Sourav Nayak Joins Soundstripe As VP of Finance

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Sourav Nayak

Soundstripe, a provider of unlimited, royalty-free music, stock video, and sound effects for use in videos, podcasts, and other media projects, has brought aboard Sourav Nayak as Vice President of Finance.

In his new role, he will be overseeing the Nashville-based company’s financial strategy, capital raising, product pricing, financial planning and analysis, and treasury, reporting to Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Micah Sannan and Travis Terrell.

Prior to Soundstripe, Nayak was Vice President of Finance at Arcadia, a clean energy start-up focused on providing members access to clean and sustainable energy sources through an underlying single energy bill. During his time at Arcadia, Nayak helped raise over $60 million in capital to help finance the growth of the company. Before joining Arcadia in 2018, Nayak spent six years at WGL Holdings, where he was a Director within the Corporate Development group. During his time there, he led structured finance transactions totaling over $400 million, supporting the development of solar projects. Nayak also previously held positions at Nova Capital Partners, in the Treasury and Proprietary Lending groups at American Express, and as a Senior Consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. Nayak holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business and BS in Engineering from the University of Maryland.

“Growing almost 5,000% in three years and landing in the Inc. 2020 Top 5 fastest-growing private media companies was a huge accomplishment and a wild ride, and at the same time, has really highlighted the need for a strong leader over our financial team who is familiar with handling this kind of exponential growth,” said Co-Founders and Co-CEO, Sannan. “With 20 years of experience in corporate finance and investments, investment banking, financial strategy, and capital raising verticals for high-growth industries, Travis and I knew Sourav was the right person to support Soundstripe as we continue to find new ways to build our creative community.”

“I was impressed with how much Soundstripe had achieved in just four years of operation, from building the music product, expanding that into podcasts and gaming, and then adding stock video late last year,” said Nayak. “Having raised $6 million in Series A funds from Vocap Investment Partners and Craft Ventures in 2019, I look forward to working with Micah and Travis to support Soundstripe’s continued expansion.”

Florida Georgia Line Member Brian Kelley Taps Andy Fickman To Direct Musical ‘May We All’

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Florida Georgia Line. Photo: John Shearer

Florida Georgia Line member Brian Kelley‘s play May We All is being adapted to a movie musical, and the film has now found a director: filmmaker Andy Fickman.

Fickman, who directed the 2006 rom-com She’s the Man and the Kevin James CBS sitcom Kevin Can Wait, joins Kelley’s CuzBro Productions—alongside partners Stephen Snedden and Justin Halliwell— as well as Lively McCabe Entertainment, and BMG. May We All was first announced in October 2019 as a stage production, which has experienced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. The film does not yet have a projected release date.

“My partners and I are really excited to welcome Andy to the May We All fam!” says Kelley. “Not only do we connect on a country music-lovin’ level, but I admire his work as a director and truly believe he’ll bring the heart of our script to life. It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for everyone to finally be able to enjoy May We All – from the stage to the big screen.”

May We All is “a story of disappearing small-town America as seen through the hopeful eyes of its youth,” according to a press release. It follows an aspiring country singer named Jenna Coates, who reluctantly returns home after trying to pursue a career in Nashville. What she ultimately discovers, though, is that her roots may be all that she needed after all.

The musical’s score will feature two original songs co-written by Kelley and his FGL partner Tyler Hubbard, along with renditions of classics from Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, John Denver, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Old Dominion, Jessica Andrews, and LOCASH, among others.

The stage iteration of May We All will be directed by Shelley Butler and will feature a book written by Troy Britton Johnson, Todd Johnson, and Eric Pfeffinger, with arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer.

Fickman—who has also directed musicals, most recently spearheading an successful production of Heathers the Musical—says, “Growing up in Texas, loving country music, and being a massive Florida Georgia Line fan, it is a dream come true to be joining the May We All creative team. The script uses powerful, heartwarming songs from some of country music’s most celebrated artists to examine the complexities of how our hometowns shape and mold our hopes and aspirations. I can’t wait for the world to join us on this uplifting, musical journey.”

Stan Barnett Joins APA Nashville

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Stan Barnett

Veteran agent Stan Barnett has joined APA Nashville. Jim Gosnell, CEO of APA, announced Barnett’s addition Tuesday (Jan. 26).

“Stan’s incredible knowledge, expertise and devotion for all things country music only begins to enumerate the many qualities that make him one of the most successful and valued agents in our industry,” says Gosnell. “I’m very excited about the transformation taking place in Nashville and its evolution into a multi-faceted microcosm of the music business, with substantial opportunities for artists to pursue cross-over platforms. The goal at APA Nashville is to continue our full-service representation of that arena, and having an agent like Stan join our talented team is paramount to that agenda as we usher in a new era with a reinforced commitment to excellence.”

Barnett was previously with Creative Artists Agency, where he signed Lady A, Brandy Clark, Joe Nichols, and bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley during his 21-year tenure. He was also instrumental in launching the agency’s Fair & Festival department.

A longtime member of the Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music, The International Buyers Association and The Nashville Association of Talent Directors, Barnett also serves on the Board of Directors for Stars and Stripes. His achievements have earned him many industry honors, including the NATD Talent Agent of the Year award and two IEBA Talent Agent of the Year awards.

Producer Alex Kline Breaks Ground With Top 15 Hit “Somebody Like That”

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Alex Kline

Alex Kline is making history this week as the first solo female producer to have a Top 15 country radio hit by a female artist, with Tenille Arts‘ “Somebody Like That.”

The single, co-written with Arts for her album, Love, Heartbreak & Everything in Between, has reached 65 million streams, further establishing Kline as a game-changing producer and songwriter helping shape the future of country. The single debuted at No. 2 of the iTunes Country chart and No. 10 on the iTunes all-genre chart, spent three weeks at No. 1 at Radio Disney Country, went No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, and just debuted at No. 97 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. On Spotify, the song peaked at No. 11 on the United States Viral 50 chart as well.

“I like the balance I’ve found between writing, playing, and producing,” said Kline. “There’s a unique synergy in combining multiple creative approaches and how each inspires the other. One of the most exciting things to me right now is finding an artist I love and tapping into what makes them unique and helping to make that shine, whether it be one of my own musical influences like Terri Clark or a new up and coming star like Tenille Arts.”

Kline is an alumna of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied guitar and songwriting. She moved to Nashville in 2008 after graduation to pursue songwriting and in 2010, she met the Arciero sisters and formed The Lunabelles, an all-women country band. Kline played lead guitar, banjo, dobro, and mandolin, and the group released a Top 40 hit single with “A Place to Shine” as a signed act with Sony Music Nashville.

Kline’s production credits include working with Terri Clark, Tara Thompson, Adam Brand, Erin Enderlin, John King, Jordan Rager, Maggie Rose and Jillian Cardarelli, among others. As a writer she’s penned songs for Ronnie Dunn (“Damn Drunk”), Reba McEntire (“The Bar Is Getting Lower”), Mitchell Tenpenny (“I Get the Picture”), Gary Allan (“Slide”), and Meghan Patrick (“Praying Right”), as well songs on albums for Terri Clark (Raising the Bar), Cassadee Pope (Rise and Shine), Jordan Rager (Habits and Hearts), and many more.

Her current projects in development include writing and producing the follow-up to Arts’ Love, Heartbreak & Everything in Between album, and producing Stephanie Quayle’s forthcoming album featuring her latest single, “By Heart.”

Spirit Music Group Strikes Multi-Faceted Deal With Grammy Winner Joy Williams

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Pictured (L-R): Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R Spirit Music Nashville/President 2MixMusic; Clay Hunt, Red Light Management; Joy Williams; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville

Spirit Music Group and Spirit Music Nashville announced they have entered into a multi-faceted agreement with four-time Grammy award-winning artist and songwriter Joy Williams.

The deal includes the acquisition of compositions from her various song catalogs, including her Grammy-winning work as part of the duo The Civil Wars, as well as several masters that she controls. In addition, Spirit will administer Williams’ most recent solo album Front Porch, as well as her compositions going forward.

“Joy Williams and her music are a treasure,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Spirit Music is honored to represent her catalog and is excited to help her continue to create, record and share great music with the world.”

“It’s rare to acquire a catalog that includes both the composition and master recordings of someone like Joy Williams, who is an award-winning songwriter and artist in multiple genres. We are proud to be the stewards of such a unique and beloved catalog as hers,” said Joe Borrino, COO, Spirit Music Group.

“I am thrilled to dive in head-first with the Spirit team. I think my best songs are ahead of me, and I’m looking forward to walking down the path of the craft with this crazy (wonderful) group of supportive souls,” said Williams.

Spirit’s acquisition of Williams’ songwriting catalog for The Civil Wars encompasses the albums Live at Eddie’s Attic (2009), Poison & Wine (2009), 2011 Grammy-winning Best Folk Album Barton Hollow (2011), and The Civil Wars (2013), including Grammy-winning works “Barton Hollow” (Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2011), “Safe & Sound” with Taylor Swift (Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2012), and “From This Valley” (Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2013).

Williams’ solo material covered in the acquisition includes her albums One of Those Days (2009), Songs from This/Songs From That (2009), We Mapped the World (2010), Venus (2015), and Venus (Acoustic) (2016), as well as the song “Stand By You,” which was recorded by Rachel Platten and peaked at No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard Adult Top 40. The company will also administer Williams’ most recent solo album Front Porch, which was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album.

Apple Unveils Time To Walk For Fitness+ With Dolly Parton, Shawn Mendes, More

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Fans can now get fit with Dolly Parton‘s help with Apple’s new Time to Walk audio walking experience on Apple Watch for Fitness+ subscribers. Parton is one of four new celebrity guests who talk you through your walk on the new experience, which was created to encourage users to walk more often and reap the benefits from one of the healthiest activities.

These original Time to Walk episodes invites users to immerse themselves in a walk alongside influential and interesting people as they share meaningful stories, photos, and music. Each audio-only episode ranges from 25-40 minutes, and is shaped by the guest’s personal, life-shaping moments and lessons learned, as they share meaningful memories, thoughts on purpose and gratitude, moments of levity, and other topics recorded while walking outside or in locations that are meaningful to them. The narrative comes to life through photos that appear on Apple Watch, perfectly timed to amplify a corresponding moment the guest shares. Following the stories, each guest speaker introduces a short playlist of songs that motivated and inspired them so the listener can continue their walk to a soundtrack intimately connected to each guest.

“I’ve loved walking ever since I was a little girl in the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “I think it’s so important to be able to get out and walk if we can during this time. I do my best thinking when I walk. And while many of us feel confined during this time, I’m hopeful that people will take a walk down memory lane with me and we can all feel a little more freedom taking the time to walk together.”

Other new episodes include NBA player Draymond Green reflecting on the virtues of failure and tuning out criticism, musician Shawn Mendes sharing on how a slower pace has helped him personally and creatively, and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba talking about lifelong relationships and keeping the faith.

Time To Walk can be used anytime, anywhere with Apple Watch and AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones. New episodes will appear in the Workout app on Apple Watch from a different guest each Monday through the end of April. 

Mark Irwin Inks With Sprockets Music Publishers

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Mark Irwin, Publishing Director for Sprockets Music Publishers, Elizabeth Brahan

Mark Irwin has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sprockets Music Publishers.

Irwin has numerous cuts to his credit including the No. 1 singles “Here In The Real World” (Alan Jackson), “Neon Light” (Blake Shelton), “Highway Don’t Care” (Tim McGraw featuring Keith Urban and Taylor Swift) and “Redneck Crazy” (Tyler Farr). He moved to Nashville from the Northeast, and landed his first cut “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe” with Randy Travis for his Old Time Christmas album. Soon after, he co-penned Jackson’s “Here In The Real World,” which was a two-time CMA Song of the Year nominee and an ACM Song of the Year nominee.

Irwin’s other notable cuts include McGraw’s “Looking For That Girl,” Tim and Faith’s “Sleeping In The Stars,” Chris Janson’s “Power of Positive Drinking,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Bama Breeze,” and “That’s How They Do It In Dixie” by Hank Williams, Jr. Irwin is also prominently featured in the official Bluebird Cafe documentary Bluebird.

“Mark’s track record shows what an amazing talent he is. His longevity also proves that he has his finger on the pulse of a creative and ever-changing business,” said Elizabeth Brahan, Publishing Director for Sprockets Music Publishers. “He is one of the most loved and respected writers in town, not only because of his amazing career, but also because his work ethic is second to none. He has an extraordinary ability to connect with new artists. We’re honored that he wants to make Sprockets Music Publishers his home, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

“I am excited to have a champion like Elizabeth in my corner and a company like Sprockets to help us achieve the success we’re shooting for,” said Irwin. “At this point in my career, being part of this awesome team has re-lit my fire!”

Morgan Wallen And Co-Writers Swarm Top Ten On ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart

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Two weeks from the release of his sophomore album Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen jumps to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Six of the top ten on the Songwriter Chart contributed to Wallen’s hit album. Josh Osborne, at No. 2, co-wrote “7 Summers” and “Sand In My Boots,” in addition to Darius Rucker’s “Beers And Sunshine,” Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,”, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s “Happy Anywhere,” Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You,” Old Dominion’s “Never Be Sorry,” and Carly Pearce’s “Next Girl.”

Ernest Keith Smith takes the No. 3 spot, as a co-writer on Wallen’s “Wasted On You,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Somebody’s Problem,” “Warning,” “Dangerous,” “Wonderin’ Bout The Wind, “Me On Whiskey,” “Blame It On Me,” and “Somethin’ Country,” as well as Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.”

Other co-writers from Dangerous in MusicRow‘s Top 10 include Ashley Gorley (No. 4), Michael Hardy (No. 6), and Ryan Vojtesak (No. 7).

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.

NSAI Elects Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon, Sharon Vaughn as Board Members

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder; (L-R, bottom row): Jessie Jo Dillon, Sharon Vaughn

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has elected songwriters Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon and Sharon Vaughn as new members of its Board of Directors, the association announced Monday (Jan. 25).

The hitmakers join a roster of highly acclaimed board members, including Sarah Buxton, Nicolle Galyon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Laura Veltz and Troy Verges, who were re-elected to two-year terms. Several others were re-appointed to one-year terms: Roger Brown and Lee Thomas Miller as “Legislative Co-Chairs,” Rhett Akins and Caitlyn Smith in the “Artist Writer” board positions, and Brett James in the “Industry Liaison” position.

Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Chris DeStefano, J.T. Harding, Byron Hill, Josh Kear, Jon Nite, Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton, Jenn Schott and Jimmy Yeary are also on the board. Their terms expire in 2022.

“NSAI is continuing its tradition of electing a board of professional songwriters representing American music creators across generation, genre, and gender,” says Bogard, NSAI Board President. “Their input will be invaluable in our continuing progress in advocating for and achieving fairness for American songwriters.”

Archer, Crowder and Dillon have all recently scored No. 1 hits: Travis Denning’s “After a Few,” Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country,” and Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber’s “10,000 Hours,” respectively. Vaughn was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.

Board members are elected through voting by the NSAI Professional Songwriter Membership and appointments by the NSAI Board of Directors. The NSAI Board elections happen in two phases, and the board terms begin each year at the May meeting.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues Chart Reign

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Big Loud/Republic Records’ Morgan Wallen has all five of the top country streaming tracks again this week. “Wasted On You” sits on top, with 13 million streams this week, and 30 million RTD.

Top 5 Streaming Songs:
“Wasted On You” 13 million / 30 million RTD
“Somebody’s Problem” 11 million / 75 million RTD
“7 Summers” 11 million / 178 million RTD
“Sand In My Boots” 10 million / 22 million RTD
“More Than My Hometown” 9 million / 235 million RTD

Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds at No. 1 country and all-genre in week 2 of release. The project garnered 159K in total consumption (22K album only/167 million song streams) this week.

Luke Combs comes in second and third on the country albums chart, with What You See Is What You Get earning 32K in total consumption, and This One’s For You earning 17K.

Wallen appears again at No. 4 with If I Know Me, and Chris Stapleton rounds out the top five with Starting Over.