Music News (04/24/24)

NSAI Celebrates 2023’s Hit Songwriters With Annual ‘World’s Largest No. 1 Party’

Pictured (L-R): Kris Ahrend (CEO, The MLC), Lee Thomas Miller (Board President, NSAI), Scotty Emerick, Ellen Truley (Chief Marketing Officer, MLC), TK Kimbrell (President/Owner, TKO Management), Bart Herbison (Executive Director, NSAI). Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) held its annual “World’s Largest No. 1 Party” on Tuesday (April 25) at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, recognizing the songwriters of 2023’s hits.

The morning celebration was held to honor all songs with a Nashville-associated writer that topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts during the period of January 2023–December 2023. Awards were presented by NSAI representatives Bart Herbison (Executive Director), Lyndsie McClure (Director of Development) and Jill Moody (Director of Membership) for a total of 21 songs who had writers present.

Additionally, NSAI gave its Champion Award to MusicRow Magazine’s Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. The Champion Award recognizes an individual who shows unwavering support of songwriters, and serves as a champion for the music industry as a whole.

Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the event.

Jerry Flowers Inks With Twelve6 Entertainment & Warner Chappell Music

Jerry Flowers. Photo: Brennon Williamson.

Renowned singer-songwriter, producer and musician Jerry Flowers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.

Flowers’ catalog of penned hits includes Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris‘ “Chasing After You,” Sam Hunt’s “House Party,” Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” and many more. He just notched his sixth No. 1 with Hunt’s “Outskirts.” Flowers has also collaborated on tracks such as Hunt’s “Locked Up,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Drive Down Main,” Keith Urban‘s “Straight Line” and many more.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry Flowers over the years. Beyond his undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, and musician, he brings infectious joy and energy to every writer’s room, always keeping the vibe and the tempo up. We’re happy to be working with him alongside the entire Twelve6 team,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville.

“Jerry Flowers is one of the most inspiring writers I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” shares Travis Myatt, President and General Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment. “He radiates originality and energy into the music he creates, pulling from years of experience on some of the largest stages in the world, seeing firsthand what crowds of people want to hear. He has been a mentor to me, and all of the songwriters on the Twelve6 roster. I am honored to continue working with him and furthering our collaborative relationship with Warner Chappell.”

Randall King Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Scott Gunter (Durango Artist Management), Aubrey Landon (Director, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Randall King, Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Clayton Toney (Durango Artist Management). Photo: Emily McMannis-Coleman

Randall King has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

The West Texas native has amassed over 300 million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror,” and has earned acclaim through projects such as 2020’s Leanna and his 2022 major label debut, Shot Glass. 

King released his sophomore album Into The Neon earlier this year, with inspiration drawn from the hues of neon that backlit his career, including the glowing skies in the plains of West Texas where he was raised and the radiant signs of the nearly 150 honkytonks he performs in each year. He is currently headlining shows across the U.S. and has tour dates slated across Europe for later in 2024.

“We are thrilled to champion Randall as he continues to bring a fresh take on traditional country music,” says Aubrey Landon, Director, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “His music resonates with authenticity, and we could not be happier to start this next chapter together.”

“Can’t begin to say how excited I am to be joining Sony Music Publishing,” says King. “It’s a new era of writing for me and I couldn’t have joined a better team!”

Scott Stepakoff Extends Partnership With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Chip Petree, Scott Stepakoff, Lee Krabel, Sam Sarno and Carly Sater

Singer-songwriter Scott Stepakoff has extended his partnership with SMACKSongs.

Stepakoff first signed with the company in 2019. He has collaborated with fellow established songwriters Josh Osborne, Alex Kline, Jason Gantt and Lori McKenna, among others. Stepakoff’s credits include Kip Moore‘s “She’s Mine,” Brandy Clark‘s Grammy-nominated “Love Can Go To Hell” and Kelsey Hart‘s “Life With You,” which is currently climbing the Billboard charts.

“Scott is one of the most prolific and hard-working songwriters in Nashville. SMACK is excited to continue working with Scott and watch his career take off,” says Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President of Publishing, SMACK.

“It’s a no-brainer for me to keep building my career with SMACK,” shares Stepakoff. “Good people who believe in what I do and great writers operating at the top of their game all trying to get better. There is no place I’d rather call home!”