Katy Wolaver
Katy Wolaver has been elevated to Senior Vice President, A&R at Warner Chappell Music.
Wolaver joined Warner Chappell in 2016 as Senior Director before being promoted to Vice President in 2018. Last year, she broadened her role to work between Nashville and Los Angeles and has put together numerous high-profile sessions, including one with Dan + Shay that resulted in the duo’s newest single, “Glad You Exist.” She manages a mix of talent, including Jesse Frasure, Ava Max, Tayla Parx, All Time Low, MAG (Bad Bunny), Michael Pollack (Maroon 5), Sean Douglas (Thomas Rhett), Fraser Churchill (Mickey Guyton), Sasha Sloan, and many more. Wolaver has also spent the last few years developing Michael Pollack’s songwriting career and was instrumental in setting up a session with Jon Bellion that resulted in multiple hits, including “Memories” by Maroon 5, “Holy” Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper, “Anyone” by Bieber, and “Prisoner” by Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa. Wolaver got her start in music in 2006 at Arthouse Entertainment and went on to serve as Director of A&R at SONGS Music Publishing.
Wallace Joseph has also been appointed Vice President, A&R at the company. In Wolaver and Joesph’s new roles, they will continue to report to Ryan Press, President of A&R, U.S. and help grow the company’s roster of legendary songwriters and producers.
Joseph works closely with Summer Walker, Tay Keith, Murda Beatz, Section 8, T-Minus, Wale, Dougie F, Turbo, Pluss, and Lazá, among others. Throughout his career, Joseph has helped develop the hitmakers behind hits like “Leave Me Alone” by Flipp Dinero, “Juicy (ft. Tyga)” and “Say So” by Doja Cat, as well as the Grammy-award winning single “Where Are Ü Now” by Jack Ü ft. Justin Bieber and the viral sensation “Broccoli” by Shelley (FKA DRAM) ft. Lil Yachty, among others. Prior to joining Warner Chappell in August 2017, Joseph ran a music management company, HMWRK.
“Katy and Wallace both have an amazing ear for talent discovery and a natural ability to turn someone with potential into the next big hitmaker,” says Press. “They’ve already helped to build the careers of some of today’s hottest songwriters and are truly a great example of where hard work and dedication can get you in this business. I couldn’t be more proud to see them continue to grow with us as A&R executives.”
“A&R is all about building connections and developing talent, and over this past year, I’ve had the chance to work between LA and Nashville to find new ways to pair our writers with different artists across a variety of genres,” says Wolaver. “I’m very grateful to Ryan and the entire leadership team at Warner Chappell for believing in my approach and allowing me to expand these efforts even more.”
Scotty McCreery Signs With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R:) Scott Stem (Triple 8 Management), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Terry Wakefield (UMPG), Scotty McCreery, Troy Tomlinson (UMPG). Photo: Danielle Del Valle
Scotty McCreery has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
McCreery won the American Idol competition 10 years ago, and since then has become an award-winning country artist with many accolades under his belt. He’s a three-time BMI Award winner as the writer of one of the top 50 country songs of the year in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” and in 2019 for “This is It,” as well as winner of the NSAI Songwriter Award for One of the Top Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written for “Five More Minutes” in 2018. The multi-Platinum selling singer-songwriter co-wrote all 11 songs on his most recent album, the RIAA Gold-certified Seasons Change, including his three consecutive No. 1 hits: “Five More Minutes,” “See You Tonight,” and “In Between.” McCreery is also a co-writer of his current single “You Time.”
“We all watched as Scotty came onto the scene as a high school athlete who simply loved to sing and entertain,” says Terry Wakefield, Senior Vice President of A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He has now grown into one of country music’s most consistent hit makers. We are thrilled to represent him and his songs.”
“Writing songs is one of my favorite things to do,” says McCreery. “I’ve written nearly all my life, and since coming to Nashville ten years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to co-write with many talented songwriters in town who have both taught and encouraged me. Signing with Universal Music Publishing and working with Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield, and all the great folks on their team is another big step in my songwriting journey. I am proud to call Universal Music Publishing my home.”
McCreery is currently writing and recording the anticipated follow-up to his acclaimed Seasons Change, with “You Time” as the lead single. Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis, and produced by Rogers, Eshuis and Derek Wells, the track has garnered nearly 11 million streams since its release and is steadily climbing up the country charts.
McCreery is represented by Triple 8 Management’s George Couri and Scott Stem for management, as well as WME’s Nate Towne for booking.
Maggie Rose Releases Rousing New Single, Announces Live Events
/by Lorie HollabaughMaggie Rose. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Maggie Rose has released a new single, “What Are We Fighting For,” from her forthcoming album, Have A Seat. The rousing, gospel-charged new track is available everywhere today. The album arrives Friday, August 20 via Starstruck Records.
The soulful single sets the tone for Have A Seat’s message of loving solidarity, its power intensified by Rose’s tender yet powerful vocals and soulful harmonies from Karita Law and Shanay Johnson, a duo known for their work with Brittany Howard and Emily King.
“What am I fighting for?” asks Rose. “Compassion, empathy, and even excellence within me, my music, and the people and the world around me, but don’t get me wrong—my zeal is not always consistent, and the question itself poses varying challenges from one day to the next. Some days I struggle to simply feel worthy and everything feels heavy and dark. Other days I’m totally fired up and I demand that my worthiness be recognized. Some days I have no will to fight, other days I’m frustrated at the lack of fight I observe around me. However, just asking the question of ourselves everyday is a fight in itself, and the question is one only we alone can ask and answer.”
Rose will host her podcast Salute The Songbirds as a live concert event on April 28 at City Winery in Nashville. Presented by Osiris Media, the event will feature performances from Elizabeth Cook, Jillette Johnson, Kalie Shorr, Nicole Atkins and Nicki Bluhm. Fans can also tune in to live stream the show via Mandolin, and a portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Women in Music. She will also play a Live For Live Music event, benefiting Sweet Relief, in Denver, Colorado on April 16.
Have A Seat was introduced last month with the release of the album’s fiery-horn-groove stomp of first song “Do It.” The album is Rose’s third full-length and was produced by Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. in a series of pre-pandemic sessions.
Katy Wolaver Promoted To Senior Vice President, A&R At Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughKaty Wolaver
Katy Wolaver has been elevated to Senior Vice President, A&R at Warner Chappell Music.
Wolaver joined Warner Chappell in 2016 as Senior Director before being promoted to Vice President in 2018. Last year, she broadened her role to work between Nashville and Los Angeles and has put together numerous high-profile sessions, including one with Dan + Shay that resulted in the duo’s newest single, “Glad You Exist.” She manages a mix of talent, including Jesse Frasure, Ava Max, Tayla Parx, All Time Low, MAG (Bad Bunny), Michael Pollack (Maroon 5), Sean Douglas (Thomas Rhett), Fraser Churchill (Mickey Guyton), Sasha Sloan, and many more. Wolaver has also spent the last few years developing Michael Pollack’s songwriting career and was instrumental in setting up a session with Jon Bellion that resulted in multiple hits, including “Memories” by Maroon 5, “Holy” Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper, “Anyone” by Bieber, and “Prisoner” by Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa. Wolaver got her start in music in 2006 at Arthouse Entertainment and went on to serve as Director of A&R at SONGS Music Publishing.
Wallace Joseph has also been appointed Vice President, A&R at the company. In Wolaver and Joesph’s new roles, they will continue to report to Ryan Press, President of A&R, U.S. and help grow the company’s roster of legendary songwriters and producers.
Joseph works closely with Summer Walker, Tay Keith, Murda Beatz, Section 8, T-Minus, Wale, Dougie F, Turbo, Pluss, and Lazá, among others. Throughout his career, Joseph has helped develop the hitmakers behind hits like “Leave Me Alone” by Flipp Dinero, “Juicy (ft. Tyga)” and “Say So” by Doja Cat, as well as the Grammy-award winning single “Where Are Ü Now” by Jack Ü ft. Justin Bieber and the viral sensation “Broccoli” by Shelley (FKA DRAM) ft. Lil Yachty, among others. Prior to joining Warner Chappell in August 2017, Joseph ran a music management company, HMWRK.
“Katy and Wallace both have an amazing ear for talent discovery and a natural ability to turn someone with potential into the next big hitmaker,” says Press. “They’ve already helped to build the careers of some of today’s hottest songwriters and are truly a great example of where hard work and dedication can get you in this business. I couldn’t be more proud to see them continue to grow with us as A&R executives.”
“A&R is all about building connections and developing talent, and over this past year, I’ve had the chance to work between LA and Nashville to find new ways to pair our writers with different artists across a variety of genres,” says Wolaver. “I’m very grateful to Ryan and the entire leadership team at Warner Chappell for believing in my approach and allowing me to expand these efforts even more.”
Bobby Bones Joins Music City Baseball Initiative
/by Steven BoeroBobby Bones. Photo: Courtesy Music City Baseball
Award-winning radio personality Bobby Bones has joined Music City Baseball, a group committed to bringing a Major League Baseball team to Nashville.
“I’m thrilled to join the initiative to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville,” says Bones. “Nashville is second to none in uniting sports and music, making it the perfect destination for a Major League team. I look forward to joining Music City Baseball’s efforts to honor the incredible history of the Nashville Stars, as well as pave the way for the future of MLB in Nashville.”
Bones joins the community advisory board alongside Justin Timberlake, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs and Eddie George.
“Bobby is going to play a critical role in helping us generate excitement surrounding bringing a team here. His energy and enthusiasm around the cause is unmatched and we are thrilled to have him join our leadership team,” says John Loar, managing director of Music City Baseball.
MCB is committed to privately financing the ballpark and bringing a Major League franchise to Nashville built on equity, inclusion, and diversity. To honor the Negro League teams that played in Nashville early in the last century, MCB is honored to resurrect the Nashville Stars moniker for the prospective franchise.
FGL’s Brian Kelley Partners With Warner Music Nashville For Solo Music
/by LB CantrellBrian Kelley. Photo: Ben Christensen
Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley has announced a new partnership with Warner Music Nashville. The label will represent Kelley’s solo music venture, Nashville South Records, Inc.
The news comes months after the ACM nominated duo announced on social media that they will be releasing their own music as individuals.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who has helped me on my journey to get here. I’m humbled to team up with Warner Music Nashville to take the music I’ve been dreamin’ and schemin’ up to the next level,” says Kelley. “This is just the beginning of a whole new adventure. My vision for what’s next is a vibe and state of mind—get ready to ride the wave with ya Beach Cowboy, y’all!”
Kelley teased new music on his Instagram yesterday (March 30).
“We are honored that Brian Kelley chose WMN as home to his solo endeavors,” says Warner Music Nashville EVP A&R Cris Lacy. “I’ve been an FGL believer from day one, and BK’s clear vision for himself and his upcoming project is a testament to his heart, soul, and talent. His new music is the perfect antidote to 2020, and what an incredible way to start 2021!”
Kelley is represented by Full Stop Management (Irving Azoff, Jeffrey Azoff) in partnership with WHY&HOW (Bruce Kalmick, Eddie Kloesel).
Recording Academy Announces Date For 64th Annual Grammy Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe awards will be broadcast live on the CBS television network from 8-11:30 p.m. ET and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. Additional details on next year’s Grammy nominations will be announced in the coming months.
This year’s Grammy Awards were postponed until March 14 due to health concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Grammys are voted on by the Recording Academy’s voting membership body of music makers representing all genres and creative disciplines, including artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers.
Wynonna Judd, Heath Sanders, John Schneider Slated For ‘Highway To Hope’ Benefit
/by Lydia FarthingThe St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund announced their first ever virtual benefit concert, “Highway to Hope,” which will take place on Sunday, May 16 from 6-8 p.m. CST.
Award-winning country singer Wynonna Judd will headline this event along with fellow country artists Heath Sanders, John Schneider, Billy Dean, Lindsay Lawler. The show will also be hosted by one of the trucking industry’s most well-known voices and host of Radio Nemo, Jimmy Mac.
“The first ever Highway to Hope benefit concert will be a fun virtual event bringing our industry together, at a time when we are far apart, to raise support for SCF and our highway heroes with amazing artists that want to give back to this industry. We hope you will join us for a night of music and celebration,” says Director of Philanthropy and Development Shannon Currier.
Truck drivers are essential workers who spend long durations away from home, work irregular hours, and are often unable to get to a clinic, pharmacy, or hospital. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund is a truck driver charity organization who aims to help over-the-road and regional semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has caused them to be out of work.
Tickets for the benefit concert are available for $20 (plus a $2 transaction fee) on the SCF website, and donations can also be made during the live event. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go directly to the SCF to support truck drivers in need. Individual ticket purchasers in the US will receive a free CD from the NASTC Grand O Trucking Show which includes Nashville singer-songwriters and music that celebrates the trucking industry.
Any company interested in sponsoring the event or matching funds raised for this event can contact Currier at shannon@truckersfund.org.
MercyMe Announce New Album ‘Inhale (Exhale)’
/by Steven BoeroMercyMe is set to release their new album, inhale (exhale), on April 30.
The Dove Award-winning band is also releasing a new instant grat track and lyric video for “On Our Way,” featuring lead singer Bart Millard‘s son Sam Wesley.
The 16-song collection, produced by Tedd T., Brown Bannister and Jordan Mohilowski, includes “Almost Home,” which topped the Christian charts for a combined total of 17 weeks. There’s also the buoyant “A Little Love” featuring Millard’s close friend Gary LeVox, lead vocalist of Rascal Flatts. Disco legend and friend Gloria Gaynor also lends her signature vocals to “Brand New.”
“It was two years and one month to the day that we started writing for this new record until we finally finished,” Millard says. “‘Almost Home,’ which is the first single, will be out a year and a half before the record releases. We would have had it done a year or so ago, but when the pandemic hit, it slowed everything down. We practically re-wrote the album two or three different times.”
MercyMe’s current hit single “Say I Won’t,” which is currently in the top 10 on the Billboard National Christian Airplay chart and the Mediabase Christian Audience chart, is spinning on a vast majority of Christian radio stations across the country. The track is a potent declaration of faith and perseverance colored by tragedy, and was inspired by Gary Miracle, a longtime friend that worked with MercyMe for many years, who contracted an infection that resulted in having both his arms and legs amputated.
Inhale (exhale) is available for preorder now.
inhale (exhale) Track Listing:
1. Inhale
2. Blessed
3. On Our way (feat. Sam Wesley)
4. So Yesterday
5. A Little Love (feat. Gary LeVox)
6. Whiplash
7. Bright Side Of Broken
8. Let Yourself Be Loved
9. Hurry Up and Wait
10. Brand New (feat. Gloria Gaynor)
11. Uh Oh (Here I Go)
12. The Moment
13. Then Christ Came (Demo)
14. Say I Won’t
15. Almost Home
16. Exhale
AIMP To Host ‘Legendary Women Of Music Row’ Webinar
/by Lydia FarthingTo wrap up Women’s History Month, the AIMP Nashville Chapter will be hosting the “Legendary Women of Music Row” webinar this Thursday (April 1) at 4:30 p.m. CST.
During the webinar, a handful of panelists and pioneers will discuss how they made a name for themselves in Nashville’s music industry with moderator and country music historian Dale Dodson. Guest speakers include publishing executive Celia Froehlig; President & Owner, Wrensong Entertainment, Ree Guyer; Founder & Owner, Judy Harris Music, Judy Harris; and Chief Creative Officer, SMACKSongs, Robin Palmer.
The online event is free for all AIMP members and $5 for non-members. Registration information can be found here.
Brandi Carlile, Tracy Gershon, Ali Harnell, More Set For Women In Music Event Tomorrow
/by Lorie HollabaughWomen In Music is presenting a special live event, “Celebrating Unity & Collective Power Beyond Women’s History Month,” on YouTube on March 31 featuring performances by Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Maisie Peters, Meet Me @ The Altar, Chloe Moriondo and Sofía Valdés.
The event is being held to close out Women’s History Month and will highlight the collective power from inspiring individuals and organizations working to create a more equitable industry for all. Launching WIM’s YouTube channel, the virtual event will feature artists and executives in a showcase of diverse global talent, highlighting women-led moments in music history and the organizations working to advance women in all sectors of the industry today. The channel will continue highlighting artists, industry executives, events and more year-round.
Speakers include Noelle Scaggs (Fitz & the Tantrums / Founder, Diversify the Stage), Dr. Portia Sabin (Music Business Association), Ebonie Smith (Atlantic / Founder, Gender Amplified), Emily Lazar (Founder, Chief Recording Engineer, The Lodge / Founder, We Are Moving the Needle), Grace Lee (Head of YouTube Artist Relations, East Coast / Co-Founder, Asian American Collective), Maria Egan (Chief Music Officer, Splice & Co-Founder, Reboot), Ty Stiklorius (Friends at Work), Tracy Gershon (Change the Conversation) and Ali Harnell (Live Nation Women).
“We are so excited to see so many companies celebrating women in our industry this year during Women’s History Month, but the work has to extend beyond token months assigned to underrepresented groups,” says President of Women In Music Nicole Barsalona. “We’re here year-round doing the work day in and day out, alongside some incredible organizations and individuals who are creating transformational change in our industry. Today, and everyday, we highlight them and celebrate the unity, diversity, and collective power of women in music. And we’re asking everyone to join us in taking measurable action to create a culture of belonging for all.”