Rich Christina
Warner Chappell Music, the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced Rich Christina will join the company as Sr. VP, A&R. Christina was previously Sr. VP and Head of East Coast A&R for Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
New York-based Christina will report to Ryan Press, Warner Chappell Music’s President, A&R, U.S.
“Rich and I have known each other for nearly 30 years, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him in his new post at WCM,” said Warner Chappell Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot. “His track record as both an established record exec and a publisher has been one of the most exceptional and consistent in the industry. He’s been a creative force behind countless hit songwriters, artists, and producers, driven by great ears, instinct, and taste. As we continue to transform the Warner Chappell culture, we’re all thrilled to welcome him on board.”
“Rich is one of the most well-respected A&R execs in the business, with strong relationships throughout the songwriter community,” said Press. “Major artists and developing talent alike have relied on him to help guide and grow their careers, and we look forward to having him join our growing A&R team.”
“This is a fantastic time to be joining Warner Chappell,” said Christina. “Guy, Carianne, and Ryan are spearheading a dynamic approach to publishing that is hugely inspiring. They’ve made some outstanding signings in the last few months, and set a clear direction for the company. I’m beyond excited to join them on the journey and help nurture an environment where the focus is on songwriters and their art.”
Christina launched his career in 1991 at Atlantic Records as a Mix Show Coordinator, working with Big Beat label founder (and current Atlantic Chairman/CEO) Craig Kallman. He moved into A&R after bringing Robin S’s No. 1 record, “Show Me Love,” to the company. He soon began working with Everything But The Girl, Brandy, Changing Faces, Craig David, Mark Morrison, and the Space Jam and Dr. Doolittle soundtracks.
After 12 years at Atlantic, in 2004 Christina joined Sony/ATV, serving first as Senior Director and later as Vice President of A&R. In 2009, he moved to EMI Music Publishing as Senior Vice President of Creative, returning to Sony/ATV three years later when the latter acquired EMI. While at Sony/ATV, he signed and/or developed artists, writers, and producers such as RedOne, Jessie J, Stargate, The Neighbourhood, Shep Goodman, Charlie XCX, and Gaslight Anthem.
Christina has most recently worked with songwriters such as Boi-1da (Drake, Ed Sheeran, Eminem, G Eazy, Lana Del Rey), Ricky Reed (Lizzo, Halsey, Leon Bridges, Maroon 5, Bomba Estero), Sam Hollander (Panic! At The Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Blink 182), Billy Walsh (Post Malone), and Vinylz (Drake, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, J Cole, G Eazy), along with a roster of artists including Charli XCX, Nomani Kordei, and Shaed. He’s helped develop such smash singles as “God’s Plan” by Drake, “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, “Señorita” by Camilla Cabello & Shawn Mendes, “No Guidance” by Chris Brown featuring Drake, “Trampoline” by Shaed, and many more.
Luke Combs Releases ‘The Writer’s Cut’ EP And Short Film Exclusively On Apple Music
/by Jessica NicholsonFollowing the release of his No. 1 album What You See Is What You Get and multiple wins at the 2019 CMA Awards, Luke Combs unveils Luke Combs: The Writer’s Cut – a new EP and accompanying original short film available today, exclusively via Apple Music.
On the EP, Combs and his songwriter companions Drew Parker and Ray Fulcher team up with Nashville producer Chip Matthews to revamp two of their original songs. “1, 2 Many” features Parker backing up Combs on vocals, while Fulcher joins in on the new track “Reasons.” In between, the crew takes on Glen Sherley’s “Grewstone Chapel” – originally made famous on Johnny Cash’s classic album At Folsom Prison.
“Songwriting – it’s always been a teamwork thing for me,” Combs tells Apple Music in the EP’s accompanying short film. “I don’t really like writing by myself all that much.” Surrounded comfortably by his co-writing pals Drew Parker and Ray Fulcher, the country singer-songwriter behind No. 1 hits like “When It Rains It Pours” and “Beautiful Crazy” takes fans through his creative process. With Nashville producer Chip Matthews behind the boards, Combs and his companions work through some live-in-studio renditions of their favorite compositions.
Label Services Company CmdShft Launches Distribution, Financial Management Platform
/by Jessica NicholsonJarrod Cooper, Sonny Findley
Nashville-based independent label services company, CmdShft, is launching a distribution and financial management platform. CmdShft’s platform provides clients with the ability to facilitate all financial requirements without the use of third-party intermediaries. The propriety technology not only splits master and composition royalties amongst shareholders, but it also possesses the unique capability of automating the recoupment of expenses an artist or label incurs. Expenses are entered into the system by order of importance, and the percentage rate at which the advance is paid back is set. Additional royalties from prior releases may also be applied to speed up recoupment.
“For decades, rights holders have been required to contact the label or release owner to obtain financial information. We wanted to provide true accounting solutions to better facilitate artist and label incurred expenses. The advent of payment splitting helped collaborators get paid, but also presented a new problem –– WHEN should everyone get paid? Automating expense recoupment solves this antiquated system, removes a huge burden from labels and rights owners, and brings absolute transparency to all collaborators involved,” says Sonny Findley, co-founder of CmdShft.
CmdShft was launched by Findley and Jarrod Cooper to offer clients with distribution, marketing, management and tech solutions. Clients also have access to a 1,500-square-foot recording studio for content creation purposes.
Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown, Dan + Shay Among “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” Performers
/by Jessica NicholsonCiara returns as host for a third year, while performers will include Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown, and Dan + Shay, along with Paula Abdul, Green Day, Dua Lipa, Ava Max, Megan Thee Stallion, Anthony Ramos, Salt-N-Pepa and SHAED.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” will broadcast live on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 beginning at 8 p.m. EST on the ABC.
In addition to Ciara on the West Coast, Ryan Seacrest will continue his reign as host of the primetime festivities for his 15th year and lead the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City, joined by newly announced co-host, Lucy Hale. Billy Porter will host the 4th annual Central Time Zone celebration from New Orleans, providing viewers with exclusive performances and celebrity and fan interviews leading up to the midnight countdown and stunning fleur-de-lis drop at the dawn of the New Year.
Additionally, country artist Jessie James Decker will reveal the first-ever First Powerball Millionaire of the YearSM during this year’s live broadcast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020.” Decker will provide live updates from the First Powerball Millionaire of the Year party throughout ABC’s live telecast and the big reveal announcing the winner will air just after midnight on January 1, 2020.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” is produced by dick clark productions with Ryan Seacrest, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco serving as executive producers.
Dustin Lynch Details New Album ‘Tullahoma’
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina appears on the new collection for a special collaboration with Lynch on “Thinking ‘Bout You,” and writers on the project include Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Zach Crowell, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey, the late producer/songwriter busbee and more.
“Every song on Tullahoma, there’s a reason it’s there,” Lynch explains. “A lot of that points back to the people who raised me, and growing up with a lifestyle where I could go outside and have fun, explore and try new things in the great outdoors,” he says. “It’s kind of about being that kid and learning all those things. That’s my story, but I think we all can relate to the kid who’s discovering, the kid who’s figuring out love for the first time, all that good stuff. In a weird way, I feel like I’m just getting started. I feel like we’re just approaching the launching pad, and I feel like we have songs that will take us to the next level.”
Dustin Lynch’s Tullahoma Track List:
1. “Momma’s House” (Dylan Schneider, Michael Lotten, Rodney Clawson, Justin Wilson)
2. “Dirt Road” (Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, David Garcia)
3. “Thinking ‘Bout You” (feat. Lauren Alaina) (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
4. “Ridin’ Roads” (Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell)
5. “Old Country Song” (Josh Miller, Bryan Simpson, Josh Jenkins)
6. “The World Ain’t Yours and Mine” (Matt Ramsey, Luke Laird, Rodney Clawson)
7. “Country Star” (Dustin Lynch, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jordan Schmidt)
8. “Workin’ On You” (busbee, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins)
9. “Little Town Livin’” (Dustin Lynch, Ben Hayslip, Zach Crowell, Rhett Akins)
10. “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” (Dustin Lynch, Kyle Fishman, Dallas Davidson)
11. “Good Girl” (Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, Andy Albert)
MusicRow Radio Report (12/6/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
DISClaimer: Battle of the Bands
/by Robert K OermannIt’s a Battle of the Bands.
With new tracks by High Valley, Home Free, the Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town and Midland, this edition of “DisClaimer” is dominated by groups. Even Teddy Robb has found strength in numbers, by re-imagining his fine “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” as a duet.
At the end of the day, we have a dead heat between Home Free and the Zac Brown Band for the Disc of the Day award. Both are heart-stopping listening experiences.
As we had no room for newcomers today, there is no DisCovery Award winner.
SAM GROW/Drink About That
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
– Superb. Guitars moan and sigh and crash around him as he aches for a lost love. His solidly country delivery is perfect. The song is a total gem. This is the lovesick blues for a modern generation. Also check out the video with its powerful, don’t-text-and-drive message.
LINDSAY ELL/I Don’t Love You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
– Her most expressive vocal to date. The downcast ballad finds her musing amid memories. The contrast between the intimate, hushed verses and the open-throated choruses is terrific. As usual, her searing guitar work adds zest. Very involving.
HIGH VALLEY/Your Mama
Writers: Ben West/Josh Miller/Troy Verges/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Warner
-Mellow family values.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Bluebird
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA/Vanner
– She sounds strikingly winsome, touching and youthful here. The tune has verve and hooks a-plenty. The track is at once spare and deeply complex. The lyric has a lovely, self-portrait quality that’s poetic, introspective and hopeful. All in all, a highly addictive listening experience.
TEDDY ROBB & MEGHAN PATRICK/Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You
Writers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Fowler/Matt McGinn; Monument
– The groove is great, and both vocals are loaded with warmth and personality. The lyrics are packed with cool little lines — “gin and platonic,” “gettin’ back to where we left the past at,” “wine is gonna turn into why-not.” I have liked Teddy in the past, and I remain a fan. Canadian-country award winner Meghan is a worthy duet foil for him. In short, this sounds an awful lot like a hit record.
ZAC BROWN BAND/Leaving Love Behind
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Wheelhouse/BBR
– Soulful, heartfelt and richly satisfying. The uplifting ballad production is gorgeous yet understated. As always, the vocal harmonies are thrilling. They are a one-of-a-kind group, and I love them so much for that.
MORGAN EVANS/Diamonds
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– “I love you like a diamond, and diamonds are forever.” There you have it, complete with one-man-band burbles, beats and loops.
MIDLAND/Cheatin’ Songs
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– These guys need to come up with melodies that are a little more original sounding.
HOME FREE/Love Me Like That
Writers: Austin Brown/Jeffrey Joseph East/Stephen Martinez; Producers: Darren Rust/Home Free; Publishers: Calhoun Enterprise/peermusic; Home Free
– One thing’s for certain, these guys can sure ‘nuff sing. Tenor lead vocalist Austin Brown turns in an absolutely stunning, sky-high performance here. The group’s a cappella roots are still showing, but there’s a rhythm track, too. And that drives this thing straight into the stratosphere. My ears were definitely pinned back.
LITTLE BIG TOWN/Sugar Coat
Writers: Josh Kerr/Jordyn Shellhart/Lori McKenna; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– Intense and heartbreaking. Smiling through betrayal and infidelity burns with pain. The track is pretty much a Karen Fairchild solo, but the all-consuming female lyric is so brilliant that maybe that was the best choice. The ‘60s retro video starring Kate Bosworth is a dynamite mini movie.
Warner Chappell Music Names Rich Christina Sr. VP, A&R
/by Jessica NicholsonRich Christina
Warner Chappell Music, the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced Rich Christina will join the company as Sr. VP, A&R. Christina was previously Sr. VP and Head of East Coast A&R for Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
New York-based Christina will report to Ryan Press, Warner Chappell Music’s President, A&R, U.S.
“Rich and I have known each other for nearly 30 years, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him in his new post at WCM,” said Warner Chappell Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot. “His track record as both an established record exec and a publisher has been one of the most exceptional and consistent in the industry. He’s been a creative force behind countless hit songwriters, artists, and producers, driven by great ears, instinct, and taste. As we continue to transform the Warner Chappell culture, we’re all thrilled to welcome him on board.”
“Rich is one of the most well-respected A&R execs in the business, with strong relationships throughout the songwriter community,” said Press. “Major artists and developing talent alike have relied on him to help guide and grow their careers, and we look forward to having him join our growing A&R team.”
“This is a fantastic time to be joining Warner Chappell,” said Christina. “Guy, Carianne, and Ryan are spearheading a dynamic approach to publishing that is hugely inspiring. They’ve made some outstanding signings in the last few months, and set a clear direction for the company. I’m beyond excited to join them on the journey and help nurture an environment where the focus is on songwriters and their art.”
Christina launched his career in 1991 at Atlantic Records as a Mix Show Coordinator, working with Big Beat label founder (and current Atlantic Chairman/CEO) Craig Kallman. He moved into A&R after bringing Robin S’s No. 1 record, “Show Me Love,” to the company. He soon began working with Everything But The Girl, Brandy, Changing Faces, Craig David, Mark Morrison, and the Space Jam and Dr. Doolittle soundtracks.
After 12 years at Atlantic, in 2004 Christina joined Sony/ATV, serving first as Senior Director and later as Vice President of A&R. In 2009, he moved to EMI Music Publishing as Senior Vice President of Creative, returning to Sony/ATV three years later when the latter acquired EMI. While at Sony/ATV, he signed and/or developed artists, writers, and producers such as RedOne, Jessie J, Stargate, The Neighbourhood, Shep Goodman, Charlie XCX, and Gaslight Anthem.
Christina has most recently worked with songwriters such as Boi-1da (Drake, Ed Sheeran, Eminem, G Eazy, Lana Del Rey), Ricky Reed (Lizzo, Halsey, Leon Bridges, Maroon 5, Bomba Estero), Sam Hollander (Panic! At The Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Blink 182), Billy Walsh (Post Malone), and Vinylz (Drake, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, J Cole, G Eazy), along with a roster of artists including Charli XCX, Nomani Kordei, and Shaed. He’s helped develop such smash singles as “God’s Plan” by Drake, “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, “Señorita” by Camilla Cabello & Shawn Mendes, “No Guidance” by Chris Brown featuring Drake, “Trampoline” by Shaed, and many more.
Music Business Association Adds Five Board Members
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) has added five new members to its Board of Directors, with the aim of diversifying the Board to align with the makeup of the Association’s evolving membership. The newly-appointed members include: Bob Bruderman, EVP of Global Digital Partnerships at Kobalt Music Group; Ghazi, CEO & Founder of EMPIRE; Cameo Carlson, President of mtheory Nashville; Louis Posen, Founder and President of Hopeless Records; and Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood, President of UnitedMasters.
“I am extremely fortunate and pleased to welcome Bob, Ghazi, Cameo, Louis, and Lauren to Music Biz’s board — five important, trendsetting leaders from across the label, distribution, indie music, publishing segments and beyond,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “This new group perfectly complements the dedicated members already serving on our Board. I feel that our collective work — both to support our membership year-round and in planning our Annual Music Biz Conference in May — will be informed by a modern perspective on where we are as an industry and where we are headed next.”
Noted Songwriter/Guitarist Billy Ray Reynolds Passes
/by Robert K OermannHit songwriter Billy Ray Reynolds, 79, died Friday (Nov. 29) at his home in Olive, Mississippi.
His biggest hits were “Working Man,” a 1985 hit for Opry star John Conlee and “Don’t Believe My Heart Can Stand Another You,” which was a big success for Tanya Tucker in 1975.
Reynolds’ most recorded song was “It’ll Be Her,” which has appeared on albums by Johnny Cash, Jack Clement, Waylon Jennings, Eddy Arnold, David Rogers, Debbie Boone and The Gibson Brothers, among others. Its biggest rendition was by Tompall Glaser, who made it a top-20 hit in 1982.
Southern rocker Dickey Betts popularized the songwriter’s “Atlanta’s Burning Down” and “Dealin’ With the Devil.” West Coast country star David Frizzell charted with Reynolds’ “Country Music Love Affair” in 1985.
Other stars who recorded Reynolds’ songs include Bobby Bare (“Cold Day in Hell”), Conway Twitty (“For All the Right Reasons”), Alison Krauss (“Cloudy Days”), Tom Jones (“Love Sweet Love”), Rodney Lay (“I Wish I Had a Job to Shove”), Gary Stewart (“How Could We Come to This”) and Barbara Fairchild (“Devil on the Run”).
Born in 1940, the Mississippi native was initially inspired to take up music after seeing a Grand Ole Opry show starring Hank Williams in 1949. He formed a band called Yankee Dollar, which recorded an LP for Dot Records in 1968.
He began his Nashville career in the 1970s as the guitarist in Waylon Jennings’ band The Waylors. The star recorded his “High Time (You Quit Your Lowdown Ways)” (1975) and “Sandy Sends Her Best” (1973), as well as introducing “It’ll Be Her” (1974).
Beginning with his collaborations with Jennings, Reynolds was closely associated with country’s “outlaw” movement. He played guitar on such key Jennings LPs as Ladies Love Outlaws, Honky Tonk Heroes, Dreaming My Dreams and The Ramblin’ Man.
He later signed on as a guitarist for Jennings’ supergroup The Highwaymen with Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Reyolds also worked with John Hartford, Johnny Rodriguez, Jessi Colter, Billy Joe Shaver and Ian Tyson.
Following songwriting success in the 1970s and 1980s, Reynolds found work as an actor. Usually portraying villains, he appeared in small roles in such films as Rainmaker, Roots and The Journey of August King. His TV-series credits include In the Heat of the Night and I’ll Fly Away.
After years behind the scenes, Reynolds issued his debut solo CD in 2002. Titled Whole Lot of Memories, the album was produced by Dan Tyler and Lou Bradley, and included duets with Merle Haggard and Bonnie Bramlett.
He returned to his native Mississippi in 2006. Reynolds issued a second CD in 2018, Country Music Love Affair. In November, he appeared at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival at the Flora-Bama Lounge in Gulf Shores.
Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. Friday (Dec. 6) at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, MS. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 8) at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Olive. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation or to the church or charity of your choice.
BMG Partners With Shelter Music Group Management
/by Lorie HollabaughThe label group already works with Shelter artists including ZZ Top, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. Shelter will retain full independence under the arrangement to sign artists to other labels and music publishers. As part of the deal, Shelter has already relocated its Nashville operation into BMG’s new Music City office.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “Carl Stubner is a force of nature and we are delighted to partner with him. As the lines blur between the services provided by labels and those provided by managers, it is inevitable that these previously separate parts of the business will come together. Ultimately we are both in the business of serving artists and have complementary interests. We believe that combining resources and expertise on certain projects will benefit artists.”
“BMG has created the first new music major of the streaming age,” said Carl Stubner. “This is an opportunity not just to work more closely with the most innovative company in music, but also to build a new kind of management company with a presence in every significant music market. We have ambitions to move into both records and publishing with BMG and are already in advanced discussions to recruit other managers to join us.”
BMG and Shelter are already collaborating on Mick Fleetwood’s forthcoming sold-out tribute to Peter Green and the early years of Fleetwood Mac due to take place on Feb. 25 2020 at the London Palladium, with guests including Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Zak Starkey, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman.