Big Machine Records Adds Jane Staszak As Director, Midwest Promotion & Marketing
Jane Staszak
Big Machine Records has added Jane Staszak as Director, Midwest Promotion and Marketing of its radio promotion team, effective immediately.
Staszak most recently served as Director of Promotion Northeast at Black River Entertainment. She brings radio promotion expertise from her time with Nine North Records and various radio stations including WDSY, WONE and WQMX. Based in Pittsburgh, she will promote the imprint’s roster which includes Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Midland, The Cadillac Three, Callista Clark, and more.
“On behalf of Erik Powell and myself, we are absolutely thrilled that Jane is joining the mighty Big Machine Records promotion squad,” comments Senior Vice President, Promotion and Digital, Kris Lamb. “We’ve admired Jane’s promo brilliance for years and are delighted to have her knowledge and experience expand our artists’ initiatives through the midwest and beyond.”
“Big Machine is an innovative, forward thinking powerhouse,” says Staszak. “The promotion team is top notch and I know that it’s an environment that I will thrive in and excel.”
Staszak can be reached via Jane.Staszak@bmlg.net.
Grayscale Marketing Announces Four New Hires
Grayscale Marketing, the marketing and communication services firm based in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced a new round of hirings.
Jason Zinser has joined as the Communications & Marketing Director. He comes to Grayscale having worked with a variety of diverse brands and organizations across the sports, entertainment, and professional service industries including Zaxbys, NASCAR, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds, Nashville SC, The Music City Bowl, and more.
Kate Edge has joined Grayscale as the Senior Media Buyer where she will oversee the negotiation and purchasing of traditional media across the continent and oversee the development of the agency’s international footprint. Prior to joining the team, Edge served for 8+ years at Outback Presents, finding success working with a variety of national touring acts such as Jim Gaffigan, the Impractical Jokers, and Rodney Carrington.
Lallie Maddox has become the Associate Media Buyer where she will support Edge and be responsible for the research, development, execution, analysis, and reporting of the agency’s media placement across the globe. Prior to joining Grayscale, Maddox moved to Nashville to work at CAA in the Music Brand Partnerships division under CAA’s Executive, Music Brand Partnerships Marieke Bianchi.
Kat Ruefenacht has joined Grayscale Marketing as the Video & Graphic Designer. She has worked with local businesses such as IV and GoWest Creative in addition to Country Music Television (CMT) where she contributed creatively on the CMT Music Awards and Artist of the Year Awards show.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome the new team members to our agency family. Each of them have already made substantial contributions to the company as a whole,” says Tim Gray, CEO of Grayscale Marketing. “All I can ask for is to have a team that is focused on changing agency expectations and leaving a lasting impact for our clients and our team and I feel strongly that this group will help us to scale internationally.”
The new hires can be reached at Jason@grayscalemarketing.com, Kate@grayscalemarketing.com, Lallie@grayscalemarketing.com, and Kat@grayscalemarketing.com.
Karla Bonoff Signs Recording Deal With Melody Place
Karla Bonoff
RIAA Gold-certified recording artist and hit songwriter, Karla Bonoff has signed a recording agreement with Nashville’s Melody Place LLC.
“It has been one of my great dreams to work with Karla, and with the solid concept that we are bringing to the album, it shows that dreams do come true,” says Melody Place President and noted producer Fred Mollin.
Since the early ’70s Bonoff has written songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, Lynn Anderson, and many others. In 1977, Bonoff released her debut, self-titled solo album, recording many of her own compositions, previously released and made famous by some of the above artists. Her greatest commercial, chart success came in 1982 with her 3rd album, Wild Heart of the Young. The album spawned a Top 40 single, “Personally,” peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
In 1984, Bonoff recorded “Somebody’s Eyes,” which was featured on the film soundtrack to the hit ‘80s film, Footloose. 10 years later, she contributed “Standing Right Next To Me,” a duet with Vince Gill for the soundtrack to the film, 8 Seconds. In the subsequent decades, Bonoff has recorded a total of 6 studio solo albums, 1 live album, 3 compilation projects and toured internationally to great acclaim.
Bonoff is going into the studio with Mollin in August to begin recording a new album with an anticipated release date in the beginning of 2022.
The Dirty Guv’nahs Signs With ONErpm
Pictured (L-R): Aaron Hoskins, Kevin Hyfantis, Justin Hoskins, James Trimble, Michael Jenkins, Cozmo Holloway
East Tennessee’s long-running popular rock ensemble, The Dirty Guv’nahs, has signed with ONErpm, one of the fastest-growing music companies globally. The band has also recently released its first single, “Better in the Summer” from its upcoming fourth studio album Revival.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have The Dirty Guv’nahs join ONErpm,” says Jeff Tobias, ONErpm’s head of Country Music. “Like any band, the guys have weathered a lot and we’re honored to be a part of this new chapter in an already incredible career!”
Joe & Martina Release Debut EP, ‘Easy To Love’
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe & Martina. Photo: Greta Miller
Joe & Martina have released their debut EP, Easy To Love. The new music was produced by Joe Costa, one half of the duo, along with Ben Watts, and is a marriage of today’s sound and the classic country the couple grew up on. Co-writers on the project include Ray Fulcher, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly, Dustin Huff, Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson, Kelsey Hart, and Kelby Costner.
“Martina and I have seen so much life, made new friends, and heard so many stories from all the time we’ve spent in bars all across the nation playing music. I think that is really what this EP is about. It is the life events we’ve witnessed or experienced under the neon lights,” shares Joe. “The heartbreak (‘Hangover’) to getting over the heartbreak (‘Rhinestoned’) to finding that one who is perfect for you (‘Easy To Love’) and expressing that love/affection (‘Brighter Than Neon’).”
“I don’t think I have ever been more proud of the singer-songwriters we have become over the last decade,” expresses Martina Costa. “When the journey becomes hard, we don’t quit and these four songs show that.”
2020 was a big year for the duo, who released the Top 30 hit “Give Me Back the 90’s” featuring their idol, John Berry. The single also peaked at No. 28 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart. Additionally, Joe, who was the original bass player for now multi-Platinum artist Luke Combs, quickly elevated his credibility as a songwriter with “Don’t Tempt Me” off of Comb’s debut album, This One’s For You.
Easy To Love Track List:
1. Brighter Than Neon (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Ray Fulcher)
2. Hangover (Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson)
3. Rhinestoned (Joe Costa, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly)
4. Easy To Love (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Kelsey Hart, Kelby Costner)
Lee Brice Earns MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1
/by Alex ParryLee Brice jumps from No. 3 to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his single, “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Brice co-wrote the single alongside Brian Davis and Billy Montana and it appears on his 2020 release, Hey World.
This year, Brice has signed on to become an official Brand Ambassador for Yuengling Traditional Lager and will help kick off the start of Yuengling’s Stars & Stripes program, which is dedicated to supporting our nation’s military through Team Red, White & Blue, whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans through the nation’s largest veteran health and wellness community.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Midland Announces New 5-Song Collection, ‘The Last Resort’
/by Lydia FarthingMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Cam Duddy, and Jess Carson have plotted a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics, and steel guitar with their upcoming project, The Last Resort. The five-song collection will be available on July 16 via Big Machine Records, with the lead single, “Sunrise Tells The Story,” available now.
The Grammy-nominated trio have spent their career heavily influenced by classic country greats like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Gary Stewart, Willie Nelson, the Hanks (Williams, Thompson and Snow), Buck Owens, George Jones, Emmylou, Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, Porter Wagoner, Conway Twitty, Mickey Gilley, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Lee. Whether it’s a cheating song, a heartbreak ballad, or a shoot-out-the-lights romper, The Last Resort is full of the group’s signature notion and emotions.
The band will road test the new tracks and their signature hits with The Last Resort Tour, kicking off Oct. 7 in Phoenix, Arizona with special guest Hailey Whitters.
The Last Resort Track List:
1. And Then Some – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
2. Sunrise Tells The Story – Jess Carson, Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere
3. Two To Two Step – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
4. Take Her Off Your Hands – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
5. Adios Cowboy – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Marv Green, JT Harding
On The Row: Robyn Ottolini Charms With Humor & Wisdom
/by LB CantrellRobyn Ottolini. Photo: Haley Crow
The story of how Canadian singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini came into her first record deal is quite unlike most artists. She signed her recording contract with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, while sitting on her bed in her pajamas.
Ottolini grew up in a small town outside of Toronto called Uxbridge, and has been writing songs she was 13.
In February of 2020 Ottolini independently released The I’m Not Always Hilarious EP, which showcased her songwriting chops on songs like “Trust Issues” and her fiery “F-150.” The latter of which took off on social media, reaching No. 4 on Spotify’s all-genre US Viral 50.
“I was a barista with no money [when I released “F-150″], so marketing was all me,” Ottolini said in a recent visit with MusicRow. “I was just working the internet and figuring it out like every artist does. Then F-150 blew up on TikTok.”
With support from Warner Music Nashville and a viral hit on her hands, Ottolini released The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP in June, showcasing the funny, wise side of the singer-songwriter.
Ottolini takes songwriting and styling cues from artists like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt. It shows when she performs her hilariously clever “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” and when she talk-sings on “F-150” and “Tell You Everything.”
“‘Tell You Everything’ is a love song to my current boyfriend. I had met him and it was one of those cringey, disgusting, ‘I knew when I met him’ kind of things, but I swear to goodness gracious, it’s true. I was like, ‘I’m going to tell this guy, literally everything.'”
Ottolini’s charm really shines on “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” where the 25-year-old sings about her relatable drunk escapades with a wink to the audience.
“I wrote this one by myself. I was telling my producers/managers drunk stories,” Ottolini admits. “I get stressed out when I’m sober, I just want to be perfect. And then drunk me does not give a shit. She’s worried about it later. So my manager was like, ‘How much fun would it be for drunk Robyn to sing a song to sober Robyn and give life advice.'”
Ottolini’s major label debut The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP is out now. She will be hitting the road with Breland for some dates on his Cross Country Tour.
Craig Campbell, CJ Solar, More To Play Inaugural Disaster Relief Concert For Middle TN
/by Lydia FarthingThe 1st Annual Disaster Relief Concert benefiting tornado and flood victims across Middle Tennessee is set to take place on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hop Springs Murfreesboro. Country recording artist Craig Campbell will headline the event, while CJ Solar, Presley & Taylor, Mark McKay, and Liam Coleman are also scheduled to perform. Comedian Reno Collier will be the guest host and MC throughout the day.
The concert will benefit Inspiritus Disaster Relief efforts in Middle Tennessee. Inspiritus provides long term recovery assistance for families and individuals who have unmet needs following a natural disaster, including assessing people’s comprehensive needs after a storm and ensuring those needs are met. They also provide free debris removal, home repair, and home rebuild construction management when home owners are unable to financially recover on their own.
“Many households in Middle Tennessee have had a hard year, working to recover from the tornado or the floods, while navigating COVID-19 health and economic disasters, too. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are committed to providing home repair assistance to ensure these families are able to go from surviving to thriving again,” says Virginia Spencer from Inspiritus. “We appreciate Hop Springs for hosting this event and these great artists for providing wonderful entertainment for a great cause. This event will provide hope to many families who are still recovering from the tornado and the floods.”
Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic meal to enjoy the concert. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted, but food trucks, additional beverages, and beer will be available for purchase.
Donations for disaster relief will be accepted at the event to provide support to homeowners who have been unable to recover from the 2020 tornado and the 2021 floods. Tickets begin at $10 and are available for purchase here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tenille Townes, Tyler Braden, Hannah Dasher
/by Robert K OermannIt sounds like country music is roaring back this week.
There were few pretensions to pop-crossover music in this listening session. Instead, we have beefy, bodacious, hardcore slabs of sound by Toby Keith, Tony Jackson, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Janson and Connie Smith.
Kicking it country-rock style are Tyler Braden and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.
The DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Sony newcomer Hannah Dasher, who has buckets of personality.
TYLER BRADEN / “Ways to Miss You”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Randy Montana/Mark Holman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I have been on board with this Nashville firefighter from the beginning. Every release has been a gem, and this heartache rocker continues his admirable track record. It’s a lot more electrified and driving than his previous tracks, but his superb singing and melodic sense both still shine brightly. Will somebody please bring this guy the stardom he deserves?
CHRIS JANSON / “Hawaii on Me”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Janson/Will Nance; Producer: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Noted for his high intensity live performances, Janson strips it down to an acoustic presentation on this superbly written message song about life, death and love. With just an acoustic guitar, he grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. “When I die, go to Hawaii on me,” spread his ashes and have a good time. Amen, bro.
CONNIE SMITH / “Look Out Heart”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Harry Stinson; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: Fat Possum
— Connie’s return to the Opry stage last weekend was a triumph. Her one-of-a-kind, heart-in-throat vocal powers are undimmed. This track heralds her new Cry of the Heart collection. If there’s one thing I know about this woman, it’s that she loves to sing with a steel guitar answering her vocal lines. This brisk toe tapper fills the bill, and then some. An instant classic from an enduring classic.
GARTH BROOKS / “That’s What Cowboys Do”
Writers: John Martin/Mitch Rossell/Garth Brooks; Producer: Garth Brooks; Label: Pearl Records
— He falls in love, but leaves because it’s in his male nature to move along. The lilting, Texas-style arrangement is very much in ‘90s Strait territory. Deja vu.
NATALIE HEMBY / “Heroes”
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Jeff Trot/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Label: Fantasy Records
— Over a sultry, r&b flavored track, the electronically processed Hemby seethes with attitude about turning down a hero’s role in life. Ear catching. This woman is a potent Music City songsmith who has co-penned such monsters as “Bluebird” (Miranda), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (Justin Moore), “Automatic” (Miranda), “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi), ”I’ll Never Love Again” (Lady Gaga), “Crowded Table” (The Highwomen), “Tornado” (LBT), “White Liar” (Miranda) and much more.
TOBY KEITH / “Old School”
Writers: Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd/Brett Tyler; Producer: Kenny Greenberg/Toby Keith; Label: Show Dog Nashville
— A total ear worm. This ridiculously catchy ditty extols the virtues of ordinary, small-town life while a choppy rhythm track bops along. As usual, Toby’s delivery rings with confidence and strength. Absolutely radio ready: “Just the way we like,” indeed.
TENILLE TOWNES / “Girl Who Didn’t Care”
Writers: Tenille Townes/David Pramik/Steph Jones; Producer: David Pramik; Label: Columbia Nashville
— This driving, percussive, rocking outing beats right alongside your heart as Townes unspools her wish to recapture the innocence and verve of youth. She’s in search of that unspoiled girl who didn’t care what others think. She wants to spin and twirl as a dreamer, and by the time she finishes, you will too. I fell head over heels for this.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Boat Names”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Label: Nashville South Records/Warner Music Nashville
— The “F” in FGL has returned to Florida to make mellow beach music like this drowsy dream of a rich-folks romance. Easy on the ears.
HANNAH DASHER / “Girls Call the Shots”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/David Frasier/Lance Miller; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Very wise, very country, very accomplished. Everything works here—her perfectly nuanced vocal, the clear production, the fantastic lyric. I have a feeling we are listening to a future star. There’s magic in this performance, and elsewhere on her EP she also writes like a champ.
LAINE HARDY / “Memorize You”
Writers: Michail Tyler/Eric Arjes/Steven Dale Jones; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Buena Vista Records/Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings
— The American Idol winner releases a paint-by-numbers country-romance ditty. Perfectly professional, adequate and ….. boring.
BRANTLEY GILBERT, TOBY KEITH & HARDY / “Worst Country Song of All Time”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producer: Will Weatherly/Brantley Gilbert; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— I had high hopes for this, since three of my favorites are involved. They didn’t disappoint: It’s hilarious. Best line: “Stick a fork in the Constitution/I support Kim Jong-Un and Putin.” Runner up: “I don’t eat deer and I can’t stand fishin’/I don’t know the words to ‘Family Tradition’…. ‘Folsom Prison’ or ‘Walk the Line.’
Callista Clark Signs With WME [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughCallista Clark. Photo: Chelsea Thompson
Callista Clark has signed with WME for representation in all areas.
Clark recently released her debut collection, Real To Me, on Big Machine Records, and her debut single “It’s ‘Cause I Am” continues to climb at country radio. Clark collaborated with writers including Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Nicolle Galyon and Emily Shackleton on the new project, and was chosen as an iHeartCountry On The Verge Artist. The rising young artist’s videos have already racked up over 130 million views across all social media platforms.
She is represented by SB Projects, Big Machine Label Group, and Greenberg Traurig.
Triple 8 Management, Crush Music Partner To Sign Morgan Evans
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Amy Brauchle (Triple 8 Management), Mark Noel (Triple 8 Management), Bob McLynn (Crush Music), Morgan Evans, Griff Morris (Crush South), George Couri (Triple 8 Management)
Triple 8 Management, in partnership with Crush Music, has signed Warner Music Nashville recording artist Morgan Evans. The signing marks the first co-management endeavor for Crush, whose existing roster of clients includes Sia, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Lorde, Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, and more.
“It’s hard to not marvel at what Crush has built – numerous global arena and stadium artists,” notes Triple 8 owner George Couri. “I always felt our individual experiences and strengths could be used to strong effect if combined. I am honored to be their first ever co-management partnership and look forward to growing Morgan’s promising career together.”
“George and I have been friends for a while, and have always talked about doing something together,” adds Crush Music co-founder Bob McLynn. “I’m excited to do this with him and Griff at Crush South.”
The Australia native burst onto the Nashville scene with his Gold-certified, Top 5 hit “Kiss Somebody” and has since won several awards from international organizations including ARIA, APRA, CMAA, and CMC, as well as the CMA’s Global Country Artist Award. Evans is set to join Brett Eldredge on the Good Day 2021 Tour this fall.
Vince Gill Donates Prized Roy Acuff Fiddle To Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Lorie HollabaughRoy Acuff’s Fiddle
Roy Acuff’s cherished fiddle has been permanently added to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection. The beloved instrument is on view to the public beginning today (July 1) and debuts in a spotlight exhibit in the museum’s upper-level galleries.
The fiddle was originally found and given to Acuff by American soldiers stationed in Germany at the end of World War II, and was acquired and donated to the museum by Vince Gill, a Country Music Hall of Fame member and the President of the Museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees.
The instrument’s story exemplifies the popularity of country music – and Acuff in particular – during World War II. Then a major Opry star and best-selling artist, Acuff enjoyed broad appeal at the time. The instrument was built in Germany around 1890 and is a copy of the highly prized violins constructed by Austrian luthier Jacobus Stainer in the 1600s. Discovered in a bombed-out music store in Frankfurt, Germany by soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 348th Engineer Combat Battalion in the waning days of World War II, the fiddle was sent to Acuff, their favorite country performer, as a show of appreciation. Liking the tone, Acuff made it his primary fiddle for many years. The fiddle was acquired this year by Gill, who became friends with Acuff when Gill began appearing on the Opry in the late 1980s.
Vince Gill & Roy Acuff’s Fiddle
“It felt important to me that the great Roy Acuff’s fiddle join the ranks of other revered instruments in the museum’s permanent collection—including Maybelle Carter’s 1928 Gibson L-5 guitar and Bill Monroe’s 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin,” says Gill. “The fiddle was given to Acuff by soldiers during a time of war because of how much he meant to them. He meant a lot to me, too.”
“Roy Acuff’s prized fiddle is an important instrument with a remarkable story,” shares Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young. “Because of Vince Gill’s generosity, the museum is now the permanent steward of an instrument that illustrates Roy Acuff’s cultural significance and the growth of country music during a period of great expansion for the genre. This instrument will be used to educate generations of fans and scholars about the music and career of Acuff, who served as an ambassador for country music as the face of the Grand Ole Opry and a regular USO performer, among many other accomplishments.”
In addition to the exhibition, the museum produced a brief video sharing the story of the fiddle and how it found its way into the museum’s permanent collection. The video includes interviews with Gill and museum staff, along with related archival materials. The video is available on the museum’s website here for all to enjoy.
Industry Ink: Jane Staszak, Grayscale Marketing, Karla Bonoff, The Dirty Guv’nahs
/by Lydia FarthingBig Machine Records Adds Jane Staszak As Director, Midwest Promotion & Marketing
Jane Staszak
Big Machine Records has added Jane Staszak as Director, Midwest Promotion and Marketing of its radio promotion team, effective immediately.
Staszak most recently served as Director of Promotion Northeast at Black River Entertainment. She brings radio promotion expertise from her time with Nine North Records and various radio stations including WDSY, WONE and WQMX. Based in Pittsburgh, she will promote the imprint’s roster which includes Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Midland, The Cadillac Three, Callista Clark, and more.
“On behalf of Erik Powell and myself, we are absolutely thrilled that Jane is joining the mighty Big Machine Records promotion squad,” comments Senior Vice President, Promotion and Digital, Kris Lamb. “We’ve admired Jane’s promo brilliance for years and are delighted to have her knowledge and experience expand our artists’ initiatives through the midwest and beyond.”
“Big Machine is an innovative, forward thinking powerhouse,” says Staszak. “The promotion team is top notch and I know that it’s an environment that I will thrive in and excel.”
Staszak can be reached via Jane.Staszak@bmlg.net.
Grayscale Marketing Announces Four New Hires
Grayscale Marketing, the marketing and communication services firm based in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced a new round of hirings.
Jason Zinser has joined as the Communications & Marketing Director. He comes to Grayscale having worked with a variety of diverse brands and organizations across the sports, entertainment, and professional service industries including Zaxbys, NASCAR, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds, Nashville SC, The Music City Bowl, and more.
Kate Edge has joined Grayscale as the Senior Media Buyer where she will oversee the negotiation and purchasing of traditional media across the continent and oversee the development of the agency’s international footprint. Prior to joining the team, Edge served for 8+ years at Outback Presents, finding success working with a variety of national touring acts such as Jim Gaffigan, the Impractical Jokers, and Rodney Carrington.
Lallie Maddox has become the Associate Media Buyer where she will support Edge and be responsible for the research, development, execution, analysis, and reporting of the agency’s media placement across the globe. Prior to joining Grayscale, Maddox moved to Nashville to work at CAA in the Music Brand Partnerships division under CAA’s Executive, Music Brand Partnerships Marieke Bianchi.
Kat Ruefenacht has joined Grayscale Marketing as the Video & Graphic Designer. She has worked with local businesses such as IV and GoWest Creative in addition to Country Music Television (CMT) where she contributed creatively on the CMT Music Awards and Artist of the Year Awards show.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome the new team members to our agency family. Each of them have already made substantial contributions to the company as a whole,” says Tim Gray, CEO of Grayscale Marketing. “All I can ask for is to have a team that is focused on changing agency expectations and leaving a lasting impact for our clients and our team and I feel strongly that this group will help us to scale internationally.”
The new hires can be reached at Jason@grayscalemarketing.com, Kate@grayscalemarketing.com, Lallie@grayscalemarketing.com, and Kat@grayscalemarketing.com.
Karla Bonoff Signs Recording Deal With Melody Place
Karla Bonoff
RIAA Gold-certified recording artist and hit songwriter, Karla Bonoff has signed a recording agreement with Nashville’s Melody Place LLC.
“It has been one of my great dreams to work with Karla, and with the solid concept that we are bringing to the album, it shows that dreams do come true,” says Melody Place President and noted producer Fred Mollin.
Since the early ’70s Bonoff has written songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, Lynn Anderson, and many others. In 1977, Bonoff released her debut, self-titled solo album, recording many of her own compositions, previously released and made famous by some of the above artists. Her greatest commercial, chart success came in 1982 with her 3rd album, Wild Heart of the Young. The album spawned a Top 40 single, “Personally,” peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
In 1984, Bonoff recorded “Somebody’s Eyes,” which was featured on the film soundtrack to the hit ‘80s film, Footloose. 10 years later, she contributed “Standing Right Next To Me,” a duet with Vince Gill for the soundtrack to the film, 8 Seconds. In the subsequent decades, Bonoff has recorded a total of 6 studio solo albums, 1 live album, 3 compilation projects and toured internationally to great acclaim.
Bonoff is going into the studio with Mollin in August to begin recording a new album with an anticipated release date in the beginning of 2022.
The Dirty Guv’nahs Signs With ONErpm
Pictured (L-R): Aaron Hoskins, Kevin Hyfantis, Justin Hoskins, James Trimble, Michael Jenkins, Cozmo Holloway
East Tennessee’s long-running popular rock ensemble, The Dirty Guv’nahs, has signed with ONErpm, one of the fastest-growing music companies globally. The band has also recently released its first single, “Better in the Summer” from its upcoming fourth studio album Revival.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have The Dirty Guv’nahs join ONErpm,” says Jeff Tobias, ONErpm’s head of Country Music. “Like any band, the guys have weathered a lot and we’re honored to be a part of this new chapter in an already incredible career!”