Nashville Artists Join Global Citizen Tickets Initiative

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globalcitizen_logo_blckTim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Kings Of Leon are among the artists participating in the Global Citizen Tickets Initiative, a new program designed to incentivize social activism with concert tickets. Music fans can take a variety of social actions ranging from signing petitions to sharing videos on Facebook to calling their representatives. These actions will allow music fans to earn points they can use to win free concert tickets. The program is designed to fight issues related to extreme poverty including polio, malaria, women’s empowerment and education.
To date, participating artists and festivals, include Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, JAY Z, John Mayer, Kanye West, Ke$ha, Neil Young, No Doubt, One Direction, Pearl Jam, Rihanna, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, and the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.
The Global Citizen Tickets Initiative was the brainchild of Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis and The Global Poverty Project CEO Hugh Evans. The program builds on the success of the Global Citizen Festival, held last year in New York’s Central Park. By participating in activism, 60,000 people earned tickets to the concert featuring Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Band of Horses and K’Naan.
The Global Citizen Tickets Initiative Committee includes: Kelly Curtis, Pearl Jam Manager; Michele Anthony, Chairwoman of the Global Citizen Tickets Initiative, 7H Entertainment; Mark Campana, Live Nation; Judy McGrath; Elliot Groffman, Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP; Sara Newkirk, WME Entertainment; Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Film Festival; Marsha Vlasic, ICM Partners; Michele Bernstein, WME Entertainment; Marc Geiger, WME Entertainment; Rob Light, CAA Entertainment; Brian Murphy, Goldenvoice; Aaron D. Rosenberg; John Silva, Sam Music; Nicole Vandenberg, Vandenberg Communications; Danny Rogers, Lunatic Entertainment; Hugh Evans, and Jane Atkinson from Global Poverty Project; Ryan Gall, The Riot House and co-founder of Global Citizen.
Details at globalcitizen.org/tickets.

Industry Ink (5-1-13)

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Libby Esposito, mother of John Esposito, President & CEO of Warner Music Nashville, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, at the age of 93. MusicRow offers its condolences to John Esposito and his family.

jeff allen

Jeff Allen

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Jeff Allen has signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and will participate in its ongoing “Nashville Guitars and Bars” artist development initiative.

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Reunion Records announces the signing of California-based worship leader, songwriter and blogger Tim Timmons. His debut album titled Cast My Cares releases June 4.
Erika

Erika Cole

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Singer/songwriter Erika Cole has signed a management deal with Capri Nashville, the company founded by entertainment attorney Christian Barker. Cole is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music.

Industry Ink (4-30-13)

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Tom Long and Mike Stewart are hosting a workshop titled “WordPress – Blogging, Marketing and Video Training for the Music Industry” on Saturday, May 18. The event will be at the Timothy Demonbreun House in Nashville, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Cost is $125 per person. A writers’ night will follow at Douglas Corner with performances by Doug Johnson, Greg Hanna, Kim Tribble and Alaska’s Hobo Jim. For more information, visit thataflydigital.com.

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BMI and CMT Edge recently co-sponsored a showcase entitled “Your Next Soundtrack” for the 2013 Nashville Film Festival at CMT’s Nashville headquarters. The event, which featured the music of Escondido, Dugas, Will Hoge and Johnnyswim, connected some of Nashville’s best Indie talent with film executives and music supervisors visiting Nashville for the festival.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Penny Everhard, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Escondido, Dugas, Will Hoge, JOHNNYSWIM and CMT’s Craig Shelburne.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Penny Everhard, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Escondido, Dugas, Will Hoge, JOHNNYSWIM and CMT’s Craig Shelburne.

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Songwriters Chris McClarney and Anthony Skinner were recently honored for their song “Your Love Never Fails,” which took the No. 1 chart position at Christian Hit Radio (CHR), as performed by the Newsboys.

Pictured (L-R): Mike Murray, Creative Director for Integrity Music Publishing; Chris McClarney; Anthony Skinner; Jimi Williams, Director of WorshipTogether; Matt Ewald, Creative Director for Capitol CMG Publishing.

Pictured (L-R): Mike Murray, Creative Director for Integrity Music Publishing; Chris McClarney; Anthony Skinner; Jimi Williams, Director of WorshipTogether; Matt Ewald, Creative Director for Capitol CMG Publishing.


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Quaker City Night Hawks signed with Paradigm for exclusive booking representation recently.
 
Pictured (L-R): Sam Anderson (QCNH), Andrew Skates (QCNH), David Matsler (QCNH), Matt Runner (Paradigm), Brian Hill (Paradigm), Matt Mabe (QCNH), Patrick Adams (QCNH), Wayne Floyd (QCNH Tour Manager)

Pictured (L-R): Sam Anderson (QCNH), Andrew Skates (QCNH), David Matsler (QCNH), Matt Runner (Paradigm), Brian Hill (Paradigm), Matt Mabe (QCNH), Patrick Adams (QCNH), Wayne Floyd (QCNH Tour Manager)

Travis Tritt Duets with Daughter on New Single

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Tyler Reese in the studio with dad, Travis Tritt

Tyler Reese in the studio with dad, Travis Tritt


Travis Tritt will release a remake of “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” the Patty Smyth and Don Henley duet, with his 15-year-old daughter Tyler Reese this Father’s Day (June 16).
Tritt took control of the master recording from his former label after the song failed to make it onto Tritt’s 2007 album, The Storm. The duet will be the lead single from an upcoming re-release of the album. It will mark Tritt’s first single in six years.
Tritt explains his daughter had never heard the song before stumbling upon it driving from Florida last year on an iPod. “She started singing along in the backseat,” explains Tritt. “When it ended she made me play it again five or six more times. When we got home, I told my wife that I thought Tyler Reese could really do a great job on this song. We agreed and I took her in the studio to sing her parts. She really nailed it.”
A video for the title is forthcoming, expected be released to cable and online outlets. Meanwhile, Tritt will continue touring with a full band throughout the year, joined by Reese on select dates.
Travis Tritt 2013 Tour Dates
April 26– Edgewater Casino Laughlin, Nev.
May 10– L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge, La.
May 11– Mill Town Music Hall Bremen, Ga.
May 17– Crossroads Arena Corinth, Miss.
May 25– Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville, Mo.
June 6– Bobby Orr Community Center Parry Sound, ON
June 7– Metropolis Montreal
June 8– Maritime Country Fest Fredericton, NB
June 12– Mile One Centre St.John’s, NL
June 22– Ft.Monroe Beach Stage Ft.Monroe, VA June 26 Count Basie Theatre Red Bank, N.J.
June 27– Turning Stone Resort & Casino Verona, N.Y.
June 28– Palace Theatre Greensburg, Pa.
June 29– JD Legends Entertainment Complex Franklin, Ohio
July 12– Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls, Minn.
July 19– Chautauqua Institute Chautauqua, N.Y.
July 20– Beckley YMCA Sports Complex Beckley, W.Va.
Aug. 1– Campbell Country Fair Gillette, Wyo.
Aug. 8– Tillamook County Fair Tillamook, Ore.
Aug. 9– Umatilla County Fair Hermiston, Ore.
Aug. 16– Havelock Country Jamboree Havelock, ON
Aug. 30– Fort Randall Casino Pickstown, S.D.
Sept. 28– Hot Springs Balloon Festival Hot Springs, Ark.
Oct. 19– Mark G Etess Arena Atlantic City, N.J.
Oct. 26– Pensacola Interstate Fair Pensacola, Fla.
Nov. 2– New Barn Theater Mount Vernon, Ky.
Nov. 9– Founder’s Day Festival Ocoee, Fla.

[Updated] Industry Signings (4-18-13)

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Pictured: (L-R) Keith Richards (Agent, Elite Talent Agency), Mark Claassen (President, Elite Talent Agency), Matthew Perryman Jones, and Lanny West (Manager)

Pictured: (L-R) Keith Richards (Agent, Elite Talent Agency), Mark Claassen (President, Elite Talent Agency), Matthew Perryman Jones, and Lanny West (Manager)


Matthew Perryman Jones has signed for booking representation with Elite Talent Agency.
“Matthew Perryman Jones is one of the most captivating artists out there right now,” says Keith Richards, Indie Agent at Elite Talent Agency. “It’s difficult not to be drawn to what he is doing. There is a story being tole with him and we are just excited to help get that story out to the masses.”
Lanny West, Matthew’s manager, explains, “It is all about team building and working with forward thinking partners. We were searching for an Agency Partner–not a Booking Agent. Elite Talent brings this very strong approach to tour strategy and partnership that we have been searching for.”

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Pictured (L-R): Jacob Fain (Director of A&R, Sony/ATV), Troy Tomlinson (President/CEO, Sony/ATV Nashville),Chase Rice, Bruce Kalmick (Triple 8 Management)

Pictured (L-R): Jacob Fain (Director of A&R, Sony/ATV), Troy Tomlinson (President/CEO, Sony/ATV Nashville), Chase Rice, Bruce Kalmick (Triple 8 Management)

Sony/ATV Music Publishing  signed their newest artist, Chase Rice.

“Chase is a double threat as both a songwriter and an artist,” said Jacob Fain, Director of A&R for Sony/ATV.  “It’s always a privilege when you get to work with someone who is accomplished in both regards and we couldn’t be more excited about it.”

 “It’s a huge step for me to sign with such a great publisher. Following the footsteps of Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney just gives me more motivation to make sure I’m up there with those names soon, and Sony/ATV is the place to do it,” said Rice.

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brett kissel11Major Bob Music has signed singer-songwriter Brett Kissel. Kissel will join a roster that includes writers The Band Perry, Garth Brooks, Karyn Rochelle, JP Williams, Shane Stevens and others.
 
 

Gary Allan Concert Plays Like An Autobiography

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gary allanOnstage Gary Allan pulls off the remarkable feat of opening up emotionally without shedding his tough-guy armor. Last night (April 17) at the Ryman Auditorium, he was like a veteran soldier singing an autobiography of hurt, loss and heartache. The first of a two-night stand at the venue featured opener Kristen Kelly.
Allan’s recognizable vocals automatically make every song his own, and he displayed an even more potent authenticity on the tracks from his new album, Set You Free. Most artists don’t release a career-making album with almost two decades of steady success behind them, but Allan’s not a typical artist.
Clad in all black, the tattooed tunesmith offered a set that reminded fans of his track record of hits while showcasing his new material with exceptional believability. Lighting and video elements enhanced the experience and would translate well to a bigger venue.
Alongside Allan’s usual themes of pain and regret, the album offers signs of redemption. With Hillary Lindsey and Matt Warren, Allan composed the project’s biggest hit so far “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” a song about moving forward with the lyric “set you free.” Lindsey, who also appears in the music video and on the recording, came onstage to offer harmony vocals.
The mood was equally powerful on “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” with images of a church and cross on the video screen. His tendency for booze-fueled self-medication continued with the excellent but bitter lost-love song “Sand In My Soul,” a gem by the Warren Brothers and Blair Daly about wasting away at the beach.
Songwriter Rachel Proctor joined Allan for “You Without Me,” which they wrote with her husband John Lancaster, who is also Allan’s piano player.
Allan’s knack for picking songs with superb lyrics is undeniable. He acknowledged others who contributed to the album watching in the audience, including longtime producer Mark Wright, and songwriters Odie Blackmon and Sarah Buxton, co-writers with Allan on his exceptional current single “Pieces.”
The star didn’t neglect his past hits, going all the way back to his first single “Her Man,” a 1995 preview of his penchant for songs about regret, and his first No. 1 “Man To Man.” He covered a lot of territory, thrilling fans with favorites “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” “Nothing On But The Radio,” “Watching Airplanes,” “A Feelin’ Like That,” and “Best I Ever Had,” complete with a crowd sing-along.

Aldean Lights Up UGA Stadium With Historic Show

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Jason Aldean and Ludacris at UGA’s Sanford Stadium, Saturday, April 13. Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean and Ludacris at UGA’s Sanford Stadium, Saturday, April 13. Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung


Jason Aldean almost, quite literally brought the house down with a one-time-only concert Saturday (April 13) at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium thanks to numerous high-power flamethrowers shooting skyward during opening and closing numbers, “Crazy Town” and “Hicktown,” respectively.
As part of the Georgia native’s Night Train tour, in support of his latest album by the same title, Aldean stepped up his arena tour with a few stadium dates. This weekend’s show will go down in history as the only music concert to play on the lawn of the Georgia Bulldog’s home turf in its 84-year history.
What an event it was! Tickets were capped at 66,000 and sold out in a reported 45 minutes. By comparison, LP Field holds a little over 69,000 at its maximum.
“Thanks to Dr. Adams and coach Mark Richt for letting us tear up your field for a night—It’ll grow back,” joked Aldean during his headlining set.
Fans accustomed to tailgating before football games at the Athens stadium partied throughout the day in anticipation of the ACM Male Vocalist of the Year’s alcohol-free evening, due to campus/SEC standards. Also on the bill were special guests Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen and Luke Bryan.
Deviating from his trademark plaid shirt, Aldean sported a red Georgia Bulldogs t-shirt on the stage, which featured six, impressive, moving LED displays overhead (10 screens in all), LED illuminated risers, and hundreds of intelligent lighting elements.
Backing up the star were five of his New Voice band members. Before Aldean performed his current single “1994” each musician was highlighted with throwback photographs from that year. Additional highlights included a hologram appearance by Kelly Clarkson during “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and guest appearances by Bryan on “Only Way I Know” and Atlanta-resident Ludacris on “Dirt Road Anthem.”
“Minor-league baseball stadiums, CMA Fest at LP Field and festivals like Bayou Fest all have prepared me for this show,” said Aldean before the concert. “The first time I stepped foot in this stadium I was just glad to just see a game, let alone think I would play it. When it’s all said and done, this will be one of the defining shows of my career.”
His agrarian based mega-hits couldn’t have sounded better echoing the walls of the Georgia field. Aldean proved well-equipped as a stadium torch bearer. Fans certainly haven’t objected. Thus far, Aldean has sold out every show this year, including two upcoming stadium concerts at Boston’s Fenway Park (July 12-13) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (July 20).
Catch him play Nashville on Tuesday, April 16 when the star appears as part of  the Country Music Hall of Fame benefit, We’re All For The Hall, at the Bridgestone Arena.
UGA Night Train Set List
Crazy Town
Take A Little Ride
Tattoos On This Town
When She Says Baby
The Truth
Fly Over States
Nothin Town
Johnny Cash
Amarillo Sky
Night Train
1994
Don’t You Wanna Stay
Big Green Tractor
Only Way I Know
Dirt Road Anthem
She’s Country
My Kinda Party
Hicktown
Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung


Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

Greg Maffei Named Chairman Sirius XM, Live Nation

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Greg Maffei

Greg Maffei


Liberty Media Corp chief executive Greg Maffei was appointed chairman of Sirius XM Radio yesterday (April 10), effective immediately. Liberty took control of the satellite radio company in January.
Last month Maffei was named non-executive chairman of the Live Nation Entertainment board of directors. Maffei, 52, replaced Irving Azoff as chairman.
Liberty Media is Live Nation’s biggest shareholder, with 52 million shares, or 27 percent of the stock.
Maffei joined Liberty Media as CEO-elect in November 2005 and became CEO in February 2006. He has also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Interactive since May 2007.
Liberty Media Corporation owns interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment businesses. Those interests include subsidiaries Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., and TruePosition, Inc., interest in SiriusXM, Live Nation and Barnes & Noble, and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc. and Viacom.

Rascal Flatts Co-Headline Pennsylvania Concert with Journey

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Rascal Flatts and Journey.

Rascal Flatts and Journey.

Rascal Flatts will co-headline a one-night only summer concert in Hershey, Pa. with Journey.

The August 1 event will be held at Hersheypark Stadium with special guests The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope.

The country trio first performed with the American rockers on the 2012 CMT Music Awards, closing the show with “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The bands have since participated in CMT’s Crossroads series during Super Bowl XLVII.
“We had a blast performing with Journey!” said Gary LeVox. “Our respect for them as musicians deepened through the television shows we did together that talk soon lead to wanting to do more. We are very excited about this concert.”
Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, April 12. Additional information can be found at rascalflatts.com, journeymusic.com or livenation.com.

Aristo Releases International Report for March 2013

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Click above for full report.

Click above for full report.

The Aristo International Report has been released for March 2013. The AristoMedia Group has been issuing a quarterly review of global activities since 2008.
Highlights in this issue include:
  • CMA Marketing Summit at Disneyland Paris
  • CMC Rocks the Hunter
  • C2C at O2
  • CMAA Award Winners
  • CMA Songwriter Series expanding globally
  • A look at recent CMA International Award presentations
  • A reminder of dates for the June Global Shows in Nashville
  • Aristo Q&A with Award-Winning Songwriter Bob DiPiero
  • An overview of Australia’s representation at the recent Country Radio Seminar in Nashville