Kevin Welch Back To No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Kevin Welch reclaimed the throne at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter chart this week after being at No. 2 for four consecutive weeks, behind Ashley Gorley—who now resides at No. 2.

Shane McAnally is at No. 3, Brett James at No. 4 and Riley Green is at No. 5 this week.

Notably, “Take It From Me” co-writers, Jason Gantt, Jacob Davis and Jordan Davis move up several spots to No. 14 – No. 16.

Maren Morris is the first female songwriter on the chart of eight, sitting at No. 27. Following Morris is Kelsea Ballerini (No. 30), Nicolle Galyon (No. 46), Carrie Underwood (No. 47), Hillary Lindsey (No. 48), Laura Veltz (No. 52), Sarah Aarons (No. 54) and Heather Morgan (No. 60).

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded 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.

Symphonic Distribution Opens Nashville Office

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Randall Foster. Photo: Susan Berry

Symphonic Distribution, a distribution and marketing company built by independent artists for independent artists, has expanded into Nashville, with an office at 901 Woodland Street.

The company was founded in 2006 in Tampa, Florida; and also has offices in Brooklyn, New York; and Denver, Colorado. Symphonic Distribution VP, Business Development Randall Foster leads the new Nashville office.

“Symphonic has always had its eyes on expanding in locations that we see as unique and inspiring. It was a natural decision and apart of our plan to look to expand to Nashville. Having individuals and presence there will better position the company for success and enable us to continue our mission of being a distributor with a very personalized approach and one that is aiming to help develop and grow record of artists, record labels, managers, and more,” said Symphonic Distribution CEO Jorge Brea.

Brea adds, “We’ve always felt that distribution companies in the Nashville region could do a better job at connecting with the industry and market there and thus our aim is to get as close as possible to songwriters, artists, publishers, and labels in the region and help give them tools that actually turn into successes.”

“I am excited beyond belief to be at the helm of Symphonic Distribution’s Nashville office. It’s an honor that Jorge has put his faith in me, and it’s a testament to the fact that Symphonic Distribution is really doubling down in Nashville.” Foster says.

Since its inception, the company has distributed over 1 million releases from over 250,000 artists and record labels to retail and streaming platforms. Symphonic has worked with new and established artists and record labels including Deadmau5, Bassnectar, Ozuna, Waka Flocka Flame, Tito El Bambino, and Alok. Today, Symphonic offers a full suite of services covering strategic marketing and release planning, publishing administration, music video distribution, sync licensing, comprehensive graphic design, recoupable budgets and more.

Industry Pics: Chris Janson, WMBA, CMHoF, Grammy Music Education Coalition

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Chris Janson Celebrates RIAA Certification

Pictured (L-R): Sally Seitz (Apple Music); Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville); Kelly Janson (CJ Management); Chris Janson; Brian Jones (WME); John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville); Chantel Esposito

Chris Janson celebrated his latest RIAA certification last week, as his hit “Fix A Drink” went Gold. He then ended the week with an opening slot on George Strait’s concert at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Janson’s “Drunk Girl” is nominated for Video of the Year at Sunday’s (April 7) Academy of Country Music Awards.

 

WMBA Welcomes Leslie Fram As Featured Speaker

Picture (L-R): Thalia Ewing, Dana Dickie, Lauren Simon, Mallory Allgood, Leslie
Fram, Natalie Stovall, Charlene Bryant, Emily Bukowski, Mary Larimer.

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held their March membership meeting last week, featuring guest speaker Leslie Fram of CMT. Nearly 60 members gathered to hear Fram speak about her role as Senior Vice President, Music Strategy. Joining Fram was singer-songwriter Natalie Stovall, of Natalie Stovall and the Drive. Stovall was named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” in 2014, and was a contestant on Season 13 of The Voice.

 

CMHoF Nashville Cats Series To Honor Drummer/Producer Richie Albright

Drummer and producer Richie Albright, who helped shape the unique musical style of Waylon Jennings, will share the story of his distinguished career in the next edition of Nashville Cats, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s interview series with master musicians.

Set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019, in the museum’s Ford Theater, the program will feature an in-depth interview with Albright, illustrated with vintage photos, film and sound recordings from the museum’s rich collection. Albright will perform briefly with Waymore’s Outlaws, a band made up of members of Jennings’s last band, including Jerry Bridges, Fred Newell, Barny Robertson, Carter Robertson and Tommy Townsend. Waymore’s Outlaws will welcome special guest Gordon Payne, rhythm guitarist with Jennings for many years and contributor to some of his best known recordings. Following the program, Albright will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Albright played drums for Jennings for nearly 30 years and eventually became his producer. He also played on classic Jennings albums including Lonesome, On’ry and Mean, Honky Tonk Heroes and Dreaming My Dreams. Albright also has worked with Johnny Cash, Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, Johnny Rodriguez, Billy Joe Shaver, Tony Joe White and Hank Williams Jr.

 

Grammy Music Education Coalition Celebrates Arts Partners Night

Pictured (L-R): Lee Whitmore, Ed.D. Executive Director, GRAMMY Music Education Coalition; Alice Rolli, Vice President, Quavo Music; Jeff Smith, Director, Visual & Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools; Sarah Robinson, Nashville Program Director, GRAMMY Music Education Coalition; Manuel Delgado, Delgado Guitars

On Tuesday, March 26, GRAMMY Music Education Coalition, the non-profit organization advocating for music education in all public schools, invited members of the Metro Nashville Public Schools community to its Arts Partners Night in Nashville to share its 2019 initiatives and celebrate its work in the community to enhance music, art, dance, and theater programs through Music Makes Us. The night included string orchestra, dance, and theater performances from local high school students and more.

BMI Honors Gospel Songwriters At Vegas Event

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Pictured (L-R): BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, Assistant Vice President, Creative, LA, Wardell Malloy and Song of the Year winners Phil Thornton and Norman Gymafi pose with BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton at the 2019 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music luncheon at La Cave in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: David Becker

BMI recently honored some of Gospel music’s top songwriters as part of the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music luncheon on March 28, held at La Cave in Las Vegas. The event was hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill as well as VP, Creative/Atlanta Catherine Brewton and Asst. VP, Creative/Los Angeles Wardell Malloy.

Travis Greene’s “You Waited” was honored with Song of the Year.  The event also recognized the ten most-performed BMI Gospel songs in 2018, which included “Change Me” (Thomas “TC” Clay), “Close” (Solomon Edwards, Jr., Aaron Lindsey and Marvin Sapp), “Grace” (Charles Jenkins), “He Promised Me” (Bebe Winans), “Kept by His Grace” (Harry James Johnson), “My World Needs You” (Kirk Franklin), “Pray & Don’t Worry” (Branden Anderson and Rufus Johnson, III) “Won’t He Do It” (Makeba Riddick, Raymond Reginald Murdock, Jr. and Richard Worley Shelton, Jr.) “Work It Out” (Stanley G. Green, Jr., George Allen Jordan and T.J. Simon), and “Your Great Name” (Todd Dulaney).

“BMI is proud to commemorate the artistry and achievements of these incredibly talented songwriters,” said Brewton. “Their music and lyrics have been a pillar of strength and encouragement for many worldwide, and they continue to transform lives through their divinely inspired gifts.”

The BMI Trailblazers Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Las Vegas. Photo: David Becker

The BMI Trailblazers Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Las Vegas. Photo: David Becker

The BMI Trailblazers Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Las Vegas. Photo by David Becker

Sam Riggs Signs With Major Bob Music

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Eddie Kloesel (Triple 8 Management), Bob Doyle (President Major Bob Music), Matt Stubbs (Triple 8 Management). (Front row L-R): Chandler Thurston (Major Bob), Sam Riggs, Tina Crawford (VP Major Bob Music)

Sam Riggs has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Major Bob Music.

The Central Florida native cut his teeth in Texas with his own brand of country, a rock-infused sound with a chip on its sonic shoulder from a guy who counts Garth Brooks, Foo Fighters, Eric Church and A Day To Remember among his influences.

Riggs is managed by Triple 8 Management and is currently selling out dates across the country on the “Love & Panic” tour.

Reservoir Expands To Nashville, Names John Ozier As Exec. VP, Creative

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John Ozier

Reservoir has added a fifth global office, expanding into Nashville, Tennessee. John Ozier has been named Executive Vice President of Creative and will oversee operations for the company in Music City. Ozier will also sign and develop new talent, working closely with the teams in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London, alongside a staff based in Nashville.

The company will occupy a 5,000-square-foot building, complete with six writing rooms, located on West End Avenue in Nashville.

“I am incredibly excited to join Reservoir and help expand the company’s footprint into Nashville,” said Ozier. “Golnar, Rell and their entire team have built an exceptional global roster and one of the leading independent music publishers in the business. Their commitment to Nashville is thrilling and I am confident we are going to knock it out of the park.”

Reservoir’s country music roots tie back to the company’s foundation in 2007, as some of the first artists represented were Kenny Alphin and John Rich of Big and Rich and Vicky McGehee. A few years later, the company came to publish the catalogs of country music icons like John Denver, Sheryl Crow, and Leon Russell, and evergreen singles including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” Lonestar’s “Amazed” and Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue,” among many others. The addition of Ozier and a Nashville office builds upon an already fruitful 2019 for the company, which recently celebrated six Grammy wins including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, among its 22 nominations.

Ozier joins Reservoir following a six-year tenure at olé that included marquee signings Jeff Trott, Tony Martin, Jordan Davis, Chris Janson, Adam Hambrick, and Tyler Farr, and the acquisitions of the Red Vinyl Music, Parallel Music, and Better Angels Music publishing catalogs. Prior to that, he looked after the recording careers of the likes of Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna Judd, Lee Brice, and Rodney Atkins at Curb Records. He has overseen more than 30 No. 1s throughout his career and over 100 singles internationally in the last three years alone, including No. 1s by Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, LOCASH, Randy Houser, Jordan Davis, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Brett Young, Dan + Shay, and more.

Ozier is additionally an accomplished songwriter in his own right, having co-written award-winning No. 1 hits for Lee Brice and Tyler Farr, plus cuts recorded by Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Air Supply, and more.

“John is one of the most respected music executives in Nashville and his extraordinary track record for success speaks for itself,” added Reservoir President and COO, Rell Lafargue. “When we met him, we knew he was the guy to break ground with in Nashville and we look forward to digging deeper into our country catalog, welcoming new local talent together, and helping their music reach a global audience.”

 

Eric Church Thrills Fans In Milwaukee Over Weekend

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Pictured (L-R): Guitarist Jeff Cease, Joanna Cotten, Eric Church at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, March 29, 2019. Photo: Justice Slone

Eric Church brought his Double Down Tour to Milwaukee at the new Fiserv Forum over the weekend thrilling fans both Friday (March 29) and Saturday (March 30) nights.

The Fiserv Forum opened in August of 2018 and Church is only the second country music artist to play in the new home for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Friday’s concert offered no opening act, which allowed Church to play for three and a half hours and sing well over 30 songs. A short intermission in the middle of the show allowed everyone, including Church, to take a breath before heading into the second half—which he closed with an acoustic encore.

From fans waving vinyl records during “Record Year” to holding up boots during “These Boots,” the concert had an interactive component that delighted those in attendance.

Eric Church and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson backstage in the Double Down Tour’s “Shot Room.”

With so many songs offered to the crowd, it’s hard to come up with ones he didn’t play. The crowd roared throughout the show as Church gave everything he had leaving it all on the stage. That roar continued with songs including “Higher Wire,” “Drink In My Hand,” “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,” and “Springsteen,” among many others.

“Creepin'” escalated fervor with each note which featured backing singer Joanna Cotten going face-to-face with Church seeing who could “out sing” the other. Cotten, who continues to amass more fans at every stop, also performed a solo version of Janis Joplin’s “Piece Of My Heart” which brought the fans to a thunderous applause.

Like a well-timed thrill ride, the night seemed to escalate higher and higher as the show progressed until Church wrapped the show around midnight after offering an acoustic encore of mostly fan-favorite cover songs.

As the name implies, one visit to see this tour may not be enough. Church’s Double Down Tour is not only one that shouldn’t be missed, it’s one that many will want to revisit.

Church’s talented backup singer Joanna Cotten with MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.

Upcoming Double Down Tour Dates
April 12-13 – American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
April 19 & 20 – Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
April 26 & 27 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, S.C.
May 3 & 4 – PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pa.
May 10 & 11 – Pepsi Center, Denver, Colo.
May 17 & 18 – STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
May 25 – Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
June 28 & 29 – The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, Wash.
Sept. 13 & 14 – Resch Center, Green Bay, Wis.
Sept. 20 & 21 – Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Oct. 11 & 12 – Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
Oct. 25 – Verizon Arena, Little Rock, Ark.
Nov. 1 – SNHU Arena, Manchester, N.H.
Nov. 2 – XL Center, Hartford, Conn.
Nov. 15 & 16 – The Anthem, Washington, D.C.
Nov. 22 & 23 – Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, Calif.

Eric Church joins guests backstage in the Double Down Tour’s “Shot Room” before going on stage at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, March 29, 2019.

Reviver Entertainment Group Launches DAVMORECORDS Imprint

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David Ross with father Moe Shulman

Reviver Entertainment Group has formed the new label imprint DAVMORECORDS.

Named in honor of Reviver CEO David Ross‘ father, Moe Shulman, the label will operate under the Reviver Entertainment Group umbrella under the direction of Gator Michaels, who also remains president of Reviver Records. The new imprint will include the recently-signed Thompson Square and Aaron Goodvin.

“This was a necessary step for us to take, considering the success and growth that we’ve experienced and celebrated over the last 4 years,” said Reviver Entertainment Group Founder, President and CEO David Ross. “DAVMORECORDS was formed in honor of my father, who taught me the importance of hard work, the need to show loyalty and commitment to others and the value of family. I’ve built the Reviver Entertainment Group within that mold.”

Moe Shulman, the “Mo” in DAVMO, is an industry veteran of eight decades. He was the head of National Promotion and Marketing at London Records and has worked on campaigns with The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Tom Jones, at the label and its subsidiaries. He’s experienced a colorful and varied career in music, having worked in publishing in the Brill Building and spearheading the promotion department at Alpha Distributors in the northeast, and achieving No. 1 records for labels like Motown, Arista, and A&M records.

Reviver Entertainment Group SVP Promotion Bob Reeves and VP Promotion Jim Malito will oversee the DAVMORECORDS Regional Promotional Representatives. Reviver Entertainment Group VP Marketing Paul Williams will act in that capacity for the new imprint as well.

Ross founded Reviver Entertainment Group in 2011; the company’s divisions also include Reviver Label Services, Reviver Legacy, Reviver Publishing, Reviver Films, Reviver Management and Reviver Productions. Reviver Entertainment Group is also home to artists including David Lee Murphy, Big & Rich, Michael Tyler, Tenille Arts, Haley & Michaels, Blackjack Billy, and more.

 

Jackie Jones Joins RIAA As VP, Artist & Industry Relations

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Jackie Jones

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has appointed Jackie Jones as Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations for the organization. Jones will be based in Nashville, Tennessee and will work with the Nashville music community to advance protections for artists, labels and the entire music industry. The appointment is effective Monday (April 1). Jones joins the industry relations team that includes longtime RIAA veteran Joel Flatow, based in Los Angeles.

“Jackie is a welcome addition to our strong industry relations team, with deep ties to Nashville and an established track record within the artist and label community that make her a perfect fit for this role. We are lucky to have her,” said RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier.

“We are excited to welcome Jackie to the RIAA family,” said Flatow, RIAA’s SVP, Artist & Industry Relations and Chief, West Coast Operations. “Jackie’s relationships within Nashville will no doubt allow her to hit the ground running and I look forward to working with her to help serve the world-renowned artist and label community in Music City USA.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the RIAA team at such an important time for the industry, and for music,” said Jones. “Music is the lifeblood of this town and I’m honored to represent RIAA and its important mission advocating for the rights of those who create it.”

Before joining the RIAA, Jackie was Director of Music and Talent for CMT in Nashville, a division of Viacom, Inc., responsible for music integration across all CMT channels including on-air and digital platforms. Jackie served as talent producer and booker for top-rated shows including the annual CMT Music Awards, CMT Artists of the Year and CMT Crossroads. Jackie is a member of The Recording Academy, Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Leadership Music and Women in Cable Television. She lends her talents to various charitable organizations including St. Jude, Save the Children and Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. She holds a Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Mark Your Calendar—April 2019

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Single Add Dates

April 1
Scotty McCreery/In Between/Triple Tigers Records
Aaron Goodvin/Bars & Churches/Reviver Records
Rick Ferrell/Up All Night/MC1 Nashville
Dylan Jakobsen/In America/IAE
Sundance Head/Close Enough To Walk/Wildcatter Records

April 8
Rachel Wammack/Enough/RCA Nashville
Caroline Jones/Chasin’ Me/Mailboat Records/New Revolution
Soul Circus Cowboys/I Can’t Imagine/Star Farm Nashville
Rachel Steele/Classic/Brick Road Records
Queeva/How Do You Know/CMD Music

April 15
Caylee Hammack/Family Tree/Capitol Nashville
Abby Anderson/Good Lord/Black River Entertainment
Nick Brennan/It’s A Good Time To Fall In Love/MC1 Nashville
Steve Bridgmon/Push Back/Big Catch Records
Amy Jack/If Not For Friends/Amy Jack Music

April 22
Rob Mayes/Closer/AWAL/Aristomedia

Album Release Dates

April 5
Brooks & Dunn/REBOOT/Arista Nashville-Sony Music Nashville
Reba McEntire/Stronger Than The Truth/Big Machine Records

April 13
Kip Moore/Room To Spare [Vinyl]/MCA

April 19
Cage The Elephant/Social Cues/RCA Records

April 26
Justin Moore/Late Nights And Longnecks/The Valory Music Co.
Maddie & Tae/One Heart To Another [EP]/Mercury Nashville
Dylan Scott/Nothing To Do Town [EP]/Curb Records
Randy Rogers Band/Hellbent/Tommy Jackson-Thirty Tigers
Darryl Worley/Second Wind: Latest & Greatest/BFD-The Orchard
Hillsong UNITED/People

Industry Events

April 7
54th ACM Awards broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS

April 10
NMPA, NSAI Town Hall Meeting from 3:30-5 p.m. at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley

April 25-April 27
2019 NFL Draft celebration in downtown Nashville

April 29
20th Annual Grammy Block Party

April 30
4th annual AIMP Nashville Awards