Music News (4/13/22)

NSAI Welcomes 2022 Board Of Directors

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recently welcomed its 2022 Board of Directors, including newly elected member Jamie Moore, who began his two-year term.

Jamie Moore. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

Moore is a four-time Grammy nominated songwriter and producer from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. A multi-instrumentalist, he came to Nashville and quickly began rising to the top of Nashville’s songwriting community. He has a catalog of multi-genre hits and songs recorded by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Toby Mac, Chris Lane, Bren Joy, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Morgan Wallen. In 2016, he experienced his first No. 1 with Florida Georgia Line’s “May We All,” and in 2020 had his second No. 1 with Wallen’s “Chasin’ You.”

Current board members who were re-elected to an additional two-year term include Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Chris DeStefano, J.T. Harding, Byron Hill, Josh Kear, Jon Nite, Liz Rose, Jenn Schott and Emily Shackelton. Roger Brown and Lee Thomas Miller were re-elected to one-year terms as Legislative Co-Chairs, Rhett Akins and Caitlyn Smith were re-elected to one-year terms to the Artist Writer board positions, and Brett James was re-elected to a one-year term to the Industry Liaison position.

They are joined by existing board members Kelly Archer, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Anthony Smith, Sharon Vaughn, Laura Veltz and Troy Verges, who all have one year remaining on their term.

“We want to thank these 27 incredible songwriters for their time and commitment to NSAI’s mission,” says Bogard, NSAI Board President. “There are many challenges still ahead in order for American songwriters to achieve fair compensation in the era of the digital delivery of music. This group has offered their time and talents to move this work forward.”
 

Warner Chappell Music Signs Pop Singer-Songwriter Jake Scott

Jake Scott. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Jake Scott has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Scott has penned hits for dozens of artists and has racked up over 500 million global streams in addition to averaging over three million monthly listeners on Spotify alone with his own songs, such as “Like No One Does,” “Tuesdays,” and “Favorite T-Shirt.” His most recent single, “Texas Girl,” a love song for his wife Rachel, marks his first major label release with Elektra Records.

Katy Wolaver, Senior Vice President, A&R, WCM notes: “As a songwriter, Jake has the perfect creative blend of heartfelt penmanship and relentless work ethic, which are key to being successful in this industry. He has created a strong catalog in a short amount of time, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be in business with him as his career is primed to take off.”

A Fayetteville, Arkansas native who is based in Los Angeles, Scott has written for Jason Mraz, Aloe Blacc, Morgan Wallen, Ben Rector and Carrie Underwood. As an artist, he dropped one song per month from the beginning of 2018 until the end of 2020, and sold out his very first headline tour. Scott opened up Lany’s 2021 fall tour and just kicked off 2022 with a 21-date headlining trek across North America.

“The moment I wrote my first song I knew it was all I ever wanted to do,” Scott adds. “I still wake up most days and can’t believe music is my job. It’s a dream come true to say the least. And as anyone in this business will tell you–Warner Chappell is the best of the best. They’re the songwriting family I’ve always wanted to be part of, and that day is finally here. Another dream come true. I’m honored and excited to partner with Warner Chappell and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
 

Jordana Bryant Inks With Riser House Entertainment

Pictured (L-R, top row): Tiffany Dunn, Alex Goodman, Brandon Purdue, Lexi Stringer, Megan Schultz, Seth Mosley; (L-R, bottom row): Jordana Bryant (Singer/Songwriter), Jennifer Johnson (President of Riser House Entertainment)

Breakout country/pop artist Jordana Bryant has signed a record deal with Riser House Entertainment, the home of Mitchell Tenpenny, Ronnie Milsap, and Dillon Carmichael.

Written alongside Zack Kale, Seth Mosley and Allison Veltz, the emerging singer-songwriter will release “Guilty,” her debut single via Riser House, on April 22. Following the single release, Bryant will unveil her full length collection of original songs later this year.

The Pennsylvania native has garnered over 15 million views and counting across her social platforms. Her most popular covers include renditions of music from Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Gabby Barrett, as well as Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s hit single, “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring guest vocals from Dawson Anderson of Temecula Road. Bryant will finish high school a year early this June to pursue her passion of writing and performing music.

“Working with Riser House has been so amazing,” Bryant explains, “I am so honored to have such a fantastic team supporting me and believing in me every step of the way, and I couldn’t be happier to share my new music with the world.”

“Jordana is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters I’ve encountered,” shares Jennifer Johnson, President of Riser House Entertainment. “Her melodies and lyrics are energetic, fresh, and original. I know she will be wildly successful between her impeccable work ethic, originality, and talent. I am absolutely honored to have the opportunity to partner with such a remarkable young woman.”
 

Black River Publishing Adds Bryan Simpson To Writers Roster

Bryan Simpson

Black River Publishing has signed multi-genre hitmaker Bryan Simpson.

Simpson has made his own records as a singer-songwriter with multiple Grammy winners Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and bluegrass giant Ricky Skaggs. He has also toured and recorded with British folk-rock band Mumford and Sons, and has penned several Billboard chart-topping hits such as Blake Shelton‘s “A Guy with a Girl,” Tim McGraw‘s “Better Than I Used to Be,” and Joe Nichols‘ “Yeah.”

“I’ve been a huge believer in Bryan and his songs for the better part of a decade,” Black River Vice President of Publishing, Rebekah Gordon notes. “His lyrics are compelling, his melodies fresh, and his artistry unmistakable. Bryan is a proven hitmaker, and I’m so thrilled that he is partnering with us at Black River for this next chapter of his career.”

“I’ve been paying attention to who seems to have that hunger to do something great down around Music Row,” Simpson adds. “Trying to sort out which companies embrace songwriters and songs and not just the parties and accolades. Black River kept coming to the forefront, with Rebekah Gordon leading the charge. It made being a part of what they’ve got going on a real no-brainer for me. I’m excited and grateful that the feeling was mutual.”