Kacey Jones

The Nashville songwriting community will support Kacey Jones, a songwriter battling stage-3 colorectal cancer, with an fundraising event at Douglas Corner Café on Feb. 5. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Jones, a professional singer/songwriter/musician, and a contestant last year on America’s Got Talent, was diagnosed in January 2014.

“I was told my ‘only hope’ was a protocol of chemo and radiation five days a week, followed by an extremely radical surgery, followed by six more months of chemo. That scared the heck out of me. I’m not afraid of dying, but I have a healthy fear of being poisoned, burned, and butchered,” Jones said.

Since then, Jones sought alternative treatments from licensed doctors as well as holistic and homeopathic doctors and, thus far, her cancer has not metastasized. However, her alternative treatments and therapies are not covered by insurance.

“I’m not cancer-free yet, but I believe I will be if I can just stay on this wellness path that I began nearly two years ago,” Jones said.

Songwriters scheduled to perform include Kent Blazy, Alan Rhody, Cory Batten, Rafe Van Hoy, Roger Cook and Wood Newton, as well as Doug Gill, Jim Parker, Lynn Langham, Jim Sales, and Jonmark Stone.

Jones is also expected to play a few original tunes, including “Donald Trump’s Hair,” which is currently enjoying nationwide airplay on stations such as news-talk outlet KABC Radio Los Angeles and 650 AM WSM in Nashville.

There will be no “Sony Boat” showcase at the 2016 Country Radio Seminar, MusicRow has confirmed.

For years, one of the most anticipated events during CRS has been the label group’s annual party aboard the General Jackson, where the label showcases performances from several of its superstar artists, including appearances by surprise guests. Artists on board last year include Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, and Trisha Yearwood, as well as Logan Mize, Steven Lee Olsen, Cam, The Swon Brothers and Josh Dorr.

While Sony Music Nashville recently signed indie artist Kane Brown, other artists have exited the label. MusicRow has learned that The Swon Brothers, Sara Evans, The Henningsens, and Josh Dorr are no longer on the Sony Music Nashville roster.

Converse will offer a second Converse Rubber Tracks recording session to select local artists at the Grand Victor Sound Nashville from Feb. 22-26.

Emerging artists will record during the weeklong pop-up at Grand Victor Sound Nashville, retaining all rights to their music following their daylong session and working alongside a team of experienced engineers at no cost.

Five emerging artists enjoyed the free sessions in December 2015 for the first Nashville session. Since its 2011 inception though, Converse has brought the Converse Rubber Tracks experience to music cities worldwide, giving over 1,600 aspiring acts, artists, and musicians valuable recording time.

Visit conversemusic.com for more information or to apply.

Zach Katz

BMG US has announced the promotion of Zach Katz to President of Music Publishing. His responsibilities are expanded to now lead BMG’s creative teams in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.

Katz joined the company in 2012 and most recently served as Chief Creative Officer. Based in Los Angeles, Katz will continue to report to Laurent Hubert, President of Creative & Marketing.

BMG US has garnered significant chart placements during Katz’s tenure, grown its roster with new talent and boosted its market share into double digits. Key signings Katz has overseen include Bebe Rexha, DJ Snake, Monsters & Strangerz, John Ryan, PVRIS, Bibi Bourelly, The Strokes, Greg Wells, Verse Simmonds, Gente De Zona, Nathaniel Rateliff and Juicy J.

Prior to BMG, Katz co-founded record label Beluga Heights with his client/partner JR Rotem, worked closely with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and served as GM of Groove Attack USA. He began his career in 1996 as a music attorney.

Hubert commented: “Zach is an exceptional leader whose track record for identifying and nurturing talent is second to none. He truly understands the power of a song and works tirelessly to promote BMG’s songwriters and bring out the best in them. BMG has reached new heights in the US on Zach’s watch and our current chart success speaks for itself.”

Zach Katz said: “I am honored to extend my relationship with BMG and expand my responsibilities at the company. I am incredibly proud of the strong community we have built with our brilliant writers, executives and partners. BMG is just seven years old. This is really just the beginning.”