Music News 7/12/12

HarperCollins Publishers recently (7/11) announced it has acquired Nashville-based Thomas Nelson, leading publisher of inspirational Christian content including books, Bibles, e-books, journals, audio, video, reference curriculum, digital apps and live events.

Thomas Nelson will continue to operate as an independent company with its unique editorial focus on inspirational and Christian content. Details, such as how Thomas Nelson will benefit from HarperCollins’ global print and digital platform, are forthcoming.

• • • •

The Big Machine Label Group announced three new staff hires recently (7/11). Christine Drexel recently joined the team as Coordinator of Promotion & Media Strategy, while Meg Gregg and Lara Lane have been added as Finance & Accounting Coordinators.

In 2010, Drexel began interning at BMLG, working with various departments while attending Loyola Marymount University. In her new role at the company, she is managing the Outnumber Hunger On Tour bus on Rascal Flatts’ Changed Tour. She will report to VP/Promotion & Media Strategy John Zarling and will be based in Nashville.

Gregg and Lane will report to Director of Finance Brad Kash in the Administration Department. Previously, Gregg worked at the business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy. Lane’s background is also in business management, working most recently at Haber Corporation.

“As Big Machine Label Group continues to grow, I’m really excited about the strong music industry business management and finance background both Meg and Lara bring to our team,” adds Kash. “Their contributions will allow us to provide an even greater level of support to our roster of artists, songwriters and business partners.”

• • • •

Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s recent purchase of EMI Music Publishing has resulted in company-wide restructuring. Troy Tomlinson, who heads Sony/ATV’s Nashville operations as Pres./CEO, will lead the newly combined local team.

Unofficially, MusicRow has learned that Tom Luteran will be among the staffers continuing on with the company. He has been with EMI for a decade and serves as EMI’s Vice President of A&R.

Five EMI staffers exited on 7/10. Among the lay-offs is A&R Manager Laura Wright who joined the company in 2010. Her prior stops include The Writer’s Den. She can be reached at wrightla21@gmail.com.

Also exiting is Sarah Pearson, Executive Assistant, who had been with EMI almost 11 years. She can be reached at sarahp@me.com.

Catalog Manager Chris Gillis has left the company after five years. He can be reached at cbgillis@me.com.

Receptionist Sarah Babish exited and can be reached at babishs@gmail.com.

As previously reported, Ben Vaughn, Exec. VP/GM of the Nashville office, exited last week after a decade with the publishing company, including leading it since 2010. He can be contacted at nashvaughn@yahoo.com.

Billboard.biz reports that a total of 30-40 people have been let go from the company’s various offices.

On the national level, Martin Bandier leads Sony/ATV Music Publishing as Chairman & CEO. Tomlinson reports to co-president Danny Strick, who ovesees Nashville operations, East Coast creative operations, and US Latin operations.

• • • •

Pictured (L-R) Front Row: Michael Tyler (Singer/Songwriter-peermusic). Back Row: Kim Wiggins (Creative Manager -peermusic), Michael Knox (Producer/Sr. Creative Director-peermusic) and Kevin Lamb ( Vice President-peermusic Nashville)

Peermusic has signed 18 year old singer/songwriter Michael Tyler to its roster.

A Thayer, MO native, Tyler was discovered online by peermusic Senior Creative Director Michael Knox two years ago. The two have been working together since.

“I’m very excited to have Michael join the family here at peermusic,” said Knox. “I can’t wait to get into the studio with him.”

• • • •

Pictured (L-R): Doug Lowe and Donna O'Shea of LoShea Productions, Best, Dan Hodges and Susan Hodges

Dan Hodges Music and LoShea Productions have announced that artist/writer Pete Best has renewed his contract with the two parties.

The exclusive publishing deal was extended over Memorial Day weekend at a dinner in Best’s hometown of Annapolis, MD, overlooking The Naval Academy.