Pictured (L-R): Todd Cassetty, Natalie Hemby and Maddie Lenhart. Photo: Libby Danforth
The singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes celebrated their 9th anniversary with a sold-out show at The Listening Room Cafe last night (April 3).
The evening kicked off with a writers’ round hosted by Song Suffragette and Universal Music Publishing artist Carter Faith, who performed alongside Morgan Johnston, Valerie Ponzio, Shelly Fairchild and Warner Music Nashville recording artist Robyn Ottolini. Multi-instrumentalist and resident cajon player Mia Morris backed all performances in addition to performing an original song of her own.
A second writers’ round followed with singer-songwriters Gina Venier, Carmen Dianne, Victoria Banks and Jessica Wills Fisher taking the stage along with host Haley Mae Campbell and Mia Morris. In a surprise moment, Song Suffragettes alumna Maggie Rose took to the stage to perform a new song from her forthcoming project.
Next, Song Suffragettes’ Event Director Maddie Lenhart formally welcomed Rose back to the stage to act as interviewer for the night’s special guest. Song Suffragettes’ founder Todd Cassetty then introduced two-time Grammy winner Natalie Hemby before an inspired and jocular half-hour interview that covered topics ranging from her songwriting process to her inspirations.
Cassetty and Lenhart presented Hemby with the Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award, an honor bestowed on a female songwriter who has inspired the many Song Suffragette women who hope to follow in Hemby’s successful footsteps.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Grace Bowers, Carmen Dianne, Morgan Johnston, Valerie Ponzio, Natalie Hemby, Maggie Rose, Gina Venier and Victoria Banks. (L-R, front row):Todd Cassetty, Jessica Wills Fisher, Carter Faith, Robyn Ottolini, Haley Mae Campbell, Maddie Lenhart. Photo: Libby Danforth
“I love people. I love music. I love other people’s music,” says Hemby, who is also member of critically acclaimed supergroup The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires. “I like to learn from people. And I think the moment you stop doing that, is the moment you should hang it up.”
Hemby also performed her brand new song written with Sarah Jarosz, “Good At What I Do” and “Rainbow,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves. For her unplugged performance of Grammy-winning “Crowded Table,” recorded by The Highwomen, Hemby walked through the packed house encouraging them to sing along.
As Cassetty recalled the nine-year history of Song Suffragettes and the successes of an all-female singer-songwriter collective, he noted two recent developments: the Monday night shows at The Listening Room Cafe and the launch of Song Suffragettes London, a monthly satellite show at The Camden Club in the UK.
“We’re so proud to continue to expand the Song Suffragettes collective of empowered women singer-songwriters,” says Cassetty. “From day one, our mission has been to present the depth of undeniable talent in the underserved female singer-songwriter community, and we will continue to do that as we gratefully enter our tenth year.”
Cassetty credited the nearly 400 women who have played Song Suffragettes as well as the all-female staff and interns for making it possible to have successful shows in Nashville and London. He also recognized and thanked returning sponsor The LSS Group, an all-female, entertainment-industry-focused wealth management group led by Eden Lopez, Leslie Schwartz and Paula Steinberg for their continued commitment as the presenting sponsorship of Song Suffragettes.
Visit the Song Suffragettes’ YouTube to see the entire anniversary performance.
Nashville Creators To Gather For ‘A Night Of Joy’ Honoring The Covenant School
/by Liza AndersonNashville musicians will come together for “A Night Of Joy Celebrating The Covenant School” at Belmont University’s Fisher Center on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by author and speaker Annie F. Downs, the evening of restoration, music and memory will feature a renowned group of artists lending their voices and talents in support of The Covenant School and Covenant Church, where a deadly shooting occurred on March 27, taking the lives of three students and three staff members.
Those slated to perform include Ben Rector, Carrie Underwood, Chris Tomlin, Colony House, Dave Barnes, Drew Holcomb, Ellie Holcomb, Ketch Secor, Lady A, Mat Kearney, Matt Maher, Natalie Hemby, Sixpence None the Richer, Stephanie and Nathan Chapman, The War And Treaty, The Warren Brothers, Thomas Rhett, Trent Dabbs and Tyler Hubbard.
Brett Taylor, Luke Laird and Sandra McCracken, as well as Dwan Hill, Jasmine Mullen and Sarah Kroger will also take the stage to honor the victims and their families, the church, staff, and the first responders, with more special guests to be announced soon.
Early access ticket sales began yesterday (April 4) and public tickets are on sale now. All proceeds benefit The Covenant School. For more information, click here.
Tiffany Kerns Earns Sr. VP Stripes At CMA, Among Three Other Promotions
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise): Michael Farris, Tiffany Kerns, Catharine McNelly and Ben Balch
The Country Music Association has announced the promotions of four staff members, including Tiffany Kerns, who has risen to Senior Vice President of Industry Relations & Philanthropy.
Additionally, Catharine McNelly has been elevated to Vice President of Communications, Ben Balch rises to Senior Director of Accounting & Financial Planning and Michael Farris has been promoted to Senior Director of Business Strategy & Insights.
“Tiffany, Catharine, Ben and Michael are all key strategic and forward-thinking leaders across a variety of teams at CMA,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “They each display unwavering commitment to CMA’s mission while continuing to innovate and create solutions-based strategies in their respective fields.”
Kerns joined CMA in 2013 after spending time at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In her new role, she will continue overseeing the strategic direction and management of CMA Membership including operations, programming, events and the organization’s newly launched membership structure. Kerns will also continue shepherding Board of Directors activity and key CMA pipeline programs including CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy, CMA’s collegiate programs (including CMA EDU and CMA’s Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship). Furthermore, she will continue leading CMA’s community building and outreach efforts, ensuring the development of key partners that elevate CMA’s message and drive support of the country music industry overall.
In addition to her executive role with Membership and Industry Relations, Kerns leads CMA’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, as Executive Director and reports to Trahern.
With her promotion, McNelly takes on a greater strategic role with communications and talent relations efforts across all of CMA’s events, programs and initiatives. She joined CMA in 2017 and oversees PR and media activity for CMA membership and organizational initiatives, as well as CMA television properties—the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas—corporate/executive profiles and talent outreach. In addition to these efforts, McNelly also leads communication planning and media support for the CMA Foundation. McNelly reports to Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy, Kelly Striewski.
Balch, who joined CMA in 2013, will continue to oversee reporting and financial standing for both CMA and the CMA Foundation in his new role as Senior Director, Accounting & Financial Planning. Balch also manages the annual budget process and periodic forecasts, as well as coordination of the annual audit team with outside auditors. He performs the monthly General Ledger closing processes, reviewing and reconciling as well as the monthly closing processes for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. Balch reports to Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration, Amy Smartt.
In his elevated position, Farris will further lead the Ticketing, Data Architecture and Insights teams. Responsible for ticket offerings, pricing, platform partners, sales strategies, ticket operations and the development of premium offerings, he serves as the lead ticketing strategist for all of CMA’s events. He will also continue to lead the creation and buildout of CMA’s data warehouse and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform as well as develop strategies for data sources, reporting and resources that support the growth and health of the country music industry worldwide. Farris reports to Vice President, Business Strategy & Operations, Emily Evans.
Reach Kerns at tkerns@cmaworld.com, McNelly at cmcnelly@cmaworld.com, Balch at bbalch@cmaworld.com and Farris at mfarris@cmaworld.com.
Song Suffragettes Honor Natalie Hemby During 9th Anniversary Celebration
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R): Todd Cassetty, Natalie Hemby and Maddie Lenhart. Photo: Libby Danforth
The singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes celebrated their 9th anniversary with a sold-out show at The Listening Room Cafe last night (April 3).
The evening kicked off with a writers’ round hosted by Song Suffragette and Universal Music Publishing artist Carter Faith, who performed alongside Morgan Johnston, Valerie Ponzio, Shelly Fairchild and Warner Music Nashville recording artist Robyn Ottolini. Multi-instrumentalist and resident cajon player Mia Morris backed all performances in addition to performing an original song of her own.
A second writers’ round followed with singer-songwriters Gina Venier, Carmen Dianne, Victoria Banks and Jessica Wills Fisher taking the stage along with host Haley Mae Campbell and Mia Morris. In a surprise moment, Song Suffragettes alumna Maggie Rose took to the stage to perform a new song from her forthcoming project.
Next, Song Suffragettes’ Event Director Maddie Lenhart formally welcomed Rose back to the stage to act as interviewer for the night’s special guest. Song Suffragettes’ founder Todd Cassetty then introduced two-time Grammy winner Natalie Hemby before an inspired and jocular half-hour interview that covered topics ranging from her songwriting process to her inspirations.
Cassetty and Lenhart presented Hemby with the Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award, an honor bestowed on a female songwriter who has inspired the many Song Suffragette women who hope to follow in Hemby’s successful footsteps.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Grace Bowers, Carmen Dianne, Morgan Johnston, Valerie Ponzio, Natalie Hemby, Maggie Rose, Gina Venier and Victoria Banks. (L-R, front row):Todd Cassetty, Jessica Wills Fisher, Carter Faith, Robyn Ottolini, Haley Mae Campbell, Maddie Lenhart. Photo: Libby Danforth
“I love people. I love music. I love other people’s music,” says Hemby, who is also member of critically acclaimed supergroup The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires. “I like to learn from people. And I think the moment you stop doing that, is the moment you should hang it up.”
Hemby also performed her brand new song written with Sarah Jarosz, “Good At What I Do” and “Rainbow,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves. For her unplugged performance of Grammy-winning “Crowded Table,” recorded by The Highwomen, Hemby walked through the packed house encouraging them to sing along.
As Cassetty recalled the nine-year history of Song Suffragettes and the successes of an all-female singer-songwriter collective, he noted two recent developments: the Monday night shows at The Listening Room Cafe and the launch of Song Suffragettes London, a monthly satellite show at The Camden Club in the UK.
“We’re so proud to continue to expand the Song Suffragettes collective of empowered women singer-songwriters,” says Cassetty. “From day one, our mission has been to present the depth of undeniable talent in the underserved female singer-songwriter community, and we will continue to do that as we gratefully enter our tenth year.”
Cassetty credited the nearly 400 women who have played Song Suffragettes as well as the all-female staff and interns for making it possible to have successful shows in Nashville and London. He also recognized and thanked returning sponsor The LSS Group, an all-female, entertainment-industry-focused wealth management group led by Eden Lopez, Leslie Schwartz and Paula Steinberg for their continued commitment as the presenting sponsorship of Song Suffragettes.
Visit the Song Suffragettes’ YouTube to see the entire anniversary performance.
BMI Celebrates Gospel Music Trailblazers
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, BeBe Winans. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
Gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones and stars Tamela and David Mann were celebrated recently at the 2023 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at Flourish in Atlanta.
The awards show paid tribute to the best in the Gospel music community and honored BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the top 25 Gospel songs of the previous year. BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton hosted the event.
The luncheon kicked off with a celebration of music and joyful worship with Jonathan McReynolds, Chandler Moore and Kirk Franklin performing a medley of three of BMI’s award-winning songs, “Grace,” “Jireh” and “Kingdom,” before moving to the event’s main honorees and award winners.
As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music honoree, Nashville’s Dr. Bobby Jones was saluted for his legendary career, mentorship of the next generation and his tireless contributions to the genre. The tribute performances honoring Jones’ legacy kicked off with The Company singing “What a Friend,” followed by a rendition of “Bring it to Jesus” featuring Beverly Crawford.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Tamela Mann, David Mann, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
Tamela and David Mann were celebrated as BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music for their exceptional success in the genre and beyond, both as songwriters, artists and actors. The musical tributes to The Manns kicked off with Zacardi Cortez and Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper‘smoving performance of “Now Behold the Lamb,” followed by Lisa Knowles-Smith singing “Take Me to the King.” After accepting the honor and thanking those who have helped them along the way, Tamela Mann surprised the audience with an explosive performance of her mega-hit, “Change Me,” which spent 23 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart.
Throughout the event, BMI saluted the Top 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the coveted BMI Gospel Song of the Year, which went to “Believe For It” written by CeCe Winans and Mitch Wong. The song spent 12 weeks at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart and garnered accolades including two GMA Dove Awards and a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Dante Bowe and Jonathan McReynolds for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Bowe was honored for “Joyful” and “Promises” and McReynolds for “Brighter” and “Grace.” BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Be Essential Songs for having award-winning songs “Brighter,” “Jireh,” “Promises” and “Something Has to Break,” among its repertoire.
During the ceremony, the late legendary soul singer-songwriter Otis Redding was posthumously honored with four BMI Million-Air Awards, a distinction that recognizes songwriters whose works have achieved the rare feat of surpassing one million broadcast performances on radio. Originally written and recorded by Redding in the 1960’s, the songs were “Sweet Soul Music” (4 million performances), “Hard to Handle” (7 million performances), “Respect” (7 million performances) and BMI’s Song of the Year in 1968, the incomparable “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” (12 million performances). Attending the ceremony were members of Redding’s family, including his wife Zelma and their daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, who accepted the honors on behalf of her father and the Otis Redding Foundation.
Tanya Tucker Rides Into Downtown Nashville To Announce Ryman Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Tanya Tucker announced the news of her two Ryman Auditorium shows this summer in a creative way yesterday (April 3), riding through the streets of downtown Nashville on a stunning world-champion black Friesan stallion, “Lauwe The Magnificent,” according to the Tennessean.
The ride created quite a moment for fans and tourists in Music City, and occurred in celebration of her induction into The Country Music Hall of Fame as well as her two upcoming Ryman shows on June 3 and 4, her forthcoming album, and more.
The media moment was also meant to raise awareness for Redemption Road Rescue, an equine rescue nonprofit in Jackson, Tennessee. The organization has helped horses and owners in need since 2009 by taking in and housing horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in various stages of rehabilitation. The surrendered and/or seized animals are rehabilitated and then offered for adoption. Tucker reportedly adopted a colt and its mother from the rescue in 2021.
Tickets for Tucker’s Ryman shows go on sale this Friday, April 7, with additional tour dates to be announced soon. Fans can sign-up for exclusive artist presale access tomorrow. Tucker has partnered with PLUS1 on the shows, with a dollar per ticket going to support Farm Aid and their work to cultivate a vibrant and resilient family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. For more information, click here.
“The Ryman is the Mother Church of Country Music,” shares Tucker. “It’s my favorite place in the world to play! But this time it’s not just one show…it’s two!! I’m more than excited to be performing June 3 and 4. And I bet they’ll be a few surprises!! Tanya Mother Tucker is coming to the Mother Church and I can’t wait!!!”
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Series Returns For Fifth Season
/by Caela GriffinBMI’s Rooftop on the Row series will return for its fifth season, with R&B and country star K. Michelle kicking off the first of the five-concert series on April 11. Presented by George Dickel Bourbon, the invite-only event gives industry tastemakers and creatives an exclusive look at some of BMI’s most promising talent.
As the first show’s headliner, K. Michelle is taking a break from her R&B “I’m The Problem” tour, and returning to her Tennessee roots to give music lovers a taste of her new country sound. Born and raised in Memphis, K. Michelle has always had a love for country music. She recently collaborated with Justin Champagne on the hit song “Country Love Song,” and has a new album dedicated to the genre, which is slated for release later this year.
The following two shows of the 2023 season will also be country-themed, showcasing music by Priscilla Block and Chayce Beckham on May 16 as well as Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe on July 18. A celebration for the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop is set for Aug. 15 and the final concert will be the official kick-off to Americanafest on Sept. 19, with performers to be announced soon.
“We’re so excited to launch a new season of BMI’s Rooftop on the Row presented by Dickel Bourbon,” says Mason Hunter, BMI’s AVP, Creative, Nashville. “From the inaugural event in 2016, the series has become a rite of passage for Nashville’s future hitmakers, and Dickel has been our presenting sponsor since day one.
“Over the years, we’ve seen many of our rooftop performers, including Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, The War And Treaty, Riley Green and more, become some of the biggest names in the industry. We’re excited to showcase this season’s talented performers and give them a platform to share their music. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy an evening than with great music, a Dickel Bourbon and a fantastic view of the Nashville skyline from BMI’s Rooftop.”
“The experimentation, innovation and creativity that it takes to make music is something that really speaks to us at George Dickel,” says Allison Fleischer, Diageo Brands in Culture. “These qualities are at the center of great music as well as great bourbon. We’re so proud to support songwriters and musicians through our long-standing partnership with the BMI Rooftop on the Row series because, like creating Dickel Bourbon, it’s such a special art form in which individuals can produce something truly original that’s well-loved by people all over the world.”
Warner Chappell Inks Global Publishing Deal With Austin Shawn
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R, top row): Simon Tikhman (The Core), Chief Zaruk (The Core), Matt Cottingham (Attorney); (L-R, bottom row): Ryan Beuschel (WCM), Austin Shawn, Ben Vaughn (WCM)
Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with chart-topping writer, producer, mixer, and engineer Austin Shawn. The Nashville-based songwriter is best known for his work on Bailey Zimmerman‘s smash hits “Rock And A Hard Place,” “Fall In Love,” and “Religiously.” Those songs have led to Shawn spending a total of 43 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Country Producer Charts, with 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1. Shawn also spent 36 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Producer Charts.
“Rock and A Hard Place” currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has racked up more than 550 million global streams to date. A frequent collaborator of Zimmerman, Shawn has been hard at work on the Warner Music Nashville/Elektra artist’s upcoming album, Religiously. The Album., which will be released this May.
“I’m grateful that this crazy music thing has landed me here at Warner Chappell with some amazing people that are honestly great friends to hang with,” says Shawn. “They’ve been on the same wavelength with everything I’m doing since day 1 and that means the world to me. More tunes coming in hot!”
“Austin Shawn is innovating what it means to be a producer, co-writer, and developer of talent on Music Row,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, Warner Chappell Music. “He wears so many hats well, and he brings a creative through line to every project that always puts the uniqueness of the artist and song first. We’re honored to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”
Shawn has also recently collaborated with Chase Matthew, among others. Since starting his production journey at 14 years old, Shawn has honed his unique style filled with bold drums, infectious melodies, and defined vocals, drawing from rock, pop, and country influences. His passion and talent for musical production has proven to be a force behind both emerging and established artists. He is managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment.
Kane Brown To Headline Pendleton Whisky Music Fest In July
/by Lorie HollabaughThe fun will kick off with a party Friday night in downtown Pendleton on July 14 from 6 p.m.- 12 a.m., featuring performances by Joel Gibson, Jr., Summer Groove and DJ Cutt. The event is free to attend and will feature local food vendors and Pendleton Whisky at the outdoor bars.
“Building off of the incredible momentum that was created by Eric Church and Macklemore in 2022, we could not be more excited to welcome fans back to the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest,” says Andy McAnally, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest Co-Organizer. “Kane Brown, Flo Rida, Niko Moon, Maddie & Tae and more, this year’s musical acts are ready to put on the show of a lifetime.”
Pendleton Whisky Music Fest alumni pre-sale starts this Thursday, April 6, and general public tickets go on sale this Friday, April 7. For more information, click here.
Warner Music Nashville Taps Anna Pittman As VP, Artist Development
/by LB CantrellAnna Pittman
Warner Music Nashville has announced the hiring of Anna Pittman, who joins as VP, Artist Development. Beginning April 3, Pittman reports to EVP, Artist Development Shane Tarleton.
Pittman is a graduate of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. She started her career at Q Prime Management in New York, where she worked for more than 13 years.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible Warner Music Nashville team,” shares Pittman. “Every single person in this building shares a commitment to authentic storytelling and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside each of them as champions for our diverse and extremely talented artist roster.”
Tarleton shares, “Along with her extensive experience, Anna brings passion and excellence to our already brilliant Artist Development team!”
Royce Risser, Brian Wright & Stephanie Wright Exit UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellRoyce Risser, Brian Wright and Stephanie Wright
Royce Risser, Brian Wright and Stephanie Wright have exited UMG Nashville, MusicRow has confirmed.
Risser most recently served as Exec. VP of Promotion, overseeing all promotion efforts in the UMG Nashville four-imprint structure consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. He first joined the company in 1992 with MCA Nashville.
Brian Wright joined the label group more than 22 years ago, and most recently held the title of Exec. VP of A&R. He oversaw A&R initiatives for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.
Stephanie Wright held the position of Sr. VP of A&R. With the company for 20 years, she was an integral part of UMG Nashville’s A&R department, aiding initiatives for all four imprints.
The news comes days after Cindy Mabe officially started her role as Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.