Music News (7/23/14)

Zavitson Music Group recently signed songwriter and producer Adam B. Smith to an exclusive publishing deal. Smith is most known for his work in the pop/rock world with artists such as Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves and Randy Jackson, but is now also working in the Country genre.

Pictured (L-R): Dave Hopper (Smith’s manager), Zavitson Music Group’s Lauren Miller, Russ Zavitson, Beverly Miller, Eric Hurt, songwriter Adam B. Smith, Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP); Johnny Gradone (Zavitson Music Group)

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Sonya Rae Taylor signed with BMG Chrysalis and Franklin Publishing/Writer Management. The ASCAP writer comes to Music City via Boston and Austin, and participated in the Austin Songwriter Symposium in January 2014, where she was a major standout. Franklin Publishing and BMG Chrysalis are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort.

Pictured (L-R): BMG Chrysalis’ Sara Knabe and Chris Oglesby (seated), LeAnn Phelan (ASCAP), Darrell Franklin (Franklin Publishing/Writer Management), BMG Chrysalis’ Kevin Lane and Kos Weaver, and Sonya Rae Taylor

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Will Hamrick

Young Guns Publishing has hired Will Hamrick to serve as Operations Manager of the company. The newly created role encompasses finance, company operations, and industry relations.

“Cliff [Downs, Young Guns’ President] has done a remarkable job signing and developing new talent, and taking them to the next level,” said Hamrick. “I look forward to helping build the Young Guns brand.”

Previously of HitShop Records, Hamrick can be reached here: will@younggunspublishing.com.

Young Guns, a part of the Ramblin Music Group, has a roster of ten songwriters.

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The July installment of the ASCAP “We Create Music” showcase series was held on Wednesday, July 16 at The Basement in Nashville. The showcase featured Wrensong/Reynsong songwriter-artist Jacob Davis, songwriter-artist and hit ABC television series Nashville star Jonathan Jackson, up-and-coming songwriter-artist Josh London, and emerging songwriters Doug Brown and Gavin Slate. The popular monthly showcase series was designed to highlight ASCAP’s “best of the best” within the thriving Nashville songwriting community.

Pictured (l-r): Gavin Slate, Josh London and bandmates, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Richard Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Jacob Davis and Doug Brown. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.

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BMI will hold its second annual BMI Stage at the LouFest Music Festival this year. The fifth annual LouFest Music Festival, located in St. Louis, will featured nearly 40 bands performing funk, alt-country, soul, indie rock, and much more. The festival runs from Sept. 6-7, 2014.

Appearing on the BMI Stage are (in order of appearance):

• Colin Lake – Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1p.m.
• The Jane Shermans – Sept., Sept. 6 at 2:45p.m.
• Alanna Royale – Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4:30p.m.
• Roadkill Ghost Choir – Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6:30p.m
• Black Pistol Fire – Saturday, Sept. 6 at 8:30p.m.
• Old Salt Union – Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1p.m.
• Dylan McDonald & The Avians – Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2:45p.m.
• Marc Scibilia – Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4:30p.m.
• AJR – Sunday, Sept. 7 at 6:30p.m.
• Kopecky Family Band– Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8:30p.m.