For MusicRow’s newly-released 2017 Publisher Issue, we spoke with ASCAP songwriter Emily Weisband about her success and career development. For more on Weisband, purchase MusicRow’s 2017 Publisher print issue, or subscribe to MusicRow here.
Though still a relative newcomer in Nashville’s writing circles, THiS Music and Warner/Chappell writer Emily Weisband has already earned accolades eluding songwriters twice her age. This year, the Virginia native earned her first Grammy for Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, as well as her first Dove Award nomination and MusicRow Award nomination.
Each of the accolades are for “Thy Will,” a track she co-wrote with Bernie Herms and Lady Antebellum member Hillary Scott, which Scott recorded for her family Christian/gospel album Love Remains.
“If I’m being honest, I was going through a hard time in my life. I didn’t feel a lot when we were writing that song,” Weisband candidly recalls of the writing session. “I wasn’t like the prized choice for writing a song like that. But the song, it’s just about dying to the situation. We just wanted to put a conversation you would have with God into music.
“It was cool, it was like a big thing to start the beginning of my career,” Weisband continues. “It felt like God saying, ‘Your career is going to be about me, no matter what kind of songs you write. I’m stamping this at the beginning of your career so you will always remember no matter what success you get that it came from me.’”
A lover of music since she was a child, Weisband has been writing songs since she was 11. What began as a hobby that allowed her to connect with her paternal father soon took hold, becoming her passion and ambition.
“The thing my father and I had was songwriting. I would come and write for an hour or two after school every day.”
Weisband studied songwriting at Nashville’s Belmont University, and landed a hybrid internship-songwriting deal with THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston. After she graduated, she officially became a full-fledged staff writer at the company.
Though Weisband grew up surrounded by the sounds of CCM and pop-punk music, she credits her songwriting peers in Nashville with maturing her own approach to writing.
“Growing up, I was kind of under the childish impression that if I was a Christian I could only write Christian songs. They were super cheesy and super bad but then I started experiencing more life,” she says. “Why can’t God be in a conversation about sex or love or heartbreak?”
Like many of her songwriter contemporaries in the under-30 set, no musical influence or genre is off-limits, and Weisband eagerly embraces inspiration in all its forms. She co-wrote Danielle Bradbery’s light-hearted single “Sway,” as well as “Gateway Love,” a track on Thomas Rhett’s new album. She has more CCM cuts, including “Stronger Than We Think,” which appears on Danny Gokey’s Rise album.
Through her journey writing songs with and for other singer-songwriters, Weisband began writing songs she says, “I can’t hear anybody else but me sing.” She has spent much time in Los Angeles recently, recording her own pop album with Twenty One Pilots producer Mike Elizondo.
“Two years ago I had no aspirations to be an artist,” she says of her organic shift from writer to artist-writer. “I was given three opportunities in the span of one week to make a record, and each offer was in a different genre—country, Christian and pop. The things I wanted to say would really only be accepted in a pop format, in a sense. There are some subject matters I found myself writing about that country radio probably wouldn’t dig and Christian radio definitely wouldn’t dig. It’s really not even a genre thing, the music just happens to sound more pop than anything else.”
As of now, there are no label plans in place for the album. “I don’t know what will happen or if anyone will even hear it.”
Regardless, Weisband considers herself first and foremost a songwriter, whether she is penning songs for other artists to interpret, or songs for her own album.
“I’m grateful to be a writer. I love standing in an arena and hearing people sing along to a song I wrote and nobody knows that I wrote it. It’s like my little secret. I love that feeling.”
Emily Weisband’s Songwriting Evolution
/by Jessica NicholsonThough still a relative newcomer in Nashville’s writing circles, THiS Music and Warner/Chappell writer Emily Weisband has already earned accolades eluding songwriters twice her age. This year, the Virginia native earned her first Grammy for Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, as well as her first Dove Award nomination and MusicRow Award nomination.
Each of the accolades are for “Thy Will,” a track she co-wrote with Bernie Herms and Lady Antebellum member Hillary Scott, which Scott recorded for her family Christian/gospel album Love Remains.
“If I’m being honest, I was going through a hard time in my life. I didn’t feel a lot when we were writing that song,” Weisband candidly recalls of the writing session. “I wasn’t like the prized choice for writing a song like that. But the song, it’s just about dying to the situation. We just wanted to put a conversation you would have with God into music.
“It was cool, it was like a big thing to start the beginning of my career,” Weisband continues. “It felt like God saying, ‘Your career is going to be about me, no matter what kind of songs you write. I’m stamping this at the beginning of your career so you will always remember no matter what success you get that it came from me.’”
A lover of music since she was a child, Weisband has been writing songs since she was 11. What began as a hobby that allowed her to connect with her paternal father soon took hold, becoming her passion and ambition.
“The thing my father and I had was songwriting. I would come and write for an hour or two after school every day.”
Weisband studied songwriting at Nashville’s Belmont University, and landed a hybrid internship-songwriting deal with THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston. After she graduated, she officially became a full-fledged staff writer at the company.
Though Weisband grew up surrounded by the sounds of CCM and pop-punk music, she credits her songwriting peers in Nashville with maturing her own approach to writing.
“Growing up, I was kind of under the childish impression that if I was a Christian I could only write Christian songs. They were super cheesy and super bad but then I started experiencing more life,” she says. “Why can’t God be in a conversation about sex or love or heartbreak?”
Like many of her songwriter contemporaries in the under-30 set, no musical influence or genre is off-limits, and Weisband eagerly embraces inspiration in all its forms. She co-wrote Danielle Bradbery’s light-hearted single “Sway,” as well as “Gateway Love,” a track on Thomas Rhett’s new album. She has more CCM cuts, including “Stronger Than We Think,” which appears on Danny Gokey’s Rise album.
Through her journey writing songs with and for other singer-songwriters, Weisband began writing songs she says, “I can’t hear anybody else but me sing.” She has spent much time in Los Angeles recently, recording her own pop album with Twenty One Pilots producer Mike Elizondo.
“Two years ago I had no aspirations to be an artist,” she says of her organic shift from writer to artist-writer. “I was given three opportunities in the span of one week to make a record, and each offer was in a different genre—country, Christian and pop. The things I wanted to say would really only be accepted in a pop format, in a sense. There are some subject matters I found myself writing about that country radio probably wouldn’t dig and Christian radio definitely wouldn’t dig. It’s really not even a genre thing, the music just happens to sound more pop than anything else.”
As of now, there are no label plans in place for the album. “I don’t know what will happen or if anyone will even hear it.”
Regardless, Weisband considers herself first and foremost a songwriter, whether she is penning songs for other artists to interpret, or songs for her own album.
“I’m grateful to be a writer. I love standing in an arena and hearing people sing along to a song I wrote and nobody knows that I wrote it. It’s like my little secret. I love that feeling.”
Hannah Kerr Celebrating The Holidays With New EP ‘Emmanuel’ Oct. 20
/by Lorie HollabaughBlack River Christian’s Hannah Kerr is releasing her first holiday EP, Emmanuel, on Oct. 20. The six-song project produced by Mark Miller will be available in both digital and physical formats. Emmanuel includes seasonal favorites like “White Christmas,” “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and two originals, “Emmanuel” co-written by Kerr, Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips, and “Christmas Eve in Bethlehem,” which she penned with Jason Earley.
“I’m so excited to release this EP,” Kerr said. “Christmas is my favorite holiday and always such a good reminder of the nearness of our Savior. I hope these songs bring peace and joy to everyone who listens to them. I’m praying that we will all be reminded of Emmanuel–our God who was with us on that first Christmas in Bethlehem, and who is with us now.”
Prior to heading out on the Everything or Nothing Tour with Carrollton, Kerr visited Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in partnership with Love Your Melon, a non-profit program that helps fight pediatric cancer and provides support for families of children battling cancer. Kerr spent time with many of the children and was able to share some songs with them, including her single “Warrior,” which is currently top 30 on the charts and rising.
James Robert Webb Salutes Military Sacrifice On New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughJames Robert Webb. Photo: Haley Crow
For James Robert Webb, his current single “American Beauty,” isn’t just another tribute song to the men and women who keep us safe and defend the freedoms we hold dear. It’s personal. Webb comes from a long line of military service, (his grandfather served under Patton during the Battle Of The Bulge and his father is an Army vet as well), so he was inspired to write the song in part to honor their sacrifices as well as those who serve today.
“I really wrote this song because military service is real big in my family – my grandfather served under Patton in World War II and when I was born, my dad was overseas actually in Germany in the Army, and so it’s really a song about when soldiers suit up and go and defend the country and leave behind those American Beauties.”
The song is among the tracks on Webb’s latest album, Honky Tonk Revival that was released in May. During a recent visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices, Webb performed a stripped-down version of the song as well as another tune from the project, “Heart Hangover,” that he penned with Alex Dooley.
James Robert Webb with MusicRow Magazine chart director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow
Though the traditionalist wrote nearly every song on his new CD, he admitted he did reach back into the vaults to put his spin on a couple of classics for the record, including a tune he holds particularly dear and loved as a kid growing up, “Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her.” He performed his version of the George Strait classic, explaining why he chose it for the new collection.
“I wrote most of this album, pretty much every song, but I took one outside song and I did two covers. And this is one of those songs I just love. It’s the first song I heard on country radio that it clicked in my head when I was a kid that songs can be clever – nobody in his right mind would’ve left her – and I love it. It’s a classic Strait song and I love Strait. It’s like number two in the honky tonk hymnal. And this version, we do it just a little bit more breezy and a little bit more modern.”
The Tulsa native has been busy touring the country in support of “American Beauty,” and chatted with staffers about how he balances his shows with his day job as a physician and also a dad to three kids as well.
“I still live in Tulsa but I travel to Nashville quite a bit to write. I’d like to make the move here, but I have three little kids at home, but my family has been really supportive of me traveling and performing. I’ve been on a radio tour and that’s my favorite thing about the MusicRow [CountryBreakout] chart is the indicators are supportive of any new artists, not just playing the 20-minute set playlists. And as an independent artist I really appreciate what MusicRow does from a perspective of encouraging that. And actually helping someone like me to get played on the radio. And also to be able to go out and make new fans at these stations that are actually playing us.”
James Robert Webb with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
Michael Ray Signs With Morris Higham Management
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Morris Higham Management’s Buffy Cooper; Mike Betterton, and Kyle Quigley. Front Row (L-R): Clint Higham, Michael Ray, and Dale Morris
Michael Ray has signed with Morris Higham Management Group, joining a roster that includes Kenny Chesney, Ryan Griffin, Brandon Lay, Old Dominion and Walker County.
Following two No. 1 singles and his first headlining tour last year, the Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville artist recently released his new single “Get To You,” and launched into the second half of 2017 with another headlining tour, the “Get To You Tour.”
“Michael is exactly the type of artist we look to work with,” said Clint Higham, President of Morris Higham Management. “His innate work ethic and passion for every aspect of his craft was evident from our first meeting, and I’m confident Michael has a big future ahead of him. We welcome Michael into our family and boutique roster where our goal is to build one career at a time.”
“I’m very excited and optimistic to be taking this step in my career,” Ray said. “I admire the work the Morris Higham Management does and their entire team exudes the energy and professionalism I know will help take my touring and recording to the next level.”
Nashville Fans, Songwriters Embrace Texas Artist Aaron Watson’s Down-Home Charm
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): KRTY’s Nate Deaton, Aaron Watson, Spotify’s John Marks
Texas took over the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (Oct. 4) with performer Aaron Watson and a slew of his singer/songwriter friends. Among them, Leslie Satcher, Jim Collins, Mickey Guyton and Jon Wolfe. The evening’s proceeds were donated to his home state’s Hurricane Harvey response efforts.
After taking the stage to, strangely enough, the strains of New Jersey-native Halsey’s cover of “Walk The Line,” Watson showed versatility and an embrace of today’s music scene. He for one is a remarkable success on streaming platforms Pandora and Spotify.
Watson, who has released 13 albums on his own independent label, has been a remarkable success on streaming platforms such as Pandora and Spotify. His 2015 album, The Underdog, debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart, making Watson the first independent male country artist to debut an album in the chart’s top slot. Earlier this year, the followup Vaquero debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and topped the all-genre Indie Albums chart.
Texas troubadour Watson’s charm was on full display at his roadshow. Diehard fans were on their feet, raising cold ones at various times throughout the night to salute the troops and Jesus. Watson had the audience in the palm of his hand with his small-town, down-home anecdotes, including lamenting to the crowd about having to take out the trash at home.
With sincerity and vulnerability, Watson offered a story about the 2011 passing of his daughter, Julia Grace, who was born prematurely. Titles included “July In Cheyenne,” written with inspiration he received from Texas bull rider Lane Frost’s mother, Elsie, and “Bluebonnets,” dedicated to Julia, who would have been six this year.
Risers and trusses showed scars from years of heavy use on the Texas touring circuit. Watson’s team keeping his schedule booked so tightly includes CDA Entertainment’s Anthony “Gino” Genaro, with Thirty Tigers, and CAA’s Aaron Tannenbaum.
The star’s roadshow is not unlike the hardworking rodeo cowboys and self-employed rancher circuits he plays. Just a small-town boy, encroaching on a mainstream stage. And Nashville’s growing fan-base is clearly open-armed, as are its songwriters.
Opening acts included Satcher and Collins, both offering their respective George Strait cuts, “Troubadour” and “It Just Comes Natural.” Satcher’s set also included her latest single, “This Won’t Take Long,” from a new forthcoming effort 2 Days In Muscle Shoals. Collins rounded out the powerhouse songwriter set with Kenny Chesney’s “The Good Stuff” and Jason Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor.”
Guyton’s acoustic set predictably included “Better Than You Left Me” “Nice Things” and “Why Baby Why.” The UMG newcomer’s vocal precision was also on display. Wolfe had the only full-band opening set, complete with steel guitar.
Harper Grae Releases Debut Album ‘Break Your Crowns’
/by Jessica NicholsonAmong the writers on the album is Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Pat Alger. Grae also includes a cover of Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls” on the album. Grae recently released the album’s second single, “Good In Your Goodbye.”
“The tone of the album definitely reflects who I am as an artist, and where I am at this stage of life,” Grae explained. “It was important to me that my very first full album be one that actually says something, and also reflects the music I grew up listening to. We use lots of strings, like acoustic guitar, mandolin and even some banjo, as well as heavy percussion on the uptempo songs. It’s youthful and spirited, but also at times a little heavy and dark, like life. I’m really proud of the record and very appreciative of the great musicians and producers who helped me make this record.”
Grae moved to Nashville shortly after her run on the popular TV show Glee Project 2 to pursue a career in country music.
“Young Blood” (Shanna Henderson/Femke Weidema)
“Dear Daddy” (Shanna Henderson/Pat Alger)
“Blame It On You” (Shanna Henderson/Corey Bost)
“Thunder Rolls” (Pat Alger/Garth Brooks)
“7 Years” (Joseph Thompson/Dave Baxter)
“Good In Your Goodbye” (Shanna Henderson/Molly Reed)
“True Love” (Shanna Henderson/Craig Wilson/Wendy Parr)
“Break Your Crowns” (Rand Walter)
“Free” (Shanna Henderson/Femke Weidema)
“Where My Heart Has Been” (Shanna Henderson/Rand Walter)
Australia Americana Music Celebrated At Inaugural Honors Night
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Morgan Jahnig (Old Crow Medicine Show), Valerie June, Kasey Chambers, Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) and Kevin Welch. Photo: David Harris
The first annual Australian Americana Music Honors Night: A Roots Music Celebration took place at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne on Monday night (Oct. 2) with special Vanguard awards presented to artist Kasey Chambers and Out On the Weekend Festival Promoter Brian “BT” Taranto in recognition of their contributions to the genre and community of Americana.
Highlights from the evening included performances by Chambers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Valerie June, Busby Marou, Shane Howard, Bernard Fanning, Catherine Britt, Kevin Welch, Henry Wagons, Yirrmal, Emily Barker, Ruby Boots and Jordie Lane & The Sleepers.
The show will be broadcast on the Country Music Channel (CMC) in Australia early next year.
Music City Cares Sends Funds To Vegas Non-Profits To Aid Victims
/by Lorie HollabaughIn operation since 1971, Bridge Counseling is the oldest nonprofit providing individual and family counseling in Southern Nevada. The organization has been providing emotional and mental support for victims as part of the Family Assistant Center established at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the aftermath of the shooting. Iit has been providing group support for caregivers, first responders, and other people in counseling services. The organization has already seen more than 100 patients beyond its usual caseload and expects the numbers to grow exponentially in the coming days.
The Injured Police Officers Fund is composed of law enforcement officers from each of the member agencies who volunteer their time and are appointed by their agency. The organization has already helped pay for the expenses in the burial of an officer, with $25,000 going to help the family with additional expenses. Five injured officers remain hospitalized. The organization is planning to help officers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) going forward.
“The bullets are no longer flying, but the damage they caused will forever remain … for those who lived through it, and for those whose loved ones were there,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation. “For all of us who watched it unfold from afar, all we can do now is to do what we can to make their path easier, to support them in every way possible. Hence the birth of the Music City Cares Fund, which is already accepting gifts and making grants to address a range of issues and a range of opportunities to help,” Lehman continued. “We can’t do everything. We can’t turn the clock back to Saturday, but we can and must do what we can, when we can. Please join in this effort to restore health and rebuild lives. Giving matters.”
Donations to the Music City Cares Fund are tax-deductible, and 100% of the funds will go to nonprofits providing immediate and long-term needs of the shooting victims. To give to the Fund, go to cfmt.org/MusicCityCares. Other places to give include the National Compassion Fund Las Vegas, with 100% of funds to be distributed directly to victims of the shooting. Donations to the fund are held separately from general donations to the National Center for Victims of Crime.
Little Big Town Announces C2C: Country To Country Headlining Show
/by Lorie HollabaughLittle Big Town wrapped their sold-out UK tour dates with a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall in London last night, and revealed to the crowd that they will return to the UK in March to headline this year’s C2C: Country to Country Music festival. C2C 2018 is set to take place from March 9-11, 2018, and will also feature performances by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Kelsea Ballerini, and more to be announced.
The group is currently in the middle of their sold-out, year-long artist residency, “Little Big Town At The Mother Church,” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Robert Deaton Signs With UTA
/by Jessica NicholsonRobert Deaton
United Talent Agency has signed television producer and director Robert Deaton. Most recently, Deaton executive produced the Nashville portion of the “Hand in Hand” show to benefit the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that aired on Sept. 14.
Deaton brought CMA Music Fest to television after he pitched and sold the idea to the network 14 years ago. He has served as the Executive Producer of ABC’s CMA Awards for 11 shows. The two-time Emmy winner is also at the helm of The Billboard Music Awards, and CMA Country Christmas.
On the music side, Deaton co-produced on Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas collection featuring Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Bono and Michael McDonald. Deaton made his directorial debut with the feature film Rounding Third, last year.