Tag Archive for: Signings

Casey James Signs Record Deal With 19/BNA

Sony Music Nashville has added another American Idol alum to its roster. Casey James, who finished third on the show’s most recent season, has inked with 19 Recordings/BNA Records. The Cool, TX native is currently on the American Idols Live! Tour 2010, and will soon be at work on his debut album, set for release next year.

Though he had been fronting the Casey James Band since 2008, the artist had never even seen a single episode of the top rated show before auditioning in Denver and winning a golden ticket to Hollywood.

“All my life I have wanted this and now my dream has come true,” says James. “Words can’t describe how thankful and blessed I am for the opportunity to give back to all those who have supported me. I’m going to work hard to make the best album possible! I want to thank my Momma for making me go to Denver. Look out! I’m Nashville bound!”

Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton adds, “We at Sony Music Nashville are incredibly excited about signing Casey James. I flew to New York to see him live with the American Idol Tour and I was blown away with his voice, guitar playing and stage presence…and so were the thousands of fans in the amphitheatre. He has honed his skills as a showman with his years of performing live on stage! I can’t wait to get him into the studio to begin recording his debut album.”

Among the other Idol stars who have joined the Sony Music Nashville family are Carrie Underwood, Kelly Pickler and Danny Gokey.

Brigitte DeMeyer Signs with Green Hills Music

(L-R): BMI’s Mark Mason, Green Hills Pres. Woody Bomar, manager Dan Herrington, Brigitte DeMeyer, Green Hills Creative Director Bonnie Baker, and manager Mitchell Fox. Photo: Michelle Stephens

Americana artist/writer Brigitte DeMeyer has signed a publishing agreement with Nashville’s Green Hills Music Group. The soulful touring artist plays festivals worldwide and has opened shows for such headliners as Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg and Marc Cohn. The longtime San Francisco resident recently relocated with her family to Nashville, which she calls her “spiritual home.” Her most recent album, Red River Flower, was recorded in Nashville with producer Brady Blade and features many of her musical heroes including Buddy Miller, Chris Donohue, Phil Madeira, Mike Henderson and Al Perkins. DeMeyer is managed by Herrington-Fox Management.

Green Hills Music Group Pres. Woody Bomar said, “We love what Brigitte does as an artist and who she is as a person. Her music is filled with honesty and compassion. It is an honor to represent these wonderful songs and to work with such a passionate musician and songwriter.”

DeMeyer will perform on the Green Hills Music Writers Night at the Bluebird Cafe at 6:00 on Aug. 26.

Green Hills Music Group opened in 2007 and also markets the music of Steve Williams, Georgia Middleman, Bob Regan, Rick Giles, Bonnie Baker, Paul Nelson, Warren Wilken and J. Fred Knobloch.

UMPG Signs Darius Rucker

Pictured L-R: Manager Doc McGhee, Pat Higdon (President, UMPG Nashville), Darius Rucker, Ron Stuve (Vice President, Creative, UMPG Nashville ), Frank Rand (McGhee Entertainment), Scott McGhee (McGhee Entertainment).

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today (7/27) announced the signing of an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Darius Rucker. The songwriter and artist built a strong career with Hootie & the Blowfish and in 2008 launched a notable solo career in country music. His UMPG publishing agreement encompasses all of his writing for his country debut Learn To Live plus his future solo work, including his project Charleston, SC 1966, due out Oct. 12 via Capitol Records Nashville.

Rucker’s Learn To Live has sold nearly 1.5 million copies. It produced three hit singles (“Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” and “Alright”) that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. All of the songs were co-written by Rucker. “Come Back Song,” the first single from Rucker’s second album was recently released to radio and is No. 18 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart after just four weeks.

“We are so excited to add Darius Rucker to our roster of chart-topping songwriters,” commented Pat Higdon, President, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville. “He is a great singer and a gifted songwriter and has quickly carved his own niche with Country music fans. ”

In the U.S., Darius Rucker has sold over 20 million albums – both as a solo artist and as a member of Hootie & the Blowfish. In 2009, Rucker won top CMA honors and was named “New Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year.” The singer is currently performing on Brad Paisley’s H20 Tour.

Rucker is managed by Doc McGhee who is known for managing legends such as KISS and Bon Jovi. UMPG also publishes the KISS catalogue and Bon Jovi.

RAM Writer’s Group Signs Will Rambeaux

Seated (L-R): Will Rambeaux and Doug Merrick. Standing: BMI's David Preston

Doug Merrick has formed a new music publishing company called RAM Writer’s Group and has signed hit songwriter/producer Will Rambeaux as the flagship writer for the outfit.

“Will and I have been associates for years, and when I decided to form RAM Writer’s Group I knew he would be a great asset to the new company,” says Merrick.

Rambeaux’s songs have garnered many BMI Most Performed Songs of The Year awards, as well as several BMI “Million-Air” awards. He has written numerous Top 10 and No. 1 hits for artists such as Faith Hill (“Wild One”), John Michael Montgomery (“How Was I To Know,” “Hold On To Me”), Patty Loveless (“Can’t Get Enough”) and Kathy Mattea (“Nobody Gonna’ Rain On Our Parade”). As a producer, Rambeaux has also helmed four albums for singer/songwriter Sherrie Austin.

RAM Writer’s Group can be reached at 615-799-5534.

Signings: James Wesley, Due West

Broken Bow Records artist James Wesley has signed an exclusive booking agreement with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Joey Lee in the Nashville office will be the responsible agent. Wesley is currently traveling nationwide on his radio tour in support of the new single, “Real,” written by Neal Coty and Jimmy Melton. “Real” debuted on the MusicRow Country Breakout chart last week.

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Black River Music Group has signed vocal group Due West to a recording contract. They are putting the finishing touches on their new album which is being produced by Jason Deere and Jimmy Nichols. Their first single from the project Bible and the Belt is currently climbing the MusicRow chart and was co-written by Due West lead singer Tim Gates, and hit songwriters Marc Beeson and Billy Austin.

Pictured front row (L-R): DW’s Matt Lopez, Tim Gates, Brad Hull and BRMG’s Jimmy Nichols. Back row: BRMG’s Tonya Ginnetti

Show Dog – Universal Signs JT Hodges

Pictured L to R: Cliff Audretch III, SDU Sr. Director A&R/Staff Producer; Mark Collie; Mark Wright, SDU President; JT Hodges; and Don Cook

Show Dog – Universal Music announced today (7/6) the signing of JT Hodges. The Ft. Worth, Texas native is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who hails from a musical family—his father opened the town’s first recording studio and his mother was signed to MCA in the ’80s. Hodges is represented by TKO Artist Management and is currently recording his debut album with Show Dog–Universal Music Pres. Mark Wright, Don Cook and Mark Collie.

“JT is a perfect example of an artist who has great musical bones,” said Wright. “His instincts could only be this natural by being raised in a family of serious musicians. He can knock you out with just his guitar and his voice. We are thankful he decided to come to SDU Music.”

“What I love most about this label is they truly believe in their artists and the music they make,” added Hodges. “I really couldn’t have found a better home. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”

“The first time I heard and saw JT perform was when I made up my mind I wanted to work with him,” commented TK Kimbrell, TKO Artist Management. “It’s rare that one person can write, sing, play and perform at JT’s level. He will appeal to a lot of people.”

Magic Mustang Inks With Big Loud Bucks

Magic Mustang Music has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information. Under this new partnership, Big Loud Bucks will also be responsible for the administration of master recordings on behalf of Broken Bow Records and Stoney Creek Records.

The current roster at Magic Mustang consists of Jason Aldean, Rob Hatch, John Edwards, Westin Davis, Garrett Parris, Angie Broberg, Ash Bowers, Blake Wise, Sherrie Austin and Thompson Square.

(L-R): Craig Wiseman, Owner, Big Loud Bucks/Big Loud Shirt; Heather Buresh, Dir. of Publishing Administration, Big Loud Bucks; Jill Napier, Exec. VP, Big Loud Bucks; Juli Newton Griffith, Creative Director, Magic Mustang Music; and Benny Brown, CEO/President, Broken Bow Records.

CRS Names Agenda Committee; Newfield Inks With EB Media

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced its 2010-2011 Agenda Committee for CRS 2011, to be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center. The Agenda Committee is made up of volunteers from all areas of the Country radio and record industries and gathers each year to plan events for the upcoming Country Radio Seminar. This year’s committee, which features 11 new members (marked with an asterisk), will meet June 23-25, 2010, to put together the framework and topics for next year’s event. John Paul is serving as Agenda Chair.

The 2010-2011 Agenda Committee for CRS 2011:

Brad Austin / Madison, WI
Jackie Campbell* / WUSN / Chicago, IL
Karin Cupit / Nashville, TN
Andy Denemark / United Stations / New York, NY
Dale Desmond / KTHK / Idaho Falls, ID
Jerry Duncan / Jerry Duncan Promotions / Nashville, TN
Shelly Easton* / WXTU / Philadelphia, PA
Keith Gale / RCA / Nashville, TN
Jeff  Green* /Country Aircheck / Nashville, TN
JoJamie Hahr / The Valory Music Co. / Nashville, TN
Gator Harrison* / WGSQ / Cookeville, TN
Chris Huff / KSCS/KTYS / Dallas, TX
Jay Jennings / WYCD / Detroit, MI
Lisa Juillerat*/ WLHK / Indianapolis, IN
John Kijowski* / WIL / St. Louis, MO
George King / WCTO / Allentown, PA
Gene Kuntz / WITZ/WQKZ / Jasper, IN
Kris Lamb / The Disney Music Group / Phoenix, AZ
Bruce Logan / WKKT / Charlotte, NC
Gary Marince* / Arbitron Inc. / Coraopolis, PA
Clint Marsh / WAWC / Warsaw, IN
Mandy McCormack* / Big Machine Records / Nashville, TN
Sharla McCoy / McCoy & Associates / Nashville, TN
Adrian Michaels / Curb / Nashville, TN
Travis Moon / KAJA / San Antonio, TX
Rick Murray / Premiere Radio Networks / Nashville, TN
Mike O’Malley* / Albright & O’Malley / Milltown, NJ
John Paul / Dial Global / Denver, CO
Annie Sandor / Curb Records / Miami, FL
Chad Schultz / Mozes / Nashville, TN
Jenni Smythe / Girlilla Marketing / Nashville, TN
John Trapane* / Capitol Records / Springs, TX
John Windus* / Columbia River Media Grp / Wentcheewa, WA

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Curb Records artist Heidi Newfield has signed with Ebie McFarland’s Essential Broadcast Media for public relations representation.

Newfield is working on her sophomore solo album with producer Blake Chancey and a single is expected later this year. It will be the follow-up to her hit “Johnny & June.” The singer who got her start with the band Trick Pony (“Pour Me” and “It’s A Heartache”) will spend the summer on the Country Throwdown Tour.

Newfield’s team also includes Greg Hill at GHM/Red Light Management and Stan Barnett at Creative Artist Agency.

Essential Broadcast Media also represents Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Colt Ford and others. McFarland can be reached at ebie@ebmediapr.com or by calling (615) 327-3259.

Aretha Franklin At Ryman; Brentwood-Benson Signs Nathan Barlowe

Aretha Franklin brought her big show to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last night (4/25). The Queen of Soul was backed by an orchestra for her performance of four decades worth of classics. The event was promoted by Outback Concerts.

Pictured backstage L-R: Sally Williams, GM, Ryman Auditorium; Aretha Franklin; Darin Lashinsky, Sr. VP, Outback Concerts. Photo: Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelson Group

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SESAC affiliate Nathan Barlowe has signed with Brentwood-Benson Publishing for exclusive representation. Barlowe, co-founder and lead singer for rock band Luna Halo, is currently on tour with the band as well as working in the studio with a new group, The Honeymoon Thrillers. Barlowe joined Brentwood-Benson publishing executives on a recent visit to SESAC’s Nashville headquarters to mark the occasion.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Brentwood-Benson Publishing’s Eric Hurt, Nathan Barlowe, Brentwood-Benson Publishing’s Stacey Willbur & SESAC’s John Mullins. Photo: Ed Rode

Big Machine Signs Edens Edge; CMT Radio Hires Jenn Nixon

Front Row L to R: Edens Edge members Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock, and Dean Berner. Back Row L to R: Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Records VP of Creative; Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Records President & CE0; songwriter Kye Fleming, and Heather Moody of TVX Group

Big Machine Records has added country trio Edens Edge to its label family. The band is comprised of Hannah Blaylock (lead vocalist), Dean Berner (harmony vocals, guitar, dobro) and Cherrill Green (harmony vocals, mandolin, banjo, and guitar), with a style deeply rooted in country and bluegrass.

Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine, discovered the band when they performed at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony last year.

Even though the members of Edens Edge grew up about an hour apart in Arkansas, they didn’t know each other until they were introduced through mutual friends in college. After entering the CMT/ NSAI Songwriters Contest in 2006, the band was discovered by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Kye Fleming who helped further develop the group’s talents.

Edens Edge is managed by Heather Moody, President of TVX Group Nashville. With the creative direction of Kye Fleming Publishing, the trio is currently writing and recording its Big Machine Records debut.

In recent months the band has opened for Ronnie Milsap and Randy Travis, and is scheduled to support Lady Antebellum, Lonestar and Gloriana on the road this summer.

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CMT Radio Network has added Jenn Nixon as the new morning reporter; it was announced by Jean Williams, director, CMT Radio Network. Nixon will serve as CMT’s live on-air correspondent for more than 30 markets nationwide, including WIRK in West Palm Beach, Fla.; KZSN in Wichita, Kan.; KAJA San Antonio, Texas; KTST Oklahoma City, Okla.; and WSOC Charlotte, N.C. Nixon joins CMT from WJNO in West Palm Beach, Fla. where she was most recently the assistant program director for the Clear Channel station. Nixon will begin her live morning broadcasts on Tuesday, April 13.

The Palm Beach County native has worked in radio since 2002 with stints at 107.9 WIRK and 97.9 WRMF, both in West Palm Beach. She replaces Emilee Warner, who recently joined Compass Records Group as director of publicity and promotions.