No. 1 Party: A Thousand Horses Are Smoking Hot

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Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod. Photo: Steve Lowry

South Bar & Restaurant in Nashville was the site for celebrating the No. 1 song “Smoke,” by Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses. It is the band’s debut single and their first No. 1.

The event was hosted by BMI and ASCAP and started with Perry Howard recognizing BMI writers Ross Copperman and A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby, who co-wrote the song with ASCAP’s Jon Nite. It is also the first No. 1 single produced by Dave Cobb.

“Smoke” marks the first No. 1 for Hobby as a writer and as an artist. It is Copperman’s fourth chart-topper as a writer.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad took to the stage to congratulate Nite on his fourth No. 1 and said that he currently has four other songs on the chart, and is a 2015 CMA Triple Play Award recipient.

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/4b2c8wtb7140nojjesd34pu3h39e9tvd Photo Credit: Steve Lowry Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/6bw18ma9gwb4es43mbv2x7l6c8jpleha Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Steve Lowry

Executive Vice President of Republic Nashville, Jimmy Harnen, made it known that this was the 15th No. 1 song for the label in only six years. He thanks the band’s manager Scott McGhee for bringing them to his attention, which led to them being signed to the label.

Harnen introduced Big Machine President and CEO, Scott Borchetta and congratulated him on his 171 No. 1 songs. Borchetta reciprocated by saying, “there isn’t anyone I trust more than Jimmy Harnen. When he came to me and said he wanted to sign this band, I had never heard them but it didn’t matter because Jimmy was so passionate about them.”

Copperman remembered going to see the band for the first time. “I feel like I was watching a historical moment. They are so good for our format.”

Nite said that A Thousand Horses plays rock ‘n’ roll music and “the format that we have today has allowed that to happen. I appreciate you guys for playing the music your soul wants to play.”

Hobby called his band “a band of brothers,” and said, “we’ve been doing this a long time together and to share this experience with you guys is pretty amazing.”

Also making presentations were Travis Carter of Warner/Chappell, Josh Van Valkenburg of Sony/ATV, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and reps from the CMA and CRB.

Industry Ink: NSAI Bluebird Show, Michael Knox, Belmont Beatles Tour

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NSAI Bluebird Series

NSAI kicked off its Performance Series Tuesday night (August 11) at the Bluebird Cafe. Songwriters Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins performed hits including Jason Aldean‘s three latest No. 1’s “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” with the crowd singing along. Remaining shows in the series will take place on September 9, October 8, November 17 and December 1.

Songwriters and representatives from Bank of America at the NSAI's Performance Series at the Bluebird Cafe

Songwriters and representatives from Bank of America at the NSAI’s Performance Series at the Bluebird Cafe.

Michael Knox’s No. 1 Week

Independent producer and peermusic publishing’s Pres./CEO Michael Knox had a big week this week with the triple No. 1 celebration for Jason Aldean and his own birthday celebration.

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo Credit: C McTyre

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C McTyre

Belmont Students’ Beatles Adventure

Students from Belmont traveled to England recently for a course on The British Music Industry led by Dr. Don Cusic. Highlights of the trip included a visit to Liverpool for a “Beatles Day” where they toured the Beatles Museum, the Cavern, and took a bus tour of the early homes of the Beatles.

Pictured (L-R): Michael Crecca, Olivia Autry, Alexa Walther, Athena Kulb, Don Cusic, Anna Gregory, Hailey Nelson and Brittany Waldrep

BMG Signs Marshall Altman

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From Left To Right: Kent Marcus (Marcus & Colvin, LLP); Penny Gattis (BMI); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis, Executive Vice President); Rishon Blumberg (Brick Wall Management); Marshall Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director); Lainie Allbee (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Breanne Miller (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director)

Pictured (L-R): Kent Marcus (Marcus & Colvin, LLP); Penny Gattis (BMI); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis, Executive Vice President); Rishon Blumberg (Brick Wall Management); Marshall Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director); Lainie Allbee (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Breanne Miller (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director)

BMG Nashville is proud to welcome multi-genre hit songwriter and producer Marshall Altman. He has produced five top-10 country singles, including Eric Paslay‘s No. 1 “Friday Night,” and Frankie Ballard‘s No. 1s “Sunshine and Whiskey” and “Helluva Life,” and current top five “Young And Crazy.”

Altman has also enjoyed stints as a major label artist, a successful A&R executive at Capitol, Hollywood, and Columbia Records, and a producer for Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele and other hit acts. As a songwriter he had the international No. 1 song “Parachute,” co-written with acclaimed artist Ingrid Michaelson.

Industry Ink: Sam Tinnesz, Joe Spann, Gene Watson

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Sam Tinnesz Re-inks With Daywind

SESAC songwriter Sam Tinnesz has renewed his publishing agreement with Daywind Publishing. Tinnesz is an artist, songwriter, and publisher with recent activity in some of today’s hottest television shows including MTV’s Scream,  ABC’s new show Quantico and FOX’s American Idol, and has received many SESAC Christian Music Awards.  

Pictured (left to right): Daywind’s Rick Shelton and Chad Green, Tinnesz, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Daywind’s Ed Leonard. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Daywind’s Rick Shelton and Chad Green, Tinnesz, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Daywind’s Ed Leonard. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Spann Joins IBMA Member Services

Joe Spann

Joe Spann

Joe Spann has joined the IBMA as Member Services Manager. In his new duties Spann will report to Executive Director Paul Schiminger and will maintain communication regarding memberships, identify new programs to assist member career advancement, and coordinate the World of Bluegrass registrations.

The Florida native spent 10 years on the road playing guitar and banjo entertaining at Florida theme parks and also served as director of the Polk County Historical & Genealogical Library for 20 years. In 2011 he authored the reference book Spann’s Guide to Gibson 1902-1941, now considered the definitive guide to identifying and dating the stringed instruments built by the Gibson Company prior to World War II. In more IBMA news, the organization has announced nominations for it upcoming awards show.

Watson Taps Webster

Gene Watson

Gene Watson

Gene Watson has signed with Webster Public Relations for representation. “I am excited to work with Kirt Webster and the excellent team at Webster PR,” said Watson of the new affiliation. “The company Kirt has built has done so much to preserve the legacy of real country music that I could not think of a better home.”

Terry McBride Inks Publishing Deal With MV2

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Pictured: (L-R): Clay Myers, Tony Harrell, Terry McBride, Chip Petree/Terry's attorney & Kendra Poling/MV2 Office Manager photo credit- MV2 Entertainment

Pictured: (L-R): MV2’s Clay Myers and Tony Harrell, Terry McBride, attorney Chip Petree, MV2’s Kendra Poling

Terry McBride has signed an exclusive long-term publishing agreement with MV2 Entertainment. McBride has had cuts by Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, George Strait and many more including over 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which led to 13 singles and 12 BMI Million Airplay awards.

“It is exciting to be representing Terry and his music again,” said Clay Myers, MV2 Creative Director. “He and I had a tremendously successful eight year run before and I’m looking forward to another successful eight years with him starting now!”

“After moving to Nashville almost 25 years ago I feel fortunate that I’m still having success and extremely proud to have people like Clay Myers, Tony Harrell and MV2 excited about partnering with me for the future,” said McBride.

Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “Terry is an awesome talent combined with great energy and I am excited to have this fellow native Texan at MV2!”

McBride hails from a small town outside of Austin, Texas and made the move to Nashville in 1989. Soon thereafter he signed a recording deal with MCA Records with his band McBride & The Ride. The group went on to record four albums for the label, racking up several top five hit singles and many nominations as Vocal Group of the Year. When the group disbanded in 1995, McBride turned his focus to songwriting.

MV2 was formed by Myers and Harrell along with CEO and President James Archer and the executive team of Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.

No. 1 Party: “Love Me Like You Mean It”

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Pictured (l-r): Black River Entertainment's Gordon Kerr and Celia Froelig, Kerr, Whitehead, Ballerini, Carpenter, Parallel Music Publishing's Tim Hunze and ASCAP's Mike Sistad. Photo by Ed Rode.

Pictured (l-r): Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr and Celia Froehlig, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, Parallel Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Ed Rode

It was a celebration of “firsts” at the ASCAP building in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 10. Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini scored her first No. 1 as an artist and songwriter with her hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.” It is the debut single from Ballerini’s first album titled, The First Time.

The three other co-writers on the song, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, and Lance Carpenter, were also recognized as No. 1 songwriters for the first time.

Additionally, Whitehead was credited for his first No. 1 as a producer.

Black River Entertainment’s label team can also now say they have a No. 1 single.

“Love Me Like You Mean It” also marks Ballerini as the first solo female to take her debut single to No. 1 since Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in 2006.

During the event, Michael Martin and Mike Sistad of ASCAP welcomed the crowd and introduced the song’s publishers to honor their writers. Taking to the mic were Parallel Entertainment’s Tim Hunze and Black River’s Celia Froehlig.

Also on hand to speak were CRB’s Bill Mayne, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and Brandi Simms of the CMA.

Lance Carpenter encouraged everyone to “Get your tissues out because I got mine.” He remembered the writing session for the song as a “fun night” and was “thankful to be standing up here today.”

Josh Kerr also shed proud tears as he described that day as a dream come true and simply unbelievable. Kerr is also a co-writer on Ballerini’s current single “Dibs,” and two other songs on the album.

Forest Glen Whitehead thanked Ballerini for allowing him to produce the song.

As Bellerini spoke to the crowd, she said that it’s important to always look forward, and added that it is equally important to not forget to look back. “I look back and remember that this song wasn’t supposed to work, but it did,” she said. “Looking back is so beautiful. I love you all and I mean it.”

Ballerini and ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta

Ballerini and ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta.

Songwriter News: Hits From The Hall, SNG Signing, Belmont

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Hits From The Hall at City Winery

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) will host its third Hits From The Hall show on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at City Winery Nashville. Hall of Fame members Gary Burr (“Nobody Wants To Be Lonely”) and Roger Cook (“Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress”) will be joined by special guest Josh Kear (“Need You Now”) for the 6:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 for downstairs seating; $30 for limited upstairs VIP seating. All seats are reserved and may be purchased beginning Thursday, Aug. 13, at citywinery.com/nashville or by contacting the venue at (615) 324-1010.

hits from the hall kear burr cook

SNG Signs Marianne Allison

SNG Music has signed artist/songwriter Marianne Allison to an exclusive global publishing agreement.

The Ocean Springs, MS native was nominated for Country Female Artist of the Year in 2015 by New Music Weekly and has had two No. 1 singles on Indie World Country Record Report. She has also had television and film sync success and won multiple international songwriting competitions, including The John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

[L-R Gary Reamey (Partner), Erin Kidd (Director of Promotion & Administration), Steve Leslie (Partner), Marianne Allison (Staff Songwriter),

Pictured (L-R) standing: Gary Reamey (Partner), Erin Kidd (Dir. of Promotion & Administration), Steve Leslie (Partner), and seated: Marianne Allison

belmontBelmont’s Songwriter’s Association

Belmont University’s Songwriter’s Association announces its new leadership board for the 2015-2016 school year, comprised of students Emma Place, Ashleigh Smith, Casey Cattie and Allie Herring. BUSA’s purpose is to unite all student songwriters into one community while providing learning and performance opportunities.

NSAI recognizes BUSA as one of its chapters. BUSA seminars in the past have included talks from Tom Douglas, Cole Taylor, Jimmy Robbins, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and many more.

Industry Pics: Sony/ATV, SOURCE, Music Pub Works

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Sony/ATV Signs Andy Wills

Sony/ATV has signed songwriter Andy Wills to an exclusive publishing agreement.

Wills is also affiliated with Torrez Music Group. 

He is an accomplishede writer who penned Jerrod Niemann’s current single “Blue Bandana” which is rocketing up the country charts. “Blue Bandana” has set a new benchmark for Neimann, earning him the best country radio impact week of his career.

Pictured (L-R) Nathan J. Drake, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Alex Torrez, Torrez Music Group; Andy Wills; Terry Wakefield, Sony ATV Music Publishing; Derek Crownover, Dickinson Wright PLLC

Pictured (L-R) Nathan J. Drake, Dickinson Wright PLLC; Alex Torrez, Torrez Music Group; Andy Wills; Terry Wakefield, Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Derek Crownover, Dickinson Wright PLLC.

Change The Conversation Visits SOURCE

SOURCE, an organization of women music executives in Nashville, held its monthly members luncheon at ASCAP on July 23, 2015, and welcomed the founders of Change the Conversation as guest speakers.

On hand to speak were CMT Sr. VP Music Strategy Leslie Fram, Rounder Records VP A&R Tracy Gershon and MTSU Recording Industry Department Chair and journalist Beverly Keel. They started Change the Conversation to advocate the factual feminine advantages inside the entertainment community through information, shared successes and exposing misconceptions.

(L-R): Tracy Gershon, Leslie Fram and Beverly Keel

(L-R): Tracy Gershon, Leslie Fram and Beverly Keel

Music Pub Works Visits Washington DC

Music Pub Works senior executives Denise Zavitson and Jill Napier recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to present the company’s proprietary publishing software to the United States Copyright Office.

MPW, a subsidiary of Zavitson Music Group, is a cloud-based web application that provides a streamlined approach to managing all aspects of cataloging, registering, pitching, and revenue collection for songs.

Zavitson and Napier demonstrated the software’s capability of tracking copyrighted material from artistic inception to the point of revenue generation, as well as its Application Program Interface (API) capabilities. While in D.C., Zavitson and Napier also had meetings with Representative Marsha Blackburn’s office, the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Music Publishers Association.

Michelle Choe, Denise Zavitson, Sarang Damle, Steve Ruwe, Jill Napier, Rick Marshall, and John Riley

Pictured at the U.S. Copyright office (L-R): Michelle Choe, Denise Zavitson, Sarang Damle, Steve Ruwe, Jill Napier, Rick Marshall, and John Riley

Sevier Report: Dolly’s Coaster To Break Records, August Songwriters Festival

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Dollywood To Add World’s Fastest, Launching Wooden Coaster

rendering

Lightning Rod rendering

Dollywood today (August 7) announced the addition of Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest and first launching wood coaster. Set to open in March 2016, the $22 million element is the single largest attraction investment in The Dollywood Company’s history. Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod starts at 20 stories before a twin summit, 165-foot drop. Its track is 3,800-ft. long and runs at a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world.

In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle ride.

Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival

SmokymountainssongwritersfestivalThe fourth Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is set for over 100 shows during August 19-23 in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Over 130 songwriters and musicians will include Stella Parton, Benjy Gaither, Scott Reeves (of ABC’s Nashville), and a specially ticketed performance from Emi Sunshine. Additional writers include Kim Williams, Mark Nesler, Wil Nance, Chris Wallin, Bobby Tomberlin, Steve Dorff, and Tony Mullins.

The event also offers aspiring writers the chance to participate in co-writing events, songwriting workshops and critiquing sessions with hall of fame songwriters. More information here.

Big Yellow Dog Adds Writer

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Pictured: (L-R) Alexi Von Guggenberg/ Carla Wallace Co-Owner/Devon Devries, VP Creative Film & TV A&R/ Alex Stefano, Film & TV Music Manager

Pictured: (L-R) Alexi Von Guggenberg; Carla Wallace, BYD Co-Owner; Devon Devries, BYD VP Creative Film & TV A&R; Alex Stefano, BYD Film & TV Music Manager

Songwriter/producer Alexi Von Guggenberg has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Big Yellow Dog Music. A recipient of the prestigious Peter Gabriel Production Award at the Berklee College of Music, Guggenberg writes and produces for multiple genres, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, dubstep, country and dance. He has had several song placements on major television networks.

“We are more than excited to have Alexi here at Big Yellow Dog Music,” said VP of Creative Film & TV A&R, Devon Devries. “As our sync and pop initiatives grow and expand, he is positioned to fit perfectly into that mix.” 

A list of Big Yellow Dog writers can be found here.