Erin Duvall Exits Black River, Joins Belmont University As Assistant Professor
Erin Duvall
Erin Duvall, Director of Digital Media at Black River Entertainment, has announced that she will be exiting the company. She has taken a new position at Belmont University to serve as an Assistant Professor of Music Business. She will also be consulting on video strategy for an array of artists, including Randall King, Lauren Duski and more.
Duvall took on her position at Black River in January of 2022 where she lead all digital strategy and activations for Black River’s roster. She was responsible for each artist’s audience and content development, social media marketing, online promotion, influencer marketing, and advertising.
Duvall has over 16 years of experience in the industry, including as the video strategist for Warner Music Nashville where she focused on YouTube growth for Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, and more. She previously served as the U.S. country music programmer for YouTube Music and Google Play, and has handled digital marketing for an array of artists and brands. She began her career as a writer, serving as Associate Editor of Country Aircheck and Deputy Editor for AOL’s The Boot.
Contact Duvall at erin@byerinduvall.com.
Halle Kearns Signs With UTA For Representation
Pictured (L-R): Josh Garrett (UTA), Olivia Dahlstrom (WHY&HOW), Halle Kearns, Haley Fairman (UTA), Emily Wright (UTA), and Pete Olson (WHY&HOW).
Rising country artist Halle Kearns has signed with UTA for agency representation.
Kearns made her country music debut in 2020 with her first three singles, culminating in the release of her debut EP Finally at the end of the year. The EP garnered over 4 million streams in its first year, found placements on Spotify’s top country editorial playlists, reached No. 7 on the U.S iTunes charts, and was featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway.
With over 12 million streams collectively and more than 10 million views on TikTok, Kearns will release her sophomore EP on June 3. She will also be heading out on the road this summer on her “Tin Roof Tour,” with stops in Myrtle Beach, Memphis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Kansas City, Detroit, and more.
The MLC, NSAI, Bluebird Cafe Hosts Songwriters Brunch At Key West Songwriters Festival
Pictured (L-R): Kris Ahrend (CEO, The MLC), Erika Wollam Nichols (COO/GM, Bluebird Café), Craig Wiseman (Songwriter/MLC Board Member) and Jennifer Turnbow (COO, NSAI).
Earlier this month, The MLC hosted a Songwriters Brunch at the Key West Songwriters Festival along with NSAI and The Bluebird Café.
The 2022 Songwriters Brunch featured performances by songwriters Craig Wiseman, Danny Myrick, Steve Bogard and more.
PLA Media Signs Texas Singer-Songwriter Will Carter
Will Carter
PLA Media has added Will Carter to its artist roster. The Katy, Texas native brings the Texas red dirt country style to the Nashville agency as they team up for a forthcoming project. His first release in 2022, “Wrong Side Of Town,” will be dropping in June.
Carter has already amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify, over a dozen singles on the Texas music charts, and has earned four nominations each in the Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year categories at the Texas Country Music Awards.
“Will has been entertaining audiences ever since he was old enough to walk. You can hear that experience reflected in his music,” states Pam Lewis, Founder and CEO of PLA Media. “This Lone Star State performer has a remarkable work ethic and his determination sets him apart from the emerging talent on the scene.”
“It’s an honor to team up with an experienced team like PLA. Their professionalism and expertise makes me excited to take my career to new heights in 2022,” adds Carter.
Old Dominion To Headline Nashville’s 4th Of July Celebration
/by Lydia FarthingOld Dominion
CMA and ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion will headline Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper.
As previously announced, Grammy-winning reggae artist Gramps Morgan, country-pop-punk singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope and rising country artist Levi Hummon will be part of the concert lineup. Held at the downtown riverfront, the evening will include the city’s biggest fireworks show synchronized to a live performance from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.
A free Amazon Family Fun Zone will be open on Sunday, July 3, from noon to 6 p.m., and Monday, July 4 from noon to 5 p.m. with inflatables and live music. A total of 16 Nashville-based artists will be featured on the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage and at the Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park over the two-day celebration.
“The Nashville 4th of July is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and to draw in visitors to our city from around the world,” notes Courtney Ross, Amazon’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement. “We are delighted to contribute to the programming of this year’s celebration with the Amazon Family Fun Zone, which will feature family-friendly activities and great performances from incredible local artists.”
The Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage will be located at First and Broadway before shifting to Ascend Amphitheater for the live performance by the Nashville Symphony and fireworks show. Kelly Sutton will host both stages, Wendy Moten of The Voice will sing the national anthem, and Coach (DJ) will entertain between sets. CMT will broadcast Let Freedom Sing! from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., including a portion of the concert and the entirety of the fireworks show.
Performances at the Amazon Family Fun Zone on July 3 will include Troubadour Blue, Craig Duncan & Friends, Les Kerr & The Bayou Band, The Woods, Jesse Labelle and Emily Earle, along with DJ Dave Audé. On July 4, performances will include San Rafael Band, Joe West Band, Jenny Tolman, Nick Howard and Jeverson, along with DJ Rod Youree.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper is produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for the city of Nashville. This will be the 19th annual celebration produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and the 38th in the city.
AIMP Global Publishing Summit To Feature Ashley Gorley As Keynote Speaker
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Gorley
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has released the schedule for this year’s Global Music Publishing Summit to be held June 14 at the 3 West Club in New York City. The Summit will take place both online and in-person, and feature a full day of panels and keynotes on the business, sync, and creative areas of the industry.
This year’s keynote conversation will feature songwriter/producer/publisher Ashley Gorley. With a record 60 No. 1s and more than 400 songs recorded, he will discuss his success and more with Tim Hunze, VP of Publishing for Big Machine Music and host of the AIMP Nashville Pubcast.
In a joint statement, John Ozier (AIMP National Chair and Nashville Chapter President/Reservoir), Teri Nelson-Carpenter (AIMP LA Chapter President/Reel Muzik Werks), and Michael Lau (AIMP NY Chapter President) share: “Music publishers would be nothing without songwriters, and we’re so fortunate to be able to have Ashley Gorley join us on June 14, along with the rising stars that our partners NYC3 and Music Publishers Canada have put together for the evening showcase. Our program hits all the current hot topics, from catalog acquisitions and the metaverse, to the latest on the U.S. legislative and international fronts. It will be a great day to be together in New York!”
The NYC3 and Music Publishers Canada will close out the day with a showcase featuring performances from Canadian and U.S. songwriters Jewels Gold (Rainbow Rock Music), Sarah MacDougall (Arts & Crafts Music Inc.), Tatiana Owens (Angry Mob Music), and Poesy (Daytripper Music Publishing).
Ahead of the Summit on Monday, June 13, the AIMP Young Professionals Committee and Music Publishers Canada NXTextGen will be hosting a mixer welcome event aimed towards people starting their careers in publishing at Turntable LP Bar; the event is free, but advance registration is required.
Morgan Wallen Hits Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen jumps from No. 11 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The singer is a co-writer on his own “Thought You Should Know,” “You Proof,” and “Wasted On You,” as well as Corey Kent’s new single, “Wild As Her.”
Ashley Gorley moves up into the top spot this week. He receives credit from seven currently charting songs, such as “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), and “Holy Water” (Michael Ray).
Ernest Keith Smith (No. 2), Jesse Frasure (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) complete the top five this week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Mackenzie Carpenter Builds Out Team With G Major Management
/by Lydia FarthingMackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Jami-Lyn Fehr
Following the announcement of her addition to The Valory Music Co. earlier this month, Mackenzie Carpenter has signed with G Major Management for representation.
Her first release on The Valory Music Co., “Can’t Nobody,” debuted last week as a SiriusXM Highway Find. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter worked with producer Brandon Hood to dial in her sound, and is currently in the studio recording her debut project.
Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Carpenter’s musical upbringing led her to attend Belmont University where she immersed herself into the local songwriting community. Her first cut as a songwriter, Lily Rose‘s “Villain,” landed at No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart. She will open for Jake Owen on tour this fall.
“I first discovered Mackenzie when Nicolle Galyon shared a song they had written together and it stopped me in my tracks,” notes G Major Management founder Virginia Bunetta. “The authenticity in her songwriting and the vision she has for herself as an artist is a breath of fresh air. She is beyond her years in both intelligence and chops. We are so excited to welcome her to the G Major family.”
Founded by Bunetta in 2013 in partnership with Live Nation, G Major Management also guides the career of CMA and ACM winning, Grammy-nominated artist Thomas Rhett. Additionally, Bunetta oversees signings and operations of Home Team Publishing, a joint venture with Rhett, his father Rhett Akins and Warner Chappell, whose roster includes Parker Welling and Conner Smith.
Connor James Signs With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ron Stuve (UMPG Nashville), Connor James and Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville)
Connor James has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
The New York native is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with writer, producer, and artist credits in multiple genres. He has had sync placements with Apple, Motorola, and Toyota, as well as cuts by Caylee Hammack and Josie Dunne.
“Ron Stuve and I have been Connor James fans for several years,” shares Cyndi Forman, Senior Vice President, A&R at UMPG Nashville. “His writing ability, production chops and creativity are unlimited. We’re proud to welcome him to the UMPG family.”
James adds: “I couldn’t be happier for the chance to work with Cyndi, Ron and the rest of the UMPG family. The care and dedication for their writers is second to none. I am so thankful to have them along for this journey.”
ACM Lifting Lives Launches New Digital Series ‘The Check-In’
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives has launched a new short-form, original digital series, ACM Lifting Lives Presents The Check-In. The first two episodes of the new health-minded series feature Lindsay Ell and John Osborne of Brothers Osborne.
In each episode, artists candidly delve into their own mental health experiences and challenges over the recent years, while also sharing how music has played a crucial role in their healing process. Future conversations will feature Jimmie Allen, Chase Bryant, Brett Eldredge, Michael Ray, Caitlyn Smith, and more to come.
“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to launch The Check-In, revealing a new side of the artists whose songs so often provide comfort to us during our times of need. The series allows artists to open up and show strength through their vulnerability and in the process acknowledge that they too are susceptible to the same mental and emotional challenges as fans all over the world,” shares Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We hope that through this series, we can work to normalize and de-stigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health, while continuing to highlight the uniquely important role music plays in healing.”
The ongoing series, available to watch now, will roll out new episodes regularly throughout the summer to coincide with the opening of the 2022-2023 ACM Lifting Lives grant cycle. This grant cycle moves ACM Lifting Lives’ landmark COVID-19 Response Fund into its next phase, focusing on mental and emotional health support. Preview videos of each episode will be posted across all Academy-branded social media channels, with full-length interviews at acmliftinglives.org or on the Academy’s YouTube channel.
The 2022-2023 Lifting Lives grant cycle is now open and will close on June 16. Grant recipients will be notified in summer 2022 and will receive funds shortly thereafter.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Takes Top Country Album With Monster Debut
/by Lydia FarthingNewcomer Zach Bryan bursts onto the top country albums chart this week with the release of American Heartbreak. The 34-track project debuts at No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 overall, earning 71K in total consumption (6K album only/82 million song streams). The Warner Records artist also moves into the second spot on the top country streaming songs chart as “Something In The Orange” adds 12 million streams, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen still comes out swinging this week, claiming the No. 1 spot on the streaming songs chart with “You Proof” gaining 13 million streams. Wallen also sits at No. 3 with “Wasted On You” adding 8 million streams and at No. 5 with “Thought You Should Know” earning 7.3 million streams. Filling out the remaining spot on the top country streaming songs chart is Bailey Zimmerman whose breakout hit, “Fall In Love,” takes the fourth spot with 7.4 million streams.
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album drops down to No. 2 this week as the project earns 51K in total consumption (1.3K album only/82 million song streams). Wallen also takes up No. 5 with If I Know Me seeing 17K. Luke Combs seals the remainder of the top country albums this week with What You See Is What You Get taking third with 18K in total consumption and This One’s For You taking fourth also with 18K.
Kenny Chesney Brings ‘Here And Now’ Home To Tennessee
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images
Kenny Chesney brought his “Here And Now Tour” to Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday night (May 28), setting an attendance record as he performed before an enthusiastic crowd of 57,000-plus over Memorial Day weekend.
Back on the road after three years of being unable to play stadiums, Chesney ran through a two-plus hour set of hits that included “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” “Don’t Happen Twice,” “Pirate Flag,” “Beer In Mexico,” and much more.
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s GM/EVP Ben Kline, A&R EVP Cris Lacy; Kenny Chesney; Warner Music Nashville’s Chairman and CEO John Esposito; Morris Higham’s Clint Higham and Kyle Quigley. Photo: Catherine Powell
Several guests were on hand for the Music City show, including Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey and Brad Tursi, who joined Chesney for “Save It For A Rainy Day.” Kelsea Ballerini joined Kenny center stage for their chart-topping hit “Half of My Hometown,” and was overcome in the moment, breaking down sobbing for a second as Chesney pulled her into a hug.
“I grew up in East Tennessee and she grew up in East Tennessee,” Chesney said to the crowd. “We drove down some of the same roads together. We went to a lot of the same places to eat with our families. We listened to the same radio station, and listened to a lot of people tell us we couldn’t do certain things that have dreamed of all our life.
“Being here in Nashville where so many dreams came true, seeing Kelsea on the verge of making the same kind of mark, it made me realize how strong this connection is,” Chesney continued after the show. “It’s not just fun or hooks or guitar riffs, it’s one massive heart that we all share. To have that is the greatest gift, greatest reason for doing this–and tonight really hit me in the soul.”
Industry Ink: Erin Duvall, Halle Kearns, The MLC, Will Carter
/by Lydia FarthingErin Duvall Exits Black River, Joins Belmont University As Assistant Professor
Erin Duvall
Erin Duvall, Director of Digital Media at Black River Entertainment, has announced that she will be exiting the company. She has taken a new position at Belmont University to serve as an Assistant Professor of Music Business. She will also be consulting on video strategy for an array of artists, including Randall King, Lauren Duski and more.
Duvall took on her position at Black River in January of 2022 where she lead all digital strategy and activations for Black River’s roster. She was responsible for each artist’s audience and content development, social media marketing, online promotion, influencer marketing, and advertising.
Duvall has over 16 years of experience in the industry, including as the video strategist for Warner Music Nashville where she focused on YouTube growth for Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, and more. She previously served as the U.S. country music programmer for YouTube Music and Google Play, and has handled digital marketing for an array of artists and brands. She began her career as a writer, serving as Associate Editor of Country Aircheck and Deputy Editor for AOL’s The Boot.
Contact Duvall at erin@byerinduvall.com.
Halle Kearns Signs With UTA For Representation
Pictured (L-R): Josh Garrett (UTA), Olivia Dahlstrom (WHY&HOW), Halle Kearns, Haley Fairman (UTA), Emily Wright (UTA), and Pete Olson (WHY&HOW).
Rising country artist Halle Kearns has signed with UTA for agency representation.
Kearns made her country music debut in 2020 with her first three singles, culminating in the release of her debut EP Finally at the end of the year. The EP garnered over 4 million streams in its first year, found placements on Spotify’s top country editorial playlists, reached No. 7 on the U.S iTunes charts, and was featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway.
With over 12 million streams collectively and more than 10 million views on TikTok, Kearns will release her sophomore EP on June 3. She will also be heading out on the road this summer on her “Tin Roof Tour,” with stops in Myrtle Beach, Memphis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Kansas City, Detroit, and more.
The MLC, NSAI, Bluebird Cafe Hosts Songwriters Brunch At Key West Songwriters Festival
Pictured (L-R): Kris Ahrend (CEO, The MLC), Erika Wollam Nichols (COO/GM, Bluebird Café), Craig Wiseman (Songwriter/MLC Board Member) and Jennifer Turnbow (COO, NSAI).
Earlier this month, The MLC hosted a Songwriters Brunch at the Key West Songwriters Festival along with NSAI and The Bluebird Café.
The 2022 Songwriters Brunch featured performances by songwriters Craig Wiseman, Danny Myrick, Steve Bogard and more.
PLA Media Signs Texas Singer-Songwriter Will Carter
Will Carter
PLA Media has added Will Carter to its artist roster. The Katy, Texas native brings the Texas red dirt country style to the Nashville agency as they team up for a forthcoming project. His first release in 2022, “Wrong Side Of Town,” will be dropping in June.
Carter has already amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify, over a dozen singles on the Texas music charts, and has earned four nominations each in the Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year categories at the Texas Country Music Awards.
“Will has been entertaining audiences ever since he was old enough to walk. You can hear that experience reflected in his music,” states Pam Lewis, Founder and CEO of PLA Media. “This Lone Star State performer has a remarkable work ethic and his determination sets him apart from the emerging talent on the scene.”
“It’s an honor to team up with an experienced team like PLA. Their professionalism and expertise makes me excited to take my career to new heights in 2022,” adds Carter.
Girlilla Marketing Promotes Two, Hires Four Staffers
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing has promoted two staff members: Alli Murray to Senior Account Coordinator and Gigi Morrison to Senior Creative Coordinator.
“I’m so incredibly proud of our entire team and especially of these two individuals for stepping into their current roles and serving our clients the way they have,” shares Girlilla Marketing CEO Jennie Smythe.
Additionally, Girlilla Marketing has hired a handful of new staff members in the Account Coordinator position. Kate Cacopardo joins the company supporting Chief Marketing Officer, Ashley Alexander and Jr. Account Manager, Alex Kinker; Haley Hansen comes on board to support Managing Director, Jessie Hall; Maddie Cannatella joins the staff supporting Senior Account Manager, Lindsey Feinstein; and Catherine Bagwell joins to support Account Manager, Conley Sweeney. Additionally, Alli Murray reports to Senior Managing Director Stevie Escoto.
“Identifying and growing fresh talent has always been at the forefront of our hiring process,” adds Chief Marketing Officer, Ashley Alexander. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these new faces to the team.”