Music News 5/20/10

ASCAP has named Ryan Beuschel, who most recently held the post of A&R Manager at Universal Music Group, as Creative Manager for its Nashville branch.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Ryan come on board and bring to ASCAP his unique talents, experience and passion for songwriters and their craft,” said Tim DuBois, VP and Managing Executive of operations at ASCAP Nashville. “His addition will help drive forward and bolster the expanded role of this office and our firm commitment to serving and championing our writers and publishers, on an individual, community and regional level.”

ASCAP has been restructuring its Nashville division to execute a broadened and elevated role as a Regional Office serving all genres of music.

Prior to his time as A&R Manager at Universal Music Group, Beuschel held the position of A&R Coordinator. During his tenure, Beuschel worked with artists including Jamey Johnson, Billy Currington, Easton Corbin, David Nail and Randy Montana. He began his career in 2005 as an intern for Universal Music Publishing, where he was later named Catalog Coordinator before moving to the UMG label group in 2007. A Michigan native, Beuschel holds a degree in management and finance from Hope College.

“I’m elated to join the Nashville office in this creative capacity and look forward to helping develop and further opportunities for our ASCAP members,” Beuschel said.
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(L-R): BJ Hill and Alicia Pruitt

BJ Hill and Alicia Pruitt have been promoted to Sr. Directors of A&R for Warner/Chappell Nashville. They will continue to be responsible for signing emerging songwriters, developing the publisher’s existing roster, and securing song placements.

Hill joined the company in 2005 where he is responsible for signing and overseeing some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, and established hitmaker Wendell Mobley. Hill’s background includes stops at Universal Music Group and Jody Williams Music.

Since joining Warner/Chappell in 2006, Pruitt has bee responsible for signing and serving as the day-to-day contact for songwriters Deana Carter, Sean McConnell and Randy Rogers. Her tenure in the music business also includes time as Creative Director at Big Tractor Music Publishing and a stint at Broadvision Music Publishing.

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Elevation and Wide Open Join Forces

Elevation Music Publishing and Wide Open Music Group have announced a new alliance between the two Nashville-based music publishing operations.

Through a shared services arrangement, Elevation Creative Principals Mike Molinar and Martha Earls are joining with Wide Open’s creative team to provide catalog and songwriter representation, as well as creative consultation. Elevation will also relocate to Wide Open’s headquarters at 54 Music Square East, Ste. 390, Nashville, TN, 37203. Phone number and e-mails contacts will remain the same.

“Martha and I are very excited to begin Elevation’s next chapter as a creative partner for Wide Open,” says Molinar. “We are looking forward to representing Derek George, Chuck Jones and a quality team of songwriters that are a perfect complement to Elevation’s fine roster and catalog.”

Wide Open Music Group President, Derek George adds, “We at Wide Open are extremely excited about joining forces with Mike and Martha! They are two of the very best at what they do creatively. Along with Wide Open Creative Director, Keithan Melton, we have a true triple threat, and we look forward to a bright future!”

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15th ANNUAL USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Last chance to enter the prestigious 15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition this year! Win a top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise such as cool gear from Sony, Ibanez Guitars, Mackie, PreSonus, D’Addarrio Strings, IK Multimedia, Audio-Technica and more. Also, have your winning songs played on radio! Enter in Gospel/Christian, Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Jazz, Instrumental, etc.

USA Songwriting Competition has been honoring songwriters from all over the world. Winners came from Australia, Japan, Canada, UK, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, USA, etc. Past winners have gotten recording contracts, getting their songs on film, TV as well as getting cuts with major artists. DEADLINE APPROACHING: Enter by May 28. Click here for more info.