In Pictures: Matt Stell, Tanya Tucker, King Calaway

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Matt Stell Celebrates His Top 15 Hit “Prayed For You”

(L-R): Caryl Atwood, SVP Sales/Streaming SMN; Jim Catino, EVP A&R SMN; Josh Easler, VP Promotion Arista Nashville; Ash Bowers, Wide Open Music; David Enriquez, RECORDS; Ken Robold, COO/EVP SMN; Matt Stell; Randy Goodman, Chairman/CEO SMN; Ed Rivadavia, VP Digital Strategy SMN; Brendan Rich, Wide Open Music; Liz Cost, Sr. Director Marketing SMN; Steve Hodges, EVP Promotion/Artist Development SMN; and Scott Stachelski, VP Finance SMN      Photo Credit Alan Poizner

Matt Stell celebrated the success of his debut single, “Prayed For You,” Monday night with his management and label teams before his Nashville showcase at 12th & Porter. Stell has a lot to celebrate, as “Prayed For You” is Top 15 and climbing the charts and he’ll perform the song tonight in primetime during a special episode of ABC’s summer reality series, Bachelor in Paradise (8/7c).

 

Tanya Tucker Celebrates Latest Album With Opry Performance

(L to R): WSM’s Devon O’Day; Tanya Tucker; Opry’s Dan Rogers; Opry’s Jordan Pettit   Photo by Derrek Kupish | DK Productions

Tanya Tucker performed on the Opry last Friday night (Aug. 23), celebrating her latest album, While I’m Livin’, which released earlier that day. Tucker performed her signature song “Delta Dawn” as well as two songs from the new album: “Hard Luck” and “Bring My Flowers Now.” After her performance she hosted fans backstage in Opry House Studio A to discuss her life and career and the new album. Hosted by WSM’s Devon O’Day, the Studio A event will air along with songs from the new album as a Tanya Tucker While I’m Livin’ special on 650 AM and WSMonline.com on Friday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. CT. WSM will feature a re-aired playback on Labor Day (Sept. 2) at 7 p.m. CT.

 

King Calaway visits WXTU/Philadelphia

KC’s Caleb Miller, the label’s Lexi Willson, LC’s Chris Deaton, Simon Dumas, Joel Raab, KC’s Jordan Harvey, WXTU/Philadelphia’s Razz, KC’s Chad Michael Jervis, Austin Luther

King Calaway recently visited WXTU in Philadelphia. The group also recently opened for Rascal Flatts during a sold-out show in Nashville.

30A Songwriters Festival Announces First Round of 2020 Lineup

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The 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 11th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center. This year’s performances include iconic artists Brian Wilson, John Prine, Indigo Girls, Tanya Tucker, Don McLean, and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.

The beach towns along Highway 30A on the Gulf of Mexico feature 30 venues presenting over 200 songwriters and 250 solo, band and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend of January 17 – 20, 2020. The 30A Songwriters Festival production team transforms amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios into unique music venues ranging in capacity from 75 to 750 seats indoors and 6,000 outdoors.

“Let me summarize what the 2020 30A Songwriters Festival is all about,” says Russell Carter, President of RCAM and festival co-producer. “It’s about great songs—‘God Only Knows,’ ‘American Pie,’ ‘Closer To Fine,’ ‘Angel From Montgomery,’ ‘Delta Dawn,’ ‘Puff the Magic Dragon,’ ‘Good Vibrations,’ ‘Closing Time’— just to touch the surface. There is a calm along 30A early in the third week of January, a typically quiet time in the resort town. By the week’s end, an explosion of music, food, wine and spirits combine to create an indescribable, sustained vibe as 200 musicians gather to perform for the multitude of fans throughout the weekend.”

“The 30A Songwriters Festival is a beloved and anticipated tradition for locals and visitors to South Walton and a major source of funding for the Cultural Arts Alliance,” says Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Executive Director and Festival Co-Producer Jennifer Steele. “The Festival fulfills the CAA’s vision for creative placemaking, establishing the area as a home for rich and rewarding cultural entertainment and experiences. We are so proud to be able to bring it to life each year and grateful the event allows us to fulfill our mission to advance the arts in our community.”

The following prominent songwriters are confirmed to perform two shows each throughout the weekend: Dan Wilson (Semisonic), Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary), Mindy Smith, Todd Snider, Elizabeth Cook, Birds of Chicago, Sierra Hull, James McMurtry, Carlene Carter, Shawn Mullins, Nikki Lane, Matthew Sweet, Mary Gauthier, Chastity Brown, Hayes Carll, Gretchen Peters, Will Hoge, Marc Broussard, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Darrell Scott, Chely Wright, Over the Rhine, Jeffrey Steele, Pat McGee Band, Amy LaVere, Livingston Taylor, Paul Thorn, John Fullbright, Steve Poltz, The Secret Sisters, Robyn Hitchcock, Miles Zuniga & Tony Scalzo (Fastball), Ken Block & Drew Copeland (Sister Hazel), Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lindsay Lou, Radney Foster, Bob Schneider, Allison Moorer, David Ryan Harris (John Mayer band), Dan Bern, Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae, Amy Ray (solo), Emily Saliers (solo), Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, The Honey Dewdrops, Grant-Lee Phillips, Griffin House, Peter Holsapple (The dB’s), Chris Stamey (the dB’s), Chris Stills, Amy Rigby, Abe Partridge, Liz Brasher and AJ Ghent.

Click here for tickets and more information about the 30A Songwriters Festival.

Cody Jinks Set For Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Cody Jinks will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, Aug. 28, sharing the 7:30 p.m. segment with Clint Black.

Less than two years ago, Jinks celebrated two consecutive sold-out performances at the Opry’s former home, The Ryman Auditorium. He will release his upcoming album After The Fire on Oct. 11, as the first project on his own Late August Records. His previous project, Lifers, was released through Rounder Records.

Jinks is currently on tour with artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, and streams approximately 40 million songs per month.

Home Team Publishing Signs Austin Burke

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Jake LaGrone (287 Entertainment), Greg McCarn (287 Entertainment), Ryan Beuschel (President, A&R, Warner Chappell Nashville), Ben Vaughn (CEO, Warner Chappell Nashville), Rhett Akins (Partner, Home Team Publishing), Thomas Rhett (Partner, Home Team Publishing), Virginia Bunetta (Partner, Home Team Publishing / G Major Mgmt); (L-R, bottom row): Daniella Rasho (Creative Director, Home Team Publishing), Austin Burke, Jessie Vaughn (Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Nashville)

Rising singer-songwriter Austin Burke has signed with Home Team Publishing, the company created by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins and Virginia Bunetta. Burke has earned more than 53 million Spotify streams of the track “Whole Lot in Love,” and will release his next single, “Love You Most,” on Sept. 6.

“I am thrilled to welcome Austin into the Home Team family,” stated Home Team Creative Director Daniella Rasho. “He has an instinctual knack for melodies, and his lyrics exude Southern charm with a West Coast flair. He displays all the makings of a modern country entertainer, and we cannot wait to embark on this journey together.”

Sea Gayle Announces Promotion, Staff Addition

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Sea Gayle Music Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill has announced the promotion of JD Groover to Sr. Director, Creative and A&R and the addition of Emily Witters as Director, Creative, to the creative team at Sea Gayle Music.

Groover joined Sea Gayle as Creative Director in 2018. Witters, a Denver native, moved to Nashville in 2011 and earned a Music Business degree from MTSU. After graduating from MTSU, she worked for Sony/ATV Music Publishing for three years before landing an opportunity to work at Dean’s Cabin Publishing.

“Along with Sr. Director, Creative, Kim Wiggins, who is simply a rockstar, we are so excited about this team! The authenticity and dedication Kim, JD and Emily exhibit are the main reasons songwriters and artists gravitate to them and trust them with their careers,” said Driskill. “I’m so proud of each of them for what they mean to our songwriters and our team. And we are so excited to welcome Emily to the creative team at Sea Gayle. Her genuine love of music and her instinctual song sense are the foundation of her passion for her working with songwriters. She is going to be an outstanding addition to the Sea Gayle team.”

IEBA Reveals 2019 Industry Awards Nominees

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The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) has revealed the full slate of nominees for its Industry Awards, to be presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, during IEBA’s 49th Annual Conference at JW Marriott in Nashville.

Nominees for this year’s awards are:

Club of the Year

• The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
• Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
• First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
• Joe’s on Weed Street – Chicago, IL
• The Sylvee – Madison, WI
• Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
• Webster Hall – New York, NY

Casino of the Year

• Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa – Rancho Mirage, CA
• Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Atlantic City, NJ
• Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, OK
• Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT
• Parx Casino – Bensalem, PA
• River Spirit Casino Resort – Tulsa, OK
• Seven Feathers Casino Resort – Canyonville, OR
• Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch, MN

Ryman Auditorium Theater of the Year

• Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
• Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts – Cerritos, CA
• FM Kirby Center – Wilkes-Barre, PA
• The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
• Historic Theatre Group (Orpheum, State, & Pangea) – Minneapolis, MN
• Microsoft Theater – Los Angeles, CA
• Paramount Theatre – Denver, CO
• Tobin Center for the Performing Arts – San Antonio, TX

Arena of the Year

• Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
• Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
• Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
• STAPLES Center – Los Angeles, CA
• T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
• Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
• Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix, AZ
• United Center – Chicago, IL

Amphitheater of the Year

• Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre – Greenwood Village, CO
• Filene Center at Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
• Forest Hills Stadium – Queens, NY
• The Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
• Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
• The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – Saint Augustine, Florida
• State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA

Fair of the Year

• California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA
• Mississippi Valley Fair – Davenport, IA
• Ohio State Fair – Columbus, OH
• San Diego County Fair – Del Mar, CA
• State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX
• Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI

Festival of the Year

• Austin City Limits Music Festival – Austin, TX
• Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
• Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL
• Newport Folk Festival – Newport, RI
• Outside Lands – San Francisco, CA
• Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA

Club Buyer of the Year

• Danny Bell – AEG Presents
• Donna Busch – Goldenvoice
• Pat Fielder – Mammoth
• David Fitzgerald – DCF Concerts
• Margaret Galton – C3 Presents
• Sonia Grover – First Avenue
• Josh Moore – The Bowery Presents

Casino Buyer of the Year

• Deana Baker – Choctaw Casino & Resort
• Billy Brill – Billy Alan Productions
• Leslie Goodwin – C3 Presents
• Leslie Master – Live Nation
• Brian Moore – AEG Presents
• Lori Otelsberg – Signature Entertainment
• Robyn Smith Levi – Boyd Gaming
• Joe Soper – Mohegan Sun

Corporate Buyer of the Year

• Annie Eifler – Gulf Coast Entertainment
• Debbie Meyers-Shock – BRAVO! Entertainment
• Clare O’Boyle – Jack Morton Worldwide
• Corey Shapoff – SME Entertainment Group, A Live Nation Company
• Kevin Underwood – LEO Events
• Danny Ward – Ward & Ames Special Events, Inc.
• Rick Whetsel – G7 Entertainment Marketing

International Buyer of the Year

• Michael Chugg – Chugg Entertainment (Australia)
• Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment (Canada)
• Steve Homer – AEG Presents (UK)
• Simon Jones – AEG Presents (UK)
• Jobst-Henning Neerman – KBK Konzert GmbH (Germany)
• Peter Noble – Bluesfest Touring (Australia)
• Riley O’Connor – Live Nation (Canada)
• Bec Sutherland – Live Nation (Australasia)

Fair Buyer of the Year

• Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
• Clay Campbell – Triangle Talent
• Cathy Mordente – San Diego County Fair
• Pat Powelson – Jayson Promotions
• Nina Rojas – Neste Live
• Lisa Sexton – OC Fair
• Suzanne Wilson – Wilson Events, Inc.

Festival Buyer of the Year

• Amy Corbin – C3 Presents
• Tom Hoppa – BottleRock Napa Valley
• Mark Monahan – Ottawa Bluesfest
• Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
• Huston Powell – C3 Presents
• Stacy Vee – Messina Touring Group

Venue Executive of the Year

• Zane Collings – SMG Jacksonville
• Becky Colwell – The Greek Theatre
• Laurie Jacoby – MSG Entertainment
• David Kells – Bridgestone Arena
• Geni Lincoln – The Forum
• Kristin Ropp – U.S. Bank Arena
• Sean Saadeh – Prudential Center
• Casey Sparks – BOK Center

Young Professional of the Year

• Sabrina Butera – CAA
• Joe Giordano – BOK Center
• Zach Hartley – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Emily Katz – Mammoth
• Emily Mayer – AEG Presents
• Andrew Saunders – STAPLES Center & Microsoft Theater
• Julian Wurpel – APA

Talent Agent of the Year

• Sara Bollwinkel – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Scott Clayton – WME
• Lenore Kinder – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Adam Kornfeld – AGI
• Jeff Krones – CAA
• Aaron Tannenbaum – CAA

Promoter of the Year

• Jared Braverman – Live Nation
• Don Fox – Beaver Productions
• Alex Hodges – Nederlander Concerts
• Darin Lashinsky – NS2
• Debra Rathwell – AEG Presents
• Rich Schaefer – AEG Presents
• Mike Smardak – Outback Concerts
• Brad Wavra – Live Nation

Eric Paslay Reveals Details Of New ‘Live In Glasgow’ Album

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Eric Paslay is releasing a new album, Live In Glasgow, later this year which was recorded during his European tour last Summer and contains 10 tracks, including four of his No. 1 hits.

Paslay announced the album release just days ahead of launching his overseas “Nice Guy Tour,” which will take him across Australia, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, beginning Aug. 29. Fans attending those shows will be able to purchase the new album, and the project’s U.S. release date will be announced soon.

“‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night,’ ‘Even If It Breaks Your Heart’ and ‘Angel Eyes’ are all songs my amazing band and I have been playing for the last few years but have never recorded together. Live In Glasgow was a chance to share our versions of those tunes along with many of our other favorites,” Paslay shared. “The first time I played in Glasgow I fell in love with the fans’ passion and energy and knew immediately we had to record my live album there. It was a blast!  If we were able to capture even half of the good vibes that were in that room that night, we made a great record.”

Live In Glasgow Album Track listing:
1.      Song About A Girl
2.      Barefoot Blue Jean Night
3.      Angel Eyes
4.      Amarillo Rain
5.      Even If It Breaks Your Heart / Learning To Fly
6.      Here Comes Love / On The Road Again
7.      High Class
8.      She Don’t Love You
9.      Less Than Whole
10.    Friday Night

Nice Guy Tour Dates:

8-29     Amsterdam, Netherlands                    Melkweg Upstairs
8-30     Hamburg, Germany                            Knust
8-31     Cologne, Germany                              Luxor
9-2       Berlin, Germany                                  Musik & Frieden
9-3       Ascheffenburg, Germany                   Colos-Saal
9-4       Munich, Germany                               Hansa 39
9-6       Dublin, Ireland                                    Green Room At The Academy
9-7       Lutterworth, UK                                 The Long Road Festival
9-10     Glasgow, Scotland                              Oran Mor
9-11     Manchester, UK                                  Band On The Mall
9-12     London, UK                                       Bush Hall
9-15     Oslow, Norway                                   Parkteatret
9-17     Stockholm, Sweden                            Bryggarsalen
9-26     Tamworth, AUS                                 Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall
9-28     Sydney, AUS                                      C2C: Country To Country
9-29     Brisbane, AUS                                    C2C: Country To Country
10-1     Wollongong, AUS                              Anita’s Theatre
10-2     Melbourne, AUS                                 Forum Theatre

 

Industry Pics: Cindy Mabe, WMBA, Evelyn Shriver, Susan Nadler, ASCAP

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WMBA Features Cindy Mabe

Pictured (L-R): Mary Larimer, Charlene Bryant, Lauren Simon, Cindy Mabe, Mallory Allgood, Kelsey Wise, Dana Dickie and Emily Bukowski.

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) featured guest speaker Cindy Mabe during the organization’s August membership meeting this week, where Mabe spoke about her journey from Belmont University student to her role as President of UMG Nashville.

Mabe shared that she looks for a “unique perspective and something meaningful to say” when considering signing an artist to the label.

“Music is one of the most influential things on the planet,” she said. “When an artist performs a song, they are channeling something nobody else can do.”

Susan Nadler, Evelyn Shriver, Shane McAnally, Jason Owen Lead “Shady Ladies” Live Podcast Taping

Pictured (L-R): Monument Co-President Jason Owen, Martina McBride, Evelyn Shriver, Monument SVP Katie McCartney, Susan Nadler, Monument Co-President Shane McAnally

The Shady Ladies of Music City podcast wrapped a successful first season with a live taping and finale party at the Country Music Hall of Fame last week. Podcast hosts Susan Nadler and Evelyn Shriver shared the stage with Monument co-presidents (and podcast executive producers) Shane McAnally and Jason Owen. Longtime friend Martina McBride introduced the hosts, and warned the audience that “the Shady Ladies of Music City podcast is not suitable for children…but then again, neither is the music industry.”

Listen to the live-taped episode here.

 

ASCAP Hosts Monthly Bluebird Cafe Showcase Series

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Holly Chester, Josh Matheny, Anna Vaus, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Brent Anderson, Jeb Gipson and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad

On Aug. 14, ASCAP hosted the latest round in its monthly showcase series at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. The round featured ASCAP writer-artists Brent Anderson, Jeb Gipson, Josh Matheny and Anna Vaus. The July installment of the series featured Dylan Rockoff, Tristan Bushman, Maddie Anderson and Manon Ward. The showcases are curated by ASCAP VP Mike Sistad and Membership Manager Holly Chester.

Also in August, the monthly ASCAP-sponsored songwriter showcase “What’s Next?” was held at Douglas Corner Cafe and featured Raquel Cole, Jessie Clement and The Woods. The showcase is hosted and curated by hit writer Bonnie Baker.

Pictured (L-R): The Woods’ Nick Halsted and Dan O’Rourke, Raquel Cole, ASCAP’s Kele Currier and Jessie Clement

Pictured (L-R): Manon Ward, Maddie Anderson, ASCAP’s Holly Chester, Tristan Bushman and Dylan Rockoff

Jen Bontusa Named Vice President/Label, Artist Partnerships at Ingrooves

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Jen Bontusa has been appointed Vice President, Label and Artist Partnerships at independent music marketing and distribution company Ingrooves.

In this newly-created role, Bontusa will be responsible for growing Ingrooves’ client base and on boarding and maintaining new client relationships. Bontusa, who reports to Executive Vice President and General Manager Amy Dietz, will additionally establish an Ingrooves office in Nashville.

The appointment marks the return of Bontusa to the Ingrooves fold, where she worked in the company’s L.A. headquarters from 2005 to 2018, rising to the position of Senior Director, Label Development. She most recently served at Centric Entertainment as Vice President of Brand Strategy, where she oversaw the development and implementation of marketing and branding for artist campaigns. She has more than 15 years of artist services and product management experience and has worked with such artists as The Lumineers, Oasis, Dolly Parton, Mazzy Star, Against Me!, Jamestown Revival, Thievery Corporation, Peaches, Kate Nash and others.

“We have had plans for some time now to expand our presence in Nashville and we’ve been looking for the right executive to lead that effort,” Dietz said.  “Jen is a talented and forward-thinking executive whose deep relationships with many of our clients and with the industry at large make her a perfect fit.  We’re thrilled to have her back at Ingrooves.”

“Returning to Ingrooves to establish a new office in one of the most important music cities in the world is hugely gratifying,” said Bontusa. “I’m excited to get to work with Amy, Bob Roback, all of the great artists and labels in the fold, and the rest of my friends at Ingrooves.”

Weekly Register: Luke Combs, Blanco Brown Keep Tight Holds On Country Sales Charts

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Luke Combs again tops this week’s country albums chart, with This One’s For You garnering 20K in total consumption, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Dan + Shay‘s self-titled album is at No. 2 with 15K, followed by Morgan Wallen with If I Know Me with 12K. Combs’ The Prequel EP is at No. 4 with 11K, while Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller is at No. 5 with 11K.

Hunter Hayes debuts at No. 44 with Wild Blue (Part 1) with 3.9K. Rodney Crowell‘s Texas debuts at No. 90 with 2.4K.

Blanco Brown remains this week’s top song on the country streaming chart, with 22 million streams this week. Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart” is at No. 2 with 9.1 million streams, while Blake Shelton‘s “God’s Country” is at No. 3 with 8.8 million streams. Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses” is at No. 4 with 7.7 million streams while Luke Bryan‘s “Knockin’ Boots” rounds out the Top 5 with 7.7 million streams.