Two of the largest media relations companies, Rogers & Cowan and PMK*BNC, have announced they will merge, bringing together a roster of more than 500 actors, musicians, producers, directors, athletes and more.
Among the Nashville music clients represented by PMK*BNC are Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Dixie Chicks, King Calaway, Kings of Leon, and Jessie James Decker.
Led by Chairman Cindi Berger and CEO Mark Owens, the combined new agency’s clients will be represented by a team of 350+ marketing and communications experts across film, television, digital distribution, music, fashion, sports, gaming, technology, brand marketing and social media. Alan Nierob will become Chairman of the agency’s Entertainment Division. Shirley Hughes will manage the robust brand marketing practice as President. Bill Rosenthal will act as company COO/CFO, Brad Cafarelli and Fran Curtis will both be Vice Chairmen in LA and NY respectively on the Entertainment side. The agency will unveil a new name and will elevate additional leadership in the coming months.
“This is a game changing and transformative moment for our agency, and a move that will create significant value and tremendous opportunities for our company and clients around the world,” said Mark Owens, CEO, Rogers & Cowan. “I have watched within IPG the great work that our now partners PMK*BNC, under Cindi’s leadership, have accomplished for an incredible list of talent and brand clients, and felt the timing was perfect to align and create an even more compelling offering.”
“With our diverse roster of creative and brand clients, and seasoned management, this partnership provides a remarkable opportunity for us to take our clients and campaigns to new levels,” said Cindi Berger, Chairman & CEO, PMK*BNC. “Our unique position and insight will deliver the best of brand marketing with the best of entertainment strategies, and further our ability to influence trends, spark meaningful conversations, and leverage culture to create defining moments and experiences that stand the test of time.”
“This merger allows us to combine the most talented client roster with the most talented group of individuals representing them,” said Alan Nierob, Co-President of Rogers & Cowan. “Our success over the years has always been defined by providing the highest level of professionalism and personal representation worldwide to our entire client roster, which we will continue to do on a larger scale.”
The combined company will have offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami, London and will be part of the Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network.
Media Relations Companies PMK*BNC, Rogers & Cowan Announce Merger
/by Jessica NicholsonAmong the Nashville music clients represented by PMK*BNC are Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Dixie Chicks, King Calaway, Kings of Leon, and Jessie James Decker.
Led by Chairman Cindi Berger and CEO Mark Owens, the combined new agency’s clients will be represented by a team of 350+ marketing and communications experts across film, television, digital distribution, music, fashion, sports, gaming, technology, brand marketing and social media. Alan Nierob will become Chairman of the agency’s Entertainment Division. Shirley Hughes will manage the robust brand marketing practice as President. Bill Rosenthal will act as company COO/CFO, Brad Cafarelli and Fran Curtis will both be Vice Chairmen in LA and NY respectively on the Entertainment side. The agency will unveil a new name and will elevate additional leadership in the coming months.
“This is a game changing and transformative moment for our agency, and a move that will create significant value and tremendous opportunities for our company and clients around the world,” said Mark Owens, CEO, Rogers & Cowan. “I have watched within IPG the great work that our now partners PMK*BNC, under Cindi’s leadership, have accomplished for an incredible list of talent and brand clients, and felt the timing was perfect to align and create an even more compelling offering.”
“With our diverse roster of creative and brand clients, and seasoned management, this partnership provides a remarkable opportunity for us to take our clients and campaigns to new levels,” said Cindi Berger, Chairman & CEO, PMK*BNC. “Our unique position and insight will deliver the best of brand marketing with the best of entertainment strategies, and further our ability to influence trends, spark meaningful conversations, and leverage culture to create defining moments and experiences that stand the test of time.”
“This merger allows us to combine the most talented client roster with the most talented group of individuals representing them,” said Alan Nierob, Co-President of Rogers & Cowan. “Our success over the years has always been defined by providing the highest level of professionalism and personal representation worldwide to our entire client roster, which we will continue to do on a larger scale.”
The combined company will have offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami, London and will be part of the Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network.
Tyler Braden Signs With 50 Egg Music And Triple 8 Management
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Bruce Kalmick (Triple 8 Management), Katie Kerkover (Sony ATV), Joey Harris (50 Egg Music), Tali Canterbury (50 Egg Music), Tyler Braden, Pete Olson (Master Craft Management), Jonathan Singleton (50 Egg Music), Josh Van Valkenburg (Sony ATV) | Photo Credit: Marisa Evans
Tyler Braden has joined the 50 Egg Music roster. The deal is part of a comprehensive partnership with Sony ATV as Braden, represented by Braeden Rountree and Austin Neal at WME, also inks with Triple 8 Management for representation.
The Alabama native began writing songs while working as a firefighter in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, spending his off days playing shows throughout the Southeast. After his first performance at a writers round in Nashville two years ago, he made the decision to move to Music City. His debut single, “Little Red Wine,” has been popping up on Spotify’s curated playlists New Boots and Wild Country and has amassed more than 10 million streams and counting.
“It’s been a while since I met a new artist who wants this more than Tyler Braden,” shares Triple 8 co-founder Bruce Kalmick. “While we’ve been a part of Tyler’s team for a few years on an advisory level developing the music and structure to best set him up to succeed, we are excited to officially sign him to our management roster in partnership with Pete Olson. This alliance with 50 Egg and Sony/ATV is an exciting next step toward releasing more great music from Tyler.”
“Talent, work ethic and persistence are all things I look for in clients and Tyler definitely checks every one of those boxes,” adds Pete Olson of Master Craft Management. “He knows what he wants and he knows who he is as a writer and artist. We are thrilled to partner with Triple 8, 50 Egg and Sony ATV.”
“From the miles traveled, the people you meet, the naysayers and the supporters, the life long friends, the sleepless nights, the free shows, the shows where you’re paid with a plate of food and, most of all, the fans you meet and really connect with – those are the small victories that keep you going,” recollects Braden, who until last month worked as a full-time firefighter during the week and as a weekend road warrior across the Southeast on his days off. “You do it all in the pursuit of that once in a life time big break.”
Jordan Schmidt Extends Music Publishing Relationship With Tree Vibez Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Ivan Meneses/Kursza
Jordan Schmidt has signed a new deal with his publisher Tree Vibez Music. The music publishing company, founded by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, boasts a roster including Corey Crowder, James McNair, RaeLynn, Blake Redferrin, Daniel Ross, Canaan Smith, Ernest K. Smith, and Jared Mullins. Moving forward, Schmidt’s catalog will be administered by Sony/ATV.
“I’m very excited to keep working with BK, Tyler, and Tree Vibez,” says Schmidt. “We’ve been able to accomplish a whole lot together over the past four years, and I can’t wait to see what we do ahead. I started my writing career with Tree Vibez and I couldn’t imagine a better home for me!”
Since joining Tree Vibez as its flagship songwriter in 2015, Schmidt has earned five No. 1 singles, including “God’s Country,” “Drunk Me,” “You Make It Easy,” the 4x Platinum “What Ifs” and “Lights Come On.” He has had 82 cuts in total, including 10 by Florida Georgia Line.
“It’s already been an unbelievable journey with Jordan and we feel like we’re just getting started,” shares FGL’s Kelley. “He’s been the flagship TVM writer and continues to create and produce on a level that is unmatched.”
FGL’s Hubbard agrees, “We couldn’t be more excited and proud to continue this relationship and build on the strong foundation that’s already there. We admire how Jordan continues to step up his game and inspire not only the people around him, but the industry as a whole. We don’t call him J VIBE for nothing.”
“Jordan has proven himself to be a songwriting force in our industry. Besides his most recent success, Jordan’s work exhibits an original voice in Country music songwriting and producing today,” says TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero. “Listen to his music if you want to know where country music is headed.”
Kenny Chesney Celebrates New Coffee Table Book With CMHoF Panel
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jill Trunnell, Glen Rose, Allister Ann, Kenny Chesney, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Holly Gleason, Museum Editor Michael McCall and Heather Lose. Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Kenny Chesney was the center of an intimate time of discussion at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last Friday (July 26) with members of his fan club No Shoes Nation and members of the museum. The panel offered an in-depth look at the making of Chesney’s new coffee table book Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, discussing the evolution of Chesney’s electrifying and fan-centered live shows, behind the scenes with his road family, and the creation process behind the tour photography featured in the book.
Museum Editor Michael McCall moderated the discussion, titled Conversation: In Fast Forward, which featured Chesney alongside photographers Allister Ann and Jill Trunnell, art director Heather Lose and book editor Holly Gleason.
“I wanted to have a conversation to celebrate the work of these amazing photographers, whose eye has shown people what this looks like,” says Chesney. “To be able to catch the moment when dreams start to happen, and then you keep dreaming – that’s magic. A whole lot of people dreamed this along with us along the way, so this conversation was basically about the book, which is ultimately a love letter to the fans.”
The program will be made available on the museum’s YouTube channel this fall.
Chesney is the only country artist in Billboard‘s Top 10 Touring Acts of the past 25 Years, and earned the top-grossing country tour of 2018, according to Pollstar. He is also an eight-time Entertainer of the Year winner.
Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender
Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender
Maren Morris’ “GIRL” Hits No. 1 At Country Radio
/by Jessica NicholsonMorris co-wrote “GIRL” alongside Greg Kurstin and Sarah Aaron.
“Maren took us to church and taught us how to meet in the middle,” says Big Yellow Dog Music’s Carla Wallace. “Now she has empowered women everywhere with her anthem ‘Girl.’ Maren, your halo continues to shine. Congratulations on you latest #1 hit/song.”
The song is the title track from the multi-Platinum artist’s second album, which shattered the record for the largest-ever debut streaming week for a country album by a woman with 23.96 million streams in its first week. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Morris is currently in the midst of a sold-out world tour, including appearances this weekend at Newport Folk Festival with The Highwomen—her all-star collaboration with Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires—and with Dolly Parton and The Highwomen as part of a history-making all women Saturday night headline set, during which Parton congratulated Morris on the No. 1 from stage. GIRL: The World Tour continues this summer, and Morris will support Miranda Lambert on her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars tour this fall.
Michael Hardy Heads To Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellMichael Hardy makes his way to the No. 1 spot this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You,” LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Talk You Out Of It” and his own tune, “Rednecker” all charting. Hardy ends Ashley Gorley‘s three-week reign atop the chart, sending Gorley to the No. 2 slot.
Hillary Lindsey remains at No. 3 this week, with four charting titles: “Buy My Own Drinks” (Runaway June), “Closer To You” (Carly Pearce), “Knockin’ Boots” (Luke Bryan) and “It All Comes Out In The Wash” (Miranda Lambert).
Jordan Schmidt enters the Top Five this week, at No. 4; and Bobby Pinson comes in at No. 5.
The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
“Old Town Road” Makes Chart History
/by Jessica NicholsonLil Nas X‘s freight train of a hit, “Old Town Road,” has spent 17 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, making it the longest-running No. 1 hit in the history of the chart. The feat breaks a previous tie for the longest run at No. 1 on the Hot 100, set by the 1995 hit “One Sweet Day” from Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, as well as the 2017 hit “Despacito” from Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (ft. Justin Bieber), each with a 16-week reign.
“Old Town Road” was originally released as a solo track, before the genre-bending Lil Nas X added country entertainer Billy Ray Cyrus to a remixed version of the song. Subsequent remixes of the viral hit have featured Young Thug, Mason Ramsey, Diplo and BTS. The release of each remix brought a newly-consumable version of the song to the music-streaming public, and extended its stay in the public consciousness. The Hot 100 chart includes both the original version of a song and its remixes to feed into the calculation of a track’s chart position, which helped “Old Town Road” retain its staying power atop the chart.
Olivia Jean’s New Third Man Records Project, ‘Night Owl,’ Set For September
/by Lorie HollabaughOlivia Jean is set to release her second full-length album Night Owl, on Aug. 30 via Third Man Records. The title track and first single “Night Owl” is available today on streaming services and on 7” vinyl with physical-only B-side “Jaan Pehechaan Ho.” The black vinyl 7” is available now and tri-color 7” records will be available at Third Man Records Nashville & Detroit storefronts on Saturday, August 3rd.
As Olivia Jean’s first self-produced album, Night Owl commingles surf guitar, ’60s girl group harmonies, and punk into a collection of songs depicting heartache, revenge, guilt, and frustration in a sort of “bubblegum garage” at its best. The new challenge of producing, as well as opening the studio door for other musicians to collaborate, has helped lead to her richest collection of songs to date. Surf-inflected originals like “Garage Bat,” “Shut Your Mouth” and “Night Owl” soar and scorch alongside incendiary covers “Brushfire (Flamin’ Groovies)” and the stand-out “Jaan Pehechaan Ho.”
Olivia Jean is set to play three Nashville dates Aug. 29-31 at the Ryman Auditorium and will tour with the Raconteurs this September.
Kane Brown’s Headlining Los Angeles STAPLES Center Show Sells Out In Two Hours
/by Jessica NicholsonKane Brown‘s upcoming headlining show at the Los Angeles STAPLES Center, set for Oct. 18, sold out two hours after tickets went on sale on Friday, July 26. The concert will mark the first major milestone event in a year-long series of celebrations honoring the arena’s 20th anniversary.
Brown is the first artist to top all five Billboard Country charts simultaneously. With his 4x Platinum certification for “Heaven,” he became one of only five country artists to earn multiple 4x Platinum hits, joining Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, and Taylor Swift.
Brown recently released “One Thing Right,” a collaboration with DJ/producer Marshmello; Brown also co-wrote the track with Marshmello, Jesse Frasure, Josh Hoge, and Matthew McGinn. After originally meeting at the 2018 American Music Awards, where Brown won three awards (Favorite Male Artist – Country, Favorite Album – Country, and Favorite Song – Country for “Heaven”) and Marshmello took home Best Electronic Dance Artist, the two entertainers will bring “One Thing Right” to GMA’s Summer Concert Series on Aug. 30.
Lance Freed Named President Of Newly-Formed Blackbird Music Publishing Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Gary Gershoff |
Blackbird Presents, Keith Wortman and The Raine Group have named Lance Freed President of the newly-formed Blackbird Music Publishing Group. Freed was previously President of Rondor Music International where he led the building of that company into the largest independent music publisher in the world, resulting in its sale to Universal Music Publishing Group.
Blackbird Music Publishing Group will have offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville, and has acquired the administration rights to the famed music catalog of Burt Bacharach. With over 400 songs, including timeless classics such as “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “What’s New Pussycat,” “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” the Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, musician and composer had one of the most sought-after catalogues in the industry.
“Music publishing is a natural next step for us given that our work across film, television, concerts and festivals enables us to offer incredible opportunities to songwriters. There was only one name on the list for us to lead this effort and it was Lance Freed. Lance is the most thoughtful and creative music publishing executive in our industry, and I am thrilled that he has joined the Blackbird Presents family,” said Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents.
“I am thrilled to join Keith, Blackbird Presents and The Raine Group as President of Blackbird Music Publishing Group. My entire career has been predicated on providing total, complete, personal focus on songwriters and their songs. Now I get to continue that journey and also provide a range of remarkable strategic and financial opportunities to songwriters given the similar philosophy and assets of my new partners,” said Freed, President of Blackbird Music Publishing Group.
“We are thrilled that Lance has joined the Blackbird Presents Family. We look forward to supporting him as he leads our strategic expansion into music publishing,” says Co-Founder and Partner of The Raine Group Jeff Sine.