Music Industry Moves: Range Music Opens Nashville Office, Signs Tanya Tucker

Thania Garcia

Range Media Partners is opening their Nashville office and announced its newest music signing, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker.

She joins a roster that includes Midland, Hailey Whitters, Luke Grimes, Yola, Ryan Bingham, Geoff Warburton, Russell Dickerson, Brent Cobb, Dylan Gossett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Shaboozey and Drayton Farley.

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Nashville-based executives Shawn McSpadden and Will Lowery, who joined Range in 2023, will be joined at the new camp in Downtown Nashville by co-founding managing partner Jack Minihan, who has relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles. Matt Graham, Range Media Partners co-founder, and Kyle Wilensky, artist manager and head of touring, will also split their time between Nashville and Los Angeles.

In addition to Lowery, who will focus on business development and content opportunities, the office will be home to Range Sports’ Head of Football Kyle Strongin, who represents around 40 NFL players including 49ers QB Brock Purdy.

Tucker enjoyed a major comeback when her 2019 project “While I’m Livin’” won the Grammy for best country album, while its single “Bring My Flowers Now” took home best country song.

+ New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development will host musicians Brandy Clark and Allison Russell as the 2023-24 NYU Americana Artists-in-Residence. Clark will engage with students and faculty March 11-13 and Russell will follow April 8-10.

A joint effort of Steinhardt and the Americana Music Association Foundation, the residencies will spotlight Americana music’s heritage.

“We are honored to have these two outstanding artists join us this spring,” said NYU Steinhardt Dean Jack H. Knott. “Our community will benefit greatly from their performances and their advice and counsel to our students and faculty. Thank you to our partner, the Americana Music Association, for bringing these terrific musicians to Steinhardt.”

Each residency features performances and class workshops on composing, performance, copyright, and other topics. Both residencies open with Words and Music, a conversation with Phil Galdston, director of the songwriting program in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.

+ Chris Muratore has joined the research data company Luminate as director of partnerships.

In his new role, Muratore will focus on relations with the independent music retail sector to build and maintain relationships with store owners and other stakeholders, ensuring physical music sale data collection is as accurate and representative as possible. Muratore will work with labels, stores and independent music coalitions as the industry evolves in the age of streaming and the continued resurgence of vinyl.

+ Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett to an exclusive, global publishing agreement and dropped the second single, “Somewhere Between,” off his forthcoming EP, “Songs In The Gravel,” set for release on March 22.

Gossett recently announced his signing to Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records, in partnership with Range Media Partners. The 24-year-old Texas-bred artist has also kicked off his first headline “No Better Time” tour, which is completely sold-out.

“Gossett has a natural ability to tell meaningful stories in a unique and poetic way. It caught my ear from the get-go,” said Roxy King, director A&R at UMPG Nashville. “Meeting Dylan is what sealed the deal. He is a star in every sense of the word. I am thrilled to work alongside of Dylan, Range Media Partners, Big Loud Texas, and Mercury Records to help spread Dylan’s words around the world.”

Thursday, Feb. 29

Salomon has elected Colombian singer and producer Feid as the sportswear brand’s latest global ambassador.

The partnership launches with a content series and a partnership set to launch with his upcoming “Ferxxocalipsis” arena tour slated for later this spring.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Feid,” said Jenny Taylor, VP of marketing at Salomon North America. “His passion, creativity and cultural influence perfectly align with our brand’s commitment to authenticity and style. Together, we’re poised to enter new realms of expression and inspire footwear enthusiasts around the globe. Collaborating with a unique talent like Feid expands Salomon’s growing global reach by connecting with a younger, more diverse audience, and forges a unique connection between artistry and footwear.”

This endorsement is the brand’s most significant talent partnership to-date and its first partnership with a Latin artist. Feid has had a relationship with the brand for many years and shares a passion for the outdoors. His connection to the brand is intrinsic since his real first name is also Salomón.

“I have been a big fan of Salomon for a while and it’s so cool to see myself as an official member of the Salomon family,” said Feid. “Salomon isn’t just a brand to me; it reflects my identity, my journey and my passion for creativity, and after all it’s also my name. Every step I’ve taken in my Salomons has been a step towards self-expression, confidence and the unknown. Que chimba to take this journey con Salomon and excited about the ways we can work together to inspire everyone worldwide to embrace their own unique style.”

+ WME has signed Mercury Nashville recording artist Priscilla Block for global representation in all areas. Block will be represented by WME’s Nashville Office Co-Head Joey Lee.

Nominated for ACM New Female Artist of the Year in 2022 and 2023, Block’s fan-favorite track “Just About Over You” reached the Top 15 on country radio, garnering her first RIAA Platinum Certification.

+ Mia Rubin has signed to Rimas, the label and management home to Bad Bunny, Eladio Carrión and more. Rubin is set to release a new single, “Amor Maldito,” on March 8 featuring her father, singer and actor Erik Rubin.

Wednesday, Feb. 28

Deezer has announced the departure of its CEO Jeronimo Folgueira, the streaming service announced Wednesday. Folgueira will continue to fulfill his duties as CEO until his departure at the end of March as the board of directors screen nominees for his successor.

Folgueira took over as CEO in 2021, succeeding Hans-Holger Albrecht, who had been in the role since 2015. Before joining Deezer, Folgueira served as CEO and director of the board of the online dating network Spark Networks in Berlin.

In a statement, Folgueira said, ”I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last three years, not only the strong 2023 financial results announced today and our listing on Euronext Paris, but also the adoption of our new brand identity, our evolution to an experience service platform, and the introduction of the new Artist Centric Payment System.”

He continued, “I am also grateful to the outstanding management team and everyone that works at Deezer, as well as our Board of Directors, and in particular our Chairwoman, Iris Knobloch, and our Vice-Chairman, Guillaume d’Hauteville, for their support. It has been an honor to serve Deezer as CEO and I remain fully committed to supporting the company through the management transition.”

+ UTA has signed singer-songwriter Darren Kiely for worldwide representation in all areas.

After winning numerous honors at a national level in Irish traditional music, Kiely found his way to New York in 2022 to continue developing his music and sound. Since then, he’s worked with producer David Baron (the Lumineers) and has entered Ireland’s top 50 viral charts on three separate occasions: with his debut single “How Could You Love Me” followed by “Ella” and “Time To Leave.”

+ Mom+Pop Music has promoted Jackie Vanzura to director of digital reporting to Lindsay Schapiro, senior VP/head of digital.

Vanzura joined Mom+Pop two years ago as digital marketing manager to lead the charge on digital strategy for artists including SEB, Magdalena Bay, underscores and Odie Leigh. In her expanded role, Jackie will implement content strategies for Mom+Pop artists and spearhead the digital strategy for MGMT’s new LP, “Loss Of Life.”

+ HarbourView Equity Partners (HarbourView) has purchased select songwriting and publishing assets of the music group and production team Full Force.

Emerging in the ’80s, Full Force gained recognition for its multifaceted roles as both music producers and hip-hop and R&B performers. The talented six-man collective was formed by brothers Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony, B-Fine and cousins Baby Gerry, Curt-T-T and J-R Shy Shy.

Full Force’s foray into music production began with UTFO’s 1984 hit “Roxanne Roxanne” and the group has since crafted chart-topping hits for Rihanna, Backstreet Boys, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Justin Timberlake, N’Sync and Britney Spears, among others.

“The repertoire of Full Force defined a generation of Pop / R&B / Hip Hop with writings spanning NSync, BackStreet Boys, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam not to mention their own legacy as artists. As exceptional songwriters, producers, and musicians, they’ve seamlessly weaved creativity and innovation into timeless tunes, collaborating with some of the most prominent icons of our generation,” said HarbourView Equity Partners CEO and Founder Sherrese, Clarke Soares.

“Full Force is excited to be working with Harbourview, a company with a vision that’s right on trend with the future, and very dedicated to expanding the reach of our extensive song catalog,” said Brian B-Fine George of Full Force.

+ BMG has promoted longtime publishing executive Marian Wolf to lead its publishing teams in North America. Now serving as senior VP of music publishing in North America, Wolf will head BMG’s single largest business unit from Los Angeles, including publishing A&R in New York, Nashville, and Canada.

Wolf joined BMG in 2011 in Berlin before relocating to Los Angeles in 2014. During his tenure at BMG, he has held multiple elevating roles and responsibilities within BMG’s creative teams worldwide. Wolf has been influential in the signings and renewals of key BMG publishing clients including George Harrison, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Riot Games, Jessie J and Dave Gibson, among others.

In 2016, Wolf developed the BMG SoundLab, BMG’s signature collaborative songwriting camp, which has gone on to generate Number One charting songs in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea, and other markets.

Tuesday, Feb. 27

Universal Music Group Nashville is stepping into the TV and film landscape with the launch of Sing Me Back Home Productions.

Sing Me Back Home Productions will “tap into the deep catalog of artists from throughout UMG Nashville’s history as well as celebrating both newly discovered talent and stories,” according to the company’s official announcement.

The production house launches with a docuseries focused on the personal and professional lives of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, the Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife duo known as the War And Treaty. UMG Nashville’s Sing Me Back Home Productions partnered with ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media to develop and produce the series helmed by Thinkfactory’s Emmy-nominated CEO and veteran producer Adam Reed (“Marriage Boot Camp,” “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels”).

The War And Treaty docuseries, already in the works with a broadcast partner, is the first among many projects in development via Sing Me Back Home Productions’ broader collaboration with Thinkfactory Media.

Under the direction of Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville chair and CEO, and Senior Vice President of Digital Business and Creative Development, Dawn Gates, the new division will also develop a content slate for a variety of documentaries, original scripted and unscripted television, feature films, and short-form content, plus, it will be heavily involved in securing production partners, music supervision, and distribution.

Also on the horizon is the release of the critically acclaimed documentary “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,” in partnership with Storyville Entertainment.

+ Three Six Zero has named James Fava a Partner of the international management and entertainment partnership company.

Fava joins Three Six Zero and will retain his position as director of the Australian-based management company Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide whose roster includes acts such as Dom Dolla, Anna Lunoe, Torren Foot and Airwolf Paradise.

“James is a huge talent. I am confident that his expertise will be a great asset for Three Six Zero as we continue to expand our business globally,” commented Mark Gillespie, CEO and founder of Three Six Zero

Three Six Zero has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and London, the company represents a broad collective of global talent including Calvin Harris, Willow, Majid Jordan, Kid Cudi and Jaden.

+ BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on March 28.

Dorinda Clark-Cole will receive the Trailblazer of Gospel award in recognition of her career spanning over 50 years along with Jonathan McReynolds, who is set to receive the BMI Champion award for his artistry and impact on Gospel music. BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States.

The private event will be hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI VP of Creative for Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“We’re thrilled to be recognizing our BMI family of songwriters and publishers for their contributions to Gospel music and the Gospel community,” said Brewton. “When I think of a trailblazer in Gospel music, Dorinda stands out as a pioneering figure. The Clark Sisters are among the legends of Gospel, and Dorinda’s distinctive jazzy sound lends a unique brilliance to the group. I’m so proud to be honoring her work and highlighting the impact she’s made on the genre and community through her music and evangelism. We’re also paying tribute to one of the most incredible voices in Gospel, Jonathan McReynolds, whose music is often referred to as ‘life’ songs, speaking to the hearts of all. We’re looking forward to celebrating all of our honorees and bringing the community together for an afternoon of faith, fellowship and incredible music.”

+ The Digital Media Association (DiMA) has appointed Colin Rushing to the newly established position of executive VP and general counsel.

Rushing was formerly the chief legal officer of SoundExchange, Inc., and before that a litigator at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.

Rushing added, “Over the past decade DiMA’s members have created enormous value for music creators and fans alike, driving rapid growth for the entire music industry in the process. DiMA is a unique and powerful voice for music streaming and, together with the Digital Licensing Coordinator, poised to modernize the infrastructure of the music business for everyone’s benefit. I am excited to be a part of the team.”

+ BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has announced a slate of promotions across the label’s group strategy and syndication, marketing and Broken Bow Records Promotion departments.

Dawn Ferris, an industry leader celebrating 14 years with the company, was promoted to director of national promotion for Broken Bow Records. Ellen (Mundy) Ford has transitioned from her role in the group strategy and syndication department to become manager of marketing.  Ford’s transition allowed the label to welcome Krista Hayes, who was hired to fill the role of manager of group strategy and syndication.

“Our team continues to grow and excite me,” says JoJamie Hahr, executive VP of recorded music for BMG Nashville. “Each of these team members display excellence, passion, knowledge and most importantly they exude our BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville spirit. I am so proud of each of them, and we are excited to take our extraordinary artists and label group to new levels this year with this team.”

+ Milk & Honey has hired manager Jason Ramos who brings with him Grammy-winning and multi-platinum songwriter and artist Jozzy.

Before landing at Milk & Honey, Ramos worked at Roc Nation in the artist brand development department with J Balvin, Big Sean, ASAP Ferg before running his own artist management and brand marketing consultant company with clients Jozzy, Lil Mexico Beatz and Paris Jordan.

Jozzy’s breakthrough as a songwriter came in 2019 with international recognition for her contribution to the “Old Town Road Remix” featuring Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus. Jozzy has since secured multiple platinum-selling records for artists such as Beyoncé, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, Don Toliver, Latto, Pharrell Williams, Madonna and more.

+ Nora Fatehi has signed a new deal with Warner Music Group.

To promote Fatehi’s global music career, WMG will work with T-Series, the Indian music label and movie studio, for her Bollywood projects.

Based in India, Fatehi was born in Toronto, Canada to a family of Moroccan heritage. She first made her name as a Bollywood actress, showing her versatility by appearing in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films. Fluent in several other languages, including Darija, Arabic, English, and French, she boasts over 1.2 billion streams and 5 billion-plus YouTube views on her featured videos.

In 2018, she appeared in the movie “Satyameva Jayate,” in which she performed a version of the classic Bollywood song “Dilbar,” which generated more than 20 million views on YouTube in the first 24 hours of its release.

Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, said, “Nora is an extraordinary talent, electric performer, and cross-cultural superstar whose music reflects the rich diversity of her background. Her passion and ambition are infectious and we’re excited to help her reach new audiences, places, and heights across the globe.”

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