Matthew West Signs With Provident Label Group/Sony Music, Launches New Imprint

/by

Pictured (L-R): Terry Hemmings, President/CEO Provident Label Group/Sony Music; Matthew West; Emily West; Blaine Barcus, VP of A&R, Provident Label Group/Sony Music

Provident Label Group/Sony Music have signed Matthew West to their roster. In conjunction with their new partnership is the newly-created imprint Story House Music, which mirrors West’s management company, Story House Collective. With support from Provident, West will develop and launch young artists’ careers through the new imprint.

“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to partner with my friends at Provident,” West said. “I’ve admired from afar the work they have done on behalf of so many artists, and I am humbled by their belief in the music I make and the vision I have to help champion the storytellers of the future. Much of my career could be boiled down to one word, ‘story.’ I’m passionate about the power of story and how music can impact the stories of peoples’ lives on a deep level. In many ways, this new season with a new team marks a new chapter in my own story, and I can’t wait to dive in.”

Terry Hemmings, President/CEO of Provident Label Group/Sony Music, said, “For years we have observed Matthew’s amazing career. He’s such a wildly talented artist and performer whose talent is evident in various forums as a musician and entertainer. He connects with audiences because he knows how to clearly and passionately share a story through song. We could not be more pleased to have Matthew join our PLG family and are anxious to forge ahead and see what stories unfold.”

Since releasing his first album 16 years ago, West has earned four Grammy nominations, a Dove Award, Billboard Music Award, and an American Music Award, as well as several ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honors. He has notched 15 No. 1 songs, including the RAA Gold single “Hello, My Name Is,” and the RIAA Platinum single “The Motions.” As a songwriter, West has had more than 130 published writing cuts for artists including Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Mandisa and more.

MV2 Entertainment Acquires Natalie Hemby Song Catalogs

/by

MV2 Entertainment has acquired Natalie Hemby’s WruckeStrike and HappyGoWrucke publishing rights from Pulse Music.

The catalogs span the last seven years of Hemby compositions, including three years with EMI/Sony ATV and four years with Pulse Music/Creative Nation. The collection of songs includes five No. 1 hits by country artists Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, and Justin Moore. The acquisition also includes several songs on Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-winning album Golden Hour, including her latest single “Rainbow,” and two songs on the upcoming Maren Morris project.

MV2’s writer roster includes Thomas Archer, Robert Arthur, Nora Collins, Jimmie Deeghan, Eric Dodd, Nick Donley, and Houston Phillips.

In addition to Harrell, the staff consists of Mike Whelan, Senior Creative Director; Ben Strain, Creative Director; Nicole Sherrill, Creative Director; Lauren Davis, Artist Management & Contract Administration; and Lindsey Parrish, Digital Marketing Manager.

Hailey Whitters Aligns With Grammy Recognized Co-Writers On Upcoming Album ‘The Dream’

/by

Out of the gate on Friday (March 1) with the song, “Ten Year Town,” Carnival Music writer Hailey Whitters squares her headspace since her last batch of new music, four years ago. Whitters has evolved, matured and diversified her sound on the forthcoming 2019 project The Dream, in harmony with Grammy-recognized collaborators Brandy Clark and Lori McKenna.

Waiting tables another month/Waiting for that break to come/All it’s ever done is break my heart/But I didn’t come this far to only go this far

That vulnerable lyric from “Ten Year Town,” come in anticipation from the complete album and encompass the vision the 12-year Nashville resident held, waiting for her turn to shine.

“I am blown away from the love and response from ‘Ten Year Town,'” said Whitters, at her album preview at Nashville’s The Basement. “I wrote the song with Brandy Clark when I was coming up on a decade of being in town and feeling a little lost and frustrated…I’ve racked in a lot of miles with these guys in our 15-passenger van and slept on a lot of shitty hotel floors…[but] I’m a firm believer that timing is everything. One thing I’ve learned is no matter what, you have to stay true to yourself, have an opinion and never forget why you came to Nashville in the first place.”

On Tues., March 5, Whitters bestowed those words on behalf of herself and her roadworthy slew of musicians in previewing seven new tracks from a forthcoming project. She co-produced them with BMG’s Jake Gear and currently controls the masters, which have been garnering label interest.

One of those songs may be familiar. Whitters takes the final turn as a songwriter in releasing her version of her McKenna co-write, “Happy People,” which of course was brought to country radio in 2017 by country superstar group Little Big Town. Similarly, Whitters has had mainstream success when Martina McBride recorded her solo-written “Low All Afternoon” and Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson released her, “The Older I Get,” as his first single since 2015.

Although “Ten Year Town” is immediately available, Whitters announced the first official single from the album will be “The Days,” a trance-inducing, breezy uptempo track that contemplates the value of hometown life experiences. “Dream, Girl” is a bright, driving anthem about keeping focus after life derailments, with a confidence-infusing play on words.

Within the record, Whitters displays a secure sense of self, leaning in to new, raw sounds and textures to translate the coming home. “When I’d given up on ever attaining “the dream”, [this album] showed me I was already living it,” Whitters posted online.

Also among the previewed tracks, “Heartland,” a two-stepper paying homage to her Iowan upbringing, and another play on words about settling within yourself by landing outside of life’s overstimulation.

Perhaps most unique is the mesmerizing “All The Cool Girls,” a pulsing rock-textured production of Hollywood night delirium. Echoed live with background vocals from Maureen Murphy, the edgy audio arrangement reflects the lyrics about how intoxicating a heart’s infatuation can be.

YouTube video

 

John Anderson Celebrates Four Decades Of Music With 40-Song Project

/by

In celebration of four decades of hits, John Anderson has released 40 Years and Still Swingin’. The new two-disc album revisits the songs that speak straight to his creative artistry and commitment to the genre.

The 40-song album includes several previously unreleased tracks as well as fresh new takes of his biggest hits, including “Seminole Wind,” “Black Sheep,” “Money in the Bank,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Swingin,'” and “Wild and Blue.”

“This year has started out on fire for us and no sign of slowing down… I feel great and am enjoying this part of my 40-year career more than any other time I remember,” says Anderson. “This two-disc set was long overdue and has the hits you’d expect, but also includes a few previously unreleased songs that didn’t make it onto past albums for one reason or another, but I felt they deserved a chance to be heard. It’s always nice to walk down memory lane, but we aren’t resting either!”

The new collection of songs is available for purchase at amazon.com. Album streaming and downloads will be available this Friday, March 8.

Last month, Anderson embarked on Blake Shelton’s “Friends & Heroes” tour. On the national road show, Anderson joins Shelton, the Bellamy Brothers, Trace Adkins and Lauren Alaina for an 18-city tour across the country.

40 Years and Still Swingin’ Track Listing:

Disc 1
1. I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal
2. I’ve Got It Made
3. Freedom Isn’t Free
4. Straight Tequila Night
5. Would You Catch a Fallen Star
6. Magic Mama
7. When I Get Down
8. Money in the Bank
9. I Loved You a Thousand Ways
10. Chicken Truck
11. I Will Cross Over the River
12. Small Farm in Kentucky
13. Bend It Till It Breaks
14. Somebody Slap Me
15. Long Black Veil
16. Goldmine
17. Peace in the Valley
18. She Just Started Liking Cheatin’ Songs
19. I Just Came Home to Count the Memories
20. Seminole Wind

Disc 2
1. Black Sheep
2. Your Lyin’ Blue Eyes
3. Song the Mountain Sings
4. When It Comes to You
5. Back Home
6. Let Somebody Else Drive
7. Wish I Could’ve Been There
8. Walkin’ in the Shadows
9. Wild and Blue
10. Mississippi Moon
11. Tokyo, Oklahoma
12. 1959
13. Louisiana Son of a Beast
14. Someday I’m Gonna Go Fishin’
15. Down in Tennessee
16. On and On
17. Goin’ Downhill
18. The Rain
19. Occasional Eagle
20. Swingin’

Industry Ink: Michael Ray, Forte, Project Music

/by

Michael Ray Earns RIAA Gold

Pictured (L-R): Michael Strahan, GMA; Michael Ray; Sara Haines, GMA

Warner Music Nashville artist Michael Ray celebrated several Gold certifications today (March 6).

This morning, he performed his current Top 10 hit “One That Got Away” on GMA’s “Strahan & Sara.” The hosts then surprised him on air with a plaque celebrating the Gold certifications of his singles “Kiss You In The Morning,” “Think A Little Less” and “Get To You.”

 

Fount Lynch’s Forte Parts Ways With Maren Morris

Fount Lynch

Fount Lynch, who launched the independent public relations firm Forte in 2018, has parted ways with client Maren Morris, MusicRow has confirmed.

Lynch previously served as VP, Media at Morris’ label home, Sony Music Nashville, before launching his own company.

 

Project Music Announces Cohort For 2019

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Country Music Association have announced the music tech startups that are included in this year’s Project Music Portfolio program.

The year-long entrepreneurship program offers support and a music industry immersion for each of the companies included, connecting them to industry experts as well as a startup curriculum.

Five Nashville-based teams are included in this year’s cohort. The program has also shifted to more intentionally help Project Music alumni, which includes 20 active teams. The 2019 program begins in April.

2019 Participants (in alphabetical order):
Artist Fan Matrix: AJ Hart (Nashville, TN)
ArtistWorks: Patricia Butler (Napa, CA)
audiobridge: Matt Miller (Nashville, TN)
Beatdapp: Andrew Batey (Vancouver, CAN)
Cleerkut Royalty: Cheryl Potts (Washington, DC)
FanFlex: Erik Nelson & Gian Perugini (Los Angeles, CA)
FindMyFans: Ravi Ramkeesoon (Queens, New York City)
Hear Not There: Kevin Amundson (Nashville, TN)
Magic Instruments: Brian Fan (Marina Del Rey, CA)
Music Tech Works: Jarrett Hines (Atlanta, GA)
Musician’s Council: Micah Johnson (Nashville, TN)
Playlist: Karen Katz (Palo Alto, CA)
Secret Chord Laboratories: Scott Miles (Virginia Beach, VA)
SoundStorming: Arnau Bosch (Santa Monica, CA)
The Labz: Farah Allen (Atlanta, GA)
WillCalled: Ken Madson & Lex Lipsitz (Nashville, TN)

BMI Celebrates Whiskey Jam

/by

(Top Row L-R): Gable Bradley, Nick Wayne, Hannah Ellis, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, 641 and Catie Offerman. Bottom Row, (L-R): Brinley Addington, Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther and Troy Cartwright.

On Monday, March 4, BMI joined forces with Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther to host a special BMI edition of the country music showcase series held in Winner’s Bar & Grill.

Guenther and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen remarked on BMI and Whiskey Jam’s longstanding histories together, including Keen’s memory of attending the first ever Whiskey Jam in 2011. The night featured performances from BMI writers Gable Bradley, Brinley Addington, Ryan Garrett, Hannah Ellis, Nick Wayne, Catie Offerman, Troy Cartwright and 641. Offerman is to be featured in Whiskey Jam’s upcoming vinyl project, due to release soon.

John Butler Exits Spotify

/by

John Butler has exited his role as Head of Christian Music at Spotify, All Access reports. Butler joined in 2017, overseeing playlists in the Christian and pop genres.

Prior to his work at Spotify, Butler served as VP, Promotion at Curb Records for 15 years.

ACM To Honor Jason Aldean As Artist Of The Decade

/by

Jason Aldean will be honored with the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award, and has been named as a performer for the upcoming 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.

The Artist of the Decade Award is presented to an outstanding country music artist or duo/group who has dominated country music over the decade, via radio success, digital media, sales and streaming, distinguishing events, touring, TV appearances and artistic merit.

Only five other artists have received the honor, including Marty Robbins (1969), Loretta Lynn (1979), Alabama (1988), Garth Brooks (1998) and George Strait (2008).

This Award was renamed the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award after Clark passed away in 2012, in recognition of his many years as the ACM Awards producer and early host.

“On behalf of our Special Awards Committee, our Board of Directors and Academy staff, we extend our congratulations to Jason and his entire team on this landmark career achievement,” said Pete Fisher, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “We look forward to celebrating Jason’s remarkable career at our 54th annual awards in Las Vegas.”

“This is probably one of the coolest awards I’ve ever been given,” said Aldean. “My heroes are on this list, something I can’t really even wrap my head around being part of. But, man I’m proud to be getting it – it’s for everyone who stuck with us and supported us through the years.”

The 54th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Kelsea Ballerini To Become Newest Opry Member

/by

Photo: Chris Hollo

Kelsea Ballerini was surprised on Tuesday night’s (March 5) show by Opry group Little Big Town with an invitation to become an official Grand Ole Opry member. After Ballerini performed her segment, Little Big Town took the stage to close out the show, inviting Ballerini back to perform the group’s hit “Girl Crush” with them. As the song concluded, the band changed its final lyrics to “Kelsea Ballerini, do you wanna join the Opry?”

“Yes,” Ballerini exclaimed, “I’m gonna pass out I think!” Collecting her thoughts, Ballerini recalled having visited the Opry at age 13 with her mother and knowing then that she wanted to support the Opry, even if only as a fan. “To be on this stage is the greatest gift in the world,” she said. “This is the home of country music, and I get to be a part of it.”

“For the rest of your life,” Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild added.

Ballerini’s formal Opry induction is set for Tuesday, April 16.

“We are thrilled at the thought of Kelsea Ballerini joining the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “So many of us at the Opry have been fans of her recordings, her songwriting, and her live performances since she played the Opry for the very first time. Having grown to know her personally in the years since, we love and respect her just as much as a person as an artist. We look so forward to her Opry induction in April and to all the years of great music we’ll share.”

Dolly Parton Joins Sony/ATV Music Publishing

/by

Pictured: Troy Tomlinson, Bruce Scavuzzo, Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton, Martin Bandier, Brian Monaco. Photo: Michael Kovac

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has signed a deal to represent the catalog of singer-songwriter Dolly Parton.

The agreement includes songs from across Parton’s entire career, including “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Love Is Like A Butterfly” and “Two Doors Down” as well as newly-written compositions. It covers North America and territories not covered by existing sub-publishing arrangements.

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier said, “Dolly Parton is a true musical icon and we are unbelievably excited to get the chance to work with her again. Her importance, influence and legacy as a recording artist is recognized the world over, but more than anything she stands out as an exceptional songwriter with a peerless catalog of songs, which we are honored to represent.”

Parton said, “I am very excited to be working with Sony/ATV. They know my catalog and they know me. Get ready, you’re going to be hearing a lot more from me!”

Dolly Parton’s manager Danny Nozell, CEO of CTK Management, said, “With so many years of Dolly’s career being under Sony, we feel this is a great home for Dolly’s publishing administration and we’re looking forward to the partnership.”

Growing up in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, she started writing songs as a child and made her performing debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as a teen. Her first success, however, was as a songwriter; two songs she wrote with her uncle Bill Owens became Top 10 hits for country singer Bill Phillips.

Parton’s own first hit as a recording artist soon followed, beginning a run of success that has included 25 Billboard country No. 1 hits, more than 50 Top 10 country songs and 44 Top 10 country albums. Many of her hits were self-composed, including the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “9 to 5,” “Joshua,” “Jolene,” “Love Is Like A Butterfly,” “The Bargain Store,” “Two Doors Down,” “Coat Of Many Colors” and “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” Her classic song “I Will Always Love You” reached No. 1 on two separate occasions for Parton before being recorded by Whitney Houston for the film The Bodyguard. Houston’s version became the biggest-selling single by a female artist of all time as it topped charts around the world, including 14 weeks at No. 1 in the United States.

She has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, which also honored her with the Johnny Mercer Award, given to an individual songwriter or songwriting team for having established a history of outstanding creative works. Most recently, she became the first country artist to be named MusiCares Person of the Year, with a star-studded celebration during Grammy Week in Los Angeles, as well as a tribute performance during the televised Grammy ceremony, which included Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.