Pictured (Front row, L-R): Ben Vaughn (WC), busbee, T.D. Ruth (Keller Turner Ruth Andrews & Ghanem). (Back row, L-R): all WC – Steve Butler, Travis Carter, Alicia Pruitt, Jessi Vaughn, Alison Junker, Will Overton, Katie Jelen (synch), BJ Hill, Ryan Beuschel
busbee has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music. The writer and producer known for his genre-bending talents has collaborated with a broad range of artists, including Shakira, Usher, Lady Antebellum, Jon Bellion, Blake Shelton, Timbaland, 5 Seconds of Summer, Keith Urban, and Jason Aldean, among others. He was previously signed to BMG.
“busbee is a visionary whose experimental approach to songwriting will fit in perfectly at Warner/Chappell, ” said Jon Platt, CEO of Warner/Chappell Music. “With the support of Katy Wolaver, Ben Vaughn, and our entire global team I’m confident that he will push boundaries and deliver global hits across a mix of genres.”
In 2017, busbee received a BMI Song of the Year award for co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s No. 1 hit, “H.O.L.Y.” He also co-produced Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris’ breakthrough album, Hero, and co-wrote her first two hit singles, “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.” busbee also co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s “The Fighter” with Keith Urban which he won an ACM Award for last month, and produced Lady Antebellum’s 2017 Grammy-nominated album, Heart Break, co-writing six songs, including the hit single, “You Look Good.” Additionally, busbee produced and contributed to songs on the breakout albums from emerging country stars Lauren Alaina (Road Less Traveled) and Carly Pearce (Every Little Thing), having written Pearce’s breakout single of the same name, which made her the only female to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2017.
He also co-wrote and co-produced Rachel Platten’s “Collide”; co-wrote and produced P!nk’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” and co-produced Gwen Stefani’s recent holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, co-writing all six of the original songs. Other notable busbee hits include “Try” by P!nk, “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson, and numerous other top ten singles. His recent collaborations include Jon Bellion, Justin Tranter, James Arthur, Lady Antebellum, Missio, and Maren Morris for her forthcoming project.
“Warner/Chappell feels like home. From my early meetings with the creative teams in L.A. and Nashville to my interactions with executives at every level, I can confidently say it is not only the best fit for me as a creative but it’s also the best place to grow my business,” said busbee. Adding, “They have the reach, wisdom and integrity to elevate careers within all viable markets – it’s no surprise they continue to be the premier publisher in the world, year after year. I’m honored to be partnering with Warner/Chappell.”
busbee Signs Global Deal With Warner/Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (Front row, L-R): Ben Vaughn (WC), busbee, T.D. Ruth (Keller Turner Ruth Andrews & Ghanem). (Back row, L-R): all WC – Steve Butler, Travis Carter, Alicia Pruitt, Jessi Vaughn, Alison Junker, Will Overton, Katie Jelen (synch), BJ Hill, Ryan Beuschel
busbee has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music. The writer and producer known for his genre-bending talents has collaborated with a broad range of artists, including Shakira, Usher, Lady Antebellum, Jon Bellion, Blake Shelton, Timbaland, 5 Seconds of Summer, Keith Urban, and Jason Aldean, among others. He was previously signed to BMG.
“busbee is a visionary whose experimental approach to songwriting will fit in perfectly at Warner/Chappell, ” said Jon Platt, CEO of Warner/Chappell Music. “With the support of Katy Wolaver, Ben Vaughn, and our entire global team I’m confident that he will push boundaries and deliver global hits across a mix of genres.”
In 2017, busbee received a BMI Song of the Year award for co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s No. 1 hit, “H.O.L.Y.” He also co-produced Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris’ breakthrough album, Hero, and co-wrote her first two hit singles, “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.” busbee also co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s “The Fighter” with Keith Urban which he won an ACM Award for last month, and produced Lady Antebellum’s 2017 Grammy-nominated album, Heart Break, co-writing six songs, including the hit single, “You Look Good.” Additionally, busbee produced and contributed to songs on the breakout albums from emerging country stars Lauren Alaina (Road Less Traveled) and Carly Pearce (Every Little Thing), having written Pearce’s breakout single of the same name, which made her the only female to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2017.
He also co-wrote and co-produced Rachel Platten’s “Collide”; co-wrote and produced P!nk’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” and co-produced Gwen Stefani’s recent holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, co-writing all six of the original songs. Other notable busbee hits include “Try” by P!nk, “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson, and numerous other top ten singles. His recent collaborations include Jon Bellion, Justin Tranter, James Arthur, Lady Antebellum, Missio, and Maren Morris for her forthcoming project.
“Warner/Chappell feels like home. From my early meetings with the creative teams in L.A. and Nashville to my interactions with executives at every level, I can confidently say it is not only the best fit for me as a creative but it’s also the best place to grow my business,” said busbee. Adding, “They have the reach, wisdom and integrity to elevate careers within all viable markets – it’s no surprise they continue to be the premier publisher in the world, year after year. I’m honored to be partnering with Warner/Chappell.”
Carrie Underwood To Make Guest Mentor Appearance On ‘American Idol’
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood.
Carrie Underwood will return to American Idol as a superstar guest mentor on Sunday, May 13 (airing live on ABC 8:00 PM Eastern/7:00 PM Central/5:00 PM Pacific). Her appearance was announced during Idol’s live show on Sunday, May 6, along with a worldwide exclusive look at her new music video for the lead single and title track from her forthcoming album, Cry Pretty.
Underwood, who won American Idol in 2005, will welcome the top five contestants (Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, and Michael J. Woodard) to Nashville for a mentoring session. The contestants will perform songs from Underwood’s catalog of hits on next week’s (May 13) show. Underwood will also perform her new single, “Cry Pretty.”
The superstar’s upcoming album by the same title, her first project for Capitol Records Nashville, will release Sept. 14.
Warner Music Group Sells 75 Percent Of Spotify Shares For $400 Million
/by Jessica NicholsonCooper also emphasized that Warner Music Group has full confidence in Spotify. “Just so there won’t be any misinterpretation about the rationale for our decision to sell, let me be clear: We’re a music company, and not, by our nature, long-term holders of publicly traded equity,” he said. “This sale has nothing to do with our view of Spotify’s future. We’re hugely optimistic about the growth of subscription streaming, we know it has only just begun to fulfill its potential for global scale. We fully expect Spotify to continue to play a major role in that growth.”
During the first quarter of 2018, WMG’s recorded music operations turned $791 million, and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing turned over $174 million in the first quarter.
The move follows a similar strategy from Sony Music earlier this year, when the company sold 17.2 percent of its Spotify shares, earning upwards of $260 million.
Brett Eldredge Extends Long Way Tour Into Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge has announced a Fall 2018 leg of his headlining The Long Way Tour. The leg will kick off Sept. 13 in Denver and hit 14 cities including Kansas City, Orlando, and St. Louis with labelmate Devin Dawson as special guest.
The tour’s initial Spring leg was a success, wrapping last weekend (May 5) at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, and tickets for the Fall shows go on sale May 11.
Eldredge’s most recent single, and namesake for the tour, “The Long Way” racked up nearly 30 million streams.
Uncle Si & The Sicotics Ink Deals With BMI, Kinkead Entertainment, CMA
/by Jessica NicholsonUncle Si Robertson and Marsha Robertson join the roster of songwriters at BMI. Band member/producer/songwriter (Jason Aldean’s No. 1 “She’s Country’) Bridgette Tatum is already a member of the PRO. Pictured, (Back row, L-R): BMI Associate Director of Writer/Publisher Relations MaryAnn Keen and Bridgette Tatum; (Front row, L-R): Uncle Si Robertson, Marsha Robertson, and BMI Senior Director David Preston.
Uncle Si & The Sicotics recently signed up for performing rights representation, booking, and membership with BMI, Kinkead Entertainment, and the Country Music Association in Nashville, respectively.
Uncle Si Robertson, the Duck Dynasty patriarch and namesake of the trio, and his creative partners — daughter-in-law Marsha Robertson and singer-songwriter Bridgette Tatum (co-writer behind Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country”) were in Nashville to solidify the team supporting the rise of the band and their debut, self-titled release on Cold River Records.
Pictured (Back row, L-R): Dennis Kurtz, Julie Devereux, Art Benson, Marsha Robertson, Uncle Si Robertson, Bob Kinkead, and Bridgette Tatum; (Front row, L-R): Paige Zuidema and Caylee Mizzell-Smith.
Pictured (L-R): Marsha Robertson, Bridgette Tatum, CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms, CMA Awards and Industry Relations Assistant Angela Strader, and CMA Manager of Awards and Industry Relations Brenden Oliver.
In Pictures: Radio Romance, Tim Elliott
/by Jessica NicholsonRadio Romance. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Newcomers Radio Romance, who recently inked a label deal with BMLG imprint Nash Next Records, stopped by the MusicRow offices to perform songs from their upcoming project. The group were the winners of the latest NASH Next Challenge competition.
Radio Romance includes Sam Hayes (lead vocals), Josh Gramling (guitar), Adam Smithwick (bass) and Moises Padilla (drums).
Their debut single “Weekend” is at country radio, and the group will perform at CMA Fest’s Breakout Stage on June 7.
Radio Romance with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Tim Elliott. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Tim Elliott recently visited the MusicRow offices to perform songs including his new single “I Got You,” as well as “Get Down South,” which extols the virtues of small town living, as well as “Start Pouring Whiskey On It.”
Tim Elliott with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Liz Rose, Lee Miller, Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins Team For City Of Hope Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner/Chappell Music CEO Jon Platt, along with the Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry Group, will present a songwriters round to benefit City of Hope on May 16, to raise funds for the independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other diseases.
Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Liz Rose, Lee Thomas Miller, Jessi Alexander and Rhett Akins will perform at Analog at the Hutton. Attendees can also expect music, cocktails and a silent auction.
General admission is $30 and starts at 7 p.m., with a VIP meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. (for $60) including meet and greet, early entry, and guaranteed seating on main floor.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Attendees can expect music, cocktails and a silent auction. Individuals are also invited to participate in an online auction offering everything from autographed guitars to executive meetings, exclusive parties, in-demand concert tickets, and various VIP experiences – view the full list of auction items here.
City of Hope recently announced that Platt is this year’s 2018 Spirit of Life Award recipient, one the most prestigious philanthropic honors in the music industry. Each year, the organization recognizes a leader whose work has fundamentally impacted music, film or entertainment, having been given to such noted figures as Mo Ostin, Clive Davis, Quincy Jones, Frances W. Preston, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Doug Morris and Sir Lucian Grainge.
Platt will be presented with the award at a black-tie gala dinner to be held on Oct. 11 in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit cityofhope.org.
‘American Idol’ Gets Green Light For Season 2 At ABC
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest, and Luke Bryan.
American Idol has been renewed for a second season at ABC, which will mark the musical reality competition’s overall 17th season, including 15 seasons on Fox.
Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will return next season, along with host Ryan Seacrest. The series made its ABC premiere on March 11 with 10.5 million total viewers. Sunday’s (April 29) Disney-themed episode brought in 8 million total viewers.
American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Core Media Group’s 19 Entertainment.
Hilary Williams Releases New Single “Crazy”
/by Lorie HollabaughPerhaps no family in country music has produced as many solid musicians as the Williams family, beginning with the legacy of Hank Williams, Sr.’s mournful classics, followed by his son Hank Williams, Jr.’s rollicking country-soul, as well as music from Sr.’s daughter Jett Williams, and Hank Jr.’s children Hank III, Holly Williams, and now, Hilary Williams.
Hilary Williams is releasing her first single “Crazy” from her debut album, My Lucky Scars today. “Crazy” is written by Natalie Hemby & Lincoln Parish. Williams also enlisted Nashville writers including Shane McAnally, Heather Morgan, Ross Copperman, Josh Osbourne and Bobby Tomberlin for the project.
Produced by Williams along with John Would and Parish and coming out May 25, My Lucky Scars is inspired by Williams’ 2006 near-death accident and follows her journey in overcoming that harrowing experience.
“This album is very personal for me,” said Williams. “I have been working on it for awhile and it was incredible to see my vision come to life throughout the process.”
My Lucky Scars Tracklist
Lady Antebellum, Steven Tyler, Yolanda Adams Receive Tony Nominations
/by Lorie HollabaughNominations for the 2018 Tony Awards were announced May 1, with Mean Girls and SpongeBob SquarePants coming out on top with 12 nods each including Best Musical. Lady Antebellum appeared on the SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Music & Lyrics along with Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., and Domani & Lil’C.
The 72nd annual Tony Awards will take place June 10 at Radio City Music Hall. Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban will co-host.