Industry Ink: ACM, Discover Sooner, Jordan James, More

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ACM’s “From Guitar Strum to Income” Event Talks Royalties

Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery (ACM Awards & Membership Manager), Kris Ahrend (The MLC CEO); Lauren Watkins; Caroline Watkins; Jasper Charles; Ellen Truly (The MLC CMO); and Tommy Moore (ACM Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations and Board Administration & Governance). Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music recently welcomed members to its “From Guitar Strum to Income” event. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) CEO Kris Ahrend presented about how mechanical royalties from streaming and download services work and the resources available to songwriters. The MLC is a non-profit designated by the U.S. Copyright Office as a result of the Music Modernization Act of 2018 and works to ensure fair compensation for songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

Nashville songwriters Jasper Charles, Caroline Watkins, and Lauren Watkins followed the presentation with a performance.

 

 

Discover Sooner Announces Publisher Writer Experience with Lee Krabel

Discover Sooner, a company helping songwriters and artists expand their professional network, announced another edition of the Publisher Writer Experience. Lee Krabel, VP of Publishing at SMACKSongs, is the featured guest for this three-month interactive mentoring program.

The Publisher Writer Experience is designed to accelerate songwriter-publisher relationships. Over the three months, songwriters will meet one-on-one with Krabel who advises some of the industry’s top writers including Walker Hayes, Josh Osborne, Emily Falvey, and Josh Jenkins.

“There are all kinds of different ways that I meet writers,” says Krabel. “For the most part, it’s a pretty organic thing. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the Discover Sooner writers.”

“We are very excited to be working with Lee!” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “He is a huge supporter of songwriters and truly wants to help them succeed.”

 

Jordan James Donates $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity Build

Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (2023 Habitat Music Row Build Ambassador and Eclipse Publishing GM), Sherry Stinson (SVP, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville) and Jordan James

Jordan James, an Eclipse Music artist, made a $10,000 donation to the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build fund.

“It was an honor to partner with Habitat on my Christmas on My Mind release,” says James. “Thank you to everyone who contributed. It was really special meeting this year’s recipient, LaShawnda. I’m thankful to play a small part in supporting the incredible work Habitat does in Nashville.”

The 2023 build, set for May 13, is in support of LaShawnda, a single mother of four children ranging in ages from six to 16.

 

Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Raise $47,000 for Music Education in Williamson County

Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Nancy McEachern & Rick McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Sr. Director, Cultural Influence & Gibson Gives), Dendy Jarrett (Executive Director, Gibson Gives), and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine arts, Williamson County)

Many artists who performed during FirstBank Amphitheater’s 2022 concert season participated in the Gibson Gives program by signing a classic Gibson electric or acoustic guitar to be auctioned off to a local cause.

This second annual guitar auction raised over $33,000—adding to the $17,000 from the first year—to give Williamson County a $47,000 donation. Proceeds are earmarked for use by Williamson County Public Schools for music education initiatives.

“We experienced overwhelming participation from performers throughout the season” says Rick McEachern, Owner FirstBank Amphitheater, “It’s very impactful program—15 guitars were autographed and auctioned creating a one-of-a-kind collectible for super fans and helping the next generation of aspiring musicians.”

“We are happy to see Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater program grow and see the impact it is having on local music education in schools,” says Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “This program demonstrates Gibson’s commitment to the Nashville area and helping kids reach for their dreams.”

 

 

Deluge Music Signs Noah Garner

Pictured (L-R): David Robkin (Managing Member, Deluge Music), Noah Garner, Stephanie Greene (President, Deluge Music). Not Pictured: Mark Friedman (Senior Advisor, Deluge Music)

Deluge Music announced the signing of artist/writer Noah Garner to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Garner, originally from Dade City, Florida, has been performing and writing in Nashville since he was 18. Garner joins Danny Myrick, Alexandra Corn, Sam Grow, and more on Deluge’s roster.

 

CMS Nashville Promotes Matthew Forster To President

Pictured: Matt Forster

CMS Nashville promoted Matthew Forster from SVP to President and Partner. This sports and entertainment marketing company partners corporate brands with many of music and sports personalities. Their work includes sponsorships and endorsements with festivals, movies, television shows, and more.

Forster has been the architect behind major deals at CMS during his 9 years with the company. He has worked with Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, and others throughout his tenure. As president, he will continue to expand CMS’s presence in the industry and be involved in researching new technologies for audience and artist engagement. Forster will also lead the expansion of the Nashville personnel team and offices.

Christopher King, CMS’s chairman and CEO states, “Matthew has time and time again proven his ability to build lasting and authentic relationships between CMS clients and artists, events and label partners. His attention to detail and ability to build win-win relationships has helped shape CMS into an invaluable resource for artists, management, labels, events, and team owners. I look forward to watching CMS continue to grow under his leadership.”

“It’s rare to find a company that provides the infrastructure, support, flexibility, and opportunities to succeed,” says Forster, “but that is exactly what CMS has done for me and our team. I’m beyond thankful for all they have provided these past 9 years. It’s a great honor to be given this position, and I am humbled by their faith in me to lead this team and continue to grow the business.”

‘Dierks Bentley & Friends’ Coming To The Grand Ole Opry Stage To Celebrate ‘Gravel & Gold’

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Pictured: Dierks Bentley. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate Opry member Dierks Bentley and his new album, Gravel & Gold, on Friday night’s show.

Bentley’s 10th studio album is out now, and the Opry will bring portions of it to life on Friday, March 3 with a one-hour set. The show dubbed “Dierks Bentley & Friends” will feature performances by Bentley, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde and more guests. This night will mark Bentley’s historic 90th performance on The Grand Ole Opry stage.

“Dierks Bentley & Friends” will air on March 18 as a Saturday night Opry Live show on Circle Network and Circle All Access social media platforms. Additionally, the Opry show can be heard online at opry.com and wsmonline.com, as well as on air on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and WSM Radio.

Bentley’s Gravel & Gold details perspective and self-awareness from personal to professional levels. Across 14-tracks, this project pulls from the multiple strains of country music Bentley has mastered and cultivated. Gravel & Gold is a story of persistence and devotion to making authentic and lasting music over his 20-year career.

Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw Set To Headline Coastal Country Jam

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Southern California’s Coastal Country Jam will return Sept. 16-17 to Long Beach, California with headliners Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw.

The lineup for the two-day event featuring multiple stages, a massive line dancing area, locally-curated craft food and beverages, art, and more also includes Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Hubbard, Scotty McCreery, Flo Rida, Kidd G, MacKenzie Porter, and many more performing from the festival’s new location at Long Beach’s Marina Green Park.

“We are thrilled that Coastal Country Jam is making its triumphant return to Southern California, bigger and better than ever. Our new location is the perfect backdrop to welcome country music fans from all over for an incredible line up and ultimate beachside country music festival,” shares Steve Thacher, President of Activated Events and Country Coastal Jam Founder.

Tickets are available Friday, March 3, following an exclusive pre-sale March 2 through Coastal Country Jam’s email list. To sign-up for pre-sale access for special pricing, reserved seating, and hotel packages, visit Coastalcountryjam.com.

Brantley Gilbert Slates Deluxe Edition Of ‘So Help Me God’ For April

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Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alexa Campbell

Brantley Gilbert is releasing an expanded version of his album So Help Me God, featuring five new tracks, on April 21 via The Valory Music Co.

So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) includes Gilbert’s current chart-climbing single “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill, along with new song “Behind The Times,” (co-written with Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana and Taylor Phillips) that expands on the current single and details how parts of rural life can feel as though they’re disappearing in this fast-paced world.

Another added track is “Wrote The Book Around Here,” which broadens the view of Gilbert’s hometown in the previously released “Miles Of Memories,” recounting some of his antics as a young man and how some things in this world, or in a small town, never change.

“We’ve always been a little outside of the box when it comes to writing and recording,” shares Gilbert. “It’s not necessarily something we’ve done on purpose, but it tends to happen because we always try to serve the song as it takes shape rather than shaping the song to serve us. If a song is asking for a harder edge, let’s do that. If it feels a little more introspective, let’s lean into that. This album intersects across a lot of different genres, and we’re proud to say that it’s something that happened naturally.”

Along with the deluxe album drop, Gilbert is celebrating new RIAA certifications. “Bottoms Up” is now a six-time Platinum tune, while “One Hell Of An Amen,” “The Weekend,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” “Kick It In The Sticks” and “Country Must Be Country Wide,” have reached double Platinum status, and “What Happens In A Small Town” featuring Lindsay Ell has been Platinum-certified.

So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips
2. “Rolex On A Redneck” featuring Jason Aldean | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips
3. “Miles of Memories” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Josh Phillips
4. “She’s The One” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips
5. “The Worst Country Song Of All Time” featuring Toby Keith and HARDY | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
6. “Son Of The Dirty South” featuring Jelly Roll | Brantley Gilbert, Andrew Baylis, Jason Bradley DeFord
7. “How To Talk To Girls” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Wayne Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
8. “Little Piece of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Greylan James, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor
9. “Gone But Not Forgotten” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jason Blaine, Jay Brunswick
10. “So Help Me God” | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
11. “Wrote The Book Around Here” | Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Phelps, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
12. “Tailgates Of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Derek George, Josh Phillips
13. “Bury Me Upside Down” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
14. “All Over The Map” | Brantley Gilbert, Randy Montana, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
15. “Behind The Times” | Brantley Gilbert, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips

Carly Pearce To Perform & Avery Anna To Sing National Anthem At CRS Honors

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This year’s CRS Honors on March 13 will feature a performance by Carly Pearce, Avery Anna singing the national anthem and a surprise guest artist, who will be on hand to reveal the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees.

Anna will kick off the event, performing her rendition of the national anthem. CRS Board President Kurt Johnson will officially gavel CRS 2023 to order and introduce the Rusty Walker and Lisa McKay Scholars to CRS attendees. Pearce will take the stage to perform, and the surprise guest artist will join Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chairs Joel Rabb and Tim Roberts to reveal the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees. This year’s honorees will be recognized for their contributions at an induction ceremony later this year.

CRS Honors is open to registered attendees of CRS 2023, and will take place following the Digital Music Summit and Warner Music Nashville luncheon.

Sony Music Nashville Signs Ella Langley

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Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Jason McColl, Lexi Stringer, Ken Robold and Randy Goodman, Ella Langley, Sawgod’s Mya Hansen and Danny Kang, Workhorse Artists’ Bradley Jordan, Megan Hinde and Jim Prisco. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Country singer-songwriter Ella Langley has signed with Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville.

An Alabama native, Langley has shared the stage with Jamey Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Koe Wetzel, Cody Johnson, Elle King, Randy Houser and more. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut last week.

Langley is working on new music to build off the success she’s having with her latest track, “Country Boy’s Dream Girl.”

In an Instagram post announcing her record deal, Langley shared, “If you would’ve told that 13 year old girl, learning guitar in her bedroom, that the dreams she’s dreaming are coming true, I think it would’ve knocked her out of her chair. Grateful and excited for this next step in the journey.”

Justin Moore Embraces Outsider Status On New Album & Single, ‘Stray Dog’

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Photo Credit: Cody Villalobos

Justin Moore will release his sixth studio album, Stray Dog, on May 5 via The Valory Music Co. The project’s title track is out today (Feb. 24).

The project is filled with stories of desire and commitment, heartbreak and regret, joy and celebration. Moore and the band captured the majority of Stray Dog live over the course of just a few days. Opener “Everybody Get Along” sets the stage, with a playful spirit of camaraderie between Moore and guest Riley Green, who spin a friendly rivalry into a declaration of unity in the face of tension and division.

“That Wasn’t Jack” turns a down-home southern saying into a vulnerable revelation, while the “Better Slow” meditates on pumping the brakes in a world obsessed with instant gratification. The blissful “Country On It” revels in the laidback joys of country living. Moore gets romantic with his latest No. 1 single, “With a Woman You Love,” taps into a sensual side on the simmering “You, Me, And Whiskey” with rising star Priscillia Block, and gets into party mode on the lighthearted “Get Rich Or Drunk Trying.”

“A long time ago I decided I wasn’t going to play games or pursue things that didn’t make me happy,” Moore reflects. “Perhaps that’s made me a bit of an outsider in this industry, but it’s also what allows me to go to bed each night feeling good about what I’m doing.”

Writers contributing to the project include David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover, Chase McGill, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, and more.

Stray Dog Track List:
1.“Everybody Get Along” (with Riley Green) Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover
2.“That Wasn’t Jack” Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Chris Stevens, Jeremy Stover
3.“With A Woman You Love” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover
4.“Better Slow” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
5.“Stray Dogs” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
6.“Country On It” Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover
7.“You, Me, And Whiskey” (with Priscilla Block) Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill, Cole Taylor
8.“Get Rich Or Drunk Trying” Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover

Brad Paisley Releases First Song From Forthcoming Album

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jeff Lipsky

Brad Paisley has released “Same Here,” the first new song off of his first album with UMG Nashville, Son Of The Mountains, set to debut later this year. Written by Paisley, Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith, the track features a special appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Son of the Mountains is a collection of songs that I’ve been writing and working on for a while now,” shares Paisley. “The music encompasses a lot of big themes and perspectives from a kid that came from a small town in West Virginia after having seen a bit of the world. The record doesn’t shy away from reflection, real life and situations that are going on and what I think country music is- which is truth.”

The release of “Same Here,” produced by Luke Wooten, marks the first anniversary since the war in Ukraine began. Proceeds from the song will go to UNITED24 for their Rebuild Ukraine program launch by President Zelenskyy to collect charitable donations to rebuild and restore homes damaged by the current war. The reconstruction plan is the largest rebuilding project in Ukraine since the second World War.

“‘Same Here’ with President Zelenskyy is one of the pieces of this album that represents so much a part of my journey from West Virginia to now,” says Paisley. “One of the prevailing themes on this album is freedom. That’s something I truly believe in, and think is our most precious gift as Americans. The song is grounded in observing life in the United States, then to people from other countries who speak different languages and to one across the ocean that’s at war. We start to realize how similar we all are.”

Paisley’s relationship with President Zelenskyy grew from his participation in the ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call’ charity telethon in 2022 which aired in America. Last month, Paisley was named an ambassador for UNITED24.

Kip Moore’s Fifth Studio Album ‘Damn Love’ Out April 28

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Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Kip Moore announced his fifth studio album, Damn Love, will release April 28. Moore explores the internal tug-of-war of love with his emotionally raw sound over the 13 tracks co-produced with Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three).

As a first look into the forthcoming project, the title track, “Damn Love,” is out today (Feb. 24).

“I’ve always had a nomadic spirit, at the core of me that’s what I am, and it’s a beautiful life I lead—I don’t take that for granted,” Moore says. “But I still crave that companionship down deep in my DNA, and that’s where ‘Damn Love’ comes from. There’s a reason love and relationships have been written about so much—and why they continue to get written about. Because at the core of us, that’s what we desire the most.”

Moore has been entertaining audiences around the world with sold-out headlining shows in Australia, South Africa, and Europe. He is slated to play during this year’s Bonnaroo festival coming up in June.

Damn Love Track List:
1. Damn Love (Jason Gantt, Jaren Johnston, James McNair)
2. Kinda Bar (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
3. Neon Blue (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Jaren Johnston)
4. The Guitar Slinger (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
5. Heart on Fire (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
6. Another Night In Knoxville ( Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
7. Silver and Gold (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Chris DeStefano)
8. Peace & Love (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
9. Sometimes She Stays (Kip Moore, Kenton Bryant)**
10. Some Things (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
11. One Heartbeat – Featuring Ashley McBryde (Kip Moore)
12. Mr. Simple (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
13. Micky’s Bar (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)*

Produced by Kip Moore and Jaren Johnston
*Produced by Kip Moore and Matt Bubel
**Produced by Kip Moore

Lee Willard & Mike Flanders Launch Enteract Entertainment

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Pictured (L–R): Blake Propst, Lee Willard, Mike Flanders and Tyler Woods.

Lee Willard and Mike Flanders have launched Enteract Entertainment, a management, publishing and label services company.

Willard and Flanders will lead Enteract as Co-Presidents, while Blake Propst joins the company as Director of A&R for Enteract’s music and publishing division and Tyler Woods joins Enteract as Director of Digital Marketing & Creative Services. The company’s first client is Craig Wayne Boyd, who recently released “One Line Away,” on Feb. 14.

“I’ve had the idea to build Enteract for several years, and now is the time to launch this new company,” shares Willard. “I’m incredibly proud to partner with Mike Flanders, who’s had a long history of success as a producer and publisher. My vision was to create a company that can operate on multiple levels with a diverse roster of songwriters and artists. When there’s an artist with a project that we like, we’re in a position to move quickly, develop, cultivate and bring it to market. I’ve seen too many companies that move at a snail’s pace, and projects can become irrelevant while waiting for mountains to move. We’ve created a model that is lean, nimble and can react in real time and move quickly, all while maintaining quality and delivering results for our talent.”

Willard has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment business, and is the longtime manager of country legend Bill Anderson and former Blue Collar comedian Reno Collier. Willard has worked as a tour manager, song plugger, publisher, music video producer, television and film producer and an artist manager. He began his career as a DJ and moved to Nashville in 2001 to work for Anderson as his tour manager, eventually becoming his manager. He worked alongside a young Taylor Swift early in her career, making introductions for her in Nashville and in L.A., and has toured with and worked alongside artists such as Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, Drake White and more.

Flanders, an Australian producer, songwriter, and co-founder of Pacific International Music Publishing, will be running day-to-day for Enteract Publishing. In the 1980s and 1990s, Flanders achieved acclaim in Australia as a staff songwriter with Warner Chappell Music, then as a producer for alternative and pop acts. He received ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) recognition for his work with Australian pop artist Chaise, producing a string of albums that spawned a No. 1 hit for her, “Only Be Me.” During that time, he also held a position at Arctic BMG Australia. Flanders moved to America in 2007 to head Pacific International Music. His production credits include Josh Arnold, Nik Phillips, Jill King, Garrison Starr, American Idol semi-finalist Siobhan Magnus and multi-Platinum artist Nikki Webster, among others.

Propst is a Nashville native who was raised around the music business. His grandfather, John Propst, was a legendary piano player who played with Boots Randolph, Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer, and cut records with Tammy Wynette and David Allen Coe. Blake will serve as A&R for both Enteract Entertainment’s music and publishing companies.

Woods, Director of Digital Marketing & Creative Services for Enteract, is from Birmingham, Alabama and moved to Nashville in 2018. He’s worked in digital marketing within the music industry as well as in photography and videography for 17 years. Woods has worked with Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Pitbull and Kings of Leon and more. His portfolio has been published in People magazine and The Wall Street Journal and Red Bull advertising.