Nada Taha. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Industry innovator Nada Taha‘s resume includes a wide swath of unique experience.
She spent 10 years of her career in radio, five of which as an on-air personality and Digital and Branding Director for country radio giant The Bobby Bones Show. In 2017, she launched the creative services company, Blind Copy Creative, to which she applied her influencer and brand specialist expertise.
In 2020, she began working as a radio presenter at Apple Music, where she interviews talent, hosts events, and is featured in pieces of content for the brand.
In recent years, Taha has taken her valuable experience and created a unique space for herself within the traditional artist circle in Nashville.
With her company GoodCopBadCop, she serves as a creative director for clients such as Breland. Though creative directors are prevalent in other genres, including pop and hip-hop, the country music industry hasn’t quite caught on to the trend.
“When I started my first company [Blind Copy Creative] in 2017, it was a creative services firm. That was always the goal, to shift the way creative and branding was done for artists,” Taha shares with MusicRow. “I met Robby Towns shortly thereafter, who is my business partner now. He left Spotify around the same time [I left radio] and we were connected. We just started working in tandem, and then in 2019, we decided to start GoodCopBadCop.”
After forming her new company, Taha met Breland coincidentally via their mutual connection with Apple Music Radio. Their meeting was fateful, as Breland was on the hunt for someone who could help oversee his creative vision.
Nada Taha & Breland on set. Photo: Alaina Mullin
“He is creatively brilliant,” Taha says. “At the time, I had seen a few things he had done and knew he was doing something different. I have always been different and always tried to do things differently. I was drawn to that energy from him, not even having known him.”
Now, as his creative partner, Taha helps Breland keep his brand consistent across all points of his career, from releases, to music videos, photo shoots, social media content and more.
“The biggest thing is that we’re a creative filter. We help creatively strategize an entire plan. A lot of times things are very fragmented, so you have one person doing this and one person doing that, and there’s not a funnel where it can all become cohesive and understood.
“With Breland, I’m involved in every capacity,” she says. “I make sure that when he’s on set, everything is aligned, so when you see him, you always see Breland in the capacity that we want him to be seen. I understand his vision to its core, so then everything that comes off of that points back to the original vision.”
Breland agrees. “Nada has almost as clear a vision for who Breland is as I do, and her fingerprints are on every aspect of my brand from how I dress to what we want the album to feel like, and beyond,” adds the rising artist. “Nada and I are constantly coming up with ideas throughout the day, but she understands that a lot of my best ideas come while I’m watching sports. A typical creative session with her might involve something as casual as watching a basketball game, and before halftime we might have a whole music video treatment on our hands. Being able to create without boundaries, with someone who can meet me where I am, makes Nada a dynamic partner and a valuable member of my team.”
Taha believes that a creative director should work alongside an artist’s manager, not in place of.
“Breland’s manager, [WHY&HOW’s] Bruce Kalmick, gives me autonomy and understands the importance of creative. That’s really important to make the whole team function really well.”
With Taha by his side, Breland has become one of the most talked about new artists in the Nashville music business. He’s been recognized as an artist to watch on multiple industry lists, watched his collaboration with Dierks Bentley—”Beers On Me”—become a No. 1 song, and earned a Gold (“Throw It Back” feat. Keith Urban) and Platinum (“My Truck”) record. His highly anticipated debut album, Cross Country, arrives Sept. 6 via Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville.
“We want to shift the way that creative is viewed in the music industry, and especially in the Nashville music industry. It’s not really known—it doesn’t come with your artist pack,” Taha explains. “You have your publisher, attorney, agent and manager—creative director is not in that starter pack. Breland coming out of the gate with a creative director has helped get us to this point.”
Breland concurs. “I’m different than a lot of artists in that I am consistently creating outside of just the songwriting process. Whether it’s a partnership with a brand like Chevrolet, a music video concept, a branding idea, or a business venture, having a creative director to bounce ideas off of and flush ideas out has proven to be one of the most productive partnerships I’ve ever had.”
CRB Unveils 2022-2023 Board Of Directors
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Radio Broadcasters have unveiled its 2022-2023 Board of Directors, including those members returning to CRB Officer positions such as Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) as President, John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach) as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan as Secretary.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome these new board members and thank our returning members,” Johnson comments. “Because of their generous commitment, the industry’s main event, Country Radio Seminar, and recognition of our genre’s finest broadcasters at the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner will continue to grow stronger.”
Elected and appointed members that will serve on this year’s Board of Directors include Brannigan, Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Johnson, Judy Lakin (PickleJar), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), Shomby, and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy). Michelle Kammerer (Amazon Music), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), and Kelly Rich (Red Street Records) also join as newly added members.
Continuing their terms on this year’s Board are Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Johnny Chiang (Pandora), George Couri (Triple 8 Management/Triple Tigers), Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville), Gator Harrison (WSIX), Deb Herman (Apple Music), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicutt (BMLG), Jon Loba (BMG/Nashville), Mike McVay, Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Bob Richards (Cumulus), Tim Roberts (Audacy), Kristen Williams (WMN), and Lesly Simon (Pearl Records). Charlie Monk will continue as a Board Member Emeritus.
The CRS Board of Directors is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the country music industry. Together, they govern the CRB and see that its mission is being fulfilled. The organization was created to provide a platform and structure for education and growth for the country music format, connecting the interests of country radio with the country music industry.
Nick Lobel Inks With Prescription Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Finn Runyon (Mad Into You Mgmt), Tyler Johnson, Chris Martignago, Nick Lobel, Katie Fagan, Nathaniel Cochran (Mad Into You Mgmt), Farrah Usmani (Nixon Peabody LLP)
Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and engineer Nick Lobel has signed with Prescription Songs in partnership with producer Tyler Johnson.
As an engineer, Lobel has worked on projects for Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, The Head And The Heart and more. He engineered and contributed sound design on Styles’ Grammy-winning “Watermelon Sugar.” As a songwriter and producer Lobel has been an instrumental part of developing Gatlin’s project, penning her past singles “Masterclass,” “Whenever He Asks,” “Summer Coat,” and “Hospital,” and producing the bulk of her last two EPs and recent singles.
“This feels like years in the making and like we’re just getting started at the same time,” says Prescription A&R Chris Martignago. “Nick has a gift for capturing the human spirit in songs and that was obvious to me from day one of meeting him. Getting to continue building on what Nick and Tyler have already accomplished together is truly a dream.”
Johnson adds, “Having spent many years making records with Nick, he’s the type of creative who is consistently providing solutions to the myriad of problems that often arise in the creative process. His wide range of skills and drive make him a potent force for both starting and finishing records; something I know will be utilized by many artists looking to find their voice in this industry.”
Lobel is currently in the studio writing and producing with Cam her forthcoming third LP, and Patrick Martin for his Glassnote Records debut. Lobel’s recent cuts include Brye, DBMK, and Anna Mae.
“I am beyond thrilled to join the Prescription family and continue building on the momentum that we’ve established,” Lobel shares. “There are few people that I admire more than Tyler and Chris. Their passion, integrity, and commitment to the highest artistic bar is unparalleled. They have both added immense value to my career and given me countless opportunities to grow and expand my skill set.”
He continues, “Working with Tyler over the last 6+ years has been a masterclass not only in songwriting and production, but in navigating this industry and building a dynamic creative community. I’m grateful to have this team in my corner and excited to get to work!”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert Are A ‘Match Made In Heaven’
/by Robert K OermannLuke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Somebody opened the flood gates at UMG this week.
The company’s Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Little Big Town and Brothers Osborne dominated this week’s country listening session, and all vied for a Disc of the Day award.
But there’s no denying the superstar power of Sony’s Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert, who ride off with the prize.
Songs and Daughters singer-songwriter Madison Kozak is our DISCovery Award winner. Along with Brooke Eden and Stafani Joyce, she illustrates the ongoing insurgency of country’s female talent.
PILLBOX PATTI / “Suwannee”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Ashley McBryde/Park Chilsolm/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Park Chilsolm; Label: Monument
–The pop production is echoey, murky, atmospheric and awash in electronics. The Deep South lyric extolls the virtues of Florida-swamp culture. It would be better if you could hear it more clearly. Pillbox Patti is Nicolette Hayfield, one of seven (!) songwriters credited.
LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Rich Man”
Writer: Jimi Westbrook; Producers: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–Tender and touching. It’s an ode to the simple joys of family and fatherhood. It’s also a reprise of one of country music’s greatest themes, that money doesn’t buy happiness, but love can. Westbrook takes the heartfelt lead vocal in an airy, acoustic production.
BROOKE EDEN / “Left You For Me”
Writers: Brooke Eden/Kyle Schlienger/Jon Stone; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Label: BBR
–Very appealing. A ringing, chiming instrumental bed surrounds a forceful soprano vocal on a strong song of survival. In-the-pocket contemporary femme country. She walks it like she talks it: Eden engaged with the campers of the YWCA’s Girls, Inc., sharing how music empowered her and encouraging them to find their own inspirations.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Gold”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Luke Dick/Ashley Gorley/Dierks Bentley/Trent Dabbs; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jon Randall/F. Reid Shippen/Dierks Bentley; Label: Capitol
–This is a top-down, summertime-drive, open-air, traveling tune. The rhythm track is irresistible. The strumming guitars are rockin.’ The everyman, rosey-glasses lyric is a face-wide smile. Play it on repeat.
CUTTER ELLIOTT / “Heartache Waiting to Happen”
Writers: Paul A. Reeves/JD Simo; Producer: Paul Reeves; Label: CE
–He’s a traditionalist with plenty of stuttering guitar, pedal steel runs and roadhouse rhythm. The uptempo tune is a promising disc debut for this honky-tonk baritone.
LUKE COMBS & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Outrunnin’ Your Memory”
Writers: Luke Combs/Miranda Lambert/Dan Isbell; Producers: Luke Combs/Jonathan Singleton/Chip Matthews; Label: River House / Columbia
–This is match made in heaven, for sure. The track rolls along relentlessly while these two superb country singers have a harmony fiesta and swap verses. Deliciously listenable as well as a breezy change of pace for the usually more amped-up Combs.
STEFANI JOYCE / “Love Thy Neighbor”
Writers: Stefani Joyce/Mary Heather Hickman/SJ McDonald; Producer: Kyle Manner; Label: ONErpm
–A thumpin,’ swampy cheating song that’s uber cool. If the skillful songwriting doesn’t have you hanging on every line, her sultry, conversational, sensual vocal delivery will. I remain a huge fan of this newcomer.
BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Skeletons”
Writers: John Osborne/Andrew DeRoberts/TJ Osborne/Adam DeRoberts; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI
–Barreling through this chesty rocker, the siblings tore it up on the CMA Music Fest TV special Wednesday night on ABC. As an audio experience, the title tune of their current album packs a potent punch, as does T.J.’s macho, snarling lead vocal. A performance this mighty vividly illustrates why the Osbornes ascended to stardom.
MADISON KOZAK / “Loud House”
Writers: Madison Kozak/Aaron Eshuis/Emily Falvey; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Big Loud
–A complex, fascinating recollection of growing up in a crowded, busy, chaotic and maybe a little abusive household. She can’t wait to get out, but yearns for the noisy familiarity she leaves behind. Kozak is yet another gifted soul to emerge from the Songs and Daughters franchise.
THE LONG & SHORT OF IT / “Midnight Choir”
Writers: David Baird/Kenneth Royster/Patricia Westray Toop; Producer: Ken Royster; Label: LS
–This is an award-winning, Australian male-female duo, David Baird & Patsy Toop (he’s the Short one). The title tune of their current album is a well-sung, toe-tapping romper celebrating a Cheers-like gathering spot with loads of warmth, good humor and honky-tonk merriment. Sing along.
JON PARDI / “Fill ‘Er Up”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Brice Long/Jon Pardi; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol
–It’s a straight-ahead drinking song. Now that’s country. If you loved “Last Night Lonely,” belly up to the bar for another round.
Michael Ray To Drop New Live EP ‘The Warehouse Sessions’
/by Lorie HollabaughMichael Ray. Photo: Spidey Smith
Michael Ray is releasing a new live EP, The Warehouse Sessions, via Warner Music Nashville tomorrow, (Aug. 5).
The project features four tracks from his album Higher Education, including the lead single and his first multi-week chart topper “Whiskey And Rain,” written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure. The project also features “Holy Water,” the second single from Higher Education written by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy, as well as “Think A Little Less,” his second No. 1 RIAA Platinum-certified single.
“After two years of connecting solely via our screens and dreaming of being back on the road again, there’s nothing like hearing fans sing these songs back to us live,” shares Ray. “We’re keeping that energy going with The Warehouse Sessions.”
Ray will join Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour” later this month, along with headlining and festival dates through the fall. For a full list of dates, click here.
Picture (Michael Ray, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
Just The Way I Am (Michael Hardy, Ben West, Josh Miller)
Think A Little Less (Barry Dean, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Thomas Rhett)
Holy Water (Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson, Michael Hardy)
Whiskey And Rain (Josh Thompson, Jesse Frasure)
Nada Taha Talks Filling A Gap In The Artist’s Circle As A Creative Director [Interview]
/by LB CantrellNada Taha. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Industry innovator Nada Taha‘s resume includes a wide swath of unique experience.
She spent 10 years of her career in radio, five of which as an on-air personality and Digital and Branding Director for country radio giant The Bobby Bones Show. In 2017, she launched the creative services company, Blind Copy Creative, to which she applied her influencer and brand specialist expertise.
In 2020, she began working as a radio presenter at Apple Music, where she interviews talent, hosts events, and is featured in pieces of content for the brand.
In recent years, Taha has taken her valuable experience and created a unique space for herself within the traditional artist circle in Nashville.
With her company GoodCopBadCop, she serves as a creative director for clients such as Breland. Though creative directors are prevalent in other genres, including pop and hip-hop, the country music industry hasn’t quite caught on to the trend.
“When I started my first company [Blind Copy Creative] in 2017, it was a creative services firm. That was always the goal, to shift the way creative and branding was done for artists,” Taha shares with MusicRow. “I met Robby Towns shortly thereafter, who is my business partner now. He left Spotify around the same time [I left radio] and we were connected. We just started working in tandem, and then in 2019, we decided to start GoodCopBadCop.”
After forming her new company, Taha met Breland coincidentally via their mutual connection with Apple Music Radio. Their meeting was fateful, as Breland was on the hunt for someone who could help oversee his creative vision.
Nada Taha & Breland on set. Photo: Alaina Mullin
“He is creatively brilliant,” Taha says. “At the time, I had seen a few things he had done and knew he was doing something different. I have always been different and always tried to do things differently. I was drawn to that energy from him, not even having known him.”
Now, as his creative partner, Taha helps Breland keep his brand consistent across all points of his career, from releases, to music videos, photo shoots, social media content and more.
“The biggest thing is that we’re a creative filter. We help creatively strategize an entire plan. A lot of times things are very fragmented, so you have one person doing this and one person doing that, and there’s not a funnel where it can all become cohesive and understood.
“With Breland, I’m involved in every capacity,” she says. “I make sure that when he’s on set, everything is aligned, so when you see him, you always see Breland in the capacity that we want him to be seen. I understand his vision to its core, so then everything that comes off of that points back to the original vision.”
Breland agrees. “Nada has almost as clear a vision for who Breland is as I do, and her fingerprints are on every aspect of my brand from how I dress to what we want the album to feel like, and beyond,” adds the rising artist. “Nada and I are constantly coming up with ideas throughout the day, but she understands that a lot of my best ideas come while I’m watching sports. A typical creative session with her might involve something as casual as watching a basketball game, and before halftime we might have a whole music video treatment on our hands. Being able to create without boundaries, with someone who can meet me where I am, makes Nada a dynamic partner and a valuable member of my team.”
Taha believes that a creative director should work alongside an artist’s manager, not in place of.
“Breland’s manager, [WHY&HOW’s] Bruce Kalmick, gives me autonomy and understands the importance of creative. That’s really important to make the whole team function really well.”
With Taha by his side, Breland has become one of the most talked about new artists in the Nashville music business. He’s been recognized as an artist to watch on multiple industry lists, watched his collaboration with Dierks Bentley—”Beers On Me”—become a No. 1 song, and earned a Gold (“Throw It Back” feat. Keith Urban) and Platinum (“My Truck”) record. His highly anticipated debut album, Cross Country, arrives Sept. 6 via Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville.
“We want to shift the way that creative is viewed in the music industry, and especially in the Nashville music industry. It’s not really known—it doesn’t come with your artist pack,” Taha explains. “You have your publisher, attorney, agent and manager—creative director is not in that starter pack. Breland coming out of the gate with a creative director has helped get us to this point.”
Breland concurs. “I’m different than a lot of artists in that I am consistently creating outside of just the songwriting process. Whether it’s a partnership with a brand like Chevrolet, a music video concept, a branding idea, or a business venture, having a creative director to bounce ideas off of and flush ideas out has proven to be one of the most productive partnerships I’ve ever had.”
BMI Foundation Unveils Dolly Parton Songwriters Award & Fund
/by Lydia FarthingDolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman
The BMI Foundation’s annual Nashville Songwriting Scholarship will be revised and renamed The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award in honor of the legendary artist. The news was announced by the BMI Foundation Board Member and BMI’s VP, Creative Clay Bradley.
The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, nationwide competition open to aspiring songwriters. The award was originally established in 2015 as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary year and to pay homage to Nashville.
The new program will also establish The Dolly Parton Music Fund, which will underwrite the annual awards to emerging songwriters as well as initiatives to provide or supplement music programs in public schools. The awards can be used as a career grant for study, instrument purchase, recording costs, or other professional expenses—and are not restricted to tuition costs.
Founding endowments include a lead gift from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston as well as a contribution from country superstar Luke Combs, who donated proceeds from the recent BMI Parking Lot Party, which celebrated his nine No. 1 hit songs.
“I know how personal and important songwriting is to those that have the talent, and to all the others that enjoy those that have it. I’m proud to be part of a program that will help support songwriting in any way possible,” Parton shares. “Thanks to Sony Music Publishing, Luke Combs, and all the others that feel the same way and want to help support it. I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a child, so of course I’m very proud and honored to have a BMI Songwriters Award made in my honor.”
“The Dolly Parton Music Fund will support the work of the BMI Foundation for years to come and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation’s emerging songwriters. We are excited to be working with Dolly Parton on this program, not only honoring her legacy as a songwriter, but her unwavering commitment to fostering new talent, music education, and music appreciation,” adds Bradley.
The revised program offers $20,000 for up to two of the best original song entries in the Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots genres. Judges for previous competitions have included Grammy-winning artist Kacey Musgraves, hit songwriter Rodney Clawson, and Nashville music industry veteran Mark Brown, among others.
The inaugural award will be presented in spring 2023 with applications opening in October.
Jeannie Seely Makes History With Most Appearances On The Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughJeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby
Jeannie Seely has made history as the artist with the most appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in the 97-year history of the beloved show. Thanks to the research of independent Opry historian Byron Fay, Seely will celebrate the historic achievement during her 55th Opry anniversary on Sept. 17.
Jeannie Seely’s Opry debut in 1966. Photo: Courtesy of Adkins Publicity
Since her debut in 1966, Seely has become an Opry mainstay with more than 5,000 performances to her name. While Opry membership performance requirements have changed over the course of Seely’s 55 years with the show, her commitment has not–building continuity, a sense of family, and an unmatched performance record.
“Jeannie Seely’s commitment to the Grand Ole Opry is truly remarkable,” shares Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “I’ve been affiliated with the Opry less than half of her time as an official member, and even in those two decades I’ve witnessed so many examples of her dedication to this show we love: performing in borrowed clothes on the first Opry show after the 2010 flood inundated both the Opry House and her own home, making her way to the show in staff members’ vehicles after a major snowstorm, and simply being here night after night to lend her voice to this one-of-a-kind show.”
He adds, “I believe I speak for staff members past and present, for her fellow Opry members, and for Opry fans around the globe when I say thank you to her for her incredibly impressive dedication to the show and that we look forward to commemorating both her unmatched commitment and 55 years of Opry membership on Sept. 17.”
“The Opry is a way of life, my way of life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! This is where my heart is,” Seely explains. “In September, I will have been here 55 years, but it’s not long enough!”
Josh Dunne Signs With Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Elizabeth Lombardi of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Kelley, Beckett, Shehan; Megan Lenzini, Administrative Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager; Kara Jackson, Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Matthew Beckett of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Kelley, Beckett, Shehan; Hannah Hall, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Josh Dunne; Matt Cottingham of Lewis Brisbois; Brian Bradford, General Manager/VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution; David Crow of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Kelley, Beckett, Shehan; Frank Rogers, CCO, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; and Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville/Founder, 2 Mix Music
Josh Dunne has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution.
A Missouri native, Dunne began writing around 15 after teaching himself how to play guitar. He spent the last decade writing songs and playing shows around Nashville, and has written with Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Heath Sanders, Parmalee, and others.
Dunne co-wrote the title track “All The Makins’ Of A Saturday Night” for The Cadillac Three’s 2019 album, which was featured as one of ESPN’s 2019-2020 College Football Primetime songs. He also co-wrote Brantley Gilbert feat. Lindsay Ell’s No. 1 single “What Happens In A Small Town,” which won an NSAI award for one of the most-played songs of 2019.
“Josh Dunne is a great songwriter, a great singer and a great human being,” notes Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Spirit and Fluid have been big fans of Josh for years and we are very excited to officially welcome him to the family. We look forward to doing some big things together!”
“When Josh, Frank and I first discussed Josh’s next publishing scenario, it just felt like a natural transition to bring Josh into Spirit/Fluid after he and I had been already working together for several years. Cheers to more Josh Dunne hits!” adds AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution.
“In my musical world, Spirit/Fluid has been like a second home to me for many years and I’m very excited to now be a part of this extremely talented team!” Dunne shares.
Industry Ink: Lee Brice, Romeo Entertainment Group, Avery King, Edwin McCain
/by Lydia FarthingLee Brice Notches One Billion Streams On Apple Music
Lee Brice. Photo: Spidey Smith
Curb Records’ Lee Brice recently amassed 1 billion streams on Apple Music. In the past three years, his Apple Music streams have more than tripled and, combined with all other platform streams, places Brice’s total digital streaming imprint at over 5 billion.
“What can I say? This is absolutely incredible!” says Lee. “I am so honored and humbled that folks connect with my music. I never would’ve dreamed that my songs would be listened to by so many and I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”
His current album, Hey World, has produced three No. 1 hits, including “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” “One of Them Girls,” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce, which scored a trophy for Musical Event of the Year at the 54th Annual CMA Awards and won both Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year at the 56th ACM Awards.
Lee has had 17 songs hit the Apple Music Daily Top 100 Chart in 22 countries. His massive hit, “One of Them Girls,” reached the top five in multiple countries and became his first song to reach the Global Daily Top 100. The Grammy nominee has taken nine singles to No. 1 over his career, and his most recent single, “Soul,” is currently climbing the charts at country radio.
Romeo Entertainment Group Ups Lacey Hayes To Agent
Lacey Hayes
Romeo Entertainment Group (REG), a full service talent buying agency in Nashville, has promoted Lacey Hayes to Agent.
Hayes started her career in Dallas as the Logistics Manager for Gilley’s Dallas. She then moved to New York City to work for the Emmy award-winning live event production company RWS and Associates where she produced work for Jennifer Lopez, theme parks, cruise ships, and special events all over the country. After four years, she came back to Nashville and began working as an Executive Assistant to the President of Neste Live.
“Romeo Entertainment Group is the epitome of talent buying success in the music industry. I am honored and incredibly grateful to be a part of this top-notch team. Live music has always been my passion and I have found a career where my vast knowledge of all genres of music pays off.” Hayes shares “Romeo’s company culture, model of business, and standards for client service align exactly with my own values. Our clients truly are the best and are why we work so hard in every aspect to deliver the highest quality live show. We are in the business of giving people the best moments of their lives. Every time I look out into an audience, I am overwhelmed with happiness witnessing the joy on people’s faces seeing their favorite artist live. It makes the hard work so worth it.”
R.J. Romeo, President of Romeo Entertainment Group, notes: “Lacey has grown so much since joining our team and we are proud of all she has accomplished. I am proud to have her as a member of our team. Her clients love her, our team respects her, and she is just getting started. I expect great things from her in the future and I know she will be an amazing talent buyer because of her love of music and her dedication to her clients.”
Hayes can be reached at Lhayes@romeoent.com.
Avery King Raises Over $17K For Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Pictured L-R): Austin Burke, Ryne Brashear, Avery King, Tofer Brown, Carter Faith, Madeline Edwards, Parker Daniel. Photo: Thomas O’Brien
Nashville Top 30 under 30 honoree and Elicity Pubilc Relations’ Director of Publicity Avery King hosted a fundraising show on Tuesday night (Aug. 2) at Whiskey Row benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The event raised $17,200 and included performances from Grammy-nominated songwriter Tofer Brown and rising country acts such as Austin Burke, Carter Faith, Hannah Dasher, Harper Grae, Madeline Edwards, Renee Blair, and Ryne Brashear.
“The entire night was an unforgettable experience. [We couldn’t have done it] without the help of Bryan Webb, Samantha Borenstein and all of the fabulous artists that donated their time and talent, thank you,” shares King. “Being able to stand in front of the full crowd and see so many people showing their support for such a wonderful cause was truly heartwarming.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works to recognize young professionals and helps them grow into community leaders and influencers. Because of the funds raised by the Foundation and their life-saving research, advances continue to be made to fight for a cure. To learn more about CF, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit cff.org.
Edwin McCain Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Edwin McCain & Maia Sharp. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Singer-songwriter Edwin McCain made his Opry debut last weekend (July 29).
Known for his 1998 smash hit, “I’ll Be,” McCain was invited to take the hallowed stage even though he’s not a country artist, seeing it as an “opportunity to thank everyone that’s been instrumental in my career thus far in a meaningful moment.”
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, McCain often comes to Nashville to write with up-and-coming and established writers and artists.
ONErpm Launches Global Publishing Service
/by LB CantrellGlobal independent music giant ONErpm has announced its new publishing administration service, ONE Publishing.
The company’s new publishing arm will allow songwriters and publishers to administer catalogs and collect publishing royalties from around the world in an easy and transparent way. Over the last three years, ONErpm has developed the necessary technology to register, identify and manage compositions in compliance with international standards.
At the same time, ONErpm has directly partnered with collection societies all over the world. In addition to partnering with the Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), ONErpm has partnered with Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) and Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
Diego Maldonado, who previously served as Country Manager of Colombia for the past seven years, is at the helm of ONErpm’s publishing arm. He oversees a staff of 40 and reports to ONErpm CEO Emmanuel Zunz in his new capacity.
“I am honored to develop this new publishing initiative,” shares Maldonado. “We truly believe in creating better solutions for musicians, and with this powerful product, we’re raising the standards and closing an important gap for songwriters and artists all over.”
“The launch of ONE Publishing marks a milestone for our company as we consolidate our position as a leading independent and truly global music company,” adds Zunz. “The service is in line with our mission to be a full service and modern music company that works tirelessly to create more value for creators.”
The news follows ONErpm’s announcement that publishing veteran Tim Wipperman had joined the company as Managing Director for Nashville.