Top row (L-R): Justin Nicolet, Creative Director, and Alex Diaz, Publishing Coordinator. Bottom row (L-R): Paul Duncan, Chad Segura, VP, Publishing.
Centricity Publishing, the publishing arm of Centricity Music, has renewed its long-term publishing deal with songwriter Paul Duncan. Duncan was first signed to Centricity in 2016.
The Redondo Beach, CA native is a writer on eight songs recorded by Lauren Daigle, including songs on her current and debut RIAA-certified Platinum albums. Duncan is also a writer on five Jordan Feliz radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “Witness,” as well as “Beloved,” “Changed,” “Faith,” and “Glorify,” and the soon-to-be-released “Jesus Is Coming Back.” He is also a writer on Natalie Grant’s “Face to Face,” Micah Tyler’s “New Today,” and Aaron Cole’s “Only U.”
“The team at Centricity has felt like a true family to me over the time we’ve worked together, and I couldn’t be happier about entering a new season with these friends,” says Duncan. “I’m so grateful for their belief in me and for the music we’ve made together so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Paul is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Music, Vice President of Publishing. “Artists love working with him. And his ability to turn a phrase, is truly a rare gift. For all that he’s accomplished so far, I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of…and I’m so glad we get to continue this journey together!”
In addition to penning 15 radio singles and earning numerous ASCAP honors, Duncan has had his work featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Stitchers, Crime Watch Daily, Extra, Boston Legal, The Hills, Jersey Shore, and The Real World. He has also penned compositions for T-Mobile, Samsung, Wendy’s, the Criterion Collection, Applegate Farms, Royal Caribbean, and more. He has also served as a guitarist/keyboardist for artists including 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey, Mindy McCready, Mercy Street (RCA) and Sense Field (Nettwerk). He is also a co-founder and co-host of the podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters.
Industry Ink: ACM, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jericho Rose
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Wolf Promoted To Manager At ACM Lifting Lives
Taylor Wolf has been promoted to Manager of the ACM’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives. In her new role, Wolf will coordinate the annual discretionary grant cycle, oversee correspondence, and fund distribution for the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund and will continue providing support for the overall functions of ACM Lifting Lives. In addition, Wolf currently serves as the Secretary of the ACM Lifting Lives Board. Wolf reports to Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives.
Originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, Wolf attended Pepperdine University where she received a bachelor’s degree of Science in Psychology. Following graduation, she returned to Nashville to work in the human resources department at Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, and later relocated back to California for a digital content opportunity. She joined the Academy of Country Music early last year working with both ACM Lifting Lives and Academy of Country Music’s Strategic Partnerships department, before transitioning to focus fully on the charitable arm in the summer.
Mitchell Tenpenny Holds Benefit Event For 10Penny Fund
Pictured: JT Pratt/ Red Light Management, Mitchell, Kristen Ashley/ Red Light Management, Mitchell’s manager
Mitchell Tenpenny hosted a live streaming concert and two in-person shows last Saturday (Oct. 10) to raise money for his 10Penny Fund. The events raised $23,895.47 including a $10,000 match from Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, his partner in the 10Penny Fund, and a $2,000 donation from labelmate/friend Chris Young. The day began at Noon with a live-streamed concert and wrapped with two sold-out shows at Nashville’s Listening Room with songwriting friends Andy Albert, Ernest, Meghan Patrick and Dallas Wilson.
“It felt so good to play again!” said Tenpenny. “And everyone that came out did something good for someone else. Every penny will go to help families dealing with cancer.”
Jericho Rose Inks With Los Banditos BMI/Pierce Sullivan Music
Seated (L-R): Preston “Shoes”Sullivan, GM-Partner, Global Eyes Entertainment LP; James Jericho and Hannah Huntley, Jericho Rose; Tommy Pierce, Partner GEE. Standing (L-R): David Preston, Senior Director BMI Nashville, Mike D’Ancona, Co-Manager The Holland Group, Billy Holland, Co-Manager/President The Holland Group
Hannah Huntley and James Jericho of Jericho Rose have signed an exclusive songwriter and co-publishing deal with Los Banditos BMI /Pierce Sullivan Music, a division of Global Eyes Entertainment, LP. The duo has been touring, writing and recording continuously since arriving in Nashville from L.A. in 2017. Jericho Rose previously released a four song EP, Rough Around The Edges (including the chart single “Johnny Cash”) along with two videos in 2018. The duo has released one single per month this year for the past 10 months via ONErpm Distribution, while gaining popularity on various streaming outlets, including the New Nashville Spotify Playlist. Their next single, titled “Fallout,” drops on Oct. 9.
‘Idol’ Champion Laine Hardy Talks New Music, Zoom Co-Writes
/by Jessica NicholsonLaine Hardy
American Idol champion Laine Hardy shows off his love of small towns and hometowns with his latest music.
The Louisiana native recently visited with MusicRow Magazine staffers via Zoom, and offered acoustic performances of several tracks praising small-town life, such as his official radio single “Tiny Town,” and “Ground I Grew Up On,” a slice of hometown nostalgia that lists all the ways his small town helped mold him.
Hardy auditioned twice for Idol, first in 2018. His second try in 2019 proved to be his triumphant shot, making it all the way to the winner’s circle. After his Idol win, Hardy began working with Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox, and writing songs. He signed with Hollywood Records, and with Fusion/Red Light’s Daniel Miller and Nick Garvin, and signed with UTA for touring.
Another recent release, “Other LA,” was inspired by his time in Los Angeles while he was competing on Idol. He penned the track with Erik Dylan, Dan Isbell, and Andy Sheridan.
If it was up to those old boots/I’d be back down in Baton Rouge/I know a country boy can survive/but it’s tough on Rodeo Drive, he sings in the sweetly nostalgic, blues-tinged number.
“Idol taught me a lot in a short amount of time. If you didn’t learn fast and soak everything up, you get lost,” he said of his time on the hit singing competition. “They looked out for all the contestants and I felt they wanted the best for every contestant.”
Though the COVID-19 pandemic largely halted touring for the time being, Hardy has continued focusing on creating new music.
“I’ve seen some people start to slowly get back to songwriting in-person. I’m not a big fan of the Zoom co-writes,” he admits. “I think it feels more authentic to do it in-person. I’ve been saving up a lot of song ideas for [in-person sessions].”
In addition to focusing on music, Hardy hosted a livestream to benefit the American Red Cross and their disaster relief efforts and it raised more than $8,000 to benefit his home state of Louisiana, which was recently impacted by Hurricane Laura.
Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain Added To CMT Music Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, and Shania Twain are among the latest artists announced to perform on the upcoming 2020 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m. CT on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop and TV Land.
Barrett is nominated for “Female Video of the Year” and “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” Wallen is up for “Male Video of the Year,” Hunt is nominated for “Male Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year” and Twain is making her first appearance on the CMT stage since 2011.
Additionally, this year’s awards will feature collaborations from Kelsea Ballerini (“Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) and Halsey (“CMT Performance of the Year”), Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus, and Luke Combs (“Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) and Brooks & Dunn (“CMT Performance of the Year”).
The second round of performers will join previously announced stars Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Maren Morris, plus Ram Trucks Side Stage performers Caylee Hammack, HARDY, Ingrid Andress, Mickey Guyton, Riley Green and Travis Denning.
Talent Agency Platform Artists Launches With Star-Studded CCM Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPlatform Artists debuts with a star-studded roster including Aaron Cole, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Cade Thompson, Chris Renzema, Chris Tomlin, Coby James, Cochren & Co., Courtnie Ramirez, Ellie Holcomb, Jon Reddick, JUDAH, Lydia Laird, Mac Powell, Mandisa, Michael W. Smith, NEEDTOBREATHE, Newsboys, Pat Barrett, RICHLIN, Ryan Stevenson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrian, TobyMac, and We Are Messengers.
Myers previously worked in the Contemporary Christian Music department at CAA for 22 years. Johnsen spent the past 16 years at CAA, following 11 years as an agent at GOA. Schaumberg worked in multiple facets of the CCM industry over the past decade, including the past six years at CAA.
“We are thankful for all the support we have felt from the industry, from the artists and managers that signed on with us, to the promoters and labels,” shares Johnsen. “We are excited about this new adventure.”
Myers adds, “In a year of tremendous unpredictability and challenges, we are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the Christian music industry. I am truly excited for this new chapter in our careers. CAA was a great home for many years. We look forward to making Platform Artists a home for many more moving forward.”
“Live music has the power to change lives,” states Schaumberg. “I’m incredibly grateful for my time at CAA, and I’m thrilled to continue working alongside an incredible group of artists.”
Jerry Lee Lewis To Celebrate 85th Birthday With Star-Studded Virtual Livestream Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughJerry Lee Lewis is turning 85, and “The Killer” is celebrating the milestone birthday with his millions of fans around the world through a giant virtual live stream event, “Whole Lotta Celebratin’ Goin’ On: 85 Years of The Killer.” Hosted by actor John Stamos, the special will feature performances and well wishes from friends and fans including Elton John, President Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack and Joe Walsh, among many others.
The evening, which will air on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT via Jerry Lee Lewis’ official Facebook and YouTube channels and on jerryleelewis.com, will also mark the first time in 40 years that Lewis has been in the same room with his famous cousins, country legend Mickey Gilley and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart.
Other celebrities lined up to celebrate Lewis include Billy F Gibbons, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Janson, Jacob Tolliver, James Burton, Jerry Phillips, Linda Gail Lewis, Lindsay Ell, Marty Stuart, The Beach Boy’s Mike Love, Priscilla Presley, Tom Jones, and Wink Martindale along with appearances from Jerry Lee Lewis’ road band, Kenny Lovelace, Ray Gann and Kenny Aronoff. An additional lineup announcement will follow in the coming weeks.
The star-studded event will benefit Christian charity organization World Vision.
Dolly Parton Teams With Tabletops Unlimited For New Lifestyle Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughThe vast collection features a wide variety of products that range from assorted platters and bowls with delicate floral and plaid designs, to wood serving boards and chip and dip sets in shapes such as guitars and butterflies. It also features cereal bowls with quotes from Parton, wicker basket white bakers, water bottles and a tea kettle.
Inspired by her country roots and personal style and featuring images that represent Parton’s legacy, the assortment weaves in a modern farmhouse look to present a cohesive, on-trend look for the home.
“Dolly wanted to create and introduce a new home collection for her brand,” said TTU’s Bonnie Farias, VP, Sales and Product Development. “We were approached by her team and presented with the opportunity to collaborate on this collection. We jumped on the opportunity as we all know Dolly as an icon and living legend. Not only is she beloved around the world, her country roots and style fit well into the farmhouse trend that is popular across the country. Dolly is very involved in this collection, as she reviews and approves every single item in the line. So, that ensures the collection is directly representative of Dolly’s style.”
James Stroud Helms Newly-Launched White Mustang Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Tammy Luker, White Mustang Records; Dewayne Brown, CMG; Pepper Meiler, 9,000 Miles; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment; Michael “Benjy” Cruz, White Mustang Records; James Stroud, White Mustang Records. Photo: Andy Evinger
Music industry veterans James Stroud and Copperline Music Group (CMG)’s Dewayne Brown have launched Nashville-based label White Mustang Records. Stroud will serve as President of the label, which will be distributed by CMG via The Orchard. The label’s first signing will be announced next week.
Pepper Meiler has joined as Head of Marketing, while Michael “Benjy” Cruz has been added to lead Digital Product. Craig Campbell (Campbell Entertainment) will serve as Head of Media for the label and its artists. Stroud’s longtime associate and administrative assistant Tammy Luker also joins the label.
“The staff and myself here at White Mustang could not be more happy with the future of our new label and the soon to be announced roster,” said Stroud. “As we were building this label we looked to partner with the brightest and most forward thinking distribution companies available before deciding that CMG (Copperline Music Group) was the perfect match for us. Dewayne Brown (CMG SVP of A&R) and his staff at CMG work in the trenches everyday and we are so blessed to have them on board as we grow this new venture. “
“I cannot thank James Stroud and his amazing team at White Mustang Records enough for their vote of confidence in our team here at CMG,” said Brown. “James brings his love of the music and the amazing sound back to the country music format that I believe we have all been missing. The team they have assembled at White Mustang speaks volumes for itself. I’m very excited about the upcoming announcement of their roster and our partnership.”
Centricity Publishing Renews Deal With Paul Duncan
/by Jessica NicholsonTop row (L-R): Justin Nicolet, Creative Director, and Alex Diaz, Publishing Coordinator. Bottom row (L-R): Paul Duncan, Chad Segura, VP, Publishing.
Centricity Publishing, the publishing arm of Centricity Music, has renewed its long-term publishing deal with songwriter Paul Duncan. Duncan was first signed to Centricity in 2016.
The Redondo Beach, CA native is a writer on eight songs recorded by Lauren Daigle, including songs on her current and debut RIAA-certified Platinum albums. Duncan is also a writer on five Jordan Feliz radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “Witness,” as well as “Beloved,” “Changed,” “Faith,” and “Glorify,” and the soon-to-be-released “Jesus Is Coming Back.” He is also a writer on Natalie Grant’s “Face to Face,” Micah Tyler’s “New Today,” and Aaron Cole’s “Only U.”
“The team at Centricity has felt like a true family to me over the time we’ve worked together, and I couldn’t be happier about entering a new season with these friends,” says Duncan. “I’m so grateful for their belief in me and for the music we’ve made together so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Paul is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Music, Vice President of Publishing. “Artists love working with him. And his ability to turn a phrase, is truly a rare gift. For all that he’s accomplished so far, I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of…and I’m so glad we get to continue this journey together!”
In addition to penning 15 radio singles and earning numerous ASCAP honors, Duncan has had his work featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Stitchers, Crime Watch Daily, Extra, Boston Legal, The Hills, Jersey Shore, and The Real World. He has also penned compositions for T-Mobile, Samsung, Wendy’s, the Criterion Collection, Applegate Farms, Royal Caribbean, and more. He has also served as a guitarist/keyboardist for artists including 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey, Mindy McCready, Mercy Street (RCA) and Sense Field (Nettwerk). He is also a co-founder and co-host of the podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters.
Bobby Bones Returning To ‘American Idol’
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Bones.
Bobby Bones is returning to American Idol, reports deadline.com. The radio personality—who also just announced his engagement to girlfriend Caitlin Parker—has inked a deal to return as an in-house mentor on Idol.
Bones, host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Bobby Bones Show, joins Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest. The music competition will return in 2021.
The Bobby Bones Show recently earned its second CMA Award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year and fourth ACM Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year. Bones is the youngest-ever inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame. In addition to the radio show, he launched the podcast BobbyCast, which includes interview with music industry execs and artists. He won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (season 27) and also hosts and executive produces the weekly TV program Opry, which airs on Circle Network.
In Pictures: Kane Brown, Music Health Alliance, Pryor & Lee
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown Holds Virtual Town Hall With Boys And Girls Club Members
Kane Brown held a “Worldwide Beautiful” Town Hall last Thursday (Oct. 8) for Boys & Girls Club members, hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier. The 30-minute virtual event was attended by more than 100 Boys & Girls Club members from across the U.S., as well as those living on U.S. military installations worldwide.
Brown recalled when he first became aware of Boys & Girls Club and included the organization’s youth in a VIP meet-and-greet initiative during his “Live Forever Tour” in 2019. He also showed his powerful and unifying “Worldwide Beautiful” music video, inspiring a candid Q&A about diversity, equality and the challenges and opportunities of the next generation and also answered questions from Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year” honorees during the session.
Music Health Alliance Offering Free Virtual Health Insurance Advice
Music Health Alliance is offering free virtual health insurance assistance to members of the music industry to ensure they get the healthcare coverage they need during the upcoming open enrollment window. Open enrollment dates are: Medicare: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2020; Insurance Enrollment: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2020.
During the open enrollment dates, Music Health Alliance advocates will meet virtually with clients to advise and enroll members of the music industry and their families in the best plans to meet their medical needs. If you’ve lost your job due to COVID-19, had a change in coverage or need help navigating the health insurance landscape, Music Health Alliance can help you get covered, by connecting with these contacts: Individual/Family Health Insurance: Erin- 615-200-6861 or erin@musichealthalliance.com; Group Health Insurance: 615-200-6897 or bonita@musichealthalliance.com; Medicare (65 or over): 615-200-6892 or shelia@musichealthalliance.
In partnership with MusiCares, Music Health Alliance is also offering two free virtual seminars to inform and empower members of the music community to enroll for new health insurance for the new year. The “What The Health” and “Medicare 101” workshops will be offered this month on Oct. 19 and Oct. 27 to educate the music industry on their individual healthcare options during open enrollment. Advance registration is required for the seminars.
Black River Entertainment Duo Pryor & Lee Perform At Charlotte Motor Speedway
Pictured (L-R): Pryor & Lee (Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee). Photo: Print/online, credit: HHP/Harold Hinson.
Black River’s country duo Pryor & Lee performed the National Anthem on Sunday (Oct. 11) at the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.