AIMP Sets Sights On Music City

/by

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) is looking to establish a Nashville chapter to join its Los Angeles and New York memberships. The non-profit organization, formed in 1977 is dedicated to providing education and information to its members on current topics, trends and practices in the music publishing industry. To help introduce the organization to the Nashville music community AIMP President Richard Feldman is coming to Nashville to present a panel discussion titled, Music Supervision: Tips On Placing songs in Film and TV.

Richard Feldman


“One of the AIMP’s long-term goals is to establish a Nashville chapter that would operate alongside chapters in Los Angeles and New York,” said AIMP President Feldman. “With recent encouragement from local publishers here in Nashville, it is time to make this a reality. We believe that the music community here will find value and benefits in the organization’s panels, networking, and advocacy initiatives.”
The free panel, hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC will take place in Nashville on June 14 at the Embassy Suites Vanderbilt from 6-8 p.m. Speaking on the fine art of music supervision, current trends, tips on placing songs in film and TV, and opportunities specifically for Nashville-based talent will be artist Jace Everett, Primary Wave GM Michelle Belcher, plus music supervisors Gary Calamar, Andrea von Foerster and Tony von Pervieux.
 

Flat Earth Music Adds Todd Wilkes

/by

Todd Wilkes


Flat Earth Music has hired Todd Wilkes as Creative Director. He brings experience in music publishing and artist management to the newly created role at the small Nashville publishing company. He took office earlier this month, where he is leading the growing stable of songwriters and pluggers.
Since launching in 2005, Flat Earth Music’s biggest success has been with “Turn On The Radio,” the No. 1 hit recorded by Reba McEntire. Leading Flat Earth Music are company President Greg Flatt and Business Development Director Dave Wilson.
Wilkes’ track record includes work with Randy Travis, George Strait, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss and many others. He said, “When I met Greg and began to learn about his vision, I couldn’t help but feel compelled to be a part of Flat Earth Music.”
Flatt says he is excited to have someone of Wilkes’ caliber on staff “to provide the creative Yen to my business Yang.”
Contact information for Flat Earth Music
1907 Acklen Ave., Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 866-6883
[email protected]
www.flatearthmusic.com

Industry Ink Monday (5/9)

/by

The recent Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, offered inspired lineups, and relaxed mixing and mingling. One such line-up was at the historic San Carlos Theatre, which hosted sets by pop-spiced singer/songwriters Courtney Jaye and Jason White; wry troubadours Robert Earl Keen, Jamey Johnson and Raul Malo; and the World Famous Headliners, comprised of Al Anderson, Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason and Tom Annastas, Raul Malo, Robert Earl Keen, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Key West Songwriters Festival director Charlie Bauer and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Kay Clary


• • • • •

Hot Dog Day returns to SunTrust’s Music Row branch on Thurs., June 9 from 11:30 AM-2 PM. Co-hosted by the bank and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the 13th annual event will have plenty of food and music provided by Cal IV Entertainment.
• • • • •
SOLID’s 14th Annual Crawfish Boil will be Wed., May 18 in the SESAC parking lot, from 5:30 PM until the food and beer run out.
• • • • •
Save The Dates: Tin Pan South 2012 will be held March 27–31, 2012 in Nashville.
• • • • •
House of Bryant Publications has entered a licensing agreement with Nashville based product development company IdeaBang to develop and extend the Official Rocky Top brand and the classic song “Rocky Top.”
Penned by legendary songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1967, the song is published by The House of Bryant and their son Dane Bryant.
IdeaBang owner Scott Rouse has a history of working with “Rocky Top.” The multi-platinum producer helmed Rocky Top ’96, a recording that included a remix of the song for Decca Records.

Dane Bryant of House of Bryant (L) and Scott Rouse of IdeaBang (R) sign a multi-year licensing agreement for the Official Rocky Top brand.


• • • • •
Humanitarian and relief organization World Vision hosted a reception at the CMA headquarters for Music Row executives to meet World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns. World Vision has had success with its “Use Your Voice: Do Good” campaign in the Christian touring industry and is expanding into the Country marketplace by partnering with artists through tour sponsorships and development. Artists who have been involved include Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Patty Griffin, Kenny Rogers, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Jordyn Shellhart.
The “host committee” for the event included John Huie (CAA), Kathy Olen (WME), Lynn Morrow (Adams & Reese, LLP) and Steve Moore (CMA).

Pictured (L-R): Charles Dorris (World Vision, Consultant), Richard Stearns (World Vision, President), Jenny Lockwald (World Vision), and Sheri Warnke (CMA)

Organizations Fete "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"

/by

The No. 1 hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” was feted with separate celebrations hosted by BMI and ASCAP on Tuesday, May 3.
The song was the first No.1 for husband-wife duo Thompson Square and its label Stoney Creek Records. It was penned by songwriting mainstays and good friends Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy.
ASCAP honored writer Murphy, publishers Old Desperadoes and N2D Publishing, producers New Voice Entertainment and Thompson Square during a party at its Music Row offices. The song marks Murphy’s sixth career No. 1. He added to that tally with his seventh chart topper last week, Kenny Chesney’s “Live A Little.”

(L-R): ASCAP VP and Managing Executive Tim DuBois, songwriter David Lee Murphy, Thompson Square's Shawna Thompson and Keifer Thompson, songwriter Jim Collins. Photo: Anna Maki


BMI saluted “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” with an event at its Nashville offices, honoring the songwriters, band, Cal IV Publishing, producers New Voice Entertainment, and other team members. This song marks Collins’ seventh trip to the top of the charts and pushes his songwriting repertoire to over 20 million performances.

(L-R): Cal IV Publishing’s Daniel Hill; co-writers David Lee Murphy and Jim Collins; BMI’s Jody Williams; Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson; Broken Bow/Stoney Creek Records’ Benny Brown; Stoney Creek Records’ April Rider; New Voice Entertainment’s Kurt Allison, Rich Redmond, Tully Kennedy, and David Fanning; Broken Bow/Stoney Creek Records’ Jon Loba; Cal IV Publishing’s Billy Lynn; and Broken Bow/Stoney Creek Records’ Rick Shedd. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow Award Noms Coming Monday

/by

It’s time again for the MusicRow Awards, where industry peers salute the very best among Nashville’s thriving musical culture.
Awards nominations will be revealed in a special morning PDF release on Monday, May 9, followed that afternoon by ballots for reader voting. Ballots must be returned by Friday, May 13.
MusicRow’s editorial team selected the nominees which will be voted on by readers. Outside nominations were accepted only in the Breakthrough Songwriter category.
With a track record that includes winners “The House That Built Me” and “In Color,” MusicRow’s Song of the Year Award is building a reputation as a key predictor for CMA Song of the Year. Numerous MusicRow Breakthrough Artist winners have also received the CMA New Artist/Horizon Award later the same year.
Other MusicRow Awards highlights include the return of the prestigious Marketing Achievement Award, and the Top Ten Album All-Star Musician winners.
Readers are invited to join us at the 2011 MusicRow Awards at ASCAP on Tues., June 21 at 5:30 PM.

"BMI Live" Debuts Mobile Version

/by

BMI has debuted a mobile version of its BMI Live service, which allows artists to submit live performance information to be considered for royalty payments. The new mobile service enables songwriters to upload venue and set-list data from their smartphones into BMI’s systems. This helps the musicians submit info in a timely manner while they are on the road, which could generate additional royalties for BMI writers and publishers.
BMI Live launched three months ago and has since registered thousands of songwriters and logged hundreds of thousands of performances from venues of all sizes.
BMI Live is available to users of iPhones and Android devices. For Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users, the BMI Mobile App may be downloaded for free from the iTunes App Store (keyword: bmi mobile).
In addition, a special mobile version of the BMI.com website has been created. Songwriters must have an active BMI Live account and must have signed up for direct deposit to utilize the new mobile-access opportunities.

Photo Spread: EMI Signs Channing Wilson

/by

Songwriter Channing Wilson inked with EMI Music Publishing recently. The LaFayette, Georgia native has been writing songs and performing for over ten years, and is the former frontman of popular southeast touring band The Rounders.

Back row (L-R): EMI's creative team Tom Luteran, Laura Wright, Ben Vaughn, Missy Wilson, Josh Van Valkenburg, Front seated: Channing Wilson

• • • • • •

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (4/26) hosted its annual Words & Music Night with special guest singer-songwriter Laura Bell Bundy. The evening was a culmination of the year-long Words & Music program, a school initiative that teaches students the art of songwriting. Students write or co-write lyrics which are given to professional songwriters to refine and add melodies. Finally, students visit the Museum for a tour and a performance of their songs by their participating songwriter.

(L-R): Words & Music Outreach Coordinator David Bogart, VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr, host Laura Bell Bundy and School Programs Coordinator Nathalie Lavine. Photo: Donn Jones

• • • • • •

The ASCAP Music Lounge at The Nashville Film Festival featured performances by Katie Herzig, Jeremy Lister, Mikky Ekko and Alyssa Bonagura.

(L-R): Kyle Ryan, Jesse Willoughby (ASCAP), Jeremy Lister, Alyssa Bonagura, Katie Herzig, Mikky Ekko, Dan Burns and Jordan Hamlin.

• • • • • •

BMI concluded the 2011 Road to Bonnaroo contest at Mercy Lounge on Monday, April 18, with eight bands in a dead heat for the final Bonnaroo spot. Uncle Skeleton emerged victorious, winning over the crowd and judges. Other competitors included PUJOL, The Clutters, ACTION!, Tallest Trees, The Kingston Springs, Sarah Silva, and Cherub.

(L-R): Uncle Skeleton’s Cody Uhler, Road to Bonnaroo alum Jedd Hughes, Uncle Skeleton’s Ross Wariner, Road to Bonnaroo alum Jon Burr of How I Became the Bomb, BMI’s Clay Bradley, and Mercy Lounge’s Drew Mischke.

David Renzer Leaving Post as UMPG Chairman and CEO

/by

David Renzer


Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman and CEO David Renzer announced today (4/26) his plans to exit the company. He has been with the publisher 15 years, starting in 1996 with MCA Music Publishing. Renzer was promoted to his current post in 2004.
He shared the news of his departure with staffers today via a lengthy email. He says in the letter that he always viewed age 50 as a milestone, and now at age 51 he wants to devote more time to philanthropic endeavors and “exciting entrepreneurial options.”
“For 15 years I’ve worked 24/7 to build UMPG into the industry’s leading music publishing company,” Renzer told MusicRow. “During that time, I shepherded the company through the purchases of Polygram, Rondor and BMG Music—three of the biggest acquisitions in the history of the music publishing industry.  I worked hard to recast and expand the role of the music publisher, and to collaborate with our companies around the globe in confronting the challenges facing our industry. With UMPG now the industry leader globally, and with an executive team that I believe is second to none, the time feels right to now enjoy more time with family and explore other personal and professional activities. I leave UMPG knowing that the company remains in great hands, with a remarkable catalog and artist roster. I will treasure the relationships I’ve built over the years, with executives and songwriters. This has truly been the most fulfilling work experience of my career.”
The official response from UMG is, “David has informed us that after 15 years running UMPG, a period of remarkable growth for the company which saw it become the industry leader, it is time for him to re-balance his life, spend more time with his family, and concentrate on personal priorities. While we are sorry to see him go, we respect his decision. David has done a monumental job running the company, and we will miss his dedication, creativity, vision and work ethic. UMPG is now an industry leader in Pop, Urban, Latin, Country, Classical, Christian and Production music–with an incredible team of executives around the world. We are poised for exciting growth and creative excellence in the years to come.”
•••••
Biography: At the helm of the leading global music publishing operations, David Renzer, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), is responsible for overseeing the activities of UMPG’s 57 offices in 47 countries.
Since Renzer joined the company (then called MCA Music Publishing) in 1996, UMPG has grown exponentially through direct signings and catalogue acquisitions, including the BMG Music Publishing, Zomba, Polygram and Rondor catalogues. UMPG is the global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian/Gospel and Classical Music.
Major signings, renewals and deals under Renzer include: the catalogues of Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Justin Bieber, Florence & The Machine, Eminem, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, U2, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Owl City, Alex Da Kid, Tricky Stewart, Leon Russell, Desmond Child, Sean Garrett, Jamie Foxx, Ester Dean, T-Pain, Dave Grohl, The Killers, Juanes, Paul Simon, Bon Jovi, Beastie Boys, 50 Cent, Danny Elfman, the catalogues of Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Bernstein, Bee Gees, Glen Ballard, Cash Money and Notting Hill. Renzer was also responsible for deals with Holland Dozier Holland and the Henry Mancini catalogues, Film/ TV administration deals with Warner Bros. Pictures/Warner Bros. Television, DreamWorks, as well the acquisition of Interscope Publishing, All Nations, Epitaph, Momentum, Forerunner, Marantha Music, EMack and the John Phillips catalogues.
In 2008, UMPG became the first major publisher to offer clients online access to royalty accounts with RoyaltyWindow.com. The ground-breaking royalty tool allows UMPG clients to access their royalty accounts via a secure web-based environment.
Renzer also started a Latin Music Division in 1996. Having won ASCAP’s Music Publisher of the Year four times, UMPG Latin America has concluded deals with: Juan Gabriel, Juanes, Rudy Perez, Gustavo Santaolalla, A.B. Quintanilla III, Jorge Luis Piloto, Wisin & Yandel, the catalogs of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and more.
Recent accolades for the company under Renzer’s leadership include: No. 1 Global Market Leader by Music & Copyright (a position the company has held since 2007); 152 nominations and 30 wins at the 52nd annual GRAMMY awards; Publisher of the Year at ASCAP London Awards; Songwriters of the Year and Song of the Decade at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards; Publisher of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year at the SESAC Country Awards; Publisher of the Year at BMI Christian Music Awards; Producer of the Year at BMI Urban Awards; and Best Songwriter, Best Song, and Most Performed Song at the Ivors to name a few in 2010 to date.
Renzer began his career at Zomba Music Publishing, where he rose to SVP and GM. During his decade-long career there, Renzer helped Zomba achieve ASCAP’s R&B Publisher of the Year and Pop Publisher of the Year awards.
Renzer sits on the Boards of ASCAP, NMPA, the International Music Publishers Association and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Music and Entertainment Division of the City of Hope, and founded Songs of Hope, raising over $1,750,000 for the City of Hope Hospital. He also founded the “Songs of Hope” events benefiting City of Hope, which has raised over $1.75 million to date for the charity.
Renzer received his B.A. from N.Y.U.

Kenny Chesney Joins BMI

/by

Pictured at Texas Stadium during the Dallas stop on Chesney’s 2011 Going Coastal Tour are (l-r): Phil Graham, Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; Clay Bradley, Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville ; Kenny Chesney; Troy Tomlinson, President & CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville; and Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville. Photo by Glen Rose


Kenny Chesney has joined the BMI family of songwriters. The superstar has been building a repertoire of hits for more than a decade, leading to his recent twenty-first No. 1 “Somewhere With You.”
His long list of hits includes “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “The Good Stuff,” “I Go Back,” “Don’t Blink,” “There Goes My Life,” “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” “Living in Fast Forward,” and “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven.”
After taking a break from full-scale touring last year, Chesney recently launched his biggest outing to-date with numerous stadium shows on the schedule.

Signings at EMI CMG and Bluewater

/by

EMI CMG Publishing is pleased to announce two songwriter signings that round out its new crew of country writers. Megan James and Fred Wilhelm are the latest additions to the country roster that already included Ben Glover, making up a small, but talented team.

Pictured (L-R): Ben Glover, EMI CMG Publishing Pres. Eddie DeGarmo, Megan James, EMI CMG Creative Mgr. Jeremy Ash, and Fred Wilhelm.

• • • • • •

Cody Canada


Bluewater Music is proud to announce a worldwide administration and creative placements agreement with prolific singer/songwriter and artist Cody Canada. Bluewater Music will license and collect for Canada’s catalog, Shan Can Music (BMI), in addition to soliciting the music for TV and film placements. Canada is known as frontman for Cross Canadian Ragweed, and has recently started a new solo project under the moniker Cody Canada & The Departed. Bluewater Music’s Benom Plumb says, “We are so excited to be working with Cody. His music has inspired and helped define a new generation of southern rock and country music artists, songwriters and fans alike.” Licensing inquiries may be directed to [email protected].