ACM Adds Sponsored Events to ACM Party for a Cause
The Academy of Country Music has added an array of sponsored events to its ACM Party for a Cause Festival, a two-day outdoor music festival to be held April 17 and April 18 at Arlington, Texas’ Globe Life Park.
Among the events scheduled are the 3rd Annual Cabela’s Great Outdoors Archery Event, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge™, Mary Kay’s Pink Carpet, MillerCoors Beer Garden, Ram Trucks Country Music Experience and more.
Companies taking part in the ACM festivities this year include: American Airlines, Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, Firestone, Kendra Scott, Mary Kay, Ram, Segs4vets, Save The Children, Women’s Rogaine, Bicardi, Big Green Egg, MillerCoors Beer Garden, Sue Bee Honey, and Wendy’s.
The festival will begin at noon each day on the North Lawn, where more than 25 country artists will perform on the Party Stage and Ram Lone Star Stage. Evening performances will be headlined at the Main Stage, and taped for a two-hour special, ACM Presents: Superstar Duets, which will air May 15 on CBS.
Hill Entertainment Group Expands Staff
Carie Long
Greg Hill, owner of Hill Entertainment Group, has added Carie Long as office manager. She will oversee the day-to-day operation and flow of the growing entertainment company. Hill Entertainment Group is a Nashville-based entertainment, management, and solutions company that focuses on brand management, consultation, and development.
“I’m excited to have Carie join the growing Hill Entertainment team,” remarks Hill. “I have known her professionally for many years and have been impressed with her integrity and knowledge of the music business.”
Long previously served as Senior Director A&R at Show Dog Universal Music and also held stints at Universal South, Sony, and MCA. She can be reached at carie@hillentgroup.com.
Country Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Charlie Daniels, Sylvie Simmons For Panel Discussion
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently presented a panel discussion entitled, “Songs From a Room: The Nashville Works of Dylan and Cohen,” as part of its ongoing programming in support of its most recent exhibition: Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City Presented by Citi. Led by museum curator Michael Gray, the panel’s all-star lineup included musicians Charlie Daniels and Ron Cornelius, pianist Bob Wilson, and award-winning author and music journalist Sylvie Simmons.
(Pictured, L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia, Charlie Daniels, Bob Wilson, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Michael Gray, music journalist Sylvie Simmons, and Ron Cornelius. Photo: Rick Diamond
Zavitson Taps Napier as VP/GM
/by Eric T. ParkerJill Napier
Industry vet Jill Napier has been tapped as the VP/GM of MusicPubWorks effectively immediately, announced by Denise Zavitson, Founder and President of the music catalog exploitation, metadata and royalty management subsidiary of Zavitson Music Group (ZMG).
Napier will work as the client representative of MPW’s services along with developing long-term strategic initiatives for the company. Concurrently, she will also serve on all administration matters with ZMG.
“Jill has the business background and personal skills to move MPW to the next level,” said Denise Zavitson. “She has proven herself to be an excellent motivator and has the ability to not only visualize the big picture but the path we need to take to attain our goals. We couldn’t be more excited.”
Previously, she served as Director of Music Services, Founder and President of the Nashville chapter of the AIMP, EVP of Big Loud Bucks and VP of Business Affairs at Ten Ten Music Group.
ZMG was formed in 2006 by Indiana businesswoman Beverly Miller and longtime music veteran Russ Zavitson. In August 2014 the company relocated from Music Row into the historic Belmont studio offices of the late Cowboy Jack Clement.
InDo Nashville Now Leasing Office Suites
/by Troy_StephensonInDo Nashville offices.
John and Katharine Richardson, who will open InDo Nashville, the co-working, creative hub for professionals in the entertainment industry in May, have announced that the dedicated office suites in the building are now open for leasing. The renovated industrial building, located in the SoBro district at 632 Fogg St., is one block south of the City Winery and Third Man Records. InDo, which stands for Inspiration Domain, features three floors, with over 11,000 square feet of space including: an events area, songwriting rooms, open workspace, conference rooms and dedicated office suites.
The Richardsons are currently offering private tours of the suites. To schedule an appointment to tour the building, e-mail kate@InDonashville.com or John@InDoNashville.com.
Later in April, InDo Nashville will begin registration for its co-working memberships, which will range from full-time to part-time, to conference room only. There will also be special songwriter memberships for the three songwriting rooms.
Kate Richardson, who is co-owner of Richlyn Marketing, will relocate her public relations and marketing agency in the space. “With over 9,000 professionals in the music industry working from home offices and entertainment executives from around the world traveling to Nashville, there is a tremendous need for inspiring co-working space. InDo Nashville will be a brilliant alternative to meetings at coffee shops. Our goal is to provide the perfect incubation space for the entertainment industry.”
BMLG Announces Steven Tyler Signing to Dot Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Crowd Surf’s Read Davis, BMLG’s Tali Canterbury, Jimmy Harnen, John Zarling, Kris Lamb, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Laurel Kittleson, Allison Jones, Alicia Matthews, Andrew Kautz, Kelly Rich, Melanie Ainsworth, Jake Basden and Malcolm Mimms. Photo: Rick Getty for BMLG
As previously reported, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has been collaborating with Big Machine Label Group on an upcoming project. Today, the label group officially announced Tyler as one of its newest artists. Tyler has inked a deal with BMLG’s Dot Records, and is working on his forthcoming country album.
“There was an immediate connection with Scott and Big Machine, and Nashville seems like the perfect segue for a solo project…and Dot Records is the right fit. My earliest influences put me somewhere between the Everly Brothers and the Carter Family and this project is all about me paying homage to my Country roots. I’ve been working with some fucking epic Nashville songwriters, getting my feet wet with their style and groove,” Tyler said.
“I have never met a more passionate human being than Steven. When he goes in, he goes all in, which is the culture of Dot Records and the Big Machine Label Group,” said BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “I truly cannot wait for the world to hear the phenomenal music that he is creating and I really feel that this chapter of his career will be among his best. He bleeds love and he bleeds music. Pinch me—it’s Steven Fkg Tyler!”
Tyler and Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, garnering nine No. 1 songs, as well as 25 Gold, 18 Platinum, and 12 Multi-Platinum album certifications. Tyler and Joe Perry were inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta and Steven Tyler sign the record deal for Tyler’s project on Dot Records. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Industry Ink: ACM, Country Music Hall of Fame, Hill Entertainment Group
/by Jessica NicholsonACM Adds Sponsored Events to ACM Party for a Cause
Among the events scheduled are the 3rd Annual Cabela’s Great Outdoors Archery Event, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge™, Mary Kay’s Pink Carpet, MillerCoors Beer Garden, Ram Trucks Country Music Experience and more.
Companies taking part in the ACM festivities this year include: American Airlines, Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, Firestone, Kendra Scott, Mary Kay, Ram, Segs4vets, Save The Children, Women’s Rogaine, Bicardi, Big Green Egg, MillerCoors Beer Garden, Sue Bee Honey, and Wendy’s.
The festival will begin at noon each day on the North Lawn, where more than 25 country artists will perform on the Party Stage and Ram Lone Star Stage. Evening performances will be headlined at the Main Stage, and taped for a two-hour special, ACM Presents: Superstar Duets, which will air May 15 on CBS.
Hill Entertainment Group Expands Staff
Carie Long
Greg Hill, owner of Hill Entertainment Group, has added Carie Long as office manager. She will oversee the day-to-day operation and flow of the growing entertainment company. Hill Entertainment Group is a Nashville-based entertainment, management, and solutions company that focuses on brand management, consultation, and development.
“I’m excited to have Carie join the growing Hill Entertainment team,” remarks Hill. “I have known her professionally for many years and have been impressed with her integrity and knowledge of the music business.”
Long previously served as Senior Director A&R at Show Dog Universal Music and also held stints at Universal South, Sony, and MCA. She can be reached at carie@hillentgroup.com.
Country Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Charlie Daniels, Sylvie Simmons For Panel Discussion
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently presented a panel discussion entitled, “Songs From a Room: The Nashville Works of Dylan and Cohen,” as part of its ongoing programming in support of its most recent exhibition: Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City Presented by Citi. Led by museum curator Michael Gray, the panel’s all-star lineup included musicians Charlie Daniels and Ron Cornelius, pianist Bob Wilson, and award-winning author and music journalist Sylvie Simmons.
(Pictured, L-R): The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Abi Tapia, Charlie Daniels, Bob Wilson, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Michael Gray, music journalist Sylvie Simmons, and Ron Cornelius. Photo: Rick Diamond
Inaugural April Fool’s Benefit Raises $30k for Music Health Alliance
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Phil Barton, Liz Rose (front), Wynn Varble (back), Roxie Dean, Tatum Hauck-Allsep (Music Health Alliance Founder), Rivers Rutherford, Sandy Knox, Richard Leigh, and Peter Cooper. Photo: Beth Gwinn
The inaugural First And The Worst event was held last week (April 1) at 3rd and Lindsley, raising over $30,000 to benefit the Music Health Alliance.
The show featured hit songwriters performing the first and the worst songs they ever wrote. Hit songwriters participating included Rivers Rutherford, Richard Leigh, Liz Rose, Phil Barton, Roxie Dean, and Wynn Varble.
Hosted by music critic Peter Cooper, the evening included a silent auction and awarded a songwriter for penning one of the worst hit songs ever written. The inaugural CRAPPY award went to Varble for his song, “Jackass.”
The non-profit organization assists songwriters, artists and music industry professionals in finding affordable health solutions and financial resources at every stage of their career. In two years, they have saved over $5.5 million dollars in insurance premiums, reduction of medical bills, and prescription savings.
Pictured (L-R): Wynn Varble, Rivers Rutherford, Roxie Dean, Richard Leigh, Phil Barton, Liz Rose, and Peter Cooper. Photo: Beth Gwinn
Artist Updates: Warner Bros., Dwight Yoakam, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Bros. Records Artists Set For Nashville GROWCO Conference
They will join fellow artists Dean Alexander, Anderson East, and Ryan Kinder. Also on hand for the event will be actress Jessica Alba, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and television personalities Daymond John (ABC’s Shark Tank) and Marcus Lemonis (CNBC’s The Profit).
Dwight Yoakam Announces Ryman Auditorium Concert
Each ticket purchase includes a download of Yoakam’s latest album Second Hand Heart, set for release April 14. Ticket sales are online only.
Lady Antebellum Extends ‘7FOR7’ Campaign with Quicken Loans
Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum has teamed with mortgage lender Quicken Loans to offer seven fans a backstage experience, and a year of relief from their mortgage with the launch of ‘7FOR7 Sweepstakes.’
The campaign supports the band’s upcoming Wheels Up 2015 Tour presented by Quicken Loans, which begins May 1. The sweepstakes is an extension of the trio’s charity-focused 7FOR7 campaign, and will offer seven grand prize winners a year’s worth of mortgage payments courtesy of Quicken Loans, as well as a VIP concert experience for them and a guest, including meet-and-greet passes and complimentary travel.
Darius Rucker To Host ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic
Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker will return to host the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic presented by G. Debbas Chocolatier and GoPicnic for the fourth consecutive year on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, Texas. The ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic, the ninth held since 2004, brings together country music artists Kix Brooks, Charles Kelley, Chris Young, Branch & Dean, and more artists to be announced as well as other members of the music community in a scramble tournament to raise funds and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund.
ASCAP Appoints Alice Kim New Chief Strategy, Development Officer
/by Troy_StephensonAlice Kim
ASCAP announced Monday, April 6, the appointment of Alice Kim as the organization’s EVP, Chief Strategy & Development Officer, reporting to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Kim will oversee strategy, business development, product development and administration services as ASCAP charts a new course to offer enhanced services to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members and to its licensing partners.
Kim started her career in investment banking at Dean Witter and venture capital at CIBC Capital Partners and Dolphin Equity. She then joined a couple of start-ups, PreCache and Enpocket, both of which were acquired by Fortune 100 companies. Kim continues to be an avid angel investor and a strong advocate of start-ups in NYC.
“ASCAP is transforming to offer innovative new services to our members and licensing partners in order to meet their needs in this new and evolving era in the music and media landscape,” says Matthews. “Alice has deep expertise of consumer behavior, trends in digital content adoption and monetization models. She is uniquely positioned to help us harness our assets for the benefit of our songwriters, composers and publishers as well as our licensing partners as we move into a world of increased data transparency and efficiency.”
Trace Adkins Finds New Label Home With BBR Music Group
/by Jessica Nicholson(Pictured, L-R): Almon & Pike’s Orville Almon; Vector Management’s JW Williams; BBRMG EVP Jon Loba; BBRMG General Manager Rick Shedd; BBRMG’s Colton McGee; Trace Adkins; BBRMG President & CEO Benny Brown. Photo: BBR Music Group
Multi-talented recording artist, actor, author, and spokesperson Trace Adkins has signed a new recording contract with BBR Music Group.
Adkins is currently working on his 13th studio album with producer Mickey Jack Cones, who has produced Joe Nichols and Randy Houser.
“Trace Adkins has built a career and a legacy doing things his own way, never bowing to trends or society. He’s a straight shooter whose philosophy aligns with BBR Music Group’s independent, hands on approach. The music is what matters at BBR Music Group and that’s a viewpoint we share with Trace. We’re excited to welcome Trace to the BBR Music Group family and look forward to collaborating on new, amazing music,” said Benny Brown, President/ CEO of the BBR Music Group.
Adkins is managed by Vector Management, booked by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and represented by publicity agency Sunshine Sachs. He is an ASCAP-affiliated songwriter.
Adkins entered the music scene with the 1996 release of Dreamin’ Out Loud on Capitol Nashville, his label home for more than a decade. He went on to become one of country music’s most distinctive vocalists, selling more than 10 million albums, and notching hits including “Every Light in the House Is On,” “Songs About Me,” “Honkytonk Badonkadonk,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” and more.
He later recorded albums for Show Dog-Universal and released a Christmas project, The King’s Gift, on the Caliburn label in 2013.
Adkins parlayed his music success into television and movies, as a runner-up on the 2008 season of Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice, and later won The All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Adkins has appeared in The Lincoln Lawyer alongside Matthew McConaughey, Wyatt Earp’s Revenge, Mom’s Night Out, and more.
He served as a spokesperson for The American Red Cross and Wounded Warriors. Adkins also penned an autobiography entitled A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Free-Thinking Roughneck, which was released in late 2007.
“When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you don’t always get the feeling that the sky’s the limit,” said Adkins. “I feel that way right now. When I sign up for something, I go all-in. Since Benny, Jon and I shook hands and said ‘let’s do this thing,’ we’ve been all-in together.”
“Trace Adkins is not only a Country music megastar but an accomplished film and TV actor who has become a highly-recognizable celebrity. In this incredibly fractured entertainment environment, it’s an extraordinary accomplishment to have achieved touch points across multiple forms of media. The BBR Music Group is ecstatic to add an artist of international acclaim to its roster,” said BBR Music Group EVP Jon Loba.
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.