Big Loud Records Names Stacy Blythe As VP, Promotion

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Big Loud Records has promoted Stacy Blythe to the role of Vice President of Promotion.

Effective immediately, Blythe will report directly to label President Clay Hunnicutt, and can be reached via email at stacy@bigloud.com.

Blythe is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with over a decade of radio-promotion experience – including stops at Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment, Stoney Creek Records and Republic Nashville – and in her previous role as Big Loud Records’ National Director of Promotion, oversaw influential campaigns for Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Jillian Jacqueline and Mason Ramsey.

“Since Big Loud Records started almost three years ago, Stacy has been an integral part of the Big Loud family and has shown us – and the entire industry – that she is a leader who can deliver,” Hunnicutt says. “We would not be where we are today without her, and we look forward to breaking more records as we grow. There were people that told her she could not do this. Respectfully, we would say, ‘You were wrong and she has proven it!’”

Blythe adds, “We truly have a family here at Big Loud and I’m so blessed to be a part of it. I am proud of what this team has accomplished in the first 2 and a half years and am honored to take on a bigger role moving forward. I am beyond grateful to Clay, Seth, Chief, Craig and Joey for their continued confidence in me.”

Blythe has signed a multi-year deal as Big Loud Records’ newest VP, meaning the independent country label is now on the hunt for a new National Director of Promotion. Resumes/portfolios can be submitted at jobs@bigloud.com.

Big Loud Records was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Joey Moi, four industry veterans with a vision to bring artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. Led by Hunnicutt, the label scored its first win with breakout country star Lane and his debut single, “Fix,” which became a Gold-certified No. 1 success in 2015. The hit marked an unlikely feat for Big Loud Records – scoring their first chart topper with the label’s very first release.

Since then the label has gone on to expand its roster with the addition of country superstar Owen (“I Was Jack (And You Were Diane)”), while scoring more boundary-pushing hits with Lane (“For Her,” “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly) and rising singer-songwriter Wallen (“Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line). The Big Loud lineup also includes edgy firebrand Jacqueline (“Reasons”) and fresh-faced viral superstar Ramsey (“Famous”).

Pop Artists Compete For Top CMT Music Awards Honors

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CMT just revealed this year’s nominees for the CMT Music Awards, which will be hosted by Little Big Town on Wednesday, June 6.

For the first time, this year’s top category, Video of the Year, features several pop artists vying for the win. Among the nominees are Bebe Rexha (ft. Florida Georgia Line) for “Meant To Be,” Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton for “Say Something,” and Ludacris, who contributed to Carrie Underwood‘s “The Champion.” They join fellow Video of the Year nominees Blake Shelton, Brett Young, Brothers Osborne, Dan+Shay, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Thomas Rhett.

Carrie Underwood, who holds the title of most CMT Music Awards wins with 17, looks to defend her title against superstars Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, who are tied with Underwood for the most nominations this year with four each. Other artists with multiple nominations include Little Big Town (3), Chris Stapleton (3), Lauren Alaina (3), Thomas Rhett (3), Bebe Rexha (2), Blake Shelton (2), Brothers Osborne (2), Carly Pearce (2), Dan + Shay (2), Danielle Bradbery(2), Justin Timberlake (2), Kane Brown (2), Keith Urban (2), Kelsea Ballerini (2), Lady Antebellum (2), LANco (2), Ludacris (2) and Maren Morris (2).

Artists earning their very first CMT Music Awards nominations include a mix of pop, rock and country artists, including Andra Day, Backstreet Boys, Bebe Rexha, Carly Pearce, Common, Derek Trucks, Devin Dawson, High Valley, Justin Timberlake, LANco, Ludacris, Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Voting for the CMT Music Awards is now open at cmt.com.

2018 CMT Music Awards Nominations:

Video of the Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced the morning of the show, with final voting held on Twitter during the live telecast.

Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs”
Brett Young, “Mercy”
Brothers Osborne, “It Ain’t My Fault”
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Jason Aldean, “You Make It Easy”
Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton, “Say Something”
Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Legends”
Luke Combs, “When It Rains It Pours”
Thomas Rhett, “Marry Me”

Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs”
Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”
Jason Aldean, “You Make It Easy”
Jon Pardi, “Heartache On The Dance Floor”
Luke Bryan, “Light It Up”
Thomas Rhett, “Marry Me”

Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

Carly Pearce, “Every Little Thing”
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Legends”
Lauren Alaina, “Doin’ Fine”
Maren Morris, “I Could Use A Love Song”
Miranda Lambert, “Tin Man” From 2017 ACM Awards

Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

Big & Rich, “California”
Brothers Osborne, “It Ain’t My Fault”
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Florida Georgia Line, “Smooth”
High Valley, “She’s With Me”
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, “Speak To A Girl”

Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

Lady Antebellum, “You Look Good”
LANco, “Greatest Love Story”
Little Big Town, “When Someone Stops Loving You”
Midland, “Make A Little”
Old Dominion, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart”
Rascal Flatts, “Yours If You Want It”
Zac Brown Band, “My Old Man”

Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

Carly Pearce, “Every Little Thing”
Danielle Bradbery, “Sway”
Devin Dawson, “All On Me”
LANco, “Greatest Love Story”
Russell Dickerson, “Yours”
Walker Hayes, “You Broke Up With Me”

Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”
Cole Swindell feat. Dierks Bentley, “Flatliner”
Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton, “Say Something”
Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Thomas Rhett feat. Maren Morris, “Craving You”

CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

Andra Day, Common, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack and Danielle Bradbery, “Stand Up For Something” (From 2017 CMT Artists of the Year)
Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line, “Everybody” (From CMT Crossroads)
Charles Kelley, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Derek Trucks, “Midnight Rider” (From 2017 CMT Music Awards)
Earth, Wind & Fire and Lady Antebellum, “September” (From CMT Crossroads)
Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, “I Won’t Back Down” (From 2017 CMT Artists of the Year)
Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood, “The Fighter” (From 2017 CMT Music Awards)

Time Jumpers Celebrate 20 Years Of Genre-Jumping Fun

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The Time Jumpers are celebrating 20 years of playing together this year, and as part of that celebration, the super-group will be adding a handful of dates to their standing Monday night shows at 3rd & Lindsley. The first additional show has been announced for Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here.

The Time Jumpers’ Monday night shows are historic and sell out quickly. For two decades the show has been the destination in Nashville on a Monday night, and the current edition of the Grammy-winning band includes Vince Gill (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), “Ranger Doug” Green (vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Brad Albin (upright bass), Larry Franklin (fiddle, vocals), Andy Reiss (electric guitar), Kenny Sears (vocals, fiddle), Joe Spivey (fiddle, vocals), Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano) and Billy Thomas (drums, vocals).

Over the last 20 years, The Time Jumpers has had a slowly revolving door of remarkable musicians including Aubrey Haynie, Dennis Crouch, Hoot Hester, Dawn Sears and John Hughey. Plenty of big stars have dropped by to catch a Jumpers set through the years or sit in with the band, including Bonnie Raitt, Reba McEntire, Norah Jones, Robert Plant, The White Stripes, Kings Of Leon, Jimmy Buffet, Joe Walsh, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Chris Isaak and Kelly Clarkson.

“One of my favorite memories of music in Nashville is going to listen to The Time Jumpers play live,” said Reba McEntire of seeing the Nashville mainstay. “They are all incredible musicians and singers and they remind me of what I love so much about music. The times they have asked me to come on stage and sing with them has been a total blast.”

 

Morgan Evans To Hit 10 Cities In 10 Days On Summer Tour

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Morgan Evans is set to crisscross the country on the 10 in 10 Tour, performing shows in 10 cities in 10 days. The tour, which includes headlining shows and festival appearances, kicks off in Los Angeles June 21 and wraps June 30 in Washington, D.C. Tickets for the newly announced dates go on sale this Friday (May 11).

“Playing live is my favorite thing to do, so what better way to celebrate my first single on country radio than to play it LIVE?” says Evans. “I’ll be bringing the loop pedal and giving you the first listen to music that is to come. I’d do 365 if I could, but 10 seems like a reasonable place to start. I can’t wait to see all 10 cities in 10 days!”

Penned by Evans with Chris DeStefano and Josh Osborne, Evans’ debut single “Kiss Somebody” is closing in on the Top 15 on the country charts after racking up 30 million streams and skyrocketing into Spotify’s Global Viral 50 chart. The song recently won Country Work of the Year for “Kiss Somebody” at the 2018 APRA Music Awards in Australia.

As part of their ongoing partnership with Warner Music Nashville, Southwest Airlines will support Evans on the whirlwind trek as he jets from city to city for the 10 consecutive shows.

Morgan Evans’ 10 In 10 TOUR:
June 21 – Los Angeles, CA
June 22 – Denver, CO
June 23 – Manhattan, KS
June 24 – Chicago, IL
June 25 – Dallas, TX
June 26 – Austin, TX
June 27 – Atlanta, GA
June 28 – New York, NY
June 29 – Philadelphia, PA
June 30 – Washington, D.C.

Industry Ink: BubbleUp, Jeannie Seely, Nashville Meets London

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John Landers Joins BubbleUp

John Landers

John Landers has joined BubbleUp as Sales Manager. Landers has worked with PolyGram Records, Universal Music Group Distribution and UMG Nashville over 29 years. Most recently, Landers led Business Development for Arcivr VIP.

Landers will be based out of BubbleUp’s 16th Avenue office in Nashville. He can be reached at john.landers@bubbleup.com.

 

Jeannie Seely Gets Television Honor

Pictured (L-R): Opry Entertainment’s Jordan Pettit and Dan Rogers, Jeannie Seely, 117 Entertainment’s Zach Farnum and Bev Moser

During her hosting segment at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday (May 4), 50-year Opry member Jeannie Seely was presented with an award recognizing her song “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” for reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Top TV Songs chart in January 2018.

The track was written by Seely, along with Judith Arbuckle, Pat Sheeran and Randy Newman, and was originally a pop hit for Irma Thomas. The song has been used in several TV shows including Big Little Lies, Orphan Black, NFL GameDay Morning, Here And Now (on HBO),  and multiple episodes of Black Mirror, it has been used in movie trailers for Moonlight and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and it has been recorded by artists like Seal, Boyz II Men, and Seely herself (for her latest album Written In Song).

 

Lineup Announced For Nashville Meets London Festival

The 2018 lineup has been announced for the summer music festival, Nashville Meets London, set for July 28 – 29 in Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London.

This year’s talent representing the US is Sam Palladio, Tyminski, The Sisterhood Band, and Dylan Schneider. Representing the U.K. are The Adelaides,  Frankie Davies, Jade Helliwell, Holloway Road, Keywest, Two Ways Home, and Worry Dolls.

Spotify’s Copeland Isaacson To Launch Management Venture

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Spotify’s Director of Artist & Songwriter Relations, Copeland Isaacson, will exit the company to launch a new management venture, MusicRow has confirmed. He has signed on to manage Big Loud Records artist Jillian Jacqueline.

Jacqueline recently released her nine-song EP, Side A, and this year, she has earned opening slots on Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes Tour and Brett Eldredge’s The Long Way Tour.

During his career, Isaacson has also spent time overseeing digital marketing for both Sony Music Nashville and Universal Music Group Nashville.

 

Weekly Register: Keith Urban’s ‘Graffiti U’ Tops Country Albums

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Keith Urban debuts at the top of this week’s country albums rankings (total consumption), with Graffiti U earning 144.7K in sales in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town comes in at No. 2 with 31.9K.  Willie Nelson‘s Last Man Standing debuts at No. 3 this week, with 26.4K. Kane Brown‘s self-titled album is at No. 4 with 17.8K. Luke Comb‘s This One’s For You is at No. 5 with 12.4K.

 Morgan Wallen’s EP, If I Know Me, debuts at No. 11 on the country albums rankings, with 7.9K.

On the Digital Genre Country chart, the Bebe Rexha/Florida Georgia Line collaboration “Meant To Be” continues to reign, with 31.6K moved this week (over 1 million total).

Mason Ramsey, who recently signed with Atlantic and Big Loud, debuts at No. 2 with his single “Famous,” earning 18.8K. Jason Aldean‘s “You Make It Easy” is at No. 3, with 18.3K. Kane Brown’s “Heaven” is at No. 4 with 18.2K. Kenny Chesney‘s “Get Along” rounds out the Top 5 with 13.9K.

 

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Give Students All Access

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Pictured (L-R): Katie Cook of CMT, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Director and CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Kyle Young attend the All Access program at The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s CMA Theater on May 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum [Click photo to enlarge]

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill took part in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s All Access program recently, sharing their experiences and career lessons with high school students at the CMHoF’s CMA Theater. The program was hosted by Katie Cook, actress, musician, and correspondent for CMT Insider. McGraw and Hill are currently featured in an exhibit at the museum titled Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man.

The All Access program connects students with country music’s creative and entertainment communities and illuminates the history and culture presented in the museum galleries.

Pictured (L-R): Katie Cook of CMT, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill take a photo with the crowd during the All Access program at The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s CMA Theater on May 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum. [Click photo to enlarge]

Pictured (L-R): Katie Cook of CMT interviews Faith Hill and Tim McGraw during an All Access program at The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s CMA Theater on May 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum. [Click photo to enlarge]

Tim McGraw (L) and Faith Hill (R) take photos with the crowd during an All Access program at The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s CMA Theater on May 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum)

Mike Molinar, Alex Heddle Upped At Big Machine Music

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Pictured: Mike Molinar (L), Alex Heddle (R)

Big Machine Music has promoted Mike Molinar to General Manager and Alex Heddle to Vice President, Publishing. Molinar and Heddle will continue to sign and develop the independent music publisher’s array of hitmakers such as Jonathan Singleton, Brett Young, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz and Jessie Jo Dillon, among others.

Since BMM’s inception nearly six years ago, Molinar has lead the charge on over 500 song placements, 13 No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles, while nine BMM songwriters achieved their first career No. 1 or Top 5 hit. A graduate of Leadership Music Class of 2015, Molinar was named a member of the 2012-2013 MTSU Class of Distinguished Alumni and currently serves as a member of the Independent Publishers Advocacy Committee as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame Education Council.

Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta commented, “Mike Molinar is a publisher’s publisher. He knows talent, he knows the streets and he knows and helps create the biggest opportunities for our writers and publishing staff. He’s always been the perfect executive to lead Big Machine Music and his track record speaks for itself. Richly deserved!”

“I’m grateful to Scott Borchetta, Andrew Kautz and Malcolm Mimms for their continued faith in me to lead this team,” said Molinar. “The cultural impact of our hits is a testament to the work of our incredibly dedicated BMM staff, talented songwriters, publishing partners and colleagues at BMLG’s A&R and Rights Management teams. This is just the beginning and I look forward to continuing our growth.”

Joining BMM in 2013, Heddle has been vital in the signing and daily development of hit songwriters Maddie & Tae, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Trent Harmon and Benjy Davis. Heddle currently serves as a Music Row Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and a member of the AIMP Nashville Awards committee.

“Alex has been crucial to the success and exponential growth of Big Machine Music,” states Molinar. “His tireless efforts and strong hit song sense have helped him become one of the most trusted publishers among our artist and A&R community. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have him on our team!”

Heddle commented, “The level of talent on BMM’s songwriter roster is truly humbling. It is an honor to represent their songs and careers on a daily basis. I am grateful to Scott Borchetta and Mike Molinar for their continued support and am excited to continue the high trajectory of this team.”

Molinar can be reached at mike.molinar@bmlg.net and 615- 324-9321. Heddle can be reached at alex.heddle@bmlg.net and 615-324-9320.

NMPA To Honor Caroline Beinstock, Bart Herbison, Sheldon Whitehouse

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The National Music Publishers’ Association has announced the honorees and keynote speaker for its annual meeting in Manhattan on June 13, 2018.

NMPA’s annual event brings together the entire music industry each spring to celebrate music creators and discuss the most relevant issues affecting the industry. In addition to performances, NMPA honors outstanding songwriters, advocates and NMPA President & CEO David Israelite gives his State of the Industry Address.

This year’s keynote will be presented by United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, Makan Delrahim.

The Lifetime Service Award will be given to publishing legend Caroline Bienstock to celebrate her invaluable contributions as the President & CEO of Carlin America as well as her role on the NMPA board.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) will be honored with the President’s Award for his dedication to helping songwriters and his work on reforming music copyright law in Congress, including his support for the Music Modernization Act.

Nashville Songwriter Association International (NSAI) Executive Director Bart Herbison will be given the Industry Legacy Award. Mr. Herbison is renowned as a champion for songwriters in Nashville and on Capitol Hill, and has worked tirelessly to give music creators the fair compensation they deserve.

The meeting with will be kicked off by phenomenal singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Victoria Canal.

“Caroline Bienstock, Senator Whitehouse and Bart Herbison could not be more deserving of NMPA’s top honors. The music industry is in a better place because of their tireless efforts to protect and enhance the rights of music creators, and we are proud to recognize them for their achievements,” said Israelite.

The NMPA annual meeting will take place at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The previously announced Songwriter Icon Award will be presented to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum songwriter, producer, arranger and musician Alicia Keys.