"American Songwriter" Under New Ownership

Albie Del Favero

Albie Del Favero has taken the reigns of American Songwriter magazine, joining the team as Co-Publisher, and President of its parent company ForASong Media, LLC.

Del Favero’s extensive background in media includes being founding publisher of the Nashville Scene. More recently he served as Nashville-area group publisher at SouthComm, which currently owns The City Paper and the Nashville Scene.

In his latest venture, Del Favero is teaming with former American Songwriter owners Robert Clement and Doug Waterman. They are still in-office at the outlet they purchased in 2004. The magazine has been operated out of Music City since 1984.

The bi-monthly print mag is coupled with American Songwriter’s extensive online activity, which includes free content, iPad apps and more. The May/June issue app alone has been downloaded 5,000 times. Del Favero tells MusicRow, “Besides realizing the full potential of the magazine, the strategy for the company going forward will be to leverage the traffic drawn to the free content on the website to build a membership base of amateur songwriters. These members will have access to tools to hone their writing skills and connect with professionals.”

Songwriting contests are one way American Songwriter attracts users, which have helped the publication amass an email list of over 30,000.

Del Favero admits that some people aren’t bullish on traditional media, but says the shuttering of comparable ‘zines including Performing Songwriter and No Depression has freed up advertising dollars.

He explains, “American Songwriter has a solid niche, a highly recognizable brand and is profitable.”

Albie Del Favero can be reached at [email protected] and (615) 945-2016.