Pictured (L-R, back row): Rod Riley, Rusty Gaston, Lindsay Will, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Bryce Sherlow, Emilia James, Jimmy Harnen and Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Caroline Hodson, Scott Borchetta, Brad Clawson, Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Julian Raymond and Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise
BMI gathered industry members earlier this week to celebrate Chris Janson’s No. 1 hit “All I Need Is You,” which marked his fifth career chart-topper as a songwriter and an artist.
The heat of the day began to subside as industry members, family and friends made their way into the BMI lobby on Tuesday (June 25) afternoon. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Brad Clawson, Mitch Oglesby and Janson.
BMI’s Clay Bradley was emcee for the party. He congratulated the songwriters and thanked the crowd for taking the time out of their busy schedules to show up and celebrate the monumental achievement. On hand to celebrate her songwriters, Gorley and Oglesby, was ASCAP’s Emilia James.
She began by noting that, while it was his third No. 1, it was Oglesby’s first No. 1 party. “Mitch is the embodiment of hard work, determination and never giving up. He grew up on a farm in Georgia before moving here as a school teacher. He also worked at Nissan for a couple years, drove a school bus and did whatever it took to make ends meet while keeping his head down and honing his craft. In 2017, he signed his publishing deal and three years later, he had his first No. 1—another Chris Jason hit ‘Done.’ I am so excited that we finally get to celebrate!”
On deck to tout their songwriters were Anthem Entertainment’s Noah Dewey, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson. Hodson stepped to the mic to congratulate the teams that helped the song top the charts and Tape Room songwriters Gorley and Clawson.
“Simply put, you’re the kind of guy that everyone wants to be around,” Hodson said to Clawson. “You are ready to write every single day. You are smart, inclusive and ambitious, but, most importantly, you are humble and appreciative of everyone around you. Congratulations to you and everyone else here on stage.”
Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow was up next followed by Sony’s Rusty Gaston to tout Gorley.
“I hear a lot of songwriters say that they admire the success that Ashley Gorley has had, but I want to point out that Ashley exemplifies the philosophy, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ Ashley was in New York recently, and he got a phone call from an artist saying that he wanted to write that night. So, Ashley got on a plane back to Nashville and wrote until 3 a.m. before getting on another plane and flying back to New York to continue his meetings. It is a work ethic like that that leads to Ashley’s level of success.”
Several more stepped to the stage to speak including Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Big Machine Records’ Scott Borchetta, Nashville Harbor Record’s Jimmy Harnen and producer Julian Raymond.
Finally, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Oglesby spoke first, ushering Chris’ wife and manager Kelly Janson to the stage to stand next to him. “This lady right here got me on this stage. She went home and told Chris Janson that he had to go write with Mitch. He said, ‘Who is Mitch? How many cuts does he have?’ She said ‘none’ and he said he wasn’t going to write with me. Fast forward to the next day, he walked in and we immediately hit it off,” he laughed.
Next was Clawson, “I want to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in this song. I want to thank my family, Big Machine, Tape Room, Warner and everyone else. I really appreciate you guys.”
Gorley took the mic next to echo Oglesby and thank his team. “First of all, I want to thank God for getting the privilege to create and get to know these guys. I also want to thank Kelly for inspiring this song, and all of Chris’ songs. Thank you to all of the publishing teams and promo teams that made this song happen.”
Lastly, Janson took the opportunity to individually recognize everyone on his crew that helped his song go No. 1. He invited his promo team, management, band members and more to the stage and presented them each with gifts to show his appreciation.
“It’s so easy when you are a successful songwriter or artist to be put on a pedestal, or to have so many ‘yes’ people around you that you think you are more important than you really are,” he explained. “The truth is, it happens from the ground up, and we are just a catalyst to get there. Without the team, you don’t have anything. I have been in the music business long enough to know that the more you love your team, the more they will love you back and I am so grateful for my team.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne Gives An Electrifying Performance
/by Robert K OermannBrothers Osborne.
Today belongs to country music’s groups and duos.
Old Dominion, Maddie & Tae, The Castellows and Midland are all here with new sounds. So are both of our award winners. The Reklaws take home this week’s DISCovery Award. Brothers Osborne owns the Disc of the Day prize.
As for solo efforts, I direct your attention to the ultra fine offerings by Josh Turner, HunterGirl and Jelly Roll, the three main competitors with Brothers Osborne for disc supremacy.
COLBY ACUFF / “American Son”
Writer: Colby Acuff; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is an acoustic folk tune with topical lyrics. Always a charismatic singer, Acuff takes an anti-capitalist, anti-war tone on this riveting meditation. Intriguing.
MADDIE & TAE / “Sad Girl Summer”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Matt McGinn/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This good-time banger suggests that going out honky tonkin’ is a dandy way to get past the guy who has been making you cry. Their harmonies are flawless, the electric guitars are churning and the beats don’t quit. Raise a glass and dance.
TYLER HUBBARD / “Park”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Canaan Smith/Jesse Frasure/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– His car can burn rubber all the way “from Holler to Hollywood,” but rather than tear it up at high speed, he’d rather park. The track burbles along happily while he wails this uptempo romp. A summertime jam.
BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Break Mine (Live)”
Writers: John Osborne/Pete Good/Shane McAnally/TJ Osborne; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– This was arguably the most electrifying performance on Tuesday’s ABC TV special of the CMA Music Fest, and it is now a YouTube clip. T.J.’s commanding lead singing and John’s jaw-dropping guitar solos are both at the top of their games. This will make you proud to be a country-music fan.
THE REKLAWS / “One Beer Away”
Writers: The Reklaws/Callum Maudsley/Scott Helman; Producer: Callum Maudsley; Label: Starseed Records
– The brother-sister duo captured everyone’s attention on America’s Got Talent. Meanwhile, north of the border, The Reklaws hold eight Juno Award nominations, eight CCMA Awards, four No.1’s at Canadian radio, two double Platinum, eight Platinum and 13 Gold singles and a Gold certified debut album. In addition, siblings Jenna & Stuart Walker have more than 300 million global streams. Their new single is an upbeat jangler with banjo ripples, punchy rhythm and a joyous, party-hearty vibe. They swap lead vocals and harmonize delightfully. Get in that convertible, speed it on an open road and sing along.
JOSH TURNER / “Down In Georgia”
Writers: Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard/Tyler Booth; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Dark and swampy, with a gripping bass undertow. Not to mention Turner’s always compelling bass-vocal dips. Addictive as all get out. Can’t wait to hear the album.
DALTON DOVER / “Here’s The Deal”
Writers: Chase McGill/Matt Dragstrem/Michael Hardy; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He beckons her to join him in romance, but only if she’s down with his down-home, hometown values. There’s too much going on in the production, so his vocal is buried.
MIDLAND / “Lucky Sometimes”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– A very refreshing change of pace. The harmony trio strips its sound back to acoustic basics and leans back in a relaxing posture for this gently sunny outing. It is a taste of what we can expect on the group’s Barely Blue upcoming collection, and it sure sounds good.
HUNTERGIRL / “Bad Boy”
Writers: Greg Bates/Lindsay Rimes/Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– HunterGirl has competed on American Idol and won fans with appearances on CMT’s “Next Women of Country” tour as well as on Kelly Clarkson’s show. Her new song is a total blast. If the guy has tattoos, smokes cigarettes, is a one-night stand and looks a little dangerous, she’s in. “I really got it bad for a bad, bad boy,” she sings, knowing that her dad is going to hate this song. The light-hearted video features her teaching nerds how to be outlaws. One more thing: This woman sings her face off. Make her a star.
OLD DOMINION / “Coming Home”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s a rousing, uplifting jam that communicates the joy, enthusiasm and anticipation of a loving homecoming. A hit if I’ve ever heard one.
THE CASTELLOWS / “Miss America”
Writers: The Castellows/Nicolle Galyon/Will Bundy; Producer: Chip Matthews; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– The blonde sister trio has never sounded smoother. The sweet-sad, jaunty tune rolls along while they sing of a small-town girl who gets her heart broken. Very pretty, very hooky, very nice.
JELLY ROLL / “Burning”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Jelly Roll held his own during his Tuesday appearance on Jimmy Kimmel! Live. He chatted easily with guest host Martin Short and comedy star Jane Lynch, both of whom turned out to be fans. Then he staged the world premiere of his next single. It’s a frothing rocker where he begs for redemption while the band flames around him. It is also the finest vocal of his career to date and the first sample of the music that will be on his fall album. Roll, Jelly, roll.
Capitol Christian Music Group Elevates Walter Thomas & Adds Alexandria Dollar
/by Liza AndersonWalter Thomas & Alexandria Dollar. Photo: Austin Lord
Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has elevated Walter Thomas to Vice President of Artist Development and added Alexandria “Dria” Dollar as Senior Director of A&R for Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records.
Thomas most recently served as CCMG’s Director of Artist Development. Reporting to Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy, his expanded responsibilities will include overseeing the growth and care of the company’s artist roster and development initiatives as well as facilitating its marketing initiatives. Prior to CCMG, Thomas served as CEO of Agency 22 Music & Entertainment, where he managed Doe, JJ Hairston, Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Smokie Norful and more.
“Walter Thomas is a great music executive and we are confident he’ll excel in this new role,” says O’Donnell. “He has great instincts and strong relationships across the entire industry. I know he’ll serve our artists and partners well in this expanded capacity.”
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Vice President of Artist Development for Motown Gospel and TAMLA. These iconic labels have a legacy of inspiring and uplifting music, and I am committed to continuing this tradition by developing the next generation of extraordinary artists,” shares Thomas. “I am equally thrilled to welcome Alexandria Dollar as our new Senior Director of A&R. Alexandria’s innovative approach and keen ear for talent are unmatched, and I am confident that together we will elevate our artists to new heights. This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish at Motown Gospel and TAMLA.”
Dollar brings a wealth of industry experience to her new position from her time as Director of A&R at Reach Records in Atlanta, where she collaborated with Lecrae, For King & Country, Kirk Franklin, Chloe x Halle, PJ Morton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Disney Channel, among others. The two-time Grammy winner has also been recognized with Stellar Gospel Music and GMA Dove Awards. As Senior Director of A&R, she will work closely with Thomas and spearhead efforts to discover, develop and sign new acts.
Randy Travis & SoundExchange’s Michael Huppe Testify For American Music Fairness Act
/by LB CantrellRandy Travis & SoundExchange’s Michael Huppe. Photo: Tom Brenner
Country music icon Randy Travis and SoundExchange CEO & President Michael Huppe testified before Congress on Wednesday (June 26) in support of the American Music Fairness Act (H.R. 791). The act would require AM/FM radio stations to pay artists royalties when their songs are played on the air.
In his testimony, Huppe highlighted that the U.S. is the only democratic nation in the world without a performance right for artists on AM/FM radio. He called on Congress to modernize the nation’s copyright law to protect creators.
“Congress must set a standard that creators need to be compensated wherever and whenever their music is played–especially when their creations form the backbone of the business model like they do for AM/FM radio,” stated Huppe. “American musicians lose almost $300 million of taxable U.S. income each year because we lack these protections in the U.S.—this is on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars they are already missing out on domestically.”
Travis also provided testimony via his wife Mary, and emphasized the need to provide fair compensation for artists.
“Music is, was and will always be his lifeline. But that lifeline has changed. And we need to acknowledge that,” Mary shared. “The days of Randy packing a car and trekking thousands of miles across the country to visit radio stations and deliver copies of his newest cuts on cassette, in hopes of having his music heard, are a thing of the past.
“Of all the things we do differently than we did a century ago, one thing remains the same—the voice is still the mandatory bridge between the writer and the listener. And it’s time to do right by the ones that create the sound, the melody, the emotion that keeps the listeners coming back and the advertisers buying in.”
Recording Academy Extends Membership Invitation To Nearly 4,000
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has extended membership invitations to more than 3,900 music professionals spanning across diverse backgrounds, genres and disciplines, underscoring the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and representation within the music industry.
This year’s 2024 class of invitees is 45% women, 57% people of color and 47% under the age of 40. With this year’s new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women voting members by 2025 this year, one year ahead of schedule.
Invitations must be formally accepted by July 31 for recipients to become Recording Academy members and participate in the Online Entry Process for the upcoming Grammy awards. Through OEP, members can submit recordings, music videos and other eligible content for Grammy consideration. Individuals invited as voting members who accept their invitations are eligible to vote for the Grammy Awards, with the first voting ballot opening on Oct. 4 and closing on Oct. 15. The 67th Grammys will take place on Feb. 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“There’s no better way to kick off Grammy season than by inviting thousands of diverse and talented music creators and professionals to join our Recording Academy family,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Our members are the heart of the Academy, driving our mission to make lasting, positive impacts on the music community and shape music history. We are hopeful that all 3,900+ invitees join us in serving, celebrating and championing the voices of music creators year-round.”
Elevation Worship Renews Distribution & Publishing Deal With Provident Entertainment
/by Liza AndersonElevation Worship with Provident Entertainment team members
Elevation Worship has renewed their distribution and publishing agreement with Provident Entertainment.
Elevation Worship has scored seven Platinum-certified tunes and 10 songs on the CCLI Top 100 chart. Since the group’s last album, Can You Imagine?, Elevation Worship has produced the multi-week No. 1 and viral song “Praise,” in addition to selling out their entire spring tour run.
“What an honor and privilege it has been to partner with the ministry and music of Elevation Worship over the last 10 years,” states Holly Zabka, President, Provident Entertainment. “Elevation Worship is an outpouring of songs rooted in the experience of their local church that has impacted the global church and worshippers worldwide.”
“Stewarding the songs of Elevation Worship plays a significant role, as their music has a global impact, resonating with many and fostering spiritual growth,” says Andie Rankins, Senior Director, Essential Music Publishing. “The opportunity to administer their songs is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that contributes to the collective experience of worshipers around the world. It’s a meaningful endeavor that supports the mission of spreading faith through music.”
Austin Michael Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Rafter 3 Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): L3/Rafter 3’s Peter Hartung, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Austin Michael, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, L3/Rafter 3’s Cody Villalobos and Joey Gonzalez
Austin Michael has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Rafter 3 Music, the new publishing arm of L3 Entertainment.
Growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, Texas, Michael learned at an early age to rope, ride, hunt and fish. Rodeo life seemed to be in the stars for the Texas native, but at 15, he wound up on Luke Bryan’s shoulders roping Katy Perry on American Idol. It became one of the most viral videos of the competition series’ 2019 season, and the feedback on his vocal ability was the turning point for Michael as he started pursuing a career as an artist.
He has spent the last five years polishing his songwriting and guitar skills, driving to Nashville, sleeping in his car and knocking on every door for an opportunity. With relentless perseverance, Michael aims to further launch his career, continue to release new music and grow partnerships.
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Austin and his team at this exciting time in his career,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent level is off the charts, and he is already writing songs that will be the soundtrack to fans around the country.”
“We’re very excited to have Austin join the Warner Chappell team of fantastic writers and administrators,” shares Peter Hartung, President, L3 Entertainment/Rafter 3 Music. “It’s a great songwriting home for Austin as he embarks on what promises to be a great career in country music!”
Ashley Cooke To Kick Off ‘Your Place: The Tour’ This Fall
/by Liza AndersonAshley Cooke. Photo: Robby Klein
Ashley Cooke is set to kick off “Your Place: The Tour” this fall.
Starting in Seattle on Oct. 23, Cooke will visit 17 cities nationwide, with more to be announced soon, alongside special guest Greylan James.
The journey is named after the Big Loud/Back Blocks Music artist’s latest single, which recently became her first No. 1 at country radio—making it only the second country radio chart-topper from a female artist this year. With more than 62 million global on-demand streams, “Your Place” is also tied as the second-fastest growing solo female debut single on Country Aircheck/Mediabase in the last 10 years. The song also earned Cooke a four-week No. 1 on the U.K. Country Radio Airplay chart, marking her as the first artist to do so since the chart launched earlier this year, and notched her first-ever CMT Music Award win for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year with its accompanying visual.
“Is it October yet? I can’t WAIT for this tour celebrating ‘Your Place’ and all that’s happened since my first tour!” shares Cooke. “The ‘Shot In The Dark Tour’ holds some of my all time favorite memories so of course, my band and I can’t wait to get out there and make some more. This new set will have a lot of fun surprises arrangement-wise, and also a few sneak peaks at brand-new unreleased music. Counting down the days!”
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (June 28) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Before launching the new trek, Cooke will serve as support on U.S. leg of Jordan Davis’ “Damn Good Time Tour” throughout the summer, and appear at festivals such as Windy City Smokeout, Faster Horses, Country Boom, Country Summer and more.
Midland To Release New Album ‘Barely Blue’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Midland will release their new album, Barely Blue, on Sept. 20 via Big Machine Records. The trio dropped the project’s opening track, “Lucky Sometimes,” along with its accompanying video yesterday (June 26).
Produced by Dave Cobb at Georgia Mae Studios in Savannah, the eight-song exploration of loneliness and resilience in the face of heartache aims to examine the generosity of spirit required to love, lose and move on.
“We knew we wanted to go somewhere else,” says bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy. “We are all big believers in a certain time and place, a sense of classic country that comes from roadhouses and bad coffee, miles and miles and miles on the road–and the idea that, even though we’re all happy, love and life falls apart, but that doesn’t mean you have to, too. When we were writing these songs, it was a trip into all the things in country music we love. You don’t hear much of this kind of unfiltered, hard stuff that comes with the great guitar sounds, the deep harmonies and shuffles you can tuck into. But that’s the essence of what Midland is–and Dave Cobb brought a new altitude to our sound.”
Lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach adds, “Dave Cobb had been a producer we wanted to work with since we first heard Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. Dave’s eclectic musical background and the way he approaches recording as an experience and not a task made him the perfect match for us. On Barely Blue, we feel like Dave helped us find the sound we’ve been searching for for a long time.”
Additionally, the group will kick off “The Get Lucky Tour” on Sept. 19, with dates in Cincinnati, Atlanta, El Paso, Las Vegas and more as well as a show at ACL Live in their hometown of Austin on Dec. 20.
JUST IN: The Valory Music Co. Promotes Ashley Sidoti
/by Liza AndersonAshley Sidoti. Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.
The Valory Music Co. has promoted Ashley Sidoti to Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion, effective immediately.
“We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Ashley Sidoti to Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion,” says George Briner, The Valory Music Co. President. “Ashley started as an intern in 2008 when The Valory Music Co. launched and since then has worked her way up, becoming an invaluable member of the team.”
Sidoti most recently served as Vice President, Digital & Promotion for the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) imprint, and has been a driving force behind 36 of its 43 chart-toppers. She has helped to launch and develop the imprint’s roster including Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Conner Smith, Mackenzie Carpenter and Thomas Rhett, who recently achieved his 22nd No. 1 in 10 years. Additionally, the Belmont University and Leadership Music alum was honored by the Nashville Business Journal in 2019 with a Women in Music City award, and currently sits on the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of working alongside this incredible team for over a decade now. We have had so much fun building this brand together and I’m eager to continue that,” shares Sidoti. “It’s an exciting time of evolution within our industry and with our impressive roster of artists, the new opportunities are endless. I look forward to working more closely with our team as we elevate that roster and grow the future of The Valory Music Co.”
Chris Janson & Crew Celebrate No. 1 Hit ‘All I Need Is You’
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R, back row): Rod Riley, Rusty Gaston, Lindsay Will, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Bryce Sherlow, Emilia James, Jimmy Harnen and Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Caroline Hodson, Scott Borchetta, Brad Clawson, Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Julian Raymond and Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise
BMI gathered industry members earlier this week to celebrate Chris Janson’s No. 1 hit “All I Need Is You,” which marked his fifth career chart-topper as a songwriter and an artist.
The heat of the day began to subside as industry members, family and friends made their way into the BMI lobby on Tuesday (June 25) afternoon. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Brad Clawson, Mitch Oglesby and Janson.
BMI’s Clay Bradley was emcee for the party. He congratulated the songwriters and thanked the crowd for taking the time out of their busy schedules to show up and celebrate the monumental achievement. On hand to celebrate her songwriters, Gorley and Oglesby, was ASCAP’s Emilia James.
She began by noting that, while it was his third No. 1, it was Oglesby’s first No. 1 party. “Mitch is the embodiment of hard work, determination and never giving up. He grew up on a farm in Georgia before moving here as a school teacher. He also worked at Nissan for a couple years, drove a school bus and did whatever it took to make ends meet while keeping his head down and honing his craft. In 2017, he signed his publishing deal and three years later, he had his first No. 1—another Chris Jason hit ‘Done.’ I am so excited that we finally get to celebrate!”
On deck to tout their songwriters were Anthem Entertainment’s Noah Dewey, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson. Hodson stepped to the mic to congratulate the teams that helped the song top the charts and Tape Room songwriters Gorley and Clawson.
“Simply put, you’re the kind of guy that everyone wants to be around,” Hodson said to Clawson. “You are ready to write every single day. You are smart, inclusive and ambitious, but, most importantly, you are humble and appreciative of everyone around you. Congratulations to you and everyone else here on stage.”
Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow was up next followed by Sony’s Rusty Gaston to tout Gorley.
“I hear a lot of songwriters say that they admire the success that Ashley Gorley has had, but I want to point out that Ashley exemplifies the philosophy, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ Ashley was in New York recently, and he got a phone call from an artist saying that he wanted to write that night. So, Ashley got on a plane back to Nashville and wrote until 3 a.m. before getting on another plane and flying back to New York to continue his meetings. It is a work ethic like that that leads to Ashley’s level of success.”
Several more stepped to the stage to speak including Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Big Machine Records’ Scott Borchetta, Nashville Harbor Record’s Jimmy Harnen and producer Julian Raymond.
Finally, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Oglesby spoke first, ushering Chris’ wife and manager Kelly Janson to the stage to stand next to him. “This lady right here got me on this stage. She went home and told Chris Janson that he had to go write with Mitch. He said, ‘Who is Mitch? How many cuts does he have?’ She said ‘none’ and he said he wasn’t going to write with me. Fast forward to the next day, he walked in and we immediately hit it off,” he laughed.
Next was Clawson, “I want to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in this song. I want to thank my family, Big Machine, Tape Room, Warner and everyone else. I really appreciate you guys.”
Gorley took the mic next to echo Oglesby and thank his team. “First of all, I want to thank God for getting the privilege to create and get to know these guys. I also want to thank Kelly for inspiring this song, and all of Chris’ songs. Thank you to all of the publishing teams and promo teams that made this song happen.”
Lastly, Janson took the opportunity to individually recognize everyone on his crew that helped his song go No. 1. He invited his promo team, management, band members and more to the stage and presented them each with gifts to show his appreciation.
“It’s so easy when you are a successful songwriter or artist to be put on a pedestal, or to have so many ‘yes’ people around you that you think you are more important than you really are,” he explained. “The truth is, it happens from the ground up, and we are just a catalyst to get there. Without the team, you don’t have anything. I have been in the music business long enough to know that the more you love your team, the more they will love you back and I am so grateful for my team.”