Industry Ink Thursday (7/14)

Mark Gray

Republic Adds To Radio Team
Republic Nashville has hired Mark Gray as Director of Southwest Promotion. Gray will begin immediately, based in Nashville and working Republic Nashville acts Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney.

Gray replaces Crystal Williams and will report directly to National Director of Promotion Matthew Hargis. “Mark is a road dawg with a big heart who loves Country music!” says Hargis. “We are very excited to have him join the Ape den at Republic Nashville.”

Gray’s career began at Clear Channel in Charlotte, NC. He quickly moved up the ranks and landed the job of WKKT Marketing Director. Eventually Gray relocated to Nashville to be tour manager for Troy Olsen. “Republic Nashville has amazing talent and I’m ready to hit the road running,” says Gray. “This is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and tackle the Southwest. It’s an honor be a part of this team.” He can be reached at (704) 906-4970 or mark.gray@republicnashville.com.

TCN Relocating Headquarters
The Country Network is moving its headquarters from Nashville to Boca Raton, Fla. The change was announced recently in the Palm Beach Post. According to the newspaper, TCN will maintain an office in Nashville. The network plans to hire 20 employees in its new home base, where it has leased a 3,800-square-foot office and is looking for studio space. TCN CEO Warren Hansen owns a home in Boca Raton.

Kay Clary (L) in an inspired vintage gown at the Americana Music Awards with Jayne Rogovin and Jim Lauderdale. Clary often scores saris like this at Goodwill and alters them to her taste.

• • • BMI media maven Kay Clary is profiled in today’s Tennessean, in an article highlighting her cool vintage fashion sense. She discusses her favorite stores, love of pieces circa 1964, and thrift-store hunting for newbies.

• • • Media industry veteran Erik Logan is continuing with Oprah’s Harpo Studios in a new role. Along with fellow Harpo Pres. Sheri Salata, Logan will serve as president of OWN network. Logan’s ties to Nashville include serving on the CMA board of directors and a successful career in radio.

• • • Former SoundExchange Executive Director John L. Simson has re-established a law practice in Washington, D.C. and has joined Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg.

• • • ZMX Music is a growing company offering direct-to-fan sheet music delivery through artist websites, Facebook, and MySpace. Founder Eric Ziering will be in Nashville July 19–22 for meetings about the company. Contact Lori Meadows at lmeadows@zmxmusic.com or Kate Richardson at kate@richlynmarketing.com to inquire about an appointment. Among the artists already on board with ZMX Music is Josh Kelley.

• • • Known as The Claw, the stage from U2’s 360 tour will be hitting the auction block after the tour ends. For additional information, 3D renderings, size specs and more visit www.panthermanagement.com/theclaw.

• • • United Stations Radio Networks has launched www.countrymusicontheroad.com, a full-time, internet-only radio station programmed with live Country music concerts. Now in its eighteenth year, “The Road” is a nationally distributed radio show hosted by Charlie Cook and offering concert performances from country stars. CountryMusicOnTheRoad.com offers the archived concerts from the radio show.