Backstage Access Presents has unveiled the initial artist lineup for its inaugural Napa Valley event April 14-16.

The first round of performers includes Parker McCollum, Ty Myers, Grace Potter, George Birge, Maggie Rose, Julia Cole, Dalton Davis, Filmore, Ian Flanigan, Kylie Frey, Brett Kissel, Alex Lambert, Morgan Myles, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, Thelma & James and more, with additional artists to be announced soon.

At Backstage Access Presents, artists and industry leaders can connect outside traditional conference settings through curated live performances, shared meals, immersive experiences, and intentional downtime, breaking down barriers and encouraging relationship building across formats. The multi-format destination gathering will bring together artists and industry tastemakers for three days of intimate performances, culinary experiences, world-class wine and meaningful connections.

Additional details, including programming highlights, venue locations and future destination announcements, will be revealed in the coming months.

Jeff DeLia. Photo: Brit O’Brien

Los Angeles-based 72 Music Mgmt has expanded its team and client roster, and has also opened a new producer and engineer division.

Founded 13 years ago by manager Jeff DeLia, 72MM now grows to four managers, eight team members and 14 music clients including artists, producers and engineers, with operations in L.A., New York, Nashville, Atlanta and Austin. New artist signings include Nashville-based country/soul twins The Kentucky Gentlemen, singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza, blues artist Victor Wainwright and Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer Ross Hogarth.

72MM’s Producer & Engineer division kicks off with a cross-genre roster that includes Grammy-winner and Sinners soundtrack collaborator Boo Mitchell; Colin Linden (Nashville, John Prine, O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, Colin James); Carl Nappa (Prince, RZA, Nelly); Scott Bomar (Cyndi Lauper, Al Green, Song Sung Blue soundtrack); and artist/drummer/producer Cody Dickinson (Aaron Neville, Ana Popovic, Mavis Staples). Combined, these producers’ credited records have streamed over 12 billion times and sold 50 million records.

Gil Gastelum of Cosmica Artists joins 72MM as a Vice President and Artist Manager. He started his career as a product manager at A&M Records working with Soundgarden and Blues Traveler, going on to project-manage for legends like Smokey Robinson. Cosmica Artists was founded 20 years ago as a combined management company and record label that has propelled Latin artists like Carla Morrison, The Marias, and Gaby Moreno.

Sam Seifert of Lightnin Management has been named a Co-Manager of the Producer & Engineer division. He is the longtime Manager of Asleep at the Wheel and its leader Ray Benson. He manages several acts including co-management of Heartless Bastards with Ramseur Management.

In addition, 72MM has added Nashville-based Lanei Joy as Administrative Coordinator for the Producer & Engineer division, who currently works for Universal Music Group’s East Iris Studios. The existing team includes a full-time Day-to-Day Manager, Director of Tour Marketing and Digital Advertising staff.

“It’s a core part of the ethos of 72MM that we support community, collaboration and creativity — these are the three core pillars of what the growth of 72MM is about — and scaling up allows us to maximally serve artists and the music business at large,” says DeLia. “I’m a fan first. I’m in love with music and the transformational element of it, how it’s uplifted me and how it can affect people. When I attend a concert by one of my artists and I see that in the fans in the audience, that’s why I do what I do.

“I always dreamt of guiding a larger management company that can serve both artists and team members in their journeys,” he continues. “It was super important that I nurtured my own tools first, focused fully on managing artists and managing my boutique business. As we expand, there are two main requirements of the people we bring in onboard, either as team members or clients: 1. They are cool and 2. They do good work.”

Matt Jenkins, Josh Jenkins & Heather Morgan.

The Annual Nash to Naples Songwriters Fest wrapped a successful fifth year on Jan. 24, drawing thousands of fans to Cambier Park in downtown Naples, Florida.

The sold-out event featured Nashville songwriters Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Trevor Terndrup and Heather Morgan, who offered up an inside look at the stories behind their most memorable songs while guests enjoyed local food trucks, a VIP Happy Hour, and pre-show and kid-friendly festivities. Benefiting veterans, military families, and children in need, the festival raised over $415,000 for local charity Home Base Florida and international charity Hacienda of Hope, based in Ecuador.

“Naples continues to be super receptive and aligned to the Nash to Naples mission of inspiring community, generosity and creativity through nights of stories and songs,” says co-founder Mitch Vanderhagen. “It was a record year on all fronts and we’re grateful for the fans, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, amazing causes and everyone else who helped make it all happen.”

Nash to Naples was founded in 2021 by Nashville native Carter Hamric and Vanderhagen, a Naples native, who set out on a mission to host a Songwriter Fest that would bring the best songwriters from Nashville to the heart of Naples with proceeds benefiting worthwhile causes. After five years and over 5,000 attendees, the events have raised more than $710,000 for local and international charities.

Photo: Courtesy of Nash to Naples.

Photo: Courtesy of Nash to Naples.

Angela Abbott.

Angela Abbott has been named Vice President of Music Licensing and Strategy at TouchTunes.

In her new role, she will lead TouchTunes’ music team and manage relationships with labels, publishers and performing rights organizations. Abbott will report to General Counsel Amy Tenbrink.

Abbott brings more than a decade of experience across music licensing and business affairs. She previously held senior roles at Pandora, TIDAL and Soundstripe, where she negotiated licensing agreements and advised executive leadership on rights strategy and product launches. Her work includes the launch of Pandora’s on-demand subscription service and creative initiatives tied to the release of the Prince and Aaliyah catalogs to streaming.

“Music is central to the TouchTunes experience,” says Charles Goldstuck, Executive Chairman of TouchTunes. “Angela’s background across streaming and licensing makes her uniquely suited to help us expand how music connects people in social spaces.”

“Angela brings a rare combination of licensing expertise, operational discipline, and cultural understanding,” adds Tenbrink. “She will play a key role as we continue to evolve our music strategy and deepen our industry partnerships.”

Additionally, Abbott is Global Chair of Partnerships and Development for Women in Music and a member of the Recording Academy.