Mojo Music & Media, a new publishing and brand and legacy marketing company formed by Spirit Music Group founder Mark Fried, former Spirit SVP Peter Shane and former Ernst & Young executive Alan Wallis, has formally launched with the acquisition of Nashville-based HoriPro Entertainment Group.
The deal brings 15,000 songs, spanning 6 decades and reflecting more than 250 charted hits, including the collected works of ‘80s hit-makers REO Speedwagon, a 50 percent interest in the songs of hard rock pioneers KISS, the complete catalog of singer, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed and more than 25 hits and cuts by country legend George Strait, with whom the company has had a long relationship. Thanks to nearly 30 years of deals which saw HoriPro purchase such vaunted collections as Merit Music, Double J Music and Dick James Music’s Nashlon and Dejamus companies, the catalog boasts a trove of iconic songs chronicling the history of country music, including Top 10 singles by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Charly McClain, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Alabama, John Anderson, Diamond Rio, Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and The Band Perry, among others.
The company’s active writer roster, which includes Bart Butler, Joe Clemmons, Neil Medley, Sarah Allison Turner and Mike Walker, has turned in a steady stream of hits in recent years including Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna,” Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me,” Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys Of Fall,” Jon Pardi’s “Head Over Boots” and “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and Rodney Atkins “Caught Up In The Country.”
With the deal, Mojo, which has offices in New York and London, opens its Nashville base in Berry Hill with former HoriPro executives Butch Baker (SVP Creative), Carrie Wilkins (VP Administration & Business Affairs) and song pluggers Keithan Melton and Courtney Crist, along with most of their support staff, continuing in their posts. The company has also appointed former HoriPro international executive Nobu Yamamoto to pursue new writer and catalog opportunities in Los Angeles and strengthen its presence in Japan and throughout Asia.
Mojo’s co-founders, Fried (CEO), Shane (CCO) and London-based Wallis (COO), a 30-year veteran of Ernst & Young’s valuation practice, opened doors in late 2017. Over the last year, the team concluded 11 publishing deals building a diverse catalog of hits and gems spanning eras and genres including the standards of Johnny Burke (“Misty,” “What’s New”) and Bernie Wayne (“Blue Velvet,” “Laughing On The Outside”) and the complete works of writer/artist Paul Evans (“Roses Are Red,” “When”), Stuart Weiner’s Wemar Music (“Pledging My Love,” “Castle Rock”), pioneering soul and rap writer/producer Bobby Robinson (“Need Your Lovin,” “Rockin’ It,” “Honey”), pop/folk artist Jud Strunk (“Daisy A Day”), writer/artist/Woodstock co-producer Artie Kornfeld (“The Pied Piper,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Rain The Park And Other Things”) and ‘90s soul artist/entrepreneur Joyce Irby (“I’d Still Say Yes,” “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Motownphilly”).
Fried and Shane, following two decades at Spirit during which they grew it into one of the leading independent publishing companies and compiled one of the strongest sync placement records in the industry, have already landed strategic licenses in a wide range of media including Universal‘s First Man, ABC’s The Goldbergs, CBS’ Young Sheldon, NBC’s This Is Us and Brooklyn-Nine-Nine, AMC’s The Walking Dead, FX‘s Snowfall and commercial campaigns for Mars, Walmart and Ford Motor Company.
In addition to offering a full suite of music publishing services, highlighted by transparent, real-time global royalty tracking and custom song and catalog promotion, Mojo is also a media company and will bring its songwriters and their teams together with writers, directors and distributors to produce a broad range of music-driven, brand-extending projects including books, films, theatricals, tribute albums, pop-up stores and installations, concert events and branded consumer products. The company will also work with clients to expand their digital footprint and drive greater engagement with fans via custom apps, curated playlists, podcasts, branded digital programming and social network initiatives.
According to Mark Fried, Mojo Music Founder and CEO, “I’m thrilled to be launching a new venture with driven, like-minded partners and surrounded by some of the best songs and songwriters on the planet.” He continued, “We aim to build a modern-day Brill Building, not only pitching songs and syncs like our lives depended on it but bringing our writers’ songs and stories to life across traditional and new media.”
Butch Baker, Mojo Music SVP said, “Mojo and HoriPro are a hand-in-glove fit! Anybody who knows us knows we’ve always been about our family of songs and songwriters. With Mojo, we now have the resources to super-serve them here in Nashville and take them beyond our borders into cross-genre co-writes, custom syncs and creative projects with tv, fim and new media producers all over the world.”
Nashville Meets London Week Returns In July
/by Jessica NicholsonRepresentatives of the international music brand, Nashville Meets London (NML), have announced the return of Nashville Meets London Week, set for July 24-27, 2019.
Kicking off the event series is Nashville Meets London Presents at PizzaExpress Live! on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25, followed by the return of the Nashville Meets London ‘Southern Fridays’ Boat Cruise, in partnership with Buck’ N Bull Saloon, on Friday, July 26 and the popular Nashville Meets London Music Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Canary Wharf.
Launched in August 2016 as a music festival, Nashville Meets London has developed into a global music brand providing opportunities that support the globalization of country and Americana music. The brand’s mission is to expand on the cultural and economic exchange of music while driving more synergy between the recording and live performance industries in the United States and the UK.
The festival, which has become London’s largest free country music festival, is held at Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf and is part of Canary Wharf’s Arts + Events program. Talent confirmed to appear in 2019 will be announced soon.
The Nashville Meets London Music Festival is co-produced by Peter Conway Management, Christy Walker-Watkins and Matt Watkins of Nashville-based agency, The AristoMedia Group, and Canary Wharf Group. U.K. based radio DJ Baylen Leonard leads the artistic programme and serves as the host. Ascot Travel Services exclusively books travel for the Nashville Meets London Music Festival.
Tickets are available here.
Rascal Flatts Honored With Surprise Billionaire Plaque By Pandora
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Joe Don Rooney, VP Label Relations at Pandora Jeff Zuchowski, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus
Rascal Flatts were surprised during a visit to Pandora’s New York office yesterday (March 19), when they were presented with a Billionaire Plaque, commemorating the trio’s success in reaching over four billion streams on Pandora.
The trio’s new single “Back To Life” is currently ascending at country radio and follows back-to-back chart-topping singles “Yours If You Want It” and “I Like The Sound Of That.” They recently dropped a four-song EP, JUKEBOX as a surprise for fans that features special spins on their most-loved songs. The group has also earned over 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, also making them the most-awarded country group of the past decade. Known as one of the hottest-selling touring acts in any genre with over 10 million tickets sold, the trio just announced their headlining Summer Playlist Tour, kicking off in Cincinnati on May 16.
ADA Worldwide Inks Partnership With Sara Evans, Born To Fly Records
/by Jessica NicholsonFront row (L-R): Robert Turner (ADA Worldwide), Sara Evans. Back row (L-R): Brinson Strickland (Collective Artist Management), Greg McCarn (Born To Fly Records), Craig Dunn (Collective Artist Management)
ADA Worldwide has inked an exclusive partnership with Sara Evans and her label, Born To Fly Records. ADA Worldwide will support the Nashville-based label across sales and distribution on a global scale. Launched in 2017, Born To Fly Records is home to Evans’ critically acclaimed eighth studio record, Words.
“As ADA continues to put an emphasis on building its Nashville roster, we are thrilled to join forces with such an acclaimed, decorated artist in country music such as Sara, as she enters this phase in her career,” says Warner Music Group President of Independent Music & Creator Services, Eliah Seton.
“On behalf of Sara, Born To Fly Records and Collective Artist Management, we’re excited to enter into this partnership with ADA and the overall Warner team,” said Craig Dunn, Vice President, Collective Artist Management. “Their passion and track record speak for itself and we’re thrilled to have Sara Evans alongside the long list of accomplished artists on the ADA roster.”
ADA President, A&R and Label Services Kenny Weagly adds, “We’re very excited to partner with Sara on the next steps of her already-lauded career, which is illuminated with No. 1s, prestigious awards, platinum success and numerous tours. In addition to our partnerships that include Aaron Watson’s Big Label Records and Broken Bow Records, joining forces with an artist such as Sara further exemplifies ADA’s focus and commitment to the music coming out of Nashville.”
Dierks Bentley To Headline Free Concert For St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Marathon, NFL Draft Weekend Festivities
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley will headline a free concert on Saturday, April 27 as part of the 2019 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon and 2019 NFL Draft on the Draft Main Stage in downtown Nashville.
“This year’s St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon and NFL Draft festivities are going to be memorable as we celebrate 20 years in Nashville and the NFL celebrates 100 years,” said Keats McGonigal, Senior Regional Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “We are excited to work closely with the NFL and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. to engage our runners in the numerous events and concerts coinciding with our race and the 2019 NFL Draft. This is especially true on Saturday night with Dierks Bentley, which gives our runners an exciting headliner to celebrate the conclusion of our race in Music City.”
The concert will take place following the day’s selections on the Draft Main Stage which is located on First and Broadway in downtown Nashville. The designated viewing areas will be from Second to Fifth on Lower Broadway and Music City Walk of Fame Park. Throughout the site, there will be food trucks, beer, soft drinks and water, as well as video screens.
In addition, more than 20 Nashville-based acts will perform during the three days of activities on the NFL Draft Experience Stage, including Chip Esten, Rayland Baxter, Mikky Ekko, and Charlie Worsham.
Big Yellow Dog Music Signs Emery Dobyns
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sophie Hopkins (Big Yellow Dog Music), Alex Stefano (Big Yellow Dog Music), Emery Dobyns (Artist), Jeff Colvin (Marcus & Colvin, LLP), Carla Wallace (Big Yellow Dog Music)
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed Emery Dobyns, a Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer.
Nashville-based by way of New York City, Dobyns has had songs featured on Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, Shades of Blue, Roswell, Wynonna Earp, and more. He is also known for his work with artists like Patti Smith and Sia, with credits ranging from country to pop and various genres.
“Emery is an immensely talented producer/writer,” says Alex Stefano. “We are so excited to have him be a part of this team and can’t wait to see what we can do together!”
MOJO Music Acquires Nashville’s HoriPro Entertainment Group
/by Jessica NicholsonMojo Music & Media, a new publishing and brand and legacy marketing company formed by Spirit Music Group founder Mark Fried, former Spirit SVP Peter Shane and former Ernst & Young executive Alan Wallis, has formally launched with the acquisition of Nashville-based HoriPro Entertainment Group.
The deal brings 15,000 songs, spanning 6 decades and reflecting more than 250 charted hits, including the collected works of ‘80s hit-makers REO Speedwagon, a 50 percent interest in the songs of hard rock pioneers KISS, the complete catalog of singer, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed and more than 25 hits and cuts by country legend George Strait, with whom the company has had a long relationship. Thanks to nearly 30 years of deals which saw HoriPro purchase such vaunted collections as Merit Music, Double J Music and Dick James Music’s Nashlon and Dejamus companies, the catalog boasts a trove of iconic songs chronicling the history of country music, including Top 10 singles by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Charly McClain, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Alabama, John Anderson, Diamond Rio, Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and The Band Perry, among others.
The company’s active writer roster, which includes Bart Butler, Joe Clemmons, Neil Medley, Sarah Allison Turner and Mike Walker, has turned in a steady stream of hits in recent years including Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna,” Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me,” Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys Of Fall,” Jon Pardi’s “Head Over Boots” and “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and Rodney Atkins “Caught Up In The Country.”
With the deal, Mojo, which has offices in New York and London, opens its Nashville base in Berry Hill with former HoriPro executives Butch Baker (SVP Creative), Carrie Wilkins (VP Administration & Business Affairs) and song pluggers Keithan Melton and Courtney Crist, along with most of their support staff, continuing in their posts. The company has also appointed former HoriPro international executive Nobu Yamamoto to pursue new writer and catalog opportunities in Los Angeles and strengthen its presence in Japan and throughout Asia.
Mojo’s co-founders, Fried (CEO), Shane (CCO) and London-based Wallis (COO), a 30-year veteran of Ernst & Young’s valuation practice, opened doors in late 2017. Over the last year, the team concluded 11 publishing deals building a diverse catalog of hits and gems spanning eras and genres including the standards of Johnny Burke (“Misty,” “What’s New”) and Bernie Wayne (“Blue Velvet,” “Laughing On The Outside”) and the complete works of writer/artist Paul Evans (“Roses Are Red,” “When”), Stuart Weiner’s Wemar Music (“Pledging My Love,” “Castle Rock”), pioneering soul and rap writer/producer Bobby Robinson (“Need Your Lovin,” “Rockin’ It,” “Honey”), pop/folk artist Jud Strunk (“Daisy A Day”), writer/artist/Woodstock co-producer Artie Kornfeld (“The Pied Piper,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Rain The Park And Other Things”) and ‘90s soul artist/entrepreneur Joyce Irby (“I’d Still Say Yes,” “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Motownphilly”).
Fried and Shane, following two decades at Spirit during which they grew it into one of the leading independent publishing companies and compiled one of the strongest sync placement records in the industry, have already landed strategic licenses in a wide range of media including Universal‘s First Man, ABC’s The Goldbergs, CBS’ Young Sheldon, NBC’s This Is Us and Brooklyn-Nine-Nine, AMC’s The Walking Dead, FX‘s Snowfall and commercial campaigns for Mars, Walmart and Ford Motor Company.
In addition to offering a full suite of music publishing services, highlighted by transparent, real-time global royalty tracking and custom song and catalog promotion, Mojo is also a media company and will bring its songwriters and their teams together with writers, directors and distributors to produce a broad range of music-driven, brand-extending projects including books, films, theatricals, tribute albums, pop-up stores and installations, concert events and branded consumer products. The company will also work with clients to expand their digital footprint and drive greater engagement with fans via custom apps, curated playlists, podcasts, branded digital programming and social network initiatives.
According to Mark Fried, Mojo Music Founder and CEO, “I’m thrilled to be launching a new venture with driven, like-minded partners and surrounded by some of the best songs and songwriters on the planet.” He continued, “We aim to build a modern-day Brill Building, not only pitching songs and syncs like our lives depended on it but bringing our writers’ songs and stories to life across traditional and new media.”
Butch Baker, Mojo Music SVP said, “Mojo and HoriPro are a hand-in-glove fit! Anybody who knows us knows we’ve always been about our family of songs and songwriters. With Mojo, we now have the resources to super-serve them here in Nashville and take them beyond our borders into cross-genre co-writes, custom syncs and creative projects with tv, fim and new media producers all over the world.”
Laura Hostelley Elevated To Director Of Marketing At Triple Tigers Records
/by Lorie HollabaughLaura Hostelley has been promoted from Product Manager to Director of Marketing at Triple Tigers Records.
Hostelley joined Triple Tigers in 2016 soon after the label was created. Prior to joining the label, she worked as a contributing freelancer to Sounds Like Nashville and with Taste of Country. Before graduating from Belmont University, she served as a programming intern with Sirius XM Radio, an editorial intern with Country Aircheck, and a communications intern with both MusicRow Magazine and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
“Laura has excelled in leading the charge with our marketing team, achieving outstanding results for Russell Dickerson and Scotty McCreery,” said Triple Tigers General Manager and Founding Partner Norbert Nix. “She is always in the trenches working with our staff, our artists’ management teams, Sony Entertainment, Red Music and other partners to further create and develop new ideas that drive consumer awareness and sales. She is very deserving of this promotion.”
Big Loud Records Ups Brianne Deslippe To Vice President, Promotion (Canada)
/by LB CantrellBrianne Deslippe. Photo: Leo Gomez
Big Loud Records has promoted Toronto’s Brianne Deslippe to the role of Vice President, Promotion (Canada), extending her initial three-year contract. Deslippe will also continue to oversee as General Manager for Canadian operations for the label and report directly to label President Clay Hunnicutt.
Since Deslippe’s arrival to Big Loud, the Windsor Ontario native has secured five No. 1 singles in Canada for the company, including “Take Back Home Girl” (Chris Lane featuring Tori Kelly), “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” (Jake Owen), “For Her” (Chris Lane), “Up Down” (Morgan Wallen ft. Florida Georgia Line) and “Down To The Honkytonk” (Jake Owen) and continues to expand the label’s presence north of the border with current projects from Wallen and Canadian-born MacKenzie Porter.
In addition, Big Loud has earned certified Platinum status in Canada for Chris Lane’s “Fix” and “Take Back Home Girl,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Up Down,” along with Gold certifications for Jake Owen’s “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” and “Down To The Honkytonk,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses.”
“Brianne continues to prove to everyone she is the top record promotions exec in Canada,” said Hunnicutt. “This new title and multi-year agreement represents how hard she has worked and how she continues to deliver every time for the entire roster of Big Loud artists. We would not be where we are today without Brianne!”
She can be reached via email at brianne@bigloud.com or at 416-908-1717.
ASCAP Reveals Songwriters Selected For 2019 GPS Project
/by LB CantrellPictured (front row L-R): Blane Mitchell, Owen Danoff, Hunter Wolkonowski; (back row L-R) ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Kyle Daniel, Michelle Pereira, Joe Ragosta, Makayla Lynn
The ASCAP Nashville creative team has announced the songwriters selected for the 8th annual ASCAP GPS Project.
The ASCAP GPS Project class of 2019 includes songwriters Kyle Daniel, Owen Danoff, Makayla Lynn, Michelle Pereira, Blane Mitchell, Joe Ragosta, Lauren Weintraub and Hunter Wolkonowski.
The GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) program showcases songwriters the creative team has identified as ready or very close to being ready for a publishing deal. Over the course of the year, the writers will be paired with publishers who will listen and critique their songs, and then participate in a follow-up meeting to help develop the writer and solidify the relationship. By the end of the year, the writer will have met with at least five publishers.
The publishers participating in the 2019 ASCAP GPS Project include Big Machine, Combustion, King Pen, Sea Gayle, Downtown, Big Yellow Dog, Concord, Black River and Universal.
NMPA Publishers File Lawsuit Against Digitally-Connected Workout Company Peloton
/by Eric T. ParkerNational Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) members Downtown Music Publishing, Pulse Music Publishing, ole, peermusic, Ultra Music, Big Deal Music, Reservoir, Round Hill, TRO Essex Music Group, and The Royalty Network have filed a lawsuit against the digitally-connected workout company, Peloton, for infringement of more than a thousand musical works. The plaintiffs are seeking damages of over $150 million.
While the fitness technology company has licensed with some of the music publishing industry, it has failed to do so with a significant number of publishers, leaving a great deal of income lost to songwriters.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said:
Peloton has released thousands of music-driven videos that include unlicensed music recorded by artists such as Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Wiz Khalifa, Thomas Rhett, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Florida Georgia Line, Drake, Gwen Stefani and many more.
The company has been alleged to be willfully infringing since it launched at-home streaming capabilities in 2014. The brand offers a subscription service with over 13,000 workouts and the company was recently valued at $4 billion.