Industry Ink: The Recording Academy, SandCastle Entertainment, Next Generation Artist Management

The Recording Academy Rallies Support For Updating Music-Related Copyright Laws

On April 29, the U.S. Register of Copyrights, Maria Pallante, testified before the House Judiciary Committee and called on Congress to act now to update music-related copyright laws. Pallante went on to applaud the Academy-backed Fair Play Fair Pay Act as an “excellent legislative framework” for addressing music issues, and she specifically noted that her meetings with Academy members were “inspiring.”

The Recording Academy is inviting those interested to use the organization’s advocacy tools to send a message to Congress.

Bryan Austin Named Sr. VP, A&R at SandCastle Entertainment

Bryan Austin

Guitarist and former Nashville recording artist Bryan Austin has been named the new Sr. Vice President of A&R at SandCastle Entertainment, according to CEO Richard Buckman.

“I have known Bryan Austin for 20 years,” said Buckman. “He is an all-around class act and is a huge addition to our SandCastle team.”

Austin has played guitar for artists including Steve Wariner, T, Graham Brown, Trick Pony, Josh Turner and Clint Black.

Next Generation Artist Management Signs Amy Rose

Amy Rose

Next Generation Artist Management, sister company to SMG Records Nashville, has added Canada native Amy Rose to its artists roster. Spin Doctors Promotions will promote her new radio single, “Show Up Naked and Bring Beer.”

Next Generation Artist Management and SMG Records Nashville are part of the Spin Doctors Music Group, located in Nashville, Tenn.

Country Music Hall of Fame Taking Part in The Big Payback

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is taking part in The Big Payback, a region-wide, 24-hour, online giving event created to help Middle Tennessee non-profits raise funds vital to their work.

In support of the museum’s participation, Ford Driving Skills for Life has committed $5,000 to provide an admission voucher to the museum – a value of $24.95 – to the first 200 people who make a donation of $25 or more to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve its world-renowned collection.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of Ford Driving Skills for Life in this initiative to help us raise the funds necessary to fulfill our mission to document, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music,” said museum Vice President of Development, Lisa Purcell. “Henry Ford actually launched many of his early models at fiddling competitions across the US, knowing that country music and the stories behind it were strongly connected to the everyday American. Ford’s ties to country music run deep, and their backing allows us to continue this important work.”

All donations made to the museum help to secure the legacy of country music for future generations and support its mission to preserve the 2.5 million artifacts in its growing collection.

The Big Payback will begin at midnight on Tuesday, May 5 and will run for 24 hours. Once the clock starts, anyone can visit TheBigPayback.org and make donations to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and other participating non-profits that serve the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.