Frank Rogers, Sea Gayle Music Part Ways

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Frank Rogers

Frank Rogers

Frank Rogers and Sea Gayle Music have amicably parted ways. He co-founded the publishing company in 1999 with Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois.

Rogers tells MusicRow, “After 16 wonderful years at Sea Gayle Music, the time has come for me to embark on a new adventure. I have enjoyed and been extremely proud of everything that Chris, Brad, myself, all of the writers and staff have accomplished together over the years. What started as just an idea has grown into one of the top independent publishing companies in country music history. I leave with nothing but great pride, friendships and memories.”

DuBois says, “For the last 16 years, Frank has been a great friend and a great business partner. We look forward to continuing as friends and finding new ways to work together as Frank carves a new path. On behalf of myself, Brad and everyone at Sea Gayle, we wish him the best of luck.”

Rogers is a multi-platinum producer, hit songwriter and publisher. He is a three-time winner of MusicRow’s Producer of the Year award with production credits that include Paisley, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery and Joe Robinson.

In recent years, the company launched Sea Gayle Records, which is home to artists including Jerrod Niemann and Sheryl Crow.

Singer-Songwriter Haley Georgia Inks Deal with EMI Records Nashville

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Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville artist Haley Georgia, UMG Nashville A&R Vice President Autumn House-Tallant. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, WME’s Kevin Neal, UMG Nashville VP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, UMG Nashville Sr. VP & COO Tom Becci. Photo: Alan Poizner

Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville artist Haley Georgia, UMG Nashville A&R Vice President Autumn House-Tallant. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, WME’s Kevin Neal, UMG Nashville VP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, UMG Nashville Sr. VP & COO Tom Becci. Photo: Alan Poizner

EMI Records Nashville has added Little Louder Music songwriter Haley Georgia to its artist roster. The 20-year old Texas native’s debut single “Ridiculous” currently playing on SiriusXM. The tongue-in-cheek tune is also available on streaming services and is expected to hit non-satellite radio this summer.

Haley has multiple performances lined up for Nashville’s CMA Music Fest this June – her first as an artist. CMA Music Fest performance details will be announced soon.

Watch the lyric video for Georgia’s single “Ridiculous” below.

Industry Ink: Women Rock For The Cure, George Uribe, Winter Jam 2015 Tour

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Women Rock For The Cure Sets Date For 2015 Young Survivors Retreat

ysrlogoWomen Rock For The Cure has set the date for its 2015 annual Young Survivors Retreat, aimed at helping connect young women who are fighting breast cancer. The four-day event will be held Sept. 24-27 at Deer Run Retreat Center, located at 3845 Perkins Road in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. The all-expenses paid event is open to approximately 20 women, who have been diagnosed between the ages of 18-40 years, and are either undergoing treatment or are survivors of breast cancer.

Activities during the event include sessions on art, relaxation, nutrition, fertility, relationships, and beauty tips.

The non-profit organization is helmed by Sweet Talk Publicity founder Jensen Sussman, who shares her own personal experience with the retreat: “Having to face breast cancer as a young woman is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. For WRFTC to bring together these women from all across the country who share in the same struggles and see how their connection forms a sisterhood of hope is inspiring.”

WRFTC raises funds for the Young Survivors Retreat throughout the year, and covers all travel expenses to and from Nashville for the retreat’s attendees. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. CT through May 4 at 5 p.m. CT, at womenrockforthecure.org. To donate to Women Rock For The Cure, click here.

 

George Uribe Named Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner

George Uribe

George Uribe

George Uribe, president and CEO of guestbooker.com has been named an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner, presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). Uribe will join an esteemed class of professionals honored with this distinction, including Rudolph Giuliani, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, John Glenn, Quincy Jones, John McCain and Rosa Parks. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service.

Uribe, a veteran television producer, leads a team of television producers and bookers specializing in strategic placement of guests on local, national and international television and radio programs. He served as a non-commissioned officer for the US Army Reserve, and has received numerous awards for media coverage by his peers including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York Chapter. He is the co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer, Music City Media Mixer and New York Newsmakers. Uribe was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the “Most Admired CEO” in his city and also serves on the Board of Rocketown, a regional outreach center for more than 800 teens across from Middle Tennessee.

 

Winter Jam 2015 Tour Breaks Attendance Records

Skillet's John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery

Skillet’s John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery

NewSong’s Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular wrapped its biggest tour to date with more than 600,000 people attending 47 shows across the country. The tour launched its 20th anniversary tour Jan. 2. Since then, the tour has notched 38 sellout shows and played to capacity audiences at St. Louis’ 19,000-seat Scottrade Center; Tampa, Fla.’s 17,000-plus seat Amalie Arena; and Detroit’s nearly 17,000-seat The Palace of Auburn Hills, among other venues. The tour concluded March 29.

Winter Jam 2015 was headlined by Skillet, along with Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, for KING & COUNTRY, Family Force 5 and evangelist Tony Nolan, while the Pre-Jam Party included Blanca, About A Mile and VERIDIA.
 

Industry Pics: Bowling and Bus Trips For ole, Michael Ray Makes Opry Debut

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ole at Nashville Film Festival

Music publisher ole recently invited several music supervisors to an ole-sponsored happy hour/bowling event at Nashville’s Pinewood Social, as part of the Nashville Film Festival.

Pictured (L-R): Joel Timen (Word Entertainment), Jeff Gordon (Carlin), Julie Moe (ole), Anastasia Brown (Format Entertainment), Steven Gaydos (Nashville Film Festival Board Member, Variety), Liz Rogers (Anacrusis Songs), Jennifer Smuckler (Lionsgate), Robert Jordan (Fox Sports), Randall Foster (ole), Patrick Buchanan (Ignition Creative), Jessica Dierauer (Able Baker), Jim Scherer (Whizbang Inc.), John Ozier (ole), and Andrew Petroff (ole Songwriter).

Pictured (L-R): Joel Timen (Word Entertainment), Jeff Gordon (Carlin), Julie Moe (ole), Anastasia Brown (Format Entertainment), Steven Gaydos (Nashville Film Festival Board Member, Variety), Liz Rogers (Anacrusis Songs), Jennifer Smuckler (Lionsgate), Robert Jordan (Fox Sports), Randall Foster (ole), Patrick Buchanan (Ignition Creative), Jessica Dierauer (Able Baker), Jim Scherer (Whizbang Inc.), John Ozier (ole), and Andrew Petroff (ole Songwriter).

 

ole Writer Takes To The Road

ole also recently completed its first ole Bus tour of the year. Songwriter Bart Butler, artist Jon Pardi, and ole songwriter Jesse Rice took the bus to Pardi’s concerts at Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke, Va., on April 23 and at St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida on April 24.

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Bart Butler, artist Jon Pardi, and ole songwriter Jesse Rice.

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Bart Butler, artist Jon Pardi, and ole songwriter Jesse Rice.

 

Warner Bros. Recording Artist Michael Ray Makes His Opry Debut

Warner Bros. Records recording artist Michael Ray celebrated a special occasion last Friday (April 24), making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage performing his hit single “Kiss You In The Morning.” Ray also honored his grandfather, who helped him get his start in country music through their family band, with a rendition of Porter Wagoner’s “Green, Green Grass of Home.”

Pictured (L-R): Opry member Ricky Skaggs, Michael Ray and Pete Fisher, VP and GM, Grand Ole Opry.

Pictured (L-R): Opry member Ricky Skaggs, Michael Ray and Pete Fisher, VP and GM, Grand Ole Opry.

Industry Ink: Nashville’s 30 Under 30, BLA, Who Knew, Studio Gold

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Industry Members Support Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Several industry members attended the recent Top 30 Under 30 event benefiting Cystic Fibrosis, which was held at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston served as the Bid for a Cure auctioneer, while Regions Bank’s Lisa Harless served as emcee.

The event raised a net amount of $135,000 ($150k gross), a nearly $35k increase over last year’s event.

Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Lisa Harless, and Brian Nock.

Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Lisa Harless, and Brian Nock, Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

Buddy Lee Attractions Adds Two To Artist Roster

buddy lee attractionsBuddy Lee Attractions has signed indie recording artists Shawn Lacy and David Adam Byrnes to its roster.

“These two guys are covered in raw talent; a live talent that audiences crave,” said Amy Aylward, who will act as their representing agent. “We have so much faith that these two will go far and we are honored to be a part of their team to help them get there.”

For more information, visit shawnlacy.com and davidadambyrnes.com.

 

Speakers Revealed For Next Who Knew Event

who knew nashville1

The next Who Knew event will be held May 13 at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.

Speakers for the event include “Music Industry Blog” creator Mark Mulligan, NPR theme music composer BJ Leiderman, digital expert Kate O’Neil, digital music consultant/attorney Deborah Newman, Blueprint Group/Maverick head of Digital Strategy Bryan Calhoun, attorney Judy Tint, co-director of Artist Revenue Streams project Kristin Thomson, and Billy Block Foundation co-founder Jill Block.

Performers will include Arrested Development bassist Kamaal Malack with band Freedm Riders, as well as Alanna Royale.

Studio Gold Signs Brantley For Publishing/Artist Development Deal

Brentwood, Tenn.,-based publishing company and independent record label Studio Gold has signed Georgia recording artist/songwriter Scott Brantley to an exclusive publishing and artist development contract. Brantley was the state winner of the Texaco Country Showdown in 2012.

Scott Brantley (L) with Studio Gold's Mike Mouret.

Scott Brantley (L) with Studio Gold’s Mike Mouret.

Industry Pics: Belmont University, KingSpirit Music, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

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Belmont University Honors Michael W. Smith with the Applause Award

Belmont University’s School of Music honored acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Michael W. Smith with the Applause Award at Saturday night’s annual President’s Concert. The Applause Award is the most distinguished award presented by Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and is given annually to honor those who have made significant contributions to the arts.

Michael W. Smith accepting Belmont University’s School of Music Applause Award

Michael W. Smith accepting Belmont University’s School of Music Applause Award

 

KingSpirit Music Loans Original Song Lyrics to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

KingSpirit Music publisher Todd Wilkes has loaned the original lyrics to “The Song Remembers When,” written by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hugh Prestwood, to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, for a future display in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery. The song was a No. 1 hit recorded by Trisha Yearwood, as well as the title track of her 1993 album for MCA Nashville.

“The Song Remembers When” landed Prestwood the Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics” and the NSAI Song Of The Year. After the song was recorded, Prestwood presented his original lyrics to publisher, Todd Wilkes, as a token of thanks for placing the song for Prestwood.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the Music City Center, at 201 5th Ave. S.

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Pictured (L-R): Hall of Fame member Layng Martine Jr., Hall of Fame member Hugh Prestwood, Hall of Fame member/Board Chair Pat Alger, Todd Wilkes

BMI’s Basement East Showcase Series To Highlight Indie Writers

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BMI Eastside SoundsBMI will soon launch a free monthly showcase, “East Side Sounds,” at the newly opened Basement East (a.k.a. The Beast), a music venue located at 917 Woodland Street in East Nashville. The kick-off showcase will be held Wednesday, April 29, beginning at 6 p.m.

The series aims to highlight Nashville’s eclectic independent music scene, with the first show featuring alt-country artist Cody Brooks, pop singer Andrea Davidson, and Southern funk band Joel & The Gents.

“This is a great way to support our songwriters,” says Clay Bradley, BMI’s Associate Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. “We’re dedicated to developing and highlighting our many talented acts, and we’re thrilled to be able to do this at The Beast.”

The Beast is the sister venue to the legendary Basement venue, home to BMI’s quarterly Buzz at the Basement up-and-coming songwriter series.

“It’s been growing for a while,” says BMI singer/songwriter Brooks. “It is a ground floor movement, not even that, it’s underground. Hell… it’s in a basement, and the roots of this city give us shelter. What a brave move incorporated (BMI) to feed the belly of the Beast.”

3 Ring Circus Adds Welling To Writer Roster

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Pictured (L-R):[3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus Music GM Darrell Franklin, Parker Welling, 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele, BMI Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts. Photo: 3 Ring Circus Music

Pictured (L-R): 3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus Music GM Darrell Franklin, Parker Welling, 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele, BMI Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts. Photo: 3 Ring Circus Music

3 Ring Circus Music, the independent company founded by Jeffrey Steele, has signed Nashville-born songwriter Parker Welling to a publishing deal.

“Parker is a great new talent way beyond her years. I’m thrilled to work with her and can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Steele.

Welling will join the rest of her 3 Ring Circus Music Family down in Key West for BMI’s Key West Songwriter’s Festival May 6 – 10.

Industry Ink: Michael Deputato, Sammy Kershaw, Bev Moser, ASCAP

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Pictured: Michael Deputato with wife and daughter

Pictured: Michael Deputato with wife Milenka and their daughter.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched For Former UMGN Exec Deputato

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for industry executive Michael Deputato, who is fighting brain cancer. Deputato has beaten brain cancer once, but after spending the last decade in remission, the brain cancer has returned.

Deputato worked at UMGN for eight years, before moving to New York in 2012.

To donate, visit gofundme.com.

 

Sammy Kershaw Lands New Record Deal

Sammy KershawSammy Kershaw, known for hits including “Cadillac Style,” “Love of My Life,” and “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” has signed with Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records.

The singer-songwriter is set to release his new album I Won’t Back Down on June 9.

“Sammy Kershaw is one of those voices that you know the moment you hear it. We at Cleopatra are excited to work with an artist of Sammy’s caliber,” says Cleopatra Records President Tim Yasui.

 

Bev Moser Named To Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board

Bev Moser

Bev Moser

Industry photographer Bev Moser of Moments By Moser Photography has been invited to serve and participate on the Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board. Board members offer advice and suggestions on the school’s curriculum and give a real-world business perspective in discussions on classes in photography, videography, graphic design, and illustration, as well as the processes of hiring photographers, and more.

Nossi College of Art is based in Madison, Tenn.

 

Newcomer Bailey James Aligns with ASCAP

Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Bailey James signed with ASCAP recently while in Nashville. James has co-written with Jeanie McQuinn, Steve O’Brien and other Nashville writers. She is also working with Jeff Teague of Artist & Repertoire, LLC, as well as DareDevil Productions.

Pictured (L-R): Bailey James with ASCAP's Mike Sistad.

Pictured (L-R): Bailey James with ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.

Spirit Music’s Daniel Hill Talks Acquisitions, Artist Development

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Daniel Hill

Spirit Music Nashville’s Daniel Hill.

Since being named president of Spirit Music Nashville, Daniel Hill and his team have focused on expanding the company’s artist management, production and publishing capabilities. Hill, former Cal IV Entertainment president, assumed his post following Spirit’s acquisition of Cal IV last year.

“We chose Spirit as much as they chose us,” says Hill, who worked at Cal IV since 2000. “I knew we wanted to keep the momentum we had going with Cal IV. We had great artists, development happenings and other ventures with the management and production as well as publishing. Instead of just letting a larger company absorb the roster, we saw that Spirit Music was a great fit because they didn’t have a presence in Nashville. They wanted a catalog, so we offered them essentially a turnkey operation. They also have a plan to expand the catalog and writers, so it’s nice to be in an expanding, building mode, so we can take advantage of opportunities.”

Since opening the Nashville office, Spirit Music has wasted no time growing its song catalog. Spirit Music Group acquired StyleSonic’s catalog, a collection that contained hits including “Drink To That All Night” “Feel That Fire,” “It Felt Good On My Lips,” and “Highway Don’t Care,” as well as “a treasure trove of uncut songs,” according to Hill. “There’s a lot of low-hanging fruit to get placed, and we should have some great success having new cuts as well as mining the hits that are already in there.”

Spirit Music Group also acquired West Main Music, brimming with potential hit songs for the CCM market. The acquisitions bolster the company’s stable of potential hits in what has increasingly become a singles-driven market over the past several years.

“Sales peaked back in 2000 and we’ve seen a steady decline for the past 15 years. With the decline of album sales, it’s more and more about single sales and performance royalties. The market has changed to a singles market, which changes the dynamics of making deals…writer deals…because traditionally we recoup out of mechanical sales. It’s really hard for a writer to recoup these days. Whereas before we could have a songwriter with a few album cuts on some multi-platinum records and they paid almost as well as a hit single, as far as what they would be recouping. Now, you really have to be creative and it’s more and more about getting the hit song. That has changed how we think about the roster.”

Still, the company continues to nurture new writers. “We pride ourselves in finding talent early and not just paying for big-name marquee writers. But acquiring catalogs helps us to do the nurturing because you have the cash flow, so it goes hand in hand.”

Among the artists and songwriters signed to the publishing company are Jim Collins, Rose Falcon, Chris Wallin, and Triple Run members Brittany Taylor, Eric Knutson, and Matt Singleton. Spirit Music is one of many publishers that has seen an increase in the number of singer-songwriter signees who also have aspirations to be artists. “More and more labels are not signing green artists,” Hill says. “They want most of the blood, sweat and tears to be done, so they can then put their own blood, sweat and tears into it.”

Many A&R duties traditionally handled by labels now fall to publishers. “We have to do demos, so oftentimes we will do limited pressings, which are easier and less costly to upgrade to a master,” Hill says. “We have a studio here, so that allows us to spend more time getting the vocals right, overdubbing and experimenting. You normally wouldn’t do that with the average songwriter deal. A key part of the development process is keeping the end-game in mind; we are trying to make a record, not just a demo.”

Taking it a step further, they oftentimes enlist aid in the areas of imaging, hair/makeup, wardrobe, and photography, and then bring all of those elements together to present the artist in a professional, developed light.

Offering multiple services is not only a boon for aspiring artist/writers, but it means increased potential future earnings for Spirit Music Nashville as well. “If we can develop an artist on a major label who is a great songwriter themselves, then we might get 11 songs on the album instead of one.”

Regardless of a new client’s star potential, Hill maintains that it is always about the song. “The first thing we ask is, ‘Is this person a great songwriter first?’ That’s because we are a publisher first. That’s at the core of our artist development.”