Jason Owen, Shane McAnally
Producer/songwriter Shane McAnally has teamed with artist manager Jason Owen to form the label, Monument Records, in collaboration with Sony Music, reports Hits Daily Double.
The venture’s first signings include Caitlyn Smith and Walker Hayes.
McAnally and Owen have brought former UMG Nashville Director of Marketing Katie McCartney to join as Sr. VP of Marketing and Label Operations for Monument. Additionally, Kelli Porter has been tapped as Manager, Marketing & Label Operations, reporting to McCartney. Formerly with UMG, Porter first served in distribution, then in the UMG Nashville marketing department over the course of four years.
“We are looking for very specific artists,” says Monument Records’ co-president Jason Owen, told Hits Daily Double, “ones who are genreless and are superstars, ones who connect, aren’t fluff and aren’t forgettable. That’s the stuff we’re going to sign: something where everyone goes, ‘We love this, but don’t know what to do with this…’ We do.”
“I think a focus on singer/songwriters is key,” said McAnally. “I’ve always believed an artist that doesn’t ‘fit’ anywhere actually fits everywhere. We won’t be limited by perceived genres. We will make music, then let it find its home—because I find that accommodating a particular genre can water down the process of an artist’s evolution.”
McAnally will continue to write and produce for artists beyond the Monument imprint.
The imprint’s staff will be based in Owen’s Sandbox management office in Nashville, where Owen continues guiding the careers of Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Charlie Worsham, Dan+Shay, Seth Ennis, and more.
The label takes the name of Fred Foster’s label, which was home to Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, and many of Willie Nelson’s early recordings. The original Monument opened in the 1950s and closed in 1990.
Owen found the name on an early Little Big Town promotion photo.
“It was such an iconic, strong name,” Owen said. “When I saw that, I called Julie Swidler to see if Monument could be cleared. It had history. It represented the best of music, not genres—and it stands for something that’s going to last for ages, not just the latest trend or moment, which is what Shane and I are working to create with this label’s artists and music.”
Shane McAnally, Jason Owen Team For Monument Records
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Owen, Shane McAnally
Producer/songwriter Shane McAnally has teamed with artist manager Jason Owen to form the label, Monument Records, in collaboration with Sony Music, reports Hits Daily Double.
The venture’s first signings include Caitlyn Smith and Walker Hayes.
McAnally and Owen have brought former UMG Nashville Director of Marketing Katie McCartney to join as Sr. VP of Marketing and Label Operations for Monument. Additionally, Kelli Porter has been tapped as Manager, Marketing & Label Operations, reporting to McCartney. Formerly with UMG, Porter first served in distribution, then in the UMG Nashville marketing department over the course of four years.
“We are looking for very specific artists,” says Monument Records’ co-president Jason Owen, told Hits Daily Double, “ones who are genreless and are superstars, ones who connect, aren’t fluff and aren’t forgettable. That’s the stuff we’re going to sign: something where everyone goes, ‘We love this, but don’t know what to do with this…’ We do.”
“I think a focus on singer/songwriters is key,” said McAnally. “I’ve always believed an artist that doesn’t ‘fit’ anywhere actually fits everywhere. We won’t be limited by perceived genres. We will make music, then let it find its home—because I find that accommodating a particular genre can water down the process of an artist’s evolution.”
McAnally will continue to write and produce for artists beyond the Monument imprint.
The imprint’s staff will be based in Owen’s Sandbox management office in Nashville, where Owen continues guiding the careers of Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Charlie Worsham, Dan+Shay, Seth Ennis, and more.
The label takes the name of Fred Foster’s label, which was home to Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, and many of Willie Nelson’s early recordings. The original Monument opened in the 1950s and closed in 1990.
Owen found the name on an early Little Big Town promotion photo.
“It was such an iconic, strong name,” Owen said. “When I saw that, I called Julie Swidler to see if Monument could be cleared. It had history. It represented the best of music, not genres—and it stands for something that’s going to last for ages, not just the latest trend or moment, which is what Shane and I are working to create with this label’s artists and music.”
Kevin Savigar Achieves Gold With Kelsea Ballerini
/by Lorie HollabaughKevin Savigar was recently honored by his publisher Deluge Music with a gold plaque for his work on Kelsea Ballerini’s debut CD The First Time. Savigar co-wrote the track “Stilettos” with Forest Glen Whitehead and Ballerini for the project.
Based in Los Angeles, the accomplished session keyboardist, composer, songwriter, and producer has contributed to a wide range of recordings for artists like Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, John Mellencamp, Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, and Peter Frampton.
Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Mountain Signs Jamie Moore
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Big Loud Mountain Partner and Artist Manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Big Loud Shirt’s Jordan Kolodka, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Artist Manager Seth England, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Record Producer Joey Moi, Jamie Moore, Big Loud Mountain Partner and Songwriter Craig Wiseman, Big Loud Shirt’s Hannah Wilson and Matt Turner
Big Loud Mountain/Big Loud Shirt has signed songwriter/producer Jamie Moore to a publishing deal.
Originally from the Florence/Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, Moore’s breakout success came in 2016 as a co-writer on Florida Georgia Line’s hit, “May We All.” He has also had cuts on Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller album, Chris Lane’s Girl Problems CD, the Swon Brothers’ self-titled album, and several projects by TobyMac, among others. Moore is also a four-time Grammy nominee.
“It’s been our mission to build a forward thinking music company,” said Big Loud Mountain Partner Seth England. “A big part of that is surrounding ourselves with the next wave of creators in this town and Jamie Moore was at the top of the list for us to bring into the Big Loud Family. We couldn’t be happier that he is here and we look forward to watching him flourish for years to come.”
“I’m really excited to move into this new phase of my career,” shared Moore. “I’m very fortunate and blessed to be a part of such a great team. Here we go!”
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott Reveals LaBellum Fashion Line
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott is set to reveal her new fashion collection, LaBellum, exclusively on HSN in April, as part of the retailer’s month-long Music City Nashville event. Scott will appear on the shopping network on April 20 and 21 and her collection will be available on HSN.com starting April 1.
The 22-piece collection is composed of fringe wraps, peasant tops, acid washed denim, studded moto jackets, faux suede vests, lace tops, and accessories, including a belt and crossbody. The assortment ranges from $49.90 for a hi low Knit Tank with Lace Detail to $169.90 for a Beaded Canvas Jacket.
“Fashion is such a fun expression of yourself, so I’m really excited,” said Scott. “HSN has completely embraced my ideas and has helped bring to life a line that hopefully every woman will love. I’ve already started wearing some of my favorite pieces and can’t wait to share the entire collection!”
“We’re excited to share with our customers, the spirit of Music City Nashville and all that lies within,” stated Bill Brand, President of HSN. “Hillary’s collection, LaBellum, truly brings to life the essence of her Nashville roots, along with her effortless and flattering style.”
MusicRowLife: Music Veteran Kerry O’Neil Weds, Dan+Shay’s Shay Mooney Welcomes First Child
/by Jessica NicholsonKerry O’Neil Weds
Kerry O’Neil and his longtime companion of 22 years, Mary Anne Pitt, tied the knot just before the holidays. O’Neil, co-founder of artist development and publishing company Big Yellow Dog Music and business management/consulting firm O’Neil Hagaman, PLLC said, “We decided to take our time, I guess!”
Dan+Shay’s Shay Mooney Welcomes First Child
Photo: Instagram
Shay Mooney of duo Dan+Shay, and former Miss Arkansas Hannah Billingsley welcomed their first child, son Asher James Mooney, on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
“It’s hard to describe the love you feel for the first time when you hold your child. I will never be the same,” Mooney shared via Instagram. “Asher James, I promise to be the father you deserve. And Hannah, I promise to be the husband you want and need. I love you both so much. You’ve given me everything I never knew I needed. Welcome to the world Asher James Mooney.”
Michael Tyler Set to Release Reviver Records Debut On St. Patrick’s Day
/by Lorie HollabaughAfter penning hits for other artists, Michael Tyler is gearing up for the release of his own debut, 317, on Reviver Records March 17. The CD is available for pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon and features Tyler’s new single, “They Can’t See,” which is one of the most-added records at radio this week. The album title was inspired by the number Tyler saw on his odometer after he arrived in Nashville from his hometown in Thayer, Missouri.
Tyler has already made a name for himself as a songwriter, receiving the SESAC Song of the Year for his co-write on the Dierks Bentley smash “Somewhere On A Beach.” He also penned “Laid Back” on Jason Aldean’s Old Boots New Dirt album, three songs on the LoCash album The Fighters, and a Jason Aldean/Kelsea Ballerini duet “First Time Again” on Aldean’s No. 1 album They Don’t Know.
Tyler is currently on the road with labelmates LoCash for Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour.
317 Track Listing:
1. “Here’s To The Nights”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Adam Shoenfeld)
2. “Crazy Last Night”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Josh Mirenda)
3. “Long Drive Home”
(Michael Tyler/AJ Babcock/Pete Good)
4. “They Can’t See”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Brandon Hood)
5. “Love Myself”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Alexander Palmer)
6. “Songs About Missouri”
(Michael Tyler/Jacob Rice/Jimmy Yeary)
7. “Hey Mama”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Adam Argyle)
8. “Secret”
(Michael Tyler/Phil Barton/Preston Brust/Lindsay Rimes)
9. “Good at Being Young”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Josh Mirenda)
10. “Play That Party Song”
(Michael Tyler/Jessi Alexander/Gordie Sampson)
11. “Interstate”
(Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Nathan Chapman)
Dan + Shay Add 24 Dates to Obsessed Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughDan + Shay have added 24 more dates across the U.S. and Canada on their Obsessed Tour after selling out the first leg of shows in 2016. Bailey Bryan and Jackie Lee will join the duo on the extended tour dates. The tour will hit Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, Vancouver and more on the 24-city trek which kicks off Feb. 9 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinoios.
DAN + SHAY OBSESSED TOUR DATES
Feb. 9 – Joe’s Live, Rosemont, Ill.*
Feb. 10 – Joe’s on Weed Street, Chicago*
Feb. 11 – Boondocks, Springfield, Ill.*
Feb. 12 – University of Northern Iowa – Gallagher Bluedorn PAC, Cedar Falls, Iowa*
Feb. 17 – The New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, Tenn.*
Feb. 18 – Warehouse Live, Houston*
Feb. 19 – AT&T Center – San Antonio Rodeo, San Antonio
Feb. 21 – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn.*
Feb. 24 – Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, Tenn.*
Feb. 25 – Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta*
Mar. 23 – Crystal Ballroom, Portland, Ore.**
Mar. 24 – Showbox SoDo, Seattle**
Mar. 25 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC**
Mar. 26 – Knitting Factory Concert House, Spokane, Wash.**
Mar. 28 – Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah**
Mar. 29 – Livewire, Scottsdale, Ariz.**
Apr. 6 – 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids, Mich.**
Apr. 7 – Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, Mich.**
Apr. 9 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, Ind.**
Apr. 13 – The Fillmore Silver Spring, Silver Spring, Md.**
Apr. 14 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, N.J.**
Apr. 15 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh**
Apr. 20 – Sokol Auditorium, Omaha, Neb.**
Apr. 21 – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, Kansas City, Mo.**
Apr. 22 – Maryville University, Chesterfield, Mo.**
*Denotes special guest Bailey Bryan
**Denotes special guest Jackie Lee
Tour News: Canaan Smith, Sister Hazel, The Marshall Tucker Band, Southern Halo
/by Lorie HollabaughCanaan Smith To Launch Back For More Tour
Canaan Smith
Mercury Nashville artist Canaan Smith will return to the U.K. in March. After performing as part of the just-announced C2C Festival, he will embark on the seven-date Back For More tour, launching March 14 in Glasgow.
Canaan toured the U.K. with the popular British duo The Shires this fall and while there, the Virginia-native fell right into step with country fans across the pond. “Touring with The Shires last year was a blast,” shares Canaan. “We made a bunch of friends and I can’t wait to get back for another round.”
Back For More Tour Dates:
March 14: Glasgow, Scotland; King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
March 15: Birmingham, England; O2 Institute3
March 16: Manchester, England; The Deaf Institute
March 18:Bristol, England; Thekla
March 19: Portsmouth, England; The Wedgewood Rooms
March 20: Brighton, England; Concord 2
March 21: London, England;Bush Hall
Sister Hazel Kicks Off We Got It All Tonight Tour
Sister Hazel is launching their We Got It All Tonight tour kicking off January 26 in Charlotte, NC at Amos Southend. Six of the Southeast shows will benefit the local fire associations for “A Firefighters Concert Event.”
The dates include shows in Knoxville (Jan. 28); Memphis (April 21), and Nashville (April 29). For a full list of tour dates, visit sisterhazelvip.com.
The Marshall Tucker Band Reveals 45th Live In Concert Tour
“We are delighted to hit the road in 2017 to celebrate 45 years of The MarshallTucker Band,” says lead singer Doug Gray. “This year’s tour schedule is going to take us to towns we haven’t played in awhile. It will be great to see so many of our fans and old friends.”
For more information, visit marshalltucker.com.
Southern Halo Travels to UK This Spring
Southern Halo will make their first UK tour with March dates in London, Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle. The tour is supported by Gibson Guitars, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, and Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel, and tickets are available now at southernhalo.net.
March 18: London; The Garage
March 19: Nottingham; Bodega
March 20: Manchester; Gullivers
March 21: Glasgow; Hug & Pint
March 22: Newcastle; Jumpin’ Jacks
Reba, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley Headline London’s C2C Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup for the C2C Festival at the 02 in London March 10-12th has been announced. Brad Paisley, Jennifer Nettles, and Chris Young will kick off the festival Friday, March 10, while Saturday’s lineup includes Reba, Darius Rucker, Hunter Hayes, and Dan + Shay. Zac Brown Band, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, and Marty Stuart will cap off the weekend’s performances on Sunday at the international festival.
The Yamaha Music Stage will feature performances by Cam and Chase Bryant on Friday, Cassadee Pope, Seth Ennis, and TBC on Saturday, and Lucie Silvas, Jana Kramer, and Drake White and the Big Fire on Sunday.
The C2C festival was created by AEG Europe and SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association and first launched in 2013 with headliners Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw.
Tin Pan South Hits 100-Show Mark, Celebrates 25th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughOver 350 songwriters will perform at 10 of Music City’s top venues during the five-day festival.
In past years, noted Nashville music home 3rd & Lindsley hosted one night of Tin Pan South. This year, the venue has a full slate of 10 shows scheduled to entertain attendees. Shows will also be held at the Blue Bar, The Bluebird Cafe, The Country, Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner, Hard Rock Cafe, the Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn and Whiskey Rhythm.
Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and sponsored by Regions Bank for the 10th year, Tin Pan South is the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. Last year, over 350 songwriters performed 92 shows at Nashville’s top music venues.
Tickets go on sale Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. CT at tinpansouth.com. Tickets are $125 for non-NSAI members, $115 for NSAI members.