17th Avenue South. Photo: Sherod Robertson
On Sunday (March 22) Nashville Mayor John Cooper issued a ‘safer at home’ order for all of Davidson County for two weeks, which prohibits groups of more than 10 people from gathering, leaving Music Row virtually empty and music business professionals working from home.
MusicRow Magazine talked to several small business leaders in the Nashville music industry about operating their companies with their teams spread out and working remotely.
Working from home, and out of your usual routine, can come with a lot of challenges. Many music business professionals who are also parents described keeping their children busy while schools are closed as a huge challenge.
Children can add challenges when in the workplace.
“Finding a balance between three kids at home and work has been challenging,” says Founder & CEO, Music Health Alliance, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “After the first two days we’ve found our groove. It was an adjustment for me more than for them. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old, and I had to give myself permission in a strange way to be present and to stop for a little while and build a fort with our 9 year old. It is an unexpected gift in this unusual season.”
Creating routines in a non-routine world is key.
Many have also found that keeping a routine, getting outside, enjoying the time home with loved ones, and checking in on your team’s wellbeing is essential.
“I think trying to maintain a routine can be helpful. Shower, get dressed, have a separate room or part of your house/apartment that is your work area, and don’t forget about self-care. Sometimes you need a walk/break/fun movie or glass of wine,” says Co-Owner of The GreenRoom, Kristie Sloan.
Loeb & Loeb’s Partner and Co-Manager, Derek C. Crownover suggests making sure your work space is efficient. “Take the time, if you can, to get your small organized efficient office set up away from the family so you can not only focus on work, but focus on them later too.”
The best trick is knowing there are no tricks.
Reviver Entertainment’s Founder/President/CEO, David Ross, says, “[There are] no tricks. Be true to yourself. Show and communicate true concern and have patience.”
Allsep further drives home that point of having true concern for your team members.
“I learned a lesson this week and believe that it is important to share,” Allsep says. “I was NOT sensitive to the fact that many of our younger music industry professionals have not been faced with the magnitude of change that we are experiencing right now with the impact of COVID-19 on our lives. I was sharing too much clinical information about the capacity of COVID-19, and having no idea that it was negatively impacting the mental health of some of my closest associates. The lesson: Everyone processes information differently. Many music industry professionals live alone, away from loved ones, etc. Too much information can be harmful. Be sensitive to your teams in the coming weeks. The mental health of our music community is important right now and there is not a one size that fits all. Try to get to understand where they are coming from emotionally and be considerate of their age and life experience.”
Being present in the moment can offer inspiration and creativity.
As for managing songwriters and artists, many have let the creatives lead the way on their use of this uncertain time. Some creatives are taking this time to hunker down with family and friends, to be present in the moment that will ultimately inspire music in the future. Others have hardly missed a beat, moving their writes to video chat and staying active on social media.
“During the first week we unfortunately had many cancellations because we had several writers traveling in from out of town who needed to cancel their travel plans,” says Tree Vibez Music’s General Manager, Leslie DiPiero. “Once everyone got their ‘Quarantine Legs’ many writers have been video conferencing and/or been sending ideas and tracks then jumping on calls and video conferencing to finish their songs.”
“Everyone is doing the best they can but mostly they are creating by themselves or we are setting up FaceTime, Zoom or Skype co-writes,” says Creative Nation Co-Founder/CEO, Beth Laird. “Lori McKenna is a pro at this because she has been Skype writing from Boston for years.”
Make Wake Artists’ Founder/Owner Chris Kappy knows that this unprecedented period of time will inspire meaningful music.
“I don’t know if they are creating, as much as they are pre-creating, by getting ideas and inspiration for future pieces of work,” Kappy says. “By keeping up with social distancing measures, they aren’t writing, but I know how they are, and I know they are thinking of new ideas as they have so much free time to just, think. I bet this time that is so dark right now, creates some beautiful songs in the coming months and years.”
Stay connected with people in innovative ways.
To stay connected, many are turning to video chat systems to communicate effectively with their teams, listing Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype and FaceTime as essential video-chatting programs.
Others are implementing project management systems like Slack, Asana and Wunderlist.
With the cancellation of many live appearances over the next few months, a lot of artists have turned to social media and live-streamed performances to generate fan connection.
“The majority of our artists have been utilizing social media, including Facebook Live, IGTV, and TikTok, to continue to perform and connect with their fans,” says AristoMedia President, Christy Walker-Watkins. “Not only have they been able to entertain fans with music, but they have been able to bring fans into homes, giving them a closer look at their hobbies and/or interests outside of music, and in some cases, appear to be connecting with fans on a whole new level.”
Ultimately, Nashville music business leaders are striving to stay energized and encouraging.
“Between the tornado and Coronavirus, we have been hit by a lot lately but we are the most connected music community in the world and we will support one another and get through this together,” says Laird. “Also we have great resources available through Music Cares, Lifting Lives and Porter’s Call if anyone needs extra help. I look forward to hearing all the new songs that will come from this and can’t wait to get back to greeting my friends with hugs in person!”
“Nashville and the music community here that has enjoyed a way of life from music, unlike any other city, is going to have to lock arms with our live show community whether it’s downtown Nashville live players, venues and staff, touring musicians or even top-tier touring artists to ride this one out,” Crownover says. “The city and state leaders will need to step in quickly to help. The music community leaders will need to step up and give to those in need whether that’s cash, food, a place to stay, babysitting, option money or advances on upcoming work or even helping those out of work find an interim project outside of the music business. Time for some sheer humanity to kick in the same way we do when a tornado hits.”
Know this truth: We will get through this (even if we don’t feel it at times.)
“We are going through a tough time, the toughest our entire industry has ever seen… we will get through this,” Kappy says. “If you need help, ask. If you are in a depressed state, reach out. This is hard and scary, don’t try and fight it alone. Ask for some love, as we have it to give. That’s why I love Nashville.”
Nashville Music Industry Leaders Detail Best Practices Working Through Pandemic
/by LB Cantrell17th Avenue South. Photo: Sherod Robertson
On Sunday (March 22) Nashville Mayor John Cooper issued a ‘safer at home’ order for all of Davidson County for two weeks, which prohibits groups of more than 10 people from gathering, leaving Music Row virtually empty and music business professionals working from home.
MusicRow Magazine talked to several small business leaders in the Nashville music industry about operating their companies with their teams spread out and working remotely.
Working from home, and out of your usual routine, can come with a lot of challenges. Many music business professionals who are also parents described keeping their children busy while schools are closed as a huge challenge.
Children can add challenges when in the workplace.
“Finding a balance between three kids at home and work has been challenging,” says Founder & CEO, Music Health Alliance, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “After the first two days we’ve found our groove. It was an adjustment for me more than for them. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old, and I had to give myself permission in a strange way to be present and to stop for a little while and build a fort with our 9 year old. It is an unexpected gift in this unusual season.”
Creating routines in a non-routine world is key.
Many have also found that keeping a routine, getting outside, enjoying the time home with loved ones, and checking in on your team’s wellbeing is essential.
“I think trying to maintain a routine can be helpful. Shower, get dressed, have a separate room or part of your house/apartment that is your work area, and don’t forget about self-care. Sometimes you need a walk/break/fun movie or glass of wine,” says Co-Owner of The GreenRoom, Kristie Sloan.
Loeb & Loeb’s Partner and Co-Manager, Derek C. Crownover suggests making sure your work space is efficient. “Take the time, if you can, to get your small organized efficient office set up away from the family so you can not only focus on work, but focus on them later too.”
The best trick is knowing there are no tricks.
Reviver Entertainment’s Founder/President/CEO, David Ross, says, “[There are] no tricks. Be true to yourself. Show and communicate true concern and have patience.”
Allsep further drives home that point of having true concern for your team members.
“I learned a lesson this week and believe that it is important to share,” Allsep says. “I was NOT sensitive to the fact that many of our younger music industry professionals have not been faced with the magnitude of change that we are experiencing right now with the impact of COVID-19 on our lives. I was sharing too much clinical information about the capacity of COVID-19, and having no idea that it was negatively impacting the mental health of some of my closest associates. The lesson: Everyone processes information differently. Many music industry professionals live alone, away from loved ones, etc. Too much information can be harmful. Be sensitive to your teams in the coming weeks. The mental health of our music community is important right now and there is not a one size that fits all. Try to get to understand where they are coming from emotionally and be considerate of their age and life experience.”
Being present in the moment can offer inspiration and creativity.
As for managing songwriters and artists, many have let the creatives lead the way on their use of this uncertain time. Some creatives are taking this time to hunker down with family and friends, to be present in the moment that will ultimately inspire music in the future. Others have hardly missed a beat, moving their writes to video chat and staying active on social media.
“During the first week we unfortunately had many cancellations because we had several writers traveling in from out of town who needed to cancel their travel plans,” says Tree Vibez Music’s General Manager, Leslie DiPiero. “Once everyone got their ‘Quarantine Legs’ many writers have been video conferencing and/or been sending ideas and tracks then jumping on calls and video conferencing to finish their songs.”
“Everyone is doing the best they can but mostly they are creating by themselves or we are setting up FaceTime, Zoom or Skype co-writes,” says Creative Nation Co-Founder/CEO, Beth Laird. “Lori McKenna is a pro at this because she has been Skype writing from Boston for years.”
Make Wake Artists’ Founder/Owner Chris Kappy knows that this unprecedented period of time will inspire meaningful music.
“I don’t know if they are creating, as much as they are pre-creating, by getting ideas and inspiration for future pieces of work,” Kappy says. “By keeping up with social distancing measures, they aren’t writing, but I know how they are, and I know they are thinking of new ideas as they have so much free time to just, think. I bet this time that is so dark right now, creates some beautiful songs in the coming months and years.”
Stay connected with people in innovative ways.
To stay connected, many are turning to video chat systems to communicate effectively with their teams, listing Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype and FaceTime as essential video-chatting programs.
Others are implementing project management systems like Slack, Asana and Wunderlist.
With the cancellation of many live appearances over the next few months, a lot of artists have turned to social media and live-streamed performances to generate fan connection.
“The majority of our artists have been utilizing social media, including Facebook Live, IGTV, and TikTok, to continue to perform and connect with their fans,” says AristoMedia President, Christy Walker-Watkins. “Not only have they been able to entertain fans with music, but they have been able to bring fans into homes, giving them a closer look at their hobbies and/or interests outside of music, and in some cases, appear to be connecting with fans on a whole new level.”
Ultimately, Nashville music business leaders are striving to stay energized and encouraging.
“Between the tornado and Coronavirus, we have been hit by a lot lately but we are the most connected music community in the world and we will support one another and get through this together,” says Laird. “Also we have great resources available through Music Cares, Lifting Lives and Porter’s Call if anyone needs extra help. I look forward to hearing all the new songs that will come from this and can’t wait to get back to greeting my friends with hugs in person!”
“Nashville and the music community here that has enjoyed a way of life from music, unlike any other city, is going to have to lock arms with our live show community whether it’s downtown Nashville live players, venues and staff, touring musicians or even top-tier touring artists to ride this one out,” Crownover says. “The city and state leaders will need to step in quickly to help. The music community leaders will need to step up and give to those in need whether that’s cash, food, a place to stay, babysitting, option money or advances on upcoming work or even helping those out of work find an interim project outside of the music business. Time for some sheer humanity to kick in the same way we do when a tornado hits.”
Know this truth: We will get through this (even if we don’t feel it at times.)
“We are going through a tough time, the toughest our entire industry has ever seen… we will get through this,” Kappy says. “If you need help, ask. If you are in a depressed state, reach out. This is hard and scary, don’t try and fight it alone. Ask for some love, as we have it to give. That’s why I love Nashville.”
Lee Brice, Rob Hatch Form Pump House Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPump House Records team breaks between recording sessions at Southern Ground Studios, Nashville. Pictured (L-R): Lee Brice, Kristi Hutchins, Derek Hutchins, Nick Norman, Rob Hatch, Elisha Hoffman. (Photo by Chase Lauer)
Lee Brice and songwriter Rob Hatch are joining forces to open a new artist development collective, Pump House Records. The company offers A&R, promotion and other label services. Years after co-writing the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Dance” together, the two entrepreneurially-minded artists are collaborating the artist “launch pad,” founded by Brice, Hatch, producer/engineer/songwriter Elisha Hoffman, and veteran business leaders Derek and Kristi Hutchins.
The name is a nod to the pump house behind his family church-turned makeshift recording studio where Brice first began making music.
“We are all, and have been, artists and have seen that side of the relationship between label, publisher and artist,” Brice says in a statement to MusicRow. “So I guess it’s natural in our hearts to want the best for the artist, what the artist really wants, and how the artist really feels. It’s just important to us.”
The company’s first project will be a new album by singer/songwriter Nick Norman, due out later this year. Recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studios in Nashville, the project was produced by Brice, Hatch, and Hoffman, and is just the latest collaboration between Norman and Brice, who practically grew up together and have been making music together for decades.
“We all love making music…creating…working in the music business,” Brice adds. “But the bottom line is Nick is someone we all believe in, so the idea of all working together to let the world hear Nick just seemed like something we all just really wanted to dive into.”
“It is just a collection of talented friends from different parts of the music business working together to help create the best Nick Norman record we possibly can,” says Hatch, whose handful of No. 1 hits include Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and Randy Houser’s “Goodnight Kiss.” “We’re looking forward to sharing his music, and the music of other great artists we believe in, in the coming months and years.”
Hatch adds, “It was basically a result of being super impressed with Nick, his voice, songwriting and point of view. He’s a true American original and it would be a shame for the world not to get to hear him and his music.”
As a songwriter, Brice has co-written hits including Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory” and Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl,” and as an artist has notched several hits including “I Drive Your Truck,” “A Woman Like You,” and his latest, “Rumor.” He is currently on the radio as part of “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce.
Austin City Limits Offers Free Streaming Of Video Archives During Pandemic
/by Lorie HollabaughAustin City Limits is helping break up the boredom of sheltering in place for people by offering up some of the contents of the iconic show’s archives for free. Beginning now, the last two seasons and some of the current season’s shows are available for streaming, and include performances by Willie Nelson, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend and many others.
Available concerts in the long-running popular series can be found here.
Concord Inks Co-Pub Deal With Andrew Petroff
/by Jessica NicholsonAndrew Petroff. Photo: Courtesy Concord
Concord has inked a co-publishing deal with Nashville-based songwriter, producer and musician Andrew Petroff. The new agreement includes his full catalog going forward.
Petroff has worked with Sheryl Crow, Phillip Larue, Devon Gilfillian, David Nail, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, LANCO and Kevin Griffin, among others. His synch work has been heard on Grey’s Anatomy, The Blacklist, How to Get Away with Murder, Fox Sports, Nashville, Riverdale, and advertisements for brands including Dignity Health, Beyond Meat and Coca Cola.
“Coming to Concord feels like coming home,” said Petroff. “The people here feel like family and everyone has a passion for truly great music.”
“As a writer, producer, and human being, Andrew operates with integrity and authenticity as his guiding light,” says Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Anyone who has worked with, or knows Andrew, loves him. We’re proud and humbled to be his publishing partner.”
New Dates Set For Tin Pan South
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriter event Tin Pan South has set new dates for the popular gathering, after it was previously postponed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International has revealed the organization’s Tin Pan Week has been rescheduled for Oct. 19-24, 2020, where the 28th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank will welcome a slew of songwriters performing their top hits. The organization states it is working to bring back as much of the originally scheduled programming as possible. Details on new venues, times, performers, and more will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ryman Hospitality To Suspend Operations At Gaylord’s Opryland Resort, Four Other Properties
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We are working with our management company, Marriott, to temporarily suspend operations at our five hotels that comprise the Gaylord Hotels convention network,” said Colin Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc, in a statement. “After taking into account the recommendations of local health authorities and expected demand levels over the upcoming weeks, we have determined that a temporary suspension of operations is in the best interests of the employees in our hotel properties, the local communities in which our hotels operate, and our shareholders. We will assess hotel demand levels throughout the month of April and in consultation with local health authorities determine an appropriate reopening date for the facilities.”
Ryman will hold a conference call tomorrow (March 26) to discuss the company’s action plan and its cost-containment efforts with its investors.
Icon Entertainment Launches Information Portal, Food Service For Employees
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): House of Cards Operating Partner Blake Miller & Icon Entertainment’s Director of Culinary Operations Chef Gannon Leary
Icon Entertainment, the parent company of the House of Cards, Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon, the Johnny Cash Museum, Nudie’s Honky Tonk, the Patsy Cline Museum, Skull’s Rainbow Room and the forthcoming Sinatra Bar and Lounge, has launched an employee portal to connect with their staff and bands during the coronavirus pandemic. Among the many services they are providing through the portal is a complimentary meal service for its over 300 employees to ensure food security for their entire team.
“There is a long tradition of showing love and comfort to friends and family alike through sharing a warm and delicious meal with them,” says Icon Entertainment Founder & CEO Bill Miller. “While we can’t all gather at the family table right now, we will provide great hot meals to our entire Icon company staff and our bands. Acclaimed Executive Chefs and managers from our restaurants are in the kitchen personally preparing meals themselves. They stepped up beyond the call of duty. They are there because they care. I could say I’m surprised, but the opposite is true. Icon is a true family and it’s one for all and all for one.”
Icon Entertainment has established this online portal for all its employees to utilize to communicate with each other and with staff at all levels. A variety of resources are made available and updated numerous times daily.
“The portal is a crucial tool for every one of our 300 employees,” says Miller. “We update, support and communicate constantly so that no one feels disconnected or alone. Our HR department has taken no time off and directly assisted every employee to file for unemployment including handling the actual filing for everyone affected. In times like these, people want to know someone cares about them. We are blessed to have the best employees in the world at all levels.”
The Icon Entertainment establishments are currently closed to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, but gift cards, tickets and merchandise to their attractions and restaurants can still be purchased online.
Spotify Launches COVID-19 Music Relief Efforts
/by Jessica NicholsonSpotify has revealed two initiatives aimed at helping the music community cope with the effects of business loss in the wake of the coronavirus, including the launch of the COVID-19 Music Relief Project, as well as an addition to the service’s Spotify for Artists feature.
The service announced it will be donating funds to organizations including MusiCares, Help Musicians and the PRS Foundation, and that it will also match donations made via its website, with Spotify contributing up to $10 million.
The full initiatives were announced on Spotify’s blog Wednesday morning (March 25).
See the full text below:
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spotify has engaged partners across the industry to discuss how we can support artists and the creative community who have been deeply impacted by the effects of the virus. Though streaming continues to play a key role in connecting creators with their fans, numerous other sources of revenue have been interrupted or stopped altogether by this crisis.
Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief
Today we launched the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project, which recommends verified organizations that offer financial relief to those in the music community most in need around the world. To begin, we’re partnering with MusiCares, PRS Foundation, and Help Musicians, and are looking forward to adding more partners worldwide. Spotify is making a donation to these organizations and will match donations made via the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief page dollar-for-dollar up to a total Spotify contribution of $10 million.
If you are interested in learning more about how to contribute, visit our website. If you’re a music industry professional in need, we encourage you to visit our partners’ sites for information on applying for relief.
We’re also working diligently to launch a feature that will enable artists to fundraise directly from fans during this challenging time. Soon, we will give artists the ability to drive listeners to a fundraising destination of their choice on their Spotify artist profile pages.This will give artists on Spotify the ability to link out to a verified funding page for themselves, for another artist in need, or for a separate initiative of their choice. (This feature will, of course, be optional for artists to leverage; no changes will be made to profile pages unless the artist chooses to participate, and Spotify will not take a cut of any contributions.)
If you’re a Spotify for Artists user interested in this feature, please sign up here, and we will email you when it’s ready — or follow us on Twitter.
Programs from Spotify Creator Tools
For those continuing to create at home, music talent marketplace SoundBetter is waiving its revenue share for the next 30 days, cloud-based audio recording platform Soundtrap will offer extended free trials for educators, and Anchor will waive fees on its Listener Support feature.
Combatting the impact of this pandemic on the music industry will take a massive global effort, and we are working quickly to assemble and optimize these new resources. We will share additional details and updates as soon as we have them. To learn more about Spotify’s broader efforts to address COVID-19, on-platform and off, please visit For the Record.
Moon Taxi Signs With BMG
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto Credit: Dune Baydoun
Rock band Moon Taxi has signed with BMG and released its latest single, “Hometown Heroes.”
The track was recorded in Nashville and produced by Moon Taxi guitarist Spencer Thomson alongside Christian Medice. The band is slated to release its sixth studio album, Silver Dream, this summer. The album marks a return to working with BMG for the band, who released their 2013 album Mountains Beaches Cities via their own 12th South Records, via BMG.
Moon Taxi includes Trevor Terndrup (vocals, guitarist), Thomson (lead guitarist and producer), Wes Bailey (keyboardist), Tommy Putnam (bassist) and Tyler Ritter (drummer). The five-member group has issued five studio projects, including the 2018 album Let The Record Play via RCA, which included the single “Two High,” which hit No. 1 on the AAA radio airplay chart and the Top 10 on alternative stations. The song has earned more than 130 million Spotify streams to date.
Terndrup says, “We’ve been so excited to put this song out since the day we wrote it. More than anything, it is inspired by our long-lasting friendships. Putting it out into the world feels like the start of a new chapter for us but also an idealized look back. We hope it brings good memories to mind for you until we can create new ones together in the future.”
Glen Campbell, Eddy Arnold Classics Added To National Recording Registry
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Glen Campbell, Eddy Arnold. Photos: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Hits from Eddy Arnold, Glen Campbell, Village People, Selena and Whitney Houston have been added to the National Recording Registry, the organization announced on March 25.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden named 25 songs and albums as “aural treasures worthy of preservation because of their cultural, historical and aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage,” according to a statement.
Among those selections are Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away” and Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman.”
Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away” released in 1965, and was penned by songwriter Hank Cochran; the song’s sweeping string section and Arnold’s smooth vocals are a sample of the countrypolitan brand of country music, part of the “Nashville Sound” that producer Chet Atkins and others made popular in the ’60s. Musicians on the track included guitarist Grady Martin, pianist Floyd Cramer and the Anita Kerr Singers, as well as an eight-piece string section.
Campbell’s 1968 hit “Wichita Lineman,” penned by Jimmy Webb, also crossed over onto the pop charts. The song topped the Hot Country Songs chart as well as the Adult Contemporary chart and rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Other songs selected for inclusion include the 1995 single “I Will Always Love You,” the Dolly Parton-penned track made into an 8x-multiplatinum, international smash by the late vocalist Whitney Houston as part of the soundtrack to the film The Bodyguard. Village People’s 1978 single “Y.M.C.A.” and late Tejano singer Selena’s 1990 album Ven Conmigo (the first album by a female Tejano artist to achieve Gold status, and which has now been certified 3x-multiplatinum) are also among the works selected to be added to the registry.
The new recordings added to the National Recording Registry bring the total number of titles on the registry to 550, a small part of the Library’s vast recorded-sound collection of nearly 3 million items.
The full list of selections is below: