Music News (10/25/23)

Rhett Akins Earns Multiple BMI Millionaire Certificates During Grand Ole Opry Performance

Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell Music’s Bryce Sherlow, Warner Chappell Music’s Jessi Stevenson, Rhett Akins, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Prolific songwriter Rhett Akins performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage last week. To show off the magic of Nashville, Akins was joined by other hitmakers Jessi Alexander and Brad and Brett Warren in a special songwriter round on stage.

Before the performance, Akins was celebrated by BMI’s Leslie Roberts alongside Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn for his 35 chart-topping hits.

Throughout his career, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) member and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year has garnered more than 68 million spins at radio for artists such as Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Parker McCollum.

Jordan Davis Extends Publishing Deal With Anthem Entertainment

Jordan Davis. Photo: Harper Smith

Jordan Davis has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.

The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter originally signed with Anthem in 2015 and has since gone on to earn six No. 1 singles, six billion-and-counting career streams, numerous industry nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA and Billboard, and an NSAI and CMA Song of the Year win for his multi-week, multi-Platinum No. 1 hit, “Buy Dirt.”

The Louisiana native’s hits include “Next Thing You Know” (CMA Song of the Year-nominated, Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “Buy Dirt” (NSAI and CMA Song of the Year winner, 3x Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “What My World Spins Around,” (2x Platinum, multi-week No. 1), “Take It From Me” ( 2x Platinum No. 1), “Singles You Up” (3x Platinum No. 1), “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot ( 2x Platinum No. 1) and “Almost Maybes” (Platinum-selling top 5). In addition to his own catalog, he has penned songs for other artists including Jake Owen and Old Dominion. His current single, “Tucson Too Late,” from his latest album Bluebird Days album, is currently at country radio.

Bluebird Days was just certified Gold, along with his debut album, Home State, and he is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including Song of the Year for a second consecutive year.

Warner Chappell & Tape Room Music Sign Casey Brown

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Bolton (Tape Room Music), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley (Tape Room Music), Spencer Nohe (WCM) and Caroline Hodson (Tape Room Music). Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) in partnership with Tape Room Music have signed a global publishing deal with songwriter-producer Casey Brown.

Throughout his career, Brown has collaborated with top country music acts such as Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, Lauren Alaina and more. Most recently, the Belmont graduate helped pen Parmalee’s chart-topping single “Girl In Mine.” He also co-wrote and co-produced Russell Dickerson‘s smash hits “Yours,” “Every Little Thing” and “Blue Tacoma.”

“Casey is one of my best friends in the world, but first and foremost, he’s an incredible human, dad, husband and friend. I remember him writing his first songs and learning to produce when we were living together in college. It’s been so rewarding to see how far he’s come in his career and for our paths to finally cross,” shares Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “He’s hands down one of the best producers in country music and has dedicated over a decade investing in songcraft and the community. We’re celebrating his fifth No. 1 country radio hit and he’s just getting started. We’re grateful for our partners at Tape Room on this deal and look forward to celebrating many more hits together!”

Brown shares, “I’m honored and beyond excited to be a part of such a legendary crew with people I have admired and respected for so long. I’ve got my dream team in my corner, and we’re already off to a great start. Looking forward to what’s ahead in the years to come!”

“We are pumped that Casey is a part of the Tape Room family. His work ethic and talent speak for themselves. We just celebrated a No. 1 together and we know there are more on the way!” adds Ashley Gorley, Founder, Tape Room Music.

Porchlight Music Adds Jenny Hall As Senior Director, Creative

Jenny Hall. Photo: Austyn Jablonski

Porchlight Music has added Jenny Hall to the team as Senior Director, Creative.

Hall is an Indiana native and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s music business program. Prior to joining Porchlight, she spent time as Creative Director at Sheltered Music and Given Entertainment.

In her new role, Hall will oversee the direction and development of the current roster which includes Clint Daniels, Tim James, Chris Sligh, Dan Hutson and Terry Lee Palmer as well as new talent acquisitions. She will also oversee the day-to-day creative operations of signing and developing new talent while managing and developing the current roster.

“Jenny is hard-working, goal-oriented and is going to leave her stamp on the music industry. She is in to win it and has already made a substantial impact at Porchlight Music,” shares Tim Medlin, Partner/Co-Founder, Porchlight Music.

“I’m thrilled to be starting this next chapter of my career with Porchlight Music. After my first conversation with Tim, it was evident how truly passionate he is about the songwriters and forward-thinking goals for the company as well as the trust and runway he lends to creatives on both sides of the aisle,” says Hall. “I’m honored to represent the immensely talented roster here and look forward to being a part of the company’s continued growth and success.”