CMT has announced “NASHCHAT” the first-ever social interactive fan hangout and conversation companion to season five of the hit series Nashville, across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook Live.
The Facebook Live chat will debut immediately following new episodes of Nashville with star Chris Carmack (Will Lexington) set as the first guest on January 5 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on CMT’s Facebook page. Amy Brown, co-host of The Bobby Bones Show, will host the Facebook Live events from a living room in Nashville alongside cast and crew interviews, original music and Nashville insiders.
“Fans saved Nashville. Now we’re inviting fans into our living room to celebrate the characters, stories and music they love,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “With ‘NASHCHAT’, we’ll create a home across all social media culminating with a Facebook Live interactive recap and fan chat immediately following new episodes.”
CMT Instagram and Instagram Live will host “NASHCHAT” behind the scenes, CMT Snapchat will feature Nashville cast content, fan community content, games and contests. CMT Twitter will host a daily conversation with the fans including memes, clips, quizzes, photos, recaps and episodic promos.
CMT teamed up with Hulu, which will stream new episodes the day after they air on CMT, to resurrect the series a month later.
The previous ABC series has aired in 225 territories worldwide. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.
Nashville is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment. The series is executive produced by new showrunners Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick (the creators of Thirtysomething) in addition to Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri.
The Hollywood Reporter notes Nashville is just the latest series to get the aftershow treatment. CMT follows AMC’s The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot and Orphan Black in addition to ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise and NBC’s Hairspray Live social presence.
AdAge notes 1.7 million previewed the first hour of the Season 5 premiere ahead of today’s (Jan. 5 at 9 p.m.) two-hour premiere on CMT. The first hour previewed over the holiday season.
Branding is also strong. CMT’s senior VP-integrated marketing, Adam Steingart, tells the paper his Viacom program has found interest with brands like Apple and Taco Bell, neither of which had previously considered CMT for prominent sponsorships. American Express and Sony Pictures sponsored the holiday sneak peak and Coca-Cola has signed on for a multi-episode integration.
CMT To Host Social Media Chats After ‘Nashville’
/by Eric T. ParkerCMT has announced “NASHCHAT” the first-ever social interactive fan hangout and conversation companion to season five of the hit series Nashville, across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook Live.
The Facebook Live chat will debut immediately following new episodes of Nashville with star Chris Carmack (Will Lexington) set as the first guest on January 5 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on CMT’s Facebook page. Amy Brown, co-host of The Bobby Bones Show, will host the Facebook Live events from a living room in Nashville alongside cast and crew interviews, original music and Nashville insiders.
“Fans saved Nashville. Now we’re inviting fans into our living room to celebrate the characters, stories and music they love,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “With ‘NASHCHAT’, we’ll create a home across all social media culminating with a Facebook Live interactive recap and fan chat immediately following new episodes.”
CMT Instagram and Instagram Live will host “NASHCHAT” behind the scenes, CMT Snapchat will feature Nashville cast content, fan community content, games and contests. CMT Twitter will host a daily conversation with the fans including memes, clips, quizzes, photos, recaps and episodic promos.
CMT teamed up with Hulu, which will stream new episodes the day after they air on CMT, to resurrect the series a month later.
The previous ABC series has aired in 225 territories worldwide. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.
Nashville is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment. The series is executive produced by new showrunners Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick (the creators of Thirtysomething) in addition to Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri.
The Hollywood Reporter notes Nashville is just the latest series to get the aftershow treatment. CMT follows AMC’s The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot and Orphan Black in addition to ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise and NBC’s Hairspray Live social presence.
AdAge notes 1.7 million previewed the first hour of the Season 5 premiere ahead of today’s (Jan. 5 at 9 p.m.) two-hour premiere on CMT. The first hour previewed over the holiday season.
Branding is also strong. CMT’s senior VP-integrated marketing, Adam Steingart, tells the paper his Viacom program has found interest with brands like Apple and Taco Bell, neither of which had previously considered CMT for prominent sponsorships. American Express and Sony Pictures sponsored the holiday sneak peak and Coca-Cola has signed on for a multi-episode integration.
Loretta Lynn To Celebrate April Birthday With Two Ryman Auditorium Shows
/by Jessica NicholsonLoretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn will celebrate her 85th birthday on April 14 with the first of two concerts booked for Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this year. Lynn will perform on the legendary stage on April 14 and 15. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $45, $55 and $75. No opening acts have been announced.
Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1960 on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium; she joined the Opry as a cast member in 1962.
Last year, Lynn released two albums, including Full Circle in March, followed by the holiday project White Christmas Blue.
Madison Building With Ties To Elvis Slated To Become Car Wash
/by Jessica NicholsonBuilding formerly housing business operations for “The Colonel” Tom Parker. Photo: Robbie Jones/Historic Nashville
A Madison, Tennessee building, which at one time served as the home office for Elvis Presley’s manager/promoter “The Colonel” Tom Parker, will soon be demolished to make way for a car wash, according to Nashville Public Radio.
Retired attorney Steve North, who operated a law firm in the building for nearly two decades, says he had not fielded an offer from any parties interested in preserving the property located at 1215 S. Gallatin Road. The building sits on a one-acre lot.
“My preference was always to have somebody that could preserve the property, but after four years on the market, I’m convinced there’s nobody out there that wants it,” said North, “But as a practical matter, unless you’ve got a specific economically feasible use for it, the land itself … is worth more without the building.”
A car wash company has the land under contract, and a proposal will be heard next week by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The future owners seek four variances.
Under the sales agreement, North keeps all items inside the building, and says he may save some items, such as antique lighting fixtures and the complete wet bar in the building’s vintage basement.
Changes Coming To Show Dog Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonShow Dog Nashville was founded in 2005 in Nashville by Toby Keith. The roster currently includes Keith, Krystal Keith, and Waterloo Revival.
In 2014, the label restructured an arrangement with Universal Music Group Nashville, with Show Dog inking an exclusive worldwide distribution and services agreement with UMGN. Under that arrangement, Show Dog maintained a full promotion staff, with Keith remaining as Principal of the company.
Blues Traveler Signs With Pennington Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonBlues Traveler
Blues Traveler has signed an artist management deal with Pennington Entertainment, led by CEO Shawn Pennington. The band joins the Nashville-based roster, already including duo Thompson Square and band Parmalee.
Blues Traveler gained national prominence with its fourth studio album four, which released in 1994 and included the hits “Run-Around” and “Hook.” Most recently, the band released the collaborative album Blow Up The Moon in 2015, which featured artists including Thompson Square, Plain White T’s, 3OH!3, Dirty Heads, Hanson, Jewel, Rome Ramirez (Sublime) and JC Chasez (*NSYNC).
“Everyone in this band and crew are really excited to celebrate our 30th year under new management with Pennington Entertainment!” says Blues Traveler frontman John Popper. “We are but an ancient yet powerful engine. Pennington’s entire team is the crank! Kick it over Shawn!”
“I’m honored and humbled that this iconic band has chosen Pennington Entertainment to lead them into the next chapter of their legendary, 30-year career!” says Pennington, “Our team is beyond excited and ready to get to work! 2017 is going to be a big year for Blues Traveler!”
Industry Ink: Hank Cochran Benefit, Bakersfield Hall of Fame, Webster PR
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bare has signed with Webster Public Relations for publicity representation.
“Bobby Bare is an icon of country music. He has had an incredible amount of hits and blazed trails throughout his career,” said the company’s Kirt Webster. “Our team is incredibly excited to work with him to continue showing the world what real music is all about.”
John Zarling Joins Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Zarling. Photo: Jeremiah Scott
Goodman said, “As one of the most respected out-of-the-box marketers in our business, I’m thrilled to have John join our Sony Music Nashville team. I’m looking forward to working with him on a daily basis, having respected his work with Big Machine Label Group from afar. I have no doubt he will make significant and immediate contributions to our artist and product development efforts.”
“I have spent my entire career working with and studying some of the Nashville music business’ true visionaries,” says Zarling. “After a long partnership as part of Scott Borchetta’s launch team at Big Machine over a decade ago, literally writing our own rules and building a dream from the ground up, it is an honor to be able to join the team that Randy Goodman has put in place at one of Nashville’s most iconic labels. Having always made artists and music my priority, being able to foster the incredible roster of legends, superstars, breakout stars and developing artists that make up Sony Nashville’s roster thrills me.”
Zarling most recently served as Senior Vice President, Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, for Big Machine Label Group and its Big Machine, Valory Music, BMLG Records, Dot Records and NASH Icon imprints. A Big Machine Label Group executive since its launch in 2005, he has played a pivotal role in the careers of Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride and Brantley Gilbert, among many. While at Big Machine, Zarling created partnerships with Comcast, Disney, Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute at HCA, Allstate Insurance and American Express; additionally, he initiated promotion campaigns for successful TV and film endeavors including ABC’s NASHVILLE, FOX’s American Idol, NBC’s The Voice, Warner Bros. Films’ Valentine’s Day and the Oscar-nominated Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.
California native Zarling joined Mercury Records’ promotion department in 2001, upon graduation from Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. At Mercury, and then MCA & DreamWorks upon their merger, Zarling served as Manager, Charts & Syndication, where he worked on the career launches of Billy Currington, Josh Turner and Sugarland, and further career development and definition of superstars Shania Twain, George Strait, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Willie Nelson, among others.
Serving on the Board of Directors for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Nashville and the International Entertainment Buyers Association, Zarling produces of the annual Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award ceremony to benefit the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund and the Music Row Storytellers evening to celebrate an industry icon’s career to benefit Music + Health Alliance.
Zarling can be reached at john.zarling@sonymusic.com.
Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae Make ‘Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini and Maddie and Tae have both been named to Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Music List for 2017. Now in its sixth year, the annual list selects a cross-section of today’s leading young innovators and change initiators in the U.S. The list picks 30 young game-changers under 30 in 20 different industries who are rewriting the rules for the next generation of entrepreneurs, entertainers and more.
The list is pretty prestigious: there are 15,000+ nominations for only 600 spots. According to Forbes, that’s an under 4 percent acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than the nation’s two most selective colleges, Stanford and Harvard University.
Previous honorees include billionaire Mark Zuckerburg, actress Jennifer Lawrence, Chance the Rapper, Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Morgan, model Ashley Graham, Global Citizen cofounder Hugh Evans, and Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon.
Wendy Pearl Exits CMA To Launch PR Company
/by Jessica NicholsonWendy Pearl
After nearly 17 years, CMA Vice President of Corporate Communications Wendy Pearl has exited her role at CMA to launch her own agency, Wendy Pearl Public Relations, LLC.
“Having started my career in the music industry at an iconic label with a strong individual focus, I find myself really wanting to concentrate on singular careers, brands, and stories,” Pearl said of her decision. “After years of working with networks, syndicators, and journalists across a wide spectrum for the growth of this music I love so much, I now want to help connect individuals and brands with good intentions to great ideas that genuinely reflect their message and products in a way that is organic, honest, and real.”
“Wendy has been a key contributor to CMA’s growth over the past 17 years. During her tenure, Fan Fair became Music Fest downtown, the CMA Awards went to New York, and we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Association and later the Awards,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Her passion will be missed and we wish her the best in her new endeavor. I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”
Having spent eight years at The Miami Herald, including participating in their Pulitzer-winning coverage of the Gulf War in 1991, and a stint as a reporter in CNN’s Miami Bureau, Pearl became part of Sony Nashville’s Media & Artist Development Department in 1992, where she oversaw campaigns for Dolly Parton/Loretta Lynn/Tammy Wynette (Honky Tonk Angels), Mary Chapin Carpenter, Waylon Jennings, and Patty Loveless. Pearl also served as the head of Media & Artist Development at Asylum Records, working with Mandy Barnett, Guy Clark, The Cox Family, and Emmylou Harris, before taking on the Communications Directorship at TNN (now Spike). Pearl joined the CMA as Director of Communications in April of 2000.
Pearl can be reached at wendy@wendypearlpr.com and at wendypearlpr.com.
The CMA will evaluate the most impactful structure moving forward to take advantage of the current opportunities for the trade organization. Resulting career opportunities will be posted in the coming weeks. In the meantime, CMA Communications inquiries and needs can be directed to Jay Jones.
Sony/ATV Signs Kasey Tyndall
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Dave Rose, Kasey Tyndall, Tom Luteran, Noah McPike
Artist/songwriter Kasey Tyndall has inked a publishing deal with Sony/ATV. Tyndall, who is aligned with Deep South Entertainment, hails from North Carolina and moved to Nashville in 2016. She performed over 90 shows last year and will be releasing her first single, “Everything Is Texas,” on Jan. 31.
“Some of my favorite writers are at Sony/ATV so I consider it a blessing beyond all blessings to get to work with this team,” said Tyndall. “I’m so excited. All of them are just bursting with positive vibes and creative ideas. I look forward to a long relationship with Tom and all the folks over there.”
“When you see Kasey’s show, it’s electric,” said Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran. “You are immediately drawn in to her amazing stage demeanor. I couldn’t be happier to be working with such a talent. She has everything I look for in an artist-writer.”