Industry Photos (6-20-13)

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The Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament, sponsored by ASCAP, City National Bank, Tim McGraw and McGhee Entertainment, launched registration for its Aug. 19 tourney with a party at Nashville’s Rebar on Wednesday (June 19). Songwriters including Lisa Carver, Cheryl LuQuire and Stephony Smith performed and Arista Nashville recording artist Kristen Kelly was on hand to help the tournament’s planning committee launch the party. The tournament benefits the United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.

Pictured (L-R): Front row: songwriter Stephony Smith, Arista Nashville recording artist Kristen Kelly, songwriter Cheryl LuQuire and MRLGT volunteer Eve Abdo. Back row: UCPMidTN's John Pickett, BMI's Penny Everhard, City National Bank's Diane Pearson, Frank Rogers Productions' Courtney Crist, 377 Management's Malia Axsom, me gusta music's Trina Smith, ASCAP's Suzanne Lee and Music Health Alliance's Herky Williams. Not pictured: songwriter Lisa Carver and NSAI's Susan Myers. Photo by ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski

Pictured (L-R): Front row: songwriter Stephony Smith, Arista Nashville recording artist Kristen Kelly, songwriter Cheryl LuQuire and MRLGT volunteer Eve Abdo. Back row: UCPMidTN’s John Pickett, BMI’s Penny Everhard, City National Bank’s Diane Pearson, Frank Rogers Productions’ Courtney Crist, 377 Management’s Malia Axsom, me gusta music’s Trina Smith, ASCAP’s Suzanne Lee and Music Health Alliance’s Herky Williams. Not pictured: songwriter Lisa Carver and NSAI’s Susan Myers. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski

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ASCAP held the June edition of its “We Create Music” Series on Wednesday (June 19) and featured songwriters Molly Martin, Paperhouse, Frank Maroney, Tommy Karlas and Trevor Rosen, as well as Ten Ten Music Group‘s Femke. ASCAP’s popular monthly showcase series at The Basement is designed to highlight ASCAP’s “best of the best.”

Pictured (L-R): Femke, Trevor Rosen, Megan McCormick, Tommy Karlas, ASCAP's Evyn Mustoe, Frank Maroney, Molly Martin, and Paperhouse's Megan Connor and Shane Hines.

Pictured (L-R): Femke, Trevor Rosen, Megan McCormick, Tommy Karlas, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Frank Maroney, Molly Martin, and Paperhouse’s Megan Connor and Shane Hines.

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Show Dog Universal Music, in conjunction with Country Music Is Love, hosted their inaugural Fan Appreciation Party during Music Fest at the Rutledge in Nashville recently with performances by Krystal Keith, Joel Crouse, Rose Falcon, JT Hodges and Josh Thompson. A total of 40 winners were chosen via Facebook and were each allowed to bring a friend. Fans were allowed 30 minutes to mingle with all the artists, take photos and get autographs.

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Josh Thompson, SDU President Mark Wright, Joel Crouse. Pictured (Front row, L-R): Krystal Keith, Brandon, Rose Falcon

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Josh Thompson, SDU President Mark Wright, Joel Crouse. Pictured (Front row, L-R): Krystal Keith, fan attendee Brandon from Make A Wish, Rose Falcon


 
 

Publishing News (6-20-13)

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Warner/Chappell Music Nashville recently held a “Lunch & Learn” session, a regular series in which senior executives, artists and/or songwriters share valuable insights with company employees over lunch. For the most recent Lunch & Learn, Warner/Chappell invited songwriters and publishing executives who contributed to Blake Shelton’s Based on a True Story… album to speak.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Producer), Ben Vaughn (EVP, Warner/Chappell), Ben Hayslip (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Marv Green (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Deric Ruttan (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Tim Nichols (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Rusty Gaston (GM, THiS Music).

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Producer), Ben Vaughn (EVP, Warner/Chappell), Ben Hayslip (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Marv Green (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Deric Ruttan (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Tim Nichols (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Rusty Gaston (GM, THiS Music).

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AWMG Entertainment has signed singer/songwriter Buck Johnson, also known as the artist, Burly Clyde. Johnson’s diverse catalog includes songs from all genres, including cuts with Carlos Santana featuring Steven Tyler and a song recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus.

Pictured (L-R, Back row): Shane Barrett, Amy Rathburg, Jason Turner. (L-R, Front row): Ann Wilson and Buck Johnson

Pictured (L-R) Back row: Shane Barrett, Amy Rathburg, Jason Turner. Front row: Ann Wilson and Buck Johnson

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Matt Turner

Matt Turner


Big Loud Shirt has added Creative Director, Matt Turner. Turner graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He began working for ole in January 2007 as Catalog Manager and was promoted to Creative Manager during his time there. While at ole he was responsible for placing songs with Josh Turner, Easton Corbin, Dierks Bentley and Randy Travis among others.
He was also responsible for setting up ole bus co-writing trips with his writers and Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Janson, Drake White and The Railers. “We’re thrilled to get someone with his experience that’s so well thought of in the industry over at the Shirt,” says Big Loud Shirt owner Craig Wiseman.
 

BMI Christian Awards Honor Songwriters, Publishers

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Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham and Leslie Roberts, Word Entertainment’s Rod Riley, Songwriter of the Year honoree Caroll L. McGruder, Publisher of the Year Dale Mathews of Word Entertainment, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jason Roy, Special Citation of Appreciation honoree Jim Van Hook, Song of the Year honorees Building 429’s Aaron Branch and Michael Anderson, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo by John Russell

Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham and Leslie Roberts, Word Entertainment’s Rod Riley, Songwriter of the Year honoree Caroll L. McGruder, Publisher of the Year Dale Mathews of Word Entertainment, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jason Roy, Special Citation of Appreciation honoree Jim Van Hook, Song of the Year honorees Building 429’s Aaron Branch and Michael Anderson, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo by John Russell


Members of the Christian music industry gathered Tuesday evening (June 18) for an elegant affair at BMI’s Nashville office to pay tribute to the most impactful songs represented by performing rights organization BMI in the past year. Hosted by BMI’s Associate Director Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts and Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, the event honored the year’s top songs as well as publishers.
Building 429‘s “Where I Belong,” written by Jason Roy (Havery Publishing and Sony/ATV Tree) was named Song of the Year 2012. Carroll L. McGruder was named Christian Music Songwriter of the Year 2012; he penned “I’m Going Home With Jesus” and “Saved By Grace.” BMI’s Christian Publisher of the Year honor went to Word Music Publishing (Dayspring Music). Word Music Publishing’s catalog includes “Carry Me To The Cross,” “He Said,” “Live Like That” and “Love Come To Life.”
Additionally, BMI gave a Special Citation of Appreciation to longtime executive Jim Van Hook. As founder of Brentwood Music and Essential Records (which eventually became Provident Music Group) and later as president of Word, Hook has overseen two of the three largest Christian music companies in the United States. He also served as the inaugural dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Songs honored during the evening include:
10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD)
Jonas Myrin
EMI CMG Publishing
Matt Redman
BE STILL
Yolanda Adams
Irving Music
Jam Yo Music
Yolanda Adams
CARRY ME TO THE CROSS
Mark Stuart
Jason Walker
68 Guns
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Kutless
COURAGEOUS
Mark Hall
My Refuge Music
Sony/ATV Tree
Casting Crowns
DO EVERYTHING
Steven Curtis Chapman
One Blue Petal Music
Primary Wave Brian
Steven Curtis Chapman
HE SAID
Manuel Reyes
Blanca Reyes Callahan
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Group 1 Crew featuring Chris August
I FEEL GOOD
Phillip Feaster
Fred Hammond
Jonathan Miller
Calvin Rodgers
CJMS Music
Derek’s Kids
Face’s Launching Pad Publishing
Music Feast Productions
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Fred Hammond
I NEED YOUR GLORY
Earnest Pugh
Black Smoke Publishing
Pughspen Music Publishing Co.
Earnest Pugh
I THIRST
Beverly Lowry
Homeward Bound Music
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (a tribute to Cathedral Quartet)
I’M GOING HOME WITH JESUS
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Best Of Zion Music
the Worship Crew
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Bo Rinehart
Bear Rinehart
Needtobreathe Music
Needtobreathe
LIVE LIKE THAT
Dave Frey
Ben McDonald
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Sidewalk Prophets
LOVE CAME CALLING
Wayne Haun
Joel Lindsey
Hefton Hill Music
PsalmSinger Music
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Triumphant Quartet
LOVE COME TO LIFE
Jeremy Redmon
Jim Scherer
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Red 91 Music
Songs Of Whizbang
Big Daddy Weave
ME WITHOUT YOU
Toby McKeehan
Chris Stevens
Achtober Songs
Chriscendo Music
Meaux Mercy Publishing
tobyMac
MY HEART SAYS YES
Troy Sneed
Shytro Publishing
Troy Sneed
REACH
Andrew Fromm
Southern Yankee Publishing
Peter Furler
SAVED BY GRACE
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Rex Nelon Music Company
Triumphant Quartet
SOMETIMES I CRY
Gerald Crabb
Christian Taylor Music
Gerald Crabb’s Songs
Jason Crabb
SPIRITUAL
Donald Lawrence
Q W Publishing
Donald Lawrence
TURN AROUND
Matt Maher
EMI CMG Publishing
Valley Of Songs Music
Matt Maher
WE ARE
Chuck Butler
Ed Cash
Hillary McBride
James Tealy
HillaryMcBrideMusic
Jord A Lil Music
Wondrously Made Songs
Kari Jobe
WHAT A SAVIOR
Jeremiah Jones
Fair Trade Global Songs
Giant Impact LLC
Laura Story
WHEN THE STARS BURN DOWN (BLESSING AND HONOR)
Jennie Riddle
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Phillips, Craig & Dean
WHERE I BELONG (BMI Christian Song of the Year)
Jason Roy
Havery Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
Building 429
Industry veteran Jim Van Hook receives the Special Citation of Appreciation at the BMI Christian Awards, staged June 18 in Nashville. Pictured (L-R): BMI's Jody Williams and Jim Van Hook. Photo: John Russell

Industry veteran Jim Van Hook receives the Special Citation of Appreciation at the BMI Christian Awards. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams and Jim Van Hook. Photo: John Russell


Building 429 is honored for Song of the Year ("Where I Belong"). Pictured are (l-r): BMI's Phil Graham, Provident Music Group's Holly Zabk, Building 429's Jason Roy and Aaron Branch, Provident Music Group's Terry Hemmings, Building 429's Michael Anderson and Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group's Devon DeVries, and BMI's Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell.

Building 429 is honored for Song of the Year (“Where I Belong”). Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Building 429’s Jason Roy and Aaron Branch, Provident Music Group’s Terry Hemmings, Building 429’s Michael Anderson and Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell.


Pictured (L-R): BMI Board Member Neil Smith, BMI Christian Award Winner Jeremiah Jones, BMI's Phil Graham, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI Christian Award Winner Earnest Pugh, and BMI's Mark Mason. Photo: John Russell.

Pictured (L-R): BMI Board Member Neil Smith, BMI Christian Award Winner Jeremiah Jones, BMI’s Phil Graham, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI Christian Award Winner Earnest Pugh, and BMI’s Mark Mason. Photo: John Russell.


brandon heath jesus in disguise11

Brandon Heath performs “Jesus In Disguise.”


Steven Curtis Chapman (right) and his son Caleb perform "Do Everything."

Steven Curtis Chapman (right) and his son Caleb perform “Do Everything.”

No. 1 Party: Thompson Square's 'If I Didn't Have You'

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Pictured (front row, L-R): Thompson Square and co-writers Jason Sellers and Paul Jenkins; (back row, L-R): Broken Bow Records’ Jon Loba, BMI’s Penny Everhard, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang Music’s Juli Newton-Griffith, and Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Terry Wakefield. Photo by Rick Diamond

Pictured (front row, L-R): Thompson Square and co-writers Jason Sellers and Paul Jenkins; (back row, L-R): Broken Bow Records’ Jon Loba, BMI’s Penny Everhard, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang Music’s Juli Newton-Griffith, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Terry Wakefield. Photo by Rick Diamond.


It was an emotional celebration Tuesday (June 18) for Keifer and Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square during an event for their chart-topping single “If I Didn’t Have You.” It marked the first No. 1 for the duo as co-writers (their previous No. 1, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” was penned by Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy).
In a rare occurrence, the song’s writers were represented by all three performing rights organizations–ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. “If I Didn’t Have You” was co-written by Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson, Jason Sellers and Paul Jenkins.
The celebration took place at Nashville restaurant The Row Kitchen & Pub. ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel introduced Terry Wakefield of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, who spoke of Sony/ATV writer Sellers. The Texas-raised songwriter began his career at age 18 performing with Vince Gill. He has been an ASCAP songwriter for 17 years.
BMI’s Penny Everhard saluted Shawna for her first chart-topper as a songwriter, giving her a customary BMI guitar. BMI also honored songwriter Jenkins.
Avenue Bank offered a donation to Child Fund International, an organization that Shawna and Keifer have close ties to. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox was on hand to announce the donation.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch awarded plaques to SESAC songwriter Keifer Thompson, as well as to the production team New Voice Entertainment and to Juli Newton-Griffith of Magic Mustang Music.
The Academy of Country Music’s Butch Waugh also made an appearance to congratulate Shawna and Keifer (two-time ACM Top Vocal Duo winners). “They epitomize what the ACM is about–helping new artists break through,” said Waugh. Brandi Simms of the CMA and Michelle Kammerer from the Country Radio Broadcasters also presented awards. Broken Bow Records owner Benny Brown and wife Caroline were in attendance.
“It takes an army,” said Keifer Thompson, and judging by the number of people who crowded into the restaurant and lobby to attend the celebration, he was right. “We are proud to call Jason and Paul our friends. Benny and Caroline, you have changed our lives forever. This label is a special situation and it doesn’t feel like a label, it feels like a family.” Thompson also thanked the duo’s manager Shawn Pennington.
Keifer and Shawna had their own tokens of appreciation to give out, inviting their band members onstage and then giving necklaces to the Broken Bow promotions staff, including Shelley Hargis, Heather Propper, Abi Durham, Samantha Borenstein, Jen Joe and Chelsey Flick.
“You guys are like my kids,” Broken Bow owner Brown said to Keifer and Shawna. “You make me proud. As a label owner, you get enjoyment from seeing good things happen to special people.”

Industry Ink (6-18-13)

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The Academy of Country Music welcomed Average Joes act LoCash Cowboys to the office while they were in Los Angeles last month. While at the Academy they performed “Chase A Little Love,” the latest single from their upcoming self-titled album in stores on June 18.

Pictured (L-R): Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys; Bob Romeo, CEO, Academy of Country Music, Preston Brust of LoCash Cowboys

Pictured (L-R): Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys; Bob Romeo, CEO, Academy of Country Music, Preston Brust of LoCash Cowboys

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The Robertsons of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and the Duck Commander Sporting Empire recently signed with BMI in Nashville during the CMA Music Festival. Later this year, Universal Records will release Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas.

Pictured are (back row, L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, John Luke Robertson, Sadie Robertson, Si Robertson, Kay Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jep Robertson and BMI’s Jody Williams; (front row, L-R): attorney Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig, Missy Robertson, Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson and Jessica Robertson. Photo by Erika Goldring

Pictured are (back row, L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, John Luke Robertson, Sadie Robertson, Si Robertson, Kay Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jep Robertson and BMI’s Jody Williams; (front row, L-R): attorney Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig, Missy Robertson, Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson and Jessica Robertson. Photo by Erika Goldring

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SESAC-LOGO1SESAC will hold its 6th annual Songwriters Bootcamp on Friday, July 26 at the Skirball Educational Center in Los Angeles. The event offers sessions covering all aspects of the music industry and advice for songwriters and composers looking to establish and advance a music career. The event will feature Grammy award-winning songwriter-producer Rico Love, along with panels, song critiques from music supervisors and live performances from songwriter attendees. For more information, visit sesac.com.

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Hank Williams Jr. 2013 photoHank Williams Jr. and Blaster Records will distribute Williams’ latest music project Old School New Rules at participating NAPA Auto Parts locations starting in June.
“This is the first time music is going to be available at NAPA Auto Parts stores,” says Williams. “NAPA customers are my fans. I am glad that my CDs are going to be sold there and right next to the Blaster products.”
“We look forward to introducing Hank’s music to the NAPA customers as well as displaying our latest products in the stacker promotion,” said Tom Porter, NAPA Auto Parts CEO.
 
 


David Israelite To Remain NMPA President and CEO Through 2018

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nmpaDavid Israelite has accepted a contract extension to continue his role as the National Music Publishers’ Association‘s President and CEO through 2018. Israelite has served as President and CEO since February 2005.
Irwin Z. Robinson, Chairman of the NMPA Board of Directors, said Israelite’s tireless effort on behalf of creators and music publishers merited the organization’s commitment to retaining its CEO.
“David has been an exceptional leader for the publishing and songwriting community and also the larger music industry,” Robinson said. “As our music marketplace is being redefined, music publishers and songwriters are seeing the benefits of his leadership financially and professionally. He has increased the stature of NMPA and remains one of our industry’s strongest public champions for the rights and value of musical works. We’re pleased he’s agreed to stay on.”
Israelite said, “I am humbled and honored to be asked to continue my advocacy on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. NMPA’s focus will continue to be protecting the rights of creators and ensuring songwriters and music publishers receive their fair share of the digital music marketplace.”
Prior to leading NMPA, Israelite held senior positions in various capacities for the U.S. Government including at the Department of Justice where he was appointed Chairman of the Department’s Task Force on Intellectual Property and in the U.S. Senate where he was Administrative Assistant for Missouri Senator Kit Bond. Israelite earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri and his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College.
 
 

Song Plugging Group, Pitch, Please!, Presents Writers Night

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pitch pleaseNew song pluggers group Pitch, Please! will hold its first writers night at Nashville’s SoulShine Pizza Factory on Wednesday (June 19), from 6 p.m.—9 p.m. Song pluggers include Shea Fowler (Cornman), Laura Wright (Big Yellow Dog), Blain Rhodes (Warner Chappell), Tali Giles (Big Machine) and Lee Krabel (HoriPro).
Two shows will take place at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Writers for the shows include:
6 p.m. show
Ryan Beaver
Jason Matthews
Courtney Cole
Abe Stoklasa
7:30 p.m. show
Meghan Trainor
Erik Dylan
Caitlyn Smith
Phil Barton
SoulShine Pizza Factory is located at 1907 Division Street.

Disney Music Publishing Names Nashville Head

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Patrick Clifford

Patrick Clifford


Patrick Clifford has been named Vice President of Music Publishing and A&R for Disney Music Publishing in Nashville, it was announced today (June 17) by Mio Vukovic, Disney Music Group’s Sr. VP of A&R and Creative. In his new post, Clifford is responsible for exploiting the company’s extensive catalog of existing songs, as well as providing creative direction, leadership and growth of the writer roster of Disney Music Publishing. He will also oversee A&R functions for Disney Music Group in Nashville.
Clifford was most recently vice president of A&R for Ten Ten Music Group in Nashville, a post he held since 2005. His career began with artists James Taylor and Cat Stevens at Nemperor Artists, and he discovered and recorded The Romantics at Nemperor Records. He later served in the A&R departments of major labels including Epic, A&M, Chrysalis and Capitol, working with the Miami Sound Machine, Blues Traveler and the Neville Brothers. Later, as a senior A&R executive with BMG he worked with scores of important artists, from Etta James to Ziggy Marley.
Said Vukovic, “Patrick’s stellar career speaks for itself. As an A&R man with companies like A&M Records, Capitol, BMG and Ten Ten Music Group, he led the charge, finding and developing great artists and songwriters. He’s going to be a tremendous asset for us, not only in Nashville but globally as well.”
Added Clifford, “I’d like to express my gratitude to all of my new colleagues at DMG for the warm embrace and encouragement. I look forward to working closely with them and with the local, national, and international creative community at large. I am fortunate to be part of this team in representing DMG in one of the most vibrant music locales on earth, Nashville, Tennessee.”
Reach Patrick Clifford at [email protected] and Ciara Gardner at [email protected] or by phone at 615-244-4900.

Parallel Music Acquires Catalog From Songs of Bigger Picture

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Parallel_logo_smParallel Music Publishing has acquired about 2000 songs from the Songs of Bigger Picture catalog. Among the copyrights in the purchase are recent No. 1s “Better Dig Two,” “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Til My Last Day.”
Included in the transaction are songs penned by notable Nashville writers Brandy Clark, Brian D. Maher, Josh Osborne and Brice Long. Additionally, songwriters Michael White and Lance Carpenter have joined the Parallel Music Publishing team.
Songs of Bigger Picture is still active as the publishing division of Bigger Picture Group. Bigger Picture Artist Ventures remains home to Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell, Chris Janson, Rachel Bradshaw, and Ryan Kinder. 
Tim Hunze is managing partner of Parallel Music Publishing, which is part of Los Angeles based talent management and production company Parallel Entertainment. Headed by CEO J.P. Williams, Parallel is known for work with the Blue Collar Comedy and Larry The Cable Guy brands including feature films, DVD premiere features, comedy and music albums, and television series and specials. It most recently worked on MTV’s Buck Wild. Upcoming projects include the CMT animated series Bounty Hunters and a drama for TNT starring Bill Engvall.

AIMP Elects Officers and Board of Directors for 2013-2014

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AIMP LogoThe Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter held its first biannual elections last week, electing the 2013-2014 officers and board of directors.
Officers Elected:
Executive Director—Marc Driskill, Sea Gayle Music
Secretary—Denise Nichols, The Primacy Firm
Treasurer—Ree Guyer Buchanan, Wrensong
Directors Elected:
Craig Currier, peermusic
Kim McCollum-Mele, Words & Music
Michael Martin, ASCAP
Randy Wachtler, 615 Music
Tim Fink, SESAC
Alternate Directors Elected:
David Preston, BMI
John Allen, BMG/Chrysalis
“I am honored to step into this role with the AIMP and humbly accept the responsibility to continue the dedicated work that Kevin Lamb and the previous officers put forth to establish a platform for independent music publishers in Nashville,” says Driskill. “We all owe Kevin and the founding Board a debt of gratitude for doing the heavy lifting of creating the foundation for the Nashville Chapter. I believe it is a critical time for independent publishers to strengthen our business models and establish a collective voice for our music and our rights. We are going to support each other, have some fun, and also shine a spotlight on the most important part of our business, the music.”
“Establishing the Nashville Chapter was accomplished because we had a dedicated board of 13 people who wanted to see this come to fruition,” says Kevin Lamb (peermusic), Outgoing Executive Director AIMP Nashville CHapter 2012. “This Chapter has a lot of potential – not just in the organization’s mandate of furthering industry education and awareness, but bringing the Nashville publishing industry to new levels of industry involvement and the potential to be more ‘hands on’ with our own destiny. Marc has some great ideas, which I fully support. It will be exciting to watch this new Board move these agendas forward.”