Tyler Rich Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification

/by


Tyler Rich was recently surprised with an RIAA plaque commemorating the Gold certification of his single “The Difference.”

A virtual hangout with members of his Collective Artist Management and Big Machine Label Group teams brought some good news for Rich, when he was surprised with the certification for the track, which reached the Top 30 on country radio, and No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway. Rhett Akins, Devin Dawson, Benjamin Burgess and Jacob Durrett penned the song.

“A virtual hang with my label and team, turned into a surprise presentation for ‘The Difference’ going GOLD! I couldn’t think of a better way to thank everyone that has bought, streamed, or shared this song than to cheers you all and have Devin [Dawson] join for a livestream jam,” said Rich. “I’ve spent this quarantine working on and recording new material non-stop, I can’t wait for you to hear what’s next!”

Evan Coffman Inks Joint Venture Pub Deal With Angry Mob Music, Demolition Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Shane Barrett, Steve Bloch, Jon D’Agostino, Evan Coffman, Lauren Spahn, Michael August, Jamie Dryburgh

Evan Coffman has signed an exclusive worldwide joint venture with independent Nashville-based publishing company Angry Mob Music and Demolition Music.

The joint venture covers current and future works, and within it, Demolition will set Coffman up in Nashville with co-writing opportunities and seek cuts for his expansive catalogue while Angry Mob will handle pop and synch co-writes in Los Angeles. They also will oversee synch pitching and all publishing administration.

An Arkansas native, Coffman began his career shortly after he left Arkansas to attend music school in Orlando. He created his own music studio and began work with local and national bands including A Rocket To The Moon, Twenty One Pilots, and VersaEmerge, securing Gold records with both A Rocket To The Moon and Twenty One Pilots. Following a 2015 move to Nashville, Coffman worked with Waterloo Revival and landed a song that was featured during the college football season on ESPN, and the same year produced and co-wrote “Right Now” for Caroline Kole, which landed in the Billboard Top 40.

Angry Mob Music’s CEO and co-founder Marc Caruso said, “We couldn’t be more excited. This joint venture to sign Evan Coffman reflects the shared spirit and principles of Angry Mob and Demolition. Evan is a multi-dimensional talent and we can’t wait to leverage the individual strengths of both companies to achieve even greater success and accomplishments for Evan’s career.”

Jon D’Agostino, President of Demolition Music said, “Evan is a special kind of producer and songwriter who will allow our company to create music at the highest level in multiple formats and genres.  Being able to share his talent with a company like Angry Mob Music means we are looking at unlimited potential to do some amazing things together.”

“I am excited to be joining the Demolition and Angry Mob music family,” said Coffman. “I am extremely thankful to have a team that believes in my abilities and talents, which fuels my drive to be even more successful. I have no doubt that we are going to reach new heights together! I appreciate everyone involved in making this new partnership come to life!”

Staff Layoffs Hit Valence Media Properties Including Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Vibe

/by


Valence Media, parent company for outlets including Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Vibe, Dick Clark Productions and Media Capital Rights, laid off more than 100 staffers Tuesday (April 14), reports CNN, slashing more than a third of its media jobs.

Among the media staff that exited yesterday are Vibe Deputy Editor William Ketchum III, and staffers for Vibe and Billboard including Lauren Craddock, Will Gottsegen, Bianca Gracie, Hilary Hughes, Chris Payne, Annie Reuter, Desire Thompson and more. The layoffs came shortly after Hollywood Reporter editorial director Matthew Belloni stepped down from his role after clashes with Valence Media’s management.

Additionally, Variety reports that all members of Billboard‘s IT staffers were let go, according to a scornful article that was published late Tuesday evening (April 14) to Billboard‘s website. The article’s byline was titled “devops,” and featured a photo of the character Flounder from the movie National Lampoon’s Animal House, as well as a quote from the movie.

The now-deleted article on Billboard‘s site read, “In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, Valence Media has decided to lay off their entire web IT staff. Effective today. The online Billboard Charts are essentially perfect, so IT staff are no longer needed. Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life… #SavingABuckAtYourExpense.”

Deadline obtained a copy of an internal memo from Valence Media co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk that attributes the layoffs to advertising impacts from coronavirus, but also to a restructuring that was planned prior to the pandemic.

“Each of our divisions was affected differently, dependent on the specifics of the business. The greatest impact was on our Media division, which underwent layoffs and a restructuring, part of which was a response to advertising market conditions and part of which was an acceleration of actions that were planned for 2020-2021,” the memo reads.

The memo also states that hiring freezes and salary reductions have taken place, with salary reductions only affecting staffers making more than $100,000 per year. The memo states that staffers whose salaries are impacted are eligible for a program that will enable them to recoup the contributions based on the future success of the company. Satchu and Wiczyk noted they are not taking a salary and will not participate in the recoupment program.

Madeline Merlo Hits Top Spot On iTunes With ‘Songland’ Composition

/by

Madeline Merlo is kicking off her career in a big way by winning Monday night’s (April 13) episode of NBC’s songwriting show Songland. The show chronicled Merlo’s co-write of “Champagne Night” with hit songwriter Shane McAnally and Lady Antebellum, and the upbeat, party anthem was deemed the winning song by Lady A, who recorded and released the tune digitally as well as a music video immediately following the episode. “Champagne Night” ranked No. 1 on the iTunes Country and All Genres Chart yesterday following the airing of the show.

“Songland was one of the most incredible and inspiring experiences,” said Merlo. “The knowledge I obtained throughout is invaluable, and the opportunity to work with such seasoned and decorated songwriters is something I won’t ever forget. As a young songwriter in this business, I felt so validated and honored by this experience. Lady Antebellum was so kind and gracious to me, and it was incredibly cool to be able to pitch a song to a band that I admire so much. I made lifelong friends, grew as a writer all while getting to share my vocals and songwriting abilities on network television.”

After a series of successful single releases in Canada, including debut “Sinking Like A Stone,” “War Paint,” “Whatcha Wanna Do About It,” “Neon Love,” and her most recent Canadian country radio Top 10 “Dear Me,” Vancouver native Merlo will release a trio of songs including “If You Never Broke My Heart,” “It Didn’t,” and Canadian radio single “Kiss, Kiss” on April 24.

Chase Rice Sets New Album Release For May

/by

Chase Rice. Photo: Jason Myers

Chase Rice announced during yesterday’s (April 14) appearance on Good Morning America that his new album The Album Part II will be released May 15. Rice FaceTimed into the show to perform current Top 25-and-climbing single “Lonely If You Are” live from his farm in Nashville in a special appearance.

The digital project, titled in keeping with January’s chart-topping surprise release of the seven-song The Album Part I, will combine with that earlier collection and additional new songs for an eventual all-encompassing physical project, The Album.

“We’ve been eager to get more new music out to the fans, especially during this crazy time,” said Rice. “I’m really proud of these songs and hope they can bring a little joy to people while they’re stuck at home…and I can’t wait to play them live for you when we’re back on the road together soon!”

The Album Part II Track Listing:
1.  You (Chase Rice, Jon Nite, Zach Kale)
2.  Break. Up. Drunk. (Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt)
3.  Down Home Runs Deep (Daniel Ross, Michael Hardy, Mike Walker, James McNair)
4.  Belong (Chase Rice, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite)

‘One World: Together At Home’ Global Special To Air On JOOX Music

/by

JOOX Music streaming platform today announced that One World: Together At Home—a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, will air on JOOX Music in Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and South Africa on April 19.

One World: Together At Home is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, One World: Together At Home will include performances and appearances by artists and celebrities including Alicia Keys, Andra Day, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Billie Eilish, Billy Ray Cyrus, Camila Cabello, Céline Dion, Charlie Puth, Chris Martin, Common, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Jack Black, Jack Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kesha, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, LL Cool J, Maren Morris, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, P.K. Subban, Sam Smith, Samuel L Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shawn Mendes, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Usher, and many more.

“As a leading music streaming platform, JOOX Music is proud to be a part of this global initiative that unites performers, music fans and all citizens around the world in a collaborative effort to beat coronavirus, supporting frontline healthcare workers and the WHO,” said Poshu Yeung, Vice President, International Business Group, Tencent. “We stand together, gathering our hearts while staying at home, with all music lovers in Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and South Africa in using music as a universal tool in our fight against the further spread of COVID-19.”

Concord Promotes Hazel Malit To CFO, Recorded Music

/by

Hazel Malit

Concord has promoted Hazel Malit to CFO of the company’s recorded music business. Malit, based in Concord’s Nashville office, will report to Concord CFO Bob Valentine, while working with Concord Chief Label Executive Tom Whalley and Chief Catalog Executive Sig Sigworth to manage day-to-day financial decisions for the labels.

Malit started her career at Concord in 2011 as a Royalty Accounting Manager. As the company grew, she began to focus solely on the Recorded Music side of its business and in recent years, Malit led the accounting integration process when Concord acquired labels including Wind Up, Razor & Tie and Victory Records.

In her new role, Malit will interface with Concord frontline and catalog label groups, joint-venture partners, KIDZ Bop recorded music and related touring business and shared service operational departments within Recorded Music to provide needed reporting, budgeting, forecasting and other insights. She will also assist with financial due diligence for potential strategic initiatives and, most importantly, ensure that all activities within the Recorded Music financial department are aligned with Concord’s overall goals, adhere to the company’s general accounting and operational policies and are consistent with its core values.

“I am thrilled to promote Hazel to this new role,” commented Valentine. “Ever since she joined Concord nine years ago, Hazel has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to provide the essential accounting and financial assistance that our creative and operational teams require to succeed. She is able to focus on the big picture, engenders trust with her coworkers and has built a world-class accounting team within the Recorded Music division. Her accomplishments throughout her time at Concord speak for themselves, and we are all happy to see her continue to advance her career here in this new vitally important position.”

“I would like to thank Bob Valentine for this opportunity,” said Malit. “I’m fortunate to work for a company who believes in their employees and encourages internal promotion. Also, I would like to thank my team for their continued support and dedication. As I take on this new role, I’m looking forward to working with Tom Whalley, Sig Sigworth, our label presidents and label services team in supporting Recorded Music Operations.”

“Hazel has become an integral part of the Recorded Music operations team over the last nine years,” said Whalley. “There is no better person to help lead the frontline and catalog labels in a continued pattern of growth,” continued Sigworth.

Industry Ink: Moraine Records, PLA Media, Kid Rock, Steve Smith

/by

Moraine Records Adds To Roster

Shannon LaBrie. Photo: Rae Marshall

Moraine Records, part of Moraine Music’s Artist Alliance, has signed Shannon LaBrie to the roster. In 2016, LaBrie released the album War & Peace, which reached the Top 10 on iTunes.

Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group, comments, “Shannon is a true force of nature, and her combination of talents as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician makes her an exciting addition to our company. She delivers inspired music on every level!”

PLA Media Adds Sarah Ray To Roster

Sarah Ray

PLA Media has added lifestyle blogger and home designer Sarah Ray of Our Vintage Farmhouse to its roster.

“We are elated to be working with such a powerhouse in the online space,” PLA Media President and CEO Pam Lewis said. “On top of being a business savvy mother, Sarah Ray is an artist with a heart of gold. She has her finger on the pulse of style and design for the modern southern family, and we can’t wait to see what she conquers next.”

PLA Media’s roster also includes the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and Tina Turner Museum, as well as artist and actor Gary Morris.

Kid Rock, Steve Smith To Match Tips From Virtual Performances

Kid Rock and Steve Smith, Nashville’s Lower Broadway honkytonk kingpin, have announced they will match all “tips” made through live performances beginning at noon on April 15, and streamed on Facebook pages for Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk, Honky Tonk Central, Rippy’s Honky Tonk, as well as the Facebook page and website of Honky Tonk School for 72 hours.

“Just like playing in the clubs, our musicians make their living from the tips they received from our patrons so we are encouraging people to tip them during these performances,” says Smith. “These musicians love to perform and entertain, so just like the rest of America, they are going stir crazy not being able to perform for the people. This is just a way to get them performing again and hopefully bringing some happiness into the homes of those that would rather be on Broadway during this time.”

“Like most of us, I am a big supporter of all musicians and especially for those who work hard for the Honky Tonk Godfather and myself,” says Kid Rock. “These guys and gals work for us everyday. A lot of them you know. So listen, any tips you donate during the live stream are appreciated, but over the next 72 hours will be matched by my Big Ass Honky Tonk, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s and Honky Tonk Central. Thank you and stay safe.”

Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner have continued to pay their employees since Mayor Cooper issued all bars to close in downtown Nashville due to social distancing laws amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Honky Tonk School has organized this effort to help musicians make ends meet until the bars open and they can go back to entertaining in person.

To donate directly to the Honky Tonk School to keep the music playing visit the Honky Tonk School Musician’s Streaming Fund or donate through Venmo.

CJ Solar Sets ‘Coming My Way’ EP For May

/by


CJ Solar will release his new EP, Coming My Way, on May 1, led by his new single “Watered Down Whiskey,” which released to country radio on Friday (April 14).

“A lot of folks have heard me play these songs either on the road or online during the quarantine, and I’m excited to finally have the whole package available for everyone to hear,” said Solar. “There’s a ton of heart and soul in these songs, and I hope that comes through with every listen.”

CJ co-wrote all six songs in the collection, which follows the EPs Get Away With It and Hard One To Turn Down. Solar has written country radio hits for Morgan Wallen (“Up Down”) and Jameson Rodgers (“Some Girls”) as well as cuts for Jason Aldean (“I Don’t Drink Anymore”) and songs recorded by Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore and others.

Over the past year, Solar earned two Top 15 hits on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, with “Airplane” and “American Girls.” He was nominated for Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year at the 31st annual MusicRow Awards, and took home Independent Artist of the Year award at the 2019 CountryBreakout Awards.

Coming My Way EP Track Listing:
“Coming My Way” – CJ Solar, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell
“Better Memory” – Smith Ahnquist, CJ Solar, Neil Medley
“Wild Hair” – CJ Solar, Jacob Davis, Bob DiPiero, Jason Gantt
“Rain” – CJ Solar, Brent Anderson, Mark Fuhrer
“She’ll Run” – Brent Anderson, Jordan Brooker, CJ Solar
“Watered Down Whiskey” – Charlie Berry, CJ Solar

Country Recording Artist, Songwriter Jimmy Jay Dies At 84

/by


James T. Pickard, Sr., the country recording artist and songwriter known as Jimmy Jay, passed away on April 6, following a battle with cancer. He was 84.

Under the name Jimmy Jay, Pickard was a country recording artist in the 1960s. He recorded songs “You’re Still With Me,” “I Might As Well Go Home,” “Bayou Girl,” and many others. As a musician, he also toured with artists such as Conway Twitty and Eddy Raven.

As a songwriter, his songs were recorded by many country artists, including: “Neon Row” by Eddy Raven and George Straight, “Why Not Tonight” by Neal McCoy, and “You Put It There” by Conway Twitty.

Pickard is survived by wife of 54 years, Jeanie Pickard, his sister, Sandy Killam, his four children and daughter-in-law, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Pickard’s family asks donations be sent to Avow Hospice Naples.