On The Cover: Shane McAnally (June/July 13)

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JuneJuly13Shane McAnally came to Nashville from his hometown of Mineral Wells, Texas to pursue a career as an artist, and his debut album for Curb Records produced three charting singles, including the Top 40 track “Are Your Eyes Still Blue.” But his reputation as one of the city’s most talented writers really kicked off when Lee Ann Womack recorded his song “Last Call” in 2008, which earned her a Grammy nomination.
McAnally went on to co-write a string of  No. 1 hits, including Kenny Chesney’s “Somewhere with You” and “Come Over,” Jake Owen’s “Alone with You,” Luke Bryan’s “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two,” Lady Antebellum’s “Downtown” and Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart.” He co-produced Kacey Musgraves’ major label debut, Same Trailer Different Park, and co-wrote nine of the album’s twelve tracks, including the first two singles: “Merry Go ‘Round” and “Blowin’ Smoke.”
An ASCAP member for over 15 years, McAnally marks his 100th major label song cut with “Come Back to Me,” recorded by Keith Urban for his upcoming album, Fuse, due out this fall. He recently completed production work on new country music for Kelly Clarkson, including her single, “Tie It Up,” which he also wrote. In addition, McAnally is working with emerging acts Sam Hunt and Old Dominion.
McAnally’s many recent successes landed him on the Top 10 Billboard Songwriters Airplay Chart for the first quarter of 2013, alongside a diverse list of fellow ASCAP members including Max Martin and Bruno Mars. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April and was featured in Billboard and The New York Times in May.
Asked if he has any advice for young songwriters, McAnally said, “Please be sure you have exhausted all other avenues…I tried everything and I just couldn’t make anything work except for music. When I hear people say, ‘I’ve been thinking about writing songs,’ I say, ‘Well then, think about something else.’ If you just decided you’re going to be a songwriter, you’re not a songwriter. It chooses you.”
Read more about McAnally, co-writer of MusicRow Song of the Year “Merry Go ‘Round,” here.

Industry Celebrates George Strait's 60th No. 1 Song

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Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville's Mike Dungan, ASCAP's Michael Martin, HoriPro Entertainment's Butch Baker, co-writers Mark Bright and Tim James, Tony Brown, BMI's Perry Howard, co-writer Phil O'Donnell, Delbert's Boy Music's Kirsten Wines, and Warner/Chappell's Alicia Pruitt and Ben Vaughn. Photo by Ed Rode.

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, HoriPro Entertainment’s Butch Baker, co-writers Mark Bright and Tim James, Tony Brown, BMI’s Perry Howard, co-writer Phil O’Donnell, Delbert’s Boy Music’s Kirsten Wines, and Warner/Chappell’s Alicia Pruitt and Ben Vaughn. Photo by Ed Rode.


ASCAP and BMI celebrated George Strait‘s 60th No. 1 single, “Give It All We Got Tonight” on Monday (June 24) at the Country Music Association offices. The ballad became Strait’s 115th career single and was the first release from his 40th studio album, Love Is Everything. The song was penned by ASCAP member Mark Bright and BMI’s Tim James and Phil O’Donnell. It marked the first No. 1 song as a songwriter for Bright, who is well-known for his success as Carrie Underwood‘s producer. Bright received ASCAP’s customary gift to songwriters who earn their first No. 1, an ASCAP guitar.
Strait’s longtime producer and former MCA Nashville CEO Tony Brown was on hand for the celebration. This marks Brown’s 19th album with Strait. Current UMG Nashville CEO Mike Dungan was also on hand to honor the artist, label staff and the songwriters. “It’s an honor to work with George Strait, and to experience the 60th No. 1 is spectacular,” said Dungan. “I want to recognize the marketing team for the promotion 60for60. We have the best staff in the world,” he said before giving awards (affectionately known as “The Impaler Award”) to the songwriters and to Brown. MCA Nashville’s “60for60” promotional campaign, designed to give Strait 60 No. 1 songs while he was still 60 years old, pushed “Give It All We Got Tonight” to No. 1 on the Mediabase chart the week of May 12- 18, 2013 — just days before Strait’s 61st birthday.
Publishers Delbert’s Boy Music, Butch Baker of HoriPro Entertainment and Ben Vaughn from Warner/Chappell were also on hand to congratulate the group.

MusicRowPics: 2013 MusicRow Awards

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MusicRow Magazine presented its 25th annual subscriber-voted MusicRow Awards on June 25 during a ceremony hosted by ASCAP at the organization’s Nashville offices. The event recognized the 2013 Breakthrough Artist, Breakthrough Songwriter, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and Top Ten Album All-Star Musicians. Enjoy the MusicRowPics below and see the complete winners list or Bobby Karl’s exclusive party coverage.
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Bobby Karl Works The MusicRow Awards

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Publishers and songwriters accept Song of the Year honors for "Merry Go 'Round."

Publishers and songwriters accept Song of the Year honors for “Merry Go ‘Round.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Steve Markland, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Black River’s Celia Froehlig, songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter Kacey Musgraves, songwriter Shane McAnally, Little Blue Egg’s Robin Palmer, Black River’s Gordon Kerr, UMPG’s Kent Earls. Photo: Isabel Ross


Publishers and Songwriters of Song of the Year "I Drive Your Truck." Photo: Isabel Ross

Publishers and songwriters of Song of the Year “I Drive Your Truck.” (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, songwriter Connie Harrington, Sony/ATV EMI’s Tom Luteran, songwriter Jimmy Yeary, songwriter Jessi Alexander, Disney Music’s Patrick Clifford. Photo: Isabel Ross


BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM—Chapter 431
Producer of the Year Dann Huff. Photo: Isabel Ross

Producer of the Year Dann Huff. Photo: Isabel Ross


OMG! If the MusicRow Awards are 25 years old, how old does that make Bobby Karl?!
Okay, seriously: It was newsworthy enough that this week was the magazine’s Silver Anniversary honors event. But even more news was made by exploding country ingénue Kacey Musgraves, who became the first person ever to take home both the Breakthrough Artist and Breakthrough Songwriter awards. Not only that, she co-wrote her hit “Merry Go ‘Round,” which tied for Song of the Year.
“This has been a crazy year,” said Kacey. “I’m really proud of what’s happening in this town….It’s a great time for everyone, creatively.”
“My mom is here, who inspired the song,” said Kacey’s “Merry Go ‘Round” co-writer Shane McAnally (MusicRow’s current cover boy). It seems that his mother remarked to him that there was so much traffic on her street that someone was either selling Mary Kay or Mary Jane, both of which figure in the song’s lyric.
“I just feel real fortunate to be a part of a song I love so much,” said co-writer Josh Osborne.
“This song really strikes something in me,” added Kacey. “When we wrote it, I almost cried.
“This is such a special day I’ll never forget.”
The Lee Brice hit “I Drive Your Truck” was the other song that tied for Song of the Year. It was inspired by an NPR interview that songwriter Connie Harrington heard. The man being interviewed (Paul Monti) said that he tried to remain close to his son killed in Afghanistan by driving his truck. She took the idea to Jessi Alexander. Then they roped in co-writer Jimmy Yeary.
Song of the Year ("I Drive Your Truck") co-writer Connie Harrington.

Song of the Year (“I Drive Your Truck”) co-writer Connie Harrington. Photo: Isabel Ross


“I love Jessi Alexander,” said Jimmy at the MR event. “I love Connie Harringthon. They’ve got big hearts. Connie cried the whole time we wrote this.”
“I’m not gonna cry,” said Connie when she took the mic. Then she did. Which was so cool. “Thank you for your stories that move us songwriters.”
“This song was so blessed,” added Jessi. “I was the lucky one that [songwriting] day.”
Both songs were performed by their writers at the awards reception. “Merry Go ‘Round” was captivating, with Kacey Musgrave’s sweet/sad delivery about “dust settling in this town” being backed by Josh and Shane’s guitars and harmony voices.
“I Drive Your Truck” was spellbinding. I already knew that Jessi was a sensational singer. Jimmy traded verses with her, and his gently raspy delivery was every bit as hypnotic as his co-writer’s.
The event began at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday (6/25) as a cocktail-hour soiree. After welcoming remarks from ASCAP’s hosts-with-the-most LeAnn Phelan and Michael Martin, MusicRow publisher/owner Sherod Robertson took the stage. “Twenty-five years is such a milestone,” he said in greeting. “And one that I am thrilled to share with all of you today, who have made it possible. These awards started back in 1989, before I had even ventured into the business, and it is an honor to continue this legacy today.”
Okay, now you’re really making me feel old.
The 25th annual awards also saluted the 2013 Producer of the Year. That is Dann Huff, who has worked with The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and more. “As we all know, this town is graced with an amazing array of talent, unparalleled in all the world,” said Dann. “I am so absolutely dependent on all that talent. You are only as good as the people behind you.”
(L-R): Josh Osborne, Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally perform "Merry Go 'Round." Photo: Isabel Ross

(L-R): Josh Osborne, Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally perform “Merry Go ‘Round.” Photo: Isabel Ross


“It takes a village,” echoed multiple winner Kacey.
MusicRow’s Sarah Skates and Eric Parker presented the Top Ten All-Star Musician Awards. These are the only Nashville honors given each year to the recording-session community. This year’s winners included Jimmie Lee Sloas, Greg Morrow, Shannon Forrest, Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin, Wes Hightower, Ilya Toshinsky, Charles Judge, engineer Justin Niebank and – in another unprecedented occurrence – fiddler triple winners Jonathan Yudkin, Larry Franklin and Stuart Duncan.
“It’s an amazing community to be a part of,” said Greg. “There’s so much going on with different genres. It’s a great time to be here.”
“The producers and artists encourage us to be as great as it can possibly be,” added Jonathan.
A multitude of fabulons attended the reception at ASCAP. Working the room were David Preston, David Ross, Dale Bobo, John Briggs, John Mabe, Jon Randall Stewart, Michael Smith, Rich Fagan, Rick Kelly, Barry Coburn, Barry Dean, Bill Wence, Ben Vaughn, Jessica Nicholson, Jeff Walker, Janie West, Andrew Kintz, Anthony Smith, Celia Froehlig, Tom Luteran, Charlie Monk, Caitlin Rantala, Frank Myers, Woody Bomar, Suzanne Lee, Dennis Banka, Patrick Clifford, Susan Collier, Ralph Murphy, Sherrill Blackman, Doak Turner, Luke Laird, Don Cusic, Manuel and oh so many more.
“I just don’t feel like it gets better than this,” said Sherod Robertson following the evening’s wonderful and amazing songwriter performances. “Thank you for attending.”
See the winners list.
MusicianWinners

Top Ten Album All-Star Musician Winners. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and Sarah Skates, Jonathan Yudkin (Fiddle), Wes Hightower (Vocals), Charles Judge (Keyboards), Dan Dugmore (Steel), Greg Morrow (Drums), Eric Parker (MusicRow). Photo: Isabel Ross

Arturo Buenahora, Jr. Launches Little Louder Music

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Arthur Buenahora

Arturo Buenahora


Veteran music publisher and Nashville native Arturo Buenahora, Jr. has announced his new publishing company, Little Louder Music, will be opening July 2013. First songwriter signings are Jeff Hyde and, through his overall publishing deal with Sony/ATV, Eric Church.
“I feel like my whole career has been building up to this company and I am excited to represent some of the most talented people in the world,” said Buenahora. “To me, this business is about two things, great music and talented people and I am excited to be working with both.”
After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Buenahora began his career at Sony/ATV where he stayed for 10 years and ultimately held the position of Sr. Director of Creative Services and Production. While there, he signed and developed Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Eric Church, paving the way for A&R stints at Capitol Nashville and Universal South Records. Buenahora most recently was the GM of Ole Music Publishing where he signed Ryan Tyndell and Charlie Worsham, who just released his debut single on Warner Bros. Records. In addition to Worsham’s debut album, Buenahora has recently worked on Dierks Bentley’s forthcoming album Riser on Capitol Records Nashville and he will continue his Executive Production role on Church’s next studio album. Church’s last album, Chief, is the reigning ACM and CMA album of the year.
Buenahora is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Music and was recently named to Billboard’s “40 under 40” list. He can be reached at [email protected].

BMG To Represent Rolling Stones Catalogue

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The Rolling Stones. Photo: PA

The legendary Rolling Stones have selected BMG to represent their music publishing catalogue. Starting July 1, BMG will handle publishing for songs written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards since 1983. ABKCO maintains ownership of the Stones’ 1963-1971 catalog and EMI Music Publishing owns the 1971-1983 catalog.

The songs to be directly published by BMG span the albums Dirty Work (1986), Steel Wheels (1989), Voodoo Lounge (1994), Bridges To Babylon (1997) and A Bigger Bang (2005) as well as future compositions. They include classic Stones tracks such as “Mixed Emotions,” “Love Is Strong,” “You Got Me Rocking” and “Doom And Gloom.”
“This deal is incredibly important for BMG,” says BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch. “Keith and Mick have clearly created one of the most outstanding song collections in rock ‘n’ roll history. They have not only created the soundtrack of all of our lives, they have been a dynamic and constant force for cultural change. They could sign to any company they wanted to. The fact that they have chosen to sign with BMG is a significant vote of confidence in our team and in our creative and administration services. We will justify their trust in us.”
The Rolling Stones are currently in the US performing on their 50 & Counting Tour.

Signings and Hirings

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• Still Working Music has signed songwriter Ryan Lafferty. Lafferty, a West Virginia native, moved to Nashville in the summer of 2012; he is currently recording with producer Jeff Stevens. “I am so excited to be working with Ryan,” says Chief Creative Officer Tommy Lee James. “He is not only an amazing singer but a great asset to our writing team over here at Still Working.”

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director BMG Chrysalis; Alex Orbison, President Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director Still Working Music; Ryan Lafferty ;Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Chrysalis; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer Still Working Music; Scott Safford, Lafferty's lawyer, Safford-Motley.

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis; Alex Orbison, President, Still Working Music; Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Still Working Music; Ryan Lafferty; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Chrysalis; Tommy Lee James, Chief Creative Officer, Still Working Music; Scott Safford, Lafferty’s attorney, Safford-Motley.

 

brandon perdue

Brandon Perdue


• Catch This Music LLC (CTM) has hired in-house audio engineer Brandon Perdue. Perdue, a 2006 Belmont University graduate, spent three years as a production coordinator and assistant engineer for producer Blake Chancey. He also worked at Chancey’s RPM Music Group, managing the publishing catalog and serving as an in-house engineer.
Since 2010, Perdue has also produced and engineering independently, recording and developing acts. “Brandon has a terrific track record, and Catch This Music is very excited to be welcoming him on as an in-house audio engineer,” says CEO Eddie Robba. “We know his contributions to the team will be essential to future CTM projects.”
farewell drifters 2013 photo•Folk-rock quartet Farewell Drifters has signed to Compass Records. The group is currently preparing their album Tomorrow Forever for a fall 2013 release.
“We are super pumped about this new record and felt that it really deserved the added energy of a label behind it. That is why we are so excited to partner with Compass, one of the premier independent roots labels,” says lead singer and guitarist Zach Bevill. “Together, we have a vision for where this record could go and how to take it there. It’s a great time to be a part of this band!”
 

Dan Hodges Music Signs Deal with Songwriter Jonathan Cain

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Songwriter Jonathan Cain has inked a catalog representation agreement with Dan Hodges Music, LLC. Cain is best-known as a keyboardist and long-time member of the band Journey. Cain has been awarded two BMI Songwriting awards (for “Open Arms” and  “Who’s Crying Now”), as well as “The Diamond Award” (commemorating sales of more than 10 million).
Cain’s songs have been recorded by Michael Bolton, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Rogers, Heart, Gregg Allman, Conway Twitty, The Oak Ridge Boys, Colin Raye, Lorrie Morgan and Mariah Carey.
“We were introduced to Jonathan’s attorney and administrator, Jerry Butler, by our shared S. African sub-publisher, Geoff Paynter, on the last night of MIDEM earlier this year in Cannes,” says Dan Hodges. “Jerry put the deal together and we so appreciate the opportunity to work with both Jonathan and his daughter, Madison Cain, as she pursues music with both a God-given talent and the support of her dad. It will be exciting to see what we can accomplish for everyone involved in this camp. Jonathan is a class act and his enthusiasm is endless.”
Dan Hodges Music can be reached at 615-401-7399.

Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Cain and Dan Hodges working on demos at Cain's Addiction Sound Studios located in Berry Hill, Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Cain and Dan Hodges working on demos at Cain’s Addiction Sound Studios located in Berry Hill, Nashville.

Industry Ink (6-25-13)

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spalding entertainment photo 2013Artist Manager Camy McArdle has left Spalding Entertainment after 15 years with the company. McArdle can be reached at 615-300-6768 or here.

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The 40th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational 2013 recently presented $73,000 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Since 1973, the Annual Music City Tennis Invitational has raised over $1.5 million for Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt from MCTI tournament player registrations, corporate sponsors, donors and songwriter showcases.

MCTI 2013 check presentation111

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The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association held their summer board meeting recently in Boca Raton, Fla. During the meeting, the state’s top restaurateurs and hoteliers were treated to a performance by BMI Nashville songwriter Danny Myrick. Myrick played a number of his popular songs including the Jason Aldean hit “She’s Country” and his Top 10 song “International Harvester” recorded by Craig Morgan.

Pictured (from l-to-r): Hilton Fort Lauderdale Managing Director Kevin Speidel, Wyndham-Tampa Bay GM Pam Avery, BMI’s Dan Spears, Incoming FRLA Chairman and Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island GM Jim McManemon, Danny Myrick, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and Tradewinds Island Resorts President Keith Overton.

Pictured (L-R): Hilton Fort Lauderdale Managing Director Kevin Speidel, Wyndham-Tampa Bay GM Pam Avery, BMI’s Dan Spears, Incoming FRLA Chairman and Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island GM Jim McManemon, Danny Myrick, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and Tradewinds Island Resorts President Keith Overton.

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Black River‘s Director of National Promotion, Bill Lubitz, married Amy Lewis on Saturday (June 22). They were wed at the Las Vegas JW Marriott.

MrandMrsLubitz111

Bill and Amy Lubitz. Photo Credit: J. Anne Photography

Bays Promoted to Executive Vice President at Capitol Christian Distribution

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Greg Bays111

Greg Bays


Greg Bays has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Capitol Christian Distribution. Bays has been with the company for 21 years, rising to the position of Sr. VP, Sales and Marketing in 2005. He will report to Bill Hearn, President and CEO, Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG).
“This promotion is well deserved as Greg has effectively led our distribution company as its Senior Vice President through the digital market transformation as well as paradigm-shifting initiatives moving the company into home video and book publishing distribution,” says Hearn. “Under Greg’s direction, Capitol Christian Distribution has become the market leader in Christian products distribution, in addition to being named Billboard Magazine’s Christian Music Distributor of the Year 15 of the last 18 years. Greg has also done an excellent job guiding his team and our business through the recent transition into the Universal Music Group Distribution system.”
Prior to his time at Capitol Christian Music Group, Bays spent seven years in Christian retail. Bays will continue to lead the sales function, strategic retail market development initiatives, catalog development and liaison with Universal Music Group Distribution on behalf of Capitol Christian Music Group’s proprietary label groups and more than 25 third-party music, home video and book publishing partnerships.
“I continue to be excited about the future of the Christian products industry and the new challenges, opportunities, and relationships each day brings,” says Bays. “We have an outstanding team focused on growth through the development of innovative ways to serve our people, retailers, creative partners, and the consumer. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this team and our vision to impact culture and resource the church with exceptional music, movies and books.”
Capitol Christian Music Group operates several divisions including Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, Credential Recordings, sixsteprecords, Hillsong), EMI Gospel, Capitol CMG Distribution and Capitol CMG Publishing.