Music News (7/20/16)

Travis Denning Signs Deal With ole, RED Creative Group

Pictured (L-R): Shellien Kinsey, ole, Creative Admin. Manager; Brooke Antonakos, RED Creative Group, VP of Creative; Jeremy Stover; Travis Denning; John Ozier, ole, VP of Creative; Mike Whelan, ole, Sr. Creative Director; Ben Strain, ole, Creative Director; Emily Mueller-Olson. ole, Creative Manager

ole and RED Creative Group LLC have signed a deal with songwriter Travis Denning that gives ole exclusive administration rights to his music.

Originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, Denning moved to Nashville in 2014. Within a year, he signed his first publishing deal with Jeremy Stover’s RED Creative Group. Stover is an ole songwriter and record producer.

Denning has secured two cuts on Justin Moore’s upcoming album, Kinda Don’t Care. He also co-wrote Chase Rice’s new single, “Everybody We Know Does.” His songs have been recorded by Jason Aldean and newcomer Jordan Rager.

Marty Dodson Signs With SNG Music

Pictured (L-R): SNG’s Steve Leslie, Marty Dodson, SNG’s Gary Reamey Photo: Courtesy of SNG Music

Songwriter Marty Dodson has joined the roster of SNG Music, LLP, a publishing company co-founded by Steve Leslie and Gary Reamey in 2014.

Dodson has had more than 100 songs cut from artists such as Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and The Plain White T’s.

His country hits include Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Let Me Down Easy,” and Rascal Flatts’ “While You Loved Me.” He’s also had success in Asia with the song “Bounce” recorded by Cho Yong Pil.

Starstruck Writers Group, 10,000 Hours Extend Deal With Alex Kline

Pictured (L-R): Cliff Williamson, Starstruck Entertainment; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Courtney Allen, Starstruck Entertainment; Alex Kline; Erin Enderlin, 10,000 Hours; Neil Zacharuk, 10,000 Hours

Starstruck Writers Group and 10,000 Hours have renewed their co-publishing agreement with producer/songwriter Alex Kline.

Most recently, Kline produced Tara Thompson’s debut EP on Valory Music Co. She co-wrote the first single, “Someone to Take Your Place,” as well as three of the other songs. Kline also co-produced, programmed, and co-wrote Maggie Rose’s current single “Same Sky.” Her songs have been recorded by Jess Moskaluke and Lonesome River Band; she has produced Scott Stevens and Australian artist Adam Brand.

Kline also produced Erin Enderlin’s sophomore release, I Let Her Talk.

Green Hills Music Group Signs Mary Haller

Pictured (L-R): Woody Bomar, Mary Haller, Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Jill Block

Boston songwriter Mary Haller has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Green Hills Music Group.

She was introduced to Green Hills president Woody Bomar by Sheree Spoltore, president of songwriter career development company Global Songwriters Connection.

Green Hills Music Group also markets the music of Bob Regan, Steve Mitchell, Danika Portz, Rich Karg, Bonnie Baker, Steve Williams and Georgia Middleman.

BMI Signs ‘The Voice’ Contestant Chance Peña As Affiliate

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI songwriter Chance Peña, Chance’s mother Michelle Peña and Secret Road’s Wayne Davis.

Chance Peña, contestant on season 9 of NBC’s The Voice, stopped by the BMI Nashville office on July 12 to officially sign as an affiliate. Chance is a Secret Road Music Publishing writer and developing artist. Peña also performed at The Basement later that day.

Peña is a Tyler, Texas, native who wowed The Voice judges with a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” He began playing guitar at 8 years old, and by 11, he had begun writing songs and performing in local bars and barbecue joints. Now a teenager, he eventually added banjo, ukulele and cajón to his musical arsenal.