Music News 11/15/12

Word Music Publishing has announced the signing of writer and producer Justin Ebach, who recently celebrated his new agreement with Word and SESAC executives.

(L-R): Word Music Publishing’s Chad Green, SESAC’s John Mullins, Word writer/producer Justin Ebach, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Word Music Publishing’s Chad Segura. Photo: Ed Rode

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Kay Clary

Kay Clary is stepping down from her post as BMI, Executive Director, Media Relations. Her last day with the performing rights organization will be Friday, Nov. 16.

Clary says, “I’m leaving BMI after seven wonderful years serving songwriters and publishers from the vantage point of the corporate communications department. I’ll do the hippie-beatnik thing for a few months to recharge before launching into a creative new career path. I wouldn’t dream of leaving Nashville at such an exciting time as this so please stay in touch and tuned-in via my Facebook page, email kay.clary@gmail.com, or my cell (615) 585-5321.”

BMI, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Jody Williams adds, “Kay Clary is a treasure. She has deep musical knowledge, impeccable taste in current artists, and is one of Nashville’s taste makers if there ever was one. She utilized her PR skills at BMI with class and precision and is a huge reason we have remained strong here in Nashville and beyond. Kay is also one of the most elegant and enjoyable co-workers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. We will surely miss her, but wish her nothing but joy and success in the future.”

Clary’s career also includes heading her own media company, Commotion PR, where the roster included Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs, Billy Joe Shaver, Bruce Robison, the Del McCoury Band and Legacy Recordings. Previously, Clary directed media campaigns for artists including Ron Sexsmith, Radney Foster, Jack Ingram and Hoodoo Gurus. Throughout the ‘80s, Clary was a partner in Praxis International, where along with Jack Emerson and Andy McLenon, she managed the careers of Jason and the Scorchers, the Georgia Satellites, Webb Wilder, Steve Forbert, Billy Joe Shaver and others. Clary graduated from Belmont University. She is active with the Belcourt Theatre, the Americana Music Association and is an alumna of Leadership Music.

BMI is accepting applications for the media relations department here.

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Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet

Nashville-based roots label Compass Records has signed Grammy Award-winning Cajun group BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. The band has begun working on its Compass debut album From Bamako to Carencro, due out in early 2013.

The title refers to to the cultural connections between Bamako, Mali and Carencro, outside Lafayette, Louisiana, but musically it will explore even further. “BeauSoleil has brought Cajun/Creole-rooted music to the world since 1975, and Nashville and the land of the bayous have been sharing musicians and songs since the early 1920s. I’m looking forward to expanding and retelling some of these musical occurrences on our new Compass release,” says Doucet.

Band leader Doucet previously collaborated with Compass on the Fiddlers 4 album with Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, and Rushad Eggleston in 2002.

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Fellow Louisianan and soul singer Marc Broussard has signed a recording agreement with Vanguard Records. Broussard’s new album A Life Worth Living, which pays tribute to the singer’s late grandmother, will be released in early 2013. He also has one upcoming tour stop scheduled for Wednesday (11/14) at Yoshi’s in San Francisco.

Broussard is the son of former Boogie Kings guitarist Ted Broussard. He has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, and more.