Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Agency33, Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Nashville

Hostess Brands Teams With Brad Paisley

Hostess Brands has teamed with the Country Music Association, Sony Music Nashville, and Brad Paisley for a sweet summertime offering. Select Hostess® Twinkies® and Donettes® items will include a code providing access to a 42-song Spotify playlist curated by Paisley, and featuring tracks from his album Love And War. Hostess fans also have the chance to enter a Sweepstakes to win a grand prize trip to the 51st Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 8 in Nashville.

Joey Amato Launches LGBT-focused PR Firm Agency33

Joey Amato

Joey Amato recently launched Nashville-based, LGBT-focused firm Agency33.

Agency33 will also work with other public relations agencies and record companies to bring expertise and knowledge to their artists when needing to target this specific demographic. Agency33 will not focus solely on country music artists, having recently signed dance/pop artist Joey Suarez, who just released his latest single “Love Me Back.” Suarez recently performed in front of a massive crowd of admirers at NYC Pride in June and San Antonio Pride on July 1. A separate Agency33 division will be dedicated to Tour Press.

Most recently, Amato served as Publicity Manager for Webster Public Relations with previous stints at Sony Music New York, Relevant Communications, and iHeart Radio.  In addition, Amato served as publisher of Unite Magazine, Nashville’s premiere LGBT publication.

“Whether artists are aware of it, or not, LGBT individuals love country music and spend a fortune buying music, merchandise and concert tickets. I would love to see more artists make a conscious effort to reach this market as the LGBT consumer has more disposable income than almost any diversity group,” says Amato. “There are a few public relations firms in the U.S. that offer such a service but none in Nashville. As country music artists and brands have become more accepting and vocal about their support of the LGBT community, I felt it was important to make this one of the services we offer.”

Ray Stevens Announces 2017 Artist Lineup For ‘CabaRay Nashville’ Third Season

Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville has announced its summer 2017 lineup of musical guests. The third season of the national television show, starring country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens, will include appearances from Restless Heart, Shenandoah, John Michael Montgomery, Michael W. Smith, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, and more. Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville airs weekly on Public Television affiliate stations across the nation.

Summer 2017 Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville Guest Lineup: