Wide Open Announces Staff; Sevendust Signs with Big Loud Bucks

Wide Open Music Group Announces Staff

Derek George, President of Wide Open Music Group, announced staff appointments for the recently-formed music publishing company. Keithan Melton is Creative Director, and Ken Johnson is Director, Administration. Melton was formerly Creative Manager for Sea Gayle Music and Catalog Manager for Cal IV Entertainment. Johnson brings 20 years of music industry experience to his new position, having spent 14 years in A&R Administration at two major Christian labels (Word Records and EMI Christian Music Group). Johnson also started his own production services company in 2004. George is the guitarist for Golden Music Nashville’s Williams Riley and co-wrote the band’s upcoming single, “Country Livin’.”

Wide Open Music Group is located at 54 Music Square East, Suite 390 in Nashville. Telephone: 615-891-4285.

(L-R): Ken Johnson, Derek George and Keithan Melton

Sevendust Signs Exclusive Deal With Big Loud Bucks
Metal band Sevendust and Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information have entered into an exclusive worldwide administration deal. Sevendust has also put Big Loud Bucks in charge of collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of their own record label, 7 Bros. Records in conjunction with Asylum Records. Sevendust is currently recording a new album slated for release in early 2010.

(L-R) Front: Vincent Hornsby, Sevendust Bass; Morgan Rose, Sevendust Drums/Vocals; John Connolly, Sevendust Guitars/Vocals; LaJon Witherspoon, Sevendust Lead Vocals; Diane Kruse, Rashford Kruse and Assoc, business management for Sevendust. Back: Kele Currier, Big Loud Bucks Exec. VP; Heather Buresh, Big Loud Bucks Licensing and Copyright Analyst; Nancy Eckert Verge Legal, general counsel for Sevendust; Mark Ahlberg, Big Loud Bucks Client Transaction Specialist; and Matt Hilton, Big Loud Bucks Copyright Admin. Photo: Amy Allmand