ASCAP Elects New Board Of Directors

/by

ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams has announced the new members of the Board of Directors who have been elected to serve for a two-year term beginning April 1, 2025.

Newly elected to the Board as a writer member is songwriter Claudia Brant. In addition to Paul Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: composer/songwriter Jon Batiste; songwriter/producer Desmond Child; composer Sharon Farber; Writer Vice Chair composer Dan Foliart; songwriter/composer Michelle Lewis; songwriter/producer Terry Lewis; composer/producer Marcus Miller; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood. Composer Alex Shapiro was re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field.

The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Peter Brodsky, Sony Music Publishing; Bob Bruderman, Kobalt; Marti Cuevas, Mayimba Music; Ree Guyer, Wrensong Publishing, Keith Hauprich, BMG US; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music Company; Evan Lamberg, Universal Music Publishing Group; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Publisher Vice Chair Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music, Inc.; Paul Robinson, Warner Chappell Music; and Jon Singer, Spirit Music.  James M. Kendrick, European American Music, was re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field.

“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be elected to the ASCAP Board by our songwriter, composer and publisher peers,” says Williams. “The ASCAP Board takes seriously our commitment to advocating for and protecting the value of our more than one million members’ music and upholding our principles of fairness and efficiency to maximize distributions to our members. We welcome our newly elected songwriter Claudia Brant to join us in this mission, which puts the needs of our music creators and publishers first.”

ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization that operates as a not-for-profit and the only one with a Board of Directors of songwriters, composers and music publishers, elected by and from the membership every two years.

Franni Cash Reemerges With New Team & New Solo Project

/by

Franni Cash with Capitol CMG team. Photo: Brian Brister

Franni Cash of We The Kingdom has returned after stepping away from the band with a new solo project, a new tour and a brand-new team.

Cash is a two-time Grammy-nominated, three-time Dove award-winner, performer and songwriter who co-wrote two of We The Kingdom’s No. 1 hits and was named one of the top 20 breakout artists across all genres. Growing up in Nashville with a producer-songwriter dad, music has always been a part of Cash’s DNA, and her authentic, honest and whimsical songwriting and gift for the stage has always endeared her to her fans. As she pursues her solo career, Cash has signed with Capitol CMG, WME and Round Table Management for representation.

“We are so happy to be Franni Cash’s partner for this next chapter of her career as a solo artist,” says CCMG’s President Brad O’Donnell. “She’s a special person with an incredible voice and we can’t wait to see the impact her music will have on the world.”

“Franni is bringing fresh energy, talent and heart everywhere she goes,” says Mark Claassen, Partner, WME. “We can feel the excitement around this new season. We are happy to be part of her team to expand her platform and tell her story to the rest of the world.”

“I speak for the entire Round Table Management team when I say that we are beyond excited to partner with Franni as she steps into this new season of her career,” adds Round Table Artist Manager Hannah Gifford. “Franni is an authentic artist and songwriter, who pours honesty, depth, and pure rock and roll into everything she creates. There is so much ahead!”

Applications Now Open For CRS 2026 Agenda Committee

/by

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc has opened applications for the CRS 2026 Agenda Committee. The committee will be key in planning the educational programming for CRS 2026, taking place March 18-20, 2026.

Shelley Hargis (BMG/BBR Music Group) will serve as committee Chair, while Krista Hayes-Pruitt (BMG/BBR Music Group) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting) will serve as Co-Vice Chairs.

The Agenda Committee is made up of country radio, streaming and music industry volunteers.

Applications are due April 18, 2025, and applicants must be able to attend in-person planning sessions at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville July 21-23, 2025 and attend CRS 2026. The CRS 2026 registration fee is waived for all committee members.

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Expands 2025 Lineup

/by

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country has added to its 2025 lineup for the April 22-24 event in Napa Valley, California.

Jordan Davis, Laci Kaye Booth, Chloé Caroline, Preston Cooper, Bradley Gaskin, Erin Grand, Greylan James, and Timmy McKeever have all joined the lineup for the one-of-a-kind experience that brings together talent, industry professionals, and the beauty of wine country for a fusion of music, wine and culinary excellence. Invite-only attendees, including music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label execs, VIPs and corporate hospitality groups get a first listen to new music from today’s biggest stars and rising talent in an intimate, hand-curated setting.

The newly added artists join the roster of 2025 performers that includes Brett Young, RaeLynn, Katharine McPhee, Roman Alexander, Annie Bosko, Allie Colleen, Kashus Culpepper, Carter Faith, Lanie Gardner, Harper Grace, James Barker Band, Caroline Jones, Alexandra Kay, Max McNown, Morgan Myles, Shane Stevens, Thelma & James, and many more, with more artists soon to be revealed.

Averie Bielski Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

/by

Pictured: (L-R, back row): Dale Bobo, Scott Safford, Leslie Roberts, Anna Weisband and Rusty Gaston (L-R, front row): Tom Luteran, Averie Bielski and Synnovea Halsel.

Singer-songwriter Averie Bielski has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Bielski, a Roswell, Georgia native, moved to Music City two years ago and continues to make a name for herself with her ability to craft and tell stories through her music. She first gained attention with the release of her viral, debut single “I Do Too,” that took off on TikTok and social media ahead of its release. Additionally, Bielski’s songs have been cut by artists such as Callista Clark, Zach John King, Carson Wallace, Ashley Anne and Grace Tyler among others.

“Finding a home at Sony Music Publishing has been such a blessing, especially being a younger writer,” explains Bielski. “Having a team that truly believes in you and your work as a songwriter is hard to come by, but I am so blessed to have found that dream team! I’m truly so excited and ready to see what we can achieve and can’t wait to see all God has in store for the SMP team and I!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Manager of Creative A&R Synnovea Halsel says, “We’re beyond excited to welcome Averie to the SMP family. From the moment I heard her first song, I was taken aback. The way that Averie thinks about intertwining fresh lyrics and unique melodies is so special. She has such a bright future ahead of her!”

Randy Travis To Be Honored During Annual ‘Grammys On The Hill’

/by

Randy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor

The Recording Academy is bringing back its “Grammys On The Hill” event to Washington D.C. April 8-10. The event brings congressional leaders and music creators to advocate for creators’ rights and recognize people who have advocated for music’s future.

The “Grammys On The Hill” Awards will begin the week on April 8, where Randy Travis, United States Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) will be recognized for their dedication to advocating for pro-music policies.

Travis will be honored for his advocating of fair compensation and protections for creators in the AI era. Last year, Travis showed his support for the American Music Fairness Act and his dedication for the fair use of AI as a tool to lift up and protect artist creativity.

“At this point in my life, I am fully focused on living and giving back,” says Travis. “I’ve been part of the music community my whole life, professionally for 40 years. I am passionate about advocating to keep music an honest pursuit of art and human expression. While I remain excited about new, cutting-edge technologies, we must protect, and fairly compensate, the creative minds that give us the music—and art—that feeds our souls.”

On April 9, the “Grammys On The Hill” Advocacy Day will welcome Grammy winners, nominees and industry leaders to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to look at critical music policy issues.

The event will end with the “Grammys On The Hill Future Forum” on April 10, where attendees will dive into issues impacting the music industry.

“Grammys on the Hill plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of music creators, and we’re thrilled to see it evolve into a full week of advocacy, celebration and learning,” shares Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “I’m excited to bring our music community and policymakers together in Washington—not just to celebrate the change makers fighting for creators’ rights, but to unite and take action to improve the livelihoods of music people across the country.”

Tennessee Songwriters Week Finalists Perform At Bluebird Cafe

/by

Tennessee Songwriters Week Finale. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists shared their original songs on stage at the Bluebird Cafe Sunday night (March 30) during a private event for their families and friends and music industry professionals.

Each finalist won during regional showcase events held at the end of February. Rodrick Duran (Memphis winner), Sarrenna Johnson (Knoxville winner), Claire Childress (Bristol winner), Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster (Gatlinburg winners), Caleb Lovely (Chattanooga winner), Jon Wayne Hatfield (Portland winner) and DEK of Hearts (Franklin winner) performed during the special show.

The seven finalists received a commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville at the Motif on Music Row, $100 gift card and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International. The Grand Ole Opry also gifted all seven finalists tickets to Saturday night’s Opry show. Songwriter J.T. Harding, who has penned hits for Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and more, hosted the finale. Esteemed guests included Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, songwriter Marc Beeson, representatives from the Academy of Country Music, American Songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame and more.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters in all genres of music, drive visitation, and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on stages during the annual celebration each February, from listening rooms to cafes to distilleries to theatres and showcase venues.

Major Changes Hit Monument Records, Affecting Majority Of Staff

/by

Major changes, including the exit of most of its staff, have impacted Monument Records, MusicRow has confirmed. Select aspects of the company will be overseen by Sony Music Nashville moving forward.

Launched in 2017 by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, in partnership with Sony Music, the label has guided the careers of Walker Hayes, Tigirlily Gold, Brandon Ratcliff, Alex Hall and Shelby Lynne, among others over the last eight years. Tigirlily Gold will move to Sony Music Nashville’s roster, but it is not yet clear where the other artists will go.

Through his Sandbox Entertainment, Owen will collaborate with Sony Music to help artists bring unique ideas and approaches to share their stories across various mediums including film and TV.

McAnally will work with artists on various creative aspects, including A&R, production, songwriting and more, while continuing to expand his work on broadway, film and TV.

General Manager Katie McCartney is departing for a new opportunity yet to be announced.

Avenue Bank Founder Van Tucker Passes

/by

Van Tucker

Music Row banking executive Van Tucker passed away on March 28. She was 67.

Tucker was the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Avenue Bank, and later served as CEO of Nashville Fashion Alliance and Launch Tennessee. She was a 1999 graduate (and later a board member) of Nashville’s Leadership Music program, and a founder and board member of the Americana Music Association, among many other board positions.

Tucker is survived by her husband of 17 years, Monty Holmes; sons Casey Spicer and Eamonn (Ami) Spicer; grandchildren Annalen Spicer, Oakley Spicer, Ripley Spicer, Alyse Spicer, Charlotte Gibson; bonus children Whitney (Andy) Gibson and Braden (Michelle Gay) Holmes; furry loves Mr. B and Beck; brother Melvin C. (Theresa) Tucker III; nieces Cate Tucker and Vivienne Tucker; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Williamson County Animal Shelter.

A Celebration of Life for Tucker will take place on May 18 at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Franklin Mercantile (100 4th Ave. N, Franklin, TN 37064). Billed as her “Farewell Tour,” attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite stories and memories of Tucker.

Recipients Revealed For The 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards, David Conrad To Be Honored

/by

Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon & Chase McGill

The Country Music Association has announced the recipients of the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards, which honor the songwriters behind some of the genre’s most notable No. 1 hits. The award is presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients are Rocky Block, John Byron, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley (two-time recipient), Charlie Handsome (two-time recipient), Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Chase McGill, Jordan Minton, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen. They will be honored at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 in Nashville, hosted by composer and CMA Board member, Jim Beavers.

David Conrad. Photo: John Chiasson

Additionally, legendary music publisher David Conrad will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. This year, CMA will also proudly honor 73 songwriters who have achieved their first No. 1 country hit since the previous ceremony.

“Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards allow us to recognize the incredible talent and dedication it takes to write not just one, but three No. 1 songs in a year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re also proud to celebrate those reaching their first No. 1—a milestone that marks the beginning of many great stories. We look forward to uniting our songwriting community later this month to honor these achievements and the creative contributions that continue to shape the genre.”

The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honors individuals who have significantly supported and advanced the art and careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on country music and the songwriting community. Conrad, a music publishing veteran with over 35 years of experience, is a pioneer in establishing Nashville as a leading songwriting hub. Starting as General Manager for Charley Pride’s PiGem/Chess Music in 1973, he nurtured award-winning songwriters and influenced the careers of artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell and Steve Wariner. Later, as head of Almo/Irving Music’s Nashville office, Conrad broadened the company’s influence across multiple genres, working with renowned artists and songwriters such as Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch. His contributions have had a profound and enduring impact on the music industry.

“Some of my favorite folks in the Nashville song business have been recognized before me so it’s twice the honor,” says Conrad. “This is as good as it gets, and I am privileged to be included.”

Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year are Block, Byron, Dillon, Minton and Phillips. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient and is set to receive his 25th and 26th CMA Triple Play Awards at this year’s ceremony.

The 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards recipients are being recognized for the following:

Rocky Block
“Man Made A Bar,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. Eric Church
“Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST
“Pour Me A Drink,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton

John Byron
“Thinkin’ Bout Me,” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“Pour Me A Drink,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton
“Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen

Zach Crowell
“God Gave Me A Girl,” recorded by Russell Dickerson
“Stars Like Confetti,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Outskirts,” recorded by Sam Hunt

Jessie Jo Dillon
“Memory Lane,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Back Then Right Now,” recorded by Tyler Hubbard
“Halfway To Hell,” recorded by Jelly Roll

Ashley Gorley
“I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith
“Young Love & Saturday Nights,” recorded by Chris Young
“Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll

Charlie Handsome
“Thinkin’ Bout Me,” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST
“Pour Me A Drink,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton
“Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“I’m The Problem,” recorded by Morgan Wallen

Jelly Roll
“Halfway To Hell,” recorded by Jelly Roll
“I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll
“Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll

Ben Johnson
“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith
“Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll

Chase McGill
“God Gave Me A Girl,” recorded by Russell Dickerson
“Mamaw’s House,” recorded by Thomas Rhett feat. Morgan Wallen
“Chevrolet,” recorded by Dustin Lynch feat. Jelly Roll

Jordan Minton
“Save Me The Trouble,” recorded by Dan + Shay
“your place,” recorded by Ashley Cooke
“Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” recorded by Luke Bryan

Randy Montana
“Different ’Round Here,” recorded by Riley Green feat. Luke Combs
“Where The Wild Things Are,” recorded by Luke Combs
“This Is My Dirt,” recorded by Justin Moore

Hunter Phelps
“TRUCK BED,” recorded by HARDY
“Take Her Home,” recorded by Kenny Chesney
“Bulletproof,” recorded by Nate Smith

Taylor Phillips
“Thinkin’ Bout Me,” recorded by Morgan Wallen
“World On Fire,” recorded by Nate Smith
“I Am Not Okay,” recorded by Jelly Roll

Ernest Keith Smith
“I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Cowgirls,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST
“I’m The Problem,” recorded by Morgan Wallen

Josh Thompson
“Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings),” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Stars Like Confetti,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Young Love & Saturday Nights,” recorded by Chris Young

Morgan Wallen
“Mamaw’s House,” recorded by Thomas Rhett feat. Morgan Wallen
“I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen