MusicRow Magazine’s recently released 2023 Publisher Issue offers a myriad of resources for industry professionals and songwriters.
This annual edition contains a comprehensive Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies as well as organizations available for songwriters.
In addition to the valuable directory, the 2023 Publisher Issue brings back the State of the Union roundtable, including UMPG Vice President of A&R, Missy Roberts; Warner Chappell Vice President of A&R, BJ Hill; Sony Music Publishing Vice President of Creative A&R, Kenley Flynn; Curb | Word Entertainment Vice President of Country Publishing & Creative, Colt Murski and 50 Egg Music Co-Owner/President, Tali Canterbury.
These top executives discuss the implications of AI on publishing, catalog sales, TikTok, outside songs and more.
When asked about AI, Murski, shared, “It’s a whole new frontier. I feel like I’m just sitting back watching the destruction coming, but it could be a tool. I remember when Napster happened, everybody was afraid of it and they were trying to shut it down. There’s a little bit of that vibe going on, but eventually we had to learn to embrace it. It’s better to just start learning how to embrace it and get on the forefront of the legalities and the creativity of how we’re going to handle it moving forward.”
In a section titled “Doin’ Deals With Derek,” Loeb & Loeb Partner and Co-Manager of the Nashville office, Derek C. Crownover, talks to MusicRow about trending music industry deals and offers some advice.
“We’ve got some artist deals that are changing people’s lives right now,” he said. Creating generational wealth and creating wealth that’s going to stay in Nashville. That’s what I’m excited about.”
Elsewhere, Concord Music Publishing Senior Vice President of A&R, Brad Kennard, speaks about the company’s resurgence in Nashville. Over the last few years, Kennard has worked to grow the Music City roster and staff, resulting in industry-leading deals and successes.
“We’re not looking for redundancy, we’re not looking to just get everything for sale, it’s really intentional,” Kennard shared about building his roster. “Every time an opportunity comes up, we ask ourselves: ‘Are we passionate? Does this person bring something unique to the table? Can we make a deal that makes sense for both parties?'”
Additionally, Anthem Music Publishing’s Gilles Godard spoke to MusicRow about his journey from a staff writer at the company to his promotion to President of the Nashville office last summer. He spoke about his approach to publishing and Anthem’s creative mindset.
Godard shared, “I think the secret to success is nurturing your writers and helping them write up and sign their way to the correct collaborations. Sometimes it’s not by putting them in a room with a No. 1 writer. Sometimes it’s putting them in the room with the writers at their level, which is the next wave of hits.”
In the annual Writers’ Notes section of the 2023 Publisher Issue, MusicRow interviewed Warner Chappell/Home Team Music Publishing’s Parker Welling, Sony Music Publishing’s Madeline Edwards, Big Machine Music’s Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose Music/Warner Chappell’s Cameron Bedell, UMPG/Back Blocks Music’s Lily Rose and newly-inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rafe Van Hoy. Each songwriter spoke about their success stories and personal hit-making approaches.
Also included in the 2023 Publisher Issue is a My Music Row Story feature on ASCAP’s AVP of Strategic Services, Nashville Membership Kele Currier, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund, a look at MusicRow‘s weekly Top Songwriter Chart and more.
COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville artist Cody Johnson graces the cover of the 2023 Publisher Issue.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Veteran P.I. Michael Kenney Releases New Book ‘Think Like A Stalker And Stop Them’
/by Lorie HollabaughVeteran Music Row Private Investigator Michael Kenney has released a new book, Think Like A Stalker And Stop Them.
The book, which shot into the Best Sellers list, is now available in paperback on Amazon.com and Good Reads. It provides valuable insight and gives the reader the tools and direction they may need to end the nightmare and learn how to properly document their case of being stalked. An estimated 13.5 million people are stalked in a one-year period just in the U.S. Stalking is a crime of power and control and stalkers employ multiple tactics to threaten, often humiliate and instill fear in their victims. A pioneer in the investigation of stalking, Kenney educates the public by providing practical information throughout the book.
“Often when a person gets a restraining order, they feel safe,” says Kenney. “Sadly, there are many victims found dead that had this piece of paper in their pocket. This inspired me to write this book to help as many people as possible, especially those that cannot afford a PI.”
Kenney has consulted and investigated hundreds of stalking cases all over the country throughout his career. He has also been featured on major TV networks and his cases have appeared on national television shows, including Dateline, 20/20, 48 Hours and more. He was also a presenter for three years at CrimeCon—the world’s top true crime event—and was featured as one of the major investigators on the true crime podcast, Culpable.
CRB Accepting Applications For Rusty Walker Scholarship Program
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Radio Broadcasters are now taking applications for the Rusty Walker Scholarship Program.
Three recipients will be selected, and will receive complimentary registration, hotel and airfare for CRS 2024, Feb. 28 – March 1, 2024, in Nashville. Scholars chosen through this program will also be recognized during CRS 2024.
Eligibility for the Rusty Walker Scholarship is limited to full-time radio station employees who will be attending CRS for the first time. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants are required to fill out an online application through the Rusty Walker Scholarship page on CountryRadioSeminar.com and provide a 500-word or less essay explaining why they should be considered for the scholarship. The application deadline is Nov. 3, 2023.
The Rusty Walker Scholarship Program is a tribute to the late Rusty Walker, a distinguished former CRS board member. Walker was an inductee into the Country Radio Hall of Fame and an influential programmer, consultant and mentor in the music industry. His untimely passing in 2012 left a void that this scholarship program was created to fill, by continuing his legacy of supporting talented young individuals in the industry.
Stephanie Alderman Named Partner At Farris, Self & Moore
/by LB CantrellStephanie Alderman
Business manager Stephanie Alderman has been promoted to Partner at Farris, Self & Moore (FSM). The firm will continue with its current name, but will now include Alderman in all leadership decisions and high-level initiatives, effective immediately.
Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, Alderman kicked off her career by gaining a wide range of experience spanning artist management, publicity and tour production. She found her stride in business management, and now has helmed finances for established recording artists, major touring acts and up-and-coming songwriters for over 15 years.
“Stephanie Alderman is undeniably one of the best business managers in our business,” share Founding Partners Kella Farris, Stephanie Self and Catherine Moore in a joint statement. “Her ability to relate and listen to her clients, create a financial strategy, and then execute it effortlessly is truly exceptional. Her all-in approach, innovation, and authenticity make her the perfect fit for our leadership team.”
“I’m thrilled to become a partner at FSM and work alongside Kella, Stephanie, and Catherine in growing this exceptional firm,” says Alderman. “We share the same values and vision, and FSM has shown day-in and day-out to be a unique player in the industry — one that offers all-in, exceptional service to clients throughout their lifetime, empowers and invests in employees’ growth, and continually gives back to the entire music industry ecosystem. I’m proud to collaborate with this incredible team and delighted by the opportunity to help scale our impact in the years ahead.”
Alderman can be reached at salderman@fsmnash.com.
Craig Morgan, Clay Walker To Headline New White Pines Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan and Clay Walker have been tapped to headline the first-ever White Pines Music Festival at The Old Gray venue in Monterey, Tennessee, on May 24-25, 2024.
Also on the bill for the festival are Nate Smith, Larry Fleet, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Ashley Cooke, The Reeves Bros, Boy Named Banjo and Sam Banks.
“One of the most magical things is to see an idea become a reality in this business,” says White Pines Organizers Gil Cunningham and Bryan Frasher. “The White Pines Music Festival started with a dream, a discussion between Craig Morgan and Chris Landers of The Old Gray. Now we’re at this point where we’re putting tickets on sale at an all-in, transparent price that customers will be very excited about, we have an incredible lineup of talent that’s excited to play this first-ever festival… and that is just the beginning. We hope to develop the festival into the “go to” country music experience of middle Tennessee in the years to come and fans can expect to see some more fun and exciting announcements over the next few months.”
White Pines will feature camping on-site plus fan activations, VIP experiences, up-front general admission opportunities and other experiences, and will also be offering fans an early bird pre-sale for Instagram and Facebook followers with limited quantities available. The pre-sale will begin on Monday, Oct. 23 at 10 am CT and run until pre-sale tickets are sold out. All tickets and camping will go on sale to the public on Oct. 27 at whitepinesfest.
Blessing Offor To Release New Christmas Collection, ‘Like A Child’
/by Lorie HollabaughBlessing Offor is tapping into that childlike wonder of the holiday season with a brand-new collection of Christmas songs, Like A Child, out this Friday (Oct 20).
Like A Child features three Christmas tunes including the striking all-original title track, a song filled with soulful callbacks to a younger perspective on the holidays. Remembering tall Christmas trees, mountainous piles of snow and fleeting moments of bliss, “Like A Child” carries a message of innocence and hope for the Christmas season.
The year has been a notable one for Offor, as his full length debut My Tribe is officially the largest streaming debut from a solo male artist at Capitol Christian Music Group. The album debuted in the top 20 position on three Billboard charts: Christian /Gospel Albums, Top 200 Christian/Gospel Albums and Current Digital Albums charts. His single “Brighter Days” also found mainstream success, hitting top 25 on Mainstream AC radio.
He also garnered three 2023 GMA Dove Award nominations: Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of The Year (“Brighter Days”), Pop/Contemporary Album of The Year (My Tribe) and Short Form Music Video of The Year (Performance) (“The Goodness” with TobyMac).
In This Issue: MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue Features A Legion Of Experts
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine’s recently released 2023 Publisher Issue offers a myriad of resources for industry professionals and songwriters.
This annual edition contains a comprehensive Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies as well as organizations available for songwriters.
In addition to the valuable directory, the 2023 Publisher Issue brings back the State of the Union roundtable, including UMPG Vice President of A&R, Missy Roberts; Warner Chappell Vice President of A&R, BJ Hill; Sony Music Publishing Vice President of Creative A&R, Kenley Flynn; Curb | Word Entertainment Vice President of Country Publishing & Creative, Colt Murski and 50 Egg Music Co-Owner/President, Tali Canterbury.
These top executives discuss the implications of AI on publishing, catalog sales, TikTok, outside songs and more.
When asked about AI, Murski, shared, “It’s a whole new frontier. I feel like I’m just sitting back watching the destruction coming, but it could be a tool. I remember when Napster happened, everybody was afraid of it and they were trying to shut it down. There’s a little bit of that vibe going on, but eventually we had to learn to embrace it. It’s better to just start learning how to embrace it and get on the forefront of the legalities and the creativity of how we’re going to handle it moving forward.”
In a section titled “Doin’ Deals With Derek,” Loeb & Loeb Partner and Co-Manager of the Nashville office, Derek C. Crownover, talks to MusicRow about trending music industry deals and offers some advice.
“We’ve got some artist deals that are changing people’s lives right now,” he said. Creating generational wealth and creating wealth that’s going to stay in Nashville. That’s what I’m excited about.”
Elsewhere, Concord Music Publishing Senior Vice President of A&R, Brad Kennard, speaks about the company’s resurgence in Nashville. Over the last few years, Kennard has worked to grow the Music City roster and staff, resulting in industry-leading deals and successes.
“We’re not looking for redundancy, we’re not looking to just get everything for sale, it’s really intentional,” Kennard shared about building his roster. “Every time an opportunity comes up, we ask ourselves: ‘Are we passionate? Does this person bring something unique to the table? Can we make a deal that makes sense for both parties?'”
Additionally, Anthem Music Publishing’s Gilles Godard spoke to MusicRow about his journey from a staff writer at the company to his promotion to President of the Nashville office last summer. He spoke about his approach to publishing and Anthem’s creative mindset.
Godard shared, “I think the secret to success is nurturing your writers and helping them write up and sign their way to the correct collaborations. Sometimes it’s not by putting them in a room with a No. 1 writer. Sometimes it’s putting them in the room with the writers at their level, which is the next wave of hits.”
In the annual Writers’ Notes section of the 2023 Publisher Issue, MusicRow interviewed Warner Chappell/Home Team Music Publishing’s Parker Welling, Sony Music Publishing’s Madeline Edwards, Big Machine Music’s Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose Music/Warner Chappell’s Cameron Bedell, UMPG/Back Blocks Music’s Lily Rose and newly-inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rafe Van Hoy. Each songwriter spoke about their success stories and personal hit-making approaches.
Also included in the 2023 Publisher Issue is a My Music Row Story feature on ASCAP’s AVP of Strategic Services, Nashville Membership Kele Currier, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund, a look at MusicRow‘s weekly Top Songwriter Chart and more.
COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville artist Cody Johnson graces the cover of the 2023 Publisher Issue.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
The Mavericks Announce ‘North American Spring Tour 2024’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mavericks have announced their “North American Spring Tour 2024.”
The new dates include Charleston, Birmingham, Fort Worth, Miami, Milwaukee and more. Artist presale begins today (Oct. 18) at participating venues, with public on-sale commencing this Friday (Oct. 20). For more information, click here.
Upcoming highlights from their tour include two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with support from Hogslop String Band (Dec. 1) and Maggie Rose (Dec. 2). February and March will include appearances at several marquee venues including the Fox Theatre in Tucson, Arizona; the Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wisconsin; another double-header at Tannahill’s Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas; and the band’s long-awaited return to Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, before the group is due back in the U.K. and Europe in late April.
The group is currently on the road in support of their 10th anniversary In Time Deluxe reissue, which includes all 14 original tracks, plus the never-before-released single “Tonight Is The Night,” the group’s take on Glen Campbell’s “Gentle On My Mind” and a rare conjunto version of “Ven Hacia Mi.”
Riley Green Album Bash Kicks Off His Charitable Fund Benefiting Veterans
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green at his album release show. Photo: Sam Crabtree
Riley Green recently celebrated the release of his new album Ain’t My Last Rodeo, with a downtown Nashville show that raised more than $50,000 for his newly-created Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which will support various veteran organizations.
Thousands gathered at Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park, joining Riley for the special over-capacity album release celebration. The concert also included more than 300 veterans in attendance, including members from CreatiVets, who spent time with the country singer backstage for a private meet-and-greet before the show.
Providing a taste of what fans can expect on his upcoming 2024 “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour,” Riley’s upcoming
The title track of the new album bares its name from a song on the album, “My Last Rodeo,” which Green penned following one of the final conversations he had with his late Grandaddy Buford Green near the end of his life. Buford was the brains behind converting Riley’s great-grandparents’ home into the Golden Saw Music Hall, and is credited for Riley’s musical appreciation, education and inspiration, while his Granddaddy Lyndon can be attributed for Riley’s love of the outdoors.
“We’ve been playing some of these new songs out on the road this summer and I’m excited to share them with the world,” Riley shares. “My grandaddies were huge inspirations on me, my songwriting and what is most important to me. Thursday night was a blast, but it also means a lot to mark the occasion by honoring them and raising money for some great charities that they would have been proud to support.”
Riley will continue the celebration this week with a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America this Friday, Oct. 20.
Blake Shelton Announces Second Leg Of ‘Back To The Honky Tonk Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton will kick off the the second leg of his “Back To The Honky Tonk Tour” in February. Dustin Lynch and Emily Ann Roberts will join him on the 17-date run.
The 2024 “Back To The Honky Tonk Tour,” presented by Kubota, will span the U.S. and Canada, beginning Feb. 22 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with stops in Detroit, Austin, Calgary, Portland, Palm Springs and more through March 29.
Tickets for all markets excepting Glendale will be available via an exclusive fan pre-sale Oct. 24-26. The general on-sale will start Oct. 27. Tickets for Glendale will be available via an exclusive fan pre-sale Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, with general on-sale starting Nov. 3. Fans can sign up for the Exclusive Fan Presale here.
In his over-20-year career, Shelton has amassed an astonishing 28 No. 1 singles, sold nearly 15 million album equivalents and earned upwards of 11.5 billion global streams. He has received myriad awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice.
Shelton left The Voice earlier this year after 23 seasons and nine championships, and he and Carson Daly have now teamed up to executive produce and star in the high-spirited, celebrity game show, Barmageddon on USA Network. The show premiered as the network’s highest rated debut episode in more than three years, and season two will premiere Nov. 13.
The Grand Ole Opry member also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations currently in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando and a forthcoming venue in Las Vegas. Shelton has also helped raise millions of dollars for children’s hospitals, disaster relief organizations, food banks, the OK POP Museum and more in his home state of Oklahoma and beyond.
“Back To The Honky Tonk Tour” Dates:
February 22 // Hershey, PA // GIANT Center
February 23 // Detroit, MI // Little Caesars Arena
February 24 // Milwaukee, WI // Fiserv Forum
February 29 // Lafayette, LA / CAJUNDOME
March 1 // Austin, TX // Moody Center
March 2 // Bossier City, LA // Brookshire Grocery Arena
March 7 // Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CAN // SaskTel Centre
March 8 // Edmonton, Alberta, CAN // Rogers Place
March 9 // Calgary, Alberta, CAN // Scotiabank Saddledome
March 14 // Spokane, WA // Spokane Arena
March 15 // Tacoma, WA // Tacoma Dome
March 16 // Portland, OR // Moda Center
March 21 // Fresno, CA // Save Mart Center
March 22 // Palm Springs, CA // Acrisure Arena
March 23 // Glendale, AZ // Desert Diamond Arena
March 27 // Moline, IL // Vibrant Arena at The MARK
March 29 // Wichita, KS // INTRUST Bank Arena
Keith Gattis Tribute Show To Take Place In November
/by Liza AndersonA tribute show honoring the late singer-songwriter and producer Keith Gattis will take place Nov. 28 at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. The lineup will feature George Strait, Sheryl Crow, Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Dean Dillon, Kendell Marvel, Jack Ingram, Waylon Payne, Braun Brothers, Big Hat, Austin Hanks, Jamie Rubin, Clint Daniels, Andy Tubman, Travis Howard and Jabe Beyer.
Throughout his career, Gattis earned authentic credibility as a country music artist added immeasurable value to the genre. Gattis’ music is described as roots country rock & roll. His melancholy voice along with his trademark tele-slinging guitar are reminiscent of the Eagles, Tom Petty and Dwight Yoakam.
Gattis’ song “El Cerrito Place” from his critically acclaimed album Big City Blues became a national hit when Kenny Chesney released it. Gattis was a troubadour of many talents and toured as Johnny Paycheck’s guitar player and Yoakam’s band leader and producer. His songs were released by Strait, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Gary Allan and more. On April 23, Gattis was tragically killed in a tractor accident at his home.
The tribute show will feature Gattis’ musical family singing his songs accompanied by his favorite all-star band lead by Audley Freed. Proceeds will benefit his family. VIP bowling lanes and general admission tickets will go on sale tomorrow (Oct. 19). For more information, click here.