Low Country Sound, Warner/Chappell Sign Channing Wilson

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Alicia Pruitt (Warner/Chappell), Channing Wilson, Ryan Beuschel (Warner/Chappell), Dave Cobb (Low Country Sound), Scott Safford (Safford-Motley)

Songwriter and musician Channing Wilson has signed a worldwide agreement with Dave Cobb’s Low Country Sound and Warner/Chappell. Wilson’s songs have been recorded by Luke Combs, Jason Eady, and Tyler Farr.Low

The Georgia native recently released his own LP, Live at Eddie’s Attic, recorded at the famed Georgia music club.

Wilson is a BMI songwriter and WME artist, represented by Joey Lee and Jonathan Insogna at WME.

John Prine Signs With Downtown Music Publishing

/by

John Prine has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Downtown Music Publishing. Downtown will represent over 230 compositions from Prine’s songbook as well as works recorded by Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben Harper, George Strait, Old Crow Medicine Show, Norah Jones, Bette Midler, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, and many others.

The agreement will also cover Prine’s anticipated new album, The Tree of Forgiveness, which is his first new material in over 13 years. Produced by Dave Cobb, the album is set for release on April 13th on Prine’s own indie label, Oh Boy Records. In celebration of the new album, Prine will embark on an extensive tour that will span throughout 2018, including a special co-headline concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on April 13 with Sturgill Simpson.

“I’m very pleased to have Downtown represent my catalog of songs,” said Prine. “Steve Markland in Nashville has been hugely supportive of our family owned independent label Oh Boy Records. We are looking forward to working with him and whole Downtown team.”

“I’ve known John and his family for quite some time and am so excited for myself and Downtown to officially be apart of the team,” said Steve Markland, Downtown’s VP A&R, Nashville. “Working with John Prine and his vast catalog of timeless, immaculate compositions is truly a career milestone for me. I am simply honored and humbled to be apart of John’s great work.”

Prine’s compositions include “I Just Want To Dance With You,” “In Spite Of Ourselves,” “That’s The Way The World Goes Round,” “Long Monday,” “20th Century Is Almost Over,” and “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness.”

Riley Roth Inks Joint Publishing, Development Deal With Busbee, BMG

/by

Pictured (L-R):Mike Sistad (ASCAP); Ralph Murphy (ASCAP); Stephanie Taylor (Stephanie Taylor Law, PLLC); Riley Roth; Kos Weaver (Executive VP, BMG); Daniel Lee (VP Creative, BMG); busbee

Songwriter and artist Riley Roth has entered into a joint publishing and development deal with hit songwriter and producer busbee and BMG.

A Pennsylvania native, Riley began making regular trips to Nashville when she was 16, at which time she met ASCAP’s Ralph Murphy, who in turn introduced her to BMG’s Daniel Lee. After working informally for almost two years, Daniel introduced Riley to busbee and the three agreed to work together shortly thereafter.

Said VP of Creative Daniel Lee, “Riley represents every positive trait you hope to find in a young artist and none of the negatives that can so often make those situations challenging. She holds her own in every setting: in a writing room, on stage, and interacting with industry professionals at every level.”

Said busbee, “Riley has that rare ability to communicate directly to listeners at every level, and to her peers in particular. It’s a product of her heart, her dedication, her skill, and her work ethic, and when an artist can marry those traits with the right songs and records, anything is possible.”

Said Riley, “All I’ve ever wanted to do was make music. I’m grateful to see that dream come true and to work every day with such an incredible team, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!”

Bobby Karl Works The 2018 Tin Pan South Kickoff Party

/by

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 588

During the next five days, 10 of Nashville’s finest music venues will be competing for the attention of the hundreds of attendees of this year’s Tin Pan South festival.

But on Monday evening (April 2) the place to see and be seen was the lobby of Regions Bank on the Music Row Roundabout. A merry mob of creative folks mingled there at the fest’s kick-off party. Regions, the event’s presenting sponsor, tossed a first-class bash, as always.

The schmoozing was at maximum decibels at the party’s peak. Rocking the room were Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Marc-Alan Barnette, James Dean Hicks, Michael Peterson, rocking Web Wilder. Pete Sallis, Dave Gibson, Jimbeau Hinson, handsome J.T. Harding, Jamie Floyd, Tony Arata and NSAI prez Steve Bogard. How’s that for a talent lineup?

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

Jack Daniels sponsored the bar. That was kinda cool for Miss Mary and me, since we’d finally gotten around to taking the distillery tour in Lynchberg last month. I highly recommend it as a day trip.

Maggiano’s catered. We snacked on Italian beef sliders, cucumber slices topped with herb cheese, mini Italian meatballs, chicken pesto sliders, assorted cheeses and tomato & mozzarella skewers with balsamic glaze. Yum, yum.

The NSAI puts on the event. Its exec, Bart Herbison, positioned himself near the entryway to offer greetings to one and all.

Working the room were Mike Martinovich, Fletcher Foster, Butch Baker, Craig Campbell, Chris Keaton, James Elliott, John Ozier, John Beiter, San Francisco visitor Tom Donald (among the many who travel to Nashville for the renowned fest), Preshias Harris, Larry Weiss, Sherrill Blackman, Steve O’Brien, Stan Moress, Charlie Monk and hostess-with-the-mostest Lisa Harless.        

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

“I’m not going to do much club-hopping,” said The Bluebird Café’s Erika Wollam-Nichols with a chuckle. “I like to stay put. I don’t do so well at other people’s clubs. I don’t think they like me shush-ing people.”

Hubby Roger Nichols is manning the soundboard at The Station Inn. The other venues participating are The Listening Room Café, The Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, Hard Rock Café, South, 3rd & Lindsley, The Local and Whiskey Rhythm Saloon.

If you go, and I urge you to, prepare to have your ears pinned back by the likes of Paul Overstreet, Nash Overstreet, Billy Montana, Randy Montana, Emily West, Matthew West, Brennan Leigh, Leigh Nash, Billy Dean, Barry Dean, Krystal Keith, Keith Burns, Josh Kerr, Josh Osborne, Al Anderson, Abby Anderson and Robert Earl Keen.

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

Not to mention Eric Paslay, Matraca Berg, Waylon Payne, Keb’ Mo’, Trent Willmon, Lance Carpenter, Larry Gatlin, Aaron Tippin, Charlie Worsham, Jerrod Niemann, Jedd Hughes, Wynn Varble, Carly Pearce, Lindsay Ell, Mike Reid, Bekka Bramlett, Post Monroe, Paul Jefferson, Eddy Raven, Lori McKenna, Dan Tyminski, Desmond Child, Radney Foster, the folks listed in the third paragraph and scads more of the nearly 300 top-tier songwriters who will be showcasing during this extraordinary week.

This is the 26th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Fast-Access Passes are sold out, but at-the-door admission will be available for most shows.

Let the tune fiesta begin.

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

Photo Credit: Cooper Smith

Riser House Signs Claire Douglas To Publishing Deal

/by

Pictured (L-R): Lauren Spahn, Shackelford Law; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Jennifer Johnson, President, Riser House; Claire Douglas; Lexi Sutherland, Riser House; Jason VanAuken, Riser House; Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright

Riser House Entertainment has signed Claire Douglas to an exclusive songwriting agreement.

Douglas was born in Texas and raised in Nashville. After studying poetry and graduating from the University of Mississippi, Douglas’ passion for writing led her to begin making a name for herself in Nashville’s songwriting community. She is also the daughter of Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee Tom Douglas.

Douglas says, “Getting a publishing deal is a dream come true, but joining a team like Riser House is better than I could have imagined. I’m so proud to be a part of this crew. None of this would have been possible without my family who has believed in me on the good days and bad days, my co-writers who listen to my crazy ideas and let me dream big, and everyone up and down Music Row who has encouraged me along the way. I’m so humbled and excited to start this next chapter”.

“I was blown away the first time I heard Claire’s writing and knew there was something very special about her. Having the opportunity to champion her in this business is such a privilege to our team,” says Riser House Creative Director Lexi Sutherland.

Douglas joins Riser House’s publishing roster that also includes Dallas Wilson, Dillon Carmichael, LALA, Michael Whitworth, and Rob Crosby.

Deluge Music, Gravity Gone Music Sign Jason Saenz

/by

Pictured (L-R): Mark Friedman president Deluge Music, Stephanie Greene Gravity Gone Music, Jason Saenz and Emily Dryburgh creative manager Deluge Music.

Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music have signed a worldwide publishing deal with songwriter Jason Saenz.

“Jason is going to be a huge asset and we welcome him to the Deluge Music team!” says Deluge president Mark Friedman.

Gravity Gone Music’s Stephanie Greene adds, “I’m really excited about this new adventure with Deluge! I’ve been working with Jason for eight years and I’ve watched him grow into a writer that can step into any room, whether it be country, pop, urban, or indie…and he’ll deliver and it’s always a really great song.”

Jason has had cuts with Gavin DeGraw, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack, Kassi Ashton, Drake White, and Scotty McCreery, among others.

 

Florida Georgia Line To Be Featured At BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival

/by

BMI has announced the lineup for the 23rd Annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Key West Songwriters Festival, slated for May 9-13, 2018.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, TreeVibez Music and Big Loud will be hosting a benefit for Keys Strong Hurricane Relief featuring Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, RaeLynn, and more. The star-studded lineup will take the stage at the San Carlos Theater on Wednesday, May 9.

BMI and Sony Music Nashville once again will collaborate on this year’s Main Stage Duval Street Concert on Saturday, May 12 which will spotlight performances by Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr, Monument Records’ Walker Hayes and Arista Nashville’s LANCO.

Other top notch performers at the festival will include Warner Music Group recording artists Frankie Ballard and Ashley McBryde, BMI’s 2017 Country Icon Bob DiPiero, Songwriter Hall Of Famer Even Stevens, Heather Morgan, Robert Earl Keen, and more.

“We are thrilled to continue our tradition of booking excellent talent at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival. BMI continues to book legends but also puts a focus on the discovery of up-and-coming talent. The festival continually allows us to be ground zero for providing opportunities for fans to discover new artists and writers. ” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “We are excited to have Sony Music Nashville returning again with their big street show. This year, we are happy to support Keys Strong in their efforts to rebuild this unique landscape in the wake of Hurricane Irma. We are so appreciative of Florida Georgia Line and their team for stepping up to benefit those who are struggling.”

“Not many people know that when FGL first started playing shows, we would pile in to BK’s Tahoe and head south to perform in the bars and clubs all around Key West. So this place is a really special one for us,” shares Hubbard.

Kelley adds, “We believe that music is healing and are beyond blessed to bring our Nashville community to Key West in support of the relief efforts. Spreading the love to a place that first welcomed us and our music completes the circle in a way. We’re looking forward to being back.”

Attendees will have the chance to check out more than 100 songwriters playing free shows at venues across the island. Other shows include the annual NSAI “Bluebird at Blue Heaven” show and the Robert Earl Keen Bloody Mary Brunch at the Smokin’ Tuna. Ticketed shows for the festival will include theatre shows at the San Carlos Institute, the Tropic Cinema, the Key West Theater and The Studios of Key West.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival will benefit KeyStrong and the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions. Sponsors include SunTrust Bank, Texas Roadhouse, and Xperi.

Exclusive: Mark Abramowitz Joins Kobalt Music

/by

Mark Abramowitz has joined Kobalt Music as Sr. Creative Director, where he will be responsible for handling pop/rock signings out of Nashville, and working with Kobalt’s existing roster in a creative capacity.

Previously, Abramowitz served at Sony/ATV, where his key signings included writer/producer Kevin Kadish (whose hits include Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass”), Daphne Willis, Noah Kahan, and Wild Cub.

“We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about Mark joining the ever-growing Kobalt Creative Team,” says Sue Drew, GM, Creative & Acquisitions for Kobalt. “His contacts and relationships in Nashville and beyond are a tremendous asset to us in servicing our non-country clients and bringing in new deals.”

“I would like to thank Sas, Sue, and Jesse for giving me this opportunity to join the Kobalt team,” Abramowitz says. “I’m very excited to start this next chapter at one of the most innovative and progressive publishers in the world that values collaboration and artistic integrity. I’m proud to join the great Nashville team and represent Kobalt in the vibrant non-country community that’s continuing to grow here in Music City.”

Barry Dean Extends Publishing Deal with Pulse Music Group, Creative Nation

/by

Pictured (L-R): Scott Cutler (Pulse Music Group), Barry Dean, Beth Laird (Creative Nation), and Luke Laird (Creative Nation)

Los Angeles-based music company Pulse Music Group has acquired songwriter Barry Dean’s publishing catalog and, in partnership with Creative Nation, will continue to co-publish Dean. Dean has been a writer at Creative Nation and Pulse since November 2011.

“Barry was our first writer at Creative Nation and he really helped us define our culture. He set the tone of compassion, hard work and authenticity. Pulse has been our partner with Barry since the beginning, so it’s exciting to continue our relationship and keep building toward the future,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO Beth Laird says.

“It’s rare you get to be a part of such a great team. It’s very unique to have a situation as a writer where I get to write and focus on creativity and the artists I get to work with. I have so much confidence in the people around me – they’re creating that environment that allows great things to happen. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this since day one and I’m so thankful I get to continue be an active part going forward,” Dean says.

“We are honored to be extending our relationship with Barry Dean and thrilled to continue our journey together. Since we first established our partnership with Creative Nation in 2012, we’ve been fortunate to have Barry in our lives and consider him to be a part of a core group of writers that has propelled PULSE’s growth over the past several years. He is truly an ‘artist whisperer’ with a unique ability to get the best out of anyone he works with in the studio, no matter what genre or walk of life they may come from.” Pulse Music Group’s co-founder Scott Cutler adds.

Dean’s hits include “Pontoon” and “Day Drinkin’” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), “Think a Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Girls Chase Boys” and “Hell No” (Ingrid Michaelson), “God’s Will” (Martina McBride), and “1994” (Jason Aldean). His catalog also includes songs recorded by Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, BØRNS, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, and Carrie Underwood, among others.

Given Music Publishing Signs Quinn Loggins

/by

Pictured (L-R): Michael Hollandsworth, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; Shannon Hatch, SESAC; Quinn Loggins; Cindy Owen, Partner, Given Entertainment and Jenny Hall, Creative Director, Given Music Publishing. Photo: Bev Moser

Quinn Loggins, son of singer-songwriter Dave Loggins, has signed a publishing deal with Given Music Publishing.

“Given Music Publishing is extremely pleased to add Quinn to our expanding roster of talented songwriters,” Given Music Publishing GM/VP Michael Hollandsworth said. “His talent as a musician, singer and songwriter is undeniable. The legacy he has inherited has provided Quinn with the tools to forge his own identity in the Nashville songwriting community with songs we are proud to represent.”

“I’ve been around music all of my life,” Loggins said. “Since I can remember, I’ve been a part of this industry, working as a musician and a songwriter. I’m excited to see what’s on the other side of this brand new musical horizon with Given Music Publishing and SESAC.”

Loggins has written for artists in the US and around the globe, scoring cuts and hits in Australia and Canada as well as the US. Artists who have cut Loggins’ songs include Charlie Worsham, Kingbilly, Katie Armiger, Australian artist Rachel Fahim and Canada’s Aaron Pritchett. He has toured and played with artists including John Mayer, Steve Cropper, Vince Gill, Richard Marx and more. His songs have been placed in television shows including Bones and Heartland.

Additionally, he co-wrote the 2017 theme song for the Tennessee Titans, “Welcome to the South.”