Music News (9/7/22)

Skip Black Signs With Demolition Music

Pictured (L-R): Lauren Spahn: Shakelford Law, Adam Epstein: Head of A&R, Jon D’Agostino: President of Demolition Music and Staff Writer, Skip Black: Staff Writer, Michael August: General Manager and Staff Writer, Amanda Cooksey: A&R Manager and Head of PR, Alyssa Smeykal: A&R Manager, Shane Barrett: Song Plugger/ Creative Consultant

Skip Black has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Demolition Music.

The North Carolina native moved to Nashville in 2007, and has garnered cuts such as “Boy Like Me” for Aaron Goodvin (No. 1 at Canadian country radio), “Hello Goodbye” by Tyler Farr, “Keep On Fallin’” by Eric Paslay, “Love Drunk” by Locash, “All She Wrote” for Christie Lamb (2 weeks at No. 1 in Australia), the top 20 Billboard hit “Amen” by Edens Edge, and most recently “How You Make A Man” by Craig Morgan.

“Having Skip Black on our team means we have a shot at writing a smash every time he’s in the room. He’s that rare songwriter who elevates every line of every song and never settles for less than what the song deserves.” says President of Demolition Jon D’Agostino.

“I’ve been watching Demolition build their company over the last few years, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of their team. I can’t wait to see all that we can accomplish together!” adds Black.
 

Johnny Clawson Signs With SmackSongs

Pictured (L-R): Sam Sarno, Johnny Clawson, Lee Krabel. Photo: Molly Bouchon

Johnny Clawson has signed a worldwide publishing deal with SmackSongs.

Born and raised in Leesburg, Virginia, Clawson lived in New York City, where he was working in finance. He walked away from his corporate job in 2018 to move to Nashville and pursue his dream of songwriting.

Last year, Clawson released his first single, “Lifetime,” which quickly garnered attention from labels, songwriters and publishing houses in town.

“It is a dream come true to be a part of such an exciting group of creatives,” says Clawson. “After my first meeting with Sam, I knew that she and the rest of the Smack team were the right partners for me in this next stage of my career. I feel incredibly fortunate for this opportunity and grateful that they have taken this leap of faith with me.”
 

Abram Dean Inks With Concord Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Jen Hubbard, Courtney Allen, Matt Turner, Abram Dean, Brad Kennard, and Ashley Nite

Concord Music Publishing has inked a deal with Nashville-based pop and country songwriter Abram Dean, covering all of his future works.

Originally from a small town outside of Richmond, Virginia, Dean began writing songs at 12 years old. He eventually landed in Los Angeles, where he worked with some of the industry’s top talents. In 2015, he decided to move to Nashville and has continuously garnered attention across the pop and country music genres.

Dean’s recent songwriting credits include tracks from MaRynn Taylor’s debut EP Slow Dance in Headlights (2022), Greylan James’ Anything Cold (2022), Dylan Marlowe’s “Where I Come From Coming Out” (2021), Amanda Jordan’s Pretty Girl (2021), and more.

“I feel like I’ve found that ‘home’ that everyone is searching for in this crazy industry,” Dean notes. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with Matt Turner and the rest of the Concord team.”
 

CCMA-Nominated Grant Vogel Joins MV2 Entertainment’s Publishing Roster

Pictured (L-R): Josh Tomlinson – BMI Director, Creative; Tony Harrell – MV2 General Manager; Grant Vogel; David Crow – Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan, PLC; Nicole Sherrill – MV2 Creative Director; Ben Strain – MV2 Senior Creative Director; Jason Turner – Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC. Photo: Courtesy of MV2 Entertainment

MV2 Entertainment has signed CCMA-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Grant Vogel for exclusive publishing representation.

The Memphis native has written and produced songs for Brett Young, David Nail, Tenille Arts, Steve Moakler, Madeline Merlo, Levi Hummon and Dylan Rockoff. He has also composed a top 10 at Canadian country radio for The Washboard Union.

Vogel penned and produced Nail’s current single “Sunset Carousel,” and is currently working with Nail on his upcoming project–as well as several others.

Vogel joins a roster that includes hit writer Josh Thompson (“One Margarita” for Luke Bryan; “Wasted on You” for Morgan Wallen), songwriter and former Walker McGuire duo member Johnny McGuire, singer-songwriter and producer Forrest Finn, and rising artist-songwriters Blake Henderson, Joe Whelan and Andrew Stone.