Photo (L-R): Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally and Ben Hayslip. Photo: Steve Lowry
On Wednesday (March 1), the Nashville music industry gathered to celebrate Valory Music Co. artist Thomas Rhett’s two latest No. 1 singles, “T-Shirt” and “Star Of The Show.” The songs mark his sixth and seventh No. 1 singles to date. ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Michael Martin, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts celebrated the writers for both songs.
First up was “T-Shirt,” penned by Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and produced by Jesse Frasure and Dann Huff.
Creative Nation’s Beth Laird continued the tradition of finding unique gifts for songwriters, surprising Gorley, Laird and McAnally with Guns N’ Roses tour jackets. Label execs and producers also received Guns N’ Roses caps.
Also honoring the track were SmackSongs’ Robert Carlton, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Cyndi Forman, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn.
“If anyone doesn’t think that Thomas Rhett is next, you’re wrong. 2017 is going to be a nuclear year for you my friend,” said Vaughn.
ASCAP welcomed sponsor First Tennessee Bank, while BMI welcomed Ron Cox from Pinnacle Bank to help honor the songwriters.
BMLG’s founder and CEO Scott Borchetta, as well as Valory Music Co. GM George Briner, also offered congratulatory words. Briner presented Thomas Rhett and the songwriters with crystal statues to commemorate the song’s radio success.
“This is family,” Borchetta said. “I saw Rhett [Akins] when I walked in. He was a Decca Records when I was at MCA [Nashville], so I got to see Thomas as a very young boy, and watching him grow up into an incredible young man.”
Borchetta also recalled how “T-Shirt” was nearly recorded by Tim McGraw.
“I remember one night Thomas Rhett called me and said, ‘Are you familiar with this song that [Tim] McGraw has on hold called ‘T-Shirt’? I said, ‘Yeah, he loves it.’ He goes, ‘Can you see if you can get it from him?’ I said, ‘You know it.’ I hit McGraw up because I knew where he was in the cutting. I said, ‘I really want this. TR has loved this song. Let him have it.’ He texted me back and said, ‘It’s TR’s. That’s how much Tim McGraw respects Thomas Rhett.”
“I can’t believe we are even here talking about No. 1 songs and headlining tours,” Thomas Rhett said of “T-Shirt.” “This has been [wife] Lauren’s favorite song for three years now. You’re probably sick of it now, but at one time it was your favorite. Thank you for supporting me. I feel like this song is such a survivor, it took so long to get here. But I think all songs go where they are supposed to go.”
Next, the crowd celebrated Rhett, his father and songwriter Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip for penning “Star Of The Show.” With “Star Of The Show,” Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins became the only father-son co-write to ever top the Country Billboard radio charts.
ASCAP’s Michael Martin, THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and more gathered to honor the track. Gaston noted that Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip have had 100 cuts on songs they have penned.
Meanwhile, Van Valkenburg announced that Sony/ATV had made a donation to 147 Million Orphans, an organization that Thomas Rhett and his wife support heavily.
“Star Of The Show” marked the first country hit for producers Joe London and Julian Bunetta. London, also known as Joe Spargur, also co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s smash hit “Die A Happy Man.”
“We were putting the deluxe package together last summer and we were going through some demos and songs that Thomas wanted to include,” noted Borchetta. “We had a different single picked for the fourth quarter and he sent me the demo for…the only thing that I think really existed was the live version from a radio station. Again, this was one of those songs that had been sitting for a while. I listened and responded by saying, ‘This is the single.’ Sometimes you have to be smart enough to get out of the way. We took this wonderful demo, of course Allison [Jones, of BMLG] was on board, and a wonderful thing happened.
“This is my 192nd No. 1 single,” Borchetta continued. “Yesterday, we had the best song meeting ever. Thomas Rhett came in to talk about the next album and the first single, and he played one song and I was like, ‘Unreal.’ So the way I’m calculating it, it could be 196 and I’m counting on you to have No. 200. Congratulations.”
Universal Music Publishing Group Extends Deal With Eric Arjes
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Cyndi Forman, UMPG VP, Creative; Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville Executive VP/General Manager; Eric Arjes; Missy Roberts, UMPG Nashville Sr. Creative Director; Ron Stuve, UMPG Nashville VP Creative; and Travis Gordon, UMPG Sr. Creative Director
Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville has re-signed Eric Arjes.
Since first signing with UMPG in 2013, the songwriter, producer, and artist has written numerous songs for Tim McGraw, Ryan Hurd, Thompson Square and the Newsboys. Arjes has gained over a million Spotify streams from his single, “Find My Way Back,” which was featured in the MTV show Teen Wolf. In the last three years, his songs have also been featured in various films and commercials, including spots for Walmart, Pringles, Hersheys, as well as on The Best Of Me, and The Walking Dead, among others.
Arjes recently released a new EP, Unbroken, featuring the song “On My Shoulder,” which was included on Apple Music’s “Today’s Hits” playlist.
Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini Winners at iHeart Radio Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, and Kelsea Ballerini were the big country winners at Sunday night’s iHeart Radio Awards at the Forum in L.A. Thomas Rhett took home the trophy for Country Artist of the Year, while Stapleton’s Traveller continues to rack up awards with the Country Album of the Year nod.
Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach” was named iHeart Country Song of the Year, and Ballerini was voted Best New Country Artist at the ceremonies, which featured performances by Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and more. Justin Timberlake took home the Song of the Year for “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” Justin Bieber was named Male Artist of the Year, Adele took home Female Artist of the Year, and The Chainsmokers received the Best New Artist award during the night.
Rascal Flatts Plots 10th Studio Album, ‘Back To Us’
/by Jessica NicholsonRascal Flatts will release the trio’s 10th studio album, Back To Us, on May 19 via Big Machine Records.
“There was a nostalgic feeling between the three of us while in the studio for this record, a feeling that was more reminiscent of our first albums,” said Jay DeMarcus. “The journey we’ve all been on together is unreal and I can honestly say I’m even more excited about what is ahead for us. BACK TO US is not only a title of a song on the album, but a feeling that has been building around this new music. It just fits in so many ways.”
“With this being our tenth album, we knew we wanted to be careful and deliberate in how we approached it,” said Gary LeVox. “This time around, the three of us have been able to really focus and work together on what we want to say at this point in our careers. We’ve all been so energized by the process of making this album and we still have a lot more music to make and we still actually like each other….for now.”
“Even though we do love to joke around, one of the best parts of being in the band is how much we really do enjoy each other’s company,” said Joe Don Rooney. “I think the comradery while recording BACK TO US has really lent itself to the spirit of the songs. We’re so excited for everyone else to hear how much fun we had making this.”
The album features the first single, “Yours If You Want It,” penned by Jonathan Singleton and Andrew Dorff.
Sony Music Nashville Appoints Ed Rivadavia As VP, Digital Strategy
/by Jessica NicholsonEd Rivadavia
Ed Rivadavia has been appointed to the post of Vice President, Digital Strategy, Sony Music Nashville. Effective Monday, March 6, Rivadavia will begin his new role and report directly to John Zarling, Sony Music Nashville’s Executive Vice President, Marketing & New Business.
“Ed brings unmatched energy and expertise to lead a team whose mission is to reach our audience in an ever-changing digital and social landscape,” said Zarling. “As the business needs of our artists morph in the interactive space, I am excited to know the Digital Marketing team will be led by one of the industry’s most respected marketers.”
Rivadavia will oversee the digital strategy for Sony Music Nashville’s Arista, Columbia and RCA Nashville rosters, including social media and web campaigns, content development and music video content use. In tandem with his direct-reports, Digital Marketing Managers Caroline Bocko, Rachael Knaak and Jaime Marconette, Rivadavia will identify and develop specific digital opportunities and partnerships to impact artist exposure, fan engagement and revenue.
On his new position, Rivadavia remarked, “I’m thrilled to join the Sony Music Nashville team under the leadership of John Zarling and Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman. I look forward to contributing my digital marketing experience to help foster our artists’ continued career success.”
Most recently Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategy for Century Label Group, a division of Sony Music, Ed Rivadavia has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Arts, Entertainment and Media Management degree from Columbia College Chicago. Rivadavia’s label history began in 1995 as an intern for Polygram Group Distribution, later taking on the role of Radio Promotion Regional for A&M Records. In New York, Rivadavia was New Media Manager for Wind-Up Records, head of digital marketing at Chris Blackwell’s Palm Pictures, Director of New Media at Roadrunner Records and Sr. Director, Digital Marketing at RCA Records. After leaving RCA Records, he became the Sr. Director of Interactive at Mood Media/DMX and the Vice President, Business Development & Marketing for One Live Media.
Rivadavia can be reached at ed.rivadavia@sonymusic.com.
LifeNotes: Country Concert In The Hills Founder Dies
/by Lorie HollabaughMike and wife Mary Jo
Mike Barhorst, 77, the founder of the Country Concert In The Hills Festival, passed away at his home in Fort Laramie on March 1.
Barhorst started Country Concert In The Hills in 1981, and the annual event grew out of a family get-together with a few hundred friends in the late ’70s to become the huge festival it is today.
Seth Ennis’ New EP ‘Mabelle’ Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughSeth Ennis is releasing his new Arista Nashville EP, Mabelle, today, Friday (March 3) and the singer/songwriter will celebrate its release with a performance on the Grand Ole Opry tonight, marking his second performance on the hallowed stage.
The new EP was produced by Corey Crowder and recorded in Nashville, and its title is a nod to the building where Ennis first resided when he first moved to Nashville with his three best friends. The four slept in bunk bed setups in the tiny one bedroom apartment, which is where the Georgia native was inspired to pen his new single, “Woke Up In Nashville.” The 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist co-produced and played all musical parts on his debut single.
Mabelle Tracks:
“Play It Cool”
Written by Seth Ennis/Femke/Phil Barton
“Think & Drive”
Written by Seth Ennis/Jonny Price/Emily Shackelton
“Fast Girl”
Written by Seth Ennis/Corey Crowder/Andrew Dorff
“Woke Up in Nashville”
Written by Seth Ennis/Blair Daly/David Hodges
Jake Owen to Play Ascend Amphitheater in April
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen will perform at Ascend Amphitheater on April 27, marking his first time headlining a ticketed event in Nashville. Tickets for the show, which will also feature special guests Eric Paslay and LANco, are on sale here.
“I couldn’t be more excited to play Ascend Amphitheater,” says Owen. “I left Florida in 2004 to make Music City my home. Since that day, I’ve worked tirelessly, alongside many other folks, to build a career in this business. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share what we’ve built. I’ve waited a long time to bring a headline show to Nashville. There are so many amazingly talented people in this town, and I feel so grateful to know that I can be a small part of a wonderful community. I can’t wait until April 27th!”
Industry Ink: TJ Martell Young Professionals, Travis Tritt, Nstyle Country, T. Graham Brown, Ronnie McDowell
/by Lorie HollabaughTJ Martell Young Profs Gear Up For Derby Bed Race
Pictured, Back row, (L-R): Lexia Chamryk, Country Thunder; Nick Miller, WME; JD McCorkle, Billions; Nate Ritches, Morris Higham Management; co-chair Justin Cahill, CAA; Elyse Wiser, Wortman Works; Mark Turcotte, MWC Media; Tinti Moffat, T.J. Martell Foundation; Emilie Gilbert, Sony Music Nashville; Meredith White, Bubble Up; Kelsey Dewald, Do615; co-chair Nicholas Garvin, Fusion Music/Red Light Management; Kevin Quinlivan, T.J. Martell Foundation. Middle row (L-R): Kristin Wingard, APA; co-chair Liz Cost, Sony Music Nashville; Megan Thieme, Tin Roof Bars; Kindal Jumper, Soundcheck Nashville. Front row (L-R): Rudi Wilhoite, Outback Concerts; Blaire Buergler, T.J. Martell Foundation, co-chair Zach Farnum, Webster PR; Leah Nelson, T.J. Martell Foundation Photo credit: Jen Silver Photography. [Click to enlarge photo]
Young professionals from all walks of the music industry and other Nashville businesses were present, including CAA, APA, WME, The Billions Corporation, Soundcheck, Wortman Works, Webster PR, Sony Music Nashville, Warner Music Group, Huskins-Harris, Red Light Management, Morris Higham Management and more.
The Downtown Derby Bed Race will be held on May 6 raising funds for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.
Travis Tritt Celebrates 25 Years As An Opry Member
Pictured (L-R): Michael Guth (Opry Entertainment), John Conlee, Travis Tritt, Bill Cody (Opry announcer/650 AM WSM), Dan Rogers (Opry Entertainment). Photo: Chris Hollo
Travis Tritt celebrated his 25th anniversary of becoming an Opry member last Tuesday night (Feb. 28). During his 30-minute set, John Conlee presented Tritt with a commemorative plaque congratulating the singer for his long-time relationship with the Opry. While standing inside the famous six-foot circle on stage, Tritt told the crowd that being a member of the Opry is the “biggest honor of my life.” Prior to his performance backstage Opry executives surprised Tritt with a cake to celebrate the historic night.
NStyle Country Fashion Series Launches March 9
T. Graham Brown Inks With ArtistLive Agency For Booking
AL’s Taylor Bock, Brown, AL’s Deric Brown
T. Graham Brown has signed with the Nashville-based ArtistLive Agency for booking. Brown, who will be touring in support of his Grammy-nominated album Forever Changed, recently celebrated his 200th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
“I’m very excited to be working with Deric Brown and Tayler Bock at ArtistLive Agency, for my booking,” said T. Graham Brown. “They’re great guys, hard workers, who really know the business and we’re looking forward to a big year and a long relationship.”
Ronnie McDowell Reopens Strawberry Manor
Ronnie McDowell is renovating and reopening Portland’s Strawberry Manor, which was originally constructed by his father in 1977. The building will serve as a museum for McDowell’s memorabilia, a store where fans can purchase McDowell’s music and paintings, and a new entertainment venue. McDowell plans to open doors this spring with a homecoming celebration. The name “Strawberry Manor” is taken from a larger-than-life wall painting done by McDowell and his late brother when the building was constructed which still remains in mint condition featured prominently when you enter the front door of the manor.
Starstruck Entertainment Names Jeremy Gold Director of Digital Strategy
/by Jessica NicholsonJeremy Gold
Starstruck Entertainment has announced the addition of Jeremy Gold to the company’s digital-initiatives team as Director of Digital Strategy. Gold will focus on the development of social media marketing, content marketing, digital advertising, and streaming efforts.
Starstuck President and CEO, Narvel Blackstock, commented, “Jeremy brings an enthusiastic expertise in digital media to Starstruck. As our newest team member, we are looking forward to his contribution to the careers of our management clients and those in development.”
Gold, a Belmont University graduate, previously served as Warner Music Nashville’s Interactive Marketing Manager, where he developed digital strategies for the label’s roster. He also oversaw the independent release of Cale Dodd‘s People Watching EP in 2016.
Founded in 1988, Starstruck Entertainment develops, manages, promotes and markets entertainers, songwriters, and producers. Starstruck clients include Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.
Gold can be reached at jeremy.gold@starstruck.net.
Thomas Rhett Celebrates A Double Shot Of Chart-Toppers At No. 1 Party
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto (L-R): Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally and Ben Hayslip. Photo: Steve Lowry
On Wednesday (March 1), the Nashville music industry gathered to celebrate Valory Music Co. artist Thomas Rhett’s two latest No. 1 singles, “T-Shirt” and “Star Of The Show.” The songs mark his sixth and seventh No. 1 singles to date. ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Michael Martin, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts celebrated the writers for both songs.
First up was “T-Shirt,” penned by Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and produced by Jesse Frasure and Dann Huff.
Creative Nation’s Beth Laird continued the tradition of finding unique gifts for songwriters, surprising Gorley, Laird and McAnally with Guns N’ Roses tour jackets. Label execs and producers also received Guns N’ Roses caps.
Also honoring the track were SmackSongs’ Robert Carlton, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Cyndi Forman, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn.
“If anyone doesn’t think that Thomas Rhett is next, you’re wrong. 2017 is going to be a nuclear year for you my friend,” said Vaughn.
ASCAP welcomed sponsor First Tennessee Bank, while BMI welcomed Ron Cox from Pinnacle Bank to help honor the songwriters.
BMLG’s founder and CEO Scott Borchetta, as well as Valory Music Co. GM George Briner, also offered congratulatory words. Briner presented Thomas Rhett and the songwriters with crystal statues to commemorate the song’s radio success.
“This is family,” Borchetta said. “I saw Rhett [Akins] when I walked in. He was a Decca Records when I was at MCA [Nashville], so I got to see Thomas as a very young boy, and watching him grow up into an incredible young man.”
Borchetta also recalled how “T-Shirt” was nearly recorded by Tim McGraw.
“I remember one night Thomas Rhett called me and said, ‘Are you familiar with this song that [Tim] McGraw has on hold called ‘T-Shirt’? I said, ‘Yeah, he loves it.’ He goes, ‘Can you see if you can get it from him?’ I said, ‘You know it.’ I hit McGraw up because I knew where he was in the cutting. I said, ‘I really want this. TR has loved this song. Let him have it.’ He texted me back and said, ‘It’s TR’s. That’s how much Tim McGraw respects Thomas Rhett.”
“I can’t believe we are even here talking about No. 1 songs and headlining tours,” Thomas Rhett said of “T-Shirt.” “This has been [wife] Lauren’s favorite song for three years now. You’re probably sick of it now, but at one time it was your favorite. Thank you for supporting me. I feel like this song is such a survivor, it took so long to get here. But I think all songs go where they are supposed to go.”
Next, the crowd celebrated Rhett, his father and songwriter Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip for penning “Star Of The Show.” With “Star Of The Show,” Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins became the only father-son co-write to ever top the Country Billboard radio charts.
ASCAP’s Michael Martin, THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and more gathered to honor the track. Gaston noted that Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip have had 100 cuts on songs they have penned.
Meanwhile, Van Valkenburg announced that Sony/ATV had made a donation to 147 Million Orphans, an organization that Thomas Rhett and his wife support heavily.
“Star Of The Show” marked the first country hit for producers Joe London and Julian Bunetta. London, also known as Joe Spargur, also co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s smash hit “Die A Happy Man.”
“We were putting the deluxe package together last summer and we were going through some demos and songs that Thomas wanted to include,” noted Borchetta. “We had a different single picked for the fourth quarter and he sent me the demo for…the only thing that I think really existed was the live version from a radio station. Again, this was one of those songs that had been sitting for a while. I listened and responded by saying, ‘This is the single.’ Sometimes you have to be smart enough to get out of the way. We took this wonderful demo, of course Allison [Jones, of BMLG] was on board, and a wonderful thing happened.
“This is my 192nd No. 1 single,” Borchetta continued. “Yesterday, we had the best song meeting ever. Thomas Rhett came in to talk about the next album and the first single, and he played one song and I was like, ‘Unreal.’ So the way I’m calculating it, it could be 196 and I’m counting on you to have No. 200. Congratulations.”