Music News (6/29/16)

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Reveals 12 Nominees

The nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame have been announced. On the ballot are Aaron Barker, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Frank Dycus, Alex Harvey, Jim McBride, Gary Nicholson, Jim Rushing and Russell Smith.

Additionally, nominees in the Songwriter/Artist category include: Arthur Alexander, Amy Grant, Townes Van Zandt and Tony Joe White.

The selection for the Veterans category is underway. Because it is an in-house process separate from the ballot, only the winner is announced.

There will be four inductees in the class of 2016: two songwriters, one veteran, and one songwriter/artist. The inductees will be announced in July.

Joel Crouse Signs With Iconic Entertainment Group

(Pictured L-R): IEG’s Fletcher Foster, Joel Crouse, IEG’s Larry Beckwith

Iconic Entertainment Group (IEG) has signed Joel Crouse to a publishing and management deal. The IEG roster also includes Kelsea Ballerini and Levi Hummon.

Crouse formerly recorded for Show Dog-Universal. He released the Top 40 country single “If You Want Some” in 2013, followed by an album in 2014. His new music will take a “harder-rock” direction, according to the management company. In addition to writing on his own, Crouse has been writing with Desmond Child, Marti Frederiksen, Lincoln Parris and Jeffrey Steele.

Songwriter Pete Sallis Signs To Demolition Music

Pictured (L-R): Jon D’Agostino, President, Demolition Music; Pete Sallis

Demolition Music Publishing has signed songwriter Pete Sallis. His songwriting credits include Ronnie Dunn’s “Once” and Maddie & Tae’s “Shut Up and Fish.”

Alexander Palmer Signs With BMI

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriter Alexander Palmer and BMI’s Bradley Collins

Alexander Palmer is one of the newest songwriters signed to BMI. He visited the PRO’s Nashville office on June 14 to celebrate. Palmer was born in Germany and now resides in Los Angeles. He received his first No. 1 country single as a co-writer of Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere on a Beach,” for which he received a MusicRow Challenge Coin with co-writers Michael Tyler, Jaron Boyer, Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda. Palmer has also worked with Iggy Azalea, Jason Derulo and Chris Brown.

SESAC Writer Matt Willis Signs With Diamond Eye Music

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Diamond Eye Music’s Chris Burch, Willis, Diamond Eye Music’s Alyssa Adams & Callie Benjamin, and SESAC’s Liz Cost. Photo: Peyton Hoge

SESAC-affiliated artist/songwriter Matt Willis has signed with Diamond Eye Music for publishing representation. Willis moved to Nashville from Navarre, Ohio, in 2008 to pursue a full-time career in songwriting. His song “Backseat Driver” was recorded by William Michael Morgan for the singer’s debut on Warner Bros. Records.

Wixen Music Publishing Signs Agreement For John Prine Songs

John Prine

Wixen Music Publishing has signed an administration and song placement agreement with John Prine, going into effect Friday (July 1). The agreement includes all songs that Prine controls, including fan favorites like “Lake Marie,” “Unwed Fathers” and “One Red Rose.”

With an office in Los Angeles and a sister company, Wixen Music UK Ltd. in London, the companies administer the song catalogs of artists including the Doors, Neil Young, Tom Petty, The Black Keys, Andrew Bird, and Fitz & The Tantrums.