Given Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Cassidy Lynn. Lynn was recently named a “Listener’s Choice” Award Winner in the celebrated NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT.
“Cassidy is truly a wonderful young writer with an old soul, and her songs will touch many people,” said Given Music Publishing VP/GM Mike Sebastian. “I’m very excited about working with her and helping her further her career.”
Lynn has been featured on BMI’s annual Catalog Cast Comp, which reaches publishers and labels in Nashville. She co-wrote Black River Entertainment artist Glen Templeton‘s debut single, “Ball Cap,” and her self-titled debut EP released July 2013.
Given Music Publishing, a division of Given Entertainment, LLC, was formed in late 2013 by Cindy Owen and business partner Jim Kacmarcik. Sebastian was appointed VP/GM of the Nashville-based company. He can be reached at mike@givenmusicpublishing.com or 615-430-2491. Tri Star Sports and Entertainment is the exclusive administrator of Given Music Publishing.

Zeke Duhon, a young singer/songwriter from Tulsa, Okla., has signed his first publishing deal with Big Deal Music in Nashville, TN. Charlie Peacock (Civil Wars) will produce the artist’s first project.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zeke into the Big Deal family,” says Pete Robinson, Senior VP of Big Deal Music Nashville. “He represents the best of Nashville’s new music scene.”
Duhon moved to Nashville in August 2013, and soon became the flagship artist for boutique management firm Nashville Underground Management.

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and the Copyright Society of the South welcomed Congressman Doug Collins (R-Georgia) to discuss his sponsorship of the Songwriter Equality Act (SEA) on Wednesday, March 19 at The First Amendment Center.
This member-only event began with performances by hit songwriters Josh Kear (“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood, “Need You Now” –Lady Antebellum), Jessi Alexander (“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice, “Mine Would Be You” – Blake Shelton) and Wynn Varble (“Waitin’ on a Woman” – Brad Paisley, “A Little More Country Than That” – Easton Corbin), followed by Congressman Collins’ remarks on the legislation and a question and answer session with the audience. A reception sponsored by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC followed the program.
The Songwriters Equality Act would allow a “rate court” to consider other royalty rates as evidence when establishing digital performance rates for songwriters and composers. It would also adapt a fair rate standard for mechanical reproduction.
“What has become a passion for me are those who write the lyrics. They are penning what I might not be able to say but penning something that is inherently valuable.  They are penning something that has worth,” said Congressman Collins. “We’ve got to get back to an understanding that what you produce with your mind, with your heart and what you share is inherently worth the price.”

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Garth Shaw, a former road manager for Kenny Rogers and indie music publisher (Singing Roadie Music Group), will launch a new monthly songwriters evening, Garth’s Night Out! at The Row Kitchen & Pub, beginning Thursday, March 20. The March 20 show will feature Wood Newton, Jimbeau Hinson, and Marc-Alan Barnette. Upcoming shows include Bobby Tomberlin and Steve Dorff on April 24, followed by Mark D. Sanders and AJ Masters on May 29.
After the first event, the free shows are scheduled for the last Thursday of every month.

Big Deal Music and BMG Chrysalis US have signed Country songwriter Tim James to a worldwide publishing agreement under their joint venture.
James’ list of Country music hits includes George Strait‘s chart-topping single “Give It All You Got Tonight,” Lee Brice‘s “Love Like Crazy,” Trace Adkins‘ “All I Ask For Anymore,” Toby Keith‘s “My List,” and The Lost Trailers‘ “Holler Back.” James has also had cuts with Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry and Lee Ann Womack.
Kos Weaver, EVP of BMG Chrysalis Nashville, said, “Tim is an extraordinary talent and a highly respected songwriter that I have been fortunate to work with in the past. We at BMG are proud to be his new publishing partner along with Big Deal and expand upon his already impressive catalog with many more hits.”
Dale Bobo at Big Deal Music added, “Tim James is an accomplished, often awarded songwriter who has the enthusiasm of a guy just arriving on Music Row. Tim, Kos Weaver and I worked together a few years ago and it was awesome. I’m tremendously excited about supporting Tim again with our new teams.”
James summed, “I’m pumped to be working again with Kos and Dale. They are two of my favorite people and two of the most respected names in music publishing. The dedicated BMG and Big Deal executives together make a formidable team. I look forward to much success.”

Girlilla Marketing has hired Kayla Ganz as Account Director. Most recently, Ganz worked as National Account Coordinator for Universal Group Distribution for six years in New York City.
Ganz can be reached at 615-770-9995.

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