CTM Writer’s INK, Cotton Gin Productions Sign Stevens
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Bowling (Creative Manager CTM Writer’s INK), Brandon Perdue (Development/Production CTM Writer’s INK), Erin Enderlin (Cotton Gin), Scott Stevens, Alex Kline (Cotton Gin), Eddie Robba (President/CEO CTM Writer’s INK).
Knoxville native Scott Stevens has signed an artist development/publishing deal with CTM Writer’s INK and Cotton Gin Productions. His recently released self-titled debut EP was produced by Cotton Gin’s Erin Enderlin and Alex Kline.
Stevens joins CTM’s current roster, which includes Marcus Hummon, Ella Mae Bowen, Autumn McEntire and Chris Roberts.
“I’m so pumped to team up with CTM and their already awesome group of writers,” says Stevens. “We share the same passion for making great music happen and I’m humbled to have them believe in me. I’m fired up to watch what happens next.”
“Scott’s dynamic voice captures the listener quickly causing them to tune in and pay attention. I’m so excited to have Scott join our team, he has such a big future ahead of him,” says Eddie Robba, President/CEO of CTM Writer’s INK.
Show Dog Adds NE Regional
Show Dog Nashville has appointed Jean Williams to the position of Northeast Promotion and Marketing Director, announced GM George Nunes. Williams has extensive music industry experience most recently as Director of Affiliate Sales at Westwood One. Williams has previously held radio promotion positions at Warner Music and Sony Music Nashville.
“Jean is an amazing, innovative promoter and I’m excited to have her join our team,” commented Rick Moxley, Vice President, promotion. “Her experience, relationships, positive drive and attitude make Jean the perfect addition to Show Dog.” This appointment will reunite Moxley and Williams who worked together for a number of years at both Sony Music and Warner Bros.
“I’m excited and honored to join Show Dog Nashville,” adds Williams. “I look forward to working with the entire Show Dog team.”
Williams can be reached at 615-324-7768 or jean.williams@showdogmail.com.
King Baby Studio To Host Trunk Show Beginning Sept. 17
King Baby is hosting a trunk show featuring some of designer Mitchell Binder’s friends who are artisans & artists in the Southwestern/Native American Jewelry community. The event will showcase the works of the selected artists, from Sept. 17-19, with a launch event on the night of Sept. 17, from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The launch will showcase King Baby’s new Birth of Americana collection which features one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-cut turquoise stones, Southwestern inspired designs and textures. The event will also feature a silent art auction of selected works from artist Rob Hendon, benefiting the W.O. Smith Music School with a matched donation by King Baby. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music will be included in the event.
King Baby Studio is located at 615 9th Ave. S. in Nashville.
For more information, visit kingbabystudio.com.
Last Week To Sign Up For We Run The Row
We Run The Row 5k will be held this Saturday (Sept. 19) at 6 p.m. An afterparty will follow at Dan McGuinness from 6-10 p.m. with $3 house beer and $4 well drink specials. Proceeds benefit Musicians On Call. There is still time to sign up and enjoy the fun!
For more information, visit weruntherow.racesonline.com.
MSO To Launch Social Media Division
/by Jessica Nicholson“This year marks the 20th anniversary of MSO–we just want to keep evolving,” says Mitch Schneider, President of MSO. “We became aware of Michael Brandvold via some mutual clientsand we admire the social digital strategies for his clients. We’re all excited about this union and how it will strengthen the profiles of our artists, events and brands.”
“I am excited to be providing the social media services to the Mitch Schneider Organization,” says Brandvold. “MSO’s history stands on its own.”
The social media services provided will include, but aren’t limited to: creating a digital strategy that encompasses social media networks; coordinating with and supporting PR, radio, merchandise/e-commerce, record label and tour promotion efforts; the creation of content strategies and management of social networks; and developing a plan to engage with existing fans and acquiring new fans.
David Friedman Joins UMG Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesDavid Friedman
Universal Music Group Nashville announced today that David Friedman has joined the company as Vice President of Promotion. He fills the role previously held by Katie Dean, who was recently named VP of Promotion for MCA Nashville. Friedman will help facilitate national radio promotion for all four label imprints which includes Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work with David,” says Royce Risser, UMG Nashville SVP of Promotion. “His experience and relationships with country radio make him the perfect fit for our team at UMG. I am absolutely ecstatic to have him join us.”
“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to join such an all-star team at UMG Nashville and to work with their amazing artist roster,” exclaims Friedman. “Capitol Nashville is where I got my start in promotion sixteen years ago so it’s a bit of a homecoming for me. Many thanks to Royce and the entire promotion staff for this wonderful opportunity!”
After starting his career at Capitol Records Nashville, Friedman spent the last 15 years at Sony Music Nashville, first with Arista Nashville and most recently with Columbia Nashville.
A graduate of Emory University, the Pennsylvania native lives in Nashville with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
David can be reached at David.Friedman@umusic.com.
Artist Pics: Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Cassadee Pope
/by Kelsey_GradyChris Young Headlines Sold-Out Show
RCA Records Nashville artist Chris Young headlined a sold-out show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Monday (9/14). His I’m Comin’ Over World Tour is sold-out for the duration of the European run, including nine headlining shows in England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.
Pictured (L-R): Rob Beckham/WME, Chris Young, Steve Homer/Live Nation UK, Anna-Sophie Mertens/Live Nation UK. Photo: Monarch Publicity
Brad Paisley’s Country Nation College Tour Plays To Over 65,000 Fans
This past weekend Brad Paisley continued his celebration of the 2015 college football season by taking his Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s to IMG College partner universities and providing free entertainment for the campus community. He played to capacity crowds at the University of Texas, Baylor University and the University of Arkansas for a total of over 65,000 for the tour – so far.
Photos: Ben Enos
Cassadee Pope Brings “Invincible” To Ohio
Scoring the most added single at Country radio last week with “I Am Invincible,” Cassadee Pope continues to introduce her new music. During her show in Ohio on Thursday night (9/10) at W.O. Wrights Grill & Pub, Pope encouraged her fans to join in the fun on stage with WHKO Dayton Morning Show’s Frye Guy.
Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope poses with WHKO Dayton Morning Show’s Frye Guy with and some “invincible” fans at W.O. Wrights Grill & Pub. Photo: WHKO
Nielsen: 75 Percent Listen Online, Radio Still Leads Discovery
/by Sarah Skates75% of Americans listen to music online in a typical week, up nearly 12% from last year. While Americans streamed more than 164 billion on-demand tracks across audio and video platforms in 2014, they streamed 135 billion in the first half of 2015 alone, up more than 90% from the same period last year.
Music listening is becoming more mobile, with 44% report using smartphones to listen to music in a typical week, a 7% increase over last year. Listening on desktop computers decreased.
Radio continues to be the No. 1 source of music discovery in the U.S, with 61%. Word of mouth is also important, particularly for teens (65%).
Twelve percent of respondents say they discover music through live events, up more than 70% from last year. Americans spend more than half of their music related expenditures on events each year, and 50% of Americans say they’ve attended a live event in the last year.
Eleven percent of Americans have attended a music festival in the past 12 months, with Millennials comprising 44% of all festival goers.
More from Nielsen here.
Lionel Richie’s Las Vegas Residency To Begin In 2016
/by Troy_StephensonLionel Richie
Lionel Richie will begin his Las Vegas residency show, “Lionel Richie—All the Hits,” inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
In recent years, Richie had country music success when he teamed with country stars to recreate his hits for the top-selling album, Tuskegee, released in 2012 by UMG Nashville.
“I’m so excited to begin my residency at Planet Hollywood,” said Lionel, “I can’t wait to share ‘All the Hits, All Night Long’ with all of my fans—it’s a high energy show that is a perfect match for such a vibrant city!”
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. PT. An exclusive pre-sale for Ticketmaster, Live Nation and Total Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, will also be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT on Thursday, Sept. 17.
“Lionel Richie—All the Hits” dates
April 2016: 27, 30
May 2016: 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18
September 2016: 21, 24, 25, 28
October 2016: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12
For more information on the show and tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com/lionel.
SSM Entertainment Names President
/by Eric T. ParkerPatti Olsen-Garafola (c) pictured with SSM Entertainment act Branch and Dean.
Nashville-based label, SSM Entertainment, has appointed Patti Olsen-Garafola as president, according to SSM CEO and Chairman Dean Scallan.
“Patti’s experience and skills will aid the growth of the label both economically and from an artist management perspective,” said Scallan. “Patti reflects our goals of maintaining a family atmosphere with close attention to relationships, the heart and soul of our business. She has the kind of vision and sharp focus that we felt we needed right now. We are confident that she is exactly the right person to guide SSM into the future.”
Olsen-Garafola’s experience includes promotion for MCA, Mercury, Atlantic and RCA Records where she helped build the careers of such artists as Reba McEntire, George Strait, Billy Ray Cyrus, Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, John Michael Montgomery and Neal McCoy.
SSM artists include country duo Branch & Dean and rising star Kayla Adams.
Industry Ink: Show Dog, CTM Writer’s INK/Cotton Gin, King Baby, We Run The Row
/by Jessica NicholsonCTM Writer’s INK, Cotton Gin Productions Sign Stevens
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Bowling (Creative Manager CTM Writer’s INK), Brandon Perdue (Development/Production CTM Writer’s INK), Erin Enderlin (Cotton Gin), Scott Stevens, Alex Kline (Cotton Gin), Eddie Robba (President/CEO CTM Writer’s INK).
Knoxville native Scott Stevens has signed an artist development/publishing deal with CTM Writer’s INK and Cotton Gin Productions. His recently released self-titled debut EP was produced by Cotton Gin’s Erin Enderlin and Alex Kline.
Stevens joins CTM’s current roster, which includes Marcus Hummon, Ella Mae Bowen, Autumn McEntire and Chris Roberts.
“I’m so pumped to team up with CTM and their already awesome group of writers,” says Stevens. “We share the same passion for making great music happen and I’m humbled to have them believe in me. I’m fired up to watch what happens next.”
“Scott’s dynamic voice captures the listener quickly causing them to tune in and pay attention. I’m so excited to have Scott join our team, he has such a big future ahead of him,” says Eddie Robba, President/CEO of CTM Writer’s INK.
Show Dog Nashville has appointed Jean Williams to the position of Northeast Promotion and Marketing Director, announced GM George Nunes. Williams has extensive music industry experience most recently as Director of Affiliate Sales at Westwood One. Williams has previously held radio promotion positions at Warner Music and Sony Music Nashville.
“Jean is an amazing, innovative promoter and I’m excited to have her join our team,” commented Rick Moxley, Vice President, promotion. “Her experience, relationships, positive drive and attitude make Jean the perfect addition to Show Dog.” This appointment will reunite Moxley and Williams who worked together for a number of years at both Sony Music and Warner Bros.
“I’m excited and honored to join Show Dog Nashville,” adds Williams. “I look forward to working with the entire Show Dog team.”
Williams can be reached at 615-324-7768 or jean.williams@showdogmail.com.
King Baby Studio To Host Trunk Show Beginning Sept. 17
The launch will showcase King Baby’s new Birth of Americana collection which features one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-cut turquoise stones, Southwestern inspired designs and textures. The event will also feature a silent art auction of selected works from artist Rob Hendon, benefiting the W.O. Smith Music School with a matched donation by King Baby. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music will be included in the event.
King Baby Studio is located at 615 9th Ave. S. in Nashville.
For more information, visit kingbabystudio.com.
Last Week To Sign Up For We Run The Row
For more information, visit weruntherow.racesonline.com.
MusicRowLife: Pete and Kim Olson, Thompson Square, Mo Pitney, Colton Dixon
/by Jessica NicholsonOlsons Welcome Second Child
Pete Olson, President of Master Craft Management and wife Kim Olson, Sr. VP at Wiatr & Assoc. Business Management, have welcomed their second child. Calvin Johnathan “CJ” Olson was born Sept. 15 at 1:35 p.m. in Nashville. He weighs in at 7 lbs, 6 oz. Everyone is happy and healthy.
Thompson Square Expecting a Boy
Shawna and Keifer Thompson of BBR duo Thompson Square recently took to social media for a gender reveal, announcing they are expecting a boy in January 2016. This is the couple’s first child. The duo has been married for 16 years. In a video, the couple used pink and blue balloons for the announcement.
“We’re really, really excited. We’ve been together for a long time, and we’ve done a lot of things, and we just really felt there was something missing,” Keifer Thompson said in an earlier statement. “We love what we do, we love the music business, but we didn’t want to deprive ourselves of having a family.”
Mo Pitney Engaged
Curb singer-songwriter Mo Pitney recently announced his engagement to Emily Bankester.
The couple shared an engagement photo on social media, with Pitney adding, “The Lord is just dumping love on me… I watched Him form the woman I asked for on my knees.. I love this beautiful Jesus loving woman and I’m so excited for a lifetime of serving The Lord together. I’m overflowing with thankfulness for the future Emily Pitney.” He followed with the Bible verse, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22 ESV)
Mo Pitney and Emily Bankester
Colton Dixon Engaged
CCM singer-songwriter Colton Dixon got engaged to his girlfriend Annie Coggeshall recently at Magic Kingdom park, just a few hours before performing at Disney’s annual Night of Joy. DisneyParks offical blog was there to cover the engagement.
Colton Dixon and Annie Coggeshall
ASCAP, Logan’s Partner To Support Emerging Artists With Nationwide Tour
/by Sarah SkatesLogan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, Jerrod Niemann and ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams.
Logan’s Roadhouse and ASCAP are teaming for the Music City Live! tour, kicking off in early summer 2016 as a way to boost emerging singer-songwriters. Sea Gayle Music/Arista Nashville recording artist and ASCAP member Jerrod Niemann will be the official spokesperson and mentor to artists on the tour. He performed at today’s press event at Logan’s in Nashville, where the tour was announced by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams and Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese.
The Music City Live! tour will visit Logan’s locations nationwide and is part of a larger collaboration between the restaurant company and ASCAP to promote the careers of aspiring songwriter-artists, support music education and more.
On Oct. 1, the Logan’s Roadhouse Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn. will host the restaurant’s first live music showcase featuring emerging artist Chris Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh and Sarahbeth Taite also performed at today’s event.
The yet-to-be-announced performers on the upcoming tour will board three Logan’s Roadhouse/ASCAP-branded tour buses and travel to numerous Logan’s Roadhouse locations. Customers will have the opportunity to interact with artists through meet-and-greets, philanthropic events and more. Niemann will appear at select Logan’s Roadhouses to meet fans and participate in local programs that support music education in schools. The emerging artists featured on the tour will be added to ASCAP-curated playlists at all 230 Logan’s Roadhouse locations in October.
Williams and Borgese noted that it will create income for emerging artists while allowing them to practice their crafts in a friendly environment. “You learn by doing…. In those ‘gulp’ moments before you get on stage,” said Williams. They also saluted ASCAP’s licensing department for coming up with the idea.
“ASCAP’s mission is to make it possible for our members’ music to reach as many music lovers as it can,” said Williams. “To do that we need partners who are as passionate about music as we are. That’s why we are thrilled to join forces with Logan’s Roadhouse to promote some of Nashville’s emerging and most gifted songwriters.”
Niemann said, “I grew up playing in places like Logan’s Roadhouse and there’s not a better place to get the right start. All any artist can ask for is a fair chance to have their music heard.” In fact, when the singer first met his wife, she was working at the Logan’s where today’s event was held. In her honor he performed “What Do You Want?” and followed up with current single “Blue Bandana.”
Borgese said, “We believe that great music comes from emerging artists. We feel they should have a venue that helps support them so that they can continue to tell the stories of life through their music. This tour will give these artists exposure and connect with the Logan’s Roadhouse customers all over America from small towns to big cities.”
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, Chris Cavanaugh, Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, Sarahbeth Taite and Jerrod Niemann.
Jerrod Niemann
Big Loud Records Heads North With New Radio Promo Hiring
/by Jessica NicholsonNikki Jimenez. Photo: Noel Pennington
Big Loud Records is rounding out their newly formed radio promotion team with Nikki Jimenez joining the label as Northeast Region Director of Promotion today (Sept. 15). Jimenez will report directly to the label President Clay Hunnicutt and can be reached by email at nikki@bigloudrecords.com or via phone at 615-329-2729.
“Nikki is another key building block to our future at Big Loud Records,” remarks BLR’s Hunnicutt. “Her drive, experience and energy will make her a favorite throughout the Northeast and I can’t wait for her to get started.”
Jimenez began her radio career in 2004 at Entercom in Memphis, Tenn., where she handled six formats including Hot AC, AC, Rock, and Sports Talk as an Account Executive. She then served as Promotion Coordinator for Memphis ABC and CW TV station affiliates. Prior to making the move to Big Loud Records, she worked with Cumulus (formerly Citadel) as the Director of Marketing & Promotions for WGKX, WXMX, WRBO, and WKIM for the past five years.
“The thrill is real! I can’t even describe how amazing it feels to know that I will be working alongside a group that shares the same passion for music and radio that I do,” shares Jimenez. “The music and the people at Big Loud Records give me the confidence to know that there is no better team for me to be a part of.”
Big Loud Records is the newly launched label founded by manager Seth England, producer Joey Moi, songwriter Craig Wiseman, manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and radio veteran Hunnicutt.