Mary Steenburgen Signs Global Publishing Deal With Universal Music Publishing Nashville

Mary Steenburgen

Songwriter and Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

Steenburgen’s songwriting garnered critical acclaim for her Academy Award-nominated, Critic’s Choice and Hollywood Critic’s Choice Award-winner for Best Original Song, “Glasgow,” from the movie Wild Rose. She has also written the music for the upcoming animated film, The Underneath, based on the book by the same name with Lizzy McAvoy, Anders Osborne, Caitlyn Smith and Troy Verges.

“Mary is one of the most inspirational humans I’ve ever known,” said Missy Roberts, Senior Director A&R, UMPG Nashville. “She pours everything into her art and the people around her. To be reunited and bring her back home to UMPG is an honor.”

Steenburgen added, “I am so thrilled to work with Troy Tomlinson, Missy Roberts and the extraordinary team at UMPG. Even during this strangest of times, they know how to make this songwriter feel like she’s come home.”

As an actress, Steenburgen’s work includes the 1981 film Ragtime, as well as the 1988 TV film The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank. She as also appeared in Parenthood, Back to the Future Part III, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Elf, The Proposal, The Help, and more.

Weekly Radio Report (10/30/20)

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BREAKING: Damon Moberly Rises To Sr. VP, Promotion For Mercury Nashville

Damon Moberly

Universal Music Group Nashville has promoted Damon Moberly to Senior Vice President of Promotion for Mercury Nashville. Moberly has devoted over two decades to the company, most recently serving as Vice President and head of the Mercury Nashville radio promo team.

“I am so excited to announce Damon Moberly’s promotion to SVP of Promotion/ Mercury Nashville,” says Executive Vice President of Promotion at UMG Nashville, Royce Risser. “This move is honestly overdue. His leadership ability and relationship skills are second to none. He has zero quit when it comes to working hit singles and demands the same of his team. He has been an integral part of Mercury now for 22 years and we are thrilled to have him with us for many more. Congrats Damon!”

“Mercury Records Nashville has been my only label home for the past 22 years,” says Moberly. “From the early days of Shania Twain to Chris Stapleton lighting the room on fire at the CMA Awards, I have had the privilege of working alongside the most talented professionals and creators in the business. I am proud to continue this journey with the exceptional Mercury roster and my Universal Music Group family.”

Mercury Nashville is home to Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Billy Currington, Travis Denning, Chris Stapleton, Shania Twain and Maddie & Tae.

Collin Raye Enlists Miranda Lambert, Dan Auerbach For His First Americana Album

Collin Raye will release his first album of all-new material in over a decade, SCARS, on Nov. 20, via BFD/Audium Nashville. The upcoming project marks Raye’s first foray into Americana, with 14 tracks produced by David Ferguson (Johnny Cash, John Prine, Charley Pride), and Raye writing or co-writing 12 of the tunes.

Raye will welcome Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, and Dan Auerbach for the album. Lambert appears on the title track, while Gill offers vocals on “Rodeo Girl,” and Auerbach contributes electric guitar work throughout the album.

“I wrote or co-wrote every song on the record, except for songs written or co-written by my brother Scotty, including a couple we wrote together,” Raye says. “Being that we started our musical journey together as teenagers, then in our 20s we began to go separate paths, this album is truly a ‘full circle’ moment in my life. The timing for this is just right.

“I sincerely hope that the people who have embraced my music the last 29 years will embrace SCARS and find enjoyment and emotional inspiration from this album,” Raye continues. “Having Miranda and Vince sing with me on this record gives it an extra special element of ‘coolness.’ I’m excited for the release!”

SCARS Track Listing:
1. Ghost Story (Scotty Wray)
2. Scars (w/ Miranda Lambert) (Scotty Wray, Tony Ramey)
3. Bad Storm Coming Tonight (Pat McLaughlin, Joe Allen, Collin Raye)
4. Dancing Alone in the Street (Collin Raye)
5. Never Going Back There Again (Collin Raye, Britanny Raye, Michael Curtis, Troy Powers)
6. Loved By An Angel (Pat McLaughlin, David Ferguson, Collin Raye)
7. Rodeo Girl (w/ Vince Gill) (Pat McLaughlin, David Ferguson, Collin Raye)
8. Chasing Renee (Collin Raye, Jacob Wray)
9. I’ve Got A Lot to Drink About (Collin Raye, Shaunna Larkin)
10. Ever Making Up Time (Collin Raye, Gene Lasage)
11. Let It Go Away (Joe Allen, Collin Raye, David Ferguson)
12. Rock ’n’ Roll Bone (Collin Raye)
13. Young As We’re Ever Gonna Be (Scotty Wray, Collin Raye)
14. Mama Sure Could Sing (Scotty Wray, Collin Raye)

Produced by David Ferguson
Mixed by David Ferguson and Sean Sullivan
Mastered by Richard Dodd
Recorded at The Butcher Shoppe Studio in Nashville, Tennessee

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

The weather might be getting chilly, but country’s new sounds will warm your insides.

For heart medication, you can’t beat the new sounds by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, the late John Prine and Alex Hall. Topping them all is a fiery hot performance by our Disc of the Day winner, Chris Stapleton.

I don’t know much about Nate Barnes except that he has enormous promise and that he’s working with super talent Jason Sellers. He wins the DisCovery Award.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Gone”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Ben Johnson/Niko Moon; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/A Boy Named Ford/Ben There Wrote That/Artist 101/Songs of Kobalt/Hits From the Tape Room/Round Hill/W.C.M./Niko Moon, BMI/SESAC; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Stompin’ on heartache and misery with the emphasis on a shouted chorus that is super catchy. Nicely produced and sung with believability. Dierks strikes again.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Goodyears”
Writers: Travis Denning/Tony Martin/Cole Taylor; Publishers: Red Creative Group/Anthem Music Publishing/UMPG Nashville, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– While “Where That Beer’s Been” remains the single, fans have evidently been clamoring for this track’s release. I can see why: The lyric is loaded with everyday, neighborhood, small-town details, and the mood is hopeful.

JASON ALDEAN / “Blame It On You”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/John Edwards/Michael Tyler/Brian White; Publishers: WMG/BMG Rights Management/peermusic/CMRR/Audiam/Sony-ATV/Anthem Entertainment, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR
– She’s gone, thanks to whiskey. Echoey production touches and ghostly vocal “answers” perk up your ears. Highly listenable.

JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL / “You Are Still Great”
Writers: John Scott Sherrill; Publisher: none listed; Producer: John Scott Sherrill, Ronnie Bowman & Scott Paschall; Label: Lobo Libre
– The message is that there is still so much that unites us, rather than tears us apart. The sentiment is all the more potent because he’s such a wonderful honky-tonk singer and because the harmonies are bluegrass-inspired. In case you don’t know, Sherrill is one of the greatest country songwriters in history. Just ask Reba, Strait, Buffett, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, John Anderson, Johnny Lee, Steve Wariner, Josh Turner, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Shenandoah, Highway 101, Restless Heart or any of the many others who’ve hit with his works.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Arkansas”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Mike Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Stapleton rocks out. His soulful roar lights this up like a bonfire. Southern rock lives.

ALEX HALL / “Jealous Love”
Writers: Alex Hall/AJ Babcock; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alex Hall, Pete Good & AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
– Newcomer Hall is a guitar slinger, and he trades riffs here with the equally fiery picker John Osborne. Just as important, he delivers the goods vocally on this stormy, propulsive, hooky romance promise. Hot stuff.

GARTH BROOKS & TRISHA YEARWOOD / “Shallow”
Writers: Lady Gaga/Andrew Wyatt/Anthony Rossomando/Mark Ronson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pearl
– Haven’t we heard this song enough? I mean, the thing has already won two Grammys and an Oscar. That said, this version has class. Yearwood hits the “money” notes with her flawless vocal firepower and the whole performance shimmers with confidence. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will remain unforgettable as the Star Is Born originators, but this rendition might create new memories.

NATE BARNES / “You Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Nate Barnes/Jason Sellers/Jimmy Yeary; Publishers: Jason Sellers (ASCAP)/Nate Barnes-Self Published (NS)/Cedar Church Music (BMI)/Sony ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
– This is stoked with warmth and sincerity. And what woman wouldn’t want to hear a romantic partner say, “I ain’t never seen ya, girl, when you ain’t pretty?” I also like the dynamics in the arrangement, which begins and ends small, but packs a big punch in the choruses. This kid has the goods.

JOHN PRINE / “I Remember Everything”
Writers: John Prine/Pat McLaughlin; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Oh Boy
– I saluted this lovely, wistful, acoustic ballad when it was first released in June. Prine’s last recorded song received new notoriety this week when it was featured on the season premiere of This Is Us and the announcement that Jack White’s Third Man label is releasing it as a blue-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. In whatever format, it’s a deeply touching mini masterpiece.

GEORGE DUCAS / “Old Timers”
Writers: George Ducas; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GD
– Teachers, preachers, mothers, fathers, soldiers, workers and salt-of-the-earth folks are the real heroes, sings Ducas. The tempo is a little plodding, but this song’s heart is definitely in the right place.

ANDREW GOLD / “Spooky Scary Skeletons”
Writers: Andrew Gold; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Craft/Concord
– Happy Halloween, everybody. Singer-songwriter Gold has the holiday’s soundtrack song. It’s a goofy, simple, child-like ditty with xylophone flourishes that’s totally cute. Initially released in 1996, it has gradually become an internet sensation. This year, it is a top-10 TikTok phenomenon with more than 550 million 2020 YouTube plays (it has more than five million YouTube plays in all). The newly launched “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” Activity Hub is now up. Visit to learn a variety of at-home things you can do, including Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, a comic Mad Libs sheet and a dance with the skeletons.

Chartmetric Partners With SiriusXM/Pandora

Music analytics platform Chartmetric has partnered with SiriusXM/Pandora to track key metrics from the U.S.-based music streaming platform, thanks to a new integration that lets it reveal a market-level view of millions of artists and tracks, dating back to 2005 and continuing on a daily basis. Pandora’s 28-day unique listener counts, daily/lifetime station adds, and daily/lifetime stream counts are now available at the artist level and track level.

“This close partnership with SXM/Pandora unlocks deep insights into a new and exciting listener audience,” explains Jason Joven of Chartmetric. “Pandora listeners often enjoy picking an artist to listen to and then letting the service recommend great music at the right time, which is also a boon for artists seeking new fans. This collaboration is the result of working with the great team at SiriusXM/Pandora, who we’ve looked up to for a long time in the music analytics world.”

Chartmetric will create several Pandora-centric charts such as top unique listener counts and top lifetime streams, as well as three of Pandora’s own weekly charts: Pandora Trendsetters, Pandora Top Spins, and Pandora Predictions. Combining the streaming platform’s data with other popular platforms like TikTok and Twitch will bring a new perspective to Chartmetric’s overall portrait of an artist’s data.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Chartmetric to make our data available through their tools, which we know are well-regarded by artists and their teams,” says Dan Wissinger at Pandora. “When armed with the right data, artists can build an audience on Pandora that moves the needle and continues to tune in long after release week.”

Industry Pics: Scott Borchetta, High Valley, Shay Mooney, Jordan Davis, Luke Combs

Scott Borchetta Inducted Into Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Hall Of Fame

Scott Borchetta is presented a Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Hall of Fame plaque by motorsports legend Ray Evernham. Photo: Big Machine Records

Big Machine Label Group Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta was inducted into the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Hall of Fame last night (Oct. 28) alongside other 2020 class inductees Bob Harmon and Lillie Buford.

A racing aficionado, Borchetta was recognized for his efforts in the sport both on and off track including a three-peat in the NASCAR Weekly SuperTruck series. He has continued his passion for racing even with his massive success in the music industry through Big Machine’s ongoing sponsorship of the NASCAR Big Machine Vodka 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sponsorships of reigning IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden and reigning NASCAR Cup Champion Kyle Busch. He is also recognized as a member of the ownership group for Music City Grand Prix (coming in August 2021), for his continued support of the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and for his sustained on-track success carrying the 2019 National Group 6 Sports Car Championship in the SVRA series.

 

Shay Mooney, Jordan Davis, High Valley Catch Some Deers

Pictured (L-R): Curtis Rempel (High Valley); Jordan Davis; Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay); Mike Fisher; Brad Rempel (High Valley).

Jordan Davis, High Valley’s Curtis and Brad Rempel, and Dan+Shay’s Shay Mooney joined the 2nd Annual CATCHIN’ DEERS Mike Fisher Celebrity Clay Shoot benefiting the Nashville Predators Foundation (empowered by SmileDirectClub) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

 

Luke Combs Joins Radio Reps For Roundtable Chat


Pictured: Luke Combs; Jody Van-Alin (Café Nashville); John Ritter (Rise Up); Tim Erickson (Westwood One); Becca Walls (Envision Networks); Deborah Evans Price (Fitz/Kingsley CT40); Stephen Hubbard (ABC Radio); Nancy Brooks Stevens (Beasley); Shannon McCombs (freelance); Lauren Thomas (label); Rosemary Young (Premiere Networks/iHeart)

Luke Combs chatted with radio reps last week in a roundtable interview in advance of the deluxe release of his latest album. Among those participating in the virtual chat were Deborah Evans Price (Fitz/Kingsley CT40), Stephen Hubbard (ABC Radio), and Rosemary Young (Premiere Networks/iHeart).

Dave Cobb Signs With UMPG

Dave Cobb. Photo: Becky Fluke

Universal Music Publishing Group has inked a global publishing deal with six-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb.

Cobb has lead albums for Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, John Prine, Anderson East and rock group Rival Sons. He was also a musical consultant and producer on the 2018 film and soundtrack remake of A Star Is Born and produced Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way.”

As a producer, Cobb, has earned Grammy wins for Best Country Album twice, for his work on Stapleton’s Traveller and From A Room: Vol. 1, as well as three Best Americana Album honors for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s The Nashville Sound, Isbell’s Something More Than Free and Carlile’s By The Way, I Forgive You, as well as Best American Roots Song for Carlile’s “The Joke.”

Cobb also serves as head of Elektra imprint Low Country Sound. He is also the producer-in-residence at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A. Cobb is managed by Andrew Brightman for Brightman Music, an L.A. based boutique producer management company.

Cobb said of his UMPG deal, “I’m really excited to be part of such an amazing team they have really made me feel at home and welcomed. I look forward to getting to work and seeing what kinda trouble we can get into.”

Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG, said: “Grammy award-winning writer and producer Dave Cobb’s versatility is impressive, from working on the soundtrack for A Star Is Born, to incredible collaborations with artists such as Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton, and most recently working with the iconic Barry Gibb. I am thrilled to welcome Dave to UMPG’s global family, and we are excited to work closely with him in order to further his musical ambitions, which include more film and television projects.”

Troy Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville, said, “Dave Cobb makes music that proves the value of ‘less is more’. His writing is straightforward. His production provides the space for the artist to interpret in their own way. All that and he’s a great hang! We are thrilled to be able to come alongside him on his musical journey.”

Digital Agency BubbleUp Promotes Scott Heuerman

Scott Heuerman

Digital Agency BubbleUp LLC announced Scott Heuerman has been promoted to General Manager of their Nashville division. Since joining the award-winning agency in 2014, Heuerman has helped the company grow its roster of exceptional customers and expand into a full-service agency, offering marketing, advertising, fan club, live streaming, design, development, and e-commerce services. This year, BubbleUp’s Live Stream platform has already facilitated more than 100 live streams for artists ranging from Kelsea Ballerini and Laine Hardy to Machine Gun Kelly. In addition, the company has launched fan communities, executed multiple marketing and advertising campaigns, and deployed hundreds of online stores.

“This new role reflects Scott’s professional growth and his value as a leader in our company and in the Nashville music industry,” said Coleman Sisson, BubbleUp CEO. “He has been instrumental in developing our marketing programs, fan club offerings, and much more – while being a key player in shaping the company’s culture of delivering unrivaled customer service.”

A veteran music and technology executive for more than 30 years, Heuerman’s experience also includes stints at Warner Bros. Records, Apple Music, Musictoday, and Live Nation. He also currently serves as an adjunct marketing instructor at Lipscomb University’s Commercial Music program.

“I am proud to work with Coleman and the entire BubbleUp team,” Heuerman said. “This year has presented some obstacles for this community, but our team remains committed to helping our customers during these challenging times. I appreciate the confidence our customers have in BubbleUp, and we work every day with the goal of helping them be successful.”

Country Music Hall Of Fame’s BIG NIGHT Raises More Than $743,000

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

On Wednesday (Oct. 28), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s BIG NIGHT (At the Museum) was hosted by Marty Stuart and featured Tim McGraw, The War and Treaty, Rodney Crowell, Carlene Carter, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde and more performing with some of the Hall of Fame’s most treasured historic instruments. The event aired on the Country Music Hall of Fame’s official YouTube channel.

The event raised more than $743,000 for the museum’s Coronavirus Relief Fund, which supports the museum and its work in exhibitions, collections preservation and education. All donations help sustain the museum, which has lost nearly $35 million in revenue as a result of COVID-19.

The War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame

“I am so grateful to the music community for their steadfast support of BIG NIGHT (At the Museum),” said Museum CEO Kyle Young. “Sixteen artists came to the museum and gave their time and talent to create this experience. Artists and industry leaders also shared the story of the event with their peers. Our partner in this endeavor, YouTube, collaborated with us every step of the way, and music fans who tuned in this evening generously donated to the museum. Thanks to all of you. We appreciate it so much. I invite those who have not seen BIG NIGHT (At the Museum) to tune in and learn more about the museum and the work we do.”

“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s BIG NIGHT is the perfect representation of how the museum preserves the legacy of country music by combining musical performances with storytelling and songwriting,” said YouTube Label Relations Manager Margaret Hart. “We are truly honored to have partnered with the museum on this outstanding virtual event; the combination of incredible talent, YouTube’s global reach and ability for fans to donate directly to the museum’s Coronavirus Relief Fund via YouTube Giving made this livestream as impactful as possible during such a difficult time. We hope fans across the globe continue to tune in and enjoy the show!”

Kane Brown. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ashley McBryde. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

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