CMHOF Hosts Songwriters Round With Martina McBride, Extends Exhibition

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round on Tuesday (July 12) with Martina McBride and songwriters associated with her career.

The showcase was in support of the current exhibition “Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice,” which shows the singer’s journey from performing in her family’s band as a child to becoming an award-winning country music artist. It was also announced that the exhibit will be extended until July 2023.

During the round, McBride discussed her creative process and shared stories behind her music with songwriters and collaborators Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Leslie Satcher and Brett Warren in the museum’s Ford Theater. The performance will premiere on Oct. 25, as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s social channels.

Husband-and-wife songwriters Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo were co-writers on McBride’s singles “Cry, Cry (’Til the Sun Shines)” and “This One’s for the Girls.” As one half of the Warren Brothers, Brett Warren co-wrote McBride’s “Wrong Baby Wrong,” “Anyway,” and “Teenage Daughters.” Together, Lindsey, Mayo and the Warren Brothers co-wrote “How I Feel” with McBride. Leslie Satcher wrote McBride’s “For These Times” and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues.”

 

Big Loud Publishing Takes Over Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe

Big Loud Publishing took over Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe on Tuesday (July 12) for a writers round showcasing rising young writers Jordan Dozzi (Nelly, Chris Lane, Seaforth, Jordan Davis) and John Byron (Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Lily Rose), and country artists Madison Kozak and Lauren Watkins.

“It was such a treat seeing some of our writers take the stage and showcase their talents together,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Kimberly Gleason. “They are all so creative and talented, and it makes it that much more special that they are also friends. You could really feel the support they have for each other and from the writing community in the room last night. We are so proud!”

 

Milestone Publicity Elevates Taran Smith To Account Manager

Milestone Publicity has promoted Belmont University graduate Taran Smith to Account Manager. Since graduating from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business, Smith joined Milestone in April of 2022 as an Associate Publicist.

“Taran surpassed my expectations from day one of joining the team as an associate publicist,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Mike Gowen. “She dove into the deep end, took initiative and executed. Taran is a core part of our team, and her skill set has grown expeditiously. I have absolutely no doubt she will succeed in this role, and the Milestone team and I are thrilled to see her career further flourish in the Account Manager seat.”

Milestone Publicity collectively has over 25 years of experience executing campaigns. Since the company’s inception, the firm’s roster has included Kiefer Sutherland, Dave Stewart, Gaby Moreno, John Dolmayan of System of a Down, The Dryes, Creature Canyon, Noah Hicks, Theo Kandel, The Americans and Bryan Martin, in addition to music-focused businesses such as Ghostwriter Music Group and Songbird City.

R. Landon Dirickson, managing partner of Dirickson Law, has hired Rachel Mangan, Esq., and Don Clarkin, Esq., as associate attorneys at the Nashville-based entertainment law firm.

“I’m genuinely excited to expand the team here at Dirickson Law,” Dirickson notes. “Rachel and Don are extremely smart, driven, and passionate, and will most certainly add high value for our clients.”

A native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Mangan graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University with a degree in Business Management. She received her J.D. with a concentration in Entertainment and Music Business from Belmont University College of Law. While there, she was on the Dean’s List, acquired best performance awards in Legal Information and Communication Practicum II and Federal Income Taxation, and served as managing editor of the Belmont Law Review. Prior to joining Dirickson, Mangan interned with Taylor, Pique, Marchetti and Blair, PLLC; Gordon Law Group; and the Nashville Predators legal department.

While at Belmont University College of Law, Clarkin served as President of the Entertainment Law Society and earned a certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. Upon graduation, the Laguna Beach, California native built a boutique practice catering to the creative side of the music industry. Prior to law school, Clarkin spent five years working in other business capacities within the music industry.