Pictured (L-R): Chris Farren (Combustion Music owner/President); Sara Walters (Loeb & Loeb), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music VP); Luke Foley; Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music Creative Director); and John Strohm (Loeb & Loeb).
Luke Foley has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Nashville independent publishing venture Combustion Atlas.
Foley began his music career in the spotlight as frontman of rock and roll act Farewell Flight. Now residing in Nashville, Tenn., he continues to write for and perform with Farewell Flight. In addition, he writes with an eclectic collection of writers covering a wide variety of genres, from electronic synth pop to 90’s inspired rock n roll. His song “The Places We’ll Go” was featured in CITGO’s 2013 “Fueling Good” summer ad campaign, as well as in the CW’s “Hart of Dixie.”
“Luke’s passion for and skill in writing nostalgic songs that sound familiar yet are undeniably unique are what first drew me in. Add to that his prolific work ethic and I think we have the ingredients for long-term success. We couldn’t be happier to partner with Luke and look forward to elevating him as an artist and a writer,” said Kenley Flynn, Creative Director, Combustion Music.
Combustion Atlas’ team has delivered hits for artists including Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, and others.
In 2014, Atlas Music Publishing CEO, Richard Stumpf and Combustion Music owner/President, Chris Farren announced Atlas Music Publishing and the highly successful Combustion Music have formed a long-term joint venture under the banner Combustion Atlas.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, CJ Solar, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan and Sea Gayle Music’s Marc Driskill. Photo by ASCAP’s Kele Currier.
ASCAP has signed Sea Gayle Music songwriter-artist CJ Solar.
Just a few months ago, Baton Rouge, La., native CJ Solar started at Sea Gayle Music as an intern, suggested for the job by VP of Creative Freeman Wizer. Wizer’s colleague, VP of Creative Mike Owens, heard Solar’s tunes and immediately wanted to sign him. When EVP/GM Marc Driskill and the rest of the Sea Gayle creative team heard his music, Solar was offered a publishing deal on the spot.
“His lyrics are well beyond his years and his voice is distinctive and soulful. What a great story and an amazing talent. We are really excited about working with CJ and having him as part of the Sea Gayle roster,” commented Driskill.
Songwriter Signings: Combustion Atlas, ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Chris Farren (Combustion Music owner/President); Sara Walters (Loeb & Loeb), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music VP); Luke Foley; Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music Creative Director); and John Strohm (Loeb & Loeb).
Luke Foley has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Nashville independent publishing venture Combustion Atlas.
Foley began his music career in the spotlight as frontman of rock and roll act Farewell Flight. Now residing in Nashville, Tenn., he continues to write for and perform with Farewell Flight. In addition, he writes with an eclectic collection of writers covering a wide variety of genres, from electronic synth pop to 90’s inspired rock n roll. His song “The Places We’ll Go” was featured in CITGO’s 2013 “Fueling Good” summer ad campaign, as well as in the CW’s “Hart of Dixie.”
“Luke’s passion for and skill in writing nostalgic songs that sound familiar yet are undeniably unique are what first drew me in. Add to that his prolific work ethic and I think we have the ingredients for long-term success. We couldn’t be happier to partner with Luke and look forward to elevating him as an artist and a writer,” said Kenley Flynn, Creative Director, Combustion Music.
Combustion Atlas’ team has delivered hits for artists including Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, and others.
In 2014, Atlas Music Publishing CEO, Richard Stumpf and Combustion Music owner/President, Chris Farren announced Atlas Music Publishing and the highly successful Combustion Music have formed a long-term joint venture under the banner Combustion Atlas.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, CJ Solar, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan and Sea Gayle Music’s Marc Driskill. Photo by ASCAP’s Kele Currier.
ASCAP has signed Sea Gayle Music songwriter-artist CJ Solar.
Just a few months ago, Baton Rouge, La., native CJ Solar started at Sea Gayle Music as an intern, suggested for the job by VP of Creative Freeman Wizer. Wizer’s colleague, VP of Creative Mike Owens, heard Solar’s tunes and immediately wanted to sign him. When EVP/GM Marc Driskill and the rest of the Sea Gayle creative team heard his music, Solar was offered a publishing deal on the spot.
“His lyrics are well beyond his years and his voice is distinctive and soulful. What a great story and an amazing talent. We are really excited about working with CJ and having him as part of the Sea Gayle roster,” commented Driskill.
ASCAP Names Elizabeth Matthews CEO
/by Sarah SkatesElizabeth Matthews
Today, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced that Elizabeth Matthews has been named Chief Executive Officer of the organization, after previously serving as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at ASCAP since 2013.
She replaces former ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento who retired December 31 after 33 years of service, including 17 years as CEO.
Matthews, a unanimous choice among the Board’s 12 writer and 12 publisher members, begins her tenure at the helm immediately.
As ASCAP’s Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Matthews played an important role in planning the organization’s future. She led development of a six-year transformative strategic plan and was a key internal leader on modernizing ASCAP’s licensing systems and pushing for reform of ASCAP’s consent decree. She also spearheaded the organization’s support for introducing the Songwriter Equity Act in Congress. “Since joining ASCAP’s executive team, Beth Matthews has been a tireless advocate for our members and a catalyst for the entire organization,” said LoFrumento. “Working alongside Beth these past two years, there is no doubt in my mind that she has both the know-how and vision to lead ASCAP in a dynamic music landscape.”
Prior to ASCAP, Matthews served as Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Viacom Media Networks (formerly MTV Networks) since 1998.
“Now, more than ever, songwriters and composers need an advocate we can trust to ensure our work is valued fairly in a rapidly changing music marketplace,” said ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, an award-winning songwriter. “What we do is vital to the future of music. Beth’s experience in the global multimedia content sector, her deep understanding of the complexities of the music business and her passion for protecting the rights of music creators make her singularly qualified for the CEO role. Her enthusiasm for taking on the new challenges of the digital era is unparalleled.”
“ASCAP is an expansive, forward-looking and adaptive service organization that successfully built and grew the market for performance rights for songwriters and publishers in the United States,” said Matthews. “As CEO, I am excited about building on our unique assets to offer new, innovative services to our members and licensing partners. As new media platforms transform how we listen to music, it is critical that we evolve our own business models and update outdated music licensing laws to better reflect the reality of today’s music marketplace. I am honored to work on behalf of the world’s greatest music creators who call ASCAP home.”
ASCAP represents more than 520,000 music creators.
Tim McGraw To Launch Summer Tour with Billy Currington, Chase Bryant
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw. Photo: Big Machine Label Group
Tim McGraw will launch his North American summer tour, The Shotgun Rider Tour ’15, with special guests Billy Currington and Chase Bryant.
The tour will visit a combination of amphitheaters, arenas, and festivals, and is promoted by Live Nation. Official dates have not be released.
“I love going through the process of making our set list and working on the production elements to bring the show to life,” said McGraw. “We just like to lay it all out there every night – sling sweat, have fun and help make some summertime memories for everyone who joins us.”
Fans can purchase tickets beginning the week of Jan. 26 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Megaticket at www.megaticket.com. More details will be announced in coming weeks Check back in the coming weeks to www.timmcgraw.com and www.livenation.com.
Initial cities on the tour include:
Little Rock, Ark.
Dallas
Wantagh, N.Y.
Boston
Phoenix
Albuquerque, N.M.
Raleigh, N.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Hartford, Conn.
Holmdel, N.J.
Virginia Beach, Va.
Darien Center, N.Y.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cincinnati
Detroit
Indianapolis
Chicago
St. Louis
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Tampa, Fla.
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
Portland, Ore.
Seattle
Denver
Salt Lake City
Sacramento, Calif.
Mtn. View, Calif.
Irvine, Calif.
Dot Records Takes Craig Wayne Boyd To Radio
/by Sarah SkatesBoyd was recently crowned winner of the seventh season of NBC’s The Voice.
Even before winning the show, Boyd was already burning up the charts. During the week ending 12/21/14, he dominated the Nielsen Soundscan country tracks chart, with four tracks in the Top 10: No. 1 “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” (99K), No. 3 “In Pictures” (30K), No. 6 “The Old Rugged Cross” (28K), and No. 9 “Boots On” ft. Blake Shelton (23K).
Boyd has made recent appearances on The Today Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Ellen.
Warner/Chappell Production Music Acquires Frank Gari Productions, Gari Communications Assets
/by Troy_Stephenson“I’m thrilled to welcome the undisputed champions of news theme music, Frank Gari Productions and Gari Communications, into the Warner/Chappell Production Music family,” said Randy Wachtler, President & CEO, Warner/Chappell Production Music. “Gari is a well-known and trusted source for the world’s most recognizable news themes. I look forward to offering our clients an even wider array of first-class music, and to working with the talented Gari team to soundtrack fantastic television.”
With this acquisition, Warner/Chappell Production Music becomes the largest provider of news music for local television in the U.S.
UMG Nashville Adds Ailie Birchfield as Director, Media Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonAilie Birchfield
Universal Music Group Nashville has added Ailie Birchfield as Director of Media Marketing. Ailie will oversee press and publicity outreach for artists including Brothers Osborne, Canaan Smith, David Nail, Easton Corbin, Eric Church, Gary Allan, Joey Hyde, Kacey Musgraves, Kelleigh Bannen, Lady Antebellum and Vince Gill.
Ailie joins the UMG Nashville team from Slate PR in Los Angeles, Calif. where she worked with clients including Annette Benning, Jude Law, Matthew Broderick and Neil Patrick Harris. Prior to Slate PR, Ailie held publicity roles at Viewpoint, Inc. and Paramount Pictures.
“I am so impressed with Ailie’s work ethic and professionalism,” shares Lori Christian, VP, Media Marketing. “She carved an impressive publicity career for herself in Los Angeles and we are thrilled to have her enthusiasm and expertise for our UMG Nashville roster of artists.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join UMG Nashville as part of their dynamic and talented team,” says Ailie. “I’m looking forward to expanding our ever-growing presence in the country music industry.”
Ailie relocated to Nashville to continue her career in publicity and be closer to family in Atlanta.
She can be reached at ailie.birchfield@umusic.com.
Industry Ink: BBR Music Group, G&N Entertainment, Columbia Nashville’s Meris Welcomes Son
/by Jessica NicholsonBBR Music Group Promotes Caitlyn Gordon
Caitlyn Gordon
BBR Music Group has promoted Caitlyn Gordon to Southeast Director of Regional Promotion for Red Bow Records. Gordon has served as Promotion Coordinator for RED BOW RECORDS since April 2013, and will report directly to Shelley Hargis (National Director of Promotion) and Renee Leymon (VP of Promotion for Red Bow).
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity! I moved to Nashville in hopes of becoming a regional rep. My time as a coordinator with RED BOW made me want it even more, and I can’t wait to get out there. Being able to do it with our RED BOW artists and staff is icing on the cake. From Benny Brown on down, this is home to me,” said Gordon.
“Caitlyn surely has worked hard for this chance…reminds me of myself back in the day! I know I can speak for the entire team…we are excited to see her grow in the company and to have her in the trenches with us,” said Leymon.
Gordon’s new position is effective immediately. She can be reached at (319) 750-3296 or at caitlyn@redbowrecords.com.
G&N Entertainment Signs On To Manage Sammy Sadler
Sammy Sadler
G&N Entertainment has signed on to exclusively manage the career of artist Sammy Sadler. G&N will provide career and brand management, including giving direction and oversight in support of the re-launch of Sadler’s career and his upcoming Takin’ The Country Back Tour in 2015.
Sadler is also set to release a biography, titled Murder on Music Row, along with two new albums. Two decades ago, Sadler had just turned 21 and was climbing the charts when the now infamous “Murder on Music Row” took place. The March 1989 incident involved the shootings of then Cashbox Magazine chart editor Kevin Hughes and Sadler. The incident left Hughes dead and Sadler injured.
On Sept. 25, 2003, jurors convicted Richard D’Antonio of the murder of Hughes and of assault with intent to commit second-degree murder for the attack on Sadler.
Columbia Nashville’s Meris Welcomes Son
Sloan Meris
Columbia Nashville Manager of Regional Promotion Brooke Meris and husband Lyndon welcomed son Sloan on Dec. 19. The newborn weighed 10 lbs, 14 oz.
Congratulations can be sent to brooke.meris@sonymusic.com.
Date Set For George Jones Museum Opening in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Jones
The opening date has been set for the forthcoming George Jones Museum, to be located at 128 2nd Ave. N. in downtown Nashville.
Jones’ wife Nancy announced today (Jan. 12) that opening weekend will take place April 24, coinciding with the second anniversary of the country legend’s death. Jones died on April 26, 2013.
The museum will give visitors an intimate look at Jones’ life and career, complete with gold and platinum music plaques, career memorabilia, a theater which will show videos of historic Jones performances, a restaurant, an event space, a gift shop, and a 75-foot rooftop bar overlooking the Cumberland River.
Exhibits will show his development from his childhood, to singing as a teenager on the streets of Galveston. There will also be documentation of his time spent serving his country in the United States Marines, as well as his time behind the microphone as a radio announcer for KTXJ in Jasper, Texas, prior to his legendary career in country music.
To further commemorate the museum’s launch, opening weekend will highlight the new White Lightning Moonshine, a partnership with Silver Trail Distillery, a brand that pays homage to the J.P. Richardson-penned song of the same title (Jones’ first Billboard chart-topper from 1959).
Songwriter Lineup Revealed for ‘Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley’ at CRS
/by Jessica NicholsonBob DiPiero, Michael Carter, Rhett Akins, JT Harding, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Chris DeStefano, Jimmy Robbins, Liz Rose, Caitlyn Smith, Nicolle Galyon, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey are set to perform at the event, which is co-sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 and SunTrust Bank, with additional support from ASCAP Nashville, who will provide attendees with a complimentary first drink of the evening. Bob Kingsley will host the evening which has become a new CRS tradition featuring many of Country Music’s Top Songwriters.
This year’s Acoustic Alley will be held on Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Renaissance Hotel’s Belmont Room. Food and beverages will be available. A CRS badge will be required for admittance.
CRS 2015 $499 regular registration rate expires today, Jan. 12. On-site registration increases to $599 and is effective Jan. 13.
ZBB’s Southern Ground Artists Teams with BMLG, Republic Records and John Varvatos Records
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Varvatos Records founder and president John Varvatos and Big Machine Label Group founder and president Scott Borchetta made the announcement today along with Southern Ground Artists founder Zac Brown and Republic Records founder and CEO Monte Lipman
“Southern Ground Artists together with John Varvatos Records, Big Machine Label Group, and Republic Records is the dream team for Zac Brown Band’s evolution,” said Zac Brown. “We’re excited to reach new music fans worldwide.”
Varvatos comments, “I’ve been a huge fan of Zac’s for many years and have followed his much-deserved ascension to a stadium artist. We came together through a vision of collaboration and a love of music. I’m excited to break the rules and barriers alongside him.”
Borchetta, President & CEO/Big Machine Label Group added, “There are those moments when our best artists hit a global stride and a deeper sense of engagement that speaks a clearer musical language. With the combination of all these forces coming together now as the Zac Brown Band moves into the next phase of their career with incredible ambition, there literally is no ceiling as to what can be accomplished.”
Republic Records co-founder and C.E.O. Lipman added, “When Charlie Walk first introduced the idea of creating a venture with John Varvatos and Republic Records, I never imagined our first initiative would create a super alliance with future hall of famers Zac Brown Band and Nashville’s hottest executive Scott Borchetta. The entrepreneurial spirit of each camp including Zac’s own Southern Ground Artists, has created a pool of resources that can only be described as extraordinary. In a quest to make history together, it’s an honor and privilege to work with the Zac Brown Band and ROAR in this unique arrangement.”
Zac Brown Band and Southern Ground Artists will now work directly with Big Machine Label Group for distribution and marketing while Southern Ground Artists in-house promotion team, lead by Chuck Swaney and Mara Sidweber, will continue to service radio. Zac Brown Band continues to be represented by ROAR, CAA, Shore Fire Media and Girlilla Marketing.
Zac Brown Band are currently in the studio working on what will be their fourth full-length studio album. The record will hit shelves in 2015 and mark the first release ever on the Big Machine Label Group moniker.