In Pictures: American Currents, Thomas Rhett, Josh Turner, Midland

/by

American Currents Exhibit Opens At Country Music Hall Of Fame

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Kyle Young Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (4th. from left) Charlie Cushman, Johnny Warren, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, and Shawn Camp of musical group The Earls of Leicester. (Middle Row, L-R): songwriter Ross Copperman, singer-songwriters Natalie Hemby, Mickey Guyton, Margo Price, William Michael Morgan, Shane McAnally and Sierra Hull. (Front Row, L-R): RaeLynn, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, Randy Travis, John Prine, Jason Isbell and Brett Eldredge. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images [click photo to enlarge]

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition American Currents (The Music of 2016) Tuesday night (March 14). Located in the Museum’s ACM Gallery, the exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes view of all things new and noteworthy in the country world from the prior year. Several artists in attendance viewed their displays in the exhibit for the first time including Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line and William Michael Morgan.

 

Thomas Rhett Receives Multi-Platinum Recognition In Baltimore

Thomas Rhett received a plaque before his show last Friday night (March 10) in Baltimore at Royal Farms from NMPA President & CEO David Israelite commemorating gold, platinum, and multi-platinum sales for “Die A Happy Man,” “‘Round Here,” “Make Me Wanna,” “Beer with Jesus,” “Parking Lot Party” and “Vacation!”

 

Josh And Jenna Dish On ‘Today’

Josh Turner stopped by NBC-TV’s TODAY show Tuesday (March 14) while in New York City to perform his current single “Hometown Girl,” and co-host the 10 o’clock hour with Jenna Bush.

 

Midland Stops By Spotify During Nashville Visit

Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Spotify’s John Marks and Midland’s Mark Wystrach

New group Midland stopped by the Spotify offices recently while in Nashville to hang with Spotify’s John Marks.

Thomas Rhett, Virginia Davis, Rhett Akins, Roc Nation Launch Publishing Venture

/by

Thomas Rhett, Virginia Davis

Thomas Rhett, his longtime manager Virginia Davis (G Major Management), as well as his songwriter father Rhett Akins have launched a new creative endeavor with Jay Z’s Roc Nation, named Home Team Publishing.

Thomas Rhett’s personal publishing will stay with his long-standing publisher EMI/SONY.

Eric Olson is the company’s first signing. The Seattle, Washington native moved to Nashville in 2010 and connected with Kelly Clarkson’s musical director, Jason Halbert, with whom he went on to co-produce and write Clarkson’s smash hit “Catch My Breath.” Olson has collaborated with artists such as Dave Barnes, Danielle Bradbery, Mr Hudson, Dan Tyminski, Cappa, Chris Lane and Akins.

“Songwriting has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” shares Thomas Rhett who, along with his father Akins, are the only father/son co-write to ever top the country Billboard radio charts. Rhett’s most recent single, “Star of the Show,” garnered him his seventh No. 1 song on country Billboard radio charts.

“I was a songwriter before I was an artist, and I was lucky enough to find a team that believed in me really early on,” continues Rhett. “Songwriting the foundation for my artist career, so I’m excited and honored to be able to invest in the future of the songwriting community.”

“Thomas and Rhett are both naturals at identifying and nurturing talent,” offers Davis.

“I’m beyond excited to be a part of Home Team Publishing,” says Akins. “Why wouldn’t I be? I get to work with Virginia Davis and Thomas Rhett- two of the most hard-working, talented and creative people in the industry.”

“There are few teams that have the amazing track record of Virginia Davis, Thomas Rhett and Rhett Atkins,” added CEO Roc Nation, Jay Brown. “They have a deep appreciation for artists and an uncanny ear for hits. Home Team Publishing is an exciting and natural partnership for Roc Nation.”

In 2016, Roc Nation launched Roc Nation Nashville—a venture with Warner/Chappell—and Rhythm House—a venture with Jesse Frasure. Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill was announced to work across the companies.

Sarah Romero Named Director Of Brand Partnerships At G7 Marketing

/by

Sarah Romero has joined G7 Entertainment Marketing, which is part of the independent agency network Project Worldwide, as Director of Brand Partnerships and Strategy. In her newly-created role, Romero will work on new business development and help forge entertainment industry partnerships. She reports directly to G7 CEO Andre Gaccetta and will start in her new position March 27.

Romero most recently served as Senior Manager, Partnership Marketing at Big Machine Label Group, with previous stops at Warner Bros. Records and the CMA working with brands like Anheuser-Busch, Ford, and Delta.

“Sarah’s decade of entertainment marketing experience in brand partnerships will increase the playing field for G7 moving forward,” said Gaccetta. “We’re thrilled to have such an ardent music fan and industry leader joining our team.”

Nashville-based G7 counts Ram Trucks, Cisco, Salesforce, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and Harley-Davidson among its clients.

Warner/Chappell, Liz Rose Music, BMI Ink Deal With Cameron Bedell

/by

Pictured (Back row, L-R): BJ Hill (WC), Will Overton (WC), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Alison Junker (WC), Alyson McAnally, (LRM), Natalie Paslay (LRM), Travis Carter (WC), Scott Ponce (LRM). (Front row, L-R): Liz Rose (LRM), Cameron Bedell, Brad Beausir (LRM)

Warner/Chappell, Liz Rose Music and BMI have announced a new deal with Kansas native Cameron Bedell.

Bedell, who moved to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University, spent his first years in Nashville playing shows and making albums both as a solo artist and with his band The Skunks.

After appearing on American Idol in 2014, Bedell began to focus on full-time songwriting and producing.

Country Radio Broadcasters Accepting Agenda Committee Applications

/by

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. is accepting applications from interested parties wishing to be considered for the 2017-2018 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Agenda Committee. The application deadline is March 31, 2017.

Greg Frey, VP of Programming Operations at Cumulus Media, Inc. will serve as the 2018 Country Radio Seminar agenda chair with co-chairs, Judy Lakin, Director of Sales at Cox Media Group (Houston), and Jay Cruze, Director of Country Programming at iHeartMedia (Kentucky & Indiana).

The CRS Agenda Committee is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the Country radio and record industries. The committee is primarily responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on June 21-23, 2017. Applicants are also expected to attend CRS 2018, held Feb. 5-7, 2018.

Visit countryradioseminar.com to fill out the application by March 31, 2017.

SOLID Plans Annual Music Row Madness Bowl

/by

SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) will host their 7th Annual Music Row Madness Bowl for Kids’ Sake Bowling Tournament on Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Donelson Strike and Spare (2710 Old Lebanon Rd.). All proceeds from the “bowl-a-thon” style event will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Though hosted by SOLID, registration is open to the public. Each team must consist of five or six individuals and raise a minimum of $750. Participants also have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including a private Pedal Tavern ride for 16 people and gift cards to Nashville area hot spots, including Five Points Pizza, White’s Mercantile and Grimeys.

In addition to team participation, SOLID is seeking corporate sponsors for a minimum donation of $500. Last year, SOLID raised and donated over $29,000 to the organization.

“We’ve had a wonderful relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters over the years and truly appreciate the impact they have on the Nashville community,” said SOLID President Basak Kizilisik. “We look forward to our bowl-a-thon each year and hope to raise the bar this year in terms of donations and support.”

The team registration deadline is March 20. To register your team, go to http://bit.ly/SOLID-BOWL17. For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Ben Boyd at boydben83@gmail.com or Courtney Hyder at courtney@themcollective.com.

Exegan Music Group Rebrands, Acquires Country Music Media Outlet

/by

Las Vegas-based Exegan Music Group has rebranded to become Exegan Media & Entertainment, and recently acquired the Country Pusher branded website, a country music news and review media outlet.

The rebranding and acquisition are aimed to expand Exegan’s reach beyond record label ownership and music catalog management to a broader array of entertainment projects. The company owns labels including Gateway Records and Nashville-based Silverado Records.

“We’ve shifted gears over the last two years, and felt it was important to present our corporate brand in a way that reflects our current direction, and future plans,” said Exegan CEO Scott Thomas.

Charles Kelley To Host ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic

/by

Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley. Photo: Getty Images

Charles Kelley has been tapped to host the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas on April 1. Proceeds from the “scramble” style golf tournament, being held for the sixth consecutive year at TPC Las Vegas, will go to the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry.

Established by former ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair Gayle Holcomb in honor of her mother, the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund responds quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of music-related organizations and individuals. Since its inception in 2007, the Fund has distributed more than $500,000.

“I’ve been able to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic tournament for the past couple of years, so I’m looking forward to stepping back up onto the green again this year,” said Kelley. “Getting together with my buddies to play a round in Vegas is always the perfect way to head into the award show, especially when it’s also for a good cause.”

The Golf Classic will take place during the “Week Vegas Goes Country,” surrounding the 52nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards which will broadcast live for the first time from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 2 on CBS. 

Tegan Marie Participates In Sweety High Gen Z Panel At SXSW

/by

Pictured (L-R): Sweety High Founder / CCO, Veronica Zelle, country vocalist Tegan Marie, singer/dancer Mackenzie Ziegler (Dance Moms), actress Skai Jackson (Disney’s “Bunk’d”), entrepreneur/fashion designer Alexandra Chang (The Zeitgeist) and aspiring astronaut Abigail Harrison (AKA Astronaut Abby) Photo Credit: Sweety High

Tegan Marie was part of Sweety High’s South By Southwest panel, “GEN Z: The New Power Brokers” at the festival on Sunday (March 12), and the girls’ online media platform commanded one of the largest collective audiences at the annual festival with a live streaming audience of 120,000, reaching over 750,000 in less than an hour. The mass live audience largely tuned in through Musical.ly’s live stream platform Lively.TV.

The panel was moderated by Sweety High founder and CCO Veronica Zelle, and included five young ladies who are all under the age of 20 with a combined online fanbase of 35 million: Marie, singer/dancer Mackenzie Ziegler (Dance Moms), actress Skai Jackson (Disney’s Bunk’d), entrepreneur/fashion designer Alexandra Chang (The Zeitgeist) and aspiring astronaut Abigail Harrison (AKA Astronaut Abby).

The panel provided insight on the qualities, values and consumer spending habits of the Gen Z generation (roughly 4-20 years old) that is predicted to be 40% of the U.S. consumers by 2020. Gen Z currently accounts for a quarter of the U.S. population, nearly 67 million kids, and makes up the largest, most tech-savvy generation in history with over $600 billion in direct and influenced spending annually.

“They carry tremendous spending power to influence almost everything,” Zelle said. “If you’re not culturally relevant enough to make it into her social feed, you will not be able to have a relationship with her [the Gen Z girl].”

Patsy Cline Museum Set To Open April 7

/by

Fans of Patsy Cline will find plenty of exciting artifacts and mementos from Cline’s life on display at the new Patsy Cline Museum which opens April 7 in Nashville. Located on the second level of the building which houses the Johnny Cash Museum at 119 Third Ave South, the museum houses the largest collection of Patsy Cline memorabilia in the world, including personal letters, photos, costumes, clothing, and even household furnishings from her Nashville dream home that have been locked away for more than 50 years.

“In her nine short years as a recording artist from ‘55 to ‘63, she forever changed the voice of country music, the role of female artists and influenced performers across all genres,” says Founder Bill Miller. “To this very day, artists still cover her hits and you’ll hear her recordings used in motion pictures and TV series. She deserved her own museum as she continues to transcend generations of fans. We are honored to work with Patsy’s children to preserve her legacy.”

Guests will travel back to Cline’s humble beginnings in Winchester, Virginia, and see family photos, possessions and even the very booth she waitressed at as a teen at Gaunt’s Drugstore. Never-before-seen costumes that highlight her transition from western cowgirl to torch singing headliner will also be on display, many of which were designed and sewn by her mother, Hilda.

Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to step inside Patsy’s famed Rec Room, where many entertainers dropped in to jam in the dream home Patsy purchased on Nella Drive in Goodlettsville, Tenn. The room contains original furnishings owned and used by Cline and her husband Charlie Dick. A vintage jukebox broadcasts her mega-hit “Crazy,” highlighting its distinction as the most-programmed jukebox song of all time. A bio film also documents Patsy’s career and is hosted by noted actress Beverly D’Angelo, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in the 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter.

“I am very happy to speak on behalf of my brothers, Randy and Chip, and in honor of the legacy of my mother Patsy Cline,” says Julie Fudge. “Since the passing of our father, this is our first step together in continuing to share Mom’s music, life and story, as we feel Dad would have. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with and experience what Bill will present to old and new fans alike.”

The museum will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and admission is $18.95.