Music News (6/30/21)
Morgan Wade Inks With UMPG Nashville
Pictured (L-R): UMPG Director A&R Zach Lund and Singer/Songwriter Morgan Wade. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG
Morgan Wade has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Wade’s first full-length album, Reckless, was released earlier this year and showcases her songwriting talent on all 10 tracks. Her current single, “Wilder Days,” is currently at country and Americana radio, and recently earned her the title of SiriusXM’s “Highway Find.” Wade will join Ashley McBryde and Jason Isbell on the road this summer, along with playing numerous festivals including Pilgrimage Music Fest and Rock the South.
“Morgan has a rare mix of authenticity and grit, accompanied with a fresh sound and pop sensibility that blew my mind the first time I heard her music,” says Director A&R, Universal Music Publishing Nashville Zach Lund. “She truly has no ceiling and the UMPG team is beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with her and join the ride.”
“It feels great to have a songwriting home with so many other artists and writers I admire,” shares Wade. “Zach and his team truly understand what I’m about, and I feel very supported by UMPG. I’m thrilled to see where we go from here.”
Grant Gilbert Inks Publishing Deal With River House Artists
Pictured (L-R): Kayla Adkins, Zebb Luster, Grant Gilbert, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Rusty Gaston
Rising singer-songwriter Grant Gilbert has signed a worldwide publishing deal with River House Artists in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
The Texas native launched his music career during his time at Texas Tech when he began playing shows at the Blue Light, a club that helped launch Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen, and William Clark Green. He has gained prominence over the last few years performing with Josh Abbott. He released his EP, Loud and Clear, in 2019 which features his single “Held On To,” and this past March released the Trouble Like Us EP, including the single “I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy.”
“It took one meeting with our team for us to realize Grant was the right fit for River House. His excitement for songs is contagious, and his willingness to absorb knowledge on how to improve in this industry will help him be successful. We couldn’t be more excited to help him grow his catalog of songs and showcase his powerful vocal ability to music fans,” shares VP/General Manager of River House Artists Zebb Luster.
“I am super excited to sign a publishing deal with River House Artists,” says Gilbert. “It feels good to know I have a team behind me that is willing to work hard and believe in me as an artist and songwriter. They already feel like family, and I can’t wait to get to work!”
Warner Chappell Music Nashville Inks Publishing Deal With Alexander Palmer
Alexander Palmer
Warner Chappell Music Nashville has inked a worldwide deal with chart-topping songwriter, producer, and classically-trained pianist Alexander Palmer.
Palmer has landed two No. 1 hits at country radio, including Jason Aldean’s “Got What I Got,” which has garnered over 350 million streams, and Dierks Bentley’s 2x Platinum “Somewhere on a Beach,” which was named ASCAP’s 2017 Song of the Year.
Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Palmer’s craft blends elements of R&B, hip hop, and country. As a BMI songwriter, he currently splits his time between Nashville and LA. Palmer has also seen multi-genre success with credits on Jason Derulo’s 5x Platinum hit “Whatcha Say” and Chris Brown’s 2x Platinum hit “Turn Up the Music.”
“Alexander brings a unique perspective having lived and worked outside of Nashville,” says President & CEO, WCM Nashville Ben Vaughn. “We’re all excited to welcome him to the Chappell family and watch him continue to put his own stamp on the music scene.”
“I’m excited to join such a major player in both country music as well as internationally across the board. Ben and Will Overton made me feel right at home and we hit the ground running,” shares Palmer.
Steve Schnur, EA’s President Of Music, Reveals Heart Behind Music In Video Games [Interview]
Steve Schnur
With immensely popular games like Madden, FIFA, NHL, The Sims, Need For Speed, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and dozens of others, Electronic Arts (EA) has cemented itself as one of the leading gaming companies in the world. As it constantly tries to up the ante and keep its thumb on the pulse of culture, EA and its team are always looking for ways to bring new innovations and experiences to their millions of worldwide players.
As the No. 1 PC game played by female gamers and one of the best selling video games of all time, The Sims has been a major part of pop culture over the past 21 years. In the games’ newest creative endeavor, The Sims 4 will be offering an exclusive limited-time only, in-game musical performance. In a fantasy world where there’s always something to explore, curating in-game concerts through The Sims connects real-world fandoms to a place where gamers can express themselves in a way that is most authentic and meaningful to them. The fully immersive, first of its kind event will be headlined by Grammy nominated pop artist Bebe Rexha with opening acts Glass Animals and Joy Oladokun. The event will be available from June 29 – July 7.
EA’s President of Music Steve Schnur, a Nashvillian, spoke to MusicRow to discuss this new wave of live in-game music programming, the future of Sims Sessions, and EA’s ability to influence and introduce artists to new listeners.
Category: Music News
