Randy Montana Inks Deal With Warner/Chappell Music

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel (WCM), Will Overton (WCM), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Alison Junker (WCM), Travis Carter (WCM), David Crow (Attorney). (Front row, L-R): Casey Beathard, Randy Montana, Billy Montana, Tom Douglas

Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Randy Montana. The company celebrated the signing by hosting a writers’ night at the Bluebird Café in Nashville that featured performances by Montana playing alongside some of his songwriting heroes, including Tom Douglas, Casey Beathard, and Montana’s father, Billy Montana.

Montana has penned songs for Jon Pardi, Justin Moore, Drake White, David Nail, George Strait, and Parmalee, in addition to writing “What If I Was Willing,” which was featured on the TV series Nashville. He has also toured with Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, and Sugarland.

SESAC And SUISA’s Mint Digital Launches With Warner/Chappell As First Client

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Mint Digital Services, the joint venture between SESAC and the Swiss authors’ rights society SUISA formed to handle invoicing and administration of multi-territorial license agreements with online service providers, will assume those duties of Warner/Chappell Music’s online licensing business for iTunes.

The new Mint Digital Services database includes approximately 16 million musical works and 96 million sound recordings, over 25 million of which are pre-linked to musical compositions, providing one of the most comprehensive international databases for the identification of musical works.

The joint venture, which is headquartered in Zurich, will handle the billing and administration of licenses issued on behalf of The Harry Fox Agency, SESAC Performing Rights and SUISA, and also offers its services to publishers.

“By combining the expertise of the most accurate licensing process in Europe and the largest database of composition to recording links, Mint has created a platform that identifies more revenue from digital providers,” said Alexander Wolf, Delegate of the Board of Directors, Mint Digital Services. “This also enables publishers, such as Warner/Chappell Music, to realize more revenue faster and more accurately than ever before, and we’re thrilled to have them as a partner.”

ASCAP Rebrands Admin Services As Songwize

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ASCAP is relaunching its administration services business as Songwize. The services aid rightsholders such as major and independent music publishers who direct license their performance rights to digital services, functioning as their royalty administration arm. Services include performance matching, royalty and market share calculations, distributions, and standard business intelligence and data analytics.

ASCAP’S administration services business has been in operation since 2013. In the last year, it added technological and analytical expertise to a team headed by Senior Vice President Administration Services, Lisa Selden. In 2016, SONGWIZE administered a 121 percent year-over-year increase in performances across digital service providers including Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Pandora and YouTube.

“With the increase in streaming music consumption, the number of individual public performances that are occurring is increasing dramatically,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Songwize, built on our trusted matching system and transparent distribution rules, ensures that songwriters and publishers can depend on ASCAP for proper royalty processing and payment under a variety of licensing scenarios.”

BMI, BMLG Showcase Nashville at SXSW

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BMI Nashville Artists Shine At SXSW

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI songwriter Brent Cobb, BMI’s Bradley Collins and Yeti Coolers’ Robert Sanchez pose backstage at the Yeti Coolers flagship store before Cobb’s performance. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI Nashville was proud to bring some of the top songwriters in country, indie rock, and Americana to this year’s South By Southwest festival, held March 14-19 in Austin, Texas. Americana artists Brent Cobb, Liz Cooper and indie rock band Colony House played to a packed house at the BMI and Yeti Coolers day party, filling the Yeti flagship store with fans.

Country crooners Caitlyn Smith and Devin Dawson brightened the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank, while rocker Ron Gallo opened the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

BMI songwriter Brent Cobb (right) and guitarist Mike Harris (left) tear through Cobb’s set at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Caitlyn Smith sings at the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

Nashville indie rock band and BMI songwriters Colony House performs to a full-capacity crowd at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party. Photo: Erika Goldring

One of the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank performers, BMI songwriter Devin Dawson treats the crowd to songs about finding love. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Liz Cooper, performing as Liz Cooper and the Stampede, rocks the stage at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Gallo opens the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater. His latest album, released just before SXSW, is called Heavy Meta. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Pope performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka.

BMI songwriter Langhorne Slim performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka at the legendary Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas.

 

BMLG Takes SXSW

A Thousand Horses chats with TuneIn Country Roads host Kelly Sutton prior to taking the stage. Pictured (L-R): TuneIn’s Kelly Sutton, A Thousand Horses’ Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Graham DeLoach, Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Dave Kelly and TuneIn’s Joyce Rizer. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Big Machine Label Group artists A Thousand Horses, Delta Rae and Midland also delivered standout performances to capacity crowds at this year’s South By Southwest festival.

Delta Rae kicked off the night with a spirited performance of their new single,
“A Long And Happy Life.” Pictured (L-R): Delta Rae’s Ian Hölljes, Brittany Hölljes, Liz Hopkins and Eric Hölljes (not pictured: Grant Emerson and Mike McKee). Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Midland preps their Top 40-and-rising single “Drinkin’ Problem” backstage Friday night. Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

A Thousand Horses closed the night with their new single, “Preachin’ To The Choir.” Pictured (L-R): A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby and Zach Brown. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Razor & Tie Music Publishing Signs Sean McConnell

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Jen Duke, Creative Manager, RTMP; Brad Kennard, VP Creative, RTMP; Kent Marcus, Attorney; Ross DuPre, Manager. Front: Sean McConnell

Razor & Tie Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Sean McConnell. With a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and signing with Rounder Records in 2016, he released the eponymous Sean McConnell to critical acclaim.

McConnell says, “I’m thrilled to have signed with the passionate and creative team at Razor and Tie publishing. It’s a real joy to be working with Brad Kennard and the whole team. Their energy is infectious and I’m stoked about what we’re cooking up together. I’m looking forward to all that’s to come with these guys.”

“Sean is one of those people you dream of getting to work with. He has total respect from everyone in the industry…and he brings a superior level of cool to our team. Also, he’s truly one of the best humans on the planet. I’m honored he’d share his career with us,” Brad Kennard, Vice President, Creative at RTMP said.

McConnell will join Drew Holcomb again this year on his Souvenir Tour, running from March 29-April 8.

SNG Music Relocates, Adds Two

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Pictured (L-R): Aubrey Schwartz, Mike Sebastian

SNG Music, LLP has relocated to offices at 3010 Poston Avenue in Nashville and has added to its staff. Aubrey Schwartz joins SNG Music as its Creative Director, and Mike Sebastian of MSMP Consulting, has signed on as a consultant.

Schwartz is a Belmont graduate and was most recently employed with Bluewater Music. Her responsibilities will include promoting the SNG song catalogue, booking co-writes for SNG Music writers and building relationships with the Nashville music community.

Sebastian, with more than 20 years of publishing experience, has held leadership positions at Starstruck Entertainment, Blacktop, Given Music, and more.

“It’s been exciting to see our business grow over the past three years,” says SNG Partner Steve Leslie. “As we’ve grown, it’s been tough to keep up with our space needs, but our new offices should be able to handle our growth for many years to come.”

SNG Music’s current roster of songwriters includes Marianne Allison, Abbey Cone, Marty Dodson, Steve Leslie, Gary Reamey and Zarni de Vette.

Industry Signings: Big Loud Records, Big Yellow Dog, Banner Music

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Big Loud Records Signs Jillian Jacqueline

Pictured (L-R): (back row) Big Loud Records’ Joey Moi, McGhee Entertainment’s Doc McGhee, Marcus and Colvin, LLP’s Kent Marcus, Downtown Music Publishing’s Danny Berrios (middle row) Downtown Music Publishing’s Steve Markland, McGhee Entertainment’s Scott McGhee, Big Loud Records’ Seth England, Downtown Music Publishing’s Natalie Osborne, Big Loud Records’ Chief Zaruk (front row) Big Loud Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Jacqueline’s dad Peter Arciero, Jillian Jacqueline, Producer Tofer Brown, Big Loud Records’ Craig Wiseman

Big Loud Records has added singer-songwriter Jillian Jacqueline to its growing roster. The Pennsylvania native made her label debut at Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theatre last night (3/16), performing songs “Hate Me,” “God Bless This Mess,” “Til I See You Around,” and “Sad Girls.”

Produced by Tofer Brown, Jacqueline’s first batch of tunes will begin rolling out in April alongside full-length videos to accompany each one. Her “Prime” music video premiered on Nylon.com and also aired in regular rotation on CMT, which also named Jacqueline as one of their Next Women of Country for 2017.

“I am so overwhelmed by all the love I felt last night, to have all the people in Nashville that have supported me on this long, crazy road, in one room, was really magical,” exclaimed Jacqueline. “I’m so proud and grateful to my Big Loud team for giving my music a home, and I can’t wait to share more with you.”

“Jillian is truly one of those voices and talents that comes along very rarely,” says Big Loud Records’ President Clay Hunnicutt. “This is truly a ‘passion project’ from day one and we are thrilled to be lucky enough to work together on great music and more. Jillian is a woman we will be talking about for a long time, and one day we’ll say ‘do you remember the first time you heard Jillian Jacqueline?’ This is going to be special in a lot of ways!”

Ellee Duke Inks With Big Yellow Dog

Pictured (L-R): Brad Bissell, Agent, CAA; Marci Duke, Mother Duke; Ellee Duke; Carla Wallace, Co-owner, Big Yellow Dog; Lauren Funk, Creative Manager, Big Yellow Dog; David Crow, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC; Matt Lindsey, VP Creative, Big Yellow Dog

L.A.-based pop singer/songwriter Ellee Duke has signed with Big Yellow Dog Music. “Looking forward to working with Ellee Duke and the great music she is working on! Shout-out to Brad Bissell for the introduction,” said Carla Wallace, co-owner of Big Yellow Dog.

 

Martin and Lankford Re-Up With Banner Music

Jimbo Martin and Alice Lankford have extended their contracts as staff writers at Banner Music. Martin has written with hitmakers like Jerry Salley and Lance Carpenter, while Lankford has co-written songs for Morgan Myles, Kris Hitchcock, Banner Music’s Shelby Lee Lowe, and more. “With all the opportunities that these two songwriters have, we are blessed they are resigning and staying with us” said Banner Music CEO Camilla Kleindienst.

Thomas Rhett, Virginia Davis, Rhett Akins, Roc Nation Launch Publishing Venture

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Thomas Rhett, Virginia Davis

Thomas Rhett, his longtime manager Virginia Davis (G Major Management), as well as his songwriter father Rhett Akins have launched a new creative endeavor with Jay Z’s Roc Nation, named Home Team Publishing.

Thomas Rhett’s personal publishing will stay with his long-standing publisher EMI/SONY.

Eric Olson is the company’s first signing. The Seattle, Washington native moved to Nashville in 2010 and connected with Kelly Clarkson’s musical director, Jason Halbert, with whom he went on to co-produce and write Clarkson’s smash hit “Catch My Breath.” Olson has collaborated with artists such as Dave Barnes, Danielle Bradbery, Mr Hudson, Dan Tyminski, Cappa, Chris Lane and Akins.

“Songwriting has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” shares Thomas Rhett who, along with his father Akins, are the only father/son co-write to ever top the country Billboard radio charts. Rhett’s most recent single, “Star of the Show,” garnered him his seventh No. 1 song on country Billboard radio charts.

“I was a songwriter before I was an artist, and I was lucky enough to find a team that believed in me really early on,” continues Rhett. “Songwriting the foundation for my artist career, so I’m excited and honored to be able to invest in the future of the songwriting community.”

“Thomas and Rhett are both naturals at identifying and nurturing talent,” offers Davis.

“I’m beyond excited to be a part of Home Team Publishing,” says Akins. “Why wouldn’t I be? I get to work with Virginia Davis and Thomas Rhett- two of the most hard-working, talented and creative people in the industry.”

“There are few teams that have the amazing track record of Virginia Davis, Thomas Rhett and Rhett Atkins,” added CEO Roc Nation, Jay Brown. “They have a deep appreciation for artists and an uncanny ear for hits. Home Team Publishing is an exciting and natural partnership for Roc Nation.”

In 2016, Roc Nation launched Roc Nation Nashville—a venture with Warner/Chappell—and Rhythm House—a venture with Jesse Frasure. Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill was announced to work across the companies.

Warner/Chappell, Liz Rose Music, BMI Ink Deal With Cameron Bedell

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): BJ Hill (WC), Will Overton (WC), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Alison Junker (WC), Alyson McAnally, (LRM), Natalie Paslay (LRM), Travis Carter (WC), Scott Ponce (LRM). (Front row, L-R): Liz Rose (LRM), Cameron Bedell, Brad Beausir (LRM)

Warner/Chappell, Liz Rose Music and BMI have announced a new deal with Kansas native Cameron Bedell.

Bedell, who moved to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University, spent his first years in Nashville playing shows and making albums both as a solo artist and with his band The Skunks.

After appearing on American Idol in 2014, Bedell began to focus on full-time songwriting and producing.

Spirit Music Group Launches Production Music Division

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Pictured (L-R): Front: David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group and Alan Ett, CEO, Spirit Production Music. Back: Schuyler Moore of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Jon Singer, COO/CFO, Spirit Music Group; and Ross Cameron, Vice President of Acquisitions and Business Development.

Spirit Music Group has formed a new division, Spirit Production Music, and has acquired the production music divisions of Alan Ett Creative Group (AECG), including the prestigious Opus 1 Music Library, The Music Collective and Audio Horizons companies. Announced today (March 14) by David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group and Jon Singer, COO/CFO, Spirit has tapped Alan Ett to lead the new division, which will be based in Los Angeles.

Through the deal, Spirit will acquire over 150,000 high quality production music tracks and will represent over 40 unique music libraries. Employees from both AECG and Spirit Music Group will be part of the new organization going forward.

The creation of Spirit Production Music marks the latest in a series of significant acquisitions by this independent music publishing operation. In July 2014, Spirit Music Group acquired Cal IV Entertainment, marking the company’s first presence on Nashville’s Music Row and bringing top writers and 25 No. 1 copyrights and top 10 singles into the fold. In January 2016, Spirit continued to expand its footprint through a deal with Frank Rogers, bringing another 40 No. 1 hits along with a roster of top artists and writers. In recent years Spirit also opened a London office and established Spirit Music Latino.