Music News (3/8/23)

CMA Crowns Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Jody Williams’

Pictured (L-R, back row) Josh Thompson, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, Charlie Handsome, Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Rhett Akins and Ashley Gorley; (L-R, front row) Ben Johnson, Morgan Wallen, Nicolle Gaylon and Ernest Keith Smith were honored at the 13th CMA Triple Play Awards. Not Pictured: Luke Combs, Michael Hardy, Shane McAnally, Chase McGill. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA

The Country Music Association hosted their CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony last week at Saint Elle in Nashville. The ceremony was hosted by CMA Board member and composer, Jim Beavers.

In total, the 16 songwriters awarded trophies this year account for those who achieved these three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period: Rhett Akins, Kurt Allison, Luke Combs, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley (x2), Charlie Handsome, Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson, Tully Kennedy, Shane McAnally, Chase McGill, Thomas Rhett, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen. The award recipients were honored with video packages highlighting their No. 1 songs throughout the night.

In addition to presenting the Triple Play Awards, CMA also honored Music Row veteran Jody Williams with the 2022 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. The award was created to recognize an individual who has dedicated their life to supporting and advancing the art of songwriting and careers of songwriters.

Read more about the evening here.

Lindsay Rimes Renews Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured (L-R, back row): Tom Luteran, Kenley Flynn, Aubrey Rupe, Synnovea Halsel and Dale Bobo. (L-R, front row): Josh Van Valkenburg, Lindsay Rimes and Rusty Gaston.

Lindsay Rimes has renewed his worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

A native of Surry Hills, Australia, Rimes’ songs have been recorded by Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Phillip Phillips, Dylan Scott, LoCash, The Cadillac Three, Tyler Rich, Canaan Smith and The Shires. He co-penned Kane Brown‘s quadruple Platinum single “Heaven,” which reached No.1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart and collected over a billion total streams.

Rimes has had success across other genres as well, with contributions on Troye Sivan‘s 2014 EP TRXYE, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as Kylie Minogue‘s 2018 album Golden, which entered the charts at No. 1 in the U.K and Australia.

Rimes recently co-wrote and produced Nate Smith’s “Whiskey on You,” which scored two consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

“Lindsay’s star has been steadily rising over the last few years, and it’s been amazing to watch him succeed and grow creatively beyond genres,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville EVP, Creative Josh Van Valkenburg. “He’s a very important member of our Sony team, and we are elated to continue our partnership with him.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about continuing my journey with the Sony family,” says Rimes. “I consider Josh and Rusty and the whole team to be simply the best at what they do.”

Alex Kline Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

Alex Kline. Photo: Sam Frawley

Songwriter and producer Alex Kline has signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Kline smashed the glass ceiling in 2021 when she became the first solo female producer to achieve a No. 1 at country radio as Tenille Arts’ “Somebody Like That” topped the charts. The song, co-penned by Kline, also made country history by becoming the first No. 1 written, produced, and performed by an all-female team.

In addition to Arts, Kline’s credits include songs recorded by Reba, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ronnie Dunn, and Gary Allan, among others, and she also produced and co-wrote upcoming releases with Tigirlily Gold and Tenille Arts featuring Maddie & Tae.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alex to Curb | Word Music Publishing,” shares Curb | Word Music Publishing chairman Mike Curb. “She is a wonderful addition to our accomplished roster, and we look forward to her bright future.”

Zandi Holup Signs With Arthouse Entertainment, Turntable Music & UMPG

Pictured (L-R): Jim Zumwalt, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ben Johnson (Turntable Music), Zandi Holup, Kara DioGuardi (Arthouse Entertainment), Missy Roberts (UMPG), Gabrielle Kelly (Arthouse Entertainment), Christian Barker.

Zandi Holup signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Arthouse Entertainment and Turntable Music in partnership with Universal Music Publishing.

Holup is a Pennsylvania transplant who began writing songs at 12 years old before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2018, where she co-wrote Kylie Morgan’s “If He Wanted To He Would.” Ben Johnson, Founder of Turntable Music, introduced Holup to Kara DioGuardi, Co-CEO and Founder of Arthouse Entertainment.

“Zandi has the rare gift of telling her story in such a moving way that you instantly feel like her truth relates to you, even if you haven’t lived it exactly as she has,” says DioGuardi. “We are so excited to be a part of her launch.”

Johnson says, “Zandi is an incredible talent and person. We are so excited to be partnering with such a special team to work with such a special artist.”

UMPG Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Missy Roberts comments “Zandi’s honest and authentic songwriting coupled with her standout vocal made an immediate impact on me. Getting to be part of her journey alongside Arthouse and Turntable Music is an absolute dream.”