Ali Matkosky
Big Loud Records has named Ali Matkosky as National Director of Promotion. Starting July 16, Matkosky will report to Vice President of Promotion Stacy Blythe and label President Clay Hunnicutt as she works to expand Big Loud Records’ footprint at country radio.
Matkosky, who comes to Big Loud after serving as Director of National Promotion and Strategy at Black River Christian, previously spent four years in regional and national promotion at Word Entertainment, home to artists like Francesca Battistelli, for King & Country, NeedToBreathe, Skillet and Big Daddy Weave.
A native of Western New York, Matkosky is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and began her career in promotions at Sony Music’s Provident Label Group, where she coordinated high-profile campaigns for Third Day, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
“We’re excited to have Ali join the Big Loud family,” says Hunnicutt of the new hire. “She is widely respected, does the job the right way, brings an incredible skill set to our team, and will really help the staff and artists of Big Loud grow for years to come. We can’t wait for her to start and jump on this moving train.”
“It’s an incredible honor to be given this opportunity by Craig, Seth, Chief, Joey, Clay and Stacy,” Matkosky adds. “I’ll continue to hold dear the friendships I’ve made in my years working with Christian radio, and I look forward to making many new ones as I come alongside the team to deliver top-notch music to country radio. I can’t wait to learn from Stacy and I am beyond grateful for the team’s vote of confidence.”
Big Loud Records was founded as a partnership between four industry veterans – Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Joey Moi – with a vision to bring artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. Led by Hunnicutt, the label scored its first win with Chris Lane, whose debut single, “Fix,” became a Gold-certified No. 1 hit in 2015.
Since then the label has gone on to expand its talented roster with the addition of Jake Owen, while scoring more Gold-certified hits with Lane (“For Her,” “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly) and another No. 1 at country radio with Morgan Wallen. The Big Loud lineup also includes Jillian Jacqueline and Mason Ramsey.
Matkosky can be reached via email at ali@bigloud.com.
Luke Bryan’s Six-Floor Entertainment Complex To Open This Month In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonMore details have emerged regarding the previously announced new food and entertainment complex that Luke Bryan and TC Restaurant Group are planning for downtown Nashville.
Dubbed Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, the 30,000-square-foot complex at 301 Broadway will feature six levels of entertainment space with eight bars, including Broadway’s only multi-level rooftop bars with sushi menu, four stages of live music and two restaurants. The facility, in partnership with TC Restaurant Group, is scheduled to open this month.
The venue’s name was inspired by Bryan’s childhood home near Route 32 Bridge in Lee County, Georgia and is housed in Nashville’s iconic American National Bank Building.
“When I first moved to Nashville I played several of the bars on the ionic Broadway Street,” Bryan said. “I never would have dreamt that I would one day be a part of a place that could offer the same dream to others. Because of Music City and the fans all across the country, the reality of this amazing venue has become possible.”
Visitors to Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink rooftop Sushi Bar will feature offerings from Chef Nick Phrommala. Chef Tomasz Wosiak helms the Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink signature restaurant where he has created a menu inspired by some of Luke’s favorites with special twists on Southern and American cuisine. Offerings will include Hometown Pulled Pork with Kettle BBQ chips, Black & Blue Salmon Salad, Nashville Hot Chicken to Luke’s Elk Burger with Red Dragon Cheese. Burger fans are set-to-go with the Farmers Burger, featuring locally-sourced, all natural beef with over easy egg, maple bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and signature sauce. Other go-to dishes include Beet Mixed Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette & hand-tossed oven-baked margarita and pepperoni pizza.
Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink will offer one-of-a-kind drinks including some of Luke’s personal choices like “Backstage” (vodka, grapefruit, with or without salt), “Play It Again” (cherries, vanilla bourbon, lemon juice, sugar), “Luke’s Old Fashioned” (muddled cherries and oranges, cubed sugar and bitters, ice, whiskey and water), plus more.
Sony/ATV’s Sam Reas Promoted To Manager, A&R
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sony/ATV Co-President, U.S. Danny Strick, Sony/ATV Manager, A&R Danielle Middleton, Sony/ATV Manager, A&R Sam Reas and Sony/ATV SVP, Head of East Coast A&R Rich Christina.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has promoted Sam Reas to the role of Manager, A&R, based in the company’s New York office.
In her new role, Reas will liaise with the Nashville music community on behalf of Sony/ATV’s non-country writers while continuing to work with talent including JR Rotem (Fall Out Boy, Gwen Stefani, Keith Urban), Sam Fischer (Clean Bandit, Jennifer Hudson), Brett McLaughlin a.ka. Leland (Kelsea Ballerini, Daya, Selena Gomez, Troye Sivan), Geoff Warburton (Shawn Mendes) and newer signings.
The move follows the previously-announced transition of Mark Abramowitz from Sony/ATV to Kobalt.
Reas’ most recent signing was Nashville-based pop artist Stela Cole, whose first single was recently released by RCA. Reas joined Sony/ATV in New York in 2015 as Creative Assistant to Sr. VP, Head of East Coast A&R Rich Christina. She has spent the last three years working closely with his roster and has been imperative to the team’s success.
Industry Ink: ACM, Cumulus, Adkins Publicity
/by Jessica NicholsonACM Welcomes Carly Pearce
Pictured (L-R): Aaron Kinssies, Longshot Management; Jim Weatherson, BMR GM; Carly Pearce; Pete Fisher, ACM CEO. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Big Machine Records recording artist Carly Pearce to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Pearce performed her latest single, “Hide the Wine,” and several other songs from her debut album, Every Little Thing.
Cumulus’ NASH Prep Sr. Producer Nancy Brooks Exits
After seven years of creating and writing Cumulus’ NASH Prep, senior producer Nancy Brooks has left Westwood One / Cumulus. Brooks has provided news, audio and prep materials to radio nationwide for two decades. In addition, she worked on special projects for Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Big Machine and has written for several print and online publications. She is currently looking for her next opportunity and she can be reached at 615.497.0311 or at nancy@thenashvillesoundbite.com.
Makenzie Clayburg Joins Adkins Publicity
Makenzie Clayburg
Makenzie Clayburg has joined Adkins Publicity as Publicity Manager. Clayburg will work in tandem with company President Scott Adkins and VP, Publicity Kelli Wasilauski on all levels of service for the company’s artist roster and events. Adkins Publicity represents Tanya Tucker, Naomi Judd, Kiefer Sutherland, Phil Vassar, Bellamy Brothers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Anderson, Gene Watson, Lucas Hoge, Ray Scott, Adam Rutledge, Dustin Collins, Olivia Ooms, Glen Templeton, Frank Foster and Stella Parton as well as Music City Light, Idaho Rockfest, City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game and Silverado Records.
Dennis And Jesse Matkosky Form Relative Music Group, Celebrate Chart-Topping Hit
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Jesse Matkosky
Dennis Matkosky and son Jesse Matkosky have formed publishing and artist development company Relative Music Group. Relative’s roster includes Michael Hardy, Bailey Bryan, JAMRA and The720. The announcement follows writer Hardy’s first No. 1 hit for “Up Down,” co-written with Brad Clawson and CJ Solar, and recorded by Big Loud artist Morgan Wallen.
Dennis Matkosky says, “I am so excited to be working with my son and the incredible writers that we get to help.”
Jesse adds, “It’s hard to put my excitement for this venture into words. We named this company Relative Music Group for a reason. Not only do we get to work with family, which is a privilege I do not take lightly, but we are committed to treating all our writers as such. This year is off to a amazing start and I’m excited for the future.”
Big Loud Records Names Ali Matkosky As National Director, Promotion
/by Jessica NicholsonAli Matkosky
Big Loud Records has named Ali Matkosky as National Director of Promotion. Starting July 16, Matkosky will report to Vice President of Promotion Stacy Blythe and label President Clay Hunnicutt as she works to expand Big Loud Records’ footprint at country radio.
Matkosky, who comes to Big Loud after serving as Director of National Promotion and Strategy at Black River Christian, previously spent four years in regional and national promotion at Word Entertainment, home to artists like Francesca Battistelli, for King & Country, NeedToBreathe, Skillet and Big Daddy Weave.
A native of Western New York, Matkosky is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and began her career in promotions at Sony Music’s Provident Label Group, where she coordinated high-profile campaigns for Third Day, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
“We’re excited to have Ali join the Big Loud family,” says Hunnicutt of the new hire. “She is widely respected, does the job the right way, brings an incredible skill set to our team, and will really help the staff and artists of Big Loud grow for years to come. We can’t wait for her to start and jump on this moving train.”
“It’s an incredible honor to be given this opportunity by Craig, Seth, Chief, Joey, Clay and Stacy,” Matkosky adds. “I’ll continue to hold dear the friendships I’ve made in my years working with Christian radio, and I look forward to making many new ones as I come alongside the team to deliver top-notch music to country radio. I can’t wait to learn from Stacy and I am beyond grateful for the team’s vote of confidence.”
Big Loud Records was founded as a partnership between four industry veterans – Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Joey Moi – with a vision to bring artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. Led by Hunnicutt, the label scored its first win with Chris Lane, whose debut single, “Fix,” became a Gold-certified No. 1 hit in 2015.
Since then the label has gone on to expand its talented roster with the addition of Jake Owen, while scoring more Gold-certified hits with Lane (“For Her,” “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly) and another No. 1 at country radio with Morgan Wallen. The Big Loud lineup also includes Jillian Jacqueline and Mason Ramsey.
Matkosky can be reached via email at ali@bigloud.com.
Josh Rouse And Grant-Lee Phillips Announce Co-Headlining Fall Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Rouse and Grant-Lee Phillips will kick off a co-headlining tour on Oct. 5 at Nashville’s City Winery. Playing together for the first time, the Yep Roc Records labelmates are touring in support of their newest albums, Rouse’s Love in the Modern Age and Phillips’ Widdershins. The tour will hit Boston, Washington, Chicago, and several other cities through Oct. 20, with additional dates being added.
“I’ve admired Josh Rouse’s music for a long while,” says Phillips. “I love that he’s always taking his songs to new places, making new discoveries. On a road-trip like this, you find yourselves sharing notes, bouncing ideas off each other, trading guitar chords, keeping each other awake on the highway. It’s a full-on mobile summit.“
“I have admired Grant since my early 20’s,” says Rouse. “When Mighty Joe Moon came out my friends and I thought it was the best record we’d ever heard. I actually sent fan mail! So sharing the stage with him will be a dream come true.”
Oct. 5: City Winery – Nashville, TN
Oct. 6: Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
Oct. 10: City Winery – Boston, MA
Oct. 12: Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
Oct. 13: Pearl Street – Washington, DC
Oct. 17: City Winery – Chicago, IL
Oct. 18: Opera House – Stoughton, WI
Oct. 20: Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
Red Bow Imprint Folds Following BBR/BBRMG Restructuring
/by Jessica NicholsonRed Bow Records’ artist roster includes Kid Rock, Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell, Chase Bryant and Brooke Eden. Their promotion staff includes VP/Promotion Shelley Hargis Gaines, Dir./National Promotion Neda Tobin, Dir./Southeast Promotion Caitlyn Gordon, Dir./Northeast Promotion Jeff Davis, Dir./West Coast Promotion Kendra Whitehead, and Coord./Promotion Matt Holmberg.
BMG’s long-term growth plan for its Nashville operations will involve strengthening its Nashville team by 20 percent throughout 2018, with a focus on the three core labels.
“We have come a long way, but this is really only the beginning,” said BMG Nashville’s Kos Weaver. “BMG’s distinctive approach and commitment to service seams to have a particular resonance with Nashville writers.”
Added BBRMG EVP Jon Loba, “2018 is proving to be a very strong year for the company. The restructuring of our team allows us to focus and allocate the resources in order to achieve the results we are targeting and continue developing the opportunities and growth of our artists’ careers both in the U.S. and internationally.”
So far in 2018, BBR Music Group earned a No. 1 album with Jason Aldean’s Rearview Town; the album has stayed atop the country albums chart for eight of the past 12 weeks since its release.
As previously announced, construction is currently underway on the new BMG office building designed to bring all Nashville-based employees – comprising its Nashville music publishing business, its Nashville operations hub and BBR Music Group – under one roof at One Music Circle South in early 2019.
Zach Katz, President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG US, said, “Nashville is at the core of our plan to grow BMG in North America. In two short years, we have gone from just under 20 people dedicated to publishing to nearly 100 staffers evenly split across publishing and recordings. We are investing heavily in the market and are committed to championing our songwriters and artists inside and outside of Nashville.”
FCM Songs Signs Tommy Iceland
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Seth Mosley (President of Full Circle Music), Tommy Iceland, Stacey Willbur (VP of Publishing and A&R at Full Circle Music)
Full Circle Music Songs and writer-producer Seth Mosley have signed Sweden-based singer-songwriter Tommy Iceland.
Iceland’s catalog already includes cuts with artists like We Are Messengers, Stars Go Dim, David Leonard, Jesus Culture and Chris Tomlin. He will join FCM Songs, which is home to writers including former Sanctus Real member Matt Hammitt. In addition to FCM Songs, Full Circle Music serves as a hub for creatives with The Full Circle Music Academy, FCM Records and more.
“Part of our mission for Full Circle Music is to empower artists and writers from all around the world, not just in our backyard,” shares Mosley, President of Full Circle Music. “Signing Tommy is a big step forward for us in becoming an international company and the songs that he is already writing bring such a fresh life and sound to what typically comes out of a music hub like Nashville. We are so excited to partner with Tommy and his family in this new season!”
“I couldn’t be more excited about seeing what’s in store for this God-made partnership,” shares Iceland. “I love the fact that I get to work with people who are not only good friends but also feel like family!”
New music is expected from Tommy in early 2019.
Mosley earned his first Grammy in 2015, for his production work on For King & Country’s album Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. He has helmed No. 1 singles including For King & Country’s “Fix My Eyes,” Francesca Battistelli’s “He Knows My Name,” Jeremy Camp’s “He Knows,” and more. Mosley’s full-service production company, Full Circle Music, has contributed to over 20 No. 1 chart-topping songs and worked with artists, both signed and independent, including Skillet, Mat Kearney, TobyMac, Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Newsboys and country acts like High Valley, Ricky Skaggs and more. The team writes and produces an average of 150 songs each year in their Franklin, Tennessee-based studio.
Big Deal Music Group Inks Admin Deal With Sounds Of Memphis/XL Catalog
/by Lorie HollabaughEstablished in 1964 by Gene Lucchesi, XL’s initial breakout hit, Sam the Sham & The Pharaoh’s “Wooly Bully,” sold millions of copies and started a run of hits from seminal artists that would fuel the creation of The Sounds of Memphis record label and its inimitable Southern soul sound. Sounds of Memphis/XL cultivated its classic Memphis sound with artists such as The Minits, The Ovations, Barbara & The Browns and Lou Williams and provided a launching pad for some of today’s most successful writers and producers including Allen Reynolds, Jim Cotton, Chips Moman, Dickey Lee, George Jackson and Bob McDill.
“Together these songs greatly contributed to the iconic sound of Memphis in the ’60s and ’70s,” said Kim McCollum-Mele, President of Words & Music, a division of Big Deal Music Publishing Group. “So we are thrilled to be working with Linda to ensure they remain a vital part of the American songbook.”
“We are so happy to have found a new home for this important collection of songs at Big Deal Music,” said Sounds of Memphis/XL Records head Linda Lucchesi. “We can’t wait to get to work with Kim and everyone at the company to ensure these songs have new life for many years to come.”
John Prine Premieres New Video Featuring Dan Auerbach, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine has released a new video for “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” that features a bevy of special guests, including Dan Auerbach, Dave Cobb, Elizabeth Cook, David Ferguson, Jason Isbell, Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price, Amanda Shires, Sturgill Simpson and more.
The clip, directed by David McClister, was filmed at some of Prine’s favorite places throughout Nashville. The song is from Prine’s new album, The Tree of Forgiveness, which recently debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 54,000 equivalent albums sold in its first week—a career high chart position and sales week for the singer.
The album, his first featuring new material in over 13 years, also debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and No. 2 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart. It was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A, and features special guests Brandi Carlile (harmony vocals), Jason Isbell (electric guitar) and Amanda Shires (fiddle and background vocals).
In celebration of the release, Prine performed the album’s first single, “Summer’s End,” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with Sturgill Simpson and Brandi Carlile. He’s currently on tour in support of the new record and just announced a New Year’s Eve show at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House with Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and special guest Iris DeMent. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 13 at 10:00 am.