BMI Co-Presenting Songwriters Show In Memphis
BMI and Memphis, Tennessee, radio station 94.1 The Wolf will present the first-ever Songwriter Fest at The Halloran Centre at The Orpheum on March 12 in Memphis.
Songwriters on the lineup include Shane Minor (“Live A Little Love A Lot,” Kenny Chesney; “Chillin’ It,” Cole Swindell), Phil O’Donnell (“Doin’ What She Likes,” Blake Shelton; George Strait’s “Give It All We Got Tonight”), Greg Bates (“Did It For the Girl”) and Shelley Skidmore. Tickets are $10 to $20 and available at Ticketmaster.
Concert By Friends of Al Bunetta Set For Feb. 20
Al and Juri Bunetta
An evening of music remembering the life of Al Bunetta has been scheduled for Feb. 20 at City Winery in Nashville.
Special guests are Robbie Dupree and Mike Reid with David Spinoza, Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff, Zhana Roiya and Christian Cullen. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven Family Shelter.
Bunetta co-founded one of Nashville’s first independent labels, Oh Boy Records. He spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman.
The concert is presented by the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation, named for Al and Dawn Bunetta’s son, who died in a car accident in 2011.
RED Nashville, ‘stache media Move To Music Row
The RED Nashville office is located at 1014 16th Ave. S.
RED Nashville and ‘stache media have opened a new office located on Music Row at 1014 16th Ave. S.
Recognized as an industry leader in music distribution and artist development, RED specializes in digital and physical sales, digital and retail marketing, radio promotion and product development for more than 60 independent record labels, including Black River Entertainment, Red Bow Records, Stoney Creek and Wheelhouse.
RED, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, is headquartered in New York City. In 2009, RED launched ‘stache media, a full service marketing agency specializing in music to support RED releases and artists.
Gary Tackett Joins Heartland Records Nashville
Gary Tackett
Heartland Records Nashville has announced the addition of Gary Tackett as West Coast Regional V.P. of A&R.
Spending over 14 years in Nashville, Tackett has toured and recorded for Billy Currington (tour manager/bandleader), Merle Haggard (playing on the Blue Jungle album), Vern Gosdin, Eddy Raven, and Tammy Cochran, among others.
Gary has an extensive background in sales, marketing and business development for many national companies as well as a brief stint as a regional director of broadcast licensing for SESAC.
Tackett will be working with new artists on the West Coast, assisting them with production, artist development and radio promotion.
Skyville Live Confirms Patti Austin, Andra Day, Miesa For Feb. 25
/by Craig_ShelburneThe next edition of the Emmy-nominated webcast Skyville Live will feature vocal stylist Patti Austin, soul sensation Andra Day, and rising R&B/pop star Miesa. Filmed in Nashville, the show will stream live exclusively via go90, a free mobile video platform available across all wireless carriers, and on AOL.com.
Austin stepped onto the stage of the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem when she was just 4 years old at the urging of music legend Dinah Washington. Austin rocketed to the top of the New York session scene in the ’70s, adding her distinctive voice to recordings by Paul Simon, Diana Ross, James Brown, Bette Midler, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles and many others. Later, she signed with Quincy Jones’ Quest label and achieved mainstream success with her Grammy-nominated hit “Baby Come To Me” and Oscar-nominated “How Do You Keep the Music Playing.” In 2007, she won a Grammy for her solo album, Avant Gershwin. Fans can look forward to Austin’s new radio show SiriusXM this spring, as well as a Duke Ellington big band tribute. She is continuing her philanthropic work with The Over My Shoulder Foundation, which she created to encourage mentoring in all walks of life, and will also be touring worldwide throughout 2016.
With a vintage flair and voice for the ages, Day has perfected the American soul sound and has already earned a Grammy nomination for her debut album, Cheers To The Fall (Buskin/Warner Bros. Records). Her song “Rise Up” was hand-selected by the team at Beats By Dre to appear in a campaign around tennis superstar Serena Williams’ run during the U.S. Open and was also nominated for a Grammy (Best R&B Performance).
Miesa is a 24-year-old R&B/pop star on the rise. Born to a Haitian mother and a Filipino father, she showed her talent early on guitar, piano and clarinet. After hearing Miesa’s vocals on a demo earmarked for Kelly Rowland, Chauncy Jackson of Siri Music Group signed her. Her first single is “Antidote.” Drawing from influences Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse, Miesa is wrapping her debut album, which will release early this summer via Siri Music Group (Capitol/Caroline). Her latest single is “Too Bad For You.”
UMG Chairman Lucian Grainge Tops Billboard’s Power 100 List
/by Jessica NicholsonLucian Grainge
UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge was ranked No. 1 on Billboard‘s annual Power 100 list of the music industry’s most influential people. Grainge has appeared at the No. 1 spot on the rankings three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2016, making him the first to hold the top rank for consecutive years.
Live Nation president/CEO Michael Rapino is at No. 2, followed by Apple execs Eddy Cue, Jimmy Iovine, Robert Kondrk, and Trent Reznor (all at No. 3), Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris at No. 4, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Martin Bandier at No. 5.
Among the Nashville entertainment executives that made the rankings are:
During Grammy weekend, Grainge’s 2016 artist showcase, held at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, offered insiders a look at some of the Grammy awards’ top nominees, including performances from Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, and The Weeknd, as well as Thomas Rhett, Halsey, Demi Lovato, and more.
UMG artist Sam Hunt and Lucian Grainge CBE, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for UMG/AP Images.
UMG artist Chris Stapleton at Universal Music Group: Lucian Grainge’s 2016 Artist’s Showcase. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Citi/AP Images
Weekly Register: Grammy Nominees Lead Country Albums Chart
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Stapleton, Charles Kelley and Sam Hunt are in charge of the country album sales chart this week—and all three projects are nominated for Grammys on Monday (Feb. 15).
Stapleton’s Traveller moved 32K units, rising to overall sales of 862.5K. It’s up for Album of the Year and Best Country Album, while the title track is competing for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song. Dave Cobb, who produced the set, is also up for Producer of the Year. Traveler is at No. 11 on the overall chart.
Hunt keeps his game on with Montevallo at No. 3, with 11K units. Hunt is up for Best New Artist, while Montevallo is among the Best Country Album nominees.
Chart debuts include The Infamous Stringdusters’ Ladies & Gentlemen at. No. 44, Joey+Rory’s Hymns Project (ahead of its official release date of Feb. 12) at No. 54, a self-titled released from Dori Freeman at No. 62, and Moccasin Creek’s Hillbilly Rock Star at No. 67.
Thomas Rhett
On the country tracks chart, Thomas Rhett holds onto No. 1 with “Die a Happy Man,” with 42.5K singles sold, and 1.1 million overall. Chase Rice arrives at No. 2 with “Whisper,” selling 32.5K in its debut week. Rounding out the Top 5 are Maren Morris’ “My Church” (30K), Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” (27.5K) and Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (25K). Dan + Shay’s “From the Ground Up” enters at No. 7 (21K).
Meanwhile, Flo Rida debuts at No. 1 on the overall tracks chart this week with “My House” with 127.5K units. Future’s EVOL tops the overall albums chart with 134K. Wiz Khalifa debuts at No. 6 with Khalifa (64K). Now 57 debuts at No. 7 (63K), and Elton John‘s Wonderful Crazy Night debuts at No. 8 (58K). Lucinda Williams debuts at No. 36 with her latest, Ghosts of Highway 20 (16K).
Luke Laird Honored By MTSU Prior To Grammy Awards
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Ken Paulson, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment; Beverly Keel, chair of the Recording Industry department; Laird; alumnus Pete Fisher, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry; MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; and Erika Wollam Nichols, general manager of The Bluebird Café. Photo: Andrew Oppmann
Middle Tennessee State University honored Grammy winner and current nominee Luke Laird at a special reception held Sunday (Feb. 14) in Los Angeles, one day before the Grammy Awards.
Laird, who graduated from MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry in 2001, was recognized for his accomplishments by President Sidney A. McPhee, Media and Entertainment college dean Ken Paulson and Chair of the Recording Industry department Beverly Keel.
“This is a really special day for us—and especially poignant for me, personally—because we are here to honor Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Luke Laird,” said Keel, who taught Laird as a student in one of her classes.
“He continues to make country music history year after year,” she said. “Indeed, our students, who will take our History of Country Music class in 20 or 30 years, will study Luke’s accomplishments and be inspired by how he shaped country music’s sound for more than a decade.”
Laird, in thanking MTSU for the recognition, talked about the encouragement and support he received from the faculty, starting when he first visited the campus as a prospective student.
“Everyone there was so welcoming, I knew I was going to go to school there,” Laird told the audience. “I dreamed to be a songwriter and they never discouraged me. … The people there encouraged me, still to this day.
“My time at MTSU is a time I look back on very fondly.”
Laird is up for Best Country Song in the 58th Grammy Awards on Monday for “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools,” which was performed by Tim McGraw, and Best Country Album, as producer of Kacey Musgraves’ Pageant Material.
He has written 20 Billboard No. 1 hits and has been named BMI’s Songwriter of the Year and the Academy of Country Music’s songwriter of the year. He won a Grammy in 2014 for producing Musgraves’ debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park.
McPhee applauded Laird’s accomplishments and his devotion to his alma mater.
“Luke’s professional success and deep devotion to MTSU makes him a stellar example of the hard work and spirit we strive to instill in all of our students,” McPhee said. “We are proud of him.”
Darius Rucker, McGhee Entertainment Part Ways
/by Craig_ShelburneDarius Rucker
Darius Rucker and McGhee Entertainment have amicably parted ways after their management contract expired, MusicRow has confirmed.
Rucker has not signed with new management.
Rucker joined McGhee Entertainment, headed by Doc McGhee, in 2002. After selling millions of albums as the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville as a solo artist in 2006. He is currently in the studio working on a follow-up to his 2015 album, Southern Style. He will launch his Good For A Good Time Tour in June.
CRS Photo Round-Up III: Kelsea Ballerini, LANco, Chris Lane, Smith & Wesley, Women In The Industry
/by Eric T. ParkerWrapping up Country Radio Seminar (CRS) week with country stars and radio executives mingling at the Omni Nashville Hotel, photos are left in the aftermath. Those included below are Kelsea Ballerini, LANco, Chris Lane, Smith & Wesley, and a panel titled Women In The Industry.
Pictured (L-R): Laurie Kapugi, Kelsea Ballerini, WUSN’s Jeff Kapugi.
At new Arista Nashville band LANco’s showcase at 3rd & Lindsley on Tues., Feb. 8. Pictured (L-R): Consultant Joel Raab; LANco’s Jared Hampton; WQYK/Tampa OM/PD Tee Gentry; LANco’s Chandler Baldwin; WKXC/Augusta OM/PD Chris O’Kelley; LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, Eric Steedly, and Tripp Howell; and WQYK/Tampa MD Kevin Ebel. Photo: Alan Poizner
At the Chris Lane bowling party at Pinewood Social on Tues., Feb. 9. Pictured (L-R): Entravision/ Sacramento, CA KNTY PD Tosh Jackson; KHHM’s Jay Marzz; KNTY MD Mike Allen; Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman; Big Loud Records Midwest promotion Roger Fregoso; and West Coast promotion Dave Kirth.
Smith & Wesley performed an official showcase at the Omni Nashville’s BarLines on Tues., Feb. 9. Photo: Sara Kauss
Women In The Industry Panel on Breaking Barriers and Balance took place on Tues, Feb. 9. Pictured (L-R): Jules Riley, E.W. Scripps/Tulsa; Sarah Frazier, CBS Radio/Houston; Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment; Kristen Williams, Warner Music Nashville; Julie Talbott, Premiere Networks. Photo: Sara Kauss.
Songwriter Ryan Beaver Plans ‘Rx’ Album Release For May 6
/by Craig_ShelburneNashville songwriter Ryan Beaver will release a new album, Rx, on May 6. Beaver co-produced the project with Jeremy Spillman and Ryan Tyndell.
Beaver is signed to a publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment. He is managed by Marc Rucker at Parallel Entertainment. Rx will be self-released.
In addition, he will open three West Coast shows for Lee Ann Womack later this month. Three shows with JJ Grey & Mofro have also been confirmed for April.
“This album is titled Rx because these songs are like medicine to me,” Beaver said. “Making this record was so much fun, and so therapeutic. These songs serve as a prescription for getting excited about music and life. And if they’re like medicine for me, maybe they will be for the listeners.”
‘The Voice’ Winner Jordan Smith Announces Debut Album
/by Craig_ShelburneJordan Smith, who won NBC’s The Voice in December, will release his full-length debut album, Something Beautiful, via LightWorkers Media/Republic Records, on March 18. His first single is “Stand in the Light.”
The 22-year-old from Harlan, Kentucky, is the highest-selling artist to ever emerge from The Voice. In less than six months, he sold over a million singles and made The Voice history by landing eight songs in the iTunes Top 10. He is one of only two artists, alongside Cassadee Pope, to notch three No. 1’s during the show’s season.
Some of his most popular digital tracks were renditions of “Somebody to Love,” “Mary, Did You Know?” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Hallelujah.”
This is the first record to be released under the new collaboration between LightWorkers Media and Republic Records. Producers are David Foster and Stephan Moccio.
“When you hear Jordan Smith’s beautiful debut album, Something Beautiful, you will be transported.” said executive producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. “These amazing song choices combined with his beautiful voice will take you on a heartfelt and hope-filled emotional journey. It is our hope that you allow this special album from this extraordinary young man to wash over you and renew your spirit.”
“We’re honored to expand our relationship with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, and LightWorkers Media,” said Republic Records Executive Vice President/General Manager of West Coast, Tom Mackay. “We all recognize Jordan Smith’s immense talent, presence, and charisma, and we’re going to collectively ensure that unmistakable voice of his is heard everywhere.”
Reviver Records Signs peermusic Songwriter Michael Tyler
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, David Ross, Michael Tyler, Michael Knox. Photo: Jeremy Westby, Webster PR.
Michael Tyler, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Thayer, Missouri, has signed a recording deal with Reviver Records.
Tyler has co-written Dierks Bentley‘s new single, “Somewhere on a Beach,” as well as Jason Aldean‘s “Laid Back” from the album Old Boots, New Dirt, and the LOCASH tunes “Shipwrecked” and “Ain’t Startin’ Tonight.”
“In signing Michael, we feel that we have landed an artist who has his ear very much in tune with where the country music format is headed,” said Reviver President David Ross. “The industry is quickly finding out about Michael as a songwriter, and we believe that soon people are going to become huge fans of his as an artist.”
At age 13, Tyler had an online meeting with Aldean’s producer, Michael Knox, who is now his manager. Tyler signed to peermusic as a songwriter in 2012, and is still repped by the publishing company. Knox is a Vice President at peermusic and CEO/President of Music Knox.
Reviver Records is distributed by BDG, RED – A Division of SONY Music, LLC.
Industry Ink: BMI, Friends Of Al Bunetta, RED Nashville, Heartland Records Nashville
/by Craig_ShelburneBMI Co-Presenting Songwriters Show In Memphis
BMI and Memphis, Tennessee, radio station 94.1 The Wolf will present the first-ever Songwriter Fest at The Halloran Centre at The Orpheum on March 12 in Memphis.
Songwriters on the lineup include Shane Minor (“Live A Little Love A Lot,” Kenny Chesney; “Chillin’ It,” Cole Swindell), Phil O’Donnell (“Doin’ What She Likes,” Blake Shelton; George Strait’s “Give It All We Got Tonight”), Greg Bates (“Did It For the Girl”) and Shelley Skidmore. Tickets are $10 to $20 and available at Ticketmaster.
Concert By Friends of Al Bunetta Set For Feb. 20
Al and Juri Bunetta
An evening of music remembering the life of Al Bunetta has been scheduled for Feb. 20 at City Winery in Nashville.
Special guests are Robbie Dupree and Mike Reid with David Spinoza, Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff, Zhana Roiya and Christian Cullen. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven Family Shelter.
Bunetta co-founded one of Nashville’s first independent labels, Oh Boy Records. He spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman.
The concert is presented by the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation, named for Al and Dawn Bunetta’s son, who died in a car accident in 2011.
RED Nashville, ‘stache media Move To Music Row
The RED Nashville office is located at 1014 16th Ave. S.
RED Nashville and ‘stache media have opened a new office located on Music Row at 1014 16th Ave. S.
Recognized as an industry leader in music distribution and artist development, RED specializes in digital and physical sales, digital and retail marketing, radio promotion and product development for more than 60 independent record labels, including Black River Entertainment, Red Bow Records, Stoney Creek and Wheelhouse.
RED, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, is headquartered in New York City. In 2009, RED launched ‘stache media, a full service marketing agency specializing in music to support RED releases and artists.
Gary Tackett Joins Heartland Records Nashville
Gary Tackett
Heartland Records Nashville has announced the addition of Gary Tackett as West Coast Regional V.P. of A&R.
Spending over 14 years in Nashville, Tackett has toured and recorded for Billy Currington (tour manager/bandleader), Merle Haggard (playing on the Blue Jungle album), Vern Gosdin, Eddy Raven, and Tammy Cochran, among others.
Gary has an extensive background in sales, marketing and business development for many national companies as well as a brief stint as a regional director of broadcast licensing for SESAC.
Tackett will be working with new artists on the West Coast, assisting them with production, artist development and radio promotion.