Music News 6/30/11

Signing at My Good Girl
My Good Girl Music has signed songwriter Allison Veltz to an exclusive publishing agreement. My Good Girl Music is a joint venture between producer Mark Bright and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Veltz is currently working on her debut album, with Bright on board as producer.

(L-R): Mark Bright, My Good Girl's Ashley Hertzog, Allison Veltz, Sony/ATV's Troy Tomlinson, and My Good Girl's Stephanie Greene

The Voice Finalist In Nashville
Patrick Thomas, a recent finalist on hit singing competition The Voice, was in Nashville earlier this month for a writing trip. While in town, the ASCAP member stopped by the PRO’s Music Row offices to visit with the creative team.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Michael Martin, Tim DuBois, Patrick Thomas, ASCAP's Robert Filhart. Photo: Anna Maki

Infinity Music Signing, Hiring
Phil Parker, President of Infinity Music Group, has signed songwriter Brent Baxter to an exclusive publishing deal. The Arkansas native has already had a hit with “Monday Morning Church,” recorded by Alan Jackson. He’s also had cuts by Lady Antebellum (“A Woman Scorned,” “Last Night Last”), Randy Travis,  Lonestar, Ray Stevens and Randy Kohrs.

Parker has also tapped longtime publishing executive Paul Compton and his Music Highway Writer Services company to represent Infinity’s song catalog. Compton previously spent 18 years at Murrah Music, ending as Sr. Vice President. He can be reached at paul.compton@musichighway.net.

(L-R) Phil Parker, Brent Baxter, and Paul Compton

Ray Scott Debuts Music At Local Show
Ray Scott played cuts from his upcoming album Rayality to a packed house at East Nashville’s The 5 Spot recently. Scott is managed by Dennis Entertainment and writes for Universal Music Publishing.

Ray Scott onstage at the 5 Spot.

Tompkins Family Tree Growing
Congratulations to hit songwriter Chris Tompkins and wife Jessica on the birth of Emmy Rose Tompkins on June 16. She weighed 8 lbs 2 oz, and joins big brother Hayes, age 2. Tompkins is a co-writer of the No. 1 songs “Voices” (Chris Young), and “Before He Cheats” (Carrie Underwood).

Combustion Music Adds Writer
Combustion Music has signed Russell Dickerson to an exclusive songwriting agreement. The recent Belmont University graduate has been playing the Nashville scene for the last two years. He is a native of Franklin, Tenn.

Sitting: Russell Dickerson; Standing (L-R): Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom, Chris Farren, and Kenley Flynn; BMI’s Bradley Collins; CAA’s Jim Butler; Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis, and Aaron Kinssies.

CMA Songwriter Series In Boston, New York
The CMA Songwriters Series will make its Boston debut with a performance by Kenny Chesney on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Royale Nightclub. Chesney’s songwriting credits include his hits “Beer In Mexico,” “You Had Me From Hello,” “Out Last Night,” “I Go Back,” and “I’m Alive” (a duet with Dave Matthews). Joining Chesney will be hit tunesmiths Matraca Berg, Brett James, Wendell Mobley, Craig Wiseman and host Bob DiPiero.

When the CMA Songwriter Series played at Joe’s Pub in New York City on June 21, Easton Corbin was the featured artist/writer. DiPiero hosted the event with fellow hitmakers Carson Chamberlain, and Mark D. Sanders.

Pictured in New York (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Mark D. Sanders, Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain. Photo: Chris Tate

Sandestin Songwriters Festival
The weekend of August 12-13, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host the 2nd Annual Sandestin Music Festival on multiple stages throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Co-sponsored by BMI, the free, open-to-the-public event will feature BMI contemporary country trendsetters Jeffrey Steele and James Slater; powerhouse country vocalist and Broadway star Lari White; and promising up-and-comers Kree Harrison, Thomas Rhett, Joanna Cotten, Tyler Farr, and the Pernikoff Brothers.