Industry Ink (9-17-13)

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Mercury Records artist Easton Corbin’s hit single “All Over The Road” has reached gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The Top 5 hit was written by Carson Chamberlain, Ashley Gorley and Wade Kirby and serves as the title track to Corbin’s sophomore album that released last year.

Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville's Mike Dungan and Easton Corbin

Pictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and Easton Corbin.

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Still Working Music/BMG has signed writer Derrick Southerland. Southerland, a Georgia native, moved to Nashville in 2010 after working in various studios in the Atlanta area. Most recently, he has had cuts on the Major Bob duo John & Jacob, including the single “Be My Girl.” He joins the growing Still Working team with present writers Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Chase Bryant, Matt Nolen and Ryan Lafferty.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Orbison, President, Still Working Music; Noah McPike, Almon Law, PLLC.; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer, Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Still Working Music; Derrick Southerland; Kevin Lane, Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Chrysalis.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Orbison, President, Still Working Music; Noah McPike, Almon Law, PLLC.; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer, Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Still Working Music; Derrick Southerland; Kevin Lane, Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Chrysalis.

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yepIndustry organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) will hold a Mixer event at Nashville’s Tin Roof on Wednesday (Sept. 17), beginning at 6 p.m. Cover band BrOTown will perform 90s-era cover songs beginning at 8 p.m.

NMPA Takes New Pandora Head To Task In Open Letter

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nmpaThe NMPA recently sent a welcome letter to Pandora’s new CEO Brian McAdams, pleading with the new exec to reexamine the company’s treatment and pay scale for songwriters and publishers. In correspondence on the NMPA website, NMPA President/CEO David Israelite accuses Pandora of “turning its back on the very industry that provided the foundation for its success,” citing Pandora’s pay scale of less than $60 for one million plays of songs, or $0.00006 per play.
Israelite also alleges the music giant that streams billions of songs each year is currently suing to pay writers even less, lobbying Congress for favorable treatment, and employing gimmicks to avoid paying writers fairly instead of building solid partnerships with writers.
He ends the letter with a plea for change from new Pandora CEO McAdams, who was dubbed “Digital Executive of the Year,” by Advertising Age, in addition to being named one of the 30 most influential ad executives in Adweek’s 30th Anniversary issue.
“We in the music publishing and songwriting industry hope that you can guide Pandora away from its shameful treatment of songwriters and towards a relationship that respects our creative contribution through fair compensation for Pandora’s use of our songs,” wrote Israelite.
McAndrews previously held senior positions at General Mills and ABC. In 1999, he took over Seattle-based digital agency Avenue A, which was bought by Microsoft for $6 billion dollars in 2007. He also held positions at Microsoft and Madrona and is currently on the boards of The New York Times Co., Grubhub Seamless and AppNexus.

Founder of Bluebird Café To Be Honored

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Amy Kurland

Amy Kurland


Amy Kurland, retired owner and manager of the The Bluebird Café listening room will be presented with the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award at the 43rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Music City Center on October 13.
Pat Alger, Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation, made the announcement today (Sept. 9) for the distinction, which recognizes an individual who has nurtured songwriters and helped them master the art and craft of songwriting.
“Amy Kurland has created a home for Nashville writers at every level of success to test their talents in front of a respectful and loyal audience,” said Alger. “Her steadfast belief that an audience was just as interested in the people that created a song as they were in the singer who sang it is the enduring strength behind the Bluebird’s iconic success and it set the standard for songwriter nights all over Nashville.”
Previous recipients of the honor include music publishers Bob Beckham (2008), Bill Hall (2009), David Conrad (2011) and Donna Hilley (2012), in addition to Frances Preston (2010).
Sister organization NSAI will also present its annual awards for the year’s Best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division at the AT&T-sponsord event. This year’s previously announced inductees include Will Jennings, Layng Martine, Jr., Randy Owen (Alabama) and Jeffrey Steele.
Tickets are available to the public at $225 a seat, by email or phone 615-256-3354.
To date, the songwriter’s hall boasts 188 members from all genres of music who have reached the pinnacle of their craft. In 2013, the Hall of Fame realized a long-held dream with the opening of a physical presence in Nashville’s Music City Center.

Industry Ink (9-6-13)

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SandboxNashville’s Sandbox Entertainment has partnered with resort and hotel Blackberry Farm for all resort/events-related public relations, marketing and branding. Sandbox Entertainment launched in 2010 as a full-service management, marketing and entertainment company. Musical clients include Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves and Dan+Shay.
“I’ve enjoyed Blackberry Farm for years,” said Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen. “It’s truly a magical place and my team and I are excited about the endless possibilities with this partnership. The creative process has already been extremely rewarding and we have a lot of exciting things in the works.”

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SWAT Music Group has signed Jay Brunswick to their Nashville publishing family. Brunswick has had 37 major and independent cuts by artists such as Josh Thompson, Jimmie Van Zant and Russell Hitchcock (Air Supply).

Pictured (L-R): SWAT co-owner and president Johnny Garcia, Jay Brunswick, and Noah McPike (Almon Law, PLLC).

Pictured (L-R): SWAT co-owner and president Johnny Garcia, Jay Brunswick, and Noah McPike (Almon Law, PLLC).

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Kristen McRary

Kristen McRary


Kristen McRary has exited Country Radio Seminar after eight years of working with the organization in Event Support/Registration.
“My time at CRS has been amazing,” says McRary. “I worked with a wonderful staff & board of directors that taught me about radio, event planning, logistics and the music business as a whole. I was honored to work for such an incredible organization.”
McRary is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at  [email protected] or 615-390-4562.

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Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kalisa Ewing recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Ewing has cuts on upcoming releases by Kelly Clarkson and Kellie Pickler.

kalisa ewing at grand ole opry111

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher (VP/GM of Grand Ole Opry), Kalisa Ewing, and publisher Todd Wilkes (KingSpirit Music).

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Brad Paisley paid a call on The Bobby Bones Show this week, hanging out as a special guest on Thursday morning (Sept. 5). Paisley is currently promoting his single “I Can’t Change the World.”

Pictured (L-R): Clear Channel SVP Programming Rod Phillips, WSIX OM/PD Michael Bryan, Premiere Radio Sr Natl Director of Music Initiatives Robin Rhodes, Bobby Bones, Paisley, The Bobby Bone Show’s Amy and Lunchbox, and Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Tyson.

Pictured (L-R): Clear Channel SVP Programming Rod Phillips, WSIX OM/PD Michael Bryan, Premiere Radio Sr Natl Director of Music Initiatives Robin Rhodes, Bobby Bones, Paisley, The Bobby Bone Show’s Amy and Lunchbox, and Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Tyson.

BMG Chrysalis Signs Altman

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Pictured (L-R): Kent Marcus (Attorney, Marcus & Colvin LLP); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Dylan Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director)

Pictured (L-R): Kent Marcus (Attorney, Marcus & Colvin LLP); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Dylan Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director).


BMG Chrysalis has welcomed songwriter Dylan Altman to its roster. Altman’s recent success includes “Take A Little Ride” (Jason Aldean) and “Barefoot Bluejean Night” (Jake Owen).
A New Jersey native and Berklee-trained musician, Altman has called Nashville home since 1993. During that time, he has secured cuts and singles on artists including Tim McGraw, The Eli Young Band, Trace Adkins, Eric Paslay, Will Hoge, and Gabe Dixon, among others.

SESAC Sets Nashville Music Awards Date

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SESAC-LOGO1SESAC is set to honor the top songwriters and publishers in the Country and Americana genres at the 2013 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. The awards ceremony is set for Sunday, Nov. 3 at the newly expanded Country Music Hall of Fame.
The SESAC Nashville Music Awards, an invitation-only, red carpet gala event, will honor the most popular songs of 2013 with awards being presented to the Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. The event will also showcase performances by many honored songwriters and performers.
“We are always happy to kick off CMA Week with the SESAC Nashville Awards,” said Tim Fink, SESAC’s VP, Writer/Publisher Relations and the host of the awards. “It is a thrill to honor some of the most successful songwriters and publishers for their activity and to be hosting our event at the Country Music Hall of Fame is very exciting. In addition to recognizing our Country activity over the past year, we are also thrilled to keep with our long-standing tradition of awarding the successes of our family of Americana songwriters and publishers. As the only PRO to acknowledge the creators of the Americana genre along with the most performed Country songs in this new venue makes me look forward to a great event with diverse memorable highlights.”
Songwriters and artists previously honored at SESAC awards events include Bob Dylan, the Avett Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square, Jim Lauderdale and others.

Sea Gayle Music Taps Wizer As VP, Creative

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Freeman-Wizer-Color-111jpg

Freeman Wizer


Sea Gayle Music has added Freeman Wizer as VP, Creative, according to the company’s Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill. Previously, Wizer worked with the creative team at Universal Music Publishing Group in Nashville for nine years.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Sea Gayle team and for this new opportunity,” says Wizer. “I am certain we have a very exciting and productive future ahead of us at Sea Gayle.”
Nashville-based music publishing company Sea Gayle Music was established in 1999.

Industry Ink (8-30-13)

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Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Jason Matthews. Matthews has penned songs for artists such as Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Chris Young, Jake Owen, and Blake Shelton. In 2006, he earned a No. 1 song with Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” He was also named MusicRow magazine’s Breakthrough Writer of the Year in 2006.

Pictured (Front row): Jason Matthews. Pictured (Back row): Steve Markland (W/C), Blain Rhodes (W/C), Ben Vaughn (W/C), Phil May (W/C).

Pictured (Front row): Jason Matthews. Pictured (Back row): Steve Markland (W/C), Blain Rhodes (W/C), Ben Vaughn (W/C), Phil May (W/C).

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Randy Stark

Randy Stark


On Ramp Records has hired industry veteran Randy Stark as Managing Director, where he will be responsible for managing and coordinating label operations, as well as providing radio promotion services. Stark has served as VP, Marketing and Promotion for Warner Music Canada, has directed the artist management company Stark Ravings (including artists Jason Blaine and Clayton Bellamy), and has worked as President at the Canadian Country Music Association. Stark is a past director of the Country Music Association in Nashville. He is also currently Director at the Country Music Association of Ontario.
“Adding Randy to the On Ramp family signifies our continued commitment to growing our label operations,” commented  On Ramp Records President and owner Louis O’Reilly. “His broad industry experience and success at radio will strengthen our position as a leading label services company.”

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Mysti Meese

Mysti Meese


Country Radio Seminar has announced the creation of a new Marketing Coordinator position, to expand the service and support the Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships department. Recent Belmont University graduate Mysti Meese will fill the coordinator role beginning Sept. 9. Beginning Sept. 9, Meese can be reached at [email protected] or at 615-327-4487.
 

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This fall, Belmont University will take part in Creative Connection, allowing four juniors a unique internship program designed to connect students with industry companies and help them establish familiarity and relationships in different facets of the industry. Those facets include publishing, administration, artist management and business management. The students will work with Creative Nation, Words and Music, Crush Management and The Kella Stephensen Company, respectively.
Students Markus Hwang, Jen Duke, Eric LaFontsee and Elle Hussey have been selected to participate in the program, and will intern with each company for three weeks, before rotating to the next. Each semester will feature a brief training camp at Creative Nation to launch the program and will sum up the semester with a group meeting at Creative Nation.

Pictured: First row: Marc Rucker (Crush Management), Kelsey Granda (Creative Nation), Eric LaFontsee Second row: Markus Hwang, Jen Duke, Jill Curry (Kella Stephenson Company), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Elle Hussey.Back row: Andrew Cohen (Crush Management), Brandi Surface (Words and Music), Tricia Procter (Words and Music) and Julie Stuckey (Creative Nation).

Pictured: First row: Marc Rucker (Crush Management), Kelsey Granda (Creative Nation), Eric LaFontsee.
Second row: Markus Hwang, Jen Duke, Jill Curry (Kella Stephenson Company), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Elle Hussey. Back row: Andrew Cohen (Crush Management), Brandi Surface (Words and Music), Tricia Proctor (Words and Music) and Julie Stuckey (Creative Nation).

 

No. 1 Celebration: Kip Moore's "Hey Pretty Girl"

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Photo (L-R):: Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Brett James, Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond

Photo (L-R): Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Brett James, Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond


A line in Kip Moore‘s previous chart-topping hit “Beer Money” has proved prophetic: this newcomer certainly has his foot on the gas and his career is taking off at rocket speeds. He celebrated his third consecutive chart-topping single, “Hey Pretty Girl,” yesterday (Aug. 22) at the Flying Saucer in Nashville, Tenn., along side co-writer Dan Couch. “Hey Pretty Girl” follows Moore’s previous chart-topping songs “Beer Money” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” Moore’s debut single which he also co-wrote with Couch.
Among those who gathered to congratulate Moore on the feat were BMG Chrysalis’ Kos Weaver, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery and UMG’s Mike Dungan. Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels announced that Avenue Bank would make a contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on behalf of the songwriters.
Many in the throng of supporters, including UMG’s Dungan (pictured above), donned Moore’s signature red hat for the party. In addition to commemorative plaques, trophies and Dungan’s well-known accolade affectionately known as the “Impaler Award” that were given to the songwriters and publishers, Moore also received three Oakley black and gold Offshoot sunglasses.
Pictured (L-R): Corn Man Music's Brett James, co-writer Dan Couch, Corn Man Music's Nate Lowery, Kip, MCA Nashville's Miranda McDonald, BMI's Perry Howard, BMG Chrysalis' Kos Weaver and Capitol Records' Mike Dungan.Photographer: Rick Diamond

Pictured (L-R): Corn Man Music’s Brett James, co-writer Dan Couch, Corn Man Music’s Nate Lowery, Kip, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, BMI’s Perry Howard, BMG Chrysalis’ Kos Weaver and Capitol Records’ Mike Dungan. Photographer: Rick Diamond


Moore was the first songwriter signed to Cornman Music, the publishing company founded and owned by singer-songwriter Brett James (“The Man I Want To Be,” “Get Off On the Pain,” “Blessed”). During the celebration, James recalled how early on, before Moore released a single, the singer-songwriter held a solid confidence in his musicianship and star potential. “Four years ago,” said James, “Kip and I were in my office. I had a ’64 Hummingbird [Gibson guitar]. Kip said, ‘If I get three No. 1 songs in a row, you have to give me that guitar.'” Given the steep odds of any new artist amassing three consecutive No. 1 songs, James agreed. During the celebration, James held up his end of the bargain, gifting Moore the prized instrument before the industry crowd.
“Brett James is the ultimate believer,” said Moore. “He thought I was a rock star from day one and would not waver. That’s what it’s about, having faith and not wavering from it. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have, you can’t do it alone…I realize how many hands it takes, from my truck driver to me and the band, engineers, merchandise people.”

Tim McGraw Celebrates 34th No. 1 Song

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(L-R): Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Mark Irwin, McGraw, Byron Gallimore, Photo: Thien Phan

(L-R): Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Mark Irwin, McGraw, Byron Gallimore. Photo: Thien Phan.


There’s a new place to party in Nashville and Tim McGraw‘s latest No. 1 celebration was the perfect occasion yesterday (Aug. 20) to break in the Music City Tippler in Midtown’s Adelicia building.
McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift, featuring Keith Urban on guitar, spent two weeks at the pinnacle of the chart. Written by Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren, the song is McGraw’s 34th No. 1 song and second No. 1 from his Big Machine Records debut, Two Lanes of Freedom.
Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta welcomed the standing-room only crowd, revealing he had first heard about the song from Swift who told him, “I love it and I’m going to sing on that.” A video was then played for the crowd that offers a look at the evolution of the song, from an idea in the writers’ room to finding its place at the top of the charts. Interviews from the songwriters (including Kear who was out of the country and unable to attend the festivities), Urban and Swift, as well as industry leaders, were featured in the video. Also on hand to celebrate were BMI’s Jody Williams, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson and producer Byron Gallimore.
(L-R): McGraw, Urban, Photo Rick Diamond/Getty

Pictured (L-R): McGraw, Urban. Photo Rick Diamond/Getty


McGraw thanked the industry for the song’s success, including the song’s producer Byron Gallimore. He gave nods to the songwriters, stating, “This town revolves around songwriters,” and calling the tunesmiths “modern day poets.” He told guests this is the kind of song, “you don’t have to think, ‘let me listen to this again’.” Being a big fan of Urban and Swift, McGraw acknowledged how Urban, who was on hand for the celebration, has put a spotlight on Nashville, saying we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Regarding Swift’s performance of the song, McGraw confessed, “It was a big deal for her to sing on this song,” and called her a “spectacular songwriter.”
Songwriter Irwin celebrated his second No. 1 (his first being “Here In The Real World” released by Alan Jackson in 1990). Referring to Kear, Irwin said, “A songwriter couldn’t ask for a better co-writer.” He called being in the same writing room with the Warren brothers “inspirational.”
Celebrating their third No. 1, Brad and Brett Warren took the stage and as usual, quickly stole the show, garnering laughs from the packed room of friends, industry and press; but even among the quips, it was evident Brett and Brad were sincerely grateful and humbled by the song’s success.
Lucky attendees didn’t leave empty handed. Everyone received McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom, Accelerated Deluxe vinyl edition as they left the festivities.
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, co-writers Brett and Brad Warren, Tim McGraw, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Keith Urban, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Mark Irwin and producer Byron Gallimore. Photos by Rick Diamond.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, co-writers Brett and Brad Warren, Tim McGraw, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Keith Urban, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Mark Irwin and producer Byron Gallimore. Photos by Rick Diamond.