Exclusive: Big Loud Rebrands, Launches New Capital Venture

Today (Aug. 1), Big Loud Records, led by industry veteran Clay Hunnicutt, celebrates two years in operation. The label boasts a roster including Morgan Wallen, Jillian Jacqueline, and Chris Lane, who last year celebrated his first No. 1 with “Fix,” which was also the first single Big Loud Records ever promoted to radio.

To celebrate, Big Loud partners Craig Wiseman, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Joey Moi, Seth England, and Big Loud Records president Hunnicutt have revealed a rebranding for the overall Big Loud operations, which places the company’s various divisions, including Big Loud Shirt Publishing, label Big Loud Records, artist management company Big Loud Mountain and a newly-announced venture fund, Capital, all under the name Big Loud.

The rebranding also includes the newly-created, centralized website bigloud.com, new signage at the company’s 16th Ave. S. headquarters in Nashville, as well as a new logo, which simplifies the original Hawaiian shirt logo that represented Big Loud Publishing.

“Craig did a great job branding Big Loud Shirt. Especially in Nashville, it’s an iconic name and an iconic logo,” says Zaruk. “Instead of trying to explain to people that we are four companies and four logos, we are just Big Loud. So we simplified the original logo.”

Big Loud began in 2003, with the launch of Wiseman’s Big Loud Shirt Industries, which has earned 45 No. 1 singles to date. The publishing company’s current roster includes Wiseman, Sarah Buxton, Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Joey Moi, Chris Tompkins, Jamie Moore and the Warren Brothers.

In 2012, the company expanded with the launch of its management arm, Big Loud Mountain. The division spearheaded the career of superstar country duo Florida Georgia Line, who have sold more than 29 million tracks worldwide, earned 13 No. 1 hits and have country music’s only diamond-certified single with “Cruise.” In 2015, Big Loud expanded again with the launch of label division Big Loud Records.

Pictured (L-R): Joey Moi, Craig Wiseman, Chief Zaruk, Seth England, Clay Hunnicutt. Photo: Delaney Royer

England says the need to integrate all the company’s offerings into one overall brand became increasingly evident. “I found when I was traveling around the country, and globally, the first thing people ask is ‘What is your company?’ We had gotten to the point where we had three or four different companies with Big Loud as part of the name, along with something more unique, like Big Loud Shirt. It was cool because it reflected each company, but as we‘ve grown and had success, I find myself needing to explain more instead of just saying, ‘We are Big Loud.’”

Newly added to the Big Loud offerings is Capital, a venture capital fund launched by Wiseman, Zaruk, Moi and England.

The idea for Capital came after Big Loud’s business manager introduced the executives to Los Angeles-based Plus Capital.

“They had experience working with entertainers and helping them build side investments and venture capital,” England says. “They also had a firm within their company that helped entertainers build businesses for themselves. At the time I met them, they were working with Paramore’s Haley Williams and helping her build a hair dye company [GoodDYEyoung]. So we started the fund and made the business plan for ourselves.”

England cites managers like SB Projects’ Scooter Braun as well as Atom Factory and Erving Wonder founder Troy Carter as being “business builders” for their artists.

“If you choose to look at it that way, you build businesses in the best interest of your artists,” England says. “I think we were using that side of our cap so often, we knew one day that if we got introduced to the right people and developed the right network that we would love to sit down with young up-and-coming companies and evaluate different opportunities for us to disperse capital, as well as ways to be strategic and help people.”

England says Capital has invested in approximately 10 companies so far, a mix of music, tech, and non-music companies.

Chief among those is Stem, a digital distribution service co-founded by Milana Rabkin, Tim Luckow and Jovin Cronin-Wilesmith. Stem analyzes the share of income a vendor should receive from music platforms like Spotify and Pandora, collects revenues, and automatically splits the payments among different collaborators, who set up vendor accounts.

“Before we can ever release the song, the producer or any royalty participants—if there is a side artist featured, or something like that—they all have to sign off on how much they are due,” England explains. “As the revenues come in from all streaming services or iTunes, it comes into the account and it just splits it as told and then each of those collaborators don’t have to wait another 90 days. They just download their account right to their bank account. It gets faster more accurate pay for all the participants.”

Other companies Capital has invested in include augmented reality hardware company Magic Leap, alternative dairy source Califia Farms, and online retailer Casper Mattresses.

“When looking at companies, we always ask, ‘Is this company, app or brand a disruptor?’” says Zaruk. “Is it going to disrupt the flow of what the norms are now and what people are doing to convert over because this idea or company is better or different and it’s going to make a big change?’”

With the launch of Capital being the latest in Big Loud’s ongoing evolution, Zaruk says the rebranding comes at the perfect time.

“Through all of our networking and all we are doing, we realized we had so many interests in different things but they all touch each other and they can all overlap,” Zaruk says. “The more we can control in-house and build our company and our brand the more we and our artists benefit and the opportunities just allow us to do so much more than just one thing. It’s a natural evolution. We want to be all things Big Loud.”

Songwriter Bob McDill Donates Life’s Work To Country Music Hall Of Fame

Pictured (L-R, Front row): Bobby Bare, Bob McDill, Don Schlitz; Back row: Jon Byrd, William Michael Morgan, Allen Reynolds, Thomm Jutz, Jamey Johnson, Kyle Young in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

During his nearly 30-year career, songwriter Bob McDill penned 31 No. 1 songs.

Among his numerous contributions to the country music world are classics including Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “Amanda” (recorded by both Don Williams and Waylon Jennings), Dan Seals’ “Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold,” Alan Jackson’s “Gone Country,” Mel McDaniels’ “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” and “Louisiana Saturday Night,” Alabama’s “Song of the South,” “It Must Be Love,” recorded by Don Williams and later by Alan Jackson, and Sammy Kershaw’s “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful.”

McDill was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985. He retired from songwriting in 2000.

For years, the handwritten lyrics to those notable hits and numerous others, some 200 recorded songs, and written on 217 legal pads during this three decades as an active songwriter, sat in McDill’s basement.

Pictured (L-R): Governor Haslam, Bob McDill, and Kyle Young. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

On Monday (July 31), McDill donated his personal collection to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, including all 217 legal pads of handwritten lyrics, along with 110 awards and plaques, and his Martin 1967 D-28-S that he played exclusively for songwriting for decades.

McDill made a rare public appearance for the donation ceremony, where Bobby Bare performed “Amanda,” Jamey Johnson offered a rendition of “The Door Is Always Open,” Don Schlitz performed “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” Jon Byrd offered “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” and William Michael Morgan sang “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”

“McDill’s donation to this museum is one of astounding consequence,” said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young. “We are humbled and honored by his generosity, and we will use this collection to educate generations of songwriters and scholars on the extraordinary career and craft of Bob McDill.”

Pictured: Bob McDill, Bobby Bare, Jamey Johnson. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

McDill, a Beaumont, Texas native, was influenced by the writing of Thomas Wolfe, as well as played by radio DJs including WLAC (Nashville)’s John Richbourg and WXLR (Texas)’s Wolfman Jack. McDill began writing songs at age 15 and later played in the folk group the Newcomers. While a student at Lamar University, he wrote “The Happy Man,” which Perry Como recorded in 1967. The next year, McDill had his second hit, “Black Sheep,” recorded by Sam the Sham & the Pharoahs. Allen Reynolds helped McDill place the song, and in 1970, McDill and Reynolds began working for Jack Clement’s publishing company, Jack Music.

McDill’s first country success came with Johnny Russell’s 1972 recording of “Catfish John,” co-written with Reynolds. McDill began a rigorous schedule of completing one song per week for the next three decades and would go on to score dozens of Billboard #1 hits, for artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Anne Murray, Lefty Frizzell and Joe Cocker.

 

Banner Music Adds Two

Susanne Smith, Ryan L. Cunningham

Banner Music has hired Susanne Smith in the newly-created role of Public Relations Manager, to handle marketing, public relations, and social media for Banner Music and its artists. Smith previously worked at Los Angeles-based fashion boutique public relations operation MHA Media. She also previously held roles at Rogers & Cowan and UMG Nashville.

Earlier this year, Banner Music also hired Ryan L. Cunningham to serve in artist management for Shelby Lee Lowe and James Robert Webb. Cunningham previously served as A&R Director at OakHill Music, Director of Artist Management at Music Row Management, and as social media coordinator/publicist at PLA Media.

“We are thrilled with the growth our company is currently experiencing,” says Banner Music CEO, Camilla Kleindienst. “We’ve been selective with who we’ve brought in, and so far they’ve been doing an excellent job of making things happen for the company, our artists, and our songwriters.”

Andrew Sparkler Upped To Sr/VP Business Development For Downtown Music Publishing

Downtown Music Publishing has promoted Andrew Sparkler to Senior Vice President, Business Development.

Sparkler joined Downtown in 2014 as Vice President, Business Affairs and Operations, and has been an integral part of the team sourcing, negotiating and closing new deals with Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, Nikki Sixx, Jason Isbell, RJD2, Fania and many more. He was also the main catalyst behind Downtown’s innovative direct partnership with YouTube. Andrew also is a frequent writer and speaker on issues surrounding technology, publishing and performing rights.

In his newly expanded position, Sparkler will manage all catalog acquisitions and strategic business development opportunities across the company’s global offices, reporting to Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Bergman.

“It’s been amazing to be a witness to Andrew’s growth as an executive over the past 3 years and we’re truly thrilled to announce his promotion today,” said Bergman. “He shoulders an ever increasing workload and has made himself an indispensable part of the management team. We look forward to many more years with Andrew leading our business development efforts.”

“Thanks to Justin and Andrew for this amazing opportunity,” said Sparkler. “Working with the Downtown team has been the most fun and rewarding job that I’ve had since helping to DJ Bar-Mitzvah’s with my cousin, ‘Big Al.’ I look forward to growing the company and, more importantly, fighting everyday for fair payment to songwriters.”

Prior to joining Downtown, Sparkler was Vice President and Head of Business Affairs at ASCAP. He began his career in the industry at Beldock, Levine & Hoffman, and is a graduate of Brown University and Fordham School of Law.

Play It Again Music Publishing Names Alex Torrez As VP, A&R

Pictured (L-R): Alex Torrez, Kirby Smith

Play It Again Publishing (PIA) owner Dallas Davidson announced today the addition of industry veteran Alex Torrez as the company’s VP of A&R.

“Having someone like Alex on the Play It Again team is a huge asset to our writers and artist,” said Davidson. “He brings an insight into this business that you can only achieve from years of experience. I’m thrilled to announce Alex Torrez as Play It Again’s VP of A&R.”

Along with adding Torrez to the staff, PIA has promoted Houston-native Kirby Smith to Creative Coordinator.

“We feel like we’re all a family here and we’re all after the same goal, and that goal is to make an impact on music,” said Davidson. “We don’t have fences around this company. I don’t care if they write a rap song, a pop song or a country song. This is all about music at Play It Again. We’re not focused on one certain genre. I want our writers to feel as creative as they can.”

PIA’s roster includes writers Brian Kolb, Houston Phillips, Kyle Fishman and artist newcomer Trea Landon.

Freeman Wizer Joins Spirit Music Nashville As Sr. Director/Creative

Spirit Music Nashville has appointed Freeman Wizer Senior Director of Creative for the company.

An Arkansas native with over 16 years publishing experience in Nashville, Wizer was previously with the Sea Gayle creative staff where he helped secure cuts by Blake Shelton, Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore and Toby Keith. Prior to his work at Sea Gayle, Freeman Wizer worked at Universal Music Publishing Group where he landed a No. 1 song with Tim McGraw’s “One of Those Nights” and secured cuts for artists including Kelly Clarkson, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton, and more. Wizer joined the company as an intern in 2001 while he earned his BBA and MBA from Belmont University’s Music Business program.

“Freeman is a respected and well-liked creative executive in Nashville,” said President, Spirit Music Nashville Daniel Hill. “He brings a great combination of creative expertise, passion, experience, and energy to the Spirit Music Nashville team.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Spirit Music Nashville team and see great things for Spirit on the horizon. Our company is growing quickly and there’s a tremendous vision for the future. I’m looking forward to complimenting that vision as we move forward,” said Wizer.

 

Tree Vibez Music, Big Machine Music Sign Joint Venture With Daniel Ross

(L-R): Back Row – Tree Vibez Music’s Emily Peacock, Adam Romaine, Leslie DiPiero and Tyler Hubbard, BMM’s Mike Molinar, Michelle Attardi, Jillian Whitefield and Alex Heddle; Front Row – Daniel Ross.   Photo: Seth Hellman for Big Machine Music

Big Machine Music and Tree Vibez Music have signed songwriter/producer Daniel Ross to a publishing deal in a joint publishing venture.

Ross moved to Nashville after graduating from Western Carolina University in 2015 and quickly immersed himself into the songwriting scene. The Hope Mills, North Carolina native spent his formative years playing in and producing local bands around the Southeast.

“Daniel’s music is current, commercial and shows an immense respect for the craft of songwriting,” says Mike Molinar, BMM General Manager. “I am incredibly honored to have him join our team of uniquely talented songwriters and equally excited to collaborate with our friends at Tree Vibez Music on this partnership.”

“BK and I knew from our first writing session that Tree Vibez Music would sign Daniel one day,” said FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “There was energy and flow to his songwriting that we knew was fresh. And, to team up with Big Machine from the publishing side is different and really exciting for us!

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel into the family – and to further extend our family to this new partnership with the Big Machine Music team,” said TVM General Manager Leslie DiPiero. This is going to be an incredible journey!”

“This is a dream crew to work with and I’m blown away that this is a reality for me,” says Ross about the new partnership. “I’ve never been more excited about creating music.”

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Tree Vibez Music’s Leslie DiPiero and Tyler Hubbard, BMM’s Mike Molinar and Michelle Attardi; Front Row – Daniel Ross. Photo: Seth Hellman for Big Machine Music

Steven McMillan Promoted To Director At Round Hill Music

Steven McMillan has been named Director of Tracking at Round Hill Music.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State with a Bachelor’s degree in Recording Industry Management, McMillan was previously Manager of Royalty Services for the company. Prior to joining Round Hill, he was the Manager of Financial Operations for Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information, where his responsibilities included collecting and distributing royalties for all clients, managing writer recoupable accounts, demo billing, royalty redirections, catalog valuations, desktop auditing, and Master Mechanical Royalties for label clients.

“I want to congratulate Steven on his promotion,” said Round Hill Music SVP/GM Mark Brown. “He’s been an asset to our company and I’m excited to see him take on this new role.”

Black River Publishing Adds Eric Hurt As Sr. Director Of Creative

Eric Hurt. Photo: Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment’s VP of Publishing Dave Pacula has announced the hiring of publishing veteran Eric Hurt as Sr. Director of Creative.

“We are excited to welcome Eric Hurt to the Black River family!” says Pacula. “He is a perfect fit with our creative team and his extensive and diverse experience in multiple genres will be a great asset to our songwriters.”

Nearing 20 years in the music industry, Hurt has witnessed the ever-changing Nashville music scene first hand.

“It’s becoming a very versatile town where multiple genres of music are working together and pushing each other creatively, which is making it important for publishers to have a roster that reflects that evolution so that they are ahead of the curve.”

Hurt continued, “Black River’s roster achieves just that. I am thrilled to now be a part of Black River where all of our artists, writers and producers work hard to push musical boundaries and strive for something unique and authentic. I’m very much looking forward to helping our roster grow and finding new opportunities both within and outside of Nashville.”

Prior to joining Black River, Hurt spent time at Zavitson Music Group, Universal Music Publishing / Brentwood-Benson, Still Working Music and ForeFront Records. Most recently, Hurt served as Sr. Director of Creative at Spirit Music Group.

Hurt can be reached at ehurt@blackriverent.com or by phone at 615-780-3070 x 6205.

Greylan James Joins Dreamlined Entertainment Roster

(L-R:) Dreamlined’s Jason Campbell, Greylan James, Dreamlined’s Keith Stegall)

Greylan James has signed a publishing deal with Dreamlined Entertainment. James joins Dreamlined’s roster of writers that includes Keith Stegall, Kevin Mac, Jen Ketner and Brian Maher.

A native of Knoxville, TN, James began his music career playing guitar at age 10, and by 13 was playing live, opening for acts like Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry and the Eli Young Band. James appeared on Season 4 of NBC’s “The Voice,” and was ranked in Guitar Center’s Brotherhood of The Guitar Top 20 Guitar Players under 21. He moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue a career in songwriting and production.

“Greylan is at home with our staff of writers. His talents bring out the best within our team,” says Dreamlined owner Keith Stegall.