Pictured (L-R, front row): Bobby Cudd (WME), Jay Williams (WME), Wyatt Ellis, Neil Mason (Red Light Management), Tom Lord (Red Light Management); (L-R, back row): Moira McCravey (WME), Carter Green (WME), Alison Auerbach (Alison Auerbach Public Relations), Erin Morris Huttlinger (Morris Public Relations)
Bluegrass artist Wyatt Ellis has signed with WME for global representation.
In his two short years on the scene, Ellis has been invited to perform on stage with artists such as Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Dailey & Vincent and Marty Stuart.
Ellis’ debut album Happy Valley was released last Friday (Feb. 2). On release day, Happy Valley was the cover of Spotify’s New Grass Playlist with the track “Blue Smoke” featuring Stuart in the No. 1 spot on the same playlist. Other tracks receiving prominent playlisting include “Get Lost,” “Blue Smoke” and “Grassy Cove.”
Ellis is also represented by Red Light Management’s Neil Mason and Tom Lord, as well as Morris Public Relations and Alison Auerbach P.R. for public relations and artist development. Andrea Roberts with the Andrea Roberts Agency is handling radio promotion.
“Wyatt is an extraordinary talent. He embraces tradition with his artistry while captivating a new generation of bluegrass fans,” share his representatives from WME. “His future is very bright, and we’re excited to have him at WME and be a part of his journey.”
“Wyatt is a breath of fresh air, and we are thrilled to be working with him,” comments Mason. “He is traditional and progressive, young, but seasoned well beyond his years. Wyatt has quickly made a ton of noise in the bluegrass and country scene, jamming with the likes of Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury and many more, as well as performing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Fest, MerleFest, and the Grand Ole Opry, all in recent months.”
Wyatt Ellis Inks With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Bobby Cudd (WME), Jay Williams (WME), Wyatt Ellis, Neil Mason (Red Light Management), Tom Lord (Red Light Management); (L-R, back row): Moira McCravey (WME), Carter Green (WME), Alison Auerbach (Alison Auerbach Public Relations), Erin Morris Huttlinger (Morris Public Relations)
Bluegrass artist Wyatt Ellis has signed with WME for global representation.
In his two short years on the scene, Ellis has been invited to perform on stage with artists such as Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Dailey & Vincent and Marty Stuart.
Ellis’ debut album Happy Valley was released last Friday (Feb. 2). On release day, Happy Valley was the cover of Spotify’s New Grass Playlist with the track “Blue Smoke” featuring Stuart in the No. 1 spot on the same playlist. Other tracks receiving prominent playlisting include “Get Lost,” “Blue Smoke” and “Grassy Cove.”
Ellis is also represented by Red Light Management’s Neil Mason and Tom Lord, as well as Morris Public Relations and Alison Auerbach P.R. for public relations and artist development. Andrea Roberts with the Andrea Roberts Agency is handling radio promotion.
“Wyatt is an extraordinary talent. He embraces tradition with his artistry while captivating a new generation of bluegrass fans,” share his representatives from WME. “His future is very bright, and we’re excited to have him at WME and be a part of his journey.”
“Wyatt is a breath of fresh air, and we are thrilled to be working with him,” comments Mason. “He is traditional and progressive, young, but seasoned well beyond his years. Wyatt has quickly made a ton of noise in the bluegrass and country scene, jamming with the likes of Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury and many more, as well as performing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Fest, MerleFest, and the Grand Ole Opry, all in recent months.”
New Mountain Capital Closes Majority Growth Investment In BMI
/by Lorie HollabaughNew Mountain Capital, an investment firm with over $45 billion in assets under management, has completed its previously announced acquisition of BMI.
As part of the transaction, and in recognition of the creativity of the songwriters, composers and publishers they represent, BMI’s former shareholders will be allocating $100 million of the proceeds of the sale to affiliates. The allocation of those funds is expected to be made this spring, and while not a distribution of royalties, will be in keeping with BMI’s distribution methodologies, which are based on performance levels over a set period of time.
“Our partnership with New Mountain charts an incredibly exciting new course for BMI and our songwriters, composers and publishers,” says Mike O’Neill, who will remain President & CEO of BMI. “New Mountain shares our vision to build value for our affiliates and invest in their future success. With their support, advanced level of innovation and resources, we are now in the best possible position to accelerate our growth plan and explore new opportunities to benefit our creative community.”
Pete Masucci, Managing Director at New Mountain, states, “We are thrilled to officially begin our partnership with BMI. We believe in BMI’s mission and the music creators they represent, and we are looking forward to helping BMI build on their momentum to deliver maximum value to their affiliates.”
“Mike O’Neill and his team have set a dynamic path forward for BMI,” says Mike Oshinsky, Director at New Mountain. “We are excited to help modernize the performing rights space and support BMI’s mission of serving songwriters, composers and publishers and growing their royalty distributions for the long-term.”
Bon Jovi To Open New Bar On Nashville’s Lower Broadway This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughRendering of JBJ’s Nashville
Jon Bon Jovi and his band are joining the growing list of stars opening new bars in downtown Nashville, as they prepare to open JBJ’s Nashville this spring.
Pictured (L-R): Eric Russell, David Bryan, Jon Bon Jovi, Tara and Josh Joseph visiting the JBJ’s Nashville site. Photo: Katie Larson/Big Plan Holdings
Located at 405 Broadway, JBJ’s will be the tallest and second largest bar by square footage, boasting 37,000 square feet. The building’s design aligns the city’s Broadway Historic Preservation Overlay, aiming to ensure a blend of the past’s charm with an innovative future. The space will feature entrances on both Broadway and 4th Avenue as well as two outdoor rooftop decks with panoramic views and more.
The project, spearheaded by Josh and Tara Joseph‘s Big Plan Holdings, seeks to create a place that respects the legacy of music while continuing to carry the torch of Nashville’s history.
“We’re looking forward to having a place in Nashville that we call home,” says Bon Jovi. “When Big Plan Holdings and the team of Josh and Tara Joseph asked us if we were interested, it wasn’t because we were just another rock band, it was because we are a band with deep roots in Nashville. We have had wonderful times in Nashville recording several albums and working with some of the finest people in all the music business. I can’t wait to toast all of Broadway and get to know our neighbors!”
“We feel it will be great to disrupt downtown Nashville in a positive way. Partnering with Jon was natural for many reasons, and we could not be more excited for Nashville and all its great visitors,” state the owners.
The announcement of the new venture coincides with the lead singer’s recognition as MusiCares’ 2024 Person of the Year and the band’s 40th anniversary.
Craig Morgan Sworn In As Warrant Officer In Army Reserve
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): CW3 William R. Green, Karen Greer, WO1 Craig Morgan Greer and John Clement. Photo: Nate Griffin
Craig Morgan received his appointment to Warrant Officer 1 in the Army Reserve on Saturday (Feb. 3) at Huntsville, Alabama’s Redstone Arsenal.
The swearing-in took place with Chief Warrant Officer 3 William R. Green, along with John Clement (Deputy State Director/Military Advisor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn) and Morgan’s wife, Karen Greer, officiating the ceremony while surrounded by family and friends.
Having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, the country star returned to service last year. He was again sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29.
Following his swearing-in as Warrant Officer 1, Morgan then traveled to Orlando where he performed the national anthem in uniform at 2024’s NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday (Feb. 4) from Camping World Stadium.
In addition to his service in the Army Reserve, Morgan has continued to tour and release new music including his EP Enlisted.
BMI Unveils 2024 Key West Songwriters Festival Lineup
/by Madison HahnenReturning for its 28th year, the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed their 2024 lineup. This year’s event will be taking place May 1-5 in Key West, Florida.
The lineup features more than 150 artists and songwriters. Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Bob DiPiero, James Slater, Tommy Sims, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Wendell Mobley, Tyler Reeve and more will be playing throughout the week. The festival will also feature rising artists and songwriters such as Chase Matthew, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck, Casey LeVasseur, Preston James, Jonathan Hutcherson and more.
The festival will kick off on Wednesday (May 1) with the “Sunset Pier Kickoff Party” featuring rising star Dylan Marlow and the Heartwreckers. Thursday (May 2) will feature a headline show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater by country star Cole Swindell with support from Restless Road. The annual Main Stage Duval Street block party will feature a performance from renowned songwriter Dallas Davidson.
This year’s festival will also include new showcases such as the “Key West Women’s Club” all-female lineup and “Sunday Church” at Williams Hall.
“We look forward to enhancing this year’s festival as we engage more with the local community to provide first-time experiences and showcases,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Co-Owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents. “We always enjoy working closely with BMI to create a diverse group of storytellers and this lineup reflects that.”
The 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse and White Claw. Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival.
More information and tickets for all shows are available now.
Lady Luck Songs & Yellow Mountain Music Publishing Sign Matt Warren
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Lady Luck Songs’ Bob Squance and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen; (L-R, front row): Lady Luck Songs’ Kim Penz and Matt Warren
Lady Luck Songs and Yellow Mountain Music Publishing have teamed up to sign Matt Warren to an exclusive publishing deal.
The Nashville native started playing in bands and touring the country in 1996, and signed his first publishing deal in 2002 with House of Fame in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
He has won multiple ASCAP Awards and earned cuts with Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Bucky Covington, Jim Lauderdale and more. Most notably, Warren co-wrote Allan’s “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” alongside the artist and Hillary Lindsey. The double-Platinum tune topped the country airplay charts and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2014 ACM Awards.
“Matt was the first writer signed to Lady Luck in 2015 and we are thrilled to be working with him again,” says Kim Penz, Founder of Lady Luck Songs. “This is a full circle moment for all of us and we can’t wait to achieve more great things together!”
“I’m really excited to be working with Kim, Cliff [Audretch], Bob [Squance] and the whole Lady Luck staff,” says Warren. “It’s a little bit of a homecoming for me and it feels really good to be back. I’m super stoked for the good things coming!”
“We are very excited to partner with the Lady Luck team to help bring Matt’s incredible talent to the world,” adds Chuck Bowling, Co-Founder of Yellow Mountain Music Publishing.
SJ McDonald Signs With Major Bob Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Emily Hasty (Creative Assistant), Bob Doyle (Owner/President), Graham Kothman (Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Matt Cottingham (Partner/Lewis Brisbois), SJ McDonald, Andy Friday (Head of Publishing). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music
Songwriter SJ McDonald has signed a publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.
Hailing from Virginia, McDonald made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2017 to study songwriting at Belmont University. Her single “Break A Cowboy” garnered attention from several editorial playlists, and she actively collaborates and has scored cuts with fellow artists including Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes and more.
“SJ’s name just kept coming up from great songwriters who we admire, and after we began booking co-writes with SJ we quickly discovered for ourselves why so many people love her,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music. “She keeps it country and she’s a perfect fit for Major Bob.”
Additionally, McDonald released her new single “Hummingbird” on Friday (Feb. 2).
Carson Wallace Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Relative Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, Anthony DeVincenzo, Relative Music Group’s Caroline Bouldin, Sony Music Publishing Nashvile’s Rusty Gaston; (L-R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Carson Wallace, Relative Music Group’s Michael Hardy and Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Singer-songwriter Carson Wallace has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group.
The California native first gained recognition from his demos on TikTok featuring his modern, edgy style. He recently released his debut single, “Lonely Look Like,” and has achieved success with other tracks including “Leavin’ Season,” “Ghost in My Chevy,” “Light of Day” and more.
“Carson is the most driven writer I have come across in a long time, and at only 20 years old that’s an incredible characteristic to have,” says Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “He’s got a great head on his shoulders and I truly think he understands the ins and outs of writing a hit song as well as how the music industry works. I can’t wait to hear the hits he turns in over the years and I know it’s only a matter of time until he breaks out as a big hit writer.”
“Thankful. That’s the word that truly describes how I feel,” says Wallace. “Thankful God put this passion in my heart to write songs, and thankful for the Relative/Sony team believing in me—they already feel like family. I cannot wait for what we’re going to do together!”
Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build Opens Homeowner Application
/by Liza AndersonHabitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville Parkwood Community Club Renovations
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) has opened homeowner applications.
The Music Row Build aims to raise awareness about the Nashville housing crisis and advocate for affordable housing for working musicians and industry professionals and other working locals. Each year, the MRB raises funds through various events to construct a Habitat home for a deserving Nashvillian. All fundraising efforts go towards the annual build as well as a fund that is used to support broader initiatives and goals such as building an entire neighborhood.
“We would love for the Music Row Build to come full circle and have a member of our music community achieve the dream of homeownership with the Habitat home we are building this year. The chance to secure a 0% APR mortgage via the Habitat program is a unique, once-in-lifetime opportunity. I encourage our songwriters, musicians and industry professionals grappling with the challenges of the housing market to seize this chance and submit their applications,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair.
Applications for the current community in North Nashville, Village by the Creek, can be submitted online. For more information, click here.
The annual Music Row Build started in 2003 and continued until 2012. It was then reignited in 2020 after a donation was made by longtime Music Row veteran Ree Guyer, which established a fund to carry on the MRB work with a goal of raising $500,000. Through multiple functions held by Gattis, the fund now consists of over $200,000.
For more information, contact Sherry Stinson at sstinson@habitatnashville.org.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Snags Top Country Streaming Songs Debut
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen‘s “Spin You Around (1/24),” the new version of the 2014 fan-favorite track, snags the top debut on the country streaming songs chart this week, taking No. 4 with 12 million streams, according to Luminate data. Wallen recorded “Spin You Around (1/24)” after a 10th anniversary edition of his EP Stand Alone was released without his consent.
Elsewhere on the chart, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ Grammy-winning “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 1 with 19 million new streams, adding to 468 million ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 2 with 13 million streams, adding to 1.204 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” notches No. 3 again with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.182 billion ATD, while his “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves down to No. 5 with 11 million streams, adding to 592 million ATD.
The country albums chart lacks movement as the top five stay the same once again this week.
Wallen’s One Thing At A Time holds No. 1 with 66K in total consumption (1.6K album only/83 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled project bides at No. 2 with 40K (2.5K album only/48 million song streams), and Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album dwells at No. 3 with 37K (399 album only/48 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak keeps No. 4 with 28K (885 album only/35 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) secures No. 5 again with 21K (4K album only/22 million song streams).