Cor Entertainment Signs Duo Walker McGuire
Pictured: Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Jordan Walker
Cor Entertainment has signed emerging country duo Walker McGuire to an exclusive management contract. Recently, Cor’s publishing arm signed a co-venture with Combustion/Atlas that will represent the two singer/songwriters. Cor Entertainment was founded by the duo’s producer, Mickey Jack Cones.
“In addition to their writing, playing, singing and entertaining abilities, these are two of the hardest working guys I know. They have a long career ahead of them and I am so proud that Cor Entertainment gets to play a part in their success,” Cones said of his clients, Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire.
SOLID Hosts Employment Panel
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Nolan, SOLID University Outreach Co-Chair/ For the Record Entertainment; Tim Gray, SOLID University Outreach Chair/ Grayscale Entertainment Marketing; Faithe Parker, Marbaloo; Chitquita McCarthur, SONY; Hannah Clark, Ryman Hospitality Properties; Halie Hampton, Maverick Management.
SOLID recently hosted a panel for music industry newcomers on March 16 titled “An Insider’s Guide on How to Get Your First Job in the Music Industry.” The panel, held at Belmont University and led by SOLID’s University Outreach committee, was the second in the SOLID SPEAK series and consisted of hiring executives, selected to share tips on obtaining a job in Music City.
Tim Gray, University Outreach chair, Lisa Nolan, University Outreach co-chair and Halie Hampton, University Outreach leader with help from the rest of the committee recruited panelists that included: Marbaloo’s Founder and Managing Partner, Faithe Parker; Sony Music Nashville’s HR Manager, Chitiquita McCarthur and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ HR Manager, Hannah Clark.
WMBA Presents Sponsorships, Branding Panel
Top row (L-R): Kristen England, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Meredith Bunch, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Julia Grimoldi, WMBA Secretary; Dana Lalevee, WMBA President. Bottom row (L-R): Stacy Scism, WMBA Vice President; Holly Lane, Country Radio Broadcasters; Tim Gray, Grayscale Entertainment; Tiffany Kerns, CMA; Michelle Jacobs, WME.
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Holly Lane (CRS), Tim Gray (Grayscale Entertainment), Tiffany Kerns (CMA) and Michelle Jacobs (WME) to the organization’s monthly membership meeting about Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships held at NSAI on Tuesday, March 15.
Grayscale Entertainment has worked with artists such as Papa Roach, Shooter Jennings, Katy Perry, Joe Diffie, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj. Lane developed and managed corporate partnerships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, matching global brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Gibson, Southwest Airlines, and Comcast XFINITY.
Prior to joining WME and CMA, Jacobs served as Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe where she developed local partnerships for special events, managed philanthropic event activation, and oversaw the venue’s digital presence. Kerns has a background with with non-profits, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she worked with corporate community partners and large community groups to help achieve the development goals of the CFF Board of Directors.
Heartland Records Adds VP, A&R
Heartland Records Nashville has added Corey Lee Barker as VP, A&R Nashville. Since moving to Nashville 18 years ago, Barker has had over 400 cuts and television placements for his music. He also penned the book Hit Happens to support aspiring songwriters.
“I am more than excited to join the staff here at Heartland Records and I look forward to great things in 2016 and beyond,” Barker said.
Barker can be reached at corey@heartlandrecords.net.
Brandy Clark To Release Warner Bros. Records Album In June
/by Eric T. ParkerBrandy Clark
Brandy Clark will release her major label debut, Big Day In A Small Town, with Warner Bros. Records (Los Angeles), June 10.
Warner’s Nashville outpost will be heavily involved in the roll-out of the Jay Joyce-produced project as the album’s current single,”Girl Next Door,” was released to country radio in February with a music video released earlier this month.
The 11-track album follows the CMA and Grammy-nominated songwriter’s acclaimed 12 Stories (2013).
Clark shares writing credits on every track on the new album, excluding the solo-written “Drinkin’ Smokin’ Cheatin’.” Co-writers include Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon, Mark D. Sanders, Lori McKenna, Jeremy Spillman, and more. Kacey Musgraves join Clark for featured vocals on “Daughters.”
Ahead of the full-length release on Record Store Day (April 16), Warner Bros. Records will release a green 7″ vinyl single for “Girl Next Door” with side B featuring “Homecoming Queen,” plus the same song covered by Sheryl Crow on her own 2013 Warner Bros. Records project.
Album artwork is forthcoming.
Big Day In A Small Town Track Listing
Soap Opera – Brandy Clark/Bryan Simpson
Girl Next Door – Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally
Homecoming Queen – Brandy Clark/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally
Broke – Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne
You Can Come Over – Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Mark Narmore
Love Can Go To Hell – Brandy Clark/Scott Stepakoff
Big Day In A Small Town – Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Mark D. Sanders
Three Kids No Husband – Brandy Clark/Lori McKenna
Daughter – Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jeremy Spillman
Drinkin’ Smokin’ Cheatin’ – Brandy Clark
Since You’ve Gone to Heaven – Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally
‘Don Williams In Ireland: The Gentle Giant In Concert’ Available on April 15
/by Troy_StephensonRed River Entertainment/BFD/RED will release Don Williams In Ireland: The Gentle Giant In Concert DVD and CD on April 15. Included on the project are 19 songs such as “I Believe In You,” “Lay Down Beside Me,” and “Tulsa Time.”
“It’s my sincere hope that the fans will enjoy this package,” said the 2010 Country Music Hall of Fame member. “My whole career has been about the fans, and hopefully these songs will bring them as much pleasure as I gained from performing them.”
Williams recently announced his retirement from the entertainment industry after a five-decade career that included hits in both country and pop music.
CMA Songwriters Series Debuts At SXSW Music Festival
/by Molly_HannulaCMA Songwriters Series returned to Austin to make its South by Southwest Music Festival debut at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday (March 19). 2014 CMA Song of the Year Award winners Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally were joined by hit songwriter and two-time CMA Awards nominee Josh Osborne to perform for a full house and share stories behind their top songs.
More than 60 CMA members and other special guests gathered at a reception in the Paramount Theatre’s Houdini Lounge before the performance.
For more information, visit CMAsongwritersseries.com.
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, and Josh Osborne perform during the CMA Songwriters Series Saturday at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. Photo: Mario Villeda / CMA
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, CMA Board member; Kacey Musgraves; Kurt Johnson, CMA Board member and SVP of Programming, Townsquare Media; and Josh Osborne. Photo: Mario Villeda / CMA
Pictured (L-R): Julia Cole and Danielle Bradbery in the Houdini Lounge at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas during South by Southwest.
In Pictures: Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, T Bone Burnett
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley surprised concertgoers recently at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. After playing a few seconds of an 80’s country classic by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, “Houston (Means I’m Only One Day Closer to You),” Paisley announced Brothers Larry and Rudy were actually at the show and invited the two to join him onstage.
Brad Paisley with The Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Ben Enos
CMA Award winners Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally visited with CMA Foundation beneficiary students at the Doris Miller Auditorium in Austin, Texas prior to their CMA Songwriters Series performance at SXSW. The pair spoke to students about the songwriting process, gave insight into different careers in the music industry, and performed several acoustic songs for the group.
Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves perform in Austin, Texas. Photo: Mario Villeda/CMA
On the last night of his Blake Shelton 2016 Tour Presented by Gildan, Shelton posed with WMN President & CEO, John Esposito and label/tourmate Chris Janson.
Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton, John Esposito, Chris Janson.
Berklee College of Music presented American Master Awards to record producer, songwriter and recording artist T Bone Burnett, and acclaimed roots duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – both Berklee alumni – at a special Tuesday night (March 8) edition of Music City Roots from the Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
Welch and Rawlings took the stage after accepting their awards and performed songs including “The Way it Goes,” and “Look at Miss Ohio.” Burnett joined them for “Everything is Free.” Berklee alumnae Sierra Hull, Liz Longley, and Maureen Murphy also performed at the event, hosted by Jim Lauderdale.
The American Master Award is presented by Berklee to industry leaders whose openness, generosity and deep commitment to music education have made a positive impact on the lives of young musicians, providing them opportunities to grow as artists and leaders.
Pictured (L-R): Berklee songwriting professor Pat Pattison, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, T Bone Burnett, and Berklee President Roger Brown.
I Am Second Run Set For Downtown Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonThe I Am Second Run Series will come to downtown Nashville for its inaugural Music City event on Saturday, April 2 at Public Square Park, 10 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201. Other participating cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Birmingham, Evansville, Orange County and more.
I Am Second is a movement helping people through real stories from actors, athletes, musicians, former addicts and everyday people that provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday life. These stories give hope to the hopeless and a sense of purpose to the unfulfilled. I Am Second features stories from Scott Hamilton, Mike Fisher, Brian Welch, Josh Turner, and Jeff Fisher.
The 5K/10K/ Fun Run in Nashville is open to all ages and fitness levels, from serious lifelong runners to joggers or walkers. The Fun Run starts and 8:00 a.m. and the 5K / 10K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. All timed 5K and 10K runners will receive a medal at the finish line with the award ceremony to follow for the top finishers. 5K runners will receive a long sleeve participant shirt and 10K earners will get a short sleeve tech shirt. Entry fees range from $20 – $50 depending on participant’s age and category of run.
For early registration go to iamsecondrun.com.
Dolly Parton and Katy Perry To Duet During ACM Awards
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton
Dolly Parton and Katy Perry have been added to the line-up of performers taking the stage at the ACM Awards, airing Sunday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS. The two superstars will duet, marking their first-ever live performance together.
Additionally, Parton will be honored with the ACM’s Tex Ritter Award for her television movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. The movie aired on NBC in 2015 and was watched by more than 16 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV movies of all time. Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Award include Country Strong, Crazy Heart, O Brother, Where Art Thou and Walk the Line, among others.
Parton and Perry join previously announced performers, including Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cam, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Chris Young with Cassadee Pope and Florida Georgia Line. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 51st Academy Of Country Music Awards, co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
American Country Countdown Awards To Feature Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett are set to perform on the American Country Countdown Awards, airing Sunday, May 1 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, from the Forum in Inglewood, California.
The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. The awards show is based on 43-year radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors artists based on album sales and radio airplay.
This year’s host, additional performers and award finalists will be announced in coming weeks.
The 2014 inaugural American Country Countdown Awards featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Hank Williams, Jr.
Tickets for the American Country Countdown Awards at the Forum go on sale to the general public Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. PT at ticketmaster.com.
CMA Announces International Award Recipients
/by Sarah SkatesKacey Musgraves and Bob Harris receive CMA International Awards during the recent C2C London event. (L-R): Mark Hagen, Executive Producer, BBC; Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recipient Bob Harris, host of “Bob Harris Country” on BBC Radio 2; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; International Artist Achievement Award recipient Kacey Musgraves; Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO and CMA Board member. Photo: Anthony D’Angio/CMA
The Country Music Association announced today (March 21) the 2016 recipients of the organization’s International Awards.
The timing of the announcement coincided with the recent C2C London event, where more than 60,000 fans attended a weekend of live performances from the biggest names in country music, alongside emerging artists from the U.K. and Europe. CMA-sponsored activities included the sold-out CMA Songwriters Series featuring Charles Esten, Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, Charlie Worsham, and host Shane McAnally, with a surprise appearance by Miranda Lambert.
The CMA Talks series included “Live with Charles Esten” and “Nashville Heavy Hitters” with Susan Bank, Mike Dungan, Ali Harnell, and Randy Goodman.
During the event, Kacey Musgraves was presented the International Artist Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 personality Bob Harris. The singer then surprised the respected broadcaster with the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. Harris has more than four decades of experience covering music, and is currently on BBC Radio 2. He has been the recipient of three CMA International Awards.
International superstar Reba congratulated Musgraves and Harris, and notified fellow award recipients Gord Bamford and Paul McGuire of Canada via personalized email video messages. Watch Reba’s announcement.
Bamford is winning the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. Bamford is a 22-time Canadian Country Music Award winner. His seventh studio album will be released on Sony Music Canada this month.
McGuire, host of multiple CMT radio and television shows in Canada, receives the International Country Broadcaster Award.
Jeff Walker posthumously receives the Jo Walker-Meador International Award. Walker was a CMA Board member who worked tirelessly to advance country music in foreign markets, including developing international events during CMA Music Festival. He served on the boards of prominent International Country Music associations in Canada and Australia.
CMA International Awards are voted on by CMA International Membership as well as a panel of domestic U.S.-based industry.
In Pictures: BMI @ SXSW
/by Jessica NicholsonPerforming rights organization BMI showcased several artists in a variety of music genres during South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. BMI hosted events including BMI’s Howdy Texas Party, Acoustic Brunch, Indie Rock showcase, and the Acoustic Latin showcase.
BMI’s Mark Mason and Jody Williams pose for a photo with artist Aubrie Sellers at BMI’s Acoustic Brunch. Photo: Erika Goldring
The Peterson Brothers perform during BMI’s Howdy Texas Party during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring
Hailey Knox performs at BMI’s Acoustic Brunch during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring
Pictured (L-R): Dean Fertita, SAG-AFTRA’s Josh Reese, musicians Josh Homme, Troy Leeuwen and Iggy Pop, BMI’s Lauren Branson and SAG-AFTRA’s Stefanie Taub during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring
Dale Watson performs during BMI’s Howdy Texas Party. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI’s Mark Mason gathers for a photo with Welshly Arms at BMI’s Indie Rock Showcase during SXSW at Trinity Hall at Old School. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo
Industry Ink: Cor Entertainment, SOLID, WMBA, Heartland Records
/by Jessica NicholsonCor Entertainment Signs Duo Walker McGuire
Pictured: Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Jordan Walker
Cor Entertainment has signed emerging country duo Walker McGuire to an exclusive management contract. Recently, Cor’s publishing arm signed a co-venture with Combustion/Atlas that will represent the two singer/songwriters. Cor Entertainment was founded by the duo’s producer, Mickey Jack Cones.
SOLID Hosts Employment Panel
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Nolan, SOLID University Outreach Co-Chair/ For the Record Entertainment; Tim Gray, SOLID University Outreach Chair/ Grayscale Entertainment Marketing; Faithe Parker, Marbaloo; Chitquita McCarthur, SONY; Hannah Clark, Ryman Hospitality Properties; Halie Hampton, Maverick Management.
SOLID recently hosted a panel for music industry newcomers on March 16 titled “An Insider’s Guide on How to Get Your First Job in the Music Industry.” The panel, held at Belmont University and led by SOLID’s University Outreach committee, was the second in the SOLID SPEAK series and consisted of hiring executives, selected to share tips on obtaining a job in Music City.
Tim Gray, University Outreach chair, Lisa Nolan, University Outreach co-chair and Halie Hampton, University Outreach leader with help from the rest of the committee recruited panelists that included: Marbaloo’s Founder and Managing Partner, Faithe Parker; Sony Music Nashville’s HR Manager, Chitiquita McCarthur and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ HR Manager, Hannah Clark.
WMBA Presents Sponsorships, Branding Panel
Top row (L-R): Kristen England, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Meredith Bunch, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Julia Grimoldi, WMBA Secretary; Dana Lalevee, WMBA President. Bottom row (L-R): Stacy Scism, WMBA Vice President; Holly Lane, Country Radio Broadcasters; Tim Gray, Grayscale Entertainment; Tiffany Kerns, CMA; Michelle Jacobs, WME.
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Holly Lane (CRS), Tim Gray (Grayscale Entertainment), Tiffany Kerns (CMA) and Michelle Jacobs (WME) to the organization’s monthly membership meeting about Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships held at NSAI on Tuesday, March 15.
Grayscale Entertainment has worked with artists such as Papa Roach, Shooter Jennings, Katy Perry, Joe Diffie, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj. Lane developed and managed corporate partnerships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, matching global brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Gibson, Southwest Airlines, and Comcast XFINITY.
Prior to joining WME and CMA, Jacobs served as Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe where she developed local partnerships for special events, managed philanthropic event activation, and oversaw the venue’s digital presence. Kerns has a background with with non-profits, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she worked with corporate community partners and large community groups to help achieve the development goals of the CFF Board of Directors.
Heartland Records Adds VP, A&R
“I am more than excited to join the staff here at Heartland Records and I look forward to great things in 2016 and beyond,” Barker said.
Barker can be reached at corey@heartlandrecords.net.