Bil VornDick
Music Row veteran Bil VornDick died on Tuesday (July 5) at age 72, less than a week after he’d been diagnosed with cancer.
He was a producer/engineer who was renowned for his recording-studio skills, particularly in folk, bluegrass, Americana and acoustic-music circles. VornDick worked on albums that earned more than 40 Grammy nominations and nine wins.
His clients included Alison Krauss, Doc Watson and Charlie McCoy. He had served two terms as the chairman of the Nashville chapter of Audio Engineering Society (AES).
Born William Thomas VornDick, he was raised in northern Virginia. While still a student and playing guitar in rock bands there, he sold some songs to Cedarwood Publishing on Music Row. Chet Atkins urged him to move to Nashville and helped him enroll in Belmont University.
In 1979, he became an early graduate of Belmont’s music-business program. Country superstar Marty Robbins heard him working on demos for Loretta Lynn’s publishing company and hired him as his studio’s chief engineer.
VornDick subsequently became the chief engineer at Stargem Studio, the founder of The Music Shop and the owner of Music Row Audio and Mountainside Music Group Productions.
He became particularly associated with the “new acoustic music” genre that emerged in the 1980s. He worked with Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Craig Duncan, Alison Brown, Mark O’Connor, Vassar Clements, Edgar Meyer and David Grier, among others.
Following his Grammy-winning work with Alison Krauss, he worked with a bluegrass who’s-who, including Peter Rowan, The Dillards, The Country Gentlemen, New Grass Revival, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Claire Lynch, Rhonda Vincent, The Earls of Leicester, Dan Tyminski, Laurie Lewis, Larry Cordle, The New Coon Creek Girls and IIIrd Tyme Out.
He also had credits with mainstream Nashville country artists. VornDick worked on records by Lynn Anderson, Trace Adkins, Jo-El Sonnier, Janie Fricke, Marty Stuart, Gene Watson, Asleep at the Wheel, Jimmy C. Newman and Sweethearts of the Rodeo, in addition to Robbins.
Bil VornDick was an active participant in the Nashville music community. He did advisory and/or instructional work for MTSU, Belmont, Folk Alliance, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the Recording Academy, MerleFest, Telluride, South Plains College, AES, Kerrville Folk Festival, Vol State and more.
He campaigned to save RCA Studio A from demolition, promoted popularity charts for roots music and championed health insurance for music people.
In recent years, he became widely admired in the Americana field. That genre’s Jim Lauderdale, Maura O’Connell, T-Bone Burnett, Jesse Winchester, The Fairfield Four, John McEuen, Leon Redbone, Robert Earl Keen, Webb Wilder, Robin & Linda Williams, Hazel Dickens and Charlie Haden all worked with him.
In 1998, he produced the epic Clinch Mountain Country, a 36-song tribute that featured legendary Ralph Stanley dueting with Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, Porter Wagoner, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, the Kentucky HeadHunters, Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie, George Jones, Vern Gosdin, John Anderson, Hal Ketchum, Gillian Welch, BR549, Junior Brown and more. It was named Rolling Stone’s Top Country Album of the Year, got nominated for a Grammy and earned two trophies from the IBMA.
Bil VornDick was cherished for his personality as well as his studio skills. He was invariably kind, wise, welcoming, gentle and generous.
Yesterday, social media was alive with praise from folks who’d known him or worked with him. Among the hundreds posting tributes were O’Connor, Andrea Zonn, Mike Bub, Garth Shaw, Alison Auerbach, Steve Marcantonio, Yarn, Sharon Corbitt, Wally Wilson, Wanda Vick, Marcy Marxer, Tim McFadden, Louisa Branscomb, Steve Betts, Michael Snow and Rodney Dillard.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Jim Lauderdale Slates New Album ‘Game Changer’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughJim Lauderdale. Photo: Scott Simontacch
Jim Lauderdale is releasing a new album, Game Changer, on Aug. 26. The project is Lauderdale’s 35th full-length album, and he’s kicking off the project with the release of “That Kind Of Life (That Kind Of Day),” out now.
The album features tracks such as “We’re All We’ve Got,” a co-write with Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris, offering a message about healing torn relationships. “Friends Again” brings a smile at the thought of rekindling a friendship, while “I’ll Keep My Heart Open For You,” features sweet harmonies.
“There’s a mixture on this record of uplifting songs and, at the same time, songs of heartbreak and despair—because that’s part of life as well,” Lauderdale says. “In the country song world especially, that’s always been part of it. That’s real life. Country music is constantly evolving, but I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for steel guitar and a Telecaster. I have done my job on this record if people who love classic country feel like they can put it on, or have it in their collection, and it would fit right in.”
Along with the new project, Lauderdale has also just been named a 2022 nominee for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beloved Producer/Engineer Bil VornDick Passes
/by Robert K OermannBil VornDick
Music Row veteran Bil VornDick died on Tuesday (July 5) at age 72, less than a week after he’d been diagnosed with cancer.
He was a producer/engineer who was renowned for his recording-studio skills, particularly in folk, bluegrass, Americana and acoustic-music circles. VornDick worked on albums that earned more than 40 Grammy nominations and nine wins.
His clients included Alison Krauss, Doc Watson and Charlie McCoy. He had served two terms as the chairman of the Nashville chapter of Audio Engineering Society (AES).
Born William Thomas VornDick, he was raised in northern Virginia. While still a student and playing guitar in rock bands there, he sold some songs to Cedarwood Publishing on Music Row. Chet Atkins urged him to move to Nashville and helped him enroll in Belmont University.
In 1979, he became an early graduate of Belmont’s music-business program. Country superstar Marty Robbins heard him working on demos for Loretta Lynn’s publishing company and hired him as his studio’s chief engineer.
VornDick subsequently became the chief engineer at Stargem Studio, the founder of The Music Shop and the owner of Music Row Audio and Mountainside Music Group Productions.
He became particularly associated with the “new acoustic music” genre that emerged in the 1980s. He worked with Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Craig Duncan, Alison Brown, Mark O’Connor, Vassar Clements, Edgar Meyer and David Grier, among others.
Following his Grammy-winning work with Alison Krauss, he worked with a bluegrass who’s-who, including Peter Rowan, The Dillards, The Country Gentlemen, New Grass Revival, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Claire Lynch, Rhonda Vincent, The Earls of Leicester, Dan Tyminski, Laurie Lewis, Larry Cordle, The New Coon Creek Girls and IIIrd Tyme Out.
He also had credits with mainstream Nashville country artists. VornDick worked on records by Lynn Anderson, Trace Adkins, Jo-El Sonnier, Janie Fricke, Marty Stuart, Gene Watson, Asleep at the Wheel, Jimmy C. Newman and Sweethearts of the Rodeo, in addition to Robbins.
Bil VornDick was an active participant in the Nashville music community. He did advisory and/or instructional work for MTSU, Belmont, Folk Alliance, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the Recording Academy, MerleFest, Telluride, South Plains College, AES, Kerrville Folk Festival, Vol State and more.
He campaigned to save RCA Studio A from demolition, promoted popularity charts for roots music and championed health insurance for music people.
In recent years, he became widely admired in the Americana field. That genre’s Jim Lauderdale, Maura O’Connell, T-Bone Burnett, Jesse Winchester, The Fairfield Four, John McEuen, Leon Redbone, Robert Earl Keen, Webb Wilder, Robin & Linda Williams, Hazel Dickens and Charlie Haden all worked with him.
In 1998, he produced the epic Clinch Mountain Country, a 36-song tribute that featured legendary Ralph Stanley dueting with Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, Porter Wagoner, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, the Kentucky HeadHunters, Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie, George Jones, Vern Gosdin, John Anderson, Hal Ketchum, Gillian Welch, BR549, Junior Brown and more. It was named Rolling Stone’s Top Country Album of the Year, got nominated for a Grammy and earned two trophies from the IBMA.
Bil VornDick was cherished for his personality as well as his studio skills. He was invariably kind, wise, welcoming, gentle and generous.
Yesterday, social media was alive with praise from folks who’d known him or worked with him. Among the hundreds posting tributes were O’Connor, Andrea Zonn, Mike Bub, Garth Shaw, Alison Auerbach, Steve Marcantonio, Yarn, Sharon Corbitt, Wally Wilson, Wanda Vick, Marcy Marxer, Tim McFadden, Louisa Branscomb, Steve Betts, Michael Snow and Rodney Dillard.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
BoomTown Saints Sign Recording Deal With 8 Track Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ben Chism (BoomTown Saints), Noah Gordon (Pres./8Track Entertainment), and Chris Ramos (BoomTown Saints). Photo: Jenna Ramos
Rising country duo BoomTown Saints have signed an exclusive, long-term recording agreement with Nashville/Muscle Shoals-based entertainment company, 8 Track Entertainment.
Florida native Chris Ramos and Mississippi native Ben Chism formed BoomTown Saints in 2018. The two initially pursued careers outside of music–Ramos as a healthcare consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, and Chism, who was headed to medical school after graduating with a degree in biology.
After Chism won the regional Texas Country Showdown singing competition, he went on to the Southeast USA contest and finished in the top 10 nationwide, and elected to choose music over medicine. Meanwhile, after landing multiple cuts on pop, country and electronic music albums, Ramos decided to pursue his dream in music and form a band.
The pair will release their debut single, “All Trucks Go To Heaven,” to all digital service providers on July 15. Produced by Noah Gordon and Gary Kraen, the track was written by Taylor Phillips, Ben Stennis and Jeremy Bussey.
“Our team is pumped about the addition of BoomTown Saints to 8 Track Entertainment’s growing roster,” says Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment. “Their work ethic combined with their talent and energy are a perfect fit for our growing company and we look forward to getting their first single out in the world.”
Society Of Composers & Lyricists Announces Inaugural Nashville Steering Committee
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Society of Composers & Lyricists has announced its inaugural Nashville Steering Committee, which is comprised of talent from Music City’s film, TV, gaming, production music, arranging, songwriting and performance communities.
Committee members include Keith Mason (Coordinator of Commercial Music and Music Technology, Belmont University), Pat McMakin (Studio Manager, Ocean Way Studios) and Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive and President of Music, Electronic Arts). The chapter will be chaired by veteran film and television composer Jay Weigel.
“For more than half a century, Nashville has been known as ‘Music City USA.’ But within the past decade, this birthplace of country music has become one of the world’s top 3 destinations to record scores for films, television, and games of every genre, and is first or second home to more songwriters, composers and orchestrators than anywhere on earth,” Schnur explains. “With the arrival of the SCL, Nashville is now officially ‘Music City Global.’”
“With so many of our members traveling to Nashville to record these days, it became obvious to us that there was an opportunity to bring the SCL’s experience, education, advocacy and other resources to a community that will hopefully reap the benefits as it expands,” SCL President Ashley Irwin notes. “And building on the long-standing alliances we already share with the major PROs (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), we see a very bright future for all things SCL in Nashville.”
Since the April launch of the SCL’s newest chapter, the members of the committee have been meeting to determine a slate of events for the remainder of the year that will serve to introduce the SCL and its benefits to music creators in Nashville looking to better understand the world of writing for audio-visual media. Event details will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit thescl.com/nashville-chapter.
Warner Chappell Inks Publishing Deal With Warren Zeiders
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM); Ryan Beuschel (WCM); Warren Zeiders; Charly Salvatore (underscore works); Christian Barker (Attorney); and Brian O’Neil (underscore works)
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with rising Warner Records artist Warren Zeiders.
Zeiders has gone from collegiate athlete to Gold-selling artist with his hit single, “Ride The Lighting.” His original, solo acoustic version of the track racked up over 657 million global views on TikTok alone before going RIAA-certified Gold.
Zeiders released his debut EP, 717 Tapes, in October 2021, and followed it with 717 Tapes, Vol. 2. Shortly after the release of Vol. 2, he sold out his debut Nashville show at Exit/In and hit the road for his “The 717 Tapes Tour,” with dates running through September.
Hailing from Hershey, Pennsylvania, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter will make his Grand Ole Opry debut this Saturday (July 9).
Parker McCollum Makes History At Whitewater Amphitheater With Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
/by Steven BoeroPictured: Parker McCollum, with his band and crew, celebrate three sell-out performances at the Whitewater Amphitheater. Photo: Christina Feddersen
Parker McCollum has added another ‘first’ to his already impressive resume of accomplishments by selling out three nights at the iconic Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas this past weekend.
Just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, McCollum sold a record-breaking 15,500+ tickets over three consecutive show dates at the famed venue.
The accomplishment adds to McCollum’s already successful year. The Conroe, Texas native won the ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year in March and a CMT Award for Breakout Video of the Year in April. He secured his second consecutive No. 1 hit with “To Be Loved By You,” garnered a 2-time Platinum selling single with “Pretty Heart,” and sold out shows around the country. In March McCollum fulfilled a childhood dream of playing to a sold-out crowd at RODEOHOUSTON.
His debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, was the highest first-week debut album of 2021 and since then he has amassed over 1 billion LTD domestic streams.
Industry Ink: Cody Johnson, Country Luau, Gable Price & Friends, Ghostwriter Music
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson Mines Some Gold & Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Howie Edelman/Durango Artist Management, Ben Kline/WMG, Cody Johnson, Brandi Johnson, Cris Lacy/WMG, Shane Tarleton/WMG
Cody Johnson received some heavy metal for his now RIAA-certified Platinum single “’Til You Can’t” and Gold-certified “Dear Rodeo” during a recent No. 1 party.
“’Til You Can’t” was Johnson’s first No. 1 at country radio, and remained at the top for two consecutive weeks. “Dear Rodeo” has racked up over 125 million global streams to date, and over 750K U.S. track equivalents.
Country Luau Hosts Pool Party Benefit For Music Health Alliance
Country Luau, a Nashville-made, canned cocktail line, is hosting a fundraising pool party to celebrate their first few months in business. Guests will enjoy a tropical pool party at the recently renovated Dive Motel, complete with beats by DJ Poboy and live music by Corey Parsons from local favorite Banditos, a recipient of Country Luau’s Mixed for Music grant program.
The event will benefit the Music Health Alliance and its Ben Eyestone Fund. Tickets cost $40 ($30 after 4 p.m.) with $5 being donated to the Ben Eyestone Fund, and will be available for purchase at the pool entrance.
Gable Price & Friends Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group
California-bred rock and roll band Gable Price & Friends (The Boys) have joined the Capitol Christian Music Group family and are re-releasing their EP If I’m Being Honest on the label with two new live songs. The updated EP is available now, along with a music video for “I Need You.”
“Gable Price & Friends are an incredible rock and roll band,” says Brad O’Donnell (CCMG, Co-President) and Hudson Plachy (CCMG, Co-President) in a statement. “With their high energy and personalities, you can’t help but be a fan. We are thrilled that they have found their home here at Capitol CMG and honored to partner with them. We can’t wait to see everything the future holds for this talented band.”
Ghostwriter Music Adds Staffers
Pictured (L-R): Macy Thompson, Paige Mount
Ghostwriter Music has expanded its team, hiring Macy Thompson as Director of A&R and Paige Mount as Customs Producer and Synch Manager. Thompson will be based out of the company’s Nashville office and Mount will work out of Ghostwriter’s L.A. office.
“When Paige started with Ghostwriter, she immediately fell into place as an indispensable part of the team,” says Chris Bragg, the Founder/CEO of Ghostwriter Music. “Her proficiency in navigating the needs of our custom music clients and her ability to get the best out of our composers is amazing. Macy is one of the most personable people I’ve ever met. Her people skills and upbeat personality, along with an instinct for finding and developing talent for synch licensing make her a perfect fit for this position.”
Sam Palladio Signs With Red Light Management
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Palladio. Photo: Pamela Littky
Sam Palladio has signed with Red Light Management for worldwide representation. He is co-managed by Chip Dorsch in the company’s Nashville office, and Jessica Lord in London.
The actor/musician grew up in Cornwall England, but it was in Music City that Palladio got his big break playing the role of Gunnar Scott on ABC’s hit TV drama Nashville. Palladio has performed on many of the world’s most iconic stages including the Ryman Auditorium, Red Rocks, The Royal Albert Hall, The Roundhouse, and The O2 Arena. In 2018 he opened for Biffy Clyro on their European tour.
Palladio spent the past two years collaborating with acclaimed British songwriters such as Ed Harcourt, Jonny Lattimer and Nick Hodgson. At the start of 2021, he teamed with Søren Hansen (of New Politics), Paul DeVincenzo and Grammy-winning producer Dave Sardy to record songs for his upcoming debut album.
“I’ve been blessed with an acting career that has allowed me to wear many hats and tell many stories,” shares Palladio. “Music has always been my passion and a driving force for my creativity—from guitar lessons at 5 to garage bands in my teens. I dedicated this last couple of years to songwriting and trying to find my own unique voice. Drawing back the curtain, letting people in on family relationships, tragedies and telling my own story—that’s something that I’ve never done before until now. I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and to be building the team that will help me share my music with the world.”
“Sam is a perfect example of what is happening musically in Nashville now—a melding of many styles of music,” says Dorsch. “The approach for him sonically, visually and holistically will be rooted in his British and US influences. It is our hope that he will simultaneously be one of Music City’s greatest imports and greatest exports. We are incredibly excited to be working with such a well-rounded artist to help bring his music to life.”
Lord adds, “One of the many reasons Sam is such an exciting and interesting artist is his potential to connect with audiences both sides of the Atlantic (and further afield!). His upbringing in the UK and domicile in the US are ever-present in the music, the approach and in Sam’s ambition to reach fans globally. The opportunity for managers to work together from different parts of the world, Nashville and London in this case, is part of the ethos of Red Light—finding like-minded people to help create the best possible opportunities for our artists.”
UMPG Nashville Signs Marc Scibilia
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson (Chairman and CEO, UMPG Nashville), Marc Scibilia and Roxy King (Director A&R, UMPG Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter, artist and producer Marc Scibilia to an exclusive global publishing agreement.
Scibilia has co-written songs recorded by singer-songwriter Ben Rector, pop artist Lennon Stella, and rappers Jim Jones and Rick Ross. His chart-topping hit with DJ Robin Schulz, “Unforgettable,” has been certified Gold and is currently boasting more than 75 million streams on Spotify alone.
Scibilia has also made a name for himself in the sync community. Some of his successes include a Woody Guthrie cover of “This Land Is Your Land,” which was used in Jeep’s 2015 Super Bowl Commercial and became the most Shazamed moment of the Super Bowl. “How Bad We Need Each Other” was featured on Samsung’s “Stay Together, Stay Apart” global campaign in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “On The Way” was synced on the “Summer of Jeep” campaign, which also featured Scibilia himself in the ad.
Of the deal, Roxy King, Director of A&R at UMPG Nashville, shares, “Marc has put in the work to create music and relationships that are unparalleled. I’m confident that Marc’s talent, coupled with UMPG’s hands-on, global approach, will cause big waves throughout Nashville and the music industry at-large.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the UMPG family for the next chapter of my career,” Scibilia adds. “In just the first few months, the team has proven to be a powerful force in opening doors and finding new opportunities for my music.”
Earl Scruggs Music Festival Announces Lineup For Inaugural Event
/by Steven BoeroEarl Scruggs Music Festival has announced that Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many more will perform for its inaugural event, taking place September 2-4 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Fleck will kick off the weekend with songs from his Grammy-winning record My Bluegrass Heart. Heavyweights Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and The Earls of Leicester—who was previously announced as festival host and artist-in-residence—will perform on Friday. Saturday standouts include jam-grass veterans Leftover Salmon, decorated multi-instrumentalist and composer Alison Brown, country-rock icons Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a choice display of North Carolina talent featuring Rissi Palmer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Balsam Range and more. Dom Flemons, Chatham County Line, and Becky Buller Band are set to close the festival on Sunday.
The first ever Earl Scruggs Music Festival will celebrate the Cleveland County native whose innovative banjo technique transformed the course of American music. Produced in collaboration with the Earl Scruggs Center, WNCW 88.7, and Isothermal Community College, the event supports a two-fold mission to underwrite educational programming and community outreach in Earl’s home region while carrying his legacy into the context of modern culture.
Single day passes to Earl Scruggs Music Festival are on sale now via the festival’s website at $75 (Friday and Saturday) and $55 (Sunday) for General Admission. To explore premium options, purchase tickets, and stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfestival.com.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2022 Daily Lineup
Friday, September 2
Jerry Douglas, host
The Earls of Leicester
Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart
Featuring Billy Contreras, Jacob Jolliff, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, Bryan Sutton
Sam Bush
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Acoustic Syndicate
Fireside Collective
The Barefoot Movement
Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth
Jon Stickley Trio
Chatham Rabbits
Saturday, September 3
Jerry Douglas, host
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Leftover Salmon
Alison Brown
Balsam Range
Acoustic Syndicate
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Chatham County Line
Fireside Collective
Unspoken Tradition
Rissi Palmer
Bella White
Lakota John
Sunday, September 4
Jerry Douglas, host
Chatham County Line
Dom Flemons
Becky Buller Band
Darin & Brooke Aldridge