
Picture (L-R): Will McDonald, Shawn Cohen
Elektra Music Group, the newly formed stand-alone music company set to launch on Oct. 1, has announced two appointments to its A&R team. Will McDonald has joined the label as Vice President, A&R and Marketing, based in Nashville. Shawn Cohen has been named Senior Director, A&R, based in Los Angeles. McDonald and Cohen report to New York-based Elektra Music Group Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Gregg Nadel.
McDonald has spent the past decade with Dualtone Music Group, the Nashville-based independent label, most recently serving as Senior Director of A&R and Marketing. He was instrumental in signing much of the company’s roster, including multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated folk rock band the Lumineers, as well as Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, Mt. Joy, and many others. Alongside his A&R duties, McDonald was involved in the marketing and product management of all of the label’s releases.
Elektra Music Group will include Elektra, Fueled By Ramen (FBR), Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement Records – which will be nurtured as unique, independent label brands. Co-Presidents Easterlin and Nadel will report to Atlantic Records Group Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald. The Elektra Music Group roster will include notable artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Sturgill Simpson, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, Fitz and the Tantrums, Paramore, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, Coheed and Cambria, Kaleo, Gojira, and others.
At launch, Elektra Music Group will boast a 60-plus member team embracing all key music company functions, including A&R, Artist Development, Business & Legal Affairs, International, Marketing, Promotion, Publicity, Sales & Streaming, and Video. The departments will be led and staffed by a combination of current members of the Atlantic, Elektra, FBR, and Roadrunner teams, as well as new hires.
Cohen most recently served as an A&R consultant, and is responsible for signing The Revivalists, who scored with the No. 1, RIAA Gold single, “Wish I Knew You.” He has worked with artists such as Jillette Johnson, Allday, and SPEAK. He previously spent six years at Wind-up Records, from 2010 until 2016, rising to Senior Director of A&R. He has also worked with artists such as the Griswolds, Citizen Zero, Crobot, Young Guns, and Filter, and spearheaded the formation of Eclypse Records with Feenixpawl.
“As we said when we announced the launch of Elektra Music Group, we’re going to be passionately devoted to long-term artist development,” said Easterlin and Nadel. “Signing and nurturing authentic artists will be at the core of everything we do, so it’s only fitting that our first staff announcement is about two of the most creative, independent-thinking young A&R people in the business. Will and Shawn come to us with great experience in discovering and working with original, compelling artists. And with Will in Nashville and Shawn in LA, we’ll solidify our cross-country A&R presence, which will enable us to build a dynamic roster of world-class talent.”
New Music From Drummer Fred Eltringham Features Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to a press release, the covers band “re-imagines pre-existing songs with an edgy, lo-fi swagger…focusing on deep cuts over big hits.”
The album opens with Eltringham and Crow singing unison on the 1973 funk classic, “Yes We Can Can.” The vibe increases as Kacey Musgraves steps in for a psychedelic rendition of John Prine‘s “Pretty Good.”
As a professional drummer for more than 20 years, Eltringham has also backed Ben Kweller, the Wallflowers, The Dixie Chicks, kd lang, and countless Nashville sessions.
Take Cover tracklist
1. Yes We Can Can (feat. Sheryl Crow)
Written by Allen Toussaint, made famous by The Pointer Sisters
2. Pretty Good (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
Written by John Prine, made famous by John Prine
3. Stick By Me (feat. Ben Kweller)
Written by John Holt, made famous by John Holt
4. Into Your Arms
Written by Robyn St. Clare, made famous by The Lemonheads
5. Without Her (feat. Bryan Carter)
Written by Harry Nilsson, made famous by Harry Nilsson
6. Life Is A Problem
Written by J. Spaceman, made famous by Spiritualized
7. Lonely Girls
Written by Lucinda Williams, made famous by Lucinda Williams
8. Looking Glass
Written by Lee Mavers, made famous by The La’s
9. Always
Written by Irving Berlin, made famous by Frank Sinatra
Larry Gatlin Set For Songwriter Session At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry music singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin is set to be spotlighted by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during a special Songwriter Session. Gatlin’s Songwriter Session will be held in the museum’s Ford Theater this Saturday, Sept. 8 at 11:30 a.m.. During the 45 minute program, Gatlin will perform several of his hit songs and will discuss his 60+ year career as a singer and songwriter.
Immediately following the program, items purchased in the museum store will be available for Gatlin to autograph.
The program is free with museum admission or museum membership. For more information on obtaining a program pass or members-only advance reservation, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
Thomas Rhett Earns 11th No. 1, Plans Deluxe ‘Life Changes’
/by Sarah SkatesAfter a run of sell-outs this year, Thomas Rhett continues his headlining Life Changes Tour, kicking off the fall leg Sept. 13 in Bangor, Maine, with special guests Brett Young and Midland.
Life Changes debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, marking the first country release to take the top spot last year. The release also drew a 2018 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and has been streamed more than 850 million times. Thomas Rhett is currently nominated for three CMA Awards.
Life Changes Deluxe Track List:
1. Craving You (featuring Maren Morris)
2. Unforgettable
3. Sixteen
4. Drink A Little Beer (featuring Rhett Akins)
5. Marry Me
6. Leave Right Now
7. Smooth Like The Summer
8. Life Changes
9. When You Look Like That
10. Sweetheart
11. Kiss Me Like A Stranger
12. Renegades
13. Gateway Love
14. Grave
15. Country Gold
16. Cardboard Heart
17. When We’re 80
18. Life Changes – Radio Edit**
19. Leave Right Now Martin Jensen**
20. Leave Right Now Nashville Mix**
21. Leave Right Now Radio Edit**
**Digital Version Only
Dolly Parton To Be Honored as 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton. Photo credit: Kii Arens
Dolly Parton is the first artist from the Nashville music community to be named MusiCares Person of the Year, the most prestigious honor presented by the charity founded by the Recording Academy.
Parton will be celebrated at the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, as part of Grammy week and two nights prior to the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. The gala dinner will include a tribute concert and live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the 29th annual benefit gala will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.
Parton, an eight-time Grammy winner, is being recognized for her considerable creative accomplishments and her longtime support of a number of causes through her Dollywood Foundation, including the Imagination Library, which since 1996 has provided more than 100 million books to children from birth to 5 years of age in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
“Dolly Parton has always been and continues to be a courageous trailblazer and indomitable inspiration for creators and artists—so for us to have the opportunity to honor her at our annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala is to pay tribute to a true pillar of strength and someone who we all look up to and cherish,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares and the Recording Academy. “With her legendary talent, she has forged a career that spans decades, and her gifts as a performer resound on both stage and screen. Dolly also knows the power of philanthropy and she has used her stardom to contribute to a wide range of causes from natural disasters to education and literacy programs.”
“I am so excited and humbled to be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year,” said Parton. “It’s even more special knowing the gala benefits music people in need. I can’t wait to hear all of the great artists singing my music.”
The celebration culminates with the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Elektra Music Group Makes A&R Appointments In Nashville, Los Angeles
/by Jessica NicholsonPicture (L-R): Will McDonald, Shawn Cohen
Elektra Music Group, the newly formed stand-alone music company set to launch on Oct. 1, has announced two appointments to its A&R team. Will McDonald has joined the label as Vice President, A&R and Marketing, based in Nashville. Shawn Cohen has been named Senior Director, A&R, based in Los Angeles. McDonald and Cohen report to New York-based Elektra Music Group Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Gregg Nadel.
McDonald has spent the past decade with Dualtone Music Group, the Nashville-based independent label, most recently serving as Senior Director of A&R and Marketing. He was instrumental in signing much of the company’s roster, including multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated folk rock band the Lumineers, as well as Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, Mt. Joy, and many others. Alongside his A&R duties, McDonald was involved in the marketing and product management of all of the label’s releases.
Elektra Music Group will include Elektra, Fueled By Ramen (FBR), Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement Records – which will be nurtured as unique, independent label brands. Co-Presidents Easterlin and Nadel will report to Atlantic Records Group Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald. The Elektra Music Group roster will include notable artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Sturgill Simpson, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, Fitz and the Tantrums, Paramore, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, Coheed and Cambria, Kaleo, Gojira, and others.
At launch, Elektra Music Group will boast a 60-plus member team embracing all key music company functions, including A&R, Artist Development, Business & Legal Affairs, International, Marketing, Promotion, Publicity, Sales & Streaming, and Video. The departments will be led and staffed by a combination of current members of the Atlantic, Elektra, FBR, and Roadrunner teams, as well as new hires.
Cohen most recently served as an A&R consultant, and is responsible for signing The Revivalists, who scored with the No. 1, RIAA Gold single, “Wish I Knew You.” He has worked with artists such as Jillette Johnson, Allday, and SPEAK. He previously spent six years at Wind-up Records, from 2010 until 2016, rising to Senior Director of A&R. He has also worked with artists such as the Griswolds, Citizen Zero, Crobot, Young Guns, and Filter, and spearheaded the formation of Eclypse Records with Feenixpawl.
“As we said when we announced the launch of Elektra Music Group, we’re going to be passionately devoted to long-term artist development,” said Easterlin and Nadel. “Signing and nurturing authentic artists will be at the core of everything we do, so it’s only fitting that our first staff announcement is about two of the most creative, independent-thinking young A&R people in the business. Will and Shawn come to us with great experience in discovering and working with original, compelling artists. And with Will in Nashville and Shawn in LA, we’ll solidify our cross-country A&R presence, which will enable us to build a dynamic roster of world-class talent.”
Tom Martens Promoted At Warner Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonTom Martens
Warner Music Nashville’s Tom Martens has been promoted to the newly-created role of VP, Radio & Streaming. Martens will continue to report to Sr. VP, Radio & Streaming Kristen Williams.
“Tom is the perfect executive to bring Warner Music Nashville’s Radio & Streaming team into the future,” says Williams. “His relationships with our artists and staff are unparalleled, and I am thrilled to have someone with his expertise and passion leading our teams. With Tom in his new role and Tim Foisset continuing to lead our streaming department, we are able to further our resolve to strengthen all partnerships while also devoting more attention to our artists and their growth across all platforms.”
In his Vice President role, Martens will oversee the three radio promotions teams, including WMN and WEA, led by National Directors Katie Bright and Adrian Michaels respectively.
“I am very grateful to John Esposito and Kristen Williams for providing me an incredible opportunity within the Warner Music Nashville family,” said Martens. “I am so fortunate to work with a staff that is so dedicated to our amazing artists and partners, and I look forward to continuing the incredible growth that our Radio & Streaming team has seen over the past few years.”
In his four years as the WAR National Director, Martens has steered his roster of artists to unprecedented success at country radio and beyond. In 2018 alone he drove Dan + Shay’s Platinum-certified “Tequila” to a multi-week No. 1, which lead to three CMA nominations as a duo, and helped notch another triple nod for Chris Janson and his current Top 10 single “Drunk Girl.”
Martens’ previous role as WAR National Director will be filled in coming weeks; Warner Music Nashville will bolster the team with a manager of streaming role, which it is currently looking to fill.
Lady Antebellum Signs With BMLG Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMLGR’s Matthew Hargis, BMLG’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, BMLGR’s Jimmy Harnen, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, BMLG’s Andrew Kautz, Allison Jones and Mike Rittberg
Lady Antebellum have signed with Big Machine Label Group’s BMLG Records. A reconnection of sorts for the trio whose success has taken them around the globe, the deal finds Lady A once again crossing paths with BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLGR President Jimmy Harnen.
“We have been truly blessed throughout our career to work with some of the brightest people in music,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We’ve watched BMLG become the powerhouse they are from the sidelines and couldn’t be more excited to become part of their family. We hope to honor all the people who have been part of our story over the last 10 years – can’t wait to work with some old friends again and are excited for where it takes us all together!”
“Lady Antebellum is the consummate vocal group,” Borchetta says. “Hillary, Charles and Dave have a special chemistry that only the greatest bands of all time have and what you see is what they sing – and it’s the sort of thing no label can create, only magnify. I am delighted that we get to assist them in writing the next chapter in their extraordinary career.”
With nine No. 1 Country hits, two AC chart-toppers, a No. 2 spot on the Hot 100, Lady A hits critical mass with the American public over and over again. Their musically forward, fresh and uplifting sound has sold over 18 million albums. Their songs reflect youth, romance and an ideal of how people hope to live. They have appeared on nearly every TV show imaginable including being the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
“Our extreme belief in Lady A, admiration of their amazing career and the greatness they have yet to achieve, as well as being their biggest fans,” begins Harnen, “makes this the thrill of a lifetime.”
“It is also the grand reuniting of a large musical family,” Harnen continues. “Scott Borchetta and I worked with Linda Davis, Hillary’s mom (as well as her father Lang Scott) when we were both at DreamWorks. Michelle Tigard Kammerer worked closely with Lady A when they signed to CAA, and Matthew Hargis and I helped break the band at radio on their debut album. The long associations, close ties and the group’s always incredible music is literally why we do this.”
With seven GRAMMY® Awards, including the 2011 overall Record and Song of the Year awards for “Need You Now,” six Country Music Association Awards, including back-to-back Single of the Year nods for “I Run To You” and “Need You Now,” seven Academy of Country Music Awards, including three Top Vocal Group and Album of the Year trophies, and four straight American Music Awards for Favorite Country Group, the undeniable quality of the trio’s music defines them.
With 2017’s Heart Break receiving both GRAMMY® and Country Music Association Award nominations, after well-received solo albums from Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, Lady A is currently writing and recording new music that is poised to be the best music of their careers.
LOCASH Tapped For Pepsi Tailgate Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonThe tour will launch Sept. 6 in Philadelphia, with LOCASH to perform at 3 p.m. ET at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. The duo’s single, “Feels Like A Party,” penned by LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas along with the track’s co-producers Corey Crowder and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, is sure to be a staple at each show. The song recently became the most-added song at radio in the country radio format.
“Good things sure do happen in pairs. Thank you, country radio for embracing this song, we’re so honored and appreciate your support,” said Brust. “This, on the heels of the Pepsi Tailgate Tour news made today an incredibly special day for us.”
“We’re super excited to be partnering up with Pepsi and being part of the Pepsi family,” said Lucas. “Teaming country music and football fans is the perfect combination for a party!!”
Sept. 6 – Philadelphia, PA: (LOCASH performance at 3 p.m. ET at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing during the 2018 NFL Kickoff Experience)
Sept. 15 – Arlington, TX: (Ohio State vs. Texas Christian University)
Sept. 16 – Arlington, TX (Cowboys vs. Giants)
Sept. 29 – University Park, PA (Ohio State @ Penn State)
Sept. 30 – Pittsburgh, PA (Steelers vs. Ravens)
Oct. 11 – East Rutherford, NJ (Giants vs. Eagles)
Oct. 14 – East Rutherford, NJ (Jets vs. Colts)
Oct. 21 – Landover, MD (Redskins vs Cowboys)
Nov. 4 – Foxborough, MA (Patriots vs. Packers)
Dec. 2 – Miami Gardens, FL (Dolphins vs. Bills)
Dec. 8 – Philadelphia, PA (Army vs. Navy)
C.F. Martin & Co. Earns B Corp Certification
/by Jessica Nicholson“I am personally very proud of our B Corporation certification,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO of C.F. Martin & Co. “Being the sixth generation of Martin to have the privilege of running my family business, I have always thought that corporate culture, used appropriately, can be a significant competitive advantage. Our partnership with B Lab and the community of Certified B Corporations will make us a better business in a very holistic way.”
B Corp launched in 2006. To date, there are over 2,500 B Corp certified companies worldwide, including Ben & Jerry’s, Athleta, Patagonia, and Seventh Generation. To earn the certification, C.F. Martin & Co. completed a process conducted by B Lab, the governing body of B Corp certification, which looked at over 170 different factors, examining Martin’s customers and vendors, its record of inclusion, its involvement in the community, its corporate governance, and its environmental impact. Things like average employee tenure, amount of charitable giving, energy savings plans, recycling policies, employee volunteer service, and upward mobility are all assessed.
Weekly Register: Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line Nab No. 1s
/by Sarah SkatesKane Brown strolling along at No. 1. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Kane Brown keeps his hold on the No. 1 Country Streaming song spot this week with “Heaven” getting 9 million streams (335 million YTD), according to Nielsen Soundscan. Following up on that chart are Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila” with 7.6 million, Brett Young‘s “Mercy” with 7 million, Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” with 6.5 million, and Florida Georgia Line‘s “Simple” with 5.8 million.
FGL comes in at the top of the Digital Core Genre Country sales list with “Sittin’ Pretty” at No. 1 (No. 11 overall) in its debut week, scoring 15K downloads. The duo’s single “Simple” floats along at No. 2 with 12K, Jason Aldean ft. Miranda Lambert are drinking at No. 3 with “Drowns The Whiskey” (10K), Brett Young sings “Mercy” at No. 4 with 9.9K and Dan + Shay are shooting straight at No. 5 with “Tequila” (8.9K).
On the overall chart, BTS, a Korean-pop boy band, debuts at No. 1 with the album, Love Yourself: Answer. The project yielded activity of 185K (141K album only and 39 million streams), driven by single “Idol,” featuring Nicki Minaj which also debuts at No. 1 with 43K.
Top 5 Country albums TW (total consumption/album only/total song streams)
Luke Combs, This One’s For You 24K/4.4K/23 million
Jason Aldean, Rearview Town 16K/7K/9.8 million
Cole Swindell, All of It 13K/7K/6.6 million
Dan + Shay, Dan + Shay 13K/1.8K/13 million
Kane Brown, Kane Brown 13K/2.6K/12 million
Additionally, FGL’s self titled EP debuts at No. 10 Country and No. 73 overall with 9.1K (1.3K album only/6.6 million song streams).
Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Delaney Royer