Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes, FBMM, Grayscale Marketing, Demolition Music Publishing

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Female Singer-Songwriter Showcase Song Suffragettes Celebrates Fourth Anniversary

Bottom row (L-R): Alex Kline, Alys Ffion, Kelsey K, Candi Carpenter, Tara Thompson, Sam Hatmaker. Middle row, (L-R): Hayley Orrantia, Beverly Keel, Jordyn Mallory, Tracy Gershon, Kalie Shorr, Phyllis Stark, Todd Cassetty, Helena Capps. Top row (L-R): Janelle Arthur, Michelle Pereira, Erin Enderlin, The Belles (Jaymie and Kelli Jones), April Kry, Tiera, Lexi Lauren, Jordyn Stoddard, Nora Collins, Madison Kozak. Photo: Rick Diamond/ShutterStock

Monday night (June 11), Nashville’s all-female singer-songwriter showcase Song Suffragettes hosted their fourth anniversary show at Analog at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. Ten female songwriters were invited to play two rounds for the sold out crowd: Kelleigh Bannen, Candi Carpenter, Alys Ffion, Tegan Marie, Kalie Shorr, Nora Collins, Erin Enderlin, Madison Kozak, Hayley Orrantia and Tara Thompson.

The ladies also hosted a panel consisting of Red Light’s Tracy Gershon and MTSU’s Beverly Keel that discussed the underrepresentation of women in country music, specifically in radio, at music festivals and behind the scenes. The panel was moderated by Billboard contributor Phyllis Stark.

 

Promotions At Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy

Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Megan Brewer and Sam Klemz to senior account assistant, and Jason Leiss and DeAnn Whalen to senior account manager.

 

Grayscale Marketing Adds Robert Hamm

Grayscale Marketing, a sponsorships and digital marketing company based in Nashville, has added Robert Hamm as Chief Operations Officer.

Hamm spent the last four years working for Kaleidoscope Media (Bonnaroo, IdentoGO/TSA Precheck), a publicity and social media management firm, where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the company, directing project development and overseeing client projects and internal staff.

Founded in 2015, Grayscale Marketing’s client list has included Virgin Hotels, Hangout Music Festival, Saving Abel, Warner Chappell Music Production, Rolls Royce, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Anheuser Busch, Panorama NYC Music Festival, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Textron, Maui Jim, Sony Music Nashville, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Neste Event Marketing, Tito’s Vodka, Minor League Baseball, and Sixthman’s Music Festival Cruises.

Demolition Music Publishing Signs Joe Leathers

Pictured (L-R): Demolition President, Jon D’Agostino with Joe Leathers.

Demolition Music Publishing has added Joe Leathers to its roster. Leathers has had songs recorded by Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and more.

Little Big Town To Be Featured In New Country Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit

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Little Big Town will be the subject of a special exhibit, Little Big Town: The Power of Four, opening June 29, 2018, and continuing through June 9, 2019, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The foursome will participate in a special interview program Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in connection with the exhibit.

The new exhibit tells the group’s story from the very beginning, and includes keepsakes and photos from each member’s childhood and many unique items that illuminate the personalities of group members. Artifacts include a handmade Afghan ceramic pitcher, given to Sweet by an American soldier after Little Big Town performed at a small military base in isolated Tarinkot, Afghanistan. Other highlights include a Fender DG-60 used by Jimi Westbrook, the BCBG Max Azria linen sundress and Golden Goose boots worn by Karen Fairchild when she married Westbrook, and Kimberly Schlapman’s childhood recital costume.

“Karen, Kimberly, Phillip, and Jimi—Little Big Town—build their music on a foundation of beautiful vocal harmonies seldom heard in country music,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “The group has enjoyed best-selling, award-winning success, but achieving that success required uncommon dedication and courage—and the willingness to make records for four different labels—before Little Big Town became consistent hit makers. Their journey has been a long one, and we embrace the opportunity to share Little Big Town’s story with our visitors.”

“Having an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is something we would never have thought to dream of for ourselves. It is beyond a dream come true,” said Fairchild. “We are honored to be a part of country music, and are so thankful to all our fans, the music community here in Nashville and the museum for this privilege.”

Highlights of the exhibition:

  • Neon signs used for the cover photo of the album Pain Killer (2014).
  • Instruments used in underwater scenes in the music video for “Pain Killer” (2014) including: Fender DG-60 used by Jimi Westbrook and Fender Modern Player Telecaster Plus used by Phillip Sweet
  • BCBG Max Azria linen sundress with crochet detail and Golden Goose boots worn by Fairchild when she married Westbrook in a private ceremony in Nashville, May 31, 2006.
  • Clothes fitted with glow-in-the-dark, LED tube lighting, worn by Little Big Town for their appearance at the 2014 CMA Awards. After they performed “Day Drinking,” the group was joined on stage by pop star Ariana Grande for a performance of her hit “Bang Bang.”
  • Gretsch Electromatic with silver-sparkle top played by Kimberly Schlapman in performances of “Your Side of the Bed.”
  • Childhood memorabilia, including Fairchild’s high school cheerleading uniform, Westbrook’s trumpet, Schlapman’s recital costume and a drawing by Sweet.

Carrie Underwood To Headline Spotify’s Inaugural Hot Country Live Concert Series

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On July 4, Spotify will celebrate the launch of Hot Country Live, a new concert series serving as an extension of the popular flagship Hot Country playlist, with Carrie Underwood. Dan + Shay are scheduled to open the show with additional artists, announced at a later date.

First at the Seaport’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 concert venue, the Hot Country Live concert series will subsequently be held in select cities nationwide, highlighting today’s most dynamic country music stars, many of whom are featured in the Hot Country playlist. The July 4th show, however, is in partnership with the Howard Hughes Corporation, revitalizing the Seaport District and transforming Pier 17 into an iconic entertainment destination that will be home to the Pier 17 Rooftop Concert Series, launching August 1.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of Spotify’s first ever Hot Country Live show, and can’t wait to celebrate the holiday playing live music under the stars,” says Underwood.

According to Brittany Schaffer, Head of Artist and Label Marketing at Spotify’s Nashville office, “This year Spotify is making a concentrated effort to shine a spotlight on country music and to create a gathering place for country artists and fans to share and experience the people, stories, and spirit that define their community. This starts on platform in the Hot Country playlist and is brought to life through our unique live events, like Hot Country Live. I can’t imagine a better way to kick-off our premiere country music concert series then by bringing country fans the opportunity to honor America on the Fourth of July with Carrie Underwood and Dan + Shay!”

Spotify has been expanding their footprint in the country music world, most recently with the re-launch of their Hot Country Playlist, as an enhanced playlist featuring exclusive and original video content. This allows users to listen to their favorite audio tracks as well as watch interviews and music videos featuring their favorite artists.

Veteran Talent Agent Steve Thurman Passes

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Country industry veteran Steve Thurman died at age 62 on Friday, June 8.

He is perhaps best-known as an early champion of Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie and Tim McGraw. Thurman was also a mainstay of the NATD (Nashville Association of Talent Directors).

While a student at MTSU in the 1970s, he became chairman of the school’s concert committee. He and roommate Charles Dorris also worked Municipal Auditorium concerts for promoters Sound Seventy and Varnell Enterprises. After graduation, Thurman worked for the country agency Top Billing.

According to Dorris, he next began managing The Tennessee River Boys. He re-named them Diamond Rio and reportedly arranged their Arista Records contract. He also brought the band to Charles Dorris & Associates.

He and agent Dick Beacham signed the then-unknown Joe Diffie and Tim McGraw, among others.

In recent years, Thurman became one of the key organizers of the NATD, which stages an annual awards banquet in Nashville, a CMA Fest picnic for booking and promotion executives, and a speaker series, among other events.

Stephen Odell Thurman died of respiratory issues, pneumonia and a blood infection. He is survived by his mother, Norene Harris Thurman, by brothers Stand and Brian and by nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 12 at 1 p.m. at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home in Dayton, TN, followed by his burial in Spence Cemetery in Dayton.

Mavis Staples, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Joe Henry To Play Roots Of American Music Weekend

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The Americana Music Association has announced the lineup for its Roots of American Music Weekend, to be held Aug. 11-12 and presented in association with Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors, one of the country’s longest-running, free outdoor summer festivals. Mavis Staples, Joe Henry, Margo Price, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real will perform during the annual weekend, which is now in its fifth year. Mavis Staples and Joe Henry perform on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., while Margo Price and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real perform on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. 

AMERICANAFEST NYC takes place at the Damrosch Park Bandshell on Lincoln Center’s campus. All events are free, no tickets required. 

 

Bobby Bones Plotting National Radio Show Highlighting Only Music From Female Artists

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Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, has long been a champion of new music and new artists, particularly female artists. He has featured music, performances and/or interviews by artists including Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Lindsay Ell, and more.

Now, Bones is prepping a national syndicated radio show that will feature music from only female artists. According to Bones, the yet-untitled show will launch across more than 100 iHeartRadio stations, as well as other outlets.

This comes three years after the “Tomatogate” incident of 2015, when radio consultant Keith Hill compared women in country music to garnish on a salad.

Despite ongoing support from some country radio stations and program directors, there remains a large disparity in the number of female artists releasing new music, and the number of female artists being played on country radio. On Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, dated June 2, 2018, the Top 25 entries included songs from two female solo artists, three songs from groups or collaborations with females–and 19 songs from solo male artists (along with one track featuring two male artists).

“I’ve been saying I was going to do this if the environment didn’t change,” Bones said via social media. “Well, it didn’t. Will be launching this show across 100+ iHeartRadio stations and other outlets soon.”

Omaze Taps Susan Bank to Head Nashville Initiatives

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Susan Bank

Online fundraising platform Omaze has launched its new music division and tapped established executive Susan Bank to lead its Nashville initiatives as Senior Director, Music Business Development. Bank brings 20 years of experience to the role, in addition to continuing as artist manager for BBR Music Group’s Brooke Eden.

Omaze offers the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences in exchange for charitable donations. The company has held over 80 successful music fundraising campaigns in the past five years, including partnerships with Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Paul McCartney.

Now the company is officially launching a music division with the addition of Bank in Nashville, Scott Graves in New York City and Andrew Cook in Los Angeles. Each holds the title of Senior Director, Music Business Development.

“We’re so excited to announce the addition of three amazing new team members. Omaze has seen our community triple in the past two years, and have seen remarkable growth in the number of donors to our music campaigns,” said Stu Smith, senior vice president, business development & partnerships. “This is a strategic move for Omaze, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to kickstart it with Scott, Susan and Andrew.”

Bank previously spent more than eight years at Red Light Management overseeing the career of Tim McGraw, during which time he toured worldwide, released five multi-million-selling albums, starred in his own CBS television special, and co-starred in four feature films including The Blind Side.

During Bank’s time as VP Music Programming & Artist Relations at Control Room, she produced over 40 live concerts featuring Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Rihanna and more. Prior to Control Room, Bank was Vice President for ReignDeer Entertainment where she supervised touring, live events and corporate partnerships for Britney Spears’ successful In The Zone album cycle and Onyx Hotel World Tour.

Bank’s previous experience includes managing the band Blues Traveler, VP Tour Marketing for Capitol Records, and Marketing Director at concert promotion company DelsenerSlater Enterprises.

A current offering on Omaze.

Bonnaroo Fans Experience Some Opry Magic

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The Grand Ole Opry cast at Bonnaroo with Opry’s GM Sally Williams backstage before showtime Photos credit: © 2018 Grand Ole Opry | Photos by Chris Hollo

Worlds collided Sunday night in Manchester, Tennessee, at Bonnaroo when the Grand Ole Opry staged its first-ever show from the famed music & arts festival. Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare, Del McCoury Band, and Riders In The Sky all performed for the Bonnaroo crowd, as well as Joshua Hedley, LANCO, Nikki Lane, and Maggie Rose.

The occasion was a rare one: in its 92-year history, the Nashville-based Opry has only taken its iconic show outside Music City a few times. Past shows have traveled to prestigious venues such as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

Old Crow Medicine Show Photos credit: © 2018 Grand Ole Opry | Photos by Chris Hollo

Del McCoury and Bobby Bare  Photos credit: © 2018 Grand Ole Opry | Photos by Chris Hollo

Nikki Lane with Joshua Hedley  Photos credit: © 2018 Grand Ole Opry | Photos by Chris Hollo

Hillary Scott, Kip Moore, Danielle Bradbery Added To ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp

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Danielle Bradbery, Brandon Lay, Kip Moore, Cassadee Pope, Hillary Scott, and songwriters Ross Copperman and Jon Nite are set to participate in the 9th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp June 13-20 in Nashville. ACM Lifting Lives and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will partner again for the camp, a week-long residential program open to individuals with Williams syndrome talented in music from around the U.S. and Canada.

Campers will participate in a songwriting workshop and recording session, along with other music-oriented activities, culminating in a live performance on the Grand Ole Opry. The finale will take place Tuesday, June 19, 2018 on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry as ACM Lifting Lives Music campers offer a live performance with Opry member Craig Morgan.

The camp has a dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome while providing music enrichment through performance and education, and ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the camp in addition to providing scholarships to several campers, enabling the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to advance its mission of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through research, training and service.

Throughout the week, campers gain invaluable experience through artist visits. Prior camps have featured visits from Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Maren Morris,  Jake Owen, RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young and more.

This year’s schedule includes:

Thursday, June 14 – 9:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Songwriting Workshop with Ross Copperman, Kip Moore and Jon Nite; 6 p.m.-7 p.m.: Dinner and Karaoke at Winner’s Bar & Grill with artist Brandon Lay

Friday, June 15 – 12:45 p.m.-2 p.m.: Seacrest Studios Visit with Cassadee Pope; 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m.: Meet & Greet with Danielle Bradbery at Wildhorse Saloon

Monday, June 18 – 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Recording Studio Day with artist Hillary Scott and Ross Copperman at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Nashville

Tuesday, June 19 – 9 p.m.: LIVE performance with Craig Morgan at the Grand Ole Opry

 

Bonnaroo 2019 Shifts Dates, To Take Place After CMA Music Fest

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For the past several years, two popular Tennessee music festivals, Bonnaroo and CMA Music Fest, have taken place in the same week. The tradition has often caused musicians and their teams to engage in precise planning if artists are slated to take part in both festivals. Music fans are forced to choose between the two festivals.

Bonnaroo’s organizers have now announced a shift to the schedule for the 2019 festival, with plans for Bonnaroo to be held the week after CMA Music Fest. Organizers expect future years to follow the same pattern.

Bonnaroo 2019 will be held June 13-16, 2019.

“We have regularly advocated for this change to hold Bonnaroo and CMA Fest on separate weekends to offer more flexibility for the local community as well as the visitors, and we’re excited about this change,” said Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. President Butch Spyridon.