Mark Your Calendar—July 2019

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Industry Events

July 4
Nashville’s July 4th celebration on Lower Broadway, Let Freedom Sing!

July 17
CMA Awards first ballot closes at 6 p.m. CT

Single Add Dates

July 1
Chase Rice/Lonely If You Are/Broken Bow Records
Jason Pritchett/American Made/SRM Productions

July 8
Ingrid Andress/More Hearts Than Mine/Warner Music Nashville
Eric Burgett/Swing Low, Sweet Old Cadillac/Bow To Stern Records

July 11
Wilson Brothers Band/It All Looks Good From Here/Full Circle Records

July 15
Thomas Rhett/Remember You Young/Valory
Kiefer Sutherland/Something You Love/BMG-in2une
Teddy Robb/Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You/Arista Nashville-Monument Records
Gone West/What Could’ve Been/Triple Tigers
Red Clay Union/Homegrown/Dirt Hill
Wilson Brothers Band/It All Looks Good From Here/Full Circle
Jeff Clayborn/I Reckon/The Cabin Record Co.
Joe Lasher/That’s Gonna Get You Kissed/Joe Lasher Music, LLC

July 22
Cody Johnson/Nothin’ On You/CoJo Music-WMN Radio & Streaming
Thompson Square/Masterpiece/DavMo Records
Jon Langston/Now You Know/EMI Records Nashville
Mac Powell and the Family Reunion/Back Again/Thirty Tigers-MPR

Album Releases

July 12
Clare Bowen/Clare Bowen/BMG
Pretty Vicious/Beauty of Youth/Big Machine-John Varvatos Records

July 24
Lori McKenna/Bittertown [15th anniversary re-release]/CN Records

July 26
Casey Donahew/One Light Town
Justin Moore/Late Nights And Longnecks/The Valory Music Co.
Mac Powell and The Family Reunion/Back Again/Thirty Tigers

Matt Kennon Signs With Stevens Management Group

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Matt Kennon has signed with the Stevens Management Group.

Kennon released his emotional new single, “Love Is Stronger” to radio earlier this month.

“I’m excited to be working with Matt Kennon again. I’ve always been a fan of his songs, his musical vision, and his work ethic,” said Stevens Management Group President, Matthew Stevens. “He’s a true artist that understands this business and always puts his heart in everything he does. I believe that his music can touch the hearts of everyone.”

“I sure am glad things came around full circle and I am honored to be working with Matthew again,” said Kennon. “His knowledge, resume and experience speaks for itself. Having worked with him when I had ‘The Call’ out, it just made sense.”

Brandon Lake Makes Bethel Music Debut With ‘This Is A Move’

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Brandon Lake is releasing his new single, “This Is A Move,” today as the newest member of the Bethel Music family. The track was co-written with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tony Brown and Nate Moore. The songs is personal to Lake as it stems from his friend Micah’s miraculous healing from a rare form of multiple sclerosis.

Lake heard countless stories of healing on Bethel Music’s well-attended “Victory Tour” with Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Housefires, which sold out markets in Seattle, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Birmingham, Houston, Tulsa, Vancouver and more. The second leg will embark this fall.

“By the grace of God, this small idea turned into a song for this season; the soundtrack to what I believe is a movement in my local church, and maybe, just maybe, some language to what I believe God is doing all around the world,” said Lake. “I’m convinced that when we take on our true identity as sons and daughters of God, courageously live by the Spirit, and feel the compassion of Jesus towards every person—we become a dangerous force to reckoned with. We begin to meet every sickness, disease, and demon with the reality that it has to bow at the name of Jesus; and we will see God do more than we ever thought was possible.”

Apple Music will exclusively premiere a live component of the song on July 5.

Kenny Chesney To Release New Single “Tip Of My Tongue,” Co-Written With Ed Sheeran

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch

Following last year’s Songs for the Saints album, Kenny Chesney is preparing for the release of his first proper Blue Chair/Warner Music Nashville project, led by the release of his new single “Tip of My Tongue.” Chesney, who has earned 30 country No. 1 hits, will release the track on July 12 at 5 a.m. CT.

Chesney co-wrote the track with pop artist/writer and “Shape Of You” hitmaker Ed Sheeran and hit songwriter/producer Ross Copperman.

“It’s funny how a figure of speech can lead you to all kinds of places,” Chesney says via a statement. “You start talking, and words fall out, and anything can happen. When you go in and write on any given day, the chemistry is what it is. When the idea fell out, we all just laughed and went, ‘Well, what can we do with that?’

“I’ve written so much with Ross (Copperman), that’s always easy. He brought Ed (Sheeran) in, and he is such a great writer… The way creativity works in creative people is so different, but it’s always exciting. As a co-write with a new writer, it’s one of the most fun sessions I’ve done in a long time. I get why people love working with him.

“With all the great songs that have been written in this town, I think you always want to do something a little different,” Chesney explains. “I think there’s this moment when you look at someone and you know they contain everything. You want to know everything, consume everything about them. It’s why we say ‘It’s a long way down,’ because you want to know it all. And the best part: we got a melody that feels like what’s going on lyrically. The music matches the words, and you can just drift in it.”

Chesney is currently in the studio with longtime co-producer Buddy Cannon working on his upcoming full-length album.

 

 

The Raconteurs Earn First No. 1 Debut With New Album ‘Help Us Stranger’

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The Raconteurs‘ latest album Help Us Stranger (Third Man Records), has debuted at No. 1 on this week’s SoundScan/Billboard 200, marking the band’s first-ever No. 1 and their third trip to the top 10. The acclaimed third studio album from Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler also sits at the top of the physical albums chart, as well as the vinyl chart.

Help Us Stranger garnered the sixth-highest, first week vinyl sales in the SoundScan era (with Jack White holding the No. 1 and No. 4 spots for Lazaretto and Boarding House Reach, respectively), and is the first No. 1 for an independent record company in 2019, and the fourth consecutive Billboard No. 1 for Jack White as an artist.

During release week, the band helped usher in the new album with two appearances on CBS’ Late Show with Stephen Colbert for two nights in a row, performing “Help Me Stranger” on June 20 and “Bored and Razed” June 21. The Raconteurs took to the streets in both New York City and Los Angeles last week playing special in-store performances and also played a series of intimate club shows in both cities including Baby’s All Right on Saturday, June 22, Coney Island Baby on Sunday, June 23, and Jewel’s Catch One in LA on Thursday, June 27.

The Raconteurs are heralding the new album with a world tour, with North American dates getting underway July 4 and 5 with a two-night-stand at Aspen, CO’s Belly Up Tavern. Due to popular demand, additional dates have been added in a number of major markets, including Detroit, Vancouver, New York, and Nashville.

In addition to its chart-topping achievements here in the United States, Help Us Stranger has also debuted at No. 1 on the album sales chart in Canada and No.2 on the overall Canadian album chart. The success continues in the UK where the album took the top spot on the UK vinyl chart, along with being the No. 3 independent album and No.8 on the Official UK Albums chart.

BMLG’s Scott Borchetta Speaks Out Against Taylor Swift Claims

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Scott Borchetta

Scott Borchetta has responded to claims made earlier today by superstar and former Big Machine Records artist Taylor Swift, following the announcement that Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings has acquired Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group.

Swift claimed that she was not offered an opportunity to purchase her master recordings created during her time at Big Machine, which includes recordings from her 2006 self-titled debut album, through to 2017’s reputation album. Swift also stated that she learned Big Machine was being sold to Braun’s Ithaca Holdings (making Ithaca Holdings the owner of Swift’s master recordings made under Big Machine) “as it was announced to the world” on June 30.

Borchetta counters both claims in a post on Big Machine’s official site, and provided verbiage of text messages supposedly exchanged between Borchetta and Swift between November 2018 and June 2019. The post also includes a screenshot of a deal memo made in response to an August 2018 proposal.

Swift announced she had signed to her new label home, Universal Music, in November 2018.

Borchetta’s post in full below:

“So, it’s time for some truth…It’s time to set some things straight. Taylor’s dad, Scott Swift, was a shareholder in Big Machine Records, LLC. We first alerted all of the shareholders on Thursday, June 20th for an official shareholder’s call scheduled for Tuesday, June 25. On the 6/25 call the shareholders were made aware of the pending deal with Ithaca Holdings and had 3 days to go over all of the details of the proposed transaction. We then had a final call on Friday, June 28th in which the transaction passed with a majority vote and 3 of the 5 shareholders voting ‘yes’ with 92% of the shareholder’s vote.

“Out of courtesy, I personally texted Taylor at 9:06 p.m., Saturday, June 29 to inform her prior to the story breaking on the morning of Sunday, June 30 so she could hear it directly from me.

“I guess it might somehow be possible that her dad Scott, 13 Management lawyer Jay Schaudies (who represented Scott Swift on the shareholder calls) or 13 Management executive and Big Machine LLC shareholder Frank Bell (who was on the shareholder calls) didn’t say anything to Taylor over the prior 5 days. I guess it’s possible that she might not have seen my text [as a rep claimed]. But, I truly doubt that she ‘woke up to the news when everyone else did.’

“I am attaching a few very important deal points in what was part of our official last offer to Taylor Swift to remain at Big Machine Records. Her 13 Management team and attorney Don Passman went over this document in great detail and reported the terms to her in great detail.

“Taylor and I then talked through the deal together.

“As you will read, 100% of all Taylor Swift assets were to be transferred to her immediately upon signing the new agreement. We were working together on a new type of deal for our new streaming world that was not necessarily tied to ‘albums’ but more of a length of time.

“We are an independent record company. We do not have tens of thousands of artists and recordings. My offer to Taylor, for the size of our company, was extraordinary. But it was also all I could offer as I am responsible for dozens of artists’ careers and over 120 executives and their families.

“Taylor and I remained on very good terms when she told me she wanted to speak with other record companies and see what was out there for her. I never got in her way and wished her well.

“The morning that the new Taylor/UMG announcement was going to be made, she texted me shortly before letting me know that the announcement was coming in a few minutes.

“As we both posted on our socials, we saluted each other and cheered each other on.

“Taylor had every chance in the world to own not just her master recordings, but every video, photograph, everything associated to her career. She chose to leave.

“As to her comments about ‘being in tears or close to it’ anytime my new partner Scooter Braun’s name was brought up, I certainly never experienced that. Was I aware of some prior issues between Taylor and Justin Bieber? Yes. But there were also times where Taylor knew that I was close to Scooter and that Scooter was a very good source of information for upcoming album releases, tours, etc, and I’d reach out to him for information on our behalf. Scooter was never anything but positive about Taylor. He called me directly about Manchester to see if Taylor would participate (she declined).

“He called me directly to see if Taylor wanted to participate in the Parkland March (she declined). Scooter has always been and will continue to be a supporter and honest custodian for Taylor and her music.

“This is the text Taylor sent to me on Monday, November 19th at 8:57 a.m.:

Scott,

I hope this finds you well. Since communication ran dry on our negotiations, I’ve done what I told you I would do and gone out exploring other options. Owning my masters was very important to me, but I’ve since realized that there are things that mean even more to me in the bigger picture. I had a choice whether to bet on my past or to bet on the future and I think knowing me, you can guess which one I chose. I also saw a rare opportunity to effect positive change for a lot of other artists with the leverage I have right now. I know you believe in the same things I do and I’d like to think you would be proud of what I’ve negotiated for in my deal. I wanted to tell you first that I’ll be signing with Lucian. I honestly truly cherish everything you and I have built together and I plan on saying so in my announcement of the new deal. What we accomplished together will be a lasting legacy and a case study on excellent partnerships, and may it continue. I still view you as a partner and friend and I hope you feel the same. Sending you a hug and my most sincere gratitude.

And SO much love,

Taylor

“Here is the text I sent on the evening of June 29 at 9:05pm:

“Dear Taylor,

“Hope all is well and congratulations on the success of your first two singles from “Lover”!

“I can’t wait to hear the entire album…

“I wanted to pass along to you the same courtesy that you passed along to me in regard to my future.

“Tomorrow morning (Sunday, June 30th) at 10 a.m. central, the Wall Street Journal will announce that I am entering into a merger/acquisition with Scooter Braun and Ithaca Holdings. This move will give us more pop culture super-power than ever before and I’m so excited about the future.

“I want you to know that I will continue to be the proud custodian of your previous works and will continue to keep you and your team abreast of all future plans for releases of you work.

“Nothing but the best,

Scott”

 

Taylor Swift Calls Scooter Braun’s Acquisition Of Her BMLG Masters “My Worst Case Scenario”

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Taylor Swift Lover album cover

Taylor Swift has spoken out against today’s announcement that Scooter Braun has acquired the Nashville label where Swift’s music career started, Scott Borchetta‘s Big Machine Label Group. The acquisition included Swift’s back catalog of album masters through 2017’s reputation project.

In November, it was announced that Swift had left her longtime label home at Big Machine, and had signed with Universal Music Group. Her first album for Universal, Lover, releases Aug. 23.

In a lengthy Tumblr post, Swift revealed she had “pleaded for the chance to own my own work,” calling the sale of Big Machine to Braun’s Ithaca Holdings “my worst case scenario.”

She also takes aim at Big Machine’s Borchetta and Braun, saying, “This is what happens when you sign a deal at fifteen to someone for whom the term ‘loyalty’ is clearly just a contractual concept. And when that man says ‘Music has value’, he means its value is beholden to men who had no part in creating it.

“When I left my masters in Scott’s hands, I made peace with the fact that eventually he would sell them. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter. Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words ‘Scooter Braun’ escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to. He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn’t want to be associated with them. In perpetuity. That means forever.”

Big Machine Records has not responded to a request for comment.

Read the full note from Swift below:

For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and ‘earn’ one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in. I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future. I had to make the excruciating choice to leave behind my past. Music I wrote on my bedroom floor and videos I dreamed up and paid for from the money I earned playing in bars, then clubs, then arenas, then stadiums.

Some fun facts about today’s news: I learned about Scooter Braun’s purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world. All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I’ve received at his hands for years.

Like when Kim Kardashian orchestrated an illegally recorded snippet of a phone call to be leaked and then Scooter got his two clients together to bully me online about it.  Or when his client, Kanye West, organized a revenge porn music video which strips my body naked. Now Scooter has stripped me of my life’s work, that I wasn’t given an opportunity to buy. Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.

This is my worst case scenario. This is what happens when you sign a deal at fifteen to someone for whom the term ‘loyalty’ is clearly just a contractual concept. And when that man says ‘Music has value’, he means its value is beholden to men who had no part in creating it.

When I left my masters in Scott’s hands, I made peace with the fact that eventually he would sell them. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter. Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words ‘Scooter Braun’ escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to. He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn’t want to be associated with them. In perpetuity. That means forever.

Thankfully, I am now signed to a label that believes I should own anything I create. Thankfully, I left my past in Scott’s hands and not my future. And hopefully, young artists or kids with musical dreams will read this and learn about how to better protect themselves in a negotiation. You deserve to own the art you make.

I will always be proud of my past work. But for a healthier option, Lover will be out August 23.

Sad and grossed out,

?

Taylor

BREAKING: Artist Manager Scooter Braun Reaches Deal To Acquire Big Machine Label Group

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Scott Borchetta, Scooter Braun.

Ithaca Holdings LLC., a media holding company led by SB Projects founder Scooter Braun, and Big Machine Label Group, a leading independent record label founded by Scott Borchetta, announced today a finalized contract under which Ithaca Holdings will acquire Big Machine Label Group. The combination creates one of the most powerful label, management, streaming, publishing and media companies by combining complimentary services, artists, executives and expertise.

The acquisition encompasses all aspects of BMLG’s business, including its client roster, distribution deals, publishing sides and owned artist masters. The masters from Taylor Swift’s albums with BMLG are included in the acquisition portfolio.

Borchetta will join the Ithaca board, acquire a minority interest in Ithaca and remain President and CEO of BMLG. BMLG will continue normal operations out of Nashville.

The Carlyle Group, which initially invested in Ithaca in 2017, is supporting the transaction, alongside Scooter Braun and Ithaca Holdings, through an additional equity investment by way of its Carlyle Partners VI fund. Carlyle will remain a minority shareholder in Ithaca and continue to support the combined company’s growth strategy with Jay Sammons, Head of Carlyle’s Global Consumer, Media and Retail team, remaining on Ithaca’s Board.

“The idea of Scott and I working together is nothing new, we’ve been talking about it since the beginning of our friendship,” said Braun. “I reached out to him when I saw an opportunity and, after many conversations, realized our visions were aligned. He’s built a brilliant company full of iconic songs and artists. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? By joining together, we will create more opportunities for artists than ever before, by giving them the support and tools to go after whatever dreams they wish to pursue.”

“Scooter and I have been aligned with ‘big vision brings big results’ from the very first time we met in 2010,” said Borchetta. “Since then I have watched him build an incredible and diverse company that is a perfect complement to the Big Machine Label Group. Our artist-first spirit and combined roster of talent, executives, and assets is now a global force to be reckoned with. This is a very special day and the beginning of what is sure to be a fantastic partnership and historic run.”

Ithaca’s recent transactions include the launch of Mythos Studios in partnership with Marvel Founding Chairman David Maisel, the acquisition of Atlas Publishing and partnerships with Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment as well as Morris Higham Management. Ithaca also has a long-standing investment in and partnership with Aubrey “Drake” Graham and Adel “Future” Nur. In 2019, Ithaca launched Raised in Space, an investment fund focused on the intersection of music and technology led by former BMG President Zach Katz. In addition, Ithaca houses Braun’s SB Projects, which services some of the biggest pop-culture icons in the world, including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, J. Balvin, Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly, Zac Brown Band, Dan + Shay and many more.

Founded in 2005 by President and CEO Scott Borchetta, BMLG is home to Taylor Swift’s music catalogue and superstar artists such as Reba Mcentire, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum. The label group encompasses four imprints including Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records and Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. In 2012, BMLG launched publishing company Big Machine Music which today publishes hit songwriters such as Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Brandy Clark and Laura Veltz.

BMLG signed Taylor Swift at the beginning of her career and helped develop her into a global superstar. The label released all six of Swift’s multi-platinum studio albums including Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and reputation. Under Big Machine, Swift earned 10 GRAMMY® nominations and broke records by becoming the only artist in Nielsen Music history to achieve four million-selling weeks.

In its 14 years of existence, BMLG companies have amassed over 118 No. 1 songs and sold over 65 million albums worldwide. Six of the top 10 digital Country songs of all time have all been released by BMLG or by BMLG artists including Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” as well as their collaboration with Bebe Rexha titled “Meant To Be”; Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”; Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me”; and The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.”

Industry Pics: Abby Anderson, Eddie Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, NSAI

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Academy of Country Music Welcomes Abby Anderson to LA Office

Abby Anderson at ACM Office in Encino, California on Friday May 10, 2019. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Black River Entertainment recording artist Abby Anderson to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Anderson performed her current single, “Good Lord,” and songs from her most recent EP, I’m Good.

Click here to watch a video from Anderson’s visit featuring an exclusive interview and clips from her performance.

 

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Eddie Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan Anniversaries

Pictured (L-R): Angie Gentry, Eddie Montgomery, Jennifer Montgomery; Lorrie Morgan. Photo: Chris Hollo/Courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC

The Grand Ole Opry recently celebrated Opry membership anniversaries with Lorrie Morgan and Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery Gentry).

Montgomery commemorated the 10th anniversary of Opry membership for Montgomery Gentry, inducted on June 23, 2009. He shared the evening with friends and family including his wife Jennifer and Troy Gentry’s wife Angie.

Earlier this month, Morgan celebrated her 35th anniversary as an Opry member.

 

NSAI On The Hill

Pictured (L-R): Lacy Green, Congresswoman Martha Roby (AL-02), Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Jamie Floyd, and Chris Housman. Photo: Courtesy NSAI

Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congresswoman Martha Roby (AL-02) relaunched the bipartisan Songwriters Caucus in the 116th Congress on Tuesday (June 25). The caucus will serve as a forum for Congress to engage with America’s songwriters and explore policy issues that affect their often-unrecognized contribution to the music industry.

Bart Herbison, Jennifer Turnbow, and songwriters Lacy Green, Jamie Floyd, and Chris Housman are currently in D.C. visiting several members of Congress, including a visit with Congressman Deutch.

Promotions, Exits At Warner Music Nashville Radio & Streaming Dept.

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Warner Music Nashville has promoted three members of its Radio & Streaming department, and announces two exits.

Current WAR Team Northeast / Midwest Manager Anna Cage will join the WMN Team as their National Director, overseeing artists including Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Cale Dodds, Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell and Hunter Hayes. Reporting to VP Radio & Streaming, Tom Martens, the role has been held by Katie Bright who is leaving the company after seven years.

“We’re looking forward to Anna’s long-awaited return to Nashville, where her reputation as a fearless advocate for artists precedes her,” said Martens. “She has the enthusiasm and experience to make this role her own and take the team to new heights as Katie did.”

Heather Propper, who has been supporting the WAR Team since April, will make her move to the company permanently as she takes on Cage’s Northeast / Midwest Manager role and will continue reporting to WAR National Director James Marsh. In addition, Justin Newell will be stepping into the role of Team WMN’s West Coast Manager. This role is currently held by Warner Music Nashville staple Rick Young, who plans to officially take his leave in September after nearly 20 years with the company.

“It has always been very important to us at Warner Music Nashville to foster and develop talent so that we have a strong team of leaders ready to guide us forward,” said SVP Radio & Streaming, Kristen Williams. “I am so pleased that we are continuing to champion that mission with Justin’s promotion and officially adding Heather to the team. They each have an amazing drive and passion for our artists and I know that their transitions into these regions will be absolutely seamless.”

“Katie and Rick have been incredible assets for Team WMN,” added Williams. “We are so grateful to have had them both fighting for our artists day in and day out. With her fierce personality, Katie was the driving force behind nearly a dozen No. 1 singles for Blake Shelton and helped elevate artists like Brett Eldredge and Cole Swindell to multiple chart-toppers. Rick’s unmatched dogged mindset likes chasing airplay but he’s ready to be done chasing airplanes. After nearly three decades on the road, 14 of those with WMN, he deserves a break! We know they are both armed and ready for the next adventure and we are excited to champion them every step of the way.”