Pictured: Rob Femia, Dawn Gates
Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) has announced two promotions. Rob Femia has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Dawn Gates has been named Senior Vice President of Digital Business & Creative Development for the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.
With over a decade of experience practicing entertainment law, Femia joined UMG Nashville in 2013 following his years at Sony BMG, Virgin Records/Capitol Music Group/EMI Music North America, and Atlantic Records.
“It’s been an incredible journey since getting the call in late-2012 from [UMGN Chairman & CEO] Mike Dungan asking me to come work for UMG Nashville,” says Femia. “Being part of such a top-notch team, led by Dungan, [UMGN President] Cindy Mabe and [UMGN COO] Mike Harris, who run this label group better than anyone else in the business, while always ensuring that we put our artists and their extraordinary talent first, has been an honor. I’m grateful for this recognition and excited to see what’s next.”
“Rob’s knowledge of the music business is second to none. This vast knowledge is evident in his deal-making and the way he works with UMG Nashville artists, managers and associated attorneys,” notes Harris. “Over my career, I have had the honor of working with some of the best attorneys in the business and I put Rob Femia right up there at the top of the list. Mike [Dungan], Cindy and I could not be more proud to acknowledge all of Rob’s hard work with this well-deserved promotion.”
Gates, in a newly created role, will function as a core liaison with UMG global on digital business, integration strategies, commercial growth, and television/film development, as well as overseeing UMG Nashville’s content strategy, execution, and syndication for marketing initiatives.
“The opportunity to expand and grow our business and change the way we partner with digital partners, sponsors, producers and artists is extremely exciting,” shares Gates. “I look forward to amplifying the assets we have, developing original creative content, exploring new opportunities with tv and film, and driving different forms of monetization for our business.”
“Dawn has one of the greatest forward-thinking minds I know,” says Mabe. “Her ability to look ahead and develop the business of the next 5 to 10 years as both a music and media company is critical to our artists growth and has been key to our success as a label group. I am so proud to recognize Dawn in this newly created position of Senior Vice President of Digital Business and Creative Development.”
Gates has served as UMGN’s Vice President of Digital Marketing for the past five years. Previously, she spent seven years with Capitol Records Nashville and eight years with Word Label Group, a division of Word Entertainment, LLC, where she established New Media departments for both labels.
Warner/Chappell Music Promotes Alison Junker To A&R Manager
/by Jessica NicholsonAlison Junker
Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has promoted Alison Junker to A&R Manager. This appointment will expand on Junker’s previous role as A&R Coordinator, focusing on her efforts to discover and collaborate with a diverse roster of talent.
“Alison began her career here at Warner/Chappell right out of college, and it’s been so rewarding to watch her progress and establish herself on Music Row,” said Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “She’s proven herself to be fearless in stepping into this industry, and we look forward to her continued development.”
Junker began her career as an A&R intern at Warner Music Group, and later became an A&R Assistant at Warner/Chappell Nashville, a role she held for nearly three years.
She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business, and is currently working with her alma mater to launch a songwriter internship program through WCM. Outside of work, Junker serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the Nashville chapter, a non-profit organization that provides volunteers to advocate for the best interests of child victims of abuse in court.
Chris Renzema Joins Centricity Music Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Centricity Music VP of Finance Ben Stauffer, VP of Publishing Chad Segura, CEO Caren Seidle, Chris Renzema, General Manager Steve Ford, Sr. VP of A&R John Mays
Chris Renzema has signed a recording and publishing deal with Centricity Music.
Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI before moving to Nashville in 2015, Renzema’s music pairs folk-rock musicianship with storytelling and lyrical heart. His self-produced indie projects have brought worship songs to churches across the country, and the 23-year-old is working on new music to be released in 2019.
“Our entire team connected immediately with his voice and songwriting, and his personality felt like a natural fit for our family of artists and staff,” Centricity A&R Director Matt Ewald said. “We also saw the kind of connection he’s already made with listeners and knew we wanted to be part of helping that develop further.”
Tony Lucca Signs With Demolition Music
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Nate Cook, Steve Bloch – Creative Consultant, Pete Sallis, Tony Lucca, Jon D’Agostino – President, Drew Smith, Jamie Dryburgh – Creative Manager, Shane Barrett – Song Plugger, Michael August – Creative Manager, Adam Searan
Tony Lucca has signed with Demolition Music for publishing.
Lucca, a 2012 alum from The Voice who made it all the way to the finals, moved to Nashville in 2013. He recently released a single that pays homage to his new hometown, “Nashville,” and is working on a new album for 2019.
“Tony is the A+ triple threat who writes, plays, sings and has the experience we need to craft songs for the country, pop and sync markets,” says Demolition President, Jon D’Agostino.
“Demolition is the perfect addition to Tony’s team and vision.” Says, Tom Derr, manager, Rock Ridge Music.
“Jon D’Agostino has brought an inspired work ethic to Nashville and leads by example,” says Lucca. “Demolition has a distinct family feel to it and one that I’m proud to be a part of. “
Chris Lane Celebrates Platinum Single At Sold-Out New York Show
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Big Loud’s Clay Hunnicutt, Big Loud’s Marc Rucker, Big Loud’s Nikki Wood, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman, Chris Lane, Big Loud’s Lloyd Norman, Big Loud’s Candice Watkins, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jodi Dawes
Chris Lane got a surprise last Thursday (Dec. 13) at his sold-out New York City show at Irving Plaza when Big Loud Records President Clay Hunnicutt walked onstage to deliver the news that his single, “Take Back Home Girl” is Platinum. Hunnicutt presented Lane with a plaque commemorating one million in sales for the smash, which has earned hundreds of millions of combined streams as well.
“I’m literally at a loss for words,” Lane said to the crowd before thanking those who supported the song. “It takes a whole team of everybody, and country radio I love you guys. Thank you so much for believing in me. To the fans, thank you so much for this. I love you guys. This is special. I can’t wait to hang this up in my house.”
“Take Back Home Girl” features Tori Kelly, and the two have hit major national stages to perform the collaboration throughout the year, appearing on both NBC’s TODAY and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The track, penned by Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller and David Garcia, was the lead single from Lane’s sophomore album Laps Around The Sun.
Lane is currently on the road on his coinciding headline Laps Around The Sun tour, and has added four dates to the tour in January before it wraps Jan. 19.
Jan. 10: Dubuque, IA – Five Flags Center
Jan. 17: Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Jan. 18: Greenville, SC – Blind Horse Saloon
Jan. 19: Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
Alabama Announces 50th Anniversary Tour
/by LB CantrellCountry Music Hall of Fame group Alabama will celebrate five decades of music next year with a 50th Anniversary Tour. With nearly 30 live concerts already on the books, the first leg of the tour will sweep the United States.
“We never thought playing for tips at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that 50 years later we would still playing arenas, stadiums and festivals,” said Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “Teddy, Jeff and I are humbled at the amount of fans that are coming out to see us. We are finding out that we are playing to three generations of fans who have followed us and our music from day one. The fans are the ones responsible for our continued success on the road and we love them.”
“Randy, Teddy and I have loved making music, touring and being with our fans night after night,” said Jeff Cook. “It’s truly an experience that has created a bond between us and them that cannot be broken. The 50th Anniversary Tour will be full of surprises and great memories.”
Teddy Gentry added, “The group Alabama has become ‘America’s Country Band,’ we are told. We are proud to have been performing, writing songs and recording for 50 years. Come celebrate the music with us on our 50th Anniversary Tour in 2019. Each show will be a night to remember for us. We’ll be there to thank our loyal legions of fans for supporting three boys from Fort Payne, Alabama through thick and thin.”
The 50th Anniversary Tour kicks off on Jan. 10 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Alabama 50th Anniversary Tour 2019 concert dates:
Jan 10: Detroit, MI – The Fox Theatre (w/ Chris Janson)
Jan 11: Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse (w/ Restless Heart)
Jan 19: Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Jan 20: Albany, NY – Times Union Center (w/ Exile)
Feb 14: San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Feb 15: New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
Feb 28: Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival
March 1: St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 14: Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center (w/ The Oak Ridge Boys)
March 15: Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
March 22: Springfield, MO – JQH Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
March 23: North Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 5: Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 6: Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 12: Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 13: Hartford, CT – XL Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 26: Providence, RI – Dunkin’ Donuts Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 27: State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
May 31: Cedar Rapids, IA – U.S. Cellular Center
June 1: La Cygne, KS – Tumbleweed
June 6: Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Festival
June 7: Macon, GA – Macon Centreplex Coliseum (w/ The Marshall Tucker Band)
June 13 -16: Grand Junction, CO – Country Jam (performance date TBA)
June 15: Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
June 26: Minneapolis, MN – Target Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
June 27: Oshkosh, WI – Country USA
Sept 14: Peoria, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Margaret Tomlin
/by LB CantrellMargaret Tomlin. Photo: Cameron Powell
Sony Music Nashville announced today the promotion of Margaret Tomlin to Director, A&R.
“Margaret has displayed impeccable instincts for spotting talent and song material for the SMN roster. She has forged strong relationships with our artists, managers, and publishers,” said Jim Catino, Executive Vice President, A&R. “She is ready for this next step in her career where she will be responsible for multiple artists as direct A&R support.”
An alumna of Syracuse University’s Bandier Program, Tomlin joined SMN as Representative, A&R in 2015 and was most recently Manager, A&R. During her tenure with the company, Tomlin has contributed to identifying new talent and placing songs within in the roster, including cuts for Carlton Anderson, Kane Brown, and Rachel Wammack. Her previous posts include catalog assistant at BMG Nashville.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our roster of exceptional artists, and to Randy Goodman, Jim Catino, and Taylor Lindsey for their support and mentorship,” said Tomlin. “The passionate team at Sony Nashville and the artists we sign and develop both energize and inspire me each day. It is truly a privilege to be a part of such a remarkable chapter in music.”
Tegan Marie Makes Theatrical Debut At TPAC As Wendy
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Frank Simonetti, Co-Founder and CEO, Sweety High; Shane Tarleton, SVP Artist Development, WMN; John Esposito, Chairman and CEO, WMN; Tegan Marie; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R, WMN; Veronica Zelle, Co-Founder and CCO, Sweety High
Warner Music Nashville and girls’ media platform Sweety High country artist Tegan Marie made her theatrical stage debut last night (Dec. 13) at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) as Wendy in Lythgoe Family Panto’s Peter Pan And Tinkerbell–A Pirate’s Christmas.
Directed by BT McNichol and choreographed by Spencer Liff, Peter Pan And Tinkerbell–A Pirate’s Christmas is an adventurous story performed in the style of a British holiday panto, with songs by artists from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees.
Starring alongside Seinfeld‘s John O’Hurley and Disney Channel’s Garrett Clayton, Marie will be performing in TPAC’s Polk Theater until December 23.
Tegan Marie. Photo: Sweety High
Devin Dawson Releases Live Album, Recorded With Original Songwriters
/by LB CantrellDevin Dawson has released Dark Horse – Songs In the Key of F – LIVE, a live version of his debut album Dark Horse. Each song on the album was recorded in the rooms where he originally wrote the song, with the songwriters.
In 2017, Dawson began telling the story behind each song on Dark Horse in a 12-part video playlist on YouTube called Songs In the Key of F (watch here). Each new installment occurred in the location where he wrote the track, sharing the stories alongside his co-writers.
“Every track on this album was recorded IN THE ROOM we originally wrote each song in, WITH THE SONGWRITERS I wrote them with,” wrote Dawson on Instagram. “The songwriting community in Nashville is something that is very sacred to me, and I wanted to shed some light on the magic of it – while sharing the inspiration and details on how this album came to life. I hope y’all enjoy these stripped-down versions as much as I do.”
Originally the 12 tracks were set for a Spotify-exclusive as Dark Horse (Songs In The Key of F). Friday (Dec. 14), the project was unexpectedly released to all music retailers.
Additionally, Dawson recorded and released his first holiday song, “Christmas Time is Here,” featured exclusively on the “Spotify Singles: Christmas Collection” playlist (listen here).
Mark Mulch Releases First Solo Album
/by LB CantrellSinger/songwriter and producer Mark Mulch is breaking out on his own with his first solo record, Livin’ It Up.
After years touring and recording with other bandmates as a part of the Mulch Brothers, Mulch will release the album he has writing credits for every track and co-produced with Jim Kimball, Daniel Dennis and Craig Eck. Mulch has had cuts by Randy Rogers Band (“Steal You Away”), with the song landing a spot in the film Country Strong with The Dirt Drifters.
“This record has certainly been a labor of love,” Mulch said of his new project. “We started almost three years ago at my friend and co-producer Jim Kimball’s studio with a killer band and finished up at Prime Cut Studio in East Nashville with Daniel Dennis and members of my backing band. I’m nervously excited about the release of my first ever solo record. I’ve always been in a band or duo, so this is the first time that it’s really all me or maybe all on me! I hope fans feel all the heart and soul in this record.”
Fans can purchase Livin’ It Up, here.
Livin’ It Up Track Listing:
1. Livin’ It Up
2. Static
3. Got This Feeling
4. Love Story
5. Sugar and Shine
6. Dancing on a Bridge
7. In Love with the Radio
8. Mine Tonight
9. This
10. Tan Lines
UMG Nashville Promotes Rob Femia, Dawn Gates
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Rob Femia, Dawn Gates
Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) has announced two promotions. Rob Femia has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Dawn Gates has been named Senior Vice President of Digital Business & Creative Development for the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.
With over a decade of experience practicing entertainment law, Femia joined UMG Nashville in 2013 following his years at Sony BMG, Virgin Records/Capitol Music Group/EMI Music North America, and Atlantic Records.
“It’s been an incredible journey since getting the call in late-2012 from [UMGN Chairman & CEO] Mike Dungan asking me to come work for UMG Nashville,” says Femia. “Being part of such a top-notch team, led by Dungan, [UMGN President] Cindy Mabe and [UMGN COO] Mike Harris, who run this label group better than anyone else in the business, while always ensuring that we put our artists and their extraordinary talent first, has been an honor. I’m grateful for this recognition and excited to see what’s next.”
“Rob’s knowledge of the music business is second to none. This vast knowledge is evident in his deal-making and the way he works with UMG Nashville artists, managers and associated attorneys,” notes Harris. “Over my career, I have had the honor of working with some of the best attorneys in the business and I put Rob Femia right up there at the top of the list. Mike [Dungan], Cindy and I could not be more proud to acknowledge all of Rob’s hard work with this well-deserved promotion.”
Gates, in a newly created role, will function as a core liaison with UMG global on digital business, integration strategies, commercial growth, and television/film development, as well as overseeing UMG Nashville’s content strategy, execution, and syndication for marketing initiatives.
“The opportunity to expand and grow our business and change the way we partner with digital partners, sponsors, producers and artists is extremely exciting,” shares Gates. “I look forward to amplifying the assets we have, developing original creative content, exploring new opportunities with tv and film, and driving different forms of monetization for our business.”
“Dawn has one of the greatest forward-thinking minds I know,” says Mabe. “Her ability to look ahead and develop the business of the next 5 to 10 years as both a music and media company is critical to our artists growth and has been key to our success as a label group. I am so proud to recognize Dawn in this newly created position of Senior Vice President of Digital Business and Creative Development.”
Gates has served as UMGN’s Vice President of Digital Marketing for the past five years. Previously, she spent seven years with Capitol Records Nashville and eight years with Word Label Group, a division of Word Entertainment, LLC, where she established New Media departments for both labels.