Warehouse West Entertainment Signs Pop Singer/Songwriter Willie Shaw

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Willie Shaw

Luke Wooten‘s Warehouse West Entertainment has signed an artist development and publishing deal with pop singer/songwriter Willie Shaw.

An Orange County, California native, Shaw started writing and playing guitar at a young age. He received a baseball scholarship at William & Mary. A career-ending injury led him to a master’s in accounting, all the while busking in downtown Williamsburg restaurants. Shaw’s move to Nashville found him working for NASA as a project specialist and then eventually as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual. He recently gave up life in a suit for performing with his guitar chops and crooning falsetto.

“I am incredibly excited to join the team at Warehouse West,” said Shaw. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been afforded this opportunity. Everyone involved with their team is extremely talented, committed, and devoted and I am eager to get to work.”

Wooten said, “The first time Nicole had Willie sing at the office, there was no doubt in my mind. He has a voice that is undeniable and is very clearly in his own lane as an artist. We are extremely proud to have Willie Shaw on board at Warehouse West and believe the sky is the limit.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Matt McGinn, Kane Brown’s “Heaven” Top SESAC Country Awards

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Matt McGinn wins songwriter of the year onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 608

Songwriter Matt McGinn and his co-written Kane Brown hit “Heaven” were the big winners at this year’s SESAC Country Awards.

“I love songs,” McGinn told the event’s attendees. “It’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had in my life—it’s the ONLY relationship I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you to my co-writers—we can’t do this without each other….Thank you, SESAC, for all that you do.”

Ryan Hurd presented the Songwriter of the Year award to him.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, chairman and CEO of SESAC John Josephson, Matt McGinn and SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“Heaven” was named Song of the Year. McGinn’s co-writer Lindsay Rimes performed it with Aaron Eshuis and Joey Hyde at the event. The honors were staged Sunday evening (Nov. 11) at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The momentum of “Heaven” carried over to the publisher prize. Thus, the first-time winner of SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year was Smackworks Music. Shane McAnally and Michael McAnally Baum led their team in accepting.

“I’m expecting many more awards from you guys,” commented SESAC host Shannan Hatch.

Pictured (L-R): Hannah Mulholland, Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne of the band Runaway June perform onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

She and SESAC’s genial ET Brown began the evening by presenting the organization’s Americana honors. It is the only performing-arts group that recognizes this genre.

The Americana winners were Margo Price & Jeremy Ivey, plus Jaren Boyer, Brice Long and an absent Kevin Welch (for their contributions to Chris Stapleton’s CD) and Jamey Johnson, John Carter Cash and an absent Rosanne Cash (for the Johnny Cash homage Forever Words). Jamey and John Carter performed the ethereal “Spirit Rider” from the collection.

“We want to dedicate that to Randy Scruggs,” said Johnson, “because that’s the last time many of us got to work with him in the studio.”

Pictured: Margo Price (L) and Jeremy Ivey attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Non-attending Americana winners included Jim Lauderdale, Andrew Combs, Rachael Price, Michael Olson and Anthony Snape.

Lydia Schultz assisted Hatch in presenting the country awards. In addition to McGinn, the winners were Casey Brown for “Yours,” Justin Ebach for “Singles You Up,” Josh Hoge for “Losing Sleep,” Seth Mosley for “She’s With Me,” Sammy Mitchell for “One Number Away” and Hillary Scott for “Heart Beat.”

Since the ceremony took place on Veteran’s Day, a number of service men and women were in the audience. SESAC’s John Josephson recognized them from the stage and introduced a video about the Folds of Honor Foundation. It assists the families of disabled or deceased vets.

Pictured: Sara Reeveley (L) and Lee Brice take photos during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Lee Brice performed an intense rendition of “I Drive Your Truck.” He helped to establish the Folds of Honor’s Nashville chapter. SESAC’s Kelli Turner recognized both him and the foundation.

The performers during the post-awards gala included Michael Tyler, Seaforth, Runaway June and Tyler Rich.

SESAC decided to think outside the box for its ceremonies this year. Instead of an awards banquet, the organization staged a deluxe cocktail party in The Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space.

Pictured: SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner speaks onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“We’ve redesigned our awards as well as our awards show,” said Hatch. “We decided to have a party to kick off this week.”

The event space was lit with retro lighting. Vintage-reproduction bulbs glowed from strands while faux klieg fixtures decorated the stage. Its backdrop was a pitch-black drape embellished by starry mini lights. Glittering black tablecloths were centered with red tea roses in clear globes. Guests sat on lucite chairs or black leather couches.

The buffet dinner featured stations serving Asian fare, beef brisket, customized mac & cheese, veggies and salads. DJ KD spun sounds. More than 500 guests attended the festivities.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Seth Mosley, Cade Segura of CentricSongs and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Ron Stuve, Ron Cox, Ron Samuels, Phyllis Williams, Phyllis Stark, Dave Brainard, Dave Pacula, David & Carolyn Corlew, Patrick Clifford, Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, John Beiter, John Ozier, John Allen, Jon Stone, Ed Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Jesse Lee, Jesse Willoughby, Becky Harris, Judy Harris, Jenny Tolman, Jennifer Fieidler, Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson, Kerry O’Neil, Keith Burns, Kos Weaver and Kristy Osmunson mingled merrily.

Also working the room were such fabulettes as Olivia Lane, Jamie Floyd, Victoria Shaw, Amy Smartt, Tinti Moffat, Ana Cristina Cash, Christy Walker Watkins, Beth Nielsen Chapman (who is performing at a You Have the Power benefit at Cabana on Thursday), Lisa Harless, Robin Palmer, Diane Pearson, Ree Guyer, Tracy Gershon, Susan Stewart and Lori Badgett.

Pictured: Jamey Johnson performs onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Schmoozing mightily were Fletcher Foster, Craig Campbell, Troy Tomlinson, Ryan Kinder, Trey Smith, Cary Barlowe, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Michael Knox, Russell Dickerson, Lance Miller, Jimmy Carter, Mark Ford, Bob Doyle, Gilles Godard, Earle Simmons, Charley Stefl, Tim Wipperman, Tom Roland, Clay Myers, Steve Bogard, Andrew Kintz, Garry Velletri, Sherod Robertson, Bart Herbison, Jedd Hughes, Larry McCormick and Fats Kaplan.

SESAC bills itself as “the most progressive PRO.” It pays monthly radio royalties and was the first PRO to pay royalties for live performances in venues of any size. SESAC Holdings Inc. also encompasses the Harry Fox Agency and its Rumblefish administrative division.

Pictured (L-R): Jesse Willoughby of Kobalt Group Publishing, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Shane McAnally Baum, Matt McGinn, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Robin Palmer and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Shane McAnally (L) and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Matt McGinn’s family, Matt McGinn, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, and Ryan Hurd onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Ryan Beuschel of W.B.M. Music Corp, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Inks Pub Deal With Creative Nation, PULSE Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Bursky (Foundations Music), Bear Rinehart, Jeff Skaggs (Creative Nation), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Luke Laird (Creative Nation)

Creative Nation, in partnership with Los-Angeles based music company, PULSE Music Group, have signed Bear Rinehart to their rosters. Rinehart is frontman for South Carolina rock band NEEDTOBREATHE.

As a founding member of the Atlantic Records act, Rinehart has been a part of multiple chart topping releases including H A R D L O V E which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Albums, Top Current Albums, Top Rock Albums, and Top Alternative Albums charts, and No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Rinehart also has performing and writing credits on the RIAA-Certified Gold single, “Brother (feat. Gavin DeGraw).”

“I’ve always wanted to work with someone that has an animal name. This felt like the perfect opportunity. All jokes aside, I was initially impressed with Bear’s powerful and emotional voice and when I really dove into his songs, I discovered his lyrics and melodies were just as compelling. His work ethic and songwriting style are a great complement to the Creative Nation team and we are excited to work alongside him,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO, Beth Laird, says.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the insanely talented group of writers, musicians, and artists at Creative Nation and PULSE Music Group. The reach and impact of this team’s work extends far beyond Nashville, and it’s an honor to join their ranks,” Rinehart says.

“Bear is impressive not only as an artist but also as a songwriter and artist collaborator. We believe he has a strong future ahead. His classic sensibilities paired with his natural depth and soul make this an incredibly exciting partnership for us,” PULSE Music Group’s President of Creative Maria Egan says.

Drew Green Signs Publishing Deal With Warner/Chappell Nashville And Cornman Music

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(L-R:) Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Nate Lowery (Cornman Music), Drew Green, Brett James (Cornman Music), Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell)

Songwriter Drew Green has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville and Cornman Music. Green’s song “Colorado” was recently released by Florida Georgia Line.

“We’re very excited and honored to announce the signing of Drew Green to Cornman Music and Warner/Chappell,” said Cornman General Manager and VP, Nate Lowery. “Drew is an exceptional writer and artist, and one of the hardest working people I’ve been able to spend time with. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Brett and I are honored to have him join the Cornman family.”

ole Acquires Fifty Percent Stake Of SB21 Music Publishing

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ole has concluded a worldwide deal with SB21 Music Publishing to acquire a 50% ownership stake in its catalog of over 2,500 songs. ole will now control all SB21 songwriter contracts and all administration rights to the catalog.

An independent publishing company founded in 2011 by artist-songwriter-producer, Steve Pasch, the SB21 catalogue includes Luke Bryan’s No. 1 single “Most People are Good,” as well as “If You Ain’t It” by Danny Gokey, “Like You Were Mine” by Jason Aldean, “Leaving New Orleans” by ole singer-songwriter Jordan Davis, “Drinking Class” by Lee Brice, “Watching You” by Rodney Adkins, and the works of writers such as Brian White, David Frasier, Greg Barnhill, Thomas Tillman, and John Edwards.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work the SB21 catalog which has many hit songs in it. This is another great acquisition for ole,” said John Ozier, ole’s Vice President of Creative.

“The writers and partners of SB21 are very proud and excited to be working with ole in taking the SB21 songs to places where the music will be given the opportunity to speak for itself. We are honored to be joining ole’s distinguished roster, and cannot wait to see the incredible things that the future will bring for this catalog,” said Teresa Smith, SB21 Owner & Founder.

ole/Red Dot Signs Scott Stevens

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Pictured (L-R): Alex Tamashunas (ole’s Creative/Label Services Coordinator), Jenn Tressler (L3 Entertainment), Neil Vance (L3 Entertainment), Scott Stevens, John Ozier (ole’s VP, Creative), Pete Hartung (L3 Entertainment), Lauren Lieu (ole’s Sr. Creative Coordinator)

ole has inked a global, 360-degree deal with singer-songwriter Scott Stevens, signing him to its red dot label. The deal includes exclusive publishing and recording rights, and administration of all properties on YouTube, with all releases to come via ole label group’s red dot imprint.

“Scott Stevens is the real deal. He’s an incredible songwriter and artist, and I know we’re going to have a great run together. Scott already has a great team around him, so we’re thankful that ole is a part of it,” said John Ozier, ole’s Vice President, Creative.

Stevens said, “I’m fired up to have the support of a company like ole. They see my vision both as a writer and an artist and they aren’t afraid to venture off the beaten path a bit. That’s the only type of people I need on my team. I think we’re all ready to show everyone what we’ve been up to!”

Stevens grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. His mother led the church choir, and his father played with the Talking Heads and Joe Walsh of the Eagles. His current single, “Sounds Like Us,” has been streamed over 620,000 times on Spotify. Stevens is managed by Pete Hartung, Neil Vance and Jenn Tressler from L3 Entertainment whose other clients include Justin Moore, Tyler Rich, Leah Turner and Heath Sanders.

Stevens will release a series of singles throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019.

Big Machine Music Teams With Brandy Clark In Co-Pub, JV Deals

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Pictured (L-R) Back Row: BMM’s Lizzy Gallatin, BMM’s Michelle Attardi, BMLG’s Allison Jones, BMM’s Alex Heddle. Front Row – BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Brandy Clark, BMM’s Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music has signed Warner Bros. Records singer/songwriter Brandy Clark to an exclusive co-publishing agreement. BMM has also formed a music publishing joint venture with Clark’s All BC Music. This partnership will allow for them to discover, sign and develop songwriters.

Clark, a six-time Grammy nominee, joins Big Machine Music’s publishing roster, which includes Brett Young, Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, and more.

“Brandy is a cultural jewel and songwriting icon,” said BMM’s General Manager Mike Molinar. “We are honored and humbled she has chosen Big Machine Music as her new home.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join Big Machine Music,” shared Clark. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to great songs and songwriters is the perfect formula for this joint venture and I look forward to working together to cultivate new talent.”

Clark is known for penning hits including “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert), 2014 CMA Song of the Year “Follow Your Arrow” (Kacey Musgraves) and more. In 2013, Clark released the critically lauded album 12 Stories, which earned Clark Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Album. 2016 brought the release of her sophomore album, Big Day In A Small Town, which garnered two more Grammy nominations – Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Love Can Go To Hell”). This past year Clark has been honing her craft on the road playing with Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Dwight Yoakam and Sugarland.

Brian Davis Signs Joint Pub Deal With ole And Lee Brice

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Pictured (L-R): Brian Davis, Lee Brice, and ole’s VP of Creative, John Ozier.

Brian Davis has signed a joint publishing deal with ole and Lee Brice’s Pump House Anthem Publishing.

Originally from North Carolina, Davis’ first deal in the industry was offered to him by legendary writer Harlan Howard, the writer behind classics like “Busted” and “The Wall,” who was a huge influence on Davis’ songwriting.  Davis co-wrote the No. 1 hit, “One Hell of An Amen,” with Brantley Gilbert and Mike Dekle, and has toured with Gilbert.

“We are thrilled to add Brian Davis to the ole roster,” said John Ozier, ole’s Vice President of Creative. “Brian, Lee and I have known each other for a long time, so it’s great to be able to work together again, and I look forward to the future success we’re going to have together.”

“I believe in the power of a great song and I respect songwriters who invest in their craft,” said Brice. “I believe Brian is a true craftsman and I’m proud to sign him to our family of writers.”

“I am stoked to be joining the ole family.  It’s always important to me to surround myself with true song guys and John Ozier and Lee Brice are two of the best in the business,” said Davis. “I look forward to knocking down some hits with this team!”

Spotify Launches Analytics Tool For Music Publishers

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Spotify has launched Publishing Analytics, a music streaming tool geared towards publishers. The tool, which is currently in beta, will offer publishers daily streaming statistics for works and recordings they have identified, including playlist performance. They can also view data for each songwriter on their publishing roster.

The company developed Publishing Analytics in coordination with publishers including BMG and Reservoir. Spotify states the tool is used only for data analytics, and that there will be no changes in how publishing royalties are paid or accounted for.

“One of our core missions at Spotify is to enable creators the opportunity to live off their art,” said Jules Parker, Head of Publishing Relations & Services, EMEA and APAC, Spotify.

“The publishing community is integral in supporting the songwriters that create the music we love. With more information, publishers are empowered to make the most of the opportunities the global reach of Spotify provides, and the more information we can share with each other, the more opportunities we can help create for songwriters.”

“Reservoir was happy to jump on board as one of the first music publishers to help shape the new Spotify Publishing Analytics tool,” said Rich Scott DePerto, Director of Royalties & Copyright Administration, Reservoir. “Access to daily global analytics for the leading DSP allows us to better track our catalog’s performance and gives us valuable insight that we can use to make more informed business decisions in supporting our songwriters.”

“Armed with this level of streaming data, directly from Spotify, music publishers can gain insights into new opportunities for their songwriters, more efficiently collect royalties on their behalf, and more effectively market their works,” said Patrick Joest, EVP Global Content Partnerships & Synch, BMG. “Spotify has been a collaborative partner in the creation of this new product, and we are looking forward to further collaborating and contributing to its development and easy accessibility of data to the publishing community.”

Interested publishers can visit publishers.spotify.com.

Nomination Period Now Open For Songwriter-Member Seats Of Music Licensing Collective Board/Committees

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Nominations are now open 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.

Prospective nominees can be submitted at mlcsongwriters.com through 11:59 p.m. CST, Dec. 5, 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 (4) 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 (5) professional songwriters will be selected for the Unclaimed Funds Committee and three (3) 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 each named two songwriters to a 10-person selection committee 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), Rick Carnes (SGA), Lynn Gillespie Chater (SGA), Dallas Davidson (BMI), Chris DeStefano (NSAI), Bob DiPiero (BMI), Dan Foliart (ASCAP), Adam Gorgoni (SONA), Michelle Lewis (SONA) and Paul Williams (ASCAP).