Reid Isbell Inks Joint Deal With Big Machine Music And 50 Egg Music

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Pictured, back row (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, 50 Egg Music’s Jonathan Singleton, Big Machine Music’s Michelle Attardi, Beckett Law’s Matthew Beckett, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar. Front row: Reid Isbell

Big Machine Music has signed Reid Isbell to an exclusive songwriting deal, via a joint venture with 50 Egg Music, owned by fellow Big Machine Music songwriter Jonathan Singleton. Isbell joins Luke Combs and Kenton Bryant as the latest addition to the joint venture.

“Jonathan and the Big Machine Music crew have felt like family for a while now and I couldn’t be more excited to officially join their all-star team,” Isbell said.

Singleton said, “I’ve known Reid since he was a kid. It’s hard to miss on a guy like him who works hard, sings well, writes even better and is an all-around great guy.”

“I’m always grateful to Jonathan for introducing us to uniquely talented songwriters and Reid is no exception,” said Big Machine Music’s General Manager Mike Molinar. “We are honored to welcome him to the family!”

Songwriter-Producer Busbee Launches Development Company Altadena

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busbee

Songwriter-producer busbee, known for his work with artists including Maren Morris and Keith Urban, has launched music company Altadena, aimed at developing new artists and writers. The company launches as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records to provide a range of services to the label’s recording artists.

Additionally, Altadena has entered into a publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music to provide support to its roster of writers, and has inked a creative partnership with Red Light Management. Overseeing operations for Altadena will be GM and VP of Creative Daniel Lee, Nashville Creative Director Noreen Prunier, and L.A. Creative Director Kelly Benini.

busbee, Founder and CEO, Altadena said, “I have taken steps throughout my career to pursue meaningful music and strong relationships. With the launch of Altadena, I’m excited to continue this pursuit in partnership with the incredible teams at Warner Bros. Records, Warner/Chappell and Red Light.”

Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Records said, “At Warner Bros., we constantly seek to do business with the best and brightest creative minds and risk takers. busbee not only has an impressive track record of artist development but also of producing as well as writing top hits across multiple genres. He has the passion for spotting new talent and the vision to fuse the worlds of country, pop, and alternative in truly refreshing ways. We look forward to collaborating with him on this new venture.”

Carianne Marshall, COO, Warner/Chappell Music said, “busbee’s inventive and experimental approach to songwriting makes him an incredible talent, and we are happy to expand our relationship with him as he continues to grow, now as an entrepreneur, with the start of his new company Altadena.”

Justin Wilson Signs Co-Venture Deal With BMG and Play It Again Music

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Front Row (L-R): PIA’s COO/Owner Dallas Davidson, Wilson, BMG’s EVP Kos Weaver, BBR Music Group’s EVP Jon Loba; Back Row L-R: BMG’s Sr. Creative Director Noah Dewey, BMG’s Sr. Creative Director Jake Gear, Pia’s President Juli Griffith and Creative Manager Cade Price

Justin Wilson has signed a joint publishing deal with BMG and Play It Again Music.

Wilson has had chart-topping singles with Michael Ray (“Kiss You In The Morning”) and Randy Houser (“We Went”), and is currently celebrating his hit “Drunk Me” with Mitchell Tenpenny. He has also had cuts by Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and more.

“I look forward to this partnership with such creative people,” BMG’s EVP  Kos Weaver said. “I’m proud of what Justin has already accomplished and I’m excited for the future.”

“Justin can write music, melody, lyrics and can crush a hook,” said PIA’s COO/Owner-Dallas Davidson. “I’ve known Kos and Loba for a long time and have a ton of respect for them both.  This is gonna be a fun and productive partnership.”

AIMP Announces Chapter Board Elections Results

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers recently held its bi-annual Board of Directors elections. In Nashville, John Ozier of ole, previously Executive Director under the old bylaws, was re-elected to the new position of President, while Board Members Ree Guyer of Wrensong Music, Chris Van Belkom of Combustion Music, and Dale Bobo of Big Deal Music were elected Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer respectively.

“I couldn’t be happier to keep the AIMP Nashville Chapter moving forward over the next two years as we continue to support our annual AIMP Nashville Awards, AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series, weekly AIMP Nashville Pubcast, and other monthly events,” said AIMP Nashville President Ozier. “As the hub for country music, Nashville is a hotbed of activity in the independent publishing scene. We are excited to continue advocating for independent songwriters and publishers in our city.”

At AIMP’s Los Angeles Chapter, Teri Nelson Carpenter of Reel Muzik Werks, LLC was elevated to President, and Marc Caruso of Angry Mob Music; David Weitzman of ole; and Steven Ambers of SOCAN were elected Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The New York Chapter re-elected Alisa Coleman of ABKCO Music & Records Inc. to the new position of President (she too was previously Executive Director), while Mark Spier of Memory Lane Music Group; Steve White, CPA of Janover LLC; and Arthur Levy, Esq. of The Levy Firm were elected Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, respectively. The Executive Committee also voted to appoint Nelson Carpenter as the national Chair.

In addition to choosing new leadership effective January 1, 2019, members ratified revised Association bylaws, the first substantive update since the AIMP’s establishment in 1977. In addition to bringing the document in line with the industry and technological advances of the past 40 years, the new bylaws establish a national Executive Committee to govern the overall Association, with representation from each chapter. This Committee will be made up of each Chapter’s President and Vice President, the latter a newly-created position at the Chapter level, and the Committee members will vote to elect a Chair to head the national Association. In addition, all Presidents and Vice Presidents are now required to be independent music publishers.

Elections to the AIMP Board of Directors are held at each Chapter every two years, with no board member allowed to serve more than four consecutive years in the same position, excluding Treasurers. Candidates must be a current member of their respective Chapter, which requires that they be actively engaged in music publishing or a related business.

Songwriter Smith Ahnquist Renews Deal With Sea Gayle Music

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Pictured (L-R): Christina Wiltshire, Ahnquist, Chris DuBois; Middle: Marc Driskill, Molly Shehan; Back Row: Brandon Gregg, JD Groover

Sea Gayle Music has renewed its deal with songwriter Smith Ahnquist. The Danville, Kentucky native signed his initial worldwide publishing deal with Sea Gayle a few years ago. “Sea Gayle is my home. There is no where else I’d rather write. These past few years have been amazing, and I’m excited for what’s next,” says Ahnquist.

Ahnquist has had songs recorded by artists like Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, Jameson Rogers, Justin Moore, including the recent top 20 hit “Last Time For Everything” by Brad Paisley.

“Smith is such a talented songwriter, a genius with developing ideas and lyrics. We’re thrilled to be extending our partnership with Smith and can’t wait to be his partner in the great things that are going to happen for him over the next several years,” says Executive Vice President/General Manager, Marc Driskill.

Sea Gayle Music, established in 1999 and co-owned by Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley, is an independent music publisher and artist development company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Sea Gayle has 48 No. 1 songs in its catalog and has earned ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year twice out of the past six years.

Lineup Revealed For CRS’ Annual Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

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On Feb. 14, 2019, twelve hit songwriters will take the spotlight during one of Country Radio Seminar’s (CRS 2019) most anticipated after-hour events, the annual “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.”

This lineup of song crafters has earned numerous No. 1 singles, CMA Awards, ACMs, Grammys, and millions in sales. Set to perform are Rhett Akins (Warner/Chappell), Chris DeStefano (Sony/ATV), Chase McGill (Universal), Laura Veltz (Big Machine Music), JT Harding (THiS Music), Luke Laird (Creative Nation), Lori McKenna (Creative Nation), Brett James (Cornman Music/Warner Chappell), Lee Thomas Miller (Warner/Chappell), Wendell Mobley (Warner/Chappell), Scooter Carusoe (BMG) and Heather Morgan (Sony/ATV).

Legendary radio personality and host of the event, Bob Kingsley comments, “For me, Acoustic Alley is a magical place where those of us who play the hits get a good look behind the curtain—to that place where inspiration becomes song. There’s nothing like spending an evening with the world’s best songwriters as they share the joy and hard work that goes into their craft, then play the songs as they first came into the world! Join us, won’t you?”

CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne adds, “We are beyond thrilled to announce this high caliber lineup. Having the opportunity to witness this level of talent in such an up-close and intimate setting makes this event so special and unforgettable.”

Sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, with support from First Tennessee Bank and ASCAP, “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” will be held on Thursday. Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. until midnight in the Legends Ballroom (level 2) at The Omni in Nashville, Tenn. A CRS badge will be required for admittance.

Registration for Country Radio Seminar 2019 is available for $599 at countryradioseminar.com. Only a limited number of Omni Hotel rooms are still available. To book a room, please call 1-800-THE-OMNI (1-800-843-6664) or reserve online.

Nomination Period Extended For Songwriter-Member Seats Of MLC Board/Committees

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The Songwriter MLC Selection Committee opened nominations in November 2018 for songwriter-members of the Board of Directors, Unclaimed Funds Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) to be submitted to the US Copyright Office for approval as established by the recently passed Music Modernization Act. With the goal of making all qualified songwriters aware of this opportunity, the committee has decided to extend the nomination period for prospective nominees, who can now be submitted at mlcsongwriters.com through 11:59 p.m. CT, Dec. 15, 2018.

Per the statutory requirements of the Music Modernization Act, a new digital music mechanical licensing entity is being formed called the Music Licensing Collective (MLC). By statute, there will be songwriter representatives on the Board of Directors of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) as well as the Unclaimed Funds Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee. Four self-published songwriters will be selected for the Board of Directors; these positions require that an individual be a professional songwriter who currently controls his/her own publishing. Additionally, five professional songwriters will be selected for the Unclaimed Funds Committee and five professional songwriters will be selected for the Dispute Resolution Committee. The only requirement for these positions is that a songwriter be eligible to collect royalties in the US.

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Songwriter’s Guild of America (SGA) and Songwriters of North America (SONA) have combined to form the Songwriter MLC Selection Committee and have each named two songwriters to review nominations, evaluate candidates through a multi-step process and ultimately select songwriters for service to the original Board and Committees of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) that will then be submitted to the US Copyright Office.

The selection committee members are Steve Bogard (NSAI), Lynn Gillespie Chater (SGA), Dallas Davidson (BMI), Chris DeStefano (NSAI), Bob DiPiero (BMI), Dan Foliart (ASCAP), Adam Gorgoni (SONA), Michelle Lewis (SONA), Michelle Shocked (SGA) and Paul Williams (ASCAP).

BMG Signs Songwriter Dave Gibson

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Pictured: Dave Gibson and Marian Wolf (Director, Global Services, BMG).

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Dave Gibson has signed a new worldwide co-publishing agreement with BMG to continue representing his songwriting catalog and to administer his future works.

Gibson has penned titles including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s BMI award-winning song “Speak To A Girl.” The Top 10 single was featured on their chart-topping album The Rest of Our Life. Gibson’s additional co-writes include the Gold-certified single “I Believe I’m Fine,” by Robin Schulz, and “Sermon” by James Arthur, from his Platinum-certified UK No. 1 album, Back From The Edge.

The new long-term partnership between Dave Gibson and BMG will continue to proactively develop his career on a global scale. Next to his recent success in the US, Gibson has earned chart-topping hits and albums in the US, UK, Australia, Italy, Germany and most recently in China with Jackson Yee (TF Boys).

The Scottish-born, singer-songwriter’s international achievements include co-writing the Australian Top 10 hit “Remind Me” on Conrad Sewell’s Start Again EP. Produced by Rodney Jerkins, he wrote “Everybody Needs Love” and “Back to You” on Tim Bowman Jr’s Grammy-nominated album Listen. He also contributed “Pronto a Correre” and “Dove Siamo” to Marco Mengoni’s multi-Platinum albums #Prontoacorrere and Le Cose Che Non Ho.

Since relocating to Los Angeles, Gibson has collaborated with Bruno Mars and Phillip Lawrence (aka The Smeezingtons), Norwegian electronic producer DJ Kygo, music producers Stargate, Mary J. Blige, Liam Payne, Pixie Lott, Keith Urban, Tony Braxton among many others.

Gibson said, “Joining BMG is the move of a lifetime for me. A dream deal with a dream team. I couldn’t be more excited about working together and what we will achieve in the coming years.”

Marian Wolf, Director Global Writer Services, BMG, said, “Dave has the unique talent to write songs that touch people across genres and territories. He is one of very few songwriters whose songs are as relevant now as they will be to generations to come. We are thrilled to be working with Dave and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Singer-songwriter Bill Luther Signs Co-Pub Deal With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, VP Creative, BMG Nashville; Courtney Allen, Creative Director, BMG Nashville; Rakiyah Marshall, Creative Director, BMG Nashville; Bill Luther; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Nashville; Chip Petree, Partner, Ritholz Levy Fields

Veteran singer-songwriter Bill Luther has signed a new co-publishing agreement with BMG.

Luther has penned several hits recorded by Tim McGraw, including “My Best Friend,” “‘Let It Go,” “How Bad Do You Want It,” and McGraw’s Grammy award-winning duet with Faith Hill, “Let’s Make Love.” Luther has also co-written the Kenny Chesney Top 5 hit “Who You’d Be Today” and Top 10 “What I Need to Do,” in addition to songs for Joe Nichols, Jo Dee Messina, Clint Black, Lee Ann Womack, Lee Greenwood, and more.

Luther said, “I’m very excited and blessed to be working with people who love music and believe in songwriters. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together. I love my BMG family.”

Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Nashville, said, “Bill Luther’s songwriting is timeless, the care he puts into every word and phrase is unmatched. We are fortunate to be working with him.”

ONErpm Expands Publishing Operations Worldwide

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Label services, rights management, and distribution company ONErpm is expanding its publishing operation worldwide, offering publishing administration and sync services to clients around the globe. These services were previously available in Brazil only, where ONErpm has direct deals with major digital service providers (DSPs) as well as an exclusive administration deal with Brazilian rights society ADDAF.

“ONErpm is thrilled to add worldwide publishing administration and synchronization licensing to the many services we provide our clients,” said Jennifer Newman Sharpe, General Counsel and Head of Business Affairs for ONErpm. “We have had tremendous success with our publishing operation in Brazil and look forward to providing our entire roster with access to these powerful resources.”

ONErpm hosts an extensive publishing catalog of Latin American music, including over 37,000 compositions in Brazil alone from artists such as Jhef, Mc Kevin o Chris, Junior Lord of Tem Café, Renato Gues of Cuidado, Yuri Hawaiano of Encosta, Marcia Araujo of Estaca Zero, Junior Lord Anitta of Furacão 2000 and successful children’s duo Patati Patata. The company works closely with major DSPs including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Pandora, and more. Over a dozen artists under ONErpm were nominated for the 2018 Latin GRAMMY Awards, with Anaadi winning for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album, and Q4 2018 will bring the release of albums from Judith Hill and Method Man.