Young Guns Publishing Opens With Six Writers

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L-R: (front) Phoebe Sharp, Kimberly Paige, Weston Burt. (back) Jeff Garrison, Ben Reno, Tripp Weir.

Ramblin’ Music opened its doors in Nashville in October 2011, and its Young Guns Publishing division has launched with six songwriters. Company president Cliff Downs announced the initial Young Guns roster will include Ramblin’ flagship artist Weston Burt, plus Ben Reno, Phoebe Sharp, Kimberly Paige and Gimm & Icky duo members Jeff Garrison and Tripp Weir.

“The idea for Young Guns Publishing was born out of a dinner with Ramblin’ Music founders Gene and Donna Brooks,” said Downs, who also serves as Creative Director. “The more they got into this business, the more they wanted to get involved with young talent and help them fulfill their dreams.”

All of the Young Guns Publishing writers are also artists who perform in Nashville and on the road. The group represents multiple genres of music, whose songs will be both pitched to other artists as well as set aside for their own future recording projects. “This group of writers is not only incredibly diverse, the passion they have for their craft is just incredible,” added Downs.

Ramblin’ Music was co-founded by Atlanta business couple Gene and Donna Brooks in Fall 2011. The company is located in Nashville at 1105 16th Ave S, Suite A. Inquiries regarding artist and songwriter signings can be directed to [email protected].

New Biography Tells The Story of Marty Robbins

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The life of country legend Marty Robbins is being recounted with the release of Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins (University of Illinois Press).

Twentieth Century Drifter is the first biography of the hitmaking country artist and NASCAR driver who recorded timeless gunfighter classics like “Big Iron” and “El Paso.” Author Diane Diekman drew on personal interviews and in-depth research for the project, and shows Robbins to be a drifter who longed for inner peace. Diekman is also the author of Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story. Read an interview with the author here.

Diekman will be discussing and signing copies of the book at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at 12:30 PM on March 31.

Industry Ink (2/29/12)

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(L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason, Julie Stuckey, and Leslie Roberts; AC Entertainment’s Neeley Polka; one of 2011’s Road to Bonnaroo winners Chancellor Warhol; Mercy Lounge’s Drew Mischke, Toy’s Alana Grace, AC Entertainment’s Carissa Stolting; Colorfeels’ Parker Cason; and BMI’s Penny Everhard and Thomas Cain. Photo: Drew Maynard

BMI, Mercy Lounge, the Nashville Scene and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival kicked off the 2012 edition of the Road to Bonnaroo music competition at 8 off 8th on Monday, Feb. 27. The lineup featured local bands Colorfeels, By Lighting, Toy, The Hollywood Kills, Quichenight, Sam & Tre, Laura Reed, and Brandon Jazz & His Armed Forces. By Lightning emerged as the winner, earning a coveted performance slot at Bonnaroo, June 7-10 in Manchester.

The second round of Road to Bonnaroo 2012 will be held Monday, March 26 at Mercy Lounge. Performers include Wild Cub, Five Knives, The Running, Tesla Rossa, Static Revival, Marquee Mayfield, Nikki Lane, and Evan P. Donahue.

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Billy Dean and Ron Rainey

Billy Dean has signed an exclusive artist management contract with Beverly Hills-based Ron Rainey Management. He joins existing Rainey clients The Marshall Tucker Band, John Kay & Steppenwolf, Alvin Lee, and Kid Creole and the Coconuts, among others.

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Flat Earth Music has announced the signing of Canadian-born singer/songwriter Dawson Reigns to a publishing deal. Reigns scored a hit in 2010 with “If Crazy Wasn’t So Beautiful,” and also released singles “Someone Watching Over Me” and “Empty Handed.” Now a Nashville resident, Reigns has been working with other writers in town on material for his next album.

(L-R): David Wilson, Flat Earth Bus. Development Dir.; Reigns; Todd Wilkes, Flat Earth Creative Dir.

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Heath Forbes

Luna Chica Records International has signed country artist Heath Forbes to the artist roster. The Monroe, LA native is currently touring with former NFL player Kyle Turley and will be opening for David Allan Coe in spring. Complete tour dates at heathforbes.com.

Photo: “All Your Life” No. 1 Party

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The great tradition of musical family was the theme of the day, when BMI toasted the team behind The Band Perry’s No. 1 song “All Your Life” on Monday, Feb. 27. The song was co-written by Clara Henningsen with her father Brian, and was performed by one of the top family groups in country music. Clara and Brian Henningsen were also saluted—along with Clara’s brother Aaron—for co-writing TBP’s hit “You Lie.” Additionally, The Band Perry celebrated its self-titled Republic Nashville debut album reaching platinum status.

“Brian and Clara wrote a great song and we are so happy that they pitched it to us!” says Kimberly Perry. “We get such a great reaction from it live and the fact that it stayed in the #1 position for two consecutive weeks proves what a well-crafted song it is.”

BMI Assistant VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley presented the band and writers with silver cups for the achievement. BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen then presented TBP with a Platinum plaque for their self-titled album.

(L-R): (back row) BMI’s Clay Bradley, Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen, Rainbow Skyline Music’s Paul Worley, EMI Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, producer Nathan Chapman, and Cactus Moser Music’s Cactus Moser; (front row) The Band Perry’s Neil, Reid, and Kimberly Perry; and co-writers Clara Henningsen and Brian Henningsen. Photo: Rick Diamond

WCRS Live! Features All Female Lineup

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(L-R) Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Matraca Berg, Ashley Monroe, Jessica Frost (BMI)

Lyrical sirens Lori McKenna, Matraca Berg, Natalie Hemby and Ashley Monroe showcased their songwriting, the bedrock of the industry, at the WCRS! Live show presented by BMI and Country Aircheck yesterday afternoon (Feb. 24) during CRS 2012.

Natalie Hemby was fresh off the new Ryman stage from opening The Band Perry’s first headlining show on Feb. 20 and kicked the girls’ traditional Nashville songwriter round to life in an RV, “Little House on the Highway.” The recently-signed EMI Publishing writer additionally introduced “Little Black Dress,” which brought to mind a modern version of “Looking For Something In Red.” Before finishing the round, Hemby expressed her devotion to songwriting when, just six years prior to watching Gwyneth Paltrow singing “Timing is Everything” in the Country Strong trailer, she had been working at Comcast for health insurance. “I would have continued to write music regardless of whether or not it was my full-time job,” she said.

Lori McKenna drew laughs with a quip about her chart history. “I was worried I would have been introduced by how many kids I have because I don’t have any No. 1s. Just five kids.” Her gut-wrenching, sober lyrics and voice exhibited a single from her most recent album, Lorraine, “Buy This Town.” She mentioned her utility worker husband before singing a song about a woman who “keeps you in your place,” and also introduced “Make Every Word Hurt,” as the song that has been cut three times but yet to make it on an album.

Ashley Monroe previewed “Like a Rose” and “Morning After” from her upcoming solo album recorded with Vince Gill and Justin Niebank. The vocal acrobat thanked the audience of radio broadcasters for sending her future child to college from her Jason Aldean hit, “The Truth.”

Back-to-back Miranda Lambert cuts were presented by Hemby and another from Monroe, who is also in Pistol Annies, including “Only Prettier” and “Heart Like Mine,” respectively.

NSAI Hall of Fame songwriter, Matraca Berg, hosted the round and played “You and Tequila,” which she explained came after the passing of her songwriting idol, Harlan Howard. “Harlan bought me my first shot of tequila,” she said. More hits kept rolling in including the song Trisha Yearwood made famous, “Wrong Side of Memphis,” and her iconic hit for Deana Carter, “Strawberry Wine.” Berg also treated the audience to “Your Husband’s Cheatin’ on Us,” a new and entrancingly eerie song about a wife, mistress and a new mistress.

Each writer seemed burdened with admiration at the prospect of following the others’ lyrical craftsmanship. After following Lori’s “Luxury of Knowing,” Matraca mentioned, “I was gonna throw Ashley under the bus, but I’ll take the hit…I feel really great about the future of women in songwriting.”

Industry Ink Thursday (2/23/12)

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Pat Finch Music Publishing’s newest signee Ann Marie joined BMI recently. Finch discovered her when she performed at BMI Buzz at the Basement. She is busy touring, and recently provided background vocals for “Need You Now” on the deluxe edition of Adele’s Grammy-Award winning 21. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Ann Marie, and Pat Finch. Photo: Drew Maynard

• Save The Date: The 2012 CMT Music Awards will be presented Wednesday, June 6 in Nashville. Details to follow.

Keith Anderson

• Keith Anderson has been tapped to host “Cool Country Live from Ocean Way Nashville.” The weekly radio show produced by Steve Graham will feature country stars performing acoustic sets in front of a live studio audience. It will debut May 4 from Cool Broadcasting. The show will also highlight top songwriters, and a new artists. Anderson’s hits include “Pickin’ Wildflowers” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name.” As a songwriter, he has written hits including “Lost In This Moment” (Big & Rich), and “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” (Garth Brooks/George Jones).

• A memorial service and reception honoring the late Patsi Bale Cox will be held Thursday, March 29 at 2 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Details to follow. See obit here.

• Earlier this week film workers protested the state’s lack of incentives to recruit film projects here. More from the Nashville Scene.

Melissa Varallo

• Melissa Varallo has joined the staff at Cody Entertainment as a booking agent. Her 20-plus years of experience includes stops at EMI Publishing and her own Alpha Agency. She will concentrate on booking the western region of the US for a roster including Ricochet, The Real Country Music Tour (Doug Stone/Sammy Sadler) and Jimmy Lehoux. She can be reached at 615-977-1487 or [email protected].

• Ralph Stanley and LeAnn Rimes are featured in the new electronic dance music documentary, Re: Generation, in which five high-profile DJs remix traditional styles of music. Stanley and Rimes worked with DJ Pretty Lights to update the folk classic “Wayfaring Stranger.” Other DJs in the film include Premier, Skrillex, Mark Ronson, and The Crystal Method. The movie will be shown in selected movie theaters tonight (2/23), including Nashville’s Carmike Bellevue theater at 7:45 p.m. CT.

• Anitoch resident Josh Doyle won Guitar Center’s Singer-Songwriter competition. Out of more than 17,000 submissions, 10 finalists were hand-selected by Grammy award-winning producer John Shanks to perform Saturday, Feb. 18 at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles for the chance to win. Doyle took home the top prize package including $10,000 cash, a 3-song EP produced by Shanks, and new gear.

The Valory Music Co. surprised Thomas Rhett on Tuesday (2/21) with a toast to celebrate his first official add day for debut single “Something To Do With My Hands.”

 

Parallel Music Publishing Signs Hit Writer

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Nashville’s Parallel Music Publishing has signed songwriter Thom McHugh to its roster. McHugh has five No. 1s and an additional five songs to hit the Top five. Those hits include “Don’t Happen Twice,” “You Can’t Lose Me,” and “More” by Trace Adkins.

McHugh graduated from Belmont University’s Music Business Program in Engineering, interned at MCA Publishing where he worked his way up to become chief engineer of the studio. Engineering by day and writing by night, McHugh discovered his true passion in writing.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Tim Hunze [Managing Partner] and the entire Parallel Entertainment team,” said Thom. “It feels like the perfect fit.”

 

Bluewater Music Signs Kink Ador

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L- R : Sharon Koltick, Pablo Ahogado (Bluewater’s Creative Director), Kathryn Graham (Bluewater Creative services), Kink Ador’s Dale Harper & Nicklas Hamilton

Bluewater Music Services Corp is proud to announce the signing of Sharon Koltick to an exclusive worldwide management deal. Koltick is the front-woman and bass player of Nashville based rock band Kink Ador.

To celebrate this event, Bluewater is hosting several industry showcases for the band, including one at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City on Mar. 1 at 6 p.m. The company will also host another show at 12th & Porter in Nashville on Mar. 10 at 9 p.m.

Industry Ink (2/17/12)

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DigSin, music executive Jay Frank’s new singles-only record label, will celebrate its official launch next Thursday, Feb. 23. All four of DigSin’s current artists (Bronze Radio Return, Connie Lim, Jenn Bostic, and NNXT) will showcase for free at the Rutledge. Doors will open at 6 pm, and those interested in attending can RSVP here.

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Warner/Chappell has announced two key appointments its A&R and Synchronization teams. In the Los Angeles office, Charlie Amter has been named Manager, Dance/International Pop A&R, and in the New York office Frank DiMinno has been named Director, Strategic Marketing, Synchronization.

In his new role, Amter will develop new and established talent across the electronic and international pop genres, reporting to SVP, Head of A&R Greg Sowders. DiMinno will be driving special initiatives to deliver new uses for Warner/Chappell writers’ music, and will report to SVP, Head of Synchronization, Ron Broitman.

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Grammy-award winning country group The Mavericks have signed with Creative Artists Agency for booking representation. The band comprised of Raul Malo, Robert Reynolds, and Paul Deakin have reunited after an eight-year hiatus and are currently working on a reunion album. They will be performing together for the first time since 2003 at the Stagecoach Festival (Indio, CA) April 27-29, followed by a tour of North America and Europe this summer.

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Makin’ Music has entered into a long-term, worldwide administration deal with publishing company Hori-Pro. Makin’s catalog contains works such as the Ronnie Milsap hit “There’s No Getting Over Me,” Barbara Mandrell’s No. 1s “The Angel In Your Arms This Morning” and “Til You’re Gone,” and many more.

AFM Local 257 Approves New Rate For Demo Release

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For decades, thousands of demos sat on the shelf unheard by the public because of restrictive and expensive “upgrade” rules for commercial release. Now, the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM (American Federation of Musicians) Local 257 will allow publishers and singer-songwriters to release existing demos recorded under Local 257 contracts at a new, much more affordable rate.

Local 257 President Dave Pomeroy has spent two years shepherding the policy change through the AFM. “Under previous guidelines, demo recordings could not be released commercially without first paying the musicians full AFM master scale, with no credit given for payments previously made. The new Demo to Limited Pressing Conversion agreement, approved Feb. 15, changes all that, and liberates countless Nashville demo recordings from their ‘golden cage,’” he explains.

The Limited Pressing agreement is a widely used Local 257 scale, slightly more expensive than demo scale, that allows independent labels and songwriters to release recordings at a lower cost than AFM Master scale. An additional payment is due to musicians only when 10,000 copies are manufactured and/or sold. In the past, conversion of demo recordings to Limited Pressing was not allowed.

Under the old scenario, upgrading an existing demo session with a six-piece band to Master scale would cost almost $3200 per session, including health and welfare and pension contributions. Under the new Demo to Limited Pressing conversion, converting the same session to Limited Pressing will cost almost two-thirds less, about $928. This agreement does not cover performances by session demo singers, but is intended for songwriters who sing their own demos and independent artist projects recorded under the AFM Demo agreement.

Pomeroy adds, “It is our hope that singer-songwriters and publishers will be able to make additional revenue from digital and physical sales of their recordings, previously considered too cost-prohibitive to release. We look forward to working with our songwriter and publisher friends to maximize this opportunity, and to develop future strategies that will help strengthen our long and productive relationship.”

For details, contact Juanita Copeland or Teri Barnett at Local 257.