Cole Swindell
Winners of the 2014
MusicRow awards racked up nominations for the upcoming 48th annual CMA Music Awards, continuing a long-standing correlation between both industry-voted honors.
Hit songwriter-turned-Slate Creek Records artist
Brandy Clark, who was honored as
MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, scored a nomination in the CMA New Artist of the Year category, alongside
Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett and
Cole Swindell. Clark is also nominated in the Song of the Year category, for “Follow Your Arrow,” co-written with
Kacey Musgraves and
Shane McAnally.
“I’ve watched the CMA awards every year for as long as I can remember,” said Clark. “To be a nominee in both Song and New Artist is truly a thrill and a dream come true.”
Nicolle Galyon and
Cole Swindell who tied for
MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, also earned CMA Music Awards nominations. Galyon is up for CMA Song of the Year for co-writing
Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” with Lambert and
Natalie Hemby. Swindell was nominated for CMA Best New Artist.
MusicRow‘s 2014 Producer of the Year
Frank Liddell is nominated in the CMA Single of the Year category for producing “Automatic,” as well as the Album of the Year category, for producing Lambert’s RCA Records Nashville project
Platinum, alongside
Chuck Ainlay and
Glenn Worf.
The
MusicRow Awards, voted by subscribed industry members of the publication, are often a key predictor for select CMA Awards. Almost every year since 2006,
MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist winners also received the CMA New Artist/Horizon Award later the same year, including
Kacey Musgraves (2013),
The Band Perry (2011),
Zac Brown Band (2010),
Lady Antebellum (2008),
Taylor Swift (2007), and
Carrie Underwood (2006).
See coverage of the 2014 MusicRow
awards here.
Brandy Clark accepts her honor as MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, with Sarah Skates (L) and Sherod Robertson (R).
Nicolle Galyon performs her MusicRow CountryBreakout chart-topping hit “Automatic” at the 26th annual MusicRow awards. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
Organizational Leadership Changes at Cumulus Media
/by Jessica NicholsonCumulus will eliminate its Co-Chief Operating Officer positions, previously held by Jon Pinch and John Dickey. Pinch will retire in November, after more than 45 years in the broadcasting industry and 14 years with Cumulus.
John Dickey’s new role is Exec. VP of Content and Programming. He will focus on developing and maximizing content and programming, including content for Nash, Rdio, the Westwood One network, and more.
Steve Shaw has been named President of Westwood One, overseeing all national and digital sales for Westwood One, Cumulus’ station group, and Rdio. He joined Cumulus in early 2013 and served as head of national spot sales for Cumulus’ station group.
Cumulus has also engaged executive search firm Spencer Stuart to assist in filling the newly-created role of Exec. VP of Radio. This role will provide day-to-day operational and strategic leadership of Cumulus’ radio station group, consisting of 460 stations in 90 U.S. markets.
“Our vision has been to build the radio company of the future and that is exactly what we are achieving,” said Lew Dickey, Chairman, President and CEO of Cumulus Media. “Towards that end, we have strategically broadened the Company’s scope and now have in place differentiated distribution channels and multiple content development platforms. To accelerate our plans, we are putting in place a new organizational structure to reflect the Company’s strategic evolution, bringing clarity, focus and accountability to key leadership roles in both our station and network groups.”
Garth Brooks Debuts GhostTunes Music Service
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks today unveiled the beta launch of GhostTunes at www.ghosttunes.com, a full-service music store offering his music in digital format for the first time, as well as millions of major label songs across multiple genres.
For a limited time fans can download his entire catalog and upcoming projects for $29.99. The mega bundle includes all eight digitally updated studio albums, and the new double live 25th Anniversary Edition, including 30 songs and 30 videos.
As for new music, the bundle also includes an instant download of latest single “People Loving People,” and bonus track “Send ‘Em On Down The Road.” Other songs from Brooks’ upcoming album will automatically arrive in a user’s GhostTunes locker as they become available prior to the arrival of the complete digital album on Black Friday. Also included is his just-announced 2015 album.
GhostTunes offers current releases from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Big Machine Label Group. Artists and labels can choose to sell full albums, singles only or other configurations. Singles are available for 99 cents and $1.29.
Randy Bernard is CEO of GhostTunes. He joined the company after time as Chief Executive Office of Rural Media Group, Professional Bull Riders Association and INDYCAR.
GhostTunes enables fans to listen to their music from their personal “locker” immediately upon purchase, without having to download it to their device. Fans also can download their purchased content to play with the audio player of their choice.
“When I decided it was time to ‘go digital’ I didn’t find an existing way that really fit how I wanted to do it,” said Brooks. “I shared my dream with some amazing minds and together have created something really special – GhostTunes.”
Example of the current Country offerings on GhostTunes.
Underwood To Executive Produce Fox Series 'Two Black Cadillacs'
/by Jessica NicholsonUnderwood has teamed with Fox for Two Black Cadillacs, a six-hour limited event series based on Underwood’s song by the same title. Underwood will executive produce the project, which is now in development, with Jerry Bruckheimer, Ildy Modrovich, and Jonathan Littman, while KristieAnne Reed will co-executive produce.
The series, written by Modrovich, explores a murderous love triangle in the modern South.
Underwood, Modrovich and Bruckheimer TV are represented by CAA.
The hit single “Two Black Cadillacs” was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear, and was featured on Underwood’s 2012 album Blown Away.
Opry To Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Country Cares For St. Jude Kids
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley. Photo: Chris Hollo
Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley, Eric Paslay, and duo Maddie and Tae will help the Grand Ole Opry celebrate the 25th anniversary of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Paisley will close the show with a 30-minute set including music from his latest album, Moonshine In The Trunk. Maddie and Tae will be making their Opry debut that evening.
Photos and videos of special moments from 25 years of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids will be shared throughout the Opry performances. A St. Jude patient also will appear as a guest announcer during the show.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold beginning today (Sept. 4), will benefit the hospital. Tickets and packages are available at opry.com or by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY.
Phil Vassar Joins PLA Media
/by Eric T. ParkerPhil Vassar
PLA Media has welcomed Phil Vassar to the company’s Nashville roster of PR clients. President/CEO of PLA Media, Pam Lewis, oversees a roster of clients including Ashton Shepherd, Bryan White, Lynn Anderson, Ray Price, Scarletta, The Johnny Cash Museum, among others.
Originally from Lynchburg, Va., Vassar made his debut on Arista Nashville in the late ’90s. As an artist he has hit the Top 5 of the charts seven times, including “In A Real Love” and “Just Another Day in Paradise.”
As a songwriter Vassar earned No. 1 credits for Alan Jackson (“Right on the Money”) and Jo Dee Messina (“I’m Alright” and “Bye Bye”). Other chart-topping singles include Tim McGraw (“For A Little While,” “My Next Thirty Years”), Collin Raye (“Little Red Rodeo”) and David Nail (“The Sound of a Million Dreams”).
In 2012, Vassar released a 10-track Christmas album, Noel, in addition to his partnership with the Tennessee Titans. For more information and for updated concert appearances, visit www.philvassar.com.
Artist Pics: FGL, Josh Thompson, Hunter Hayes, Native Run
/by Kelsey_GradyFlorida Georgia Line surprise performance at Nashville’s Exit/In
This week, Florida Georgia Line surprised a small group of fans with a pop-up concert at Nashville’s Exit/In as part of CMT’s Instant Jam: Florida Georgia Line, premiering Saturday, Oct. 18.
FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley tweeted out an announcement to fans about their secret show earlier in the day, and by noon fans were lined up around the block from Exit/In to obtain their wristband. The packed show featured a set list of songs from their 2X Platinum debut Here’s To The Good Times, including “Stay,” “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here,” “This Is How We Roll” and debut single “Cruise.” Florida Georgia Line is the second act to stage an Instant Jam for CMT. Kenny Chesney performed his Instant Jam on Aug. 29 at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Ga.
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Pictured (L-R): Native Run’s Rachel Beauregard, Hunter Hayes, and Native Run’s Bryan Dawley
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Josh Thompson with contest winner Evan Masters
This weekend, Evan Masters, a soldier in the Minnesota Army National Guard, had the opportunity to share the stage with his favorite country artist, Josh Thompson. Masters was the winner of a contest held in April in which fans submitted a 15-second clip performing a cover of one of Josh’s songs on Instagram in order to win a chance to perform a song with him live.
Thompson himself chose the winner, and Masters picked Thompson’s Friday night show at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Denver to perform “You Ain’t Seen Country Yet” with him. Several of Masters’ hometown friends from Minnesota surprised him by flying to Denver to catch the performance, and spent time with Josh and his band on his bus following the show.
CMA Foundation Supports NYC Music Education
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Darius Rucker; Peter Pauliks, Education Through Music Dir. of Programs; Katherine Damkohler, Education Through Music Exec. Dir.; Little Big Town. Photo: Kevin Yatarola, CMA
The CMA Foundation donated $125,000 to benefit music education programs for New York City’s public school students through a partnership with Education Through Music (ETM), a non-profit provider of music education to NYC schools. The presentation of the grant was made yesterday (Sept. 3) during a press conference at the Best Buy Theater in New York to announce the final nominees for The 48th Annual CMA Awards.
To date, the CMA Foundation has awarded nearly $10 million to organizations that support music education across the United States. The funds are donated on behalf of the artists who support CMA Music Festival each June, meeting fans and performing for free.
Also while in New York City, CMA hosted a songwriting master class with music educators Tuesday morning at Joe’s Pub. More than 20 teachers participated in the class, featuring a Q&A session with CMA Board member and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bob DiPiero as he discussed the impact music education had on his creative development.
Bob DiPiero speaks to Education Through Music’s music educators during a songwriting master class hosted by CMA Tuesday morning at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Logan's Roadhouse to Serve Up Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum
/by Jessica NicholsonThe restaurant chain has partnered for a limited time Everlasting Summer promotion which features two salmon entrees that include a glaze made with Blue Chair Bay White Rum. Guests can also include a specialty drink made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, such as a Blackberry Mojito.
“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to be the first national restaurant chain to feature Kenny’s Blue Chair Bay Rum,” said Bob Kim, Logan’s Roadhouse vice president of marketing. “Kenny and our team at Logan’s don’t want the summer to end, so we’re extending the season with signature entrees and refreshing drinks in a casual, authentic roadhouse atmosphere.”
“Blue Chair Bay Rum was created to share with good friends, family and great food,” said Chesney. “We’re excited to team up with Logan’s as a way to extend everyone’s summer throughout 2014. Just because Labor Day‘s happened, there’s no reason for the summer to end…”
The Everlasting Summer promotion will extend through mid-November.
MusicRow Award Winners Among CMA Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell
Winners of the 2014 MusicRow awards racked up nominations for the upcoming 48th annual CMA Music Awards, continuing a long-standing correlation between both industry-voted honors.
Hit songwriter-turned-Slate Creek Records artist Brandy Clark, who was honored as MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, scored a nomination in the CMA New Artist of the Year category, alongside Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell. Clark is also nominated in the Song of the Year category, for “Follow Your Arrow,” co-written with Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally.
“I’ve watched the CMA awards every year for as long as I can remember,” said Clark. “To be a nominee in both Song and New Artist is truly a thrill and a dream come true.”
Nicolle Galyon and Cole Swindell who tied for MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, also earned CMA Music Awards nominations. Galyon is up for CMA Song of the Year for co-writing Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” with Lambert and Natalie Hemby. Swindell was nominated for CMA Best New Artist.
MusicRow‘s 2014 Producer of the Year Frank Liddell is nominated in the CMA Single of the Year category for producing “Automatic,” as well as the Album of the Year category, for producing Lambert’s RCA Records Nashville project Platinum, alongside Chuck Ainlay and Glenn Worf.
The MusicRow Awards, voted by subscribed industry members of the publication, are often a key predictor for select CMA Awards. Almost every year since 2006, MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist winners also received the CMA New Artist/Horizon Award later the same year, including Kacey Musgraves (2013), The Band Perry (2011), Zac Brown Band (2010), Lady Antebellum (2008), Taylor Swift (2007), and Carrie Underwood (2006).
See coverage of the 2014 MusicRow awards here.
Brandy Clark accepts her honor as MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, with Sarah Skates (L) and Sherod Robertson (R).
Nicolle Galyon performs her MusicRow CountryBreakout chart-topping hit “Automatic” at the 26th annual MusicRow awards. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
Industry Ink: ole, Big Machine Label Group, TFEMC
/by Jessica NicholsonErin Aldridge has been named the Vice President of Bankable Star Music Publishing.
“With our growing presence in the TV and film world along with our stable of world class music talent, it just makes sense to us to be in the elite content business. ole …is on a commendable growth trajectory. They have values that align well with our culture at Invictus Entertainment Group,” says Invictus Entertainment Group/Big Star Recordings president Jim Cressman. “Bankable Star Music Publishing will be where elite content and commerce converge and we could not be more proud of this new venture.”
Says Robert Ott, ole Chairman & CEO, “We look forward to a successful venture with the Invictus team who have shown themselves to be an exciting, entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. The scope of activities Invictus is active in is a natural fit for ole’s range of services and we look forward to supporting and adding to their success.”
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The label group will fill her position this fall, and will begin accepting applications next week.
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