Kenny Chesney Adds Two New Members To Live Band

Kenny Chesney has added Keith Urban‘s multi-instrumentalist Danny Rader on guitar and Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit‘s drummer Nick Buda to his band for his upcoming “Here And Now 2022” tour.

Buda, who left the jam band world to concentrate on session work, went to Boston’s acclaimed Berklee School of Music on the recommendation of Sting’s longtime drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Rader, a three-time ACM winner, most recently for 2017 Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year, plays bouzouki, mandolin, banjo and accordion as well as the electric guitar that has backed Urban live since 2010.

“When we were looking at where to go, what to do next, it was interesting to see the chemistry with different people,” Chesney explains. “So many great musicians came out, which took all of us to a new place in how we see these songs, what they’re capable of. But in the end, because this is a band, not just a group of musicians who back someone up, what Danny and Nick brought was a freshness that hits hard and lifts everything up in some pretty great ways.”

The trek kicks off April 23 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

 

SoundExchange Names Anjula Singh As Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

SoundExchange has named Anjula Singh as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer to lead SoundExchange’s financial, operational, human resources, and office services teams.

During her 16-years at SoundExchange, Singh has played a critical role in scaling the organization for growth and investing in platforms and infrastructure that increase industry efficiency. She provides leadership in the day-to-day operations at SoundExchange and other aspects of the organization, including the company’s move into publisher services. Most recently, Singh served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“I am thrilled to announce Anjula’s well-deserved promotion to chief financial officer and chief operating officer,” says Michael Huppe, President and CEO at SoundExchange. “Anjula has been a tremendous partner over the years in advancing the mission of SoundExchange. Her immense institutional knowledge, mastery of our business’s complexities, and ability to work across teams will be critical to our strategy and success as we move into the next chapter.”

“I’m excited to continue serving our community of over 500,000 music creators with the incredible team at SoundExchange,” adds Singh. “Our mission is what drives my work at the company, and I am dedicated to maximizing the value of music and making the business more efficient for music creators.”

 

Black River Records Ups Hope Buser To Associate Director Of Accounting

Black River Records has promoted Hope Buser from Manager to Associate Director of Accounting. She joined the team at Black River Entertainment in 2018 as an Accounting Assistant.

Before her move to Nashville from St. Louis, Missouri, Buser worked in accounting outside of the music business in the manufacturing industry. She reports to EVP of Black River Records, Rick Froio, and is based out of the company’s Music Row office.

“Hope has proven to be a tremendous addition to the BRE team, and we are thrilled that she has agreed to accept this new position,” says Froio.

“I have been so fortunate with all that I’ve learned during my time here at Black River,” adds Buser. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and everyone’s continued support.”

Buser can be reached at hbuser@blackriverent.com or by phone at 615-780-3070.

 

Clayton Anderson’s ‘Show Me Your Fish’ Becomes Theme Song For Redcrest 2022

Clayton Anderson’s new single, “Show Me Your Fish,” was the theme song for Major League Fishing’s Redcrest 2022 Presented by Costa – Pro Bass Fishing’s World Championship and Inaugural Expo, which ran March 25-27.

Written by Anderson, Christian Stalnecker, and Grammy winner Dave Audé, “Show Me Your Fish” was released digitally on Feb. 25. When executives at Pure Fishing, Inc. heard the song, they invited Anderson to be part of this weekend’s event. He performed on the Mossy Oak Music stage at the SageNet Center at Expo Square in Tulsa before the world’s premier bass anglers returned from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees to crown the Redcrest 2022 Champion.

“Redcrest was beyond epic. The crowds were huge, and everyone was so genuinely nice. I can’t thank the Ugly Stik and Pure Fishing folks enough, along with the Major League Fishing organization for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it all,” Anderson shares. “I’ve said it from the day I came up with the idea for ‘Show Me Your Fish,’ the people are going to be the ones who make or break this song on social media platforms.”

Warner Chappell Music and Ross Golan‘s Unknown Music Publishing have signed a global publishing deal with soulful country singer-songwriter Sophia Scott.

With a sound comprised of country, pop, rock, and R&B influences, Scott has built a following with songs such as “Side Effects,” “White Fence,” “Drink Too Much Wine,” and “She Ain’t Me,” the latter of which has amassed over 12 million streams on Spotify alone. The Nashville-based songwriter signed with EMPIRE Nashville in 2021 and has since opened for the Jonas Brothers and Kelsea Ballerini on the “Remember This” tour.

“Sophia Scott is one of the most authentic, exciting, and refreshing artists I’ve ever come across,” shares Golan. “She shares the attitudes of Loretta Lynn and Linda Ronstadt with a modern twist. It’s impossible not to love and respect her musical perspective. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sophia to the family.”

BJ Hill, VP of A&R at WCM Nashville, adds, “I remember the first time I saw Sophia sing her songs at a small songwriters round and how moved I was by the emotion. She has stories to tell in her music that will become a part of our lives. Her voice is pure and amazing. We are very lucky to be working with her, Unknown Music, and her awesome team.”

“I still remember the very first song I wrote. It was called ‘Cool Coffee Shop.’ Even as a second grader, I knew exactly what my life would look like and that I was destined to sing and write music (as cheesy as that may sound),” shares Scott. “After years of pouring my heart and soul into music, I can’t believe that little girl is now a published songwriter. Not only do I get to work with the best publisher in Nashville, but I also get to work with one of my biggest songwriting heroes, Ross Golan. This partnership is a dream come true for me. Thank you to BJ, Ross, Kelley [Fox], and everyone at Warner Chappell & Unknown Music for believing in me. I feel so incredibly blessed and can’t wait to begin this new journey.”

Award-winning radio personality Kelly Ford has been added as Vice President of Programming at PickleJar, the live entertainment and artist payments app.

Formerly with Audacy, Ford will oversee the company’s social and content programming strategy in addition to developing original on-demand content for the company’s over-the-top (OTT) channel, PickleJar Plus. Additionally, Ford will take on the oversight of editorial and live streaming content in partnership with select partners and PickLounge venues across the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Ford, a 2021 Gracie Award Major Market Morning Drive Host Winner, most recently served as morning personality for Kelly Ford in the Morning on New York’s Country 94-7/WNSH, in addition to hosting a nationally syndicated weekend ’90s country show for Audacy. Prior to that she held positions in Louisville, Kentucky, and Denver, Colorado before helping Cumulus launch WNSH/New York in 2013. Her rise in New York led to a co-host spot on Westwood One’s nationally syndicated Ty, Kelly & Chuck morning show, based in Nashville, alongside Ty Bentli and Chuck Wicks.

“Everything I care about personally and professionally led me to this opportunity to step outside the traditional entertainment structure and pursue something with an unbridled horizon,” shares Ford. “This is such an exciting opportunity to serve the greater artistic good. As we are pausing to reevaluate all aspects of our industry post-COVID, I see PickleJar as a catalyst for changing how audiences and artists connect, as well as making a profound social impact for those in need.”

Ford first teamed up with PickleJar to develop a series of artist-focused showcases aired exclusively inside the PickleJar Live app and on PickleJar+ Channel. In her new role with the company, she will expand on her decades of radio expertise and her unique audience personalization to bring the stories of the artists directly to the fans.

“We want to be the go-to-brand who tells the story of up-and-coming artists—and capture those unforgettable moments of live entertainment,” says Jeff James, PickleJar chief executive officer. “Kelly’s creative energy knows no bounds. Kelly celebrates and unleashes a diversity of fan experiences in a relatable format. From the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame broadcast to the Revolutionary Women of Music event leading into the ACM Awards earlier this year, Kelly’s support of artists and creators is an essential part of PickleJar’s growth.”

Drams N’ Jams 2022 Raises $106,000 For Folds Of Honor Tennessee

Drams N’ Jams 2022, hosted by Folds of Honor Tennessee, took place last week (March 24) at The Bell Tower in downtown Nashville. The event raised $106,000 which will go directly to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members that Folds of Honor was created to support.

The night featured music from five of Nashville’s top singer-songwriters, including Kip Moore, Charles Esten, Jameson Rodgers, RaeLynn, and hit songwriter Chris DeStefano. The group performed many of their hit songs, such as Moore’s “Beer Money” and Carrie Underwood‘s “Something In The Water,” which was written by DeStefano.

Throughout the event, multiple priceless items, including guitars signed by Dolly Parton and John Rich, as well as rare bottles of whiskey, were auctioned off to the attendees, all benefiting Folds of Honor. Sgt. Rocky Sickmann, United States Marine Corps Sergeant and P.O.W., Iranian Hostage Crisis, also delivered a speech about his 444 days in captivity while serving in the United States military.

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded 35,000 scholarships in all 50 states. The next Folds of Honor Tennessee event will be the annual Rock-N-Jock Celebrity Softball Game. Tickets will go on sale April 15.

 

Deborah Allen Inks Booking Deal With Fusion Touring

Deborah Allen has signed an exclusive booking deal with Fusion Touring. The multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and performer released The Art of Dreaming earlier this month through BFD/Audium Nashville, marking her fourteenth album.

“When Deborah Allen steps onto a stage, she creates a special connection with each and every person in her audience. Our team is proud to represent Deborah and her unforgettable live show,” Fusion President Mike Meade shares.

“Along with writing songs and recording, live performance is a large part of who I am,” adds Allen. “I can already tell that my relationship with Fusion Touring is going to kick 2022 and this next phase of my life and career into high gear.”

 

Big Yellow Dog Adds Karen Elson To Artist, Label & Publishing Rosters

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, advocate, and supermodel Karen Elson to its artist, label and publishing roster.

Elson co-wrote all the songs on her new album Green with its producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. Tashian and Elson, who have become frequent collaborators with songs such as “Lightning Strikes” and “Christmas Lights,” also collaborated on the song “Wild Blue” from the new project.

Green marks Elson’s third full-length album, following 2010’s The Ghost Who Walks and 2017’s Double Roses.

 

We Are Messengers Celebrates First No. 1 At Christian Radio

We Are Messengers recently celebrated their first No. 1 single at Christian radio with “Come What May.”

The band was surprised with a commemorative plaque on the Grand Ole Opry stage during Casting Crowns’ “The Healer Tour” stop, which We Are Messengers provided direct support for on Sunday, March 27.

The band has 350 million on-demand global streams and boasts six top 5 and 10 top 10 Christian Airplay hits, including “Image of God,” “Power,” “Maybe It’s Ok,” “Magnify,” “Point To You,” “Love,” “Everything Comes Alive,” “God With Us,” “This Is Jesus,” and “From Heaven To Earth (Joy To The World).”

 

Banner Music Signs JC Andersen To Publishing Roster

Nashville-based publishing company Banner Music has added rising country artist JC Andersen to its roster.

Andersen has been writing and performing all across the country for several years, and has written songs that are on Tara Thompson’s upcoming project. He was also one of the six national finalists on the TV show The Next GAC Star, where he placed third overall on the live finale.

“I’ve been working towards a publishing deal as long as I can remember, so getting to this point in my career is a huge dream-come-true. I couldn’t be happier signing with Banner Music,” says Andersen. “I’ve been in this town for a long time, and I’ve never been met with such a welcoming, passionate staff as the folks at Banner. I feel right at home. I have to hand a massive thank you to them for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity.”

“I can’t say enough good things about JC Andersen’s talent and work ethic. We are very happy we were able to sign him!” adds Camellia Kleindienst, CEO/President of Banner Music.