UMPG Nashville Inks Deal with Songwriter Blair Daly

/by
Pictured, Front Row: Ron Stuve and Blair Daly. Back Row: Missy Wilson, Kent Earls, Cyndi Forman and Travis Gordon.

Pictured, Front Row: Ron Stuve and Blair Daly. Back Row: Missy Wilson, Kent Earls, Cyndi Forman and Travis Gordon.

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville (UMPG Nashville) has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with songwriter Blair Daly.

Daly is known for his hit songs including Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” and No. 1 songs for Kelly Clarkson (“People Like Us”), Kip Moore (“Beer Money”), and Rascal Flatts (“Stand”). Daly also wrote the Dove Award-nominated song “Zombie” for We As Human.

Other artists who have recorded Daly-penned songs include Big & Rich (“That’s Why I Pray” and “Wild West Show”), Scott Stapp (“Dying to Live”), Saving Abel (“Bringing Down the Giant”), Backstreet Boys (“Crawling Back to You”), Gary Allan (“Sand in My Soul”), and O.A.R. (“Peace”). Daly also penned the title track to Little Big Town’s Pain Killer.

Upcoming placements for Daly’s music include planned releases by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Maddie & Tae, Kip Moore, Art of Dying, Rita Wilson and Gary Allan, among others.

“We are beyond excited to add Blair Daly to our amazing roster of writers at UMPG Nashville. We have been very fortunate to work with Blair through many co-writer collaborations over the last 15+ years. His hits are as diverse as his songwriting talent and we look forward to helping Blair further his career and music,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager of UMPG Nashville.

“I am so honored and fired up about joining UMPG! I’ve been a huge fan of the company and the people over here for years. It feels like one big happy family,” said Daly.

Dan Hodges Music Enters Co-Venture With Dog Whistle Music

/by
Pictured (L-R): Dan Hodges, Andrew Cochrane, Jared Porter, Tom Inglis

Pictured (L-R): Dan Hodges, Andrew Cochrane, Jared Porter, Tom Inglis

Dan Hodges Music LLC (DHM) and Australian-based Dog Whistle Music (DWM) have entered into a publishing co-venture, initially signing 2014 Toyota Star Maker winner, Jared Porter.

DHM has published songs recorded by Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Billy Currington, Lee Brice, and opened on Music Row in Nashville in 2008, representing writers and clients for publishing, administration and production worldwide.

Dog Whistle Music has just announced a recorded music distribution agreement with Universal Music Australia with releases from artists Melanie Dyer and Victoria Avenue in the first quarter of 2015.

Dan Hodges Music LLC will provide copyright administration for its own roster of clients, as well as Dog Whistle Music Publishing interests. The DHM-DWM co-venture is seeking songwriters for partnerships worldwide.

BMI Country Icon Honoree Dean Dillon Hosts Mountain High Music Festival

/by

BMI’s 2013 Country Icon, Dean Dillon, recently hosted the inaugural Mountain High Music Festival at Elevation Hotel and Spa in Crested Butte, Colo. The five-day festival took place Jan. 14-18, and featured performances from Robert Earl Keen, Lee Brice, Sonia Leigh, Thompson Square, Due West, Brooke Eden, and more.

The event will donate more than $80,000 to charities including Tough Enough To Wear Pink, and Adaptive Sports Center.

“Wow! What a festival! We promised up close and personal and boy was it ever. Robert Earl was amazing. Heard a lot of comments of him putting on the best show he’s ever done and I tend to agree. We’ve been friends for years and I think he just went all out for us. A big thank you to all the sponsors and attendees. Chomping at the bit for next year. Blessings!” says Dillon.

GAC TV’s “Headline Country” host Storme Warren served as Master of Ceremonies.

Pictured (L-R): Festival host and 2013 BMI Country Icon Dean Dillon poses with fellow BMI songwriter Robert Earl Keen after a performance.

Pictured (L-R): Festival host and 2013 BMI Country Icon Dean Dillon poses with fellow BMI songwriter Robert Earl Keen after a performance. Photo: BMI

Pictured (L-R): Mark Mason (BMI), Earl Simmons (SunTrust), Lee Brice (Curb Records), Bryan Bolton (SunTrust), Dustin Miller (SunTrust), Storme Warren (MC for the event and Host of Sirius XM "The Highway" & GAC's "Headline Country"), Mason Hunter (BMI)

Pictured (L-R): Mark Mason (BMI), Earl Simmons (SunTrust), Lee Brice (Curb Records), Bryan Bolton (SunTrust), Dustin Miller (SunTrust), Storme Warren (MC for the event and Host of Sirius XM “The Highway” & GAC’s “Headline Country”), Mason Hunter (BMI). Photo: BMI

Pictured: David Preston (BMI); Dusty Miller (Suntrust); Joe D'Angelo (HD Radio); Matt Lopez(Due West); Sonia Leigh (BMI writer); Dean Dillon, Bryan Bolton (Suntrust); Colin Lake (BMI writer); Mason Hunter, Steve Newberry (BMI Board MEmber); Storme Warren (Host, and Headline Country Radio Personality); Bottom row: Leslie Roberts (BMI); Earl Simmons (Suntrust); Brad and Tim of Due West; Brooke Eden; Mary Loving (BMI)

Pictured: David Preston (BMI); Dusty Miller (Suntrust); Joe D’Angelo (HD Radio); Matt Lopez(Due West); Sonia Leigh (BMI writer); Dean Dillon, Bryan Bolton (Suntrust); Colin Lake (BMI writer); Mason Hunter, Steve Newberry (BMI Board MEmber); Storme Warren (Host, and Headline Country Radio Personality); Bottom row: Leslie Roberts (BMI); Earl Simmons (Suntrust); Brad and Tim of Due West; Brooke Eden; Mary Loving (BMI). Photo: BMI

Thompson Square performs at Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: BMI

Thompson Square performs at Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: BMI

 

SESAC Adds To Songwriter Roster

/by

Songwriter Casey Kelly has signed with SESAC for representation. Kelly has numerous radio singles to his credit including “The Cowboy Rides Away,” released by George Strait and used by Strait as the title for his farewell tour of 48 shows throughout 2013 and 2014. Kelly has also written hits for Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker and Joe Diffie.

Pictured (L-R): Kelly and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Kelly and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

RareSpark Signs Walker Hayes for Publishing

/by

Pictured (L-R): Christian Barker (Founder/President, Capri Nashville), Walker Hayes, Suzanne Strickland (Owner/CEO, RareSpark), Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, Zumwalt & Hayes), Scot Sherrod (VP/GM, RareSpark)

Singer-songwriter Walker Hayes has signed an exclusive world-wide music publishing contract with RareSpark Media Group.

“We feel so lucky to be able to partner with such an extremely talented and incredibly hard-working individual,” says RareSpark’s Owner/CEO Suzanne Strickland.

“Walker is a triple-threat,” continues RareSpark’s VP/GM Scot Sherrod. “He is an amazing artist, songwriter and producer. His artistry and songwriting as a whole is at its all-time best and we are very excited to work together to help bring it to the masses.”

Of the new partnership, Hayes’ manager Christian Barker remarks, “Throughout the process of finding a new publishing home for Walker, RareSpark stuck out as an innovative, team-oriented organization with which we are thrilled to partner.”

Previously signed to Capitol Nashville, the Alabama native moved to Nashville in 2005. He has found success in writing “Eat, Sleep, Love You, Repeat” for Rodney Atkins; “Joy Like Judy,” an anthem for The Bobby Bones Show; and Colt Ford‘s “Dirty Side.” Walker has also made an appearance on the TLC series 19 Kids & Counting, performing a song he wrote commemorating the engagement of Jill Duggar.

CTM Writers Ink Adds to Writer Roster

/by
Picturd (L-R): Eddie Robba-President/CEO, Ella Mae Bowen, Brandon Perdue-Production/Development CTM Writers INK, Shawn Bowling-Creative Manager CTM Writers INK

Picturd (L-R): Eddie Robba-President/CEO, Ella Mae Bowen, Brandon Perdue-Production/Development CTM Writers INK, Shawn Bowling-Creative Manager CTM Writers INK

CTM Writers INK Music Publishing has signed singer/songwriter Ella Mae Bowen. She joins the current roster of Marcus Hummon, Chris Roberts and Autumn McEntire.

In 2011, Bowen made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. That same year, her version of “Holding Out for a Hero” appeared on the Footloose soundtrack, making Bowen the only unsigned artist on the album.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ella Mae into the CTM Writers INK family as the next chapter of her career takes off,” says CTM Writers Ink President/CEO Eddie Robba.

Industry Ink: NMPA, YEP, Nashville Underground Entertainment

/by
Jody Gerson_UMPG (1)

Jody Gerson

Jody Gerson Named To NMPA Board of Directors

The National Music Publishers’ Association has announced that Jody Gerson, the new chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, has officially joined the NMPA Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jody,” said Irwin Z. Robinson, chairman of the NMPA Board. “Her reputation as a songwriter advocate precedes her, and we are grateful to add her expertise to our Board.”

“Jody is a rock star and I am so pleased to have her join the NMPA Board,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “NMPA’s Board, its members and its advocacy efforts will benefit greatly from her years of experience helping creators thrive.”

Formerly the co-president of Sony/ATV Publishing, Gerson fills the vacancy left by former UMPG chairman Zach Horowitz.

 

YEP Upcoming Events

yep11Nashville entertainment industry organization Young Entertainment Professionals will host several upcoming events in Nashville. On Jan. 27, BMI and YEP will co-host a night at Exit/In beginning at  6 p.m. YEP will host a mixer on Feb. 9 at the Listening Room, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 will bring a Musicpreneur No. 2 session at the Entrepreneur Center at 5:30 p.m. For more information on these events, visit yepnashville.com.

 

Nashville Underground Entertainment Expands To Include Nashville Underground Online

Nashville Underground Online2Nashville Underground Entertainment, LLC, home of Nashville Underground Radio and Nashville Underground Management has expanded to include Nashville Underground Online, a creative agency specializing in graphic and web design, viral marketing and social media, aimed specifically towards independent artists and entrepreneurs.

“I’ve said before that the Nashville Underground brand has limitless potential,” says Matt Williams, co-founder of Nashville Underground Entertainment. “This is not only proof of that, but was an inevitable next step for our company as viral marketing and design is something we make a living at anyway.”

Nashville Underground Online is a partnership between Nashville Underground Entertainment and Brand Ur Band, a digital marketing and social media company.

“This partnership with Nashville Underground will change the game,” says Damar Howard, founder and CEO of Brand Ur Band. “This is a powerhouse team of people with the goal to help artists become truly independent, as well as promote local culture and business.”

Word Music Publishing Extends Agreement with Songwriter Justin Ebach

/by
Justin Ebach

Justin Ebach

Songwriter Justin Ebach has extended his publishing agreement with Word Music Publishing.

Ebach has penned the current singles for Group 1 Crew, David Dunn, Ashes Remain and OBB, as well as cuts for Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, Chris August, The Newsboys and more. Ebach has also garnered cuts recently with Josh Turner, Casey James, Ashley Gearing, and more.

“It is an honor to get to team up with such a talented and hardworking songwriter like Justin,” says Janine Appleton, Creative Director of Word Music Publishing. “It’s so impressive that he not only writes consistent radio songs in various genres, but he’s equally as talented in the studio, able to turn around a full demo quickly, on which he plays is player, vocalist and producer. His songs continue to receive positive attention from A&R and artists alike. Songwriters like him don’t come around every day.“

Industry Pics: Arista Nashville, BMI, Momentum Label Group

/by

Arista Nashville’s newest artist, Cam, performed new music including her debut single “My Mistake” for Sony Music Nashville employees and guests on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Pictured (L-R): Michael Bryan (VP Programming iHeartMedia Nashville), Cam, Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), and Lesly Simon (VP Promotions, Arista Nashville)

Pictured (L-R): Michael Bryan (VP Programming iHeartMedia Nashville), Cam, Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), and Lesly Simon (VP Promotions, Arista Nashville)

• • •

Craig Wayne Boyd, the winner of The Voice, stopped by the Broadcast Music, Inc. Nashville office before getting ready to head out on tour, including a residency in Las Vegas opening for Rascal Flatts. The season seven winner was part of BMI songwriter Blake Shelton’s team and debuted at the top of the country charts with his single “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face.” Boyd is hard at work on an album to be released in 2015.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Perry Howard and BMI songwriter Craig Wayne Boyd

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Perry Howard and BMI songwriter Craig Wayne Boyd

• • •

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, Momentum Label Group’s Rachele Lynae made a stop at the Cumulus Radio offices in Atlanta where she celebrated her birthday and the Jan. 19 release of her new single, “Whole Lotta Nothin’.”

Pictured (L-R): John Kilgo (Cumulus), Cat Collins (in2une), Jamice Jennings, (in2une), Rachele Lynae, Mike Mcvay (in2une), Dale Connone, (in2une)

Pictured (L-R): John Kilgo (Cumulus), Cat Collins (in2une), Jamice Jennings, (in2une), Rachele Lynae, Mike Mcvay (in2une), Dale Connone, (in2une)

Anna Wilson Signs with SESAC

/by
Pictured (L-R): SESAC's Shannan Hatch, Wilson, SESAC's Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Wilson, SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Singer-songwriter Anna Wilson has signed with SESAC for representation.

Wilson’s songs have been recorded by the likes of Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Ann Womack, and others. As a vocalist, Wilson performed with Josh Groban, Keith Urban, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Patty Griffin and others.

Wilson and husband, producer/songwriter Monty Powell, currently are producing a project highlighting the music of Billy Joel in honor of his 50th anniversary as a songwriter. A Nashville State of Mind, with Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Lady Antebellum, the Zac Brown Band, the Eli Young Band and many more Nashville-based artists is set to be released this summer.