Pictured (L-R): Downtown’s global creative team: Danny Berrios, Dylan Silberman, Rhea Ghosh, Jedd Katrancha, Natalie Osborne, Justin Kalifowtiz, Taeko Saito, Roberto Neri, Andrew Bergman, Steve Markland, Kayte Olsufka and Andrew Sparkler. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]
Downtown Music Publishing celebrated its new office space and its current No. 1 country hit on Tuesday (April 25) with a packed-house parking lot party. Downtown Music Publishing recently moved their Nashville operations to 909 Division Street in Nashville.
The occasion coincided with the No. 1 success of Downtown writer Marc Beeson’s “Hometown Girl” (co-written with Daniel Tashian, Big Yellow Dog Music) and performed by Josh Turner.
Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson and Allen Shamblin. Photo:Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House Records) and Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay/Warner Bros.). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Hosted by Downtown Music Publishing CEO Justin Kalifowitz, COO Andrew Bergman, and Downtown Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Steve Markland, the party boasted appearances by its writers Beeson, Kelly Archer, Andy Albert, Tony Esterly, Downtown’s global creative team, and other Nashville figures such as Patrick Carney (of the Black Keys), Michelle Branch, Fletcher Foster and Scott Parker (Hearts Bluff Music) among many others.
“Hometown Girl” is the second No. 1 to come from Downtown Nashville following last November’s Brett Young hit “Sleep Without You,” co-written by Downtown’s Archer, Young (BMLG) and Justin Ebach (Word Music).
Pictured (L-R): Downtown Nashville staff and writers: Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]
Pictured (L-R): Kara Wintergrass (Big Yellow Dog), Jamie Martin (Big Yellow Dog), Brad Kennard (Razor & Tie), Alex Stefano (Big Yellow Dog), Lauren Funk (Big Yellow Dog) and Matt Lindsey (Big Yellow Dog). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Markland launched Downtown’s Nashville office in 2014 as a core component of the company’s worldwide expansion. Downtown now has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and most recently, Tokyo. Since opening in Nashville in 2014, Downtown has acquired the catalogs of Charlie Black, Ray Whitley, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass and VLS Music, which includes Lady Antebellum songs written-by Hillary Scott, among others. Active songwriters including Albert, Beeson and Archer have written recent charted country hits for Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Justin Moore, Granger Smith and Cassadee Pope.
Pictured (L-R): Will Weatherly and Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Steve Markland, Andy Albert and Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Sanders Chidekel & Fields). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is one of the world’s leading rights-management firms. The company’s catalog spans over seven decades of popular music, encompassing some of the world’s most beloved songwriters and artists including The Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, The Kinks, Cy Coleman, Hans Zimmer, Bruce Springsteen, Mötley Crüe, One Direction, Naughty Boy, Hardwell, Santigold, Carla Bruni and Social Distortion. The company’s technology platform, Songtrust, powers global royalty collection from over 100 countries and more than 20,000 unique income sources worldwide.
Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Trisha Yearwood Cooks Up New Product Line With Williams Sonoma
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood is teaming up with Williams Sonoma for a new line of specialty foods inspired by her cherished Southern recipes. The Williams Sonoma and Trisha’s Kitchen collaboration will feature a biscuit mix, her Summer In A Cup Tropical Cocktail Mix, an unfried chicken seasoning kit, apple barbeque sauce, and an applewood molasses rub.
The Williams Sonoma and Trisha’s Kitchen collaboration is available online now at williams-sonoma.com/trisha and will be available at all U.S. retail locations starting May 19. Yearwood will be making appearances throughout the summer at select Williams Sonoma locations across the country.
“Trisha has been a loyal customer of Williams Sonoma for years and we are in awe of all of her many talents,” said Janet Hayes, President of Williams Sonoma. “A food collaboration between Williams Sonoma and Trisha Yearwood is a dream come true for all parties involved.”
“Williams Sonoma has always been my ‘happy place’ and I’ve wanted to be a part of their team forever! When I host a party, I focus on the people, not the necessarily the planning, and this food line provides easy ways to enhance your menu,” said Trisha Yearwood. “I am so excited to partner with one of my favorite home stores with a line that helps make entertaining easy and fun. I hope to help give home cooks the confidence to invite everyone over this summer!”
The Williams Sonoma and Trisha’s Kitchen collaboration includes:
SUMMER IN A CUP TROPICAL COCKTAIL MIX – A favorite summertime tradition offering a bright, sunny blend of tangerine, cherry and pineapple juices. 25.4 oz. (makes 12 servings) / $16.95
UNFRIED CHICKEN SEASONING KIT – Bake up a healthier version of Southern fried chicken with this blend of whole-wheat panko, Parmesan and spicy-sweet herbs. 6.6 oz. / $9.95
BISCUIT MIX – Whip up a batch of flaky, irresistibly light buttermilk biscuits. Just add buttermilk, cut into rounds and bake. 14.8 oz. (makes 12 biscuits) / $9.95
APPLE BBQ SAUCE – Made with sweet apple puree, tangy cider vinegar, molasses, chilies and spices. 19.5 / $12.95
APPLEWOOD MOLASSES RUB – A classic Southern-style blend of Applewood-smoked sea salt, molasses, brown sugar and spices. 3 oz. / $10.95
DISClaimer: Willie’s ‘True Love’ Wins The Day
/by Robert K OermannAt 83 years young, Willie Nelson has the masterpiece du jour with his “True Love.” Written and sung by a master, it is head and shoulders above every other disc in this week’s stack. It is easily the Disc of the Day.
Mind you, there is plenty of “new” here to like, as well. In fact, there is so much talent among today’s first timers that the DisCovery Award is split three ways.
The male winner is a fellow named Blane Howard, who has an instant wedding classic for your listening pleasure. Blane moved to Nashville from Arkansas to attend Belmont, and now it sounds like he’s on his way.
The female honor goes to Brooke Woods, who has a dandy, sunny bopper. I know nothing about her, since her website refuses to open.
The group award goes to The Buffalo Ruckus, who have the freshest and most innovative country-rock sound I’ve heard in ages. These Texas boys sound like they carry their stompin’ party with them wherever they go.
NOE PALMA/I’ll Be Your Whiskey
Writers: Ryan Griffin/Jason Matthews/Emily Shackelton; Producer: Bart Busch & Jason Matthews; Publisher: none listed
– It says here that he’s a firefighter in Kansas City. Based on this full-throated, super melodic performance, I’d say its time he lit a fire under a country-music career. Well done, son.
THE BUFFALO RUCKUS/Born To Die
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed
– Rumbling thunder rolls through this rocking track. The bass-heavy production, dramatic guitar slashes, driving percussion and howling, passionate, edge-of-the-seat vocal performance are all fantastically gripping. A wild ride that’s packed with energy, energy, energy.
WILLIE NELSON/True Love
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Sony-ATV Countryside/Run Slow, BMI/ASCAP
– Heart tugging and utterly gorgeous. Nelson’s tender reading of this ballad is nothing short of brilliant, and Cannon’s production swirls around him like smoke. Play this and believe. The exquisite new album that contains this is titled God’s Problem Child. Buy it now.
SONIA LEIGH/Jack Is Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sonia Leigh & Anthony Olympia; Publisher: none listed
Her performance is quite startling and edgy. The production is even more eyebrow raising, what with its processed vocal effects and pop/rock attack. Fascinating, if not exactly straight-down-the-middle country.
BRAD PAISLEY/Last Time For Everything
Writers: Brad Paisley/Smith Ahnquist/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Mike Ryan; Producer: Luke Wooten & Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– Nostalgia has never sounded better. He looks back at his youth and realizes that so many of those experiences will never be repeated. Meanwhile, guitars stutter around him and the arrangement roars. Brad wins yet again.
JOE LASHER JR./Tap A Tall Light
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Jaren Johnston; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– Very sincere sounding. He sings like he’s sitting right next to you, which is the mark of a real communicator. It doesn’t hurt that the song is splendidly written.
BLANE HOWARD/Promise To Love Her
Writers: Blane Howard/Jordan Kyle Reynolds; Producer: Brad Hill & Blane Howard; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– It’s a power ballad sung by a resonant baritone who’s pledging true romance. A ready-made wedding anthem. What’s not to love?
BROOKE WOODS/God Bless The World
Writers: Alex Call/Robby Calvo; Producer: Mark Coleman & Brooke Woods; Publisher: none listed
– The production pumps mightily, defying you to stay in your chair. If the lyric is a little on the goody-two-shoes side, the soaring melody makes up for it.
SARABETH/I Want It That Way
Writers: Andreas Michael Carlsson/Max Martin; Producer: Glen Mitchell; Publisher: none listed
– I never understood this lyric when The Backstreet Boys sang it. I still don’t.
JOHN HORD/More Than I’m Used To
Writers: John Hord; Producer: Rosewood Studios; Publisher: none listed, BMI
– There’s nothing really wrong with it, except that it is average. And compared to the rest of what we’re hearing this week, that just won’t cut it.
Downtown Music Publishing Celebrates New Office, No. 1 Song “Hometown Girl”
/by Haley CrowPictured (L-R): Downtown’s global creative team: Danny Berrios, Dylan Silberman, Rhea Ghosh, Jedd Katrancha, Natalie Osborne, Justin Kalifowtiz, Taeko Saito, Roberto Neri, Andrew Bergman, Steve Markland, Kayte Olsufka and Andrew Sparkler. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]
The occasion coincided with the No. 1 success of Downtown writer Marc Beeson’s “Hometown Girl” (co-written with Daniel Tashian, Big Yellow Dog Music) and performed by Josh Turner.
Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson and Allen Shamblin. Photo:Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House Records) and Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay/Warner Bros.). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Hosted by Downtown Music Publishing CEO Justin Kalifowitz, COO Andrew Bergman, and Downtown Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Steve Markland, the party boasted appearances by its writers Beeson, Kelly Archer, Andy Albert, Tony Esterly, Downtown’s global creative team, and other Nashville figures such as Patrick Carney (of the Black Keys), Michelle Branch, Fletcher Foster and Scott Parker (Hearts Bluff Music) among many others.
“Hometown Girl” is the second No. 1 to come from Downtown Nashville following last November’s Brett Young hit “Sleep Without You,” co-written by Downtown’s Archer, Young (BMLG) and Justin Ebach (Word Music).
Pictured (L-R): Downtown Nashville staff and writers: Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]
Pictured (L-R): Kara Wintergrass (Big Yellow Dog), Jamie Martin (Big Yellow Dog), Brad Kennard (Razor & Tie), Alex Stefano (Big Yellow Dog), Lauren Funk (Big Yellow Dog) and Matt Lindsey (Big Yellow Dog). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Markland launched Downtown’s Nashville office in 2014 as a core component of the company’s worldwide expansion. Downtown now has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and most recently, Tokyo. Since opening in Nashville in 2014, Downtown has acquired the catalogs of Charlie Black, Ray Whitley, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass and VLS Music, which includes Lady Antebellum songs written-by Hillary Scott, among others. Active songwriters including Albert, Beeson and Archer have written recent charted country hits for Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Justin Moore, Granger Smith and Cassadee Pope.
Pictured (L-R): Will Weatherly and Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Steve Markland, Andy Albert and Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Sanders Chidekel & Fields). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is one of the world’s leading rights-management firms. The company’s catalog spans over seven decades of popular music, encompassing some of the world’s most beloved songwriters and artists including The Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, The Kinks, Cy Coleman, Hans Zimmer, Bruce Springsteen, Mötley Crüe, One Direction, Naughty Boy, Hardwell, Santigold, Carla Bruni and Social Distortion. The company’s technology platform, Songtrust, powers global royalty collection from over 100 countries and more than 20,000 unique income sources worldwide.
Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing
Ryan Hurd Joins Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour
/by Dan_StrassbergHurd just completed the Spring leg on Thomas Rhett’s sold-out Home Team Tour, and has also joined Maren Morris on her sold-out HERO Tour this year. He will continue on the HERO Tour in Europe this fall. Keeping his foot on the touring accelerator, Hurd will perform at country’s top festivals this year, including Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout and Country Thunder.
The singer-songwriter recently released his debut self-titled EP, that has collectively garnered over 30 million streams since Hurd’s initial release of “We Do Us” last September.
A majority of tickets are on sale now, with the remainder becoming available to the public this Friday, April 28.
For tour dates, visit www.RyanHurd.com.
James LeBlanc Inks With Dreamlined Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Dreamlined’s Keith Stegall, James LeBlanc, producer Jimmy Nutt
James LeBlanc has signed with Dreamlined Entertainment. LeBlanc has penned hits like “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” for Travis Tritt, “Relentless” for Jason Aldean, and “Learning How To Bend” for Gary Allan, and recently had cuts by Thompson Square, Jo Dee Messina, Martina McBride and more. LeBlanc’s songs have been featured on albums totaling over 25 million copies sold.
He will be releasing his first album of solo material in 10 years, Nature Of The Beast, June 16.
“I’m ready for what comes next,” said LeBlanc of the new alliance. “I’m so excited to be a part of the Dreamlined Entertainment team!”
Industry Praises House Passage Of The Register Of Copyrights Selection And Accountability Act
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) board members at the U.S. Copyright Office earlier this year. Pictured (L-R): Ben Glover, Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA); John Shorney, acting-U.S. Register of Copyrights Karen Claggett; NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison; CMPA Board Member, Geoff Lorenz; and Roger Brown.
The U.S. House of Representatives today (April 26) overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1695 by a vote of 378-48 to adopted new rules in selecting the U.S. Register of Copyrights. Also known as “The Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act,” the decision makes the Register of Copyrights a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed position with a 10-year term limit.
The process includes choosing three nominees for the President to select from, one of whom would be appointed as U.S. Register of Copyrights to serve a 10-year term. The bill removes the appointment for the Librarian of Congress. The next step is approval by the U.S. Senate.
NSAI Board members Roger Brown and Ben Glover with Sr. Director of Operations Jennifer Turnbow at the U.S. Copyright Office earlier this year. Acting U.S. Register of Copyrights Karen Claggett and staff look on.
“This action was necessary and ultimately good for songwriters and other creators,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “The new process will help ensure a properly qualified Register and includes a nominating process similar to one recommended by NSAI. This bill makes the Register more accountable to our elected officials and requires Senate confirmation.”
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite commented on the legislation, “At a time when creators constantly must defend their rights, it is critical that the Register of Copyrights is chosen carefully and vetted properly. Making this a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed position not only adds the oversight needed to ensure this critical role is filled by someone up to the challenge, it also elevates the position to where it always should have been – amongst the ranks of the top officials within the administration. Additionally, the 10-year term will assist in maintaining continuity in the role across administrations. Copyright touches every industry and every person, and this bill is a good step towards ensuring the person advising Congress and helping determine policy for songwriters, artists and all creators is the best person for the job.”
Nicole Sherrill Named Creative Director For Little Extra Music
/by Jessica NicholsonNicole Sherrill
Little Extra Music has appointed Nicole Sherrill as Creative Director, effective immediately. Sherrill will be responsible for pitching the Little Extra catalog, handling writer scheduling, and continuing to assist President Lisa Ramsey-Perkins with the day-to-day operations of the company. A graduate of Ole Miss, with a major in live performance, her experience brings an added bonus to the artist development aspect of Little Extra Music.
Born and raised in Nashville, Sherrill is the daughter of award winning engineer Billy Sherrill, who has worked on records from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, to the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Chesney. Nicole’s mother Susan worked at EMI and SBK with Jimmy Gilmer.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Little Extra Music family! I’ve always had a passion for songs and the creative process of writers has always captivated me. Connecting a song with the perfect artist is the most rewarding feeling,” said Sherrill.
“Nicole is a huge ball of energy, with a vast knowledge of country music history, and a passion for all kinds of music. She is the perfect gift to Little Extra Music and our writers. We’re so grateful to have her on board!” said Ramsey-Perkins.
Lady Antebellum, CeCe Winans, Moon Taxi Set For Grammy Block Party In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s Grammy Block Party will be held May 2, beginning at 5 p.m. at Nashville’s Cumberland Park.
Lady Antebellum, CeCe Winans, Anderson East, Moon Taxi and Muddy Magnolias will offer entertainment during the Recording Academy members-only event, which will be hosted by Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Shannon Sanders.
Admission is free for Recording Academy members; guest admission is $50. Recording Academy memberships must be active prior to the event.
Free parking will be available at Nissan Stadium.
Log onto grammypro.com/join or call 615-327-8030 for more information.
Industry Ink: Ocean Way Audio, Abel McCallister Designs, Ten Out Of Tenn
/by Lorie HollabaughOcean Way Audio Hosts Demo Event
Pictured: Ocean Way Audio founder Allen Sides, pictured with HR4 and HR2 speakers.
Ocean Way Audio is hosting a special event on May 10 at Vintage King and the House Of Blues Studios in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood. The event will feature Ocean Way founder Allen Sides, who at Vintage King will be holding a series of one-on-one demonstrations of the Ocean Way Audio HR4S and Pro2A speakers and the new RM1-B Ribbon Microphone, playing specially recorded classic tracks from his rich history of recording and mixing.
At 7:00 p.m., the party moves to House of Blues Studios, where OWA, Focusrite and Vintage King Nashville are co-sponsoring an official pre-party for the annual AudioMasters Golf Tournament. Sides and Rick Plushner, President of Ocean Way Audio, will demonstrate the custom 415T monitors, built for T Bone Burnett, in Burnett’s studio space. Attendees will get an in-depth look at these reference monitors along with a Q&A session with Sides and Plushner.
RSVP at oceanwayaudio.com.
Abel McCallister Named To BizBash’s Top 40 Event Designers List
BizBash, the national trade media for event professionals, has announced its 2017 list of Top 40 Event Designers in North America today and included Nashville designers Larry Abel and Raymond McCallister of Abel McCallister Designs. Abel McCallister Designs produces events from red carpets and Galas to intimate design experiences and pop-up opportunities. Their design work includes creating events with many clients including Entertainment Weekly, The Grammys, CMA, FOX, L’Oreal, Ragu, Tequila Patron, Sprint, Coachella, SXSW, The Oscars, The Golden Globes, New York Fashion Week, and Godiva Chocolatier.
The Godiva account garnered an appearance for Abel and McCallister on The Oprah Winfrey Show where they created an entire TV set for Oprah out of Godiva chocolate using over 15,000 pieces of chocolate and taking over 1,400 man hours to complete their design.
Nashville Ballet And Ten Out Of Tenn Collaborate On ‘Seven Deadly Sins’
During this unique Ten Out of Tenn reunion show, the artists (Butterfly Boucher, Trent Dabbs, Gabe Dixon, Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, Erin McCarley, K.S. Rhoads, Will Sayles and Amy Stroup) will perform all-new, original music. Rhoads, producer on the project, grouped the artists together to each create a song inspired by one of the seven deadly sins. The Seven Deadly Sins set list features:
Carrie Underwood Receives BMI Board Of Directors Award At NAB Dinner
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI; Carrie Underwood; Paul Karpowicz, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors & President, Meredith Local Media Group
Carrie Underwood was honored with BMI’s Board Of Directors Award at the 69th annual BMI/NAB Dinner last night (April 25) at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas. Underwood was recognized for the undeniable impact her music has had on the broadcast industry, as well as her contributions as a songwriter. During the event BMI also presented Underwood with the latest three of her 14 career BMI songwriting awards for “Heartbeat,” “Little Toy Guns,” and “Smoke Break.” She was also presented with a whopping nine BMI “Million-Air” Certificates, acknowledging songs that have achieved one million or more spins on radio, bringing her list of Million-Air certificates to a career total of 14.
“Not every superstar is a songwriter, but Carrie is,” said Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President and CEO. “She has earned the respect of her colleagues, not only for her singing, but also for her brilliant songwriting and storytelling, and that is an accomplishment that cannot be overstated.”
“I am beyond blessed to get to do what I do, and am grateful that I am surrounded by such incredible people,” remarked Underwood about the honor. “I love the people that I get to work with — it’s a joy, a pleasure, and a privilege. Thank you so much BMI for everything that you have done for me and my music.“
Past recipients of the BMI/NAB honor include Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Graham Nash, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, and John Williams, among others.
Pictured: Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville, present Carrie Underwood and Carrie-Okie Music with recent BMI Songwriting Awards and Million-Air Certifications