Brittany Schaffer
Belmont University has appointed Brittany Schaffer as the new Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Effective May 1, Schaffer fills the role of Doug Howard, who retired last fall.
Schaffer will exit her position as Head of Nashville Label Partnerships and Music Strategy at Spotify on April 13. At the DSP, she co-leads the development and execution of Spotify’s global strategy to grow the Country, Christian/Gospel and Americana genres, and is responsible for overseeing all new music releases and campaigns out of Nashville. Prior to joining Spotify in 2018, Schaffer spent more than seven years in the Entertainment Department of Loeb and Loeb, LLP, where she was Senior Counsel.
“My career has focused on being a champion of people, ideas and innovations that bring the music and the broader entertainment industry together to fuel growth for the future of the business and to bring joy to those who enjoy the creativity and stories we share,” Schaffer says. “My career has also centered around my love of Nashville and its potential to be the creative center of the music business and a major player in the larger entertainment industry. Belmont—and the Curb College in particular—offer a unique opportunity to align these passions and be part of the legacy Belmont is leaving on its students and ultimately the global entertainment business as a whole. I am honored to help steward the Curb College into its next chapter, focusing on how we continue to be radical champions for our campus community, city and industry as we look toward, plan for and create the future we want for the global music and entertainment business.”
Schaffer adds, “I’m also forever grateful to Spotify for their incredible support of me and the Nashville music industry, which was beyond anything I ever imagined when I joined the company over five years ago. I will continue to be a champion of the company and the incredible Nashville team and look forward to partnering with them in the future as we shape the leaders of tomorrow.”
At Belmont, Schaffer will work alongside Associate Professor of Creative & Entertainment Industries, Dr. Sarita Stewart, who has served as Interim Dean for this academic year. Stewart will become Senior Associate Dean for Curb College and will work alongside Schaffer on programming and curriculum.
Schaffer will report to Belmont University’s Provost/Executive Vice President of Academic Excellence and will serve approximately 100 faculty and staff and over 2,700 students in Curb College programs.
Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory shares, “Brittany will bring extraordinary passion, faith and experience to her new role as dean of Curb College. Her legal background and familiarity advocating for artists, writers, producers and more within the industry provide a unique perspective on the holistic education our students need to be successful in a variety of entertainment fields. Plus, through her time with Spotify, she has been on the leading edge of where these content rich fields are heading and is well prepared to ensure Curb College stays at the forefront of modern storytelling.”
Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones adds, “Belmont’s Curb College has long been recognized for developing artists and executives who bring innovative leadership and creative storytelling to their roles throughout the entertainment industry. We are delighted Brittany Schaffer has accepted the role of Dean, and I am confident that she will elevate our programs even further, deepening our connections within music, motion pictures and media while establishing new partnerships in Nashville, across the U.S. and around the globe. Her significant achievements and the tremendous respect she’s earned as a leader signal a bold and bright future ahead for Curb College and our students.”
A magna cum laude graduate of both Vanderbilt University and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, Schaffer currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters as well as the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board. Schaffer is also a Class of 2022 Leadership Music graduate.
She will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row later this month.
C2C Festival Set To Return In 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Lady A and Zac Brown Band headlined the 2023 festival. The event continues to bring country music to the United Kingdom and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending every year. Once again, C2C will host three days of performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.
Early bird tickets will be available this Friday, March 17, and can be purchased from gigsandtours.com, AXS.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. For Belfast, tickets will be available via ticketmaster.ie.
Jake Worthington Slates Self-Titled Debut Album For April
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Worthington. Photo: Jim Wright
Jake Worthington is set to release his self-titled debut album on April 7 via Big Loud Records.
This Friday (March 17), he will give fans a taste of what’s to come, releasing two of his two-stepping standouts from the new collection, “State You Left Me In” and “Next New Thing.” Worthington co-wrote all but one track on the 13-song debut, which was produced by Joey Moi and features a collaboration with labelmate Ernest on “Pop Goes The Whiskey.”
Raised in La Porte, Texas on a steady diet of classic country, from Ray Price to Merle Haggard and the Georges (Jones and Strait), Worthington began honing his craft in his mid-teens, bringing pure country devotion to writing rooms alongside Roger Springer, David Lee Murphy, Wyatt McCubbin, Jake Doucet, Jessi Alexander and more.
“I don’t mind being a dark horse,” Worthington says. “Blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.”
Worthington has also popped up on several projects for other artists in Music City, including guest spots on Hixtape: Vol. 2 with Ronnie Dunn and Jake Owen on the rowdy “Jonesin’,” Dunn’s 2022 album 100 Proof Neon on “Honky Tonk Town” and Ernest’s 2023 extension Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses on “Heartache In My 100 Proof.”
Jake Worthington Track Listing:
Universal Music Publishing Nashville Signs Lydia Sutherland
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): UMPG Nashville’s Troy Tomlinson, Lydia Sutherland, UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Nashville-based artist Lydia Sutherland.
The Quebec native first emerged as a much sought-after songwriter in the Canadian music space, which led to her signing a recording contract with Universal Music Canada. She was recently named a semi-finalist of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition.
“Lydia walked into my office one day last year and absolutely blew my mind with her lyrics and ideas in every song she played me,” shares Cyndi Forman, Senior Vice President A&R, UMPG Nashville. “I couldn’t get the songs out of my head and knew I had to sign her. I am thrilled she’s joining the team!”
“From the first day I walked into UMPG and sat down with Cyndi I felt like I first and foremost met a friend and supporter for life but also found the perfect home for me and my songs,” adds Sutherland. “It’s still so hard to comprehend how this all happened and how I ended up with this dream team. All I can say is that I am incredibly grateful and beyond excited for this new journey to start!”
Brittany Schaffer To Exit Spotify, Appointed Dean Of Belmont University’s Curb College
/by LB CantrellBrittany Schaffer
Belmont University has appointed Brittany Schaffer as the new Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Effective May 1, Schaffer fills the role of Doug Howard, who retired last fall.
Schaffer will exit her position as Head of Nashville Label Partnerships and Music Strategy at Spotify on April 13. At the DSP, she co-leads the development and execution of Spotify’s global strategy to grow the Country, Christian/Gospel and Americana genres, and is responsible for overseeing all new music releases and campaigns out of Nashville. Prior to joining Spotify in 2018, Schaffer spent more than seven years in the Entertainment Department of Loeb and Loeb, LLP, where she was Senior Counsel.
“My career has focused on being a champion of people, ideas and innovations that bring the music and the broader entertainment industry together to fuel growth for the future of the business and to bring joy to those who enjoy the creativity and stories we share,” Schaffer says. “My career has also centered around my love of Nashville and its potential to be the creative center of the music business and a major player in the larger entertainment industry. Belmont—and the Curb College in particular—offer a unique opportunity to align these passions and be part of the legacy Belmont is leaving on its students and ultimately the global entertainment business as a whole. I am honored to help steward the Curb College into its next chapter, focusing on how we continue to be radical champions for our campus community, city and industry as we look toward, plan for and create the future we want for the global music and entertainment business.”
Schaffer adds, “I’m also forever grateful to Spotify for their incredible support of me and the Nashville music industry, which was beyond anything I ever imagined when I joined the company over five years ago. I will continue to be a champion of the company and the incredible Nashville team and look forward to partnering with them in the future as we shape the leaders of tomorrow.”
At Belmont, Schaffer will work alongside Associate Professor of Creative & Entertainment Industries, Dr. Sarita Stewart, who has served as Interim Dean for this academic year. Stewart will become Senior Associate Dean for Curb College and will work alongside Schaffer on programming and curriculum.
Schaffer will report to Belmont University’s Provost/Executive Vice President of Academic Excellence and will serve approximately 100 faculty and staff and over 2,700 students in Curb College programs.
Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory shares, “Brittany will bring extraordinary passion, faith and experience to her new role as dean of Curb College. Her legal background and familiarity advocating for artists, writers, producers and more within the industry provide a unique perspective on the holistic education our students need to be successful in a variety of entertainment fields. Plus, through her time with Spotify, she has been on the leading edge of where these content rich fields are heading and is well prepared to ensure Curb College stays at the forefront of modern storytelling.”
Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones adds, “Belmont’s Curb College has long been recognized for developing artists and executives who bring innovative leadership and creative storytelling to their roles throughout the entertainment industry. We are delighted Brittany Schaffer has accepted the role of Dean, and I am confident that she will elevate our programs even further, deepening our connections within music, motion pictures and media while establishing new partnerships in Nashville, across the U.S. and around the globe. Her significant achievements and the tremendous respect she’s earned as a leader signal a bold and bright future ahead for Curb College and our students.”
A magna cum laude graduate of both Vanderbilt University and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, Schaffer currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters as well as the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board. Schaffer is also a Class of 2022 Leadership Music graduate.
She will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row later this month.
Darius Rucker’s ‘Starting Fires Tour’ On Tap For Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughTickets go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, March 17. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages for select dates featuring premium tickets, an exclusive Meet & Greet and individual photo opportunity with Rucker, guided backstage tour, group photo on the stage, an autographed item and more.
Additionally, Rucker is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming seventh solo album, Carolyn’s Boy, named in honor of his late mother. Fans have gotten an early preview of the music via recently released tracks “Same Beer Different Problem” and “Ol’ Church Hymn” (featuring Chapel Hart), with more new music expected soon.
Rucker will also return to the stage this spring with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates, taking over the beach at Moon Palace Cancún for the second annual HootieFest: The Big Splash. Set for April 26-29, the destination event will feature performances by the band, daily pool parties, intimate oceanfront performances from Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit and Cowboy Mouth as well as a special Hootie & the Blowfish sunset show.
“Starting Fires Tour” Dates:
* denotes Drew Green as support / # denotes no support (all other dates feature Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors)
^ dates on sale Monday, March 20
June 15 – Roanoke, Va. || Elmwood Park Amphitheatre *
June 22 – Washington, D.C. || The Anthem
June 24 – Canandaigua, N.Y. || Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
July 13 – Dubuque, Iowa || Q Casino – Back Waters Stage *
July 20 – Jacksonville, Fla. || Daily’s Place
July 21 – Wilmington, N.C. || Live Oak Bank Pavilion
July 22 – Alpharetta, Ga. || Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 3 – Niagara Falls, Ontario || Fallsview Casino
Aug. 4 – Bridgeport, Conn. || Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 5 – Farmingville, N.Y. || Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill ^
Aug. 10 – Sterling Heights, Mich. || Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Aug. 11 – Milwaukee, Wis. || BMO Pavilion
Aug. 12 – Maryland Heights, Mo. || Saint Louis Music Park
Aug. 18 – Irvine, Calif. || FivePoint Amphitheatre
Aug. 19 – Stateline, Nev. || Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena
Aug. 23 – Los Angeles, Calif. || The Greek Theatre
Aug. 25 – San Diego, Calif. || Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Aug. 26 – Highland, Calif. || Yaamava’ Resort & Casino ^#
Sept. 8 – Durant, Okla. || Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater #
Sept. 9 – Durant, Okla. || Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater #
Oct. 14 – Nashville, Tenn. || Ascend Amphitheater
Chason Goodwin Joins Grayscale Marketing As VP Of Strategic Growth
/by Lorie HollabaughChason Goodwin has been named Vice President of Strategic Growth at Grayscale Marketing.
Goodwin previously served as the Vice President of Events at Nightscape, a tech start-up specializing in immersive experiential production. Over the years, he has successfully overseen events for some of the biggest names in business and entertainment, including the Super Bowl LI Halftime Show, SeaWorld, Drake, Billboard Music Awards, Sony Music Nashville, Deloitte, Milwaukee Bucks, JP Morgan/Chase & Co., Twenty One Pilots, Leo Burnett, Nickelodeon, Warner Media, Capitol Records, JW Marriott and The Tennessee Titans. He has also worked directly with various advertising agencies around the globe.
“We are thrilled to have Chason on board as our Vice President of Strategic Growth,” shares Jason Zinser, Vice President of Communications for Grayscale Marketing. “His 15 years of experience in event operations, branding, sales, marketing, and activations bring a wealth of value to our team. We pride ourselves on being impactful, and we are confident that Chason will play a critical role in helping us achieve this.”
“Having wished to collaborate with Chason for the past decade, I am elated to have him join our team finally,” adds CEO of Grayscale Marketing Tim Gray. “His remarkable reputation, exceptional expertise, and stalwart steadfastness will make Chason a significant contributor to our team’s continued success.”
“I am thrilled to contribute my expertise and creative talents to the company’s impressive growth trajectory,” shares Goodwin. “Delivering exceptional service is my passion, and I am confident that my skills align perfectly with Grayscale’s mission to make a meaningful impact in the industry.”
Congratulate Goodwin at chason@grayscalemarketing.com.
Logan Mize’s ‘Bloodline’ Album Release & Tour Set For May
/by Caela GriffinKansas-native Logan Mize has announced the release date for his album Bloodline and his “Bloodline Tour” set for May. The title track of the album and tour is out now.
Out May 5, Bloodline will be Mize’s first project since his 2021 concept album, Welcome to Prairieville. With Mize bringing his musings on heartbreak, growing up, family, small-town upbringings and a sense of place, the collection acts as a musical scrapbook with music providing a photographic insight into his childhood in Kansas.
The title track, written by Randy Montana, Josh Hoge and Django Walker, begins the exploration into Mize’s Kansas roots, and honors all of the things that give small towns their character.
“‘Bloodline’ is a song I’ve loved for a couple years and have always wanted to record it,” says Mize. “My family and I live in a rural great plains town of about 900 people and my kids go to school with all their cousins. The line where it talks about the wild kid with the grass stained blue jeans is a visual that I’m used to seeing so often with my 11 year old son’s backyard football games. The mud up the side of a Chevrolet….we live on a dirt road. We just really live this song and that’s why I felt it was such a great lead track for my upcoming project.”
Mize recently announced the “Bloodline Tour” with Troy Cartwright supporting on select dates. The 12-city adventure kicks off on May 4 in Ralston, Nebraska. The trek will include stops in Chicago, Des Moines and Kansas City before wrapping in St. Louis on May 20.
Bloodline Track Listing:
1. “Bloodline” (Randy Montana, Django Walker, Josh Hoge)
2. “Ends In Why” (Randy Montana, Eric Paslay, Charlie Muncaster)
3. “Another Right Now” (Donovan Woods, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins)
4. “Last Hometown” (Donovan Woods, Colton Venner)
5. “Hope I’m Not The Only One” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Nite, Jordan Schmidt)
“Bloodline Tour” Dates:
*support from Troy Cartwright
May 4 | Bushwackers Saloon | Ralston, NE
May 5 | Temple Live | Fort Smith, AR
May 6 | My House / 6th Street Block Party | Columbia, MO
May 7 | Wooly’s | Des Moines, IA
May 10 | Joe’s On Weed St | Chicago, IL
May 11 | The Truman | Kansas City, MO*
May 12 | The Hat | Manhattan, KS*
May 13 | Wild Hogs Saloon | Walford, IA*
May 17 | Joe’s Honky Tonk | Kearney, NE*
May 18 | Wave | Wichita, KS*
May 19 | Fox Theatre | Hays, KS*
May 20 | The Hawthorn | St. Louis, MO*
New Show Highlighting Bluebird Cafe Performances Coming To WSM Radio
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Courtesy of The Bluebird Cafe
As part of a partnership between The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI and The Bob Kingsley Estate, the three have been working on a multi-year preservation project involving the audio recordings from The Bluebird Cafe’s 40-year history.
As the collaboration enters its second year, the entities have announced the inaugural season of a new radio show, The Bluebird Cafe Archival Recordings, which will premiere on WSM-AM/Nashville on April 1. Playing from 9 to 10 a.m. CT, the program will lead in to Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics.
“We are so grateful for Nan’s support of our efforts to not only preserve The Bluebird Cafe’s audio archives, but bring them to listeners,” says The Bluebird Cafe’s GM Erika Wollam Nichols. “These shows, archivally recorded over the 40-year history of the venue, illustrate offer a touchstone in the history of Nashville music and the amazing songwriters who have called The Bluebird home throughout the years. We also send a special thank you to Shannon Lynn, who is tirelessly transferring these programs to digital formats. We could not do this without his passionate support.”
Roger Alan Nichols, Dave Cowley, Duane Durrette and Brent Baker serve on the show’s production team. Fitz, who records the CMA award-winning Country Top 40 with Fitz countdown from Bluestem Studios, on the campus of Weatherford College—brought the program back to Texas where Bob Kingsley produced the show. In 2021, Bob’s wife Nan Kingsley donated the Bluestem Studios space to Weatherford College to be used for educational purposes. Fitz will act as an advisor to the students involved in production of The Bluebird Cafe Archival Recordings.
“Bob loved and supported the Nashville songwriting community. When we announced the Bob Kingsley Estate’s support of NSAI and The Bluebird Cafe last year, it was fitting that the bulk of the efforts centered on the preservation of The Bluebird’s vast audio archive,” shares Nan Kingsley. “Now, with support Dr. Tod Farmer and the Weatherford College team, Fitz, and JP Tinnell at WSM Radio, listeners around the world will be able to listen to these classic performances. I could not be more thrilled to see this come together.”
The show’s first season will include classic performances from songwriters including Rhett Akins, Kelly Archer, Marc Beeson, Adam Hambrick and many more. Listeners can tune-in each week via wsmradio.com and the official WSM app.
Tim McGraw Debuts Title Track From New Album ‘Standing Room Only’
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Tim McGraw has released his new single “Standing Room Only,” the title track from his upcoming 17th studio album, due out later this year on Big Machine Records.
“Standing Room Only” is an introspective and heartfelt examination of what it means to truly live life fully. The track was written by Craig Wiseman, who also penned McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” Tommy Cecil and Patrick Murphy.
“‘Standing Room Only’ caught my ear the first time I heard it because of its message,” says McGraw. “For me, this song is so positive and life affirming. It isn’t about the funeral or the procession, it’s about how we live in the here and now. How do we push ourselves and in which direction do we push ourselves? For me, it’s a reminder to live a life filled with gratitude and not take things for granted. Also, it’s a reminder to give back and be there for others.”
McGraw teased the announcement of the new song by releasing a mysterious playlist of his tunes ahead of the single called “McGraw Three-ten Twenty Three” which hinted at the release date and featured song titles that spelled out “Standing Room Only” with the first letter of each track.
“Standing Room Only” follows McGraw’s 45th No. 1 country single, “7500 OBO” which was voted one of the “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written” by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Throughout his career, McGraw has amassed 46 No. 1 singles (all formats) and holds the Mediabase record for the most weeks at No. 1 with all titles, totaling 73 weeks.
Rob Dalton Launches Airplay Data Company Spintel, Partners With Mediabase
/by Lorie HollabaughSpintel, a new company launched by industry promotion vet Rob Dalton that provides analytical and management tools for visualizing and interpreting airplay data, has entered into a licensing agreement with Mediabase, it was announced today (March 10).
Planning an official launch in the spring, Spintel uses raw airplay data to calculate the best moves in navigating a song up an airplay chart, offering key tools for labels, radio promoters, managers, agents, buyers and more. Standard and Relative song comparisons in the system will offer info comparing the growth trend of a current single to a growth trend of that artist’s previous single, for example.
Initially launched for country and Christian labels, the company plans to rapidly expand into other formats. Mediabase’s licensing agreement with Spintel will allow Mediabase subscribers to use Mediabase data in the Spintel platform.
“We are always looking for initiatives to increase client benefits,” shares President and CEO of Mediabase, Philippe Generali. “Now Mediabase’s unmatched radio airplay data will power Spintel’s analytics platform. The partnership propels understanding of music consumption across geographies and formats.”
“We are very excited to partner with Mediabase, the chart of record and the leading provider of airplay data,” shares Dalton. “With this partnership in place, we are confident that our customers will be getting the most up to date and accurate information possible.”
Dalton has worked for decades in label and indie promotion for Columbia and Epic, Curb/Asylum, and his own independent New Revolution Entertainment, which was awarded the Independent Promotion Company of the Year award during the 2013 and 2016 Country Radio Seminar. Over the course of his career, Dalton has played a vital role promoting over 120 top 10 singles at country radio.