First row seated: Larry McCoy, Bart Butler, Jeff Carlton, Sarah Buxton, Chris DeStefano, Troy Verges; Second row seated: Ryan Hurd, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Marv Green; Standing: JT Harding, Jesse Frasure, Bart Herbison, Hank Adam Locklin, Aaron Scherz, Brent Anderson, Lee Thomas Miller, Adam Sanders, Liz Rose, Jimmy Yeary, Cary Barlowe
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers on Monday, May 18, 2015, at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row. The writers were honored for penning songs which topped the digital or radio airplay chart between December 2014 and March 2015.
Additionally, Jeff Carlton was presented the NSAI President’s Award. The veteran music publisher has signed hit writers including Erin Enderlin, Tony Martin, Lee Thomas Miller, Monty Criswell, Jimmy Ritchey and Bobby Pinson. During his tenure at Willin’ David Music, the company had seven BMI million performance pop singles written by Will Jennings and three No. 1 country singles. He is now working with business partners Tim Hunze and J.P. Williams on integrating the Bigger Picture publishing catalog they purchased.
Songs Recognized
“Something In The Water,” Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Somewhere In My Car,” Keith Urban, JT Harding, recorded by Keith Urban
“Shotgun Rider,” Marv Green, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges, recorded by Tim McGraw
“Girl In A Country Song,” Taylor Dye, Maddie Marlow, Aaron Scherz, recorded by Maddie & Tae
“God Made Girls,” RaeLynn, Nicolle Galyon, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, recorded by RaeLynn
“Perfect Storm,” Lee Thomas Miller, Brad Paisley, recorded by Brad Paisley
“‘Til It’s Gone,” Rodney Clawson, David Lee Murphy, Jimmy Yeary, recorded by Kenny Chesney
“I See You,” Luke Bryan, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, recorded by Luke Bryan
“Sun Daze,” Cary Barlowe, Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Make Me Wanna,” Thomas Rhett, Bart Butler, Larry McCoy, recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Jesus Loves Me,” Ben Glover, Chris Tomlin, Reuben Morgan, recorded by Chris Tomlin
“Lonely Tonight,” Ryan Hurd, Brent Anderson, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Just Gettin’ Started,” Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Come As You Are,” David Crowder, Ben Glover, Matt Maher, recorded by Crowder
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” Cole Swindell, Josh Martin, Adam Sanders, recorded by Cole Swindell
(L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller and Jeff Carlton
iHeartMedia To Pay $1 Million FCC Fine
/by Sarah SkatesThe Bobby Bones Show crew.
The FCC has fined iHeartMedia $1 million for airing fake Emergency Alert System (EAS) tones on the syndicated “The Bobby Bones Show.”
The program originates from WSIX Nashville and is heard on 80-plus affiliated stations.
According to the FCC: “During the October 24, 2014 episode of ‘The Bobby Bones Show,’ iHeart inserted into the program an audio clip containing EAS tones, including Emergency Alert Notification (EAN) codes that aired during the first nationwide test of the EAS on November 9, 2011. The transmission of those EAN codes, in turn, engaged the EAS equipment of certain other EAS participants, ultimately causing a multi-state activation of the EAS.”
In addition to agreeing to pay the fine, iHeartMedia will set up a three-year compliance and reporting plan.
Use of EAS tones in the absence of an emergency or test of the system is prohibited. The FCC states: “Unauthorized use of actual or simulated EAS tones risks desensitizing the public to the tones’ association with life-saving information, and such ‘Cry Wolf’ mimicking of EAS tones present a real threat to public safety.”
Full FCC statement here.
Gloriana To Release ‘Three’ in June
/by Eric T. ParkerProduced by Matt Serletic, the new album features the top 25 and climbing lead single, “Trouble.”
Fans who pre-order the record at iTunes will have instant access to three songs from the album (“Trouble,” “It’s On Tonight,” “Wanna Get To Know You”), followed by another three tracks on May 26 (“Ain’t Runnin’ Outta Summer,” “Nobody But You,” “Lighters”).
Gloriana’s previous release, A Thousand Miles Left Behind, debuted at No. 2 and featured the hit “(Kissed You) Goodnight.” The Platinum song was one of ASCAP’s Top 5 Performed songs for 2013 and the eighth most played song on country radio in 2012.
THREE track listing:
1.“Trouble”* (Rachel Reinert/Mike Gossin/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman)
2. “Ain’t Runnin’ Outta Summer”** (Tom Gossin/Mike Gossin/Ross Copperman)
3. “Are You Ready” (Tom Gossin/Josh Kear)
4. “Nobody But You”** (Eric Paslay/Dylan Altman/Will Hoge)
5. “It’s On Tonight”* (Tom Gossin/Mike Gossin/Danny Myrick/Rachel Proctor)
6. “Fight” (Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien/John King)
7. “Wanna Get To Know You”* (Rachel Reinert/Tom Gossin/Ross Copperman)
8. “Let’s Take A Shot “(Mike Gossin/Rachel Reinert/Danny Myrick)
9. “Get Back That Goodbye” (Rachel Reinert/Mike Gossin/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins)
10. “Lighters”** (Tom Gossin/Rachel Reinert/Ross Copperman)
11. “It Won’t Let Go” (Mike Gossin/Tom Gossin/Danny Myrick)
12. “My Somebody” (Lucie Silvas/Jon Green/Jeremy Spillman)
*Tracks available May 19, following pre-order
**Tracks available May 26 following pre-order
Lifenotes: Songwriter Elbert West Passes
/by Sarah SkatesWest also signed with then-new label Broken Bow Records, which released his self-titled album in 2001, produced by Scott Miller. It yielded the singles “Diddley,” “Unpredictable” and “Kimberly Cooper’s Eyes.” At the time, West said, “‘Diddley’ is about not being afraid to dance, whether it’s right or wrong, however, it also speaks of living life uninhibited and without fear. It should inspire people to be themselves and follow their dreams, no matter how much opposition they may face, at least that’s what the song says to me.” West was featured in publications including No Depression.
In the past few years, he worked with Honkytonk Records.
Arrangements are pending.
NSAI Honors No. 1 Songs
/by Troy_StephensonFirst row seated: Larry McCoy, Bart Butler, Jeff Carlton, Sarah Buxton, Chris DeStefano, Troy Verges; Second row seated: Ryan Hurd, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Marv Green; Standing: JT Harding, Jesse Frasure, Bart Herbison, Hank Adam Locklin, Aaron Scherz, Brent Anderson, Lee Thomas Miller, Adam Sanders, Liz Rose, Jimmy Yeary, Cary Barlowe
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers on Monday, May 18, 2015, at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row. The writers were honored for penning songs which topped the digital or radio airplay chart between December 2014 and March 2015.
Additionally, Jeff Carlton was presented the NSAI President’s Award. The veteran music publisher has signed hit writers including Erin Enderlin, Tony Martin, Lee Thomas Miller, Monty Criswell, Jimmy Ritchey and Bobby Pinson. During his tenure at Willin’ David Music, the company had seven BMI million performance pop singles written by Will Jennings and three No. 1 country singles. He is now working with business partners Tim Hunze and J.P. Williams on integrating the Bigger Picture publishing catalog they purchased.
Songs Recognized
“Something In The Water,” Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Somewhere In My Car,” Keith Urban, JT Harding, recorded by Keith Urban
“Shotgun Rider,” Marv Green, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges, recorded by Tim McGraw
“Girl In A Country Song,” Taylor Dye, Maddie Marlow, Aaron Scherz, recorded by Maddie & Tae
“God Made Girls,” RaeLynn, Nicolle Galyon, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, recorded by RaeLynn
“Perfect Storm,” Lee Thomas Miller, Brad Paisley, recorded by Brad Paisley
“‘Til It’s Gone,” Rodney Clawson, David Lee Murphy, Jimmy Yeary, recorded by Kenny Chesney
“I See You,” Luke Bryan, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, recorded by Luke Bryan
“Sun Daze,” Cary Barlowe, Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Make Me Wanna,” Thomas Rhett, Bart Butler, Larry McCoy, recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Jesus Loves Me,” Ben Glover, Chris Tomlin, Reuben Morgan, recorded by Chris Tomlin
“Lonely Tonight,” Ryan Hurd, Brent Anderson, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Just Gettin’ Started,” Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Come As You Are,” David Crowder, Ben Glover, Matt Maher, recorded by Crowder
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” Cole Swindell, Josh Martin, Adam Sanders, recorded by Cole Swindell
(L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller and Jeff Carlton
SAG-AFTRA Taps Van Syckle As Nashville Executive Director
/by Sherod RobertsonRichard Van Syckle
SAG-AFTRA has added Richard Van Syckle as the new Nashville Local executive director, overseeing the union’s day-to-day operations.
Van Syckle’s prior experience includes network television and new media production, major market local news, national marketing and advertising, and international syndication. Likewise, he has produced, written and directed many projects with SAG-AFTRA members, including a stop at CMT.
“Richard was the right fit for the Nashville Local at a time when local production is growing and the music industry continues to be a dominant force along Music Row,” says National Executive Director David White. “We are excited for him to bring his creative talent and business management skills to the Nashville Local membership and SAG-AFTRA.”
Nashville Local President and search committee member Pat Alger adds, “Most impressive to the committee was the fact that Richard understood our contracts and membership and came to the interview with a clear idea of what this Local does, the diversity of the membership and the challenges that lie ahead in the months and years to come.”
Van Syckle began May 4 and reports to SAG-AFTRA Assistant National Executive Director, Locals Linda Dowell. He will be formally introduced to members at the Local’s annual membership meeting on June 3.
“SAG-AFTRA has a significant presence in Nashville, especially with its offices on Music Row,” says Van Syckle. “I’m looking forward to working with the Local membership and leadership to continue the union’s high profile in the music and entertainment industry.”
Van Syckle’s many accolades include Emmy Awards, an Associated Press Television and Radio Association (APTRA) Award, a Radio Television News Association of Southern California Golden Mike Award, a GLAAD Media Award and the 2014 Nashville International Association of Business Communicators Gold Pen Award.
Nominations Revealed For 27th Annual MusicRow Awards
/by Sarah SkatesThe 2015 MusicRow Awards will be hosted at ASCAP’s Nashville headquarters on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Nominees in each of the four categories, which are determined by the MusicRow editorial team, are voted on by the magazine’s subscriber members. Outside submissions were accepted for the Breakthrough Songwriter category, which honors writers and co-writers who scored their first Top 10 hit on MusicRow, Billboard or Mediabase radio charts during the eligibility period (5/1/14 — 4/30/15).
Click here to download the PDF and see the complete list of nominees.
MusicRow will also distribute the Musician All-Star Awards at the ASCAP event, recognizing those who played on the most albums which reached the Top 10 during the eligibility period. Honors will be presented for bass, drums, fiddle, keyboards, steel, vocals and engineer talent.
Winners will be profiled in MusicRow’s June/July print magazine, which will debut at the ceremony.
Subscribed Members of MusicRow will receive ballots via email later today (May 19). If you do not have a subscription, click here to subscribe and receive your ballot. Voting closes at 5 p.m. on Tues., May 26.
Click to view.
Meghan Trainor Talks Whirlwind Year Leading To Awards Streak
/by Eric T. ParkerMeghan Trainor accepts two awards at the May 17th Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Billboard
Since the release of “All About That Bass” in late June 2014, Meghan Trainor has had a year of whirlwind success. She earned two Billboard Music Awards, a Breakthrough Artist trophy from the Music Business Association (Music Biz), and today earned a nod from our MusicRow Awards.
Prior to accepting her first-ever trophy in Nashville on May 14 from Music Biz, she shared with MusicRow the valuable lessons she’s put in to practice while working on new music.
The 21-year-old sensation has roots in Music City, thanks to a publishing deal secured just out of high school with Nashville’s Big Yellow Dog.
“Nashville was the first place that opened their arms to me and let me write,” said Trainor at the Music Biz luncheon. “I wouldn’t be on this stage without my second mom, [Big Yellow Dog’s] Carla Wallace. She signed me when I was a baby deciding whether or not I was going to college.
“It’s hard to be a songwriter and an artist,” Trainor told MusicRow. “With this crazy life I haven’t had time to write. I’ve written maybe three songs since the album was released, which is unusual because it was around three songs a week. I definitely miss the writing room.
“As a songwriter I would wake up at 10 a.m., go in at noon to write a song for a couple hours, and go home. Now I’m the artist and wake up at 8 a.m. to do glam, go to cool events and take a bunch of pictures.
“When your world it thrown upside down you have to learn how to adjust everything. Ryan Tedder told me you’ve gotta write on the road.”
As far as new music, Trainor says she has blocked out a few months in her schedule for studio time with Kevin Kadish, who produced over 70 percent of her debut album and contributed writing credits to over 60 percent of it.
“Kevin is one of the first people that said ‘you should be the artist,’” continued Trainor. “He truly believed in me. He did a bunch of these songs before I even had a deal with Epic Records, so I’m definitely going to go back and work with him.”
Kadish signed with Sony/ATV last year while Trainor continues to work with Big Yellow Dog.
Ballot Schedule Revealed for CMA Awards; Broadcast Submissions Open
/by Eric T. ParkerThe second ballot is slated to hit inboxes Tuesday, Aug. 11. Voting for the second ballot closes Thursday, Aug. 20 (6:00 PM/CT).
The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced in early September, and the third and final ballot will be emailed Thursday, Oct. 8. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 27 (6:00 PM/CT).
The eligibility period for the 2015 CMA Awards is July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. All voting is conducted online.
Additionally, the organization is currently accepting online submissions for the 2015 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality (major, large, medium, and small markets), Station, and National Broadcast Personality of the Year (major, large, medium, and small markets) at Broadcast.CMAawards.com until Saturday, June 27 (6:00 PM/CT). Unlike the other categories, CMA radio entries must reflect performances and events between June 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015. CMA’s panel of judges, which includes U.S. and Canada radio and industry professionals, will be able to view and evaluate each entry online.
“It is central to CMA’s mission as a trade association to recognize and honor excellence in the format,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We take pride in setting the bar for awards presentation and we constantly strive to maintain the highest standards in balloting and voting for the many honors presented by CMA.”
The other 2015 CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 7400 professional members of CMA, which in 1958 was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music.
All balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
CMA Broadcast Award winners will be notified in early October and recognized at The 49th Annual CMA Awards, which will be held later this year in Nashville.
Industry Pics: Kobalt, Copyright Society of the South, Vintage King Audio
/by Kelsey_GradyKobalt’s Creative Team at Global Creative Conference
Kobalt’s Creative team, led by Sas Metcalfe, met in Los Angeles, CA on April 20, 2015 at the annual Kobalt Music Publishing Global Creative Conference. Members of the Nashville office were part of the team which got together to educate each other on signings, listen to new songs and learn about Kobalt’s technology and evolving businesses.
Pictured (L-R): Front row: Benjamin Groff, Simon Moor, Sue Drew, Sas Metcalfe, Johan Ekelund, Matthias Kind, Nick Robinson. Row behind: Bob Bortnick, Amanda Samii, Laura Alexander, Stephanie Cox, Whitney Daane, Miller Williams, Anna Schlafer, Jamie McLaughlin, Amanda Brown, Al “Butter” McLean, Sam Winwood, Sian Walter, Paige Parsons, Swantje Weinert, Sean Dishman, Eve Fairley, Lisa Holmgren, Dominque Keegan, Leslie Ahrens.
Copyright Society of the South Discusses Spotify Strategy
The Copyright Society of the South recently welcomed guest James Duffett-Smith, Global Head of Publisher Relations of Spotify. During the membership luncheon at ASCAP, Duffett-Smith explained Spotify’s strategy to encourage premium subscriptions.
Pictured (L-R): John Barker, Misha Hunke, John Rolfe, Jill Napier, James Duffett-Smith, Denise Stevens, Karl Braun and Ted Goldthrope. Photo: Kathryn Graham
Vintage King Audio and PMC Host Session At ASCAP Expo
For the sixth year in a row at the ASCAP “I Create Music Expo” in Hollywood, The Professional Monitor Company (PMC) and Vintage King Audio presented a session with music industry leaders. “Production Secrets For Songwriters” addressed songwriters and artists who want to learn the production, arrangement and mix tricks and tips. Leading the discussion were famed producers/mixers Rob Chiarelli and Michael James.
Pictured (L-R) at ASCAP’s “I Create Music” are PMC President of Sales & Marketing Maurice Patist; speakers Michael James and Rob Chiarelli; Vintage King Sales Representatives Jeffrey Ehrenberg and Chris Bolitho. Photo: David Goggin
Kelsea Ballerini Drops Debut Album Today Via Black River
/by Sarah SkatesTo kick off release week, fans can join Ballerini for a special #CMchat online tonight at 6PM PT/9PM ET. Tomorrow she returns to hometown Knoxville, TN for a special in-store appearance at Walmart (10900 Parkside Dr., Knoxville, TN) at 6PM EST.
Then, she will jet off to NYC to make her national TV debut on NBC’s Today show on Thursday (5/21) beginning at 10AM in all time zones and take her performance to new heights at the top of The Empire State Building on Friday (5/22).
Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey, The First Time is home to her Top 10-and-rising smash “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
Currently, Ballerini is co-headlining CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour, the network’s first-ever ladies-only tour, and will also join select dates on Lady Antebellum’s Wheels Up Tour throughout the summer.
“I feel like I’ve been dreaming about, writing, and wishing for this day since I was twelve,” said Ballerini. “To finally get these songs out to people, is really special and something that I’ve been excited about for a long time.”
“This is a such special day for Kelsea and Black River,” said Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. “Over the last couple of years, we have been privileged to share in the development of Kelsea’s amazing songwriting talents and artistry. Today, the world gets to hear her heart and we couldn’t be more proud!”