John Hamlin
After eight years of providing country music fans with engaging live music shows such as the genre-bending “CMT Crossroads” and the fan favorite summertime award show “CMT Music Awards” while working as CMT’s Sr. VP of Music Events and Talent, John Hamlin is set to expand his portfolio of quality music programming through the launch of his content production and artist management company, Switched On Entertainment.
Switched On Entertainment has inked a multi-year production deal with CMT. Under the new arrangement, Hamlin will executive produce live events for CMT including “CMT Crossroads,” “CMT Artists of the Year,” and “CMT Music Awards.” “I’ll be the show runner and executive producer of the shows in a very similar capacity, trying to continue to make these shows with a very distinct CMT personality point of view,” Hamlin says. “The arrangement gives me a chance to focus 100 percent on the creative production of these live shows for CMT. It’s also very gracious of CMT, because it allows me to have my own company where I’m not exclusive in terms of events outside of the country music space.”
Hamlin will continue to be based in Nashville, and will retain an office space at CMT.
Hamlin says he is already in negotiations to work on an upcoming non-country music event show. “I can do a select few [non-country] productions for other networks, but CMT has the ‘first look’ on country music programming from me. If I have a great country idea, I run it by [CMT President] Brian [Philips] and Jayson [Dinsmore] to see if they want it at CMT. If they choose to pass on it, I can take it elsewhere. I do not have an exclusive on anything non-country.”
Jayson Dinsmore
As a result of Hamlin’s changing role at the network, Dinsmore and fellow senior CMT executive Leslie Fram will take on new responsibilities. As CMT’s Executive VP of Development, Dinsmore will oversee production on all music series and events. Meanwhile, Sr. VP of Music Strategy Fram will oversee CMT’s music talent department.
“My working relationship with Leslie and Jayson is terrific,” Hamlin comments. “They are both really good at giving me the tools I need to be successful. They are both great collaborators and great problem solvers, and I’m really lucky to have them as co-conspirators on the ‘CMT Music Awards,’ ‘CMT Artists of the Year,’ and everything else in between. Brian Philips has the uncanny ability to get the best out of his executives. Now that I am no longer an in-house staffer for CMT, I am an executive and show runner who Brian, Jayson and Leslie are relying upon to continue to grow the personality and brand of CMT’s live music shows.”
Hamlin’s career encompasses a range of media experience to draw from, including touring stints with Tina Turner and Journey. He spent 20 years as a producer for CBS News’ award-winning show, “60 Minutes,” producing segments on The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and others. He still occasionally contributes to the program.
Leslie Fram
Simultaneously, Hamlin will continue management duties for Nashville pop band Hot Chelle Rae and IRS Nashville/Capitol Records artist Marc Scibilia, bringing them under Switched On Entertainment’s management division.
“All of the people I admire in Nashville who are very successful—Scott Borchetta, Ken Levitan, Clarence Spalding, and Coran Capshaw among them—all of those people have a multitude of businesses under the banner of their core companies,” Hamlin reasons. “Vector represents chefs and restaurants now, and rock artists. In 2015, if you are an entrepreneur in the entertainment space, having a diverse company is just smart business.”
Fortunately, artist management and live music programming production require many of the same skills. “They have in common managing expectations, as well as managing the needs, desires and business goals of music artists. Both of those career paths rely on a similar set of people skills, corralling people together to do what is in the best interests of everybody. Management is not easy, and if I didn’t enjoy managing the artists I manage, I wouldn’t do it. Managing people you like makes a hard job a lot easier.
“This is the best possible scenario for CMT and for me,” Hamlin sums. “We are doing this as partners, collaborators and supporters of one another’s business goals. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. They are helping me to build my own business, and we continue to build and expand upon the important core brand of CMT, which is live music.”
Exclusive Interview: John Hamlin Launches Production, Management Venture
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Hamlin
After eight years of providing country music fans with engaging live music shows such as the genre-bending “CMT Crossroads” and the fan favorite summertime award show “CMT Music Awards” while working as CMT’s Sr. VP of Music Events and Talent, John Hamlin is set to expand his portfolio of quality music programming through the launch of his content production and artist management company, Switched On Entertainment.
Switched On Entertainment has inked a multi-year production deal with CMT. Under the new arrangement, Hamlin will executive produce live events for CMT including “CMT Crossroads,” “CMT Artists of the Year,” and “CMT Music Awards.” “I’ll be the show runner and executive producer of the shows in a very similar capacity, trying to continue to make these shows with a very distinct CMT personality point of view,” Hamlin says. “The arrangement gives me a chance to focus 100 percent on the creative production of these live shows for CMT. It’s also very gracious of CMT, because it allows me to have my own company where I’m not exclusive in terms of events outside of the country music space.”
Hamlin will continue to be based in Nashville, and will retain an office space at CMT.
Hamlin says he is already in negotiations to work on an upcoming non-country music event show. “I can do a select few [non-country] productions for other networks, but CMT has the ‘first look’ on country music programming from me. If I have a great country idea, I run it by [CMT President] Brian [Philips] and Jayson [Dinsmore] to see if they want it at CMT. If they choose to pass on it, I can take it elsewhere. I do not have an exclusive on anything non-country.”
Jayson Dinsmore
As a result of Hamlin’s changing role at the network, Dinsmore and fellow senior CMT executive Leslie Fram will take on new responsibilities. As CMT’s Executive VP of Development, Dinsmore will oversee production on all music series and events. Meanwhile, Sr. VP of Music Strategy Fram will oversee CMT’s music talent department.
“My working relationship with Leslie and Jayson is terrific,” Hamlin comments. “They are both really good at giving me the tools I need to be successful. They are both great collaborators and great problem solvers, and I’m really lucky to have them as co-conspirators on the ‘CMT Music Awards,’ ‘CMT Artists of the Year,’ and everything else in between. Brian Philips has the uncanny ability to get the best out of his executives. Now that I am no longer an in-house staffer for CMT, I am an executive and show runner who Brian, Jayson and Leslie are relying upon to continue to grow the personality and brand of CMT’s live music shows.”
Hamlin’s career encompasses a range of media experience to draw from, including touring stints with Tina Turner and Journey. He spent 20 years as a producer for CBS News’ award-winning show, “60 Minutes,” producing segments on The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and others. He still occasionally contributes to the program.
Leslie Fram
Simultaneously, Hamlin will continue management duties for Nashville pop band Hot Chelle Rae and IRS Nashville/Capitol Records artist Marc Scibilia, bringing them under Switched On Entertainment’s management division.
“All of the people I admire in Nashville who are very successful—Scott Borchetta, Ken Levitan, Clarence Spalding, and Coran Capshaw among them—all of those people have a multitude of businesses under the banner of their core companies,” Hamlin reasons. “Vector represents chefs and restaurants now, and rock artists. In 2015, if you are an entrepreneur in the entertainment space, having a diverse company is just smart business.”
Fortunately, artist management and live music programming production require many of the same skills. “They have in common managing expectations, as well as managing the needs, desires and business goals of music artists. Both of those career paths rely on a similar set of people skills, corralling people together to do what is in the best interests of everybody. Management is not easy, and if I didn’t enjoy managing the artists I manage, I wouldn’t do it. Managing people you like makes a hard job a lot easier.
“This is the best possible scenario for CMT and for me,” Hamlin sums. “We are doing this as partners, collaborators and supporters of one another’s business goals. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. They are helping me to build my own business, and we continue to build and expand upon the important core brand of CMT, which is live music.”
Dolly Parton Raises More Than $500,000 For Imagination Library
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Dollywood Dir. Public Relations Pete Owens, Dollywood Foundation President David Dotson, CTK Management’s Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton Productions President Ted Miller, The Dollywood Company President Craig Ross, Webster PR’s Kirt Webster and Jeremy Westby.
Dolly Parton‘s recent trip home to Sevier County, Tenn., involved a performance at the multi-faceted star’s Dollywood complex, a plethora of her greatest hits, and a worthy cause.
Parton entertained crowds during four sold-out shows at Dollywood’s D.P. Celebrity Theatre, raising more than $500,000 for her Imagination Library. The energetic 69-year-old offered hits including “Coat Of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and renditions of more recent recordings such as “Blue Smoke” and “Backwoods Barbie,” among others.
“Thank you from all the kids and me!,” Parton told the crowd. “We give books to children all over the world now, and the Imagination Library started right here in Sevier County, right up here in these hills. So thank you all for coming. I truly believe that you can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.”
Parton’s Imagination Library, which launched in 1995, works with more than 1,600 local communities to provide age-appropriate books for more than 750,000 children each month. To date, the program has mailed more than 71 million free books to children in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
‘MusicRow’ Preps Annual ‘Publisher Issue’
/by Sarah Skates“We value the impressive craftsmanship and talent of our Nashville tunesmiths, and the publishers who help share their songs with the world,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “This issue is about them.”
To be included in the Publisher Directory: All publishing company directory listings are free. Companies who were included in last year’s issue should have received an email with instructions to update their information. New applicants can submit the form for inclusion before Friday, Aug. 28, 2015.
Book ad space now by contacting Sherod Robertson at 615-499-5418 or sales@musicrow.com.
The issue will be released in mid-October.
CMT To Explore Cash’s Most Iconic Songs
/by Eric T. ParkerJohnny Cash
Johnny Cash: American Rebel, an original CMT documentary combining original interviews with family and friends, will premiere on the network on the 12th anniversary of Cash’s passing (Saturday, Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT).
The film features for the first time Cash’s children: John Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash, along with June Carter’s daughter Carlene Carter. Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Clive Davis, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp, Kid Rock, Rick Rubin, Willie Nelson and more will also be featured through interviews paired alongside archival concert footage, photographs and personal artifacts from The Man In Black.
Johnny Cash: American Rebel is built around 12 essential Cash tracks spanning four decades including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Jackson,” “San Quentin,” “Man In Black,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Ring of Fire,” “Hurt” and more. Each song illustrates a chapter in his life, as well the story of an ever-changing America from the 1950s to modern day.
Derik Murray and Paul Gertz from Network Entertainment executive produce. Jordan Tappis directs and Derik Murray co-directs. Jayson Dinsmore, Lewis Bogach and John Miller-Monzon executive produce for CMT.
Johnny Cash: American Rebel marks the latest in a series of original documentaries from CMT. The first, Urban Cowboy: The Rise and Fall of Gilley’s has been seen by more than 9 million viewers. Over 5 million viewers tuned in for Morgan Spurlock’s Freedom: The Movie, which premiered last month.
A sneak peek of Johnny Cash: American Rebel, is available here.
Loeb Hires Attorney Mary Lauren Teague
/by Sarah SkatesMary Lauren Teague
Loeb & Loeb LLP has announced that Mary Lauren Teague has joined the firm’s Nashville, Tenn. office as an associate in its nationally-recognized Music Industry Practice.
Teague’s practice focuses on business and intellectual property transactions in the entertainment industry, as well as copyright and trademark applications and licensing. She represents artists, songwriters, publishing companies and record labels in the negotiation of various agreements, including recording contracts and producing, publishing, management, and licensing agreements.
“Mary Lauren brings great promise and is poised to become a great asset to our team and our clients,” said John Frankenheimer, partner and Chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Music Industry Practice. “Nashville is a key component of the firm’s national music practice, and we are pleased to expand our team to ensure that we will continue serving the city’s thriving music and entertainment community at the highest possible level.”
“We are a very tight, very focused group in Nashville,” said Tiffany Dunn, Partner and Office Manager of Administration for the Nashville office. “Mary Lauren’s legal experience and business sense fit right in, and her shared passion for the music industry makes her a natural complement to our team. It’s a pleasure to have her on board.”
An active member of her community, Teague is a recent graduate of the Nashville Young Leaders Council, an organization which fosters volunteer leadership. She serves as Board of Directors Intern for the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, and is a member of the Belmont University College of Law Chapter of the American Inns of Court, and the Copyright Society of the South.
Formerly an associate at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP, Teague earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from The University of Tennessee College of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Belmont University, where she majored in Music Business.
Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office was founded more than 20 years ago as an important anchor for the firm’s nationwide entertainment and music industry practice. The firm was named 2015 “Law Firm of the Year” in Entertainment Law – Music by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.
Loeb & Loeb has approximately 300 attorneys with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Nashville, Washington, DC, and Beijing, as well as an affiliate office in Hong Kong.
Dallas Smith Inks New American Record Deal
/by Troy_StephensonDallas Smith
Canadian country artist Dallas Smith has signed a U.S. record deal with Blaster Records through the label’s recent partnership with Big Loud Mountain.
“Nothing excites us more than being involved with great music and with passionate, committed people,” says Blaster Records’ President Derek Simon. “We loved the music Dallas was making and jumped at the chance to partner with Big Loud Mountain to become his American label. Spend 10 minutes watching one of Dallas’ shows and it’s clear how special of a singer and performer he is. The new music he’s making is so strong and compelling and we couldn’t ask for better partners than Craig, Seth, Chief and Joey.”
“It’s great to collaborate with the team at Blaster. They are equally as passionate as I am,” adds Smith. “I’m excited to continue to build on what we are doing and take it to the next level.”
The first single, “Kids With Cars” will impact radio in September and will be available at digital retailers on Sept. 11. Smith is currently working with producer Joey Moi on his debut American full-length project. Moi also produced Smith’s prior Canadian albums, Jumped Right In and Lifted.
Bobby Karl Celebrates 500th Party Column
/by Bobby Karl• • • • •
For more on Bobby Karl, read MusicRow Publisher Sherod Robertson’s 2012 interview with the man behind the MusicRow myth.
Click to read this exclusive interview from the August 2012 print edition of MusicRow.
Zac Brown Band Gets Knee Deep in NMPA Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band members Zac Brown, Coy Bowles and John Hopkins were recently honored with awards from the National Music Publishers Association during a Jekyll+Hyde tour stop in Washington National’s Park. NMPA President and CEO David Israelite recognized the band members with multi-platinum awards for their hit songs “Knee Deep” (penned by Brown and Bowles) and “Chicken Fried” (Brown).
Platinum recognition was awarded to “Colder Weather” (Brown, Bowles), and “Toes” (Hopkins, Brown), while the NMPA honored the tunes “Sweet Annie” (Bowles, Brown) and “Whatever It Is” (Brown) with gold awards.
Pictured (L-R): NMPA’s David Israelite and ZBB’s Zac Brown.
Pictured (L-R): NMPA’s David Israelite and ZBB’s John Hopkins.
Artist Updates: Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Chris Young, Laura Bell Bundy, Lucy Angel
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert To Headline Chattanooga Unite: A Tribute On The River
Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert has been announced as the headlining artist for an upcoming benefit honoring U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, U.S Marine Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, U.S. Marine Sgt. Carson Holmquist, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Skip Wells and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Randall Smith. Chattanooga Unite: A Tribute on the River will take place Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The free celebration will begin with an Armed Forces Parade at 2 p.m. The parade will travel down Market Street and end at the Tennessee River. Chattanooga native Samuel L. Jackson will serve as emcee, while Brantley will headline with a free concert. Additional guests and details will be announced at a later date. Donations will be encouraged through collection bins located throughout the event. Funds will benefit The National Compassion Fund. For more information, visit: chattanoogaunite.org.
Kip Moore Teases New Album With Multiple Video Launch
Kip Moore
Kip Moore is giving fans an early look at music from his forthcoming sophomore album Wild Ones, via a series of video releases on CMT and Vevo. Beginning today, Moore will release the video for the album’s title track on Vevo. The video for fan-favorite track “Backseat” will premiere tomorrow (Aug. 18) on VEVO and then CMT will premiere “Comeback Kid” (Aug. 19), “Girl of Summer” (Aug. 20) and “Lipstick” (Aug. 21), each day for the rest of the week.
Chris Young Preps For ‘I’m Comin’ Over Tour’ with Sold-Out Shows
Chris Young will launch his “I’m Comin’ Over Tour’ in Savannah, Ga., on Oct. 22, alongside tourmates Eric Paslay and Clare Dunn. Young’s forthcoming project by the same title will release in the fall. Young has been prepping for the tour with a series of sold out shows, including a recent performance at Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, Calif., before 8,000 fans.
Chris Young performs in Costa Mesa, Calif. Photo: Mason Embry
Laura Bell Bundy Honors “Hearoes” In Song
Actress/singer Laura Bell Bundy performed the National Anthem recently at the Chicago Air and Water Show, to support Songs for Sound Hearoes Tour, which offers free hearing screenings and awareness to air shows across the country.
Pictured (L-R): Laura Bell Bundy, US Army SSG Nick Birkner and Songs for Sound executive director Jaime Vernon.
Trio Lucy Angel Signs with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency
Mother-daughter trio Lucy Angel has inked a deal with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for exclusive booking representation. The trio recently released the single “Crazy Too” to country radio. The song was written by Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, and Karyn Rochelle, and produced by Noah Gordon and Bobby Terry.
Pictured (L-R): Paige Zuidema, Bob Kinkead, Kate, Emily and Lindsay Anderton (Lucy Angel) Gregory Scott and Julie Devereux.
Industry Celebrates Carrie Underwood’s Latest No. 1 Hit
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R) (back row): BMG’s Kos Weaver, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Arista’s Lesly Tyson, BMI’s Jody Williams, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. (Front row): ASCAP songwriter Hillary Lindsey, BMI singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood and ASCAP songwriter Chris DeStefano.
Industry members gathered at BMI’s Nashville office on Friday (Aug. 14) in celebration of Carrie Underwood’s latest No. 1 hit, “Little Toy Guns.”
Written by Underwood (BMI), Hillary Lindsey (ASCAP) and Chris DeStefano (ASCAP), the song about domestic violence from the perspective of a child was the second single from Underwood’s album, Greatest Hits: Decade #1. The song has been certified gold by the RIAA and won a Teen Choice Award last night (Aug. 16) for Choice Country Song.
Hosted by ASCAP and BMI, the celebration began with a viewing of the chart-topping song’s video followed by a greeting from BMI VP Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams. He recapped Underwood’s career path reminding guests of her robust arrival on the country music scene after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. “She became a prominent member of the music industry,” proclaimed Williams calling her voice “always compelling.” Produced by Mark Bright, the song is Underwood ‘s 21st No. 1 hit.
ASCAP’s Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad joined the stage, honoring DeStefano who was celebrating his 11th No. 1 hit and Lindsey who was celebrating her 13th No. 1 song. Fittingly for the celebration, DeStafano’s first No. 1 song was Underwood’s “Good Girl.” Lindsey has also reached the top of the chart with several Underwood cuts, including “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
BMG Chrysalis Nashville’s EVP Kos Weaver took the mic offering accolades to Lindsey before Sony/ATV’s Senior VP/Nashville A&R Josh Van Valkenburg took his turn highlighting DeStefano’s accomplishments. Rounding out the industry presentations were Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CMA’s Brandi Simms and CRB’s Holly Lane.
Lindsey, who is expecting a baby, was quick to thank her family who had traveled from Alabama and Georgia for the celebration. “Thanks for helping me chase my dreams,” Lindsey said before glancing at the other songwriters saying, “I could never ask for a better co-write.” DeStefano added, “The Nashville community–I can’t talk about it enough. It changed my life completely,” before sharing his thanks to all the team behind the song’s success.
Underwood confessed, “I must be the luckiest girl in the world!” Thanking her manager, Ann Edelblute, she also gave gratitude to the songwriters, BMI, Arista Records’ promotion team, producer Mark Bright, and her husband Mike Fisher, who was not in attendance.
There were plenty of thanks to go around. Underwood even took the opportunity to thank the newest addition to her family, baby son Isaiah, saying, “He had nothing to do with this, but I’m going to thank him anyway.”