Belmont University Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Pioneering Songwriting Major

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Pictured (L-R): Doug Howard, Dean Curb College; Bo Thomas; Bob Fisher, Belmont President; James Elliott, Chair of Songwriting Program; Drew Ramsey, Songwriting Professor, James Thiele, Songwriting Professor.

Photos: Belmont University

Belmont University celebrated the 10th anniversary of its successful Songwriting major with an event at its own Ocean Way Nashville studios last night (Sept. 27). The program is one of the nation’s first undergraduate songwriting majors, and is part of the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, headed by Dean Doug Howard.

“Every segment of the music industry can trace its success back to songwriters and their amazing songs without which we would have nothing,” said Howard. “We are proud to celebrate our unique program and faculty that support, encourage, and educate aspiring student songwriters through direct interaction with the world’s finest professional songwriters and music publishers.”

James Isaac Elliott, chair of the songwriting department, said, “What makes this program successful are three key elements: the caliber of award-winning songwriters who teach our students, the challenging and innovative curriculum we offer, and the industry partners who come alongside us in developing the next generation of great writers.”

Among those award-winning faculty members are Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame members Pat Alger and Tom Douglas, who performed last night along with Warner Music Nashville artist/Belmont graduate Devin Dawson, and current students Anna Vaus and Jake Rogers, who already have publishing deals.

Additionally, the celebration featured a special presentation to Dawson. In honor of his success, Warner Music Nashville Chief Operating Officer Matt Signore and Senior Vice President A&R Cris Lacy presented an endowed $25,000 scholarship in Dawson’s name, and the university matched the contribution, creating a $50,000 endowed scholarship.

Currently, 260 Belmont students are majoring in songwriting.

Pictured (L-R): L-R: David Sassano, WMN; Sarah Cates, Belmont; James Elliott, Belmont; Devin Dawson; Cris Lacy, WMN; Matt Signore, WMN; Lisa Ray, WMN; Megan Joyce, WMN; Todd Ramey, Sandbox Management.

The Warner team announces the Devin Dawson Songwriting Scholarship at Belmont University. Pictured (L-R): Matt Signore, WMN; Cris Lacy, WMN; Devin Dawson.

Music Biz Seeks Panel, Presentation, Speakers For May 14-17 Conference At Omni Nashville Hotel

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The Music Business Association has opened its Call for Presentations for its 2018 Music Biz conference, to be held May 14-17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

All submitted topics should present a balanced perspective, with representatives from the commerce, content, and creative communities being given the chance to weigh in on the discussion. Suggested topics of interest can be seen below. Submissions will be considered based on overall quality, focus, and innovation; relevance to the issues facing the music and entertainment industry; sound research and theoretical basis (if applicable); practical implications to the Music Biz audience; and the experience and reputation of proposed speakers.

Those wishing to submit a speaker for consideration rather than a panel or presentation idea can email Nicole Hennessey at [email protected].

The deadline to submit is November 10 at 6 p.m. CT with chosen entries notified by December 8.

Further details can be found at musicbiz.org.

Prime areas of interest for Music Biz 2018 include:
Artists, Labels & Brands
Blockchain & Metadata
Copyright Reform
Direct-to-Fan
DIY
Financial Literacy & Planning
Global Expansion
Live Music Events
Marketing & Public Relations
Merchandising Management
Physical Retail
Playlisting
Professional Development
Public Relations
Publishing
Radio
Royalty Collection
Sync
Social Media
Songwriting

Presentations, case studies, and conversation/interview formats are encouraged, while sales-pitch-oriented presentations will not be considered. There are no fees required to submit a proposal, and Music Biz membership is not required to submit.

‘And The Writer Is…’ Podcast Features Nashville Hitmakers

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Pictured (L-R): David Silberstein, Mark Tindle (Big Deal Music Group), Ashley Alexander (Big Deal Music Group), Ross Golan, Casey Robison (Big Deal Music Group), Joe London, Amber Packer (Big Deal Music Group), Jeremy Levin (Mega House Music)

The acclaimed songwriting podcast, And The Writer Is…, returns for a second season, featuring a special country week with Thomas Rhett, busbee, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell.

The season—which debuts new, hour-long episodes every Tuesday—will additionally feature a lineup including the NMPA’s David Israelite, Jack Antonoff, Babyface, Charlie Puth, Julia Michaels, Claude Kelly, Dan Wilson, Sir Nolan, Lindy Robbins and Mike Posner.

A celebration was held Sept. 27 at the Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, California before hundreds of songwriters and music industry executives and Big Deal Music Group partners. And The Writer Is… host Ross Golan and co-producer Joe London announced the lineup of the new season—which launched earlier that day with Golan’s interview with Antonoff, who recently penned hits for Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent and his own band Bleachers. Gold plaques were presented in commemoration of the podcast’s first season exceeding 500,000 downloads.

Stream or download new episodes at andthewriteris.com, iHeartRadio, iTunes, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

BMI Country Awards To Honor Bob DiPiero And Keith Urban On Nov. 7

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Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Bob DiPiero

Broadcast Music (BMI) will celebrate the extraordinary career of Nashville songwriter Bob DiPiero by naming him a BMI Icon at its 65th annual BMI Country Awards. Keith Urban will be honored with the BMI Champion Award at the invitation-only ceremony.

The 2017 BMI Awards will be hosted on Tuesday, November 7th, in advance of the CMA Awards telecast the following evening. BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill, and Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville will host the event at BMI’s Nashville office.

Throughout the evening, songwriters, publishers and administrators of the past year’s most-performed country songs in the United States from BMI’s repertoire of nearly 13 million musical works will be honored. The BMI Country Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the ceremony.

DiPiero will receive the BMI Icon award in recognition of his unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers over the past 38 years. The BMI Icon Award is presented to songwriters who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the music industry. In receiving the award, DiPiero will join an impressive list of country music’s greatest songwriters including previous recipients Mac Davis, Vince Gill, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Kris Kristofferson and more.

“Since the early 80’s Bob DiPiero, and his songs, have been a consistent and potent influence on country music,” said Williams. “He is a quintessential professional whose work ethic is matched only by his love of life, his fellow songwriters, and his beautiful wife Leslie. He’s a mentor, a friend, and world-class songwriter. He’s the embodiment of a BMI Icon.”

Since first moving to Nashville in 1978, DiPiero has been responsible for an uninterrupted string of country music hits. He’s written over 1,000 songs that have been recorded by top country artists beginning with his very first cut, “I Can See Forever In Your Eyes” by Reba McEntire. His first No. 1 came in 1983 with “American Made,” by The Oak Ridge Boys. The song later became a national ad jingle for Miller Beer, as well as Baby Ruth candy bars. Since then, DiPiero has received many accolades including 50 BMI MillionAir Awards for his country radio staples such as “Gone” (Montgomery Gentry), “Worlds Apart” (Vince Gill), “The Church On Cumberland Road” (Shenandoah), “Daddy’s Money” (Ricochet), “Blue Clear Sky” (George Strait), “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out Of the Girl” (Brooks & Dunn), “There You Are” (Martina McBride) and “Southern Voice” (Tim McGraw).

Other major awards include two CMA Triple Play awards in 1995 and 1996, a BMI Country Song of the Year in 1995 for “Wink” performed by Neal McCoy and a Country Radio Music Award for Song of the Year in 1997 for “Worlds Apart” performed by Gill. In 1998, DiPiero was named Songwriter of the Year at the Nashville Music Awards and in 2007 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville’s Walk of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame honored him with their prestigious “Poets and Prophets Series: Salute to Legendary Songwriter Bob DiPiero” in 2014. That same year, the Country Music Association presented DiPiero with the CMA Chairman’s Award.

Urban’s honor will be received for his work in supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers, as well as his tireless commitment to numerous music education programs such as the CMA Foundation, the Grammy Foundation, the Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund, MusiCares and more. Urban’s All For The Hall benefit concerts have raised over $2.6 million for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and since 2013, the proceeds from his new URBAN™ Guitar Collection have benefited both the Grammy Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund.

“Not only is Keith Urban one of the most talented and prolific songwriters in the industry, but he’s also a true humanitarian,” said Williams. “The BMI Champion Award recognizes his contributions to the music community and his tireless efforts to bring attention to important causes that directly affect the next generation of songwriters.”

Dillon Carmichael Signs Publishing And Artist Deal With Riser House, Preps Debut With Dave Cobb

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Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Lauren Spahn, Shackelford Law; Matt Swanson, Riser House; John Dorris, Hallmark Direction Company; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

Riser House Entertainment has announced the label and publishing signing of country performer Dillon Carmichael. Carmichael is currently in the studio cutting his debut record with highly sought after producer, Dave Cobb.

Carmichael—from Burgin, Kentucky—is the nephew of Eddie Montgomery and John Michael Montgomery. At the age of seventeen, Carmichael was signed by Jennifer Johnson, then with Song Factory Music.

“I knew from the first moment I heard him sing that I had to work with him. I’ve been his champion since the beginning, and here we are seven years later and I believe in him more than ever,” says Jennifer Johnson, now President of Riser House Entertainment. “Kristen Ashley, VP of Creative, has also been rooting for Carmichael from the early Song Factory days and has been an instrumental part in his signing to Riser House.”

Over the past seven years, Carmichael has toured the Southeast, opening for the likes of his musician uncles, Big & Rich, Aaron Lewis and Chris Young. Carmichael is managed by Hallmark Direction Company’s John Dorris.

Riser House Entertainment is also home to recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny in addition to a publishing roster including Michael Whitworth, Dallas Wilson, and Rob Crosby.

Riser House’s Chairman Of The Board Matt Swanson said, “Authentic country fans better hang on to their cowboy hats!”

Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Lilly-June, Dog/Riser House Mascot; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

 

Pictured seated: Dillon Carmichael. Pictured back (L-R): Kristen Ashley, Riser House; Matt Swanson, Riser House; Jason VanAuken, Riser House; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House.

In Pictures: RCA Studio B, Lynn Anderson CMHoF Exhibit

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RCA Studio B Hosts Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green And Connie Smith Discussion

Pictured (L-R): CMHoF Editor Peter Cooper, CMHoF Member Bobby Bare, CMHoF Member Connie Smith, Lloyd Green, Dave Cobb, and Abi Tapia, Senior Manager of Programming, CMHoF. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green and Connie Smith gathered last week at the Historic RCA Studio B to share their perspectives on working at the “Home of 1,000 Hits” in a sold-out program. The studio celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Other hit makers in Studio B included Eddy Arnold, Floyd Cramer, the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Jim Reeves, among others.

 

CMHoF’s Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind Exhibit Reception

Pictured (L-R:) CMHoF CEO, Kyle Young; Lynn Anderson’s daughter, Lisa Sutton; Senior Vice President of Museum Services, Carolyn Tate; Museum Editor, Michael McCall. Photo: Carissa Riccardi for the CMHoF

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum held a reception last night for the new “Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind” exhibition. The exhibit explores the life and career of Anderson, whose Grammy-winning recording of “Rose Garden” was a major crossover hit in 1970. “Lynn Anderson: Keep Me in Mind” is currently open and runs through June 24, 2018.

Lady Antebellum Donates To Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief With Video Premiere

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Lady Antebellum filmed a video for their new single, “Heart Break,” amidst the colorful backdrops of the Spanish colonial buildings and vibrant culture of San Juan, Puerto Rico, so after watching the awful destruction the Hurricane wrought on Puerto Rico they knew they had to do something to help. 

Feeling the urgency to continue raising awareness and support for those affected after Hurricane Maria struck the area, Lady A is premiering the new video across all video platforms today and is making a donation of $200,000 from LadyAID to hurricane relief efforts via MusiCares and United for Puerto Rico. Fans can also take part in the ongoing relief efforts by contributing at LadyAID.org.

“We got to meet so many locals and enjoy everything that Puerto Rico has to offer. We are just completely heart broken to see the devastation,” said Hillary Scott. “We want to do everything we can to support this incredible place and these incredible people. We just hope and pray for their safety and that rebuilding happens quickly. We encourage everyone to give whatever they can to help.”

“We save a portion of every ticket on the road to go toward LadyAID,” added Dave Haywood. “After spending time in San Juan, we fell in love with the area, the culture, the people, and that country—it was just a beautiful place. Our hearts have been completely broken watching the devastation from all of the hurricanes. We feel personally connected to helping support those affected.”

In other Lady A news, the trio’s Live From The Artists Den public television episode, filmed live from the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, NY, premieres on TV nationwide this week. The show will air on select dates on public TV throughout October 17, including on WNPT in Nashville on October 17 at 7 p.m. CT.

Jerrod Niemann Toasts New Album ‘This Ride’

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Pictured (L-R): songwriters Lance Miller, AJ Babcock, Brandon Hood, Rob Hatch, Pete Good, Jerrod Niemann, Corey Crowder, Jimmy Robbins, Luke Dick, Cole Taylor, Joel Shewmake, Jessie Jo Dillon, CJ Solar and Jeff Hyde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Jerrod Niemann celebrated the upcoming release of his album This Ride with an intimate event at Hemingway’s Bar & Hideaway in Nashville on Wednesday night (Sept. 26), where his favorite lyrics from all 13 tracks were on display around the room.

Surrounded by family, friends and the songwriters featured on the project, Niemann said, “It’s an honor to be a part of this community. It was important for me at this event to celebrate the talent and friendship of everyone that poured their heart and soul into this album.”

In anticipation of This Ride, which is due out Oct. 6 via Curb, Niemann recently released videos for the sexy “But I Do,” feel-good anthem “I Got This,” and the heart-wrenching “Comeback.” The album is currently available for pre-order, and fans that purchase will receive four instant grat tracks, including the single “God Made A Woman.”

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke (VP of Promotion, Curb Records), Jim Ed Norman (CEO, Curb Records), Jerrod Niemann, Taylor Childress (VP/GM, Curb Records) and Mike Rogers (National Director of Promotion, Curb Records). Photo: Katie Kauss

Shania Twain’s New Album ‘Now’ Drops Tomorrow

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Shania Twain‘s anticipated brand new album NOW, her first in nearly 15 years, is set for release tomorrow (Sept. 29).

Twain singlehandedly penned every song on the new collection, and worked with four producers across the 16 tracks including Matthew Koma, Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen, Gavin DeGraw), Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes) and Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones).

She has released four tracks in advance, including the latest “We Got Something They Don’t,” “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed,” “Poor Me,” and the leadoff single “Life’s About To Get Good.”

The superstar has a busy release week planned for the new record, with appearances set for The Ellen Show (Sept. 29), NPR’s Dinner Party Download (Sept. 29), NPR’s Sunday Weekend Edition and The Late Late Show with James Corden(Oct. 3).

Shania Twain – NOW Deluxe Track Listing:
1. Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed
2. Home Now
3. Light Of My Life
4. Poor Me
5. Who’s Gonna Be Your Girl
6. More Fun
7. I’m Alright
8. Let’s Kiss And Make Up
9. Where Do You Think You’re Going
10. Roll Me On The River
11. We Got Something They Don’t
12. Because Of You
13. You Can’t Buy Love
14. Life’s About to Get Good
15. Soldier
16. All In All

DISClaimer: Montgomery Gentry Wins Disc of the Day

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Click to read Eddie’s note about the song.

The pattern today seems to be downloads from established stars and physical product from newcomers. Of those downloads, the outstanding submission comes from Montgomery Gentry. “Better Me” wins the Disc of the Day prize. R.I.P. Troy.

Newcomer Russell Dickerson seems to have it all going on. His “Yours” is not only a winning love song, he sings it with enormous power and passion. Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Better Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes (download) 
—Very, very stirring. He’s trying to turn a page on his wilder days and live right. The track cooks with gas, and Troy sings his butt off. How sad and aching that one of the finest recorded performances of the duo’s career comes as a swansong. Play this, and then play it some more.

SARAH ANNE/Tammy Wynette
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; SA 
—It has the tempo of a dying mammoth, but her languid, heartsick performance is on the money. She seeks comfort and solace from a singer who has cried as hard as she does. Who better than the Heroine of Heartbreak, herself?

CHRIS YOUNG/Losing Sleep
Writers: Chris Young, Josh Hoge, Chris DeStefano; Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Goodbye Pants Music, EMI Foray Music, Write 2 Be Free Music, EMI April Music Inc., CDS Words and Music, BMI, SESAC, ASCAP, Adm by Sony/ATV; RCA (download) 
—Golly, this guy can sing. This power ballad exudes sensuous desire, whispered secrets and midnight intimacies. I remain an enormous fan.

CALICO THE BAND/The 405
Writer: K. Proffit; Producer: Steve Burns & Kristen Proffit; Publisher: none listed; California Country (track) (CALICOTHEBAND.com)
—The group is led by a female duo, Manda Mosher and Kristen Proffit. This breezy outing from its Under Blue Skies CD boasts wafting harmonies, sunny steel licks and a gently shuffling tempo. Who knew that traveling on an L.A. freeway could sound so pleasant?

BLAKE SHELTON/I’ll Name the Dogs
Writer: Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Round Hill Songs/Big Loud Proud Songs/WB Music/Thankful For This Music/Big Music Machine, BMI, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (download) 
—Totally cute and totally country. A hillbilly proposal that comes with a wink and a smile. Love it. He remains one of the finest honky-tonk singers on today’s scene.

SMITH & WESLEY/Superman for a Day
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Dream Walkin’ (CDX) 
—The vocals lack oomph. The song is kinda sappy.

COLE SWINDELL/Stay Downtown
Writer: Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (CDX) 
—Extremely well written, slice-of-life lyrics. Minimal melodic qualities.

HOME FREE/In the Blood
Writer: John Mayer; Producer: Darren Rust; Publisher: John Maye/Milky Boy, GMR; Columbia (track) 
—The quintet has always been billed as country’s a cappella ensemble, yet the lead single from its new Timeless collection is a John Mayer tune. But stripping it down to its lyric reveals just how poetic and “country” the song really is. And there’s no getting around the fact that these guys are mighty, mighty singers. Well done.

KELSEA BALLERINI/High School
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River (download) 
—He refuses to grow up beyond a teen mentality. Her superb performance of this wooshy ballad is extraordinarily expressive, subtle and shaded. The sonic background effects are well placed and the soft, shimmering overall audio pallet is just lovely.

RUSSELL DICKERSON/Yours
Writer: Russell Dickerson/Casey Brown/Parker Welling; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers (track) ()
—The album with this title tune isn’t due until next month, but the song is already a streamed and video hit. It soars on the winds of new love and promise. The ballad is evidently becoming a wedding favorite, and I can hear why.

DISCovery winner Russell Dickerson.