Belmont University Honors Chuck Ainlay With Robert E. Mulloy Award

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Chuck Ainlay

Producer, engineer, and Belmont alumnus Chuck Ainlay was presented the 2017 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence from the University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business last night (Dec. 5).

“It is an honor to shine a light on Chuck Ainlay for his outstanding career accomplishments and to express our deepest appreciation for his contributions to the music industry and to Belmont’s Curb College,” said Curb College Dean Doug Howard. “Chuck is truly an engineer/producer extraordinaire who is loved and respected by the artists, engineers and industry professionals who have had the great fortune to benefit from his amazing talent.”

Throughout his 30-year engineering career, Ainlay has worked with a diverse list of clients that ranges from George Strait to Dire Straits. His engineering dominance in the country field has been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations for his numerous critically and commercially successful albums. The Nashville Music Association named him Engineer of the Year in 1996 and 1997, and MusicRow Magazine voted him the ‘Engineer with the most Top Ten Hits’ as part of its Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards in 1999.

Pictured (L-R): Belmont University’s Curb College Dean Doug Howard, Chuck Ainlay, Tony Brown

Ainlay’s long-standing collaboration with Mark Knopfler has resulted in two albums by Dire Straits, as well as production and engineering credits on several of Knopfler’s multi-platinum solo albums. This partnership has also produced two movie scores for the films Wag the Dog and Metroland.

Many within the audio industry also regard Ainlay as a leader in cutting-edge technology as he produced the first all-digital recording out of Nashville. His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Governors and The Producers and Engineers Wing of NARAS, Leadership Music, SAE Advisory Board and the Nashville Chapter Board of the Audio Engineering Society.

The Curb College established the Award of Excellence in 2008 in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy to annually recognize an individual who has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.

Past recipients of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence include Troy Tomlinson, Gary Overton, Donna Hilley, the International Entertainment Buyers Association, Vince Gill, Mike Curb, Clair Audio and Bandit Lites.

Nelly Joy Joins Warner/Chappell Nashville Roster

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): BJ Hill, Will Overton, Phil May, Travis Carter, Katie Jelen, Matt Michiels. (Front row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel, Alison Junker, Nelly Joy, Ben Vaughn

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Nelly Joy has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville.

Joy’s songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Big & Rich, Colbie Caillat, Jesse & Joy, The Mowglis, Rachel Wammack, and Tegan Marie. Most recently Joy was nominated for Song of the Year at the Latin Grammys for “Ecos De Amor” by Jesse & Joy, which has over 300 million streams worldwide.

Joy co-wrote ten songs on the JaneDear Girls’ first album that debuted at 10 on the Billboard Top Country Charts in 2011. She also has a CMT nomination, two ACM nominations, and has had songs featured on ABC’s GCB, NBC’s The Chase, The Today Show, CNBC and Bunheads. She also just received vocal engineering/production credit on “12 Days of Christmas” by Colbie Caillat featuring Aloe Blacc on the movie A Bad Mom’s Christmas.

IBMA, Foundation For Bluegrass Music Announce Merger

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The International Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. (IBMA) and the Foundation for Bluegrass Music Inc. have merged into a single organization, with the Foundation for Bluegrass Music now known as the IBMA Foundation. The merger recognizes and formalizes the historic relationship between the two organizations and will help to strengthen coordination of their fundraising and operations. The merger became effective on Nov. 30.

The Foundation now enjoys greater access to IBMA’s staff and infrastructure to facilitate joint fundraising and other joint efforts that benefit both organizations. Meanwhile, the IBMA, for the first time since its inception, is able to accept charitable contributions directly from donors, who can claim tax deductions for those contributions. The IBMA will seek to benefit as well from its new capacity to apply for grants as a Section 501(c)(3) organization.

IBMA, the professional bluegrass organization founded in 1985, has created numerous programs to help preserve the legacy of bluegrass music, while supporting the genre’s future. These programs include the Bluegrass Hall of Fame (originally the Bluegrass Hall of Honor), the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the Bluegrass Trust Fund (a safety net for bluegrass professionals), World of Bluegrass, and, in 2007, the Foundation for Bluegrass Music.

Joe Mullins, Chair of the IBMA, added, “I am grateful for the planning and execution of this merger, with many hours invested by the Board of Directors of IBMA, the Board and officers of the Foundation and Paul Schiminger, IBMA E.D., and Nancy Cardwell, the Foundation Administrator. Bluegrass music is our shared passion, and now it’s easier for each member of our community to participate in successfully funding the efforts of the association on behalf of our membership, and the programming encouraged and supported by the Foundation.”

Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of the IBMA emphasized, “The strong 10-year partnership of the IBMA and what is now the IBMA Foundation has now become even stronger. Each organization benefits from this combined effort to carry forward ongoing efforts to educate, connect, and empower the bluegrass community. This merger will create efficiencies to attract and utilize additional resources necessary to fulfill our collective mission.”

Walker Hayes To Launch Good As Gold Tour In February

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Walker Hayes. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Walker Hayes is launching his own 13-city tour, the Good As Gold tour, named for a line in his Gold-certified hit,“You Broke Up With Me.” The tour will kick off Feb. 1 in Uncasville, Connecticut and will run through April. Hayes is gearing up for the release of his debut album, boom., this Friday, (Dec. 8), and “You Broke Up With Me,” which is Top 15 on the charts, has already notched over 50 million streams.

“I am so humbled by folks wanting to see this live that we can do this,” shares Hayes. “I’m so honored to have so many supporters — from my peers to the industry to country radio — on this crazy journey with me. You all have absolutely changed my life.”

Fans can pre-order Hayes’ new album boom. and instantly receive five tracks including the current single, “Beautiful,” “Halloween,” “Shut Up Kenny” and “Beer in The Fridge.”

Tickets for the new tour go on sale this Friday (Dec. 8).

Good As Gold Tour Dates:
February 1 – Mohegan Sun- Wolf Den in Uncasville, Connecticut
February 2 – Paradise Rock Club in Boston, Massachusetts
February 3 – The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland
February 17 – The Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina*
March 1–  Brick Street Bar in Oxford, Ohio
March 2 –  Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago, Illinois
March 3 –  Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 15 – House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio
March 16 – 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis, Indiana
March 17 –  St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, Michigan
March 24 –  Saddlebags in Savannah, Georgia
April 26 – Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California
April 27– Close LaChance Winery in San Martin, California

*On sale December 15

Chris Palmer To Join Valory Music Co. As VP, Promotion

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Chris Palmer

The Valory Music Co. has announced that Chris Palmer will join as Vice President of Promotion, effective Jan. 2. In the newly-created role, he will join the imprint in building relationships between radio and the talented roster – Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band and Delta Rae.

“I have known Chris since his days in radio and at times we have worked alongside each other on the road where he has built some of the most solid relationships at country radio,” said The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner. “Chris brings a wealth of experience and we’re all excited to have him on board. His passion for music and desire to win makes him a great addition to an already strong promotion team. THE EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES!”

“I’m humbled and honored by this incredible opportunity. When Scott Borchetta and George approached me about leading a team already producing at this level, I jumped at the chance!” said Palmer. “Ashley Sidoti has this crew humming as is and I’m looking forward to adding my skill set to The Valory Music Co.”

An industry veteran, Palmer most recently served as VP of Radio and Streaming at Warner Music Nashville following a decade-long stint at Lyric Street Records and years in radio.

Palmer will report directly to Briner and can be reached at 615-417-7486 and after the first the of year at chris.palmer@valorymail.com.

Kings Of Leon Signs With WME

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Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon has signed with WME for exclusive worldwide representation. The agency represented Kings of Leon for international touring but will now represent them in all areas, including music, film, television, books, and endorsements.

Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon has sold over 21 million albums and over 38 million singles worldwide. The band, Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill, has had five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, all seven of their studio albums on Billboard’s 200 list, and five singles that reached No. 1 on Modern Rock radio.  Their seventh album WALLS debuted in October at No. 1 in the U.S., the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and Austria. They have won four Grammys, three NME Awards, two Brit Awards and one Juno Award and have toured all over the world, selling out top venues and headlining major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury.

Kings of Leon is managed by Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn at Vector Management.

Paradigm Talent Agency Makes Nashville Move

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Keith Richards (standing), Keith Levy, Joe Atamian, Jenny DeLoach, Matt Runner, Josh Swann, Nate Herweyer, Matt Korn, Greg Hoffman, Keith Shackleford (standing). Pictured (Front row, L-R): Maxwell Wiebrecht, Jeffrey Hasson, Clint Wiley, Jonathan Levine, Sam Gores, Amanda Ances, Max Braun, Casey Smith. [Click photo to enlarge]

Paradigm Talent Agency has moved its Nashville operation into larger offices, located at 222 Second Ave. S. in downtown Nashville. The new office opening follows Paradigm’s move a year ago to new Manhattan offices. A new, consolidated Los Angeles headquarters will open in early 2018. Paradigm also has offices in London, Chicago, Toronto, Monterey, San Diego, Berkeley, and Austin.

“Since Paradigm first opened a Nashville office 14 years ago, we have carved an independent path into Music City,” said Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores. “Since moving to Nashville from Monterey five years ago, our office head Jonathan Levine’s leadership and impeccable taste have anchored the growth of an extraordinary and unique Third Coast presence for our agency.”

“Over the last few years we have watched our business grow and thrive exponentially, not unlike the city of Nashville,” said Levine. “We’re thrilled to be moving downtown and want the new offices to be a welcome destination for our diverse roster of artists.”

Levine is joined by agents Andrea Ambrosia, Amanda Ances, Joe Atamian, Max Braun, Jenny DeLoach, Jeffrey Hasson, Nate Herweyer, Matt Korn, Keith Levy, Keith Richards, Matt Runner, Keith Shackleford, Josh Swann, Maxwell Wiebrecht and Clint Wiley.

Paradigm’s clients represented out of the Nashville office include recent Grammy nominees Brent Cobb (Best Americana Album) and The Mavericks (Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song), as well as producer Dave Cobb, who worked on songs and albums that earned a combined five nominations; as well as The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Echosmith, Margo Price, Ben Folds, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Cody Jinks, Big Gigantic, Anderson East, Young The Giant, Dr. John, Fergie, Aubrie Sellers, Flogging Molly, Lee Ann Womack, Asleep at the Wheel, Whitey Morgan, Shakey Graves, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Black Eyed Peas, and many more.

 

In Pictures: Margie Singleton, Temecula Road, Dan Varner

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Margie Singleton Visits MusicRow

Margie Singleton, Robert K. Oermann, Sherod Robertson

Singer-songwriter Margie Singleton recently visited the MusicRow office to perform songs both new and classic.

The 82-year-old’s biggest hit came in 1964 with “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” and found success as a writer and duet partner with artists including George Jones (pre-Tammy Wynette) and Faron Young. In 1958, she made her debut on the Louisiana Hayride.

Margie Singleton with MusicRow staffers.

 

Temecula Road Visits MusicRow

Temecula Road

California country trio Temecula Road, which includes sisters Emma and Maddie Salute as well as friend Dawson Anderson, recently performed a trio of tunes at the MusicRow office, including the holiday classic “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”. The trio’s first two singles, “What If I Kissed You” and “Hoping,” earned more than 1 million streams each on Spotify.

 

Dan Varner Visits MusicRow

Dan Varner and MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow

Singer-songwriter Dan Varner performed several tracks for MusicRow staffers, including “Stained,” and two tracks written by Varner, including “She Makes Me” and “Yesterdays.”

Dan Varner with MusicRow staffers.

Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, More Added To Merlefest 2018 Lineup

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MerleFest has announced new additions to the lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26 – 29, 2018. Rodney Crowell, Elephant Revival, Rhiannon Giddens, and Shinyribs will all play the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans at the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

The newest additions to the lineup join over 75 artists that have already been announced, including Kris Kristofferson , Jamey Johnson , Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, Mission Temple Fireworks Revival featuring Paul Thorn & Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the McCrary Sisters, a Midnight Jam hosted by Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale , and many more.

“For over 30 years, one of the major factors that has built and sustained MerleFest has been the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the 4 day festival,” says Ted Hagaman, Festival Director. “People truly feel that the festival is a great value and that is why music fans and families return year after year. We feel that the 2018 lineup again reflects the diversity and quality of performers and we look forward to another successful festival in April.”

Tickets for next year’s festival may be purchased at merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. MerleFest offers a three-tiered pricing structure. Early Bird Tier 1 tickets may be purchased from November 14 to February 18, 2018, and Early Bird Tier 2 tickets may be purchased from February 19 to April 25. Tickets will be sold using Tier 3 pricing at the gate during the festival.

Integrity Music Names Greg Bays As VP, Commercial Partnerships And Marketing

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Greg Bays

Integrity Music has named Greg Bays as Vice President of Commercial Partnerships and Marketing, overseeing the label’s U.S.-based sales, streaming and marketing initiatives.

In this role, Bays reports to President Jonathan Brown, working from Integrity’s Nashville office in coordination with its U.K.-based team and Integrity’s parent organization, the nonprofit church resource provider, David C. Cook. Bays comes to Integrity with sales and marketing experience, most recently having served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Distribution for Capitol Christian Music Group.

“I’m so excited for this new journey and the opportunity to serve the global church as part of the Integrity team,” says Bays. “Christian music has been the soundtrack of my life, personally and professionally, and worship music especially has played a major part in my story. I’m honored to help Integrity curate and amplify songs of substance from and to churches around the world.”

“As we look for innovative ways to serve our artists and writers, it’s abundantly clear that the discovery and consumption points for music have become one and the same,” says Brown, “which is why we are so excited to have Greg join the Integrity family. He has a history of leading through digital transformation, making this the perfect time to bring sales and marketing together. It’s been a full and exciting year and we’re expecting 2018 to begin a whole new chapter as we welcome additional staff and partner with worship leaders who share our vision.”