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.
Chord Overstreet Signs to Safehouse Publishing/UMPG Joint Venture
/by Craig_ShelburneChord Overstreet.
Chord Overstreet has inked a publishing deal with a new venture between Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Safehouse Publishing. The latter organization is a division of Safehouse Records, which is co-owned by entertainment executive Phil McIntyre, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas.
Overstreet is the first songwriter signed under the new agreement. He is the son of country songwriter Paul Overstreet and known for his role on FOX’s Glee.
“I’m thankful and excited for this partnership,” said McIntyre, CEO and Founder of Philymack. “Having a trusted, powerful partner to help us turn our dream into a reality is incredibly exciting. We believe in our vision to build a safe community for artists and writers to work together and to help each other to make amazing art.”
Warner/Chappell Signs Multi-Year Licensing Agreement with Pandora
/by Eric T. ParkerWarner/Chappell Music’s direct publishing deal will make available its catalog of musical works, creating business benefits for Pandora, while modernizing compensation for Warner/Chappell Music and its songwriters in the U.S.
“It is Warner/Chappell’s top priority to make sure our songwriters are prospering both creatively and commercially, and that the value of their music is properly recognized,” said Jon Platt, chief executive officer, Warner/Chappell Music. “We look forward to seeing our songwriters benefit from this new agreement with Pandora.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Warner/Chappell Music, which has represented many of the most talented songwriters for over 200 years,” said Brian McAndrews, chief executive officer, Pandora. “Pandora is proud to be part of their tradition of maximizing the value of music publishing and talent.”
Specific terms of the multi-year agreement are confidential. The royalties paid by Pandora to sound recording owners are not affected by this agreement.
A ruling is expected tomorrow (Dec. 16) affecting the royalty rates Pandora will pay for record label sound recordings over the next five years.
Photos: Skyville Live, Brenda Lee, Tracy Lawrence
/by Craig_ShelburneGregg Allman, Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton Visit Skyville Live
Gregg Allman received an all-star salute during the Skyville Live performance in Nashville on Dec. 11. Little Big Town sang harmonies on the Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider,” while Chris Stapleton stepped out for “Whipping Post.” Blues great Taj Mahal also offered his version of “Statesboro Blues” with Allman. Other highlights of the night included Taj Mahal’s “Cakewalk” and “Walking Blues,” as well as Little Big Town’s “Boondocks,” “Girl Crush” and “Stay All Night.” In addition to his performance of “These Days,” Allman joined the cast for a finale of “One Way Out.” The next filming of Skyville Live will take place on Jan. 28.
Pictured (L-R): Philip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town; Chris Stapleton; Gregg Allman (seated); Tisha Fein, Skyville Live; Taj Mahal; Wally Wilson, Skyville Live. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images for Skyville Live.
Brenda Lee Gets Birthday Greetings at Christmas Show
Brenda Lee was surprised with a birthday cake during her Christmas-themed performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theatre on Dec. 9. During the show, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites led the audience in a sing-along of “Happy Birthday.” The show marked Lee’s first-ever ticketed performance in Nashville. The “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997.
Pictured (L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Sharon Brawner, Cheryl White, Brenda Lee, Sharon White, and Ricky Skaggs.
Tracy Lawrence Annual Turkey Fry Raises $63,000
Tracy Lawrence and a group of celebrity friends raised more than $63,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission at the 10th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry on Nov. 24. This year’s event included Lawrence’s first concert at City Winery with performances by Charlie Daniels, Halfway to Hazard, Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley and Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down.
“Growing up for me, having a good meal commemorating the Thanksgiving holiday meant more than just satisfying your appetite,” Lawrence said. “It signified a time to reflect, count our blessings and share what we’re thankful for, so to have an opportunity to feed those in our area while helping them feel that sense of pride for feeding their families, well there’s no better feeling. Over the years this event has grown, and every year I am even more thankful to those who come together to make this such a success.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Emley, Fitzgerald-Hartley; Cheryl Davis, Sr. Director of Development at Nashville Rescue Mission; Tracy Lawrence; Chuck Pursel, Lawrence’s tour manager; Rev. Glenn Cranfield, President/CEO at Nashville Rescue Mission; Patrick Thomas, Silverfish Media. Photo: EBMedia.
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.