MusicRowLife: Josh Turner, Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood

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haywood11Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and wife Kelli Cashiola Haywood welcomed their first child, son Cash Van Haywood, on Sunday, Sept. 7.
“So happy to have a healthy baby boy here with us! Cash Van Haywood was born last night,” the Lady Antebellum member, 32, announced on the band’s Twitter account.
 
• • •
 
josh turner2111Josh Turner and wife Jennifer Turner welcomed their fourth son, Samuel Hawke Turner, on Thursday, Sept. 4. The newborn weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz. He joins big brothers Hampton, Colby and Marion.
“God has truly blessed Jennifer and me with this healthy little boy,” said Turner. “We are so thankful and excited to see our family grow yet again.”

ASCAP, SESAC, Nashville Cares Present Red Ribbon Rounds

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Screen shot 2014-09-08 at 2.52.56 PM1ASCAP, SESAC and Nashville Cares have teamed for Red Ribbon Rounds, a songwriters night benefiting the 23rd annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K run. Songwriters including Chris DeStefano, Brian White, Ashley Gorley, Greg Barnhill, Jon Nite,  Steve Pasch, Ken Johnson, and Jonathan Singleton will perform during two shows, which take place Tuesday, Sept. 16, beginning at 6 p.m. at Nashville’s The Listening Room.
At 6 p.m., ASCAP will present Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite and Jonathan Singleton. At 8:30 p.m., SESAC will welcome Brian White, Greg Barnhill, Steve Pasch, and Ken Johnson.
Advance ticket prices are $20 per show, or $35 for both shows. Cost is $20 per show at the door. To purchase tickets, visit nashvillecares.org/songs
All proceeds benefit the Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run, which is Saturday, October 4 at Public Square Park.

Olson, O'Sullivan To Lead Pop Up Music in Nashville

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Pete Olson

Pete Olson


Television, film and commercial production company Jingle Punks has formed the offshoot Pop Up Music, which will focus on signing songwriters. Pop Up Music will be led by Jared Gutstadt, CEO of Jingle Punks. Two have been hired to run the Nashville office. Pete Olson has been added as VP, Artist Management and Development, and Liz O’Sullivan has been hired as VP, Publishing & Artist Management.
Olson was previously a manager with Rogue Music Group/AMP for five years. Prior to that, he worked as an agent at Paradigm for three years, and at WME for four years.
O’Sullivan was formerly Sr. VP at Sea Gayle for nearly 14 years. As a song plugger, she notched several No. 1 songs, including “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Whiskey Lullaby.”
DSC_0116 edit333

Liz O’Sullivan


“We play in the sandbox with writers from all different publishing companies and talent from all walks of the music industry,” says Gutstadt. “Nashville is a particularly exciting space for us. We’re excited to have experienced veterans like Liz and Pete managing the day-to-day creative assets.”
Pop Up Music aims to serve as a bridge between Nashville, Hollywood, and Madison Avenue. Recently, Gutstadt and his team worked with Country artist J.R. Moore on the national re-launch of the Meow Mix brand.
Pop Up Music is located at  2613 Westwood Drive, Nashville. Olson can be reached at pete@popupmusic.com, and O’Sullivan can be reached at liz@popupmusic.com.

TuneCore Establishes Nashville Office Headed By Shelby Kennedy

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Shelby Kennedy

Shelby Kennedy


Digital music distribution and music publishing administration company TuneCore has launched a Nashville office under the direction of longtime industry player Shelby Kennedy.
TuneCore’s Entertainment Relations office is located at 1227 17th Ave. S., Unit D; Nashville, TN 37212.
Shelby brings 25 years of experience to the company, where he is serving as Vice President, Entertainment Relations. Prior to joining TuneCore, Kennedy has held diverse roles with ASCAP, BMI, Lyric Street Records, Wide Open Music Group and Cherry Heart Music and Entertainment, and his own Porch-Pickin’ Publishing. He is the son of legendary guitarist Jerry Kennedy.
“Nashville is one of the most creative cities in the world, and Shelby Kennedy has deep relationships and broad expertise in the music industry. As TuneCore expands our support for the increasing number of musicians and songwriters who choose independence to take control of their careers, both are a natural fit,” stated Scott Ackerman, CEO of TuneCore. “We’re confident that this expansion positions TuneCore to stay at the forefront of the evolving music industry.”
“I am tremendously excited to join TuneCore and take a leadership role in building the new model of the music industry,” commented Kennedy. “I hope to tap my experience spanning the spectrum of roles across the business—from songwriter to performer to business executive—to act as a catalyst in driving opportunities for artists, songwriters and other key partners.”
TuneCore has about forty employees throughout its headquarters in Brooklyn, NY, and offices in Burbank, CA and Nashville, TN. It is backed by Opus Capital and Guitar Center.
Since its inception in 2006, TuneCore Artists has distributed $438.8 million on 8.8 billion streams and downloads. In Q2 2014, it distributed $33.2 million, an increase of 18.4 percent over Q2 2013.
TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music worldwide through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play, and other major download and streaming sites while retaining 100% of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee.

Artist Updates: Eric Church, Glen Campbell, Miranda Lambert, Ray Scott

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EMI Nashville recording artist Eric Church will perform a benefit concert for The Grammy Foundation® at The Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wisconsin on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. “An Evening with Eric Church” tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are $67 and a limited number of VIP reserved tickets will sell for $87.
Church will embark on the first leg of his The Outsiders World Tour this Thursday, Sept. 11 at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City, La. His current album, The Outsiders, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and the Billboard Country Albums Chart earlier this year, and recently earned him four CMA nominations for Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Single and Song of the Year for his hit “Give Me Back My Hometown.”
His current hit single “Cold One” is rising up the charts.
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GlenCampbell_HpHonored in 2012 with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Country Music Hall of Fame member Glen Campbell has recorded his last song. “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” was written by Campbell and Julian Raymond specifically for a new documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me which opens in theaters in New York on Oct. 24, followed by a national release to 50 cities.
Produced by Raymond, the song was recorded in Los Angeles based Sunset Sound Factory and East West Recording Studios. The song will be released on Sept. 30.
“We are so honored to not only release Glen Campbell’s final recording, but to be associated with such a profound film that will help raise the awareness of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and spotlight the important role of those who care for them, ” remarked Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, who served as the project’s Executive Producer.
Previewing the full body of work, Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me Soundtrack EP will be released on Sept. 30 and include the following tracks:
1. I’m Not Gonna Miss You
2. Gentle On My Mind (recorded by The Band Perry)
3. Home Again (recorded by Ashley Campbell, his daughter)
4. Wichita Lineman (Live from Ryman Auditorium)
5.  A Better Place (Live from Ryman Auditorium)
A complete soundtrack featuring additional tracks from the film will be released later this fall.
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Miranda Lambert has opened her new venture in her adopted hometown of Tishomingo. The Ladysmith Bed and Breakfast is taking reservations with rates that range from $200-$320 per night.
The B&B located at 221 W. Main, near Lambert’s popular shop The Pink Pistol, features eight bedrooms, each individually designed by Lambert and her creative team to match her eclectic style, billed as “Shabby Chic meets Rock & Roll.”
It is also home to a dining hall, two funky lounges, a tea room, fully-stocked bar, and ballroom for 60-80 guests. For more information, visit theladysmith.us.
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Ray Scott will release his self-titled full-length studio album on Oct. 7, produced by Dave Brainard, and featuring the album’s first release “Drinkin’ Beer.”

Scott wrote the murder ballad “Papa And Mama” and enlisted Mark Stephen Jones to co-write “Ain’t Always Thirsty,” and Brandy Clark for “Wheels on The House.”
Ray Scott Track Listing
1. Cookin’
2. Ain’t Always Thirsty
3. Drinkin’ Beer
4. Papa and Mama
5. Tijuana Buzzkill
6. Wheels On The House
7. It Ain’t Gonna Be You
8. Leave This World
9. Her Old Man
10. The Ugly One
11. I Miss The Days

Industry Ink: 101 Ranch Records, CTM Writers INK

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101 ranch records11Nashville-based 101 Ranch Records has appointed Teresa Vinson as VP, Operations. Founded by RayLynn Records creator Bob Simpson, the label previously announced Mark Collie as its first signing.
Most recently, Vinson served as Sr. Manager of Artist and Label Relations at Lyric Street Records, as part of her 13 years with the label.
Prior to joining Lyric Street, she was the Exec. Assistant for RCA/BNA Label Groups President and General Manager for 17 years.

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Brandon Perdue

Brandon Perdue


CTM Writers INK has hired Brandon Perdue as Director of Production and Development. Perdue will work with Shawn Bowling (Creative Manager) to develop the brand and roster at Writers INK. He will manage all internal production projects, oversee the development of artist-writers, and work with Eddie Robba (CEO/President) to seek and develop strategic partnerships for CTM.
Brandon’s previous experience includes a stint at RPM Music Group as the catalog manager and in-house engineer. During that same time, he worked as Production Coordinator and Assistant Engineer for Blake Chancey, working with artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Gretchen Wilson and Heidi Newfield.
CTM’s roster includes Marcus Hummon, Chris Roberts, Autumn McEntire, and Jared Mitchell.

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mcmakin12

Robert McMakin


Robert C. McMakin, father of Pat McMakin (Director of Operations at Oceanway Nashville Studios), died Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Friendship Manor Rehab in Kentucky.
He spent more than 30 years as an agent for KY Farm Bureau, served on the South Oldham Fire Department Board, was a founder and builder of Northeast Christian Church and a founding elder of River Valley Christian Church, a former chief of the Eastwood Fire Department, and an Army veteran.
McMakin was preceded in death by wife Alice Viola McMakin, and is survived by sons Dale and Patrick McMakin Sr., grandchildren Micki Sweatman, Patrick McMakin, Jr., and Jennifer Osborne, and three great-grandchildren.

Sony/ATV Promotes Knoepfle To Sr. VP Role

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knoefle1

Jennifer Knoepfle


Sony/ATV Music Publishing has promoted Jennifer Knoepfle to the role of Sr. VP, Creative. Knoepfle is based in the company’s Los Angeles office. She will be responsible for all Sony/ATV’s West Coast A&R activities, including signings, and development of new and established songwriters on the roster. She will jointly run the L.A. office with Jonas Kant, Sr. VP of Business and Legal Affairs. She will report to Martin Bandier, Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV.
Knoepfle joined Sony/ATV in May 2009 as Sr. Director of Creative, and has signed acts including Jack Antonoff, Andrews Dost of the band fun., Foster the People, and others.
Prior to joining Sony/ATV Knoepfle spent four years as Senior Director of Membership at ASCAP, where she brought in a number of songwriters to the organization, including The Killers, Lana Del Rey and Greg Kurstin.
Also at the publisher, Amanda Berman took the role of VP, Creative last year having previously been Sr. Director, West Coast Creative. This was a title she carried over from EMI Music Publishing following its merger with Sony/ATV. She joined EMI in February 2005 having previously worked at Warner Bros. Records.
Sam Taylor assumes the new title of VP, Creative having joined Sony/ATV in 2012 as Sr. Director, Creative following the merger with EMI Music Publishing. He started at EMI Publishing at the beginning of 2010 as Director, A&R.

Bamford Earns Top Honors at Canadian Country Music Awards

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Gord Bamford

Gord Bamford


Gord Bamford was a top winner at Sunday evening’s (Sept. 7) Canadian Country Music Awards, held at Rexall Place in Edmonton. He was honored as Male Artist of the Year, and earned Single of the Year honors for the track, “When Your Lips Are So Close.” He also earned the Country Music Association’s Global Artist of the Year honor.
Having conquered the Canadian Country music scene, Bamford revealed he is now aiming for success in the American market, announcing Sunday evening that he has signed a deal with Sony Music’s American arm.
The Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year honor went to Johnny Reid, for A Christmas Gift To You. Reid also took home the Fans’ Choice Award.
Jess Moskaluke earned the Female Artist of the Year title, while Dean Brody took home Album of the Year, for Crop Circles.
Lindi Ortega and Brett Kissel both won their first CCMA Awards last night. Kissel earned the title for CMT Video of the Year and Interactive Artist, while Ortega took home Roots Artist or Group of the Year.
Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Deric Ruttan won the CCMA honor for Songwriter(s) of the Year, for “Mine Would Be You,” recorded by Blake Shelton. Florida Georgia Line‘s Here’s To The Good Times was named the Top Selling Album of the Year.
Following the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards, additional honors were presented during the CCMA All Star Band Awards, which celebrates musicians from the Canadian Country music industry.
The CCMA show, hosted by Jann Arden and Rick Mercer, celebrated eight CCMA Award categories during a televised ceremony on CBC-TV and CMT (Canada).
CCMA Awards and CCMA All Star Band Awards winners list:
Fans’ Choice Award
Johnny Reid
Single of the Year
“When Your Lips Are So Close” – Gord Bamford
Album of the Year
Crop Circles – Dean Brody
CMT Video of the Year
“3-2-1” – Brett Kissel
Female Artist of the Year
Jess Moskaluke
Male Artist of the Year
Gord Bamford
Group or Duo of the Year
Small Town Pistols
Rising Star
Tim Hicks
2014 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award
Beverley Mahood
Hank Smith Award of Excellence
Deane Cameron
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Artist Inductee
Wendell Ferguson
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award – Builder Inductee Ron Sakamoto
2014 Discovery Program Award
The Lovelocks
2014 CCMA Award winners announced at Gala Dinner
Songwriter(s) of the Year
“Mine Would Be You” (Written By: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan; Performed By: Blake Shelton)
Roots Artist or Group of the Year
Lindi Ortega
Interactive Artist of the Year
Brett Kissel
Top Selling Album of the Year
Here’s to the Good Times by Florida Georgia Line
Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year
A Christmas Gift to You by Johnny Reid
Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment Group
Music Publishing Company of the Year
ole
Record Company of the Year
Open Road Recordings Inc.
Record Company Person of the Year
Mike Denney – MDM Recordings Inc.
Radio Station of the Year – Major Market
CKRY FM – Country 105; Calgary, AB
Radio Station of the Year – Secondary Market
CJXX FM – Big Country 93.1; Grand Prairie, AB
2014 CCMA Award winners announced at the All Star Band Awards
Bass
Travis Switzer
Drums
Chad Melchert
Fiddle
Shane Guse
Guitar
Darren Savard
Keyboards
Bart McKay
Special Instrument
Tyler Vollrath (Mandolin)
Steel Guitar
Ed (Peewee Charles) Ringwald

Twitter Adds In-App Buying Power

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twitter buy nowTwitter users can now make purchases without ever leaving the social network. As part of the program, some Tweets from test partners including Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Dan+Shay and Hunter Hayes, will feature a “Buy” button, letting fans buy directly from the Tweet.
Users will get access to offers and merchandise they can’t get anywhere else and can act on them in the Twitter apps for Android and iOS. As of now, the service is mostly being used to sell merch, not music downloads.
After tapping the “Buy” button, users enter their shipping and payment information, which is then sent to the merchant for delivery. The user’s info is stored after the first transaction, so they can buy on Twitter in the future without having to re-enter it.
To build the technology, Twitter partnered with Fancy, Gumroad, Musictoday and Stripe as platforms for the initial test, with more partners to follow soon.
A wide variety of brands and artists are on board for the test, ranging from fashion (Burberry), to charities (The Nature Conservancy), to pop stars (Pharrell).

Katie Armiger Announces European Headlining Tour

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Country star Katie Armiger has announced her first-ever European headlining tour, “U.S. Girls With Guitars,” set to kick off Nov. 16 in Glascow. The tour will also feature guest Holly May.
Armiger is touring in support of her latest album, Fall Into Me, which was produced by Grammy winner Chad Carlson (Taylor Swift) and features Armiger’s collaborations with Nashville songwriters, including Blair Daly (Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw), Joe West (Toby Keith) and Bruce Wallace (Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry), among others.
“I’m so excited about taking my music overseas,” says Armiger. “It’s been a dream of mine for years!”
U.S. and international tour dates are as follows:
Sept. 6 – CountryStock Music Fest – Rainier, Ore.
Sept. 11 – First Responders Salute – Fayetteville, N.C.
Sept. 19 – Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill – St. Louis Park, Minn.
Sept. 24 – Rumba Cafe – Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 25 – Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill – Auburn Hills, Mich.
Sept. 26 – Musica – Akron, Ohio
Oct. 10 – Emens Auditorium – Muncie, Ind. (with Easton Corbin)
Nov. 8 – Indian River Firefighters Chili & Salsa Cook-Off -Vero Beach, Fla.
Nov. 16 – Oran Mor – Glasgow
Nov. 17 – Islington Assembly Hall – London
Nov. 18 – Birmingham Glee Club – Birmingham
Nov. 19 – Cluny 2 – Newcastle
Nov. 20 – Cambridge Junction – Cambridge
Nov. 24 – Loft Arts Centre – Liverpool