are all looking for.”
Lutz is a North Carolina native who grew up listening to Sam Cooke, Garth Brooks, and John Mayer. He brings those influences to new single “Same Love,” co-written with Blake Bollinger and Andy Albert. It follows his recent release “Lonely Heart.”
Since moving to Nashville, Lutz has opened shows for Combs, Ashland Craft, Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell and more.
“Jacob is one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met with a work ethic and determination to match,” said Canterbury. “I can’t wait to see the giant career he will have in music.”
“When I first met the 50 Egg Music crew there weren’t any doubts in my mind,” Lutz said. “Not only did they feel like family to me, but everyone else in town had nothing but good things to say. They are great at what they do and more importantly they are great people. Couldn’t imagine joining a better company/family to help take my dream to the next level.”
Since its inception, 50 Egg Music has been a part of 11 No. 1 songs. In addition to Lutz, the roster also includes Craft, Tyler Braden, Shane Minor, Rob Snyder, Kenton Bryant, Reid Isbell, Rob Pennington and Jenna LaMaster.
Parker McCollum Makes Opry Debut, Celebrates Platinum Plaque
/by Sarah SkatesParker McCollum on the Opry stage. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum made his debut performance at the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (Feb. 6).
A fan of classic country, Parker performed Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Middle Aged Crazy,” in addition to his No. 1 debut single “Pretty Heart.” A few weeks ago, labelmate Dierks Bentley invited Parker to make his debut performance on the show, and was on hand Saturday to introduce the up-and-comer.
Furthering the celebration, Jordan Pettit and Dan Rogers from Opry Entertainment surprised McCollum with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification of “Pretty Heart.”
Since its release, “Pretty Heart” has consistently stayed in the Top 10 on the country streaming chart averaging almost 7 million streams a week. “Pretty Heart” is from Hollywood Gold, which debuted Top 10 on the Billboard country chart and marked the highest-selling debut country EP last year.
McCollum’s new single “To Be Loved By You,” which he cowrote with Rhett Akins, was most added at country radio upon its release.
Pictured (L-R): Opry Entertainment Group Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit, Parker McCollum, Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
In Case You Missed It: Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan’s Star Spangled Duet
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Reid Long
Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan performed the National Anthem in one of the most stirring early moments of Super Bowl LV in Tampa last night (Feb. 7), meshing the worlds of country and R&B in front of a worldwide audience in a fresh rendition of the standard.
The moment marked the first time in 15 years the Anthem was performed as a collaboration, and also marked the first time Church and Sullivan have ever performed together. The two were connected by Adam Blackstone, a musical director known for his work with Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and previous Super Bowl games. The last time the Anthem was performed in collaboration was in 2006 when Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and Aretha Franklin performed together to open the big game.
Church and Sullivan joined a prestigious lineup of Super Bowl National Anthem performers, including: Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato, Gladys Knight, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Joel, P!NK, Jordin Sparks, Idina Menzel, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Neil Diamond.
It was the first time a country artist has taken part in the Super Bowl festivities since Bryan’s 2017 performance. The Weeknd headlined the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show.
Brett Saliba Joins UTA As Music Agent
/by Sarah SkatesBrett Saliba
Leading global talent and entertainment company UTA announced that agent Brett Saliba has joined the Music department. He will be based in UTA’s Nashville office.
Saliba joins UTA from CAA. He got his start in the music industry at Buddy Lee Attractions. He has worked with artists such as Midland, Billy Currington, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker and Drake White, among many others.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at UTA and I look forward to helping my new colleagues grow the Nashville office,” said Saliba. “There is great momentum already in place and I can’t wait to help build upon all the great work the team has already accomplished.”
“Brett is an industry veteran with an outstanding track record of finding new opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers,” said UTA’s CO-Head of Global Music David Zedeck. “He is well-respected within the Nashville community and we are excited to welcome him to UTA.”
Saliba’s hire comes after the recent announcement of Jeffrey Hasson joining the music leadership team in Nashville in October 2020.
UTA represents hitmaking country artists including Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Jimmie Allen, Blanco Brown, Matt Stell, and many more, as well as artists across all genres, including Post Malone, deadmau5, Bad Bunny, The Jonas Brothers, Bebe Rexha, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, and 21 Savage.
Rhonda Vincent Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughRhonda Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Rhonda Vincent became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (Feb. 6) with Opry member Dierks Bentley doing the honors. Vincent’s invitation was first delivered in February of 2020 by Opry member Jeannie Seely, and she was originally supposed to be inducted on March 24, 2020, prior to the pandemic.
“It’s been 343 days, seven hours, three minutes and five seconds,” Rhonda said laughing, sharing how many days it had been since the Opry invitation came last year. “This is a night I will never forget and will cherish the rest of my life. I am proof that dreams really do come true.”
“I’ll never forget the night that our mutual friend Marty Stuart made me an official member of the Opry and I’m so pleased to get to do the same for you tonight,” said Bentley during the induction. “Rhonda, you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry! I know you will carry the Opry banner proudly wherever you go.”
Rhonda Vincent performs Merle Haggard’s “Momma Tried” with Dierks Bentley. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
“It’s great to have the supremely talented and very patient Rhonda Vincent as an official Opry member,” added Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “She brings with her countless fans, industry respect, and heartfelt passion for keeping the Opry vibrant and entertaining for generations to come. We look forward to Rhonda spending the rest of her career with us as part of the Opry family.”
Additional performers during the special evening included Opry members Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, and Mark Wills as well as special guests Don Schlitz and Parker McCollum, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Triple 8 Management Promotes Six
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Allison Bostrom, Amy Brauchle, Christina Egan; (L-R, bottom row): Chris Fairbank, Mark Noel, Karrie Tatum
Management company Triple 8 Management has promoted six of their 27 staff members.
“We have seen our staff step up and excel in spite of the challenges the pandemic has presented,” says Triple 8 Management founding partner George Couri. “These promotions serve to acknowledge some of those people, who have helped our clients find creative ways to continue to grow and have impact during these dramatically changing times. We are quite proud of how all members of our 27-person team also step up to support each other and truly work collaboratively.”
“It’s very rewarding to look back at a year like 2020 and be incredibly proud of the hustle and resilience our entire staff has displayed,” says partner Paul Steele. “It’s a true joy to elevate from within, and I look forward to more opportunities to do so in the future.”
Together with fellow partner Jesse Atwell, Couri and Steele announced the following staff risings:
Christina Egan rises to Chief Financial Officer, christina@triple8mgmt.com
Chris Fairbank rises to Senior VP of Marketing, chrisfairbank@triple8mgmt.com
Allison Bostrom rises to VP of Marketing, allison@triple8mgmt.com
Mark Noel rises to VP of Management, marknoel@triple8mgmt.com
Amy Brauchle rises to Marketing Coordinator, amy@triple8mgmt.com
Karrie Tatum rises to Marketing Director, karrie@triple8mgmt.com
With offices in Nashville, Tenn. and Austin, Texas, Triple 8 represents country acts including Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, and Josh Abbott Band, as well as acts in other genres.
Big Future Music Group Launches With Flagship Artist Abby Robertson
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BFMG VP of Creative Andrea Robertson, BFMG President Ryan Wesley Smith, BFMG Advisor Mike McCloskey, artist Abby Robertson, and BFMG A&R Consultant Tyrus Morgan. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Big Future Music Group
Big Future Music Group, a new Nashville-based record label, publishing, and management company headed by industry member Ryan Wesley Smith, has launched with Christian pop artist Abby Robertson as its flagship artist.
Partnering with Smith in the launch of BFMG are veteran manager and label executive Mike McCloskey (advisor), who has worked with Chris Tomlin, Crowder, and Newsboys, among others, and producer/songwriter Tyrus Morgan (A&R consultant), the writer behind hits “Who We Are” (Courtney Ramirez) and “Good Fight” (Unspoken). BFMG has partnered with Sony’s The Orchard for distribution, and Sony/ATV.
Prior to launching BFMG, Smith was a part of the team at Awakening Events, where he worked with TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and more. He also worked at Story House Collective, where he handled day-to-day marketing operations for Matthew West. In early 2019, he launched Chordwell, an artist development and music marketing company, which boasts clients such as for KING and COUNTRY, Ty James, YoungHeart, Cade Thompson, and labels Curb|Word Entertainment and Loyalty Records.
“I grew up going to concerts with my dad, and dreamed of one day working with artists, songwriters, and creatives. Big Future is the manifestation of those dreams coming to fruition,” said Smith of the new endeavor. “We believe the best days are ahead, and are excited to champion Abby and ensure her incredible talent and heart are shared with listeners globally.”
BFMG flagship artist Abby Robertson’s debut single “Sanctuary” is set for release this Friday (Feb. 12). She has already performed in front of thousands at international festivals in Isreal, Malta, and Ethiopia, and opened for acts like Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, and The Beach Boys.
Emmylou Harris Inks With Sheltered Music Publishing
/by LB CantrellEmmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris has signed a long-term administration deal to the newly formed independent publishing company, Sheltered Music, a division of All Clear Music, LLC.
Harris has been awarded 14 Grammy awards, the Polar Music Prize, a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award and her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“We are honored and consider it a rare privilege to represent Emmylou Harris’ music,” said Sheltered Music’s EVP Darrell Franklin. “Her iconic contributions to country music are documented and celebrated by fans everywhere, and her songwriting has been a cornerstone to quality that continues to inspire.”
“There is no one more passionate about the song or more committed to the songwriter than Lance [Freed]” Harris said. “ I am so grateful to have him not only as my publisher, but as a longtime friend.”
Said Freed, “She is the embodiment of all things good about music and great songwriting. We all owe her a huge debt of gratitude, and we are extremely proud to represent her songs.”
Sheltered Music is the Nashville Division of All Clear Music. LLC. In its first year, the company has completed deals with music icons Burt Bacharach and Rodney Crowell, and has established a creative development partnership with superstar producer, Dann Huff.
UMG Pulls Catalog From Triller, Cites Non-Payment
/by Sarah SkatesUniversal Music Group has pulled its music from Triller, a short-form video platform similar to TikTok.
A UMG spokesperson tells MusicRow: “We will not work with platforms that do not value artists. Triller has shamefully withheld payments owed to our artists and refuses to negotiate a license going forward. We have no alternative except to remove our music from Triller, effective immediately.”
A spokesperson from Triller issued the following statement to MusicRow:
In late 2020, Wixen Music Publishing filed a $50 million suit against Triller.
According numerous reports, UMG and many other major media companies have stakes in Triller, which is said to be planning an IPO with a valuation of more than $1 billion.