Pictured (L-R): Fred Beteille (Chairman of Music Biz), Scott Borchetta (president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers), Martina McBride, Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers), Meghan Trainor, John McFee (The Doobie Brothers), and James Donio (Music Biz President). Photo: Rick Diamond.
The Music Business Association (Music Biz; formerly NARM), made its award presentations this afternoon (May 14) prior to wrapping up its first conference in Nashville, Tenn.
The Sheraton’s Capitol ballroom welcomed honorees including Meghan Trainor (Breakthrough Artist), Scott Borchetta (Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement), Martina McBride (Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award), The Who (Outstanding Achievement Award for 50 Years of Musical Excellence), The Doobie Brothers (Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement) and Jack White (Music Biz’s inaugural Innovator Award).
The Who and White were honored in presentations made earlier in the week with the former appearing via video at the luncheon.
Music Biz president James Donio served as host for the two hour event, which honored Trainor with her first award ever.
“I’ve never been to an award ceremony like this and actually won,” said Trainor. “Thank you to all the people who help me sing about my bass. Nashville was the first place that opened their arms to let me write here. Thank you to Carla Wallace, who is like my second mother. Big Yellow Dog signed me as a baby when I was deciding whether or not to go to college. Thank you for supporting me writing for all these crazy genres.”
Sandy Chapin, Harry Chapin’s widow, presented McBride for her humanitarian achievements.
“It’s interesting to be recognized for humanitarian efforts,” McBride said humbly. “I feel like God has given me this platform, but it’s really the volunteers that do all the work. It’s on their behalf that I accept this award.”
Borchetta, fresh off the plane from last night’s American Idol finale in Los Angeles, spoke directly to the business-focused audience, noting, “I love the [NARM to Music Biz] name change. My entire career, it’s been music first. The businesses follows. I get questions about wearing the [Music Has Value logo]. It’s a great conversation starter. Free music streaming is going to time out. We don’t let someone else build an industry on our backs. Let’s own it!”
Candace Berry, EVP and GM of Universal Music Group distribution, presented Borchetta with a giant plaque commemorating record sales from their partnership.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta (President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Linda Kury (Vice President Sales Associated Labels at Universal Music Group), Troy Scott (Director of Label and Non-Trad Marketing at Universal Music Group), Joshua Tario (Senior Director Sales – Catalog at Universal Music Group), and Candace Berry (EVP GM Universal Music Distribution). Photo: Rick Diamond.
The Doobie Brothers were honored by YouTube product manager Fred Beteille, who was recently appointed to chairman of Music Biz. Tom Johnston of the legendary rock band accepted the trophy alongside Patrick Simmons.
“We had a wonderful experience with Sony Nashville,” said Simmons. “It was great for us to creatively step in a new headspace. Thank you to David Huff, our producer, and Kate Richardson (marketing/PR). It’s great to still be rockin’ all these years.”
Michael McDonald, a Franklin, Tenn. resident, offered regrets for attendance but appreciation via video presentation.
Martina McBride and poet Sandy Chapin. Photo: Rick Diamond.
Meghan Trainor (L) and Music Biz President James Donio (R). Photo: Rick Diamond.
BMG Chrysalis, Gravity Gone Music Sign Writer Jason Saenz
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sarah Knabe (BMG Chrysalis), Chris Oglesby (BMG Chrysalis), Jason Saenz, Stephanie Greene (Gravity Gone Music), Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis).
BMG Chrysalis, with Gravity Gone Music, have signed Jason Saenz to a publishing deal.
Saenz has penned songs for Little Big Town, David Nail, Eli Young Band, Kelleigh Bannen, Easton Corbin, Scotty McCreery, and Frankie Ballard, among others.
“I’m pumped to keep working with my champ, and to be joining lightsaber forces with the team here at BMG,” says Saenz. “I’m just fired up they believe in what I do, and want to keep pushing me creatively.”
Gravity Gone Music’s Stephanie Greene adds, “I’ve been working with Jason for five years now, and I wanted to create a publishing company that was uniquely us. So teaming up with Kos, Chris and the creative staff at BMG Chrysalis was the perfect fit for what we wanted to do, how fun it will be, and where we all want to go. I’ve always believed Jason can write all over the map and I feel like this is our opportunity.”
Kos Weaver of BMG Chrysalis says, “We are lucky to be in biz with both Jason and Stephanie, we are fired up.”
BMG Chrysalis’ Chris Oglesby says, “He is the true triple threat. Music, melody and an incredibly great person.”
Thrice As Nice: Jason Saenz, Sarah Knabe (BMG Chrysalis), Chris Oglesby (BMG Chrysalis), Jason Saenz, Stephanie Greene (Gravity Gone Music), Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis), Jason Saenz.
Music Biz Delivers First Honors In Nashville
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Fred Beteille (Chairman of Music Biz), Scott Borchetta (president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers), Martina McBride, Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers), Meghan Trainor, John McFee (The Doobie Brothers), and James Donio (Music Biz President). Photo: Rick Diamond.
The Music Business Association (Music Biz; formerly NARM), made its award presentations this afternoon (May 14) prior to wrapping up its first conference in Nashville, Tenn.
The Sheraton’s Capitol ballroom welcomed honorees including Meghan Trainor (Breakthrough Artist), Scott Borchetta (Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement), Martina McBride (Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award), The Who (Outstanding Achievement Award for 50 Years of Musical Excellence), The Doobie Brothers (Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement) and Jack White (Music Biz’s inaugural Innovator Award).
The Who and White were honored in presentations made earlier in the week with the former appearing via video at the luncheon.
Music Biz president James Donio served as host for the two hour event, which honored Trainor with her first award ever.
“I’ve never been to an award ceremony like this and actually won,” said Trainor. “Thank you to all the people who help me sing about my bass. Nashville was the first place that opened their arms to let me write here. Thank you to Carla Wallace, who is like my second mother. Big Yellow Dog signed me as a baby when I was deciding whether or not to go to college. Thank you for supporting me writing for all these crazy genres.”
Sandy Chapin, Harry Chapin’s widow, presented McBride for her humanitarian achievements.
“It’s interesting to be recognized for humanitarian efforts,” McBride said humbly. “I feel like God has given me this platform, but it’s really the volunteers that do all the work. It’s on their behalf that I accept this award.”
Borchetta, fresh off the plane from last night’s American Idol finale in Los Angeles, spoke directly to the business-focused audience, noting, “I love the [NARM to Music Biz] name change. My entire career, it’s been music first. The businesses follows. I get questions about wearing the [Music Has Value logo]. It’s a great conversation starter. Free music streaming is going to time out. We don’t let someone else build an industry on our backs. Let’s own it!”
Candace Berry, EVP and GM of Universal Music Group distribution, presented Borchetta with a giant plaque commemorating record sales from their partnership.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta (President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Linda Kury (Vice President Sales Associated Labels at Universal Music Group), Troy Scott (Director of Label and Non-Trad Marketing at Universal Music Group), Joshua Tario (Senior Director Sales – Catalog at Universal Music Group), and Candace Berry (EVP GM Universal Music Distribution). Photo: Rick Diamond.
The Doobie Brothers were honored by YouTube product manager Fred Beteille, who was recently appointed to chairman of Music Biz. Tom Johnston of the legendary rock band accepted the trophy alongside Patrick Simmons.
“We had a wonderful experience with Sony Nashville,” said Simmons. “It was great for us to creatively step in a new headspace. Thank you to David Huff, our producer, and Kate Richardson (marketing/PR). It’s great to still be rockin’ all these years.”
Michael McDonald, a Franklin, Tenn. resident, offered regrets for attendance but appreciation via video presentation.
Martina McBride and poet Sandy Chapin. Photo: Rick Diamond.
Meghan Trainor (L) and Music Biz President James Donio (R). Photo: Rick Diamond.
Sea Gayle Music Adds Steve Schnur To Writer Roster
/by Jessica Nicholson(Pictured, Front Row): Marc Driskill, Sea Gayle EVP/GM; Steve Schnur; Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle partner. (Pictured, Back Row): Mike Owens, Sea Gayle VP Creative; Brandon Gregg, Sea Gayle Office Manager; Jake Gear, Sea Gayle Creative Director.
Sea Gayle Music has signed Steve Schnur to an exclusive worldwide songwriter agreement.
“Steve is such a uniquely talented songwriter. His passion for music and his creative instincts are at the heart of his songwriting. We are excited to work with him and enjoy many years of success together,” said Marc Driskill, EVP/GM of Sea Gayle Music.
Schnur began his career as a teenage musician in bands. He has since served in many segments of the music industry, including working on the original programming team at MTV, working in record label promotion, A&R and marketing, as well as music supervisory roles for movies.
“Before anything else in my career, I was a songwriter. And while it had always been my hope to circle back to it, it’s always been my dream to return to songwriting in a community as creatively productive and welcoming as Nashville. Sea Gayle is a true independent, founded and run by songwriters, and I look forward to writing hits for them for years to come,” said Schnur.
Artist Pics: Chris Young, Alan Jackson, Steve Wariner
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young Brings New Music To Cumulus
Chris Young visited the Cumulus office recently to play new music for the executive staff. Young recently shipped his new song, “I’m Comin’ Over,” to country radio. The tune was co-written by Chris, with Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge. It marks the first single from Young’s upcoming fifth album for RCA Nashville, which is being produced by Young and Corey Crowder.
Pictured (L-R): SVP Programming Mike McVay, VP of Label Relations John Kilgo, Chris Young, EVP of Content & Programming John W. Dickey.
Alan Jackson Visits Special Fan at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Alan Jackson recently spent time with five-year-old Joshua John (aka J Dub), a young fan of Jackson’s music. Joshua is fighting two forms of stage IV cancer. Jackson had Joshua and his family flown to Nashville to tour Jackson’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the family stayed at the Omni Hotel. Jackson surprised Joshua at the Hall of Fame exhibit, visiting with him and performing a rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” together.
Joshua John visits with Alan Jackson, and sits on Jackson’s motorcycle at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Photo: Nathan Baugh.
Steve Wariner Welcomes Radio Buds During Billy Bob’s Performance
Over the weekend, NASH Icon format host Scott Gaines and Westwood One’s Classic Country host Linda Flores spent some quality chill time with country legend Steve Wariner at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Gaines, Steve Wariner, and Linda Flores.
Jana Kramer, Kelsea Ballerini on CMT Next Women of Country Tour in Nashville
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): CMT’s Leslie Fram, Cam, Kelleigh Bannen, Ruthie Collins, Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden and Clare Dunn
CMT’s inaugural Next Women of Country Tour, headlined by Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini, visited Nashville Tuesday night (May 12) for a packed-house performance at 3rd and Lindsley.
The tour is hitting 10 cities across the country this spring. CMT surprised the audience with a special announcement, welcoming four new members to the “Next Women of Country” franchise. Kramer joined Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy, CMT, on stage to welcome Brooke Eden, Cam, Clare Dunn and Ruthie Collins to the fold.
CMT introduced its “Next Women” campaign in 2013 as a way to give more attention and airplay to emerging female country artists across all screens. Among the Next Women alumnae are Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Cassadee Pope and Ashley Monroe.
Photos: Joseph Llanes
The newest additions to the Next Women of Country franchise (L-R): Brooke Eden, Cam, Clare Dunn and Ruthie Collins.
Alan Wenkus To Write George Jones Biopic, ‘No Show Jones’
/by Troy_StephensonGeorge Jones
28 Entertainment and George Jones’ estate announced that Alan Wenkus will develop the George Jones biopic, No Show Jones. Wenkus has been working closely with Jones’ widow, Nancy, who will serve as executive producer. 28 Entertainment’s Brian A. Hoffman and Dennis Baxter will produce the project.
Wenkus also worked on the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, which centers on group NWA’s emergence from Compton, Calif., in the mid-1980s.
“George Jones literally saved country music when rock and roll almost swallowed it up. He had such an entertaining life. It’s got it all. Love, loss, redemption and a lot of whiskey…basically everything George was singing about,” said Wenkus.
No Show Jones will tell the story of Jones’ career in country music and his marriages to Tammy Wynette and Nancy Jones. The producers spent many hours with Jones in his later years. Jones died in 2013 at the age of 81.
“We are very excited about moving into the next phase of bringing George’s remarkable life to the big screen. We are thrilled that so many talented people have shown a great deal of interest in this project,” said Hoffman.
Simpson, Williams, Shakey Graves Lead 14th Annual Americana Awards Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Abi Tapia of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids, Nikki Lane, Jed Hilly of the Americana Music Association, Abigail Washburn, Bela Fleck, and John Hiatt. Photo: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images
Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, and Shakey Graves lead the nominees for the 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards, which were announced Thursday (May 14) at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in Nashville.
Simpson earned nods in the Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (for “Turtles All The Way Down”), Album of the Year (for Metamodern Sounds in Country Music) categories.
Williams also earned nods for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (for Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone), and Song of the Year (for “East Side of Town”).
Newcomer Shakey Graves was named as an Emerging Artist of the Year nominee. He also garnered a Song of the Year nomination for “Dearly Departed,” and Album of the Year nod for And The War Came.
Other notables in the Artist of the Year category include Lee Ann Womack, Jason Isbell, and Rhiannon Giddens. Womack earned an additional nomination in the Album of the Year category for her Frank Liddell-produced project The Way I’m Livin‘.
Among the performers during the nominations ceremony were hosts/performers The Milk Carton Kids, along with Song of the Year nominee John Haitt, Emerging Artist of the Year nominee Nikki Lane, and Duo/Group of the Year nominees Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.
The 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 16 as part of 16th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference.
Album of the Year
And The War Came – Shakey Graves; Produced by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Chris Boosahda
Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone – Lucinda Williams; Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby and Greg Leisz
Metamodern Sounds In Country Music – Sturgill Simpson; Produced by Dave Cobb
The Way I’m Livin’ -Lee Ann Womack; Produced by Frank Liddell
Tomorrow Is My Turn – Rhiannon Giddens; Produced by T-Bone Burnett
Artist of the Year
Rhiannon Giddens
Jason Isbell
Sturgill Simpson
Lucinda Williams
Lee Ann Womack
Duo/Group of the Year
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
The Lone Bellow
The Mavericks
Punch Brothers
Shovels & Rope
Song of the Year
“Dearly Departed” – Shakey Graves; Written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme’ Patterson
“East Side Of Town” – Lucinda Williams; Written by Lucinda Williams
“Terms Of My Surrender” – John Hiatt; Written by John Hiatt
“Turtles All The Way Down” – Sturgill Simpson; Written by Sturgill Simpson
“You’re The Best Lover That I Ever Had” – Steve Earle & the Dukes; Written by Steve Earle
Emerging Artist of the Year
First Aid Kit
Houndmouth
Nikki Lane
Doug Seegers
Shakey Graves
Instrumentalist of the Year
Hubby Jenkins
Laur Joamets
Greg Leisz
John Leventhal
Stuart Mathis
Walk of Fame Park Reopening With Loretta Lynn, Jack White
/by Sarah Skates“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the reopening of Walk of Fame Park than with the induction of Loretta Lynn and Jack White—two very diverse artists,” Mayor Dean said. “They represent what is best about Nashville with music that spans multiple genres and generations. They are great ambassadors for the creative community in our city, and I congratulate them on this wonderful honor.”
Both the induction ceremony and ribbon-cutting celebration will take place at Walk of Fame Park on Demonbreun Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues. In addition to the inductions of Lynn and White, the new plaque design for all of the renovated stars will be unveiled.
“Individually, Loretta Lynn and Jack White have each made an enormous impact on Nashville’s music scene,” said Ken Levitan, NCVC Board Chair and President of Vector Management. “Collectively, the impact of their collaborations has been felt exponentially and worldwide. The Walk of Fame showcases our diverse history and illustrates to fans from all over the world why we are Music City.”
Nominations for the Music City Walk of Fame are open to the public and are accepted in the categories of Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Producer/Music Industry Executive. Application forms are reviewed by the Music City Walk of Fame anonymous selection committee.
Jack White receives the Music City Ambassador award from Mayor Dean in 2011.
Warner To Kick Off ‘Pickin’ On The Patio’ With Cole Swindell
/by Eric T. ParkerCole Swindell. Photo: Bev Moser.
Warner Music Nashville will host the 2015 season’s first Pickin’ On The Patio (PotP) party next week (Tuesday, May 19) featuring ACM New Artist of The Year winner Cole Swindell.
This will mark Swindell’s second time to open the series, which will include five shows through September, held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. During each performance, the Warner Music Nashville patio fills to capacity with Music Row friends and country music tastemakers to watch performances from artists signed to WMN and WORD labels.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and shows starts at 6 p.m. The next installment of Pickin’ On The Patio will be held on June 24. Sponsors include Aramark and Anheuser Busch.
“I’m extremely proud to continue the WMN Pickin’ On The Patio tradition for our sixth year in a row. The series marks the beginning of the busy summer touring schedule and is a great way to get some hang-time with our artists doing what they do best – playing music,” said Peter Strickland, EVP/GM at Warner Music Nashville. “Cole has made great strides in just one year, earning three No. 1 singles from his debut album and winning the coveted award for ACM’s New Artist of The Year last month.”
Nettwerk One Music Signs Matchbox 20’s Kyle Cook
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Kyle Cook, Nettwerk’s AJ Burton
Artist and songwriter Kyle Cook has signed with Nettwerk One Music. The Matchbox 20 guitarist joins a roster of songwriters that include Jessie Jo Dillon, Neil Mason (The Cadillac Three), Mike Fiorentino, Austin Jenckes, Tammi Kidd Hutton and others.
In addition to Matchbox 20, Cook is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for The New Left and has credits as a writer, performer and producer on John Waite’s 2011 Rough & Tumble album. He also opened his own record label last year and is preparing to release his debut solo album, Wolves, in late 2015.
Nettwerk’s AJ Burton says, “Kyle and I have been friends for the past 10 years and have always wanted to partner on something. Now felt like the right time for us with Kyle launching a solo album, creating his duo Rivers and Rust and with Matchbox Twenty’s upcoming 20th Anniversary in 2016. Exciting times lie ahead!”