Midland Donates To ACM Lifting Lives
Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Billy Bob’s Keitha Spears, Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Billy Bob’s Marty Travis, Midland’s Jess Carson
Midland performed two sold-out nights this past weekend at Ft. Worths legendary honky-tonk Billy Bob’s and donated a portion of each ticket sold to ACM Lifting Lives. Their next stop is opening the Houston Rodeo tomorrow, March 3 before they head out on their international LET IT ROLL TOUR.
Demolition Music Renews Deal with Adam Searan
Pictured (L-R): President – Jon D’Agostino, Adam Searan, General Manager – Michael August, Creative Director – Jamie Dryburgh
Artist, songwriter and producer, Adam Searan has re-signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Demolition Music. Among Searan’s songwriting cuts is “Drunk Text,” recorded by duo Haley & Michaels.
Southern Halo Goes From Trio To Duo
Southern Halo’s Nata and Tinka Morris.
Mississippi-born sibling music group Southern Halo has now transitioned from a trio to a duo, following the exit of former member Hannah Morris. Tinka and Nata Morris will continue on as a duo, with Cliff Downs producing their music.
“We love and respect each other so much,” notes Nata Morris, lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter for the group. “When Hannah decided she wanted to pursue her education and her passion for Interior Design, Tinka and I celebrated with her and re-dedicated ourselves to our passion, which is music.”
Southern Halo released their debut EP in 2014, followed by two full-length albums in 2015 and 2018. Their 2018 project included the singles “Anything Is Possible” and “I Think Too Much,” which each hit the Top 25 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio chart.
Blake Davis Joins Green Hill Productions
Blake Davis
Green Hill Productions, a boutique record label and creator of jazz, instrumental and specialty releases, has added Blake Davis as General Manager. Green Hill Productions partnered with Primary Wave Music last year to expand to a larger audience and grow its artist roster, which includes Michael Omartian, Luke McMaster, Beegie Adair and a recently-announced integrated partnership with instrumental music star Jim Brickman.
Davis takes over for former VP/GM Greg Howard, who launched the label in 1994; Howard will continue in a newly-created role focusing on A&R and product development. Davis has previously served as the brand manager for VeggieTales, and worked as a manager for commercial partnerships for Capitol Christian Music Group, He also managed day-to-day marketing and strategic initiatives for artists signed to ReThink Media.
BREAKING: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Names Anna Weisband VP, Creative
/by Jessica NicholsonAnna Weisband
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has named Anna Weisband as Vice President, Creative. In this role, Weisband is responsible for contributing to the company’s A&R strategy, creating marketing opportunities for Sony/ATV’s catalog, fostering relationships with songwriters, and helping to discover and sign new songwriter talent.
“Anna Weisband is a star. Her passion for supporting and developing songwriters, combined with her ability to creatively implement ideas, makes her one of the most effective young executives on Music Row. She understands how to connect with songwriters at their core, which is crucial in this business. I’m proud to have worked with Anna throughout her career and thrilled to see all the amazing things she will accomplish here at Sony/ATV,” said Sony/ATV Nashville’s CEO Rusty Gaston.
Weisband said, “Joining the Sony/ATV Nashville team has been the most unexpected yet inspiring transition of my career. I’m so excited to continue working under the fearless leadership of my longtime champion Rusty Gaston. I believe whole-heartedly that this family of songwriters and creatives can achieve anything together. I’m honored to be a part of this new era at Sony/ATV Music Publishing!”
A graduate of Belmont University, Anna began her career as a THiS Music intern in 2012, quickly establishing herself as a young executive on Music Row. Later in her career, Weisband began carrying out A&R duties including talent discovery, collaboration creation, artist management, and song placement for the company’s roster of 14 award-winning songwriters, producers, and artists, including two-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Ben Hayslip, Hall of Fame songwriter Tim Nichols, and GRAMMY Award winner Emily Weisband. In 2017 Anna was promoted to Vice President at THiS Music at the age of 23, a position she earned after five years at the Warner Chappell joint venture, led by co-owner/General Manager Rusty Gaston.
BREAKING: UMG Nashville Promotes Rachel Fontenot
/by Lorie HollabaughRachel Fontenot
Rachel Fontenot has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for Universal Music Group Nashville. In her new role she will lead the artist projects and development team while continuing to oversee her roster, which now includes newly-announced UMG Nashville artist, Reba McEntire.
Fontenot joined UMG Nashville in 2019 to oversee day-to-day artist development and marketing efforts for Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Brandon Lay, Parker McCollum, Kylie Morgan, Jon Pardi, Shania Twain and Brothers Osborne.
“The artist development team is the lifeblood of our marketing team,” says UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. “I’m so excited to watch Rachel lead and grow the Universal Music Group Nashville artist development team. She brings a wealth of marketing experience and she has great leadership skills. Her collaborative spirit, vision for our artists and passion for our incredible staff will continue to help us drive the ever-changing marketplace.”
Carrie Underwood Celebrates Book Release With Promo Tour In New York
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood interviews with Liz Plosser. Photo: Jeff Johnson
Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her first book, Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life, by launching a multi-city promo tour on Monday (March 2) in Brooklyn, New York.
Underwood also launched her new fitness app, fit52, on March 2, which is now available for download on iOS. Created in partnership with Creative Labs and leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the fit52 app is part of a holistic wellness platform designed to encourage and support you on your personal wellness journey and make it easier for you to find your path to a stronger, healthier you. Additionally, March marks her 5th Anniversary as founder and lead designer of her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which launched in 2015 and is exclusively available at DICK’S Sporting Goods nationwide and online at calia.com.
Underwood also has upcoming signings in Stamford, Connecticut; Nashville, Tennessee, and Los Angeles.
Carrie Underwood with attendees of her book tour in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: Jeff Johnson
Industry Ink: Midland, Demolition Music, Southern Halo, Green Hill Productions
/by Jessica NicholsonMidland Donates To ACM Lifting Lives
Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Billy Bob’s Keitha Spears, Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Billy Bob’s Marty Travis, Midland’s Jess Carson
Midland performed two sold-out nights this past weekend at Ft. Worths legendary honky-tonk Billy Bob’s and donated a portion of each ticket sold to ACM Lifting Lives. Their next stop is opening the Houston Rodeo tomorrow, March 3 before they head out on their international LET IT ROLL TOUR.
Demolition Music Renews Deal with Adam Searan
Pictured (L-R): President – Jon D’Agostino, Adam Searan, General Manager – Michael August, Creative Director – Jamie Dryburgh
Artist, songwriter and producer, Adam Searan has re-signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Demolition Music. Among Searan’s songwriting cuts is “Drunk Text,” recorded by duo Haley & Michaels.
Southern Halo Goes From Trio To Duo
Southern Halo’s Nata and Tinka Morris.
Mississippi-born sibling music group Southern Halo has now transitioned from a trio to a duo, following the exit of former member Hannah Morris. Tinka and Nata Morris will continue on as a duo, with Cliff Downs producing their music.
“We love and respect each other so much,” notes Nata Morris, lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter for the group. “When Hannah decided she wanted to pursue her education and her passion for Interior Design, Tinka and I celebrated with her and re-dedicated ourselves to our passion, which is music.”
Southern Halo released their debut EP in 2014, followed by two full-length albums in 2015 and 2018. Their 2018 project included the singles “Anything Is Possible” and “I Think Too Much,” which each hit the Top 25 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio chart.
Blake Davis Joins Green Hill Productions
Blake Davis
Green Hill Productions, a boutique record label and creator of jazz, instrumental and specialty releases, has added Blake Davis as General Manager. Green Hill Productions partnered with Primary Wave Music last year to expand to a larger audience and grow its artist roster, which includes Michael Omartian, Luke McMaster, Beegie Adair and a recently-announced integrated partnership with instrumental music star Jim Brickman.
Davis takes over for former VP/GM Greg Howard, who launched the label in 1994; Howard will continue in a newly-created role focusing on A&R and product development. Davis has previously served as the brand manager for VeggieTales, and worked as a manager for commercial partnerships for Capitol Christian Music Group, He also managed day-to-day marketing and strategic initiatives for artists signed to ReThink Media.
Randy Rogers Band Celebrates 20th Anniversary With RIAA Certification
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier, Johnny “Chops” Richardson, Randy Rogers, Geoffrey Hill, Brady Black, Les Lawless Photo by Daniel Swartz
The Randy Rogers Band kicked off its 20th year together by celebrating an RIAA certification, with their Gold-certified single “Kiss Me In the Dark,” which released in 2006.
The band stopped by the RIAA Headquarters on Thursday (Feb. 27) prior to their show at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., to visit with the staff, and were surprised with a plaque commemorating the Gold certification by RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. They followed Thursday’s sold-out concert with a show at New York’s Terminal 5 on Friday (Feb. 28). Both shows celebrated Texas’ Independence Day and featured Josh Abbott Band and Pat Green.
“Gold! Here’s to more kisses in the dark,” said Randy Rogers.
“Congratulations to the Randy Rogers Band!” adds Glazier. “We are thrilled to welcome the group into the prestigious RIAA Gold certified club!”
The Randy Rogers Band will be on the road throughout the Spring with shows in Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 3, followed by a run on the West Coast the second week in April.
National Museum of African American Music To Open In September
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 56,000-square-feet museum includes more than 1,400 artifacts and showcases generations of musical history created and inspired by the work of African Americans, and includes seven content galleries, including six permanent galleries and one rotating gallery. These galleries chronicle black musical traditions from the 1600s through modern day, incorporating more than 50 genres of music, such as spirituals, gospel, jazz, hip-hop, blues, R&B and more.
“We’re extremely excited to announce our September grand opening date for all of the music fans who have been anxiously awaiting the debut of this museum,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM President and CEO. “This museum is a unique place that tells a special story. Our hope is that no matter your age, race or preferred music genre, within this museum you can find something that stirs your soul, pleases your ears and moves your feet. We encourage everyone to start planning their 2020 trips to Nashville and purchase your tickets to this first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to celebrating incredible people and moments in American history.”
Advance tickets can be purchased at NMAAM’s official site, with general admission ticket prices ranging from $13 to $24.
Spencer Nohe Named Director, A&R At Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughSpencer Nohe has been hired as Director, A&R at Warner Chappell Music.
Nohe most recently served as Creative Director at BMI and also previously served as Senior Director, A&R at Curb|Word Entertainment. He is a member of the Troubadour Advisory Council for the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Film Festival Music Committee. Nohe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University and during his time in school, held an internship with Warner Music Group.
“Anyone who knows Spencer knows that he has a strong work ethic and is a sincere lover of music and the people who create it,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Spencer is excited to join the Warner Chappell team and we’re lucky to have him in the family.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Warner Chappell and work with songwriters that I’ve been a fan of my whole career,” added Nohe. “Ben and the entire A&R team are the best in the business and I’m honored to get the opportunity to serve alongside them. The Warner Chappell roster and track record is unparalleled and I look forward to contributing to the legacy of the organization.”
ACM Final Round Of Voting Is Open
/by Sherod RobertsonThe final round of voting for the 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards is now open and closes Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5 p.m. PST.
The ACM Awards air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5 (live 8 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on-demand across digital platforms on the CBS All Access subscription service.
Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban will serve as host.
The complete list of nominees can be found here.
Nashville’s Music Community Reacts Following Tornado Destruction
/by Jessica NicholsonSeveral artists in Nashville’s music community have responded following a tornado that ripped through Nashville in the early morning hours of March 3. Among the artists sending their thoughts to their fellow Nashvillians include Dolly Parton, Reba, Dierks Bentley, Brandy Clark, Dan+Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Matthew West and many others.
At least 21 people have been confirmed dead across the state. Governor Bill Lee confirmed the deaths during a morning news conference, noting “There’s a really good possibility that there may be more. It’s early yet….As tragic as this is — and our hearts are broken — we are certain that we’ll surround these folks and we’ll do what is necessary [to recover].”
More than 40 structures have collapsed across the city and surrounding areas, including popular east Nashville rock music venue The Basement East. The tornado caused severe damage in several areas of Nashville and surrounding cities, including East Nashville, Germantown, Donelson and Mt. Juliet.
Several organizations and businesses have offered help. Hands On Nashville has developed a listing of volunteer opportunities. Funds can also be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee‘s Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. A few other charitable organizations include: American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Bridgestone Arena has opened its doors to offer free pizza, allowing those affected a safe place to have lunch. The Grilled Cheeserie has set up outside Hunter’s Station to offer free sandwiches, while Baked on 8th has announced it will donate all of its profits this month to Hands on Nashville and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The Martha O’Bryan Center’s food bank will be open until 2 p.m.
[This is a developing story…]
Riley Green’s “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” Goes Gold
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMLG’s Mike Rittberg, BMLGR’s Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Fusion Music’s Daniel Miller, Red Light Management’s Harrison Klein
Riley Green recently celebrated the RIAA Gold certification for his latest single “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” which is currently approaching Top 10 at country radio. He marked the milestone alongside Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLG Records President/CEO Jimmy Harnen as they commemorated the special achievement with a plaque.
Along with his first ACM Nomination, Riley also recently received an iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Best New Country Artist, was recently named as part of the CRS 2020 New Faces Class, and received MusicRow’s Breakout Artist of the Year at the CountryBreakout Awards. “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” follows his Gold-certified No. 1 “There Was This Girl,” both of which appear on his debut album Different ‘Round Here. Green is spending the summer touring across the country with Jason Aldean on his We Back tour.