Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) members Daisy Mallory, Hannah Ellis and Luke Caccetta, along with NSAI Board member Mark Irwin, performed at the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday (April 30) as part of the NSAI Presents series.
Pictured (L-R): Mark Irwin, Daisy Mallory, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, NSAI Song Evaluations Manager Amanda Toney, Hannah Ellis, and Luke Caccetta.
• • •
SOURCE and Leadership Music recently welcomed K.T. Oslin as part of Leadership Music’s quarterly “Off The Record” series. Oslin was interviewed by MusicRow journalist Robert K. Oermann. The luncheon was held at Sambuca restaurant in Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): Denise Nichols (President of SOURCE), K.T. Oslin and Laurie Hughes (Hughes & Kessler Law Firm). Photo: Denise Fussell
• • •
The Music Business Association has partnered with the Country Music Association to program the 2014 Country Music Meetup, to be held May 8 during the Music Biz 2014 conference at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.
The event will feature members from Rdio, Made In Network, Nielsen Entertainment, Shazam and the CMA to discuss today’s Country music consumer and how Country music is accessed on physical, digital and mobile formats. Among those taking part are Emily Cohen (Rdio), Kevin Grosch (Made In Network), Eric Zino (Shazam), Karen Stump (CMA) and Julianne Schiffer (Nielsen Entertainment).
“Over the years, we’ve found that Country fans are often misunderstood when it comes to their lifestyles and format choices, and we’re looking forward to setting the record straight with this Country Meetup,” said Damon Whiteside, Sr. VP of Marketing and Partnerships at the CMA. “Music Biz as an organization has always been incredibly supportive of Country Music, and we’re happy they chose to spotlight it this year at their convention.”
For admission information, visit countrymusicmeetup.eventbrite.com.
• • •
The classic music industry book Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business is being re-released as a newly expanded edition on May 5, with a new chapter including events that occurred since it first debuted in 1990. The new edition includes the tale of music industry stalwart Steve Popovich‘s battle with Sony over royalties from Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell album, which Billboard previewed. Popovich was head of Mercury Records from 1986-1988, where he signed Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Lynn Anderson, Billy Swan, Johnny Paycheck and others.
Popovich retired to Murfreesboro, Tenn. and died at his home on June 8, 2011, at age 68.
United Record Pressing Expanding With Second Nashville Facility
/by Jessica NicholsonDue to the uptick in demand, United Record Pressing, LLC, will open a new expanded facility located at 451-481 Allied Drive in Nashville. The 142,000-square-foot facility will allow United to bring more presses online and increase their capacity, while streamlining the processes.
The company’s current 65,000-square-foot facility includes two buildings, and 22 presses. They hope to gain an additional 16 presses in the second facility this year.
United’s current location at 453 Chestnut Street produces between 30,000 to 40,000 records per day. The company was established in 1949, and has been operating in the same location since 1962, when they pressed the first Beatles 7″ record in America, as well as many Motown classics.
“We are proud to be making this investment in the Nashville community and appreciative of all the support we have received. We are excited to build upon our great heritage and continue to manufacture innovative, high-quality vinyl records in the USA,” noted Mark Michaels, United’s CEO.
Americana Music Association Introduces Americanafest NYC
/by Jessica NicholsonThe week of free summer concerts in NYC will include appearances and/or performances from Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Robert Ellis, Tift Merritt, Cassandra Wilson, The Campbell Brothers, Devil Makes Three, Rosanne Cash, The Lone Bellow, Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale, Music Makers Blues Review, Bobby Patterson, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and others.
Films and symposiums will also be featured in the series, including showings of The Campbell Brothers: A Sacred Steel Love Supreme as well as Heroes of American Roots: From the Historic Films Archives.
All events are free with no tickets required (unless otherwise noted). Events take place on NYC’s Lincoln Center’s Plazas between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, from West 62nd Street to West 65th Street (except where noted).
A full calendar of events is provided below.
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6
7:30 pm
Damrosch Park Bandshell
Americanafest NYC
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
Robert Ellis
THURSDAY, Aug. 7
7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Tift Merritt with Eric Heywood
FRIDAY, Aug. 8
Americanafest NYC
7:30 pm
Damrosch Park Bandshell
Cassandra Wilson
The Campbell Brothers: A Sacred Steel Love Supreme (World Premiere; 50th anniversary celebration of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme commissioned by Lincoln Center Out of Doors)
Featuring visuals by Brock Monroe, Joshua Light Show collaborator
SATURDAY, Aug. 9
Americanafest NYC
1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center Amphitheater
Heroes of American Roots: From the Historic Films Archives
1:30 pm
Hearst Plaza
TBA
The Devil Makes Three
TBA
6:00 pm
Damrosch Park Bandshell
Rosanne Cash
The Lone Bellow
Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale
SUNDAY, Aug. 10
Americanafest NYC
1:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Symposium
Heroes of Americana: From the Historic Film Archives introduced by Joe Lauro
Talkin’ Blues: Music Makers Relief Foundation’s Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Ironing Board Sam and Tim Duffy in conversation with Dom Flemons.
5:00 pm
Damrosch Park Bandshell
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
St. Paul & the Broken Bones
Bobby Patterson
Music Maker Blues Revue*
Featuring Dom Flemons, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Ironing Board Sam
Presented in association with the Music Maker Relief Foundation
*Related Exhibition
We are the Music Makers
July 9–August 29, 2014
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
Corridor Gallery
Exhibition Hours: 12–8 Monday and Thursday; 12–6 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.
3 Ring Circus Music Signs Adam James
/by Jessica NicholsonJeffrey Steele‘s 3 Ring Circus Music has signed singer-songwriter Adam James. The Loami, Ill. native moved to Nashville in 2010. He is currently recording with Steele and 3 Ring Circus writer-producer Brandon Hood.
Pictured (Back row, L-R): BMI Executive Director Bradley Collins, 3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele, Franklin Publishing & Management President Darrell Franklin, Almon Law senior associate Noah McPike and BMI Vice President Jody Williams. Singer-songwriter Adam James (center).
Weekly Chart Report (5/2/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonBlake Shelton, Rihanna Among 2014 iHeartRadio Award Winners
/by Jessica NicholsonBlake Shelton at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: Brian Friedman for iHeartRadio
Blake Shelton brought home another trophy for his awards shelf Thursday night (May 1) at the inaugural 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” was honored as Best Country Song. The popular hit was penned by Craig Wiseman, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins. Shelton performed his current single, “Doin’ What She Likes,” during the broadcast.
R&B artist Rihanna was the major winner of the evening, earning awards for Best Hip-Hop/R&B Song (“Pour It Up”), Song of the Year (“Stay,” featuring Mikky Ekko), Artist of the Year, and Best Fan Army (Rihanna Navy). Teen pop star Lorde earned Best New Artist, while Ariane Grande won the Young Influencer honor.
Among the Nashville artists and personalities attending the show were Luke Bryan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nashville actor Sam Palladio, and radio personality Bobby Bones.
A full list of iHeartRadio Music Award winners is below.
BEST HIP-HOP/R&B SONG
Rihanna, “Pour It Up”
BEST COLLABORATION
Pitbull feat. Kesha, “Timber”
BEST LYRICS
Miley Cyrus, “Wrecking Ball”
BEST NEW ARTIST
Lorde
BEST FAN ARMY
Rihanna Navy
BEST INSTAGRAM
Austin Mahone
YOUNG INFLUENCER
Ariane Grande
BEST ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONG
Imagine Dragons, “Demons”
SONG OF THE YEAR
Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko, “Stay”
BEST COUNTRY SONG
Blake Shelton, “Boys ‘Round Here”
BEST EDM SONG
Avicii, “Wake Me Up”
INNOVATOR AWARD
Pharrell
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Rihanna
Big Yellow Dog Signs Guerreso, Hires DeVries
/by Jessica NicholsonClaire Guerreso
Singer-songwriter Claire Guerreso has signed with Big Yellow Dog Music. The Colorado native previously released three albums under the name The Little Bear, with Plastic 350 Records/Infinity Cat Records, with producer Robert Ellis Orrall. Most recently, her original song “Hide and Seek” was featured in the first season of CW series Reign.
Additionally, Big Yellow Dog Music has hired Devon DeVries as VP, Create-Film & TV/A&R. DeVries is a former professional wrestler and previously worked as Creative Director at Essential Publishing-PMG/Sony Music Entertainment. DeVries has worked in the Los Angeles offices of Paramount Pictures TV Music, as well as Extreme/Sony ATV.
Devon DeVries
“Devon’s unmatched enthusiasm rounds out our BYD team. He compliments our collective passion for songs and songwriters,” says Carla Wallace, BYD’s President and co-owner.
OakPoint Purchases Music Circle Property For $1.35 Million
/by Jessica Nicholson2 Music Circle South, Nashville
OakPoint Real Estate has purchased the property located at 2 Music Circle S. for $1.35 million. The seller is listed as New Life International. The property includes a 9,118-square-foot office building, which has undergone renovations in recent years.
“We are enthusiastic about this investment in a quality property in a very dynamic and exciting location,” said Justin Albright, OakPoint principal. “The building will represent a long-term investment property for OakPoint, which plans to manage and lease the asset.”
ASCAP Expo Welcomes Hit Writers, Publishers
/by Sarah SkatesDesmond Child and John Stamos on April 26, 2014 in Hollywood.
Photos by PictureGroup
The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO was held April 24-26 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The conference for songwriters, composers and producers of all genres of music, hosted speakers including Jimmy Jam, Dr. Luke and ASCAP’s Paul Williams. Master Sessions featured Jermaine Dupri, Amy Grant and more.
Desmond Child, who has hits by Katy Perry, Meatloaf, Bon Jovi, KISS and many others, was interviewed by John Stamos on the Brought In for Questioning panel. Child’s advice to those in the audience: “Understand what it means to be an artist, and try to find what you can give before you can get.”
Country Feedback panelists Joe Fisher, Jimmy Robbins and Michael Knox
SONGS Music Publishing’s Tom DeSavia moderated the Getting Creative: How Publishers and Writers Work Together panel featuring Sony/ATV’s Jennifer Knoepfle, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, BMG’s Andrew Gould, Universal Music Publishing’s Jessica Rivera and Warner/Chappell’s Greg Sowders. The session addressed the changing role of the publisher, the importance of writing songs that listeners find relatable, and songwriters staying focused.
LeAnn Phelan, the Senior Director of ASCAP in Nashville, led a Country Feedback panel featuring UMG Nashville A&R exec Joe Fisher, producer Michael Knox and hit writer Jimmy Robbins.
Backstage at the Getting Creative panel (l-r): Greg Sowders, Jessica Rivera, Chris Farren, Jennifer Knoepfle, Tom DeSavia, Andrew Gould
ASCAP Nashville songwriter Shane McAnally also took part in the Expo’s closing “The Writers Jam” performance panel.
Pictured (L-R): Beth Orton, Shane McAnally, Julie Frost, Crystal Nicole and Desmond Child.
Performer Lineup Announced For Billy Block Fundraiser
/by Jessica NicholsonBilly Block
Play One For Billy, a fundraiser and tribute to longtime Nashville music industry member Billy Block, has released its lineup of performers. The event will take place Sunday, May 4 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at The Listening Room in Nashville. Block is being treated for stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
The lineup includes Billy Adams, Al Anderson, Ella Mae Bowen, Ryan Broshear, Gary Burr, Chase Bryant, Aaron Eshuis, Feed The Birds, Wade Hayes, Kristen Kelly, Matt McGinn, Brittany McLamb, Buddy Miller, Logan Mize, Muddy Magnolias, Danny Myrick, Gary Nicholson, The Other Brother, Marc Scibilia, Striking Matches and others.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and a $5 minimum donation is requested upon entry.
Billy and his family will be in attendance as the final band of the night (The Other Brother) will feature two of his sons (Rocky & Grady Block), to be introduced by Billy Block himself. The event is hosted by YEP Nashville, Crush Music and I.R.S. Records Nashville.
Industry Ink (5/1/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) members Daisy Mallory, Hannah Ellis and Luke Caccetta, along with NSAI Board member Mark Irwin, performed at the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday (April 30) as part of the NSAI Presents series.
Pictured (L-R): Mark Irwin, Daisy Mallory, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, NSAI Song Evaluations Manager Amanda Toney, Hannah Ellis, and Luke Caccetta.
• • •
SOURCE and Leadership Music recently welcomed K.T. Oslin as part of Leadership Music’s quarterly “Off The Record” series. Oslin was interviewed by MusicRow journalist Robert K. Oermann. The luncheon was held at Sambuca restaurant in Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): Denise Nichols (President of SOURCE), K.T. Oslin and Laurie Hughes (Hughes & Kessler Law Firm). Photo: Denise Fussell
• • •
The event will feature members from Rdio, Made In Network, Nielsen Entertainment, Shazam and the CMA to discuss today’s Country music consumer and how Country music is accessed on physical, digital and mobile formats. Among those taking part are Emily Cohen (Rdio), Kevin Grosch (Made In Network), Eric Zino (Shazam), Karen Stump (CMA) and Julianne Schiffer (Nielsen Entertainment).
“Over the years, we’ve found that Country fans are often misunderstood when it comes to their lifestyles and format choices, and we’re looking forward to setting the record straight with this Country Meetup,” said Damon Whiteside, Sr. VP of Marketing and Partnerships at the CMA. “Music Biz as an organization has always been incredibly supportive of Country Music, and we’re happy they chose to spotlight it this year at their convention.”
For admission information, visit countrymusicmeetup.eventbrite.com.
• • •
Popovich retired to Murfreesboro, Tenn. and died at his home on June 8, 2011, at age 68.