Industry Ink: BMI, Blue Tile Music, Skyline Artists Agency

BMI Presents Larry Gatlin With “Million-Air” Awards

Pictured (L-R): Larry Gatlin, BMI’s Perry Howard. Photo: Moments By Moser

Larry Gatlin accepted two BMI Million-Air Awards during his sold-out concert at the Franklin Theater in downtown Franklin on Saturday (Oct. 8). The honor is given to songwriters, composers and publishers whose songs accumulate over one million U.S. broadcast performances.

BMI’s Perry Howard presented the awards to Gatlin for writing “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You)” and “Broken Lady,” both of which were hits for Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers. Both singles have surpassed two million radio spins, taking them to the next level of the Million-Air Award. Gatlin has previously received Million-Air Awards for “All The Gold in California,” “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love” and “The Lady Takes the Cowboy Everytime.”

Blue Tile Music Aligns With New Duo, Towne

Pictured (L-R): Sunni Ray, Harmon Music Management; Allen Bargfrede, Blue Tile Media; Jon Decious and Steevie Steeves of Towne; Derek Crownover, Dickinson Wright; Rusty Harmon and Lexi Dawson of Harmon Music Management

Country pop-rock duo Towne has signed a publishing and artist development deal with creative investment firm Blue Tile Music. As a division of Blue Tile Media Partners, Blue Tile Music empowers artists through creative funding mechanisms and hands-on assistance, helping them launch and sustain their careers.

The signing follows the release of Towne’s debut EP, Games We Play. The duo consists of Steevie Steeves and Jon Decious. They initially crossed paths at Skip Ewing‘s Horse and Writer Seminar in Wyoming where they immediately connected musically. They are managed by Rusty Harmon at Harmon Music Management.

Skyline Music Rebrands As Skyline Artists Agency

After more than 25 years as Skyline Music, the boutique booking agency is rebranding as Skyline Artists Agency. The company’s roster of 60 artists includes Roger McGuinn, Poco, Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Smithereens, The Motels, Zoe Keating, Darlingside and MarchFourth.

“We have always existed to serve a select group of artists,” said Skyline Founder and President Bruce Houghton. “But in the digital age, doing that effectively means going beyond just booking a date. Our name change to Skyline Artists Agency reflects that important shift, as well as our ongoing work beyond music and in music tech.”

The company also publishes music tech/music industry website Hypebot.com.