Randall King Goes ‘Into The Neon’ At Adventure Science Center
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Mason (SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics, WMN); Mike Dupree (SVP, Creative Director, WMN); Kristen Williams (SVP of Radio, WMN); Randall King; Stephanie Davenport (VP of A&R, WMN); Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Anna Pittman (VP of Artist Development); Patrick Sabatini (SVP of Business & Legal Affairs, WMN)
Randall King took partners through an immersive experience Monday night (Dec. 4) at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center for a preview of his upcoming album, Into The Neon, out Jan. 26. The Warner Music Nashville artist produced the 18-track album with Jared Conrad.
As the year winds down, King continues to headline shows in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and more.
AIMP Celebrates The Season At Nashville Holiday Bash
Pictured (L-R, back row): MaryAnn Keen (YP Board, BMI), Jacee Badeaux (YP Board, Big Yellow Dog), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music, AIMP Nashville President), Lauren Lieu (YP Board, Play It Again Music), Kendall Lettow (peermusic), ET Brown (SESAC); (L-R, front row): Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Alex Tamashunas (YP Board, Creative Nation), Emily Boardman (River House Artists), Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment), JD Groover (YP Board, Sea Gayle Music)
AIMP held its Nashville Holiday Party on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Never Never in Nashville. Attendees were treated to cocktails and appetizers as the Chapter celebrated the year’s accomplishments.
Mike Stoller Heralded In Country Music Hall Of Fame ‘Poets And Prophets’ Program
Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and Mike Stoller at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured songwriter Mike Stoller in its in-depth interview series “Poets and Prophets.” The program was hosted by Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray in the museum’s Ford Theater. Stoller, who wrote and produced some of the most enduring classic songs of the 1950s and ’60s with his partner, the late Jerry Leiber, made a rare Nashville appearance to discuss his legendary music career.
Leiber and Stoller wrote “Hound Dog” for blues singer Big Mama Thornton, which became an enormous pop, R&B and country hit for Elvis Presley in 1956. They also wrote “Jailhouse Rock,” “Loving You,” “King Creole,” “Treat Me Nice,” “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care” and other hits for Presley. One of the most prolific and creative songwriting teams in popular music, Leiber and Stoller also wrote “Stand by Me” (Ben E. King), “Kansas City” (Wilbert Harrison), “Love Potion #9” (the Clovers), “On Broadway” (the Drifters) and “I’m a Woman” (Peggy Lee).
Many of their songs reached the country charts, including Mickey Gilley’s version of “Stand by Me,” Billy “Crash” Craddock’s cover of “Ruby, Baby,” Hank Snow’s recording of “The Man Who Robbed the Bank at Santa Fe” and six Presley sides. Wanda Jackson’s 1961 take on “Riot in Cell Block #9” is a favorite among rockabilly fans. Leiber and Stoller were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Odyssey Entertainment Group Adds Seven
Odyssey Entertainment team
Odyssey Entertainment Group, the Nashville-based talent management agency founded by Paige Kosinski and Nicole Kasper, has significantly expanded both its team and talent roster. Odyssey has added seven full-time staffers to its team, including Sydney Dial, Ali Turgeon, Becca Schomer, Ally Gower, Cienna Lagana, Senith Berhane and Mariele Reeder. Alongside the growth of its dedicated team, Odyssey has also expanded its roster to over 50 exclusive creators across the U.S. and Canada, totaling their combined reach up to nearly 50 million followers. With over 2000 campaigns under their belt, the team has worked with brands such as YouTube, Amazon, Spotify, Revolve, CVS and more.
“Odyssey’s growth is not just about numbers; it’s about the remarkable women we’ve brought on board – the very team members we’ve been searching for to elevate our agency to new heights,” says Kasper. “Each of them brings a unique blend of talent, expertise, and vision that is critical for our journey ahead. As a co-founder, I am immensely proud to see our family expand with individuals who share our passion for empowering creators. This expansion enriches our capabilities and our culture, setting us on a path to redefine success in the industry and create extraordinary opportunities for our talent.”
EmiSunshine Named Young Entertainer Awards Indie Entertainer Of the Year
EmiSunshine
East Tennessee singer-songwriter EmiSunshine received the award for Independent Entertainer of the Year at the eighth annual Young Entertainer Awards (YEA) ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec. 3. The Young Entertainer Awards honors child and teenage actors and other creative professionals in film, television, theatre and social media.
The 19-year-old has been attracting national attention since the age of 9, when she was invited to appear on NBC’s Today after a video of her performing at a flea market went viral. She frequently collaborates with songwriters such as Leslie Satcher, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Matraca Berg, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale and more and has released 10 albums on her indie label, Little Blackbird Records.
CMHOF To Launch New Online ‘Words & Music: Journey Of A Song’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is launching a new online video series, “Words & Music: Journey of a Song.” The five-episode educational series follows four teenage songwriters through an immersive experience crafting and presenting their original songs with support from professional songwriters.
The series will chronicle each student’s creative journey, from collaborating with a songwriter to recording and performing their original song. Songwriting mentors Tenille Townes, Shannon Sanders, Caitlyn Smith and Cameron Bedell participated in the new weekly series, which will premiere on the museum’s YouTube channel and website on Wednesdays starting Dec. 13.
The first four episodes will each focus on one student’s experience workshopping the song, co-writing with a mentor, recording the song and adapting it for the stage. In the final episode, the four students perform for a live audience in the museum’s CMA Theater and share reflections on their experience.
The series was designed by museum educators as an extension of the museum’s flagship education program, Words & Music, which promotes language arts skills by pairing students with professional songwriters to create original songs in the classroom. The experience was filmed and edited by the museum’s award-winning creative team.
“Through ‘Words & Music: Journey of a Song,’ students were given the unique opportunity to expand their skills, collaborate with professionals and learn to stay true to their own creative voices,” says Katie Palmer, Museum Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement. “We hope the series will encourage youth and families—and anyone who has not previously tried songwriting—to experience it.”
Viewers will also be able to download a step-by-step guide to writing song lyrics for free on the museum’s website. The guide includes supplemental video content and encourages users to write their own lyrics and share on their socials. For teens ages 13-18 who participate in “Words & Music: Journey of a Song,” the museum will offer a lyric-writing contest. The winner will receive a trip to Nashville and a full scholarship to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Beginner-to-Intermediate Summer Songwriting Camp next June.
Kane Brown’s ‘Heaven’ Becomes Eighth Country Song To Reach RIAA Diamond Status
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown
Kane Brown has earned his newest career milestone with the prestigious RIAA Diamond certification for his multi-week, breakout hit single, “Heaven.”
The singer-songwriter is only the eighth artist in country music to achieve the massive accomplishment with 10 million certified units in the U.S. Brown was surprised with the news at home today with a heartfelt video from fellow Diamond-selling artists Luke Combs, Hillary Scott (Lady A), Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line) and Darius Rucker.
“An incredible talent with 23 RIAA certified titles and accolade upon accolade across genres, today, we are thrilled to recognize Kane Brown’s first Diamond for his single ‘Heaven.’ This enchanting hit has clearly struck a chord with fans—topping 10 million certified units! Congratulations to Kane, his creative partners and RCA Nashville team on this rare milestone,” says RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne.
Brown released “Heaven” on his record-breaking, self-titled debut deluxe album in 2017, which upon its release, made Brown the first artist in Billboard history to top all five Billboard country charts simultaneously. With his Diamond certification, Brown joins a select group of only seven other country artists whose careers boast the rare fete, including Chris Stapleton (“Tennessee Whiskey”), Sam Hunt (“Body Like A Back Road”), Combs (“Beautiful Crazy”), Rucker (“Wagon Wheel”), Lady A (“Need You Now”) and Florida Georgia Line (“Cruise”).
With the honor, Brown becomes the first Black artist in country music to earn the certification with an original song. In addition to “Heaven,” Brown to date has earned 23 RIAA certifications, including recently-earned 8X Platinum “What If’s,” 4x Platinum “Be Like That” and “One Thing Right;” 3x Platinum “Good As You,” “Homesick” and “Lose It;” 2x Platinum “Thank God” and Platinum “Like I Love Country Music.” His debut album Kane Brown is also 3x Platinum.
Academy Of Country Music Announces Record-High Membership, Welcomes Class Of 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Academy of Country Music has announced an increase in membership to more than 5,000 professional members, which marks the Academy’s highest membership count since numbers were tracked, and a major milestone for the trade association.
In the leadup to the announcement, new ACM members including artists, songwriters, producers and industry professionals visited the Academy’s Nashville headquarters in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood to share their excitement about joining the ACM community. New ACM members Colbie Caillat, Hannah Ellis, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Ian Munsick, Matt Stell and others joining the Academy appear in a new 2024 membership spotlight video for the trade association.
Additional videos and content series will be released throughout 2024, to continue to tell the story of the new class and shine a spotlight on the pivotal role the Academy plays in the lives, careers and artistic pursuits of the country music industry.
Newly accepted and renewed members qualify to vote for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, which is set to return to Texas this May and will stream exclusively on Prime Video for a third consecutive year. Additionally, Academy members gain access to benefits including early access to tickets for ACM events, discounts on industry partner events, industry data insights, monthly educational and networking events, seasonal magazine ACM Tempo and more.
“Today is an extremely proud day for the Academy of Country Music as we celebrate record-high membership with more than 5,000 members worldwide,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “The Academy’s membership becomes more diverse and inclusive, as well as international, every year, reflecting the landscape of the genre, and allowing the ACM to better serve as a powerhouse advocate for artists and our industry all over the globe.”
Laci Kaye Booth Forms New Team
/by LB CantrellLaci Kaye Booth. Photo: Natalie Sakstrup
Emerging singer-songwriter Laci Kaye Booth has formed new partnerships with Red Light Management, Geffen Records and WME. The news comes alongside the release of her new single “Cigarettes.”
Booth’s full team consists of Kaitlin Madewell (Manager, Red Light Management), Tom March (President, Geffen Records), Matt Morris (Senior Vice President A&R, Geffen Records), Braeden Rountree (Partner, WME), Lucy Dickins (Global Head of Contemporary Music & Touring, WME), Asha Goodman (Executive Vice President, Sacks & Co.), Cyndi Forman (Senior Vice President A&R, Universal Music Publishing Group) and Michelle Attardi (Senior Director Publishing, Big Machine Music).
“Cigarettes” marks Booth’s next chapter of music that will share her personal and professional setbacks.
Of the new music, she shares, “This song tells the story of where I’ve been, who I was, and how I’ve become who I’ve become. It’s a true-life story, not a highlight reel, with ‘Cigarettes’ having multiple meanings throughout the song. I wrote this song at one of the lowest points of my career and life, with my dear friend and producer, Ben West. It has sorrow, shame, grit and hope written all within it, and I hope the message that’s received from this is to learn from the hard sh*t, learn to let it go and let it make you better.”
Brett Young Plots 2024 International Tour For May
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young. Photo: Seth Kupersmith
Brett Young has announced that he’ll head overseas on his third European concert tour in May.
The spring tour will kick off May 8 in Norway and continue through May 24 with stops in Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and seven dates in the United Kingdom, including headlining the second night of Highways 2024 at Royal Albert Hall in London, marking the second outing for the new country and Americana festival that debuted in 2023. General ticket sales for the tour begins tomorrow (Dec. 8). For more information, click here.
“We love getting to play for the fans in Europe and these are some of my favorite places to visit,” says Young. “I’m especially honored to get to take the stage at the legendary Royal Albert Hall for Highways 2024–performing at that historic venue is definitely a bucket list moment.”
Young released his fourth studio album, Across The Sheets, via BMLG Records in August, which has over 108 million global streams to date. His newest single, “Dance With You,” is climbing with over 85.2 million total global streams to date, and he’s racked up more than 8.98 billion total tracks streamed across his career. Young will join Sam Hunt on the “Outskirts Tour 2024,” which kicks off in February.
Brett Young’s 2024 International Tour Dates:
May 8 – Rockefeller Music Hall – Oslo, Norway
May 9 – Debaser – Stockholm, Sweden
May 11 – Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, Germany
May 12 – Docks – Hamburg, Germany
May 13 – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda – Utrecht, Netherlands
May 15 – Albert Hall – Manchester, United Kingdom
May 17 – O2 Academy Birmingham – Birmingham, United Kingdom
May 18 – Royal Albert Hall – London, United Kingdom
May 19 – O2 Academy Bristol – Bristol, United Kingdom
May 21 – SEC Armadillo – Glasgow, United Kingdom
May 22 – O2 Academy Leeds – Leeds, United Kingdom
May 24 – Botanic Gardens – Belfast, United Kingdom
The MLC Launches New Supplemental Matching Network
/by Liza AndersonThe Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) has launched a Supplemental Matching Network initially consisting of five companies that will provide data matching services to complement and enhance The MLC’s existing matching processes and capabilities.
The services offered by the participating vendors will supplement The MLC’s existing internal capabilities as well as the resources already being provided by The MLC’s existing vendors. The MLC may adjust the scope of services in the Supplemental Matching Network as needed to meet future and evolving needs, including engaging additional vendors if appropriate.
The Supplemental Matching Network will initially include Blokur, Jaxsta, Pex, Salt and SX Works, a SoundExchange company. To select these vendors, The MLC completed an assessment that included both qualitative evaluations through a Request for Information (RFI) and subsequent quantitative testing through pilot programs. This comprehensive selection process aligned with the approach The MLC has implemented when evaluating other strategic vendors.
“We conducted an extensive due diligence process to select the initial set of vendors for our Supplemental Matching Network,” says Andrew Mitchell, Head of Analytics & Automation, The MLC. “These vendors bring complementary technologies and capabilities that can be effectively leveraged to serve our members. This network reflects our ongoing commitment to evolve in innovative ways to best achieve The MLC’s mission.”
Old Dominion To Perform At Brooklyn Bowl For ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion will perform at this year’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash official watch party at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.
“We’ve had such an amazing 2023—we can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than by doing what we love the most, playing music and making sure there are no bad vibes! What a great way to set the tone for 2024,” says Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey.
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. Tickets include a champagne toast as well as two additional drink tickets. For more information, click here. Upgrades for VIP Boxes and the Bowlers’ Lounge are available through nashvilleevents.com.
The special will air live on CBS Dec. 31, and will be available for next-day streaming on Paramount+.
AEG Presents To Relocate To Nashville Yards In 2025
/by Liza AndersonAEG Presents has announced that it will relocate to Nashville Yards in 2025.
Southwest Value Partners has teamed up with AEG to develop the Nashville Yards’ mixed-use district. The project is designed as a walkable, urban community that includes a 4,500-capacity music venue and Class A+ creative office building as well as residential, hospitality, entertainment, retail and culinary offerings.
“We have an exceptional partnership with AEG, and together we believe we are constructing one of the most uniquely attractive music, retail and creative workplace environments in the world. Independent of that, AEG Presents is a preeminent entertainment brand and operator of world-class entertainment venues, and we are very excited to have their extended presence at Nashville Yards,” says Cary Mack, Managing Partner, Southwest Value Partners.
Anchored by CAA, the creative office building features an articulated metal facade with ultra-clear glazing and layered floor plates that allow outdoor private terraces on every floor. The building is adjacent to the new music venue and rises eleven stories above Church Street with private amenities such as meeting hubs, entertainment spaces, a large outdoor vegetated deck and more.
This new office structure will house AEG Presents’ regional office, its global touring division and the Nashville outpost of its partner Messina Touring Group. The three entities combined oversee all components of the live music experience, from club and theatre bookings to arena and stadium dates, and promote tours for Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, George Strait, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan, among others. AEG Presents will also book and operate the forthcoming music venue, which is scheduled to open in early 2025.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on expanding our presence in Nashville for a few years now. It’s a big opportunity for us to be consolidating all our operations under one roof at what’s soon to be one of the most popular destinations in the city, and to be booking and operating a new, state-of-the-art music venue on-site makes it that much more exciting,” shares Rick Mueller, President of North America, AEG Presents.
Industry Ink: Randall King, AIMP, Mike Stoller, Odyssey, EmiSunshine
/by Lorie HollabaughRandall King Goes ‘Into The Neon’ At Adventure Science Center
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Mason (SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics, WMN); Mike Dupree (SVP, Creative Director, WMN); Kristen Williams (SVP of Radio, WMN); Randall King; Stephanie Davenport (VP of A&R, WMN); Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Anna Pittman (VP of Artist Development); Patrick Sabatini (SVP of Business & Legal Affairs, WMN)
Randall King took partners through an immersive experience Monday night (Dec. 4) at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center for a preview of his upcoming album, Into The Neon, out Jan. 26. The Warner Music Nashville artist produced the 18-track album with Jared Conrad.
As the year winds down, King continues to headline shows in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and more.
AIMP Celebrates The Season At Nashville Holiday Bash
Pictured (L-R, back row): MaryAnn Keen (YP Board, BMI), Jacee Badeaux (YP Board, Big Yellow Dog), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music, AIMP Nashville President), Lauren Lieu (YP Board, Play It Again Music), Kendall Lettow (peermusic), ET Brown (SESAC); (L-R, front row): Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Alex Tamashunas (YP Board, Creative Nation), Emily Boardman (River House Artists), Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment), JD Groover (YP Board, Sea Gayle Music)
AIMP held its Nashville Holiday Party on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Never Never in Nashville. Attendees were treated to cocktails and appetizers as the Chapter celebrated the year’s accomplishments.
Mike Stoller Heralded In Country Music Hall Of Fame ‘Poets And Prophets’ Program
Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and Mike Stoller at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured songwriter Mike Stoller in its in-depth interview series “Poets and Prophets.” The program was hosted by Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray in the museum’s Ford Theater. Stoller, who wrote and produced some of the most enduring classic songs of the 1950s and ’60s with his partner, the late Jerry Leiber, made a rare Nashville appearance to discuss his legendary music career.
Leiber and Stoller wrote “Hound Dog” for blues singer Big Mama Thornton, which became an enormous pop, R&B and country hit for Elvis Presley in 1956. They also wrote “Jailhouse Rock,” “Loving You,” “King Creole,” “Treat Me Nice,” “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care” and other hits for Presley. One of the most prolific and creative songwriting teams in popular music, Leiber and Stoller also wrote “Stand by Me” (Ben E. King), “Kansas City” (Wilbert Harrison), “Love Potion #9” (the Clovers), “On Broadway” (the Drifters) and “I’m a Woman” (Peggy Lee).
Many of their songs reached the country charts, including Mickey Gilley’s version of “Stand by Me,” Billy “Crash” Craddock’s cover of “Ruby, Baby,” Hank Snow’s recording of “The Man Who Robbed the Bank at Santa Fe” and six Presley sides. Wanda Jackson’s 1961 take on “Riot in Cell Block #9” is a favorite among rockabilly fans. Leiber and Stoller were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Odyssey Entertainment Group Adds Seven
Odyssey Entertainment team
Odyssey Entertainment Group, the Nashville-based talent management agency founded by Paige Kosinski and Nicole Kasper, has significantly expanded both its team and talent roster. Odyssey has added seven full-time staffers to its team, including Sydney Dial, Ali Turgeon, Becca Schomer, Ally Gower, Cienna Lagana, Senith Berhane and Mariele Reeder. Alongside the growth of its dedicated team, Odyssey has also expanded its roster to over 50 exclusive creators across the U.S. and Canada, totaling their combined reach up to nearly 50 million followers. With over 2000 campaigns under their belt, the team has worked with brands such as YouTube, Amazon, Spotify, Revolve, CVS and more.
“Odyssey’s growth is not just about numbers; it’s about the remarkable women we’ve brought on board – the very team members we’ve been searching for to elevate our agency to new heights,” says Kasper. “Each of them brings a unique blend of talent, expertise, and vision that is critical for our journey ahead. As a co-founder, I am immensely proud to see our family expand with individuals who share our passion for empowering creators. This expansion enriches our capabilities and our culture, setting us on a path to redefine success in the industry and create extraordinary opportunities for our talent.”
EmiSunshine Named Young Entertainer Awards Indie Entertainer Of the Year
EmiSunshine
East Tennessee singer-songwriter EmiSunshine received the award for Independent Entertainer of the Year at the eighth annual Young Entertainer Awards (YEA) ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec. 3. The Young Entertainer Awards honors child and teenage actors and other creative professionals in film, television, theatre and social media.
The 19-year-old has been attracting national attention since the age of 9, when she was invited to appear on NBC’s Today after a video of her performing at a flea market went viral. She frequently collaborates with songwriters such as Leslie Satcher, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Matraca Berg, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale and more and has released 10 albums on her indie label, Little Blackbird Records.
Keith Urban To Appear At Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley During CRS 2024
/by Liza AndersonKeith Urban is set to appear at Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley on Thursday, Feb. 29 during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024. Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley pays homage to the songwriting craft and the brilliant songwriters behind the music.
In addition to Urban’s performance, two writers’ rounds featuring some of the industry’s most established songwriters have been scheduled. More details will be announced soon.
The recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) inductee will close out the evening’s rounds. The event will be hosted by Fitz from Country Top 40. Radio Ink will also present its Top Country PDs awards during the function.
CRS 2024 will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel Wednesday, Feb. 28-Friday, March 1. For more information, click here.