Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham and Leslie Roberts, Word Entertainment’s Rod Riley, Songwriter of the Year honoree Caroll L. McGruder, Publisher of the Year Dale Mathews of Word Entertainment, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jason Roy, Special Citation of Appreciation honoree Jim Van Hook, Song of the Year honorees Building 429’s Aaron Branch and Michael Anderson, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo by John Russell
Members of the Christian music industry gathered Tuesday evening (June 18) for an elegant affair at BMI’s Nashville office to pay tribute to the most impactful songs represented by performing rights organization BMI in the past year. Hosted by BMI’s Associate Director Writer/Publisher Relations
Leslie Roberts and Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations
Jody Williams, the event honored the year’s top songs as well as publishers.
Building 429‘s “Where I Belong,” written by
Jason Roy (Havery Publishing and Sony/ATV Tree) was named
Song of the Year 2012.
Carroll L. McGruder was named
Christian Music Songwriter of the Year 2012; he penned “I’m Going Home With Jesus” and “Saved By Grace.” BMI’s
Christian Publisher of the Year honor went to
Word Music Publishing (Dayspring Music). Word Music Publishing’s catalog includes “Carry Me To The Cross,” “He Said,” “Live Like That” and “Love Come To Life.”
Additionally, BMI gave a Special Citation of Appreciation to longtime executive
Jim Van Hook. As founder of Brentwood Music and Essential Records (which eventually became Provident Music Group) and later as president of Word, Hook has overseen two of the three largest Christian music companies in the United States. He also served as the inaugural dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Songs honored during the evening include:
10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD)
Jonas Myrin
EMI CMG Publishing
Matt Redman
BE STILL
Yolanda Adams
Irving Music
Jam Yo Music
Yolanda Adams
CARRY ME TO THE CROSS
Mark Stuart
Jason Walker
68 Guns
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Kutless
COURAGEOUS
Mark Hall
My Refuge Music
Sony/ATV Tree
Casting Crowns
DO EVERYTHING
Steven Curtis Chapman
One Blue Petal Music
Primary Wave Brian
Steven Curtis Chapman
HE SAID
Manuel Reyes
Blanca Reyes Callahan
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Group 1 Crew featuring Chris August
I FEEL GOOD
Phillip Feaster
Fred Hammond
Jonathan Miller
Calvin Rodgers
CJMS Music
Derek’s Kids
Face’s Launching Pad Publishing
Music Feast Productions
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Fred Hammond
I NEED YOUR GLORY
Earnest Pugh
Black Smoke Publishing
Pughspen Music Publishing Co.
Earnest Pugh
I THIRST
Beverly Lowry
Homeward Bound Music
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (a tribute to Cathedral Quartet)
I’M GOING HOME WITH JESUS
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Best Of Zion Music
the Worship Crew
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Bo Rinehart
Bear Rinehart
Needtobreathe Music
Needtobreathe
LIVE LIKE THAT
Dave Frey
Ben McDonald
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Sidewalk Prophets
LOVE CAME CALLING
Wayne Haun
Joel Lindsey
Hefton Hill Music
PsalmSinger Music
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Triumphant Quartet
LOVE COME TO LIFE
Jeremy Redmon
Jim Scherer
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Red 91 Music
Songs Of Whizbang
Big Daddy Weave
ME WITHOUT YOU
Toby McKeehan
Chris Stevens
Achtober Songs
Chriscendo Music
Meaux Mercy Publishing
tobyMac
MY HEART SAYS YES
Troy Sneed
Shytro Publishing
Troy Sneed
REACH
Andrew Fromm
Southern Yankee Publishing
Peter Furler
SAVED BY GRACE
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Rex Nelon Music Company
Triumphant Quartet
SOMETIMES I CRY
Gerald Crabb
Christian Taylor Music
Gerald Crabb’s Songs
Jason Crabb
SPIRITUAL
Donald Lawrence
Q W Publishing
Donald Lawrence
TURN AROUND
Matt Maher
EMI CMG Publishing
Valley Of Songs Music
Matt Maher
WE ARE
Chuck Butler
Ed Cash
Hillary McBride
James Tealy
HillaryMcBrideMusic
Jord A Lil Music
Wondrously Made Songs
Kari Jobe
WHAT A SAVIOR
Jeremiah Jones
Fair Trade Global Songs
Giant Impact LLC
Laura Story
WHEN THE STARS BURN DOWN (BLESSING AND HONOR)
Jennie Riddle
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Phillips, Craig & Dean
WHERE I BELONG (BMI Christian Song of the Year)
Jason Roy
Havery Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
Building 429
Industry veteran Jim Van Hook receives the Special Citation of Appreciation at the BMI Christian Awards. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams and Jim Van Hook. Photo: John Russell
Building 429 is honored for Song of the Year (“Where I Belong”). Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Building 429’s Jason Roy and Aaron Branch, Provident Music Group’s Terry Hemmings, Building 429’s Michael Anderson and Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Board Member Neil Smith, BMI Christian Award Winner Jeremiah Jones, BMI’s Phil Graham, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI Christian Award Winner Earnest Pugh, and BMI’s Mark Mason. Photo: John Russell.
Brandon Heath performs “Jesus In Disguise.”
Steven Curtis Chapman (right) and his son Caleb perform “Do Everything.”
CMT Taps NBCUniversal Veteran as VP, Consumer Insights and Research
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Wyatt
CMT has tapped NBCUniversal and ABC Television veteran Justin Wyatt for the newly-created position of Vice President Consumer Insights and Research. Wyatt is responsible for managing and leading all CMT qualitative research efforts across all platforms, and helping guide show development and strategic programming initiatives. Working alongside Viacom Media Network’s NY-based research team, Wyatt reports to CMT President Brian Philips and is based out of CMT headquarters in Nashville.
“We talked to many of the brightest minds in Research about this position. The sheer range and depth of Justin’s knowledge and experience in television research is stunning. He’ll provide essential guidance for the network as we continue to grow,” said Philips.
While at NBCUniversal, Wyatt was Vice President Primary Research, responsible for leading primary research initiatives for E!, Style Network, G4, FEARnet, and selected digital properties. Previously, he was a senior research consultant for the Hypothesis Group, where he handled multiple projects and worked on the business implications of research findings for media and TV clients. Wyatt’s career also includes time at ABC Television Network, Frank. N. Magid Associates’ Entertainment Division and University of Arizona’s Department of Media Arts. Wyatt is the author of High Concept: Movies & Marketing in Hollywood and co-editor of Contemporary American Independent Film: From the Margins to the Mainstream.
Wyatt earned a Ph.D and M.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles’ Department of Film and Television and received his B.A. from the University of British Columbia’s Department of Economics. He recently relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles.
Artist Updates (6-20-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonClay Walker
Clay Walker and wife Jessica recently welcomed their third child, a boy. Elijah Craig Walker was born June 15. “Happy Fathers Day to me:) Elijah Craig Walker…7.8 lbs…a blessing to his mama and me…born last night…God bless u Fathers.” Walker said via Twitter.
Walker and his wife have two other children, including son William, 4, and daughter Mary, 3.
• • •
Jared Ashley, wife Taylor Ashley and newborn Georgia.
Blaster Records singer and songwriter Jared Ashley and his wife Taylor welcomed their first child, daughter Georgia McClain Ashley on June 9. The couple have been married since May 2011.
• • •
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard will make a guest appearance on this year’s season finale of The Marty Stuart Show, which will air on Saturday (June 19) at 8 p.m. ET on RFD-TV. In addition to Haggard, this season has included appearances by Sheryl Crow, Gene Watson, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charley Pride, Iris Dement and The Del McCoury Band.
• • •
Danielle Peck
Danielle Peck has signed with Nashville’s XYQ Artist Management. XYQ manager Lee Willard will handle Peck’s personal day-to-day and career management, with the company spearheading the release of her third studio album, How Freedom Feels. Lari White will produce the project.
• • •
Amy Grant
Amy Grant will perform on Fox and Friends on June 22 and on ABC’s lifestyle show The Chew on July 19.
• • •
Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch, Greg Bates and Chris Janson helped raise $13,361 for Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville with the annual Country Weekly CMA Music Fest “Kick Off Party,” hosted by Suzanne Alexander and sponsored by Boot Barn, Durango and Roper. All proceeds directly impact MOC Nashville’s ongoing efforts to bring the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities in Middle Tennessee.
Pictured (L-R): Country Weekly’s Jeff Meltesen, Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch, MOC’s Katy Epley, Chris Janson, Greg Bates, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, Country Weekly’s Lisa Konicki.
Photo Credit: Kendra Motycka
Instagram Adds Video, Video Filters and Cinema Mode
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 13 filters range from black-and-white to filters that can brighten or blur the videos. The app allows users to add filters during video playback and switch between the filters before selecting and sharing the video. Users can also select a frame for the video, which will be the cover or photo that appears in the stream.
“We talk about Instagram as capturing and sharing the world’s moments. It’s not just about photography,” Instagram founder Kevin Systrom told Nightline. “There are a ton of moments in the world that can’t be captured in single images.”
They have also added Cinema Mode, a cinematic stabilization technology. “We took a technology that stabilizes video and makes it smooth and beautiful, like it was shot with a cinematic camera,” said Systrom. “The cool thing about Instagram in the beginning is how it let everyday people take beautiful photographs. We put the power of a photography studio in your hand. We’ve done the same for video, so now you can take beautiful video and share it with the world.”
When video posts appear in the Instagram feed, the videos will begin to play automatically, but only when users stop scrolling. The auto play feature can also be disabled in the settings. All videos will play back with sound.
Initially, Cinema Mode will only be available for iPhone users.
In January, Twitter released the Vine video app, and it quickly became a popular app in the Apple store. Vine records six-second videos.
A snippet of Instagram’s new video capability.
Danielle Bradbery Signs with Big Machine Label Group
/by Jessica NicholsonDanielle Bradbery wins ‘The Voice.’
Danielle Bradbery, winner of the fourth season of The Voice, has a recording label home. The 16-year-old Texas native signed with Big Machine Label Group, home to Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw.
During her journey to being crowned the winner of the hit musical competition, Bradbery made it clear that she is a country performer, covering songs including Pam Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis,” The Judds’ “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good ‘Ol Days),” Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” and even auditioning with now labelmate Swift’s “Mean.”
Bradbery is slated to begin recording next week. She is the youngest competitor to win The Voice.
Publishing News (6-20-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner/Chappell Music Nashville recently held a “Lunch & Learn” session, a regular series in which senior executives, artists and/or songwriters share valuable insights with company employees over lunch. For the most recent Lunch & Learn, Warner/Chappell invited songwriters and publishing executives who contributed to Blake Shelton’s Based on a True Story… album to speak.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Producer), Ben Vaughn (EVP, Warner/Chappell), Ben Hayslip (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Marv Green (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Deric Ruttan (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Tim Nichols (Warner/Chappell and THiS Music Songwriter), Rusty Gaston (GM, THiS Music).
• • •
AWMG Entertainment has signed singer/songwriter Buck Johnson, also known as the artist, Burly Clyde. Johnson’s diverse catalog includes songs from all genres, including cuts with Carlos Santana featuring Steven Tyler and a song recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus.
Pictured (L-R) Back row: Shane Barrett, Amy Rathburg, Jason Turner. Front row: Ann Wilson and Buck Johnson
• • •
Matt Turner
Big Loud Shirt has added Creative Director, Matt Turner. Turner graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He began working for ole in January 2007 as Catalog Manager and was promoted to Creative Manager during his time there. While at ole he was responsible for placing songs with Josh Turner, Easton Corbin, Dierks Bentley and Randy Travis among others.
He was also responsible for setting up ole bus co-writing trips with his writers and Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Janson, Drake White and The Railers. “We’re thrilled to get someone with his experience that’s so well thought of in the industry over at the Shirt,” says Big Loud Shirt owner Craig Wiseman.
Kristi Stafford – "Trophy Wife"
/by ProgrammerPlaylistSouth by Southwest Dates for 2014 Confirmed
/by Jessica NicholsonSXSW organizers want attendees to not only enjoy the daytime sessions–they want attendees’ ideas for new sessions. The SXSW PanelPicker, a community conference-building platform that SXSW began using in 2007 as part of the programming, will continue this year. The platform opens Monday, July 1 and allows users to submit proposals for new session ideas and to vote on submitted ideas.
Applications for performers for the 2014 SXSW Music Festival will be accepted beginning July 9. Meanwhile, registration and housing applications begin Aug. 1.
'Last Summer on Earth' Tour Coming To Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesEach of the concert venues will include an interactive “Eco-Village” where fans can learn about ways to protect the environment and fight climate disruption. One of the issues that concert-goers can learn about is the risks of illegal logging and the importance of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the import of illegally trafficked wildlife species, plants and wood.
“As musicians, it’s important for us to know where the wood in our guitars, drumsticks, and other instruments comes from — and whether it got here legally,” said Guster’s Adam Gardner, a co-founder of non-profit REVERB which strives to make music tours more environmentally friendly.
REVERB is working with the Environmental Investigation Agency and the Sierra Club to raise awareness of the importance of the Lacey Act at the Eco-Villages.
The tour will run through July 30 in Brooklyn, NY.
Kings Of Leon And More To Perform At Oklahoma Benefit Concert
/by Michael_SmithKings of Leon
Kings of Leon and The Flaming Lips will perform at the Rock for Oklahoma Benefit Concert at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena on July 23. The concert will also feature indie group Built to Spill, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and yet to be announced special guests.
“We couldn’t be more proud to lend a hand to our home state,” says Kings of Leon bassist Jared Followill. “This is the least we could do.”
Proceeds from the concert will benefit victims of the deadly tornado that devastated Moore, Okla. in May, killing 24 people.
“Shakespeare said ‘It is not enough to help the needy up, but to support them after’ and in our small way we are trying to not just be here at the moment of immediate need, but to stay and help with the rebuilding,” said Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne. “After all, this is our home and they are us and we are them.”
Fans can purchase tickets now at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1.800.745.3000.
BMI Christian Awards Honor Songwriters, Publishers
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham and Leslie Roberts, Word Entertainment’s Rod Riley, Songwriter of the Year honoree Caroll L. McGruder, Publisher of the Year Dale Mathews of Word Entertainment, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jason Roy, Special Citation of Appreciation honoree Jim Van Hook, Song of the Year honorees Building 429’s Aaron Branch and Michael Anderson, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Song of the Year honoree Building 429’s Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo by John Russell
Members of the Christian music industry gathered Tuesday evening (June 18) for an elegant affair at BMI’s Nashville office to pay tribute to the most impactful songs represented by performing rights organization BMI in the past year. Hosted by BMI’s Associate Director Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts and Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, the event honored the year’s top songs as well as publishers.
Building 429‘s “Where I Belong,” written by Jason Roy (Havery Publishing and Sony/ATV Tree) was named Song of the Year 2012. Carroll L. McGruder was named Christian Music Songwriter of the Year 2012; he penned “I’m Going Home With Jesus” and “Saved By Grace.” BMI’s Christian Publisher of the Year honor went to Word Music Publishing (Dayspring Music). Word Music Publishing’s catalog includes “Carry Me To The Cross,” “He Said,” “Live Like That” and “Love Come To Life.”
Additionally, BMI gave a Special Citation of Appreciation to longtime executive Jim Van Hook. As founder of Brentwood Music and Essential Records (which eventually became Provident Music Group) and later as president of Word, Hook has overseen two of the three largest Christian music companies in the United States. He also served as the inaugural dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Songs honored during the evening include:
10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD)
Jonas Myrin
EMI CMG Publishing
Matt Redman
BE STILL
Yolanda Adams
Irving Music
Jam Yo Music
Yolanda Adams
CARRY ME TO THE CROSS
Mark Stuart
Jason Walker
68 Guns
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Kutless
COURAGEOUS
Mark Hall
My Refuge Music
Sony/ATV Tree
Casting Crowns
DO EVERYTHING
Steven Curtis Chapman
One Blue Petal Music
Primary Wave Brian
Steven Curtis Chapman
HE SAID
Manuel Reyes
Blanca Reyes Callahan
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Group 1 Crew featuring Chris August
I FEEL GOOD
Phillip Feaster
Fred Hammond
Jonathan Miller
Calvin Rodgers
CJMS Music
Derek’s Kids
Face’s Launching Pad Publishing
Music Feast Productions
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Fred Hammond
I NEED YOUR GLORY
Earnest Pugh
Black Smoke Publishing
Pughspen Music Publishing Co.
Earnest Pugh
I THIRST
Beverly Lowry
Homeward Bound Music
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (a tribute to Cathedral Quartet)
I’M GOING HOME WITH JESUS
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Best Of Zion Music
the Worship Crew
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Bo Rinehart
Bear Rinehart
Needtobreathe Music
Needtobreathe
LIVE LIKE THAT
Dave Frey
Ben McDonald
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Sidewalk Prophets
LOVE CAME CALLING
Wayne Haun
Joel Lindsey
Hefton Hill Music
PsalmSinger Music
Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
Triumphant Quartet
LOVE COME TO LIFE
Jeremy Redmon
Jim Scherer
Dayspring Music (BMI Christian Publisher of the Year)
Red 91 Music
Songs Of Whizbang
Big Daddy Weave
ME WITHOUT YOU
Toby McKeehan
Chris Stevens
Achtober Songs
Chriscendo Music
Meaux Mercy Publishing
tobyMac
MY HEART SAYS YES
Troy Sneed
Shytro Publishing
Troy Sneed
REACH
Andrew Fromm
Southern Yankee Publishing
Peter Furler
SAVED BY GRACE
Carroll L. McGruder (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year)
Rex Nelon Music Company
Triumphant Quartet
SOMETIMES I CRY
Gerald Crabb
Christian Taylor Music
Gerald Crabb’s Songs
Jason Crabb
SPIRITUAL
Donald Lawrence
Q W Publishing
Donald Lawrence
TURN AROUND
Matt Maher
EMI CMG Publishing
Valley Of Songs Music
Matt Maher
WE ARE
Chuck Butler
Ed Cash
Hillary McBride
James Tealy
HillaryMcBrideMusic
Jord A Lil Music
Wondrously Made Songs
Kari Jobe
WHAT A SAVIOR
Jeremiah Jones
Fair Trade Global Songs
Giant Impact LLC
Laura Story
WHEN THE STARS BURN DOWN (BLESSING AND HONOR)
Jennie Riddle
Integrity’s Praise! Music
Phillips, Craig & Dean
WHERE I BELONG (BMI Christian Song of the Year)
Jason Roy
Havery Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
Building 429
Industry veteran Jim Van Hook receives the Special Citation of Appreciation at the BMI Christian Awards. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams and Jim Van Hook. Photo: John Russell
Building 429 is honored for Song of the Year (“Where I Belong”). Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Phil Graham, Provident Music Group’s Holly Zabk, Building 429’s Jason Roy and Aaron Branch, Provident Music Group’s Terry Hemmings, Building 429’s Michael Anderson and Jesse Garcia, Provident Music Group’s Devon DeVries, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Board Member Neil Smith, BMI Christian Award Winner Jeremiah Jones, BMI’s Phil Graham, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI Christian Award Winner Earnest Pugh, and BMI’s Mark Mason. Photo: John Russell.
Brandon Heath performs “Jesus In Disguise.”
Steven Curtis Chapman (right) and his son Caleb perform “Do Everything.”