Final CMA Awards Categories To Be Revealed Sept. 9

CMAAwards15Kelsea Ballerini and Steven Tyler will help deliver the final nominees for the 49th Annual CMA Awards across several ABC properties on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

From New York City, the country newcomers will be on ABC’s Good Morning America to announce five categories live from Times Square. The announcements will air in the 8:30 a.m. ET half-hour segment of the morning news program with a performance from Tyler. The remaining finalists in several other categories will be revealed at approximately 9:10 a.m. ET on GoodMorningAmerica.com on Yahoo.

“ABC has been the network home of the CMA Awards for the past 10 years and they are a wonderful partner and champion for the format,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our milestone network anniversary and the finalists for Country Music’s Biggest Night than to include several of ABC’s premier news and entertainment outlets in the announcement this year.”

Tyler will then visit the set of Live with Kelly and Michael to talk about his country project and the newly-announced nominees. Ballerini will separately record a special ABC News Radio satellite tour to talk about the nominees and her breakthrough year. She will then appear in the Third Annual Bryant Park Concert Series, Nashville’s New Music in New York, which is presented by the Grand Ole Opry, Southwest Airlines, and NASH-FM 94.7. The free acoustic concert will invite a group of music educators from CMA Foundation partner Education Through Music.

CMA will release the full slate of 2015 CMA Awards nominees as well as the finalists for CMA’s Broadcast Station and Personality of the Year later in that day via CMA’s social platforms and website.

Final ballots will be due by CMA members on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.

The 49th Annual CMA Awards will air with seasoned hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley Nov. 4 on ABC with Robert Deaton as the Executive Producer and Paul Miller as the Director.

5,000-Seat Amphitheater, Event Space Coming to Thompson’s Station

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Rendering of Graystone Quarry Amphitheater

Thompson’s Station, Tenn., will soon be home to a new 5,000-seat boutique concert amphitheater and event space.

Graystone Quarry Events broke ground in July on the property, which is located at the intersection of I-65 and highways 840 and 431.

Located on 76 acres of reclaimed abandoned rock quarry in Williamson County, Graystone Quarry will include multiple entertainment options. In addition to hosting concerts, the amphitheater is slated to be used year-round for weddings and corporate events. Meanwhile, the 5,000-square-foot Hillside Pavilion can house artist meet-and-greet events. The Gathering Hall, with room to hold up to 600 (standing room), will offer a two-story space with commendable views.

A 1/2 acre plaza area will have room for gathering, dining and merchandise. The quarry is surrounded by 70-100 foot linestone cliffs.

Graystone Quarry is slated to open in 2017.

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Rendering of Graystone Quarry Amphitheater

 

 

 

BMLG Announces Staff Changes

Jenny House

Jenny House

Big Machine Label Group has announced changes and additions to its ranks.

Jenny House now holds the title of Sr. Director of Employee Relations reporting directly to Kautz. In this newly created position, House will serve an in-house HR role and oversee recruiting, benefits, new hire training and employee touch-point processes across the entire label group. House’s previous experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the role having worked in the Nashville music business community for over 20 years.

Director of Finance Melanie Ainsworth also announced that Shannon Emley and Lauren Perry have been added to BMLG as members of the Finance Team.

Emley serves as Accounting Manager and previously worked as the Lead Accountant for a non-profit organization in Washington D.C., The Heritage Foundation, before relocating to Nashville.

Perry joins BMLG in the role of Accountant-Accounts Payable. She previously served as a Global Royalty Coordinator for Sony/ATV.

Shannon Emley

Shannon Emley

Lauren Perry

Lauren Perry

MusicRowLife: Country Engagements For Boyd, LOCASH

Craig Wayne Boyd Proposes To Girlfriend Taylor Borland

Craig Wayne Boyd and Taylor Borland.

Craig Wayne Boyd and Taylor Borland.

Craig Wayne Boyd, winner of The Voice‘s seventh season, has become engaged to girlfriend Taylor Borland. Borland works for Wilhelmina modeling agency.

After winning The Voice earlier this year, Boyd has been in the studio working on his debut album, and has released his debut single, “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face.”

“#rumors are true!!! #shesaidyes @taybrookebo #truelove #engaged” Boyd shared on Instagram on Monday (Aug. 31) in announcing the engagement.

LOCASH’s Preston Brust Pops Question During Grand Ole Opry Performance

LOCASH’s Preston Brust used the duo’s recent performance slot on Aug. 30 at the Grand Ole Opry to create a special moment for his girlfriend Kristen. Brust proposed onstage, to the delight of the crowd, and she said yes. Brust thanked the Grand Ole Opry via twitter for the “unforgettable night.”

LOCASH's Preston Brust proposes onstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

LOCASH’s Preston Brust proposes onstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

CRS 2016 Core Panel Moderators Announced

CRS 2016 Logo

The core panel moderators have been announced for Country Radio Seminar 2016. The E.W. Scripps Company’s Beverlee Brannigan, radio vet Gregg Lindahl, and Falls Media Group’s Dan Halyburton are return moderators from last year. Bob Richards from WLHK/Indianapolis returns as a past moderator and RJ Curtis of All Access is named as a new moderator.

The moderators will oversee and direct the educational panels throughout the seminar, which is held Feb. 8-10 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

For more information, visit countryradioseminar.com.

Thirty Tigers Acquires Unrest Music Group, Appoints VP of Country Music Management

TT logo-new

Gino Genaro

Gino Genaro

Thirty Tigers expands on its successful development of country artists including Josh Abbott Band, Chase Rice, Old Dominion, and Love and Theft, with the acquiring of management firm Unrest Music Group. Unrest’s principal Gino Genaro joins Thirty Tigers in the newly formed role of VP, Country Music Management.

Thirty Tigers announced a full-time radio promotion team lead by country radio promotion veteran Pamela J. Newman earlier in 2015.

A graduate of the University of San Diego, Genaro started Unrest Music Group directly out of college after playing an integral part assisting the launch of LoneStarMusic.com and Compadre Records. In February, Unrest Music Group Management client Aaron Watson debuted on the Billboard Country Chart at No. 1 with his latest studio album The Underdog, distributed through Thirty Tigers.

Genaro brings long-standing client Watson and new artist Cameran Nelson to the Thirty Tigers artist management roster.

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining the Thirty Tigers family,” says Genaro. “Their philosophy, their staff, their resources are exceptional. As the business continues to have its challenges going forward, I am full of optimism and confidence that we will all share in many, many victories together and I am excited to dig in and get to work.”

“I’ve known and worked with Gino for twelve years and in that time, his smarts, drive and ethics have been an inspiration to me,” says Thirty Tigers President David Macias. “As Thirty Tigers makes our move into being a full-service provider in the commercial country business, I could not think of a person I’d trust more to take the reins of what will become an important part of our business.”

Genaro has relocated his operation to Thirty Tigers’ main office in Nashville, Tennessee. Genaro may be contacted at gino@thirtytigers.com and as of Sept. 1 at 615-664-1167.

VMA Spotlight Shines on Nashville-Raised Stars

Miley Cyrus. Photo: Marcus Mam/MTV

Miley Cyrus. Photo: Marcus Mam/MTV

Nashville-raised pop sensations Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were front and center at last night’s (Aug. 30) Video Music Awards (VMA) on MTV, live from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Both stars revealed new material: Swift, a music video for “Wildest Dreams,” and a 23-track free-to-stream album for Cyrus.

Taylor Swift in Ashish. Photo: John Shearer/MTV

Taylor Swift in Ashish. Photo: John Shearer/MTV

Swift received the evening’s top honor, Video of the Year, for “Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar), which also won Best Collaboration. Swift’s “Blank Space” video additionally took home Best Female Video and Best Pop Video.

“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about this video and what it means but I’m just happy that in 2015 we live in a world where boys can play princesses and girls can play soldiers,” said Swift in her “Blank Space” acceptance speech.

The Big Machine Records pop sensation opened the broadcast with a collaboration with Nicki Minaj (“The Night Is Still Young,” “Bad Blood”). She later presented the Video Vanguard Award to Kanye West, who infamously crashed her 2009 VMA acceptance. Six years since the offense, Swift used that same lingo in her introduction, “…I’ma let you finish…but Kanye West has had one of the greatest careers of all time!”

Ever-provocative hostess, Miley Cyrus, exposed her left breast in an on-air wardrobe malfunction and was the recipient of criticism during a speech by Minaj.

Additional Nashville members on the red carpet included Kelsea Ballerini, the entire Cyrus family; Victoria Secret angel, “Bad Blood” star and wife of Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill, Lily Aldridge.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: MTV.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: MTV.

Taylor Swift and crew. Photo: MTV

Taylor Swift and crew. Photo: MTV

Cyrus Family. Photo: MTV

Cyrus Family. Photo: MTV

Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. Photo: Getty/MTV

Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. Photo: Getty/MTV

Pictured (L-R): Martha Hunt, Lily Aldridge, Selena Gomez, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld and Serayah McNeill. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini

Pictured (L-R): Martha Hunt, Lily Aldridge, Selena Gomez, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld and Serayah McNeill. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini

Weekly Register: Sales Success For Kip Moore, Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt

kipmoore2015

Kip Moore’s sophomore album Wild Ones is this week’s top country debut, landing at No. 2 on the country album chart with sales of 35K. Scoring total activity of 40K, it is No. 4 on the overall chart. Earlier this month Moore previewed the project for industry guests during a Nashville concert, showcasing why it is one of the best country releases of the year. The UMG Nashville artist celebrated release week with a performance on Good Morning America, and by visiting skateparks as part of his charitable initiative, the Comeback Kid Skatepark Project. When he wraps up his current spot on Dierks Bentley’s tour, Moore will launch his headlining 2015 Wild Ones Tour on Oct. 8.

CarrieUnderwoodSmokeBreak

On the country tracks chart, Carrie Underwood had the highest debut with “Smoke Break” selling 56K and sizzling at No. 1. It is the lead single from her upcoming Sony Music Nashville release, Storyteller, coming this October. The track was produced by Jay Joyce and written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Chris DeStefano.

Sam Hunt Billboard

Sam Hunt on the cover of Billboard‘s Men of Style issue.

It’s worth noting that UMG Nashville star Sam Hunt has four singles on the country tracks chart. “House Party” moves 38K this week/717K RTD, following the major success of “Leave the Night On” (1.2 million RTD) and “Take Your Time” (1.7 million RTD). His fourth single, “Break Up In A Small Town,” has already surpassed 409K sales before being officially released to radio. Hunt’s remarkable debut album Montevallo has sold 722K (albums only) RTD.

Top 5 Country Albums This Week
Luke Bryan 54K
Kip Moore 35K
Elvis Presley 17K
Sam Hunt 14K
Zac Brown Band 12K

Top 5 Country Tracks This Week
Carrie Underwood “Smoke Break” 56K
Sam Hunt “House Party” 38K
Luke Bryan “Strip It Down” 36K
Cam “Burning House” 34K
Chris Janson “Buy Me A Boat” 33K

YTD Albums
Overall -3.5 percent
Overall Digital +.4 percent
Country -2.9 percent
Country Digital +4.9 percent

YTD Tracks
Overall -10.1 percent
Country -15.6 percent

*according to Nielsen SoundScan

Industry Ink: Big Loud Records, NASH Next, Columbia Nashville, Blue Light Entertainment, Debbie Z Entertainment

Dave Kirth

Dave Kirth

Big Loud Records Beefs Up Promotion Staff

Big Loud Records continues its hiring spree with the announcement that Dave Kirth will join the label as West Coast Region Director of Promotion. Kirth will report directly to the label President Clay Hunnicutt and can be reached by email at dave@bigloudrecords.com or via phone at 916-903-7865.

He worked at New Revolution Entertainment for the past seven years, promoting artists including Zac Brown Band, Lee Brice, Big & Rich, Gloriana, and Steve Holy. His previous career stops include Bigger Picture Group, Lofton Creek Records, and KTOM-FM in Monterey, Calif.

 

Scooter Braun Joins NASH Next Challenge As Guest Judge

Scooter Braun

Scooter Braun

Cumulus has added music industry exec Scooter Braun to serve as a guest judge during the NASH Next Challenge, which will discover and release music from promising country musicians. Braun joins fellow NASH Next judges, including producer James Stroud, artist and radio personality Kix Brooks, and Cumulus Executive VP of Content and Programming John Dickey.

The NASH Next Challenge grand prizewinner will be signed to the new NASH Next record label, and all of the top 10 finalists will participate in a national NASH Next concert tour next year. Winners will be decided based on a combination of the music industry judges, an original “Spin Index” of social media activity and online fan voting.

Braun, founder of entertainment and media company SB Projects, discovered artists including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Cody Simpson, each of whom he continues to manage. His roster also includes Dan+Shay, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Tori Kelly.

 

Friedman Reportedly Leaving Columbia Nashville For UMG Role

David Friedman

David Friedman

Columbia National Director of Field Promotion David Friedman is reportedly leaving his post for a VP/Radio Marketing role at MCA Nashville.

Friedman has worked at Sony Nashville for 15 years.

A native of Harrisburg, Pa, Friedman graduated from Emory University and also studied at Oxford University in England.
 
 
 

Blue Light Entertainment Adds Voorhis

Chip Voorhis

Chip Voorhis

Blue Light Entertainment has added new manager Chip Voorhis of Voorhis Consulting to the team.

Voorhis will take over all management duties for Blue Light’s flagship artist Brian Collins.

Voorhis has been added to a team that includes Jerry Duncan Promotions, Tommy Smith of Blue Light Entertainment and C2 Media Relations.

Voorhis can be reached via voorhisconsulting.com or via 615-977-4727.

 

Debbie Z Entertainment Signs Drew Womack

Debbie Zavitson and Drew Womack.

Debbie Zavitson and Drew Womack.

Debbie Zavitson has signed on to represent Drew Womack, collaborator on “I Hope You Dance” and lead singer of the group Sons of the Desert.

“Drew is writing even better than when he co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s first #1 She’s Got It All and I couldn’t be more fired up to be working with an awesome writer, singer and producer,” Zavitson said.

“I’m very excited about plugging back into the Nashville community and it’s great to be back in the deep end of the pool,” Womack added.

MusicRowLife: The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden Weds

the Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden Gets Married

Simone Staley (L) with William Lee Golden

The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden married Simone Staley in a private ceremony among a small group of close family and friends in Nashville on Saturday, Aug. 29.

The two longtime friends first connected at an Oak Ridge Boys concert when Staley, sitting in the front row, caught a scarf that Golden had thrown her way from the stage. They finally met after a show in 1980 and began to spend time together. They went in separate directions in 1982 but were reunited in 2009.

By summer of 2013, Golden invited Simone to come to Tennessee and go to Alabama and Florida with him to visit family and friends. It was during that trip that their love was solidified.

“It’s been the most beautiful experience, together,” Golden said.

The two plan to reside in their home they found together in 2013 in Middle Tennessee.