Thompson Square perform during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.
In its second year, ReviverFest 2019 brings radio industry members and invited guests to San Diego, California for music, fun and camaraderie over the weekend (Dec. 13 – 15).
The 3-day industry excursion was held at Hotel del Coronado, which is perhaps best known for being featured in Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. The movie is among a dozen films that has featured the iconic hotel. Built in 1888 and known affectionally as “The Del,” it’s rich heritage also includes hosting over 15 presidents including William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and more recently, Barack Obama. Notable guests have also included everyone from Thomas Edison and Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt and Madonna.
Taking advantage of the coastal scenery, the weekend schedule offered attendees both action-packed activities and relaxing opportunities on the beach. Led by President/CEO David Ross and Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, Reviver created this event in 2018 to thank industry reps for their support and to offer a fun getaway as the year comes to a close. The gathering also gave guests the chance to hang with Reviver’s artists and songwriters, and to hear both current and brand new music.
Pictured (L-R): Reviver Music’s newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber, David DeVaul, Tenille Arts and Alex Kline perform in the round. Photo: MusicRow.
Friday started the festivities with an afternoon of cocktails and beach-side noshing before moving inside to The Crown Room, fully decorated for the Christmas holiday. After cocktails and dinner, the industry members were entertained “Nashville-style” with an acoustic writers’ round. The round included Reviver Music’s David DeVaul, Alex Kline and newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber. Special guest Tenille Arts also joined the round to perform her upcoming single “Somebody Like That,” co-written and produced by Kline. The single impact date at radio is January 13, 2020 with her sophomore album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between, slated for a January 10, 2020 release.
Wrapping up the round was Reviver Music’s Aaron Goodvin who performed a powerful and gritty version of the Charles Brown 1960 hit, “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
Pictured (L-R): A&R Executive Carole-Ann Mobley, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Reviver songwriter Alex Kline, Publisher Executive Clay Myers and Reviver songwriter David DeVaul. Photo: MusicRow.
Afterwards, the evening continued into the later hours with a fun poker tournament led by Reviver’s Dave Collins (National Director of Promotion) and in another room, karaoke led by Promotion Manager Roger Fregoso. Promotion Manager Kellie Longworth left the audience stunned with her karaoke performance of a Patty Loveless classic with David Ross’ wife, Jen, proclaiming “Somebody give her a [record] deal!”
On Saturday, invited guests enjoyed several options during the day to make the most of their visit to the East coast, which is just 20 miles north of the Mexican border. Options included relaxing at Hotel del Coronado or venturing into the town of Coronado Island, enjoying a round of golf at the Coronado Golf Course, testing one’s angling skills on a fishing excursion in San Diego Bay, relaxing at the hotel’s spa, or going to the world famous San Diego Zoo. That evening, everyone was debating on which excursion was the best. Spoiler alert: they all were.
Saturday night started with a wine-tasting session outside at the hotel’s Vista Walk before heading downtown to the Tin Roof (Yes! San Diego has its own Tin Roof, which was a subtle reminder of the vast impact our industry has across the country and beyond.)
Tenille Arts performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.
San Diego’s country radio station KSON Country and Reviver Records presented the free evening show which featured performances by Reviver artists Thompson Square, Tenille Arts and Aaron Goodvin. Donations were taken at the door benefiting Just in Time, a local charitable organization that helps transition-age foster youth, ages 18-26, achieve self-sufficiency and well-being in San Diego. A standing-room only crowd cheered on each performer while singing along.
An impromptu “after party” erupted afterwards back at the hotel allowing everyone to wind down with additional beverages. We knew the fun-filled event was coming to a close as pizza arrived for the last of the hard core celebrators, squeezing every inch of enjoyment out of the weekend and proclaiming the success of ReviverFest 2019.
Pictured (L-R): Reviver Entertainment Group President/CEO David Ross, Jen Gold Shulman, Keifer and Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square), and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: MusicRow.
Besides taking home a fun experience, attendees also came home with gift bags which included high-end head phones from KICKER Performance Audio. Both KICKER and fellow sponsor Eskimo Joe’s also offered pop-up shops for guests at the hotel.
Also attending from Reviver were Paul Williams (VP of Marketing & Artist Development), Jim Malito (VP of Promotion), Clay Henderson (National Director of Marketing), Hayley Cowoski (Manager of Marketing & Artist Development), Promotion Managers Suzanne Durham, Will Robinson, Stephanie Seiple, and Executive Assistants Kelly Ziegenfuss and Anna Bea Major. Reviver’s supporting team members Clay Myers and Carole-Ann Mobley were also in attendance.
Attendees at ReviverFest 2019 enjoy a day at the iconic San Diego Zoo. Photo: Reviver.
Aaron Goodvin performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.
Blake Shelton Surprised With Plaque For “God’s Country” On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (WMN, EVP A&R/Creative Advisor); Blake Shelton; Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment); Brandon Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment)
Warner Music Nashville’s Blake Shelton was surprised by fellow The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson today (Dec. 17) on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a double-Platinum plaque for his hit song “God’s Country.”
The multi-week No. 1 is the title track off his new album Fully Loaded: God’s Country. Among the fastest country songs to reach one million U.S. equivalents this year, the track took home a CMA Award for Single of the Year last month and is currently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.
Industry Ink: Texas Songwriter U, Carolina Blue, Koryn Hawthorne
/by Lorie HollabaughMignon Is Texas Songwriter U’s Winning Writer
Pictured (L-R): Texas Songwriter U mentor Jessie Jo Dillon; winner Mignon; host Jack Ingram; mentor Jon Randall. Photo: Ted Parker, Jr.
Nashville songwriter Mignon has been named the Texas Songwriter U’s 2019 songwriting program winner. TxSU hosted its annual songwriter discovery and development program Dec. 11-13 at Hotel Ella in Austin. Eight selected songwriters showcased performances at both Yeti Flagship and The Saxon Pub and received extensive song feedback, access to industry professionals, a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and professional performance and workshop photography.
Mignon was awarded a co-write with host Jack Ingram, an opening for Ingram at a landmark Texas venue, a performance at the 2020 Mack, Jack & McConaughey After-Party, a recording studio demo session at Austin’s famed Arlyn Studios, an Epiphone Masterbilt Century Olympic acoustic-electric guitar, a three-night stay and two performances at the 2020 Key West Songwriters Festival, and a one-week Key West residency at The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.
Carolina Blue Joins Billy Blue Records Roster
Pictured (L-R, seated): Ed Leonard (Billy Blue Records), Bobby Powell, Timmy Jones; (L-R, standing) Reese Combs, Jerry Salley (Billy Blue Records), Aynsley Porchak, James McDowell
North Carolina-based band Carolina Blue has signed with Nashville’s Billy Blue Records. Carolina Blue, comprised of Bobby Powell (guitar and vocals), Timmy Jones (mandolin and vocals), James McDowell (banjo and vocals), Reese Combs (upright bass and vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle, recipient of the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Award), is recording new music for 2020.
“We are very excited and honored to be given the chance to work with them,” said Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director of Billy Blue. “They are a wonderful fit for Billy Blue Records and we look forward to partnering with them to help them grow their unique brand of bluegrass music.”
Koryn Hawthorne Celebrates Her Golden Moment
Koryn Hawthorne received a Gold plaque commemorating her No. 1 smash “Won’t He Do It” by her label, RCA Inspiration. The chart-dominating single placed No. 2 on Billboard’s Decade-End Hot Gospel Songs chart, and No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for 41 weeks, the Gospel Airplay chart for 19 weeks, and the Gospel Digital Songs Sales chart for 22 weeks. Hawthorne set a new record with “Won’t He Do It” earlier in 2019, becoming the female Gospel artist with the longest reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart upon the song’s 26th week in the top spot. RCAI presented Hawthorne with the Gold plaque at their office in Franklin, Tenn..
Sugarland Signs With Big Machine Records
/by LB CantrellSugarland. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Award-winning country duo Sugarland officially announced today (Dec. 17) that they have signed with Big Machine Records. Previously signed as a joint venture with Big Machine/Universal Music Nashville for their critically acclaimed album Bigger, Big Machine Records becomes their exclusive label home as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush embark on their next chapter.
“I am so proud to continue my association with Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records,” said Nettles. “Scott has been there for Sugarland since our very first release, ‘Baby Girl,’ and continues to be our biggest champion when it comes to our records. We are so excited about all that’s ahead!”
“Sugarland has always been a band with a mission to spread our message as far as we can into every corner of the world and I can imagine no better partner or bigger machine than Scott Borchetta and BMLG,” said Bush.
“The music that Jennifer and Kristian make and perform together is nothing short of magical and I’m honored that they now call Big Machine Records their exclusive home,” said Borchetta.
Since the band’s inception in 2002, Sugarland has sold nearly 10 million albums domestically, have earned seven No. 1 singles to date and amassed nearly 400 million on-demand streams. Their albums The Incredible Machine is Platinum-certified, Love On The Inside is 2x multi-Platinum and Twice The Speed Of Life as well as Enjoy The Ride are 3x multi-Platinum.
James McNair Tees It Back Up With Sony/ATV
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV VP A&R; Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV SVP A&R; James McNair; Katie Kerkhover, Sony/ATV Mgr. A&R; Dane Schmidt, Sony/ATV Dir. A&R
James McNair has re-upped with Sony/ATV in an extension of his exclusive worldwide publishing deal.
Since signing with the company in 2015, McNair has landed over 45 major label cuts with artists like Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, HARDY, The Cadillac Three, Tyler Farr, Chris Lane, and more.
“From day one, McNair has gone above and beyond to outwork his peers,” said Dane Schmidt, Director of Creative at Sony/ATV. “His perseverance & positive attitude inspire me every single day, and I look forward to watching him reap the benefits of the hard work he’s put into his craft.”
“I’m pumped to continue my career with my Sony/ATV family! I’d like to thank Dane, Big Tom, Josh and Katie for continuing to believe in me,” said McNair. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and I’m excited for the future!”
Music Row Businessman And Songwriter Robert “Bob” James Mather Passes
/by LB CantrellRobert “Bob” James Mather
Music Row songwriter and businessman Robert “Bob” James Mather, passed away at his home in Franklin, Tenn. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. He was 68.
Bob enjoyed a 35-year career with EMI Publishing, where he retired as Vice President of Administration. He was a member of the CMA, the Recording Academy, and the Copyright Society of the South. The Springfield, Mo. native was a BMI award-winning songwriter, having co-written the Gold-certified hit “Sexy Eyes,” recorded by Dr. Hook.
Bob was also involved in the early years with the Country Radio Seminar, assisting in the production of the New Faces Show, and was one of the first program directors with WMOT Campus Radio at Middle Tennessee State University.
An avid gardener, Bob served as President of the Davidson County Master Gardeners and was on the Board of Directors of the Nashville City Cemetery Association.
Memorials in memory of Bob can be made to the Master Gardener’s of Davidson County or to the Nashville City Cemetery Association.
Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 20 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Graveside Service at Roselawn Cemetery at 1:00 p.m..
Industry Pics: Lauren Daigle, Steve Wariner, Tucker Beathard
/by Haley CrowLauren Daigle’s “The Price Fund” Gives The Gift Of Music To New Orleans Charities
Photo: Garrett Lobaugh
This past weekend Lauren Daigle spread some holiday cheer by giving more than $270,000 through her charity The Price Fund to the Ellis Marsalis Center, Young Audiences of Louisiana, Roots of Music and KID smART. The funds, presented after each organization had an opportunity to perform at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, will be used to enhance music education programs in underserved communities located throughout Louisiana.
“Thanks to everyone’s generosity, through The Price Fund we were able to give the children of New Orleans much needed funds this weekend,” shares Daigle. “Seeing children have hope and a future is something I care so much about. When we surprised these kids, their faces lit up and I knew, we’re doing something good here!”
Steve Wariner Performs Special Holiday Set at Historic RCA Studio B
Pictured (L-R): Abi Tapia, Director of Public Programs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Steve Wariner; Justin Croft, Manager of Studio B; Brinson Strickland, President, Collective Artist Management. Photo: Erin Lee Allender for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Steve Wariner performed original songs, holiday tunes and re-interpretations of classic hits recorded at Historic RCA Studio B at the studio on Friday, Dec. 13 as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Deck the Hall.
Wariner has multiple ties to Studio B. He was mentored by Country Music Hall of Fame members Dottie West, who recorded many hits in the room, and Chet Atkins, who managed RCA’s Nashville operation and produced hundreds of songs in Studio B. West encouraged Wariner to move to Nashville and play bass in her band, while Atkins signed Wariner to his first recording contract and eventually named him a “C.G.P.,” or “Certified Guitar Player,” a distinction given to only five musicians.
Tucker Beathard Wraps Headlining Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Tucker Beathard
Photo: Courtesy The Green Room
Tucker Beathard wrapped the last weekend of his headlining Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Tucker Beathard with high-energy sets through Chicago, Illinois (Dec. 11), Grand Rapids, Michigan (Dec. 12), Indianapolis, Indiana (Dec. 13) and West Peoria, Illinois (Dec. 14).
Following in the footsteps of Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Alumni including Macklemore, The Chainsmokers, Post Malone, Kane Brown and more, Beathard brought the tastemaker concert series across the Midwestern U.S., offering fans a sneak peek of new music from his forthcoming second installment of his debut double album.
Kenny Chesney Adds Amphitheater Shows To 2020 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney is mixing it up on his upcoming Chillaxification Tour this summer, playing 22 previously announced stadium shows but also dialing it back a bit and adding in 18 amphitheater shows as well. On the amphitheater shows, he’ll be joined by good friend Michael Franti & Spearhead.
“As crazy and awesome as the stadium shows are—and there’s nothing like them—there is a vibe to the amphitheater shows that only happens in those places,” Chesney says. “You look out at the lawn, you see everybody coming together, singing the songs—and it’s this community that feels so close. I think everyone likes when we change things up. The shows are different. We make sure we play all the same songs, but there’s a looseness in the amphitheaters—and with only two acts, there’s also a different kind of intensity. Bringing Michael Franti & Spearhead is going to keep the energy up in a big way, and No Shoes Nation is going to really love them.”
Chesney will visit amphitheaters in West Palm Beach, Phoenix, Boise, Syracuse, Virginia Beach and more from May 7-August 26th on this portion of the tour. Fans can first purchase tickets beginning Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket, and other markets will announce on-sale details individually.
Industry Ink: All Access, NSAI, Grayscale Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonLeslie Armstrong Exits All Access
Leslie Armstrong has exited All Access to pursue new career opportunities; she joined All Access as Associate Editor in February. Armstrong previously worked as Manager/Social Media for B! Noticed PR. She has also spent time in radio promotion for HMG, and spent 10 years in a digital media role creating content for Bullseye Marketing’s consumer site, Nashville Country Club. Armstrong can be reached at lesinnash@gmail.com.
NSAI Announces ‘Artists & The Songwriters They Love’ Concert
NSAI’s performance series, Artists & The Songwriters They Love, returns to City Winery Nashville on Feb. 4, 2020 and will feature ACM Award-winner Justin Moore, alongside songwriting powerhouses Jeremy Stover, Rhett Akins and Chase McGill. Tickets go on sale Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. CST at citywinery.com/Nashville and prices range from $30-$45.
Grayscale Marketing Adds Three
Grayscale Marketing, a Nashville-based, full-service entertainment agency, has hired Jack Carlisle as Graphic Designer and Video Production Specialist; Anna Kate Draper as Copywriter and Engagement Specialist; and Caroline Harwood as a Graphic Design and Illustration Specialist.
Founded in 2015, Grayscale Marketing offers marketing, public relations and advertising; the company’s clients have included Sixthman, Warner Chappell Production Music, Pilgrimage Music Festival and more.
Shawn Parr To Exit ‘NASH Nights Live,’ Elaina Smith To Continue Hosting Duties
/by Jessica NicholsonElaina Smith
Beginning next year, Elaina Smith will take on solo hosting duties for the Westwood One-syndicated radio show NASH Nights Live, as her co-host Shawn Parr will exit.
“Shawn Parr’s last show will be Dec. 31, 2019. Elaina Smith will continue to host NASH Nights Live,” a spokesperson for Cumulus tells MusicRow.
Parr and Smith launched NASH Nights Live in 2014; Smith also hosts the weekend radio show With Elaina, as well as the podcast Breaking Thru With Elaina. Smith, a Gracie Award winner, previously hosted shows in Florida and San Diego and also worked at The Insider in Los Angeles, as well as Entertainment Tonight.
Parr previously worked at Los Angeles radio stations KZLA and KKGO; he has also served as the voice of Dick Clark Productions for nearly three decades and will continue to voice the Golden Globe Awards and ACM Awards.
ReviverFest 2019 Delivers Music And Fun In San Diego
/by Sherod RobertsonThompson Square perform during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.
In its second year, ReviverFest 2019 brings radio industry members and invited guests to San Diego, California for music, fun and camaraderie over the weekend (Dec. 13 – 15).
The 3-day industry excursion was held at Hotel del Coronado, which is perhaps best known for being featured in Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. The movie is among a dozen films that has featured the iconic hotel. Built in 1888 and known affectionally as “The Del,” it’s rich heritage also includes hosting over 15 presidents including William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and more recently, Barack Obama. Notable guests have also included everyone from Thomas Edison and Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt and Madonna.
Taking advantage of the coastal scenery, the weekend schedule offered attendees both action-packed activities and relaxing opportunities on the beach. Led by President/CEO David Ross and Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, Reviver created this event in 2018 to thank industry reps for their support and to offer a fun getaway as the year comes to a close. The gathering also gave guests the chance to hang with Reviver’s artists and songwriters, and to hear both current and brand new music.
Pictured (L-R): Reviver Music’s newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber, David DeVaul, Tenille Arts and Alex Kline perform in the round. Photo: MusicRow.
Friday started the festivities with an afternoon of cocktails and beach-side noshing before moving inside to The Crown Room, fully decorated for the Christmas holiday. After cocktails and dinner, the industry members were entertained “Nashville-style” with an acoustic writers’ round. The round included Reviver Music’s David DeVaul, Alex Kline and newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber. Special guest Tenille Arts also joined the round to perform her upcoming single “Somebody Like That,” co-written and produced by Kline. The single impact date at radio is January 13, 2020 with her sophomore album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between, slated for a January 10, 2020 release.
Wrapping up the round was Reviver Music’s Aaron Goodvin who performed a powerful and gritty version of the Charles Brown 1960 hit, “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
Pictured (L-R): A&R Executive Carole-Ann Mobley, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Reviver songwriter Alex Kline, Publisher Executive Clay Myers and Reviver songwriter David DeVaul. Photo: MusicRow.
Afterwards, the evening continued into the later hours with a fun poker tournament led by Reviver’s Dave Collins (National Director of Promotion) and in another room, karaoke led by Promotion Manager Roger Fregoso. Promotion Manager Kellie Longworth left the audience stunned with her karaoke performance of a Patty Loveless classic with David Ross’ wife, Jen, proclaiming “Somebody give her a [record] deal!”
On Saturday, invited guests enjoyed several options during the day to make the most of their visit to the East coast, which is just 20 miles north of the Mexican border. Options included relaxing at Hotel del Coronado or venturing into the town of Coronado Island, enjoying a round of golf at the Coronado Golf Course, testing one’s angling skills on a fishing excursion in San Diego Bay, relaxing at the hotel’s spa, or going to the world famous San Diego Zoo. That evening, everyone was debating on which excursion was the best. Spoiler alert: they all were.
Saturday night started with a wine-tasting session outside at the hotel’s Vista Walk before heading downtown to the Tin Roof (Yes! San Diego has its own Tin Roof, which was a subtle reminder of the vast impact our industry has across the country and beyond.)
Tenille Arts performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.
San Diego’s country radio station KSON Country and Reviver Records presented the free evening show which featured performances by Reviver artists Thompson Square, Tenille Arts and Aaron Goodvin. Donations were taken at the door benefiting Just in Time, a local charitable organization that helps transition-age foster youth, ages 18-26, achieve self-sufficiency and well-being in San Diego. A standing-room only crowd cheered on each performer while singing along.
An impromptu “after party” erupted afterwards back at the hotel allowing everyone to wind down with additional beverages. We knew the fun-filled event was coming to a close as pizza arrived for the last of the hard core celebrators, squeezing every inch of enjoyment out of the weekend and proclaiming the success of ReviverFest 2019.
Pictured (L-R): Reviver Entertainment Group President/CEO David Ross, Jen Gold Shulman, Keifer and Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square), and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: MusicRow.
Besides taking home a fun experience, attendees also came home with gift bags which included high-end head phones from KICKER Performance Audio. Both KICKER and fellow sponsor Eskimo Joe’s also offered pop-up shops for guests at the hotel.
Also attending from Reviver were Paul Williams (VP of Marketing & Artist Development), Jim Malito (VP of Promotion), Clay Henderson (National Director of Marketing), Hayley Cowoski (Manager of Marketing & Artist Development), Promotion Managers Suzanne Durham, Will Robinson, Stephanie Seiple, and Executive Assistants Kelly Ziegenfuss and Anna Bea Major. Reviver’s supporting team members Clay Myers and Carole-Ann Mobley were also in attendance.
Attendees at ReviverFest 2019 enjoy a day at the iconic San Diego Zoo. Photo: Reviver.
Aaron Goodvin performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.