Spotify Reportedly Explores Anghami Buyout Amid Rapid MENA Music Industry Growth

Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of Middle Eastern streaming service Anghami (NASDAQ: ANGH). The Stockholm-headquartered company’s reported buyout of Anghami, which debuted on the public market via a SPAC merger in February, came to light in a piece from Dubai-based Frankly Magazine. But execs at Anghami, which said that it boasted […]

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Airbnb Has ‘Most Profitable Quarter Ever’ Even Though Hosts Are Reportedly Struggling to Fill Rentals

Following a pandemic boom, many invested in properties to rent out on Airbnb. Now, demand is slowing as competition rises.

Industry Ink: Jeannie Seely, Nate Smith, Corey Kent, Sincerely Music Group

Jeannie Seely Given Proclamation & Honorary Membership From Musicians Union

Dave Pomeroy and Jeannie Seely. Photo: Courtesy of B! Noticed Public Relations.

Grand Ole Opry legend and Grammy-winning artist Jeannie Seely was surprised by Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy with a proclamation and honorary membership to the Nashville Musicians Union, AFM Local 257 after her recent performance at the Opry.

“It was my honor to present Jeannie Seely with a Proclamation from the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, thanking her for all she has done for Nashville musicians over the years, including raising more than $45,000 for our Emergency Relief Fund from previous Dottie West Birthday Bash benefit concerts. She is a multi-talented force of nature, and after more than five decades in the business, she continues to be a role model and mentor for generations of female country music artists,” shares Pomeroy. “Our bylaws allow me to bestow honorary AFM 257 membership at my discretion, and Jeannie is the third person to receive this status after Glen Campbell and Charley Pride. We salute Jeannie and appreciate her many contributions to the Nashville musicians community and welcome her as a member of the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, Home of the Finest Musicians in the World!”

“What a wonderful surprise for me on the Opry Stage! This honor will always be very special to me as I feel like musicians are the unsung heroes and the backbone of our industry. Often an identifying ‘lick’ is as much a part of a hit recording as the ‘hook’ of the song or the unique performance of the artist,” adds Seely. “Thank you, Dave Pomeroy and AFM Local 257 for this honorary membership, and I accept on behalf of all the incredible musicians who have contributed to my career and those who continue to support me.”

 

 

Nate Smith Surprised With Gold Certification Plaque At Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Meghan Kehoe; The Core Entertainment’s Tracy Martin, Chief Zaruk, Taylor Manns, and Simon Tikhman; Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman; Nate Smith; Sony Music Nashville’s Jen Way, Emily Butler, Amy Menz, Nicole Marinake, Jess Keifer, and Emmie Reitzug. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Rising Sony Music Nashville/Arista Nashville artist Nate Smith took the Grand Ole Opry stage on Tuesday evening (Nov. 1) for his NextStage artist debut, after recently being named the final member of the Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022.

Following his performance, Smith was surprised with a RIAA Gold certification plaque for his hit single “Whiskey On You,” which is currently Top 15 and climbing at country radio. The song has accumulated over 128 million total on-demand streams to date.

He will return to the Grand Ole Opry for the Opry NextStage Live In Concert show, presented by Geico, alongside other 2022 NextStage artists Elvie Shane, Breland, Restless Road, and Conner Smith on Nov. 20.

 

 

Corey Kent Goes Gold With Hit Single ‘Wild As Her’

Corey Kent with Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music, and WME team members. Photo: Adam Davis.

Up-and-coming country artist Corey Kent was surprised by Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music, and WME with a RIAA Gold certification plaque recognizing his breakout single “Wild As Her.”

The track has collected almost 140 million on-demand streams, and is approaching the Top 30 at country radio.

 

 

Trevor Perkins Relaunches Sincerely Music Group, Signs Nathan Wilson

Nathan Wilson and Trevor Perkins. Photo: Courtesy of Sincerely Music Group.

Publicist Trevor Perkins has announced the re-launch of his Sincerely Music Group management arm, as well as the signing of flagship artist Nathan Wilson.

Perkins first entered the publicity world in 2016, launching Perkins Publicity. His credits include work with David Morris, David J, Bryan Lanning, Becca Bowen, Logan Michael, and others.

“Joining the management realm was an absolute no-brainer,” says Perkins. “Throughout my years of publicity, I found myself helping artists in a larger way and laying a foundation for them to go on and reach further heights. I’m honored to start making this move into management, and building the next generation of music.”

Originally from Kentucky, Wilson came to Nashville in February 2022 to pursue music. He then went viral on TikTok, thus jump-starting his career. His single “Better Than You,” released in July, has already acquired more than 3 million organic streams with no DSP support. A teaser video for new song “Meant For You,” out tomorrow (Nov. 4), has been viewed over 400 thousand times on TikTok, and already has over 3,000 pre-saves.

“When I met Trevor, I admired his ambition and the direction I’ve watched him take with different artists throughout his career within the industry,” shares Wilson. “I truly believe that with Trevor as my manager that my career will only continue to rise to new heights throughout the next few years!”

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Academy Of Country Music Announces New 2022-2023 Board Of Directors

The Academy of Country Music has announced its newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.

“We’re kicking off an exciting new chapter in the rich history of the Academy, with the relocation and opening of our new Nashville headquarters, and the ACM Awards returning to Prime Video for an exclusive global livestream in May, as well as moving to the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas for the first time. We’re so fortunate to have the dedicated group of individuals who have graciously agreed to serve on our Board of Directors,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “2023 is shaping up to be another monumental year for the Academy and our industry, and we know the guidance of these well-respected leaders will ensure the ACM’s success in the next year and for years to come.”

Previously announced ACM officer roles for the 2022-2023 term include Chair Chuck Aly, Vice-Chair Ebie McFarland, Vice-President Randy Bernard, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Paul Moore, and Secretary Tommy Moore.

This year, 10 of the 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by Aly, McFarland and Bernard. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.

Newly Elected Members of the Board of Directors:
Scot Calonge
Jackie Campbell
Charlie Cook
Cyndi Forman
Margaret Hart
Deana Ivey
Chandra LaPlume
Chris Lisle
Cindy Mabe
Lee Thomas Miller
Curt Motley
Kristie Sloan
Adam Weiser
Rachel Whitney

Newly Appointed Director-At-Large Members of the Board of Directors:
George Couri
Benson Curb
Beville Dunkerley
Becky Gardenhire
Shannan Hatch*
Jeremy Holley
Frank Liddell
Jon Loba
Shawn McSpadden
Austin Neal*
Brian O’Connell
Rod Phillips
Kelly Rich
Tim Roberts
Scott Scovill
Sally Seitz
Laura Veltz
Candice Watkins
*Appointed to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy

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