Pictured (L-R, back row): Jeff Tanner (VP of Business Affairs, Big Loud), Matt Cottingham, (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP), Stacy Blythe (VP of Promotion, Big Loud), Rakiyah Marshall (CEO, Back Blocks Music), Lily Rose, Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (VP of Marketing, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner, Big Loud); (L-R, front row): Paul Logan (VP of Sync & Visual Strategy, Big Loud), Daira Eamon, Patch Culbertson (VP of A&R, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud). Photo: Chris Hornbuckle (All pictured followed strict testing protocols and guidelines issued by the city health department.)
Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music and Republic Records have signed emerging artist Lily Rose to a joint-venture record deal.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Rose has been pursuing a career in music for more than thirteen years. For the past eight years, she has been routing her own tours throughout the Southeast, while also selling out shows in major markets like Atlanta, New York and Nashville.
On Dec. 1, 2020, Rose posted a clip of “Villain,” a song she wrote with Mackenzie Carpenter and Kyle Clark (produced by Matt Morrissey) about a break-up she believed ended cordially, only to find out she’d been painted as the “bad guy” through social media. The song connected significantly with fans, leading Rose to independently release “Villain” on Dec. 15. The single immediately topped the iTunes all-genre chart. Since its release, “Villain” has amassed over 7 million on-demand streams, 78K in consumption and more than 300K monthly listeners on Spotify.
“To say I’m excited and humbled to be a part of the Big Loud/Republic family is an understatement. You move to Nashville to sign deals like this, make music videos like these, and write the best songs possible,” says Rose. “Hell, we’re just getting started.”
“The country music business is on fire right now, and artists are breaking independently faster than ever before. Big Loud couldn’t be more excited to work with Lily Rose, who’s emerging from this pack of newcomers. Her voice becomes familiar after just one listen, and to pair that with her catalog of amazing unreleased songs, we believe she’s an artist who will be around for years to come. Lily is a voice that country music has needed for some time, and ‘Villain’ is just the reactive hit to get her started. Welcome to the Big Loud family, Lily,” shares Big Loud Partners (Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman).
Pictured (L-R, top row): Avery Lipman (Co-Founder/President, Republic Records), Tyler Arnold (EVP A&R, Republic Records), Seth England (Partner/Ceo, Big Loud); (L-R, bottom row) Lily Rose, Monte Lipman (Co-Founder/CEO, Republic Records), Rakiyah Marshall (CEO, Back Blocks Music)
“I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of the partnership between Big Loud and Republic Records and continue to work alongside Lily Rose. Lily is an artist with a unique voice and bright career that will shift the country genre. She is building an amazing team around her to start the journey and tell her story,” says Rakiyah Marshall, Back Blocks Music.
“We’ve had the good fortune of working with Seth England and the Big Loud team for many years. This alliance continues to grow with the extraordinary new signing of Lily Rose and represents the latest evolution of our partnership, all on the heels of the historic Morgan Wallen release. Furthermore, as we prepare to launch the global campaign for Lily in the forthcoming months, we’re thrilled to work with Republic alumnus Rakiyah Marshall and her dynamic new company Back Blocks Music,” says Monte Lipman, Founder and CEO Republic Records.
Spirit Music Group Strikes Multi-Faceted Deal With Grammy Winner Joy Williams
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R Spirit Music Nashville/President 2MixMusic; Clay Hunt, Red Light Management; Joy Williams; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville
Spirit Music Group and Spirit Music Nashville announced they have entered into a multi-faceted agreement with four-time Grammy award-winning artist and songwriter Joy Williams.
The deal includes the acquisition of compositions from her various song catalogs, including her Grammy-winning work as part of the duo The Civil Wars, as well as several masters that she controls. In addition, Spirit will administer Williams’ most recent solo album Front Porch, as well as her compositions going forward.
“Joy Williams and her music are a treasure,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Spirit Music is honored to represent her catalog and is excited to help her continue to create, record and share great music with the world.”
“It’s rare to acquire a catalog that includes both the composition and master recordings of someone like Joy Williams, who is an award-winning songwriter and artist in multiple genres. We are proud to be the stewards of such a unique and beloved catalog as hers,” said Joe Borrino, COO, Spirit Music Group.
“I am thrilled to dive in head-first with the Spirit team. I think my best songs are ahead of me, and I’m looking forward to walking down the path of the craft with this crazy (wonderful) group of supportive souls,” said Williams.
Spirit’s acquisition of Williams’ songwriting catalog for The Civil Wars encompasses the albums Live at Eddie’s Attic (2009), Poison & Wine (2009), 2011 Grammy-winning Best Folk Album Barton Hollow (2011), and The Civil Wars (2013), including Grammy-winning works “Barton Hollow” (Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2011), “Safe & Sound” with Taylor Swift (Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2012), and “From This Valley” (Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2013).
Williams’ solo material covered in the acquisition includes her albums One of Those Days (2009), Songs from This/Songs From That (2009), We Mapped the World (2010), Venus (2015), and Venus (Acoustic) (2016), as well as the song “Stand By You,” which was recorded by Rachel Platten and peaked at No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard Adult Top 40. The company will also administer Williams’ most recent solo album Front Porch, which was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album.
Apple Unveils Time To Walk For Fitness+ With Dolly Parton, Shawn Mendes, More
/by Lorie HollabaughFans can now get fit with Dolly Parton‘s help with Apple’s new Time to Walk audio walking experience on Apple Watch for Fitness+ subscribers. Parton is one of four new celebrity guests who talk you through your walk on the new experience, which was created to encourage users to walk more often and reap the benefits from one of the healthiest activities.
These original Time to Walk episodes invites users to immerse themselves in a walk alongside influential and interesting people as they share meaningful stories, photos, and music. Each audio-only episode ranges from 25-40 minutes, and is shaped by the guest’s personal, life-shaping moments and lessons learned, as they share meaningful memories, thoughts on purpose and gratitude, moments of levity, and other topics recorded while walking outside or in locations that are meaningful to them. The narrative comes to life through photos that appear on Apple Watch, perfectly timed to amplify a corresponding moment the guest shares. Following the stories, each guest speaker introduces a short playlist of songs that motivated and inspired them so the listener can continue their walk to a soundtrack intimately connected to each guest.
“I’ve loved walking ever since I was a little girl in the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “I think it’s so important to be able to get out and walk if we can during this time. I do my best thinking when I walk. And while many of us feel confined during this time, I’m hopeful that people will take a walk down memory lane with me and we can all feel a little more freedom taking the time to walk together.”
Other new episodes include NBA player Draymond Green reflecting on the virtues of failure and tuning out criticism, musician Shawn Mendes sharing on how a slower pace has helped him personally and creatively, and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba talking about lifelong relationships and keeping the faith.
Time To Walk can be used anytime, anywhere with Apple Watch and AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones. New episodes will appear in the Workout app on Apple Watch from a different guest each Monday through the end of April.
Mark Irwin Inks With Sprockets Music Publishers
/by Lorie HollabaughMark Irwin, Publishing Director for Sprockets Music Publishers, Elizabeth Brahan
Mark Irwin has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sprockets Music Publishers.
Irwin has numerous cuts to his credit including the No. 1 singles “Here In The Real World” (Alan Jackson), “Neon Light” (Blake Shelton), “Highway Don’t Care” (Tim McGraw featuring Keith Urban and Taylor Swift) and “Redneck Crazy” (Tyler Farr). He moved to Nashville from the Northeast, and landed his first cut “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe” with Randy Travis for his Old Time Christmas album. Soon after, he co-penned Jackson’s “Here In The Real World,” which was a two-time CMA Song of the Year nominee and an ACM Song of the Year nominee.
Irwin’s other notable cuts include McGraw’s “Looking For That Girl,” Tim and Faith’s “Sleeping In The Stars,” Chris Janson’s “Power of Positive Drinking,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Bama Breeze,” and “That’s How They Do It In Dixie” by Hank Williams, Jr. Irwin is also prominently featured in the official Bluebird Cafe documentary Bluebird.
“Mark’s track record shows what an amazing talent he is. His longevity also proves that he has his finger on the pulse of a creative and ever-changing business,” said Elizabeth Brahan, Publishing Director for Sprockets Music Publishers. “He is one of the most loved and respected writers in town, not only because of his amazing career, but also because his work ethic is second to none. He has an extraordinary ability to connect with new artists. We’re honored that he wants to make Sprockets Music Publishers his home, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship.”
“I am excited to have a champion like Elizabeth in my corner and a company like Sprockets to help us achieve the success we’re shooting for,” said Irwin. “At this point in my career, being part of this awesome team has re-lit my fire!”
Priscilla Block Inks Worldwide Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Priscilla Block, Ryan Beuschel (WCM)
Breakout singer-songwriter Priscilla Block has inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Block first gained recognition last year on TikTok thanks to her catchy original songs like the humorous “PMS” and the body-positivity anthem “Thick Thighs.” Her “Just About Over You” reached the top spot on the iTunes all-genre song chart within 12 hours of release, and is currently climbing country radio’s Top 40.
In September, Block signed to UMG’s Mercury Nashville, and has since been named a 2021 Artist to Watch by Pandora and Sounds Like Nashville, a Billboard All-Genre Chartbreaker, part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2021, and landed a spot on MusicRow’s coveted Next Big Thing Artists list.
Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville said, “What struck me and Ryan [Beuschel, VP, A&R] when we met Priscilla was her perseverance and her unapologetic and honest take on songwriting. She’s an original artist with a point of view and a legion of loyal fans already behind her. Watch out world.”
Block added, “Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of making it to Music Row. I feel so fortunate that today, that dream becomes my reality. In 2020 my life was flipped upside down in the best ways possible, and I am incredibly blessed to bring on 2021 with the support of Warner Chappell. One of my biggest passions is songwriting, and my goal as a songwriter is to write songs that hit people in different ways. I only do that by keeping it real, whether it is writing about some dude that broke my heart, or every diet I have failed. I am beyond thankful for Ben, Ryan, and the Warner Chappell family for bringing that little girl that dreamed of making it as a songwriter one day to Music Row!”
Morgan Wallen And Co-Writers Swarm Top Ten On ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellTwo weeks from the release of his sophomore album Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen jumps to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Six of the top ten on the Songwriter Chart contributed to Wallen’s hit album. Josh Osborne, at No. 2, co-wrote “7 Summers” and “Sand In My Boots,” in addition to Darius Rucker’s “Beers And Sunshine,” Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,”, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s “Happy Anywhere,” Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You,” Old Dominion’s “Never Be Sorry,” and Carly Pearce’s “Next Girl.”
Ernest Keith Smith takes the No. 3 spot, as a co-writer on Wallen’s “Wasted On You,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Somebody’s Problem,” “Warning,” “Dangerous,” “Wonderin’ Bout The Wind, “Me On Whiskey,” “Blame It On Me,” and “Somethin’ Country,” as well as Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.”
Other co-writers from Dangerous in MusicRow‘s Top 10 include Ashley Gorley (No. 4), Michael Hardy (No. 6), and Ryan Vojtesak (No. 7).
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
NSAI Elects Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon, Sharon Vaughn as Board Members
/by Taylor WeatherbyPictured (L-R, top row): Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder; (L-R, bottom row): Jessie Jo Dillon, Sharon Vaughn
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has elected songwriters Kelly Archer, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon and Sharon Vaughn as new members of its Board of Directors, the association announced Monday (Jan. 25).
The hitmakers join a roster of highly acclaimed board members, including Sarah Buxton, Nicolle Galyon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Laura Veltz and Troy Verges, who were re-elected to two-year terms. Several others were re-appointed to one-year terms: Roger Brown and Lee Thomas Miller as “Legislative Co-Chairs,” Rhett Akins and Caitlyn Smith in the “Artist Writer” board positions, and Brett James in the “Industry Liaison” position.
Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Chris DeStefano, J.T. Harding, Byron Hill, Josh Kear, Jon Nite, Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton, Jenn Schott and Jimmy Yeary are also on the board. Their terms expire in 2022.
“NSAI is continuing its tradition of electing a board of professional songwriters representing American music creators across generation, genre, and gender,” says Bogard, NSAI Board President. “Their input will be invaluable in our continuing progress in advocating for and achieving fairness for American songwriters.”
Archer, Crowder and Dillon have all recently scored No. 1 hits: Travis Denning’s “After a Few,” Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country,” and Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber’s “10,000 Hours,” respectively. Vaughn was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.
Board members are elected through voting by the NSAI Professional Songwriter Membership and appointments by the NSAI Board of Directors. The NSAI Board elections happen in two phases, and the board terms begin each year at the May meeting.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues Chart Reign
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Big Loud/Republic Records’ Morgan Wallen has all five of the top country streaming tracks again this week. “Wasted On You” sits on top, with 13 million streams this week, and 30 million RTD.
Top 5 Streaming Songs:
“Wasted On You” 13 million / 30 million RTD
“Somebody’s Problem” 11 million / 75 million RTD
“7 Summers” 11 million / 178 million RTD
“Sand In My Boots” 10 million / 22 million RTD
“More Than My Hometown” 9 million / 235 million RTD
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds at No. 1 country and all-genre in week 2 of release. The project garnered 159K in total consumption (22K album only/167 million song streams) this week.
Luke Combs comes in second and third on the country albums chart, with What You See Is What You Get earning 32K in total consumption, and This One’s For You earning 17K.
Wallen appears again at No. 4 with If I Know Me, and Chris Stapleton rounds out the top five with Starting Over.
WMBA Welcomes New Members, Launches 2021 Season
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Women’s Music Business Association recently launched its 2021 season with speakers, Alicia Warwick, Executive Director, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, and Jennifer Hanson, Chapter President, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, on January 20th.
Even in the midst of an unprecedented time, the WMBA is looking to the future as they are led by the first African-American President, Kortney Toney, in their twenty years as an organization. Additionally, the organization has revealed a new logo and welcomes the newest member to their Board of Directors, Spotify’s Artist & Label Marketing Team Member, Mary Catherine Kinney. WMBA Executive Board members include Chairwoman, Brandi Simms (MooTV, Moo Creative & The Steel Mill), Lindsey Clark (DeatonFlanigen Productions), Amery Fridenstine (Above Board Consulting), Cameo Carlson (Mtheory Nashville), Mary Catherine Kinney (Spotify), and Legal Counsel, Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, & Norton LLP).
The WMBA has also welcomed almost 40 new members to the organization.
New Members For 2021 Include:
Alison Brazil
Alyssa Ann Taylor Haddock
Andrea Schollnick
Angela Chamberlain
Angela Stefano Zimmer
Aura Guadagno
Brooke Mansfield
Charlotte Rowe
Christina Bartko
Christina Lovino
Christine Sisson
Dulci Berlanti
Elizabeth Smith
Emilee Morgan
Emily Dryburgh
Emily Kaiser
Emma Place
Erin Fligel
Hannah Franklin
Jamie Dryburgh
Jenner Kreifels
Jessica Renee Johnson
Jordin Wentworth
Jordyn Elliott
Kaitlyn Russell
Katelynn Street
Katie Bieri
Kayla Dunbar
Megan Clemens
Micki Windham
Molly Jonke
Nina Musolino
Rachel Cole
Reagan Johnson
Rebecca Turner
Rio M Van Risseghem
Shannon Woodworth
Shelby Bunch
Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music, Republic Records Partner To Sign Lily Rose
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Jeff Tanner (VP of Business Affairs, Big Loud), Matt Cottingham, (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP), Stacy Blythe (VP of Promotion, Big Loud), Rakiyah Marshall (CEO, Back Blocks Music), Lily Rose, Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (VP of Marketing, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner, Big Loud); (L-R, front row): Paul Logan (VP of Sync & Visual Strategy, Big Loud), Daira Eamon, Patch Culbertson (VP of A&R, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud). Photo: Chris Hornbuckle (All pictured followed strict testing protocols and guidelines issued by the city health department.)
Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music and Republic Records have signed emerging artist Lily Rose to a joint-venture record deal.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Rose has been pursuing a career in music for more than thirteen years. For the past eight years, she has been routing her own tours throughout the Southeast, while also selling out shows in major markets like Atlanta, New York and Nashville.
On Dec. 1, 2020, Rose posted a clip of “Villain,” a song she wrote with Mackenzie Carpenter and Kyle Clark (produced by Matt Morrissey) about a break-up she believed ended cordially, only to find out she’d been painted as the “bad guy” through social media. The song connected significantly with fans, leading Rose to independently release “Villain” on Dec. 15. The single immediately topped the iTunes all-genre chart. Since its release, “Villain” has amassed over 7 million on-demand streams, 78K in consumption and more than 300K monthly listeners on Spotify.
“To say I’m excited and humbled to be a part of the Big Loud/Republic family is an understatement. You move to Nashville to sign deals like this, make music videos like these, and write the best songs possible,” says Rose. “Hell, we’re just getting started.”
“The country music business is on fire right now, and artists are breaking independently faster than ever before. Big Loud couldn’t be more excited to work with Lily Rose, who’s emerging from this pack of newcomers. Her voice becomes familiar after just one listen, and to pair that with her catalog of amazing unreleased songs, we believe she’s an artist who will be around for years to come. Lily is a voice that country music has needed for some time, and ‘Villain’ is just the reactive hit to get her started. Welcome to the Big Loud family, Lily,” shares Big Loud Partners (Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman).
Pictured (L-R, top row): Avery Lipman (Co-Founder/President, Republic Records), Tyler Arnold (EVP A&R, Republic Records), Seth England (Partner/Ceo, Big Loud); (L-R, bottom row) Lily Rose, Monte Lipman (Co-Founder/CEO, Republic Records), Rakiyah Marshall (CEO, Back Blocks Music)
“I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of the partnership between Big Loud and Republic Records and continue to work alongside Lily Rose. Lily is an artist with a unique voice and bright career that will shift the country genre. She is building an amazing team around her to start the journey and tell her story,” says Rakiyah Marshall, Back Blocks Music.
“We’ve had the good fortune of working with Seth England and the Big Loud team for many years. This alliance continues to grow with the extraordinary new signing of Lily Rose and represents the latest evolution of our partnership, all on the heels of the historic Morgan Wallen release. Furthermore, as we prepare to launch the global campaign for Lily in the forthcoming months, we’re thrilled to work with Republic alumnus Rakiyah Marshall and her dynamic new company Back Blocks Music,” says Monte Lipman, Founder and CEO Republic Records.
Brett Young To Perform Live From The Runway In February
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young is performing a virtual concert to celebrate the launch of Spirit Airlines and Mastercard’s all-new Free Spirit® loyalty program and Free Spirit Mastercard. Brett Young: Live from the Runway will take place on Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
Young’s performance will be the first-ever concert streamed worldwide from the runway of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with planes speeding past. It will begin inside one of Spirit’s newest aircraft before moving outside, where an impressive light show will illuminate the plane’s livery — featuring Young’s face and the details of an upcoming sweepstakes that will be revealed during the show.
“It’s been amazing to team up with our friends from Spirit Airlines and Mastercard for our next virtual show—hope you’re able to tune-in to see all of the cool things they’ve been working on,” Young said. “Thanks to everyone who has continued to be a part of our virtual shows over the past year… I’m so excited to kick off 2021 with fun ways to stay connected until we can all be together again. See y’all on the runway!”
“Mastercard remains committed to bringing consumers closer to their passions through new and digital ways,” said Cheryl Guerin, EVP Marketing & Communications in North America for Mastercard. “Together with Spirit Airlines, we are thrilled to provide this streaming concert experience to the homes of many around the world in celebration of the new Free Spirit loyalty program and future travel with the Free Spirit Mastercard.”
“We know a lot of our guests miss going to concerts,” Spirit Airlines Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Bobby Schroeter said. “Inviting Brett Young to play at the airport is our way of bringing them that experience. We’re giving everyone who attends the concert 100 Free Spirit points to show them how quickly their points add up and how easy it is to redeem them, which they can do for every fare on every flight.”
Spirit will be donating 100,000 points to one of the charities closest to Young’s heart — myLIFEspeaks — which is focused on family empowerment, education, public health, and special needs advocacy in Haiti. The airline has a history of supporting the people of Haiti, and continues to serve Port-au-Prince while also providing the only scheduled service to Cap-Haitien from the U.S.