Industry Ink: Deluge Music, Gordon Law, BMG, BMI, Eastside Sounds

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Thornley Joins Deluge Music

Pictured (L-R): Mason Thornley, Mark Friedman (President Deluge Music) and Emily Dryburgh (Creative Manager, Deluge Music)

Deluge Music has signed songwriter Mason Thornley. “Mason is extremely talented and will be a force in this town very soon! I’m thrilled to have him as part of the Deluge Music family!” says Mark Friedman, President of Deluge Music.

 

Chuck Allen Floyd Joins Gordon Law

Gordon Law Group has added attorney Chuck Allen Floyd to the practice. Floyd joins the firm with a wealth of experience within the music industry, having been a staff songwriter at Blacktop Music Group, a touring performer in the Oklahoma/Texas Red Dirt market, and as an entertainment and business attorney at his own firm, the Floyd Law Office.

 

BMG To Publish Music Book Series

BMG is entering the book publishing realm with its first publication celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Zombies’ 1968 classic album, Odessey and Oracle. The book is the first in a series of music-related hardcovers, softcovers, e-books, photo books, and associated projects from BMG that will explore the intersection between music and culture. Award-winning author Scott Bomar is coordinating BMG’s new books list.

 

J. Human And The New Respects Come To The East Side

BMI and the newly revamped ALT 97.5 are presenting a new edition of Eastside Sounds, featuring J.Human and The New Respects April 18 at the Basement East. The show is free and features a happy half-hour from 6 to 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Jim Beam.

Dan Fernandez Joins Big Deal Music

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Dan Fernandez has signed a publishing deal with Big Deal Music.  Fernandez is a multi-genre writer.

“When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Dan. We are so thrilled to have him as part of the Big Deal family and look forward to helping share his talents,” says Greg Gallo, Senior Creative Director for Big Deal Music.

“I’m excited to be making music with good friends,” said Fernandez about the new association.

Alabama’s Jeff Cook Battling Parkinson’s Disease

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Jeff Cook pictured in November 2016 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where Alabama gave an intimate performance and interview. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Alabama member Jeff Cook will step away from touring due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. The band’s fiddle player and guitarist was diagnosed about four years ago but kept the condition private until now, he told The Tennessean.

Cook and fellow band members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry sat down with the newspaper to discuss Cook’s condition, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

For most tour dates, Cook will not be performing with Alabama, although he plans to play concerts on May 27 in Orange Beach, Ala., as well as a fan event in June.

 

Trace Adkins Packs Spring With TV Dates, USO Tour Plans

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Trace Adkins‘ new album, Something’s Going On (his first for BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records) debuted Top 3 on the Nielsen Soundscan Current Country Albums Chart upon its release March 31. Adkins has been busy promoting the new project, including appearing on NBC’s Today on release day to perform current single, “Watered Down.” Last night (April 10) he appeared on Spike TV’s Adam Carolla and Friends Build Stuff Live show to build an outdoor patio, compete for tool knowledge, and answer fan questions via social media. He’ll also perform “Watered Down” on The Talk when he stops by the show April 18 for a visit.

Busy touring with a packed schedule of dates through the end of October, Adkins is also planning a USO Tour this spring. He has performed for service men and women on 11 USO Tours throughout his career.

 

Reba, Jason Isbell, John Prine Set For Thistle Farms Fundraiser

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The Thistle Farms 20th Anniversary Fundraiser, Love Letters, will take place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on May 3.

The event will celebrate the organization’s accomplishments of the past two decades, with a star-studded lineup of performers including Reba McEntire, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and special guest John Prine. Founder Becca Stevens—as well as the women of Thistle Farms, survivors of addiction, trafficking and addiction—will lead the evening with stories of hope and inspiration.

Thistle Farms recently launched new branding for its much-loved Body & Home line of handmade products. Esteemed chef Martha Stamps has been tapped to lead the culinary direction of the expected summer reveal of the Café of Thistle Farms, formerly known as Thistle Stop Café. Also underway is a $3 million renovation that includes a new manufacturing facility as well as an expanded cafe and event space.

Tickets are available for the Love Letters evening at thistlefarms.org.

Nashville Bourbon Derby To Benefit T.J. Martell’s FTL Sarcoma Fund

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Members of the music industry have teamed up to host the Nashville Bourbon Derby on Tuesday, May 2, at the East Ivy Mansion. Proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation’s FTL Sarcoma Fund, which raises money for sarcoma cancer research in memory of Lindsay Walleman.

The event will feature rare bourbons donated from personal collections throughout the Nashville area, food trucks, auction items, and music from Warner Music Nashville artist Charlie Worsham‘s extensive vinyl collection.

The $50 entry fee includes ten (10) tickets redeemable for tastings. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

The event’s host committee includes Jordan Pettit, Damon Moberly, Ryan O’Nan, Ryan Beuschel, Mark Block, Ryan Miller, Bo Martinovich, Darren Koch, Chris Palmer, Luke Rodgers, and Myles Murphy.

For more information, visit www.nashvillebourbonderby.com.

Webster PR Signs Brenda Lee

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Brenda Lee has added Webster Public Relations for PR, named Janet Wilcox as Manager of Brenda Lee Productions, and continues booking representation with Stan Barnett at CAA.

“We’ve got some big plans in the works!” said Lee. “We’ve got so much momentum going on and I wanted to sign with Kirt and his team exclusively to stay on top of all of our exciting projects. Our team at Brenda Lee Productions will be headed by my longtime assistant Janet Wilcox. We’re all excited about the opportunity to work with Webster PR.”

In other Webster PR news, the company continues its growth by adding Megan Carmean to lead a new division as Lifestyle Brand Manager. In her new role, Carmen will manage brand awareness and public relations for all existing Webster clients such as StarVista LIVE, Journey Home Project, and Springer Mountain Farms and will expand Webster’s corporate clientele portfolio and Lifestyle Brand staff. Her previous career stops include the American Cancer Society, and most recently the Academy of Country Music.

Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Honors Guy Clark, Tamara Saviano

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Tamara Saviano accepts the DKR Texas Music Legend Award from presenter Rodney Crowell.

Photos by Ted Parker Jr.

The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association held a special tribute to the life and legacy of Guy Clark April 7 at the Paramount Theater in Austin, and a who’s who of Texas and Nashville talent showed up to pay their respects musically at the event.

Produced and emceed by Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Hall of Fame member Rodney Crowell, the show also included performances by Joe Ely, Bruce Robison, Lee Roy Parnell, Jack Ingram, Verlon Thompson, Terry Allen, Brennen Leigh, Shawn Camp, The Trishas, Noel McKay and Terry McBride.

Producer, manager, Clark biographer, and longtime Americana and Texas music champion Tamara Saviano was awarded the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award during the evening by BMI’s Jody Williams.

“There’s been a well-worn path between Texas and Tennessee for many generations,” said Saviano upon receiving the honor. “To me, Austin and Nashville are sister cities, united in our collective quest to write great songs and discover great songwriters. Texans Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Lee Roy Parnell, Gary Nicholson, Radney Foster and many others have made their way from Texas to Nashville in search of publishing and recording deals. Yet, these Lone Star natives never lose the Texas in them. Guy would be so proud tonight. I still can’t believe he is gone and miss him every day. Many of his friends and family are here tonight, on stage and off, and we haven’t been together under one roof since Guy’s memorial. Grief shared is grief diminished and tonight I feel only joy and gratitude.”

The TxHSA’s 2018 Hall of Fame Class was also announced during the event, and includes Buddy Holly, Mickey Newbury, Liz Rose and Ray Wylie Hubbard.

Jody Williams honors Tamara Saviano.

 

Joe Ely performs “Magdalene.”

 

Noel McKay performs “Favorite Picture of You.”

Artist News: Soul2Soul Tour Opens, Midland Opry Debut, Silverado Records

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Soul2Soul 2017 Opening Night

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017 launched Friday night (April 7) in New Orleans, La. Members of their team from Sony Music Nashville joined them on the road for opening night of one of this summer’s biggest tours. The outing visits Nashville for back-to-back shows Aug. 4 and 5 at the Bridgestone Arena.

(L-R): Ken Robold, Lauren Thomas Fowler, Josh Easler, Randy Goodman, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Steve Hodges, Shane Allen, John Zarling, Jim Catino

 

Midland Makes Opry Debut

Midland made their Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (April 8). Lead singer Mark Wystrach, guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy performed two shows from the legendary circle that night, offering debut single “Drinkin’ Problem” and fan-favorite “Burn Out.”

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry GM Sally Williams, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach and Jess Carson, Opry Entertainment President Steve Buchanan, Sandbox Entertainment’s Todd Ramey and BRND MGMT’s Matt Graham. Photo: ©2017 Grand Ole Opry | Chris Hollo

 

Silverado Signature Songwriter Series Features Tyler Jordan

Silverado Records has signed singer-songwriter Tyler Jordan for the third volume of the Silverado Signature Songwriter Series album releases. Hailing from Belton, SC, Jordan has been writing songs in Nashville since 2010.

(L-R): Tyler Jordan and Silverado’s Aaron Chesling

Darius Rucker’s Annual St. Jude Benefit Moves To Ryman

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Darius Rucker will hold his annual “Darius and Friends” concert for the first time at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on June 5. Now in its eighth year, the event leads into CMA Music Festival week and benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“This concert is a real highlight for me every year,” Rucker said. “And I couldn’t do it without the support of my friends who turn out to perform, tell stories and make this a memorable night for the fans, who are here from around the world.”

The popular event, previously held at the Wildhorse Saloon, sells out year after year and has raised more than $800,000 for St. Jude. Among the artists who’ve performed with Rucker at the benefit in past years are Luke Bryan, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley, and Kenny Rogers. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets will be available April 14 via Ticketmaster.com. Rucker has teamed up with Ticketmaster to allow supporters to become #VerifiedFans. Qualified registrants entering by April 13 at 10 a.m. CT will receive a unique code to ensure they can buy tickets without worrying about scalpers or bots.