Nashville’s two most progressive music events, Next BIG Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music Digital Summit (LMDS) have united to create the best of both within a week-long conference and festival. The combined events will take place September 28-October 2 in Nashville. Both NBN and LMDS have had major impacts on the cultural landscape of Music City over the last five years, bringing music and creative minds to Nashville as well as giving a platform for the city’s best and brightest.
“This move made so much sense for us,” says NBN co-founder Jason Moon Wilkins. “The quality and credibility Leadership Music’s speakers, alumni and attendees bring to the new combined event is invaluable. The performing NBN bands will be exposed to more industry insiders and digital innovators. The potential for new creative collaborations increases and this really furthers our mission of telling the full story of Music City and the countless crossroads, musical and business, that run through it.”
Karen Oertley, Executive Director, Leadership Music, adds, “By combining Leadership Music’s Digital Summit and Next BIG Nashville, we are able to offer the best of the best in one event. Attendees will learn from a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists by day and hear incredible music by night. This promises to be a ‘must attend’ event for everyone with an interest in the future of music and entertainment.”
For five years Next BIG Nashville has showcased the future of music by featuring artists from the world of rock, pop, hip hop, indie, roots, and more performing throughout the city, accompanied by informative industry panels and speakers. During the same five years, the Leadership Music Digital Summit has been on the cutting edge of music and digital media by hosting panels, discussions and demonstrations featuring key players and innovators dedicated to the creative, business and legal aspects of digital music in the new millennium. With the combined success, knowledge and experience of NBN and LMDS, the united events will prove to be one of the most important and valuable music industry events taking place today.
The announcement of the newly merged event has drawn praise from both civic and industry leaders.
“The Chamber believes that supporting the evolution and growth of the music industry is one of the most important economic development objectives that we can have as a city,” says Janet Miller, Chief Economic Development Officer, Nashville Chamber of Commerce. “The alignment of the Digital Summit with Next BIG Nashville is a huge step forward in creating the sort of focal point that we as a city need to be perceived as a thought-leader in the industry and to further cement our place as the best music city in the world.” Butch Spyridon, President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau says, “Outstanding work by all involved! This is a brilliant collaboration, at an extremely opportune time. The dividends will pay off for both organizations for years to come.”
The union of Next BIG Nashville & Leadership Music Digital Summit will provide opportunities for independent artists, established artists, application developers, digital graphics designers and music industry employees of any capacity. Attendees can listen to and discuss topics with managers, labels, ISPs, songwriters, mobile operators, consumer product developers, digital music services, retailers, publishers and content aggregators during the day. At night, see 150+ emerging and established artists in 15+ venues in one of the most important cities in music history. More details and earlybird tickets coming in early June.
Big Kenny Signs With RPM Management
/by contributorBig Kenny has written hits for himself (“Long After I’m Gone”), Jason Aldean (“Amarillo Sky”), Gretchen Wilson (“Here for the Party”) and Tim McGraw (“Last Dollar”), as well as being the “Big” of Big & Rich. He is known for his charitable endeavors across America and internationally. The singer recently performed a concert in support of efforts to stop mountaintop mining and completed two trips to Haiti where he helped search for survivors, aided rebuilding efforts and performed 13 shows for US troops and international aid workers.
“I am jazzed to be representing the talent and humanitarian interests of Big Kenny,” said Siman. “Just as Kenny does things differently musically, we are going to match him with a new business model and unique marketing approach for his artistry and humanitarian efforts. It’s easy for the industry to put someone like Kenny through the same types of things that have always been done but I want to build a system and a support team tailored to the way Kenny creates his music and art. And he knows how to write smash hits!”
“I have known Scott since I toured with Tim McGraw and we worked together on the single ‘Last Dollar’,” said Big Kenny. “His track record as an attorney, label executive and manager is unparalleled. I appreciate his perspective on the changing entertainment industry. He has proven that he is not afraid of trying new and different ways of marketing and promoting music and art. And he is a fine golfer!”
Big Kenny has established his Love Everybody Foundation to further his charitable works. The foundation is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. As an active humanitarian, Big Kenny is helping spearhead a major historical preservation development in Deadwood, SD, and helping rebuild Haiti and Nashville after the recent natural disasters.
Digital Summit and Next Big Nashville Join Forces
/by contributor“This move made so much sense for us,” says NBN co-founder Jason Moon Wilkins. “The quality and credibility Leadership Music’s speakers, alumni and attendees bring to the new combined event is invaluable. The performing NBN bands will be exposed to more industry insiders and digital innovators. The potential for new creative collaborations increases and this really furthers our mission of telling the full story of Music City and the countless crossroads, musical and business, that run through it.”
For five years Next BIG Nashville has showcased the future of music by featuring artists from the world of rock, pop, hip hop, indie, roots, and more performing throughout the city, accompanied by informative industry panels and speakers. During the same five years, the Leadership Music Digital Summit has been on the cutting edge of music and digital media by hosting panels, discussions and demonstrations featuring key players and innovators dedicated to the creative, business and legal aspects of digital music in the new millennium. With the combined success, knowledge and experience of NBN and LMDS, the united events will prove to be one of the most important and valuable music industry events taking place today.
The announcement of the newly merged event has drawn praise from both civic and industry leaders.
“The Chamber believes that supporting the evolution and growth of the music industry is one of the most important economic development objectives that we can have as a city,” says Janet Miller, Chief Economic Development Officer, Nashville Chamber of Commerce. “The alignment of the Digital Summit with Next BIG Nashville is a huge step forward in creating the sort of focal point that we as a city need to be perceived as a thought-leader in the industry and to further cement our place as the best music city in the world.” Butch Spyridon, President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau says, “Outstanding work by all involved! This is a brilliant collaboration, at an extremely opportune time. The dividends will pay off for both organizations for years to come.”
The union of Next BIG Nashville & Leadership Music Digital Summit will provide opportunities for independent artists, established artists, application developers, digital graphics designers and music industry employees of any capacity. Attendees can listen to and discuss topics with managers, labels, ISPs, songwriters, mobile operators, consumer product developers, digital music services, retailers, publishers and content aggregators during the day. At night, see 150+ emerging and established artists in 15+ venues in one of the most important cities in music history. More details and earlybird tickets coming in early June.
Summer NAMM Headed To NCC
/by FreemanAnd for the first time students, parents, and music enthusiasts are invited to attend the show floor for “Wanna Play Music Sunday” on June 20. Visitors will see demonstrations of new products, live performances, attend workshops, and talk with industry insiders.
Morgan Tells Troops You’re Not Alone
/by adminThousands of military men, women and their families struggle with the after effects of combat and the difficulties transitioning to life back at home. American soldiers of the 21st century are serving in combat longer than almost any U.S. soldiers in the nation’s past, often serving multiple deployments with little break in between. Three in 10 soldiers show signs of mental illness or marital problems after their third and fourth deployments. In his role as spokesperson for Not Alone, Craig will bring awareness to this resource through his website, media interviews and concert appearances. Craig is currently a part of Carrie Underwood’s “Play on” tour, where he will perform for hundreds of thousands of fans through June.
Prior to becoming a country music star, Craig Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and additional years in the Army Reserves. He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. to learn more about Not Alone visit www.notalone.com or www.craigmorgan.com.
Shane Barrett Departs Ole Music
/by contributorShane Barrett
Shane Barrett has exited ole Music Publishing to pursue his next opportunity after five years as the company’s Creative Director. Other recent changes at ole include the addition of Arthur Buenahora as Senior Creative Director. In addition, publishing veteran Mike Sebastian joined ole as a consultant following ole’s recent puchase of Blacktop Music Publishing, Sebastian’s former employer.
Barrett can be reached at 615-474-3665 or at shanebarrettmusic@gmail.com.
Bluebird Hosts “Birdsongs” Benefits
/by contributorWhen Amy Kurland decided to retire, she recognized how important it was for The Bluebird Café to stay in the hands of the writers whose songs established the club’s legendary status. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) was honored to be asked to steward this important venue and NSAI’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept Kurland’s invitation, acknowledging that The Bluebird Cafe belongs to the songwriters who have made it famous and those who will continue to do so. No other performance space encompasses the history of Nashville’s songwriting community nor has provided the proving ground for songwriters as has The Bluebird Café and NSAI was honored that Amy would consider bequeathing her legacy to Nashville’s songwriters.
In honor of this legacy and commitment, The Bluebird is seeking help from the songwriters it has long supported, to ensure the future of the club. And they are rallying to support the venue that has long provided the opportunity for them to be heard. For the BirdSongs campaign, all songwriters are donating their performances beginning with the Bluebird’s Birthday month of June and periodically throughout the rest of the year. All door admission from June 1-July 3, both early and late shows, will go towards providing a solid foundation for the future of The Bluebird.
“Historically The Bluebird hosts over 50 shows annually for a variety of community organizations and causes,” said COO Erika Wollam Nichols, “Stabilizing the future of The Bluebird not only benefits the songwriters but also provides our entire community with a venue to raise awareness of, and funds for, their causes. From the monthly YMCA shows, to January’s Alive Hospice series, The Alzheimers Association, Happy Tales Humane, SOLID, Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Hands On Nashville…the Bluebird and the songwriters who perform here have long joined forces to offer this venue to our friends in the community to support their causes.”
The BirdSongs campaign will help ensure that The Bluebird Café will continue to be here for both the songwriters and our friends in the community for many years to come.
A preview of June’s BirdSongs events can be found on line at www.bluebirdcafe.com. Shows will be added as they are confirmed. Reservations will also be available on the website.
BMI’s Website Goes Mobile
/by contributor“We know that tens of thousands of visitors to BMI.com already access information via smart phones,” said BMI President & CEO Del Bryant. “This is a logical step to enable our web visitors to discover the information on BMI’s business, its members, licensing processes, and over 200 sponsored events.”
BMI also announced that it will launch a mobile web version of its highly trafficked Online Services area by the end of June, giving its songwriters, composers and music publishers secure account access for their royalty statements and catalog of musical works via their smart phones.
“BMI was the first in the industry to launch a website in September 1994. We understood the power of the Internet then, and we understand how quickly everything is transitioning to a mobile environment today,” said Bryant. “We will continue to develop applications for new technologies that our affiliates and licensees use in the course of business. We know that business information needs to be available at anytime, anywhere, in a secure and portable mode. Our mobile applications continue our commitment to this pioneering tradition.”
Steve Wariner Unveils New Website/Contest
/by contributor“I’m excited about all of the possibilities with this new site,” said Wariner. “The folks at BubbleUp are extremely creative and adept at implementing our ideas. I appreciate all the ways this site will give me to stay connected.”
In preparation for the launch, SelecTone Records will begin two weeks of promotion. Fans can log onto Wariner’s site and enter a sweepstakes to win the following prizes (all winners chosen at random; no purchase necessary to enter):
1 Grand Prize winner – One autographed Takamine acoustic guitar and a 1-hour guitar lesson in Nashville with Steve (travel and lodging not included)
2 winners – Autographed guitar
1 winner – A five-minute phone call with Wariner, with the option for the singer to record a custom outgoing message on the winner’s cell phone voicemail.
2 Winners – Grand Ole Opry Package, including 4 tickets to an upcoming Steve Wariner Opry performance of the winners’ choice, and a backstage Opry tour given by an Opry staff member (travel and lodging not included; no winners or guests under the age of 12.)
20 Winners – Participate in a live, interactive audio conference call with Steve. The call will last from 30-45 minutes with a moderator. Winners will be emailed an 800 number and passcode with date and time to dial in, and winners will submit questions via email one day prior to the call, one question per caller.
1 Winner – Autographed Steve Wariner artwork
3 Winners – Autographed CD – Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins
3 Winners – Autographed photo
In addition, everyone who enters the sweepstakes will be given access, via a private link, to a Webcast during which Steve will perform 3 songs. The live webcast will take place on Saturday, June 12 at 12 PM CT, and it will also be available on demand until June 14 at 12 PM CT. The link for the webcast will be emailed to all who enter the sweepstakes on or before June 11.
Brian Clough Wins CMA Int’l Broadcaster Award
/by contributorCMA’s Bobbi Boyce (right) presents The International Broadcaster Award to Brian Clough
British radio personality Brian Clough was surprised with the CMA International Broadcaster Award during a recent lunch in Durham, England. The Award was presented to him by Bobbi Boyce, CMA International Consultant.
“I’m still trying to come to terms with the honor given to me by the Country Music Association and ponder as to why I should be rewarded with such an accolade for something that has been a great enjoyment to do for the best part of my life,” said Clough. “A sincere thank you to all those folks who thought I was worthy of the award, and a special thank you to all the artists for providing some of the greatest music around.”
Clough was introduced to country music as a teenager in the ’60s while listening to artists such as Don Gibson and Roger Miller on the radio. For 30 years, he has presented and produced country music radio programs at such places as the Independent Metro and Great North Radio Group, Harmony Radio, Century Radio, DLR, NLR, and Smooth Radio. Readers of a national magazine once voted him one of the top six country presenters in Great Britain. He has written a country music column for The Northern Echo, one of Great Britain’s largest daily regional newspapers, for 26 years, and also serves as the entertainment editor for www.euvue.co.uk. The CMA International Broadcaster Award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions toward the development of Country Music in their country. Previous winners are listed at CMAworld.com.
Bonnaroo To Donate To Flood Relief
/by contributorBonnaroo has already donated $10,000 to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross, and festival organizers, Superfly Presents and A.C. Entertainment, are encouraging all friends and fans to help out in any way possible. Now through Sunday, June 6, Bonnaroo will be facilitating donations, via the Bonnaroo Works Fund, and matching them, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000. All donations will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Additionally, while he’s not on stage as part of Bonnaroo’s Café lineup this year, Jonathan Sexton (of Jonathan Sexton & the Big Love Choir) and Bonnaroo will be partnering up to show Nashville some “Big Love” by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most hugs in a 24-hour period (he’ll have to hug more than 7800 people!). For every hug given Bonnaroo hopes friends and fans will donate to the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville “Restore the Dream” Fund. Bonnaroo will then match donations up to $10,000. Sexton will be stationed at the post office at the Bonnaroo Festival site from noon on Friday, June 11 to noon on Saturday, June 12.
Established in 2009, the Bonnaroo Works Fund was created to further the festival’s community investment and philanthropic endeavors. The Fund is administered by the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), a 501(c)(3) community foundation which manages philanthropic endeavors for numerous businesses and organizations in Tennessee. Since its inception eight years ago, Bonnaroo has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting numerous local, regional and national non-profits, with a special focus on the Coffee County community where the festival is based. Bonnaroo has generated and distributed over $3,000,000, mostly in direct contributions to a variety of initiatives and causes, mostly in Coffee County.