Moraine’s Johnny Reid Goes Gold

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Scottish-born, Nashville-based Canadian country artist and Moraine Music writer/artist Johnny Reid’s new album, Dance With Me, leaped to Gold status in Canada within 48 hours of its release. Produced by Grammy-winner Brent Maher, Dance With Me currently sits at #1 on Billboard’s Canadian Country Album chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Album chart. The reigning CCMA Top Male Artist has two additional titles holding the #3 and #5 slots respectively on the Country Album chart. “A Woman Like You,” the lead single from the new CD, is at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. Recording the album in Nashville’s Blue Room studio, Reid and co-writer/producer Maher went for strong live performances, cutting vocals and the band’s tracks simultaneously, recording the bulk of the album in two days with a team of Nashville A-list players including ACM Keyboardist of the Year Gordon Mote, guitarist Mark Selby and members of Mark Knopfler’s touring band, bassist Glen Worf, and guitarist Richard Bennett. Reid is currently headlining a 39 date sold-out nationwide tour in Canada.

UK Songwriters Post Online Response To Google

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British songwriters and composers have launched a new website — www.fairplayforcreators.com — to highlight concerns over the use of their work on the Internet. The site, an online forum set up by UK performing rights society PRS For Music, was created in response to the March 9 decision by Google to block access to premium music videos for U.K. users of YouTube, following a failure to agree to licensing terms with PRS. The site urges Google, who acquired YouTube in 2006, to restore music videos to YouTube, and advocates fair payment for use of their music online, stressing the importance of royalties in nurturing creative music talent.

Mechanical Royalties Suffer

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U.S. music rights licensing organization The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), announced today that its 2008 royalty collections from all sources was $307.1 million, a 22% decline from 2007. Also in 2008, HFA issued over 2.44 million mechanical licenses, a 62% increase over 2007. Digital downloads also increased, by almost 47% over 2007, bringing the total number of licenses under HFA’s administration to over 16.7 million. The company represents over 37,000 publishing clients, with nearly 2.3 million songs available for licensing.

“2008 was another tough year for the music industry, and HFA was no exception,” said Gary Churgin, HFA President & CEO. “The decline in the market had slowed in 2007, but in 2008, as the overall economy suffered, we saw the effects on the music sector accelerate. The growth of digital sales, while still robust, is also slowing, so we do not expect digital to offset the losses of CD sales any time soon.”

Sony ATV Signs Stegall

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Sony/ATV Nashville has signed hit songwriter/producer Keith Stegall to a multi-year publishing deal. The co-writer of the pop standard, “We’re in This Love Together,” Stegall is also the writer of nine No. 1 country singles, including “I Hate Everything” by George Strait and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” by Alan Jackson. As Jackson’s longtime producer, Stegall has helped the country superstar sell over 50 million units since his debut release in 1989.

Stegall is also the co-producer of The Foundation from the Zac Brown Band. The band’s debut single, “Chicken Fried,” spent two weeks at the top of the charts, giving Stegall his third No. 1 for the year. Currently, Stegall is in the studio with a new group, The Harters, and working on the followup to Clay Walker’s 2007’s album, Fall.

Keith Stegall Signs with Sony/ATV (l-r) Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Nashville; Dale Dodson, Sony/ATV Nashville; Stegall; and Mike Whelan, Sony/ATV Nashville

NSAI and CMT Announce Song Contest Winners

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and CMT have announced the winners of the 9th Annual NSAI/CMT Song Contest, which awards two top prizes, one industry-voted and one chosen by online voting. Brooklyn resident David Stewart was chosen by industry judges for his song, “Damn, I Miss You.” Online voters chose “I Found Everything,” written by Ben and Kate Thompson of Marietta, Georgia, as the CMT Listeners Choice. Stewart and his co-writer, Mary Beth Stone of New York, will perform their winning song at a Tin Pan South showcase that also features hit writers Dave Berg, Kelley Lovelace and Rivers Rutherford. The in-the-round performance will take place at The Rutledge on Saturday, April 4 at 9:30 PM. Additional prizes include a single-song publishing contract, separate mentoring sessions with Big & Rich’s Kenny Alphin and with songwriter Regie Hamm (“The Time Of My Life”), a three-day trip to Nashville, tickets to the 2010 CMT Music Awards and a Gibson guitar.

More Stars, Local Access Come To CMA Fest

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Leaders of the Country Music Association, the Metro Government of Nashville, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau gathered at the Metro Courthouse today (3/11), to announce new plans for 2009 CMA Music Festival including the addition of a new stage on the Public Square in front of the Courthouse and free access for the first time to the concerts at Riverfront Park. Increased local attendance at the Festival has long been a goal of CMA, and the announcement of free daytime admission could be just the ticket for local residents.

“We have always enjoyed a great relationship with the City, but this takes our partnership to a whole new level,” said CMA CEO Tammy Genovese. “We are now able to offer the residents of Nashville and the surrounding communities even more opportunities to access free music, family-friendly activities, and more.”

In addition, CMA has announced that Trace Adkins, Julianne Hough, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and Reba McEntire will join the long list of stars already announced for this year’s Festival.

The addition of a stage at the Public Square provides residents and visitors with a new venue to enjoy the diverse musical styles found in Music City. Dubbed the Music City Zone, and programmed by the NCVB, the area will be free and open to the public each day.

“Adding the Music City Zone gives us a chance to showcase even more local stars and gives us an opportunity to broaden the styles of music that are readily available any day in this city,” said NCVB President Butch Spyridon.

In another first, residents of Middle Tennessee can support music education beyond their Music Festival ticket purchase. The Nashville Alliance for Public Education will be collecting “gently used” band instruments during the Festival to be provided to students and music programs in need. The instruments can be dropped off daily during the Festival in the Dr Pepper®-McDonald’s® Family Zone in Hilton Park.

CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14. Nashville’s signature music event features four days of music, with concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more throughout Downtown. Each year, CMA donates half the net profits of CMA Music Festival for music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools, via the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, through the “Keep the Music Playing” program.

Pictured (l-r) President of the NCVB Butch Spyridon, CMA CEO Tammy Genovese, CMA President and Chairman of the Music Festival Steering Committee Steve Moore, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, President of The Mathews Company and Vice Chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Bert Matthews and CMA Chairman Randy Goodman.

Writer/Publisher Buzz

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Songwriter D. Vincent Williams has opened Black Ink Music Publishing, a Nashville-based independent music publisher. A former staff writer for Warner-Chappell Music, Williams has penned hits including ACM Song of the Year “I’m Movin’ On,” recorded by Rascal Flatts, and James Otto’s recent No. 1, “Just Got Started Loving You.” He will serve as the new company’s CEO. Joining Williams in the new venture are Melinda Duncan, Eric Gioia and industry veteran Noah Dewey. Black Ink’s roster of writers includes Williams, Duncan, Justin Lantz, Cliff “Crash” Cody and writer/artist Matt Jenkins. The company will celebrate its official kick-off this week at a private, invitation-only event.

NSAI’s annual songwriters festival, Tin Pan South, is coming up Tuesday, March 31 – Saturday, April 4. Venues around Nashville will come alive with a slew of in-the-rounds and songwriter showcases. NSAI will post a calendar of Tin Pan South events on Wednesday, (3/11) and make a “Fast-Access Pass” available that same day. The pass allows attendees advance seating (room permitting) over those who purchase tickets at the door. Fast-Access Passes will also be available online at http://www.tinpansouth.com/tickets.asp. NSAI will hold a Festival Preview Party tomorrow, Tuesday (3/10), from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at The Rutledge, 410 4th Avenue South. In addition to announcements regarding Tin Pan South details, Kelly Archer, Regie Hamm, James House and Rissi Palmer will perform in the round.

Nashville hit songwriter Layng Martine, Jr. (Reba McEntire’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” Trisha Yearwood’s “I Wanna Go Too Far”) has written a poignant and inspirational story that appeared in Sunday’s (3/8) New York Times. “In a Charmed Life, a Road Less Traveled” tells the heartrending story of the songwriter’s wife, Linda, who became a paraplegic after a devastating car accident. With unflinching honesty and emotional frankness, Martine, Jr. tells of the accident’s effect on their lives and their love, both of which have grown deeper and more meaningful as a result of the tragic event. It’s an inspired read and well worth your attention. You can link to the story at http://tinyurl.com/bnoou2.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation has elected Dr. Bethel “Bo” Thomas, Vice President for University Advancement, Belmont University; and Kelli L. Gabriel, Sr. Vice President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley in Nashville; to its 2009/2010 Board of Directors. The NaSHOF Board also elected its 2009 officers. Roger Murrah will serve a fourth term as Chair. Other newly elected officers are: Vice Chair – Wayland Holyfield, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member; Vice Chair – John Van Mol, CEO of Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence; Secretary – Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manager, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Entertainment; and Treasurer – Layng Martine, Jr., songwriter.

Nashville music industry veteran Paul Compton has launched Music Highway Writer Services, a music catalog representation and writer management company. Most recently, Compton served as Senior Vice President of Murrah Music Corporation, where he placed the No. 1 smash, “I’m Movin’ On” with Rascal Flatts and also pitched Billy Currington’s 2008 ASCAP Song of the Year, “Good Directions.” To learn more about Music Highway Services, contact Compton at info@musichighway.net or at (615) 289-0769.

SESAC Celebrates Christian Award Winners

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SESAC honored Jason Ingram as its 2008 Christian Songwriter of the Year during ceremonies held Monday (2/23) at Nashville’s Sambuca Restaurant. The performing rights organization also named Peertunes Ltd., Grange Hill Music, and Windsor Way Music as 2008 Christian Publishers of the Year.

Ingram realized extraordinary success last year with his song “Give Me Your Eyes,” which was a No. 1 hit on two radio formats. Artist Brandon Heath, who took the tune to the top of the charts, performed an inspired version of the hit at the awards event. In 2008, Ingram also had success with his songs “Peace Be Still” and “Wonder Of The World” by Rush Of Fools.

Other SESAC award winners included Christian chart-toppers Ian Eskelin and Adam Agee of Stellar Kart, and Jeremy Kunkle of This Beautiful Republic.

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Gale (SESAC, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations), Tim Fink (SESAC Associate Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations), Jason Ingram, David Steunebrink (Grange Hill Music, President), Dennis Lord (SESAC, Executive Vice President), Kevin Lamb (peermusic Ltd., Vice President, Nashville) and John Mullins (SESAC, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations). Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Gale (SESAC, VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Tim Fink (SESAC Assc. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Jason Ingram, David Steunebrink (Grange Hill Music, President), Dennis Lord (SESAC, Exec. VP), Kevin Lamb (peermusic Ltd., Vice President, Nashville) and John Mullins (SESAC, Assc. Dir., Writer/Publisher Relations). Photo: Ed Rode

Parties Fete “Don’t” Songwriters

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Many in the music industry spent Tuesday afternoon (2/24) celebrating Billy Currington’s recent No. 1 hit, “Don’t.” Parties at BMI and ASCAP marked the occasion for the song’s co-writers Jim Beavers and Jonathan Singleton. It is the pair’s second trip to the top of charts together; they also co-wrote Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes.”

(L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Billy Currington, producer Carson Chamberlain, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, co-writer Jim Beavers, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Luke Lewis, BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Kay Williams

(L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Billy Currington, producer Carson Chamberlain, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Jim Beavers, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Luke Lewis, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Kay Williams

(L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Crosstown Songs Dan Huff, Darrell Franklin, Megan Galbraith, Jonathan Singleton, Billy Currington, and Jim Beavers.

(L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Crosstown Songs' Dan Huff, Darrell Franklin, Megan Galbraith, Jonathan Singleton, Billy Currington, and Jim Beavers.

Outsourcing Service Propel Music Opens

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Longtime A&R executive Peter Robinson and former publishing executive Alex Heddle have opened Propel Music, which will offer creative outsourcing for music publishing companies, songwriters, and others in the music industry. The company currently provides song pitching and writer management for Jeff Cohen, Greg Crowe, Jenn Schott, Lila McCann and Evie Nicole.

Robinson started his career working for Irving Azoff at Giant Records where he discovered and signed Stephen Jenkins of Third Eye Blind, among others. He went on to become Sr. VP of A&R at RCA Records and signed many acts, most notably Dave Matthews Band. Following time as Sr. VP of A&R at Epic Records and also running his own Dumbo Recording Studios, Robinson relocated to Nashville.

Heddle recently left the Creative Director position at Ash Street Music, where he spent three years working with many songwriters including Greg Crowe, Monty Holmes, Josh Thompson, and Andi Zack.

Propel Music is located at 3 Music Sq. W. and can be contacted at 615-942-8328 or info@propelmusicpublishing.com.

Pictured (standing L-R): Greg Crowe, Jenn Schott, Lila McCann, Evie Nicole, Jeff Cohen, and (seated) Alex Heddle, Peter Robinson