Cesar Gueikian. Photo: Courtesy of Gibson
Gibson Brands has confirmed Cesar Gueikian as President and CEO of Gibson Brands after he received an interim appointment of the role in May.
“I have had the opportunity to work closely with Cesar as we have rebuilt Gibson over the past five years,” says Nat Zilkha, Chairman, Gibson Brands. “He has established a remarkable track record at Gibson, shaping our product, our marketing, our artist relationships, and many of our important growth initiatives. In addition, Cesar has an extraordinary personal passion for music, and for Gibson guitars in particular. He is an accomplished leader, a musician, and a self-professed guitar nerd. We are confident that Cesar is the ideal person to serve as Gibson’s next CEO and to build on the great momentum we have as a company.”
Gueikian adds, “I am honored and humbled to take on the permanent CEO role! Gibson is a passion project for me. Our board of directors, chaired by Nat Zilkha, has been incredibly supportive over the last five years, giving me an opportunity to merge my biggest passion, which is not just music and guitars, but Gibson guitars with my business background, and I don’t take this for granted.
“The support from our board, team, artists, and fans has been overwhelming and I look forward to continuing the work we started with our leadership team, who always challenge me to be better. We have an epic history in music, which comes with responsibility, and we are constantly asking ourselves how to be more relevant and leverage our iconic past to be more creative the older we become as a brand. Our future depends on our team’s passion and pride in the work they do, and on creative collaboration with our artists around the world across genres of music. When music is at its best, the spirit of the fan merges with the spirit of the artist, and that transcendent experience is special. I can’t wait to get started, keep momentum, and press ahead.”
Gueikian joined Gibson in 2018, merging his business background with his lifelong passion for music and guitars. He has been instrumental in the resurgence of Gibson, setting a successful new strategy centered around instruments and sound, relaunching the portfolio of brands, shaping a new portfolio architecture, creating Gibson Media, launching Gibson TV, and securing partnerships with Gibson artists to bring their music to the world and keep the brand culturally engaged and connected to music.
Gueikian earned a B.A. in Business from Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He holds an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago focused on Analytic Finance and Economics.
An accomplished musician, guitarist and songwriter, Gueikian has performed with and recorded alongside artists spanning an eclectic range of music genres, such as Mana, Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo (Metallica), Rex Brown (Pantera) and more.
Fred Rubenstein Joins Sony Music Nashville As VP, Digital Marketing
/by LB CantrellFred Rubenstein. Photo: Rebecca Lader
Sony Music Nashville has appointed Fred Rubenstein as Vice President, Digital Marketing, effective immediately.
Rubenstein will be responsible for overseeing the digital marketing team and leading the strategy, execution and implementation of innovative social media and digital marketing campaigns across the Sony Music Nashville roster. He will also focus on exploring new partner/platform opportunities that will enable digital discovery, enhance artists’ brands and drive consumption.
Rubenstein will report to Jennifer Way (Senior Vice President, Marketing) and relocate to Nashville.
Way comments, “Fred is a highly respected digital marketing executive who isn’t afraid to break the mold to try something new. He is a natural leader and collaborator, and I’m looking forward to adding his fresh, innovative perspective and broad digital expertise into our marketing strategy as we continue to deliver unique, memorable campaigns that amplify our artists’ voices and their music.”
“I am very excited to join a team that is already is already pushing the boundaries for their artists in the digital space. The vision and outlook that Sony Music Nashville has for being at the forefront of this space is super exciting and I appreciate their trust in leading that. I look forward to continuing this mission by amplifying unique digital campaigns for and with, our artists,” Rubenstein adds.
Rubenstein was most recently Senior Manager, Creator Acquisitions & Development for Amazon’s live streaming service Twitch, where he managed deals and accounts with billion-dollar companies and on-boarded new talent from the music, gaming and sports spaces. Notable projects included WWE, The Needle Drop and Mike Shinoda. Prior to his role at Twitch, he was a member of digital marketing teams at Elektra Music Group and Roadrunner Records where he spearheaded digital campaigns for Slipknot, Sturgill Simpson, Turnstile, Trivium and more.
Rubenstein is a graduate of Monmouth University where he received a B.A. in marketing.
Recording Academy Raises Annual Membership Fees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has raised its annual membership fees from $100 to $150. The increase begins on Aug. 1, but any dues submitted on or before July 31 will reflect the old rate.
Since the last time the Recording Academy increased membership in 2000, the organization has organized over 650 events across 12 Chapters, provided $110 million in aid through MusiCares and actively supported the passage of numerous bills at both the state and federal level to protect creators’ rights, in addition to celebrating and recognizing Grammy Award nominees and winners.
According to Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., if the fee increase causes a member a hardship, they will make accommodations to help, as they did during the pandemic. Mason reports a small but significant percentage of members were granted a fee waiver during the pandemic and that some people paid double dues during COVID to support people who weren’t able to pay.
“If people do have hardships [with this fee increase], we’re going to continue that policy,” he said to Billboard. “It’s not about trying to extract money from people that don’t have it. It’s just trying to make a fair value. So, when someone says we can’t afford to play $150, we’re going to say, ‘OK, what can you afford? Oh, you can’t afford it, No problem. We want you as a member regardless.’”
The Academy also has a waiver policy on entry fees. All professional and voting members of the Recording Academy receive five “courtesy entries” per year. If they choose to enter more than five entries, they must pay. This year, the fee is $40 for entries made between July 17-31, $75 for entries made between Aug. 1-23 and $125 for entries made between Aug. 24-31.
The Academy reports any member burdened by the entry fees can request the fees be waived by reaching out to the awards department. It justifies charging a fee for any member making more than five entries, saying, “The per-entry fee structure encourages entrants to consider the value of each entry and make mindful decisions to put forward work that they truly believe is Grammy-worthy.”
George Strait To Headline ATLive In October
/by Caela GriffinATLive, developed and promoted by AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), is once again bringing some of the biggest artists to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The multi-day music event returns on Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21 with a roster of superstar artists from country and Latin music.
Saturday’s lineup will offer a star-studded extravaganza with country icon George Strait, eight-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood, the legendary Willie Nelson & Family and six-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town.
Friday night (Oct. 20) will feature an exciting Latin lineup, including Grupo Firme, J Balvin, Farruko and Yahritza Y Su Escencia.
Tickets for each night go on sale Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.
“We are extremely excited to once again bring an incredible lineup of artists to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for ATLive,” says Doug Roberts, VP of Stadium Events and Premium Sales, AMB Sports and Entertainment. “The ATLive concert series has quickly become one of the can’t-miss concert events of the year and we look forward to welcoming fans of both Latin and country music for two great nights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in October.”
ATLive, powered by Ticketmaster and presented by Sweetwater Brewing Company and Wells Fargo, hosted six shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with nearly 300,000 people in attendance during its first three years. Past stars include Eric Church, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel, Miranda Lambert, Metallica, Lionel Richie, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Keith Urban and more. ATLive is produced by AMBSE in partnership with Messina Touring Group.
Tickets On Sale Now For 2023 SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Awards
/by Liza AndersonTickets are now available for the 2023 SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards, taking place Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium.
Individual tickets are $95 for SOURCE members and $105 for the general public.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards. The special event will be presented by Springer Mountain Farms and hosted by award-winning artists Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely.
The annual awards recognizes a select group of “Women Behind The Music,” inducting them into the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame. The 2023 inductees include Marcie Allen, Renee Bell, Janice Jackson, Jackie Patillo, Becky Shanks, Denise Stiff and Valerie Summers.
For more information, click here.
Drake White Announces ‘Benefit For The Brain’ Concert
/by Caela GriffinPhoto: Zack Knudsen
Four years after surviving his own traumatic brain injury, country soul singer Drake White has announced his “Benefit For The Brain” charity concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 28.
White will share the stage with Randy Houser, Riley Green and Jamey Johnson as well as more special guests from the country, rock, and Americana worlds that will be announced soon.
Through his Big Fire Fund 501(c)(3) charity organization, White seeks to advance research and support networks in the field of brain and mental health. Brain health became important to the acclaimed entertainer after suffering a stroke and collapsing onstage in 2019, being subsequently diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM).
After undergoing a series of operations to repair his AVM and months of physiotherapy, White relearned how to do almost everything – including playing guitar and singing.
“This will be a night of music and conversation shining light on brain and mental health,” explains White. “Through music and community, our goal is to raise awareness and resources to foster innovation in adolescent brain health, empower veterans and their families and bridge the gap between alternative medicine and public perception. Together, we hope to inspire a community of understanding, improve quality of life and give courage to face the battle between your ears.”
All proceeds raised will be gifted to a handpicked slate of benefit partners representing three pillars: military personnel and their families with a focus on PTSD and other related issues; child and adolescent brain health; and progressive research into alternative brain and stroke treatments. For more information, click here.
News of the empowering benefit concert comes at the start of a brand-new creative chapter for White, who released his heartfelt single “Spirit” at the end of June. Co-written by White with Leslie Satcher and Phil Pence, this marks the first taste of his upcoming project.
Tyler Halverson Signs With Concord Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Brad Kennard (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Claire Buchanan (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord), Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Courtney Allen (Concord); (L-R, front row): Melissa Spillman (Concord), Tyler Halverson, Allen Mitchell (Erv Woolsey Company), Erv Woolsey (Erv Woolsey Company). Photo: Audrey Spillman
Tyler Halverson has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing.
Halverson hails from Canton, South Dakota, a tiny town south of Sioux Falls with a population of just over 3,000. He fell in love with music listening to his father’s CD collection as a kid, which included everything from Garth Brooks and Hayes Carll to Boyz II Men, and moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. Upon graduation, Halverson spent time in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, and credits much of his style and carefree attitude to his adventures out west.
In early 2020, Gary Stanton of Muscadine Bloodline saw a clip of Halverson on Instagram and not long after, recorded a couple of songs with him. Throughout 2021, Halverson gained traction with indie releases such as “Beer Garden Baby,” “Mac Miller” and 2022’s “Your Bar Now (with Kylie Frey),” amassing tens of millions of streams across platforms. Halverson signed to Atlantic Records earlier this year, and his debut single, “Her,” was released on May 5.
Known for his laid-back and confessional brand of country, Halverson takes inspiration from classic country and western music while also looking ahead to the genre’s future, and has even established his own unique style he dubs “Western Amerijuana.”
“I saw Tyler play a writer round at The Basement in 2021, and I was immediately hooked,” says Melissa Spillman, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Everything about him is original and authentic, and I am so proud to have him in the Concord family. His brand of Western Amerijuana music makes him immediately stand out from the pack. We are so lucky to get to work with such a humble and talented artist!”
“I’m so thankful and grateful to be a part of Concord, a team that supports my songwriting and artistry! I’m blessed to say I write songs for a living now,” says Halverson. “Thank you, Melissa and Concord for believing!”
Ashley Gorley Spends 10th Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
Ashley Gorley is the No. 1 songwriter on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the 10th consecutive week this week. He is a co-writer on Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You,” Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Hardy’s “Truck Bed,” Nate Smith’s “World On Fire” and Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” “Cowgirls,” “Everything I Love,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and “You Proof.”
Tracy Chapman remains at No. 2 this week as Luke Combs’ cover of her solely-written “Fast Car” rises on the country charts. Zach Bryan keeps his position at No. 3 as his solely-written “Something In The Orange” continues to rack up streams.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Dates & Ticket Details Announced For Stagecoach 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Julian Bajsel
California’s Stagecoach Festival will return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California on April 26 -28, 2024 for its 16th year.
The 2024 festival will see the expansion of viewing areas from the sides of the Reserved Corral seating, a dedicated saloon for Seated and Standing Corral pass holders, an expanded Rhinestone Saloon with ample shade, and lots more.
Festival organizers have announced that advance passes for next year’s festival will be available this Friday, July 14 in advance of the lineup announcement and general on-sale later this year.
Passes go on sale starting this Friday for 48 hours at stagecoachfestival.com. These prices are the lowest that fans will have access to for the 2024 festival, and fans can secure their passes for as little as $99 down on payment plan as well. Additionally, hotel packages go on sale today, July 10, with RVs going on sale July 13 for 24 hours.
The 2024 line-up will be announced in the coming months when festival passes are on general on-sale. This advance pass announcement follows a milestone 15th anniversary for Stagecoach earlier this year, which included headlining performances by Luke Bryan, Kane Brown and Chris Stapleton, as well as special guest appearances and much more.
Gibson Brands Confirms Cesar Gueikian As President & CEO
/by Caela GriffinCesar Gueikian. Photo: Courtesy of Gibson
Gibson Brands has confirmed Cesar Gueikian as President and CEO of Gibson Brands after he received an interim appointment of the role in May.
“I have had the opportunity to work closely with Cesar as we have rebuilt Gibson over the past five years,” says Nat Zilkha, Chairman, Gibson Brands. “He has established a remarkable track record at Gibson, shaping our product, our marketing, our artist relationships, and many of our important growth initiatives. In addition, Cesar has an extraordinary personal passion for music, and for Gibson guitars in particular. He is an accomplished leader, a musician, and a self-professed guitar nerd. We are confident that Cesar is the ideal person to serve as Gibson’s next CEO and to build on the great momentum we have as a company.”
Gueikian adds, “I am honored and humbled to take on the permanent CEO role! Gibson is a passion project for me. Our board of directors, chaired by Nat Zilkha, has been incredibly supportive over the last five years, giving me an opportunity to merge my biggest passion, which is not just music and guitars, but Gibson guitars with my business background, and I don’t take this for granted.
“The support from our board, team, artists, and fans has been overwhelming and I look forward to continuing the work we started with our leadership team, who always challenge me to be better. We have an epic history in music, which comes with responsibility, and we are constantly asking ourselves how to be more relevant and leverage our iconic past to be more creative the older we become as a brand. Our future depends on our team’s passion and pride in the work they do, and on creative collaboration with our artists around the world across genres of music. When music is at its best, the spirit of the fan merges with the spirit of the artist, and that transcendent experience is special. I can’t wait to get started, keep momentum, and press ahead.”
Gueikian joined Gibson in 2018, merging his business background with his lifelong passion for music and guitars. He has been instrumental in the resurgence of Gibson, setting a successful new strategy centered around instruments and sound, relaunching the portfolio of brands, shaping a new portfolio architecture, creating Gibson Media, launching Gibson TV, and securing partnerships with Gibson artists to bring their music to the world and keep the brand culturally engaged and connected to music.
Gueikian earned a B.A. in Business from Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He holds an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago focused on Analytic Finance and Economics.
An accomplished musician, guitarist and songwriter, Gueikian has performed with and recorded alongside artists spanning an eclectic range of music genres, such as Mana, Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo (Metallica), Rex Brown (Pantera) and more.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Climbs Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonBailey Zimmerman‘s Religiously. The Album. returns as one of the top projects on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 5 with 26K in total consumption (932 album only/31 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time continues its No. 1 streak with 110K (4.2K album only/133 million song streams), while Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 2 with 48K (889 album only/61 million song streams). Luke Combs‘ Gettin’ Old remains at No. 3 with 31K (1.9K album only/36 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak rests at No. 4 with 31K (1.4K album only/37 million song streams).
The top five of the country streaming songs chart remain the same.
Wallen’s “Last Night” bides at No. 1 with 24 million new streams, and Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” lands at No. 2 once again with 18 million streams. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” remains at No. 3 with 13 million new streams. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” persists at No. 4 with 12 million streams, and “You Proof” rests at No. 5 with 11 million new streams.