Pictured (clockwise from top left): Tim Foisset, Brooke Hardesty, Shane Tarleton, Victoria Mason
Warner Music Nashville has promoted four of its senior staff members.
Tim Foisset, formerly VP of Streaming, rises to SVP Commercial Partnerships and former Sr. Director Interactive Marketing, Brooke Hardesty, has been upped to VP Interactive Marketing. Shane Tarleton, formerly SVP Artist Development, rises to EVP Artist Development, and Victoria Mason rises from VP Strategic Marketing to SVP Strategic Marketing & Analysis.
In his role, Foisset will be charged with maximizing marketing opportunities and revenue potential with Warner Music Nashville’s partners in streaming, digital retail, e-commerce, D2C and more. Foisset began his career in 1998 at Burly Bear Network and later joined Fuse Networks as the Manager of Consumer Marketing. He moved to Razor & Tie in 2005 as Director of Digital Marketing, where he managed the label’s relationships with digital partners and oversaw online marketing initiatives. He will report to EVP / GM Ben Kline.
“Tim’s knowledge of the marketplace is best in class,” says Kline. “In this expanded role, he will have an even greater impact on the success of our artists and their music.”
With Tarleton at the helm, the Artist Development department comprises marketing and creative services as well as Mason’s full team. Tarleton began his career at Titley / Spalding Artist Management, after which he spent six years in the art department at RCA Label Group working on imaging and branding for country music superstars including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Martina McBride. Following a period in Las Vegas producing events for MGM properties, Tarleton joined Warner Music Nashville as Creative Director in 2010.
“Shane has earned love and respect within the country music community that is unmatched anywhere,” Kline says. “His passion for the artists and their creative vision continues to help drive our decision making at the highest level.”
Mason oversees audience and fan development strategy via the touring, brand partnerships, analytics, interactive marketing and video strategy teams. Warner Music Nashville welcomed her to the team in 2011 after three years of experience at Nielsen. She graduated with a degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Of Mason, Tarleton says, “Torie is a boss, simply put! She has diligently constructed a fan-focused interactive team that is world class and will lead our artists to new heights.”
Hardesty, who reports to Mason, leads a team of five to create tailored digital experiences ranging from live event activations to social media campaigns. Her previous roles include radio promotion at CCM record label Word Entertainment and account services at J&A integrated thinking beginning in 2011. She graduated with Honors from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business.
“Brooke has built a bright, bold, passionate team over the past few years, and it’s truly been an honor to work alongside her,” says Mason. “Her work ethic, creative prowess and killer marketing instinct continue to serve our artists each and every day.”
Circle Network To Air Day-Long Circle Remembers 9/11 Programming
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan at the Grand Ole Opry for Circle Remembers 9/11. Photo: Chris Hollo
To commemorate the upcoming 20th anniversary of 9/11, Circle Network, Grand Ole Opry, and Wounded Warrior Project are hosting Circle Remembers 9/11 presented by Wounded Warrior Project. The day-long network takeover will include inspiring stories from veterans, their families, and friends which will honor and pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
“The country music community played an integral role in the healing process in the aftermath of 9/11 as it offered comfort through heartfelt lyrics and messages and helped bring those who were suffering together through the power of music. We couldn’t be more proud to partner with Wounded Warrior Project to bring the community together to remember all those lost and commemorate our many heroes,” says Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network’s General Manager.
Circle Remembers 9/11 will open with Coffee, Country & Cody: Remembers 9/11, a three-hour live special hosted by Bill Cody and Michael “CQ” Carrasquillo. The afternoon will feature performances from past Veterans and Memorial Days, a stand-up comedy show featuring veterans, various episodes of Craig Morgan’s Craig’s World that celebrate our country, and more.
Trisha Yearwood at the Grand Ole Opry for Circle Remembers 9/11. Photo: Chris Hollo
Songs from September: The Music That Healed A Nation, hosted by Bobby Bones, will air from 7-9 p.m. CT as artists recall the music that helped them manage those difficult and uncertain times with performances from Bacon Brothers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Charles Esten, Craig Morgan, Jimmie Allen, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, MercyMe, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood and more.
Directly following from 8-10 p.m. ET, Circle will air a special Opry Live filled with warrior stories and performances from artists from the Opry stage, as well as special musical tributes from three Sept. 11 memorial sites: Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. The legendary stage will bring together Vince Gill, The McCrary Sisters and others for this special event, hosted by Charles Esten.
“Wounded Warrior Project is proud to partner with Circle for this day of remembrance. As we honor those who lost their lives in the terror attacks of 9/11, we must also remember the more than 3 million men and women who stepped forward to fight for us in the days, months, and years that followed. A great deal will be said about the War on Terror in the coming years, but most importantly we owe our veterans more than a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. They fought bravely for our country, for the vulnerable, and for each other. Their service and sacrifice are not forgotten. We stand together to remember all who died and all who served,” adds Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington, Wounded Warrior Project CEO.
Warner Chappell Music Signs Breakout Singer-Songwriter Hailey Whitters
/by LB CantrellHailey Whitters
Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a worldwide publishing deal with breakout singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters.
Whitters released her critically-acclaimed debut album The Dream in February of 2020, and then released a deluxe version after signing her first record deal with Big Loud / Songs & Daughters, in partnership with her own label Pigasus Records. The deluxe version of the album, Living the Dream, featured five new collaborations with Brent Cobb, Jordan Davis, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Little Big Town, and Trisha Yearwood.
On top of writing her own material, the talented songwriter has written songs for Little Big Town (“Happy People”), Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile (“A Beautiful Noise”), Alan Jackson (“The Older I Get”), Martina McBride (“The Real Thing”), and Lori McKenna (“Happy People”), among others.
Ryan Beuschel, VP, A&R Strategy, WCM Nashville says: “Hailey is such a unique talent. She knows how to write songs that are deeply personal yet resonate with her fans. She’s already reached some pretty incredible milestones and all of us at Warner Chappell are excited to be on this journey with her.”
Jessi Vaughn, Manager, A&R/Digital, WCM Nashville adds: “Hailey is a force to be reckoned with. I admire her talent, but also her determination. She bet on herself and never gave up on her dreams and it’s amazing to see it all pay off. This is only the beginning and I look forward to what’s in store next.”
Whitters has toured with Brent Cobb, Jordan Davis, Maren Morris, and Little Big Town, and has graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry multiple times. In June, Opry Entertainment Group and the Grand Ole Opry named Whitters 2021’s inaugural Opry NextStage artist.
She is managed by Matt Graham (Range Media) and Chris Kappy (Make Wake), and is represented by Scott Stafford.
Skip Ewing Serves Up Some Seasonal Cheer On New Christmas Project
/by Lorie HollabaughSkip Ewing is celebrating the holidays this year with a brand new collection of original holiday songs and rearranged classics on Skip Ewing — Christmas, due out Nov. 12.
Produced by Kyle Lehning and Ewing, the tribute to the winter holidays mixes seasonal cheer with Ewing’s songwriting chops on seven tracks that include piano ballads (“Whenever a Child is Born”), love songs (“Mr. Snowman”), an inventive take on “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” titled “Better Watch Out,” and more.
On “I’ll Be Home (An American Christmas),” Ewing honors the country’s military families by intermingling the bittersweet “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with the patriotic “America the Beautiful.” The album also celebrates Christmas’ spiritual side with “Just A Kid,” another Ewing original recorded years earlier by Kenny Chesney.
“Christmastime is musically rich,” says Ewing. “I feel fortunate and privileged to be able to record a Christmas album to offer new music that we also hope is musically rich. I want to make music that is lasting and meaningful and be able to do that until I can’t do it anymore.”
Throughout his career, Ewing has penned No. 1 smashes like Brian White’s “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore,” Diamond Rio’s “I Believe,” Kenny Chesney’s “You Had Me From Hello,” and Collin Raye’s “Love, Me,” in addition to pursuing his own career as an artist.
Darius Rucker, Jason Isbell, Genesis Be, Rhiannon Giddens To Judge Sing Your Anthem Contest
/by Lydia FarthingKidizenship, a newly formed organization based in Nashville, is set to launch a digital youth civics magazine. As a non-partisan media platform for teens and tweens that merges civics education with creative self-expression and community action, it will also be hosting 6 contests that celebrate what kids have to say about their country.
The current contest, Sing Your Anthem, invites kids to write and perform their own national anthems, giving voice to their values and vision for their America. These are songs that describe what is beautiful about their communities and their shared nation and that inspire and unite people across divisions. Honoring the past, this will give an opportunity for kids to participate in democracy, celebrate community, and envision a better future. Judges for the Sing Your Anthem contest include Darius Rucker, Rhiannon Giddens, Jason Isbell, and Genesis Be.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 12, and will be judged in two age categories: 8-12 & 13-18. For a full list of rules and to submit your song, click here.
Gilda’s Club To Hold 2021 Red Door Bash, Hosted By Demetria Kalodimos
/by Lydia FarthingGilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is hosting the 2021 Red Door Bash on Oct. 9 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The annual event will feature singer-songwriters Jenny Tolman and Dave Brainard, along with celebrity guest host Demetria Kalodimos, as Gilda’s Club celebrates free cancer support for individuals and families in Middle Tennessee. Special honors for community leaders and volunteers will also be given.
“This year, we have the distinct pleasure of honoring some incredibly special contributors to the Gilda’s Club community. We will present our annual Red Door Champion Award to a Williamson County couple that has supported our non-profit through volunteerism, financial giving and advocacy for nearly two decades,” says Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee President and CEO Harriet Schiftan. “We’re also seizing this opportunity to celebrate 13 of our volunteer support group facilitators, all of whom have continued to put our mission and members first, and graciously joined us as we boldly stepped into the world of virtual cancer support at the beginning of the pandemic.”
This year’s Red Door Bash will open with a reception and silent auction, followed by a three-course dinner and an opportunity to hear from a Gilda’s Club member before closing with the awards ceremony.
“The Red Door Bash committee hasn’t let the current environment prevent them from planning another extraordinary event,” Red Door Bash Co-Chair Rae Hirsch shares. “I’m most excited about this year’s silent auction, which includes a well-curated selection of experiences, jewelry, art and more.”
“We’re thrilled to have award-winning news anchor, filmmaker and writer Demetria Kalodimos as our celebrity host for a second year,” adds Co-Chair Erica Jacobs. “And singer-songwriters Jenny Tolman and Dave Brainard are beloved by the Gilda’s Club community. Ever since participating in our annual Songwriters Night in April, people have been asking for more of the duo’s incredible music and charming wit and rapport.”
Tickets to the Red Door Bash, sponsored in part by Omni Nashville and Burr+Forman, include reception food and beverages, access to a silent auction, a three-course meal with wine service, and valet parking. For more information and to reserve a seat, click here.
Red Door Bash Honorees:
Red Door Champion Award recipients – Brian and Victoria Marger
Red Door Hero Award recipients –
David Adcock, PT
Deanna Candeloro, M. Ed, LPC-MHSP
Dana Davis, LCSW
Lynn Dunavant, MA, HSP
Pamela Duvall, MS, CCC-SLP
Larae Heil, M Ed., MS, CCC-SLP
Cynthia Johnson, LCSW, BCD
Laura Jo Leach, LMSW
Doris P. McLay
Lanier Sachs, M. Ed., NCC
Carol Sanders, RN
Warren Thompson, Ph. D
J. Dawson Wells, LMSW
Bonnaroo 2021 Canceled Due To Weather
/by LB CantrellBonnaroo 2019. Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman
This weekend’s Bonnaroo music festival has been canceled due to the waterlogged festival grounds resulting from the massive amounts of rain middle Tennessee has received due to rains from Tropical Depression Ida. Earlier this week, Bonnaroo’s organizers announced they were reducing camping capacity at the festival.
According to a Tweet from the official Bonnaroo account, “the ground is incredibly saturated on [their] tollbooth paths, and the campgrounds are flooded to the point that [they] are unable to drive in or park vehicles safely.”
The festival, which was slated to run Thursday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 5, was to include sets from Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Tyler The Creator, Lana Del Rey, Breland, Niko Moon and more.
All tickets purchased through Front Gate Tickets will be refunded in as little as 30 days to the original method of payment. For more information about refunds, click here.
FGL, Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae, Mitchell Tenpenny Added To 2022 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughAfter the recent rescheduling announcement, The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam has announced the expanded lineup for the three-day festival in Panama City Beach running June 3-5, 2022. The event’s 10-year anniversary will feature Florida Georgia Line joining Brooks & Dunn and Old Dominion as headliners. Additionally, Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae and Mitchell Tenpenny have also been added to the lineup, making this the largest bill in Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam history.
“Next year is our 10th anniversary, so we’re adding more acts to really up the excitement and make this a huge celebration,” says Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “These times continue to be challenging for all of us, and next June is going to be a party!”
The loaded lineup currently includes Gary Allan, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Randy Rogers Band, Frankie Ballard, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Rich, Darryl Worley, Corey Smith, Ryan Griffin, Steve Moakler, Elvie Shane, Tigirlily, Nate Barnes, Confederate Railroad, Presley & Taylor, and Chandler Flint. Unfortunately, Chris Stapleton’s schedule prevented him from headlining the 2022 event.
“We hated having to move the Labor Day event, but starting fresh next June is exciting for everyone,” shares Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “The first weekend in June will be the festival’s permanent new home, and we look forward to hosting our Jammers from all over the world.”
Anyone who purchased a pass for the 2021 festival who wishes to transfer their pass to 2022 will automatically have a bonus $21 added to their registered wristband to spend at next year’s festival. Three-day Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2022 passes have been reset to original 2021 prices. For ticket packages and more information, click here.
Warner Music Nashville Promotes Four Senior Staff Members
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise from top left): Tim Foisset, Brooke Hardesty, Shane Tarleton, Victoria Mason
Warner Music Nashville has promoted four of its senior staff members.
Tim Foisset, formerly VP of Streaming, rises to SVP Commercial Partnerships and former Sr. Director Interactive Marketing, Brooke Hardesty, has been upped to VP Interactive Marketing. Shane Tarleton, formerly SVP Artist Development, rises to EVP Artist Development, and Victoria Mason rises from VP Strategic Marketing to SVP Strategic Marketing & Analysis.
In his role, Foisset will be charged with maximizing marketing opportunities and revenue potential with Warner Music Nashville’s partners in streaming, digital retail, e-commerce, D2C and more. Foisset began his career in 1998 at Burly Bear Network and later joined Fuse Networks as the Manager of Consumer Marketing. He moved to Razor & Tie in 2005 as Director of Digital Marketing, where he managed the label’s relationships with digital partners and oversaw online marketing initiatives. He will report to EVP / GM Ben Kline.
“Tim’s knowledge of the marketplace is best in class,” says Kline. “In this expanded role, he will have an even greater impact on the success of our artists and their music.”
With Tarleton at the helm, the Artist Development department comprises marketing and creative services as well as Mason’s full team. Tarleton began his career at Titley / Spalding Artist Management, after which he spent six years in the art department at RCA Label Group working on imaging and branding for country music superstars including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Martina McBride. Following a period in Las Vegas producing events for MGM properties, Tarleton joined Warner Music Nashville as Creative Director in 2010.
“Shane has earned love and respect within the country music community that is unmatched anywhere,” Kline says. “His passion for the artists and their creative vision continues to help drive our decision making at the highest level.”
Mason oversees audience and fan development strategy via the touring, brand partnerships, analytics, interactive marketing and video strategy teams. Warner Music Nashville welcomed her to the team in 2011 after three years of experience at Nielsen. She graduated with a degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Of Mason, Tarleton says, “Torie is a boss, simply put! She has diligently constructed a fan-focused interactive team that is world class and will lead our artists to new heights.”
Hardesty, who reports to Mason, leads a team of five to create tailored digital experiences ranging from live event activations to social media campaigns. Her previous roles include radio promotion at CCM record label Word Entertainment and account services at J&A integrated thinking beginning in 2011. She graduated with Honors from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business.
“Brooke has built a bright, bold, passionate team over the past few years, and it’s truly been an honor to work alongside her,” says Mason. “Her work ethic, creative prowess and killer marketing instinct continue to serve our artists each and every day.”
Luke Bryan Rides ‘Waves’ Of Success With 27th No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Ryan Anderson
Luke Bryan has racked up his 27th No. 1 single this week with “Waves,” which hits the top of the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts. The song was a two-week MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 in June.
Penned by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, the song is the fifth No. 1 from Bryan’s Born Here Live Here Die Here album, which features the chart-toppers “Waves,” “Down To One,” “One Margarita,” “What She Wants Tonight,” and “Knockin’ Boots.”
“Waves” debuted at radio in April as the most added song in the country and Bryan performed it for the first time on TV on Good Morning America to promote the release of the deluxe edition of his album.
Bryan’s original five-part docuseries Luke Bryan: My Dirt Road Diary, on IMDb TV is currently airing now. The series features a new song Bryan co-wrote with Luke Laird and Josh Osborne, “Songs You Never Heard,” in honor of his late brother Chris, who was always Bryan’s biggest supporter of chasing his musical dreams.
Anne Wilson Makes History With Chart-Topping Debut Single ‘My Jesus’
/by Lorie HollabaughAnne Wilson
Anne Wilson has become the first female solo artist to hit No. 1 with a debut song on the National Christian Airplay chart since the chart’s inception in 2003 with her single, “My Jesus.”
The song, co-written by Wilson, Matthew West, and Jeff Pardo, topped the radio charts in just 14 weeks, and has held the top position for multiple consecutive weeks on the Hot Christian Songs chart, which combines airplay, sales and streaming data.
The video for “My Jesus” has more than 5.3 million YouTube views and 14 million views on Facebook, and the song has charted on both the Spotify Viral 50 chart and Shazam Top 200. With her three-single EP, My Jesus, along with the recently released live EP My Jesus (Live in Nashville), Wilson has amassed more than 37 million streams.
“We are honored to partner with Anne and release her music to the world,” shares CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “The unprecedented success of ‘My Jesus’ is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to see what is to come for Anne.”
Wilson will make her debut on the Opry stage this weekend on Sept. 4. She can also be heard on Apple Music’s Country Faith Radio talking with Lady A’s Hillary Scott. She’s currently working on her full-length debut that will be coming in 2022.