The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville chapter hosted a standing room only event called “Music In Advertising” at Cabana on June 11. The panel focused on music trends and projects the guest music supervisors are currently working.
(L-R): Kevin Lamb (Executive Director); Dianna Maher (Co-Executive Director); Craig Currier (peermusic); Amy Rosen (Grey NY); Karen Macmillian (Nettwerk Music Group); John Melillo (Melillo Music); Sarah Gavigan (Sarah Gavigan Music); Randy Wachtler (PMA). Photo: Alan Mayor
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Donica Christensen's missing banjo.
Sugar Hill Records Director of Artist & Media Development Donica Christensen reports that several instruments from her personal collection were taken when her home was burglarized Friday, June 22.
Among the missing instruments are a 1982 Gibson 5-string banjo with no serial number, built by Bill Sullivan. The neck has a hearts and flowers inlay, and a Steve Huber tone ring. Also missing is a very old (early-to-mid 1800s) fiddle, an Antonius and Hieronymous Amati copy. The bow is a Pernambuco, silver mounted round stick. Additionally, the burglars took a bright blue left handed guitar of unspecified brand. If you have any information, contact Donica at 540-339-7701.
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Belmont University recently announced the members of its Pipeline Project for 2012, a group of students who will participate in the school’s music industry think tank. The group is dedicated to illuminating problems in the industry and exploring possible solutions.
(L-R): Ryan McAdoo, Sarita Stewart (faculty advisor), Theo Halls, Kelsie Saison, Phil Haddad, Erik Coveney, Rachel Glidden, Kendall Durkee, Matt Maher
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The Hot Seat, which is led by VP Jason Turner and specializes in radio marketing, satellite TV tours, and online video content, has moved offices. The company’s new location is at 33 Music Sq. W., Suite 100B. Turner’s new phone number is 615-690-7000 and his email is jason@hotseatonline.com.
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(L-R): Jay Orr, CMHOF vice-president of museum programs, Niles and Mick Buck, CMHOF curatorial director.
Veteran publicist Susan Niles and her siblings recently donated a variety of primitive instruments from the 1920s to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Among the donations were a musical pitchfork, a musical saw, and musical glasses that were all played by their father Darwin Niles Sr. in a Vaudeville act in New York City. Sheet music from the same era was also donated.
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Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) is hosting YEP Night at the Basement tomorrow (6/27) starting at 6 pm. The event features performances from Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, Brian Keane, Chase Foster, Forest Whitehead, Matthew McGinn, Jordan Dean, and Steph Jones.
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Epiphone Guitar recently signed on as the exclusive guitar sponsor of the Bluebird Cafe’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, which kicked off during CMA Music Festival. During the official party, Bluebird founder Amy Kurland and GM Erika Wollam Nichols presented Epiphone guitars to Jay Patten and Toni Sehulster, leaders of the band that has played at every Bluebird birthday and Christmas show.
(L-R): Bluebird Café GM Erika Wollam Nichols; Jay Patten, holding his Limited Edition 50th Anniversary "1961" Casino TD guitar; Bluebird Café founder Amy Kurland; and Toni Sehulster with her Jack Casady Signature Bass. Photo: Glenda Paradee
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PLA Media has added country singer/songwriter Jordan Anderson to its publicity roster. Anderson’s debut single “Key To My Heart” is beginning to reach listeners. She joins fellow PLA clients Lynn Anderson, Justin Moore, William Lee Golden, and Jessica Frech.
Rounder Records Signs The Time Jumpers
/by Caitlin RantalaFormed in 1998 by a group of Nashville’s recording studio elite, the band began as a jam session for the musicians to blow off steam and play their favorite songs. Soon they were offered a Monday night residency at the Station Inn. The band continues to play every week, but recently relocated to 3rd and Lindsley to accommodate larger crowds.
The group current lineup of 11 singers and musicians includes “Ranger” Doug Green of Riders in the Sky, Paul Franklin, Jeff Taylor, Kenny Sears, Andy Reiss, Dennis Crouch, Dawn Sears, Joe Spivey, Vince Gill, Larry Franklin and Billy Thomas.
Founding member and vocalist/fiddler Sears remarked, “We are so excited to be signing with Rounder Records. We have all been fans of this label for a long time. The fact that they are excited about our project makes us twice as excited: lots of excitement!”
In 2007, The Time Jumpers recorded a live album titled Jumpin’ Time that was nominated for two Grammy awards. The group is managed by Fitzgerald Hartley and its Rounder Records debut album is expected September 11.
Jay DeMarcus To Host Weekly iHeartRadio Show
/by Eric T. ParkerJay DeMarcus
Jay DeMarcus, bassist and background vocalist Rascal Flatts, is launching his own radio program on Big Machine Radio’s Clear Channel iHeartRadio station.
The Jay DeMarcus Show: Live From Flatts Shack will premiere June 28 at 4 pm CT with appearances by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and songwriter James Slater. DeMarcus’ wife, CMT correspondent Allison DeMarcus, will join the 60-minute show each week to deliver entertainment reports.
“I’ve been trying to get Jay in front of a microphone for some time now,” notes Clay Hunnicutt, Clear Channel SVP/Programming. “His natural ability to hold court—and tell compelling stories in the process—makes him the perfect fit for a format such as this.”
iHeartRadio is Clear Channel’s customizable digital listening service, with free access to more than 1,000 live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created Custom Stations inspired by favorite artists and songs.
Click here for access to Big Machine Radio.
Rascal Flatts just launched Farmers Insurance Presents Changed Tour, summer tour with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.
Pickler Teams With ConAgra and Feeding America
/by FreemanA joint effort between ConAgra and Feeding America, the program will help provide children with access to nutritious meals. Pickler started the program’s third year by visiting Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee today (6/26) where she volunteered and unveil a downloadable activity booklet that offers ways of donating meals to Feeding America while educating on the issue of hunger. Booklets can be found at www.facebook.com/ConAgraFoods and for each one downloaded between today and Sept. 3, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate the equivalent of one meal to Feeding America, for up to 500,000 meals this summer. The foundation will also donate a meal for every Facebook share.
“At some point, all of us have encountered hungry children in our own community, but I was shocked to learn that millions of kids may go hungry during the summer,” said Pickler. “That is why I am honored to be working with the ConAgra Foods Foundation and Feeding America to raise awareness of this problem and show there’s help through programs like Hunger-Free Summer.”
The goal of the Hunger-Free Summer program is to help participating food banks to serve an additional million meals through community programs. Twenty-three food banks in 15 states have received grants from Feeding America, thanks to $5 million from the ConAgra Foods Foundation.
CMA And IEBA Partner To Present CMA SRO Awards
/by Sarah SkatesThe IEBA Conference runs Oct. 7-9 in Nashville.
The SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards were created by the CMA Board of Directors in 1990 to honor outstanding professional achievement within the touring industry. The honors haven’t been presented since 2007. Finalists for 2012 were announced in May and voting is complete for the 14 categories. Winners will be revealed in September. Ballots were tabulated by accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.
“Culminating the IEBA Conference with the presentation of the return of the CMA SRO Awards makes perfect sense,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “IEBA supports the touring industry and the CMA SRO Awards recognize the best in the business as determined by our CMA members in the ‘live’ community.”
“The IEBA Conference is all about the live performance,” said IEBA Executive Director Tiffany Davis. “IEBA is honored to be sharing this evening with CMA to present the SRO Awards in conjunction with the IEBA Awards and Hall of Fame Induction.”
Industry Ink (6/26/12)
/by FreemanThe Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville chapter hosted a standing room only event called “Music In Advertising” at Cabana on June 11. The panel focused on music trends and projects the guest music supervisors are currently working.
(L-R): Kevin Lamb (Executive Director); Dianna Maher (Co-Executive Director); Craig Currier (peermusic); Amy Rosen (Grey NY); Karen Macmillian (Nettwerk Music Group); John Melillo (Melillo Music); Sarah Gavigan (Sarah Gavigan Music); Randy Wachtler (PMA). Photo: Alan Mayor
• • • •
Donica Christensen's missing banjo.
Sugar Hill Records Director of Artist & Media Development Donica Christensen reports that several instruments from her personal collection were taken when her home was burglarized Friday, June 22.
Among the missing instruments are a 1982 Gibson 5-string banjo with no serial number, built by Bill Sullivan. The neck has a hearts and flowers inlay, and a Steve Huber tone ring. Also missing is a very old (early-to-mid 1800s) fiddle, an Antonius and Hieronymous Amati copy. The bow is a Pernambuco, silver mounted round stick. Additionally, the burglars took a bright blue left handed guitar of unspecified brand. If you have any information, contact Donica at 540-339-7701.
• • • •
Belmont University recently announced the members of its Pipeline Project for 2012, a group of students who will participate in the school’s music industry think tank. The group is dedicated to illuminating problems in the industry and exploring possible solutions.
(L-R): Ryan McAdoo, Sarita Stewart (faculty advisor), Theo Halls, Kelsie Saison, Phil Haddad, Erik Coveney, Rachel Glidden, Kendall Durkee, Matt Maher
• • • •
The Hot Seat, which is led by VP Jason Turner and specializes in radio marketing, satellite TV tours, and online video content, has moved offices. The company’s new location is at 33 Music Sq. W., Suite 100B. Turner’s new phone number is 615-690-7000 and his email is jason@hotseatonline.com.
• • • •
(L-R): Jay Orr, CMHOF vice-president of museum programs, Niles and Mick Buck, CMHOF curatorial director.
Veteran publicist Susan Niles and her siblings recently donated a variety of primitive instruments from the 1920s to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Among the donations were a musical pitchfork, a musical saw, and musical glasses that were all played by their father Darwin Niles Sr. in a Vaudeville act in New York City. Sheet music from the same era was also donated.
• • • •
Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) is hosting YEP Night at the Basement tomorrow (6/27) starting at 6 pm. The event features performances from Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, Brian Keane, Chase Foster, Forest Whitehead, Matthew McGinn, Jordan Dean, and Steph Jones.
• • • •
Epiphone Guitar recently signed on as the exclusive guitar sponsor of the Bluebird Cafe’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, which kicked off during CMA Music Festival. During the official party, Bluebird founder Amy Kurland and GM Erika Wollam Nichols presented Epiphone guitars to Jay Patten and Toni Sehulster, leaders of the band that has played at every Bluebird birthday and Christmas show.
(L-R): Bluebird Café GM Erika Wollam Nichols; Jay Patten, holding his Limited Edition 50th Anniversary "1961" Casino TD guitar; Bluebird Café founder Amy Kurland; and Toni Sehulster with her Jack Casady Signature Bass. Photo: Glenda Paradee
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The Farm to Live Stream Performance Today
/by Caitlin RantalaThe Farm is comprised of Nick Hoffman (vocals, fiddle), Damien Horne (vocals, keyboard, guitar) and Krista Marie (vocals, guitar). The trio’s self-titled album will be released on July 17 via All In Records/Elektra Nashville. The eleven song debut, co–produced by Hoffman and hit songwriter Danny Myrick, features the band’s first single “Home Sweet Home,” which is currently climbing the charts. The cgroup also recently made its TV debut performing at the CMT Awards and will be performing across the country through the summer. Live dates can be seen at thefarmmusic.com.
Open Casting Call For Nashville Women
/by Eric T. ParkerThe new series, reportedly in development for a major cable network, seeks applications from single or married women with outstanding personalities who frequent the Nashville social scene. Entrepreneurs, power couples, CEOs, wives of music executives and pro athletes are encouraged to apply. Referrals are welcomed.
For consideration, email to apply and include name, recent photos, contact information and a brief bio.
Photo Spread: Jana Kramer, Gwen Sebastian, Craig Wayne Boyd
/by Sarah SkatesACM Lifting Lives Music Camp was in session last week in Nashville. The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities while providing music enrichment through performance and education. On Thursday, Jana Kramer dropped by the Vanderbilt campus for a cookout with the campers. On Friday, the week wrapped with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry where the campers joined Big & Rich to sing “We’re Having a Party,” which the students wrote with Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy. The camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Pictured at the cookout (L-R): Greg Hill, McGhee Entertainment; Jana Kramer; Erick Long, ACM Senior Vice President, Operations and Events; Adam Michael, Director of Development for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.
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Flying Island artist and former The Voice contestant Gwen Sebastian performed for a gathering of industry executives and Country Radio Broadcasters board members at The Renaissance Hotel recently. Sebastian appeared in conjunction with the annual CRB board and CRS agenda committee meetings. CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.
Pictured (L-R): Nancy Tunick, Flying Island; Tim Roberts, WYCD-FM; Shelia Shipley Biddy,Flying Island; CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne; Gwen Sebastian; John Shomby, WGH-FM; and CRB President Mike Culotta, WQYK-FM.
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Big Ride Entertainment artist Craig Wayne Boyd visited the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He performed an acoustic show in the facility’s activity center and spent two hours going room to room. Boyd was particularly touched by a one-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis. Earlier this year, Boyd lost his friend and guitarist Levi Sims to the disease. The artist is a passionate supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Boyd is currently touring and visiting radio stations in support of his debut single “I Ain’t No Quitter.” This summer will be full of more big debuts for the artist, including the release of his first album and the birth of his first child.
Two McGraw Singles Competing For Airplay
/by Sarah SkatesThe upcoming single is his first release via Big Machine, where he signed one month ago. He’s been previewing the song on the Brothers of the Sun stadium tour with Kenny Chesney, which played at Nashville’s LP Field on Saturday (6/23).
Select members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of McGraw’s music for Big Machine Friday (6/22) at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. Before playing four tracks, including “Truck Yeah,” BMLG head Scott Borchetta told the attendees, “These songs coming are epic. I know that’s a big word, but I believe these are the best songs Tim has ever done.” After one listen, it was apparent the invited guests agreed.
“Truck Yeah” was written by Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Danny Myrick and Chris Janson, and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw.
“Right Back Atcha Babe,” by Joe West and Dave Pahanish, is from McGraw’s Emotional Traffic album, released in January by Curb. The project has already yielded Gold-certified hit singles “Better Than I Used To Be” and “Felt Good On My Lips.”
Members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of Tim McGraw’s new music for Big Machine, Fri. (6/22), at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. (L-R): McGraw, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta
Hannah Showmaker Joins Parallel
/by Caitlin Rantala“I’ve wanted to work in the country music industry ever since I was a little girl watching CMT and GAC,” said Showmaker.
Hannah, 22, is originally from Charleston, Mo. She graduated from Belmont this past May with a degree in Music Business and a minor in Public Relations. Her resume also includes time at Red Bull, The Country Network and PLAMedia.
“Parallel Entertainment is thrilled to have found such a talent as Hannah,” said C.T. Wyatt, talent management. “We expect great things to come from our new relationship with her.”
Congratulate Hannah at Hannah@parallelentertainment.com.