Music News (3/29/23)

Drew Erwin Signs Joint Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Southern Pacific

Pictured (L-R): John Strohm (SPM Business & Legal Advisor), Rod Hare (SPM Co-founder), Erland Wanberg (SPM Co-founder & CEO), Christina Wiltshire (WCM Nashville Sr. Director, A&R), Ben Vaughn (WCM Nashville President & CEO), Jonny Insogna (WME Booking Agent)

Drew Erwin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Southern Pacific Music.

A Memphis native, Erwin ran front of house and managed production for The Band Camino from 150 cap clubs around the world all the way up to Bridgestone Arena with Dan + Shay in 2020, before the pandemic. During that time off the road he settled into a creative routine and got back in touch with his songwriting and artistry. He subsequently toured as bassist for Nashville-based indie rock band Goldpark and electric guitar/back ground vocalist for indie folk artist Hunter Metts in 2021, while continuing to freelance as an audio engineer between runs for acts such as Restless Road and Dylan Schneider.

In 2022, Erwin toured as bassist for American Idol season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, and opened for acts including Luke Bryan and Luke Combs. He is currently collaborating and recording with producer, artist, and guitarist Sadler Vaden, and plans to release new music soon.

Lady Luck Songs Signs Josh London

Pictured (L-R): Lady Luck Songs’ Kim Penz, Josh London, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz

Lady Luck Songs has signed Kentucky-born songwriter Josh London to its roster.

London co-wrote “Like You Do” and “Best Shot,” featured on Jimmie Allen’s debut album.  His other cuts include “That’s How I Grew Up” by Joe Nichols and “Tipping Point” by Drake Milligan, as well as tracks by Kyle Park, Jordan Rager, Brandon Ray and more.

While London pursued his degree at University of Kentucky, he played the local college bars to financially support himself. Six months after his graduation, he moved to Nashville where he started a landscaping business, attended writers rounds and networked throughout the music business.

In 2016, London signed his first publishing deal with Major Bob Music.

Sheree Spoltore Celebrates 10 Years Of Global Songwriters Connection [Interview]

Sheree Spoltore

Sheree Spoltore was raised by music in her home state of Arkansas. Her parents, Jackie and Johnny Young, were touring singers, songwriters and musicians who opened for the likes of Eddie Arnold and Ray Price when they came through their region.

Spoltore’s dad even operated a studio in the Muscle Shoals area at one time, so it was no coincidence that she took up the lifestyle of music as well. After cutting her teeth by singing in church, she went on to tour Europe, perform at Carnegie Hall and even play a presidential inauguration. She also began her songwriting journey while growing up in Arkansas.

Spoltore came to Nashville in 1995 to be part of the music industry. She says, “When you come here, it’s like breathing for the first time. Merle Kilgore, who became my mentor, gave me my first job listening to all the back catalog [at his company.]”

Thus began Spoltore’s habit to hustle. She earned a publishing deal, waited tables at the Nashville Palace and even managed to pitch songs, all while raising three kids. Her talent and charisma brought her multiple opportunities to work on the business side of things as well.

“I was really fortunate to get a world view of the music industry,” Spoltore says. “As a creative director, I got to serve the gifts and talents of legendary writer Chris Gantry, who’s known as a Music Row rogue but is an incredibly talented man.

“Then I worked for Barbara Orbison for several years and she was really good to me. Her world was a very big world and she opened up every door that she had to me,” she adds. “From there I was fortunate enough to work at NSAI for seven years. I really appreciate the opportunity that Bart Herbison gave me there to serve songwriters.”

While at NSAI, Spoltore saw a need that she felt she could help fill in the songwriter community that came through the doors.

“What I noticed was that I was able to create real success for people through one-on-one mentoring,” Spoltore says. “I like to figure out how I can maximize and amplify what makes songwriters unique and what makes them different. I get to dig for treasure. I’m a treasure hunter.”

Thus, in 2013, Spoltore opened Global Songwriters Connection to help connect songwriters to publishers and resources needed to have a successful career. The company provides mentoring, connections, song evaluations and an individualized plan to each of its members.

Click here to read the rest of Spoltore’s interview with MusicRow.