Kristen Johns, Nathan Osher, Andrew Mitchell
The Mechanical Licensing Collective has added three new members to its leadership team. Kristen Johns has joined the organization as Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Osher has been named Assistant General Counsel—Publisher Relations, and Andrew Mitchell has joined the team as Head of Analytics and Automation. All three joined the MLC earlier this month and will be based in Nashville.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kristen, Nathan and Andrew to The MLC’s growing team,” said Kris Ahrend, The MLC’s CEO. “Each of them possesses many years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, which will enable them to begin contributing immediately to the important work we are doing. All three are fully committed to serving our members and fulfilling our important mission to ensure that our members are paid properly.”
Johns will lead the organization’s strategic legal affairs, manage the statutory blanket licensing process for digital service providers, and oversee compliance with statutory obligations. An experienced intellectual property and technology lawyer, she comes to The MLC from Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP in Nashville, where she was a partner. During her tenure at Waller, she advised clients on a variety of IP-related issues, including data security, privacy laws, and emerging technologies. She also helped found and lead Tokenize Tennessee, a Nashville-based organization dedicated to the development of blockchain-based businesses in Tennessee. Prior to joining Waller, Johns served as General Counsel for a technology start-up and in-house Counsel for a healthcare IT company. She holds a J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law and a B.S. in Engineering Science from Vanderbilt University.
Osher will serve as The MLC’s primary in-house expert on publishing and copyright issues, and will also oversee the management and resolution of claims and litigation-related matters. An entertainment attorney and executive for more than 20 years, Osher has extensive experience in music publishing, and he has counseled clients on a variety of matters related to intellectual property rights, contracts, licensing and litigation. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs for Warner Chappell Music, Inc., and was previously the General Counsel and Vice President of Business Affairs at Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Osher holds a J.D. from the University of West Los Angeles and earned a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.
In his new position Mitchell will lead The MLC’s analytics and automation activities, oversee the design and implementation of business intelligence reporting for The MLC’s internal teams, and develop strategies and tools for analyzing the usage reporting data from DSPs. He will also manage The MLC’s manual sound recording and musical works matching processes. Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience in operations, analytics, business intelligence, automation, process improvement, lean six sigma and global business transformation. He comes to The MLC from Warner Music Group, where he was the Vice President of Analytics & Process Automation, and previously spent a decade working in financial planning and analysis for Ingram Content Group. Mitchell graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B.S. in Business and holds an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Sean McConnell’s Upcoming Album Welcomes Natalie Hemby, Dan Tyminski
/by Sarah SkatesSean McConnell
Renowned artist and songwriter Sean McConnell has announced the Aug. 6 release of his new album A Horrible Beautiful Dream via Soundly Music. Recorded during the pandemic, the album reflects the chaotic time in which it was made, while still striving for a sense of timelessness.
For the album, McConnell tapped an array of talented contributors including The Wood Brothers, Fancy Hagood, Natalie Hemby, Audra Mae and Dan Tyminski.
“Time seems to breed creativity, especially when there’s very little else going on,” McConnell says of the slowdown brought about by the events of 2020. “This period has forced everybody, internally and externally, globally and socially, to take a good look at our lives and examine it. Everything from our marriages to our workout routines, social injustice to planet politics and religion, spirituality and our internal environment… everything has come to the surface. It’s been the tipping point of so many things right now, so obviously that bleeds over into art and music.”
The prolific songwriter also produced records for four other artists out of his studio while recording his own A Horrible Beautiful Dream.
Among the artists who have recorded McConnell’s songs are Little Big Town (Grammy-nominated “The Daughters”), Brett Young (“Mercy”), Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Christina Aguilera, Michael Franti, and newcomer Ashley Ray (who he also produced).
A Horrible Beautiful Dream Track Listing:
1. I Still Believe In You
2. Price of Love
3. The 13th Apostle (feat. The Wood Brothers)
4. Nothing Anymore
5. The Wonder Years
6. What The Hell Is Wrong With Me (feat. Fancy Hagood)
7. Waiting To Be Moved (feat. Natalie Hemby)
8. I Built You Up
9. Used To Think I Knew
10. Leave The Light On
11. Getting Somewhere
12. As The Curtain Came Down (feat. Audra Mae & Dan Tyminski)
13. Remember You’re Here
Blake Shelton Announces New Album ‘Body Language’
/by Sarah SkatesBlake Shelton is planning the release of his first full-length album since 2017, with Body Language due out May 21 via longtime label home Warner Music Nashville. Among the project’s 12 tracks are the No. 1 duet “Happy Anywhere” (featuring fiancée Gwen Stefani) and current hit “Minimum Wage.”
“We’ve been working on this album on and off for two years now, and I’m very proud of what we have put together,” said Shelton. “We certainly had some unique challenges with the pandemic, but we also had a lot of fun. We explored new sounds while making sure to get in some classic country. I’m also thrilled to have my buddies The Swon Brothers featured on the title track as both co-writers and vocalists. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”
Over the course of his career Shelton has released 11 acclaimed albums, the last four of which have debuted at No. 1 on the country charts. Since 2002, these records have spawned an almost unparalleled 28 chart-topping singles. The superstar has notched more than five billion on-demand streams, and 11 million career album sales in the U.S.
Shelton’s successful career dates back to his No. 1 debut single, “Austin.” April 16, 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of the day he released the song and he’s commemorating the occasion with a limited edition 7″ vinyl on his website featuring “Austin” on the A-side and “Problems At Home” on the B-side, just like the original single.
Body Language Track Listing
1. Minimum Wage (Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Corey Crowder)
2. Body Language (feat. The Swon Brothers) (Colton Swon, Zach Swon, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver)
3. Happy Anywhere (feat. Gwen Stefani) (Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins)
4. Now I Don’t (Jessi Alexander, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Hardy)
5. Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You (Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson)
6. Corn (Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson)
7. Makin’ It Up As You Go (Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
8. Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow (Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Casey Beathard)
9. The Girl Can’t Help It (Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Mark Holman)
10. The Flow (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
11. Neon Time (Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Ben West)
12. Bible Verses (Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky)
Hootie & The Blowfish Plan ‘Group Therapy Tour’ Live Stream Event
/by Lorie HollabaughHootie & the Blowfish, pictured (L-R): Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld. Photo: Todd and Chris Owyoung
Hootie & the Blowfish are offering fans a new live stream of the tour-closing performance from their 2019 Group Therapy Tour, broadcast exclusively via Sessions Live on Friday, April 23 at 8 p.m. CT.
In never-before-aired footage, the group will perform some of their greatest hits, including “Hold My Hand,” “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time,” and “Let Her Cry” from their sold-out homecoming stop in Columbia, South Carolina—the band’s first return in almost 20 years to playing the city where it all began for them in 1986 at the University of South Carolina.
Early-bird GA tickets priced at $15 are on sale now at SessionsLive.com/Hootie/
“We loved every minute of being back on stage together—especially in Columbia,” said lead singer Darius Rucker. “We all miss live music right now, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this show to our fans who can now experience the energy of that night from home.”
“We’re thrilled that Hootie & the Blowfish have chosen to make Sessions the home for this very special performance,” said Sessions co-Founder Tim Westergren. “Live streaming continues to integrate ever more closely with physical performances as globally popular artists discover the value of an infinite virtual stage.”
In addition to the sold-out Group Therapy Tour, the band also released new album Imperfect Circle in late 2019 under a new record deal with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville.
The band’s 1994 debut Cracked Rear View is among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time.
Brett Young Continues Chart Streak With Seventh Consecutive No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Riker Brothers
Brett Young has racked up his seventh back-to-back chart-topper with his latest single “Lady,” which claims the No. 1 spot at country radio this week, summiting both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay Charts.
The feat makes Young one of only four artists in the modern era to have their first seven singles go No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase. He has performed the hit on TODAY, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and multiple all-genre livestreams over the past year and has accumulated more than 179 million global streams of the track so far.
“There aren’t many words to describe how this one feels… I’m still wrapping my head around seven in a row, then for it to be on a song like ‘Lady,’ is so incredibly special,” Young said. “I’m forever grateful to the fans, radio and all of our partners for embracing it like they have, making it a soundtrack to their lives and sharing their own stories back with me. Thank you all and can’t wait to share what’s next!”
Young’s Gold-certified Ticket To L.A. debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart upon release. His sophomore effort follows his Platinum self-titled debut, which dominated the Top 20 on the country albums chart for 37 weeks and contributed to over 5 billion streams globally.
Frasure, Crowder, Osborne Take Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellJesse Frasure remains at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credit on Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song,” Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain,” Jordan Davis’ “Almost Maybes,” and Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage.”
Corey Crowder moves up one to the No. 2 spot, with Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Long Live,” Chris Young and Kane Brown’s “Famous Friends,” and Chase Rice featuring FGL’s “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” Josh Osborne is at No. 3 with Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots,” Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You,” and Carly Pearce’s “Next Girl.”
Tyler Hubbard (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5) round out the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart top five.
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.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective Expands Leadership Team By Three
/by Lorie HollabaughKristen Johns, Nathan Osher, Andrew Mitchell
The Mechanical Licensing Collective has added three new members to its leadership team. Kristen Johns has joined the organization as Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Osher has been named Assistant General Counsel—Publisher Relations, and Andrew Mitchell has joined the team as Head of Analytics and Automation. All three joined the MLC earlier this month and will be based in Nashville.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kristen, Nathan and Andrew to The MLC’s growing team,” said Kris Ahrend, The MLC’s CEO. “Each of them possesses many years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, which will enable them to begin contributing immediately to the important work we are doing. All three are fully committed to serving our members and fulfilling our important mission to ensure that our members are paid properly.”
Johns will lead the organization’s strategic legal affairs, manage the statutory blanket licensing process for digital service providers, and oversee compliance with statutory obligations. An experienced intellectual property and technology
Osher will serve as The MLC’s primary in-house expert on publishing and copyright issues, and will also oversee the management and resolution of claims and litigation-related
In his new position Mitchell will lead The MLC’s analytics and automation activities, oversee the design and implementation of business intelligence reporting for The MLC’s internal teams, and develop strategies and tools for analyzing the usage reporting data from DSPs. He will also manage The MLC’s manual sound recording and musical works matching processes. Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience in operations, analytics, business intelligence, automation, process improvement, lean six sigma and global business transformation. He comes to The MLC from Warner Music Group, where he was the Vice President of Analytics & Process Automation, and previously spent a decade working in financial planning and analysis for Ingram Content Group. Mitchell graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B.S. in Business and holds an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Lady A’s Hillary Scott To Host Newest Season Of Country Faith
/by Lydia FarthingLady A’s Hillary Scott will be taking over as the newest host of Country Faith on Apple Music Country. This biweekly two-hour radio show will feature songs, special guests, and personal stories that inspire Scott both musically and spiritually.
“I was so excited to be asked to host Country Faith Radio this season. I’m looking forward to having some of my dear friends on to catch up on life and what’s most important to us,” says Scott. “I also can’t wait to share songs that have truly impacted me, have helped get me through difficult times and really just help remind us how connected we all are.”
Country Faith is available to stream for free every other Sunday at 10 a.m. CST, or anytime on-demand on Apple Music Country.
Chris Tomlin And Max Lucado To Host Good Friday Worldwide Broadcast
/by Steven BoeroChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein.
Grammy-winner Chris Tomlin and author Max Lucado will host Good Friday Worldwide on Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m. CT.
Good Friday Worldwide with Tomlin and Lucado, will air on TBN and will simulcast with radio partners K-LOVE, Air1, and over 30 additional radio stations across the country. The television broadcast alone will be seen and heard in over 32 countries.
For the second straight year, the show will feature a message from Lucado and worship led by Tomlin along with Pat Barrett and We The Kingdom.
“This is a moment aligned by God to touch millions of lives,” says Tomlin. “One of the effects of this season and quarantine has been that the face of worship has changed. We aren’t going to a physical church every Sunday. We aren’t gathering in person with our community each week. We have been challenged to find new ways to not only engage ourselves and our families, but also our community in worship. What I know is that the heart of worship hasn’t changed, and I am so grateful for Max Lucado, K-LOVE, the other partnering radio stations, TBN and all the people involved for being willing to come together to help deliver a message of hope and remind us the meaning and power of worship. This is a unique moment in time and there is an opportunity for this to be one of the most impactful Easter weekends we will ever experience in our lifetime.”
“Seldom have we needed a Good Friday as we do this year,” says Lucado. “We’ve been tested, challenged and stretched. We need a refreshing return to the One who surrendered all on our behalf. Please join Chris, friends and me as we gather at the foot of the cross.”
In the spirit of Good Friday, Nashville, and its history of surprise guests, the program will also feature an unannounced award-winning musical guest.
Troy Cartwright Announces Live EP ‘Memory Machine Sessions’
/by Lydia FarthingTroy Cartwright. Photo: Yve Assad
Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright has announced his upcoming live EP, Memory Machine Sessions. Cartwright also released the first track, “Hung Up On You (Memory Machine Sessions),” as well as an accompanying video showcasing the performance.
The upcoming EP will be available across digital platforms on May 21 and will include six live tracks, including two brand new songs.
Cartwright has released six other tracks since signing with Warner Music Nashville in 2018, including “Hammer,” “Love Like We Used To,” “My First Beer,” “Cake For Breakfast,” “Round and Round,” and “Hung Up On You.”
So far, Cartwright has racked up over 30 million global career streams.
Roger Springer, Hailey Steele Sign With Lady Luck Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lady Luck Songs’ founder and songwriter Kim Penz, Bobby McLamb (Mixtape Music Group), Davis Corley, Ashley Mascroft (Mixtape Music Group), Nicole Wyatt, and Hailey Steele
Roger Springer and Hailey Steele have signed exclusive publishing agreements with Lady Luck Songs.
Springer has co-written singles including Mark Chesnutt’s “I Might Even Quit Lovin’ You,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Let It Rain,” and “Thank God for Believers;” Sammy Kershaw’s “Matches;” Love and Theft’s “Dancing in Circles;” Randy Travis’ “T.I.M.E.;” and George Strait’s “I Ain’t Never Seen No One Like You,” among many others. He received an ASCAP Country Award as the co-writer of “Let It Rain” in 1998.
Steele began performing at an early age, sharing stages with country legends including Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn. She moved to Nashville at 19. Steele’s co-writing credits include Raelynn’s “Boyfriend,” Gwen Sebastian’s “Small Town Soul,” and Kalie Shorr’s “Fight Like a Girl,” among others. The singer-songwriter just released a new single, “American Spirit,” co-written with Caitlyn Smith.
Springer and Steele join the company’s songwriter roster which includes Davis Corley, Maks Gabriel, and company founder, Kim Penz.
In other company news, Nicole Wyatt has been retained as an independent song plugger for Lady Luck Songs, and the company will provide administration and song-pitching services for Mixtape Music Group. After collaborating for the past two years, Lady Luck Songs and Mixtape Music Group have formalized a partnership. Lady Luck is now handling all pitching and administration services for Mixtape’s songwriter roster, which includes Bobby McLamb, Darrel Rae, Landon Magee, Chloe Lawson, and John Pate.
“We are thrilled to welcome Roger and Hailey, both big and inspiring talents, and look forward to facilitating their continued successful creative journeys,” says Penz, Lady Luck Songs Founder. “And Nicole’s experience and passion for songs will be a big asset for our fast-growing company.”