Corey Crowder Lands New Publishing Home

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Pictured (Front row, L-R): Tree Vibez Co-Founder Tyler Hubbard; Corey Crowder; Tree Vibez Co-Founder Brian Kelley. (Back row, L-R): Tree Vibez Creative Director/Tour Manager Adam Romaine and General Manager Leslie DiPiero; ASCAP Vice President of Membership Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

Songwriter/producer Corey Crowder, known for co-writing songs including Chris Young’s “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think Of You,” has landed a new publishing home at Tree Vibez Music, founded by duo Florida Georgia Line.

“Corey is the complete package: a singer’s singer, a writer’s writer and a musician’s musician. He’s a perfect fit for Tree Vibez Music and on top of it all he’s a joy to be around,” says Tree Vibez Music General Manager Leslie DiPiero.

Crowder comments, “What many may not know is Tyler, BK [Brian Kelley] and I go back long before any of us came to Nashville. So I am beyond excited to officially be a part of their family after all of these years!”

Crowder also co-produced Chris Young’s I’m Comin’ Over album, as well as Young’s recently released Losing Sleep project and the holiday album This Must Be Christmas.

Crowder’s songs have been recorded by A Thousand Horses, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Michael Ray, Kenny Rogers, and more. Meanwhile, his work has appeared on hit TV shows like Nashville, One Tree Hill, The Biggest Loser, The Real World, and Gainesville, and he has produced projects for Cale Dodds, Seth Ennis, James Otto, Eric Paslay, and Jamie Lynn Spears, among others.

 

NMPA Celebrates Nashville Songwriters With Gold & Platinum Gala

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NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

Thursday (Oct. 19), Nashville’s top songwriters and publishers from the last year gathered to receive their Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum honors from NMPA. The NMPA Gold & Platinum program launched in October 2007 and identifies and honors the songwriters of RIAA-certified hit songs.

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite kicked off the event with help from RIAA President Mitch Glazier who detailed the partnership between the two organizations. In attendance were approximately 50 songwriters including multi-Platinum honorees like Shane McAnally, Zach Crowell, Dallas Davidson, Sean Douglas, Jerry Flowers, Rob Hatch, Jim Collins, David Lee Murphy, Joseph Spargur, and many more.

In addition to awarding the 17 Gold, 18 Platinum and 9 Multi-Platinum songwriters, NMPA announced three top annual honors: Top Song, Top Songwriter and Top Publisher. The Top Song award was a tie between “Body Like a Back Road” written by Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and “H.O.L.Y” written by busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Larsen, both certified 3x multi-Platinum and with 3 million certified units.

NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

The top two songwriters of the year were Shane McAnally with 4 multi-platinum, 3 platinum, and 2 Gold certifications and Ashley Gorley with 1 multi-platinum, 4 Platinum, and 9 Gold certifications.

The Top Publisher was awarded to Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Nashville’s President and CEO Troy Tomlinson attended to accept the award.

“On behalf of all of us at Sony/ATV and in particular our songwriters who made this all possible, we are honored to be the NMPA’s first ever Publisher of the Year. What a great event and we’ll be back here next year, hopefully with the same result,” said the Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Martin Bandier.

“Since our program’s inception 10 years ago, NMPA has awarded 8,817 total certifications, and that number rises with each hit song. We are thrilled to recognize the top songwriters of the past year – and look forward to honoring the best in the business each year at our annual gala,” said Israelite. “When a song goes Gold – or beyond – the songwriter should receive recognition just like the performer of that song – and some shiny hardware too.”

NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

NMPA 10.19.17 @Moments By Moser Photography

Belmont University Grad Katie Pruitt Signs With Round Hill Music

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Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, Senior Director, A&R, Round Hill Music; Katie Pruitt; Mark Brown, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Round Hill Music

Round Hill Music has added singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt to its roster, inking an exclusive co-publishing deal with the recent Belmont University graduate.

Pruitt won 2016’s inaugural Nashville Songwriting Scholarship from the BMI Foundation, and earned this year’s Holly Prize from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Katie is an exceptionally talented singer, songwriter, and artist,” says Round Hill Music’s Mark Brown. “I am really looking forward to working with her.”

Given Music Publishing Appoints New VP/GM, Creative Director

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Hollandsworth, Jenny Hall

Michael Hollandsworth has been named Vice President/General Manager of Given Music Publishing, and Jenny Hall has been promoted to Creative Director of the company.

Hollandsworth has years of publishing experience, having opened and managed the Nashville office of Zomba Music Publishing, where he connected producer Mutt Lange with Shania Twain. The resulting albums during that period, The Woman In Me and Come On Over, went on to sell more than 60 million copies. Most recently, Hollandsworth founded Full Circle Music, a joint venture with Anderson Merchandising. Full Circle claimed seven #1 singles and twelve ASCAP and BMI Awards, as well as cuts by artists including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, among others. Hollandsworth is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Program with a minor in Business Administration.

“Mike’s history of effective leadership and success, as well as his dedication to fostering the careers of songwriters is well known in this industry. He is an innovative, forward thinker with a winning attitude,” Given Music partner Cindy Owen said.

“I’m tremendously excited about starting this new chapter in my career with Given,” Hollandsworth said. “My goal and vision for Given is to not only move forward but also to build on the foundation of a gifted staff and the team of extremely talented writers the company has assembled.”

Hall joined Given Music Publishing, which was formed by Owen and business partner Jim Kacmarcik, in May 2016 as Creative Manager. With her new Creative Director title, Hall’s primary responsibilities will include copyright exploitation and writer management. A native of Indiana, she is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Program with a minor in Marketing.

“Jenny’s creative instincts and enthusiasm, coupled with her passion for songs and songwriters, make her a tremendous asset to our company,” said Owen. “We are beyond proud to have Mike and Jenny a part of the team that we are continuing to build at Given.”

“I’m very blessed to be able to say I’m with Given,” Hall said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better, more genuinely caring work family on top of an amazing roster of talented writers. I look forward to building and growing with the company.”

Industry Ink: Disney Music Group, Gyrosity Projects, Deep South

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Disney Music Group Publishing Hires Sarah Schumacher

Sarah Schumacher

Disney Music Group Publishing has hired Sarah Schumacher as A&R Coordinator in Nashville. Schumacher graduated with a Masters of Arts in Music Industry Administration from California State University Northridge and was most recently a legal assistant at Dickinson-Wright.

Schumacher will report to Ciara Shortridge, Manager, A&R, and will provide support to the creative teams in Nashville and Los Angeles, managing the catalogs of DMG’s growing writer roster, overseeing administrative and creative processes.

Gyrosity Projects Signs Paul Cardall For Artist Management

Photo attached: Pictured (L-R): Garrison Snell, Paul Cardall. Photo: Paul Cardall/Instagram.

Gyrosity Projects, led by founder/owner Garrison Snell, has formally signed an artist management deal with one of the top streaming artists, Paul Cardall. The Salt Lake City native, and recent Nashville transplant is completely independent, owning all of his publishing and master rights in a catalog of over 350 songs.

Cardall is a pianist, recognized by Billboard with three No. 1s for New Age Albums chart. He has over 2 billion lifetime streams on his catalog, 1.37 billion of that on Pandora alone, averaging 25 million streams on the internet radio platform each month. Gyrosity has been working with Cardall for the past few months after his albums all reached No. 1. A Christmas album is expected from Cardall in 2018.

Gyrosity expanded in to artist management, working various projects with LA-based producer and artist Mitchell Rose in the past few years. Gyrosity offers digital marketing services as well as growth services with it’s in-house streaming and influencer platforms, in addition to data and financial analysis.

 

Deep South Signs Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson has signed with Deep South Entertainment for artist management. Deep South President and Founder, Dave Rose, will be overseeing Wilson’s career with Mandelyn Monchick handling day-to-day duties.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with hardworking people who believe in what I do with their whole hearts,” said Wilson.

“Lainey is the kind of artist that managers dream of working with – insanely talented, professional work ethic, and just an all around great human,” added Rose.

Starstruck Writers Group Names New Creative Director

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Amelia Varni

Starstruck Entertainment has added Amelia Varni as Creative Director for Starstruck Writers Group. Varni will work directly with Starstruck writers Alex Kline, Caroline Kole, Dee Briggs, Evan Coffman, and Julie Forester as well as the songwriting of artists managed by Starstruck. Varni reports directly to COO Cliff Williamson.

From Northern California, Varni began interning at Universal Music Publishing Group in the summer of 2013, which led to her being hired as the Executive Assistant to Kent Earls in January 2014. She graduated from Belmont University’s Entertainment Industry Studies program in May 2014 and became Executive Director of YEP (Young Entertainment Professionals).

Founded in 1988, Starstruck Entertainment develops, manages, promotes and markets entertainers, songwriters, and producers. Starstruck clients include Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.

Varni can be reached at amelia.varni@starstruck.net.

 

Nikki Williams Extends Deal With Big Yellow Dog Music

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Pictured (L-R): Carla Wallace, co-owner, Big Yellow Dog Music; Nikki Williams; Kerry O’Neil, co-owner, Big Yellow Dog Music

Nikki Williams has extended her publishing relationship with Big Yellow Dog Music. Williams has been a Big Yellow Dog writer since first signing with the company in September 2009.

Williams started writing songs while still in school, after she and her family relocated from South Africa to Nashville. She co-wrote Demi Lovato’s double-Platinum hit, “Heart Attack,” which became the lead single off the singer’s fourth album, Demi. Williams’ catalog also includes “Like My Mother Does,” which was Lauren Alaina’s debut single.

“I’ve worked with Nikki since she was 18, and she’s as fiery a singer now as she was then,” Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace says. “There is no one like Nikki! She is such an amazing talent, and I am so happy to continue our working relationship.”

Hillary Lindsey Makes History With NSAI Song Of The Year “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

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Kris Kristofferson, Hillary Lindsey

BMG songwriter Hillary Lindsey‘s third win for NSAI Song Of The Year for her hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” places her in some pretty impressive company, tying her with legendary songwriter Kris Kristofferson as the only other writer to receive the honor three times in the NSAI’s 50-year history. Kristofferson officially presented Lindsey with the award during the recent NSAI 50th Anniversary Concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

A peer-voted award, NSAI’s “Song of the Year” is determined by the song that receives the most votes during the ‘Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written’ annual balloting. Lindsey received her first NSAI “Song of the Year” award in 2006 for co-writing the Grammy-winning, chart-topping, multi-platinum, crossover hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood). She followed that win up in 2015 by co-writing another Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, crossover chart-topper,”Girl Crush” (Little Big Town), which landed her a second NSAI “Song of the Year” trophy.

“There is no question Hillary is an amazing creative force and widely-revered as one of the best songwriters in music today,” said Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Nashville. “The success and accomplishments throughout her career, and innate musical talent to go beyond genre lines in music, speaks volumes about the dedication she has to the craft. We are proud to call BMG her home.”

With 20 No. 1 singles to her credit, Lindsey is the recipient of an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (“Coming Home”) and two Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Song (“There’s A Place For Us,” “Coming Home”). Lady Gaga’s most recent chart-topping album Joanne featured several songs penned by Lindsey including the smash hit “Million Reasons” which she performed with Gaga on Saturday Night Live. Earlier this year, Lindsey received her fifth Grammy nomination for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the 52nd ACM Awards. The song is RIAA certified double-Platinum.

 

 

Creative Nation Signs Alec Bailey

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Pictured (L-R): Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy Field LLP; Jonathan Insogna, WME; Jeff Skaggs, Creative Nation; Alec Bailey; Carrie Murphy, WME; Beth Laird, Creative Nation; MaryAnn Keen, BMI; Luke Laird, Creative Nation

Creative Nation has expanded its roster with the addition of songwriter Alec Bailey.

The North Carolina native began writing and playing local venues when he was in middle school. At the end of high school, he moved to Los Angeles to continue his music career. This past year, he moved to Nashville, blending his roots of traditional country and his passions of R&B soul music and is currently writing for his debut project.

“I’ve been a huge fan of the music and songwriters at Creative Nation for years,” Bailey says. “It’s really crazy for me to be working with such a talented and awesome group of people!”

Creative Nation’s VP of Creative, Jeff Skaggs, adds, “We’re thrilled to have Alec join the Creative Nation team! It only took one listen to know we wanted to be involved in what will be a great career as both a songwriter and artist. I’m excited to continue introducing him to the Music Row writing community and hear the songs we get back.”

Bailey joins Creative Nation’s roster of artists and songwriters: Barry Dean, Kassi Ashton, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Mags Duval, Muscadine Bloodline, Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Tyler Johnson.

Spirit Music Group Appoints Steven Singer As VP, Digital Strategy

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Steve Singer

Spirit Music Group has named Steven Singer as VP, Digital Strategy. Singer will be based in the company’s Nashville office and will report to Art Levy, Sr. VP of Business Affairs and Administration. Singer will be responsible for developing new business and partnerships in the digital music space, negotiating new deals and managing marketing efforts to increase revenue.

Singer’s 30+ year career began at Polygram/Universal Music in 1991, where he was a Classical & Jazz Account Service Representative at the Boston sales branch for the Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, Philips and Verve labels. In 1994 he was promoted to PolyGram Classics & Jazz in the New York headquarters where he held a number of positions including Product Manager for Decca Records, Senior Director New Media and Vice President of Marketing. He remained part of the company’s core team as it went through two mergers – Seagram/Universal in 1998
and Vivendi 2000.

In 2013, Singer left Universal to work as a marketing consultant before joining Naxos of America to serve as General Manager of their owned ArkivMusic. At ArkivMusic, he was responsible for new feature development, marketing, merchandising, and financial planning. Singer graduated from Northeastern University’s Music Industry program in 1991 and currently lives in Nashville.

“This is an incredible exciting time to join Spirit while it is experiencing worldwide growth and I look forward to exploring the boundless new opportunities in the digital world to help with this period of growth. I’d like to thank Art and the rest of the team for the opportunity to serve such an amazing global roster of talented songwriters and artists,” said Singer.