Fast Company has announced its annual ranking of the Most Innovative Companies for 2018, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation. Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group has made the prestigious list for a second time in the Music Sector and is heralded alongside companies on the overall list such as Apple, Netflix, Square, Washington Post Company, Amazon and Spotify.

“This year’s MIC list is an inspiring and insightful window into how many companies have embraced innovation and are working to make meaningful change,” said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.

BMLG is led by President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. Fast Company previously deemed Borchetta the “king of music row” as one of the “Most Creative People” for his dynamic business ventures and leadership style.

BMLG’s achievements in 2017 included:

The release of Taylor Swift’s reputation album, making her the only artist to achieve four million-selling first weeks in the history of Nielsen music
Florida Georgia Line earned two pop crossover hits and a blockbuster, sold-out stadium tour
Thomas Rhett earned the Academy of Country Music’s Male Vocalist of the Year trophy and released the Grammy-nominated Life Changes album
Brantley Gilbert became one of only two country artists to appear in an Apple Music TV spot
Brett Young was one of the only debut country artists to have a multi-platinum single with “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Reba McEntire won a Grammy with her first Gospel album, which topped both the country and Christian charts
Carly Pearce’s breakout No.1 ballad “Every Little Thing” enlisted her as the highest charting solo female debut since July 2015, joining an elite group of only three women to accomplish this feat in the past 12 years
The label continued to prove its ability to successfully develop new artists with the No.1 achievements with Pearce and Midland
Aligned with fashion mogul John Varvatos on a new label venture that will sign rock talent

Earlier this year Borchetta debuted his newly-created TV show The Launch in association with Randy Lennox and Bell Media. Filmed in Toronto, the first season of the music competition show saw ratings and music sales success. Serving as Executive Producer and Mentor on the show, Borchetta was joined each week by superstars such as Shania Twain, Jennifer Nettles, Nikki Sixx, Boy George and mega producers such as Ryan Tedder, Dann Huff and busbee.

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival turns 26 this year, and 10 of Nashville’s top music venues have been announced to host shows April 3-7, 2018. The limited Fast Access Passes are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 6.

Venues confirmed to present nightly shows this year include 3rd & Lindsley, The Bluebird Cafe, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, the Listening Room Cafe, The Local (formerly The Country), Station Inn and Whiskey Rhythm Saloon. New venue South has joined the roster of clubs this year. The popular Fast Access Passes will cost $130.00 for NSAI members and $150.00 for non-members at tinpansouth.com.

Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Tin Pan South reigns as the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. The 2017 festival featured over 400 talented songwriters performing 100 shows during the five-day event. Regions Bank returns for the 11th consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Festival.

Brett Eldredge Receives Surprise Platinum Plaque At Tulsa Show

Brett Eldredge had plenty to celebrate last Thursday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he kicked off the Country Music Freaks Tour alongside labelmate Blake Shelton. After treating the packed house to a hit-filled set, Eldredge was surprised with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification of his hit single “Wanna Be That Song.”

Ole Red Nashville Hosting Job Fair In March

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. are preparing to open the doors of Ole Red Nashville, the 26,000 square foot entertainment venue, in May. The company will be hosting a job fair March 8-16, 2018 at 114 2^nd Ave North to fill its 250 open positions. Applicants are being asked to apply online prior to the job fair at olered.com/jobs. Prescreening for qualified candidates is set to begin immediately. Ole Red is hiring for a full range of restaurant, bar and retail positions, including server, host/hostess, bartender, prep cook and security.

AIMP New York Presenting Speaker Series On Washington Publishing Issues

The New York chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers is presenting a special roundtable speaker series for all Premier members featuring veteran industry attorney Jay Rosenthal. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 27, Rosenthal will provide regular updates on the many issues being discussed in Washington, D.C. that affect the publishing community. Hosted at the HFA/Rumblefish offices in New York City, this event will also be available as a video conference to Premier members across the country.

Jacob Bryant Inks With so much Moore Media

so much MOORE media had added Georgia-based Southern country rocker Jacob Bryant to its roster for representation. Bryant’s new video for his single, “Pour Whiskey On My Grave,” which was released Feb. 2, has already surpassed three million views on his Facebook fan page, and generated 93,000 shares to date.

Jeff Coffey Signs With 117 Publicity For Representation

Former lead vocalist and bassist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago, Jeff Coffey, has joined the 117 Publicity roster for exclusive PR representation. Coffey is fresh off a two-year tour with Chicago and has two solo CD projects under his belt and is currently working on a third to be released in the Summer of 2018.

Bobby Bones Show leader Bobby Bones is set to join the American Idol team this season, working with the Top 24 contestants and sharing advice on areas of artistry including stage presence, working with media, and developing their brand. He will work alongside this season’s judges, which include country superstar Luke Bryan along with Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

“It’s very exciting for me,” he said on his radio show this morning (Wednesday, Feb. 21). “I’m nervous that I’m not going to give good advice. I can’t say a lot about what I’m doing but I’ll be working with the Top 24 contestants.”

Bones recently became the youngest inductee to the National Radio Hall of Fame.

American Idol premieres Sunday, March 11 8/7c on ABC.