Scott Metko
has joined
LandStar Entertainment to oversee operations and artist management, development and promotions.
Prior to LandStar, Metko spent 14 years with Spectrio, one of the nation’s leading full-service audio and video marketing companies. Through business development at Spectrio, he was responsible for securing nationwide relationships with Life Time Fitness and Bridgestone Americas Inc., and regional accounts such as Star Physical Therapy and ONIN Staffing.
Currently, Metko is the touring and recording drummer for
David Ball, an artist he also manages. He also appears regularly on ABC’s
Nashville as the on-screen drummer for “Rayna Jaymes” (
Connie Britton).
LandStar Entertainment, home to Texas country singer/songwriter
Adam Fears and pop/folk singer/songwriter
Shane Piasecki, combines record label, in-house artist management and multi-media production.
• • •
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund has appointed Kim Roberts Hedgpeth as Administrator of the Fund, which collects and distributes residuals to musicians in the motion picture and television industry. The announcement was made jointly by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
As fund administrator, Roberts Hedgpeth will be responsible for determining fund policy, overseeing operations, and ensuring that the Fund meets its obligations under the collective bargaining agreement. Roberts Hedgpeth will become Fund Administrator on May 1, 2014, replacing Dennis Dreith, who is leaving after 14 years of service to head the AFM-SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund.
• • •
Renee Grant-Williams
Vocal coach
Renee Grant-Williams, who has helped craft the voices of
Miley Cyrus, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, and
Linda Ronstadt, is presenting a one-day vocal seminar to vocalists of all ages, and vocal experience. Beyond The Basics: Short Cuts For Savvy Singers will be held Saturday, May 3, at Soundcheck Rehearsal Studios in Nashville, TN. The daytime portion of the class will run from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
During the evening performance portion of the seminar, which begins at
7:30 pm, all attendees will get the chance to perform individually and receive written critiques by music industry professionals. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
The cost is $299 for both the day class and evening performance showcase. Admittance for the seminar may be purchased via Grant-Williams’ website,
myvoicecoach.com, or by phone: 615-244-3280.
• • •
Platinum selling Producer and Grammy nominated engineer Mickey Jack Cones kicked off his ACM weekend by proposing to longtime girlfriend Shannon Harvey. Cones popped the question on Friday, April 4 while hiking the Grand Canyon during their trip to Las Vegas for the 49th Academy of Country Music Awards. The now-engaged couple dated for several years during which Cones has worked with artists such as Joe Nichols, Dustin Lynch, and Jason Aldean. A wedding date is said to be announced later this year.
Mickey Jack Cones and Shannon Harvey
Book Signings By Josh Turner and Jim Rooney
/by Sarah SkatesReleasing nationwide April 29 with Thomas Nelson, an imprint of Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Man Stuff shares stories Turner has learned over the years as a son, brother, friend, husband and father.
• • • •
Rooney’s five-decade career includes time as a performer, concert promoter, songwriter, music publisher, engineer, and record producer. He worked at the Newport Folk Festival when Bob Dylan “went electric” and moved to Nashville in the 1970s where he worked with John Prine, Iris Dement, Nanci Griffith and Hal Ketchum.
Auditions For ABC's New Singing Competition
/by Sarah SkatesOn Rising Star, the audience has the final say in real time. The show follows a group of aspiring singers as they perform live. During the performances, viewers vote in real time via an app to determine if the singer will advance in the competition. If the voting reaches a certain threshold, the performer moves on. In addition, the performer can see how the voting is going throughout the performance, so the feedback is immediate and dramatic.
Aspiring singers are encouraged to visit www.abc.com/risingstar more information on the audition process. Solo vocalists, duos and vocal groups (up to five members) can register to audition in person, online or via Instagram. Nominations for a friend or family member are also accepted.
Based on a hit show from Israel, the U.S. series is helmed by executive producers Ken Warwick (American Idol) and Nicolle Yaron (The Voice).
Artist Updates (4/10/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonGranger Smith
Country music artist Granger Smith’s notorious ‘country-boy’ alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., will be making waves on national TV as a regular cast member on CMT’s new viral video countdown show FNA USA, which premieres tonight at 10 P.M. ET/ 9 P.M CT. Produced by Juma Entertainment, FNA USA will explore various pop culture trends and viral sensations to which Dibbles will lend his blunt commentary.
The show will debut with six one-hour episodes. Earl Dibbles Jr. made his national TV debut in the Fall of 2013 when he landed his own weekly segment on CBS Sports Network’s Inside College Football Live.
In addition to the new television gig, Granger is partnering with The Boot Campaign (501c3) again to support our troops by walking 100-miles in combat boots. Granger personally founded the 100-Mile Boot Walk and the 4th Annual Boot Walk will take place on May 4-8, 2014.
• • •
Natalie Stovall and The Drive’s debut album, produced by GRAMMY winner Paul Worley (The Band Perry, Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum), is expected this fall.
• • •
Tenth Avenue North
Tenth Avenue North has been making the 10th day of every month a special day for fans. Starting in January, the band released a deluxe version of The Struggle, debuted a new video journal, hosted online chats and celebrated selling their one millionth record.
This month’s special feature is a live broadcast from Nashville’s Blackbird Studios starting at 9:10 A.M. CST on April 10 while the band records their new album. The band will also do a Q&A on Facebook at 3:10 p.m. with fans.
Streaming Services Put iTunes In A Slump
/by Sarah SkatesWith a downturn in download sales, Apple is also losing its sway over labels. Instead, streaming providers such as Pandora and Spotify have growing influence with the record companies.
As reported in yesterday’s (April 9) “Weekly Register” column, available only to MusicRow member subscribers, track downloads are down 13.4 percent year over year.
To keep up with the changing times, Apple is reevaluating its music services, including the possibility of launching an iTunes store for the growing number of Google Android devices, or offering on-demand streaming.
iTunes is still the go-to spot for paid downloads, with a 90 percent hold on the market.
MTSU Honors Michael Knox, Margaret Comeaux
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Michael Knox and Beverly Keel, chair of the Department of Recording Industry. Photo: Andy Heidt
Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Mass Communication celebrated students past and present with its recent Wall of Fame alumni induction ceremony. CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and record producer Michael Knox were among 75 fellow mass communications leaders on the college’s Wall of Fame.
Comeaux, who is Sr. Director of Music and Events Production for CMT, oversees the creation, development and production of music and live-event specials for the network. The 1995 MTSU graduate serves as executive producer in charge of the annual CMT Music Awards, the critically acclaimed CMT Crossroads series and CMT Artists of the Year.
Music producer Knox has worked with some of the biggest names in Country music, but is perhaps best known for his production work with Jason Aldean. Along with forming a production management company, Music Knox, with three of his clients, Knox, a 2001 MTSU graduate, also serves as Sr. Creative Director for peermusic Group in Nashville.
The Wall of Fame honor began in 2000 as a way to honor successful mass communication graduates and to inspire current students to continue working toward their goals.
Pictured (L-R): Billy Pittard, chair of the Department of Electronic Media, and Margaret Comeaux. Photo: Andy Heidt
Industry Ink (4/10/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonScott Metko
Scott Metko has joined LandStar Entertainment to oversee operations and artist management, development and promotions.
Prior to LandStar, Metko spent 14 years with Spectrio, one of the nation’s leading full-service audio and video marketing companies. Through business development at Spectrio, he was responsible for securing nationwide relationships with Life Time Fitness and Bridgestone Americas Inc., and regional accounts such as Star Physical Therapy and ONIN Staffing.
Currently, Metko is the touring and recording drummer for David Ball, an artist he also manages. He also appears regularly on ABC’s Nashville as the on-screen drummer for “Rayna Jaymes” (Connie Britton).
LandStar Entertainment, home to Texas country singer/songwriter Adam Fears and pop/folk singer/songwriter Shane Piasecki, combines record label, in-house artist management and multi-media production.
• • •
As fund administrator, Roberts Hedgpeth will be responsible for determining fund policy, overseeing operations, and ensuring that the Fund meets its obligations under the collective bargaining agreement. Roberts Hedgpeth will become Fund Administrator on May 1, 2014, replacing Dennis Dreith, who is leaving after 14 years of service to head the AFM-SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund.
• • •
Renee Grant-Williams
Vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams, who has helped craft the voices of Miley Cyrus, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, and Linda Ronstadt, is presenting a one-day vocal seminar to vocalists of all ages, and vocal experience. Beyond The Basics: Short Cuts For Savvy Singers will be held Saturday, May 3, at Soundcheck Rehearsal Studios in Nashville, TN. The daytime portion of the class will run from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
During the evening performance portion of the seminar, which begins at 7:30 pm, all attendees will get the chance to perform individually and receive written critiques by music industry professionals. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
The cost is $299 for both the day class and evening performance showcase. Admittance for the seminar may be purchased via Grant-Williams’ website, myvoicecoach.com, or by phone: 615-244-3280.
• • •
Platinum selling Producer and Grammy nominated engineer Mickey Jack Cones kicked off his ACM weekend by proposing to longtime girlfriend Shannon Harvey. Cones popped the question on Friday, April 4 while hiking the Grand Canyon during their trip to Las Vegas for the 49th Academy of Country Music Awards. The now-engaged couple dated for several years during which Cones has worked with artists such as Joe Nichols, Dustin Lynch, and Jason Aldean. A wedding date is said to be announced later this year.
Mickey Jack Cones and Shannon Harvey
Lee Ann Womack Inks Deal With Sugar Hill/Welk Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Cliff O’Sullivan – Sugar Hill General Manager and Senior Vice President, Frank Liddell – Producer, Lee Ann Womack, Kevin Welk – Welk Music Group President, Enzo DeVincenzo – Manager, Dan Sell – Welk Music Group General Manager
Lee Ann Womack has found a new label home with Sugar Hill Records/Welk Music Group. The Country chanteuse has a new project slated for release in September; the project will be helmed by Womack’s husband, Frank Liddell. A single will be released this summer.
Womack previously recorded for MCA Nashville.
“My wife is one of the greatest country singers ever, but she’s also a vocalist who bring things out of songs you never realized was there,” Liddell says. “It’s unusual for the musicians to not just want, but to shape their performances to the vocalist during tracking, but for this project… That’s just what some of the best players in the world did. To have a singer who can get on the floor with the players and function as an equal with the musicians, it was an amazing thing to see. Watching what happened during these sessions was one of those moments when you realize what music really can contain.”
Liddell is known for his work with Womack, Miranda Lambert and Pistol Annies, among other artists. Liddell produced tracks on Womack’s projects I Hope You Dance (2000), and Something Worth Leaving Behind (2002). For the upcoming project, Womack is working with drummer Matt Chamberlin, guitarist Duke Levine, guitarist/pianist Mac McAnally, steel player Paul Franklin and others. Among the writers on the project are Neil Young, Buddy Miller, Hayes Carll, Mindy Smith and Roger Miller.
“If there’s one thing about this record that really stands out,” adds Womack, “it’s that all the songs come from writers who are artists. Every song was written for the writer to sing, and as someone who loves and listens to music, it’s a very different reality to cut songs that were written with intention from an artist’s perspective, to try and invest in what they’ve lived so eloquently.”
[Updated]: LifeNotes: Gary Haber
/by Jessica NicholsonGary Haber
[Updated, April 9, 2014 @ 5:26 p.m.]
Respected business manager and accountant Gary Haber died April 7, 2014 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 68. Haber is survived by his wife, Sherri, Katelyn Haber (daughter), Spencer Haber (son), Lauren Haber-Mendoza (daughter), and Randal Haber (son), Brooklyn Mendoza (granddaughter) and Phoenix Mendoza (grandson).
Funeral services will be Friday, April 11, 2014 at 2 PM at Mt. Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries located at 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93063.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that memorial donations be sent to:
ACM Lifting Lives
5500 Balboa Blvd.
Encino, CA. 91316
www.acmliftinglives.org
TJ Martell Foundation
15053 Ventura Blvd, Suite 206
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
www.tjmartell.org
• • •
[Original post, April 9, 2014 @ 9:43 a.m.]
Additional reporting by Sarah Skates.
Respected business manager and accountant Gary Haber died April 7, 2014 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 68.
His superstar client list has included Carrie Underwood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Julianne Hough, Peter Frampton, Joe Cocker, screenwriter Les Bohem, and numerous others. The Haber Corporation was established in Encino, Calif., in 1977.
His Nashville branch was opened in 1990. Haber was an active member of the music industry on both coasts. The company expanded again in 2000 to better respond to the global market by joining forces with Mark Robertson to open Loire Valley-based Haber & Robertson International, LLC.
He served on the boards of directors for Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies, ACM, and ACM Lifting Lives, where he was a past president. An advocate for uniting the worlds of music, film and TV across the country, he was a founder and president of the Nashville Screenwriters Conference.
With a reach beyond entertainment, Haber also worked as CFO of the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, and was part-owner and CFO of Nashville hot spot Music City Tippler.
He was a strong supporter of the charitable endeavors of MusiCares and the TJ Martell Foundation, and was a longtime member of CMA, NARAS and American Institute of CPAs. Haber was a graduate of Long Island University.
His company, The Haber Corporation, also has a Paris office.
Artist Updates (4/9/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonBen Folds
The Nashville Ballet will highlight two 20th century masterpieces – Serenade and Petite Mort – with a world premiere from multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Ben Folds and the Nashville Symphony, to create The Ben Folds Project, which will run May 2-4 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall.
Folds debuted the music from his piano concerto with the Nashville Symphony March 13-15, but will combine it with choreography from Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling in May. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at nashvilleballet.com.
• • •
Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me, produced and directed by James Keach (producer of Walk The Line) and produced by Trevor Albert, will make its world premiere at the 2014 Nashville Film Festival on April 18. The film is a portrayal of the life and career of Glen Campbell.
In 2011, Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Campbell and wife Kim went public with the diagnosis. What was supposed to be a brief three-week “Goodbye Tour” became a 151-show nationwide tour.
The film features Campbell’s friends and colleagues, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gil, Jimmy Web, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many others. Rare vintage footage and new performances from the singer-songwriter portray Glen and his family living each moment in the present while preparing for the future, while performing his songs audience-filled venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.
• • •
Saturday (April 5) marked the launch of the syndicated radio show, “The Country Club with Dee Jay Silver,” and RCA Nashville artist Dee Jay Silver celebrated the occasion in Las Vegas with multiple appearances, among them The Country Club Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, where Silver hung out with fellow artist Jason Aldean.
Pictured (L-R): Dee Jay Silver, Jason Aldean
• • •
NASH FM 94.7’s Jesse Addy hosted a special performance last night (April 7) from Martina McBride at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Martina celebrated the release of her new album by performing songs from Everlasting to a crowd of fans who learned about the show by listening to NASH FM 94.7 – “America’s Country Station,” and waited in line Wednesday afternoon to catch the performance.
Pictured (L-R): Jesse Addy, Martina McBride
SESAC Promotes Jungmichel to Sr. VP Role
/by Jessica NicholsonScott Jungmichel
SESAC has promoted Scott Jungmichel to Sr. VP, Royalty Distribution & Research Services. Formerly vice president for the department, Jungmichel will be responsible for the planning, organizing and directing of the operations of the Royalty Distribution & Research Services department. Jungmichel will also oversee department functions including content registration and optimization, royalty administration, A/V client services and research & analysis.
“Scott Jungmichel is a highly effective and intuitive executive with deep knowledge in all matters related to Royalty Distribution and Research Services,” said Pat Collins, SESAC’s President/COO. “Scott has played an integral part in our dynamic growth and success. I look forward to his continuing to play an important role in SESAC’s Senior Management as we guide this company to greater heights in the PRO community.”
Jungmichel began his career with SESAC in 1993 as a Coordinator in the Licensing Administration department, before becoming the Foreign Royalties Administrator in 1994 and Manager, International Royalties & Documentation in 1995. He worked in the Royalty Distribution & Research Services department as Manager, Director & Sr. Director before being named Associate VP in 2006, In 2011, Jungmichel was promoted to VP, Royalty Distribution & Research Services, a position he held until his recent appointment. Jungmichel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University with degrees in Music Business & Management.