Universal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with iHeartMedia in a deal focused around virtual reality (VR) that will enable the companies to connect artists, music fans and brands and sponsors in a series of immersive entertainment experiences.
The companies will leverage their strengths, including UMG’s roster of star artists and extensive music library, as well as iHeartMedia’s approximately 245 million monthly broadcast listeners, to develop entertainment experiences that make immersive VR performances and experiences accessible to U.S. audiences for the first time at scale.
In addition, UMG and iHeartMedia will invite brands to partner with them to develop, produce and distribute these experiences, using integrated approaches to connect their brands and products to both artists and consumers.
Through this initiative, one VR experience by a UMG artist will be added to each major marquee iHeartMedia event in 2016, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Country Festival, the iHeartRadio Summer Pool Party, the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, with this first-ever VR music series launching at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 3, 2016 which will broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on TBS, TNT and truTV. The companies will collaborate on full shows from four individual artists, shot and distributed in VR, at the iHeartRadio VR Concert Series held at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles.
“At UMG, we are focused on harnessing cutting-edge technology to pioneer new creative and commercial opportunities for artists, labels and fans,” said Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. “By combining iHeartMedia’s music events and hundreds of millions of listeners with the ability of our artists to forge powerfully emotional connections with their fans, we are ideally positioned to use VR technology to create authentic experiences that benefit our artists, consumers and marketing partners.”
“Our greatest strength at iHeartMedia is that we curate for our listeners – in this case, working with UMG to create a completely new entertainment experience using state-of-the-art VR technology,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “And now, as advertisers seek to tie their brands and products to music and artists in innovative ways, we can use our industry-leading reach and best-of-breed music events to unlock the combined power of music and VR as a revolutionary marketing tool. We’re excited to work with UMG in a partnership unlike any in the music and entertainment industry.”
Creative Nation Names Sarah Lai To Senior Role, Adds Tyler Johnson To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sarah Lai, Tyler Johnson.
Creative Nation has moved Sarah Lai into the role of Senior Director of Marketing + Publicity. In this newly created position, Lai will oversee all marketing, digital and publicity initiatives for the company’s roster of songwriters and artists. She will also handle day-to-day management responsibilities for “Girl Crush” co-writer Lori McKenna. Previously, Lai’s company (SLPR) has worked with Creative Nation since 2014.
Lai can now be contacted at sarah@creativenationmusic.com.
Creative Nation has also added Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Tyler Johnson, in a partnership with Los Angeles-based Pulse Music Publishing. Johnson’s credits include Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, One Republic, Elle King and Mikky Ekko. Johnson spent the last few years developing new country artist Cam, co-writing eight tracks and co-producing Cam’s debut release, Untamed. He is currently working with new artist Rafferty who broke into the scene last fall with his song “Apple Pie” (co-written/co-produced by Johnson), which was featured on the latest iPhone 6 commercial.
Johnson joins current Creative Nation roster, which includes Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Maggie Chapman, Steve Moakler and Native Run.
Big Deal Music Signs Ross Lipsey To Publishing Deal
/by Troy_StephensonPictured, Back row (L-R): Greg Gallo, Big Deal; Dale Bobo, Big Deal; Bradley Collins, BMI. Front row (L-R): Pete Robinson, Big Deal; Ross Lipsey, writer; Noah McPike, attorney, Almon/McPike.
Ross Lipsey has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Big Deal Music.
“Ross is a tremendous artist, singer, and songwriter,” says Pete Robinson, GM/Senior VP of Big Deal Music.
“We’re honored and thrilled to have a talent like Ross on the Big Deal team,” mentioned Greg Gallo, Sr. Director of Creative.
Originally from Monterey, Louisiana, Lipsey moved to Nashville last year after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood Win People’s Choice Awards
/by Craig_ShelburneLady Antebellum, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood were announced as winners of the 2016 People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday night (Jan. 6) in Los Angeles.
Lady Antebellum earned the fan-voted prize for Favorite Country Group, Shelton won in the Favorite Male Country Artist category and Underwood received the Favorite Female Country Artist award.
In addition, Taylor Swift won in the categories of Favorite Female Artist and Favorite Pop Artist. Megan Trainor’s Title was named Favorite Album.
The ceremony aired on CBS.
Carrie Underwood Visits ‘MusicRow’ To Accept Four Chart Honors
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson, Carrie Underwood, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Carrie Underwood visited the MusicRow offices today (Jan. 6) to accept four No. 1 Challenge Coins in recognition of her chart-topping hits on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart over the past two years.
No. 1 Challenge Coins honor the performer and songwriters on each No. 1 single on the industry’s leading secondary radio chart. Underwood co-wrote three of the titles. MusicRow began the honor in 2014.
Underwood’s four No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart since 2014 are:
“Smoke Break” (Songwriters: Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey) October 15, 2015
“Little Toy Guns” (Songwriters: Underwood, Destefano, Lindsey) May 14, 2015
“Something In The Water” (Songwriters: DeStefano, Brett James, Underwood) November 26, 2014
“Somethin’ Bad” Artist: Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood (Songwriters: DeStefano, James, Priscilla Renea) September 25, 2014
View a comprehensive list of No. 1 Challenge Coin recipients at MusicRow.com.
Pictured (L-R): Troy Stephenson, Molly Hannula, Eric T. Parker, Sherod Robertson, Carrie Underwood, Craig Shelburne, Jessica Nicholson, Robert K. Oermann. Photo: Jessie Schmidt
Crowd Surf’s Cassie Petrey Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List
/by Craig_ShelburneCassie Petrey
Crowd Surf co-founder Cassie Petrey is included on the music portion of the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Petrey founded the digital marketing company in 2007 with longtime friend Jade Driver.
“I look forward to this Forbes piece releasing every year and always get extremely inspired by all the talented people that the magazine features,” said Petrey. “I’m so humbled, honored, and excited to be listed alongside such amazing company.”
Crowd Surf provides catered and specialized marketing services to a roster of clients including The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, Steven Tyler, William Michael Morgan and April Kry.
Today, the company has evolved into a 35-person team with four offices.
UMG Enters Virtual Reality Partnership With iHeartMedia
/by Jessica NicholsonUniversal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with iHeartMedia in a deal focused around virtual reality (VR) that will enable the companies to connect artists, music fans and brands and sponsors in a series of immersive entertainment experiences.
The companies will leverage their strengths, including UMG’s roster of star artists and extensive music library, as well as iHeartMedia’s approximately 245 million monthly broadcast listeners, to develop entertainment experiences that make immersive VR performances and experiences accessible to U.S. audiences for the first time at scale.
In addition, UMG and iHeartMedia will invite brands to partner with them to develop, produce and distribute these experiences, using integrated approaches to connect their brands and products to both artists and consumers.
Through this initiative, one VR experience by a UMG artist will be added to each major marquee iHeartMedia event in 2016, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Country Festival, the iHeartRadio Summer Pool Party, the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, with this first-ever VR music series launching at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 3, 2016 which will broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on TBS, TNT and truTV. The companies will collaborate on full shows from four individual artists, shot and distributed in VR, at the iHeartRadio VR Concert Series held at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles.
“At UMG, we are focused on harnessing cutting-edge technology to pioneer new creative and commercial opportunities for artists, labels and fans,” said Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. “By combining iHeartMedia’s music events and hundreds of millions of listeners with the ability of our artists to forge powerfully emotional connections with their fans, we are ideally positioned to use VR technology to create authentic experiences that benefit our artists, consumers and marketing partners.”
“Our greatest strength at iHeartMedia is that we curate for our listeners – in this case, working with UMG to create a completely new entertainment experience using state-of-the-art VR technology,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “And now, as advertisers seek to tie their brands and products to music and artists in innovative ways, we can use our industry-leading reach and best-of-breed music events to unlock the combined power of music and VR as a revolutionary marketing tool. We’re excited to work with UMG in a partnership unlike any in the music and entertainment industry.”
Girlilla Marketing Hires Emily Cohen As Account Director
/by Craig_ShelburneEmily Cohen
Emily Cohen has joined Girlilla Marketing as an account director, building creative campaigns for the company’s roster, including Ben Rector, Darius Rucker, Dead & Company, Kristin Chenoweth, Liam Hemsworth, Tyler Farr, Zac Brown Band and more.
Cohen most recently worked in Nashville for the music streaming service Rdio, newly acquired by Pandora, where she served as senior manager of label and artist relations. She built strong relationships in Music City’s vast country, Americana, folk and Christian music communities, and developed unique marketing avenues such as the Nashville Rising new artist feature and key Rdio Select genre playlists to highlight emerging and established artists.
“Emily’s expertise in the streaming world, coupled with her past experience in publishing and traditional media, make her a great asset to the entire Girlilla Marketing roster,” said Girlilla’s Founder and CEO, Jennie Smythe. “We are extremely excited to have her in a leadership role as Account Director, and know the relationships she’s built and supported will create key marketing opportunities for our clients and staff.”
Originally from California, Cohen previously worked for Rdio at their headquarters in San Francisco where she curated content, built and tracked marketing campaigns and opened new opportunities for content partners to prioritize within Rdio. She also spent time handling publicity, radio promotions and new media marketing at Light in The Attic Records, and marketing at San Francisco Magazine.
Writers Spotlight: ASCAP at Sundance, Writer’s Den Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP has announced its event lineup for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The 18th annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café will feature Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Lissie, R. City, Tift Merritt, Veruca Salt and an acoustic set from Yoshiki and Toshi of X Japan (of the film We Are X). A special “Bluebird Café Series” lineup on Jan. 27 and 28 will include award-winning songwriters Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Josh Osborne. Also on the schedule are Air Traffic Controller, Green River Ordinance, Other Lives, Billy Raffoul, Motopony, Byron Nicholai (of the film I Am Yup’ik), Walter Schreifels (of Quicksand and Rival Schools), Sibling, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear and Alicia Witt.
The Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe will run during the daytime at Rich Haines Gallery (751 Main Street in Park City, Utah) from Jan. 22 – 29, and is open to all Festival credential holders (21 and older). Performances will begin each day at 2 p.m.
In addition, an invitation-only ASCAP Composer-Filmmaker Cocktail Party takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 26, where filmmakers and music creators will connect in a warm, fun and intimate setting.
ASCAP Assistant Vice President and Sundance ASCAP Music Café producer Loretta Muñoz commented: “Our longtime partnership with Sundance Film Festival continues to thrive because music will always be essential to a great film. We love seeing our filmmaker friends, discovering new ones, and introducing them to our incredibly talented ASCAP members every year in Park City. Both ASCAP and Sundance Institute are dedicated to developing and supporting great art and the people that create it. The Music Café is always a highlight of our year.”
• • •
Pictured (Top row, L-R): Simon Gugala, Jacob Luttrell. Pictured (Bottom row, L-R): Davis Naish, Melissa Fuller, Lizzy McAvoy, Parker Welling, Adam James
Writer’s Den Music Group recently hosted a writer’s retreat at Bell Bottom Farm in Adams, Tennessee. Writers in attendance included Melissa Fuller (Writer’s Den), Davis Naish, Adam James, Parker Welling (3 Ring Circus), Simon Gugala (Secret Road), Lizzy McAvoy (Universal Music Publishing Group) and Jacob Luttrell (LSLX Music).
iHeartMedia Expands To Mobile, Auto Dashes Across Canada
/by Eric T. ParkerToday (Jan. 6), iHeartMedia announced an exclusive partnership with Bell Media—Canada’s leading media company with 106 licensed stations—that will bring the iHeartRadio brand to Canada in 2016.
Upon launch later this year, iHeartRadio in Canada will provide access to the live radio feature offering listeners throughout Canada all of Bell Media’s broadcast and digital-only radio stations across mobile, auto dashes, tablets and smartphones, gaming consoles, wearables and more. The partnership will also bring iHeartRadio-branded events to Canada.
“We are partnering with the fast-rising iHeartRadio brand to develop its incredible presence in Canada through our leading platforms,” said Randy Lennox, President, Entertainment Production and Broadcasting, Bell Media.
“Partnering with Bell Media and launching iHeartRadio to our neighbors in Canada is an important milestone in further expanding our international footprint,” said Michele Laven, President of Business Development and Partnerships for iHeartMedia. “This new partnership will allow us to work with distribution partners, including auto and consumer electronics, to extend our brand and reach even further.”
In the U.S., iHeartRadio’s streaming music and live digital radio service delivers listeners access to thousands of live radio stations, plus user-created custom stations. iHeartRadio has surpassed 75 million registered users, not to mention the millions of listeners who tune in without registering.
iHeartRadio is currently available across the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.
Songwriter Matt Warren Joins BMI
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured, (L-R): BMI songwriter Matt Warren and BMI’s Bradley Collins.
BMI has signed songwriter Matt Warren, who stopped by the Nashville office to sign as part of the BMI family. Warren has written several songs for Gary Allan, including the No. 1 hit “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain).”
Warren is currently working on two projects: his next solo record and his super group band the Fresh Kills, featuring Johnny Duke, Nick Buda, Nick Govrik, Rob McNelley and John Lancaster.