BMG Chrysalis Signs Varble

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Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane, Creative Director; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President – BMG Chrysalis Nashville, Wynn Varble, Sara Johnson, Sr. Creative Director; Daniel Lee, Sr. Creative Director.

Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane, Creative Director; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President – BMG Chrysalis Nashville, Wynn Varble, Sara Johnson, Sr. Creative Director; Daniel Lee, Sr. Creative Director.


BMG Chrysalis has signed singer-songwriter Wynn Varble to its roster of writers.
Varble, a Georgia native, is the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s 2009 Songwriter of the Year and is a writer behind Easton Corbin‘s breakthrough hit “A Little More Country Than That” (along with Rory Lee Feek and Don Poythress). Varble has also co-written songs recorded by Brad Paisley (“Waitin’ On A Woman”), Darryl Worley (“Have You Forgotten”), Kellie Pickler (“Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind”), Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan and others.

Industry Photos (9-27-13)

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While hosting Cary Sherman of the RIAA, the Copyright Society of the South awarded two students with a $1,000 scholarship to aid in the funding of their education. Recipients included Tasha Blumenberg and Amanda Waltz. In addition, Blumenberg and Waltz will be members of the society and attend all CSOS events throughout the year.

Pictured (L-R): Jill Napier, Tasha Blumenberg (recipient), Amanda Waltz (recipient) and board members Bob Mather and Dan Ekback. Photo credit: Janice Jackson.

Pictured (L-R): Jill Napier, Tasha Blumenberg (recipient), Amanda Waltz (recipient) and board members Bob Mather and Dan Ekback. Photo credit: Janice Jackson.

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Capitol CMG Publishing and Nettwerk Publishing partnered Sept. 23 and 24 to host a two-day song camp for Show Dog – Universal artist JT Hodges. Hodges, managed by Bridge Artist Management/TKO Artist Management, is currently touring across the country and writing for his next release. His self-titled debut project was released last year.

Pictured (L-R): Capitol CMG Creative Director John Andrade; writers Michael Logen, Nicole Witt, and Aaron Espe; Moraine Music Group President Dianna Maher, Revelry Music Group Partner AJ Burton; Nettwerk Music Group Manager of Publishing, A&R Melissa Emert-Hutner; JT Hodges; Capitol CMG Sr. Creative Director Stacey Willbur; writers Mark Selby, Bart Allmand, Fred Wilhelm, and Jerry Salley.

Pictured (L-R): Capitol CMG Creative Director John Andrade; writers Michael Logen, Nicole Witt, and Aaron Espe; Moraine Music Group President Dianna Maher; Revelry Music Group Partner AJ Burton; Nettwerk Music Group Manager of Publishing, A&R Melissa Emert-Hutner; JT Hodges; Capitol CMG Sr. Creative Director Stacey Willbur; writers Mark Selby, Bart Allmand, Fred Wilhelm and Jerry Salley.

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The Ryman Auditorium’s Brian Wagner, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan, and singer-songwriter John Hiatt visited with Kenny Rogers after his benefit concert for Cumberland Heights on Wednesday (Sept. 25). The concert was held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wagner, Ryman Auditorium; Ken Levitan, Vector Management; Kenny Rogers; and John Hiatt. Photo credit: Randy Dorman

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wagner, Ryman Auditorium; Ken Levitan, Vector Management; Kenny Rogers; John Hiatt. Photo credit: Randy Dorman

ole Signs Columbia Nashville's Farr

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Pictured (L-R): Haley McLemore (377 Management), Tyler Farr, John Ozier (ole GM, Nashville Creative), and Ben Strain (ole Creative Director, Nashville).

Pictured (L-R): Haley McLemore (377 Management), Tyler Farr, John Ozier (ole GM, Nashville Creative), and Ben Strain (ole Creative Director, Nashville).


ole has signed a deal with songwriter and Columbia Nashville recording artist Tyler Farr. Farr’s breakout single, “Redneck Crazy,” was penned by Josh Kear, Mark Irwin, and Chris Tompkins.
“I have been watching Tyler’s career develop over the last several years and to be able to partner with him as ‘Redneck Crazy’ is peaking is a huge honor,” says ole’s John Ozier, GM, Nashville Creative. “Tyler has an unbelievable voice and is a great artist, but his songwriting is what really enthuses us at ole. Tyler has a wonderful team of people around him and we’re thrilled to be able to join that team and to help build on the momentum he has right now. The future of ole is extremely bright, and Tyler Farr is a big part of that moving forward.”
“John Ozier has been a friend for several years,” adds Farr, “so for me to be able to team up with ole and John, makes me feel at home.”
Farr recently gave an album preview performance at Nashville club The Stage, where he thanked Ozier, Columbia Nashville and the rest of his team for their part in his rising career.

Big Machine Music Signs Thompson

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Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson


Big Machine Music has announced an exclusive publishing agreement with songwriter Josh Thompson.
“We are proud to welcome Josh Thompson to the Big Machine Music team! We count ourselves among the many in this creative community who are fans of his songwriting and look forward to working with him and his songs,” said Big Machine Music VP, Mike Molinar.
As an artist, Thompson has written and released the singles “Beer On The Table” and “Way Out Here.” His latest album will feature Thompson’s single, “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.” The Wisconsin native has also had cuts by Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Gary Allan and others.
Thompson says, “As a songwriter, I’ve been at a handful of publishing companies over the years, and I know firsthand that change is good especially when it comes to creativity. The staff at Big Machine Music is top notch, and I’m back working with one of my good friends, Alex Heddle. I’m looking forward to makin’ some noise with this publishing team.”

No. 1 Celebration: Brett Eldredge’s “Don’t Ya”

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, co-writer Chris DeStefano, Brett Eldredge, co-writer Ashley Gorley, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito and RLB Artist Management, LLC’s Rob Baker. Photo: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, co-writer Chris DeStefano, Brett Eldredge, co-writer Ashley Gorley, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito and RLB Artist Management, LLC’s Rob Baker. Photo: Erika Goldring

Monday afternoon (Sept. 23) BMI and ASCAP celebrated Brett Eldredge’s No. 1 hit “Don’t Ya” in Nashville restaurant Cabana’s stylish back room. Written by Eldredge, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley, “Don’t Ya” is published by Out of the Taperoom Music, Sugar Glider Music Publishing, Combustion Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music and Paris Not France Music.

BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the standing room-only crowd, congratulating the writers and presenting Eldredge with a coveted No. 1 guitar. Collins listed the singer’s numerous accomplishments, including his stint on Taylor Swift’s RED Tour and his bold decision to skydive when “Don’t Ya” reached No. 1.
ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel came onstage to honor the three writers, calling DeStefano and Gorley “one of the hottest songwriting duos” in the business today, with songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, Luke Bryan and more. Beuschel also prophesied that Gorley will be named ASCAP’s 2014 Songwriter of the Year.
Combustion Music Publishing’s Chris Farren and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg took the stage to present awards and celebrate each writer. Van Valkenburg commented on DeStefano’s tireless work ethic before turning to Eldredge and saying, “If the time ever comes when you don’t want to be an artist, you’ll have a lifelong career as a songwriter.” Warner/Chappell Music Publishing also paid tribute to the writers with special plaques.
The party included presentations from Country Radio Broadcasters’ Michelle Kammerer and CMA’s Brandi Simms. Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuel was also present to announce that a donation had been made by Avenue Bank in the writers’ names to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Warner Music Nashville President and CEO John Esposito showered praise on Eldredge, the first artist he signed upon moving to Nashville, saying, “He has that unbelievable unique style of phrasing that makes the song his. I’m blessed to have one of the greatest vocalists I’ve ever heard on our roster.”
DeStefano and Gorley took the stage to express their gratitude and thank their families. “Thanks for never thinking that songwriting isn’t a real gig and asking me to get a real job,” said Gorley, who was celebrating his eleventh No. 1.
Finally, Eldredge boomed his appreciation through the microphone, saying, “Let’s tell some stories. This is very surreal to me right now.” He shared stories from his early days, like sleeping on the roof of a parking garage before an audition and dropping off demo CDs with his family. He also commented on Nashville’s community, saying “This town sticks together like a family and I hope it never changes.” The singer will kick off his Bring You Back tour on Oct. 3 in Oxford, Ohio.
As the celebration died down, partygoers snacked on pizza and drinks while late afternoon turned to early evening.

BMI 2013 Fiscal Report

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bmi-logo1111featuredBroadcast Music Inc. (BMI) has reported record-setting revenues exceeding $944 million and royalty distributions of $814 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.
Revenues increased by $45 million, a 5 percent gain over the prior fiscal year. Royalty distributions increased by $64 million or 9 percent compared to the previous year. This represents the largest fiscal year revenue posted and royalties distributed in the company’s 74 years of operation.
New media and digital revenue continued its year-over-year growth, reaching new record revenues exceeding $57 million, an increase of 65 percent over the previous fiscal year. This achievement was driven in large part by agreements with Netflix, Hulu and other digital entertainment outlets.
Licensing revenues from bars, restaurants and other commercial establishments saw a 7 percent increase over the prior year to a new benchmark high of $116 million.
International revenues contributed $297 million, more than 30 percent of BMI’s total for the year.
Commenting on the year, BMI President Del Bryant, said: “The success we are reporting today has been achieved in a very transitional period for BMI and the music and entertainment business. We are alert to the challenges that the restructuring of the industry presents, but we also see unprecedented opportunity. BMI’s dynamic and constantly evolving repertoire is able to reach the public across a myriad of platforms in which music is the core offering, or an essential part of the creative product. As this year’s results demonstrate, we have continued to capture the value that music contributes, and deliver it to our writers, composers and publishers.”
Michael O’Neill, BMI’s recently elected Chief Executive Officer, added: “What is most impressive about this year’s significant success is not only the diversity and growth in our revenues, but also our ability to increase royalties by an even larger margin. This is the result of a true team effort. I would like to congratulate everyone at BMI for their dedication to service, their diligent attention to the details of our business, and for these great results! Our songwriters, composers and publishers deserve this kind of performance, and we have delivered. To everyone at BMI, job well done!”
O’Neill, who most recently was BMI’s Senior Vice President, Repertoire and Licensing will assume his role as President upon Bryant’s June 2014 retirement.
BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 7.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. This year, more than 45,000 new writers joined BMI via its online portal – the company’s virtual open door.

Industry Ink (9-20-13)

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The John Lennon Educational tour bus and SESAC are holding a celebration event Friday (Sept. 20) in Nashville. The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will be onsite at SESAC’s Nashville headquarters on Friday, and hosting tours of the bus for the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy local food trucks that will be onsite during the day.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC's Tim Fink, singer/songwriter Lance Miller, SESAC's Ellen Truley and Rob Marcus and John Lennon Educational Tour Bus coordinator Ryan L'Esperance.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, singer/songwriter Lance Miller, SESAC’s Ellen Truley and Rob Marcus and John Lennon Educational Tour Bus coordinator Ryan L’Esperance.

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AIMP LogoThe Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter and Fifth Third Bank will hold a presentation titled Fair Use and Copyright Abuse: How To Reap Rewards and Avoid Litigation with Dr. E. Michael Harrington at ASCAP on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Harrington will discuss current copyright problems and business issues in publishing. He will answer questions including: Can copyright protection extend to a bass line? A chord progression? The sound and style of a famous artist?
Harrington currently teaches entrepreneurship and other courses at the Berklee College of Music. His previous employment includes positions at Harvard Law School, Belmont University, UAB and William Paterson.
AIMP encourages interested parties to register for chapter membership. Members will attend the presentation for $25, while non-members will be required to pay $45. To join and register, visit aimp.org.

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The Copyright Society of the South hosted NMPA‘s David Israelite on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters. Israelite discussed the current state of the publishing industry, including the on-going Pandora controversy and the latest congressional developments. For more info on CSOS, visit copyrightsocietyofthesouth.com

Pictured (L-R): CSOS board members Jill Napier, Bob Mather, NMPA's David Israelite, and CSOS board members Casey McGinty, John Barker and Ted Goldthrope. Photo: Janice Jackson.

Pictured (L-R): CSOS board members Jill Napier, Bob Mather, NMPA’s David Israelite, and CSOS board members Casey McGinty, John Barker and Ted Goldthrope. Photo: Janice Jackson.

NMPA Celebrates Writers During Bluebird Showcase

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L-R: Sony/ATV's Terry Wakefield, songwriter Tom Douglas, NMPA president and CEO David Israelite.

Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, songwriter Tom Douglas, NMPA president and CEO David Israelite. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser


The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) held a songwriters showcase Monday (Sept. 16) night at the Bluebird Café in Nashville where songwriters Tom Douglas, Wendell Mobley, Shane McAnally and Marti Frederiksen performed. Plaques were given during the event to McAnally recognizing his platinum songs “Downtown,” “Better Dig Two,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” and “Alone With You,” as well as his gold single “Merry Go Round.” Mobley was given a plaque for his gold single, “How Country Feels,” while Douglas received multi-platinum awards for his singles “I Run To You” and “The House That Built Me.” Frederiksen received a platinum plaque for “Undo It,” and a gold plaque for “Mama’s Song” during the evening’s festivities.
L-R: Songwriters Tom Douglas, Wendell Mobley, Shane McAnally, and Marti Frederiksen perform during NMPA's Songwriter Showcase held at Nashville's Bluebird Café Photo credit NMPA/Bev Moser

Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Tom Douglas, Wendell Mobley, Shane McAnally, and Marti Frederiksen perform during NMPA’s Songwriter Showcase held at Nashville’s Bluebird Café
Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser

Publisher Notes: Warner/Chappell, ole, Dan Hodges Music

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Warner/Chappell Nashville has completed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with country music songwriter Danny Orton. Orton’s credits include cuts by Rascal Flatts, Chicago, and Tim McGraw. He also co-wrote the new single for Dan+Shay, “19 You & Me.”

Pictured, Back row: Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Rohan Kohli (Ozone Entertainment), Matt Michels (Warner/Chappell). Front row: BJ Hill (Warner/Chappell), Danny Orton, Blain Rhodes (Warner/Chappell).

Pictured, Back row: Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Rohan Kohli (Ozone Entertainment), Matt Michels (Warner/Chappell). Front row: BJ Hill (Warner/Chappell), Danny Orton, Blain Rhodes (Warner/Chappell).

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ole has signed a worldwide publishing deal with artist/songwriter Josh Dorr; the agreement also includes Dorr’s catalog of more than 150 copyrights. “I’m very excited to be part of a team that believes in me and my music and can help take me to the next level as a songwriter,” states Dorr. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to make that journey with. I’m glad to be part of team ole!”
Dorr had his first ole cut with singer/songwriter Casey James. A Wyoming native, Dorr grew up playing football and turned to music and songwriting in his late teens. In 2010, he moved to Nashville and began writing with several top songwriters. With ole writer Bruce Wallace and ole legacy writer Kaci Bolls, Dorr penned “Down Goes The Cowboy,” which placed in the Top 3 in the International Songwriting Competition. Dorr also co-wrote the theme song for the television series Open Season (Pursuit Channel) and had the song “I’d Look Good On You” featured in the USA Network’s Necessary Roughness.

Pictured (L-R): Gilles Godard (ole VP, Corporate Affairs and Development), Ben Strain (ole Creative Director, Nashville), John Ozier (ole GM, Nashville Creative), ole writer Josh Dorr, Kelly Donley (Safford & Motley) and Scott Safford (Safford & Motley).

Pictured (L-R): Gilles Godard (ole VP, Corporate Affairs and Development); Ben Strain (ole Creative Director, Nashville); John Ozier (ole GM, Nashville Creative); ole writer Josh Dorr; Kelly Donley (Safford & Motley) and Scott Safford (Safford & Motley).

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dan hodges music logo1Dan Hodges Music has promoted Angie Withrow to Creative-Admin Liason, where she will manage information flow between the creative and administrative arm. She has spent 15 years working on the creative and the administrative side of the business. She recently celebrated her one-year anniversary in copyright administration with Dan Hodges Music. She can be reached at [email protected].
Nickie Lancaster has joined Dan Hodges Music as Creative Director. She is a graduate of University of Tennessee in Knoxville and comes from a sports management background, having served in positions with YMCA, Williamson County Parks and Recreation, D1 Sports, ESPN, Nashville Predators and Knoxville Ice Bears. Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].

Court Ruling Grants Pandora Summary Judgement

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ascaplogoA ruling has been made in the Southern District of New York’s federal rate court requiring all publishers licensed by ASCAP to remain subject to the organization’s Pandora license through Dec. 31, 2015. The decision, announced today (Sept. 18) allows Pandora to resume using the PRO’s collective works regardless of publishers’ attempts to “withdraw” new media licensing. Further, a rate trial date has been set to begin on Dec. 4 to determine the rate Pandora will pay going forward.
EMI was the first to begin withdrawing its catalog in April 2012, followed by the remaining Sony/ATV copyrights in January when it successfully negotiated a 25 percent higher royalty rate. Universal Music Publishing Group and BMG withdrew respective digital rights from ASCAP in July, while Kobalt was scheduled to do so in October. Warner/Chappell had postponed withdrawing until 2014.
The motion for summary judgment, reported since last November, sought an interpretation of the consent decree under which ASCAP is subject by the government. Pandora asked the court to determine if selective withdrawals of so-called “new media” rights by ASCAP-member publishers violated the PRO’s consent decree. ASCAP’s prevailing royalty rate under its consent decree was reported by Billboard‘s Aug. 10 print magazine to be 1.85 percent of licensee revenue.
In a statement from ASCAP CEO John Lofrumento said: “ASCAP’s more than 470,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members make their living creating the music without which Pandora would have no business. The Court’s decision to grant summary judgment on this matter has no impact on our fundamental position in this case that songwriters deserve fair pay for their hard work, an issue that the Court has not yet decided. ASCAP looks forward to the December 4th trial, where ASCAP will demonstrate the true value of songwriters’ and composers’ performance rights, a value that Pandora’s music streaming competitors have recognized by negotiating rather than litigating with creators of music.”
“Pandora continues to firmly believe that musicians must be fairly compensated for their work,” said Chris Harrison, Pandora’s Assistant General Counsel. “We are committed to a responsible, sustainable and equitable royalty structure that benefits and grows the entire industry and does not discriminate against new technologies.”
Pandora recently appointed Brian McAndrews to succeed Joe Kennedy as CEO, President and Chairman.