Ryan Dokke, Dallas Davidson
Dallas Davidson is expanding his Play It Again publishing company to include label and artist management divisions, and has tapped former Curb|Word Entertainment Sr. VP/General Manager Ryan Dokke as CEO to lead the new venture.
Davidson launched PIA Music in 2015 and will remain as Founder of the company.
In the newly-created role, Dokke will oversee all aspects of PIA Music’s publishing, label and management business and operations. Additionally, he will work with Davidson on the group’s overall strategic vision for each of its three PIA divisions. PIA’s current roster includes multiple hit-making songwriters and artists; Kyle Fishman, Warner Music Nashville recording artist Trea Landon, Justin Wilson, Tommy Cecil, as well as the first two artists signed to PIA’s label; Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.
“Growing Play It Again Music is something I’ve been planning to do, but I needed the right partner to lead it. From the first time Dokke and I met, I knew that he had the right passion, vision and knowledge to take PIA Music where it needs to go. Among other things, he brings an incredible energy to the company. I couldn’t be more excited for him to become the CEO of PIA Music and to lead our growing team,” shared Davidson.
“PIA is an entrepreneurial company at its core. The vision is simple: work with incredible artists and songwriters and help to create value and opportunities around the songs and music they are creating. Music comes first. I’m excited to be working with Dallas and growing the PIA roster and team,” said Dokke.
In 2018, Dokke was promoted to SVP and General Manager at Curb|Word after serving as Curb’s VP of Promotion for four years. He oversaw a roster of artists across both country and Christian genres including Filmore, Lee Brice, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, for KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, and Natalie Grant. During his tenure at Curb, Dokke helped lead the team at Curb|Word to achieve multiple No. 1 singles. Prior to Curb|Word records, he was Manager/Regional Promotion for Sony Music Entertainment (Arista Records). Dokke is a graduate of Leadership Music’s class of 2019. He currently serves on the boards of the Academy of Country Music, ACM Lifting Lives, the Gospel Music Association, and the Country Radio Broadcasters.
Davidson has earned hits recorded by Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and more. He has earned multiple songwriting awards including Billboard’s Hot Country Songwriter (2010), BMI’s Songwriter of the Year (2011, 2012), NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year (2012), ACM’s Songwriter of the Year (2011, 2012), and is a six-time CMA Triple Triple Play award recipient. Davidson currently serves as the Chairman of the Georgia Music Foundation, alongside Vice-Chair Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of the late Otis Redding. The GMF is a non-profit that supports programs of music education, preservation and outreach while fostering an appreciation for the state’s rich music heritage.
IBMA World of Bluegrass To Go Virtual For 2020
/by Jessica Nicholson“While we all would love to gather in Raleigh this year for IBMA World of Bluegrass, the extraordinary circumstances made this decision necessary,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “Maintaining the health and safety of the large crowd we enjoy each year would be such an enormous, uncertain, and risky proposition. However, we know how important this week is to our bluegrass professionals and fans, so we are moving forward in new ways. We see this as an opportunity to reimagine every aspect of IBMA World of Bluegrass so we can still connect, educate, showcase, and perform in fun and engaging ways. And we hope to introduce new participants to the types of things we normally do in Raleigh so we can invite them to join us in person for the fun in 2021 and hopefully many years beyond. We deeply appreciate the ongoing partnership of the City of Raleigh, the hotels, PNC Bank, which has been our presenting sponsor since 2013, and the many other important sponsors we have worked with over the years.They help make this the most important week in bluegrass.”
“IBMA World of Bluegrass brings together some of the best and most talented traditional musicians in the world and, for the last seven years, thousands of music lovers and industry leaders have gathered in Raleigh to celebrate everything bluegrass,” said Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. “And while it’s not possible to gather in person this year, we hope that Raleigh and the IBMA World of Bluegrass events will be at the top of everyone’s travel plans for 2021.”
The nominees for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will also be announced earlier than scheduled, set to be revealed Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. CT on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. The second and final round of Official Showcase Artists for the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, the innovative showcase series that is part of IBMA World of Bluegrass, will be announced on June 18.
Music fans will have access to free live streaming, on-demand sessions and performances of the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcases, the 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards and IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, a music festival with performers ranging from emerging artists to industry icons.
“We will be working hard to make this year work, and plan to use what we learn about building an online audience to expand the audience for when we’re back on Fayetteville Street,” said David Brower, Executive Director of PineCone, the local Raleigh non-profit music organization that produces the festival. “We hope that this experience will allow people to participate who haven’t been able to travel to Raleigh before, and that this will also inspire them to make plans to join us in Raleigh in 2021.”
The IBMA Business Conference will feature professional development sessions; 1-to-1 and group networking events such as a re-imagined Gig Fair; and a Virtual Exhibit Hall, where attendees and vendors can communicate via chat and video chat, participate in live product demos, purchase merchandise directly from vendors and more.
Bobby Braddock Shares Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Lyrics In New Book
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Braddock is revealing the stories behind the standout lines in more than 80 legendary country songs in his latest book, Country Music’s Greatest Lines: Lyrics, Stories & Sketches from American Classics from Arcadia Publishing & The History Press.
Available July 6, the new book gives the reader a behind-the scenes view of classics from Hank Williams, Bill Anderson, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Eric Church, and more. Artist Carmen Beecher brings the tales to vivid life with strikingly realistic illustrations of seldom-seen songwriters, superstars, and unforgettable song characters.
“As a decades-long inhabitant of Music Row, I know a lot of the stories behind the songs and have had the privilege and honor of stumbling into more than a few songwriting sessions where music history was being made,” said Braddock. “I often thought that those attention-getting lines that are an important part of country hits would be an interesting topic for a book. I knew just who to approach: an old friend, world-class illustrator Carmen Beecher, who I invited to collaborate with me on this project to help bring these stories to life with pictures of the songs’ characters or writers or singers.”
Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb Rises To Sr. VP, Promotion & Digital
/by Jessica NicholsonKris Lamb.
Big Machine Records has announced a round of promotions and contract extensions, including Kris Lamb rising to Sr. VP, Promotion & Digital.
Director of Northeast Promotion and Marketing Brooke Diaz, Director of West Promotion and Marketing Bill Lubitz and Director of Southeast Promotion and Marketing Jeff Davis have also had multi-year contract extensions.
“These four individuals represent the heart and soul of Big Machine,” said General Manager of Big Machine Records Clay Hunnicutt. “Kris Lamb’s leadership and example to our team through good and tough times has been invaluable, and his elevation to Senior Vice President represents that. He will continue to be a force of positivity and winning for years to come at The Machine. The passion, work, and determination of all of these individuals is second to none. We could not be happier that we’ll all be growing and succeeding together for many years to come.”
Lamb joined the imprint in 2010 after working for The Walt Disney Company’s Lyric Street Records, executing all West Coast Promotion strategies. A Belmont University graduate, Lamb is an adjunct professor of Music Promotion Strategies at his alma mater.
Recipient of the CRS Regional of the Year in 2018 and 2020, Diaz joined BMLG in 2014 in the role of West Coast Promotion Representative before transitioning to Northeast Promotion in 2017. Lubitz has been at BMLG for six years with former stops at Black River and KWNR, while Davis joined Big Machine in 2008 with previous stops at The Equity Music Group, Elektra, MCA and Epic Records.
Brett Sheroky Signs With Sea Gayle Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured L-R (Top to bottom): Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle Music; Marc Driskill, Sea Gayle Music; Emily Witters, Sea Gayle Music; Sheroky; Kim Wiggins, Sea Gayle Music; JD Groover, Sea Gayle Music; Brandon Gregg, Sea Gayle Music.
Brett Sheroky has signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music.
Born in Belleville, Illinois and raised on a wide range of music, Sheroky moved to Nashville in 2009 to hone his craft as a songwriter. He has had numerous cuts by various independent artists, and won the grand prize in the 2017 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. As his songwriting evolved, he caught the attention of singer/songwriter Phil Vassar, who asked Sheroky to write, and invited him to open for him on his “Stripped Down Tour.”
“Signing Brett was a no brainer for us. His songwriting ability on top of the way he delivers his songs is what really sets him apart. I think I speak for the whole Sea Gayle team when I say we are more than thrilled to have him join our family. We are truly excited to see what the future has in store for this guy,” says Sea Gayle Creative Director Kim Wiggins.
“Sea Gayle has a reputation for signing songwriters that really know how to craft a song and I am so honored to be thought of as a writer that belongs on that roster,” adds Sheroky.
Play It Again Expands, Adds Ryan Dokke As CEO
/by Jessica NicholsonRyan Dokke, Dallas Davidson
Dallas Davidson is expanding his Play It Again publishing company to include label and artist management divisions, and has tapped former Curb|Word Entertainment Sr. VP/General Manager Ryan Dokke as CEO to lead the new venture.
Davidson launched PIA Music in 2015 and will remain as Founder of the company.
In the newly-created role, Dokke will oversee all aspects of PIA Music’s publishing, label and management business and operations. Additionally, he will work with Davidson on the group’s overall strategic vision for each of its three PIA divisions. PIA’s current roster includes multiple hit-making songwriters and artists; Kyle Fishman, Warner Music Nashville recording artist Trea Landon, Justin Wilson, Tommy Cecil, as well as the first two artists signed to PIA’s label; Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.
“Growing Play It Again Music is something I’ve been planning to do, but I needed the right partner to lead it. From the first time Dokke and I met, I knew that he had the right passion, vision and knowledge to take PIA Music where it needs to go. Among other things, he brings an incredible energy to the company. I couldn’t be more excited for him to become the CEO of PIA Music and to lead our growing team,” shared Davidson.
“PIA is an entrepreneurial company at its core. The vision is simple: work with incredible artists and songwriters and help to create value and opportunities around the songs and music they are creating. Music comes first. I’m excited to be working with Dallas and growing the PIA roster and team,” said Dokke.
In 2018, Dokke was promoted to SVP and General Manager at Curb|Word after serving as Curb’s VP of Promotion for four years. He oversaw a roster of artists across both country and Christian genres including Filmore, Lee Brice, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, for KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, and Natalie Grant. During his tenure at Curb, Dokke helped lead the team at Curb|Word to achieve multiple No. 1 singles. Prior to Curb|Word records, he was Manager/Regional Promotion for Sony Music Entertainment (Arista Records). Dokke is a graduate of Leadership Music’s class of 2019. He currently serves on the boards of the Academy of Country Music, ACM Lifting Lives, the Gospel Music Association, and the Country Radio Broadcasters.
Davidson has earned hits recorded by Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and more. He has earned multiple songwriting awards including Billboard’s Hot Country Songwriter (2010), BMI’s Songwriter of the Year (2011, 2012), NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year (2012), ACM’s Songwriter of the Year (2011, 2012), and is a six-time CMA Triple Triple Play award recipient. Davidson currently serves as the Chairman of the Georgia Music Foundation, alongside Vice-Chair Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of the late Otis Redding. The GMF is a non-profit that supports programs of music education, preservation and outreach while fostering an appreciation for the state’s rich music heritage.
Luke Bryan To Lead Three-Hour CMA Fest Retrospective On ABC
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright
Luke Bryan will host CMA Best of the Fest, a three-hour CMA retrospective special to air Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. The live concert experience features more than 25 performances that have aired as part of 16 years of CMA Fest, as well as a new performance from Bryan and special guest Darius Rucker.
Other artists featured in the special include Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Lzzy Hale, Sam Hunt, Joan Jett, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, Lil Nas X, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam and Zac Brown Band, with special appearances by Bobby Bones, Jim Gaffigan, Kirk Herbstreit, Peyton Manning, Lionel Richie, Rob Riggle, Gwen Stefani, Michael Strahan and Rita Wilson. CMA Best of Fest is executive produced by Robert Deaton.
On July 1, artists Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell will host the livestream event CMA Summer Stay-Cay presented by Budweiser Nitro Gold. Fans can visit CMA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page to catch more than 50 of their favorite country acts take part in performances, games and Q&As as part of the summer celebration. A full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Both events celebrate CMA Fest, which was canceled for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CMA Fest will return to Nashville on June 10-13, 2021.
Matt Dragstrem Moves Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellMatt Dragstrem moves up two slots into the No. 10 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credits on Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light” and Luke Bryan’s “One Margarita,” which is at No. 1 for the second week in a row on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Other than Dragstrem, the top 10 on the Songwriter Chart remain the same as last week’s ranking, with Craig Wiseman at the top for his eighth consecutive week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded 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.
Warner Music’s Shari Roth Promoted To National Director, Radio & Streaming
/by Jessica NicholsonShari Roth
Shari Roth has been promoted to National Director, Radio & Streaming (Team WEA) at Warner Music Nashville. Her roster includes A Thousand Horses, Devin Dawson, High Valley, Ingrid Andress, Kenny Chesney, Michael Ray, Morgan Evans, Ryan Griffin and Tyler Braden. Roth will report to VP Radio Tom Martens.
“Shari has been an incredible asset to the WEA team since day one,” Martens said. “Her experience in the industry is invaluable, and her connection to our artists and their management teams is unparalleled. Between her relationships and her fighting spirit, Shari is the best person to lead the charge.”
Added SVP Radio Kristen Williams, “Shari knows what needs to be done and will get it done. She’s no fuss but a lot of fun. We’re incredibly lucky to have her – and the world is lucky that we’re getting one more crazy-driving regional off the road!”
In addition to five years as a regional manager at Warner Music Nashville, Roth spent more than six years at BMLG between Republic Nashville and The Valory Music Company. The longtime Chicago resident will relocate to Nashville in 2021.
“This is a tremendous honor,” Roth said. “I’ve worked in country promotions for more than 15 years, and this is the best promotions team that I’ve had the pleasure of working on. We are a close-knit group that consistently excels. I love learning and challenging myself, and I will continue finding creative ways of instilling that passion and creativity into our great team to deliver even more airplay for our unbelievable artists.”
BIG D Joins Nashville’s The BIG 98
/by Jessica NicholsonBIG D
Nashville’s The BIG 98 will welcome BIG D to the station as an on-air personality, effective immediately. BIG D will broadcast weekday afternoons from 3 p.m.- 7 p.m, with BIG D discussing the latest local and pop culture headlines, sharing personal stories and perspectives from artists in the Nashville community.
BIG D joins iHeartMedia Nashville from 95.5 The Bull in Las Vegas, where he most recently served as a program director and afternoon drive on-air personality. BIG D began his radio career at St. Cloud, Minnesota’s KCLD-FM.
“It’s an absolute honor to accept a job in country radio, working in the country music capital for the iHeartCountry Flagship station, The Big 98,” said BIG D. “This is an opportunity I’ve worked my entire career for and I’m thankful to iHeartMedia for giving me the chance to join one of the top market-leading brands. My family and I can’t wait to call Nashville home.”
“BIG D is an absolute pro on all levels and Nashville is going to love him as much as we do,” said Gator Harrison, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Nashville. “Plus his name is BIG, BIG D on The BIG 98 – nothing makes more sense than that. Now we have to find the perfect partner and producer for BIG D. If interested, listeners can help me get to know them by applying.”
Kenny Chesney Announces Rescheduled Chillaxification Tour Dates For 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell.
Kenny Chesney‘s rescheduled Chillaxification Tour dates for 2021 have been announced. The stadium tour, which had to be postponed due to the pandemic, will visit 18 venues with the same lineup of special guests: Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Rescheduled amphitheater show dates will be announced shortly.
“I kept talking to experts, city officials, team owners, medical people, looking to understand how we were coming along with resolving the health issues,” said Chesney about the decision. “I had kept hoping that as time passed, information would not only increase, but there would be some sort of solution so people could come back together. But things weren’t getting any clearer, so I did the hardest thing for me, but obviously best option for the safety of No Shoes Nation, my road family and everyone at the buildings involved.”
Original tickets are automatically valid for the rescheduled show dates, and patrons unable to attend the rescheduled shows have until July 15 to request a refund at the point of purchase. The 2020 shows in Houston and San Antonio are unable to be rescheduled for 2021, and ticket holders in those markets will also receive a refund.
Kenny Chesney 2021 Chillaxification Tour Stadium Dates:
May 1: Raymond James Stadium-Tampa, Fla.
May 8: Miller Park-Milwaukee, Wis.
May 15: Nissan Stadium-Nashville, Tenn.
May 22: Mercedes-Benz Stadium-Atlanta, Ga.
May 29: Arrowhead Stadium-Kansas City, Mo.
June 5: U.S. Bank Stadium-Minneapolis, Minn.
June 12: Heinz Field-Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 19: Lincoln Financial Field-Philadelphia, Pa.
June 26: Soldier Field-Chicago, Ill.
July 3: Bobcat Stadium-Bozeman, Mont.
July 10: Busch Stadium-St. Louis, Mo.
July 17: CenturyLink Field-Seattle, Wash.
July 24: SoFi Stadium-Inglewood, Calif.
July 31: Empower Field at Mile High-Denver, Colo.
Aug. 7: AT&T Stadium-Arlington, Texas
Aug. 14: Ford Field-Detroit, Mich.
Aug. 21: MetLife Stadium-East Rutherford, N.J.
Aug. 27-28: Gillette Stadium-Foxborough, Mass.