Daniel Miller
Music industry veterans
Daniel Miller and
Regina Stuve have launched Fusion Music, a new artist management and development company. The Fusion Music team includes Miller as CEO/managing partner and Stuve as EVP, Publicity & Marketing, along with
Brian Wolf (VP, Touring and Live Entertainment),
Emma Poliseno (Director, Digital & Social Media) and
Zach Sutton (Director, Artist Development).
Fusion Music’s current artist roster includes MCA recording artist
David Nail, recently signed Show Dog-Universal Music duo
Native Run and finalist from last season’s
The Voice,
Amber Carrington.
“As the industry shifts, so does the artist-manager relationship,” says Miller (CEO/managing partner). “In today’s rapidly changing music climate, it is increasingly difficult for one person to remain educated and effective in all areas. At Fusion Music, we have put together a dedicated team of specialists from the fields of publicity, marketing, digital/social media, live performance and artist development.”
Regina Stuve
Miller adds, “Our team will bring their unique experiences and expertise into a collective effort and we will be able to tailor a specific long-term plan for each act to reach their individual goals. We are not reinventing the wheel, we’re just changing out the spokes.”
While primarily serving the country music community, Fusion Music will be structured in a way through partnerships in other genres to allow for crossover opportunities both in the United States and internationally.
Stuve can be reached at
regina.stuve@fusionmusicmgmt.com or at 615-988-9010.
For more information, visit
fusionmusicmgmt.com.
Headliner Announced For New Year's Eve "Bash on Broadway"
/by Jessica NicholsonHank Williams, Jr.
The fifth annual Music City New Year’s Eve “Bash On Broadway” has revealed Hank Williams, Jr. as this year’s headliner. Music City will offer multiple days of free live music and Nashville’s own midnight Music Note Drop.
“Football, football and Hank! All our rowdy friends are staying over this year,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. “This may be the best end-of-year ‘mash-up’ we have ever had with the Titans, the SEC and Hank ringing in the New Year. Are you ready?”
“This year is going to be very special on New Year’s Eve,” says Hank Williams Jr. “December 31st will mark the 60th anniversary of daddy’s death. For years, I have not performed on New Year’s Eve in honor of my father, but this year is a monumental year in the history of Hank Williams. If daddy would have lived, he would have been 90 years old this year. I hope Music City is ready to boogie woogie, because Bocephus is going bring the party to Nashville.”
Sponsors of this year’s New Year’s Eve ‘Bash on Broadway’ include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Jack Daniel’s, Advance Financial 24/7 and McDonald’s.
CMA EDU Expands to Universities of Florida and Nebraska
/by Michael_Smith“With six official chapters, CMA EDU has the potential to reach nearly 170,000 college students,” said CMA Community Outreach Manager Matthew Seaton. “That is a substantial sampling of a very important demographic for the format.”
Several clubs held opening meetings in September, including the University of Central Florida, which enjoyed a performance by Uncle Kracker. Meanwhile, the University of Nebraska welcomed Dee Jay Silver to its inaugural meeting on Sept. 16. The University of Florida chapter will hold its inaugural meeting later this month and celebrate with a Luke Bryan concert ticket giveaway.
Events for the upcoming year include a speech by radio personality Bobby Bones at MTSU in October. Last night (Sept. 30) Billy Currington paid a visit to Belmont University.
Nashville chapters can also participate in an industry career shadow day in partnership with the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID). Students in the program will have opportunities to be involved in events, including the Country Radio Seminar, the Leadership Music Summit, PollStar LIVE, CMA Awards and CMA Music Festival.
For more information, visit cmaworld.com.
Prominent Entertainment/IP Attorney Joins Adams and Reese
/by Jessica NicholsonPhil Kirkpatrick
Adams and Reese LLP has hired entertainment and intellectual property/technology litigation attorney Phil Kirkpatrick for its Music Row office. Kirkpatrick, a local litigator since 1979, most recently worked with firm Dickinson Wright as special counsel.
Kirkpatrick will work with partners Linda Edell Howard and Lynn Morrow. He will also handle liability litigation and commercial litigation, though he is best known for his music industry work. Previous clients have included the estates of Harlan Howard and Tupac Shakur, entertainers Aretha Franklin and Dave Loggins, and Universal Music Group.
He has represented MCA Records in prosecuting claims for unauthorized use of sound recordings of artists Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells and copyright infringement of album cover artwork of Conway Twitty. Kirkpatrick earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee.
“Over the past 34 years, Phil has represented the interests of some of the more prominent artists, songwriters and music labels in the entertainment industry, and his background will bolster our intellectual property, entertainment and litigation practice areas,” said Brad Lampley, Partner in Charge of the Adams and Reese Nashville Office.
Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 340 attorneys and advisors located in 16 offices in 15 markets throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C.
Great American Country Unveils New Brand Identity
/by Jessica Nicholson“The re-imagined Great American Country marks a natural evolution for what was previously known as GAC,” said Burton Jablin, president of Scripps Networks. “We’ve long had a vision for this network to be an all-American lifestyle destination. Think of it as a love letter to America, with heart and soul. It represents how we as Americans live and celebrate.”
“This is a significant moment in the evolution of Great American Country” said Sarah Trahern, Sr. VP and GM of the network. “Our roots are in country music, and some of those ever-present themes woven throughout the genre – senses of patriotism, pride in our homes, our families and nation – in many ways embody our network’s spirit and will help guide our programming strategies going forward.”
As part of the brand evolution, the use of the former acronym has been changed to the use of the full title – Great American Country. Also, a new, bold red logo inspired by the American flag has been introduced; the new design was created by Los Angeles-based Big Block Design Group.
“It’s important for us to lead by clearly stating who we are and defining our position in the media landscape,” said Jennifer Leitman, Sr. VP, marketing and creative services for the network. “We’re celebrating America and want to wave that flag, which we’re actually doing through the playful, modern use of our new flag logo.”
The network is also working to include more lifestyle programming into its lineup, including recent programming such as Farm Kings, Kimberly’s Simply Southern, Celebrity Motorhomes and other programs. The October re-brand of Great American Country also marks the network’s debut in high definition – an improvement made in response to viewer and market demand.
'Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas' Coming in October
/by Michael_SmithBuddy Cannon produced the family’s album, which features guest performances by Alison Krauss, George Strait, Luke Bryan and Josh Turner. A video sneak peek has been made of the making of the album featuring Strait and Bryan.
To preorder the album and find out more, visit duckthehalls.com.
Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas Track Listing:
1. “Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas” (Willie Robertson)
2. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (Missy Robertson)
3. “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (Uncle Si Robertson)
4. “Christmas Cookies” (Phil Robertson and George Strait with Miss Kay)
5. “Away In A Manger” (Sadie Robertson with Alison Krauss, Luke 2: 8-14 Scripture Reading by Mia)
6. “Hairy Christmas” (Willie Robertson and Luke Bryan with Phil, Uncle Si, Jase, Jep)
7. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (Missy and Jase Robertson)
8. “Duck The Halls” (Robertson Family)
9. “Camouflage And Christmas Lights” (Reed Robertson)
10.“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Sadie Robertson and Robertson kids with Uncle Si)
11.“Night Before Christmas” (Uncle Si Robertson)
12.“Why I Love Christmas” (Missy Robertson with Josh Turner)
13.“Silent Night” (Robertson family)
14. Phil’s Prayer, Willie’s Closing
Industry Ink (9-30-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonProducer’s Chair founder James Rea stopped by the MusicRow offices on Friday, Sept. 27 to celebrate the seventh season of the Nashville program. During the visit, Rea met with MusicRow staff and presented a plaque to MusicRow Enterprise Owner Sherod Robertson commemorating the important role RowFax and MusicRow have played in the success of the monthly program.
Rea hosted his seventh anniversary event at Douglas Corner on Thursday (Sept. 26) with producer Mark Bright.
The Producer’s Chair monthly column runs exclusively on RowFax prior to the Douglas Corner program, which is held the last Thursday of the month with varying producers. MusicRow subsequently runs the column for subscribers-only.
Pictured (L-R): Eric Parker, MusicRow owner Sherod Robertson, Producer’s Chair founder James Rea.
James Rea visits with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Michael Smith, Eric Parker, Sherod Robertson, James Rea, Jessica Nicholson, Caitlin Rantala.
• • •
Songwriter Rich Karg has signed with Green Hills Music Group and Grin Like A Dog Songs for publishing. A native of Nashville, Karg is a former member of the Karg Brothers.
“Rich Karg is a delight to work with,” said Steve Mitchell, President of Grin Like A Dog Songs. “As a writer, he digs in deep for the substantial ideas, comes up with superb melodies, and is game to explore almost any musical direction you can think of. We are all the richer to have him on the team.”
Green Hills Music Group was founded in 2007 and has cuts by Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Jake Owen, Don Williams, Bucky Covington and Luke Bryan. Grin Like A Dog Songs has published songs recorded by Joe Nichols, Kassie DePaiva of ABC’s One Life to Live, Canadian artist Sean Hogan and Christian artist Suzzette Michaels.
Pictured (L to R): Leslie Mitchell (Grin Like A Dog Songs), Woody Bomar (Green Hills Music Group), Rich Karg, Steve Mitchell (Grin Like A Dog Songs).
• • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artists Thompson Square to its Los Angeles office recently. The ACM Vocal Duo of the Year and ACM staff celebrated the duo’s recent success, including the Gold RIAA certification for their recent single, “If I Didn’t Have You.”
Pictured (L-R): Bob Romeo, ACM CEO; Shawna Thompson; Keifer Thompson; Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
WKDF Launches New Morning Show With McFly, James, and Walls
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Cumulus station’s new team is on the air from 5:30-10 a.m. each morning, bringing celebrity and country news, local traffic and weather, and happenings from around the city to listeners.
“When the opportunity to do a fun, hip, plugged-in, conversational morning show on the station I have called home for so long was presented to me, it was too good to pass up,” said Walls. “I am in love with Nashville, I have a passion for country music, and I love keeping up with pop culture, so the opportunity to combine all of that and share it with listeners I have come to know and love over the last 13 years is a dream come true and a challenge that I am beyond excited to take on with Marty McFly, Stew James and our producer, Jeff Lyon.”
Avenue Bank Welcomes Music and Entertainment Division VP
/by Jessica NicholsonEllen May
Avenue Bank has welcomed Ellen May as a VP, Senior Relationship Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator in the Music and Entertainment Private Banking division. In addition to mortgage loans, she will also focus on all facets of business development, including consumer and commercial loans and deposits. May has more than 25 years of banking experience.
She most recently worked with SunTrust Bank’s Sports and Entertainment Division as a mortgage loan originator for the past 14 years.
“We are thrilled to have Ellen join our team, bringing her wealth of experience, relationships and commitment to client service. She is one of the most respected financial professionals in the music industry, and it is truly a pleasure to work with Ellen,” stated Ron Cox, Sr. VP and Director of Avenue’s Music & Entertainment Division.
May is an active member of the Tennessee Mortgage Bankers Association, the CMA, ACM, and NARAS. She is also involved in various volunteer efforts with her church as well as supporting many music industry events and activities.
William Morris Endeavor Signs Turner
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L to R): William Morris’ Lane Wilson, Doug Neff, Abby Baas and Rush Davenport; Columbia Nashville’s Leah Turner; William Morris’ Barrett Sellers and Risha Rodgers.
Columbia Nashville artist Leah Turner has inked with William Morris Endeavor for booking. Risha Rodgers will serve as her main point of contact along with Rob Beckham. Signed to Columbia in July 2013, Turner is releasing her debut single, “Take The Keys,” to radio on Oct. 7. She is managed by Morris Management’s Clint Higham.
MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann recently praised Turner’s “winning, confident vocal performance” on her debut single.
Daniel Miller, Regina Stuve Launch Fusion Music
/by Jessica NicholsonDaniel Miller
Music industry veterans Daniel Miller and Regina Stuve have launched Fusion Music, a new artist management and development company. The Fusion Music team includes Miller as CEO/managing partner and Stuve as EVP, Publicity & Marketing, along with Brian Wolf (VP, Touring and Live Entertainment), Emma Poliseno (Director, Digital & Social Media) and Zach Sutton (Director, Artist Development).
Fusion Music’s current artist roster includes MCA recording artist David Nail, recently signed Show Dog-Universal Music duo Native Run and finalist from last season’s The Voice, Amber Carrington.
“As the industry shifts, so does the artist-manager relationship,” says Miller (CEO/managing partner). “In today’s rapidly changing music climate, it is increasingly difficult for one person to remain educated and effective in all areas. At Fusion Music, we have put together a dedicated team of specialists from the fields of publicity, marketing, digital/social media, live performance and artist development.”
Regina Stuve
Miller adds, “Our team will bring their unique experiences and expertise into a collective effort and we will be able to tailor a specific long-term plan for each act to reach their individual goals. We are not reinventing the wheel, we’re just changing out the spokes.”
While primarily serving the country music community, Fusion Music will be structured in a way through partnerships in other genres to allow for crossover opportunities both in the United States and internationally.
Stuve can be reached at regina.stuve@fusionmusicmgmt.com or at 615-988-9010.
For more information, visit fusionmusicmgmt.com.