Music News 9/27/12
Pictured (L-R) Front Row: Co-writer Eric Paslay, Stephen Barker Liles and co-writer Eric Gunderson of Love and Theft, co-writer Jeff Coplan. Back Row: Cal IV Entertainment's Daniel Hill, EMI Music Publishing's Josh Van Valkenburg, Rockapop Music's Robert Ellis Orrall, ASCAP'S Mike Sistad, producer Josh Leo, Sony Music Nashville's Gary Overton and RCA Nashville's Keith Gale. Photo: Ed Rode.
Love and Theft celebrated its first No. 1 “Angel Eyes,” the first single from the duo’s self-titled RCA Nashville album, at ASCAP recently (9/25).
The ceremony also marked the first No. 1 for co-writer (and band member) Eric Gunderson, who penned the song with Eric Paslay and Jeff Coplan. For Paslay, it marked a rare triple-play achievement for landing 3 No. 1 songs in one calendar year (“Even if it Breaks Your Heart,” and “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”).
“Paslay started as an intern for us,” said Cal IV’s Daniel Hill. “He’s been doing a pretty good job.”
“[ASCAP] was the second building I walked in to on Music Row 10 years ago,” said Paslay. “This 29th year of my life has been life changing.”
Recognition was also given to Sony and the RCA promotion team as Gary Overton and Keith Gale took the stage.
“I have been up here for a few awards, and I have had it stop for a while,” said producer Josh Leo. “It feels great to be up here again.”
EMI Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg shared sentimental stories of the two band members.
“Thank you Stephen [Barker],” said Gunderson of his band member. “He has been my partner in crime. Sometimes literally.”
“It has been a long road for us and we stuck it out together,” said a tearful Barker. “Jim Catino wanted to sign us before we went to Lyric Street. So, thank you for your willingness to sign us again.”
“I think of these two guys as sons,” said songwriter Robert Ellis Orrall, who offered plaques and sentiments to the band from Rockapop Music.
Bill Mayne presented No. 1 trophies from the CRB, Lon Helton offered plaques from Country Aircheck, and Brandi Simms bestowed the new CMA medallions.
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Pictured Back Row (L-R): Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Capitol Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Front Row: Little Big Town’s Philip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, and Jimi Westbrook; and co-writers Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, and Barry Dean. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMI gathered Music Row executives, songwriters, friends, and family on the rooftop of its Nashville offices Friday afternoon (9/21) for a party celebrating Little Big Town’s first No. 1 single, “Pontoon.”
The summer anthem was co-written by Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, and Barry Dean; marking the writer’s tenth, second, and first-time No. 1, respectively. The platinum-selling single is featured on Little Big Town’s latest album, Tornado, which also landed at No. 1.
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Contemporary Christian artist Karyn Williams recently presented music from her first Inpop Records release, Only You, for a packed house at SESAC’s Nashville offices.
(L-R): SESAC’s VP, Writer/Publisher Relations, Tim Fink, Williams and Inpop’s GM / VP of A&R, Andrew Patton. Photo: Peyton Hoge
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A selection of Nashville’s hit songwriters will come together at Lucy’s Country Cafe on Wednesday, Oct. 3 during Bobby Pinson’s weekly “Sing For Your Supper” show to benefit the Nashville-based non-profit Charley Foundation. The organization provides support to charitable agencies addressing the critical needs of children.
Performers at the benefit include Jessica Andrews, Marc Beeson, Lisa Carver, Sarah Davidson, David Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Danny Myrick, Randy Owen, Bobby Pinson, DJ Silver, Jon Stone, Adley Stump, Bridgette Tatum, Chad Warrix, Trent Willmon and more.
The show begins at 7 pm at Lucy’s, located at 1911 Broadway inside the Blue Bar. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at charleyfoundation.org. Food tickets will also be available for $10.
Category: Music News
