Pictured at the podcast’s season 2 kick-off party at Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, Calif. (L-R): J Kash (songwriter), Ross Golan (host and producer), Benny Blanco (songwriter), Ali Tamposi (songwriter), Andrew Watt (songwriter), Joe London (producer), David Silberstein (Mega House Music).
The podcast series And The Writer Is… is planning a special country music week featuring interviews with Thomas Rhett, Nicolle Galyon, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell. The episodes will debut beginning Nov. 6, to coincide with CMA Awards week.
This is the second season of the popular podcast hosted by Ross Golan, a multiplatinum songwriter with credits including “My House” (Flo Rida), “Same Old Love” (Selena Gomez) and “Dangerous Woman” (Ariana Grande). He and co-producer Joe London started the podcast to shine a light on the creative process, inspirations and pitfalls of songwriters.
Big Deal Music and Mega House Music sponsor the series, which since launching in late January has received over 535,000 downloads, putting it in the top 5 percent of all podcasts.
Golan has plenty of Nashville connections, including his first No. 1 as a songwriter on Lady Antebellum’s “Compass.” He is a frequent collaborator with Keith Urban, and last season featured Luke Laird on the series.
Golan recently spoke to MusicRow about the importance of giving a voice to the writers behind the hits.
What was the mission when you started this podcast?
I want people to get to know these songwriters. All the guests on the show say that after their episode airs, fans reach out to thank them. Fans say they can relate to certain things and understand things they didn’t before. The whole idea is putting a face to the craft. That is the most satisfying part.
Who are the people who decide to sell air for a living and also take care of their families? We forewent having stable income with benefits to pursue this. We are selling something intangible in an era of no CDs or albums. We are selling concepts and emotion, lyric and melody. Who are the people with the drive to make this their living?
I think the assumption is that songs grow on trees. The assumption with really prolific writers is that they will always be successful, and that it comes to them very easily.
But then you realize that Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, all these great writers—their volume and consistency of songs is unbelievable. They must challenge themselves constantly in order to be relevant. They are studying the art form. It’s so hard to write a hit song.
That’s why sitting down and talking to them, you figure out they went to school. They struggled. They didn’t start out as songwriter of the year. I think that when you are younger, you think hit songwriters were born that way. We want to explain to aspiring writers that it didn’t come easy to any of the professional writers. They all struggled. Some went through rehab, or bankruptcy.
Was there a struggle you overcame in your career?
About 10 years ago the bank foreclosed on my condo. Today I say, “I’d rather sell my condo to live my dream, than sell my dream to live in my condo.”
At that point in my life, I had no other option than to go 100 percent into songwriting. I had previously been signed as an artist, and fortunately about the same time as I lost the condo, I had cuts by Demi Lovato, CeeLo Green, and Maroon 5. So I was able to get a publishing deal and move forward with my life. Warner/Chappell opened a lot of doors for me.
Through the process I went from giving my place back to the bank, to BMI Songwriter of the Year in about 8 years. I’m pretty proud of the fact that it didn’t come easy.
What is Big Deal’s involvement with the podcast?
Big Deal has been good friends of mine for a long time. They publish Joe London. Big Deal has been amazing and this is something they are doing for the songwriting and publishing community to help spread the word that songwriters are people too. In the last year they’ve had “Die A Happy Man,” “Slow Hands” and multiple No. 1s in multiple genres.
Big Deal, Mega House and Joe and I are so appreciative of people willing to help spread the word. We are doing this solely to give a voice to the people who work so hard behind the scenes. It’s not about me. It’s about the guests on the show.
Has word-of-mouth among music fans driven the popularity of the podcast?
Absolutely, yes. And a lot of schools are using it as part of their curriculum, which has been fascinating. The students are committed to learning from these writers. I always wanted to be a songwriter, so I wish this information had been available when I was in school. I think this is a really easy way to communicate what we do.
This is an opportunity for students to learn, colleagues to learn about their co-writers, record labels to understand which writers write best with what kind of artists, and so the streaming services can see these are humans.
What can we look forward to on Country music week?
We’ll have Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, and Zach Crowell.
Thomas’s story is great and what he’s doing with his family is wonderful. And Rhett’s story of being a country star fascinating. Because ultimately, what he wanted was to be a songwriter. Ashley Gorley is setting all kinds of records, but he’s also one of the best fathers and husbands you’ll ever meet. And Nicolle is so savvy and she’s killing it at radio now. Also, on Oct. 30th we will have NMPA’s David Israelite on the podcast.
I love the genre and the music, so I’m happy to shine a light on these writers.
Listen here.
Pictured (L-R): David Silberstein, Mark Tindle (Big Deal Music Group), Ashley Alexander (Big Deal Music Group), Ross Golan, Casey Robison (Big Deal Music Group), Joe London, Amber Packer (Big Deal Music Group), Jeremy Levin (Mega House Music)
Mickey Gilley Joins Third Coast Talent Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Gilley has signed with the Third Coast Talent Agency for exclusive representation. The agency will represent Gilley and will also represent the Urban Cowboy Reunion Show featuring Gilley and Johnny Lee.
Tracy Lawrence Performs Exclusive Concert For Industry Guests At WME
/by Haley CrowPictured (L-R): Steve Emley (Manager/Fitzgerald Hartley), Keith Miller (Partner/WME), John Marks (Spotify), Tracy Lawrence, Greg Oswald (Co-Head/WME Nashville), Bobby Braddock, Lane Wilson (Partner/WME), and Nick Hartley (Manager/Fitzgerald Hartley). [Click photo to enlarge]
Music industry insiders gathered at The Steps at WME in Nashville on Monday (Oct. 23) for a full band performance from Tracy Lawrence. After an introduction from Bobby Braddock, who penned several of the singer’s iconic hits, Lawrence took the stage and launched into a full set showcasing every song that appears on his forthcoming album and a few more. Good Ole Days releases on Nov. 10 and can be pre-ordered here.
Lawrence is offering instant grat tracks for pre-orders including the title track “Good Ole Days,” featuring Big & Rich and Brad Arnold, which will be available this Friday (Oct. 27). Previously released instant grat tracks include “Can’t Break It To My Heart,” “Finally Home” and “Stars Over Texas.”
Industry Ink: Starstruck Entertainment, Average Joes, AIMP
/by Jessica NicholsonStarstruck’s Cliff Williamson Earns BEST Award
Pictured: Vol State President, Jerry Faulkner (left) presents the award to Cliff Williamson of Starstruck Entertainment.
Starstruck Entertainment’s Cliff Williamson was recently honored with a 2017 BEST (Businesses Empowering Students and Teachers) Award. The BEST Award celebrates the accomplishments of community leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs. It recognizes those who share knowledge and expertise, advocate, and foster student success in pre-K through postsecondary education.
The North Central P-16 Council makes the awards each year. P-16 is made up of area secondary school educators, higher education leaders and business people. The North Central Council is led by Volunteer State Community College. The goal of P-16 is to promote the relationship between education and the value of work, develop a highly trained workforce, and create a culture of lifelong learning by positively impacting student success through awareness, advocacy, and action. The BEST Award winners were honored by the Council at a meeting recently.
Average Joes Expands Team
Tennessee native, Keegan Thomas, also joins Average Joes as Creative Designer. A self-taught graphic artist specializing in creative development, Thomas’ original concepts have been featured in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, NashvilleRage.com, and numerous publications throughout the Southeast.
Bryn and Keegan’s initial creative design will be featured in the upcoming campaign and video for Charlie Farley’s new single, “Where I’m From,” launching on Oct 27, and Cypress Spring’s video for “How We Ride” coming soon.
AIMP Welcomes NMPA’s David Israelite For Legislative Update
PIctured (L-R): Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Brad Peterson (Regions Bank), Michael Martin (ASCAP), David Israelite, John Ozier (ole), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Tim Hunze (Parallel Entertainment), Michael McAnally Baum (SMACKSongs)
Jim McCormick Renews Deal With BMG
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Courtney Allen (Creative Director, BMG); Kos Weaver (EVP, BMG); Jim McCormick; Daniel Lee (VP, BMG); Chris Oglesby (VP, BMG)
Jim McCormick has extended his publishing deal with BMG. McCormick has been a BMG writer since signing with the company in 2010.
He is the co-writer of the multi-week No. 1 hit “Take a Little Ride” by Jason Aldean and the No. 1 smash “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” by Brantley Gilbert. He has had cuts by Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Jamey Johnson, Harry Connick Jr., Craig Campbell, Ronnie Milsap, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, and others.
“Jim McCormick exemplifies what it is to be a professional songwriter,” said VP of Creative Daniel Lee. “His lyrical prowess, attention to detail, drive for success, and diligence to the craft are second to none. We at BMG are grateful for the opportunity to continue building what is already a highly successful career.”
“BMG is the kind of music publisher every songwriter hopes to have in his career,” says McCormick. “I owe a great deal of my continued success to the work ethic and focus of the team at BMG.”
Q&A: And The Writer Is…Ross Golan
/by Sarah SkatesPictured at the podcast’s season 2 kick-off party at Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, Calif. (L-R): J Kash (songwriter), Ross Golan (host and producer), Benny Blanco (songwriter), Ali Tamposi (songwriter), Andrew Watt (songwriter), Joe London (producer), David Silberstein (Mega House Music).
The podcast series And The Writer Is… is planning a special country music week featuring interviews with Thomas Rhett, Nicolle Galyon, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell. The episodes will debut beginning Nov. 6, to coincide with CMA Awards week.
This is the second season of the popular podcast hosted by Ross Golan, a multiplatinum songwriter with credits including “My House” (Flo Rida), “Same Old Love” (Selena Gomez) and “Dangerous Woman” (Ariana Grande). He and co-producer Joe London started the podcast to shine a light on the creative process, inspirations and pitfalls of songwriters.
Big Deal Music and Mega House Music sponsor the series, which since launching in late January has received over 535,000 downloads, putting it in the top 5 percent of all podcasts.
Golan has plenty of Nashville connections, including his first No. 1 as a songwriter on Lady Antebellum’s “Compass.” He is a frequent collaborator with Keith Urban, and last season featured Luke Laird on the series.
Golan recently spoke to MusicRow about the importance of giving a voice to the writers behind the hits.
What was the mission when you started this podcast?
I want people to get to know these songwriters. All the guests on the show say that after their episode airs, fans reach out to thank them. Fans say they can relate to certain things and understand things they didn’t before. The whole idea is putting a face to the craft. That is the most satisfying part.
Who are the people who decide to sell air for a living and also take care of their families? We forewent having stable income with benefits to pursue this. We are selling something intangible in an era of no CDs or albums. We are selling concepts and emotion, lyric and melody. Who are the people with the drive to make this their living?
I think the assumption is that songs grow on trees. The assumption with really prolific writers is that they will always be successful, and that it comes to them very easily.
But then you realize that Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, all these great writers—their volume and consistency of songs is unbelievable. They must challenge themselves constantly in order to be relevant. They are studying the art form. It’s so hard to write a hit song.
That’s why sitting down and talking to them, you figure out they went to school. They struggled. They didn’t start out as songwriter of the year. I think that when you are younger, you think hit songwriters were born that way. We want to explain to aspiring writers that it didn’t come easy to any of the professional writers. They all struggled. Some went through rehab, or bankruptcy.
Was there a struggle you overcame in your career?
About 10 years ago the bank foreclosed on my condo. Today I say, “I’d rather sell my condo to live my dream, than sell my dream to live in my condo.”
At that point in my life, I had no other option than to go 100 percent into songwriting. I had previously been signed as an artist, and fortunately about the same time as I lost the condo, I had cuts by Demi Lovato, CeeLo Green, and Maroon 5. So I was able to get a publishing deal and move forward with my life. Warner/Chappell opened a lot of doors for me.
Through the process I went from giving my place back to the bank, to BMI Songwriter of the Year in about 8 years. I’m pretty proud of the fact that it didn’t come easy.
What is Big Deal’s involvement with the podcast?
Big Deal has been good friends of mine for a long time. They publish Joe London. Big Deal has been amazing and this is something they are doing for the songwriting and publishing community to help spread the word that songwriters are people too. In the last year they’ve had “Die A Happy Man,” “Slow Hands” and multiple No. 1s in multiple genres.
Big Deal, Mega House and Joe and I are so appreciative of people willing to help spread the word. We are doing this solely to give a voice to the people who work so hard behind the scenes. It’s not about me. It’s about the guests on the show.
Has word-of-mouth among music fans driven the popularity of the podcast?
Absolutely, yes. And a lot of schools are using it as part of their curriculum, which has been fascinating. The students are committed to learning from these writers. I always wanted to be a songwriter, so I wish this information had been available when I was in school. I think this is a really easy way to communicate what we do.
This is an opportunity for students to learn, colleagues to learn about their co-writers, record labels to understand which writers write best with what kind of artists, and so the streaming services can see these are humans.
What can we look forward to on Country music week?
We’ll have Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, and Zach Crowell.
Thomas’s story is great and what he’s doing with his family is wonderful. And Rhett’s story of being a country star fascinating. Because ultimately, what he wanted was to be a songwriter. Ashley Gorley is setting all kinds of records, but he’s also one of the best fathers and husbands you’ll ever meet. And Nicolle is so savvy and she’s killing it at radio now. Also, on Oct. 30th we will have NMPA’s David Israelite on the podcast.
I love the genre and the music, so I’m happy to shine a light on these writers.
Listen here.
Pictured (L-R): David Silberstein, Mark Tindle (Big Deal Music Group), Ashley Alexander (Big Deal Music Group), Ross Golan, Casey Robison (Big Deal Music Group), Joe London, Amber Packer (Big Deal Music Group), Jeremy Levin (Mega House Music)
Opry Goes Pink For Ninth Year To Aid Fight Against Breast Cancer
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini with 10-year-old Chrissy. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry barn turned pink to help in the fight against breast cancer for the ninth year last night (Oct. 24), as the Opry partnered with Women Rock For The Cure for its special annual “Opry Goes Pink” show.
Kelsea Ballerini and ten-year-old cancer survivor Chrissy flipped the switch making the Opry’s signature barn Pink, and Opry member Trisha Yearwood performed and introduced Chrissy as this year’s Women Rock for the Cure “Opry Goes Pink” honorary survivor, symbolizing individual battles being won against the disease. Chrissy, who at age eight was the youngest person ever to be diagnosed with breast cancer, is now cancer-free. She was joined on stage by her older sister as well as her parents, both of whom are also cancer survivors.
Additional performances during the special evening included LANCO, who made their Opry debut, Easton Corbin, Charles Esten, Runaway June, and Connie Smith. CMT’s Cody Alan made his debut as an Opry guest announcer during the show as well.
The Opry is donating $5 from each ticket sold to Women Rock For The Cure.
Cody Alan and Sally Williams, General Manager, Grand Ole Opry/Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment
BBR Music Group Switches Distribution To ADA
/by Jessica NicholsonADA, which launched in 1993 to focus on the independent music industry, will dedicate distribution, marketing and label service resources in Nashville and globally to promote BBR Music Group artists.
BBR Music Group includes labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, and Wheelhouse Records labels.
ADA’s first release with BBR Music Group is Current Mood, the third studio album by Dustin Lynch. Upcoming BBR Music Group releases include Granger Smith’s When The Good Guys Win and Chase Rice’s Lambs & Lions.
Eliah Seton, President of ADA Worldwide, commented: “Broken Bow is a powerhouse, and we are looking forward to working closely with Jon Loba and the whole BBR Music Group team to make sure country music fans have access to their special brand of music not just locally, but nationally and internationally as well. We are doubling down on ADA’s efforts in Nashville, with new staff and resources, and look forward to contributing to the rapid growth in the city.”
Jon Loba, EVP of BBR Music Group, said, “Becoming part of BMG has allowed us to scale up our ambition both in the US and internationally. We are excited to now be able to enjoy the benefits of BMG’s partnership with ADA.”
BMG EVP Rights Administration Ben Katovsky, who is responsible for the company’s supply chain worldwide, said, “Bringing BBR Music Group on board is the logical next step in the consolidation of BMG’s distribution at ADA. We look forward to ADA helping us take BBR Music Group’s extraordinary roster to the next level.”
FBMM Adds Two To Team
/by Jessica NicholsonFlood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. has welcomed two new additions to its team. Millie Fisher has joined as a tax preparer and Roxanne Estacio has been hired as an account assistant.
“We are thrilled to have Millie and Roxanne join our team of dedicated professionals,” said Julie Boos, senior vice president of FBMM. “I know their experience and energy will shine as they strive to provide superior service to our clients.”
Prior to joining FBMM, Fisher worked as an assurance and tax staff member at Rödl Langford de Kock LLP, where she reviewed audit work, trained staff and performed international tax research. Fisher is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a Master of Accountancy degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in accountancy and finance.
Estacio brings over eight years of financial and HR experience to FBMM. She worked as an international benefits team leader for Schlumberger, the world’s leading oilfield services company, and as a payroll specialist for ITT Corporation. In her past positions, she conducted hiring interviews, led a team of benefit administrators and performed payroll analyses. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in management accounting from the University of St. La Salle.
[WATCH]: The Bluebird Cafe Launches Crowdfunding Campaign For Feature Film
/by Eric T. ParkerBluebird: The Movie, the official feature film documenting the 35-year history of Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, has a crowdfunding campaign to help “finish the story.”
This feature film will cover the 35-year history, unearthing never-before-told stories from those that have worked, played, been discovered and helped preserve this unassuming strip-mall haunt that is the bedrock of American songwriting.
To help fund the production for the film, tiers of financial incentives are offered, including a $20,000 level for executive producer credit, a personalized chair in the Bluebird Cafe and a private Bluebird Cafe show in Nashville, among other perks.
Nashville-based production company, Riverside Entertainment—led by partners Brian Loschiavo, Jeff Molyneaux and Pastor Alvarado—has partnered for the film and recently delivered a crowdfunding trailer, which features Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Shane McAnally, Victoria Shaw, Hunter Hayes, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, Charlie Worsham, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins, Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman, Kent Blazy, Tony Arata, Fred Knobloch, and actors from the TV series Nashville.
For the film, President and GM of the Bluebird Cafe, Erica Wollam Nichols, will serve as Executive Producer. Loschiavo will serve as Producer/Director, while Molyneaux will be Director of Photography. Kathryn Schwarz, Shanna Strassberg, Retta Hatfield will fill additional production roles.
“If walls could talk, The Bluebird’s walls would be a story you’d want to hear,” says Hayes.
“Pitch in,” encourages Shaw, “‘Cuz I want to see it too!”
The film will need $150,000 to get started, and organizers are working on grants and other events to help with funding.
Visit BluebirdTheMovie.com to support.
Kid Rock Announces November Album Release, Tour Set For 2018
/by Haley CrowKid Rock will release his debut album for BBR Music Group, titled Sweet Southern Sugar, on Nov. 3. The eclectic album marks the first Kid Rock has recorded in Nashville, and includes his recent single “Tennessee Mountain Top.”
In 2018, he will hit the road with his Greatest Show On Earth Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour kicks off on Jan. 19 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee and will continue with 21 shows from coast to coast.
Tickets and VIP packages for the tour will go on sale to the public the same day the album is released (Nov. 3) at LiveNation.com.
Greatest Show On Earth Tour:
Jan. 19 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Jan. 20 Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
Jan. 25 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theatre
Jan. 26 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theatre
Jan. 27 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theatre
Feb. 2 Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Feb. 3 Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Feb. 9 Atlanta, GA – Infinite Energy Arena
Feb. 10 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Feb. 16 Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Feb. 17 Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Feb. 23 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Feb. 24 Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
Mar. 2 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar. 3 Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena
Mar. 9 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Mar. 10 Nassau, NY – NYCB Live
Mar. 16 Chicago, IL – United Center
Mar. 17 Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center
Mar. 20 Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Mar. 23 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Arena
Mar. 24 Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Events Center
Sweet Southern Sugar Track Listing:
1. Greatest Show On Earth
2. Po-Dunk
3. Tennessee Mountain Top
4. I Wonder
5. American Rock N’ Roll
6. Back To The Otherside
7. Raining Whiskey
8. Stand The Pain
9. Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
10. Grandpa’s Jam