Tom Becci
Music industry veteran Tom Becci has been appointed to a newly created role, leading Concord Label Group as its Chief Executive. Effective Aug. 14, Becci will oversee Concord’s entire recorded music division, inclusive of global frontline label and catalog operations.
A New Jersey native, Becci got his start in the music business as the manager of special projects for EMI North America and comes to Concord with over 30 years of industry experience, most recently a more than seven year tenure at independent music management agency Red Light Management.
While at Red Light, he worked directly with founder Coran Capshaw on organizational structure and planning, vetted and advised on new business opportunities, and negotiated and advised on artist contracts as well as the development of the artist roster, which included Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady A, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and more. Becci also monitored investments made by Red Light Management, involving the development of yearly business plans, cash funding requirements and strategic and financial reviews. He was instrumental in the company’s label development and investments with the launch of LEO33 in Nashville as well as Chess Club Records and AMF Music in the UK.
Prior to Red Light, Becci was the COO of Universal Music Group Nashville, and was responsible for the signing of Brothers Osborne.
Becci will now be based in Concord’s Los Angeles office, home to most of Concord’s labels, and will report to CEO Bob Valentine.
“Having admired the work of Concord for years, I am thrilled to join this incredible company,” says Becci. “It is abundantly clear that the Label Group’s passionate, dedicated team works day in and day out in service of its artists and has built something truly unique. With the help of the label presidents, the entire Concord staff, and inimitable artists like Pierce the Veil, Killer Mike, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Allison Russell and so, so many more, I can’t wait to continue building on what has been established and usher Concord Label Group into a new era.”
“Concord is at a pivotal point in its company story. We have assembled an incredible and diverse roster of artists and a terrific, artist-centric staff around the world…and we are not slowing down,” stated CEO Valentine.
He adds, “Tom has spent his career helping to operate and lead some of the most important recorded music and artist management groups in the U.S. He knows what it takes to keep a music enterprise culturally, financially, and operationally healthy and I am eager to work with him as we continue to bolster our global footprint in support of artists and creators, as well as their legacies. As we enter this next chapter for Concord Label Group, I am thrilled to have him at the helm along with our label presidents and Concord’s senior team.”
Voting Now Open For 35th Annual MusicRow Awards
/by LB CantrellVoting for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards begins today, Wednesday, Aug. 9 and runs through Friday, Aug. 18 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
The nominees for the MusicRow Awards were revealed yesterday. Click here to view the full list.
Nominees for the MusicRow Awards are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.
Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 12, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.
Back Blocks Music Hires Autumn Ledgin & Elizabeth Cook
/by Liza AndersonAutumn Ledgin & Elizabeth Cook. Photos: Anna Schaeffer
Back Blocks Music has added Autumn Ledgin as Sr. Director, A&R and Elizabeth Cook as Creative Coordinator.
The Nashville-based publishing and artist development company, founded and helmed by Rakiyah Marshall, boasts a roster of Ashley Cooke, Blake Pendergrass, Lily Rose and Tucker Wetmore.
Ledgin brings with her significant entertainment industry experience. In her new role, she will oversee all publishing and artist development efforts for Back Blocks Music, working closely with the entire roster and scouting new talent. A former NCAA Division 1 student-athlete and civil engineering major, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate’s journey began in 2018 at Good Company Entertainment (GCE) as their first employee. During her tenure at GCE, the Boca Raton native played a vital role as day-to-day manager for the company’s roster including Jake Owen and Larry Fleet. Her passion led her to thrive as an internal A&R creative, while serving as a Board member and Planning Coordinator for the Jake Owen Foundation.
Cook joins the company as a senior at Belmont University. The songwriting major has previously spent time at Creative Nation and King Pen as an intern, and will now support the Back Blocks Music team as Creative Coordinator. The Nashville native will be responsible for catalog management, calendars and office management, while acting as an executive assistant to Marshall.
“I’m incredibly proud to expand the team at Back Blocks Music,” Marshall shares. “Autumn and Elizabeth both bring a wide range of valuable skill sets to the table. Their relationships and experience really feel like the missing puzzle pieces to our growing company. I’m thrilled to have their support, passion and drive to continue championing our roster of artists and songwriters.”
Ledgin can be reach at autumn@backblocksmusic.com, and Cook can be reached at elizabeth@backblocksmusic.com.
Tom Becci Named Chief Executive At Concord Label Group
/by LB CantrellTom Becci
Music industry veteran Tom Becci has been appointed to a newly created role, leading Concord Label Group as its Chief Executive. Effective Aug. 14, Becci will oversee Concord’s entire recorded music division, inclusive of global frontline label and catalog operations.
A New Jersey native, Becci got his start in the music business as the manager of special projects for EMI North America and comes to Concord with over 30 years of industry experience, most recently a more than seven year tenure at independent music management agency Red Light Management.
While at Red Light, he worked directly with founder Coran Capshaw on organizational structure and planning, vetted and advised on new business opportunities, and negotiated and advised on artist contracts as well as the development of the artist roster, which included Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady A, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and more. Becci also monitored investments made by Red Light Management, involving the development of yearly business plans, cash funding requirements and strategic and financial reviews. He was instrumental in the company’s label development and investments with the launch of LEO33 in Nashville as well as Chess Club Records and AMF Music in the UK.
Prior to Red Light, Becci was the COO of Universal Music Group Nashville, and was responsible for the signing of Brothers Osborne.
Becci will now be based in Concord’s Los Angeles office, home to most of Concord’s labels, and will report to CEO Bob Valentine.
“Having admired the work of Concord for years, I am thrilled to join this incredible company,” says Becci. “It is abundantly clear that the Label Group’s passionate, dedicated team works day in and day out in service of its artists and has built something truly unique. With the help of the label presidents, the entire Concord staff, and inimitable artists like Pierce the Veil, Killer Mike, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Allison Russell and so, so many more, I can’t wait to continue building on what has been established and usher Concord Label Group into a new era.”
“Concord is at a pivotal point in its company story. We have assembled an incredible and diverse roster of artists and a terrific, artist-centric staff around the world…and we are not slowing down,” stated CEO Valentine.
He adds, “Tom has spent his career helping to operate and lead some of the most important recorded music and artist management groups in the U.S. He knows what it takes to keep a music enterprise culturally, financially, and operationally healthy and I am eager to work with him as we continue to bolster our global footprint in support of artists and creators, as well as their legacies. As we enter this next chapter for Concord Label Group, I am thrilled to have him at the helm along with our label presidents and Concord’s senior team.”
CRB Announces 2023-2024 Board Of Directors
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced their 2023-2024 Board of Directors, which consists of prominent industry professionals who are equipped to drive the success of Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) will return as President alongside John Shomby (Backstage Country/Country’s Radio Coach), who will return as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan (“A Coach For Creators”), who is set to return as Secretary.
The upcoming Board of Directors is made up of both elected and appointed members. Those serving include Kurt Johnson, Shomby, Brannigan, Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group), Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia), Mike Harris (UMG Nashville), Debra Herman (Apple Music), Clay Hunnicutt (BMLG), Kenny Jay (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House), Jon Loba (BMG Nashville), Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Kelly Rich (Red Street Records) and Tim Roberts (Audacy).
Among those continuing their terms this year are Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Johnny Chiang (SiriusXM/Pandora), George Couri (Triple 8 Management/Triple Tigers), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Michelle Kammerer (Amazon Music), Mike McVay (McVay Media), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Bob Richards (TuneIn/Sevens Radio Network), Royce Risser, Lesly Simon, Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy) and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
“As we embark on this new Board term, I’m honored to lead a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to advancing the country music landscape. Together, we will continue to strengthen the bond between country radio and the music industry,” states Kurt Johnson.
CRS 2024 will take place Feb. 28–March 1.
In Pictures: Watershed Music Festival Returns To Washington’s Scenic Gorge
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson performs at Watershed Music Festival. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
The 11th annual Watershed Music and Camping Festival returned to The Gorge in George, Washington this past weekend (Aug. 4 – 6), bringing country music stars to the scenic territory out west. The star-studded lineup included headliners Cody Johnson, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson.
Carly Pearce, Niko Moon, Wade Bowen and more kicked the festival off on Friday. The evening commenced with a stellar performance from Johnson.
On Saturday, fans enjoyed sets across both stages and singing along to the likes of Aaron Raitiere, Warren Zeiders, Tenille Townes, Kameron Marlowe and Parker McCollum. Recent Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Urban closed out the night.
Both Friday and Saturday nights ended with dance parties under the night sky at “Late Night with DJ Rod Youree” as fans enjoyed the festivities taking place at the Next From Nashville Stage presented by Wrangler, which featured performances from buzzed-about newcomers, including Ben Burgess, Ella Langley, Peytan Porter, Ben Chapman, Chayce Beckham and Lauren Watkins, amongst others.
Sunday featured sets from Conner Smith, Travis Denning, Avery Anna and Ernest. Wilson stepped into Sunday’s headlining slot for Luke Bryan, who had to cancel due to illness. She closed the show with a homage to Bryan, singing fan favorites “Drink a Beer,” “Drunk on You,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” and “Country Girl.”
Keith Urban performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Carly Pearce performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Parker McCollum performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Kameron Marlowe performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Tenille Townes performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Travis Denning performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Kylie Morgan performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
Carter Faith performs at Watershed. Photo: Fernando Ramirez Zuñiga
AmericanaFest Reveals Full 2023 Schedule
/by Caela GriffinAmericanaFest has revealed the full 2023 schedule online and on their mobile app, including numerous new showcases, panels and special events available Sept. 19-23. Presented by the Americana Music Association, AmericanaFest will take place in 48 venues across Nashville, with more than 2,020 artists and bands set to perform at the nearly 300 events for attendees.
This year’s event schedule includes the Business Conference with over 70 panels, such as “Songwriters Round: Three Voices, Three Instruments,” “Americana Proud: A Voice for All,” “Want Symphonic: Rufus Wainwright with the Nashville Symphony,” “The Pitch Meeting,” “NMAAM Songwriters Rounds,” “AmericanaFest at The Bluebird Café,” “Musicians Corner,” “Relix & Dayglo Present AmericanaFest at Brooklyn Bowl” and “Muscle Shoals in the 21st Century: Ten Years of Single Lock Records.”
2023 Americana Festival Passes are now on sale to the public at $149. Festival Passes allow admission into all evening showcase venues and select sanctioned special events. Conference+Festival Passes are currently on sale at the rate of $499 ($399 for Americana Music Association Members). Conference+Festival Pass rates increase to $549 for all attendees on Sept. 1.
Industry Ink: Vince Gill & Paul Franklin, UTA, Easton Corbin, Aaron Lewis
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum Hosts Conversation on Ray Price with Vince Gill and Paul Franklin
Pictured (L-R): Paul Franklin, Museum Writer-Editor Dave Paulson, Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a conversation Friday night (Aug. 4) on the enduring legacy of Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Price with Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill and past “Nashville Cats” honoree Paul Franklin.
Gill, winner of 22 Grammys, and Franklin, who is among the world’s premier steel guitarists, discussed their new album, Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys during the event. The album includes top-tier players and pays tribute to Price and his storied band, which counted Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Johnny Paycheck among its ranks. The museum’s Writer-Editor Dave Paulson led the conversation, which was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
UTA To Host Whiskey Jam Takeover With Tyler Hubbard, Matt Stell, More
UTA is hosting a takeover of the Whiskey Jam Summer Concert Series at Losers in Nashville on Aug. 14. Performers set to take the stage include Tyler Hubbard, Megan Moroney, Matt Stell, Kidd G, Alana Springsteen, Chase Wright, Graham Barham and host John Crist. The free show takes place in the Losers parking lot.
Easton Corbin Treats Contest Winners To Lucchese Shopping Spree
Easton Corbin (center) poses with staff from Lucchese located in Nashville’s neighborhood The Gulch. Photo: Courtesy of Stone Country Records
Easton Corbin partnered with Nashville-based station WKDF and Western lifestyle brand Lucchese Bootmakers to treat recent contest winners to a shopping spree and a private performance at the Nashville retail store located in The Gulch last Thursday (Aug. 3). The contest was done in support of Easton’s current single, “Marry That Girl,” from his January Stone Country Records album release, Let’s Do Country Right.
Aaron Lewis Celebrates Gold Single, STAIND Nabs Another No. 1
Aaron Lewis
Last week in Nashville, Aaron Lewis was presented with a plaque commemorating half a million in sales for his smash hit “Am I The Only One” (The Valory Music Co.). The song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Chart in the summer of 2021, a feat which had only been accomplished nine times since 1958, earning Lewis an RIAA-certified Gold-selling single. Additionally, Lewis and his fellow STAIND bandmates have notched their first No. 1 hit in over a decade. STAIND’s “Lowest In Me” recently rose to the top position on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
In addition to performing on his national “American Patriot Acoustic Tour,” Lewis is currently on the road with STAIND in support of the band’s upcoming studio album, Confessions of the Fallen, set for release in September. He’s also currently in the studio working on a new acoustic solo country album.
Rhys Rutherford Signs With ERN’s Cadillac Music & Big Loud
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), ERNEST, Rhys Rutherford, Michael Giangreco (VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing), Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing)
Hit singer-songwriter Ernest has signed rising tunesmith Rhys Rutherford to his publishing venture, ERN’s Cadillac Music and Big Loud.
Rhys was raised on the music of Tim McGraw, John Prine and Kris Kristofferson, as well as a mix of ’60s and ’70s rock. His father is Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford. When Rhys decided to pursue music himself, he began to write songs and started a cover band with his friends.
After two semesters of college at Ole Miss, he moved back home to Nashville to dive head first into writing full time. After Rhys posted a cover of Ernest’s song “Feet Wanna Run” on social media, the breakout country star took notice of the talent, which led to his publishing deal. Since signing in March, Rhys has earned his first major label cut with Bailey Zimmerman’s “Is This Really Over?” from his record-breaking album Religiously. The Album.
Jason Isbell Announces 10th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Southeastern’
/by Liza AndersonGrammy-winning artist Jason Isbell has announced that the tenth anniversary reissue of his critically acclaimed album Southeastern will be released on Sept. 29 via Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers.
Southeastern features 12 tracks mixed with confessions, reflections and promises that confront and make communion with those who have come before and still remain with us.
The tenth anniversary reissue will include demos and live versions of the record’s beloved songs. The project will also feature a Deluxe 4LP Box Set, which consists of never-before-heard original Southeastern demos and a new live recording of the album from December 2022 at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee. Additionally, an Indie Exclusive LP pressed on transparent clearwater blue vinyl will be available.
Southeastern 10th Anniversary Edition Track Listings:
Southeastern (Remastered)
1. “Cover Me Up”
2. “Stockholm”
3. “Traveling Alone”
4. “Elephant”
5. “Flying Over Water”
6. “Different Days”
7. “Live Oak”
8. “Songs That She Sang in the Shower”
9. “New South Wales”
10. “Super 8”
11. “Yvette”
12. “Relatively Easy”
Southeastern Demos (Included With Deluxe Editions)
1. “Cover Me Up (Demo)”
2. “Stockholm (Demo)”
3. “Traveling Alone (Demo)”
4. “Elephant (Demo)”
5. “Flying Over Water (Demo)”
6. “Different Days (Demo)”
7. “Live Oak (Demo)”
8. “Songs That She Sang in the Shower (Demo)”
9. “New South Wales (Demo)”
10. “Yvette (Demo)”
11. “Relatively Easy (Demo)”
Southeastern Live (Included With Deluxe Editions)
1. “Intro (Live)”
2. “Cover Me Up (Live)”
3. “Stockholm (Live)”
4. “Traveling Alone (Live)”
5. “Elephant (Live)”
6. “Flying Over Water (Live)”
7. “Different Days (Live)”
8. “Live Oak (Live)”
9. “Songs That She Sang in the Shower (Live)”
10. “New South Wales (Live)”
11. “Super 8 (Live)”
12. “Yvette (Live)”
13. “Relatively Easy (Live)”
Miranda Lambert Collaborates With Gibson On Signature ‘Bluebird’ Guitar
/by Caela GriffinMiranda Lambert and American instrument brand Gibson Custom Shop have partnered to release the new Gibson Miranda Lambert Bluebird, the artist’s first-ever signature guitar. This rare Gibson acoustic guitar is made in the USA, hand-crafted in the Gibson Acoustic Factory and is now available worldwide.
“I have been playing Gibson acoustic guitars for so long now, so to be able to partner with such an iconic brand to create my own version of the classic Hummingbird is a dream come true,” shares Lambert. “I hope this encourages musicians everywhere—especially young girls—to pick up a Bluebird and chase the same dream that guitars have made come true for me.”
“At Gibson, we’re always seeking ways to lift up the voices of artists who have shaped the sound of genres, and Miranda is a trailblazing artist that represents the best that country music has to offer” says Codey Allen, Director, Cultural Influence-North America at Gibson Brands. “Her immense talent, authenticity, and dedication to the craft of songwriting, as well as her unwavering commitment to encourage more girls and women to play guitar are what inspired us to create the Miranda Lambert Bluebird Acoustic guitar.”
Lambert has won multiple Grammy Awards and holds more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist in history. A constant champion of female artists—including numerous collaborations and her work as a member of the Pistol Annies—Lambert has made it a priority to encourage more girls and women to pick up guitars themselves.
As a variation of the iconic Gibson Hummingbird to honor her music and mission, the Miranda Lambert Bluebird features a square shoulder mahogany body with a Sitka spruce top, a Bluebonnet nitrocellulose lacquer finish celebrating the official flower of Lambert’s home state of Texas and a custom Bluebird pickguard inspired by her chart-topping song of the same name. The L.R. Baggs VTC electronics make this guitar stage and studio ready.