Pictured (L-R): Round Hill Music’s Josh Saxe, songwriter Wade Kirby, Round Hill Music’s Mark Brown, and Round Hill Music attorney Matthew Beckett
Round Hill Music has re-signed hit songwriter Wade Kirby to an exclusive global publishing agreement. Kirby is co-writer of current Parmalee single “Already Callin’ You Mine,” and has also written No. 1 singles for George Strait (“I Saw God Today”) and Blake Shelton (“Doin’ What She Likes”) as well as Easton Corbin’s top 10 single “All Over The Road.”
Kirby’s illustrious career spans over two decades, having signed his first publishing contract in 1988. Stars such as Tyler Farr, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Craig Campbell, Jackie Lee, William Michael, Kellie Pickler, Brett Kissell, Joe Nichols, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, and Billy Currington have also recorded Kirby’s songs.
“We are delighted to be continuing our great relationship with Wade Kirby. Wade is a super talented songwriter and a rare breed. We look forward to a successful future,” says Mark Brown, Vice President, and General Manager of Round Hill Music Nashville.
In addition to Kirby, Round Hill’s Nashville roster includes Marti Frederiksen, Danny Myrick, Lindsey Lee, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman, Rachel Proctor, Trey Bruce, and The Moxies, as well as Big Loud Shirt writers Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, and Matt Dragstrem.
ASCAP Promotes Lauren Iossa To Exec. VP
/by Troy_StephensonLauren Iossa
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews announced today (June 29) that marketing executive Lauren Iossa has been promoted to Exec. Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, effective July 1, 2015. Iossa will be based out of New York City and will join the organization’s executive leadership team and continue to report directly to Matthews. She will oversee all of ASCAP’s global public relations, brand and corporate marketing activities, as well as communications and special events.
Iossa joined ASCAP in 1984 and most recently served as SVP and Chief Marketing Officer. She has played an important role in raising ASCAP’s profile as an advocacy-focused, service-oriented organization. During a tumultuous time in the landscape of litigation, copyright reform and the consent decree review process, she helmed an effective multi-platform marketing and communications campaign. She is also the architect of one of ASCAP’s most successful brand initiatives, the annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, which just celebrated its 10th year, and has hosted more than 20,000 attendees.
“As we move towards increased efficiency and transparency for our members and licensees, Lauren and her team are a central component to executing these pivotal changes in the organization and providing strategic guidance,” said Matthews. “Her deep knowledge of ASCAP’s history, her commitment to our mission and her passion for music make her a uniquely effective advocate for this organization and for the rights of music creators worldwide. She is an incredible asset to ASCAP’s executive team as we navigate a transformation for a new era in advocacy and rights management.”
“Songwriters and other music creators are at a critical juncture in terms of how their music is valued in the marketplace, and ASCAP is on the front lines of the fight to modernize the music licensing system and protect their copyrights and their livelihoods,” said Iossa. “Building ASCAP’s brand as a modern rights management company calls for strategic activities that communicate our unmatched value to members, licensees, members of Congress and policy makers. I look forward to working closely with the other members of Beth’s leadership team to capitalize on our momentum and to protect the value of music and the rights of the people who create it.”
Iossa is active with the CISAC World Copyright Summit, an executive partner in the PENCIL program to aid New York City public schools, and was honored by Billboard as an influential woman in the music business.
Round Hill Music Re-signs Wade Kirby
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Round Hill Music’s Josh Saxe, songwriter Wade Kirby, Round Hill Music’s Mark Brown, and Round Hill Music attorney Matthew Beckett
Round Hill Music has re-signed hit songwriter Wade Kirby to an exclusive global publishing agreement. Kirby is co-writer of current Parmalee single “Already Callin’ You Mine,” and has also written No. 1 singles for George Strait (“I Saw God Today”) and Blake Shelton (“Doin’ What She Likes”) as well as Easton Corbin’s top 10 single “All Over The Road.”
Kirby’s illustrious career spans over two decades, having signed his first publishing contract in 1988. Stars such as Tyler Farr, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Craig Campbell, Jackie Lee, William Michael, Kellie Pickler, Brett Kissell, Joe Nichols, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, and Billy Currington have also recorded Kirby’s songs.
“We are delighted to be continuing our great relationship with Wade Kirby. Wade is a super talented songwriter and a rare breed. We look forward to a successful future,” says Mark Brown, Vice President, and General Manager of Round Hill Music Nashville.
In addition to Kirby, Round Hill’s Nashville roster includes Marti Frederiksen, Danny Myrick, Lindsey Lee, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman, Rachel Proctor, Trey Bruce, and The Moxies, as well as Big Loud Shirt writers Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, and Matt Dragstrem.
Dolly Sells Out Ryman, Adds Second Show
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
In response to the demand for tickets to the Pure And Simple benefit scheduled for July 31 at the Ryman Auditorium, Dolly has added a second show on Aug. 1 that will benefit the Opry Trust Fund.
“I love being a member of the Grand Ole Opry…have been since 1969,” said Parton.”It’s important to me to be able to do a concert for the Opry Trust Fund as so many of my old Opry friends have benefited from it through the years. The money raised will go to help fund the medical needs and hospitalization for those who are not able to afford it and need the help. I am proud to be of help in any way.”
Tickets for the added date are $55 and $100 and will go on sale July 2 at 10 a.m. online only at ticketmaster.com.
The two dates will mark the first time Dolly has performed full concerts in Music City in 12 years.
More information on the Opry Trust Fund can be found here.
Tanya Welch Departs Sony Music Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesTanya Welch
Tanya B. Welch has exited Sony Music Nashville after two decades with the label group. She served as Sr. Director of Marketing.
She tells MusicRow, “It’s been an amazing 20 year ride with Sony Music Nashville (including Epic, Columbia, RCA, BNA, Monument and yes, even Lucky Dog Records) and I’m forever grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships cultivated. I’m truly overwhelmed when I think of the front row seat I’ve had to witness this era of modern country music (not to mention the legacy projects I’ve been blessed to be a part of)…I’m excited about the future and a soon to be announced new adventure.”
Artist Pics: Martina McBride, Michael Ray, Steve Wariner
/by Kelsey_GradyMichael Ray Performs at Pickin’ On The Patio
Warner Music Nashville hosted the second Pickin’ On The Patio party this week featuring Atlantic Records’ Michael Ray. His new single “Kiss You In The Morning” is nearing the top 10. That night Ray pulled double duty by making his fourth appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Pettit (VP, National Promotion, Team WEA), Justin Luffman (VP, Brand Management), Brandon Mauldin (Ontourage Management), Michael Ray, Cris Lacy (VP, A&R), Tony Conway (Ontourage Management), Scott Hendricks (SVP, A&R), Adrian Michaels (Director, National Promotion, Team WEA)
Martina McBride Celebrates Philanthropic Success On CBS This Morning
Almost four years ago, Martina McBride’s fans from around the world joined together to form the charity effort “Team Martina.” CBS This Morning highlighted the fundraising initiatives of the group earlier today (June 26). The group has raised over $300,000 and donated to various non-profits in five countries, including the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, The Chastain Park Conservancy and Covenant House. McBride encourages local participation of her fans to do good works in the towns where she makes tour stops.
Team Martina. Photo: Shelia Jones
Steve Wariner Visits WSM-AM’s Charlie Mattos
SelecTone recording artist and country music legend Steve Wariner visited WSM-AM’s Charlie Mattos to talk about his upcoming show at Nashville’s City Winery on June 24 and play songs from his most recent album It Ain’t All Bad.
Pictured (L-R): Steve Wariner and Charlie Mattos
Streamsounds’ Dakota Bradley Teams With American Red Cross Fire Mission
/by Sarah SkatesThe cause hits close to home for the 21-year-old. He grew up in St. Louis and moved to Nashville at the age of 16 after his family lost everything in a house fire.
To kick off the yearlong giving campaign, Bradley will donate $0.50 to the American Red Cross for every digital purchase of “Name On It” sold between June 23, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2015. Available here.
“Losing my home in a fire was devastating. I am honored to partner with the American Red Cross in hopes to prevent similar tragedies, as well as a way to help fire victims,” says Bradley.
Bradley is working on an album with Grammy-winning producer and Streamsound co-owner Byron Gallimore and superstar Tim McGraw.
MusicRowPics: Clark Manson Introduces Debut Single/Video
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Bandi co-wrote the title with producer Jason Massey (Kelsea Ballerini) including lyrics about songs on mixed CDs, Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” and leaving your hometown.
“This is the first time I’ve recorded a song I didn’t write,” said Manson. “I was like a radio listener when I heard it for the first time—rather than thinking it was a good song because I had been in a writing room for hours working on it. I’m really excited about it.”
Manson plays around 150 shows annually, most recently surrounding a radio tour to MusicRow stations in Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Kelsey Grady, Eric T. Parker, Sherod Robertson, Clark Manson, Troy Stephenson and Sarah Skates
The music video for “Track 9” was filmed two weeks ago in Nashville’s Percy Warner park, featuring Manson and his real-life girlfriend. “The director had a high budget shoot the next day and he offered to use the camera and lens for ours too,” said manager Pete Olson, who joined Manson for the visit.
Manson started working with Olson last summer when he moved to Nashville. The president of Ohio-based Variety attractions had been developing the young artist and adding him to premier slots at the festivals they produce. Manson’s current camp includes WME and ole.
Reba Unloads Reported $22.5 Million Beverly Hills Spread
/by Eric T. ParkerReba’s ex-Beverly Park spread. Photo: Los Angeles Times.
Reba has left 90210. Well, at least she’s sold her 9,200 sq. ft. estate in California’s gated Beverly Park circle for a reported $22.5 million.
According to Variety the sellers, Reba McEntire and her husband/manager Narvel Blackstock, listed the property “in a hush-hush off-market deal,” with the buyer represented by Matt and Josh Altman at Douglas Elliman.
The magazine also reports the spread includes nearly half a dozen bedrooms, seven bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, a den/billiards room, an eat-in kitchen, a family room with built-in wet bar, lighted tennis court, spa, pond and swimming pool.
Records indicate the entertainment duo acquired the 1.8-acre spread in 2003 for $9 million.
McEntire and Blackstock maintain their property in Gallatin, Tenn. and a vacation home in Cancun, Mexico.
Photo: Los Angeles Times.
Gretchen Peters, Shane McAnally, Jim Collins Play NaSHOF Benefit
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) hosted its second Hits From The Hall show on Tuesday, June 23, at City Winery Nashville.
Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day,” “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am,” “The Secret Of Life”) was joined by special guests Jim Collins ( “The Good Stuff” “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” “Big Green Tractor”) and Shane McAnally (“Better Dig Two,” “Merry Go ‘Round,” “American Kids”).
Proceeds from the event benefit NaSHOF.
Photos: Bev MoserJim Collins performs at City Winery.
Gretchen Peters performs at NaSHOF fundraiser.
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Pat Alger, Jim Collins, Gretchen Peters and NaSHOF’s Mark Ford.
MTSU Students Pitch Songs to Publishers, Film at Bonnaroo
/by Lorie HollabaughMiddle Tennessee State University’s student songwriters had a chance recently to showcase their music at a private event hosted by ASCAP for Nashville music publishers. Student writers Nick Carpenter, Zach Russell, Kyle Crownover, and the group Maybe April performed for publishing reps from Sony/ATV, Warner Chappell, BMG, Sea Gayle Music, Creative Nation, and Round Hill Music.
Pictured (L-R): Top row- Nick Carpenter, Kyle Crownover, ASCAP VP LeAnn Phelan, Zach Russell, MTSU Songwriting Concentration Coordinator Odie Blackmon; Bottom row- Maybe April’s Alaina Stacey, Kristen Castro, and Katy Bishop
In other MTSU news, the university partnered with Bonnaroo for the second year and debuted “The Truck,” a $1.7 million video production and editing facility on-site that was run completely by students. Forty mass communications students produced multimedia content from this year’s four-day event and got a taste of the fast-paced world of live music coverage thanks to the partnership Dean of Mass Communication Ken Paulson brokered with the annual festival.
“Bringing MTSU students to work at Bonnaroo reflects the full range of media and entertainment you’ll find in our college,” said Paulson. “They are getting their first taste of what’s it’s like to cover a world-class music festival.”
Ken Paulson at Bonnaroo.