Music News 3/15/12

The Big Machine Label Group has announced Laurel Kittleson as A&R Coordinator, effective immediately.

Kittleson’s responsibilities including assisting with timelines, budgets, screening songs, and maintaining the master asset catalog for the label group’s roster, which includes Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Reba, and The Mavericks, among others. She will report directly to BMLG VP, A&R Allison Jones.

Previously, Kittleson served as Assistant for Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright. She was also previously personal assistant to Rivers Rutherford and spent time working with Elevation Music Publishing.

Kittelson replaces previous A&R Coordinator, Shea Fowler.

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Country-rock group Parmalee recently signed a publishing deal with Nashville’s Gallo and Landers Music. The North Carolina group also recently inked a recording contract with Stoney Creek Records.

“Our team feels very fortunate to get to work with a talent like Parmalee,” said Gallo and Landers Music’s Jim Landers, “and I look forward to seeing great things happen with them.”

(L-R): Almon Law’s Noah McPike; Gallo and Landers Music's Jim Landers; Parmalee’s Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, and Josh McSwain; Gallo and Landers Music's Greg Gallo; and BMI’s Bradley Collins. Photo: Drew Maynard

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The deadline to enter the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition has been extended until April 11, 2012. The contest to find unsigned talent features celebrity judges Cyndi Lauper; Kenny Rogers; Angie Stone; 3 Doors Down; Charlie Daniels; Jeremy Camp; Manchester Orchestra; Craig Morgan; Robert Smith (The Cure); Kelly Clarkson; and more. More info here.

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HoriPro Entertainment Group has signed Michael Gresham and Jill Spencer to an exclusive co-publishing deal through Gresham and Spencer’s company Brand Music Group.

(L-R) standing: Butch Baker, Tim Stehli, Amy Hendon Scott, Lee Krabel, Dave Hall, Raeanna Mowl, Carrie Wilkins; seated: Jill Spencer, Michael Gresham