Carson James & Chris Poole
Sr. VP of Promotion Carson James and Sr. Director of A&R Chris Poole have exited BBR Music Group/BMG as part of a company-wide reorganizing, MusicRow has confirmed.
James has been part of the BBR Music Group staff for over a decade. He oversaw the promotional efforts for Broken Bow, Stoney Creek and Wheelhouse Records, and led Broken Bow Records to being named 2022’s No. 1 airplay label for country music by Country Aircheck/Mediabase. Prior to joining BBR Music Group, James spent nearly a decade in promotion at Curb Records. He also served as GM at Bullseye Marketing/Research and Hart Media as well as Sr. VP Programming for then Colonial Broadcasting in Montgomery, Alabama.
Poole joined the company in 2018, and was promoted to Sr. Director of A&R in 2022. He joined the label group after time at CTM/Writer’s Ink, where he served as Creative Manager. He began his career as an artist manager with Paravel Management, which he co-founded in 2013.
BMG announced its plans for restructuring today (Nov. 30), detailing that the indie company planned to focus its approach on a global scale, and clarifying roles and structures to make the company “more accountable” to its artist and songwriter clients.
“We are changing the way we do things. We will combine creative intuition with data-driven insights to deliver the best service for our clients and customers,” says BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld. “We are local where necessary, global where possible.”
In line with its publishing business, the company shares that the new structure for BMG’s recordings business will make a clear distinction between local expertise in artist relationships and global functions which serve them. Catalogue, sales and marketing will now become global functions, alongside investments, technology, rights and royalties which BMG already organizes on a global basis. Local campaign management will work with a new global marketing team responsible for analytics, content creation and media planning and buying.
The changes form part of a strategy which has already seen BMG take control of its distribution, forming direct relationships with Spotify and Apple Music and discontinuing its Berlin-based international marketing function in order to simplify its relationships with artists and empower local A&R and campaign management teams.
“This is a strategy for future growth,” states Coesfeld. “But in a business in which change is a constant, we ourselves need to change to grow further. Standing still is not an option if we want to deliver for our artist and songwriter clients.”
It is unclear if other positions from BMG’s Nashville office have been affected by the changes.
BREAKING: Carson James & Chris Poole Exit BBR Music Group/BMG Amid Restructuring
/by LB CantrellCarson James & Chris Poole
Sr. VP of Promotion Carson James and Sr. Director of A&R Chris Poole have exited BBR Music Group/BMG as part of a company-wide reorganizing, MusicRow has confirmed.
James has been part of the BBR Music Group staff for over a decade. He oversaw the promotional efforts for Broken Bow, Stoney Creek and Wheelhouse Records, and led Broken Bow Records to being named 2022’s No. 1 airplay label for country music by Country Aircheck/Mediabase. Prior to joining BBR Music Group, James spent nearly a decade in promotion at Curb Records. He also served as GM at Bullseye Marketing/Research and Hart Media as well as Sr. VP Programming for then Colonial Broadcasting in Montgomery, Alabama.
Poole joined the company in 2018, and was promoted to Sr. Director of A&R in 2022. He joined the label group after time at CTM/Writer’s Ink, where he served as Creative Manager. He began his career as an artist manager with Paravel Management, which he co-founded in 2013.
BMG announced its plans for restructuring today (Nov. 30), detailing that the indie company planned to focus its approach on a global scale, and clarifying roles and structures to make the company “more accountable” to its artist and songwriter clients.
“We are changing the way we do things. We will combine creative intuition with data-driven insights to deliver the best service for our clients and customers,” says BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld. “We are local where necessary, global where possible.”
In line with its publishing business, the company shares that the new structure for BMG’s recordings business will make a clear distinction between local expertise in artist relationships and global functions which serve them. Catalogue, sales and marketing will now become global functions, alongside investments, technology, rights and royalties which BMG already organizes on a global basis. Local campaign management will work with a new global marketing team responsible for analytics, content creation and media planning and buying.
The changes form part of a strategy which has already seen BMG take control of its distribution, forming direct relationships with Spotify and Apple Music and discontinuing its Berlin-based international marketing function in order to simplify its relationships with artists and empower local A&R and campaign management teams.
“This is a strategy for future growth,” states Coesfeld. “But in a business in which change is a constant, we ourselves need to change to grow further. Standing still is not an option if we want to deliver for our artist and songwriter clients.”
It is unclear if other positions from BMG’s Nashville office have been affected by the changes.
Date & Lineup Set For 24th Annual ‘Nashville Unlimited Christmas’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughEmmylou Harris, Charlie McCoy, Nashville Jazz Orchestra and the McCrary Sisters are among the lineup for this year’s “Nashville Unlimited Christmas” benefit at Christ Church Cathedral on Dec. 12.
Other artists who will appear include Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Portara Ensemble and many more musicians, plus surprise guests. The popular holiday tradition is in its 24th year, and has raised over half a million dollars for Room in the Inn and the work the organization does for Nashville’s homeless community. “Nashville Unlimited Christmas” is produced and hosted by bassist Dave Pomeroy, with singer-songwriter Don Henry as co-host.
The annual concert is free, with a $20 suggested minimum donation. This year the concert will also be streamed live, at christcathedral.org, with a donation link. Online donations can be made anytime at nashvilleunlimitedchristmas.org.
“In addition to our musical guests, we are fortunate to have Brad Hall, Dave Sinko and a world-class video and audio team to record and stream this special concert honoring the work of Room in the Inn and its cofounder Charlie Strobel, who passed away earlier this year,” says Pomeroy. “I want to thank all our performers and crew for their incredible generosity in donating their time and skills to help raise money for this important cause. We are also very grateful to everyone at Christ Church Cathedral for once again providing their magnificent church and great support staff, and we salute Room in the Inn for the amazing work they do every day to help those less fortunate than ourselves. That’s the Christmas Spirit and the Nashville Way!”
Elle King & ET’s Rachel Smith To Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by Lorie HollabaughElle King & Rachel Smith
Elle King and Entertainment Tonight (ET)’s Rachel Smith are returning to host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which is set to air Sunday, Dec. 31 on CBS.
Additionally, King will perform during the show, playing her hits live from the Bicentennial Mall stage. The five-hour, star-studded celebration to ring in the new year will air live from Music City, Sunday, Dec. 31 on CBS, and stream on Paramount+.
“New Year’s Eve is the one party we celebrate all over the world,” says King. “I wouldn’t want to spend it any other place than Music City! I’m so excited to get to host another beautiful night of music, friends, love and joy. I can’t wait to celebrate an incredible year and welcome a new one together.”
“Being back in Nashville co-hosting with my girl Elle is something I look forward to every year,” says Smith. “We’re gonna put on one heck of a show from Music City, and Nashville’s Big Bash will be the perfect soundtrack to ring in another year with family and friends.”
As previously announced, the special will feature nearly 50 high-energy performances by superstars, including Thomas Rhett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson and more, as well as pay tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The broadcast will cross multiple time zones, with the traditional countdown at midnight, ET, culminating with the renowned Nashville Music Note Drop and fireworks at midnight, CT.
Jordan Minton Inks Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by LB CantrellJordan Minton
Jordan Minton has sold a portion of his catalog and signed a new go-forward deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
The deal includes Minton’s No. 1 hits “Good Time” by Niko Moon and “Best Thing Since Backroads” by Jake Owen, and was coordinated by Hit Ranch, a local catalog sales brokerage firm helmed by Grammy-winning songwriter Jordan Reynolds and business partner Nick Burnett.
Minton is currently climbing the country charts as a co-writer on Dan + Shay‘s “Save Me The Trouble.” He has also had songs recorded by Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, Dustin Lynch and more.
“I am so pumped to have landed with an incredible team at Sony and can’t wait to see what we will do together,” shares Minton. “I’m grateful to my buddies at Hit Ranch for their expertise in guiding me through the catalog sale process.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville VP of Creative, Anna Weisband, says, “We are so proud to welcome Jordan to the SMP family. He is such a talented songwriter and an even better person. We are excited to see what this new chapter of his career brings!”
“Jordan is such a talented writer, and we worked hard to find the right deal for him, not only in catalog value but in finding the right partner moving forward,” says Reynolds. “We believe this is a great fit for Jordan and can’t wait to watch his career continue to thrive.”
Neon Coast Appoints Janie Whitefield As Director Of Digital
/by LB CantrellJanie Whitefield. Photo: Jess Tomlins
Neon Coast has named Janie Whitefield as the Director of Digital. Whitefield will oversee digital strategy for Neon Coast management clients including country crossover superstar Kane Brown, rising trio Restless Road, country breakout Dylan Schneider, alternative pop band Nightly and others.
Prior to joining Neon Coast, Whitefield spent the last four years as Creative Director at Venture Music, where she built out the digital music marketing firm’s creative department, driving success for clients, including Neon Coast’s own Restless Road.
“We’ve seen Janie’s great work firsthand and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Neon Coast family,” shares Martha Earls, Founder & CEO of Neon Coast. “We’re excited to add her expertise as we continue to invest in services that help artists grow and connect to their fans.”
“I am honored and excited to become a part of Neon Coast,” says Whitefield. “Every person on this team and artist roster is so incredibly talented, and I can’t wait to be a part of the growth here moving forward.”
Date Set For 2024 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 21st annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards will take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on Aug. 27.
Names of the 2024 inductees will be announced in the coming weeks. SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry and level of community involvement. The inductees are all women who have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established by founder Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the “Women Behind The Music” who helped shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry. SOURCE was founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, and is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking and community service initiatives.
For partnership and program ad opportunities contact Rachel Guttmann at rachel@tgmusic.law.
Ian Munsick Plots ‘Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughIan Munsick has announced his “Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour,” kicking off Jan. 19 in Grant, Oklahoma.
Spanning from Baltimore to Colorado and Florida to Wisconsin and more, Munsick will be joined by a rotating lineup of special guests on the new trek, including Ben Chapman, Ryan Charles, William Clark Green, Tyler Halverson, Meghan Patrick, Peytan Porter, The Munsick Boys, The War And Treaty, Treaty Oak Revival, Chancey Williams, Charlie Worsham and Jake Worthington.
“Every time I walk on stage I only have one goal for when I walk off… leave knowing somebody thought that was the best show they’ve ever seen,” says Munsick. “I know how hard country music fans work for their money and their weekend, so when you choose to spend it at an Ian Munsick concert, I wanna make sure you get every penny’s worth of every minute. The ‘Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour’ is gearing up to be our best yet. New music, new cities and new opening acts are gonna make this run of shows some you do not wanna miss! Break out your shit-kickers, waist trophies and neck blingage cuz the west is riding to your town!”
Ticket presale for the newly announced dates begins today (Nov. 30), while general on-sale is available beginning tomorrow (Dec. 1). The “Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour” is presented by Xtreme Concepts, known for its Western ranch inspired lifestyle brands, including Big Horn Bison Ranch, Musket Powder Seasoning and Bison Union. Initially built to serve the U.S. government, military and commercial sectors, Xtreme Concepts, Inc. earned its reputation as a global leader in education, security and technology solutions. Longtime sponsor Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds will also return to support the tour.
Munsick will conclude 2023 on tour with the Turnpike Troubadours, and in 2024 he’ll also tour alongside Lainey Wilson on her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.”
Charlie Worsham Announces The Compadres Fund
/by Liza AndersonCharlie Worsham. Photo: Jess Williams
Singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Charlie Worsham has announced The Compadres Fund via the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which will support nonprofits that champion arts education and mental health services.
Worsham has been actively engaged with local and national nonprofit organizations since the start of his career over a decade ago. He began working with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee when he established his Follow Your Heart Scholarship Fund in 2016.
“The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has been my good ‘compadre’ for a long time,” he shares. “It’s where I met my bride. It’s also where I’ve been proud to grow a scholarship fund for kids from my hometown following their hearts. The logical next step in following my own heart was to establish The Compadres Fund, with my bride Kristen, to continue to support arts education, mental health services like Porter’s Call and provide help to those who need it most.”
All proceeds from Worsham’s “Every Damn Monday” show on Dec. 11 at The Basement East in Nashville will benefit the new fund. He will also perform at the annual “Carols By Candlelight” show on Dec. 9 benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego, and kick off his headlining “Compadres Tour” in 2024.
The names of both the fund and upcoming tour hail from Worsham’s recently released project, Compadres. The five-track album features collaborators Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Elle King, Kip Moore and Lainey Wilson, among others.
2024 Dates & Ticketing Process Updates Announced For Tin Pan South
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 32nd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, presented by Regions, is set to take place April 2-6.
This year, producers are introducing some changes surrounding the ticketing process. The festival will be retiring the traditional Fast Access Pass and cash-at-the-door system, and will institute a pre-show ticket sales system for all shows. Tickets for each festival show will go on sale three weeks in advance of the respective show date, and will be available for purchase at tinpansouth.com.
The pre-show ticketing process will allow ticket-holders the confidence of admission with their tickets in-hand rather than risking access based on time of arrival before doors open and line lengths. For shows that are not sold-out, ticket purchases will be allowed at the door.
Tin Pan South will once again present two shows per night at 10 venues throughout Nashville over the five-day event. The festival lineup will be revealed on Thursday, March 7 and ticket sales will begin on Tuesday, March 12. Last year over 400 songwriters participated in the renowned industry event and songwriter fans from around the world attended to hear tunes performed as they were written, by the creators themselves.
Planning is underway for a few additional daytime offers for festival-goers and attendees of the Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)’s accompanying education event taking place April 5-6 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The seminar provides two days of panels, sessions and presentations by professionals in the music industry and songwriting space, welcoming more than 200 developing songwriters each year.
Ticket On-Sale Information:
Tuesday, April 2 Shows – 8 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 12
Wednesday, April 3 Shows – 8 a.m. CT on Wednesday, March 13
Thursday, April 4 Shows – 8 a.m. CT on Thursday, March 14
Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 Shows – 8 a.m. CT on Monday, March 18
AIMP To Celebrate The Season With Holiday Parties
/by Liza AndersonThe Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) will celebrate the season with a slate of holiday parties in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York.
The AIMP Nashville Chapter will kick things off with their members-only AIMP Nashville Holiday Party, which will be held tomorrow (Nov. 30) from 4-6 p.m. CT at Never Never. Attendees will be treated to cocktails and appetizers as the Chapter celebrates this year’s accomplishments and prepares for 2024. Those who would like to join the chapter or who wish to check their membership status can contact aimpnashville@gmail.com.
“The AIMP Nashville Chapter has much to celebrate this year, from our return to the Ryman for this year’s AIMP Nashville Country Awards, to our ninth annual Songwriter Series honoring up-and-coming writers, to the release of the sixth season of our AIMP Nashville Pubcast,” says Ree Guyer, President, AIMP Nashville Chapter. “It has been an honor to lead the chapter as President for the first time this year, and I’m excited to look back on our successes on behalf of the Nashville independent music publishing community while preparing for another great year ahead.”
The Los Angeles Chapter will host the AIMP LA 2023 Holiday Party & Annual Awards event on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 5-8 p.m. PT at the BMI offices in Beverly Hills, and present the Indie Publisher of the Year Award to A&I Music Entertainment as well as the Individual(s) Award in Support of Songwriters & Publishers to twin brothers Todd and Jeff Brabec.
The AIMP New York Chapter will round things out on Thursday, Dec. 7 with the AIMP NY 2023 Holiday Party from 6-9 p.m. ET at Little Rebel, where Reservoir Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development Faith Newman will be honored with the 2023 Indie Spirit Award.