Miley Cyrus. Photo: Marcus Mam/MTV
Nashville-raised pop sensations Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were front and center at last night’s (Aug. 30) Video Music Awards (VMA) on MTV, live from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Both stars revealed new material: Swift, a music video for “Wildest Dreams,” and a 23-track free-to-stream album for Cyrus.
Taylor Swift in Ashish. Photo: John Shearer/MTV
Swift received the evening’s top honor, Video of the Year, for “Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar), which also won Best Collaboration. Swift’s “Blank Space” video additionally took home Best Female Video and Best Pop Video.
“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about this video and what it means but I’m just happy that in 2015 we live in a world where boys can play princesses and girls can play soldiers,” said Swift in her “Blank Space” acceptance speech.
The Big Machine Records pop sensation opened the broadcast with a collaboration with Nicki Minaj (“The Night Is Still Young,” “Bad Blood”). She later presented the Video Vanguard Award to Kanye West, who infamously crashed her 2009 VMA acceptance. Six years since the offense, Swift used that same lingo in her introduction, “…I’ma let you finish…but Kanye West has had one of the greatest careers of all time!”
Ever-provocative hostess, Miley Cyrus, exposed her left breast in an on-air wardrobe malfunction and was the recipient of criticism during a speech by Minaj.
Additional Nashville members on the red carpet included Kelsea Ballerini, the entire Cyrus family; Victoria Secret angel, “Bad Blood” star and wife of Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill, Lily Aldridge.
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: MTV.
Taylor Swift and crew. Photo: MTV
Cyrus Family. Photo: MTV
Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. Photo: Getty/MTV
Pictured (L-R): Martha Hunt, Lily Aldridge, Selena Gomez, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld and Serayah McNeill. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini
ASCAP, Logan’s Roadhouse Partner To Support Emerging Artists, Songwriters
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville based restaurant chain will also showcase an ASCAP-curated playlist in all of its 230 company-operated restaurants, which will feature emerging artists and independent artists. The playlist, which is already rolling out to restaurants in many states, will be updated over time.
ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Michael Martin commented, “We are constantly striving for new and creative ways to help our talented members get the exposure they deserve. This agreement provides a unique opportunity to do just that.”
ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said, “For music to thrive, it takes not only gifted songwriters dedicated to their craft and careers, but businesses who recognize and support the value of music. We are thrilled to form this alliance with the visionary folks at Logan’s Roadhouse, who are committed to fostering music discovery and appreciation throughout their communities. They are truly kindred spirits, and this unprecedented partnership will shine a new light on not only some of country music’s exciting new songwriter-artists, but on the powerful relationship between ASCAP and one of our important licensing customers.”
“ASCAP inspires a collaborative community of songwriters and musicians while working to insure those artists are compensated for their creative work sufficient to support their families,” said Sam Borgese, President and CEO of Logan’s Roadhouse, “and we are guided by likeminded core values that motivated us to form this alliance, supporting artists and creating unique experiences for our customers at the same time. With Nashville as our home, we have first-hand exposure to immense musical talent, and we are committed to creating new platforms for emerging songwriters and musicians in all of the communities we touch across the country—from small towns to big cities—through this alliance with ASCAP.”
Williams, Borgese, Martin and surprise guests will share more news about the alliance at a news conference on Sept. 15.
Pandora To Celebrate 10 Years With Day of Ad-Free Listening
/by Jessica Nicholson“Listener Love Day is a celebration of a decade of connecting music fans to the artists that matter to them,” said Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora, in a statement. “This is a thank you to each and every listener who has tuned in to Pandora over the past 10 years.”
Pandora has grown to boast 80 million monthly listeners since its inception, and includes more than 8 billion stations. Pandora will also celebrate 10 years with a “10×10 mixtape,” which catalogs songs that have received the most “thumbs up” from users over the past decade.
Listener Love Day will begin at 12:00am ET on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
UMPG Extends Deal with Sam Hunt
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt
Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville has extended its exclusive, worldwide representation of country singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, according to Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville.
Through the deal with Hunt and publishing partner Chris Hunter, UMPG Nashville will continue to represent Hunt’s entire catalogue, including all songs on his debut studio album, Montevallo (MCA Nashville), which has sold over 700,000 copies in the U.S. The album has garnered several hits including the No. 1 singles, “Leave The Night On,” “House Party” and “Take Your Time.” “Take Your Time” and “Leave the Night On” have already been RIAA certified platinum with over 1 million units sold.
“Sam Hunt is a game changer for the country format and is defining a new direction of country music. His influence reaches beyond the expected and his ability to engage a fresh fan base is exciting for country music. We are beyond excited and proud to continue our relationship with Sam and Chris Hunter,” said Earls.
“Excited to be working with UMPG. These guys have always been good to me,” said Hunt.
Hunt previously found success writing songs for other artists, landing a No. 1 hit with Kenny Chesney‘s “Come Over” in 2012, followed by Billy Currington‘s “We Are Tonight” and Keith Urban‘s “Cop Car” in 2013.
Final CMA Awards Categories To Be Revealed Sept. 9
/by Eric T. ParkerFrom New York City, the country newcomers will be on ABC’s Good Morning America to announce five categories live from Times Square. The announcements will air in the 8:30 a.m. ET half-hour segment of the morning news program with a performance from Tyler. The remaining finalists in several other categories will be revealed at approximately 9:10 a.m. ET on GoodMorningAmerica.com on Yahoo.
“ABC has been the network home of the CMA Awards for the past 10 years and they are a wonderful partner and champion for the format,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our milestone network anniversary and the finalists for Country Music’s Biggest Night than to include several of ABC’s premier news and entertainment outlets in the announcement this year.”
Tyler will then visit the set of Live with Kelly and Michael to talk about his country project and the newly-announced nominees. Ballerini will separately record a special ABC News Radio satellite tour to talk about the nominees and her breakthrough year. She will then appear in the Third Annual Bryant Park Concert Series, Nashville’s New Music in New York, which is presented by the Grand Ole Opry, Southwest Airlines, and NASH-FM 94.7. The free acoustic concert will invite a group of music educators from CMA Foundation partner Education Through Music.
CMA will release the full slate of 2015 CMA Awards nominees as well as the finalists for CMA’s Broadcast Station and Personality of the Year later in that day via CMA’s social platforms and website.
Final ballots will be due by CMA members on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.
The 49th Annual CMA Awards will air with seasoned hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley Nov. 4 on ABC with Robert Deaton as the Executive Producer and Paul Miller as the Director.
5,000-Seat Amphitheater, Event Space Coming to Thompson’s Station
/by Jessica NicholsonRendering of Graystone Quarry Amphitheater
Thompson’s Station, Tenn., will soon be home to a new 5,000-seat boutique concert amphitheater and event space.
Graystone Quarry Events broke ground in July on the property, which is located at the intersection of I-65 and highways 840 and 431.
Located on 76 acres of reclaimed abandoned rock quarry in Williamson County, Graystone Quarry will include multiple entertainment options. In addition to hosting concerts, the amphitheater is slated to be used year-round for weddings and corporate events. Meanwhile, the 5,000-square-foot Hillside Pavilion can house artist meet-and-greet events. The Gathering Hall, with room to hold up to 600 (standing room), will offer a two-story space with commendable views.
A 1/2 acre plaza area will have room for gathering, dining and merchandise. The quarry is surrounded by 70-100 foot linestone cliffs.
Graystone Quarry is slated to open in 2017.
Rendering of Graystone Quarry Amphitheater
BMLG Announces Staff Changes
/by Jessica NicholsonJenny House
Big Machine Label Group has announced changes and additions to its ranks.
Jenny House now holds the title of Sr. Director of Employee Relations reporting directly to Kautz. In this newly created position, House will serve an in-house HR role and oversee recruiting, benefits, new hire training and employee touch-point processes across the entire label group. House’s previous experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the role having worked in the Nashville music business community for over 20 years.
Director of Finance Melanie Ainsworth also announced that Shannon Emley and Lauren Perry have been added to BMLG as members of the Finance Team.
Emley serves as Accounting Manager and previously worked as the Lead Accountant for a non-profit organization in Washington D.C., The Heritage Foundation, before relocating to Nashville.
Perry joins BMLG in the role of Accountant-Accounts Payable. She previously served as a Global Royalty Coordinator for Sony/ATV.
Shannon Emley
Lauren Perry
MusicRowLife: Country Engagements For Boyd, LOCASH
/by Jessica NicholsonCraig Wayne Boyd Proposes To Girlfriend Taylor Borland
Craig Wayne Boyd and Taylor Borland.
Craig Wayne Boyd, winner of The Voice‘s seventh season, has become engaged to girlfriend Taylor Borland. Borland works for Wilhelmina modeling agency.
After winning The Voice earlier this year, Boyd has been in the studio working on his debut album, and has released his debut single, “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face.”
“#rumors are true!!! #shesaidyes @taybrookebo #truelove #engaged” Boyd shared on Instagram on Monday (Aug. 31) in announcing the engagement.
LOCASH’s Preston Brust Pops Question During Grand Ole Opry Performance
LOCASH’s Preston Brust used the duo’s recent performance slot on Aug. 30 at the Grand Ole Opry to create a special moment for his girlfriend Kristen. Brust proposed onstage, to the delight of the crowd, and she said yes. Brust thanked the Grand Ole Opry via twitter for the “unforgettable night.”
LOCASH’s Preston Brust proposes onstage at the Grand Ole Opry.
CRS 2016 Core Panel Moderators Announced
/by Troy_StephensonThe core panel moderators have been announced for Country Radio Seminar 2016. The E.W. Scripps Company’s Beverlee Brannigan, radio vet Gregg Lindahl, and Falls Media Group’s Dan Halyburton are return moderators from last year. Bob Richards from WLHK/Indianapolis returns as a past moderator and RJ Curtis of All Access is named as a new moderator.
The moderators will oversee and direct the educational panels throughout the seminar, which is held Feb. 8-10 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn.
For more information, visit countryradioseminar.com.
Thirty Tigers Acquires Unrest Music Group, Appoints VP of Country Music Management
/by Jessica NicholsonGino Genaro
Thirty Tigers expands on its successful development of country artists including Josh Abbott Band, Chase Rice, Old Dominion, and Love and Theft, with the acquiring of management firm Unrest Music Group. Unrest’s principal Gino Genaro joins Thirty Tigers in the newly formed role of VP, Country Music Management.
Thirty Tigers announced a full-time radio promotion team lead by country radio promotion veteran Pamela J. Newman earlier in 2015.
A graduate of the University of San Diego, Genaro started Unrest Music Group directly out of college after playing an integral part assisting the launch of LoneStarMusic.com and Compadre Records. In February, Unrest Music Group Management client Aaron Watson debuted on the Billboard Country Chart at No. 1 with his latest studio album The Underdog, distributed through Thirty Tigers.
Genaro brings long-standing client Watson and new artist Cameran Nelson to the Thirty Tigers artist management roster.
“I could not be more thrilled to be joining the Thirty Tigers family,” says Genaro. “Their philosophy, their staff, their resources are exceptional. As the business continues to have its challenges going forward, I am full of optimism and confidence that we will all share in many, many victories together and I am excited to dig in and get to work.”
“I’ve known and worked with Gino for twelve years and in that time, his smarts, drive and ethics have been an inspiration to me,” says Thirty Tigers President David Macias. “As Thirty Tigers makes our move into being a full-service provider in the commercial country business, I could not think of a person I’d trust more to take the reins of what will become an important part of our business.”
Genaro has relocated his operation to Thirty Tigers’ main office in Nashville, Tennessee. Genaro may be contacted at gino@thirtytigers.com and as of Sept. 1 at 615-664-1167.
VMA Spotlight Shines on Nashville-Raised Stars
/by Eric T. ParkerMiley Cyrus. Photo: Marcus Mam/MTV
Nashville-raised pop sensations Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were front and center at last night’s (Aug. 30) Video Music Awards (VMA) on MTV, live from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Both stars revealed new material: Swift, a music video for “Wildest Dreams,” and a 23-track free-to-stream album for Cyrus.
Taylor Swift in Ashish. Photo: John Shearer/MTV
Swift received the evening’s top honor, Video of the Year, for “Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar), which also won Best Collaboration. Swift’s “Blank Space” video additionally took home Best Female Video and Best Pop Video.
“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about this video and what it means but I’m just happy that in 2015 we live in a world where boys can play princesses and girls can play soldiers,” said Swift in her “Blank Space” acceptance speech.
The Big Machine Records pop sensation opened the broadcast with a collaboration with Nicki Minaj (“The Night Is Still Young,” “Bad Blood”). She later presented the Video Vanguard Award to Kanye West, who infamously crashed her 2009 VMA acceptance. Six years since the offense, Swift used that same lingo in her introduction, “…I’ma let you finish…but Kanye West has had one of the greatest careers of all time!”
Ever-provocative hostess, Miley Cyrus, exposed her left breast in an on-air wardrobe malfunction and was the recipient of criticism during a speech by Minaj.
Additional Nashville members on the red carpet included Kelsea Ballerini, the entire Cyrus family; Victoria Secret angel, “Bad Blood” star and wife of Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill, Lily Aldridge.
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: MTV.
Taylor Swift and crew. Photo: MTV
Cyrus Family. Photo: MTV
Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. Photo: Getty/MTV
Pictured (L-R): Martha Hunt, Lily Aldridge, Selena Gomez, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld and Serayah McNeill. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini