Music News (6/10/20)

Jody Williams Launches New Publishing Venture With Warner Chappell Music

Jody Williams. Photo: John Paul-Bruno

Jody Williams has returned to music publishing after a 14-year run as VP, Creative for performing rights organization BMI (his third run at the company).

Williams has launched Jody Williams Songs in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, to develop writers and artist-writers, secure covers, source legacy catalogs and represent select Warner Chappell Music catalogs for pitching. Jody Williams Songs will represent Ashley McBryde, Nathan Chapman, Jeremy Spillman and Greg Bates, and will also represent Pat McLaughlin in a writer management/publishing role.

Former Curb|Word Music Publishing Creative Director Nina Jenkins will serve as Creative Director for Williams’ new publishing company.

Nashville native Williams has spent more than four decades in Nashville’s music community, including serving as President for MCA Music Publishing Nashville, as well as roles at Tree Publishing, Chappell Music and Screen Gems Music. In 1999, he formed Jody Williams Music, where he worked with Liz Rose, Josh Turner, and McLaughlin. JWM’s catalog was later sold to ole Media Management (now called Anthem) and contained songs recorded by Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Tim McGraw, Bonnie Raitt, and many others.

Williams is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of CMA and remains a current board member, and is currently a trustee of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
 

Mojo Music And Media, Neil Medley Extend Co-Publishing Relationship

Neil Medley. Photo: Blu Sanders

Mojo Music and Media has extended its exclusive co-publishing partnership with songwriter Neil Medley.

Medley has had songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Tyler Farr with Jason Aldean and more. He has co-written two singles currently at country radio, including “I Don’t Love You” (Lindsay Ell) and “Made For You” (Jake Owen).

“Neil’s lyrical prowess and true song sense combined with his always grinding work ethic makes for a great fit here at Mojo,” said Mojo Sr. Creative Director, Keithan Melton. “Our team is thrilled Neil continues to trust his career and songs to us and we look forward to what lies ahead.”

Medley added, “It was an easy decision to extend my partnership with Mojo. I am proud of the opportunities, the success, and most importantly, the catalog of music this team and I have built in just three short years. I believe we are on to something very special.”

Butch Baker, Mojo Sr. VP adds, “We are so excited to continue our relationship with Neil. We’ve already started this year with a bang and I believe this will be his best year yet. His commitment to a great lyric teamed with a unique melody is only matched by an incredible work ethic. Can’t wait to see what the future holds and I know it will be bright!”

Mojo Music and Media’s Nashville roster also includes Mike Walker, Joe Clemmons and writer/producers Bart Butler and Lalo.
 

SNG Music Promotes Three

Kathleen Mullet, Aubrey Schwartz, Sierra Crider

Publishing company SNG Music has promoted three staffers, Kathleen Mullet, Aubrey Schwartz and Sierra Crider.

Mullet, who joined SNG in 2016, has been promoted to Sr. Director of Licensing and Administration. Schwartz has been with the company since 2017 and has advanced to Sr. Director of Creative. Crider joined SNG in 2019 and will now serve as Manager of Creative and Marketing.

“All of us at SNG Music are proud of the thoughtfulness, drive and determination that these three ladies bring to the office every day,” said SNG Music Managing Partner, Gary Reamey. “They go the extra mile to support our songwriters and are at the core of what makes us a unique independent music publishing company in Nashville.”

Founded in 2014, SNG is a Nashville-based music publishing and theatrical production company with a writer roster that includes Mark Nesler, Marty Dodson, Wyatt McCubbin, Carson Chamberlain, Zarni de Vette, Lee Starr, Oran Thornton, Reamey and David Spangler.
 

Christian Hale Signs With Centricity Publishing

(L-R:) Chad Segura (VP of Publishing), Justin Nicolet (Creative Director of Publishing), Leah Hale, Christian Hale, Alex Diaz (Publishing Coordinator)

Writer/Producer Christian Hale has signed a publishing deal with Centricity Publishing.

A multi-genre songwriter, Hale co-wrote “Yours,” the latest single from Centricity artist Caitie Hurst, and has upcoming singles from Fair Trade artist Jack Cassidy, as well as new Centricity artist Coby James. Hale also has sync placements with Nike, Google, Facebook, Subaru, Fox, NFL, HGTV, TLC, iHeart radio, and more.

The publishing arm of Centricity Music, Centricity Publishing’s writer and artist roster includes Lauren Daigle, Seth Mosley, Jordan Feliz, Paul Duncan, and more.