Pictured (L-R): Andrew Bergman, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings; Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group; Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing
Spirit Music Group has entered into a new administration services agreement with Downtown Music Publishing. Per the agreement, Spirit will use Downtown’s global administration, registration and technology platforms to support their infrastructure needs. Spirit’s current sub-publishing arrangements will remain place.
“This move allows us to pair Spirit’s expertise at A&R, marketing, branding, digital and synchronization with Downtown’s extensive administration, technology, and registration capabilities to provide the best infrastructure available for our songwriters and partners,” shares Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “By uniting these strengths for Spirit clients, the sum is even greater than its parts.”
Spirit’s song catalog totals over 100,000 songs and counting, with songs recorded by music legends such as The Who, Chicago, Faith Hill, Camilla Cabello, Ricky Martin, Toto, Jason Aldean, Charles Mingus, Taylor Swift, Chaka Khan, Elvis Presley, Eminem, Tom Petty and more. Through their catalog, they have over 200 No. 1 songs and an additional 800 charted hits.
Singer continues, “As Spirit continues to grow, invest in new talent, and acquire repertoire, we want to continue to focus on what we do best—ensuring that our songwriters and artists are seen, heard and prioritized and driving growth for them through proactive, innovative song management. Linking arms with Downtown ensures that we stay ahead of the curve and in so doing allows us to maintain a laser focus on creating value for our copyrights as we continue to aggressively scale our business in the coming years.”
Downtown currently manages more than 23 million music assets for over one million creators and 2,500 enterprise clients. Client distributions currently exceeds $100 million dollars, with 14% increases every year since 2021. Downtown is currently the largest pure-play provider in the industry.
Andrew Bergman, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings says, “We are pleased to be working with the amazing team at Spirit and to administer a catalog so filled with musical gems. We designed Downtown and our suite of service offerings specifically with these types of deals in mind so it is immensely gratifying for Spirit to have chosen to work with us.”
“Working with Spirit Music Group reinforces our dedication to fostering the success of legendary musical catalogs as well as supporting new talent, both abundantly represented in Spirit’s catalog,” adds Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing. “Downtown is committed to providing the best services to our clients via investments in administration, rights management, data and technology and we are thrilled to be working with the Spirit team.”
Dean Dillon Signs Publishing Deal With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing
/by LB CantrellRiver House’s Zebb Luster, Dean Dillon and River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline
Iconic country songwriter Dean Dillon has signed a worldwide publishing deal with River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
Dillon is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Having penned many iconic hits for chart-topping artists including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith and many more, Dillon was named the BMI Country Icon in 2013 and has amassed a combined total of 31 BMI Country and Pop Awards.
His association with Strait over the years has brought him to an icon status in country music with over 76 hits together, including the Grammy-nominated “Breath You Take” as well as “The Chair,” “I’ve Come to Expect it From You,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “She Let Herself Go,” “The Best Day” and endless more.
“We are thrilled to have Dean Dillon join our River House roster. His songwriting is unparalleled, and this is such an exciting time for us,” says Zebb Luster, VP/GM of River House Artists. “I have been a true fan of his songwriting for years and how it has forged a path in country music history. We are honored that he trusts us to continue to further his incredible songwriting legacy.”
Dillon adds, “I’m so excited to be part of the River House family. The team has an excellent track record and are such thoughtful stewards of great songs. I’m looking forward to working with them to further my lasting legacy as a songwriter.”
Dillon moved to Nashville in 1973, and his career has been one that most Music City songwriters aspire to have. His first No. 1 was “Lying Here in Love With You,” recorded by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius and co-written with Gary Harrison.
Dillon’s latest hits have included George Strait’s “Here for a Good Time” and “Livin’ For the Night” as well as “It’s a Little Too Late” performed by Keith and “I’m Alive” by Chesney and Dave Matthews. In addition to his songbook of hits for other artists, he has charted eight of his songs as a recording artist, with “I’m Into the Bottle (To Get You Out of My Mind)” breaking into the Top 30.
Ryder Johnson Inks Publishing Deal With Prescription Songs
/by Madison HahnenChristian Conant and Ryder Johnson
Multi-Platinum producer and songwriter Ryder Johnson has signed a publishing deal with Prescription Songs.
Originally from Arkansas, Johnson’s cross-genre talent has landed him projects with some of music’s biggest stars. Most notably, Johnson has received credits on “No Return (with The Kid Laroi and Lil Durk)” by Polo G, “Choppa Shoot The Loudest (with Chief Keef, feat. Trippie Redd)” by Lil Tecca, “Spinnin’ (feat. Est Gee)” by Lil Durk and “How The Game Go” by Rod Wave. He has also collaborated on projects with HotBoii, Lil Yachty, Mike Posner, Tom Morello, City Morgue and more.
“I’m more than excited to finally be a part of the Prescription family! We all worked so hard to get this deal done because of how eager we were to get work done. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here,” says Johnson.
Christian Conant, A&R, Prescription Songs adds, “We’re so lucky to welcome Ryder into the fold here at Prescription Songs! His credits and work ethic speak for themselves, but above all that, he’s a great human being. I’m confident this is still just the beginning for Ryder. I can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us! I’m incredibly thankful for Diana Sanders and John Rybicki for their legal guidance, and Katie Fagan for bringing us all together!”
Dolly Parton Expands Downhome Comfort Food Line With Duncan Hines/Conagra
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
Dolly Parton and Duncan Hines’ parent company Conagra Brands have developed a new line of retail food items through a new licensing partnership.
The new partnership expands beyond Dolly’s Duncan Hines Sweet Treats to a variety of new food categories, including frozen foods and refrigerated items, as well as grocery and snack items inspired by down-home comfort cuisine.
“I loved co-creating my Duncan Hines line with Conagra and I’m thrilled we’re going well beyond the baking aisle with new items across the store,” says Parton. “We’re looking to continue to inspire special moments in the kitchen, with some of my family’s favorite recipes, and I think people are really going to love them!”
The new products will start rolling onto store shelves nationwide this month, with an expanded line-up of Duncan Hines’ mixes including Chocolate Cake Mix, Yellow Cake Mix, Cinnamon Crumb Cake Mix, Blueberry Muffin Mix and Banana Nut Muffin Mix. Additionally, the first single branded Dolly Parton item, Buttermilk Pancake Mix, will start hitting shelves this winter and marks Dolly’s first foray into the breakfast category. More items are expected to launch later in 2024, including frozen items.
Parton’s newest baking mixes and frostings are flowing through to stores nationwide now on a rolling launch, but the brand is giving consumers a chance to try some of the new items and get exclusive, limited-edition Dolly keepsakes with the new Dolly Parton Bake Like a Rockstar Baking Collection, available online only while supplies last. The kit includes: Dolly Parton’s Blueberry Muffin Mix, Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake Mix, Favorite Chocolate Cake Mix and Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting; an exclusive magnet featuring the popular illustration of Dolly from the Duncan Hines’ packaging; a Dolly-inspired, collectible oven mitt; and recipe cards with some of Dolly’s favorite recipes like Lemon Glazed Blueberry Crumb Cake and Coffee Cake Muffins.
“This unprecedented partnership with Dolly Parton gives us an incredible opportunity to further cement Conagra Brands in our established categories, while authentically positioning us for tremendous growth in new ones including Southern cooking and comfort food,” says Tom McGough, Chief Operating Officer at Conagra Brands.
Chris Young’s Attorney Releases Statement
/by LB CantrellChris Young. Photo: Jeff Johnson
Chris Young‘s attorney Bill Ramsey has issued a statement denouncing the singer’s arrest earlier this week, when he was charged with disorderly conduct, assaulting an officer and resisting arrest after an altercation at a bar in Nashville.
After his arrest on Monday night (Jan. 22), Young’s mugshot was shared across social media and national media outlets. Reports shared that he had allegedly assaulted a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agent who was checking IDs at a downtown bar in Nashville.
Video evidence that surfaced on Wednesday (Jan. 24) seemed to show that the agent initiated the physical altercation with Young.
Though the singer has been unable to comment directly on the incident, his attorney has spoken out.
“What happened to my client Chris Young at a bar in Nashville on Monday night was wrong and he never should have been arrested and charged in the first place,” Ramsey says. “In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC needs to drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional and professional harm done towards my client.”
Spirit Music Group Enters Administration Services Agreement With Downtown Music Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Andrew Bergman, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings; Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group; Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing
Spirit Music Group has entered into a new administration services agreement with Downtown Music Publishing. Per the agreement, Spirit will use Downtown’s global administration, registration and technology platforms to support their infrastructure needs. Spirit’s current sub-publishing arrangements will remain place.
“This move allows us to pair Spirit’s expertise at A&R, marketing, branding, digital and synchronization with Downtown’s extensive administration, technology, and registration capabilities to provide the best infrastructure available for our songwriters and partners,” shares Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “By uniting these strengths for Spirit clients, the sum is even greater than its parts.”
Spirit’s song catalog totals over 100,000 songs and counting, with songs recorded by music legends such as The Who, Chicago, Faith Hill, Camilla Cabello, Ricky Martin, Toto, Jason Aldean, Charles Mingus, Taylor Swift, Chaka Khan, Elvis Presley, Eminem, Tom Petty and more. Through their catalog, they have over 200 No. 1 songs and an additional 800 charted hits.
Singer continues, “As Spirit continues to grow, invest in new talent, and acquire repertoire, we want to continue to focus on what we do best—ensuring that our songwriters and artists are seen, heard and prioritized and driving growth for them through proactive, innovative song management. Linking arms with Downtown ensures that we stay ahead of the curve and in so doing allows us to maintain a laser focus on creating value for our copyrights as we continue to aggressively scale our business in the coming years.”
Downtown currently manages more than 23 million music assets for over one million creators and 2,500 enterprise clients. Client distributions currently exceeds $100 million dollars, with 14% increases every year since 2021. Downtown is currently the largest pure-play provider in the industry.
Andrew Bergman, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings says, “We are pleased to be working with the amazing team at Spirit and to administer a catalog so filled with musical gems. We designed Downtown and our suite of service offerings specifically with these types of deals in mind so it is immensely gratifying for Spirit to have chosen to work with us.”
“Working with Spirit Music Group reinforces our dedication to fostering the success of legendary musical catalogs as well as supporting new talent, both abundantly represented in Spirit’s catalog,” adds Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing. “Downtown is committed to providing the best services to our clients via investments in administration, rights management, data and technology and we are thrilled to be working with the Spirit team.”
Storme Warren & Tim Leary To Receive CRB’s 2024 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has named Storme Warren and Tim Leary as the recipients of the 2024 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award.
The award, which is not given annually but on a merit basis, recognizes individuals in the country radio industry who demonstrate a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in serving their community. It is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who was known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN/Chicago, and was highly regarded for his public service.
Warren, a presenter at The BIG 615 on TuneIn, has been a major force in charitable initiatives such as The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, Operation Song and ACM Lifting Lives. He serves on the Operation Song Board, and also holds a Public Director position on the ACM Lifting Lives’ Board of Directors, focusing on health-related music therapy initiatives. Over the course of his career, Warren has cumulatively contributed to raising nearly $50 million for various charities. He has fulfilled charitable roles including auctioneer, master of ceremonies and active promoter.
Leary, Co-Host of Tim & Chelsea in the Morning on WIRK/West Palm Beach, Florida, has dedicated over two decades to public service and community enrichment. His commitment to serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America has earned him numerous awards, including the Messenger of Peace and The Commander’s Award for Public Service. Leary has also played a pivotal part in fighting hunger and supporting breast cancer research through initiatives that include helping to elevate WIRK’s “Friends Feeding Friends” food drive and campaigns like “Tats for Ta-Tas.”
“The fact that the awards committee selected two winners this year is a testament to radio’s commitment to local communities,” says Beverlee Brannigan, CRB Awards Committee Chair. “Both Storme and Tim are personalities who are all-in on caring and taking action. This is the first time two individuals have been honored for this award; their outstanding humanitarian efforts have set the bar high.”
They will be recognized at the New Faces of Country Music Show on March 1 during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, taking place Feb. 28-March 1.
Lauren Daigle To Take Over Miramar Beach For ‘Kaleidoscope Beach Weekend’
/by Madison HahnenTopeka has revealed their latest music vacation experience with Lauren Daigle‘s “Kaleidoscope Beach Weekend.” The event will take place April 25-27 along the shores of Miramar Beach, Florida.
The lineup includes Daigle headlining all three nights, with each night having a theme to accompany the music. Thursday night will be “Worship Set” with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. Natalie Hemby, Ellie Holcomb and Jason Ingram will be featured for Friday’s “Storyteller Set.” To close out the weekend, Saturday will hold a “Kalediscope Jam” with Jon Batiste and Gable Price & Friends.
Attending guests will enjoy a true family friendly vacation, relaxing by the beach during the day with the concerts at night. Topeka has long been spearheading music vacation experiences, with other weekend’s announced such as The Avett Brothers’ Moon Crush “Avett Moon” Music Vacation and Brandi Carlile’s “Mothership Weekend.”
Weekend passes are on sale now.
Ashley Ray Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Lady Fairchild Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Jessi Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Ashley Ray, Karen Fairchild (Lady Fairchild), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Music). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Rising singer-songwriter Ashley Ray has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Lady Fairchild Publishing.
Ray has already made a name for herself in the Nashville songwriting community, with writing credits on Little Big Town’s “The Daughters” and through work with Lori McKenna, Sean McConnell, Ruston Kelly, Caroline Spence, Wade Bowen, Charles Kelly, Brittney Spencer and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. She also released three studio albums, with her latest, Animal, just released in November 2023.
Jessi Stevenson, Sr. Director, A&R and Digital, Warner Chappell Music Nashville says, “Ashley Ray is such an incredible storyteller. Her brilliance shines through her work as an artist and ability to help other music creators tell their stories.”
The publishing deal is in collaboration with Lady Fairchild Publishing, a newly established publishing company led by Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild. The company will also have a focus on artist development.
“Ashley Ray and I have been writing songs together for several years now. We always envisioned working together in a bigger way. She is a gifted writer and captivating artist, and I’m so thrilled to start this new chapter with her,” shares Fairchild.
CAA Signs Ty Myers [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonTy Myers. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
CAA has signed singer-songwriter Ty Myers.
The Texas native grew up just west of Austin as the sixth generation to be raised on his family’s cattle ranch, and has been singing since he could walk. At the age of eight, Myers began playing guitar and writing songs. When he wasn’t playing football, baseball, hunting or fishing, he spent all his free time writing music or playing shows with his father.
In March 2023, Myers dropped his debut independent tune, “Tie That Binds,” which has amassed more than two million streams to date. He has since released four other original songs and most recently, a cover of George Strait’s 1981 hit “Down And Out.” Myers continues to expand his catalog, frequently co-writing with some of Nashville’s most skilled songwriters.
Managed by Narvel Blackstock and Starstruck Entertainment, he will also continue to play shows around the Texas area.
Weekly Register: Jessie Murph & Jelly Roll Return To Country Songs Top Five
/by Liza AndersonJessie Murph and Jelly Roll‘s “Wild Ones” returns to the top five on the country streaming songs chart this week, reclaiming the fifth slot with 9.4 million new streams, adding to 131 million ATD, according to Luminate data.
Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” reigns at No. 1 with 17 million streams, adding to 430 million ATD, while Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rises to follow at No. 2 with 11.5 million new streams, adding to 1.177 billion ATD. Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” drops to No. 3 with 11.3 million streams, adding to 1.155 billion ATD, and his “Thinkin’ Bout Me” stays at No. 4 with 10 million new streams, adding to 568 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time continues at the top with 61K in total consumption (1.8K album only/76 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled collection takes No. 2 again with 37K (1.7K album only/45 million song streams), and Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album comes behind at No. 3 with 33K (371 album only/42 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak shifts up to No. 4 with 26K (875 album only/33 million song streams), while Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves down to No. 5 with 22K (5.1K album only/22 million song streams).