Music News (5/3/23)

Graham Barham Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music

Graham Barham

Rising singer-songwriter Graham Barham has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.

The Lousiana native developed his talent for singing, songwriting and playing guitar at the age of 10. Now based in Nashville, Barham draws musical inspiration from his upbringing on his family’s farm.

He garnered a strong social media following with his viral hit “Preachers Need People,” which led to his first distribution deal with Virgin.

Barham’s most recent release, “Beer By My Bed,” shows how he’s grown as an artist thus far. Expressed through his twangy vocals and heartfelt writing, his songs are about the man he is trying to become.

This reflection comes from a very personal space for Barham, as he moved to Nashville at the age of 18 to pursue music and began writing for other artists. His signature balance of honesty and humor defines his lyrical prowess. Mostly produced by songwriter and producer Will Bundy, Barham’s debut project delivers a bittersweet and relatable perspective of a young southern guy just finding his way.

Marti Dodson Signs With Kobalt Music

Pictured (L-R): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Stephanie Cox, Marti Dodson and Kobalt’s Morgan Brasfield

Singer-songwriter Marti Dodson has signed with Kobalt Music.

A native of Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Dodson founded pop/rock band Saving Jane as a student at Ohio State University. The group went on to become one of the highest charting independent acts of the 2000’s with Dodson penning two Gold Singles for the group.

She also wrote the theme song and debut single for the winners of the German television show Popstars, and achieved two more Gold records in the following years. Dodson scored CCM hits with Blessid Union of Souls and Brandy Allison as well as Bluegrass hits with Dale Ann Bradley and Kristy Cox. Julie Roberts also cut her song “Girl Next Door.”

Since moving to Nashville in 2013, Dodson has had cuts with Luke Bryan, Gabby Barrett, The Shires, Thompson Square, Terri Clark and more. Her songs have also been featured in shows and commercials and served as theme music for television personality Rachael Ray, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin and tattoo artist Kat Von D.

Cam Montgomery Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Relative Music Group

Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (SMP Nashville, CEO), Caroline Bouldin (RMG, Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Dennis Matkosky (RMG, Partner), Hardy (RMG, Partner), Cameron Montgomery, Jesse Matkosky (RMG, Partner). Photo: Lily Nelson

Cam Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group.

Montgomery has made a name for himself as an in-demand hitmaker across a wide range of genres, penning songs for artists including Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, 24kGoldn, Hardy, Winona Oak, Nelly, Walker Hayes, Kira Kosarin, Justin Moore and others.

Some of his recent cuts include Morgan Wallen’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “I Wrote The Book,” as well as Hardy’s “.30-06” featured on his album The Mockingbird & The Crow, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

“We are already rocking with Cam and can’t wait to hear the next song,” says Founder, Relative Music Group Dennis Matkosky. “His integrity and skill set enables him to cross genres with a consistent emotional thread and he’s a great human!”

“The first time I wrote with Cam and he sent me the track I thought to myself, ‘Damn, this kid is good.’ A couple of years later he moved to L.A. and I was worried I wouldn’t get to work with him much anymore,” says Hardy. “But by the grace of god, he’s back working in Nashville and I am so honored to be able to sign a producer/writer as talented as Cam. He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and he’s willing to work hard. We’re excited to watch him grow and can’t wait to hear what he turns in. Welcome back to town Cam.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Relative Music and SMP family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Dennis, Jesse [Matkosky] and Hardy,” says Montgomery. “I’m very lucky to be a part of a team that wants to help foster my growth as a writer/producer in both Los Angeles and Nashville. Hardy and I have also been longtime friends and collaborators so this feels like a very full circle moment. Can’t wait for what’s ahead with this team.”

Tape Room Music Promotes Three Team Members

Pictured (L-R): Blain Rhodes, Kelly Bolton and Caroline Hodson

Tape Room Music, the award-winning publishing and artist development company founded by hitmaker Ashley Gorley, has promoted Blain Rhodes to President, Kelly Bolton to Senior Vice President, A&R and Caroline Hodson to Manager, A&R.

Tape Room’s current roster of writers include Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Brad Clawson, Zach Crowell, Ben Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Jordan Rowe, Savana Santos, Andy Sheridan and Will Weatherly. With plans to grow in 2023, the company has amassed three Grammy nominations, won 15 ASCAP Country Awards and three CMA Song of the Year Nominations.

In 2022, Tape Room celebrated eight weeks of topping the radio charts, with two year-end No. 1 songs. Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Phelps and Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Additionally, Tape Room published the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt,” Crowell and Phelps were recipients of the CMA Triple Play Awards in 2022 and Johnson was named a Triple Play recipient this year. Phelps and Gorley are also currently up for the Songwriter of the Year title at this year’s ACM Awards.

“I’m so proud of our staff and the growth of Tape Room over the last five years,” shares Gorley. “We have celebrated some great achievements, but we are just getting started and I’m excited to keep crushing it!”