Dalton Dover. Photo: Jim Wright
Our Black country artists have the discs to beat this week.
Brittney Spencer, Dalton Dover and Brei Carter all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Carter has the dance tune, and Spencer has the feel-good bopper. But Dalton Dover has the most traditional country voice going for him, and he gets the nod.
On a day dominated by newer country acts, Warner entry Redferrin wins the DISCovery Award. His full name is Blake Redferrin. He hails from White House, Tennessee and has the drawling accent to prove it.
RYAN JEWEL / “Same Bar, Different Town”
Writers: Ryan Jewel/Lauren McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producers: John Hansbrough & Ryan Jewel; Label: Ryan Jewel
– A nice, beefy, resonant production backs a honky-tonk baritone with a well-crafted tune. He’s a little bit pitch-y in spots, but not enough to mar the performance. As a songwriter, I’d call him much more than promising.
COREY KENT / “This Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Blake Bollinger/Jacob Hackworth/Michael Tyler; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony
– Heartache on the hoof. In a pleading tenor, he describes the pain of missing her and vents his anger on his heart that won’t heal. A pulsating rhythm track amps up the energy, and sizzling electric guitars infuse the mood.
REDFERRIN / “Doin’ Life”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jarrod Ingram/Blake Hubbard; Producers: Redferrin/The 720; Label: Warner
– It’s rough out there, folks. Redferrin sings the existential blues in a wailing tenor that pretty much outlines the pitfalls and difficulties. The moody track with its low-thump percussion is mixed up a tiny bit too high, so you have strain to discern the lyrics. As if to show a little mercy, the backing sounds ease off and the final chorus is crystal clear.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “I Got Time”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Emily Reid/Jessica Cayne/Nate Campany; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– Jaunty, catchy, cute and endearing. She’s worked hard all week and is ready to chill with her besties. Dance all night? Yes, please. Spencer’s debut album, My Stupid Life, dropped last Friday. Do yourself a favor and listen to the title tune, as well as this bopper.
LACY J. DALTON / “Summerland”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Dalton posted 20+ country hits in the 1980s, and she still sounds fine. This song was written to comfort her mother as she lay dying. A rippling mandolin accompanies the singer as she carries us onto the river that leads us over to the other side. Warm and reassuring.
KAMERON MARLOWE & ELLA LANGLEY / “Stranger”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– He’s a very powerful vocalist, but Langley keeps up with Marlowe on this power ballad. Sparks fly.
DALTON DOVER / “Take Me Home Country Roads”
Writers: Bill Danoff/John Denver/Taffy Nivert; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Breaking My Heart”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Nashville
– The song isn’t much, but the production and performance make a fine pop-country sound.
BILLY GILMAN & RHONDA VINCENT / “That’s Bluegrass to Me”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Gilman’s country voice lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass here, and the presence of the genre’s queen doesn’t hurt. The song’s lyric drops legendary names from the genre effortlessly.
BREI CARTER & ELEKTROHORSE / “Boots Get to Talking”
Writers: Brei Carter/Elektrohorse/Floyd Holloway/Ray Seay; Producer:Elektrohorse; Label: BC
– Country singer Carter turns herself over to her noted DJ Elektrohorse, who gives this ditty a definite dancefloor vibe. He leaves enough room in his beats for her sprightly vocal and an accompanying harmonica workout. Get up and shake it.
ELVIE SHANE / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Jon Sherwood/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The sound is a little dark and foreboding, but the blue-collar lyric lifts it up. As usual, he’s a beacon of creative individuality. Well worth your spins.
Day 1 CRS 2024 Advance Agenda Details Released
/by Madison HahnenTim Foisset, Chairman of the Digital Music Summit, shares, “This year’s Digital Music Summit will reflect how closely all aspects of our business—from streaming to social to radio to press—work together. I’m proud of the agenda team for working so hard to build an informative and actionable day for everyone who works to break artists and songs, both digitally and beyond.”
Below is the full schedule.
Registration for CRS 2024 is open.
On The Row: Conner Smith Preps For Debut Album Release
/by LB CantrellConner Smith. Photo: Luke Hutcherson
Leading up to his full-length debut album release on Friday (Jan. 26), Conner Smith dropped by the MusicRow offices this week to give a preview of a few songs.
The album, titled Smoky Mountains, is a 12-song project that includes Smith’s Gold-certified “Take It Slow,” viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” top-15-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise” and more. Smith co-wrote all but one song on the Zach Crowell-produced album, and feels that he has truly found his sound with the effort.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson, Madison Hahnen, John Nix Arledge and LB Cantrell; Conner Smith; Homestead’s Brad Belanger; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and Robert K. Oermann. Photo: Shelby Paul
He had some time to put into the collection. After entering his publishing deal when he was only 16, Smith was signed to The Valory Music Co. a few years later in 2019. Just as he was getting started, his momentum was forced to slow down due to the pandemic. Though disappointing for Smith, he’s come out the other side grateful for time spent slowing down and working on his craft.
“I’ve always been in love with the storytelling of country music,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my life to trying to figure out how to be a songwriter, and how to capture those same emotions that I felt as a kid growing up in this town. Country music shaped so much of my life.”
For the MusicRow team, Smith played samplings of Smoky Mountains such as the moody duet with Hailey Whitters “Roulette On The Heart,” the electrifying attention-grabber “Heatin’ Up,” the romantic story-song “Meanwhile In Carolina” and his infectious runaway hit “Creek Will Rise.”
To celebrate the album’s release, Smith will play a sold-out show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night. Then he will head to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the last date of the “Creek Will Rise Tour.” Smith will also play the iconic New Faces of Country Music Show at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Smith is signed to Big Machine Label Group (The Valory Music Co.), managed by Homestead/Red Light, published by Warner Chappell Music/Home Team Music/Miller Crow Music and booked by WME.
‘Revolutionary Love: A Concert To Benefit Thistle Farms’ Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughThistle Farms, the international nonprofit justice enterprise serving women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction, is hosting “Revolutionary Love,” a benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on March 19 in honor of International Women’s Day. The show will feature the Fisk Jubilee Singers, along with special guests.
“Our story of revolutionary love began almost 30 years ago with a single house to provide sanctuary and safety for women survivors—and challenged ourselves to do it lavishly,” says Becca Stevens, Founder and President of Thistle Farms. “Today, we are an international movement for women’s freedom rooted in the belief that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. That is what revolutionary love is all about, and this gathering will be a celebration of that idea.”
Tickets for the night of song and stories at the Ryman will go on sale Feb. 2, with VIP pre-sale opening on Jan. 31, and can be purchased through the Ryman Auditorium’s website at ryman.com or by visiting thistlefarms.org. All proceeds from the special show will benefit Thistle Farms.
“We invite the community to join us on March 19 at the Ryman Auditorium and share in song and story,” says Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms. “Guests will experience uplifting performances by the Fisk Jubilee Singers and special guests, hear stories from graduates of Thistle Farms’ residential program, and explore what it means to practice revolutionary love in support of survivors of trafficking and exploitation.”
Thistle Farms in Nashville has been on a mission since 1997 to change the way people see, understand and support systems that exploit women—including addiction, incarceration, poverty and trafficking. Thistle Farms does this by ensuring access to safe and supportive housing, meaningful employment and a lifelong community of support.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dalton Dover ‘Brings A Whole New Dimension’ To Country Classic
/by Robert K OermannDalton Dover. Photo: Jim Wright
Our Black country artists have the discs to beat this week.
Brittney Spencer, Dalton Dover and Brei Carter all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Carter has the dance tune, and Spencer has the feel-good bopper. But Dalton Dover has the most traditional country voice going for him, and he gets the nod.
On a day dominated by newer country acts, Warner entry Redferrin wins the DISCovery Award. His full name is Blake Redferrin. He hails from White House, Tennessee and has the drawling accent to prove it.
RYAN JEWEL / “Same Bar, Different Town”
Writers: Ryan Jewel/Lauren McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producers: John Hansbrough & Ryan Jewel; Label: Ryan Jewel
– A nice, beefy, resonant production backs a honky-tonk baritone with a well-crafted tune. He’s a little bit pitch-y in spots, but not enough to mar the performance. As a songwriter, I’d call him much more than promising.
COREY KENT / “This Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Blake Bollinger/Jacob Hackworth/Michael Tyler; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony
– Heartache on the hoof. In a pleading tenor, he describes the pain of missing her and vents his anger on his heart that won’t heal. A pulsating rhythm track amps up the energy, and sizzling electric guitars infuse the mood.
REDFERRIN / “Doin’ Life”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jarrod Ingram/Blake Hubbard; Producers: Redferrin/The 720; Label: Warner
– It’s rough out there, folks. Redferrin sings the existential blues in a wailing tenor that pretty much outlines the pitfalls and difficulties. The moody track with its low-thump percussion is mixed up a tiny bit too high, so you have strain to discern the lyrics. As if to show a little mercy, the backing sounds ease off and the final chorus is crystal clear.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “I Got Time”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Emily Reid/Jessica Cayne/Nate Campany; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– Jaunty, catchy, cute and endearing. She’s worked hard all week and is ready to chill with her besties. Dance all night? Yes, please. Spencer’s debut album, My Stupid Life, dropped last Friday. Do yourself a favor and listen to the title tune, as well as this bopper.
LACY J. DALTON / “Summerland”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Dalton posted 20+ country hits in the 1980s, and she still sounds fine. This song was written to comfort her mother as she lay dying. A rippling mandolin accompanies the singer as she carries us onto the river that leads us over to the other side. Warm and reassuring.
KAMERON MARLOWE & ELLA LANGLEY / “Stranger”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– He’s a very powerful vocalist, but Langley keeps up with Marlowe on this power ballad. Sparks fly.
DALTON DOVER / “Take Me Home Country Roads”
Writers: Bill Danoff/John Denver/Taffy Nivert; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Breaking My Heart”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Nashville
– The song isn’t much, but the production and performance make a fine pop-country sound.
BILLY GILMAN & RHONDA VINCENT / “That’s Bluegrass to Me”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Gilman’s country voice lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass here, and the presence of the genre’s queen doesn’t hurt. The song’s lyric drops legendary names from the genre effortlessly.
BREI CARTER & ELEKTROHORSE / “Boots Get to Talking”
Writers: Brei Carter/Elektrohorse/Floyd Holloway/Ray Seay; Producer:Elektrohorse; Label: BC
– Country singer Carter turns herself over to her noted DJ Elektrohorse, who gives this ditty a definite dancefloor vibe. He leaves enough room in his beats for her sprightly vocal and an accompanying harmonica workout. Get up and shake it.
ELVIE SHANE / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Jon Sherwood/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The sound is a little dark and foreboding, but the blue-collar lyric lifts it up. As usual, he’s a beacon of creative individuality. Well worth your spins.
Pureplay Entertainment Opens Nashville Office [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Dan McClung, Hannah Martin Eason, Joseph Martin
Film, television and digital production hub Pureplay Entertainment is expanding its operations to Nashville, in partnership with Music City’s own Hannah Martin Eason and Joseph Martin.
“I’ve known Hannah and Joseph since the beginning of their careers in LA over a decade ago; their work ethic and passion for Nashville stories make them exceptional partners,” says Dan McClung, CEO Pureplay Entertainment. “They have an organic love for country music and a deep understanding of the industry, which is invaluable as we tell stories from this perspective to a wider audience.”
Martin Eason began her career as an Agent Trainee at WME before transitioning to The Academy of Country Music, where she lead ACM Lifting Lives. She also spent time at The HQ, where she ran day-to-day communications for Carrie Underwood’s brand partnerships and charitable initiatives. In addition to her work at Pureplay, Martin Eason also holds a current role as Director of Communications for a venture capital firm. Her knowledge and expertise run a wide range, and she has direct experience working with country superstars such as Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Hunter Hayes, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Lady A.
Martin also has an impressive range of industry knowledge. He started in college as a Creative Executive to Sam Haskell as Haskell was launching Magnolia Hill Productions. He then held a position at Berman Braun (now Whalerock Industries) before transitioning into the music industry, where he worked as a Agent Trainee at WME. Martin eventually became a Music Agent at CAA, where he worked with Brett Eldredge, Jelly Roll, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Brett Young and more. In addition to his work at Pureplay, he is also head of sales for a technology company.
“We really admire what Dan has built over the past 8 years,” share the two. “We’re so excited that this partnership has brought us back to our roots and we can now lean into all the pieces of our background, from music to VC and tech — to come full circle into business development for Pureplay.”
McClung founded Pureplay Entertainment in 2016. By supporting major studios such as Amazon and Sony, producing documentaries and other films, and developing compelling content with impressive talent, Pureplay is dedicated to telling authentic stories.
The latest project is currently in post-production. Written in the Sand features Nashville locals Courtney Grace and singer-songwriter JT Hodges to tell the feel-good story of a community rebuilding after a hurricane. They also have plans to release a country music documentary later this year.
Pureplay Entertainment has also signed with WME for representation.
Eric Church & Morgan Wallen Unite To Revive ‘Field & Stream’
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church & Morgan Wallen. Photo: Victoria Will
Eric Church and Morgan Wallen, along with a group of brand builders, have joined forces to relaunch Field & Stream, the iconic outdoor lifestyle brand with origins dating back to 1871.
The group, led by Church and Wallen, purchased the retail side of the trademark from Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as the media platform from Recurrent. The move not only unifies the legacy brand under the same ownership for the first time in its 150-year history, but will also resurrect the print magazine through a membership community.
“I can remember my grandfather kept a few of his favorite Field & Stream magazines on the dash of his truck,” says Church. “That truck took us on hundreds of outdoor adventures and I all but memorized every story and every picture on every page. They were my Bible. It is the honor of my life to make sure that legacy carries on. It is both this responsibility to an American Icon and also to a young boy in his papaw’s truck that will be the compass that guides our steps.”
Church and Wallen are vested in the brand as avid outdoorsmen, conservationists and storytellers. The new ownership will take a hands-on approach to preserving the authenticity of Field & Stream, solidifying its authority in the outdoor space and ensuring it stays true to its roots.
“There’s nothin’ I love more than being with friends around a campfire, on a boat or in a deer stand—and Field & Stream represents all of those to me,” says Wallen. “Being part of its future is incredible and we want to keep bringing people together outdoors, makin’ memories, for generations to come.”
Key aspects of the relaunch include the Field & Stream 1871 Club, a refreshed digital platform, a limited-edition apparel collection inspired by Church and Wallen and the announcement of an outdoor music festival co-produced by Southern Entertainment coming this fall. Additional plans for future partnerships include a new online marketplace to spotlight and elevate craft makers and artisans in the outdoor lifestyle space.
Today also marks the launch of the Field & Stream 1871 Club, a membership community that pays homage to its storied history and brings back the distinguished, high-quality print publication. Members will enjoy exclusive access to a large-format print magazine, published twice annually, as well as benefits including priority ticket access to the Field & Stream Music Festival, members-only gear, a limited-edition Honor Badge (a revived F&S tradition now offered as a members-only pin), VIP entry into outdoor experiences, exclusive discounts and digital content. Ten percent of the net profits from the 1871 Club will be directed towards non-profit organizations, actively contributing to the support of outdoor causes.
The new Field & Stream brand will be led by Doug McNamee, former president of the Magnolia media and lifestyle brand cofounded by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Colin Kearns, who has served as editor-in-chief for Field & Stream since 2016, will remain in his position alongside his editorial team.
“We are committed to reinforcing Field & Stream’s legendary status as the authoritative voice of the American outdoors,” says McNamee. “We look forward to unifying our passionate enthusiasts under a single canopy as we steward this trusted brand toward a thoughtful and expansive revival. As the latest in the lineage of caretakers, we aim to restore and amplify Field & Stream’s authentic voice with our extended storytelling family.”
Presenters & Performers Lineup Revealed For Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce poses with her Grammy Award at the 2023 ceremony
The lineup of presenters and performers has been revealed for the upcoming 66th annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony on Feb. 4.
“The Premiere Ceremony is the most incredible lead-up to Music’s Biggest Night,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “With an amazing line-up of presenters and performers, we’ll reveal and celebrate the winners of more than 80 categories, spanning the diverse genres and crafts that have contributed to such a spectacular year in music.”
Justin Tranter will host the Premiere Ceremony from the Peacock Theater in L.A., and the opening number will feature a performance by J. Ivy, Larkin Poe, Pentatonix, Sheila E. and Jordin Sparks. Other artists scheduled to perform include current nominees Adam Blackstone, Brandy Clark, Kirk Franklin, Robert Glasper, Bob James, Laufey, Terrace Martin, Gaby Moreno and Harvey Mason Sr.
Presenters for the first Grammy Awards of the day include Carly Pearce, Patti Austin, Natalia Lafourcade, Molly Tuttle, Rufus Wainwright and five-time Grammy winner and former Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Jimmy Jam. Recording Academy CEO Mason jr. and Chair of the Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt will provide opening remarks. The 66th Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will stream live on Sun, Feb. 4, at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com.
The 66th Grammy Awards will broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on CBS and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. See the list of nominees here.
Lisa Harless Retires After More Than 38 Years With Regions Bank [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellLisa Harless
Music Row veteran Lisa Harless has retired from her position as Sr. VP/Wealth Advisor, Entertainment and Sports Division of Regions Bank. She was with the company for more than 38 years.
“When I reflect on the past three and half decades, I am incredibly blessed to have known and worked with the legendary and incredibly talented individuals I have worked with—and how fulfilling to have been involved in helping them achieve their financial and career goals,” Harless tells MusicRow. “How fortunate I have been to work with a company like Regions which gives back to our community in countless ways, is an annual corporate sponsor of key music industry organizations, and is the title sponsor of the NSAI’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.”
Harless, a graduate of Lipscomb University, joined Regions in 1985 following time at Aetna Casualty and Surety. In her executive post at the bank, she assisted clients with a wide range of financial services including deposit and credit needs, investments and estate and financial planning.
Private Wealth Advisor Chase Chapman and Music Row Branch Manager Melodie Zack will now head Regions’ Music Row leadership team.
“I have tremendous confidence in our Regions Music Row leadership team,” Harless says. “Chapman and Zack share my passion for meeting the financial needs of those in the entertainment industry, and this is the ideal time to turn the banking leadership reins over to them to carry on our tradition of outstanding client service!”
In retirement, Harless will enthusiastically continue her involvement with music and songwriter events, supporting the non-profits close to her heart and serving on Boards and Advisory Councils of key organizations. She also plans to travel with her husband and spend time with her family.
In recognition of her retirement, the Regions Foundation of TN has honored Harless with a $10,000 donation to W.O. Smith Music School in her honor, an organization she holds dear.
Harless describes this transitional season as “reFIREment,” as she is “fired up” about her future plans and all she wants to accomplish in this next chapter.
CMA Hosts International Touring & Consumption MemberSIPS Event
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chris Kappy, Milly Olykan, Liz Cost, Meredith Goucher and Shannon Saunders. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA
The Country Music Association welcomed members and industry professionals to its Nashville headquarters on Tuesday (Jan. 23) for a MemberSIPS function focused on international opportunities for country music in 2024.
CMA created MemberSIPS to cater to its members’ professional development needs—offering thematic presentations, discussions and gatherings, and giving members a networking opportunity with like-minded professionals while enjoying a beverage with one another.
The networking event was designed specifically for artist teams who are headed to the United Kingdom, Europe and/or Australia in Q1 and Q2. Attendees received advice and info from top industry professionals as well as guidance on how emerging artists can build an international fanbase and how established artists can replicate success overseas.
Professionals in the business came together to discuss leveraging upcoming festivals such as Country to Country (C2C), CMC Rocks and Highways, and share best practices and tips for making the most of international opportunities. Additionally, CMA shared current international consumption data and provided an overview of how it remains engaged year-round with a network of international professionals helping to grow country music in their territories.
Moderator Milly Olykan (CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development) and panelists Chris Kappy (Founder & Chief Navigation Officer, Make Wake Management and CMA Board member), Liz Cost (Vice President, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville) and Shannon Saunders (WME Agent and CMA U.K. Task Force member) shared their expertise, personal experience and observations on country’s impact internationally and what they believe to be the important focuses and steps to help artists succeed in global markets.
BMG Promotes Jon Loba To President Frontline Recordings, North America
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Jon Loba, Thomas Coesfeld and Thomas Scherer. Photo: Courtesy of BMG
BMG is now increasing investment in its U.S. record labels as it “doubles down” on its North America operation, which already accounts for more than 50 percent of its revenue. As part of the plan, BMG Nashville President Jon Loba will become President Frontline Recordings, North America, taking charge of BMG’s entire North American frontline records business across Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and Canada. His other responsibilities include the Rise (Spiritbox, Sum 41) and RBC (Chief Keef, Run The Jewels) imprints as well as the main BMG label.
Additionally, Thomas Scherer, who oversaw publishing and recordings in Los Angeles and New York, will become President Global Catalog Recordings, while retaining his responsibilities as President, Music Publishing, North America. Alongside CFO North America Joe Gillen, they will comprise BMG’s U.S.-based leadership.
BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld says, “We are making good on our promise to double down on our U.S. operation with a distinctive new approach: an integrated frontline operation spanning the whole of North America plus a Global Catalog business steered from Los Angeles. BMG is stepping up. This is an integral part of our new strategy to deliver for artists and songwriters and go for growth.”
Loba joined BMG in 2017 when the company acquired Nashville-based BBR Music Group. He has since grown a roster that already included country superstars Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch to breakout artists such as Blanco Brown, Parmalee and 2024 Grammy nominees Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. In 2023, Loba played a key role in BMG receiving its first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town,” and Jelly Roll and Wilson accounted for six of the 12 awards presented at the CMA Awards.
“Under Jon Loba, BMG Nashville has exceeded our expectations year after year. Jon is not only one of the most accomplished record executives in Nashville, the multi-genre success he has achieved with Jelly Roll makes him the ideal person to take additional responsibility for our Los Angeles, New York and Canada recordings business as we further pursue our objective of making BMG the most effective and artist-friendly destination for artists, both established and new,” says Coesfeld. “Jon is a true entrepreneur and combines music savvy with an instinctive and well-rounded managerial style. I am delighted he is stepping up to take on this challenge.”
“We have created something special with our artists in Nashville. I am excited at the opportunity to apply the timeless formula we have employed there–genuine partnership with authentic new artists–to BMG’s broader North American recorded business,” shares Loba. “I am grateful to Thomas Coesfeld for his constant inspiration and trust and to the broader BMG team. It’s been an exciting six months since Thomas was named CEO. His energetic and strategic approach to the business has been very inspirational for all of us, because that’s the way our Nashville team runs. I’m looking so forward to working even closer with our staff throughout North America and as important, helping bring the visions of our amazing artists to life.”