Michael Powers
Bigger Picture Group (BPG) Chief Executive Officer
David Robkin and Chairman/Chief Creative Officer
Keith Stegall announced today (Jan. 7) that
Michael Powers has been promoted to President of the entire company.
Powers will oversee all aspects of the operation, including radio promotion, artist management, marketing, and sales. He previously served as President of Bigger Picture Artist Ventures, a division within the Bigger Picture Group.
“Michael has been instrumental in Bigger Picture Artist Ventures, as demonstrated with his success with Zac Brown Band, Chris Cagle, and Craig Campbell,” said Robkin. “He is the perfect choice for this role.”
“I thoroughly enjoy working with David, Keith, and the entire team at BPG and am excited to take on this expanded role,” added Powers. “We are working with some amazing talents and I look forward to helping them reach new heights.”
Additionally, Bigger Picture Group’s management team has bought out original investor Red Stripe Plane Group’s interest in the company.
Though BPG and marketing company Idea Den will no longer be associated through Red Stripe Plane Group, BPG will continue to use Idea Den’s services and platforms on behalf of its artists.
“This new arrangement is solely about narrowing our focus so that we can concentrate completely on our artists and help them build their careers,” said Robkin. “We want to thank Red Stripe Plane Group for helping us successfully launch BPG, and we wish them continued success. We are excited to continue working with Idea Den on ways to enhance our artists’ brands.”
In addition to Robkin, Stegall, and Powers, Bigger Picture Group executives include Bigger Picture Artist Ventures Executive Vice President/General Manager
Bob Cahill, Songs of Bigger Picture President
Alan Kates, and Chief Financial Officer
Glen Thomasson.
Grammy Awards Launch #TheWorldIsListening Campaign
/by Eric T. ParkerThe campaign, designed by The Recording Academy and six-year ad agency partner TBWA\Chiat\Day, is built around a website hosting music from emerging artists. The initiative also has print and TV commercials from artists Rihanna, the Kills, Kishi Bashi and Dam-Funk.
“This year’s campaign highlights the raw emotion and desire of the artist’s journey, and is amplified via social media in order to draw more music fans into an engaged music conversation,” said Evan Greene, Chief Marketing Officer of The Recording Academy.
All campaign materials feature the hashtag #TheWorldIsListening, a first for the organization.
The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS, Feb. 10, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
BBR Music Group Taps Two
/by Caitlin RantalaSteve Mekler
The BBR Music Group has hired Steve Mekler as Digital Marketing Manager for its Consumer & Marketing Department, and added Kevin Grace as Digital Media Coordinator for BBR Management.
In his new role, Mekler will be responsible for managing the social media strategy for all BBR artist and label accounts. He will creatively contribute, manage and execute digital marketing campaigns, as well as evaluate and analyze digital metrics for market research. As a recent graduate of Belmont University, Mekler spent the last eight months as the radio promotion and new media intern for BBR Music Group. Previously, he served as a marketing intern for Capitol Records Nashville.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have Steve joining our Consumer & Marketing Department. He has undoubtedly proven himself to be an incredible asset to the team, and I look forward to seeing the results of the work he will be doing firsthand,” says BBR Music Group VP New Media Lynette Garbonola.
Kevin Grace
“I cannot express enough how honored I am to be a part of this team as we enter what I feel will be a banner year for BBR Music Group. I had the privilege of starting at BBR as an intern and to this day continue learning from an incredible team of friends and mentors. I’m absolutely excited to continue attaining knowledge, while shouldering my experiences to the future opportunities here at BBR Music Group,” says Mekler.
In his new role, Grace will coordinate the digital presence and content for all BBR Management clients including Thompson Square, Parmalee, Kristy Lee Cook and Lindsay Ell. He is a graduate of MTSU and most recently served as an intern for Red Light Management. He also previously interned for manager Dave Love.
“Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm is a great fit with BBR Management,” said Stephen Linn, SVP, BBR Management. “Our artists do a great job staying connected with their fans and with Kevin’s help we’re excited about the new ideas and content fans will see from them.”
“I’m very excited to be joining the BBR Music Group family, and I’m looking forward to working with an already dynamic digital team,” says Grace.
Mekler and Grace’s positions are both effective immediately. Steve Mekler may be reached at steve@brokenbowrecords.com. Kevin Grace may be reached at kevin@bbrmgmt.com.
Lifenotes (1/7/2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerP.R. Battle
Singer/songwriter Paul Robert (P.R.) Battle passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 63 in Atlanta, GA. Born in Nashville, he began work in the ’70s, writing more than 200 songs published by Sony/ATV-Tree, the Universal Music Publishing Group, Irving Music, and others, according to his obituary. His own “Radio Loves You” was released on A&M Records. In lieu of flowers, his loved ones request contributions to the American Lung Association. A memorial service will be held Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Visitation will precede at 10:30.
• • •
Muriel Luteran
The mother of Sony/ATV Vice President of Creative Tom Luteran died on Dec. 18. Muriel Luteran was 89 year old and was buried Dec. 22 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Chester First Aid Squad (300 Main St., Chester, NJ 07930).
• • •
Sammy Johns
Singer/songwriter Sammy Johns died at the age of 66 on Jan. 4 at North Carolina’s Gaston Memorial Hospital. He wrote and recorded the ’75 hit “Chevy Vann,” and has writing credits on “Common Man” (John Conlee), “America” (Waylon Jennings), and “Desperado Love” (Conway Twitty). The funeral will be held at McLean’s Funeral Home in Belmont, NC on Wednesday (Jan. 9) at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
ASCAP Announces Creative Team, Appoints Director of Strategic Services
/by Sherod RobertsonLeAnn Phelan and Michael Martin
ASCAP adds Nashville music industry veteran Kele Currier as Director of Strategic Services. Currier’s appointment coincides with the elevation of Michael Martin and LeAnn Phelan to oversee ASCAP’s Nashville operations and lead the creative team of Mike Sistad, Ryan Beuschel, Robert Filhart, Evyn Mustoe and Anna Maki. Although Martin and Phelan have been working in this capacity for some time, this is the first official announcement of their expanded leadership roles.
“Michael and LeAnn have consistently proven their excellence as a creative resource to the Nashville community and their commitment to delivering exceptional service to ASCAP’s members,” says ASCAP Executive VP of Membership, Randy Grimmett. “We are excited to welcome Kele Currier, whose expertise in royalty collection and copyright administration will only enhance the outstanding level of service our Nashville team endeavors to provide.”
Kele Currier
Currier’s 19 years of industry experience includes copyright administration, licensing, and royalty collections for catalog acquisitions and administration clients. She joined Toronto-based ole as Director of Administration in 2010 and established the company’s first Nashville-based administration presence. Prior to joining ole, the Belmont graduate was recruited by ASCAP hit songwriter Craig Wiseman to help start his publishing administration company, Big Loud Bucks. Her business experience also includes copyright administration and licensing positions with several well-established local publishers, as well as, a four-year stint as audit manager for Integrated Copyright Group.
Currier is a board member of the Copyright Society of the South, and a member of SOURCE, and the CMA.
Top Country Tours of 2012
/by Sarah SkatesBrothers of the Sun
Eight country stars ranked on the Top 50 Worldwide Tours list, recently released by Pollstar and based on gross box office receipts for 2012. Leading the country set by a longshot is the Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney Brothers of the Sun package, which brought in 96.5 million to rank No. 7 on the overall list.
Madonna scored the No. 1 slot with a gross of $296.1 million, followed by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at No. 2 ($210.2 million), and Roger Waters at No. 3 ($186.4 million).
Combined gross receipts, ticket sales and ticket prices for the chart were slightly down from 2011, and way off from 2009’s robust touring year. Details here and complete Top 50 chart here.
Top Grossing Country tours
No. 7 Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney, 96.5 million
No. 24 Jason Aldean, 40 million
No. 28 Brad Paisley, 36.8 million
No. 32 Lady Antebellum, 35.7 million
No. 42 Zac Brown Band, 31.3 million
No. 43 Eric Church, 31.2 million
No. 47 Carrie Underwood, 29.2 million
No. 48 Rascal Flatts, 29.1 million
News Updates (1/7/13)
/by Sarah Skates• Sony Music and BMG could be back in bed. The New York Post reports the companies have re-teamed for an approximately $500 million bid for Universal Music Group’s Parlophone records, home to Kylie Minogue and The Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone is among the assets being divulged to satisfy antitrust regulators as part of Universal’s acquisition of EMI.
• Nashville Symphony has announced Monique Lhuillier as the featured designer for the Symphony Spring Fashion Show, taking place April 9, 2013, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Television personality Allison DeMarcus will host. Proceeds will assist the Nashville Symphony in reaching more than 250,000 children and adults through free music education programs and community concerts. A performer has not been announced, but past entertainers include Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town.
• Infinity Cat Records, the label owned by songwriter Robert Ellis Orrall and sons Jamin and Jake, plans to open a retail storefront this year.
• iHeartRadio’s latest offering allows users to create stations based on moods and activities. The “Perfect For” tool selects music that is “perfect for” cleaning, studying, working out, driving, etc.
Americana's Top Albums of the Year
/by MichelleThe Americana Music Association has announced its year-end Top 10 & Top 100 Albums of the Year. The Top 100 albums are based on those records reported to the Americana Airplay Chart during the period of November 15, 2011 through November 17, 2012.
JD McPherson’s album ranked No. 1 most played album for 2012 on the Americana Airplay chart.
This year’s Top Ten most played albums include:
1) JD McPherson, Signs And Signifiers/Rounder
2) Darrell Scott, Long Ride Home/Full Light
3) Rodney Crowell, KIN: Songs By Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell/Vanguard
4) Justin Townes Earle, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way… /Bloodshot
5) Little Willies, For The Good Times/Milking Bull/EMI
6) Willie Nelson, Heroes/Legacy
7) Lyle Lovett, Release Me/Lost Highway
8) Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Grifter’s Hymnal/Bordello Records
9) Old Crow Medicine Show, Carry Me Back/ATO
10) Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire / PAX-AM/Capitol
For the list of Top 100 albums visit americanamusic.org and click the link in the right column of the homepage.
Facelift Expected for Bridgestone Arena
/by Eric T. ParkerThe city’s investment is expected to take advantage of new foot traffic and parking spaces from the adjacent Music City Center when it opens this May.
Plans from the mayor’s office include updates to the 16-year-old arena exterior, replacing existing concrete structures with glass, and adding retail and restaurants along Demonbreun and Fifth Avenue.
“It’s like any building,” notes Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling of the arena in a report from The Tennessean. “You have to spend some money on it. You don’t want a building to look old and outdated when you have a billion dollars being spent right across the street and catty-corner to it.”
The news outlet additionally reports the arena’s original architectural firm, Kansas City-based Populous Inc., is in the process of designing the updates.
Plans are not expected to remove arena rehearsal space at Fifth and Demonbreun.
Changes will also come to the arena’s opposite side when the Metro Police Central Precinct vacates for a new building on Korean Veterans’ Boulevard. The opened space will allow for expansion initiatives inside the arena. Officials are reportedly working to establish private investment for the development.
The newly filed spending plan will first be voted on Jan. 15 by the council, after which the Metro Nashville Sports Authority would have to sign off on the arena changes.
This news comes on the heels of a collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and players, which is expected to end the hockey lockout.
Bigger Picture Group Promotes Michael Powers
/by Sarah SkatesMichael Powers
Bigger Picture Group (BPG) Chief Executive Officer David Robkin and Chairman/Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall announced today (Jan. 7) that Michael Powers has been promoted to President of the entire company.
Powers will oversee all aspects of the operation, including radio promotion, artist management, marketing, and sales. He previously served as President of Bigger Picture Artist Ventures, a division within the Bigger Picture Group.
“Michael has been instrumental in Bigger Picture Artist Ventures, as demonstrated with his success with Zac Brown Band, Chris Cagle, and Craig Campbell,” said Robkin. “He is the perfect choice for this role.”
“I thoroughly enjoy working with David, Keith, and the entire team at BPG and am excited to take on this expanded role,” added Powers. “We are working with some amazing talents and I look forward to helping them reach new heights.”
Additionally, Bigger Picture Group’s management team has bought out original investor Red Stripe Plane Group’s interest in the company.
Though BPG and marketing company Idea Den will no longer be associated through Red Stripe Plane Group, BPG will continue to use Idea Den’s services and platforms on behalf of its artists.
“This new arrangement is solely about narrowing our focus so that we can concentrate completely on our artists and help them build their careers,” said Robkin. “We want to thank Red Stripe Plane Group for helping us successfully launch BPG, and we wish them continued success. We are excited to continue working with Idea Den on ways to enhance our artists’ brands.”
In addition to Robkin, Stegall, and Powers, Bigger Picture Group executives include Bigger Picture Artist Ventures Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Cahill, Songs of Bigger Picture President Alan Kates, and Chief Financial Officer Glen Thomasson.
Grand Ole Opry To Make Debut At CRS 2013
/by Caitlin RantalaArtists confirmed to perform are Grand Ole Opry members Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Vince Gill along with Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery. Additional performers will be released in the coming weeks. The two-hour event will commence at 7 p.m., immediately following the annual CRS Artist/Attendee Welcome Reception. All CRS attendees can attend.
“Every week, the Grand Ole Opry showcases an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind mix of country music’s new stars, superstars, and legends for country music fans from around the world. We’re excited to deliver a special show featuring some of radio’s biggest current hit-makers who are also some of the most popular artists who visit our stage for all our friends in country radio when CRS returns to town next month,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher.
Bill Mayne, CRS Executive Director, notes “This marks the first time in the history of the seminar, which is over 40 years, that we welcome the Grand Ole Opry to our stage. It has been a long time coming, but will be well worth the wait. My thanks to Pete Fisher and the Opry staff for allowing me to present this show on the opening night of CRS 2013, as both events are such a great fit for each other.”