Music News 10/21/2010

Kobalt Music Group launched a revolutionary service which will allow its clients to individually monitor their global royalty account balances online. The service, called Kobalt Weekly Online Balance Updates, allows clients to view current balances for their next quarterly statement period. Additionally, they will be able to request an online advance, allowing almost immediate access to their accruing royalties.

“With our new Weekly Online Balance Updates and Kobalt’s direct global collection infrastructure, copyright owners for the first time in history can get their money up to 2.5 years faster than the traditional industry standard,” explains Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group. “This gives our clients a significant advantage in transparency and value.”

Formed in 2001, Kobalt Music Group administers more than 175,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 900 content holders.

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American Idol alum Casey James recently inked a record deal with 19 Recordings/BNA Nashville. New music from The Casey James Band is expected next year.

Pictured (l-r): Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton, James, Sony Music Nashville A&R Executive VP Renee Bell

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Bluewater Music has signed a worldwide administration agreement with musician, producer and songwriter, Billy Livsey. He was an in-demand session player during the 70’s and 80’s, recording with rock n’ roll greats such as Tina Turner and Ronnie Lane. After success in England, he relocated to Nashville to write country hits for artists such as George Strait, Lorrie Morgan, Tanya Tucker and Mark Chesnutt. “With a catalog of 700+ songs strong, Billy is one of the hardest working people I know,” says Bluewater Music COO, Peter Roselli. “We’re proud to be taking care of Billy’s great catalogs.”

Pictured (L-R): Peter Roselli, Billy Livsey

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Stephanie Greene

Record producer and publishing executive Mark Bright has appointed Stephanie Greene Director of Publishing for his company My Good Girl Music, a joint venture with Sony/ATV Music Nashville.

A publishing veteran, Greene makes the move from Combustion Music where she has worked since 2005, ending as Vice President. While with the company she participated in all aspects of the creative process including signing writers, pitching songs, shopping artists for record deals, and establishing co-writes. Previously she ran her own company as an independent publisher and spent four years as Creative Director for Chrysalis Music Group. Greene’s career began in 1990 when she pitched songs independently while attending Belmont University.

“I have enjoyed a longstanding friendship with Stephanie and I’m honored to welcome her to the My Good Girl Music/Sony ATV publishing family,” commented Bright. He added, “She is a remarkable publisher as well as a respected song person.”

My Good Girl Music and Sony/ATV Music formed its joint venture in 2006 and has published such No. 1 radio hits as “American Ride” recorded by Toby Keith, and “Do You Believe Me Now” recorded by Jimmy Wayne.

Greene can be reached at stephanie@mygoodgirlmusic.com or (615) 259-5440.

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Glenn Noblit

Davis Music Group General Manager Gator Michaels announced today the addition of Glenn Noblit as National Director of Radio Marketing. Noblit will report directly to Michaels, effective immediately. Previously, Noblit worked at Warner Bros. Nashville, Vector Management and Lost Highway.

“Glenn’s extensive knowledge and expertise is key in the growth of our artists and their careers at Davis Music Group,” says Michaels. “His passion for the industry is unmatchable and his level of commitment is top-notch. I am honored to add him to the growing family at Davis Music Group.”

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside my longtime friend and respected colleague, Gator Michaels,” says Noblit. “I strongly believe the business model Davis Music Group is working from is the future of our ever-changing industry. I am eager to get started!”

Noblit will work from Davis Music Group’s Marshall, TX offices.