Industry Ink: ACM, Discover Sooner, Jordan James, More

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ACM’s “From Guitar Strum to Income” Event Talks Royalties

Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery (ACM Awards & Membership Manager), Kris Ahrend (The MLC CEO); Lauren Watkins; Caroline Watkins; Jasper Charles; Ellen Truly (The MLC CMO); and Tommy Moore (ACM Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations and Board Administration & Governance). Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music recently welcomed members to its “From Guitar Strum to Income” event. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) CEO Kris Ahrend presented about how mechanical royalties from streaming and download services work and the resources available to songwriters. The MLC is a non-profit designated by the U.S. Copyright Office as a result of the Music Modernization Act of 2018 and works to ensure fair compensation for songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

Nashville songwriters Jasper Charles, Caroline Watkins, and Lauren Watkins followed the presentation with a performance.

 

 

Discover Sooner Announces Publisher Writer Experience with Lee Krabel

Discover Sooner, a company helping songwriters and artists expand their professional network, announced another edition of the Publisher Writer Experience. Lee Krabel, VP of Publishing at SMACKSongs, is the featured guest for this three-month interactive mentoring program.

The Publisher Writer Experience is designed to accelerate songwriter-publisher relationships. Over the three months, songwriters will meet one-on-one with Krabel who advises some of the industry’s top writers including Walker Hayes, Josh Osborne, Emily Falvey, and Josh Jenkins.

“There are all kinds of different ways that I meet writers,” says Krabel. “For the most part, it’s a pretty organic thing. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the Discover Sooner writers.”

“We are very excited to be working with Lee!” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “He is a huge supporter of songwriters and truly wants to help them succeed.”

 

Jordan James Donates $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity Build

Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (2023 Habitat Music Row Build Ambassador and Eclipse Publishing GM), Sherry Stinson (SVP, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville) and Jordan James

Jordan James, an Eclipse Music artist, made a $10,000 donation to the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build fund.

“It was an honor to partner with Habitat on my Christmas on My Mind release,” says James. “Thank you to everyone who contributed. It was really special meeting this year’s recipient, LaShawnda. I’m thankful to play a small part in supporting the incredible work Habitat does in Nashville.”

The 2023 build, set for May 13, is in support of LaShawnda, a single mother of four children ranging in ages from six to 16.

 

Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Raise $47,000 for Music Education in Williamson County

Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Nancy McEachern & Rick McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Sr. Director, Cultural Influence & Gibson Gives), Dendy Jarrett (Executive Director, Gibson Gives), and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine arts, Williamson County)

Many artists who performed during FirstBank Amphitheater’s 2022 concert season participated in the Gibson Gives program by signing a classic Gibson electric or acoustic guitar to be auctioned off to a local cause.

This second annual guitar auction raised over $33,000—adding to the $17,000 from the first year—to give Williamson County a $47,000 donation. Proceeds are earmarked for use by Williamson County Public Schools for music education initiatives.

“We experienced overwhelming participation from performers throughout the season” says Rick McEachern, Owner FirstBank Amphitheater, “It’s very impactful program—15 guitars were autographed and auctioned creating a one-of-a-kind collectible for super fans and helping the next generation of aspiring musicians.”

“We are happy to see Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater program grow and see the impact it is having on local music education in schools,” says Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “This program demonstrates Gibson’s commitment to the Nashville area and helping kids reach for their dreams.”

 

 

Deluge Music Signs Noah Garner

Pictured (L-R): David Robkin (Managing Member, Deluge Music), Noah Garner, Stephanie Greene (President, Deluge Music). Not Pictured: Mark Friedman (Senior Advisor, Deluge Music)

Deluge Music announced the signing of artist/writer Noah Garner to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Garner, originally from Dade City, Florida, has been performing and writing in Nashville since he was 18. Garner joins Danny Myrick, Alexandra Corn, Sam Grow, and more on Deluge’s roster.

 

CMS Nashville Promotes Matthew Forster To President

Pictured: Matt Forster

CMS Nashville promoted Matthew Forster from SVP to President and Partner. This sports and entertainment marketing company partners corporate brands with many of music and sports personalities. Their work includes sponsorships and endorsements with festivals, movies, television shows, and more.

Forster has been the architect behind major deals at CMS during his 9 years with the company. He has worked with Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, and others throughout his tenure. As president, he will continue to expand CMS’s presence in the industry and be involved in researching new technologies for audience and artist engagement. Forster will also lead the expansion of the Nashville personnel team and offices.

Christopher King, CMS’s chairman and CEO states, “Matthew has time and time again proven his ability to build lasting and authentic relationships between CMS clients and artists, events and label partners. His attention to detail and ability to build win-win relationships has helped shape CMS into an invaluable resource for artists, management, labels, events, and team owners. I look forward to watching CMS continue to grow under his leadership.”

“It’s rare to find a company that provides the infrastructure, support, flexibility, and opportunities to succeed,” says Forster, “but that is exactly what CMS has done for me and our team. I’m beyond thankful for all they have provided these past 9 years. It’s a great honor to be given this position, and I am humbled by their faith in me to lead this team and continue to grow the business.”

Caela Griffin
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