Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) re-launched have relaunched the Songwriters Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, establishing a group of like-minded lawmakers who support songwriters.

To celebrate the launch, Reps Lieu and Cline welcomed songwriters and representatives from various songwriter advocacy organizations to Capitol Hill, where the Members announced the formation of the caucus and heard songs performed by the songwriters who were present.

“My district in Southern California is home to many talented songwriters whose work contributes so much to our culture and society,” says Rep. Lieu. “I’m thrilled to join Congressman Ben Cline in co-chairing the new bipartisan Congressional Songwriter’s Caucus, which will work to support America’s brilliant songwriters by ensuring they can protect their work and make a living doing what they love. Music contributes so much to our way of life, and we must ensure those creating it are compensated fairly. I’m grateful to the numerous songwriter advocacy organizations who’ve partnered with us on the creation of this caucus and look forward to working together to support our artists.”

“Making art, specifically music, is a powerful way to leave a mark on the world,” said Rep. Cline. “It’s a part of our everyday lives, from what we listen to on our commutes in the morning, to the music we select for our most important life events, such as birthdays, weddings, and funerals. But today’s modern music landscape can make it more difficult for certain artists, especially independent songwriters, to make a living. That is why I’m proud to co-chair the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, which will play an important role in promoting the songwriting community by working to ensure the creative rights of songwriters are protected.”

The Congressional Songwriters Caucus is supported by Nashville Songwriters Association International(NSAI), National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Recording Academy, BMI and ASCAP.

In a statement to MusicRow, NSAI shares, “Since the Songwriters Caucus was initially launched 20 years ago technology has completely changed the way music is delivered. American songwriters still face challenges in the digital era and we are very grateful to Congressmen Cline and Lieu for their bipartisan support.”

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite says, “We applaud Representatives Cline and Lieu for leading the Congressional Songwriters Caucus and we are excited about today’s launch. NMPA is the leading advocate for music publishers and their songwriter partners and we greatly look forward to working with the Caucus to advance policy interests that will protect creators and ensure that songwriters thrive.”

The HBO Original concert special Brandi Carlile: in the Canyon Haze – Live from Laurel Canyon is set to debut July 1 at 8 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

Presented at the Ross House in Los Angeles and IMAX theater screens, the concert special was taped in 2022. Directed by Sam Wrench (Max Original Lizzo: Live in Concert) and originally broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Laurel Canyon neighborhood, this groundbreaking performance from the 9x Grammy-winning artist features lushly reimagined songs from her album, In These Silent Days. Alongside her band, Carlile brings her signature flair to a showcase of tracks, including an original take on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in a tribute to the vibrant music scene born in the Hollywood Hills.

Carlile was recently honored with the 2023 NMPA Songwriter Icon award. Brandy Clark performed “You and Me On The Rock” in a surprise tribute to Carlile, who produced her latest album, and singer-songwriter Allison Russell performed Carlile’s hit “This Time Tomorrow.”

Underscore Works has added two team members to its Nashville-based office. Jamie Ernst has come on board as Artist Manager / Director of Marketing and Jordin Wentworth as Associate Manager.

Ernst joins Underscore Works from Average Joes Entertainment, where she held various positions over the past 13 years, including day-to-day management responsibilities for Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, Brantley Gilbert and others, as well as marketing efforts for the Average Joes’ label roster. She is a Nashville native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Ernst brings her long-time client Sister Hazel to Underscore Works’ roster, which also includes Priscilla Block, Dalton Dover, Warren Zeiders, Logan Mize and Dipper.

Wentworth, a New York native, joins the company after holding prior positions as an Office Manager for attorney Bruce Phillips and Project Manager at Clearbox Rights, where she primarily worked with the catalog of music publisher Mojo Music and Media. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo.

“Jamie and Jordin have hit the ground running, providing a great level of service to the Underscore Works roster,” says Charly Salvatore, Founder of Underscore Works. “As the company’s first employees, they have set the bar high and helped define a team-first culture.”

Kane & Katelyn Brown Celebrate Chart-Topping Success Of “Thank God”

Kane Brown and wife Katelyn celebrated their No. 1 multi-Platinum selling hit, “Thank God” with songwriters, industry members, friends and family at the Brown’s home in Nashville on June 21. The CMT award-winning duet marks the ninth No. 1 single for Kane, and Katelyn’s first chart-topper.

 

Morgan Wade’s “Wilder Days” Shines With Gold Certification At Dave & Buster’s Celebration

Morgan Wade‘sdebut single “Wilder Days” has been certified Gold. Wade was surprised with the news at Dave & Buster’s last week. Executives and staff from Sony Music Nashville and WME, plus members of Wade’s band and road team, joined her at the celebration ahead of her debut performance at Bonnaroo.

Wade recently announced her new album Psychopath will be released Aug. 25.

 

SESAC Takes Over The Bluebird Cafe

SESAC’s monthly songwriter series at the Bluebird Cafe took place on Tuesday (June 20). This extra special round included hit after hit from Jordan Harvey, Allison Veltz Cruz and Michael Whitworth.

Additionally, Harvey brought in friends and collaborators including Seaforth, Andy Albert (ASCAP), and James McNair (BMI), who each performed a special guest song throughout the evening.

 

Jim Mayo Receives Doctor Of Business Admin Degree From Trevecca

Veteran tour manager Jim Mayo (Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Joe Nichols, John Michael Montgomery) has been awarded a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.

While recovering from serious injuries sustained in the Josh Turner crew bus crash in September 2019, Mayo continued his studies in between physical therapy sessions needed for him to relearn to walk and perform basic functions.

“All of the credit for my recovery and this degree goes to my lovely wife Catherine Mayo and daughters Lauren, Megan, and Adrianne. I will never be back to normal, but I continue to heal and recover,” he shares.

 

Randall Fowler Inks With Reviver Entertainment & Clay Myers

Randall Fowler has signed an exclusive publishing and recording agreement with Reviver Entertainment in partnership with Nashville industry veteran Clay Myers. Reviver Records recently released Fowler’s first song on the label, “Other Side Of A Heartbreak,” which he co-wrote with songwriter Clay Mills.

 

Five Times August Signs With Baste Records

Five Times August has signed a record deal with Music Row-based Baste Records. The brainchild of singer-songwriter Brad Skistimas, Five Times August has joined forces on the new single, “Ain’t No Rock and Roll” with former Offspring drummer Pete Parada.

“We are thrilled to welcome Five Times August to the Baste Records family,” says Matthew Azrieli, CEO at Baste Records. “Brad Skistimas has a unique ability to craft music that reflects today’s societal issues that resonates deeply with listeners, and we are honored to support and amplify his artistic vision. We believe that this partnership will lead to extraordinary musical experiences and open up new horizons for Five Times August.”