Spirit Music Group Acquires StyleSonic Catalog

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spirit music group1111Spirit Music Group has acquired StyleSonic, one of Nashville’s top independent catalogs.

Through the deal, Spirit will add four No. 1 country hits to its portfolio, including SESAC Song of the Year “Drink To That All Night” by Jerrod Niemann, “Highway Don’t Care” by Tim McGraw ft. Taylor Swift, “Feel That Fire” by Dierks Bentley, and “It Felt Good On My Lips” by McGraw.

The StyleSonic catalog also features over 15 Top 20 country songs spanning the last decade. Other key copyrights in the catalog include “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith, “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw, “Beer with Jesus” by Thomas Rhett, “Nine Lives” by Def Leppard ft. Tim McGraw, “Shinin’ On Me” by Niemann, “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong” and “Teenage Daughters” (both recorded by Martina McBride).

David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group, said, “The acquisition of the StyleSonic catalog fulfills multiple goals for Spirit, including continuing our aggressive growth strategy via high quality catalog acquisitions, while also fulfilling the goal of helping build and strengthen our growing Spirit Music Nashville operation. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville, said, “We are thrilled to add these StyleSonic hits to the Spirit Music Nashville catalog, and we are equally excited to add such a wealth of yet-to-be-recorded songs from some of the hottest songwriters in today’s country market.”

Spirit Music Group’s expansion into country music also includes the recent acquisition of the established and successful Nashville-based independent music publisher, production, and artist management company Cal IV Entertainment, as well as last month’s acquisition of leading contemporary Christian catalog West Main Music.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame To Begin Songwriter Showcases

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Pictured (L-R): Mac Davis, Tom Douglas, Allan Shamblin

Pictured (L-R): Mac Davis, Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin

The inaugural Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) songwriter series will feature Mac Davis, Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin at City Winery on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 pm. The NaSHOF will showcase several songwriters nights in the coming months in an effort to raise funds, billed as “Hits From The Hall.”

“These three are always so gracious to lend us their talents, just as our friends at City Winery have been gracious to provide such a fantastic environment for experiencing music,” says Mark Ford, NaSHOF’s executive director. “We look forward to hearing a lot of classic songs and the stories behind them in the months to come.”

Tickets are $20 for downstairs seating; $30 for limited upstairs VIP seating, available Friday morning, March 20 at citywinery.com/nashville or by contacting the venue at 615-324-1010.

Since 1970, 196 of Music City’s top tunesmiths from all genres of music have been enshrined by the non-profit NaSHOF, which is dedicated to honoring Nashville’s rich songwriting legacy through preservation, celebration and education. In 2013, NaSHOF realized a long-held dream with the opening of its Hall of Fame Gallery, located in downtown Nashville on the first floor of the Music City Center (201 5th Ave. S.).

Davis, a 2000 inductee wrote Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto,” “Memories” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.” From 1974-76 he hosted and starred in his own musical variety TV series on NBC. He also acted in such movies as North Dallas Forty (1979), Cheaper to Keep Her (1980), The Sting II (1983) and Jackpot (2001). He played the title role in The Will Rogers Follies in 1992-93, both on Broadway and in the musical’s touring company. Davis received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998 and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York in 2006.

Douglas, a 2014 inductee wrote Collin Raye’s CMA Song of the Year, “Little Rock,” “I Run To You” by Lady Antebellum earned the 2009 CMA Single of the Year and “The House That Built Me” (with Shamblin) by Miranda Lambert to earn the 2010 NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year and the 2011 ACM Song and Single of the Year.

Shamblin, a 2011 inductee had his first country hit with Randy Travis’ “He Walked on Water.” He wrote Bonnie Raitt’s searing “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Other Shamblin songs include “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Mark Wills, as well as Keith Urban’s “Where the Blacktop Ends,” John Michael Montgomery’s “Life’s a Dance” and David Ball’s “Thinkin’ Problem.”

Big Deal Music Renews with Tursi, Signs Parish

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Big Deal Music has renewed its agreement with songwriter and Old Dominion member Brad Tursi. Tursi has penned songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Maddie & Tae, Frankie Ballard, Swon Brothers, Josh Turner, Joey Hyde, Tyler Farr and more.

Old Dominion recently announced they have inked a deal with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville imprint.

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Chip Petree, Brad Tursi, Pete Robinson, Greg Gallo

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Chip Petree, Brad Tursi, Pete Robinson, Greg Gallo

Additionally, the publishing company announced the signing of singer-songwriter Sarah Emily Parish to its roster.

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Greg Gallo, Sarah Emily Parish, Pete Robinson, and Scott Safford

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo, Greg Gallo, Sarah Emily Parish, Pete Robinson, and Scott Safford

Centricity Music Adds To Artist Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Ford, Centricity Music; Adam Taylor, Motion Management; Jordan Feliz; Jamie Feliz; Jon Sell, Ben Stauffer, John Mays, Centricity Music

Pictured (L-R): Steve Ford, Centricity Music; Adam Taylor, Motion Management; Jordan Feliz; Jamie Feliz; Jon Sell, Ben Stauffer, John Mays, Centricity Music

Franklin, Tenn.-based Centricity Music has signed Contemporary Christian Music/rock singer-songwriter Jordan Feliz to its roster. Feliz will release his debut album in Fall 2015.

“I am excited about the addition of Jordan Feliz to Centricity Music’s roster,” says Jon Sell, Manager of A&R, Centricity Music. “Jordan’s energy and passion are contagious in the pursuit of developing his artistry, which will bring a unique sound to the industry. His work ethic is evident in the 60-plus songs he’s written preparing for his first recording with Centricity Music, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the incredible talent of this guy.”

Feliz, a Central California native, began his career in music as frontman for a Fesno, Calif., rock band, with a solid touring schedule that includes dates on The Warped Tour. Feliz later moved to Nashville to pursue a deal in CCM music. In 2014 Feliz participated in an artist retreat sponsored by Centricity Music, where he got to know staffers, leading to a signing with Centricity.

“I am so incredibly thrilled to be a part of the Centricity Music team,” Feliz said. “It’s such an amazing blessing to be part of a group of people that are collectively a business, but at the same time feels like a big family. Stoked for what’s to come!”

Franklin, Tenn.-based Centricity Music provides label, management and publishing services. Artists represented by the company include CCM artists Aaron Shust, Andrew Peterson, Carrollton, Jared Anderson, Jason Gray, JJ Weeks, Jonny Diaz, Feliz, Lauren Daigle and Unspoken.

Industry Signings: Diamond Eye Music, Lamon Records, Battle Artist Agency

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SESAC Writer Signs with Diamond Eye Music

SESAC-affiliated singer/songwriter Nicolette Hayford has signed with Diamond Eye Music for publishing representation. Hayford, a Nashville-based artist, has collaborated with writers including Jeff Silbar, Ken Johnson and Andi Zack, and is currently writing and performing around the U.S.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Diamond Eye Music’s Chris Burch, Hayford, Diamond Eye Music’s Alyssa Adams, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and Diamond Eye Music’s Molly Lins. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Diamond Eye Music’s Chris Burch, Hayford, Diamond Eye Music’s Alyssa Adams, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and Diamond Eye Music’s Molly Lins. Photo: Peyton Hoge

 

Lamon Records Adds Buddy Jewell To Roster

Buddy Jewell

Buddy Jewell

Singer-songwriter Buddy Jewell has signed with Nashville-based Lamon Records. Jewell has plans to record a classic country album in 2015, working with Lamon Records’ producer and CEO Dave Moody.

“When Dave first approached me, it was like he was reading my mind… it was meant to be,” Jewell says. “I’d been toying with the idea of doing a classic country cover project and had actually begun picking out material in advance. One of the tunes I was strongly considering was George Hamilton IV’s “Abilene” written by songwriting legend J.D. Loudermilk. I’ve ALWAYS loved that tune. While talking to Dave, I became aware of Mr. Hamilton’s and Mr. Loudermilk’s friendship with the Moodys and Lamon Records. That helped to seal the deal for me.”

More than a decade ago, Jewell was the first winner of reality television show Nashville Star. He earned a deal with Columbia Records and charted on country radio with “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out The Rain.”

 

Battle Artist Agency Signs Country Traditionalist Moe Bandy

Moe Bandy

Moe Bandy

Moe Bandy has signed a booking agreement with Battle Artist Agency, joining a roster that includes The Bellamy Brothers, Williams & Ree, Eddy Raven, Mickey Gilley, Earl Thomas Conley, and Gene Watson.

Bandy has several shows slated for coming weeks, including a March 18 show at The Nashville Palace.

Dallas Davidson, Austin Marshall Launch Music Publishing Venture

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Pictured (Top): Bradley Collins (BMI), Brian Kolb, Hannah Montgomery, Dallas Davidson, Austin Marshall, Megan Pool, Jody Williams (BMI). (Bottom): Houston Phillips, Maggie Rose, Kyle Fishman.

Pictured (Top): Bradley Collins (BMI), Brian Kolb, Hannah Montgomery, Dallas Davidson, Austin Marshall, Megan Pool, Jody Williams (BMI). (Bottom): Houston Phillips, Maggie Rose, Kyle Fishman.

Hit singer-songwriter Dallas Davidson has founded Play It Again Publishing with Executive Vice President Austin Marshall. Marshall has worked with Davidson for several years as Executive VP of 2 Chord Georgia Music.

The new venture launches with the addition of four songwriters to the roster, including Maggie Rose, Houston Phillips, Brian Kolb, and Kyle Fishman.

“We feel like we’re all a family here and we’re all after the same goal, and that goal is to make an impact on music,” said Davidson, who serves as Play It Again’s president and CEO. “We don’t have fences around this company. I don’t care if they write a rap song, a pop song or a country song. This is all about music at Play It Again. We’re not focused on one certain genre. I want our writers to feel as creative as they can.”

Davidson has garnered more than 250 cuts for artists including Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, and Jason Aldean.

Additional Play It Again staffers include Creative Director and song plugger Hannah Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer Megan Pool, and Director of External Affairs Taylor Lightcap.

“Maggie Rose has gotten several cuts, including a Selena Gomez cut, and we’ve really just cut the ribbon, so to speak,” Davidson says. “So she’s already making an impact. Brian Kolb I’ve known for 11 years. Everybody knows Brian as an engineer and a producer. Well, I know him as a writer. He was my first writing partner when I moved to Nashville, so it only makes sense to sign Brian. It’s time for him to be on the map as a writer where he deserves to be. Houston is Tyler Farr’s tour manager and Tyler called me about Houston and told me about all the great songs he was writing. Kyle coming from L.A. was a fish out of water. He was into country music and what he wanted to do didn’t really fit with the stuff going on out there. He can do anything, but his forte is country. The first song I wrote with Kyle is about to be cut by a major label artist. I can’t say what it is yet, but Kyle is just a natural fit here. He brings a little bit of swagger with his style of doing his tracks, and it’s so fun to write with them.”

Nashville Songwriters Team To Benefit NOTES For Education

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Chris Tompkins, Chris DeStefano, Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and NOTES for Education's Julie Meirick and Debi Cali. Photo: ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Chris Tompkins, Chris DeStefano, Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and NOTES for Education’s Julie Meirick and Debi Cali. Photo: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.

Music, wine, and advocacy for music education blended beautifully during a songwriters round presented by ASCAP on Wednesday, March 11 at Nashville’s City Winery, to benefit nonprofit organization NOTES for Education.

Songwriters Chris Tompkins, Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and Chris DeStefano took part in a writers round, performing many of their well-known hits. The evening also featured a silent auction of framed, handwritten lyrics of one of each of the writers’ most popular songs, including Arata’s “The Dance” and Alger’s “Unanswered Prayers” (both recorded by Garth Brooks), Tompkins’ “Dirt” (Florida Georgia Line), and DeStefano’s “Just Gettin’ Started” (Jason Aldean).

Bidding for the lyrics is open to the public through March 21. The lyrics will be auctioned individually, and bidding starts at $50 each. Bids can be sent to [email protected].

NOTES for Education was co-founded in Nashville and Napa, and supports music education in schools throughout the two communities.

Industry Ink: BMI, 650 AM WSM, Dreamcatcher Management, Chris Keaton Presents

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Natalie Hemby Previews Puxico Documentary

BMI Nashville held a special screening for family and friends recently for songwriter Natalie Hemby‘s documentary, Puxico. The film is about Puxico, Mo. (Hemby’s grandparents’ hometown) and the town’s annual Homecoming event. The documentary originally debuted at Puxico’s Homecoming last August. Hemby co-wrote each song specifically for the film with the help of her songwriter friends Kelly Archer, Lindsay Chapman, Trent Dabbs, Jonathan and Cassandra Lawson, Jon Randall and Jen Schott. Producer Mike Wrucke led music supervision for the film.

At the event, Hemby noted, “This film isn’t just about Puxico. It’s about you and me and our hometowns. I hope this film inspires you to go back and visit and listen to the amazing stories around you.”

From (L-R): Jody Williams (BMI VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Ryan Silver ("Puxico" Producer), Natalie Hemby ("Puxico" Executive Producer), Scott Murphy ("Puxico" Producer), Beth Laird (Creative Nation, Co-Owner) Mark Mason (BMI Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations) Photo: Katherine Hardin, BMI

From (L-R): Jody Williams (BMI VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Ryan Silver (“Puxico” Producer), Natalie Hemby (“Puxico” Executive Producer), Scott Murphy (“Puxico” Producer), Beth Laird (Creative Nation, Co-Owner) Mark Mason (BMI Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations).
Photo: Katherine Hardin, BMI

 

Aubrie Layne Signs with Chris Keaton Presents

Artist Aubrie Layne has signed a management agreement with Chris Keaton Presents. She also recently signed a publishing deal with UMPG in Los Angeles with Bo Goldsen.

Pictured: Chris Keaton, Aubrie Layne, Kent Earls (Executive VP/GM UMPG-Nashville) and Bo Goldsen, Atlantic Music/UMPG-Los Angeles

Pictured: Chris Keaton, Aubrie Layne, Kent Earls (Executive VP/GM UMPG-Nashville) and Bo Goldsen, Atlantic Music/UMPG-Los Angeles.

 

Chelsea Bain Signs with Dreamcatcher Management

Singer/songwriter Chelsea Bain has signed with Dreamcatcher Management. Both Dreamcatcher Management CEO Jim Mazza and the company’s Peter Keiser will direct all aspects of Chelsea’s rising career.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Mazza, Chelsea Bain, Peter Keiser.

Pictured (L-R): Jim Mazza, Chelsea Bain, Peter Keiser.

 

7th Annual 650 AM WSM Springer Mountain Farms 5K Slated for March 14

Members of the Nashville and surrounding communities can take part in the 7th Annual 650 AM WSM Springer Mountain Farms 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, March 14. The 5K will take place at the Grand Ole Opry Complex. Registration begins at 6 a.m., and the race begins at 7 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Journey Home Project.

Charlie Daniels is Chairman of the Board, and his long-time manager David Corlew is a co-founder, of The Journey Home Project, which connects donors to veterans’ organizations that aid military members and their families in receiving quality healthcare, access to education programs, and connection to job opportunities.

“At 650 AM WSM we are proud and honored to support The Journey Home Project through a portion of the funds raised at our 7th Annual Springer Mountain Farms 5K Run & Walk. My father was an Army Sergeant who did tours in Korea and Vietnam. For me, this cause is essential and very personal,” said Randy Bush, WSM General Manager.

Attendees can register to participate on-site at the Grand Ole Opry Plaza (2804 Opryland Drive) the morning of the race for $35. 

5K

WSM AM 650 Springer Mountain Farms 5K. Photo by: Robin Roberts Ladisa

Who Won NSAI’s 15th Annual Song Contest?

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NSAI-Song-Contest-Presented-By-CMT-Submission-SubmitThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Country Music Television (CMT) announced Derek Toomey and Jeff Silver have been awarded the grand prize in the 15th Annual Song Contest presented by CMT for their title “Drink It In.”

Industry panelists selected 10 finalists from 2,000+ entries for public voting on nsai.cmt.com throughout February 2015. The top prize receives a mentoring session with Warner Music Nashville recording artist Charlie Worsham, a one-year single song contract with Little Louder Music Publishing, publishing meetings with professional music publishers, live performances at The Bluebird Café and Musicians Corner, a three-day trip to Nashville, Tenn.

This year’s lyric-only winner is Char Cordova for “Chevy Bound For Lonely.” Among other prizes, Tia Sillers will mentor Cordova. All of the top songs and entrants can be seen at nashvillesongwriter.com.

The 16th Annual NSAI Song Contest will be announced later this year.

“Drink It In” Audio:

 

Signings: Little Extra Music, Red River Entertainment

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Little Extra Music president Lisa Ramsey Perkins has signed songwriter Tia Sillers to a worldwide publishing agreement. Sillers has written hit singles for Alan Jackson, the Dixie Chicks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others. She co-wrote “That’d Be Alright” (Alan Jackson), “There’s Your Trouble” (The Dixie Chicks), “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love” (Trisha Yearwood), among other tunes.

“Tia Sillers is such an amazing, soulful and prolific writer,” said Ramsey Perkins. “Her streak of award winning, hit songs, speaks for itself. Grammys, ACM and CMA Song of the Year for ‘I Hope You Dance,’ and the list goes on! The talent and energy she brings to our company is unparalleled. We couldn’t be more excited to have her a part of our Little Extra Music family!”

Little Extra Music was started by Lisa Ramsey Perkins in 2013 and offers full-service music publishing as well as independent A&R and consulting for select clients. Others signed to the roster include Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Will Bowen, Kylie Sackley, and Kelsey Anna.

Little Extra Music

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Ramsey Perkins, Little Extra Music; Clay Bradley, BMI; Tia Sillers

 

Singer-songwriter K.T. Oslin has signed with Red River Entertainment, and is set to release the new project Simply, her first album in 15 years. The album will feature new arrangements of hits including “Younger Men,” “80’s Ladies,” and “Hold Me.”

Pictured (seated, L-R): Attorney Orville Almon, Jr., K.T. Oslin. Standing (L-R): Producer/arranger Jimmy Nichols, Chuck Rhodes, Red River Entertainment/Nashville

Pictured (seated, L-R): Attorney Orville Almon, Jr.; K.T. Oslin. Standing (L-R): Producer/arranger Jimmy Nichols; Chuck Rhodes of Red River Entertainment/Nashville