FCM Songs Signs Tommy Iceland

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Pictured (L-R): Seth Mosley (President of Full Circle Music), Tommy Iceland, Stacey Willbur (VP of Publishing and A&R at Full Circle Music)

Full Circle Music Songs and writer-producer Seth Mosley have signed Sweden-based singer-songwriter Tommy Iceland.

Iceland’s catalog already includes cuts with artists like We Are Messengers, Stars Go Dim, David Leonard, Jesus Culture and Chris Tomlin. He will join FCM Songs, which is home to writers including former Sanctus Real member Matt Hammitt. In addition to FCM Songs, Full Circle Music serves as a hub for creatives with The Full Circle Music Academy, FCM Records and more.

“Part of our mission for Full Circle Music is to empower artists and writers from all around the world, not just in our backyard,” shares Mosley, President of Full Circle Music. “Signing Tommy is a big step forward for us in becoming an international company and the songs that he is already writing bring such a fresh life and sound to what typically comes out of a music hub like Nashville. We are so excited to partner with Tommy and his family in this new season!”

“I couldn’t be more excited about seeing what’s in store for this God-made partnership,” shares Iceland. “I love the fact that I get to work with people who are not only good friends but also feel like family!”

New music is expected from Tommy in early 2019.

Mosley earned his first Grammy in 2015, for his production work on For King & Country’s album Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. He has helmed No. 1 singles including For King & Country’s “Fix My Eyes,” Francesca Battistelli’s “He Knows My Name,” Jeremy Camp’s “He Knows,” and more. Mosley’s full-service production company, Full Circle Music, has contributed to over 20 No. 1 chart-topping songs and worked with artists, both signed and independent, including Skillet, Mat Kearney, TobyMac, Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Newsboys and country acts like High Valley, Ricky Skaggs and more. The team writes and produces an average of 150 songs each year in their Franklin, Tennessee-based studio.

Big Deal Music Group Inks Admin Deal With Sounds Of Memphis/XL Catalog

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Big Deal Music Group has entered into a long-term worldwide administration deal with Sounds of Memphis/XL Records to represent their publishing catalog and masters.

Established in 1964 by Gene Lucchesi, XL’s initial breakout hit, Sam the Sham & The Pharaoh’s “Wooly Bully,” sold millions of copies and started a run of hits from seminal artists that would fuel the creation of The Sounds of Memphis record label and its inimitable Southern soul sound. Sounds of Memphis/XL cultivated its classic Memphis sound with artists such as The Minits, The Ovations, Barbara & The Browns and Lou Williams and provided a launching pad for some of today’s most successful writers and producers including Allen Reynolds, Jim Cotton, Chips Moman, Dickey Lee, George Jackson and Bob McDill.

“Together these songs greatly contributed to the iconic sound of Memphis in the ’60s and ’70s,” said Kim McCollum-Mele, President of Words & Music, a division of Big Deal Music Publishing Group. “So we are thrilled to be working with Linda to ensure they remain a vital part of the American songbook.” 

“We are so happy to have found a new home for this important collection of songs at Big Deal Music,” said Sounds of Memphis/XL Records head Linda Lucchesi. “We can’t wait to get to work with Kim and everyone at the company to ensure these songs have new life for many years to come.”

John Prine Premieres New Video Featuring Dan Auerbach, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson

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John Prine has released a new video for “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” that features a bevy of special guests, including Dan Auerbach, Dave Cobb, Elizabeth Cook, David Ferguson, Jason Isbell, Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price, Amanda Shires, Sturgill Simpson and more.

The clip, directed by David McClister, was filmed at some of Prine’s favorite places throughout Nashville. The song is from Prine’s new album, The Tree of Forgiveness, which recently debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 54,000 equivalent albums sold in its first week—a career high chart position and sales week for the singer.

The album, his first featuring new material in over 13 years, also debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and No. 2 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart. It was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A, and features special guests Brandi Carlile (harmony vocals), Jason Isbell (electric guitar) and Amanda Shires (fiddle and background vocals).

In celebration of the release, Prine performed the album’s first single, “Summer’s End,” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with Sturgill Simpson and Brandi Carlile. He’s currently on tour in support of the new record and just announced a New Year’s Eve show at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House with Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and special guest Iris DeMent. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 13 at 10:00 am.

Bradley Collins To Exit BMI Nashville

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Bradley Collins

Bradley Collins, Exec. Director, Creative at BMI’s Nashville office, will exit his role this week.

Collins began at BMI 16 years ago, where he rose through the ranks of the performing rights organization and signed artists such as Brett Eldredge, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Anderson East, Aubrie Sellers, songwriter Tommy Cecil, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Kane Brown and others. His responsibilities also include organizing BMI’s popular No. 1 parties and overseeing showcases and events including Buzz at the Basement. He has also been involved with planning BMI’s participation in CMA Fest, SXSW, Tin Pan South and more.

“Bradley Collins’ contribution to BMI over the past 16 years has been pivotal to our success in Nashville,” says Jody Williams, VP, Creative, Nashville. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside him. He has a tremendous ear for recognizing new talent and we wish him much success in the next phase of his career.”

“When I began my career at BMI nearly 16 years ago, I had no idea that I would meet so many incredible people and be given so many amazing opportunities,” Collins says. “Over the last decade and a half I have had the pleasure of playing a small part of the careers of some of the most amazing and talented songwriters, and I’ve also been tremendously blessed to come to know some of the greatest people in the industry. My next career endeavor will allow me to not only identify new talent but also spend time developing it.”

Collins’ last day at BMI is Thursday (July 12). Collins can then be reached at [email protected].

Music Executive Peter Strickland Launches Management Venture

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Pictured: Peter Strickland, Mark Mackay

Former Warner Music Nashville CMO Peter Strickland has opened Marathon Talent Agency and has signed his first client, Mark Mackay. MTA is a full-service artist management and development company focusing on multi-genre talent including country, comedy and pop.

Through the years Strickland oversaw Warner’s roster of platinum-selling artists and spearheaded marketing and sales efforts for Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Jimmy Fallon, Sheryl Crow and others.

“This is a natural progression in my career and when I met Mark Mackay and saw how talented he was and his live performances, I couldn’t wait to work with him and guide his career,” Strickland said.

Mackay is signed to WME, and will make his Nashville debut at The Ryman on July 18 opening for Ted Nugent.

Strickland can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 786-9321.

Plans Underway For Luke Bryan Restaurant And Bar In Nashville

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Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is the latest country artist who will soon have a restaurant in downtown Nashville, according to the Nashville Business Journal. Metro Historic Zoning Commission documents indicate the star is partnering with TC Restaurant Group to lend his name to a restaurant at 301 Broadway in Nashville.

TC Restaurant Group purchased the building at 301 Broadway in March. According to the documents, a design for a new sign at the address bears the name Luke’s 32 Bridge Kitchen + Drink.

Bryan’s new venue will join a string of other star-studded restaurants that have opened in recent years, or are set to open, including venues launched by Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, John Rich and Kid Rock.

TC Restaurant Group also oversees FGL House, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen+Rooftop Bar, as well as Sun Diner, Luigi’s City Pizza and more.

Requests for comment from TC Restaurant Group and from Bryan’s representatives were not returned by press time.

Mason Ramsey To Release Debut EP July 20

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Photo: Nick Swift

Big Loud Records and Atlantic Records’ artist Mason Ramsey will release his debut EP, Famous, on Friday, July 20.

The six-track project includes covers of songs including “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” and “I Saw The Light,” as well as new originals including “Famous,” and “The Way I See It.” Penned by Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder (Chris Young, A Thousand Horses), Sarah Buxton (Chris Lane, Keith Urban), and Canaan Smith (Florida Georgia Line, Love & Theft), “Famous” has sold more than 300,000 copies in the United States.

1. “Famous” (Tyler Hubbard, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith)
2. “Lovesick Blues” (Cliff Friend, Irving Mills)
3. “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” (Hank Williams)
4. “The Way I See It” (Rodney Clawson, Josh Kear, Corey Crowder)
5. “Yo Da Lady Who” (Anthony Olympia, Bobby Pinson, Brent Rupard)
6. “I Saw The Light” (Hank Williams)

Combustion Music To Be Administered Worldwide By Kobalt

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Nashville indie publisher Combustion Music has announced it will be administered by Kobalt Music via a new agreement recently signed by Combustion’s financial partner, Virgo Investment Group.

Chris Farren, Owner and President of Combustion Music said, “I have long been intrigued by Kobalt Music and their cutting-edge administration and creative services. All of us at Combustion are fired up to see the heights to which this partnership can take us.”

“We’re thrilled to have concluded a global administration deal with Kobalt that will maximize efficiencies and revenue for Combustion Music’s exceptional roster of songwriters. Our partnership with Chris and his team has been incredibly successful, and we look forward to an even more productive relationship,” said Scott Guthrie, Managing Director of Virgo Investment Group.

“We’re honored to be working with Combustion, a company that’s been at the pinnacle of the Nashville Independent publishing community for over a decade now.” said Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville. “Farren, Falcon and Kenley have built an incredible company and diverse roster, we’re excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to help grow their company to even greater success.”

Combustion’s partnership with Virgo began in 2014, when the two entered a joint venture and the investment company acquired a portion of the Combustion catalog, including the No.1 hits: “Crash My Party,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and “Play It Again” recorded by Luke Bryan; Jason Aldean’s “Confession”; “Break Up In a Small Town” and “House Party” with Sam Hunt; “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert; “Good Girl” and “Somethin’ in the Water” with Carrie Underwood; Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At”; “Hello, My Name Is” and “Strong Enough” by Matthew West; “Beer Money” by KipMoore; “Hey Girl” and “Do I Make You Wanna” by Billy Currington; “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” by Randy Houser; “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge; “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson; “Rewind” by Rascal Flatts; and “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, among many, many others.

Virgo has brought the Combustion catalog into one77 Music, its new publishing company led by industry veteran Jennifer Blakeman. As one77 President and Chief Creative Officer, Blakeman and her team will provide additional creative services to Combustion Music writers.

Farren founded Combustion Music in 2001 as a venture to develop writers and artists. Over its 17-year history, Combustion artists have earned over 100 No.1 singles in five different genres, multiple Grammys, and CMAs from a catalog and roster including five-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell, co-writer and producer of the Billboard top-selling Country song of 2017, “Body Like A Back Road”; three-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter-Artist of the Year honoree, Matthew West; and chart-topping writers, artists, and producers: Bones Owens, Matt Jenkins, Luke Foley, Jameson Rodgers, Walker McGuire, AJ Pruis, and Everette.

Weekly Register: Luke Combs Tops Country Albums Chart

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Luke Combs tops this week’s country albums chart, with This One’s For You moving 27K, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Dan+Shay‘s self-titled album moved 22K, to land at No. 2 this week. Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town is at No. 3 this week, with 20K, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled project at No. 4 with 16K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller project is at No. 5 with 14K.

On the country digital sales rankings, Florida Georgia Line‘s “Simple” takes the lead with 23K, followed by Dan+Shay‘s “Tequila” at No. 2 with 17K.

BeBe Rexha with FGL’s “Meant To Be” is at No. 3 with 16K. Kenny Chesney‘s “Get Along” is at No. 4 with 15K, while Brett Young‘s “Mercy” rounds out the Top 5 with 13K.

Third Man Releases Nashboro Records Gospel Compilation

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Third Man Records is paying homage to indie gospel label Nashboro Records with the release of Give Me My Flowers, a compilation album of rare cuts from the vintage Nashville label. Give Me My Flowers is available for preorders now and available for purchase this Friday, July 13.

Most active in the 1950s and ’60s, Nashboro grew from a local record shop’s imprint label to one of the leading national voices in gospel music. Its curatorial prowess became legendary under the direction of Rev. Dr. Morgan Babb of the Radio Four, and it became known for its unmistakable lightly-reverbed, clear sound. 

Give Me My Flowers was assembled with producer and journalist Mike McGonigal and transferred directly from the 45 collection of Kevin Nutt (Case Quarter Records, Sinner’s Crossroads radio program). The collection is representative of an overlooked but seminal chapter in Nashville’s music history. These musicians, store employees and businesspeople played a critical role in building the infrastructure for independent music to flourish in Nashville, and the project is a cornerstone in Third Man’s long-term mission to support and highlight the complete music histories of the company’s home states of Tennessee and Michigan.