Writer’s Den Music Group Signs Brennen Leigh

Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams, BMI; Brennen Leigh; Bobby Rymer and Sarah Feldman, Writer’s Den Music Group; Mason Hunter, BMI

Writer’s Den Music Group has signed writer-artist Brennen Leigh to a worldwide publishing agreement.

“I knew within five minutes of hearing Brennen I had to work with her and I am thrilled that we have this opportunity,” says Bobby Rymer, Partner, Writer’s Den.

Brennen Leigh says, “I’m delighted to be a new addition to the incredible roster of creative minds at Writer’s Den. The enthusiasm emanating from this place is infectious. Writer’s Den is unique in the sense that the originality and weirdness that makes true artists unique is clearly valued. I feel right at home here as a writer, and I know my songs are in the best of hands with Bobby and Sarah. Since first meeting Bobby I have been struck by his warmth and contagious love of great music. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”

Brennen is a member of the band High Plains Jamboree, currently working on an album to be released later this year.

Hillary Lindsey Teams With Rezonant Music Publishing And BMG

Hillary Lindsey

Hillary Lindsey has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with a unique partnership of Rezonant Music Publishing and BMG. The agreement covers Lindsey’s catalog worldwide as well as future compositions. The partnership agreement between Rezonant and BMG where BMG will provide creative and synch services.

Receiving her fifth nomination at the 2017 Grammy Awards, for the Keith Urban No. 1 song “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Lindsey was also recently nominated for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the 52nd ACM Awards.

With 18 chart-topping singles, Lindsey is the recipient of an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (“Coming Home”) and a Golden Globe award for Best Original Song (“There’s A Place For Us”). Lady Gaga’s most recent chart-topping album Joanne featured several songs penned by Lindsey including the hit “Million Reasons” which she performed in duet with Gaga on Saturday Night Live and which Gaga performed during the Super Bowl LI halftime show.

Said Lindsey, “I couldn’t be more excited about moving forward with BMG and am thrilled to welcome Tim and the Rezonant team to the family!”

Rezonant CEO and founding partner Tim Wipperman said, “I am incredibly excited to be working with Hillary, one of the most respected songwriters in the business. I am also very glad to be working with Zach and my old compatriot Kos.”

Zach Katz, BMG US President Repertoire & Marketing, said, “We are excited to be working with Rezonant, which is quickly making a big impression in Nashville, and look forward to continuing to strengthen Hillary’s successes in the future as she continues to thrive.”

Daniel Lee, BMG VP Creative, said, “Hillary Lindsey is a songwriter in the truest sense. The variety of artists who have harnessed her lyrics and melodies and used them to reach new heights in their creative and professional careers speaks to Hillary’s unique ability to engage lovers of music in all walks of life. That she can achieve such profound success and yet continue to treat those around her with effortless kindness and grace is the best evidence that her brightest days are yet to come.”

Kos Weaver, BMG EVP Nashville, said, “It doesn’t get any better than this. In my book Hillary is one of the best songwriter in the world.”

Kobalt Adds Kevin Lane As Director, Creative

Kevin Lane

Kevin Lane has joined Kobalt Music Publishing as Director, Creative. In his new role, Lane will be responsible for pitching songs, setting up co-writes, developing and signing talent.

Lane spent the last seven years at BMG, functioning as a Creative Manager at BMG Chrysalis, and Creative Director at BMG, The New Music Company. Lane worked with the following catalogs while at BMG: Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Tony Lane, and Will Hoge. Lane personally worked with and developed writers like Jamie Moore, Andrew DeRoberts, Russell Dickerson, Jason Mizelle, and John Paul White.

Lane will be responsible for handling Kobalt’s catalog, while working creatively with publishers and directing writers in various capacities. He will be overseeing calendar management, co-writing opportunities, and pitching songs while focusing on developing and signing new talent.

“I’m a big fan of Kobalt’s work and progress as a major disruptor in the music industry, and I know this is the case because of the artistic talent that Kobalt attracts,” said Lane. “I’m excited to begin working as a Creative Director with a company that truly values creativity, artistic independence, and integrity.”

Jesse Willoughby, GM of Kobalt Nashville, said, “I’m very excited to have Kevin joining the Kobalt team. Kevin has an incredible passion and knowledge of songs and the creative community, he’ll be a perfect addition to the creative team we’re building at Kobalt.”

Jack White Signs First Global Publishing Deal With UMPG

Jack White. Photo: Jo McCaughey

Jack White has signed a first-ever global, multi-year agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) to administer the iconic artist’s entire song catalog.

Effective immediately, UMPG is responsible for servicing and administering White’s song catalog with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, his chart-topping solo albums Blunderbuss and Lazaretto, as well as collaborations and future projects.

With the agreement, UMPG will work closely with White and his Third String Tunes and Peppermint Stripe Music publishing companies to develop creative and commercial outlets for his new projects and existing songs. The deal marks the first time a single publisher will administer rights around the world for White’s song catalog.

“Jody and the entire UMPG team uphold a culture that fosters creativity. They are continually at the forefront of the industry,” said Ian Montone, founder of Monotone, Inc. and Jack White’s long time manager. “We are excited to be part of the UMPG family.”

Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG, said, “Jack White is a brilliant and prolific performer, songwriter and producer, whose immense artistry, talent, dedication and uncompromising approach to songwriting have found a new home at UMPG. I’m looking forward to putting the entire global resources of UMPG to work on expanding the popularity and commercial opportunities for his music. I’m thankful to my team for making this agreement a reality and for the passion, focus and meticulous care they bring every day to making UMPG a premiere destination for the world’s most successful songwriters.”

In addition to a 20-year musical career that has seen White garner 170 songwriting credits, 12 Grammy awards and 35 Grammy nominations, as well as gold and platinum albums, White opened Third Man Records in 2009 in Nashville. The company combines work of a record store, record label, distribution center, photo studio and live music venue (with the world’s only direct-to-acetate recording capabilities). Recently White founded Third Man Books, dedicated to poetry, fiction and non-fiction, as well as Third Man Pressing, a new vinyl pressing plant at Third Man Records in Detroit.

White is starring in and executive producing American Epic, the four-part television event airing on PBS in May 2017 about the roots of music in America.

Downtown Music Publishing Celebrates New Office, No. 1 Song “Hometown Girl”

Pictured (L-R): Downtown’s global creative team: Danny Berrios, Dylan Silberman, Rhea Ghosh, Jedd Katrancha, Natalie Osborne, Justin Kalifowtiz, Taeko Saito, Roberto Neri, Andrew Bergman, Steve Markland, Kayte Olsufka and Andrew Sparkler. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]

Downtown Music Publishing celebrated its new office space and its current No. 1 country hit on Tuesday (April 25) with a packed-house parking lot party. Downtown Music Publishing recently moved their Nashville operations to 909 Division Street in Nashville.

The occasion coincided with the No. 1 success of Downtown writer Marc Beeson’s “Hometown Girl” (co-written with Daniel Tashian, Big Yellow Dog Music) and performed by Josh Turner.

Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson and Allen Shamblin. Photo:Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House Records) and Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay/Warner Bros.). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Hosted by Downtown Music Publishing CEO Justin Kalifowitz, COO Andrew Bergman, and Downtown Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Steve Markland, the party boasted appearances by its writers Beeson, Kelly Archer, Andy Albert, Tony Esterly, Downtown’s global creative team, and other Nashville figures such as Patrick Carney (of the Black Keys), Michelle Branch, Fletcher Foster and Scott Parker (Hearts Bluff Music) among many others.

“Hometown Girl” is the second No. 1 to come from Downtown Nashville following last November’s Brett Young hit “Sleep Without You,” co-written by Downtown’s Archer, Young (BMLG) and Justin Ebach (Word Music).

Pictured (L-R): Downtown Nashville staff and writers: Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing [click photo to enlarge]

Pictured (L-R): Kara Wintergrass (Big Yellow Dog), Jamie Martin (Big Yellow Dog), Brad Kennard (Razor & Tie), Alex Stefano (Big Yellow Dog), Lauren Funk (Big Yellow Dog) and Matt Lindsey (Big Yellow Dog). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Markland launched Downtown’s Nashville office in 2014 as a core component of the company’s worldwide expansion. Downtown now has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and most recently, Tokyo. Since opening in Nashville in 2014, Downtown has acquired the catalogs of Charlie Black, Ray Whitley, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass and VLS Music, which includes Lady Antebellum songs written-by Hillary Scott, among others. Active songwriters including Albert, Beeson and Archer have written recent charted country hits for Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Justin Moore, Granger Smith and Cassadee Pope.

Pictured (L-R): Will Weatherly and Jordan Schmidt. Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Steve Markland, Andy Albert and Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Sanders Chidekel & Fields). Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Founded in 2007, Downtown Music Publishing is one of the world’s leading rights-management firms. The company’s catalog spans over seven decades of popular music, encompassing some of the world’s most beloved songwriters and artists including The Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, The Kinks, Cy Coleman, Hans Zimmer, Bruce Springsteen, Mötley Crüe, One Direction, Naughty Boy, Hardwell, Santigold, Carla Bruni and Social Distortion. The company’s technology platform, Songtrust, powers global royalty collection from over 100 countries and more than 20,000 unique income sources worldwide.

Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Photo: Heather LeRoy/courtesy of Downtown Music Publishing

Nicole Sherrill Named Creative Director For Little Extra Music

Nicole Sherrill

Little Extra Music has appointed Nicole Sherrill as Creative Director, effective immediately. Sherrill will be responsible for pitching the Little Extra catalog, handling writer scheduling, and continuing to assist President Lisa Ramsey-Perkins with the day-to-day operations of the company. A graduate of Ole Miss, with a major in live performance, her experience brings an added bonus to the artist development aspect of Little Extra Music.

Born and raised in Nashville, Sherrill is the daughter of award winning engineer Billy Sherrill, who has worked on records from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, to the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Chesney. Nicole’s mother Susan worked at EMI and SBK with Jimmy Gilmer.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Little Extra Music family! I’ve always had a passion for songs and the creative process of writers has always captivated me. Connecting a song with the perfect artist is the most rewarding feeling,” said Sherrill.

“Nicole is a huge ball of energy, with a vast knowledge of country music history, and a passion for all kinds of music. She is the perfect gift to Little Extra Music and our writers. We’re so grateful to have her on board!” said Ramsey-Perkins.

Renee Blair Signs With SMACKSongs for Publishing/Production

Photo credit: Weiss Eubanks

Epic Records artist Renee Blair has signed a worldwide publishing and production deal with Shane McAnally‘s SMACKSongs. McAnally and Blair head into the studio this week to begin work on a new album, due out later this year. Upon moving to Nashville, St. Louis native Blair began collaborating with Starkitechs’ Brandon Riester to develop her sound, which ultimately caught the attention of Epic Records’ CEO L.A. Reid, who signed her to Epic.

“Renee’s work ethic and passion are unequaled. She is determined to write the right songs to showcase her unique brand of R&B inspired modern country music,” expressed McAnally.  “She is a true artist in every sense.”

“It’s a dream come true to work with this level of writers, musicians and collaborators. They challenge and inspire me to be better in every way, by continuously raising the bar on great music,” said Blair. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Shane and everyone in the SMACK family.”

 

AIMP Nashville Awards Nominees Announced

Nominees have been announced for the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards, which will be presented for the first time by the Academy of Country Music. The awards will take place at the Ryman Auditorium May 8 and will feature performances from Nashville’s hottest independent writers and artists. Nominees were selected by 300 AIMP voters through anonymous ballots.

Last year’s inaugural show included performances of AIMP-nominated songs by artist-writer nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Brandy Clark, Tyler Farr, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and a collaboration by rising writer nominees, Brothers Osborne and Maren Morris.

“We are very excited to once again celebrate the achievements of Nashville’s independent music publishing community at the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards,” said AIMP Nashville Treasurer and awards co-chair, Ree Guyer. “The show serves as a platform to honor the unique and talented artists and writers who call Nashville home, while also serving as a reminder of the support shown from writers, artist and publishers within our AIMP community.”

“The Academy is delighted to support AIMP in this most important endeavor: honoring the independent spirits who keep country music relevant with their craft,” said Tiffany Moon, Executive Vice President/Managing Director of the Academy of Country Music. “The contribution these artist and writers make to the industry – and to fans – is a tremendous gift.”

AIMP Rising Independent Songwriter of the Year
Kelly Archer
Luke Dick
Justin Ebach
Adam Hambrick
Jesse Lee
Jordan Schmidt

AIMP Rising Independent Artist-Writer of the Year
Ryan Beaver
Devin Dawson
Walker Hayes
Natalie Hemby
Carly Pearce
Caitlyn Smith

AIMP Artist – Writer of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Brandy Clark
Eric Church
Maren Morris
Old Dominion
Brett Young

AIMP Song Champion of the Year
Jeff Carlton
Courtney Crist
Celia Froehlig
Shannan Hatch
Bart Herbison
Jeff Skaggs

AIMP Publisher’s Pick
“Leaving Nashville” written by Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods
Big Yellow Dog Music, Shakala Publishing

“Love Can Go To Hell” written by Brandy Clark, Scott Stepakoff
Kobalt Music, Sea Gayle Music, Ten Ten Music Group

“Love Triangle” written by Nicolle Galyon, RaeLynn, Jimmy Robbins
Big Machine Music, Prescription, Round Hill Music

“Rich” written by Jessie Jo Dillion,  Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Kobalt Music, Revelry Music

“Tacoma” written by Bob DiPiero, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Round Hill Music

“Wheels” written by Steve Moakler, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Creative Nation Music, Pulse Songs

AIMP Song of the Year
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” written by Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Cornman Music, Hillarodyrathbone Music, Sea Gayle Music

“Head Over Boots” written by Luke Laird, John Pardi
Creative Nation Music, Song Factory Music

“Vice” written by Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
SMACKSongs

“Kill A Word” written by Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Little Louder Music

“Sleep Without You” written by Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach, Brett Young
Big Machine Music, Downtown Music, Red Creative, Word Country

“80s Mercedes” written by busbee, Maren Morris
BMG, Big Deal Music, Big Yellow Dog Music

AIMP Independent Writer of the Year
busbee
Ross Copperman
Zach Crowell
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Shane McAnally

AIMP Independent Publisher of the Year
BMG
Big Loud Shirt / Round Hill Music
Big Yellow Dog Music
Combustion Music
Creative Nation Music
SMACKSongs

Spirit Music Nashville Acquires Cary Barlowe Catalog

Cary Barlowe

Spirit Music Nashville has acquired the song catalog of Cary Barlowe, as announced today by David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group and Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. Barlowe was named SESAC Songwriter of the Year in 2015.

“We are thrilled to welcome the amazing catalogue of Cary Barlowe to our growing Spirit Music Nashville family,” said Renzer.

“Cary is such a talented and versatile writer, and this catalog reflects that fact in every way. We are very pleased that Cary has entrusted Spirit Music Nashville with this great collection of songs,” said Hill.

Over the past few years, Barlowe has written four No. 1 country hits with and for artists including Dustin Lynch (“Where It’s At”), Florida Georgia Line (“Sun Daze”), Lady Antebellum (“American Honey”), and Billy Currington (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To”). He’s also had nine No. 1 Christian songs with TobyMac (“Made to Love,” “I’m for You,” “Tonight,” “City On Our Knees,” “Hold On,” “Christmas this Year,” “One World,” “Get Back Up,” and “Feel It”) as well as three Grammy nominations for Contemporary/Gospel Song of the Year with TobyMac.

Other prominent songs written by Barlowe include “Beat Up Bible” by Little Big Town; “Good Good” and “Guys and Girls” by Florida Georgia Line; “Making Me Say” by Brett Young; “Good Morning” by American Idol alum Mandisa; and “Just Around the Corner” by Martina McBride, to name a few. Barlowe also has upcoming cuts slated to be released by leading artists Rascal Flatts and Dan Tyminski, among others.

Almo/Irving Publishing Plans Family Reunion Show In Nashville

One of Music Row’s most revered song publishers of the 1980s and 1990s will recall its yesteryears with a songwriter celebration on Tuesday, April 18.

More than 20 writers who were once affiliated with Almo / Irving Music are scheduled to perform at Third & Lindsley in a “Family Reunion Show.” They include Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members such as Mike Reid, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Craig Wiseman and Pat Alger, as well as such tunesmiths as Gillian Welch, Tony Mullins, Anthony Smith, April Barrows and David Hungate.

The Nashville office of Rondor Music was established by David Conrad and Mary Del Frank Scobey in 1981. Known as Almo / Irving for its ASCAP and BMI divisions, it was a creative haven for such talents as Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley, Bekka Bramlett, John Anderson, Kye Fleming and the late Kent Robbins and Waylon Jennings.

“There are basically two kinds of music publishers — creative ones and banks,” observes former A&M Records chairman Jerry Moss. “Almo / Irving always sought to remain in the creative camp.”

“There was no better place to learn about songs and songwriting,” comments Darrell Franklin, who came up with the “Family Reunion” concept. “I wanted to figure out a way to that we could celebrate a company that was the foundation of so many amazing careers.”

“Being with the staff and writers and hearing some of the songs that made up the best years of my professional life is going to be a total blast,” says Conrad. Universal bought Almo / Irving and its catalog in 2000.

Proceeds from the “Family Reunion” will benefit the W.O. Smith Community Music School. Doors for Tuesday’s show will open at 6:00 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.There will be a $20 minimum donation taken at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online at 3rdandlindsley.com.