Scotty McCreery Accepts First BMI Country Award
Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams (BMI Vice President, Writer and Publisher Relations), Scotty McCreery, Brian Wright (UMG Nashville Senior Vice President A&R), and Bradley Collins (BMI Executive Director, Writer-Relations). Photo: John Russell
After missing the BMI Country Music Awards in November due to a prior commitment performing at the CMA Marketing Summit, Scotty McCreery accepted his first BMI Award last Friday, Dec. 11, for writing one of BMI’s Top 50 Country Songs of 2015 “See You Tonight.”
McCreery wrote the song with Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, and it served as the title cut of his second studio album and earned Top 10 status.
CMA Songwriter Series Wraps 11th Season in NYC
Pictured (L-R): Matt Jenkins, Chris DeStefano, Leslie Satcher, and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Kevin Yatarola / CMA
The CMA Songwriters Series wrapped its 2015 season in New York City for a two-night season finale Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 11, 12) at Joe’s Pub, home of the first CMA Songwriter Series in 2005.
Top Music Row tunesmiths Chris DeStafano, Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, and Leslie Satcher took the stage for two shows each night to share stories and inspiration behind their hit songs.
Eldredge and Rhett Invite Radio to Final Show
Pictured (L-R): WUSN’s Laurie Kapugi, Jeff Kapugi, Zack Kapugi; Annie McKaila friend; McKaila Granning (KEEY); WEBG’s Emily Bergman, Steve Stuart; George Briner (BMLG); Marci Braun (WUSN), Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett; Fletcher Keyes (WWQM) with girlfriend Kim; John Zarling (BMLG); WMN’s Mallory Opheim, Branden Bowler; and Liz Geerling (WUSN)
Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett wrapped their duo-show, CMT On Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett – Suits & Boots, in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 11 with radio friends. The fall tour additionally featured BMLG’s Danielle Bradbery.
Dolly Parton Performs on The Voice
Pictured (L-R): Danny Nozell, CEO CTK Management; Dolly Parton; Blake Shelton; Brandon Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment. Photo: Jeremy Westby/Webster Public Relations
Dolly Parton performed on The Voice as part of an extensive media round to promote her NBC movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, which aired on Thursday Dec. 10 with great ratings.
ACM Welcomes Erica Nicole
Erica Nicole. Photo: Michel Bourquard/ACM
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) recently welcomed recording artist Erica Nicole to the office while she was in Los Angeles. Nicole performed songs from her current album, I’m Making Mine, and also signed up for ACM membership.
SiriusXM Names New Head of Country Programming
/by Jessica NicholsonJ.R. Schumann
SiriusXM has named J.R. Schumann as its new head of Country Programming. Schumann is currently Operations Manager for Cumulus Media in Dallas/Ft. Forth, MusicRow has confirmed. His last day with Cumulus will be Dec. 24, and he will relocate to Nashville. His first day with SiriusXM will be Dec. 28, 2015.
Schumann will lead SiriusXM’s The Highway, as well as all of SiriusXM’s country music programming, as well as channels in the Christian category and SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio.
Schumann will report to Steve Blatter, Sr. VP and General Manager, Music Programming, SiriusXM.
“It’s been an honor to work these two legendary stations in Dallas, and I’m truly grateful for Cumulus to have had this opportunity,” says Schumann. “There aren’t words to describe how excited I am about joining the Sirius XM team, and for Steve Blatter and Scott Greenstein to trust me with these enormous brands is beyond humbling!”
“We are thrilled to have J.R. join the SiriusXM programming team,” said Blatter. “J.R.’s incredible passion and enthusiasm for country music, along with his competitive vision and world-class programming skills make him the ideal person to lead our Country platform.”
Schumann replaces John Marks in the role; Marks left SiriusXM in September to join Spotify.
Dierks Bentley To Join Luke Bryan As Co-Host For 2016 ACM Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will co-host the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards next year.
The ACM Awards will return to Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena and broadcast live on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
The show, produced by dick clark productions, will mark reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Bryan’s fourth consecutive turn hosting the Awards, and Bentley’s first time hosting a live televised event.
“When we found ourselves searching for a new co-host I didn’t have to look much further than my own circle of friends so Dierks was a natural choice,” said Bryan. “We have a lot of fun together and I know the fans will be in for something special.”
“I think everyone knows Luke is the guy you call when you want to have a good time,” said Bentley. “If we have half as much fun hosting together as we do backstage, it’s going to be a great night.”
Tickets for the ACM Awards will go on sale Dec. 18 at ticketmaster.com.
Aspiring Nashville Artists Boosted With Converse Recording Sessions
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic Band performs at Grand Victor Sound.
Several aspiring Nashville artists recently got the experience to record in Nashville’s Grand Victor Sound Studio, thanks to the previously announced Converse Rubber Tracks pop-up studio experience by Converse Inc.
For the first of three pop-up experiences in Nashville, the following five Nashville artists were selected: five piece “indie-surf” group Kristoff Waltz, hip-hop artist Mike Floss, three-piece rock group Hans Condor, singer-songwriter Emily Hackett, and sibling rock trio Music Band. Artists of all ages and genres were invited to apply.
The members of Music Band were introduced to the pop-up studio experience through fellow band JEFF The Brotherhood. “When we were in Austin for SXSW this year, our friends JEFF The Brotherhood did a Rubber Tracks session, and we sat in and did a little bit of background vocals for them. When we saw it was coming to Nashville we remembered how much fun it seemed like to go into an unfamiliar studio and just experiment for a day. ‘What do we have to lose?’ we asked each other. ‘We have nothing to lose.'”
“As an emerging artist, it’s always valuable to dig more into the science of recording,” said Floss. “I was able to record on a U47 and really hear the benefit of professional grade equipment. It’s so often that you have to hustle and work with what you have as an independent artist that it’s always valuable to capitalize when you have the opportunity.”
Emily Hackett
The experience was not only a boost for the artists creatively, but professionally. “With the budget of an emerging artist, you normally only dream of getting a chance to record in a studio like Grand Victor,” said Hackett. “That recording experience alone was huge. The songs we tracked are new songs and songs that I’ve been excited about bringing to life. The inspiration that room brought and getting the sounds from it that we did was invaluable. I’ve always been a huge fan of Converse as a brand and I think what they are doing in support of new and young art is admirable. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The program will return to Nashville with two additional, week-long pop-up studios in 2016. Converse has brought the pop-up recording experience to musicians globally, including sessions in London, Berlin, Sydney, and Rio de Janeiro. In the United States, Converse has produced pop-up recording sessions at studios including Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studio, Seattles Avast Recording Co., Atlanta’s Stankonia Studio, and the Converse Rubber Tracks studios in Boston and Brooklyn.
For more information on Converse Rubber Tracks pop-up studio experience, visit converse-music.com.
Music Band at Grand Victor Sound.
Music Band records at Grand Victor Sound
Industry Pics: Scotty McCreery, CMA Songwriters, Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett, Dolly Parton, Erica Nicole
/by Eric T. ParkerScotty McCreery Accepts First BMI Country Award
Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams (BMI Vice President, Writer and Publisher Relations), Scotty McCreery, Brian Wright (UMG Nashville Senior Vice President A&R), and Bradley Collins (BMI Executive Director, Writer-Relations). Photo: John Russell
After missing the BMI Country Music Awards in November due to a prior commitment performing at the CMA Marketing Summit, Scotty McCreery accepted his first BMI Award last Friday, Dec. 11, for writing one of BMI’s Top 50 Country Songs of 2015 “See You Tonight.”
McCreery wrote the song with Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, and it served as the title cut of his second studio album and earned Top 10 status.
CMA Songwriter Series Wraps 11th Season in NYC
Pictured (L-R): Matt Jenkins, Chris DeStefano, Leslie Satcher, and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Kevin Yatarola / CMA
The CMA Songwriters Series wrapped its 2015 season in New York City for a two-night season finale Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 11, 12) at Joe’s Pub, home of the first CMA Songwriter Series in 2005.
Top Music Row tunesmiths Chris DeStafano, Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, and Leslie Satcher took the stage for two shows each night to share stories and inspiration behind their hit songs.
Eldredge and Rhett Invite Radio to Final Show
Pictured (L-R): WUSN’s Laurie Kapugi, Jeff Kapugi, Zack Kapugi; Annie McKaila friend; McKaila Granning (KEEY); WEBG’s Emily Bergman, Steve Stuart; George Briner (BMLG); Marci Braun (WUSN), Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett; Fletcher Keyes (WWQM) with girlfriend Kim; John Zarling (BMLG); WMN’s Mallory Opheim, Branden Bowler; and Liz Geerling (WUSN)
Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett wrapped their duo-show, CMT On Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett – Suits & Boots, in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 11 with radio friends. The fall tour additionally featured BMLG’s Danielle Bradbery.
Dolly Parton Performs on The Voice
Pictured (L-R): Danny Nozell, CEO CTK Management; Dolly Parton; Blake Shelton; Brandon Blackstock, Starstruck Entertainment. Photo: Jeremy Westby/Webster Public Relations
Dolly Parton performed on The Voice as part of an extensive media round to promote her NBC movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, which aired on Thursday Dec. 10 with great ratings.
ACM Welcomes Erica Nicole
Erica Nicole. Photo: Michel Bourquard/ACM
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) recently welcomed recording artist Erica Nicole to the office while she was in Los Angeles. Nicole performed songs from her current album, I’m Making Mine, and also signed up for ACM membership.
Spotify Shines Spotlight on Rising Country Artists in 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonSpotify has released ‘Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists,’ the streaming service’s list of country artists they expect to make great career strides in 2016 include major label artists and indies alike.
‘Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists’ was compiled by Spotify’s in-house music curators, as well as an analysis of streaming data from Spotify users. Artists included in Spotify’s annual list typically have not released an album, yet have gained “buzz” from early music releases and live performances.
The streaming service will host an event on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Nashville to celebrate the artists and look forward to 2016.
Spotify’s ‘Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists’ includes:
● Maren Morris
● Haley Georgia
● Ryan Kinder
● Steve Moakler
● Brooke Eden
● LANco
● High Valley
● Lauren Alaina
● Lucie Silvas
● Aubrie Sellers
● LoCash
● Russel Dickerson
● Jon Langston
● Dylan Scott
● Tara Thompson
Black River Entertainment Names Executive VP of Black River Records
/by Jessica NicholsonRick Froio
Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr has added Rick Froio as the Executive Vice President of Black River Records.
In this newly created role, Froio will provide daily support and leadership to Black River Records and report directly to Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. Froio will be based at Black River Entertainment’s Music Row offices.
Froio joins Black River Records with over 20 years of executive level experience and an extensive background in global sales. Garnering years of experience from commanding positions including Senior Vice President, Sales for Warner Music Group, NY; Senior Vice President, Sales Atlantic Records, NY; Executive Vice President for Global Business Development/Channel Partnership with Gibson Brands; and Head of Global Sales with Breedlove/Bedell Guitars and Weber Mandolins.
“Black River Records seeks to take important strides in the domestic and global music markets,” said Kerr. “Rick will provide the necessary leadership to continue our efforts in attaining this for our Black River roster. To that end, I am anticipating considerable growth under Rick’s leadership.”
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the Black River family and its artist roster,” said Froio. “Gordon and his team have created a world class publishing, studio, and record label organization and I’m looking forward to helping the team reach new heights of success.”
Beginning today, Rick Froio may be reached at rick.froio@blackriverent.com or by phone 615-780-3070.
Mary Forest Findley Heads To Red Light
/by Jessica NicholsonMary Forest Findley
Mary Forest Findley has exited her role as VP, Marketing at BBR Music Group to take a new position at Red Light Management, leading day-to-day operations for radio/media personality Bobby Bones.
“Bobby is someone that I’ve had the privilege of working with on the label side since his arrival in Nashville almost three years ago,” shares Findley. “During that time I’ve been able to witness first-hand his creativity, vision and incredible work ethic. I’m extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to work alongside Bobby, Coran and the talented Red Light team. I’m also deeply appreciative of my time at BBR Music Group under the tremendous leadership of Benny Brown, Jon Loba, Rick Shedd, Carson James and Paul Brown.”
Findley’s new contact information will be available in coming weeks; in the meantime, she can be reached here.
Keith Urban To Be Presented The CRS Artist Humanitarian Award
/by Troy_StephensonThe Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Keith Urban as the recipient of the 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award. The honor will be presented by last year’s Artist Humanitarian Award recipient, Lady Antebellum, at the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 8, 2016.
CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne says, “Keith Urban is a true humanitarian who gives out of love, passion, spirit, and generosity. It’s been an honor to witness quietly from the sidelines, the amount of time, talent, and passion that Keith has selflessly given over his life and career. The impact and reach of his generosity has effected so many and is so broad in scope and depth – his is a bar of humanitarian effort, that we all can be inspired by!”
The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.
Past recipients of the Artist Humanitarian Award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.
Weekly Register: Adele, Chris Stapleton Reign In Albums Rankings
/by Jessica NicholsonAdele continues her albums chart reign, with 25 selling 728K units in its third week of release to mark over 5 million units moved in total. The British singer-songwriter’s concert special is set to air on NBC today (Dec. 14) in tandem with an announcement of her North American tour dates for 2016, including two shows in October at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Meanwhile, Coldplay‘s A Head Full of Dreams debuted at No. 2 on the overall albums rankings, with 210K sold.
Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller travels back up the country albums chart to the No. 1 slot again (No. 9 overall). Sales for Traveller have now jumped the 500K mark (44K this week). Following Stapleton is Carrie Underwood‘s Storyteller at No. 2 (23K), Luke Bryan‘s Kill The Lights at No. 3 (19K), Eric Church‘s Mr. Misunderstood at No. 4 (16K), and Blake Shelton‘s Reloaded hits collection at No. 5 (15K).
Overall album sales have dropped 5 percent TYD, while overall digital album sales have dropped 1.6 percent. Country album sales are down 3.7 percent from last year, though country digital sales are up four percent YTD.
Top country debuts this week include Jessie James Decker‘s This Christmas at No. 16, and Music of Nashville Season 4 at No. 17. “Burning House” singer-songwriter Cam‘s debut album for Arista Nashville/RCA will make its debut on the chart next week.
Jordan Smith. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC.
On the overall tracks rankings, The Voice‘s Jordan Smith debuts at No. 1; Smith’s cover of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” has sold 164K. Adele’s “Hello” is at No. 2 with 158K sold (3 million RTD).
Thomas Rhett
On the country tracks rankings, Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” is No. 1, with 48K sold. The Voice‘s Emily Ann Roberts‘ version of Dolly Parton’s “9-5” debuts at No. 2 with 35K units sold. Sam Hunt‘s “Break Up In A Small Town” is at No. 3 with 29K, while two more debuts from The Voice contestants enter the Top 5, with Zach Seabaugh‘s rendition of “The Climb” at No. 4 (27K), and Barrett Baber‘s “Ghost” at No. 5 (24K).
Overall digital track sales are down 12 percent, while country digital tracks sales are down 16.1 percent YTD.
Information provided by Neilsen Soundscan
BBR Music Group Promotes JoJamie Hahr to VP Role
/by Jessica NicholsonJoJamie Hahr
BBR Music Group has promoted JoJamie Hahr to the role of VP, Marketing. Hahr will oversee brand partnerships, strategic marketing, and syndicated radio opportunities, as well as coordinate marketing efforts for each of the music group’s departments. Her role is effective immediately.
“The first day I met JoJamie as Promotion Director at K92 in Orlando, I saw a creative, fiery, passionate fan of Country Music who knew the format and fans who supported it. That creativity, fire and passion burns brighter today than ever. As important, she has never stopped learning and constantly tries to figure out ways to connect our artists and music with the audience, be that digitally, socially, print, TV, sponsorships or live events. She was born for this position and has prepared for it since those early days at K92,” says Jon Loba, Executive Vice President of BBR Music Group.
“I want to thank Mary Forest for an incredible few years with us and wish her the best in what is an exciting new opportunity,” continues Loba.
“I’m so grateful for Benny Brown and Jon Loba’s perpetual belief in me and thrilled to continue my growth within this amazing company. We have an extremely talented roster, not to mention the staff that supports them. I can’t wait to dig in and work even closer with every department. We were a Top 5 label group this year and I look forward to helping move that needle even further.” says Hahr.
For the past two years, Hahr has served as the VP of Promotion for BBR Management. Prior to that, Hahr served as the National Director of Field Promotion for The Valory Music Co. (TVMC) after being promoted from Director of Southeast Promotion & Marketing. Hahr’s career also includes work as Director, Southeast Promotion of Broken Bow Records as well as work at MCA Nashville, WSIX-Nashville, and K92-Orlando.
Hahr can be reached at 615-610-2126 and at Jojamie@bbrmusicgroup.com.