Industry Ink: Cor Entertainment, SOLID, WMBA, Heartland Records

Cor Entertainment Signs Duo Walker McGuire

Pictured: Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Jordan Walker

Cor Entertainment has signed emerging country duo Walker McGuire to an exclusive management contract. Recently, Cor’s publishing arm signed a co-venture with Combustion/Atlas that will represent the two singer/songwriters. Cor Entertainment was founded by the duo’s producer, Mickey Jack Cones.

SOLID Hosts Employment Panel

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Nolan, SOLID University Outreach Co-Chair/ For the Record Entertainment; Tim Gray, SOLID University Outreach Chair/ Grayscale Entertainment Marketing; Faithe Parker, Marbaloo; Chitquita McCarthur, SONY; Hannah Clark, Ryman Hospitality Properties; Halie Hampton, Maverick Management.

SOLID recently hosted a panel for music industry newcomers on March 16 titled “An Insider’s Guide on How to Get Your First Job in the Music Industry.” The panel, held at Belmont University and led by SOLID’s University Outreach committee, was the second in the SOLID SPEAK series and consisted of hiring executives, selected to share tips on obtaining a job in Music City.

Tim Gray, University Outreach chair, Lisa Nolan, University Outreach co-chair and Halie Hampton, University Outreach leader with help from the rest of the committee recruited panelists that included: Marbaloo’s Founder and Managing Partner, Faithe Parker; Sony Music Nashville’s HR Manager, Chitiquita McCarthur and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ HR Manager, Hannah Clark.

WMBA Presents Sponsorships, Branding Panel

Top row (L-R): Kristen England, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Meredith Bunch, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Julia Grimoldi, WMBA Secretary; Dana Lalevee, WMBA President. Bottom row (L-R): Stacy Scism, WMBA Vice President; Holly Lane, Country Radio Broadcasters; Tim Gray, Grayscale Entertainment; Tiffany Kerns, CMA; Michelle Jacobs, WME.

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Holly Lane (CRS), Tim Gray (Grayscale Entertainment), Tiffany Kerns (CMA) and Michelle Jacobs (WME) to the organization’s monthly membership meeting about Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships held at NSAI on Tuesday, March 15.

Grayscale Entertainment has worked with artists such as Papa Roach, Shooter Jennings, Katy Perry, Joe Diffie, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj.  Lane developed and managed corporate partnerships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, matching global brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Gibson, Southwest Airlines, and Comcast XFINITY.

Prior to joining WME and CMA, Jacobs served as Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe where she developed local partnerships for special events, managed philanthropic event activation, and oversaw the venue’s digital presence. Kerns has a background with with non-profits, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she worked with corporate community partners and large community groups to help achieve the development goals of the CFF Board of Directors.

Heartland Records Adds VP, A&R

Heartland Records Nashville has added Corey Lee Barker as VP, A&R Nashville. Since moving to Nashville 18 years ago, Barker has had over 400 cuts and television placements for his music. He also penned the book Hit Happens to support aspiring songwriters.

“I am more than excited to join the staff here at Heartland Records and I look forward to great things in 2016 and beyond,” Barker said.

Barker can be reached at corey@heartlandrecords.net.