Back Blocks Music announced the signing of its flagship songwriter Blake Pendergrass to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. This is Pendergrass’ first publishing deal and comes on the heels of the success of the BMI-affiliate’s first major cut: Morgan Wallen’s “865.”

“From the very first playlist of demos I heard I became a fan of Blake’s and knew I needed to work with him. I loved his dynamic songwriting, work ethic, and the versatile network of writers he is building—it felt like a perfect fit,” says Rakiyah Marshall, Founder/CEO of Back Blocks Music. “I am thrilled to have Blake be a part of the Back Blocks family and the first publishing client. There are big things to come and I’m excited for our future together.”

A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Pendergrass moved to Nashville to study commercial music at Belmont University. At the end of 2020, Pendergrass got word he earned a coveted spot on Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album. He was the only un-signed writer on the 30-song project. Pendergrass also has upcoming cuts with Chris Lane and newcomer Ashley Cooke.

“From the moment I met Rakiyah I knew that she was the exact kind of person that I wanted to work with,” says Pendergrass. “She is strategic, driven, and connected yet she still manages to be incredibly kind. From the beginning it was clear that she understood me and my music and that she was committed to bringing my career to new heights. I am so thankful to be able to call Back Blocks my publishing home!”

Concord has entered into a long-term, exclusive joint venture with Easy Eye Sound, the label founded by The Black Keys’ frontman Dan Auerbach.

Under this worldwide partnership, Concord will release all new recordings made for Easy Eye Sound and will distribute all catalog albums that have reverted or will revert to the label during the course of the venture. There are plans to release 12 albums this year, all under the Easy Eye Sound label name and logo.

Founded in 2017, the Easy Eye Sound label has an eclectic roster and has released over 20 albums to critical acclaim, garnering seven Grammy nominations including four for Yola’s breakout album Walk Through Fire and one for Bentonia bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes album Cypress Grove. Easy Eyes’ roster also includes country legend John Anderson and Bay Area rockers Shannon and the Clams.

An eight-time Grammy winner himself, Auerbach earned nominations in the last two years for work on projects by Marcus King and Yola.

“When I founded Easy Eye Sound [studio] a decade ago, it was meant as home base for my musical vision and as a way to discover and support artists I believe in,” commented Auerbach. “It’s exciting to see the record label and recording studio evolve and begin a worldwide partnership with the fine folks at Concord.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with Dan and his label Easy Eye Sound,” said Tom Whalley, Concord’s Chief Label Executive. “Dan’s passion runs through Easy Eye’s in-house songwriting, production and the overall cohesive vision of the label. He brings a stellar roster and a committed staff under the leadership of Tom Osborn. Easy Eye Sound will be a great addition to Concord Recorded Music’s group of labels, and the partnership will give Dan and his artists a global platform of opportunity. I look forward to great things.”

Zak Kuhn, host of The Zak Kuhn Show podcast and founder of The Nashville Briefing newsletter, has signed an exclusive deal with the American Songwriter Podcast Network to distribute and market his show and develop original content together.

Since launching the weekly podcast in early 2020, Kuhn has interviewed music industry leaders including Clarence Spalding, Chris Kappy, John Esposito, Leslie Fram and Beth Laird. MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson was featured on The Zak Kuhn Show in 2020.

In season 2, he will continue to highlight leaders in Nashville while expanding his reach to international guests as well. The season’s first episode included Andrew Stone, the Head of Chugg Music, and one of the top artist managers in Australia.

“I came to Nashville inspired by the music, but have stayed because of the incredible community of people who define and create culture throughout the world,” said Kuhn. “My goal has been to build a media company to highlight Nashville’s incredible artists and the teams behind them. Teaming up with American Songwriter will further help highlight and bring Nashville to the world.”

“Zak has the ear of the top decision-makers in Nashville and has built an impressive network of influential readers and listeners,” said American Songwriter’s Dan Wise. “We are excited to bring Zak’s talents and network to an even wider audience and partner with him to continue delivering the best of Nashville to a global audience”

The sixth annual UK Americana Awards were presented Thursday (Jan. 28) via livestream. The event wrapped up the three-day AmericanaFest UK 2021.

Hosted by Bob Harris OBE, the ceremony welcomed performers American Aquarium, Emily Barker, Charley Crockett, Ferris & Sylvester, Mary Gauthier, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

There was also a tribute to the late John Prine featuring performances by Billy Bragg, Ida Mae and many more.

Below is a list of winners for the annually presented “Of the Year” awards, which were voted on by the AMA-UK membership.

UK Album of the Year
In This Town You’re Owned by Robert Vincent (Produced by Ethan Johns)

International Album of the Year
Old Flowers by Courtney Marie Andrews (Produced by Andrew Sarlo)

UK Song of the Year
“I Don’t Wanna Lie” by Yola (Written by Yola, Dan Auerbach, Bobby Wood)

International Song of the Year
“Hand Over My Heart” by The Secret Sisters (Written by Laura Rogers, Lydia Rogers)

UK Artist of the Year
Robert Vincent

International Artist of the Year
Courtney Marie Andrews

UK Instrumentalist of the Year 
Anna Corcoran

The following honorees were recognized with their special awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Elvis Costello

International Lifetime Achievement Award
Mavis Staples

Trailblazer Award
Christine McVie

International Trailblazer Award
Steve Earle

Songwriter Legacy Award
John Prine

Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award
Robbie Cavanagh & Demi Marriner

Best Selling Americana Album (By a UK Artist)
Song for Our Daughter by Laura Marling

Grassroots Award
Music Venue Trust – Mark Davyd and Beverly Whitrick