Hearts Bluff Music President Scott Parker.
Hearts Bluff Music has acquired the rights to the Muy Bueno Music catalog, founded by George Strait and his manager Erv Woolsey.
Hearts Bluff president Scott Parker made the announcement during Hearts Bluff Music’s 10th anniversary party, held in Nashville. Hearts Bluff Music’s catalog already boasts classics including “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Everlasting Love,” and more. The celebration featured performances from songwriters Aaron Barker, Hugh Prestwood, Mac Gayden, Kevin Welch, and more.
The Muy Bueno Music catalog began with flagship writer Aaron Barker, and over the years the roster grew to include Dana Hunt-Black, Gerald Smith, Donny Kees, and Tony Ramey, among others. Among its songs are the Strait-recorded hits “Baby Blue,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Write This Down,” and “One Night At A Time.” It also includes Lorrie Morgan’s “What Part of No,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You,” and Lonestar’s “What About Now,” among others.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Embry, Creative Manager, Hearts Bluff Music;
Tyler Sutphen, Communication Manager, Hearts Bluff Music; Scott Parker, President, Hearts Bluff Music; Karen Lawrence, Royalty Analyst, Hearts Bluff Music; Richard Rose, Copyright Cafe.
Parker spoke about the importance of the Muy Bueno Music catalog acquisition with MusicRow.
MusicRow: How did this opportunity come about?
Scott Parker: We’ve had a great 10-year co-publishing relationship with Muy Bueno, ever since we purchased the Aaron Barker catalog. This purchase just made sense for all parties, as it was a natural outflow of our relationship. George, Erv and Connie [Woolsey] have built a treasure of songs and I’m so incredibly honored they’ve entrusted us with this legacy.
Muy Bueno’s attorney, Jess Rosen, also played a big part in putting this deal together. He knew I was passionate about this catalog, and helped us put together a fair deal. Hearts Bluff specializes in acquiring high-end, historical catalogs, so we knew the value and were able reach terms very quickly.
MR: In evaluating this catalog, what factors made it an important addition to Hearts Bluff Music?
SP: To my knowledge, this may be the largest independent catalog of George Strait music that’s ever been available…not to mention all the hits by other artists. And like I said before, this made sense with our previous catalog investments. I also had great deal of internal support from my investors. Most of them are based in Texas, and they understand the incredible legacy of this catalog.
MR: What songs in this catalog have not been recorded that you are excited about working on?
SP: There are definitely some “hidden gems” in this catalog. We’re pretty familiar with Aaron Barker’s and Dana Hunt-Black’s catalogs, and we’ll be getting up-to-speed on the deeper catalog. I’m excited about several of the classics again. For example, I’d love to hear a new artist rework a timeless classic like “Baby Blue” for sync placement. Also, I used to write songs with Muy Bueno writers like Dana Hunt-Black, and Christi Dannemiller, and have always admired their craft.
MR: Hearts Bluff is about not only a songwriter’s catalog, but about their legacy as a writer, and the Muy Bueno catalog certainly adds to that. What opportunities are you most looking forward to in working this catalog’s music?
SP: You’re right. For example, the legacy of a writer like Aaron Barker is very important to us. Aaron is a dear friend, and certainly worthy of induction in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. After all, this guy wrote many of George Strait’s biggest No. 1 songs like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” These weren’t just hits, but defined an era in country music. Aaron recently performed at our 10-year Anniversary celebration, and he was absolutely amazing. He’s an American treasure. I look forward to similar experiences with other writers.
Pictured (L-R): Hugh Prestwood, Aaron Barker
Chris Young, Chris Lane Release New Projects
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young released his fifth studio album, I’m Comin’ Over, on Friday, Nov. 13. The RCA Nashville album includes 11 tracks, with nine of them co-written by Young. The project includes his current single and title track “I’m Comin’ Over,” as well as “Sober Saturday Night” (a collaboration with Vince Gill), and the Cassadee Pope duet, “Think of You.” Pope will be Young’s special guest during his 2016 tour.
I’m Comin’ Over marks Young’s debut as a co-producer, having helmed the project alongside Corey Crowder.
Young recently discussed his new album and tour with MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson as part of MusicRow’s recent podcast. Listen to the podcast here.
Young will perform the project’s lead single and title track on NBC’s Today on Monday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. ET, and will also perform during the 10 a.m. ET hour with Kathie Lee & Hoda.
Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane released his debut EP Fix to all digital retailers. The EP’s title track has earned early airplay and is slated to impact country radio Dec. 7.
Working with producer Joey Moi, Lane rec0rded tracks from some of Nashville’s top songwriters, including Sarah Buxton, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Ashley Gorley and more.
Industry Pics: ole, AIMP, Scotty McCreery
/by Jessica Nicholsonole’s April Geesbreght Performs For Sony Pictures Entertainment
ole singer-songwriter April Geesbreght recently visited the Sony Pictures Entertainment office in Los Angeles, where she performed three songs for the office’s full staff for consideration in Sony’s upcoming film and TV projects.
Pictured (L-R): Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole; Jaison Trece, Executive Director, Music Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment; April Geesbreght, songwriter, ole;Shelly Bunge, EVP, Music, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Tony Scudellari, VP, TV Music Creative – Sony Pictures Entertainment; John Ozier, GM, Creative, ole.
AIMP Welcomes Publishers For ‘Publishing-The New A&R?’ Panel
AIMP and Fifth Third Bank welcomed a full house for the recent ‘Publishing-The New A&R?’ Panel, held at ASCAP’s Connie Bradley Board Room and moderated by Marc Driskill. Panelists included Michael McAnally Baum (SMACKsongs), Ree Guyer Buchanan (Wrensong), Rusty Gaston (THiS Music), John Ozier (ole), and Kos Weaver (BMG), who discussed their companies’ label projects and key components of creating a successful release.
Pictured: Row One: Ree Guyer Buchanan, Michael McAnally Baum, Kos Weaver, Rusty Gaston, John Ozier; Row Two: Michael Martin (ASCAP), Randy Wachtler (Warner/Chappell Production Music), Denise Nichols (AIMP Secretary/Primacy Firm), Marc Driskill (AIMP Exec. Director/Sea Gayle), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank)
Scotty McCreery: On The Set
Scotty McCreery worked with music video director Roman White and McCreery’s manager John Lytle on the set of McCreery’s new music video “Southern Belle,” which released earlier this week. The song is the first single from the Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope recording artist’s new album, due in 2016.
Pictured: director Roman White; Scotty McCreery; McCreery’s manager John Lytle of Lytle Management. Photo: Eric Adkins
Sister Band SHEL Joins KCA Artists
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): John Everhart (Agent, KCA), Hannah Holbrook (SHEL: Keyboard, Vox), Dianna Maher (SHEL’s Manager & Publisher, Moraine Music Group), Alannah Rudd (Responsible Agent, KCA), Liza Holbrook (SHEL: Percussion, Drums, Beatboxing, Vox), Keith Case (Owner, KCA), Sarah Holbrook (SHEL: Fiddle, Vox), Eva Holbrook (SHEL: Mandolin, Vox), Alessandra Young (Agent Asst., KCA)
SHEL, a folk-influenced group of four sisters, has joined the roster of KCA Artists.
Their upcoming sophomore LP will be released on Dave Stewart’s new label, Dave Stewart Entertainment, in the spring. Stewart is co-producing the project with Brent Maher and SHEL.
The co-founder of Eurythmics, Stewart has produced many artists such as Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, and Joss Stone.
“I’m delighted SHEL and KCA will now be working together. Both the company and the band have such integrity and pioneering spirit, which in today’s marketplace is a rare combination. They are, as they say, a perfect fit,” Stewart said.
SHEL is the acronym for the four sisters’ names: Sarah on violin, Hannah on keyboards, Eva on mandolin, and Liza on drums, djembe and beatboxing.
Raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, SHEL has spent the last couple years touring to support their 2012 debut release. In addition, their songs have been featured in numerous television shows, films (The Best of Me) and commercials.
Artist Updates: Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Eric Paslay, Charles Kelley, Lee Greenwood, Macy Martin
/by Eric T. ParkerTim McGraw Performs Album Release Party
Tim McGraw. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for PANDORA Media
Pandora hosted a Tim McGraw album release party on Wednesday (Nov. 11) in New York City. His 14th studio album, Damn Country Music, was released on November 6 by Big Machine Records.
Dierks Bentley Surprised at Veterans Day Concert
Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay, Dierks Bentley, Charles Kelley. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for CBS RADIO
Eric Paslay and Charles Kelley surprised Dierks Bentley during his set at CBS Radio’s Stars and Strings to perform “The Driver,” a song the three recorded for the Lady Antebellum breakout’s forthcoming solo album. The sold-out Veteran’s Day concert was held at the Chicago Theatre benefitting foldsofhonor.org, which provides educational support to spouses and children of America’s fallen and wounded soldiers. Paslay flew into Chicago just in time to make the show after spending five days in Mexico performing as part of Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Cruise.” Additional performers at the benefit event included Gary Allan, Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Little Big Town and The Band Perry.
Lee Greenwood To Perform Prior to Sunday Kick Off
Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood will perform his iconic, patriotic song “God Bless the USA” prior to kick off Sunday (Nov. 15) at FedExField, presented by ACM Lifting Lives. The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundations (WRCF) and Redskins Salute will host 200 military surviving family members from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) at the Washington Redskins versus New Orleans Saints game. During an on-field presentation where they will receive a star (red, white or blue) to represent their fallen hero, Greenwood will sing live.
Macy Martin Delivers 100 Macy’s Toy Box Mascots
Pictured (L-R): band members Brent Layman, Matt Koerner, Phil Ortiz; Dee Dee Martin, Give Kids The World Village; Macy Martin; and volunteers.
Country newcomer and philanthropist Macy Martin recently performed for children and families at the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Fla., which provides families of children with life threatening illness weeklong, cost free vacations.
Martin additionally met with children at the village and handed out over 100 stuffed “Tumbles” bears. The animals are the mascot of Macy’s Toy Box, a non-profit the singer established to collect new and gently used to toys for those less fortunate year-round.
Beats Music Subscriptions Will End on Nov. 30
/by Craig_ShelburneBeats Music will officially end on Nov. 30 and all subscriptions will be cancelled. The following message was posted to the support page of the company’s website:
The notice arrives just days after Apple, which acquired Beats Music in 2014 for $3 billion, introduced an Android app, making Apple Music available to a broader audience. Apple also launched its own streaming service in June.
YouTube Music App Launches
/by Jessica NicholsonYouTube Music has the ability to switch between video or audio-only features. It also allows users to hear audio from a video on a computer or mobile device, even if the display is turned off or the user is using a different app at the same time.
YouTube Music includes a 14-day “amplified experience” for free. This is a 14-day free subscription to the whole collection of services all at once.
YouTube Music is part of the new Red subscription service, which for $9.99 monthly brings you an ad-free YouTube experience, access to original content, and more.
Weekly Chart Report (11/13/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Hearts Bluff Music Acquires Muy Bueno Music Catalog
/by Jessica NicholsonHearts Bluff Music President Scott Parker.
Hearts Bluff Music has acquired the rights to the Muy Bueno Music catalog, founded by George Strait and his manager Erv Woolsey.
Hearts Bluff president Scott Parker made the announcement during Hearts Bluff Music’s 10th anniversary party, held in Nashville. Hearts Bluff Music’s catalog already boasts classics including “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Everlasting Love,” and more. The celebration featured performances from songwriters Aaron Barker, Hugh Prestwood, Mac Gayden, Kevin Welch, and more.
The Muy Bueno Music catalog began with flagship writer Aaron Barker, and over the years the roster grew to include Dana Hunt-Black, Gerald Smith, Donny Kees, and Tony Ramey, among others. Among its songs are the Strait-recorded hits “Baby Blue,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Write This Down,” and “One Night At A Time.” It also includes Lorrie Morgan’s “What Part of No,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You,” and Lonestar’s “What About Now,” among others.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Embry, Creative Manager, Hearts Bluff Music;
Tyler Sutphen, Communication Manager, Hearts Bluff Music; Scott Parker, President, Hearts Bluff Music; Karen Lawrence, Royalty Analyst, Hearts Bluff Music; Richard Rose, Copyright Cafe.
Parker spoke about the importance of the Muy Bueno Music catalog acquisition with MusicRow.
MusicRow: How did this opportunity come about?
Scott Parker: We’ve had a great 10-year co-publishing relationship with Muy Bueno, ever since we purchased the Aaron Barker catalog. This purchase just made sense for all parties, as it was a natural outflow of our relationship. George, Erv and Connie [Woolsey] have built a treasure of songs and I’m so incredibly honored they’ve entrusted us with this legacy.
Muy Bueno’s attorney, Jess Rosen, also played a big part in putting this deal together. He knew I was passionate about this catalog, and helped us put together a fair deal. Hearts Bluff specializes in acquiring high-end, historical catalogs, so we knew the value and were able reach terms very quickly.
MR: In evaluating this catalog, what factors made it an important addition to Hearts Bluff Music?
SP: To my knowledge, this may be the largest independent catalog of George Strait music that’s ever been available…not to mention all the hits by other artists. And like I said before, this made sense with our previous catalog investments. I also had great deal of internal support from my investors. Most of them are based in Texas, and they understand the incredible legacy of this catalog.
MR: What songs in this catalog have not been recorded that you are excited about working on?
SP: There are definitely some “hidden gems” in this catalog. We’re pretty familiar with Aaron Barker’s and Dana Hunt-Black’s catalogs, and we’ll be getting up-to-speed on the deeper catalog. I’m excited about several of the classics again. For example, I’d love to hear a new artist rework a timeless classic like “Baby Blue” for sync placement. Also, I used to write songs with Muy Bueno writers like Dana Hunt-Black, and Christi Dannemiller, and have always admired their craft.
MR: Hearts Bluff is about not only a songwriter’s catalog, but about their legacy as a writer, and the Muy Bueno catalog certainly adds to that. What opportunities are you most looking forward to in working this catalog’s music?
SP: You’re right. For example, the legacy of a writer like Aaron Barker is very important to us. Aaron is a dear friend, and certainly worthy of induction in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. After all, this guy wrote many of George Strait’s biggest No. 1 songs like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” These weren’t just hits, but defined an era in country music. Aaron recently performed at our 10-year Anniversary celebration, and he was absolutely amazing. He’s an American treasure. I look forward to similar experiences with other writers.
Pictured (L-R): Hugh Prestwood, Aaron Barker
UMG Revenues Show Streaming and Subscriptons Overtaking Sales
/by Eric T. ParkerThis shift was reported Tuesday (Nov. 10) in UMG parent company Vivendi‘s third quarter financial reports in analyzing nine-month totals.
“It is still too early to tell whether or not we have reached an inflection point,” said Herve Phillippe, Member of the Management Board, CFO.
Those year-to-date figures show UMG’s recorded music at $2.97 billion, up 1.9 percent at constant perimeter and constant currency, with digital up 5.9 percent. Physical sales have been down 7.9 percent YTD, at $937 million.
Still to come, awards boosts (Eric Church, Chris Stapleton), holiday sales (Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Maroon 5) and among new releases, that of Justin Bieber.
According to analysis from Music Business Worldwide, UMG’s specific third quarter revenue fell from the previous quarter, perhaps due to the establishment of Apple Music.
Marbaloo: Marketing Nashville’s Top Artists Through Creativity, Customization
/by Jessica NicholsonMarbaloo founder and managing partner Faithe Parker
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Jeremy Ryan
For Faithe Parker, being part of the successes of Kelsea Ballerini and other Marbaloo clients is the culmination of years of big dreams and hard work. Parker formed Marbaloo (short for “Marketing Hullabaloo”) in 2010. Five years later, the company boasts work with artists including Ballerini, Toby Keith, Maddie & Tae, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and more.
“I come from an entrepreneurial bloodlines,” Parker says. “I always wanted to start my own business, but I wanted to wait until I had the right experience.”
That experience includes international marketing for Interscope Records and a role as International Marketing and Promotions Director for Universal Music Group, working with artists including Lady Gaga, All American Rejects, and 50 Cent. She also worked as VP of Creative Operations for producer and musician Dave Stewart’s production studio Weapons of Mass Entertainment. She says her experience as a label rep working with third-party marketing companies informed her decision to create Marbaloo. “I really felt like we could be a company that would be pro-record company, who could come alongside record labels and management to help market artists,” said Parker.
Parker and her company aim to bring that same level of creativity to each client, regardless of the artist’s star status. “The first thing we do is get to know precisely what a new client needs and what is their perspective of themselves as an artist,” Parker says. “We learn everything from how they see themselves as an artist, to how they envision their career goals. What kinds of social media platforms, if any, they are comfortable using to communicate with fans? What parts of their stories haven’t been communicated with fans? What are their other passions and hobbies? Then we use all these pieces to customize and create new marketing ideas.”
Marbaloo’s staff has expanded to 23 employees adept at marketing, project management, event promotion, tour marketing, digital strategy, integrated publicity, asset production and more. Still, the company’s growth strategy has allowed them to continue to offer each new client personalized attention. “We do have a large roster of artists that we work with, but we have grown our staff as we have grown our client roster, which gives us a larger staff-to-artist ratio than many other marketing companies in town,” Parker says.
As the company’s clientele has expanded, so has its office space. They recently moved into a suite on the 13th floor of Nashville’s L&C Building, with nearly 6,000 square feet of office space. The suite is outfitted with sleek lines and warm colors. Glass walls throughout much of the space promote a collaborative environment. Multiple cooperative areas throughout the office accommodate meetings of all sizes, from phone booth-size enclosed areas for private calls, to couches for intimate meetings, to full-size conference rooms. “We are very collaborative here. Our staffers are very creative, and often work 12- and 16-hour days, so we want it to be a space where people are comfortable and where they can focus.”
“We couldn’t do this without the teamwork of the labels, management, publicists and artists we work with,” Parker says. “We are an extension of the artists we represent, and we aim to market them as creatively as possible. We couldn’t do that without the collaborative spirit in this city.”