The Core’s Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Simon Tikhman
When veteran music manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and successful business investor Simon Tikhman met after their mutual attorney set them up, they knew they had to work together.
Chief was a founding partner of the Nashville-based Big Loud, and was instrumental in the careers of Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, Hardy, and many more. The Vancouver, British Columbia-native began his career as the tour manager for Nickelback before helping start Big Loud in 2011.
Simon started his career in business while still in college, founding Interactive Athlete, a company that helped professional athletes and coaches create content and merchandise directly for their fans. He then became a strategic investor in companies Monclarity and TikGames, before starting his own Simont Enterprises, an innovative spirits company. Simon was managing partner at the Fund by First Access Entertainment, and has also invested independently in a growing portfolio of companies.
The two came together to found artist management company The Core in 2019, in partnership with Live Nation, and have built its roster to include country and pop artists including Grammy-winning pop artist Emily Weisband, genre-bending country duo After Midtown, alt pop band Valley, soulful country singer Nate Smith, and hybrid rock and country artist Dillon James. In addition to traditional music management, The Core also form strategic joint ventures with athletes, technology startups, and develop television and film projects that align with the company’s vision.
“When I met Chief it was truly love at first sight,” Simon jokes. “We knew right away that we were going to do something together.”
Chief and Simon are interested in building artist careers that touch multiple parts of the entertainment business.
Chief says, “We wanted to have a company where we can touch not just one part of the music business with management, but in investments, sports, entertainment, branding, sponsorships, TV and film—and Live Nation allows us to do that with their platform. But I think the difference for us, especially in Nashville more than other places, is we really want our artists to not only become successful artists, but we’re asking them, ‘While you’re building your career, what else do you want to do?'”
“We’re telling our artists, let’s get your career going but once it takes off, do you want to have your own management company one day? Do you want to do a JV publishing deal? Do you want to do a JV record deal? Do you want to do your own clothing company? A lot of what we did with FGL is asking ourselves what are the other businesses we can create? So during a pandemic when you can’t tour, they were fine. They have a record label, a publishing company, a clothing company—they made as much money last year as any other year without touring.”
Pop singer-songwriter Emily Weisband was the first artist that The Core picked up. Weisband has had hits with artists including Camila Cabello, Danny Gokey, Dan + Shay, BTS with Halsey, Jeremy Camp and Keith Urban, and recently released her own pop EP Call It Being Human on Warner Records.
Emily Weisband
“She’s just incredible,” Chief says. “She has massive hits worldwide with all sorts of different artists, she has her Grammy, but when she wanted to do the artist thing, it felt like nobody really believed her or bought into it because she was so successful as a songwriter. So it’s our job to change the narrative for her and really try to get people to understand that she’s really an artist.”
The Core’s After Midtown, who is managed in partnership with 10th Street Entertainment, have created a genre-bending sound that is quickly creating a buzz with their recently released EP Don’t Give Away The Ending. The duo comprised of Adam Ernst and Michael Rotundo have signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and CAA.
After Midtown
Simon says, “They were brought to us and they didn’t have that many songs. They had ‘Boys Like Us’ and maybe a few others. But when we heard it and we were like, ‘This is country, but you can hear rock influences. You can hear all these different influences that are so unique to like a quote unquote country duo.’ With Michael, his influences are very little country yet he has this voice that’s so recognizable and country. So for us, we never wanted to take that away from them. I think in a lot of ways in country, everybody puts artists in a box, like, ‘This is how you’re supposed to look and how you’re supposed to sound.’ They don’t look that way or sound that way, and we want to harness that. We want them to stay like that.”
“We went through the same thing with FGL, they couldn’t get arrested in town. We ended up getting signed in New York because no one here got it. But that’s how you build career artists. They’re the ones that are leading the next wave,” Chief says. “I look at After Midtown and say, ‘You guys aren’t going to get signed right away because you’re the next wave and people don’t like that. That’s a risk and they don’t want to take that chance when they can just sign somebody who fits in the box and they can promote and have some success with short term. So, for [After Midtown], it’s touring, touring, touring. While we keep releasing music and content, we build the fan base, build a body of work and just keep making fans out of promoters and radio stations, and other acts in town.”
The Core’s Nate Smith broke through in 2019 when he released the song “Wildfire,” which has now garnered more than 15 million streams. The single went viral on TikTok and Smith has since signed a publishing deal with Sony in addition to his management deal.
“That voice, it’s unbelievable,” Simon says. “Everyone’s still a little bit hesitant when it comes to TikTok because sometimes it has this flash in the pan type of connotation. But he dropped ‘Wildfire’ and the streaming numbers were just out of this world on Spotify. We flew to Nashville and met with Nate, and then we actually heard him live. He got on stage and you could just hear the crowd just get quiet. The guy just sucked up the whole room.”
Traveling between Nashville and Los Angeles, Chief and Simon are building The Core team members. They just announced the appointment of Tracy Martin to President of The Core Canada. She will open the Toronto office.
Martin arrives at The Core from her position as President of the Canadian Country Music Association, a post she held since July of 2017. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Simon and Chief,” Tracy says. “Watching what they have built at The Core in one short year is beyond exciting. Their specialized approach is driven by values that have defined my career—teamwork, innovation and respect—and I cannot wait to get started in building sustainable careers for the talent we represent.”
Tracy Martin
“I have personally known Tracy for well over a decade and she has always been a powerhouse in the music business,” Chief says. “Simon and I could not be more excited to have her join us at The Core, bringing a reputation and skillset that sets her apart. She will immediately help us grow, not only in Canada, but globally.”
”Tracy has been a leader in the music industry in Canada for many years and her addition to The Core is a real coup for the company,” says Simon. “She is going to be an integral part in making our artists known around the world.”
Now in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Toronto, The Core Entertainment is building well-rounded artists from country to pop, and spreading their strategy across North America.
Natalie Madigan Added To ASCAP Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, Top-Bottom): LP Creative’s LeAnn Phelan, EMG’s Michael Martin, Natalie Madigan, ASCAP’s John Titta, ASCAP’s Kele Currier and Beth Brinker, EMG’s Mark Ahlberg, ASCAP’S Mike Sistad, EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg and Josh Saxe. Photo by Ed Rode.
Endurance Music Group/LP Creative indie pop singer, songwriter and producer Natalie Madigan has signed with ASCAP for PRO representation.
As a Nashville native, Madigan has a close connection to Music City and has always been making music in some capacity. Her acceptance into Grammy Camp Nashville during her senior year helped her decide to pursue a career in the music industry, later going on to study Audio Production at MTSU, where she refined her songwriting, singing, and production skills.
“I was instantly drawn to Natalie’s voice, and to her obvious talent as a writer, artist, and producer. She is a powerhouse and truly has the hustle that can’t be taught. We’re really excited to be part of her journey,” says ASCAP Associate Creative Director Beth Brinker.
“I’m so happy to be a part of the ASCAP family,” says Madigan. “They have such great energy, and I can’t wait for all the exciting opportunities we’re going to dream up together this year.”
The announcement comes as Madigan releases her latest EP, Put the Light Back, available on all digital platforms today (April 30). Madigan will also be performing as part of the just-announced Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2021 to be held September 25-26.
Chief Zaruk And Simon Tikhman Talk Launching Well-Rounded Artists At The Core [Interview]
/by LB CantrellThe Core’s Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Simon Tikhman
When veteran music manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and successful business investor Simon Tikhman met after their mutual attorney set them up, they knew they had to work together.
Chief was a founding partner of the Nashville-based Big Loud, and was instrumental in the careers of Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, Hardy, and many more. The Vancouver, British Columbia-native began his career as the tour manager for Nickelback before helping start Big Loud in 2011.
Simon started his career in business while still in college, founding Interactive Athlete, a company that helped professional athletes and coaches create content and merchandise directly for their fans. He then became a strategic investor in companies Monclarity and TikGames, before starting his own Simont Enterprises, an innovative spirits company. Simon was managing partner at the Fund by First Access Entertainment, and has also invested independently in a growing portfolio of companies.
The two came together to found artist management company The Core in 2019, in partnership with Live Nation, and have built its roster to include country and pop artists including Grammy-winning pop artist Emily Weisband, genre-bending country duo After Midtown, alt pop band Valley, soulful country singer Nate Smith, and hybrid rock and country artist Dillon James. In addition to traditional music management, The Core also form strategic joint ventures with athletes, technology startups, and develop television and film projects that align with the company’s vision.
“When I met Chief it was truly love at first sight,” Simon jokes. “We knew right away that we were going to do something together.”
Chief and Simon are interested in building artist careers that touch multiple parts of the entertainment business.
Chief says, “We wanted to have a company where we can touch not just one part of the music business with management, but in investments, sports, entertainment, branding, sponsorships, TV and film—and Live Nation allows us to do that with their platform. But I think the difference for us, especially in Nashville more than other places, is we really want our artists to not only become successful artists, but we’re asking them, ‘While you’re building your career, what else do you want to do?'”
“We’re telling our artists, let’s get your career going but once it takes off, do you want to have your own management company one day? Do you want to do a JV publishing deal? Do you want to do a JV record deal? Do you want to do your own clothing company? A lot of what we did with FGL is asking ourselves what are the other businesses we can create? So during a pandemic when you can’t tour, they were fine. They have a record label, a publishing company, a clothing company—they made as much money last year as any other year without touring.”
Pop singer-songwriter Emily Weisband was the first artist that The Core picked up. Weisband has had hits with artists including Camila Cabello, Danny Gokey, Dan + Shay, BTS with Halsey, Jeremy Camp and Keith Urban, and recently released her own pop EP Call It Being Human on Warner Records.
Emily Weisband
“She’s just incredible,” Chief says. “She has massive hits worldwide with all sorts of different artists, she has her Grammy, but when she wanted to do the artist thing, it felt like nobody really believed her or bought into it because she was so successful as a songwriter. So it’s our job to change the narrative for her and really try to get people to understand that she’s really an artist.”
The Core’s After Midtown, who is managed in partnership with 10th Street Entertainment, have created a genre-bending sound that is quickly creating a buzz with their recently released EP Don’t Give Away The Ending. The duo comprised of Adam Ernst and Michael Rotundo have signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and CAA.
After Midtown
Simon says, “They were brought to us and they didn’t have that many songs. They had ‘Boys Like Us’ and maybe a few others. But when we heard it and we were like, ‘This is country, but you can hear rock influences. You can hear all these different influences that are so unique to like a quote unquote country duo.’ With Michael, his influences are very little country yet he has this voice that’s so recognizable and country. So for us, we never wanted to take that away from them. I think in a lot of ways in country, everybody puts artists in a box, like, ‘This is how you’re supposed to look and how you’re supposed to sound.’ They don’t look that way or sound that way, and we want to harness that. We want them to stay like that.”
“We went through the same thing with FGL, they couldn’t get arrested in town. We ended up getting signed in New York because no one here got it. But that’s how you build career artists. They’re the ones that are leading the next wave,” Chief says. “I look at After Midtown and say, ‘You guys aren’t going to get signed right away because you’re the next wave and people don’t like that. That’s a risk and they don’t want to take that chance when they can just sign somebody who fits in the box and they can promote and have some success with short term. So, for [After Midtown], it’s touring, touring, touring. While we keep releasing music and content, we build the fan base, build a body of work and just keep making fans out of promoters and radio stations, and other acts in town.”
The Core’s Nate Smith broke through in 2019 when he released the song “Wildfire,” which has now garnered more than 15 million streams. The single went viral on TikTok and Smith has since signed a publishing deal with Sony in addition to his management deal.
“That voice, it’s unbelievable,” Simon says. “Everyone’s still a little bit hesitant when it comes to TikTok because sometimes it has this flash in the pan type of connotation. But he dropped ‘Wildfire’ and the streaming numbers were just out of this world on Spotify. We flew to Nashville and met with Nate, and then we actually heard him live. He got on stage and you could just hear the crowd just get quiet. The guy just sucked up the whole room.”
Traveling between Nashville and Los Angeles, Chief and Simon are building The Core team members. They just announced the appointment of Tracy Martin to President of The Core Canada. She will open the Toronto office.
Martin arrives at The Core from her position as President of the Canadian Country Music Association, a post she held since July of 2017. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Simon and Chief,” Tracy says. “Watching what they have built at The Core in one short year is beyond exciting. Their specialized approach is driven by values that have defined my career—teamwork, innovation and respect—and I cannot wait to get started in building sustainable careers for the talent we represent.”
Tracy Martin
“I have personally known Tracy for well over a decade and she has always been a powerhouse in the music business,” Chief says. “Simon and I could not be more excited to have her join us at The Core, bringing a reputation and skillset that sets her apart. She will immediately help us grow, not only in Canada, but globally.”
”Tracy has been a leader in the music industry in Canada for many years and her addition to The Core is a real coup for the company,” says Simon. “She is going to be an integral part in making our artists known around the world.”
Now in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Toronto, The Core Entertainment is building well-rounded artists from country to pop, and spreading their strategy across North America.
David Allan Coe To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Biketoberfest With Live Album
/by Lydia FarthingCleveland International Records (CIR) has announced that it will be releasing live concert material from one of country music’s outlaws, David Allan Coe.
This spring, CIR, Coe’s former label, will drop a special vinyl edition of Biketoberfest 01: Live from the Iron Horse Saloon to celebrate the performance’s 20th anniversary. The digitally remastered album was originally recorded live during Biketoberfest 2001 in Daytona Beach and will be available for purchase beginning May 21.
Produced by Coe and executive produced by Steve Popovich, Jr., the album includes his greatest hits such as “Take This Job And Shove It,” “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “If That Ain’t Country Part II,” “Nothing to Lose,” and the only recorded version of “I’m an Ohio Boy,” plus ten additional live songs.
Biketoberfest 01: Live from the Iron Horse Saloon Vinyl Track Listing:
Side A
1. I’m an Ohio Boy
2. Son Of the South
3. 59 Cadillac, 57 Chevrolet
4. Wreckless
5. Nothing To Lose
6. When I Was A Young Man
7. If That Ain’t Country Part II
8. Only God Knows Why
Side B
9. Single Father
10. Drank My Wife Away
11. A Harley Someday
12. Take This Job And Shove It
13. The Ride
14. You Never Even Called Me By My Name
Lineup Announced For 2021 Railbird Festival, Slated For August
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy Railbird Festival
Dave Matthews Band and Kentucky-based heroes My Morning Jacket have been announced as headliners for the second annual Railbird Festival, set for August 28-29 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Additional acts for the festival, produced by AC Entertainment and Lexington entrepreneur David Helmers, include Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Leon Bridges, Billy Strings, Black Pumas, Khruangbin, Midland, The Revivalists, Band of Horses, Margo Price and more. Railbird will celebrate the culture and traditions of the Bluegrass State at the historic Keeneland Racecourse in an immersive weekend centered on music, bourbon, Kentucky cuisine, and equine culture.
In addition to musical acts across three stages, Railbird will offer bourbon experiences and hand-selected rare barrels from some of Kentucky’s finest distilleries in The Rickhouse, including single barrel picks from Four Roses, Bulleit, Castle & Key, Elijah Craig, New Riff, and more. Railbird will also offer a variety of premium experiences highlighting renowned chefs from the area through its Sip & Savor program led by Jeremy Ashby, Travis Milton, Cole Arimes, Ouita Michel, Samantha Fore and Kristin M. Smith.
Photo: Courtesy Railbird Festival
General Admission and VIP 2-Day passes are available to the public now with a limited quantity starting at $155. Affordable layaway plans are also available with payment options starting at only $25 down. A VIP 2-Day pass with enhanced amenities is also available with access to all GA amenities, as well as exclusive Limestone and Elkhorn Stage lounges with air-conditioning, a VIP Village with complimentary local hors d’oeuvres and spa services, private bars, luxury restrooms, fast-track entrances to the festival, free on-site parking for the weekend, commemorative Railbird merchandise and more.
A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will benefit Railbird’s nonprofit community partners, Fayette Alliance, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope and Central Music Academy.
The Railbird Festival 2021 Full Artist Lineup:
Saturday, August 28
My Morning Jacket
Leon Bridges
Billy Strings
Black Pumas
Midland
Margo Price
Japanese Breakfast
Joy Oladokun
Sarah Jarosz
John Moreland
Briston Maroney
Sierra Ferrell
Bendigo Fletcher
The Brook & the Bluff
Magnolia Boulevard
Nicholas Jamerson
Sunday, August 29
Dave Matthews Band
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Khruangbin
The Revivalists
Band of Horses
Tanya Tucker
Colter Wall
The War and Treaty
Pinegrove
Zach Bryan
Liz Cooper & The Stampede
Cedric Burnside
Cha Wa
S.G. Goodman
Southern Avenue
Grayson Jenkins
Gary LeVox Goes ‘One On One’ With New Solo Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThis project sees him embracing a new phase of his musical journey as he fuses two of his biggest passions – music and faith. In advance of the upcoming full album, LeVox has shared a new track, “A Little Love” featuring MercyMe. LeVox and MercyMe offer plenty of reasons to smile on the new song which follows the release of One On One’s first single, “The Distance.”
The five-track collection also features collaborations with several other artists, including Grammy-winning gospel talent Jonathan McReynolds who offers a testimony of gratitude with “Never Forget,” while LeVox’s daughter Brittany joins the family business on “While I Wait,” a steadfast promise of spiritual commitment. To top it off, on the reflective “All I See,” country-rap firebrand Breland helps the superstar keep his eyes on the ultimate prize.
“One On One is my passion project and I have wanted to do this body of work for as long as I can remember,” explains LeVox. “I feel so honored to get to collaborate with such greatness throughout this project. Breland is a dream to work and sing with, as is the iconic MercyMe. Jonathan McReynolds, one of the greatest singers of our time and my dear friend, wrote a perfect song for us. And for my daughter Brittany and I to get to sing a song that Tauren Wells help craft just completed the collection. I couldn’t be prouder of this project, and the songs that we recorded. This is gonna be an amazing new season and I just hope everybody enjoys it as much as we did making it.”
One On One is available now for pre-order and pre-save on all digital platforms.
Luke Combs Lands Two Week No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“Forever After All” by Luke Combs remains the No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for its second consecutive week. The single was penned by Combs, Drew Parker, and Robert Williford. It appears on Combs’ deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get.
It was announced yesterday (April 29) that Combs was nominated for Top Country Artist and Top Country Male Artist at the Billboard Music Awards (airing Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m. CST on NBC.) He took home Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album at last year’s awards.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
‘Billboard’ Announces Finalists For This Year’s BBMAs
/by Lydia FarthingGabby Barrett is a first-time BBMA finalist and the female artist with the most nods this year. Photo: Robby Klein
Thursday (April 29), Dick Clark Productions and NBC announced the finalists for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards which honor the year’s most successful artists in 51 categories across all genres of music.
This year’s BBMAs will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m. CST on NBC.
“I Hope” singer Gabby Barrett is a first-time finalist and received nominations in nine categories, including Top New Artist, becoming the female artist with the most nods this year.
Other country nominees include Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie & Tae, Sam Hunt, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice and Morgan Wallen.
The Weeknd leads the nominations overall with an impressive 16 nods, including Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, and Top R&B Album for After Hours which features his hit single “Blinding Lights”.
DaBaby also came out with a whopping 11 nominations, including recognition for the Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Rap Artist, and Top Rap Album categories. He is also nominated for Top Streaming Song for “Rockstar” and “What’s Poppin.”
Late rappers Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD received multiple honors, marking the first time in a decade that two of the top ten finalists received posthumous recognition. Pop Smoke received nominations in 10 categories, while Juice WRLD is a finalist in seven categories.
Taylor Swift is a finalist in four categories this year, including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. If she takes home awards in all of her categories, she would tie with Drake in the No. 1 spot for most wins of all time.
Megan Thee Stallion is the female artist with the second-most nods this year with seven nominations, including Top Female Artist and Top Rap Female Artist. She also could take home her first BBMA at this year’s show.
This year’s awards are based on the chart period of March 21, 2020 through April 3, 2021. Finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data. Fan-voted categories include Top Social Artist and Top Collaboration.
For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit billboardmusicawards.com.
Select BBMA Finalists:
Top Country Artist
Gabby Barrett
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
* Morgan Wallen
Top Country Male Artist
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
* Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist
Gabby Barrett
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Carrie Underwood
Zach Williams
Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Maverick City Music
Kanye West
Top Country Album
Gabby Barrett, Goldmine
Sam Hunt, SOUTHSIDE
Chris Stapleton, Starting Over
Carrie Underwood, My Gift
* Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Top Christian Album
Bethel Music, Peace
Elevation Worship, Grave Into Gardens
Carrie Underwood, My Gift
We The Kingdom, Holy Water
Zach Williams, Rescue Story
Top Gospel Album
Koryn Hawthorne, I AM
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Royalty: Live at the Ryman
Maverick City Music, Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1
Maverick City Music, Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 2
Kierra Sheard, Kierra
Top Country Song
Jason Aldean “Got What I Got”
Gabby Barrett “I Hope”
Lee Brice “One of Them Girls”
* Morgan Wallen “Chasin’ You”
* Morgan Wallen “More Than My Hometown”
Top Christian Song
Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake “Graves Into Gardens”
for KING & COUNTRY, Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly “TOGETHER”
Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, & Elevation Worship “The Blessing (Live)”
Tauren Wells ft. Jenn Johnson “Famous For (I Believe)”
Zach Williams & Dolly Parton “There Was Jesus”
Top Gospel Song
Koryn Hawthorne “Speak To Me”
Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music “Movin’ On”
Marvin Sapp “Thank You For It All”
Tye Tribbett “We Gon’ Be Alright”
Kanye West ft. Travis Scott “Wash Us In The Blood”
* From Billboard, “Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year based on charting. As his recent conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity.”
Industry Ink: Matt Rogers, Southbound, Songs For Sound, Operation Song
/by Lydia FarthingMatt Rogers Signs With Vere Music Company
Pictured (L-R): Vere Music A&R Executive Alyssa Logan, Matt Rogers, and Vere Music Label Head Rusty Harmon visited Carpe Diem classic record store in Franklin, Tenn. to announce his recent signing. Photo Credit: Vere Music
Singer-songwriter Matt Rogers has signed with Vere Music Company with distribution through ADA.
Rogers has penned songs with some of the best tunesmiths in Music City and has won multiple awards. The Durango Boot ambassador has also reached a growing, global audience thanks to a weekly residency at Ole Red in Nashville and touring across the U.S.
“We are proud of what we are building at Vere Music,” says label head Rusty Harmon. “Matt embodies the spirit of our mission. He is talented, tenacious, ethical, and has developed an impressive arsenal of brand partners over the years. Our goal is to take all of those qualities to build out his already impressive resume and help Matt realize his full potential.”
Daywind Music Group Signs Southern Gospel Trio Southbound
Pictured (L-R): Kyle Johnson, Michael Turner, Dusty Wells, Jody Braselton, Seth Elbe, Clint Brown, Ed Leonard, Rick Shelton
Daywind Music Group has announced that Southbound is the newest addition to their artist and songwriting roster.
The southern gospel trio is made up of Jody Braselton, Seth Elbe, and Clint Brown. The group was born out of their shared desire to sing the songs they grew up on and take that music as well as brand new songs to believers and non-believers alike. Southbound will release its first single to southern gospel radio soon, and is booking dates across the country.
“Daywind Records has always represented and been home to many of the best-of-the-best in our wonderful world of Southern Gospel music,” says Dusty Wells, director of artist and label relations for Daywind. “When I first heard Southbound, I couldn’t quit listening to the songs we had. I knew these guys needed to be a part of our family. Clint, Seth, and Jody all have such amazing talents and gifts, but more importantly is the anointing that rests on each of them… Our team is absolutely thrilled to walk alongside Southbound, and we cannot wait to help take their music and stories to a world that is so desperately in need of hope and healing.”
Conner Smith, Jimmy Charles, Andrew Pates To Perform At Annual ‘Hear The Music’ Gala
(Pictured L-R: Conner Smith, Jimmy Charles, and Andrew Pates)
Songs for Sound, a Nashville-based outreach and service charity that works to protect and restore hearing for those who suffer from hearing loss, is thrilled to announce its artist lineup for this year’s 10th annual ‘Hear the Music’ Gala to be held on May 22.
Performing this year will be Big Machine Label Group artist Conner Smith, who will be opening on select dates for Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour; country artist and philanthropist Jimmy Charles, who will also be serving as the night’s emcee; and beloved songwriter Andrew Pates.
This year’s gala will take place at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin, TN from 4:30-9:30 p.m. CST. The event will provide a socially-distanced opportunity for people to enjoy an evening out, live music, food trucks, and inspirational stories. To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, click here.
Operation Song To Release Special Album In Honor Of Fallen Heroes
Operation Song is sharing powerful stories about hope and healing through the gift of songwriting with A Salute to Gold Star Families. The 8-track album is dedicated to fallen military heroes and their loved ones, and is set for release on Friday, May 28.
The non-profit organization paired professional songwriters with loved ones of fallen military heroes to help transform their compelling stories into songs. Songwriters performing on the album include Jenn Franklin, Victoria Banks, Aaron G. Barker Sr, Becca Rae Greene, Cindy Morgan, Hunter Wolkonowski, Marc Beeson, and Stephen J. Williams.
Operation Song Executive Director Kyle Frederick says the album project highlights the need for continued outreach and services. “This process and these recordings have given me a crystal-clear perspective on why it is essential that we, as a community, provide every support option possible for our veterans, active-duty military and their families,” he explains.
All proceeds from the recording project go back into the non-profit organization for continued programming and services. For more information on programs and ways to get involved, visit operationsong.org.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Lauren Alaina & Jon Pardi
/by Robert K OermannMarty Stuart brings home Disc of the Day honors for “One In A Row.”
It’s country stars old and new in today’s DISClaimer column.
Despite the presence of such hot “today” acts as Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Jon Pardi, Brett Young, Justin Moore and Jameson Rodgers, it’s the established legends who carry the day.
Ruling the roost are Reba McEntire, Mark Collie, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark and our Disc of the Day winner—and new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee—Marty Stuart. Singing a Willie Nelson song, no less.
Everyone here has been making records for years, so we have no DISCovery Award to give.
ADAM DOLEAC / “Coulda Loved You Longer”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin; Producer: Andy Skib; Label: Arista
—Finger-snapping pop, heavy on the groove and light on the lyric.
MARK COLLIE / “The Son of a Gun”
Writers: Mark Collie/Jonathan Hensleigh; Producer: Chad Cromwell/Kenny Greenberg/Mark Collie; Label: MC
—Dramatic and forceful, this poetic outing salutes the courageous individuals who have stood their ground, been true to themselves and lived wild and free. The video salutes war veterans.
BRETT YOUNG / “Not Yet”
Writers: Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Kelly Archer; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG
—We’re in familiar Brett-romance territory here. As always, professional and listenable, if not exactly ground breaking.
KIP MOORE / “Good Life”
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA Nashville
—Very cool sounding. The rump-shaking rhythms and double-tracked, spoken/shouted/sung vocals on this jam add dandy new textures to this artist’s sound. Get up and bop around the room.
ASHLEY MONROE / “Groove”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Ashley Monroe/Mikey Reaves; Producer: Mikey Reaves; Label: Mountainrose
—The stacked vocal harmonies in this lustrous production are lovely. The single continues this former country standout’s exploration of the pop-music landscape.
JUSTIN MOORE / “Straight Outta the Country”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Cam Montgomery/Josh Thompson; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Valory
—It’s the one with the rock guitars about the hard-working redneck party boy out in the sticks. Been here. Done that. Bought the t-shirt.
JOE NICHOLS / “Home Run”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dallas Davidson/Ross Copperman; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
—He remains a superb country singer. It’s almost baseball season, but despite its title, this irresistibly rhythmic tune isn’t about that. It’s about doing a run back to your family, your roots, your innocence and your home. Well worth your spins.
JAMESON RODGERS / “In It for the Money”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Jake Mitchell/Hunger Phelps/Brent Anderson; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Columbia/River House
—This is the title tune of the new EP by this shooting star, and it’s a doozy. His soulful rasp is effectively applied to this terrific lyric about what life is like as a country troubadour. The collection also includes “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” “Good Dogs” and “Some Girls.” Get it now.
REBA McENTIRE / “Somehow You Do”
Writers: Diane Warren; Producer: Tony Brown; Label: Rockin’ R/UMG
—In this slow-waltz ballad, Reba offers balm and comfort to people everywhere who are suffering and struggling in grief, difficulty, tough times and loss. Powerful stuff.
TERRI CLARK / “The Highway”
Writer: Holly Williams; Producer: Terri Clark; Label: Baretrack
—She yearns for the road. Don’t we all? Nicely written and performed with sincerity.
LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI / “Getting Over Him”
Writers: Emily Lynn Weisband/Lauren Alaina Suddeth/Paul Charles Digiovanni; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
—A rollicking duet about using a no-strings hookup as a remedy for heartbreak. Full of personality.
MARTY STUART / “One In a Row”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: none listed; Label: MS
—Gorgeous. Marty takes this Willie gem into a Latin realm with swirls of strings, guitars and keyboards. His umber shaded baritone vocal is given just a touch of echo to make the whole thing even more compelling. The track is from Songs I Sing in the Dark, a stunning new collection by this new Country Music Hall of Famer. Also check out his timely remake of “Ready for the Times to Get Better.”
Craig Wiseman, John Titta, Gadi Oron Set For AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Association of Independent Music Publishers has announced the first set of speakers for its AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit, taking place online June 7-9, 2021.
The Summit will be headlined by keynotes from songwriter, producer, and Big Loud founder Craig Wiseman in conversation with musician, publisher, and ASCAP Executive Vice President of Membership John Titta on June 7, and Gadi Oron, Director General of CISAC, will speak on June 9.
In addition, two powerhouse panels will bring together the heads of publishing and music rights organizations in the U.S. and abroad. The “U.S. Alliance” panel will include David Israelite, President and CEO, NMPA; Mitch Glazer, Chairman and CEO, RIAA; Richard Burgess, CEO, A2IM; Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI; Michael Lau; and moderator Portia Sabin, President, Music Biz.
The International Alliance panel will include Margaret McGuffin, CEO, Music Publishers Canada; Annette Barrett, President/Chair of the Board, IMPF; Will Kreth, EIDR/DDEX; and Teri Nelson Carpenter; moderated by Ger Hatton, Principal, Hatton.eu.
The perennial Indie Perspective panel will also return this year with Mike Molinar, General Manager, Big Machine Music; Kathy Spanberger, COO, peermusic; Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Executive, Concord Music; Neil Gillis, President, Round Hill Music; and John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter/Reservoir. More speakers and panels will be announced in the coming weeks.
The event will span three days, kicking off with Creator Day on June 7, followed by Business of Publishing on June 8, and wrapping with International Day on June 9.
Registration for the 2021 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit is open at aimpsummit.com, with a rate of $139 for AIMP members and $199 for non-members, and single day passes available for $79 per day.