Cumulus Media has launched Amazon Alexa skills for 300 local radio stations, Westwood One brands, plus the leading dedicated Christmas Radio Skill, Christmas Radio. This is the largest collection of custom skills available with Amazon Alexa in the U.S.
To sample a Cumulus local station skill, users can ask Alexa to enable a specific radio station skill (for example, for rock station KLOS, users can say, “Alexa, enable Ninety-Five Five, KLOS skill”). After the skill is enabled, users can then open the skill in Alexa.
Cumulus has also launched a national consumer marketing campaign designed to educate listeners on how to find and enable skills, fueled by local on-air, video and social promotion. Individual stations will create localized messaging that speaks directly to their unique listenership. The custom skills can be enabled vocally by using unique key phrases for each radio station; top Cumulus markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Dallas stations are now available.
“Voice-interactive technology is bringing radio listening back into the home and office, and will enable interactivity with our stations in the connected car,” said Mike McVay, EVP, Programming and Content, Cumulus Media. “Our strategy to create a custom skill for individual radio stations and programs, while educating consumers, is critical as smart speakers have created an entirely new, and rapidly growing platform to consume audio content.”
“At an aggregated network level we will have access to valuable data and insights on this rapidly-evolving audio ecosystem,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP, Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “We are dedicated to educating, testing, and learning to evolve the listening experience for our listeners and brand partners.”
Lee Roy Parnell Signs With New Frontier Touring
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Roy Parnell has signed exclusively with New Frontier Touring for worldwide booking representation. Parnell’s latest project, Midnight Believer, was released earlier this year by Vector Recordings/BFD and is available on all digital platforms.
“I am very pleased and excited to be working with Paul Lohr, Trip Brown and New Frontier!” states Lee Roy Parnell. “We share the vision moving forward in my career and 2018 could very well be my best year ever!”
“New Frontier is thrilled to be working with Lee Roy,” reflects New Frontier Owner/President Paul Lohr. “We have been fans of his singing, guitar playing and songwriting for years, and look forward to a great future together!”
Paul Williams Named Reviver Entertainment Group VP, Marketing/Artist Development
/by Jessica NicholsonPaul Williams
Paul Williams has been named VP, Marketing/Artist Development of the Reviver Entertainment Group. Williams, who will report to Reviver Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, will immediately take the reigns supporting Reviver single releases including the Reviver Entertainment Group/Blue Chair release “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” from David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney, Reviver Records’ Michael Tyler cut “Hey Mama” and LOCASH’s upcoming single “Don’t Get Better Than That.”
Williams will start in his new role on Jan. 2, 2018. He will continue in his current role as Radio Editor for Country Aircheck through the end of the year. Williams previously handled Northeast Radio Promotion for Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists.
“Paul’s diverse background, gives Reviver and its artists an out of the box thinker who has a deep understanding of the marketplace,” said Founder and President/CEO David Ross. “He’s a brilliant creative mind whose expertise and leadership will ultimately benefit not only our staff, but most importantly the artists with whom we work.”
Williams moved to Nashville 13 years ago to work with the RCA Label Group as Sr. Director Strategic Marketing after serving as Program Director for KPLX in Dallas. He spent six years at Universal Studios in the Strategic Alliance Marketing Department. Before that he was Promotions Director for Top 40 radio stations in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando and Charleston.
Beginning Jan. 2, he can be reached at paul@revivermusic.com or by phone at 615-715-7884. For now, he can be contacted at paulwilliams615@comcast.net.
In Pictures: Jason Isbell, Brett Young, Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Isbell Continues Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Residency
Pictured (L-R): The 400 Unit’s Jimbo Hart and Chad Gamble, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Peter Cooper, the 400 Unit’s Sadler Vaden, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, the 400 Unit’s Derry deBorja, and NS2 CEO Darin Lashinsky. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Jason Isbell continued his residency at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum this week, with the second of three intimate and unique performances hosted in the museum’s CMA Theater which featured an acoustic set with Isbell’s band the 400 Unit. Amanda Shires returned Tuesday night as a member of the 400 Unit, joining band members Kerry deBorja on piano, organ, and accordion; Chad Gamble on drums; Jimbo Hart on electric bass; and Sadler Vaden on acoustic guitar. Isbell will conclude his sold-out residency on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., with an evening of surprise special guests.
Brett Young Scores Gold With “Like I Loved You”
BMLG Records President/EVP Big Machine Label Group Jimmy Harnen surprises Brett Young with a plaque to celebrate Young’s GOLD single “Like I Loved You” at House Of Blues in Dallas
Brett Young was recently surprised by BMLG Records President/EVP Big Machine Label Group Jimmy Harnen at his sold-out Caliville Tour show at House of Blues in Dallas. Harnen gave Young the news that his current single, “Like I Loved You,” is certified Gold. The song follows his Platinum-certified “Sleep Without You” and 2x Platinum “In Case You Didn’t Know,” as well as his Gold-certified, self-titled debut album.
Heads Up Penny Foundation Raises $2K For CMHoF Songwriting Camp
Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s VP of Development Lisa Purcell, Heads Up Penny Foundation Founder Tad Bryant and his mother Carolyn Bryant.
On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Heads Up Penny Foundation’s cookie decorating party, hosted by Foundation founder, 13-year-old Tad Bryant, generated more than $2,000 in scholarships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s summer Songwriting Camp. The camp offers a unique experience where budding songwriters (ages 11-18) can hone their craft and learn from professionals. Camp includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, instrument instruction, performance coaching, demo recording experiences, workshops led by special guests, and much more. Registrations for the camp open Jan. 8, 2018, and Songwriting Camp will take place June 11-15, 2018.
Cumulus Media Launches Amazon Alexa Skills For 300 Local Stations
/by Jessica NicholsonTo sample a Cumulus local station skill, users can ask Alexa to enable a specific radio station skill (for example, for rock station KLOS, users can say, “Alexa, enable Ninety-Five Five, KLOS skill”). After the skill is enabled, users can then open the skill in Alexa.
Cumulus has also launched a national consumer marketing campaign designed to educate listeners on how to find and enable skills, fueled by local on-air, video and social promotion. Individual stations will create localized messaging that speaks directly to their unique listenership. The custom skills can be enabled vocally by using unique key phrases for each radio station; top Cumulus markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Dallas stations are now available.
“Voice-interactive technology is bringing radio listening back into the home and office, and will enable interactivity with our stations in the connected car,” said Mike McVay, EVP, Programming and Content, Cumulus Media. “Our strategy to create a custom skill for individual radio stations and programs, while educating consumers, is critical as smart speakers have created an entirely new, and rapidly growing platform to consume audio content.”
“At an aggregated network level we will have access to valuable data and insights on this rapidly-evolving audio ecosystem,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP, Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “We are dedicated to educating, testing, and learning to evolve the listening experience for our listeners and brand partners.”
Kassi Ashton Inks Joint Deal With Interscope/UMG Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman & CEO John Janick, Kassi Ashton, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan
Kassi Ashton has signed with UMG Nashville in conjunction with Interscope Records. The California, Missouri native is currently working on new music expected in early 2018, and MCA Nashville will be servicing her single to country radio.
“You don’t have to be around her very long before you are struck by the ‘otherworldly spirit’ that rides alongside what is an otherwise kooky, fun soul,” shares UMG Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. “And after about 90 seconds of hearing her sing, you know that you are in for a ride. The music is fresh, unique, and rich in lyrical landscape far beyond her years. Hallelujah!”
“I knew within seconds of meeting Kassi that she’s the real thing,” comments Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman and CEO John Janick. “A talented, driven singer and songwriter who pours her soul into her music. She’s a badass.”
“Within 5 minutes of meeting the people at Universal Nashville and Interscope, I knew that together they were the perfect team to help me move the needle,” says Kassi. “My happiness and readiness are beyond words.”
Kassi Ashton is represented by Creative Nation for both management and publishing.
Ben Gallaher Gives Back On Seventh Annual Barbed Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Gallaher launched his 2017 Barbed Tour this week. The Pennsylvania native has spent the past seven years performing for inmates at correctional institutions in his home state. Gallaher will perform tunes from his five-song, self-titled debut Sony Music Nashville EP, which was produced by Julian King and Jim Catino, and released in August.
“I started touring Pennsylvania State Prisons in 2011 when I was 19 after a friend who worked at SCI Camp Hill reached out to see if I’d consider performing there,” said Gallaher. “I jumped at the opportunity, even though I’d never been to a prison before. After that first solo acoustic performance, it just spread from one state prison to another. I titled it the Barbed Tour and each year I love going back to play behind bars. It’s such an unscripted experience. Music is so universal. It doesn’t matter where; whether you are in a bar, in a church, or in a prison, music has a powerful effect.”
Barbed Tour Dates:
Monday, Dec. 11 – Frackville
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Fayette
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Camp Hill
Friday, Dec. 15 – Graterford
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Retreat
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Chester
‘CMA Country Christmas’ Re-Air Date Moved
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young
The encore broadcast of the CMA Country Christmas TV special has been moved to Thursday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. CT on ABC.
The eighth annual holiday special returns with first-time host Reba McEntire and includes two hours of festive performances from the Grand Ole Opry House by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, CB30, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Reba, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young.
CMA Country Christmas was executive produced by Robert Deaton, directed by Paul Miller, and written by Jon Macks.
Industry Ink: Starstruck Entertainment, Provident Distribution, Bluebird Cafe
/by Lorie HollabaughStarstruck Entertainment Names Digital Strategy Manager
Cooper Anstett
Starstruck Entertainment has named Cooper Anstett as Digital Strategy Manager. Anstett joins the Starstruck team to direct the use of promotional content and audio/visual media to grow the digital market of Starstruck artists.
“Each artist that we develop at Starstruck deserves a unique online presence,” said Starstruck Director of Digital Strategy, Jeremy Gold. “Cooper brings an understanding of content, streaming, and socials that we need to build a strong digital strategy for our roster.”
From Detroit, Anstett interned on the A&R teams at Interscope Los Angeles in 2015 and Warner Nashville in 2016. After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Information, he moved to Nashville to start up Digital Natives Social Agency, helping artists with their digital and social media footprint.
Provident Distribution Re-Signs Distribution Deal With Cedarmont Kids
Pictured (Front row, L –R): Sue Gay, Co-Founder Cedarmont Kids; Mike Gay, Co-Founder Cedarmont Kids; Terry Hemmings, CEO Provident Music Group. Pictured (Back row, L-R): Scott Knight, VP Business Affairs, Provident Music Group; Darren Elrod, COO, Provident Music Group; Jimmy Wheeler, VP Sales & Distribution, Provident Distribution
Provident Distribution has opted to continue its longstanding distribution agreement with Cedarmont Kids. Selling more than 22 million units, Cedarmont has scanned more units than any other Christian artist and has four titles, Bible Songs, Sunday School Songs, Action Bible Songs, and Toddler Tunes, that have been on the Soundscan charts for over 1,000 consecutive weeks.
As their only distribution partner in their successful 24 years, Provident Distribution is looking forward to the continued relationship with the No. 2 kids audio label behind Disney.
Trent Harmon Makes Bluebird Café Debut
Trent Harmon made his Bluebird Café debut on Saturday (Dec. 9) alongside family, friends and industry.
Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins, Trent Harmon, Laura Veltz and Justin Ebach
WME Bolsters Rock Roster With 13 New Signings
/by Jessica NicholsonThese acts are the latest to be added to WME’s growing rock roster. This news follows last month’s announcement that Scott Clayton joined WME to run its rock division and serve as Co-Head of its Nashville office. Joined by longtime colleagues, Matthew Morgan, Buster Phillips and Brandi Brammer, Clayton and his team continue to sign some of the world’s most talented and well known artists. Earlier this month, WME announced the signing of Dead & Company, Gov’t Mule, Kings of Leon, Michael Franti, My Morning Jacket, and Train.
Newsboys Welcome Back Peter Furler, Phil Joel For New Spring Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughLed by frontman Michael Tait and longtime members Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis, Newsboys United will see Furler and Joel join the group for many of the most popular hits of the band’s three-decade career. The Newsboys United Tour will also feature special guest Word Worship recording artist Zealand, which is founded and fronted by Joel.
The tour will hit more than 40 cities in the spring including Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Dallas and Orlando, and tickets will be available Dec. 14 via an exclusive Spotify pre-sale campaign. Regular pre-sales are slated to begin Dec. 15, with general ticket sales on Dec. 18.
“We’re so excited for Peter and Phil to join us on the road next year,” said member Michael Tait. “Taking the stage with two men who indelibly shaped the history of this band will be an unforgettable experience for us all. We can’t wait to share these special moments with our fans as well.”
Furler, a founding member of Newsboys and the group’s former drummer and lead vocalist, embarked on a successful solo career in 2009. During his tenure, the band earned five Gold albums and released such classics as “Shine,” “Breakfast” and “He Reigns.” As Newsboys’ bass player, Phil Joel was featured on multiple albums and sang lead on the group’s hit single “Entertaining Angels.” Since his departure, Joel has bowed seven recordings as well as 2015’s acclaimed Word Worship set, Zealand Worship – The EP.