Country Radio Seminar has revealed details surrounding four tech and social media panels scheduled for Country Radio Seminar 2015. “The Power of the Connected Car,” “Direct From The Consumer Electronics Show: Coolest Gadgets & Gizmos for 2015,” “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1: How To Speak In Your Brand’s Voice and Get Content Shared” and “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 2: Finding & Engaging Your Consumers In Real-Time” are the four newly released panels that have been added to the three-day agenda.
“The Power of the Connected Car,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m., will highlight examples of the latest technology in cars and discuss how radio stations are competing for other options in radio equipment. Confirmed participants for the session are Paul Brenner (SVP/CTO, Emmis/NextRadio), John Ellis (Sr. Technologist/Ford), Joel Hoffman (Chief Automotive Strategist/Intel in Tempe, AZ), and another panelist to be confirmed. Chris Barker (Parter, C3 in Scottsdale, AZ) is the panel’s moderator.
“Direct From The Consumer Electronics Show: Coolest Gadgets & Gizmos for 2015,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m., is a recap of the most newsworthy items from the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and will highlight entertainment options that radio competes with, as well as give an account on the future of entertainment. Ted Cohen (CEO, TAG Strategic) and Thomas Meyer (Director, Global Industry and Artist Relations/Sonos) are the session’s speakers.
“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1: How To Speak In Your Brand’s Voice and Get Content Shared” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m., will feature a diverse panel of pros, who will offer ways to craft share-worthy content that will lead to increased fan interaction and brand value. Confirmed panelists are Jeffrey Jameson (Creative Consultant, United Stations Radio Networks), Basak Kizilisik (VP/Marketing, Morris Higham Management/Nashville), and Rita Ballou (Morning co-host, KOKE/Austin and blogger, Texas Music Scene). Gregg Lindahl will moderate the session.
“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 2: Finding & Engaging Your Consumers In Real-Time,” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 11:00-11:50 a.m. will follow-up on “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1” and will focus on content creation. This roundtable workshop will give delegates the opportunity to develop skills to find their audience, connect with consumers/listeners and integrate third-party elements in non-invasive ways. Confirmed panelists are Margaret Verghese (VP/Comedy & Prep, United Stations Radio Networks/New York), Suzanne Durham (Social Media Manager/Tour Liaison, Toby Keith Management/Nashville) and Shani Sammons (Owner, Shani Sammons Marketing Group/Atlanta). Gregg Lindahl will return as moderator for the session.
Vince Gill And Matthew West Added To T.J. Martell Honors Gala
/by Troy_StephensonVince Gill
The T.J. Martell Foundation has announced the addition of Vince Gill and Matthew West to the lineup for the 7th Annual T.J. Martell Honors Gala taking place on Monday, March 30 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville. They join previously announced artists Chip Esten, Emmylou Harris, Lady Antebellum, and Jimmy Bowen.
The recently announced 7th Annual Gala honorees are: Steve and Judy Turner receiving the Spirit of Nashville Award; Dr. Jeffrey Balser, the Medical Research Advancement Award; Bill and Billy Ray Hearn, the Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement Award; Ken Levitan, the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award and Becca Stevens, the Lifetime Humanitarian Award.
The gala has netted over 2 million dollars since 2009. Ticket, table and sponsorship information can be found at www.tjmartell.org or by contacting Tinti Moffat at the T.J. Martell Foundation at (615) 256-2002.
Table sponsorships range from $11,500 to $100,000. Individual tickets are $1,000.00.
The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS.
CRS 2015 To Spotlight Tech, Social Media
/by Jessica Nicholson“The Power of the Connected Car,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m., will highlight examples of the latest technology in cars and discuss how radio stations are competing for other options in radio equipment. Confirmed participants for the session are Paul Brenner (SVP/CTO, Emmis/NextRadio), John Ellis (Sr. Technologist/Ford), Joel Hoffman (Chief Automotive Strategist/Intel in Tempe, AZ), and another panelist to be confirmed. Chris Barker (Parter, C3 in Scottsdale, AZ) is the panel’s moderator.
“Direct From The Consumer Electronics Show: Coolest Gadgets & Gizmos for 2015,” scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m., is a recap of the most newsworthy items from the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and will highlight entertainment options that radio competes with, as well as give an account on the future of entertainment. Ted Cohen (CEO, TAG Strategic) and Thomas Meyer (Director, Global Industry and Artist Relations/Sonos) are the session’s speakers.
“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1: How To Speak In Your Brand’s Voice and Get Content Shared” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m., will feature a diverse panel of pros, who will offer ways to craft share-worthy content that will lead to increased fan interaction and brand value. Confirmed panelists are Jeffrey Jameson (Creative Consultant, United Stations Radio Networks), Basak Kizilisik (VP/Marketing, Morris Higham Management/Nashville), and Rita Ballou (Morning co-host, KOKE/Austin and blogger, Texas Music Scene). Gregg Lindahl will moderate the session.
“Social Media Bootcamp, Track 2: Finding & Engaging Your Consumers In Real-Time,” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27 at 11:00-11:50 a.m. will follow-up on “Social Media Bootcamp, Track 1” and will focus on content creation. This roundtable workshop will give delegates the opportunity to develop skills to find their audience, connect with consumers/listeners and integrate third-party elements in non-invasive ways. Confirmed panelists are Margaret Verghese (VP/Comedy & Prep, United Stations Radio Networks/New York), Suzanne Durham (Social Media Manager/Tour Liaison, Toby Keith Management/Nashville) and Shani Sammons (Owner, Shani Sammons Marketing Group/Atlanta). Gregg Lindahl will return as moderator for the session.
Bandsintown Connects With Fans Via Touring Management App
/by Jessica NicholsonThe tool allows artists to know where their largest concentration of fans is located, in order to plan tour stops. The data can also aid artists and managers with tour routing, ticket sales, and more. They can also repost fans’ concert photos and videos, direct message fans, and edit tour dates.
Bandsintown’s new analytics tool follows companies such as Spotify, Pandora, and Kobalt, which have added analytics dashboards in recent years.
Industry Pics: BMLG’s Cassadee Pope and Allison Jones, WMBA
/by Jessica NicholsonAccessories brand Red Earth celebrated the pre-release of their private label collection with celebrity designer, Angie Harmon at the Cordelle in Nashville recently. Over 300 partygoers were on hand to preview the jewelry line (Angie Harmon x Red Earth) and to hear more about the collaboration from Harmon and Travis Gravette, Founder of Red Earth. Among those in attendance were Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, Big Machine Label Group Sr. VP A&R Allison Jones, American Pickers‘ Mike Wolfe, Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielson, Project Runway‘s Amanda Valentine, and more.
Angie Harmon x Red Earth officially launches April 16, 2015. Find more at www.redearthshop.com.
Pictured (L-R): Musician Cassadee Pope, Angie Harmon, and BMLG’s Allison Jones. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Red Earth
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The Nashville Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held its first meeting of the new year at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) offices on Music Row on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The meeting announced new members, presented an overall vision for the year to come, and featured guest speaker Brandi Simms, Senior Director of Membership & Balloting at the Country Music Association, who is a founding member and three-time past President of the WMBA.
WMBA 2015 New Members
Julia Grimoldi, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Rebekah Clements, Power Source Music/ICMA
Kortney Toney, Live on Stage/Matt Davenport Prod.
Kirsten Nelms, Banner Music
Maya Akser, WME
Abby Wells Baas, WME
Mandi Naylor, Country Music Association
Amy Vandivort, Grand Ole Opry
Katie Arata, Country Music Hall of Fame
Lauren Perry, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Kelsey Grady, Music Row Magazine
Christy Garbinski, Sony Music Nashville
Meredith Bunch, Erv Woolsey Company
Taylor Coughlin, International Bluegrass Music Association
Missy Iredell, 13 Management
Kristen England, Country Radio Seminar
Jaclyn Carter, Shore Fire Media
Mysti Meese, Dot Records/BMLG
Meghan Muse, ASCAP
Pictured (L-R): WMBA Vice President Makayla Telfer, WMBA Membership & Marketing Committee Co-Chairs Liz Motley and Jen Sackett, WMBA Events & Education Committee Co-Chair Stacy Scism, CMA’s Brandi Simms, WMBA President Alison Toczylowski, WMBA Events & Education Committee Co-Chair Ellen Mundy, WMBA Treasurer Marissa Bond, and WMBA Alumni Committee Co-Chairs Camilla Kleindienst and Trina Lloyd-Weidner
Lady Antebellum Adds Hometown Show To Their ‘Wheels Up Tour 2015’
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Mike Dungan (UMG), Charles Kelley, John Huie (CAA), Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, Daniel Miller (Fusion Music), Ed Green (Red Light Management) during a media brunch in Nashville.
Lady Antebellum announced this morning (Monday, Feb. 2) that Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena has been added to their Wheels Up Tour 2015. The show will take place on Sept. 11, 2015 with tickets going on sale Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. CST through www.ticketmaster.com.
Special guests Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt will also be part of the bill.
In celebration of the tour and the newly-announced headlining Nashville show, Lady Antebellum held a private brunch for members of the Nashville media earlier today.
“We started down the road at 3rd & Lindsley, and now we’re playing the Bridgestone Arena,” said Dave Haywood. “It’s a real full-circle moment for us.”
“The lineup, the openers we were able to land with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt, it will be an all-around fun show. We have a lot to be thankful for,” said Hillary Scott.
The ACM nominated and seven-time Grammy-winning trio’s fifth studio album, 747, is available now.
The previously announced Wheels Up Tour will launch Feb. 28 with a European trek that will include stops in Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, the UK, and Australia. The North American leg of the tour will begin May 1 in Lubbock, Texas.
Black River Rages On With New Signing
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Catalog Manager Kelly Bolton, Creative Director Dave Pacula, Josh Okeefe, Manager Gillie Crowder, VP of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig, Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr
VP of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig today (Feb. 2) announced the signing of Josh Okeefe to the company. “Josh is a fantastic writer, artist and producer; one of the rare talents we publishers are always on the lookout for,” said Froehlig. “We are so happy to welcome him to the BRE family.”
Okeefe grew up in Derby, England and attended Brighton Institute of Modern Music in the UK. Following the advice of his academic directors, Okeefe left for Nashville at the age of 19.
“Black River was a dream,” said Okeefe, “and still is a dream.”
The announcement of Okeefe’s signing comes on the heels of Black River Entertainment’s CEO Gordon Kerr’s announcement that Froehlig renewed her contract with Black River Publishing.
Music Industry Coalition To Absorb Save Music Row
/by Jessica NicholsonJeannette Porrazzo
Jeannette Porrazzo, the president of organization Save Music Row, announced today that she is merging her organization with the Music Industry Coalition (MIC). Porrazzo has become a member of the MIC.
“I encourage all who have enlisted in the cause with #SaveMusicRow to follow my lead and join the efforts of MIC, because together we will be that much stronger in our mission,” said Porrazzo.
After discussing the organizations’ shared goal of helping to preserve Music Row, Porrazzo and MIC leadership decided to join forces. “We all want to be sure the past and future of Music Row is appropriately acknowledged- as advocates for the creative culture unique to this special place in Nashville.”
Mike Kopp, Chairman of MIC noted, “We saw how much passion Jeannette has for this issue and what she was able to accomplish. All of us at MIC are happy to have her investing her energy and passion in the mission alongside us.”
For more information, visit musicindustrycoalition.com.
Artists Set To Become “Human Checkers Pieces” For ACMs
/by Jessica NicholsonOn Saturday, April 18, country music artists and team captains Kellie Pickler and Thomas Rhett will direct their opposing teams to battle it out on Cracker Barrel’s giant checkerboard. The games will take place at the 2015 ACM Party for a Cause Festival: 50 Years of Music & Memories at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, leading up to the 50th ACM Awards.
Through a $35,000 donation from Cracker Barrel, ACM Lifting Lives® will donate $25,000 to the winning team’s charity and $10,000 to the losing team’s charity. Pickler, a USO tour vet, has selected the USO and Rhett has selected DAV as the benefiting charities. SiriusXM “The Highway” Satellite Radio personality Storme Warren will host the event.
“Music is as important to our country spirit as a home cooked meal,” said Chris Ciavarra, senior vice president of marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. “That’s why Cracker Barrel has partnered with the Academy of Country Music to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. We are excited about offering our fans everywhere an opportunity to connect with Cracker Barrel and the Academy by hosting both an online checkers tournament and an on-site celebrity game.”
Six Grand Prize Winners from the online Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge (which begins today), two participants selected by Cracker Barrel at a later date, 12 country music artists to be revealed later, a representative from the USO, a representative from DAV, and the two spouses of the team captains will be divided equally to create the two opposing teams. Each team member will be a “human playing checkers piece” and will follow directions given by the team captains.
Beginning today (Feb. 2), fans can enter “The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge” sweepstakes game at crackerbarrel.com. The game will continue until March 23 when six Grand Prize Winners will be crowned. The six Grand Prize Winners will each win a trip for two to the ACM Awards at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and a spot on the checkerboard to play in the ultimate Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge with team captains Pickler and Rhett. All rules and regulations can be found at CrackerBarrel.com.
Additional details, including the names of the country music artists participating in the checkers game at ACM’s festival, will be revealed soon.
Special ACM retail merchandise will be available for sale at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations beginning Feb. 2. The merchandise will include limited edition ACM 50th t-shirts and hats. Also included is This is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Academy’s first-ever commemorative hardcover book, written by ACM executive Lisa Lee.
Nashville-based Pop Up Music Adds to Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Nate Towne (Agent, WME), Jared Gutstadt (CEO, Jingle Punks/Pop Up Music), Pete Olson (VP, Artist Mgmt & Development Pop Up Music, Clark Manson (ARTIST), Liz O’Sullivan (VP, Publishing & Artist Dev., Pop Up Music), Scott Safford (Attorney, Safford, Motley)
Nashville-based Pop Up Music has signed a new singer-songwriter to its roster for publishing and artist development. Covington, Ohio native Clark Manson released his debut album in 2013.
Since opening in Nashville in September 2014 as the offshoot of Jingle Punks, Pop Up Music has been led by Vice President of Artist Management & Development Pete Olson and Vice President of Publishing and Artist Development Liz O’Sullivan. The firm itself is anchored creatively by Jingle Punks CEO Jingle Jared (Jared Gutstadt), who has written for artists such as Dierks Bentley, Chiddy Bang and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Pop Up Music plans to announce additional signings soon. The office address for Pop Up Music Nashville is 2613 Westwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37204.
Music Video Releases: Carrie Underwood, RaeLynn, Brantley Gilbert
/by Jessica NicholsonRaeLynn is revealing more of her unique musical journey through a new video profile. From her Baytown, TX roots to spreading her wings on The Voice (season 2) and moving to Nashville, RaeLynn has conquered chords, crowds and coming of age.
The singer-songwriter recently released the EP Me. The project includes five songs RaeLynn wrote, including “God Made Girls,” which topped the iTunes Country Top Songs chart.
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Carrie Underwood premiered her music video of “Little Toy Guns” for fans via social media.
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Brantley Gilbert‘s latest video, “One Hell of an Amen,” honors two brave men whose separate legacies prove to be as strong as their fights. One being Brantley’s close friend, Kory, who lost his battle with Leukemia while courageously telling his doctors to “bring it on.” The other is a hometown hero’s best friend named Jon who was killed in combat while defending others in Iraq.
“One of my dear friends back home, Josh, went to Iraq on several tours,” said Brantley. “He had a best friend over there who passed away just a couple feet from where he was positioned. Josh told me the story and it made me feel like I was right there with him. I try not to write songs about things I haven’t been through or experienced, but the way Josh told me the story…it punched me in the chest.”
Brantley once again teamed up with director Shane Drake, who spearheaded the singer’s previous video, “Small Town Throwdown” ft. labelmates Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett.