Industry Ink: ole, APA, Motown Gospel

ole Celebrates No. 1 Song With “Peter Pan”

Pictured (L-R): Robert Ott, Chairman and CEO, ole; Kelsea Ballerini, John Ozier, VP Creative, ole; Gilles Godard, VP, Corporate Affairs and Development, ole.

Rights management company ole is celebrating a No. 1 hit with Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan,” which was co-produced by ole songwriter/producer Jason Massey and co-written by ole legacy songwriter Jesse Lee.

“Jason Massey and Jesse Lee are some of the best in the industry right now,” said John Ozier, Vice President, Creative at ole. “It’s no wonder that their collaboration with Kelsea Ballerini has resulted in yet another number one song, and ole is very proud to have them as part of our talented team.”

The song was also co-written by Ballerini and Forest Whitehead. In honor of the achievement, ole presented Ballerini with a plaque and an ole No. 1 iPad on Sunday night at the company’s Saloon Jam.

APA Signs Sister Hazel

Sister Hazel

Talent agency APA has signed alternative rock and country band Sister Hazel, best known for the hits “All for You,” “Your Winter” and “Champagne High.”

“The band has a passionate fan base of ‘Hazelnuts’ and a wonderful reputation with promoters throughout the country. We are thrilled to be working with a group that embodies such a positive message and strong work ethic,” said Travis Wolfe, Agent, Corporate & Special Events, for APA Nashville.

“This is a group that our entire team can get behind. We are all excited to dive into the next chapter of Sister Hazel’s career,” added Heath Baumhor, Agent, for APA Nashville.

APA Nashville will handle Sister Hazel’s domestic and international bookings.

Motown Gospel Appoints Senior Management Positions

Pictured (L-R): EJ Gaines, Monica Coates

Motown Gospel has appointed industry executives Monica Coates and EJ Gaines to senior management roles. Coates has been appointed to the role of VP, A&R, while Gaines has been appointed VP, Marketing. They will assume their roles Oct. 3 and will be based at Motown Gospel/CCMG’s Nashville headquarters.

Coates will direct A&R, Creative and Promotion functions, while Gaines will oversee Commercial Partnerships, Publicity and Events, Digital Marketing and Content Creation/Monetization, Sync and Business Affairs. Both Coates and Gaines will also work with CCMG Publishing to discover, sign, and develop songwriters.

Prior to joining Motown Gospel, Coates was General Manager at Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA.

Gaines was previously an entertainment attorney and artist manager, guiding the careers of Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Jonathan McReynolds, and more.

“We are so excited to be naming Monica Coates and EJ Gaines to these important positions within Motown Gospel,” says Ken Pennell, President of Gospel Music at CCMG. “They both bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles, and our artists will benefit greatly from their diverse skill sets, passion for music and belief in how Gospel Music can enrich the lives of its listeners. All of us within Motown Gospel and CCMG wholeheartedly welcome Monica and EJ to our family.”

Motown Gospel is the recording home to artists including Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett, and more.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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