Industry Members Celebrate Chris Young’s Latest Chart-topper

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Jody Williams, BMI; Bradley Collins, BMI; Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV; Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV; Josh Hoge; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Chris Young; Corey Crowder; Larry Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Hartley; Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald Hartley; Mike Sistad, ASCAP; Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Jody Williams, BMI; Bradley Collins, BMI; Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV; Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV; Josh Hoge; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Chris Young; Corey Crowder; Larry Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Hartley; Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald Hartley; Mike Sistad, ASCAP; Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville

Industry members, friends and family gathered yesterday evening (Jan. 11) at Nashville’s The Cannery Ballroom for a No. 1 celebration honoring RCA Nashville artist Chris Young‘s title track single, “I’m Comin’ Over.” The song held the top spot for a three-week run in 2015.

Written by Young (BMI), Corey Crowder (ASCAP) and Josh Hoge (SESAC), the lead single has reached RIAA Platinum status and is Young’s 7th No. 1 song and first as a producer.

BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed guests and set the stage for the festivities before Sony Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Keith Gale started the accolades. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a contribution on behalf of the tunesmiths to T. J. Martell Foundation while Ashley Silver took a turn to honor the writers from Country Radio Broadcasters.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad touted that Crowder was celebrating his first No. 1 as a writer and producer while everyone agreed this would not be his last. Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn continued the celebration and in partnership with Liz Rose Music handed out original Rob Hendon paintings to each of the writers. SESAC’s Shannan Hatch gave kudos to Hoge who was also celebrating his first No. 1 song. Sony ATV’s Troy Tomlinson bragged on Hoge and Young before Collins proudly added his respect and excitement for Young’s achievements.

Then it was the writers’ turns.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Hoge (SESAC), Chris Young (BMI), Corey Crowder (ASCAP). Photo: Alan Poizner

Pictured (L-R): Josh Hoge (SESAC), Chris Young (BMI), Corey Crowder (ASCAP). Photo: Alan Poizner

Hoge quickly admitted, “I’m very nervous” and shared his remembrance of starting out in the music business working at Dreamworks and running the mailroom stating, “That’s when it all started.” “I’m a firm believer in not forgetting where you come from,” shared Hoge before giving an emotional thanks to his co-writers adding, “We share more than just writing songs.”

Crowder took the stage next, offering sincere gratitude to a long list of recipients including his wife, Laney, family, musicians, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Sony, ASCAP, Duane Hobson, and his co-writers. Crowder met co-writer Hoge 10 years ago and admitted, “It’s cool to see our friendship come full circle.” With Hoge being the one to initially introduce him to Chris Young, Crowder told Young, “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”

“This is obviously a very big song for me,” Young admitted to the excited crowd. “I needed this. I really did.” Young expressed his appreciation to his co-writers saying, “Both of these guys are emotional guys and you have to write from your heart.” His thanks included those to Sony Music, Huskins-Harris, WME, and Sony ATV, among others. “I’m very proud to have made this song with Corey and Josh,” added Young. “This is my seventh No. 1, and seven is my lucky number ever since I was a little kid. I truly am lucky and very blessed.”

Randy Goodman (via video recording) gave a “hearty congratulations” as he was on a business trip in New York and unable to attend. Goodman also took the opportunity to remind guests of ACM voting and that Chris Young deserves the male vocalist nod stating, “This is a guy whose time has come.”

 

 

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Signs Contract Extension

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Martin Bandier. Photo: @MartyBandier

Martin Bandier. Photo: @MartyBandier

Martin Bandier has signed a contract extension to remain as Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where he has served the joint venture between Sony Corporation of America and the Estate of Michael Jackson since 2007.

Under Bandier’s leadership, Sony/ATV has become one of the world’s leading music publishers with a catalog of more than 3 million songs. These include songs by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams as well as works by legends including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Queen, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. In 2011/2012, Bandier played a key role in the acquisition of EMI Music Publishing by Sony Corporation of America, the Estate of Michael Jackson and an investment group headed by Mubadala Development Company, for whom Sony/ATV administers the EMI catalog.

“I am thrilled to continue my role at Sony/ATV Music Publishing and continuing to work with a talented group of colleague,” Bandier said. “Since my arrival, we have become the No. 1 music publisher and I am proud to say we represent many of the world’s best-loved songs alongside some of its greatest songwriters. I would like to thank Sony and John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, for their support and confidence in me, and I am looking forward to sharing many more successes with them over the next few years.”

“Marty Bandier is a legend in the music industry, and we are thrilled that he will continue his work at Sony/ATV,” said Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment Inc. “Since he first joined in 2007, the company has reached amazing heights, and we expect that it will continue to flourish under his guidance.”

“Renewing Marty’s relationship with Sony/ATV avails the Estate of his enormous creative and executive talents as we strategically and profitably meet the challenges of our evolving business,” said Branca and McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.

Bandier’s Sony/ATV appointment followed a 17-year stint running EMI Music Publishing, which he took over in 1989 after his company SBK was acquired by EMI and which he turned into what was then the world’s leading music publishing company.

While at Sony/ATV he has negotiated the acquisitions of both the Famous Music catalog, which includes scores for film such as The Godfather, Braveheart and Mission Impossible, and the Leiber & Stoller catalog whose hits include “Stand By Me,” “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” Finalized in 2007, the acquisition of the historic Leiber & Stoller catalog fulfilled a dream and business goal that Michael Jackson specifically iterated in the agreement for the formation of Sony/ATV in 1995.

During his time at Sony/ATV, Bandier has championed fair value for songwriters, working to ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their work by music streaming services.

Throughout his tenure the company and its songwriters have won numerous awards, including this last year when Sony/ATV was named Pop Publisher of the Year by both ASCAP and BMI in the U.S. In February 2015 he became the first ever music publisher to receive the Grammy Awards’ President’s Merit Award for his work in the music industry during a Grammy weekend when many of the company’s songwriters, including Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams, were also honored. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, while among his many industry roles he serves on the boards of the City of Hope, ASCAP, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA).

Under his management, the company has enjoyed significant success on Broadway with Motown The Musical and the double Tony Awards winner Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, both of which have expanded into international tours.

Bandier is additionally a trustee of Syracuse University where in 2006 he founded a music and entertainment degree program called The Bandier Program for Music and Entertainment Industries. Last year, Billboard named it one of the top schools in the U.S. to learn about the music industry.

Round Hill Music, Baby Needs New Shoes Ink Co-Pub Deal with Jimmy Robbins

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Seated: Josh Saxe, Associate Director, A&R, Round Hill Music; LeAnn Phelan, Sea Gayle Management; Jimmy Robbins; Mark Brown, VP/GM, Nashville, Round Hill Music. Standing: Jordan Keller, attorney; Matthew Beckett, attorney.

Seated (L-R): Josh Saxe, Associate Director, A&R, Round Hill Music; LeAnn Phelan, Sea Gayle Management; Jimmy Robbins; Mark Brown, VP/GM, Nashville, Round Hill Music.
Standing: Jordan Keller, attorney; Matthew Beckett, attorney.

Round Hill Music and Baby Needs New Shoes have entered into a co-publishing agreement with songwriter/producer Jimmy Robbins. In addition, Round Hill Music acquired a portion of Jimmy Robbins’ existing catalogue of songs from Baby Needs New Shoes. Singer-songwriter Keith Urban is a partner in publishing outfit Baby Needs New Shoes.

With over one hundred cuts in just over three years, Robbins has notched five No. 1 songs, including Blake Shelton’s “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” “It Goes Like This” from Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban/Miranda Lambert’s duet “We Were Us,” “Whatever She’s Got” by David Nail, and “Beachin’” by Jake Owen.​ Robbins currently has a top ten on the country charts with Tim McGraw’s “Top of the World,” and most recently celebrated a No. 2 single with Chase Rice’s song “Gonna Wanna Tonight.”

“It is a real privilege to be able to work with a writer like Jimmy Robbins,” said Round Hill Music VP/GM Mark Brown. “Jimmy has a rare combination of abilities that make him so exceedingly talented. We welcome our new partners Joe Fisher and Keith Urban to the RHM family as well. We at Round Hill couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration.”

Robbins is a 2014 ASCAP Song of the Year award winner for “It Goes Like This” as the most performed song of 2014. He earned a 2014 CMA Triple Play award and was 2014 ASCAP Breakout Writer as one of 10 writers worldwide to be recognized.

​Robbins received the special honor of being the sole opening act for President Barack Obama at the 2015 National League of Cities Convention in Washington D.C.

As a co-producer, Robbins earned a No. 1 with Canaan Smith’s “Love You Like That.” He also has co-production credits on Big Machine’s RaeLynn, as well as Thomas Rhett. Robbins is currently in the studio working with Valory Music Co. artist Levi Hummon.

Seated (L-R): Keith Urban, Baby Needs New Shoes, LLC; Joe Fisher, Baby Needs New Shoes; Mark Brown, VP & GM, Nashville, Round Hill Music. Standing: Mike Milom, attorney, Baby Needs New Shoes; Matthew Beckett, attorney, Round Hill Music

Seated (L-R): Keith Urban, Baby Needs New Shoes, LLC; Joe Fisher, Baby Needs New Shoes; Mark Brown, VP & GM, Nashville, Round Hill Music. Standing: Mike Milom, attorney, Baby Needs New Shoes; Matthew Beckett, attorney, Round Hill Music

Industry Ink: New West Records, JB Squared Enterprises, Pro Music Academy, APA

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New West Records Appoints Tom Osborn to VP of Marketing Role

Tom Osborn

Tom Osborn

Tom Osborn has been appointed VP of Marketing for New West Records. Osborn joins New West from Kobalt Label Services where he oversaw their worldwide music marketing initiatives. He will be based at the label’s new headquarters in Nashville.

Osborn has worked with Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Noel Gallagher, The Milk Carton Kids and more. His career includes stints at Warner Bros. Records, Capitol Records, Anti-/Epitaph and Vagrant Records. A graduate from the University of Southern California with a Masters of Fine Arts, he has also worked at Mammoth Records, ARTISTdirect and Atlas/Third Rail.

“With his exemplary reputation, attitude and knowledge, I have every confidence that Tom will make me seem like a genius for hiring him,” said president John Allen.

“I am elated to be joining New West, as I am truly a fan of not only their stellar roster, but the amazing staff as well,” said Osborn. “New West’s remarkable legacy is not just a reflection of their past but of their future and I only hope to build upon that. To be a safe haven where artists can focus on their craft is truly an exceptional opportunity in this climate and I look forward to developing that reputation.”

 

Jay Bradley Launches JB Squared Enterprises

unnamedJay Bradley has launched JB Squared Enterprises, with services of strategic marketing, artist development, brand partnerships, digital and syndication consulting for existing and up and coming country artists.

Bradley’s previous stops include Bigger Picture Group, Universal Records South and Premiere Radio Networks.

He can be reached at jaybradley@yahoo.com or jb2ent.com.

 

Pro Music Academy Prepares Master Class

Pro Music Academy logo

SESAC VP Tim Fink and hit songwriter Brian White will take part in the Pro Music Academy’s Music Business Master Class in Nashville on Saturday (Jan. 9) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Pricing is $99 for any one Master Class. All classes are available to all ages and all levels. For those outside of Nashville, Master Classes are available for viewing via Skype.

Pro Music Academy, LLC was founded by drummer and songwriter Chad Chapin. For more information or to register for a Master Class, call 615-200-0604 or visit promusicacademy.com.

 

APA Signs Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season of American Idol, has signed with APA, it was announced today by the agency’s Seth Rappaport. Hicks, who is currently in-studio finishing his latest album to be released this year, will be announcing upcoming tour dates soon.

In addition to headlining the Paris Casino in Las Vegas, as well as other Caesars Entertainment properties across the United States, Hicks has performed alongside an amazing variety of artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and The Allman Brothers. He also performed on Broadway in 2008, and in the national tour of the famed musical Grease in 2009, playing the Teen Angel role originated by Alan Paul.

BMI Promotes Five, Adds to Writer-Publisher Relations Team

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Pictured (L-R, Top row): Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts. (Bottom row): David Preston, Penny Gattis, Josh Tomlinson.

Pictured (Top Row, L-R): Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts. (Bottom Row, L-R): David Preston, Penny Gattis, Josh Tomlinson.

Five members of BMI’s Writer-Publisher Relations team in Nashville have been promoted, with elevated responsibilities assigned to Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts, David Preston, Penny Gattis and Erica Glidewell. Additionally, recent Belmont graduate Josh Tomlinson has been hired as Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.

“We are so proud of the work we do in our music community across all genres of music,” said Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations. “Our team has never been stronger and we will start 2016 with renewed energy and a focus on the future.”

Collins, formerly a Senior Director, has been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering No. 1 parties, representing BMI on the ACM board of directors, oversight of nightly showcases and events, such as Buzz at the Basement, and oversight of publishing company rosters.

Roberts, formerly a Director, has also been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering Christian music and the BMI Christian awards, college programming such as Catalog Cast, oversight of record company rosters and representing BMI within the AIMP.

Preston has been promoted to Senior Director from Director, with duties including covering legacy writer relations and as an industry and civic representative.

Gattis, formerly an Associate Director, has been promoted to Director, and will continue to spearhead the Nashville film and TV activities, including BMI’s Sync THIS! Events in both Nashville and Los Angeles, and the annual Fontanel Writer’s Retreat. This year’s Fontanel retreat features both country and pop writers and will take place January 18-22.

Glidewell has been promoted to Director, Strategic Partnerships, Writer-Publisher Relations. Her new duties will have her responsible for accounting oversight of sponsorships, fulfillment of contracts with sponsors and event space management. Additionally, she will continue to serve in her role as the executive assistant to Jody Williams.

Additionally, Tomlinson has been hired as an Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations. A recent Belmont graduate, he brings a fresh perspective on Nashville’s expanding music scene to the team.

“I am happy to announce these well-deserved promotions,” Williams continues. “This team works hard for writers in every stage of their careers, from signing and showcasing up-and-coming talent, connecting artists to the broader music industry, celebrating their success at awards shows and number one parties, and being meaningful advisors throughout their careers. These promotions reflect the fantastic work of the Writer-Publisher team. And, we are very excited to welcome Josh Tomlinson to our group. Josh’s energy and industry knowledge will no doubt benefit the next generation of BMI hit-makers.”

Industry Ink: Johnny Cash Trust, IBMA, Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music, Marbaloo

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Johnny Cash Trust Names Lou Robin As Business Manager Emeritus

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash

Veteran concert promoter and artist manager Lou Robin, who has worked with the Cash family for more than 45 years, has stepped into the role of Business Manager Emeritus for the Cash Trust, it was announced by Trustee for the John R. Cash Revocable Trust, Cathy Sullivan.

In the new role, Robin will continue to utilize his knowledge and experience to further the Cash legacy working on special projects. He will relinquish day-to-day management responsibilities to allow him to spend more time with his wife Karen, his children, and grandchildren.

“We are thrilled to recognize Lou for the incredible contributions he has made to the Cash and Carter families,” said Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without his constant and unwavering dedication. It is an honor to have his ongoing counsel to protect and promote the legacy of John and June.”

“Lou has helped bring my father and mother, John and June, to generations of fans,” said John Carter Cash. “We are lucky to have this expertise for future generations as well. It is a blessing to have Lou as a personal mentor and lifetime friend.”

In addition to producing 100 Cash concerts a year, Robin played a role in the licensing of Cash’s music, name and likeness, merchandising and a significant part in his recording career with Sony and American Recordings. Robin founded Artist Consultants Productions in 1957 and was responsible for promoting more than 5,000 concerts worldwide with major artists such as The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, The Tijuana Brass, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Robin began promoting concerts with Johnny Cash in 1969 and then became manager for both John and June from 1973 until their passing in 2003. From that time on, he continued to serve the Trust in the role of Manager of Business Affairs.

“I’m pleased to be able to use my knowledge to help continue the growth of this important American Icon’s image,” said Robin.

 

IBMA Adds Director, Communications and Professional Development

Shannon Turner

Shannon Turner

Shannon Turner joined the International Bluegrass Music Association as director, communications and professional development. Turner was previously an independent media/promotion executive and freelance writer.

Turner is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass.

 

Deluge Music, Gravity Gone Music Ink Co-Publishing Deal

Pictured, Back row (L-R): David Robkin, Managing Member, Deluge Music; Mark Friedman, President, Deluge Music. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Gravity Gone Music; Oran Thornton,

Pictured, Back row (L-R): David Robkin, Managing Member, Deluge Music; Mark Friedman, President, Deluge Music. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Gravity Gone Music; Oran Thornton,

Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music have signed a co-publishing agreement with songwriter/producer Oran Thornton.

Deluge Music was formed in 2015 by Mark Friedman, David Robkin, and Larry Mazer, and has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. Gravity Gone Music owner Stephanie Greene runs the Nashville office.

 

Marbaloo Launches Internship Program

Screen Shot 2016-01-07 at 11.10.33 AM

Marbaloo has launched its first internship program, MarbaLearn. The program offers for-credit and paid internships for students, with opportunities available in the areas of research, marketing, project management, publicity, journalism, social media, e-commerce, fan communities, tour marketing, copywriting, content curation, content creation, graphic design, photography, and video editing.

The deadline for applying is Jan. 31. For more information, visit marbalearn.com.

SESAC Signs Songwriter/Producer Dave Pittenger

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Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang Publishing’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Pittenger and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang Publishing’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Pittenger and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Songwriter/producer Dave Pittenger has signed with SESAC for representation.

Pittenger, who co-wrote Tyler Farr’s “Better In Boots,” is signed with Magic Mustang Publishing, and stopped by SESAC’s Nashville office to visit with executives and make the partnership official.

Creative Nation Names Sarah Lai To Senior Role, Adds Tyler Johnson To Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Sarah Lai, Tyler Johnson.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Lai, Tyler Johnson.

Creative Nation has moved Sarah Lai into the role of Senior Director of Marketing + Publicity. In this newly created position, Lai will oversee all marketing, digital and publicity initiatives for the company’s roster of songwriters and artists. She will also handle day-to-day management responsibilities for “Girl Crush” co-writer Lori McKenna. Previously, Lai’s company (SLPR) has worked with Creative Nation since 2014.

Lai can now be contacted at sarah@creativenationmusic.com.

Creative Nation has also added Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Tyler Johnson, in a partnership with Los Angeles-based Pulse Music Publishing. Johnson’s credits include Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, One Republic, Elle King and Mikky Ekko. Johnson spent the last few years developing new country artist Cam, co-writing eight tracks and co-producing Cam’s debut release, Untamed. He is currently working with new artist Rafferty who broke into the scene last fall with his song “Apple Pie” (co-written/co-produced by Johnson), which was featured on the latest iPhone 6 commercial.

Johnson joins current Creative Nation roster, which includes Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Maggie Chapman, Steve Moakler and Native Run.

Big Deal Music Signs Ross Lipsey To Publishing Deal

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Ross Lipsey Signing Photo

Pictured, Back row (L-R): Greg Gallo, Big Deal; Dale Bobo, Big Deal; Bradley Collins, BMI. Front row (L-R): Pete Robinson, Big Deal; Ross Lipsey, writer; Noah McPike, attorney, Almon/McPike.

Ross Lipsey has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Big Deal Music.

“Ross is a tremendous artist, singer, and songwriter,” says Pete Robinson, GM/Senior VP of Big Deal Music.

“We’re honored and thrilled to have a talent like Ross on the Big Deal team,” mentioned Greg Gallo, Sr. Director of Creative.

Originally from Monterey, Louisiana, Lipsey moved to Nashville last year after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Writers Spotlight: ASCAP at Sundance, Writer’s Den Music Group

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ASCAP_LOGO_400x400

ASCAP has announced its event lineup for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The 18th annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café will feature Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Lissie, R. City, Tift Merritt, Veruca Salt and an acoustic set from Yoshiki and Toshi of X Japan (of the film We Are X). A special “Bluebird Café Series” lineup on Jan. 27 and 28 will include award-winning songwriters Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Josh Osborne. Also on the schedule are Air Traffic Controller, Green River Ordinance, Other Lives, Billy Raffoul, Motopony, Byron Nicholai (of the film I Am Yup’ik), Walter Schreifels (of Quicksand and Rival Schools), Sibling, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear and Alicia Witt.

The Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe will run during the daytime at Rich Haines Gallery (751 Main Street in Park City, Utah) from Jan. 22 – 29, and is open to all Festival credential holders (21 and older). Performances will begin each day at 2 p.m.

In addition, an invitation-only ASCAP Composer-Filmmaker Cocktail Party takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 26, where filmmakers and music creators will connect in a warm, fun and intimate setting.

ASCAP Assistant Vice President and Sundance ASCAP Music Café producer Loretta Muñoz commented: “Our longtime partnership with Sundance Film Festival continues to thrive because music will always be essential to a great film. We love seeing our filmmaker friends, discovering new ones, and introducing them to our incredibly talented ASCAP members every year in Park City. Both ASCAP and Sundance Institute are dedicated to developing and supporting great art and the people that create it. The Music Café is always a highlight of our year.”

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Pictured (Top row, L-R): Simon Gugala, Jacob Luttrell. Pictured (Bottom row, L-R): Davis Naish, Melissa Fuller, Lizzy McAvoy, Parker Welling, Adam James

Pictured (Top row, L-R): Simon Gugala, Jacob Luttrell. Pictured (Bottom row, L-R): Davis Naish, Melissa Fuller, Lizzy McAvoy, Parker Welling, Adam James

Writer’s Den Music Group recently hosted a writer’s retreat at Bell Bottom Farm in Adams, Tennessee. Writers in attendance included Melissa Fuller (Writer’s Den), Davis Naish, Adam James, Parker Welling (3 Ring Circus), Simon Gugala (Secret Road), Lizzy McAvoy (Universal Music Publishing Group) and Jacob Luttrell (LSLX Music).