Ashley Hertzog
My Good Girl Music has hired
Ashley Hertzog as Creative Manager. My Good Girl Music is a joint venture between platinum producer
Mark Bright and Sony/ATV Music Nashville.
Hertzog makes the move from Combustion Music, where she had worked since 2005 as Catalog Manager. She can be reached at (615) 259-5447 or
ashley@mygoodgirlmusic.com.
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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has hired
Michelle Tigard Kammerer and
Cheri Lynn Martin as Directors of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, effective June 6, 2011.
Kammerer has more than 10 years of experience in the music industry, including almost seven years at the Nashville office of CAA. As a past chairman of the popular charity event Young Nashville Party, Kammerer helped secure sponsorships with brands including Coca-Cola, Loews Hotels and Virgin America Airlines.
Martin joins CRB from Seattle, Wash., where she specialized in A&R Development at Pledge Music. She has worked on marketing campaigns for artists, record labels including Warner Bros. Records, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Records, and outfits like Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. From 2006-2010, Martin ran her own promotions and marketing firm, where she promoted artists including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Sugarland and Phil Vassar. Martin also spent time as a National Promotion Director with RCA Label Group.
Kammerer and Martin will be charged with events including CRS 2012, set for Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville.
(L-R): Cheri Lynn Martin and Michelle Tigard Kammerer
Serletic Snags $10.8 Million For Music Platform
/by adminThe independent entertainment and technology company today announced it has closed $10.8 million in Series B funding. Liberty Global and Intel Capitol contributed $6.8 million and angel investers participated with an additional $4 million.
Music Mastermind is the developer of SoundBetter, the audio processing suite at the core of its upcoming consumer‐focused platform. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the traditional effort required to make music, breaking down barriers to creativity and allowing anyone to instantly create, publish, and distribute their own music. “At Liberty Global, we understand that digital technology is uniting people around the world and that music is a common thread among us,” said Bruce Dines, VP of Liberty Global Ventures. “We believe Music Mastermind’s cutting‐edge technologies will connect the international community in a completely new way.”
“We’re at the forefront of the next evolution of music entertainment,” said Matt Serletic who also heads Emblem Records. “It’s time to break down the barriers that prevent people from expressing themselves musically.”
The company raised its first round of funding in February 2010 with nearly $5 million from angel investors.
Industry Ink Monday 5/23
/by Freeman• • • •
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RPM writer and fiddler Nathan Stoops has been playing music recently with American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina, and has now been tapped to play the show’s finale Wednesday, May 25. Stoops is a member of the country group Scarletta, which also includes RPM writers Aubrey Collins and Benji Harris. The group is co-managed by MTM’s Rusty Harmon and RPM’s Scott Siman.
Scarletta: Benji Harris, Aubrey Collins, and Nathan Stoops
Medallion Ceremony Photo Spread
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Association created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music’s highest honor. Last night (5/22), the Medallion Ceremony officially inducting Bobby Braddock, Reba McEntire, and Jean Shepard was held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville. Complete coverage of the evening is available exclusively to MusicRow subscribers here.
Photos: John Russell / CMA
(L-R): Chairman of the Country Music Foundation Board of Directors, Steve Turner; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director, Kyle Young; 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Jean Shepard; 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Braddock; 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Reba McEntire; and CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore.
(L-R): President-Elect of the CMA Board of Directors and President and Chief Operating Officer of SESAC, Pat Collins; 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Jean Shepard; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore.
(L-R): Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors and Senior Vice President, Media and Entertainment for Gaylord Entertainment, Steve Buchanan; CMA Board member and Shop Keeper Management's Marion Kraft; reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert; and CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore.
Sony/ATV Inks Skip Ewing
/by Sarah SkatesSony/ATV signs Skip Ewing. Pictured (L-R): Terry Wakefield (Sr. VP Creative), Mike Whelan (VP Creative), Skip Ewing, and Troy Tomlinson (President/CEO).
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has signed Skip Ewing, the songwriter behind more than 25 hit singles, including 11 No. 1’s. With more than 250 album cuts, some of Ewing’s most popular songs are “If I Didn’t Have You” (Randy Travis), “Something That We Do” (Clint Black), “You Had Me From Hello” (Kenny Chesney), “Love, Me” (Collin Raye), “Every Other Weekend” (Reba McEntire), “Someone Else’s Star” and “Rebecca Lynn” (Bryan White).
Ewing is an award-winning songwriter who has received 13 BMI awards, BMI Songwriter of the Year, and the CMA Triple Play Award. He is a Grammy and Tony nominee.
Sony/ATV President and CEO, Troy Tomlinson, commented, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Skip for 25 years and being his publisher for 15. It’s not every day that you get a second opportunity to work with such a talented craftsman. I consider this a continuing opportunity for success.”
Ewing is busy planning his Horse & Writer songwriting retreat, scheduled for September in Wyoming. Details on attending at www.horseandwriter.com.
Darius Rucker, Vince Gill Earn Honorary Degrees
/by adminRucker toasts MUSC graduates.
Darius Rucker was the keynote speaker at the Medical University of South Carolina commencement ceremony on May 20. In speaking to the graduates from six colleges within MUSC Rucker shared, “You guys said to the world, ‘I’m going to take my brains, my talents, and my smarts and I’m going to help make the world a better place,’ and I want to thank you for that. Today is a day I will never forget.” Rucker was surprised with an honorary diploma that he promised to display in his Charleston, S.C. home. “That way everyone should know to call me Dr. Rucker,” he said.
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Gill accepts his Belmont University degree.
Belmont University honored Vince Gill during its recent graduation ceremony at the Curb Event Center. Gill was given an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during the commencement ceremonies. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Vince Gill has mastered his craft and yet he keeps pushing himself to greater excellence. Moreover, as a citizen and humanitarian, he dedicates himself to service and providing opportunities for others to succeed. Vince is truly a Nashville—and national—treasure. ”
Twain To Sign At CMA Music Festival
/by Freeman“I’m so thrilled to be part of the Festival,” says Twain. “It is a huge reunion each year for fans and artists and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the artists I haven’t seen in awhile and connecting with the fans who have been so supportive through the years.”
Twain also recently surprised members of The Oprah Winfrey Show’s studio audience with two day passes to the 2011 CMA Music Festival and hotel accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Resort for June 9-10.
“We are thrilled that Shania is back for the 40th anniversary and bringing another 300 fans to the party,” says CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “She is such a warm and respected ambassador for the format and her connection with her fans speaks to the heart of what makes this event such a success.”
Twain’s last appearance at CMA Music Festival was 1996, when it was called Fan Fair and held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.
Hirings At CRB and My Good Girl Music
/by Sarah SkatesAshley Hertzog
My Good Girl Music has hired Ashley Hertzog as Creative Manager. My Good Girl Music is a joint venture between platinum producer Mark Bright and Sony/ATV Music Nashville.
Hertzog makes the move from Combustion Music, where she had worked since 2005 as Catalog Manager. She can be reached at (615) 259-5447 or ashley@mygoodgirlmusic.com.
• • • •
Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has hired Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Cheri Lynn Martin as Directors of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, effective June 6, 2011.
Kammerer has more than 10 years of experience in the music industry, including almost seven years at the Nashville office of CAA. As a past chairman of the popular charity event Young Nashville Party, Kammerer helped secure sponsorships with brands including Coca-Cola, Loews Hotels and Virgin America Airlines.
Martin joins CRB from Seattle, Wash., where she specialized in A&R Development at Pledge Music. She has worked on marketing campaigns for artists, record labels including Warner Bros. Records, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Records, and outfits like Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. From 2006-2010, Martin ran her own promotions and marketing firm, where she promoted artists including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Sugarland and Phil Vassar. Martin also spent time as a National Promotion Director with RCA Label Group.
Kammerer and Martin will be charged with events including CRS 2012, set for Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville.
(L-R): Cheri Lynn Martin and Michelle Tigard Kammerer
Sara Evans Returns To "Dancing With The Stars" For Performance
/by Sarah Skates“Being on Dancing with the Stars was such a fun experience and one of the highlights of my career,” says Evans. “I’m so honored and excited to go back and sing for this season’s finale!”
Elsewhere, country music has been front and center on network television with John Rich being crowned winner of The Celebrity Apprentice last night, and the upcoming American Idol showdown Tuesday and Wednesday (5/24-25) with country finalists Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery.
Sara Evans and dance partner Tony Dovolani on "Dancing With The Stars."
Eminem, Bieber, and Swift Win At Billboard Music Awards
/by FreemanSwift’s three wins came for Top Country Album (for Speak Now), Top Billboard 200 Artist, and Top Country Artist. Eminem’s wins included Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album (for Recovery) and Top Rap Album (for Recovery). Social Media phenom Bieber nabbed awards for Top New Artist, Top Social Artist, and Top Streaming Song (for “Baby” feat. Ludacris).
Beyonce was given Billboard’s special Milennium Award, and an all-star tribute from First Lady Michelle Obama, Barbara Streisand, Lady Gaga, U2’s Bono and Stevie Wonder. U2 was awarded as Top Touring Artist, and Neil Diamond was given the Icon Award for his numerous career accomplishments.
Show performances included the much-discussed Rihanna and Britney Spears collaboration “S&M,” Cee Lo Green, Lil Wayne with Mary J. Blige, and Diamond on his classic “Sweet Caroline.” ABC carried the show, which had been on hiatus since 2006.
HFA Offers Reduced Commissons
/by adminThe Harry Fox Agency (HFA) has announced a new program which offers publishers a chance to greatly reduce the commission rate on royalty distributions from HFA. Under its new Reduced Commission Program (RCP), publishers are guaranteed a rate of 5.25% in exchange for centralizing all their U.S. mechanical licensing and royalty processing with HFA. Additional publisher benefits include advances and the inclusion of all musical works in HFA’s Royalty Compliance Examinations.
Churgin
According to Gary Churgin, President & CEO of HFA, “In these unpredictable and ever-evolving times in our industry, we want to do everything possible to help publishers in making their businesses more cost effective and more importantly, cheaper to run. We are ecstatic to be able to offer to our clients more services at an even more attractive price.”
HFA is a leading provider of rights management, licensing and royalty services for the music industry with over 46,000 music publishing clients.