Rendering of ‘The BMG Building.’ Photo: Courtesy BMG
Jason Aldean, Hillary Lindsey and Dustin Lynch are set for a new home on Music Row as BMG announces it has concluded a deal to begin development of a new full-service music facility. The new space will consolidate the publishing and recording teams from BMG’s two local Nashville offices with the newly-acquired BBR Music Group.
The location is a soon-to-be-constructed state-of-the-art, 120,000-square-foot building to be named ‘The BMG Building’ on the one-acre lot of 1 Music Circle South, site of the former CMA building.
Zach Katz, BMG U.S. President, Repertoire & Marketing, said, “Nashville has a history of reinventing itself, and we are very proud to bring BMG’s new artist-friendly approach to the business to the heart of Music Row.”
The announcement comes four months after BMG acquired BBR Music Group, along with its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Red Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records.
BMG’s 80-strong team in Nashville includes A&R, Accounting, Administration, Income Tracking, Marketing, Publicity, Radio Promotions, Royalties, and Sync Licensing. The proposed BMG office space will include songwriter/recording rooms and performance spaces, a collaborative floor plan, A/V meeting spaces and conference rooms, as well as a large communal outside area and terrace to be utilized for live events.
Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group, said, “The importance of staying on Music Row and honoring the ideal of a supportive, tight knit and collaborative community was a priority to us all. Reflective of our shared philosophy and approach, this will maximize our team’s and our partners’ connectivity.”
“Music publishing and recording have traditionally been viewed and operated as separate businesses, in separate offices, often in separate cities,” added Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Nashville. “The value of having the entire BMG Nashville staff in one locale is immeasurable and enables us to utilize the expertise across all our departments, with open lines of communication, creating a distinct edge for our artists and songwriters.”
The new BMG launched in 2008, in the same week as Spotify with a commitment to create the world’s first digital-age music company. BMG’s initial team of three people shared an office. By early 2017 that team had grown to more than 600 employees across 14 offices in 12 countries. In the first eight years BMG concluded more than 100 major acquisitions and signed more than 1,000 clients directly. In the process BMG has become fourth-largest player in the industry.
BMG’s diverse recording roster includes blink-182, Fergie, Andy Grammer, Danny Gokey, PVRIS, Alabama, Nickelback and LP, with a global team having delivered No. 1 chart success around the world for artists including Janet Jackson, You Me At Six, Rick Astley, and blink-182. Recent signings include 311, A Perfect Circle, AJR, Avril Lavigne, Blondie, and Nickelback alongside a burgeoning catalog producing releases by iconic artists such as Iron Maiden, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and The Kinks among others.
Founded in 1997, BBR Music Group grew from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent country label groups, with imprints including Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Red Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records.
Broken Bow Records, BBR Music Group’s original imprint, features a roster of artists including Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch. Stoney Creek Records’ roster includes Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and Adam Craig. Red Bow Records’ artist roster boasts Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell, Chase Bryant and Brooke Eden. Wheelhouse Records is BBR Music Group’s newest imprint, anchored by Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kristian Bush, Runaway June and Walker McGuire.
AXS, Spotify To Offer Tailored Event Recommendations Via Mobile And Desktop Apps
/by Lorie HollabaughDirectly integrated through the AXS API for a real time user experience, Spotify’s Concerts Section now surfaces personalized events and events will also appear on the Artist Pages under the Concert tabs on Desktop, the Artist Pages on mobile under On Tour, and in the concert recommendation emails Spotify sends out on a bi-weekly basis.
“This integration enables a direct connection between the 100 Million Spotify users and seeing their favorite bands live,” said Dean DeWulf, SVP, Music for AXS. “Fans, Artists, promoters and our venue clients all benefit from this aligned technology — it’s a natural fit that extends the reach of the AXS platform into the Spotify ecosystem.”
Venues including the Staples Center, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Sprint Center, Target Center, Verizon Theatre, Forest Hills Stadium and Infinite Energy Center in the US, and The O2, the SSE Arena Wembley and Hyde Park in the UK are all included in the new partnership.
BMG To Open Full-Service Music Facility In Former CMA Location
/by Jessica NicholsonRendering of ‘The BMG Building.’ Photo: Courtesy BMG
Jason Aldean, Hillary Lindsey and Dustin Lynch are set for a new home on Music Row as BMG announces it has concluded a deal to begin development of a new full-service music facility. The new space will consolidate the publishing and recording teams from BMG’s two local Nashville offices with the newly-acquired BBR Music Group.
The location is a soon-to-be-constructed state-of-the-art, 120,000-square-foot building to be named ‘The BMG Building’ on the one-acre lot of 1 Music Circle South, site of the former CMA building.
Zach Katz, BMG U.S. President, Repertoire & Marketing, said, “Nashville has a history of reinventing itself, and we are very proud to bring BMG’s new artist-friendly approach to the business to the heart of Music Row.”
The announcement comes four months after BMG acquired BBR Music Group, along with its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Red Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records.
BMG’s 80-strong team in Nashville includes A&R, Accounting, Administration, Income Tracking, Marketing, Publicity, Radio Promotions, Royalties, and Sync Licensing. The proposed BMG office space will include songwriter/recording rooms and performance spaces, a collaborative floor plan, A/V meeting spaces and conference rooms, as well as a large communal outside area and terrace to be utilized for live events.
Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group, said, “The importance of staying on Music Row and honoring the ideal of a supportive, tight knit and collaborative community was a priority to us all. Reflective of our shared philosophy and approach, this will maximize our team’s and our partners’ connectivity.”
“Music publishing and recording have traditionally been viewed and operated as separate businesses, in separate offices, often in separate cities,” added Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Nashville. “The value of having the entire BMG Nashville staff in one locale is immeasurable and enables us to utilize the expertise across all our departments, with open lines of communication, creating a distinct edge for our artists and songwriters.”
The new BMG launched in 2008, in the same week as Spotify with a commitment to create the world’s first digital-age music company. BMG’s initial team of three people shared an office. By early 2017 that team had grown to more than 600 employees across 14 offices in 12 countries. In the first eight years BMG concluded more than 100 major acquisitions and signed more than 1,000 clients directly. In the process BMG has become fourth-largest player in the industry.
BMG’s diverse recording roster includes blink-182, Fergie, Andy Grammer, Danny Gokey, PVRIS, Alabama, Nickelback and LP, with a global team having delivered No. 1 chart success around the world for artists including Janet Jackson, You Me At Six, Rick Astley, and blink-182. Recent signings include 311, A Perfect Circle, AJR, Avril Lavigne, Blondie, and Nickelback alongside a burgeoning catalog producing releases by iconic artists such as Iron Maiden, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and The Kinks among others.
Founded in 1997, BBR Music Group grew from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent country label groups, with imprints including Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Red Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records.
Broken Bow Records, BBR Music Group’s original imprint, features a roster of artists including Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch. Stoney Creek Records’ roster includes Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and Adam Craig. Red Bow Records’ artist roster boasts Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell, Chase Bryant and Brooke Eden. Wheelhouse Records is BBR Music Group’s newest imprint, anchored by Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kristian Bush, Runaway June and Walker McGuire.
Franklin Theatre’s ‘The Second Story’ Reimagines Traditional Songwriter Rounds
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Ruby Amanfu, Peter Cooper, Bob DiPiero, Dennis Matkosky
A musical event at the Franklin Theatre will put a new spin on the traditional songwriter rounds popular in Nashville. New series “The Second Story” will showcase not only songwriters’ creative works, but incorporate the works of other types of writers, including poets, authors and playwrights, into the show. The evening opens in a more traditional “songwriter round” style.
“The Second Story is a writer’s night ‘reimagined,'” says Franklin Theatre executive director Dan Hays. “We invite an author to take at least one song from the three featured songwriters that evening and to reimagine the music and words and weave the song from each of them into an entirely new short story. In short, they come up with a ‘second’ story inspired by the songs. The author then tells that story – on stage – and the selected songs are performed and woven into the presentation for the audience.”
The third presentation in this series will take place Friday, July 21, with Ruby Amanfu, Bob DiPiero, Dennis Matkosky and Peter Cooper. Cooper, who has spent time as an author, journalist, songwriter and musician throughout his career, will be the storyteller for the evening, presenting an original story inspired by songs performed by the songwriters.
“Our first two presentations of this concept have been magical evenings. The music has been stellar from the songwriters and the stories created by the authors have mesmerized audiences with wonderful tales and laughter and some wonderful unexpected twists,” says Hays.
Angie Magill Named Sony Music Nashville’s Sr. VP, Legal & Business Affairs
/by Jessica NicholsonSony Music Nashville’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Ken Robold has announced the promotion of Angie Magill to Senior Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Sony Music Nashville.
As counsel to all Sony Music Nashville departments, Magill will continue to handle contract negotiations and asset clearances and oversee the A&R Administration and Release Planning & Production departments.
Robold says, “In the nearly two years we have been working together as a new team, Angie has been a central figure in helping create the new storyline at Sony Music Nashville. From the transition of our artist roster, to the ever-evolving challenges facing our industry with respect to our content, Angie has been at the forefront.”
He continues, “It is with great pleasure we promote her to SVP of Legal & Business Affairs.”
“I am grateful to be a part of this exceptional team and I am honored and humbled by their confidence in me,” remarks Magill.
Magill, who joined the label group 10 years ago, was previously Vice President, Legal & Business affairs for Sony Music Nashville including its three imprints of Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville.
Magill is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, as well as the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Tennessee Law Review.
Preshias Harris Releases Songwriter Handbook
/by Jessica NicholsonThe book, aimed at aspiring singer-songwriters, outlines areas of interest to songwriters, including performing rights organizations, song publishing, recording demos, licensing, and more. The book also includes ‘workbook’ segments to allow readers to make notes of their accomplishments and to apply their personal songwriter business plan.
“My mission in life is to help aspiring singers and songwriters to be the best that they can be. The College of Songology 101 covers ‘the basics’ to enable the inspiring songwriter to launch his or her career successfully,” said Harris. “My experience and tenure in the music business has enabled me the knowledge to protect songwriter hopefuls from making financial mistakes and to help them earn money from their craft as they follow their dream to become an independent songwriter. The handbook outlines necessary tools to enable the music writer to elevate his or her dream from a hobby to a successful career.”
Harris has spent nearly 30 years in the music industry, and currently works as a music career development consultant for rising singer-songwriters.
Harris is the author of Inside Track On Music Row, which appears in Nashville Music Guide and on various websites. She is also the author of I Know Country!, a collection of over 350 Q&As with country artists. She has handled promotion and media relations for the New York Times best-seller Chicken Soup For The Country Soul, and served as song plugger and A&R assistant to a local songwriter, in addition to her role as Promotions Coordinator for George Jones University. Harris serves as Artist Relations/Nashville Division for Boulder Creek Guitars and for Country Rewind Records. She is a member of ASCAP (as a publisher), BMI, CMA, The Recording Academy, NATD and NSAI.
The College of Songology 101 is available now in print and via Kindle. Both versions can be ordered direct from the author at collegeofsongology.com. For a limited time, purchasers of the print version can download the e-book for free.
2017 Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction Dinner And Awards Ceremony Sold Out
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s event will honor the Country Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017, including off-air broadcasters Tim Closson, Charlie Ochs, Mel Owens, and radio personalities – Joe Wade Formicola, Linda Lee, Jim Mantel, and The Good Morning Guys (KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO).
Martina McBride will accept the 2017 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, alongside Mike Dungan who is being honored as the recipient of the 2017 President’s Award.
The event will take place Wednesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 and is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.
Shelby Lynne, Allison Moorer Team Up For New Album, Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMaking it a family affair this time around, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer are hitting the road together on select dates in support of their upcoming release Not Dark Yet. The new album, due out Aug. 18 (Silver Cross/Thirty Tigers), was produced by Teddy Thompson and marks the first time the siblings have recorded an album together.
The shows will kick off in New York City with two nights at City Winery, followed by stops in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, and a few other cities. This marks the first time the sisters have toured together since 2010.
NPR has unveiled an exclusive preview of the album’s title track/Bob Dylan cover, “Not Dark Yet” today here. The collection, which was recorded in Los Angeles last summer, also includes an array of songs by writers ranging from the Louvin Brothers and Nick Cave, to Kurt Cobain and Jessie Colter.
Signings & Hirings: Fiona Culley, Lord & Thorn Music Publishing, So Much Moore Media
/by Jessica NicholsonFiona Culley Inks Deals With WME, in2une, C2 Media Relations
Pictured from (L-R): Carly Caramanna (C2 Media), Jamice Jennings (in2une), Fiona Culley, Brian Jones (WME), Chelsea Dartez (C2 Media)
Marro Records’ British country artist Fiona Culley has signed with William Morris Endeavor exclusively for worldwide representation. The vocal powerhouse has also partnered with in2une Music for radio promotion and C2 Media Relations for PR representation.
Culley is traveling the country visiting stations in advance of the release of her debut radio single “Act Like A Lady” due out in late July. Culley recently recorded a duet with Darius Rucker, “Life On The Line.” Co-written by Culley, Rucker, Tyler Cain and Meghan Linsey, “Life On The Line” is the theme song of a Lionsgate film of the same name starring John Travolta, Kate Bosworth and Sharon Stone.
Lord & Thorn Music Publishing Signs Bobby McLamb
Back Row (standing): Preshias Harris/Lord & Thorn Songwriter Services & Coordinator; Daryl Price/President & CEO Lord & Thorn Music Publishing.
Front Row (seated): Larry Alderman, Bobby McLamb
The Beaufort, South Carolina native has written alongside Brent Stenzel, Bernie Nelson, Frank Myers, and Ray Fulcher. McLamb has enjoyed collaborative endeavors with recording/touring artists including Chris Bandi, Grassroots Revival, Garret Speer, Nick Alligood, Sugar & Steel and many more.
Mountain Home Music Company Hires So Much Moore Media
Martha Moore
Mountain Home Music Company has hired Martha Moore of So Much Moore Media to handle publicity for the upcoming Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Life Is A Story CD. Moore has handled previous label artist projects for Darin & Brooke Aldridge and NewTown.
Sony ATV CEO Martin Bandier Makes Plea To Streaming Services For Equal Treatment Of Writers
/by Lorie HollabaughPortraits of Martin Bandier, CEO of Sony/ATV
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier took a moment while receiving a Lifetime Service Award from Smokey Robinson at the National Music Publishers’ Association’s (NMPA) Centennial Annual Meeting on Wednesday to call streaming services to task about recognizing the contributions of songwriters. During his speech Bandier called upon Spotify, Apple Music, and others to fully and clearly credit songwriters like they do with recording artists.
During his speech at the industry trade association event in New York, Bandier lamented that writers were still not receiving an equitable share of the enormous amount of money being generated by the streaming services.
“The fruits of our labor are not being equitably rewarded and we are not benefitting from the streaming revolution as meaningfully as we should,” he said. “I’ve always believed that songwriters are not getting proper recognition. This is even more prevalent today on the leading music streaming services. Far too often the songwriter’s contribution is overlooked or even forgotten. I have no doubt that this lack of public recognition has played a major part in why songwriters are not treated on an equal basis as the recording artist. When I look today at the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, I ask: where are the names of the songwriters? They are either not there or so hidden that you would have to be a special prosecutor, or perhaps The Washington Post – to find them. It is as if the songwriters do not exist and the only people who matter are the recording artists. However, without the songwriters coming up with the words and music in the first place, there would be nothing for the artist to record and no music to stream.”
Bandier went on to urge the streaming services to prominently show the songwriters names just as they credit the artists names as a small step and show of solidarity to the writers who create the music.
DisClaimer: Dan Auerbach, Paramore, Angel Snow Shine In Rock Crop This Week
/by Robert K OermannAfter last week’s CMA fest, I needed a break from country music. Right on schedule, some of the biggest names in Nashville’s pop/rock community have new albums to enjoy.
Our Male Vocalist winner is Dan Auerbach. Equally clear cut is our Group winner, Paramore. Deciding on the Female Disc of the Day is a lot tougher. Angel Snow, Greta Gaines and Sheryl Crow all have marvelous qualities to recommend them. In a neck-and-neck finish, I’m going with Angel Snow.
DADDY ISSUES/In Your Head
Writers: Daddy Issues; Producers: Jake Orrall; Publishers: none listed, SESAC
– This female trio cranks up a fuzz-tone, lo-fi, punk-rock slab of sound on this track from its current Deep Dream CD. The next time somebody questions Nashville’s rock bona fides to ya, put this on and turn up the volume to “10.”
DAN AUERBACH/Waiting On A Song
Writers: Dan Auerbach/John Prine/Pat McLaughlin/Richard Swift; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Publisher: Hour Box/Wixen/Tommy Jack/Corn Country\/Clearbox/Dance Contest Winner, BMI/ASCAP
– The Black Keys frontman has issued a marvelously diverse solo album. This title tune has a bopping, jaunty, Americana vibe. But other tracks rock with layers of sound, get trippy with audio effects, thump with r&b grooves and/or reach into retro pop styles. The collection finds him surrounded by a wide variety of Nashville pickers, including Duane Eddy, Jerry Douglas, Kenny Vaughan, John Prine and Pat McLaughlin. The diversity of styles here is highly admirable. Fabulous listening.
ALL THEM WITCHES/Bruce Lee
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: None listed
– His Nashville four-piece rock combo cooks up a steaming blues-rock pot of psychedelia on its CD Sleeping Through the War. Very mind expanding.
PARAMORE/Hard Times
Writers: Hayley Williams/Taylor York; Producer: Justin Meldal-Johnsen & Taylor York; Publisher: WB, ASCAP
– One of Middle Tennessee’s best known bands is back with a CD titled After Laughter. The collection’s lift-off single and opening track is a catchy, dance-pop outing with burbling beats and inescapable attitude. A very refreshing change of pace for a group that has sometimes specialized in volume at the expense of melodies.
COIN/Feeling
Writers: Ryan Winnen/Chase Lawrence/Zachary Dyke/Joseph Memmel/Tim Pagnotta; Producer: Andrew Maury; Publisher: Spirit One/Songs of Global Entertainment/This Is COIN/These Are Songs of Pulse/Sony-ATV Ballad/Burrito Bandito, BMI/ASCAP
– How Will You Know If You Never Try is the sophomore album by Nashville’s COIN. This emphasis track has an ‘80s, new-wave vibe. Highly stylish. The band has been named Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and one of Time magazine’s 21 Musicians We Want to Hear From.
SHERYL CROW/Halfway There
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott & Sheryl Crow; Publisher: Old Green Barn/Mortal and Pestle/Ole, BMI/ASCAP
– On her new Be Myself CD, Sheryl Crow returns to the pop/rock idiom that made her famous. The forward momentum of its steadily rhythmic lead single will have your heart beating in time. The track’s deep-bottom groove contrasts nicely with her silvery soprano delivery. She remains an audio treasure.
GRETA GAINES/Begin Again
Writers: Greta Gaines; Producer: Eric Fritsch & Greta Gaines; Publisher: Oh Happy, BMI
– The new Tumbleweed EP by Greta Gaines drops tomorrow. The download sales of its bonus track, “Light It Up,” will go toward NORML’s efforts to legalize weed. This track finds her musing over guitars that alternately slither, grumble, moan and shriek. In contrast to some of her earlier rock efforts, this disc leans in an Americana-soul direction. In addition to being a singer-songwriter, this Nashvillian is also a champion snowboarder, an ace fly-fisherman and talented ESPN host.
TIM RUSHLOW & HIS BIG BAND/Plenty Of Money And You
Writers: Harry Warren/Al Dubin; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: Warner, ASCAP
– Rushlow is a Music City troubadour who has reinvented himself as the leader of a horn-honking swing band. Its debut CD/DVD was recorded live, and the excitement comes across beautifully. The repertoire ranges from “Beyond the Sea,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Mack the Knife,” “That’s Life” and “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” to less familiar tunes from the Great American Songbook like this one. The group will take up residency at The Nashville Palace beginning Nov. 10. Be there or be square.
ANGEL SNOW/Photographs
Writers: Angel Snow/Jonathan Trebing; Producer: Lee Groves; Publisher: none listed
– The atmospheric textures of Angel Snow’s current album Magnetic are entrancing. The swirling pop confection is the album this Nashville singer-songwriter was always meant to make. Its track “Secret” has had over one million streams on Spotify. This follow-up is even more dreamy, layered and lovely. I remain a huge fan.
DAVE POMEROY/Angel in the Ashes
Writers: Ben Cyllus/Dave Pomeroy; Producer: Dave Pomeroy; Publishers: Groove Room/Calhoun/Kung Fu Unicorn, BMI
– This longtime instrumental great has been working on his new CD for 10 years. The wait has been worth it, because the collection is wildly inventive. This pop-folk title track has a warm vocal as well as his customary virtuoso bass playing. In addition to a heaping helping of originals, he covers tunes by Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester and Buddy Mondlock, not to mention jazzbos like Charles Mingus (”Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”). Don’t miss the album’s centerpiece, his eight-minute funk medley of “Ball of Confusion,” “For the Love of Money” and “Cloud Nine” (50 audio tracks deep). Now, here’s the really mind-blowing thing: All of the instrumental sounds on the album are made by various basses, acoustic and electric, 41 of them! No drums. No guitars. Just basses. This is a fantastic listening experience.