Industry Ink (5-22-13)

Amy Grant‘s latest album, How Mercy Looks From Here, debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 charts, scanning over 26,000 units. The project also notched a No. 1 debut on Christian Soundscan. The set features guest vocals from James Taylor (“Don’t Try So Hard”), Sheryl Crow and Eric Paslay (“Deep As It Is Wide”), Carole King (“Our Time Is Now”), and Will Hoge (“Shovel In Hand”).

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Wix Wichmann

Wix Wichmann has joined Average Joes Entertainment in promoting and marketing the label’s roster. Most recently, Wichmann was a northeast promotion representative for Curb’s Sidewalk Records.

“Knowing Wix for 19 years has been both a blessing and a curse,” laughs Tony Morreale, AJE VP Promotion/Marketing. “Seriously, he’s a smart, funny guy who brings a unique perspective and will complement the Average Joes’ team.”  Wichmann can be reached at wix@averagejoesent.com or by phone at 615-972-2326.

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Music agent Jake Kennedy has joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA). He is based in the agency’s Nashville office. Kennedy previously worked at Buddy Lee Attractions, where he was a booking agent for the past three years. He also worked at New Frontier Touring. He can be reached via phone at 615-383-8787 or at Jake.Kennedy@caa.com.

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Songwriter Chris Lindsey has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement for all of his future works with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Nashville. Kent Earls, Executive VP/General Manager of UMPG made the announcement recently. Lindsey’s catalog of hits includes Lonestar‘s “Amazed,” Martina McBride‘s “This One’s For The Girls,” and many others.

Pictured: Back row, standing (L-R): Freeman Wizer, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Whitney Williams, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Missy Wilson, Senior Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Ron Stuve, VP of A&R/Special Projects, UMPG Nashville; Cyndi Forman, Vice President, Creative, UMPG Nashville; Travis Gordon, Creative Manager, UMPG Nashville. Front row, seated (L-R): Chris Lindsey; Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville