BREAKING: Michael Martin Launches Endurance Music Group, Adds Scooter Carusoe, Clint Lagerberg To Roster [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Josh Saxe, Michael Martin, Mark Ahlberg. Photo: Ed Rode

Michael Martin has been tapped to lead the full-service publishing house Endurance Music Group. Martin will serve as President for the new Nashville-based venture, with Mark Ahlberg as Sr. VP and Josh Saxe as Sr. Creative Director.

The company debuts with a roster including Scooter Carusoe (Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl,” Darius Rucker’s “For The First Time”), Clint Lagerberg (Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye”), and emerging artist-writers Jake Rose and Ryan Plappert.

Endurance Music Group also represents the catalogs of songwriters including Kevin Kadish (Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses”), BMI Songwriter of the Year Ross Copperman (Kenny Chesney’s “Tip Of My Tongue,” Brett Eldredge’s “Love Someone”), Hillary Lindsey (Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color”), Extreme Writers Group (George Strait’s “I Saw God Today,” Heartland’s “I Loved Her First”) and Matt Jenkins (Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession,” Keith Urban’s “Cop Car”).

Martin was previously Vice President at ASCAP, where he led the performance rights organization to major market share growth in country music and managed the company’s relationships with many high-profile songwriters. His career has also included stops at Fame Music, Moraine Music Group and Extreme Writers Group, which he co-founded. Extreme helped launch the career of two-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Rodney Clawson and held a catalog that included Strait’s “I Saw God Today,” as well as Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye” and Jason Aldean’s “Why.”

Ahlberg has handled administration for Big Loud Shirt, Sea Gayle Music, Big Tractor Music, Extreme Writers Group, Wide Open Music Group, Parallel Music Publishing and Centricity Music Publishing. As part of the launch, Ahlberg brings his company, Amplified Administration, under the Endurance umbrella. Amplified will continue to provide publisher and label administration services to outside clients, while also representing portions of the Endurance catalog.

Saxe joins from Round Hill Music, where he focused on back catalog exploitation and oversaw the signing of Jimmy Robbins, as well as the expansion of his co-venture, JRM Publishing. He also managed the company’s joint venture relationships with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music and Big Loud Publishing. Saxe previously worked at BMG and held the co-chair position on the Leadership Council of Young Entertainment Professionals.

The company is backed by New York-based Raven Capital Management, a private equity fund manager that has contributed an existing music catalog and has committed to fund future acquisitions. Raven co-founder Jeremy Tucker will serve as Endurance’s chairman. The firm has more than $1 billion under management; other media assets in Raven’s investment portfolio include Open Road Films (acquired in 2018), Exclusive Media (acquired in 2015) and Crossroads Live, Inc. (owner of David Ian Productions, Limited, acquired in 2019).

Martin commented, “I am absolutely thrilled to make my return to music publishing by helping to launch Endurance Music Group. Jeremy is an incredible partner who truly understands the needs of a modern publishing house, and we have an amazing team in place to take care of our talented songwriters and the catalogs we represent. Here’s to the journey!”

Tucker added, “Michael’s passion, creativity and experience speak volumes. We are extremely excited to partner with Michael and the rest of the Endurance team, and believe their strategic vision will deliver results not just for Raven, but most importantly, for our songwriters.”

Endurance Music Group can be contacted at info@endurancemg.com.

Twelve6 Entertainment And Downtown Music Publishing Ink Joint Venture, Sign Alex Hall

(L-R): Tom Becci (Red Light Management), Autumn House-Tallant (Red Light Management), Matt Turner (Downtown Music Publishing), Katie Roth (Downtown Music Publishing), Garrett Stephenson (Downtown Music Publishing), Austen Adams (Dickinson Wright) Next Row: Steve Markland (Downtown Music Publishing), Natalie Osborne (Downtown Music Publishing), Alex Hall, Travis Myatt (Twelve6 Entertainment), Nicolette McCann (Twelve6 Entertainment)

Twelve6 Entertainment has entered into a multi-faceted partnership with Downtown Music Publishing that includes an admin deal and a new joint venture. Through the agreement, Downtown will provide its bespoke creative and administration services globally to Nashville-based Twelve6’s roster of writers and artists, including Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen and Jerry Flowers.

Additionally, a new joint venture between the two companies will focus on identifying and signing talent. Monument Records recording artist/writer Alex Hall is the first signing under this new partnership. Hailing from Gainesville, Georgia, Hall just released his debut track, “Half Past You,” and is currently in the studio recording his full debut project, produced by Shane McAnally, Pete Good, and AJ Babcock.

 

Brinley Addington Inks Deal With Spirit Music Nashville

(L-R): Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Brinley Addington; Matt Cottingham, Attorney, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville; David Crow, Attorney, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; and Clay Hatton, Administration Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville

Brinley Addington has signed a publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

The Kingsport, Tennessee, native found his passion for country music at age three while visiting the Grand Ole Opry. He’s pursued a career in it ever since, moving to Nashville in 2008 to attend Belmont University before signing his first publishing deal a year after graduation. Addington has had songs recorded by artists Tyler Farr, Walker McGuire, Kevin Fowler, Kyle Park, and more.

“Spirit Music Nashville is excited to welcome Brinley Addington to the family. Brinley has a unique way of bridging the traditons of country music songwriting to current day Nashville. We can’t wait to partner with Brinley in this next phase of his career— this is gonna be fun!” said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville.

 “I couldn’t be happier to be joining the team at Spirit. I have a lot of respect for Frank, Freeman, and Derek and I appreciate their belief in me and my songs. I’m excited to start this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” said Addington.

 

Lee Brice Celebrates Sixth No. 1, “Rumor” With Co-Writers Ashley Gorley And Kyle Jacobs

Pictured (L-R): Jon Stone, Penny Gattis, Enzo DeVincenzo, Ashley Gorley, Beth Brinker, Lee Brice, Shannan Hatch, Kyle Jacobs, Ryan Beuschel, Dan Frizsell, Janine Ebach, Chris Van Belkom. Photo: Steve Lowry

Lee Brice celebrated his sixth No. 1 single, with “Rumor,” on Monday (Sept. 9) at Nashville’s The Sutler Saloon. SESAC-affiliated Brice co-wrote the track alongside ASCAP writers Ashley Gorley and Kyle Jacobs during a 2015 writers retreat in Florida. Brice and Jacobs also served as co-producers on the song, with Dan Frizsell and Jon Stone.

ASCAP and SESAC hosted the No. 1 party, led by ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Among those honoring the hit were Curb Records founder/owner Mike Curb. “This guy is a producer,” Curb said of Brice. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but he should have his own record company. His [productions] sound like those Stax records that last forever.”

“Rumor” has also been certified Platinum by the RIAA and earned more than 300 million streams worldwide. Others in attendance included Curb/Word’s Janine Ebach and Colt Murski, Round Hill’s Penny Gattis, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson, Country Radio Broadcasters’ RJ Curtis, and Curb Records’ RJ Meacham and Ryan Dokke.

Pictured (L-R): Jon Stone, Ashley Gorley, Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Dan Frizsell. Photo: Steve Lowry

“Ashley has got the ‘Dixie dust,’ the magic, and this thing you can’t really find anywhere else except him,” Brice said of Gorley. “Writing this song, I could never have asked for this to be written with anyone else other than these two guys. And Kyle, we are soul brothers.

“Y’all being here makes us feel special,” Brice added. “This song starts right here on this stage, and there are so many qualities in these guys on this stage that made the song what it is,” he added, referring to his co-writers and co-producers.

“Rumor” is a chart-topper at country radio, but the track is also steadily moving up the Adult Contemporary Songs chart, currently sitting inside the Top 20. “We might be doing this again soon for the A/C charts,” said Curb.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: BMI Honors John Hiatt

BMI’s Jody Williams, 2019 BMI Troubadour John Hiatt and BMI’s Mike O’Neill (Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI)

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 631

The next time somebody asks you to name five things you love about living in Nashville, start with this: “John Hiatt lives here.”

I’m serious. This droll, humble, gifted man is a singular presence – in a town famous for hosting sublimely gifted tunesmiths, he is a “songwriter’s songwriter.”

At an intimate banquet at BMI on Monday evening (Sept. 9), Hiatt was honored with the Troubadour Award. The honor celebrates “writers who craft for the sake of the song and set the standard for generations of writers who will follow.”

That’s our man John Hiatt. How well loved and respected is this Nashvillian? Here’s who showed up to sing his tunes – Elvis Costello, Delbert McClinton, The War & Treaty, Lily Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Marcus King and The World Famous Headliners (featuring individual recording stars Pat McLaughlin, Shawn Camp and Al Anderson),

Here’s who sat in the audience to applaud – Emmylou Harris, John Oates, Sam Bush, T Bone Burnett, Jeff Hanna of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and previous Troubadour winners John Prine and Robert Earl Keen. Actually, they frequently stood to applaud.

Here’s who appeared on video – Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Georgia Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Urban and Chuck Hull.

“You’re all about integrity,” said BMI’s Mason Hunter to the honoree, “and that’s what this award is all about.”

“It’s truly our privilege to honor you tonight,” added the organization’s CEO Michael O’Neill.

The event was hosted by BMI’s Jody Williams, who continued the plaudits with, “So many of the artists who have covered his songs are songwriters, themselves. And that is the ultimate compliment.”

Among the artists who have recorded Hiatt’s works are Emmylou, Delbert, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Linda Ronstadt, Iggy Pop, Rosanne Cash, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty, Suzy Bogguss, Bob Seger, Ry Cooder, Buddy Guy, Rick Nelson, Don Henley, Gregg Allman, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Three Dog Night, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Bon Jovi, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, Ronnie Milsap, The Temptations and Asleep at the Wheel.

“Have a Little Faith,” alone, has been recorded by 44 artists. And among Hiatt’s 24 albums are many other gems that shine as brightly.

The World Famous Headliners kicked off the music with “The Thing Called Love.” Delbert followed with “Have a Little Faith.” Lily Hiatt came next, followed by Lyle Lovett’s version of “On the Train to Birmingham.”

“What a joy it is to listen to all these people sing your songs,” said Elvis Costello. He added to the celebratory mood with “Take Off Your Uniform.” The War & Treaty rocked the house with “Feels Like Rain,” then turned up the heat even higher with Marcus King on “Riding with the King.”

BMI’s Jody Williams and Mike O’Neill, 2019 BMI Troubadour John Hiatt, 2018 BMI Troubadour John Prine, 2015 BMI Troubadour Robert Earl Keen and BMI’s Mason Hunter (Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI)

“I don’t know what that was, but that was awesome,” said Jody following a standing ovation. “Can I get an ‘amen’ from the room?”

Prine was last year’s winner, so he presented the vintage, silver Troubadour-award cup.

“I’m speechless,” said John Hiatt. “You can’t do anything without other people’s help: This has always been ‘home’ to me.”

We dined on chicken cordon bleu with roasted potatoes and carrots, followed by pecan mini pie with whipped cream and raspberries.

John Strohm, John Ingrassia, John Allen, Mark Brown, Mark Wright, Adam Wright, Fats Kaplan & Kristi Rose, Jed Hilly, Randy Talmadge, Phil Graham, Paul Kennerley, Ken Levitan, Peter Cooper, Clay Bradley, Dana Strong, Karen Clark, Maurice Miner, Del Bryant, Dusty Miller, Earle Simmons, Carla Wallace, Tracy Gershon, Logan Rogers, Bart Herbison, Katherine Richardson, Juli Thanki, Steve Buchanan, Mickey Rafael and Garth Fundis worked the room.

Zach Crowell Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Tape Room Music writer Zach Crowell moves into the Top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credits on charting tunes “Good Vibes” (Chris Janson) and “Ridin’ Roads” (Dustin Lynch) moving him into the No. 8 spot. Another Tape Room writer—and Founder—Ashley Gorley maintains the No. 1 position for his sixth consecutive week.

HARDY keeps his positioning at No. 2, Hillary Lindsey at No. 3 and Jon Nite at No. 4. Blanco Brown rounds out the Top 5.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

David Frasier Inks Publishing Deal With MV2 Entertainment

Pictured (back row, L-R): Derek Crownover (Member and Entertainment Law Practice Group Chair, Dickinson Wright), Nicole Sherrill (Creative Director, MV2), Megan Keelan, (Summer Associate, Dickinson Wright), Lauren Davis (Artist Management, Contract Administration, MV2), Ben Strain (Creative Director, MV2); (front row, L-R): Mike Whelan (Senior Creative Director, MV2), David Frasier, Tony Harrell (General Manager, MV2) Photo courtesy of MV2 Entertainment

David Frasier has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with MV2 Entertainment and acquired Frasier’s catalog. The catalog spans the last eight years and includes two No. 1 hits, Lee Brice’s “Drinkin’ Class” and “Most People Are Good” by Luke Bryan. It also includes cuts by Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Trace Adkins, and more.

“David is a journeyman hit songwriter that continues to stay relevant in our industry and is definitely a great addition to our roster,” said MV2 General Manager Tony Harrell.
 
MV2’s roster of writers also includes Thomas Archer, Nora Collins, Jimmie Deeghan, Nick Donley, Forrest Finn and Houston Phillips. 

John Paul White Inks New Publishing Deal

Four-time Grammy Award winner John Paul White has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. White, a former member of the popular duo The Civil Wars, has collaborated with and written songs for artists including Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Rodney Crowell, Eli Young Band, Ronan Keating, and more.

“JPW is in a league of his own. Aside from his world-class vocals and inventive melodies, he is a diverse and in-demand collaborator, a creative producer, and an astute businessman,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of WCM Nashville, adding, “Really proud to welcome him to the global Warner Chappell family.”

“It was very important for me to find a partner that wholeheartedly believes in me and my work,” said White. “Ben and the entire team at Warner Chappell have a real expertise, dedication, and passion for the music. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”

The Civil Wars earned Grammy wins for Best Folk Album and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for Barton Hollow. In 2016, White released his solo album Beulah. Since 2013, he led his own label Single Lock Records, out of Florence, Alabama; the label’s roster has included Lera Lynn and the late Donnie Fritts. White co-produced Fritts’ 2015 Oh My Goodness album and Lynn’s 2018 duets collection Plays Well With Others.

In April, White released his LP, The Hurting Kind, co-produced by Alabama Shakes’ Ben Tanner with co-writing credits from Nashville songwriters Bobby Braddock and Whisperin’ Bill Anderson. White is currently touring throughout America, Europe, and Canada as he writes for his next record.

White is co-managed by Brad Oldham at Vector Management and Michael Goldstone at Mom & Pop.

Creative Nation Inks Publishing, Artist Development Deal With Jonathan Hutcherson

Pictured (L-R, front row): Jeff Skaggs (Publishing), Jonathan Hutcherson, Shaina Botwin (Publishing); (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Rachel Burleson (Management), Beth Laird, Kelsey Granda (Publishing), Christina Wighton (Publishing), Brandon Gill (Management) Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

Creative Nation has inked a publishing and artist development deal with artist/songwriter Jonathan Hutcherson, adding him to their roster.

Hutcherson, a 20-year-old Kentucky native, auditioned for Season 10 of NBC’s The Voice in 2016 and was part of Pharrell Williams’ team. He later moved to Nashville to pursue music full time.

“I was introduced to Jonathan by Neal Carpenter after our annual Preston Taylor Ministries benefit last year. After only one phone conversation and hearing a few songs, I was impressed and knew he had what it takes. Shaina, along with the entire CN team, jumped on board quickly as well as our songwriters that wrote with him. His work ethic, talent and passion at 20 years old is inspiring and we are grateful to have him on the CN team,” Creative Nation’s Beth Laird says.

“To know Jonathan is to love him. From the first time we met, I was blown away by his talent, work ethic and positive attitude. I am so excited to be on his team and can’t wait to get to work!” Creative Nation’s Shaina Botwin says.

“I cannot say how excited I am to be joining the Creative Nation team. It’s been a dream of mine to be able to get a publishing deal one day, and I never thought my first deal would come from a company I look up to and admire so much. Super grateful for this opportunity and the future with them,” Hutcherson says.

Creative Nation was launched in 2011 by Luke and Beth Laird. Luke is a Grammy-winning producer and ACM and BMI Songwriter of the Year, with 23 No. 1 singles to his credit. Music executive Beth previously worked at BMG Music Publishing, Windswept Music Publishing, and BMI, before launching Creative Nation. The company has had 15 No. 1 songs and more than 50 radio singles. Creative Nation’s roster includes Alec Bailey, Barry Dean, Bear Rinehart, Casey Brown, Hutcherson, Kassi Ashton, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Steve Moakler, Travis Wood and Tyler Johnson.

20th Annual NSAI Song Contest To Launch Sept. 1

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announced today that the 20th annual NSAI Song Contest, presented by Martin Guitars and Strings and CMT, will launch Sept. 1 at 12 p.m. CT.

This year’s competition boasts four mentors: multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Elle King, hit songwriters Ross Golan and Joe London of  the podcast AND THE WRITER IS…, and Grammy-award winning songwriter Tom Douglas. Other prizes include two cash prizes—$5,000 to the Grand Prize Winner and $2,000 to the Lyric-Only Winner—several Martin guitar and strings prizes, totaling over $21,000 in value, as well as a one year single-song contract with Anthem Entertainment, and more.

All eligible submissions received by NSAI will be judged in their respective categories by music industry professionals and NSAI staff. In the third round of judging, the top ten finalists and ten honorable mentions will be determined for the Song Category, and the Lyric-Only winner and runner-up will be selected. In February of 2020, the top ten finalists for the Song Category will be scored during a live-streamed event where a music industry-based celebrity panel of five or more elite music industry professionals will score each submission, with the highest score receiving the Grand Prize.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. central, entries can be submitted online at nsai.cmt.com or they can be mailed to the NSAI office (NSAI Address: ATTN: Song Contest, 1710 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, TN 37203). All entries mailed in must include the submission form, entry fee, printed lyric sheet, and one audio CD (unless a Lyric-Only entry). Entry fees are $35 per song for current NSAI members and $45 per song for non-NSAI members. There is no limit to the number of songs that songwriters can submit, and all submissions must be post-marked by October 31, 2019.

For further details, including additional information on submitting songs, an official full list of prizes, the Terms and Conditions and contest updates, visit nsai.cmt.com.