Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Delaney Royer
Ashton Kutcher and Florida Georgia Line will take part in the Nashville Creator Awards, set for Sept. 13 at Marathon Music Works. Kutcher will be joined by his Sound Investments partner, Guy Oseary. Meanwhile, the Maverick Nashville team — made up of Chief Zaruk, Seth England, and Clarence Spalding — has also joined on in support of this event.
The Creator Awards is a major global initiative established in 2017 by WeWork to recognize and reward the creators of the world – across all industries and all stages of growth – by committing funding to entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, nonprofits, performing artists, and more.
Florida Georgia Line will be among the featured judges at the Nashville Creator Awards. Finalists are chosen from a pool of thousands of applicants from across the Eastern United States, Puerto Rico, and Ontario. At the event they will pitch their idea, business model, and/ or organization before a live audience, competing for funding, with prizes ranging from $18,000 to $360,000.
“I love a competition that supports entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits and musicians who want to change the world and make it better,” Kutcher said. “I also love Nashville and am thrilled to play a part in honoring talented and impactful creators in this community.”
“WeWork is one of my favorite companies in the world,” Oseary said. “From the moment I set foot in my first WeWork I was impressed and inspired by the community and support system that they are building within the workplace. Initiatives like the Creator Awards celebrate that community and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
“We are happy to see the people of this region being recognized and celebrated for their entrepreneurial minds.” said Maverick Nashville’s Clarence Spalding.
“Nashville is growing very fast. Country music is at the heart of this city, but I also believe it can one day be a center for business innovation, which is why I’m very excited to be supporting the startup community here at this event.” said Maverick Nashville’s Seth England.
Since March 2017, WeWork has hosted more than 27,000 attendees and given away millions of dollars to nearly 200 winners across 11 Creator Awards Regional Semi-Final events around the globe, plus one Global Finals event in New York City in January 2018.
The event will be a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, with attendees having the opportunity to shop local member and non-member products at the pop-up market and make connections at the job fair in partnership with Jobbio. In addition to the pitching, the second half of the evening will feature the announcement of the winners and live musical performances, followed by a celebration into the night.
Jerry Lee Lewis To Rock Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center
/by Alex ParryRock ‘n’ roll’s original wild man and country music stylist, Jerry Lee Lewis, will return to Nashville for the first time since 2014, when he performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Dec. 10.
“We are honored that Jerry Lee Lewis has chosen the Schermerhorn for his triumphant return to Music City,” said Alan D. Valentine, Symphony President and CEO. “His appearance promises to be one of the highlights of our entire season lineup, and we are thrilled to add ‘The Killer’ to the long list of musical icons who have graced our stage.”
Few artists in music history can boast a résumé as impressive as that of Lewis, now in his seventh decade of a career that includes numerous Grammy wins, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and being an influence on countless rock and country artists.
Tickets are available for presale here and will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.
NEEDTOBREATHE To Release Acoustic Live Album In November
/by Lorie HollabaughNEEDTOBREATHE is coming out with the band’s first acoustic live album, Acoustic Live Vol. 1, on Nov. 16 via Atlantic Records. The project will include some tracks recorded during one of their concerts at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The album was recorded last year during the band’s first fully-acoustic tour, and features tracks recorded at 14 of the band’s favorite theaters across the country, over the course of 16 shows.
The 12-song collection, which was produced by NEEDTOBREATHE and mixed and mastered by band member Seth Bolt at his Plantation Studios in Charleston, represents over a decade of music from the band, with songs spanning across five of their six studio albums. The project includes tracks like the RIAA Gold-certified “Brother,” “TESTIFY,” “White Fences,” and “Washed By The Water,” and functions as a compilation of some of the band’s greatest hits.
“Last fall, we got to do something we’ve never done before… a fully acoustic tour. It was something we had wanted to do for a while, and was one of the most consistent requests we got from fans over the years,” said NEEDTOBREATHE. “We record every show that we play, so we went through the archives and decided that there were too many incredible moments that we didn’t want to forget, and we felt like they all had to be shared with our fans. Acoustic Live Vol. 1 features songs from almost every era of our band, so there’s a little something for everyone.”
The band is kicking off a 37-city headlining tour Aug. 10 in New Braunfels, Texas, that will take them across the country with stops at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and a likely fourth consecutive sellout at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Acoustic Live Vol. 1 Track Listing:
“LET’S STAY HOME TONIGHT (Acoustic Live)”
“Drive All Night (Acoustic Live)”
“NO EXCUSES (Acoustic Live)”
“State I’m In (Acoustic Live)”
“Washed By The Water (Acoustic Live)”
“TESTIFY (Acoustic Live)”
“Oh, Carolina (Acoustic Live)”
“Stand By Me (Acoustic Live)”
“Stones Under Rushing Water (feat. Drew & Ellie Holcomb) (Acoustic Live)”
“White Fences (Acoustic Live)”
“CAGES (Acoustic Live)”
“Brother (Acoustic Live)”
Weekly Chart Report (8/3/18)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
UMPG To Represent Lionsgate’s Music Publishing Properties
/by Jessica NicholsonContent leader Lionsgate and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have announced an exclusive long-term agreement under which UMPG will represent Lionsgate’s music publishing properties worldwide, including musical compositions and scores. Under the administration agreement, UMPG will also administer Lionsgate’s music rights, including licensing, revenue collection and accounting.
Additionally, the companies will work together to create in-house opportunities by leveraging UMPG’s global roster of songwriters and expansive catalog of songs for creative use in Lionsgate’s vast portfolio of film, television and digital content.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Universal Music Publishing Group, a best-in-class powerhouse, to represent our music properties,” said Lionsgate GM & EVP of Music & Publishing Lenny Wohl. “We also look forward to tapping into UMPG’s impressive music and songwriter pool, and connecting it with Lionsgate’s world-class content to create innovative projects together.”
“At UMPG, we pride ourselves on our partnerships and providing the best service in the industry. As an innovator across film, television and digital mediums, Lionsgate has been a long sought-after partner for us and we are thrilled to be in business together,” said Marc Cimino, COO of UMPG.
Florida Georgia Line, Ashton Kutcher To Take Part In Nashville Creator Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line. Photo: Delaney Royer
Ashton Kutcher and Florida Georgia Line will take part in the Nashville Creator Awards, set for Sept. 13 at Marathon Music Works. Kutcher will be joined by his Sound Investments partner, Guy Oseary. Meanwhile, the Maverick Nashville team — made up of Chief Zaruk, Seth England, and Clarence Spalding — has also joined on in support of this event.
The Creator Awards is a major global initiative established in 2017 by WeWork to recognize and reward the creators of the world – across all industries and all stages of growth – by committing funding to entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, nonprofits, performing artists, and more.
Florida Georgia Line will be among the featured judges at the Nashville Creator Awards. Finalists are chosen from a pool of thousands of applicants from across the Eastern United States, Puerto Rico, and Ontario. At the event they will pitch their idea, business model, and/ or organization before a live audience, competing for funding, with prizes ranging from $18,000 to $360,000.
“I love a competition that supports entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits and musicians who want to change the world and make it better,” Kutcher said. “I also love Nashville and am thrilled to play a part in honoring talented and impactful creators in this community.”
“WeWork is one of my favorite companies in the world,” Oseary said. “From the moment I set foot in my first WeWork I was impressed and inspired by the community and support system that they are building within the workplace. Initiatives like the Creator Awards celebrate that community and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
“We are happy to see the people of this region being recognized and celebrated for their entrepreneurial minds.” said Maverick Nashville’s Clarence Spalding.
“Nashville is growing very fast. Country music is at the heart of this city, but I also believe it can one day be a center for business innovation, which is why I’m very excited to be supporting the startup community here at this event.” said Maverick Nashville’s Seth England.
Since March 2017, WeWork has hosted more than 27,000 attendees and given away millions of dollars to nearly 200 winners across 11 Creator Awards Regional Semi-Final events around the globe, plus one Global Finals event in New York City in January 2018.
The event will be a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, with attendees having the opportunity to shop local member and non-member products at the pop-up market and make connections at the job fair in partnership with Jobbio. In addition to the pitching, the second half of the evening will feature the announcement of the winners and live musical performances, followed by a celebration into the night.
SESAC, NMPA, NSAI, And SONA Announce Unconditional Support for Music Modernization Act
/by Jessica NicholsonThe bill creates a single mechanical licensing entity which will establish an open, transparent copyright ownership database that will be overseen by music publishers and songwriters and paid for by digital services.
At the encouragement of Senators deeply involved in the legislation and recognizing the importance of the MMA for the future of the music industry, the parties have endorsed a provision under consideration by the Senate to amend the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s (MLC) administration of voluntary licenses outside the scope of the Section 115 compulsory license in order to ensure private vendors can continue to participate in the music market, maintaining competition which is beneficial to songwriters and producers.
All parties have enthusiastically agreed and respectfully request the Senate pass the MMA.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite: “We are thrilled that we have mutually agreed on a path forward. We are stronger when our music family speaks with one voice and this agreement will allow us to come together to work towards the passage of the MMA. Songwriters need and deserve this bill. We thank the Senators involved for their leadership and guidance.”
SESAC Chairman & CEO John Josephson: “SESAC has been fighting for songwriters since 1931 and continues to do so with its enthusiastic support of the MMA. At the encouragement of Senators closely involved in this legislation, all parties came together to agree on outstanding items related to the MMA including the reform of the Section 115 compulsory license and other important related matters. We share a collective responsibility to help ensure that the MMA benefits all stakeholders in the industry and look forward to the Senate’s consideration of the bill.”
NSAI: “Reaching consensus within the music industry, on what may be the most important songwriter legislation in history, is a win for American songwriters and the broader music community. We are pleased to have put our differences behind us and support this bill in unanimous harmony. The Nashville Songwriters Association International has been a friend and fan of SESAC’s for decades and that is how our relationship will immediately resume.”
Songwriters of North America Executive Directors Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley: “We are pleased to have come together with our partners SESAC, the NMPA, SONA and NSAI to move forward as a unified music community to support the successful passage and implementation of the much-needed Music Modernization Act. SONA would personally like to thank our partners, the NSAI and songwriter Ross Golan for their efforts and support in mobilizing the songwriter and artist community nationwide.”
The Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow noted of the development, “Music industry unity got the Music Modernization Act through the House and it will take that unity to get it through the Senate. The Academy is gratified that the music industry worked through its differences and can work together to pass MMA into law.”
ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews offered the following statement: “After working so hard for so long to update our music licensing laws, we must keep working together to keep the Music Modernization Act moving forward. All parties have had to give and take in order to achieve this consensus legislation that has so far seen widespread, bipartisan support and would help update music licensing laws to improve the future for music creators. We hope the Senate will pass it without delay.”
AIMP also released the following statement: “The AIMP applauds the NMPA and SESAC for coming to the table to move past their issues and confirming their unconditional support of the MMA. We hope that this clears the way for all Senators to embrace the MMA and move this forward.”
Chris Stapleton Added To 12th Annual ACM Honors
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton has been added to the performance lineup for the 12th Annual ACM Honors, which is dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards. Bobby Bones, Kip Moore and Ricky Skaggs will present at the ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Stapleton joins previously announced performers including Lauren Alaina, Kassi Ashton, Cam, Deana Carter, Morgan Evans, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jon Pardi and songwriters Dallas Davidson & Ben Hayslip.
As previously announced, Special Award recipients to be celebrated at the 12th Annual ACM Honors include Dierks Bentley (ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award), Matraca Berg (ACM Poet’s Award), Sam Hunt (ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award), Alan Jackson (ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award), Darius Rucker (ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award), Mickey & Chris Christensen and Eddie Miller (ACM Mae Boren Axton Service Award, all awarded posthumously), Rob Potts (ACM Jim Reeves International Award, awarded posthumously), and Norro Wilson (ACM Poet’s Award, awarded posthumously). The evening will also honor winners of the Industry and Studio Recording Awards, along with Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Rhett Akins.
CMA Awards Final Nominations Coming Aug. 28, Carrie And Brad To Return As Hosts
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley
The final round of nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards will be announced on Good Morning America, live from Nashville, on Aug. 28. Luke Bryan, Sugarland and Dan+Shay will be on hand to announce the final nominees in select categories, live from Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Bryan’s new restaurant and bar in Nashville.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return to host the Wednesday, Nov. 14 broadcast of the 52nd Annual CMA Awards, live from Bridgestone Arena. The show will air on ABC Television beginning at 7 p.m. CT.
The earlier nominee announcement will be available for livestream on ABCnews.com/live. Immediately following the show, the remaining categories, as well as the CMA Broadcast Awards nominees, will be revealed live on GoodMorningAmerica.com as well as GMA’s Facebook page through Facebook Live and simulcast on GMA’s” YouTube channel.
Industry Pics: Lucas Hoge, Carly Pearce, Jackie Lee
/by Jessica NicholsonLucas Hoge Visits Nashville Recording Academy
Pictured (L-R): Max Verhagen, Alicia Warwick, Lucas Hoge, Susan Stewart, Nathan Pyle, Bri Buchanan
Lucas Hoge visited the Nashville Recording Academy to play songs off his No. 1 album Dirty South.
Carly Pearce Performs With Deana Carter
Carly Pearce with Deana Carter.
Country fans can catch Carly Pearce performing Deana Carter this weekend, as part of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, which airs Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. CT. The pair recently filmed a duet of Carter’s 1996 No. 1 hit “Strawberry Wine.”
Jackie Lee Helps Bring Grand Ole Opry Magic To Chicago
Pictured (L-R): Andrew Cohen, Suit Music; Jarrod Holley, Suit Music; Jackie Lee; Brooke Taylor, Big 95.5; Dan Rogers, Opry; Lauren Zimmerman, Opry
Jackie Lee recently brought his music to the Grand Ole Opry’s signature microphone stand and a replica of the Opry’s six-foot circle of wood to “Country Music Night” at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago. Lee performed an acoustic “Opry Circle Throwdown” including his release “Comeback” before the game, sang the National Anthem, threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch, and hit the stands during the game to give away Opry and Nashville prize packs to lucky fans. Country Music Night’s post-game fireworks were uniquely synchronized with Opry video performances by Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and more.
Nashville Songwriting Documentary Earns Honors At Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity
/by Lorie HollabaughThe film was under production for two years and involved 80 interviews with songwriters and industry members and more than 100 hours of footage. Songwriters featured in the film include Jessi Alexander, Garth Brooks, Mac Davis, Bob DiPiero, Bill Anderson, Mikky Ekko, John Hiatt, Brett James, Claude Kelly, Shane McAnally, Keb’ Mo’, Brad Paisley and Ray Stevens.
The documentary won Silver in the Entertainment Lions category for Cinema & Theatrical: Non-fiction Film and in the Entertainment Lions for Music for both Artist as a Brand or Cause Ambassador and Brand or Product Integration into Music Content. The 82-minute film explores how Nashville became home to the world’s most vibrant and successful songwriting community — their creative process, their inspiration, their struggles and the impact their songs can have on everyday life.
“This documentary portrays the strength of Nashville’s creative community and of its music brand,” said Ronnie Smith, Head of Corporate Bank, Regions Bank, and chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “No other city could capture its brand in a documentary of this caliber. It is a unique marketing tool that will prove to be effective, cost-efficient and global in its reach. It certainly goes outside the norm to market a city with a documentary, and this recognition is validation of that effort.”
Created by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp as a marketing tool, the film was produced by the NCVC, along with John Godsey and VML, a global marketing agency. It was directed by Chusy Jardine of Plan A Films and is being shopped worldwide to major buyers.
The Cannes Lions are the most established and coveted awards for the creative and marketing communications industry, and the Festival of Creativity is held in the same southern French city that hosts the famed Cannes Film Festival.