Pictured (L-R): Michelle Szeto (Artist Manager, Paquin Entertainment Group), Craig Wiseman (Partner, Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (VP Of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Candice Watkins (VP Of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Nicolle Galyon (President, Songs & Daughters), Madison Kozak, Patch Culbertson (VP Of A&R, Big Loud Records), Samantha Jervey (Senior Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing), Seth England (Partner, Big Loud), Tori Johnson (Senior Director Of Creative & Digital, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner, Big Loud). Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
Big Loud Records has announced Songs & Daughters, a new, female-focused label partnership with songwriter Nicolle Galyon. Galyon will serve as President of Songs & Daughters, and the label’s flagship artist is singer-songwriter Madison Kozak.
Galyon created the company to provide the mentorship and strong female leadership she wished she had when she first moved to Nashville 17 years ago.
“The heart behind Songs & Daughters is to be rooted and liberated at the same time,” shared Galyon. “For me, this role is an extension of something I already am—and that’s a mother. I hope to nurture the song, I hope to nurture the daughter, and I hope that the artists matter just as much as the music that we’re making. Songs & Daughters is a bigger way to tell young female creatives, ‘yes you can’.”
Pictured: Nicolle Galyon speaking at the Songs & Daughters launch event. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
“Nicolle Galyon has become a beacon to what this community is all about. I’ve watched first-hand how she has encouraged young artists to be confident, to be themselves, and—most importantly—never be afraid to speak their truth,” praised Big Loud partner Seth England. “It’s been our vision to eventually create unique and strategic partnerships with like-minded professionals. Nicolle is ready to take the next step in her professional journey, and Big Loud couldn’t be more thankful she chose us to be her partner.”
Kozak will relesase her first track under Songs & Daughters across all digital platforms this Friday (July 26) titled “First Last Name.” Inspired by her close relationship with her father, the song was co-penned by Kozak with Claire Douglas and James Slater. A 22-year-old native of Ontario, Canada, Kozak attended Belmont University and is currently signed to Big Loud’s hitmaking publishing arm.
“It feels full circle with my background to come from a big family, small town, and then to connect with Nicolle who has the same upbringing,” Kozak says. “It feels like a very natural step to take with Big Loud. They have been watching from a distance the past year, letting me grow on my own with their help. I’m so grateful for their support and that it’s such a natural flow.”
Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
Songs & Daughters hosted a pop-up celebration at Nashville’s Ruby event space last night (July 22). England first took the stage to introduce Galyon, who articulated her vision for the company before introducing Kozak and revealing her as the first signee.
Big Loud Records Partners With Nicolle Galyon For Female-Focused Label, Signs Madison Kozak
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Michelle Szeto (Artist Manager, Paquin Entertainment Group), Craig Wiseman (Partner, Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (VP Of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Candice Watkins (VP Of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Nicolle Galyon (President, Songs & Daughters), Madison Kozak, Patch Culbertson (VP Of A&R, Big Loud Records), Samantha Jervey (Senior Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing), Seth England (Partner, Big Loud), Tori Johnson (Senior Director Of Creative & Digital, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner, Big Loud). Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
Big Loud Records has announced Songs & Daughters, a new, female-focused label partnership with songwriter Nicolle Galyon. Galyon will serve as President of Songs & Daughters, and the label’s flagship artist is singer-songwriter Madison Kozak.
Galyon created the company to provide the mentorship and strong female leadership she wished she had when she first moved to Nashville 17 years ago.
“The heart behind Songs & Daughters is to be rooted and liberated at the same time,” shared Galyon. “For me, this role is an extension of something I already am—and that’s a mother. I hope to nurture the song, I hope to nurture the daughter, and I hope that the artists matter just as much as the music that we’re making. Songs & Daughters is a bigger way to tell young female creatives, ‘yes you can’.”
Pictured: Nicolle Galyon speaking at the Songs & Daughters launch event. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
“Nicolle Galyon has become a beacon to what this community is all about. I’ve watched first-hand how she has encouraged young artists to be confident, to be themselves, and—most importantly—never be afraid to speak their truth,” praised Big Loud partner Seth England. “It’s been our vision to eventually create unique and strategic partnerships with like-minded professionals. Nicolle is ready to take the next step in her professional journey, and Big Loud couldn’t be more thankful she chose us to be her partner.”
Kozak will relesase her first track under Songs & Daughters across all digital platforms this Friday (July 26) titled “First Last Name.” Inspired by her close relationship with her father, the song was co-penned by Kozak with Claire Douglas and James Slater. A 22-year-old native of Ontario, Canada, Kozak attended Belmont University and is currently signed to Big Loud’s hitmaking publishing arm.
“It feels full circle with my background to come from a big family, small town, and then to connect with Nicolle who has the same upbringing,” Kozak says. “It feels like a very natural step to take with Big Loud. They have been watching from a distance the past year, letting me grow on my own with their help. I’m so grateful for their support and that it’s such a natural flow.”
Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Songs & Daughters
Songs & Daughters hosted a pop-up celebration at Nashville’s Ruby event space last night (July 22). England first took the stage to introduce Galyon, who articulated her vision for the company before introducing Kozak and revealing her as the first signee.
Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert Added To Country Radio Seminar 2020 Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Radio Seminar has announced some of the speakers and events for next year’s conference. Miranda Lambert will be among the opening day speakers on Wednesday, Feb. 19, while Carrie Underwood will take the stage for the annual “CRS Artist Interview” on Friday, Feb. 21.
Warner Music Nashville will once again officially launch CRS, with its kickoff luncheon at 12 p.m. CT, on Feb 19. “Team UMG at the Ryman” will host Thursday’s (Feb. 20) lunch at the Ryman Auditorium, while Big Machine Label Group will lead Friday’s (Feb. 21) luncheon.
Educational panels are already in place and will feature the annual CRS-commissioned research project examining a soon-to-be announced topic; “Maximizing Metrics,” tracking vital consumption data; and “What Leadership Looks Like,” led by RAB CEO Erica Farber. Additionally, “All The Singles Ladies,” and “Separate But Not Equal,” will discuss airplay gender imbalance, and how to better establish career development with female artists.
Early bird registration for CRS 2020 opens Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. CT.
Keith Urban, Chris Janson, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley McBryde To Appear At 13th Annual ACM Honors
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban, Chris Janson, Maddie & Tae, Barbara Mandrell, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes and Trisha Yearwood are the first round of artists announced who will be participating in the upcoming 13th Annual ACM Honors August 21 at the Ryman Auditorium.
The evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards. Previously announced Special Award recipients to be celebrated at the 13th Annual ACM Honors include Brooks & Dunn and Martina McBride (ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award),Rodney Crowell, Kye Fleming and Billy Joe Shaver (ACM Poet’s Award), Gayle Holcomb (ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award), Miranda Lambert (ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award), Kacey Musgraves (ACM Jim Reeves International Award), and A Star Is Born (ACM Tex Ritter Film Award). The evening will also honor winners of the Industry and Studio Recording Awards, along with Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Shane McAnally.
More talent will be announced in the coming weeks, and tickets are available to the public at ticketmaster.com.
The Music Playground To Expand With New Nashville Creative Complex
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Music Playground is partnering with Grammy award-winning producer/mixer F. Reid Shippen and bringing him on as Chief Creative Officer to oversee and lead the company’s new Nashville expansion.
Scheduled to fully open later this year, the new 4,000 square foot Playground complex located in Berry Hill will feature Rupert Neve Designs and Fix Audio consoles, Shippen’s own collection of vintage microphones and gear, analog synths, vintage instruments and more. The studios will also feature client hangout space and writing rooms for composers, producers and mixing engineers.
“We wanted to build the Disneyland for music production,” said Andy Hong, Co-Founder of The Music Playground, “A special place and world-class studio that would be a true destination for music production and draw people from all across the country to come and experience what it’s like making music in Nashville and collaborating with the amazing talent that lives here.”
Shippen will be working out of his current studio, Robot Lemon, until the new studios are completed. With numerous production, engineering and mixing awards to his name and having worked on over one hundred Billboard No.1 hits and many Grammy Award-winning albums, Shippen’s credits include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge, Darius Rucker, Ingrid Michaelson and many others.
“This is about creating experiences that help clients tap into their passions again. Original music production has changed dramatically over the past decade and something important has truly been lost for brands and creative agencies,” said Drew Stein, Co-founder of The Music Playground, “We want to bring back that magic where clients can come to a special place, collaborate with incredible talent, and immerse themselves in the experience and process of making amazing music again – from composition through final mix.”
“The music scene in Nashville has grown to encompass more than just country music and its singer/songwriter roots,” said Shippen. “From rock to pop, to EDM and hip-hop – the amount of talent in this city is absolutely unmatched. We have orchestral composers and arrangers, well-known artists and indie bands – and the best musicians and songwriters on Earth – who call this city their home. Bringing together that unrivaled community, sharing it with clients and bringing the highest levels of production quality for advertising, film and television is something I’m excited to bring to The Music Playground and their incredible team.”
F. Reid Shippen
Songwriter Jason Sever Joins Amped Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (back row, L-R): Lewis Thomason’s Christian Barker, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem’s Jason Turner. (front row, L-R): Amped Entertainment’s Breanna Sill and Eric Gallimore, and Jason Sever
Average Joes Appoints Jamie Reeder Head Of New Arcade Management Division
/by Lorie HollabaughSimone Chretien, Jamie Reeder
Average Joes Entertainment is launching Arcade Management, a full-service, entertainment management firm based in Nashville.
Jamie Reeder, who previously handled day-to-day management for Sister Hazel, has been promoted to head up the new company, overseeing all management facets for the client roster. Reeder has held various positions over the past decade at Average Joes Entertainment including day-to-day management responsibilities for Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, and others, as well as marketing efforts for the Average Joes’ label roster. Reeder graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.A. in Finance.
Simone Chretien also joins Arcade Management as Management/Marketing Assistant. Chretian graduated with a BA in Music Business from Middle Tennessee State University. Chretian previously interned at Borman Entertainment and Average Joes Entertainment.
BMI Hosts Second Publisher Takeover With Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams and David Preston, BMI songwriters Luke Dick, Casey Beathard, Jeff Hyde, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMI and PNC Bank hosted the second installment of four Publisher Takeovers slated for the summer on July 18 with hit songwriters Casey Beathard, Luke Dick and Jeff Hyde of Little Louder Music.
Before the round began, BMI’s Jody Williams, Mason Hunter and David Preston presented the three songwriters with their coveted “Million-Air” awards, which are reserved for songs that have reached one million plays. In order to reach this milestone and receive an award, the song would have to be played back-to-back for an average of six years. Between the three songwriters, the number of spins they received certificates for totaled the equivalent of 125 years of continuous play.
The next Publisher Takeover will take place on BMI Nashville’s Creative Patio on August 15.
Luke Dick at the BMI Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry
Veteran songwriter Casey Beathard performs at BMI’s Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry
Jeff Hyde performs during the BMI Publisher Takeover. Photo: Steve Lowry
Sturgill Simpson Announces New ‘Sound & Fury’ Album And Netflix Film Set To Arrive This Fall
/by LB CantrellSturgill Simpson
Grammy Award winner Sturgill Simpson has announced early details for Sound & Fury, the title of both his new album arriving this fall via Elektra Records and the original Japanese anime film he created simultaneously being released by Netflix.
The first trailer for Sound & Fury, including film footage and music from the forthcoming album, was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend during a panel featuring Simpson and two of the filmmakers, writer/director Jumpei Mizusaki and character designer Takashi Okazaki. Further details—including the release date for the album and Netflix film—will be announced soon.
“We went in without any preconceived notions and came out with a really sleazy, steamy rock n roll record,” Simpson said. “It’s definitely my most psychedelic. And also my heaviest. I had this idea that it’d be really cool to animate some of these songs, and we ended up with a futuristic, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, samurai film.”
The album was produced by Simpson and marks his first, full length release since 2016’s acclaimed A Sailor’s Guide To Earth, which won Best Country Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 59th Grammy Awards. Merging American rock music and Japanese animation, Sound & Fury the film, is set entirely to music from the full album, with a different anime segment for each individual song.
Last month, Simpson unveiled a brand new track “The Dead Don’t Die,” the original theme song for the acclaimed film of the same name, written and directed by Jim Jarmusch.
Weekly Register: Blanco Brown, Luke Combs Top Country Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs and Blanco Brown continue atop two country charts this week, with Combs’ This One’s For You topping the country albums sales chart (in total consumption), according to Nielsen Soundscan. Meanwhile, Browns’ viral hit “The Git Up” continues to reign on the country streaming songs chart. Two debuts in the top 100 Country songs include Kane Brown’s “Like A Rodeo” with 4.1M and comes in at No. 25 and Kenny Chesney’s “Tip of My Tongue” at No. 31 with 3.6M.
Top Country Streaming Songs Chart (this week/to date):
Top Albums Sales Chart (total consumption):
Big Machine Label Group, Tape Room Records Sign Trio Avenue Beat
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R, back row): Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis, Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Dennis Entertainment’s Charly Salvatore, Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder; (L-R, front row): Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, Avenue Beat’s Sami Bearden, Avenue Beat’s Savana Santos, Avenue Beat’s Sam Backoff, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes
Big Machine Label Group’s Valory Music Co. has entered into a joint venture with Tape Room Records to sign trio Avenue Beat.
Quincy, Illinois natives Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff have been making music together since they were 14-years-old, when childhood friends Savana and Sam met Sami at a summer theater camp. The trio ultimately formed Avenue Beat and quickly went from teaching one another how to harmonize to playing local talent shows and festivals to making trips to Nashville for writing sessions. Now, four years later, the Nashville-based Avenue Beat will release their debut self-titled EP on Friday (July 26), which was co-produced by lead singer Savana, Ashley Gorley and David Garcia.
Avenue Beat are Taco Bell enthusiasts—and even namecheck the fast food joint in an upcoming song called “Delight”—so it was only fitting that the girls asked everyone to take the official signing photo at a Nashville Taco Bell location. Between the tacos and laughter, Avenue Beat shared, “We are SO EXCITED to have such a passionate and amazing team around us. How did we get so lucky?! It’s a great environment to be in for music making. They believe in us and what we want to say and how we want to say it, and that’s literally all we could ask for!”
VMC President George Briner commented, “The talent, energy, uniqueness and passion that Sami, Savana, and Sam have is incomparable to anything else out there. Their music and harmonies are infectious. Avenue Beat is a group that everyone will soon be talking about and remembering for a long time to come.”
“I was blown away the first time I heard Avenue Beat and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with The Valory Music Co. to introduce them to the world,” said Tape Room CEO Gorley.
Avenue Beat is managed by Dennis Entertainment in Nashville.