The newly formed Given Music Publishing has appointed veteran music publisher Mike Sebastian as VP/General Manager.
“Songwriters are the heartbeat of our industry,” said industry veteran Cindy Owen and partner Jim Kacmarcik in a joint statement. “It was important to find someone with the vision, track record and a strong commitment to the writers and the songwriting community to lead our publishing division. We have found all of that in Mike and are honored to have him join our executive team as we build our Given Entertainment family.”
Sebastian was formerly the Senior Director of Catalog for ole music following the sale of his company, Blacktop Music Group, to ole in 2010. Prior to Blacktop, Sebastian was the VP/GM of Starstruck Writers Group until its sale to Warner/Chappell in 2001.
“Knowing Cindy for 20 years and the reputation she has in the industry and the businessman I have come to know in Jim, I am thrilled to have this opportunity with them,” said Sebastian. “I look forward to building a great publishing company together. After the success of Blacktop, I’ve been wanting to start a company again, and they have provided me the chance,” said Sebastian.
Mike can be reached at [email protected] or 615-430-2491.

SESAC has announced the signing of songwriter Matt Alderman for representation. Alderman, who also signed with Curb Music Publishing for exclusive representation, stopped by the PRO Nashville headquarters to commemorate the new partnerships.
 
 

Singer-songwriter Brian Davis has signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville and its publishing partner, Brantley Gilbert’s Write Or Die Music. Davis has written songs cut by his frequent co-writing partner, Valory Recording artist Gilbert (“Lights of My Hometown,” “One Hell Of An Amen,” “Read Me My Rights), Curb recording artist Lee Brice (“More My Style”), and Sony Music Nashville newcomer Tyler Farr (“Wish I Had A Boat”) among others.

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Nashville law firm DeSalvo & Levine PLLC has added Alan E. Korpady to the firm as a senior associate. Mr. Korpady received his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Law in 1981. He concentrates on intellectual property including entertainment, copyrights, trademarks, licensing and financial transactions, and related litigation. Korpady is also a dedicated guitarist and is working toward a Masters Certificate in Guitar from the Berklee College of Music Extension Program.
Dera Shelton has been promoted to the position of Executive Assistant; Shelton graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been with the firm for over two years and will provide administrative management for the growing firm.

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The 15th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon presented by Nissan will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2014. More than 30,000 runners are estimated to take part, with runners representing all 50 states and 26 countries. Over the 14-year history of the race, runners have raised more than $23 million for many causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
After its successful launch in 2012, the Mini Marathon distance will return. The 2.6-mile race starts at 6:45 a.m. at the start line adjacent to Centennial Park. At mile two of the race course, Mini Marathon participants will continue east on Broadway to 2nd Avenue, head North on Union Street, over the Woodland Street Bridge and finish at LP Field on 1st Street. Fifty of Nashville’s favorite live bands will perform along the course.
For more information or to register for the event, visit competitor.com

Billy Currington kicked-off the first CMA EDU meeting of the year at Belmont University on Monday (Sept. 30) with a Q&A session and performance for the packed room of students.

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Warner/Chappell has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Country songwriter Neil Medley. Medley has had cuts with Luke Bryan, The Brothers Osborne and Brent Cobb.

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Mercury Records artist Chris Stapleton visited the CMA office on Monday (Sept. 30) to perform an acoustic set for the staff.

Producer’s Chair founder James Rea stopped by the MusicRow offices on Friday, Sept. 27 to celebrate the seventh season of the Nashville program. During the visit, Rea met with MusicRow staff and presented a plaque to MusicRow Enterprise Owner Sherod Robertson commemorating the important role RowFax and MusicRow have played in the success of the monthly program.
Rea hosted his seventh anniversary event at Douglas Corner on Thursday (Sept. 26) with producer Mark Bright.
The Producer’s Chair monthly column runs exclusively on RowFax prior to the Douglas Corner program, which is held the last Thursday of the month with varying producers. MusicRow subsequently runs the column for subscribers-only.

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Songwriter Rich Karg has signed with Green Hills Music Group and Grin Like A Dog Songs for publishing. A native of Nashville, Karg is a former member of the Karg Brothers.
“Rich Karg is a delight to work with,” said Steve Mitchell, President of Grin Like A Dog Songs. “As a writer, he digs in deep for the substantial ideas, comes up with superb melodies, and is game to explore almost any musical direction you can think of. We are all the richer to have him on the team.”
Green Hills Music Group was founded in 2007 and has cuts by Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Jake Owen, Don Williams, Bucky Covington and Luke Bryan. Grin Like A Dog Songs has published songs recorded by Joe Nichols, Kassie DePaiva of ABC’s One Life to Live, Canadian artist Sean Hogan and Christian artist Suzzette Michaels.

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The Academy of Country Music welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artists Thompson Square to its Los Angeles office recently. The ACM Vocal Duo of the Year and ACM staff celebrated the duo’s recent success, including the Gold RIAA certification for their recent single, “If I Didn’t Have You.”