Pictured (L-R, back row): Rod Riley, Rusty Gaston, Lindsay Will, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Bryce Sherlow, Emilia James, Jimmy Harnen and Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Caroline Hodson, Scott Borchetta, Brad Clawson, Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Julian Raymond and Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise
BMI gathered industry members earlier this week to celebrate Chris Janson’s No. 1 hit “All I Need Is You,” which marked his fifth career chart-topper as a songwriter and an artist.
The heat of the day began to subside as industry members, family and friends made their way into the BMI lobby on Tuesday (June 25) afternoon. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Brad Clawson, Mitch Oglesby and Janson.
BMI’s Clay Bradley was emcee for the party. He congratulated the songwriters and thanked the crowd for taking the time out of their busy schedules to show up and celebrate the monumental achievement. On hand to celebrate her songwriters, Gorley and Oglesby, was ASCAP’s Emilia James.
She began by noting that, while it was his third No. 1, it was Oglesby’s first No. 1 party. “Mitch is the embodiment of hard work, determination and never giving up. He grew up on a farm in Georgia before moving here as a school teacher. He also worked at Nissan for a couple years, drove a school bus and did whatever it took to make ends meet while keeping his head down and honing his craft. In 2017, he signed his publishing deal and three years later, he had his first No. 1—another Chris Jason hit ‘Done.’ I am so excited that we finally get to celebrate!”
On deck to tout their songwriters were Anthem Entertainment’s Noah Dewey, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson. Hodson stepped to the mic to congratulate the teams that helped the song top the charts and Tape Room songwriters Gorley and Clawson.
“Simply put, you’re the kind of guy that everyone wants to be around,” Hodson said to Clawson. “You are ready to write every single day. You are smart, inclusive and ambitious, but, most importantly, you are humble and appreciative of everyone around you. Congratulations to you and everyone else here on stage.”
Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow was up next followed by Sony’s Rusty Gaston to tout Gorley.
“I hear a lot of songwriters say that they admire the success that Ashley Gorley has had, but I want to point out that Ashley exemplifies the philosophy, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ Ashley was in New York recently, and he got a phone call from an artist saying that he wanted to write that night. So, Ashley got on a plane back to Nashville and wrote until 3 a.m. before getting on another plane and flying back to New York to continue his meetings. It is a work ethic like that that leads to Ashley’s level of success.”
Several more stepped to the stage to speak including Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Big Machine Records’ Scott Borchetta, Nashville Harbor Record’s Jimmy Harnen and producer Julian Raymond.
Finally, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Oglesby spoke first, ushering Chris’ wife and manager Kelly Janson to the stage to stand next to him. “This lady right here got me on this stage. She went home and told Chris Janson that he had to go write with Mitch. He said, ‘Who is Mitch? How many cuts does he have?’ She said ‘none’ and he said he wasn’t going to write with me. Fast forward to the next day, he walked in and we immediately hit it off,” he laughed.
Next was Clawson, “I want to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in this song. I want to thank my family, Big Machine, Tape Room, Warner and everyone else. I really appreciate you guys.”
Gorley took the mic next to echo Oglesby and thank his team. “First of all, I want to thank God for getting the privilege to create and get to know these guys. I also want to thank Kelly for inspiring this song, and all of Chris’ songs. Thank you to all of the publishing teams and promo teams that made this song happen.”
Lastly, Janson took the opportunity to individually recognize everyone on his crew that helped his song go No. 1. He invited his promo team, management, band members and more to the stage and presented them each with gifts to show his appreciation.
“It’s so easy when you are a successful songwriter or artist to be put on a pedestal, or to have so many ‘yes’ people around you that you think you are more important than you really are,” he explained. “The truth is, it happens from the ground up, and we are just a catalyst to get there. Without the team, you don’t have anything. I have been in the music business long enough to know that the more you love your team, the more they will love you back and I am so grateful for my team.”
Recording Academy Extends Membership Invitation To Nearly 4,000
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has extended membership invitations to more than 3,900 music professionals spanning across diverse backgrounds, genres and disciplines, underscoring the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and representation within the music industry.
This year’s 2024 class of invitees is 45% women, 57% people of color and 47% under the age of 40. With this year’s new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women voting members by 2025 this year, one year ahead of schedule.
Invitations must be formally accepted by July 31 for recipients to become Recording Academy members and participate in the Online Entry Process for the upcoming Grammy awards. Through OEP, members can submit recordings, music videos and other eligible content for Grammy consideration. Individuals invited as voting members who accept their invitations are eligible to vote for the Grammy Awards, with the first voting ballot opening on Oct. 4 and closing on Oct. 15. The 67th Grammys will take place on Feb. 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“There’s no better way to kick off Grammy season than by inviting thousands of diverse and talented music creators and professionals to join our Recording Academy family,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Our members are the heart of the Academy, driving our mission to make lasting, positive impacts on the music community and shape music history. We are hopeful that all 3,900+ invitees join us in serving, celebrating and championing the voices of music creators year-round.”
Elevation Worship Renews Distribution & Publishing Deal With Provident Entertainment
/by Liza AndersonElevation Worship with Provident Entertainment team members
Elevation Worship has renewed their distribution and publishing agreement with Provident Entertainment.
Elevation Worship has scored seven Platinum-certified tunes and 10 songs on the CCLI Top 100 chart. Since the group’s last album, Can You Imagine?, Elevation Worship has produced the multi-week No. 1 and viral song “Praise,” in addition to selling out their entire spring tour run.
“What an honor and privilege it has been to partner with the ministry and music of Elevation Worship over the last 10 years,” states Holly Zabka, President, Provident Entertainment. “Elevation Worship is an outpouring of songs rooted in the experience of their local church that has impacted the global church and worshippers worldwide.”
“Stewarding the songs of Elevation Worship plays a significant role, as their music has a global impact, resonating with many and fostering spiritual growth,” says Andie Rankins, Senior Director, Essential Music Publishing. “The opportunity to administer their songs is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that contributes to the collective experience of worshipers around the world. It’s a meaningful endeavor that supports the mission of spreading faith through music.”
Austin Michael Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Rafter 3 Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): L3/Rafter 3’s Peter Hartung, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Austin Michael, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, L3/Rafter 3’s Cody Villalobos and Joey Gonzalez
Austin Michael has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Rafter 3 Music, the new publishing arm of L3 Entertainment.
Growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, Texas, Michael learned at an early age to rope, ride, hunt and fish. Rodeo life seemed to be in the stars for the Texas native, but at 15, he wound up on Luke Bryan’s shoulders roping Katy Perry on American Idol. It became one of the most viral videos of the competition series’ 2019 season, and the feedback on his vocal ability was the turning point for Michael as he started pursuing a career as an artist.
He has spent the last five years polishing his songwriting and guitar skills, driving to Nashville, sleeping in his car and knocking on every door for an opportunity. With relentless perseverance, Michael aims to further launch his career, continue to release new music and grow partnerships.
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Austin and his team at this exciting time in his career,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent level is off the charts, and he is already writing songs that will be the soundtrack to fans around the country.”
“We’re very excited to have Austin join the Warner Chappell team of fantastic writers and administrators,” shares Peter Hartung, President, L3 Entertainment/Rafter 3 Music. “It’s a great songwriting home for Austin as he embarks on what promises to be a great career in country music!”
Ashley Cooke To Kick Off ‘Your Place: The Tour’ This Fall
/by Liza AndersonAshley Cooke. Photo: Robby Klein
Ashley Cooke is set to kick off “Your Place: The Tour” this fall.
Starting in Seattle on Oct. 23, Cooke will visit 17 cities nationwide, with more to be announced soon, alongside special guest Greylan James.
The journey is named after the Big Loud/Back Blocks Music artist’s latest single, which recently became her first No. 1 at country radio—making it only the second country radio chart-topper from a female artist this year. With more than 62 million global on-demand streams, “Your Place” is also tied as the second-fastest growing solo female debut single on Country Aircheck/Mediabase in the last 10 years. The song also earned Cooke a four-week No. 1 on the U.K. Country Radio Airplay chart, marking her as the first artist to do so since the chart launched earlier this year, and notched her first-ever CMT Music Award win for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year with its accompanying visual.
“Is it October yet? I can’t WAIT for this tour celebrating ‘Your Place’ and all that’s happened since my first tour!” shares Cooke. “The ‘Shot In The Dark Tour’ holds some of my all time favorite memories so of course, my band and I can’t wait to get out there and make some more. This new set will have a lot of fun surprises arrangement-wise, and also a few sneak peaks at brand-new unreleased music. Counting down the days!”
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (June 28) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Before launching the new trek, Cooke will serve as support on U.S. leg of Jordan Davis’ “Damn Good Time Tour” throughout the summer, and appear at festivals such as Windy City Smokeout, Faster Horses, Country Boom, Country Summer and more.
Midland To Release New Album ‘Barely Blue’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Midland will release their new album, Barely Blue, on Sept. 20 via Big Machine Records. The trio dropped the project’s opening track, “Lucky Sometimes,” along with its accompanying video yesterday (June 26).
Produced by Dave Cobb at Georgia Mae Studios in Savannah, the eight-song exploration of loneliness and resilience in the face of heartache aims to examine the generosity of spirit required to love, lose and move on.
“We knew we wanted to go somewhere else,” says bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy. “We are all big believers in a certain time and place, a sense of classic country that comes from roadhouses and bad coffee, miles and miles and miles on the road–and the idea that, even though we’re all happy, love and life falls apart, but that doesn’t mean you have to, too. When we were writing these songs, it was a trip into all the things in country music we love. You don’t hear much of this kind of unfiltered, hard stuff that comes with the great guitar sounds, the deep harmonies and shuffles you can tuck into. But that’s the essence of what Midland is–and Dave Cobb brought a new altitude to our sound.”
Lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach adds, “Dave Cobb had been a producer we wanted to work with since we first heard Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. Dave’s eclectic musical background and the way he approaches recording as an experience and not a task made him the perfect match for us. On Barely Blue, we feel like Dave helped us find the sound we’ve been searching for for a long time.”
Additionally, the group will kick off “The Get Lucky Tour” on Sept. 19, with dates in Cincinnati, Atlanta, El Paso, Las Vegas and more as well as a show at ACL Live in their hometown of Austin on Dec. 20.
JUST IN: The Valory Music Co. Promotes Ashley Sidoti
/by Liza AndersonAshley Sidoti. Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.
The Valory Music Co. has promoted Ashley Sidoti to Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion, effective immediately.
“We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Ashley Sidoti to Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion,” says George Briner, The Valory Music Co. President. “Ashley started as an intern in 2008 when The Valory Music Co. launched and since then has worked her way up, becoming an invaluable member of the team.”
Sidoti most recently served as Vice President, Digital & Promotion for the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) imprint, and has been a driving force behind 36 of its 43 chart-toppers. She has helped to launch and develop the imprint’s roster including Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Conner Smith, Mackenzie Carpenter and Thomas Rhett, who recently achieved his 22nd No. 1 in 10 years. Additionally, the Belmont University and Leadership Music alum was honored by the Nashville Business Journal in 2019 with a Women in Music City award, and currently sits on the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of working alongside this incredible team for over a decade now. We have had so much fun building this brand together and I’m eager to continue that,” shares Sidoti. “It’s an exciting time of evolution within our industry and with our impressive roster of artists, the new opportunities are endless. I look forward to working more closely with our team as we elevate that roster and grow the future of The Valory Music Co.”
Chris Janson & Crew Celebrate No. 1 Hit ‘All I Need Is You’
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R, back row): Rod Riley, Rusty Gaston, Lindsay Will, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Bryce Sherlow, Emilia James, Jimmy Harnen and Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Caroline Hodson, Scott Borchetta, Brad Clawson, Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Julian Raymond and Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise
BMI gathered industry members earlier this week to celebrate Chris Janson’s No. 1 hit “All I Need Is You,” which marked his fifth career chart-topper as a songwriter and an artist.
The heat of the day began to subside as industry members, family and friends made their way into the BMI lobby on Tuesday (June 25) afternoon. Gathered on stage were the song’s co-writers Ashley Gorley, Brad Clawson, Mitch Oglesby and Janson.
BMI’s Clay Bradley was emcee for the party. He congratulated the songwriters and thanked the crowd for taking the time out of their busy schedules to show up and celebrate the monumental achievement. On hand to celebrate her songwriters, Gorley and Oglesby, was ASCAP’s Emilia James.
She began by noting that, while it was his third No. 1, it was Oglesby’s first No. 1 party. “Mitch is the embodiment of hard work, determination and never giving up. He grew up on a farm in Georgia before moving here as a school teacher. He also worked at Nissan for a couple years, drove a school bus and did whatever it took to make ends meet while keeping his head down and honing his craft. In 2017, he signed his publishing deal and three years later, he had his first No. 1—another Chris Jason hit ‘Done.’ I am so excited that we finally get to celebrate!”
On deck to tout their songwriters were Anthem Entertainment’s Noah Dewey, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson. Hodson stepped to the mic to congratulate the teams that helped the song top the charts and Tape Room songwriters Gorley and Clawson.
“Simply put, you’re the kind of guy that everyone wants to be around,” Hodson said to Clawson. “You are ready to write every single day. You are smart, inclusive and ambitious, but, most importantly, you are humble and appreciative of everyone around you. Congratulations to you and everyone else here on stage.”
Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow was up next followed by Sony’s Rusty Gaston to tout Gorley.
“I hear a lot of songwriters say that they admire the success that Ashley Gorley has had, but I want to point out that Ashley exemplifies the philosophy, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ Ashley was in New York recently, and he got a phone call from an artist saying that he wanted to write that night. So, Ashley got on a plane back to Nashville and wrote until 3 a.m. before getting on another plane and flying back to New York to continue his meetings. It is a work ethic like that that leads to Ashley’s level of success.”
Several more stepped to the stage to speak including Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Big Machine Records’ Scott Borchetta, Nashville Harbor Record’s Jimmy Harnen and producer Julian Raymond.
Finally, it was time to hear from the songwriters. Oglesby spoke first, ushering Chris’ wife and manager Kelly Janson to the stage to stand next to him. “This lady right here got me on this stage. She went home and told Chris Janson that he had to go write with Mitch. He said, ‘Who is Mitch? How many cuts does he have?’ She said ‘none’ and he said he wasn’t going to write with me. Fast forward to the next day, he walked in and we immediately hit it off,” he laughed.
Next was Clawson, “I want to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in this song. I want to thank my family, Big Machine, Tape Room, Warner and everyone else. I really appreciate you guys.”
Gorley took the mic next to echo Oglesby and thank his team. “First of all, I want to thank God for getting the privilege to create and get to know these guys. I also want to thank Kelly for inspiring this song, and all of Chris’ songs. Thank you to all of the publishing teams and promo teams that made this song happen.”
Lastly, Janson took the opportunity to individually recognize everyone on his crew that helped his song go No. 1. He invited his promo team, management, band members and more to the stage and presented them each with gifts to show his appreciation.
“It’s so easy when you are a successful songwriter or artist to be put on a pedestal, or to have so many ‘yes’ people around you that you think you are more important than you really are,” he explained. “The truth is, it happens from the ground up, and we are just a catalyst to get there. Without the team, you don’t have anything. I have been in the music business long enough to know that the more you love your team, the more they will love you back and I am so grateful for my team.”
Stephen Wilson Jr. Plots Fall Headlining Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughStephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Brayln Kelly
Stephen Wilson Jr. will head out on his headlining “Søn Of Dad Tour” this fall.
The tour will include dates in Denver, Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia and more as well as a show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Dec. 4. In between his U.S. stops, the singer-songwriter will travel to Europe for a run of dates supporting Joss Stone, including a show Royal Albert Hall on July 8. He also plans to support Miranda Lambert in Memphis on Sept. 28. For more information, click here.
Last year, Wilson Jr. released his debut double album, Søn Of Dad, via Big Loud Records. At its core, the collection is a tribute to his late father.
Logan Crosby To Take Fans Back To ‘2019’ With Debut Album & Tour
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Drew DeSirey/Sean Roberts
Logan Crosby will drop his debut album, 2019, on Sept. 27. Ahead of the release, he plans to embark on his first-ever headlining journey, “The 2019 Tour,” starting Sept. 5 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Photo: Drew DeSirey/Sean Roberts
The collection will feature lead singles “You’re Still,” “Girl Next Door” and “2019” in addition to 10 new tunes. Additionally, the 12-date tour will visit Knoxville, Charlotte, Columbia, Nashville and more. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
“When you listen to me, I want to take you back to the first time you got your heart broken or fell in love. Other songs might make you want to party,” notes Crosby. “I’m the same guy who was holding a guitar at three-years-old. Whether I’m playing a dive bar or an arena, I’m going to share stories and maybe make you laugh too.”
He is currently supporting Megan Moroney on “The Lucky 2.0 Tour,” and is set to make upcoming appearances at Calgary Stampede and Voice of America (VOA) Country Music Fest.
2019 Track Listing:
1. “2019”
2. “You’re Still”
3. “Polaroid Picture”
4. “Love Like That Again”
5. “Girl Next Door”
6. “Please Don’t Say Atlanta”
7. “Look Who’s Lonely Now”
8. “But I Do”
9. “I’ll Write A Song”
10. “Ain’t No Georgia”
11. “Forever For A While”
12. “Roots”
13. “Seasons”
CMHOFM’s 16th Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum To Honor Sally Williams
/by Liza AndersonThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor industry executive Sally Williams at its 16th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in its Ford Theater.
Since 2007, the forum has recognized music industry leaders who continue the legacy of Scruggs, who was known to be a trailblazing businesswoman that set new professional standards in artist management. During the discussion, led by the museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer, the honoree will detail her 30+ years in music and entertainment.
Williams is currently President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy for Live Nation Entertainment and co-manager of Grammy-winning band Old Crow Medicine Show. She first began promoting concerts while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Prior to joining Live Nation, Williams spent nearly two decades with Ryman Hospitality Properties/Gaylord Entertainment. After serving as General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium, she became Opry Entertainment Group’s Senior Vice President of Programming & Artist relations as well as the Grand Ole Opry’s first female General Manager in 2017.
Williams has received multiple accolades from the ACM, International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), Nashville Business Journal and Pollstar. In 2015, Williams was inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame, and was presented with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award by the T. J. Martell Foundation in 2019. In recent years, she has worked with various business, civic and charitable organizations—assuming the roles of CMA Board of Directors Chair, Leadership Music President and Opry Trust Fund President.
The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.