Nashville indie publisher Combustion Music has announced it will be administered by Kobalt Music via a new agreement recently signed by Combustion’s financial partner, Virgo Investment Group.
Chris Farren, Owner and President of Combustion Music said, “I have long been intrigued by Kobalt Music and their cutting-edge administration and creative services. All of us at Combustion are fired up to see the heights to which this partnership can take us.”
“We’re thrilled to have concluded a global administration deal with Kobalt that will maximize efficiencies and revenue for Combustion Music’s exceptional roster of songwriters. Our partnership with Chris and his team has been incredibly successful, and we look forward to an even more productive relationship,” said Scott Guthrie, Managing Director of Virgo Investment Group.
“We’re honored to be working with Combustion, a company that’s been at the pinnacle of the Nashville Independent publishing community for over a decade now.” said Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville. “Farren, Falcon and Kenley have built an incredible company and diverse roster, we’re excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to help grow their company to even greater success.”
Combustion’s partnership with Virgo began in 2014, when the two entered a joint venture and the investment company acquired a portion of the Combustion catalog, including the No.1 hits: “Crash My Party,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and “Play It Again” recorded by Luke Bryan; Jason Aldean’s “Confession”; “Break Up In a Small Town” and “House Party” with Sam Hunt; “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert; “Good Girl” and “Somethin’ in the Water” with Carrie Underwood; Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At”; “Hello, My Name Is” and “Strong Enough” by Matthew West; “Beer Money” by KipMoore; “Hey Girl” and “Do I Make You Wanna” by Billy Currington; “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” by Randy Houser; “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge; “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson; “Rewind” by Rascal Flatts; and “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, among many, many others.
Virgo has brought the Combustion catalog into one77 Music, its new publishing company led by industry veteran Jennifer Blakeman. As one77 President and Chief Creative Officer, Blakeman and her team will provide additional creative services to Combustion Music writers.
Farren founded Combustion Music in 2001 as a venture to develop writers and artists. Over its 17-year history, Combustion artists have earned over 100 No.1 singles in five different genres, multiple Grammys, and CMAs from a catalog and roster including five-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell, co-writer and producer of the Billboard top-selling Country song of 2017, “Body Like A Back Road”; three-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter-Artist of the Year honoree, Matthew West; and chart-topping writers, artists, and producers: Bones Owens, Matt Jenkins, Luke Foley, Jameson Rodgers, Walker McGuire, AJ Pruis, and Everette.
Bradley Collins To Exit BMI Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonBradley Collins
Bradley Collins, Exec. Director, Creative at BMI’s Nashville office, will exit his role this week.
Collins began at BMI 16 years ago, where he rose through the ranks of the performing rights organization and signed artists such as Brett Eldredge, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Anderson East, Aubrie Sellers, songwriter Tommy Cecil, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Kane Brown and others. His responsibilities also include organizing BMI’s popular No. 1 parties and overseeing showcases and events including Buzz at the Basement. He has also been involved with planning BMI’s participation in CMA Fest, SXSW, Tin Pan South and more.
“Bradley Collins’ contribution to BMI over the past 16 years has been pivotal to our success in Nashville,” says Jody Williams, VP, Creative, Nashville. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside him. He has a tremendous ear for recognizing new talent and we wish him much success in the next phase of his career.”
“When I began my career at BMI nearly 16 years ago, I had no idea that I would meet so many incredible people and be given so many amazing opportunities,” Collins says. “Over the last decade and a half I have had the pleasure of playing a small part of the careers of some of the most amazing and talented songwriters, and I’ve also been tremendously blessed to come to know some of the greatest people in the industry. My next career endeavor will allow me to not only identify new talent but also spend time developing it.”
Collins’ last day at BMI is Thursday (July 12). Collins can then be reached at bradley@frontmanconsult.com.
Music Executive Peter Strickland Launches Management Venture
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Peter Strickland, Mark Mackay
Former Warner Music Nashville CMO Peter Strickland has opened Marathon Talent Agency and has signed his first client, Mark Mackay. MTA is a full-service artist management and development company focusing on multi-genre talent including country, comedy and pop.
Through the years Strickland oversaw Warner’s roster of platinum-selling artists and spearheaded marketing and sales efforts for Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Jimmy Fallon, Sheryl Crow and others.
“This is a natural progression in my career and when I met Mark Mackay and saw how talented he was and his live performances, I couldn’t wait to work with him and guide his career,” Strickland said.
Mackay is signed to WME, and will make his Nashville debut at The Ryman on July 18 opening for Ted Nugent.
Strickland can be reached at strickland@marathontalentagency.com or (615) 786-9321.
Plans Underway For Luke Bryan Restaurant And Bar In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan
Luke Bryan is the latest country artist who will soon have a restaurant in downtown Nashville, according to the Nashville Business Journal. Metro Historic Zoning Commission documents indicate the star is partnering with TC Restaurant Group to lend his name to a restaurant at 301 Broadway in Nashville.
TC Restaurant Group purchased the building at 301 Broadway in March. According to the documents, a design for a new sign at the address bears the name Luke’s 32 Bridge Kitchen + Drink.
Bryan’s new venue will join a string of other star-studded restaurants that have opened in recent years, or are set to open, including venues launched by Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, John Rich and Kid Rock.
TC Restaurant Group also oversees FGL House, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen+Rooftop Bar, as well as Sun Diner, Luigi’s City Pizza and more.
Requests for comment from TC Restaurant Group and from Bryan’s representatives were not returned by press time.
Mason Ramsey To Release Debut EP July 20
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Nick Swift
Big Loud Records and Atlantic Records’ artist Mason Ramsey will release his debut EP, Famous, on Friday, July 20.
The six-track project includes covers of songs including “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” and “I Saw The Light,” as well as new originals including “Famous,” and “The Way I See It.” Penned by Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder (Chris Young, A Thousand Horses), Sarah Buxton (Chris Lane, Keith Urban), and Canaan Smith (Florida Georgia Line, Love & Theft), “Famous” has sold more than 300,000 copies in the United States.
1. “Famous” (Tyler Hubbard, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith)
2. “Lovesick Blues” (Cliff Friend, Irving Mills)
3. “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” (Hank Williams)
4. “The Way I See It” (Rodney Clawson, Josh Kear, Corey Crowder)
5. “Yo Da Lady Who” (Anthony Olympia, Bobby Pinson, Brent Rupard)
6. “I Saw The Light” (Hank Williams)
Combustion Music To Be Administered Worldwide By Kobalt
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Farren, Owner and President of Combustion Music said, “I have long been intrigued by Kobalt Music and their cutting-edge administration and creative services. All of us at Combustion are fired up to see the heights to which this partnership can take us.”
“We’re thrilled to have concluded a global administration deal with Kobalt that will maximize efficiencies and revenue for Combustion Music’s exceptional roster of songwriters. Our partnership with Chris and his team has been incredibly successful, and we look forward to an even more productive relationship,” said Scott Guthrie, Managing Director of Virgo Investment Group.
“We’re honored to be working with Combustion, a company that’s been at the pinnacle of the Nashville Independent publishing community for over a decade now.” said Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville. “Farren, Falcon and Kenley have built an incredible company and diverse roster, we’re excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to help grow their company to even greater success.”
Combustion’s partnership with Virgo began in 2014, when the two entered a joint venture and the investment company acquired a portion of the Combustion catalog, including the No.1 hits: “Crash My Party,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and “Play It Again” recorded by Luke Bryan; Jason Aldean’s “Confession”; “Break Up In a Small Town” and “House Party” with Sam Hunt; “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert; “Good Girl” and “Somethin’ in the Water” with Carrie Underwood; Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At”; “Hello, My Name Is” and “Strong Enough” by Matthew West; “Beer Money” by KipMoore; “Hey Girl” and “Do I Make You Wanna” by Billy Currington; “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” by Randy Houser; “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge; “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson; “Rewind” by Rascal Flatts; and “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, among many, many others.
Virgo has brought the Combustion catalog into one77 Music, its new publishing company led by industry veteran Jennifer Blakeman. As one77 President and Chief Creative Officer, Blakeman and her team will provide additional creative services to Combustion Music writers.
Farren founded Combustion Music in 2001 as a venture to develop writers and artists. Over its 17-year history, Combustion artists have earned over 100 No.1 singles in five different genres, multiple Grammys, and CMAs from a catalog and roster including five-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell, co-writer and producer of the Billboard top-selling Country song of 2017, “Body Like A Back Road”; three-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter-Artist of the Year honoree, Matthew West; and chart-topping writers, artists, and producers: Bones Owens, Matt Jenkins, Luke Foley, Jameson Rodgers, Walker McGuire, AJ Pruis, and Everette.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Tops Country Albums Chart
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs tops this week’s country albums chart, with This One’s For You moving 27K, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Dan+Shay‘s self-titled album moved 22K, to land at No. 2 this week. Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town is at No. 3 this week, with 20K, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled project at No. 4 with 16K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller project is at No. 5 with 14K.
On the country digital sales rankings, Florida Georgia Line‘s “Simple” takes the lead with 23K, followed by Dan+Shay‘s “Tequila” at No. 2 with 17K.
BeBe Rexha with FGL’s “Meant To Be” is at No. 3 with 16K. Kenny Chesney‘s “Get Along” is at No. 4 with 15K, while Brett Young‘s “Mercy” rounds out the Top 5 with 13K.
Third Man Releases Nashboro Records Gospel Compilation
/by Lorie HollabaughThird Man Records is paying homage to indie gospel label Nashboro Records with the release of Give Me My Flowers, a compilation album of rare cuts from the vintage Nashville label. Give Me My Flowers is available for preorders now and available for purchase this Friday, July 13.
Most active in the 1950s and ’60s, Nashboro grew from a local record shop’s imprint label to one of the leading national voices in gospel music. Its curatorial prowess became legendary under the direction of Rev. Dr. Morgan Babb of the Radio Four, and it became known for its unmistakable lightly-reverbed, clear sound.
Give Me My Flowers was assembled with producer and journalist Mike McGonigal and transferred directly from the 45 collection of Kevin Nutt (Case Quarter Records, Sinner’s Crossroads radio program). The collection is representative of an overlooked but seminal chapter in Nashville’s music history. These musicians, store employees and businesspeople played a critical role in building the infrastructure for independent music to flourish in Nashville, and the project is a cornerstone in Third Man’s long-term mission to support and highlight the complete music histories of the company’s home states of Tennessee and Michigan.
Miranda Lambert Named Artist-In-Residence At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Jessica NicholsonMiranda Lambert will be the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 15th artist-in-residence, performing two shows in the museum’s CMA Theater on Wednesday, Sept. 19 and Wednesday, Sept. 26. Both shows will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 13.
“We’re talking about someone who has been the CMA’s top female vocalist a record seven times, selling millions of albums and scoring hit after hit while retaining absolute artistic conviction and credibility. She writes her heart and sings her truth, and her truth resonates,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “We are honored that she is this museum’s 15th artist-in-residence, the latest in a line of greats that includes some of Miranda’s own musical heroes, like Guy Clark, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and Buddy Miller.”
“The history that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum holds is so important,” said Lambert. “It’s truly an honor to be named artist-in-residence for the museum. I’m thankful for this place, where our music can continue to be cherished, and I’m thrilled to be among the esteemed artists who have been honored by this designation.”
Ticket prices for each show range from $59.50 to $150 (plus ticketing fees). Ticket sales are limited to four tickets per transaction on a first come, first served basis and are non-refundable. Tickets go on sale to the public on July 13 at 10:00 a.m. CDT at countrymusichalloffame.org.
Established in 2003, the museum’s artist-in-residence series honors an entertainer who has contributed a large and significant body of work to the canon of American popular music. The artist-in-residence is invited to use the museum’s performance venues to create unique musical experiences. Lambert joins a prestigious group of past honorees that includes Cowboy Jack Clement, Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Buddy Miller, Connie Smith, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Rosanne Cash and 2017 artist-in-residence Jason Isbell.
Garth Brooks To Headline First-Ever Concert At Notre Dame Stadium
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks has been invited to play the first-ever concert at Notre Dame Stadium. At a press conference in Nashville on Monday (July 9), it was revealed that the storied venue, established in 1930, will host its inaugural concert with a special headlining performance by Brooks, at a to-be-announced date. Brooks was joined by revered member of the University of Notre Dame family and former head football coach Lou Holtz, who shared in the excitement of the upcoming event.
“Notre Dame stadium has seen so many iconic moments!” said Brooks. “I look forward to bringing a new kind of crazy to the party.”
“Right from the outset, I just felt that Garth represents Notre Dame’s values,” said John Affleck-Graves, Notre Dame’s executive vice president. “And he is the perfect choice as the first artist to perform in concert in the stadium that Rockne built. This promises to be one of the biggest events in Notre Dame’s history.”
“Tradition and memories are built in that stadium. It’s an iconic place,” said Mike Seamon, Vice President for Campus Safety and Event Management at Notre Dame. “This is an important moment and once we decided we were going to have a concert, Garth just jumped into our minds right away. And we knew that he had to be the one. That was it.”
“It’s never been done before. And it’s our understanding that Garth loves to do things that haven’t been done before,” said Lee Sicinski, Associate Vice President for Event Management at Notre Dame. “To bring a historic event like a Garth Brooks concert to the stadium, it just gives you goose bumps.”
Nashville Symphony, AFM Local 257 Provide Musician Raises In New Orchestra Contract
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new agreement provides for a 3.5 percent increase to the musicians’ base salaries for the 2018-19 season, as well as increases of 3.75 percent for the 2019-20 season and 4.25 percent for each of the following two seasons. The contract also restores two previously unfilled positions, a first violin position in the first year of the agreement, and a cello position in the second year of the agreement, restoring the orchestra’s total membership back to 83.
“Our musicians are at the core of everything we do at the Nashville Symphony, and they are invaluable assets to the entire Middle Tennessee community,” said board chair Mark Peacock. “I am proud that we’ve reached this important agreement, which affirms the value of our orchestra’s hard work and dedication.”
“AFM Local 257 is pleased to have reached a successful conclusion to these negotiations,” said Dave Pomeroy, president, Nashville Musicians Association. “We thank Nashville Symphony leadership and our negotiating committee for their commitment and dedication to the process, and, especially, the musicians of the Nashville Symphony. This contract helps bring these excellent musicians’ compensation closer to their high level of artistic achievement, and we are proud to represent them as we move forward together.”
“The spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that has yielded tremendous accomplishments and accolades for the Nashville Symphony over the years also characterized the negotiations that resulted in this agreement,” said Alan D. Valentine, president and CEO. “We share with our musicians a clear sense of mission, vision and commitment to the community, and this agreement sets the stage for the realization of our long-term goals and a very bright and exciting future for the Nashville Symphony.”
The Nashville Symphony has released 29 recordings on Naxos, which have received 24 Grammy nominations and 13 Grammy awards, making it one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. The orchestra has also released recordings on Decca, Deutsche Grammophon and New West Records, among other labels. With more than 140 performances annually, the orchestra offers a broad range of classical, pops and jazz, and children’s concerts, while its extensive education and community engagement programs reached 60,000 children and adults each year.