The Mechanical Licensing Collective Expands Leadership Team By Three

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Kristen Johns, Nathan Osher, Andrew Mitchell

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has added three new members to its leadership team. Kristen Johns has joined the organization as Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Osher has been named Assistant General Counsel—Publisher Relations, and Andrew Mitchell has joined the team as Head of Analytics and Automation. All three joined the MLC earlier this month and will be based in Nashville.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kristen, Nathan and Andrew to The MLC’s growing team,” said Kris Ahrend, The MLC’s CEO. “Each of them possesses many years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, which will enable them to begin contributing immediately to the important work we are doing. All three are fully committed to serving our members and fulfilling our important mission to ensure that our members are paid properly.”

Johns will lead the organization’s strategic legal affairs, manage the statutory blanket licensing process for digital service providers, and oversee compliance with statutory obligations. An experienced intellectual property and technology lawyer, she comes to The MLC from Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP in Nashville, where she was a partner. During her tenure at Waller, she advised clients on a variety of IP-related issues, including data security, privacy laws, and emerging technologies. She also helped found and lead Tokenize Tennessee, a Nashville-based organization dedicated to the development of blockchain-based businesses in Tennessee. Prior to joining Waller, Johns served as General Counsel for a technology start-up and in-house Counsel for a healthcare IT company. She holds a J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law and a B.S. in Engineering Science from Vanderbilt University.

Osher will serve as The MLC’s primary in-house expert on publishing and copyright issues, and will also oversee the management and resolution of claims and litigation-related matters. An entertainment attorney and executive for more than 20 years, Osher has extensive experience in music publishing, and he has counseled clients on a variety of matters related to intellectual property rights, contracts, licensing and litigation. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs for Warner Chappell Music, Inc., and was previously the General Counsel and Vice President of Business Affairs at Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Osher holds a J.D. from the University of West Los Angeles and earned a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.

In his new position Mitchell will lead The MLC’s analytics and automation activities, oversee the design and implementation of business intelligence reporting for The MLC’s internal teams, and develop strategies and tools for analyzing the usage reporting data from DSPs. He will also manage The MLC’s manual sound recording and musical works matching processes. Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience in operations, analytics, business intelligence, automation, process improvement, lean six sigma and global business transformation. He comes to The MLC from Warner Music Group, where he was the Vice President of Analytics & Process Automation, and previously spent a decade working in financial planning and analysis for Ingram Content Group. Mitchell graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B.S. in Business and holds an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where he graduated at the top of his class.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott To Host Newest Season Of Country Faith

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Lady A’s Hillary Scott will be taking over as the newest host of Country Faith on Apple Music Country. This biweekly two-hour radio show will feature songs, special guests, and personal stories that inspire Scott both musically and spiritually.

“I was so excited to be asked to host Country Faith Radio this season. I’m looking forward to having some of my dear friends on to catch up on life and what’s most important to us,” says Scott. “I also can’t wait to share songs that have truly impacted me, have helped get me through difficult times and really just help remind us how connected we all are.”

Country Faith is available to stream for free every other Sunday at 10 a.m. CST, or anytime on-demand on Apple Music Country.

Chris Tomlin And Max Lucado To Host Good Friday Worldwide Broadcast

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Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein.

Grammy-winner Chris Tomlin and author Max Lucado will host Good Friday Worldwide on Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m. CT.

Good Friday Worldwide with Tomlin and Lucado, will air on TBN and will simulcast with radio partners K-LOVE, Air1, and over 30 additional radio stations across the country. The television broadcast alone will be seen and heard in over 32 countries.

For the second straight year, the show will feature a message from Lucado and worship led by Tomlin along with Pat Barrett and We The Kingdom.

“This is a moment aligned by God to touch millions of lives,” says Tomlin. “One of the effects of this season and quarantine has been that the face of worship has changed. We aren’t going to a physical church every Sunday. We aren’t gathering in person with our community each week. We have been challenged to find new ways to not only engage ourselves and our families, but also our community in worship. What I know is that the heart of worship hasn’t changed, and I am so grateful for Max Lucado, K-LOVE, the other partnering radio stations, TBN and all the people involved for being willing to come together to help deliver a message of hope and remind us the meaning and power of worship. This is a unique moment in time and there is an opportunity for this to be one of the most impactful Easter weekends we will ever experience in our lifetime.”

“Seldom have we needed a Good Friday as we do this year,” says Lucado. “We’ve been tested, challenged and stretched. We need a refreshing return to the One who surrendered all on our behalf. Please join Chris, friends and me as we gather at the foot of the cross.”

In the spirit of Good Friday, Nashville, and its history of surprise guests, the program will also feature an unannounced award-winning musical guest.

Troy Cartwright Announces Live EP ‘Memory Machine Sessions’

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Troy Cartwright. Photo: Yve Assad

Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright has announced his upcoming live EP, Memory Machine Sessions. Cartwright also released the first track, “Hung Up On You (Memory Machine Sessions),” as well as an accompanying video showcasing the performance.

The upcoming EP will be available across digital platforms on May 21 and will include six live tracks, including two brand new songs.

Cartwright has released six other tracks since signing with Warner Music Nashville in 2018, including “Hammer,” “Love Like We Used To,” “My First Beer,” “Cake For Breakfast,” “Round and Round,” and “Hung Up On You.”

So far, Cartwright has racked up over 30 million global career streams.

Roger Springer, Hailey Steele Sign With Lady Luck Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Lady Luck Songs’ founder and songwriter Kim Penz, Bobby McLamb (Mixtape Music Group), Davis Corley, Ashley Mascroft (Mixtape Music Group), Nicole Wyatt, and Hailey Steele

Roger Springer and Hailey Steele have signed exclusive publishing agreements with Lady Luck Songs.

Springer has co-written singles including Mark Chesnutt’s  “I Might Even Quit Lovin’ You,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Let It Rain,” and “Thank God for Believers;” Sammy Kershaw’s  “Matches;” Love and Theft’s “Dancing in Circles;” Randy Travis’ “T.I.M.E.;” and George Strait’s “I Ain’t Never Seen No One Like You,” among many others. He received an ASCAP Country Award as the co-writer of “Let It Rain” in 1998.

Steele began performing at an early age, sharing stages with country legends including Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn. She moved to Nashville at 19. Steele’s co-writing credits include Raelynn’s “Boyfriend,” Gwen Sebastian’s “Small Town Soul,” and Kalie Shorr’s “Fight Like a Girl,” among others. The singer-songwriter just released a new single, “American Spirit,” co-written with Caitlyn Smith.

Springer and Steele join the company’s songwriter roster which includes Davis Corley, Maks Gabriel, and company founder, Kim Penz.

In other company news, Nicole Wyatt has been retained as an independent song plugger for Lady Luck Songs, and the company will provide administration and song-pitching services for Mixtape Music Group. After collaborating for the past two years, Lady Luck Songs and Mixtape Music Group have formalized a partnership. Lady Luck is now handling all pitching and administration services for Mixtape’s songwriter roster, which includes Bobby McLamb, Darrel Rae, Landon Magee, Chloe Lawson, and John Pate.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roger and Hailey, both big and inspiring talents, and look forward to facilitating their continued successful creative journeys,” says Penz, Lady Luck Songs Founder. “And Nicole’s experience and passion for songs will be a big asset for our fast-growing company.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Renews Deal With Tom Douglas [Exclusive]

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Tom Douglas. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Publishing

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its worldwide deal with legendary, award-winning country songwriter Tom Douglas.

The lauded songwriter, known for crafting No. 1 songs for artists including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and more, has been a mainstay on country radio for the past three decades. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has been honored with an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, Grammy nominations, and more.

Douglas launched his songwriting career in his late thirties with his first cut in 1994 entitled “Little Rock” performed by Collin Raye, which reached No. 1 in country charts. Since then, Douglas has written classic modern country hits including “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” “Southern Voice,” “My Little Girl” and “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” by Tim McGraw; “God’s Will” by Martina McBride; “I Run To You” and “Hello World” by Lady A; ACM Song of the Decade “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert; “Raise ‘Em Up” by Keith Urban and Eric Church, and many more.

“The most exciting thing about all Tom has accomplished is that there are so many more successes in front of him. Opportunities for Tom transcend the genre, and even go beyond music,” Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston tells MusicRow.

“I am as excited about the next song that I’m going to write as I ever have been. I love the creative process, I love the gift of creativity. There’s just so much to write about and to explore, the world is ever changing and I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the culture and let those events infuse my songs,” Douglas says.

Douglas has been a career songwriter at Sony Music Publishing, never having signed anywhere else. He was signed by the late Donna Hilley in 1993.

“It’s the only publisher I’ve ever had and I’ve been really delighted to be there,” Douglas says. “There have been many regime changes, people have come and people have gone, but every time somebody has moved on to another opportunity, another great creative collaborator has come along and picked up where the other person left off, and a lot of cases elevated it to a new level.”

Gaston says, “Simply put, Tom is awe-inspiring. He speaks and creates from a level of vulnerability that is hard to come by, and it’s what makes his music so special.”

Circle Network Honored With Best Streaming TV Platform At Digiday Video And TV Awards

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Country lifestyle network Circle has been awarded Best Streaming TV Platform at the 2021 Digiday Video and TV Awards, which recognized the best companies and campaigns using video to modernize media and marketing.

In what was declared the most competitive category, Circle came out on top next to players like Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Atmosphere and Local Now.

Since launching in January 2020, Circle’s programming and media partnerships has grown the network’s reach to nearly 150 million potential viewers around the world. The network’s Opry Live series, a one-hour series featuring Grand Ole Opry performances, began on March 14 and has since reached 55 million views from over 100 countries. The series earned the No. 1 spot across all genres on Pollstar’s Top 100 Livestreamers chart in 2020.

The panel of Digiday judges shared that, “Circle saw the need for a one-stop-content shop for country music fans that didn’t really exist anywhere else—serving fans who want to access the best audiovisual content in country music’s past and present. With the lack of concerts, backstage passes and intimate shows in 2020, Circle doubled down on bringing country to the fans, keeping the flame of finding new music burning bright—and keeping the connection between artist and audience alive for when stages are filled with music again.”

Circle also made the 2021 Digiday Video and TV Awards shortlist for Best Facebook Watch Show on behalf of Opry Live, as well as for TV Executive of the Year on behalf of Circle GM, Drew Reifenberger.

“We could not be more proud to be recognized by Digiday as the Best Streaming TV Platform of 2021. Throughout the pandemic, we have stayed committed to delivering high-quality content that connects a global, growing country music fan base to their favorite country music artists,” says Reifenberger. “Although this past year has presented its fair share of challenges and obstacles, the response that we have received from our audience has been tremendous and encouraging. The honor of receiving this award represents a major milestone in our growth.”

Jameson Rodgers & Friends To Play Benefit Performance At The Listening Room

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Columbia Nashville/River House Artists’ breakout singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers announced that he will host two special performances on April 23 at The Listening Room in Nashville. Local radio stations THE BIG 98 and 103-3 Country will present performances at 6:00 p.m. CST and 8:30 p.m. CST, respectively. Rodgers will be joined by Carly Pearce, Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, and Tenille Townes.

These shows will benefit the Music Venue Alliance-Nashville which works to ensure that no Nashville independent music venues close their doors permanently due to COVID-19. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds will go to Music Venue Alliance-Nashville to support this goal.

“This last year has been extremely difficult for all kinds of businesses and individuals, but independent music venues have possibly suffered the most,” says Rodgers. “I played one of the last shows at Kanza Hall in Kansas City in February 2020 before it permanently closed due to the pandemic. Douglas Corner, where I played for the first time ever in Nashville, also closed last year. When I heard Exit/In may be going up for sale I knew I had to do something to help struggling independent music venues in Nashville.” Rodgers adds, “We came across MVAN and knew that was the perfect partner to get funds into venues’ hands. I’ve spent years touring in clubs and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

“We are excited to join forces with THE BIG 98, 103-3 Country and these artists to raise money for such a worthy cause,” says Chris Blair, owner and operator of The Listening Room, which is a member of MVAN. “Nashville’s independent music venues are a crucial piece of the city’s history and music landscape. MVAN needs the community’s support to keep local venues and independent music alive in Nashville.”

Tickets are available now at ListeningRoomCafe.com for both shows. However, Pearce will only appear at the 6:00 p.m. performance.

This announcement comes right after Rodgers’ recent AIMP-Nashville nomination for Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. Additionally, his Gold-certified, No. 1 debut single, “Some Girls” is also nominated for Song of the Year.

Meanwhile, his latest single “Cold Beer Calling My Name” featuring Luke Combs, continues its climb at country radio and has racked up over 27 million streams.

Anna Vaus Teases Forthcoming EP With ‘Girl In A Bar’

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Anna Vaus

Singer-songwriter Anna Vaus released the lead single from her sophomore EP today (March 26), “Girl In A Bar.”

“I had the idea for the title ‘Girl in a Bar’ after having a dream that I dated Harry Styles and he broke up with me—very normal, it’s fine. I was lucky enough to write and produce it with Luke Laird, who is one of my heroes. This song is so special to me and I am so psyched for it to be out in the world now.”

Vaus’ upcoming EP was co-produced with Laird, and finds the Poway, California native blending refreshing hooks and unmistakably relatable lyrics.

“I’m guilty as charged when it comes to writing about where I come from,” she says. “It’s made me who I am. So many different experiences have shown me the ups & downs, the lights & darks of growing up. Although I haven’t turned all of those into songs, the ones I do are the truth.”

Brantley Gilbert To Host Trail Ride Benefiting ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund

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Brantley Gilbert is aiding those affected by COVID-19 through ACM Lifting Lives with a fun event on April 17. The multi-Platinum artist will host 500 fans on three separate trail rides at Brimstone Recreation in Huntsville, Tennessee, followed by a live show presented by Whiskey Jam.

Entry tickets are available for $50 per person and all proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives and go directly to their COVID-19 Response Fund. Tickets are available here. Entry tickets do not include the $28 Brimstone Recreation trail pass required to participate which can be purchased here.

“I wanted to come up with a way to give back during this difficult time in our industry, and I also wanted to give folks something safe and fun to look forward to,” says Gilbert. “All my fans know I’m a bit of an enthusiast when it comes to cars, bikes and off-road vehicles, so a trail ride in the great outdoors is the perfect adventure. I’m so grateful for our partners who have come aboard to help us make this a meaningful event for ACM Lifting Lives,” he continues. “They’ve done so much since the start of this pandemic, and we wanted to help them support even more folks until we can all get back on the road.”

“Brantley has been such a wonderful partner to our fund,” says Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives, Lyndsay Cruz. “He and his team came to us at an important moment to lend their help finding ways to raise money for our colleagues who are still in immediate financial need due to the pandemic. We are grateful to be the beneficiaries of his inaugural trail ride.”

A longtime partner of Gilbert, Polaris is supporting the event, providing swag bags to the first 130 ticket buyers, along with a RZR Trail S 1000 Ultimate that will be available for auction, while Camping World will donate an off-road vehicle trailer for auction. Additional partners include Gander Outdoors, Traeger Grills, Whiskey Jam and Appalachia Made Co. Items for auction will be available for bids later this spring on Prizeo.