Downtown Music Publishing Celebrates New Office, No. 1 Song “Hometown Girl”

Pictured (L-R): Downtown’s global creative team: Danny Berrios, Dylan Silberman, Rhea Ghosh, Jedd Katrancha, Natalie Osborne, Justin Kalifowtiz, Taeko Saito, Roberto Neri, Andrew Bergman, Steve Markland, Kayte Olsufka and Andrew Sparkler. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]

Downtown Music Publishing celebrated its new office space and its current No. 1 country hit on Tuesday (April 25) with a packed-house parking lot party. Downtown Music Publishing recently moved their Nashville operations to 909 Division Street in Nashville.

The occasion coincided with the No. 1 success of Downtown writer Marc Beeson’s “Hometown Girl” (co-written with Daniel Tashian, Big Yellow Dog Music) and performed by Josh Turner.

Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson and Allen Shamblin. Photo:Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House Records) and Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay/Warner Bros.). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Hosted by Downtown Music Publishing CEO Justin Kalifowitz, COO Andrew Bergman, and Downtown Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Steve Markland, the party boasted appearances by its writers Beeson, Kelly Archer, Andy Albert, Tony Esterly, Downtown’s global creative team, and other Nashville figures such as Patrick Carney (of the Black Keys), Michelle Branch, Fletcher Foster and Scott Parker (Hearts Bluff Music) among many others.

“Hometown Girl” is the second No. 1 to come from Downtown Nashville following last November’s Brett Young hit “Sleep Without You,” co-written by Downtown’s Archer, Young (BMLG) and Justin Ebach (Word Music).

Pictured (L-R): Downtown Nashville staff and writers: Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]

Pictured (L-R): Kara Wintergrass (Big Yellow Dog), Jamie Martin (Big Yellow Dog), Brad Kennard (Razor & Tie), Alex Stefano (Big Yellow Dog), Lauren Funk (Big Yellow Dog) and Matt Lindsey (Big Yellow Dog). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Markland launched Downtown’s Nashville office in 2014 as a core component of the company’s worldwide expansion. Downtown now has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and most recently, Tokyo. Since opening in Nashville in 2014, Downtown has acquired the catalogs of Charlie Black, Ray Whitley, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass and VLS Music, which includes Lady Antebellum songs written-by Hillary Scott, among others. Active songwriters including Albert, Beeson and Archer have written recent charted country hits for Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Justin Moore, Granger Smith and Cassadee Pope.

Pictured (L-R): Will Weatherly and Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Steve Markland, Andy Albert and Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Sanders Chidekel & Fields). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is one of the world’s leading rights-management firms. The company’s catalog spans over seven decades of popular music, encompassing some of the world’s most beloved songwriters and artists including The Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, The Kinks, Cy Coleman, Hans Zimmer, Bruce Springsteen, Mötley Crüe, One Direction, Naughty Boy, Hardwell, Santigold, Carla Bruni and Social Distortion. The company’s technology platform, Songtrust, powers global royalty collection from over 100 countries and more than 20,000 unique income sources worldwide.

Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Ryan Hurd Joins Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour

RCA Nashville’s breakthrough singer/songwriter Ryan Hurd continues his journey on the road as he signs on to join Florida Georgia Line on the Smooth Tour 2017 beginning June 15 in New York with 14 stops including St. Louis, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hurd just completed the Spring leg on Thomas Rhett’s sold-out Home Team Tour, and has also joined Maren Morris on her sold-out HERO Tour this year. He will continue on the HERO Tour in Europe this fall. Keeping his foot on the touring accelerator, Hurd will perform at country’s top festivals this year, including Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout and Country Thunder.

The singer-songwriter recently released his debut self-titled EP, that has collectively garnered over 30 million streams since Hurd’s initial release of “We Do Us” last September.

A majority of tickets are on sale now, with the remainder becoming available to the public this Friday, April 28.

For tour dates, visit www.RyanHurd.com.

James LeBlanc Inks With Dreamlined Entertainment

Pictured (L-R): Dreamlined’s Keith Stegall, James LeBlanc, producer Jimmy Nutt

James LeBlanc has signed with Dreamlined Entertainment. LeBlanc has penned hits like “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” for Travis Tritt, “Relentless” for Jason Aldean, and “Learning How To Bend” for Gary Allan, and recently had cuts by Thompson Square, Jo Dee Messina, Martina McBride and more. LeBlanc’s songs have been featured on albums totaling over 25 million copies sold.

He will be releasing his first album of solo material in 10 years, Nature Of The Beast, June 16.

“I’m ready for what comes next,” said LeBlanc of the new alliance. “I’m so excited to be a part of the Dreamlined Entertainment team!”

 

 

Industry Praises House Passage Of The Register Of Copyrights Selection And Accountability Act

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) board members at the U.S. Copyright Office earlier this year. Pictured (L-R): Ben Glover, Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA); John Shorney, acting-U.S. Register of Copyrights Karen Claggett; NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison; CMPA Board Member, Geoff Lorenz; and Roger Brown.

The U.S. House of Representatives today (April 26) overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1695 by a vote of 378-48 to adopted new rules in selecting the U.S. Register of Copyrights. Also known as “The Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act,” the decision makes the Register of Copyrights a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed position with a 10-year term limit.

The process includes choosing three nominees for the President to select from, one of whom would be appointed as U.S. Register of Copyrights to serve a 10-year term. The bill removes the appointment for the Librarian of Congress. The next step is approval by the U.S. Senate.

NSAI Board members Roger Brown and Ben Glover with Sr. Director of Operations Jennifer Turnbow at the U.S. Copyright Office earlier this year. Acting U.S. Register of Copyrights Karen Claggett and staff look on.

“This action was necessary and ultimately good for songwriters and other creators,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “The new process will help ensure a properly qualified Register and includes a nominating process similar to one recommended by NSAI. This bill makes the Register more accountable to our elected officials and requires Senate confirmation.”

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite commented on the legislation, “At a time when creators constantly must defend their rights, it is critical that the Register of Copyrights is chosen carefully and vetted properly. Making this a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed position not only adds the oversight needed to ensure this critical role is filled by someone up to the challenge, it also elevates the position to where it always should have been – amongst the ranks of the top officials within the administration. Additionally, the 10-year term will assist in maintaining continuity in the role across administrations. Copyright touches every industry and every person, and this bill is a good step towards ensuring the person advising Congress and helping determine policy for songwriters, artists and all creators is the best person for the job.”

Nicole Sherrill Named Creative Director For Little Extra Music

Nicole Sherrill

Little Extra Music has appointed Nicole Sherrill as Creative Director, effective immediately. Sherrill will be responsible for pitching the Little Extra catalog, handling writer scheduling, and continuing to assist President Lisa Ramsey-Perkins with the day-to-day operations of the company. A graduate of Ole Miss, with a major in live performance, her experience brings an added bonus to the artist development aspect of Little Extra Music.

Born and raised in Nashville, Sherrill is the daughter of award winning engineer Billy Sherrill, who has worked on records from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, to the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Chesney. Nicole’s mother Susan worked at EMI and SBK with Jimmy Gilmer.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Little Extra Music family! I’ve always had a passion for songs and the creative process of writers has always captivated me. Connecting a song with the perfect artist is the most rewarding feeling,” said Sherrill.

“Nicole is a huge ball of energy, with a vast knowledge of country music history, and a passion for all kinds of music. She is the perfect gift to Little Extra Music and our writers. We’re so grateful to have her on board!” said Ramsey-Perkins.

Lady Antebellum, CeCe Winans, Moon Taxi Set For Grammy Block Party In Nashville

This year’s Grammy Block Party will be held May 2, beginning at 5 p.m. at Nashville’s Cumberland Park.

Lady Antebellum, CeCe Winans, Anderson East, Moon Taxi and Muddy Magnolias will offer entertainment during the Recording Academy members-only event, which will be hosted by Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Shannon Sanders.

Admission is free for Recording Academy members; guest admission is $50. Recording Academy memberships must be active prior to the event.

Free parking will be available at Nissan Stadium.

Log onto grammypro.com/join or call 615-327-8030 for more information.

Industry Ink: Ocean Way Audio, Abel McCallister Designs, Ten Out Of Tenn

Ocean Way Audio Hosts Demo Event

Pictured: Ocean Way Audio founder Allen Sides, pictured with HR4 and HR2 speakers.

Ocean Way Audio is hosting a special event on May 10 at Vintage King and the House Of Blues Studios in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood. The event will feature Ocean Way founder Allen Sides, who at Vintage King will be holding a series of one-on-one demonstrations of the Ocean Way Audio HR4S and Pro2A speakers and the new RM1-B Ribbon Microphone, playing specially recorded classic tracks from his rich history of recording and mixing.

At 7:00 p.m., the party moves to House of Blues Studios, where OWA, Focusrite and Vintage King Nashville are co-sponsoring an official pre-party for the annual AudioMasters Golf Tournament. Sides and Rick Plushner, President of Ocean Way Audio, will demonstrate the custom 415T monitors, built for T Bone Burnett, in Burnett’s studio space. Attendees will get an in-depth look at these reference monitors along with a Q&A session with Sides and Plushner.

RSVP at oceanwayaudio.com.

 

Abel McCallister Named To BizBash’s Top 40 Event Designers List

BizBash, the national trade media for event professionals, has announced its 2017 list of Top 40 Event Designers in North America today and included Nashville designers Larry Abel and Raymond McCallister of Abel McCallister Designs. Abel McCallister Designs produces events from red carpets and Galas to intimate design experiences and pop-up opportunities. Their design work includes creating events with many clients including Entertainment Weekly, The Grammys, CMA, FOX, L’Oreal, Ragu, Tequila Patron, Sprint, Coachella, SXSW, The Oscars, The Golden Globes, New York Fashion Week, and Godiva Chocolatier.

The Godiva account garnered an appearance for Abel and McCallister on The Oprah Winfrey Show where they created an entire TV set for Oprah out of Godiva chocolate using over 15,000 pieces of chocolate and taking over 1,400 man hours to complete their design.

 

Nashville Ballet And Ten Out Of Tenn Collaborate On ‘Seven Deadly Sins’

The Nashville Ballet will explore two contemporary dance styles in one performance, a ballet set to new music by the singer-songwriter collective Ten Out of Tenn, and another featuring an Aaron Copland score at the world premiere of Seven Deadly Sins with Appalachian Spring May 5-7 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. The performance will feature a genre-bending musical collaboration between Ten Out of Tenn and the Nashville Symphony.

During this unique Ten Out of Tenn reunion show, the artists (Butterfly Boucher, Trent Dabbs, Gabe Dixon, Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, Erin McCarley, K.S. Rhoads, Will Sayles and Amy Stroup) will perform all-new, original music. Rhoads, producer on the project, grouped the artists together to each create a song inspired by one of the seven deadly sins. The Seven Deadly Sins set list features:

  • Pride (Can’t Bury My Weakness) by Butterfly Boucher
  • Greed (This Isn’t What I Got Into It For) by Trent Dabbs and K.S. Rhoads
  • Envy (If Every Wish Came True) by Katie Herzig, Amy Stroup and K.S. Rhoads
  • Sloth (I Feel It Too Much) by Erin McCarley and K.S. Rhoads
  • Gluttony (I Can’t Get Enough Of Everything) by Jeremy Lister, Gabe Dixon and K.S. Rhoads
  • Lust (All That I Want) by Matthew Perryman Jones and K.S. Rhoads
  • Wrath (Like Thunder) by K.S. Rhoads

 

 

Carrie Underwood Receives BMI Board Of Directors Award At NAB Dinner

Pictured (L-R): Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI; Carrie Underwood; Paul Karpowicz, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors & President, Meredith Local Media Group

Carrie Underwood was honored with BMI’s Board Of Directors Award at the 69th annual BMI/NAB Dinner last night (April 25) at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas. Underwood was recognized for the undeniable impact her music has had on the broadcast industry, as well as her contributions as a songwriter. During the event BMI also presented Underwood with the latest three of her 14 career BMI songwriting awards for “Heartbeat,” “Little Toy Guns,” and “Smoke Break.” She was also presented with a whopping nine BMI “Million-Air” Certificates, acknowledging songs that have achieved one million or more spins on radio, bringing her list of Million-Air certificates to a career total of 14.

“Not every superstar is a songwriter, but Carrie is,” said Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President and CEO. “She has earned the respect of her colleagues, not only for her singing, but also for her brilliant songwriting and storytelling, and that is an accomplishment that cannot be overstated.”

“I am beyond blessed to get to do what I do, and am grateful that I am surrounded by such incredible people,” remarked Underwood about the honor. “I love the people that I get to work with — it’s a joy, a pleasure, and a privilege. Thank you so much BMI for everything that you have done for me and my music.“

Past recipients of the BMI/NAB honor include Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Graham Nash, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, and John Williams, among others.

Pictured: Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville, present Carrie Underwood and Carrie-Okie Music with recent BMI Songwriting Awards and Million-Air Certifications

Britney Spears Shows Support For MusicRow’s Rising Women

Following this week’s (April 25) sold-out, sixth annual MusicRow Rising Women On The Row event at the Omni Hotel Nashville, pop superstar Britney Spears shared her encouragement for the honorees with a brief video on social media.

Spears was one of many artists who sent in video messages of support, including Reba McEntire, Mary J Blige, Meghan Trainor, Priyanka Chopra, Reba McEntire and Taylor Hill who are all clients of the event’s featured speaker, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment founder and CEO Lou Taylor.

The six Rising Women On The Row honorees for 2017, who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders, were Kella Farris, Business Manager, Farris, Self & Moore; Juli Newton-Griffith, VP, Magic Mustang/BMG; Kerri Edwards, President, KP Entertainment; Laura Hutfless, CEO and Founding Partner, FlyteVu Agency; Virginia Davis, Managing Partner and Artist Manager, G Major Management; and Tatum Allsep, Founder/Executive Director, Music Health Alliance.

City National Bank served as Presenting Sponsor, as it has since the event’s inception.

The sixth annual ceremony held its largest crowd to date, with nearly 500 attendees. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry attended the Rising Women on the Row breakfast and welcomed the guests with a heartfelt message of empowerment.

CMT’s Sr. VP of Music and Talent Leslie Fram was also on hand to introduce a special performance from Song Suffragette’s singer/songwriter Kalie Shorr, who concluded the event. Shorr offered music from her EP, Slingshot, including a surprise duet with Jamie O’Neal, which featured a mashup of O’Neal’s 2001 co-written No. 1, “When I Think About Angels,” and Tanya Tucker’s 1970’s hit “Delta Dawn.”

In Pictures: T.J. Martell Nashville Best Cellars Dinner, ACM, Bobby Bones, Little Big Town

Music Industry Celebrates 18th Annual Best Cellars Dinner To Benefit T.J. Martell

Pictured (L -R): T.K. Kimbrell, Laura Kimbrell, Keith Browning, Pam Browning, Matt Donahoe, Co-Chair John Esposito, Chantel Esposito, Clint Higham, Co-Chair Eliza Kraft Olander, Big Kenny, Co-Chair Rob Beckham, Melissa Beckham, Chris Johnson, Mary Celeste Beall, Ed McDonald, Jim Clendenen, Nataliia Johnson, John Sanzo. Photo: Jason Davis / Getty Images

The T.J. Martell Foundation celebrated its 18th Annual Nashville Best Cellars Dinner on April 24 at the Omni Hotel. Prepared by chefs John Currence (City Grocery, Bouré, Big Bad Breakfast, Snackbar) and Alon Shaya (Shaya, Domenica, Pizza Domenica), each of the four courses was paired with a world class wine selection offered by the evening’s wine hosts (pictured above). The event netted nearly $225,000 toward funding for innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

 

Academy of Country Music Welcomes Adam Craig

Photo (L-R): ACM Chief Executive Officer Pete Fisher with Adam Craig. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artist Adam Craig to the office while he was in Los Angeles last week. While at the Academy, Craig performed his current single, “Just a Phase,” and songs from his current self-titled EP Adam Craig. Next month, Craig will join Luke Bryan as he launches his Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour with consecutive shows at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and on select dates throughout the summer.

 

Bobby Bones Offers Sold-Out Comedy Show In Nashville

Photo: Alex Ferrari

Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, delivered a sold-out show in Nashville, TN on Saturday night (April 22) during his Funny & Alone Standup Comedy Tour Presented By WSIX at TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater. With tickets selling out in less than an hour at on sale, Bones headlined the night as part of the fourth annual Wild West Comedy Festival.

 

CMT’s Cody Alan Welcomes Little Big Town

Pictured (L-R): LBT’s Phillip Sweet, Cody Alan, Josh Wolf, and LBT’s Jimi Westbrook.

CMT’s Cody Alan teamed with comedian Josh Wolf and Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet on stage this weekend at Zanie’s in Nashville as part of the Wild West Comedy Festival.