Eric Paslay's "Friday Night" Earns Gold Status

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Pictured (L-R): Marshall Altman (producer of Paslay’s self-titled album), Cindy Mabe (UMGN SVP, Marketing), Paslay, Mike Dungan (UMG, Chairman & CEO), Pete Fisher (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Chris Hollo, 2014 Copyright Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Marshall Altman (producer of Paslay’s self-titled album), Cindy Mabe (UMGN SVP, Marketing), Paslay, Mike Dungan (UMG, Chairman & CEO), Pete Fisher (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Chris Hollo.


Eric Paslay‘s chart-topping hit “Friday Night” has earned Gold status from the RIAA. Paslay was surprised Tuesday (May 13) after his performance at the Grand Ole Opry with a Gold plaque by UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan.
This marks Paslay’s first chart-topping song as an artist and his fourth as a songwriter. Paslay penned “Friday Night” with Rose Falcon and Rob Crosby; it was the first single from his self-titled debut album, which was released in February. Paslay is currently out on the road with Brantley Gilbert‘s Let It Ride Tour.

Black River Publishing Signs Mike Krompass

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Pictured (L-R): VP of Black River Publishing, Celia Froehlig; Mike Krompass; Black River Entertainment CEO, Gordon Kerr.

Pictured (L-R): VP of Black River Publishing, Celia Froehlig; Mike Krompass; Black River Entertainment CEO, Gordon Kerr.


VP of Black River Publishing Celia Froehlig has signed music producer, songwriter, and engineer Mike Krompass to Black River Publishing.
“We are so excited to be working with Mike,” Froehlig said. “What a great addition to our BRE family! He is extraordinarily talented as can be heard in his writing, production and guitar playing.”
Krompass, a Toronto, Canada native, began his career has a studio/live session guitar player. As a touring musician, Krompass shared the stage with Nelly Furtado, David Archuleta, Elton John, U2, Destiny’s Child, Boys II Men, Bruno Mars and others. He was also a band member of the band Smash Mouth, where he played guitar and served as the band’s music director.
“I’m extremely excited to be part of the Black River family! It’s refreshing to be with a publisher that is welcoming, warm and shares your creative vision for world domination,” Krompass said. “Let’s go get some GRAMMYs!”
Krompass now resides in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, children and brand-new baby boy, Presley.

Little Extra Music Inks Deals With Alexander, McCormick

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little extra1111

Pictured (L-R): Jim McCormick, Lisa Ramsey Perkins and Jessi Alexander

Music publishing company Little Extra Music, founded by Lisa Ramsey Perkins, has signed an agreement to represent the select back catalogs of songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jim McCormick.

Alexander’s recent co-written hits include Blake Shelton‘s “Drink On It” and “Mine Would Be You,” Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck,” and Eric Paslay‘s “Song About A Girl,” among others. “I Drive Your Truck” earned Alexander MusicRow‘s Song of the Year title in 2013, as well as Song of the Year honors from the ACM, CMA and NSAI. Her song “Didn’t Know Love” was recently recorded by Celine Dion.
“I had the good fortune of signing Jessi to Disney Publishing in 2006, and we enjoyed some great success together beginning with ‘The Climb,'” Ramsey Perkins said. “She’s gone on to write some amazing hit songs and win a lot of awards, I now have the honor of working with her and representing her catalog. I know there are a lot more hits to come from the wealth of great music she’s written!”
McCormick’s catalog of songs includes recordings by Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Jamey Johnson, Ronnie Milsap and others. Recent recordings include Jason Aldean‘s rendering of McCormick’s “Take a Little Ride” and Brantley Gilbert‘s cut of his “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” Luke Bryan recorded three of McCormick’s songs on his Spring Break…Here to Party album.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Jim McCormick for a long time,” Ramsey Perkins said. “So getting my hands on his music and having the opportunity to pitch his back catalog is again, just a great blessing. I’m grateful these two amazing writers have trusted me with their music, and look forward to getting it out there to the masses!!”
Additionally, McCormick is signed to BMG Chrysalis.

Industry Pics (5/13/14)

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The 19th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival featured more than 50 concerts from more than 180 BMI songwriters. The festival, held from May 7-11, featured performances from Sara Evans, Love and Theft, Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen, Anders Osborne, Tony Joe White and Dean Dillon. More than 15,000 fans enjoyed several days of music at venues throughout the island.

Proceeds from the event benefit the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on treating traumatic brain injuries and PTSD from Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Pictured (l-r): BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, Blues legend Tony Joe White, GRAMMY-award winning Country artist Kacey Musgraves, Americana pioneer Robert Earl Keen, BMI Executive Director of Writer/Publisher Relations Mark Mason.

Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, Tony Joe White, Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen, BMI Executive Director of Writer/Publisher Relations Mark Mason.


Pictured (L-R): Fans pack Duval Street during Sara Evans' performance. Photographer: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): Fans pack Duval Street during Sara Evans’ performance. Photographer: Erika Goldring

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Wednesday evening (May 7), Big Loud Shirt Industries’ founder and award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman brought the party to Music Row with his 8th annual Parking Lot Party. The bash was held outside the Big Loud Shirt offices in Nashville and included fireball shots, cocktails, hot dogs, and a moon bounce. Staff, friends and music industry insiders gathered to celebrate with Wiseman and his team of writers and artists, including Sarah Buxton, Rodney Clawson, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Joey Moi and Chris Tompkins.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Big Loud Shirt

Photo Credit: Big Loud Shirt

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TV met reality on Friday night (May 9) at the Grand Ole Opry where Big Machine Music singer/songwriter Greg Bates was joined by actor Chris Carmack, who plays “Will Lexington” on ABC’s Nashville, for a performance of “Hurtin’ On Me.” Bates penned the song, which Carmack has performed on the hit TV show.

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Chris Carmack, and Greg Bates. Photo Courtesy of Gwen Bates

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher, Chris Carmack, and Greg Bates. Photo Courtesy of Gwen Bates

Songwriter Equity Act Introduced In Senate

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NSAI songwriter equity act

(L-R): Songwriters Tom Douglas, Roxie Dean and Rivers Rutherford perform as Senators Bob Corker, Lamar Alexander and Orrin Hatch look on.

The Songwriter Equity Act is being introduced in the U.S. Senate, following a previous introduction in the House of Representatives.

Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) gathered at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville today (May 12) to announce the legislation to amend federal law to allow songwriters to be compensated for the fair market value of their work.
NSAI’s Bart Herbison explained that following introduction of the bill, the Senators will gather sponsors for it, adding that all three Senators have a proven track record of bi-partisan support. Herbison noted that the Tennessee Senators understand the dilemma of the songwriters and the artistic community, and that Hatch’s involvement is important because he is a songwriter himself and a senior member of the Judiciary Committee that would consider the legislation. The announcement took place in Nashville because Music City has played a crucial role in the legislation and has such a strong creative community. Herbison said several organizations have been instrumental in the legislation, including the performing rights organizations ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, as well as the NMPA, NSAI, The Recording Academy and the Church Music Publishers Association.

BMI Songwriter Tom Douglas Joins Senators Alexander, Corker and Hatch in Vital Music DiscussionsPictured L-R at the meeting in Nashville to discuss Senatorial support for songwriters are: Smith-Free Group’s Tim Locke; BMI songwriter and President of the Nashville Songwriters Association Lee Thomas Miller; BMI songwriter Tom Douglas; Senator Bob Corker; Senator Orrin Hatch; Senator Lamar Alexander; BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams; and BMI Senior Vice President and General Counsel Stuart Rosen.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriter Tom Douglas, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, BMI’s Stuart Rosen and Smith-Free Group’s Tim Locke.


Songwriters Roxie Dean, Lee Thomas Miller, Tom Douglas and Rivers Rutherford performed and discussed the importance of removing government restrictions.
The legislation would allow songwriters to receive market-based compensation and remove government price controls in two ways:
• It would direct the Copyright Royalty Board to set compensation according to the fair market value when songs are sold, such as through music downloads and CD purchases.
•  It would remove a provision of law that narrows the scope of evidence the federal rate court may examine when asked to set songwriter compensation for when their song is played, such as in a restaurant or at a concert.
Songwriter compensation is dictated by the federal government. The rate of compensation that is set by the Copyright Royalty Board has increased only 7 cents over 100 years, and is currently 9.1 cents per song. The so-called “federal rate court” determines compensation rates for public performances, occasionally requiring songwriters to engage in complex litigation to be paid reasonable fees for their work.
NMPA leader David Israelite said, “The SEA takes an important step directing the CRB to use a ‘willing-buyer/willing-seller’ rate standard to more fairly approximate what a song is worth in the free market. We must inject fairness into an outdated process that is undeniably stacked against songwriters and publishers, ensuring they are rightly compensated for their work.”
The legislation the senators introduced is the Senate companion to H.R. 4079, legislation introduced on Feb. 25 by U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) with 14 cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.).
SEA bluebird ASCAP

Senator Bob Corker, ASCAP Songwriter Rivers Rutherford, Senator Orrin Hatch, ASCAP Board member Wayland Holyfield, Senator Lamar Alexander, ASCAP’s Michael Martin and ASCAP Board Member Barry Coburn. Photo: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.

Dorff Launches Latigo Shore Music

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Pictured (L-R): Andrew Dorff, Beth Brinker, Jeston Cade, and Steve Dorff.

Pictured (L-R): Andrew Dorff, Beth Brinker, Jeston Cade, and Steve Dorff.


Songwriter Steve Dorff and Creative Director Beth Brinker are now heading up publishing company Latigo Shore Music in Nashville. Latigo represents the early catalog of songwriter Andrew Dorff, as well as recently signed ASCAP songwriter/artist Jeston Cade.
“We are so excited to have Beth heading up our Nashville office. She brings a lifelong passion and a deep understanding of what makes a song great. I am excited for her to contribute her creative flair and a proven track record of creating successful partnerships to Latigo,” says Dorff.
As Creative Director, Brinker will develop new writers, facilitate co-write and pitch songs to producers, artists, A&R executives and film/tv supervisors. The Texas native’s career began at Thirty Tigers. Prior to working in publishing, Brinker worked at SpikeTV, Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour and The Marty Stuart Show. She also spent time in marketing at GAC-TV.
Brinker can be contacted at [email protected].

Hiring, Promotion at Tom-Leis Music and Love Monkey Music

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Drew Hale

Drew Hale


Love Monkey Music & Tom-Leis Music have hired Drew Hale as Creative Director and song plugger. Hale will provide support and development to Love Monkey’s and Tom-Leis’ writer rosters, as well as actively plug songs from the companies’ catalogs.
Hale, a Belmont University graduate, previously worked at Bug Music for several years in a similar role.
Additionally, Emily Peacock has been promoted to Director of Catalog and Office Management for TLM and Love Monkey Music. Peacock has been with the companies since 2011.
Emily Peacock

Emily Peacock


“Drew and Emily have my full support and backing. With our new signings we look forward to explosive growth,” Bob DiPiero says.
“We have hired Music Loving Leaders and that’s a good thing for everyone!” Leslie DiPiero adds.
Tom-Leis Music and Love Monkey Music also partner with Sony/ATV Nashville in co-publishing ventures for songwriters Brandon Kinney, Jason Gantt and Bob DiPiero. Tom-Leis Music partners with Victoria Shaw for songwriter Chad Carlson.

Matthew West Leads 36th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Capitol CMG Publishing's Eddie DeGarmo, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, ASCAP's Paul Williams and LeAnn Phelan. Photo by Ed Rode.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Eddie DeGarmo, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, ASCAP’s Paul Williams and LeAnn Phelan. Photo by Ed Rode.


Nashville’s Christian music industry had a night to shine at the elegant Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., for the 36th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards. Rising group PawnShop Kings opened the evening with their bluesy rock vibe of “Love Like Jesus.”
ASCAP president Paul Williams was on hand to welcome the industry-only crowd.
“This is the second time I’ve been here for the awards,” said Williams. “There is such a vibe here in Nashville. Every day I say, ‘Surprise me God, and lead me where you need me. Your work is holy work and I love being here.'” ASCAP’s Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan, Kele Currier and Ryan Beuschel were on hand to honor the artists, publishers and songwriters behind the past year’s most performed songs.

Pawnshop Kings perform "Love Like Jesus."

PawnShop Kings perform “Love Like Jesus.” Photo: Ed Rode.


Matthew West was the evening’s big winner, taking home the Songwriter of the Year honor as well as the Song of the Year honor for “Hello, My Name Is,” a song that spent 17 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. In 2013, West took home ASCAP’s Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor.
Before West stepped onstage to perform an acoustic version of the song, a video told the story behind “Hello, My Name Is,” the second single from West’s Into The Light project. West crafted the songs on the album as a way to share fans’ stories of hardship and victory, culled from thousands of letters and emails he has received.
“Hello, My Name Is” was inspired by the story of Jordan Jeffers, a one-time “all-American athlete,” who became addicted to prescription pain medication following a sports injury. His college let him go, and his parents took him to addiction center Teen Challenge. After going through the addiction program, Jeffers completed his degree and began working as a coach for the same college that had let him go a few years earlier.
“I’ve been coming here and never once felt like I belong with such amazing talent. I hope I always feel that way,” West said upon accepting the Songwriter of the Year honor. “For Paul [Williams] to be here two years in a row I think shows how much they believe in this music we are doing.”
The Publisher of the Year award went to Capitol CMG Publishing. This marks the publishing company’s 11th consecutive year as the recipient .
Michael W. Smith and Bart Millard. Photo: Ed Rode

Michael W. Smith and MercyMe’s Bart Millard. Photo: Ed Rode


Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith were both honored with ASCAP’s Century award, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th birthday, which recognizes the enduring influence of their careers on the Contemporary Christian Music industry.
In tribute to some of the musical genre’s most beloved compositions, Smith performed “Awesome God,” from the late Rich Mullins, and brought MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard to the stage for what Smith noted was their first collaboration. Smith backed Millard on MercyMe’s signature hit, “I Can Only Imagine.” Later in the program, Ashley Cleveland accompanied herself on acoustic guitar, performing “Thy Word,” from Grant’s 1984 album Straight Ahead.
Producer Brown Bannister and Nashville pastor Don Finto were on hand to pay tribute to Grant and Smith. “When you were starting out, there were practically no charts to top. It’s not about the hit and the success. It is about the long obedience, and you embody everything that is great about CCM. You just had a desire to share your hearts, and you’ve done it for three decades. That is long obedience in the same direction.”
“I heard Tom Petty say there are enough great songs in the world, but we keep writing because that’s what we do,” Grant said. “I will sing until the day I die because I love it. I love seeing the new music that has come up behind us.” Speaking to the artists and industry members, she said, “The great thing about knowing Jesus is that we don’t have to change anyone, manipulate anyone. We are free to love everyone because that’s who He died for.”
Songs Honored During the 2014 ASCAP Christian Music Awards
“Strangely Dim,” Francesca Battistelli
“Words,” Hawk Nelson feat. Bart Millard
“Build Your Kingdom Here,” Rend Collective
“We Won’t Be Shaken,” Building 429
“You Are I Am,” MercyMe
“Lord I Need You,” Matt Maher
“Your Love Never Fails,” Newsboys
“God’s Great Dance Floor,” Chris Tomlin
“Live With Abandon,” Newsboys
“My God,” Jeremy Camp
“Already There,” Casting Crowns
“Hurricane,” Natalie Grant
“Great I Am,” Phillips Craig & Dean
“Should’ve Been Me,” Citizen Way
“Lift My Life Up,” Unspoken
“Who You Are,” Unspoken
“He Is With Us,” Love and the Outcome
“You Are,” Colton Dixon
“Carry Me,” Josh Wilson
“Overcomer,” Mandisa
“Every Good Thing,” The Afters
“Yours Will Be (The Only Name),” Big Daddy Weave
“Gold,” Britt Nicole

BMI Nashville Promotes Three

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Erica Glidewell

Erica Glidewell


BMI has promoted three employees in its Nashville offices, Erica Glidewell, Leslie Roberts and Noelle Michon. Glidewell, previously Exec. Assistant to BMI Writer/Publisher Vice President Jody Williams, has been promoted to Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations and Roberts, previously Associate Director, has been promoted to Director, Writer/Publisher Relations.
Glenda Hart, BMI Assistant VP, Special Projects, has promoted Michon to Director, Special Projects.
Williams noted, “Erica’s contribution to our department is simply invaluable. Her organizational skills, office management expertise, and excellent industry relationships combine to strengthen BMI’s special place in this community. It is an honor to work with such a dynamic and bright individual. I’m especially proud to see Erica receive this well deserved promotion.”
Leslie Roberts

Leslie Roberts


Glidewell will continue to assist Williams and work with songwriters, publishers and producers in Country, pop and Christian music genres. Prior to her work at BMI, Glidewell worked for The Dave Ramsey Show as a Live Events Coordinator and Global Expeditions as the Leadership Development Coordinator.
And in regard to Roberts, Williams remarked, “Leslie has proven to be one of the most vital members of the Nashville writer relations team. For the past five years, songwriters from multiple genres of music have benefitted from Leslie’s caring manner and industry expertise. This promotion is certainly well deserved and sets the stage for her next chapter of success at BMI.”
Noelle Michon

Noelle Michon


Roberts will continue to sign and work with songwriters, publishers and producers in various genres, and will continue to oversee creative and educational programs. She also plays a large role in the coordinating of BMI’s annual Country Awards, as well as the Christian Awards. Prior to her work with BMI, Roberts worked as a Manager, Artist & Repertoire at Sony BMG Nashville. She also previously served three years as a song plugger for Mighty Isis Music.
As Director, Special Projects, Michon will be responsible for managing all aspects of the BMI award selection process, including the research and analysis of performance information to identify award songs for Pop, Country, R&B/Hip-Hop, Latin, London, Christian and Trailblazer awards. In addition, she will be responsible for conducting research to confirm writer and publisher ownership information for all million-performance award citations. Michon will coordinate and conduct meetings with Writer/Publisher Relations, Performing Rights, and Research and Information to develop award criteria.

3 Ring Circus Music Signs Adam James

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Jeffrey Steele‘s 3 Ring Circus Music has signed singer-songwriter Adam James. The Loami, Ill. native moved to Nashville in 2010. He is currently recording with Steele and 3 Ring Circus writer-producer Brandon Hood.

Pictured, (L-R): BMI Executive Director Bradley Collins, 3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele, Franklin Publishing & Management President Darrell Franklin, Almon Law senior associate Noah McPike and BMI Vice President Jody Williams. Singer-songwriter Adam James (center).

Pictured (Back row, L-R): BMI Executive Director Bradley Collins, 3 Ring Circus Music Director of A&R/Artist Management Casey LeVasseur, 3 Ring Circus Music President Jeffrey Steele, Franklin Publishing & Management President Darrell Franklin, Almon Law senior associate Noah McPike and BMI Vice President Jody Williams. Singer-songwriter Adam James (center).