Gregg Nadel. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Longstanding WMG leader Gregg Nadel has been appointed Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. He will work alongside Cris Lacy, who has been Co-Head of Warner Music Nashville for the past two years and marks her 20th anniversary with the company next year.
Nadel succeeds Ben Kline, who has decided to step down after a decade with the company.
Kline says, “Together, we’ve grown Warner Music Nashville to new heights and played vital roles in the development of so many artists. Thanks to WMG leadership for all of the opportunities, faith, and guidance along the way. And thank you to Cris Lacy for her never-wavering support for the artists and their musical visions. I’m excited for the next adventure.”
Based out of the Nashville office, Nadel and Lacy will report to Warner Records CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson, who report direct to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, effective Oct. 1. Lacy, Nadel and their team will continue to work with Nashville artists co-signed with Atlantic Music Group.
In the course of his nearly three-decade career, Nadel—who most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment—has signed and/or championed such acclaimed country and roots-based artists as Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Brittney Spencer, among many other artists across multiple genres.
Bay-Schuck and Corson note: “Gregg grew up at WMG, and over the past three decades, he’s brought his impeccable taste, wisdom, and guidance to an exceptional array of original, powerful voices. He’s an ambidextrous A&R and marketing expert with a global perspective, which will be a tremendous asset at a time when Nashville artists are crossing boundaries and reaching the world stage like never before. Like Gregg, Cris has expanded from her roots as an A&R force into a true multi-dimensional leader, and together, they’ll be a phenomenal team to take Warner Music Nashville into a dynamic future.”
They add, “We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ben Kline. Over his past decade with WMN, his tireless passion for the label’s artists and team has set the company up for continued, expanding success. He leaves with our deepest admiration and best wishes for his next chapter.”
Nadel shares, “I’ve had the honor of working with incredibly talented artists across many sounds and styles, and through it all, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the heartfelt music that comes from Nashville’s rich creative culture. I’m excited to be diving deeper into this brilliant community of musicians and storytellers, and I’m especially excited about working alongside Cris Lacy and the entire team. Thank you to Tom and Aaron for this incredible opportunity.”
Lacy expresses, “Thanks to WMG’s cross-label and cross-genre philosophy, Gregg and I have been collaborating within the company for over a decade. We’re both rooted in a deep love of the music that comes into and out of Nashville. Gregg brings a unique, wide-ranging perspective to what will be a fantastic partnership. He has long invested in the culture and the community of this town, and together, we are fiercely committed to amplifying what makes its music so special. My heartfelt thanks and admiration go out to Ben. It’s been a great ride, and his expertise, leadership, and friendship have made it all the more gratifying. I wish him the very best in all things to come.”
Prior to being named President of Elektra Entertainment in 2017, Nadel served as General Manager of Elektra Records and before that was SVP, A&R and Marketing, for Atlantic Records. A 27-year veteran of WMG, Nadel joined Atlantic straight out of college in 1997. In his marketing capacity, he has spearheaded high-profile campaigns for global superstars such as Ed Sheeran, who he’s worked with since the early days of Sheeran’s career.
Carter Faith Gears Up For ‘The Aftermath’
/by Lorie HollabaughCarter Faith is prepping for the release of her new EP, The Aftermath, out Oct. 11 via Capitol Records Nashville.
Produced by Tofer Brown, The Aftermath features four previously-released tracks from earlier this year, “Alright,” “Blue Bird” (featuring Alison Krauss,) “Strong Stuff” and “Late Bloomer,” as well as the new title track that will arrive alongside the EP.
“The Aftermath is a collection of songs that all come from a very honest and introspective place,” says Faith. “I am a woman in my early 20s, caught in the limbo of being a child and an adult, each song on this project has a unique balance of self-assuredness and self-doubt. I am so excited to have these songs out into the world and in the hands of anyone who resonates with them. Each song holds a place in my heart and lends itself to a different feeling reflective of when I put pen to paper, and I hope they do the same for anyone who listens.”
A North Carolina native, Faith relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream of becoming a country artist. In just a few years, she has accumulated over 111 million global streams on tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy.” Her soaring vocals and authentic storytelling have led to her sharing stages with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and one of her biggest influences, Willie Nelson. She has been featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and LISTEN UP 2024 campaigns, in addition to being the first country artist featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program.
Faith will hit the road for a run of dates supporting Luke Grimes in November, with stops in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and more, following her upcoming dates supporting Midland that kick off next week.
The Aftermath Track List:
1. “The Aftermath” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
2. “Alright” (Carter Faith, Ashley Monroe, Tofer Brown)
3. “Blue Bird” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
4. “Strong Stuff” (Carter Faith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Late Bloomer” (Carter Faith, Tofer Brown, Margaret Valentine, Lauren Hungate)
King Henry Inks With Big Machine Music
/by Liza AndersonKing Henry. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music
Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer King Henry has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.
His songwriting credits include Beyoncé’s “All Night,” Maroon 5’s “Help Me Out,” The Weeknd’s “Nothing Without You,” Ryan Hurd’s “Go To Bed Sober,” Lany’s “Thru These Tears” and “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” as well as Sasha Alex Sloan’s “Older” and “Only” with NF. The creator has also collaborated with superstar DJ Diplo on both the writing and production side, contributing to tracks like seven-time Platinum “Heartless (feat. Morgan Wallen),” “Thunderclouds (feat. Sia, Diplo and Labrinth)” and “Lonely (with Jonas Brothers).”
“King Henry is a rare, truly versatile songwriter who can seamlessly create hit music across dance, pop, country and singer-songwriter genres,” says Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music President. “His decision to make Nashville his home base and to partner with Big Machine Music are a testament to the growing diversity of Music City and our songwriter roster. We are proud to welcome him to our team!”
“I’ve been friends with much of the Big Machine Music family for years on the company side as well as the writer side. When it came time to find the right partner in Nashville for myself, it was obvious to me that Big Machine Music was the right choice,” shares King Henry. “I’m excited to continue writing in Nashville and have this team guiding me through the next chapter of my creative journey.”
Chase Matthew To Make Ryman Auditorium Headline Debut
/by Madison HahnenChase Matthew. Photo: David Bradley
Nashville native Chase Matthew will make his hometown headlining debut at the iconic Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21.
“Hometown shows are special for any artist and headlining Ryman Auditorium is an extra special place for a country artist to perform,” shares Matthew. “The history behind the historic Ryman has a significance which makes this such an awesome opportunity. Growing up in Nashville means that my hometown show, and my first time headlining the Ryman, are happening the same night! I’m having a hard time putting into words what everyone should expect, but I know it will be an evening my fans, friends, and family will never forget! Maybe a few surprise guests too.”
Featured in MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2024, the Warner Music Nashville artist is on track to play over 145 shows for over one million fans this year. Matthew has shared the stage this year with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, and has previously supported Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt, Lainey Wilson and more.
He recently hit the top five at radio with his Gold-certified debut single “Love You Again.” He has also released collaborations with Flo Rida (“Floats Your Boat”) and Fernando & Sorocaba (“Cold Blooded”). He received his first award show nomination for The New Artist of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, taking place on Thursday (Sept. 26).
Pre-sale tickets for Matthew’s Ryman debut begin tomorrow (Sept. 25) with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday (Sept. 27) at 10 a.m. CT.
Luke Combs Notches 19th Consecutive No. 1 With ‘Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma’
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs has notched his 19th consecutive No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart with Twisters: The Album track “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” which also topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
The achievement follows the country star’s CMA Award nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Fathers & Sons). Additionally, he is set to headline Washington State’s Gorge Amphitheatre next month ahead of his Category 10 venue opening in November. Combs will also embark on a stadium tour across New Zealand and Australia next year in addition to headlining Stagecoach 2025.
Mitchell Tenpenny To Host David Yurman Event & Third Annual Cornhole Tournament
/by Liza AndersonMitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Zach Pigg
Mitchell Tenpenny will host an exclusive event at the David Yurman Nashville store as well as his third annual Cornhole Tournament next week in support of The 10Penny Fund, which seeks to invest in sustainable and meaningful programs that motivate cancer patients, encourage healing and build community.
The David Yurman fundraiser will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. this coming Monday (Sept. 30). Attendees will receive a signed vinyl with a purchase of two thousand dollars or more, or a signed guitar with a purchase of $10,000 or more.
Tenpenny’s third annual Cornhole Tournament will follow on Tuesday (Oct. 1), starting at 2 p.m. at Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Tenpenny will participate in the tournament alongside his team, facing off against any industry members who would like to compete for the cost of $500 per team/board. Those interested in watching can donate $10 for a ticket. For more information, click here.
Additionally, merchandise supporting The 10Penny Fund is available to purchase at 10PennyFund.org.
Travis Meadows Signs With Sheltered Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Darrell Franklin (Sr.VP Sheltered Music Publishing), Travis Meadows and Freeman Wizer (Sr. Creative Director Sheltered Music Publishing)
Singer-songwriter Travis Meadows has signed a global creative deal with Sheltered Music.
Meadows’ songwriting prowess has gained recognition from top artists in the industry, with a list of singles and cuts for country icons and rockers alike, including Cody Johnson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and many more. Some hits penned by Meadows include Dierks Bentley’s “Riser,” Johnson’s “Human,” Chesney’s “Better Boat” and Jake Owen’s “What We Ain’t Got.”
He has had a captivating journey and overcome many personal struggles, and through that, has evolved into a singer-songwriter that has earned accolades for his raw and authentic storytelling.
“Other songwriters and artists often describe Travis as a poet, and I’ve heard it said many times—it’s true,” says Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music. “His heart and soul are felt in every lyric, and you believe every word. As if that weren’t enough, Travis (the artist) takes it to the next level. His delivery is as honest as the words he sings, taking us on a journey that can only be compared to heroes like Springsteen, Petty, and Dylan. I can’t express how honored we are to work with Travis.”
“I was ready for another chapter in my music career, and isn’t it just like life to open up opportunities when you ask for them,” shares Travis. “I’ve known Darrell and Freeman my entire Nashville experience. They are some of the best in the field and good people as well, so it made perfect sense to partner with people who I’ve known and trusted for years. I’m excited about this next phase of whatever comes to us through the magic of lyric and melody.”
At Sheltered Music, Meadows joins Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Marty Stuart and more.
Weekly Register: Miranda Lambert Makes Her Way Up The Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: James Macari
Miranda Lambert‘s Postcards from Texas debuts at No. 8 on the country albums chart with 25K in total consumption (19K album only/7.4 million song streams), according to Luminate data.
The top five is stagnant once again, as Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion holds the top slot with 60K (4.5K album only/70 million song streams). Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time takes No. 2 with 52K (890 album only/66 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene bides at No. 3 with 38K (250 album only/48 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album persists at No. 4 with 33K (360 album only/42 million song streams), followed by Bryan’s self-titled collection at No. 5 with 29K (2.1K album only/35 million song streams).
The top five also remains the same on the country streaming songs chart. Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reigns at No. 1 with 22 million new streams, adding to 732 million ATD, while Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” rests at No. 2 with 19 million streams, adding to 656 million ATD. Bryan’s “Pink Skies” continues at No. 3 with 14 million new streams, adding to 333 million ATD, while Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” resides at No. 4 with 13 million streams, adding 186 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” stays at No. 5 with 12.7 million new streams, adding to a billion ATD.
BREAKING: Ben Kline Stepping Down From Position At Warner Music Nashville, Gregg Nadel Joining Cris Lacy
/by LB CantrellGregg Nadel. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Longstanding WMG leader Gregg Nadel has been appointed Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. He will work alongside Cris Lacy, who has been Co-Head of Warner Music Nashville for the past two years and marks her 20th anniversary with the company next year.
Nadel succeeds Ben Kline, who has decided to step down after a decade with the company.
Kline says, “Together, we’ve grown Warner Music Nashville to new heights and played vital roles in the development of so many artists. Thanks to WMG leadership for all of the opportunities, faith, and guidance along the way. And thank you to Cris Lacy for her never-wavering support for the artists and their musical visions. I’m excited for the next adventure.”
Based out of the Nashville office, Nadel and Lacy will report to Warner Records CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson, who report direct to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, effective Oct. 1. Lacy, Nadel and their team will continue to work with Nashville artists co-signed with Atlantic Music Group.
In the course of his nearly three-decade career, Nadel—who most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment—has signed and/or championed such acclaimed country and roots-based artists as Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Brittney Spencer, among many other artists across multiple genres.
Bay-Schuck and Corson note: “Gregg grew up at WMG, and over the past three decades, he’s brought his impeccable taste, wisdom, and guidance to an exceptional array of original, powerful voices. He’s an ambidextrous A&R and marketing expert with a global perspective, which will be a tremendous asset at a time when Nashville artists are crossing boundaries and reaching the world stage like never before. Like Gregg, Cris has expanded from her roots as an A&R force into a true multi-dimensional leader, and together, they’ll be a phenomenal team to take Warner Music Nashville into a dynamic future.”
They add, “We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ben Kline. Over his past decade with WMN, his tireless passion for the label’s artists and team has set the company up for continued, expanding success. He leaves with our deepest admiration and best wishes for his next chapter.”
Nadel shares, “I’ve had the honor of working with incredibly talented artists across many sounds and styles, and through it all, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the heartfelt music that comes from Nashville’s rich creative culture. I’m excited to be diving deeper into this brilliant community of musicians and storytellers, and I’m especially excited about working alongside Cris Lacy and the entire team. Thank you to Tom and Aaron for this incredible opportunity.”
Lacy expresses, “Thanks to WMG’s cross-label and cross-genre philosophy, Gregg and I have been collaborating within the company for over a decade. We’re both rooted in a deep love of the music that comes into and out of Nashville. Gregg brings a unique, wide-ranging perspective to what will be a fantastic partnership. He has long invested in the culture and the community of this town, and together, we are fiercely committed to amplifying what makes its music so special. My heartfelt thanks and admiration go out to Ben. It’s been a great ride, and his expertise, leadership, and friendship have made it all the more gratifying. I wish him the very best in all things to come.”
Prior to being named President of Elektra Entertainment in 2017, Nadel served as General Manager of Elektra Records and before that was SVP, A&R and Marketing, for Atlantic Records. A 27-year veteran of WMG, Nadel joined Atlantic straight out of college in 1997. In his marketing capacity, he has spearheaded high-profile campaigns for global superstars such as Ed Sheeran, who he’s worked with since the early days of Sheeran’s career.
BREAKING: UMG Nashville Appoints Robert Kilduff As CFO
/by LB CantrellRobert Kilduff
Universal Music Group Nashville has named Robert Kilduff as Chief Financial Officer.
Bringing over 30 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in financial leadership, strategic financial planning, operations and corporate development to the role, Kilduff joins the label following years as CFO for non-profit organization, the Gary Sinise Foundation. Prior to that he served as CFO of New Form Entertainment, VP of Financial Planning & Analysis for WME, and VP of Financial Planning & Analysis for Universal Music Group North America.
Throughout his career, Kilduff has helmed financial strategy for Broadramp, Inc. as an early tech start up, launched an international software division for the Oscar-winning special effects company Digital Domain, and directed international financial teams and operations integration for Neopets.com (a Viacom subsidiary). Other finance roles have included PricewaterhouseCoopers Strategy Consulting, Warner Bros. Studios, and former Big Six accounting firm, Coopers & Lybrand.
“Having helped lead the financial growth strategy of businesses in music, film/television, and technology sectors, Bob has a wealth of knowledge that will be instrumental in the growth strategy of Universal Music Group Nashville,” shares UMGN Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “He is the unicorn we were looking for to help grow the next era of UMGN. I am so excited for him to join our team.”
Kilduff shares, “I am thrilled to rejoin UMG, a company with such a rich history of creative excellence, and eager to contribute to its ongoing success and future growth.”
Ernest Hits Top Five On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenErnest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Ernest has entered the top five on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The charting songs “Cowgirls,” “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “Nosedive,” “What Don’t Belong To Me,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Wrong Ones” pushed the singer-songwriter into the No. 5 spot.
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “Cowgirls,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “What Don’t Belong To Me,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3) and Chris Stapleton (No. 4) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.