Nicole Alexis Inks With XLSongs & Round Hill Music

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Pictured (L-R): XLSongs’ Kevin Griffin, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will, Nicole Alexis, Round Hill Music’s Taylor Antle and Mike Whelan. Photo: Courtesy of Round Hill Music

Songwriter and producer Nicole Alexis has signed an exclusive songwriting deal with XLSongs and Round Hill Music.

The New Orleans native was writing songs and performing on guitar, piano, drums and bass by age 10. Alexis has co-written and produced songs with artists including Kidd G, Tony Lanez, YNW B-Slime and Cheat Codes.

“When we started XLSongs and teamed with Round Hill, we knew we wanted our first signing to be a triple threat; a great artist, prolific songwriter and a monster producer,” says XLSongs’ Kevin Griffin. “Nicole Alexis is all that and more. We’re so thrilled to have her with XL Songs and can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

Dolly Parton Rocks Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ For 2024 Paris Olympics Campaign

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Vijat Mohindra

Dolly Parton has collaborated with NBCUniversal on a new video for her cover of the Queen classic “We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You,” which will be used to promote NBCU’s coverage of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 that begin one year from today.

“We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You” is Parton’s cover of the famous rock anthem and appears on her upcoming album Rockstar, which was inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The album is set for release Nov. 17.

The new video begins with Parton singing in an empty stadium and is infused with moments only the Olympics can provide—spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies from the past, iconic highlights known the world over and athletes enduring adversity, demonstrating perseverance and becoming champions. Olympians and teams featured in the video include Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles, Katie Ledecky, the women’s soccer team, men’s and women’s basketball teams and a host of international athletes. The video also features Parton performing in front of a sparkling Eiffel Tower and concludes with her surrounded by fans in a full stadium all singing “We Are The Champions” until it crescendos and transitions into “We Will Rock You.”

YouTube video

A huge fan of the Olympics and Team USA, Parton aligned with NBCU to produce the Olympic-themed video that celebrates the athletes and creates excitement about next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Various versions of the video are debuting today across NBCUniversal’s platforms.

“I love the Olympics! I do my best to plan my schedule to watch as much of it as I possibly can,” says Parton. “I tape it just in case I miss the live action on a certain day and watch it back as soon as possible. I laugh, I cry, I scream, there are no losers in the Olympics as they have all spent a lifetime preparing but I celebrate with the ones that go away with the gold, silver, and bronze medals.”

“Dolly Parton is an American Icon whose popularity and recognition across generations is unmatched,” says Jenny Storms, CMO, Entertainment and Sports, NBCUniversal. “She is also a close member of the NBCUniversal family, an Olympic super-fan, and has a new version of two of the greatest sports anthems of all time. So, she was the perfect choice to get America excited about Team USA and next summer’s Paris Olympics.”

SMACKSongs Promotes Jeremy Groves

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Jeremy Groves. Photo: Lance Wilson

SMACKSongs has promoted Jeremy Groves to Senior Creative Director.

In his new role, effective immediately, Groves will continue to work closely with the more than 20 writers signed to SMACK, as well as be responsible for signing and developing new talent and generating fresh opportunities.

He joined SMACKSongs in 2020 and has since been integral in the publishing house’s success at country radio. At SMACK, Groves has worked with writers such as SMACK founder and multi-Grammy winner Shane McAnally as well as Emily Falvey, Jared Scott and Nate Miles, and artists Kylie Morgan, Pillbox Patti and Walker Hayes. Notably, Groves worked with Hayes on the smash hit “Fancy Like,” which propelled the country artist into superstardom.

“Jeremy has been instrumental to SMACK’s growth and success in the last 3 years,” says SMACK VP of Publishing Lee Krabel. “He continues to prove himself day in and day out as an incredible publisher. We are extremely excited to promote Jeremy and watch his career grow.”

“At its core, SMACK is a company that believes in and supports such an important aspect of our business: great songwriters and great songs,” adds Groves. “I couldn’t be more grateful and proud to continue to work with the best writers and best colleagues in the business!”

Congratulate Groves at jeremy@smacksongs.com.

Nominees For IBMA’s 2023 Industry Awards, Momentum Awards Announced

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The nominees have been revealed for this year’s IBMA Industry Awards and IBMA Momentum Awards, which will be presented during the IBMA World of Bluegrass, slated for Sept. 26-30.

The Momentum Awards will take place on Sept. 27 at the IBMA World of Bluegrass conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IBMA Industry Awards will follow on Sept. 28 and also includes the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Awards presentations. Both awards luncheons will feature music and memorable presentations to and by this year’s recipients.

The Industry Awards recognize outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Event of the Year, Graphic Designer of the Year, Liner Notes of the Year, Writer of the Year, Sound Engineer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nominees in each category are selected by specially appointed committees made up of bluegrass professionals who possess significant knowledge of that field. The recipient of each award is decided on by the Panel of Electors, an anonymous group of veteran bluegrass music professionals selected by the IBMA Board of Directors.

The Momentum Awards recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, in the early stages of their careers, are making significant contributions to or are having a significant influence upon bluegrass music. The Mentor Award recognizes a bluegrass professional who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of newcomers to the bluegrass industry.

“The IBMA’s Industry Awards and Momentum Awards are important to recognize the exceptional contributions by those who are dedicated to furthering bluegrass music behind the scenes and those who are successful rising stars in our music,” says IBMA Interim Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “I can’t wait for the luncheons in Raleigh to honor them all. Congratulations to these nominees who are lifting bluegrass music to new heights!”

Winners of the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards and the 2023 inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame will also be celebrated during the conference, on Sept. 28 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. Nominees for those awards were revealed last week.

2023 IBMA Industry Awards Nominees:

WRITER OF THE YEAR:
Chris Jones
Craig Havighurst
Garret K. Woodward
Gary Reid
Stacy Chandler

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Becky Buller
Jon Weisberger
Rick Faris
Thomm Jutz
Tim Stafford

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:
Aubrey Shamel
Brad Benge
Dewey Boyd
Key Chang
Steve Chandler

BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
Barb Heller
Brad Kolodner
Michelle Lee
Ned Luberecki
Peter Thompson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR:
Eric Barie
Gina Dilg
Grace van’t Hof
Pharis & Jason Romero
Tim Kapustka

LINER NOTES OF THE YEAR:
Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium – Written by Ted Olsen
Dom Flemmons – Traveling Wildfire – Written by Dom Flemmons
Jake Blount – The New Faith – Written by Jake Blount
Pharis &Jason Romero – Tell ‘em You Were Gold – Written by Pharis & Jason Romero
Sam Bush – Radio John: The Songs of John Hartford – Written by Sam Bush and Jon Weisberger

EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Blue Highway Fest – Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Bluegrass in La Roche – La Roche-sur-Foron, France
Doc at 100 – Various locations
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown – Durango, Colorado
Pickin’ in the Pines – Flagstaff, Arizona

2023 IBMA Momentum Awards Nominees:

MOMENTUM BAND OF THE YEAR:
Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
The Fretliners
Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
Never Come Down

MENTOR OF THE YEAR:
Austin Scelzo
Dan Boner
Louisa Branscomb
Ruth McLain Smith
Scott Napier

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT:
Daniel Mullins
Katie Kirchner
Maggie Rainwater
Matt Hutchinson
Mike Kaiz

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Anthony Howell
Alex Genova
Gavin Largent
Jake Eddy
Josiah Nelson
Maddie Dalton
Michael Prewitt

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Carley Arrowood
Crystal Lariza
Nick Dumas
Starlett Austin
Tianna Lefebvre

Ian Christian Signs With Sea Gayle Music

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Ian Christian

Songwriter and producer Ian Christian has signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music.

The Jacksonville, Florida native is a rocker-turned-producer who grew up touring the East Coast in  several bands. His love for music led him to L.A. and eventually to Nashville in 2014. He was selected as one of the writers in the AIMP’s Class of 2020 and nominated for AIMP’s 2022 Publisher Pick. Christian has had cuts with artists including Megan Moroney, Lily Rose, Jordan Fletcher and Ella Langley, and is also a co-writer on Matt Stell‘s single, “Man Made.”

“Ian brings top level songwriting skills, production capabilities and musicianship into every writing session that he is a part of,” says Chris DuBois, CEO of Sea Gayle Music. “We couldn’t be more excited about having him as part of the Sea Gayle family.”

“Sea Gayle has felt like family since day one. I feel right at home with the artists, writers and creative team,” says Christian.

Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Scales The Country Streaming Songs Chart

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Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” reclaims its spot among the top country streaming songs this week, landing at No. 3 with 14 million new streams, adding to 831 million ATD according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” stays atop the chart with 26 million streams, adding to 721 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” moves back up to No. 2 with 19 million new streams, adding to 271 million ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” returns to No. 4 with 13 million streams, adding to 280 million ATD, while Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” takes No. 5 with 12 million new streams, adding to 21 million ATD.

On the country albums chart, Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) prevails at No. 1 with 121K in total consumption (47K album only/93 million song streams). Wallen’s One Thing At A Time stays at No. 2 with 105K (4.3K album only/127 million song streams), and his Dangerous: The Double Album remains at No. 3 with 48K (1.1K album only/60 million song streams). Combs’ Gettin’ Old rises to No. 4 with 32K (2.4K album only/35 million song streams), and Bryan’s American Heartbreak slides to No. 5 with 32K (1.6K album only/39 million song streams).

Photographer John Shearer Signs With Form Artists & Day Reps

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John Shearer. Photo: Andres Martinez

Photographer John Shearer has joined the rosters of L.A.-based Form Artists for entertainment and Day Reps for advertising.

Shearer been a leading photographer in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. His passion for photography was sparked during his college years, when he developed a mentor relationship with the iconic rock photographer Jim Marshall. Since then, he has become a specialist in entertainment portraiture, key art, advertising, album covers, and backstage documentary coverage—working with a diverse range of clients from artists and record labels to brands, TV networks, movie studios and publications.

“I am excited to be joining the rosters of Form Artists for entertainment and Day Reps for advertising! Two strong, female led photo agencies based in Los Angeles,” Shearer shares. “It’s been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to see where we take it from here.”

Shearer’s approach to photography centers around relationships and he’s earned long-standing relationships with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Bob Dylan, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and many others.

In 2015, Shearer moved from L.A. to Nashville, where he now works out of his studio. His work takes him around the world, but he enjoys spending time with wife, The Home Edit co-founder Clea Shearer, and their two children, and exploring the outdoors through mountain biking and hiking.

Pictured (L-R): Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott of Lady A, Breland and Charles Kelley of Lady A attend CMA Fest. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Taylor Swift performs onstage during night one of “The Eras Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Shearer

Ariana Grande at the 62nd Grammy Awards. Photo: John Shearer

Keith Urban’s The Speed Of Now Part 1 album cover. Photo: John Shearer

Click here to see more of Shearer’s work.

Play It Again Music Group Hires Grayson Clotfelter

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Grayson Clotfelter

Grayson Clotfelter has joined Play It Again Music Group (PIAMG) as Creative Manager. In his newly appointed role, he will oversee the creative direction of Play It Again’s roster of writers, which includes owner and hit songwriter Dallas Davidson as well as Lee Brice, Lewis Brice, John Morgan, Dylan Marlowe, Kyle Fishman, John Edwards and Tyler Farr.

Clotfelter is a Georgia native and an MTSU alum. After college, he started his career as a catalog manager at UMPG Nashville. After growing his relationships while at UMPG, Clotfelter went out on the road with Seaforth and then joined Lily Rose in 2022. After two years on the road, he was drawn back to his passion of working with songwriters, and joined PIAMG.

“I’m very excited to announce Grayson Clotfelter as PIAMG’s Creative Manager,” says Davidson. “Grayson came in our door and made an immediate impact on our company and our songwriters. He’s a very versatile guy, bringing not only knowledge from Universal Music Publishing, but also his time spent on the road as tour manager for Lily Rose. He understands and relates well to creative people. Grayson is responsible, focused and, most importantly, passionate about our writers. He’s a great asset to PIAMG.”

“Working with the incredible team and songwriters at Play It Again has been nothing short of amazing,” says Clotfelter. “Dallas Davidson is someone I’ve always looked up to and I’m thrilled to join his company and continue to grow in the world of publishing.”

Nick Brophy Signs With Peermusic Nashville

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Nick Brophy. Photo: Mark Seliger

Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and engineer Nick Brophy has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Peermusic Nashville.

Brophy has had cuts with Hootie & the Blowfish, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts, and mixed three consecutive No. 1 singles by Kip Moore (double-Platinum “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” Gold-certified “Beer Money” and Platinum-certified “Hey Pretty Girl”) as well as Jimmy Fallon’s comedy album Blow Your Pants Off, which features Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Justin Timberlake. His engineering credits include Everclear‘s Platinum-certified album Sparkle and Fade, Avril Lavigne‘s six-time Platinum album Let Go and The Rolling Stones‘ four-time Platinum album 40 Licks. Brophy’s work has contributed to the sale of more than 21 million albums and singles sold worldwide in addition to 12 Grammy nominations.

He is also makes up LÒNIS, a multi-genre, writing/production duo, with singer-songwriter and producer Jennifer Hanson, who is also with Peermusic Nashville. The duo formed to create a creative outlet for the eclectic, alternative and indie songs they’ve been writing and producing for themselves and other artists.

“I’ve known Nick for a long time and have always been a big fan. He’s got the ability to write across genres, with impact in Nashville and into global markets with high profile projects. Nick will be a standout for us and a great creative addition for Peermusic,” says Michael Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville.

Craig Currier, VP, Director of Advertising Markets, Peermusic Nashville adds, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nick over the past few years now on various artist projects—his talents as a writer, producer, mixer and instrumentalist are second to none. Nick’s creative instincts in working with artists are among the best I’ve seen. I’m excited to have him join our Peermusic roster and humbled by his trust in us to make Peermusic his exclusive home.”

“I have been independent for the past six years, closely collaborating with the incredibly talented Craig Currier, Michael Knox and the entire Peermusic team. Throughout this time, I have experienced their genuine understanding and support for multi-genre writers and producers like myself. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have played an important role in achieving great success for me over the last several years. Today, I am thrilled to announce my official partnership with Peermusic. I have complete confidence that together, we will forge a path of continued success, leaving an enduring mark on the music industry,” says Brophy.

Austin Snell Heading Out On The ‘Muddy Water Rockstar Tour’

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River House Artists and Warner Music Nashville rising star Austin Snell will embark on his first headlining tour this fall. The “Muddy Water Rockstar Tour” will bring Snell’s signature brand of grunge country to Chicago, Washington DC, Nashville and more.

Just before the tour starts on Sept. 1, Snell will release “Send You The Bill,” the first track off of his debut EP, Muddy Water Rockstar.

“It’s crazy to me that I saw some of my favorite artists play the venues on this tour just a few years back, and now I’ll be playing on those same stages this Fall,” says Snell. “I’m pumped to get out on the road and let people experience some of what we’ve been prepping for since the start of the year.”

The tour marks a major milestone in an already exciting year for Snell. In addition to his headlining dates, he will open a show for Nickelback, one of the bands he counts as an influence.

Last month, Snell released a three-song project titled “Songs From My Phone.” Earlier this year, he was named the latest and first country artist to be selected as a part of SiriusXM’s Artist Accelerator program and was also a Highway Find via SiriusXM’s The Highway.

His previously released tracks, “Excuse The Mess,” “Get There First,” “Pray All The Way Home” and a cover of Cassadee Pope’s hit single “Wasting All These Tears” have helped add to his more than 80 million global career streams.

“Muddy Water Rockstar Tour” Dates:
9/1 – Schaghticoke Fair – Schaghticoke, NY
9/23 – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre – Englewood, CO
9/28 – Statesboro, GA – The Blue Room
9/29 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
9/30 – Milledgeville, GA – Ned Kelly’s Down Under
10/5 – Columbus, OH – The Basement
10/6 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
10/7 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave Bar
10/12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
10/13 – Washington, DC – The Hamilton
10/14 – Hatfield Lions Club Pavilion – Hatfield, MA
10/26 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
10/27 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music
10/28 – Carboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
11/1 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
11/2 – Louisville, KY – PBR Bar
11/3 – Lexington, KY – The Burl