Industry Ink: ole, APA, Motown Gospel

ole Celebrates No. 1 Song With “Peter Pan”

ole Chairman and CEO Robert Ott presents plaque and ole No. 1 iPad to artist Kelsea Ballerini, with John Ozier (ole, VP Creative) and Gilles Godard (ole, VP, Corporate Affairs and Development)

Pictured (L-R): Robert Ott, Chairman and CEO, ole; Kelsea Ballerini, John Ozier, VP Creative, ole; Gilles Godard, VP, Corporate Affairs and Development, ole.

Rights management company ole is celebrating a No. 1 hit with Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan,” which was co-produced by ole songwriter/producer Jason Massey and co-written by ole legacy songwriter Jesse Lee.

“Jason Massey and Jesse Lee are some of the best in the industry right now,” said John Ozier, Vice President, Creative at ole. “It’s no wonder that their collaboration with Kelsea Ballerini has resulted in yet another number one song, and ole is very proud to have them as part of our talented team.”

The song was also co-written by Ballerini and Forest Whitehead. In honor of the achievement, ole presented Ballerini with a plaque and an ole No. 1 iPad on Sunday night at the company’s Saloon Jam.

 

APA Signs Sister Hazel

Sister Hazel

Sister Hazel

Talent agency APA has signed alternative rock and country band Sister Hazel, best known for the hits “All for You,” “Your Winter” and “Champagne High.”

“The band has a passionate fan base of ‘Hazelnuts’ and a wonderful reputation with promoters throughout the country. We are thrilled to be working with a group that embodies such a positive message and strong work ethic,” said Travis Wolfe, Agent, Corporate & Special Events, for APA Nashville.

“This is a group that our entire team can get behind. We are all excited to dive into the next chapter of Sister Hazel’s career,” added Heath Baumhor, Agent, for APA Nashville.

APA Nashville will handle Sister Hazel’s domestic and international bookings.

 

Motown Gospel Appoints Senior Management Positions

Pictured (L-R): EJ Gaines, Monica Coates

Pictured (L-R): EJ Gaines, Monica Coates

Motown Gospel has appointed industry executives Monica Coates and EJ Gaines to senior management roles. Coates has been appointed to the role of VP, A&R, while Gaines has been appointed VP, Marketing. They will assume their roles Oct. 3 and will be based at Motown Gospel/CCMG’s Nashville headquarters.

Coates will direct A&R, Creative and Promotion functions, while Gaines will oversee Commercial Partnerships, Publicity and Events, Digital Marketing and Content Creation/Monetization, Sync and Business Affairs. Both Coates and Gaines will also work with CCMG Publishing to discover, sign, and develop songwriters.

Prior to joining Motown Gospel, Coates was General Manager at Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA.

Gaines was previously an entertainment attorney and artist manager, guiding the careers of Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Jonathan McReynolds, and more.

“We are so excited to be naming Monica Coates and EJ Gaines to these important positions within Motown Gospel,” says Ken Pennell, President of Gospel Music at CCMG. “They both bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles, and our artists will benefit greatly from their diverse skill sets, passion for music and belief in how Gospel Music can enrich the lives of its listeners. All of us within Motown Gospel and CCMG wholeheartedly welcome Monica and EJ to our family.”

Motown Gospel is the recording home to artists including Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett, and more.

Ross Copperman Signs To Rezonant Music Publishing

Ross Copperman

Ross Copperman

Ross Copperman has signed to the recently-launched Rezonant Music Group, led by Tim Wipperman, Garry Velletri, and Alan Walter.

“This is a major step for our young company,” Wipperman said. “Ross is one of the most accomplished songwriters and producers in town right now and has been for the past several years. He brings with him a catalog of substantial current hits and is at the forefront of where music is headed. We are extremely proud that he chose Rezonant as his publishing home.”

Copperman co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s current collaboration with Pink, “Setting The World On Fire.” Earlier this year, he was twice honored with a CMA Triple Play Award for having six No. 1 songs in a 12-month period. He has co-written numerous chart-toppers, including Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Break On Me;” Brett Eldredge’s “Beat of the Music” and “Lose My Mind;” Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down” and Justin Moore’s “Point At You.”

As a producer, Copperman was nominated for a 2015 Grammy in the Country Album of the Year category for his work on Dierks Bentley’s Riser album. That same year, Bentley’s single “Drunk On A Plane” was nominated for CMA Single of the Year.

Wipperman and Velletri have more than 30 years in their respective resumes of working for and running publishing companies across all genres of music. Walter, former CFO of Famous Music and Bug Music, handles the financial responsibilities from Los Angeles. Whipperman handles Rezonant’s efforts in Nashville, while Velletri is stationed in New York.

SMACKSongs Signs Kylie Morgan To Kobalt-Administered Pub Deal

(Front Row, L-R): Robin Palmer, SMACKSongs Senior Creative VP; Kylie Morgan. (Back row, L-R): Josh Osborne, Partner, SMACKSongs; Michael McAnally Baum, Business Affairs, SMACKSongs; Lee Krabel, Senior Creative Director, SMACKSongs; Daniel Novick, Savur Threadgold LLP. Photo: Courtesy SMACKSongs

(Front row, L-R): Robin Palmer, SMACKSongs Senior Creative VP; Kylie Morgan. (Back row, L-R): Josh Osborne, Partner, SMACKSongs; Michael McAnally Baum, Business Affairs, SMACKSongs; Lee Krabel, Senior Creative Director, SMACKSongs; Daniel Novick, Savur Threadgold LLP. Photo: Courtesy SMACKSongs

SMACKSongs, led by songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, has signed Kylie Morgan to a worldwide publishing agreement, exclusively administered by Kobalt.

“The first time I walked through the doors of SMACK, I knew I was home. I couldn’t be more thankful to the whole staff for being so loving and welcoming,” said Morgan. “To have someone like Shane McAnally believing in me is honestly an answered prayer. I have no doubt this is where I’m supposed to be and I’m so excited to start building this crazy dream with such amazing people.”

The Newcastle, Oklahoma native has been writing, singing and playing guitar since age 12, drawing national attention for her independently released music and role on E!’s Opening Act. At age 18, Morgan moved to Nashville to pursue her career as a singer/songwriter.

“Kylie is one of the most talented and hardworking young writers I’ve had the privilege to work with,” said Robin Palmer, senior vice president of creative at SMACKSongs. “We couldn’t be more excited to get started!”

“When we first heard Kylie’s music, we knew we had found another tremendous talent,” noted Kobalt Nashville General Manager Jesse Willoughby. “We’re beyond excited to be working with her and continuing our creative relationship with such an amazing company as SMACK.”

Morgan has spent the past three years with Zavitson Music and writing with songwriters Rivers Rutherford, Tony Haselden and Jim Collins.

Kylie Morgan

Kylie Morgan

ole Renews Co-Publishing Deal With Phil O’Donnell

(L-R): Ben Strain, Creative Director, ole; Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole; Songwriter/Producer Phil O’Donnell; John Ozier, VP, Creative, ole; Mike Whelan, Sr. Director, Creative, ole.

(L-R): Ben Strain, Creative Director, ole; Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole; Songwriter/Producer Phil O’Donnell; John Ozier, VP, Creative, ole; Mike Whelan, Sr. Director, Creative, ole.

ole has renewed its worldwide co-publishing deal with country songwriter-producer Phil O’Donnell.

O’Donnell’s Canadian roots have earned him a place in the New Brunswick Hall of Fame, although he is now based in Nashville. His discography contains hits like Blake Shelton’s “Doin’ What She Likes,” George Strait’s “Give It All We Got Tonight,” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Back When I Knew It All.” He’s also had cuts with Craig Morgan, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley, Rodney Atkins, and Parmalee.

For the 2016 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA), O’Donnell is nominated for Songwriter of the Year – alongside fellow ole writer Gord Bamford — for “Heard You In A Song.” O’Donnell produced Bamford’s album, Tin Roof, which has been nominated for Album of the Year. In addition, O’Donnell was recognized as Songwriter of the Year at the 2015 CCMA for “Where A Farm Used to Be,” again co-written with Bamford.

“Phil O’Donnell is a gentleman and a rare talent that we’re proud to have on the ole roster,” says John Ozier, Vice President, Creative of ole. “Re-signing Phil will allow us to keep expanding on his already legendary body of work.”

“No one works harder for their songwriters than ole,” O’Donnell says. “The work ethic and drive of everyone here never lets up. I’m glad to be working with the entire ole creative team, and that together we can continue to build on our success.”

Jacob Powell Signs Publishing Deal With ole

(L-R): Noah McPike, Ben Strain, Creative Director, ole; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; Singer/Songwriter Jacob Powell; John Ozier, VP Creative, ole; Shellien Kinsey, Creative Admin Manager, ole; Mike Whelan, Sr. Creative Director, ole; Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole.

(L-R): Noah McPike, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Ben Strain, Creative Director, ole; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; Singer/Songwriter Jacob Powell; John Ozier, VP Creative, ole; Shellien Kinsey, Creative Admin Manager, ole; Mike Whelan, Sr. Creative Director, ole; Emily Mueller, Creative Manager, ole.

Jacob Powell has signed an exclusive deal with ole, granting the rights management company exclusive publishing rights. The agreement also includes exclusive administration of Powell’s YouTube channel, and the exclusive option to fund future master recordings with the objective to upstream him to a major record label.

As a part of this deal, Powell delivers 45 pre-existing songs that were not assigned to another publisher. Many of the songs were co-written with ole songwriters such as Jeremy Stover, April Geesbreght, Phil O’Donnell and Adam Hambrick.

Powell launched his musical journey in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, a small town south of Nashville, where he grew up listening to the Allman Brothers, George Jones, and George Strait. In 2015, he played over 100 dates and is well on his way to do the same in 2016 – playing with Florida-Georgia Line, Dustin Lynch, The Cadillac Three, David Nail and many more.

As a songwriter, Powell has earned the respect of hit writers such as Casey Beathard, Michael Heeney, Jaren Johnston, and Jeremy Stover, which has helped him secured cuts from artists like Chase Rice, Jordan Rager and Jon Wolfe, as well as cuts he co-wrote for his own record.

“I’m really looking forward to working with and being a part of the ole family,” says Powell, “I feel like I’m in the right place and can’t wait to get new music out and hit the road again. We are going to do great things together!”

“We are incredibly proud to add Jacob Powell to the ole roster,” says John Ozier, Vice President, Creative of ole. “Jacob is a great songwriter and an impactful artist. Together, we are going to accomplish amazing things.”

SMACKSongs Adds Lee Krabel as Senior Creative Director

Lee Krabel

Lee Krabel

SMACKSongs has hired Lee Krabel as Senior Creative Director. The Belmont University graduate joins SMACKSongs after previous stops at Sea Gayle Music as well as HoriPro Entertainment, where he served as Creative Director from 2011 to 2016.

“I’m excited to be a part of the incredible team at SMACK,” Krabel said. “I’m looking forward to working with the amazing songwriters at SMACKSongs.”

SMACKSongs is led by award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Krabel joins the company’s creative staff, which includes Robin Palmer, Robert Carlton and Elle Hussey.

SMACKSongs was named No. 7 Hot Country Music Publisher by Billboard Magazine and 2015 Publisher of the Year by the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP).

“We are so fortunate to have a teammate with Lee’s talents and abilities,” noted Palmer, Senior VP, Creative. “He is a great addition to our creative staff!”

SMACKSongs is a Nashville-based music publishing company that represents SMACK partners/hit songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Green River Ordinance’s Josh Jenkins, Matthew McGinn, Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen and the new music of singer/songwriters JoSMITH and Walker Hayes.

Pictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, SMACKSongs Sr VP/Creative Robin Palmer, SMACKSongs owner/partners Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Photo: Elle Hussey

Pictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, SMACKSongs Sr VP/Creative Robin Palmer, SMACKSongs owner/partners Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Photo: Elle Hussey

Exclusive: Sean McConnell Carries His Songs To Rounder, Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Rounder Records VP A&R Tracy Gershon, Sean McConnell, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Craig Shelburne

Pictured (L-R): Rounder Records VP A&R Tracy Gershon, Sean McConnell, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Craig Shelburne

With 10 independent albums to his credit, Sean McConnell released a self-titled album on Rounder Records in July. Produced by Ian Fitchuck and Jason Lehning, the release marks the first time that he’s partnered with a label. Another first: A debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry will take place Sept. 9.

The Boston native moved to Marietta, Georgia, during his junior high school and eventually to Tennessee to attend MTSU as a music business student. Over the past decade, McConnell has been writing for Warner/Chappell, securing cuts with Brothers Osborne, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and the series Nashville, among many others.

McConnell visited MusicRow to discuss his new project and future career plans.

MusicRow: Why was Rounder the right place for you at this point in your career?

Sean McConnell: This record is more me than anything else I’ve put out there. I made it before Rounder and I wanted to reach as many people as I could with it.

There’s definitely a big difference knowing you have a team of well-equipped, smart, well-connected people around you with the same goal and are genuinely passionate about releasing your music. They’re able to open doors and speak your name to dozens of people you might not necessarily be talking to. A lot of in-the-trenches doesn’t really change much though. You’re still playing your ass off, traveling, gaining followers.

Describe the song selection, writing and production of your Rounder project.

I wrote half the record in a week. I booked a cabin for myself at a Tennessee State Park with the intention of writing. The minute I walked in, any pressure I felt went away. The older I get, my mantra is “Don’t overthink it. Just write what’s in the room because a song will be written if its supposed to be.” It’s all there, I just try to open myself up to that.

All these songs were solo writes. They came out of nowhere, which is a good litmus test for myself. My favorite songs are the ones that happen without thinking. They ended up being really autobiographical, about where I’m from, or being a kid, or my wife and daughter—really personal stories.

We recorded at the Sound Emporium Studio B. I intentionally wanted a small team. I wanted the sound to be sparse, like the songs are. I didn’t want the wall of sound.

Sean McConnell. Photo: Becky Fluke

Sean McConnell. Photo: Becky Fluke

 

Talk signing to Warner/Chappell and the significance that had on your songwriting.

Warner/Chappell came along 10 years ago when I was just out of college. As a 21-year-old, knowing I could make a living doing what I do everyday was exciting. Alicia Pruitt stumbled upon my music. They understood the type of writer I was and let me create out of a space that was honest and organic, not necessarily the five-day-a-week schedule. And that’s not a bad way to write, but it was not my process. But I would write every day if I could.

I had done a handful of co-writes before Warner/Chappell. I wouldn’t even have known what the term was. They introduced me to the weekly calendar and seeing who I worked well with. Over the years, I definitely found a core group of people I hit it off with. And they were really understanding of my desire to write a lot by myself. I enjoy writing with Jason Saenz, Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Ashley Ray, there are so many but those are the ones that come to my head.

Your Grand Ole Opry debut will be September 9. Does the Opry have a different significance for someone with a singer/songwriter background like yourself?

I’m really honored we’re at that point to get to play the Opry. Songwriting is the core of what Nashville and country music is about. I’m from more Americana/singer-songwriter background, but I feel like those genres share the same soul in the storytelling aspect. Even though my music is not outwardly country, I feel like those worlds are cut from the same cloth.

Around 40 percent of your cuts are with Texas country artists Eli Young Band, Randy Rogers or Wade Bowen. What do you make of your popularity with artists from that region?

Wade Bowen is one of my best friends. We met through songwriting and quickly became good friends. Probably six years ago we started writing, and he invited me to open up for him. I had never really heard of the Texas scene and what was going on down there. I was dumbfounded. It’s like another planet! Texas is a huge part of my touring now so that explains running into Randy, the Eli Young Band. At the same time we were touring, we would write. It’s a brotherhood that I’ve been accepted to—guys like Stoney LaRue and William Clark Green.

What are you most excited to recently be involved in and what do you have coming up?

I just produced a gospel record for Wade Bowen, [Then Sings My Soul: Songs for My Mother] that was really fun. I’d love to produce more but it’s really a time thing. Then there’s the Opry and touring. I’ll end up doing around 170 dates this year.

Religion and spiritual references are made throughout your songwriting. What significance does that have on your life?

Those terms are so loaded. Even the term religion means totally different things. I grew up with a deep appreciation of the mystery. [My song] “Praise The Lord” is a pretty good synopsis of my answer to that question and a rejection of black and white, small-box way of thinking. I’ve always been obsessed with faith, God or mystery—that is the word I would use these days. It comes out in my music all the time because that is life to me. Everything is spiritual, there’s no escaping that for me.

 

Marv Green Collects Three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins

Pictured (L-R): XX, Marv Green, and MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson

Pictured (L-R): THiS Music’s Anna Weisband, Marv Green, and MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson

Songwriter Marv Green visited the MusicRow office this week to accept three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.

Three tracks penned by Green topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart in 2014, including Sara Evans’ “Slow Me Down,” Chris Young’s “Who I Am With You,” and Tim McGraw’s “Shotgun Rider.” In May, Green extended his publishing deal with THiS Music and Warner/Chappell.

Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives a coin.

Blake Shelton Celebrates Gold Album, No. 1 Song At ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Deric Ruttan, Blake Shelton, songwriter Craig Wiseman. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Deric Ruttan, Blake Shelton, songwriter Craig Wiseman. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

“It’s good to be in the Blake Shelton business,” said Matt Turner, Creative Director of Big Loud Shirt, as industry members gathered to honor Shelton’s  No. 1 song, “Came Here To Forget.”

ASCAP’s Nashville office hosted the celebration, led by ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Michael Martin, on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 30).

“Came Here To Forget” marks Shelton’s 22nd No. 1 song and 17th consecutive chart-topper. Deric Ruttan and three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honoree Craig Wiseman co-wrote “Came Here to Forget,” the lead single from Shelton’s If I’m Honest album.

The song marks Ruttan’s third No. 1 and Wiseman’s 26th.

Shelton was surprised with more heavy metal when presented with a plaque commemorating the gold certification of his If I’m Honest project.

“I’m always looking for a song I can relate to,” said Shelton told Ruttan and Wiseman of “Came Here To Forget.” “I have to be careful about shit I say because it ends up everywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more perfect song at the perfect time in my life. Thank you guys for nailing it way better than I ever could. I’m like a puppet up here, if it wasn’t for you writers.”

Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito, ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, songwriter Deric Ruttan, Big Loud Shirt's Matt Turner, Round Hill Songs' Penny Gattis, Blake Shelton, THiS Music's Rusty Gaston, songwriter Craig Wiseman, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing's Ben Vaughn, ASCAP's Beth Brinker

Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito, ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, songwriter Deric Ruttan, Big Loud Shirt’s Matt Turner, Round Hill Songs’ Penny Gattis, Blake Shelton, THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston, songwriter Craig Wiseman, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston, Round Hill Music’s Penny Gattis, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, Peter Strickland, and Scott Hendricks, Starstruck Management Group’s Narvel Blackstock and Brandon Blackstock, iHeartRadio’s Rod Phillips (on behalf of the Country Radio Broadcasters), and the Country Music Association’s Brandi Simms were on hand to honor the writers.

“As writers we are blessed to do what we do and I’m particularly blessed to write for a company like THiS Music,” said Ruttan. “THiS Music and Warner/Chappell is such a great home where we can feel creative and it’s a very nurturing environment.”

Gattis also surprised the songwriters by making a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank large enough to feed 2,000 people. Earlier this year, Shelton performed at Wiseman’s 12th annual Stars For Second Harvest charity event, held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. To date, the event has raised more than $1 million to aid Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Additionally, Wiseman and Shelton were congratulated for “Gonna,” which was the fourth single from Shelton’s previous album Bringing Back The Sunshine.

Pictured (L-R): Producer Scott Hendricks, Warner Music Nashville CMO Peter Strickland, Blake Shelton, Starstruck Management Group's Narvel Blackstock, Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito, Starstruck Management Group's Brandon Blackstock. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Producer Scott Hendricks, Warner Music Nashville CMO Peter Strickland, Blake Shelton, Starstruck Management Group’s Narvel Blackstock, Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito, Starstruck Management Group’s Brandon Blackstock. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

“When ‘Gonna’ went No. 1, it was my 16th No. 1 song in a row, and I got a text from Earl Thomas Conley and he said, ‘Man you tied me.’” Shelton recalled. “I tied his personal record for consecutive No. 1s. I didn’t hear from me on this one. He must be pissed off that I flew past him,” Shelton quipped, just before giving thanks to the Warner Bros. promotion staff.

The celebration couldn’t last long, as Shelton and many others in attendance made their way to the Ryman Auditorium to take part in the ACM Honors, where Shelton paid tribute to Glen Campbell as part of an all-star moment featuring Keith Urban, Toby Keith, and Dierks Bentley.

Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton and RaeLynn

Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton and RaeLynn

Texas Governor Objects To DOJ Ruling On Fractionalized Licensing

Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally asked the Department of Justice to reconsider its recent decision regarding consent decrees and fractional licensing.

In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch dated Aug. 29, Gov. Abbott wrote to express his disagreement.

He wrote, in part, “The Texas Music Office is housed within my office and is charged by law with promoting the Texas music industry. As the head of that office, I must object to the DOJ’s position in these cases, which is both legally flawed and threatens to harm the music industry in Texas. I respectfully request that the DOJ reconsider its position.”

In June, the music publishing community responded with disappointment, shock and surprise when the Department of Justice unexpectedly introduced a 100 percent licensing model involving PROs.

The decision on 100 percent licensing means that a song co-written by an ASCAP songwriter and a BMI songwriter would be available to license with approval from just one PRO. It also means that if a songwriter owns only a portion of the song, he or she can license the full song, as long as that songwriter ensures the other credited writers are getting paid. Under the current system, known as fractionalized licensing, each copyright owner in the song takes care of licensing their portion.

Later in his letter, Gov. Abbott wrote, “This drastic change in course will have severe consequences for music artists and the music industry as a whole. Specifically, the DOJ’s conclusion will inhibit collaboration between music artists, upend longstanding practices within the music industry and further reduce royalty payments to music artists.”