Music News (4/20/16)

AIMP Nashville Honors Seven During Inaugural Awards

The inaugural Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville awards show took place at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday night (April 18).

The honorees were “Girl Crush” by Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna as AIMP Song of the Year, Lindsey as Independent Songwriter of the Year, SMACKSongs as AIMP Publisher of the Year, Brad Tursi as Rising Independent Writer of the Year, Jody Williams and Robin Palmer as a tie for AIMP Song Champion of the Year, Old Dominion as indie Artist/Writer of the Year, and “Take Your Time” by Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally as the Top Spot awardee (the most-streamed independent country song).

MusicRow subscribers can read more of Bobby Karl’s reporting at MusicRow.com.

 

BMI Adds Sr. VP/Chief Information Officer, Swaps Executive Director Post

Eddie Gulley has joined BMI as Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. He will be based in BMI’s Nashville office. In this role, Gulley is responsible for BMI’s strategy and leadership in technology innovation, product and application development, network operations and project management. He reports to President and CEO Mike O’Neill.

Also at the PRO, news broke that Mark Mason has resigned from his post as executive director at the PRO. Leslie Roberts fills the role as of this year.

 

Big Yellow Dog Music Hires Matt Lindsey

Big Yellow Dog Music President Carla Wallace has announced the hiring of Matt Lindsey as VP, Creative.

Lindsey was part of the core team at Forerunner Music, Little Shop of Morgan Songs and Mel Tillis Enterprises before embarking on a decade-long successful business of copyright exploitation and representation.

Big Yellow Dog Music is home to such writers as Josh Kear, Meghan Trainor, Maren Morris, Jessie James Decker, Logan Mize, Adam Sanders, Claire Guerreso and many more.

 

Songwriter Jeff Pardo Renews Publishing Deal With Capitol CMG Publishing

Songwriter Jeff Pardo has extended his worldwide publishing deal with Capitol CMG Publishing.

Pardo has garnered success with songs recorded by Christian music headliners Mandisa, Francesca Battistelli, Laura Story, Danny Gokey, and Josh Wilson, as well as mainstream artists Lady Antebellum, Ben Rector and Hillary Scott. Pardo’s background includes a time as a session player, touring musician, and producer.

His accomplishments range from earning top 10 AC singles performed by Rhett Walker Band (“When Mercy Found Me”), Mandisa (“Waiting for Tomorrow”), and Francesca Battistelli (“If We’re Honest”); developing and co-penning over 30 songs with Capitol CMG artist Josh Wilson; and crafting “30,000 Feet” recorded by Ben Rector.

SESAC Signs Sarah Dunn

Sarah Dunn of the Sarah Dunn Band has signed with performing rights organization SESAC. Dunn is in the studio finishing up her sophomore release.