Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Legions of dedicated Morgan Wallen fans gathered at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Thursday night (May 2) for the first of three shows. The Tennessee native was joined by Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith and Lauren Watkins for the Music City dates of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour.”
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
To kick off the night’s music, Watkins gave a charming set that included her cheeky “Anybody But You” and new song “Mama, I Made It.” Her charisma and excitement resonated with the early arrivals at the stadium who danced along during her 25 minutes.
When Smith took the stage, he brought the passion and vocal chops that felt ready for a stadium-sized crowd. The singer gave his all on tunes “Bulletproof,” “Wreckage,” “Sleeve” and his first chart-topper “Whiskey On You.” After a cover of Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” Smith closed with his record-breaking, 10-week No. 1 hit “World On Fire.”
Next it was time for Zimmerman to take the stage. When the 24-year old appeared, the crowd was ready for his signature energizer bunny stage presence. He opened his set with “Religiously,” and immediately started taking advantage of the large stage’s full real estate.
Fans were excited to hear “Warzone,” “Chase Her,” “Fix’n To Break,” “Holy Smokes” and his first-ever No. 1 “Fall In Love” before rain interrupted his set, sending some fans into the covered terminals of the stadium. That didn’t bring Zimmerman down though. He continued his rampage of streaming monsters including “You Don’t Want That Smoke,” “Where It Ends” and “Rock and A Hard Place.”
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation by the time Wallen took the stage. When the lights went out and the history-making artist’s face appeared on the screen, a deafening scream came from Nissan Stadium. After his signature, athlete-style videoed walk-up, set to his country hip-hop jam “Broadway Girls,” Wallen officially hit the stage with “Ain’t That Some.”
He blitzed the exhilarated audience with “I Wrote the Book,” “One Thing At A Time” and “You Proof,” stalking up and down the catwalk, letting the excitement show in his body language.
“It’s good to be home, baby!” Wallen exclaimed. “Me and the boys have had this one circled on the calendar for a long time. This is a special show for us.
“We have a bunch of family, friends and people that have worked with us for a very long time here in order to make something like this happen. Thank you so much for being here!”
The sheer size of Wallen’s stage and the production value of the tour allowed for him to create several opportunities for his cult-like fans to see him. Early in his set, he went over to a side stage where a set of bleachers and flags with his high school colors on them were positioned.
He spoke about his love for baseball before playing “’98 Braves.” The bracelets that concertgoers received upon entry to the show lit up in Braves colors as the singer serenaded the crowd.
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Before leaving the small stage, Wallen played his romantic “7 Summers.” His face lit up in a smirk when the girls swooned as the song started.
Wallen returned to the main stage for the trappy “Sunrise” and rock-flavored “Whiskey Friends.” Then, covered in security officers, the entertainer walked through the crowd on the floor of the stadium to a satelite stage at the other side of the room.
Jumping up on the small stage with an acoustic guitar and one musician accompanying him, Wallen did his best to emulate the intimacy he felt with his fans when he was playing smaller rooms. The effort created one of the night’s standout moments, with fans fully enveloped in his iconic cover of Jason Isbell‘s “Cover Me Up.”
Despite the amount of times he sings his hits that have garnered billions of streams, you get the feeling that he still feels it in his performance of the songs. Even if the lyrics are no longer applicable to his life, you can see him feeling it resonating with his fans. That connection is especially noticeable in the acoustic, tender moments of his nearly two-hour show.
From the satellite stage he played “Thought You Should Know,” “Sand In My Boots” and a song that is “technically unreleased but won’t be for long” called “Lies Lies Lies.” He then triumphantly returned to the main stage for his first hit “Up Down.” Zimmerman joined him for the fun tune.
Ernest and Morgan Wallen perform onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Next up was “Cowgirls,” which the song’s featured artist Ernest appeared for. Wallen reminded fans that Ernest’s new album Nashville, Tennessee had just been released before hitting another side stage.
On the opposite side of the high school-themed side stage was one with a model of his grandmother’s house from his One Thing At A Time album cover. In front of the little house, Wallen sang “Chasin’ You” and “Man Made A Bar.”
For the final stretch of the evening, Wallen brought the hits, pumping the crowd up with “Heartless,” “Wasted On You” and “This Bar,” using the latter to advertise his soon-to-be-opened spot on Broadway. After “More Than My Hometown” and “Whiskey Glasses,” Wallen said goodnight, but his fans were no fools. They stood in the darkness waiting for the once-in-a-generation entertainer to return.
All of a sudden, the wrists of concert-goers lit up and Wallen returned with a blistering fury, performing the country hip-hop juggernaut “Thinkin’ Bout Me” to a re-invigorated Nissan Stadium. Wallen transitioned into “Last Night” and his theme song “The Way I Talk” before officially closing the night with a glistening firework show.
Wallen will continue his Nissan Stadium run tonight (May 3) and tomorrow (May 4) before making his way to Hershey, Pennsylvania this coming Thursday (May 9).
Industry Ink: CMHOFM, CAA, Emily Ann Roberts, Owen Riegling
/by John Nix ArledgeCountry Music Hall Of Fame Reveals Plans For ‘All For The Hall Dallas’
Pictured (L-R) Carri Hyde, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward, Lisa Arpey, Vikram Agrawal, Lisa Purcell, Ben Hall Photo: Celeste Cass
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has revealed plans for the return of “All for the Hall Dallas,” a two-day musical benefit supporting the nonprofit museum’s educational programs.
The event will kick off Monday, Sept. 9, with a performance by Midland at a patron party hosted by honorary co-chairs Anne and Steve Anne Stodghill. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, joined by several performers, is set to host a guitar pull at Gilley’s Dallas.
The announcement was made during an event at the home of the Stodghills, which featured a performance by Runaway June including their songs “Buy My Own Drinks,” “Fine Wine” and more.
This year’s event leaders include Lisa Arpey, Vikra Agrawal, the Stodghills and Carri Hyde.This marks the second time “All for the Hall” will be held in Dallas, with the inaugural event in 2021 raising over $630,000. Annabel Morgan and Emily Hyde are co-chairs for the Troubadour Dallas Ambassadors.
PENCIL & CAA Host 20th Annual ‘A Little Night Of Music’
Lauren Alaina
PENCIL, an organization that links community resources to Nashville Public Schools, partnered with CAA for the 20th annual “A Little Night of Music” fundraiser on Wednesday, April 24 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
The event, headlined by Lauren Alaina and Niko Moon, raised a record-breaking $425,000 for PENCIL and brought together over 400 business, civic and community leaders.
“I am in awe knowing that our friends at CAA started this event 20 years ago, bringing their best talent to our intimate event,” says PENCIL President and CEO Christiane Buggs. “Their support continues to make a phenomenal impact on public education that now exceeds $3.3 million through our partnership.”
Emily Ann Roberts Performs For Children At Vanderbilt’s Seacrest Studios
Emily Ann Roberts, Jordan Larsen
Emily Ann Roberts, along with fiddle player Jordan Larsen, recently performed for children at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The performance, held at Seacrest Studios, was made possible by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which establishes studios in pediatric hospitals. Seacrest Studios offer diverse programming, accessible both in-studio and via closed-circuit networks on patients’ TV screens.
Owen Riegling Signs Co-Management Deal With Workshop Music Group & The Familie
Owen Riegling
Mildmay, Ontario native Owen Riegling has entered a co-management deal with Workshop Music Group and The Familie.
Signed by Universal Music Canada, Riegling’s music is deeply rooted in the heart of country and boasts over 50 million global streams. His new EP, Bruce County, will be released in May.
“We are fired right up to partner with The Familie as we continue to help Owen tell his story as an artist. Their skills and network, alongside our shared values, set a solid foundation for this partnership,” share managers Mark Schroor and Erik Fintelman.
“Our entire team is thrilled to partner with Owen. After getting to know Mark and Erik, it’s clear this collaboration will be enduring,” says The Familie’s Steve Astephen.
Morgan Wallen Kicks Off Three-Night Stand At Nissan Stadium
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Legions of dedicated Morgan Wallen fans gathered at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Thursday night (May 2) for the first of three shows. The Tennessee native was joined by Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith and Lauren Watkins for the Music City dates of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour.”
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
To kick off the night’s music, Watkins gave a charming set that included her cheeky “Anybody But You” and new song “Mama, I Made It.” Her charisma and excitement resonated with the early arrivals at the stadium who danced along during her 25 minutes.
When Smith took the stage, he brought the passion and vocal chops that felt ready for a stadium-sized crowd. The singer gave his all on tunes “Bulletproof,” “Wreckage,” “Sleeve” and his first chart-topper “Whiskey On You.” After a cover of Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” Smith closed with his record-breaking, 10-week No. 1 hit “World On Fire.”
Next it was time for Zimmerman to take the stage. When the 24-year old appeared, the crowd was ready for his signature energizer bunny stage presence. He opened his set with “Religiously,” and immediately started taking advantage of the large stage’s full real estate.
Fans were excited to hear “Warzone,” “Chase Her,” “Fix’n To Break,” “Holy Smokes” and his first-ever No. 1 “Fall In Love” before rain interrupted his set, sending some fans into the covered terminals of the stadium. That didn’t bring Zimmerman down though. He continued his rampage of streaming monsters including “You Don’t Want That Smoke,” “Where It Ends” and “Rock and A Hard Place.”
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation by the time Wallen took the stage. When the lights went out and the history-making artist’s face appeared on the screen, a deafening scream came from Nissan Stadium. After his signature, athlete-style videoed walk-up, set to his country hip-hop jam “Broadway Girls,” Wallen officially hit the stage with “Ain’t That Some.”
He blitzed the exhilarated audience with “I Wrote the Book,” “One Thing At A Time” and “You Proof,” stalking up and down the catwalk, letting the excitement show in his body language.
“It’s good to be home, baby!” Wallen exclaimed. “Me and the boys have had this one circled on the calendar for a long time. This is a special show for us.
“We have a bunch of family, friends and people that have worked with us for a very long time here in order to make something like this happen. Thank you so much for being here!”
The sheer size of Wallen’s stage and the production value of the tour allowed for him to create several opportunities for his cult-like fans to see him. Early in his set, he went over to a side stage where a set of bleachers and flags with his high school colors on them were positioned.
He spoke about his love for baseball before playing “’98 Braves.” The bracelets that concertgoers received upon entry to the show lit up in Braves colors as the singer serenaded the crowd.
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Before leaving the small stage, Wallen played his romantic “7 Summers.” His face lit up in a smirk when the girls swooned as the song started.
Wallen returned to the main stage for the trappy “Sunrise” and rock-flavored “Whiskey Friends.” Then, covered in security officers, the entertainer walked through the crowd on the floor of the stadium to a satelite stage at the other side of the room.
Jumping up on the small stage with an acoustic guitar and one musician accompanying him, Wallen did his best to emulate the intimacy he felt with his fans when he was playing smaller rooms. The effort created one of the night’s standout moments, with fans fully enveloped in his iconic cover of Jason Isbell‘s “Cover Me Up.”
Despite the amount of times he sings his hits that have garnered billions of streams, you get the feeling that he still feels it in his performance of the songs. Even if the lyrics are no longer applicable to his life, you can see him feeling it resonating with his fans. That connection is especially noticeable in the acoustic, tender moments of his nearly two-hour show.
From the satellite stage he played “Thought You Should Know,” “Sand In My Boots” and a song that is “technically unreleased but won’t be for long” called “Lies Lies Lies.” He then triumphantly returned to the main stage for his first hit “Up Down.” Zimmerman joined him for the fun tune.
Ernest and Morgan Wallen perform onstage during night one of his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Next up was “Cowgirls,” which the song’s featured artist Ernest appeared for. Wallen reminded fans that Ernest’s new album Nashville, Tennessee had just been released before hitting another side stage.
On the opposite side of the high school-themed side stage was one with a model of his grandmother’s house from his One Thing At A Time album cover. In front of the little house, Wallen sang “Chasin’ You” and “Man Made A Bar.”
For the final stretch of the evening, Wallen brought the hits, pumping the crowd up with “Heartless,” “Wasted On You” and “This Bar,” using the latter to advertise his soon-to-be-opened spot on Broadway. After “More Than My Hometown” and “Whiskey Glasses,” Wallen said goodnight, but his fans were no fools. They stood in the darkness waiting for the once-in-a-generation entertainer to return.
All of a sudden, the wrists of concert-goers lit up and Wallen returned with a blistering fury, performing the country hip-hop juggernaut “Thinkin’ Bout Me” to a re-invigorated Nissan Stadium. Wallen transitioned into “Last Night” and his theme song “The Way I Talk” before officially closing the night with a glistening firework show.
Wallen will continue his Nissan Stadium run tonight (May 3) and tomorrow (May 4) before making his way to Hershey, Pennsylvania this coming Thursday (May 9).
Luke Bryan To Launch ‘Farm Tour 2024’ This Fall
/by Liza AndersonLuke Bryan will launch his “Farm Tour 2024” this fall, marking the 15th annual journey.
Since 2009, the country star has given back to farmers by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending local colleges or universities near the “Farm Tour” stops. To date, 83 college scholarships have been granted.
This year’s trek will take place Sept. 21–28 with special guests Conner Smith, Tucker Wetmore, The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) and DJ Rock. The 2024 stops include Mulberry Orchard in Shelbyville, Kentucky and Miller Family Farm in Millerport, Ohio as well as first-time visits to Huggins Store in Marshville, North Carolina and Cunningham Family Farm in Smithton, Pennsylvania with two more shows to be announced soon.
Continuing their partnership that began in 2015, Bayer will remain a “Farm Tour” Presenting Sponsor this year and will join forces with Bryan for their annual “Here’s To The Farmer” initiative that benefits Feeding America. The campaign celebrates American farmers who help to provide people in the U.S. and beyond with critical nutrition. The program has given over eight million meals to people experiencing hunger through Feeding America’s network of food banks. To support the initiative, fans can share #HeresToTheFarmer on their social media platforms now through Oct. 31.
For the past two years, the artist has joined Fendt, another Presenting Sponsor, to create Luke Bryan’s Boldy Grown Popcorn and Luke Bryan’s Boldy Grown Peanuts. When the limited edition snacks have sold out, Fendt has donated to the National FFA Organization, which prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Throughout the partnership, Fendt has given $75,000 to the organization.
Citi serves as the official “Farm Tour” card. Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets starting this Monday (May 6) at 10 a.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. Bryan’s Nut House fan club will also have access to presale tickets at 10 a.m. local time on Monday, with general sales beginning this Thursday (May 9) at the same time. For more information, click here.
Kelsey Hart To Share ‘Life With You’ This Month
/by Madison HahnenKelsey Hart has plotted the release of his debut album, Life With You, for May 31 via Curb Records.
The 15-track project will give listeners a glimpse into Hart’s life, from songs about his wife and father, to anthems about longnecks and backroads, to songs about love and heartbreak.
To celebrate, Hart released the opening track, “Burn My Summer,” today (May 3). The sizziling summer song was penned by Ryan Beaver, Kelley Lovelace, Andy Sheridan and Brad Clawson, and produced by Blake Bollinger.
The title track debuted in the top 10 on Billboard‘s Country Digital Songs chart and went viral on social media platforms. It also notched the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown. Additionally, the intimate music video featuring footage from Hart’s wedding was played on CMT.
Hart is slated to perform on the Good Molecules Reverb Stage during this year’s CMA Fest as well as “Celebrating 60 Years of Curb Records” at Ascend Amphitheater. He will also make his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 28.
Life With You Track Listing:
1. “Burn My Summer”
2. “4×4”
3. “Without You In It”
4. “Flannel”
5. “Man Down”
6. “Drink About Me”
7. “Life With You”
8. “Zebco”
9. “Better By The Beer”
10. “My Daddy’s Fault”
11. “Like You Leaving”
12. “Put It On The Map”
13. “6-Pack Gone”
14. “Missin’ You”
15. “Country In Business”
‘From Where I Stand: The Black Experience In Country Music’ Returns As Multifaceted Initiative
/by Lorie HollabaughAn expanded version of the 1998 box set From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music is being released by The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in collaboration with Warner Music Nashville on May 31.
The updated CD collection spans a century of music and traces the many ways Black Americans have created, contributed to and been influenced by country music, and will be accompanied by a free-to-access online experience via the museum’s website.
Released more than 25 years ago, the original set’s creation was inspired and urged by Black country artist Cleve Francis and American Baptist College executive Nelson Wilson, who saw a disturbing gap in music history. “It’s a part of our history that’s been hidden from us,” Francis told the Washington Post upon the set’s release.
The updated box set encompasses 82 tracks, with a fourth disc titled Reclaiming the Heritage that presents a fresh wave of Black artists in country and Americana who emerged through 2020. New essays by recording artists Rhiannon Giddens and Rissi Palmer join the original essays by distinguished music scholars and journalists in the set as well.
Giddens states in her essay, “The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow.”
The CD set is packaged in a hard-bound booklet and illustrated with traditional quilt designs created years ago by the women of the Gee’s Bend community of Alabama. Each era of music is represented with a quilt from roughly the same time period as the music. The set is now available for preorder on the museum’s website.
A variety of artists represented in the box set will celebrate the release in a one-time-only concert on June 18 in the museum’s CMA Theater. “From Where I Stand: The Concert Celebration,” presented by Amazon and Riverview Foundation, will be led by co-producers Palmer and Shannon Sanders, and artists set to perform include Blanco Brown, Cowboy Troy, Tony Jackson, Hubby Jenkins, Miko Marks, Wendy Moten, Palmer, Darius Rucker, The War And Treaty and Barrence Whitfield.
Tickets to the free concert can be reserved beginning May 31, based on availability. The concert will be filmed and released on the museum’s website this fall.
Beginning May 31, all the music in the box set can be heard on the museum’s website via From Where I Stand: The Online Experience. The free, online educational resource contains all the essays, archival photographs and video, and historical track notes for each selection. In addition, supplemental resources from the museum’s archive and resources for educators will be available. The online experience will also include music that was unable to be licensed for the physical box set release, including Beyoncé and the Chicks’ collaboration on “Daddy Lessons,” Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Al Green’s version of “For the Good Times.”
Jelly Roll’s ‘Halfway To Hell’ Reaches No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeJelly Roll’s track “Halfway To Hell” takes the No. 1 spot the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, rising from No. 5 to No. 1.
The track appears on his Whitsitt Chapel album and was written by Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jason DeFord and Matt Jenkins.
Jelly Roll is currently on the road on his “Beautifully Broken Tour.” Joining him on tour are artists Warren Zeiders and Alexandra Kay. The tour is set to close on Oct. 27, 2024 at the Spectrum Theater in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Halfway To Hell” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
CRB Reveals 2024–2025 CRS Agenda Committee
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the 2024–2025 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Agenda Committee leaders and members, who will work together to develop the annual three-day convention’s schedule.
Shelley Hargis (BMG/BBR Music Group) will continue to lead as the Agenda Chair, along with Co-Vice Chairs Krista Hayes (BMG/BBR Music Group) and Jesse Tack (WUBE/Hubbard).
“I could not be MORE thrilled to lead the agenda team again this year! Last year, our team launched a few new things at CRS, and we plan to continue those! Working together with a group of people who LOVE the country music industry, and especially CRS, as much as I do, is so exciting and invigorating,” says Hargis. “The team we have put together for this year is ready to take on the task of making this year the BEST yet!”
Committee members include Andrea Burtscher (Audacy), Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting), Samantha DePrez (Curb Records), Paisley Dunn-Banks (Seven Mountains Media), Nick Steele (Audacy), Amy Foxx (Hubbard Broadcasting), Alek Halverson (iHeartMedia), Maverick Johnson (iHeartMedia), Sarah Kay (Rubber City Radio Group/WQMX), Victoria Mason (Warner Music Nashville), Brad Mates (Band & Crew Financial), Nicole Michalik (Beasley Media/WXTU), Ashley Morrison (iHeartMedia), Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group), Scott Roddy (Audacy), Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records/BBR Music Group/BMG) and Kathleen Shea (SiriusXM/Pandora).
Additionally, Brittani Johnson (Big Loud Records) will lead the agenda content for the Digital Music Summit, which will return on the first day of CRS 2025. The Digital Music Summit Team also includes Claire Heinichen (Spotify), Gemma McInturff (Spotify), Vipin Reddy (UMG Nashville) and Alina Thompson (SiriusXM/Pandora).
CRS 2025 will take place Feb. 19–21.
UMG & TikTok Come To New Licensing Agreement
/by Liza AndersonFollowing their negotiation difficulties earlier this year, Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have come to a new multi-dimensional licensing agreement developed to deliver significant benefits for the music powerhouse’s international array of artists, songwriters and labels, and return their music to the popular social media platform’s global community of over a billion users.
The joint agreement marks a new era of strategic collaboration between the two organizations, built on a shared commitment to help UMG’s artists and songwriters reach their creative and commercial potential. By harnessing TikTok’s technology, marketing and promotional capabilities, they aim to deliver improved remuneration for corporation’s creators, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings, songs and protections with respect to generative artificial intelligence (AI). UMG and TikTok are also working to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform as well as improve artist and songwriter attribution.
As TikTok continues its quest to invest resources into building artist-centric tools, elements such as the Add to Music App feature, enhanced data and analytics and integrated ticketing abilities seek to benefit creators, both financially and in building their global fanbases using the platform’s scale and engaged community, while strengthening online safety protections for artists and their fans.
Additionally, the organizations will work together to realize new monetization opportunities utilizing TikTok’s growing e-commerce skills as well as on campaigns supporting UMG’s roster across genres and territories worldwide.
“This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community,” says Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG Chairman & CEO. “We look forward to collaborating with the team at TikTok to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”
“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem, and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” shares Shou Chew, TikTok CEO. “We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”
UMG and TikTok are currently working to return the music of UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters to the platform.
Concord Reshapes Streaming & Data Analysis Team, Adds Two
/by John Nix ArledgeBrad Clark & Kristen Reed
Concord has tapped Brad Clark as Senior Vice President of Streaming and Data Analysis and Kristen Reed as Vice President of Data Analytics and Research. In their new positions, Clark and Reed will focus on leveraging data to boost revenue and amplify the voices of artists on their roster. Both are based in Nashville.
“I am excited to have Brad and Kristen join the team. Brad has worked with artists at all stages of their career, from the releasing of their first song to some of the biggest stadium acts in the industry. He has developed a unique understanding of how to translate data into real-world advancement for an artist’s career,” says Chief Executive of Concord Label Group Tom Becci.
“Kristen’s ability to employ data to guide the promotion of an artist is incredible,” Becci adds. As Concord Label Group continues to grow at an increasingly rapid pace, it is vital that we maintain our competitive edge and ensure our artists are reaching as wide an audience as possible. In the era of streaming, this means a global, data-driven approach, and I know that Brad and Kristen are extremely well-suited to build upon the framework that we’ve established.”
Originally from Stoneville, North Carolina, Clark offers over 20 years of experience at Universal Music Group where he managed revenue, data, commerce and led projects for artists such as Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, Lady A, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.
“For me, the biggest thrill is to help an artist go from relative obscurity to realizing their dreams,” says Clark. “My career was formed around strong teams and supporting great artistry and Concord has built such an excellent, artist-centric company that this move felt like a natural next step.”
Dayton, Ohio native Reed joins the team with six years of experience in data analytics and research at Universal Music Group. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music with previous experience in data, finance and accounting.
“Music in general fuels me, and, as someone who tends to speak in numbers, it is a real gift to be able to use that ability to help artists bring music to the world,” explains Reed. “Concord has such an incredible roster and team, and I’m delighted to dive in.”
T.J. Martell Foundation To Honor Seth England
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): John Esposito, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, T.J. Martell Foundation; Seth England, CEO / Partner, Big Loud; Steve Gawley, Executive VP of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development, Republic. Photo: Courtesy of T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation and Big Loud hosted an exclusive breakfast in Nashville on Wednesday (May 1) to announce that Big Loud CEO/Parter Seth England will be receiving the nonprofit’s Lifetime Music Industry Award. The honor will be presented at their annual New York Honors Gala on Sept. 17 in New York City.
England will be honored for his impact on the music industry as well as his support for the T.J. Martell Foundation’s mission and dedication to finding a cure for cancer.
The breakfast event in Nashville raised a record $1.1 million for cancer research. Those in attendance included T.J. Martell Foundation’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Esposito, Republic Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development Steve Gawley, Republic Founder/Chairman Monte Lipman and Republic Founder/Vice Chairman Avery Lipman, as well as members of the Big Loud executive team.