Top Row (L-R): Rose Falcon, Kelsey Hart, Joe Leathers; Bottom Row: Houston Phillips, Kyle Schlienger
Curb|Word Music Publishing has signed new worldwide publishing deals with songwriters Kelsey Hart, Rose Falcon, Joe Leathers, Houston Phillips and Kyle Schlienger.
Western Kentucky native Kelsey Hart found his first co-writing success with Jake Owen’s “As Long As You’re In It,” on his Greatest Hits collection. Hart is currently writing and recording for his debut artist project in addition to writing songs for fellow country artists.
Aside from her own artist projects, Rose Falcon has channeled her songwriting talents into meaningful music for others, earning her a No. 1 single with Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night” and notable cuts for Lady A, Faith Hill, Rodney Atkins, Mackenzie Porter, Will Hoge and more.
Joe Leathers returns to his former publishing home on the Curb|Word Music Publishing roster. Leathers has achieved three Top 10 hits with Tim McGraw’s “Still,” Craig Morgan’s “Tough,” and Jason Michael Carroll’s “Where I’m From,” and also has cuts with Lee Brice, Kenny Chesney, Randy Houser, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins and many others.
Former tour manager Houston Phillips landed cuts with Jerrod Niemann and Tyler Farr, which led to his first publishing deal. He has also had songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Heath Sanders, Aaron Lewis, Dillon Carmichael, Trent Tomlinson, and more.
Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Kyle Schlienger co-wrote Brett Young’s first career No. 1 and 5-times RIAA Platinum single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” which led to a musical director position in his touring band. Since coming off the road, he has honed his focus on writing and producing full time.
This past year, Curb|Word Music Publishing also extended its publishing deals with Billy Montana, Bobby Tomberlin, Jennifer Denmark and Wil Nance.
New Series ‘Breaking Bobby Bones’ Coming To Television
/by Sarah SkatesThe television series Breaking Bobby Bones will debut on National Geographic on May 31. In the 16-part unscripted series, multimedia personality Bobby Bones will travel the country to meet people who have extraordinary skills. He will then accept the challenge of living a day in their lives and attempting new feats, such as becoming a stunt performer in Hollywood with one of the few women of color in the industry, or learning to kayak while blindfolded from a blind honorably discharged naval officer.
Bones will host and executive produce the show, seeking to feature people who embody his personal mantra: Fight. Grind. Repeat.
The show premieres May 31 (Memorial Day) at 10/9 CT with two back-to-back episodes, then moves to Sundays at 10/9 CT with two 30-minute episodes premiering each week.
Bones adds this to his many roles, including radio personality, bestselling author, and a full-time mentor on ABC’s American Idol.
Breaking Bobby Bones is produced by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm for National Geographic. Alongside Bones, Betsy Forhan serves as executive producer for National Geographic, and Travis Shakespeare and Jeffrey L. Weaver executive produce for BBC Studios.
ONErpm Upgrades Platform, Drives Success For YouTube Sensation Tiko
/by Sarah SkatesONErpm has grown significantly since it was founded 11 years ago by Emmanuel Zunz. Today the company offers three levels of service: DIY (for new artists), Taking Off (for emerging artists) and Next Level, where breaking artists receive full label support and funding.
In step with the new platform, ONErpm is investing in a global direct-to-fan marketing group that will assist its clients in navigating new opportunities on platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook and YouTube, all of which are generating significant new revenue.
For example, YouTube sensation Tiko has found major success through his partnership with ONErpm. Originally known around the world for his Fortnite gaming videos, his audience has increased more than 750 times since 2020 through new original music released across the ONErpm distribution platform and YouTube network, including his latest song, “Expectations.”
Tiko’s songs have amassed over 205 million streams on combined platforms serviced by ONErpm. He is represented by WME and partnered with mtheory.
YouTube recognized Tiko as the No. 5 Top Creator, No. 2 Breakout Creator in the U.S., and one of the Top 10 Breakout Creators on the planet. This is among a reported 40 million+ active gaming channels on YouTube.
Tiko, Photo Credit: Allyson Ly
Curb|Word Music Publishing Adds Five New Writers To Country Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughTop Row (L-R): Rose Falcon, Kelsey Hart, Joe Leathers; Bottom Row: Houston Phillips, Kyle Schlienger
Curb|Word Music Publishing has signed new worldwide publishing deals with songwriters Kelsey Hart, Rose Falcon, Joe Leathers, Houston Phillips and Kyle Schlienger.
Western Kentucky native Kelsey Hart found his first co-writing success with Jake Owen’s “As Long As You’re In It,” on his Greatest Hits collection. Hart is currently writing and recording for his debut artist project in addition to writing songs for fellow country artists.
Aside from her own artist projects, Rose Falcon has channeled her songwriting talents into meaningful music for others, earning her a No. 1 single with Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night” and notable cuts for Lady A, Faith Hill, Rodney Atkins, Mackenzie Porter, Will Hoge and more.
Joe Leathers returns to his former publishing home on the Curb|Word Music Publishing roster. Leathers has achieved three Top 10 hits with Tim McGraw’s “Still,” Craig Morgan’s “Tough,” and Jason Michael Carroll’s “Where I’m From,” and also has cuts with Lee Brice, Kenny Chesney, Randy Houser, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins and many others.
Former tour manager Houston Phillips landed cuts with Jerrod Niemann and Tyler Farr, which led to his first publishing deal. He has also had songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Heath Sanders, Aaron Lewis, Dillon Carmichael, Trent Tomlinson, and more.
Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Kyle Schlienger co-wrote Brett Young’s first career No. 1 and 5-times RIAA Platinum single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” which led to a musical director position in his touring band. Since coming off the road, he has honed his focus on writing and producing full time.
This past year, Curb|Word Music Publishing also extended its publishing deals with Billy Montana, Bobby Tomberlin, Jennifer Denmark and Wil Nance.
Brandon Ratcliff Signs with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and King Pen Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Kelly King (King Pen), Ratcliff, Harrison Sokoloff (King Pen)
Monument Records artist Brandon Ratcliff has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Kelly King’s King Pen Music.
As an artist, Ratcliff has accumulated 50M streams across platforms thanks to his debut EP, Sometime Always Never, produced by Shane McAnally and Pete Good. Ratcliff co-wrote Teddy Robb’s current chart climber “Heaven on Dirt,” and has cuts by Rascal Flatts (“Quick, Fast, In A Hurry”) and Trea Landon (“Get The Girl”).
Ratcliff first moved to Nashville in 2016 to pursue music full time before landing a deal with Monument Records. He has toured with Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Young, and Keith Urban, and in 2020 was named to Pandora’s Ones to Watch list and topped Rolling Stone’s all-genre Breakthrough Artists chart. Born in Webster Parish, Louisiana, Ratcliff is the son of multi-Grammy Award winner Suzanne Cox (of The Cox Family). The burgeoning singer-songwriter’s unique sound blends his family’s bluegrass and country blood with his love of R&B, funk, and pop.
“Brandon impressed me years ago with his beautiful voice and great instincts as a songwriter,” said King, CEO/Owner, King Pen Music. “He has the unique ability to write for the outside market as well as his own artistry, and he never ceases to make me proud as his publisher. I’m very excited about the amazing opportunities we can create and what the future holds working as a team – Brandon, King Pen, and Warner Chappell – to take Brandon’s career to the next level.”
Dolly Parton and Opry to Auction Custom Guitar to Raise Funds for Opry Trust Fund
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton has joined forces with the Grand Ole Opry to help raise money for the Opry Trust Fund by donating a custom autographed Dolly Parton/Opry 95th Anniversary guitar to be auctioned off.
Proceeds raised will go to the Opry Trust Fund to benefit music industry professionals most affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Parton has been a longtime supporter of The Opry Trust fund, which has distributed more than $2 million since its inception.
Established in 1965, The Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance to music industry professionals during their time of extraordinary need to cover certain expenses, including medical bills, rent or mortgage bills and utility payments. The need is greater than ever as the music industry continues to be one of the most deeply impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Those wanting to get in on the auction can place a bid at opry.com/
The Mulehouse Staffs Up, Eyes Spring Opening
/by Sarah SkatesAward-winning radio personality Blair Garner is sharing details about his entertainment venue, The Mulehouse, ahead of its scheduled spring opening. As previously announced, the 55,000 sq. ft. multi-use entertainment and special events venue is housed in a former church in Columbia, Tenn.
Garner will act as CEO, with other team members including Eric Garner, Chief Operating Officer; Michael Oppenheimer, General Manager; Jon Shyer, Dir. of Concerts & Marketing; Geoffrey Borchgrevink, Production Manager; and Tracy McGlocklin, Private Event Sales Manager.
Additionally, Garner is outsourcing services from several other companies:
Neste Live!, a Live Nation company, has partnered with The Mulehouse as the venue’s exclusive talent buyer, creating opportunities to book top artists and talent from across the globe. Fans will purchase tickets to upcoming shows and events through See Tickets.
Nugs.net will be the official livestreaming partner, giving artists the ability to reach fans on a global level through the use of the venue’s advanced livestreaming technology.
Clair Global will handle live production services and integrated permanent technology solutions. Clair has designed a top-of-the-line streaming, audio and lighting system as part of the venue’s buildout.
615 Leverage + Strategy will oversee The Mulehouse marketing efforts, strategic partnerships and branding. Hulcher PR will handle all public relations efforts on behalf of both The Mulehouse and Blair Garner.
Nashville-based MJM Architects is the architecture firm of record and Steelhead Building Group is the general contractor.
“In the past two years of planning and development of The Mulehouse, we’ve focused on creating a first-of-its-kind experience. Whether it be an artist or one of their fans—we want to effectively transport them to a different world through what they see and what they hear,” said Blair Garner. “We’ve spent countless hours trying to walk in the shoes of everyone who will interface with the property. We’ve tried to anticipate their every need, while also answering needs that they didn’t even know they had. We’ve created a rich and unique experience for our livestream guests. Sure, it’s a lofty goal. But it’s a goal easily within our reach thanks to the incredible power players in our corner. They are our Mulehouse dream team!”
Phase 2 of the project is slated to include an upscale restaurant, bar and intimate performance space, which are slated to open in 2022. An additional 30,000 sq. ft. beyond the current buildout will house a 35-key boutique hotel to be completed in 2022.
Artist Action: Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, Laine Hardy
/by Lorie HollabaughFolded Flag Foundation’s Songwriters Cafe’ To Feature Lee Brice
The Folded Flag Foundation is hosting its fourth installment of the Songwriters Café, a series of free online concerts benefiting families of our country’s fallen heroes, Feb. 15. The latest installment will be headlined by Lee Brice, with Whitney Duncan and Teddy Robb. The series is sponsored and hosted by O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar, and O’Charley’s has raised more than $1.5 million for Folded Flag. The show will once again be hosted by Westwood One’s Elaina Smith.
“I am humbled to spend an evening playing my music and supporting Folded Flag,” said Brice. “I released “I Drive Your Truck” nine years ago and still think about its message of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I hope the audience watching will feel as passionately as I do and get inspired to contribute to Folded Flag to help these deserving families.”
Craig Morgan and Monster Energy Team for Iron Dog Snowmobile Race
Craig Morgan. Photo: Nate Griffin
Craig Morgan is partnering with Monster Energy for the 2021 Iron Dog Snowmobile Race in Alaska, performing the National Anthem at the start of the race on Feb. 13 and joining pro class riders on Feb. 20 for the final day of the 2,600 mile trek. Known to be the longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world, the Iron Dog will continue on with COVID precautions in place. In 2013, the singer participated in Fjällräven Polar, a 200-mile, five-day dog sled race that kicks off in Sweden before making its way through three countries. The trek was showcased on Morgan’s TV show, Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors.
“As a part-time resident here in Alaska, I can’t wait to partner with Monster Energy on this longstanding tradition in the state,” said Morgan.
Laine Hardy Returns From Trip Overseas Entertaining The Troops
Photo: Staff Sgt. Miranda A. Loer
Laine Hardy recently returned from his inaugural trip overseas to entertain U.S. service members. The trip culminated in a full band performance of some of Laine’s tunes including “Ground I Grew Up On” and “Tiny Town” at Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf. Laine, the grandson of an Army veteran, also took part in the 2020 virtual NYC Veterans Day Commemoration and was deeply impacted by the trip.
“My band and I greatly appreciate the sacrifice that each of the service members make for our country,” said Hardy. “We are thankful for everything we were able to honorably experience while here. This will be a moment in my life I will never forget.”
Gabby Barrett Celebrates 1 Billion Streams, Plans ‘Live From The Goldmine’ EP
/by Sarah SkatesWarner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett will release a 7-track Live From The Goldmine EP on March 16.
The 20-year-old star shares this announcement as she reaches a new career milestone: officially surpassing 1 billion global streams just seven months after the release of her full-length debut, Goldmine. The upcoming EP will bring her live concert experience to fans. The songs were recorded during her album release performance special of the same name (see video below).
Serving as a first preview of the collection, the track “The Good Ones (Live From The Goldmine)” is available now.
Meanwhile the studio version of “The Good Ones” is Top 15 and climbing, and has tallied more than 125 million on-demand streams.
Live From The Goldmine EP Track List:
1. “Footprints On The Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
2. “Rose Needs A Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)
3. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)
4. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
5. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)
6. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
7. “Goldmine (Bonus Performance)” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)
Lineup Revealed for CRS Team UMG at The Ryman
/by Sarah SkatesThe lineup has been announced for the Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon, to be held during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
Comprised of emerging and established artists from Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville’s roster, the event will take place Thursday, Feb. 18 at Noon CT and feature a headline appearance by Eric Church and additional performances by Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi, and Parker McCollum.
Royce Risser, EVP Promotion UMG Nashville comments, “While we will miss being with you all in person at the Ryman, trust me when I say you do not want to miss what we have planned. This year’s show will be from an entirely new perspective, with a couple of surprises along the way. You really don’t want to miss it.”
The Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon will only be available for viewing through CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
For access to this and other CRS-related events, register at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
The CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience agenda is now available for viewing on the CRS 2021 pre-event site.
Anthem Entertainment Partners With NSAI Chapter Challenge
/by Lorie HollabaughAnthem Entertainment has offered single-song contracts to two Nashville Songwriters Association International members following the most recent NSAI Chapter Challenge. Sal Cosentino, member of the NSAI New York City Chapter, was selected for his song “Truth Is,” and Linda Sclafani, member of the NSAI Columbus, Ohio Chapter, was chosen for her song, “One More Round of Cheer.”
The upcoming NSAI Chapter Challenge will take place in April, where nearly 100 NSAI Regional Chapters will hold a Chapter Challenge meeting for the first phase. Any member who opts to participate will present one song at their local chapter during the designated meeting, and all members present will vote on their favorite submission which will advance to the second stage. In the second stage, NSAI representatives will review each winning song along with each Regional Chapter Coordinator submission to narrow down to a final group of songs presented to Anthem Entertainment for contract consideration.
“We were so impressed with the songs presented in this year’s Chapter Challenge that we were thrilled to extend single-song contracts to two NSAI Members, Sal Cosentino and Linda Sclafani,” said Tim Hunze of Anthem Entertainment. “We are partnering with NSAI once again for another Chapter Challenge and look forward to exploring another group of songs and songwriters!”
“The Anthem Chapter Challenge offers a unique chance for our members to not only be heard by one of America’s top global publishing companies, but also the incredible opportunity for one or more of them to receive a contract where Anthem will attempt to get their songs placed with an artist and/or in film or television,” said NSAI Regional Chapter Director McKenzie Parker. “NSAI has thousands of members who write great songs but don’t pursue songwriting as a full-time career. This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for them to have a professional relationship with a great publishing company.”