Porter Howell Yearns For Days Gone By On Upcoming Solo Debut, ‘This Town Was’

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Porter Howell

Porter Howell, frontman, lead guitarist and a founding member of ’90s band Little Texas, will release his debut side project, This Town Was, on Nov. 11 on ONErpm.

After 30 years in the business, it took a pandemic and the forced downtime from touring to compel Howell to compile the 10-track project of mostly self-penned songs.

“This album was recorded in my basement studio as honestly as possible,” Howell shares. “No production tricks necessary—guitars, steel guitar, bass, drums and keys were all tracked with players in the room, the old school way.”

Howell gets a bit nostalgic on tracks such as “Old School, “This Town Was,” and the wistful “I Thought About You Today,” penned about his late father. Other songs on the album muse on the unpredictability of life, such as “Church of the Uncertain” and “Lucky to Be Alive,” as well as love on “Kinda Gone by Then,” “The Way You Were Back Then” and “Who Might Disagree.”

Howell will perform songs from the new project at an album release party on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at The Local in Nashville.

This Town Was Track List:
1. “This Town Was” (Porter Howell)
2. “Old School” (Porter Howell)
3. “Church of Uncertain” (Porter Howell)
4. “Lucky to Be Alive” (Porter Howell)
5. “I Thought About You Today” (Porter Howell)
6. “The Way You Were Back Then” (Jay Knowles, Porter Howell, Adam Wright)
7. “My Baby” (Porter Howell)
8. “Kind of Gone by Then” (Porter Howell)
9. “Who Might Disagree” (Porter Howell)
10. “What It’s All About” (Lisa Brokop, Porter Howell, Paul Jefferson)
All songs produced by Ian Stewart

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Madeline Merlo

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Chelsey Block, Molly Shehan, Josh Van Valkenburg, Tom Luteran, Cam Caldwell, Dale Bobo, Anna Weisband, Synnovea Halsel, Brad Belanger, and Aubrey Rupe; (L-R, front row): Rusty Gaston, Madeline Merlo, Kenley Flynn, and Zach Crowell.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed rising country singer-songwriter Madeline Merlo to a global publishing deal.

Originally from Canada, the Songland season two winner first captivated listeners with her hit “Champagne Night” performed by Lady A, which spent three weeks at No. 1 on U.S. country radio and earned her the 2021 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Songwriter of the Year award.

Merlo recently released her four-track EP Slide, produced by Zach Crowell, which saw Merlo as a co-writer on each song. The collection tells a series of dynamic stories, from budding romances in “Slide” and hit “I Need A Drink,” co-written by Sony Music Publishing songwriter Ashley Gorley, to growing up with “Young-ish,” and lessons learned in “Girl Where He Grew Up.”

She was also featured as the female voice on Cole Swindell’s latest No. 1 “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” and unveiled a new music video for “Slide” last month.

“I am so excited and honored to join Sony’s incredible roster of songwriters and continue to work closely with Zach Crowell. I am looking forward to working with this world class team that makes you feel like family every time you walk in the door! This is a huge next step for my career and truly is a dream come true,” shares Merlo.

“From the moment I heard Madeline’s song ‘Young-ish’ I knew I wanted to be a part of her career. She and Zach have perfectly threaded the needle of writing and finding big pop country hits that still make you feel something. Madeline is a phenomenal songwriter and artist with a big, bright future and I am thrilled to welcome her to SMP,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Senior Director, Creative, Kenley Flynn.

Keith Urban Announces New Vegas Residency At Planet Hollywood

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Keith Urban. Photo: Russ Harrington

Keith Urban has announced a new headlining residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, opening March 3, 2023.

The run of 16 dates includes shows on March 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18; June 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 28, and 30; and July 1. The brand new residency follows a successful string of concerts over the past three years at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The show will be custom designed for Zappos Theater.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Nov. 12, and members of Urban’s official fan club will have access to a presale beginning Nov. 8. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets from Nov. 8-11 while Caesars Rewards members, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access beginning Nov. 10.

Urban’s “The Speed of Now World Tour 2022” kicked off in April with a series of sold out club shows in the U.K., before landing back in the United States for more than 50 shows. This December, the 4x Grammy winner will take the trek overseas to his native Australia.

Emily Carignan Joins SmackSongs Publishing Team

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Emily Carignan

Emily Carignan has joined the SmackSongs Publishing team as Catalog Manager.

In her new position, Carignan will be responsible for organizing the catalog, managing royalties and licensing, and handling administrative duties for the publishing team at large. She will report to Vice President of Publishing Lee Krabel.

A Tyngsboro, Massachusetts native, Carignan moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University three years ago. Currently in her junior year at Belmont, she has been an intern at Smack for the last year and will now work full-time for the company while finishing her degree.  

“When Emily first started as an intern, she made herself so valuable to the team that we had to figure out a way to keep her at Smack,” says Krabel. “We are excited to bring her on the team as catalog manager and watch her grow!”

“I could not be more thrilled to officially join the SmackSongs team,” says Carignan. “This team has been beyond welcoming to me and I can’t thank them enough for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

Carignan can be reached at emily@smacksongs.com.

Music Industry Vet Craig Dunn Launches One Spark Entertainment

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Craig Dunn. Photo: Peyton Dollar

Veteran artist and brand manager Craig Dunn has launched One Spark Entertainment in partnership with mtheory. Additionally, One Spark Entertainment announces the hiring of Nicole Lewis as Management Coordinator.

Dunn has more than 20 years of music industry experience, managing artists and building digital marketing, merchandising, ticketing and fan club campaigns, label operations and revenue development. He continues to leverage his multi-faceted background with multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA award-winning artist and longtime client Sara Evans, as well as the addition of BBR-signed duo Everette.

“The idea behind the name of One Spark Entertainment came to me in the middle of the night as I was unable to sleep, excited about starting the new chapter of leading my own management company. The phrase of ‘it only takes one spark to start a fire’ popped into my head and just wouldn’t leave, no matter how many other ideas I considered,” Dunn explains. “It just takes one spark of imagination or an idea to start a fire. I’m excited to bring my years of artist management, digital, event management, merchandise, road experience, and revenue generation across music, touring, TV and literary to One Spark Entertainment as we service the current roster and grow the company strategically, partnering with multi-talented artists that share the same creative passion and drive to create, innovate and grow as a team to reach the next level of success. Having known and previously worked with most of the senior team at mtheory, I’m thrilled to call them partners and bring their expertise and creative thinking to the roster.”

“The senior Nashville team at mtheory have known Craig for more than a decade and could not be more excited to be part of his new venture,” shares mtheory CEO, Cameo Carlson. “His forward-thinking approach to management and spirit of teamwork are exactly what we look for in our manager partnerships. Being able to add strategy and marketing resources to the incomparable Sara Evans and up-and-coming superstars Everette is just icing on the cake!”

Prior to One Spark Entertainment, Dunn was Vice President at Collective Artist Management beginning in 2012 before serving as Senior Vice President at digital marketing & merchandise company Music City Networks. There, he gained experience working with clients including Lady A, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and more. During his tenure, he oversaw the artists’ digital marketing, websites, fan clubs and fan-focused events. He also launched a ticketing division to help facilitate the growing need for presale and VIP ticketing for the firm’s client roster.

For more information, visit onesparkent.com.

Industry Ink: Hillary Lindsey, Priscilla Block, Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye, YEP Nashville

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Concord Music Publishing Celebrates Hillary Lindsey

Hillary Lindsey poses with Concord Music Publishing’s Nashville A&R team. Pictured (L-R): Jen Hubbard, Melissa Spillman, Matt Turner, Hillary Lindsey, Courtney Allen, Ashley Nite, and Brad Kennard. Photo: Caitlin McNaney

Concord Music Publishing recently celebrated award-winning songwriter Hillary Lindsey following her induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame with a party at The Bell Tower in Nashville. Attendees for the celebration included Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis, Lori McKenna, Cary Barlowe, and several executives from Concord Music Publishing and Hang Your Hat.

Lindsey, a Georgia native, moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University’s Music Business school. She landed a publishing deal and soon after began celebrating her first in a long string of hits. Now with 24 No. 1s under her belt.

She’s also nabbed three CMA Triple Play Awards in 2010, 2014 and 2016, as well as multiple CMAs, ASCAP Awards, and Grammys for Best Country Song (“Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood in 2007 and “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town in 2016). Additionally her 2017 hit, “Blue Ain’t Your Color” which was recorded by Keith Urban, earned the NSAI Song of the Year, MusicRow‘s 2017 Song of the Year, the AMA Country Song of the Year, and more.

 

 

Priscilla Block Gets First Taste Of Platinum Bling

Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn; UMG Nashville’s Royce Risser, Brian Wright, Mike Dungan; Priscilla Block; UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris; Underscore Works’ Charly Salvatore, and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel; Photo: Britton Lee

Priscilla Block received her first RIAA Platinum certification for her hit song, “Just About Over You,” on Thursday (Nov. 3) during her sold out show at the Nashville Palace. The show marked the first time a female artist has ever sold out the venue.

“[Thursday] night was one of the wildest nights of my career so far! I can’t believe all of the love and energy from the crowd at Nashville Palace,” Block recalls. “I am blown away! Then finding out ‘Just About Over You’ had gone PLATINUM! Are you kidding me?! Since the beginning, the fans have been behind me and so encouraging-it means the world to me and I feel so blessed. Thank y’all!”

In just a few years, Block has garnered an ACM Award nomination for New Female Artist of the Year and a nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2022 CMT Awards. She recently kicked off the fall run of her “Welcome to the Block Party Tour,” and she’s currently opening on select dates on the “Shania Twain: Queen Of Me Tour.”

 

 

Second Annual Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Gala Raises Over $100K

Attendees from the 2nd Annual Kiss Breast Cancer Goobye Benefit Gala. Photo: Sara Kauss Photography

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame housed the 2nd Annual Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Gala with headliner and chart-topping duo LoCash taking the stage, alongside Runaway June, Lee Greenwood, Cooper Alan, and Victoria Shaw. The star-studded event was hosted by The Joseph Family Foundation, the philanthropic wing of the Big Plan Holdings family enterprise. The gala raised over $100,000 during its silent and live auction.

Co-Founder of Big Plan Holdings Tara Joseph shares, “For the second year running, it was a privilege to work with my family, our friends and partners from Nashville’s music, entertainment and philanthropic communities, to come together and organize such an impactful event; a true commemoration of a shared mission to address one of the most important causes in our society today. We look forward to the continued impact that Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye can make and for its replicable model to reach additional markets.”

“The Second Annual Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Gala was such a huge success; this event just continues to get better every single year,” adds Joshua Daniel, State Executive Director (TN, MS & AL) at the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “We are so grateful for the Joseph Family Foundation and all the love and support they show to the breast cancer community.”

 

 

YEP Hosts Annual Rewind Concert To Benefit MusiCares

Pictured (L-R): Derek Medeiros (MusiCares), Mason Ramsey (Artist), Logan Crosby (Host/Artist), Abby Anderson (Artist), Amelia Varni (YEP). Photo: Hunter Berry

Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) Nashville hosted their annual YEP Rewind concert on Nov. 3, bringing more than 20 artists to the Basement East in order to raise awareness and money for MusiCares.

This year’s theme was Y2Kountry with each artist singing a country cover song from 2000-2010. This year’s artists included Mason Ramsey, Abby Anderson, Lindsay James, Riley Roth, host Logan Crosby, and more. The event hosted a guitar raffle with instruments signed by all of the artists.

“I joined YEP when I graduated college so that I could meet people outside of my Belmont bubble,” says YEP Executive Director Amelia Varni. “I had no idea I would be leading the group 8 years later. This nonprofit organization gives me the opportunity to work creatively with peers that I may never have crossed paths with in my 9-5. We may only meet once a month, but we brainstorm every day. These events are my way of giving back to the community that helped me grow independently in Nashville.”

YEP hosts a wide array of events that create opportunities for young entertainment professionals to get together and connect, including shows, trivia nights, mixers, and educational seminars.

SESAC Celebrates A Very ‘Fancy’ 2022 Nashville Music Awards

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SESAC Celebrates Song of the Year, “Fancy Like,” at the 2022 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

SESAC celebrated its songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs at the company’s annual Nashville Music Awards last night on Nov. 6. Held in person for the first time in three years, the event took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with stellar views of the downtown Nashville skyline as the backdrop.

The celebration was hosted by SESAC’s Vice President of Creative Services Shannan Hatch and summoned more than 400 songwriters, publishers, and industry professionals in attendance for the festive evening.

SESAC 2022 Songwriter of the Year, Josh Jenkins. Photo: Katie Kauss

Josh Jenkins was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year after his hugely successful year, penning chart-topping hits such as “Buy Dirt,” recorded by Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan, and “Fancy Like,” recorded by Walker Hayes. “Buy Dirt” was recently awarded NSAI’s Song of the Year honor and is nominated for the same award at the 56th Annual CMA Awards.

“Fancy Like,” published by SMACK, was also awarded SESAC’s Song of the Year. Oreo shakes were ceremoniously handed out to the audience after announcing “Fancy Like” as SESAC’s Song of the Year.

SMACK took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after previously being awarded the trophy in 2020.

The evening kicked off in full party mode with SESAC affiliates Lee Brice and Blanco Brown teaming up with a performance of Brice’s latest single “Soul,” which was recently certified Gold by the RIAA. The performance brought everyone to their feet and set the stage for a fun-filled evening of celebration.

Jordan Davis was on hand to perform “Buy Dirt” alongside his brother Jacob Davis and their co-writers and brother duo Josh and Matt Jenkins.

Megan Moroney performs her latest viral hit “Tennessee Orange,” at the 2022 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Megan Moroney serenaded the group with her latest viral hit “Tennessee Orange,” a song about wearing a beau’s Tennessee football colors which has garnered over 45 million streams in just over two months. After performing, the Georgia native was able to quickly work in a “Go Dawgs” before leaving the stage, which seemed appropriate with Georgia having defeated Tennessee 27-13 the day before.

Additionally, affiliate Derek Wells received the Spirit of SESAC Award in recognition of his musical contributions, playing on over 100 No. 1 songs. The surprised Wells was visibly humbled by the accolade. The song that clinched this impressive milestone, “Like I Love Country Music,” recorded by Kane Brown and co-written by SESAC affiliate Matt McGinn, was honored with a performance activity award at the ceremony. Wells was lauded with a medley performance of a few of his hits by Brinley Addington, Joey Hyde, Mike Walker, Aaron Eshuis, Phil Lawson, and Allison Veltz Cruz.

Derek Wells. Photo: Katie Kauss

The event was sponsored in part by Barre3 Nashville, British M, Dr. Bronner’s, Essentia, Ettitude, Flying Embers, Garnier, Havaianas, I’m With The Band, Justin’s, Karma, Lano, Opopop, Poppi, Rise Brewing, Simply Gum, Sio Beauty, Soapy Faith, Sound Royalties, Still Standing, The Spa Dr., and The Electric Jane.

Honorees:

“Fancy Like”
Written by: Josh Jenkins
Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Walker Hayes

“Buy Dirt”
Written by: Josh Jenkins
Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan

“Same Boat”
Written by: Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti
Published by: Day For The Dead Publishing, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Zac Brown Band

“Freedom Was A Highway”
Written by: Jimmie Allen
Published by: Endurance Juliet, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley

“Wild Hearts”
Written by: Jennifer Wayne
Published by: Wild Wild Wild West Songs, BMG Silver Songs
Recorded by: Keith Urban

“7500 OBO”
Written by: Matt McGinn
Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Tim McGraw

“Last Night Lonely”
Written by: Joe Fox
Published by: Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Jon Pardi

“Truth About You”
Written by: Matt Alderman
Published by: Good Vibes Good Times Music, Curb Congregation Songs
Recorded by: Mitchell Tenpenny

“Like I Love Country Music”
Written by: Matt McGinn
Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Kane Brown

“Up”
Written by: Jeremy Bussey
Published by: Hit By The Buss Music, Songs of Fluid, Spirit Music Nashville
Recorded by: Luke Bryan

“Home Sweet”
Written by: Casey Brown
Published by: Blue Corolla Oklahoma, Feel Your Creative Pulse Music
Recorded by: Russell Dickerson

“23”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by: Sam Hunt

“Hellbent For Leather”
Written by: Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by: Snake Farm Publishing, BMG Silver Songs
Recorded by: Ray Wylie Hubbard

“Nice Things”
Written by: Hayes Carll
Published by: Highway 87 Publishing, BMG Silver Songs
Recorded by: Hayes Carll

“Modern Woman”
Written by: Erin Rae
Published by: Good Memory, Confidentially Canadian Publishing
Recorded by: Erin Rae

“In Dreams”
Written by: Sierra Ferrell
Published by: Abel Elba, Pulse Music Publishing
Recorded by: Sierra Ferrell

“The Opportunity To Help Somebody Through It”
Written by: Jim Lauderdale
Published by: Wudang Mountain Songs, BMG Silver Songs
Recorded by: Jim Lauderdale

Cody Johnson To Release Live Set In Early December

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Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson will release Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live, a new live album with his longtime touring band, on Dec. 2 via COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville.

With more than 40 sold-out concerts this year alone, Johnson recorded the project while on the road in June during back-to-back sold-out shows. The two-volume project includes tracks “Human,” “Dear Rodeo,” ‘Til You Can’t,” and more.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than getting to play live shows with this band,” Johnson shares. “We’ve traveled a lot of miles in the last 15 years and lived a lot of life together. This record is allowing us to deliver a live concert directly to the fans.”

In the first ten months of 2022, Johnson increased his global career streams by one billion, marking the second consecutive year he has gained a billion additional streams, and bringing his current career global streams total to four billion.

He was recently named a 2022 CMT Artist Of The Year and heads into the CMA awards this week as a four-time nominee, performing on the show for the first time.

Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live Track List:
Part One
1 COJO Nation (Intro)
2 Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors
3 With You I Am
4 Wild as You
5 Ride With Me
6 Dance Her Home
7 Diamond in My Pocket (Intro)
8 Diamond in My Pocket
9 God Bless the Boy (Cori’s Song)
10 Half a Song
11 Stronger
12 Me and My Kind
13 Longer Than She Did

Part Two
1 I Don’t Know a Thing About Love
2 Nothin’ on You
3 Son of a Ramblin’ Man
4 Let’s Build a Fire
5 Human (Intro)
6 Human
7 ‘Til You Can’t
8 Long Haired Country Boy (Intro)
9 Long Haired Country Boy
10 The Rockin’ CJB Solos
11 On My Way to You (Intro)
12 On My Way to You
13 Dear Rodeo (Intro)
14 Dear Rodeo

Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder Among Winners At 2022 ASCAP Country Music Awards

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Corey Crowder & Ashley Gorley

ASCAP is recognizing the writers and publishers of the genre’s most-performed songs of the past year virtually throughout the day as part of the 60th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards.

Winners will be celebrated across all ASCAP social media platforms, allowing friends, fans and colleagues to join in using the hashtag #ASCAPAwards on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Country music hitmaker Ashley Gorley is this year’s ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year, marking his ninth win. Gorley, who was named Songwriter of the Decade at the NSAI Awards in September, has notched more than 60 No. 1 songs in his astonishing career. His recent hits include “Beers on Me” (Dierks Bentley/Breland/Hardy), “Country Again” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee) and “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton).

“Famous Friends”—performed by Chris Young and Kane Brown—is ASCAP’s Country Music Song of the Year. The multi-Platinum tune was co-written by ASCAP affiliate Corey Crowder and published by Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez and Warner Chappell Music. It’s one of eight No. 1 single for Grammy-nominated songwriter Crowder, who has also had key placements on hit television series including Nashville, One Tree Hill, and The Real World.

Warner Chappell Music is ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year. The company topped the list with hit songs including “Buy Dirt” (Luke Bryan/Jordan Davis), “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Luke Combs/Jameson Rodgers), “Getting Over Him” (Lauren Alaina), “Lil Bit” (Florida Georgia Line/Nelly), “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” (Ashley McBryde/Carly Pearce), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton) and many more.

In addition to celebrating the winners on social media, ASCAP will be spreading the news with banners covering their Nashville headquarters at 2 Music Square West and on digital billboards as part of a major Nashville brand campaign. The campaign includes airport and billboard advertising, as well as ASCAP chalk art at key locations around the city beginning CMA week.

ASCAP will also celebrate with its award-winning songwriters at an intimate, invitation-only event at Nashville’s Soho House on Monday, Nov. 7.

Click here to see a complete list of winners, including the most performed ASCAP country songs of 2021.

Romeo Entertainment Group Acquires Majority Stake In Grayscale Entertainment Marketing

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Pictured (L-R): Tim Gray, CEO of Grayscale Marketing; R.J. Romeo, President of Romeo Entertainment Group, Inc.

Romeo Entertainment Group has acquired Grayscale Entertainment Marketing, with the two companies now working out of REG’s headquarters in Nashville.

Tim Gray will remain CEO of Grayscale Marketing, while also becoming Vice President of Marketing for Romeo Entertainment Group. Grayscale will continue to offer its core services—marketing, advertising, media buying, design, social media management, consulting, and public relations—to its current and existing clients.

“We are proud to announce the acquisition of Grayscale,” shares Romeo Entertainment Group President, R.J. Romeo. “This is a milestone in REG’s 68-year history and a large stride towards further strengthening our market position and providing superior value and services for our clients. For Michelle (Michelle Romeo/VP of Sales) and I, it is a key step in further developing a multi-faceted entertainment company that will build upon our family legacy and lead us to new heights in the future.”

Since launching in late 2015, Grayscale Marketing, while specializing in live events, has also represented organizations and brands including UFC, Warner Chappell, and Empire Records. Their live event roster includes venues, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, fairs, rodeos, music festivals, and more. Since its inception, the company has worked in all 50 states and 45 countries selling over 1.5 million tickets for its live event clients.

In 2022, the company received the Nashville Business Journal’s Best In Business Award (1-25 employee category), and was recognized and celebrated for the fifth consecutive year at The Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s NEXT Awards in the Music, Sports, and Entertainment category. In addition, Grayscale Marketing founder Tim Gray was presented with the Spirit of SOLID Award at the organization’s 25-year anniversary gala.

“Tim’s reputation, leadership, and vision played a large part in this decision,” adds Romeo. “It was clear early on in our discussions that we shared a similar vision and passion for our work. REG has been looking to further expand our services and solution offerings but were quietly searching for the right partner. Tim shares our vision, adds value to our company, and is an extraordinary leader. Tim and his team have a goal driven focus, a positive and people first culture, excellent business acumen, and deliver exceptional results. These values mirror REG’s core values and add to our mission of helping our clients produce successful concerts.”

“I’m thrilled,” shares Gray. “The reputation and legacy of REG, combined with the new additions of exceptional talent to our teams, positions Grayscale as an undeniable leader in event marketing on a national level. REG is a strong, strategic fit for us and the combination of our two companies will drive significant value for both our teams and customers. R.J. and I have a shared vision, leadership style, work ethic, and desire to build a healthy, positive, and development based culture. I feel confident that our service capabilities and results will enhance REG’s turnkey solutions and create an elite portfolio of offerings.

“Together, the value we deliver is richer than anything available previously for either company and will enable our clients to provide superior event experiences,” he continues. “I am proud of our achievements and strongly believe that this is a great move that will benefit our customers and team members while providing an undeniable competitive advantage for years to come.”

This move is the second strategic merger in the last two years for Romeo Entertainment Group. In January 2020, Beckon Entertainment and Romeo Entertainment Group aligned to form BERO Entertainment Group, a full-service operations and logistics company to offer full-service production and talent buying solutions for corporate events and festivals.