Caroline Beasley
BMI has appointed Caroline Beasley, CEO, Beasley Media Group, as Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors, effective immediately. Beasley joined the board in 2014 and most recently served as Vice Chairman of the BMI Board.
Beasley was named Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group, LLC in January 2017. Previously, she held several senior-level positions within the company since 1994, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary. In addition, she has served as a Director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since she joined the company in 1983.
“It is truly an honor to have the privilege of serving as Chair of the BMI Board of Directors,” said Beasley. “Many thanks to Michael Fiorile for his innovative vision, tireless collaboration and insightful leadership over the past several years in his role as Chairman of the organization. I look forward to working together with the Board, Mike O’Neill and the outstanding BMI team to continue to serve the evolving needs of music creators, publishers and licensees in today’s dynamic marketplace.”
Additionally, the performing rights organization’s Board of Directors has extended its contract with President/CEO Mike O’Neill, through the end of 2026.
Under O’Neill’s leadership, BMI has reported its highest-ever revenue and distributions to its affiliate songwriters, composers and publishers. Notably, BMI became the first music rights organization in the world to deliver more than $1 billion in public performance royalties to its affiliates. Additionally, O’Neill spearheaded BMI’s historic victory over the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure the continued practice of fractional licensing. He has also overseen exponential growth year-over-year in both signing up tens of thousands of new songwriters and composers to the company and processing trillions of performances, adapting to the seismic digital shift in how music is consumed. Most recently, O’Neill has successfully steered the Company during the global COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of BMI team members while ensuring seamless service to affiliates and licensees and driving historic revenue and royalty distributions.
The company also announced that the following six BMI Board members have been re-elected to three-year terms, expiring in 2023: Greg Ashlock, President, iHeartMedia Markets Group; Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, Direct to Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company; Dave Lougee, President and CEO, TEGNA, Inc.; Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI; Mark Pedowitz, Chairman and CEO, The CW Network; and Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Continuing in their terms on the BMI Board of Directors are: Susan Davenport Austin, CFO, Grace Church School; Amador Bustos, President and CEO, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC; Bill Hoffman, President, Hoffman Communications, Inc. and Retired President, Cox Media Group; Catherine Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Urban One, Inc.; Phil Jones, Retired President, Meredith Corporation Broadcast Group; Jerry Kersting, Former President, Tribune Broadcasting and past EVP/CFO, Clear Channel Radio; Paul Karpowicz, Retired President, Meredith Local Media Group; Ginny Morris, Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. and Chair and CEO, Hubbard Radio, LLC; and Neil Smith, President, GNS Media, LLC.
Mitchell Tenpenny Releases ‘Neon Christmas’ EP Today
/by Jessica NicholsonRiser House/Columbia Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny is getting into the holiday spirit early, releasing his EP, Neon Christmas, today (Oct. 23).
The seven-track EP was produced by Lindsay Rimes and Jordan Schmidt, and includes three original songs, “Snow Angels,” “Naughty List,” and the EP’s title track, which Tenpenny co-wrote with Rimes and Matt Rogers. Holiday classics fill out the rest of the project, including his rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
“That’s always been one of my favorite songs,” Tenpenny says. “It just makes me feel like sitting in front of a fire or watching an old Christmas movie at my family’s house. I knew I could take and make that song more of my own too, which can be hard with Christmas songs.”
Neon Christmas Track Listing:
1.) O Holy Night**
2.) Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow*
3.) Snow Angels**/ written by Mitchell Tenpenny, Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny
4.) Neon Christmas**/ written by Tenpenny, Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers
5.) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas*
6.) Joy To The World**
7.) The Naughty List*/ written by Mitchell Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Jordan Schmidt
* produced by Jordan Schmidt
** produced by Lindsay Rimes
Industry Ink: Matt Stell, Tauren Wells, Music Row Build, Luke Combs
/by Lorie HollabaughMatt Stell Brings Some Sunshine To Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Patients
Top row (L-R): Matt Stell, Mamie Shepherd, Program Manager at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Cayce Long, Media Support Specialist at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Bottom Row: Maddie
Matt Stell recently made a virtual visit with patients at Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt via Seacrest Studios, where he offered special rendition of “Prayed For You” for a young girl named Maddie. Stell’s “Everywhere But You” is No. 4 and rising on the Mediabase Country chart and No. 3 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist chart.
Tauren Wells Debuts New Inspirational Podcast
A brand new podcast, The High Note with Tauren Wells, is debuting today (Oct. 23) from the Educational Media Foundation’s steadily growing library of faith-based podcasts. A thought-provoking, inspiring, and actionable podcast, Wells aims to bring insight and inspiration around cultural, faith oriented, and life-focused issues as he converses with special guests in each episode. Wells engages the audience’s questions during his Sound Off segment, and welcomes experts during a Life Hack, with tips and info on a wide array of topics mental health, fitness, food, tech and more.
Wells is currently at No. 6 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart with “Famous For (I Believe)” featuring Jenn Johnson.
Music Row Build Returns Seeking Volunteers
The Music Row Build is back, and is seeking volunteers for Sunday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1. Construction on the home continues this weekend, with full PPE available on site: hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, new gloves, safety glasses, new hard hats, and more. Breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information, email Poppy Lee at plee@habitatnashville.org,
Luke Combs Visits Bobby Bones
Bobby Bones and Luke Combs.
Luke Combs made an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show this morning to chat with Bones about Combs’s latest album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, which releases today (Oct. 23).
Dustin Lynch Plans Vegas Pool Bash For 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Connor Dwyer
Dustin Lynch is planning on making up for being shut in for most of 2020 with the ultimate party of the summer in 2021, the Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Vegas on June 3-6, 2021. The weekend event in Sin City will feature a headline performance by Lynch, alongside guest artists Jordan Davis and HARDY, in addition to DJ sets from Brandi Cyrus.
“It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to create a one-of-a-kind weekend experience for fans to be a part of and the Pool Situation is just that,” said Lynch. “Vegas is one of the greatest party cities in the world and I can’t think of a better place to launch this event. Get ready for a weekend of unforgettable music, hangs, and partying. Summer 2021 can’t come soon enough!”
All event ticket packages include hotel accommodations and are on sale now and include specialty parties curated by Lynch and named after his songs,“Where It’s At” Welcome Party, “Cowboys & Angels” Day Party, “Hell of a Night” Concert, and “The Last Lap” Closing Party.
Lynch takes the stage next (virtuall) at the 2020 iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One. Performing his current hit, “Momma’s House,” and more, fans can watch the livestream tonight (Oct. 23) at 7 p.m. CT.
Ross Cooper Signs With UTA For Booking
/by Jessica NicholsonPro bronc rider-turned-country singer Ross Cooper has signed with UTA for booking representation, aligning with agents Cass Scripps and Kaleb Tooker.
Today, Cooper releases the new song, “South of the Angels,” penned by Cooper alongside Billy McClaren. He is set to release a new studio album, Chasing Old Highs, on Feb. 26, 2021.
“People from where we’re from seem to have a certain way of talking and acting, even walking,” Cooper says of his Lubbock, TX hometown. “People back home are tough as nails. They have to be, because it’s not the easiest place to live. This song is one of my favorites.”
Cooper released his debut project, Give It Time, in 2014, and followed with 2018’s I Rode Wild Horses. The upcoming album was produced by Oscar Charles and features musicians including Rob McNelley (Bob Seger) and Jeremy Fetzer (Duane Eddy, Steelism).
Kip Moore To Perform At Grimey’s In Support Of Record Store Day
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore is supporting independent record stores with a special live performance celebrating Record Store Day this weekend. Kip Moore: Live At Grimey’s Nashville will air this Saturday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. CT on Record Store Day’s Facebook, Moore’s YouTube and Facebook platforms. Independent stores across the country will be also be broadcasting the performance.
Performing new takes on tracks from his album Wild World, Moore’s set spotlights much-beloved independent Nashville record store Grimey’s, and joins Record Store Day’s campaign to raise awareness and highlight the importance of locally-owned stores around the world.
“There is nothing like that feeling of going to your local record store and hand-picking out vinyls for your collection,” shared Moore. “It’s really important that we preserve the local independent record stores in our communities and Record Store Day is a really great way to help continue to raise awareness, even more so during these times. Grimey’s is a Nashville staple and to get to perform some songs from the new record there is something I’m looking forward to sharing.”
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville Signs Duo After Midtown
/by Jessica NicholsonSony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has signed duo After Midtown (which includes singer-songwriters Adam Ernst and Michael Rotundo) to a global publishing agreement.
The duo releases their debut single “Boys Like Us” today, and are readying their first EP. They are managed by a strategic partnership between The Core Ent’s Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Simon Tikhman, and 10th Street Ent’s Scott Frazier and Chris Nilsson.
“Finding an atmosphere where our creativity is understood and appreciated was important to us,” After Midtown said, “and we know we found that with Rusty and Anna at Sony/ATV. We feel blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing team all the way around.”
Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Adam and Michael have a way of weaving their broad influences into a country/alternative rock gumbo that results into infectious, sing-a-long choruses with all the heart of what makes country music so special. On behalf of all of us at Sony/ATV, we are fired up to welcome After Midtown to the team, and we look forward to spreading the gospel music.”
Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston; Sony/ATV; Scott Frazier, 10th Street; Nick Ferrara, attorney; Chief Zaruk, the Core; Adam Ernst; Michael Rotundo; Anna Weisband, Sony/ATV; Simon Tikhman, the Core.
BMI Appoints Caroline Beasley To Board, Extends President/CEO Mike O’Neill’s Contract
/by Jessica NicholsonCaroline Beasley
BMI has appointed Caroline Beasley, CEO, Beasley Media Group, as Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors, effective immediately. Beasley joined the board in 2014 and most recently served as Vice Chairman of the BMI Board.
Beasley was named Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group, LLC in January 2017. Previously, she held several senior-level positions within the company since 1994, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary. In addition, she has served as a Director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since she joined the company in 1983.
“It is truly an honor to have the privilege of serving as Chair of the BMI Board of Directors,” said Beasley. “Many thanks to Michael Fiorile for his innovative vision, tireless collaboration and insightful leadership over the past several years in his role as Chairman of the organization. I look forward to working together with the Board, Mike O’Neill and the outstanding BMI team to continue to serve the evolving needs of music creators, publishers and licensees in today’s dynamic marketplace.”
Additionally, the performing rights organization’s Board of Directors has extended its contract with President/CEO Mike O’Neill, through the end of 2026.
Under O’Neill’s leadership, BMI has reported its highest-ever revenue and distributions to its affiliate songwriters, composers and publishers. Notably, BMI became the first music rights organization in the world to deliver more than $1 billion in public performance royalties to its affiliates. Additionally, O’Neill spearheaded BMI’s historic victory over the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure the continued practice of fractional licensing. He has also overseen exponential growth year-over-year in both signing up tens of thousands of new songwriters and composers to the company and processing trillions of performances, adapting to the seismic digital shift in how music is consumed. Most recently, O’Neill has successfully steered the Company during the global COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of BMI team members while ensuring seamless service to affiliates and licensees and driving historic revenue and royalty distributions.
The company also announced that the following six BMI Board members have been re-elected to three-year terms, expiring in 2023: Greg Ashlock, President, iHeartMedia Markets Group; Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, Direct to Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company; Dave Lougee, President and CEO, TEGNA, Inc.; Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI; Mark Pedowitz, Chairman and CEO, The CW Network; and Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Continuing in their terms on the BMI Board of Directors are: Susan Davenport Austin, CFO, Grace Church School; Amador Bustos, President and CEO, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC; Bill Hoffman, President, Hoffman Communications, Inc. and Retired President, Cox Media Group; Catherine Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Urban One, Inc.; Phil Jones, Retired President, Meredith Corporation Broadcast Group; Jerry Kersting, Former President, Tribune Broadcasting and past EVP/CFO, Clear Channel Radio; Paul Karpowicz, Retired President, Meredith Local Media Group; Ginny Morris, Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. and Chair and CEO, Hubbard Radio, LLC; and Neil Smith, President, GNS Media, LLC.
Ray Stevens Returns To Curb Records
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens has returned to Curb Records for upcoming projects. His first release under the deal is a 50th anniversary edition of his signature hit “Everything Is Beautiful,” out Oct. 30.
Stevens noted, “I’m excited to be back on Curb and look forward to having the help of a great team in my corner,” he says, adding, “You know it doesn’t seem possible, but I first recorded this song 50 years ago. We’ve come a long way since then and still have a lot of miles left to go, so let’s not fall apart now. Let’s come together and show the world that everything really is… beautiful.”
“Everything Is Beautiful,” written and recorded by Stevens, earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male in 1970. That year, it was also nominated for Grammy honors for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, among others. Stevens’s rendition of “Everything Is Beautiful” also spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Two versions of “Everything Is Beautiful” will be released later this month, including a traditional recording as well as a second version that incorporates the patriotic classic “United We Stand.”
Weekly Radio Report (10/23/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
The Cadillac Three Expand Their Palate With ‘Tabasco & Sweet Tea’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellThe Cadillac Three. Photo: Nick Rau
Mere months after releasing Country Fuzz, The Cadillac Three are back with another eclectic musical offering, Tabasco & Sweet Tea. The trio’s Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, and Kelby Rae wrote and produced the project, out today (Oct. 23) via Big Machine Records.
Johnston and Mason’s specific, wily writing litters Tabasco & Sweet Tea, with southern fried idioms including lyrics like “Such a southern little sizzle you could fry an egg on her” and “Daddy musta been a fisherman, Mama must a been a cook / Cause that lady and gentleman made a girl that made a bass a put a lip on the hook.” Fans of “The Jam” and “Blue El Camino” on Country Fuzz will find the album further exploring those musical nuances, building The Cadillac Three’s musical palate while still remaining true to the trio’s hard-earned sound. As a British radio DJ put it, The Cadillac Three are “Sabbath On Cornbread.” They’ve included a song of the same title on Tabasco & Sweet Tea to prove it.
“[That came from] one of our first trips over to the U.K. and somebody was like ‘You guys remind me of Sabbath on cornbread,’ which I think was just his way of saying heavy-metal, but country,” said TC3 drummer Mason. We’ve always called ourselves ‘Country Fuzz,’ that’s the term we always used to describe our sound. We felt like we should write an ode to that guy because he really, just in a couple words, described us better than anybody had until that point, and probably still really has. It felt like if we’re going to talk about this, we should probably give this guy a shout out.”
The project was written on the heels of Country Fuzz, when the trio was listening to records they deem as early influences. “My favorite records growing up were records that took me into another world. They took me to another place in my head and helped me forget about whatever I was thinking about. This record was written from a place that was inspired by what those records were for us,” Mason said.
Records that inspired The Cadillac Three were everything from Beck’s Midnite Vultures to instrumental album Medeski Martin & Wood, along with music from The Meters, Bill Withers, the Eagles, The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Waylon Jennings, and Queens of the Stone Age.
“We were finishing the Country Fuzz record and the last few songs that we were recording were songs like ‘The Jam’ and ‘Blue El Camino,’ and they were just leaning into some different grooves and were a little bit funkier than some of the things we’ve done in the past. It just felt like there was a whole lot of untapped inspiration there,” Mason said. “So coming out of finishing that record, we really just jumped straight into the writing of this new record which led further and further down the rabbit hole, the further we went.”
“I think the road is one of the things that made this get so experimental. Your days out there are kind of the same. It’s like 23 hours a day of waiting to play the show. We’d get up in the mornings and just try to do something different, kind of inspire ourselves and be excited,” Mason continued. “Jaren had written ‘Tabasco & Sweet Tea’ here in Nashville, and that was the thesis statement, if you will, for what this record became. As we just went further down the rabbit hole, things just kept getting more experimental as we got through songs like ‘Devil’s Lettuce’ all the way down to ‘Sabbath On Cornbread.'”
With exclusive “crew” merchandise that helped TC3’s road family with the loss of shows, donating to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee as a part of their 100,000 meals in 100 Days initiative and highlighting local venues and other artists as COUNTRY FUZZ PRESENTS takes up a livestream residence at The Basement and Exit/In, the band has been doing their part in giving back during this season.
But further still, TC3’s new offering will be priced at $3.99 for the first week so it is more accessible during a time when many are not spending as much on music, but need it now more than ever.
“We were about to play the biggest show of our career when the pandemic came to a head and all the shows got canceled. We were supposed to open for Eric Church at the C2C Festival in London at the O2 Arena. We were really excited about getting to do that. Like so many other people, our jobs just stopped in a 24 hour span. We came back and were kind of in a daze for a few days trying to figure out what was going on and how long everything was going to last. The one thing that we really settled on was ‘Let’s control what we can control and do what we can do.’ And that was making as much music this year as possible… We just wanted to provide a sense of release for our fans and the people who like our band.
“There are so many people out there who are not able to go to work like they want to be able to. Maybe because there’s just not a job there for them or maybe because of health. I want anybody who wants to put their hands on this record to be able to at as cheap of a price as we can make it, and $3.99 was as cheap of a price as we could. We hope that everybody is able to go get it this first week to take advantage of that,” Mason said. “The thing about it is we’ve asked our fans to help us and our career out and they’ve done so, so this record is almost like an early Christmas gift in trying to make the price as low as possible as a way to give back to them.”