Universal Music Group Nashville is stepping into the TV and film landscape with the launch of Sing Me Back Home Productions.
Sing Me Back Home Productions will “tap into the deep catalog of artists from throughout UMG Nashville’s history as well as celebrating both newly discovered talent and stories,” according to the company’s official announcement.
The production house launches with a docuseries focused on the personal and professional lives of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, the Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife duo known as the War And Treaty. UMG Nashville’s Sing Me Back Home Productions partnered with ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media to develop and produce the series helmed by Thinkfactory’s Emmy-nominated CEO and veteran producer Adam Reed (“Marriage Boot Camp,” “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels”).
The War And Treaty docuseries, already in the works with a broadcast partner, is the first among many projects in development via Sing Me Back Home Productions’ broader collaboration with Thinkfactory Media.
Under the direction of Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville chair and CEO, and Senior Vice President of Digital Business and Creative Development, Dawn Gates, the new division will also develop a content slate for a variety of documentaries, original scripted and unscripted television, feature films, and short-form content, plus, it will be heavily involved in securing production partners, music supervision, and distribution.
Also on the horizon is the release of the critically acclaimed documentary “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,” in partnership with Storyville Entertainment.
+ Three Six Zero has named James Fava a Partner of the international management and entertainment partnership company.
Fava joins Three Six Zero and will retain his position as director of the Australian-based management company Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide whose roster includes acts such as Dom Dolla, Anna Lunoe, Torren Foot and Airwolf Paradise.
“James is a huge talent. I am confident that his expertise will be a great asset for Three Six Zero as we continue to expand our business globally,” commented Mark Gillespie, CEO and founder of Three Six Zero
Three Six Zero has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and London, the company represents a broad collective of global talent including Calvin Harris, Willow, Majid Jordan, Kid Cudi and Jaden.
+ BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on March 28.
Dorinda Clark-Cole will receive the Trailblazer of Gospel award in recognition of her career spanning over 50 years along with Jonathan McReynolds, who is set to receive the inaugural BMI Champion award for his artistry and impact on Gospel music. BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States.
The private event will be hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI VP of Creative for Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
“We’re thrilled to be recognizing our BMI family of songwriters and publishers for their contributions to Gospel music and the Gospel community,” said Brewton. “When I think of a trailblazer in Gospel music, Dorinda stands out as a pioneering figure. The Clark Sisters are among the legends of Gospel, and Dorinda’s distinctive jazzy sound lends a unique brilliance to the group. I’m so proud to be honoring her work and highlighting the impact she’s made on the genre and community through her music and evangelism. We’re also paying tribute to one of the most incredible voices in Gospel, Jonathan McReynolds, whose music is often referred to as ‘life’ songs, speaking to the hearts of all. We’re looking forward to celebrating all of our honorees and bringing the community together for an afternoon of faith, fellowship and incredible music.”
+ The Digital Media Association (DiMA) has appointed Colin Rushing to the newly established position of executive VP and general counsel.
Rushing was formerly the chief legal officer of SoundExchange, Inc., and before that a litigator at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.
Rushing added, “Over the past decade DiMA’s members have created enormous value for music creators and fans alike, driving rapid growth for the entire music industry in the process. DiMA is a unique and powerful voice for music streaming and, together with the Digital Licensing Coordinator, poised to modernize the infrastructure of the music business for everyone’s benefit. I am excited to be a part of the team.”
+ BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has announced a slate of promotions across the label’s group strategy and syndication, marketing and Broken Bow Records Promotion departments.
Dawn Ferris, an industry leader celebrating 14 years with the company, was promoted to director of national promotion for Broken Bow Records. Ellen (Mundy) Ford has transitioned from her role in the group strategy and syndication department to become manager of marketing. Ford’s transition allowed the label to welcome Krista Hayes, who was hired to fill the role of manager of group strategy and syndication.
“Our team continues to grow and excite me,” says JoJamie Hahr, executive VP of recorded music for BMG Nashville. “Each of these team members display excellence, passion, knowledge and most importantly they exude our BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville spirit. I am so proud of each of them, and we are excited to take our extraordinary artists and label group to new levels this year with this team.”
+ Nora Fatehi has signed a new deal with Warner Music Group.
To promote Fatehi’s global music career, WMG will work with T-Series, the Indian music label and movie studio, for her Bollywood projects.
Based in India, Fatehi was born in Toronto, Canada to a family of Moroccan heritage. She first made her name as a Bollywood actress, showing her versatility by appearing in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films. Fluent in several other languages, including Darija, Arabic, English, and French, she boasts over 1.2 billion streams and 5 billion-plus YouTube views on her featured videos.
In 2018, she appeared in the movie “Satyameva Jayate,” in which she performed a version of the classic Bollywood song “Dilbar,” which generated more than 20 million views on YouTube in the first 24 hours of its release.
Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, said, “Nora is an extraordinary talent, electric performer, and cross-cultural superstar whose music reflects the rich diversity of her background. Her passion and ambition are infectious and we’re excited to help her reach new audiences, places, and heights across the globe.”