Industry Ink: Pam Browne, Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton, Drew Baldridge, APA

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Pam Browne, Mike Panaggia Launch DME Entertainment

Former head of Belmont University’s Mike Curb Music Business Program, Pam Browne, has partnered with DME Delivers/DME Sports President, Mike Panaggio, to launch marketing/management company, DME Entertainment Group. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, the client roster includes Curb Records’ Larry Gordon and indie pop artist, Aprilann.

Browne also serves as Executive Director of the Curb Institute at Bethune-Cookman University. Her career includes time as an entertainment attorney, NFL agent and manager of the multi-platinum group Tag Team (“Whoomp There It Is”).

Panaggio founded DME Delivers, a full-service, direct marketing agency, over 20 years ago. As President of the DME umbrella, he developed DME Sports, a major player in sports marketing and sports training.

Pam Browne

Pam Browne

 

 

Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton Pen Song For Girl Scouts

Warner/Chappell and Girl Scouts of the USA have teamed to release the organization’s first original song, written by WCM/Liz Rose Music songwriters Liz Rose and Emily Shackelton. The song, “Watch Me Shine,” will be spotlighted in Girl Scouts’ new PSA and features Girl Scouts singing backup vocals.

 

 

Drew Baldridge Donates To T.J. Martell Foundation

Cold River Records’ Drew Baldridge recently presented a check for $4,000 to the T.J. Martell Foundation to support medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The monies raised were from the country newcomer’s “Rebound from Cancer” campaign in which he teamed up with Premiere Networks and Super 8 for a month-long fundraiser selling limited edition T-shirts at his shows.

Pictured from L-R: Rick Murray, VP Integrated Marketing/Promotions at Premiere Networks, Cold River’s Drew Baldridge, and Tinti Moffat, Executive Director for The T.J. Martell Foundation; Southern Region.

Pictured (L-R): Rick Murray, VP Integrated Marketing/Promotions at Premiere Networks, Cold River’s Drew Baldridge, and Tinti Moffat, Executive Director for The T.J. Martell Foundation; Southern Region.

 

 

 

APA Happy Hour

APA Nashville hosted the Nashville office of the fastest growing music rights management company, ole, for APA Happy Hour recently. Steve Lassiter, SVP/Head of Concerts and team held the gathering in their penthouse suite of One Nashville Place overlooking Music City.

apa-ole-happy-hour

Young Guns Publishing Signs Brandon Hood

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Back Row: Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt; Cliff Downs, President, Young Guns; Stephanie Cox, Kobalt; Mary Lauren Teague, Loeb and Loeb; Laura Alexander, Kobalt Front Row: Will Hamrick, VP/GM, Young Guns; Brandon Hood, writer, Young Guns; Aubrey Rupe, Creative Director, Young Guns

Back Row: Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt; Cliff Downs, President, Young Guns; Stephanie Cox, Kobalt; Mary Lauren Teague, Loeb and Loeb; Laura Alexander, Kobalt. Front Row: Will Hamrick, VP/GM, Young Guns; Brandon Hood, writer, Young Guns; Aubrey Rupe, Creative Director, Young Guns

Young Guns Publishing has signed writer/producer Brandon Hood to its publishing roster, exclusively administered by Kobalt.

Hood was born and raised in Blairsville, Georgia, coming from a long lineage of musicians. After graduating from Young Harris College in ’05 with a degree in classical guitar, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, graduating in ’07. While performing as a road musician, Hood signed his first publishing/production deal in 2010.

Hood said, “I’m so excited to be starting a new chapter of my career with a company that has proven to be so supportive and encouraging.”

“It is exciting to watch the continued growth of the Young Guns Publishing team. With the addition of Brandon, we look forward to all he will be able to accomplish as an already established songwriter and producer,” said Will Hamrick, VP/GM Young Guns Publishing.

Hood’s songs have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer, LOCASH, and Jerrod Niemann, among others.

In Pictures: BMI Wraps Maui Songwriters Festival

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Pictured (L-R): Back Row: BMI songwriter Paul Doucette, sponsors Danny and Claudia Goodfellow, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI songwriters Shawn Camp, Charlie Worsham, Aubrie Sellers, Marti Frederiksen, Ethan Ballinger and Dallas Wayne and BMI’s Mary Loving. Front Row: BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI songwriter Lukas Nelson, songwriter Lee Ann Womack, BMI songwriters Willie Nelson, Eric Church and Liz Rose. Photo: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): Back Row: BMI songwriter Paul Doucette, sponsors Danny and Claudia Goodfellow, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI songwriters Shawn Camp, Charlie Worsham, Aubrie Sellers, Marti Frederiksen, Ethan Ballinger and Dallas Wayne and BMI’s Mary Loving. Front Row: BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI songwriter Lukas Nelson, songwriter Lee Ann Womack, BMI songwriters Willie Nelson, Eric Church and Liz Rose. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI hosted its second annual BMI Maui Songwriters Festival on Maui from December 1-3.

The three-day, multi-genre festival offered three days of story and song with some of the industry’s top songwriters, including Eric Church, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson, Aubrie Sellers, Liz Rose, Robert Earle Keen, Charlie Worsham and many more.

BMI songwriters Charlie Worsham (L) and Liz Rose (R) pose before their show at the Grand Wailea. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriters Charlie Worsham (L) and Liz Rose (R) pose before their show at the Grand Wailea. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Robert Earl Keen. Photo: Erika Goldring.

Robert Earl Keen. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Eric Church. Photo: Erika Goldring

Eric Church. Photo: Erika Goldring

Creative Nation Signs Duo Muscadine Bloodline

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From (L-R): Luke Laird, Creative Nation; Beth Laird, Creative Nation; Charlie Muncaster; Gary Stanton; Jeff Skaggs, Creative Nation.

From (L-R): Creative Nation’s Luke Laird and Beth Laird, Muscadine Bloodline’s Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton; Jeff Skaggs, Creative Nation.

Independent Nashville music company, Creative Nation has signed new duo Muscadine Bloodline to its roster. The duo is made up of Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster from Mobile, Alabama. The two moved to Nashville in 2015 and officially formed the duo last December.

“Working with Creative Nation just made sense. I’m very lucky I get to surround myself with so many talented folks every day,” says Muncaster.

Stanton says, “When I walked into the Creative Nation office on Music Row, it felt like a home filled with a very talented family. Luke and Beth really cared about what we wanted to do and saw our vision. Nashville isn’t always open to change and thinking outside the box, but Creative Nation defies that mindset and that’s why it felt wrong not to join the team.”

Creative Nation hit songwriter/producer and co-owner, Luke Laird, adds, “I first heard Muscadine Bloodline on Spotify and was immediately captivated by their music. I just knew we had to work together. Their writing style combined with their seasoned live performance makes for a killer combination. I’m truly honored to have them join the team.”

Co-owner & CEO, Beth Laird, says, “Their songs, harmonies and live performance are undeniable and they are great guys with an incredible worth ethic that fit right in with our team.”

Muscadine Bloodline joins Creative Nation’s roster of artists and songwriters, including: Barry Dean, Kassi Ashton, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Maggie Chapman, Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Tyler Johnson.

AIMP Nashville Announces 2017 Board During Holiday Gathering

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Pictured (L-R): Linda Bloss-Baum, SoundExchange; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music; John Ozier, ole; Ree Guyer, Wrensong Music; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Dale Bobo, Big Deal Music.

Pictured (L-R): Linda Bloss-Baum, SoundExchange; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music; John Ozier, ole; Ree Guyer, Wrensong Music; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Dale Bobo, Big Deal Music.

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and SoundExchange hosted a pre-holiday party this week at Old Glory in Nashville’s Edgehill area for members and friends.

During the shindig, AIMP announced its 2017-2018 Nashville Board Members, which include: Michael McAnally Baum (SMACKSongs), Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Arturo Buenahora Jr. (Little Louder Songs), Rusty Gaston (THiS Music), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), Tim Hunze (Parallel Music), Michael Martin (ASCAP), John Ozier (ole), Leslie Roberts (BMI), and Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music).

NMPA Honors Ashley Gorley With Three Certifications

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Luke Bryan performs with songwriters Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Chris DeStefano.

Luke Bryan performs with songwriters Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Chris DeStefano at the No. 1 party celebrating “I See You,” “Play It Again” and other hits.

ashleygorley

Ashley Gorley

The National Music Publishers Association has announced its top Gold and Platinum songwriters for October 2016, and Nashville’s Ashley Gorley was among the honorees.

Gorley (Atlas/Combustion, Warner/Chappell) received both Gold and Platinum certifications for “I See You,” recorded by Luke Bryan; and a Gold certification for “Play It Again,” also recorded by Bryan.

The top songwriter with six certifications is Justin Bieber (UMPG): “Sorry” certified Multi-Platinum; “Cold Water” certified Platinum and Gold; “Let Me Love You” certified Platinum and Gold; and “Company” certified Platinum.

With three certifications each, Gorley tied with these other top songwriters:

Andrew Taggart of Chainsmokers (Sony/ATV): “Roses,” “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Closer” all certified Multi-Platinum.

Darold Durard Brown (Sony/ATV): “Work Remix” certified Platinum and Gold; and “Shabba” certified Gold.

Benjamin Levin, aka Benny Blanco (UMPG): “Cold Water” certified Platinum and Gold; and “Octahate” certified Gold.

Among the top publishers are:

SONY/ATV Music Publishing: 67 certifications
Gold: 28
Platinum: 15
Multi-Platinum: 24

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG): 36 certifications
Gold: 13
Platinum: 15
Multi-Platinum: 8

Warner/Chappell: 24 certifications
Gold: 6
Platinum: 9
Multi-Platinum: 9

Kobalt Music: 18 certifications
Gold: 8
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 4

BMG: 17 certifications
Gold: 8
Platinum: 3
Multi-Platinum: 6

Wixen Music Publishing: 10 Certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 5

SONGS Music Publishing: 8 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 3
Multi-Platinum: 4

Round Hill Music: 3 certifications
Gold: 2
Platinum: 1

Atlas/Combustion Music Publishing: 3 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1
Multi-Platinum: 1

Razor & Tie: 1 certification (Multi-Platinum)

peermusic: 1 certification (Platinum)

Bluewater Music: 1 certification (Platinum)

HoriPro: 1 certification (Platinum)

ole Music Management: 1 certification (Gold)

Words & Music: 1 certification (Gold)

In partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, NMPA finds and certifies the songwriters of RIAA-certified singles. RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500K), Platinum (1M) and Multi-Platinum (2M+) thresholds.

Dan Hodges Music Signs Jason Wilkes

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Pictured (L-R): Hodges DHM Owner/GM, Jason Wilkes, Michelle Attardi, DHM Creative Director

Pictured (L-R): Dan Hodges, DHM Owner/GM; Jason Wilkes; Michelle Attardi, DHM Creative Director

Dan Hodges Music LLC has signed Jason Wilkes to an exclusive songwriting deal. Wilkes, a Georgia native, is a former member of Christian bands Disciple and High Flight Society.

Dan Hodges says, “Jason has made a home within our staff of writers. His talents bring a new dimension to our team.”

DHM launched in 2008, and is a publisher on previous ASCAP Song of the Year “Good Directions,” recent Kelsea Ballerini chart-topper “Dibs,” and current releases on Keith Urban, Reba and Faith Hill.

Industry Ink: Kristian Bush, A2IM, CRS, SNG Music

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Songwriter Session With Kristian Bush

Kristian Bush will appear at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on .

Kristian Bush will appear at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Dec. 3.

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present a Songwriter Session featuring Grammy-winning recording artist Kristian Bush on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11:30 a.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater. A member of acclaimed country duo Sugarland, Bush co-wrote many of their hits, including “Baby Girl,” “Settlin’,” “Something More,” and “Want To.”

In 2014, Bush made his solo debut with Top 20 hit “Trailer Hitch.” In 2017, his songs will anchor the world premiere of Troubadour, a musical, set in 1950s Nashville, debuting at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre Center.

Seating is limited, and passes are required for admittance. Details at countrymusichalloffame.org.

 

CRB Rusty Walker Scholarship Recipients

CRS 2017 Logo

The Country Radio Broadcasters have named Alexandria Hardy (General Manager, Tomlinson-Leis Communications/Palestine, TX), Joseph Pitt (Cumulus Broadcasting-Appleton/Oshkosh/Green Bay), and Matt Ramone (PM Drive DJ, KUBL/Salt Lake City, UT) as recipients of the 2017 Rusty Walker Scholarship. Each individual will receive an all-expense paid trip and attendance to CRS 2017, to be held Feb. 22-24, 2017.

The Rusty Walker Scholarship program is named in honor of Country Radio Hall of Fame member Rusty Walker, who passed away in May 2012 at the age of 59.

 

A2IM Seeks Input For Indie Week

a2imThe American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is asking the industry for topics and suggestions for its panels this year. In order to make sure the organization’s membership gets the most out of Indie Week 2017, they’d like to hear feedback from the industry.

A2IM is a non-profit trade organization representing 387 independent labels and one-third of the music market.

Click here to send in suggestions.

 

SNG Hosts Songwriting Retreat

L-R: Kathleen Mullet, Zarni De Vette, Jimmy Thow, Daniel Ross, Abbey Cone, Chrystal Leigh, Mark Oakley, Marty Dodson, Steve Leslie, Abram Dean

(L-R): Kathleen Mullet, Zarni De Vette, Jimmy Thow, Daniel Ross, Abbey Cone, Chrystal Leigh, Mark Oakley, Marty Dodson, Steve Leslie, Abram Dean

Nine songwriters recently came together for a three-day retreat in Franklin, Tennessee. SNG Music Publishing hosted the retreat to focus on writing songs for their rising artist/songwriter Abbey Cone. Fellow SNG writers Steve Leslie, Gary Reamey, Marty Dodson and Zarni De Vette, were joined by other hit tunesmiths Abram Dean, Chrystal Leigh, Daniel Ross, Jimmy Thow, and Mark Oakley.

Big Loud Mountain, Tree Vibez Music Sign Cameron Montgomery

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Back row (L-R): Joey Russ (Tree Vibez), Brian Kelley, Seth England, Craig Wiseman, Joey Moi, Chief Zaruk, Tyler Hubbard, Matt Turner (Big Loud), Dane Schmidt (Tree Vibez) Front row (L to R): Emily Peacock (AAM), Leslie DiPiero (AAM), Cameron Montgomery, Jordan Kodloka (Big Loud), Hannah Showmaker Wilson (Big Loud)

Back row (L-R): Joey Russ (Tree Vibez), Brian Kelley, Seth England, Craig Wiseman, Joey Moi, Chief Zaruk, Tyler Hubbard, Matt Turner (Big Loud), Dane Schmidt (Tree Vibez)
Front row (L-R): Emily Peacock (AAM), Leslie DiPiero (AAM), Cameron Montgomery, Jordan Kodloka (Big Loud), Hannah Showmaker Wilson (Big Loud)

Big Loud Mountain and Tree Vibez Music, a partnership between Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, songwriter Craig Wiseman and more, have signed songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery.

Montgomery, a Scottsdale, Arizona native, was mentored by producer Dr. Luke (Katy Perry, Rihanna), and was part of studio teams behind the singles “Sugar” (Maroon 5) and “Only” (Nikki Minaj ft. Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown).

He is managed by Advanced Alternative Media (AAM), and co-produced Big Machine Label Group artist Ryan Follese‘s self-titled EP. He also co-wrote Follese’s singles “Float Your Boat” and “Put A Label On It.”

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be working with both Big Loud Mountain and Tree Vibez!” said Montgomery. “It is a dream come true to be joining a team of songwriters and producers that I have looked up to for so long. A big thanks to Seth England, Joey Moi, Craig Wiseman, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley for bringing me on board.”

Big Loud Mountain partner Seth England noted, “Cameron Montgomery is a very special talent and a rare find in this town. I first met Cameron in the Tree Vibez bus in Columbus, Ohio and instantly knew he was someone we had to be involved with immediately. I also couldn’t be more proud to do this deal alongside BK and Tyler and their publishing company Tree Vibez Music.”

 

Round Hill Music Signs Administration Deal With SHEL, Moraine Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Dianna Maher, Moraine Music Group; Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook, SHEL; Matthew Beckett, Attorney; Mark Brown, Round Hill; Brent Maher, Moraine Music Group; Kevin Thompson, Round Hill; Steve Nalbert, Round Hill

Pictured (L-R): Dianna Maher, Moraine Music Group; Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook, SHEL; Matthew Beckett, Attorney; Mark Brown, Round Hill; Brent Maher, Moraine Music Group; Kevin Thompson, Round Hill; Steve Nalbert, Round Hill

Round Hill Music has signed SHEL & Moraine Music Group to a worldwide administration agreement.

The indie/folk band from Fort Collins, Colorado, is comprised of four sisters – Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook, whose names form the acronym SHEL. Their sound is filled with infectious rhythms and hypnotic vocals, which has led to their music being used in numerous TV shows, films, soundtracks and commercials.

“I am so excited to announce our new relationship with SHEL, my longtime friend and colleague Dianna Maher, and the Moraine Music team,” said Round Hill Music Nashville Sr. VP/GM Mark Brown. “Ever since I first heard SHEL, I’ve been in love with their music. I think it’s some of the most original, creative, and inventive music I’ve ever heard.”

Currently, SHEL’s music is airing in the Toys ‘R Us holiday commercial, a TBS Search Party promo and the snowboarding film, The Fourth Phase. They also have a newly released Holiday EP, Winter Fairyland.

“We are thrilled to be working with Mark and the passionate staff at Round Hill Music to further develop SHEL’s career,” said Dianna Maher, President, Moraine Music Group.