SOLID Session: The Team Behind Luke Bryan
Pictured (L-R): Cait Murphy (SOLID, KP Entertainment) , SOLID President, Basak Kizilisik; Partner at WME, Jay Williams; President at KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards; and CEO of UMG Nashville, Mike Dungan. Photo: Avery King |
Music industry organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) hosted “The Team Behind the Artist, Luke Bryan,” an informational session with music industry leaders Kerri Edwards (Manager/President, KP Entertainment and founding SOLID member), Jay Williams (Agent/Co-Head/Partner, WME), and Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville) that were key to country music superstar Luke Bryan’s success last night at Nashville’s Topgolf location.
Taylor Swift Surprises Nashville Target Shoppers
Following the release of the pop star’s latest studio album, Reputation, on Friday (Nov. 10), Taylor Swift surprised shoppers at Nashville’s White Bridge Target store. Swift continued her tradition of stopping in at a Target store after an album release. Swift captured the trip with a series of videos on her Instagram story.
According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album has already sold more than 1 million copies in the United States.
BMI Showcases “8 Off 8th”
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson poses with “8 Off 8th” performers Maddie Larkin, Emily Hackett and Taylor Edwards. Photo: Rachel Deeb
BMI wrapped up a year of BMI-curated “8 Off 8th” showcases with a talented lineup of up-and-coming female songwriters at Mercy Lounge. The final show of the year included powerhouse performances from Krysten Simone, Lara Johnston, Baylor Wilson, Taylor Edwards, Emily Hackett, Maddie Larkin, Catie Offerman and Heather Bond. Stay tuned for more details on BMI’s “8 Off 8th” plans for 2018.
Chris Hillman Celebrates Album Release With Rounder Records
Pictured (L-R): Connie Pappas Hillman (manager), Adam Jones (Rounder Records), Matt Miller (Rounder Records), Gary Paczosa (Rounder Records), Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Eliza Levy (Rounder Records), Ayappa Biddanda (Concord Music), Jess Jocoy (Rounder Records), John Jorgenson, Ashley Moyer (Rounder Records)
Chris Hillman released his new album Bidin’ My Time in September. During a recent stop at City Winery in Nashville he met with his label Rounder Records to celebrate the effort.
Marshall Tucker Band Plays For Georgia Jam Series
Pictured (L-R): Doug Gray, Jaimoe, Charlie Brusco, (Red Light), and Darren Hagen (Red Light) backstage at Atlanta’s Georgia Jam Concert at the Variety Playhouse
The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) recently performed as part of the revived Georgia Jam concert series where they were joined by Allman Brothers original member Jaimoe (Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band) for standing room only shows at Macon’s Capitol Cox Theatre and Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. In Macon, the MTB was honored for their impact on the local music scene, while Jaimoe was presented with the Harriett Tubman Medal of Freedom. At Grant’s Lounge, Doug Gray was presented with a plaque commemorating the band’s history in Macon.
Pictured (L-R): Wes Griffith (Moonhanger Group), Doug Gray, Ed Grant Jr. (Moonhanger Group)
Personal Managers Hall Of Fame Nominations Open Now
/by Lorie HollabaughNominations are being accepted for 2018 induction into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed upon a personal manager. Nominations will be accepted online until Dec. 31, 2017, at PersonalManagersHallOfFame.org.
Established in 2015 by the National Conference of Personal Managers, the Personal Managers Hall of Fame celebrates illustrious careers in entertainment, music, sports and talent management.
Hall of Fame members include legendary managers such as Bernie Brillstein, Brian Epstein, Shep Gordon, Ken Kragen, Doc McGhee, Jack Rollins, Jerry Solomon and Larry A. Thompson.
Inductees are selected by the NCOPM National Board of Officers and will be inducted in ceremonies on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Las Vegas.
Jamie O’Neal Inks With Sawyer And Garner Management, Buddy Lee Attractions
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Jamie O’Neal is a groundbreaking artist that was undoubtedly ahead of her time when she took over country radio,” said Sawyer and Garner. “Her signature sound, which is extremely current and commercial, can be heard in the voices of today’s biggest female artists. Jamie’s hits are internationally recognized, and her songs as a songwriter have been cut from Reba, Martina McBride, to Idina Menzel. We are thrilled to be working with such an outstanding talent and amazing person. Many exciting things are ahead for this award-winning songbird!”
O’Neal had several hits in 2000 with her back-to-back No. 1 singles, “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels,” and penned most of the songs for her own albums. She has also written hits for artists like Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, CeCe Winans, Idina Menzel, and others and toured with Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, and Kylie Minogue. Dates will soon be announced for her 2018 North American Tour.
Big & Rich Signs With Wortman Works Media & Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonBig & Rich
Wortman Works Media & Marketing has added duo Big & Rich to the agency for exclusive public relations representation. This announcement reunites John Rich and Big Kenny with Jules Wortman, who worked on the duo’s debut, as well as serving as the agency for John Rich’s lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera and worked various projects for Big Kenny over the years.
The duo has had four consecutive hit singles since the launch of Big & Rich Records. Their 2017 fall release Did It For The Party debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. Big & Rich are currently on the road in support of Did It For The Party, featuring the hit “California.”
Nashville Entrepreneur Center, CMA Launch Project Music Portfolio
/by Lorie HollabaughProject Music Portfolio is a new model to foster music business innovation through the efforts of music-minded entrepreneurs. The program aims to provide entrepreneurs with custom-tailored support, connecting them to the EC’s extensive network of music industry advisors and network partners. Applications are now open through Jan. 26, 2018, for music industry-centric startups that are at create, launch or growth stages.
The 12-month program takes the most beneficial features of the original 16-week Project Music Accelerator – connections, curriculum, and community – and delivers them over 12 months with custom-tailored services and experiences to best meet the entrepreneurs’ unique needs and goals.
CMA, the initiative’s Title Sponsor, is supporting for a fourth year in joining the EC to foster innovation in the ever-evolving music industry.
“CMA is happy to once again support Project Music and its entrepreneurial mission to incubate music technology startups from all over the world,” says CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside. “In our rapidly changing music industry environment, an important component of CMA’s mission to grow Country Music globally is to facilitate programs such as these that lead to innovation in our industry.”
Launch Tennessee also signs on for a fourth year of sponsoring the program as part of their mission to foster entrepreneurship and make Tennessee the most-startup friendly state in the country.
The Project Music Portfolio program runs March 1, 2018, through March 1, 2019. Applicants can apply now through January 26 at projectmusic.co.
Industry Pics: SOLID, Taylor Swift, BMI, Rounder Records, Marshall Tucker Band
/by Jessica NicholsonSOLID Session: The Team Behind Luke Bryan
Pictured (L-R): Cait Murphy (SOLID, KP Entertainment) , SOLID President, Basak Kizilisik; Partner at WME, Jay Williams; President at KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards; and CEO of UMG Nashville, Mike Dungan. Photo: Avery King |
Music industry organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) hosted “The Team Behind the Artist, Luke Bryan,” an informational session with music industry leaders Kerri Edwards (Manager/President, KP Entertainment and founding SOLID member), Jay Williams (Agent/Co-Head/Partner, WME), and Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville) that were key to country music superstar Luke Bryan’s success last night at Nashville’s Topgolf location.
Taylor Swift Surprises Nashville Target Shoppers
Following the release of the pop star’s latest studio album, Reputation, on Friday (Nov. 10), Taylor Swift surprised shoppers at Nashville’s White Bridge Target store. Swift continued her tradition of stopping in at a Target store after an album release. Swift captured the trip with a series of videos on her Instagram story.
According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album has already sold more than 1 million copies in the United States.
BMI Showcases “8 Off 8th”
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson poses with “8 Off 8th” performers Maddie Larkin, Emily Hackett and Taylor Edwards. Photo: Rachel Deeb
BMI wrapped up a year of BMI-curated “8 Off 8th” showcases with a talented lineup of up-and-coming female songwriters at Mercy Lounge. The final show of the year included powerhouse performances from Krysten Simone, Lara Johnston, Baylor Wilson, Taylor Edwards, Emily Hackett, Maddie Larkin, Catie Offerman and Heather Bond. Stay tuned for more details on BMI’s “8 Off 8th” plans for 2018.
Chris Hillman Celebrates Album Release With Rounder Records
Pictured (L-R): Connie Pappas Hillman (manager), Adam Jones (Rounder Records), Matt Miller (Rounder Records), Gary Paczosa (Rounder Records), Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Eliza Levy (Rounder Records), Ayappa Biddanda (Concord Music), Jess Jocoy (Rounder Records), John Jorgenson, Ashley Moyer (Rounder Records)
Chris Hillman released his new album Bidin’ My Time in September. During a recent stop at City Winery in Nashville he met with his label Rounder Records to celebrate the effort.
Marshall Tucker Band Plays For Georgia Jam Series
Pictured (L-R): Doug Gray, Jaimoe, Charlie Brusco, (Red Light), and Darren Hagen (Red Light) backstage at Atlanta’s Georgia Jam Concert at the Variety Playhouse
The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) recently performed as part of the revived Georgia Jam concert series where they were joined by Allman Brothers original member Jaimoe (Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band) for standing room only shows at Macon’s Capitol Cox Theatre and Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. In Macon, the MTB was honored for their impact on the local music scene, while Jaimoe was presented with the Harriett Tubman Medal of Freedom. At Grant’s Lounge, Doug Gray was presented with a plaque commemorating the band’s history in Macon.
Pictured (L-R): Wes Griffith (Moonhanger Group), Doug Gray, Ed Grant Jr. (Moonhanger Group)
Blake Shelton Featured As First Country Artist For People’s Sexiest Man Alive
/by Eric T. ParkerBlake Shelton has been selected as the first country music artist for People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive list.
Shelton, who coaches NBC’s The Voice, said exclusively to the magazine, “Y’all must be running out of people. Like, Wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.”
Fellow The Voice coach, Adam Levine, was picked as the only other, and first musician for People‘s 2013 Sexiest Man. Shelton’s comments continued of his 2017 ‘SMA’ appointment:
The 41 year old, 6’5″ Oklahoman released his latest project, Texoma Shore on Nov. 3.
Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson To Play MerleFest 2018
/by Lorie HollabaughMerleFest has announced its initial lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26-29. Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, Mission Temple Fireworks Revival featuring Paul Thorn & Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the McCrary Sisters, and many more will play the prestigious annual homecoming festival on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
The 2018 Midnight Jam presented by The Bluegrass Situation on Saturday, April 28 will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, with special hosts Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale. This very popular after-hours hootenanny gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history.
Ticket sales for the event began yesterday. Additional performers for MerleFest 2018 will be announced in the coming months, and the full lineup and performance schedule can be found at MerleFest.org/lineup.
Szlachetka Joins Gellman Management Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Szlachetka and manager Michelle Goble
Nashville-based Americana artist Szlachetka has signed with Gellman Management for representation.
Szlachetka is set to release his sophomore solo album, Heart of My Hometown, Feb. 16, 2018. He is on tour this November performing shows with Granville Automatic and opening for Brandy Clark.
“We are thrilled for Szlachetka to join the Gellman Management roster,” says Michelle Goble, Manager and Artist Development. “He is a triple threat as an artist, a songwriter and a musician whose talent and dedication to his craft is inspiring. We are honored to be a part of his team and look forward to a bright future.”
In addition to Szlachetka, Gellman Management’s roster includes Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland, Jim Lauderdale; Brandy Clark, Patty Smyth, Cross Atlantic and Katelyn Clampett.
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Adds Five New Staffers
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Each of our newest account assistants possesses a spectacular work ethic and a great enthusiasm for business management,” said Jamie Cheek, president of FBMM. “Our talented staff ensures that our clients receive outstanding services at both our Nashville and New York offices.”
McClary comes to FBMM from William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, where she served as an HR coordinator and spearheaded internal programs, led philanthropic efforts and managed the intern program. Prior to that, she was a senior label relations manager for Naxos of America. She started her career interning for Sony Music Entertainment and has an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University.
Jones brings over seven years of management experience to FBMM. She processed payroll and handled patient complaints at Children’s Clinic East as an operations manager, and also worked as a house supervisor at Village Behavioral Health. She graduated from King University in 2016.
Rossetti joins FBMM from Rock The Soul Entertainment, where he recently worked as a production assistant and oversaw session planning, managed projects and archived session data. He is a Grammy-Award winning engineer, winning Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2015 and received a nomination for the same award this year. He studied marketing at Georgia College and State University and earned an audio engineering certification from Dark Horse Institute in Franklin, Tenn.
Arango joins the New York City FBMM team. Previously, Arango worked as an account trainee for Kate Spade in New York. She also worked as a digital analyst for PHD Media. She studied economics at Bernard M. Baruch College and received a Master of Science degree in accounting from the University of Miami.
Baquing comes to FBMM after graduating from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. He previously interned for AMAX Talent and Creative in Nashville.
John Legend, Carrie Underwood To Host ‘Grammys Greatest Stories’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe unique broadcast event will feature rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and special appearances by multi-Grammy winners and nominees Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Chris Martin, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Justin Timberlake, and U2.
Special show segments will include reactions from Grammy producers and members of the music community following some legendary performances, including Paul McCartney bringing the Beatles’ legendary album, Abbey Road, to the Grammy stage.
Among the highlighted moments being recalled for the show are Blake Shelton’s appearance with Glen Campbell on The 54th Grammy Awards in 2012. “I have never felt more honored, proud, and nervous, and a sense of unexpected accomplishment,” said Shelton about the collaboration. “My first moment on that stage was with one of the greatest legends—not in country music—of the entertainment industry, period!”