Matt McGinn, Wyatt Durrette III, SMACKWORKS Lead SESAC’s Nashville Music Awards Winners

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SESAC Songwriter of the Year Matt McGinn

SESAC honored its top-performing country and Americana songwriters and publishers with the 2020 Nashville Music Awards.

Matt McGinn was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year for the second time (he first took home the honor in 2018). McGinn’s chart-topping hits from the past year include “Homesick” and “Cool Again” recorded by Kane Brown and “One Thing Right” recorded by Kane Brown and Marshmello.

 

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SMACKWORKS Music was named this year’s Publisher of the Year, having previously earned the accolade in 2018.

“Even Though I’m Leaving,” a five-week No. 1 hit co-written by Wyatt Durrette III, published by Rosest Music and recorded by Luke Combs, was named SESAC Song of the Year. Durrette previously earned SESAC’s Song of the Year honor last year, for his work on Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy.”

This year’s honors were announced via digital format, with winners announced on SESAC’s website and social media platforms.

Wyatt Durrette III

“We are very excited to once again recognize our talented songwriter and publishing partners with the annual Nashville Music Awards,” said Kelli Turner, President and COO, SESAC Rights Management. “Although we can’t be together in person, we are deeply honored to celebrate the creative achievements of our affiliates in a new way. Not only are we grateful for their craft of songwriting, we value their work and its connection to the human experience, which ultimately lifts our spirits.”

“We couldn’t be more proud of SESAC’s songwriters. Their commitment to writing and bringing us a sense of hope—despite the real struggles that we’ve all recently faced—has not gone unnoticed,” added Sam Kling, SVP of Creative Operations. “I also need to commend both Lydia Schultz and ET Brown for their relentless dedication to SESAC’s Country and Americana affiliates during this time.”

 

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A list of SESAC-affiliate country and Americana awards winners is below:

“EVEN THOUGH I’M LEAVING”
Written by:
Wyatt Durrette III
Published by:
Island South Music, Rosest Music
Recorded by:
Luke Combs

“PRAYED FOR YOU”
Written by:
Allison Veltz Cruz
Published by:
Tunes of Big Deal Music, Songs of Porterfied Music, Words and Music Songs
Recorded by:
Matt Stell

“HOMESICK”
Written by:
Matt McGinn
Published by:
McGinndependence Day, SMACKWORKS MUSIC, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by:
Kane Brown

“WHAT IF I NEVER GET OVER YOU”
Written by:
Jon Green, Hillary Scott
Published by:
Universal Tunes
Recorded by:
Lady A

“MAKE ME WANT TO”
Written by:
Jimmie Allen
Published by:
Endurance Music Group, Sony/ATV
Recorded by:
Jimmie Allen

“EVERY LITTLE THING”
Written by:
Casey Brown
Published by:
So Essential Tunes, Not Just Another Song Publishing
Recorded by:
Russell Dickerson

“ONE NIGHT STANDARDS”
Written by:
Nicolette Hayford
Published by:
SMACKWORKS MUSIC, I Love RHA, Sony/ATV, Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by:
Ashley McBryde

“COOL AGAIN”
Written by:
Josh Hoge, Matt McGinn
Published by:
McGinntellectual Property, Songs For Owen Music, True Blue Works, Universal Tunes, Kobalt Group
Publishing
Recorded by:
Kane Brown

“EVERYWHERE BUT ON”
Written by:
Lance Miller
Published by:
Presley Jake Music, W C M Music Corp
Recorded by:
Matt Stell

“I CALLED MAMA”
Written by:
Lance Miller
Published by:
Sonic Style Music, Still Working For All Inc, BMG
Recorded by:
Tim McGraw

“GOT WHAT I GOT”
Written by:
Michael Tyler
Published by:
MTNoize, peertunes LTD
Recorded by:
Jason Aldean

“ONE OF THEM GIRLS”
Written by:
Lee Brice
Published by:
Love Cannons Publishing, W C M Music Corp
Recorded by:
Lee Brice

“DROWNING”
Written by:
Josh Hoge
Published by:

Songs For Owen Music, Universal Tunes
Recorded by:
Chris Young

“THE GIT UP”
Written by:
Blanco Brown
Published by:
Blanco Theory
Recorded by:
Blanco Brown

“ONE THING RIGHT”
Written by:
Josh Hoge, Matt McGinn
Published by:
McGinndependence Day, Songs For Owen Music, Universal Tunes, SMACKWORKS MUSIC, Kobalt
Group Publishing
Recorded by:
Marshmello & Kane Brown

“THE ROCK AND THE HILL”
Written by:
Allison Moorer
Published by:
Bernard House Music
Recorded by:
Allison Moorer

“BLIND LEADING THE BLIND”
Written by:
Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane, Winston Marshall
Published by:
Universal Tunes
Recorded by:
Mumford & Sons

“LETTING ME DOWN”
Written by:
Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price
Published by:
Peach Pit, Fisheye, BMG
Recorded by:
Margo Price

“BAD TRICK”
Written by:
Ray Wylie Hubbard, Judy Hubbard
Published by:
Snake Farm Publishing, BMG
Recorded by:
Ray Wylie Hubbard (ft. Ringo Starr, Don Was, Joe Walsh, Chris Robinson)

“TELL THE TRUTH”
Written by:
Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by:
First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by:
The Avett Brothers

“VICTORY”
Written by:
Seth Avett, Scott Avett
Published by:
First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by:
The Avett Brothers

CMA Awards Add Dan+Shay, Justin Bieber, Keith Urban To Performers Lineup

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The Country Music Association has announced a slew of additional performers to its lineup for the 54th annual CMA Awards.

Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, Jenee Fleenor, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, Keith Urban, and Morgan Wallen will perform during the show, set for Nov. 11 at Nashville’s Music City Center and airing on ABC.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring all of these incredible performances to life next Wednesday night and give our artists the chance to come together, in a big way, on television for the first time in months,” says Robert Deaton, CMA Awards Executive Producer. “As safety is our top priority, we have worked tirelessly over the past several months to fully transform Music City Center into a breathtaking setup that resembles the very first ‘CMA Awards Banquet and Show’ from 1967, and ensures our nominees, performers and their guests a fully safe and physically distant environment. We are honored, in this very challenging time, to help provide an escape and deliver a live awards show experience unlike any other this year.”

Brothers Osborne, reigning CMA Musician of the Year Fleenor, and reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Ashley McBryde will join Aldean and Bentley to open the show with a multi-show tribute to the late Charlie Daniels.

Dan+Shay will welcome Bieber to perform their three-time nominated “10,000 Hours,” while New Artist of the Year nominee Allen will perform his chart-topping hit “Best Shot” in addition to presenting the 2020 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to trailblazing legend Charley Pride.

More tributes will be held throughout the show, as Little Big Town pays homage to Kenny Rogers and Jon Pardi honors Joe Diffie. To honor the 40th anniversary of the film Urban Cowboy, Old Dominion will perform Johnny Lee’s “Looking for Love.”

Two-time nominee Andress will perform her CMA Song of the Year nominated “More Hearts Than Mine,” while four-time nominee Pearce and two-time nominee Brice will perform “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which is up for Song, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year. Wallen will perform his single “More Than My Hometown.”

The Gettys Earn Chart-Topping Album With ‘Evensong’

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Keith and Kristyn Getty

The Gettys’ latest album, Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day, recently topped Billboard‘s Kid Albums chart, surpassing the chart’s long-reigning leader, Disney’s Frozen 2 soundtrack, for the first time in 36 weeks.

Irish-born modern-hymn writers, Keith & Kristyn Getty collaborated with several country, bluegrass, and classical artists on the project, including Vince Gill, Heather Headley, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, Deborah Klemme, Sandra McCracken, and Skye Peterson. Album producer Ben Shive was able to gather recordings from each musical collaborator and create a project fusing the Celtic, folk, bluegrass, classical, and Americana sound the Gettys have become known for.

Keith Getty states, “This project is so much broader than simply a project for children. From the earliest age to our waning years, the hymns and songs we sing are some of our closest companions, shaping the way we think about life, about God, about ourselves, and about others. We wanted to create a timeless album that our children could grow old gracefully with and that people of every age could use as a way to refocus their minds and hearts in the midst of the business of life. This project is for the entire family.”

BMLG, CreatiVets To Release EP On Nov. 6

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Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets will release the Veterans Day Special EP on Nov. 6. The project is part of Big Machine Records’ ongoing support of the nonprofit that offers combat veterans who are struggling with PTSD and brain injuries a musical outlet to promote wellness.

The three-track EP includes Brantley Gilbert, Love and Theft, and Kalsey Kulyk, and follows the release of the full-length project Veteran Songs, which came out in July.

“We had an overwhelming response after the release of our album Veteran Songs from veterans from around the country. Veterans said they felt like every song was speaking directly to them, and that they felt like they weren’t alone in their thoughts and feelings,” said CreatiVets Co-Founder/Executive Director Richard Casper. “I have never been more excited to share these two stories of two amazing veterans that poured their heart out. I am also extremely thankful to Brantley Gilbert and Big Machine for adding an exclusive live version of Brantley’s No. 1 single “One Hell Of An Amen” to this EP so we can reach more veterans than ever.”

VETERANS DAY SPECIAL EP TRACK LIST:
1. “Helpless” (featuring Love And Theft)
2. “Picture In The Frame” (featuring Kalsey Kulyk)
3. “One Hell Of An Amen (Live/CreatiVets Veterans Day Special)” by Brantley Gilbert

Industry Ink: Matt Stell, Shy Carter, Inside Music Nashville

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Matt Stell Celebrates Second Ride Up The Charts With Arista Promo Team

Pictured (L-R): Regional David Berry, Arista VP Josh Easler, Specialist Ryan Sanders, SMN Promo/Artist Dev. Assc. Director Olivia Laster, Regional Ali O’Connell, Regional Luke Jensen, Regional Lisa Owen, Wide Open Mgmt Brendan Rich, Matt Stell, National Promo VP Lauren Thomas

Matt Stell celebrated his second No. 1, “Everywhere But On,” with his Arista Promo Team. The song topped the both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase Country chart, and follows his breakthrough chart-topper, “Prayed For You,” which reached No. 1 in October 2019.

 

Shy Carter Visits Radio Friends Across The Country During Bus Tour

Shy Carter with Johnny Chiang (Format Captain/Cox Media)

Shy Carter rolled through Memphis, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Tucson over the past few weeks to play some socially distant tunes for radio friends on the first of its kind, quarantine-friendly bus tour.

 

Inside Music Nashville Adds Nick Gibbens To Team, Signs Craig Brooks

Nick Gibbens

Inside Music Nashville president Kory Caudill has announced the addition of producer/engineer/mixer Nick Gibbens, and the signing of songwriter Craig Brooks to the company’s Nashville team.

Gibbens is a Nashville-based producer, mixer and engineer who has spent the last decade working with some of Music City’s most acclaimed artists, writers and producers. His credits include Thomas Rhett, Billy Currington, Justin Moore, Montgomery Gentry, Johnny Reid, and Connie Smith.

Brooks is a Canadian-based songwriter and executive based out of Canada and has spent the last several years working with some of Canada’s brightest new country artists. In addition to joining Inside Music Nashville as a songwriter, Craig has been appointed by Head of Creative Matt Williams to jointly spearhead the Canadian division of Inside Music Nashville, which will become a creative hub for the team north of the border.

Craig Brooks

Moon Taxi, Jimmie Allen Collaborate On New Version Of “Hometown Heroes”

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Moon Taxi and Jimmie Allen have teamed up on a new version of the band’s single “Hometown Heroes.” The track was originally released in March of this year and has become an anthem of appreciation for frontline workers in 2020.

Moon Taxi’s Trevor Terndrup and Spencer Thomson will be guests on Allen’s Wildcard Radio show on Apple Music at 5 p.m. ET today (Nov. 4) talking about the track and other things happening in their career these days. The band will be releasing their next full length album, Silver Dream, on Jan. 22, 2021.

“Doing a collaboration in this crazy year seemed like a far fetched idea, but somehow it worked out. Jimmie brings a fresh, lively spirit to one of our most personal songs and we are so honored to put this song out with him. We should also take a moment to congratulate Jimmie on his CMA nomination [for New Artist of the Yera],” said Terndrup.

“I’ve been a fan of Moon Taxi for some time now. To record a song with them was something I’ve wanted to do since I first heard those guys. I’ve been looking forward to sharing this with the world,” said Allen.

Grand View Research Estimates Music Streaming Market Size To Be Worth Nearly $77 Billion By 2027

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The music streaming market size is estimated to reach $76.9 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing adoption of digital music services is one of the key factors driving the market.

A growing preference for on-demand music services on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp is likely to drive the industry over the forecast period, according to the report, which also noted the industry is expected to witness significant growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic globally, as most of the outdoor leisure activities are on a standstill. The download and usage of music streaming apps have been on the rise since lockdowns were imposed across several countries severely affected by the pandemic. Spotify witnessed an upsurge in its monthly active users by 29% year-on-year to 299 million users in the second quarter of 2020.

The increasing integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Extended Reality is expected to support the growth of the market over the forecast period. Machine Learning-integrated music platforms analyze the artists, songs, and albums a user listens to most frequently to discover what appeals to them. Based on the analysis, daily playlists are created and related tracks are suggested, improving search engines, and providing a better understanding of consumer preferences. The app segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2019, and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. The commercial end-use segment is anticipated to capture nearly 40% of the revenue share by 2027.

Diane Warren Teams With Darius Rucker For New Song, Sets Debut Album For 2021

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As one of music’s most prolific songwriters, Diane Warren has notched nine No. 1 songs and 32 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her songs have been featured in more than 100 films and she has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early next year, she will release her own album, Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1, via BMG. The album will feature an all-star lineup including John Legend, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Jason Derulo, and more.

“A lot of people have done this kind of project—Mark Ronson or Calvin Harris or DJ Khaled—but no one who is just a songwriter has,” says Warren. “So why not me? I thought it would be a chance to work with artists I love and other artists I want to work with, and create a cool body of work that shows the diversity of what I do.”

The album’s first single, “Times Like This,” features Darius Rucker and releases Nov. 10.

“It’s more of a story than I’m used to writing, more of a country song, but it’s also more of an anthem, because at times like these we really could all use an angel,” Warren says of “Times Like This.” “I think this song is going to speak to everybody. It gives you hope and it puts you in the fighting spirit.” And of Rucker’s performance, she said “He has that comfort food voice, and we kind of grew up with him. He loved the song, and when he sent back his vocal, it was fifty times better than I expected. I was jumping around the room, I was so excited.”

Rucker adds, “Diane is such a legend, so I was absolutely honored when she called saying that she had me in mind for a song. It’s one of those things that just being asked to be part of her record — and especially such a great song like this — is just amazing. Then to actually go through the process with a legend like her and to see it all come to life has been a really cool experience.”

Among Warren’s smash hits are “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion), “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” (LeAnn Rimes), “How Do I Live” (by both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood), “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” (Whitney Houston), “I Learned From The Best” (Whitney Houston), “Love Can Move Mountains” (Celine Dion), “Can’t Take That Away” (Mariah Carey), “Look Away” (Chicago), “Have You Ever” (Brandy), “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” (Aerosmith), and dozens more.

WSIX’s Amy Paige Steps Down

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Country radio personality Amy Paige has resigned from her position at WSIX. Paige  previously took a leave of absence in August to focus on her family.

“I’ve made a career of doing what I love for 25 years, but it’s time to hang up my headphones,” she announced via Twitter. “My family needs me more than I need a Marconi. No regrets, only gratitude.”

Paige joined WSIX in 2011, and has worked in radio for more than two decades, including roles at SiriusXM’s The Highway and Prime Country. She also previously worked mornings and middays for Washington D.C’s Hot AC WRQX and served as an on-air radio personality for Washington D.C.’s WMZQ and New York’s WYNY.

Jay Allen Signs With The Kinkead Agency

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Jay Allen

Jay Allen has signed with the Kinkead Agency for booking.

The Iowa native moved to Nashville in 2013 and signed his first publishing deal a year later, teaming with Sony/ATV in 2016. The following year he was chosen as a “The Highway Find” on Sirius XM for his song “Sounds Good To Me.” In 2018, Allen penned a song for his mother who recently passed away from Alzheimer’s at only age 54, titled “Blank Stares.” A video of him performing the song live went viral with over 300 million views. Allen has since helped raise $35 million to fight the disease, and continues to perform at charity events across the country for the Alzheimer’s Association.

In 2019, Mickey Jack Cones partnered with Emmanuel Zunz (ONErpm) and formed Verge Records, and the two signed Allen as their flagship artist and have begun to release new music from him.

“Jay is a powerhouse – beautiful voice, heart of gold, incredible story, and a work ethic like I’ve never seen. I look forward to showing the world what this artist is made of, and I can confidently say that Jay is the future of country music,” said Cones.