The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 700 independent music labels, has announced the launch of its Black Independent Music Accelerator, a fellowship grant initiative designed to amplify Black voices in the independent music community.
The initiative will provide a platform for Black-owned businesses in the music industry, delivering greater visibility, networking, and mentorship opportunities for burgeoning business owners. Because financial barriers often pose significant obstacles for minority-owned, independent music businesses, BIMA offers subsidized yearly dues to A2IM, as well as complimentary tickets to annual events such as Indie Week, a four-day international conference and networking event aimed at maximizing the global impact of independent music.
In addition, fellowship benefits include label-to-label mentorship within the A2IM community as well as an opportunity to build relationships with participating streaming platforms. BIMA will feature meetings with the A2IM staff and Board of Directors, as well as A2IM member-led mentorship sessions. Fellows will be invited to legal roundtables, sessions with SoundExchange, meetings with DSPs including Spotify and Amazon Music to discuss available marketing benefits, and additional meetings and programs soon to be announced.
“My artists’ streams have all gone up by more than 100% because of the education and connectivity I am afforded by being a member of A2IM,” said Madeline Nelson, CEO and Founder of Heads Music. “Literally a 100% or more increase on all of them. Programs like Let’s Get Digital and Indie Week made a total difference for my company. The ability to do Q&A with the presenters was wonderful. The level of insight the panelists and speakers shared has proven to be invaluable.”
Nelson will be a part of BIMA’s Advisory Council, which will offer guidance and oversight on the project. Also serving on the council will be Troy Carter, Founder and CEO of Q&A; Fotemah Mba, Head of A&R, General Market at Cinq Music Group; Taryn Brown, Founding Principal at Taryn Brown + Company; Chissy Nkemere, Senior Director of Streaming Marketing at Concord Music Group; along with Marcus Hollinger, SVP of Marketing at Reach Records.
“I am proud to see the BIMA project come to fruition because it shows all of our commitment to uplifting the Black Community,” said Hollinger. “It’s an honor to be on the Advisory Council with like-minded people who are serious about bringing change to our industry.”
BIMA is presented in partnership with many sponsors, including Spotify, Amazon Music, ADA, Made in Memphis Entertainment, Songtrust, Reach Records, Taryn Brown + Company, Tunecore, Materia Collective, AdRev, Symphonic Distribution, Soundexchange, and Vydia.
The 2021 application process for BIMA began on Jan. 19, 2021. To apply or learn more, please visit a2im.org/bima.
Singer-Songwriter Randy Parton, Brother of Dolly, Passes
/by LB CantrellRandy Parton (far left) with family. Photo: Courtesy dollyparton.com
Singer-songwriter, actor and businessman Randy Parton passed away today (Jan. 21) after a battle with cancer. He was 67.
Randy’s sister, country music icon Dolly Parton, announced her brother’s death via social media. “The family and I are grieving his loss but we know he is in a better place than we are at this time. We are a family of faith and we believe that he is safe with God and that he is joined by members of the family that have gone on before and have welcomed him with joy and open arms,” Parton said.
According to Dolly’s post, Randy sang and played guitar and bass in her band for many years. He served as Dolly’s duet partner on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You,” and on “You Are My Christmas,” a duet with her, and Randy’s daughter Heidi, on Dolly’s latest Christmas album.
Born Randel Huston Parton on Dec. 15, 1953, Randy was one of twelve children born to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Randy’s first singles came in 1981 with “Hold Me Like You Never Had Me,” “Shot Full of Love,” and “Don’t Cry Baby.” He also released the singles “Oh, No” and “A Stranger in Her Bed” in the early ’80s.
In 1982 he was the first artist to record the song “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” Alabama made it a hit in 1984. Also in 1984, he sang a song for the Rhinestone soundtrack; a movie that Dolly starred in. Randy has hosted a show at Dolly’s Dollywood theme park in East Tennessee since 1986.
Dolly, Randy Parton
Randy is survived by his wife Deb, his daughter Heidi, son Sabyn, and grandsons Huston and Trent.
Dolly’s publicist tells MusicRow, those wishing to honor Randy may donate to the Imagination Library in honor of both Randy and his Father Lee Parton.
BMI Foundation Scholarship Deadline Extended
/by Lorie HollabaughThe sixth annual Nashville Songwriting Scholarship will award $5,000 for the best original song in any of the following genres: Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots. The scholarship contest is open to students between the ages of 17-24 who are enrolled in any college or university located in the U.S. Grammy-winning recording artist and BMI songwriter Kacey Musgraves will serve as a final judge in the competition.
Program applications must be completed online no later than Friday, Jan. 29 at 11:59 p.m. For complete details and to apply, visit bmifoundation.org/programs.
A2IM Launches Accelerator to Amplify Black Businesses in the Independent Music Community
/by LB CantrellThe American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 700 independent music labels, has announced the launch of its Black Independent Music Accelerator, a fellowship grant initiative designed to amplify Black voices in the independent music community.
The initiative will provide a platform for Black-owned businesses in the music industry, delivering greater visibility, networking, and mentorship opportunities for burgeoning business owners. Because financial barriers often pose significant obstacles for minority-owned, independent music businesses, BIMA offers subsidized yearly dues to A2IM, as well as complimentary tickets to annual events such as Indie Week, a four-day international conference and networking event aimed at maximizing the global impact of independent music.
In addition, fellowship benefits include label-to-label mentorship within the A2IM community as well as an opportunity to build relationships with participating streaming platforms. BIMA will feature meetings with the A2IM staff and Board of Directors, as well as A2IM member-led mentorship sessions. Fellows will be invited to legal roundtables, sessions with SoundExchange, meetings with DSPs including Spotify and Amazon Music to discuss available marketing benefits, and additional meetings and programs soon to be announced.
“My artists’ streams have all gone up by more than 100% because of the education and connectivity I am afforded by being a member of A2IM,” said Madeline Nelson, CEO and Founder of Heads Music. “Literally a 100% or more increase on all of them. Programs like Let’s Get Digital and Indie Week made a total difference for my company. The ability to do Q&A with the presenters was wonderful. The level of insight the panelists and speakers shared has proven to be invaluable.”
Nelson will be a part of BIMA’s Advisory Council, which will offer guidance and oversight on the project. Also serving on the council will be Troy Carter, Founder and CEO of Q&A; Fotemah Mba, Head of A&R, General Market at Cinq Music Group; Taryn Brown, Founding Principal at Taryn Brown + Company; Chissy Nkemere, Senior Director of Streaming Marketing at Concord Music Group; along with Marcus Hollinger, SVP of Marketing at Reach Records.
“I am proud to see the BIMA project come to fruition because it shows all of our commitment to uplifting the Black Community,” said Hollinger. “It’s an honor to be on the Advisory Council with like-minded people who are serious about bringing change to our industry.”
BIMA is presented in partnership with many sponsors, including Spotify, Amazon Music, ADA, Made in Memphis Entertainment, Songtrust, Reach Records, Taryn Brown + Company, Tunecore, Materia Collective, AdRev, Symphonic Distribution, Soundexchange, and Vydia.
The 2021 application process for BIMA began on Jan. 19, 2021. To apply or learn more, please visit a2im.org/bima.
Industry Ink: Collective Artist Management, Grayscale Marketing, KBFM
/by Lorie HollabaughParker Stacy Named Director Of Digital Marketing At Collective Artist Management
Parker Stacey
Parker Stacey has been named Director of Digital Marketing for Collective Artist Management. His role has expanded to handle all digital marketing initiatives for the full roster of clients including Clint Black, Everette, Grant Landis, Edwin McCain, Sara Evans and Tyler Rich. Stacey joined Collective Artist Management as an intern in January 2019 and was then hired in August 2019 as Manager of Digital Marketing. Prior to joining CAM, he worked for Riverbend Music Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“Parker is fearless. Even during our industry’s challenges over the past year, he has continually stepped up with his creative energy and original thinking,” said CAM President Brinson Strickland. “The Collective, our artists and our partners are all lucky to have him.”
Taylor Miller Named Grayscale Marketing’s Manager Of Strategic/Creative Marketing
Taylor Miller has been named Grayscale Marketing’s new Manager of Strategic & Creative Marketing. Miller will lead the agency’s non-music industry corporate clients in marketing, advertising, and creative strategy. She will report directly to the CEO, Tim Gray. Prior to joining the team at Grayscale, Miller worked as a publicist and designer with a number of clients including Microsoft, Acura, Belkin, Humm Kombucha, Chileno Bay Resort, and Hotel Wailea in Maui. Originally from New Jersey, Miller holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Design from Syracuse University.
“Taylor’s broad experience in publicity, design, and marketing across industry sets her apart, but to me, her superpowers lie in ideation, strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving.” said Gray. “She has really hit the ground running and made an immediate impact on the team and her clients. I feel like we’ve all leveled up since she’s joined the GSM family, and I’m thrilled to have her on the team as we continue scaling the agency”
Mallory Mason Joins King Business & Financial Management LLC
Mallory Mason
King Business & Financial Management LLC (KBFM), which is celebrating its two year anniversary this year, has added Mallory Mason to the firm as Business Manager. Mason—who has a decade of experience, including time at Wiles + Taylor and Company—joins the firm that Chris King started in early 2019. KBFM’s roster includes international touring artists, songwriters, producers, industry executives and publishing companies.
“2020 has been a whirlwind of a year for all of those involved in the entertainment industry, especially business management,” says King. “I am very excited to announce the addition of Mallory Mason to our team. Mallory brings years of experience that are vital for a firm who prides itself on having expertise in working with global superstars and fresh talent alike. Our focus is on ensuring all clients receive top notch service no matter where they are in their career.”
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Dangerous’ Album Shatters More Records
/by LB CantrellBig Loud/Republic Records’ Morgan Wallen is taking the world by storm with his sophomore effort. Dangerous: The Double Album debuted at No. 1 this week atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart and earned the largest streaming week for a country album in history, a feat last achieved by Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get.
With 265,000 in total consumption and over 240 million streams, Dangerous is the No. 1 streaming album and had the No. 1 streaming week for a country album in its debut, also landing spots atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales chart. Only Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande had larger streaming weeks for a non-hip-hop album, marking the biggest week for a country album since 2018 and the biggest country album without a ticket bundle since 2015.
Wallen is the first artist ever to debut at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
27 of the 30 songs on Dangerous have landed inside the Billboard Hot Country Songs Top 50, with six in the Top 10, setting an unprecedented new record. Early favorite “Wasted On You” debuts at No. 1, making Wallen the only artist with multiple No. 1 Hot Country Songs debuts in the chart’s 62-year history. The song also earns him his second Hot 100 Top 10, debuting at No. 9 this week and touting 19 current entries throughout the chart.
The album set a new bar across all streaming platforms. Dangerous broke global debut records for most first-week streams and on-demand Alexa requests of any country album on Amazon Music; and Wallen had the No. 1 most added artist station across all genres on Pandora, among the top 10 highest streamed artists of the week.
Last week, Wallen set the record for Spotify’s biggest all-time first day stream record for a country album; and he set the record for the biggest first day and biggest first week for a country album of all-time at Apple Music in just two days.
Scott Borchetta Announces Big Machine Racing Team
/by LB CantrellPresident/CEO and Founder of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta, has announced the formation of the Big Machine Racing Team. The team will compete full-time in the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series, with Nashville driver Jade Buford behind the wheel.
Borchetta has a long history of merging his Nashville music empire which includes superstars like Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line, with the sport of racing. From providing talent for pre-race ceremonies to securing title sponsorships such as the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard, Borchetta’s announcement is a natural progression for the entrepreneur.
Borchetta is no stranger to the track himself, he raced motocross and quarter midgets as a kid in Southern California before following his dad in the Nashville music business in the early ‘80s. He picked racing back up in the late ’90s in the NASCAR SuperTrucks Weekly Series where he won three consecutive championships. In 2020, Borchetta raced in the SVRA Group 6 Division, picking up a National Championship in his ’72 Corvette. The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway further recognized his commitment to the sport this past October by inducting him into their Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Hall of Fame.
“I’ve always been involved in racing, it’s a part of my DNA,” says Borchetta. “Whether as a competitor, a fan or a sponsor, racing is a constant in my life and is a part of our Big Machine culture. The formation of the Big Machine Racing team only broadens the integration opportunities for our recording artists and the sport.”
Buford is well known for his road racing prowess which includes wins at such tracks as Sebring and Watkins Glen as well as a fastest qualifier/pole position at Daytona. Buford had his first Xfinity starts in 2020 where he scored a Top 10 finish at Charlotte’s rainy Roval.
Big Machine Driver Jade Buford
The Mooresville-based team will be overseen by longtime NASCAR Crew Chief Patrick Donahue, a seasoned veteran who led four-time NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon to victory in the Xfinity Series.
Big Machine brands will be the primary sponsor for the No. 48 Xfinity Chevrolet, including Big Machine Vodka, Big Machine Hand Sanitizer and key Big Machine Label Group artists.
Brad Paisley And Blake Shelton To Co-Host Opry Anniversary Special
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley, Blake Shelton
Grand Ole Opry members Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton will co-host a new special celebrating the Grand Ole Opry’s legacy, Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music, on NBC Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. ET.
The two-hour anniversary special will showcase Nashville’s most famous stage with original performances, unique archival footage and behind-the-scenes stories. Later that same week, Paisley will celebrate his 20th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Shelton is marking 10 years as a member.
For almost a century, the Opry has celebrated the past, present and future of country music, showcasing a mix of legends and contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. In that same spirit, the anniversary special brings together artists from across generations who share a passion and reverence for the Opry. Stars will not only perform their biggest hits, but also cover classics from some of the Opry’s most famous members during the evening. In addition to the performances, the Opry will open its archives spanning a period of over nine decades and include interviews, performances and appearances by artists in all stages of their careers.
PCG Artist Development Announces New Austin Division
/by Lorie HollabaughMatt Noveskey, Drew Womack of PCG Austin
PCG Artist Development has created a new Austin division, headed up by singer-songwriter/producer Matt Noveskey of alt-rock band Blue October and co-owner of Orb Recording Studios. Noveskey will serve as President of PCG Austin, with native Texan and songwriter Drew Womack, formerly of the Sons Of The Desert, serving as Director of A&R.
“I’m extremely excited to bring PCG Artist Development to Austin,” said Noveskey. “This city has so much incredible talent and now we have infrastructure to properly groom these artists for success.”
Veteran music executive Bernard Porter, PCG’s Founder and CEO, has spent most of 2020 steadfastly growing his Nashville-based company by hiring experienced writers, producers, performers and other industry professionals. Noveskey and Womack join a nationwide network of providers which also includes Broadway star Tony Vincent, writer and producer Britton Cameron, and artist and former Mouseketeer on The Disney Channel’s All New Mickey Mouse Club, Jennifer McGill.
“2020 brought many challenges and yet, tremendous clarity,” said Porter. “Considering the overwhelming blows the entertainment industry has endured, we feel especially grateful for the growth we’ve experienced at PCG. We do not take it for granted. We pray for better days for our friends and colleagues striving to make a difference in our world with their gifts and talents.”
Porter recently formed a partnership with Memphis-based Visible Music College creating a first-of-its-kind accredited curriculum which many of his developing artists, musicians and theatrical performers will have the opportunity to pursue. PCG At Visible was co-founded between Porter and Dr. Ken Steorts, formerly of Christian rock band, Skillet. Classes for the Spring 2021 semester are set to begin January 19 at all Visible Music College campuses in Memphis, Dallas, Chicago, Redding and Atascadero, California participating.
Entertainment Attorney Stephanie Taylor Renames Firm, Names Rachel Guttmann Partner
/by LB CantrellStephanie Taylor, Rachel Guttmann
Stephanie Taylor Law, PLLC has named Rachel Guttmann as a partner, rebranding the firm as Taylor Guttmann, PLLC.
Rachel joined my law practice almost three years ago, after moving back to Nashville from New Orleans where she had built a robust entertainment practice and gained extensive experience as a litigator,” says Taylor. “Since joining the firm, Rachel has been an invaluable asset to the business. I always know that Rachel will provide the personalized attention that my clients have come to depend on, while providing quality work each step of the way. The Nashville music community has come to recognize Rachel as a talented, caring attorney who makes a positive difference in the careers of her clients and provides service to the community through her work with SOLID, WMBA, MusiCares Ambassadors, and Arts Immersion. I am excited and honored to promote Rachel to partner.”
“These past few years working with Stephanie and serving our clients and the Nashville music community have been a dream come true,” says Guttmann. “I am thrilled and honored be named partner and look forward to continuing to provide our clients with legal representation in the entertainment industry.”
Taylor worked as a professional violinist and fiddle player and was a tenured faculty member at MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry before returning to full-time law practice. Taylor holds a J.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, M.B.A. from Belmont, and B.M.E. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She can be reached at staylor@tgmusic.law.
Guttmann holds a J.D. from Tulane University Law School and a B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. She can be reached at rachel@tgmusic.law.
SOURCE Nashville 2021 Board Members Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, first row): SOURCE President, Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank); SOURCE Board Member, Claire Taylor (Average Joes Ent.); SOURCE Treasurer, Greta Day (Sussman & Assoc.); SOURCE Secretary/Awards Chair, Erica Rosa (FBMM); (L-R, second row from top): SOURCE Program Chair, Mary Lauren Teague, (Dotted i Ent., LLC/Belmont University); SOURCE Service Chair, Catherine Moore (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Membership Co-Chair, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI); SOURCE Vice President, Mallory Mason (King Business & Fin’l Management); (L-R, third row from top): SOURCE Membership Co-Chair, Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music); SOURCE Past President & Communications Co-Chair, Alicia Lanier Jones (River House Artists); SOURCE Social Co-Chair, Brooke Antonakos (Rockbrook Ent.); SOURCE Social Co-Chair, Becky McIntosh (Consultant); (L-R, fourth row from top): SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Lyndie Wenner (SRO PR); SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Laurie Hughes, (Hughes Law)
SOURCE, the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, has announced its new Board members for 2021. Among the newly-elected members are SOURCE President, Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank); SOURCE Board Member, Claire Taylor (Average Joes Ent.); SOURCE Treasurer, Greta Day (Sussman & Assoc.); and SOURCE Secretary/Awards Chair, Erica Rosa (FBMM).
Other elected members include SOURCE Program Chair, Mary Lauren Teague, (Dotted i Ent., LLC/Belmont University); SOURCE Service Chair, Catherine Moore (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Membership Co-Chair, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI); SOURCE Vice President, Mallory Mason (King Business & Fin’l Management); SOURCE Membership Co-Chair, Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music); SOURCE Past President & Communications Co-Chair, Alicia Lanier Jones (River House Artists); SOURCE Social Co-Chair, Brooke Antonakos (Rockbrook Ent.); SOURCE Social Co-Chair, Becky McIntosh (Consultant); SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Lyndie Wenner (SRO PR); and SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Laurie Hughes, (Hughes Law).
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives. The nonprofit supports an exclusive community of accomplished women professionals who work in all facets of Nashville’s entertainment industry.