Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services ET Brown and SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services Lydia Schultz. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 637
If you want to make a black-tie awards banquet feel like a comfy evening at home, take a few tips from SESAC.
The smallest of the performance rights organizations used its size to its advantage to craft an event that was short on formality and long on warmth and intimacy. Staged at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event hall on Sunday (Nov. 10), the ceremony saluted the writers and publishers of its top 16 country and Americana songs of 2018-19.
SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year was Justin Ebach. He was presented with the night’s big honor by singer Dustin Lynch.
“Songwriter of the Year goes down in history,” said Dustin. “It’s Big Stuff.”
“Holy shit,” exclaimed Justin. “You don’t get here by yourself. My wife, Janine, she handles my world….I’m a little caught off guard and not good at speaking, but Thank You So Much.” This is the second time that he has been given this honor.
“Beautiful Crazy” won Song of the Year for its SESAC composer Wyatt Durrette III. Singer Luke Combs congratulated him via video. Warner Chappell Music was named SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): Jimmie Allen, Justin Wilson and Josh Hoge attend the 2019 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Nov. 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for SESAC)
Executives E.T. Brown, Lydia Schultz and Shannan Hatch played tag-team in presenting the awards. During the evening, there were several fond tributes to SESAC veteran Hatch, who is leaving there to become president of the new Fourward Music publishing division.
The casual vibe of the awards banquet was evident from the start. There were no assigned tables or seats. Guest mingled comfortably throughout the cocktail hour, then gathered in informal groups. Dinner was served buffet style, with a wait staff circulating constantly with tasty snacks and glasses of wine.
Working the red carpet were Jenny Tolman, a vision in a fringed ivory mini-dress, alongside Calaway, Keith Burns, Olivia Lane, Jimmie Allen, Blanco Brown, turquoise jacketed Erin Enderlin, Runaway June, Ryan Kinder and the sartorially splendid Seaforth with member Mitch Thompson in a fabulous bejeweled jacket.
Victoria Shaw had Cooper Alan in tow. He is a new artist she is co-producing whose “Climate Change” country single has already garnered half a million streams. Victoria is also hosting the new PBS TV series, Songwriters Under the Covers. I recommend it.
Georgia Middleman was celebrating a new CD that she released last week. Gifted hubby Gary Burr was celebrating repaired knees, as well as enduring songwriting greatness.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Rosest Music’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette III and SESAC SVP of Creative Operations Sam Kling. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Jim Ed Norman confessed that he’s way behind on any Nashville news. He’s been on the road conducting orchestras on The Eagles tour.
Webb Wilder, Steve Bogard, Dallas Davidson, Josh Hoge and Cary Barlowe were working the room, too.
The ceremony began with a bang. Blanco Brown performed a mash-up of “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Tennessee Whiskey” to illustrate how close classic r&b and classic country are to each other. He was searingly soulful, with stratospheric scatted falsetto notes. Who knew that “The Git Up” chart-topping novelty artist was such a phenomenal vocalist? Blanco’s mini set concluded with the whole crowd on its feet and shaking it to his groove-soaked “The Git Up” dance commands.
“Welcome,” said SESAC chairman & CEO John Josephson. “I’m always honored to be part of an event that honors our songwriters and publishers. We look forward to applauding each of you tonight.”
“Tonight is a party, and I’m so glad that Blanco started it off,” added Shannan Hatch. She pointed out that SESAC writer Jerry Salley had just won his second consecutive Songwriter of the Year honor from the IBMA and that SESAC fiddler Jenee Fleenor is the first woman to be nominated as Musician of the Year by the CMA. Both were present and given hearty rounds of applause.
The first group of awards went to “Not Many Miles to Go,” penned by Rosanne Cash, plus Casey Brown’s “Blue Tacoma” (Russell Dickerson), Kevin Welch’s “Millionaire” (Chris Stapleton), Wyatt Durrette III’s “Beautiful Crazy” (Luke Combs), Cary Barlowe’s “Raised on Country” (Chris Young) and Josh Hoge’s “Hangin’ On” (Chris Young).
Pictured (L-R): SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services ET Brown, BMG Silver Songs US Jake Gear, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eric Church, Kos Weaver and SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services Lydia Schultz. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Then Jimmie Allen and co-writer Josh London drew a standing ovation for their superb performance of “Best Shot.” Jimmie looked splendiferous in a wide red bolero hat.
Next up in the winner’s circle were Runaway June’s “Buy My Own Drinks,” written by the group’s Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne, plus the Niko Moon/Cary Barlowe “Back to Life” (Rascal Flatts), Justin Wilson’s “Drunk Me” (Mitchell Tenpenny) and “Rumor,” written, sung, produced and published by Lee Brice. What a guy.
Justin Ebach’s “Good Girl” (Dustin Lynch), the Jason Boyer/Michael Tyler tune “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean), Alysa Vanderheym’s “Talk You Out of It” (FGL’s so-called “baby making” ballad) and Ebach’s “Here Tonight” (Brett Young) paved the way for Ray Wylie Hubbard to perform “Desperate Man.” He slowed it down to a bluesy drawl, vamping on his own guitar and harmonica. The song’s co-writer and hit maker Eric Church staged a surprise appearance to present Hubbard’s honor. Loved him for that.
All of this took place in serene surroundings. The room was dominated by a massive center lighting fixture with multiple strings of white lumens arranged in a cube. The black-backed stage with pin lights was also lit by rectangular graphics of the award-winning songs. Tables wore black or red brocade cloths centered by arrangements of dark red roses or black-glass columns with tea lights. The room contained seated tables, high cocktail tables and black leather lounging couches. Take your pick.
Pictured (L-R): Blanco Brown performs onstage during the 2019 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Terry Wakefield, Terry Hemmings, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Ed Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, David & Carolyn Corlew, Dave Brainard, Dave Pacula (who is now working for Liz Rose), Clay Myers, Clay Bradley, Fletcher Foster, Maurice Miner, Susan Stewart, Karen Clark, Gilles Godard, Troy Tomlinson, Tom Luteran, Tom Roland, Tim Fink, Tim Wipperman, plus Ron Stuve, John Huie, Dale Bobo, Woody Bomar, Diane Pearson, Daniel Miller, Erika Wollam Nichols, Allen Brown, Bob Doyle, Shannon McCombs, Larry McCormick, Peyton Hoge, Mark Ford, Amy Smartt, Ree Guyer, Stephanie Langston, Richard Blackstone, Ash Bowers, B.J. Hill,Lori Badgett, Katharine Richardson, Debbie Carroll, Pat Higdon, John Beiter and Cliff Audretch schmoozed.
Our buffet dining featured a roast beef carving station, Asian shrimp and rice, chicken lemon grass dumplings, soba noodles, pork pot stickers, shrimp salad spring rolls and chilled steamed asparagus, squash, cauliflower, red pepper and other veggies. Cookies and candies were offered as desserts.
Pictured: SESAC’s Sam Kling, SESAC’s John Josephson, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Casey Brown, Hannah Mulholland, Jimmie Allen, Naomi Cooke, Josh Hoge, Rob Hatch, Dan Hatef, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Justin Wilson, Cary Barlowe, Michael Tyler, Josh London, Justin Ebach, SESAC’s ET Brown, Jennifer Wayne, Jaron Boyer. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for SESAC)
Bobby Karl Works The Room: SESAC Honors Justin Ebach, “Beautiful Crazy,” Warner Chappell
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services ET Brown and SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services Lydia Schultz. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 637
If you want to make a black-tie awards banquet feel like a comfy evening at home, take a few tips from SESAC.
The smallest of the performance rights organizations used its size to its advantage to craft an event that was short on formality and long on warmth and intimacy. Staged at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event hall on Sunday (Nov. 10), the ceremony saluted the writers and publishers of its top 16 country and Americana songs of 2018-19.
SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year was Justin Ebach. He was presented with the night’s big honor by singer Dustin Lynch.
“Songwriter of the Year goes down in history,” said Dustin. “It’s Big Stuff.”
“Holy shit,” exclaimed Justin. “You don’t get here by yourself. My wife, Janine, she handles my world….I’m a little caught off guard and not good at speaking, but Thank You So Much.” This is the second time that he has been given this honor.
“Beautiful Crazy” won Song of the Year for its SESAC composer Wyatt Durrette III. Singer Luke Combs congratulated him via video. Warner Chappell Music was named SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): Jimmie Allen, Justin Wilson and Josh Hoge attend the 2019 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Nov. 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for SESAC)
Executives E.T. Brown, Lydia Schultz and Shannan Hatch played tag-team in presenting the awards. During the evening, there were several fond tributes to SESAC veteran Hatch, who is leaving there to become president of the new Fourward Music publishing division.
The casual vibe of the awards banquet was evident from the start. There were no assigned tables or seats. Guest mingled comfortably throughout the cocktail hour, then gathered in informal groups. Dinner was served buffet style, with a wait staff circulating constantly with tasty snacks and glasses of wine.
Working the red carpet were Jenny Tolman, a vision in a fringed ivory mini-dress, alongside Calaway, Keith Burns, Olivia Lane, Jimmie Allen, Blanco Brown, turquoise jacketed Erin Enderlin, Runaway June, Ryan Kinder and the sartorially splendid Seaforth with member Mitch Thompson in a fabulous bejeweled jacket.
Victoria Shaw had Cooper Alan in tow. He is a new artist she is co-producing whose “Climate Change” country single has already garnered half a million streams. Victoria is also hosting the new PBS TV series, Songwriters Under the Covers. I recommend it.
Georgia Middleman was celebrating a new CD that she released last week. Gifted hubby Gary Burr was celebrating repaired knees, as well as enduring songwriting greatness.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Rosest Music’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette III and SESAC SVP of Creative Operations Sam Kling. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Jim Ed Norman confessed that he’s way behind on any Nashville news. He’s been on the road conducting orchestras on The Eagles tour.
Webb Wilder, Steve Bogard, Dallas Davidson, Josh Hoge and Cary Barlowe were working the room, too.
The ceremony began with a bang. Blanco Brown performed a mash-up of “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Tennessee Whiskey” to illustrate how close classic r&b and classic country are to each other. He was searingly soulful, with stratospheric scatted falsetto notes. Who knew that “The Git Up” chart-topping novelty artist was such a phenomenal vocalist? Blanco’s mini set concluded with the whole crowd on its feet and shaking it to his groove-soaked “The Git Up” dance commands.
“Welcome,” said SESAC chairman & CEO John Josephson. “I’m always honored to be part of an event that honors our songwriters and publishers. We look forward to applauding each of you tonight.”
“Tonight is a party, and I’m so glad that Blanco started it off,” added Shannan Hatch. She pointed out that SESAC writer Jerry Salley had just won his second consecutive Songwriter of the Year honor from the IBMA and that SESAC fiddler Jenee Fleenor is the first woman to be nominated as Musician of the Year by the CMA. Both were present and given hearty rounds of applause.
The first group of awards went to “Not Many Miles to Go,” penned by Rosanne Cash, plus Casey Brown’s “Blue Tacoma” (Russell Dickerson), Kevin Welch’s “Millionaire” (Chris Stapleton), Wyatt Durrette III’s “Beautiful Crazy” (Luke Combs), Cary Barlowe’s “Raised on Country” (Chris Young) and Josh Hoge’s “Hangin’ On” (Chris Young).
Pictured (L-R): SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services ET Brown, BMG Silver Songs US Jake Gear, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eric Church, Kos Weaver and SESAC Sr. Director Creative Services Lydia Schultz. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Then Jimmie Allen and co-writer Josh London drew a standing ovation for their superb performance of “Best Shot.” Jimmie looked splendiferous in a wide red bolero hat.
Next up in the winner’s circle were Runaway June’s “Buy My Own Drinks,” written by the group’s Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne, plus the Niko Moon/Cary Barlowe “Back to Life” (Rascal Flatts), Justin Wilson’s “Drunk Me” (Mitchell Tenpenny) and “Rumor,” written, sung, produced and published by Lee Brice. What a guy.
Justin Ebach’s “Good Girl” (Dustin Lynch), the Jason Boyer/Michael Tyler tune “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean), Alysa Vanderheym’s “Talk You Out of It” (FGL’s so-called “baby making” ballad) and Ebach’s “Here Tonight” (Brett Young) paved the way for Ray Wylie Hubbard to perform “Desperate Man.” He slowed it down to a bluesy drawl, vamping on his own guitar and harmonica. The song’s co-writer and hit maker Eric Church staged a surprise appearance to present Hubbard’s honor. Loved him for that.
All of this took place in serene surroundings. The room was dominated by a massive center lighting fixture with multiple strings of white lumens arranged in a cube. The black-backed stage with pin lights was also lit by rectangular graphics of the award-winning songs. Tables wore black or red brocade cloths centered by arrangements of dark red roses or black-glass columns with tea lights. The room contained seated tables, high cocktail tables and black leather lounging couches. Take your pick.
Pictured (L-R): Blanco Brown performs onstage during the 2019 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. (Photo by Ed Rode/Getty Images for SESAC)
Terry Wakefield, Terry Hemmings, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Ed Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, David & Carolyn Corlew, Dave Brainard, Dave Pacula (who is now working for Liz Rose), Clay Myers, Clay Bradley, Fletcher Foster, Maurice Miner, Susan Stewart, Karen Clark, Gilles Godard, Troy Tomlinson, Tom Luteran, Tom Roland, Tim Fink, Tim Wipperman, plus Ron Stuve, John Huie, Dale Bobo, Woody Bomar, Diane Pearson, Daniel Miller, Erika Wollam Nichols, Allen Brown, Bob Doyle, Shannon McCombs, Larry McCormick, Peyton Hoge, Mark Ford, Amy Smartt, Ree Guyer, Stephanie Langston, Richard Blackstone, Ash Bowers, B.J. Hill,Lori Badgett, Katharine Richardson, Debbie Carroll, Pat Higdon, John Beiter and Cliff Audretch schmoozed.
Our buffet dining featured a roast beef carving station, Asian shrimp and rice, chicken lemon grass dumplings, soba noodles, pork pot stickers, shrimp salad spring rolls and chilled steamed asparagus, squash, cauliflower, red pepper and other veggies. Cookies and candies were offered as desserts.
Pictured: SESAC’s Sam Kling, SESAC’s John Josephson, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Casey Brown, Hannah Mulholland, Jimmie Allen, Naomi Cooke, Josh Hoge, Rob Hatch, Dan Hatef, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Justin Wilson, Cary Barlowe, Michael Tyler, Josh London, Justin Ebach, SESAC’s ET Brown, Jennifer Wayne, Jaron Boyer. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for SESAC)
Belmont And Warner Chappell Present Alumni Writers Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughTop Row: James Elliott (Chair of Songwriting Program, Belmont University), Doug Howard (Dean of Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Belmont University), Carlton Anderson (Songwriter, Warner Chappell), Mark Trussell (Songwriter, Warner Chappell), Jordan Reynolds (Songwriter, Warner Chappell), Drew Ramsey (Songwriting Professor, Belmont University), Ben Vaughn (President/CEO, Warner Chappell Nashville). Bottom Row: Caroline Watkins (Songwriter, Warner Chappell), Grace Lee (Belmont student, Warner Chappell Songwriting Intern), Parker Welling (Songwriter, Warner Chappell), and Jessi Vaughn (A&R/Digital Manager, Warner Chappell). Photo: Courtesy Belmont University
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business and Warner Chappell Music recently presented a writers showcase in the Johnson Theater with special performances by Jordan Reynolds, Parker Welling, Mark Trussell, Carlton Anderson, Caroline Watkins, and Grace Lee.
These Belmont alumni returning to campus shared music, advice, and stories from their time at the University, and the event showcased the special partnership between Belmont and Warner Chappell. Over the years, the publishing company has hired many Belmont alumni in business and creative roles, most recently offering a new, unique internship opportunity for songwriting students.
One of the evening’s performers, Grace Lee, a junior songwriting major, is currently participating in Warner Chappell’s Emerging Talent Associate – Songwriting program. Through the internship, Lee will be treated as an up-and-coming Warner Chappell songwriter, receiving various co-writing opportunities with professional songwriters, consistent song feedback, one-on-one time with the A&R staff, and mentoring on the publishing community in Nashville.
“Being a Belmont alumni myself, it has been such an honor to help facilitate the Warner Chappell/Belmont songwriting program. Alison Junker (previously at WC, now at Spotify) and Ben Vaughn created the program in 2018 and passed it on to me in 2019,” said Jessi Vaughn, Manager, A&R/Digital at Warner Chappell Music. “I have been blown away by the talent, willingness to learn, and bravery that Grace has displayed thus far. Walking into the room to write songs with people you’ve never met can be intimidating. Not only has she created amazing art, but she’s also done an incredible job in forging new friendships in the songwriting community. I look forward to seeing the rising stars this program yields over the next several years.”
“I loved hearing the stories of these Belmont alumni who write for Warner Chappell Music,” said James Elliott, Chair of Belmont’s Songwriting Program. “It was great listening to the hit songs they’ve written and how they met their co-writers and so many others they work with during their time as Belmont students. The Curb College has a rich history with Warner Chappell and we’re excited about the new opportunities Ben Vaughn and his team are providing for Songwriting majors like Grace Lee to co-write with their writers via the innovative Warner Chappell Songwriting Internship.”
Grace Lee. Photo: Courtesy Belmont University.
Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music’ Documentary Reached 34.5 Million Unique Viewers
/by Jessica NicholsonKen Burns‘ eight-part Country Music documentary, which premiered Sept. 15 on PBS stations nationwide, reached 34.5 million unique viewers, according to Nielsen’s Live +7 data. During the documentary’s eight-night premiere run, the film delivered an average audience of 6.8 million cross-platform viewers (with an average household rating of 4.4), making the documentary Burns’ most-watched film since 2014’s The Roosevelts. To date, there have been more than 4 million streams of the series across all PBS digital platforms and the series has generated nearly 1.5 million social media engagements on Facebook and Twitter.
Country Music was directed by Burns and produced by Burns, Dayton Duncan, and Julie Dunfey. The first four episodes aired nightly from Sunday, Sept. 15 through Wednesday, Sept. 18, and the final four episodes aired nightly from Sunday, Sept. 22 through Wednesday, Sept 25.
The series will be rebroadcast on PBS on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET from Jan. 3 through Feb. 21, 2020.
“We couldn’t be happier with the audience we reached with Country Music,” said Burns. “We were fortunate to travel across the country to towns large and small to discuss this film and this history, and in each, we were met with new stories about the power of music. The PBS stations in just about every market helped us engage a public that rightly sees this music as their heritage.”
“Country Music is about the power of music and stories,” said Perry Simon, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager at PBS. “It is also about the power of public television to reach people in every corner of this country and to share with them their stories while further engaging them in conversation about this art form. We’re thrilled with the reach we had and the fact that Ken’s film will continue to entertain and educate audiences for years to come.”
Women In Music, Secret Deodorant Partner To Create Opportunities For Female Musicians, Industry Execs
/by Jessica NicholsonSecret Deodorant is stepping up to help champion equal representation for women in the music industry. Secret has announced a pledge to feature 100% female-created music in all future campaigns and enlisting female singers and songwriters to create tracks for all marketing efforts, beginning in 2020.
“As a brand for women, we consistently strive to elevate other women in all we do. But when it comes to the production of music for our campaigns, it has frankly been a struggle to do so, as women are so significantly underrepresented in the music industry,” said Sara Saunders, Associate Brand Director, Secret, P&G. “We want to change that. We’ve heard from women that there’s one thing that can make all the difference in their careers, and that’s access to other women in the industry. Secret is proud to team up with Women in Music – the music industry’s leading non-profit working toward gender equality – to enable to just that. And we’ll continue to support those women by exclusively enlisting all-female music teams in the production of Secret campaigns.”
Through a partnership with non-profit Women in Music, Secret will offer 250 aspiring female artists access to female mentors. Secret is launching a talent search through which women can receive several opportunities to help build valuable connections, including annual Women In Music (WIM) memberships for 250 women, WIM mentorships with industry artists and/or executives for 50 women, access to Music Biz 2020 for two women, Music Week Badges to SXSW and travel/accommodation for two women, the opportunity to have their music featured in a future Secret ad, and more.
To enter, aspiring artists and songwriters must share their own take on Secret’s “All Strength, No Sweat” brand anthem via their Instagram channels. Those more interested in the business side of the industry are invited to share their “All Strength, No Sweat” stories and career aspirations on the platform as well. To join this movement, women can check out the official guidelines here.
Other musicians, including Secret partners MILCK and Lauren Eylise, will help to rally their fans to participate in the effort via socials, so they too can benefit from industry access and mentorship programs through this effort.
“We are thrilled to have a brand like Secret working with us to make the music industry a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community,” said Nicole Barsalona, President, Women in Music. “In our study with Berklee Institute of Creative Entrepreneurship, we found that mentored women earn more money, express greater satisfaction with their jobs, and were more likely to feel they were where they should be in their careers. Our partnership with Secret allows us to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities so that more women have a chance at that kind of transformational change.”
Bluewater Music Names Liam McMellon Creative Director
/by Jessica NicholsonLiam McMellon
Bluewater Music has appointed Liam McMellon as Creative Director, based in London UK. He will be responsible for a wide range of creative projects, including artist development and artist management for Bluewater’s creative division.
Bluewater’s president, Peter Roselli, says, “We’re thrilled to continue our work with Liam. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the UK music industry aligns with Bluewater’s vision to further develop its international growth.”
McMellon joined Bluewater Music in a consultant role in 2017, signing UK Americana Award winners Curse of Lono, Norway’s Violet Road, hit songwriter Greg Becker, singer-songwriter Roseanna Reid, film production company Goldfinch Music and the new UK based band, The Violets.
The role will also include working with Bluewater client, VEVA Sound on their latest service VEVA Live. The VEVA Live service verifies, validates, and archives live performances during artist tours for future exploitation.
McMellon moves to Bluewater from the UK film and TV production company Goldfinch where he served as the in-house music supervisor. His industry career started at multi-award winning, UK independent record label, Silva Screen Records/ So Recordings, where he worked on notable film and TV soundtrack successes, before working for Silva Screen Records’ joint venture, Southern Crossroads Music during which he ran the Nashville entity.
Dolly Parton Hits No. 1 With Dance/Electronic Collaboration “Faith”
/by Jessica NicholsonGalantis, Dolly Parton. Photo: Erik Melvin
Dolly Parton recently teamed with Swedish electronic DJ/production duo Galantis and Dutch artist Mr. Probz for the song “Faith.” The track debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Dance/Electronic Digital Songs Sales chart, earning Parton her first No. 1 on a Dance/Electronic chart. “Faith” was streamed 1.8 million times in the United States in its first week.
Parton will co-host the upcoming CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 13, where she is also slated to perform a medley of songs including “Faith,” “God Only Knows,” and “There Was Jesus” with CCM artists King & Country and Zach Williams. Parton’s Netflix original series, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, will premiere Nov. 22. She is also the subject of the popular podcast, Dolly Parton’s America.
Pam Tillis Signs With ONErpm For New Album Release
/by Jessica NicholsonPam Tillis has inked a deal with global distribution and branding company ONErpm for the release of an upcoming project in 2020. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Tillis will serve as a presenter on the 53rd Annual CMA Awards.
“This week is a very exciting time for me,” says Tillis. “I was so happy to be asked to be a presenter at the CMA Awards and to have inked my partnership with ONErpm. I can finally release the album I’ve had in the works. Every album is its own little journey, and this one may be a little more winding than usual. I’ve had some of these songs in my back pocket for a long, long time.”
“We’re thrilled to be part of this project,” notes ONErpm General Manager Ken Madson. “The heart, authenticity and artistry Pam brought to this album make it something very special.”
Maeve Steele Signs With Peter Strickland’s Marathon Talent Agency
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Peter Strickland, Maeve Steele and Charles Leonidas
Burning Ground Entertainment artist Maeve Steele has signed with Marathon Talent Agency. Marathon CEO and former Warner Music CMO Peter Strickland is partnering with Burning Ground Entertainment to represent Steele.
Strickland has managed campaigns for the likes of Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Faith Hill and more throughout his career.
“Maeve first caught my ear with her lyrics. The way she illustrates her own feelings and observations is so rare,” says Strickland, “But I didn’t want her to stop there. Maeve Steele is an artist, she’s meant for this.”
“I can’t think of a more capable, trustworthy person to manage Maeve Steele,” asserts Burning Ground CEO Dawn DeJongh. “I cannot wait for this entire team to work together in launching her career to the next level.”
“To say I’m honored to work with Peter Strickland is an understatement,” Steele states.“His level of expertise and experience is honestly secondary to the amount of care and dedication he’s already shown as my new manager. I’m ready to get to work.”
Matthew West To Release Upcoming Album, ‘Brand New,’ In February
/by Jessica NicholsonMatthew West will release his upcoming album, Brand New, on Feb. 14, 2020. The album marks his first on Provident Label Group/Sony Music and his imprint with Story House Music.
“The title Brand New does represent where I find myself these days,” explains Matthew West about the upcoming release. “Signing with a new label, starting my own management company, building a new songwriting house and studio called The Story House, and with that, a flood of new songs. But the title really has an even deeper meaning than just a representation of where I’m at in my career. Brand New is actually inspired by the idea of looking back, or what’s more, going back. In many ways this is an album about returning to the days when I was a new Christian, and my faith felt fresh and alive.”
The album cover features an old polaroid picture of West sitting on a blue couch, which has significant meaning to him, as well as to the overarching theme of the project.
“I was 13 years old, sitting on a blue couch in my childhood home when I stumbled across a Billy Graham crusade on television, and my life changed,” he shares. “For the first time, something clicked. I realized what my parents had been teaching me was true: that God desired a personal relationship with me. I remember my heart pounding as I heard Billy Graham inviting a stadium full of people to find freedom in God’s love and forgiveness. I prayed that day with my mom and gave my life to Christ.”
As with some of West’s previous albums, his upcoming project will include songs inspired by others’ stories, such as “Too Young Too Soon,” which focuses on the issue of teen suicide.
Several songs from the album have already been released, including “The God Who Stays,” as well as “What If,” and “Truth Be Told.”
Apple Music Highlights Songwriters, Musicians, Producers With “Liner Notes” Feature
/by Jessica NicholsonApple Music is spotlighting the songwriters, producers and musicians behind several of country music’s current hits with its new Liner Notes feature. Each month, Apple Music will highlight a different track.
Today, the feature launches with Lady Antebellum‘s “What If I Never Get Over You.” Apple Music also offers a “Songbook” Playlist to highlight other songs from the track’s writers, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, Sam Ellis and Jon Green, as well as a “Behind The Boards” feature on producer Dann Huff. The track’s musicians including Charlie Judge, Aaron Sterling, David Huff, Derek Wells and Ilya Toshinskiy are featured in “On The Session.”
Apple Music previously released a new time-synched lyrics feature, which includes real-time synched lyrics that animate karaoke-style along with the music. The company also recently released “Lyrics To Live By,” which highlights some of the music industry’s most celebrated songwriters.