Photo: facebook.com/louis.meyers.589
Veteran music manager and SXSW co-founder Louis Jay Meyers passed away in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 11, 2016, which was also the opening day of this year’s South By Southwest festival. The cause of death is not immediately known.
Meyers is the co-founder, creator, and former director of the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW). He was part of a small group of Austin boosters who established SXSW in 1987. The first event showcased 200 acts in one hotel. The festival now occupies large areas of the city and incorporates film and technology as well as music.
Once the festival was established, Louis Meyers moved on to become the executive director of Folk Alliance International, 2002-2010. He then became that organization’s special projects director. It was during this phase of his career that he graduated from Nashville’s Leadership Music program in 2012.
In recent years, he has been managing the bluegrass band The Hillbenders. The group made headlines by re-recording the songs of The Who’s rock opera Tommy in bluegrass style. The resulting 2015 CD was titled Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, released on Nashville’s Compass Records label.
Born in 1955 and raised in Austin, Texas, Meyers was a musician for 45 years, performing live and recording on guitar, banjo, and pedal steel guitar. His credits include recordings or performances with Willis Alan Ramsey, Bruce Robison, Killbilly, Bill & Bonnie Hearne, The Killer Bees, Jello Biafra, Mojo Nixon, Fastball, Michael Hearne, Stonehoney, Tennessee Boltsmokers and many others. As a producer, Meyers won the NAIRD award for Independent Reggae release in both 1987 and 1989 for his work with The Killer Bees.
In the 1980’s, Meyers was a concert promoter producing hundreds of shows at Austin’s legendary Liberty Lunch concert venue and was the primary talent buyer for Austin’s famous Antone’s Nightclub in the late 90’s.
After leaving SXSW in 1995, Meyers directed the LMNOP Music Conference (New Orleans), Rockrgrl Music Conference (Seattle), A2A: Access to Amsterdam Conference (Amsterdam), and the Austin Music Network (AMN) before taking the position as Executive Director of the Folk Alliance International organization and conference in 2005.
A Celebration of Life will be planned with details announced in the coming weeks.
Kix Brooks Is Cookin’ With New Book
/by Sarah Skates“This cookbook is all about making it easy to be outside creating memories with the people who mean the most to you,” said Brooks. “Whether you are getting ready for a backyard BBQ, planning a menu for Thanksgiving Dinner or want to cook up some fish you just pulled out of a stream, we have recipes for you. Before you know it, you’ll be cookin’ like a Cajun too!”
The multi-faceted entertainer hosts his Kickin It with Kix radio show, a Cooking Channel series Steak Out with Kix Brooks, co-owns Arrington Vineyards and is a contributor to Nash Country Weekly. The residency, Reba, Brooks & Dunn Together In Vegas, has had 18 consecutive sellouts and continues May 3 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Fans can now pre-order the cookbook at www.kixbrooks.com.
In Pictures: Country 2 Country Music Festival 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonA plethora of country stars have been overseas taking part in the three-day Country 2 Country Festival in Dublin, Glasgow and London. Among them are Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Frankie Ballard, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Monroe, Maddie & Tae, Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Worsham and more.
Country 2 Country announced the festival will return next year, with dates slated for March 10-12, 2017.
Columbia Records U.K. Co-President Alison Donald (back center) and various members of her team toast Maren Morris (front center) along with Morris’ manager Janet Weir (3rd from left) and Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman (far right) before Morris’ performance at The Borderline on Monday night as part of the C2C (Country to Country) Music Festival held in London, Glasgow and Dublin.
David Nail. Photo: C2C Festival London
Ashley Monroe. Photo: Twitter/Country2Country
Sam Hunt. Photo: Twitter/Country2Country
Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Twitter/Country2Country
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Twitter/Country2Country
John Zarling Among ‘Billboard’ Branding Power Players
/by Sarah SkatesJohn Zarling
Big Machine Label Group Sr. VP Partnership Marketing and Promotion Strategy John Zarling ranks on Billboard’s just-released list of Branding Power Players.
Zarling has been with the company since it was founded in 2005, starting in a radio promotion role and then expanding to brand partnerships. He tells Billboard, “in the past five years, we’ve secured $22 million in cash and in-kind value…we deliver the artist but also produce, manage and execute the events.” Zarling recently secured partnerships for Brantley Gilbert and Harley-Davidson, and Levi Hummon and Ram trucks.
According to the article, branding partnerships bring about $2 billion in revenue to the music industry.
Also included in the list is Marcie Allen, President of MAC Presents. The Nashville native commutes to her offices in New York, and has executed numerous award winning partnerships. Her recent deals include Southwest Airlines and Imagine Dragons.
Others on the power players list with strong Nashville ties include Jennifer Breithaupt, Citi’s Managing Dir. of Media, Advertising and Global Entertainment; and Shari Lewin, Agent, William Morris Endeavor.
See the methodology and complete list here.
Sony To Acquire Michael Jackson’s Share Of Sony/ATV Estate For $750 Million
/by Jessica NicholsonMichael Jackson. Photo: Michael Jackson Facebook.
Sony Corporation of America has signed an agreement to obtain full ownership of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC by acquiring the 50 percent interest in Sony/ATV held by the Michael Jackson Estate, for $750 million. The purchase includes a lump sum payment of $733 million, as well as distributions previously committed to by Sony/ATV to be paid to the Michael Jackson estate.
“The entertainment businesses have long been a core part of Sony and are a key driver of our future growth,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Corporation. “This agreement further demonstrates Sony’s commitment to the entertainment businesses and our firm belief that these businesses will continue to contribute to our success for years to come.”
The purchase process began in September, as Sony exercised a right that has been in place since joint venture was formed between Jackson and Sony in 1995.
The transaction will not affect its continuing interests in other music assets, including all of Michael Jackson’s master recordings as well as Mijac Music, the publishing company that owns all songs written by Jackson, as well as songs by some of his favorite songwriters and artists that were acquired by Jackson during his life. The Jackson estate will also retain its ownership interest in EMI Music Publishing.
“This transaction further allows us to continue our efforts of maximizing the value of Michael’s Estate for the benefit of his children,” said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the estate. “It also further validates Michael’s foresight and genius in investing in music publishing. His ATV catalogue, purchased in 1985 for a net acquisition cost of $41.5 million, was the cornerstone of the joint venture and, as evidenced by the value of this transaction, is considered one of the smartest investments in music history.”
“When Sony first partnered with Michael Jackson 21 years ago to create Sony/ATV Music Publishing, we knew that this company had the ability to reach great heights,” said Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment, Inc. “This acquisition will enable Sony to more quickly adapt to changes in the music publishing business, while at the same time continuing to be an unparalleled leader in the industry and a treasured home for artists and writers. We want to express our gratitude to the Estate of Michael Jackson and to the Jackson family for their years of partnership. All of us at Sony look forward to continuing to work with the Estate to further Michael Jackson’s legacy in many different ways.”
Jesse Willoughby Promoted To GM Of Kobalt, Nashville
/by Craig_ShelburneJesse Willoughby. Photo: Laurie Dallriva
Jesse Willoughby has been promoted to General Manager Kobalt, Nashville, the company announced on Tuesday (March 15). Willoughby will assume the new position effective immediately and will report directly to Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt. In this new role, Willoughby will administer Nashville’s creative team and the office’s daily operations. Additionally, he’ll explore possibilities for new deals across the various Kobalt businesses.
Willoughby previously served as Director, Business Development for Kobalt Neighbouring Rights where he was the face of Kobalt’s North American operations for KNR and responsible for handling U.S.-based artist signings, including Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nico & Vinz, Aloe Blacc and Shakira among others.
Willoughby commented, “I am incredibly grateful for this new opportunity with Kobalt and continuing my career with one of the most innovative and progressive publishers in the world. Getting to work with our amazing creative staff, Stephanie Cox and Laura Alexander, alongside our entire global Kobalt creative team, I’m enthusiastic for the opportunity ahead. I am so thankful to Willard Ahdritz, Richard Sanders, Sas Metcalfe, Ann Tausis and Sue Drew along with the entire Kobalt family for their inspiration and mentorship.”
On Jesse Willoughby’s appointment, Sanders stated, “Over the past several years, we have observed Jesse’s tremendous professional growth and outstanding contributions to Kobalt at large. We know he’ll bring exceptional value to the Nashville office and we trust that his leadership will be critical in the expansion of Kobalt Nashville for the creative team and artists.”
Willoughby launched his career in 2005 working in the membership department at ASCAP’s Nashville office. While at ASCAP, Willoughby transferred to the LA office where he focused on pop/rock memberships under Sue Drew, who is now GM Creative & Acquisitions at Kobalt. After spending almost 10 years with the performing rights organization, Willoughby joined Kobalt in 2014 as the Business Development Manager for KNR where he reported to Ann Tausis, General Manager (KNR) and Hans Van Berkel, Chairman (KNR) in the London office.
Industry Ink: Red Light, GRAMMY Camp, BLA Signing
/by Sarah SkatesRed Light Debuts Newsletter
GRAMMY Camp Returns
GRAMMY Camp for high schoolers will take place in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles again this year. The camp focuses on all aspects of commercial music with instruction by industry professionals offering tracks in Audio Engineering, Electronic Music Production, Instrumental Performance, Music Business, Music Journalism, Video Production & Motion Graphics, Vocal Performance, and Songwriting.
Nashville: May 31 – June 4 (nonresidential day camp) hosted by Belmont University
L.A.: June 18 – 27 hosted by USC Thornton School of Music
N.Y.: July 31 – Aug. 8 hosted by Converse Rubber Tracks
Details about application, financial assistance and upcoming informational conference calls at www.grammyintheschools.com.
BLA Signs Shelby Lee Lowe
Shelby Lee Lowe has secured his place on the roster of the Buddy Lee Attractions talent agency. John R Roberson will be the responsible agent.
Said Lowe: “I’m excited to be a part of an agency that has represented such artists as Garth Brooks and Jason Aldean. I know what they have to offer me and I look forward to proving to them [BLA] what I have to bring to the stage.”
Josh Kelley Preps First Album For Sugar Hill Records
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Josh Kelley will release his first new music in five years, a collection titled New Lane Road, on Friday, April 22.
As previously reported, the project will be Kelley’s first for new label home Sugar Hill Records. The artist spent three years writing, producing and engineering the project. Kelley also plays most of the instruments on the album.
“This record is the most me of any record I’ve ever made,” says Kelley. “It’s the most honest I’ve ever been, and it’s the best subject matter I’ve ever had to write about. When I was first coming up, I was young and inexperienced, and I had to make things up. Now that I’m older and I’ve traveled the world and had kids and have seen more and felt more, I have things to write songs about.”
The full album will be available for preorder Friday, March 18. Fans who preorder the album will receive an instant download for the lead single track “It’s Your Move.”
Kelley worked with several singer-songwriters in crafting tunes for New Lane Road, including his brother and Lady Antebellum member Charles Kelley. The brothers will hit the road together on select dates of Charles Kelley’s The Driver Tour.
New Lane Road Track Listing:
1. “It’s Your Move” (Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau/Ben Glover)
2. “The Rock Who Found a Rollin’ Stone” (Josh Kelley)
3. “Call It What It Is” (Josh Kelley/Charles Kelley/Alan Chang)
4. “Take It On Back” (Josh Kelley/Charles Kelley/Tommy King)
5. “The Best of Me” (Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau/Kyle Jacobs)
6. “New Lane Road” (Josh Kelley)
7. “One Foot in the Grave” (Josh Kelley/Jesse Valenzuela/Danny Wilde)
8. “Anywhere You Wanna Go” (Josh Kelley)
9. “Cowboy Love Song” (Josh Kelley/Clint Lagerberg)
10. “I’ll Be Standin’ Tall” (Josh Kelley)
11. “Life’s Too Short” (Josh Kelley/Clint Lagerberg/Sean McConnell)
12. “Only God Can Stop Her Now” (Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau/Jason Sever)
Parton, Ronstadt, Harris To Release ‘The Complete Trio Collection’
/by Sarah SkatesAlso set for release that day is My Dear Companion: Selections From The Trio Collection, the bonus material as a set called Farther Along, and Trio II on vinyl for the first time.
The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and an acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.”
Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s. Trio arrived in 1987, selling more than four million copies and winning two Grammy Awards. Trio II arrived in 1999, won a Grammy and sold more than one million copies worldwide.
The Complete Trio Collection
Track Listing
Disc One – Trio I
1. “The Pain of Loving You”
2. “Making Plans”
3. “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
4. “Hobo’s Meditation”
5. “Wildflowers”
6. “Telling Me Lies”
7. “My Dear Companion”
8. “Those Memories of You”
9. “I’ve Had Enough”
10. “Rosewood Casket”
11. “Farther Along”
Disc Two – Trio II
1. “Lover’s Return”
2. “High Sierra”
3. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
4. “After the Gold Rush”
5. “The Blue Train”
6. “I Feel the Blues Movin’ In”
7. “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
8. “He Rode All The Way To Texas”
9. “Feels Like Home”
10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”
Disc Three – Bonus Material
1. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take unreleased 1986)
2. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
3. “Lover’s Return” (Alternate Mix – Unreleased)
4. “Softly and Tenderly” (Unreleased 1994)
5. “Pleasant As May” (Unreleased 1986)
6. “My Dear Companion” (Alternate Take 1986)
7. “My Blue Tears” (Unreleased 1998)
8. “Making Plans” (Alternate Take 1986)
9. “I’ve Had Enough” (Alternate Mix 1986)
10. “Grey Funnel Line” (Unreleased 1986)
11. “You Don’t Knock” (Unreleased 1986)
12. “Where Will The Words Come From” (Unreleased 1985)
13. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
14. “Are You Tired of Me” (Unreleased 1986)
15. “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”
16. “Mr. Sandman”
17. “Handful Of Dust” (Unreleased 1993)
18. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
19. “White Snow” (Unreleased 1986)
20. “Farther Along” (Alternate Mix 1986)
My Dear Companion: Selections From The Trio Collection
1. “The Pain Of Loving You”
2. “My Dear Companion”
3. “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
4. “Telling Me Lies”
5. “Farther Along”
6. “ Lover’s Return”
7. “After The Gold Rush”
8. “The Blue Train”
9. “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”
11. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
12. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
13. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take 1986)
14. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
Artist News: Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Pete Scobell, ‘Nashville’ Tour, Vintage Hymns
/by Sarah SkatesNew MuttNation Products
Miranda Lambert has teamed with Petmate to launch the MuttNation™ Fueled by Miranda Lambert brand. The collection of bedding, collars, leashes, toys, apparel, feeding and watering products will debut at Global Pet Expo March 16-18, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Every purchase will help fund rescue and adoption programs of MuttNation Foundation™, the organization established by Miranda and her mother Beverly Lambert in 2009.
Aldean Rocks Down Under
Jason Aldean recently sold out headlining tour dates in Melbourne, Sydney, and at the CMC Rocks QLD Country Music Festival. Upon returning stateside, Aldean will perform on the ACM Awards airing April 3 on CBS, where he is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and will vie to retain his title as Male Vocalist of the Year.
Photo: Greg Sylvia
Nashville On Tour
The stars of ABC’s Nashville will take the show on the road again this spring with a concert tour across the U.S., featuring cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Charles Esten. Joining in select cities will be Will Chase, Jonathan Jackson and Aubrey Peeples. Additionally, the Nashville in Concert tour will stage its first international run in the United Kingdom with Bowen, Carmack, Esten and Sam Palladio. The Music of Nashville, Season 4, Volume 2 will be released May 13 on Big Machine Records. The television series returns March 16 on ABC.
Pete Scobell Cruisin’ With Kid Rock
Country artist Pete Scobell has joined the line-up on Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise, setting sail for Jamaica March 10-14. Scobell’s new album, Walkin A Wire, is a 12-song collection featuring songs penned by hitmakers Dierks Bentley, Travis Meadows and Rodney Clawson, as well as guest vocals from Wynonna. Scobell’s single “Walkin a Wire” is rising fast on the MusicRow chart.
Pete Scobell
Soulful Hymns Reimagined
LifeNotes: Music Veteran and SXSW Festival Co-Founder Louis Meyers Passes
/by Sherod RobertsonPhoto: facebook.com/louis.meyers.589
Veteran music manager and SXSW co-founder Louis Jay Meyers passed away in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 11, 2016, which was also the opening day of this year’s South By Southwest festival. The cause of death is not immediately known.
Meyers is the co-founder, creator, and former director of the South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW). He was part of a small group of Austin boosters who established SXSW in 1987. The first event showcased 200 acts in one hotel. The festival now occupies large areas of the city and incorporates film and technology as well as music.
Once the festival was established, Louis Meyers moved on to become the executive director of Folk Alliance International, 2002-2010. He then became that organization’s special projects director. It was during this phase of his career that he graduated from Nashville’s Leadership Music program in 2012.
In recent years, he has been managing the bluegrass band The Hillbenders. The group made headlines by re-recording the songs of The Who’s rock opera Tommy in bluegrass style. The resulting 2015 CD was titled Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, released on Nashville’s Compass Records label.
Born in 1955 and raised in Austin, Texas, Meyers was a musician for 45 years, performing live and recording on guitar, banjo, and pedal steel guitar. His credits include recordings or performances with Willis Alan Ramsey, Bruce Robison, Killbilly, Bill & Bonnie Hearne, The Killer Bees, Jello Biafra, Mojo Nixon, Fastball, Michael Hearne, Stonehoney, Tennessee Boltsmokers and many others. As a producer, Meyers won the NAIRD award for Independent Reggae release in both 1987 and 1989 for his work with The Killer Bees.
In the 1980’s, Meyers was a concert promoter producing hundreds of shows at Austin’s legendary Liberty Lunch concert venue and was the primary talent buyer for Austin’s famous Antone’s Nightclub in the late 90’s.
After leaving SXSW in 1995, Meyers directed the LMNOP Music Conference (New Orleans), Rockrgrl Music Conference (Seattle), A2A: Access to Amsterdam Conference (Amsterdam), and the Austin Music Network (AMN) before taking the position as Executive Director of the Folk Alliance International organization and conference in 2005.
A Celebration of Life will be planned with details announced in the coming weeks.