Warehouse West Expands Team

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Kris Marcy, Rafaela Marone

Kris Marcy has been appointed Director of Artist Management and Development at Warehouse West Entertainment. Rafaela Marone has also been promoted to Manager of Creative Services at the independent artist management, publishing, and artist development company.

In his new position, Marcy will assume responsibility for Warehouse West’s day-to-day artist management division, as well as its development roster. Marone will support the releases and publishing activities of the company’s artists.

Marcy’s career includes experience as an artist, artist manager, tour manager, and consultant, working alongside artists such as Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, U2, Chris Stapleton, Matthew & Gunnar Nelson, Keith Urban, John Mayer, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard, among others.

Marone has spent the last year as Management Coordinator at Warehouse West Entertainment. The Brazilian native graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Media Studies, where she interned for several semesters at Crush Music prior to joining WWE.

“We are excited to welcome Kris to the team and to congratulate Rafaela on her new position,” said Warehouse West co-founder Luke Wooten. “As we gear up for live music to start again sometime this year, we’re confident that Kris and Rafaela will bring much-needed experience and enthusiasm to our artists’ programs.”

“This concept has been in the works for quite some time, and it’s a great feeling to have it come to fruition,” said Marcy. “I’m humbled at the thought of working alongside this team for such an incredibly talented artist roster.”

“It’s a great privilege being part of such a fantastic team and working alongside an unbelievably talented roster,” said Marone. “Their passion is the driving force behind my work, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter will take us.”

Soundstripe Paid $2.5 Million To Music Creators Last Year

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Soundstripe, a leading provider of royalty-free music, stock video, and sound effects for use in videos, podcasts, and other media projects, has announced that it reached several significant business milestones in 2020.

The company reports paying out over $2.5 million to music creators last year, including 75 unique artists from whom the service sourced content. While a majority of the music is created in Nashville, Soundstripe taps artists from all over the world, spanning 18 different countries.

“2020 was a challenging year for the entertainment business, so we are happy to have done our part to ‘Keep Creatives Creating’ by getting them paid for their work, giving them options to diversify their income, and launching new products that give our subscribers everything they need to make compelling videos, podcasts, Twitch streams, and other great content,” said Travis Terrell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soundstripe.

Soundstripe music is created on a work-for-hire basis, but songwriters also receive 100 percent of the writer’s share of performance royalties when their songs are used, according to the company. “It’s called ‘the writers share’ for a reason,” said Micah Sannan, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. This allows musicians to collect recurring revenue from their works when used by Soundstripe customers, in addition to an upfront payment.

Soundstripe also expanded its offerings by adding stock video to its library, with over 70,000 clips currently available.

In 2020, Soundstripe was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, where its growth rate of nearly 5,000 percent over the last three years placed it at No. 68 among the fastest growing private companies in the U.S., as well as No. 5 in the Media category and No. 1 in its home state of Tennessee.

In addition, the company was named to The Tennessean’s Top Workplaces list for the second year in a row, and Co-Founder and CTO Trevor Hinesley was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list.

Blythe Scokin and John Geraghty Form New Management Company, rogue

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John Geraghty, Blythe Scokin. Photo: Lindsey Byrnes

Blythe Scokin and John Geraghty have joined forces to launch a new management and entertainment company, rogue.

With a focus on the development, strategy, and bold storytelling of creators through music, social impact, film, TV and more, the team has been a driving force behind the careers of Ingrid Andress and rising pop star FLETCHER.

In 2020, Geraghty was featured in Billboard’s PRIDE issue as one of their top execs. For the last several years, he has independently developed FLETCHER into a star on-the-rise, with nearly 750 million streams worldwide (with her leak of The S(ex) Tapes immediately reaching No. 1 on iTunes across genres), sold-out global tours, an end-credit title and single from the Margot Robbie-produced Promising Young Woman, and iHeartRadio nomination for Best New Pop Artist in 2020. FLETCHER’s 2019’s breakthrough debut “Undrunk” was the fastest-rising single at pop radio from a new artist in the last five years.

Scokin has been the force behind breakout country star and 3x Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress. Her debut single, “More Hearts Than Mine,” topped the charts and was certified Platinum within a year of her debut. Andress was the first country artist to be named one of Apple Music’s Up Next, and was nominated for two CMA Awards, an ACM Award, and was set to tour with Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, and Tim McGraw in 2020. Prior to Andress, Scokin managed superstar Ciara while working at Friends at Work, brokering her deal with Warner Records and brands like Revlon and Calvin Klein. She started her career at Endeavor working on film, music, and fashion projects for artists from Tyler the Creator to Sam Smith, fashion house Rodarte, and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

“After knowing one another for almost five years now, we knew it was time to come together once 2020 hit,” Geraghty said. “Blythe is the most loyal friend, brilliant manager, and greatest example of integrity I’ve ever experienced in this business. I couldn’t be more excited to “go rogue” and to be developing such important projects together with one team.”

“I’m so proud to join forces with John to bring our artists together under one roof. We’ve been fortunate to work with two groundbreaking artists in both the country and pop genres who have become our family and are always ready and willing to go rogue with us,” said Scokin. “There’s no one with better taste and more heart than John. He’s the best of the best at finding and developing talent from the ground up.”

Since establishing rogue. in 2020, Scokin and Geraghty have added New Zealand’s Thomston to their roster, with other projects in the works.

The company will be based in both Los Angeles, California and Nashville, Tennessee.

Willie Jones Signs With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Will Overton (WCM), Jonnie Forster (The Penthouse), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Willie Jones, and Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Genre-bending singer/songwriter Willie Jones has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville.

Jones is already gaining traction with his debut album, Right Now, which has amassed 27.5 million streams and counting on Spotify. He co-wrote the entire project including his thought-provoking single “American Dream.”

“‘American Dream’ is a powerful song with a unique sound that does what country music does best—it tells a story,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “It’s honest yet hopeful, and its message is an important one. All of us at Warner Chappell are excited to work alongside Willie, and we applaud the great work he’s done with the NMAAM to advocate for change.”

Jones is also represented by The Penthouse, EMPIRE, and Creative Artists Agency. The Louisiana native was recently named to Spotify’s Hot Country Artist To Watch list and hosts his own Apple Music show, The Cross Roads Radio.

“As we all watch the evolution of Willie before our eyes, it’s a huge win to have such a passionate juggernaut like Warner Chappell with Ben, Spencer [Nohe], Will [Overton], and the entire team on our side,” said Jonnie Forster, CEO of The Penthouse. “This is a vital piece of the puzzle for Willie’s growth on the national and international level especially as the genre continues to evolve.”

To coincide with the release of “American Dream,” Jones partnered with Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music for the #IHaveAnAmericanDream initiative, prompting fans to share their hopes for change in America and also performed at the museum’s virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.

Wyatt McCubbin Signs With Tape Room Music, 50 Egg Music

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Pictured (L-R) Top row: Kelly Bolton, Ashley Gorley, Joey Harris; Middle row: Blain Rhodes, Tali Canterbury, Jonathan Singleton; Front row: Wyatt McCubbin

Wyatt McCubbin has signed a joint publishing deal with Tape Room Music and 50 Egg Music. The partnership marks the first joint venture for the two companies, which collectively have 33 No. 1 hits.

Since moving to Nashville from his native Ohio, McCubbin has had songs recorded by Tracy Lawrence, Brent Cobb, John Schneider, Josh Ward, Jake Worthington, Drew Parker and others. He has also opened for artists including Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Dwight Yoakam, Easton Corbin, The Kentucky Headhunters, Josh Turner and more.

“I’ve been a fan of Wyatt’s for a long time and I am glad to finally have him in the Tape Room family. He is one of the best young songwriters in town and can flat out sing!” said Blain Rhodes, General Manager of Tape Room Music. “We look forward to working with 50 Egg to help him bring his music to the world.”

“Wyatt is the real deal—incredible singer, songwriter, and human being. We are so excited for the world to hear his music and for this collaboration with Tape Room Music,” said Tali Canterbury, President of 50 Egg Music.

“Working with this team is such a full circle moment because I’ve known several members of the team for years now. They’ve seen me grow over that amount of time as an artist and a writer and have always encouraged me to be me,” said McCubbin. “It’s inspiring to get to work with such a talented group of people who truly get who I am and believe in what I do.”

BREAKING: 56th ACM Awards To Be Held In Nashville

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The Academy of Country Music, dick clark productions, and CBS announced today (Feb. 16) that the 56th ACM Awards will be heading back to Nashville, Tennessee.

The televised event will broadcast live from three iconic country music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

“We’re thrilled to return to Music City’s most iconic venues as we come together on April 18th to celebrate the best in Country Music, back in our normal awards cycle,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “A huge thank you to the city of Nashville, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and Bluebird Cafe for welcoming us back to Nashville, where we can look out for the safety of our artists while shining a spotlight on this vibrant city after a tough 2020.”

Last year marked the first time in Academy of Country Music Awards history that the show was held in Nashville. More details regarding performances will be revealed in the coming months.

In support of the city of Nashville, ACM Lifting Lives®, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, will donate $25,000 to the Music City, Inc. foundation for their Nashville Christmas Day Explosion Relief Fund, with funds earmarked for local musicians out of work due to damage to venues.

“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to support the city of Nashville, our home of the 56th ACM Awards, through a $25,000 donation to Music City, Inc foundation for the Nashville Christmas Day Explosion Relief Fund,” said Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “The impact of the explosion was felt throughout the music community, and we hope this donation can help alleviate some of the burden on the community.”

The ACM will follow guidelines set forth by national, state and local health officials during the production of the ACM Awards, along with additional safety measures to be instated by dick clark productions and the Academy of Country Music.

Track45 Plots ‘Big Dreams’ For New EP Out February 26

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Track45 is set to release the second of their introduction EPs, Big Dreams, which follows their fall debut, Small Town, on February 26 via Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group.

Big Dreams combines tracks from Small Town with one new original and a special cover of Dolly Parton’s “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning.” The five-song collection also features the sibling trio’s debut single “Met Me Now,” set to impact country radio on March 1. The following day, the band will be featured as Facebook’s Artist of the Day.

Fresh off the heels of their six-week radio tour, the band will kick off their first official Country Radio Seminar this week performing as part of Amazon Music Presents: ‘Country Heat’ at CRS. They will also be performing an industry-wide live show this Friday after CRS concludes at 4 p.m. CT.

Big Dreams Track Listing:
1. “Met Me Now” (Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Jonny Price, J Hart)
2. “Little Bit More “ (Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Audra Mae)
3. “Come On In” (Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Gabby Mooney)
4. “Me + You” (Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Charlie Handsome)
5. “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” (Dolly Parton Cover)

On The Cover: MusicRow Magazine’s Country Radio & Streaming Issue Features Florida Georgia Line

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MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming Issue, with BMLG Records duo Florida Georgia Line gracing the cover, releases today (Feb. 16).

For their fifth album, Florida Georgia Line doubles down on what they do best: deep grooves, earworm hooks, and carpe diem-style songs for anyone who loves life, loves God, and loves having a good time. Whether a forever ballad like “Always Gonna Love You,” the phased vocals and hip-hop stroll of “Ain’t Worried Bout It,” the banjo-flecked small-town philosophy of “Life Rolls On,” or the lush soul sexiness of “Hard To Get To Heaven,” Brian “BK” Kelley and Tyler Hubbard continue creating the soundtrack for people who are enjoying every minute.

The first country act to receive two Diamond certifications for “Cruise” [11x Platinum breakout track that spent 24 weeks at No. 1], and record-breaking, 10x Platinum collaboration with Bebe Rexha “Meant to Be” [50 straight weeks at No. 1], FGL knows how to drill into the moment.

Working with acclaimed songwriter/producer Corey Crowder for the first time, LIFE ROLLS ON shows America’s favorite party duo finding a new elevation beyond the CMA, ACM, Billboard Music, Teen Choice, and American Music Awards accolades. Recorded mainly in the Bahamas, these fresh, light songs have everything fans love with a little bit more room to breathe. With the vivid acoustic instruments shining through on “Long Live,” and buzzing-off trademark FGL vibes with “Beer:30,” it’s still drive time power rotation for the people gearing up for their workday or party. But that’s just the beginning… Over 16 tracks, BK and Tyler renew all the things that made them America’s good time brokers and pals down the block.

FGL is signed with their own Tree Vibez Music for publishing, aligned with performing rights organization BMI, managed by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff at Full Stop Management, and booked by WME.

MusicRow Magazine’s annual Country Radio & Streaming Issue also features the winners for this year’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards, held virtually.

This issue spotlights Apple Music’s expansion into radio, features a conversation with iHeartMedia‘s Rod Phillips, and highlights Triple Tigers success at country radio. Also featured in the issue is an inside look at Spotify’s Indigo playlist, and a look at secondary market radio with Radio 7 Media’s Charlotte Wright Stremler.

The magazine will be digitally available throughout CRS week HERE and members will receive their copy of the MusicRow Country Radio & Streaming issue by mail.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s Country Radio & Streaming issue can only be purchased online as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.

MusicRow’s 19th Annual CountryBreakout Awards Winners

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MusicRow Magazine is revealing the winners of the 19th annual CountryBreakout Awards on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting at 9:00 a.m. today (Feb. 16).

Click here to see the CountryBreakout Awards schedule of announcements.

Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, also out today (Feb. 16).

The winners for the 2021 CountryBreakout Awards will be updated live below:

Reporter of the Year – WIFE’s Ted Cramer

Songwriter of the Year – Josh Osborne

Label of the Year – Capitol Records Nashville

Independent Artist of the Year – Cody Jinks

Breakout Artist of the Year – Parker McCollum

Group/Duo of the Year – Florida Georgia Line

Female Artist of the Year – Miranda Lambert

Male Artist of the Year – Luke Combs

Wallen, Osborne, Gorley Rule ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen returns to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, after being bested by Josh Osborne last week. Osborne now sits No. 2. Ashley Gorley remains at No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Wallen is held atop the chart with co-writer credits on 11 of his own songs, including: “7 Summers,” “Bandaid On A Bullet Hole,” “Dangerous,” “Livin’ The Dream,” More Than My Hometown,” “Neon Eyes,” “Only Thing That’s Gone,” “Somebody’s Problem,” “Still Goin Down,” “Wasted On You,” and “Wonderin’ Bout The Wind.” Osborne’s co-written “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts), “Next Girl” (Carly Pearce), and “7 Summers” and “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen) keep him at No. 2.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.