Studio 3 Bee Forms Alliance With Intercept Music

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Intercept Music, a social media marketing and distribution platform, has formed an agreement with Nashville-based Studio3Bee, a collective led by former Sony Music Nashville executives Skip Bishop, Butch Waugh and Renee Bell. The three have signed on to serve as Intercept Music’s Brand Ambassadors with contemporary artists in the country, Americana, bluegrass, AAA and Texas genres.

The announcement was made by Tod Turner, chief executive officer of Intercept Music. The new agreement builds on Brand Ambassador relationships that Intercept Music has already signed in the Latin, pop, Christian and gospel fields, with several more in the works.

“The vision for Intercept Music is to empower artists to take control of their music, and their careers,” says Turner. “We started by forming a partnership with InGrooves’ world class distribution service in over 150 countries. InGrooves is the perfect home for indie artists. Our Brand Ambassadors are another critical part of the process: they provide us with key insights into the needs of the artists they know best. When it comes to country and its many musical cousins, Butch, Skip and Renee have an incredible record of success in nurturing talent, and they are a natural choice to be our liaison with the community.”

Intercept Music offers a combination of tools to enable indie artists to promote, market and distribute their own music. The core Intercept Music suite automates social media marketing for artists, enabling them to plan and schedule the release of news and new songs months at a time. With a subscription to the service, artists also gain free, worldwide distribution of their music to more than 600 digital storefronts and every major streaming service in more than 200 countries. Artists can also opt for concierge-level service to set up and launch their accounts, and even one-on-one coaching with a range of experts in many genres to help guide their music and career development.

“We are proud to be associated with Intercept Music,” said Bishop, Bell and Waugh collectively. “This is the most forward thinking, innovative, and necessary modern music company that addresses the needs of the rapidly evolving music industry. It presents the opportunity for every talented musician/artist to have access to global exposure through the most sophisticated technology available. This new model allows the artists to focus on making music, while Intercept handles everything else.”

From now through Jan. 31, 2019, Studio3Bee has arranged for a special discount of 50% off the first month’s $49.95 subscription (discount will apply at checkout.) More information can be found at Studio3Bee.Interceptmusic.com.

John Carter Cash, Alan Light Set For Book Talk At Country Music Hall Of Fame

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Singer, songwriter and producer John Carter Cash will join author and journalist Alan Light for a special session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Dec. 8. The two will discuss Light’s latest book, Johnny Cash: The Life and Legacy of the Man in Black.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. in the CMHoF’s Ford Theater. The event is included with museum admission and is free to museum members.

Johnny Cash: The Life and Legacy of the Man in Black is an illustrated biography revealing Cash’s personal and professional life through previously unpublished material including handwritten notes and lyrics, photographs, and beloved objects from his home and recording studio. During this program, Light and Carter Cash will discuss the process of gathering these new finds for the book. The program will also a performance from Carter Cash.

In Pictures: Jason Aldean Headlines Pandora Nashville Concert

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Jason Aldean performs during Pandora Presents Backroads on Nov. 27, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Pandora Media, Inc. )

On Tuesday (Nov. 27), as the top-played country artist on the Pandora platform, Jason Aldean headlined a celebration concert in Nashville. He was also surprised with a Billionaire plaque, commemorating billions of airings of his music on the Pandora platform.

Steven Lee Olsen, known for penning hits including Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” opened the show.

Jason Aldean receives a Billionaire plaque commemorating billions of spins on Pandora from Brad Minor, VP, Brand Marketing & Communications; Aimee Lapic, CMO; Beville Dunkerley, Director of Artist Marketing and Industry Relations; and Jeff Zuchowski, VP of Artist Marketing & Industry Relations. (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Pandora Media, Inc. )

“In the last year, Pandora has served up billions of listening hours for country music,” said Jeff Zuchowski, Vice President of Artist Marketing and Industry Relations at Pandora. “Jason Aldean fans have contributed to many of those hours and we’re thrilled to have him be part of Backroads along with Steven Lee Olsen, giving our loyal country fans an opportunity to experience them live.”

“It’s cool to get to play shows like this where you know the fans are all going to be some of the biggest out there” stated Jason Aldean. “We’re looking forward to having a chance to thank them for all their support.”

In April 2018, Aldean became the first of only three country artists to have their album debut at No. 1 on the overall Top 200 albums chart this year–the feat marked Aldean’s fourth consecutive album debut at the peak of the Top 200. Rearview Town, released on April 13 via Macon/Broken Bow Records, earned 183,000 equivalent album units during its debut week, according to Nielsen Music, of which 162,000 were in traditional album sales. Aldean is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, and earned four CMA nominations in 2018.

Steven Lee Olsen performs during Pandora Presents Backroads on November 27, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Pandora Media, Inc. )

 

 

St. Jude To Launch Second #ThisShirtSavesLives Campaign

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Pictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley with Ian and family

St. Jude held its This Concert Saves Lives event on Nov. 26, raising more than $250,000 for the Memphis hospital. The event is in advance of next week’s big national announcement of the second installment of the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign.

Launched in 2017, the #ThisShirtSavesLives campaign offers exclusive branded tee shirts to “partners in hope,” patrons donating $20+ per month. New for 2018 is a black branded tee shirt.

Held at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the 2018 This Concert Saves Lives brought together talent from various genres, including performances by RaeLynn, Brett Young, LOCASH, Cassadee Pope, John Rich and A Thousand Horses.

An appearance by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley introduced the crowd to Ian, for whom Kelley led the audience in the traditional “No More Chemo Party” song, celebrating the completion of treatment.

Brands, designers, and boutiques offered a fashion show, including Draper James, H. Audrey and Kelley’s wife’s Tribe Kelley.

Influencers also in attendance included Kelleigh Bannen, Amy, Lunchbox and Eddie from The Bobby Bones Show and Eric and Jessie James Decker, among others including patients from the hospital.

St. Jude patient, Nick, took the stage to perform “Do It For The Jude,” with all proceeds from the recording donated to the hospital that helped save his life.

A silent auction ran online while a live auction, overseen by the charismatic Letitia Frye, raised thousands of dollars in just a few minutes time. Magician Justin Flom also entertained throughout the evening.

To join the This Shirt Saves Lives movement, visit thisshirtsaveslives.org.

RaeLynn

LOCASH

Brett Young

John Rich

Cassadee Pope

A Thousand Horses

Kelleigh Bannen

Andrew East, Shawn Johnson East, and Bobby Bones

Eric Ethridge Joins Ole’s Red Dot Label Roster

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Pictured (L-R): ole Sr. VP of Finance & Administration Chris Giansante, ole Senior Director of Creative Licensing Randall Foster, ole VP of Creative John Ozier, Eric Ethridge, ole CEO Helen Murphy, ole Sr. Coordinator of Creative Lauren Lieu, ole VP of Corporate Affairs & Business Development Gilles Godard.

Singer-songwriter Eric Ethridge has signed with ole’s red dot label. The worldwide 360 deal includes exclusive publishing and recording rights, administration of all properties on YouTube, and the acquisition of Ethridge’s self-titled debut EP, which debuted at the top of the iTunes Country charts and was streamed over 3 million times in the first six weeks of its release.

In early 2016, Ethridge was selected as a finalist into the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Program and went on to win the CCMA Discovery Award. The following year, he teamed up with producer/songwriter Brian Howes (Chris Daughtry, Keith Urban) to produce his self-titled debut EP. The EP’s first single, “Liquor’s Callin’ the Shots,” climbed to Top 30 at Canadian country radio, and his most recent single “California” was one of the most-streamed country songs in Canada. Ethridge was also named the Grand Prize winner in the Unsigned Only competition for his song “Girl on Fire,”  selected from over 6,000 applicants from 95 different countries across all genres.

“Eric is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and we are very excited to have him on our label,” commented ole’s CEO, Helen Murphy.

“After a lot of years of hard work, I could not be more excited and grateful to be the newest artist to join the ole family.  I’m honoured to work with a group of such highly regarded people to help take my career to the next level,” said Ethridge.

ole operates a robust label services arm under the umbrella of ole label group. The division includes: anthem, the label home of: Rush, Big Wreck, Ian Fletcher Thornley, Steven Page and The Tea Party; anthem LEGACY, which houses catalogues by such artists as Stompin’ Tom Connors, Max Webster, Lighthouse and Ian Thomas, and red dot, which has released, developed and streamed artists including Haley Reinhart, George Canyon, Austin Jenckes, Josh Dorr, Sam Grow, Maddison Krebs and Jordan Davis.

 

Industry Ink: Crowd Surf, Relevant Communications, Straight 8 Entertainment

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Crowd Surf’s Cassie Petrey, Jade Driver Named 2018 Billboard Digital Power Players

Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, co-founders of marketing/PR/artist management firm Crowd Surf, have been recognized on the 2018 Billboard Digital Power Players list. Driver is the only woman based in Nashville on this year’s list, while Petrey is one of the youngest.

Starting Crowd Surf right out of college, Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver, have grown the company to three offices (Nashville, LA, NYC) and employ a staff of over 35. Crowd Surf has evolved into a 50-person team, with four offices and a stacked roster of accounts boasting a collective social footprint of approximately 1 billion followers. Many of Crowd Surf’s campaigns have helped break and re-define acts – for example, they spearheaded Fifth Harmony’s “2014 VMA’s Best New Artist” fan-voted competition, and helped Britney Spears win the fan-voted “Best Show in Las Vegas.” In addition, Crowd Surf also offers artist management, and is currently managing AJ McLean (of Backstreet Boys), alongside legendary manager Johnny Wright, and Max & Harvey, the #1 Musical.ly stars in the UK who have over 5.7 million followers.

 

Relevant Communications Signs Aussie Trio Audio Vixen

Audio Vixen

Relevant Communications has signed Australian sibling trio Audio Vixen. The X-Factor Australia finalists are already one of the most well-establish touring bands down under and they will be bringing their harmonies to Nashville in 2019.

Their upcoming U.S. debut album The Colour of Sound was written, arranged and produced by all three members of the group and in 2013, Audio Vixen was invited by Bee Gee’s legend Barry Gibb, to be his support act for his Australian Mythology tour.

 

Celebration Time For Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard 

Pictured (L-R): John Wesley Satterfield, Jon Stone, Jerrod Neimann, Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard, Ira Dean, Joe Denim and Gavin DeGraw.

Straight 8 Entertainment’s Lee Willard celebrated his 40th birthday at Nashville Underground, alongside several artist friends.

For King & Country Plan Burn The Ships World Tour For 2019

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This fall, For King & Country brought fans live performances of the songs from their third studio album, Burn The Ships, by playing at intimate venues across the U.S. In 2019, they will continue the tour at theaters and auditoriums in Georgia, Texas and Tennessee, among other U.S. stops, as well as stops in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The tour launches Jan. 25 at Christchurch, New Zealand’s La Vida Centre and wraps April 20 in Beaumont, Texas.

Burn The Ships 2019 Tour Dates:
Jan. 25 Christchurch, NZ La Vida Centre
Jan. 26 Hamilton, NZ Festival One
Jan. 28 Sydney, AUS Sydney Opera House
Jan. 29 Newcastle, AUS The Grainery
Jan. 30 Brisbane, AUS Riverlife
Jan. 31 Gold Coast, AUS NewLife
Feb. 3 Melbourne, AUS Palais Theatre
Feb. 6 Adelaide, AUS Influencers Paradise
Feb. 7 Perth, AUS Riverview
Feb. 9 Manila, PHL Circuit Makati Concert Grounds
Feb. 11 Bukit Merah, SG Gateway Theatre
March 8 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium
March 9 Franklin, NC Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 10 Savannah, GA Savannah Civic Center Arena
March 11 Dothan, AL Dothan Civic Center
March 15 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Auditorium
March 17 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
March 21 Lafayette, LA Heymann Performing Arts Center
March 22 Birmingham, AL Samford University Wright Center
March 23 Paducah, KY Carson Center
March 24 Wichita, KS Century II Performing Arts Center
March 28 Stamford, CT The Palace-Stamford
March 29 Indiana, PA Kovalchick Complex
March 30 Wheeling, WV Capitol Theatre
March 31 Salisbury, MD Wicomico Civic Center
April 4 Saginaw, MI Dow Eventer Center
April 6 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
April 7 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
April 11 Wichita Falls, TX Memorial Auditorium
April 12 Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
April 13 Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center
April 14 Amarillo, TX Amarillo Civic Center
April 16 El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theatre
April 18 Longview, TX LeTourneau University Belcher Center
April 20 Beaumont, TX Julie Rogers Theatre

Kobalt Adds Jonathan Sherwood, Boy Named Banjo To Roster

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Boy Named Banjo signing

Kobalt​ has signed Nashville-based country group Boy Named Banjo (BNB) and alt-singer/songwriter Jonathan Sherwood. The worldwide agreements continue Kobalt’s existing partnership with publishing company Little Louder and includes worldwide administration for all of BNB and Sherwood’s future works.

Jesse Willoughby, GM for Kobalt Nashville, said, “We’re excited to continue our relationship with Little Louder and their growth by the new additions of Jon, Will and Barton. Arturo and Eric continue to identify incredible talent and we’re grateful to help them grow their company to new heights.”

Nashville natives founded BNB in 2011, releasing their first album The Tanglewood Sessions at the age of 18. The group has since released its sophomore record, Long Story Short (2014), and an EP, Lost On Main (2015). BNB took the stage at Bonnaroo in 2015. BNB is currently touring heavily, selling out shows across the eastern half of the US and recently performed at Colorado’s Seven Peaks Fest in August. Next up is a new album slated for release in 2019.

Said President, Little Louder Music, Arturo Buenahora, “I had known the kids in Boy Named Banjo for over a year before we signed them. Barton and William and the guys have been a touring band since their high school days and throughout college building a small but loyal fan base throughout the Southeast. The response to the music has been beyond anything we could have hoped for.”

Added Senior Creative Director, Kobalt Music, Laura Alexander, “The guys from Boy Named Banjo truly bring something different to our music community. We are fired up to see their story unfold going forward and are very thankful to have them join the Little Louder/Kobalt family!”

Jonathan Sherwood signing

California native Sherwood moved to Nashville five years ago after dropping out of college, and is now working with country up-and-comers: Seth Ennis, Brandon Ratcliff, and BNB.

Sherwood commented, “Little Louder and Kobalt hold the kind of reputation I want to be known for, so I am thankful they brought me into the family. We have great music in the works that I am eager and proud to put into the world.”

Buenahora said, “Laura Alexander sent me some of Sherwood’s music and I was immediately impressed with his style of songwriting. He got 2 cuts the day we signed him which is a first for me in over 20 years of publishing.”

Alexander added, “BMI sent Jon Sherwood over to meet with me and I instantly felt like he had something different to offer. Along with his unique style of writing, his energy and excitement for the craft stuck with me. Having Little Louder as a partner with us seemed like the perfect set up for someone like Sherwood. His positive attitude and work ethic are inspiring and we couldn’t be happier to have him in the family!”

Country Radio Seminar Reveals Agenda First Look For 2019

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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has revealed the first look of its agenda for Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event (CRS 2019), to be held Feb. 13-15 at the Omni Nashville.

The agenda for the milestone three-day event is comprised of appearances by some of the format’s biggest superstars, including a performance by Blake Shelton at the newly added Warner Music Group luncheon, a 60-minute discussion with featured speaker Jason Aldean (sponsored by BMI), and performances by some of country music’s fastest rising stars; five of which are the New Faces of Country Music Class of 2019.

Three label luncheons will also take place and will be presented by Warner Music Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 13, UMG Nashville on Thursday, Feb. 14, and Big Machine Label Group on Friday, Feb. 15. Amazon Music will also return for Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS. Talent lineups for the label luncheons and the Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS show will be announced in the coming weeks.

Other agenda items include informative panels ranging from smart speakers to time management, industry discussions, workshops, and boot camps; a broad range of topics relevant to today’s Country radio industry is to be covered, including social media and digital innovations, PPM, brand strategies, leadership skills, the relationships and economics of the radio and record industries and much more. A cutting-edge research presentation will also return.

Constituents will be offered numerous networking opportunities, including the CMA annual Welcome Reception, five mentoring breakfasts, nightly showcases, and more. Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley will also return, providing an intimate performance by some of the format’s top songwriters in an acoustic, in-the-row setting.

In light of this year being the 50th Anniversary event and the institution’s five decades of bringing the radio and record industries together, many surprise performances, special guests and extraordinary moments are expected to take place over the three days, making this year’s event a stand out year.

Judy Lakin, 2019 CRS Agenda Committee Chair commented, “The CRS 50 educational line up will host experts in technology, social media, imaging, programming, production, sales, promotions, and the list does not stop there. Don’t miss this ‘golden opportunity’ to educate yourself at the only country radio convention. It is one you and your career can’t afford to miss!”

The CRS 2019 Agenda-At-A-Glance includes:
(*Schedule subject to change*)
Wednesday, Feb. 13
11:45-Noon Pre-Lunch Performance (Encore Stage)
Noon-1:50 p.m. Lunch and Performance, Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville with performances powered by Live Nation
2:00-2:50 p.m. Time Management: Your Success Depends On It
3:00- 3:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
3:30- 4:00 p.m. CRHOF 2019 Class Announcement & Tom Rivers Award Presentation
4:00-5:00 p.m. Keynote Presentation
5:00-6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception, Sponsored by CMA
6:00-8:00 p.m. Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS, performances powered by Live Nation
8:30 p.m. CRS After Hours

Thursday, Feb. 14
8:00-8:50 a.m. Programming Mentoring Breakfast
8:00-8:50 a.m. Sales Mentoring Breakfast
8:00-8:50 a.m. DSP Mentoring Breakfast

9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Music Scheduling)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Voice & Talent Coaching)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Production)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Back to the Future: Turning The Remotes Of Yesterday Into the Remotes of Today
9:00-9:50 a.m. The Metrics That Matter to Predict Radio Hits

10:00-10:50 a.m. Daily Featured Speaker: Artist Spotlight
11:30-1:50 p.m. UMG Nashville Lunch and Performance

2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market, Big Responsibilities”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market Toolbox”/ “Creative Ways To Find Ratings & Research”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Small Market Boot Camp (“Small Market, Big Star”)
2:30-3:20 p.m. Cracking the Code to Digital Revenue: Real Ideas to Drive Digital Dollars
2:30-3:20 p.m. Running for Success: How to Maximize Grassroots Marketing Strategies

3:30-4:20 p.m. CRS Research Presentation: Country Parents of Teens Presented by Edison Research
4:30-5:20 p.m. Beer-Thirty: Research Follow-up Q & A

7:00-11:00 p.m. CRS After Hours
7:00-12:00 a.m. Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, Sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 and First Tennessee Bank

Friday, Feb. 15
7:30-8:50 a.m. Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, Sponsored by NuVoodoo Media
7:30-8:50 a.m. Digital & Tech Breakfast

8:00-8:50 a.m. Label Mentoring Breakfast

9:00-9:50 a.m. Daily Featured Speaker
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Music Scheduling)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Voice & Talent Coaching)
9:00-9:50 a.m. Workshop (Production)

10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (Facebook & Instagram/”Social Media Live”)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (DSP)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Digital & Social Media Boot Camp (Compelling Content Creation)
10:00-10:50 a.m. Programming Working With Sales
10:00-10:50 a.m. The Hidden Demo
11:00-11:50 a.m. Inside The Studio: The Art of Storytelling
11:00-11:50 a.m. Best Practices: React & Recover

11:45-Noon Pre-Lunch Performance by Kaylee Rutland
Noon-1:50 p.m. Lunch and Performance, Sponsored by BMLG with performances powered by Live Nation

2:00-2:50 p.m. Smart Programming for Smart Speakers

2:00-2:50 p.m. Art of the Artist Visit: How to Maximize Your Time
3:00-3:30 p.m. Continuous Measurement in Diary Markets: How to Program in an Always-On World
3:30-4:30 p.m. Artist Interview with Jason Aldean: Overcoming Obstacles – Sponsored by BMI
5:30-6:15 p.m. New Faces Cocktail Reception, Sponsored by Riser House Entertainment
6:30-10:00 p.m. New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance, Sponsored by ACM & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – *Performances Powered by Live Nation
10:00 p.m. CRS After Hours

Mindy Smith’s Debut ‘One Moment More’ To Be Reissued On Vinyl

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Craft Recordings, in partnership with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mindy Smith, will reissue her 2004 Vanguard Records debut, One Moment More, on vinyl for the first time.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the project, Craft Recordings will offer the project on 180-gram black vinyl, beginning Jan. 25, 2019. The album was co-produced by Smith and Steve Buckingham, and recorded in Nashville.

“To partner with Craft Recordings to release One Moment More on vinyl for the first time has truly been a dream come true,” says Smith. “Originally released by Vanguard Records, I appreciate Craft collaborating with me from start to finish on this release.”

Following her debut project, Smith has since released five albums and numerous singles: Long Island Shores (Vanguard, 2006); My Holiday (Vanguard, 2007); Stupid Love (Vanguard, 2009); Mindy Smith (Giant Leap/TVX Records, 2012); Snowed In (Giant Leap/TVX Records, 2013); “Anymore Of This,” a duet with Matthew Perryman Jones (2013); “Someone Sometime” ft. Zach Berkman (2014); “Returning Fire With Fire” (2015); “On Top Of The World,” ft. Phillip LaRue (2015); “The Snow” and “Three Thousand Miles” (2016); and “Who Saved Who,” ft. Matthew Perryman Jones (2017).

Her songs have been recorded by Alison Krauss, Lee Ann Womack, Faith Hill, and the Gaither Vocal Band, and featured in various television shows, including Switched At Birth, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, HBO’s Six Feet Under, and the WB’s Smallville and Summerland. “Taking You With Me,” a duet with Daniel Tashian was featured in Paul Rudd’s film Our Idiot Brother (2011) and its accompanying soundtrack. In addition, Smith penned and recorded the theme song “Shelter Me” for the national PBS TV series of the same name.

Her vocals are currently featured on “Better Boat,” the latest single from Kenny Chesney.