Natalie Kilgore. Photo: Justin Nolan Key
Nashville-based media company SouthComm, Inc. has named Natalie Kilgore as VP, Marketing & Public Relations.
In the newly-created position, Kilgore will work to set the vision and strategy for marketing and publicity activities, campaigns and projects across SouthComm, Inc. brands nationwide. Kilgore’s duties will also include the collaborative development and implementation of new content initiatives across the company’s more than 30 brands which includes the Nashville Scene, Nashville Post, Washington City Paper, Cincinnati’s City Beat, FireHouse, Airport Business, Mass Transit, Fleet Maintenance and more.
“I’ve long admired the strides Chris Ferrell and his team have made in the consumer and B2B fields. The company’s grown over the past decade has been phenomenal and when Chris brought this opportunity to me, I knew it was a challenge I had to accept. I’m thrilled to join the SouthComm, Inc. team at such an exciting time in the company’s history. There are some big things on the horizon and I can’t wait to start fighting the good fight,” says Kilgore.
“I have known Natalie for many years and watched her successful career in the music industry. I am delighted she has joined SouthComm at this time to help us move our brands forward,” said SouthComm CEO Chris Ferrell.
Kilgore was previously VP, Publicity at BBR Music Group, where she strategized and lead both corporate and artist publicity initiatives for the company’s four label imprints and publishing arm, including BBR Music Group’s recent acquisition by international music company BMG.
The Greenbrier, Tennessee native began her career 17 years ago as an on-air personality for WBUZ-Nashville. Stints as an entertainment writer for Gannett; the Communications Director for NSAI; and as the Sr. Publicist for G7 Entertainment followed. Additionally, Kilgore spent over four years as Head of Publicity for the Big Machine Label Group, prior to founding her own boutique firm Dashboard Media in 2011.
Kilgore can be reached at 615-844-9410 and at nkilgore@southcomm.com.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘CMT Crossroads’ Appearance Gets Premiere Date
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum perform with Earth, Wind & Fire on CMT Crossroads. Photo: CMT Press
Earlier this year, just prior to Nashville’s CMA Music Festival, fans got a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Dan+Shay, Sara Evans and Drake White all collaborated with Earth, Wind & Fire, to film an upcoming episode of CMT Crossroads.
The show now has an air date, set to premiere Friday, June 23 at 10 p.m. ET.
The musical collaboration was held on the first outdoor CMT Crossroads Stage in downtown Nashville. Earth, Wind & Fire teamed with Lady Antebellum for the song “September,” and Lady A’s “You Look Good,” which aired on the CMT Music Awards, as a preview to the upcoming CMT Crossroads show.
CMT Crossroads is produced by Tom Forrest with John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux executive producing for CMT.
Darius Rucker performs with Earth, Wind & Fire on CMT Crossroads. Photo: CMT Press
Thomas Rhett Extends Home Team Tour Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughRhett has already sold out 18 dates on the tour, which prompted demand for additional fall dates. The first fall dates are on sale now, with remaining show details rolling out over the coming weeks. Ticket information can be found at thomasrhett.com or ticketmaster.com.
Belfast, UK
*Sell-outs on fall leg so far
Royalty Exchange Closes $6.4 Million Convertible Note, Adds Three To Board Of Advisors
/by Jessica NicholsonThe company intended to raise $3 million, but due to demand, it increased the offering. These funds will go toward hiring additional staff and investing in new technology. The company is hiring for business development, marketing, and artist/label relations roles. It is also developing new financial solutions for both buyers and sellers alike.
Additionally, Royalty Exchange has added three to is Board of Advisors, including Carnival Music co-founder and songwriter Travis Hill, SOCAN COO Jeff King, and Bill Silva of Bill Silva Presents and Bill Silva Management.
Royalty Exchange’s platform lets rightsholders sell a part of their royalty stream in an online auction. Meanwhile, artists keep full control of their copyrights and continue to earn royalties on what they don’t sell.
“We’ve experienced significant growth over the last year. But we’ve only scratched the surface,” said Royalty Exchange CEO Matthew Smith. “Imagine if you had only two options to grow your business… either sell out completely or grow from internal cash flows only. That’s the choice many artists face today. Royalty Exchange adds a whole new option for rightsholders, and we do it by bringing competition and transparency.”
The Sisterhood Signs With Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured here celebrating The Sisterhood signing with Sony Music Nashville backstage at 3rd & Lindsley on Saturday evening, left to right, are: Sony Music Nashville’s A&R Manager Margaret Tomlin, EVP & COO Ken Robold, VP Media & Corporate Communications Allen Brown and Sr. Director A&R Taylor Lindsey; Alyssa Bonagura and Ruby Stewart of The Sisterhood; Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, SVP Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill, VP Finance Scott Stachelski and EVP Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges.
Just prior to the start of their performance at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville Saturday evening, country duo The Sisterhood signed a long-term recording agreement with Sony Music Nashville.
Alyssa Bonagura and Ruby Stewart make up the country duo, and both have a compelling musical heritage. Alyssa is daughter of Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura, the core of the country band Baillie & The Boys, and Ruby’s father is rock icon Rod Stewart.
With the 3rd & Lindsley crowd as witnesses, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman welcomed The Sisterhood to the stage where they each signed the contract followed by Goodman introducing them as “Sony Music Nashville’s newest additions to our roster – The Sisterhood.” The duo, who returned the day before from opening Rod Stewart’s 10-city stadium tour in the U.K., performed an hour-long set featuring their country rock melodies and soaring rich harmonies.
The evening was a double celebration for Ruby Stewart as it was also her birthday. Adding to the spirit of the occasion, Ruby’s father sent a bagpipe player.
Deana Carter Signs With Conway Entertainment Group
/by Jessica Nicholson“We are honored to represent Deana and be a part of her team,” says Brandon Mauldin, Senior VP of Conway Entertainment Group. “We are excited and ready to achieve her goals and endeavors.”
Carter, who is known for her own hits including “Strawberry Wine” and “We Danced Anyway,” and for co-writing Kenny Chesney’s 2010 hit “You and Tequila,” released her latest album, Southern Way of Life, on Little Nugget Records and is current writing for her next project. Carter is managed by Jules Wortman of Wortman Works Media & Marketing.
“I am thrilled to work with Brandon and the team at Conway Entertainment Group,” says Carter. “Their passion and drive is evident, and their creative approach will be a tremendous asset as I continue to engage my fans on the road.”
Charlie Worsham Sets July Residency At The Basement East
/by Haley CrowCharlie Worsham will return to Nashville’s The Basement East on July 3 for a five-night residency entitled Every Damn Monday. The shows will take place July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
Tickets are available at thebasementnashville.com with all proceeds benefitting Worsham’s Follow Your Heart Arts Program, Inc., which aims to enrich and empower the lives of young people living in Worsham’s hometown of Grenada, Mississippi through music education.
In addition to the residency, Worsham will join Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as part of their SOUL2SOUL Tour in Canada June 22-24 and will return to the Grand Ole Opry on July 21 and 22.
Worsham’s second full-length album, Beginning of Things, was released last month on Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville.
SouthComm, Inc. Adds Natalie Kilgore As VP, Marketing & Public Relations
/by Jessica NicholsonNatalie Kilgore. Photo: Justin Nolan Key
Nashville-based media company SouthComm, Inc. has named Natalie Kilgore as VP, Marketing & Public Relations.
In the newly-created position, Kilgore will work to set the vision and strategy for marketing and publicity activities, campaigns and projects across SouthComm, Inc. brands nationwide. Kilgore’s duties will also include the collaborative development and implementation of new content initiatives across the company’s more than 30 brands which includes the Nashville Scene, Nashville Post, Washington City Paper, Cincinnati’s City Beat, FireHouse, Airport Business, Mass Transit, Fleet Maintenance and more.
“I’ve long admired the strides Chris Ferrell and his team have made in the consumer and B2B fields. The company’s grown over the past decade has been phenomenal and when Chris brought this opportunity to me, I knew it was a challenge I had to accept. I’m thrilled to join the SouthComm, Inc. team at such an exciting time in the company’s history. There are some big things on the horizon and I can’t wait to start fighting the good fight,” says Kilgore.
“I have known Natalie for many years and watched her successful career in the music industry. I am delighted she has joined SouthComm at this time to help us move our brands forward,” said SouthComm CEO Chris Ferrell.
Kilgore was previously VP, Publicity at BBR Music Group, where she strategized and lead both corporate and artist publicity initiatives for the company’s four label imprints and publishing arm, including BBR Music Group’s recent acquisition by international music company BMG.
The Greenbrier, Tennessee native began her career 17 years ago as an on-air personality for WBUZ-Nashville. Stints as an entertainment writer for Gannett; the Communications Director for NSAI; and as the Sr. Publicist for G7 Entertainment followed. Additionally, Kilgore spent over four years as Head of Publicity for the Big Machine Label Group, prior to founding her own boutique firm Dashboard Media in 2011.
Kilgore can be reached at 615-844-9410 and at nkilgore@southcomm.com.
BBR Music Group Names Jay Jones As VP, Publicity
/by Jessica NicholsonJay Jones
Nashville label BBR Music Group has appointed Jay Jones as its new VP Publicity, responsible for strategizing and leading national publicity campaigns for BBR Music Group’s roster of artists across imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Red Bow Records, and Wheelhouse Records. He will report directly to Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. BBR Music Group’s former VP, Publicity Natalie Kilgore has exited to pursue other opportunities.
“Jay brings a wealth of experience with an impressive track record,” Loba said. “He’s been a valuable resource in the Nashville music community and we’re excited for him to help lead and contribute to our artist’s career growth and development. Welcome to the BBR family.”
Jones formerly served as Director of Media Relations at CMA. As Director, Jones was responsible for overseeing the organization’s media initiatives and public relations campaigns for CMA, including its television specials, events and the CMA Foundation.
Prior to joining CMA, Jones owned and operated Jay Jones Music, a public relations and marketing company for nine years. There his clients included The Beach Boys, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, 12th and Porter, Capitol Records, and others.
Founded in 1997, BBR Music Group’s original imprint Broken Bow Records features a roster of talented artists including Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch. Stoney Creek Records boasts a roster which includes Thompson Square, Randy Houser and Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and Adam Craig. Red Bow Records’ artist roster includes Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell, Chase Bryant and Brooke Eden. Wheelhouse Records is BBR Music Group’s newest imprint, anchored by Trace Adkins, Granger Smith and Kristian Bush, as well as Runaway June and Walker McGuire.
AEG To Develop New Entertainment District In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville Yards Rendering. Photo: Gresham Smith & Partners
AEG and Southwest Value Partners have entered into an agreement that will allow AEG to purchase a four-acre parcel of land to develop a new mixed-use entertainment district, including a 4,000-capacity music venue, in downtown Nashville. The new development, dubbed Nashville Yards, will be located at 10th Avenue between Commerce Street and Church Street, and the SWVP and AEG agreement also provides an option for AEG to acquire an additional, adjacent 1.5-acre parcel for further mixed-used development, including creative office, residential, hotel and retail.
The community will feature a 15-acre modern urban retail, hospitality, office, residential and entertainment offering, anchored by the music venue, a flagship Regal Cinemas luxury theatre complex, an approximately 700-capacity live entertainment club, a 240-room boutique hotel, and a variety of other entertainment offerings. It will also be within walking distance to the Music City Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bridgestone Arena, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, The Johnny Cash Museum, and Nashville’s honky tonks.
“For several years, AEG has been looking for the right venue development opportunity in Nashville, one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” said Jay Marciano, Chief Operating Officer, AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents. “A development offering like this has to not just be special, but be remarkable. AEG is very pleased to be partnering with Southwest Value Partners and the City of Nashville in this exciting entertainment venture.”
The agreement further expands AEG’s portfolio of mixed-use entertainment districts which includes destinations like L.A. LIVE, The O2 in London and Mercedes-Benz Platz which is currently under construction in Berlin.
Nashville Songwriter Keith Getty Receives Honor From Queen Elizabeth II
/by Lorie Hollabaughphoto by Kristin Barlowe; courtesy Getty Music
Songwriter Keith Getty was honored last Friday (June 16) as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The award, which commemorates Getty’s contribution to Music and Modern Hymn Writing, marks the first time the award has been given to an individual in the world of contemporary church music.
Getty, along with collaborators including his wife, Kristyn, as well as Stuart Townend, has penned over 60 of the most popular 2,000 hymns sung in the U.S. and United Kingdom, according to Christian Copyright Licensing International. The Getty-Townend hymn, “In Christ Alone,” is the No. 1 most popular hymn sung in the UK for the past nine years and is also among the top 10 in the USA. According to their publishers, it is estimated that over 100 million people sang this one hymn in the last 12 months.
“When I first received the call, I was shocked,” said Getty about the honor. “As a Brit living in America it is an incredible gift to receive from home, especially given the long history of the award and the legacy of individuals who have received it. It is also wonderful to see hymnody and the great hymn-writing heritage I am from in the U.K. be recognized in this way. I am very grateful to her Majesty the Queen for this honor.”
On June 25, the Gettys will lead their second Global Hymn Sing. The Gettys’ 2016 hymn sing resulted in more than 1.1 million congregants in 5,400-plus churches in 100 countries around the world joining together in song. Later this year, they will also launch their Sing! campaign with their first book, Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church, which will be published internationally by B&H (Lifeway), and their first Sing! conference in Nashville.