In Pictures: ASCAP At Sundance, Luke Bryan, Tanya Tucker

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ASCAP at Sundance

As the Sundance ASCAP Music Café headed into the home stretch of its eight-day run, some of ASCAP Nashville’s top songwriters embraced the spotlight. On Jan. 27, country songwriters Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne and reigning three-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley performed as part of a special Bluebird Café Series set. Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum performed a few of his new songs as well as some Lady Antebellum hits.

The 18th Annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café also featured performances from Sting with documentary film composer J. Ralph, Veruca Salt’s Nina Gordon and Louise Post, Green River Ordinance, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Tift Merritt, and more.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Josh Osborne, ASCAP's Loretta Muñoz, Ashley Gorley, The Bluebird Cafe's Erika Wollam-Nichols, Chris DeStefano and ASCAP's Mike Sistad. Photo: ASCAP's Erik Philbrook

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Josh Osborne, ASCAP’s Loretta Muñoz, Ashley Gorley, The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam-Nichols, Chris DeStefano and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook

Charles Kelley performs at T​​he Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe. Photo: ASCAP's Erik Philbrook

Charles Kelley performs at T​​he Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe. Photo: ASCAP’s Erik Philbrook

 

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa Mexico

CMT Hot 20 host Cody Alan recently enjoyed a cigar with Luke Bryan while the two were in Mexico for Crash My Playa. Bryan co-hosts this weekend’s Hot 20 Countdown airing Saturday, Feb. 6 at 9am ET/PT. Alan’s interviews with Bryan and other Crash My Playa performers air this week on the radio show CMT After MidNite.
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Cody Alan

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Cody Alan

 

Dan Rather Interviews Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker will appear on an all-new episode of Dan Rather‘s The Big Interview, which will premiere Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7 pm. CT. During the conversation, Tucker discussed her career, overcoming a disfiguring chemical peel in 2008, and how her faith helped her heal.

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rather, Tanya Tucker.

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rather, Tanya Tucker.

BMI Showcases Indie Rock Talent With Eastside Sounds Series

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Pictured: BMI’s Penny Gattis with members of Daniel Ellsworth The Great Lakes and BMI’s Mark Mason

Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, BMI; members of Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes; Mark Mason, BMI

BMI and ALT 98.3 presented the Eastside Sounds showcase on Wednesday night (Jan. 27) at the Basement East, featuring electronic Florida-based band Polyenso and ALT 98.3 Artist in Residence indie band Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes. The music series highlights up-and-coming talent in the indie rock world.

Artists receive exclusive interviews and live performances from the ALT 98.3 studios in the week leading up to the showcase, building buzz for the free event. The next installments of Eastside Sounds will take place March 30, May 25, July 27, Sept. 28, and Nov. 16, with different acts featured on each show.

IMG 3473: BMI’s Penny Gattis sits with members of Polyenso and BMI’s Jody Williams and Nina Carter

Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, BMI; members of Polyenso; Jody Williams and Nina Carter, BMI

Writer’s Den Music Group Signs Drew Kennedy To Roster

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Pictured (bottom row, L-R): Scott Gunter, Durango Artist Management; Drew Kennedy; Sarah Feldman, Writers Den Music Group. (Top row, L-R): Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Bobby Rymer, Partner, Writers Den Music Group; John Rolfe, Rolfe Entertainment Law

Pictured (Bottom row, L-R): Scott Gunter, Durango Artist Management; Drew Kennedy; Sarah Feldman, Writer’s Den Music Group. (Top row, L-R): Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Bobby Rymer, Partner, Writer’s Den Music Group; John Rolfe, Rolfe Entertainment Law

Writer’s Den Music Group has added to its roster, signing singer-songwriter Drew Kennedy to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Creative Director Sarah Feldman says, “Over time we meet with lots of talented writers, but when someone stands out like Drew did it’s hard not to notice, and I’m grateful we have the opportunity to work together.”

“I am so thrilled to be joining the Writer’s Den family. I knew fairly quickly that I had found two kindred musical spirits in Sarah and Bobby. Finding people who believe in you as both a writer and a person is an invaluable asset in a business that can be as trying as it is rewarding, and I couldn’t be more excited,” says Kennedy. Although he is a Pennsylvania native, Kennedy lives just outside of Austin, Texas, and makes regular trips to Nashville.

Kennedy joins fellow Writer’s Den songwriters Melissa Fuller, Robert Earl Keen, Don Schlitz, and Thom Schuyler. The company also represents the catalogs of Bonnie Bishop, Ben Cooper, Tami Hinesh, Trent Jeffcoat, Jerry Salley, and Adam Wright.

Exclusive: Spirit Music Nashville Signs Frank Rogers, Acquires His Interest In Sea Gayle

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Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Jon Singer, CFO, Spirit Music; Frank Rogers, Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. (Back Row, L-R): Ross Cameron, VP of Acquisitions, Spirit Music; Chip Petree, Ritholz Levy; Brian Bradford, Dir. Administration, Spirit Music; Billy Lynn, VP Creative, Spirit Music; David Crow (Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Rose, Kelley).”

Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Jon Singer, CFO, Spirit Music; Frank Rogers, Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. (Back Row, L-R): Ross Cameron, VP of Acquisitions, Spirit Music; Chip Petree, Ritholz Levy; Brian Bradford, Dir. Administration, Spirit Music; Billy Lynn, VP Creative, Spirit Music; David Crow (Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Rose, Kelley).

Spirit Music Nashville and producer, songwriter and music publishing executive Frank Rogers have inked a multi-faceted agreement, MusicRow has learned. Spirit has acquired Rogers’ one-third interest in certain copyrights of Nashville publisher Sea Gayle Music, according to Spirit Chairman & CEO David Renzer and Spirit Music Nashville president Daniel Hill. Rogers co-founded Sea Gayle with Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley in 1999.

As part of the agreement, Spirit has formed the joint venture Fluid Music Revolution with Rogers, allowing him to bring new artists, producers and writers to the company. He will be based out Spirit’s Nashville office in conjunction with the current team. Rogers also joins Spirit’s roster as a songwriter, while the company will exclusively administer all of Rogers’ new compositions.

Sea Gayle Music, which was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year in 2010 and 2011, features a catalog of 40 No. 1 hits and an impressive roster of artists and writers.

“Spirit is honored to partner with Frank Rogers in both his catalog and new works. Frank is one of the most qualitative talents in Nashville with a proven track record of writing and producing # 1 hits. We’re also excited about working with Frank in signing new talent together and continuing to build Spirit’s already impressive Nashville presence,” said Renzer.

“Frank Rogers is a rare creative talent who has attained great success as a hit songwriter, publisher, and producer, and Sea Gayle is one of the most successful and versatile independent catalogs. Spirit Music Nashville is thrilled to be entrusted with Frank’s share of these valuable copyrights, and we look forward to much continued success with Frank and our joint venture with Fluid Music Revolution,” said Hill.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with Spirit Music Group. Spirit has built an impressive independent publishing powerhouse and I am honored to be a part of their future. Spirit is an exciting partner for Fluid Music Revolution, my future songwriting endeavors, as well as a great home for the Sea Gayle Music catalog. I look forward to creating a dynamic roster of songwriters, producers and artists with Spirit’s support. I thank David Renzer, Jon Singer, Daniel Hill, and Mark Fried as well as the rest of the talented Spirit Music staff for the excitement, passion and opportunity to build something great together,” said Rogers.

Among the many hits included in Sea Gayle Music’s catalog are “Lonely Tonight” by Blake Shelton, “Perfect Storm” by Brad Paisley, “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson, “Yeah” by Joe Nichols, “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan, “Southern Girl” by Tim McGraw, “Southern Comfort Zone” by Brad Paisley, “Love’s Gonna Make it Alright” by George Strait.

Rogers has won MusicRow’s Producer of the Year award three times. He’s also co-written numerous songs, including three Hot Country Songs No. 1’s (“I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” by Brad Paisley, “Alright” and “This” by Darius Rucker).

Spirit Music Nashville’s recent acquisitions include Cal IV Entertainment and the StyleSonic catalog. Spirit Music Group is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Los Angeles, Nashville and the Netherlands. Spirit is a portfolio company of Pegasus Capital Advisors, the New York-based private equity fund manager that has been providing creative capital and strategic solutions to growth companies since 1996.

Sony/ATV, Tree Vibez Sign Songwriter James McNair

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Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins, BMI; Jody Williams, BMI; Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV; James; McNair, Leslie Roberts, BMI; Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Tree Vibez; Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV; Schmidt; Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV.

Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins, BMI; Jody Williams, BMI; Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV; James McNair; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Tree Vibez; Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV; Dane Schmidt, Tree Vibez; Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV.

Sony/ATV and Florida Georgia Line’s Tree Vibez have signed James McNair to a worldwide publishing deal.

The South Carolina native moved to Nashville in 2013 and has immersed himself in the creative community.

Tree Vibez is a publishing and artist development company started by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard earlier this year.

Dane Schmidt, creative director of Tree Vibez, runs the day-to-day management of the company.

McNair said, “Working with these two amazing companies is a dream come true! I am so grateful for Big Tom and Dane Schmidt giving me a shot. I’m excited for the future and what it holds. With these two teams, the sky is the limit.”

“James was born to be a songwriter. He’s constantly working on his craft and his positivity for music and life is infectious. He’s the songwriter’s songwriter. His grind and ability to manage two other jobs while writing and making a name for himself blew us away. We are humbled and thankful to be able to work with James and know he’s got a bright future ahead of him!” stated Kelley.

Tree Vibez’s Schmidt remarked, “It is such a pleasure to be working with James and we’re excited to welcome him to the Tree Vibez family. His exceptional work ethic and positivity are second to none, and his passion for songwriting is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to be working alongside our friends at Sony/ATV with this promising writer and look forward to what the future has in store.”

Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran said, “We are thrilled to be working with James and help guide him through this next chapter of his writing career. His commitment to excellence along with his unbridled creative drive is a great combination. We are excited to be working with Dane, Brian and Tyler in this musical endeavor. They are all about cutting-edge creativity and together, it’s an amazingly strong team.”

Industry Ink: SESAC, Sony/ATV, Chris Keaton Presents, ole

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Glen Phillips Upped At SESAC

Pictured (L-R): Glen Phillips with Nikki Sixx

Pictured (L-R): Glen Phillips with Nikki Sixx

Glen Phillips has been promoted to Associate Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, at SESAC. Phillips, who is located in the company’s Los Angeles office, will report to Sam Kling, SESAC’s Senior Vice President, Creative Operations.

 

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Promotes Jennifer Knoepfle

sonyatv11Sony/ATV Music Publishing has promoted Jennifer Knoepfle to the role of Senior Vice President and Head of West Coast A&R, based in the company’s Los Angeles office.

At the same time, Amanda Berman-Hill has been elevated to the new role of Senior Vice President and Head of West Coast Writer Relations, also based in Los Angeles. Both take up their new roles effective immediately and report into Sony/ATV Co-President, U.S. Rick Krim.

Knoepfle, who was previously Senior Vice President, Creative, joined Sony/ATV in May 2009 in the role of Senior Director of Creative and has gone on to sign acts such as Grammy-winning songwriters Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost of the bands Bleachers and fun., along with Grammy-nominated artist Leon Bridges, Grimes, Clams Casino, Band of Skulls, Lord Huron, Broods, up-and-coming artists Grace Mitchell and Kelela, as well as signing multi-platinum songwriter Tim Pagnotta jointly with Berman-Hill, .

 

Heather Holland Signs With Chris Keaton Presents

Pictured (L-R): BMI's David Preston, Heather Holland, Chris Keaton

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, Heather Holland, Chris Keaton

BMI writer/artist Heather Holland stopped by the BMI office to celebrate signing a management agreement with Chris Keaton Presents.

 

ole Inks Co-Pub Deal, Catalog Purchase With Songwriter Jeff Trott

Pictured (L-R): David Weitzman, VP Business Development, ole; songwriter Jeff Trott; Bennett Kaufman, Maverick Entertainment

Pictured (L-R): David Weitzman, VP Business Development, ole; songwriter Jeff Trott; Bennett Kaufman, Maverick Entertainment

ole has signed a co-publishing agreement and catalog purchase with songwriter Jeff Trott. Jeff’s credits include chart-topping singles “If It Makes You Happy,” “Every Day Is a Winding Road,” Soak Up the Sun,” “My Favorite Mistake,” and “There Goes the Neighborhood” for Sheryl Crow and numerous other successful co-writes.

“Jeff Trott is a musician’s musician who writes songs that connect with artists and music lovers worldwide. He is one of those writer/musicians that when other musicians see his name in the credits, they know it’s quality,” said David Weitzman, Vice President of Business Development at ole. “We are so pleased to welcome Jeff to the ole family, and with his versatile songwriting abilities being fluent in pop, country, and indie rock, he has connected with our creative staff and our existing songwriter roster. We very much look forward to being Jeff’s publishing partner in the next chapter of his storied career.”

“I’ve been kicking around the songwriting scene for a while now and have always been impressed by ole’s song-first philosophy,” said Trott. “I know they will do everything they can to keep my music alive so I can focus on making more.”

The Stellas Ink New Publishing Deal With Warner/Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Genevieve Jewell, Manager; Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Alicia Pruitt, Warner/Chappell; Marylynne Stella, Brad Stella, Phil May, Warner/Chappell

Pictured (L-R): Genevieve Jewell, Manager; Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Alicia Pruitt, Warner/Chappell; Marylynne Stella; Brad Stella; Phil May, Warner/Chappell

Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Canadian country duo, The Stellas. Brad and Marylynne Stella wrote the majority of material on their 2011 self-titled album. They are the recipients of the 2013 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Group or Duo of the Year award, the 2013 Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) Group or Duo of the Year award, and the 2012 CCMA Video of the Year award for their song, “In This House.”

They are also parents to Lennon and Maisy Stella who are known for their roles as Maddie and Daphne on the ABC hit show Nashville.

BMI Expands Search For “Road to ‘Roo” Battle Of The Bands

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BMI’s “Road to ‘Roo” Battle of the Bands is expanding its search for the best bands in the Southeast.

The performing rights organization has partnered with Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival to expand “Road to ‘Roo” beyond Nashville to include three additional cities. Atlanta, Athens, and Knoxville have been added as participating cities. Sixteen bands from each city will be ultimately be chosen for the initial round of battle of the bands. The competition will launch the week of Feb. 29.

Applications for interested bands will be posted on participating radio station websites: Georgia’s Rock 100.5 WNNX-FM; 103.7 Chuck FM WXKT-FM; 106.1 Your Georgia Country WNGC-FM and Power 100.1 WPUP-FM and Tennessee’s 103.5 Classic Rock WIMZ-FM and Lightning 100 WRLT-FM.

“We could not be more excited for this expanded edition of Road to Roo,” said Mark Mason, Executive Director, BMI Writer-Publisher. “It’s a great opportunity to get our licensees involved with the battle of the bands process. It’s time to see the best the Southeast has to offer!”

Three bands will win the honor of playing at Bonnaroo, to be held June 9-12, in Manchester, Tennessee. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the festival attracts more than 85,000 attendees each year to experience four days of music, comedy, cinema, art, wellness and more.

Warner/Chappell Music, Neon Cross Music Sign Stevenson Everett

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Steven EP Cover

Warner/Chappell Music and Jay Joyce‘s Neon Cross Music have revealed their latest joint venture signing, Stevenson Everett. Everett is set to release his first digital EP, produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Little Big Town) and recorded at Nashville’s St. Charles Studio.

The EP features his first digital single, “Born With It.”

Everett says, “In a world where women feel like they must be perfect, I’m trying my best to teach my daughters that real beauty comes from being true to yourself. Beauty is something you’re born with, not something you buy.”

In the accompanying video directed by Blythe Thomas, various women and girls are spotlighted singing along to the lyrics. Among those featured are a cancer survivor, a community activist, a nurse, a correctional officer, adoptees, and a young lady with Down Syndrome. The video ends with a shot of Everett dancing with his wife and daughters for whom he wrote the song.

An EP release show is planned for Monday night (Jan. 25) at St. Charles Studio at 6 p.m. in East Nashville.

YouTube video

Downtown Music Publishing Names Emily Stephenson to International Role

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Emily Stephenson

Emily Stephenson

Downtown Music Publishing has hired Emily Stephenson as Senior Manager, International. In her new role in New York, Stephenson will manage global administration of Downtown’s copyrights, focusing on increasing efficiency in data management with its foreign offices, affiliates and over 40 international collections societies. She will report to Sean McGraw, Downtown’s Vice President, Administration.

Prior to joining Downtown, Stephenson served as Manager, Publishing Operations at the Company’s Songtrust division, a leading provider of rights management software. Originally from Nashville, Stephenson began her career as a Copyright Administrator at Bluewater Music.

“We are thrilled to have Emily join Downtown Music Publishing,” said McGraw. “Working with Songtrust for the past four years, Emily is at the forefront of leveraging copyright metadata to improve royalty collections. Emily’s new role furthers our commitment to serving the long-term music publishing needs of world-class songs and songwriters.”