Shane Allen
Universal Music Group Nashville announced today that
Shane Allen, Vice President of Promotion, has been promoted to Head of Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville effective January 1, 2015. Allen will succeed
Steve Hodges, Senior Vice President of Capitol Records Nashville Promotion, who has decided to leave Capitol at the end of the year to pursue a new opportunity.
Allen joined Capitol in 2007 as Vice President, Promotion. In 2012, following the combination of Capitol Records Nashville and Universal Music Group Nashville, Allen stepped into the role of Vice President of Promotion for all four labels under the Universal Music Group Nashville umbrella including Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Records Nashville and Mercury Records Nashville.
In making the announcement,
Royce Risser, Senior Vice President of Promotion for UMG Nashville said, “There is no one more suited and ready to take the reins of the Capitol Nashville roster than Shane. Over the years I’ve watched him grow into one of the best promotion executives in the business. Shane has been a critical component in all our labels’ success at radio, which makes him the perfect person to take the helm of Capitol Nashville. His leadership style, his ability to form solid relationships, and most importantly, his passion and commitment to the Capitol Nashville roster will position Shane for continued success in his new role.”
Steve Hodges
Risser added, “I have the utmost respect and appreciation for Steve and I’m grateful for his years of contribution and work on behalf of the artists at Capitol Records Nashville. He will be missed but will remain a close friend and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Allen said, “Anyone who knows me is well aware of my passion for the Capitol Records Nashville roster and promotion staff. This move is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build upon the incredible culture and promotional success the label has enjoyed under my good friend Steve Hodges. I can’t thank him enough for his selfless leadership over the past six years. I’m also extremely grateful to Mike Dungan and Royce Risser for trusting me with such a huge responsibility.”
Allen got his start in the industry at San Diego’s KSON radio station. He has held positions within the promotion departments at Universal South, MCA Records Nashville and Mercury Records Nashville. He also worked at Red Light Management prior to joining Capitol Records Nashville.
Universal Music Group Nashville is home to artists including
Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Shania Twain and
Keith Urban, among others.
Industry Pics: CMA Songwriters Series, BNA Records, ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonThe CMA Songwriters Series marked its 10th anniversary in 2014. The year saw the series travel from Sundance Film Festival to London, and make its national television debut thanks to a partnership between the CMA and public television’s program “Front and Center.”
Pictured (L-R): Dierks Bentley is joined by Jon Randall, Brett James, Jim Beavers, and Ross Copperman during a special taping of public television’s “Front and Center” celebrating the 10th anniversary of the CMA Songwriters Series. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
• • •
Former BNA promotion staff held a reunion luncheon yesterday (Nov. 12). The team promoted Kenny Chesney‘s radio singles in the late ’90s, and worked with Lonestar, as well as Mindy McCready‘s first No. 1 song and platinum album. They also promoted artists including The Warren Brothers, Jason Sellers, Kellie Coffey and others.
Pictured: Tom Baldrica, Jean Williams, Rick Moxley, Buffy Cooper, Christian Svendsen, RG Jones, Tony Morreale, Britta Coleman, Scot Michaels. Among former BNA staffers unable to attend were Jimmy Rector, Dave Dame, Debbie Linn and Dan Anderson.
• • •
ASCAP presented the November installment of its monthly in-the-round songwriters showcase at the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Songwriter Sarah Allison Turner, Combustion/Atlas Music writer Jameson Rodgers, Taperoom songwriter-artist Hunter Phelps, and Warner/Chappell songwriter-artist Brandon Lay were featured.
Pictured (L-R): Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers, Sarah Allison Turner, Brandon Lay and ASCAP’s Robert Filhart
Country Radio Broadcasters To Honor Jeff Smulyan
/by Troy_StephensonJeff Smulyan
This February, the Country Radio Broadcasters will present Jeff Smulyan with the 2015 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award during the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar 2015.
The Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country Radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. This award is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who died in 2004 at age 38 of bronchial asthma. Rivers, known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN, Chicago, was highly regarded for his public service.
CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne comments, “Jeff Smulyan epitomizes the definition of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian award. His commitment to broadcasting, service to community, and personal giving is recognized across our industry. It is our privilege to recognize his accomplishments in this arena.”
The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.
Jo Walker-Meador Honored At Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum
/by Kelsey_GradyPictured (L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Jo Walker-Meador, and CMHoF director Kyle Young.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored longtime CMA Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador during its annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum on Wednesday, November 12.
Held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, the hour-long discussion was led by Senior Historian Dr. John Rumble and covered Walker-Meador’s time at the helm of the CMA, the formation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
Made possible by the Gibson Foundation, the forum was established in 2007 to explore issues related to the business side of the music industry and to recognize annually an individual who represents the legacy of pioneering agent-manager Louise Scruggs, the adoring wife and savvy business partner of Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs.
Fontanel Launches Record Label
/by Jessica Nicholson“I spend a tremendous amount of time at Fontanel,” stated Krista, “and continue to be amazed by all the incredible talent that so many of the Fontanel employees have. Whether it be a tour guide in the mansion serenading guests with one of their tunes or a Mandrell classic, a singing waiter at Cafe’ Fontanella, a staff member featured on the Studio Gallery stage, someone finger picking on Prichard’s Distillery’s front porch, or even another tickling the ivories on one of the pianos all over the property, music is everywhere at Fontanel.”
“We purchased the .com immediately,” she added, “and set up a website and began recording our debut album! What had begun as a simple “thank you” to the staff, turned into a magical project, filled with heart & soul, pride & love. Listening to each track on the Fontanel Family Christmas album, you feel each individual’s passion and dedication – and this is only the beginning. There is no telling what will come out of this employee driven label; the creativity and drive is unparalleled, and there are no boundaries.”
The Fontanel Family Christmas album can be purchased at The Fontanel Gift Shop at 4125 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, TN 37189.
Live Nation Teams With VICE For Digital Content
/by Sarah SkatesThe joint venture will marry Live Nation’s massive live music base and access to thousands of artists, with the creative editorial powerhouse VICE. The platform will eventually feature hundreds of hours of originally produced content, including: long and short form video series, editorial franchises, live digital music experiences created collaboratively with artists, documentaries, as well as daily editorial content, and ecommerce and ticketing offerings. It is expected to be available in all major markets across the world in nine different languages.
Today’s (Nov. 13) announcement was made by Live Nation CEO and president Michael Rapino, and VICE founder and CEO, Shane Smith.
Albums From Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert Pulled From Spotify
/by Jessica NicholsonTwo additional BMLG artists have now had albums pulled from Spotify. Valory Music Co. artist Justin Moore‘ s 2013 album Off The Beaten Path is no longer available on the service, though his past catalog is still available. A note on Spotify states, “The artist or their representatives have decided not to release this album on Spotify. We are working on it and hope they will change their mind soon.”
DISClaimer: Daring Newcomers and One Shimmering Duet
/by Robert K OermannRelative newcomers James Carothers, Sam Hunt and Dallas Smith hang tough with Blake Shelton and Brantley Gilbert. All of them get on base with ease. But only Blake Shelton knocks it out of the park. He does so by teaming up with an equally potent female stylist, Ashley Monroe. The result is our Disc of the Day.
This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Gator Park.
JAMES CAROTHERS/I Must Be Alive
Writers: none listed; BMI; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; JC (track)
-I have already proclaimed myself a fan of this stone-country baritone. This moaning ode to a lost love has a super deep resonance and burning passion. As a song, it’s quite well crafted, with admirably dynamic melodic range as well as sturdy lyrics. The mystery is why a talent like this is languishing in indie land.
BLAKE SHELTON & ASHLEY MONROE/Lonely Tonight
Writers: Brent Anderson/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Universal, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Two of our finest contemporary country vocalists team up for one sizzling, sexy hook-up performance. They’re throwing “right” and “wrong” out the window in favor of a night of no-strings passion. An audio inferno.
HANNAH BETHEL/Frigerator
Writers: Hannah Bethel/Matt Vrba; Producers: Brennin Hunt/Hannah Bethel; Publishers: Hamywyn/Matt Vrba, BMI/ASCAP; Hamywyn (track)
-It is a languidly paced tune about a relationship gone cold. She sings it well, but let’s face it, nothing really rhymes with “frigerator.”
LONESTAR/Pretty Good Day
Writers: Richie McDonald/Marv Green/Tommy Lee James; Producer: Lonestar; Publishers: NuSlate/Warner-Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Pretty Woman/Super Phonic, BMI; 4Star (track)
-These guys continue to make top-notch music. In this case, they’re harmonizing on an upbeat ode to the simple joys of living and loving. Wonderfully tuneful and catchy.
SAM HUNT/Take Your Time
Writers: Hunt/Osborne/McAnally; Producers: Zach Crowell/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Overnight sensation Hunt follows the Platinum “Leave the Night On” with a hushed, echoey, mid-tempo run through assorted pick-up lines. It alternates seductive, breathy, spoken-word passages with yearning tenor choruses. What gal could resist?
BRANTLEY GILBERT/One Hell of an Amen
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Mike Dekle/Brian Davis; Producers: Dann Huff/Brantley Gilbert; Publishers:Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/Royal Doll/Mike Curb, BMI/ASCAP; Valory
-Sooner or later, we all must face death. This stirring song provides vignettes of how to go out with dignity intact. Gilbert proves again what an intensely moving vocalist he can be. Well done, son.
Gator Park
GATOR PARK/Hayseed Highway
Writers: Kerry Justin Degman/Andy Hobbs/Bryan Hobbs/Max Collins; Producers: Max Collins/Jon Siebels; Publishers: none listed; First Base (track)
-This new trio kicks off its CD with this rolling toe tapper featuring a solid bass undertow. Its prescription is that when the going gets tough, head for a country road and remember your carefree boyhood. Promising.
K.T. OSLIN/Do You Think About Me
Writers: K.T. Oslin/Al Anderson; Producer: Jimmy Nichols/K.T. Oslin; Publishers: Mazdu/International Dog/Bucked Up, BMI; KTO (track)
-At her 25th-anniversary shows, Oslin is selling a CD called Simply that features remakes of some of her favorite prior album tracks and a couple of hits (”Hold Me” and “80s Ladies”). Its one new song is this dandy ditty of nostalgia with a steady, mid-section groove bracketed by sultry bluesy intro and outro. She always did love to lock into a righteous rhythm.
DALLAS SMITH/Wastin’ Gas
Writers: Adam Craig/Matt Dragstrem/Jon Nite; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud Mountain
-The churning production is terrifically exciting. Luckily, he’s got the vocal chops to keep up with it, and the driving song has hooks aplenty.
KENNY CHESNEY/Flora-Bama
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: none listed; BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Blue
-Further proof that you can have a country career based on being on permanent spring break.
iHeartMedia and Bobby Bones Announce Production Partnership
/by Troy_StephensonBobby Bones
iHeartMedia, Inc. and radio personality Bobby Bones announced today (Thursday, Nov. 13) their partnership in the launch of development and production company, Right Side Blind Productions.
The Los Angeles-based company will develop scripted and unscripted programming for cable and network television with an emphasis on original, sophisticated and innovative concepts.
“Bobby Bones has emerged in just a year to become one of radio’s top personalities, and we look forward to working with him on this new venture that will recognize and develop his true potential as a creative partner,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “Bobby is a complete package: A unique and personal voice, a special relationship with his audience nationwide, and a clever, independent sensibility.”
Right Side Blind Productions will also work directly with brands to take advantage of iHeartMedia’s commitment to unprecedented measured media support across its multi-platform networks.
“iHeartMedia gets the big picture ¬ and has the kind of reach and promotional power to engage effectively across multiple platforms through their radio, digital, social, mobile and live event assets with unique content that grabs and holds viewers’ attention. ” said Bobby Bones.
Shane Allen Named Head of Promotion for Capitol Nashville; Hodges To Exit
/by Jessica NicholsonShane Allen
Universal Music Group Nashville announced today that Shane Allen, Vice President of Promotion, has been promoted to Head of Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville effective January 1, 2015. Allen will succeed Steve Hodges, Senior Vice President of Capitol Records Nashville Promotion, who has decided to leave Capitol at the end of the year to pursue a new opportunity.
Allen joined Capitol in 2007 as Vice President, Promotion. In 2012, following the combination of Capitol Records Nashville and Universal Music Group Nashville, Allen stepped into the role of Vice President of Promotion for all four labels under the Universal Music Group Nashville umbrella including Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Records Nashville and Mercury Records Nashville.
In making the announcement, Royce Risser, Senior Vice President of Promotion for UMG Nashville said, “There is no one more suited and ready to take the reins of the Capitol Nashville roster than Shane. Over the years I’ve watched him grow into one of the best promotion executives in the business. Shane has been a critical component in all our labels’ success at radio, which makes him the perfect person to take the helm of Capitol Nashville. His leadership style, his ability to form solid relationships, and most importantly, his passion and commitment to the Capitol Nashville roster will position Shane for continued success in his new role.”
Steve Hodges
Risser added, “I have the utmost respect and appreciation for Steve and I’m grateful for his years of contribution and work on behalf of the artists at Capitol Records Nashville. He will be missed but will remain a close friend and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Allen said, “Anyone who knows me is well aware of my passion for the Capitol Records Nashville roster and promotion staff. This move is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build upon the incredible culture and promotional success the label has enjoyed under my good friend Steve Hodges. I can’t thank him enough for his selfless leadership over the past six years. I’m also extremely grateful to Mike Dungan and Royce Risser for trusting me with such a huge responsibility.”
Allen got his start in the industry at San Diego’s KSON radio station. He has held positions within the promotion departments at Universal South, MCA Records Nashville and Mercury Records Nashville. He also worked at Red Light Management prior to joining Capitol Records Nashville.
Universal Music Group Nashville is home to artists including Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Shania Twain and Keith Urban, among others.
ACM Lifting Lives Announces Board
/by Sarah SkatesThe ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is made up of an equal number of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, as well as leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs that aren’t ACM Board Members, referred to as public directors.
This year, the Lifting Lives Board elected two representative director positions and one public director position. In addition to those elected, director at large positions were appointed by Chairman Bill Mayne, President Lori Badgett and Vice-President Ed Warm.
Newly elected directors include:
Ricky Kelley (public director)
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media (representative director)
Doc McGhee, McGhee Entertainment (representative director)
Newly appointed directors at large include:
Paul Barnabee, Sony Music Nashville (representative director)
Lorie Lytle (public director)
Jerrod Niemann (public director)
Tree Paine, Premium PR (public director)
Kimberly Schlapman (representative director)
Butch Waugh (representative director)
*complete board is listed below
“We’ve got a great team of individuals passionate about the work of ACM Lifting Lives and we’re looking forward to celebrating the Academy’s 50th anniversary by continuing to better lives through the power of music,” said ACM Lifting Lives Chairman Bill Mayne.
ACM Chairman Darin Murphy serves as voting director per the bylaws of ACM Lifting Lives.
2014-2015 ACM Lifting Lives Board Of Directors
Officers
Chairman Bill Mayne, CRB
President Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Vice-President Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar
Treasurer Dwight Wiles, Smith, Wiles & Co.
Secretary Hannah Martin, ACM Lifting Lives
Representative Directors
Rod Essig, CAA
Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry
Ebie Mcfarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Doc Mcghee, McGhee Entertainment
Bill Mayne, CRB
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Robold
Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar
Representative Directors At Large
Paul Barnabee, Sony Music Nashville
Kimberly Schlapman
Butch Waugh
Public Directors
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Mark Bloom, UBS Financial Services, Inc
Debbie Carroll, MusiCares
Ann Edelblute, The H.Q.
Ricky Kelley
Ellen Lehman, Community Foundation Of Middle Tennessee
Beth Moore, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Dwight Wiles, Smith, Wiles & Co.
Public Directors At Large
Lorie Lytle
Jerrod Niemann
Tree Paine, Premium Pr
Past Chairs
Bruce Bowman, Kaboom!
Mark Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley
Gayle Holcomb, WME