Sony/ATV Acquisition of EMI Music Publishing Leads To Reorganization

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Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s recent purchase of EMI Music Publishing has resulted in company-wide restructuring. Troy Tomlinson, who heads Sony/ATV’s Nashville operations as Pres./CEO, will lead the newly combined local team.

Unofficially, MusicRow has learned that Tom Luteran will be among the staffers continuing on with the company. He has been with EMI for a decade and serves as EMI’s Vice President of A&R.

Five EMI staffers exited yesterday (7/10). Among the lay-offs is A&R Manager Laura Wright who joined the company in 2010. Her prior stops include The Writer’s Den. She can be reached at wrightla21@gmail.com.

Also exiting is Sarah Pearson, Executive Assistant, who had been with EMI almost 11 years. She can be reached at sarahp@me.com.

Catalog Manager Chris Gillis has left the company after five years. He can be reached at cbgillis@me.com.

Receptionist Sarah Babish exited and can be reached at babishs@gmail.com.

As previously reported, Ben Vaughn, Exec. VP/GM of the Nashville office, exited last week after a decade with the publishing company, including leading it since 2010. He can be contacted at nashvaughn@yahoo.com.

Billboard.biz reports that a total of 30-40 people have been let go from the company’s various offices.

On the national level, Martin Bandier leads Sony/ATV Music Publishing as Chairman & CEO. Tomlinson reports to co-president Danny Strick, who ovesees Nashville operations, East Coast creative operations, and US Latin operations.

Prior to the merger, EMI Music Publishing’s songwriter roster included Rhett Akins, Stephen Barker-Liles, Eric Gunderson, Angaleena Presley (with Ten Ten), Thomas Rhett, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson, Chris Young, Hillary Scott, Natalie Hemby, Erin Enderlin, Drake White, Kelley Lovelace,  J.J. Lawhorn, Channing Wilson and more. There is no word on what writers will be affected by the changes.

There is also no information available at this time about EMI staffers Josh Van Valkenburg and Missy Wilson.

Company execs were unable to comment.

Miranda Lambert’s Vocal Rest Extended

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Miranda Lambert’s physician is keeping her on vocal rest for another week, extending appearance cancellations to Orange Beach, AL; Atlanta, GA; and Pelham, AL.

Lambert has been recuperating for the last week, when she was forced to postpone appearances at the Jam in the Valley festival in Varysburg, NY on July 6 and Scranton, PA on July 7. No announcement has been made regarding a rescheduled Scranton date.

Lambert’s show in Orange Beach, originally planned for Thurs., July 12, has been moved to October 4
; Atlanta’s July 13 date has been rescheduled for October 5
; and Pelham’s July 14 date will move to October 6.

“I’m so sorry to disappoint the fans that have already bought tickets to see me,” Lambert wrote in a statement. “I’m taking care of my voice and I can’t wait to get on the road again and bring you a hell of a show.”

ACM Pledges $2.5 Million to HoF Capital Campaign

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Country artists help ACM officers present the Hall of Fame with a check for $2.5 million. (L-R front row): ACM President Butch Waugh, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, ACM Chairman Sarah Trahern, Darius Rucker, CMHOFM’s VP of Development Pamela Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Nicole Richie, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, ACM CEO Bob Romeo, Jennifer Nettles, Marc Anthony; (L-R middle row): Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, John Rich, Big Kenny, Sara Evans, Jason Aldean, ACM Vice President Ken Robold, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood. (L-R back row): Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry. Copyright Chris Kolk for People Country Magazine.

The Academy of Country Music has pledged $2.5 million to Working on a Building: Country Music Lives Here, the capital campaign that will finance the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s expansion to over 350,000 square feet. Included in the Hall of Fame’s expansion will be the ACM Contemporary Gallery, which will investigate modern trends in country music.

The Academy previously donated a $300,000 gift to the HoF to assist in the acquisition of four instruments that played a role in the legacies of Maybelle Carter, Johnny Cash, and Bill Monroe. The Academy also provides support for the HoF’s All For The Hall Los Angeles benefits, and is a sponsor of the new exhibition The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country.

“It is the Academy’s honor to help ensure that the history of country music can be told for generations to come,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “We are able to make this kind of contribution only because of the incredible country music artists who give of their time for Academy charitable endeavors; we can’t thank them enough for the impact they have on our industry.”

“We are deeply indebted to the ACM for this wonderful gift, which will help us continue to fulfill our educational mission and serve our worldwide audience,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “The genre we chronicle is a living thing, constantly evolving; country music history is being made every day. Great museums must remain relevant, and the ACM Contemporary Gallery will allow us to not only expand our examination and celebration of modern stars, important background players and new developments in the genre, but also to spotlight new artists, trends and issues as they break.”

The Working on a Building campaign started in July 2011 and has raised $70 million in cash and pledges to date. The Museum’s expansion is expected to be completed in early 2014.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/11/12)

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Disc of the Day winner Pistol Annies

Country music comes in all kinds of styles this week.

You connoisseurs of old-school, barroom story telling need go no farther than “I Just Come Here for the Music.” It’s as fine a country song as I’ve heard all year. And it sure doesn’t hurt that it’s in the throats of the masterful Don Williams and Alison Krauss.

Those of you of a forward-looking, cutting-edge persuasion owe yourselves a listen to “Truck Yeah.” You won’t find a more adventuresome single than this latest outing by Tim McGraw. The man definitely knows a hit when he hears one.

Gretchen Wilson is offering blue-eyed soul. Brian Milson is our balladeer du jour. Randy Rogers Band and Sarah Jarosz add two more, totally different, flavors to the mix.

DisCovery Award winner Her & Kings County

Our Disc of the Day prize goes to Pistol Annies for their left-field take on life as a touring musician, “Takin’ Pills.” I’m smitten with all three of these babes.

Speaking of “different,” do your ears a favor and spin “Family Tree” for them. The quirky audio charms of this platter earn Her & Kings County this week’s DisCovery Award.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/One More Sad Song
Writer: Randy Rogers/Sean McConnell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Lonely Model/Little Beluga, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX) 
—Wonderfully melodic and marvelously atmospheric. The softly attractive, moody, cloud-shadowed and captivating verses draw you in inescapably, then give way to brightly brilliant sunbeams in the soaring choruses. Totally engaging.

SARAH JAROSZ/Annabelle Lee
Writer: Sarah Jarosz/Cameron Scoggins; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: SoRaw/Pounding Paw, BMI; Sugar Hill (CDX) 
—Based on the famed 1849 Edgar Allan Poe poem (published two days after his death), this is appropriately haunting and minor-key. But there is rhythm and drive here as well. Check it out.

COLT FORD & JAKE OWEN/Back
Writer: Colt Ford/Shannon Houchins/Noah Gordon/Mike Hartnett; Producer: Shannon Houchins, Noah Gordon & Mike Hartnett; Publisher: Average ZJS/Mike Harnett/ZJS, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe’s (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—It was so pretty and nostalgic and tuneful, until he started to rap.

DON WILLIAMS & ALISON KRAUSS/I Just Came Here for the Music
Writer: John Ramey/Bobby Taylor/Doug Gill; Producer: Garth Fundis & Don Williams; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Stella Dog/Peacehouse, BMI; Sugar Hill (track) (www.donwilliams.com)
—Wistful, poignant and loaded with emotion. From the aching lyric of two lost souls to the awesomely heart-tugging vocal work, this is country-music heaven.

BRIAN MILSON/Too Damn Young
Writer: Casey Kessel/Arlis Albritton; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Major Bob/EMI, ASCAP; Permian/Quarterback (www.brianmilson.com)
—Remembering a youthful romance with just the right amount of wisdom and lingering innocence. Well written, well sung and well produced.

TIM McGRAW/Truck Yeah
Writer: Chris Janson/Preston Brust/Chris Lucas/Danny Myrick; Producer: Ryron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Red Vinyl/Sony-ATV Tree/Root 49/DannyMyrick, BMI; Big Machine 
—It’s borderline offensive. Which is probably why I like it so. Also: It’s a decidedly different musical approach, and that’s always a welcome thing from a veteran superstar.

GRETCHEN WILSON/One Good Friend
Writer: Dennis Morgan/Billy Burnette/Bekka Bramlett; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Little Shop of Morgansongs/Still Working for the Man/Irving/Miss Ivy, BMI; Redneck 
—As usual, she is an immensely expressive vocalist. This time around, she’s delving into an r&b, soul-sister groove, to the accompaniment of a fuzz-tone guitar, a stately backbeat and a searing organ solo. The super-cool song deserves to be covered by every blues-leaning artist on the planet.

PISTOL ANNIES/Takin’ Pills
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Reynsong/Ayden/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track) 
—“One’s drinkin,’ one’s smokin,’ one’s takin’ pills.” Now THAT’S a country lyric you don’t hear every day from a gang of gals on the honky-tonk trail. Mix the vocal attitude with a dose of raucous band noise, a dollop of feisty harmonies and a pinch of lively snare and you’ve got the perfect hillbilly cocktail recipe.

KELLY PARKES/All Cried Out
Writer: Ron Irving/Lynda McKillip/Kathleen Higgins; Producer: Darran Smith, Mark Lambert & Mike Borchetta; Publisher: SueCo/McKiller/Marydian, SOCAN; Edge (615-288-4234 ext. 101)
—Bopping and cheeky, if a little uncertain vocally in spots. It kinda sounds like if they’d taken a few more passes at it, she’d have locked into the band’s groove a mite more and nailed it. But make no mistake, there’s definite promise here.

HER & KINGS COUNTY/Family Tree
Writer: Caleb Sherman/Monique Staffile/Larry Florman/Justin Sherman/Alex Haddad/Frank Gagliardi; Producer: Caleb Sherman, Wayne Kirkpatrick & Josh Leo; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/ Therealcaleb/ Tweetleberry/ Brolo/ Shuggafree/ Alex Haddad/Katie Ro, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra Nashville/Warner Bros. 
—This mixes hearty group choral harmonies with crunchy beats, spoken-sung passages, superb production finesse and a ridiculously catchy song. Plus, it’s completely joyful. A delightful surprise.

Signing and Hiring News

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WAR Promotion VP Chris Palmer and WAR Promotion National Dir. Jordan Pettit are hiring a Nashville based Promotion Coordinator for the WAR Team. The ideal candidate will be a highly-organized self-starter with a strong attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should also possess excellent writing skills and should be able to communicate with all levels of individuals including staff, artists, managers and fans. Up to two years of experience in the music/ marketing/sales fields and some college preferred. Artist roster includes Faith Hill, Big & Rich, Gloriana, Jana Kramer, Frankie Ballard, Brett Eldredge, and Charlie Worsham.

Visit www.wmg.com/jobsoverview for details. Submit resumes to Carolyn Drosey at carolyn.drosey@wmg.com.

• • • •

Kirt Webster, President of Webster & Associates Public Relations, proudly announces the addition of Danielle Peck to the publicity roster. Claire Cook will handle the day to day publicity services for Danielle. Contact her  at claire@websterpr.com.

Greg Bates Releases Digital EP

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Republic Nashville’s Greg Bates released his self-titled EP on iTunes today (7/10). The five song project includes his current single “Did It For The Girl,” which is climbing the charts.

Produced by Jimmy Ritchey, the collection also includes “Brothers,” which Bates wrote about his own brother, plus “Go Time,” “Fill In The Blank,” and “Lost In Caroline.” Bates had a hand in writing all five songs on the EP.

Bates also recently filmed the video for “Did It For The Girl” in Tampa with director Brian Lazzaro. See the clip and some behind the scenes video here.

Later in summer Bates will join Brantley Gilbert’s Hell on Wheels Tour. Dates here.

Snapshots (7/10/12)

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Shooter Jennings and Bucky Convington

Bucky Covington had a blast with Shooter Jennings last week on the set of his new music video for their duet “Drinking Side Of Country.” The video, which will premiere in the coming weeks, is full of non-stop neo-outlaw action, and features a high-speed chase through the tiny town of Greensburg, KY. The raucous video, shot during record high temperatures in the region, also features cameos by country star Kellie Pickler, 5-time WWE Champion and current TNA Impact Knockout wrestler Mickie James, and professional freestyle motocrosser Cowboy Kenny Bartram.

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Billy Dean Poses with Old Crow Medicine Show Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

Grammy Award-winning country music star Billy Dean can add a check to his bucket list. This past weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, Dean was asked to join the Old Crow Medicine Show onstage to help sing on the group’s smash song, “Wagon Wheel.” “I’m such a huge fan of those guys,” says Dean. “I’m so honored to have been asked to sing with them on one of my favorite songs. I’m not kidding… ‘Wagon Wheel’ is the ringtone on my phone!”

• • • •

Kix Brooks and Shawna Russell

Way Out West’s Shawna Russell visits backstage with Arista Nashville’s Kix Brooks at the July 4 Summer OilPatch Festival in Drumright, OK.

Publishing Ink (7/10/12)

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Pictured (L-R) Front Row: Michael Tyler (Singer/Songwriter-peermusic). Back Row: Kim Wiggins (Creative Manager -peermusic), Michael Knox (Producer/Sr. Creative Director-peermusic) and Kevin Lamb ( Vice President-peermusic Nashville)

peermusic Signs Songwriter Michael Tyler
Peermusic has signed 18 year old singer/songwriter Michael Tyler to its roster.

A Thayer, MO native, Tyler was discovered online by peermusic Senior Creative Director Michael Knox two years ago. The two have been working together since.

“I’m very excited to have Michael join the family here at peermusic,” said Knox. “I can’t wait to get into the studio with him.”

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Pictured (L-R): Doug Lowe and Donna O'Shea of LoShea Productions, Best, Dan Hodges and Susan Hodges

Artist/Writer Pete Best Renews Contract
Dan Hodges Music and LoShea Productions have announced that artist/writer Pete Best has renewed his contract with the two parties.

The exclusive publishing deal was extended over Memorial Day weekend at a dinner in Best’s hometown of Annapolis, MD, overlooking The Naval Academy.

NSAI Names Miller President

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Lee Thomas Miller

Lee Thomas Miller has been named the new President of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), succeeding Steve Bogard. Miller has been active in NSAI’s advocacy efforts on behalf of songwriters for several years.

“I believe in the work NSAI does, on behalf of the American songwriter, and I am honored to represent them in this ongoing battle to protect and preserve the integrity of the copyright,” said Miller.

Bogard, who was the longest serving President in NSAI’s history with six terms will become Director of The Copyright Forum, a partnership between Belmont University and NSAI.

New officers and board members include:
President —  Lee Thomas Miller
Vice-Presidents — James Dean Hicks, Brett James, Lauren Lucas
Legislative Chairman — Bob Regan
Secretary — Byron Hill
Treasurer — Roger Brown
Sgt. at Arms — Liz Hengber
Executive Committee At-Large Members — Marty Dodson, Clay Mills and Anthony Smith.

New Board members are Marc Beeson and Ben Hayslip, who will serve two-year terms, and Anna Wilson in the artist-writer category serving a one-year term.

Artist Updates (7/10/12)

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Tim McGraw’s first Big Machine Records single “Truck Yeah” charged onto the charts recently and scored the biggest debut of his career on the monitored charts, hitting No. 22 on Billboard and No. 25 on Mediabase. “Truck Yeah” was written by Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Danny Myrick, and Chris Janson. The single made an early appearance at No. 60 on MusicRow’s most recent CountryBreakout Chart and looks poised to land well inside the top 30 this week.

• • • •

Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” music video has broken CMT’s record for Most Weeks At No. 1, after notching its 14th week at the top of CMT’s Top 20 Countdown. Her video for “Undo It” managed the feat for 12 weeks.

• • • •

Lee Brice has partnered with Carl Black Chevrolet, who endorsed the singer with a fully loaded 2012 Chevy Silverado truck. As part of the agreement, Brice’s music will be used in Carl Black’s advertising in Nashville, Atlanta, and Orlando. The artist will also perform at select Carl Black “Live on the Lot” concerts in coming months.

• • • •

Keith Urban is featured on the cover of American Airlines’ American Way Magazine during the month of July, giving travelers some insight on his home in Nashville. He discusses some of his favorite restaurants (Brown’s Diner, Rotier’s, Jacks) and his favorite live hotspots (12th & Porter, Exit/In) and more.

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Earl Dibbles Jr., the alter ego of Texas favorite Granger Smith, is asking fans to submit their own video interpretations of his single “The Country Boy Song.” The winning video, chosen by Dibbles, will premiere on a leading country music website. Details are here, and you can check out Dibbles’ original clip here.