Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light), Jeff Krones (CAA), Kevin Neal (WME), Jonathan Adelman (Paradigm), Nick Nuciforo (UTA), and Andrew Colvin (The Billions Corp).
Tom Lord of Red Light Entertainment Management hosted the Agents Power Panel during the 45th Annual International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) three-day conference at Nashville’s Omni Hotel today, Oct. 12.
Among those agents represented were Jeff Krones (CAA), Kevin Neal (WME), Jonathan Adelman (Paradigm), Nick Nuciforo (UTA), and Andrew Colvin (The Billions Corp). The five provided insightful information to a room of buyers from around the globe.
Among the highlights, Neal revealed he just returned from a trip to Brazil in scouting more territory for country music. Top-tier performers in festivals have been paid upwards of $1.5 million. In addition, Colvin noted The Billions Corp has uniquely begun focusing attention toward podcasts.
Managing Expectations:
Adelman noted the juggle when managers want to prematurely push their artist. “We are not an employment agency. There’s got to be real value and a plan. Everyone is enamored by this festival circuit lately. Well, I don’t know that playing at 12 p.m. on a Friday is the best choice for us. And you’re not most likely going to be able to play that festival for the next 3-5 years. Maybe the power of no is louder than yes.”
Neal: “The first of three openers on a tour is somewhat overrated for those who aren’t ready. If they haven’t developed their live show and they get on a tour, it achieves nothing. I tell managers, ‘You want your artist playing the midnight beer tent, opposed to the 12 p.m. main stage because they may be converting many more fans. You have to look at what’s happening locally, too.
“A lot of festivals are paying bigger than I have ever seen in my career but include radius clauses. You may see an artist play a festival in New York then not in the Northeast at all and we try to pare those down.”
Artist Development:
Krones: “I’m not involved in creative, but am in terms of creating a plan with the record cycle. I don’t want to work with artists who don’t have a vision. After we get the direction from the artist, that’s when our teams can get together to be creative to create growth.
“Ten of the last 15 new country acts CAA has signed have not had a record deal—maybe a publishing deal. But we seem to be passing on rock acts with label deals in search of natural growth [acts that can sell out before radio].”
Adelman: “You’re looking for additional revenue streams if you’re a new or established artist. So you may look at sponsorship wraps to get a bus. We’re welcoming that now and open to every venue possibility.
Relationships and Incentives:
Neal: “One thing we should look at is working cross-genre. People get tired of seeing the same people play together year after year. When Florida Georgia Line played ballparks, it ended up making more money than the arenas could offer—you just have to gamble on yourself.”
Nuciforo: “A lot of times the artist teams have a reason for the market or venue they want to play. It sucks because that doesn’t always make sense to buyers. With social stats now, we literally have a department that analyzes the numbers.”
Adelman: “Most of us try to honor the history with that promoter or buyer. If the buyer has done their job right, they understand the expectations and hopefully take into account their food and beverage in tickets fees. If its above the red line then it’s a winner, but if its below we’ll try to work to get it above. It’s a partnership. It’s the little things we make note of, like a deli tray or laundry service that filter back to us, that make us push for that market again.
“But remember without the artist, none of us are employed. It’s all about their development, so [buyers] think about how to help that artist move their career in your marketplace and want to return.”
International Opportunities:
Neal on the opportunities brought my WME’s merger with IMG: “Brett Eldredge had an IMG supermodel in his “Lose My Mind” video. We’re trying to work country music into the different opportunities like IMG colleges and golf. WME just bought the Miss Universe Pageant from Donald Trump and we’re trying to figure out which artists will work for that, which is broadcast in many countries. C2C has also been phenomenal for opening up Europe for our artists. CMC Festival in Australia opens that up for our artists too.”
IEBA’s Agents Panel Dishes: $1.5 Million for Top Festival Acts
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light), Jeff Krones (CAA), Kevin Neal (WME), Jonathan Adelman (Paradigm), Nick Nuciforo (UTA), and Andrew Colvin (The Billions Corp).
Tom Lord of Red Light Entertainment Management hosted the Agents Power Panel during the 45th Annual International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) three-day conference at Nashville’s Omni Hotel today, Oct. 12.
Among those agents represented were Jeff Krones (CAA), Kevin Neal (WME), Jonathan Adelman (Paradigm), Nick Nuciforo (UTA), and Andrew Colvin (The Billions Corp). The five provided insightful information to a room of buyers from around the globe.
Among the highlights, Neal revealed he just returned from a trip to Brazil in scouting more territory for country music. Top-tier performers in festivals have been paid upwards of $1.5 million. In addition, Colvin noted The Billions Corp has uniquely begun focusing attention toward podcasts.
Managing Expectations:
Adelman noted the juggle when managers want to prematurely push their artist. “We are not an employment agency. There’s got to be real value and a plan. Everyone is enamored by this festival circuit lately. Well, I don’t know that playing at 12 p.m. on a Friday is the best choice for us. And you’re not most likely going to be able to play that festival for the next 3-5 years. Maybe the power of no is louder than yes.”
Neal: “The first of three openers on a tour is somewhat overrated for those who aren’t ready. If they haven’t developed their live show and they get on a tour, it achieves nothing. I tell managers, ‘You want your artist playing the midnight beer tent, opposed to the 12 p.m. main stage because they may be converting many more fans. You have to look at what’s happening locally, too.
“A lot of festivals are paying bigger than I have ever seen in my career but include radius clauses. You may see an artist play a festival in New York then not in the Northeast at all and we try to pare those down.”
Artist Development:
Krones: “I’m not involved in creative, but am in terms of creating a plan with the record cycle. I don’t want to work with artists who don’t have a vision. After we get the direction from the artist, that’s when our teams can get together to be creative to create growth.
“Ten of the last 15 new country acts CAA has signed have not had a record deal—maybe a publishing deal. But we seem to be passing on rock acts with label deals in search of natural growth [acts that can sell out before radio].”
Adelman: “You’re looking for additional revenue streams if you’re a new or established artist. So you may look at sponsorship wraps to get a bus. We’re welcoming that now and open to every venue possibility.
Relationships and Incentives:
Neal: “One thing we should look at is working cross-genre. People get tired of seeing the same people play together year after year. When Florida Georgia Line played ballparks, it ended up making more money than the arenas could offer—you just have to gamble on yourself.”
Nuciforo: “A lot of times the artist teams have a reason for the market or venue they want to play. It sucks because that doesn’t always make sense to buyers. With social stats now, we literally have a department that analyzes the numbers.”
Adelman: “Most of us try to honor the history with that promoter or buyer. If the buyer has done their job right, they understand the expectations and hopefully take into account their food and beverage in tickets fees. If its above the red line then it’s a winner, but if its below we’ll try to work to get it above. It’s a partnership. It’s the little things we make note of, like a deli tray or laundry service that filter back to us, that make us push for that market again.
“But remember without the artist, none of us are employed. It’s all about their development, so [buyers] think about how to help that artist move their career in your marketplace and want to return.”
International Opportunities:
Neal on the opportunities brought my WME’s merger with IMG: “Brett Eldredge had an IMG supermodel in his “Lose My Mind” video. We’re trying to work country music into the different opportunities like IMG colleges and golf. WME just bought the Miss Universe Pageant from Donald Trump and we’re trying to figure out which artists will work for that, which is broadcast in many countries. C2C has also been phenomenal for opening up Europe for our artists. CMC Festival in Australia opens that up for our artists too.”
Photos: Jana Kramer, Wynonna, Eli Young Band, Kelsea Ballerini and Dibs
/by Craig_ShelburneJana Kramer Greets a New Album on Good Morning America
Jana Kramer is celebrating the release of her new album, thirty one, in New York City. On Monday (Oct. 12), the Elektra Records Nashville/WMN artist joined Robin Roberts and crew for a performance of her single, “I Got The Boy,” on Good Morning America.
Jana Kramer and Robin Roberts
Wynonna Brings Foreigner’s Lou Gramm to Girls Night Out Concert
Lou Gramm, the original lead singer of Foreigner, joined Wynonna Judd to perform “I Want to Know What Love Is” at the Venetian Las Vegas on Saturday night (Oct. 10). Foreigner had a No. 1 hit with the power ballad in 1985, while Wynonna revived it for her 2004 album, What the World Needs Now Is Love. Wynonna and her mother, Naomi, have reunited The Judds for a special Girls Night Out residency at the property. Upcoming performances are Oct.13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23 and 24.
Wynonna Judd and Lou Gramm
Eli Young Band Takes the Field in Houston
Over the weekend, Eli Young Band played a set at Constellation Field in the Houston area, in partnership with KKBQ radio for their first “Country at the Ballpark.” The band performed in front of a crowd of over 9,000 fans and posed with members of the KKBQ team backstage.
Pictured Back Row L – R: Bob Zlotnik – owner of Constellation Field, Jake Stewart – DJ, Mike Eli, Jon Jones, Pat Middleton – DJ, Al Farb – Morning Zoo Producer, James Young and Chris Thompson
Middle row- Chris Fair, Promotions Coordinator. Christi Brooks, MD. Lisa Searcy, Marketing Director. Linda V, DJ. Candy Mendez, Promotions Manager and Marlane Disher – Promotions.
Front row- Kevin Kline – DJ, Johnny Chiang – PD/OM and George Couri – Triple 8 Management.
Kelsea Ballerini Puts Dibs on Joel Raab
Black River’s Greg McCarn, Kelsea Ballerini, Dibs, Joel Raab
Bluewater Music Signs Kristofferson To Admin Agreement
/by Jessica NicholsonKris Kristofferson
Bluewater Music has signed Grammy award‐winning Kris Kristofferson to an administration agreement for his Jody Ray Publishing catalog covering the world, excluding the US and Canada.
Kristofferson is a Country Music Hall of Fame member with 15 BMI Award Winning Songs to his credit. “Here Comes That Rainbow Again,” “A Moment of Forever,” and “Chase the Feeling” are just a few of the songs that Bluewater will now administer.
Peter Roselli, Bluewater’s COO, adds, “A legendary songwriter, artist and actor, we’re thrilled to be working with Kris!”
For more information about Kris Kristofferson, visit kriskristofferson.com.
CMA Awards Add Top Female Performers
/by Troy_StephensonKelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Maddie & Tae, Kacey Musgraves, and host Carrie Underwood will perform during the 49th Annual CMA Awards.
“From Miranda Lambert’s explosive debut CMA performance in New York in 2005 to Reba’s performance in that famous red dress that now resides in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the females in our format deliver some of the most dynamic and talked about awards moments and this year should be no different,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.
Ballerini is nominated for the first time this year, earning a spot in the categories of Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year.
Lambert received her third Entertainer of the Year nomination in 2015 along with nominations for Female Vocalist, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year for “Little Red Wagon.” Lambert is the most awarded female in CMA Awards history with 11 wins and 38 nominations.
Duo Maddie & Tae received their first nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year; Music Video of the Year for “Girl in a Country Song,” and New Artist of the Year.
Musgraves, who won New Artist of the Year in 2013 and Song of the Year in 2014, has three nominations this year including Album of the Year for Pageant Material, which she co-produced with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally, Female Vocalist; and Music Video of the Year for “Biscuits.”
CMA previously announced the performance collaborations of Eric Church with iconic country rocker Hank Williams, Jr. and Thomas Rhett collaborating live with Fall Out Boy, as well as performances by CMA Awards hosts Brad Paisley and Underwood.
The 49th Annual CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, Nov. 4 (8:00-11 PM/ET) from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on the ABC Television Network.
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maddie & Tae
Kacey Musgraves
Artist Pics: Kix Brooks, The Band Perry, NCHS, John Conlee, The Judds
/by Kelsey_GradyKix Brooks Climbs For Fallen Firefighters
Kix Brooks with Firefighters
This past Saturday, Oct. 10, American Country Countdown host Kix Brooks participated in the Kidde-sponsored National Stair Climb event at Citi Field in New York City. The National Stair Climb honors all fallen firefighters, and it was the first ever stair climb in NYC. Kix did several media interviews, posed for photos, and spoke during the opening ceremony. In fact, he was so inspired, that he decided last minute to do the climb!
The Band Perry Headlines Vanderbilt’s Commodore Quakc
The Band Perry
Annual music bash The Commodore Quake will be held at Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gym on Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m., with featured acts The Band Perry and Third Eye Blind.
“We are incredibly excited to bring two fantastic bands to Vanderbilt’s campus,” said Music Group Chair, Kern Vohra, when asked about this year’s Quake Lineup. “This is going to be a great year for Quake, and I can speak for everyone on The Music Group when I say that we are all beyond happy to be a part of it.”
For tickets, visit vanderbilt.edu.
Opening Night For Nashville Connection Heroes Salute
Darryl Worley
The Nashville Connection- Heroes Salute (NCHS) is a Music and patriotic event which is created for singer and songwriters from all over the country to come to Nashville to network, connect, and work up close and personal with Music Industry top professionals in Nashville and Atlanta. The opening ceremonies will be Oct. 14 at the Legislative Plaza at 9:30 a.m.
Those participating are Colonel (Retired) Fareed Betros, Joan Betros, Darryl Worley, Irlene Mandrell, Rebecca Eggers from Fort Campbell, Gold Star Mom’s, and Survivor Outreach Services, Music Industry Pros and Executives, City officials, The Patriot Guards and an American Legion rifle Salute.
John Conlee Honoring Law Enforcement Officials
John Conlee
John Conlee is set to honor law enforcement officers around the country with his Oct. 14 performance of “Walking Behind The Star” on Fox News’ FOX & Friends.
“I wanted to do this song to show support to police officers who are just doing their jobs,” says Conlee. “With all the turmoil going on I think they are relieved that someone is paying attention the other way and giving them a pat on the back.”
The Judds Reunite In Vegas
Photo: Erik Kabik
The Judds graced the stage in front of a full house for an emotional opening performance of Girls Night Out at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian® Las Vegas. The show marked the iconic and multi-platinum country duo’s first concerts together in nearly five years.
Toby Keith Tapes For TBS, Wounded Warriors, Soundstage
/by Craig_ShelburneToby Keith’s performance in his hometown of Moore, Okla., will be featured on TBS’ Neighborhood Sessions on Oct. 16. The episode focuses on those who inspire Keith and others in their local community. Proceeds from the episode benefit the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral pediatric cancer facility, soup kitchen and shelter program Food and Shelter Inc. and local volunteer organization Serve Moore.
Also, Keith’s television ad for the Wounded Warriors Project’s “Believe In Heroes” campaign begins airing nationally on Oct. 24. The spot features the Schei family, whose son, Erik, was shot by a sniper in Iraq in 2005 and continues to recover. His brother, Deven, joined the Army seeking to finish his brother’s mission of service, and was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010. The campaign also features retired Air Force Capt. Mary McGriff, who served in Iraq in 2005 and has received help through Wounded Warriors Project with her treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
In addition, Chicago PBS affiliate WTTW’s Soundstage series will launch its new season with Keith’s performance, filmed in September. The show’s air date will be announced at a later date.
Keith released his newest album, 35 mph Town, on Oct. 9. A new single titled “Beautiful Stranger” will be released to radio on Oct. 13.
“That was written years ago and I kept saying I wasn’t putting it on an album until it had a shot at being a single,” Keith said. “The vocal shows some range people probably don’t hear out of me a lot.”
Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley To Launch Solo Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonCharles Kelley
Charles Kelley has revealed that he will bring music from his upcoming debut solo album to fans, via The Driver Tour, with special guest Maren Morris. Presented by Enterprise, the 22-city club tour will make its first stop at House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio on Nov. 28 and continue through the winter with tickets on sale this Friday (Oct. 16) at 10 a.m. local time on www.charleskelley.com.
“I’ve played some great shows at arenas and amphitheaters, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting into clubs with people grabbing on your legs and being able to see every face,” Kelley says. “I can’t wait to get right up there in it with the fans and try out some of this new stuff we’ve been working on. I’m pretty excited about just scrapping the set list and playing whatever we feel like playing.”
Kelley’s lead single, “The Driver,” features vocals from Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay. Kelley offered members of the music industry an early look at the project during an album preview concert on Oct. 1 in Nashville.
Morris, one of Columbia Nashville’s newest roster additions, has garnered more than 2.5 million streams of songs from her self-titled EP. She is one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, and has been on tour dates with Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, and Chris Stapleton.
Industry Ink: CMA, United Talent Agency, UMPG, CCMG, Peter Noone
/by Jessica NicholsonCMA Songwriters Series To Be Featured on CMT Canada
Pictured (L-R): Ron Sexsmith, Kristian Bush, Josh Turner, and Deric Ruttan. Photo: Brian B. Bettencourt / CMA
The CMA Songwriters Series has expanded into Canada and will be presented as a one-hour broadcast, “CMT Presents: The CMA Songwriters Series,” which will air on CMT Canada on Friday, Oct. 16 (7:00 PM/ET; 4:00 PM/PT). The partnership was previously announced in June at CMA World GlobaLive!, CMA’s annual international artist showcase held during CMA Music Festival.
Artists and songwriters Kristian Bush, Deric Ruttan, Ron Sexsmith, and Josh Turner performed during the celebration of songs and scribes, which was taped this summer in Toronto at The Great Hall, a historic venue located in the thriving music and arts district of Toronto’s Queen Street West. This is the first time CMA and CMT Canada have partnered to present a television event.
The Moonshine Bandits Sign with UTA
The Moonshine Bandits
Central California outlaws The Moonshine Bandits have announced their new partnership with United Talent Agency for booking worldwide. The Bandits will be represented by Alec Vidmar and Josh Garrett in the Nashville office. United Talent Agency books Nashville talent including Merle Haggard, Chris Janson, John Michael Montgomery, The Lacs and The Kentucky Headhunters.
Jonas Myrin Inks New Deals with UMPG, Capitol Christian Music Group
Songwriter Jonas Myrin has signed a new global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group and its Christian music publishing division, Capitol CMG Publishing. Through the deal, UMPG will co-publish all new songs Myrin pens outside the Christian music genre, and the UMPG creative team will work with him to broaden opportunities for him in pop music as an artist, writer and producer. At the same time, Capitol CMG Publishing will administer his back catalog and co-publish new songs for the Christian and worship market, and administer new songs penned for Hillsong Church recordings. Myrin’s hit songs include “10,000 Reasons” (Matt Redman).
Pictured (L-R): Jonas Myrin and Evan Lamberg, President – North America, UMPG.
Pictured (L-R): Peter York, President of CCMG; Jonas Myrin, and Casey McGinty, Executive Vice President of CCMP.
Herman’s Hermits Singer Noone Records John Lennon Tribute
“I Can’t Imagine” was written just after the Beatles legend’s death in 1980 by Don Cusic, the producer of the aforementioned Arnold tribute.
Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line Book Australia Concerts
/by Craig_ShelburneJason Aldean. Photo: CMA
Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line will make their first concert appearances in Australia in March 2016.
With Aldean as the headliner, their first concert will take place on March 8 in Melbourne at the Margaret Court Arena. The following night, they’ll perform at the Hordern Pavilion on March 9.
In addition, both artists are confirmed for the CMC Rocks QLD 2016 festival in Ipswich, Queensland. Scheduled for March 11-13, the festival will also feature Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Evans and The Road Hammers.
Weekly Register: George Strait Bumps Up to No. 1
/by Craig_ShelburneGeorge Strait serves up another No. 1 album with Cold Beer Conversation, which lands at the top in its second week. Upon release, the country legend’s newest set was eclipsed by Don Henley’s Cass County, which enters at No. 2 in its second week.
Although both sets dropped in sales in their second week, Strait still moved 30K units, with Henley just behind at 28K units.
Meanwhile, Thomas Rhett’s Tangled Up holds the No. 3 spot with 21K units, nearly tying with Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights at No. 4 — with less than 50 units between them. In a repeat from last week, Sam Hunt’s Montevallo rounds out the Top 5 with 9k.
New arrivals on the country album chart include projects by the Wood Brothers, Lauren Alaina, The Black Lillies, Kinky Friedman and Bart Crow.
This week, Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” rises to the top country track in digital sales (No. 15 overall), with 38K, less than 50 downloads ahead of Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down” (No. 16 overall). Rounding out the Top 5 country tracks are Cam’s “Burning House” (34K, No. 24 overall), Sam Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (21K, No. 36 overall) and Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” (21K, No. 37 overall).
On the overall chart, Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable enters at No. 1 with 115K combined units (109K album only).
Info according to Neilsen Soundscan.