The Big Machine Label Group has announced the launch of Big Machine Music, an expansion and re-branding of the label’s existing publishing company Super 98 Music. Music publishing veterans Mike Molinar and Martha Earls will lead the new venture, overseeing songwriter signings, artist/writer and catalog growth.
“Mike & Martha are perfectly aligned with our strategy of development and vision on how to build out Big Machine Music. I’m really thrilled that they are bringing their passion and expertise as they join us and put our company squarely into the publishing world,” said Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta.
Earls and Molinar have a combined 30-plus years experience with Nashville publishing companies. Most recently, the two partnered in the boutique publishing and writer/artist management company Effusion Entertainment, which developed Republic Nashville’s Greg Bates through a joint venture with Super 98 Music.
Prior to Effusion, Molinar and Earls were partners in Elevation Music Publishing, which generated the hit “Easy” by Rascal Flatts with Natasha Bedingfield. Additionally, the company placed songs with Brantley Gilbert, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and more.
“Martha and I are honored to extend Scott’s vision into our incredible songwriting community. With the horsepower of the entire Big Machine team, we look forward to the opportunities that we can collectively offer our current and future songwriters and artist/writers,” says Molinar, who will serve as Vice President of Creative.
Big Machine Music Publishing artist/writers include The Valory Music Co.’s Justin Moore, Republic Nashville’s Sunny Sweeney and Greg Bates and Broken Bow’s Dustin Lynch. Additionally, Effusion’s writer management clients will be represented through Big Machine Music Publishing.
Earls will also continue day to day management duties for Bates.
This is the latest in a series of big announcements for BMLG, following the recent addition of superstar Tim McGraw to the roster, and the company’s sponsorship of Indianapolis 500 winning driver Dario Franchitti.
Earls and Molinar To Lead Big Machine Publishing Venture
/by Freeman“Mike & Martha are perfectly aligned with our strategy of development and vision on how to build out Big Machine Music. I’m really thrilled that they are bringing their passion and expertise as they join us and put our company squarely into the publishing world,” said Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta.
Earls and Molinar have a combined 30-plus years experience with Nashville publishing companies. Most recently, the two partnered in the boutique publishing and writer/artist management company Effusion Entertainment, which developed Republic Nashville’s Greg Bates through a joint venture with Super 98 Music.
Prior to Effusion, Molinar and Earls were partners in Elevation Music Publishing, which generated the hit “Easy” by Rascal Flatts with Natasha Bedingfield. Additionally, the company placed songs with Brantley Gilbert, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and more.
“Martha and I are honored to extend Scott’s vision into our incredible songwriting community. With the horsepower of the entire Big Machine team, we look forward to the opportunities that we can collectively offer our current and future songwriters and artist/writers,” says Molinar, who will serve as Vice President of Creative.
Big Machine Music Publishing artist/writers include The Valory Music Co.’s Justin Moore, Republic Nashville’s Sunny Sweeney and Greg Bates and Broken Bow’s Dustin Lynch. Additionally, Effusion’s writer management clients will be represented through Big Machine Music Publishing.
Earls will also continue day to day management duties for Bates.
This is the latest in a series of big announcements for BMLG, following the recent addition of superstar Tim McGraw to the roster, and the company’s sponsorship of Indianapolis 500 winning driver Dario Franchitti.
Band Perry, Kramer Play Morning Show Concerts
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Jack Lameier Passes
/by Sarah SkatesHis career spanned 40 years at CBS/Sony, ending as Sr. VP of Promotion in 2001. Following that, he went on to launch his own company, Jack’s Place Consulting, and adopted the title Proprietor.
An active member of the industry, he served on the ACM Board of Directors and earned the organization’s Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the ACM. He also served on the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors, which oversees the organization’s charitable initiatives.
Lameier was on the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors and received the CRB President’s Award for significant contributions to the marketing, production, growth and development of Country Radio Seminar and the CRB.
Outside the office, Lameier was an avid golfer and Civil War buff who enjoyed collecting artifacts and participating in reenactments.
He is survived by wife Connie—the couple was nearing their 50th wedding anniversary—son Brandon, daughter Lynne and several grandchildren.
Visitation will take place Sunday, June 3rd in the Parish Hall at Holy Family Catholic Church on Crockett Road in Brentwood, TN. Additional visitation will take place 9 – 11 am, Monday, June 4th at Holy Family Catholic Church. Mass will take place at 11 am, followed by a reception luncheon at the church.
MusicRowPics: Rachele Lynae Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaMomentum Label Group’s flagship artist Rachele Lynae stopped by MusicRow headquarters yesterday (5/30). She performed her debut single “Party Til The Cows Come Home,” which is starting to climb MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart at No. 77. She also shared cuts from her upcoming album, including “Out On The Floor” and “Done Is Done,” both of which she co-wrote.
Industry Updates (5/31/12)
/by Freeman• • •
Avenue Bank has announced the promotions of Jim McCann and Pete Wooten as Executive Vice Presidents, it was announced by Avenue Chairman/CEO Ronald L. Samuels. McCann has been with the bank since 2007 and will serve as Executive VP and Director of Mortgage Lending. Wooten will serve as Executive VP and Director of Commercial Banking. He started with Avenue in 2007 prior to the bank’s official opening.
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The 10th Annual Nashville Songwriters Festival gets underway tomorrow (June 1) and runs through the weekend in and around Music Row. Registration slots are still available here.
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Vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams will host a one-day MiniClinic on Friday, June 22, an all-day intensive workshop with helpful training. Registration information here.
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Nashville-based advertising agency and web development firm The Horton Group has relocated its offices as of this week. Going forward, the company can be found at 136 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in downtown Nashville. Launched in 1996, the Horton Group provides a full range of advertising and marketing services to a diverse group of clients.
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BlueHighways TV (BHTV) will begin producing a video version of WSM Radio’s “The Music Row Show,” which will premiere on the network in June. “The Music Row Show” is hosted by Scott Southworth and Heino Moeller and heard across the country online and on WSM-AM 650.
ZBB Bringing Southern Ground Festival To Music City
/by Sarah SkatesSouthern Ground Music & Food Festival is promoted by JAM, Outback Concerts, and Sound Events.
The festival debuted last year in Charleston, SC with much success and will return there in October. It was voted Best Music Concert of 2011 by Charleston City Paper readers.
Two-day festival passes start at $89. VIP options include Front Porch Stage Boxes, with on-stage seating, drinks and a gourmet meal prepared under the direction of Southern Ground Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin.
Ticket pre-sale for fan club members will begin Tues., June 5 at 12 PM/CT, and general sale opens Thurs., June 7 at 10 AM/CT at southerngroundfestival.com.
Zac Brown Band’s new album Uncaged (Atlantic/Southern Ground) is due out July 10 and features contributions from Amos Lee and Trombone Shorty. Check out a performance of “Uncaged” at JazzFest here.
Cagle Is “Back In The Saddle” With New Album
/by FreemanBack In The Saddle was produced with Keith Stegall (Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson) and features Cagle’s current single “Got My Country On.” Cagle wrote five of the 11 tracks on the album, which also features contributions from Danny Myric, Kim Tribble, the Warren Brothers and more.
“The experience I’ve had making this record has rekindled the passion I had for music when I recorded my first record,” says Cagle. “Back In The Saddle is my life! I wouldn’t change anything about it; it is a record that I can live or die by and be content. I have given the fans my heart and soul, if it’s not good enough, I can live with it. If it is good enough, well then, I can’t wait to see what happens!”
Cagle will be in Nashville for CMA Music Festival next week before heading back out on the road to visit radio and play concert dates. He is scheduled to host his 2nd Annual Unbridled Concert on Friday, June 8 at the Wildhorse Saloon. The event benefits Saddle Up, a therapeutic horseback riding program for physically and mentally challenged children. More info here.
Warner Music Announces Exclusive Venue at Music Fest
/by Caitlin RantalaRenamed “The Warner Sound” for the WMN live events, the celebration will take place at aVenue located at 120 3rd Avenue South from June 6 through June 10. Fans are welcome and invited to purchase a limited supply of tickets at warnermusicnashville.com including a three day pass.
A scheduled list of events is as follows:
Wednesday, June 6 9:30 pm – The Warner Sound / CMT Awards ‘Fan After Party’ featuring Gloriana (and special guest Charlie Worsham). Tickets here.
Thursday, June 7, 3 pm – Jana Kramer’s Album Release Party. Entrance is free. VIP meet & greet tickets are sold out.
Thursday, June 7, 5:30 pm – Music City’s Most Wanted Live: Hunter Hayes in Concert. Hunter Hayes will play a full 90 minute show for the first time in Nashville. Tickets here.
Friday, June 8, 5:30 pm – Frankie Ballard opens for noted parody artist Cledus T. Judd. Tickets here.
Saturday, June 9, 3 – 6 pm – TouchTunes Karaoke sing-off & Kiss My Country Ass model search. Warner Music Nashville is casting country guys and girls to model the Kiss My Country Ass merchandise line, while the TouchTunes Karaoke party is underway. Entrance is free.
Date Set For Grammy Awards
/by Sarah SkatesAdditionally, The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!—Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night, which reveals nominations in several categories along with performances will air live on CBS Wed., Dec. 5, 2012.
The eligibility year for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards is Oct. 1, 2011, to Sept. 30, 2012.
Grammy Week, which culminates in Music’s Biggest Night, will again feature celebrations of music, education and philanthropy, including Grammy Camp Basic Training, the Entertainment Law Initiative luncheon, the Producers & Engineers Wing event, the Grammy Foundation’s Music Preservation Event, the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, and Clive Davis and The Recording Academy’s Pre-Grammy Gala.
The 54th Annual Grammy Awards attracted 39.9 million viewers, the largest Grammy audience since 1984 and the second largest in history.
Americana Music Nominations Revealed
/by Sarah SkatesJason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and Gillian Welch lead the nominations for the Americana Music Honors and Awards, revealed today (5/31) at a ceremony in Los Angeles. Isbell earned four nods, and Welch followed closely with three nominations.
Music aficionado John C. Reilly announced the nominations at the event hosted by Jim Lauderdale at The Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theatre. The celebration featured performances by Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and Robert Ellis alongside the Americana All-Star band led by Buddy Miller with Lauderdale, Greg Leisz, Don Heffington and Don Was. Late artists Levon Helm, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson were honored with a rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Gillian Welch
The Americana Music Honors & Awards Show returns to the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 12, 2012, as part of the Americana Music Festival running Sept. 12-15. Lauderdale will once again host while Miller will lead the All-Star Band.
Americana Music Honors & Awards 2012 Nominees
Album of the Year
Here We Rest – Jason Isbell
I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive – Steve Earle
The Harrow & The Harvest – Gillian Welch
This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark – Various Artists
Artist of the Year
Gillian Welch
Hayes Carll
Jason Isbell
Justin Townes Earle
Emerging Artist of the Year
Alabama Shakes
Dawes
Deep Dark Woods
Robert Ellis
Song of the Year
“Alabama Pines” – Written by Jason Isbell and performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“Come Around” – Written and Performed by Sarah Jarosz
“I Love” – Written by Tom T. Hall and performed by Patty Griffin
“Waiting on the Sky to Fall” – Written and performed by Steve Earle
Instrumentalist of the Year
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Darrell Scott
Dave Rawlings
Duo/Group of the Year
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Civil Wars
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Punch Brothers