Country Radio Seminar has released details on four mentoring breakfasts and four workshops that will take place during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. An overview of each breakfast and workshop along with participating mentors are below:
Wednesday, Feb. 17
• Programming Mentoring Breakfast, sponsored by vCreative, 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. CT: This one-on-one session provides the opportunity for attendees to sit down with experienced PDs and Format Leaders, who can help them build their skill set and learn fresh new ideas. Confirmed mentors for the session are Mark Anderson (Entercom), Gail Austin (iHeartMedia), Carletta Blake (WGAR/Cleveland), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Johnny Chiang (Cox Media Group Houston), Charlie Cook (Cumulus), Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia), John Foxx (WNSH/New York), Steve Geofferies (iHeartMedia), Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Jeff Kapugi (WMXQ/DC + WPOC/Baltimore), Mike Kennedy (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard Radio), Mike Moore (WHKX/Atlanta), Mike Preston (KPLX/Dallas + KSCS/Dallas), Tim Roberts (Entercom), Cindy Spicer (WFUS/Tampa + WQIK/Jacksonville), and Meg Stevens (iHeartMedia).
• Imaging Workshop, 1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. CT: Station imaging and recorded promos are a key component on any station. For the first time ever, CRS has assembled a group of top imaging professionals to listen to actual submitted station imaging and provide real-time feedback and tips. Experts will take you into their computer and rebuild station promos using their years of experience and expertise. Panelists are Jake Kaplan (97.1 AMP/Los Angeles), Chadd Pierce (Pierce Voice), and Matt Warren (Gorilla Sound) and moderated by Joey Tack (KNCI/Sacramento)
• Music Scheduling Workshop, 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m. CT: In this workshop, panelists will show off their favorite tips and tricks to scheduling a great log, in an efficient way. Plus, they’ll share some of their favorite software features that you may not be using. Panelists are Kristopher Jones (Merge Music Media), Tom Lorino (Throwback Nation Radio), and Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington (Hubbard/B-Dub Radio), and the moderator is Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield).
Thursday, Feb. 18
• Believers Breakfast, sponsored by Curb Records, 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. CT: Organized by Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia) and Lou Ramirez (Warner Music Nashville), the Believers Breakfast will feature Gator Harrison, Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), and Chris Tomlin (Capitol Christian Music Group), who will discuss the stability of Faith and the music industry; celebrity with humility; life balance in an industry that’s 24/7; how to stay Faith-centered in a chaotic, divisive world; fatherhood and leading spiritual lives.
• Label Mentoring Breakfast, 10:00-10:50 a.m. CT: A unique opportunity to meet and greet with some of the industry’s most inspiring record label executives to create a network, gain knowledge, and connect on everything from mentorship to motivation. Together, they will answer the questions: how can radio, records, and all attendees work together to better the music industry as a whole? What key people can you connect with to help move your career forward? And, how can you implement this new knowledge today? Confirmed mentors for the session are Randy Goodman (Sony), Tony Grotticelli (UMG), JoJamie Hahr (BBRMG), Dave Kelly (BMLG), Laurel Kittleson (Curb), Mandy McCormack (Pearl), and Lou Ramirez (WMN).
• Awards Submission Workshop, 1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. CT: Submitting for ACM and CMA Awards can be a daunting yet rewarding task! Between choosing the right content to include in the audio and written portions, to archiving content throughout the year, there are many elements to a winning submission. A group of current and past winners have been assembled who will share all their pro tips and tricks to getting nominated and winning these prestigious awards. Panelists are Justin Cole (Entercom), John Shomby (Country Radio’s Coach), and Scott Ward (Scott Ward Voice Pro), and the moderator is Kelly Ford (Entercom).
Friday, Feb. 19
• Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, sponsored by NuVoodoo Media, 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. CT: Offers attendees the opportunity to approach and chat with some of music’s female “power players.” Confirmed mentors for the session are Stacy Blythe (Big Loud), Marci Braun (WUSN/Chicago), Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers), Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Shanna “Quinn” Cudeck (WMIL/Milwaukee), Kelly Ford (WNSH/New York), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Holly Hutton (WYCD/Detroit), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Allison Laughter (Red Light Management), Miranda McDonald (MCA), Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media PR), Ashley Stegbauer Morrison (WWKA/Orlando), Ashley Sidoti (Valory Music Co.), Lauren Thomas (Sony/Nashville), Tiera (Singer-Songwriter/Apple Music Country Radio Personality/Host), Candice Watkins (Big Loud), and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
• Aircheck Workshop, 11:00 a.m.-Noon CT: Country Radio’s top programmers and consultants will offer a personalized, virtual aircheck and feedback session. Attendees are invited to submit Airchecks to be highlighted and discussed among the panel of experts during the workshop [here]. Panelists are Becky Brenner (Albright, O’Malley & Brenner), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard), Tracy Johnson (Tracy Johnson Media Group), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Associates), and JoJo Turnbeaugh (iHeartMedia).
For more information on CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or call 615-327-4487.
In Case You Missed It: Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan’s Star Spangled Duet
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Reid Long
Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan performed the National Anthem in one of the most stirring early moments of Super Bowl LV in Tampa last night (Feb. 7), meshing the worlds of country and R&B in front of a worldwide audience in a fresh rendition of the standard.
The moment marked the first time in 15 years the Anthem was performed as a collaboration, and also marked the first time Church and Sullivan have ever performed together. The two were connected by Adam Blackstone, a musical director known for his work with Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and previous Super Bowl games. The last time the Anthem was performed in collaboration was in 2006 when Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and Aretha Franklin performed together to open the big game.
Church and Sullivan joined a prestigious lineup of Super Bowl National Anthem performers, including: Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato, Gladys Knight, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Joel, P!NK, Jordin Sparks, Idina Menzel, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Neil Diamond.
It was the first time a country artist has taken part in the Super Bowl festivities since Bryan’s 2017 performance. The Weeknd headlined the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show.
Brett Saliba Joins UTA As Music Agent
/by Sarah SkatesBrett Saliba
Leading global talent and entertainment company UTA announced that agent Brett Saliba has joined the Music department. He will be based in UTA’s Nashville office.
Saliba joins UTA from CAA. He got his start in the music industry at Buddy Lee Attractions. He has worked with artists such as Midland, Billy Currington, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker and Drake White, among many others.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at UTA and I look forward to helping my new colleagues grow the Nashville office,” said Saliba. “There is great momentum already in place and I can’t wait to help build upon all the great work the team has already accomplished.”
“Brett is an industry veteran with an outstanding track record of finding new opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers,” said UTA’s CO-Head of Global Music David Zedeck. “He is well-respected within the Nashville community and we are excited to welcome him to UTA.”
Saliba’s hire comes after the recent announcement of Jeffrey Hasson joining the music leadership team in Nashville in October 2020.
UTA represents hitmaking country artists including Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Jimmie Allen, Blanco Brown, Matt Stell, and many more, as well as artists across all genres, including Post Malone, deadmau5, Bad Bunny, The Jonas Brothers, Bebe Rexha, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, and 21 Savage.
Rhonda Vincent Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughRhonda Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Rhonda Vincent became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (Feb. 6) with Opry member Dierks Bentley doing the honors. Vincent’s invitation was first delivered in February of 2020 by Opry member Jeannie Seely, and she was originally supposed to be inducted on March 24, 2020, prior to the pandemic.
“It’s been 343 days, seven hours, three minutes and five seconds,” Rhonda said laughing, sharing how many days it had been since the Opry invitation came last year. “This is a night I will never forget and will cherish the rest of my life. I am proof that dreams really do come true.”
“I’ll never forget the night that our mutual friend Marty Stuart made me an official member of the Opry and I’m so pleased to get to do the same for you tonight,” said Bentley during the induction. “Rhonda, you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry! I know you will carry the Opry banner proudly wherever you go.”
Rhonda Vincent performs Merle Haggard’s “Momma Tried” with Dierks Bentley. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
“It’s great to have the supremely talented and very patient Rhonda Vincent as an official Opry member,” added Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “She brings with her countless fans, industry respect, and heartfelt passion for keeping the Opry vibrant and entertaining for generations to come. We look forward to Rhonda spending the rest of her career with us as part of the Opry family.”
Additional performers during the special evening included Opry members Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, and Mark Wills as well as special guests Don Schlitz and Parker McCollum, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Triple 8 Management Promotes Six
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Allison Bostrom, Amy Brauchle, Christina Egan; (L-R, bottom row): Chris Fairbank, Mark Noel, Karrie Tatum
Management company Triple 8 Management has promoted six of their 27 staff members.
“We have seen our staff step up and excel in spite of the challenges the pandemic has presented,” says Triple 8 Management founding partner George Couri. “These promotions serve to acknowledge some of those people, who have helped our clients find creative ways to continue to grow and have impact during these dramatically changing times. We are quite proud of how all members of our 27-person team also step up to support each other and truly work collaboratively.”
“It’s very rewarding to look back at a year like 2020 and be incredibly proud of the hustle and resilience our entire staff has displayed,” says partner Paul Steele. “It’s a true joy to elevate from within, and I look forward to more opportunities to do so in the future.”
Together with fellow partner Jesse Atwell, Couri and Steele announced the following staff risings:
Christina Egan rises to Chief Financial Officer, christina@triple8mgmt.com
Chris Fairbank rises to Senior VP of Marketing, chrisfairbank@triple8mgmt.com
Allison Bostrom rises to VP of Marketing, allison@triple8mgmt.com
Mark Noel rises to VP of Management, marknoel@triple8mgmt.com
Amy Brauchle rises to Marketing Coordinator, amy@triple8mgmt.com
Karrie Tatum rises to Marketing Director, karrie@triple8mgmt.com
With offices in Nashville, Tenn. and Austin, Texas, Triple 8 represents country acts including Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, and Josh Abbott Band, as well as acts in other genres.
Big Future Music Group Launches With Flagship Artist Abby Robertson
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BFMG VP of Creative Andrea Robertson, BFMG President Ryan Wesley Smith, BFMG Advisor Mike McCloskey, artist Abby Robertson, and BFMG A&R Consultant Tyrus Morgan. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Big Future Music Group
Big Future Music Group, a new Nashville-based record label, publishing, and management company headed by industry member Ryan Wesley Smith, has launched with Christian pop artist Abby Robertson as its flagship artist.
Partnering with Smith in the launch of BFMG are veteran manager and label executive Mike McCloskey (advisor), who has worked with Chris Tomlin, Crowder, and Newsboys, among others, and producer/songwriter Tyrus Morgan (A&R consultant), the writer behind hits “Who We Are” (Courtney Ramirez) and “Good Fight” (Unspoken). BFMG has partnered with Sony’s The Orchard for distribution, and Sony/ATV.
Prior to launching BFMG, Smith was a part of the team at Awakening Events, where he worked with TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and more. He also worked at Story House Collective, where he handled day-to-day marketing operations for Matthew West. In early 2019, he launched Chordwell, an artist development and music marketing company, which boasts clients such as for KING and COUNTRY, Ty James, YoungHeart, Cade Thompson, and labels Curb|Word Entertainment and Loyalty Records.
“I grew up going to concerts with my dad, and dreamed of one day working with artists, songwriters, and creatives. Big Future is the manifestation of those dreams coming to fruition,” said Smith of the new endeavor. “We believe the best days are ahead, and are excited to champion Abby and ensure her incredible talent and heart are shared with listeners globally.”
BFMG flagship artist Abby Robertson’s debut single “Sanctuary” is set for release this Friday (Feb. 12). She has already performed in front of thousands at international festivals in Isreal, Malta, and Ethiopia, and opened for acts like Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, and The Beach Boys.
Emmylou Harris Inks With Sheltered Music Publishing
/by LB CantrellEmmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris has signed a long-term administration deal to the newly formed independent publishing company, Sheltered Music, a division of All Clear Music, LLC.
Harris has been awarded 14 Grammy awards, the Polar Music Prize, a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award and her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“We are honored and consider it a rare privilege to represent Emmylou Harris’ music,” said Sheltered Music’s EVP Darrell Franklin. “Her iconic contributions to country music are documented and celebrated by fans everywhere, and her songwriting has been a cornerstone to quality that continues to inspire.”
“There is no one more passionate about the song or more committed to the songwriter than Lance [Freed]” Harris said. “ I am so grateful to have him not only as my publisher, but as a longtime friend.”
Said Freed, “She is the embodiment of all things good about music and great songwriting. We all owe her a huge debt of gratitude, and we are extremely proud to represent her songs.”
Sheltered Music is the Nashville Division of All Clear Music. LLC. In its first year, the company has completed deals with music icons Burt Bacharach and Rodney Crowell, and has established a creative development partnership with superstar producer, Dann Huff.
UMG Pulls Catalog From Triller, Cites Non-Payment
/by Sarah SkatesUniversal Music Group has pulled its music from Triller, a short-form video platform similar to TikTok.
A UMG spokesperson tells MusicRow: “We will not work with platforms that do not value artists. Triller has shamefully withheld payments owed to our artists and refuses to negotiate a license going forward. We have no alternative except to remove our music from Triller, effective immediately.”
A spokesperson from Triller issued the following statement to MusicRow:
In late 2020, Wixen Music Publishing filed a $50 million suit against Triller.
According numerous reports, UMG and many other major media companies have stakes in Triller, which is said to be planning an IPO with a valuation of more than $1 billion.
Eric Church Teases 2021 Tour
/by Sarah SkatesEric Church. Photo: Reid Long
Eric Church hopes to return to the road before the end of the year. In a video message shared with fans, Church said, “We are working on a North American tour. We’re waiting for the right timing to officially announce all the details, but I want you to know that a tour is coming, and we are very excited to play new music for our old friends… I cannot wait to see you on the road.”
Friday (Feb. 5) Church also dropped a new song, “Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones,” from his forthcoming three-part project, Heart & Soul. The track is featured on the third album in the collection, Soul, set for release Friday, April 23. Meanwhile, Heart will be released Friday, April 16 and the Church Choir exclusive vinyl-only middle album, &, will be released Tuesday, April 20.
Church had this to say about his new story-song ballad, “‘Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones’ was such a tough one for us to get, but it ended up as one of my favorite performances of my career. Casey Beathard had written that song and I first played it laying back on my bed for a guitar vocal. I tried to play it the same way a thousand times after that, but there’s a way that song develops that we never could recapture–something about relaxing and laying back; there’s a lope to that song. I started to worry about the soul going away the more we tried, so Jay Joyce said, ‘let’s let Bryan Sutton have a shot at it.’ We let him hear it one time and then he was feeling it as we went. There’s some extra pauses and spaces in the back of the recording as he figured it out–I think that’s what makes that song. It’s compelling and that’s a lot to do with Brian and Jay.”
Church will take to the field in Tampa Bay on Sunday, Feb. 7 to perform the national anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV. Following the game, he will perform as part of Verizon’s “Big Concert for Small Business” benefit, streaming live at 10 p.m. CT.
Chart Action: Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley Most Added
/by Alex ParryJimmie Allen & Brad Paisley‘s single “Freedom Was A Highway” impacted country radio this week receiving 79 total adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow charts. Labelmate Parmalee received the highest spin gain on the Mediabase chart with their single “Just The Way” featuring Blanco Brown while “Good Time” by Niko Moon has the highest increase in plays for Billboard.
On the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, “Freedom Was A Highway” debuted at No. 68. James Robert Webb‘s latest single, “Okfuskee Whiskey” received the most adds with 13 new stations spinning the single. Blake Shelton‘s “Minimum Wage” continues to receive the highest spin gain for a second week with +259 plays moving him to No. 23.
Breakfasts and Workshops Announced for CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience
/by Sarah SkatesCountry Radio Seminar has released details on four mentoring breakfasts and four workshops that will take place during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. An overview of each breakfast and workshop along with participating mentors are below:
Wednesday, Feb. 17
• Programming Mentoring Breakfast, sponsored by vCreative, 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. CT: This one-on-one session provides the opportunity for attendees to sit down with experienced PDs and Format Leaders, who can help them build their skill set and learn fresh new ideas. Confirmed mentors for the session are Mark Anderson (Entercom), Gail Austin (iHeartMedia), Carletta Blake (WGAR/Cleveland), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Johnny Chiang (Cox Media Group Houston), Charlie Cook (Cumulus), Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia), John Foxx (WNSH/New York), Steve Geofferies (iHeartMedia), Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Jeff Kapugi (WMXQ/DC + WPOC/Baltimore), Mike Kennedy (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard Radio), Mike Moore (WHKX/Atlanta), Mike Preston (KPLX/Dallas + KSCS/Dallas), Tim Roberts (Entercom), Cindy Spicer (WFUS/Tampa + WQIK/Jacksonville), and Meg Stevens (iHeartMedia).
• Imaging Workshop, 1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. CT: Station imaging and recorded promos are a key component on any station. For the first time ever, CRS has assembled a group of top imaging professionals to listen to actual submitted station imaging and provide real-time feedback and tips. Experts will take you into their computer and rebuild station promos using their years of experience and expertise. Panelists are Jake Kaplan (97.1 AMP/Los Angeles), Chadd Pierce (Pierce Voice), and Matt Warren (Gorilla Sound) and moderated by Joey Tack (KNCI/Sacramento)
• Music Scheduling Workshop, 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m. CT: In this workshop, panelists will show off their favorite tips and tricks to scheduling a great log, in an efficient way. Plus, they’ll share some of their favorite software features that you may not be using. Panelists are Kristopher Jones (Merge Music Media), Tom Lorino (Throwback Nation Radio), and Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington (Hubbard/B-Dub Radio), and the moderator is Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield).
Thursday, Feb. 18
• Believers Breakfast, sponsored by Curb Records, 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. CT: Organized by Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia) and Lou Ramirez (Warner Music Nashville), the Believers Breakfast will feature Gator Harrison, Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), and Chris Tomlin (Capitol Christian Music Group), who will discuss the stability of Faith and the music industry; celebrity with humility; life balance in an industry that’s 24/7; how to stay Faith-centered in a chaotic, divisive world; fatherhood and leading spiritual lives.
• Label Mentoring Breakfast, 10:00-10:50 a.m. CT: A unique opportunity to meet and greet with some of the industry’s most inspiring record label executives to create a network, gain knowledge, and connect on everything from mentorship to motivation. Together, they will answer the questions: how can radio, records, and all attendees work together to better the music industry as a whole? What key people can you connect with to help move your career forward? And, how can you implement this new knowledge today? Confirmed mentors for the session are Randy Goodman (Sony), Tony Grotticelli (UMG), JoJamie Hahr (BBRMG), Dave Kelly (BMLG), Laurel Kittleson (Curb), Mandy McCormack (Pearl), and Lou Ramirez (WMN).
• Awards Submission Workshop, 1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. CT: Submitting for ACM and CMA Awards can be a daunting yet rewarding task! Between choosing the right content to include in the audio and written portions, to archiving content throughout the year, there are many elements to a winning submission. A group of current and past winners have been assembled who will share all their pro tips and tricks to getting nominated and winning these prestigious awards. Panelists are Justin Cole (Entercom), John Shomby (Country Radio’s Coach), and Scott Ward (Scott Ward Voice Pro), and the moderator is Kelly Ford (Entercom).
Friday, Feb. 19
• Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, sponsored by NuVoodoo Media, 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. CT: Offers attendees the opportunity to approach and chat with some of music’s female “power players.” Confirmed mentors for the session are Stacy Blythe (Big Loud), Marci Braun (WUSN/Chicago), Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers), Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Shanna “Quinn” Cudeck (WMIL/Milwaukee), Kelly Ford (WNSH/New York), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Holly Hutton (WYCD/Detroit), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Allison Laughter (Red Light Management), Miranda McDonald (MCA), Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media PR), Ashley Stegbauer Morrison (WWKA/Orlando), Ashley Sidoti (Valory Music Co.), Lauren Thomas (Sony/Nashville), Tiera (Singer-Songwriter/Apple Music Country Radio Personality/Host), Candice Watkins (Big Loud), and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
• Aircheck Workshop, 11:00 a.m.-Noon CT: Country Radio’s top programmers and consultants will offer a personalized, virtual aircheck and feedback session. Attendees are invited to submit Airchecks to be highlighted and discussed among the panel of experts during the workshop [here]. Panelists are Becky Brenner (Albright, O’Malley & Brenner), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard), Tracy Johnson (Tracy Johnson Media Group), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Associates), and JoJo Turnbeaugh (iHeartMedia).
For more information on CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or call 615-327-4487.