Pictured (L-R): producer Dann Huff, co-writers Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Music industry members partied once back at work after the Memorial Day weekend at the “Here Tonight” No. 1 party on Tuesday (May 28), celebrating Brett Young‘s fifth consecutive No. 1 hit. Black v-neck tees and dark jeans was apparently the dress code for the afternoon for co-writers Young, Ben Caver, Charles Kelley and Justin Ebach, as it was for producer Dann Huff and many more as the celebration went on. ASCAP’s always charming Beth Brinker got everything started and served as host.
Brinker quickly brought up ASCAP’s Michael Martin to the mic. “I think the best part for me is meeting him at the beginning of the Nashville journey,” Martin said of Young. “Before you officially moved to town, before you made the indie record, before the record deal, and now to see the fruit of your work with you and your team is amazing.”
Martin reveled at Young’s success with now five No. 1 songs. “In a row!” Big Machine Label Group’s Jimmy Harnen corrected him from the crowd.
Brinker came back to the mic to talk about co-writer Kelley, who notched his eighth No. 1 hit as a songwriter. “Charles, it’s so great to see you influencing country radio outside of [Lady Antebellum] and I hope there will be much more of that, because we love celebrating you.”
“There is nothing I love more than a first time No. 1, and that’s what we’re celebrating today,” Brinker continued of ASCAP writer Caver. Brinker also bragged on Caver’s singing, which can be heard on the “Here Tonight” record.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch was on hand to celebrate SESAC writer Ebach’s fourth country No. 1, the first of which was another Brett Young hit, “Sleep Without You.”
“It’s a very rare day when I look at the charts and I don’t see Justin Ebach’s name in several different places,” Hatch said. “He is clearly a hard worker.”
Hatch then turned the floor over to Ebach’s publisher and wife, Curb|Word Publishing’s Janine Ebach. She bragged on the co-writers and producer Huff, and gifted them and the BMLG radio team with chalices.
Janine Ebach also announced that “Here Tonight” narrowly fell into the qualification period so that Justin Ebach will receive a CMA Triple Play Award. “Thank you BMLG radio team and Jesus because this landed within a 12-month period so he gets the CMA Triple Play award. The timing could not have been better!” she said.
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar followed Ebach up saying, “Good job, Janine. That was an hour and a half shorter than the ‘Sleep Without You’ party.” The room roared with laughter and applause. Molinar made sure to first thank Young’s management team at 377 Management and Van Haze at Red Light Management.
Molinar gave a big shout out to the BMLG team, “To all of BMLG, it takes a village. All of our colleagues, it’s just impressive to be on the campus with you all. To the A&R team, to Scott Borchetta—from whom all gifts are given, it’s God then Scott Borchetta,” he quipped. “BMLG and the promo team, Harnen, Matthew, MTK, all the apes, let’s hear it!”
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Record’s Madeline Farr, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Producer Dann Huff, Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach, BMLG Record’s Andi Brooks; (L-R, front row): BMLG Record’s Matthew Hargis, Michelle Kammerer, Jimmy Harnen, Cherylynne Nader, Andrew Thoen. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Molinar also thanked Huff and his partner-in-crime engineer, Justin Niebank, and finally Big Machine Music writer Brett Young. “Let’s go for six!” he said.
Black River’s Katie Barolak kept it short and sweet, congratulating Black River writer Caver on his first No. 1.
“Who wants to hear from another publisher?” Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill joked. He then took off his jacket to reveal that he, too, was wearing a black v-neck and dark jeans, fitting in with the rest of the crowd on stage. Hill was there to speak for Ebach.
When BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta took to the stage, he also removed his jacket to reveal a black v-neck and dark jeans. Borchetta recognized all of the co-writers, including new Big Machine artist Charles Kelley.
“It’s so much fun making records with Dann Huff,” Borchetta said. “The proof is in the pudding and everything that we get to do. He’s the man that I know when I have something that’s going to be tough, he’s the only guy I know that can land a record. And the things that he’s done behind the scenes, and the collaborative—you would expect Dann Huff to have an ego bigger than Nashville. Reality, the man has no ego. He’s totally about the art, he’s totally about collaboration, he’s totally about continuing to learn and making the best music possible.”
BMLG’s Jimmy Harnen made sure to shout out Laurel Kittleson, and to thank Brett Young for trusting him with the choice of single. Harnen then called up the BMLG radio promotion team leaders, Matthew Hargis and Michelle Tigard Kammerer, and announced that they had celebrated 31 No. 1 songs in 10 years.
Everyone had plenty of sentiments to give to the always humble Dann Huff. When it came time for Huff to speak, the crowd listened intently, and those on the receiving end of his praises beamed.
“Brett, I’ve loved your singing from the first note I heard,” Huff said. “The way you treat people is exemplary. That’s all I can say. Everybody around Brett wants to do better because of the way he treats people.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Record’s Jimmy Harnen, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BJ Hill, Katie Barolak, SESAC’s Shannon Hatch, Janine Ebach; (L-R, front row): Producer Dann Huff, Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Justin Ebach echoed the praise for Jimmy Harnen and the ‘apes.’
“You have been a massive part of my career and I am grateful to be the smallest part of your career,” Ebach said to Young. “I’m so pumped for you and Taylor and the family you guys are going to have.”
Ebach almost accidentally left out his wife and the Curb|Word Publishing staff, his co-writers did not let him off easy.
“Also, Janine, you can go shopping tomorrow and he wants to take you to a really nice dinner,” Charley Kelley added.
Ben Caver reflected on his journey to the No. 1 stage, and thanked his family and wife Sarah. He went on to thank BMLG, Brett Young, his co-writers and the Black River Publishing team. Caver made sure to recognize Dave Pacula. “You have been my champion since 2010,” he said. “You signed me at Universal Music Publishing and again at Black River and you’ve taught me so much about songwriting. About what it is to be a songwriter, about the craft of writing songs and about getting in the right rooms and working my ass off—sorry, mom—thank you, man.”
“To win with good people means more to me than anything,” Caver said in closing.
Charles Kelley gave a little bit of insight on how he came into the write. “I’m so glad at catering I was so forward when I saw y’all there and said, ‘Y’all are writing, well that sounds pretty cool. I don’t have anything to do. Need a fourth? Anybody wanna split things four ways?’ And they said, ‘Yes.’
“Thank you guys so much, all the promotion staff, thank you guys for letting me be a little, simple part of it. Merely just pushing myself into a write,” Kelley concluded.
When the man of the hour stepped up to the mic, he quickly corrected Kelley’s recount of the day of the “Here Tonight” write. “You didn’t say, ‘Oh, you’re writing, that sounds cool. I’ve got nothing to do today.’ What you said was, ‘You guys are writing? I’d like to write.’ Of course the answer if ‘Yes’ because we’re all big fans. But you weren’t so subtle,” he quipped. Young also allowed that the idea for “Here Tonight” was Kelley’s.
Young went on to thank ASCAP for their support and guidance. “You will always be my home,” he said.
Young thanked BMLG, saying “This was the easiest decision I ever made, and it continues to get easier.”
He also thanked his management team, and especially Van Haze, as well as his team at WME, and his co-writers and Dann Huff.
“This has been the most incredible year of my life outside of music, we got married, we bought a house, we made a baby, those are all things that just make this more sweet. The way that [Taylor] supports me, there’s nothing like it in the world. I couldn’t do it without her,” Young concluded.
CMA Honors Late Industry Exec Rob Potts With International Exchange Program
/by Jessica NicholsonApplicants for the Rob Potts International Exchange Program must be either a full-time college/university student or emerging industry professional between the ages of 18 and 25. The U.S. recipient’s program will take place in Australia, while the recipient from Australia/New Zealand will undertake the program in Nashville–with costs covered by the exchange program.
Both recipients will have a primary contact to guide them during the program. Those selected will participate in a series of internships and networking opportunities in Nashville or Australia. CMA task force groups in Nashville and Australia developed the comprehensive work experience program designed to expose individuals to various parts of the business, including the following areas: Marketing/Digital, Media/Public Relations, Booking Agency, Management, Record Labels, Publishing/PRO, Live Events/Stage Production, Radio, Video Production and Recording Studio. The exchange program is not intended for an individual pursuing a career as an artist or songwriter.
The application for the program is open now and closes at 11:59 p.m. CT on Sunday, June 30. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply at CMAworld.com. The two selected recipients will be notified later this year.
“We are honored to celebrate the legacy of Rob and his contribution to the country music industry through this exchange program and are looking forward to impacting the next generation of music industry professionals through this international program,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Even though his home was miles away in Australia, he was a regular fixture here in Nashville. I still expect to see him in the crowd at CMA Fest. Rob was a tireless advocate for Country Music and we are delighted to engage a new generation of the industry in his honor.”
“Anyone who ever met Rob knows how he could light up any room with his smile and energy,” says John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman/Chief Executive Officer and CMA Board member. “His passion for country music was unwavering. His passion to have it expand internationally was boundless. I am so thrilled to be a small part of helping lead the CMA task force that created this program. It will benefit future executives in the Country Music business. I’m sure Rob is smiling down on us as we carry the torch of his legacy!”
“The dream my father pursued for three decades was to build a bridge between country music in Australia and in Nashville, behind the scenes as much as on stage,” says Jeremy Dylan, Potts’ son. “This program will honor his legacy and further expand the global exchange of people and ideas that has made country music a truly international genre. I’m very grateful to Sarah, Milly Olykan, everyone at CMA, and everyone else who helped bring this project to fruition, and I’m excited to see the successful applicants embrace these amazing opportunities.”
“Country Music fans, artists and the greater global industry will forever be indebted to Rob for his immeasurable and unwavering dedication to developing country music, both in Australia and across the globe,” says Matthew Lazarus Hall, CMC Rocks Chief Executive Officer and CMA board member. “While always heavily involved in the detail, Rob never took his eye off the big picture, using his passion and expertise to bridge the gap between Australia and Nashville, and steering his efforts towards lasting growth and long-term development to build the Country Music profile and advocate for emerging artists. His impact is still evident today in his support and contributions to CMA, CMC, FANGATE and the CMAA Academy of Country Music. It has been an honor to work alongside such a passionate and inspiring friend, and we hope that the Rob Potts International Exchange Program will carry on his legacy for enhancing country music across the globe.”
Celebrated Australian manager, promoter, country music champion and CMA Board member, Potts’ career spanned more than 30 years. As CEO of his company Entertainment Edge, Potts helped open doors for Australian Country artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans and Keith Urban, in addition to serving as manager for Evans. His success in the touring of U.S. country artists in Australia led to Potts establishing the CMC Rocks festival brand and forging a long-running partnership with Michael Chugg of Chugg Entertainment. Their flagship, CMC Rocks Queensland, is now the biggest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Brett Young Celebrates Five For Five With “Here Tonight”
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): producer Dann Huff, co-writers Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Music industry members partied once back at work after the Memorial Day weekend at the “Here Tonight” No. 1 party on Tuesday (May 28), celebrating Brett Young‘s fifth consecutive No. 1 hit. Black v-neck tees and dark jeans was apparently the dress code for the afternoon for co-writers Young, Ben Caver, Charles Kelley and Justin Ebach, as it was for producer Dann Huff and many more as the celebration went on. ASCAP’s always charming Beth Brinker got everything started and served as host.
Brinker quickly brought up ASCAP’s Michael Martin to the mic. “I think the best part for me is meeting him at the beginning of the Nashville journey,” Martin said of Young. “Before you officially moved to town, before you made the indie record, before the record deal, and now to see the fruit of your work with you and your team is amazing.”
Martin reveled at Young’s success with now five No. 1 songs. “In a row!” Big Machine Label Group’s Jimmy Harnen corrected him from the crowd.
Brinker came back to the mic to talk about co-writer Kelley, who notched his eighth No. 1 hit as a songwriter. “Charles, it’s so great to see you influencing country radio outside of [Lady Antebellum] and I hope there will be much more of that, because we love celebrating you.”
“There is nothing I love more than a first time No. 1, and that’s what we’re celebrating today,” Brinker continued of ASCAP writer Caver. Brinker also bragged on Caver’s singing, which can be heard on the “Here Tonight” record.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch was on hand to celebrate SESAC writer Ebach’s fourth country No. 1, the first of which was another Brett Young hit, “Sleep Without You.”
“It’s a very rare day when I look at the charts and I don’t see Justin Ebach’s name in several different places,” Hatch said. “He is clearly a hard worker.”
Hatch then turned the floor over to Ebach’s publisher and wife, Curb|Word Publishing’s Janine Ebach. She bragged on the co-writers and producer Huff, and gifted them and the BMLG radio team with chalices.
Janine Ebach also announced that “Here Tonight” narrowly fell into the qualification period so that Justin Ebach will receive a CMA Triple Play Award. “Thank you BMLG radio team and Jesus because this landed within a 12-month period so he gets the CMA Triple Play award. The timing could not have been better!” she said.
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar followed Ebach up saying, “Good job, Janine. That was an hour and a half shorter than the ‘Sleep Without You’ party.” The room roared with laughter and applause. Molinar made sure to first thank Young’s management team at 377 Management and Van Haze at Red Light Management.
Molinar gave a big shout out to the BMLG team, “To all of BMLG, it takes a village. All of our colleagues, it’s just impressive to be on the campus with you all. To the A&R team, to Scott Borchetta—from whom all gifts are given, it’s God then Scott Borchetta,” he quipped. “BMLG and the promo team, Harnen, Matthew, MTK, all the apes, let’s hear it!”
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Record’s Madeline Farr, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Producer Dann Huff, Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach, BMLG Record’s Andi Brooks; (L-R, front row): BMLG Record’s Matthew Hargis, Michelle Kammerer, Jimmy Harnen, Cherylynne Nader, Andrew Thoen. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Molinar also thanked Huff and his partner-in-crime engineer, Justin Niebank, and finally Big Machine Music writer Brett Young. “Let’s go for six!” he said.
Black River’s Katie Barolak kept it short and sweet, congratulating Black River writer Caver on his first No. 1.
“Who wants to hear from another publisher?” Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill joked. He then took off his jacket to reveal that he, too, was wearing a black v-neck and dark jeans, fitting in with the rest of the crowd on stage. Hill was there to speak for Ebach.
When BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta took to the stage, he also removed his jacket to reveal a black v-neck and dark jeans. Borchetta recognized all of the co-writers, including new Big Machine artist Charles Kelley.
“It’s so much fun making records with Dann Huff,” Borchetta said. “The proof is in the pudding and everything that we get to do. He’s the man that I know when I have something that’s going to be tough, he’s the only guy I know that can land a record. And the things that he’s done behind the scenes, and the collaborative—you would expect Dann Huff to have an ego bigger than Nashville. Reality, the man has no ego. He’s totally about the art, he’s totally about collaboration, he’s totally about continuing to learn and making the best music possible.”
BMLG’s Jimmy Harnen made sure to shout out Laurel Kittleson, and to thank Brett Young for trusting him with the choice of single. Harnen then called up the BMLG radio promotion team leaders, Matthew Hargis and Michelle Tigard Kammerer, and announced that they had celebrated 31 No. 1 songs in 10 years.
Everyone had plenty of sentiments to give to the always humble Dann Huff. When it came time for Huff to speak, the crowd listened intently, and those on the receiving end of his praises beamed.
“Brett, I’ve loved your singing from the first note I heard,” Huff said. “The way you treat people is exemplary. That’s all I can say. Everybody around Brett wants to do better because of the way he treats people.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Record’s Jimmy Harnen, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BJ Hill, Katie Barolak, SESAC’s Shannon Hatch, Janine Ebach; (L-R, front row): Producer Dann Huff, Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach. Photo: Ed Rode Photography
Justin Ebach echoed the praise for Jimmy Harnen and the ‘apes.’
“You have been a massive part of my career and I am grateful to be the smallest part of your career,” Ebach said to Young. “I’m so pumped for you and Taylor and the family you guys are going to have.”
Ebach almost accidentally left out his wife and the Curb|Word Publishing staff, his co-writers did not let him off easy.
“Also, Janine, you can go shopping tomorrow and he wants to take you to a really nice dinner,” Charley Kelley added.
Ben Caver reflected on his journey to the No. 1 stage, and thanked his family and wife Sarah. He went on to thank BMLG, Brett Young, his co-writers and the Black River Publishing team. Caver made sure to recognize Dave Pacula. “You have been my champion since 2010,” he said. “You signed me at Universal Music Publishing and again at Black River and you’ve taught me so much about songwriting. About what it is to be a songwriter, about the craft of writing songs and about getting in the right rooms and working my ass off—sorry, mom—thank you, man.”
“To win with good people means more to me than anything,” Caver said in closing.
Charles Kelley gave a little bit of insight on how he came into the write. “I’m so glad at catering I was so forward when I saw y’all there and said, ‘Y’all are writing, well that sounds pretty cool. I don’t have anything to do. Need a fourth? Anybody wanna split things four ways?’ And they said, ‘Yes.’
“Thank you guys so much, all the promotion staff, thank you guys for letting me be a little, simple part of it. Merely just pushing myself into a write,” Kelley concluded.
When the man of the hour stepped up to the mic, he quickly corrected Kelley’s recount of the day of the “Here Tonight” write. “You didn’t say, ‘Oh, you’re writing, that sounds cool. I’ve got nothing to do today.’ What you said was, ‘You guys are writing? I’d like to write.’ Of course the answer if ‘Yes’ because we’re all big fans. But you weren’t so subtle,” he quipped. Young also allowed that the idea for “Here Tonight” was Kelley’s.
Young went on to thank ASCAP for their support and guidance. “You will always be my home,” he said.
Young thanked BMLG, saying “This was the easiest decision I ever made, and it continues to get easier.”
He also thanked his management team, and especially Van Haze, as well as his team at WME, and his co-writers and Dann Huff.
“This has been the most incredible year of my life outside of music, we got married, we bought a house, we made a baby, those are all things that just make this more sweet. The way that [Taylor] supports me, there’s nothing like it in the world. I couldn’t do it without her,” Young concluded.
Jon Pardi Reveals Track List, Cover Art For Upcoming Album, ‘Heartache Medication’
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Jim Wright
Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jon Pardi gave a first glimpse into his new highly-anticipated album Heartache Medication today (May 29). Industry members gathered today at Pardi’s Nashville property for an exclusive listening party to introduce his yet-to-be-released 14-song album ahead of the title-track’s official radio impact date on June 3. The project releases Sept. 27.
Pardi discussed his forthcoming album along with Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. Heartache Medication has Pardi returning as a producer for a third time and once again pairs him with California Sunrise co-producer Bart Butler, with Ryan Gore joining as first-time co-producer. The track list features cuts from some of Nashville’s finest songwriters, including: Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean, Jimmy Yeary, Rhett Akins, Luke Laird, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele and more; and even features a collaboration with Lauren Alaina.
Pictured: Jon Pardi gives industry members an early listen to his upcoming album at his Nashville property. Photo: Sherod Robertson/MusicRow
Heartache Medication is the follow up to Pardi’s co-produced Platinum-selling No. 1 album California Sunrise, which featured multi-Platinum hits including “Dirt on My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache on the Dancefloor” and “Night Shift.”
Heartache Medication Track Listing:
1. “Old Hat” (Jeff Hyde, Matt Jenkins and Ryan Tyndell)
2. “ Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi, Barry Dean and Natalie Hemby)
3. “Nobody Leaves A Girl Like That” (Bart Butler, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary)
4. “Ain’t Always The Cowboy” (Brandon Kinney and Josh Thompson)
5. “Me And Jack” (Jon Pardi, Rhett Akins, Bart Butler and Luke Laird)
6. “Don’t Blame It On Whiskey (Featuring Lauren Alaina)” (Eric Church, Michael Heeney, Luke Laird and Miranda Lambert)
7. “Tied One On” (Bart Butler, Chase McGill and Jamie Paulin)
8. “Oughta Know That” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Luke Laird)
9. “Tequila Little Time” (Jon Pardi, Rhett Akins and Luke Laird)
10. “Buy That Man A Beer” (Clint Daniels, Justin Lantz and John Pierce)
11. “Call Me Country” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Driver Williams)
12. “Just Like Old Times” (Jon Pardi, Jeff Hyde and Michael Heeney)
13. “Love Her Like She’s Leaving” (Bart Butler, Dean Dillon and Jessie Jo Dillon)
14. “Starlight” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and Jeffrey Steele)
Marking a career first, Pardi recently announced he will headline back-to-back nights at the Ryman Auditorium, where he will kick off his headlining Heartache Medication Tour in Nashville on Oct. 1 and 2. The Heartache Medication Tour featuring direct support Riley Green, is currently on-sale for select pre-sale opportunities, with tickets available to purchase everywhere starting May 31. Pre-order the album Heartache Medication and purchase tickets to the upcoming Heartache Medication Tour here.
John Prine Announces Kelsey Waldon Signing To Oh Boy Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Collin Fiddler, Jody Whelan, Kelsey Waldon, Eileen Tilson
Performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage is a bucket list experience for every country entertainer. Kelsey Waldon‘s recent appearance got an extra special surprise, thanks to John Prine. After she performed her own Opry set, Prine called Waldon back to the stage to duet on his songs “Unwed Fathers” and “Paradise.” He then announced Waldon as the newest artist on Prine’s Oh Boy Records label. The announcement was a rarity, marking the first signing for the label in 15 years.
Jody Whelan, Director of Operations at Oh Boy, says of the signing, “It’s an honor for us to work with Kelsey. There is an honesty and commitment in her music, both as a performer and songwriter, that we’ve long admired. Evident in all her work is a strong point of view, and a reverence for the culture and history of country music and songwriting, she is exactly the type of independent-minded artist that Oh Boy Records was founded to support.”
Last year, Waldon was opening shows for Prine, Tyler Childers and Jamey Johnson and working on her full-length album, due out this fall on Oh Boy.
“It’s hard for me to put into words what it truly means to me to be signed to Oh Boy Records,” says Waldon. “To have someone like John, who I have looked up to my whole life, who I have set my songwriting standards after and my general music making standards after, to have someone like him endorse my music and care enough about it to make sure it reaches a wider audience…that means everything.”
Prine adds, “I am bursting with pride to have Kelsey Waldon recording for Oh Boy Records. Her music continues an important arc of traditional folk and country music. I love Kelsey’s singing. Her voice is one of the more authentic country voices I’ve heard in a long time. I’m looking forward to all the shows we’ll be performing together this year.”
Waldon will join Prine for a handful of dates starting in July.
Brandi Carlile Signs With BMI
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, Brandi Carlile, BMI’s Mason Hunter
Brandi Carlile, along with her longtime collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth, have signed a long-term deal with BMI for performing rights representation.
Big Loud Names Lloyd Aur Norman To VP Role
/by Jessica NicholsonLloyd Aur Norman
Big Loud has promoted Lloyd Aur Norman to VP of Special Projects and Strategic Management. After joining the Big Loud team in 2014, Norman was promoted to VP of Creative & Digital just last year, making immediate contributions to the label and management roster’s ongoing success with stars like Florida Georgia Line, HARDY, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, Morgan Wallen, and more. In this new role, Norman will oversee and execute top-level initiatives integral to the firm’s continued success, including ambitious plays in original content, technology, investments, management, creative strategy and Big Loud’s growth in the broader entertainment landscape. Norman will be responsible for everything from the roster’s music videos to behind-the-scenes research on potential investments, and identifying new opportunities for Big Loud clients in emerging media, film and TV, cross-genre collaborations and more.
“As Big Loud continues to grow, and expand into new areas of the entertainment business, we saw the need for a Special Projects Division,” says Big Loud partner Chief Zaruk. “There is no one better to have at the helm than Lloyd. He is always pushing the boundaries creatively and will now have the opportunity to launch exciting ventures that elevate the Big Loud brand through this new division. We can’t wait to see all that is to come!”
Pictured: Tori Johnson; Kiley Donohoe; Caleb Donato
Big Loud has also announced additional organizational shifts. Tori Johnson will take over as Sr. Director of Creative and Digital, leading the company’s six-person creative and digital department. Kiley Donohoe rises to Digital Marketing Manager, while Caleb Donato joins the staff as Creative Media Producer.
Big Loud was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Chief Zaruk, and Joey Moi, four industry executives with a vision to bring song publishing, artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. The organization scored its first win when it helped launch the career of Florida Georgia Line, and in 2015 the partners expanded their firm with the creation of Big Loud Records, led by Clay Hunnicutt.
Inaugural Lynchburg Music Fest Announces Headliners Jamey Johnson, Easton Corbin
/by LB CantrellIgniter Productions has revealed the initial artist line up for the first ever Lynchburg Music Fest. The two-day multistage event will be hosted Aug. 23 and 24, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., in downtown Lynchburg, Tennessee. Country artists Cassadee Pope, David Lee Murphy, Joe Diffie, Keith Anderson, Montgomery Gentry and RaeLynn are set to make an appearance. Easton Corbin will headline night one, while Jamey Johnson will take the second night.
Local pre-sale for tickets, which can only be purchased onsite at American Craft Distillery located at 34 Hiles Street in downtown Lynchburg, will begin on May 29 and end on May 30 for two-day passes. General on-sale, as well as VIP packages for attendees 21 and older, will be available beginning May 31.
Sponsors for the event include Lynchburg Winery, Flex Up Fitness, American Craft Distillers, CrossFit 931, Lynchburg Cigar Co., Adventurous Soul Travel Agency, Barrel House BBQ, Henry & McCord Law Offices and Miltec Rapid Manufacturing Systems.
The Lynchburg Music Festival lineup is as follows:
Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs Added To CMT Music Awards Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban, hosts Little Big Town, Luke Combs, and the Zac Brown Band are the latest round of performers announced for the upcoming 2019 CMT Music Awards set for June 5 in Nashville.
Urban is nominated for “Video of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year,” Little Big Town is up for “Group Video of the Year,” Combs is nominated for “Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year,” and the Zac Brown Band is up for “Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year” honors.
The show will also feature collaborations by Brandi Carlile (nominated for “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) + Tanya Tucker, Brett Young + Boyz II Men (nominated for “CMT Performance of the Year” for their memorable performance from CMT Crossroads), Thomas Rhett (nominated for “Male Video of the Year”) + Little Big Town (“Group Video of the Year”) + Trombone Shorty, and Sheryl Crow with previously announced three-time nominee Maren Morris (“Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”).
Previously announced performers include Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Bryan.
Fans can vote now for their favorite artists via vote.cmt.com, up until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, June 4 for all categories. Tickets to the “2019 CMT Music Awards” are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. The show will air live from Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT.
Industry Ink: Ryman Hospitality, Chordwell, SNG Music
/by Jessica NicholsonRyman Hospitality, Blake Shelton Head To The Doghouse
Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton at The Doghouse opening on May 23, 2019, in Tishomingo, OK. Photo: Erika Goldring for RHP Properties
Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties celebrated the grand opening of The Doghouse at Ole Red Tishomingo, a music hall and events venue expansion to the Shelton-inspired bar and restaurant located in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Luke Bryan made a special appearance on May 23, with Shelton performing on May 24.
Prior to Shelton’s performance, JD Strong, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Richard Hatcher, President of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Jean Kates, Treasurer Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, were invited to the stage. Shelton presented the group with a check for $144,500 benefitting the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation where he is a board member. The funds were raised by tickets sales to Thursday and Friday’s performances and will support conservation enhancement projects in Oklahoma a cause important to Shelton and Bryan, both avid outdoorsman.
Artist Development, Marketing Venture Chordwell Launches
Ryan Wesley Smith has launched artist development and marketing venture Chordwell in Nashville. The company is a full-service artist management and development company working with talent in a variety of genres. Additionally, Chordwell operates as marketing and business development partner working with artists and labels to further their impact.
Smith was previously at Story House Collective, where he handled marketing for four-time Grammy nominee and five-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award winner Matthew West, and new-artist Leanna Crawford. He’s also worked with artists for KING & COUNTRY, Ty James, YoungHeart, Cade Thompson, and labels Curb|Word Entertainment, Loyalty Records, and Capitol CMG.
“I’m thrilled to begin this new season. I believe the industry’s best days are ahead, and hope our team at Chordwell can become a disruptive force in entertainment and a catalyst careers of our clients,” said Smith.
For more, visit chordwell.com.
SNG Music Signs Oran Thornton
Pictured (L-R): SNG Creative Director Aubrey Schwartz, Oran Thornton, SNG Managing Partner Gary Reamey. Photo: Courtesy SNG
Multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Oran Thornton has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with SNG Music. Thornton joins a roster that includes Carson Chamberlain, Marty Dodson, Mark Nesler, Wyatt McCubbin, Gary Reamey, Zarni de Vette and Lee Starr.
“It’s great to have someone with Oran’s unique talents as part of our SNG Music team,” says Managing Partner, Gary Reamey.
Raised in the small town of Stockton, Missouri, Thornton made the transition to Nashville in 2009 after spending his teen years performing and touring across the U.S. and Europe with Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop/pop rock trio, DC Talk. Later, Thornton formed Flick with his younger brother before shifting focus on his new found passion for engineering, producing and songwriting. He has also worked on projects for Miranda Lambert, David Nail, Little Big Town, Eric Church and Angaleena Presley; and has contributed his engineering, producing and guitar talents to projects including the Eli Young Band, Stoney LaRue, Adam Hood, Brent Cobb and Logan Brill.
Beloved Music Row Ambassador Ralph Murphy Passes
/by Robert K OermannRalph Murphy. Photo: Canadian Country Music Association
Songwriter, publisher, artist, producer and Music Row ambassador Ralph Murphy died Tuesday (May 28) following a brief illness.
Murphy, 75, is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. He was a longtime ASCAP Nashville executive. At various times, he was also a president at NSAI, the head of the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy and a national NARAS trustee.
As a songwriter, he has had major hits with Ronnie Milsap, Jeannie C. Riley, Crystal Gayle and a number of pop and rock acts. Others who have recorded his songs include Randy Travis, Shania Twain, Don Williams, Ray Price and Lynn Anderson.
Ralph Murphy was born in England and educated in Canada from the age of 6. He began performing and writing songs at age 14. After experiencing the music business in Los Angeles and New York, he moved to London at age 19. He became a recording artist and signed as a songwriter with Mills Music in 1965.
He began having British pop hits as a songwriter in 1966 via such artists as Billy Fury, Vanity Fare and James Royal. He also continued to record as a member of various pop groups.
Murphy migrated to New York in 1969 and then began producing million-selling records for such top Canadian rock groups as April Wine and Mashmakhan in Toronto.
In 1971, Jeannie C. Riley scored a top-10 country hit with Murphy’s song “Good Enough to Be Your Wife.” Charmed by Nashville during his subsequent visits, Murphy moved to Music City in 1978. He formed Picalic Publishing with British-born hit songwriter Roger Cook.
Among the company’s many successful songs were Cook’s “Talking in Your Sleep” and Murphy’s “Half the Way,” both chart-topping hits by Crystal Gayle in 1978-79. Murphy also co-wrote the No. 1 Ronnie Milsap 1982 smash “He Got You.”
Another of his best-remembered songs is “Seeds.” Co-written with Pat Alger, it appeared on Kathy Mattea’s 1992 CD. In 2006, Cliff Richard had a British hit with “A 21st Century Christmas,” co-written by Murphy with Paul Brady.
Ralph Murphy joined the executive team in ASCAP’s Nashville office 25 years ago. He was the organization’s Vice President of International Membership. As such, he became not only one of Music Row’s most visible and liked denizens, but also an ambassador of Nashville’s scene all over the world.
Generous with his time and advice, Murphy was known for his “open door” attitude, making him a welcoming figure of encouragement and support for fledgling songwriters. He became a mentor to many. As another assist to aspiring writers, he wrote Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting: How To Write Hit Songs. The book remains available online.
Ralph Murphy and Lyle Lovett attend the 50th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on October 29, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ASCAP
International music businessman John Lomax III commented that it was poignant that Murphy died just prior to the annual international MIDEM convention in Cannes, France. “So few here could move adroitly amid U.S., Canadian and all the major European music industries,” Lomax recalled. “He’d always say when you asked how he was, ‘all the better for seeing you.’”
Canadian music journalist Richard Flohil eulogized Murphy as “the songwriter’s heart and soul. “He leaves behind hundreds of friends who trusted his advice, laughed at his jokes, relished his company,” Flohil wrote yesterday. “He was, for songwriters, a beacon of hope, a fount of inspiration, a source of encouragement, a connector of people. “Songwriters everywhere have lost a hero, a friendly giant, and a friend.”
Ralph Murphy was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Last month, SOCAN presented him with its Special Achievement Award. He won the CMA’s Jo Walker-Meador International Achievement Award in 2011.
In recent years, Ralph Murphy has had health problems. But he continued his good-will visits to Sydney, London, Dublin, Toronto, Berlin and other international music centers. Following a visit to Toronto earlier this month, he contracted pneumonia. This led to his death.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said, “Ralph Murphy was a giant in music. For more than five decades and across several continents, his bountiful gifts as a songwriter, performer, musician, producer, author, educator and music advocate touched millions of people around the world. As a longtime member of the ASCAP family, he was a relentless champion of ASCAP’s mission to nurture each new generation of music creators to master their craft and fulfill their potential. He would often ask songwriters: “Have you told the whole story?” We’ll never know what stories Ralph had left to tell. But we do know that his legacy will enrich the lives of music creators for years to come. To some of us he was simply ‘Da Murph,’ a title that seems to best describe a true gentleman, world traveler and remarkable friend.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said, “Ralph always fought for what was best for all songwriters and I will miss his unique perspective and incredibly valuable insights. Ralph was a loyal ambassador for songwriters whose heart was always in the right place. All of us at ASCAP have lost a great friend and one of our best advocates. We will miss his story telling, his humor and the warmth and love he shared with so many.”