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

In early 2020, Block began experimenting on TikTok and quickly developed a fanbase with songs like “Thick Thighs,” “PMS” and “Just About Over You.” Fans independently funded her recording and “Just About Over You” eventually peaked on both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, was named one of The New York Times Best Songs of 2020, and is now top 15 on the charts.

“I am so honored to get to continue my journey with this new Opry chapter,” says Block. “I am forever grateful for their foundation to country music, the fact that I have their support is more than I could ever wish for. I am pinching myself that I am getting to join this year’s class of talented people, many of whom I have been a fan of for the last few years.”

Named a 2021 Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, CMT, The Boot, MusicRow, Sounds Like Nashville, and more, Block is set to hit the Opry stage for the first-ever Opry NextStage Live in Concert show on Nov. 21. The special evening will feature performances by Block, Travis Denning, McCollum, Moon, Tenille Townes, Whitters and Wilson.

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.

Business management firm Farris, Self & Moore (FSM) have recently announced a wave of new hires, including seasoned Business Manager Stephanie Alderman and long-time accountant Dorian Hanna, who will act as a Client Manager.

FSM also added Emma Gibson (Client Bookkeeper), Graham Haney (Office Administration Team), and Elaina Riggs (Royalty Team) who will report to recently promoted Royalty Director Matt Najdowski.

“From the moment I met Kella [Farris], Stephanie [Self], and Catherine [Moore], I knew I would thrive on this team,” says Alderman. “We have shared values and vision for what exceptional business management can mean for artists at all stages of their professional journey. I’m absolutely thrilled to join forces with Farris, Self & Moore.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of a growing firm that is still able to focus on the individual needs of each client,” adds Hanna. “Kella, Catherine, and Stephanie have created an inspiring and motivating place to work, and I look forward to contributing my efforts to expanding their vision for the firm.”

“We could not be happier to welcome Stephanie and Dorian to the FSM family and team,” shares FSM co-founder Moore. “Their extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry will be a significant resource to our firm and all of our staff. Their leadership will help FSM continue to serve our clients at the all-in, full service level our firm is known for.”

Stephanie Alderman can be reached at salderman@fsmnash.com.
Dorian Hanna can be reached at dorian@fsmnash.com.
Emma Gibson can be reached at emma@fsmnash.com.
Graham Haney can be reached at graham@fsmnash.com.
Elaina Riggs can be reached at elaina@fsmnash.com.
Matt Najdowski can be reached at matt@fsmnash.com.

ACM Lifting Lives has announced the newly elected Board of Directors for its 2021-2022 term.

As previously announced, officer roles for the 2021-2022 term are Troy Vollhoffer as Chair, Lorie Lytle as Vice-Chair, Daniel Miller as Vice President, Duane Clark as Treasurer, and Taylor Wolf as Secretary.

“As we conclude a monumental year for ACM Lifting Lives, we are grateful for the service of this year’s board members and the role they played in helping to distribute more than $3.8 million in funds to our country music community,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives executive director. “We are excited to welcome our new board members and to utilize their unique expertise and passion in continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others though the power of music.”

The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is comprised of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, and leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs who are referred to as public directors.

2021-2022 ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:
Officers:
Chair – Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Vice-Chair – Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Vice President – Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Treasurer – Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary – Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives

Representative Directors:
– Jackie Campbell, 615 Leverage + Strategy
– Duane Clark, FBMM
– RAC Clark, Lion’s Heart Entertainment*
– Beville Dunkerley, Pandora
– Rod Essig, CAA
– Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
– Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management*
– Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
– Darin Murphy, CAA*
– Annie Ortmeier, Universal Music Group Nashville*
– Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
– Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
– Sally Williams, Live Nation

Public Directors:
– Scott Adkins, Adkins Publicity**
– Tiffany Brush, Topgolf**
– Mark Bloom, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
– Ross Copperman
– Chris Farren, Combustion Music
– Kathleen Flaherty, K21 Communications
– Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
– Julie Gordon***
– John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
– Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment Group
– Ricky Kelley, Harley-Davidson of Columbia
– Ellen Lehman, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee**
– Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
– Beth Moore
– Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
– Meredith Seacrest, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
– F. Reid Shippen, Robot Lemon
– Elaina Smith, Nights with Elaina
– Jay Williams, WME
– Judee Ann Williams, CAA**

* – Newly elected Representative directors
** – Newly elected Public directors
*** – Newly appointed Public director

Songwriter and producer Joe Ginsberg has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Anthem Entertainment and Wrensong Publishing.

Originally hailing from Denver, Ginsberg graduated from the University of Southern California with a jazz studies degree in upright bass. He spent 15 years living in Los Angeles touring with bands before co-writing the Miranda Lambert single “Little Red Wagon.”

Following the song’s success, Ginsberg moved to Nashville and signed with BMG Nashville, shifting his focus to writing and producing full time in 2014. During his time at BMG, he sharpened his writing and production skills while landing cuts with Carly Pearce, Bailey Bryan, Larry Fleet and many more.

“Joe is that rare writer who feels genuine in multiple music styles and brings a unique flavor to whatever world he’s contributing to,” says President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville Tim Wipperman. “He’s great to have in the house.”

“‘Little Red Wagon’ has been one of my favorite songs in the recent past,” adds Wrensong’s Owner/President, Ree Guyer.  “Being able to not only meet Joe but get the opportunity to work with him, I was absolutely thrilled. He’s definitely coming into his own as an amazing writer and producer and we are thrilled to have him as a part of the Anthem/Wrensong family. Along with being an incredibly talented songwriter, Ginsberg’s gift and passion for production is unmatched.”

“I am so honored and proud to join the Wrensong/Anthem family,” shares Ginsberg. “Wrensong’s enthusiasm and focus is unmatched in this business…f rom our first meeting I felt free and inspired to be my creative (and strange) self. In this business that type of spark can often be a difficult thing to find, and I am so excited to take this ride together.”

BMI will hold its 69th annual Country Awards as an online event again this year. The PRO will pay homage to the creative community in Nashville with a special online celebration launching on Nov. 15.

The celebration will take place on BMI.com and on BMI social media and will feature exclusive videos from award winners. In keeping with BMI’s tradition, the celebration will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the 50 most-performed country songs of the past year.

Last year, artists and songwriters including Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell were among those receiving top honors during the online 2020 BMI Country Awards.