Kobalt, SMACKSongs Renew Partnership

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Kobalt and SMACKSongs have renewed their global partnership, including a continuation of publishing administration, creative services and synch for all of SMACKSongs’ catalog and future works.

Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt Nashville, said, “Shane, Michael, Josh and the entire SMACK team have built an incredible business that personifies a true creative and entrepreneurial spirit becoming a beacon of the Nashville publishing community in a short period of time. We are honored to continue on this journey with them and look forward to being a part of their continued success and growth in the future.”

Led by Grammy Award winners Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, SMACKSongs’ songwriters, artists and producers have collectively earned over 50 chart-topping hits. In 2018, SMACKSongs was named SESAC Publisher of the Year and has been named AIMP Publisher of the Year for the past three years.

SMACKSongs has been listed as a Top 10 Billboard Hot Country Publishing Corporation for the past seven years.

Robert Carlton, SVP, Development of SMACKSongs, added, “Kobalt has proven to be an invaluable part of the SMACK team. They’ve been with us since day one in helping build this company, so it was a no brainer to continue this partnership. We are excited to see what new heights we’ll hit together in the coming years.”

Brian White Extends Publishing Deal With Anthem Music Publishing

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Brian White

Brian White has extended his worldwide co-publishing deal with Anthem Music Publishing.

Since joining the Anthem family in 2018, White has become a highly sought-after producer and songwriter in Nashville. With success in both the country and Christian music worlds, his songwriting credits include cuts by Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, Neal McCoy, Danny Gokey, Michael English and more. White has 16 No. 1 songs under his belt, including the SESAC Country Song of The Year and Billboard’s Most Played Song of The Year, Rodney Atkins’ “Watching You,” and he received two Dove Awards for Song of The Year for Michael English’s “Holding Out Hope To You” and The Martins’ “The Promise,” as well as numerous ACM and CMA nominations.

“We are thrilled to further our deal with Brian White,” said Tim Wipperman, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “He has already proven to be a great addition to the Anthem family, and we look forward to great continued success with him.”

“I’m excited about continuing my publishing relationship with Anthem Entertainment,” White said. “It’s important to have the right people in your corner, and the team at Anthem is the best!”

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville Signs Bernie Herms

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Bernie Herms

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has signed Grammy award-winning composer, producer, and songwriter Bernie Herms to a worldwide publishing deal.
Originally from Canada and currently residing in Nashville, Herms is known for his songwriting and production work with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, David Foster, Idina Menzel, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Casting Crowns, Brad Paisley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Matt Redman, and many more.

Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Bernie is one of smartest, most genuine and open-hearted songwriters I have ever met. Simply put, his music makes the world a better place. We are thrilled to welcome Bernie to the Sony/ATV family and I’m confident we will earn great success together as a team.”

Herms said, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many iconic artists and songwriters throughout my career. Joining the Sony/ATV family becomes a pinnacle highlight for me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Rusty and the rest of his world-class creative team.”

Herms has crafted 30 No. 1 hits in the U.S. and a string of No. 1s internationally, including Dove award Song of the Year “East to West,” recorded by Casting Crowns. Additionally, he has won eight Dove awards, including Producer of the Year in 2009 and 2016, and won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Thy Will,” the 14-week No. 1 single by Hillary Scott.

Recently, he lent his skill to Josh Groban’s new album Bridges, which follows the success of Groban’s album Stages, which Herms also produced. Additionally, he worked on Streisand’s Grammy-nominated album Partners, which debuted at No. 1, and Danny Gokey’s No. 1 album entitled Rise.

Mike Curb Music Signs Matthews Ntlele

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Matthews Ntlele

Mike Curb Music has signed singer-songwriter Matthews Ntlele, a co-writer behind some of Elevation Worship’s biggest hits, including “Here As In Heaven,” “Echo,” and more.

Born in South Africa in the midst of Apartheid, Ntlele’s childhood was riddled with poverty and instability. Church became an anchor amid constant uncertainty, and it also became the place where he first fell in love with music, regularly showing up simply to watch choir rehearsals. Despite the family’s dire financial constraints, his mom scraped together enough money to buy her son his first guitar at age 12.

Ntlele began to develop his craft as a worship leader and songwriter during an internship with Reuben Morgan at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. Following his time at Hillsong, Ntlele moved to the United States, where he joined and began writing songs with a team of songwriters and musicians at Elevation Worship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In addition to signing an exclusive songwriting deal with Mike Curb Music, Ntlele has released the new track, “Not The End.” Released July 10, “Not The End” was mixed by Ainslie Grosser (for KING & COUNTRY), produced by We The Kingdom’s Andrew Bergthold, and written by Ntlele, Stefan Green and Paul Ooi.

Reservoir, One Riot Sign American Aquarium’s BJ Barham (Exclusive)

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BJ Barham. Photo: Courtesy Reservoir

Reservoir and One Riot have signed BJ Barham, lead vocalist and guitarist of Americana country group American Aquarium, to a global publishing deal. The deal includes global rights to Barham’s entire catalog, plus future works.

Barham and American Aquarium have released seven projects since 2006. The group’s most recent album Lamentations reached No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Folk/Americana Albums, as well as the Top 20 on both the Top Country Albums and Top Rock Albums charts.

“I’m really excited to join such an amazing roster of talented songwriters,” said Barham. “The One Riot/Reservoir team has such a great history of putting artists first and I’m looking forward to see what we can create together.”

“BJ Barham is the quintessential country songwriter: someone who writes honest stories about real life experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the resiliency of the heart,” added One Riot General Manager Amy Patton. “It’s a true privilege to work with such an incredible writer and artist who is re-infusing raw storytelling into country music.”

Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier said, “Barham is driven by his desire to infuse American Aquarium’s music with honesty, and that’s exactly the type of creative vision we’re inspired by. We are honored to work with such a dedicated and talented songwriter.”

Mojo Music & Media Acquires Stake In Louvin Brothers Catalog (Exclusive)

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Global independent publishing and legacy marketing company Mojo Music & Media has acquired a co-publishing interest in Kathy Louvin’s Movin Louvin Music. Kathy is the daughter of Ira Louvin, one half of the legendary country duo the Louvin Brothers. The deal spans the group’s entire catalog, including classics such as “When I Stop Dreaming,” “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” “I’ll Take The Chance” and “The Knoxville Girl,” and religious standards including “Family Who Prays,” “I Like The Christian Life,” “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night” and “Let Us Travel, Travel On.”

Mojo Co-Founder and CEO Mark Fried said, “The Louvin Brothers extraordinary harmonies and pure Appalachian sound were a foundation for all of country music and their powerfully emotional songs of love, heartbreak and salvation inspired a generation of songwriters and artists who followed. We’re honored to have the chance to work with Kathy and her family to ensure that the Louvin’s music and story continue to work their magic on musicians and music fans for decades to come.”

Kathy Louvin stated, “Pairing the Louvin music catalog with the passion, wisdom and experience at Mojo Music & Media truly creates endless possibilities. As a family, our excitement is reborn and renewed and we are so grateful to be a part of this winning team!”

Ira and Charlie Louvin, first cousins of Hall of Fame songwriter John D. Loudermilk, grew up in rural northeastern Alabama. Between 1955 and 1962, they released 12 Top 30 hits, including the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Believe  You’ve Met My Baby,” and Top 10 hits including “Hoping That You’re Hoping,” “You’re Running Wild,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” and “My Baby’s Gone.”

The Louvin Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2015, they earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They were included in Ken Burns’ recent documentary on country music and are the subject of an upcoming feature film produced by and starring Ethan Hawke.

Kathy Louvin is an award-winning songwriter in her own right, having penned such hits as Ricky Van Shelton’s chart-topper “Keep It Between The Lines” and Confederate Railroad’s “Queen Of Memphis,” among others. She also co-produced the 2003 tribute album, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs Of The Louvin Brothers, which won Best Country Album at the 2004 Grammys ceremony.

The Louvin Brothers. Photo: Courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame/Kathy Louvin

SESAC, RMLC Announce New Agreement

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SESAC and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have announced a new license agreement that sets the rates payable by the majority of America’s commercial terrestrial radio stations to publicly perform works in the SESAC repertory, effective Jan. 1 2019 through Dec. 31, 2022.

The agreement rolls forward rates and terms from the prior license, including a blanket license fee of 0.2557% of net revenue, and an all-talk rate of .0575% of revenue. As before, the agreement applies to stations’ over-the-air broadcasts, simulcast streams and HD signals.

The RMLC represents the vast majority of the nation’s radio stations, and SESAC represents more than 1 million songs and some 30,000 songwriters, composers and music publisher affiliates.

SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner said, “As a performing rights organization, we remain focused on bringing value to our songwriters and publishers—which has become increasingly important during these uncertain times. We appreciate the RMLC’s cooperation to once again reach an agreement that will enhance the livelihoods of the creative community.”

RMLC Chairman Ed Atsinger said, “We are pleased to carry forward the terms of the prior agreement with SESAC, which is an efficient path forward for both sides in a music licensing landscape that has become increasingly complex.”

Round Hill Music Signs Songwriter/Publisher Collective 4 Horsemen Music

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Round Hill Music has signed a global exclusive publishing deal with songwriting/publishing collective 4 Horsemen Music, including Marti Frederiksen, Zac Maloy, Blair Daly and Scott Stevens, who have together earned more than 35 No. 1 hits in various genres over three decades.

4 Horsemen Music currently has the No. 1 single at Active Rock radio with Shinedown’s “Atlas Falls,” co-penned by Maloy, and are at No. 3 in the format with Daughtry’s “World On Fire” a collaboration with Frederiksen and Stevens.

Los Angeles native Frederiksen began his career as a musician in several signed alternative and rock bands in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Frederiksen came to prominence as a songwriter and producer when he caught the attention of legendary A&R rep John Kalodner who introduced him to his now longtime collaborators, Aerosmith. Frederiksen co-wrote and produced the band’s Just Push Play, which featured the massive hit “Jaded.” Frederiksen would go on to write with Def Leppard, Mick Jagger, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Eminem, Pink, Daughtry, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry and more. Now residing in Nashville, he is also the lead singer and guitar player for The Loving Mary Band who supports Steven Tyler, Gretchen Wilson and Mick Fleetwood.

Maloy is the founding member of the rock band The Nixons. He has worked with Daughtry, Tim McGraw, Skillet and Shinedown, and co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s No. 1 hit “Temporary Home.”

Daly’s songwriting credits include work with Keith Urban, Underwood, McGraw, Scott Stapp, Sixx:AM, Halestorm, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Backstreet Boys and Uncle Kracker’s international hit “Smile.” He also had five No. 1 hits including Kelly Clarkson’s “People Like Us,” Kip Moore’s “Beer Money” and Rascal Flatts’ “Stand.”

Stevens’s songwriting and production credits include work with such artists as Shinedown, Scott Stapp, American Authors, Halestorm, Nothing More, Highly Suspect, Daughtry and many more. Stevens’ career has included nine chart-topping Active Rock songs, 20 Top 5 hits and 28 Top 10 songs.

Josh Gruss, Founder and CEO of Round Hill Music said, “It’s a pleasure to have these fine gentlemen of songwriting prowess join the family at Round Hill Music. Marti has been my friend and partner at Sienna recording studios for many years now and it’s great to bring him even closer into the organization. Blair, Scott and Zac are amazing writers especially in the rock category and the four of them together make a killer, go to songwriting unit, with production chops to boot, and to weave them in with all the great artists we have at our record labels will surely result in great synergy. It’s amazing to announce this along with an active rock #1 for the partnership.”

Jamie Moore Renews Deal With Big Loud Publishing

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Jamie Moore

Jamie Moore has extended his deal with Big Loud Publishing. Moore first joined Big Loud’s growing stable of tunesmiths in 2016.

Scoring breakout success with his first No. 1 as a co-writer on Florida Georgia Line’s 2x Platinum “May We All” (featuring Tim McGraw) in 2016, Moore notched another chart-topper in May with Morgan Wallen’s Platinum-certified “Chasin’ You.” A gifted songwriter and producer, the Muscle Shoals, Alabama native most recently co-wrote and produced Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG vocalist Evvie McKinney’s brand new single, “Just Like God,” out today (Aug. 21)  as well as Warner Records’ R&B artist Bren Joy’s latest release, “Freezing.” Moore has scored cuts by Chris Lane, Florida Georgia Line, TobyMac, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Wallen, among others.

“Jamie is one of those songwriters that any publishing house would be more than happy to have on their team,” said Seth England, Partner/CEO of Big Loud. “Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed his talent firsthand and are so honored to have him a part of our Big Loud Publishing family.”

“I’m grateful for the drive, passion, and determination of this Big Loud Publishing team,” shares Moore. “There are a lot of great things on the horizon. Let’s go!”

Dan Smalley Signs Publishing Deal With UMPG, Dreamlined Entertainment

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Dan Smalley

Big Machine Records artist Dan Smalley has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group and Dreamlined Entertainment.

Smalley is managed by Gary Borman of Borman Entertainment, and produced by Dreamlined Entertainment leader Keith Stegall.

Universal Music Publishing Nashville’s Terry Wakefield said, “Dan is a remarkable artist/writer who draws from his life experiences and sings about them in an undeniably authentic way. We are very proud to have Dan join the Universal team and look forward to working with Keith Stegall and Dreamlined Entertainment.”

Smalley added, “After getting to know the crew at UMPG, I couldn’t be surer of my decision to sign with them. I’m proud to be part of a team of such amazing songwriters, artists and people who champion them and their songs. I look forward to making some great music and memories together.”

Dreamlined Entertainment’s Stegall said, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Troy [Tomlinson] and his UMPG team. On behalf of Dan and Dreamlined, we are looking forward to making some great music together.”