Rhythm House Signs Steven Lee Olsen, Brandon Day

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Pictured (L-R): Brandon Day, Steven Lee Olsen and Stevie Frasure

Rhythm House has announced the addition of several new members. The Roc Nation joint venture welcomes Steven Lee Olsen and Brandon Day to the roster, and has promoted Stevie Frasure to VP of Creative.

Olsen, known for penning the hits “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “More Girls Like You,” joins Rhythm House’s writing roster in partnership with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. As an artist, Olsen is managed by Chris Parr at Maverick and is currently working on his first EP.

“Steven is an incredible artist and writer. We are thrilled to have him part of our team, ” says Roc Nation’s Executive Vice President of Business Affairs Tamara Conniff.

Day, a 23-year-old writer and producer, joins Rhythm House with an exclusive songwriting agreement. With a background in rock and pop, the North Carolina native has production and writer credits ranging from The Plain White T’s to Big & Rich.

“Brandon was the perfect fit for our multi-genre minded family and we are excited to help take his brand to the next level,” says Rhythm House’s Jesse Frasure.

Stevie Frasure has been promoted to VP of Creative at Rhythm House. The Georgia native has held previous music industry positions at EMI, ole and Patrick Joseph Music where she helped land many major label cuts and guided songwriting careers.

“We love Stevie’s energy and are thrilled to have her continue to help develop our Nashville roster,” says Roc Nation CEO Jay Brown.

Rhythm House was formed in 2016 as a partnership between Roc Nation and Jesse Frasure, with help from Warner/Chappell’s administration. Rhythm House represents Roc Nation’s first partnership in Nashville’s publishing community.

Canaan Smith Inks Deal With Tree Vibez

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Pictured (L-R): Back Row – ASCAP Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad; TVM Creative Director/TVM Tour Manager Adam Romaine; TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero; ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart; Front Row – Tyler Hubbard; Canaan Smith;
Brian Kelley. Photo: Tree Vibez Music

Tree Vibez Music has welcomed its latest addition to the writing roster, with Canaan Smith signing on as the company’s newest staff writer.

Celebrating the news at the Nashville headquarters of ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) on Tuesday (May 22), Smith joined TVM founders and Florida Georgia Line superstars Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, TVM general manager Leslie T. DiPiero, TVM creative director/TVM tour manager Adam Romaine, ASCAP senior creative director Mike Sistad, and ASCAP creative director Robert Filhart, to toast the news in laid-back style.

“I’m right where I need to be,” said Smith of his new songwriting home. “I’ve never felt more inspired to make great music.”

“We are so excited to be able to team up with such an amazing artist and one of our best friends,” Hubbard added of his fellow Belmont University college mate. “This is a full circle dream come true for all of us and the journey is just beginning.”

A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Smith earned his first Top 10 hit as a songwriter with Love and Theft’s 2009 debut, “Runaway.” He’s built on that success with more co-written hits including cuts by Jason Aldean, FGL and Cole Swindell, as well as Big Loud Records/Atlantic Records breakout star Mason Ramsey, who has made the Smith co-write “Famous” into a viral smash.

As an artist, Smith’s co-written 2014 single “Love You Like That” became a Platinum-certified hit, and his latest single “This Night Back” currently has over 25 million digital streams and counting.

Tree Vibez also represents Corey Crowder, Jordan Schmidt, and RaeLynn, as well as James McNair, Cameron Montgomery and Daniel Ross.

Big Yellow Dog Music Teams With Atlantic Records

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Pictured (L-R): Nina Webb (SVP, Marketing for Atlantic Records), Julie Greenwald (Chairman & COO, Atlantic Records), Pete Ganbarg (President of A&R, Atlantic Records), Carla Wallace (Co-Owner & COO, Big Yellow Dog), Brynn Elliott, Bruce Flohr (Red Light Management), Nathan Chapman (Producer), Katie Hoaldridge (Red Light Management) [Click photo to enlarge]

Nashville-based indie publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music, known for its work with Maren Morris and Meghan Trainor, has teamed with Atlantic Records for an exclusive partnership. The deal marks the first label venture for Big Yellow Dog Music, with the first release under the new partnership being a track from pop artist Brynn Elliott. “Time Of Our Lives” releases today (May 24), the same day Elliott graduates with a degree in philosophy from Harvard University.

Elliott’s forthcoming Time Of Our Lives EP, slated to release later this year, draws from her philosophy studies and features songs Elliott co-wrote with producer-writer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue), including the single “Might Not Like Me,” which has earned more than one million streams.

Big Yellow Dog was founded by co-owner/CEO Carla Wallace and co-owner Kerry O’Neil. Over the past two decades, the company’s roster has been recognized with numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards; 34 No. 1 songs; four Song of the Year awards from ACM, BMI, and ASCAP; five ASCAP/BMI Pop awards; and many more.

“I’ve been friendly with Carla and Kerry for a while and have always been impressed by their taste, sincerity, and successful early bets on creative talent who have gone on to incredible long-term careers,” said Atlantic President of A&R Pete Ganbarg. “The more we spoke about it, the more it seemed like a no-brainer to partner up. And the fact that literally one day after our deal closed, Carla heard Brynn’s music for the first time is such incredible synchronicity that we couldn’t have made it up if we tried. Brynn is a world-class talent who is just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s to come. All of us at Atlantic are thrilled to be working with both Brynn and Big Yellow Dog.”

“We couldn’t be happier to join with such a legendary label, and most importantly, to be able to work with Atlantic’s powerful team of highly innovative music lovers,” adds Wallace. “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Pete after all these years of friendship, and thank you to Craig, Julie, and Espo for believing in this exciting partnership. I couldn’t imagine starting this deal any other way than coming out of the gate with such an inspiring artist as Brynn Elliott.”

 

Sony Acquires Stake In EMI For $2.3 Billion

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Entertainment and electronics business Sony Corp. is set to purchase a 60 percent stake in EMI Music Publishing for $2.3 billion, from a group of investors led by Mubadala, according to a statement from Sony.

Sony already held a minority stake in EMI, but the new deal will result in Sony owning an estimated 90 percent of EMI, with a music library of around 4.5 million songs, including classics such as “Over The Rainbow” and more current hits such as Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”

“The music business has enjoyed a resurgence over the past couple of years, driven largely by the rise of paid subscription-based streaming services,” Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Sony announced a deal to acquire a stake in Peanuts Holdings, the organization behind classics including Snoopy and Charlie Brown.

 

Round Hill Music, Moraine Music Group Sign SHEL

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Pictured (L-R): Dianna Maher, President, Moraine Music Group; Sarah Holbrook, Hannah
Holbrook, Eva Holbrook, Liza Holbrook; Mark Brown, Senior Vice President, General
Manager, Round Hill Music Nashville; Amanda Hruska, Senior Director,
Administration, Round Hill Music Nashville

Round Hill Music has signed SHEL to a joint venture with Moraine Music Group.

The indie/folk band from Fort Collins, Colorado, includes four sisters – Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook, whose names form the acronym SHEL.

“I fell in love with them the first time I heard them,” said Round Hill Music Nashville SVP/GM Mark Brown. “I think they are so incredibly talented. I am very excited to be in business with SHEL.”

SHEL are also Music Ambassadors at this year’s Nashville Film Festival, which included an opening night performance at 3rd & Lindsley.

“SHEL and everyone at Moraine are excited to be partnering with the team at Round Hill Music,” said Moraine Music Group President Dianna Maher. “It’s great to be involved with such a forward thinking group of music lovers!”

Home Team Publishing Signs Parker Welling

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Home Team Publishing, which was founded by Thomas Rhett, his manager Virginia Davis, and his father and fellow songwriter Rhett Akins and Roc Nation in 2017, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Nashville native Parker Welling.

Welling is an accomplished singer and songwriter landing nine out of eleven songs on Russell Dickerson’s debut album Yours. In addition to having co-written his anticipated follow-up single “Blue Tacoma,” Welling penned the RIAA certified platinum title track “Yours” the debut single for Dickerson which made a Billboard record-breaking 39-week climb, peaking at a multi-week No. 1 and spending nine weeks in the top five.

“I am so excited to join Home Team Publishing,” said Welling. “When I started looking for a publishing deal, I really wanted a team that includes female leadership, and I wanted an artist/writer involved. I feel like I found what I was looking for times ten! Thomas Rhett, Rhett, and the Home Team feel like family…I feel like I’ve come home.”

Welling joins songwriter Eric Olson signed to Home Team Publishing.

Songwriters Celebrate 23rd Annual Key West Songwriters Festival

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Florida Georgia Line performs on Wednesday night (May 9) at Tree Vibez’ benefit concert supporting Keys Strong Hurricane Relief.

Last week, BMI presented the 23rd Annual Key West Songwriter’s Festival.

Attendees had the chance to check out more than 100 of Nashville’s best songwriters playing free shows at venues across the island.

RaeLynn performs.

On Wednesday, May 9, Tree Vibez Music and Big Loud hosted a benefit concert at the San Carlos Theater to support Keys Strong Hurricane Relief. Tree Vibez Music, a publishing company created by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, curated an evening of music that featured performances from hit making songwriters including RaeLynn, Morgan Wallen, Corey Crowder, Craig Wiseman, and many more. Florida Georgia Line joined in the fun and helped to auction off a signed guitar to raise money to support the rebuilding of the Florida Keys in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The Saturday night street party, curated by Sony Music Nashville, featured performances from Walker Hayes, Lanco, and Tyler Farr. Newcomers and legendary songwriters alike filled the five days with great songwriting and stories.

Pictured: BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriters Emily Shackleton, Ryan Beaver and Adam James and Bluebird Café’s Erika Wollam Nichols gather for a photo at the Key West Songwriters Festival.

Big Loud Publishing Ups Jervey, Giangreco

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Samantha Jervey, Michael Giangreco

Big Loud Publishing has announced the promotion of two of its team members – Samantha Jervey and Michael Giangreco.

Jervey, who previously served as the firm’s Director of A&R, has been elevated to the position of Creative Director. A Virginia native and Belmont University graduate, she began her tenure with Big Loud as an intern, coming on board permanently as Office Manager in 2016. Jervey can be reached at [email protected].

Likewise, Giangreco moves to the rank of Big Loud A&R Coordinator/Catalog Manager, stepping up from his previous role as Creative Coordinator. Also a Belmont grad and former intern, Giangreco’s experience includes time spent with Rhythm House/Roc Nation and Universal Music Publishing Group. He can be reached at [email protected].

Both staff members will continue to report to Big Loud Publishing Vice President Seth England and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Craig Wiseman, who founded the hit making song factory as Big Loud Shirt Publishing in 2003.

The home of a proven stable of chart-topping songwriters, Big Loud Publishing has gone on to help launch the career of superstar duo Florida Georgia Line, while also scoring three Grammy Awards, more than 70 singles and nearly 50 No. 1 hits. The game-changing group of writers is still led by Wiseman, but also includes FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Joey Moi, Rodney Clawson, Sarah Buxton, The Warren Brothers, Chris Tompkins and Matt Dragstrem, plus Chris Lane, Ashley Leone, Cameron Montgomery, Jamie Moore, and Morgan Wallen.

Music Modernization Act Introduced In Senate

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Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Music Modernization Act in the Senate today (May 10). The Senate bill (S.2823) is nearly identical to HR 5477, which the House of Representatives passed in a unanimous vote (415-0) on April 25.  The bill combines three unique segments of legislation, including the Music Modernization Act of 2018, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act.

A hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee has bee scheduled for Tuesday (May 15).

“The introduction of the Music Modernization Act package in the Senate is a massive step forward for songwriters,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “Senators Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lamar Alexander, Roy Blunt, Chris Coons, John Kennedy, Kamala Harris, Bob Corker, Dick Durbin, Johnny Isakson, Patrick Leahy, Mike Crapo, Doug Jones, Thom Tillis, Bill Nelson, Shelley Moore Capito and David Perdue have done music creators a great service by sponsoring a music licensing package which will help not only songwriters and composers but also producers and legacy artists. The bill improves both how and how much songwriters are paid while increasing transparency and enabling digital music platforms to thrive. The MMA represents unprecedented consensus around necessary updates to how music creators are valued, and we look forward to seeing it become law.”

“On behalf of the 150,000+ music creators represented by SoundExchange, we are grateful to Senator Hatch for building this consensus legislative package that will benefit the entire music ecosystem,” said SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe. “Taken together, the elements of this legislation will strengthen and protect the rights and interests of creators — the artists, songwriters and producers whose music enriches our lives – and it will improve engagement between the creative community and the digital services whose businesses rely on their work. We look forward to working with the sponsors and the entire community of stakeholders that built accord on this package to make it law.

“We encourage our members – thousands of whom have already reached out to lawmakers and expressed their support for reform – to ask their senators to back this comprehensive legislative package that protects our legacy artists, gives music creators the right to fair market value for their work, guarantees efficient payment to producers, and creates efficiencies in the mechanical licensing process for songwriters and publishers.”

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “After a unanimous vote to pass the MMA in the House, we are thrilled to see such ardent, bipartisan support for music creators in the Senate. This legislation is critical to ensuring songwriters have a pathway to fair compensation so they can sustain their livelihoods and create the next great songs. We applaud the leadership of fellow songwriter Senator Hatch, along with Senators Alexander and Whitehouse, for spearheading this effort in the Senate and to Chairman Grassley and all other co-sponsors for being champions of American songwriters. We look forward to the Senate’s vote and eventual passage of the MMA.”

“BMI applauds the introduction today, by Senators Hatch and Grassley, of the Music Modernization Act,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill. “This legislation represents an unprecedented collaboration among music creators and users, and represents an historic opportunity to make meaningful music licensing reform which will benefit America’s creative communities.”

AIMP Nashville Awards Showcase Indie Talent

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Spotify Country Top Spot winner “Body Like A Back Road,” (L-R): Adam Parness, Josh Osborne, Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally, Brittany Schaffer

Photos by GETTY Images 

Monday night’s (May 7) AIMP Nashville Awards was a celebration of songs, songwriters and publishers, with SMACKSongs and/or its writers taking home five trophies. The Association of Independent Music Publishers’ Nashville Chapter presented the 3rd annual event at the Ryman Auditorium, welcoming guests with a laid-back, we’re-all-friends-here, vibe.

Highlights included performances by rising artists Luke Combs, Devin Dawson and Ashley McBryde. Each of the nominees for Song of the Year was delivered by songwriters nominated in other categories. Combs and McBryde gave cool countrified versions of pop-influenced hits “All On Me” and “I Could Use A Love Song,” respectively, while Dawson gave a soul-filled take of the more traditional song “Marry Me.” Jordan Davis grooved during “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” Jameson Rodgers and Hannah Ellis made a darling pair for “I’ll Name the Dogs,” Jillian Jacqueline and Steve Moakler offered a smooth shot of “Drinking Problem,” and Kassi Ashton shook the rafters on “Yours.”

Steve Moakler and Jillian Jacqueline perform “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Maren Morris was on hand to present McBryde with the trophy for Rising Artist-Writer of the Year.

Morris then received the Publisher’s Pick award for co-writing “Dear Hate” with Tom Douglas and David Hodges, calling them “amazing poets,” in their absence. “I’m so honored,” she said. “This song means the world to me and I hope it has helped heal.”

The evening was a wonderful way to celebrate years of hard work coming to fruition for songwriters like McBryde and Josh Thompson, who received Rising Songwriter of the Year.

AIMP Nashville Rising Songwriter of the Year Josh Thompson (L) with previous winner Kelly Archer.

Numerous standing ovations throughout the night began with Janine Appleton Ebach who earned Song Champion of the Year. It was a big day for Ebach, whose promotion to Vice President of Curb | Word Music Publishing was also announced. “We do a job that affects generations and I’m grateful to be a part of that,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of the Nashville music community. We do business like no one else. To quote Jim Ed Norman, ‘There’s people out there with real problems, and we don’t have them.’”

The Independent Spirit Award went to veteran publisher Jeff Carlton, whose career was highlighted in a video reel. He was in the hospital, so his son accepted on his behalf.

SMACKSongs took home trophies for Publisher of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year (Old Dominion), Song of the Year (“Drinkin’ Problem”), Songwriter of the Year (Shane McAnally) and Spotify Country Top Spot (“Body Like A Back Road”).

The ACM’s Pete Fisher and Rhett Akins presented the Songwriter award to McAnally. “I really am surprised and honored,” he said. “I can’t believe I get to write with so many of my heroes. I am proud to be an independent publisher, and hat’s off to everybody who knows this way is not an easy road, but we are living for the song and living for the dream.”

AIMP Nashville Song Champion of the Year (L-R): previous winner Courtney Crist, 2018 winner Janine Appleton Ebach, and Frank Liddell

Beth Laird and Natalie Hemby (aka The Scrunchies) were the highlight among awards presenters, donning 1980s dresses and attitudes to present Artist-Writer of the Year to Old Dominion, which McAnally accepted on the band’s behalf.

SMACK Pres./co-owner Michael Baum accepted the trophy for Publisher of the Year. “I’m the seen-but-not-heard-force behind SMACKSongs,” he said. “It has been a pleasure getting to know everybody in the Nashville community. We might compete, but we also collaborate, and that’s the magic of Nashville.”

As far as funny presenters, Liz Rose and Jody Williams were a close second to The Scrunchies with their “It all begins with a bong” bit. Song of the Year “Drinkin’ Problem” was written by McAnally and Josh Osborne with Midland, who were on the road.

“I would absolutely not be standing here without Josh Osborne,” said McAnally. “Because of all the creativity and support he has shown me since we met, he has made me such a better writer. And I’m honored I get to do this with him.”

“I feel very lucky to get to be in the rooms that I get to be in and to write these songs,” added Osborne. “It’s my favorite thing to do every day. It’s like a puzzle and trying to figure out how the pieces go together. When they go together just right, you are really fortunate to have a song that somebody wants to record….Song ideas are everywhere. I got this idea from an old episode of MASH, so don’t let anybody tell you you can’t make money by sitting on the couch.”

In closing, AIMP Nashville executive director John Ozier thanked the many people who helped make last night possible, including event co-chairs Baum and Ree Guyer. Award winners were voted on by members of the organization.

AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year Ashley McBryde

AIMP Nashville 3rd Annual Nominees And Winners

Rising Songwriter Of The Year
Michael Hardy
Matt McGinn
Mitch Rossell
Emily Shackelton
Josh Thompson
Jordan Walker

Rising Artist-Writer Of The Year
Kassi Ashton
Hannah Ellis
Jillian Jacqueline
Ashley McBryde
Steve Moakler
Jameson Rodgers

Artist-Writer Of The Year
Brothers Osborne
Luke Combs
Jordan Davis
Devin Dawson
Maren Morris
Old Dominion 

Song Champion Of The Year
Janine Appleton Ebach 
Stephanie Cox
Leslie DiPiero
Shannan Hatch
Lee Krabel
Jeff Skaggs

Publisher’s Pick
“Craig” Written Walker Hayes
SMACKsongs, Rarespark Media Group

“Dear Hate” Written By Maren Morris, Tom Douglas, David Hodges
Big Yellow Dog Music, Kobalt Music

“Good Company” Written By Matt Alderman, Tommy Cecil, Jared Mullins
Curb/Word Music Publishing, Horipro Entertainment Group, Big Deal Music

“Happy People” Written By Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters
Creative Nation Music, Carnival Music, Pulse Music

“I Should Go To Church Sometime” Written By Brinley Addington, Michael Hardy, Sarah Turner
Horipro Entertainment Group, Watsky Music

“Space Cowboy” Written By Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally
Creative Nation Music, SMACKsongs

Song Of The Year
“All On Me” Written By Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett, Austin Smith
Neon Cross Music

“Drinkin’ Problem” Written By Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Black River Publishing, Spirit Music Group, SMACKSongs

“Heartache On The Dance Floor” Written By Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Brice Long
Song Factory, Curb/Word Music Publishing

“I Could Use A Love Song” Written By Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
Big Yellow Dog Music, Round Hill Music, Big Machine Music

“I’ll Name The Dogs” Written By Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson
Big Loud Publishing, Round Hill Music, This Music, Big Machine Music

“Marry Me” Written By Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
Major Bob Music, Combustion Music, Round Hill Music, SMACKSongs

“Yours” Written By Russell Dickerson, Casey Brown, Parker Welling
3 Ring Circus Music

Songwriter Of The Year
Jesse Frasure
Ashley Gorley
Ben Hayslip
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Josh Osborne

Publisher Of The Year
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Combustion Music
Rezonant Music
Round Hill Music
SMACKSongs 

Independent Spirit—Jeff Carlton

Spotify Country Top Spot—“Body Like A Back Road” Written By Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne; Independently Published By Combustion Music, Tape Room Music, SMACKSongs