Concord Music Signs Blair Daly

Blair Daly. Photo: Spidey Smith

Concord Music has signed songwriter and producer Blair Daly. Daly’s hits include “Smile” (recorded by Uncle Kracker), “People Like Us” (Kelly Clarkson), and “Stand” (Rascal Flatts). Daly has also had songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and more.

Publishing company Razor & Tie was fully acquired by Concord Music, and has rebranded. Concord Music VP of Creative, Brad Kennard, said of signing Daly, “Blair is the consummate pro in any room, writing for any genre. He has the fiercest passion for writing hits across the musical spectrum and a focus that is unparalleled. On top of that, he’s one of the most genuine, kind people I’ve known. We couldn’t be more proud to get to work with him.”

“I try to find a unique idea and pull something out of the artist that really means something to them, versus just writing a song that sounds like a hit,” said Daly. “The most important thing to me is that they want to come back and they have a good time doing it.”

In Pictures: ASCAP, Carly Pearce, Cale Dodds

ASCAP Presents At The Back Corner

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and Holly Chester, Chase Goehring, Apollo Kings’ Zach Carter and Josh Carter, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe and Mike Sistad.

ASCAP showcased two emerging pop artists on Wednesday (Feb. 28) at The Back Corner to a capacity crowd.

Chase Goehring, a 2017 contestant on America’s Got Talent, kicked things off with an acoustic set, followed by emerging pop duo Apollo Kings. Comprised of brothers Josh and Zach Carter, Apollo Kings debuted new music from their upcoming project at the showcase. Their first single, “Freak Show,” will be released this Friday (March 2).

 

Carly Pearce Earns First ACM Awards Nomination

Carly Pearce learns she has been named a New Female Vocalist of the Year nominee at the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo:Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Carly Pearce has been named a New Female Vocalist of the Year nominee at the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards.

“I have dreamt of being nominated for an ACM Award my entire life,” shared Pearce. “All the years I watched the show from my couch, wondering if I’d ever make it to the awards as a nominee are now coming true. I LOVE YOU COUNTRY MUSIC!!”

Watch the breakthrough singer/songwriter react to her first nomination here.

The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards will take place April 15 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

 

Cale Dodds Meets U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team

Pictured: Cale Dodds with members of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team.

Cale Dodds recently visited WFUS radio in Tampa, Florida where he had the pleasure of meeting members of the gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team.

 

 

 

MV2 Entertainment Signs Jimmie Deeghan

Jimmie Deeghan is welcomed to MV2 Entertainment. (Seated L-R) Deeghan and MV2 Entertainment General Manager Tony Harrell; (Standing L-R) MV2 Entertainment Artist Manager & Contract Administrator Lauren Davis, MV2 Entertainment Digital Marketing Manager Lindsey Parrish, and MV2 Entertainment Creative Director Nicole Sherrill.

Jimmie Deeghan has joined MV2 Entertainment’s songwriter roster in Nashville, which also includes Thomas Archer, Clay Mills and Terry McBride.

Born in Eaton Rapids Michigan, Deeghan found an early interest in punk rock and years spent touring the globe with his pop/punk band Every Avenue. He eventually shifted his focus to songwriting and moved to Nashville.

“It’s an exciting time for music because people are writing with new ideas and breaking molds and genres,” Deeghan explained. “They are crossing lines, and that is what gave me a place in country music.”

While honing his craft, Deeghan first took a job as a guitar tech with Thompson Square before being offered the same gig with then opening act Florida Georgia Line. He joined the FGL band and also toured with Ryan Hurd before being named band leader for Kane Brown. Deeghan recently left the road to focus full-time on songwriting.

Deeghan explained that performing in some of the biggest arenas in the country has had an impact on his songwriting. “It gives me an inside look at how a crowd reacts to a song and how certain topics hit people harder than others,” he said.

“Jimmie is an all-in guy,” said MV2 Entertainment General Manger Tony Harrell. “I love his honesty and direct approach. It’s great to have Jimmie on our roster and help him grow his success as a producer and writer. “

Industry Ink: Kinkead, Warner/Chappell, Music Health Alliance, Smashville Entertainment

Bobby Bare Signs With Kinkead Entertainment Agency

Bobby Bare

Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare has joined the Kinkead Entertainment Agency roster for exclusive booking representation. Bare released his most recent studio album, Things Change, in 2017 along with two music videos, “Things Change” and, most recently, “I Drink.”

Bare continues to play select dates throughout the United States and internationally celebrating his 60th Anniversary in the music business. Tour dates will be announced at bobbybare.com.

Bare joins fellow Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson at Kinkead Entertainment Agency along with Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan, Bill Engvall, Artimus Pyle, Josh Gracin, Craig Wayne Boyd, Tony Jackson, The Swon Brothers and more.

 

Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel Tapped As Ring Announcer For Ringside: A Fight For Kids Gala

Ryan Beuschel

Ryan Beuschel, VP A&R for Warner/Chappell Music, has been tapped as Ring Announcer for the 14th Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids event happening Friday, March 2 at Liberty Hall in Franklin.

The gala event’s “Rumble on the Row” bouts include: Bennett Beckner (CAA) vs. Bryan Vastano (UTA); Luke Cahill (Aloompa) vs. Brian O’Neil (Artist Manager); and Tiffany Goss (Curb) vs. Elyse McKenna (Thiel Audio).

Ringside: A Fight For Kids is an action-packed evening of gourmet dining, music, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with numerous one-of-a-kind items, and boxing. The annual event supports The Charley Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For tables and tickets, please visit charleyfoundation.org.

 

Music Health Alliance Celebrates Five Years, New Location

Pictured (L-R): MHA Board President Chris Wiatr, Andrea Davidson, Tatum Hauck Allsep, Rodney Crowell, Office of the Mayor & Executive Director of the Music City Music Council Justine Avila, songwriter/musician Rory Feek, and Board Member Jay Williams at the first annual “Heal The Music Day.”

More than 8,000 members of our nation’s music community have received over $30 million in lifesaving health care and insurance premium savings thanks to the dedication of Music Health Alliance (MHA)—all in the organization’s first five years of service.

In 2017 alone, MHA raised over $789,759.47. The first annual “Heal The Music Day,” held on Oct. 20, raised close to $250,000 of that amount thanks to a coalition of 70-plus performing artists who pledged 5 percent of their net earnings for one day, and the generous donations given by the music business community.

As the Nashville-based non-profit begins its sixth year, the seven-person team at MHA continues to advocate on behalf of songwriters, producers, audio  engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers and more across the country.

Effective March 12, MHA will move to a new office located at 2737 Larmon Avenue.

To read more about MHA’s first 5 years click here.

 

Tammy Hyler Forms Smashville Entertainment

Pictured (L-R): Tammy Hyler and Alexis Ebert.

Songwriter and film/television producer Tammy Hyler has announced the formation of Smashville Entertainment, a Nashville-based music management and publishing company located in the Gulch.

As owner and CEO, Hyler will be hands-on to oversee day-to-day operations as well as lend her experience and expertise in the fields of artist development, songwriting, licensing, branding, television and film placement, touring and commerce.

Instrumental in the signing and management of songwriters and artists, she is also seated as a staff songwriter and producer under the company’s publishing division. As first course of business, Hyler signed Alexis Ebert under the management umbrella as Smashville Entertainment’s flagship songwriter/recording artist.

Reverie Lane Signs With Dreamlined Entertainment, Dan Hodges Music, LLC

Pictured (back row L-R): Dan Hodges, Ginny Johnson, Jen Stegall and Keith Stegall; (front row L-R): Spencer Bartoletti and Presley Tucker. Photo: Courtsey Dan Hodges Music, LLC

Keith Stegall and Dreamlined Entertainment have welcomed Reverie Lane to the family, celebrating a production agreement with Jen Stegall. The duo, featuring Spencer Bartoletti and Presley Tucker, signed exclusive songwriting agreements with Dan Hodges Music, LLC earlier this year.

Reverie Lane is currently on the road opening for Tanya Tucker and writing for their project.

BMG Nashville Signs Dawson Edwards To Publishing Agreement

Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, VP Creative, BMG; Rakiyah Marshall, Creative Director, BMG; Daniel Lee, VP Creative, BMG; Dawson Edwards; Kos Weaver, Executive VP, BMG; Robert Filhart, ASCAP; Courtney Allen, Creative Director, BMG

Songwriter and artist Dawson Edwards has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with BMG Nashville. A Georgia native, Edwards was a recent participant in ASCAP’s GPS program, which connects up-and-coming songwriters with established Nashville publishing partners. Dawson’s most recent EP, Half My Heart’s In Georgia, is available at digital retailers.

BMG VP of Creative Daniel Lee said, “Dawson Edwards is the personification of our market. He will never be outworked, never be discouraged, and never chase a trend at the expense of authenticity. He represents what is a very bright future for Country music.”

Juli Newton Griffith Named President Of Play It Again Music Publishing

Juli Newton Griffith has been named President of Play It Again (PIA) Publishing. In her new role, Griffith will oversee all Play It Again Publishing operations as well as strategically pitch and lead the catalog management of PIA songwriters Kyle Fishman, Houston Phillips, Trea Landon and Taylor Acorn. Additionally, Griffith will oversee Dallas Davidson’s copyrights and co-writes.

Griffith most recently served as VP of Magic Mustang Music, joining the company at its inception in 2003. Under Griffith’s direction, Magic Mustang Music was named SESAC’s Publisher of the Year for three consecutive years (2013-2015).

“I spent 24 years in this business working for independent songwriters and entrepreneurs like Stewart Harris, David Corlew and Benny Brown. I’ve always been running a little on the outlaw spirit so the transition into Dallas Davidson’s company makes perfect sense for me. He is a master songwriter, an amazing businessman and has built a company where songwriters come first. We are going to be making some big waves and I am honored to be a part of it!” says Griffith.

“Juli Newton Griffith is a massive addition to Play It Again. She brings an insight into this business that cannot be taught. Juli knows how to lead, inspire and develop writers while helping them reach their maximum potential. I’ve known her passion for music for many years and she is a true songwriters’ champion. The future is bright at Play It Again and I’m extremely excited for our writers,” says Davidson.

Griffith’s position is effective immediately. She can be reached at juli@piasongs.com.

Liz Hengber Inks Deal With Given Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Michael Hollandsworth, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; Jenny Hall, Creative Director, Given Music Publishing; Liz Hengber; Cindy Owen, Partner, Given Entertainment; Michael Martin, ASCAP

Liz Hengber has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Given Music Publishing. Hengber has penned six No. 1 songs, and has more than 65 cuts by artists including Reba, Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Ronnie Dunn and more.

“We are very excited to have Liz join the Given team,” VP/GM, Given Music Publishing Michael Hollandsworth said. “During her tenure as one of Nashville’s elite songwriters, Liz has managed to sustain a cutting edge approach to her songwriting while maintaining an old school integrity to the lyrics she writes. Her ability to have continued success in multiple musical genres is a testament to the talent she brings to the company.”

“Songwriters do best in an atmosphere of dreamers and believers, and that’s exactly the kind of company that Cindy Owen and Jim Kacmarcik have created,” Hengber said. “I am looking forward to working alongside Mike Hollandsworth, Jenny Hall and all the amazingly talented writers at Given Music Publishing.”

Hengber is the recipient of seven ASCAP Awards, a Canadian Gospel Award and a Grammy Certificate for her two-song contribution to the SteelDrivers’ Grammy-award winning bluegrass album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings.

Warner/Chappell Nashville Signs Riley Green To Publishing Deal

Front: Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Riley Green, Joe Lee (Rogue Management) Back: Jess Rosen (Greenberg Traurig), Ryan Beuschel (Warner/Chappell)

Riley Green, who has already released four EPs, including the 2017 six-pack project Outlaws Like Us, is the latest signing to Warner/Chappell Nashville.

The Alabama native has toured the southeast for the past five years and has his own hunting show on DirtRoadTV. “Bury Me In Dixie,” a track from the Outlaws Like Us EP, has earned more than two million streams on Spotify.

Green is managed by Joe Lee at Rogue Management, and represented by Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig, and by Austin Neal at WME for touring.

Concord Music Execs To Deliver MIDEM Keynote

Pictured (L-R): Scott Pascucci, Steven Salm, Jake Wisely

Concord Music execs Scott Pascucci (CEO), Steven Salm (Chief Business Development Officer), and Jake Wisely (Chief Publishing Executive), will deliver a shared keynote at Midem 2018 on June 6 in Cannes, France.

The trio will highlight how the group has evolved from a small independent publishing company (Bicycle Music) and label (Concord Music Group) to a global independent company encompassing all fields of the business from recording to publishing, to film and TV production, thanks to the ownership of a unique catalogue of musical works. They will also discuss how they have been able to develop a strong acquisition strategy to grow their musical and international footprint.

“It is important to welcome leading independent companies who are pushing the business forward by creating new and innovative business models, so we are honoured to host Concord Music, since it perfectly encapsulates the global music ecosystem which we promote at Midem,” said Alexandre Deniot, Director of Midem.

“Midem has been an important annual tradition for our executives throughout the evolution of Concord Music. With our acquisition of Imagem last year, Midem is now more than ever the place to come together with our global music industry peers to talk about creativity, productivity, and connectivity. I look forward to the Concord Music keynote and Q&A with my colleagues Jake Wisely and Steven Salm. Hopefully what we’ve learned from our successes and failures in our ever-changing business will help others — and vice versa,” said Pascucci.

Midem takes place in Cannes, France, from June 5-8 2018.