Jay Liepis
Apple Music’s Jay Liepis has relocated to Nashville to lead a team dedicated to being more involved with artists, managers, songwriters and the label community at large. Apple also announced plans to open an office in Nashville later this year.
Liepis has been at Apple for more than 13 years, and has overseen all music programming and relationships across the music business. His career also includes time as an online marketing manager for Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
With the move, Apple will focus on further building its country music audience, but will also cater to Nashville’s diverse music scene which includes singer/songwriter, Christian and Gospel, alternative, rock pop, hip-hop and Americana.
Apple Music’s country audience continues to grow, with Apple Music’s A-List Country ranking as the third most-popular playlist, with a 151 percent year over year growth. Apple Music’s Modern Country radio playlist grew 70 percent last year while the country music category on Apple Music in the US is up 66 percent.
Since launching in 2015, Apple Music’s subscription music streaming has amassed more than 40 million subscribers in 115 countries.
Several of the Nashville music industry’s top executives praised the move.
“Jay has been with Apple for a long time and has a clear understanding of the digital landscape,” said John Esposito, Chairman/CEO of Warner Nashville. “I’m thrilled he’s back in Nashville, he is a great collaborator. The work he’s done most recently for Ashley McBryde is just the tip of the iceberg. Can’t wait to see what else we accomplish together.”
“Jay is one of the brightest minds of our (well, his) generation and we are anxious for him to join our business and personal community,” said Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Nashville. “I can’t wait to take him to Arnold’s (Where every meal is our Sunday best) for beef tips and fried okra.”
“Excited, game changing, thanks be to god!” said Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman.
“Jay’s move to Nashville is a reflection of Apple Music’s ongoing investment to our ever-growing and increasingly diverse music community,” says Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO Jason Owen. “The impact that Apple has on our industry worldwide is undeniable, and it excites me to know that Nashville is a top priority. The expertise that Jay brings from his tenure paired with his long-term relationships with our city makes this move ideal on every level. Plus, he’s an awesome hang.”
“Jay’s creativity effortlessly crosses genres and thrives in an ever changing industry… I don’t know of a better suited person to raise the bar in Music City,” says Q Prime South’s John Peets. “Having Jay in Nashville is not only a win for the music industry, it is a win for the city.”
BREAKING: Apple Music’s Jay Liepis Relocates To Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonJay Liepis
Apple Music’s Jay Liepis has relocated to Nashville to lead a team dedicated to being more involved with artists, managers, songwriters and the label community at large. Apple also announced plans to open an office in Nashville later this year.
Liepis has been at Apple for more than 13 years, and has overseen all music programming and relationships across the music business. His career also includes time as an online marketing manager for Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
With the move, Apple will focus on further building its country music audience, but will also cater to Nashville’s diverse music scene which includes singer/songwriter, Christian and Gospel, alternative, rock pop, hip-hop and Americana.
Apple Music’s country audience continues to grow, with Apple Music’s A-List Country ranking as the third most-popular playlist, with a 151 percent year over year growth. Apple Music’s Modern Country radio playlist grew 70 percent last year while the country music category on Apple Music in the US is up 66 percent.
Since launching in 2015, Apple Music’s subscription music streaming has amassed more than 40 million subscribers in 115 countries.
Several of the Nashville music industry’s top executives praised the move.
“Jay has been with Apple for a long time and has a clear understanding of the digital landscape,” said John Esposito, Chairman/CEO of Warner Nashville. “I’m thrilled he’s back in Nashville, he is a great collaborator. The work he’s done most recently for Ashley McBryde is just the tip of the iceberg. Can’t wait to see what else we accomplish together.”
“Jay is one of the brightest minds of our (well, his) generation and we are anxious for him to join our business and personal community,” said Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Nashville. “I can’t wait to take him to Arnold’s (Where every meal is our Sunday best) for beef tips and fried okra.”
“Excited, game changing, thanks be to god!” said Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman.
“Jay’s move to Nashville is a reflection of Apple Music’s ongoing investment to our ever-growing and increasingly diverse music community,” says Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO Jason Owen. “The impact that Apple has on our industry worldwide is undeniable, and it excites me to know that Nashville is a top priority. The expertise that Jay brings from his tenure paired with his long-term relationships with our city makes this move ideal on every level. Plus, he’s an awesome hang.”
“Jay’s creativity effortlessly crosses genres and thrives in an ever changing industry… I don’t know of a better suited person to raise the bar in Music City,” says Q Prime South’s John Peets. “Having Jay in Nashville is not only a win for the music industry, it is a win for the city.”
ASCAP Names Exec. VP, Chief Strategy & Digital Officer
/by Jessica NicholsonMatthews said, “ASCAP is driving innovation through strategic partnerships and digital product development to move the entire industry toward data alignment and better services to music creators and our industry stakeholders. Nick’s track record of launching, scaling and transforming converged media and technology companies through product innovation and strategic alliances makes him a perfect fit for ASCAP’s transformation agenda. I am thrilled that he will be part of our executive leadership team.”
Lehman said, “The ASCAP repertory of music is not only an enormously positive force in our culture, but it is a major catalyst for driving the growth and success of virtually every media platform. I am excited to help lead ASCAP into new areas, technologies and partnerships that will support our members and help them thrive in the future.”
Nicholas Lehman most recently worked as Chief Strategy Officer for TEGNA, where he was responsible for guiding the media company’s vision, cultivating strategic partnerships, incubating new businesses, and driving innovation initiatives throughout all areas of the company.
Prior to TEGNA, Lehman was President of Digital for NBCUniversal. During his tenure, he oversaw and transformed a portfolio of the company’s native digital businesses, including Fandango, and launched a series of new convergent media brands for NBCUniversal.
Before joining NBCUniversal, Lehman served as CEO of Plum TV and as COO of Programming for IAC. He also held several executive roles at MTV Networks, where he oversaw digital strategy and operations and launched multiple new businesses in the digital music, mobile, gaming, and social media spaces.
Lehman has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree from Brown University. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children.
The Wild Feathers To Bring ‘Greetings From The Neon Frontier’
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Wild Feathers (L-R): Ricky Young, Ben Dumas, Joel King, Taylor Burns
On June 29, The Wild Feathers will return with Greetings From the Neon Frontier, which finds the band embracing their more countrified influences. The upcoming album reunites The Wild Feathers with producer Jay Joyce, who oversaw the group’s 2013 self-titled debut and 2016’s Lonely Is a Lifetime, and is available for pre-order here.
“It feels like every mile we’ve traveled and every show we’ve played has led up to this album,” said singer-guitarist Ricky Young. “It’s truly the most honest and reflective collection of songs we’ve ever created.”
The Wild Feathers – who have opened for the likes of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson since forming in 2010 – will celebrate the announcement by taking the stage tomorrow (April 21) for a special Record Store Day performance at Grimey’s in Nashville. They will hit the road this summer for a series of festival dates around the country.
Greetings From the Neon Frontier Track Listing:
1. Quittin’ Time
2. Wildfire
3. Stand By You
4. No Man’s Land
5. Two Broken Hearts
6. Golden Days
7. Big Sky
8. Hold Onto Love
9. Every Morning I Quit Drinkin’
10. Daybreaker (Into the Great Unknown)
Winter Jam Tour Named Top First Quarter Music Tour By Pollstar
/by Lorie HollabaughChristian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam hit 46 cities across the country from January through March, boasting 17 sold-out shows, including capacity crowds at Philips Arena in Atlanta, St. Louis’ Scottrade Center, and Kansas City’s Sprint Center.
This year’s Winter Jam Tour Spectacular was headlined by rockers Skillet and showcased worship leader Kari Jobe (featuring
“Each year it’s hard to see Winter Jam come to a close because the artists who travel with us become like family,” said tour creator and NewSong co-founder Eddie Carswell. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity God has given us with Winter Jam; we give our all to this tour every year. It’s still unbelievable to me that I get to be a part of it.”
Joshua Hedley Schedules Opry Debut In Celebration Of Album Release
/by Lorie HollabaughJoshua Hedley. Photo: Jamie Goodsell
Joshua Hedley’s debut album, Mr. Jukebox, is out today on Third Man Records. In celebration of the release, Hedley will make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage tonight, a lifelong dream for the acclaimed Nashville musician and songwriter.
Produced by Skylar Wilson and Jordan Lehning, the 10-track album features nine original songs as well as a version of “When You Wish Upon A Star.” In addition to Hedley on vocals and fiddle, the album features Eddie Lange on steel guitar/guitar, Jeremy Fetzer from Steelism on guitar/baritone guitar, Michael Rinne on bass, Jon Radford on drums/percussion and Micah Hulscher on piano/organ.
“It’s not a throwback,” said Hedley of the project. “It sounds new because it is new, and it sounds the way it sounds because it’s the only thing I know how to do. I can’t write a song that sounds different. Classic country is like a suit. Nothing about a men’s suit has changed in like 100 years. Classic never goes out of style. Something can’t be a throwback if it’s never been out of style.” He continues, “I just want people to remember they have feelings, and that they’re valid. Not everything is Coors Light and tailgates. There are other aspects of life that aren’t so great that people experience. They’re part of life, part of what shapes people. And that’s worth noting.”
Hedley will release two exclusive, non-album tracks tomorrow as part of Record Store Day 2018. Pressed on mahogany brown vinyl, the limited edition 7” features “Broken Man” and “Singin’ A New Song.”
John Prine Celebrates New Album Release With Nashville Party
/by Haley CrowPictured (L-R): Win Gould (intern), Siobhan Kennedy (John Prine management), Eileen Tilson (Dir. of Marketing), John Prine, Fiona Whelan Prine (John Prine management), Jody Whelan (Dir. of Operations), Collin Fidler (Project Coordinator) and Alexis Thompson (Graphic Designer). Photo: Neilson Hubbard
John Prine celebrated the release of his latest project The Tree of Forgiveness with a party at Melrose Billiard Parlor in Nashville on Wednesday (April 18). Friends, family and members of Prine’s record label, Oh Boy Records, were there to support Prine and the success of his first album of new material in over 13 years. The Tree of Forgiveness released April 13.
Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album was produced by Dave Cobb and includes 10 new songs penned by Prine along with co-writers Pat McLaughlin, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach, Keith Sykes and Phil Spector. The album also features special guests Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires on harmonies, backing vocals, guitar, and fiddle.
The Tree Of Forgiveness Track List:
1. “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” (John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
2. “I Have Met My Love Today” ft. Brandi Carlile (John Prine and Roger Cook)
3. “Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)” (John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
4. “Summer’s End” (John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
5. “Caravan of Fools” (John Prine, Dan Auerbach and Pat McLaughlin)
6. “The Lonesome Friends of Science” (John Prine)
7. “No Ordinary Blue” (John Prine and Keith Sykes)
8. “Boundless Love” (John Prine, Dan Auerbach and Pat McLaughlin)
9. “God Only Knows” (John Prine and Phil Spector)
10. “When I Get to Heaven” (John Prine)
Pictured: John Prine and his wife/manager Fiona Whelan Prine. Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Pictured (L-R): John Prine and Chris Isaak. Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Pictured (L-R): John Prine and Eileen Tilson (Dir. of Marketing, Oh Boy Records) Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Pictured (L-R): John Prine and Dan Auerbach. Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Pictured (L-R): John Prine and Jody Whelan (Dir. of Operations, Oh Boy Records). Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Pictured: John Prine. Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Photo: Neilson Hubbard
Old Crow Medicine Show Launches New Album
/by Robert K OermannOld Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Sony Music Nashville/Twitter
America’s foremost “new old-time” music band, Old Crow Medicine Show, had plenty to celebrate on Thursday, April 19.
The Grammy-winning group was profiled in that day’s New York Times. It is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This is the fifth anniversary of its Opry cast membership. Most importantly, Old Crow launched its new Volunteer album with a release party at its old stomping grounds, The Station Inn.
“If there was ever a more apt metaphor for ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken,’ it’s Old Crow Medicine Show,” said Sony Music Nashville CEO Randy Goodman introducing the band.
He explained that it was “hearing their vision and hearing their passion” that led to him marshaling the might of Columbia Records in Nashville behind the string band.
“Thanks Randy,” said group leader Ketch Secor. “Let’s play some hillbilly music!”
Old Crow performed tunes from the new collection. Bookended by the rousing hoedowns of “Shout Mountain Music” and “Flicker and Shine,” the set featured “Dixie Avenue,” “Whirlwind,” “Look Away,” “Child of the Mississippi” and “Old Hickory.” The songs touched on swamp rock, romantic balladry, Delta funk, contemporary folk, Southern nostalgia and more.
Secor and band mates Critter Fuqua, Morgan Jahnig, Chance McCoy, Joe Andrews and Cory Younts romped merrily. The Station Inn was packed. Barbecue was served.
In case you’re wondering, the title Volunteer grew from a conversation between Secor and Roy Acuff that went something like this. Acuff: “Country music isn’t learned; it is inherited.” Secor: “It takes volunteers to carry that inheritance.”
Rising Singer/Songwriter Kane Brown Continues Momentum
/by Sherod RobertsonWhile waiting for his flight in the Las Vegas airport on his way back from the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, Kane Brown checks out the latest issue of MusicRow, the indispensable InCharge issue, which features Brown on the cover.
No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart is Kane Brown with his fourth single from his self-titled debut album, “Heaven.” This is just the latest accolade of many impressive achievements—making Brown a rising artist who continues to strengthen his momentum at every turn.
Kane Brown On The Cover: MusicRow Magazine’s 31st Annual InCharge Issue
Produced by award-winning producer Dann Huff and written by Shy Carter, Matthew McGinn, and Lindsay Rimes, “Heaven” is Brown’s third track to achieve Platinum or multi-Platinum certification and achieved certification at the quickest pace since Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” in June 2017.
The single has also ascended into the Top 5 of major market country airplay charts and maintains a seven-week stronghold at No. 1 on Nielsen’s On Demand Audio Core Country Streaming chart, while the song’s music video has garnered over 77 million views on YouTube.
Lauren Alaina (L), winner of the New Female Vocalist of the Year award, and Kane Brown (R) perform onstage during the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Before his Platinum self-titled debut album returned to No. 1 for an 11th week on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart this week, Brown capped off a multi-layered ACM Awards experience in Las Vegas with a critically-acclaimed performance of his double-Platinum No. 1 hit “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina on the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards. An encore ACM Awards performance of “Heaven” can also be viewed exclusively by Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers.
This ACM Awards performance, which received “Best ACM Awards Moments” raves from Billboard, Washington Post, New York Post and Hollywood Reporter among others, marked the first time Brown and Alaina, middle school choir classmates in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, performed the ACM Awards Vocal Collaboration of the Year nominated “What Ifs” on a TV broadcast.
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards nominations were also announced this week and the RCA Nashville/Zone 4’s artist was nominated for three honors, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Song (“What Ifs,” ft. Lauren Alaina), and Top Country Album (Kane Brown).
Brown’s debut album recently became the sole country album to earn RIAA Platinum certification since its release in December 2016, and he became the first-ever artist to top all 5 Billboard Country Charts earning him a Guinness World Record for becoming the first act to top five U.S. country charts simultaneously.
Track Listing, Writer Credits Revealed For Michael Ray’s ‘Amos’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 11-song collection produced by Scott Hendricks is set for release on Friday, June 1, and includes songs penned by Rhett Akins, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Matt McGinn, and more. Fans can pre-order the album today and hear Ray’s current Top 20-and-climbing single, “Get To You,” as well as his show opener “Fan Girl.”
“When it came time to pick the next song for fans to hear, I listened to the fans,” shares Ray. “For months we have been playing these songs on the road and we start most every show with ‘Fan Girl,’ so it was time to put this song in their hands. The lyrics, ‘You give me that front row feeling/Screaming with my hands up/Walk in the room and everybody stands up,’ create such a powerful visual. That — equated to how you feel about a girl — is a perspective I had not heard before, yet I know exactly what that feeling is.”
The collection includes songs like the nostalgic “Summer Water,” which evokes memories of Ray’s upbringing on the waters of central Florida, “Dancing Forever” a tender ballad, and “Drink One For Me” in which Ray pays tribute to his friends in the military.
Amos Track Listing:
“Fan Girl” (Matt Jenkins/Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne)
“One That Got Away” (Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Jesse Frasure)
“Summer Water” (Heather Morgan/Lee Thomas Miller)
“Get To You” (Abe Stoklasa/Pavel Dovgalyuk)
“Forget About It” (Luke Laird/Jaren Johnston)
“Her World Or Mine” (Brett Beavers/Jamie Paulin/Travis Denning)
“You’re On” (Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins)
“I’m Gonna Miss You” (Corey Crowder/Matt McGinn)
“Dancing Forever” (Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally/Matt Ramsey/Trevor Rosen)
“Girl From Spring Break” (Ben Hayslip/Emily Weisband/ Rhett Akins)
“Drink One For Me” (Josh Thompson/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite)
Sugarland Releases New Single ‘Babe’ Featuring Taylor Swift
/by Lorie HollabaughSugarland has teamed up with Taylor Swift for their new single, “Babe,” which is being released today. Swift penned “Babe” with Train frontman Pat Monahan, and last fall she offered the track to Sugarland for the pair’s forthcoming album BIGGER, due out June 8 on Big Machine Records and Universal Music Group Nashville.
“We’ve never put someone else’s song on a Sugarland record, but we were immediately interested in ‘Babe’ the first time we heard it!” said Jennifer Nettles. “This one really felt like it belonged so we saved it for the final afternoon of our recording session; a special time for us.”
“Our last hours in the studio have always been good luck,” continued Kristian Bush. “‘All I Want To Do’ was from a final session, so was ‘Stuck Like Glue.’ The biggest compliment was when she heard our take on the track and emailed us to say she wanted to be a part of it!”
“This collaboration is the perfect combination of mutual admiration for each other and mutual admiration for great songs. As artists, we really see the world through a similar lens,” added Nettles.
“Babe” follows previously released tracks “Still The Same” and “Bigger,” which are included on Sugarland’s first project together in nearly six years. The 11-song set is now available for pre-order with new tracks set to be delivered in the weeks leading up to the full release.
The duo will appear on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! May 2, and hit the road for their Still The Same Tour on May 25.