MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
Big Loud singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has added quite an impressive chapter to her musical resume in 2022.
Though not new to the country music scene, the Canadian closed 2021 by adding her first U.S. No. 1 with the six-week chart topper “Thinking ‘Bout You” alongside Dustin Lynch. Heralding in 2022 with her own slate of new music, she also landed a slew of supporting slots on treks that traveled across the world, as well as an extensive stretch of festival dates, a hefty hand of award nominations, and more.
However, with nearly a decade in Nashville under her rhinestone encrusted belt, Porter’s journey to success has been years in the making.
Growing up on a bison ranch in the countryside of Canada, her love for country music blossomed at a young age. After her parents enrolled her in classical music lessons with hopes of her learning to read music and learn its theories, she slowly discovered her own style of music.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
At the same time, a 16-year-old Porter began acting professionally. During a two-year dry spell of acting gigs, she turned to songwriting to ease her creative frustration. That’s where the ball began to roll and her eyes became fixed on Nashville.
“I really fell in love with songwriting and thought, ‘Nashville is obviously the best place for country music and writing.’ I started having dreams about coming [to town] and started making trips” Porter shares with MusicRow. “One of my very first trips I stayed with a family and the dad was a songwriter. He took me to the Bluebird Cafe and played in writer’s rounds. I was just so enthralled with the writing community here.
“I moved to Nashville as soon as I had enough money saved up, which was eight or nine years ago now,” she recalls. “It really is a 10-year thing. Of course it happens faster for some people, but for your average person, it does take that long. It’s like people really have to prove themselves here.”
And prove herself she has.
Earning spots on a handful of Artist to Watch lists, including nabbing a spot in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artist Class of 2023 and being voted the 2022 MusicRow Discovery Award, Porter spent much of 2022 out on the road with acts such as Walker Hayes, Chris Lane and Jordan Davis. Following the return to the road post-COVID, she was finally able to play some of the venues that have come to represent a rite of passage for up-and-coming artists.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
“I had never played all those venues that everybody plays, like the House of Blues. It was amazing to go to all of the venues across the U.S. and experience them for the first time, especially with guys like Jordan, Walker and Chris.” She continues, “It was really cool to cut my teeth with those kinds of people and see my songs react. It wasn’t just ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ either, people knew my other songs like ‘Pickup’ and ‘These Days.’ It was cool to see it slowly translating to an audience.”
In June, Porter became the first Canadian, female country artist this century to earn five No. 1s in Canada as her single, “Pickup,” topped the charts up north. Throughout the year, though, Porter continued to ride the success of “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which notched a nomination for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards and made her the only female nominated in the category.
When looking back at the big milestones of this year, at the top of Porter’s list is playing at Nissan Stadium with Lynch during CMA Fest, which she explains ticked off an item on her bucket list.
“It’s so crazy. I never thought all of this was going to happen from this one song. I knew the song was really special, but a lot of songs go No. 1 and a lot of songs are hits but they never go No. 1. It’s surreal to have all of these first experiences for me come from ‘Thinking ‘Bout You,’” Porter gushes. “The first year I moved to town I played [a little stage at CMA Fest] and nobody was there. This year, we played all of the big stages and it was just insane.”
Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2022. Photo: John Shearer for Getty
She adds, “I feel like we get into the grind of Nashville but those are the moments we can step back and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe this is working.’ That was a really cool moment for me.”
In addition to her coveted CMA Fest spot, Porter did a summer run of festivals and a wave of shows across Canada. Throughout the sets, Porter got to see thousands of people singing back the words to her songs, including deeper album cuts.
“You can’t really take moments like those for granted,” she puts simply. “For me, it’s a confirmation that this is working. I always have self-doubt about things, so to see something work after such a long road is super emotional. I’ve wanted it so bad and it’s finally working.
“It has been the most rewarding, exciting and exhausting year of my life,” she shares with a laugh. “I would never trade any of these moments, though, because it’s the first time I’ve gotten to do so many things and play in front of so many people. The feeling on stage is unmatched.”
As 2022 draws to a close, Porter has some big plans for the new year. Looking ahead, fans can expect a swath of new music as she plots the release of her debut, full-length album. With hopes of getting it out before summer, Porter is currently hard at work in songwriting camps and the studio crafting what she explains has been a “long time in the works.”
With hopes of also building her touring resume with some headlining shows in 2023, Porter will be one of many acts taking over the Spotlight Stage at next year’s famous C2C Festival across the pond from March 10-12, as well as Gulf Coast Jam in June and TidalWave Music Festival in August.
CMT Unveils New Listen Up Class Of 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughCMT has revealed its newest lineup of rising artists to watch in its 2023 Listen Up program, which recognizes and supports country’s most promising newcomers across all CMT platforms.
The new 2023 Listen Up roster features Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Brandon Ratcliff, Catie Offerman, Chapel Hart, Cody Belew, Conner Smith, Corey Kent, Dalton Dover, Drake Milligan, Hannah Ellis, Ian Munsick, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe, Madeline Edwards, Nate Smith, Pillbox Patti, The War And Treaty, Warren Zeiders and Zach Bryan.
The year-long initiative is committed to raising support for these artists via full cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and CMT Music, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, CMT Hits on Pluto TV, CMT.com and CMT social platforms. The campaign also includes opportunities with other brands across Paramount Media Network, including live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard, and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this exciting list of new artists to our 2023 Listen Up initiative,” notes Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent at CMT. “Each of these acts stand out in their authenticity and are already finding an audience with exceptional music. We look forward to amplifying their content across all CMT platforms and building long lasting relationships with this dynamic group of individuals.”
Since 2011, CMT’s Listen Up franchise has introduced new talent to the brand’s fan base and helped launch the careers of many country stars. Some notable alumni of the franchise include Ashley McBryde, Blanco Brown, Breland, Brett Eldredge, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Jimmie Allen, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lily Rose, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Morgan Wade, Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and Yola, among others.
Tanya Tucker To Star In ‘A Nashville Country Christmas,’ Airing Dec. 12
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker is making her acting debut in the lead role of her first original movie, A Nashville Country Christmas, airing on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. CT on Paramount Network.
Tucker portrays country superstar Josie Carson in the new holiday film as she bolts from her outrageous lifestyle, and seeks a haven at her grandma’s Tennessee farm outside of Nashville. Rather than refuge, she finds romance there, reconnects with her ex–played by Academy Award-winner Keith Carradine–returns to her musical roots, and finds an unexpected family when she discovers three kids who’ve outsmarted the foster care system are living at the family farm at Christmas.
“It’s amazing that after 50 years in this business, I get to see my dreams become reality! And being part of A Nashville Country Christmas is definitely one of them,” Tucker shares. “I’ve always wanted to do more acting, and it was a gift from the good Lord when this role came along. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the movie this season.”
The movie will also air in an encore presentation on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. CT on CMT. The day after the premiere, A Nashville Country Christmas will be available on ParamountNetwork.com, the Paramount Network App, Paramount Network VOD and additional platforms, including Amazon, Vudu, etc.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Host Free Ford Community Day On Dec. 11
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s 14th Ford Community Day on Dec. 11.
Museum admission will be free from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. as a thank you to the Middle Tennessee community and to reward lucky out-of-town visitors. Tours of Historic RCA Studio B will also be free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to touring the exhibit galleries, visitors can choose from a variety of programs and events that offer fun for all ages.
Runaway June will perform, headlining a full day of activities which include a Songwriter Session with Parker Welling (“Love You Like I Used To” by Russell Dickerson, “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett), a Musician Spotlight with Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, and various family programs.
Visitors can also drop into Hatch Show Print’s classroom between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. to print a holiday card and learn more about one of America’s oldest working letterpress print shops. Family programs in the Taylor Swift Education Center will include Creative Zone: Sparkle, Fringe and Rock & Roll: Wearing the Western Edge; Ukulele Workshop and Blues Jam with Harmonica Player Carlos DeFord Bailey; Velvet Elvis Painting; and Musical Instrument Petting Zoo.
Reservations for tickets to the performances are available at countrymusichalloffame.org/
In addition to programming and events, special discounts will be available to museum visitors. Ford Community Day visitors who show their Ford car key will receive 10% off purchases in the Museum Store and Hatch Show Print, and on food and beverage purchases at Red Onion and Bajo Sexto.
Visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership will receive $5 off an Individual Level membership and $10 off a Family Level membership. The discount will be honored only on Dec. 11 at both the membership desk and online. To redeem, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/
‘Thinking ‘Bout 2022:’ MacKenzie Porter Looks Back On Her Whirlwind Year [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingMacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
Big Loud singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has added quite an impressive chapter to her musical resume in 2022.
Though not new to the country music scene, the Canadian closed 2021 by adding her first U.S. No. 1 with the six-week chart topper “Thinking ‘Bout You” alongside Dustin Lynch. Heralding in 2022 with her own slate of new music, she also landed a slew of supporting slots on treks that traveled across the world, as well as an extensive stretch of festival dates, a hefty hand of award nominations, and more.
However, with nearly a decade in Nashville under her rhinestone encrusted belt, Porter’s journey to success has been years in the making.
Growing up on a bison ranch in the countryside of Canada, her love for country music blossomed at a young age. After her parents enrolled her in classical music lessons with hopes of her learning to read music and learn its theories, she slowly discovered her own style of music.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
At the same time, a 16-year-old Porter began acting professionally. During a two-year dry spell of acting gigs, she turned to songwriting to ease her creative frustration. That’s where the ball began to roll and her eyes became fixed on Nashville.
“I really fell in love with songwriting and thought, ‘Nashville is obviously the best place for country music and writing.’ I started having dreams about coming [to town] and started making trips” Porter shares with MusicRow. “One of my very first trips I stayed with a family and the dad was a songwriter. He took me to the Bluebird Cafe and played in writer’s rounds. I was just so enthralled with the writing community here.
“I moved to Nashville as soon as I had enough money saved up, which was eight or nine years ago now,” she recalls. “It really is a 10-year thing. Of course it happens faster for some people, but for your average person, it does take that long. It’s like people really have to prove themselves here.”
And prove herself she has.
Earning spots on a handful of Artist to Watch lists, including nabbing a spot in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artist Class of 2023 and being voted the 2022 MusicRow Discovery Award, Porter spent much of 2022 out on the road with acts such as Walker Hayes, Chris Lane and Jordan Davis. Following the return to the road post-COVID, she was finally able to play some of the venues that have come to represent a rite of passage for up-and-coming artists.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
“I had never played all those venues that everybody plays, like the House of Blues. It was amazing to go to all of the venues across the U.S. and experience them for the first time, especially with guys like Jordan, Walker and Chris.” She continues, “It was really cool to cut my teeth with those kinds of people and see my songs react. It wasn’t just ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ either, people knew my other songs like ‘Pickup’ and ‘These Days.’ It was cool to see it slowly translating to an audience.”
In June, Porter became the first Canadian, female country artist this century to earn five No. 1s in Canada as her single, “Pickup,” topped the charts up north. Throughout the year, though, Porter continued to ride the success of “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which notched a nomination for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards and made her the only female nominated in the category.
When looking back at the big milestones of this year, at the top of Porter’s list is playing at Nissan Stadium with Lynch during CMA Fest, which she explains ticked off an item on her bucket list.
“It’s so crazy. I never thought all of this was going to happen from this one song. I knew the song was really special, but a lot of songs go No. 1 and a lot of songs are hits but they never go No. 1. It’s surreal to have all of these first experiences for me come from ‘Thinking ‘Bout You,’” Porter gushes. “The first year I moved to town I played [a little stage at CMA Fest] and nobody was there. This year, we played all of the big stages and it was just insane.”
Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2022. Photo: John Shearer for Getty
She adds, “I feel like we get into the grind of Nashville but those are the moments we can step back and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe this is working.’ That was a really cool moment for me.”
In addition to her coveted CMA Fest spot, Porter did a summer run of festivals and a wave of shows across Canada. Throughout the sets, Porter got to see thousands of people singing back the words to her songs, including deeper album cuts.
“You can’t really take moments like those for granted,” she puts simply. “For me, it’s a confirmation that this is working. I always have self-doubt about things, so to see something work after such a long road is super emotional. I’ve wanted it so bad and it’s finally working.
“It has been the most rewarding, exciting and exhausting year of my life,” she shares with a laugh. “I would never trade any of these moments, though, because it’s the first time I’ve gotten to do so many things and play in front of so many people. The feeling on stage is unmatched.”
As 2022 draws to a close, Porter has some big plans for the new year. Looking ahead, fans can expect a swath of new music as she plots the release of her debut, full-length album. With hopes of getting it out before summer, Porter is currently hard at work in songwriting camps and the studio crafting what she explains has been a “long time in the works.”
With hopes of also building her touring resume with some headlining shows in 2023, Porter will be one of many acts taking over the Spotlight Stage at next year’s famous C2C Festival across the pond from March 10-12, as well as Gulf Coast Jam in June and TidalWave Music Festival in August.
Industry Ink: BMI, Don Cusic, Chase Wright
/by Lydia FarthingBMI Caps 2022 Songwriter Series With Performance From The War And Treaty
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bruce Esworthy, War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Max Brown, Bluebird’s Erika Wollam-Nichols, and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMI wrapped its 2022 BMI Presents at the Bluebird Cafe shows with husband and wife duo, The War And Treaty.
Composed of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, the pair have been musical partners for years, writing about and honoring soldiers and their dedication to protect our country. Michael served in Iraq and has openly discussed his difficulty with post-traumatic stress disorder following his service.
The monthly songwriter-in-the round series aims to highlight a diverse lineup of both emerging and established songwriters. The inaugural season featured performances by Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Julia Cole, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, K. Michelle, Gabe Lee, Lauren Housley, Tristan Bushman, and more.
Belmont’s Don Cusic Inducted Into The Western Music Hall Of Fame
Don Cusic.
Don Cusic, a professor in Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, was recently inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame by the Western Music Association (WMA) in the historian category.
Cusic is an author of 28 books and more than 500 articles who has taught music business courses since 1982. He is currently the co-host of the International Country Music Conference and Editor of the International Country Music Journal.
“I grew up watching Roy Rogers on TV—he was a hero of mine—and now, to be in the same Hall of Fame with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry, and others is beyond words,” Cusic shares. “I carried a Roy Rogers lunch box to school during my early days and my favorite entertainment was watching cowboy shows on TV. It’s hard for me to believe that the Western Music Association chose to honor me with their ultimate award.”
The WMA Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to honor groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to western music composition, performance, and history.
Chase Wright & Friends Raise Over $2,000 For Room In The Inn
Pictured (L-R, back row): Chase Wright, Andrew Jannakos, and Mark Campbell. (L-R, front row): Melanie Barnett Ober, Erin Kinsey, Avery Anna, and Quiana Jimerson. Photo: Austin Friedline
Morris Higham Management’s Chase Wright invited friends and singer-songwriters Avery Anna, Andrew Jannakos, and Erin Kinsey to his inaugural “Love Your Neighbor, Y’all” round at the historic Bluebird Cafe.
The round, which took place on Tuesday night (Dec. 6), benefited Room in the Inn, a nonprofit organization that is committed to sheltering people experiencing homelessness in Nashville and providing programs centered around human development and recovery. Overall, Wright and friends raised over $2,000 for the night.
Tanya Tucker Receives Distinguished Storyteller Award
/by Lydia FarthingTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
The National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards recently honored Tanya Tucker with the Distinguished Storyteller Award for excellence in storytelling outside of journalism.
The Grammy-winning artist is set to star in her first original movie, A Nashville Country Christmas, which will air on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. CT on Paramount Network. She is also featured in The Return of Tanya Tucker, Featuring Brandi Carlile, which chronicles the resurgence of her career. The documentary, now in theaters, will be available on digital and Blu-ray on Jan. 10.
Pictured (L-R): Byron Allen, Jennifer Lee, Ryan Seacrest, Tanya Tucker, and Marla Gibbs. Photo: Derrek Kupish
The Distinguished Storyteller Award is presented to a person who has proven to be a great storyteller through forms of artistic expression outside of journalism. Kathlyn Horan, who directed The Return of Tanya Tucker, presented the award to Tucker.
Additionally, Byron Allen received the Impact Award, Ryan Seacrest received the Luminary Award, Marla Gibbs was honored with the Legend Award, and director Jennifer Lee (Frozen) picked up the Distinguished Storyteller Award for film.
Phil Vassar & Deana Carter Spread Some Christmas Cheer On Holiday Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughPhil Vassar and Deana Carter are celebrating the season with their “Coming Home For Christmas Tour,” which will visit eight more cities before wrapping on Dec. 18 in Oxford, Alabama.
They will bring holiday cheer to fans in Milwaukee, Charleston, Augusta, and more through the end of the year. The two released a video for their song “Brand New Year” last month, as well as co-wrote the holiday original and title of the tour.
Fans have made it a tradition to join Vassar for an evening of Christmas classics and original holiday music for years, packing out venues for his last four treks. “Coming Home for Christmas” will be the sixth Christmas tour for Vassar, whose career has garnered 10 No. 1s and 26 top 40 hits.
Remaining “Coming Home For Christmas” Tour Dates:
Dec. 08 Northern Lights Theater – Milwaukee, Wis.
Dec. 09 Northern Lights Theater – Milwaukee, Wis.
Dec. 10 Midland Center for the Arts – Midland, Mich.
Dec. 11 The Clyde – Fort Wayne, Ind.
Dec. 15 Riviera Theater – Charleston, S.C.
Dec. 16 The Miller Theatre – Augusta. Ga.
Dec. 17 Gold Strike Casino – Robinsonville, Miss.
Dec. 18 Oxford Performing Arts Center – Oxford, Ala.
Travis Tritt Announces First Leg Of 2023 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt
Travis Tritt will kick off the first leg of his 16-date 2023 tour this spring, with special guests War Hippies, Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis, as well as Tyler Reese Tritt on select dates.
Set to launch March 30 in Troy, Ohio, the trek will include stops in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Fans will get a chance to experience Tritt and his band performing some of his hits, including “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” “Here’s A Quarter” as well as songs off his most recent album, Set In Stone. Tickets are available at travistritt.com/tour/.
A multi-Platinum-selling and award-winning artist, Tritt has amassed more than 30 million in career album sales, two Grammy awards, four CMA Awards, a Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, and more. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, he has also notched five No. 1s and 20 top 10 hits throughout his decades-long career.
Veteran Nashville Journalist & Musician, Peter Cooper, Dies
/by LB CantrellPeter Cooper
Nashville journalist, historian and musician Peter Cooper died Tuesday night (Dec. 6) after sustaining a head injury over the weekend. He was 52.
Cooper, who also held the position of Senior Director, Producer & Writer at the Country Music Hall of Fame, has contributed much to the the recording of modern country music history.
For many years, Cooper served as a reporter for the Tennessean, covering a wide array of music and musicians. His work has appeared in Esquire, Oxford American, Mix and American Songwriter magazines. Cooper wrote liner notes for albums from Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Ronnie Milsap and Mac Wiseman—as well as the inscription on George Jones’ tombstone.
Cooper also wrote the book Johnny’s Cash and Charley’s Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music, co-authored Bill Anderson’s Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music, and wrote the preface to Tom T. Hall’s The Storyteller’s Nashville: A Gritty & Glorious Life in Country Music, among other projects.
Additionally, Cooper was a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer. He recorded three solo albums as well as three alongside singer-songwriter Eric Brace, and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, A Prairie Home Companion, The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. Cooper and Brace produced a reimagined version of I Love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2012. As a songwriter, Cooper’s work has been recorded by John Prine, Bobby Bare, Jim Lauderdale, and others.
A celebration of life for Cooper is expected to take place in early 2023.
Peter Cooper and son Baker
Cooper is preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Cooper Smuzynski. He is survived by his son, Baker; ex-wife and partner of 32 years, Charlotte; father, Wiley Cooper; stepmother, Emily Cooper; brother, Chris Cooper; sister-in-law, Jessie Swigger; nephew and niece, Jack Cooper and Madeline Cooper; stepfather, Al Smuzynski.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Baker Cooper fund to support Peter’s son’s education, or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, supporting their cultural organization’s educational mission.
Baker Cooper
c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 1712 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Rep. John Way S.
Nashville, TN 37203
Industry Ink: Warner Chappell, Melanie Ainsworth, Jesse Atwell, ASCAP
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Chappell Nashville Hosts Annual Christmas Party At Nashville Palace
Warner Chappell Nashville team at the Nashville Palace.
Warner Chappell Nashville recently rung in the holidays with their annual Christmas party. The publishing house took over the Nashville Palace for a “boot-scootin’ country and western good time.”
Melanie Ainsworth Joins Position Music As Chief Financial Officer
Melanie Ainsworth. Photo: Grant Mohrman
Position Music has added Melanie Ainsworth as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to this role, Ainsworth served as the Financial Controller for Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) in Nashville for eight years.
While at BMLG, Ainsworth managed the daily financial operations of Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co, BMLG Records, and John Varvatos Records as well as BMLG’s publishing arm, Big Machine Music. She also guided the reconfiguration of the organization’s financial structure after Big Machine was acquired by Ithaca Holdings LLC in 2019, and again in 2021 after Ithaca’s merger with HYBE America. Some of the artist accounts Ainsworth worked on include Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, and Tim McGraw.
“I am excited to have Melanie join the Position Music executive team,” says Position Music’s President and CEO Tyler Bacon. “We have truly entered a new phase of the company that requires significantly more financial sophistication than we needed during the first 20+ years of the company. We are deploying significant capital in our frontline publishing and record business along with multiple catalog acquisitions. Melanie will play a crucial role in managing the financial strategy and the additional forecasting, reporting, and accounting needs the company now has.”
“I am thrilled beyond words to be joining the impressive team that Tyler has built here at Position Music. I feel honored that he has entrusted me to lead the charge in the financial oversight of the company. I’m excited to hit the ground running and to use my previous experience to help Position Music continue to be one of the leading independent music company powerhouses,” says Ainsworth.
SongVest Taps Jesse Atwell As Chief Marketing Officer
Music marketing veteran Jesse Atwell has joined SongVest as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing nearly 20 years of industry experience to the role.
Previously, Atwell was an Associate Partner at Triple 8 Management and has held management positions at Sony Music Entertainment and Hallmark Cards. In his new role, Atwell will be based in Austin, Texas and report to SongVest Founder and CEO Sean Peace. He will be responsible for daily marketing operations and driving overall growth for the music royalty investment platform.
“Sean and his team have built a truly unique platform—one that brings music rights holders, fans, and investors together in an all-new way,” Atwell explains. “SongVest’s fractional music royalty product SongShares is groundbreaking and I’m excited to join SongVest and help lead the company into a new phase of growth.”
Peace adds, “We’re excited to have Jesse Atwell on the team. His major brand marketing background and music industry expertise will play a significant role in the growth of SongVest.”
Atwell can be reached at jesse@songvest.com.
ASCAP Hosts Virtual Country Worksop In Honor Of Garth Brooks
Pictured (L-R, top row): Alondra Alberti, LeAnn Phelan, Juliana Riccardi, and Kiersten Rimmel; (L-R, middle row): Evanthia Theodorou, Shawn Chambliss, Howard Efron, and Stu Basham; (L-R, bottom row): Carrie Cunningham, Sarah Durbin, Sammi Jo Meyer, and Lawson Bates.
The ASCAP Nashville membership team hosted the annual ASCAP Foundation Country Workshop in honor of Garth Brooks on Dec. 3. Designed to support the development and education of up-and-coming songwriters, the virtual event was hosted by industry veteran LeAnn Phelan of LP Creative Management.
Hailing from all over the world, 17 country music songwriters were selected to participate in the workshop which focused on how to prepare for a publishing deal, how to build a supportive community, and the art of claiming their voice through their writing. The workshop also featured industry advice with video clips from top country music songwriters, including ASCAP’s Carly Pearce.
“The level of songwriters that came to the workshop was incredible! The ASCAP Foundation Country Workshops historically are where the next generation of creators flock to, and I’m honored to have met and mentored each and every one of these writers,” Phelan shares.