Industry Pics: SESAC, Tucker Beathard, Bobby Bones

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SESAC Hosts Reception for Industry Friends and Affiliates

On Tuesday, June 11, SESAC hosted a cocktail reception, sponsored by SunTrust Bank, to celebrate its songwriters and publishers at The NoMad Hotel in New York City. The event was held during a week of festivities surrounding the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony. 

Pictured (L-R): SESAC songwriter Steve Bogard, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, SunTrust Bank’s Dustin Miller and NSAI’s Jennifer Turnbow. Photo: David Scott Holloway

 

Tucker Beathard Premieres New Music Video & Music In Nashville

Warner Music Nashville’s Tucker Beathard premiered the music video for his current single “Better Than Me” for friends, radio, media and industry members in Nashville on Tuesday (June 18.) Guests donned “Jumbo House” hats, as a nod to the role Tucker plays in the video at a burger joint.

 

The Bobby Bones Show Helps Raise $165K For Building Homes For Heroes

Pictured (L-R): The Bobby Bones Show’s Morgan Massengill, Ray Slater, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, Hillary Borden, Lunchbox (Dan Chappell), Christina Buswell, Mike Deestro. Photo: Zack Massey

The Bobby Bones Show, along with The Shop Forward, launched a limited edition patriotic PIMPINJOY clothing line with an aim to raise funds to help build an ADA certified home for Army Specialist Scotty West, who lost both legs while deployed. After just three days, over $165,000 was raised to go toward Building Homes for Heroes in their effort to build a home for West and his family.

West, who joined the military in 2003 and later on suffered a tragic accident during duty, now resides in Arkansas with his two children and has been heavily awarded for his military service in receiving the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. Hear more about West’s story, here.

Steve Schweidel, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Join Vector

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Vector Management has added Steve Schweidel as a full-time manager, bringing with him the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to the Vector roster.

Schweidel’s early career stops included The Hit Factory as a recording engineer. In 2008, he founded Clearview Artist Management, where he began working with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, as well as artists including Bucky Covington, James Otto, Steve Wariner, Will Hoge, and Jo Dee Messina, among others. In 2017, Clearview partnered with Oswald Entertainment Group in a co-management agreement for singer Jewel.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ken Levitan and the amazing team of folks at Vector. It’s an exciting time for me and my artists,” says Schweidel.

Schweidel can be reached at [email protected].

‘The Songwriters’ Second Season Kicks Off June 21

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The Songwriters, a weekly TV series spotlighting members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, will return to Nashville Public Television starting this Friday, June 21. The half-hour interview show will feature behind-the-scenes conversations with a dozen members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as rare performances of some of the most-revered songs in the history of Music City.

This year’s episodes will star Rodney Crowell, K.T. Oslin, Jeffrey Steele, Bobby Braddock, Mark D. Sanders, Aaron Barker, Randy Goodrum, Matraca Berg, Tony Arata, Byron Hill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Craig Wiseman.

The Songwriters is hosted by Ken Paulson, Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University. Previously, he served as the editor and senior vice president/news of USA Today, and as president of the First Amendment Center, Paulson was the host of the Emmy-honored television program “Speaking Freely,” which was seen in more than 60 PBS markets nationwide over five seasons.

“We’re very pleased to share these rich conversations with some of the world’s greatest songwriters,” says Paulson. “Their insights about their art and inspiration make for truly compelling television.”

Jenny Tolman Joins Kinkead Agency Roster

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Jenny Tolman has signed with The Kinkead Agency for booking representation.

Tolman was raised in Nashville and learned to explore herself through her sharp-witted songwriting. She has performed across the country, opening for acts like Alabama, Michael Ray, Brandy Clark, Cole Swindell and others.

Her debut album There Goes The Neighborhood, is due July 19, 2019.

Songwriter Ethan Hulse, Be Essential Songs Top 2019 BMI Christian Awards

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(L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Be Essential Songs’ Holly Zabka and Terry Hemmings, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, 2019 Song of the Year songwriter Ran Jackson, 2019 Songwriter of the Year Ethan Hulse, 2019 BMI Compass Award honoree Elwyn Raymer, Be Essential Songs’ Jamie Rodgers and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen (Photo: Steve Lowry)

It’s a great moment when any songwriter picks up their first BMI Award, but for Ethan Hulse, Tuesday evening’s (June 18) BMI Christian Awards ceremony brought not only his first, but his second, third and fourth BMI honors. The newcomer songwriter also earned the evening’s top award, Songwriter of the Year.

Hulse co-wrote songs including the gold-certified “Old Church Choir” (Zach Williams), “When We Pray” (Tauren Wells), “Whole Heart” (Brandon Heath) and “Word of Life” (Jeremy Camp).

BMI’s Jody Williams, Leslie Roberts and MaryAnn Keen hosted the evening to celebrate the top 25 songs played on U.S. Christian radio over the past year.

“I love celebrating the writers, publishers, and artists at this awards dinner,” said Roberts, Executive Director, Creative. “Every year I am blown away by our performances, and as always, I am honored to present awards to the writers and publishers of this genre.”

Comedian John Crist started the evening, poking good-natured fun at everything from the music industry to Christian weddings.

Mallary Hope, who has penned songs for Danny Gokey and Lauren Alaina among others, performed a song titled “Me,” inspired by her own journey to accept her musical identity. Hope penned “Me” alongside Jeff Pardo and Molly Reed.

Grammy winner Zach Williams has been on a hot streak since his debut single “Chain Breaker” released back in 2016. The song was certified gold and spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian chart, setting a record for the longest time a debut song from a Christian artist has spent at the chart’s pinnacle. He then expanded that chart streak with the followup single “Old Church Choir,” which spent 20 weeks at No. 1. During the BMI event, he offered his gold-certified “Fear Is A Liar.”

Koryn Hawthorne stunned the crowd with her powerful, soulful rendering of “Speak The Name.” Her single “Won’t He Do It” spent 41 weeks atop the Hot Gospel Songs chart. The song earned Hawthorne a Dove Award last year for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year and a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song.

Longtime CCM industry member Elwyn Raymer was honored with the BMI Compass Award for his contributions in the industry.

Song of the Year went to “Reckless Love,” recorded by Bethel Music, penned by Ran Jackson and published by Be Essential Songs and Richmond Park Publishing. The song hit number one on Billboard’s U.S. Hot Christian Songs chart and remained there for 18 weeks. The song spent 68 weeks in total on the chart, with 53 weeks in the Top 10.

Be Essential Songs, publisher home for Hulse and “Reckless Love” writer Ran Jackson, also earned Publisher of the Year, for earning the highest percentage of copyright ownership among the year’s most-performed songs.

Among the company’s published hits are “Different,” “Do It Again,” “Fear Is A Liar,” “God Of All My Days,” “Old Church Choir,” “O’Lord,” “Reckless Love” “When We Pray,” “Whole Heart,” “Word of LIfe,” “Your Love Defends Me,” and more.

A full list of songs honored during the evening are below:

ALL MY HOPE
Ed Cash
Alletrop Music
Map Catalogs

CLEAR SKIES
Ernie Haase
Wayne Haun
Joel Lindsey
Curb Dayspring Music
Ernie Sig Sound Music
Sea Smoke Music
Songs From The Inside
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

COME TO THE TABLE
Dave Frey
Ben McDonald
Curb Dayspring Music
Pencil Prophet Publishing
Run Run Milo
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

DIFFERENT
Micah Tyler
Be Essential Songs
Fair Trade Global Songs

DO IT AGAIN
Mack Brock
Chris Brown
Steven Furtick
Be Essential Songs
Music By Elevation Worship Publishing

FEAR IS A LIAR
Jonathan Smith
Zach Williams
Anthems of Hope
Be Essential Songs
Wisteria Drive Music

GOD OF ALL MY DAYS
Mark Hall
Be Essential Songs
My Refuge Music
Sparrow Song

GOD OF THE STORMS
Gerald Crabb
Christian Taylor Music
Clearbox Benefit
Gerald Crabb’s Songs

GRACE GOT YOU
Solomon Jerome Olds
Moon and Musky Music
Soul Glow Activator Music

HERE HE COMES
Joseph Habedank
Christian Taylor Music
Clearbox Benefit

I JUST NEED U.
Toby McKeehan
Blake NeeSmith
Achtober Songs
Harper and Hudson
House of Emack Music
Map Catalogs
River Oaks Music Company

JOY IN THE HOUSE
Marcia Henry
Barbara Ann Huffman
Christian Taylor Music
Clearbox Benefit
Sunset Gallery Music

OLD CHURCH CHOIR
Ethan Hulse
Zach Williams
Anthems of Hope
Be Essential Songs
EGH Music Publishing
Wisteria Drive Music

O’LORD
Joe Williams
Be Essential Songs
Sound District

POINT TO YOU
Darren Mulligan
Curb Dayspring Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

RECKLESS LOVE
Ran Jackson
Be Essential Songs
Richmond Park Publishing

RESURRECTION POWER
Tony Brown
Ed Cash
Alletrop Music
Bethel Worship Publishing
Capitol CMG Paragon
Map Catalogs
S.D.G. Publishing

SO WILL I (100 BILLION X)
Michael Fatkin (APRA)
Ben Hastings (APRA)
Joel Houston (APRA)
Capitol CMG Paragon

THANKFUL, SO THANKFUL
Lee Black
Scott Inman
Christian Taylor Music
Clearbox Benefit
Sunset Gallery Music

THE COMEBACK
Danny Gokey
Cameron James
BMG Platinum Songs
Creative Heart Publishing
Hello Darling Music

THE GOSPEL
Toby McKeehan
Achtober Songs
River Oaks Music Company

WHEN WE PRAY
Ethan Hulse
Tauren Wells
Be Essential Songs
Crucial Music Entertainment
EGH Music Publishing

WHOLE HEART
Brandon Heath
Ethan Hulse
Be Essential Songs
EGH Music Publishing
Haidaway Music
Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing, Inc.

WORD OF LIFE
Ethan Hulse
Be Essential Songs
EGH Music Publishing

YOUR LOVE DEFENDS ME
Matt Maher
Be Essential Songs
I am a Pilgrim Songs

Music Knox Records Makes Initial Artist Signing With Sykamore

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Pictured: (Back row) Chris Poole (Director of A&R, BBR Music Group), Ben Vaughn (CEO, Warner/Chappell Nashville), Sara Knabe (VP A&R, BBR Music Group), Jake Kennedy (The Anvil), Shalacy Griffin (SVP, Music Knox), Nathan Drake (Dickinson Wright PLLC), Colton McGee (Director of Business and Legal Affairs, BBR Music Group). (Front row) Jon Loba (EVP, BBR Music Group), Sykamore, Michael Knox (Music Knox Records). Photo Credit: Scott Schleiff

Sykamore is the first artist to sign with Music Knox Records, a joint venture between producer Michael Knox and BBR Music Group/BMG.

The vocalist, musician, composer and storyteller moved to Nashville in 2017 after being discovered on Twitter by hit songwriter, Rhett Akins.  Soon after, she signed a publishing deal with Home Team (founded by Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett as a joint-venture with Roc Nation). In 2018, Sykamore self-released an EP titled Self Medicine that has garnered more than 1.4 million on-demand streams to date. Sykamore is managed by Jake Kennedy at The Anvil.

“I’m honored to be the first artist signed to Music Knox,” said Sykamore.  “The passion Michael has brought to this project as A&R and producer is truly amazing, and it makes me so excited for what’s next.  The BBR/BMG family has been incredible, and I can’t wait to work with them and put out some great songs!”

“We couldn’t be prouder to have her as our first signing. When I first heard Sykamore, her voice grabbed my attention immediately. Being a song guy, when I found out that she was a writer on everything I was hearing, it was a no brainer for me,” said Knox. “We are very excited for everyone to hear what we love about Sykamore!”

“We are in awe of Sykamore’s talent and I am thrilled to be a part of this team. There is such an extraordinary depth to her songwriting,” said Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. “She has a unique ability to write universally relatable songs while still weaving in such eloquent and intricate details and then deliver it in such a personal way.”

The Carseland, Alberta, Canada native was raised on a fourth-generation cattle ranch in a house built by her great grandfather. She grew up listening to country music and began writing her own music in 2012. Since then, she has been recognized at songwriting-focused events including the ATB All-Albertan Song Contest, Project Wild, and the Canadian Country Music Association’s annual Discovery Program.

Marty Stuart To Welcome Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Brandy Clark For CMHoF Artist-In-Residence Series

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Marty Stuart has announced a string of guest performers for his upcoming artist-in-residence shows at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Stuart will produce and perform three shows — Sept. 11, 18 and 25, 2019 — bringing with him his Fabulous Superlatives band and friends from his nearly half-century of music making.

See below for the lineup:

September 11: The Pilgrim
Stuart will celebrate the rerelease of his landmark 10th studio album, The Pilgrim (1999), which showcases his songwriting and instrumental talents and tells the story of a man from Stuart’s hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. He will celebrate this 20-year milestone with a host of musical guests including Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris, Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith, Gary Carter and Kristin Wilkinson with her Superlative Strings.

September 18: Psychedelic Jam-Bo-Ree
Stuart will celebrate country music of the 1960s, featuring a line-up of influential artists and musicians including Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman of The Byrds, Connie Smith, Old Crow Medicine Show, Buck Trent, Kenny Lovelace, Jim Lauderdale, the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers and the Fabulous Superlatives.

September 25: Songs That Tell a Story
Stuart will pay homage to country music’s musical stories with an acoustic show. This line-up will feature a number of Nashville’s most influential and revered storytellers including John Prine, Doug Kershaw, Dallas Frazier, Brandy Clark and the Fabulous Superlatives.

Tickets for all three shows are on sale now and can be purchased at CMATheater.com. Tickets for each show range from $39.50 to $85.50 (plus ticketing fees). Sales are limited to four tickets per transaction on a first-come, first-served basis, and are non-refundable. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. The museum’s artist-in-residence program is presented by Carter Vintage Guitars.

Kodi Chandler Promoted To Agent At WME

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Kodi Chandler has been promoted to Agent in WME’s Nashville office. He joins the music department as a country booking agent.

Chandler began his career at WME in 2013 and over the course of his career has assisted in the booking of colleges, arenas and amphitheaters in the South Central and Upper Midwest as well as booking fairs, festivals and corporate events across the country.  The Caddo, Alabama native most recently assisted WME Partner Risha Rodgers with the national and international touring for several artists including Lee Brice, Brett Young, Tyler Farr, Maddie & Tae, Neal McCoy, Mark Chesnutt and others.

Chandler recently graduated from the WME Trainee program, where he held an active leadership role overseeing the WME Speakeasies, quarterly showcases featuring up-and-coming artists intended to build their Nashville presence and maximize exposure to industry personnel. He is an alumnus of the University of North Alabama.

Chandler can be reached at [email protected].

Jamie Cerreta, Casey Robison Named Co-Presidents of Big Deal Music Group

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Casey Robison and Jamie Cerreta

Big Deal Music Group has named Jamie Cerreta and Casey Robison co-presidents of the company. The announcement comes from Kenny MacPherson, who is assuming the new role of Chief Executive Officer. All three executives will continue operating out of the company’s Los Angeles headquarters.

Founding partners MacPherson, Cerreta and Dave Ayers formed Big Deal Music in 2012, after the three had built Chrysalis Music US into an independent powerhouse prior to its sale to BMG in 2010.

“Jamie and Casey have made critical contributions to establishing Big Deal,” said MacPherson, “and it’s clear to us that they’re not only vital to our continued growth, but to the future of the industry generally. These promotions recognize their achievements, as well as the faith that Dave and I have in them as forward-thinking executives.”

Cerreta recently engineered an alliance with Diplo’s Mad Decent, joining My Morning Jacket, Blake Mills, Local Natives, Weyes Blood, FIDLAR, and SWMRS among those he’s brought to the company. After beginning his career in major label A&R, he first joined MacPherson at Chrysalis in 2002.

“I’m thrilled to be trusted with this opportunity by my partners,” said Cerreta, “And I’m very excited to be entering this next phase with Casey.  I’m so proud to be one of the leaders of an independent company, started by friends, who share the belief that we can do something special by always putting the artists and writers first.”

Robison joined Big Deal Music in 2012, moving over from his post at BMI to helm the company’s pop/songwriting division, signing hit-makers John Ryan, Julian Bunetta, Joe London, Jake Sinclair, Teddy Geiger and Danny Parker, to name a few.  A rapid-fire string of chart success that included hit singles for Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, One Direction, Jason Derulo and Pitbull saw him ascend to partner in 2015. Recent chart success includes hits for Panic! At the Disco, Shawn Mendes and Maroon 5. Robison will also continue to serve as co-CEO with Damon Bunetta of Big Family Music, a venture with Family Affair.

“It’s unique to be part of such a special team, founded on common beliefs and trust,” said Robison, who began his career at Chrysalis, with the very same team he will now help lead in directing its future. “The aim is to create a structure and community for writers and artists that’s both supportive and sustainable. Stepping into this leadership role with Jamie is an honor, coming with great responsibility and challenge.  We truly believe we’re building one of the great music companies of the future.”

Ayers, for his part, will continue heading Big Deal’s east coast office in New York, while the company’s remaining partner, Pete Robinson continues as Senior Vice-President/General Manager of the Big Deal Nashville office.

Florida Georgia Line Brings Tourmates For Surprise Performance At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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Florida Georgia Line and guests at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Photo: Courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

On Saturday, June 15, Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard brought along tour-mates Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Canaan Smith for a special visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The group played for the patients and their families ahead of the duo’s 2019 Can’t Say I Ain’t Country tour stop that night in Southaven, Mississippi.

The entertainers offered renditions of their biggest hits, and hung out with patients and their families. They also spoke of the impact the work of St. Jude has had on them, while sharing stories and songs with children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The wives of the performers, including Hayley Hubbard, Brittney Kelley, Hannah Mooney, Abby Smyers, and Christy Smith joined by their friends, Caroline Hobby, Catherine Nail, Gabi McCreery, and Kristen Brust, took time after the show to take a personalized tour of the St. Jude campus.

Morgan Wallen and HARDY meet a St. Jude patient. Photo: Courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

On Saturday, June 15, Florida Georgia Line along with Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Canaan Smith made a special visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo: Courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Canaan Smith performs. Photo: Courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital