BMG Production Music Acquires Dynamic Music

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BMG Production Music has acquired Los Angeles and London-based production music library, Dynamic Music, which has had a sub-publishing agreement with BMG since 2018.

Since 2018, Dynamic Music has seen its revenues double, and has secured more than 100 hours of music use across global television and radio stations, from more than 30,000 usages.

Dynamic Music was co-founded in 2014 by David Felton, Will Mills and Sharooz Raoofi, with Rachel Menzies joining as Director and overseeing day-to-day operations. Dynamic’s catalog includes albums penned by The Shapeshifters, Kid Massive, and Birdee, and spans genres including hip-hop, synthwave, neo-classical, indie and folk and more.

John Clifford, EVP & Global Managing Director at BMGPM, said, “As BMGPM continues to grow, build and innovate with the best providers of production music in the world, bringing Dynamic Music into the fold of the company is an organic transition and recognition of the team’s exceptional work.”

Menzies added, “It’s been an honor to grow and market the Dynamic catalogue over the years. I couldn’t imagine a better home for the business than with the brilliant team at BMGPM.”

Sharooz Raoofi also added, “Dynamic Music is dedicated to creating cutting-edge and forward-thinking music for media. The acquisition by BMGPM is a hugely exciting milestone in the journey of our business and for our team of writers. Its future is in great hands.”

Radio Programming Veteran Kenny Jay Joins Big Loud

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Kenny Jay

Big Loud has filled a newly-created role of National Director of Radio Marketing, as Kenny Jay joins the team. Jay will report to Stacy Blythe, VP, Promotion.

In the new role, Jay will develop, execute, and optimize radio marketing strategies as an extension of the radio promotion team. During Jay’s 23-year career in radio, he most recently served as a PD for WUSN/Chicago and KMNB/Minneapolis. He has also led radio stations in Savannah, Georgia (WUBB), Minneapolis, Minnesota (KMNB), Seattle, Washington (KMPS), and Chicago, Illinois (WUSN), and has also earned accolades including multiple Radio Ink and Billboard top programmer awards.

“When it comes to delivering hit records, I’ve watched this team develop into one of, if not the most, consistent labels in country music,” Jay says. “My previous radio stations and I believed in their artists from the start, and I’m excited to work for such a forward-thinking company. Thank you to Seth [England], Joey [Moi], Craig [Wiseman], and Stacy [Blythe] for the amazing opportunity to join this talented roster of promo executives!”

“When the opportunity arose to have Kenny join our team, the invitation was extended without hesitation,” Blythe says. “Kenny and I have ‘grown up’ in this business together – often sharing similar philosophies that now can be joined into one purpose and execution. We are looking forward to adding his expertise to our efforts in delivering hit records to country radio!”

Tractors Member Jamie Oldaker Dies At 68

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Drummer Jamie Oldaker, best known to country fans as a member of The Tractors, passed away on Thursday (July 16) at age 68.

He had been battling cancer for several years and died at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by his family. Oldaker was regarded as the foundation of “The Tulsa Sound” and is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

His performing career began in the 1960s when he was still a teenager. He formed The Rogues Five, and the group had a local hit single with “Too Good for Love” in 1966. This led to opening concerts for such national acts as The Doors and Paul Revere & The Raiders.

After the group broke up, Jamie Oldaker became a member of Bob Seger’s band in 1971-73. He next joined Eric Clapton’s band, where he remained from 1974 to 1980. Oldaker played on Clapton’s “I Shot the Sheriff” (1974), “Wonderful Tonight” (1978),”Lay Down Sally” (1978) and several other big hits by the star.

He also forged a career as a Tulsa session musician. The drummer backed Leon Russell, New Grass Revival, The Bee Gees, The Bellamy Brothers, Stephen Stills, Asleep at the Wheel, Freddie King and Peter Frampton, among many others. He was briefly a member of the rock group Frehley’s Comet and also served a second stint in Clapton’s band (1983-86).

In 1988, Oldaker began collaborating with the musicians who became the country-rock band The Tractors. They played on demos by K.T. Oslin that led to her RCA recording contract. That same year, Oldaker encouraged fellow Oklahoman Ronnie Dunn to pursue a country recording career and entered him in the Marlboro Country Talent Search. Dunn won and recorded some solo singles. Tim DuBois, another Oklahoman, paired him with Kix Brooks and signed the duo to Arista Records.

In 1994, The Tractors signed with Arista, too. During the next five years, the group placed nine songs on the country hit parade, including ”Baby Likes to Rock It” (1994), “The Santa Claus Boogie” (1994), “The Last Time” (1997) and “Shortnin’ Bread” (1998). The group’s debut CD sold a million.
In recent years, Oldaker became active as a philanthropist. He spearheaded fund-raising efforts for museums and other cultural efforts. He founded his MOJO Festival in Tulsa to raise money for homeless causes.

Along the way, Oldaker learned about several areas of the music business, working in artist management and music publishing. He also became a record producer.

As a producer, he recorded an all-star album titled Mad Dogs & Okies. It featured songs written by his fellow Oklahomans. Participating on the record were Clapton, Vince Gill, J.J. Cale, Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Tony Joe White, Bonnie Branlett and more. It was issued on Oldaker’s own Mint Blue Island label in 2005. Since then, Oldaker has played percussion on albums by John Arthur Martinez, Phil Collins, Peter Rowan and others. The Rogues Five reunited for benefit shows in 2015.

Funeral arrangements are unknown at press time.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Postponed Until March 2021

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The 8th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam was set for Sept. 4-6, 2020 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, but increasing Coronavirus numbers nationwide have forced organizers to move this year’s event to March 26-28, 2021. Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Lynyrd Skynyrd are still set to headline, and the rest of the previously announced lineup is still intact.

“We held out as long as we possibly could before making the decision to postpone this year’s Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam,” said Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “The excitement for the festival was amazing. We knew our Jammers wanted to get out and hear some great country music, but virus numbers are rising all over the country and we had to make this very difficult decision.”

Along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, artists Cody Jinks, Joe Nichols, Lindsay Ell, Jon Langston, CJ Solar and Frank Ray are scheduled for Friday, March 26, 2021. Cole Swindell, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jordan Davis, Tenille Townes, Shy Carter and Alex Hall will help Paisley round out Saturday’s lineup. Bryan, along with Brothers Osborne, Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Shelly Fairchild and the Pepsi Southern Original winner will entertain on the final day.

“The safety of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam artists, fans, vendors, staff and the residents of our wonderful city is our highest priority, no matter what’s going on,” said Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “We felt like we had a great plan in place to make this a safe event, but conversations with state and local officials, the health department and CDC confirmed this was the most prudent move for everyone involved. We look forward to seeing everyone in March!”

Jammers who have already purchased tickets to the 2020 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam and are planning to attend the rescheduled event need to take no action. Those tickets will be shipped as normal and will be valid for the new dates. Refunds for tickets purchased through official Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam outlets will be arranged for those unable to attend in March 2021 and are available by filling out this Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2020 Refund Request form. Please allow 14 days for the refund to return to the card used at purchase.

Payment Plan customers who are planning to attend the March 2021 event, but have missed a recent payment or are unable to make the next payment due to stresses related to the current situation, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will pause their plan and customers will have the option to reinstate it when they are ready.

Elizabeth Brahan Joins Sprockets Music Publishing

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Elizabeth Brahan

Elizabeth Brahan has been hired as Director of Publishing for Sprockets Music Publishing, which is a sister company to Copperline Music Group. Brahan will report directly to Sprockets founder and owner, Will Edwards.

In her new role, Brahan will continue to grow the company’s catalog by enhancing its innovative approach to placing music for film and television, as well as traditional music outlets.

Prior to Sprockets, Brahan worked at Big Yellow Dog Music and also had previous career stops at Combustion Music and Big Loud. During her time at those companies, she launched and revamped catalogs, worked in both mechanical and sync licensing, oversaw writer contracts, managed various publishing administration duties, and handled licensing for EP and album releases. She worked with writers including Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins, Daniel Tashian, Maren Morris, Craig Wiseman, and Meghan Trainor. Brahan has a degree in Music Business from Middle Tennessee State University.

“Over the many years of knowing Elizabeth, I have seen how she takes every work opportunity to fine-tune and elevate her skills,” said Dewayne Brown, Copperline Music Group’s Head of A&R and Label Acquisitions. “Her experience in the business side of publishing, including contracts, all inner workings of a publishing company, paired with her deep passion for songs makes her the perfect fit for her new role.  We are thrilled to have her join the Sprockets/CMG family.”

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work for a company with so much innovation and vision,” Brahan said. “I am thankful to Will Edwards for his belief in me, as well as the enormous support from Dewayne Brown. I look forward to what we have to come for the writers and all those working alongside Sprockets.”

Recording Academy Announces Reorganization, Creates Two New Senior Leadership Positions

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The Recording Academy has announced a major reorganization, including the creation of two key senior leadership positions, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Industry Officer. The changes take effect Aug. 1.

The reorganization includes streamlining most of the staff into three divisions: the Entertainment / Consumer Division, led by Branden Chapman, the Academy’s new Chief Operating Officer, and the Trade / Industry Division, led by Ruby Marchand, who joins the organization as its new Chief Industry Officer and the Organization / Cross Verticals Division. Additionally, Rex Supa has been promoted to Vice President of Production & Business Development and will report to Chapman.

Chapman and Marchand will both report to Recording Academy Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr., as will the Academy’s CFO, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, Chief Advocacy Officer, and the Executive Director of MusiCares, the Academy’s philanthropic arm.

As COO, Chapman will lead the Entertainment/Consumer Division, which will include Partnerships & Business Development, Communications, Digital Media, Marketing & Branding, Production, and Talent Relations.

“I am honored to be entrusted with this new role as COO, and excited to be leading a new division that will enable us to combine the efforts of so many of my talented colleagues,” Chapman said. “I’m delighted to be a part of this new chapter in the Academy’s growth.”

As Chief Industry Officer, Marchand, a former A&R executive with deep experience in the music industry and a past Academy Vice Chair, will be responsible for both Membership & Industry Relations and Awards.

“After many years of service to the Academy, I am excited to assume this new role. I believe this new structure offers tremendous benefits for the music world, and I look forward to working with Harvey and the Academy’s leadership to continue making progress on this timely transformation.”

As Vice President of Production & Business Development, Supa will take over many of Chapman’s previous responsibilities, including oversight of telecast logistics, events, financial management, creative development, ticketing, credentialing, venue relations, and municipal relations. He previously served as Senior Managing Director, Production & Business Development.

“One of my goals as the interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy is to evolve our organization and structure to be more efficient and responsive. These changes set a foundation for success as we prepare for the dynamic future of our industry,” said Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy Interim President/CEO. “This new structure further accelerates our broader transformation, strengthens our high-performance culture and enables our teams to better serve members.”

Teddy Swims Dedicates Cover Of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” To His Mom

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Photo credit: David Sharpe

Teddy Swims is releasing a cover of Shania Twain’s classic “You’re Still The One.” He teamed up with producer Dave Cobb for his rendition of the song, which is out today. Swims initially posted a cover of the song on his YouTube channel in October 2019 and it has become his most-viewed cover video to date, surpassing 31 million streams.

“Shania Twain’s ‘You’re Still The One’ brings back so many beautiful memories for me,” said Swims. “It’s been one of my Mom’s favorite songs for as long as I can remember. It has always taken me back to such a blissful place in my life. My cover of this song will always and forever be dedicated to my mother, Glenna.”

Swims has built a devoted fan base with his unique covers. In June, he released a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and donated the royalties of the song to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. In May, he released an intimate cover of The Weeknd’s No. 1 global smash “Blinding Lights.” Over a year ago Swims posted his first YouTube cover, Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” and he now has 1.3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. His videos covering artists like Lewis Capaldi, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and Khalid have racked up an astonishing 143 million views.

In January, Swims signed to Warner Records, released his first original song “Picky” and embarked on his first nationwide, sold-out headline tour.

YouTube video

Dale Ann Bradley Signs Multi-Year Deal With Pinecastle Records

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Dale Ann Bradley

Dale Ann Bradley has signed a new, multi-album deal with Pinecastle Records.

The five-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner will return to the studio in July to work on a brand new album set for release at a later date. The project is the follow-up to The Hard Way, which charted multiple radio hits.

Over the years, Bradley has established herself as one of the top artists in the bluegrass genre. In addition to being nominated for multiple Grammys and performing on the Grand Ole Opry, the songstress has charted several No. 1 hits.

“We’re so excited to continue working with Dale Ann for years to come. She has a proven track record for creating and writing great music, and her voice is one of the most distinctive in the entire Bluegrass genre” says Pinecastle Records owner Lonnie Lassiter. “As she enters the next phase of her career, we’re happy to be a part of the journey, as she continues doing what she does best, which is entertain fans!”

Bradley is a finalist in multiple categories for the upcoming IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, set to take place in late September virtually. In addition to being up for Female Vocalist of the Year, she’s also nominated for Gospel Recording of the Year with her song “Because He Loved Me,” along with other categories alongside Sister Sadie for Vocal Group of the Year, which they took home last year, along with being the first ever all-female group nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

“I’m so thrilled about my home with Pinecastle Records! When an artist has the support, care, and creative freedom that Lonnie Lassiter and Ethan Burkhardt provide for their artists, that’s a dream come true,” says Bradley. “An artist may search a long time in a career for such a place. This new collection of songs that we will record soon, is a project that the band, label and myself is ‘Charged Up’ about! I hope all audiences find something in the mix that strikes the heart strings. I pray I’m blessed, for many years to come, to make music with these folks.”

Tucker Beathard To Release ‘KING’ In August

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Warner Music Nashville artist Tucker Beathard will release the second installment of his debut double album, KING, on Aug. 21. Beathard serves as co-producer, co-writer, lead guitarist and drummer on the project.

Over the course of 13 songs, Beathard welcomes co-writers including Jonathan Singleton, Donovan Woods, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Phil O’Donnell and Luke Dick.

The album title is a tribute to the middle name of Beathard’s late brother, Clay, who was tragically killed during an altercation in Nashville in December 2019. The album’s closer, “I Ain’t Without You,” was co-written with his father and fellow songwriter Casey Beathard, and serves as a message to his late brother, but also an encouragement to others struggling through tragedy.

“For me music has always been a way to escape,” explains Beathard. “There’s a lot of things people are dealing with internally that they don’t have voices for right now, and I’ve learned that if I write from the heart, if I sing from experience, I can be that voice. Some people can’t pinpoint what they’re feeling, but they can hear a song and be like ‘Damn, that’s it,’ and I hope I can help them get there with this record. These songs mean a lot to me and I feel really ready to share them with the world.”

KING – Official Track List:
1. Better Than Me
Tucker Beathard, Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton
2. You Would Think
Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Donovan Woods
3. One Upper
Tucker Beathard, Jeff Hyde, Ben Stennis
4. 20/10 TN
Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell​
5. Paper Town
Tucker Beathard, Phil O’Donnell, Monty Criswell
6. You On
Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick
7. Miss You Now
Tucker Beathard, Donovan Woods, Todd Clark
8. Only
Tucker Beathard, Marla Cannon-Goodman
9. Find Me Here
Tucker Beathard, Phil O’Donnell, Monty Criswell
10. Too Drunk
Tucker Beathard, Joe Whelan, Shane MInor
11. Faithful
Tucker Beathard, Marla Cannon-Goodman
12. Can’t Stay Here
Tucker Beathard, Ryan Tyndell, Joe Whelan, Will Lamb
13. I Ain’t Without You
Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard

LAST CALL: Voting For The 2020 MusicRow Awards Ends Today

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Voting for the 32nd annual MusicRow Awards closes TODAY, Friday, July 17 at 5 p.m. CT.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.

This year’s honors will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Nominees for the MusicRow Awards are determined by a committee comprised of critics and tastemakers, with outside nominations being considered for Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer. Male and Female Songwriter nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. Eligible projects were active between April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020.

Click here to see the complete list of nominees.

The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Aug. 18, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Country Album Chart during the eligibility period.