ACM LEVel Up Program Announces New 2023 Group Of Rising Industry Leaders

/by

The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has announced its 2023 cohort’s members on Tuesday (Dec. 13). They also celebrated the inaugural 2022 cohort’s completion of the first year of the two-year professional development program.

Pictured (L-R, back row): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside; Jenn Tressler; Nick Coulson; Ellen Ford; Markus Koger; Sabrina Butera; Synnovea Halsel; Chantrel Reynolds; and Jade Sampson, ACM; (L-R, front row): Kaela Allen; Shelby Moran; Mackenzie Cooper; Morgan Kenney; Daniel Killian; Vanna Moua; Kortney Toney; and Tommy Moore, ACM

The ACM LEVel Up Rising Leaders curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of the country industry into new audiences.

The first year is spent learning from thought leaders across the industry, as well as collaborating to develop a proposed plan to expand country’s reach into new and underrepresented audience segments. The second sees the class implement their plan, working intentionally to shape the future and move the industry forward.

The 2023 LEVel Up cohort is comprised of established young professionals in the industry from record labels, radio stations, podcasts, management groups, and many other industry roles.  Participants are typically in the mid stages of their career, primed to benefit from the professional growth and eager to serve as ambassadors for inclusivity and equity within the country industry.

ACM LEVel Up, 2023 Cohort:

  • Sabrina Butera, CAA
  • Nick Coulson, SiriusXM/The Highway
  • Ellen Ford, BBR Music Group
  • Aimee Graham, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Synnovea Halsel, Sony Music Publishing
  • Alex Heimerman, Universal Music Group Nashville
  • Roxy King, UMPG
  • Markus Koger, Smoking Section Podcast
  • Chantrel Reynolds, mTheory
  • Jenn Tressler, Opry Entertainment Group

ACM LEVel Up, 2022 Cohort, who have just completed the first year of the program:

  • Kaela Allen, Singer/Songwriter
  • Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers Records
  • Stephanie Davenport, Warner Music Nashville
  • Morgan Kenney, WME
  • Daniel Killian, FBMM
  • Shelby Moran, AEG Presents
  • Vanna Moua, Rhythm House
  • Kortney Toney, Naxos of America

Forrest Latta, Andrew Davis Promoted At Average Joes Entertainment

/by

Andrew Davis & Forrest Latta. Photo: Julian Mendoza

Average Joes Entertainment has promoted Forrest Latta to President of the label group, while Andrew Davis has been upped to Senior Vice President of Marketing.

An Alabama native, Latta graduated from The University of Georgia’s Music Business program. Following graduation in 2011, he joined the team as a Product Manager and eventually rose to Vice President of A&R, overseeing many of the label’s recent successful signings.

Davis joined Average Joes in 2014 as a Digital Marketing Coordinator for the label group. He eventually broadened his scope of promotional duties to the company’s other media verticals, including film and TV, after being elevated to Vice President of Marketing in 2020.

“As Average Joes continues to expand its footprint in film and television, I can’t think of more capable hands to take the reigns of the music side of the company,” shares Average Joes CEO, Shannon Houchins.

Average Joes Entertainment’s roster includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan Martin, Josh  Mirenda, Charlie Farley, Sarah Ross, Sam Grow, Austin Tolliver, Lenny Cooper, and Cypress Spring.

Morgan Evans To Co-Headline European ‘Day Drunk Me Tour’ With Mitchell Tenpenny In 2023

/by

Morgan Evans is heading back to Europe next year for his co-headlining “Day Drunk Me Tour” alongside Mitchell Tenpenny.

The five-date run will begin on March 3 in Hamburg, Germany, and wrap on March 8 in Cologne, Germany. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 16.

Following the tour, Evans will head to the C2C Festival, playing three headline shows in Dublin, London and Glasgow.

A few months ago, the singer-songwriter debuted his new single, “Over For You,”on the CMC Rocks Festival stage in Australia. The track is already climbing on the Billboard and Country Aircheck charts.

He’ll wrap 2022’s performances in his home country later this month on Australia’s ABC New Year’s Eve Celebration in Sydney. He returns to the states in late March for Brett Young’s “5 Tour 3 2 1,” playing all 17 dates.

“Day Drunk Me Tour” Dates:
March 3 – Hamburg, Germany – Kent
March 4 – Munich, Germany – Strom
March 5 – Berlin, Germany – Frannz Club
March 7 – Utrect, Netherlands – Cloud Nine
March 8 – Cologne, Germany – Club Volta

Jason B. Jones Upped To VP, Creative At Integrity Music & David C Cook

/by

Jason B. Jones

Award-winning Creative Director Jason B. Jones has been promoted to the newly created role of Vice President, Creative at Integrity Music and David C Cook. In this new position, he will lead a cross-functional team of creatives and marketers to expand the company’s global influence through Integrity Music and David C Cook’s publishing and curriculum arm.

During his time at Integrity Music, Jones has become one of the leading music resources for the global church and has served on the senior leadership team, providing insight and guidance for visual communications and creative services. He joined Integrity Music in 2015 as Senior Director of Visual Communications, where he built an innovative team responsible for growing and supporting a roster of worship and gospel artists. Jones has been credited with a variety of important accomplishments, including a GMA Dove Award and multiple nominations.

Prior to Integrity, Jones spent 17 years working with other labels and artists in similar capacities, including TobyMac, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Michael W. Smith, and Kari Jobe. Before immersing himself in Christian music, he worked as Creative Director for Tyemill, a Seattle-based tech company, where he focused on user interface design and execution for e-commerce. In 2005, he co-founded Otterball, an internationally award-winning design agency focused on branding and web marketing for recording artists.

“Jason has a unique ability to create at the highest level and translate that creativity into wide-reaching, meaningful impact,” shares Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music. “Over the past six years, I’ve personally seen Jason’s care and intentionality in the way he leads others. I have no doubt that in this next season of his career he will continue to foster a culture of imagination and elevate the overall ministry of David C Cook and Integrity Music.”

“I am humbled and excited to work alongside this expanded team, and thankful for the opportunity to help innovate and grow our ministries,” Jones adds. “I’m eager to dive into this new role and ready to further cultivate a culture of market-leading creative development.”

River House Artists Adds Trey Lewis To Artist Roster

/by

Lynn Oliver-Cline & Trey Lewis. Photo: Emma Golden

River House Artists has signed country artist Trey Lewis to an exclusive record deal. River House will oversee label responsibilities for Lewis as he works toward a full-length project expected in 2023.

The River House partnership follows the success of seven single releases in 2022, including “My Ex Came Over,” “Single Again” and “How Bout We Don’t.” Partly due to his mega-viral hit “Dicked Down in Dallas,” Lewis has racked up over 300 million global career streams across releases.

The Birmingham, Alabama native has proved he’s more than a TikTok gone viral, notching 40 shows as direct support for Kid Rock. After playing for crowds across the country for the past 10 years, the rising singer-songwriter performed nearly 90 shows this year alone.

The deal fills out Lewis’ artist team as River House joins forces with his publishing partner Sony Music Publishing, booking agency WME, and Big Friendly Productions for management.

“I have been a fan of Trey’s for a long time! We have kept in touch over the years and he was ready to decide on a partner for the next chapter of his career,” shares Lynn Oliver-Cline, founder of River House Artists. “I love working with DIY artists at this level who have already built an amazing internal team and have a very loyal fan base. RHA and his publishers at Sony Music are helping him make the best choices that will help him make the most out of his debut record. I objectively believe it will show everyone he is a true artist, the real deal…and we are having fun!”

“I am excited to join the River House family. Their experience and shared vision has made me glad that I waited for the right deal, not the first deal,” adds Lewis. “I’ve been writing non-stop over the last two years and have so many amazing songs that I can’t wait to share with my fans.”

Ryan Griffin Inks Deal With Red Street Publishing

/by

Pictured (L-R, front row): Dan Crockett (Chairman/Owner), Ryan Griffin, and Jay DeMarcus (Owner/CEO); (L-R, back row): Alex Valentine (General Manager), Landon Dirickson (General Counsel), Kelly King (Senior Director of A&R and Publishing), and Harrison Sokoloff (Director of Publishing and A&R).

Red Street Country’s Ryan Griffin has signed a deal with the company’s publishing arm, Red Street Publishing. Launched in October 2022, Red Street Publishing is led by Kelly King, Senior Director of A&R and Publishing, and Harrison Sokoloff, Director of Publishing and A&R.

A a co-writer on Kelsea Ballerini’s No. 1 hit ‘“Dibs,” Griffin emerged as an artist on the rise in 2022, clinching the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown with his song “Salt, Lime, & Tequila.” The singer-songwriter first signed a record deal with Red Street Country in January of 2022, making him the first signing to the country division’s roster.

“Everyone at Red Street Country has really championed me as an artist so signing with Red Street Publishing just seemed like a great next step,” Griffin expresses.”Songwriting has always been a real passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be working with an organization that really values songwriters and their creativity.”

“Ryan Griffin immediately felt like a natural fit since we were already working so closely with him on the label side,” King adds. “We were fans of his writing first for a very long time and I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with him on the publishing side.”

Griffin recently wrapped up his “Slow Down Sunrise Tour,” and released the holiday favorite “Little Saint Nick,” produced by and featuring country star and Red Street Records Founder Jay DeMarcus.

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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