Pictured (L-R): Candace Berry, Christina Calio, Kelly Rich. Photo: Music Biz
As part of a series of panels titled Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out, Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) executive Kelly Rich and “Girl Crush” songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose shared their perspective as women in the music business. Held Monday afternoon (May 16), the discussions were part of the Music Biz conference taking place in Nashville this week.
As Sr. VP, Sales, Marketing and Interactive, Kelly Rich participated in the panel titled Independent Women: The Life of a High-Powered Female Music Exec. Others on stage included Candace Berry, Executive VP/GM of Sales for Universal Music Group; Christina Calio, Director of Partner Marketing at Microsoft Groove; Dilyn Radakovitz, co-owner of Dimple Records; and Amy Dietz, Executive Vice President, General Manager of INgrooves. Deborah Newman, founder of MusicStrat, moderated.
A central theme spanning both the business and creative panels was: Why are women more frequently asked how they balance career and family? A conversation was sparked in which Rich, raising three children with husband Andrew Kautz (Chief Operating Officer at BMLG), replied:
“As much as my husband contributes to the family, I’m still the mother. I hold that with pride…because that’s what I want to do. I want to be there for my babies when they’re getting awards at school or at their games. I love my job and I’ve done a very good job at balancing both… And I will be understanding 100 percent with anyone that works for me. If something personal is going on in your life, you have to deal with that. Family comes first. But there is also a job to get done.”
Pictured (L-R): Candace Berry, Christina Calio, Kelly Rich, Amy Dietz, Dilyn Radakovitz, Deborah Newman. Photo: Music Biz
Berry, who admitted to not having children, summed up: “I just know that Kelly Rich answers the phone when she’s at her son’s ballgame on a regular basis when I’m in a store seeing a problem on an early Saturday morning. Despite what you read about it being a more balanced life in today’s world, it depends on what level of success you want. If you’re a high-powered person, it will be tough to balance it all because you’re not going to be working 40-hours a week.
“It’s funny, since I’ve been [at Music Biz] I had three conversations with men about their families. [Universal Music Group] has two employees who have been out on paternity leave recently. The duties in the organization have shifted around to accommodate that. But I do admit the question [of balancing career and family] does come up on a women’s panel… There’s just an expectation that a job has to get done and we’re going to do it, but we just have to find a way to juggle when there’s time-out needed for children, or aging parents. There’s a little more accommodation in today’s world than 20-years ago…
“But I will say an employee who has repeated issues over the course of a year is a challenge. Then, how do I accomplish getting the job done I needed done? If we hire talent, and that talent has some issues they need to overcome in the short term, I want to make sure the person gets back on their feet and contribute.”
The hour-long session also touched on the importance of learning the latest technology, how to best present yourself, mentoring and effectively delegating tasks.
Pictured (L-R): Moderator Judy Tint, The Supremes’ Mary Wilson, and The Love Junkies Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose and Lori McKenna. Photo: Music Biz.
Moving to the creative panel of women who are all mothers, songwriting trio The Love Junkies were joined by The Supremes’ Mary Wilson for a candid, lively discussion with wine on stage. The panel was titled How to Earn Respect as a Female Creator.
“We never really thought about writing,” teased Wilson. “But now I look back and think I could have been really rich. That’s where the money is, right, girls?”
She continued, “We had such great writers at Motown,” specifically noting Holland-Dozier-Holland and Smokey Robinson. “Most of our songs were written by guys—from a male perspective.”
“We don’t get paid different as female songwriters as far as charts or radio money,” interjected Rose. “I never thought I couldn’t do this because I was a female—I just knew I had to support a family. So I just went to work because if I had thought about challenges, I cannot imagine the things I wouldn’t have done. Now, I’m a songwriter, a publisher, a wife, a mother and a friend.”
“We’re in a different generation now,” continued Wilson. “When we started singing in 1959, and traveling in 1961, there were no women who were CEOs. We traveled the world and the only thing women were doing was bringing in the tea, if we were in Europe, or coffee here. Then, women took care of the home, whereas now we have great women CEOs all over the world, which is great. Most of those women do juggle the business and having children.”
“It’s all about balance,” added McKenna. “My sister works for a utility company and has to travel three days a week too. In my life, I feel like I have a little more freedom because I can pick when I’m traveling. It’s never easy to leave your kids but every woman has to do that. And every man who travels has to do it too, but it just doesn’t get brought up as much.”
“I was literally pumping at the Grammys and milk spilled all over my dress,” Lindsey noted. “Guys definitely don’t have to think about that.”
Music Biz continues at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel through Wednesday, May 18.
Music Biz Conference Honors John Esposito, Redeye Distribution
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville; James Donio, President, Music Biz. Photo: Music Biz
The Music Biz conference launched its second day in Nashville with an awards breakfast held Tuesday (May 17), honoring some of the industry’s movers and shakers.
Music distribution company Redeye was honored with the Independent Spirit Award, while Warner Music Nashville Chairman and CEO John Esposito was honored with the Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement.
“All I ever wanted was a backstage, all-access pass to help promote the music of these artists,” said Esposito.
A video traced Esposito’s career from overseeing Harmony record stores in the 1970s, to his time working in executive positions for Mitsubishi Electronics America and Polygram, to becoming General Manager/Executive VP at Island Def Jam Music Group and President and CEO of WEA Corp. before signing on to help establish WMN, a division of Warner Music Group, in 2009.
He recalled working with several of the chart-topping artists on his label’s roster, including Brett Eldredge. Esposito signed Eldredge in 2009 when he started with WMN.
Esposito recalled hearing Eldredge’s demo tape and “immediately racing to dinner to meet Brett.” There, he made Eldredge his first artist signing at the Nashville label.
Eldredge was on hand at Music Biz to perform “Lose My Mind,” “Beat of the Music,” “Drunk on Your Love,” his current single “Wanna Be That Song,” and an impulsive addition to the set list, “One Mississippi.”
“You have been one of the biggest drivers of my career,” Eldredge told Esposito. “You signed me in 2009 and have been with me through now. Who would have thought all this would happen? Love you brother.”
Redeye was founded in 1966 in North Carolina by Tor Hansen, with Glenn Dicker. Today, the company has offices in North Carolina, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Nashville, New York City, and international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney and Toronto.
Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed guests and remarked that both the CMA and Music Biz (formerly known as NARM) launched in 1958.
“We have a common goal with Music Biz of growing the music business for future generations,” said Trahern.
Music Biz president James Donio remarked that the Music Biz conference’s move to Nashville for the past two years has been a profitable one for the organization, noting a 40 percent increase in engagement last year (its first in Nashville), and a 15 percent increase in attendance over last year. This year’s conference boasts nearly 1500 people representing approximately 600 businesses. Notably, Tower Records founder Russ Solomon was in the audience.
Nashville mayor Megan Barry was on hand to welcome attendees and thank the Music Biz for holding its conference in Nashville. She noted the growth that Nashville has experienced in the past several years, making Nashville the country’s 25th largest city. She attributed that growth, in part, to Music City’s growing creative community.
“We are so thankful for that creative class, the songwriters, the musicians,” said Barry. “We have healthcare here and academics, but it is music that makes us different.”
Music Biz runs through Wednesday, May 19.
Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament Set For August 15
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): MRLGT Director Herky Williams, MRGLT Committee Members/Sponsors Brandi Simms (CMA) and Mandy Gallagher (City National Bank), MRLGT Sponsor Tim McGraw, MRLGT Committee Member/Sponsor Suzanne Lee (ASCAP), and United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee Director John Pickett. Photo by Ed Rode for ASCAP/MRLGT
The 30th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, August 15 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville. The event will once again benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.
The tournament is sponsored by ASCAP, City National Bank, Tim McGraw, McGhee Entertainment and many more.
Registration is scheduled to open in early July, with more details to be announced soon. Team space is limited and the event sells out quickly each year.
Participants will receive a gift bag filled with promotional items from the tournament’s numerous sponsors and are encouraged to compete in the traditional team costume contest.
Now in its 30th year, the MRLGT has raised over $1.775 million dollars for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.
NSAI Celebrates 20 Chart-Topping Songwriters, Honors Andrew Kintz
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriters with their No. 1 plaques. Photo: courtesy of NSAI
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored 20 Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts between December 2015 and March 2016 on Monday evening (May 16).
Additionally, former Suntrust Bank Managing Director Andrew Kintz was honored with the Stephen Foster Institutional Award for supporting the efforts of NSAI and the songwriter community.
Andrew Kintz and family with NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller and NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. Photo: courtesy of NSAI
Songs and songwriters recognized include:
“Dibs”
Writers: Ryan Griffin, Jason Duke, Josh Kerr, Kelsea Ballerini
Recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“Feel It”
Writers: Cary Barlowe, David Garcia, & Toby McKeehan
Recorded by TobyMac
“Nothin’ Like You”
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Dan Smyers, & Shay Mooney
Recorded by Dan + Shay
“Heartbeat”
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell, & Carrie Underwood
Recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Home Alone Tonight”
Writers: Jody Stevens, Cole Taylor, Jaida Dreyer, & Tommy Cecil
Recorded by Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild
“Break on Me”
Writers: Jon Nite, & Ross Copperman
Recorded by Keith Urban
“Grace Wins”
Writers: Matthew West
Recorded by Matthew West
“We Went”
Writers: John King, Justin Wilson, & Matt Rogers
Recorded by Randy Houser
Franklin’s Pilgrimage Festival Confirms Beck, Kacey Musgraves
/by Craig_ShelburnePilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has revealed the first wave of artists for its 2016 lineup. Nashville artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Margo Price and Brothers Osborne will join Beck, Violent Femmes, The Arcs, and many others. See the lineup.
The festival will be held for a second year at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee, on September 24 and 25. Two-day general admission passes and VIP passes are available now.
A portion of each ticket sale will benefit the City of Franklin and Franklin Parks. In addition, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit MusiCares, a nonprofit organization that was established by The Recording Academy to provide a wide range of emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to members of the music community.
“We can’t wait to be back in September with another great lineup with even more artists still to be announced,” says co-producer and Franklin resident Kevin Griffin. “We have also announced the first round of sponsors, restaurants, food trucks and festival vendors that includes great partners like The Frye Company Harpeth River Stage.”
The festival debuted last year with a star studded lineup featuring artists such as Willie Nelson, Wilco, Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Cage the Elephant, Band of Horses, Steven Tyler and more with 10,000 fans descending upon the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin each day.
Music Biz Offers Women’s Insight From BMLG’s Kelly Rich, “Girl Crush” Songwriters
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Candace Berry, Christina Calio, Kelly Rich. Photo: Music Biz
As part of a series of panels titled Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out, Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) executive Kelly Rich and “Girl Crush” songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose shared their perspective as women in the music business. Held Monday afternoon (May 16), the discussions were part of the Music Biz conference taking place in Nashville this week.
As Sr. VP, Sales, Marketing and Interactive, Kelly Rich participated in the panel titled Independent Women: The Life of a High-Powered Female Music Exec. Others on stage included Candace Berry, Executive VP/GM of Sales for Universal Music Group; Christina Calio, Director of Partner Marketing at Microsoft Groove; Dilyn Radakovitz, co-owner of Dimple Records; and Amy Dietz, Executive Vice President, General Manager of INgrooves. Deborah Newman, founder of MusicStrat, moderated.
A central theme spanning both the business and creative panels was: Why are women more frequently asked how they balance career and family? A conversation was sparked in which Rich, raising three children with husband Andrew Kautz (Chief Operating Officer at BMLG), replied:
“As much as my husband contributes to the family, I’m still the mother. I hold that with pride…because that’s what I want to do. I want to be there for my babies when they’re getting awards at school or at their games. I love my job and I’ve done a very good job at balancing both… And I will be understanding 100 percent with anyone that works for me. If something personal is going on in your life, you have to deal with that. Family comes first. But there is also a job to get done.”
Pictured (L-R): Candace Berry, Christina Calio, Kelly Rich, Amy Dietz, Dilyn Radakovitz, Deborah Newman. Photo: Music Biz
Berry, who admitted to not having children, summed up: “I just know that Kelly Rich answers the phone when she’s at her son’s ballgame on a regular basis when I’m in a store seeing a problem on an early Saturday morning. Despite what you read about it being a more balanced life in today’s world, it depends on what level of success you want. If you’re a high-powered person, it will be tough to balance it all because you’re not going to be working 40-hours a week.
“It’s funny, since I’ve been [at Music Biz] I had three conversations with men about their families. [Universal Music Group] has two employees who have been out on paternity leave recently. The duties in the organization have shifted around to accommodate that. But I do admit the question [of balancing career and family] does come up on a women’s panel… There’s just an expectation that a job has to get done and we’re going to do it, but we just have to find a way to juggle when there’s time-out needed for children, or aging parents. There’s a little more accommodation in today’s world than 20-years ago…
“But I will say an employee who has repeated issues over the course of a year is a challenge. Then, how do I accomplish getting the job done I needed done? If we hire talent, and that talent has some issues they need to overcome in the short term, I want to make sure the person gets back on their feet and contribute.”
The hour-long session also touched on the importance of learning the latest technology, how to best present yourself, mentoring and effectively delegating tasks.
Pictured (L-R): Moderator Judy Tint, The Supremes’ Mary Wilson, and The Love Junkies Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose and Lori McKenna. Photo: Music Biz.
Moving to the creative panel of women who are all mothers, songwriting trio The Love Junkies were joined by The Supremes’ Mary Wilson for a candid, lively discussion with wine on stage. The panel was titled How to Earn Respect as a Female Creator.
“We never really thought about writing,” teased Wilson. “But now I look back and think I could have been really rich. That’s where the money is, right, girls?”
She continued, “We had such great writers at Motown,” specifically noting Holland-Dozier-Holland and Smokey Robinson. “Most of our songs were written by guys—from a male perspective.”
“We don’t get paid different as female songwriters as far as charts or radio money,” interjected Rose. “I never thought I couldn’t do this because I was a female—I just knew I had to support a family. So I just went to work because if I had thought about challenges, I cannot imagine the things I wouldn’t have done. Now, I’m a songwriter, a publisher, a wife, a mother and a friend.”
“We’re in a different generation now,” continued Wilson. “When we started singing in 1959, and traveling in 1961, there were no women who were CEOs. We traveled the world and the only thing women were doing was bringing in the tea, if we were in Europe, or coffee here. Then, women took care of the home, whereas now we have great women CEOs all over the world, which is great. Most of those women do juggle the business and having children.”
“It’s all about balance,” added McKenna. “My sister works for a utility company and has to travel three days a week too. In my life, I feel like I have a little more freedom because I can pick when I’m traveling. It’s never easy to leave your kids but every woman has to do that. And every man who travels has to do it too, but it just doesn’t get brought up as much.”
“I was literally pumping at the Grammys and milk spilled all over my dress,” Lindsey noted. “Guys definitely don’t have to think about that.”
Music Biz continues at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel through Wednesday, May 18.
Leah Nobel Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L to R): Devon Devries, VP of Film/TV- A&R; Leah Nobel; Kerry O’Neil, Co-Owner of Big Yellow Dog; Alex Stefano, Film & TV Music Manager
Big Yellow Dog Music has announced the signing of Leah Nobel, who came to Nashville after several years of building her artist and writing chops in Austin, Texas.
She has won the Indie International Songwriting Competition (pop category) and was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
“Leah is a true multi-genre artist/writer who will be an asset to both our Sync and mainstream publishing teams,” said Devon Devries, VP of Film/TV- A&R.
In Pictures: UMG Nashville CEO Mike Dungan Gets ‘Roasted’
/by Sherod RobertsonUMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan was “roasted and toasted” at the 3rd Annual Ambassador of the Year Roast on May 16.
UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan was “roasted and toasted” at last night’s 3rd Annual Ambassador of the Year Roast.
Held at Zanies as part of the Wild West Comedy Festival in Nashville, the event brought out the top brass from the music industry and their guests to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.
UMG Nashville CEO Mike Dungan was “roasted and toasted” at the 3rd Annual Ambassador of the Year Roast on May 16 with past ‘Ambassadors’ AEG Live’s Ali Harnell and WME’s Rob Beckham.
Perhaps not quite as raunchy as the Comedy Central Roasts, there were plenty of jaw-dropping jabs launched toward Dungan, including a few hitting family members and fellow roasters. Dungan’s wife, Jane, and UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe remained unscathed while receiving well-deserved accolades in place of punches.
Among the roasters were comedian and host of the last year’s Ambassador of the Year Roast Sarah Tiana, Tim DuBois, UMG Nashville’s Royce Risser, WME’s Jay Williams, AEG Live’s Ali Harnell, artists Kix Brooks, Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley, and Dungan’s two sons, Chris and Ben Dungan. Comedian Ralphie May and previous host of the 2014 Ambassador of the Year Roast also took a turn at the mic inciting gut-busting laughs while taking the event to a whole new level.
Artists Kix Brooks, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban.
T.J. Martell Foundation Board Members and co-chairs of the event were Outback Concerts’ Mike Smardak and Roar’s Matt Maher. T.J. Martell’s CEO Laura Heatherly welcomed and greeted guests and Executive Director Tinti Moffat made sure the event was executed flawlessly. UMG artists Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban and Jon Pardi were also on board to support their fearless label head.
Word Records’ Robby Clinton, Peermusic’s Kim Wiggins, Dungan, and MusicRow Publisher Sherod Robertson
The Band Perry Signs Jointly To UMG Nashville, Interscope Records
/by Craig_ShelburneA spokesperson for UMG Nashville has confirmed that The Band Perry has signed a joint deal with the label group and Interscope Records.
The pop label’s chairman and CEO is John Janick, while Mike Dungan leads UMG Nashville. Both organizations are part of Universal Music Group.
“John and I have talked about working together for years now. I got a call from their manager, Coran Capshaw, telling me The Band Perry were free agents. Two minutes later, John and Aaron Bay-Schuck called me—Aaron had heard them in the studio and was blown away,” Dungan told Hits Daily Double.
“We connected creatively. It’s rare that two companies connect on this level,” added Janick.
Music City Gives Back Concert Lineup Announced
/by Craig_ShelburneRodney Atkins
The sixth annual Music City Gives Back concert, hosted by Rodney Atkins and headlined by Dustin Lynch, will take place June 7 near 5th Avenue and Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville. The concert benefits W.O. Smith Music School.
Atkins, Craig Campbell, LANco and Canaan Smith are confirmed to perform. America’s Morning Show hosts Blair Garner, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks will also host along with media partners NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON.
The concert is free to the public and performances will kick off at 6 p.m. Select artists will also be available to sign autographs in the free, no-ticket-required sponsor activation area where guests can have a drink, play cornhole and more.
Dustin Lynch
“This is hands-down one of my favorite events to do every year,” said Atkins. “We started it as a way to help our friends and neighbors in the community who were affected by the huge flood in 2010, and it just keeps growing every year and has become a fun way for us to support some of the great organizations we have in Nashville like the W.O. Smith Music School. I’m grateful to all the artists who are coming out to play with us this year – we’re going to have a good time!”
Carl Black Chevrolet, Wrangler and Ally are returning for the sixth year as presenting sponsors for Music City Gives Back.
Final Nominees For 28th Annual MusicRow Awards Announced
/by Craig_ShelburneMusicRow is pleased to announce the nominees for the 28th Annual MusicRow Awards, Nashville’s longest-running industry trade publication honors.
Download the PDF and see the complete list of nominees.
Subscribed members of MusicRow will receive ballots by email on Wednesday, May 18. Voting closes on Tues., May 24 at 5 p.m.
The 2016 MusicRow Awards will be presented during a private event at BMI on Wednesday, June 29.
Outside submissions were accepted for the Breakthrough Songwriter category, which honors writers and co-writers who scored their first Top 10 single during the eligibility period (May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016).
MusicRow will also distribute the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards at the event, recognizing the studio musicians who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard‘s country album chart during the eligibility period. Honors will be presented for guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, keyboards, steel, vocals and engineer categories.
Winners will be profiled in MusicRow’s June/July print magazine, which will debut at the ceremony.
If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive your ballot.