peermusic Nashville Signs Rock Group The Weeks

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The Weeks

Rock group The Weeks have signed an exclusive publishing and administration agreement with peermusic Nashville, as announced today by Kathy Spanberger, President/Chief Operating Office – Peermusic Anglo American Region and Craig Currier, Vice President, Director of Advertising Markets, peermusic.

The group, who was previously signed by Kings of Leon to their label Serpents and Snakes, are currently working on new material and plan to release a new album in 2019. The company’s creative team is working closely with The Weeks and have made the album one of their major priorities.

“We’re thrilled to have The Weeks join the peermusic family. They are probably one of the hardest working bands I’ve seen and their energy and passion both in their live shows and their records is simply contagious. They’re a band that knows how to rock and have fun doing it and it shows in the passionate fan base they have developed both in the US and across Europe. We’re excited to be able to be part of this next chapter in their already stellar career,” said Currier.

“We’re excited to announce our new partnership with peermusic. We have gotten to know the Nashville team over the past six months and this feels like a great next step for the band. peermusic has a strong global presence and reputation, and we’re excited to be part of the family,” said The Weeks.

The Weeks was formed in Jackson, Mississippi by twin brothers Cyle and Cain Barnes, Samuel Williams, and Damien Bone. Soon after they began playing together they signed to Esperanza Plantation and released their debut Cadillac Comeback in 2008 followed by the EP Rumspringa a year later. After self-released a second album, The Weeks relocated to Nashville and signed a deal with Serpents and Snakes label, where they released the albums Gutter Gaunt Gangster and Dear Bo Jackson. After leaving Serpents and Snakes the band released the Buttons EP, the album Easy, and this year’s live album Inside the Pines.

Lee Thomas Miller Keeps Riding With Warner/Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Travis Carter (Warner/Chappell), Scott Safford (Safford-Motley), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Lee Thomas Miller, Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Phil May (Warner/Chappell)

Warner/Chappell Music has extended its publishing agreement with Lee Thomas Miller.

The Kentucky native’s No. 1 singles include Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl,” Brad Paisley’s “The World” and “I’m Still a Guy,” Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible,” Terri Clark’s “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” and Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” to name a few. He has also co-written nine Top 20 hits, including Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” and Thomas Rhett’s “Something To Do With My Hands.”

He’s earned three Grammy nods for Country Song of the Year, for Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible,” Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and Jamey Johnson’s “In Color.” In 2009 Miller received two ACM nominations in the same category, Song of the Year, which he then won for “In Color.” The song also earned Miller Song of the Year at the CMAs. Other distinguished wins include the ASCAP and NSAI’s Song of the Year awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and the Teen Choice Award for Favorite Country Song for the Brad Paisley and Demi Lovato duet, “Without a Fight.” Additionally, he has won 12 BMI awards, as well as the inaugural BMI Champion’s Award in 2015.

“Not only is Lee a great friend and partner to our Warner/Chappell family, he has been, and continues to be, a friend and partner to every person who makes a living in music in Nashville,” said Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “No one will ever know the amount of time he has spent on conference calls, in meetings, testifying, and working tirelessly to make a better future for everyone. All this while being an amazing father and writing fantastic songs that hit the mark, time after time.”

Miller previously served as president of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) and has frequently traveled to Washington to lobby Congress on behalf of composers and songwriters’ rights. His perseverance paid off with the passing of the Music Modernization Act on Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C, where he was present for the signing of the bill.

Given Music Publishing Signs Kyle Coulahan

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Pictured (L-R): Jim Kacmarcik and Cindy Owen, Given Music Partners; Coulahan; Jenny Hall, Given Creative Director and Michael Hollandsworth, Given’s VP/GM.

Songwriter Kyle Coulahan has signed with Given Music Publishing.

“Kyle brings an unbridled passion and enthusiasm for songwriting that is only rivaled by his talent,” Given VP/GM Michael Hollandsworth said. “That coupled with his innate ability to maneuver himself into meaningful co-writing relationships bode well for a very bright future as a songwriter. We are extremely excited to have Kyle on the Given team and look forward to the unique sound he brings to our catalog.”

“I am so thankful to be a part of this great team here at Given Music,” Coulahan said. “I’ve been dreaming about being a Nashville songwriter since I was a kid. Michael Hollandsworth, Jenny Hall, Cindy Owen and Jim Kacmarcik are giving me a shot at doing what I love and I am blessed to have this opportunity.”

Coulahan grew up in the coastal town of Perdido Keys, Florida, and from a very young age had an interest in music, thanks to his Dad’s love of music and the gift of an old Alvarez guitar. As a teen, Coulahan would split his time between football practice and playing guitar in his church’s worship band. He was offered a full football scholarship to Auburn University and when he wasn’t playing football, he would make trips to Nashville to learn more about the music business and songwriting. He even befriended producer Chips Moman who introduced Coulahan to other writers. Following graduation, the aspiring songwriter packed his bags and made the permanent move to Nashville.

ASCAP Opens Registration For 2019 EXPO In Los Angeles

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ASCAP has opened the registration process for its 14th ASCAP I Create Music EXPO, slated for May 2 – 4, 2019 in Los Angeles.

“Every year, EXPO brings together a community of music creators from all over the world for three days of learning, networking and the chance to share their passions with each other,” said ASCAP Executive Vice President/ Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Iossa. “We look forward to seeing every single one of our attendees and know that they will leave EXPO inspired and ready to reach for the next stage of their careers.”

The EXPO agenda includes creative and business-focused panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations, performance opportunities and the chance for one-on-one networking with hit-making songwriters and producers.

Last year’s EXPO attracted songwriters from 23 countries and has drawn attendees from as far away as India and Australia. Successful songwriters that have participated early in their careers include Vincent Berry (“Sandcastles,” Beyoncé), Aloe Blacc (“I Need a Dollar,” “Wake Me Up,” Avicii), LELAND (“Youth,” Troye Sivan) and Meghan Trainor (“All About That Bass”). Previous keynote speakers include Justin Timberlake, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Katy Perry, Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne and many more.

Music creators of all styles and experience levels can visit ascap.com to register for the conference at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.

Jesse Lee Signs With Disney Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Ken Bunt (President, Disney Music Group), Ciara Shortridge (Manager of Publishing/A&R, DMG), Jesse Lee, Mio Vukovic (SVP A&R/Head Of Creative,
DMG), Barbara VanderLinde (VP Creative of Music Publishing/A&R, DMG)

Hit songwriter Jesse Lee has entered into an exclusive worldwide agreement with Disney Music Group, it was announced by Mio Vukovic, SVP A&R/Head Of Creative.

Voted as MusicRow Magazine’s “Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year” in 2017, Jesse has enjoyed chart topping singles with Kelsea Ballerini (“Peter Pan”) and Brett Young’s three-week No. 1 (“Like I Loved You”), as well as releases on Keith Urban, Straight No Chaser and more. “Peter Pan” earned her the coveted peer-voted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award at the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame Gala in 2017.

“Jesse Lee is a tremendous talent and we are thrilled to be a part of this new chapter in her illustrious songwriting journey,” said Vukovic.

“I am so excited to be joining the Disney family!” Lee said. “I wrote a song inspired by a character that changed my life, and now I write for the company that created that character. It doesn’t get any more ‘meant to be’ than that. I feel so lucky to be working with the DMG team who have welcomed me with open arms and hit the ground running. I am looking forward to creating a diverse catalogue that will have endless opportunity within the Disney company and beyond. This next musical chapter of mine is sure going to be fun!”

Pictured (L-R): Nicolette McCann (A&R Assistant/Publishing, DMG), Shortridge, Lee, Shannan Hatch (VP Creative Services, SESAC), Sarah Schumacher (A&R Coordinator/Publishing, DMG), Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP)

Jake Gear Joins BMG’s Nashville Office

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Jake Gear. Photo: John Russell

BMG has appointed Jake Gear to the role of Senior Director, Creative, based in Nashville. Gear will be responsible for working with the diverse and accomplished existing songwriter roster, as well as signing and developing more talent. He will report to Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Nashville.

Gear began his career in the Music & Media Licensing department at CMT. He has held posts at Magic Mustang Music, and Sea Gayle Music, where he spent the last four years overseeing a roster of more than 20 of Nashville’s top songwriters. There, he managed and developed writers, and helped place songs with artists such as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, and Jake Owen, among others.

Gear is a graduate of Belmont University from Iowa.

Julian Bunetta, John Ryan And Big Deal Music Group Partner To Form Big Family Music

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Pictured (L-R): Casey Robison, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Damon Bunetta, Kenny MacPherson Photo: Beth Herzhaft

Julian Bunetta and John Ryan are joining forces with Big Deal Music Group to form a new company, Big Family Music. Based in Los Angeles, the new enterprise will be co-owned by Bunetta, Ryan, Big Deal Music Group and Family Affair Productions, a company founded originally by Julian Bunetta, his younger brother Damon, and their father Peter. Damon Bunetta and Big Deal partner Casey Robison will be co-CEOs of the new enterprise.

“Julian, John, Casey and Damon have created a very special, incredibly creative community of songwriters who collectively are producing some of the biggest hits in the world,” said Big Deal CEO, Kenny Macpherson.  “With Casey and Damon at the helm of this new enterprise, Big Family will continue to discover and nurture the hit songwriters of the future.”

Between them, Julian and John are responsible for co-writing and/or producing dozens of hits by artists such as One Direction, John Legend, David Guetta, Thomas Rhett, Harry Styles, Maroon 5, Niall Horan, Pitbull, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, Fifth Harmony, and many others.

“We’ve worked with Kenny, Casey and the entire team at Big Deal for many years now and are thrilled to take this step to formalize a deeper relationship with them under the Big Family banner,” said Damon Bunetta. “The formation of Big Family ensures that we can continue to do what we love with the support we need to grow our community and provide the highest level of creative service available in our industry.”

Big Family will operate out of the Bunettas’ creative complex in Calabasas and West Hollywood, California, as well as the Big Deal offices in Encino.

Parallel Music Publishing Nashville Promotes Travis Myatt

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Travis Myatt.

Parallel Music Publishing-Nashville has promoted Travis Myatt to the role of Senior Creative Director. Myatt joined Parallel Music Publishing in 2016 as Creative Director. Prior to his work with Parallel, Myatt served as a catalog manager for Sony/ATV.

“I knew when we hired Travis that he had the potential to do great things and he has gone above and beyond my expectations. His passion and drive are unparalleled and have earned him this promotion,” says Tim Hunze. “I know Travis will continue to be an asset to our team.”

UMPG’s Chase McGill Rises To The No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

MusicRow’s weekly ranking of the top 60 country songwriters shines a bright spotlight this week on Universal Music Publishing Group songwriter Chase McGill. McGill earns his first-ever week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with four active song titles; “Lose It,” “Break Up In The End,” “Short Skirt Weather,” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Josh Osborne moves to No. 2 after an impressive 13-week consecutive run in the top spot. Also enjoying upward momentum is Jessie Jo Dillon at No. 4 and Kevin Welch at No. 5. Welch is the only writer currently in the Top 10 with a single song, “Millionaire,” on the chart earning him all of the song’s points as the solo writer.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every Monday, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive new addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Using a proprietary software, the points earned by each song are evenly split among each of the song’s co-writers, echoing how the business works with respect to publishing revenues and ownership—while reflecting the overall success of active songs for each songwriter. This elite list represents country music’s most successful writers whose songs are currently being heard on radio, downloaded as tracks and streamed across America.

Originally created by MusicRow founder, David Ross, under his own company imprint and brand, the newly rendered MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart is a valuable information source for our industry. Songwriters and publishers are the bedrock of the Nashville music industry and this chart recognizes the enormous commitment required from not only the songwriter, but the entire publishing team behind a songwriter’s career.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

 

RED Creative Group Signs Singer-Songwriter LJ

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LJ. Photo: Andrew Morton

Nashville-based singer-songwriter LJ has inked a publishing agreement with RED Creative Group.

Originally from Texas, LJ moved to Nashville in 2017. She signed with RED in 2018 and quickly began collaborating and developing a foundation of songs for her project. LJ, along with producers Jeremy Stover & Paul DiGiovanni, are currently in the studio recording for her debut release.

“I absolutely love my RED creative fam. Jeremy Stover has a great reputation for paving the way for a lot of songwriters and artists. I really connected with RED and they believe in the same vision I have for my future. I’m so excited for what’s to come! We’ve got some killer jams on the way,” said LJ.

“LJ has one of the best voices I have ever heard. Add in her song interpretation and that ray of sunshine she emotes and that makes for something very special. The future is bright,” said Stover, Owner/President, RED Creative Group.

Since inception in 2014, RED Creative Group has celebrated over 200 cuts and 20 singles to include hits such as Tim McGraw’s “How I’ll Always Be,” Justin Moore’s “Somebody Else Will,” Brett Young’s “Sleep Without You,’ and Dan+Shay’s “How Not To.” RED also represents Mercury recording artist Travis Denning, Capitol Nashville/Buena Vista recording artist Adam Hambrick and award winning songwriters Kelly Archer, Nathan Spicer, & Jeremy Stover.