Music News (6/9/21)

Big Loud Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Sign Mark Holman

Pictured (L-R): Michael Giangreco (Big Loud), Austen Adams (Big Loud), Kimberly Gleason (Big Loud), Seth England (Big Loud), Travis Carter (Big Loud), Mark Holman, Christina Wiltshire (Warner Chappell Music), T.D.RUTH (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Music), JOEY MOI (Big Loud). Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

Big Loud Publishing and Warner Chappell Music have teamed up to sign chart-topping songwriter Mark Holman to a co-publishing deal.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Big Loud and Warner Chappell families,” says Holman. “I’ve always admired their creative mentality and ability to push boundaries in the industry. Having a great team is so important to me, and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.”

An Illinois native, Holman began writing and producing in 2008, eventually making the move to Nashville in 2014. He soon scored his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter on Florida Georgia Line’s 2018 hit, “Simple,” and now has two singles at country radio—Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night” and Maddie & Tae’s “Woman You Got.”

Overall, Holman has over 60 cuts from artists across a range of genres, including Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Gary Allan, Three Days Grace, The Struts, Blue October, Halestorm, and Art of Dying. He also has upcoming releases with Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Morgan Evans, Dylan Scott and Daughtry.

“We couldn’t be more excited and honored to welcome Mark into the Big Loud Publishing family, in partnership with the great team at Warner Chappell Music,” explains Big Loud Publishing’s Travis Carter. “As a longtime fan of Mark’s, I’ve always been blown away by his ability to navigate multiple genres with ease in both his songwriting and producing. He’s truly a next-level talent, and we’re really looking forward to building upon his already impressive track record in the country genre and beyond.”

 
Matthew Morrisey Signs With Spirit Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Hannah Hall, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Matthew Morrisey; Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville. (L-R, back row): David Crow, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP; Matthew Beckett, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville

Spirit Music Nashville has signed songwriter/producer Matthew Morrisey to a worldwide publishing deal.

Known for his work in country, pop and Christian genres, Morrisey gained notoriety for producing Lily Rose’s breakout single “Villain,” as well as penning and producing other works in her repertoire.

Morrisey was born and raised in North Carolina. He played in local rock bands in high school which introduced him to writing and producing songs. After completing his education studying music and working full-time in higher education, Morrisey made the move to Nashville.

“Signing with a publishing company like Spirit has been a dream of mine since I made the move to Nashville,” says Morrisey. “My road to this point in my career has been anything but ordinary, so I can’t wait to see where it leads next. This opportunity is such a blessing and I’m humbled to have a home with such an amazing team that champions me like Frank, Derek, Kara, Hannah and the rest of the Spirit family.”

“The first time we heard Matthew’s music, we were big fans. Then we met him and became even bigger fans,” says CEO, Spirit Music Nashville, Frank Rogers. “He is a truly gifted songwriter, producer and musician and a joy to be around. The sky is the limit for Matthew and his music. We are excited to partner with him and help bring his music to the world.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Jimmie Allen Partner To Sign Tate Howell

Pictured (L-R): Anna Weisband, Jimmie Allen, Tate Howell, Rusty Gaston

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Jimmie Allen’s Bettie James Music Publishing have entered a partnership to sign rising songwriter Tate Howell. Howell is the first songwriter to sign with Allen’s newly launched publishing company.

Howell gained prominence as a songwriter and musician through his work as one of Allen’s co-writers and his bass player. He also worked with Allen on his critically acclaimed, star-studded EP Bettie James, including co-writing the powerful hit “Why Things Happen,” featuring the late Hall of Famer Charley Pride and award-winning hitmaker Darius Rucker.

“From the first time I met Tate, he showed me he was motivated and willing to work. Not only is he one of my best friends, but he is also one of the hardest working and kindest people I know,” says Allen. “I feel like when a person comes along as talented as Tate, it’s easy to want to build a business around him. I’m honored to have him as the first signing to Bettie James Music Publishing, and I look forward to watching his career grow as a songwriter.”

“It’s truly surreal to get to work with such a distinct and historic company like Sony Music Publishing! I am so grateful for Anna Weisband and my team over at Sony, my road boss Mr. Jimmie Allen, and my manager Melissa Spillman for working so hard to help me make music and live out my dreams! Here’s to making so much more together,” shares Howell.

Adds Weisband, Sony Music Publishing Nashville VP, Creative, “I have been impressed by Tate’s songwriting from the very first song Jimmie ever played for me. His work ethic, talent, and drive are unstoppable and inspiring! Couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tate to the Sony Music Publishing family.”

 
Barry Dean Earns Eight BMI Million-Air Awards

Pictured (L-R): Rachel Burleson, Abby Holcomb, Emily Furman, Christina Wighton, Shaina Botwin, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Jennifer Dean, Beth Laird, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kelsey Granda. Photo: Steve Lowry

Creative Nation songwriter Barry Dean was recently honored by BMI for receiving eight coveted Million-Air awards, recognizing songs that accumulate over one million U.S. radio broadcast performances.

The songs awarded include “Think A Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “Day Drinking” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), and “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi). The songs “Think A Little Less,” “Pontoon,” and “Day Drinking” all earned Dean two awards each, meaning these songs have garnered over two million broadcast performances since their release.

“It was such an honor to present one of the greatest storytellers of this generation with his BMI Million-Air certificates,” says BMI’s Leslie Roberts, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “Barry is a master craftsman, and also one of the greatest guys you will ever meet. He is so humble and always praising others, so it was incredible to take the time to celebrate Barry’s success!”

“We have been working with Barry Dean since the beginning of Creative Nation almost ten years ago. He is one of the most genuine and talented people I know and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate him and his success!” says Creative Nation CEO, Beth Laird.

 
Centricity Music Signs Hitmaker Brandon Heath

Centricity Music executives with Brandon Heath. Pictured (L-R): Matt Ewald, Director of A&R; Steve Ford, GM; Chad Segura, VP of Publishing; Brandon Heath; John Mays, Sr. VP of A&R; and John Stokes, VP of Sales & Digital Marketing.

Centricity Music, the No. 1 Billboard Top Christian Albums Imprint for the third consecutive year, has signed Brandon Heath to an exclusive, worldwide recording and publishing contract.

A Nashville native, Heath quickly won the hearts of listeners when he released his major label debut in 2006. He is the recipient of eight Dove Awards and was named BMI’s 2014 Christian Songwriter of the Year. Heath has three Billboard No. 1 singles to his credit, including “I’m Not Who I Was,” “Your Love” and the RIAA Platinum-certified “Give Me Your Eyes.” He has earned five Grammy nominations, an American Music Award nod and an Emmy Award.

“The Centricity team feels like the perfect partner for me right now,” says Heath. “Their fearlessness and nimble spirit frees me up to be creative. The music’s never been better and it feels like I’ve landed in the right place.”

“It is such a privilege to have someone of Brandon’s stature join our team,” says Steve Ford, Centricity Music General Manager. “He brings years of history, experience and relationships with him. We love the music Brandon is writing, the heart he has for his fans and that he is a really good guy.”

“We are so excited to have Brandon join the Centricity Publishing team,” adds Chad Segura, Centricity Music VP of Publishing. “I’m a big fan of him both as a talent, and as a human being. He is an exceptional artist and songwriter, and I can’t wait to see what all we can do together in this next season.”