Industry Ink: AIMP, Dune Grass Music, Kobalt, Americana Music Association

AIMP, Fifth Third Bank Host “The State Of Independent Music Publishing” Panel

Pictured: Row One: Steve Markland, Marc Driskill, Chris Farren, Mark Brown; Row Two: Kari Barnhart (5/3 Bank) Denise Nichols (The Primacy Firm), John Ozier (AIMP Ex. Director/ole}, Ree Guyer Buchanan (AIMP Treasurer/Wrensong Music), Randy Wachtler (Warner/Chappell Production Music), Craig Currier (peermusic), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank), John Allen (New West Records/Publishing).

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and Fifth Third Bank hosted a full house for “The State of Independent Music Publishing” panel. Held Feb. 24 at ASCAP’s Connie Bradley Board Room and moderated by John Allen, panelists Mark Brown (Round Hill Music), Marc Driskill (Sea Gayle Music), Chris Farren (Combustion Music), and Steve Markland (Downtown Music Publishing) discussed current trends in music publishing, changing royalty environments and plans for 2016.

Dune Grass Music Signs Melanie Meriney

Pictured (L-R): Neal Coty, Creative Director; Melanie Meriney; Hannah Gilbert, Creative Manager/Administration

Dune Grass Music has added Melanie Meriney to its roster of songwriters. Meriney joins fellow writers Neal Coty, Chris Harris, Jon Henderson, Eric Torres, Amber White, and recently co-published Brian Maher.

After graduating from Belmont University as a Songwriting major, Meriney showcased a number of times playing live sets on the Billy Block Show. She has been nominated for a Nashville Independent Music Award (NIMA) for Best Female Country Artist.  .

“Melanie exceeds expectations as a young and upcoming songwriter,” says Neal Coty.

Meriney adds, “I’m looking forward to joining a roster of incredible writers and making some great music we can share with the world.”

Dune Grass Music is a Nashville-based publishing company with six staff writers and offices in Berry Hill and Virginia. The company recently formed a separate publishing co-venture with renown producer/songwriter Keith Stegall’s Dreamlined Entertainment.

Vip Vipperman Signs Admin Agreement With Kobalt

Vip Vipperman

Vip Vipperman and NewVIP Songs have signed a new worldwide Administration agreement with Kobalt Music Publishing, which offers music publishing royalty collections and affiliated services.

Vipperman has had hits recorded by Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, George Jones, and more.

 

Americana Music Association Reveals SXSW Lineup

The Americana Music Association has partnered again with Pandora for a day of music at SXSW. The association will take over The Gatsby, located at East 6th Street in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, March 17. The event is open to SXSW badge and wristband holders.

Day Party Lineup:
The Strumbellas, 2 p.m.
The Cactus Blossoms, 3 p.m.
Lydia Loveless, 4 p.m.
Jake Bugg, 5 p.m.

Nightly Showcase Lineup:

Margo Price, 8 p.m.
Sam Outlaw, 9 p.m.
Wynonna & The Big Noise, 10 p.m.
Hayes Carll, 11 p.m.
Asleep At The Wheel, 12 a.m.
Jack Ingram, 1 a.m.