Rising Women On The Row Spotlight: 5 Questions With CAA’s Meredith Jones

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Meredith Jones

MusicRow Magazine’s eighth annual Rising Women on the Row event will be held Tuesday, March 26, at Omni Hotel Nashville.

This year’s honorees include Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group, Sr. VP Creative), Janine Ebach (Curb|Word Music Publishing, VP), Kelly Janson (Kelly Janson Management, Manager), Meredith Jones (Creative Artists Agency, Agent), Lenore Kinder (Paradigm Talent Agency, Agent), and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Sr. Director of Operations).

Leading up to the event, MusicRow is spotlighting each honoree with a brief Q&A.

Meredith Jones guides the careers of artists including Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Whiskey Myers, Chase Rice and Tenille Townes. Jones helped strategically navigate Morris’ recently-announced 2019 international GIRL: The World Tour, which sold out in minutes across nearly every market. Overseeing college and university bookings on behalf of the entire music department, Jones and her team book more than 600 dates a year across all genres. She works with radio host Bobby Bones to create opportunities which include sold-out stand-up tours, two No. 1 New York Times best-selling books and television shows such as Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. Jones was named to CAA’s Global Fellows, a leadership development program for agents, and serves as a mentor to the next generation of agents as a Trainee Program Advisor. In 2018, she helped ideate CAA’s THE HUBB, an internship and career-ready college student summit. She is a founding member of both FORWARD, an employee program that provides professional development for women within the company, and the agency’s female-led EVOLVE committee, dedicated to providing the most respectful and safe work environment. She also serves on the Development Committee with PENCIL Foundation and is in the current Leadership Music class.

MusicRow: What is the biggest lesson on leadership you have learned in your career?
To lead is to serve. I walk into the office every day thrilled to be surrounded by a tremendous group of colleagues helping our clients to succeed. CAA’s culture is one of collaboration. I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of this industry. If you pour time and energy into helping to grow one person, I believe it will grow the overall business as a whole.

MR: Who has been one of your biggest mentors, and what have they taught you?
I’ve learned a lot from John Huie, Rod Essig, Marc Dennis, Darin Murphy, and Brian Manning who have led our office in my tenure at CAA. They’ve taught me how to think about my clients long term, not just deal by deal. One of my biggest mentors is in our Los Angeles office, Michelle Kydd Lee (CAA’s Chief Innovation Officer). She has always pushed me outside my comfort zone to be more creative, think bigger, blur the lines, and to give back to the community that supports me.

MR: Describe a time that you took a big risk in your career, and how did it pay off?
I’m lucky enough to work in a place where it’s safe and encouraged to take risks. It was hard for me to choose one story. Here are a few examples:

When I was an Agent Trainee, Chase Rice tapped me on the shoulder at the annual CAA BBQ and we began a conversation about live music. He sent me some incredible songs the next morning. Not technically being in a place to sign anyone, I still felt strong enough to bring him up in a meeting. After playing the demos, the room exploded. I signed him over the course of the following weeks.

On the first record cycle with Maren Morris, we believed that although she was on a country label with country radio support, her music was genre-free. I made it a mission that year to get her on as many multi-genre festivals as we could to make a statement to the industry. We confirmed her on Bonnaroo, ACL, and Bumbershoot that year.

MR: As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, what changes in the music industry excite you the most?

I am grateful that the live music business is thriving and continues to grow year-over-year. I think that we have more tools than ever to make the best strategic deals using analytics from digital media sources.

MR: Favorite Nashville place to hold a business meeting/lunch?

Merchants- cobb salad, no blue cheese.

(City National Bank, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, and Loeb & Loeb are again the Presenting Sponsors for the 2019 Rising Women on the Row.)

Weekly Chart Report (3/22/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Scotty McCreery Celebrates Gold-Certified, Two-Week No. 1 “This Is It”

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Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode

Triple Tigers artist Scotty McCreery scored a repeat chart-topper, and Gold-certified hit, with “This Is It,” the second single from his album Seasons Change. “This Is It” spent two weeks in the No. 1 slot on country radio, and follows the Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes,” which topped the country radio charts in February 2018.

McCreery joined “This Is It” co-writers Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis on Wednesday (March 20) at an industry celebration hosted by ASCAP and BMI. The song marks the first No. 1 for Eshuis, and the first No. 1 for Derek Wells as a producer (and his 50th No. 1 as a musician). Wells is working on a project in Canada and was not in attendance at the event, so Rogers called him from the stage and put him on speakerphone, as the industry crowd shouted congratulations for his first No. 1 as a producer.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Lee Krabel (Senior Creative Director, SMACKSongs); Scott Stem (McCreery’s manager, Triple 8 Management); George Couri (McCreery’s manager, Partner, Triple 8 Management; Partner, Triple Tigers Records); Kevin Herring (SVP of Promotion, Triple Tigers Records); Norbert Nix (Partner/GM, Triple Tigers Records); David Macias (Partner, Triple Tigers Records); and A.J. Burton (VP, Fluid Music Revolution). (L-R, front row): Robin Palmer (SVP Creative, SMACKSongs); writers Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode

“If you had told me a couple years ago we’d be here, I’d have told you, you were crazy. It has been an incredible feeling and an incredible ride,” shared McCreery, who also thanked his wife Gabi, who served as the inspiration for the hit song. “It is easy to write love songs about you baby…appreciate you marrying me and saying yes, otherwise this song might not have made it on the radio,” the singer/songwriter quipped. “‘This is not it’ is not a great title.”

“This is It” was written a few weeks prior to Scotty’s marriage proposal to Gabi, and the video for the track featured footage from their wedding.

Others taking part in the No. 1 party included ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, BMI’s Mary Ann Keen, CRB President and Townsquare Media Sr. VP Kurt Johnson, Triple Tigers’ Norbert Nix, Kevin Herring and George Couri, SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Fluid Music Revolution’s A.J. Burton, CMA’s Brandi Simms, and more.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Lee Krabel (Senior Creative Director, Smack Songs); Norbert Nix (Partner/GM, Triple Tigers Records); Scott Stem (McCreery’s manager, Triple 8 Management); Evyn Mustoe (Associate Director, ASCAP); George Couri (McCreery’s manager, Partner, Triple 8 Management; Partner, Triple Tigers Records); David Macias (Partner, Triple Tigers Records); Mary Ann Keen (Associate Director, BMI); and Kevin Herring (SVP of Promotion, Triple Tigers Records); (L-R, front row): writers Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): Kurt Johnson (President, Country Radio Broadcasters and Senior Vice President, Townsquare Media) speaks about the two-week No. 1 success of “This is It” as writers Scotty McCreery, Aaron Eshuis and Frank Rogers look on. Photo: Ed Rode

BMI Reveals Performers For 2019 Rooftop On The Row Series

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BMI has announced the lineup for its Nashville summer concert series, Rooftop On The Row Presented by George Dickel Tennessee Whisky.

The series launches April 23 at BMI’s Nashville office, with Filmore and HARDY performing during the first of the series’ five concerts.

A Thousand Horses along with Colin Elmore & The Danville Train perform May 15, followed by Aaron Watson and Faren Rachels on June 25, Maddie & Tae and Troy Cartwright on July 23, while Gone West and Mitchell Tenpenny close out the series for 2019 on Aug. 20.

“We are thrilled to announce our line-up for the third annual Rooftop on the Row summer series,” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative. “Each year gets better and better and the series has turned into a must attend event for music industry insiders and VIPs. This series gives attendees the opportunity to witness firsthand the wide array of talent BMI represents. What better way to celebrate the summer than on BMI’s rooftop with a nice George Dickel cocktail and some great music?”

Partners George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, Topo Chico, Sam Adams and Texas Roadhouse are set to provide food and refreshments. Additional sponsors also include Cumulus Media, Lyft, Delta Air Lines, First Tennessee Bank and Yeti.

Rising Women On The Row Spotlight: 5 Questions With Kelly Janson

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Kelly Janson

MusicRow Magazine’s eighth annual Rising Women on the Row event will be held Tuesday, March 26, at Omni Hotel Nashville.

This year’s honorees include Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group, Sr. VP Creative), Janine Ebach (Curb|Word Music Publishing, VP), Kelly Janson (Kelly Janson Management, Manager), Meredith Jones (Creative Artists Agency, Agent), Lenore Kinder (Paradigm Talent Agency, Agent), and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Sr. Director of Operations).

Leading up to the event, MusicRow is spotlighting each honoree with a brief Q&A.

Kelly Janson is a powerhouse machine who does it all. She always sees the glass half full, not afraid to get her hands dirty and never afraid to be told no. She is an artist manager, publisher and songwriter. She manages Chris Janson, who is her husband, Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist and the youngest, living member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris has enjoyed two No. 1 hits, including the career-making debut, “Buy Me A Boat,” which they initially released independently, while in between record label contracts. Kelly’s negotiations to distribute previously unreleased Sony Music masters gave Janson product to sell on the road prior to the explosion of “Buy Me A Boat” and signing his deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2015. Kelly oversees all things career-related for Chris. With her KJM publishing company, which is a co-venture with Warner/Chappell, she signs writers and has also written songs recorded by Chris, Tim McGraw, and Clay Walker, among others. Chris, who is closing in on the release of his third studio album, has been featured in the opening and closing performance slots on the CMA Awards and the ACM Awards, and recently secured an endorsement deal with Hohner Harmonicas and is an ambassador for Bass Pro Shops/Cabelas. Kelly’s industry background includes serving as A&R consultant and television correspondent for a nationally syndicated TV show. The couple wed in 2010 and together, the Jansons have four children.

MusicRow: What is the biggest lesson on leadership you have learned in your career?

Even though it is really hard for me not to handle it all on my own, time management is so crucial in my life, and it goes hand-in-hand with the ability to delegate. I have learned that teamwork makes the dream work. It is so important to surround yourself with people who are ambitious, and who want to win. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find people who are fully invested and willing to work their way up. When you do find them, you need to take care of them. Hard work and accomplishments should be acknowledged and rewarded.

Motivating with positive energy plays a big role. For example, a little bit of healthy competition within the team can help people naturally step up their game. Also, incentives can go a long way when it comes to achieving goals. I never took vacations. I never wanted anyone else to find the next big hit. I feel like it is all happening so fast. If you ever miss out, you get left behind. I act like that now in my business. If I am ever gone, I am still working. I work 24/7.

MR: Who has been one of your biggest mentors, and what have they taught you?
In my personal life, it would be my mother, grandmother, and father. My mother and grandmother taught me to always keep my independence. They said to be strong and educate myself. My mom has always been an entrepreneur and runs her own business. I grew up watching her, and I continue to learn from her every day.

At a very young age, my father said, “Can’t never could.” He taught me to always say you can do it. If you aren’t sure how to do it, then act like you do and figure it out. Be a go-getter. He said to always show up to win. No matter what you are doing in life, give it your best shot.

Music-wise, it would be Phil Gernhard. He was very encouraging and inspiring. He would tell me to stick up for myself. As a young woman first getting into the music business, that was so impactful and important to hear. He respected my views and treated me as an equal.

MR: Describe a time that you took a big risk in your career, and how did it pay off?
“Buy Me A Boat” was originally released independently. I invested my own personal money and released it myself. I even paid for a music video. That was a big risk. It definitely paid off and changed my life in a very positive way.

MR: As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, what changes in the music industry excite you the most?
I’m not sure changes excite me. Music in general excites me. I believe that no matter what changes in our industry, great songs and getting them to our fans is most important. I like how technology helps us do that. Digitally and with social media, artists can reach their audience on a more personal level, and the fans have more access. It can all help create a stronger bond.

MR: Favorite Nashville place to hold a business meeting/lunch?
For me, it all started at the Waffle House in Brentwood. That is where I met my friends Missi and Byron Gallimore, who later became my connection to A&R. I also love lunch meetings at The Palm. It is quiet, great service, and the complementary valet is very convenient.

(City National Bank, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, and Loeb & Loeb are again the Presenting Sponsors for the 2019 Rising Women on the Row.)

Musicians Hall Of Fame And Museum To Honor Legendary Group The Hit Men

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Pictured (L-R): Jeff Ganz, Jimmy Ryan, Lee Shapiro, Russ Velazquez, Steve Murphy. Photo: Bobby Bank

The Hit Men, classic rock’s unique group of legendary side men, have been selected by the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville to receive a Road Warrior award.

Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli’s former musical director), Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon’s former musical director), Russ Velazquez (keyboards/percussion/vocals), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), and Steve Murphy (drums/vocals) are being recognized by the Nashville museum that honors the talented musicians who played on some of the greatest recordings of all time.

Together, the group’s members have recorded or performed with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and members of The Who, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Toto, Journey, The Ramones, and dozens more.

“The Road Warriors, in addition to their work in the studio, also take the music to the people,” says Joe Chambers, founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. “Night after night, month after month, year after year, they are out there keeping the music alive and keeping it real, seldom getting the recognition that they all richly deserve. The Musicians Hall of Fame takes great pride in recognizing THE HIT MEN for their years of dedication to the music, and the countless miles ― which nobody sees ― that they have traveled in delivering so many hits throughout the world.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for the work we’ve each put into our careers supporting the greatest names in the music industry,” says founding member Lee Shapiro. “Hitmakers from every style of music have seen it desirable to book us on their sessions and tours – everybody from classic rock to pop to disco has used THE HIT MEN on their recordings and performances and we’re forever grateful that this prestigious institution would honor us in this way.”

The Hit Men will be celebrating their receipt of the  Road Warrior Award from the Nashville institution with an especially intimate New York homecoming show Saturday, April 27 at the Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., NYC. Visit thecuttingroomnyc.com for more information.

DISClaimer: Hailey Whitters’ “Ten Year Town” Offers Eloquence And Truth

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Hailey Whitters

In a genre infamous for its treatment of female artists, country music’s women command center stage today in DISClaimer.

The top tempo tune belongs to that Irish lass, Mags. A quartet of distaff singer-songwriters pinned my ears back during the listening session. Among them, you’ll find our award winners.

The gifted four are Jenny Tolman, Lauren Jenkins, Rachel Wammack and Hailey Whitters. The DisCovery Award goes to Lauren Jenkins. And give a long overdue Disc of the Day honor to Hailey Whitters.

These are all women you need to get to know. NOW.

LAUREN JENKINS/Running Out Of Road
Writers: Lauren Jenkins/Ingrid Andress/Jessie Jo Dillon/Tina Parol; Producers: Julian Raymond/Lauren Jenkins; Publishers: Super Big/Elle Jae/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Straight From the Art/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Clear Box Rights/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Songs of Blue Bandana/Twentyfourtina, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Languidly pleasing. The tempo drags somewhat, but that allows for clarity in her husky delivery of the lyric. The ringing, extended guitar solo at the fade is ultra cool (thank you, Tom Bukovac). Extremely promising.

AMERICAN YOUNG/Gonna Be You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Lovely. Their voices are like twin pearls in an oyster shell. The production surrounding them is a velvet jewel case. The aching-for-love lyric is poignant and sweet. I’m in.

BRAD PAISLEY/My Miracle
Writers: Brad Paisley/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Arista
– Groove soaked, yet heartfelt. It’s an unabashed love song to his wife with finely polished lyrics. He had me from the opening lines, “This is the gospel, according to me/A tale of whiskey turned to wine.” The icing on the cake is his guitar work.

CORINNE COOK/One Box of Tissues
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CCM
– It’s such a cool title. But the stumbling, oafish, lead-footed production does her no favors. And she has sharp, pitchy vocal problems of her own.

HAILEY WHITTERS/Ten Year Town
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HW
– Eloquence and truth in every perfectly crafted line. If there’s a better song about being an aspiring country female artist, I’ve never heard it. It’s obviously her own story, which makes her dry, ironic delivery all the more touching. The great Brandy Clark is here as her cowriter, but Hailey’s recording deserves its own shining spotlight and a standing ovation. You must hear this. As for me, I absolutely cannot wait for her next album. It’s going to be awesome.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Enough
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Laura Veltz/Sam Ellis; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– She’s so talented. Her ballad “Damage” was a masterpiece. This upbeat follow-up finds her vocally taking wing in a churning, echoey, dense, electronic bed of sonic splendor. I remain a major fan.

CALE DODDS/I Like Where This Is Going
Writers: Cale Dodds/busbee/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: none listed: Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Young romance set to music. Warm sounding, with plenty of verve and enthusiasm. You can practically hear him smiling.

JENNY TOLMAN/Welcome Mat
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; JT
– This woman is a major talent. Her new ballad is effortlessly country, yet with a contemporary, conversational lyric about acceptance and inclusiveness. In these divisive times, she is a voice of gentility, grace and peace. Play this.

MAGS/Run
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: noen listed; Emerald Field
– She’s rocking out, cautioning her heart to get outta Dodge fast, before it falls too hard for a charming ex. This got my heart pumping and my feet tapping from the opening downbeat.

COLT FORD/How To Lose A Woman
Writers: Noah Gordon/Lance Miller/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– His finest effort to date. The cautionary, instructional lyric is loaded with truth. The melody is delicious. His delivery sounds like your buddy on the next barstool telling you things you need to hear. A star-making performance.

Woodstock 50 To Include Plenty Of Nashville Talent

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Woodstock is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a giant festival at Watkins Glen, New York, slated for Aug. 16-18. Performers with Nashville ties who are set to appear include The Ranconteurs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Larkin Poe, Anderson East, The Black Keys, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Soccer Mommy, Judah & The Lion, Brandi Carlile, and Cage the Elephant.

Dead and Company, John Fogerty, Santana, John Sebastian, Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat and Hot Tuna – all acts that took part in the 1969 festival –are part of the upcoming Woodstock 50 anniversary festival.

Tickets for Woodstock 50 will go on sale April 22. Complete information is available on the festival’s website. Woodstock 50 will support causes that represent the issues of the times, including Conservation International, Hiring America, The Dolphin Project, March For Our Lives, and more.

Woodstock 50 Lineup:

Aug. 16:
The Killers
Miley Cyrus
Santana
The Lumineers
The Raconteurs
Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
John Fogerty
Run the Jewels
The Head and the Heart
Maggie Rogers
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Bishop Briggs
Anderson East
Akron
Princess Nokia
John Sebastian
Melanie
Grandson
Fever 333
Dorothy
Flora Cash
Larkin Poe
Brian Cadd
Ninet Tayeb

Aug. 17:
Dead & Company
Chance the Rapper
The Black Keys
Sturgill Simpson
Greta Van Fleet
Portugal
The Man
Leon Bridges
Gary Clark Jr.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
David Crosby and Friends
Dawes
Margo Price
Nahko and Medicine for the People
India Arie
Jade Bird
Country Joe McDonald
Rival Sons
Emily King
Soccer Mommy
Sir
Taylor Bennett
Amy Helm
Courtney Hadwin
Pearl
John-Robert
IAMDDB

Aug. 18:
Jay-Z
Imagine Dragons
Halsey
Cage the Elephant
Brandi Carlile
Janelle Monae
Young the Giant
Courtney Barnett
Common
Vince Staples
Judah and the Lion
Earl Sweatshirt
Boygenius
Reignwolf
The Zombies
Canned Heat
Hot Tuna
Pussy Riot
Cherry Glazerr
Leven Kali
The Marcus King Band
Victory
Hollis Brown
John Craigie
Amigo the Devil
Liz Brasher

Rising Women On The Row Spotlight: 5 Questions With Curb/Word’s Janine Ebach

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MusicRow Magazine’s eighth annual Rising Women on the Row event will be held Tuesday, March 26, at Omni Hotel Nashville.

This year’s honorees include Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group, Sr. VP Creative), Janine Ebach (Curb|Word Music Publishing, VP), Kelly Janson (Manager, Kelly Janson Management), Meredith Jones (Creative Artists Agency, Agent), Lenore Kinder (Paradigm Talent Agency, Agent), and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Sr. Director of Operations).

Leading up to the event, MusicRow is spotlighting each honoree with a brief Q&A.

Janine Ebach launched Word Publishing’s country division in 2013, and has gone on to celebrate multiple No. 1 songs, including the Platinum-selling singles “Sleep Without You” (Brett Young), “Singles You Up” (Jordan Davis), and Gold-selling “Heartache On The Dance Floor” (Jon Pardi) and more recently “Good Girl” (Dustin Lynch). Additional singles and cuts have been recorded by George Strait, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Tim & Faith, Dan + Shay, Lindsay Ell, Randy Houser, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis and more. When Curb Records and Word Entertainment merged in 2018, Ebach was elevated to Vice President, Curb|Word Music Publishing. Ebach’s current roster includes 72 writers across multiple genres. A graduate of Belmont University, Janine Ebach launched her career at THiS Music in 2007 before joining Word Publishing. Ebach serves on the board of the W.O. Smith School and is the current recipient of the AIMP’s Song Champion of the Year Award.

MusicRow: What is the biggest lesson on leadership you have learned in your career?
Empower people. Give them the freedom to be an entrepreneur and everybody wins.

MR: Who has been one of your biggest mentors, and what have they taught you?
Our CEO, Jim Ed Norman. For the last few years I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with him through the company transition, and there is a reason he is a music business legend in this town. He is patient, doesn’t get worked up over small stuff. He’s taught me so much about becoming a better executive, a better leader—even a better person. People love him and respect him. He makes you want to work harder and teaches you life lessons without you even realizing it, he has done so many positive things and is one of the kindest, and most humble humans I know.

MR: Describe a time that you took a big risk in your career, and how did it pay off?
Leaving my first industry job after seven years was extremely tough, we were family. I knew in my heart of hearts it was the right decision and time for me to move onto my next adventure. It was a very tough transition, full of daily doubt, and up hill battles. Somehow, I continued to believe and fight for what I was doing, the writers I had signed, and in myself really. There were days I wasn’t sure how I was going to continue to do it, but those small victories kept me going… then our first radio single, more cuts, singles and songs on the charts and our first No. 1. If I had known then what I know now, I would have stepped out quicker and further and not tried to fight against what was meant to be.

MR: As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, what changes in the music industry excite you the most?
While most think streaming is a negative, I actually see it as a positive. More indie artists are given the opportunity to release music without anyone knowing who they are. More songs are releasing, more folks are looking up old George Strait records, or their favorite song from middle school, because it’s so easily accessed. Music lives on, plays on over and over, and we’re paid based on every time someone listens vs. one record sale or single sale. If we can just get the payments fair, we all win.

MR: Favorite Nashville place to hold a business meeting/lunch?
Breakfast: J. Christopher’s, First Watch, Noshville
Lunch: Thai Isane, Ted’s Montana Grill, Midtown Cafe
Drinks: Flyte, The Hutton Bar

(City National Bank, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, and Loeb & Loeb are again the Presenting Sponsors for the 2019 Rising Women on the Row.)

Warner/Chappell, Altadena Ink Joint Publishing Deal With Ben West

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Pictured (L-R): T.D.Ruth (Serling Rooks), Alison Junker (WCM), Noreen Prunier (Altadena), Ben West, Daniel Lee (Altadena), busbee (Altadena), Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Hit songwriter and producer Ben West has signed a joint worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, and Altadena, busbee‘s music company that launched last year as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records.

In addition to penning songs for hit artists across the pop, country, indie rock, and electronica genres, including P!nk, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Carly Pearce, and JR JR, West has also found wide-ranging success in sync. His work has been featured on numerous high-profile television shows including 13 Reasons Why, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, Parenthood, General Hospital, One Tree Hill, Revenge, Younger, So You Think You Can Dance, and the feature film Bad Moms. His songs have also been placed in advertisements for BMW, Chevrolet, and McDonald’s, among others.

A Michigan-native who has been traveling regularly to Nashville for years, West has worked with many of the town’s top hitmakers. He currently resides in the Detroit area with his wife, Megan, and their four children.