APRA Honors Lindsay Rimes for 1,000,000,000 Streams on Kane Brown’s “Heaven”
Lindsay Rimes
Nashville-based songwriter and producer Lindsay Rimes has been honored by APRA AMCOS, the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. Rimes has been added to The 1,000,000,000 List for co-writing Kane Brown‘s 2017 smash hit “Heaven.” This is the first country song, and the 35th overall, recognized for surpassing more than one billion streams across all major streaming services.
The track topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. It is certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. and triple Platinum in Canada.
“I’m thrilled to have a billion streams for ‘Heaven!’ Thanks to everyone who listened to the song and APRA AMCOS for their continued support of Aussie writers abroad,” Rimes shares.
Originally from Sydney, Rimes focused on songwriting and producing after an injury curtailed his rugby career. He relocated to Nashville and co-penned Dylan Scott’s country hit “Hooked” with Morgan Evans and Seth Ennis at an APRA AMCOS SongHubs and quickly became an in-demand collaborator. Rimes’ credits include releases by Locash, Luke Bryan, Tyler Rich, and more. He was honored with an Overseas Recognition Award at the 2019 APRA Music Awards.
“Lindsay Rimes proved, once again, that he is a HITMAKER on any continent! ‘Heaven’ was a massive song for Kane Brown and country music, and we are proud to represent Lindsay in all of his successes!” adds Sony Music Publishing, Executive Vice President, Nashville A&R, Josh Van Valkenburg.
Ben Hutto Rises To Director Of Brands & Partnerships At Triple 8 Management
Ben Hutto. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Triple 8 Management’s Ben Hutto has risen from artist manager to Director of Brands and Partnerships.
Hutto has secured brand and sponsor deals, with Triple 8 clients recently landing partnerships with EA Sports, Samsung, Microsoft, Shell, Citibank, Bud Light, ESPN, Journeys, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, Ford, Southwest Airlines and Wild Turkey, among others. He has been key in the company’s major successes in brand and sync opportunities including Judah & the Lion penning the Nashville SC theme song that plays in-stadium before every home game as well as Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors’ songs being featured in multiple award-winning ad campaigns.
“Ben and I actually met when he was in college–he was managing Judah & the Lion while they were all students at Belmont together,” notes Triple 8 Executive Partner Paul Steele. “I was so impressed by him and the band that I offered him a job the day he graduated, and it’s been a pleasure to work together ever since.”
“We love turning what may seem like one-off opportunities into career pillars for artists,” adds Hutto. “Our focus in that area with Judah & the Lion over the years is a major part of what has allowed them to grow their brand the way they have, so I’m excited to continue creating opportunity for all of our artists on the Triple 8 roster.”
Vibecity Music Publishing Signs Steve Smentek
Steve Smentek
Vibecity Music Publishing, a Nashville-based boutique publishing company owned by Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, has signed Steve Smentek to an exclusive staff songwriter deal.
A Chicago native, Smentek has been coming to Nashville on a regular basis to attend songwriting events and network, eventually joining SongTown. Smentek is currently working with a wide range of artists and co-writers.
“I’m really excited about Steve joining the VibeCity team. His tenacity for chasing down a hook and a great song is stronger than just about any writer I’ve worked with,” Mills says.
“Steve is one of the hardest working songwriters I know,” adds Dodson. “He continues to learn and grow as a writer and we are excited to see where his partnership with VibeCity can take us all.”
Dodson and Mills collectively have over 250 cuts and 12 No. 1 songs between them, including Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess.” They co-founded VibeCity in 2018, whose roster now includes Smentek, Josh Byrd, Kelly McKay and Jesse Slack.
Combustion Music & Jameson Rodgers Partner To Sign Tom Whall
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Kelly Lyons, Blake Duncan, Tom Whall, Chris Van Belkom, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Farren
Combustion Music has signed Tom Whall to an exclusive publishing deal in partnership with Jameson Rodgers.
Since moving to Nashville in 2011, Whall has been an internationally touring drummer and is currently on the road with Rodgers. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Whall has had cuts with Emily Earle, Charlie Berry and more.
“Tom is a phenomenal musician and songwriter and I’m proud to not only have him in my band but to help his songwriting career take off as well. His work ethic paired with this team is going to set him up for a lot of success,” Rodgers says.
“As a writer/producer, I’ve always looked up to the Combustion team and Jameson,” Whall adds. “I’m super pumped to be a part of this killer team!”
Whall is the first signing on Combustion’s venture with Rodgers, whose songwriter career began with Combustion in 2014. The Platinum singer-songwriter has since celebrated two No. 1 songs as an artist such as “Some Girls” and “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” the latter of which he co-penned, as well as several hit songs as a songwriter with Chris Lane, Luke Combs, and Jason Aldean.
“Our creative strategy is based on organic relationships. When Tom connected with Jameson in the writer room, we knew he needed to be the first signing to our new venture,” says Combustion Vice President, Chris Van Belkom.
Chris Farren, Combustion Music President, sums, “Couldn’t be happier to be both signing Tom and partnering with Jameson on this deal…two guys of huge talent and character. Looking forward to a long, fruitful relationship together.”
Love And Theft Sign With ONErpm Ahead Of New Single Release
/by Lydia FarthingLove and Theft. Photo: Chase Lauer
Country duo Love and Theft has signed a worldwide marketing and distribution deal ONErpm. In celebration, the pair are set to release their brand-new single, “Accidentally on Purpose,” Friday, Nov. 12 on all platforms.
“We are thrilled to announce our signing with ONErpm and are very excited for fans to hear our new single,” says Eric Gunderson, half of the duo, along with bandmate and longtime friend Stephen Barker Liles. “‘Accidentally on Purpose’ is probably our favorite song from this project,” he adds. “We wrote it with our dear friend Bree Doster back before the world shut down, and we can’t wait for people to react to it. Though bittersweet in the end, it makes you move and makes you feel something!”
“ONErpm is proud to partner with veteran duo Love and Theft,” says Diana Garcia, project manager for ONErpm. “In their career, these guys have already garnered more than 3 billion radio impressions, over 300 million plays on Pandora and are nearing 3 million music video streams [the latter for the critically acclaimed ‘Whiskey on My Breath’].”
Love and Theft launched their career in 2009 with their top 10 hit “Runaway” and garnered a No. 1 with their 2012 country song, “Angel Eyes.” The multi-award-nominated duo is also featured on CreatiVet’s Veteran’s Day Special EP, performing “Another Day.”
Of the collaboration, Liles shares, “CreatiVets efforts for veterans is a unique and artistic way for singers and songwriters to share their appreciation for those who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe.” He continues, “Music is a powerful thing, and we’re honored to be a part of these events.”
Brent Cobb, Amy Ray To Host Virtual “Georgia on My Mind” Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriters Brent Cobb and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls are set to host “Gretsch Presents Georgia On My Mind,” an online benefit for the Georgia Music Foundation, on Dec. 7.
Earlier in 2021, the Georgia Music Foundation staged “Georgia On My Mind” lakeside at Five Arrow Farms in Georgia with performances by Cobb, Ray, Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin, Jontavious Willis, Kalen & Aslyn, Trina Meade and Tomi Martin of Three5Human, and the Lola Gulley Band. December’s streamed concert will feature highlights from that show.
Tickets for the show, airing at 7 p.m. CT, are $10 and can be purchased here. All proceeds will benefit the Georgia Music Foundation.
“Amy and I never would’ve guessed our first shot at hosting ‘Georgia On My Mind’ would be online, but we both loved the way the show turned out last year,” Cobb offers. “While we eased back in this year playing with a small group of friends for a small audience, it was so much fun that we wanted to make that experience available online, too.”
“Being together and making music after COVID-imposed isolation was meaningful in so many ways,” adds Ray. “Everyone was present for something special and you can hear it in the performances as we all come together on behalf of an organization that not only supports music education grants every year, but also provided grants to musicians and crew around the state last fall through a relief fund it organize.”
Usually held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, “Georgia On My Mind” was founded by Georgia natives The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) in 2014. After seven years of hosting, the trio turned the reins over to fellow Georgians Cobb and Ray but as COVID-19 began to spread, the charitable event was reimagined as an online affair with living room and studio performances by more than 20 artists.
Chris Janson, Bass Pro Shops Partner To Aid Folds Of Honor
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Janson. Photo: Spidey Smith
Chris Janson has been an active supporter of the U.S. military throughout his career, and he’s showing his appreciation for our servicemen and women by teaming up with Bass Pro Shops to commemorate Military Family Appreciation Month and Veteran’s Day.
Now through Nov. 13, Bass Pro Shops is hosting an in-store “round-up at the register” campaign to help fund at least 20 life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members via national nonprofit organization Folds of Honor. Together, a minimum of $100,000 will be donated.
“I’m so grateful to my friends at Bass Pro Shops for doing the round-up at the register this week through Folds of Honor,” says Janson. “I couldn’t be more humbled that ‘Bye Mom’ inspired such a great opportunity. This week you can round up every purchase at Bass Pro Shops, and the proceeds will go to our great servicemen and women and their families. Thank you to our veterans this Thursday and always.”
Janson will wrap the year serving as the grand marshal at the Leiper’s Fork Christmas Day parade on Dec. 11. The avid outdoorsman will once again team up with Bass Pro Shops and the Franklin High School fishing team to pass out rods and reels to children along the route.
Nashville Guitarist Adam Shoenfeld To Release Solo Debut ‘All the Birds Sing’
/by Lorie HollabaughStudio and touring musician Adam Shoenfeld is releasing his latest album All the Birds Sing on Jan. 28 via Lozen Entertainment Group/Copperline. The first single, “The Sky is Falling Down,” alludes to the chaos in the world with a silver lining in its message and is available now.
Shoenfeld has spent the last nine years in Tim McGraw’s touring band, but decided to step out on his own for his new family-inspired project. When going through the track list, his children inspired “Son,” “Pave Those Highways,” and “11,” while “Her Song” is an ode to his wife. Shoenfeld’s cover of “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” ties back to his childhood in New Jersey where he listened to his parents’ Beatles records as well as classic live albums by Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, and the Rolling Stones.
“What I really connected to, and what gave me the chills, was the audience,” Shoenfeld recalls. “I had a guitar in my hand before I turned 5. My parents bought me one because I was air-guitaring to Frampton Comes Alive. I couldn’t help myself.” He continues, “I love getting to play guitar for people and making a living doing that. It’s the best job in the world, but I’ve always been an artist at heart.”
Since 2011, he’s received seven nominations from the Academy of Country Music for Guitar Player of the Year. He’s also accrued credits on more than 40 No. 1 country hits, including Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” and “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” by Big & Rich.
King Pen, Warner Chappell Music Nashville Sign Jay DeMarcus
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Bethany Mako (WCM), Kelly King (King Pen), DeMarcus, Ben Vaughn (WCM), Harrison Sokoloff (King Pen), Christina Wiltshire (WCM)
King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville have signed a worldwide publishing deal with Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Jay DeMarcus.
A member of the country group Rascal Flatts, DeMarcus has racked up 17 No. 1 hits, over 23 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, and 2 billion streams throughout his career. As one of the most awarded country groups of the past decade, the trio has earned more than 40 trophies from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, People’s Choice, and more.
DeMarcus is also a Grammy-winning producer, working with acts like Chicago, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Shenandoah, and Reba. He was honored in 2018 for producing Jason Crabb’s album Unexpected, which was named Best Roots Gospel Album by The Recording Academy.
Also on the executive side of the music business, Demarcus is the CEO and owner of Christian record label Red Street Records, home to Crabb, Avalon, Lauren Camey, Cade Thompson, and Iveth Luna.
Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville comments: “Jay’s name has always been synonymous with quality music throughout his career as an artist, writer, and producer. He also has an incredible sense of humor! Our team at Warner Chappell is excited to join forces with the King Pen team in working with Jay as he moves into this next chapter of his career.”
“It has been an honor to have been a part of Jay Demarcus’ legacy over the past 20+ years. His strong characteristics of work ethic, talent, and ability to create strong relationships has proven his success,” adds Kelly King, President, King Pen Music. “I’m looking forward to continuing our great relationship along with our Warner Chappell family in this next chapter of his career.”
“I’m so excited for this opportunity, and this new chapter in my life,” DeMarcus says. “To partner with Kelly in this capacity after 20 years of working together, just feels like such a natural, and easy fit. Ben is one of the absolute best in our business, and I’m honored to be a small part of such an extraordinary team. Exciting things are ahead!”
FGL, Alan Jackson, Lady A, More To Present At Upcoming 55th Annual CMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPresenters for the upcoming 55th Annual CMA Awards have been announced, and will include Florida Georgia Line, Katy Perry, Alan Jackson, Elle King, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Darius Rucker and more.
Also on tap to present awards during this year’s star-studded show are Trace Adkins, Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Deana Carter, Lauren Daigle, Russell Dickerson, Amy Grant, Scotty McCreery, Susan Sarandon, Kurt Warner, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
As previously announced, this year’s CMA stage will also be packed with an A-class lineup of talent, including Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley feat. Brealnd and Hardy, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton feat. Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Chris Young and Kane Brown, and the Zac Brown Band.
Hosted by Bryan, the show will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 7-10 PM CT on ABC.
Walker Hayes, Monument Records Snag First No. 1 At Country Radio
/by Lydia FarthingPictured: (front row, L-R): Anna Gallenberger (Monument), Marissa Turk (SMACK), Robert Carlton (SMACK), Katelyn Lester (Monument), Casey Thomas (Monument); (back row, L-R): Shane McAnally (SMACK/Monument), Ansley Neeley (Monument), Luke Jensen (Monument), Walker Hayes, Katie McCartney (Monument), Jamie Graves (Monument), Joel Beaver (Monument), Lisa Mastrianni (Monument). Photo: Matt Bacnis
Walker Hayes‘ blockbuster hit single “Fancy Like” has reached the top spot at country radio, officially earning the Monument Records recording artist his first radio No. 1, as well as the label’s first chart-topper.
Since its release in June, the track has spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs chart, while also sitting atop countless country streaming and sales charts.
“Country radio, you hung the moon,” says Hayes. “This is the ‘we did it’ moment for Laney and me. No matter what I say, you won’t be able to know how grateful I am. Thank you for a hundred chances… now I’m ‘Fancy Like’ No. 1!”
“Fancy Like” leaped from No. 17 into the top 10 at country radio in October, making it the biggest jump into the top 10 on the Mediabase Country chart in 17 years. The song has spawned collaborations with Kesha and Carin Leon, television appearances, an Applebee’s commercial, and iHeart festival slots, and has become one of the fastest certified Platinum singles of 2021.
“When Walker Hayes walked up to me at Smoothie King almost 7 years ago, he hoped I would change his life, but he ended up changing mine,” says Monument Co-President Shane McAnally. “I have learned more about perseverance and passion and heart from him than any artist I’ve ever known. I am so glad to see his name at the top of the chart where it has always belonged.”
“When we launched Monument, we picked Walker Hayes as the artist to do it with for a reason,” continues Monument Co-President Jason Owen. “Walker has always written songs that transcend boundaries, and we knew it was only a matter of time for this moment to come.”
The achievement follows Hayes’ recent news that he will be setting out on “The Fancy Like Tour” in early 2022. The run will kick off in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Jan. 27.
Hang Your Hat Music Inks Publishing Deal With Cary Barlowe
/by Lydia FarthingCary Barlowe
Hang Your Hat Music, a creative joint venture with Concord Music Publishing founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year Hillary Lindsey, has signed Cary Barlowe to a worldwide publishing deal. The agreement includes Barlowe’s future works.
Originally from North Carolina, Barlowe started his music career as a member of the Rick Rubin-produced rock band, Luna Halo. He has written nine No. 1 songs in the contemporary Christian music format—three of which earned him Grammy nominations for Contemporary/Gospel Song Of The Year.
His first dip into country music came with Taylor Swift’s “Untouchable” from her 2008 multi-Platinum album Fearless. He has since scored five No. 1 songs on country radio, including Lady A’s “American Honey,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze,” Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” and “Famous Friends” recorded by Chris Young and Kane Brown. Barlowe has also had cuts with Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Chris Lane, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Martina McBride, Steven Tyler, Jimmie Allen, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and more.
He has also seen success as a session musician with credits on hits for Carrie Underwood, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, and Chris Young.
“Cary’s multi-faceted talents make him a publisher’s dream,” says Jake Gear, GM at Hang Your Hat Music. “He’s a musical ‘swiss army knife.’ His ability to topline hits across multiple genres, produce demos and tracks, be a session grade multi-instrumentalist, all in addition to his energy and personality make him an asset to any writing room. I couldn’t be more stoked to get to work with him!”
“We are incredibly fired up to welcome Cary to the Concord and Hang Your Hat team!” adds Brad Kennard, Sr. VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Cary’s a hit songwriter with the unique ability to bring top-level writing, production, and musicianship to any session. A true triple threat. On top of that, he brings the best passion and energy wherever he goes. He’s just universally loved.”
“I’m so excited and thankful for the next chapter in my musical journey,” Barlowe shares. “To have Hillary and Jake on my side, I know I am in good hands! Also, to have the amazing staff at Concord behind me is huge. Can’t wait to get to work and for what’s ahead of us together as a team.”
Barlowe is Hang Your Hat Music’s fourth signing since its 2020 debut. Ben Chapman, Chris La Corte, and Meg McRee compose the rest of the venture’s roster.
Industry Ink: Lindsay Rimes, Ben Hutto, Steve Smentek
/by Lydia FarthingAPRA Honors Lindsay Rimes for 1,000,000,000 Streams on Kane Brown’s “Heaven”
Lindsay Rimes
Nashville-based songwriter and producer Lindsay Rimes has been honored by APRA AMCOS, the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. Rimes has been added to The 1,000,000,000 List for co-writing Kane Brown‘s 2017 smash hit “Heaven.” This is the first country song, and the 35th overall, recognized for surpassing more than one billion streams across all major streaming services.
The track topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. It is certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. and triple Platinum in Canada.
“I’m thrilled to have a billion streams for ‘Heaven!’ Thanks to everyone who listened to the song and APRA AMCOS for their continued support of Aussie writers abroad,” Rimes shares.
Originally from Sydney, Rimes focused on songwriting and producing after an injury curtailed his rugby career. He relocated to Nashville and co-penned Dylan Scott’s country hit “Hooked” with Morgan Evans and Seth Ennis at an APRA AMCOS SongHubs and quickly became an in-demand collaborator. Rimes’ credits include releases by Locash, Luke Bryan, Tyler Rich, and more. He was honored with an Overseas Recognition Award at the 2019 APRA Music Awards.
“Lindsay Rimes proved, once again, that he is a HITMAKER on any continent! ‘Heaven’ was a massive song for Kane Brown and country music, and we are proud to represent Lindsay in all of his successes!” adds Sony Music Publishing, Executive Vice President, Nashville A&R, Josh Van Valkenburg.
Ben Hutto Rises To Director Of Brands & Partnerships At Triple 8 Management
Ben Hutto. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Triple 8 Management’s Ben Hutto has risen from artist manager to Director of Brands and Partnerships.
Hutto has secured brand and sponsor deals, with Triple 8 clients recently landing partnerships with EA Sports, Samsung, Microsoft, Shell, Citibank, Bud Light, ESPN, Journeys, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, Ford, Southwest Airlines and Wild Turkey, among others. He has been key in the company’s major successes in brand and sync opportunities including Judah & the Lion penning the Nashville SC theme song that plays in-stadium before every home game as well as Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors’ songs being featured in multiple award-winning ad campaigns.
“Ben and I actually met when he was in college–he was managing Judah & the Lion while they were all students at Belmont together,” notes Triple 8 Executive Partner Paul Steele. “I was so impressed by him and the band that I offered him a job the day he graduated, and it’s been a pleasure to work together ever since.”
“We love turning what may seem like one-off opportunities into career pillars for artists,” adds Hutto. “Our focus in that area with Judah & the Lion over the years is a major part of what has allowed them to grow their brand the way they have, so I’m excited to continue creating opportunity for all of our artists on the Triple 8 roster.”
Vibecity Music Publishing Signs Steve Smentek
Steve Smentek
Vibecity Music Publishing, a Nashville-based boutique publishing company owned by Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, has signed Steve Smentek to an exclusive staff songwriter deal.
A Chicago native, Smentek has been coming to Nashville on a regular basis to attend songwriting events and network, eventually joining SongTown. Smentek is currently working with a wide range of artists and co-writers.
“I’m really excited about Steve joining the VibeCity team. His tenacity for chasing down a hook and a great song is stronger than just about any writer I’ve worked with,” Mills says.
“Steve is one of the hardest working songwriters I know,” adds Dodson. “He continues to learn and grow as a writer and we are excited to see where his partnership with VibeCity can take us all.”
Dodson and Mills collectively have over 250 cuts and 12 No. 1 songs between them, including Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess.” They co-founded VibeCity in 2018, whose roster now includes Smentek, Josh Byrd, Kelly McKay and Jesse Slack.