Andreea Gleeson, Matt Barrington
TuneCore has promoted Andreea Gleeson to Chief Revenue Officer and Matt Barrington to Chief Operating Officer.
Gleeson joined TuneCore in 2015 as head of marketing and rose to Chief Marketing Officer. In her expanded role as Chief Revenue Officer, Gleeson will oversee Marketing, Artist Support, Artist and Partner Relations and International. She is also spearheading the company’s international expansion into key music markets, both established and emerging.
“I joined TuneCore five years ago because I connected with the company’s mission and wanted to be a part of an organization that not only empowered independent artists but advocated for their needs and interests,” Gleeson said. “I look forward to new countries, new partnerships, new employees, and new artists, yet the same artist first independent spirit as we continue to build the best independent music distribution platform in the world.”
Barrington, most recently Chief Financial Officer of TuneCore, will oversee the Finance, Data, Technology, Product, Operations and Legal Departments. Over the course of Barrington’s decade-long leadership, TuneCore has become recognized as the most trusted, consistent and transparent place for independent artists to earn money from their music. In his new role, Barrington will further optimize distribution product to offer the best services for artists.
“My time at TuneCore has been immensely fulfilling, having helped build the company from a start-up to where we are now,” said Barrington. “It’s an extremely exciting time as we continue to refine our best in class technology and practices in order for TuneCore artists to receive maximum benefits as we scale, innovate and embark on TuneCore’s next chapter.”
Announcing the new corporate structure, Denis Ladegaillerie, CEO of Believe Group said, “The elevation of Andreea and Matt to oversee the company as Coheads affirms their contributions in strengthening TuneCore’s services and growth in order to best serve artists at all stages of their careers on a worldwide basis.”
TuneCore and Believe together distribute close to one third of the world’s digital music. So far in 2020, TuneCore is in the midst of an upward trajectory with exponential growth in new clients and distribution across all markets around the world.
Reservoir Nashville Signs Jake Mitchell
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Pat Higdon, Jake Mitchell, John Ozier (Reservoir EVP Creative), Greg Gallo (Reservoir VP Creative), Kent Marcus (Partner & Co-Owner, Marcus & Colvin)
Reservoir Nashville has signed country songwriter Jake Mitchell to a global publishing deal. The deal, made together with music publishing veteran Pat Higdon, includes Mitchell’s future works plus his catalog of songs, including “Ain’t A Bad Day” and “One Beer,” both included on HARDY’s latest album A Rock, as well as “Rolling Rock Rolling Stones,” and “Some Girls,” both recorded by Jameson Rodgers.
California native Mitchell currently sits at No. 3 on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart and at No. 8 on Billboard‘s Country Songwriters Chart.
“John Ozier and Greg Gallo have always been champions of my work and I feel so blessed to have the Reservoir team in my corner, joined by Pat who has been a believer in me for years now,” Mitchell says. “I am as excited and inspired as I’ve ever been because of all this.”
Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier says, “Jake is such a naturally gifted songwriter. His thorough understanding of the genre and where it can go has resulted in hit after hit for some of the biggest names in country music today. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the Reservoir family.”
Higdon adds, “Jake is one of the most talented young writers I’ve ever worked with! He brings excitement and enthusiasm into every co-write. It’s going to be really fun working with John, Greg and the entire Reservoir team. We mean to kick ass!”
Brett Kissel Inks Deal With Verge Records
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Kissel has signed with Verge Records.
In 2013, Kissel inked a record deal with Warner Music Canada and went on to release four albums, earning Canadian Country Music Association awards and JUNO awards along the way, a trend that continued at the recent CCMA’s where Kissel won four awards, including his third win for the Fans’ Choice Award, as well as wins for Album of the Year (Now or Never) and the coveted Male Artist of the Year.
In September of last year, Kissel released his first American single, “Drink About Me,” off his latest album, Now or Never, and caught the ear of Cones and Verge Records. “Drink” has earned 32 million streams, while Brett’s CMT video debut featured his friends Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick of Bachelor Nation.
“Kissel is a smooth singer, gifted writer, and an incredible entertainer,” said President and COO of Verge Records, Mickey Jack Cones. “He has proven that he can build a strong fanbase in Canada and the United States, and we can’t wait to work with him!” commented Cones.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at Verge and ONErpm. After performing over the past few years with my heroes Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks – and cutting my teeth on songs penned by Nashville royalty – I’m ready to jump into the American market and bring my music stateside,” Kissel said.
Verge Records was founded in 2006 and was the genesis for music company ONErpm; Verge relaunched in 2019 with producer, publisher and manager Cones leading the Nashville-based operation.
Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Riley Green To Play Country Stampede 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Stampede has announced it will return June 24-26, 2021 to the Country Stampede festival grounds in Topeka, Kansas, following its cancellation this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The 2021 lineup will include Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Riley Green, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
A two-day airshow at the neighboring Topeka Regional Airport will be held in conjunction with the festival. “Thunder Over the Heartland” will take flight June 26-27, 2021 and will feature a special night show on Saturday. Stampede attendees will be able to enter the airshows at no additional cost with a festival pass.
“Stampede-goers are in for a treat,” said Wayne Rouse, president of Country Stampede. “’Thunder Over the Heartland’ airshow is a perfect way to punctuate a memorable weekend of great country music and summer fun.”
Tickets for Country Stampede are $115 for a 3-day general admission pass, $55 for children (ages 6-12). Additional VIP and premium seating packages are also available through the festival website. Campsites start at $125 for the weekend, with additional amenities and RV packages also available at the festival website countrystampede.com.
TuneCore Promotes Two On Executive Team
/by Lorie HollabaughAndreea Gleeson, Matt Barrington
TuneCore has promoted Andreea Gleeson to Chief Revenue Officer and Matt Barrington to Chief Operating Officer.
Gleeson joined TuneCore in 2015 as head of marketing and rose to Chief Marketing Officer. In her expanded role as Chief Revenue Officer, Gleeson will oversee Marketing, Artist Support, Artist and Partner Relations and International. She is also spearheading the company’s international expansion into key music markets, both established and emerging.
“I joined TuneCore five years ago because I connected with the company’s mission and wanted to be a part of an organization that not only empowered independent artists but advocated for their needs and interests,” Gleeson said. “I look forward to new countries, new partnerships, new employees, and new artists, yet the same artist first independent spirit as we continue to build the best independent music distribution platform in the world.”
Barrington, most recently Chief Financial Officer of TuneCore, will oversee the Finance, Data, Technology, Product, Operations and Legal Departments. Over the course of Barrington’s decade-long leadership, TuneCore has become recognized as the most trusted, consistent and transparent place for independent artists to earn money from their music. In his new role, Barrington will further optimize distribution product to offer the best services for artists.
“My time at TuneCore has been immensely fulfilling, having helped build the company from a start-up to where we are now,” said Barrington. “It’s an extremely exciting time as we continue to refine our best in class technology and practices in order for TuneCore artists to receive maximum benefits as we scale, innovate and embark on TuneCore’s next chapter.”
Announcing the new corporate structure, Denis Ladegaillerie, CEO of Believe Group said, “The elevation of Andreea and Matt to oversee the company as Coheads affirms their contributions in strengthening TuneCore’s services and growth in order to best serve artists at all stages of their careers on a worldwide basis.”
TuneCore and Believe together distribute close to one third of the world’s digital music. So far in 2020, TuneCore is in the midst of an upward trajectory with exponential growth in new clients and distribution across all markets around the world.
Kris Truelsen, Annie Savage Among IBMA Momentum Awards Honorees
/by Jessica NicholsonThe International Bluegrass Music Association has revealed the honorees for the 2020 Momentum Awards, as part of this year’s virtual World of Bluegrass conference.
The Momentum Awards, hosted this year by Stephen Mougin, and sponsored by the California Bluegrass Association and Canadian Consulate, focus on artists and industry professionals who are in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers. There are four performance awards: one each for Band and Vocalist, and two for Instrumentalist. Two more awards recognize industry achievement: Industry Involvement, and Mentor.
The Mentor Award is the one Momentum Award that recognizes veteran bluegrass professionals, where they have made significant contributions fostering excellence in young bluegrass performers and members of the industry.
The 2020 Momentum Awards recipients:
Industry Involvement
Kris Truelsen
Mentor
Annie Savage
Instrumentalist (two recipients in this category)
Thomas Cassell
Tabitha Agnew
Vocalist
Melody Williamson
Band
The Slocan Ramblers
Nominees and recipients are selected by a multiple, committee-driven process. Regional and local associations — as well as all IBMA members — are encouraged to identify serious emerging artists and leaders for consideration. With the exception of the Mentor category, anyone previously nominated for an IBMA Music or Industry Award may not be considered for a Momentum Award.
Pilgrimage Music Festival To Return In 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival will return next year, following a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is set to return on Sept. 25-26, 2021 to its regular venue at the Park in Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, and the announcement was made as part of a retrospective video that is available to view at PilgrimageFestival.com.
The festival also announced the launch of a special vintage merchandise sale on the website for a limited time with net proceeds to benefit MusiCares.
“We are looking forward to gathering back with our Pilgrimage family at The Park at Harlinsdale in 2021. It will be here before we know it and once again the air will be filled with great music and our fans will be enjoying the local food, artisans and flavor that is unique to Franklin,” said festival producers.
The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival was founded in 2015 and in just five short years has evolved into a boutique festival institution receiving national acclaim. It was nominated in 2019 by Pollstar as one of the nation’s best small festivals, and past headliners have included Wilco, Willie Nelson, Eddie Vedder, Justin Timberlake, Foo Fighters, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, Mavis Staples, Beck, Chris Stapleton, The Killers, Avett Brothers, Hall & Oates, Steven Tyler, and many more. The festival is also known for its arts and cultural exhibits and for the year-round community works and support provided by the Pilgrimage Foundation.
Bonnaroo To Be Held Sept. 2-5, 2021
/by Jessica NicholsonBonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has shifted its 2021 dates to Sept. 2-5, 2021. Organizers for the Manchester, Tennessee music festival previously announced that the event would be held June 17-20, 2021. The event’s dates for 2020 were canceled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic; instead organizers held the virtual “Roo-Ality” festival last weekend.
“We want to thank you for being a loyal Bonnaroovian, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate the best options to ensure we can be together on the Farm in 2021,” Bonnaroo organizers said in a statement.
Tickets will rollover to the new 2021 dates, and refunds will be available for those who cannot attend. For more information, visit bonnaroo.com.
Foundry Records Sets Radio Promotion Team
/by Jessica NicholsonFoundry Records, which launched last year in partnership with ADA Worldwide and counts Shenandoah and Austin Merrill as part of its artist roster, has revealed its radio promotion team, including Brad Howell, Pat Surnegie, and Mary Lynne O’Neil as Directors of Regional Promotion. Each will report to Rick Baumgartner, who has been promoted to VP, Promotion. The company is led by GM/manager Cole Johnstone.
Howell’s career includes time at Warner Bros., Broken Bow Records, Valory Music Group and Equity. Surnegie has worked at Warner Bros., Mercury and MCA. O’Neil joined Foundry Records from Cold River Records, while Baumgartner has over two decades of country promotion experience with Warner Bros., Decca, Atlantic, Broken Bow Records and Black River Entertainment.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to oversee and lead the promotion efforts at Foundry Records,” Baumgartner says. “Brad, Pat and Mary Lynne bring years of promotion experience, relationships and vast knowledge to the team. I look forward to furthering our partnerships with country radio.”
Shenandoah recently announced an upcoming collaborations album, spearheaded by the single “I’d Take Another One of Those,” featuring Zac Brown Band, which will be released to radio in October.
Dolly Parton Launches Holiday Baking Collection With Williams Sonoma
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton has teamed with Williams Sonoma for a new holiday baking collection inspired by Parton’s holiday traditions. The collection includes the singer-songwriter’s signature sugar cookie mix, a replica gingerbread log cabin reminiscent of her childhood home in Tennessee, as well as festive aprons and linens.
“Sharing my families’ Christmas traditions is a dream come true, and who better to partner with than Williams Sonoma. We joined together to create a whole bunch of goodies that will fit in perfectly with your family celebration or get you started on creating new traditions that will last a lifetime. My mama always made us feel loved by making us treats in our little mountain cabin around the holidays. Now I get to invite all my nieces and nephews and their kids for what we like to call ‘cookie night’. It’s the perfect way to spend time with the special people on your Christmas list.”
“For over 60 years, William Sonoma has curated products from around the world to help our customers celebrate the holidays and create memories at home with loved ones,” said Williams Sonoma President Ryan Ross. “Our collaboration with Dolly Parton provides everything from cookie kits, aprons and oven mitts to bake and celebrate the holidays at home just like Dolly does.”
The complete Dolly Parton for Williams Sonoma collection will include:
• Holly Dolly Sugar Cookie Mix – This premium mix, inspired by Dolly’s favorite recipe, lets you bake her favorite Southern-Style sugar cookies at home. All you need to do is add butter and an egg to create classic drop or roll-out cookies. $16.95 each.
• Holly Dolly Cookie Baking Kit – Inspired by Dolly’s beloved songs and childhood Christmases spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, this 26-piece set includes 8 cutters in the shapes of musical notes, guitars, and wreaths, 12 icing bags, 4 decorating
tips, plastic coupler and storage box. $29.95 per set.
• Dolly Parton Guitar Cookie – The perfect treat for music lovers, the iced and individually wrapped cookies are inspired by Dolly’s famous white guitar. $10.95 set of two cookies.
• Dolly Parton Log Cabin – Inspired by the one-bedroom log cabin where Dolly grew up – the Tennessee mountain home of her beloved song. Available personalized and non-personalized, $129.95.
• Dolly Parton Adult and Kid Apron – Decorated in a patchwork of vibrant holiday colors, snowflakes and holly berries, these aprons are inspired by Dolly’s coat of many colors. Adult $39.95; Kid $24.95.
• Dolly Parton Potholder and Oven Mitt Set – Durable cotton to keep hands safe while making merry, baking and cooking decorated in a patchwork of holiday colors, snowflakes, and holly berries. $39.95 each.
Norbert Nix Named President At Triple Tigers Records
/by Jessica NicholsonNorbert Nix. Photo: Aislinn Daley Nix
Norbert Nix has assumed the role of President of Nashville-based label Triple Tigers Records. The label, which launched in 2016, is a joint venture with Nix, Thirty Tigers, Sony Music Entertainment, and Triple 8 Management.
Triple Tigers Records’ current roster includes Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Cam (a recent signing via a partnership with RCA Records New York). Since its launch, the label has earned six consecutive No. 1 hits, including three consecutive chart-toppers each for McCreery and Dickerson. The label previously represented the Colbie Caillat-led band Gone West, prior to the group’s recent breakup.
“Less is more,” Nix said. “We have a talented and experienced staff and a small, but exceptional group of artists who understand that they have our total support. We aren’t stepping on ourselves with a bloated roster. In our fourth year, we are in the black, and things are good—unusually good.”
Nix launched his career in 1987 as a manager with Century City Artist Management, representing the Desert Rose Band. In 1989, he segued to sister venture, the Jim Halsey Company, as a booking agent representing artists including Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, and Clint Black. Nix went on to hold roles at the leading labels and management companies of the day. In 1990, he joined Mercury Records as VP of Promotion and Artist Development where he stewarded the success of Shania Twain, Toby Keith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sammy Kershaw, Terri Clark, and Kentucky Headhunters. In 2001, he was named VP at Refugee Artist Management.
In 2005, Nix handled music catalog acquisition for ole Rights Management before leaving to join RCA Nashville as Director of National Promotion in 2006. In 2010, he was named VP of Promotion for Columbia Nashville where he helped propel the careers of Maren Morris, Chase Rice, and multi-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney, achieving four consecutive No. 1 singles from Chesney’s American Kids project.