Rhythm House Signs Alysa Vanderheym, Promotes Vanna Moua

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Vanna Moua, Alysa Vanderheym

Rhythm House has signed songwriter/producer Alysa Vanderheym to an exclusive publishing deal, and has promoted Vanna Moua from Creative Assistant to Creative Manager.

Belmont University graduate Vanderheym co-wrote Florida Georgia Line’s recent hit “Talk You Out Of It,” and as a Belmont student, received the ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Scholarship.

“We are thrilled to have Alysa as part of our family”, states Roc Nation Executive Vice President, Tamara Conniff. “She’s an extremely talented, multifaceted, multi-genre songwriter/producer and is a trailblazer among women in her field.”

“I am beyond excited to come home to Rhythm House! An hour into our first meeting, four years ago, Jesse Frasure offered me my first publishing deal and he’s been my biggest champion ever since. His guidance as a writer, producer and publisher has been a rare gift. I’m also extremely excited about their partnerships with Roc Nation and Warner Chappell. It is truly a songwriter’s dream to have a team so fearless, dynamic and well-respected across all genres. It doesn’t get much better than this, and I can’t wait to see what we create together,” says Vanderheym.

“Vanna’s enthusiasm, attention to detail and nurturing of our roster has made her a crucial part of the team. We could not do what we do without her,” says VP of Creative, Stevie Frasure. “We are so happy to see her role expand in the Rhythm House family.”

Rhythm House was formed in 2016 as a partnership between Roc Nation and songwriter/producer Frasure, with the help of Warner Chappell’s administration.

FBMM Promotes Two

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Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Michelle Albert to senior account assistant and Elizabeth Beamer to royalty analyst.

“Michelle and Elizabeth have been invaluable additions to our team,” said Jamie Cheek, business manager and owner of FBMM. “We take pride in offering the highest-quality service to our clients, and Michelle and Elizabeth continuously excel. We’re thrilled to recognize their outstanding efforts with these promotions.”

Albert joined FBMM in April 2018 and earned her bachelor’s degree in general accounting from Grantham University in 2017. Beamer joined FBMM in March 2016 and is helping to grow the company’s in-house royalty department; she previously served as a graduate assistant at Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business. She earned her Master of Accountancy from Belmont.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville Signs William Beckmann

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(L-R): Randy Rogers (Big Blind Management), Jess Rosen (Greenberg Traurig), Ryan Beuschel (WCM), William Beckmann, Radney Foster, Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer-songwriter William Beckmann.

Last year, Beckmann released the album Outskirts of Town, which included the Radney Foster-produced track “Leavin’ Town.” Beckmann grew up in Del Rio, Texas, and crafted a musical catalog that mixes the sounds of traditional country, Americana and Latin, with songs in both English and Spanish.

Next year, he will tour alongside artists including Parker McCollum, Radney Foster, and Randy Rogers Band. Beckmann is managed by Randy Rogers and Robin Schoepf at Big Blind Management and is booked by WME.

Abe Stoklasa Inks Deal With Spirit Music Nashville, 2 Mix Music

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Pictured (L-R): Kara Jackson, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville and Owner, 2 Mix Music; Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; Clay Hatton, Administration Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; Abe Stoklasa; Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Scott Safford, Attorney, Safford Motley PLC.

Abe Stoklasa has inked a global publishing agreement with Spirit Music Nashville and 2 Mix Music, Spirit’s joint venture with producer Derek Wells.

Stoklasa is a co-writer on the No. 1 hit “Fix” (Chris Lane), the Top 10 hit “Get To You” (Michael Ray), the Grammy-nominated track “The Driver” and “Leaving Nashville” (both recorded as part of Charles Kelley’s solo album). Stoklasa has also had songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Billy Currington, and penned the title track for Lady Antebellum’s recent album Ocean.

“I couldn’t be more excited to start my next chapter with Derek and Frank and the whole Spirit team,” said Abe Stoklasa. “They’re building a serious powerhouse over there and it’s exciting to get to be a part of it. I feel very encouraged by the fact that my publishers actually make music for a living. I hope to channel their wisdom into a really successful partnership for years to come.

“I’ve been a fan of Abe and his artistry for years,” said Wells. “We’ve shared a lot of time making music together in various scenarios and I’m always blown away by him. His talent and commitment to the craft are completely in line with what’s happening at Spirit Music Nashville and I’m so pleased that we’re now able to partner together on a publishing level. I also feel extraordinarily lucky to have him as the first writer on the 2 Mix Music roster so that now, I get to hear his songs before anyone else!”

“Spirit Music Nashville is thrilled to welcome Abe Stoklasa to the team,”said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Abe has a unique way of taking ordinary life and turning it into extraordinary songs. We can’t wait to see what Abe, 2 Mix Music and Spirit can do together.”

NSAI Promotes Three, Welcomes New Creative Content Manager

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(L-R): Brittni Talley (Director of Events and Marketing), Brooke Perry (Events and Production Manager), Hannah Garey (Accounting and Fulfillment Assistant), Jaclyn Torrento (Creative Content Manager).

The Nashville Songwriters Association International has promoted Brittni Talley to Director of Events and Marketing, Brooke Perry to Events and Production Manager and Hannah Garey to Accounting and Fulfillment Assistant. Jaclyn Torrento has also joined the team as Creative Content Manager.

As Director of Events and Marketing, Talley’s responsibilities will now incorporate a focus on NSAI’s special events including the Nashville Songwriter Awards and Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Former Director of Events and Pro Membership, Lindsay Gum, recently exited the company to pursue personal endeavors. Perry’s role will now oversee all NSAI No. 1 Parties and chart monitoring, in addition to managing logistics for many of NSAI’ s events throughout the year, and Garey will now assist Jennifer Turnbow, Senior Director of Operations, and NSAI Director of Development, Katie Arata, for day-to-day accounting and sponsorship fulfillment needs.

Torrento, the most recent addition to the team, is a Nashville native and graduate of Belmont University in 2014. She brings experience from her time with Cromwell Radio Group, home of the Nashville Predators flagship station, 102.5 The Game, as well as an extensive education from Columbia College in Chicago where she obtained her Master of Arts in Journalism.

“While we are sad to have Lindsay leave us, we couldn’t be happier for her and wish her the absolute best,” said Jennifer Turnbow, Senior Director of Operations. “Brittni has been with the organization for over two years now and has a really good grasp on how our events work, so I am excited to work with her in this capacity with the talents she will bring to this role.  Similarly, Brooke’s position is expanding to allow her further integration into our events and I have complete confidence that she will continue to be a valuable member of the team.  The dominos of these promotions also created an opportunity for Hannah to grow at NSAI taking on vital administrative duties that will be essential to the day-to-day operations of the organization.  Jaclyn’s addition rounds everything out and with her education and background, the future is bright for NSAI’s content and marketing endeavors.”

Warner Music Group And Providence Equity Partners Join Forces To Invest In Music Catalogs

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Warner Music Group has teamed with Providence Equity Partners to invest in recorded music and music publishing catalogs via the platform Tempo Music Investments.

The new venture launches with the acquisitions of selected copyrights from songwriters Shane McAnally, Jeff Bhasker, and Ben Rector.

Providence provided most of the equity for Tempo, which launches with $650 million in equity and debt capacity. Warner will handle music publishing administration as well as recorded music distribution.

Tempo will enlist management company Influence Media Partners to explore investment opportunities and drive catalog performance. The female-founded and operated Influence Media Partners is based in New York City and is led by founder/co-managing partner Lylette Pizarro and co-managing partner Lynn Hazan.

“Music has always been the center of influence and culture, and it begins with great songwriters and artists. We are energized, passionate and confident about the opportunity we have to build a world-class platform supporting a creative community I so deeply care about.” Pizarro said.

“My songs are second only to my kids in creating a legacy that I hope will live on long past me. I found a true trusted partner in Influence Media and their long-term vision for my existing catalogue, as well as our collaboration going forward. It is an incredible time for our newfound partnership, and getting to celebrate the highly anticipated Blake Shelton/Gwen Stefani duet is just the beginning.” McAnally added.

“More than ever before, the long-lasting value of music is being recognized outside the music industry. We’ll be devoted stewards of these amazing catalogs created by songwriters and recording artists across the globe, and WMG is very happy to be partnering with Providence in this pioneering venture,” said Stu Bergen, CEO, international and global commercial services, Warner Music Group.

Josh Empson, managing director at Providence, said, “It is a privilege to partner again with Warner Music Group. We are excited about this innovative new relationship, which combines Providence’s investment expertise in media with WMG’s distinctive skill in working with and recognizing top artists and assets in music. We look forward to partnering with WMG and our investment management team to support creators and build a best-in-class portfolio of music assets.”

Ryman Hospitality To Acquire Texas Property, Home To Austin City Limits

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Ryman Hospitality Properties has entered an agreement with Stratus Properties to acquire Block 21, a 37-story, mix-use complex in Austin, Texas that is home to ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the filming location for Austin City Limits. Block 21, a shopping and cultural center of Austin’s 2nd Street District, is also home to the W Austin Hotel, 3TEN at ACL Live, and nearly 53,000 square feet of other Class A commercial space. Ryman Hospitality will purchase Block 21 for $275 million, including assuming nearly $141 million in existing mortgage debt. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “Block 21 is a one-of-a-kind asset anchored by a world-class theater in one of the most vibrant and culturally significant music destinations in the country. We believe ACL Live, along with the entire Block 21 complex, is a natural complement to our portfolio of iconic entertainment and media assets. Through this acquisition, we have the opportunity to build a relationship with the millions of music lovers who visit Austin each year that will allow us to cross-promote our brands to a new, but related customer. We also believe there are significant opportunities to create content that will position Austin and Block 21 as a must-visit destination for country lifestyle consumers through our new TV platform, Circle, which is set to launch in early 2020.”

William H. Armstrong III, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Stratus, said, “Ryman Hospitality Properties is a great company that understands and respects the strong connection that exists between Austin and its music scene. We think Ryman Hospitality Properties’ expertise in both hospitality and live entertainment, plus their demonstrated stewardship of the iconic Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry makes them the ideal company to usher Block 21 and ACL Live into their next decade.”

Reed continued, “The Stratus Properties team has done a remarkable job supporting their vision for Block 21 with high-quality brands and relationships, like Marriott and Austin City Limits. We look forward to building upon the tremendous momentum they have created with Block 21 and to continuing the close relationship between Austin City Limits and ACL Live at the Moody Theater for many years to come. With our team’s expertise in hospitality, media and entertainment, we believe we are in a unique position to, over time, cement the entire Block 21 complex as a music-centric entertainment and lodging hub with ACL Live at its center.”

ASCAP Launches Comprehensive Wellness Program TuneUp

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ASCAP is launching ASCAP TuneUp, a member program to meet the evolving wellness needs of music creators. With TuneUp, ASCAP becomes the first US performing rights organization to focus heavily on its members’ physical and mental well-being to support their creativity, life balance and longevity.

ASCAP members will receive a range of benefits including access to and significant discounts on innovative services that support mental health, mindfulness, exercise and nutrition. Key strategic partners in TuneUp include: Aaptiv: music-powered, coach-guided digital audio workouts, BetterHelp: easy, affordable, anywhere access to therapists and mental health resources via your digital devices, Daily Burn: access to thousands of workout videos available from your home, Motiv: a fitness and sleep tracker housed in a ring, and Shine: Shine: a self-care app with easy exercises and a supportive community. 

ASCAP TuneUp also announces a strategic partnership with MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, that provides critical assistance to music people in times of need. Together with ASCAP, MusiCares will launch recovery-focused support groups in multiple cities as well as a digital support group that offers services to creators in any location. MusiCares will also serve as an official advisor on ASCAP’s recovery and mental health programs.

The ASCAP TuneUp program will also host wellness events for ASCAP members throughout the year in multiple cities. ASCAP TuneUp wellness events will launch at the organization’s New York City headquarters on Jan. 6 with a “sound bath,” an immersive group meditation experience that utilizes sound from a range of instruments to benefit a participant’s mind, body and spirit. Similar events in Los Angeles and Nashville will follow.

Additionally, the organization is planning a dedicated wellness programming track at the upcoming 2020 ASCAP Experience in Los Angeles, April 1 – 3. It has also hosted a number of other activities over the past month to preview the TuneUp program, including a post-ASCAP Country Music Awards high intensity interval training workout in Nashville (featuring an all-ASCAP playlist), and “Mind Your Business: Mental Health in the Music Industry,” an ASCAP Urban panel discussion in LA.

“Creating music is an all-consuming passion and a labor of love, but you’ve got to take care of your instrument — in the case of music creators, your body, mind and spirit,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “ASCAP has a long commitment to supporting the livelihoods of its songwriters and composers. With TuneUp, we’re taking that one step further. If creating music is your life, we are here to provide the resources you need to be at your creative best. This is just the beginning, and we will roll out more services in the months to come.”

UMPG Nashville, 50 Egg Ink Deal With Shane Minor

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Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Missy Roberts, Shane Minor, Tali Canterbury, Cyndi Forman, Jonathan Singleton, Joey Harris

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has partnered with 50 Egg Music to ink an exclusive global publishing agreement with Shane Minor.

Minor has penned hits including “Chillin’ It” (Cole Swindell), “Live A Little” (Kenny Chesney), “Beautiful Mess” (Diamond Rio), and “International Harvester” (Craig Morgan), as well as songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Rascal Flatts, and more.

Missy Roberts, Senior Creative Director at UMPG Nashville said, “I have long admired Shane Minor as a songwriter and human. He is a true pro and incredible asset to our roster. We are thrilled to partner with Shane and our friends at 50 Egg Music!”

Minor added, ”I’m so excited to be working with the two great teams of UMPG and 50 Egg Music. Having a joint venture with these incredible companies is both humbling and an honor.”

50 Egg’s Jonathan Singleton and Tali Canterbury added: “We couldn’t be happier to officially welcome Shane into our 50 Egg Music family. He is a fantastic writer who has the right personality to get in the room with other writers as well as artists and come out with a hit song. Working with Shane and Universal Music Publishing will be a valuable partnership for our company.”

Canterbury, Singleton and Luke Combs launched the music publishing and A&R venture 50 Egg Music earlier this year.

Rodney Crowell Signs Co-Publishing/Admin Deal With Sheltered Music

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Rodney Crowell has signed a co-publishing and administration deal with Sheltered Music, a division of Blackbird Music Publishing Group, with a joint venture to develop new artist writers. 

With more than 40 years of American roots music under his belt, Crowell has a rich history of songwriting excellence and has written hits for Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and more. The Texas native is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has written 15 number one hits, won two Grammys, and is the author of the acclaimed memoir, Chinaberry Sidewalks. In addition, he is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling book, Kin: Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell. Beyond working with some of the biggest names in country, he has also penned songs for Bob Seger, the Grateful Dead, Etta James, John Denver, and Jimmy Buffett, among others. In 2017, Crowell was honored with ASCAP’s prestigious Founder’s Award.

“It’s a privilege to get to work with Rodney, as writing great songs has always been a major part of his legacy,” commented SVP Darrel Franklin. “It is our goal to add to that iconic resume of success by creating strategic songwriting collaborations and placements for Rodney with major country artists. In addition, we will also be supporting his creative vision in developing new artist talent.” 

“It is my good fortune to collaborate with Lance Freed and Darrell Franklin in a new song publishing venture with Sheltered Music,” said Crowell. “I’m anticipating a thoroughly enjoyable ride.”

Sheltered Music, founded by The Raine Group, Keith Wortman and Blackbird Presents, formed in July 2019 and recently announced an A&R Partnership and creative development deal with producer Dann Huff.