Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP – VP Nashville Membership), Greg Gallo (Reservoir – VP Creative), Joe Don Rooney, Beth Brinker (ASCAP – Associate Creative Director), John Ozier (Reservoir – EVP Creative), Chandler Cunningham (Reservoir – Creative Coordinator)
Reservoir has signed Joe Don Rooney, lead guitarist for hit country music group Rascal Flatts, to a worldwide publishing deal. The deal includes future works for the accomplished songwriter including upcoming Rascal Flatts co-writes, plus titles written for other artists.
Outside of his catalog with Rascal Flatts, Rooney is an accomplished songwriter, having collaborated with Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, The Vamps, and more. He is currently developing several emerging artists including Dylan Brady, signed to Barry Weiss’ RECORDS, plus Chase Martin and Josh Dorr, among others.
“I’m constantly writing and creating, whether it’s for Rascal Flatts or other artists,” shared Rooney. “And getting to work with John and the whole Reservoir team, felt like the perfect creative fit. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter.”
“While Joe Don’s past success speaks for itself, we’re really excited about what lies ahead,” adds Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier. “His ability to work across genres and knack for developing talent, coupled with the fact that he is one of the best guys in the business made him a great match with Reservoir and we’re honored to welcome him to the family.”
Rascal Flatts have sold over 23 million albums, 35 million digital downloads, and amassed more than 2 billion streams worldwide. They have 17 No. 1 hits under their belt, and two dozen RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum releases. As the most awarded country music group of the past decade, the trio have over 40 awards to their name, including a Grammy for Best Country Song and a number of top accolades from the ACMs, CMAs, AMAs, CMTs, and more. In 2012, Rascal Flatts received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group is currently on a six-month U.S. and Canadian tour. To date, the band has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide.
New York City-based Reservoir has offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, and London. Founded in 2007, the company has grown to represent more than 110,000 copyrights and 20,000 master recordings, including hundreds of No.1 releases. Among those are songs written and performed by John Denver, Billy Strayhorn, and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as catalogs of Sheryl Crow and Phantogram, and current hits performed by Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Cardi B and more. The company’s collection of film music includes rights to scores from composer-producer Hans Zimmer, as heard in The Lion King, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Dark Knight Trilogy and more. Reservoir also represents recorded music through Chrysalis Records and Philly Groove Records, and manages artists via its venture with Big Life Management.
Chris Janson Packs Ryman Auditorium With ‘Real Friends’ For Sold-Out Show
/by Haley CrowChris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Chris Janson celebrated his second sold-out, headlining show last night (Sept. 25) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The energetic singer brought the packed crowd to their feet with fan favorites as well as songs from his upcoming album Real Friends, including his current single “Good Vibes.” Janson also welcomed special guest Jamey Johnson to the stage for a rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights,” while Charles Esten joined him for a chorus of his 2x Platinum No. 1 smash “Buy Me A Boat.”
Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Pictured (L-R): Charles Esten and Chris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Janson co-wrote and co-produced all 13 tracks on his upcoming third project for Warner Music Nashville, which is set to release Oct. 18. The album’s title track is a collaboration with labelmate Blake Shelton, and was penned alongside Brad Clawson, Greylan James and Mitch Oglesby. Other writers on the album include Ashley Gorley, Kelly Roland, Shy Carter, Zach Crowell, Tom Douglas and more. Real Friends is available now for pre-order here.
Janson recently announced his Real Friends Tour, which will take him coast to coast playing 22 dates this fall. For tickets and more information, click here.
Chris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Chris Janson, Ben Kline (EVP/GM, WMN), and Matt Signore (COO, WMN). Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Brett Young, Maddie & Tae Head To CAA
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Young and duo Maddie & Tae have signed deals with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for booking representation, joining from WME.
Maddie & Tae are currently on the road opening for fellow CAA artist Carrie Underwood‘s Cry Pretty Tour 360, which hits Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday evening (Sept. 27).
Young recently released his The Acoustic Sessions EP on Sept. 13 via BMLG Records, and celebrated his smash hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” reaching 5x Platinum status.
BMI Announces Quarterly Showcase For Nashville’s Pop Music Community
/by Jessica NicholsonThe show allows songwriters, artists and producers to introduce themselves and play 90 seconds of one track. Unlike typical showcases and songwriter rounds, this showcase aims to highlight full track productions. Participants will also be given the opportunity to have their song distributed via a playlist link following the event to attendees.
“Show & Tell is a great way for us to help raise the profile of the diverse talent coming out of Nashville right now,” says Spencer Nohe, Director, Creative, Nashville. “It’s a new opportunity for songwriters, producers, and artists to showcase their full production value and network with industry professionals in the creative community. It’s an exciting time to be living in our city!”
Nohe is BMI Nashville’s latest member of the Creative team. He is a graduate of Belmont University and spent nine years in A&R for Word Entertainment/Warner Music Group and Curb|Word Entertainment. Since joining the BMI team, Nohe has worked with writers in the pop, country and Christian genres and assisted in booking BMI’s various festival stages and local showcases, including the perennial-favorite 8 Off 8th showcase.
Bethel Music’s Kalley Steps Into Solo Spotlight With Double EP Debut In October
/by Lorie HollabaughBethel Music worship collective singer/songwriter Kalley is set to release her new two-EP debut Oct. 25. Created in the aftermath of last year’s California wildfires, the alt-pop/electronic Faultlines Vol. 1 and Faultlines Vol. 2 reaffirm Kalley’s trust in the God who doesn’t run from disaster.
Produced by LaeL (Anberlin, Number One Gun), Faultlines Vol. 1 is hallmarked by six songs of breakthrough and unbridled expectation. Highlights include the upbeat opener/lead single, “Oasis,” and the joyful “In The Middle,” as well as “Alabaster Heart.” A live version of “Alabaster Heart” will be available October 4, along with an accompanying video.
The introspectively-focused Faultl
Co-writer of the popular praise anthem “Ever Be,” which was nominated for a 2017 Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year, Kalley’s “Every Crown” is featured on Bethel Music’s latest Dove-nominated, best-selling compilation VICTORY. She is slated to be part of “The VICTORY Tour,” hitting 10 cities across the country this fall.
Celebration Of Life Set For Donnie Fritts
/by LB CantrellDonnie Fritts. Credit: Allister Ann
[Updated, Sept. 26]: A celebration of life for late musician/actor/songwriter Donnie Fritts has been set for Oct. 3, 2019 at Norton Auditorium in Florence, Alabama. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7 p.m. No RSVP is required.
[Original post, Aug. 28, 2019]: Legendary Muscle Shoals musician, songwriter and actor Donnie Fritts passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 27). Born in Florence, Alabama on Nov. 8, 1942, Fritts died at the age of 76 after a lengthy battle with health issues.
The keyboard player for Kris Kristofferson for more than 20 years, Fritts had roles in a number of films, including Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid and Convoy, as well as the 1976 version of A Star Is Born. His most recent on-screen role was in the 2012 film Jayne Mansfield’s Car, written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton.
Fritts was also a well-known songwriter and had songs were recorded by artists including Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles and Dusty Springfield, among others. Among his iconic songs were “We Had it All,” “Breakfast In Bed” and “You’re Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning.”
Fritts released his first album, Prone To Lean, in 1974. His second project, 1998’s Everybody’s Got A Song, featured guest appearances by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, Leroy Parnell and John Prine. In 2008, Fritts released his third and final album, One Foot in the Groove.
The Alabama native was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Memorial services for Fritts have not yet been announced.
Industry Pics: Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Scott Borchetta, Andrew Combs
/by Jessica NicholsonMiranda Lambert Celebrates ‘Wildcard’ With Label Team
Miranda Lambert celebrated with her Sony Music Nashville team at Nashville’s Exit/In, following a private preview performance of tracks from her upcoming seventh solo project Wildcard, which releases Nov. 1.
Pictured: Miranda Lambert (front row). Back row (L-R): RCA Nashville SVP Promotion Dennis Reese, Sr. Director Marketing Jennifer Way, Director Sales/Streaming Alaina Vehec, VP Creative Services Tracy Fleaner and SVP Sales/Streaming Caryl Atwood.
Sheryl Crow, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta Celebrate Sold-Out Ryman Shows
Sheryl Crow and Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta celebrated Crow’s two sold-out consecutive shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this week. Crow’s latest album Threads (Big Machine) entered at No. 1 on the Americana/Folk albums chart. Crow surprised the Ryman audience with guest appearances from Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby, Jason Isbell and Emmylou Harris.
Scott Borchetta and Sheryl Crow. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Andrew Combs Celebrates Album Release Party
SESAC’s ET Brown celebrated with SESAC affiliate Andrew Combs at Fort Houston in Nashville on Friday (Sept. 20), as Combs feted the release of his fourth album, Ideal Man (New West Records).
Combs will launch a headlining tour in his hometown of Dallas on Oct. 9, with his five-piece band. He will also co-headline a European tour with fellow Nashville artist Erin Rae.
SESAC’s ET Brown and artist-writer Andrew Combs
Big Loud Records Signs Ernest
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Scott Safford (Safford Motley, PLC), Seth England (Partner, Big Loud), Lloyd Aur Norman (Vp Of Special Projects & Strategic Management, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (VP of A&R, Big Loud), Ernest, Blue (Ernest’s Puppy), Ryan Kroon (Artist Manager, Big Loud), Kevin “Chief” Zaruk (Partner, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (VP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud)
Big Loud Records has signed singer-songwriter Ernest to its roster.
The Nashville native has had songs recorded by Jake Owen, Chris Lane and Florida Georgia Line, who chose “Dig Your Roots” as the title track of their 2016 project.
Ernest will also be managed by Big Loud, with Ryan Kroon overseeing day-to-day management. Ernest is working on his debut project, which will be produced by Joey Moi and will release the track “I Think I Love You” on Oct. 4.
“I’m super blessed to call Big Loud my team. They’re like family to me, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” shares Ernest of the signing. “We share the same vision, and most importantly, they let me be ME. I’m a very eccentric person and they encourage me to really dig in to everything that makes me unique.”
“We are longtime fans of Ernest and his songwriting. Over the past few years, we’ve watched him develop his vision and channel his creative flow,” says Big Loud partner Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist and we cannot wait to introduce the world to Ernest and his music.”
Ernest will be part of two tours this fall and winter, including Mason Ramsey’s How’s UR Girl & How’s UR Family Pt. 2, which launches Oct 2 in Athen, Georgia. He will also be on Chris Lane’s Big, Big Plans Tour, launching Nov. 7 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Average Joes Entertainment’s Sam Grow Inks With Brad Austin Management
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Sam Grow, Brad Austin, Manager/Brad Austin Management; Joe Barrick, Tour Manager
Average Joes Entertainment artist Sam Grow has signed a management deal with Brad Austin Management. Grow is booked by WME in Nashville.
Austin launched his new management venture after departing his position last month as Forever Media Corporate Dir./Programming, where he was responsible for overseeing 11 stations in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey including WXCY in Wilmington, Delaware. He spent over 27 years in radio and media, and had also served as PD at Cumulus Country WTNR/Grand Rapids.
“We’re looking to take a fresh management approach with Sam,” said Austin. “When I first met Sam four years ago, I instantly knew there was something special about him – a rare mix of incredible vocal, writing and performance. Nobody can out hustle Sam and his crew, and they love every minute of it. We’ve quite literally only scratched the surface of Sam Grow and his music, and he’s got a new champion now who will work as hard for him as he does for himself and his team.”
Brad Austin can be contacted at brad@bradaustinmanagement.com.
ASCAP Launches New Advanced Research & Innovation Initiative
/by Lorie HollabaughTo kick off the program, ASCAP has partnered with the NYC Media Lab, a public/private partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation that connects media and technology companies with New York City’s universities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development.
ASCAP will launch the Advanced Research & Innovation Initiative at today’s NYCML Summit, where it will lead a workshop, “How Emerging Technology is Changing the Music Industry” at New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn. As part of the NYCML partnership, ASCAP will conduct research in collaboration with a faculty-led research team on ways to better serve ASCAP members by leveraging applied technologies in areas such as machine intelligence, extended reality and other emerging disciplines. The music organization will also take part in NYCML’s Combine Startup Accelerator, which helps NYC’s university ecosystem extend and commercialize new technologies.
The program will also include a bi-monthly speaker series that will feature motivating and educational speakers on a broad range of innovation topics held at ASCAP offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville.
“To realize our future, we are broadening our lens to envision it. With the Advanced Research & Innovation Initiative, we are looking further into the technology horizon to seek out what may be possible to super-serve and support our songwriter and publisher communities for years to come,” said Nick Lehman, ASCAP Chief Strategy & Digital Officer. “We are pursuing this program as a deliberate way to provide a funnel for the deep passion that ASCAP employees already bring to their work, in order to harness innovation that matters to our members. By exploring new technology, talent, business approaches, and partnerships, we can create new value as ASCAP evolves into the next century.”
Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney Signs Publishing Deal With Reservoir (Exclusive)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP – VP Nashville Membership), Greg Gallo (Reservoir – VP Creative), Joe Don Rooney, Beth Brinker (ASCAP – Associate Creative Director), John Ozier (Reservoir – EVP Creative), Chandler Cunningham (Reservoir – Creative Coordinator)
Reservoir has signed Joe Don Rooney, lead guitarist for hit country music group Rascal Flatts, to a worldwide publishing deal. The deal includes future works for the accomplished songwriter including upcoming Rascal Flatts co-writes, plus titles written for other artists.
Outside of his catalog with Rascal Flatts, Rooney is an accomplished songwriter, having collaborated with Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, The Vamps, and more. He is currently developing several emerging artists including Dylan Brady, signed to Barry Weiss’ RECORDS, plus Chase Martin and Josh Dorr, among others.
“I’m constantly writing and creating, whether it’s for Rascal Flatts or other artists,” shared Rooney. “And getting to work with John and the whole Reservoir team, felt like the perfect creative fit. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter.”
“While Joe Don’s past success speaks for itself, we’re really excited about what lies ahead,” adds Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier. “His ability to work across genres and knack for developing talent, coupled with the fact that he is one of the best guys in the business made him a great match with Reservoir and we’re honored to welcome him to the family.”
Rascal Flatts have sold over 23 million albums, 35 million digital downloads, and amassed more than 2 billion streams worldwide. They have 17 No. 1 hits under their belt, and two dozen RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum releases. As the most awarded country music group of the past decade, the trio have over 40 awards to their name, including a Grammy for Best Country Song and a number of top accolades from the ACMs, CMAs, AMAs, CMTs, and more. In 2012, Rascal Flatts received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group is currently on a six-month U.S. and Canadian tour. To date, the band has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide.
New York City-based Reservoir has offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, and London. Founded in 2007, the company has grown to represent more than 110,000 copyrights and 20,000 master recordings, including hundreds of No.1 releases. Among those are songs written and performed by John Denver, Billy Strayhorn, and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as catalogs of Sheryl Crow and Phantogram, and current hits performed by Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Cardi B and more. The company’s collection of film music includes rights to scores from composer-producer Hans Zimmer, as heard in The Lion King, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Dark Knight Trilogy and more. Reservoir also represents recorded music through Chrysalis Records and Philly Groove Records, and manages artists via its venture with Big Life Management.