Spirit/Fluid Signs Singer-Songwriter Palmer Lee

Front Row (L-R): Frank Rogers (Fluid Music Revolution), Palmer Lee, Daniel Hill (President, Spirit Music Nashville). Back Row (L-R): Brittany Adkins Schaffer (Loeb & Loeb), AJ Burton (VP, Fluid Music Revolution), Eric Hurt (Sr. Director, Creative, Spirit Music Nashville), Brian Bradford (Director, Admin, Spirit Music Nashville), Billy Lynn (VP Creative, Spirit Music Nashville)

Palmer Lee has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution. The Rogers, Arkansas, native graduated from Belmont in May 2015, where she studied commercial voice. Lee began her songwriting career as half of country/folk duo 3rd & Union with Chase Coy. Their 2012 full-length debut was critically acclaimed, and the track “No More” was featured on the television show Degrassi. Palmer has also released an EP and full-length record independently.

“From the moment Palmer and I met and she began playing me her music, I knew there was something special with her, so I wanted Frank to meet her ASAP. That meeting went so well that we offered her a deal on the spot! We are excited for the world to hear her talents,” said Fluid Music Revolution VP AJ Burton.

“I can’t think of a better team to work with than Frank, AJ and everyone at Fluid/Spirit. They have been incredibly supportive of my goals and the songs I’ve written, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I’m really thankful to begin my career learning from the best!” said Palmer Lee.

Colin Elmore Signs Co-Pub Deal With Wrensong, Pat Finch Publishing

(From top): Abbe Nameche, Pat Finch, Ree Guyer and Colin Elmore Photo Courtesy of Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment

Colin Elmore, lead singer of Colin Elmore and the Danville Train, has signed a co-publishing deal with Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment and Pat Finch Music Publishing.

The Willow Springs, Missouri, native has a production deal with Sony Music Nashville and is currently in the studio recording his debut EP with producer Eric Masse (Miranda Lambert, Rayland Baxter and Robert Ellis.)

“When I first heard Colin’s songs and voice, I loved him immediately…seeing him live put me over the top. He is a true artist,” said Ree Guyer, president of Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment.

“Colin is one of the most uniquely gifted writer/artists I’ve ever had the honor of working with,” said Pat Finch. “To get to travel this journey with two dear friends, Ree and Abbe, is just icing on the cake.”

ole Signs Blake Bollinger

Pictured (L-R): Shellien Rogers (ole, Creative Administration Manager), Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director), Mike Whelan (ole, Sr. Creative Director), Songwriter Blake Bollinger, John Ozier (ole, VP Creative), Emily Mueller-Olson (ole, Creative Manager), Scott Safford (Attorney, Safford Motley PLC)

ole has signed an exclusive worldwide co-publishing deal for future music copyrights with country songwriter Blake Bollinger.

“Blake is the ideal songwriter/producer for the team at ole,” said John Ozier, Vice President of Creative at ole. “His talent, his work ethic, and his personality fit right into what we’re trying to accomplish. Together, we are going to achieve amazing things in the years to come.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the ole team,” said Bollinger. “Their creative staff is amazing and they already feel like family. I’m grateful for this awesome opportunity and can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads.”

A Texas native, Bollinger is a multi-genre producer and songwriter who co-wrote the 2016 hit Parmalee country single, “Roots.” Blake has recent cuts with Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Casting Crowns, Danny Gokey, and others. Blake is also currently producing artists Rodney Atkins, Ryan Griffin, and Jessica Mitchell.

Keith Urban, Ross Copperman, Joe Fisher Team With Kobalt For New Publishing Venture

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Mike Milom, Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC; Joe Fisher, Partner, BOOM; Keith Urban, Singer/Songwriter, Partner, BOOM; Ross Copperman, Partner, BOOM.  Pictured (Back row, L-R): Mary Ann McCready, Flood Bumstead McCready McCarthy; Stephanie Cox, VP Creative, Kobalt; Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt GM, Kobalt Nashville; Willard Ahdritz, CEO and founder, Kobalt; Richard Sanders, President, Kobalt; Laura Alexander, Senior Director Creative, Kobalt; Kimberly Holcombe, Senior Manager Client Relations, Kobalt; Brooke Yancey, (formerly Creative Assistant, Kobalt).

Kobalt has signed a deal with BOOM, the collaborative publishing venture launched by country singer-songwriter Keith Urban, writer/producer Ross Copperman and A&R professional Joe Fisher. Kobalt will be administering and funding the company along with providing creative support. BOOM’s current roster includes Jordan Minton, Cali Rodi and Logan Turner.

Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville commented, “We’re beyond excited to announce our partnership with BOOM, to be involved with such an extraordinary group including Keith, Joe and Ross means a tremendous amount to the continued growth of Kobalt Nashville. I speak for everyone on the team with great enthusiasm as we help to grow this new venture.”

“We’re honored to be partnering with our friends at Kobalt,” said Urban, Fisher and Copperman in a joint statement. “They’re leaders in the industry with a dedicated focus on technology that makes them one of the best administrative company’s in the world. Their creative team is extraordinary and we’re looking forward to only great things in the future.”

Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt Music said, “When artists, writers and industry professionals of this caliber come together to form their own venture, and choose to partner with Kobalt, it is truly an honor and it speaks volumes to the trust people have in the company.”

Mike Sebastian Exits Given Music Publishing

given-music-publishingVP/General Manager Mike Sebastian and Given Music Publishing have amicably agreed to part ways as of Jan. 31, 2017. The company was founded in 2014 by Cindy Owen and Jim Kacmarcik.

“I’ve enjoyed starting and growing this company with Cindy and Jim. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. I’m looking forward to pursuing other opportunities,” said Sebastian.

Owen added, “We are grateful to Mike for his contribution in launching this division of our company. We will be cheering him on as he pursues his next chapter.”

Sebastian can be reached at mike.sebastian64@comcast.net or 615-430-2491.

Owen can be reached at cindy@givenentertainment.com or 615-490-3973.

Brett Young Celebrates First No. 1 With Co-writers On “Sleep Without You”

Pictured (L-R): Co-writers Justin Ebach (SESAC), Brett Young (ASCAP), Kelly Archer (BMI). Photo: Terry Wyatt

Pictured (L-R): Co-writers Justin Ebach (SESAC), Brett Young (ASCAP), Kelly Archer (BMI). Photo: Terry Wyatt

As equity would have it, the first No. 1 party of 2017 was hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC and was a first for many of the copyright shareholders on Brett Young’s “Sleep Without You.”

The celebration not only recognized Young’s first No. 1 as an artist on Big Machine Records and as a songwriter with Big Machine Music, but first No. 1’s co-writers Justin Ebach and Kelly Archer. Archer’s co-publishers, Red Creative Group and Downtown Music Publishing Nashville, and Ebach’s publisher, Word Country, all celebrated their first No. 1’s as well.

Remarks were heavily directed at Big Machine Label Group’s Laurel Kittleson, A&R Manager. Young was the first artist Kittleson brought to sign. Credit was also given to ShowbizRo’s Liz Morin and Ronna Reeves for their early work with Young.

Additional remarks and gifts were made at the ceremony from Pinnacle Bank’s Ron Cox, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton and the CRB’s Holly Lane, who noted “Sleep Without You” had notched 99.16 million impressions to date.

(L-R): Back Row – BMLG Records’ Leah Fisher, Angie Coonrod, Lauren Longbine, Liz Gregg Santana, Matthew Hargis, Andrew Thoen. Front Row – BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, Justin Ebach, Brett Young, Kelly Archer, BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Terry Wyatt

(L-R): Back Row – BMLG Records’ Leah Fisher, Angie Coonrod, Lauren Longbine, Liz Gregg Santana, Matthew Hargis, Andrew Thoen. Front Row – BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, Justin Ebach, Brett Young, Kelly Archer, BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Terry Wyatt

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad hosted the event at The Westin Nashville’s L27 rooftop bar, welcoming his company’s Michael Martin to the stage with the support of First Tennessee Bank to present Young’s first No. 1 ASCAP guitar.

“This has happened really quick, it’s insane,” said Martin. “Through his honest lyrics, west coast music and southern style, he’s created this whole thing called ‘Caliville.’”

Mike Molinar of Big Machine Music presented plaques and remarks before BMLG CEO Scott Borchetta and the label group’s Exec. VP and label President Jimmy Harnen.

“As the kids say, [Brett] gives you all the feels. He understands the swoon…and he is sweeping the country music audience off their feet.”

Producer Dann Huff offered praise for the newcomer. “This is an extremely special No. 1 for me. You are one special human being and artist. You have a gift that I know you’ve worked so hard at, but it is so transcendent to hear you sing and it’s an honor to be a part of your music.”

Young concluded, “I thought for my whole life I would play baseball. God decided I wasn’t going to do that, and the only thing I loved that much was music. Making that a career seemed as ridiculous as making baseball a career…I played in [Beverly Hills] every week, and one week I meet this gentleman from Atlanta named Ruddy Polhill. His wife Rhonda emailed me…and said we’re in this position we would like to help you. That literally changed everything. I made a record at Blackbird in Nashville and met a lot of people and realized I needed to move here. It’s not about your money—it’s about you believing in me, so thank you so much.

“Overnight success is a funny thing. Anyone that calls it that can…This is a 14-year success. But in that moment [when Jimmy Harnen offered me a record deal], it felt like the very beginning. So to Laurel for bringing this to Jimmy…For Liz and Ronna for bringing this to Laurel…to Jimmy for believing in it enough…and to Scott for believing in Jimmy enough to let all this happen, thank you guys so much!”

Pictured (L-R): Producer Dann Huff; publisher Big Machine Music's Mike Molinar; co-writers Justin Ebach, Brett Young and Kelly Archer; and ASCAP's Mike Sistad. Photo: Terry Wyatt.

Pictured (L-R): Producer Dann Huff; publisher Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar; co-writers Justin Ebach, Brett Young and Kelly Archer; and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Terry Wyatt.

Shannan Hatch from SESAC presented plaques on behalf of Franklin Synergy Bank and her writer, Ebach.

“Each No. 1 party has something special about it, but this has so many special things about it,” said Hatch. “It’s the first for all the writers, the artist, and the song went No. 1 while Justin and his bride Janine were on their honeymoon in Las Vegas. You absolutely can’t plan to celebrate such monumental moments in life at the same time.”

Janine Appleton, Ebach’s wife and publisher at Word Country, continued the celebration with plaques and lively jest.

“Dale Mathews had the vision to expand Word Publishing into a multi-genre entity, which is why I stand before you,” explained Appleton on behalf of CEO Rod Riley. “We as publishers are only as good as the songs we bring to folks, so thank you Ebach for making my job a little easier.

“Laurel is the reason I found out about Brett. When Kelly Archer pulled Ebach in on this co-write I was like if Laurel believes in [Brett], I’m in,” said Appleton.

“I grew up in an atmosphere where dreaming was okay…so thank you to my parents,” Ebach offered. “I want to thank my two kids. Through all the ups and downs of the industry…my kids give me a reason and purpose to get up every day. Thank you all so much, I’m so grateful!”

Pictured (L-R): Justin Ebach (SESAC), Brett Young (ASCAP), Kelly Archer (BMI). Photo: Terry Wyatt

Pictured (L-R): Justin Ebach (SESAC), Brett Young (ASCAP), Kelly Archer (BMI). Photo: Terry Wyatt

BMI’s David Preston spoke with the support of Pinnacle Bank on behalf of Archer, presenting her first No. 1 Epiphone guitar and silver BMI cups for all.

“Never in my life at BMI have I ever seen our office so excited for any one songwriter to have their first No. 1,” cheered Preston. “All you new writers out there, if you’re looking for an example of somebody to set your sights on and show you the way, Kelly Archer is a great example of the determination and grit it takes to make it in this city.”

Jeremy Stover from Red Creative Group offered plaques and remarks and plaques.

“When Steve Markland and I decided to partner on this Kelly publishing deal, we were both very excited,” remarked Stover. “She’s from Vancouver, B.C. and such a hard worker…Kelly, what you came [to Nashville] to do, you did it!”

Downtown Music Publishing’s Steve Markland then took the stage with plaques.

“Kelly Archer is on fire!” Markland led the audience in cheering. “If you’ve been around our office, about twice a week you hear [that]. It only means Kelly got another cut or her song had a great week on the chart.”

Through her speech, Archer offered thanks for everyone on her journey since her move to Nashville in 2001 and through five publishing deals.

“A lot of things had to go right for this to happen…and I would also have to say, a lot of things had to go wrong to feel the amount of gratitude having everyone here,” she poignantly said. “About two and a half years ago I signed a co-venture publishing deal with Steve Markland and Jeremy Stover…You guys came in at a time I was lacking a lot of confidence. I had been through a few deals and spinning—trying to figure out my purpose in Nashville, living far away from my family…I will always appreciate [their] confidence in my abilities.

“My mom will always be the one who thinks my songs are better than anyone. Everyone needs someone in their life who thinks that.”

Archer raised her glass to the late Andrew Dorff, who had texted a congrats to her before his untimely passing in December.

Archer’s mother concluded the event on stage saying it’s true, she can’t sleep without her husband of 47 years. “I already have a song for when we reach our 50th anniversary. It is going to be “In Case You Didn’t Know.”

“In Case You Didn’t Know” is Young’s follow-up single, and was most added on the first MusicRow CountryBreakout chart of 2017. Young’s self-titled, 12-track album will be available by Big Machine Records Feb. 10.

Mackenzie Johnson Signs With Spirit/Fluid

mackenzie johnsonMackenzie Johnson has signed with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution, for publishing. 

Pennsylvania native Johnson taught herself to play guitar at 15, and began uploading covers and original songs to her YouTube channel. She has since garnered over 425,000 YouTube subscribers and nearly 40 million views.

“I was intrigued by Mackenzie Johnson from the very first note. She is a uniquely talented singer, songwriter and artist. We look forward to helping her expand her already impressive fan base and bring her music to the world. Fluid Music Revolution could not be more excited to welcome Mackenzie Johnson to the family,” said Rogers.

 “I am thrilled to be starting my Nashville journey alongside everyone at Fluid/Spirit. I get to make music with Frank Rogers, one of my favorite people and someone who believes in my work wholeheartedly. I know my songs are in great hands with this entire team. I can’t wait to get to work!” said Johnson.

ole Acquires Red Vinyl Music, Adds Chris Janson, Mark Irwin, Pavel Dovgalyuk

Pictured (Nack row, L-R): Shellien Kinsey, ole, Creative Coordinator; John Ozier, ole, VP Creative; Mike Whelan, ole, Sr. Creative Director; Emily Mueller, ole, Creative Manager; Ben Strain, ole, Creative Director. (Back row, L-R): Songwriter Pavel Dovgalyuk, Singer/Songwriter Chris Janson, Songwriter Mark Irwin

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Shellien Kinsey, ole, Creative Administration Manager; John Ozier, ole, VP Creative; Mike Whelan, ole, Sr. Creative Director; Emily Mueller, ole, Creative Manager; Ben Strain, ole, Creative Director. (Front row, L-R): Songwriter Pavel Dovgalyuk, Singer/Songwriter Chris Janson, Songwriter Mark Irwin

ole has acquired the catalog, trademarks, and songwriter contracts of Nashville-based independent music publisher Red Vinyl Music, LLC. ole will now control Red Vinyl’s catalog of nearly 3,000 songs as well as futures for songwriters Chris Janson, Mark Irwin, and Pavel Dovgalyuk. The catalog includes Tim McGraw’s current single, “How I’ll Always Be,” which was co-written by Janson and ole songwriter Jeremy Stover, and the top 25 Chris Janson song, “Holdin’ Her.”

The catalog also includes the works of Streamsound Records artist/writers Dakota Bradley, Austin Webb, Jaida Dreyer, and Dave & Julia Carlson.

“The Red Vinyl catalog is an absolute gold mine, featuring an incredible body of work across their legacy and current writers. We’re thrilled to represent them, and understand the responsibility of taking care of and adding value to the catalog and those who have helped build it,” said John Ozier, Vice President of Creative at ole. “Furthermore, partnering with Warner Bros. recording artist Chris Janson is a huge honor, as we have all been fans of Chris from the beginning. The future of the ole creative team, working with this catalog and current writers like Chris, Mark and Pavel, is definitely going to be a bright one.”

“I’m so honored to be an official ole writer,” said Janson. “I love my job, and it fires me up to have a great publishing team that works as hard as I do.”

Red Vinyl Music was established in late 2010 when producer Byron Gallimore partnered with Jim Wilkes and Tim McHugh.

Downtown Music Publishing To Administer Big Yellow Dog Catalog

big-yellow-dog-downtownDowntown Music Publishing has signed on to administer the catalog of independent music publishing and artist development company, Big Yellow Dog Music.

Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog represents Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, Maren Morris and more. Among Big Yellow Dog’s hits are Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Lips Are Movin” and “No”; Morris’ “My Church” and “80s Mercedes”; Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” co-written by Kear; and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” both co-written by Kear.

Big Yellow Dog Music also has songs recorded by Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Demi Levato and Rascal Flatts. Their film, television and brand division had over 400 placements in 2016 including uses by JCPenney, How to Get Away with Murder, Shades of Blue, HP, Mad Max: Fury Road, Moana, Peanuts, T-Mobile, and The Edge of Seventeen.

“Kerry O’Neil, Co-Owner, Big Yellow Dog Music, has been a true friend to Downtown for many years and we have always admired the company that Carla Wallace, Co-owner and CEO, and Kerry have built,” said Andrew Sparkler, Downtown’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Operations. “We are thrilled to strengthen our long-standing relationship with them by welcoming Big Yellow Dog Music and their world class catalog to the Downtown family.”

“Today’s business environment is as challenging and fast-paced as any in our 18 years of business,” Big Yellow Dog’s Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace said in a statement. “Being able to align our company with such a serious player in copyright administration is a great opportunity for us and our writers.”

Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is headquartered in New York with offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Rezonant Music Publishing Appoints Rebekah Gordon As VP, Creative

Rebekah Gordon

Rebekah Gordon

Rebekah Gordon joins the staff of Rezonant Music Publishing as Vice President, Creative, according to an announcement from Tim Wipperman, the company’s CEO and founding partner.

In her new role at Rezonant, Gordon will create and explore opportunities for the writers and their works, as well as the catalog of Rezonant Music songs. She will also focus on new writer and artist development.

Gordon has been involved in the Nashville music community for nearly a dozen years, having most recently worked as Director of A&R at Warner Music Nashville. Outside of the Nashville community, she oversaw the A&R direction of Jimmy Fallon’s comedy album Blow Your Pants Off, as well as the soundtrack for the major motion picture, Footloose.

“Rebekah has a reputation in town for getting things done, and that fits perfectly with the Rezonant culture,” Wipperman said. “Our company is entering this new year with tremendous excitement about the team and the talented writers we have signed.”

Gordon can be reached at rebekah@rezonantmusic.com.