Andrew Dorff is one of five songwriters profiled in the 2016 MusicRow Publisher Issue. Dorff has penned five BMI Award-winning songs and four No. 1 hits including Blake Shelton’s “My Eyes” and “Neon Light,” in addition to Kenny Chesney’s “Save It For a Rainy Day,” and Hunter Hayes’ “Somebody’s Heartbreak.”
A bonus Q&A from Dorff’s interview with MusicRow is below. To learn more about his first cut at age 15 and how he made his way to Nashville in 2003, pick up a copy of MusicRow’s 2016 Publisher Issue.
– – –
MusicRow: Who are your musical heroes?
Andrew Dorff: I’ve always just loved songs. I didn’t have every Beatles record, I would just love a song from a random [album]. Elton John and Bernie Taupin are influences. I read a lot. I love books with just lyrics. The Beat Poets were a big inspiration to me, like Gregory Corso. I read a lot of his work. I actually got to meet him before he passed away.
What inspires you as a songwriter?
It sounds cheesy, but just living life in general. I’m inspired by a lot—the ebb and flow of life. I still live with my two dogs and do a lot by myself. I love it. I observe. I’ll sometimes just watch at a restaurant or bar. I see language as an instrument. Where some people may go home and practice their guitar, I like to read. I like words—to mess with them and play with them, I exercise it a lot.
Also, the competitiveness of sports—baseball, basketball, football—with highs and lows has always been an inspiration for me. Sports is a great metaphor for most things. I find myself referencing sports all the time. Now I’m a big hockey fan. I go to all the Predator games.
Who is in your writing circle in Nashville?
I like to see people coming up in group, like if they graduate from Belmont and start making their way. Coming to Nashville was kind of like grade school for me. I had a lot of friends—I may have lunch with the pretty girls one day, the football team, the science club, the math nerds. I could chameleon myself. Being here, there has been a lot of navigating these groups who come up together. I feel welcome in most of them. Being a lyricist helps too.
How has your publisher (UMPG) and performance rights organization (BMI) impacted your career?
We had a dinner celebrating “Save It For a Rainy Day” recently and BMI surprised me with four Million-Air Awards. BMI has been great. I remember the first time I opened a company with them when I was 12 years old.
[UMPG] sees that I’m a hard worker and team player. I’ve had a few different point-people on the creative staff, but they’ve done a good job at branding me as a lyric dude. They’ve done good PR and championing—getting me in really good rooms I couldn’t get into before. When you’re with a bigger company, they’ll sign artists like Hunter Hayes. He was my first No. 1 (“Somebody’s Heartbreak”).
Once I got that No. 1, I started getting a lot of, “Hey we should get together again.” At the BMI Awards, you’re looked at different if you’re wearing a medal around your neck. They’re fun to be at, but when you have a medallion around your neck, it feels a whole lot better.
Did you ever feel pressured towards success, with your brother being actor and your father as a songwriter?
I was very supported by my family, still am. I’ve never felt pressure. I joke with my father now. We were at some No. 1 thing for me, and he said, ‘You only have so many more to go to catch me.’ There’s definitely a healthy competition. It doesn’t feel like I have to live up to him at all. Probably because of my niche with lyrics, which has opened doors for me.
What other moments have stood out thus far?
Doing what we do to make a living makes me proud. Or being accepted makes me proud. One of my favorite awards I’ve won was last year at the NSAI Awards, in the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written. That was from my peers. I love that. When my peers in this town love a song, that’s really special.
Also, just climbing the ladder—having a song on the radio just seems so far away at the beginning. So those baby steps of getting a song on hold. I figured a song has to go on hold before it can get cut, before it makes an album, before it can be a single, before it can be a hit. Then if it does, is it going to happen again? There’s a weird depression after watching a song climb, climb, climb then peak. Not like you can’t get out of bed, but that’s such a fun roller coaster to ride—let’s do it again!
I want to keep writing songs that matter. There’s not quite a greater feeling than having a song of yours come on the radio. You can’t help it, you just turn it up a little louder. Having people tell you they heard your song on the radio and it affected them in some way, whether it’s laughing, crying, dancing—that’s why I do what I do.
Pick up a copy of the MusicRow Publisher Issue to read the full feature on Andrew Dorff.
Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town Will Play Country Festival In Australia
/by Craig_ShelburneThe CMC Rocks QLD country music festival in Australia has confirmed Dixie Chicks, Little Big Town, Kip Moore and many other artists to appear at the 2017 event.
This will be the Dixie Chicks’ first appearance in Australia in more than 10 years, as well as the first Australian concert ever for Little Big Town. Moore performed at the event in 2016. The festival will be held March 24-26, 2017, at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, Queensland.
Lee Kernaghan leads the list of a dozen country artists from Australia to appear. These include: Morgan Evans (who has relocated to Nashville), Adam Harvey, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers, Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Brothers 3, Christie Lamb, Col Finley, Doug Bruce & The Tailgaters, Deep Creek Road, Imogen Clark, Kayla Mahon (of New Zealand), Kaylens Rain, Mustered Courage and Viper Creek Band.
“There is no other country festival in the world that presents a main stage program with artists from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK and Canada and it is a big part of the unique program that Aussie fans get to enjoy at CMC Rocks QLD,” said promoter Rob Potts.
Industry Ink: Renegade Radio Nashville, Valentino’s Ristorante, VeVa Sound
/by Jessica NicholsonRenegade Radio Nashville Will Announce Our Town, Your Song Winner
Renegade Radio Nashville will broadcast live on Friday, Oct. 7 at an outdoor party to announce the winner of Our Town, Your Song songwriters showcase. The event will be held at Nolen’s Place, located at 7240 Nolensville Road, in Nolensville, Tennessee. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
This ten-week long songwriter’s competition featured several singer/songwriters performing their best written song as the judges narrowed it down to the finalists. These weekly winners will perform one final time in front of the panel of celebrity judges including Gretchen Wilson, Trent Tomlinson and Bridgette Tatum.
The winning songwriter will receive a $2,000 recording packing including two 6-hour studio sessions at Big Punch Music, a publishing pitch, a digital marketing contract, red carpet appearance, and more.The event is open to the public and there will be some surprise performances throughout the evening.
Valentino’s Ristorante Reopens For Lunch
Private rooms are available (with advance notice), and Valentino’s has added a new lunch menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches and traditional Italian entrees.
VeVa Sound Celebrates 15 Years
Pictured (L-R): Todd Hungerford, Archival Engineer; John Spencer, CEO and President; Deborah DeLoach; Vice President; John Sarappo, Director of Engineering; Stanley Weiner, Client Relations. Photo: Ed Rode Photography.
VeVa Sound, a company that works to preserve legacy recordings, recently launched its 15th year with a VIP gala in Nashville. The event was held Sept. 14 at Old Glory in Nashville’s Edgehill Village.
‘American Saturday Night’ Returns For L.A., Nashville Screenings
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Scott Goldman; George J. Flanigen IV; Pete Fisher. Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage.com
The concert film American Saturday Night: Live From the Grand Ole Opry was screened in Los Angeles on Monday (Oct. 3) at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theater. The screening was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Scott Goldman, vice president of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, featuring George J. Flanigen IV, director and executive producer, and Pete Fisher, executive producer and Opry vice president and general manager.
The film will also be screened Sunday in Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at 2 p.m.
In addition, the project will be available on DVD and BluRay in Opry retail stores during this weekend’s Opry Birthday Bash. The film will be available via e-commerce beginning Tues., Nov. 1.
American Saturday Night: Live From the Grand Ole Opry debuted late last year in 200+ cinemas across the U.S. The made-for-cinema feature film includes live Opry performances and backstage conversations with Opry members Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton, as well as The Band Perry and Brett Eldredge.
Paisley is set to return live to the Opry stage this Sat., Oct. 8 as part of the show’s Birthday Bash.
BMI Foundation Accepting Applications For Nashville Songwriting Scholarship
/by Craig_ShelburneThe BMI Foundation is accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship season, open to young musicians attending colleges and universities nationwide.
The BMI Foundation will administer seven distinct scholarship competitions that span all genres of American music and are aided by panelists of international musical acclaim.
These annual programs include the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship, BMI Founders Award for Radio Broadcasting, BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship, BMI Student Composer Awards, John Lennon Scholarships, peermusic Latin Scholarship, and Woody Guthrie Fellowship.
“We are thrilled to announce our largest scholarship season to date in support of young composers, songwriters, and broadcasters across the country,” said BMI Foundation President Deirdre Chadwick. “Our historic awards provide not only financial assistance, but also the encouragement and industry opportunities young creative artists need to succeed.”
Program applications must be completed online no later than Feb. 1, 2017 at 11:59 pm EST.
The Nashville Songwriting Scholarship is an annual competition established in 2015 to support aspiring country music artists nationwide. A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded for the best original song in any of the following genres: Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, and roots.
The contest is open to students between the ages of 17 and 24 who are enrolled in any college or university located in the United States. BMI songwriter Kacey Musgraves has endorsed the competition.
Weekly Chart Report (10/7/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Industry Ink: King Pen Music, ACM, Sun Diner, Big Tent Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP Songwriter Signs With King Pen Music
Pictured (L-R): (Front row) King Pen Music’s Kelly King, Brandon Ratcliff, Mark Music & Media Law’s Elizabeth Gregory. (Back row): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and Dickinson Wright’s Derek Crownover.
King Pen Music’s Kelly King has announced the addition of ASCAP member and songwriter-artist Brandon Ratcliff to the King Pen Music roster.
Ratcliff, a native of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, moved to Nashville in 2014. He attended the ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop in 2014. He met King in the the ASCAP Guidance From Publishers from Songwriters (GPS) class of 2016.
“When I met with Brandon, it was love at first listen. His voice is so captivating and his music is so honest and unique, I couldn’t let him get away. Since then, he has already grown so much as an artist and a writer. I feel so proud to be a part of his journey and his team, and I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”
King Pen Music also represents Brothers Osborne (with Warner/Chappell).
ACM Reveals Ballot Timeline For 52nd ACM Awards
The ballot timeline for professional members is as follows:
24-Hour Sun Diner To Open In Nashville Oct. 20
“The musical histories of Nashville and Memphis are forever intertwined with each other, with so many artists beginning their career at Sun before taking their music to Nashville – and all over the world,” said Kevin Keller, Director of Operations for TC Restaurant Group, the company that owns the establishment. The restaurant group hopes to continue the concept of Sun Diner in cities across the country.
Big Tent Nashville Signs Kristen Parisi
Pictured (L-R): Big Tent President Cody Walden, Kristen Parisi, Big Tent Creative Director David Reuter
Big Tent Nashville has signed artist/writer/producer Kristen Parisi as an exclusive staff writer.
After graduating from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, Parisi moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. Her business skills combined with her unique songwriting caught the attention of Big Tent Creative Director David Reuter. Shortly after, she began writing at Big Tent and started producing independent artists at her production company, The Dark Matter Laboratory.
Big Tent President Cody Walden said, “We work with many great songwriters and artists here in Nashville and making the decision of who to sign as a staff writer is an extremely difficult one but Miss Parisi has several exceptional skills that made this decision an easy one. Big Tent feels that her ability to co-write with a diverse group of artists and her ability to record finished songs will be key to our success moving forward. We also feel that her modern production skills gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Miss Parisi is an active member of the Steinberg Cubase production community and works on genres ranging from traditional country to modern electronic music.”
Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift Earn RIAA Multi-Platinum Certifications
/by Jessica NicholsonAmong the Nashville artists earning RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications for September are Dierks Bentley (ft. Elle King), Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Jon Pardi, Rascal Flatts, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Chris Tomlin, and Meghan Trainor.
Multi-Platinum Singles:
Taylor Swift, “Wildest Dreams” (Big Machine Records): 3x Platinum
Platinum Singles:
Luke Bryan, “Kick The Dust Up” (Capitol Nashville)
Luke Bryan, “Strip It Down” (Capitol Nashville)
Florida Georgia Line, “Anything Goes” (Republic Nashville)
Tim McGraw, “Humble and Kind” (Big Machine)
Jon Pardi, “Head Over Boots” (Capitol Nashville)
Thomas Rhett, “T-Shirt,” (The Valory Music Co.)
Meghan Trainor, “Me Too” (Epic)
Gold Singles:
Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King, “Different For Girls” (Capitol Nashville)
Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.” (Republic Nashville)
Rascal Flatts, “I Like The Sound Of That” (Big Machine Records)
Chris Tomlin, “Good, Good Father” (SixStepRecords/Capitol CMG Label Group/Sparrow Records)
Meghan Trainor, “Thank You” (Epic)
Multi-Platinum Albums:
Garth Brooks, The Ultimate Hits (Pearl Records): Diamond/10x platinum
Meghan Trainor, Title (Epic): 3x platinum
Chris Stapleton, Traveller (Mercury Nashville): 2x Platinum
Platinum Albums:
Thomas Rhett, Tangled Up (The Valory Music Co.)
Gold Albums:
Chris Tomlin, Burning Lights (SixStepRecords/Capitol CMG Label Group/Sparrow Records)
Exclusive: Songwriter Andrew Dorff Finds Inspiration In Books, Life And Competition
/by Eric T. ParkerAndrew Dorff is one of five songwriters profiled in the 2016 MusicRow Publisher Issue. Dorff has penned five BMI Award-winning songs and four No. 1 hits including Blake Shelton’s “My Eyes” and “Neon Light,” in addition to Kenny Chesney’s “Save It For a Rainy Day,” and Hunter Hayes’ “Somebody’s Heartbreak.”
A bonus Q&A from Dorff’s interview with MusicRow is below. To learn more about his first cut at age 15 and how he made his way to Nashville in 2003, pick up a copy of MusicRow’s 2016 Publisher Issue.
– – –
MusicRow: Who are your musical heroes?
Andrew Dorff: I’ve always just loved songs. I didn’t have every Beatles record, I would just love a song from a random [album]. Elton John and Bernie Taupin are influences. I read a lot. I love books with just lyrics. The Beat Poets were a big inspiration to me, like Gregory Corso. I read a lot of his work. I actually got to meet him before he passed away.
What inspires you as a songwriter?
It sounds cheesy, but just living life in general. I’m inspired by a lot—the ebb and flow of life. I still live with my two dogs and do a lot by myself. I love it. I observe. I’ll sometimes just watch at a restaurant or bar. I see language as an instrument. Where some people may go home and practice their guitar, I like to read. I like words—to mess with them and play with them, I exercise it a lot.
Also, the competitiveness of sports—baseball, basketball, football—with highs and lows has always been an inspiration for me. Sports is a great metaphor for most things. I find myself referencing sports all the time. Now I’m a big hockey fan. I go to all the Predator games.
Who is in your writing circle in Nashville?
I like to see people coming up in group, like if they graduate from Belmont and start making their way. Coming to Nashville was kind of like grade school for me. I had a lot of friends—I may have lunch with the pretty girls one day, the football team, the science club, the math nerds. I could chameleon myself. Being here, there has been a lot of navigating these groups who come up together. I feel welcome in most of them. Being a lyricist helps too.
How has your publisher (UMPG) and performance rights organization (BMI) impacted your career?
We had a dinner celebrating “Save It For a Rainy Day” recently and BMI surprised me with four Million-Air Awards. BMI has been great. I remember the first time I opened a company with them when I was 12 years old.
[UMPG] sees that I’m a hard worker and team player. I’ve had a few different point-people on the creative staff, but they’ve done a good job at branding me as a lyric dude. They’ve done good PR and championing—getting me in really good rooms I couldn’t get into before. When you’re with a bigger company, they’ll sign artists like Hunter Hayes. He was my first No. 1 (“Somebody’s Heartbreak”).
Once I got that No. 1, I started getting a lot of, “Hey we should get together again.” At the BMI Awards, you’re looked at different if you’re wearing a medal around your neck. They’re fun to be at, but when you have a medallion around your neck, it feels a whole lot better.
Did you ever feel pressured towards success, with your brother being actor and your father as a songwriter?
I was very supported by my family, still am. I’ve never felt pressure. I joke with my father now. We were at some No. 1 thing for me, and he said, ‘You only have so many more to go to catch me.’ There’s definitely a healthy competition. It doesn’t feel like I have to live up to him at all. Probably because of my niche with lyrics, which has opened doors for me.
What other moments have stood out thus far?
Doing what we do to make a living makes me proud. Or being accepted makes me proud. One of my favorite awards I’ve won was last year at the NSAI Awards, in the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written. That was from my peers. I love that. When my peers in this town love a song, that’s really special.
Also, just climbing the ladder—having a song on the radio just seems so far away at the beginning. So those baby steps of getting a song on hold. I figured a song has to go on hold before it can get cut, before it makes an album, before it can be a single, before it can be a hit. Then if it does, is it going to happen again? There’s a weird depression after watching a song climb, climb, climb then peak. Not like you can’t get out of bed, but that’s such a fun roller coaster to ride—let’s do it again!
I want to keep writing songs that matter. There’s not quite a greater feeling than having a song of yours come on the radio. You can’t help it, you just turn it up a little louder. Having people tell you they heard your song on the radio and it affected them in some way, whether it’s laughing, crying, dancing—that’s why I do what I do.
Pick up a copy of the MusicRow Publisher Issue to read the full feature on Andrew Dorff.
Charity News: Musicians On Call, St. Jude, We Are Building Lives
/by Craig_ShelburneWilliam Michael Morgan, RaeLynn Sing For Musicians On Call
William Michael Morgan, RaeLynn
Warner Music Nashville artists RaeLynn and William Michael Morgan joined Musicians On Call to perform for patients and families in the cardiac and orthopedic wing of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City on Tuesday (Oct. 4).
The visit was in partnership with the Grand Ole Opry and its Circle Throwdown which brings impromptu performances with Opry artists and a replica of the famed six-foot Opry Circle of wood symbolizing the oak center stage at the Opry House to new locations across the country.
John Michael Montgomery, Eddie Montgomery Plan Golf Tourney
Troy Gentry, John Michael Montgomery, Eddie Montgomery.
John Michael Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery will present the 4th Annual Montgomery Brothers Charity Golf Event in Danville, Kentucky, on Sunday and Monday (Oct. 9 and 10). Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. John Michael Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry will both perform on Oct. 10.
“We are excited for another year of our charity golf event and to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It’s going to be a great day where we hit the links to support an even greater cause,” said John Michael Montgomery.
James Otto Joins Concert For We Are Building Lives
James Otto
James Otto, Keni Thomas, Walker County, Jay Taylor and Callie Hopper will be part of We Are Building Lives’ 8th annual No Veteran Left Behind benefit concert on Saturday (Oct. 8) at 7 p.m. at Showtime Motorsports in Franklin, Tennessee. Tables are $1,000; individual tickets are $125 per person. A special VIP/Sponsor reception begins at 5:30pm. We Are Building Lives Foundation is a not-for profit organization dedicated to rescuing Nashville’s homeless veterans.
Songwriter Event Will Celebrate Female Cancer Survivors
/by Craig_ShelburneSongwriters Tim Nichols, Clint Daniels, Dylan Altman and Kalie Shorr will take part in a benefit concert for female cancer survivors on Oct. 30 in Nashville.
Stacy Widelitz, who wrote “She’s Like the Wind” with Patrick Swayze, will host the event at the Musicians Hall of Fame. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Complimentary tours of the Musicians Hall of Fame will begin at 6 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit the Women Survivors Alliance. Linda Ragsdale and Jessica Meyer will serve as co-hosts.
“I am honored to bring to the stage these amazing songwriters on behalf of the Women Survivors Alliance. The proceeds from this concert will benefit so many cancer survivors around the country. For me, this is a way of giving back and honoring my friendship with Patrick, who was taken from us way too early by pancreatic cancer,” says Widelitz.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for preferred seating.