SoundExchange Ups Linda Bloss-Baum To VP, Government Relations & Public Affairs

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Linda Bloss-Baum

SoundExchange, the leading provider of technology solutions for sound recordings and music publishing, has named Linda Bloss-Baum as Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs.

In this new role, Bloss-Baum will head up a revamped public affairs department with a focus on industry-shaping advocacy efforts in favor of the fair treatment of music creators in the digital age. She will represent SoundExchange with critical external audiences, including lawmakers, regulators and industry stakeholders. Bloss-Baum will report to Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of SoundExchange, Esther-Mireya Tejeda.

Prior to SoundExchange, Bloss-Baum served as a strategic consultant to music and entertainment companies and organizations. She is an industry veteran who ran the Warner Music Group office in Washington, D.C. and served as Vice President, Public Policy/Government Relations at Universal Music Group/NBC Universal and Time Warner, Inc.

“We are at a critical juncture of transformation that will challenge the ways in which the music industry is organized and the policies we need to ensure its long-term health,” says Tejeda. “Linda’s expertise and background spanning the creator community, Capitol Hill and other policymakers is a perfect fit as SoundExchange seeks to address the industry’s challenges.”

Prior to her appointment, Bloss-Baum spent eight years serving as a liaison between SoundExchange and artists and industry leaders, most recently in the role of Senior Director, Artist and Industry Relations. Through that experience, she will be able to effectively bring together the creator and policy worlds in search of answers to pressing music business and policy issues.

“The next five years will reshape the music industry, from where and how music is created and distributed, to the systems that make the business side easier, to how we create a just and equitable ecosystem that reflects the value of artists, labels, and other creators,” says Bloss-Baum. “With a member community of over 245,000, SoundExchange is the only organization that respects the totality of the industry, giving us an important responsibility at the intersection of the technology and music ecosystems.”

Jesse Flohr Named Director Of Marketing At Visionary Media Group [Exclusive]

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Jesse Flohr. Photo: Jeremy Harris

Visionary Media Group has announced that Jesse Flohr has joined the media and technology company as Director of Marketing.

In his new role, Flohr will oversee the company’s release schedule and corresponding campaigns. Coming from Interscope Records, he brings two decades of music industry and major record label experience and holds multiple industry certifications in music marketing and music business from the Berklee College of Music, as well as digital marketing from Columbia Business School.

Based in Nashville, Visionary Media Group aims to illuminate innovative American stories through the power of connected music, media, and technology. The company has upcoming projects featuring music industry icon Cowboy Jack Clement, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Leigh Nash, Americana mother-daughter duo O.N.E, country singer- songwriter Clayton Anderson, and The Voice breakout Cody Belew.

“I’m honored to join the incredibly talented team here at Visionary. They’ve signed an immensely talented roster of artists, and I’m excited to help bring their projects to life,” says Flohr. “I’m also looking forward to beginning this new chapter of my career here in Nashville.”

“Jesse is a wonderful addition to our expanding team at Visionary Media Group,” says Visionary Founding Partner Ron Zamber. “He brings domain expertise, exceptional business intelligence, and a terrific work ethic — which fits in perfectly with our ecosystem. Our team and our artists are very fortunate to have Jesse at Visionary.”

Flohr is based in the company’s offices on Music Row, and can be reached at (615) 762-0030 or jesseflohr@visionarymediagroup.com.

Jake Owen Earns Ninth Career No. 1 With ‘Made For You’

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Jake Owen. Photo: Robby Klein

Jake Owen’s single “Made For You” has landed at the top of both the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts this week, marking his ninth trip to the top of the charts. The song hit the pinnacle of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart earlier this year.

The heartfelt ballad with its message of life and love was penned by Benjy Davis, Joey Hyde and Neil Medley, all of whom just earned their first songwriting No. 1.

The track was first introduced to a nationwide audience with Owen’s performance on ABC’s The Bachelorette and has gone on to rack up an impressive 135 million global streams to date. “Made For You” is the fourth single from Owen’s 2019 album Greetings From…Jake that features chart-toppers “Homemade” and “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” plus the Top 5 hit “Down to the Honkytonk.” The album takes Owen back to his traditional country influences while nodding to his Floridian roots and has amassed 950 million global streams.

The MLC, Recording Academy Partner For New Webinar Series

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is partnering with the Recording Academy on a series of upcoming webinars with the Academy’s 12 Chapters and its new Songwriters & Composers Wing. These webinars will aim at educating the creative membership of each chapter on The MLC’s work.

Each of the 12 webinars will be locally tailored and hosted by representatives of The MLC, who will brief participants on the history behind mechanical licensing, why The MLC was created, how the organization fulfills its mission, the benefits of MLC Membership and more, with ample time for questions and answers.

“We are thrilled to work with the Academy on this webinar series, which builds on our ongoing efforts to reach as many potential MLC Members as possible, provide them with the information they need to join our organization and help position themselves to receive the digital audio mechanical royalties they have earned and deserve,” notes Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC.

“Academy members were so active in the passage of the Music Modernization Act, they should now benefit from The MLC that the Act created. We’re pleased to partner with The MLC to reach our membership of creators far and wide and ultimately get royalties into their hands,” says Chief Advocacy Officer of the Recording Academy Daryl P. Friedman.

Academy Chapter members will receive an invitation with a registration link in advance of the date of their respective webinar. The Nashville Chapter meeting will take place on May 17 at 2 p.m. CST.

For other chapter meetings time, visit themlc.com.

Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton To Perform On PBS’ Memorial Day Concert

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Vince Gill, Mickey Guyton, Alan Jackson

The lineup for PBS’ 32nd Annual National Memorial Day Concert: A Night Of Remembrance on May 30 has been announced, and will include Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Gladys Knight, Sara Bareilles, The Four Tops, and more. Mickey Guyton will also be opening the show with a special performance of the national anthem.

Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will not be held, and the special pre-taped 90-minute presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert will air on Sunday, May 30 honoring our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and all those who have given their lives for our country.

Also appearing on the annual special will be distinguished American statesman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret); Emmy and Grammy-winning international mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves; Broadway, film and television star Brian d’Arcy James; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; and more.

Hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, the special will include all-star performances and tributes from Washington, D.C. and around the country honoring all of our American heroes. The show will also feature a tribute to our heroic American nurses from the Vietnam War, a 20th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11, and more.

The National Memorial Day Concert: A Night Of Remembrance airs on PBS May 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. CST, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on Facebook, YouTube and pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert, and will be available as Video On Demand, May 30-June 13, 2021.

UMPG Nashville Appoints Roxy King As Director, A&R [Exclusive]

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Roxy King. Photo: Lily Nelson

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has appointed Roxy King to Director of A&R, effective immediately. She reports to Chairman and CEO of the division, Troy Tomlinson.

King boasts a strong track record in publishing A&R. Prior to joining UMPG Nashville, she served as A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing and worked with songwriters including Tofer Brown, Donovan Woods, Ian Fitchuk and Hillary Lindsey, among others. Previously, King worked on Songtrust’s global music rights management team in New York City. King is a graduate of NYU’s Music Business program.

Tomlinson says, “I am so excited to have Roxy join our team. She brings a fresh perspective, attitude and energy that will complement our A&R staff. Her love for songwriters and her passion to help them reach their goals make her the perfect fit for us.”

“Nashville songwriters have been an influence on my life for as long as I can remember. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Troy Tomlinson, the creative team, and the entire roster of incredible songwriters at UMPG,” says King.

Artist Action: Chris Janson, Maddie & Tae, Big Kenny

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Chris Janson Earns RIAA Gold Certification For ‘Done’

Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline, Tom Lord, Chris Janson, Cris Lacy, Kelly Janson

Warner Music Nashville recording artist Chris Janson has received RIAA Gold certification for his multi-week No. 1 single “Done”.

WMN’s EVP of A&R Cris Lacy and EVP/GM Ben Kline recently joined Kelly Janson (CJ Management) and Tom Lord (Red Light Management) to present Janson with a plaque to commemorate this accomplishment.

“I knew that ‘Done’ was a special song the day it was written and recorded,” says Janson. “It’s a true story, and I’m just so thankful that the song and the video connect with people. Being presented with this awesome Gold plaque by Cris Lacy, who signed me, and Ben Kline really means so much. I have such sincere gratitude to all of the Warner Music Nashville team and all the fans who made this possible.”

With this latest milestone, all of Janson’s Top 5 singles – four of which have hit No. 1 – have been certified Gold or Platinum.

 

Maddie & Tae Launch New Apple Music Radio Show

Since their explosive Platinum hit, “Girl In A Country Song”, Maddie & Tae have documented the highs and lows of their journey as artists—culminating in their deeply personal sophomore release, The Way It Feels.

On their new Apple Music radio show Mood Ring Radio, the duo have open, honest conversations on the life events they are experiencing together, and individually, as they soundtrack the emotions that come with them.

On the premiere episode airing Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. CST, Maddie & Tae share the heartfelt story behind their new single “Woman You Got,” answer off-the-wall questions from fans, and pump up their listeners with their Mood Boost song pick and a mix of their current favorite songs.

 

Circle Network Announces New Series With Big Kenny

Photo: Courtesy Circle Network

Circle Network has announced that Big & Rich’s Big Kenny is going to star in a new series called Big Kenny’s Crank It Up Garage.

The 10-episode primetime series will deliver 30 minutes of the most outrageous, incredible and mind-blowing custom creations in America. Alongside wingman and producer Charlie Pennachio, Big Kenny will scope out and travel to meet the builders of various one-of-a-kind special projects, including custom cars, motorcycles, boats, planes and other interesting modes of transportation.

“This is a show for the whole family! The guys are going to love seeing these incredible builds and how they were accomplished, the wives are going to love seeing these builders tear up and share true emotion talking about how their families supported them throughout the process and the kids are just going to go crazy when they see us run them,” says Big Kenny. “There’s a message of inspiration woven into every episode and we are excited to share it with the world.”

The new weekly series will premiere on Circle Network on Thursday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. CST.

Russell Dickerson Joins The CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador Program

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Russell Dickerson. Photo: Spencer Combs

Russell Dickerson has been named as the latest CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador and will help stand up for equitable music education initiatives across the U.S.

In his new ambassador role, Dickerson will take the stage from the Grand Ole Opry on May 8 along with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser, Chris Lane and Steve Wariner in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, which began May 3. The show will benefit the CMA Foundation, which supports music education across the U.S. and will be livestreamed on Circle TV’s Opry Live and various other platforms. Viewers will be invited to donate to the CMA Foundation by texting TEACHERS to 707070.

The CMA Foundation is programming various other activities featuring Dickerson in the upcoming months as well, including visiting with band students at his former high school, Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Growing up with both parents active in the arts—his mom is a music teacher and his dad is a choir director—Dickerson has experienced first-hand the meaningful effects music education has on a young person’s life.

“As a child, Russell was surrounded by family who strongly believed in music education,” says CMA Foundation Executive Director, Tiffany Kerns. “He can speak to how music instills confidence, teamwork and why it positively influences many other areas of life. We thank Russell for joining us to raise our voices in support of equity in music education and helping further drive our mission forward with making sure all students across the U.S. have access to participate in quality music programs.”

“I’ve never not been a student of music, and started out in children’s choir at church” says Dickerson. “My mom was my 4th grade music teacher, and I was in band from 6th grade to senior year. I look back on my school years and get choked up sometimes thinking about some of my incredible teachers. They’re making a huge impact on the lives of their students whether they see it or not. Music education is the foundation and backbone of everything I am today.”

Dickerson joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador collective alongside Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae and Ashley McBryde, who are all advocating for music education in ways that are personal to them.

MercyMe Announces Fall 2021 Tour

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Dove Award-winning band MercyMe has announced their fall Inhale (Exhale) tour will kick off in Lubbock, Texas in September.

Running thorough 30 cities across the U.S., the band will hit the road with fellow Fair Trade Services artist Micah Tyler.

The tour is named after their tenth studio album Inhale (Exhale), which was released on April 30. The current single from the project, “Say I Won’t” has risen quickly across national radio charts, currently No. 4 on Billboard National Christian Audience, Mediabase Christian Audience and Billboard AC Indicator, as well as No. 5 on Billboard AC Monitored and Mediabase Christian AC.

MercyMe Inhale (Exhale) Tour Dates:
Sept. 30, 2021 – Lubbock, TX
Oct. 1, 2021 – Tulsa, OK
Oct. 2, 2021 – Cedar Park, TX
Oct. 3, 2021 – Fort Worth, TX
Oct. 8, 2021 – Louisville, KY
Oct. 9, 2021 – Evansville, IN
Oct. 10, 2021 – Duluth, GA
Oct. 14, 2021 – Charlotte, NC
Oct. 15, 2021 – Columbia, SC
Oct. 16, 2021 – Greensboro, NC
Oct. 17, 2021 – Augusta, GA
Oct. 21, 2021 – Tampa, FL
Oct. 22, 2021 – Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 23, 2021 – Biloxi, MS
Oct. 24, 2021 – Pensacola, FL
Oct. 28, 2021 – Oklahoma City, OK
Oct. 29, 2021 – Wichita, KS
Oct. 30, 2021 – Kansas City, MO
Nov. 4, 2021 – Toledo, OH
Nov. 5, 2021 – Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 6, 2021 – Champaign, IL
Nov. 7, 2021 – Columbus, OH
Nov. 11, 2021 – Moline, IL
Nov. 12, 2021 – Ft. Wayne, IN
Nov. 13, 2021 – Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 14, 2021 – Nashville, TN
Nov. 18, 2021 – Greenville, SC
Nov. 19, 2021 – Norfolk, VA
Nov. 20, 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA
Nov. 21, 2021 – Indianapolis, IN

*all dates subject to change

Alexander Ludwig Inks Global Recording Deal With BBR Music Group/BMG

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Alexander Ludwig. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Actor and artist Alexander Ludwig has signed a global recording deal with BBR Music Group/BMG, and his self-titled debut EP is due out May 21.

A lifelong country fan, Ludwig has already found success in Hollywood with leading roles in Vikings, Lone Survivor, The Hunger Games, and Bad Boys For Life. Raised outside of Vancouver, Ludwig wrote his first song at 12 and has been writing ever since. After years of fitting in as many trips as he could to Nashville to hone his songwriting chops, Ludwig crossed paths with Jason Aldean band members and songwriters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy who produced the debut project.

On the 5-track EP, inspired by the classic and contemporary country sounds he grew up listening to, Ludwig puts his love for storytelling on display. Among the songwriters contributing to the EP are David Lee Murphy, Brad Tursi, Jonathan Singleton, and Justin Wilson. The new EP follows Ludwig’s 2020 song, “Let Me Be Your Whiskey,” which he co-wrote with Mike Dulaney ( Faith Hill).

“Alexander is one of those rare individuals who excels at everything he does. A big reason is his work ethic. He never assumes anything will be handed to him and his music career is no exception. He’s been a long-time student of the genre and put in the time over the last several years coming to Nashville, spending time writing, learning from industry vets and honing his craft,” says Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville. “When he first came to my attention, I was hesitant because often times when an actor or athlete wants to cross into music, it’s just a diversion or vanity project. BBR VP of Promotion Lee Adams assured me that wasn’t the case and pushed for a meeting. I’m so glad she did! Alexander is not only a special artist, but a special human being and I can’t wait for all our partners to meet him and hear his music. I like to say I signed him IN SPITE of his acting career!”

“I’ve been drawn to country music since I was handed my first guitar at nine years old. Life is about the journey and I am so grateful to take these next steps in music with Loba, BBR Music Group/BMG and the community in Nashville and want to thank them for taking a chance and believing in me,” said Ludwig. “I can’t wait to share this music that represents a taste of what I love about country music.”

Alexander Ludwig Track List:
1. “Love Today”— Greylan James, David Lee Murphy, Matt Roy
2. “Sunset Town” — Marv Green, David Lee Murphy, Justin Wilson
3. “How It Rolls” — Eric Arjes, Brad Tursi
4. “Malibu Blue” — Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, Andrew Rollins
5. “Summer Crazy”— Alexander Ludwig, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Justin Wilson