Pictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley And Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Spencer Combs
Artists Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, and more were the first artists to perform at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater near Franklin, Tennessee.
The group came together to put on Together: Feeding Nashville, which benefited the nonprofit Feeding Nashville, formed by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and his wife Hayley alongside Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and his wife Taylin to raise awareness and funds to combat local food insecurity. Net ticket proceeds as well as other event revenue and donations directly impacted the important cause with a total of over $450,000 raised.
Pictured: Thomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs
The beautiful new Tennessee venue, located inside the 138-acre Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, was the perfect spot for a benefit show giving back to Tennesseans. Intense traffic, however, put somewhat of a damper on the night, causing many show-goers and performers to arrive late. In a social media post, the venue address this problem saying “the traffic issues experienced are not at all what [they] planned with local authorities and parking experts,” and that they are “working tirelessly” to correct it.
But once inside the quarry, the show, hosted by FGL’s Hubbard and Brian Kelley, was a warm reception. The sets rotated, with FGL playing some of their hits before turning it over to another artist for a few songs, and doing a few collaboration performances with their guests.
Rising country artist Lily Rose was the very first artist to perform on the FirstBank Amphitheater stage. The charming singer-songwriter performed her breakout single, “Villian,” along with her newer releases “Know My Way Around” and “Remind Me Of You.” “This is pretty wild, I’m not gonna lie,” she said of being the first to grace the venue’s stage.
After kicking things off with “I Love My Country” and “This Is How We Roll,” FGL invited an energized Russell Dickerson out. He rocked out on his up-beat “Every Little Thing,” “Home Sweet” and “Blue Tacoma,” and played what he has dubbed his “COVID song,” his most recent No. 1 “Love You Like I Used To.”
FGL returned for another sampling of some of their biggest hits, including “Confession,” “May We All,” and their most recent No. 1 “Long Live.” The duo took a minute to recognize the honor of breaking in a new middle Tennessee venue when they reverently performed one of their best, “Dirt.” “What an honor to break in this amphitheater,” Hubbard said smiling into the crowd.
Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Spencer Combs
Thomas Rhett joined Hubbard and Kelley to play an early FGL hit that Rhett co-wrote, “Round Here,” and stayed to play a few of his many hits. He was noticeably thrilled to sing his latest single, “Country Again.” “I’ve rediscovered myself in the last couple years in some ways,” Rhett said, introducing the tune. He also thrilled the crowd with his 2015 hit, “Die A Happy Man.”
Next up, FGL reappeared on stage with CCM legend Chris Tomlin for the three acts to perform their new collaboration, “Thank You Lord,” which is at Christian radio right now. “This is a little party jam for the Lord,” Hubbard said.
Chase Rice then joined FGL for a performance of the No. 1 song at country radio right now, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”
Maren Morris sounded fabulous on her recent monster hit, “The Bones,” when she took the stage. “It was kind of tricky to get into this place,” she joked. “But I feel like I’m at Red Rocks in my own backyard.”
Morris brought out her singer-songwriter husband Ryan Hurd for a sweet rendition of their duet, “Chasing After You.” The two’s chemistry on stage was thick, and they sounded great together.
To top off the night, Nelly, Breland, and Blanco Brown surprised the packed house when they joined FGL, Dickerson, Rose and Rice for a larger-than-life performance of “Cruise.”
“We’re still on cloud nine and feeling overwhelmed with all of the love that everyone poured into Together: Feeding Nashville. So many lives will be impacted by the incredible generosity from our community and we are forever grateful,” shared Hayley Hubbard. “We’ll definitely be reliving this special night for a long time and dreaming up the next one!”
Taylin Lewan added, “Words can’t describe the support we have felt from our entire community. Our drive and devotion to serving Feeding Nashville is stronger than ever!”
Pictured (L-R): Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lily Rose, Siriusxm’s Storme Warren, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Feeding Nashville’s Taylin Lewan and Hayley Hubbard, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, Russell Dickerson, Breland. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, Together: Feeding Nashville was produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Find additional information and donate to Feeding Nashville at feedingnashville.com.
Tiera Joins The Valory Music Co. Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): McGlinchey Stafford’s Brenner McDonald, Kam Studios’ Kamren Kennedy, OH Creative Management’s Olivia Hanceri, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Tiera, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland. Photo Credit: Seth Hellman for The Valory Music Co.
Breakout artist Tiera has signed with the Valory Music Co.
She released her debut, self-titled EP earlier this year, and is paving her own path with standout R&B/country tracks “Found It In You” and “Shut It Down.” She was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2020 and was honored by AIMP for their Rising Songwriters Class of 2020. When not in the writer’s room or recording studio, the Alabama-native hosts a daily radio show on Apple Music Country, The Tiera Show. Tiera is set for her next milestone moment on Aug. 17, when the budding young artist makes her Grand Ole Opry debut.
“When Tiera walks into a room she instantly brightens it with her charm, wit and amazing talent,” says Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “I was knocked out the moment I met her and cannot wait for the world to discover her. This is a very special new talent.”
“When I first moved to Nashville I had this vision of what the perfect record deal would be,” says Tiera. “Above all, I wanted to be somewhere where they loved and understood the music and brand that I had built as an independent artist. I wanted to work with people that worked just as hard as I do for my music. I didn’t want to just gain a team, I wanted to gain a family. That’s exactly what I found in the Valory team. They were so enthusiastic from the moment I met them and I just couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of The Valory Music Co.!”
Tiera was the flagship songwriter for Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters publishing company. She is represented by OH Creative Management and WME in Nashville.
Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris Break In New FirstBank Amphitheater
/by LB CantrellPictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley And Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Spencer Combs
Artists Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, and more were the first artists to perform at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater near Franklin, Tennessee.
The group came together to put on Together: Feeding Nashville, which benefited the nonprofit Feeding Nashville, formed by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and his wife Hayley alongside Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and his wife Taylin to raise awareness and funds to combat local food insecurity. Net ticket proceeds as well as other event revenue and donations directly impacted the important cause with a total of over $450,000 raised.
Pictured: Thomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs
The beautiful new Tennessee venue, located inside the 138-acre Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, was the perfect spot for a benefit show giving back to Tennesseans. Intense traffic, however, put somewhat of a damper on the night, causing many show-goers and performers to arrive late. In a social media post, the venue address this problem saying “the traffic issues experienced are not at all what [they] planned with local authorities and parking experts,” and that they are “working tirelessly” to correct it.
But once inside the quarry, the show, hosted by FGL’s Hubbard and Brian Kelley, was a warm reception. The sets rotated, with FGL playing some of their hits before turning it over to another artist for a few songs, and doing a few collaboration performances with their guests.
Rising country artist Lily Rose was the very first artist to perform on the FirstBank Amphitheater stage. The charming singer-songwriter performed her breakout single, “Villian,” along with her newer releases “Know My Way Around” and “Remind Me Of You.” “This is pretty wild, I’m not gonna lie,” she said of being the first to grace the venue’s stage.
After kicking things off with “I Love My Country” and “This Is How We Roll,” FGL invited an energized Russell Dickerson out. He rocked out on his up-beat “Every Little Thing,” “Home Sweet” and “Blue Tacoma,” and played what he has dubbed his “COVID song,” his most recent No. 1 “Love You Like I Used To.”
FGL returned for another sampling of some of their biggest hits, including “Confession,” “May We All,” and their most recent No. 1 “Long Live.” The duo took a minute to recognize the honor of breaking in a new middle Tennessee venue when they reverently performed one of their best, “Dirt.” “What an honor to break in this amphitheater,” Hubbard said smiling into the crowd.
Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Spencer Combs
Thomas Rhett joined Hubbard and Kelley to play an early FGL hit that Rhett co-wrote, “Round Here,” and stayed to play a few of his many hits. He was noticeably thrilled to sing his latest single, “Country Again.” “I’ve rediscovered myself in the last couple years in some ways,” Rhett said, introducing the tune. He also thrilled the crowd with his 2015 hit, “Die A Happy Man.”
Next up, FGL reappeared on stage with CCM legend Chris Tomlin for the three acts to perform their new collaboration, “Thank You Lord,” which is at Christian radio right now. “This is a little party jam for the Lord,” Hubbard said.
Chase Rice then joined FGL for a performance of the No. 1 song at country radio right now, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”
Maren Morris sounded fabulous on her recent monster hit, “The Bones,” when she took the stage. “It was kind of tricky to get into this place,” she joked. “But I feel like I’m at Red Rocks in my own backyard.”
Morris brought out her singer-songwriter husband Ryan Hurd for a sweet rendition of their duet, “Chasing After You.” The two’s chemistry on stage was thick, and they sounded great together.
To top off the night, Nelly, Breland, and Blanco Brown surprised the packed house when they joined FGL, Dickerson, Rose and Rice for a larger-than-life performance of “Cruise.”
“We’re still on cloud nine and feeling overwhelmed with all of the love that everyone poured into Together: Feeding Nashville. So many lives will be impacted by the incredible generosity from our community and we are forever grateful,” shared Hayley Hubbard. “We’ll definitely be reliving this special night for a long time and dreaming up the next one!”
Taylin Lewan added, “Words can’t describe the support we have felt from our entire community. Our drive and devotion to serving Feeding Nashville is stronger than ever!”
Pictured (L-R): Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lily Rose, Siriusxm’s Storme Warren, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Feeding Nashville’s Taylin Lewan and Hayley Hubbard, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, Russell Dickerson, Breland. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, Together: Feeding Nashville was produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Find additional information and donate to Feeding Nashville at feedingnashville.com.
Nashville Venues Enforce New COVID Requirements Amidst Growing Case Numbers
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Courtesy City Winery
Following the rapid spike in COVID-19 cases across the United States and beyond over the last couple of weeks, the CDC has recently revised their guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Included in this new guidance is the return of mask-wearing under certain conditions and restricting international travel.
However, with the rampant Delta variant currently circulating in the United States, some states and businesses are bringing back the conversation of vaccination and/or testing requirements for their staff and patrons, such as New York City which will require vaccines for entry into certain establishments beginning in the next few weeks. Since the CDC’s announcement, companies like Walmart, Disney, Apple and Google, among others, have enforced a similar requirement, while President Joe Biden also announced new vaccination rules for federal employees.
As Tennessee continues to see COVID-19 case counts rise each day, some of Music City’s businesses and venues have announced that they will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter their establishments. Among those who have made the leap are City Winery, which has multiple locations across the northeast, and The 5 Spot in East Nashville.
“At this stage in the pandemic, with the Delta variant on the rise, the remarkable roll-out of vaccines, and the overwhelming numbers of our customers now fully inoculated against COVID-19, we can create an environment that is as safe as possible moving forward. Our recent July survey indicated that more than 75% of our patrons are already vaccinated,” says City Winery’s Founder Michael Dorf in a letter to its patrons. “Given this, our decision to move forward with creating an environment where we request that all patrons are vaccinated, and wear masks when moving indoors, will allow even more psychological comfort that our facility is as safe a place to be as possible. Of course, we respect that if a person does not want to get vaccinated for any reason, be it religious, health or other, they can get tested showing a negative result within 72 hours to gain admission. All guests are welcome on our outdoor patios, however masks will be required when entering the building.”
The 5 Spot took to social media to share their new rules saying, “After due consideration we’ve decided to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry into our venue beginning Saturday, Aug 7. In times such as these we must behave as reasonably and responsibly as possible.” The post continues, “Before you come party with us, please make sure you have your vaccination card (or a photo of it) at the ready. We will be verifying vaccination status before admission to The 5 Spot is granted.”
These decisions, coupled with artists like Garth Brooks announcing he will be reassessing the state of COVID before continuing his nationwide stadium tour, begs the question of what will happen to the just-reopened touring industry as we move into the changing of seasons and cases continue to rise.
For more information on the CDC guidelines and the Delta variant, click here.
Big Loud Records Launches Rock/Alternative Imprint, Big Loud Rock
/by LB CantrellBig Loud Records, the home to country acts Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Hardy and many more, has announced the formation of a new rock/alternative imprint, Big Loud Rock.
The emerging label will bring on A.J. Kasen as Senior Vice President of A&R. Kasen started his career at Lava Records in 2011, where he worked with artists Lorde, Jessie J and Black Veil Brides. In 2015, he joined Better Noise Music as the Director of A&R, then bumped up to Vice President in 2017, working directly with artists including Motley Crüe, AWOLNATION, Dirty Heads, Five Finger Death Punch, The Hu, and more. He now joins President and Partner, Greg Thompson, and fellow SVP, Lloyd Aur Norman.
A.J. Kasen. Photo: Lara Schweller
“We’re honored to have A.J. join the Big Loud family,” says Thompson. “It’s exciting to have someone with his pedigree to continue and grow our commitment in the Rock world. Having him team up with Lloyd will give us the best leadership we could imagine.”
Big Loud Rock recently announced its first signed act as Blame My Youth— a new band fronted by former rock band Empires member, Sean Van Vleet. The group’s current single, “Fantastic,” just hit the Top 30 on both the MediaBase Active Rock and BDS Mainstream Rock charts, with a debut EP due this fall.
Meanwhile, Hardy’s cover of the Puddle of Mudd classic, “Blurry,” was released on Big Loud Rock earlier this year.
UMPG Nashville Signs Adam James To Worldwide Publishing Agreement [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellAdam James. Photo: Jonathan Sherwood
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter Adam James to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement.
James has co-written songs recorded by Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Worsham and Filmore. He co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s current single, “Knowing You,” which is climbing the country charts.
Ron Stuve, VP A&R, UMPG Nashville, says of James: “Adam is a dual threat – strong lyrically and melodically. He has a deep appreciation and reverence for the past, but he is completely focused on the future. Terry Wakefield and I, along with the entire UMPG team, are thrilled to represent him and his songs.”
James adds, “UMPG is one of the best buildings left on Music Row, filled with some of the best publishers to ever do it. I’m so excited to join forces with these folks and get to work!”
Sony Group Corporation Q1 Results: New Acquisitions, Streaming Revenue Show Increases
/by Lydia FarthingFor Sony’s music segment, specifically, Q1 sales increased a significant 44% year-over-year as sales increased in all categories driven primarily by growth in streaming. For the rest of the fiscal year, both sales and operating income are expected to increase.
Streaming revenue, which is Sony’s largest growth driver, grew considerably due to strong paid streaming and a recovery in advertising-supported streaming negatively impacted by COVID-19. During the quarter, streaming revenue increased significantly, 53% year-on-year in recorded music and 70% year-on-year in music publishing. In this quarter, Sony had an average of 36 songs in Spotify’s global top 100 songs ranking, and debut songs from new artists are increasing in ranking.
Sony also completed the acquisition of the DIY artist service business AWAL in May 2021 to strategically complement The Orchard in the growing indie market. In June, Sony also acquired Somethin’ Else, a major British podcast production company, and Alamo Records, a music label focused on hip hop in the U.S. The company also formed an alliance with the rapidly growing online game platform Roblox in July to provide our artists the opportunity to connect with the Roblox community through virtual events and other means.
To read the full report, click here.
Tim McGraw And Faith Hill Tapped To Star In Upcoming ‘Yellowstone’ Prequel
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Sam Elliott (Courtesy of Deadline/REX/Shutterstock); Faith Hill; Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are set to star in the Paramount + prequel to the Emmy-nominated series Yellowstone, in a new series called 1883. 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions will serve as production partners on the new drama.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, 1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. The episodes offer a stark retelling of Western expansion, and a study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land of Montana.
Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott will star alongside McGraw and Hill in the prequel as Shea Brennan, a tough-as-nails cowboy with immense sadness in his past who has the task of guiding a group from Texas to Montana including James and Margaret Dutton, portrayed by McGraw and Hill.
“This is truly a dream job,” says McGraw. “Taylor has found a way of storytelling that brilliantly creates these epic dramas and family sagas with so much depth and creativity. The Duttons are tremendous characters and it’s so thrilling to be able to bring them to life. As a kid growing up riding horses, you think about dream jobs like this and I am just so excited to work with this amazing cast and crew.”
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Hill. “The Duttons are a formidable family and it is an absolute dream to bring such a strong female character like Margaret Dutton to life. I am humbled and honored to work with Taylor and his entire team.”
“Yellowstone is a massive hit show with tens of millions of fans – with 1883, we are taking those fans back to the origin story, and in the process, turning the Yellowstone world into a global hit franchise to fuel the growth of Paramount+,” says Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, MTV Entertainment Group. “We are thrilled to have Sam, Tim and Faith as the stars of Taylor Sheridan’s new series exclusively for Paramount+ around the world.”
Beloved Songwriter & Producer Jim Femino Passes
/by Lydia FarthingGrammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, publisher, educator, speaker, and author Jim Femino passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 3). He was 69.
Before becoming a music industry executive, Femino spent twenty-five years as a country, rock and soul recording artist, touring the eastern hemisphere for crowds big and small. Along the way, he built Road Records, an independent record label, and its accompanying merchandising and sponsorship arms.
After his career as an artist, Femino launched his own publishing company and recording studio in Nashville, and he began to write songs professionally for Music City’s recording artists. Among artists who have recorded his songs are Toby Keith, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Azar, and others.
His biggest hit was James Otto’s 2008 single, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.” The song boasted a list of achievements, including a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, Billboard‘s 2008 Most Played Country Song of the Year, and being named to Billboard‘s Greatest 100 of All-Time Country Songs.
For the last 30 years Femino was President of Songstarters!, Inc., an award-winning publishing, production, artist development, and online songwriter/music education company. He was a board member of the CMA, The Recording Acadmey and various other trade organizations.
Earlier this year, Jim’s wife, Leslie Thola Femino, passed away at the age of 69 due to cancer. Femino is survived by his children Kristie Weidner (Tom Rhoads), Arthur Femino (Michelle), Adam Holcomb (Nicole Nocito) and Matthew Femino; five granchildren Kaitlin Weidner (Keegan Kling), Jacob Weidner, Tori Femino, Sarah Femino, and Jimmy Femino; and one great grandchild Kinsley Kling.
Funeral arrangements for Jim Femino have not yet been announced.
James Otto, who recorded Femino’s biggest hit, posted a tribute to the songwriter, saying that Femino had recently survived a heart attack.
Applications Now Open: MusicRow’s 2021 Publisher Issue Directory
/by LB CantrellNew applicants for inclusion in the Publisher company directory for the upcoming MusicRow Publisher Issue print magazine are now being accepted through Aug. 13. Along with the directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the issue also features exclusive editorial content focused on this essential segment of our business.
To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form.
For questions, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. To reserve ad space in the 2021 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Become a subscribed member of MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective Releases Updated Educator Toolkit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mechanical Licensing Collective has released the second version of its Educator Toolkit. This free resource is designed to help college educators teach their students about the landscape of digital audio mechanical rights in the U.S. and The MLC’s role in it following passage of the Music Modernization Act of 2018.
Created by Serona Elton, The MLC’s head of educational partnerships and a long-time university professor, the Toolkit provides instructors with a range of materials they can seamlessly incorporate into their existing syllabi or employ in the creation of new course modules.
“As an educator myself, I understand the importance of having up-to-date teaching materials, particularly with a subject matter that is as inherently complex and rapidly evolving as mechanical licensing,” notes Elton. “The updates we’ve made to the Toolkit–based in part on feedback we received from the educators who are already using it–reflect The MLC’s commitment to continuing to provide instructors with the comprehensive and current resources they need to navigate this complex subject matter and best prepare tomorrow’s music industry professionals.”
Like the original version, this new version of the Toolkit contains an easy-to-understand introductory video, a white-label customizable PowerPoint presentation, suggested classroom activities and exam questions, and a list of informational videos and articles on copyright law and the history of mechanical licensing. In addition, the updated version contains several new enhancements, including:
“The MLC’s Educator Toolkit provides an excellent starting point for teaching about the new world of music licensing brought about by the enactment of the Music Modernization Act and creation of The MLC, and its accessible learning exercises help make sense of those new developments in a straightforward way,” says Sean M. O’Connor of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. “I was able to easily customize and augment the Toolkit, which saved me time, and the results were appreciated by a class of law students with music backgrounds.”
For more information about the Educator Toolkit, click here.