Sony/ATV’s Martin Bandier To Step Down In 2019: See His Memo To Staffers

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Martin Bandier

Sony/ATV music publishing’s chairman/CEO Martin Bandier officially announced Monday (Sept. 17) that he will be stepping down from his role when his contract expires in March 2019. This follows news that Warner/Chappell chairman/CEO Jon Platt will soon replace Bandier at Sony/ATV.

Bandier joined Sony/ATV in 2007. In a memo to company staffers, Bandier expressed his pride that Sony/ATV has grown to become the fourth biggest music publisher.

Read the memo below:

Dear all,

I want to let you know that I am planning to leave Sony/ATV at the end of my contract in March of next year, after what will have been 12 incredible years with the company. I can say without hesitation that my time here has been the absolute highlight of my career, and I am extremely proud of everything that we have achieved together.

On this journey, we have grown from being ranked the world’s fourth biggest music publisher to becoming the clear No. 1. As I have always said, being and staying No. 1 is not a beauty contest, and we have grown into this position by being the best across the board—creatively, administratively and financially. This was underpinned by our most recent financial year, which was our best ever.

During my time here, I have had the pleasure to get to know and work with so many talented songwriters, including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell, Pink, Sting, Carole King, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy and Sara Bareilles. The list could go on and on, but there are simply too many phenomenal writers to mention everyone by name. I am nonetheless proud to have advocated for all of them.

Further, it is remarkable to think that when I first joined Sony/ATV in 2007 the company had never won an ASCAP or BMI Pop Publisher of the Year award. It was not long thereafter that we won ASCAP Publisher of the Year, and I remember how proud Michael Jackson (who then still owned half of Sony/ATV) was that we had received this major award. Since then, I am pleased to say that Sony/ATV and our writers have won many other Songwriter and Publisher of the Year titles, as well as many other honors all over the world.

Of all the awards and achievements that have occurred during my time here, however, there are two personal highlights. One is winning a GRAMMY, becoming the first ever publisher to receive the President’s Merit Award. The other is the incredible success of the school that I endowed to Syracuse University. The Bandier Program has become one of the leading music business schools in the United States, and I am encouraged and proud to know that the students who have graduated from it are now working at many of the best companies in our industry. Thanks to them, I know that the future of the music business is in terrific hands.

It is also important to note that, while we have been successful in growing our business and maintaining our position as the largest music publisher in the world, we have never lost sight of the fact that our priority is to fight tirelessly on behalf of our songwriters and to ensure that they are fully compensated for their work, both by streaming companies and other music services that use their songs. Rankings matter, but our songwriters and their music matter the most. I think we have made great progress in that regard, and I will continue that fight for songwriters after I leave Sony/ATV.

I would also like to thank Sony for giving me the opportunity to lead this company through the music industry’s complex and ever-changing landscape, and at a time when representing the rights of songwriters has never been more important and necessary. It has been incredibly satisfying to grow the company to be the leading music publisher in the world, and I am confident that Sony/ATV and its writers are set for even more successes in the future.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for everything that you have contributed to Sony/ATV during my time here. It has been an amazing experience working with you. And we still have six more exciting months together, in what is already proving to be another great year for Sony/ATV and our songwriters. I am determined that, as great as last year was for us, this one will be even better.

I look forward to sharing what’s ahead for me with you soon, and I’ll be following all of your successes long after I have left.

Warmest regards,

Martin Bandier

Atlas Music Publishing Signs Brandi Carlile, Opens Nashville Office With Tracy Gershon

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Brandi Carlile

Atlas Music Publishing has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.

Carlile’s deal will take effect in January 2019, and will cover her back catalog as well as future works. The agreement also includes the work of Carlile’s longtime collaborators and bandmates, Phil and Tim Hanseroth.

“As songwriters, the twins and I are on a constant search of fresh paths and uncharted territory! We are completely thrilled with the promise of this brand new journey with Atlas and we are looking ever forward to writing this story together with them,” states Carlile.

Richard Stumpf, Founder and CEO of Atlas Music Publishing, says, “Atlas has had an incredible run in Nashville within a joint venture that brought us dozens of number ones, a multi-year writer of the year winner, and over 50 PRO awards. Given where we are in our growth, it was time to move beyond a joint venture and plant our own flag in Nashville. I’m happy to announce that Tracy Gershon will be advising us as we build out the Atlas Nashville team and roster. There aren’t many creatives who bring the kind of relationships and experience as Tracy. When I spoke with Tracy about being able to get into business with Brandi, she couldn’t have been more excited.”

Gershon says, “Brandi and I have been looking for a way to work together for awhile, and this new partnership with Atlas will provide some innovative and exciting opportunities! I’m looking forward to working with Brandi, Tim, Phil, Rich and the entire Atlas team.”

The new Nashville office is located at 1030 18th Ave. S.

Tracy Gershon

Sea Gayle Music Signs Jordan Fletcher

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Pictured Front Row (L-R): Matt Wallace, War Dog Management; Fletcher; Sea Gayle’s Chris DuBois; Middle Row (L-R): Sea Gayle’s Driskill and Christina Wiltshire; Mike Sistad, ASCAP; Back Row (L-R):  Sea Gayle’s Brandon Gregg and JD Groover

Sea Gayle Music has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer-songwriter Jordan Fletcher. Fletcher—a Jacksonville, Florida native—cut his teeth singing in dive bars and honky tonks, before moving to Nashville two years ago. Fletcher will be opening more than 20 shows for Muscadine Bloodline this fall.

“I can’t begin to tell you how proud we are to add Jordan to our roster at Sea Gayle,” says Sea Gayle EVP/GM Marc Driskill. “He’s such an impressive songwriter and combines that talent with a great voice, work ethic and vision to make him so much fun to work with. We are so excited to see the impact he is going to have with his music.”

Fletcher commented, “Sea Gayle has felt like home from the moment I first walked in. It’s an incredible blessing I get to call it that now.”

NSAI Celebrates Chart-Topping Songwriters At Massive Annual No. 1 Party

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) welcomed over 100 songwriters and guests to The Listening Room Cafe Monday (Aug. 20) to celebrate Nashville-associated writers of songs that topped the Billboard or Mediabase charts during the period of January 2018 through May 2018.

At the event sponsored by Suntrust, songwriters in attendance were presented their awards by NSAI President, Steve Bogard, NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, and Suntrust representatives Ashleigh Overly, Earle Simmons, and Dusty Miller.

Songs recognized for reaching No. 1 between January 2018 – May 2018:

“Female”
Writers: Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon
Recorded by: Keith Urban

“Like I Loved You”
Writers: Brett Young, Jesse Lee
Recorded by: Brett Young

“Old Church Choir”
Writers: Zach Williams, Colby Wedgeworth, Ethan Hulse
Recorded by: Zach Williams

“I Could Use A Love Song”
Writers: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
Recorded by: Maren Morris

“Round Here Buzz”
Writers: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Recorded by: Eric Church

“Yours”
Writers: Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Casey Brown
Recorded by: Russell Dickerson

“O’Lord”
Writers: Paul Mabury, Joe Williams
Recorded by: Lauren Daigle

“Losing Sleep”
Writers: Chris Young, Chris DeStefano, Josh Hoge
Recorded by: Chris Young

“Written In The Sand”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally
Recorded by: Old Dominion

“Legends”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey, Forest Glen Whitehead
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini

“Five More Minutes”
Writers: Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell
Recorded by: Scotty McCreery

“Let You Down”
Writers: Nate Feuerstein, Tommee Profitt
Recorded by: NF

“Marry Me”
Writers: Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure
Recorded by: Thomas Rhett

“All My Hope”
Writers: David Crowder, Ed Cash
Recorded by: Crowder feat. Tauren Wells

“Broken Halos”
Writers: Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
Recorded by: Chris Stapleton

“I Just Need U.”
Writers: Bryan Fowler, Toby McKeehan, Blake NeeSmith
Recorded by: tobyMac

“Most People Are Good”
Writers: David Frasier, Ed Hill, Josh Kear
Recorded by: Luke Bryan

“Singles You Up”
Writers: Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach, Steven Dale Jones
Recorded by: Jordan Davis

“Meant To Be”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard, Bebe Rexha, David Garcia, Josh Miller
Recorded by: Florida Georgia Line

“You Make It Easy”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard, Morgan Wallen, Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt
Recorded by: Jason Aldean

“Heaven”
Writers: Shy Carter, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes
Recorded by: Kane Brown

“For The First Time”
Writers: Derek George, Darius Rucker, Scooter Carusoe
Recorded by: Darius Rucker

“Say Something”
Writers: Justin Timberlake, Larrance Dopson, Danja, Timbaland, Chris Stapleton
Recorded by: Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton

Warner/Chappell Nashville Signs Jason Massey

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Jason Massey

Songwriter and producer Jason Massey has signed a worldwide agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville. Among his many accomplishments, Massey co-produced Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album, The First Time, in 2015 and recently co-produced her second full length album Unapologetically, including the lead single “Legends.”

Other recent projects include producing/co-writing on Hannah Ellis’ debut EP, as well as Chris Bandi’s breakout “Man Enough Now,” and co-producing/co-writing Waterloo Revival’s “What Guy Wouldn’t.”

Previously, the California native played drums and guitar in a number of bands and saw his music placed in mainstream television shows.

Track Listing, Songwriters Revealed For Carrie Underwood’s ‘Cry Pretty’

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Carrie Underwood released the track listing and names of songwriters for her upcoming studio album, Cry Pretty, which will mark her first release via Capitol Nashville on Sept. 14. Her first time officially in the producer chair, Underwood co-produced Cry Pretty alongside David Garcia and she co-wrote nine of the songs featured on the album.

Cry Pretty includes a bonus track also co-written by Underwood featuring Ludacris, “The Champion,” which opened NBC’s Super Bowl LII and was incorporated into the 2018 Olympic Winter Games coverage earlier this year.

In Spring 2019, Underwood will launch a new arena tour, The Cry Pretty Tour 360. Sponsored by CALIA, the new tour will kick off on May 1 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and will play 55 arenas across the U.S. and Canada and be promoted by AEG Presents. She will be joined on tour by special guests Maddie & Tae and Runaway June.

Cry Pretty Track List:
Cry Pretty (Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Ghosts On The Stereo (Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, Andrew Dorff)
Low (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Backsliding (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Southbound (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
That Song That We Used To Make Love To (Hillary Lindsey, Jason Evigan)
Drinking Alone (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
The Bullet (Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, Allen Shamblin)
Spinning Bottles (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Love Wins (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
End Up With You (Hillary Lindsey, Brett McLaughlin, Will Weatherly)
Kingdom (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Dave Barnes)

Bonus Track – The Champion (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris) Produced by Jim Jonsin

Copperline Music Group Signs James Patrick Morgan

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Nashville-based indie record label Copperline Music Group has expanded its music roster with the signing of pop singer-songwriter James Patrick Morgan.

“All the ventures, unwavering support, gigs, and hard work have led me to this moment,” says Morgan. “I’m thankful and excited to be working with the dedicated team at Copperline, and I know we’ll make some noise!”

Influenced by the works of Sam Cooke, John Mayer, and Freddie Mercury, Morgan has mastered the guitar, piano and harmonica and fills his live shows with looping, wide vocal ranges, soulful danceable beats, and contemplative, emotive lyrics.

“JPM is by far one of the most innovative guitar players I have ever worked with,” says Will Edwards, producer and Copperline Music Group partner.

The Atlanta resident performs up to 300 shows per year and, despite being a pop act, has opened for the country duo Sugarland as well as Jennifer Nettles throughout the years. Copperline Music Group also represents Craig Wayne Boyd and Ciera Mackenzie. Earlier this year, Copperline inked a distribution deal with The Orchard.

Kobalt, 3 Ring Circus Sign Adam James

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Pictured (L-R): Darrell Franklin, 3 Ring Circus, Kevin Lane, Kobalt, Laura Alexander, Kobalt, Adam James, Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus, Jeffrey Steele, 3 Ring Circus, Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt

Kobalt has joined forces with 3 Ring Circus Music to sign singer-songwriter Adam James. The worldwide admin agreement includes James’ future works.

Kobalt General Manager, Nashville, Jesse Willoughby said, “We are really excited to be working with Adam, Jeffrey and Darrell. Adam is an incredible talent and has partnered with a great team. We look forward to the opportunity to help grow both Adam and 3 Ring Circus. Welcome to the Kobalt family!”

James was raised in central Illinois, and has been working with songwriter-publisher Jeffrey Steele and his 3 Ring Circus Music since 2014. James’ credits including “Roses and a Time Machine,” from Dierks Bentley’s Black album.

“We are really looking forward to working together with Kobalt on this next step in Adam’s journey,” Steele said.

“Adam is an extremely gifted songwriter with a respect for the past, present and future of country music,” said Darrell Franklin, GM, 3 Ring Circus. “The music he is writing is really beginning to take him to the next level and is quickly making him a rising star in the songwriting community. We are excited to continue our relationship with Adam in this next chapter.”

Dan + Shay Celebrate No. 1 Single “Tequila”

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Pictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode

Dan+Shay‘s two-week No. 1 single “Tequila” is officially the most-streamed country song released in 2018 to date, it was announced Thursday (Aug. 16).

The streaming achievement comes after the duo welcomed industry members to ASCAP’s Nashville office on Tuesday (Aug. 14) to celebrate the song’s success, followed by a massive, 10,000-person strong party in the heart of the Music Row area.

“Tequila” was penned by Dan+Shay’s Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon (celebrating her fourth No. 1 single), and Jordan Reynolds (celebrating his very first No. 1 single as a writer).

Among those at the event were BMI’s David Preston, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Buckeye26’s Wendell Mobley, Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill, MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson, and Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito.

Back row: Wes Vause (SVP Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Shane Tarleton (SVP Creative Services, Warner Music Nashville), Clark Tedesco (Artist Development Manager, Warner Music Nashville), Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Martens (National Director Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Starr (Regional Manager Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Rohan Kohli (Director A&R, Warner Music Nashville). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode

Back row: Lisa Ray (Sandbox Entertainment), Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment), Beth Brinker (ASCAP), BJ Hill (VP A&R, Warner/Chappell), Wendell Mobley (Publisher), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Mike O’Neill (BMI). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode

Matt McGinn Extends Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs

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Pictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Josh Osborne, Robin Palmer, Matt McGinn, Shane McAnally, Lee Krabel and Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox

Songwriter and producer Matt McGinn has extended his worldwide publishing agreement with Nashville-based music publishing company, SMACKSongs. The deal, exclusively administered by Kobalt, comes on the heels of McGinn’s back-to-back No. 1 hits recorded by Kane Brown.

“To be able to call SMACK home is such a privilege,” McGinn says. “Not only is it led by two of the greatest songwriters on the planet, but also I get to work with my friends and some of my favorite people on a daily basis. I just can’t believe this is a job.”

McGinn moved from Virginia to Nashville in 2012, landing his first publishing deal with SMACKSongs six months later, and marking Shane McAnally’s first signing at his soon-to-be award-winning publishing powerhouse. During his time at SMACKSongs, McGinn has written songs recorded by Brown, Florida Georgia Line, Walker Hayes, Jake Owen, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, Cassadee Pope and more. He has also produced forthcoming projects by artists on the rise, including Renee Blair and Teddy Robb.

In 2017, McGinn earned his first No. 1 with Brown’s triple-platinum smash with Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs” which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He recently earned his second No. 1 with Brown’s double-platinum, two-week chart topper, “Heaven.”

“It’s been so rewarding to see Matt’s growth as a writer and producer since signing him in 2012,” says McAnally. “We are very proud to have him in the SMACK family and are thrilled to continue working with him through this next chapter.”