Shannan Hatch
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
As VP of Creative Services at SESAC, Shannan Hatch leads the Nashville-based creative team in supporting SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers. She also works closely with senior management to support creative-focused initiatives and goals. As a gifted songwriter advocate, Hatch and her team are responsible for the recruitment, signing and nurturing of songwriters and publishers and the retention of existing SESAC-affiliated writers and publishers.
During her time with SESAC, Hatch has worked closely with affiliates Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Runaway June, Craig Campbell, Josh Hoge, Jesse Lee, Richard Leigh, Jaron Boyer, Cary Barlowe, Lance Miller, Monty Powell, and Michael Tyler, along with Americana tunesmiths Hayes Carll, Jim Lauderdale, and Allison Moorer, among many others.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tennessee. I was born in Knoxville, but I came to Nashville when I was in fourth grade, so I spent most of my growing up years here in Nashville.
Cary Barlowe, Shannan Hatch, Rob Hatch
Did growing up in Nashville make you want to be in the music industry?
No, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. Being here in Nashville, you’re surrounded by it. When I got out of high school, I didn’t want to go the traditional college route because you have to get a degree even though you don’t know what you want to be. My boyfriend at the time, his whole family was in the music industry. They were like, “We think you’d be really good at PR. You should give it a shot.” A lady named Susan Collier, who had just left Capitol and had started an independent PR company, was looking for an intern or somebody to help. I started doing tour and album press for her. I got to do my first CRS and it was so much fun. I was like, “Wow, I really like this.”
She introduced me to Ed Morris, who was writing a book at the time, so I researched his book and had a great time doing that. I spent a summer in the old Hall of Fame library. I ended up going to college at MTSU and got a degree in public relations.
Shannan Hatch, Jimmie Allen, Josh London
What was next?
When I got out of college, I started working for AristoMedia. Jeff Walker and Kay Clary hired me. I worked with Kay for years through a couple of different companies. She started her own company called Commotion PR and I helped her there. She and I got along great. I learned a lot about the history of music and how to do things differently.
How did you end up in the publishing side of the business?
All of my social group were getting into publishing or writing songs, so I was out at the songwriter nights watching the shows—and eating it up—Monday through Thursday night every week. SESAC called and they were looking for somebody in their creative department. It was a natural fit because I was going to the shows, the songwriters were my friends, and we were all growing up together. I will celebrate 20 years at SESAC in August.
What was something you learned when you started working with songwriters?
A lot. The whole craft of a song… there’s so much that goes into that. I didn’t realize what all went into writing a song. People move to Nashville and think that they can do it, but not everybody can. I learned what it takes to put all the pieces together.
I have a special relationship with a lot of our writers and artists. It’s because of my husband Rob [Hatch], too. Our best friends are uncle Lee [Brice], uncle Randy [Houser], uncle Jamey [Johnson] and uncle Dallas [Davidson]. My best friend, Juli Griffith, is in publishing. We are surrounded by it and it’s the family we get to choose.
Shannan Hatch, Lee Brice, Lydia Schultz
Who are some affiliates that you’ve gotten to work with that you’re really proud of?
Jimmie Allen is one that I’m so proud of because he’s just worked so hard. He came into my office eight to 10 years ago. He was a little bit more pop-leaning at the time and country wasn’t really going in that direction. He moved out to LA for a little while and when he came back, he knew exactly what he wanted to be and exactly what he wanted to do. He’s also just a good person, so watching him have success makes me so happy.
I’m also very proud of Niko Moon. He’s always been an artist, but he was writing with Zac Brown at the time [that I met him]. I remember him calling me and saying, “I’ve got this record and I really think it’s going to do something. I’m really excited about it.” It had a total different feel with Caribbean and beach vibes. I was driving through Atlanta when he sent it to me, we were on our way to Florida to see Rob’s parents. Then a year later, he gets a record deal and the singles start coming out. Seeing somebody like that who knows their vision and puts the pieces together… I’m so proud of him.
I’m also so proud of Lee Brice and what he’s accomplished. I’m just very blessed that I get to work with the people I work with.
Niko Moon, Shannan Hatch
What goes into your role at SESAC?
A lot! That’s what’s wonderful about it. It’s different every day and moment by moment. It’s very fluid. I love [getting to organize and host] No. 1 parties. I love awards shows. I love getting to celebrate the writers and artists, but that’s not the day-to-day.
Helping songwriters is however it looks for that person. If they’re looking for a publishing deal, I’m picking up the phone and calling publishers or sending music to publishers for them. I don’t schedule co-writes but I’ll make introductions—I call it blind dating.
A lot of it is the administration side: making sure that they’re registered properly, they’re getting their songs in the system properly, they’re getting their MP3s uploaded, the splits are correct, the publisher names are correct, and more. There are a lot of people that think that just magically happens on their behalf, but we are behind the scenes tidying it up. We make sure the songs are encoded properly, that they’re being tracked properly, and the payments are getting to them. The ultimate job is making sure the songwriters and the publishers get paid.
What is something people might not know about you?
I like to bass fish and I’m a winged-huntress, [or a hunter that only hunts winged animals]. [Laughs] My husband is an avid hunter for mostly white-tailed deer. He started a hunting camp up in southern Illinois. A lot of songwriters are involved in it. He’s been able to put the passion of music and the passion of hunting together, and it’s created a little family atmosphere at the lodge. The kids and I will go up there. I love to cook and I like to hear the stories. The guys play music, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Shannan Hatch, ET Brown, Lydia Schultz
Who have been some of your mentors?
Kay Clary was a big mentor when she took me under her wing at Aristo Media. I still admire her. She has such a rich knowledge of the history of music. Kelli Turner, who left SESAC last year, is a good mentor and friend. I miss her not being here. Being at SESAC for so long, I’ve been here through three different owners. Kelli has been the only female. Cathy Grizzell, who runs HR, has been there from the beginning. Those ladies were really good about giving the women at the company strength. They helped everybody really realize their potential.
If someone was describing you, what would you want them to say?
I hope that somebody would say that I am kind, that I’m sincere, and that I would help anybody, because I think of myself that way. Not only on the business side, but on the personal side of helping.
FBMM Expands Tax Services With New Partnership
/by LB CantrellPremier entertainment business management firm FBMM has announced a partnership with Withum to expand the company’s tax service offerings.
Withum, one of the top 25 public accounting and advisory firms in the country, will work in conjunction with the tax team at FBMM’s Nashville headquarters to enhance and oversee the tax offerings and counsel provided to FBMM’s clients across the globe. The partnership will go into effect on August 1.
“As a company, our focus has always been making sure our clients receive tax services that are ahead of the curve,” shares FBMM president Duane Clark. “A collaboration of this magnitude is a first for our industry and ensures that our clients will continue to benefit from the gold standard in tax expertise and resources for decades to come.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tyler Hubbard Continues To Impress With Solo Releases
/by Robert K OermannThere is a lot of disposable pop in today’s listening stack.
Take it from me, you can skip the new offerings by Walker Hayes, Kane Brown and LeAnn Rimes. Dan + Shay are pop too, but at least they are gorgeous pop.
If it’s real country music you crave, allow me to direct your attention to the new music by Tyler Hubbard and/or the Zac Brown Band with Cody Johnson. They finished in a neck-and-neck race for the Disc of the Day, with Tyler Hubbard getting the win.
This week’s DISCovery Award is also solidly country. Tim Dugger, take a bow.
TIM DUGGER / “Heart of a Small Town”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Tim Dugger/Tim Nichols; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–His heartfelt-hillbilly voice is perfect for this stirring ode to the American heartland. The pounding drums and strumming guitars accent a cleverly written lyric and the catchy melody. I’m in.
DAN + SHAY / “You”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Glossy pop with a paint-by-numbers love lyric. Pretty as all get out.
TEBEY / “Sink With the Sun”
Writers: Kelly Archer/Tebey Ottoh/Danick Dupelle; Producers: Tebey Ottoh/Danick Dupelle; Label: Jayward Artist Group
–Tebey briefly charted on RCA/BNA back in 2003. He returned to his native Ontario and wrote a clutch of million-selling international pop hits. His return to Nashville demonstrates that he hasn’t lost his feel for country music. He dreams of getting out on tropical water on a boat to drown his heartache with the sunset. Nicely done.
WALKER HAYES / “Y’all Life”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Pete Good/Josh Jenkins/Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly)/Jason Epperson; Producers: Walker Hayes/Joe Thibodeau/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
–It’s awfully difficult to follow a giant novelty hit like “Fancy Like.” Hayes tries his best by doubling down on the hick-hop delivery and offering another chant-like chorus. Head bobbin’ stuff. Can lightning strike twice in the same place?
LILY ROSE / “In My Drinks”
Writers: Jamie Davis/Jordan Gray/Rob Pennington; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic
–She has such a cool voice, full of soulful drawl and swallowed pain. The mid-tempo heartache lament has loads of barroom authenticity and is super listenable. It also breaks ground as a country performance by a woman yearning for another woman.
KANE BROWN / “Grand”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: RCA
–He has a current country hit with “Like I Love Country Music.” This single is his pop release. It has no tune.
HANNAH ELLIS / “Country Can”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Parker Welling/Nick Wayne/Jason Massey; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb
–I believe this song. At its best, nothing can speak to your heart like country-music can. Ellis delivers the sentiment in a soaring, anthemic melody that begs to be turned up loud. Applause, please.
ZAC BROWN BAND & CODY JOHNSON / “Wild Palomino”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Wyatt Beasley Durrette, III; Producers: none listed; Label: Warner
–Johnson’s burnished-baritone charisma totally steals the show here. The trademark ZBB harmonies are in place, but this is the Texas cowboy’s show. It’s also a super-cool and beautiful heartache song.
TYLER HUBBARD / “Way Home”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder/Canaan Smith; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI
–Hubbard’s solo career continues to gain ground with this new track. It also reclaims his country bona fides, because it pairs his delightful drawl with a down-home, spiritual lyric about redemption. Full of hillbilly heart.
BRIAN KELLEY / “American Spirit”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Jake Rose/Blake Redferrin/Canaan Smith; Producers: Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Label: Big Machine
–This isn’t very promising. His debut post-FGL solo single is a fairly generic patriotic ditty. “The red, white and blue…is flying for me and for you.”
JASON ALDEAN / “That’s What Tequila Does”
Writers: Kurt Allison/John Edwards/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan; Producers: Michael Knox; Label: Macon Music/ Broken Bow
–The shouted choruses try to stir up excitement, but the verses just kinda lay there.
LEANN RIMES, MICKEY GUYTON & SHEILA E / “The Wild”
Writers: Darrell Brown/LeAnn Rimes; Producers: Darrell Brown/LeAnn Rimes; Label: EverLe/Thirty Tigers
–Vaguely tribal sounding pop music with wordless “woa-woa’s,” many repeated phases and thumping percussion. A collection of sounds in search of a song.
Frank Ray Slates New EP ‘Getcha Some’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughFrank Ray. Photo: Joseph Llanes
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records’ artist Frank Ray will release his debut EP Getcha Some on Aug. 12.
The six-song project features his top 20-and-climbing single, “Country’d Look Good On You,” and tracks Ray penned with Frank Rogers, Derek George, Monty Criswell, and others.
The EP’s title, Getcha Some, is from a phrase Ray often uses, which originated during his time spent at the police academy when he was in need of a little pick me up. He and his fellow officers would use it to motivate each other, and it became a mainstay in his life.
“Getcha Some kind of feels like my introduction to the world so when putting this project together, I really wanted it to be representative of all of the facets of who I am—a family man, proud Hispanic, high-energy entertainer and a bit of a good time Charlie,” Ray shares. “Most importantly, I wanted to create something that would make people smile. I can’t wait to share these songs with the world and soak in those moments with the crowd.”
As part of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2022, Ray participated in a CMT Twitter Spaces Wednesday night (July 20) alongside Tiera Kennedy where he revealed details of the project.
Getcha Some Track List:
1. “Streetlights” – Frank Ray, Bobby Hamrick and Frank Rogers
2. “Country’d Look Good On You” – Frank Ray
3. “Y’all Showed Up” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, and Frank Rogers
4. “Somebody Else’s Whiskey”—Frank Ray, Derek George, Frank Rogers
5. “Late” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick and Frank Rogers.
6. “Out On Me” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George and Frank Rogers
Country Trio Chapel Hart Earns Golden Buzzer On ‘America’s Got Talent’
/by Lydia FarthingChapel Hart
Rising country trio Chapel Hart earned the coveted Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent earlier this week (July 19) with a stunning performance of their breakthrough tune, “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
A clever, updated version of Dolly Parton‘s iconic 1973 smash hit “Jolene,” the tune twists the lyrics to depict the idea that no one should have to fight over a man.
The live performance, drenched in rich three-part harmonies, won over the show’s judges—Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel—who gave the girls a standing ovation, and had the in-person audience on their feet and chanting “golden buzzer.”
After asking the women if they had been looking for a record deal, the group’s frontwoman, Danica Hart, explained to the judges that they’ve been trying to break into the Nashville scene for a number of years with no luck yet.
“It’s been kinda hard when country music doesn’t always look like us,” Danica shared tearfully before all four judges, plus host Terry Crews, rang the golden buzzer and sent them straight to the final, live performance stage. Chapel Hart will now go straight to the live finals in mid-September.
Following the performance, Parton took to social media to share her reaction saying, “What a fun new take on my song, @ChapelHartBand! Carl’s birthday is today so I think I’ll hang on to him, and I’m not notifying Jolene that today is his birthday.”
The trio, comprised of Danica and Devynn Hart, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, were named part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2021. The Mississippi natives will head back to their home state this weekend to play at the Neshoba County Fair on Saturday (July 23).
CMA Hosts First-Ever Tour & Production Manager Forums
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Touring Career Workshop Executive Director Chris Lisle and CMA Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy Tiffany Kerns. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
CMA hosted its first-ever Tour and Production Manager Forums in collaboration with the Touring Career Workshop July 18-19 at CMA’s headquarters in Nashville.
The back-to-back events featured comprehensive panels and presentations as well as networking opportunities for attendees. With touring professionals making up the second largest category of CMA membership, Monday’s event was tailored to tour managers, while Tuesday targeted production managers.
Pictured (L-R): Touring Career Workshop Executive Director Chris Lisle moderates the “Transportation and the Current State of Live Entertainment” discussion with Adam Schick (StageCall), Sharon Kendrew (High Road Touring) and Neville Shende (Pioneer Coach) during the Tour Manager and Production Manager Forums. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The forums featured in-depth discussions and candid conversations around topics relevant to each career path, while also highlighting universal trends in the live entertainment industry, including tactics for growing with artist clients, mentorship for the next generation, and the importance of mental health awareness.
“At our core, CMA exists to provide resources, information and support for those in the music business,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy. “This type of programming allows us to not only champion and equip industry professionals, but also remain at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry through continued learning, education and engagement. We say it often, but to keep our business strong, it is so important to support each and every person who makes this business possible.”
Amy Grant Among This Year’s Kennedy Center Honors Recipients
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant. Photo: Catherine Powell
Amy Grant is one of the five honorees set to receive the 45th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement on Dec. 4 in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage.
Other honorees include actor/filmmaker George Clooney; legendary soul, gospel, R&B, and pop artist Gladys Knight; Cuban-born American composer, conductor, and educator Tania León; and iconic Irish rock band U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.).
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine ever receiving this prestigious Kennedy Center Honors,” Grant shares. “Through the years, I’ve watched so many of my heroes serenaded by colleagues and fellow artists, always moved by the ability of music and film to bring us together and to see the best in each other. I cannot wait to celebrate with my fellow honorees, friends, and family. Thank you for widening the circle to include all of us.”
Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President, notes: “For nearly a half-century, the Kennedy Center Honors has represented the very best of America’s creative culture. The Honors is often referred to by past recipients as the pinnacle of awards because it recognizes not just one performance, album, or film, but esteems an artist’s cumulative body of work and influence over many decades. This level of distinction is important. Through this holistic viewpoint, each year’s Honorees add another layer to the complex and inspiring collage of artists that together tell the story of our collective contribution to global culture. Now, as the Center completes its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration, I cannot help but think that the Kennedy Center’s namesake would surely smile at this celebration that brings us closer to his vision of ‘an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft.’”
The Honors Gala will be broadcast on CBS at a later date as a two-hour primetime special, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Producer Of The Year
/by LB CantrellFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the Producer of the Year category. This visionary class of nominees created up some of country music’s most innovative projects during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.
The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Zach Crowell lent his production talent to Cole Swindell’s eleventh career No. 1 “Never Say Never” with Lainey Wilson, as well as buzzy singles from Chris Janson (“Bye Mom,” “Keys To The Country”), and Conner Smith (“I Hate Alabama,” “Learn From It”). He co-produced Dustin Lynch’s record-breaking, six-week No. 1 with MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” as well as the rest of Lynch’s 2022 album, Blue In The Sky. Crowell is currently racing up the charts with Swindell’s hot new single “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” which pays homage to Jo Dee Messina’s 1996 hit, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” This is Crowell’s second time being nominated in the Producer of the Year category at the MusicRow Awards.
Dann Huff, a five-time winner in the Producer of the Year category, produced hits from Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, and Lady A this year. Alongside Rhett and other co-producers, Huff helmed Rhett’s 2021 album Country Again: Side A (containing the hits “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again”) as well as Rhett’s 2022 album Where We Started (containing “Slow Down Summer.”) For Lady A, Huff produced their eighth studio album What A Song Can Do, including the title track single and “Like A Lady.” Huff also produced Artist of the Year nominee Brown’s recent string of hits, such as “Worldwide Beautiful,” “One Mississippi,” and “Like I Love Country Music.” Additional recent production credits for Huff include projects for Catie Offerman, Dillon Carmichael, Laci Kaye Booth, Morgan Evans, and Runaway June.
Jay Joyce produced a variety of projects for Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Brothers Osborne, Chase Rice, Gary Allan, Charlie Worsham, LANCO and more this year. Church rode the wave of his highly successful, Joyce-produced triple album, Heart & Soul, which was released at the beginning of 2021 and generated hits such as “Hell Of A View,” “Heart On Fire,” and the rising “Doing Life With Me.” Joyce lent his talents to Breakthrough Artist nominee Wilson for her breakout album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, including her first chart-topper “Things A Man Oughta Know.” His work with Brothers Osborne can be heard on their Grammy-nominated album Skeletons, including “All Night” and “I’m Not for Everyone.” Joyce is a two-time winner in the Producer of the Year category.
Shane McAnally‘s production talents, as well as songwriting prowess, were heard on multiple big projects this year. He co-produced tracks on Walker Hayes’ Country Stuff EP and album, including the blockbuster hit “Fancy Like,” and its follow up chart-burner “AA.” McAnally also worked alongside fellow Male Songwriter of the Year nominee Josh Osborne to produce Carly Pearce’s critically-acclaimed 29: Written In Stone, which boasts songs such as “Next Girl,” “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde and her rising “What He Didn’t Do.” McAnally’s production credits this year also include music for Old Dominion, Midland, Kylie Morgan, and Tigirlily.
Joey Moi produced Morgan Wallen’s titanic Dangerous: The Double Album, which topped Billboard‘s all-genre year-end albums chart at the end of 2021 with 4.1 million units sold. The project also took home Album Of The Year at the 2021 ACM Awards, and spawned multiple No. 1 songs. Moi also solely produced Breakthrough Artist Of The Year nominee ERNEST’s debut album, Flower Shops (The Album), including the title track that is rising on the charts. Other projects Moi produced this year include HARDY’s Hixtape: Vol. 2, Jake Owen’s ninth No. 1 “Made For You,” and music for Lily Rose, MacKenzie Porter, Sean Stemaly and Larry Fleet.
Jon Randall was involved in multiple projects this past year, as a songwriter, artist and producer. He produced Miranda Lambert’s eighth solo album Palomino alongside Lambert and Luke Dick. The project spawned the hit “If I Was a Cowboy” and the rising single “Strange,” as well as fan-favorite “Actin’ Up.” Randall and Lambert teamed with Jack Ingram on the Grammy-nominated project The Marfa Tapes, sharing production credits. Randall also produced Parker McCollum’s major label debut Gold Chain Cowboy, which includes McCollum’s first and second No. 1 songs, “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You.” He also produced Chase Bryant’s debut album Upbringing. Randall released his first solo album in 15 years, a self-titled project, in mid-September.
Inaugural Crowe Fest To Feature Doyle Lawson, Mo Pitney, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCrowe Fest, the inaugural, three-day bluegrass festival celebrating legendary banjo picker and Grammy-winner J.D. Crowe, is set for Aug. 25-27. The festival will be held at Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park in Clay City, Kentucky–40 miles from Crowe’s Lexington birthplace.
Bluegrassers performing at the celebration include Doyle Lawson, Mo Pitney, Sideline, and Paul Williams, along with special shows by New South Reunion, hosted by Rickey Wasson. Additionally, Authentic Unlimited, Junior Sisk, Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, and others will perform. Complete details can be found at www.CroweFest.net.
Crowe was among the first to fuse rock, folk, and R&B with the bluegrass sound and is revered for his creativity, tone and flawless meter. He won his first Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1983, and continued to record and tour throughout the ‘90s, earning his second Grammy nomination. Crowe was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2003. His final album, Crowe & Wasson, was released in 2021 before his passing on Dec. 24, 2021.
Beloved Music Row Security Guard Suffers Health Issues
/by Lydia FarthingWilliam Patton
Longtime Warner Music Nashville and Warner Chappell security guard, William Patton, has fallen on hard times after suffering three strokes and a recent car accident with his wife Minnie. He has been in and out of the hospital over the past several months and is currently in rehab.
Patton held his post from the early ’90s up until the pandemic hit in 2020. Adored by songwriters, artists, employees, industry members and guests alike, he worked at Warner Music Group in Nashville for 30 years.
Patton’s daughter Teresa has set up a fund in order to help with some the couple’s medical bills. Those wishing to contribute to the fund can do so by clicking here.
In an email to the staff, WMN Chairman and CEO John Esposito encouraged those who are able to donate. He wrote, “He was, more or less, the face of Warner Music Group in Nashville for 30 years. He enjoyed saying loudly to new hires, ‘I think you need a substantial wage increase!’ any time an executive would pass by. And he always joked about bumping his kids from the Christmas list to make room for his friends at WMN and Chappell.
“William was endlessly generous with his time and his kindness,” Esposito writes. “I ask that each of you, even those who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him, consider contributing. If you are unable, then I encourage you to share the link with friends and family.”
My Music Row Story: SESAC’s Shannan Hatch
/by LB CantrellShannan Hatch
As VP of Creative Services at SESAC, Shannan Hatch leads the Nashville-based creative team in supporting SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers. She also works closely with senior management to support creative-focused initiatives and goals. As a gifted songwriter advocate, Hatch and her team are responsible for the recruitment, signing and nurturing of songwriters and publishers and the retention of existing SESAC-affiliated writers and publishers.
During her time with SESAC, Hatch has worked closely with affiliates Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Runaway June, Craig Campbell, Josh Hoge, Jesse Lee, Richard Leigh, Jaron Boyer, Cary Barlowe, Lance Miller, Monty Powell, and Michael Tyler, along with Americana tunesmiths Hayes Carll, Jim Lauderdale, and Allison Moorer, among many others.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tennessee. I was born in Knoxville, but I came to Nashville when I was in fourth grade, so I spent most of my growing up years here in Nashville.
Cary Barlowe, Shannan Hatch, Rob Hatch
Did growing up in Nashville make you want to be in the music industry?
No, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. Being here in Nashville, you’re surrounded by it. When I got out of high school, I didn’t want to go the traditional college route because you have to get a degree even though you don’t know what you want to be. My boyfriend at the time, his whole family was in the music industry. They were like, “We think you’d be really good at PR. You should give it a shot.” A lady named Susan Collier, who had just left Capitol and had started an independent PR company, was looking for an intern or somebody to help. I started doing tour and album press for her. I got to do my first CRS and it was so much fun. I was like, “Wow, I really like this.”
She introduced me to Ed Morris, who was writing a book at the time, so I researched his book and had a great time doing that. I spent a summer in the old Hall of Fame library. I ended up going to college at MTSU and got a degree in public relations.
Shannan Hatch, Jimmie Allen, Josh London
What was next?
When I got out of college, I started working for AristoMedia. Jeff Walker and Kay Clary hired me. I worked with Kay for years through a couple of different companies. She started her own company called Commotion PR and I helped her there. She and I got along great. I learned a lot about the history of music and how to do things differently.
How did you end up in the publishing side of the business?
All of my social group were getting into publishing or writing songs, so I was out at the songwriter nights watching the shows—and eating it up—Monday through Thursday night every week. SESAC called and they were looking for somebody in their creative department. It was a natural fit because I was going to the shows, the songwriters were my friends, and we were all growing up together. I will celebrate 20 years at SESAC in August.
What was something you learned when you started working with songwriters?
A lot. The whole craft of a song… there’s so much that goes into that. I didn’t realize what all went into writing a song. People move to Nashville and think that they can do it, but not everybody can. I learned what it takes to put all the pieces together.
I have a special relationship with a lot of our writers and artists. It’s because of my husband Rob [Hatch], too. Our best friends are uncle Lee [Brice], uncle Randy [Houser], uncle Jamey [Johnson] and uncle Dallas [Davidson]. My best friend, Juli Griffith, is in publishing. We are surrounded by it and it’s the family we get to choose.
Shannan Hatch, Lee Brice, Lydia Schultz
Who are some affiliates that you’ve gotten to work with that you’re really proud of?
Jimmie Allen is one that I’m so proud of because he’s just worked so hard. He came into my office eight to 10 years ago. He was a little bit more pop-leaning at the time and country wasn’t really going in that direction. He moved out to LA for a little while and when he came back, he knew exactly what he wanted to be and exactly what he wanted to do. He’s also just a good person, so watching him have success makes me so happy.
I’m also very proud of Niko Moon. He’s always been an artist, but he was writing with Zac Brown at the time [that I met him]. I remember him calling me and saying, “I’ve got this record and I really think it’s going to do something. I’m really excited about it.” It had a total different feel with Caribbean and beach vibes. I was driving through Atlanta when he sent it to me, we were on our way to Florida to see Rob’s parents. Then a year later, he gets a record deal and the singles start coming out. Seeing somebody like that who knows their vision and puts the pieces together… I’m so proud of him.
I’m also so proud of Lee Brice and what he’s accomplished. I’m just very blessed that I get to work with the people I work with.
Niko Moon, Shannan Hatch
What goes into your role at SESAC?
A lot! That’s what’s wonderful about it. It’s different every day and moment by moment. It’s very fluid. I love [getting to organize and host] No. 1 parties. I love awards shows. I love getting to celebrate the writers and artists, but that’s not the day-to-day.
Helping songwriters is however it looks for that person. If they’re looking for a publishing deal, I’m picking up the phone and calling publishers or sending music to publishers for them. I don’t schedule co-writes but I’ll make introductions—I call it blind dating.
A lot of it is the administration side: making sure that they’re registered properly, they’re getting their songs in the system properly, they’re getting their MP3s uploaded, the splits are correct, the publisher names are correct, and more. There are a lot of people that think that just magically happens on their behalf, but we are behind the scenes tidying it up. We make sure the songs are encoded properly, that they’re being tracked properly, and the payments are getting to them. The ultimate job is making sure the songwriters and the publishers get paid.
What is something people might not know about you?
I like to bass fish and I’m a winged-huntress, [or a hunter that only hunts winged animals]. [Laughs] My husband is an avid hunter for mostly white-tailed deer. He started a hunting camp up in southern Illinois. A lot of songwriters are involved in it. He’s been able to put the passion of music and the passion of hunting together, and it’s created a little family atmosphere at the lodge. The kids and I will go up there. I love to cook and I like to hear the stories. The guys play music, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Shannan Hatch, ET Brown, Lydia Schultz
Who have been some of your mentors?
Kay Clary was a big mentor when she took me under her wing at Aristo Media. I still admire her. She has such a rich knowledge of the history of music. Kelli Turner, who left SESAC last year, is a good mentor and friend. I miss her not being here. Being at SESAC for so long, I’ve been here through three different owners. Kelli has been the only female. Cathy Grizzell, who runs HR, has been there from the beginning. Those ladies were really good about giving the women at the company strength. They helped everybody really realize their potential.
If someone was describing you, what would you want them to say?
I hope that somebody would say that I am kind, that I’m sincere, and that I would help anybody, because I think of myself that way. Not only on the business side, but on the personal side of helping.