DISClaimer: Taylor Swift, Anderson East Offer Superb New Singles

/by

Taylor-Swift-Anderson-East-2016

We’ll be up to our necks in country music in the weeks to come, what with CRS and all, so now seems like a good time to remind ourselves what a vibrant and thriving pop/rock scene we have as well.

So thriving, in fact, that I’m playing catch-up. Most of these records came out last year. But I’m just getting around to the riches of Mikky Ekko, Ingrid Michaelson, Brooke Waggoner and The Dead Weather. The Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor singles are new, but their parent CDs are also last year’s.

Speaking of The Dead Weather, it strikes me that Music City just might be the new capital of mainstream, guitar-based rock. With most of the pop world fixated on hip-hop or EDM sounds, Nashville is home to The Black Keys/The Arcs, Jack White/The Dead Weather, Kings of Leon, Paramore, Clear Plastic Masks, Parachute, Cage the Elephant, The Features and The Wild Feathers. Rock bands all.

And speaking of Taylor Swift, she proves once again why she’s the princess of pop by earning a Disc of the Day prize with “Out of the Woods.”

As for Mikky Ekko (a.k.a. John Stephen Sudduth), he’d be the DisCovery Award winner if he hadn’t been Grammy-nominated before he had his own CD. So the honor goes instead to the also gifted Anderson East.

CAGE THE ELEPHANT/Mess Around
Writers: Cage The Elephant; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Publisher: Sony/ATV; BMI; RCA (track)
-Thumping and raucous. Kinda garage-y and lotsa fun. This captures how frothing and energetic these guys are on stage. After the band moved from Bowling Green to Nashville, it switched producers. Black Keys honcho Auerbach gave them a sound more raw and less polished, but the Elephants are still very, very tuneful.

THE DEAD WEATHER/I Feel Love
Writers: Fertita/Mosshart; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: Sleeping Disorder/Kobalt/Domino, BMI; Third Man (track)
– Ferociously rocking. Frontwoman Alison Mosshart has a natural vocal wail that sounds born to be in this band. Lead guitarist Dean Fertita grinds away on a repeated riff that bores into the brain.

MIKKY EKKO/Smile
Writers: Mikky Ekko/Jim Eliot/Greg Kurstin/Dennis Herring; Producers: Elof Lolv & Mikky Ekko; Publishers: Good Kings/Sony-ATV/Jim Eliot/Kurstin/EMI April/Sakana, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; RCA (track)
– This native Nashvillian first attracted my attention when he sang “Stay,” a Grammy-nominated 2012 duet with Rihanna. His debut solo CD, Time, is highlighted by this airy, echoey, celestial-sounding ditty. His sky-high pop tenor delivery aches in a lyric that says things are lousy, so you might as well smile in your misery. Highly listenable. Heartily recommended.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Out of the Woods
Writers: Taylor Swift/Jack Antonoff; Producers: Jack Antonoff/Taylor Swift; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/Ducky Donath, BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Finally. My favorite melody on the 1989 album is now its sixth single. Swift closed concerts with this all last year, and I’ve always believed that it belongs on pop radio. The dark, rumbling rhythm contrasts with its bright, high vocals brilliantly. Get up and shake your money maker.

THE ARCS/Fools Gold
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Leon Michels/Richard Swift; Producers: Dan Auerbach/Leon Michels/Richard Swift; Publishers: Hour Box/Wixen/EMI Blackwood/DANCECONTESTWINNER/Secretly Canadian, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
-This is Dan Auerbach’s side project away from The Black Keys. Like his other group, this one has more than a little blues-rock in its DNA. There is lots of fizzy, fuzzy guitar scuzz here and a dark, haunted vibe that veers almost into psychedelia. The CD is aptly titled Yours Dreamily.

MEGHAN TRAINOR & JOHN LEGEND/Like I’m Gonna Lose You
Writers: Meghan Trainor/Justin Weaver/Caitlin Smith; Producers: Chris Gelbuda/Meghan Trainor; Publishers: Year of the Dog/WB/Music of the Corn/Cornman, ASCAP; Epic (track)
– Artists who launch their careers with a novelty song like “All About That Bass” often turn out to be one-hit wonders. Trainor scored a surprising second time with the just-as-catchy “Lips Are Movin.’” This time out, she slows it down and harmonizes in a soul groove with John Legend. Deliciously hooky.

INGRID MICHAELSON/Time Machine
Writers: Ingrid Michaelson/Busbee/Trent Dabbs/Barry Dean; Producer: Jacquire King; Publishers: Breakable Girls/BMG Platinum/Hello I Love You/Jam Writers Group/BMG Rights Management/Ready Set/Incognito Street, ASCAP/BMI; Cabin 224 (track)
– This indie pop favorite came to Music City to record her fifth album, Lights Out. The lady writes terrifically melodic songs and sings them with blue-eyed soul phrasing. This single/video is a stomper that wishes she could go back in time and warn herself about what a jerk he’ll turn out to be. Michaelson’s albums are always events worth buying, and this is her best one yet. She co-stars in a streamed concert with Cyndi Lauper and Kelsea Ballerini this evening (Thursday) on Skyville Live. It should be quite a show.

STEVE FORBERT/Compromise
Writer: Steve Forbert; Producer: Steve Forbert; Publisher: Songs of Heathercom; SESAC; Rock Ridge (track)
-It has been awhile since we’ve heard from this esteemed singer-songwriter. The title tune of his current album has a chiming, delicate track backing his characteristic soulfully strangulated, slightly hoarse vocal. His harmonica solo is a dandy too. The band features such notables as Kami Lyle, Joey Spampinato and Anthony Crawford.

ANDERSON EAST/Devil In Me
Writers: Anderson East/Mark Stephen Jones/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Farmland/Mark Stephen Jones/One Tooth, BMI; Elektra (track)
– East is in the gossip columns as Miranda Lambert’s new squeeze. They ought to be writing about his smoldering, soul-drenched, gospel-inflected vocal talent. This track from his Delilah debut CD proceeds at a stately pace and is embellished by soul-sister harmonies and bright brass blasts. This man is the real deal.

BROOKE WAGGONER/Ovenbird
Writer: Brooke Waggoner; Producer: Brooke Waggoner; Publisher: Brooke Waggoner, BMI; Swoon Moon
-I have long been in this Nashville charmer’s corner. Her current CD is called Sweven and features this wooshy, electronica soundscape wherein she warbles like a wraith wandering through soft mist. Dreamy. Hypnotic.

CRS Confirms Topics, Panelists For Programmers Boot Camp Series

/by

The Programmers Bootcamp

The topics and panelists for three Programmers Boot Camp discussions at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) have been finalized.

“Programmers Boot Camp Series Part l: Imaging Secrets Revealed” will feature four of the top imaging copywriters in the business. Rich Witt (Vanilla Gorilla), Cowboy Kyle (WUSY Chattanooga), Jason Garte (The Mix Group) and Jeff Berlin (Greater Media Boston) will discuss how to effectively image a radio station on a budget. Bob Richards (Emmis Communications) will lead the Q&A discussion. Additionally, the panelists will examine how to write better copy, the best ways to get local listener testimonials to make your imaging shine, and how to effectively communicate with your voice talent to get the best read. The panel is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

“Programmers Boot Camp Series Part ll: Get Prepped” will feature Big D and Bubba (Silverfish Media), Jeff Andrews (Sheet Happens) and Steve Harmon (Bit Board and iHeartMedia’s Paul and Young Ron), and will be led by RJ Curtis (All Access). The session will provide insight on how to give staff the tools they need to gather relevant content to produce a great on-air product and how to engage an audience on a budget. Panelists will also provide lists of useful websites where “free” content can be gathered and companies who specialize in prep services. The panel is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.

“Programmers Boot Camp Series Part lll: Mastering the Music” will offer industry professionals with years of experience in competitive market battles: Lance Houston (PD of the Bull in Boston), Bill Jones (Bill Jones Media Consulting), and B-Dub (KUPL/Alpha). The session will be led by Beverlee Brannigan (The E.W. Scripps Company) and will explain how to effectively schedule music coding and set up rules to free up time in a busy day. The panel is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m.

Boot camp panels will take in Cumberland Rooms #1 and #2, located on Level 3 in Omni Nashville.

Industry Ink: InDo Nashville, Missing Piece Group, C2 Media Relations

/by

Alex Torrez Joins InDo Nashville Advisory Board

Pictured (L-R): Alex Torrez, Kate Richardson, and John Richardson.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Torrez, Kate Richardson, and John Richardson.

Music consulting, artist development and publishing company Torrez Music Group has located its headquarters in the InDo Nashville building at 632 Fogg Street. Run by music entrepreneur Alex Torrez, the firm focuses on the representation of songwriters, artists, and other publishing affiliations to secure the correct placement of their music. InDo Nashville founders John and Kate Richardson have invited Torrez to join the co-working entrepreneurial space’s advisory board. 

As a board member, Torrez will assist in promoting InDo’s songwriter memberships. Songwriters can join for unlimited access to the company’s three songwriting rooms. There are three levels of membership: Unlimited for $200/year, month-to-month for $30/month, and single 3-hour sessions for $20.

“We are very excited to have Torrez Music Group operating out of InDo Nashville. Alex Torrez brings a wealth of experience and the positive energy that fuels the community at InDo,” says Kate Richardson, InDo Nashville co-owner and partner in Richlyn Marketing.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be asked to be a part of this amazing facility and work along side John and Kate Richardson. I’m looking forward to what 2016 brings!” adds Torrez.

 

Marketing/PR Company Missing Piece Group Opens Nashville Office

Missing Piece Logo

Missing Piece Group, a New Jersey-based PR, marketing, and management company, has opened a new office in Nashville. The Music City outpost will be led by General Manager Brady Brock. Brock previously worked for 10 years at Gold Village Entertainment, and brings clients Blitzen Trapper and White Zombie to the Missing Piece Group roster. Missing Piece Group’s roster also includes Colony House, Ryan Culwell, Andrew Combs, Great American Canyon Band, and Chris Collingwood.

“Missing Piece Group has been looking to expand its presence in Nashville for a while now; we manage three acts based there and have a large and constantly number of PR and marketing clients in town,” says Missing Piece Group CEO Michael Krumper. “Brady is the perfect addition to our team, he’s an incredibly well respected PR guy and manager and a total music geek, which is a job requirement here at Missing Piece Group. I’m proud to have him represent us in Music City, and thrilled that he’s added his management clients Blitzen Trapper and White Zombie to our already strong roster of acts.”

Additionally, Joe Sivick has been promoted to the role of VP, Publicity.

Missing Piece Group was founded by Krumper in 2008 and celebrated its seventh anniversary in December. The company has engaged in publicity and marketing campaigns for clients such as Amazon Music, Melissa Etheridge, Halsey, Hill Country BBQ, Jon Langford, Tom Jones, Ashley Monroe, Rosanne Cash, Sean Watkins, Sloan, Ben Watt, Yanni and more.

Brock can be reached at brady@missingpiecegroup.com.

 

C2 Media Relations Adds To Roster

Ayla Brown

Ayla Brown

Recording artist Ayla Brown has been added to the C2 Media Relations roster, joining Lonestar, Curb Records Ashley Gearing, Lucy Angel, Trick Pony and more. Brown made her debut in 2006 as a finalist on American Idol. Most recently, she has performed on NFL’s Monday Night Football and the GOP debate on CNN.

Writer’s Den Music Group Signs Drew Kennedy To Roster

/by
Pictured (bottom row, L-R): Scott Gunter, Durango Artist Management; Drew Kennedy; Sarah Feldman, Writers Den Music Group. (Top row, L-R): Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Bobby Rymer, Partner, Writers Den Music Group; John Rolfe, Rolfe Entertainment Law

Pictured (Bottom row, L-R): Scott Gunter, Durango Artist Management; Drew Kennedy; Sarah Feldman, Writer’s Den Music Group. (Top row, L-R): Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Bobby Rymer, Partner, Writer’s Den Music Group; John Rolfe, Rolfe Entertainment Law

Writer’s Den Music Group has added to its roster, signing singer-songwriter Drew Kennedy to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Creative Director Sarah Feldman says, “Over time we meet with lots of talented writers, but when someone stands out like Drew did it’s hard not to notice, and I’m grateful we have the opportunity to work together.”

“I am so thrilled to be joining the Writer’s Den family. I knew fairly quickly that I had found two kindred musical spirits in Sarah and Bobby. Finding people who believe in you as both a writer and a person is an invaluable asset in a business that can be as trying as it is rewarding, and I couldn’t be more excited,” says Kennedy. Although he is a Pennsylvania native, Kennedy lives just outside of Austin, Texas, and makes regular trips to Nashville.

Kennedy joins fellow Writer’s Den songwriters Melissa Fuller, Robert Earl Keen, Don Schlitz, and Thom Schuyler. The company also represents the catalogs of Bonnie Bishop, Ben Cooper, Tami Hinesh, Trent Jeffcoat, Jerry Salley, and Adam Wright.

ACM Party For A Cause Adds To Three-Day Vegas Festival Lineup

/by

party for a causeThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has announced A Thousand Horses, Brandy Clark, Brett Eldredge, Martina McBride, Maren Morris, and Chase Rice have been added to the 4th ACM Party For A Cause Festival, rounding out the full lineup at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3.

The event will include multiple stages, ongoing country music performances, interactive games, a country marketplace, and more. The festival will lead up to the 51st ACM Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 3, at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Carrie Underwood will headline a special ACM Women of Country Night to kick off the festival on April 1. The all-female lineup of performers will include Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, McBride, Kellie Pickler and Maddie & Tae on the Main Stage as well as performances by Lauren Alaina, Kelleigh Bannen, Clark and Jana Kramer on the Party Stage.

Dierks Bentley will headline the festival on Saturday, April 2, and will be joined on the Main Stage by Frankie Ballard, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Chris Stapleton and Chris Young. Earlier performances on the Party Stage will feature A Thousand Horses, Chase Bryant, Chris Lane, and Jackson Michelson .

On Sunday, April 3, Kenny Chesney will close out the festival with a full set that will take place simultaneously with the ACM Awards. Earlier in the evening, Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Old Dominion and Rice will perform on the Main Stage, while Lindsay Ell, Morris and Granger Smith will perform on the Party Stage.

For the first time ever, exclusive rehearsal and backstage footage from the ACM Awards at the MGM Grand will be on display for festival goers. This footage will offer fans a behind-the-scenes experience previously offered by the ACM Fan Jam, which will not be taking place this year.

Three-day festival passes are available with proceeds benefiting the Academy’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives. Over $400,000 has been donated to various military organizations in just three years.

CMA Names Meryl Johnson As Director Of Digital Strategy

/by
Meryl Johnson

Meryl Johnson

The Country Music Association (CMA) has hired Meryl Johnson as the Director of Digital Strategy effective immediately.

Johnson will develop and manage CMA’s digital presence, which includes the Association’s website, mobile platforms, digital partnerships, video distribution, database development, and digital advertising initiatives for CMA TV properties and live events.

“The digital landscape has made a significant impact on how we reach our key audiences,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. “Meryl has a proven track record for creating successful digital campaigns and partnerships across radio, film, and television. Having someone on our team with her unique experience in entertainment is key as we leverage new and existing digital platforms and strategies for heightening the awareness of country music.”

With more than a decade of experience in entertainment media, Johnson comes to CMA from Warner Bros. Pictures where she was Director of Digital Marketing. She managed the marketing budgets and teams in developing programs for all aspects of Warner Bros. Pictures theatrical digital marketing campaigns’ paid media, social media, creative, mobile/tablet apps, CRM programs, digital public relations, promotions, and experiential events for a film slate totaling $1.5 billion domestic box office.

Prior to working with Warner Bros., Johnson’s previous affiliations include Focus Features, NBC Universal, Clear Channel Broadcasting, and Cumulus Broadcasting.

Johnson is a Nashville native and a graduate of Tennessee State University.

Eric Paslay Previews Sophomore Album At Sold-Out Nashville Show

/by
Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

EMI Records Nashville artist Eric Paslay is upping his game as he ramps up for his sophomore album release, expected later this year. On Tuesday night (Jan. 26), he showcased his new moves, previewed new titles and toured through hits with a few friends at a sold-out Marathon Music Works show in Nashville.

“It’s so fun getting to play new songs for all the friendly faces I see tonight,” Paslay said from the stage to the crowd, which included previous tour mate Chris Young and duet partner Amy Grant. “Thank y’all for letting us be dreamers,” he continued before playing his song Eli Young Band took to No. 1 (“Even If It Breaks Your Heart”).

Jake Owen was welcomed to the stage for a surprise performance of “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” another No. 1 Paslay wrote. Owen was introduced as the first artist to record a song of Paslay’s.

Jake Owen, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Jake Owen, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Later in the evening Paslay performed a new title, “Taking My Heartbeat Higher,” with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. His current tour mate and Arista Nashville/RCA Records artist Cam was originally slated to perform before a sickness kept her from surprising the audience.

Karen Fairchild, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Karen Fairchild, Eric Paslay. Photo: Annelise Blackwood

Perhaps the most welcoming surprise was Paslay’s charisma. Although artists before him have made a name just standing and singing, the 32-year-old performer took another direction on stage. Certain titles were delivered even without a guitar to hide behind, showcasing his ease on stage, seemingly as natural as his vocals and songwriting chops.

The Nashville venue offered muddy sound quality, which was overlooked by precise lighting to accentuate the set. Paslay’s carefree nature even found him throwing on sunglasses for his latest single “High Class,” covering The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction,” and showcasing his harmonica skills on a new title “Backstage Pass.”

The Grammy-nominated artist (for his appearance on Charles Kelley’s “The Driver”) continued to sample new tunes including “Angels In This Town” who are looking out for love, “All My Lovin,'” a romantic romp, and “Dressed in Black,” a lyrical dance combining Cadillacs, Johnny Cash and wedding dresses.

Paslay will be touring the country through the spring with Brad Paisley and Cam.

Labelmate Mickey Guyton preceded Paslay’s set that evening, welcoming her own guest: American Idol‘s Tristan. The 15-year-old performed Guyton’s “Why Baby Why” during her reality show auditions and joined the set for the Capitol Records Nashville artist, whom she met earlier in the week. Guyton’s four-person band additionally previewed new tunes including “Cool Ya,” “Pretty Little Mustang,” and performed her debut single “Better Than You Left Me.” Guyton ended her vocal prowess with a cover of Beyonce’s “If I Were A Boy.”
Mickey Guyton, Tristan. Photo: @mickeyguyton

Mickey Guyton, Tristan. Photo: @mickeyguyton

Tyler Farr Placed On Vocal Rest Following Surgery

/by
Tyler Farr

Tyler Farr

Columbia Nashville artist Tyler Farr has been placed on complete vocal rest, following a microlaryngeal surgery to remove a vocal polyp from his vocal cords. Farr was given a good report from the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic post-surgery. In order to maximize healing, Farr has cancelled all concert dates for the next few months.

Farr first noticed vocal issues, which were identified during a severe case of bronchitis, while on tour with Jason Aldean this past summer.

“This is the last thing I would’ve ever expected,” says the operatically-trained Farr. “I sing hard, and I give it everything I have every night, but I really believed I was putting my training to work. After a No. 1 song, an awesome tour with Jason and getting engaged, this is not how I thought I was going to be winding up 2015.”

Farr was set to tour with Curb artist Lee Brice in early 2016 as part of Brice’s Life Off My Years trek. With Farr healing from vocal surgery, Brice has tapped Maddie & Tae, Clare Dunn, and Jerrod Niemann to join the tour.

“I know what it takes to get out there and really deliver,” Farr continues. “I hate cancelling shows, especially the upcoming tour with my buddy Lee Brice, but I never want to give the fans less than everything… And I know the sooner I let my body heal, the sooner I can get back out there – and the fewer problems I will have in the long run. To me, it’s never about the next few days, but doing the right thing overall, and now I’m under doctor’s orders.”

Kalatech Partners Reflect on Recent Growth and Expanding in 2016

/by
Melissa Hollis, Partner, Kalatech

Melissa Hollis, Partner, Kalatech

Brittany Wegusen, Kalatech CEO and founder, admits the creation of the company was a very organic process. From her background in the retail industry doing inventory analysis for Abercrombie & Fitch, she learned she had a niche for being the liaison between the business needs and technology needs of a company, and perhaps most importantly, for communicating effectively between the two. She came to Nashville in 2010 and found a home with technology firm DevDigital. From that post, she quickly saw a need to take DevDigital’s booking and touring software, created for specific clients, and license it to other customers. Thus, Kalatech was formed.

Soon after launching a third software product, Publishing Pro, Melissa Hollis was brought on as Partner of Kalatech to help spearhead the company’s growth by tapping into her 12 years of music publishing experience. The Belmont graduate had prior stints that included Larga Vista Music and My Good Girl Music, giving her hands-on experience that helped in Kalatech’s product development.

“I already had a lot of relationships,” shares Hollis. “It allowed me to go in with ease and talk to publishers and ask, ‘What do you want in this product?’ It was much easier for me to relate because I’m one of them.”

Product Specialist Max Black is Kalatech’s third partner and, along with Wegusen and Hollis, has seen the music industry evolve from not being comfortable having its data in the cloud to complete acceptance. And cloud-based data management is a key feature of the company’s product line.

Wegusen adds, “This is a kind of race where no one wants to be the last one to adopt the cloud. No one wants to be the last one to jump or to be that person sitting in their office not able to be mobile when everybody else in the industry is mobile.”

The company’s focus centers around three software products: booking, touring and publishing. Booking Agency Pro caters to agencies and allows anyone who books artists to manage the process via the program. Clients range from single users to larger agencies such as Artist Group International. Users span more than 20 states as well as international locales such as London and Canada. kalatechlogo

Touring Pro is a detailed logistics management tool, which counts among its users touring professionals that have been a part of outings for Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Luke Bryan. Hollis states, “The differentiator of our tour logistics product from others is that ours is one hundred percent cloud-based. Anyone from the assistant production manager to the bus driver can have access. If something were to happen to your laptop, you can simply jump on a phone, pull it up, and see your guest list. You have no down time, which is important on tours.”

Publishing Pro 2.0 is geared toward publishers and copyright owners and allows users to manage songs, pitches and administration. Hollis says, “A typical customer is the [music] publisher themselves. It’s a creative catalog manager. You play from it and you pitch from it. That’s kind of the simplistic way of describing it. The software allows you to take your entire catalog with you at all times. And if you need to pitch something standing in the middle of a bar, it’s all accessible.” The redesign of the software, which launched this month, took client feedback into consideration.

The revamped product features an improved user interface and added functionality, including multiple audio versions per song title, personal playlists, improved sync placement pitches, and the ability to add components such as bios and photos to accompany song pitches.

Hollis boasts, “We’ve amplified this program to be more pitch-friendly and in that sense when you are pitching for syncs, adding your tags, bios and sending images or documents, is a one-step process. There’s also an admin view in the program where administrators log in and are not bothered with the audio or anything they don’t need. They don’t have to wait on someone to call or email them back. They log in, get what they need, and go.”

With more than 200 users and approximately 25,000 songs, Publishing Pro touts Parallel Music, HoriPro, Curb Music Publishing, and Magic Mustang among its clients.

With the growth over the last five years, Kalatech sees 2016 as a year to capitalize on the design and development of its three products, and to expand its customer base.

Wegusen states, “We’re ready to make big moves this year. I think when we started, between the three of us, we were like, ‘If we can make our clients’ lives better, and I can make sure that we have enough money to pay Melissa, Max, and myself, life is good.’ Now we’re seeing how useful these products are and seeing how much they benefit our clients and how much time it saves them, and we really want to just explode in 2016.”

IBMA Announces Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2016

/by

ibma1111The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced its Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2016.

Each year, Leadership Bluegrass invites a cross-section of industry members with exhibited or potential leadership qualities for a three-day program to examine the opportunities, choices and challenges of the current music industry, in bluegrass and beyond.

2016 marks the 17th year of the program, which boasts nearly 400 alumni. This year, Leadership Bluegrass received over 60 applications for just 26 seats. BMI will once again host Leadership Bluegrass at its offices in Nashville on March 21-23. Trisha Tubbs will return as facilitator.

The 2016 class includes:
Alan Bibey; Grasstowne; Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Daniel Boner; East Tennessee State University; Elizabethton, Tennessee
Dustin Boyd; Planet Bluegrass; Boulder, Colorado
Darbi Brandli; California Bluegrass Association; Oakland, California
Janet Brightly; Consultant, Greyfox and Wintergrass; Annandale, Virginia
Aengus Finnan; Folk Alliance International; Kansas City, Missouri
Jocelyn Gold; Gold Heart; Hamilton, Virginia
Katherine Hanson; FDA Leadership Development; Ijamsville, Maryland
Kelsi Harrigill; Flatt Lonesome; Trinity, Alabama
Lisa Husted; Greyfox Bluegrass Festival; Whitesboro, New York
Leah James; International Bluegrass Music Association; Nashville, Tennessee
Chris Joslin; International Bluegrass Music Museum; Owensboro, Kentucky
Tony Kamel; Wood & Wire; Austin, Texas
Brad Kolodner; WAMU’s Bluegrass Country; Baltimore, Maryland
Devon Leger; Hearth Music; Shoreline, Washington
Marian Leighton Levy; Rounder Records; Newburyport, Massachusetts
Kimber Ludiker; Della Mae; Hendersonville, Tennessee
David Morris; Bluegrass Today/Paddle Faster Publishing; Gaithersburg, Maryland
Laurie Okun; City of Raleigh/Raleigh Convention Center; Raleigh, North Carolina
Patrice O’Neill; Acoustic Sound/Wintergrass; Milton, Washington
James Reams; James Reams & the Barnstormers; Litchfield, Arizona
Salvatore Sauco; Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance; East, Rhode Island
Annie Savage; Colorado Bluegrass Music Society; Lafayette, Colorado
Lee Stivers; The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers; Washington, Pennsylvania
Lucas White; Middle Tennessee State University; Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Dianee Wyland; Independent Artist & Teacher; Silver Spring, Maryland