Billy Strings Inks Global Publishing Deal With River House Artists/Sony Music Publishing

Billy Strings. Photo: Jesse Faatz

Billy Strings has signed a worldwide publishing administration deal with River House Artists in partnership with Sony Music Publishing. The deal covers Strings’ current music catalog and future efforts.

Strings released his debut LP, Turmoil & Tinfoil, in 2017. Since that time, he’s been awarded Guitar Player of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2019 International Bluegrass Music Awards and has appeared on PBS’ Austin City Limits, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and PBS’ Bluegrass Underground. Often playing over 200 shows per year, Strings keeps the improvisational tradition of bluegrass alive while incorporating elements of several other genres.

The young entertainer received critical acclaim for his 2019 record Homeand received a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards. He also topped Billboard’s 2020 year-end charts for Top Bluegrass Artists and Top Bluegrass Albums, and recently released “The Great Divide” featuring Luke Combs, as well as his new cover of Bill Monroe’s “Midnight on the Stormy Deep” with Del McCoury.

“Watching what Billy and his incredible team have built already has been such fun…there are no limits for what he is doing as a songwriter, recording artist and performer,” says Lynn Oliver-Cline, Founder/CEO of River House Artists. It’s a special time for them and we are happy to be his partner and to support his very big creative vision.”

Jeff Pardo Extends Publishing Deal With Capitol CMG

Jeff Pardo

Songwriter and producer Jeff Pardo has extended his decade-long publishing deal with Capitol Christian Music Publishing.

A native of Chicago and graduate of Belmont University, Pardo has been a part of the Nashville music community since 2000 as a touring musician, producer, and songwriter. As a writer he has received a Grammy nomination as co-writer of “When Mercy Found Me” by Rhett Walker Band. He currently has five songs on the Christian radio charts, including Anne Wilson’s “My Jesus,” which he co-wrote with the rising singer-songwriter.

Pardo has had cuts with top artists across multiple genres including Lady A, Mandisa, Zach Williams, Francesca Battistelli, Ben Rector, Micah Tyler, Danny Gokey, Tauren Wells, Matthew West, Austin French, CAIN, Jasmine Murray, Jesus Culture, Ryan Stevenson, Andrew Ripp, Josh Wilson, Unspoken, Rhett Walker, Chris McClarney, Travis Cottrell, Brandon Heath, I AM THEY, and many more. Pardo has also achieved success in the film and TV space with placements on networks such as ABC, NBC, MTV, E!, Fox, in the movie trailer for On The Basis Of Sex with “Can’t Knock Me Down,” and a recent advertisement with Toyota.

“We’re so grateful to continue this partnership with Jeff Pardo,” says Karrie Dawley, VP and Creative Director of Capitol CMG Publishing. “He’s been an integral part of our writing roster for almost a decade, and we’re confident the best is yet to come!”

“This year marks a decade for me at Capitol CMG, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Pardo shares. “I’m beyond grateful to Brad, Karrie, Casey, and the entire publishing team for their continued belief in me. We’ve had some wonderful wins together, and I’m excited for what’s next!”

Date Revealed For 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association has announced that the 52nd Annual Dove Awards will be broadcast worldwide on Friday, Oct. 22 through TBN. The live taping of the show will be help on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.

The nominees for this year’s Dove Awards will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Last year, the Dove Awards included pre-taped performances and interviews due to COVID-19 restrictions. For King & Country earned their first Artist of the Year win at the 51st show while Tasha Cobbs Leonard took Gospel Artist of the Year. The Dove Award for New Artist of the Year went to We The Kingdom and Kanye West picked up his first Dove Award win for Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year with “Follow God” from his album Jesus Is King.

Ashley Monroe Diagnosed With Rare Blood Cancer

Ashley Monroe. Photo: Alexa King

Today (July 13), country singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe shared that she has been diagnosed with waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a rare type of blood cancer which has caused her body to be severely anemic.

The Pistol Annie singer begins chemotherapy tomorrow (July 14), sharing that, though that may seem negative, she’s “thankful [to] have an illness that is VERY live with-able. [She’s] thankful there IS a treatment that actually works to fight what is causing harm to [her] body.”

Taking to social media to share the news with fans, Monroe says, “THANKFUL for friends and family who have gathered around me praying and sending flowers and letting me lean on them during this super weird chapter of my life. Thankful for my angel son. Who I am fighting for the most.”

 

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Monroe, while hesitant to reveal the diagnosis, also shares, ““I DO believe in the power of prayer guys. I also believe in the power of love healing us all on an even deeper level. I love you all big. Here I go.”

Industry Ink: Payton Smith, Music Choice, Luck Presents, Soundstripe

Payton Smith To Perform Benefit Concert For Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Rising country artist Payton Smith will perform a free virtual benefit concert this Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. CST to help raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, celebrating its 35-year partnership with Phi Mu Fraternity. The one-hour event will be live-streamed via Smith’s YouTube channel, with a post-show virtual meet-and-greet via the Riff app.

“I am honored to kick off the 35th anniversary celebration of the partnership between Phi Mu Fraternity and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” says Smith. “I can’t wait to play some new music for everyone, and share my family’s story and our personal connection to CMN Hospitals. Their work has been life-changing for my brother, Zach, and my family.”

“Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is grateful for the partnership with Phi Mu Fraternity and Payton’s desire to share his musical talent and personal story with his fans as an inspiration for others to give,” states President & Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Teri Nestel. “CMN Hospitals treats one in ten children in the U.S. and Canada each year and dollars raised stay local, making an impact on the communities in which our patient families live. We’re thrilled to celebrate our longstanding relationship with Phi Mu with this incredible concert and look forward to the continued partnership with Payton and his fans.”

 

 

Jim Murphy Upped To Senior Manager, Programming At Music Choice

Jim Murphy

Jim Murphy has been promoted to Senior Manager, Programming for Music Choice.

Murphy joined Music Choice in 2019 and has contributed to the Programming department in many ways over the past few years. He oversees the programming for the entire country cluster of audio and video channels, including high-usage formats such as Today’s Country, Pop & Country, and Country Hits. His channels consistently perform in the Top 15 in both Time Spent Listening and unique users, in ETV and Linear Rankings.

With strong and deep-rooted relationships with labels and managers, Murphy is able to secure premieres, album takeovers and other exclusive on-screen events. He has also spearheaded the creation of new channels to keep Music Choice’s products competitive and musically relevant, such as Women of Country, 90s Country, and Country Songwriters audio channels, as well as the new Country Hits video channel.

In his expanded role as Senior Manager, Murphy will continue to serve as Programming Lead for the country cluster across all products and lineups, as well as leading the effort to curate unique and competitive country-based experiences on PLUS and KVOD. Murphy will also help Programming management expand on audio programming across other genres to help drive time spent listening across all channels.

 

 

Luck Presents Adds Chris Parham As VP, Partnerships

Chris Parham

Luck Presents, the rogue cultural collective headquartered in Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas, has added Chris Parham as VP of Partnerships.

A Nashville native, Parham started his music business career at Vector Management, tailoring his skills in brand partnerships, sponsorship, and strategic marketing to the unique needs of the music industry. Prior to Vector, he was employed by various civic organizations, both state-wide and Nashville-specific.

“I have always admired Luck’s vision to support artists and innovators in music, culture, and entertainment,” says Parham. “I love the Luck family and I’m extremely excited and honored to join the team in this new role.”

“Chris Parham has worked closely with both artists and brands throughout his impressive career, many of whom are ingrained in the roots culture that echoes Luck’s mission. We look forward to Parham working in a capacity with us that will allow for growth alongside like-minded brands,” Luck Co-Founder Ellee Durniak shares. “He brings an energy to the team that embodies what we as a company stand for: uplifting and contributing to the American roots narrative; creating a platform for artistic discovery; and honoring companies and artists who, like those who came before them, are carrying out their dreams on their own terms.”

 

 

Soundstripe Ups Laren Cutrell To VP, Product

Lauren Cutrell

Soundstripe, a leading provider of unlimited royalty-free music, stock video, and sound effects to creators, has promoted Lauren Cutrell to Vice President of Product.

In her expanded role, Cutrell will lead product vision, strategy, and definition for Soundstripe, partnering with internal teams to continue delivering the stock media industry’s highest-quality library and easiest licensing experience to creators. During her time at Soundstripe, Cutrell has been responsible for transitioning the company to agile frameworks and third-party creator workflow integrations, strengthening product development, and making continuous improvements to the subscriber experience.

“Lauren is an exceptional, user-focused product leader with a keen understanding of what today’s creators and marketers need to produce compelling video and other content,” says Travis Terrell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soundstripe. “We look forward to seeing her continued impact on innovation in areas such as content discovery and frictionless licensing to deliver the best overall experience to subscribers.”

She joined Soundstripe in 2018 as Director of Product and Scrum Master, building an in-house team of product managers and content curators to manage Soundstripe’s rapidly growing stock media subscription offering. Based in Chattanooga, Cutrell will also be charged with expanding and championing agile methodologies across the company’s business units for continued increases in organizational efficiency.

“I am so honored to be growing with Soundstripe and taking on this expanded role,” shares Cutrell. “The booming creator economy is driving increased demand for services like Soundstripe, and I’m excited to deliver on our expansive roadmap for super-serving their needs through product innovation and best-in-class user experiences.”

SoundExchange Expands Into Private Copy Royalty Collection, Distribution

SoundExchange will be expanding its operations and will begin collecting and distributing domestic and foreign private copy royalties, a function which had previously been performed by the Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies (AARC).

The AARC has represented recording artists and sound recording copyright owners in the areas of hometaping/private copy royalties and rental royalties. These royalties are generated by the sales of recordable media such as blank CDs, personal audio devices, automobile systems, media centers, and satellite radio devices that have music recording capabilities. They have historically been distributed to AARC’s 500,000+ members worldwide.

AARC will distribute all available royalties it has collected since 2018 in a final distribution in late 2021 before it ceases operations. If you are an artist or sound recording copyright owner who has previously received private copy royalties from AARC and your payment or tax information has changed since 2018, contact AARC before July 31, 2021 to change it.

SoundExchange plans to begin claiming international PC royalties in late 2021 and domestic PC royalties in February of 2022. This comes as part of SoundExchange’s multi-year technology initiative centered on streamlining systems and increasing efficiency across the music industry.

“We are committed to leveraging our best-in-class technology solutions to enhance the music ecosystem,” says Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange. “Expanding into private copy royalty collection and distribution is just one step in our mission to make the business of music simpler and more efficient for creators.”

Nashville Songwriter Rufio Hooks Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal With Reservoir

Rufio Hooks

Nashville-based artist, writer, and producer Rufio Hooks has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir. The deal includes Hooks’ current global hit co-write, “Butter,” by the K-Pop group BTS, plus all future works.

Rufio’s wildly popular cut, “Butter,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, where it has remained for seven consecutive weeks, in addition to topping the Digital Song Sales chart. Upon release, the track set several all-time records, including Spotify’s biggest song debut with over 11 million first-day streams, and the music video soaring to a record-breaking 113 million views within 24 hours. “Butter” is also the best-selling download of 2021 so far.

Originally from New Jersey, and now based out of Nashville, Hooks has established himself as a rising songwriter, producer, and artist. His knack for crafting melodies and lyrics, skill in vocal production, and propensity for blending sounds across genres has led to sessions with Zach Crowell, Filmore, Jennifer Denmark, Jimmie Allen, Seaforth, Sophia Quinn, Cameron Bedell, and Stephen Kirk, among others.

“Seasoned songwriters dream of achieving the kind of record-breaking success that ‘Butter’ has, but the fact that this is Rufio’s first cut is utterly extraordinary and only speaks to his remarkable talent,” says Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier. “He has such a strong ability to write across various genres, and we’re eager to tap into his natural gift and identify future collaborations for him across the industry.”

“I am excited to team up with Reservoir and start this next chapter of my career,” says Rufio. “I think the culture that they have built in both Nashville and LA is really special.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Press Conference

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, with inductees John Scott Sherrill, Amy Grant, Buddy Cannon, and Rhett Akins; Mark Ford, NaSOF’s executive director. Photo: Bev Moser

Chapter 644

This year’s press conference announcing the newest members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was a hybrid affair.

Participants could choose either to experience the event via streaming or attend in person. The option to show up live was limited to 40 people, to allow for COVID guidelines. Staged as usual at Columbia Studio A, the event was characterized by warmth and camaraderie.

We convened on Tuesday morning (July 13), and the fellowship was evident immediately. Everyone started to beam when they saw this year’s class of inductees posing for a group portrait. How could you not be delighted? Buddy Cannon, Amy Grant, John Scott Sherrill and Rhett Akins are all so abundantly worthy. Absent, but sending a video from the road was inductee Toby Keith.

Working the socially distanced room were such mavens as Lance Cowan, Jennifer Bohler, Bev Moser, Dave Paulson, Tom Roland, Peter Sherrill, Carol Ann Ford and Mike Porter.

“We’re honored to be in this historic space where so many of our [Hall of Fame] members recorded their most iconic songs,” commented NSHoF board chair Sarah Cates in welcoming the crowd. That would include prior inductees Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins, Flatt & Scruggs, Johnny Cash, John Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash and Merle Haggard.

“It’s so good to be back together,” added NSHoF executive director Mark Ford. “We haven’t done this in a year and a half.”

“I’m overwhelmed that I am here,” said Rhett when he was invited to the podium. “When I saw the names on the ballot, I said to my wife, ‘I don’t have a shot.’ I take this very seriously. I want to keep the flame of country songwriting burning as long as I can.”

“I don’t really know what to say,” said an equally humbled Buddy. “I’m pretty much speechless. The first two songs of mine that were ever recorded were by Bob Luman, produced by Glenn Sutton right here in this room. I am so honored to be in this group of people.”

“To say this is an honor is to put it mildly,” said Scotty. “I have loved this town ever since I first landed here. In those first few days, I heard some songs that changed my world.”

“I’m so grateful to be in a town that celebrates creativity,” said Nashville native Amy. “I want to encourage everybody who’s ever had a creative thought: The world needs your stories.”

Commenting via video, Toby added, “This induction means everything to me. I’m looking forward to seeing you in November.”

The banquet and induction ceremonies will be held at the Music City Center on Nov. 1. It will be a double-sized event, since the 2021 gala will also salute the 2020 inductees—Steve Earle, Kent Blazy, Brett James, Spooner Oldham and Bobbie Gentry. They comprise the 50th anniversary class. The NaSHOF golden anniversary gala was postponed due to the pandemic, hence the double ceremony this year.

Following many happy reunions and hearty congratulations, we snacked on coffee and fresh-baked cookies. Surprisingly, neither Buddy Cannon nor John Scott Sherrill had ever been in the adjacent, super-historic founding building of Music Row, The Quonset Hut. Mike Porter happily offered guided tours to the songwriting veterans.

Double Down Music Announces Joint Venture With Jason Aldean’s Triple Play Music

Pictured (L-R): Triple Play Music’s founders Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean and PIA Music Group’s founder Dallas Davidson and CEO Ryan Dokke

Play It Again Music Group’s recently launched publishing company, Double Down Music, has embarked on a joint venture with Triple Play Music, founded by Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, and Tully KennedyUnder the agreement, Double Down Music will handle creative services for all Triple Play Music songwriters, the first two of which are the co-ventures newest signees: John Morgan and John Edwards.

“It’s always cool to team up with people who are great at what they do,” says Aldean. “For me, it’s cool that we’ll be part of helping the next generation of artists and songwriters.”

“It is an honor to work with friends like Jason, Kurt, and Tully whom I hold in high regard. We are excited to welcome them, along with John Morgan and John Edwards to the PIA Music Group family,” comments PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson. “Triple Play brings so much to the table when helping create opportunities for superstar talent.”

“Jason Aldean is known as a massive superstar artist, however he is equally as talented, along with Kurt and Tully, at finding and developing young talent. The evidence is John Morgan and John Edwards,” shares Ryan Dokke, CEO of PIA Music Group.  “This partnership between Dallas and Jason, Kurt, and Tully just makes so much sense! They are going to build superstar artists and songwriters together.”

In addition to Morgan and Edwards, Double Down Music’s songwriter roster includes Blake Bollinger and Clara Calaway.

Gibson Gives Celebrates Two Years, Launches New Advisory Councils

Upon its two-year anniversary, Gibson Gives, Gibson’s philanthropic arm, has raised over $2.5 million dollars through its mission of creating, developing, and supporting non-profit organizations to advance musicians, as well as youth-focused education and wellness initiatives.

Re-launched in July of 2019, Gibson Gives immediately committed to donating 1,000 guitars in 1,000 days to non-profits including music education, music wellness programs and musicians in need worldwide. Since then, the organization has climbed above and beyond by donating over 2,800 guitars in 700 days.

“When we announced we would donate 1,000 guitars in 1,000 days, I thought it was a lofty goal,” explains Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We could have never predicted all the hurdles this past year presented in the music community and beyond. It’s been a humbling experience and an honor to work with so many worthy music and health programs in need, directly supporting and impacting individual people, as well as non-profits.”

Gibson Gives representatives donate a music room to Maplewood High School in Nashville, TN.

To continue its charitable efforts, Gibson Gives has created two new groups which include an Influencers and an Artist Advisory Council which will provide thoughtful leadership, foundation, and funding strategies, as well as present philanthropic opportunities that fulfill the foundation’s mission.

The Gibson Gives Artist Advisory Council members include Lzzy Hale, Celisse, Alex Lifeson, Matt Heafy, Joe Bonamassa, Billy F. Gibbons, Slash, Captain Kirk Douglas, and more.

The Gibson Gives Influencers group is composed of leaders from across the Music and Entertainment Business, Sports, Youth, Education, Legacy, International, the Nashville “Music City” Community and Gibson’s partner advisors. Influencers include Jeff Smith/Music Makes Us (Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools), Ken Adams (Co-Owner, Tennessee Titans), Matt Crews (CEO, Music City Grand Prix), Ian Ayers (CEO, Nashville Soccer Club), Ben Hall (Senior Director of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame), Lee Bartram (Head of Marketing and Cultural Influence, Gibson Brands Europe), Toby Lee (Musician), Nina Miller (Executive Director of Miranda Lambert’s Mutt Nation/Former Executive Director, Gibson Foundation), Reid Shippen (Song Farm/Grammy award-winning producer/engineer/mixer), Melinda Colaizzi (Founder, Women Who Rock), and Erica Krusen (Managing Director of Mental Health, MusiCares).

Gibson Gives also recently announced the launch of TEMPO, Training and Empowering Musicians to Prevent Overdose–a collaborative program with MusiCares, Harbor Path and 7 non-profits–to save musicians lives in response to continued and elevated opioid overdoses from over a year of confinement and Covid-19 closures. TEMPO empowers participating non-profits and venues by providing the life-saving training necessary for using the drug naloxone to prevent opioid overdose.

For more information about Gibson Gives and the work it’s doing to help our community, click here.