Applications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, April 28, 2023 with the official form below. Previously included companies will also be solicited separately.
This ultimate artist resource edition includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity and artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion, and organizations).
Applications for Artist Roster are now closed.
For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
Cody Johnson tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Human.” The touching song was written by Tony Lane and Travis Meadows.
Johnson recently received three nominations for the upcoming 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, making this the most ACM nominations he has ever received and the most nominated Texas-born male artist this year.
“Human” is Johnson’s third MusicRow No. 1, following “‘Til You Can’t” and “On My Way To You.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193842/2023-PR-Shot-Chris-Douglas-scaled.jpg24352560LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-21 11:19:322023-04-21 11:19:32Cody Johnson Takes ‘Human’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Mary Ann Keen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad; (L-R, front row): UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris, Paul DiGiovanni, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Jordan Davis, Ryan Hurd, Matt Dragstrem and UMG Nashville’s David Friedman. Photo: Larry McCormack
Industry members filled a swanky space at the Four Seasons hotel earlier this week to celebrate Jordan Davis‘ No. 1 hit, “What My World Spins Around.”
Davis co-wrote the track with Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd. It was produced by Paul DiGiovanni and appears on Davis’ recently released Bluebird Days album—which was also celebrated, as it has already been certified Gold.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad served as emcee for the party. He bragged on affiliates Davis, Dragstrem and DiGiovanni by giving everyone their impressive stats.
“Jordan has had a big year,” he said of the artist who just received his first ACM Male Artist of the Year nod. “This is his fifth No. 1 song.”
BMI’s Mary Ann Keen was on hand to congratulate Hurd. “I’m really happy to be here to support and celebrate you,” she said.
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Davis, Cindy Mabe and Paul DiGiovanni. Photo: Larry McCormack
Anthem Entertainment’s Noah Dewey was the first of the publishers to speak. He recognized the MCA Nashville promotion staff, Davis’ management Zach Sutton and Callie Bartz, producer DiGiovanni and Davis’ co-writer before turning to Davis.
“Jordan, we’ve been [celebrating you] quite a bit lately. I’m running out of nice things to say about you,” Dewey quipped. “What an amazing last year this has been for you. You’ve crushed it. We’re super happy for you at Anthem and look forward to doing this again soon.”
Big Loud’s Kimberly Gleason was up next. “On behalf of Big Loud, we want to say a big congratulations to Matt, Ryan, Jordan and Paul on this great record,” she said.
Round Hill’s Lindsay Will congratulated also gave kudos to the writers. “Congratulations to all the writers on stage, as well as Cindy [Mabe] and her team at Universal for taking this song to No. 1.”
Big Machine’s Mike Molinar warned the crowd that even though the speeches had been short and sweet up until this point, he wasn’t going to be.
“We all know what a fabulous artist and songwriter that Jordan is. Looking at the trajectory he’s on from ‘Buy Dirt’ to this single to ‘Next Thing You Know,’ it’s not surprising he’s nominated for ACM Male Artist of the Year,” Molinar said. “I don’t publish the guy, but he makes us all so proud that he can be a face of country music.”
Molinar followed his kind words about Davis by talking about BMM writers Hurd and Dragstrem.
“I’m living the dream because I get to work with people like Hurd and Drag,” he said. “These guys are fantastic. The music is fresh and always on point, but they are also just great partners. They’re enthusiastic and the kind of people that you want to show up to work to fight for every day.”
UMG’s Nashville David Friedman was on hand to speak about Davis. He highlighted the members of the Jordan Davis village before turning his thanks to Davis himself. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We promise to give back to you tenfold,” he said. “Thank you for keeping this job fun and proving that nice guys finish at the top.”
Pictured (L-R): Paul DiGiovanni; MusicRow’s LB Cantrell; Jordan Davis, Ryan Hurd and Matt Dragstrem with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Larry McCormack
Producer DiGiovanni told the story of how the “What My World Spins Around” track came together. “The best song finds a way, raises its hand and shows itself,” he shared. He also pointed out that his brand new daughter was present for her first No. 1 party.
Hurd also recognized his family in the crowd, thanking them for their support. He spoke about his and Davis’ careers being closely tethered, sharing that they got their record deals around the same time and have written a lot over the years.
“I’m the first person that Jordan ever co-wrote with in Nashville, so this is such a special full-circle moment for me,” Hurd said. “I’m really proud of you for busting through the ceiling and having all of this success.”
Dragstrem echoed the thanks to the whole team. “No. 1s don’t come all the time. This is not lost on me. Everyone in this room had something to do with the song, so thank you.”
When Davis spoke, he individually thanked his team members. “The saying ‘it takes a village’ gets lost when you say it a lot, but it truly takes an army of people to get to where these songs get heard,” he said. “I hope you know that it’s never lost on me how instrumental y’all are in my career.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of my music career going any better than it has and I couldn’t dream of doing it with better people,” Davis shared.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193903/JordanDavisTradeShot0423-scaled.jpg14092560LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-21 09:58:022023-04-21 09:58:02Jordan Davis Celebrates Recent Chart-Topper ‘What My World Spins Around’
Pictured (L-R, back row): Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde; (L-R, front row): Dan Smyers, Espo, Shay Mooney
Upon the announcement this week of Espo’s retirement, MusicRow celebrates his legacy by revisiting his journey to becoming one of the most revered label heads in Nashville’s music industry history. The below profile on former Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito was originally published in MusicRow‘s 2022 Country Radio & Streaming Issue.
If you’ve been to a music industry event in which Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John “Espo” Esposito speaks, chances are you haven’t forgotten him.
The Pennsylvania native stands tall, and dons glasses with dark, circular frames. He speaks with a slight accent, he’s hilariously witty, and is known for his colorful vernacular. In other words, he swears like a sailor.
Since he arrived in Music City to head up Warner Music Nashville (WMN) in 2009, he’s become unequivocally beloved by artists and industry folk alike. So much so that the powerful label head is affectionately called Espo by all.
John Esposito didn’t set out to be a high-ranking music executive when he started his career.
Pictured: A young Espo sits at his drum set.
He majored in journalism at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, but his passion for music occupied a lot of his time.
“I had no inkling to become a music executive or even make a living in music,” Espo says of his college days. “I was in two bands. I wrote the music editorial for the college paper, I was a disc jockey, and I booked the concerts and coffee houses at the college. Something should have clicked in my head at that point that that was my calling, but I only did it because I’m nutty passionate about music.”
After graduating and spending a few years drumming for a band in Pittsburgh, Espo found himself looking for a job in Washington, D.C. On his way to an interview at a radio station, he saw a help wanted sign at a record store called the Harmony Hut.
“So I became a clerk at a record store for damn near minimum wage. To my good fortune, the second day I was at the store, the regional manager came in and said, ‘What the hell are you doing here? You wanna become the assistant manager of one of my stores and I’ll train you how to be in the record store business?’ And that was how my life took off.”
Espo rose through the ranks at Harmony Hut, continuously getting promoted to bigger stores. “The one thing I remember very specifically is I got free albums and free tickets, and that resonated with me, which I would circle back to years later.”
Soon Espo was recruited to work at Macy’s as a buyer. Years later, one of Espo’s suppliers, Mitsubishi, asked him to come work for them as head of sales for the east coast of their operation.
“I was making a really good living at Mitsubishi, but I was seven years in and was bored shitless. I said to my now ex-wife, ‘I have to get into the music business. That’s my calling. I keep spending all my disposable income on instruments, CDs and concert tickets.’”
Following his passion, Espo called up one of his big customers, The Wiz, to see if they could introduce him to music business executives. They, in turn, asked Espo to run their record department. Espo took the job with hopes that he would make connections at a major label. “Within two years I luckily had three different companies pursuing me. Again, no freaking plan.”
By 1994, Espo had his foot in the door of the music business, landing a job at Polygram where he would advance through high-ranking positions before leaving to become the founding general manager and executive vice president at The Island Def Jam Music Group in 1997.
In 2002 he was named president of WEA, Corp., the sales and marketing arm of the Warner Music Group, where he would spend the next seven years. But while Espo was building his career up north, his guiding light of passion caught an interest in Nashville.
“When I was running The Wiz, some people from Sony knew I was a Mary Chapin Carpenter fanatic and asked me if I wanted to go to the CMAs and see her perform. It was 1993, and that was my first trip to Nashville.
Pictured: Espo, second from right, at his post as the Manager of Harmony Hut in Washington, D.C. circa 1980.
“I had no preconceived notions [about Nashville], but I had no idea I was going to enjoy that show so much,” Espo says. “That night I just fell in love with Nashville. I haven’t missed a CMA Awards since 1993, until the pandemic.”
In 2009, Espo was able to follow his love for Music City when he was tapped to become the first president and CEO of Warner Music Nashville.
“I said yes in a heartbeat. I came down here in September of 2009 and never looked back. I had no idea if I’d be successful as a country record label head, but I knew I was going to give it my all and that I was lucky to get that opportunity.”
At the time, Warner’s country music label in Nashville was struggling, with record sales declining. Blake Shelton had been at the label for eight years, and had seen modest success with five No. 1 records, but wasn’t hitting his maximum potential.
“I looked at the roster and the crew that was operating the company and I thought Blake was my greatest opportunity. I thought, I have to help this team make a statement by putting all our eggs in the Blake Shelton basket.”
It worked. Shelton, who is still a WMN artist, boasts 28 No. 1 hits and multiple Gold and Platinum certifications. Over the past two decades he has accumulated more than 8.5 billion global on-demand streams, 13 million career album U.S. sales, and award wins approaching the hundreds.
“I had to convince people that we could win. If we could start winning with Blake, we could win.”
With Shelton on his way to country superstardom, a refined label staff, and success with several key signings such as Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes, and Cole Swindell, Espo and his WMN team were in the game.
“Suddenly it felt like a lot of weight was off my shoulders. Everybody at the label was becoming prouder and prouder to be part of a team that was starting to get consideration,” Espo says. “I believe that success begets success. Momentum is so hard to create. When you have it, that’s when you hunker down and work even harder.”
While rebuilding the country label, Espo threw himself into the Nashville music business community, joining the CMA and ACM boards, Leadership Music, NARAS, the Mayor’s Music Council, and more.
“I wanted people to know that there may be people who work as hard as me, but there ain’t gonna be anybody who works harder than me. And I wanted them to know I was committed to being part of this community. I didn’t want anybody to think this was one step on my next path. This was it for me.”
In 2016, Espo celebrated a promotion to chairman and CEO of WMN, and Shelton broke a record for the label with 17 consecutive No. 1 songs on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. In 2018, Espo signed another country hitmaker, Kenny Chesney, who celebrated his 34th No. 1 in January.
Pictured (L-R): Espo, Scott Hendricks, Shay Mooney, Blake Shelton, Max Lousada, Gwen Stefani, Dan Smyers and Ashley McBryde attend the 2020 Warner Music Group pre-Grammy party in Hollywood, California. Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Warner Music
“One of the good things I observed from New York before coming here is that, if they do it right, a country artist can have a much longer career than most other genres. But they have to be willing to work as hard after years of success as they did when they started. With Blake and Kenny, when we’re about to launch a project, they’re getting on airplanes and flying to visit radio and streaming companies. They display the same hunger they had when they were first trying to break.”
WMN has seen incredible success in recent years with Dan + Shay, who have garnered nine billion global career streams to date, 42 total RIAA certifications and achieved nine No. 1 singles at country radio.
Dan + Shay’s massive commercial appeal has been, in part, due to their embracing global opportunities—something that WMN is privy to.
“We were the first Nashville-based label to put a full-time international team in place,” Espo says.
With fans around the world taking more and more interest in country music, especially country music with pop sensibilities, Dan + Shay were able to harness this global opportunity.
“If an artist is willing to work—knowing that it’s a grind in the beginning just like the beginning part of their career was—and if they are willing to get on airplanes and go play small clubs [overseas] while at the same time they’re playing arenas in the U.S., they have an opportunity to open up markets. And Dan+ Shay were 100% on board, as was their management team, who understands that opportunity as well. They are the poster children with 9 billion global streams. They’ve topped the charts everywhere.”
In 2019 WMN signed another monumental artist, Gabby Barrett. Her now 5x-Platinum debut single “I Hope” was the most-streamed country song of 2020 and reigned atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a record-breaking 27 weeks. Her follow up, “The Good Ones,” also achieved Platinum certification and spent three weeks at No. 1.
Pictured (L-R): Brett Eldredge and Espo celebrate Glow, Eldredge’s 2016 Christmas album.
“It was an incredibly competitive deal,” Espo says of signing Barrett, who at the time was beginning to make waves with “I Hope” after leaving American Idol. “Every label wanted to sign her.
“I remember people interviewing me pre-pandemic, probably in 2019. We were having success with Gabby and Ingrid [Andress]. They hadn’t chart topped yet, although they were on their way. We were also getting traction with Ashley [McBryde]. And all the questions were about, ‘Did you purposely sign women? Are you crazy for signing women when it’s so tough to break women?’
“Then when we started having success, the questions turned into ‘Is radio making it easier?’ And my answer is, they never make it easy. You’re signing artists. I’m not looking at them as a female artist, a male artist, or a six foot tall artist. Our job is to sign geniuses and we just happen to be lucky that we signed those three.”
In his more than a decade at WMN, some of Espo’s proudest moments are signing his first new artist, Eldredge; Blake Shelton winning CMA’s Entertainer of the Year in 2012; Dan + Shay releasing “Tequila” to massive appeal; welcoming Chesney and Zac Brown Band to the label family, and having Cody Johnson put his faith in WMN, resulting in his massive consumption growth. Just to name a few.
He’s also pretty stoked for WMN’s building remodel on Music Row.
“We wanted to be the major that put a stake in the ground and said, ‘We’re going to be on Music Row,’” Espo says. “[The renovated office building] is going to be so much more artist friendly, so much more inviting to people, and it will still allow us the charm of Music Row.”
Pictured (L-R): Kristen Williams, Espo, Scott Hendricks, Blake Shelton, Ben Kline, Narvel Blackstock and Cris Lacy celebrate RIAA certifications for Shelton
When looking back on Espo’s career so far, and looking forward to the future, one thing is clear: he is led by a desperate passion for music.
“I had no plan other than just keep being successful at what you do so that they’ll keep paying me so I can keep getting tickets,” Espo shares. “[My former boss] Lyor Cohen had a big impact on my life. One of his expressions that I use all the time is: I’ve worked my entire life for an all access backstage pass. That’s the only thing I work for.”
So, how did Espo get his nickname?
“With John being the most common male name on the planet earth, I just decided that being Espo would be easier. When somebody yelled John in a room, a hundred heads would turn. When they say Espo, I’m likely the only Espo in the damn room.”
And with that, Espo has continued to turn heads in every damn room he’s entered during his career. His wit, tenacity, and most of all, passion, have set him apart in his nearly 15 years on Music Row.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193926/3-Espo-Dan-Shay-Ashley-Janson-ACM-Awards-scaled.jpg17072560LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-21 09:14:432023-04-21 09:15:22Becoming Espo: The Story Of Industry Vet John Esposito [Interview]
After all, we’re each half of the population. So in this stack of sounds, we have six featuring female voices and six that are males.
Do you need to ask which half has the better music?
Completely pinning my ears back was Lauren Watkins, who easily wins the DisCovery Award.
The Disc of the Day belongs to ACM New Female Artist nominee Megan Moroney. And it isn’t even a single.
TRACK45 / “Last Man in Tennessee” Writers: Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Geoff Warburton/Casey Smith; Producers: none listed; Label: BBR
– This sibling trio (two sisters & a brother) from Mississippi can sure ‘nuff sing. Their harmonies are perfection. On this witty, feisty kiss-off number, they are a snarky delight. Attitude wins the day.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Have You a Heart” Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– It seethes with burning romance. The piano-based track is firmly rooted in gospel tradition and the voices of these two angels are straight from heaven. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to make music this divine. I love this duo beyond all reason. More, more, more.
HAILEY WHITTERS / “Plain Jane” Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Cary Barlowe; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus
– This kicks serious hillbilly butt. A propulsive tempo catches your rhythmic soul. Her voice remains a priceless county gem. The extremely well written lyric is about self acceptance, no matter how flawed you are. It is high time you started taking this woman’s music seriously.
JUSTIN MOORE & RILEY GREEN / “Everybody Get Along” Writers: Justin Moore/David Lee Murphy/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Brochetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– The outlaw rumble is cool. The lyric is of two buddies who disagree on lotsa stuff, but get along just fine. Both men sound like they are having a ball, and their hillbilly harmony vocal work is stellar.
DOM FLEMONS / “Traveling Wildfire” Writer: Domonique Flemons; Producer: Ted Hutt; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
– He’s formerly a member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, but the new album by Dom Flemons emphasizes his troubadour/songwriter/folkie side rather than the band’s old-time music sound. The title tune is a moody portrait of a bleak, downbeat emotional landscape. It is the album’s title tune, but it’s somewhat plodding. I recommend instead his romantic waltz “Slow Dance With You” from the collection.
KIP MOORE / “Kinda Bar” Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch; Producers: Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston; Label: MCA Nashville
– Kinda sweaty, kinda raucous and kinda loud, this anthemic, good-time stomper praises a “neon dive” that’s just his kinda place. Kip Moore’s Damn Love collection containing this is due a week from Friday.
LAUREN WATKINS / “Shirley Temple” Writers: Lauren Watkins/Nicole Galyon/Meg McRee; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Wow. What a debut. The songwriting here is awesome, and her expressive delivery is spot-on. “You’re sipping Shirley Temples and wondering why you can’t catch a buzz,” she croons in a softly intelligent meditation. So far, she’s issued seven sides, all just as worthy. Absolutely send more.
MEGAN MORONEY / “Girl in the Mirror” Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessie Jo Dillon/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville
– I absolutely adore her “Tennessee Orange” single. Here’s another demonstration that we’re in the presence of a major, major new talent. She gazes into the mirror, but doesn’t recognize her own reflection because he’s bent her all out of shape. “You can’t love the boy more than you love the girl in the mirror,” she sings with a palpable ache in her throat.
RVSHVD / “Reverse” Writers: Christopher Roen Valenzuela/Clintarius Rashad Johnson/Goodwin Alexander Coburn/Kalvin Austin/Michael Paul Ferrucci; Producer: The Dream Addix; Label: Sumerian Records
– It’s one of those hip-hop, country fusion things. Despite the spelling, his name is pronounced “Ra-Shad.”
MICHAEL RAY / “Get Her Back” Writers: Michael Tyler/Dallas Wilson/Jordan James/Lalo; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s gone, and he wants to get her back. But not the way you think—he wants to get her back for the all the bad things she did to him. He sings it well, but the production rocks harder than it needs to.
NESSA LEA / “Wake Up” Writer: Nessa Survant; Producers: Mike Curb/Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
– Bright, poppy and sunny with a semi-Shania vibe. But the message has some shadow, in that she’s telling a no-good guy to change. Promising.
COREY KENT / “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” Writers: Austin Goodloe/Corey Kent/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: RCA Records
– “If something’s gonna kill me, might as well be what makes me feel alive,” he warbles over a driving beat. So he likes drinking and smoking. Whatever….
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193908/Megan-Moroney.jpg10551582Robert K Oermannhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2023-04-20 17:33:292023-04-20 18:54:55DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘Major New Talent’ Megan Moroney Releases Another Smash
BBR Music Group has announced the promotion of Shelley Hargis to VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy.
Previously serving as the VP of Promotion for Broken Bow Records, Hargis will now be responsible for handling all nationally syndicated campaigns and group strategy and promotion for BBR Music Group’s entire artist roster. She will continue to report to SVP of Promotion, Carson James.
Hargis has been with the label group for over two decades. She began her tenure with BBR Music Group as a Southwest Regional of Promotion in 2002, before rising to National Director in 2005. Three years later, she helped to establish the label’s Stoney Creek imprint and later its Red Bow imprint. In 2018, Hargis rose to her most recent post of VP, Promotion for Broken Bow Records, scoring a prolific amount of No. 1 songs and propelling forward the catalogs of Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Lainey Wilson and more.
Throughout her career, Hargis has racked up numerous accolades including a nomination for Country Radio Seminar’s VP of the Year and being named to Country Aircheck/Mediabase’s Power 31. Most recently, she played an integral role in Broken Bow Records being named the No. 1 Air-Play Label of the Year by Country Aircheck/Mediabase.
“I’m so excited to have Shelley in this role,” says James. “Her relentless pursuit of airplay is matched only by her relentless desire to serve our clients’ needs. She continuously looks for creative ways to elevate not only our business, but our partners in radio as well!”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193917/Shelley-Hargis-Headshot-scaled.jpeg25602560LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-20 13:28:172023-04-20 17:29:48BBR Ups Shelley Hargis To VP Of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy
Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Universal Music Publishing’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Rogue’s Blythe Scokin, Arthouse Entertainment’s Gabrielle Kelly and BMI’s Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Jonny Price, Ingrid Andress and Rykeyz. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI.
As light faded from the sky Tuesday evening (April 18), it seemed to only get brighter in BMI as the room readied to celebrate Ingrid Andress‘ No. 1 “Wishful Drinking (with Sam Hunt),” which she wrote alongside Jonny Price, JP Saxe, Lucky Daye and Rykeyz, and produced with Jordan Schmidt.
BMI’s Clay Bradley got the night started, welcoming everyone and calling Andress to the stage.
“We’re so glad you’re here, bringing new voices and new sounds to Nashville. Your music and your vibe are important to the growth of country music,” he expressed to the artist. Bradley also noted that although the pandemic kept her from touring, her music traveled all over, specifically her first No. 1 “More Hearts Than Mine,” motivating her to create even more.
Hunt, Saxe and Daye couldn’t make the celebration, but their presence was surely felt through the excitement surrounding their work, which seem to strengthen the connection between not just the industry facets involved but all those present, as Bradley read a sweet message from Saxe stating, “Congratulations to everyone involved in ‘Wishful Drinking.’ It was a pleasure to write this song, and I only wish I was there to celebrate with y’all. Nashville and the country music community have always made me feel immediately at home, so thank you for continuing to do that through this song.”
Before giving ASCAP’s Duane Hobson the floor, Bradley took a moment to recognize Schmidt, who was unable to attend as well, and his “amazing run of success” as this marked his third No. 1 party in three days.
Hobson began with a vibe check, asking how everyone was, and proceeded with gratitude after he received cheers and claps in response as he gave shoutouts to his ASCAP family and other organizations involved in the project, and congratulated the writers. He then apprised us of Rykeyz and Price’s accolades.
A Berklee College of Music grad, Rykeyz has achieved multi-genre success working with the likes of Demi Lovato, Fantasia, Wiz Khalifa, Cody Simpson and Ne-Yo, among others. The Memphis native produced H.E.R and Skip Marley’s “Slow Down,” which went to No. 1 on the R&B charts and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song.
Price attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, and also has credits across various genres with artists including Liam Payne, Keith Urban, Miley Cyrus, Tim McGraw, Caitlyn Smith, Cheat Codes, Carly Pearce and more.
Prior to introducing Universal Music Publishing’s Cyndi Forman, Bradley acknowledged that Music Row was unable to celebrate Andress’ first No. 1 and thanked everyone for coming.
Forman first thanked the Warner Music Nashville promotion team as well as the management teams involved. She found Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli in the crowd and declared him “one of the best A&R people out there,” sharing that their team loves working with him. Forman then welcomed some of the writers to country music and congratulated all of them. Turning to Andress, she voiced her admiration of “the consistency, the integrity and the sincerity of [her] writing.” Forman continued to address the artist saying, “I hate that Missy Roberts is not here, she deserves to be up here. You know how much she loves you. She’s proud of you, as we all are at Universal.”
Arthouse Entertainment’s Gabrielle Kelly followed with praise for the writers and a few words for Andress from established industry veteran Kara DioGuardi, who expressed her desire to be there and described the impact Andress’ genre-blending work has had on fans and other creators.
After fortifying the communal energy of the event by encouraging anyone who desired to partake in the tequila housed at the bar to do so, Bradley welcomed “the reverend himself,” Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, who thanked BMI for hosting No. 1 parties.
“What I love most about Nashville is that it’s called Music City USA. It’s not called Country Music City. It’s not called Christian Music City. It’s called Music City USA. Today what’s so special is that we get to celebrate a group of songwriters that enhance exactly what our city stands for—supporting great creators in all kinds of genres,” explained Gaston as he moved to congratulate each of the writers and contributors.
Up next was Studio Bank’s Rob Cox who announced that the bank made a special donation on behalf of the songwriters to The Caring for Covenant Fund, which seeks to provide financial support to individuals affected by the tragic events that occurred on March 27 at The Covenant School, upon request from Andress.
Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline was on deck to honor the hit, expressing gratitude for his team and noting the Platinum song’s 300 million global streams and other benchmarks. He shared, “Thank you to all the writers. Ingrid, you are so important and such a piece of the Warner Music family. We’re thrilled to be able to do this and I’m sorry we couldn’t do this the first time.”
Kline proceeded by shouting out all of the people who helped deliver the hit, naming individuals and taking time to specifically recognize Andress’ manager Blythe Scokin. “Blythe was tenacious about not saying ‘no’ when we didn’t think we’d get single rights,” Kline added as he listed Scokin’s faithful efforts and thanked her immensely.
The mic was then turned over to the group of the hour.
Rykeyz kicked off their speeches by thanking everyone involved, as well as his co-writers for his first country No. 1.
“I want to thank the Nashville community for welcoming us. We’re just a bunch of L.A. guys and you guys really just brought us in,” he expressed as he continued to thank individuals who had a hand in the track as well as his career.
Price was next and thanked the artists for, “putting this song on their backs and carrying it up to the mountain peak, that all songwriters and creators dream of reaching.” He pointed out that none of this would be possible without their skilled teams as well as the organizations behind them. He recalled flying to Nashville in the early days of his career to record three of his songs with Larry Beard. He also thanked his family and his wife, “who for 15 years has made [him] feel like a No. 1 songwriter even though this is [his] first.”
Lastly, Andress made her way to the middle of the stage, joking that she always wanted a No. 1 party but never wanted to give a speech.
“The thing that I love so much about this song in particular is that it started in L.A. and ended up here in Nashville. As a somebody who started their songwriting career here while going back-and-forth to L.A., that is very significant for me in the genre I feel like we’re creating together. I think this song really represents where I would loved to see country go,” she shared.
Andress went on to point out her co-writers’ talents and what makes them a dream team. She then expressed her gratitude for Hunt and Scokin in addition to all of her support system and team members. Bradley then brought up Andress’ co-writers of her first No. 1 “More Hearts Then Mine,” Sam Ellis and Derrick Southerland to finally celebrate the hit.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of this crew and this town,” said Ellis as he thanked his colleagues and family.
Southerland reminisced on first learning the song went No. 1, noting that celebrating is way more fun when you are surround by others. He then drew everyone’s attention to his co-writers.
“I think that friendship is a bi-product of success and our success in a bi-product of our friendship. This song is about bringing someone into your world, into your life, into your family and into your home. Thank for bringing me and bringing us into this home of Nashville. Thank y’all for bringing us into this home of BMI.”
He continued to disclose his unconditional appreciation for his loved ones—music family and actual family, touching everyone with pure tenderness as the evening concluded.
“I think that there’s some magic in this town that somehow rubs off in every handshake and in every hug.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193929/unnamed-13.jpg9481240Liza Andersonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLiza Anderson2023-04-20 11:25:522023-04-20 11:43:01Ingrid Andress Commemorates Hits With First No. 1 Party
Pictured (L-R, back row): Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Evyn Johnston (ASCAP), Dennis Reese (RCA Nashville), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Nashville), Kevin Lane (Kobalt Music), Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC), Michael Martin (Endurance Music Group), Shannon Sanders (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Robin Palmer (SMACK). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Kane Brown has had a great month. A few weeks ago, he played to a sold-out crowd during his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Last week he received his first nomination for ACM Entertainer of the Year, on top of four other nominations for Male Artist Of The Year and Single, Music Event and Visual Media Of The Year for his duet with wife Katelyn, “Thank God.”
This week he celebrated his eighth No. 1 hit, “Like I Love Country Music,” which he co-wrote with Jordan Schmidt, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn. BMI held the celebration in their lobby. Executive Director Shannon Sanders presided.
“At BMI, we’re passionate about songwriters. We always enjoy seeing their efforts recognized and celebrating them,” Sanders said. “Today’s event is a testament that great music is a collaborative effort.”
Speaking on collaboration, the four songwriters had BMI, ASCAP and SESAC representatives on hand to support. BMI represents Brown and Phillips, ASCAP works with Schmidt and SESAC reps McGinn.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Clay Bradley (BMI), April Britt (Studio Bank), Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Aaron Dorn (Studio Bank), Shannon Sanders (BMI), Leslie Roberts (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Ron Cox (Studio Bank). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
“Kane, it’s amazing to watch your star rise and to watch it burn brighter and brighter,” Sanders said. “We’re also super proud to represent another super talented, hit songwriter on this stage: Taylor Phillips,” Sanders added. “‘Like I Love Country Music’ is Taylor’s fourth No. 1 and his third with Kane.”
ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston was on hand to celebrate with Schmidt. “I can always pinpoint a Jordan track. They have a vibe and sound amazing,” she shared. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1.”
SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill spoke about affiliate McGinn. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1,” she said. “We’re very proud of you and we love you.”
Next up it was time to hear from the publishers, starting with UMPG’s Cyndi Forman. She kept it short and sweet. “You guys wrote a fun, uptempo song that says something. Don’t we ask that of you every day?” she said. Phillips quipped, “Every day!”
Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn was up next to speak on Phillips, who he referred to as “Captain Hook.” “I’ve been told that writing with Taylor is like sitting across from a verbal machine gun,” Vaughn said. “Everyone should be aware that Taylor Phillips is on fire in country music.”
Endurance’s Michael Martin was on hand to talk about Schmidt. “We just started working with Jordan a few months ago, but we’ve seen first hand how hard he works. Being around his talent has been an absolute joy and a blast for our team.”
Robin Palmer from SMACK Songs joined the stage to give kudos to McGinn. “We’ve worked together for 10 years, which is kind of a record in publishing,” she said to him. “I absolutely love Matt. He always puts in 100%.”
Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, who also works with McGinn, shared, “I haven’t worked with Matt as long as Robin has, but I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with someone who works as hard and cares as much as Matt does.”
Now partnered with BMI, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox was on hand for a presentation. The bank made a contribution to a charity close to Brown’s heart, the Boys & Girls Club, in honor of the song.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Jordan Schmidt, Kane Brown, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
To represent Brown’s label, RCA Nashville’s Dennis Reese spoke about his relationship Brown. Reese recognized the entire Sony team, Martha Earls and her team at Neon Coast and the songwriters.
“This is our eighth No. 1 song together, KB,” he said. “We celebrate these eight together with so much excitement at what is still to come.”
By the time the men of the hour spoke, it was clear which roles they each take in a co-write. Brown sets the intentions for the song, Schmidt brings all the tracks and vibes, Phillips supplies the hook and McGinn polishes the tune until it shines.
When he spoke, Schmidt thanked Brown, his family and publishers. “I want to thank Kane for cutting this song and bringing it life,” he said. “I would like thank Taylor Phillips for always having ideas and always throwing them at you—almost violently. I would like to thank Matt McGinn for setting the bar so high that it normally takes two or three sessions to finish a song.”
McGinn echoed Schmidt’s thanks for the team. He also thanked his publishers and friends, and he also made sure to recognize producer Dann Huff for his work. “I find it serendipitous that the records that made me love country music were made by him, and now most of the records that have changed my life and kept me in country music are made by him.”
Phillips spoke about his journey to becoming a hit songwriter, thanking gatekeepers for both the “yes’s” and the “no’s.” “I’ve been told ‘no’ in this town way more than I’ll ever be told ‘yes,’ but these moments, sitting up here on this stage when you do get a ‘yes’, is enough to keep going.”
When the man of the hour spoke, he talked about his friendships with Schmidt, McGinn and Phillips. “These guys are my boys. We started out together,” he said. “Thank you to everyone that’s here.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06193947/Kane-publishers-scaled.jpg19082560LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-20 09:13:492023-04-20 09:13:49Kane Brown & Co-Writers Toast To Another Chart-Topper, ‘Like I Love Country Music’
John “Espo” Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus, steps down from his role at the label effective today (April 19) to happily embrace retirement.
Esposito sent out an email to the Warner team letting everyone know he was stepping down as Chairman Emeritus, a role he assumed at the beginning of 2023.
The email reads:
Dear Warner Music Nashville Family,
It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect.
This summer though, it will be reflecting on my next adventures, as I am stepping down as the Chairman Emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today.
I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together.
Keep rocking!
See you in the fall.
Espo
When Esposito’s move to Chairman Emeritus was announced, Warner Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada said, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community.”
Last month, Esposito was named the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research.
In June of 2022, music industry veterans Ben Kline and Cris Lacy were announced as successors to the beloved Esposito, who remained Chairman & CEO through the end of the year.
After joining the Nashville creative community in 2020, full service entertainment company Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE) has announced the appointment of Music Row veteran Leslie DiPiero as President of Jonas Group Publishing.
In her new role, DiPiero will sign and develop songwriters and producers, while nurturing the current writers and catalog. Reporting to JGE CEO Phil Guerini, DiPiero and the team plan to expand their overall Nashville footprint with catalog acquisitions, recordings and sync opportunities.
Current JGP songwriters include Franklin Jonas, who recently released his debut single, “Cocaine,” and Terri Jo Box whose recent cuts include “Hillbilly Hippie” (Lainey Wilson) and “God Bless The Boy” (Cody Johnson).
“Working with Phil Guerini and Kevin Jonas Sr. is an honor and privilege for me,” says DiPiero. “These two individuals have a longstanding friendship based on honesty and integrity. What brought us together is a shared passion and inspired direction towards helping creators reach their goals and dreams.”
DiPiero will launch this new chapter of her career on May 31, while simultaneously exiting her position at Tree Vibez Music, where she led the building of a powerhouse publishing company. In her six years as General Manager, Tree Vibez Music produced more than 500 cuts, 50 singles, of which 23 reached No. 1.
“I am so grateful to Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley and the Tree Vibez Music family for giving me the opportunity to serve them and their teams over the past six years,” adds DiPiero. She will continue to work with Hubbard whose songs are currently administered by Warner Chappell Music.
“Leslie has earned the respect of this community which is built on years of unflinching integrity and passion for songwriters and artists,” says Guerini. “Her relationships, creative and business acumen is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to have her lead Jonas Group Publishing.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/06194056/Leslie-Dipiero_Credit-Gene-Reed-scaled.jpeg25602548LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-04-18 10:03:212023-04-19 15:32:08Leslie DiPiero Named President Of Jonas Group Publishing