NSAI Hosts Huge No. 1 Bash

The Nashville Songwriters Association International honored 35 Nashville-associated writers Monday night (Feb. 21) at a huge No. 1 party at its headquarters at the Music Mill on Music Row. The event recognized songwriters who contributed to songs that topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts from August 2016 to November 2016.

The Stephen Foster Award (in recognition of extraordinary service to the songwriting community) was also presented to John A. Hardaway, Senior Sales and Marketing Executive for Brown-Forman Corporation. The party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates with drinks provided by Jack Daniels.

NSAI No. 1 Songs Recognized:
“Peter Pan”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Lee and Forest Glen Whitehead
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini

“Head Over Boots”
Writers: Luke Laird and Jon Pardi
Recorded by: Jon Pardi

“From The Ground Up”
Writers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney and Chris DeStefano
Recorded by: Dan + Shay

“American Country Love Song”
Writers: Ross Copperman, Jaren Johnston and Ashley Gorley
Recorded by: Jake Owen

“Eye Of The Storm”
Writers: Ryan Stevenson and Bryan Fowler
Recorded by: Ryan Stevenson featuring GabeReal

“Different For Girls”
Writers: JT Harding and Shane McAnally
Recorded by: Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King

“Middle Of A Memory”
Writers: Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell
Recorded by: Cole Swindell

“You Look Like I Need A Drink”
Writers: Rodney Clawson, Natalie Hemby and Matt Dragstrem
Recorded by: Justin Moore

“I Know Somebody”
Writers: Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Recorded by: LoCash

“Thy Will”
Writers: Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott and Emily Weisband
Recorded by: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

“Today”
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley
Recorded by: Brad Paisley

“Move”
Writers: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
Recorded by: Luke Bryan

Pictured (L-R): NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison with John A. Hardaway and Lee Thomas Miller

Warner/Chappell Nashville Extends Partnership With THiS Music

Warner/Chappell Nashville has extended its worldwide co-publishing partnership with Nashville-based music publishing company, THiS Music. Under the agreement, Warner/Chappell will continue to publish and administer THiS Music’s repertoire. THiS Music was formed in 2006 by owners Rusty Gaston, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington, and was launched in partnership with Warner/Chappell Music.

“Rusty Gaston is a force of nature,” said Ben Vaughn, President, Warner/Chappell Nashville. “His relentless drive and passion for growing songwriters’ careers is legendary on Music Row and beyond. The company that he, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington built together just celebrated its 11th year of success – an incredible achievement – and everyone at Warner/Chappell is thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship and looking forward to making more great music together.”

Rusty Gaston, Owner, THiS Music, added, “We’re thankful to have Warner/Chappell as a partner who understands, believes, and empowers the philosophy of THiS Music. They have expertly helped fuel our success for more than a decade, and we’re very happy to keep growing together.”

THiS Music’s roster includes Deric Ruttan, who co-wrote Jason Aldean’s current rising single “Any Ol’ Bar Stool”; Emily Weisband, who recently won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Thy Will”; and two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter Of The Year, Ben Hayslip, who co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s No. 1 hit “Star of the Show,” as well as Nichols, Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Marv Green, JT Harding, Molly Reed, Chris Yarber, and country artist Drew Baldridge.

Parallel Music Publishing Nashville Signs Michael Lotten

Seated, L-R: Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing; Michael Lotten; Travis Myatt, Parallel Music Publishing. Standing, L-R: Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy.

Parallel Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter Michael Lotten. He joins a roster that includes Alex Hall, Blake Chaffin, Lance Carpenter, Jesse Lee, Jennifer Schott and Michael White.

Born in Indiana and raised in Missouri, Lotten moved to Nashville in 2007. He has toured as a guitarist and background vocalist, which led him to signing two consecutive development deals as a pop artist. Lotten has focused solely on writing for the past two years.

“I knew when Travis played me some of Michael’s music that he had something special.” says Tim Hunze, “Lotten is a triple threat as a writer, guitar player and producer. He’s a perfect match for our roster here at Parallel.”

“I’ve been a huge fan of the team at Parallel.” Says Lotten, “it’s such a blessing to now call it home!”

Founded in 2011 by J.P. Williams and Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing has had five No. 1 singles, including Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In The Morning” and the Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two.”

NMPA Honors Maren Morris’ “My Church”

NMPA’s David Israelite with Maren Morris

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) recently honored Maren Morris in Washington D.C. with a Platinum songwriting plaque for penning her debut single, “My Church.” The National Music Publishers’ Association Gold & Platinum Program honors the songwriters of RIAA-certified singles.

NMPA CEO David Israelite spoke with Morris during her sold-out show at the 930 Club, following her recent Grammy performance and win for Best Country Solo Performance for “My Church.”

NMPA’s David Israelite with Maren Morris

Greg Bates, Skip Black, Victoria Goodvin Join Liv Write Play

(Back Row, L-R): Ilya Toshinskiy, Partner, Producer, Musician at Liv Write Play, LLC; Dennis Kurtz, VP and Partner at Liv Write Play, LLC; Olivia Lane, Aaron Scherz, Victoria Goodvin, Creative Director at Liv Write Play, LLC; Angelica Franzino, Office Manager at Liv Write
Play, LLC. (Front Row, L-R): Greg Bates, Skip Black. Photo: Courtesy of Liv Write Play, LLC

Songwriters Greg Bates and Skip Black have signed with Liv Write Play Publishing.

Bates, who was a solo artist on Republic Nashville, has cuts under his belt by Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, and William Michael Morgan. The Nashville native had a Top 5 hit with “Did It for the Girl.” 

“I’m so excited to be joining such an amazing team of staff and writers at Liv Write Play,” Bates shares. “I look forward to future successes at this new creative home.”

“Greg is a very in-demand writer in Nashville. We know how fortunate we are to have him,” says Ilya ToshinskiyLiv Write Play, LLC Partner. “With his kind of talent and versatility, he’ll be able to fit into so many different writing situations. His potential is unlimited.” 

Black moved to Music City in 2007 from North Carolina and started a publishing deal with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Kye Fleming the same year. He has had cuts with Gary Allan, Edens Edge, LOCASH, Craig Morgan, Eric Paslay, and Drake White, among others.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the excellent team that Liv Write Play has assembled,” Black adds. “Their great work ethic and commitment to their writing staff has me excited about what the future holds. I’m thankful we partnered for my next chapter!”

In addition, Live Write Play has hired Victoria Goodvin as Creative Director. Goodvin was previously creative manager at Row Entertainment and Song Factory. Originally from Princeton, North Carolina, Goodvin graduated with a B.A. degree in Entertainment Industry Studies from Belmont University in 2013.

Parallel Entertainment Nashville Adds Creative Director

Travis Myatt

Parallel Entertainment Nashville has expanded its team with the hiring of Travis Myatt as Creative Director. Myatt will work alongside Marc Rucker and Tim Hunze to expand Parallel’s roster of writers and artists. Myatt previously served as Catalog Manager at Sony/ATV.

“To quote Seth Godin, ‘…what we must have are indispensable human beings. We need original thinkers, provocateurs, and people who care… Every organization needs a linchpin…’ – and that’s exactly who I intend to be. I believe being positioned alongside Tim and Marc will give me the opportunity to do just that. I look forward to working with Parallel’s fantastic roster of writers and artists,” Myatt says.

“Travis is the perfect fit for the team we are building here at Parallel. He is a natural leader with an unparalleled passion for songs, writers and the business of music,” Rucker says.

“We are really excited to have Travis join the team,” Hunze adds. “His passion and drive are out of this world.”

Jessie Jo Dillon Signs With Big Machine Music

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – BMM’s Senior Director Publishing Alex Heddle; Front Row – BMM’s Assistant Publishing Jillian Whitefield, Jessie Jo Dillon, BMM’s VP/GM Publishing Mike Molinar Photo courtesy of Big Machine Music

Big Machine Music has signed Jessie Jo Dillon to an exclusive co-publishing agreement. Dillon earned a Grammy nomination in 2011 in the Best Song Category for her first-ever cut, George Strait’s “The Breath You Take,” a song she co-wrote with Casey Beathard and her father, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Dean Dillon.

Dillon co-wrote “Girl Next Door,” “Daughter” and “You Can Come Over” with Brandy Clark for her latest album as well as “Rich” with Maren Morris for her CD Hero. George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, Luke Bryan, Jennifer Nettles and more, have also all recorded Jessie Jo’s songs, and she joins a roster that includes Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz and Josh Thompson, among others.

“While Jessie Jo has felt like family to our team for a long time, we are honored that she chose us to represent her and her songs,” said BMM’s VP/GM Publishing Mike Molinar. “She is a special songwriter who has a magical ability to craft a song that resonates with everyone.”

“I am over the moon to be joining the Big Machine Music tribe alongside some of my favorite songwriters and publishers,” said Dillon. “Mike and the Big Machine Music team have always been big believers in me and my writing so this really feels like coming home.”

ASCAP Announces Songwriters Selected for 2017 GPS Project

Pictured, Front row (L-R): ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, GPS Project songwriters Madeleine, Emma Place, Rob Carona and Tommy Kratzert, and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Back row (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, GPS Project songwriters Ian Christian, Martin McDaniel, Lainey Wilson and Katie Cole, and ASCAP’s Robert Filhart. Not pictured: GPS Project songwriters Anna Vaus, Madeleine Slate, Robyn Collins and Blake Griffith, and ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe. [Click photo to enlarge]

The ASCAP Nashville creative team has announced the songwriters selected for the 6th annual ASCAP GPS Project. The GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) program showcases songwriters the creative team has identified as ready or very close to being ready for a publishing deal. Over the course of the year, the writers will be paired with publishers who will listen and critique their songs, and then participate in a follow-up meeting to help develop the writer and solidify the relationship. By the end of the year, the writer will have met with at least five publishers. In 2016, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe and Robert Filhart added a GPS Project writers retreat and a songwriters round to the program, which will continue in 2017.

The ASCAP GPS Project class of 2017 includes songwriters Rob Carona, Ian Christian, Katie Cole, Robyn Collins, Blake Griffith, Tommy Kratzert, Madeleine, Martin McDaniel, Emma Place, Madeleine Slate, Anna Vaus and Lainey Wilson.

The publishers participating in the 2017 ASCAP GPS Project include Writers Den, Disney Music Publishing, BMG, Big Machine, This Music, Wrensong, Black River, Big Yellow Dog, Sea Gayle, King Pen Music, Razor and Tie and Sony ATV.

Lance Carpenter Joins BMI

Pictured (L-R): Mandolin Entertainment’s Mandi Dixon, Parallel Entertainment’s Tim Hunze and BMI’s Bradley Collins. Seated: BMI songwriter Lance Carpenter.

Newly-signed BMI songwriter Lance Carpenter stopped by the company’s Nashville office to celebrate on Feb. 9. Carpenter has several cuts, including the Kelsea Ballerini chart-topper “Love Me Like You Mean It.”

The singer-songwriter is signed to Parallel Entertainment for publishing and Mandolin Entertainment for artist management.

Still Working Music, Big Deal Music Sign Dylan Altman

Pictured (L-R): Dale Bobo (Big Deal), Chuck Fleckenstein (Still Working), Sara Beal (Still Working), Alex Orbison (Still Working), Dylan Altman, Pete Robinson (Big Deal), Chelsea Kent (Still Working), Tommy Lee James (Still Working), Greg Gallo (Big Deal). [Click photo to enlarge.]

Still Working Music and Big Deal Music have signed hit songwriter Dylan Altman. Dylan has had top charting songs with Jake Owen (“Barefoot Blue Jean Night”), Jason Aldean (“Take A Little Ride”), and Tim McGraw (“Watch The Wind Blow By”). He has also had cuts with artists such as Chase Bryant, Eli Young Band, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, and others.

“I’ve long viewed Dylan Altman as ‘one of ours’ even when he wasn’t, just because he so often was penning great songs with our other Still Working writers. It is an honor to now add Dylan and his immense writing skill to our Still Working roster – doing so with the superb team over at Big Deal is the cherry on the top. Welcome Dylan Altman!” says Alex Orbison, President of Still Working Music.

“All of us at Big Deal are huge fans of both Dylan and the folks at Still Working. We look forward to a long, fun and successful partnership,” says Pete Robinson, SR VP/GM Big Deal Music Nashville.

Still Working Music was founded in 1990 by Barbara Orbison and is now run by her sons, Alex Orbison (President) and Roy Orbison, Jr. (Co-President). Its catalog includes hits by Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, and Lost Frequencies. Still Working Music’s extensive catalog also contains cuts by One Direction, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Easton Corbin, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, and Joe Walsh.

Current Still Working Music writers are Tommy Lee James, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall, Ryan Lafferty, Chase Bryant, Derrick Southerland, Matt Nolen, and Alana Springsteen.

Big Deal Music has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville.