Taylor Swift has partnered with Apple Music for the exclusive release of The 1989 World Tour LIVE film on Sunday, Dec. 20.
Available exclusively to Apple Music members around the world, the Jonas Akerlund-directed video was filmed in front of 76,000 fans at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia on November 28, 2015. Never-before-seen backstage footage from rehearsals, in addition to surprise guests that appeared throughout the entire tour was shot by videographers Ivan Clow and Jordan Lynn.
Musical guests featured in The 1989 World Tour LIVE included: Alanis Morissette, Alison Krauss, Beck, St. Vincent, Ellie Goulding, Fetty Wap, Fifth Harmony, Idina Menzel, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Leona Lewis, Lisa Kudrow, Lorde, Mary J. Blige, Mick Jagger, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Maines, Nelly, HAIM, Nick Jonas, Ricky Martin, Selena Gomez, Steven Tyler, The Weeknd, Walk the Moon, and Wiz Khalifa.
The 1989 World Tour Live also includes special guest appearances including: Andreja Pejic, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne, Chris Rock, Ciara, Dwayne Wade, Ellen Degeneres, Gigi Hadid, Hailee Steinfeld, Heidi Klum, Joan Baez, Julia Roberts, Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner, Kobe Bryant, Lena Dunham, Lily Aldridge, Lily Donaldson, Mariska Hargitay, Martha Hunt, Matt LeBlanc, Russell Wilson, Abigail Anderson, Jamie King, Sean O’Pry, Serena Williams, and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.
Swift will join Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio at 11 p.m. CT today (Dec. 14) to talk more about the project.
The 2014 Big Machine Records album 1989 has sold over 9 million copies worldwide.
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.
Industry Ink: ASCAP Foundation, The Recording Academy, KCA, BLA
/by Eric T. ParkerASCAP Honored Nashville Songwriters in New York
Pictured (L-R): Brandon Lay, ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart, Brandon Ratcliff.
The 20th annual ASCAP Foundation Awards in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 9, honored Nashville ASCAP songwriters Brandon Lay and Brandon Ratcliff with The ASCAP Foundation Harold Adams and the Leon Brettler Award, respectively. Hosted by the ASCAP Foundation at Appell Room of Frederick P. Rose Hall, ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams and ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Colleen McDonough hosted the event.
Lay, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, is signed to a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music Publishing and, as an emerging artist, has toured with acts such as Brantley Gilbert, Aaron Lewis, Darryl Worley and more. Ratcliff hails from northern Louisiana and moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue a career is music. The first song he wrote as a Music City songwriter was recently recorded by Alison Krauss and will appear on her next record.
The event also featured performances by additional award recipients Richard Marx, Joel Grey, Felicia Collins, Maisy Kay, Pascal LeBouef, Alastair Moock, Watson Lark, and Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould with cast members of The Invisible Thread.
The Recording Academy Nashville to Host Production Panel
Titled “Lost in Transaction, SoundExchange: Get Plays, Get Paid,” panelists John Strohm (Senior Counsel, Loeb & Loeb LLP) and Linda Bloss-Baum (Senior Director, Artist and Industry Relations, SoundExchange) will discuss how revenue is tracked and collected, and how and what to register with SoundExchange to maximize income. Moderator will be Maureen Droney (Managing Director, P&E Wing).
Admission for Recording Academy voting and associate members is free by today. Guest admission is $25. Complimentary food and drink provided. RSVP to PEWingNashville@grammy.com.
KCA Agency Signs Three, Including Radney Foster
Keith Case and Associates (KCA)—an artist representation agency—has signed Radney Foster, The Lonely Heartstring Band, and The Campbell Brothers.
BLA Signs Exile
Exile
Exile has signed with Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc. (BLA) to continue their more than 50 years of touring.
BLA is the three-time recipient of CMA’s Talent Agency of the Year Award and two-time recipient of the Pollstar Independent Agency of the Year Award.
I.R.S. Nashville Closes after Two Year Run
/by Eric T. ParkerPresident John Grady is among the staffers to exit, which also include promotion VP Tom Moran, regionals Gwen Foster (West Coast), Will Robinson (East Coast), and Amber Anderson (Promotion Coordinator). Andrew Cohen previously left to launch Suit Music Management. Chris York will remain with the company through the Christian division.
Caroline, the independent services division of CMG, relaunched the historic 1979 label in October 2013. I.R.S. Nashville’s roster also included Cowboy Jack Clement and Ashley Clark. I.R.S. Nashville was responsible for working the country singles from Don Henley’s latest effort, Cass County.
The T.J. Martell Foundation To Honor Community Leaders
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (clockwise from top left): Aubrey Harwell, Brian Philips, Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol, Frederick W. Smith, Kenny Rogers.
The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research will honor community leaders at their 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala taking place at Nashville’s Omni Hotel on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.
The honorees this year include:
Aubrey Harwell – Spirit of Nashville Award
Brian Philips – Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol – Medical Research Advancement Award
Kenny Rogers – Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
FedEx Corporation – Outstanding Global Citizenship Award with
Frederick W. Smith accepting on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world.
The 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala is co-chaired by T.J. Martell Foundation board members, Dave Berryman, President of Gibson Guitar Corp. and Leslie Fram, CMT’s Senior Vice-President of Music Strategy. The evening is produced by Martin Fisher and Edie Hoback of High Five Entertainment and has raised over 3.5 million dollars since its inception in 2009.
Tickets and table sponsorships are available by contacting (615) 256-2002 or emailing tmoffat@tjmartell.org. Visit tjmartell.org for more information.
Taylor Swift To Release 1989 Tour Film Exclusively with Apple Music
/by Eric T. ParkerTaylor Swift has partnered with Apple Music for the exclusive release of The 1989 World Tour LIVE film on Sunday, Dec. 20.
Available exclusively to Apple Music members around the world, the Jonas Akerlund-directed video was filmed in front of 76,000 fans at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia on November 28, 2015. Never-before-seen backstage footage from rehearsals, in addition to surprise guests that appeared throughout the entire tour was shot by videographers Ivan Clow and Jordan Lynn.
Musical guests featured in The 1989 World Tour LIVE included: Alanis Morissette, Alison Krauss, Beck, St. Vincent, Ellie Goulding, Fetty Wap, Fifth Harmony, Idina Menzel, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Leona Lewis, Lisa Kudrow, Lorde, Mary J. Blige, Mick Jagger, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Maines, Nelly, HAIM, Nick Jonas, Ricky Martin, Selena Gomez, Steven Tyler, The Weeknd, Walk the Moon, and Wiz Khalifa.
The 1989 World Tour Live also includes special guest appearances including: Andreja Pejic, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne, Chris Rock, Ciara, Dwayne Wade, Ellen Degeneres, Gigi Hadid, Hailee Steinfeld, Heidi Klum, Joan Baez, Julia Roberts, Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner, Kobe Bryant, Lena Dunham, Lily Aldridge, Lily Donaldson, Mariska Hargitay, Martha Hunt, Matt LeBlanc, Russell Wilson, Abigail Anderson, Jamie King, Sean O’Pry, Serena Williams, and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.
Swift will join Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio at 11 p.m. CT today (Dec. 14) to talk more about the project.
The 2014 Big Machine Records album 1989 has sold over 9 million copies worldwide.