Pictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography
CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.
de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”
He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Throughout his career, Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple ACM Awards, an American Music Award and CMT Music Award as well as numerous nominations for the Grammys, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification, becoming the eighth country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11-time Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP handled the transaction on behalf of Hunt.
The War And Treaty, Riley Green, More Added To ‘All For The Hall’ Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe eighth annual “All for the Hall” benefit concert has added some artists to the lineup for the Dec. 5 event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Hosted by Keith Urban and Vince Gill, the show will now feature a star-studded lineup that includes Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Hardy, Patty Loveless, The War And Treaty, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Stewarts Creek High School senior Abigail Sowards and surprise guests. The additions come as Dierks Bentley and Jordan Davis are forced to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
This year’s “All for the Hall” benefit, themed “The Song Remembers When,” will consist of artists performing a song that defines a memorable moment in their life, in addition to one of their own hits. This marks Urban’s eighth “All for the Hall” concert in Nashville.
The evening will also include an original song from the museum’s flagship education program, Words & Music, which pairs students with songwriters to teach lyric writing and language arts through music. With the support of songwriter Paulina Jayne, Sowards will perform her song, “These Moments,” alongside her fellow classmates John Dechira and David Guydon. Sowards’ song is about cherishing day-to-day moments with her family before she leaves home after high school. For more information, click here.
Collectively, the event has raised $4.3 million in support of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and its educational programs.
Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates Launches New Venture, Band & Crew Financial
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Mates
Emerson Drive vocalist Brad Mates is pivoting from his longtime career as an artist and launching a brand new venture, Band & Crew Financial.
Mates and the rest of Emerson Drive enjoyed a successful career as a touring act for over two decades, and after moving to Maine years ago, he developed an interest in the financial world and discovered a new passion for helping change people’s lives through investing and preparing for the future. Mates worked to become knowledgeable as a financial planner, and then came upon the idea to cater to a part of the industry that is often overlooked and underestimated, those who are often behind-the-scenes and in support positions, and decided to form Band & Crew.
“In my position as an artist in the business, I’ve observed when you meet someone in the financial industry it’s often the big box company, someone in a suit and tie, who has never been deep in the industry like we have,” explains Mates. “So I think there’s a comfort level for a lot of people to have someone who understands a little bit of their path and challenges in the music business. And now that I’ve come back in from the other side of the industry, I knew we had to be different than other financial companies, so I decided to offer financial services hyper-focused on supporting all stages that an individual goes through in their respective career path.
“Our difference at Band & Crew is our background in the industry, hands and feet on the ground in this business for 25 years, that makes us stand out the most. And I truly believe it can help a lot of younger acts and even established acts and folks at the back end of their careers that are potentially retiring, just a place that feels like home for them to come and do business.”
The new company will offer a variety of services including investments, insurance and business guidance for both families and individuals, including IRAs, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, long term care, retirement plans, IRAs, 401Ks and more.
Band & Crew Financial is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, but Mates will be traveling all around the country working with clients in cities like Nashville, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Detroit. More information on the new company can be found at bandandcrewfinancial.com.
ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons Signs With Spirit Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Kara Jackson (Spirit Music Nashville), Derek Wells (Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix Music), AJ Burton (Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution), Mike Fiorentino (Spirit Music Nashville), Billy F Gibbons, Frank Rogers (Spirit Music Group/Spirit Music Nashville), Andy Hodges (Spirit Music Nashville) and Kennedy Murphy (Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy F Gibbons has signed a worldwide publishing administration deal with Spirit Music Nashville for his solo work.
Best known as one-third of legendary rock band ZZ Top, Gibbons is known as one of the most inventive and dexterous guitarists of the rock genre. As a vocalist, his growl-style singing is unmistakable, standing out on such hits as “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Cheap Sunglasses,” all of which he wrote. BMI honored Gibbons with its coveted Troubadour Award in September.
“We are thrilled to welcome Billy F Gibbons to the Spirit Music family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Billy is a world class artist, an industry icon and one of the coolest humans on earth. He has undeniably shaped the sound of modern music and we are honored that he’s entrusted us as his publishing partner.”
Gibbons shares, “Spirit rising…! As is with Billy F Gibbons and the bonus of joining the Spirit music team taking large charge and ready to make loud noise!!! We roll. Spirit rising…”
Apart from his work with ZZ Top, Gibbons has recorded with a myriad of notable artists. He released his debut solo album Perfectamundo in 2015 and its follow-up The Big Bad Blues in 2018. In 2021, Gibbons released Hardware, an album produced with Matt Sorum and Spirit Music Nashville’s Director of A&R and Production, Mike Fiorentino.
“Billy F Gibbons is a music legend who has been part of rock & roll royalty for half a century,” says Fiorentino. “Being able to work with one of the world’s most prolific guitar heroes is truly an honor, and we are looking forward to building a long-lasting partnership. And a special shout out to Tim Montana for bringing BFG into our Spirit family!”
Weekly Register: Dolly Parton Rocks The Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonDolly Parton‘s Rockstar rules the country albums chart this week, scoring the top debut at No. 1 with 128K in total consumption (118K album only/9.8 million song streams) according to Luminate data. The project marked Parton’s biggest debut sales week of her career.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At Time remains at No. 2 with 68K (3.2K album only/82 million song streams), followed by Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album at No. 3 again with 44K (4.1K album only/51 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves up to No. 4 with 37K (17K album only/26 million song streams), while Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album shifts down to No. 5 with 36K (465 album only/46 million song streams).
This week on the country streaming songs chart, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” continues to hold the No. 1 slot with 18 million streams, adding to 293 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” stays at No. 2 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.053 billion ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rests at No. 3 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.080 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” returns to No. 4 with 10 million new streams, adding to 484 million ATD, as Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover rises back to No. 5 with 8.6 million streams, adding to 521 million ATD.
Dylan Scott Celebrates Fourth Chart-Topper With ‘Can’t Have Mine’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott has achieved his fourth No. 1 single with “Can’t Have Mine,” on both the Mediabase and Billboard charts.
The latest No. 1 was written for Scott’s wife, Blair, with whom he recently welcomed a son—their third child. The single also recently achieved Platinum certification, marking 8 million RIAA certified units over Scott’s seven singles and one album, and the fourth RIAA certification he has received this year.
Fans can catch the Jockey Outdoors brand ambassador during his headlining “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour,” visiting 15 cities this fall. Scott’s latest album, Livin’ My Best Life, features the fiery leadoff track “New Truck” along with “Can’t Have Mine,” and he’s racked up career streams exceeding 2.5 billion. He also recently won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song “Good Morning Mercy” alongside Jason Crabb.
JUST IN: CTM Outlander Signs Sam Hunt To A Worldwide Publishing Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography
CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.
de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”
He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Throughout his career, Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple ACM Awards, an American Music Award and CMT Music Award as well as numerous nominations for the Grammys, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification, becoming the eighth country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11-time Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP handled the transaction on behalf of Hunt.
Chris Stapleton Leaps Into Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
As his new studio album Higher impacts the country charts, Chris Stapleton jumps from No. 12 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Four songs from Stapleton’s Higher are currently charting, including “White Horse,” “Think I’m In Love With You,” “What Am I Gonna Do” and “It Takes A Woman.”
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 this week with nine songs on the charts. Artist-writers Zach Bryan (No. 2), Jelly Roll (No. 4) and Chayce Beckham (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
In Pictures: ‘MacKenzie Porter + Friends’ Concert Raises $85K For American Cancer Society
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Lily Rose, Walker Hayes, MacKenzie Porter, Dustin Lynch, Madeline Merlo and Nate Smith; (L-R, front row): Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society) and Alana Springsteen. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Country artist MacKenzie Porter hosted “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer,” her inaugural benefit concert as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, Nov. 20.
Porter performed fan-favorites tunes “These Days” and “Pickup,” and debuted some new music from her forthcoming full-length album as well as previously-released tracks “Bet You Break My Heart” and “Chasing Tornadoes,” which Madeline Merlo and Porter transformed into a surprise duet for the special night.
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Ryan, Dan Ryan (Founder & CEO, Ryan Aviation Group), Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society), Miriam Kamal and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Aubrey Wise
“This means so much to me,” she shared from the stage. “Cancer has affected my life in so many ways and I’m sure it has every single person in this room. I’ve always wanted to be involved in something like this.”
The event raised a total of $85,000 for the American Cancer Society, including a $20,000 donation from sponsor Ryan Aviation Group.
Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Lily Rose, Walker Hayes and Dustin Lynch also took the stage to support Porter and the American Cancer Society. The crowd was serenaded with Smith’s “Whiskey On You,” Springsteen’s “Goodbye Looks Good On You,” Rose’s “Villain,” Hayes’ “Fancy Like” and Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Porter joined in for performances of Hayes’ “Halloween” and her double-Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration with Lynch “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
“These artists are so busy so the fact they’re here shows how much this means to all of us,” she continued. “Doing good, spreading love, and helping people is the reason we’re all here.”
The evening ended with a milestone moment as Lynch presented Porter with a career plaque in celebration of her six No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio and seven Music Canada Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications.
Nate Smith performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Alana Springsteen performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Dustin Lynch surprises MacKenzie Porter with career plaque during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Brayln Kelly
Plight Of Songwriters Captured In New TV Show ‘Chart Breakers’ [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellChart Breakers judges Filmore, Janine Ebach and Wyatt Durrette
The journey of becoming a professional songwriter is being explored on the new television show Chart Breakers, which will film its finale episode on Wednesday (Nov. 29) at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville.
Executive produced by Jason Sciavicco and singer-songwriter Chris Lane, Chart Breakers speaks to the true-to-life struggles that songwriters deal with when trying to move to Nashville and get a publishing deal. Veteran publisher Janine Ebach, hit songwriter Wyatt Durrette and artist-writer Filmore serve as judges for the competition series.
Behind the scenes of Chart Breakers
A winner will be selected on Wednesday from three finalists. The champion will receive $100,000 and a publishing deal.
“As a veteran Nashville music publisher, I am thrilled to be a part of a Chart Breakers as it helps to tell the story of the songwriter—something that the world needs to know more about. Afterall, it all begins with a song and I’m grateful to get to help find and nurture the next generation of special songwriters,” shares Ebach.
To gather competitors for the series, show organizers traveled around in tour buses and hosted auditions in five different cities, including Nashville, Greenville, Marietta, Pensacola and Statesboro. Each contestant competed for a spot on the bus to take them to the next city, where they would have to battle to stay on the bus against the new songwriters auditioning. After a group of eight songwriters were teased out, they were bussed to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Behind the scenes of Chart Breakers
Each day in the cabin, the competitors were given different challenges to get them into the headspace for the songwriting they’d have to do later in the day. The winner of each mini challenge would get extra mentor time with an industry professional, such as Dave Kennedy, Levi Loury and Justin Ebach. Contestants would write a song and perform it by the following evening for the judges.
“I’ve never been more excited to produce a series than I am for Chart Breakers,” says Sciavicco. “This is truly a first-of-its-kind show where we are shining the spotlight on the songwriters. The talent on this series blew me away. These are names that people will soon know for a long time to come!”
The songwriters left competing in the finale of Chart Breakers are Tampa, Florida’s Emma Dunne, Grafton, Massachusetts’ Taylor O’Connor and Cincinnati, Ohio’s Nolan Gray. Each songwriter recently spent time in Nashville working on their finale song with the help of Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and songwriter Tyler Reeve. They’ve also recorded scratch vocals in Station West’s studio to get a taste of what it’s like to be a recording artist.
The finale of Chart Breakers will also include a red carpet event at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and all top nine contestants will perform a song along with judges Filmore and Durrette as well as special guest Lane.
Details on how viewers can watch Chart Breakers will be announced as they are finalized.
Andrew Beason Signs With SMACKSongs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): SMACK’s Jeremy Groves, Lee Krabel, Andrew Beason, SMACK’s Carly Sater, Robin Palmer and Sam Sarno
Songwriter and producer Andrew Beason has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
A native of Kilgore, Texas, Beason landed in Nashville in 2014. Over the past nine years, he has honed his craft and made his mark with cuts spanning multiple genres, in addition to securing coveted television placements.
Beason scored a No. 1 on Sirius XM’s The Highway in 2022 with Spencer Crandall‘s chart-topping hit, “Made.” Additionally, his song “Luckenbach Slide” was synced in season five of Jane The Virgin. His talents extend across country, pop, rock and R&B, earning him collaborations with some of the industry’s brightest stars including cuts alongside Dave Finley, Sammy Arriaga, The Roads Below and more.
“We’re all so excited to have Andrew join our roster here at SMACK,” says Carly Sater, SMACK Creative Coordinator. In the few years I’ve known him, his incredible work ethic, talent and positive attitude have always been undeniable. He’s just someone you want on your team. I’m so excited to see all he accomplishes and I’m just thankful to be a part of it!”
“It’s a dream come true to join the amazing roster and team at SMACK! Some of my favorite songs were written by SMACK writers, and I’m beyond excited to learn, grow and add to their legacy,” says Beason. “Carly and the whole team have made me feel at home since day one, and I can’t wait to see how far we go!”