Music News (8/4/21)

Relative Music Group And Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Zach Abend

Pictured (L-R): Dennis Matkosky, Zach Abend, Hardy, Jesse Matkosky

Relative Music Group, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has signed Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Zach Abend to a worldwide publishing agreement.

The news of Abend’s addition comes shortly after Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group announced their partnership. Founded in 2017 by father/son duo Dennis and Jesse Matkosky, Relative Music Group has quickly found success with its first signed act, Michael Hardy, who recently became a Partner at the company.

Abend has written songs for artists such as Hardy, Ingrid Andress, Chris Lane, Chris Young, Cale Dodds, Matt Stell, Jess Moskaluke, Filmore, and many more. Recently, he co-wrote “Boyfriend” from Hardy’s critically acclaimed 2020 album A Rock; “Anything But Love,” featured on Ingrid Andress’ Grammy-nominated album Lady Like; and Bailey Bryan’s viral TikTok single “Play W/ Me.” Abend also wrote on and produced Filmore’s debut album State I’m In.

Abend sums, “I’m thrilled to join the family, and work alongside Dennis and Jesse Matkosky and the rest of the Relative Music Group team. It means a lot to get to work with other creatives who are strong believers in me and what I bring to a song. Hardy has also become one of my good buddies over the last few years, so it will be exciting to continue to watch him grow as an artist and writer from the home team bench.”
 

Maddie & Tae, Breland, Charlie Worsham, More To Appear On Season 2 Of Words & Music

Pictured (clockwise): Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth, Breland, Charlie Worsham, Maddie & Tae

On Thursday, Aug. 5, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will premiere season two of Words & Music at Home, which provides free digital programming and resources to encourage audiences of all ages to try songwriting as a way of self-expression. Season two includes a new slate of in-depth conversations with Maddie & Tae, Breland, Charlie Worsham, and a live co-write with Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth with support from Adam Ollendorff and Kevin Dailey.

The artists share their perspectives on their creative processes and the stories behind some of their hits during the episodes, which will premiere on YouTube every Thursday at 7 p.m. CST througout August. Viewers are encouraged to participate in the songwriting process by submitting ideas via the comments section during the live YouTube broadcast. The programs will also be available to view on-demand on the museum’s YouTube channel, Facebook and website.

Words & Music at Home launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a component of the museum’s flagship educational Words & Music program, which has taught songwriting to more than 150,000 people since its inception in 1979. The digital songwriting initiative is designed to reach those interested in songwriting anywhere, at any time.

Through instructional tools and inspirational programming, Words & Music at Home serves writers at all stages of their songwriting journey, from beginners to practiced writers looking to take their craft to the next level. The program shares the richness of country’s songwriting tradition, while teaching participants to share their own stories, memories, hardships and dreams in song form.

Click here to view more information on the upcoming episodes.
 

Deluge Music Launches East Music Row, LLC

Pictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, President Deluge Management; Emily Dryburgh, Creative Director Deluge Music; Johnny Gates; David Robkin, Managing Member Deluge Music. Photo courtesy of Deluge Records.

Deluge Music has launched East Music Row, LLC–a joint venture with parent company Deluge Records specifically created to support artist Johnny Gates and the production, distribution, and marketing of his original music, as well as touring, merchandise, sponsorships, and more. The joint venture will be releasing Gates’ new single “Over You”on Aug. 13, with a full EP set for release in September.

Gates first signed an exclusive publishing deal with Deluge Music in May of 2020 and will continue to be managed by Deluge’s Emily Dryburgh and David Robkin, and supported by Deluge Management, LLC.

“Johnny is an amazing writer, vocalist and performer. His musical experience in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York has been the foundation for his unique, cross-genre music,” says Robkin. “We are thrilled to launch East Music Row and continue to support Johnny’s career.”

“As an artist who has always been caught in between East Nashville and Music Row, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to not just embrace that–but double down on it,” shares Gates. “East Music Row represents what’s been happening in Nashville for a few years now, and I’m thankful to be a part of a label that is artist-focused, open minded, and ready to shake things up. Deluge has quickly become a home for me, and I’m really excited to launch this next chapter with David and the rest of the Deluge team.”
 

AIMP To Host Royalty Q&A Webinar With Stefanie Taub

Stefanie Taub

AIMP will be hosting a Royalty Q&A webinar with AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund CEO, Stefanie Taub, on Aug. 5 at 4:30 p.m. To register for the free webinar, click here.

Throughout the afternoon, Taub will be explaining and answering questions regarding the oftentimes confusing world of royalties, including what they are, who is entitled to them, how to access them, and more.

She will also be discussing the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund (“The Fund”), a nonprofit that collects and distributes royalties to non-featured musicians and vocalists on sound recordings. Since its inception, The Fund has distributed over half a billion dollars in royalties.
 

Marty Stuart Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Lance Freed (President Sheltered Music Publishing), Marty Stuart, Darrell Franklin (SVP Sheltered Music Publishing)

Marty Stuart has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Sheltered Music Publishing.

A five-time Grammy-winner, Platinum recording artist, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Americana Music Association, Grand Ole Opry star, country music archivist, photographer, musician, and songwriter, Stuart was also most recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 in the Modern Era Artist category.

Among his current projects are Songs I Sing In The Dark, a collection of songs recorded acoustically at Stuart’s former home outside of Nashville. An upcoming project Altitude, with his Fabulous Superlatives band, is also ready for release, and he and the Fabulous Superlatives are also putting the finishing touches on a yet-untitled cinematic surf record.

“When it’s all said and done, the most important thing is the song,” states Stuart. “What often invites a great song into the room is an inviting, creative atmosphere, hosted by caring, musical people. You will not find any more loved and respected song men than Lance Freed and Darrell Franklin. Such pros, their track records say it all. It is such an honor to join forces with them.”