Discover Sooner Announces Publisher Writer Experience With Lauren Funk, Gilles Godard

Lauren Funk & Gilles Godard

Discover Sooner has announced the Publisher Writer Experience, an interactive mentoring and songwriting program, will feature Lauren Funk, Sr. Creative Director, Endurance Music Group, and Gilles Godard, Sr. Vice President Publishing, Anthem Entertainment.

The three-month program designed for songwriters and artists gives participants the option to choose and work with either Funk or Godard during the duration of the experience. Songwriters work one-on-one for three months under the direction of a publisher who advises some of the most commercially successful writers in the world.

At Endurance, Funk oversees the creative aspects of writers Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell, Scooter Carusoe and Paul Sikes. In addition to guiding Anthem’s growth, Godard has won numerous awards for his own songwriting, including two BMI awards and four SOCAN awards. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded by Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ednita Nazario, Dan Seals, Ricky Skaggs and others.

“As a publisher, I have always had an open-door policy because there are so many undiscovered artists and writers out there,” Godard explains. “You just never know where you will find that next three minutes of magic, that song that can change the world! If you have talent and you are trying to break into this music industry, I want to meet you!”

“Lauren and Gilles know the uncertainty songwriters face and the heavy lifting that needs to be done to pursue a career in music. They represent some of the best publishing companies in Nashville and can transform a songwriter’s career. We are proud to provide songwriters with opportunities like this,” adds Discover Sooner’s Nancy Deckant.

Applications are due by May 22. For more details click here.

BMI To Host Biggest No. 1 Party Ever In Honor Of Luke Combs

BMI will celebrate country music superstar Luke Combs, 11 hit songwriters, and more as it hosts its biggest No. 1 party ever. The special concert will take place on June 8 at the BMI Parking Lot in Nashville.

The event will commemorate Combs’ last eight No. 1 singles as the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year takes the stage with his co-writers for exclusive performances of his latest chart-topping hits. Hailey Whitters will open the show, followed by frequent collaborator Drew Parker.

Songwriters Randy Montana, James McNair and Dan Isbell will celebrate their first No. 1s alongside veteran writers Thomas Archer, Wyatt Durrette, Ray Fulcher, Shane Minor, Tyler Reeve, Jonathan Singleton, and Rob Williford.

Tickets for the evening are on sale now. Proceeds will benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Luke Combs and his devoted fanbase to our parking lot for such an epic celebration,” says Clay Bradley, BMI’s VP, Creative, Nashville. “Being able to celebrate eight consecutive No. 1s all at once is a massive achievement, and we are so thrilled to honor Luke and the incredible songwriters who contributed to this truly remarkable milestone. What an incredible way to welcome everyone back to Music Row!”

Combs first joined BMI in 2013 and has since won 11 BMI Country Awards, performed on the 2017 BMI ACL Festival stage, traveled to the Key West and Maui Songwriter Festivals, and performed at the 2018 BMI Country Awards in honor of Icon Steve Cropper.

‘Don’t Think Jesus’ Co-Writers Advance On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

After the monster debut of Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Don’t Think Jesus,” the song’s co-writers Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman have made strong advances on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart.

McGill makes his way to No. 6 this week, with credit from “Don’t Think Jesus” as well as Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never” and Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love.” Alexander, who is also a co-writer on “Don’t Think Jesus” and “Never Say Never,” moves up to No. 10 this week. Holman makes it to No. 15 with the Wallen tune and “Flower Shops” by Ernest.

Eric Church remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with his solely-written “Heart On Fire.” Because Church is the only writer on “Heart On Fire,” all of the points earned from the song’s airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to him on the Songwriter Chart.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Nashville’s Music Industry Remembers Naomi Judd

Naomi Judd. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late music legend and matriarch of mother-daughter duo The Judds, Naomi Judd, who passed away on Saturday (April 30).

Comprised of mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna, The Judds are one of the most successful duos in country music history. Together they scored 20 Top 10 hits, including 14 No. 1s, between 1984 and 1991. Their most enduring country standards, such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘bout the Good Old Days),” infused folk, bluegrass and blues into a unique country sound.

The Judds were celebrated alongside Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake on Sunday (May 1) as they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for their iconic career full of country hits.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of mother-daughter duo The Judds,” shared Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, on Saturday. “Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history. Her triumphant life story overshadows today’s tragic news. Her family has asked that we continue with The Judds’ official Hall of Fame induction on Sunday. We will do so, with heavy hearts and weighted minds. Naomi and daughter Wynonna’s music will endure.”

“We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of the legendary Naomi Judd and honored to have shared many unforgettable moments and performances together. Our hearts go out to her husband Larry, daughters Wynonna and Ashley, and legions of fans around the world during this difficult time.” – CMT Spokesperson

“Naomi and Wynonna Judd (known as The Judds) have been with our company for 40 years, for their entire career. This is an incredible loss to everyone at our company and the entire music industry, where Naomi made such an incredible impact. Her daughters Wynonna and Ashley will always be an amazing part of her legacy. We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband and our friend Larry Strickland. We will respect the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult and painful time.” – Mike Curb, Chairman, Curb Records

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.” – Crystal Gayle

“We just heard the devastating news that Naomi Judd has gone home. The Judds are being inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow. This is so very sad. We have been friends for decades and have worked hundreds of shows together. Our prayers for WY and Ashley and for all that loved her… which includes the four of us!” – The Oak Ridge Boys

“I have so many memories with Naomi Judd-from our early years on stage around the country, awards shows to recent neighborly encounters at church or around our town of Franklin. I am speechless and so sad! My prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley, and the rest of her family. God bless you and comfort you all.” – Lee Greenwood

“It’s a sad day to hear about Naomi Judd, her creative and clever creation of The Judds image made a huge impact in country music. She will be missed greatly.” – Janie Fricke

“Naomi Judd was a dear friend and awesome talent. She was always so sweet and kind to me. I knew her well and did dozens of shows with The Judds. They have touched millions with their music. Sheila and my hearts are broken. Please pray for the Judd Family, fans, and friends. Rest in peace, sweet sister. I love you!” – T. Graham Brown

 

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“There is no way I can get my mind to adjust to this reality. Naomi brought such a breath of fresh air to our industry with her uptown looks and down-home humor. Her talent was only equaled by her dedication to following her dream and her unbelievable work ethic. She was respected, admired and will be remembered for those attributes. Even as we prepared a place for her in the Hall of Fame, we know that God has prepared a place for her as well.” – Jeannie Seely

“Such a warm and talented lady. Prayers for Wynonna, Ashley and her husband Larry, as well as all of their family, friends and fans as they grieve this tremendous loss.” – John Berry

“Say it isn’t so. Cannot believe my girlfriend and longtime buddy Naomi is gone. We’ve known each other for years and she always treated me with class, grace and pure kindness. I’m going to miss her so much.” – Tanya Tucker

“I am shocked and saddened along with the rest of our country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I’ll never forget meeting her for the first time when she was a contestant on a TV game show I was hosting. I asked her to identify herself for the audience and she said, “My name is Naomi Judd and I am a nurse from Franklin, Tennessee. My daughter and I sing together, and someday we hope to make it in country music.” I was looking so forward to recalling that moment with her on Sunday when she and Wynonna were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.” – Bill Anderson

 

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“Such a tragic loss. Truly one of country music‘s most iconic entertainers has left us all in tears. As I sit here wondering why to myself, I know there are no answers. You look back and you think could I have helped in some way? I know these feelings as they have crept up in my life a time or two. Naomi was always so nice to me and my family. She would go out of her way to have someone summon me to come to her dressing room and we’d be sitting and talking until she or I had to go onstage. She always gave me wonderful advice, so it breaks my heart that maybe I should’ve reached out to her one more time. Our hearts are broken, and this music industry, this business, can do strange and crazy things to people. My thoughts are with her two beautiful daughters, Larry and her grandchildren and all of the fans who were so excited to see her back on the road and back on the stage again. She’s on the best stage she could ever be on now. Rest in peace, Naomi.”– Lorrie Morgan

Weekly Register: Jason Aldean’s ‘Georgia’ Blasts Into The Top Five

Jason Aldean makes the biggest country album debut this week with the release of the second part of his tenth studio album, Georgia. The project debuts at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 8 overall with 26K in total consumption (13K album only/15 million streams), according to Luminate data.

Elsewhere on the albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to dominate at No. 1 with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 51K in total consumption (1.5K album only/6 million streams). Luke Combs takes up third as What You See Is What You Get adds 19K in total consumption, and fourth with This One’s For You earning 18K. Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) claims the fifth spot with 17K in total consumption.

On the songs front, Wallen maintains his spot at the top as his newest release, “Don’t Think Jesus,” adds another 9.3 million streams, contributing to a total of 26 million streams RTD since its April 15 release. Wallen also nabs the third spot as “Wasted On You” gains 7.2 million streams. Zach Bryan debuts at No. 2 with “Something In The Orange,” racking up 8.4 million first-week stream, while Walker Hayes‘ “AA” drops down on to fourth with 6.8 million streams. Combs’ rounds out the top five as “Doin’ This” adds 6.7 million streams, according to Luminate data.

Vince Gill Announces Four-Night Residency At Ryman

Vince Gill will hold a four-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium from Aug. 4-7 with special guest Wendy Moten.

The shows are part of the venue’s 130th anniversary celebration, and will mark Gill’s first solo performance at the Mother Church since his two back-to-back sold-out shows in 2007. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.

“Of all the great concert halls in America and throughout the world, the Ryman is by far my favorite,” says Gill. “I knew it was a unique venue the first time I set foot on the stage over 30 years ago. It was just me and an acoustic guitar and to this day that moment was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

Gill is already a fixture on the Ryman stage with his wife Amy Grant at their annual “Christmas at the Ryman” shows and his many appearances at the Ryman’s annual Bluegrass Nights series.

“To have Vince be a part of our 130th-anniversary year with a four-night Ryman Residency is so incredibly fitting and such an honor,” says Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts for Ryman Auditorium. “He has a deep love for the building and the magic that happens here. We are beyond excited to welcome him back to the Ryman stage for such a historic milestone.”

Cumulus Media Elevates Brian Philips to Chief Content Officer

Brian Phillips

Brian Philips has been promoted to Chief Content Officer at Cumulus Media, reporting to Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Philips, who previously served as Executive Vice President, Content and Audience at the company since 2019, will now be responsible for content across all Cumulus platforms.

Prior to joining Cumulus Media, Philips spent more than 30 years in television, film, and radio. His award-winning radio career included more than 15 years leading radio programming at a number of major market stations, including Cumulus stations WNNX-FM and WWWQ-FM (Atlanta), and KPLX-FM (Dallas-Ft. Worth).

“Brian Philips is an exceptional executive and the perfect choice to lead our programming efforts as we continue to execute our audio-first strategy, which is transforming the company from a traditional radio broadcaster into a multi-dimensional audio media company,” shares Berner. “This promotion reflects Brian’s tremendous contributions, and I have full confidence in his creative vision, operational expertise, and savvy leadership to guide us through this critical evolution.”

Napa Valley’s Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Features Good Music, Food & Wine

Morgan Evans. Photo: MusicRow

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country held its exclusive, sought-after festival this past week in Napa Valley, featuring music, food, and wine.

The three-day event, founded by entrepreneur, music promoter and CEO Bobbii Jacobs, ended on Thursday, April 28, amidst the lush scenery of boutique wineries in Napa, California. Attendees were treated to intimate performances in a beautiful countryside setting while enjoying specially made, locally-driven cuisines and award-winning wines from partner wineries.

Performances held during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2022 included Jessie James Decker, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Joe Nichols at the opening reception at Charles Krug winery, on Tuesday, April 26; Hannah Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, and Lee Brice at the VIP Tailgate at Peju winery, and Kassi Ashton, Tyler Braden, Breland, Charles Esten, Morgan Evans, Caroline Jones, and Chase Rice, at the Mainstage Event at The Uptown Theatre on Wednesday, April 27.

Caitlyn Smith, Restless Road, Erin Kinsey, Jordan Fletcher. Photo: MusicRow

Capping off the multi-day event on April 28 was a brunch at Domaine Chandon winery, which featured Ashley Cooke, Ashland Craft, Griffen Palmer, and Hailey Whitters.

Walker Hayes was beamed into the main stage through Proto – a device that lets people appear as if live, while thousands of miles away. Hayes sang two songs, “Fancy Like” and “AA,” in front of the live audience, where he appeared as a life-size hologram. Proto has been used at major sporting events and on nation-wide television programs, but Hayes’ appearance via Proto at Live In The Vineyard is the first time the technology has been used at a country music event.

Walker Hayes. Photo: MusicRow

During the event, Curb recording artist, Hannah Ellis, took a ride in a hot air balloon ride. A tradition in the region, the hot air balloon soared over Napa Valley providing Ellis a birds-eye view of wine country.

Hannah Ellis. Photo: MusicRow

The event also included private VIP events that took place at wineries throughout Napa Valley featuring performers such as Easton Corbin, Tim Dugger, Ian Flanigan, Jordan Fletcher, Ray Fulcher, Ryan Griffin, Ty Herndon, Rayne Johnson, Erin Kinsey, Brooke Moriber, Nashvillains, O.N.E The Duo, Restless Road, Caitlyn Smith, Matt Stell, Thompson Square, and Cali Tucker.

Tyler Braden: Photo: MusicRow

There’s plenty of reasons it’s known as one of the most exclusive and sought-after events across the country, as it gives attendees intimate access to recording artists, premier Napa Valley wineries, and world-renowned chefs.

Breland. Photo: Live In The Vineyard Goes Country/JetBlack/Alec Savig

The private invitation-only event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups, and more from around the country to celebrate and hear brand new music by today’s top artists as well as emerging artists among the stunning vineyard-filled hillsides, world-class wine, and culinary features that Napa Valley offers.

Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny, Joe Nichols, Jessie James Decker, and Partner in Forefront Networks, President of FF Entertainment, and the Founder of Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, Bobbii Jacobs. Photo: Live In The Vineyard Goes Country/Will Bucquoy

 

Napa Valley. Photo: MusicRow

Sony Music Nashville Realigns Arista, Columbia, & RCA Nashville Promotion Teams

Pictured (L-R): Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine, Mallory Michaels

In an effort to include a broader artist development focus on a local and regional level, Sony Music Nashville has announced a series of promotions and a realignment of the Arista, Columbia, and RCA Nashville promotion teams.

Effective immediately, the promotion teams, led by SMN EVP of Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges, will collaborate more closely with the SMN marketing team in such areas as brand partnerships, community engagement, digital activations, content development and more. Hodges informed the SMN staff in an email obtained by MusicRow on Monday (May 2).

Hodges announced that in order to drive this broadened approach, the Senior Director of Promotion & Artist Development position will now directly support imprint heads on tactical strategies and platform initiatives. Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine and Mallory Michaels will take on this new position for Arista, Columbia and RCA Nashville, respectively.

According to Hodges’ email, “These changes allow our artists the most optimum opportunity to grow their brands by having the field team working in tandem with our marketing team in Nashville. Special thanks to Jen Way, SMN’s SVP of Marketing, and her team as they have eagerly embraced this expanded partnership across the organization.”

The Sony Music Nashville Promotion and Artist Development department now consists of the following three imprint field staff and national support team members:

Arista Nashville – reporting to Chris Schuler, VP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Lyndsay Church, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Ali O’Connell, Director Promotion & Artist Development
Lisa Owen, Director Promotion & Artist Development
Amy Menz, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development

Columbia Nashville – reporting to Shane Allen through May, but effective June 1, Lauren Thomas, VP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Lauren Longbine, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Mark Gray, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Paige Elliott, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Christy Garbinski, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development

RCA Nashville – reporting to Dennis Reese, SVP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Mallory Michaels, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Dan Nelson, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Larry Santiago, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Nicole Walden, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development

SMN National Support – reporting to Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Bo Martinovich, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Paul Grosser, Manager, Promotion & Artist Development
Houston Gaither, Manager, Content, Promotion & Artist Development

Mark Your Calendar—May 2022

Single/Track Releases

May 2
Jessie James Decker/Should Have Known Better/Warner/WMN
CJ Solar/All I Can Think About Lately
Kaleb Austin/Turn the Night On/Salty Mountain Music
Ashley Barron/The Wind/SSM Nashville
Rebel Hearts/Country Rockin’ Tonight/Rebel Hearts Records

May 6
Nate Smith/Whiskey On You/Sony Music Entertainment

May 9
South 62/Love is Forgiveness/Graphite Sound

May 11
Derek Austin/Backroad Less Traveled/Mailbox Money Records

May 16
Casey Donahew/Telling On My Heart/Almost Country Entertainment

May 20
Sarah Darling/Get to Me/Be Darling Records

May 23
Kyndon Oakes/Better/KO Records

May 24
Danny Kensy/My Happy Place

 

Album/EP Releases

May 6
Midland/The Last Resort: Greetings From/Big Machine Records
Flatland Cavalry/Far Out West Sessions
Ryan Griffin/Slow Down Sunrise/Red Street Records
Tim Montana/Reno/Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group

May 15
Lyle Lovett/12th Of June/Verve Records

May 20
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band/Dirt Goes Dylan
Zach Bryan/American Heartbreak/Warner Records
High Valley/Way Back

 

 

Industry Events

May 4 – 8
Key West Songwriters Festival

May 9 – 12
Music Biz Conference

May 17
Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy Block Party