Music News (10/24/18)

This Week On MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart

MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Songwriter Josh Osborne moves back to No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week after diverting to No. 2 last week, ending an impressive 13-week consecutive run in the top spot. The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, publishes the top 60 country songwriters every Monday, using algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. Visit MusicRow.com for the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Julian Bunetta, John Ryan And Big Deal Music Group Partner To Form Big Family Music

Pictured (L-R): Casey Robison, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Damon Bunetta, Kenny MacPherson Photo: Beth Herzhaft

Julian Bunetta and John Ryan are joining forces with Big Deal Music Group to form a new company, Big Family Music. Based in Los Angeles, the new enterprise will be co-owned by Bunetta, Ryan, Big Deal Music Group and Family Affair Productions, a company founded originally by Julian Bunetta, his younger brother Damon, and their father Peter. Damon Bunetta and Big Deal partner Casey Robison will be co-CEOs of the new enterprise.

Between them, Julian and John are responsible for co-writing and/or producing dozens of hits by artists such as One Direction, John Legend, David Guetta, Thomas Rhett, Harry Styles, Maroon 5, Niall Horan, Pitbull, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, Fifth Harmony, and many others.

 
Keesy Timmer Inks Deal With Average ZJS Music Publishing

(L-R:) Rachel Owens, Creative Director, Average ZJS Music Publishing; Keesy Timmer; Leslie Roberts-Dabrowiak, BMI; Noah Gordon, VP/A & R, Average ZJS Music Publishing

Keesy Timmer has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Nashville-based Average ZJS Music Publishing, a division of Average Joes Entertainment. Timmer’s signing marks the first time the company has signed a staff writer outside of the Average Joes Entertainment label roster.

Originally from Washington State, Timmer relocated to Nashville in 2004. A gifted storyteller, artist and writer, Timmer’s songwriting credits include co-writing Kelsea Ballerini’s gold-certified 2016 hit, “Yeah Boy,” which was released from Ballerini’s debut album, “The First Time,” and remained on the Top 40 charts for nine months.

 
Black River Entertainment Signs Willie Jones

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Black River’s VP of Marketing Tanya Welch, VP of Business Operations Emily Hungate, Attorney Lauren Kilgore, Black River’s VP of A&R; Doug Johnson, Catalog Manager Rachael Skvorak, Artist Manager Jonnie Forster, Black River’s Revenue and Streaming Derek Anderson, Creative Manager Katie Barolak, Sr. Creative Manager Eric Hurt, Attorney Christian Barker, Black River’s EVP Rick Froio, Sr. VP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson, Head of Media and Public Relations Dawn Delvo.
(Front Row, L-R): Black River’s President & CEO Gordon Kerr, Willie Jones, VP of Publishing Dave Pacula.

Black River Entertainment has added songwriter/artist Willie Jones to its roster. The Shreveport, Louisiana, native began dreaming of becoming a country artist at age 11.

Jones, who is managed by Jonnie Forster, recently released his first single, “Runs In Our Blood.” Jones has toured on the MAGcon Tour featuring artists including Cameron Dallas, Nash Grier, Shawn Mendes and more.