Endurance Music Group Inks Publishing Agreement With RECORDS Nashville’s Chase Martin

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Chase Martin. Photo credit: Jason Myers

Endurance Music Group has signed RECORDS Nashville artist-songwriter Chase Martin to a global publishing agreement. Her single, “Levi Denim,” released Oct. 9, marking the debut release from the newly-launched Nashville division of Barry Weiss’ RECORDS. The track was co-written by Martin’s labelmate Matt Stell, alongside Abby Anderson and Allison Veltz-Cruz, and produced by Endurance Music Group songwriter Ash Bowers.

“Chase has it all: natural talent, incredible energy, a strong work ethic and a passion for songwriting,” said Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin. “She’s the real deal, and we’re so excited to introduce her to the world alongside Ash and our friends at RECORDS Nashville.”

Endurance Music Group launched in 2019 with songwriters Scooter Carusoe and Clint Lagerberg, as well as rising writer-artists Natalie Madigan, Ryan Plappert and Jake Rose, songwriter Ben Stoll, and more. In early 2020, the acquisition of Wide Open Music brought hit songwriter-artists Jimmie Allen and Stell, songwriter/producer Bowers, and songwriters Seth Alley and Paul Sikes into the Endurance family, along with a catalog of cuts by Keith Urban, Brett Young, Dustin Lynch and more. To date, Endurance has earned 45 No. 1s, 19 top fives and seven top 10 singles.

Black River Publishing Signs Blake Ruby

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Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Katie Barolak, Rebekah Gordon, Blake Ruby, Rachael Skvorak, Gordon Kerr. Photo: Provided courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Publishing has signed Blake Ruby to its writer roster, expanding Black River’s footprint in the pop and sync world. Maryland native Ruby moved to Nashville in 2016 and is a Belmont University graduate.

During his time at Belmont, Ruby assisted at Ocean Way Studios, where he refined his writing, production, and engineering skills. He also wrote and produced several of his own artist projects, including his most recent single “Dirty Laundry.”

“It’s a real blessing to be on this team. Everyone already feels like family, and it’s an honor to create music with so many talented writers on the roster. I know we are going to make some amazing stuff together, and I’m looking forward to it!” shared Ruby.

Black River’s Vice President of Publishing Rebekah Gordon offered Ruby a publishing deal right after his college graduation.

“Blake was such an obvious standout while searching for young songwriters. His musical intuition blew us away. We are thrilled to be building something new and special around his talent,” shared Gordon.

Writer’s Den Music Group Signs Aubrey Shamel

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Pictured: Aubrey Shamel, Writer’s Den Music Group owner Bobby Rymer.

Writer’s Den Music Group has signed singer/songwriter Aubrey Shamel to a global publishing deal.

Writer’s Den Music Group owner Bobby Rymer noted, “I had the great fortune of meeting Aubrey at a ‘speed pitch’ session that was hosted by Steve Bloch and it was pretty immediate that I wanted to figure out a way for us to work together. There’s truth and honesty in her lyrics and originality in her melodies…refreshing to say the least.”

“From the moment I met Bobby, I knew I’d met not only a seasoned publisher but a phenomenal person. I could not be more excited to work with Writer’s Den Music Group. It feels like home,” said Shamel, who’s working on a new project to be released in the coming year.

The Writer’s Den Music Group roster includes Gordon Kennedy, Brennen Leigh, and Noel McKay. The company also represents the catalogs of Bonnie Bishop, Ben Cooper, Melissa Fuller, Drew Kennedy, Tami Hinesh, Trent Jeffcoat, Jerry Salley, Thom Schuyler, Adam Wright, and more.

Big Machine Music And Universal Music Publishing Group Sign Laci Kaye Booth

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Pictured (L-R, top row): UMPG Nashville Chairman/CEO Troy Tomlinson, BMM Creative Dir. Michelle Attardi, UMPG Sr. VP of A&R Cyndi Forman; (L-R, middle row): Red Light Management’s Rachel Silver, Laci Kaye Booth, Red Light Management’s Autumn House; (L-R, bottom row): BMM General Manager Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music and Universal Music Publishing Group on Monday jointly announced the signing of BMLG Records/19 Recordings artist and songwriter Laci Kaye Booth, to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. The American Idol alum is currently writing for her debut album.

Booth moved to Nashville following her time on season 17, which ended with her placing in the Top 5 thanks to her impressive covers of artists ranging from Brett Young to Miranda Lambert. She recently signed a record deal with BMLG Records and 19 Recordings.

BMM General Manager Mike Molinar said, “On behalf of myself, Michelle Attardi and our entire team at Big Machine Music, we are incredibly excited to work with an undeniable talent like Laci! It is truly a privilege to be part of her stellar team alongside our friends at UMPG, BMLG Records, 19 Recordings and her producer Dann Huff.”

Cyndi Forman, UMPG Nashville Sr. Vice President of A&R added, “When Laci first performed for our staff, we were all captivated by her voice and songwriting. She is building a great team around her and we’re excited to be part of it. Mike and Michelle share the same belief in Laci so it’s exciting to partner with them at Big Machine Music.”

“To be able to say I have one publishing partner is incredible but to be able to say I have two is insane,” said Booth. “When I met Troy [Tomlinson] and Cyndi, they understood who I am as an artist and songwriter immediately and when Mike and Michelle showed the same incredible passion for my songs…the rest is history. I’m so grateful to Universal Music Publishing Group and Big Machine Music for being willing to work together to create the best team I could ever ask for. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Jenna LaMaster Inks Co-Venture Deal With Sheltered Music And 50 Egg Music

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Pictured (L-R): Joey Harris, 50 Egg Music; Jenny Hall, Sheltered Music Publishing; Jonathan Singleton, 50 Egg Music; Tali Canterbury, 50 Egg Music; Darrell Franklin and Lance Freed, Sheltered Music Publishing; along with Jenna LaMaster

Jenna LaMaster has signed a co-venture deal with Sheltered Music and 50 Egg Music.

LaMaster was raised in California and spent time as a PRCA Rodeo Cowgirl in Texas before moving to Nashville to pursue a career as an artist and songwriter. She counts her deep-seated love for ’90s country as a primary influence in her own songwriting style.

Sheltered Music is the Nashville branch of Lance Freed’s All Clear Music, a company that in its first year has already completed deals with Burt Bacharach, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell, as well as established a creative development partnership with superstar producer Dann Huff. Sheltered Music is under the leadership of longtime publishing executive Darrell Franklin.

“For us to be able to pull our strengths together and deliver for an incredibly talented performer and writer of Jenna’s unique ability is beyond exciting,” Franklin said.

50 Egg Music is a full-service artist development and publishing company co-owned by Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, and publishing/A&R executive Tali Canterbury. Since its inception, 50 Egg Music has been a part of nine No. 1 songs and continues to build an incredibly diverse roster which includes Ashland Craft, Tyler Braden, Shane Minor, Rob Snyder, Kenton Bryant, Reid Isbell, Rob Pennington, and Jacob Lutz.

“From the moment we met Jenna, we knew there was a special sparkle about her. Not only is she an incredibly gifted singer, but also a songwriter wise beyond her years. We are very lucky that she chose to work with our team and cannot wait for the world to hear her music,” said Canterbury.

“I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to work with such motivated, hardworking, and enthusiastic people,” LaMaster said. “To have such well respected companies like Sheltered Music and 50 Egg Music join forces to create my ‘dream team’ is so honoring. They felt like family from the moment I walked in the door, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to call home.”

Josh Ronen Lands Joint Venture Deal With Arts & Crafts Music And Demolition Music

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Amy Eligh, Dir. of Publishing & Licensing at Arts & Crafts Music; Michael August, GM/Staff Writer at Demolition Music; Chloe Benner, Publishing and Licensing Coord. at Arts & Crafts Music; Lauren Spahn, Attorney at Shackelford Law. (L-R, middle row): Amanda Cooksey, A&R and Head of PR at Demolition Music; Adam Epstein, Head of A&R at Demolition Music; Josh Ronen, Staff Writer; Jamie Dryburgh, Creative Dir. at Demolition Music. (L-R, bottom row): Steve Bloch, Creative Consultant at Demolition Music; Sumiko Sprinkle; Shane Barrett, Song Plugger/Creative Consultant at Demolition Music; Jon D’Agostino, President of Demolition Music/ Staff Writer

Songwriter/producer Josh Ronen has signed a joint venture with Demolition Music and Arts & Crafts Music Publishing. The Chicago native wrote and produced LAVA Records artist somegirlnamedanna’s “Kitchen Table” as well as up-and-coming country artist Julia Cole’s “Side Piece,” which has garnered over one million views on TikTok. He has also had placements on The CW, The Young and the Restless, CBS, and NBA Gametime Live.

Ronen recently co-wrote rising country artist Spencer Crandall’s new song “Things I Can’t Say” featuring Julia Cole. Since the release on Sept. 11, the song has been picked up by Spotify’s Hot Country Playlist and currently has 2 million streams and counting.

“Ever since my first conversations with Demolition and Arts & Crafts, I’ve been blown away by the depth and range of their creative work with writers and artists. I’m excited to be joining such a great team and look forward to a long and successful relationship,” says Ronen.

“We are looking forward to enhancing our already great relationship with Arts & Crafts Music Publishing and combining our strengths to propel Josh’s career. Adding Josh to our team means we get to bring in someone who has a songwriting arsenal. He’s a writer and producer with pop, country, and tv/film sensibilities. I’m really excited about the depth he adds to our already stellar roster,” says President of Demolition Music Jon D’Agostino.

“Arts & Crafts is excited about this new partnership with Demolition Music and Josh Ronen. The team at Demolition is world class and Josh’s talent and dedication is a force that we’re honoured to be a part of. This exciting new relationship will further develop Arts & Crafts presence in the Nashville music community,” says Amy Eligh, Dir. of Publishing and Licensing at Arts & Crafts.

Thomas Archer Signs With Madfun Music And Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Madfun Music’s Alicia Pruitt, Thomas Archer

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Madfun Music have signed a global co-publishing agreement with hitmaker Thomas Archer, co-writer of No. 1 songs including Jason Aldean’s current smash “Got What I Got,” and the Luke Combs hits “Lovin’ on You” and “Hurricane.”

Madfun Music is the new music publishing division of Madfun Entertainment, the full-service talent management company launched in 2018 by longtime publisher Alicia Pruitt in association with Red Light Management.

Pruitt says, “Thomas has the ability as a songwriter to make you believe he has lived every word he writes. That is what I love about his songwriting. With his work ethic and true love for music, I knew I wanted to work with him the first time we met. I’m thrilled to have him as part of this team and look forward to celebrating lots of wins together with my Warner Chappell family.”

Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville adds, “Thomas is one of the hottest writers in Music City and we’re over the moon to be on his team. We’re also excited to keep growing with Alicia and adding even more good times to our shared successful history.”

Archer also co-wrote Walker Hayes’ “You Broke Up With Me,” which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart. Archer has more than 60 cuts by other artists including Mitchell Tenpenny, Dustin Lynch, Jon Langston, Jordan Rager, Colt Ford, Waterloo Revival, and Payton Smith.

Laura Leigh Jones Signs With Billy Blue Music Publishing

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Pictured: (standing) Tyler Robertson (Laura Leigh Jones’ husband); Rick Shelton (Vice President of Music Publishing, Daywind Music Group); Ed Leonard (President, Daywind);
(seated) Laura Leigh Jones, Joe Dan Cornett (Creative Director of Billy Blue Publishing)

Laura Leigh Jones has signed with Billy Blue Music Publishing, part of Nashville’s Daywind Music Group.

Raised on country, bluegrass, and roots music on the Virginia/Carolina line, Jones has been writing and performing since her pre-teens. Growing up she performed with her family’s bluegrass band The Cana Ramblers, a group that garnered national attention with its final album release in 2009. After moving to Nashville in 2011, she began penning songs with some of Music City’s top hit makers, and several years later released her own solo EP featuring six originals. Jones’ most recent cut is “Poison” on Sierra Hull’s album, 25 Trips.

“I’m so excited to add Laura Leigh to our Billy Blue Music Publishing roster,” said Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director of Billy Blue Publishing. “The first thing that drew me to Laura Leigh, in addition to her songwriting skill, was the bubbly personality that is apparent the moment you meet her. She is also a walking encyclopedia of bluegrass music knowledge and the lineage of the genre.”

 

Centricity Publishing Renews Deal With Paul Duncan

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Top row (L-R): Justin Nicolet, Creative Director, and Alex Diaz, Publishing Coordinator. Bottom row (L-R): Paul Duncan, Chad Segura, VP, Publishing.

Centricity Publishing, the publishing arm of Centricity Music, has renewed its long-term publishing deal with songwriter Paul Duncan. Duncan was first signed to Centricity in 2016.

The Redondo Beach, CA native is a writer on eight songs recorded by Lauren Daigle, including songs on her current and debut RIAA-certified Platinum albums. Duncan is also a writer on five Jordan Feliz radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “Witness,” as well as “Beloved,” “Changed,” “Faith,” and “Glorify,” and the soon-to-be-released “Jesus Is Coming Back.” He is also a writer on Natalie Grant’s “Face to Face,” Micah Tyler’s “New Today,” and Aaron Cole’s “Only U.”

“The team at Centricity has felt like a true family to me over the time we’ve worked together, and I couldn’t be happier about entering a new season with these friends,” says Duncan. “I’m so grateful for their belief in me and for the music we’ve made together so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”

“Paul is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Music, Vice President of Publishing. “Artists love working with him. And his ability to turn a phrase, is truly a rare gift. For all that he’s accomplished so far, I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of…and I’m so glad we get to continue this journey together!”

In addition to penning 15 radio singles and earning numerous ASCAP honors, Duncan has had his work featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Stitchers, Crime Watch Daily, Extra, Boston Legal, The Hills, Jersey Shore, and The Real World. He has also penned compositions for T-Mobile, Samsung, Wendy’s, the Criterion Collection, Applegate Farms, Royal Caribbean, and more. He has also served as a guitarist/keyboardist for artists including 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey, Mindy McCready, Mercy Street (RCA) and Sense Field (Nettwerk). He is also a co-founder and co-host of the podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters.

On The Cover: Ashley McBryde On MusicRow Magazine’s 2020 Publisher Print Issue

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Ashley McBryde is featured on the cover of MusicRow Magazine’s all-new 2020 Publisher Issue.

The Warner Music Nashville artist learned how to sing sad songs in a biker bar off a rural Arkansas highway. The youngest of six, she grew up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, a little shy yet always watching. McBryde began writing songs at age 12, however she didn’t fully embrace her voice until college. She moved to Nashville in 2007.

Her 2016 EP Jalopies & Expensive Guitars caught the attention of Eric Church, who brought McBryde onstage for a duet of her “Bible and a .44.” She soon made her Grand Ole Opry debut with the title track off her 2018 major label debut, Girl Going Nowhere, later recognized with a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program for her performance on CBS This Morning Saturday and earning her the titles of ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist of the Year and CMA New Artist of the Year, with additional Grammy nominations in 2020 for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. The album’s title track was named Song of the Year at the 2019 MusicRow Awards, with McBryde winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Her follow-up, Never Will, was released April 3, with Gold-certified lead single “One Night Standards,” a Top 15 song at country radio and already her first No. 1 in Canada, named by NPR as one of the best songs of the year. The hit was also nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s MusicRow Awards. Never Will has already been dubbed one of the best albums of 2020 by Variety, Billboard and SPIN. McBryde was nominated for three 2020 ACM Awards and took home her second and third AIMP Awards earlier this year. This fall, McBryde serves as a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador; a full-circle moment since moving to Music City for the girl once told she was going nowhere.

In the 2020 Publisher print issue, Round Hill Music songwriter Ashley Gorley discusses hitting the milestone of 50 No. 1 songs and his work as a leading publisher and mentor with his own Tape Room Music. Sony/ATV Music Nashville’s Rusty Gaston talks taking the reins of the music publishing powerhouse during a pandemic, while ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Clay Bradley, and SESAC’s ET Brown and Lydia Schultz discuss their new roles at the respective performing rights organizations. This issue also offers discussions with National Music Publishers’ Association President/CEO David Israelite as well as songwriter/producer Luke Laird, who recently released his first album, titled Music Row. Elsewhere the issue focuses on the careers of Jody Williams (who returns to music publishing with Jody Williams Songs), Wide Open Music and RECORDS Nashville’s Ash Bowers, and BMG’s Chris Oglesby.

This issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most impactful tunesmiths, including UMPG’s Sam Ellis, Spirit Music Nashville’s Jonathan Singleton, Rhythm House/Roc Nation/Warner Chappell writer Alysa Vanderheym, RED Creative/Downtown Music Group/Anthem Entertainment writer Kelly Archer, BRELAND, and Big Machine Music’s Jessie Jo Dillon.

In addition to editorial, the Publisher Issue also includes the coveted Publisher Directory, featuring contact information for Nashville’s publishing community.

Single copies of the 2020 Publisher Issue are available for purchase for $45 at musicrow.com, and are included with yearly memberships at no additional cost. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s Publisher Issue can only be purchased online, as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.

Ashley McBryde Career Stats:
LABEL: Warner Music Nashville
CURRENT ALBUM: Never Will
CURRENT SINGLE: “One Night Standards”
CURRENT PRODUCER: Jay Joyce
CURRENT PUBLISHER: Jody Williams Songs
PRO: BMI
MANAGEMENT: QPrime South
BOOKING: Lane Wilson / WME
RECENT HITS: “One Night Standards,” “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega”
AWARDS: CMA 2019 New Artist of the Year, ACM 2019 New Female Artist of the Year, CMT 2019 Breakout Artist of the Year, AIMP 2018 Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, AIMP 2020 Artist-Writer of the Year, AIMP 2020 Publisher’s Pick – “One Night Standards”
RIAA CERTS TO DATE: “One Night Standards” – Gold (U.S. & CAN)
SPECIAL TV APPEARANCES: Grand Ole Opry performance of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” CBS This Morning Saturday, NPR’s Tiny Desk at Home
HOMETOWN: Mammoth Spring, AR
INTERESTING FACTS: Ashley grew up playing bluegrass and started playing mandolin when she was 3 years old; she studied music education and if she wasn’t a touring artist, she would work in music education.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Lucinda Williams, Guy Clark, John Prine, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Cox family, Janis Joplin, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Bowman, Trisha Yearwood, Lorrie Morgan, Patty Loveless, Karen Carpenter, The Chicks, Bekka Bramlett
FAVORITE RECORDS: Aces (Suzy Bogguss), Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (Lucinda Williams), Mountain Soul (Patty Loveless), Sweetheart’s Dance (Pam Tillis), Fearless (Terri Clark), This Side (Nickel Creek)