Campbellsville, Kentucky native and Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis recently shared new music with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
She has been signed with Curb as a songwriter for the past five years and recently signed to Curb Records as an artist. She’s penned songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, Filmore and more.
She signed her label deal on March 3, the day tornadoes ripped through Nashville, followed by a barrage of tour cancellations and businesses moving to a work-from-home model, due to the coronavirus.
“That was crazy,” she recalls. “But at the same time, it gave us time to get things set up administratively. So it has actually been a nice time to get all our ducks in a row and have time to get to know more people on the team.”
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Ellis has competed on Season 8 of NBC’s The Voice. She also toured as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour in 2019.
In addition to her talent as a singer and songwriter, Ellis also takes initiative, as evidenced by one of her early meetings with Curb Records VP Marketing, John Clore.
“I sent him a list of things I’ve done in the past and I mentioned that I graduated from UK. He was like, ‘We need to figure out a way to get you on a national commercial or something with them.’ I was really new and I was like, ‘Well, I already did that back in 2015.’ He was like ‘Nationally?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, it played at halftime of every single UK ballgame that aired that year.’ So obviously, great minds think alike.”
During the Zoom call, Ellis performed songs including “Plans” and “Somebody Else,” and shared her current plans to return to the studio to work on new songs.
“I’m going in the studio on July 29 to cut some sides with producer Jason Massey. I’m so pumped that we get to get back into the studio. We’ve been trying to think of outside-the-box ways to stay connected with fans, because not being able to play live shows has been the hardest thing.”
Like nearly all songwriters right now, Ellis has been conducting a good chunk of her co-writes via Zoom, and adjusting to the technology’s benefits and frustrations.
“The writing doesn’t feel as creative, but I’ve done a lot of it. Once I got used to it, I’ve written some stuff I really love. I’m about half-and-half with Zoom writes and then in-person writes. I’m not good at not working. Even if I don’t like Zoom, I’m going to do it. I have to feel productive in some way.”
Ellis says she expects Zoom to become more fully integrated into songwriters’ daily lives going forward.
“Just like anything else, the technology is going to keep getting better. It’s going to make writing, like me here and someone in another town, much easier. I have something that might be coming out with some DJs in Europe. If we need to have a conversation about it we can get on Zoom, whereas it used to be all emails. People are going to continue to use it.
“There has been a lot of craziness this year, but there are so many beautiful things that can happen right now. Just focusing on those has made it a really good year in spite of itself.”
Pictured: Curb Records’ John Clore and Jessie Lowe, MusicRow Magazine’s Haley Crow, Jessica Nicholson, LB Cantrell, Sherod Robertson, Alex Parry, and Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis.
Penny Gattis Joins Eclipse Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonPenny Gattis
Penny Gattis, who previously served as Sr. Director, A&R for Round Hill Music since 2016, has joined Eclipse Music Group as General Manager, Publishing.
Prior to her work with Round Hill, Gattis had served as Director, Writer Publisher Relations at BMI.
“We are very excited that Penny is joining the Eclipse team,” said company co-founder Kurt Locher. “Eclipse is dedicated to creating an environment for songwriters and artists to grow and thrive. Penny shares that passion, and she has an amazing track record of building relationships and creating successful strategic partnerships. We very much look forward to her putting her experience and energy to work for our talented creative roster.”
“It is an honor to join Eclipse Music Group,“ said Gattis. “I deeply respect Eclipse’s dedication and commitment to creativity and development and am thrilled to represent their incredible roster of songwriters in this new publishing role.”
At Round Hill, Gattis was responsible for business development including copyright asset acquisitions and exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Danny Myrick, Jimmy Robbins, and Katie Pruitt. At Round Hill, Gattis helped earn 40 No. 1 country songs. Gattis also worked with Round Hill’s sync team to create numerous film and television placements for the Nashville roster. During her career, Gattis has also helped to create events including BMI’s Sync THIS!; Kendell Marvel’s Honky-Tonk Experience, and Recording Academy’s Writer Retreat.
The Nashville-based music publisher and management company Eclipse Music Group was founded in 2017; the company’s current roster includes Payton Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Jim McCormick, Katie Pruitt, Early James, Sarah Darling and Nick Connors.
Jordan Walker Signs With Sony/ATV
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Walker
Jordan Walker has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.
Walker has co-written songs including the multi-platinum, No. 1 single “When it Rains it Pours” by Luke Combs, “Mixed Drinks” by Mitchell Tenpenny, and “I’ve Been Good” by Cassadee Pope. Walker is also known for his former duo Walker McGuire, which released songs including “Mysteries of the World” and “Til Tomorrow,” which has earned over 28 million streams. He began his career in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he established a four-piece band while still in college and began opening for Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Josh Abbott Band. He moved to Nashville in 2012 to pursue a songwriting career.
“I was first introduced to Jordan as an artist, but I quickly learned what a remarkable gift he has for translating real-life emotions into song,” said Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “This guy has a tremendous future ahead, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Sony/ATV family.”
“I moved to this town in 2012 to write songs,” said Walker. “Somewhere on this wild ride, I lost that mindset and I’m glad to be back to doing what I love with Rusty and his team at Sony/ATV behind me.”
Last Week Of Early Voting And Absentee Ballot Request Period for Tennessee August Election
/by Sherod RobertsonTennesseans planning to vote early in the State and Federal Primary and County General election only have one week left.
Early voting ends on Saturday, Aug. 1. Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 6.
Voters who want to vote absentee by-mail must submit their request to their local election commission no later than seven (7) days before the election. For the Aug. 6 State and Federal Primary and County General Election, complete absentee by-mail requests must be received by July 30.
“We have already seen many Tennesseans take advantage of our state’s generous early voting period,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Voters have one more week to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of early voting. There’s no need to wait, go vote early today.”
Tennesseans are encouraged to do their part during early voting and on Election Day. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters. Voters should expect to see signs with further safety instructions at their polling locations. All poll officials will be wearing face coverings and are trained in social distancing protocols.
Voters can find early voting and Election Day voting locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more with the free GoVoteTN app or online at GoVoteTN.com.
State law requires polling locations and the area within a 100-foot boundary surrounding each entrance to remain campaign-free zones. This includes the display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any person, party or question on the ballot in these areas.
Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable
More information about what types of ID are acceptable can be found here or by calling the Division of Elections toll-free number, 1-877-850-4959.
Jillian Jacqueline Inks With Kobalt
/by Lorie HollabaughJillian Jacqueline has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt. The deal includes a full range of creative and administration services for her catalog and future works.
Jacqueline has intrigued country fans with her raw vocals and no-holds-barred storytelling through her breakout EPs SIDE A and SIDE B. The up-and-comer has garnered more than 80 million total streams, and is the first country artist to make Vevo’s elite dscvr Artists To Watch list, while also earning spots on Pandora’s Country Artists To Watch and CMT’s coveted Next Women of Country list. In 2019, Jacqueline completed her first-ever run of headline dates, followed by a string of sold-out shows with Kip Moore in the U.K. She is currently working on new music.
“As a songwriter, I feel like I’ve found the perfect partner in this new season of my career,” Jacqueline said. “I couldn’t be more proud to call Kobalt my home. They are the most passionate, intentional, and ambitious team of creatives I’ve met in Nashville, and I believe they will only help further my vision and goals for myself not only as a writer but also as an artist. I am so excited and eager to begin this new adventure with them.”
“Jillian Jacqueline is one of those writers that you crave to work with as a creative,” said Brad Beausir, Kobalt Creative Director. “She can write in so many different spaces with writers and artists across multiple platforms. Jillian is a true artist that is building something really special while also being able to help others tell their stories. She is an amazing talent and we are so thrilled that Jillian Jacqueline is now part of the Kobalt family.”
Spotify’s Group Session Feature Now Allows Remote Listening For Up To Five Users
/by Lorie HollabaughSpotify’s Group Session feature, which allows Premium users to listen together in real-time, is going remote.
Initially launched in May, the evolving feature has received a major update. Starting today, Premium users can tune into the same playlist or podcast at the same time no matter the distance, when they previously had to be within the same space.
Now, up to five users can stream together wherever, and a group can also get remote playback on separate devices and shareable ‘join’ links. To start a session, the host can share a unique link or scan code with guests by clicking the Connect menu in the bottom left corner of their play screen and scrolling down to ‘Start a group session.’
The Group Session feature is currently still in beta and will continue to be updated and improved over time.
Pop/R&B Singer Grey Zeigler Signs With The AMG
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: The AMG’s Rob Beckham, Grey Zeigler, Manager Kaitlin Madewell
Grey Zeigler has signed an exclusive management deal with The Artist Management Group (The AMG)
The pop/R&B singer released her debut single “Note to Self” earlier this year, and her followup single “Body” will be available this Friday (July 31). Ziegler’s first album is due out this Fall.
With her spacey, hypnotic sound, Grey pushes the limit with her chilling vocals and R&B/hip-hop influences. The 21-year-old multi-instrumentalist has roots stretching from Connecticut and New York City to San Francisco. She learned the guitar at six years old, and started making beats, writing lyrics, and perfecting her piano skills in her teens before moving to Nashville to study songwriting at Belmont University. Her influences range from Amy Winehouse to Chance the Rapper, Jessie Reyez, Russ, and Kendrick Lamar.
“We are so excited to welcome Grey to our AMG roster,” says CEO of The AMG, Rob Beckham. “Her personality and music are infectious. She has the ability to change how Nashville is perceived around the world, as The Music City.”
Manager Kaitlin Madewell adds, “The first time I saw Grey perform, I couldn’t stop obsessing over the music. Grey is the definition of a true artist. I am so excited for the world to get to know her.”
Dave Villa Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell, Lewis Park Music Publishing, Edgehill Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonDave Villa
Warner Chappell Music Nashville, Lewis Park Music Publishing, and Edgehill Music Publishing have signed a global publishing deal with Dave Villa. The Nashville-based songwriter/producer has worked on projects and sessions for artists across genres including, Dierks Bentley, Fletcher, Josie Dunne, Skizzy Mars, David Archuleta, Rozes, Natalie Imbruglia, Noah Kahan, and Daughtry, among others.
A Belmont University graduate, Villa spent three years studying and working with producer/writer Jamie Kenney. Some of Villa’s songs and productions have aired internationally on major streaming networks including ABC and NBC.
Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Aerosmith, More Sign Open Letter Seeking Clearances For Campaign Songs
/by Jessica NicholsonRosanne Cash.
Artist-run nonprofit Artist Rights Alliance has teamed with a range of artists including Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Aerosmith, Lorde, Mick Jagger, Alanis Morissette, and more, in signing an open letter demanding clearances for the music that political parties use in campaigns and rallies. The ARA and artists signing the letter seek to “establish clear policies requiring campaigns to seek consent of featured recording artists, songwriters, and copyright owners before publicly using their music in a political or campaign setting.”
The coalition addressed the letter to the Democratic and Republican National, Congressional and Senatorial committees.
Artist Rights Alliance said, “We’ve seen so many artists and estates dragged into politics against their will and forced to take aggressive action to prohibit the use of their music—usually songs that are broadcast during political rallies or used in campaign ads. It can confuse and disappoint fans and even undermine an artists’ long-term income—and mostly, it’s just not right. Politicians that want to represent the public trust must do better—by seeking consent before exploiting an artist’s or songwriter’s image and work.
“Many of these artists have spent a lifetime making music that we all know and love. At the very least, it should be their choice—especially in these hyper-partisan times. With so many creators raising concerns about this issue, it is time to take action and ensure our voices are heard.”
Artist Rights Alliance is led by a Board of Directors including Cash, music manager Thomas Manzi, CAKE’s John McCrea, Tift Merritt, producer Ivan Barias, guitar innovator Matthew Montfort, and Maggie Vail. Political strategist and former House of Representatives staff member Ted Kalo serves as the ARA’s Executive Director.
Curb Records’ Hannah Ellis On Zoom Writes And Staying Connected To Fans
/by Jessica NicholsonCampbellsville, Kentucky native and Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis recently shared new music with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
She has been signed with Curb as a songwriter for the past five years and recently signed to Curb Records as an artist. She’s penned songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, Filmore and more.
She signed her label deal on March 3, the day tornadoes ripped through Nashville, followed by a barrage of tour cancellations and businesses moving to a work-from-home model, due to the coronavirus.
“That was crazy,” she recalls. “But at the same time, it gave us time to get things set up administratively. So it has actually been a nice time to get all our ducks in a row and have time to get to know more people on the team.”
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Ellis has competed on Season 8 of NBC’s The Voice. She also toured as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour in 2019.
In addition to her talent as a singer and songwriter, Ellis also takes initiative, as evidenced by one of her early meetings with Curb Records VP Marketing, John Clore.
“I sent him a list of things I’ve done in the past and I mentioned that I graduated from UK. He was like, ‘We need to figure out a way to get you on a national commercial or something with them.’ I was really new and I was like, ‘Well, I already did that back in 2015.’ He was like ‘Nationally?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, it played at halftime of every single UK ballgame that aired that year.’ So obviously, great minds think alike.”
During the Zoom call, Ellis performed songs including “Plans” and “Somebody Else,” and shared her current plans to return to the studio to work on new songs.
“I’m going in the studio on July 29 to cut some sides with producer Jason Massey. I’m so pumped that we get to get back into the studio. We’ve been trying to think of outside-the-box ways to stay connected with fans, because not being able to play live shows has been the hardest thing.”
Like nearly all songwriters right now, Ellis has been conducting a good chunk of her co-writes via Zoom, and adjusting to the technology’s benefits and frustrations.
“The writing doesn’t feel as creative, but I’ve done a lot of it. Once I got used to it, I’ve written some stuff I really love. I’m about half-and-half with Zoom writes and then in-person writes. I’m not good at not working. Even if I don’t like Zoom, I’m going to do it. I have to feel productive in some way.”
Ellis says she expects Zoom to become more fully integrated into songwriters’ daily lives going forward.
“Just like anything else, the technology is going to keep getting better. It’s going to make writing, like me here and someone in another town, much easier. I have something that might be coming out with some DJs in Europe. If we need to have a conversation about it we can get on Zoom, whereas it used to be all emails. People are going to continue to use it.
“There has been a lot of craziness this year, but there are so many beautiful things that can happen right now. Just focusing on those has made it a really good year in spite of itself.”
Pictured: Curb Records’ John Clore and Jessie Lowe, MusicRow Magazine’s Haley Crow, Jessica Nicholson, LB Cantrell, Sherod Robertson, Alex Parry, and Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis.
Dylan Scott’s “Nothing To Do Town” Certified Gold
/by Jessica NicholsonCurb Records’ Dylan Scott has earned RIAA Gold certification for his song “Nothing To Do Town.”
The track was inspired partly by his childhood in Bastrop, Louisiana and is the title track to Scott’s 2019 EP. Scott’s current single, “Nobody,” is at No. 40 on Mediabase. “My Girl” was previously certified Double-Platinum and was one of the most-played songs of 2017. Also recently certified Gold is Scott’s self-titled album, Dylan Scott (Deluxe Edition).