BMI has unveiled John Oates as the Troubadour Award recipient of 2024. The accolade recognizes a songwriter who has set the tone for generations of aspiring artists and creatives. As a member of the best-selling rock duo of all time, Hall & Oates, Oates’ impact on music spans across five decades and continues to make waves in Nashville and across the globe.
“John Oates has enriched Nashville and its music scene with his special blend of soulful storytelling and guitar playing,” says BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley. “His influence has elevated our community to be more accepting and open to all genres of music. We are proud to honor him as this year’s BMI Troubadour.”
Since moving to Nashville in 2010, Oates has revived his passion for Americana music and released eight self-produced, solo albums including his most recent project Reunion. After curating Bonnaroo SuperJam with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James in 2013, he evolved 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival into a national streaming charity fundraising event called Oates Song Fest 7908.
Since his affiliation with BMI in 1972, Oates has been named a BMI Icon, garnered 10 BMI Awards and 30 BMI Million-Air awards for hits such as “Maneater,” “I Can’t Go For That,” “Out Of Touch,” “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone” and “You Make My Dreams Come True.” As a member of Hall & Oates, he has scored 10 No. 1 records, over 20 top 40 hits and has recorded 21 albums selling over 80 million copies. These achievements made them the most successful rock duo in history, as well as members of The Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Oates will receive the Troubadour Award on Sept. 16 at an invitation-only event. The celebration, sponsored by Dickel, Gibson, WP Global and YETI, will include tribute performances and speeches by special guests during a cocktail reception and dinner. Previous recipients of the award include Billy Gibbons, John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams.
Katharine McPhee Signs With Melody Place
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Melody Place’s Sanborn McGraw, Katharine McPhee, Melody Place’s Tony Gottlieb and Leigh Shockey
Artist and actress Katharine McPhee has signed an exclusive record deal with Nashville-based label Melody Place.
The American Idol season five runner-up previously recorded tracks for her second studio album, Unbroken, in Music City and returns to make more music. She plans to share her new work in early 2025, following her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 12.
“I’m excited and happy to get back into the studio and record some new music, especially in Nashville, where I had such a great experience,” says McPhee. “I’m a little overwhelmed making my Opry debut during their 99-year celebration, but it’s going to be fun!”
“We are totally thrilled to welcome Katharine McPhee to the Melody Place party! Since first dazzling the world on American Idol, her vocal talent has been unmatched,” notes Sanborn McGraw, Melody Place President/General Manager. “Katharine’s passion and devotion to great songs and songwriting aligns perfectly with our mission of championing diverse and powerful artists. Leigh Shockey, the team and I look forward to supporting this next step in her journey, and can’t wait for the world to hear the incredible music she has to share.”
Billy Blue Music Promotes Joe Dan Cornett
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Dan Cornett
Billy Blue Music has promoted Joe Dan Cornett to Director of Publishing.
Cornett has been with Daywind Music Group, the parent company of Billy Blue Music, for the past 10 years, serving as both Catalog Manager and Creative Director. He has contributed to more than 600 songs recorded since 2016, and has produced multiple No. 1s in both bluegrass and southern gospel. Additionally, Cornett has helped to secure publishing contracts for songwriters like Laura Leigh Jones, Bill Whyte, David Morris, Donna Ulisse, Kristy Cox, John Meador, Mike Richards, Carson Peters, Rick Lang and Caroline Owens.
“Joe Dan has passion and a heart to help songwriters reach their greatest potential success,” says Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Music Publishing. “His character and work ethic have made him an invaluable and much-appreciated member of our team. We are excited to see him guide the Billy Blue crew into the future.”
“I am so grateful for Dottie Leonard Miller, Ed Leonard and Rick Shelton for entrusting me with this new role as Director of Publishing,” shares Cornett. “It’s an honor to serve all our amazing songwriters, and I look forward to what the future holds for Billy Blue Music Publishing.”
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Advances On The Country Charts
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan. Photo: Andrew Maclean
Zach Bryan‘s “Pink Skies” advances to No. 3 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 16 million new streams, adding to 240 million ATD, and his self-titled project returns to No. 5 on the country albums chart with 32K in total consumption (3K album only/37 million song streams), according to Luminate data.
Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” remains the top country streaming song with 27 million streams, adding to 572 million ATD, and Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” continues to follow at No. 2 with 24 million new streams, adding to 507 million ATD. Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” shifts down to No. 4 with 15 million streams, adding to 102 million ATD, while Luke Combs‘ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” holds No. 5 with 13 million new streams, adding to 134 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time stays at No. 1 with 63K (1.6K album only/79 million song streams), followed by Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene at No. 2 with 51K (686 album only/64 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album ascends to No. 3 with 37.4K (395 album only/48 million song streams), as Twisters: The Album tumbles to No. 4 with 37K (4.9K album only/40 million song streams).
John Oates To Receive BMI’s 2024 Troubadour Award
/by John Nix ArledgeBMI has unveiled John Oates as the Troubadour Award recipient of 2024. The accolade recognizes a songwriter who has set the tone for generations of aspiring artists and creatives. As a member of the best-selling rock duo of all time, Hall & Oates, Oates’ impact on music spans across five decades and continues to make waves in Nashville and across the globe.
“John Oates has enriched Nashville and its music scene with his special blend of soulful storytelling and guitar playing,” says BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley. “His influence has elevated our community to be more accepting and open to all genres of music. We are proud to honor him as this year’s BMI Troubadour.”
Since moving to Nashville in 2010, Oates has revived his passion for Americana music and released eight self-produced, solo albums including his most recent project Reunion. After curating Bonnaroo SuperJam with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James in 2013, he evolved 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival into a national streaming charity fundraising event called Oates Song Fest 7908.
Since his affiliation with BMI in 1972, Oates has been named a BMI Icon, garnered 10 BMI Awards and 30 BMI Million-Air awards for hits such as “Maneater,” “I Can’t Go For That,” “Out Of Touch,” “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone” and “You Make My Dreams Come True.” As a member of Hall & Oates, he has scored 10 No. 1 records, over 20 top 40 hits and has recorded 21 albums selling over 80 million copies. These achievements made them the most successful rock duo in history, as well as members of The Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Oates will receive the Troubadour Award on Sept. 16 at an invitation-only event. The celebration, sponsored by Dickel, Gibson, WP Global and YETI, will include tribute performances and speeches by special guests during a cocktail reception and dinner. Previous recipients of the award include Billy Gibbons, John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams.
BrickHouse Entertainment Partners Unite With Vere Music To Form Joint Venture
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R, back row): Paige Heinemann, Chase Swayze, Caleb Gauntt, Rusty Harmon and Ron Smith; (L–R, front row): Annie Harsch and Kaylin Townsend
BrickHouse Entertainment Managing Partners Scott Brickell, Ron Smith and Chase Swayze have united with Vere Music Founder & President Rusty Harmon, who previously managed Hootie & The Blowfish, to form a new artist development, marketing and label joint venture called Hit and Run Music.
Based in Nashville, Hit and Run Music plans to serve independent artists across all genres. All projects will be distributed through ADA, part of the Warner Music Group family of companies. The venture’s flagship act Micah Christopher dropped his debut single, “That’s Who Jesus Is,” in June and is set to release a new EP in February.
“Today’s music industry is ever-evolving,” says Harmon. “Artists have more freedom and access than ever before. But with that freedom there is still a need for marketing, distribution and execution of a strategy. Hit and Run Music and Vere have combined to provide the elements needed for a successful career. We are excited about this new model and the team we have assembled.”
“Hit and Run Music is a great way for artists to pair marketing strategy and distribution in a nontraditional way,” Swayze adds. “Our structure allows artists to focus on writing and recording great music while our team implements marketing strategies and grows their career. The label landscape is changing and I am excited about this new venture.”
The team can be reached at Caleb@brickent.com.
JUST IN: Big Loud Records Elevates Eric England
/by Liza AndersonEric England. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Big Loud Records has elevated Eric England to SVP, Insights & Analytics, effective immediately.
England joined the label in September of 2021 and established the Insights & Analytics department as VP. His team is at the helm of the independent label’s data-forward methodology implemented across the roster and its releases. With a PhD from Virginia Tech, England previously spent time at Ohio State University, The Kraft Heinz Company and Mars Petcare before entering the music industry.
“Eric and his team’s strategic implementation of data throughout every aspect of our business over the last three years has amplified our success immensely,” share Big Loud COO Austen Adams and CEO/Partner Seth England. “His innovative, outside perspective on our industry makes Big Loud better, and we’re honored to continue growing with him.”
“Big Loud’s ingenuity and originality have made a significant impact on the industry,” says England. “I’m grateful for the past three years of growth and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.”
Conner Smith Signs With New Management
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Chris Kappy, Conner Smith and Jake Kinney. Photo: Jacob Powers
Conner Smith has signed a new management agreement with Jake Kinney at his newly-launched Pioneer Artists in a strategic partnership with Chris Kappy at Make Wake Artists.
“This is a very exciting time and step for me, as I get to partner with Pioneer and Make Wake heading into this next chapter of my career,” shares Smith. “My favorite part of this industry is the people I get to share the pursuit of this dream with. The shared alignment and excitement between Jake, Kappy and me is an inspiring and rare thing to find!”
“Conner is both an incredible artist and person,” says Kinney. “His dedication to his craft, music, fans, and show is something I have long admired, so partnering with him as the flagship artist on Pioneer is a tremendous honor. Kappy has been a mentor and friend ever since I had the dream of embarking into music. Calling him a partner is a dream come true and I’m excited about what we’ll all accomplish together.”
Smith released his debut album Smoky Mountains at the top of the year. The project contains breakout hits “Creek Will Rise” and “I Hate Alabama,” as well as his current single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters. He was included on the star-studded country track list for Twisters with “Steal My Thunder” featuring Tucker Wetmore and recently released an intimate Smoky Mountains Sessions project.
“Make Wake is honored to be part of the Conner Smith team,” says Kappy. “His dedication to his craft as an artist is fun to watch and to be a part of his management team is an honor. Jake is a future superstar in our genre and his innate ability and instincts are second to none. We are excited for the next steps of Conner’s journey.”
This fall, Smith will launch “The Storyteller Tour,” and he will join select dates on Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour” in September.
Smith, a Valory Music Co. recording artist, is represented by Aaron Tannebaum and Alex Collignon at WME and signed to Home Team Publishing/Warner Chappell.
Reach Music Acquires Select Assets From Wyatt Durrette’s Catalog
/by LB CantrellWyatt Durrette. Photo: Brooke Stevens
Reach Music Publishing Inc. has acquired select publishing assets and songwriter shares from the catalog of multi-Platinum songwriter Wyatt Durrette.
The deal includes interests in 29 of Durrette’s compositions, including his interest in songs he co-wrote with Zac Brown such as the nine-time Platinum hit “Chicken Fried” and the band’s “Toes” and “Whatever It Is,” as well as his share of Luke Combs‘ Diamond-certified “Beautiful Crazy.”
Reach Music also has global administration rights for its share of these acquired rights. The company will co-administer these rights with Durrette’s longtime publisher Richard Blackstone of Blackstone Entertainment.
“This is a thrilling moment to have concluded an acquisition agreement with Wyatt Durrette, an A-level award winning songwriter,” shares Michael Closter, President/Founder and Owner of Reach Music. “Reach Music has been the publishing administrator for Zac Brown for 12 years, and we’ve always been familiar with Wyatt Durrette and his incredible works with Zac Brown Band starting with ‘Chicken Fried’, as well as his more recent works with Luke Combs. This marks Reach’s largest acquisition in the country space, and we couldn’t be more excited than to have done this deal with Wyatt.”
Durrette was represented in the transaction by Adam Ritholz and John Brill of Ritholz Levy Fields LLP. Reach Music was represented in the transaction by Jeff Sacharow of The Sacharow Firm, P.C.
Drake White Slates New Album ‘Low Country High Road’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughDrake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Drake White is releasing a new full-length album, Low Country High Road on Sept. 20.
To celebrate the announcement of the new 13-track collection, White has released “Faith,” a blues-and-gospel-tinged single co-written by White alongside Jonathan Singleton. He has already released two offerings from the new project with the wisdom-laden “Life, Love and War” and mischievous country rock anthem “10lbs of S#!T.”
White has crisscrossed the country on his “The Bridge Tour,” joining Jamey Johnson for select dates, and his 2024 run is currently set to finish Sept. 28 in Lakeland, Florida.
Low Country High Road Track List:
1. “Low Country High Road” (Drake White, Rob Snyder, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Keep It Movin’” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton)
3. “Miracles” (Drake White, Ryan Larkins)
4. “10 Lbs of S#!T” (Drake White, Matt Kozial, Kelli Johnson)
5. “The Last Time” (Drake White, Jamey Davis, Justin Parker)
6. “Everyday Yours” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Randy Montana)
7. “Faith” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton)
8. “Life, Love and War” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan)
9. “Wildflower” (Drake White)
10. “This Hat” (Drake White, Shane Minor, Monty Criswell)
11. “Hometown Healing” (Drake White, Jacob Lutz)
12. “Tequila Mockingbird” (Drake White, Marcus Hummon)
13. “Stompin’ Ground” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton, Ross Copperman)
Warren Zeiders Plots ‘The Relapse Tour’ For 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughWarren Zeiders. Photo: Austin Screws
Warren Zeiders will hit the road on “The Relapse Tour” next year, with Tyler Braden serving as support.
The Warner Records artist will visit his largest venues to date as a headliner on the 23-stop run, which includes shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, St. Augustine, Richmond and more. “The Relapse Tour” will kick off in Nashville on March 27 after Zeiders’ previously-announced European headlining journey. For more information, click here.
Throughout the fall of 2023 and spring of this year, he sold over 150,000 tickets across 55 sold-out shows in the U.S. and Canada on his “Pretty Little Poison Tour,” and earned his first No. 1 at country radio with its namesake.
Additionally, Zeiders plans to release the Relapse album this month. The project features his single “Betrayal” and the title track, which has already amassed more than 43.3 million U.S. streams since its June release. Ahead of his headlining dates, Zeiders will continue to play major festivals and join Jelly Roll on “The Beautifully Broken Tour.”