The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has long advocated for and recognized songwriters and publishers for their achievements, most notably with the NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program, which launched 10 years ago.
On Oct. 19, the NMPA will further recognize songwriters whose songs have reached Gold and/or Platinum status, with the inaugural Gold and Platinum Gala, to be held in Nashville on Oct. 19.
The exclusive, invitation-only event will honor the creators behind the songs that have earned Gold and/or Platinum certifications from the RIAA over the past year, from June 2016 through July 2017.
“About 10 years ago I came up with the idea that there should be a parallel program to the RIAA’s Gold and Platinum program, that would honor the contributions of songwriters on Gold and Platinum records,” NMPA CEO David Israelite tells MusicRow. “For the last 10 years, whenever the RIAA designates a single as a Gold or Platinum song, we follow that three weeks later with a certification that the songwriters on that song get their own distinctive award. The program has picked up steam, so this year for the first time we decided to host a gala to honor songwriters who have reached Gold or Platinum in the past year.”
Kelsea Ballerini with NMPA’s David Israelite. Photo: David O’Donohue
Among those songwriters who will be recognized for multi-Platinum achievements include Kenny Alphin, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Jim Collins, Zach Crowell, Dallas Davidson, Sean Douglas, Jerry Flowers, Ashley Gorley, Rob Hatch, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Jeffery Hyde, Brian Kelley, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, David Lee Murphy, Josh Osborne, Thomas Rhett, John Rich, Liz Rose, Joseph Spargur, Cole Swindell and Ryan Tyndell.
“For those writers that reach multi-Platinum status, we will actually present them with a Gold and Platinum plaque and all other writers will be recognized as well,” Israelite said. “For writers who are not artists, this is the only recognition they get for their contribution on a Gold or Platinum song, and for the artists that are also the writers, this recognizes them for their contribution not just as an artist, but as a songwriter, which for many artists, is the most important part of their creative process.”
The RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams toward its Gold (500K), Platinum (1 million) and multi-Platinum (2 million+) thresholds. In coordination with the RIAA, the NMPA maintains a database of all awards and certifications, also notifying songwriters and music publishers that they have been certified.
Thomas Rhett with NMPA’s David Israelite. Photo: NMPA
NMPA To Hold Inaugural Gold and Platinum Gala Oct. 19 in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonThe National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has long advocated for and recognized songwriters and publishers for their achievements, most notably with the NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program, which launched 10 years ago.
On Oct. 19, the NMPA will further recognize songwriters whose songs have reached Gold and/or Platinum status, with the inaugural Gold and Platinum Gala, to be held in Nashville on Oct. 19.
The exclusive, invitation-only event will honor the creators behind the songs that have earned Gold and/or Platinum certifications from the RIAA over the past year, from June 2016 through July 2017.
“About 10 years ago I came up with the idea that there should be a parallel program to the RIAA’s Gold and Platinum program, that would honor the contributions of songwriters on Gold and Platinum records,” NMPA CEO David Israelite tells MusicRow. “For the last 10 years, whenever the RIAA designates a single as a Gold or Platinum song, we follow that three weeks later with a certification that the songwriters on that song get their own distinctive award. The program has picked up steam, so this year for the first time we decided to host a gala to honor songwriters who have reached Gold or Platinum in the past year.”
Kelsea Ballerini with NMPA’s David Israelite. Photo: David O’Donohue
Among those songwriters who will be recognized for multi-Platinum achievements include Kenny Alphin, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Jim Collins, Zach Crowell, Dallas Davidson, Sean Douglas, Jerry Flowers, Ashley Gorley, Rob Hatch, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Jeffery Hyde, Brian Kelley, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, David Lee Murphy, Josh Osborne, Thomas Rhett, John Rich, Liz Rose, Joseph Spargur, Cole Swindell and Ryan Tyndell.
“For those writers that reach multi-Platinum status, we will actually present them with a Gold and Platinum plaque and all other writers will be recognized as well,” Israelite said. “For writers who are not artists, this is the only recognition they get for their contribution on a Gold or Platinum song, and for the artists that are also the writers, this recognizes them for their contribution not just as an artist, but as a songwriter, which for many artists, is the most important part of their creative process.”
The RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams toward its Gold (500K), Platinum (1 million) and multi-Platinum (2 million+) thresholds. In coordination with the RIAA, the NMPA maintains a database of all awards and certifications, also notifying songwriters and music publishers that they have been certified.
Thomas Rhett with NMPA’s David Israelite. Photo: NMPA
Richlyn Marketing Rebrands As Richlynn Group, Adds Three To Staff
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Shane Stewart, Olivia Baker, Cat Denton, Kate Richardson, Nicole Cochran, Lynn Tinsey, Craig Shelburne, Lane Latimer
Richlyn Marketing has rebranded as Richlynn Group, and has announced three new staff members.
Business partners Kate Richardson and Lynn Tinsey have hired Olivia Baker and Lane Latimer as account managers and Shane Stewart as a digital marketing specialist. The expansion provides a stronger focus on social media, playlist promotion, and artist management. As part of the rebranding, Richlynn Group is proud to announce their first management client, guitarist/songwriter Paul Childers.
“We have been steadily growing over the last 11 years and feel that the time is right to announce our rebranding, which reflects our work beyond marketing and PR,” said Tinsey.
Richardson adds, “We have been fortunate to work with many amazing artists on the development of their careers and felt that management was a natural progression for our team.”
Richlynn Group’s staff also includes: Nicole Cochran, publicist; Cat Denton, account director; and Craig Shelburne, vice president. Founded in 2007, the firm will continue to offer publicity and public relations services for its roster.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates has been part of the firm’s roster since 2012. Richlynn Group also represents musicians such as The Doobie Brothers, David Starr, Stranger Friends, Button, Lara Johnston and Paul Childers. Other music-related clients include songwriter-author Steve Dorff, Ear Trumpet Labs microphones, the Folk Music Hall of Fame, the Don Gibson American Music Foundation, and Quarto Valley Records. Personalities represented by Richlynn Group include Nashville financial planner/radio host David Adams, best-selling author Sharon Draper, and author Rhonda Gayle Nelson (A Different Life).
Richlynn Group staff may be reached by email using first name followed by “at” richlynngroup.com.
Eric Church Releases Next 30 Live Songs On ’61 Days In Church’ Collection
/by Eric T. ParkerEric Church has released the next 30 recordings of his collection, 61 Days in Church, again initially with Apple Music.
The first 30 Holdin’ My Own Tour live recordings were released as Volume 1 on Sept. 1 on Apple Music. Other streaming services received the package two weeks later; Volume 1’s digital date was Sept. 15.
The collection includes a variety of catalogue cuts and singles as well as cover songs inspired by each tour stop with unique, individual tour posters from each tour stop serving as the artwork for each of the songs’ releases.
Subsequent releases will total more than 100 tracks throughout the year in chronological order of the tour. A double disc collectible boxed set and vinyl version of the project is slated for release via EMI Records Nashville on Record Store Day, April 21 2018.
Church’s Holdin’ My Own Tour sold 930,000 tickets at the end of its run notching the top music tour in the first quarter of 2017 (Pollstar). Fans can catch Church on the road as he continues touring throughout 2017. Full tour dates at ericchurch.com/events.
The 30 songs released Friday (Sept. 22) include the following tracks performed at shows in different cities:
Like a Wrecking Ball
Two Pink Lines
Mixed Drinks About Feelings (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Lotta Boot Left To Fill
Over When It’s Over (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Ain’t Killed Me Yet
Sinners Like Me
The Ballad of Curtis Loew
Record Year
Knives of New Orleans
Without You Here
The Weight (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Three Year Old
Dark Side
Cold One
Homeboy
Jack Daniels
How ‘Bout You
That’s Damn Rock & Roll (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Before She Does
Where She Told Me To Go
Country Music Jesus
Round Here Buzz
Screw You, We’re From Texas (featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard)
Lightning (Acoustic)
Longer Gone
Faster Than My Angels Can Fly
Oh Atlanta (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Talladega
The World Needs A Drink
Kill A Word (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Memphis Medley (How I Got To Memphis/Walking in Memphis)
The Hard Way
Ophelia
Livin’ Part of Life
My Town
Creepin’
Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man
Pledge Allegiance to the Hag
Up on Cripple Creek
Like Jesus Does (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Don’t Do It
Young and Wild
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Hell on the Heart
The Shape I’m In
Mr. Misunderstood
Get Up Jake
Chattanooga Lucy (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Sundown
Smoke A Little Smoke (Acoustic)
Alberta
Drink In My Hand
It Makes No Difference
I’m Gettin’ Stoned
Portland, Oregon (featuring Joanna Cotten)
Can’t Take It With You
Jolene
Better Man
ole Nashville Celebrates New Office Location Opening
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ole Senior Creative Director Ben Strain, ole Senior Creative Director Mike Whelan, ole vice President Corporate Affairs and Development Gilles Godard, ole Creative Director Emily Mueller-Olson, ole Founder & CEO Robert Ott, ole VP Creative John Ozier, ole SVP Finance & Administration Chris Giansante, ole Senior Director, Creative Sync & Licensing Randal Foster
Independent music publishing and rights management company ole recently moved its Nashville outpost to a new office in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Nashville. The new office is located at 462 Humphreys Street.
Led by John Ozier, Vice President Creative, this year ole secured hit singles by top artists like Dan + Shay, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Tim McGraw, Craig Campbell, James Barker Band, Dallas Smith and many more. Currently, ole has singles on the country charts by Chris Janson, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, Brett Eldredge, Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell, and Colt Ford. Additionally, ole controls songs by Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Reba, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, LOCASH, Jon Pardi on their current albums.
ole Nashville was also honored with multiple awards from the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) this year. The company was named Music Publishing Company of the Year, continuing its unprecedented streak of 11 consecutive wins in the category, while ole songwriter Meghan Patrick received the Female Artist of the Year Award and Rising Star Award.
“2017 is shaping up to be an incredible year for ole Nashville,” says Ozier. “I’m extremely proud of the Creative staff and am beyond appreciative of the support of ole’s Chairman and CEO, Robert Ott. We look forward to building on the momentum and finishing the year on a strong note.”
Jillian Jacqueline Releases New EP ‘SIDE A’ Today
/by Lorie HollabaughJillian Jacqueline is releasing her debut EP, SIDE A today. The new project features nine tracks penned alongside hitmakers like Lori McKenna, Sarah Buxton, and Trent Dabbs, and introduces Jacqueline’s progressive but organic sound as she opens up a musical diary of striking, no-holds-barred storytelling.
The project is now available for download and worldwide streaming via all digital platforms.
“I’m so proud and ready to share SIDE A, the first collection of songs off of my debut full-length album. I hope that anyone who’s listened and loved my music so far feels as excited about this release as I do,” shares Jacqueline. “I don’t take it lightly that I get to share my stories with you guys, and these songs in all of their transparency, heartache, pride, humor, growth, and ‘humanness’ are just the beginning.”
Over the summer Jacqueline offered a sneak peek at the project by unleashing four tracks including “Reasons,” which has already been streamed over 11 million times on Spotify alone, and three more, “Hate Me,” “Bleachers,” and “God Bless This Mess,” which all have one million plays.
She’ll perform some of the new tunes during her appearance at the Pilgrimage Music and Arts Festival in Franklin, Tennessee this weekend.
The Lonely Biscuits Release ‘The San Francisco EP’ Today
/by Lorie HollabaughEarlier this month, the band played Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for the first time, opening for Judah & The Lion. They recently premiered the video for the EP’s lead single “Talk About” on Glide Magazine. To create the video, the band asked their fans to submit their own art, which they turned into a stop-motion video reminiscent of a vintage 90’s Nickelodeon commercial. The song has already garnered over 500,000 streams on Spotify.
The Lonely Biscuits will release their debut album in 2018. On their Pledgemusic page, fans can pledge to have the band mow their lawn, write a song about them, or take home member Wenrich’s childhood amp.
The San Francisco EP Track Listing:
1. Talk About
2. Endlessly
3. San Francisco
4. Never Said (Liz Phair cover)
Carter Winter Talks Deal With Roc Nation, Previews New Music
/by Jessica NicholsonCarter Winter with MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
Singer-songwriter Carter Winter recently found himself in a prestigious place for a rising artist, as the only country artist on the performer lineup as part of JAY-Z’s Made In America festival in Philadelphia.
“The lady who was taking care of all the artists said, ‘Go in your dressing room and look by the couch,’” Winter recalls. “There was a bottle of Ace of Spades and [JAY-Z’s] liquor Cognac D’usse. I hadn’t had champagne ever, much less an expensive, like $500 bottle of champagne.”
Winter recently signed on with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation. The deal includes both publishing and an album.
“My manager Zach [Beebe] called me at 4 in the morning and said, ‘Are you on Tidal?’ He started talking to them, showed them my music and six months later or so, we were signed with Roc Nation.”
Winter recently visited MusicRow to offer a live performance of several tracks, including some he is considering for his next project. He offered takes of “Lipstick On My Bottle,” and “Skylines,” as well as “Chaser,” which includes writers Sarah Butler and Chad Carlson.
In 2016, he released his sophomore album The Whiskey In Me, which was produced by Mark Bright and Chad Carlson. The album hit No. 4 on iTunes and No. 34 on Billboard’s country albums chart. He is working on a follow up album now.
Winter is also the face of Durango Boots, with his own line of boots coming soon.
Carter Winter with MusicRow staffers.
Father John Misty To Play Free Acoustic Show At Third Man Records Prior To Ryman Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonJosh Tillman (a.k.a. Father John Misty) will play to a sold-out crowd at Music City’s Mother Church the Ryman Auditorium next Tuesday, Sept. 26, in support of his acclaimed new record Pure Comedy (Sub Pop). Earlier that day, he will play a free, acoustic solo b-show at Third Man Records’ Blue Room in Nashville.
Known for being the only venue in the world with the capability to record live performances direct-to-acetate, The Blue Room will open its doors at noon for a 12:30 short set, which will be recorded by Third Man engineers on the in-house 1955 Scully Lathe for future release. One lucky, randomly-chosen attendee will walk away that day with a 10″ vinyl record, cut to disc on-the-spot during the performance.
Food trucks will be on site, and beer will be available for purchase. Black and blue records will be ready for pre-order following the set in the Third Man Records storefront for those in attendance.
Nashville’s Lightning 100 will give away 25 pairs of guaranteed-entry tickets, and the remainder of the Blue Room’s capacity will be filled on a first come, first served basis via the Third Man Records box office when doors open for the show.
Leslie Satcher Joined By Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow On New Single, Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lead single from the project, “This Won’t Take Long,” was co-written by Satcher with James LeBlanc and Crisler, and features Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow.
Satcher penned every song on the album in addition to painting an original art piece for the cover. A release date for the new CD has not been announced yet, but Satcher will play as a special guest for Aaron Watson’s “Night Of Texas” show at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday Oct. 4.
The new single, which comes out today, can be heard at song.space/2gjqcw/song/
Ashley McBryde Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Ashley McBryde
Warner Music Nashville has officially announced the label has signed Ashley McBryde to its artist roster. McBryde recently visited the MusicRow office to preview songs from her upcoming debut for Warner Music Nashville.
McBryde’s current single “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” recently hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Top 30 and will impact radio Oct. 16.
The singer/songwriter has already established herself in the industry, having toured with some of the biggest names in country, including Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. She is managed by Q Prime and represented by WME, and will be hitting the road in October for the SiriusXM Presents: The Highway Finds Tour.