Anthony Martini, Rich Barner
Music industry veteran Anthony Martini and multi-media entrepreneur Rich Barner have partnered to launch Gravel Road, a new Nashville-based record label and management firm.
The venture’s roster includes Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy, Justbrandon and producer Scattered Brains. Out of the gate, Compton Cowboys, whose mission of connecting community through horses and music has been featured on Good Morning America and in the LA Times, has collaborated with brands like Ariat, Walmart and Burberry. Chart-topping, Gold-certified producer Scattered Brains has worked with Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf and Justbrandon.
Recognized by Billboard as a Power Player, Martini has experience in varying sectors of the music industry. The New Jersey native’s early management client, Tyga, became an international star under Martini’s guidance, achieving chart-topping hits, Grammy nominations and millions of records sold. Martini has also worked with Jelly Roll, Killer Mike and Lil Dicky in their early years.
Under Martini’s prior label, Commission Records, Lil Dicky’s album Professional Rapper debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Album chart, selling millions and achieving four Platinum singles. Commission Records signed several more acts and notched 14 Platinum records, five Gold records and a top 10 chart share on Mediabase before Martini sold the company in 2019. Most recently, Martini served as CEO of Royalty Exchange, guiding the platform to become one of the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling music royalties, closing $90 million in deals and pioneering the first NFT containing publishing royalties.
“I’ve always been drawn to artists who take the road less traveled, and that is the significance of the Gravel Road,” says Martini. “We partner with artists who don’t follow someone else’s path but want to blaze their own.”
Barner is a serial entrepreneur who has worked with top talent across multiple verticals. His film company, Global Pictures Media, has produced films for Robert DeNiro, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson and more. His fragrance company was recently honored by the New You Awards with Best Innovation in Fragrance for ASH by Ashley Benson.
“I’m excited to create amazing partnerships with artists,” says Barner. “At Gravel Road, our acts will get the best of both worlds: the flexibility and freedom of an indie but with the resources and muscle of a major. “
Ketch Secor Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Madison HahnenRusty Gaston & Ketch Secor. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Ketch Secor has signed a global publishing administration deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
“I’m mighty proud to be joining Rusty Gaston and the hardworking, fun-loving Sony Music Publishing family,” shares Secor. “Since its earliest days on Music Row as historic Acuff-Rose, Sony Music Publishing has become the steward of country’s most iconic catalog. What an honor to bring my collection of songs past, present, and future to these esteemed ranks.”
Secor is a Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and founding member of Americana band Old Crow Medicine Show. He has influenced both country and Americana music with his writing. Secor co-penned the band’s iconic hit “Wagon Wheel,” which is in the top five best-selling country songs of all time, with 16 million U.S. sales and eight RIAA multi-Platinum certifications.
He also co-wrote on Molly Tuttle’s latest albums City of Gold and Crooked Tree. Additionally, Secor co-wrote the musical Hooten Hooler.
“Ketch Secor is more than a ‘fiddler in an old-time string band,’ he’s a brilliant storyteller. He writes songs that tell the tales of the rural American spirit. A one-of-a-kind talent and a one-of-a-kind human, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome Ketch to the SMP Nashville family,” says Gaston.
Anthony Martini & Rich Barner Launch Nashville-Based Label & Management Firm
/by Lorie HollabaughAnthony Martini, Rich Barner
Music industry veteran Anthony Martini and multi-media entrepreneur Rich Barner have partnered to launch Gravel Road, a new Nashville-based record label and management firm.
The venture’s roster includes Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy, Justbrandon and producer Scattered Brains. Out of the gate, Compton Cowboys, whose mission of connecting community through horses and music has been featured on Good Morning America and in the LA Times, has collaborated with brands like Ariat, Walmart and Burberry. Chart-topping, Gold-certified producer Scattered Brains has worked with Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf and Justbrandon.
Recognized by Billboard as a Power Player, Martini has experience in varying sectors of the music industry. The New Jersey native’s early management client, Tyga, became an international star under Martini’s guidance, achieving chart-topping hits, Grammy nominations and millions of records sold. Martini has also worked with Jelly Roll, Killer Mike and Lil Dicky in their early years.
Under Martini’s prior label, Commission Records, Lil Dicky’s album Professional Rapper debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Album chart, selling millions and achieving four Platinum singles. Commission Records signed several more acts and notched 14 Platinum records, five Gold records and a top 10 chart share on Mediabase before Martini sold the company in 2019. Most recently, Martini served as CEO of Royalty Exchange, guiding the platform to become one of the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling music royalties, closing $90 million in deals and pioneering the first NFT containing publishing royalties.
“I’ve always been drawn to artists who take the road less traveled, and that is the significance of the Gravel Road,” says Martini. “We partner with artists who don’t follow someone else’s path but want to blaze their own.”
Barner is a serial entrepreneur who has worked with top talent across multiple verticals. His film company, Global Pictures Media, has produced films for Robert DeNiro, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson and more. His fragrance company was recently honored by the New You Awards with Best Innovation in Fragrance for ASH by Ashley Benson.
“I’m excited to create amazing partnerships with artists,” says Barner. “At Gravel Road, our acts will get the best of both worlds: the flexibility and freedom of an indie but with the resources and muscle of a major. “
Ashley Ryan Signs With ONErpm
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): ONErpm’s Kylie Dembek, Tim Wipperman and Angela Chamberlain; (L–R, front row): ONErpm’s Ryan Cunningham, Ashley Ryan and Spinville Entertainment’s Larry McCoy. Photo: Alex McGinnis
Nashville singer-songwriter Ashley Ryan has signed with record label and distribution company ONErpm.
The California native moved to Music City in 2018, and has spent the last six years polishing her songwriting skills and performing at local events such as Whiskey Jam as well as venues like The Listening Room Cafe and The Bluebird Cafe. She caught the ear of country star Keith Urban and was invited to sing with him on his hit song “Without You” during a sold-out event at Bridgestone Arena to help kick off his 2022 world tour.
Ryan is set to release her new single, “Them Cowboys,” via ONErpm this Friday (May 31). She co-wrote the tune alongside producer Larry McCoy, Frank Stopak and Quinn Loggins. Currently, Ryan is performing in Nashville while writing more new music and recording in the studio with McCoy.
“We are so excited to work with Ashley,” says Ryan Cunningham, A&R Director of Country Music, ONErpm Nashville. “Her songs offer listeners an authentic country sound with a modern twist.”
“Behind every successful artist is a team of dedicated and hardworking individuals helping make your dreams a reality,” shares the artist. “It’s so important to find your cheerleaders in this town who not only believe in your music, but also believe in you as a person. I cannot wait for this next chapter of my music career, and am so blessed to be working with my new marketing family at ONErpm!”
Jesse Frasure Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJesse Frasure
Jesse Frasure has moved into the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Halfway To Hell” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights” propel him into the No. 10 spot.
Josh Phillips remains at No. 1 for the third consecutive week with “Dirt Cheap.” “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights” help Ashley Gorley move into No. 2 this week.
Hunter Phelps (No. 3), Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) and Matt Jenkins (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download 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.
SOURCE Nashville Hosts Luncheon For 2024 Hall Of Fame Inductees
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Sheree Spoltore, Jeannie Seely, Marty Craighead, Teena Camp and Kathy Harris; Not Pictured: Leslie Fram and Judy Seale. Photo: Alan Taylor
SOURCE Nashville hosted its bi-monthly luncheon at the Country Music Association on Thursday (May 23). Moderated by Devon O’Day, the event celebrated the latest six female industry leaders set to be inducted into the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame: Teena Camp, Marty Craighead, Leslie Fram, Kathy Harris, Judy Seale and Sheree Spoltore.
Pictured (L–R): Sheree Spoltore, Jeannie Seely, Marty Craighead, Teena Camp and Kathy Harris; Not Pictured: Leslie Fram and Judy Seale. Photo: Alan Taylor
Also in attendance was country star Jeannie Seely, who will receive the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award during the 21st annual SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium on Aug. 27. Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and the late Pat Rolfe, SOURCE Nashville is a nonprofit organization that seeks to support accomplished women professionals in all facets of the Nashville music community. In 2003, Kay Smith created the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards to honor the “Women Behind The Music.”
‘Shady Ladies Of Music City’ Podcast Returns For Third Season
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Shady Ladies of Music City podcast, starring Susan Nadler and Evelyn Shriver, has returned for a third season.
Nadler and Shriver were the first women to hold top positions at a major country label in Nashville, and have diverse backgrounds working with artists such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Randy Travis, among others. With a focus on “then and now,” the new season will consist of more stories spanning their careers as well as special guests Trey Fanjoy, Al Gore, Buffy Cooper, Shelby Lynne and more. The first two episodes are available now.
“We launched this podcast as a way to archive a lot of the stories about a town and industry we love,” says Nadler.
Shriver adds, “Now that we’re out of the day-to-day, we can talk about it in a different way that illustrates a lot of how things used to be and perhaps even answer why they are the way they are today.”
Colin Stough Readies New EP For July
/by Lorie HollabaughColin Stough’s Lookin’ For Home. Photo: Ryan “Spidey” Smith; EP Artwork: Michael Savoie
American Idol finalist Colin Stough is set to release his new EP, Lookin’ For Home, on July 12. He’s giving fans a taste of the upcoming project with the new track “Sober,” out now.
“Sober” captures the crippling torment of a bleeding heart and the bitter sting of a breakup, and was co-penned by Stough with Mason Thornley and Sam Martinez. Lookin’ For Home features six songs offering a wide lens view of a free spirit on the run, who’s painfully aware of life’s contradictions. Tackling everyday themes like work and weekends, true love and the heartbreak, the project doesn’t shy away from the messy truth.
The 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist grapples with the line between right and wrong, tradition and ambition, the push and pull between small-town comfort and the drive to leave his mark on the world on the tracks, all of which he co-wrote. Other writers on the set include Jacob Durrett, Chase Matthew, Lewis Brice, Rivers Rutherford and more.
Stough will appear at the upcoming CMA Fest 2024 on June 8 on the Hard Rock Stage. The Season 21 Idol finalist will also join a program at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center for “Idol Hour” with Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley.
Lookin’ For Home Track List:
1. “Boat Somewhere” (Colin Stough, Dawson Edwards, Jon Stark)^
2. “Makes Two of Us” (Colin Stough, Alex Maxwell, Cole Taylor)^
3. “Amen” (Colin Stough, Jacob Durrett, Jordan Dozzi)*
4. “Sober” (Colin Stough, Mason Thornley, Sam Martinez)+
5. “Outside Lookin’ In” (Colin Stough, Alex Maxwell, Chase Matthew, Trevor Snider)^
6. “Lookin’ For Home” (Colin Stough, Lewis Brice, Rivers Rutherford)^
^ Produced by Alex Maxwell
* Produced by Jacob Durrett
+ Produced by Sam Martinez
Lineup Unveiled For Second Annual UMG Nashville Takeover
/by Liza AndersonThe lineup has been unveiled for the second annual UMG Nashville Takeover at the Skydeck on Broadway, taking place June 6–9.
The free, open-to-the-public and ADA-accessible event will feature perfromances by Anne Wilson, Bryce Leatherwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, Dalton Dover, Josh Ross, Josh Turner, Kassi Ashton, Kylie Morgan, Lee Greenwood, Louie TheSinger, Maddie & Tae, Mark Wills, Mickey Guyton, Sam Williams, Terri Clark, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason and more to be announced.
Emerging artists Dillon James, Hueston, Timothy Wayne, Belle Frantz, Owen Riegling and Colt Graves are also set to perform as part of a new artist showcase, presented by Whiskey Jam.
In addition to a new canopy roof and cooling fans that will allow the showcase to proceed rain or shine, the function will include artist photo & signing opportunities, fan club parties, listening events as well as a special performance by Cirque du Soleil. A full schedule, among other information, will be shared soon. For more information, click here.
Muserk Taps Marc Driskill To Lead Music Development In Nashville
/by Liza AndersonMarc Driskill
Muserk, the modern music copyright and rights management company, has tapped industry veteran Marc Driskill to lead music development in its new Nashville headquarters.
An accountant by trade, Driskill has spent his career working in a hybrid role focused on helping creatives understand the flow of money in the music business—something he will continue to do in his new position. He got his start in business development at ASCAP in 1998. Driskill then moved over to Big Loud, where he served as COO, before returning to ASCAP as VP & General Manager in 2009. In 2012, he became Executive VP & General Manager of Sea Gayle Music, where he stayed for over nine years. Most recently, Driskill worked at FirstBank, where he guided the bank in establishing a greater presence in the music world and facilitated one of the largest music catalog financing facilities in the history of the bank.
“In publishing you really get to roll your sleeves up and work with music you believe in,” he says. “Muserk is a great team that is doing tremendous work to uncover and collect royalties for rightsholders all over the world, and I want to make sure that everyone in Nashville knows that they can trust Muserk to collect every cent.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Marc to Muserk and our mission here in Nashville,” says Paul Goldman, Muserk Founder & CEO. “Marc brings a vast wealth of experience and expertise to our rights management efforts. His extensive knowledge in the copyright space, coupled with his deep understanding of Nashville’s songwriting culture, will be invaluable for Muserk’s growth on Music Row.”
Mike Walker Signs With Lady Luck Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Cliff Audretch (Lady Luck Songs), Mike Walker, Kim Penz (Lady Luck Songs) and Bob Squance (Lady Luck Songs)
Singer-songwriter Mike Walker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs.
Born in Clarksville, Tennessee and raised on a farm in Hartselle, Alabama, Walker moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University. He started writing songs and playing mandolin in the bluegrass band Westbound Rangers in 2007, and signed his first publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment Group in 2013.
Since then, his songs have been recorded by Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Randall King, Chase Rice, Ryan Hurd and Rodney Atkins. In addition to Atkins’ Platinum single “Caught Up In The Country,” Walker recently landed a cut on Randall King’s Into The Neon album as well as 12 songs on Max McCown’s debut full-length project, Wandering.
“Everyone at Lady Luck are fans of Mike and his unique ability to craft a song,” says Lady Luck Songs Founder Kim Penz. “He brings a special vibe to the room and we are thrilled to have him as a part of our team.”
“I love what Kim, Bob [Squance], Cliff [Audretch] and the rest of the team are building here at Lady Luck,” adds Walker. “From our first meeting I knew that we’d be a great fit and I’m excited to hit the ground running!”