‘Yellowstone’ Star Luke Grimes Signs Record Deal With UMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): UMGN EVP & COO Mike Harris, UMGN President Cindy Mabe, Luke Grimes, UMGN EVP A&R Brian Wright, and UMGN SVP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia. Photo: Chris Hollo

Universal Music Group Nashville has announced the signing of actor and musician Luke Grimes, in association with Range Music.

Grimes, who is widely known for his role as Kayce Dutton in the hit show Yellowstone, will release his first song “No Horse To Ride” on Friday (Dec. 16). The tune was co-written by Grimes, Jonathan Singleton, and Tony Lane.

An Ohio native, Grimes grew up on the music of titans Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. As the son of a Pentecostal pastor, he began to play music in church, learning to play the drums at church camp and then picking up guitar and piano. He even became a drummer for a band in Los Angeles before his acting career took off.

“As an actor, Luke Grimes has effortlessly brought the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront of American culture,” says UMGN President Cindy Mabe. “As a country music artist, Luke has tapped into that same honesty and authenticity to capture a raw grit and pure depth of artistry that will expand the sound and reach of country music. We are so excited and proud to welcome Luke Grimes to Universal Music Group Nashville.”

“Luke is a special spirit who puts honesty above all else in his art,” says Range Music Managing Partner Matt Graham. “We at Range are excited to partner with Brian [Wright], Cindy and the rest of the UMG team to help him fulfill his dreams of sharing his songs with country music fans.”

Inspired by artists such as Colter Wall, Ruston Kelly, Paul Cauthen, and the late Townes Van Zandt, Grimes is finding his own artist voice and style. In addition to writing at his home in Montana, he has spent many months living in Nashville and writing with Music Row hitmakers such as Lane, Singleton, Randy Montana, Brent Cobb, Jamey Johnson, the Love Junkies (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey), Josh Osborne, Jon Randall, and Jessi Alexander.

Grimes is working with Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Cobb on his debut album for Range Music/Mercury Nashville.

Jared Conrad Inks With Big Yellow Dog Music

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Jared Conrad and the Big Yellow Dog team. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Songwriter and producer Jared Conrad has signed with Big Yellow Dog Music. With this signing, Conrad will have a large focus on writing and producing for sync for the artist development, publishing and record label company.

An Idaho native, Conrad graduated from Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2015. Through his time at Belmont, he created a strong network in Music City and worked with nearly every major label and publisher, as well as independent clients. Conrad has produced and written songs for Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, Terri Clark, Ian Munsick, Cody Johnson, Randall King and others.

“Jared knows how to create a track that immediately pulls you in as a listener,” says Alex Stefano, VP of Sync at Big Yellow Dog. “He has already blown away our sync team by the quality of songs he has turned in within his first month at BYD. We can’t wait for more and are excited to see where these songs land in the near future, both in cuts and in the sync space.”

“I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of the Big Yellow Dog team,” Conrad adds. “They are an immense force in the sync, country, and pop markets & are able to offer their writers and artists so many opportunities to succeed and grow. A massive thanks to Carla [Wallace], Alex, Jacee [Badeaux], and the rest of the group for being such hands-on champions of me and my music, and for already doing so much to make this a wonderful partnership!”

Conrad is managed by producer manager Brandon Perdue.

Big Yellow Dog’s sync team has had significant placements over the past few years, including advertising for Apple, Deezer, Facebook, numerous placements in Grey’s Anatomy, promos for HBO Max and more.

Chase Rice Slates ‘Way Down Yonder Tour’ For 2023

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Chase Rice. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Chase Rice is embarking on his “Way Down Yonder Tour” in March, which will visit 23 markets across the country through April 29.

Joining as special guests across various dates will be Avery Anna, Tyler Braden, Ashland Craft, Dalton Dover, Kameron Marlowe, Read Southall Band and Conner Smith.

Kicking off March 3 in Laughlin, Nevada, the tour will make stops in Tucson, Lexington, Buffalo, St. Petersburg, Atlanta and more, with a Nashville show on April 11 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (Dec. 15), with pre-sales beginning today (Dec. 13).

The tour earns its name from Rice’s latest single from his forthcoming album. Rice wrote the track with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado.”

“Way Down Yonder Tour” Dates:
March 3 – Laughlin, Nev. – Harrah’s Laughlin
March 4 – Tucson, Ariz. – Cologuard Classic
March 9 – Indianapolis, Ind. – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Conner Smith
March 10 – Detroit, Mich. – The Fillmore Detroit – Conner Smith
March 11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection – Conner Smith
March 23 – Wichita, Kan. – The Cotillion – Tyler Braden
March 24 – Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Alliance Center – Tyler Braden
March 25 – Omaha, Neb. – The Admiral – Tyler Braden
March 31 – Lexington, Ky. – Manchester Music Hall – Ashland Craft
April 1 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone – Ashland Craft
April 2 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Town Ballroom – Ashland Craft
April 6 – Binghamton, N.Y. – Touch of Texas – Dalton Dover
April 7 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino – Dalton Dover
April 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa – Dalton Dover
April 11 – Nashville, Tenn. – Ryman Auditorium – Avery Anna
April 13 – Albany, N.Y. – Empire Live – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 14 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 15 – Sayreville, N.J. – Starland Ballroom – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 21 – Atlanta, Ga. – Coca Cola Roxy – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 22 – Wilmington, N.C. – Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 27 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre – Avery Anna
April 28 – St. Petersburg, Fla. – Jannus Live – Read Southall Band
April 29 – Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona Beach Bandshell – Read Southall Band

Nominees Unveiled For 2022 CMA Touring Awards

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The nominees for the 2022 CMA Touring Awards have been revealed, highlighting the behind-the-scenes members of the country music touring industry.

“I am thrilled that we will be returning this year to host the CMA Touring Awards after a two-year hiatus,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The touring industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, and I have been amazed at the continued resilience and dedication from this community as they rebuild. These behind-the-scenes heroes are the ones that keep the music playing, so to be able to honor and celebrate them again is especially exciting. We can’t wait for January 30!”

CMA members in the following membership groups are eligible to vote on the 15 award categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media, Affiliated, Artist, Entertainment Services, Marketing/Digital, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Label, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter, Touring, and Venue.

Final voting for the 2022 CMA Touring Awards opens Dec. 14 and closes Dec. 28. This year’s Touring Awards will take place Jan. 30 at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

Category 1 – Business Manager of the Year
Renee Allen – Arnie Barn, Inc.
David Boyer – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Jamie Cheek – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Duane Clark – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Stephanie Mundy-Self – Farris, Self & Moore, LLC

Category 2 – Coach/Truck Driver of the Year
Ronnie Brown – Zac Brown Band
Rhett Evans – Thomas Rhett
Caleb Garrett – Luke Bryan
Jon Long – Dierks Bentley
John Stalder – Kenny Chesney

Category 3 – FOH (Front of House) Engineer of the Year
Aaron Lain – Morgan Wallen
Todd Lewis – Luke Combs
Robert Scovill – Kenny Chesney
Frank Sgambellone – Luke Bryan
Trey Smith – Thomas Rhett

Category 4 – Lighting Director of the Year
Zac Coren – Morgan Wallen
Philip Ealy – Kenny Chesney
Kevin Northrup – Luke Combs
Chris Reade – Dierks Bentley
Alec Takahashi – Thomas Rhett

Category 5 – Manager of the Year
Clint Higham – Morris Higham Management
Mary Hilliard Harrington – Red Light Management
Chris Kappy – Make Wake Artists
Marion Kraft – ShopKeeper Management
John Peets – Q Prime South

Category 6 – Tour Manager of the Year
David Farmer – Kenny Chesney
Luke Holton – Brothers Osborne
Curt Jenkins – Miranda Lambert
Ethan Strunk – Luke Combs
Jon Townley – Thomas Rhett

Category 7 – Monitor Engineer of the Year
Jimmy Nicholson – Thomas Rhett
Phillip Robinson – Kenny Chesney
Scott Tatter – Dierks Bentley
Phil Wilkey – Keith Urban
Michael Zuehsow – Luke Combs

Category 8 – Production Manager Of The Year
Chris Alderman – Blake Shelton
Erik Leighty – Miranda Lambert
Jerry Slone – Luke Combs
Kevin Twist – Thomas Rhett
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney

Category 9 – Publicist of the Year
Janet Buck – Essential Broadcast Media
Ebie McFarland – Essential Broadcast Media
Tyne Parrish – The GreenRoom
Jensen Sussman – Sweet Talk Publicity
Jennifer Vessio – 1220 Entertainment Publicity

Category 10 – Talent Agent of the Year
Mike Betterton – Wasserman Music
Joey Lee – WME
Austin Neal – The Neal Agency
Nate Towne – WME
Jay Williams – WME

Category 11 – Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year
Jered Johnson – Pepper Entertainment
Louis Messina – Messina Touring Group
Brian O’Connell – Live Nation Nashville
Aaron Spalding – Live Nation Nashville
Adam Weiser – AEG Presents

Category 12 – Tour Videographer/Photographer Of The Year
*Due to a tie in this category, there are six nominees
Zach Belcher – Dierks Bentley
David Bergman – Luke Combs
Tanner Gallagher – HARDY
Grayson Gregory – Thomas Rhett
Jeff Johnson – Carrie Underwood
Jill Trunnell – Kenny Chesney

Category 13 – Tour Video Director of the Year
John Breslin – Garth Brooks
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney
Ron Etters – Chris Stapleton
Tyler Hutcheson – Luke Combs
Phil Nudelman – Keith Urban

Category 14 – Touring Musician of the Year
Jimmie Deeghan – Kane Brown
Dan Hochhalter – Dierks Bentley
Harmoni Kelley – Kenny Chesney
Jimmy Mattingly – Garth Brooks
Josh Reedy – Thomas Rhett

Category 15 – Venue of the Year
Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

AIMP Nashville Chapter Announces Results Of 2023-2024 Board Of Directors Elections

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the results of its 2023-2024 Board of Directors elections.

Among the highlights are the official creation of the Atlanta Chapter, new leadership teams at the Los Angeles and Nashville Chapters, two new amendments to the AIMP Bylaws, and new Board members in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.

In Nashville, long-time Chapter head and President John Ozier (Reservoir) will step down after completing his four-year term, but will remain on the Board as a member. Ree Guyer (Wrensong) will take over as President after previously serving as the Chapter’s Vice President, and board member Duff Berschback (Concord Music Publishing) will step into the role of Vice President. Trina Smith Dort (Me Gusta Music) was elected to the role of Treasurer, and Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music) was elected to the role of Secretary.

Newly elected Board members in Nashville include Dort, Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment) and Keithan Melton (Combustion Music), who will serve alongside returning Board members ET Brown (SESAC), Robert Carlton (SMACKSongs), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Michael Martin (Endurance Music Group), Leslie Roberts (BMI) and Mike Sistad (ASCAP). The Chapter’s new Administration Director will be Emily Boardman (River House Artists), and its Administration Assistant will remain Kendall Lettow (peermusic).

“I cannot believe how quickly eight years has flown by,” Ozier notes. “While the Nashville music community and the industry as a whole have faced so many challenges in recent years, I couldn’t be prouder of all that we have achieved as a Chapter. I am happy to pass the torch to our incredible new leaders and am looking forward to continuing to work alongside them as a Board member.”

The organization has also passed two new AIMP Bylaws amendments, the first of which adjusts the definition of an independent music publisher, which all Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents must fit. The second amendment allows Chapter Presidents, Vice Presidents or Secretaries to apply to their Chapter’s Nominating Committee for an extension beyond the current 4-year term limit.

The AIMP Executive Committee, which consists of each Chapter’s President and Vice President, will meet in January 2023 to elect the Association’s new National Chair.

Rumble On The Row Announces Matchups For 19th Annual Boxing Benefit

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The Rumble on the Row fight card has been unveiled for the 19th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids boxing gala, set for March 3 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee.

Presented by the Charley Foundation, which benefits charitable agencies addressing the critical needs of children, the charity boxing event will feature four bouts sanctioned by USA Boxing, featuring Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring.

This year’s Rumble on the Row matchups include:

  • Dorothy Young (Huskins-Harris Business Management, Inc.) vs. Marne McLyman (Manager, Maverick Management)
  • Drew Magid (Artist Manager, Big Loud) vs. Tripp King (Account Manager, FBMM)
  • Evane Stoner (Entrepreneur) vs. Emily Vincent (Artist Manager, Torrez Music Group)
  • Will Carnahan (Photographer/Director, Will Call Cinematic, LLC) vs. Ryan Hamblin (Co-Owner/Director/Photographer, BrainStem Digital)

The evening will feature gourmet dining, live music performances, a silent auction and the Rumble on the Row bouts. Funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.

“I’m so incredibly proud of how this annual event has grown year after year,” shares Carolyn Miller, The Charley Foundation’s founder and chairman, and Ringside producer. “The commitment of the fighters who train so diligently to help touch the lives of kids in need speaks volumes about their true character.”

This is the first time in the history of Ringside that all tables were sold prior to announcing the fight card. A limited number of standing-room tickets are at rumbleontherow.com.

Academy Of Country Music Announces Record-High Membership For 2023

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The ACM has announced an increase in membership to 4,966 professional members, marking the Academy’s highest membership count since the numbers were tracked.

New ACM members visited the Academy’s new headquarters in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood to share their excitement in joining the Academy of Country Music for a new video. New ACM members Madeline Edwards, Ernest, The War And Treaty, and others appear in the exclusive new video.

The interviews were amongst the first pieces of original content captured in the Academy’s new Lisa Lee Content Studio, honoring the beloved Academy staffer who passed away in 2020. Additional videos and content series will be released throughout 2023, to continue to tell the story of the new class and how the Academy plays a pivotal role in their lives, careers, and artistic pursuits.

YouTube video

“Our members are the lifeblood of the Academy of Country Music, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome so many new members into the Academy and to announce that we’ve hit record-high membership heading into 2023,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The Academy’s membership is made up of so many essential voices in our country community, and with our growing membership, the Academy is even better able to serve as a powerhouse advocate for fans, artists, and our industry as a whole.”

“For new members and renewed members alike, this is a very exciting time to be part of the Academy with submissions for the 58th ACM Awards opening in January and voting beginning in February,” adds Tommy Moore, VP Artist and Industry Relations, Governance and Board Administration. “ACM members will play an active role in shaping the future of country music through helping the Academy promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and shaping the genre of country music for a global audience.”

Newly accepted and renewed members qualify to vote for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, which is set to return to Texas this May for the first time since 2015’s historic 50th anniversary show. Academy members also gain access to a suite of benefits, including early access to tickets for ACM events, discounts on industry partner events, industry data insights, monthly educational and networking events, acclaimed seasonal magazine ACM Tempo, and more.

Madelyn Rose Rounds Out Artist Team With Vere Music, Gold Mountain Entertainment [Exclusive]

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Emerging singer-songwriter Madelyn Rose has inked with Nashville-based label Vere Music. She has also tapped Richard Ellis of Gold Mountain Entertainment for management.

Growing up in a small town in central New York, Rose discovered her love of music at the age of four through a garage sale keyboard. Two years later, she began singing with a small guitar amp and microphone, then uploading the videos to YouTube. Since arriving in Nashville, Rose has spent hundreds of hours writing, recording, and honing her craft. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she taught herself how to mix and master songs, further showcasing her work ethic and desire to carve out her own lane in the industry.

Rose’s debut single, “Taillights Fade,” will be released on Jan. 27. Rose, who is currently a full-time student, co-wrote the tune alongside Lauryn Tauber and Justin Klump, who also served as a co-producer alongside Brian Malouf.

“I am so excited to have my first debut single in the hands of Vere Music,” Rose shares. “I am so proud of the song and the message it stands for, I hope girls like me can relate!”

Keith Urban Strikes A Deal With Litmus Music, Sells Master Recordings

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Keith Urban

Four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban has sold his master recordings to Litmus Music, a new firm backed by Carlyle Global Credit.

The deal includes 10 or Urban’s studio albums as well as a greatest hits compilation album. The partnership also includes a collaboration agreement on future recordings.

Urban’s last full-length album, The Speed of Now Part 1, included “God Whispered Your Name” and his duet with P!nk, “One Too Many.” Throughout his career, Urban has notched 21 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as well as many hit albums.

“I have the deepest respect for Keith, his incredible talent and his passion for making great music. He’s a musically insatiable musician, record maker, performer and songwriter,” says Litmus Music Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Dan McCarroll, of the deal.

“It is an honor to partner with Keith and represent songs that reflect his integrity, character and musicianship,” adds Litmus’ Co-Founder/CEO Hank Forsyth. “Dan and I and the entire Litmus team are so grateful Keith has trusted us to care for what he has given so much to create.”

Urban is currently working with Dann Huff on new album slated for release in 2023. Since 2020’s release of The Speed of Now Part 1, Urban has released several hit singles, including “Wild Hearts,” “Brown Eyes Baby,” and most recently, “Street Called Main.”

“What makes this such a great fit for me is the genuine passion and respect Dan, Hank and the team at Litmus have for this music,” Urban shares. “In working with them, I feel that same collaborative spirit that’s always inspired me as an artist.”

Urban joins country juggernauts Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and Brad Paisley as country artists who have sold a portion of their master recordings.

Rhythm House Re-Signs Alysa Vanderheym, Elevates Vanna Moua

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Alysa Vanderheym and Vanna Moua.

Rhythm House has made two new moves as the year comes to a close by re-signing songwriter and producer Alysa Vanderheym, as well as promoting Vanna Moua to Creative Director.

“We’re so lucky to continue working with both Alysa and Vanna,” shares Stevie Frasure, VP of Rhythm House. “Alysa has really come into her own in the last few years and is just killing the game with more and more hits, not only as a writer but a producer as well. She continues to bring such fresh, creative energy to everything she does.” She continues, “Vanna has been one of the best assets to Rhythm House. It fills us with pride to see her grow from intern, to manager, to director. She has truly taken on this position and made it her own. With both of these creative women, I know Rhythm House is in the best hands in all aspects of the industry.”

Vanderheym originally signed her exclusive publishing deal with Rhythm House in September of 2019. The multi-genre songwriter has co-written hits such as “Lose Somebody” by Kygo and OneRepublic, country superstar Kelsea Ballerini‘s single “Heartfirst” as well as eight cuts on the Heartfirst album, “I Remember” by Cheat Codes and Russell Dickerson, and a No. 1 single with “Cold Beer Calling My Name” by Jameson Rodgers ft. Luke Combs.

“I’m so grateful to continue working with this crew,” Vanderheym notes. “Jesse [Frasure] has been my biggest champ since day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve done together so far, but even more excited for what’s to come!”

A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Moua began her career at Rhythm House in the fall of 2018 as an intern. Following her graduation from Middle Tennessee State University, Moua was immediately hired as Creative Assistant, which quickly led to her first promotion as manager.

“I’m so excited to be on this journey with my Rhythm House team who continue to inspire me with their passion and drive each day,” Moua says. “I’m very fortunate to call Jesse Frasure, Stevie Frasure, and Alysa Vanderheym my dream team, and I look forward to our growth and all that is to come in this next chapter together!”