Industry Ink: Music City Artists, Touring Career Workshop, Grayscale Marketing

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Steve Dorff Signs With Music City Artists

Songwriters Hall of Famer Steve Dorff has signed with Music City Artists for booking, following his recent signing with Leadership Artists for management. Dorff continues his partnership with Richlynn Group for publicity.

Dorff is known for writing songs for iconic artists such as Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Cher, Ringo Starr, George Straight, Garth Brooks, Ray Charles and many more. He is also a successful film and TV composer known for writing the theme songs to Reba, Growing Pains, Murphy Brown, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, Spenser: For Hire and songs and scores for Pure Country, Bronco Billy, Rocky IV, Tin Cup, Every Which Way But Loose, and Honky Tonk Man.

 

Touring Career Workshop To Be Held In November

Chris Lisle and Erik Parker, touring industry veterans, created Touring Career Workshop (TCW) to continuously give “roadies” a great place to learn, grow and network. TCW’S eighth annual event will take place on Nov. 13 at Soundcheck Annex.

Areas of expertise covered this year include mental health on the road, healthcare options, and the ever-changing and tremendously important situational awareness. Mike Cruce, President and Owner of Media Visions who will celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, will present the Keynote address.

Registration is open now for the event here.

 

New Hires, Promotions At Grayscale Marketing

Pictured: L – R: Top – Rasha Shaker, Matt Alese, Dakota Davis
Center – Alexis Cason, Katharine Duckworth, Amy Raidel
Lower – Samantha Volpe, Richard Roberts, Conner Chrisman

Nashville-based Grayscale Marketing, led by CEO Tim Gray, has announced a round of promotions and hirings to support the agency’s newly formed Brand Division. The company, which launched in 2015, has included clients such as Warner/Chappell Production Music, Sony Music Nashville, Pilgrimage Festival, and more.

Rasha Shaker has been promoted to Research and Engagement Supervisor. Matt Alese has been elevated to Lead Project Manager for the Arts & Entertainment Division. Dakota Davis has been promoted to Project Manager overseeing the newly launched Brand Division for the agency. Alexis Cason has been elevated to Associate Project Manager. Katharine Duckworth has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Graphic Designer for the Arts & Entertainment Division. Amy Raidel has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Graphic Designer for the newly formed Brand Division. Samantha Volpe has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Graphic Designer for the newly formed Brand Division. Richard Roberts has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Video & Motion Graphics Designer for the Arts & Entertainment Division. Conner Chrisman has joined the Grayscale Marketing team as a Research and Engagement specialist for the Arts & Entertainment Division.

 

Keith Gale’s Good Company Adds Promo Staff For Partnership With RECORDS

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Pictured (L-R): Good Company Entertainment Co-Founder Keith Gale, RECORDS Founder Barry Weiss, Recording Artist Matt Stell, Wide Open Music President Ash Bowers, UTA’s Josh Garrett and Lance Roberts.

Keith Gale‘s Good Company Entertainment has expanded to add a dedicated promotion staff. The two year old company will continue managing artists, including co-founder Jake Owen.

Industry veteran Barry Weiss’ record label, RECORDS has formed a strategic partnership with Good Company Entertainment to help push its flagship artist Matt Stell to country radio and beyond.

Gale previously spent 22 years at RCA Nashville, leaving as head of promotion for the imprint. Weiss was previously at Jive Records and ran RCA/Jive Label Group.

Stell is an Arkansas native, currently promoting, “Prayed For You,” the first single from his forthcoming EP. He is managed by Wide Open Music President Ash Bowers and signed to UTA.

YouTube video

Americana Music Association Launches Initiative To Enhance Americana Tour Routing

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The Americana Music Association has launched its new artist-centric initiative, The Americana Tour Blueprint, as a touring resource for members of the not-for-profit music trade organization.

The blueprint aims to help Americana artists find venues along several routes, as well as radio stations, record stores and publications that support Americana music artists. The map includes nearly 100 markets located just beyond the I-95 corridor on the East Coast. The association intends to expand the offering nationwide to support Americana artists in engaging markets around the U.S.

In addition to having venues listed that book Americana artists, several of the venue managers and owners will actively participate by accepting private submissions for booking consideration from the Americana Music Association’s 1,500 artist members.

Tying into this announcement, an inaugural 13-city tour featuring Caitlin Canty and Oshima Brothers will commence on Jan. 4 in New York City. The tour was booked using the blueprint of today’s Americana venues, radio stations, record stores and publications to book their shows.

“We are incredibly excited about this new initiative and thrilled that Caitlin Canty is the first artist to be a part,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “The Tour Blueprint will serve as an invaluable resource for artists in our community who are constantly seeking opportunities to cultivate their audiences and turn them into fans. This tool is a direct reflection of that drive, and we hope that these musicians can use this to help propel their careers forward as they take their music out on the road.”

“I only wish something like this existed when I was starting out as a DIY touring musician,” added Canty. “It took me a long time to find the right venues and stations for my music and cultivate those relationships. This Americana Tour Blueprint is a great tool to help musicians who are just starting to tour, and to bring more clarity and direction to any artist on the road. It’s a smart roadmap for anyone looking for venues or radio stations friendly to Americana music.”

USA Network’s ‘Real Country’ Reveals 21 Contestants

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Today, USA Network revealed the 21 artists competing in its new music showcase series Real Country. Each contestant was hand-picked by the show’s panel of artists, which includes Shania Twain, Travis Tritt and Jake Owen.

Shania Twain’s artist picks include Billie Jo (Texas), The Davisson Brothers Band (West Virginia), Kylie Frey (Louisiana), Riley Thompson (Texas), Tiera (Alabama), Micah Woods (California), and The Young Fables (Tennessee).

Among the artists Jake Owen selected are Adairs Run (Virginia and West Virginia), Jaida Dreyer (Tennessee), Larry Fleet (Tennessee), Jamie Floyd (Florida/Nashville), Savannah Keyes (Utah), Frank Ray (New Mexico), and Regan Stewart (Alabama).

Travis Tritt’s picks include Bri Bagwell (New Mexico), Scooter Brown (Colorado), Copper Chief (Texas), Tony Jackson (Virginia), Dave Kennedy (Tennessee), Cody Purvis (Virginia), and Porter Union (Missouri).

In each episode, three artists will compete for $10,000, a performance at Stagecoach, and a spot in the grand finale where they will compete to win $100,000 and perform at the grand Ole Opry.

Real Country will premiere Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. CT.

ACM Connects Nashville Writers With TV, Film Execs

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Pictured (L-R):  Carrie Tekautz, ACM Coordinator, Awards & Membership; Nick Di Fruscia, ACM VP, Awards & Membership; Barry Dean; Lori McKenna; Luke Laird; Alec Bailey; Beth Laird, Creative Nation Co-founder/CEO; Pete Fisher, ACM CEO; Frankie Pine, Music Supervisor

The Academy Of Country Music presented a Writers in the Round evening on Oct. 23 in Los Angeles, featuring Creative Nation songwriters and hitmakers Alec Bailey, Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Lori McKenna. The event, Film, Television & Nashville: Songwriters & Stories, held at No Name brought together West Coast film and TV executives with some of Nashville’s renowned writers.

“Fostering a stronger relationship between the Los Angeles film and TV music community and the country music industry in Nashville is one of the Academy’s key long-term goals,” said Pete Fisher, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “With this event, we were delighted to showcase some of Music City’s finest songwriters, who captivated the room with their best work and shared personal stories on how songs come to life. It was a very special, intimate evening for everyone involved.”

Among the industry VIPs attending were Jen Aguillon (Senior Producer, Extra), Maureen Crowe (independent music supervisor, Mr. Right, Houdini, The Bodyguard), George Hunter (Guild of Music Supervisors), Julianne Jordan (Music Soup, A Star Is Born, Pitch Perfect 1-3, American Made, Ferdinand), Brian Lambert (Warner Bros. Pictures), Jonathan McHugh (SongStew, Cowboy Drifter, #REALITY HIGH), Julia Michels (Format, A Star Is Born, Pitch Perfect 1-3, The Greatest Showman), Brian Naguit (CBS), Lori Shefa (CBS), Tracie Verlinde (BMI) and dick clark productions’ Mark Bracco, Linda Gierahn, Patrick Menton and Ben Roy.

Chase McGill Back In Top Spot, Laura Veltz Enters Top Five On MusicRow Songwriter Chart

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MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Chase McGill has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriters Chart this week, after relinquishing the spot to Josh Osborne last week. The songs that earned his top spot are; “Break Up In The End,” “Lose It,” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Laura Veltz moved into the No. 5 slot from her No. 8 position last week with the songs; “Rich” and “Speechless.” Trevor Rosen also leaped from No. 12 to No. 7, with his Old Dominion bandmate Matthew Ramsey along side him at No. 8. Their songs “Make It Sweet,” “Hotel Key,” and “One That Got Away” propel them forward.

Perhaps the most impressive leap of the week was Shane McAnally‘s surge from No. 28 last week, to No. 9 this week touting current success of four of his songs, “Burn Out,” “Down To The Honky Tonk,” “Love Ain’t,” and “Make It Sweet.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive recent addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Jesse Lee Signs With Disney Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Ken Bunt (President, Disney Music Group), Ciara Shortridge (Manager of Publishing/A&R, DMG), Jesse Lee, Mio Vukovic (SVP A&R/Head Of Creative,
DMG), Barbara VanderLinde (VP Creative of Music Publishing/A&R, DMG)

Hit songwriter Jesse Lee has entered into an exclusive worldwide agreement with Disney Music Group, it was announced by Mio Vukovic, SVP A&R/Head Of Creative.

Voted as MusicRow Magazine’s “Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year” in 2017, Jesse has enjoyed chart topping singles with Kelsea Ballerini (“Peter Pan”) and Brett Young’s three-week No. 1 (“Like I Loved You”), as well as releases on Keith Urban, Straight No Chaser and more. “Peter Pan” earned her the coveted peer-voted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award at the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame Gala in 2017.

“Jesse Lee is a tremendous talent and we are thrilled to be a part of this new chapter in her illustrious songwriting journey,” said Vukovic.

“I am so excited to be joining the Disney family!” Lee said. “I wrote a song inspired by a character that changed my life, and now I write for the company that created that character. It doesn’t get any more ‘meant to be’ than that. I feel so lucky to be working with the DMG team who have welcomed me with open arms and hit the ground running. I am looking forward to creating a diverse catalogue that will have endless opportunity within the Disney company and beyond. This next musical chapter of mine is sure going to be fun!”

Pictured (L-R): Nicolette McCann (A&R Assistant/Publishing, DMG), Shortridge, Lee, Shannan Hatch (VP Creative Services, SESAC), Sarah Schumacher (A&R Coordinator/Publishing, DMG), Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP)

Studio Bank Adds Music, Arts & Entertainment Industry Leaders To Founders’ Advisory Board

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Studio Bank has announced additions from the music, arts and entertainment industries to its Founders’ Advisory Board. The Board brings together leaders from the Nashville industries, with members acting as strategy partners, brand ambassadors, and community builders.

“I am honored to partner with this stellar group of leaders,” said Ron Cox, Studio Bank’s music, arts & entertainment executive. “I have personally lived the life of a touring musician and understand the nuances and specific needs of this complex industry. We are committed to local decision-making, a nimble service model, and having bankers who provide an outstanding client experience.”

“I joined the Advisory Board of Studio Bank because the Studio Bank team has been an active and visible part of serving the music community here for many years,” John Esposito, Chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville, said. “Studio has an intimate understanding of the unique needs of the industry and can provide all of the sophistication of a large corporate bank, but coupled with a boutique and intimate experience.”

The music, arts & entertainment Founders’ Advisory Board members include:

  • Dave Cobb, Producer
  • Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Group, Nashville
  • Martha Earls, Founder & Owner, efg Mgmt
  • Joey Elwood, Co-Founder & President, Gotee Records & Emack Music Publishing
  • John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville
  • Teresa George, CEO, Thrive
  • Gino Genaro, President, CDA Entertainment Co., Co-Founder, BIG Label Records
  • Phil Graham, Former Senior Vice President, Global Writer/Publisher, BMI
  • Drew Holcomb, Founder & Artist, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Magnolia Record Club, Moon River Festival
  • John Huie, Agent/A Founder of CAA Music’s Nashville Office
  • Rob Humphreys, President, MC Catalog
  • Jerome Levy, Vice Chairman, Archie Comics Publications, Inc.
  • Ebie McFarland, Publicist and Owner, Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
  • Lee Thomas Miller, Songwriter, Warner/Chappell Nashville
  • Jackie Patillo, President, Gospel Music Association (GMA)
  • Risha Rodgers, Partner, William Morris Endeavor (WME)
  • Liz Rose, Songwriter/Publisher, Founder, Liz Rose Music
  • Scott Siman, President, EM.Co
  • Van Tucker, CEO, Nashville Fashion Alliance
  • Ben Vaughn, President, Warner/Chappell Nashville
  • Rachel Whitney, Global Country Music Programming Manager, YouTube Music
  • Lane Wilson, Partner, William Morris Endeavor (WME)
  • CeCe Winans, Recording Artist

Weekly Register: Luke Combs, Kane Brown Top Country Sales Charts

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Country Album Sales

Luke Combs earns this week’s top album, with This One’s For You moving 22K in total consumption (3.9K album only), according to Nielsen Soundscan. The album has been certified Platinum.

Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town moves 21K this week (13K album only) to land at No. 2, while Eric Church‘s Desperate Man is at No. 3 with 14K in total consumption (8.5K album only). Dan+Shay‘s self-titled album moves 13K this week (1.3K album only) to land at No. 4, followed by Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller, which lands at No. 5 with 12K in total consumption (3.2K album only).

Digital Song Sales

Kane Brown. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Kane Brown’s latest, “Good As You,” debuts at No. 1 country, selling 15K. Maddie & Tae also make a debut this week, with “Die From A Broken Heart” opening at No. 9, moving 5.3K.

Dan+Shay’s “Speechless” is at No. 2 with 10.5K, followed by Luke Combs’ “She Got the Best Of Me” at No. 3 with 7.9K. Mitchell Tenpenny‘s “Drunk Me” is at No. 4 with 7.4K, while Florida Georgia Line‘s “Simple” rounds out the top 5 with 6.1K.

 

Country Streaming Songs

Kane Brown’s “Heaven” continues at No. 1 this week with 7.6 million streams, while “Good As You” debuts at No. 12, with 4.2 million streams. Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 2 with 7.2 million streams, while Dan+Shay’s “Tequila” is at No. 3 with 6.7 million streams. The duo’s “Speechless” takes the No. 4 slot, earning 6.5 million streams. Luke Combs’ “She got the Best Of Me” is at No. 5 with  5.7 million streams.

 

Willie Nelson To Be Honored By Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing

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The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing will honor eight-time Grammy winner Willie Nelson at its annual Grammy Week celebration on Feb. 6, 2019 at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles. Among the previous recipients of this honor are Quincy Jones, T Bone Burnett, Neil Young, and Alicia Keys. 

Now in its 12th year, the event will celebrate Nelson’s artistic achievements and creative genius as well as acknowledge the overall industry contributions of the Producers & Engineers Wing’s more than 6,400 professional members.

“Willie Nelson has inspired generations of musicians and fans, and continues to set precedents of excellence within the music community,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are privileged to pay tribute this year to an industry pioneer who perfectly embodies the tireless efforts of the Producers & Engineers Wing as we continue to raise awareness of the ever-evolving climate of sound quality and the increasing interest in the preservation and integrity of recorded music.”

Grammy Week culminates with the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10 which airs live on CBS at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Previous Producers & Engineers Wing honorees include:
2009—Ahmet & Nesuhi Ertegun; Jerry Wexler; Arif Mardin & Tom Dowd
2010—Chris Blackwell
2011—T Bone Burnett
2012—Jimmy Iovine
2013—Quincy Jones & Al Schmitt
2014—Neil Young
2015—Nile Rodgers
2016—Rick Rubin
2017—Jack White
2018—Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz