NSAI Song Contest Deadline Nears

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jewelWith only two weeks until the Halloween deadline, October 31, 2009, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is encouraging songwriters to submit their best tunes to the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT. The contest is designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a mentoring session with The Valory Music Co. recording artist Jewel. Additional prizes include a single-song professional demo, tickets to the 2011 CMT Music Awards, a private tour of CMT studios, a performance at the legendary Bluebird Café, meetings with major music publishers and a one-year membership to NSAI, just to name a few.

Nashville pro writers, publishers and industry professionals will narrow down the finalists over three rounds of judging and select the Grand Prize Winner, 10 Runners-Up and 10 Honorable Mentions. Then the Top 10 will be posted on www.nsai.cmt.com for fan voting for the CMT Listeners’ Choice Winner, running January 20 through February 26, 2010.

All genres of music are encouraged. The entry fees are $35.00 (NSAI members) and $45.00 (non-members) per song. Proceeds benefit the NSAI Legislative Fund to protect the rights of songwriters. For a full list of prizes and how to enter, visit www.nsai.cmt.com.

Morris Joins Zavitson Music Group

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jmorris101409Jason Morris has been hired to the post of Sr. Creative Director for Zavitson Music Group, LLC, the publishing company jointly owned by Debbie Zavitson, Russ Zavitson, and Beverly Miller. Prior to joining Zavitson, Morris headed his own company, Morris Code Music. Additionally he has held creative offices for Big Picture Entertainment, Hori Pro Music, Ten Ten Music Group, Fame Music and Gary Morris Music. Contact him at 615-321-2212 or jason@zmgllc.com.

Markland Moves To Warner/Chappell

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Steve-Markland-08Veteran music publisher Steve Markland has joined Warner/Chappell Music as Vice President of A&R, Nashville. He will report to Tracy Gershon, Senior Vice President and Head of A&R, and they will work together on signing emerging and established songwriters, catalog acquisition, and song placement.

Markland most recently served as VP/GM of Crossfire3, the publishing venture launched in 2007 by Vector Management, Red Light Management, and Chrysalis Music Group.

Prior to that he spent 11 years as Vice President at Windswept Publishing, after opening the company’s Nashville office in 1996. Under Markland’s leadership, Windswept won more than 50 BMI and ASCAP “Most Performed Songs” awards and worked with star tunesmiths including Jeffrey Steele, who won multiple “Songwriter of the Year” awards.

In addition, Markland has managed a number of other established songwriters, such as “Big” Al Anderson, and producer/writer Angelo. From 1993 to 1996, Markland was Director of Creative Affairs at Patrick Joseph Music in Nashville. In this role, the Ohio native helped develop the careers of award-winning songwriters including Brett James, Matraca Berg, Tim Mensy, Randy Sharp, Vince Melamed and Jim Photoglo. The Belmont University graduate’s background also includes founding Coyote Moon Music and signing a young James, as well as time at Warner/Chappell Music in Los Angeles, and RCA Nashville.

When announcing the hiring, Gershon said, “With more than 20 years of music industry experience, Steve has a solid track record in discovering and nurturing talented songwriters, and with successfully pairing songs with recording projects and artists. As a label executive, I grew to respect Steve’s talent and dedication to the artists and the music with which he worked. I look forward to having him on our team as we continue to expand Warner/Chappell’s Nashville footprint.”

Musical Chairs: Writer’s Den, 17 Music Ent.

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(L-R) John Nagara, Matt Gary

(L-R) John Nagara, Matt Gary

Music businessman John Nagara has joined 17 Music Entertainment as General Manager and will be in charge of overseeing the day-to-day activities for the independent label. He will focus on marketing and promotions for flagship artist Matt Gary. Nagara’s 23-year career history includes nine years as Music Director/Assistant Program Director at WKDF, time as a promotion rep at Virgin Records America, Geffen Records and Maverick Records, and working at CO5 Music from 2006-2008. He can be reached at John@17MusicEntertainment.com.

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Laura Wright

Laura Wright

Laura Wright has joined the Writer’s Den Music Group staff as Catalog Manager. She will report directly to Head of Publishing Bobby Rymer and oversee the company’s song catalog as well as handle song pitching. She can be reached at laura@writersdenmusicgroup.com and 615-690-6475. Recently, Writer’s Den Music Group unveiled its new logo to celebrate the re-launch of the publishing group formerly known as Montage Music Publishing. The toasting will continue later this month as the company plans to host an open house.

Writer’s Den Emerges From Montage Ashes

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writersdenHedgewood International founder John Simmons, CEO Thad Leach, COO Erik Haag and Head of Publishing Bobby Rymer have re-launched Montage Music Publishing as Writer’s Den Music Group. A full staff is on board and the company has signed songwriters Bonnie Bishop, Ben Cooper, Tami Hinesh and Trent Jeffcoat. An open house will celebrate the transition later this month.

Writer’s Den has already secured cuts overseas as well as TV and movie placements, including “Rains Here Too” (Tami Hinesh with Kate York) recently featured on the CW’s One Tree Hill; “Courageous” (Ben Cooper and Melinda Schneider) recorded by both Olivia Newton John and Australian artist Melinda Schneider; “I’m Gonna Make You Want To” (Tami Hinesh with Betsy Ulmer and Kelly Archer) recorded by Nathalia on Universal Records in Brazil, and “Bluer Than Blue” (Minnie Murphy) included in the upcoming film Bailey about bluesman Jefferson Bailey.

Rymer explains, “Our philosophy is to encourage creativity in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We are so looking forward to a lot of great songs, long lasting relationships, and loads of laughter to come.” www.writersdenmusicgroup.com

ole Scores Third CCMA Publisher Award

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The Canadian Country Music Awards named ole its Publisher of the Year for a third consecutive year. The accolade was announced during the CCMA’s annual Awards week celebration which took place this year in Vancouver, British Columbia. Toronto-based ole also has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles.

“ole is very pleased to have been chosen Music Publisher of the Year, once again this year,” says ole Chairman and CEO, Robert Ott. “Success begins when a great song meets a great artist performance. ole is the first half of that equation. We are committed to working with our songwriters to contribute hit songs that resonate globally and stand the test of time.”

Some of the publisher’s success this past year included songs from Taylor Swift’s two albums. They also had country cuts with Rising Star Tara Oram, Road Hammers, Shane Yellowbird, The Wilsons, Doc Walker, The Higgins, Jason Blaine, Love and Theft plus tracks for Aaron Pritchett, Shea Fisher and Martina McBride.

ole, one of the largest independent publishers worldwide, was founded about four years ago by Tim Laing and Robert Ott. The company now boasts a team of 30 industry professionals and a genre-diverse catalog of over 35,000 songs. ole focuses on acquisitions, creative development and publishing administration worldwide.

(L-R) Gilles Godard, Nashvile Chief Creative Officer; Robert Ott, ole Chariman/CEO; Hitsville winner Shane Chisholm; and TMKO Law's Chris Taylor.

(L-R) Gilles Godard, Nashville Chief Creative Officer; Robert Ott, ole Chairman/CEO; Hitsville winner Shane Chisholm; and TMKO Law's Chris Taylor.

During CCMA ole offered songwriters a chance to hit an instant single-song “home run” publishing deal. Writers, with song demos, were asked to start at first base and then move to second and third as various umpires judged their offerings. Along the way, most songs were Out! before making it all the way to home base. Shane Chisholm however, scored and was offered a deal.

Big Tractor Music Signs Matthews

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(L-R): Jason Krupek/Big Tractor's General Manager; Jason Matthews; Cynthia Anderson/Big Tractor's Creative Director; Photo credit: Steven C. Knapp / Knapp Time Creative

(L-R): Jason Krupek/Big Tractor General Manager; Jason Matthews; Cynthia Anderson/Big Tractor Creative Director; Photo credit: Steven C. Knapp / Knapp Time Creative

Big Tractor Music has signed tunesmith Jason Matthews, who has writing credits on songs such as Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and Luke Bryan’s “Country Man.” Even before he earned Music Row’s 2006 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honor, Matthews was building a catalog of hits, including cuts for Julie Roberts (‘Break Down Here’), Kevin Denney (‘That’s Just Jesse’), Tammy Cochran (‘Life Happened’), Dusty Drake (‘One Last Time’), Roxie Dean (‘Remind Me’), and James Otto (‘The Ball’), among others.

Big Tractor Music also signed Wade Kirby and Jennifer Zuffinetti earlier this year.

Wide Open Announces Staff; Sevendust Signs with Big Loud Bucks

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Wide Open Music Group Announces Staff

Derek George, President of Wide Open Music Group, announced staff appointments for the recently-formed music publishing company. Keithan Melton is Creative Director, and Ken Johnson is Director, Administration. Melton was formerly Creative Manager for Sea Gayle Music and Catalog Manager for Cal IV Entertainment. Johnson brings 20 years of music industry experience to his new position, having spent 14 years in A&R Administration at two major Christian labels (Word Records and EMI Christian Music Group). Johnson also started his own production services company in 2004. George is the guitarist for Golden Music Nashville’s Williams Riley and co-wrote the band’s upcoming single, “Country Livin’.”

Wide Open Music Group is located at 54 Music Square East, Suite 390 in Nashville. Telephone: 615-891-4285.

(L-R): Ken Johnson, Derek George and Keithan Melton

(L-R): Ken Johnson, Derek George and Keithan Melton

Sevendust Signs Exclusive Deal With Big Loud Bucks
Metal band Sevendust and Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information have entered into an exclusive worldwide administration deal. Sevendust has also put Big Loud Bucks in charge of collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of their own record label, 7 Bros. Records in conjunction with Asylum Records. Sevendust is currently recording a new album slated for release in early 2010.

(L-R) Front: Vincent Hornsby, Sevendust Bass; Morgan Rose, Sevendust Drums/Vocals; John Connolly, Sevendust Guitars/Vocals; LaJon Witherspoon, Sevendust Lead Vocals; Diane Kruse, Rashford Kruse and Assoc, business management for Sevendust. Back: Kele Currier, Big Loud Bucks Exec. VP; Heather Buresh, Big Loud Bucks Licensing and Copyright Analyst; Nancy Eckert Verge Legal, general counsel for Sevendust; Mark Ahlberg, Big Loud Bucks Client Transaction Specialist; and Matt Hilton, Big Loud Bucks Copyright Admin. Photo: Amy Allmand

(L-R) Front: Vincent Hornsby, Sevendust Bass; Morgan Rose, Sevendust Drums/Vocals; John Connolly, Sevendust Guitars/Vocals; LaJon Witherspoon, Sevendust Lead Vocals; Diane Kruse, Rashford Kruse and Assoc, business management for Sevendust. Back: Kele Currier, Big Loud Bucks Exec. VP; Heather Buresh, Big Loud Bucks Licensing and Copyright Analyst; Nancy Eckert Verge Legal, general counsel for Sevendust; Mark Ahlberg, Big Loud Bucks Client Transaction Specialist; and Matt Hilton, Big Loud Bucks Copyright Admin. Photo: Amy Allmand

Driskill Returns to ASCAP as VP/GM, Nashville

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Nashville, marcTN, Sept. 9, 2009: Connie Bradley, Senior Vice President of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) today announced that Marc Driskill has joined ASCAP as Vice President & General Manager, Nashville. In this newly established position reporting to Bradley, Driskill will direct the goals and objectives of the Nashville Membership staff as well as focus on ASCAP’s general membership efforts.

Bradley commented, “We are delighted to have Marc rejoin us at ASCAP. His business skill and acumen have been well regarded in Nashville both during his previous tenure at ASCAP and in the intervening years at Big Loud Shirt. He will bring a focus and energy to our operations here that will be crucial to our continued success.”

Driskill rejoins ASCAP from Big Loud Shirt and Big Loud Bucks Administration, music publishing and copyright administration companies respectively, where he served for more than three years as Chief Operating Officer for both entities. Prior to his experience at these companies, Driskill was Assistant Vice President, Nashville with ASCAP for nearly eight years.

“I am grateful to be rejoining Connie Bradley and the ASCAP team in Nashville. Connie has been an incredible mentor to me and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity to help ASCAP achieve its ultimate success,” stated Driskill about the appointment.

ASCAP To Salute JD Souther

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J.jdD. Souther, one of the principal architects of the Southern California country-rock sound and the pen behind numerous hits by the Eagles and others, will receive the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award this fall. He will be honored during the 47th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards, set for Monday, October 19, at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium.

Known for his extraordinary song crafting abilities, Souther co-wrote some of the Eagles most beloved hits including “Best of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “New Kid In Town,” and “Victim of Love.” His collaboration with the band continues through the Eagles’ 2007 release Long Road Out of Eden. Artists including George Strait, The Dixie Chicks, Glen Campbell, and Michael Buble have recorded his songs. He’s also written several hits for Linda Ronstadt including “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues,” produced her Don’t Cry Now album and recorded several duets with her, most notably “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Sometimes You Can’t Win.”

As an artist the Texas-raised singer charted two Top 10 hits with “You’re Only Lonely,” and “Her Town Too,” a duet with James Taylor. After a 25-year break from recording, Souther released If The World Was You in 2008.

“Having written hits for nearly four decades, J.D. Souther is in a class all his own,” says Connie Bradley, ASCAP Senior Vice President. “Many of the hits he’s written have become part of the soundtrack of the lives of multiple generations. We are thrilled to honor J.D. with the ASCAP Golden Note Award.”

The honor is reserved for songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, André Previn and Tom Petty among others.

The ASCAP Country Music Awards is an invitation-only gala that will also salute the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of the past year. Special awards will be given to the Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter/Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. A party honoring the evening’s winners will follow the awards ceremony.