Led by industry veteran Tim DuBois, the ASCAP Nashville regional office serves a broad array of members across all musical genres and a multi-state geographic footprint while bolstering its services to new and existing members. This focus is testament to ASCAP’s emphasized investment in the evolution of Nashville as a vibrant musical mecca.
The vision of ASCAP Nashville reflects the city’s growing importance as a global music capital that is a magnet for songwriters and publishers in a spectrum of genres. ASCAP has responded to this growth and change in the marketplace through a regional approach to its core mission in Nashville. The geographic region the office serves includes other parts of Tennessee, as well as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia, among other areas.
The ASCAP Nashville creative team, which includes DuBois, Marc Driskill, Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan, Mike Sistad, Ryan Beuschel, Jessica Draper, Robert Filhart, Jesse Willoughby and Anna Maki, is dedicated to deeply investing in the development of songwriters, as well as serving the needs of its publisher members. This is a team whose diverse and dynamic backgrounds and experiences cover every area of the industry, merging in the most complementary way by combining a natural enthusiasm for music and the songwriters who create it with practical knowledge from years in the music business. There is also a focused emphasis in three areas of visionary service, education and opportunities for its members: Performance, Creative and Business.
In the area of Performance, ASCAP Nashville has a focused array of strategic opportunities for members in varying genres and stages of their careers to showcase their craft in series including ASCAP Presents at the Bluebird Café, ASCAP Rocks at the Mercy Lounge, the New Crew Show (highlighting unsigned writers) and a special quarterly series, ASCAP Presents.
Within the Creative emphasis, opportunities beyond the performance series are offered through unique events and festivals including the ASCAP Music Lounge at the Nashville Film Festival, Nashville in Napa, the 30A Songwriters Festival, ASCAP’s incredibly successful “We Create Music” EXPO, ASCAP’s GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Program, ASCAP/Belmont Writers Night Series, the Key West Songwriters Festival, and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Songwriter Workshop (as part of its cumulative educational outreach in high schools and colleges in Texas and the rest of ASCAP Nashville’s geographic region of service). Other special events that ASCAP Nashville participates in include the Sundance ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW and CMJ, among others. Songwriting workshops are also an essential element of the Creative focus, with ASCAP Nashville offering four different workshops with genre emphasis in pop, country, Christian and film/TV.
ASCAP is proud to partner with organizations including Nimbit, AirPlay Direct, MyWerx, Limelight and many others that address the growing needs of both the songwriters and business professionals who represent all genres of music here in Nashville. These partnerships further the goal of the Business emphasis in equipping ASCAP members with information, skills and knowledge they need to be and remain competitive in this industry. Programs including ASCAP’s DIYU educational workshops are offered for guidance and to facilitate an informational forum between these organizations and their core market: writers and artists.
The ASCAP Nashville office, while continuing to serve the needs of country and Christian music’s greatest writers and publishers, has expanded its vision and strategy to also meet the needs of the pop, international, urban and folk writers, as well as film, television and symphonic composers, who work, live and thrive in this region. ASCAP’s recognition of the influx and development of other successful genres of music in Nashville demonstrates not only the Membership group’s dedication to a substantial investment in the development of songwriters and support of publishers, but also the organization’s commitment to the community as a whole.
(L-R): Tim DuBois, VP/Managing Executive; Mike Sistad, Dir. Membership Relations; Jessica Draper, Mgr. Creative Services; Michael Martin, Sr. Creative Director; Robert Filhart, Creative Manager; Marc Driskill, VP/GM; Jesse Willoughby, Membership Representative; LeAnn Phelan, Sr. Creative Director; Ryan Beuschel, Creative Manager; and Anna Maki, Creative Assistant. Photo: Jeff Venable
MusicRow Awards Issue—On The Cover
/by contributorThe vision of ASCAP Nashville reflects the city’s growing importance as a global music capital that is a magnet for songwriters and publishers in a spectrum of genres. ASCAP has responded to this growth and change in the marketplace through a regional approach to its core mission in Nashville. The geographic region the office serves includes other parts of Tennessee, as well as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia, among other areas.
The ASCAP Nashville creative team, which includes DuBois, Marc Driskill, Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan, Mike Sistad, Ryan Beuschel, Jessica Draper, Robert Filhart, Jesse Willoughby and Anna Maki, is dedicated to deeply investing in the development of songwriters, as well as serving the needs of its publisher members. This is a team whose diverse and dynamic backgrounds and experiences cover every area of the industry, merging in the most complementary way by combining a natural enthusiasm for music and the songwriters who create it with practical knowledge from years in the music business. There is also a focused emphasis in three areas of visionary service, education and opportunities for its members: Performance, Creative and Business.
In the area of Performance, ASCAP Nashville has a focused array of strategic opportunities for members in varying genres and stages of their careers to showcase their craft in series including ASCAP Presents at the Bluebird Café, ASCAP Rocks at the Mercy Lounge, the New Crew Show (highlighting unsigned writers) and a special quarterly series, ASCAP Presents.
Within the Creative emphasis, opportunities beyond the performance series are offered through unique events and festivals including the ASCAP Music Lounge at the Nashville Film Festival, Nashville in Napa, the 30A Songwriters Festival, ASCAP’s incredibly successful “We Create Music” EXPO, ASCAP’s GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Program, ASCAP/Belmont Writers Night Series, the Key West Songwriters Festival, and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Songwriter Workshop (as part of its cumulative educational outreach in high schools and colleges in Texas and the rest of ASCAP Nashville’s geographic region of service). Other special events that ASCAP Nashville participates in include the Sundance ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW and CMJ, among others. Songwriting workshops are also an essential element of the Creative focus, with ASCAP Nashville offering four different workshops with genre emphasis in pop, country, Christian and film/TV.
ASCAP is proud to partner with organizations including Nimbit, AirPlay Direct, MyWerx, Limelight and many others that address the growing needs of both the songwriters and business professionals who represent all genres of music here in Nashville. These partnerships further the goal of the Business emphasis in equipping ASCAP members with information, skills and knowledge they need to be and remain competitive in this industry. Programs including ASCAP’s DIYU educational workshops are offered for guidance and to facilitate an informational forum between these organizations and their core market: writers and artists.
The ASCAP Nashville office, while continuing to serve the needs of country and Christian music’s greatest writers and publishers, has expanded its vision and strategy to also meet the needs of the pop, international, urban and folk writers, as well as film, television and symphonic composers, who work, live and thrive in this region. ASCAP’s recognition of the influx and development of other successful genres of music in Nashville demonstrates not only the Membership group’s dedication to a substantial investment in the development of songwriters and support of publishers, but also the organization’s commitment to the community as a whole.
(L-R): Tim DuBois, VP/Managing Executive; Mike Sistad, Dir. Membership Relations; Jessica Draper, Mgr. Creative Services; Michael Martin, Sr. Creative Director; Robert Filhart, Creative Manager; Marc Driskill, VP/GM; Jesse Willoughby, Membership Representative; LeAnn Phelan, Sr. Creative Director; Ryan Beuschel, Creative Manager; and Anna Maki, Creative Assistant. Photo: Jeff Venable
DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/22/11)
/by Robert K OermannOur three contenders for this edition’s DisCovery Award can all be found on independent labels. Jason Cassidy sounds totally authentic on “Honky Tonk Heaven.” LiveWire has a stirring backwoods rocker with “Tater Fed.” I have reviewed the Oz trio The McClymonts once before, but a change of producers has led to an entirely new and improved sound for this group. Give those gals and their “Wrapped Up Good” single the nod.
The Disc of the Day goes to the combo of Rascal Flatts with New Zealand born and Britain-created pop warbler Natasha Bedingfield. Their “Easy” is an easy choice.
Returning to indie artists for a moment: Can I get a witness for Keith Bryant? Here is a guy who has been toiling in the indie trenches since at least 2001, and who has shown awesomely consistent taste in finding great songs and performing them with immense country soul. The fact that this man is not a regular fixture on the charts is an enormous injustice.
THE McCLYMONTS/Wrapped Up Good
Writer: Brooke McClymont/Samantha McClymont/Mollie McClymont/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; BSM (info@themcclymonts.net)
—Attractively minor key, with cool dobro backing and a punchy rhythmic thump. The trio’s vocal arrangements are quite imaginative, alternating between straightforward harmonizing and Greek-chorus “answering” passages. Smartly bopping, maddeningly catchy and insanely listenable.
BRAD PAISLEY & CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Remind Me
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed; Arista (track)
—They recall how passionate they used to be with one another and yearn for the return of romance. Both Brad and Carrie sing splendidly on this slightly over-produced, busy-sounding ballad.
LACY GREEN/For The Summertime
Writer: Heather Lynn Morgan/David Thomson; Producer: Ronnie Bowman; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Tunes, no performance rights listed; Swangate (www.lacygreen.com)
—As sweet as cotton candy, and just about as nourishing. Pleasant and lilting, if ultimately lightweight.
KEITH URBAN/Long Hot Summer
Writer: Richard Marx/Keith Urban; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Richard Marx/Mary Rose/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Warmly romantic. Back to his rollicking, upbeat, relentlessly rhythmic style following the lovely side road that the marvelous “Without You” was.
JASON CASSIDY/Honky Tonk Heaven
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; A-Blake (www.jasoncassidymusic.com)
—Darkly bluesy, with superlative, grassy vocal harmonies. Talk about a bolt out of the blue, I have no idea who sent this to me, but for a total unknown it is a jaw-dropping performance. According to his website, he is a Texan, and this is his second single.
RASCAL FLATTS & NATASHA BEDINGFIELD/Easy
Writer: Katrina Elam/Mike Mobley; Producer: Dan Huff, Brian Kennedy & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Kreative/Final Final Songs of Elevation/Wapakonetta, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—Brit pop gal Natasha holds her own amid the crashing-guitars production and Gary’s powerhouse singing. It may be titled “Easy,” but the thundering sound of this is anything but. Unmistakably hit bound.
LIVEWIRE/Tater Fed
Writer: Andy Eutsler; Producer: Bart Pursley, Bobby DeGonia & Justin Woods; Publisher: Bellhouse, BMI; LiveWire (615-319-1863)
—He grows up on homegrown vegetables. The other kids called him “husky.” To the accompaniment of shuddering electric guitar and pounding drums, he becomes a man who is afraid of no one. Tough sounding.
DONNA ULISSE/Hand Me Down Home
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Pop ‘N Paw, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.donnaulisse.com)
—Former country starlet Ulisse continues on her bluegrass odyssey with a new CD titled An Easy Climb. This gentle, acoustic ode to country living has the stellar backing of folks like Scott Vestal, Viktor Krauss and, especially, fiddler and mandolinist Andy Leftwich. The picking is dazzling and the sentiments are genuine.
CJAYE LEROSE/The Porch
Writer: CJaye LeRose/Dwight A. Baker; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Publisher: Tattooed Pinkies/Matchbox Studios/Sony-ATV, BMI; Tattooed Pinkies Entertainment (track) (www.cjayelerose.com)
—What are you, 12? Is that really your grown-up singing voice?
KEITH BRYANT/Can’t Tell Somebody Who To Love
Writer: Wendell Mobley/Mike Mobley/Shane Minor; Producer: Chris Utley; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Shane Minor/Universal/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby, BMI; Jordash (www.jordashrecords.com)
—This guy is a stand-up country singer, and I’ve always liked him. This time around, he has a dandy tale of a strict daddy who tries to stand in the way of True Love. So the kids sneak around behind papa’s back to that stretch of road, “Where the moon is willing, and the river don’t mind.” The song soars like an eagle, and so does its vocalist. Absolutely and definitely a winner.
WRVU Saga Continues
/by FreemanFor those not in the know, on June 7 WRVU officially stopped broadcasting the eclectic stew of rock, blues, bluegrass, funk, hip-hop, electro and everything else that had made it such a staple for music lovers city-wide. Long owned and maintained by the university’s Vanderbilt Student Communications (VSC), WRVU was sold for $3.35 million to Nashville Public Radio, the parent company of Nashville’s WPLN 90.3. A press release printed on the Scene’s website states that the reasoning behind the sale was to create an endowment for “ensuring VSC’s ability to service the information and cultural needs of the Vanderbilt student population.”
The station’s new call letters are WFCL and it is currently broadcasting an all classical format.
None of this happened overnight. For months a group of VU alumni, students, and passionate supporters called WRVU Friends & Family campaigned with social media, email and fundraising for WRVU to remain on air. According to an article on the Scene’s website, this battle isn’t completely over just yet. The Nashville Public Radio board of directors held a public meeting this morning (6/21) and numerous protestors showed up to support the preservation of WRVU. Nothing appears to have changed after the meeting, but Nashville Public Radio board members at least seem to be open to communication.
Following the sale, WRVU will begin broadcasting on WPLN’s HD3 in fall 2011 as well as online streaming. Naturally, there are passionate arguments both optimistic about and vehemently opposed to the change.
The optimistic view says that listening habits for WRVU’s target demographic have shifted more to online outlets, and the terrestrial FM signal is a leftover of an industry struggling to stay alive. Additionally, VU students will have internship opportunities with the new station group.
But there’s also a compelling argument to be made for keeping the station on terrestrial airwaves. WRVU’s wildly diverse programming stood in stark contrast to a heavily consulted, tight playlisted radio climate. Volunteer DJs–some students, mostly outsiders–played their favorite tunes, from classic hits to spectacularly obscure, and anyone with a radio in Metro Davidson County could hear it.
A couple of questions remain in the wake of WRVU’s disappearance from the airwaves. Firstly, will the adoption of HD Radio and its related hardware take off in the coming months/years, or is it already done? And secondly, which radio outlet will step up to fill WRVU’s shoes in Nashville?
iPhone Software Could Curtail Concert Taping
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to the Mail, holding up the iPhone at a live music event would trigger infra-red sensors in the venue which would shut-off the camera function. Calls, texts and other features would still be operational on the phone.
Rights holders have long complained about the release of unlicensed audio and video recordings. This software is supposed to curtail that kind of copyright infringement.
There is no indication that Apple has immediate plans to implement the software, or that it is even out of development.
Grammys Set Date For 2012, Re-Up With CBS
/by Sarah SkatesThe 54th Annual Grammy Awards will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Staples Center in Los Angeles from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Also included in the 10-year agreement is the annual broadcast of the Grammy nominations concert, and a new series of specials, details of which will be announced in the future. The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on Wed., Nov. 30.
“We have consistently collaborated to ensure that a dynamic, fresh and diverse live telecast is presented, and we are proud of the collective growth and results we have achieved,” explained Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “In recent years, we have worked diligently to develop new GRAMMY programming that celebrates music throughout the year.”
Leslie Moonves, President/CEO, CBS Corporation, added, “The long-term structure of this deal will provide even greater continuity with marketing and sales opportunities for both organizations for an event that continues to grow in size and scope — both culturally and commercially.”
The 2011 Grammy Awards scored the show’s highest ratings in a decade.
Industry Ink: Conway Launches Show Me Festival
/by Sarah SkatesTony Conway pictured before Tim McGraw's set.
Tony Conway, President of CEG Live Concert Events, produced the first annual Show Me Music And Arts Festival in Springfield, Mo. last weekend (June 17-19). Among the top-name performers were Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Train, Big & Rich, One Republic, Little Big Town, and Kellie Pickler.
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Gibson Summer Jam 2011 will take place July 23 at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville (1612 Elm Hill Pk.). Set to perform are Bachman & Turner, Gary Clark Jr., Johnny A. with Dixie Peach, The Kicks, 3 Pill Morning and A Friend Called Fire. Attendees can check out Gibson’s latest instruments and products. The event runs 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., and coincides with Summer NAMM in Nashville. Details at www.gibson.com/summerjam11.
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Country newcomer Justin Haigh is building a team. He has signed with Jim Della Croce’s Pathfinder Management, The Bobby Roberts Company for booking, The Press Office for public relations, Ken Landry and Jason Landry at Apache Ranch Records, and Sam Cerami and Jerry Duncan for radio promotion. Haigh’s new album People Like Me was produced by Lew Curatolo, and features the single and video, “All My Best Friends (are Behind Bars),” directed by Jim Shea.
(L-R): Jim Della Croce, Bobby Roberts, Justin Haigh, and Jason Landry
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Jake Simon
Jake Simon has joined BMI’s New York office as Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations. He will report to Charlie Feldman, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, New York, and Samantha Cox, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, New York. Simon joins BMI from Universal Music Publishing where he was an Administrative Assistant.
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Bluewater Music has signed Ross Wariner and Cody Uhler of Nashville’s Uncle Skeleton to a worldwide administration agreement. Uncle Skeleton, a 12-plus member outfit that includes a string and horn sections, recently performed at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Wariner and Uhler established themselves locally as innovative songwriters, musicians and producers behind popular rock bands including Kindercastle and Nahnee Bori.
Ross Wariner and Cody Uhler
Major Stars, Major Tours
/by Sarah SkatesAlan Jackson Debuts Single in Chattanooga
Alan Jackson performed at Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival on Friday, June 17. Among the songs in his hit-laden set was new single, “Long Way To Go,” which he played live for the first time before the estimated crowd of 90,000.
(L-R): Maurice Miner, the co-op; Steve Hodges, Sr. VP Promotion, Capitol Records-EMI Records Nashville; Alan Jackson; Trudie Daniell, EMI Records Nashville Dir. Regional Promotion—SE; Kristi Curry, the co-op
Chesney Fills Field in Philly
Kenny Chesney’s Goin Coastal Tour sold out Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, drawing more than 52,000 fans for the all-day event. Playing the stadium for the fourth time in five years, Chesney’s set included a surprise appearance from rock singer-songwriter Grace Potter, who adds guest vocals to Chesney’s current single, “You And Tequila.” Also on Saturday night’s (6/18) guest list was Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who joined Chesney on stage to introduce the football song, “The Boys of Fall.”
Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter
Flatts Fest Kicks Off
Rascal Flatts launched their summer tour, Flatts Fest, over the weekend with two shows and crowds of 35,000. The sold-out, kick-off show in Bristow, Virginia, followed by the Virginia Beach show, saw huge crowds show up early to enjoy the karaoke challenge, the “Why Wait” wedding chapel, scavenger hunt and more. Flatts Fest is slated to run through Sept. 18.
Rascal Flatts onstage in Virginia
Ashley Heron Joins LA-based HYFN, Inc.
/by FreemanIn this role he will manage client services and new business development as well as overseeing a team of developers. HYFN’s clients include Avon, Citi, Coca-Cola, Honda, Intel, LG, Nike and many more.
Heron comes to HYFN from Big Machine Label Group, where he served as Director, Strategic Marketing. While there he was responsible for executive marketing partnerships with Best Buy, Cabela’s, Sony, JetBlue and more for label artists including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Justin Moore and others. Prior to that he served for six years as Sr. Manager, Marketing for Lyric Street Records. A native of Sarasota, Florida, Heron graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business.
“Ashley is a great creative mind and strategic thinker who has developed and executed marketing campaigns for a number of the biggest names in entertainment,” declares HYFN President and Founder Morgan Harris. “In today’s changing social landscape, Heron is the perfect fit for HYFN and its clients.”
Heron will relocate to Los Angeles for the job. Reach him at ashley@hyfn.com or 866-323-4936.
New Class Named To Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
/by Sarah SkatesMichelle Wright
Michelle Wright and Bill Langstroth will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Recognized for her contributions to Canada’s country music landscape, Wright is this year’s Artist inductee. Langstroth, the host of one of Canada’s first talent showcases, “Singalong Jubilee,” will have his achievements in television production celebrated in the Industry Builder category.
The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductions will take place during a private event to be held during Country Music Week, which runs Sept. 9-12, 2011, in Hamilton, Ontario. The week culminates in the live broadcast of the Canadian Country Music Awards, on Mon., Sept. 12, 2011.
During her 25-year career, Wright became the first Canadian artist in the modern era of country to have a Top Ten hit in America (“Take It Like A Man,” 1992). She has sold almost two million albums in North America.
“What a tremendous honour. I deeply appreciate this recognition and am so very proud to have had the opportunity to represent Canada across the globe through my music,” said Wright of her upcoming induction. “My thanks go out to the CCMA along with my fans, industry friends and outstanding team – a team that includes my manager Brian Ferriman and my husband Marco.”
Spending his youth in Montreal, Langstroth landed his first gig in Halifax as a producer at CBC. Working alongside notable musician Don Messer, Langstroth quickly climbed the ladder. He grew the Don Messer show to a nationally broadcasted program and in the years following hosted, “Singalong Jubilee.” Langstroth is the former husband of Canadian icon Anne Murray.
“I am honoured and delighted by my induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Langstroth. “To be recognized for my years in the industry by the CCMA as an industry Builder is a distinction that I am proud to celebrate alongside this year’s artist inductee, Michelle Wright.”
ICANN Opens Naming Floodgates
/by adminAccording to the L.A. Times:
Starting in 2000, ICANN has added 14 new top-level domains, including .biz, .info and .jobs. Few of the new names have caught on, with .com remaining the standard across many industries, even though it can be difficult and expensive to find new .com names, with the most desirable long ago snapped up by companies, individuals and cybersquatters.
Lauren Weinstein, co-founder of People For Internet Responsibility and founder of Privacy Forum, believes the plan serves the “domain-industry complex” at the expense of everyone else. She tells Information Week:
ICANN expects to begin accepting applications starting January 12, 2012.