Industry Ink: Cavalier Music Group Launches, James Earns Multi-Week No. 1, Arista Nashville's Tyson Weds

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> Noah McPike (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Doug Nichols, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Jim Landers, Chris Alderman, Penny Everhard (BMI), Mark Mason (BMI). Front: Kristen Kelly

Pictured (L-R) back row: Noah McPike (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Doug Nichols, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Jim Landers, Chris Alderman, Penny Everhard (BMI), Mark Mason (BMI). Front: Kristen Kelly


Jim Landers has announced the launch of his new publishing company, Cavalier Music Group with flagship artist Kristen Kelly. Landers graduated from Belmont University in 2002 and was Sarah Buxton’s drummer for a few years following college. Landers most recently co-owned Gallo/Landers Music with Greg Gallo where he celebrated a No. 1 for Parmalee‘s smash hit “Carolina.”

“I am excited to launch this new company and this new chapter in my music career. I believe in Kristen and honored to be part of the team.” said Landers.
Kelly is currently featured as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and most well-known for her 2012 Top 30 Billboard Country single “Ex-Old Man.” Kelly is also working with Rough Hollow Entertainment’s Doug Nichols and Chris Alderman for management.

• • •

Arista Nashville Promotion VP Lesly Tyson wed Robert Simon on Saturday (Sept. 27). The couple celebrated with family and friends during an intimate ceremony held at Nashville’s Watermark, which was the location of the couple’s first date.
Tyson, Simon11

 • • •

Brett James

Brett James


Songwriter Brett James is known for his string of chart-topping Country hits, but he recently celebrated a multi-week No. 1 song on the Christian chart with Danny Gokey‘s “Hope In Front of Me,” which was penned by James, Gokey, and Bernie Herms.

Jim Ed Brown: "I'm Going to Beat This Little Thing Called Cancer"

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Screen shot 2014-09-30 at 3.45.40 PM

Jim Ed Brown


Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown took to social media today (Sept. 3o) to announce that he has lung cancer. Brown was diagnosed with cancer two weeks ago. “At the time, I was in shock and didn’t know what that really meant,” he said. Doctors have recommended that he take the next four months off from touring to focus on chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “I will keep you all updated on the progress,” he said. “I am forever grateful for the love, support, and prayers during this time.”
Brown shares, “I’m going to beat this little thing called cancer and I’m going to be alright.” Within hours of posting the news on FaceBook, the post has already garnered over 100,000 views and well-wishers were quick to send their prayers and thoughts to the popular Opry member.
Brown first rose to fame in the 1950s with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie as the RCA Nashville trio The Browns. They notched the hits “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing” and “I Take The Chance.”
In 1967 he garnered what would become a signature solo song for Jim Ed, “Pop A Top.” He also had the crossover pop hit “Morning.” Other solo hits included “Southern Loving” and “It’s That Time of Night,” among others.
The Browns were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1963. In 1975, Jim Ed began co-hosting the weekly television series Nashville on the Road. He also partnered with Helen Cornelius for several hit songs as a duo. Their hit “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You” topped the charts in 1976, and they were named the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year in 1977.
Jim Ed continued his work in television, hosting You Can Be A Star in 1983, and co-hosting the travel program Going Our Way on TNN with his wife Becky.

MusicRowPics: James Robert Webb

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James Robert Webb visit

James Robert Webb visit


James Robert Webb visited the MusicRow office recently to perform songs from his upcoming album. The Tulsa resident previewed three songs, including “I Know You,” and “Daddy Made A Million.” His closer, “Party In The Barn,” was a solo write, inspired by a friend’s celebration. “A friend had a party in the barn for his birthday and I thought it would make a good song,” said Webb, who is finishing the tracking for his album.
Webb has been touring the country, playing his music for MusicRow panel radio stations. “The nice thing is that everyone is down to earth, and here on the MusicRow panel they set their own playlist, instead of a central programmer,” he said.
The singer-songwriter has plans to to release another single from his 2013 Christmas album, Born This Day, over the holidays. In 2015, Webb will go on a radio tour in Europe in January, and will visit Europe for a spring tour.
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Artist Pics: John King, Cole Swindell, The Swon Brothers, Mickey Guyton

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Pictured (L-R): Black River's Doug Johnson, John King, Black River's Greg McCarn and Black River's Gordon Kerr. Photo: Chris Hollo, Provided by the Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Doug Johnson, John King, Black River’s Greg McCarn and Black River’s Gordon Kerr.
Photo: Chris Hollo, Provided by the Grand Ole Opry


John King made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday and was welcomed onto the stage by Opry member Steve Wariner.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better person than Steve Wariner to introduce me,” stated John following the debut. “He is an amazing singer, player, and an equally awesome person. I was humbled to share the stage with him. My Grand Ole Opry debut will forever be one of my happiest memories.”
Now in the Top 40 and climbing, John wrapped his debut set with his current radio single “Tonight Tonight.” Written by Marshall Altman, Dylan Altman and Andy Cortes, “Tonight Tonight” was produced by Doug Johnson and Altman.
• • •
Pictured (L to R): Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), Justin Luffman (VP, Brand Management), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Kristen Williams (VP, National Promotion), Kerri Edwards (KPentertainment), Cole Swindell, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Chad Schultz (National Dir., Radio Marketing & Promotion), Katie Bright (Dir., National Promotion), Michael Carter

Pictured (L to R): Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), Justin Luffman (VP, Brand Management), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Kristen Williams (VP, National Promotion), Kerri Edwards (KPentertainment), Cole Swindell, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Chad Schultz (National Dir., Radio Marketing & Promotion), Katie Bright (Dir., National Promotion), Michael Carter

Cole Swindell celebrates his second consecutive No. 1 single off his self-titled debut album with “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” which topped the Billboard Country and Mediabase Charts this week. Nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year, the country singer-songwriter is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday, October 7th on the legendary stage.

“It’s hard to believe I am thanking country radio for my second No. 1 single!” Cole exclaimed upon hearing the news. “I grew up listening to country radio and it still blows my mind that songs I am a part of have a spot on their playlists.”

• • •

Pictured (L-R): Colton Swon and Zach Swon

Pictured (L-R): Colton Swon and Zach Swon

The Swon Brothers celebrated National Coffee Day yesterday with Eight O’Clock Coffee and “Friends” at the Central Perk Coffee Shop in SoHo. The CMA Nominated “Duo of The Year,” performed their hit single “Later On” along with other songs from their self-titled debut album available Oct. 14. The crowd enjoyed the new music along with free cups of Eight O’Clock Coffee in honor of National Coffee Day and the 20th Anniversary of the hit TV show “Friends” debut.
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Pictured (L-R): Mickey Guyton, Charlie Morgan (CRB/CRS President/WLHK), Tim Roberts (WYCD), Guyton, Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Bill Mayne (CRB/CRS Executive Director), Steve Hodges (Capitol Nashville) and Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville). Photo: Kristen England

Pictured (L-R): Mickey Guyton, Charlie Morgan (CRB/CRS President/WLHK), Tim Roberts (WYCD), Guyton, Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Bill Mayne (CRB/CRS Executive Director), Steve Hodges (Capitol Nashville) and Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville). Photo: Kristen England

UMG Nashville/Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton recently performed for the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors during the CRB board dinner, held at Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 25.

Radio Promotion Veteran Bruce Shindler To Retire; Jack Christopher Joins Mercury Nashville

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Bruce Shindler

Bruce Shindler


Promotion executive Bruce Shindler will retire from the music business at the end of 2014. He began his career in 1972 at Associated Distributors in Phoenix, and later worked at Buddah Records in New York City, as well as Elektra/Asylum, Infinity Records, MTM Records, RCA Records, seven years at his independent company Shindler-Turner Promotions, DreamWorks Records, and the past 10 years at UMG Nashville.
“I made a decision a while ago that there are other interests in my life that I would love to pursue after 41 great years in record promotion,” says Shindler. “The time has arrived to spend more time with my family and to pursue a license in alcohol and drug counseling. Leaving the folks and terrific artists at UMG as well as my friends at radio and industry is not an easy decision as many have been an important part of my life in a business that I’ve loved. I want to thank Mike Dungan, Luke Lewis, Royce Risser, Damon Moberly and my family at UMG for the last 17 years. I will always value our relationship with all my heart.”
Damon Moberly (VP, Mercury Promotion) adds, “Bruce Shindler is a true Promotion Legend. With over 40 years in the music business, Bruce’s tenured career speaks volumes about his passion for the songs and his belief in the artists who make the music. Everyone at Universal Music Group, specifically the Mercury Records team, feels fortunate to have worked alongside such a talented and dedicated professional. Bruce is leaving UMG Nashville and the business at the top of his game, and he (and his wicked sense of humor) will be greatly missed.”
With Shindler’s departure, the Mercury Nashville promotion team has announced that Jack Christopher will be the new Director of Southeast Promotion for Mercury Records. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 30, Jack Christopher will report alongside Shindler for the rest of the year until the music veteran makes his exit at the end of 2014.
Christopher has 30 years of experience in the country music industry including 10 years in broadcasting at WDSY/Pittsburgh. Christopher has had stints at Bigger Picture Group (Regional Promotion), Equity Music Group (National Director), 13 years as Northeast Regional at Sony Music/Columbia Nashville and most recently VP Promotion for RPM Entertainment.
Universal Music Group Nashville is home to artists including Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Shania Twain and Keith Urban.

Neal McCoy To Release Tribute Album to Charley Pride

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neal mccoy111Neal McCoy will release a new tribute album, Pride: A Tribute To Charley Pride: Deluxe Edition, on Nov. 3 at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations and online at crackerbarrel.com.
McCoy sings “Roll On Mississippi” with Trace Adkins, “I’m Just Me” with Raul Malo, and Pride’s signature song (which earned songwriter Ben Peters a GRAMMY Award in 1972 for Best Country song), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” with Darius Rucker. The project was produced by Garth Fundis, who as a young studio engineer, was present for many of Pride’s original studio sessions with producer Jack Clement.
Track Listing:

1. “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”
           2.  “I’m Just Me” (duet with Raul Malo)
           3.  “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” (duet with Darius Rucker)
4.  “Kaw-Liga”
           5.  “You’re So Good When You’re Bad”
           6.  “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer”
           7.  “Roll On Mississippi” (duet with Trace Adkins)
           8.  “Just Between You and Me”
           9.  “Mountain of Love”
          10.  “Someone Loves You Honey”
          11.  “You’re My Jamaica”
          12.  “Why Baby Why” (*)
          13.  “Let Me Live” (*)  
(*) exclusive bonus tracks  

[Updated]: Grooveshark Liable for Copyright Infringement

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GroovesharkIn a decision from the US District Court in Manhattan, Grooveshark was found liable for copyright infringement of nine record companies, Arista Music, Arista Records, Atlantic Recording, Elektra Entertainment Group, LaFace Records, Sony Music, UMG Recordings, Warner Bros. Records, and Zomba Recording.
Announced Monday (Sept. 29), employees and officers of “the world’s largest on-demand music discovery service” were discovered to have uploaded some files themselves. In all 5,977 files were cited; a portion of those allegedly involved in the company-wide effort “to ensure that the music catalog remained complete” after DMCA takedowns. The court specifically found Escape Media Group Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, Josh Greenberg, directly responsible for 144 files, which were streamed 21,000 times. The streaming service, supported by advertising revenue, is the sole business of Escape Media Group.
[Updated (October 1 by MusicRow)]: A statement released by Grooveshark on Tuesday read, “This latest news dealt specifically with an early version of Grooveshark which we dispensed of in 2008 in favor or our current music streaming service. As such we will continue to work with all parties to ensure we respect all artist and songwriter copyrights…Grooveshark’s service has already provided millions of dollars in revenue to artists and labels all over the world, and we are incredibly proud of this.”
[Continuing with the previously reported article]: The present litigation arose – resulting from a 2010 lawsuit by plaintiff UMG for pre-1972 recordings not subject to federal law – when it was revealed Escape Media Group staff were not only uploading music but allegedly destroyed the evidence of having done so.
An appeal may come from Grooveshark, noted attorney John J. Rosenberg to the New York Times. The paper’s Ben Sisario went on, “The next step of the case will be to set damages, and the possibility of a multimillion-dollar ruling against Grooveshark puts the service’s future in doubt.” Digital Music News has the full decision.
Grooveshark currently faces multiple music-related copyright suits.
Similarly, Sirius XM was recently found liable for copyright infringement for pre-1972 recordings from a federal judge in California. Damages remain to be set for that case, which came from The Turtles’ Flo & Eddie seeking $100 million.

Live Nation's Nashville Office Moving To Edgehill Village

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LiveNation_logoLive Nation will soon set up its offices in Edgehill Village, according to Nashville Business Journal.
The concert company’s Nashville branch will leave its current residence at 1400 18th Ave. S, and take up space in a 9,500-square-foot space on the second floor above Edgehill Cafe. Cassidy Turley broker Rob Lowe expects that Live Nation will move by year’s end.
The building at 1400 18th Ave. S., which has housed Sony Music Nashville and Live Nation, was purchased by Vanderbilt University in July. Sony Music Nashville will join William Morris Endeavor in a new Gulch office space.
Live Nation also recently announced that it will operate the Riverfront amphitheater, which is slated to open in 2015.
 
 
 
 

Lisa Davis Purcell Named VP Of Development for CMHoF

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Lisa Davis Purcell


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has appointed Lisa Davis Purcell as Vice President of Development. She will oversee the efforts to generate contributed income and support its mission to preserve the evolving history and traditions of country music and educate diverse audiences.
“Lisa is the perfect fit for us at this juncture in the museum’s rapid and sustained growth,” said Kyle Young, Museum Director. “She’s a mission-oriented executive and well integrated into both the non-profit and music industry sectors of Nashville. And, as a longtime member of the museum’s Honor Society, Lisa already has demonstrated her commitment to supporting our work.”
“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum not only honors and preserves the history of country music, from its folk roots to the present day; it also provides local, national and global audiences with access to artists, artifacts and educational programs that celebrate the power of this uniquely American art form,” said Purcell. “I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with the museum’s incredible team of professionals and with the generous volunteers and donors who dedicate their time, talent and treasure to sustain and advance the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s important work.”
For the past seven years, Purcell served as VP of External Affairs for Hands On Nashville. Purcell previously worked in the program and administrative departments of diverse arts organizations, including the Frick Art & Historical Center, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission. She has served as a grant review panelist for the National Endowment for the arts, and she has worked for music business charity T.J. Martell Foundation, to support medical research.
Purcell holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in art history from West Virginia University and a certificate in executive leadership from Belmont University.

SaveStudioA Releases Independent Report Refuting RCA Studio A Owner's Claims

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Screen shot 2014-09-23 at 2.58.19 PM1Grassroots organization SaveStudioA has released an independent report on the condition of RCA Victor Studio A. The report was created with information from public tax records, satellite images, public photo, records of recent upgrades and repairs, conversations with current and past tenants, and reports provided by Bravo Development to news media.
The four-page report was compiled by construction management firm Building Trust, Inc., and quotes the estimated cost of updating or “saving” the 50-year-old building at less than $375,000. SaveStudioA says the findings stand in contrast to reports released by Bravo Development’s Tim Reynolds. The Bravo Development set of documents stated that saving RCA Studio A was ‘no longer economically viable,’ citing that the property does not meet building codes, is structurally unsound, has electrical and HVAC problems, water damage, and does not meet requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“From the time I purchased this building at 30 Music Sq. W., I have been extremely candid about my intentions to fully assess its condition before making any decisions,” said Reynolds in a statement at the time. “I engaged structural, electrical and mechanical engineers to oversee that process and they came back with reports that detailed the extremely poor condition of both the 20,000-square-foot building and the 5,000-square-foot studio. I released those reports to the public several weeks ago so they could understand the situation better. It is based on these reports that I must make my decisions about this building moving forward.”
Songwriter, producer and founder of Save Studio A Trey Bruce disagrees. “If Mr. Reynolds’ claims about Studio A are true, we urge him to welcome the public and news media to visit the building and photograph the ‘catastrophic conditions’ he has described, if they actually exist. Instead, he is trying to keep us quiet with Cease and Desist notices. Our community wants to know why the headlines don’t match the facts.”
Sharon House, a tenant of 30 Music Square West, likened the situation to one the Ryman Auditorium faced in the 1970s, when it was nearly demolished due to its reported state of disrepair. “If anyone threatened the Ryman today, there would be a riot in Nashville,” said House. “Studio A’s music history runs just as deep. We can’t call ourselves Music City if we’re willing to turn our backs on the institutions that have earned us that name. We have to step up as a unified voice and protect the legacy of American music from extinction.”
“This is a Ryman moment,” echoed Bruce. “Let’s get it right.”
The RCA Studio A property was recently named to the Nashville Nine, an annual list of endangered historic properties, which was released by Historic Nashville, Inc. on Sept. 23, 2014.
For more information on SaveStudioA, visit savestudioa.com.