Lee Brice
Curb Records’ Lee Brice has made history this year as his smash hit “One Of Them Girls” won the award for Country Song Of The Year at the BMI Awards, the SESAC Awards, and the ASCAP Awards. This is the first time that the same song has taken Country Song of the Year from all three PROs in the same year.
Brice, a SESAC writer, penned the double-Platinum certified song alongside ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley, and BMI’s Ben Johnson and Dallas Davidson. “One Of Them Girls” spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and has remained in the top 10 each recurrent week. The Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs-produced track, which has garnered over 390 million on-demand streams, also reached No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on July 30, 2020.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Lee Brice, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch
“We are elated to honor our songwriter, artist, friend, family, Lee Brice with this monumental SESAC Song of The Year award for ‘One of Them Girls,’” shares Shannan Hatch, SESAC VP, Creative Services Nashville. “Congratulations to him and his co-writers on the award and writing an incredible song! Big love to Lee, the writers, and the Curb | Word team!”
Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI Nashville says: “The most performed song of the year is one of the crown jewels of BMI. We are thrilled to represent Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson in this monumental achievement!”
ASCAP CEO, Beth Matthews, also adds: “For a song to win Song Of The Year honors at multiple award shows is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the musical gifts of the songwriters and to the artistry of Lee Brice. ASCAP is so thrilled for our member Ashley Gorley on his ASCAP Song of the Year win and we congratulate all of his co-writers and Lee on theirs, and on a great song and a great recording that won the hearts of country music fans everywhere.”
“What an exciting moment for Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Ben Johnson, Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs,” Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb offers. “‘One Of Them Girls’ has proven to be a hit song because of this great talent behind it, and it is wonderful for it to be recognized in such a big way.”
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ John Clore; Curb Records’ RJ Meacham; Red Light Management’s Anthony DeVincenzo; Curb Records’ Blair McDermott; Curb Records’ Benson Curb; Lee Brice; Curb Records’ Jeff Tuerff; Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Ciara Shortridge; Curb Records’ John Chapman; Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo
Brice also recently received various RIAA certifications, with his No. 1 hit “Memory I Don’t Mess With” being certified Gold, “Hard To Love” going 4x Platinum, Hey World going Gold, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce being certified 2x Platinum, and “One Of Them Girls” being certified 2x Platinum.
“What an incredible and unexpected honor!” says Brice. “It’s hard to tell when a song is going to resonate with folks the way this one has–I know I speak for myself, Ashley, Dallas and Ben when I say thank you to everyone who listened to and requested our song at country radio and streamed it online. You all gave it a bigger life than we could have ever thought!”
Tidal Launches New Artist-Focused Initiatives, Free Membership Tier
/by Lydia FarthingGlobal streaming service, Tidal, has unveiled a wave of new updates for the platform, including a free tier to their membership options, direct-to-artist royalties, and fan-centered royalties.
The free membership option offers access to Tidal’s entire music catalog as well as curated playlists, both with limited interruptions. Through this membership type, members will be able to listen to Tidal’s flagship playlists; artist deep-dives, such as Adele Essentials, Tracks & Traces: Dolly Parton, and Songwriter Mix: Drake; and customized playlists based on user listening habits.
Tidal has also announced new transparency and revenue features as part of the HiFi Plus tier. The new direct-to-artist payments will give artists access to an additional payment stream to their streaming royalties, allowing them to benefit directly from their biggest fans on the platform. Each month, a percentage of HiFi Plus subscribers’ membership fees will be directed towards their top streamed artist, which can be seen in user’s activity feed.
Additionally, starting in 2022, Tidal is taking royalties attributed to HiFi Plus subscribers and paying them based on the actual streaming activity of individual HiFi Plus subscribers as opposed to the industry accepted method of aggregating streams. This will allow fans to play a larger role in the success of their favorite artists.
“We’re building a platform that values art, artists, and culture, and for the first time opening the platform experience up to a wider group of fans with the free tier,” says Jesse Dorogusker, head of Tidal. “Tidal is also supporting artists with fairer earning terms and quicker payments, and fans are getting a better way to support their favorite artists. These offerings are the first step of many, and we’re excited to collaborate with artists to evolve our tools to help them continue to grow and create on their own terms.”
All artists must opt in to access direct artist payouts, either through Tidal’s invite-only direct registration option or through one of the platform’s distribution partners. For more information, click here.
“One Of Them Girls” Makes History, Sweeps PRO Country Song Of The Year Honors
/by Lydia FarthingLee Brice
Curb Records’ Lee Brice has made history this year as his smash hit “One Of Them Girls” won the award for Country Song Of The Year at the BMI Awards, the SESAC Awards, and the ASCAP Awards. This is the first time that the same song has taken Country Song of the Year from all three PROs in the same year.
Brice, a SESAC writer, penned the double-Platinum certified song alongside ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley, and BMI’s Ben Johnson and Dallas Davidson. “One Of Them Girls” spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and has remained in the top 10 each recurrent week. The Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs-produced track, which has garnered over 390 million on-demand streams, also reached No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on July 30, 2020.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Lee Brice, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch
“We are elated to honor our songwriter, artist, friend, family, Lee Brice with this monumental SESAC Song of The Year award for ‘One of Them Girls,’” shares Shannan Hatch, SESAC VP, Creative Services Nashville. “Congratulations to him and his co-writers on the award and writing an incredible song! Big love to Lee, the writers, and the Curb | Word team!”
Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI Nashville says: “The most performed song of the year is one of the crown jewels of BMI. We are thrilled to represent Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson in this monumental achievement!”
ASCAP CEO, Beth Matthews, also adds: “For a song to win Song Of The Year honors at multiple award shows is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the musical gifts of the songwriters and to the artistry of Lee Brice. ASCAP is so thrilled for our member Ashley Gorley on his ASCAP Song of the Year win and we congratulate all of his co-writers and Lee on theirs, and on a great song and a great recording that won the hearts of country music fans everywhere.”
“What an exciting moment for Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Ben Johnson, Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs,” Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb offers. “‘One Of Them Girls’ has proven to be a hit song because of this great talent behind it, and it is wonderful for it to be recognized in such a big way.”
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ John Clore; Curb Records’ RJ Meacham; Red Light Management’s Anthony DeVincenzo; Curb Records’ Blair McDermott; Curb Records’ Benson Curb; Lee Brice; Curb Records’ Jeff Tuerff; Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Ciara Shortridge; Curb Records’ John Chapman; Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo
Brice also recently received various RIAA certifications, with his No. 1 hit “Memory I Don’t Mess With” being certified Gold, “Hard To Love” going 4x Platinum, Hey World going Gold, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce being certified 2x Platinum, and “One Of Them Girls” being certified 2x Platinum.
“What an incredible and unexpected honor!” says Brice. “It’s hard to tell when a song is going to resonate with folks the way this one has–I know I speak for myself, Ashley, Dallas and Ben when I say thank you to everyone who listened to and requested our song at country radio and streamed it online. You all gave it a bigger life than we could have ever thought!”
Justin Moore’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Gets Exclusive Red Vinyl Release
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Moore and Walmart are teaming up for an exclusive, red vinyl release of his Greatest Hits album, due out Feb. 25 via The Valory Music Co.
The 13-track project features 10 chart-toppers from Moore’s career, including “Small Town USA” and the poignant “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” along with fan favorites like “Bait A Hook” and “Backwoods.”
Moore recently released “With A Woman You Love,” which is currently climbing the charts and serves as the first track from his latest album, due out in 2022. Wrapping his extensive headlining tour this past weekend, the Arkansas native hit the stage in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, to play his final shows of the year.
Greatest Hits Track List:
1. “Small Town USA” | Justin Moore, Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover
2. “Why We Drink” | Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover
3. “Til My Last Day” | Justin Moore, Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover
4. “Lettin’ The Night Roll” | Justin Moore, Rodney Clawson, Jeremy Stover
5. “Bait A Hook” | Justin Moore, Rhett Akins, Jeremy Stover
6. “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” | Dallas Davidson, Rob Hatch, Brett Jones
7. “Somebody Else Will” | Kelly Archer, Adam Hambrick, Tebey Ottoh
8. “Point At You” | Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip
9. “You Look Like I Need A Drink” | Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Natalie Hemby
10. “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” | Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover
11. “Backwoods” | Justin Moore, Jamie Paulin, Jeremy Stover
12. “We Didn’t Have Much” | Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
13. “Home Sweet Home” feat. Vince Neil | Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx
Me Gusta Music Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Expands Staff
/by Lorie HollabaughMe Gusta Music is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The company was formed by Trina Smith-Dort in 2011 and now supports over 300 clients of songwriters, publishers, and labels.
Smith-Dort and her team assist their clients in collecting all royalty income from syncs, mechanical licensing, performance and digital streaming. The publishing administration roster includes Black Pumas, Cody Johnson, Cody Jinks, Rarespark Media Group, Kent Blazy, Back Blocks Publishing and more. On the record administration front, Me Gusta works on behalf of independent labels Big Loud Records, Combustion Music, Creative Nation Records, Warner Chappell Nashville, and Lightning Rod Records, among others.
Me Gusta’s clients have also had notable sync placements this year, including Johnson’s “Welcome To the Show” with Ford Trucks, Black Pumas’ “Colors” with Target, and Rarespark’s smash hit “Fancy Like” featured in Applebee’s advertisements this fall.
To handle the accounts, Me Gusta Music has expanded its staff to include Tricia Proctor as Director of Publishing Administration, Allison Richard as Licensing Manager, Bri Holko in the role of Royalty Manager, Dixie Hydrick in the role of Copyright Coordinator, Liz Martens as Royalty Coordinator, and Alannah Schwartz as Licensing Coordinator.
“I am incredibly proud of all we have been able to accomplish in the last 10 years,” shares Smith-Dort. “What started off as me and a few clients, has grown to seven employees and hundreds of clients. We have certainly worked hard but really this is a true testament to the talent we’re honored to represent. I look forward to this next chapter of the business–which includes a new office space in East Nashville.”
Veteran Session Singer Sudie Callaway Passes
/by Robert K OermannSudie Mae Callaway Baker
Durable and prolific Music Row studio singer Sudie Callaway died at age 87 on Nov. 10.
She was ubiquitous as a background vocalist in Nashville for five decades, appearing on hundreds of hit country records. During her career, she backed such superstars as George Strait, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Marty Robbins and Porter Wagoner.
She was born in Twila, Kentucky in 1934 and was singing and playing guitar in churches at age 6. She began her professional career by singing with her two younger sisters at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance as a teenager.
As soon as she graduated from high school, she moved to Detroit to perform on WJR radio with Casey Clark & The Lazy Ranch Boys. While there, she married her husband, steel guitarist Jim Baker.
The couple moved to Knoxville to work on the radio and TV shows of entrepreneur Cas Walker. By the mid-1960s, the young performers were settled in Nashville and making their mark in the country music industry.
In addition to session work, Sudie Callaway played bass and sang on the road with a number of stars. She appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded solo singles for such independent labels as Re-Von (1964), Musicor (1968) and Avenue South (1969-70).
She also appeared in such movies as Music City USA (1966), W.W. & The Dixie Dance Kings (1975), Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and Harper Valley P.T.A. (1978).
In later years, she returned to singing regularly at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, which is still staged near Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.
Sudie Mae Callaway Baker is survived by sister Clara Howard, brother Ted Callaway and her children Daniel Baker, Linda Phifer and Timothy Baker, as well as by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is the aunt of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Matraca Berg.
Her funeral and burial was held in Harlan, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MusiCares via The Recording Academy.
WMG Corp. Q4 Results: Streaming Drives Double-Digit Digital Revenue Growth
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group Corp. has announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended Sept. 30, 2021.
WMG’s fourth-quarter and full-year financial results saw double-digit digital revenue growth driven by streaming. The label has also begun to see some recovery from COVID by way of artist services and physical revenue.
“Music is essential to billions of people across the globe. But now, more than ever, great talent needs help to cut through the noise. By delivering for new artists and songwriters, returning superstars, and global legends, we’ve also delivered outstanding results in 2021,” says Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Looking to 2022, we’re excited to release incredible new music from the world’s hottest artists and most influential songwriters. We’re also planning innovative moves and collaborations that will strengthen our leadership position across a vast universe of opportunities, in both the digital and physical worlds.”
“Our strong fourth-quarter results put an exclamation point on an outstanding year,” adds Lou Dickler, acting CFO, Warner Music Group. “Even as certain revenue was impacted by COVID, the strength and resilience of our music propelled us to double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion in 2021. As the possibilities for music continue to evolve, we remain focused on delivering shareholder value through our financially disciplined investment strategy and positioning ourselves for the next wave of growth.”
Financial Highlights:
For the three months ended Sept. 30, 2021:
For the twelve months ended Sept. 30, 2021:
Brandon Kinney Extends Publishing Deal With Peermusic Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingBrandon Kinney. Photo: Courtesy of Peermusic
Brandon Kinney has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic Nashville.
Kinney has co-written country hits by Jason Aldean (“Drowns The Whiskey” ft. Miranda Lambert), Cole Swindell (“Love You Too Late”), Jon Pardi (“Ain’t Always The Cowboy”), and Randy Houser (“Boots On”). He has garnered additional cuts with Willie Nelson, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Justin Moore, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Craig Campbell, Tim Montana, Colt Ford, Laine Hardy and more, and won a BMI Award this week for “Ain’t Always The Cowboy.”
Most recently, Kinney, along with close friend Chris Janson, wrote the very personal “Bye Mom,” a tribute to Kinney’s mom, who passed late last year. “Bye Mom” is the first single from Janson’s upcoming album and entered as the No. 1 most-added song at country radio upon impact.
“Brandon has been an integral part of our Peermusic songwriting team for many years now,” says Michael Knox, Sr. VP, Peermusic Nashville. “He’s become an unstoppable songwriter, a great friend to all of us, and we’re proud to have him as part of our peermusic family.”
“I always feel like part of the family with Peermusic,” adds Kinney. “They’ve shown me incredible support over all of these years. We’ve enjoyed some big successes, good times, and life-changing moments together. I’ve been able to get in writing rooms with some of the best in the business and be a part of once-in-a-lifetime creative opportunities. At the end of the day, I really appreciate Peermusic’s approach to writing great songs alongside good friends.”
Jim Catino Announces Publishing Venture, Partners With Verse 2 Music To Sign Alex Maxwell
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (back row, L-R): Jim Catino, Droptine Entertainment; Scott Safford, Safford Motley, PLC; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville; (front row, L-R): Kent Earls, Verse 2 Music, Alex Maxwell, Kane Brown
Country music singer-songwriter and producer Alex Maxwell has signed a co-venture publishing deal with both Verse 2 Music, a Sony Music publishing venture helmed by multi-Platinum entertainer Kane Brown and publishing veteran Kent Earls, as well as Jim Catino’s newly announced Droptine Music Publishing.
Catino exited his Executive VP of A&R role at Sony Music Nashville earlier this year after 20 years with the company. Droptine Music marks the executive’s return to publishing, which has been a big part of his career. Catino says, “It’s an exciting time for me as I enter into my new venture with Droptine Music. Alex is an amazingly talented writer/producer and I look forward to being a part of his team.”
Maxwell, a Pennsylvania native, moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He has quickly ascended into the industry with over thirty cuts as a songwriter, including Trey Lewis’ viral hit single, “Dicked Down in Dallas.” In 2020, Maxwell made his debut as a country artist by releasing his single, “Good One Gone” featuring Ray Fulcher, as well as fan-favorites “Could’ve Been Me” and “That’ll Be The Day.”
“Alex is an extremely gifted singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. When I first heard Alex’s music, I immediately knew there was an unmistakable sound to it and we are ready to be a part of what is next for him,” says Earls, President of Verse 2 Music. “We’re excited to add him to our roster with Sony Music Publishing and work with Alex alongside Jim Catino at Droptine.”
“I’ve spent a lot of years in Nashville just trying to find people who believe in me,” comments Maxwell. “It’s a dream come true to have Sony, Verse 2 and Droptine all let me be a part of their family. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and excited to get to work.”
Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen To Headline 2022 Tortuga Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen
The Tortuga Music Festival has announced that Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen will headline the three-day oceanside festival in 2022. The event will make its return to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from April 8-10.
A variety of country’s top acts will join the Main Stage performers for the weekend beach, including Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Travis Denning, Walker Hayes, Randy Houser, Nelly, Dee Jay Silver, Surfaces, Mitchell Tenpenny, Travis Tritt, Hailey Whitters and Lainey Wilson.
The Sunset Stage, presented by Verizon, will include Ballyhoo!, Breland, DJ Rock, Larry Fleet, Jelly Roll, Kendell Marvel, Scotty McCreery, Sister Hazel, Sublime With Rome, Chase Rice, Caitlyn Smith, The Cadillac Three, The Elovaters along with The War and Treaty. Additionally, the most buzzed-about newcomers in country are set to appear on the Next From Nashville stage, which will feature Priscilla Block, Dillon Carmichael, Shy Carter, Callista Clark, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Laine Hardy, Noah Hicks, Kat & Alex, King Calaway, Drew Parker, Seaforth, Brittney Spencer, Lily Rose and Tiera.
Weekend passes will go on sale Friday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. CT. For more information on tickets, hotel packages and more, click here.
Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris Claim Top Spot On Mediabase Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Hurd and Maren Morris have reached No. 1 on this week’s Mediabase chart with their Platinum-certified duet “Chasing After You.” The single went to to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Oct. 1, 2021.
The couple’s first official collaboration, “Chasing After You” was penned by Brinley Addington and Jerry Flowers and produced by Teddy Reimer and Aaron Eshuis. The duo performed the chart-topping track on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week after the CMAs, where the song was nominated twice.
Hurd recently released his debut album Pelago, inspired by his upbringing on the shores of Lake Michigan. The album was produced with childhood friend and longtime creative partner Eshuis, with contributions from Jesse Frasure and Reimer.
Hurd is also gearing up for his “Tour de Pelago” headlining tour in January, with dates including Chicago’s The Vic, New York’s Irving Plaza, Nashville’s Marathon Music Works and more.