Pictured (L-R, back row): Jon Loba, Beth Laird, Caroline Hodson, Emilia James, Travis Wood, ET Brown, Casey Brown, Mason Hunter, Ashley Gorley, Greg Gallo, David Fanning, Adrian Michaels, Courtney Crist; (L-R, front row): Kari Barnhart, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Josh McSwain, Rusty Gaston, David DeVaul, Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Larry McCormack
Industry members and artists came together for a special No. 1 party earlier this week when Broken Bow Records’ Parmalee celebrated their fourth career chart-topper, “Girl In Mine.”
The afternoon’s rain clouds parted and sun filled the foyer of BMI as friends, family and colleagues eagerly awaited BMI’s Mason Hunter to take to the podium. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Travis Wood and Parmalee’s Matt Thomas along with fellow band members Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Joshua McSwain and producer David Fanning.
Hunter began the event by warmly introducing the songwriters and band members, highlighting their remarkable achievements. He then turned the spotlight to Canada native Wood, acknowledging his impressive track record of nine No. 1 Canadian singles and now, his first No. 1 hit in the United States. “When you score your first No. 1 in Canada, do they give you a hockey puck?” teased Hunter. “Here in Nashville, we present you with a Taylor guitar. Here’s to many more No. 1s on that guitar!”
ASCAP’s Emilia James took the stage next, followed by SESAC’s ET Brown, who honored Brown with a guitar of his own. “One of the things I admire most about Casey, besides his obviously powerful and strong surname, is his unwavering dedication to his craft, which is matched only by his commitment to his family,” remarked Brown.
On deck to congratulate their writers were Reservoir Music Publishing’s Greg Gallo, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul and Stoney Creek Record’s Adrian Michaels.
Gaston took to the mic in a whirl of enthusiasm to congratulate both Gorley and Thomas, “This is a remarkably special week for Gorley. As of this week, he has the No. 1 song in the U.S. and it is his 75th No. 1 song. What I want everyone to realize is that there is no songwriter ever before, in any genre or country, that has ever had as many hits as Ashley Gorley.”
Gaston continued on to congratulate Thomas by sharing a few of Gorley’s own quotes praising the band, or in his words, quotes from “the most successful songwriter in the history of music.” Finally, he closed in fashion befitting only “the reverend” himself, “Parmalee is our band, my band, your band and they are country music’s band. They are nominated for two CMT Awards coming up. Pull out your phones and vote for Parmalee! God bless everyone and God bless country music.”
After the whistles and applause died down, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Wood kicked things off saying, “This is the community I was really anxious to be a part of when I moved here, so to be here with you guys today is really special. I am thankful to be a Nashville songwriter and to be celebrating a No. 1 with you guys.”
Producer, songwriter and the band’s manager, Fanning, added, “While I am not as enthusiastic as Rusty, you guys go vote. Thank you for supporting [Parmalee] as we continue to elevate their career.”
Brown took the chance to thank his team and congratulate Wood on his first U.S. No. 1. He said, “Travis, I am so honored to be a part of your first. If I could put you up on DraftKings and bet a large sum of money that you would have about a million more of these, I would do it in a heartbeat.”
“I am just thankful to be a part of this,” said Gorley. “Thank you to my family for believing in me at home and also my family with Domain, Sony Music and Tape Room.”
Thomas closed, gesturing to his own family, “Speaking of family, I want to say thanks to my family for being here. My niece Charlotte actually wrote a song the other day sitting in my kitchen, and I said, ‘You can do this!'”
Parmalee’s frontman closed with, “We love our job, we love what we do and we love being in Nashville, so thank y’all.”
Dennis Reese To Exit Sony Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellDennis Reese
RCA Nashville Sr. VP of Promotion Dennis Reese will reportedly exit the label after seven years with Sony Music Nashville, according to Country Aircheck. His last day is on April 1.
Reese has been responsible for the development, implementation and supervision of the strategic and tactical radio promotional plans for artists on the RCA roster including Kane Brown, Nate Smith, Chris Young and Restless Road, among others. With Reese on board, the imprint has celebrated 24 No. 1 hits.
He joined Sony Music Nashville following a successful run in pop music. His prior career stops include time as Sr. VP, Promotion at Epic Records and similar posts at Capitol Records, Elektra Records and Columbia Records. Reese began his career in radio, programming stations in Miami, Orlando and Charlotte.
EVP of Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges will reportedly oversee the RCA promotion team going forward.
Industry Celebrates Parmalee’s Fourth No. 1 Hit
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R, back row): Jon Loba, Beth Laird, Caroline Hodson, Emilia James, Travis Wood, ET Brown, Casey Brown, Mason Hunter, Ashley Gorley, Greg Gallo, David Fanning, Adrian Michaels, Courtney Crist; (L-R, front row): Kari Barnhart, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Josh McSwain, Rusty Gaston, David DeVaul, Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Larry McCormack
Industry members and artists came together for a special No. 1 party earlier this week when Broken Bow Records’ Parmalee celebrated their fourth career chart-topper, “Girl In Mine.”
The afternoon’s rain clouds parted and sun filled the foyer of BMI as friends, family and colleagues eagerly awaited BMI’s Mason Hunter to take to the podium. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Travis Wood and Parmalee’s Matt Thomas along with fellow band members Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Joshua McSwain and producer David Fanning.
Hunter began the event by warmly introducing the songwriters and band members, highlighting their remarkable achievements. He then turned the spotlight to Canada native Wood, acknowledging his impressive track record of nine No. 1 Canadian singles and now, his first No. 1 hit in the United States. “When you score your first No. 1 in Canada, do they give you a hockey puck?” teased Hunter. “Here in Nashville, we present you with a Taylor guitar. Here’s to many more No. 1s on that guitar!”
ASCAP’s Emilia James took the stage next, followed by SESAC’s ET Brown, who honored Brown with a guitar of his own. “One of the things I admire most about Casey, besides his obviously powerful and strong surname, is his unwavering dedication to his craft, which is matched only by his commitment to his family,” remarked Brown.
On deck to congratulate their writers were Reservoir Music Publishing’s Greg Gallo, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul and Stoney Creek Record’s Adrian Michaels.
Gaston took to the mic in a whirl of enthusiasm to congratulate both Gorley and Thomas, “This is a remarkably special week for Gorley. As of this week, he has the No. 1 song in the U.S. and it is his 75th No. 1 song. What I want everyone to realize is that there is no songwriter ever before, in any genre or country, that has ever had as many hits as Ashley Gorley.”
Gaston continued on to congratulate Thomas by sharing a few of Gorley’s own quotes praising the band, or in his words, quotes from “the most successful songwriter in the history of music.” Finally, he closed in fashion befitting only “the reverend” himself, “Parmalee is our band, my band, your band and they are country music’s band. They are nominated for two CMT Awards coming up. Pull out your phones and vote for Parmalee! God bless everyone and God bless country music.”
After the whistles and applause died down, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Wood kicked things off saying, “This is the community I was really anxious to be a part of when I moved here, so to be here with you guys today is really special. I am thankful to be a Nashville songwriter and to be celebrating a No. 1 with you guys.”
Producer, songwriter and the band’s manager, Fanning, added, “While I am not as enthusiastic as Rusty, you guys go vote. Thank you for supporting [Parmalee] as we continue to elevate their career.”
Brown took the chance to thank his team and congratulate Wood on his first U.S. No. 1. He said, “Travis, I am so honored to be a part of your first. If I could put you up on DraftKings and bet a large sum of money that you would have about a million more of these, I would do it in a heartbeat.”
“I am just thankful to be a part of this,” said Gorley. “Thank you to my family for believing in me at home and also my family with Domain, Sony Music and Tape Room.”
Thomas closed, gesturing to his own family, “Speaking of family, I want to say thanks to my family for being here. My niece Charlotte actually wrote a song the other day sitting in my kitchen, and I said, ‘You can do this!'”
Parmalee’s frontman closed with, “We love our job, we love what we do and we love being in Nashville, so thank y’all.”
‘Willie Nelson’s 4th Of July Picnic’ To Move To Philadelphia Area
/by Lorie HollabaughThis year, “Willie Nelson‘s 4th of July Picnic” will take place in the Philadelphia area for the first time.
Headlined by the country star, the annual concert event will be held at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. The Independence Day celebration will also include performances by Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples and Celisse.
“I am thrilled to bring the ‘4th of July Picnic’ to Philadelphia for the first time in our storied history,” says Nelson. “It’s an honor to host such an extraordinary lineup of talent in the birthplace of our country. We can’t wait to celebrate Independence Day with you.”
Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday (March 29), and Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets now until tomorrow (March 28) through the Citi Entertainment program. For more information, click here.
Annual Music Biz Conference To Move To Atlanta In 2025
/by Liza AndersonThe annual Music Business Association (Music Biz) conference will move to Atlanta next year.
The organization, formerly known as the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), rebranded as the Music Business Association in 2013. From 2011-2014, the conference took place in Los Angeles, and moved to Music City in 2015. Starting with Atlanta in 2025, the event will revert to frequently traveling to a new city.
The Music Biz headquarters continues to be located in Nashville, and the Music Biz 2024 conference is set for May 13-16 at the JW Marriott Nashville. This year’s event plans to bring together more than 2,100 global music professionals to have conversations and build connections that aim to help shape the future of the music business and best serve the needs of all music professionals.
The 2024 conference also marks the debut of new summits centered around industry topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), “Concrete Results: Music’s Next Uncharted Frontier,” “Glocals Only: Music Marketing For A Borderless World,” “The Greatest Good: Social Impact Is Good For Business” and “Changing The Game: Music & Gaming’s Unique Synergies.” These new additions join programs like #NextGen_Now, “Let’s Talk Physical,” “Music & Money,” the 13th annual Metadata Summit and more. Featured speakers including Kobalt’s Laurent Hubert, SESAC Music Group’s John Josephson, BandLab’s Meng Ru Kuok, Hopeless Records’ Louis Posen and Virgin Music Group’s Jacqueline Saturn will take part in the event along with over 250 others.
As previously announced, mtheory’s Cameo Carlson will receive Music Biz’s 2024 Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement, and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) will take home the 2024 Impact Award for Technological Excellence at the third annual Bizzy Awards on May 15.
Specific dates and venues for Music Biz 2025 will be revealed at a later date.
Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Drew Parker
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Relative Music Group’s Caroline Bouldin, Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy and Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Rusty Gaston; (L-R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Drew Parker, Relative Music Group’s Michael Hardy and Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Relative Music Group has partnered with Sony Music Publishing to sign country singer-songwriter Drew Parker to a global publishing deal.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of the Relative family that Dennis [Matkosky], Jesse [Matkosky] and Hardy have built,” shares Parker. “Getting to learn from and be encouraged by a guy like Dennis who has written some of the biggest songs of all time is an experience I never even dreamed of. I’ve also always wanted to be seen as not only a great artist but as a great songwriter, and no one does both of those better than Michael Hardy. I’m so excited for this journey.”
Parker is a Grammy and CMA Award nominee that has penned hits including Luke Combs‘ “Doin’ This” and “Forever After All” as well as Jake Owen‘s “Homemade.”
“Drew is such a talented writer,” says Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “He’s truly one of those guys that has a voice with his pen. It doesn’t matter who sings it, you know a Drew Parker song when you hear it. I’m excited to hear what he has to say over the next few years and can’t wait to watch his great songwriting pay off”
Additionally, Parker will be hitting the road this summer on Combs’ “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour,” and is also scheduled to appear at Big As Texas Fest, CMA Fest, Country Jam and more.
Emily Ann Roberts To Release ‘Can’t Hide Country (Deluxe Edition)’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughEmily Ann Roberts is releasing an extended version of her debut album, Can’t Hide Country, on April 19.
The deluxe version features three new songs, “Working on Love,” “When I’m Gone,” and Roberts’ personal favorite “Back Home.” With the project, the artist seeks to encourage fans to always remain true to themselves and to be proud of what makes them, them. Since it’s release in September, Can’t Hide Country has garnered more than 26 million streams.
“This record is my introduction to country music and when you have the opportunity to have three more songs as a part of that, they better say something,” says Roberts. “I’m so excited to complete this project with, ‘Working On Love,’ ‘Back Home’ and ‘When I’m Gone.’ These songs mean so much to me for different reasons, but most of all they’re all rooted in the things I’ve learned from over the past eight years of pursuing this dream. I love songs that make me think and feel something that wasn’t there before.”
Additionally, she is currently wrapping up her 17-date run on Blake Shelton’s “Back To The Honky Tonk Tour.”
Can’t Hide Country (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “Whole Lotta Little” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon /Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Chickens” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Paul Overstreet)
3. “Infinity” (Emily Ann Roberts/Stephanie Chapman)
4. “Keep On” (Emily Ann Roberts/Chris McKenna/Chase McDaniel)
5. “He Set Her Off” (Emily Ann Roberts/Parker Welling/Seth Mosely)
6. “Find Me A Man” (Emily Ann Roberts/Steve Fee/Jesse Reeves)
7. “Walkin’ Shoes” (Emily Ann Roberts/Chris Utley/Nicole Croteau/Kaylin Roberson)
8. “Out Of Sight” (Emily Ann Roberts/Jerry Salley/Mike Rogers)
9. “Loves Me For My Heart” (Emily Ann Roberts/Michael Farren/Phillip Lammonds)
10. “Devil Wears Denim” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Autumn McEntire)
11. “Still Searching (feat. Vince Gill & Ricky Skaggs)” (Jerry Salley/Phillip White)
12. “Can’t Hide Country” (Emily Ann Roberts/Melissa Fuller)
13. “The Building” (Emily Ann Roberts/Michael Farren)
14. “Back Home” (Emily Ann Roberts/Joe Clemmons)
15. “Working On Love” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Autumn McEntire)
16. “When I’m Gone” (Emily Ann Roberts/Autumn McEntire)
SoundExchange Reaches $11 Billion In Royalty Distribution
/by Madison HahnenMusic tech organization SoundExchange has distributed $11 billion in digital performance royalties since its inception in 2003. The company reached the milestone this month while making its 174th distribution of payments to creators and rights holders.
“We continue to be driven every day by the guiding principle of putting more money into the hands of creators and rights holders,” says Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “The continuing growth in royalty distributions to a billion dollars a year is reflective of a healthy digital music ecosystem, but it’s not something we take for granted. Our dedication to the community of creators we serve is unshakable, and we will continue to advocate tirelessly for artists to receive fair and equitable compensation for the use of their work on all platforms.”
SoundExchange enables digital service providers to meet their obligations and advocates to ensure creators are properly compensated for their work in the digital age of music. They frequently represent creators in front of the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board and have gained increases of 711% for satellite royalties, 294% for subscription royalties and 215% for non-subscription royalties since their start.
The company also leads the push for the American Music Fairness Act in front of Congress. The legislation ends the practice of not paying performers when their music is played on broadcast radio. SoundExchange is also a contributor to ongoing discussions lawmakers are having around artificial intelligence and how it could affect creators.
Luke Combs To Bring Back ‘Bootleggers Tailgate Party’ For 2024 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs is bringing back his “Bootleggers Tailgate Party” this year for his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour.”
The parties, presented by Jack Daniel’s and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails and powered by Whiskey Jam, will take place ahead of each of Combs’ Saturday night shows throughout the tour, starting at 3 p.m. local time each weekend.
Each event will have food and drink options, pre-show merch stands and live music, with the first three weekends featuring Ryan Larkins, Graham Barham, Shaylen, Greylan James, Redferrin and Alex Lambert. The remaining lineups will be announced soon.
Dates on Combs’ 2024 run include sold-out, back-to-back nights at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium, Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium and Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, among others. The artist has continued to break records with the journey, becoming the highest-selling and first-ever country artist to play back-to-back shows at SoFi Stadium, the highest-selling male country artist at Levi’s Stadium and Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium as well as the fastest-selling two-day run in the region of Paycor Stadium. For more information, click here.
Additionally, Combs has partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to develop Category 10, a multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville, expected to open this summer.
Greater Nashville Music Census Deadline Extended
/by Liza AndersonThe deadline to complete the Greater Nashville Music Census, a survey for anyone working in the music industry, has been extended to April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
The census aims to capture key information about the Nashville music economy to help the city and community make informed, data-driven decisions to support the music business going forward. Since its launch on March 1, more than 2,500 industry professionals have contributed to its findings. Lead partners include Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), Music Venue Alliance of Nashville, Belmont University, Americana Music Association, Backstage Strategies, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC), Nashville Musicians Union (AFM Local 257), Tennessee Entertainment Commission and the Country Music Association (CMA).
“Our numbers have been steady since launch,” says Kelly Walberg, CFMT VP of Communications. “But we’re still low in a couple of key demographics, such as those aged 18-24, and we’re hoping with some additional time and outreach, we can capture those voices as well.”
Early findings have indicated that participation has been strongest among independent creatives (51%), followed by music industry professionals (35%) and venues (10%). However, the 18-24 demographic overall has only accounted for 6% of those participating.
“We know that our local colleges are putting out some the best and brightest young musicians and minds in the nation, but that the hustle and grind can often dominate bandwidth,” says Chris Cobb, Music Venue Alliance of Nashville President. “From TSU’s award-winning marching band to Belmont and MTSU’s stellar music business programs to Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers–the very reason Nashville is called Music City–we are confident the future of our city’s music ecosystem is already living here. We need to hear their voices, too.”
The Census Steering Committee also admits that, as Music City, they really want to break the record for most participants of any music census to date. Austin, Texas currently holds the record with approximately 4,000 surveys filled out in 2019.
“We have the highest concentration of musicians in the nation living here in greater Nashville,” notes Dave Pomeroy, Nashville Musicians Association President. “So we’re asking each and every one of them to take the census, spread the word, and help us set the bar for all other cities moving forward.”
The Census Steering Committee has created a Social Media Tool Kit and Communication Tool Kit available for anyone to download from the census website. Additionally, because the census will remain anonymous for all participants, the coalition has created a separate sign-up form on the website for those interested in participating in future advocacy initiatives that emerge from the census results.
For more information, click here.
Industry Ink: Ernest, Texas Regional Radio Awards, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Todd Stepp
/by Madison HahnenErnest Hosts First Annual ERNvitational
Photo (L-R): Kiley Donohoe (Manager & Head of Digital, Big Loud Management), Paul Logan (SVP, Sync & Brand Partnerships, Big Loud Records), Jason Rashley (Founder/President, Ozark Music Group), Ally Parsons (Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee), ERNEST, Kristen Hohl (Vice President of Marketing, SPB Hospitality), Vic Wise (CMO, Tivoli Brewing Co | Outlaw Light Beer), Austin Adams (COO, Big Loud), Kelly Carrazzone (Executive Assistant, Big Loud Management)
On Monday (March 25), Ernest hosted the first annual ERNvitational golf tournament. Sponsored by Big Loud, Logan’s Roadhouse, Outlaw Beer, Ozark Music Group and The Neal Agency, all proceeds from the event went to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Texas Regional Radio Music And Radio Awards Celebrates Winners
Randy Rogers accepts the award for Album of the Year.
The 14th annual T3R Texas Music & Radio Awards took place Monday night (March 25) at Texas Live in Arlington, Texas. The awards celebrated artists and radio stations based on radio and chart achievement, touring success and fan input. Winners included Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen, Bri Bagwell, Jenna Paulette, Randy Rogers Band, Ryder Grimes, Amanda Kate Ferris, Lukas Nelson + POTR and more.
For a full list of winners, click here.
SongwritingWith:Soldiers Appoints Three New Board Members
Pictured (L-R): Collin McMillan, Pepper Evans, Suzanne Hogan
SongwritingWith: Soldiers has appointed three new board members, Collin McMillan, Pepper Evans and Suzanne Hogan. McMillan is the Owner/CEO of Grey Area Entertainment, which consists of a record label, an artist management arm and a publishing company. Evans is a senior marketing executive with experience leading teams and launching new products for American Express, Capital One and UnitedHealth Group. Hogan the President of Big Red Ideas.
“Pepper, Suzanne and Collin each bring important expertise to our board of directors,” says Executive Director Kristin Starling. “Their unique perspectives, skills and contributions will positively impact and advance our mission at SongwritingWith:Soldiers.”
Todd Stepp Joins Transparent Productions As SVP Of Global Marketing
Todd Stepp.
Transparent Productions has added Todd Stepp to their team as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. Stepp brings nearly 20 years of music industry experience to the new role, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing at Sony Music’s Provident Entertainment. While at Provident, he worked with Brandon Lake, Cain, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin, Zach Williams and more.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have a veteran like Todd join our executive leadership team,” shares Jared Gibo, President of Transparent Productions. “Todd has an incredible reputation in our industry and we’re proud to have him represent our company!”