Pictured (L-R, standing): Play It Again’s Juli Netwon Griffith, SESAC’s Kelli Turner, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMG’s Jake Gear, Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero, Warner/Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn. (L-R, seated): SESAC writer Justin Wilson, BMI songwriter and Columbia Nashville recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny, ASCAP writer Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
Riser House and Columbia Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny packed Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville to celebrate his first No. 1 as an artist and a songwriter. The Sony/ATV writer commemorated the Platinum-certified hit with his co-writers Jordan Schmidt (Tree Vibez Music Publishing; Warner/Chappell; We-Volve Music) and Justin Wilson (BMG; Play It Again Music). The party was thrown by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. Schmidt and Tenpenny produced the track.
BMI’s Josh Tomlinson helped keep the joyful and rowdy room on task as he led the event. As is tradition, BMI presented Tenpenny with a Taylor guitar.
“I have an innumerable amount of stories that I could talk about with Mitchell,” he said with a smirk. “Two summers ago I got a text that said ‘hey, do you want to come out on the bus with Mitchell to go down to Rome, Georgia with Jordan Rager?’ and I was like ‘yeah, sure sounds awesome!’
“It somewhere got lost in translation to me that it wasn’t a bus,” he continued. “It was a party bus. A full-blow, prom-style party bus. And then getting to Rome and just wanting to go to the green room so bad where there was air conditioning and then realizing that there was no air conditioning in the green room in Rome, Georgia. The most important part of that day, though, was Mitchell was [sick], but he was super concerned about everybody else and making sure they were having a good time.”
Tomlinson also quoted lyrics from the heartfelt track “Walk Like Him” on Tenpenny’s debut album, Telling All My Secrets, which reads:
I spend every day tryna make him proud
If I said that I didn’t, I’d be lying.
“All I can say today for a fact,” Tomlinson said. “All this stuff is fine, all this stuff is awesome, but Mitchell, this room is completely full of people who are so proud of you.”
ASCAP’s Beth Brinker was there to lend her always lovely sentiments about Schmidt, who was celebrating his fourth No. 1, and Tenpenny.
“The incredible things that have happened for Jordan Schmidt in the very small amount of time from 2015 when he joined the Tree Vibez family,” she said. “It’s incredible and clearly not stopping any time soon. It’s a testament to his hard work and his truly fresh take not just on production but on the craft of songwriting.”
Brinker also gave a shout out to First Tennessee Bank for their support of songwriters and music people.
SESAC’s Kelli Turner filled in for Shannan Hatch, who was on her way back from the Grammys.
“We’re thrilled to be here to celebrate Justin’s third No. 1 song!” she said. “Justin was one of the first songwriters that I met when I moved to Nashville. SESAC is so proud to represent you. We look forward to so many more awesome No. 1 songs and No. 1 parties.”
Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith announced that they would be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of “Drunk Me.” The CMA’s Brandi Simms expressed pride in the songwriters and presented them with their No. 1 medallions.
Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton gave some perspective when he presented Tenpenny with his No. 1 plaque. “This is kind of a full-circle moment,” he said. “I don’t know how many of these No. 1 parties I attended with Mitchell’s grandmother, Donna Hilley. Those of you in this room that don’t know that name, you should. Back in the ’80s when there were very, very few women music executives in this city, Donna rose to become the CEO of Sony/ATV. So look her up, you need to know her.”
Pictured (L-R, standing): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas, Christy Garbinski, Shane Allen, Jen Way, Jim Catino, Steve Hodges, Taylor Lindsey, Lyndsay Church, Olivia Laster. (L-R, seated): Justin Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMG Nashville’s Jake Gear stepped up to the podium and quickly ordered a round of tequila to toast the “Drunk Me” writers.
“I’ve been a Justin Wilson fan for quite a while now,” Gear said. “Justin, you have a gift of writing kick-ass country songs. Songs that make you proud of where you come from, songs that make you want to drink beer and songs that make you feel the nostalgic heart pains of love lost. You have another gift, your voice. But these gifts would be wasted if it wasn’t for your drive. Thank you for your hustle, thank you for not canceling co-writes last minute, thank you for always being open to new ideas.”
Play It Again Music and Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith echoed Gear’s sentiment about Wilson.
“I think most of you guys know how far Justin Wilson and I go back,” she said. “I signed Justin in 2013 and I absolutely adore Justin Wilson more than most people in this town. He works hard and creates good music, and that is what brought us here.”
She joined Play It Again President and CEO, Dallas Davidson, to present Wilson with a certified Platinum plaque. “That’s a non-recoupable plaque,” Davidson joked.
Griffith also gave a shout out to Sony Nashville’s Randy Goodman and Steve Hodges, as well as Riser House’s Jennifer Johnson, and their teams.
Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero was in attendance to honor Schmidt. She presented them with No. 1 hats. “We’re not as rich as Dallas just yet,” she quipped.
“Tyler and Brian want Jordan to know that they wish they could be here,” she said of Tree Vibez founders (and Florida Georgia Line members) Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. “You were their first signing! We all believe that Jordan is stepping into the sweet spot of his career with not only writing but producing.
“His drive and talent are so ferocious,” she continued. “There are two important insights everybody needs to know about Jordan that I’ve observed in the past year and a half. He seems to be the first person everyone calls when they’re looking to write a hit and he appears to be the first person everyone calls when they’re about to throw a party!”
Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt was on hand to celebrate with his brother Jordan, as well as Tenpenny and Wilson. He made sure to thank Johnson, Kristen Ashley and JT Pratt (11/10 Management) and Enzo DiVincenzo (377 Management) along with the Sony Music Nashville team.
He also listed Hodges, Shane Allen, Lauren Thomas, Bo Martinovich, Lyndsay Church, Cliff Blake, Paige Elliot and Mark Jennings of the Sony Nashville promotion team.
Allen made sure to deliver the facts. “To come out with ‘Drunk Me’ and to have the biggest impact date of any song in two years, since Maren Morris’ ‘My Church,’ that’s a huge thing,” he said. “And then you come out with the album, Telling All My Secrets having had the biggest debut week for a debut artist of anybody in 2018.”
Allen also relayed that “Drunk Me” is industry veteran Blake’s final No. 1 after a career of promoting 70 No. 1 hits.
Johnson expressed her thanks and gifted the songwriters with a gift card to Nike, so that they could be as “swole” as Tenpenny.
“I want to especially thank the entire team at Riser House and Sony for working beautifully together,” she said.
Pictured (L-R): Justin Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
When it came time for the songwriters to speak, it was a brotherly love fest.
“Thank you guys,” Wilson said to his co-writers. “You love hard and you love fast. That’s lacking in a lot of places in the world today. I want to let you guys know that music heals and music saves and music is powerful. If not for this industry, I wouldn’t exist because I just need as much as all of us do. I’m a fan of everyone in this room, because all of us are stupid as hell for doing what we do.”
Wilson also mentioned that he had advised Tenpenny not to release “Drunk Me” as his debut single, because of its dark subject matter.
Jordan Schmidt showed his humor when it came time for him to speak.
“We’d written a few songs and Mitchell goes ‘I think I’m going to do the artist thing’ and he said ‘I’m going to cut ‘Drunk Me’ and I swear I’m going to make it No. 1,'” Schmidt said. “And I was like, ‘sure you are, buddy. You got this, man. All the way to the top, me and you.’ And then the guy freaking does it! And that’s Mitchell Tenpenny in a nut shell.
“Pretty much everybody knows that I wouldn’t be up here without Dane, so thank you,” Schmidt continued of his brother. He also thanked BMG, Kos Weaver, Jeff Braun, Alex Wright, and many more.
When Mitchell Tenpenny stepped up to the mic, he was smiling ear to ear.
“I went to probably a hundred of these when I was a kid and I’ve been dreaming of one day being up here so this is just a full-circle moment for me,” Tenpenny gushed. “I’m very grateful to see everybody out there, friends and family, you have no idea what it means.”
Tenpenny thanked his family, grandmother, Kristen Ashley, Matt Swanson and Jennifer Johnson and Riser House, Randy Goodman, Bo Martinovich and Sony/Columbia, Red Light, WME, his band, his girlfriend and many more.
“Justin Wilson is one of the best songwriters in Nashville,” Tenpenny said. “Yes, he is the drunkest songwriter in Nashville, but he is also one of the best. All you hear as an artist from songwriters is are you going to make my song a single. He was trying to make his song not a single because he believes in the artist side of it. That shows you Justin.
“This is one of my best friends in the entire world, Jordan Schmidt,” he continued. “There’s no denying his talent, the world knows it now. I was the first one who got him though, and I will always brag on that! He put out an amazing record. Same with Paul DiGiovanni who produced some on this record as well.”
In the spirit of “Drunk Me,” Tenpenny ended the celebration with, “thank you guys, thank you God, let’s go drink.”
Mitchell Tenpenny Packs Tin Roof To Celebrate “Drunk Me”
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, standing): Play It Again’s Juli Netwon Griffith, SESAC’s Kelli Turner, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMG’s Jake Gear, Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero, Warner/Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn. (L-R, seated): SESAC writer Justin Wilson, BMI songwriter and Columbia Nashville recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny, ASCAP writer Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
Riser House and Columbia Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny packed Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville to celebrate his first No. 1 as an artist and a songwriter. The Sony/ATV writer commemorated the Platinum-certified hit with his co-writers Jordan Schmidt (Tree Vibez Music Publishing; Warner/Chappell; We-Volve Music) and Justin Wilson (BMG; Play It Again Music). The party was thrown by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. Schmidt and Tenpenny produced the track.
BMI’s Josh Tomlinson helped keep the joyful and rowdy room on task as he led the event. As is tradition, BMI presented Tenpenny with a Taylor guitar.
“I have an innumerable amount of stories that I could talk about with Mitchell,” he said with a smirk. “Two summers ago I got a text that said ‘hey, do you want to come out on the bus with Mitchell to go down to Rome, Georgia with Jordan Rager?’ and I was like ‘yeah, sure sounds awesome!’
“It somewhere got lost in translation to me that it wasn’t a bus,” he continued. “It was a party bus. A full-blow, prom-style party bus. And then getting to Rome and just wanting to go to the green room so bad where there was air conditioning and then realizing that there was no air conditioning in the green room in Rome, Georgia. The most important part of that day, though, was Mitchell was [sick], but he was super concerned about everybody else and making sure they were having a good time.”
Tomlinson also quoted lyrics from the heartfelt track “Walk Like Him” on Tenpenny’s debut album, Telling All My Secrets, which reads:
I spend every day tryna make him proud
If I said that I didn’t, I’d be lying.
“All I can say today for a fact,” Tomlinson said. “All this stuff is fine, all this stuff is awesome, but Mitchell, this room is completely full of people who are so proud of you.”
ASCAP’s Beth Brinker was there to lend her always lovely sentiments about Schmidt, who was celebrating his fourth No. 1, and Tenpenny.
“The incredible things that have happened for Jordan Schmidt in the very small amount of time from 2015 when he joined the Tree Vibez family,” she said. “It’s incredible and clearly not stopping any time soon. It’s a testament to his hard work and his truly fresh take not just on production but on the craft of songwriting.”
Brinker also gave a shout out to First Tennessee Bank for their support of songwriters and music people.
SESAC’s Kelli Turner filled in for Shannan Hatch, who was on her way back from the Grammys.
“We’re thrilled to be here to celebrate Justin’s third No. 1 song!” she said. “Justin was one of the first songwriters that I met when I moved to Nashville. SESAC is so proud to represent you. We look forward to so many more awesome No. 1 songs and No. 1 parties.”
Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith announced that they would be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of “Drunk Me.” The CMA’s Brandi Simms expressed pride in the songwriters and presented them with their No. 1 medallions.
Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton gave some perspective when he presented Tenpenny with his No. 1 plaque. “This is kind of a full-circle moment,” he said. “I don’t know how many of these No. 1 parties I attended with Mitchell’s grandmother, Donna Hilley. Those of you in this room that don’t know that name, you should. Back in the ’80s when there were very, very few women music executives in this city, Donna rose to become the CEO of Sony/ATV. So look her up, you need to know her.”
Pictured (L-R, standing): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas, Christy Garbinski, Shane Allen, Jen Way, Jim Catino, Steve Hodges, Taylor Lindsey, Lyndsay Church, Olivia Laster. (L-R, seated): Justin Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMG Nashville’s Jake Gear stepped up to the podium and quickly ordered a round of tequila to toast the “Drunk Me” writers.
“I’ve been a Justin Wilson fan for quite a while now,” Gear said. “Justin, you have a gift of writing kick-ass country songs. Songs that make you proud of where you come from, songs that make you want to drink beer and songs that make you feel the nostalgic heart pains of love lost. You have another gift, your voice. But these gifts would be wasted if it wasn’t for your drive. Thank you for your hustle, thank you for not canceling co-writes last minute, thank you for always being open to new ideas.”
Play It Again Music and Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith echoed Gear’s sentiment about Wilson.
“I think most of you guys know how far Justin Wilson and I go back,” she said. “I signed Justin in 2013 and I absolutely adore Justin Wilson more than most people in this town. He works hard and creates good music, and that is what brought us here.”
She joined Play It Again President and CEO, Dallas Davidson, to present Wilson with a certified Platinum plaque. “That’s a non-recoupable plaque,” Davidson joked.
Griffith also gave a shout out to Sony Nashville’s Randy Goodman and Steve Hodges, as well as Riser House’s Jennifer Johnson, and their teams.
Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero was in attendance to honor Schmidt. She presented them with No. 1 hats. “We’re not as rich as Dallas just yet,” she quipped.
“Tyler and Brian want Jordan to know that they wish they could be here,” she said of Tree Vibez founders (and Florida Georgia Line members) Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. “You were their first signing! We all believe that Jordan is stepping into the sweet spot of his career with not only writing but producing.
“His drive and talent are so ferocious,” she continued. “There are two important insights everybody needs to know about Jordan that I’ve observed in the past year and a half. He seems to be the first person everyone calls when they’re looking to write a hit and he appears to be the first person everyone calls when they’re about to throw a party!”
Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt was on hand to celebrate with his brother Jordan, as well as Tenpenny and Wilson. He made sure to thank Johnson, Kristen Ashley and JT Pratt (11/10 Management) and Enzo DiVincenzo (377 Management) along with the Sony Music Nashville team.
He also listed Hodges, Shane Allen, Lauren Thomas, Bo Martinovich, Lyndsay Church, Cliff Blake, Paige Elliot and Mark Jennings of the Sony Nashville promotion team.
Allen made sure to deliver the facts. “To come out with ‘Drunk Me’ and to have the biggest impact date of any song in two years, since Maren Morris’ ‘My Church,’ that’s a huge thing,” he said. “And then you come out with the album, Telling All My Secrets having had the biggest debut week for a debut artist of anybody in 2018.”
Allen also relayed that “Drunk Me” is industry veteran Blake’s final No. 1 after a career of promoting 70 No. 1 hits.
Johnson expressed her thanks and gifted the songwriters with a gift card to Nike, so that they could be as “swole” as Tenpenny.
“I want to especially thank the entire team at Riser House and Sony for working beautifully together,” she said.
Pictured (L-R): Justin Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Steve Lowry
When it came time for the songwriters to speak, it was a brotherly love fest.
“Thank you guys,” Wilson said to his co-writers. “You love hard and you love fast. That’s lacking in a lot of places in the world today. I want to let you guys know that music heals and music saves and music is powerful. If not for this industry, I wouldn’t exist because I just need as much as all of us do. I’m a fan of everyone in this room, because all of us are stupid as hell for doing what we do.”
Wilson also mentioned that he had advised Tenpenny not to release “Drunk Me” as his debut single, because of its dark subject matter.
Jordan Schmidt showed his humor when it came time for him to speak.
“We’d written a few songs and Mitchell goes ‘I think I’m going to do the artist thing’ and he said ‘I’m going to cut ‘Drunk Me’ and I swear I’m going to make it No. 1,'” Schmidt said. “And I was like, ‘sure you are, buddy. You got this, man. All the way to the top, me and you.’ And then the guy freaking does it! And that’s Mitchell Tenpenny in a nut shell.
“Pretty much everybody knows that I wouldn’t be up here without Dane, so thank you,” Schmidt continued of his brother. He also thanked BMG, Kos Weaver, Jeff Braun, Alex Wright, and many more.
When Mitchell Tenpenny stepped up to the mic, he was smiling ear to ear.
“I went to probably a hundred of these when I was a kid and I’ve been dreaming of one day being up here so this is just a full-circle moment for me,” Tenpenny gushed. “I’m very grateful to see everybody out there, friends and family, you have no idea what it means.”
Tenpenny thanked his family, grandmother, Kristen Ashley, Matt Swanson and Jennifer Johnson and Riser House, Randy Goodman, Bo Martinovich and Sony/Columbia, Red Light, WME, his band, his girlfriend and many more.
“Justin Wilson is one of the best songwriters in Nashville,” Tenpenny said. “Yes, he is the drunkest songwriter in Nashville, but he is also one of the best. All you hear as an artist from songwriters is are you going to make my song a single. He was trying to make his song not a single because he believes in the artist side of it. That shows you Justin.
“This is one of my best friends in the entire world, Jordan Schmidt,” he continued. “There’s no denying his talent, the world knows it now. I was the first one who got him though, and I will always brag on that! He put out an amazing record. Same with Paul DiGiovanni who produced some on this record as well.”
In the spirit of “Drunk Me,” Tenpenny ended the celebration with, “thank you guys, thank you God, let’s go drink.”
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Father John Misty Plot Co-Headlining Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonThis summer, Father John Misty and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will launch a co-headlining run of shows. The tour will begin on June 5 in San Diego, with stops that include Berkeley, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Dallas and Houston, before wrapping up in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 29. Support for these dates will come from Jade Bird (June 6th-25th) and Erin Rae (June 27th-29th).
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit are touring in support of their album The Nashville Sound, which earned Grammys for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song for “If We Were Vampires, as well as their project Live From The Ryman. Father John Misty is currently supporting God’s Favorite Customer, which released in 2018.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Father John Misty Summer 2019 Tour dates:
June 6 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater*
June 7 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl*
June 8 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre*
June 9 – Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater*
June 11 – Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park Concerts*
June 14 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*
June 15 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*
June 16 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Harris Pavilion*
June 17 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre*
June 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival*
June 20 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellations Brands – Marvin Sands Pavilion*
June 21 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion*
June 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Metropolitan Opera House*
June 24 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater*
June 25 – Cary, NC – Booth Amphitheatre*
June 27 – Irving, TX – Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory**
June 28 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall – Lawn**
June 29 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center**
* with Jade Bird
** with Erin Rae
New Kentucky Country Festival Reveals Headliners Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town
/by Jessica NicholsonIndependent festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents has added a third edition to its fall festival series in Louisville, Kentucky. Hometown Rising, a country music and bourbon festival, will make its debut Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 at Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center, combining two of Louisville’s cultural cornerstones—music and bourbon.
Hometown Rising’s music lineup will be led by country heavyweights including Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Little Big Town with additional appearances from Dwight Yoakam, Brett Young, Lindsay Ell, Kassi Ashton, Gabby Barrett, Clare Dunn, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Jenkins, Hannah Ellis and Kendall Shaffer. In total, more than 30 artists will play on three stages, including two side-by-side main stages, over the course of the weekend.
Hometown Rising will be followed by two consecutive weekends of festivals including Bourbon & Beyond (Sept. 20-22) and Louder Than Life (Sept. 27-29). Fans can purchase a special “Trifesta” Pass for the discounted rate of only $229.00 plus fees. The pass allows General Admission weekend access to all three DWP fall festivals in Louisville—Hometown Rising, Bourbon & Beyond, and Louder Than Life.
Fred Minnick is Hometown Rising’s official spirits curator. The event’s centerpiece, the legendary Big Bourbon Bar presented by Louisville Courier Journal, will feature more than two dozen hand-selected bourbons from top distilleries, and a unique opportunity to enjoy bourbons and exclusive one-time specialty cocktails. Fred Minnick’s Mini Bar presented by The Bourbon Women Association will showcase craft selections. Louisville whiskey bar, The Silver Dollar, will operate The Hunter’s Club, where attendees can find vintage bourbons dating as far back as the 1930s, as well as contemporary collectibles. The initial list of participating bourbon brands at Hometown Rising includes Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Boone County, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Larceny, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Bourbon and Kentucky Peerless, with more to be announced.
The current music lineup for Hometown Rising is as follows (subject to change):
Saturday, September 14: Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakam, [artist TBA], Frankie Ballard, The Cadillac Three, Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, The Steel Woods, Clare Dunn, Gabby Barrett, Kassi Ashton, J.D. Shelburne, Raelyn Nelson Band, Alice Wallace, Imaj
Sunday, September 15: Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Bret Michaels, Lauren Alaina, LoCash, Drake White and The Big Fire, The Wild Feathers, Mason Ramsey, Noah Guthrie, Everette, Lauren Jenkins, Jeffrey East, Hannah Ellis, Kendall Shaffer
Hometown Rising exclusive VIP packages, General Admission tickets, camping and hotel packages, as well as special event tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 15 at 12:00 PM EDT.
Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies Lead Watershed Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean, Zac Brown Band and Miranda Lambert also featuring the Pistol Annies are among the packed lineup for the upcoming eighth annual Watershed Music and Camping Festival set for Aug. 2-4 at Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre.
Additional acts including Danielle Bradbery, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Cam, Cody Johnson, Midland, Kip Moore, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Randy Rogers Band, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris Young and DeeJay Silver will also perform at the popular three-day, two stage camping festival.
More acts will be announced in the coming weeks, and passes go on sale Fri, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. PT. The festival is also offering VIP upgrades to their passes including VIP camping, access to box seats, and a VIP club pass, which includes access to the Sunset Deck, the Cliff House, and more.
Laurel Kittleson Joins Curb In VP Role
/by Jessica NicholsonLaurel Kittleson
Curb Records announced today (Feb. 12) the appointment of Laurel Kittleson to the position of Vice President of Artist Development and A&R. Kittleson joins Curb Records from Big Machine Label Group where she most recently served as A&R Director.
In her new position, Kittleson will work closely with the A&R and publishing teams developing new artists, working with the current roster and cultivating new talent for the label. She will report to Jim Ed Norman and Ryan Dokke.
“We’re excited to have Laurel join our creative team. Her strong song sense combined with her artist relations skills and passion for music make her a perfect fit for the future of Curb Records,” comments Jim Ed Norman, CEO, Recorded Music and Publishing for Curb | Word Entertainment.
“Laurel’s experience and passion for artist development are exactly what we need at exactly the right time. With her addition to our team, we’re sending a signal to the community that Curb | Word Entertainment is a place open to all manner of creative partnerships.” adds Ryan Dokke, Senior Vice President / General Manager, Curb | Word Entertainment.
A Seattle native, Kittleson played a key role in the signing and development of 2018 ACM New Male Vocalist Brett Young and newcomer Dan Smalley. At BMLG her roster included Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Midland, Justin Moore, Ronnie Dunn, Eli Young Band, Carly Pearce, The Cadillac Three, and Danielle Bradbery. The Belmont University graduate also held creative positions at Toby Keith’s Show Dog-Universal Records and Elevation Music Publishing.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to grow my career at a company with as rich of a legacy as Curb Records. I am incredibly passionate about developing artists at all stages of their careers and I’m committed to building and developing the best talent possible with the incredible team at Curb!” adds Kittleson.
Kittleson is a MusiCares Ambassador, a voting member of CMA, ACM and a SOLID and Grammy Next alumni.
Weekly Register: Grammy Winners Dan + Shay Continue Country Streaming Reign
/by Jessica NicholsonDan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Dan + Shay, who earned their first Grammy on Sunday, continue to reign atop the country streaming chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Their song “Speechless” earned 8.5 million spins over the past week. Their Grammy-winning single “Tequila” sits at No. 3, with 7.4 million, while the duo’s self-titled album is at No. 2 on the country albums chart.
Luke Combs‘ “Beautiful Crazy” is at No. 2 on the Top Country Streaming Songs chart, moving 7.8 million streams this week. Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 4 with 7.3 million, while Kane Brown’s “Heaven” is at No. 5 with 7 million. The top debut comes from Florida Georgia Line’s “Woman,” a collaboration with Jason DeRulo, which enters at No. 35 with 3 million streams.
Over on the country albums chart, Luke Combs’ This One’s For You extended its power for another week, moving 24K in total consumption. The aforementioned Dan + Shay are at No. 2, followed by Chris Stapleton’s Traveller at No. 3 with 12K. Kane Brown is at No. 4, with Experiment moving 11K units, while Jason Aldean’s Rearview Town is at No. 5 with 9.5K.
MusicRow Opens Applications For 2019 InCharge Print Issue
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow is now considering candidates for its annual InCharge issue, the published directory of Nashville’s music industry decision makers. Now in its 32nd year, InCharge serves as the April/May issue of MusicRow Magazine and is slated for a late April release.
If you feel you merit inclusion in this year’s edition of InCharge, please click below to access the 2019 InCharge application form.
Also, please send a recent head shot to art@musicrow.com. (Photo specs: 2” x 2” or larger, 266+ dpi, color, jpeg).
New submissions for InCharge close on Friday, February 22, 2019.
All new submissions will be considered for the 2019 edition. However, not every candidate will be selected, even if the applicant has been included in past editions. Individuals listed in the 2018 InCharge were solicited separately. To request the information we have on file for you, email directory@musicrow.com.
For advertising opportunities, please contact srobertson@musicrow.com.
Tin Pan South 2019 Adds Three New Venues
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 27th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, slated for March 26-30, has added three new venues to its list of clubs hosting shows: Analog at Hutton Hotel, the Lounge at City Winery and TRUE Music Room & Bar. Regions Bank returns for the 12th year as the presenting sponsor of the event. Songwriter rounds will also be held at staple venues including The Bluebird Cafe, The Local, Douglas Corner Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, The Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn and 3rd & Lindsley throughout the five-day event.
Hundreds of songwriters from every genre of music will perform songs as they were originally written during the festival, with close to 100 shows scheduled throughout the week. The popular week-long Fast Access passes, which eliminate the cover charge at the door and allow patrons advance entrance (space permitting), are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Feb. 26 at tinpansouth.com. Quantities are limited, and last year’s passes sold out in record time.
FBMM Promotes David Boyer To Owner, Vice President Roles
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Boyer
David Boyer, a longtime business manager for Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM), has been named Vice President and owner of the entertainment business management firm.
With 17 years of business management experience at FBMM, he joins owners and business managers Julie Boos, Frank Bumstead, Jamie Cheek, Duane Clark, Trey Dunaway, Chuck Flood, Mary Ann McCready and Carmen Romano as an owner of the firm.
“David was one of the first members of my team, and as a former recording artist, he has brought a unique perspective and a rich mix of resources to our work,” said Boos, chairman of FBMM. “He knows where all of our clients started because he was once there too. He’s skilled at helping his newer and more experienced clients understand the financial dynamics of the industry in order to make well-informed decisions. We’re thrilled to welcome David to our strong group of owners.”
“David also has a deep understanding of the touring industry and the challenges artists face when they are on the road,” said Cheek, president of FBMM. “Being away from home and loved ones for weeks or months at a time can be difficult for artists at any stage of their careers. By focusing on their finances and the logistical aspects of touring, he allows his clients to focus on what drives them.”
Originally from Huntsville, Alaabama, Boyer moved to Nashville in 2001 after spending some years writing music and touring with his band. Soon after moving to Music City, he joined the FBMM family as an entry-level employee. Since then, he has risen through the ranks of the company and proved himself invaluable to each of the firm’s owners.
“It’s a great honor to become an owner of FBMM,” Boyer said. “I love working with artists in every stage of their careers. It’s great to see young artists grow in their careers and help them navigate that growth through comprehensive financial plans. It’s also very rewarding to work with artists on the other side of a career peak. Helping them make really good decisions to arrive at a financially stable place in life gives my work meaning.”
Boyer earned his B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi in 1994. He is a Leadership Music Class of 2013 graduate and former board member of the Nashville Film Festival. He now serves as a member of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA), and as a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Boyer is currently serving as treasurer of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
Mat Kearney Signs With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Dylan Reyes
Mat Kearney has signed with WME for representation in all areas.
Kearney’s distinct blend of spoken word and pop singing and writing has garnered three Top 20 Albums and five Top 40 hits during the course of his career. His music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows and he’s made appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Tonight Show.
Kearney skyrocketed to fame when his breakout single “Nothing Left to Lose” from his album of the same name was certified Gold. He has shared the stage with artists like John Mayer, Florence + The Machine, NEEDTOBREATHE, Train and Kelly Clarkson. As a singer-songwriter, Kearney has released six full-length albums with multiple awards nominations and RIAA certifications to his name.
A major label veteran whose previous albums were issued by Columbia and Republic, Kearney launched out on his own for his latest independent release, CRAZYTALK. He produced over half the new album at his home studio in Nashville.
Kearney is managed by Triple 8 Management.