Top song crafters from Nashville and Los Angeles melded their creative talents during a recent inaugural, three-day pop/country winter songwriters retreat. The event at Nashville’s Fontanel was created by BMI and Warner/Chappell, and presented by City National Bank.
Writers taking part included Danielle Bradbery, Ross Copperman, Dan+Shay, Michael Dulaney, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Haley Georgia, Marv Green, Ross Golan, Hunter Hayes, David Hodges, Breyan Isaac, Nolan Lambroza, Ammar Malik, Bonnie McKee, Wendell Mobley, Maren Morris, Cam Ochs, Eric Paslay, The Band Perry, Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart, Dave Thomson, Laura Veltz, Tony Martin, Maggie Chapman, and Jordan Reynolds.
“Last June I had breakfast with Ross Golan, who is a BMI writer,” says BMI’s Jody Williams. “He lives in L.A. but spends a lot of time in Nashville. It was his idea, so we all put together this writers retreat.” The initial idea was to pair six pop writers with six country writers on any given day, while also pairing artists in different creative combinations.
Marv Green at the BMI and Warner/Chappell Fontanel Winter Retreat
Los Angeles writers stayed at the Inn at Fontanel, and met with the Nashville writers at the Fontanel mansion to work. “We needed a place that would create a community for the writers,” said Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill. “It also had to be suitable to have five co-writing sessions going on at one time, without there being any interference.”
“I always love being introduced to new co-writers that I hadn’t had access to before, and I always learn something,” says BMI and Warner/Chappell writer Marv Green. “When it comes to the structure of a song, and composing, we think a little differently so I always learn a new little bag of tricks.”
Danielle Bradbery takes part in the BMI and Warner/Chappell Fontanel Winter Retreat
“Nashville and L.A. are two very different cultures and different communities, so I feel when you bring writers together with a different background, a different skill set, and a different approach to how they write music, it creates a whole new sound,” says Jessa Gelt, of BMI’s Los Angeles office.
Get an inside look at the retreat below.
New Agenda Committee Leadership For CRS 2016
/by Kelsey_GradyPictured (L-R): Tom Hanrahan, Greg Frey, and Judy Lakin.
New leadership was announced Monday, April 6, for the 2015-2016 Country Radio Seminar Agenda Committee. Leading the committee are Tom Hanrahan (Sr. VP of Programming / iHeart Media of Alabama) as Chairman, as well as Greg Frey (Corporate Program Director Program Director – WKHX, KICKS 101.5 Atlanta / Cumulus Media, Inc.) and Judy Lakin (Director of Sales, Cox Media Group Houston KKBQ-FM / KTHT-FM / KGLK) as Co-Vice Chairman.
CRS President Charlie Morgan comments, “The engine that drives the success of the Country Radio Seminar is the content-rich sessions that make up our agenda each year, so the work of the Agenda Committee is vital. As we move to our new home in 2016 at The Nashville Omni, we are fortunate and grateful for the leadership of Tom, Greg and Judy guiding the committee of dedicated industry volunteers that create our agenda.”
Incoming Chairman Hanrahan adds, “I am looking forward to working with Greg and Judy and our other committee colleagues to develop a CRS 2016 agenda lineup that includes many of the issues that face the radio and record Industries today.”
Edgehill Village Getting Makeover
/by Sarah SkatesLongtime tenants Tweed Baby Outfitters and Ani & Ari are moving out.
Ani & Ari, the custom corset shop known for dressing Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Hayden Panettiere, is moving to a new yet-to-be-announced showroom.
Tweed is closing its storefront on April 17 after five years in business.
Partners Rob Lowe, McClain Towery, Elliott Kyle, and Jay Weaver bought the Edgehill property in 2014 for $9.2 million. They are also seeking rezoning to erect a mixed-use building on another of their properties, at the corner of Village and Edgehill.
Meanwhile, on the other end of The Row….
A grocery store and parking deck could eventually be coming to the parking lot behind Off Broadway Shoes (McGavock St. and 16th Ave. S.).
Elmington Capital Group, owners of the strip housing Tin Roof and numerous other businesses, is seeking approval from the Metro Planning Department to build a grocery store as part of its long-range planning.
Nashville Memorial Set For Photographer Alan Mayor
/by Jessica NicholsonAlan L. Mayor
A public memorial service for late photographer Alan Mayor is planned for Monday, April 20 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Nashville’s BMI office, located at 10 Music Sq. E. Misty Loggins and friends will perform songs in Mayor’s memory.
Mayor died Monday, Feb. 23 of complications of a stroke. He was 65.
Mayor was born Aug. 21, 1949 in Belleville, Ill., and graduated from Clarksville High School, followed by Austin Peay State University with a triple BA degree in Philosophy, English, and Theatre. Mayor is survived by brother Kenneth Albert Mayor of Clarksville, Tenn.; sister Theresa Mayor-Smith and her husband Lee M. Smith of Cadiz, Ky.; niece Allison Smith Maloney (Grant) of Nashville, Tenn.; nephew Parker Albert Smith of Clarksville, Tenn.; cousin Steve Cothan Fulmer of Columbia, S.C.; cousin Jean Fulmer Pickney of Columbia, S.C.; and cousin Leslie Hedrick Morris (Bruce) of Asheville, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to T.J. Martell Foundation in Nashville, Tenn.; MusiCares in Nashville, Tenn.; Opry Trust Fund (2804 Opryland Drive in Nashville); St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Meals on Wheels, or to Fifty Forward Meals on Wheels in Green Hills-Nashville.
Some of his many career highlights include when he captured Paul and Linda McCartney on stage with Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner and his photographs of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s wedding. Mayor was also the principal photographer of Garth Brooks’ early career. Mayor collected many of his most historically significant photographs in his 1999 book, The Nashville Family Album: A Country Music Scrapbook, for which Brooks wrote the introduction.
Country, Pop Songwriters Blend Talents During Nashville Retreat
/by Jessica NicholsonWriters taking part included Danielle Bradbery, Ross Copperman, Dan+Shay, Michael Dulaney, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Haley Georgia, Marv Green, Ross Golan, Hunter Hayes, David Hodges, Breyan Isaac, Nolan Lambroza, Ammar Malik, Bonnie McKee, Wendell Mobley, Maren Morris, Cam Ochs, Eric Paslay, The Band Perry, Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart, Dave Thomson, Laura Veltz, Tony Martin, Maggie Chapman, and Jordan Reynolds.
“Last June I had breakfast with Ross Golan, who is a BMI writer,” says BMI’s Jody Williams. “He lives in L.A. but spends a lot of time in Nashville. It was his idea, so we all put together this writers retreat.” The initial idea was to pair six pop writers with six country writers on any given day, while also pairing artists in different creative combinations.
Marv Green at the BMI and Warner/Chappell Fontanel Winter Retreat
Los Angeles writers stayed at the Inn at Fontanel, and met with the Nashville writers at the Fontanel mansion to work. “We needed a place that would create a community for the writers,” said Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill. “It also had to be suitable to have five co-writing sessions going on at one time, without there being any interference.”
“I always love being introduced to new co-writers that I hadn’t had access to before, and I always learn something,” says BMI and Warner/Chappell writer Marv Green. “When it comes to the structure of a song, and composing, we think a little differently so I always learn a new little bag of tricks.”
Danielle Bradbery takes part in the BMI and Warner/Chappell Fontanel Winter Retreat
“Nashville and L.A. are two very different cultures and different communities, so I feel when you bring writers together with a different background, a different skill set, and a different approach to how they write music, it creates a whole new sound,” says Jessa Gelt, of BMI’s Los Angeles office.
Get an inside look at the retreat below.
Former BMLG Finance VP Opens 7th Wave Entertainment Group
/by Troy_StephensonBrad Kash
Former VP of Finance for Big Machine Label Group, Brad Kash, has formed 7th Wave Entertainment Group, providing business management, royalty processing, audit support and consulting services for artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and independent record labels.
In his previous position, Kash lead a team that supported the company’s artist roster encompassing Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line and The Band Perry to name a few. Through 7th Wave, Kash will continue to provide external consulting and support services for Big Machine.
“Serving as a member of the Big Machine executive team reporting to Scott Borchetta and COO, Andrew Kautz was an incredible education and experience and I look forward to delivering the same high level of passion, creativity and success to our clients,” said Kash.
Prior to his tenure with BMLG, Kash brings over 15 years of music industry experience including time as Director of Operations Finance & Administration at EMI CMG, CFO and Managing Partner of Big Fish Entertainment, and Senior Manager of Accounting & Finance for Hard Rock Café’s corporate operations where amongst other responsibilities he managed the finance-side acquisition and valuation process for Hard Rock’s extensive music memorabilia collection.
7th Wave Entertainment Group also offers independent record label consulting and support providing guidance and strategies in the areas of operations, accounting, finance and royalties.
Brad Kash and 7th Wave Entertainment Group can be reached at (615) 599-4154 or at brad.kash@7thWaveEntertainment.com.
Medical Aid Fund Set For Video Director Steven Goldmann
/by Jessica NicholsonSteven Goldmann
Canadian film and music video director Steven Goldmann, who has been battling cancer, is set to be moved from the hospital to his home, where he will be supported by a hospice team.
A fund has been set up to help Goldmann’s family with medical and other expenses. The fund aims to raise $50,000.
Goldmann has directed videos for numerous artists, including Faith Hill, Josh Turner, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Mavericks, Pam Tillis, Clint Black, Shania Twain, Shawn Camp, Kathy Mattea, Lorrie Morgan, Wade Hayes, and numerous others.
He also directed the films Trailer Park of Terror (2007/Summit Entertainment), Our Country (2003/Gaylord Entertainment), Broken Bridges (2006/CMT/Paramount).
Among the awards Goldmann has garnered are a 2007 Canadian Country Music Awards’ CMT Video of the Year for Emerson Drive‘s “Moments,” the 2003 Academy of Country Music Video of the Year award for Jackson’s “Drive,” 1996’s Canadian Country Music Awards’ CMT Video of the Year and the 1996 Silver Clio Award, both for Twain’s “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here.” He also directed Hill’s 1998 video “This Kiss,” which garnered him the TNN Music City News Best Video of the Year, Nashville Music Awards and CMT’s Video of the Year.
In 1996, he earned the ACM’s Video of the Year for Collin Raye‘s “I Think About You.”
To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com.
Spotify, CAA, Kalatech Reps Gather For ‘Who Knew’ Event in Nashville
/by Kelsey_GradyNashville music industry members gathered for an evening of education and networking as part of the second “Who Knew” event on Thursday, April 2. The sold-out event took place at Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe.
Speakers included Steve Savoca (Spotify), Randy Wachtler (Warner Chappell Production Music), Hunter Williams (CAA), Charles Alexander (Outside The Box), Doyle Davis (Grimey’s), Brittany Wagusen (Kalatech), Notelle (EDM artist), and Project Music.
Spotify’s Steve Savoca
Attendees network prior to the second Who Knew event.
The Listening Room Cafe welcomes a sold-out crowd.
‘Billboard’ Seeks To Fill Chart Manager Position
/by Eric T. ParkerOfficial listing below.
• • •
The applicant would be responsible for maintaining the relevancy and accuracy of Billboard’s current chart menu, but also for seeking out new means of charting music consumption dictated by market shifts. This Chart Manager would be the Billboard representative to the music industry community for his or her specific genre charts and act as a liaison for those formats with our data providers, which include Nielsen Music and various social and streaming providers. The chart manager also contributes editorial content/chart analysis for print and online, and assists in daily/weekly chart maintenance functions.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
• Decide on and maintain relevancy and accuracy of current chart menu while seeking out new means of charting music consumption.
• Oversee and update monitored radio panels for respective charts.
• Mark albums, digital tracks and streaming titles for placement on the proper genre charts.
• Proof pages and assure accuracy of respective charts and accompanying data in print and online
• Author daily and weekly chart-related editorial content for Billboard and billboard.com in addition to trend/observation-based columns.
• Presents ideas for larger features covering country, Christian and gospel music with editorial staff.
• Act as the Billboard representative for country, Christian and gospel with record labels, retail outlets, radio stations, digital and social music sites, media and our readers. Initiate and accept all call/inquiries from these sectors as well as attend industry functions germane to those formats.
• Maintain open dialogue with data providers, including Nielsen Music and various social and streaming providers, alerting them of any potential chart issues. Respond to any inquiries/issues that our data providers may have.
• Assist chart department with daily and weekly maintenance of chart databases.
SKILLS SETS:
• Proficient in data analysis, with excellent writing and verbal skills and social-media savvy.
• Knowledge of country music, with a familiarity of Christian and gospel music preferable.
• An understanding of the machinations of the music industry with a contact base of influential people in various sectors of the industry.
• Proficient in industry databases, such as Nielsen Music, MediaBase, Next Big Sound, etc.
EXPERIENCE:
Candidate should have a minimum three years employment history in related music field (publishing, radio, retail, digital, social or record label). Prior published writing experience a plus.
Public Contact Link
Midnite Jamboree Association Aims To Revive Radio Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThe newly-formed Midnite Jamboree Association aims to help the Midnite Jamboree resume its shows by May 2015 and continue into the future, by raising funds to cover the show’s production costs.
The show, which is free to attendees, typically costs between $2,200 and $2,500 to produce each week, and has been supported financially by the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. However, the rising popularity of streaming services and digital downloads has resulted in dwindling profits for the store, resulting in the show going on hiatus.
The Jamboree has aired on 650 AM WSM since its inception, and broadcasts from the Texas Troubadour Theatre at Nashville’s Music Valley Drive.
The Midnite Jamboree stage was the proving grounds for many legendary artists, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Jim Ed Brown, Steve Wariner and Garth Brooks.
“The Midnite Jamboree is a piece of country music history and I believe it should be preserved, just like any other national treasure,” Ernest Tubb’s nephew and songwriter, Glenn Douglas Tubb, said. “Some friends and I have started a Midnite Jamboree Association which we hope will help pay the weekly costs for keeping this show on the air.”
The Midnite Jamboree Association is offering memberships for a donation of $75. The membership will include an official membership card, a personally signed welcome letter from Glenn Douglas Tubb, and a copy of the Glenn Tubb song “The Midnite Jamboree.” Members also will receive a copy of a Christmas CD recorded by Glenn and his wife, Dottie.
Affiliate memberships also are available for $10. Affiliates will receive a link to their website or social media site, or a banner ad with their name on it on the official website, www.midnitejamboreeassociation.com.
To become a member or an affiliate of the Midnite Jamboree Association, checks or money orders can be sent to The Midnite Jamboree Association, P.O. Box 159326, Nashville, TN 37215.
MusicRowPics: Artist-Producer David Fanning Previews Debut Red Bow Project
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Fanning performs for MusicRow staff.
David Fanning‘s name and voice might be new to country radio listeners, but his musical work surely isn’t. Fanning has produced three No. 1 hits, including Parmalee‘s “Carolina” and the Thompson Square hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
The Tennessee native taught himself to use ProTools at the age of 14. Eight years ago, he moved to Nashville, where he met members of Jason Aldean’s band, including Rich Redmond. “They started working on a project with me at that time, and realized we worked really well together, so we started New Voice Entertainment,” said Fanning. “The first act we signed was Thompson Square.” New Voice Entertainment’s team includes Fanning, Redmond, Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.
Now, as one of the newest artists signed to Red Bow Records, Fanning is eager to bring his own musical style and voice to the masses. Red Bow Records is also recording home to Joe Nichols, Chase Bryant, and Craig Campbell.
Fanning stopped by the MusicRow office to preview tracks from his own upcoming solo project. The set included “Slow It On Down,” a pop/country confection peppered with spoken word verses, followed by “Crash,” which highlighted Fanning’s smooth vocals.
“Homegrown,” not to be confused with the Zac Brown Band song of the same title, was penned by Fanning four years ago. “It really celebrates being from a small town, small town girls, and the good things that come from living in a town like that,” he says.
He finished with his current single, “Doin’ Country Right,” penned by Jimmy Robbins, Josh Osborne, and Heather Morgan.
“Since we are a production team–four of us total–we filter ideas off each other. It’s not just me in the studio obsessing over the music–though I do,” Fanning says of the recording process with his New Voice Entertainment teammates thus far. “I’ve learned that great songs almost record themselves, you just have to give them a little more flair and it works itself out.”
Fanning already has approximately 15 songs cut, with plans to record four or five additional tracks before he and his team begin winnowing down songs to their final selections. He has managed to balance time in the recording studio and touring with production work on albums for Lindsay Ell and Parmalee’s upcoming album.
“It’s cool to go from doing production stuff to getting to do what I really have always dreamed about doing,” says Fanning. “Red Bow is awesome and it’s been an awesome journey. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m ready to keep playing and keep going.”
David Fanning with MusicRow staff.