Music News (6/14/17)

Leslie DiPiero Named GM At Tree Vibez Music

Leslie DiPiero

Tree Vibez Music has named Leslie T. DiPiero as the artist development and music publishing company’s General Manager. Tree Vibez Music was founded in 2015 by Florida Georgia Line members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.

In this new role, DiPiero will continue to build upon more than two decades of experience and success in the industry working with and nurturing top songwriters and artists, while advancing the talent and resources of Tree Vibez Music.

DiPiero joins Tree Vibez Music following tenures with Buddy Killen Music, Beckett Music Group (a co-venture with Almo Irving and Sony), Song Planet, and becoming a partner at Tom-Leis Music.

Creative Nation Promotes Two

Jeff Skaggs and Kelsey Granda

Nashville-based music company Creative Nation has promoted Jeff Skaggs to VP, Creative and Kelsey Granda to Sr. Director, Creative Administration of the music publishing division. In his role, Skaggs will help oversee all publishing responsibilities including songwriters’ calendars, pitching songs, signing and developing writers and artists and continuing to diversify and grow CN’s publishing roster. In her role, Granda will handle all creative administration for CN writers including demo booking and billing, production coordination, writer calendar bookings, WRIOS software development, catalog management and overseeing CN events.

 
Funeral Services, Celebration Of Life Set For Songwriter-Producer Norro Wilson

Norro Wilson at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Country Songwriter Norro Wilson on March 5, 2011. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame.

Services for the late Norro Wilson will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 15, at 3:30 p.m.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held immediately afterward at BMI on Music Row, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their stories and memories of Norro to share.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, top record producer and longtime music-business executive passed away on June 8 at age 79.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Alive Hospice.

ASCAP At CMA Music Festival

Post Monroe with ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Michael Martin

ASCAP hosted a variety of hit songwriters and up-and-coming writer-artists at this year’s CMA Music Festival. On Saturday, June 10, the 4th annual ASCAP Hit Songwriters Round at the HGTV Lodge featured reigning ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, reigning ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year Ben Glover, and hitmakers JT Harding and Brent Anderson. Later that afternoon, ASCAP presented hit writers Marc Beeson and Andy Albert on the Durango Music Spot stage at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center. On Sunday, ASCAP showcased rising songwriter-artists on the Music City Stage at the Nashville Visitor Center inside Bridgestone Arena Tower from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featured artists included Anna Vaus, Martin McDaniel, Sarah Allison Turner, Dorado, Lucas Hoge, Brandon Ratcliff, Crooked King, Raquel Cole, Adam Hambrick and Post Monroe.

BMI Hosts Acoustic Brunch Rooftop Performance

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, artist Ashley McBryde, Deep Eddy’s Nathan Way and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI hosted an acoustic brunch rooftop performance June 7 to officially kick off the CMA Fest weekend in Nashville. With CMA Fest performer Ashley McBryde and Bonnaroo veterans Boy Named Banjo, the early afternoon concert marked the start of a busy weekend in the city. An exclusive group of industry VIPs was treated to top-notch performances backed by a views of the city and a Bloody Mary bar courtesy of Deep Eddy Vodka.

SESAC Celebrates With Paul Shaffer, Michael Tyler During CMA Music Festival

SESAC EVP of Creative and Business Affairs Dennis Lord gives Paul Shaffer a warm welcome prior to Shaffer’s (and The World’s Most Dangerous Band) performance at the Ryman Auditorium on Friday, June 9.

Pictured (L-R): Paul Shaffer, Dennis Lord

SESAC affiliate Michael Tyler performed for enthusiastic fans at the Radio Disney Stage in the Music City Center during CMA Fest. Tyler also stayed after the 5 p.m. closing time to finish his meet and greet with fans.

Michael Tyler