Ed 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.
RaeLynn Invites Fans to Dance Party on RaVe Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughRaeLynn is hosting a huge dance party this Spring as she kicks off her RaVe Tour April 20 in Columbus, Ohio. Immediately following her run opening for Blake Shelton’s Doing It To Country Songs Tour, RaeLynn will launch the club tour, which will include a full performance followed by a dance party DJed by the singer.
Pre-sale for tickets and a VIP experience, which includes show admission, photo opps, a meet and greet, exclusive tour merch and early access (where applicable) begins March 6. Fans can sign up at RaeLynn.com to participate in the pre-sale by joining her online community. General public ticket sales begin March 8.
“I’m so excited to headline my first tour and show my fans what’s it’s like to come to a RaVe show,” exclaimed RaeLynn. “It will be the perfect blend of my favorite things; country music, a non-stop DANCE PARTY and all the glitter! I can’t wait for everyone to come out and experience it.”
Raelynn’s current single is “Love Triangle.”
Raelynn’s RaVe TOUR:
April 20 – Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone
April 21 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Rusty Spur
May 11 – Chicago, IL @ Joe’s Chicago
May 12 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
May 13 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
May 19 – Lansing, MI @ The Loft
May 20 – Indianapolis, IN @ 8 Seconds Saloon
May 24 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
Last Call: Nominations for MusicRow’s 6th Annual Rising Women On The Row Due March 7
/by Jessica NicholsonNominations for MusicRow‘s 6th annual Rising Women On The Row are due tomorrow (Tuesday, March 7).
CLICK FOR RISING WOMEN NOMINATION FORM AND TICKETS
Multiple nominations do not increase chances of being selected, but you may nominate as many women as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are also welcome. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted.
MusicRow is set to honor five deserving businesswomen who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders during its annual Rising Women On The Row breakfast. The sixth annual event will be held Tuesday, April 25 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Sponsorship tables and individual tickets are currently available, and regularly sell out.
CLICK FOR RISING WOMEN NOMINATION FORM AND TICKETS
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.