Industry Ink: Elizabeth Matthews, Luke Laird, Tony Esterly, More

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ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews Honored With Sona Warrior Award

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Paul Williams, SONA’s Michelle Lewis and ASCAP’s Elizabeth
Matthews. Photo: Lester Cohen

Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP CEO and champion for the rights of music creators, was honored on Sunday (Oct. 29) at the annual Songwriters of North America (SONA) Warrior Awards Gala in West Hollywood, California.

The SONA Warrior Awards recognize the talent and hard work of individuals known for their high-profile accomplishments within the music industry, and honors their tireless efforts advocating for songwriters’ rights.

During the event, ASCAP Chairman of the Board & President Paul Williams and songwriters/producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis lauded Matthews’ achievements, and hit songwriter MoZella performed “Wrecking Ball.” Video tributes to Matthews featured music industry giants Stephen Schwartz, Ne-Yo, Marcus Miller, Desmond Child, John Platt and Ashley Gorley, among others.

“To be recognized by SONA means the world to me. I know that songwriters are the true musical warriors–unbelievably brave and remaining strong in the face of uncertainty every day as new technology challenges their livelihoods. Yet, songwriters are still able to remain vulnerable and go deep creatively, opening their hearts to write the music that we all love. I am constantly inspired by songwriters and it has been an honor of a lifetime to work for and alongside music creators,” stated Matthews.

Luke Laird Featured In CMHOF’s ‘Poets & Prophets’ Series

CMHOF’s Dave Paulson & Luke Laird. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured songwriter Luke Laird in its in-depth interview series “Poets and Prophets,” which focuses on songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.

The program was hosted by Museum Writer-Editor Dave Paulson in the museum’s Ford Theater and included vintage photos, audio and film clips from Laird’s career. Laird has written more than 20 No. 1s since 2007. His hits include Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand,” Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger,” Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” and Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins’ “Hillbilly Bone.”

As a producer, Laird has worked with Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Thomas Rhett and others as well as co-produced Kacey Musgraves’ albums Same Trailer Different Park , which won a Grammy for Best Country Album, and Pageant Material, contributing six songs that he co-wrote to each album. He also co-wrote the Grammy-winning song “Space Cowboy” on Musgraves’ third major-label album, Golden Hour. Laird’s other accolades include six CMA Triple Play Awards and the ACM’s Songwriter of the Year award.

The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s “Live at the Hall” digital program series, available to stream on the museum’s website.

Tony Esterly Inks With Prescription Songs

Tony Esterly

Tony Esterly has signed with Prescription Songs.

The songwriter, producer, mixer and multi-instrumentalist shares his time between L.A. and Nashville. He has worked with Sia, BTS, Mae Muller, Andra Day, Ashe, NCT 127, Kirby, Raekwon, Yo Gotti, Between Friends, Gavin Haley, Izzy Bizu and The Struts, among others.

Esterly is credited across genres with an emphasis on pop, hip-hop, R&B and alternative. In addition to his production and writing credits, his songs have had commercial placements with Allstate, Aleve, Apple, Audi, Columbia, GAP, Maybelline, McDonalds, Motorola, NordicTrack, Samsung, Tuft + Needle, Uber and Yuengling as well as countless film and TV placements. He is also a music publisher and his company Pray For My Haters currently publishes multiple emerging producer-songwriters.

SongwritingWith:Soldiers Receives NAMM Foundation Grant

SongwritingWith:Soldiers has been named a NAMM Foundation grant recipient.

The organization was selected as one of 24 music organizations to receive a grant to fund vital programs that provide access to music-making opportunities across a variety of different communities and demographics. As one of the recipients, SongwritingWith:Soldiers will utilize the resource to support the organization’s meaningful work with veterans. Since 1994, the annual grant program has donated more than $18 million to domestic and international music education programs, scientific research, advocacy and public service programs related to music-making.

“Programs supported by The NAMM Foundation, including a grant to SongwritingWith:Soldiers, advance music learning for people of all ages and abilities,” says Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director, The NAMM Foundation. “Together, we advance a more musical world based on a shared belief that music is a force for good and connections in our world.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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