Dave Berg Inks New Publishing Agreement

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Singer/Songwriter Dave Berg has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Los Angeles and New York-based Downtown Music Publishing, and his upcoming full length album Not Quite So Alone will be released by Downtown imprint Mercer Street Records.

Berg’s credits as a country songwriter include the No. 1 hits “Somebody” by Reba McEntire, “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” and “These Are My People” by Rodney Atkins, and “Moments” by Emerson Drive. He has received Songwriter of the Year honors from ASCAP, Billboard, and NSAI. In 2007, his co-written song “Stupid Boy” recorded by Keith Urban, earned a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance. Recent activity includes “Wine After Whiskey” which appears on Carrie Underwood’s latest album Blown Away, and “While He Still Knows Who I Am,” which Kenny Chesney cut for Welcome to the Fishbowl.

“Dave is simply an extraordinary talent,” said Justin Kalifowitz, President of Downtown Music Publishing. “In addition to writing some of the biggest Country hits of the past five years, Dave’s latest album is a testament to his craft as a true singer/songwriter. We are excited to be working with Dave and his management team of Martha Earls and Mike Molinar at Big Machine.”

Earls and Molinar will continue to represent Berg locally in Nashville.

Church’s “Chief” Certified Platinum

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Eric Church’s album Chief has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Chief, released in July 2011, debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Country album charts. The album’s third single “Springsteen,” co-written by Church, has been a multi-week No. 1 on the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow charts.

Previous Church albums, Sinners Like Me and Carolina are both certified Gold by the RIAA.

Additionally, Church brought his “Classic Feel Good Mix” to the latest installment of Team Coco’s Rdio mixtape series. Every week, the series  features music selections from Conan O’Brien, Team Coco and Conan’s guests. You can listen to Church’s picks here.

BMLG Adds Canadian Marketing Manager

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Sherry Sinclaire

The Big Machine Label Group and Universal Music Canada have announced the addition of Sherry Sinclaire as Marketing Manager.

In her new role, Sinclaire will oversee production, marketing, sales, and publicity initiatives for BMLG in Canada. She joins Angela Borchetta White, who was recently announced as National Director of Country Radio in Canada, and will be based out of Universal Canada’s Toronto offices.

Sinclaire began her career at Ticketmaster and became one of the first employees at MCA/Universal Concerts Canada’s (Live Nation) Western Canadian offices. She also served with Virgin Records and Warcon Records, working in promotion, marketing and publicity. She has also served as the Canadian Label Manager for Sanctuary Records. Most recently she spent close to four years with TELUS as Marketing Manager/Content Programming, helping the company’s digital music shop become the No. 1 mobile music partner and No. 2 digital retailer in Canada.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Big Machine Label Group. It is an honor to be asked to join a family that passionately believes in their artists,” said Sinclaire. “I look forward to working closely with the team, in conjunction with Universal Music Canada, to ensure that Canada remains an important piece of our artists’ careers.”

Reach her at [email protected] or 416-718-4090.

ACM Lifting Lives Camp In Nashville This Week

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(L-R): Rondal Richardson, Entertainment Industry Relations Manager, Vanderbilt University; Rob Baker, RLB Artist Management; Tree Paine, VP Publicity, Warner Music Nashville; Lori Genes Christian, Capitol Nashville/ACM Lifting Lives Camp PR; David Lee Murphy; Brett Eldredge; Tiffany Moon, ACM Exec. VP/Managing Director; Lorie Lytle, ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp Founder; Dr. Elisabeth Dykens, Director of the Kennedy Center; Doug Casmus, D Management Company; Adam Michael, Director of Development, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp is in session this week in Nashville, where campers from around the country come for music enrichment through performance and education. The camp, a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, has the dual purpose of studying campers with Williams syndrome and other disabilities.

On Monday (6/18), Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy lead campers in a songwriting session, creating “We’re Having a Party,” an original song based on campers’ personal experiences and inspirations. Yesterday Luke Bryan visited the campers during their recording session, where they recorded “We’re Having a Party” with producer Paul Worley. Later that day, Lauren Alaina dropped by and participated in a karaoke event at Winner’s with the campers. Today (6/21) they are scheduled for a campsite cookout with Jana Kramer, followed tomorrow by a performance with Big & Rich at the Grand Ole Opry.

Photo: Getty Images/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

(L-R): Lorie Lytle, Luke Bryan, Tiffany Moon, Kerri Edwards, Rondal Richardson

(L-R): Rod Essig, Lauren Alaina, Tiffany Moon, Lorie Lytle, Rondal Richardson

MusicRowPics: 2012 MusicRow Awards

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MusicRow presented its 24th annual MusicRow Awards yesterday (6/20) in front of a packed house at BMI. The event honors the Top Ten Album All-Star Musician, determined by album credits, and the reader-voted awards Breakthrough Artist, Breakthrough Songwriter, Song of the Year and Producer of the Year. Complete coverage of event here. Photos: Izzynashville.com

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Angaleena Presley Enters EMI, Ten Ten Partnership

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EMI Music Publishing has signed a long-term worldwide publishing agreement with singer, songwriter Angaleena Presley. All future songwriting work will be represented by EMI on a global basis, in partnership with Ten Ten Music.

Presley is a member of Pistol Annies, and co-wrote the band’s debut album Hell On Heels with band mates Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe. The single “Hell on Heels” has been certified gold for 500,000 downloads. Presley also co-wrote Lambert’s current single “Fastest Girl In Town.” She is currently working on solo material and performing with the Pistol Annies throughout the summer.

EMI Music Publishing Nashville’s Ben Vaughn commented, “You just have to listen to Angaleena’s lyrics to hear that she is a classic modern day songwriter whose music connects to anyone that loves authentic music. Everyone at EMI would like to welcome Angaleena and our new partner Ten Ten Music, and we look forward to the bright future of this talented writer and artist.”

Ten Ten Music co-president Jewel Coburn, added, “When Barry and I first met Angaleena we both went ‘wow!’ Several years down the road we helped set her up with Ashley Monroe as writing partners and Ashley introduced Angaleena to Miranda. It was a perfect match! It’s been magical seeing Angaleena grow as a writer and performer, we have believed in her right from start and we continue to support her on this incredible journey.”

“The road from my front porch in Kentucky to Music Row has been long and hard but well worth traveling,” expressed Presley. “I want to thank everyone at EMI and Ten Ten Music for helping make my little songs reach front porch dreamers all over the world.”

Industry Ink (6/21/12)

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Schlitz Inducted Into Hall of Fame, Signs With Sea Gayle
Legendary tunesmith Don Schlitz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 43rd annual Awards Gala on June 14, and was saluted by Kenny Rogers who performed Schlitz’s classic “The Gambler.” Schlitz also recently signed to Nashville-based Sea Gayle Music, whose VP of Creative Mike Owens was in New York for the celebration.

(l-r) are Sea Gayle Music's Mike Owens, Stacey Schlitz, Don Schlitz, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan and Marc Driskill. Photo: Gary Gershoff.

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Debbie Moore

Third Coast Promotes Debbie Moore
Debbie Moore has been promoted to Vice President of Nashville-based Third Coast Talent, where she will focus on artist contracts, press, and media. Third Coast represents Little Jimmy Dickens, Janie Fricke, Jeannie Seely, T.G. Sheppard, and Gene Watson. She joined Third Coast in 2002 as Entertainment Coordinator, and previously worked with BMI for 11 years. She is also a member of Moore & Moore (with her twin sister Carrie) and a songwriter who penned the No. 1 hit “Wish You Were Here” for Mark Wills.

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The Grascals Ink New Booking Deal
The Grascals have signed an exclusive booking agreement with Nashville’s Conway Entertainment Group, headed up by veteran Tony Conway. The Grascals signed to Mountain Home Music earlier in 2012 and released new album Life Finds A Way.

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Jim Havey PR To Rep The Label
The Label, Gary Allan’s high-end men’s boutique in the 12 South district, has retained Nashville-based Jim Havey Public Relations to handle publicity.

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Logan Hall

KY’s Country Music Road to Fame Winner Announced
Logan Hall of Vergie, KY, took home the grand prize in the Country Music Road to Fame talent competition held June 16 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonburg, KY. Hall will have the opportunity to write and record an original song at Tom T. Hall’s studio and participate in a career development course with PCG Nashville.

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Cassidy Departs DSR Entertainment
Kristen Cassidy has exited her position with DSR Entertainment, which oversees the career of David St. Romain. “David is an amazing talent,” said Cassidy. “I wish him happiness and continued success.” Going forward reach her at [email protected].

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Willis Launches Volt Music Group
Manager and Radio Submit co-owner Monte Willis and partner Donnie Dolac have announced the opening of new publishing and management company Volt Music Group. “Many of the high points of my career have come from my work in Nashville and I am very excited to find the right partners in the Doleac family to once again focus on what I love most, working with songwriters,” said Willis. Signings will be announced soon.

Bobby Karl Works The MusicRow Awards

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"You and Tequila" wins Song of the Year. (L-R): MusicRow's Sherod Robertson, Warner/Chappell's Alicia Pruitt, Matraca Berg, her publisher Pat Higdon, UMPG's Kent Earls and Cyndi Forman

24th annual MusicRow Award winners
Breakthrough Songwriters: Johnny Bulford and Phil Barton
Producer of the Year: Frank Liddell
Breakthrough Artist: Eli Young Band
Song of the Year: “You and Tequila,” by Matraca Berg and Deana Carter, published by UMPG and Warner/Chappell

Top 10 Album All Star Musician Awards
Vocals: Perry Coleman
Keys: (tie) Charles Judge and Gordon Mote
Guitar: Ilya Toshinsky
Steel: Paul Franklin
Bass: Jimmie Lee Sloas
Fiddle: (tie) Larry Franklin and Aubrey Haynie
Drums: Shannon Forrest
Engineer: Justin Niebank

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Sherod Robertson honors Eli Young Band's Mike Eli and Jon Jones with Breakthrough Artist.

All photos by Caitlin Rantala. And a thank-you to BMI for hosting.

Chapter 403

Frank Liddell accepts Producer of the Year.

Nothing can compare to the feelings that come when you receive applause from your community, your peers.

The winners of the reader-voted 2012 MusicRow awards all expressed deep gratitude at being recognized by their colleagues. The magazine’s 24th annual presentation of its accolades took place at BMI on Wednesday (6/20).

Producer of the Year winner Frank Liddell said he didn’t feel worthy because, “I look around this room and see musicians and artists and songwriters who I work with who are so great.”

Jon Jones of the Breakthrough Artist award winning Eli Young Band said, “This is one room that understands how many people it takes to get something on the radio.” Added his band mate Mike Eli, “There are a lot of people all over this country who are dreaming of being in this room….Thank you, MusicRow magazine. Thank you, everybody.” Both made the trip from their home in Texas to express their appreciation.

Breakthrough Songwriter winner Phil Barton exclaimed, “I’m just super happy right now. Thank you, Nashville!” He and fellow winner Johnny Bulford were saluted for “A Woman Like You,” the Lee Brice smash they co-wrote with Jon Stone. It was the first No. 1 hit for all three writers, as well as for Brice.

(L-R): Sarah Skates, Jon Freeman, Breakthrough Songwriters Johnny Bulford, Phil Barton and Sherod Robertson.

“This really means a lot,” began Song of the Year winner Matraca Berg. “I wish [co-writer] Deana Carter was here, because we held hands really tightly throughout all the awards shows where we lost. Being voted on by your peers is a real honor.” Their winning song was “You and Tequila,” recorded by Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter.

“I understand that you’re singing tonight,” I remarked to Jeff Hanna before the gig. “I guess you’ll be Kenny for Matraca.” Jeff replied, “Actually, I think I’m Grace to her Kenny.” Matraca did, indeed, sing lead on their awesome, husband-wife performance of “You and Tequila,” with Jeff adding deft guitar work and a harmony vocal. Barton and Bulford also sang their winning song, with the latter’s voice being particularly expressive on “A Woman Like You.”

The magazine’s Musician Awards are based on the number of top-10 albums that each performed on. Charles Judge (keyboards), Ilya Toshinski (guitar) and first-time winner Perry Coleman (background vocals) were delighted to accept. They, too, expressed appreciation for this remarkable community. Toshinski said it best: “I just want to thank this wonderful town.”

Other Musician winners included Paul Franklin (steel), Gordon Mote (keyboards, a tie), Shannon Forrest (drums), Justin Niebank (engineer), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass), Larry Franklin (fiddle) and Aubrey Haynie (also fiddle, a tie).

(L-R): Jon Freeman, Perry Coleman, Charles Judge, Ilya Toshinski, Sarah Skates, Sherod Robertson

Clay Bradley greeted the gathered throng by acknowledging the recent passing of BMI matriarch Frances Preston. “She taught all of us that the greatest assets we have in this town are our creators,” said Clay. He directed the crowd’s attention to the magazine’s current cover subject, Nashville hip-hop artist Chancellor Warhol. Warhol was there to shine a spotlight on a new program called BMI Live, which distributes money to its creators based on live performances at smaller venues.

Breakthrough Songwriters Bulford and Barton perform "A Woman Like You"

“We’re all here for the same reason—we’re passionate about music,” said MusicRow host Sherod Robertson. Underscoring the theme of the reception, he added, “These awards are decided by you, the Nashville music community.” He and the magazine’s Jon Freeman and Sarah Skates presented the honors.

This year’s crowd was bigger than ever. In past years, attendees have seemed to be more interested in babbling with one another than in celebrating any honorees. But this year was different—the crowd was much quieter and more respectful. So kudos to you, Music Row mavens.

That would include Dan Hill, Dan Keen, Dean Unkefer, Dale Bobo, David & Susana Ross, Isabel Ross, John Briggs, Janie West, Jimmy Harnen, Jeff Silbar and singer-songwriters such as Trent Summar, Marcus Hummon, Leah Seawright, Richard Fagan and new Warner Bros. Records signee Charlie Worsham.

Attendee Julie Daniels is firing up a new publishing company. Don Cusic is launching Plowboy Records. Tim McFadden is the new VP of Promotion at Tenacity. And then there are the always newsworthy Arthur Buenahora, Randall Himes, Ben Vaughn, Susan Collier, Sherrill Blackman, Steve O’Brien, Mike Milom, Mike Martinovich, Tony Conway, Billy Block, Cyndi Forman, Alicia Pruitt, Pat Higdon, Kerry Hansen, Kent Earls and Earle Simmons.

For your attendance and your attention, we thank you.

Jeff Hanna and Matraca Berg celebrate the win of "You and Tequila" with an acoustic performance.

The MusicRow team (L-R): Sr. News Editor Sarah Skates, Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Managing Editor Jon Freeman, Marketing Manager Eric Parker, Production Manager/Graphic Designer Caitlin Rantala

 

SESAC Announces Nashville Awards Date

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SESAC will kick off CMA Awards Week 2012 by honoring the top songwriters and publishers in Country and Americana at the 2012 SESAC Nashville Music Awards, which will be held Sunday, October 28 at Pinnacle at Symphony Place.

The invitation-only gala will honor the year’s most popular songs and present special awards for Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, and Publisher of the Year. Attendees will also be treated special performances by some of SESAC’s acclaimed songwriters.

“We are thrilled to be kicking off CMA Week with the SESAC Nashville Music Awards,” said Tim Fink, SESAC’s Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations and the host of the awards. “We treasure our affiliated songwriters and publishers and look forward to honoring their successes. The 2012 SESAC Nashville Music Awards will be a fantastic event with a couple of surprise moments that will be among the week’s most talked about highlights.”

The SESAC Nashville Awards will kick off a whirlwind week of industry events, followed by ASCAP’s 50th Annual Country Music Awards on Monday, October 29, and BMI’s 60th Annual Country Awards on Tuesday, October 30. The 46th Annual Country Music Association Awards take place Thursday, Nov. 1.

Donna Hilley Passes

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MusicRow extends its condolences to family and friends of former Sony/ATV Nashville President and CEO Donna Hilley, who died today (6/20) in Nashville after an extended illness. One of Music Row’s most prominent female executives, she spent 31 years working with Sony/ATV.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Hilley began her career at WKDA, where Tree International founder Jack Stapp was program director. She departed the station after eight years to become the assistant to the president of a Nashville advertising/PR firm. She was there another eight years before rejoining Stapp at Tree International.

Hilley was named EVP and COO of Tree International in 1978, and the company was purchased by Sony in 1989. Hilley negotiated the purchase and assumed the role of President and CEO in 1994. Under her leadership the company made major acquisitions such as Acuff-Rose, Little Big Town, Maypop, and the catalogs of Conway Twitty, Buck Owens, and Merle Haggard.

An active leader in the business community, Hilley served on the board of directors for both ASCAP and the NMPA, as well as the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Country Music Association, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gospel Music Association, and the Recording Academy.

Donna Hilley (R) poses with former ASCAP Sr. VP Connie Bradley (L) and Ronnie Milsap at a charity dance themed around Milsap’s song “Lost In the Fifties Tonight.” Photo: Alan Mayor

Entertainment Weekly ranked her No. 4 in its “Ten Most Powerful People in Country Music” in 1992. Belmont University honored her with its first ever Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence shortly after her retirement in 2005. She became a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

“Donna Hilley’s influence on Music Row’s artists and songwriters and on the broader Nashville community could never fully be expressed with words,” said Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville. “She was an icon in every sense – an inspiring trailblazer for women executives in the music business, a staunch advocate for artists and songwriters and a genuine competitor who was respected, but never underestimated, by her peers. Sony/ATV is forever better because of Donna’s leadership and immeasurable contributions. Our artists, writers and staff grieve today along with her family on the passing of a compassionate leader and great friend.”

Visitation is scheduled for Friday evening (6/22) at Woodlawn Funeral Home. Funeral service is set for Saturday morning (6/23), 11 am at Forest Hills Baptist Church.