Jimmie Allen, John Marks & Aaron Benward Launch JAB Entertainment

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Jimmie Allen. Photo: Shea Flynn

Multi-Platinum artist Jimmie Allen along with music executives Aaron Benward and John Marks have launched JAB Entertainment, a full-service management and production company. The trio serve as partners for the Nashville-based company.

Allen adds JAB Entertainment to a growing portfolio of music business ventures. The reigning CMA New Artist of the Year and ACM New Male Artist of the Year announced Bettie James Music Publishing earlier this year.

Marks joins JAB Entertainment from his most recent position as Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, in which he left in March of 2021. Benward is a Platinum-selling recording artist, multi-hit songwriter, film and television producer, music supervisor and a founder of the Park City Song Summit.

“I’ve been friends with Aaron for years – he’s a brother to me,” Allen says. “We’ve always wanted to work together and decided to launch JAB Entertainment.”

“Jimmie has been my little brother ever since he moved to Nashville. We’ve written songs together, played basketball together, endured tough times together and gone through the greatest of times together – but now it’s time to build together, and that’s why we started JAB Entertainment,” shares Benward.

Pictured (L-R): Leo Brooks (of Neon Union), Aaron Benward, Jimmie Allen, Andrew Millsaps (of Neon Union). Photo: Courtesy of JAB Entertainment

JAB Entertainment’s inaugural artist sign is Neon Union, a duo comprised of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps. The two are featured on Allen’s “Livin’ Man” off his latest album Bettie James Gold Edition. Neon Union’s first single, “Beer Up” is slated to drop on Dec. 30 through a distribution deal with EMPIRE.

“It wasn’t long ago that Jimmie and Aaron invited me to see their new duo Neon Union in Nashville,” Marks says. “I watched their set, saw their on stage chemistry and knew I needed to be a part of this history making duo. It’s an honor to be joining JAB Entertainment with Jimmie and Aaron and to bring Neon Union’s message of great music, BIG fun and unity to the world.”

Academy Of Country Music Elevates Four, Adds Two

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Alexis Bingham, Assistant, Events; Lanni (Gagnon) Niggli, Director, Events; Hannah Kellis, Coordinator, Creative & Content; (L-R, bottom row): Carrie McDonough, Assistant, Marketing & Communications; Melissa Moldovan, Director, Communications, Media Relations & Radio; Dayna Poskanzer, Coordinator, Digital & Social Media. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music has announced a wave of new hires and promotions within three departments.

Promotions include Melissa Moldovan who was elevated to Director, Communications, Media Relations & Radio; Lanni (Gagnon) Niggli who was upped to Director, Events; Hannah Kellis who was promoted to Coordinator, Creative & Content; and Dayna Poskanzer who has risen to Coordinator, Digital & Social Media. Additionally, Alexis Bingham has joined the staff as Assistant, Events and Carrie McDonough has joined as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.

“The Academy is thrilled to continue expanding our team with the addition of Alexis and Carrie, and to celebrate the well-deserved promotions of Melissa, Lanni, Hannah and Dayna,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “Each of these individuals have worked tirelessly the past year to create innovative solutions and overcome unique challenges, contributing to the Academy’s success through each of our tentpole events. I look forward to seeing them each embrace their new roles in the months ahead as we prepare for another monumental year.”

Moldovan joined the Academy in 2015 after a four-year stint at The Big Time radio show. Since joining the ACM, Moldovan has been an integral part in leading on all publicity, marketing, radio and promotional efforts throughout the past six years. In her new role, Moldovan executes and oversees all media relations, radio promotions, and leads on Academy and ACM Lifting Lives press materials. She will also oversee media relations and radio promotions for The 57th ACM Awards, among other duties. She reports to Rory Levine, VP, Marketing and Digital Strategy & Engagement.

Niggli first joined the Academy full time in December 2017 as Coordinator, Events. In her role as Director, Niggli oversees the planning and logistics for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, and ACM Party for a Cause events, including event production, budgets, security, health and safety, red carpet, transportation, food and beverage and partnership fulfillment. She also works to create new and strategic event initiatives that will benefit both the ACM community and ACM Lifting Lives. Niggli reports to Alexa Fasheh, VP, Finance & Operations.

Kellis joined the Academy in early 2020 as Assistant, Creative & Content. In her new role, Kellis will oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the Creative & Content department, manage the Academy’s photo archives and EPK pages, and serve as a production assistant for all major events. She reports to Brandon Campbell, Director, Content.

Poskanzer interned with the Academy’s Marketing department during The 54th ACM Awards and the 13th Annual ACM Honors, before joining full-time in the fall of 2019. In her new role, she will support the day-to-day responsibilities of the Academy’s Digital and Social department. She will play a collaborative role in all strategic expansion and growth–including launching official Academy-branded presence on new platforms, articulating and deploying new tactical approaches on existing platforms, and developing new content and creative materials. She reports to Levine.

Both Bingham and McDonough joined the ACM as interns. Bingham reports to Niggli and supports the events team with several projects surrounding the planning of the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, and ACM Party for a Cause. She also assists the department with various needs, and any other internal or external events that occur throughout the year. McDonough reports to Levine and assists the Marketing and Communications teams with all day-to-day needs, with special attention to administrative and support duties, proofreading, culling media lists, radio and press coverage, and serving as a production assistant for all major events, among other duties.

Carrie Underwood, Lady A, More Partner With St. Jude For ‘Love Music. Stop Cancer.’ Campaign

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Starting today, country music artists and influencers will be supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by sporting a new t-shirt with a colorful design and the powerful message: Love Music. Stop Cancer.

To raise awareness and support for kids with cancer and other catastrophic diseases at St. Jude, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce, Jimmie Allen and more will be rocking the tee. Donors who register to participate in a monthly pledge as a St. Jude Partner in Hope will receive the t-shirt. For more information, click here.

Through upcoming radiothons and social media engagement, artists and radio personalities will be encouraging fans to support St. Jude and make a monthly pledge. The campaign is part of #MusicGives to St. Jude Kids, which was founded by Jason Thomas Gordon, grandson of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, to continue his grandfather’s legacy.

This year more than 300 radio stations across the country will host annual St. Jude radiothons. Funds raised will help fuel the six-year, $11.5 billion St. Jude strategic plan to triple its global investment to impact more of the 400,000 kids with cancer around the world each year.

Because of donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. At St. Jude, music therapy is offered to patients and helps St. Jude kids achieve a variety of goals, from reducing pain and anxiety to supporting during physical therapy.

Diversify The Stage Releases Mission Statement, Launches Inclusion Initiative

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Diversify The Stage has released its official mission statement, as well as revealed details about its new “Diversify The Stage” Inclusion Initiative.

“The tremendous efforts of everyone involved in this process thus far has been incredibly inspiring,” says Noelle Scaggs of Fitz & The Tantrums and Diversify The Stage founder. “This collective push will encourage other artists to look at our touring businesses through a new lens, to see where we may have greater impact; but also, by creating safe spaces for our fans, care for our crews and everyone who works behind the scenes to make these shows come to life. I look forward to seeing how the goals of this initiative will help move the needle towards a more inclusive, fair, and equitable live events and production industry.”

In its mission statement, Diversify The Stage states: “Diversify The Stage recognizes that Black, Indigenous, Latin/Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Identifying persons, as well as Women of all backgrounds and identities, Gender Nonconforming and Non-Binary Individuals, LGBTQIA2+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersexual, Asexual, Two-Spirit and all sexual identifications), Disabled Persons, and all intersecting identities between these groups, have been marginalized and are drastically underrepresented in our industry.

“To address this, several leading organizations, including Diversify The Stage, UTA, WME, CAA, Wasserman, ICM, Live Nation, C3 Presents, AEG Presents, TAIT, Touring Professionals Alliance, Omalilly Projects, TMWRK; NIVA AND NIVF, and others, have pledged to strengthen the industry’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility practices by creating and utilizing a strong pipeline of professionals from historically excluded, and or underrepresented groups, and increasing the experience, diversity and strength of the talent pool within this sector of the industry. We strive to encourage more fair and equitable systems for the benefit of all persons, including all social and intersecting identities, throughout the concerts, events and touring industry.”

This initiative provides guidance and recommendations aimed towards specific objectives on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (I.D.E.A), as well as a range of resources to further the DTS mission.

To take the pledge or to learn more about the “Diversify The Stage” Inclusion Initiative, click here.

Contributing Members: 
Sam Kirby-Yoh, Kristen Saig, Kevin Bhatia, Shanique Bonelli-Moore, Marissa Smith – United Talent Agency
Kevin Shivers, Gisselle Ruiz, Romola Ratnam, Brian Edelman, James Rubin, Steve Gaches – WME/Endeavor
Ali Harnell & Lesley Olenik – Live Nation
Binta Niambi Brown – Omalilly Projects
Rob Light, Ina Jacobs, Niloofar Shepherd, Sharoni Little – CAA
Jessica Blanc, Denise Melanson, Stephanie Morris, Lindsay LaBennett – Wasserman
Shakira Gagnier – Lightbay Capital
Jae Pi’ilani Requiro – AEG
Marni Bobich – AEG Presents
Tadia Taylor – W.O.Q.E & The DoLab
Aluna – AlunaGeorge
Mike Kadziulis – Talent Manger- Aluna/AlunaGeorge
Matthew Walt – Thrive Entertainment/ Hustle Like You Broke.
Susan Eisner – PRG
Talia Ortisi – Contractor, Music Festivals
Adam S Harrison – FullStop Management
Rob Gibbs, Joi Brown, Yves Pierre, Julia Johnson, Travis Merriweather – ICM
Lotje Horvers – Tour Manager

A2IM Reups Dr. Richard James Burgess As President & CEO For Third Term

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Richard James Burgess

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has renewed Dr. Richard James Burgess‘ contract as President and CEO for a third term.

Burgess took the helm of the organization in January 2016 and, since being under his leadership, A2IM has seen a 28% growth in membership. He will continue his work in advocacy, education, and community across the independent music industry, including continuing the fight for diversity and gender equality as well as equal pay policies.

Prior to stepping up as CEO of A2IM, Burgess served on the board for over two years and was chair of the board for the last six months of 2015. He was promoted to President and CEO in the 2019 renewal.

In his time at A2IM, the organization has launched and championed groundbreaking initiatives and changes, including bringing greater diversity to the independent music industry. In 2018, A2IM was the first U.S.-based organization to sign on to the Keychange pledge that encouraged festivals to achieve 50:50 gender balance by 2022. A2IM had already gender-balanced and diversified all of its events, including A2IM Indie Week, and the A2IM Libera Awards.

“Richard has proven to be a dynamic leader, expanding the reach of A2IM in the past several years,” says Zena White, chair of the A2IM board and managing director of Partisan Records. “The team he leads is stronger than ever, having been able to grow its membership and execute meaningful community initiatives, such as BIMA, at a time when our community is most in need. The board of directors looks forward to continuing A2IM’s mission with Richard at the helm as our industry faces new challenges, both known and unknown.”

In 2021, A2IM launched the Black Independent Music Accelerator, a grant program designed to amplify Black voices in the independent music community. The initiative provides a platform for Black-owned businesses in the music industry and delivers greater visibility, networking, and mentorship opportunities for those business owners.

“The recorded music industry is at an inflection point. We are faced with the maturation of the streaming business model in the U.S. and the ongoing challenge of preserving the value of copyrights,” adds Burgess. “A2IM will be at the forefront of leveling the playing field for independents and returning more of the value generated by recorded music to its creators and investors.”

Jameson Rodgers Announced As Opry NextStage Artist For December

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Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Chris Hollo

Jameson Rodgers has been named the Opry NextStage featured artist for December. Rodgers joins prior 2021 Opry NextStage artists Hailey Whitters, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Niko Moon, Yola and Priscilla Block.

Rodgers’ new single “Missing One” just landed at radio and follows his two consecutive No. 1s: his Platinum-certified debut single “Some Girls” and “Cold Beer Calling My Name” featuring labelmate Luke Combs. Rodgers is currently on his headlining “Cold Beer Calling My Name Tour,” which wraps with two nights at Nashville’s Exit/In on Dec. 16-17.

“I’ll never forget the day I got to invite my grandmother to Nashville for my Opry debut. My late grandfather named my dad after Ernest Tubb and my family has listened to the Opry on WSM radio for over 80 years,” shares Rodgers. “Not only have I been able to perform several times at the Opry but to be their NextStage artist for December is truly an honor. I’m grateful every time I step in the circle and am excited about this opportunity as a NextStage artist!”

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With the release of his debut album, Bet You’re from a Small Town, the singer-songwriter has been credited on multi-Platinum-selling songs for Florida Georgia Line (Top 10 single “Talk You Out of It”) and Chris Lane (No. 1 hit “I Don’t Know About You”). Rodgres was named a member of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2021, and hit the Opry stage Nov. 21 during the first-ever Opry NextStage Live in Concert.

Opry NextStage collaborations include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary-style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team. Opry NextStage presents rising artists who are making standout music at the forefront of their careers through the Opry’s marketing platforms, which are set to deliver more than 100 million impressions.

Danny Myrick, Deluge Music Launch West Coast-Based Canyon Coast Entertainment

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Danny Myrick

Songwriter and producer Danny Myrick and Deluge Music have teamed up to form L.A.-based company Canyon Coast Entertainment.

Inspired by the West Coast’s history of roots music, Canyon Coast Entertainment aims to find and develop emerging Americana and country artists in the region, as well as provide production, publishing and performance opportunities.

Myrick landed his first No. 1 gospel song at 17 before forming 90’s country rock band Western Flyer and releasing numerous top 40 hits. He has penned songs for Jason Aldean, Maddie & Tae, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, and more. In 2020, he released his first solo EP, King Of Jones County, and produced The Voice Season 17 winner Jake Hoot’s No. 1 album, Love Out Of Time. Most recently, Myrick co-wrote and produced Reyna Roberts’ single “Raised Right,” and co-produced Leslie Jordan’s debut album, Company’s Comin’.

“We could not be more excited to launch Canyon Coast under the leadership of Danny Myrick,” says Deluge Music’s Managing Member David Robkin. “In addition to being a fantastic songwriter and producer, Danny’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit has brought us to California to develop and support the amazing talent based in the West. We are confident that this will be an exciting opportunity for Deluge Music and the artists/writers who work in or near the West Coast.”

“From Buck & Merle to The Flying Burrito Brothers, to Ronstadt, the Eagles and Jackson Brown, to Dwight, Blackhawk, Highway 101 and Gary Allan, the untamed wildness of the California ‘country’ sound has always deeply resonated with me in an almost spiritual way,” shares Myrick. “I believe one of the main reasons that sound is essentially nonexistent in current country music is the lack of attention given to the immense and unique talent pool in that region. The recent critical and chart success of artists like Cam, Brett Young, Devin Dawson and Jon Pardi, songwriters Kyle Fishman and Sara Haze, and the freshness of emerging superstar Reyna Roberts, are just a few reminders of what could have been developed out there before even giving a thought to heading to Nashville.”

Canyon Coast Entertainment will host a monthly “Gold Rush Roots Revival” showcase at Hotel Cafe, spotlighting local artists. The series kicks off on Dec. 6 with Adam Chaffin, whose 2020 debut album, Some Things Won’t Last, garnered acclaim from Billboard, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone, and more.

Emily Peacock Rises To Senior Creative Director At Tree Vibez Music

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Emily Peacock

Music publishing company Tree Vibez Music, which was founded by FGL‘s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, have elevated main staff member Emily Peacock to Senior Creative Director.

First joining TVM in 2018, Peacock plays a pivotal role in leading the company’s songwriters, including Kelley, Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Corey Crowder, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, Blake Redferrin, and Chris Loocke. For the third consecutive year, Peacock is featured in MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory among rising Nashville music business professionals who are having a major impact on the industry.

The Belmont University graduate first launched her professional career alongside BMI’s Bob DiPiero at Love Monkey Music. For over a decade, she’s worked hand-in-hand with veteran publisher Leslie T. DiPiero at Tom-Leis Music and Advanced Alternative Media (AAM). Peacock is a member of the ACM, CMA, Recording Academy, and AIMP, and participates in NSAI programs such as “R.I.S.E.,” Pitch to Publisher, plus judging their annual song contest. She’s also served in various volunteer and leadership roles with the Musicians On Call organization since 2013.

“Emily’s dedication to our roster and attention to detail is unsurpassed,” shares TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero. “We are grateful for her enviable work ethic and air traffic control skills. Our entire Tree Vibez Music family extends our heartfelt congratulations to Emily Peacock!”

Peacock can be reached at emily@treevibezmusic.com.

Jeff Krones Promoted To Co-Head Of CAA’s Nashville Music Office

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Jeff Krones

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has announced that veteran agent Jeff Krones has been promoted to Co-Head of CAA Nashville Music.

Krones works with some of CAA’s high-profile clients such as Dan + Shay, Twenty One Pilots, Brett Young, Needtobreathe, and NF, among many others. He has helped build out the agency’s broader country music roster, in addition to other areas. He joins Nashville Music Co-Heads Marc Dennis, Brian Manning, and Darin Murphy in his new role.

Krones began his career as an intern at CAA in 2004 and was promoted to Agent in 2007. He was elected to the Board of the Academy of Country Music in 2017, and has been featured in many distinguished lists from Pollstar and Billboard. Krones lended his expertise in a story about his client Dan + Shay’s return to the road for MusicRow‘s recently released Touring & Next Big Thing Issue.

“I’m honored to join my fellow Co-Heads in helping to build on our success in Nashville. As a team, we’re passionate about discovering, developing, and serving a wide range of artists that touch many different genres and cultures,” says Krones. “I’m fortunate to have spent my entire career at CAA, surrounded by the best agents, and I’m excited by the opportunity to help shape our future.”

Additionally, CAA announced that Bruno Del Granado has been promoted to Head of the agency’s global Latin Music touring group. Based in Miami, Del Granado joined the agency in 2013 from RM Entertainment Group, which he formed in partnership with Ricky Martin. Previously, he founded Entertainment Media Factory, Inc. a music, television, and film production and programming company specializing in content for Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

“Today’s appointments of two superbly talented new leaders attest to the tremendous momentum CAA is experiencing across our touring business,” shares CAA’s Head of Music, Rob Light. “Jeff and Bruno’s individual instincts, taste, and experience have made them world-class agents, and we look forward to them expanding their impact for clients and CAA in their new leadership roles.”

In This Issue: Dan + Shay’s Return To The Road, The Transition From Cyberspace To Center Stage, More

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Nashville’s leading music industry publication MusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Print Issue, featuring Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge on the cover.

Included in this issue is a discussion surrounding the return to the road as Dan + Shay embarked on their relaunched “The (Arena) Tour.” After being forced to postpone their first headlining arena tour after only four shows, members from the award-winning duo’s team—including CAA’s Jeff Krones and Sandbox Entertainment’s Leslie Cohea—explain what the last eighteen months looked like for their camp, including rescheduling, changing production, and keeping up with COVID-19 protocols across the country. The Touring & Next Big Thing issue also tackles some of the challenges involved in the transition from success on TikTok to becoming a viable touring act for the many artists that were discovered on the platform during the pandemic. “For an artist that is used to performing within the confines of a vertical screen, it’s massive,” offers WME Music Agent, Lindsey Dodge. “It’s exciting for them to get to play on a real stage, but it’s a big change.”

Additionally, MusicRow catches up with Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues for Bridgestone Arena David Kells, who pulls back the curtain on some of the hardships the Nashville arena faced over the last eighteen months. The 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Print Issue also features a Q&A with WME’s Nate Towne about his evolution from the company’s mailroom to becoming a Partner. This edition also breaks down the Nashville Number System, chronicles its beginnings from the late 1950s, and explains how it is used in modern day recording and performing.

MusicRow also remembers Randy “Baja” Fletcher, a titan of the touring industry who tragically passed away in August, with a special tribute for his journey through the live entertainment space and his vast contributions to the industry. The touring veteran had stints on the road with several entertainment giants, such as ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, and Keith Urban. “His knack for engaging people of all sorts was a gift we could use more of, and he was truly an ambassador for the country music industry and humanity, in general,” says longtime tour manager for Urban, Chuck Hull, of Baja.

Celebrated in this issue is MusicRow’s eighth annual Next Big Thing class of artists, including Bexar (Warner Music Nashville), Cooper Alan (Cooped Up Records), Callista Clark (Big Machine Records), Hannah Dasher (Independent), Brooke Eden (BBR Music Group/BMG), Willie Jones (Sony Music Nashville), Ian Munsick (Warner Music Nashville), Lily Rose (Big Loud Records/ Back Blocks Music and Republic Records), Brittney Spencer (Independent), Tiera (The Valory Music Co.), and Sam Williams (Mercury Nashville).

Also featured is the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2022, which spotlights rising Nashville music representatives who are having a major impact on the industry. These industry members occupy important roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future. Click here to view the 70 N.B.T. members of 2022.

Additionally, the 2022 Touring Directory is included in this issue, featuring contact information for touring transportation, production and insurance companies.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.