Music News (06/12/24)

Warner Chappell Promotes Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Warner Chappell Music has elevated seasoned A&R executive Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to Vice President, A&R and Digital.

Stevenson has worked with some of country music’s most influential songwriters, including Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, Morgan Wallen, Randy Montana, Little Big Town and more. She will continue reporting to Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, as she strategizes around new and innovative opportunities for writers.

“The past eight years at Warner Chappell have been extremely educational and rewarding,” Stevenson says. “I feel blessed to continue to learn from the best in the business—from Admin and A&R teams to our world-class roster of songwriters and artists. Getting to fight for songs from inception to reception is my favorite part of publishing, and I look forward to finding new ways to develop and support our roster and their songs.”

Vaughn shares, “Jessi has always shown commitment to songwriters, helping them with their craft and careers. She is always thinking of new ways to support songwriters and is a wonderful team player. We’re happy to announce her promotion.”

The Nolensville, Tennessee native earned her Bachelor’s degree in music business at Belmont University. Prior to joining Warner Chappell, she worked across various facets of the industry in both Nashville and Los Angeles including stints at CMT, Warner Brothers Records, Bill Silva Entertainment and SoundExchange. In 2015, she formed JV Writer Management where she provided creative support for award-winning songwriters Alexander and Jon Randall, among others.

Jon Hume Signs Co-Publishing Agreement With Big Machine Music

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar, BABZ Founder/CEO & Big Machine Music Consultant Hannah Babitt, Jon Hume, New Tribe Management’s Kit Hume, Big Machine Music SVP of Publishing Alex Heddle. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music

Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Jon Hume has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.

The Australia native now calls Nashville home while continuing to write for and produce projects in Los Angeles and overseas. As a co-writer and producer of the Dean Lewis hits “Be Alright,” “Half A Man” and the 2024 ASCAP Pop Award-winning song “How Do I Say Goodbye,” Hume has also penned songs for Sofi Tukker, Bebe Rexha, JP Cooper, Needtobreathe and Calum Scott, as well as forthcoming songs with David Kushner and Bishop Briggs.

Hume’s top syncs include the theme song “Don’t Forget” for the hit series Welcome to Wrexham and The Croods as well as placements with Apple, BMW and Smartwater. Most recently, he served as a producer for ABC’s American Idol including the latest season 22 winner, Abi Carter.

“With over eight billion streams worldwide as a songwriter, Jon is a global presence who can seamlessly cross genres and deliver syncs for some of the biggest programs and brands,” says BMM’s President, Mike Molinar. “We are honored and privileged to welcome him to the Big Machine Music family!”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Big Machine Music,” shares Hume. “Mike Molinar, Alex Heddle, Hannah Babitt and the team have unbridled energy and creativity and the roster they have assembled speaks for itself.”

Russell Dickerson Recognized With 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates

Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Russell Dickerson and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Erika Goldring

Russell Dickerson was recognized with 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates during his “Good Day Cafe” event with Raising Canes on Thursday (June 6) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The new certifications follow the multi-Platinum artist’s previous chart success with “God Gave Me A Girl” (one million airplays), “Home Sweet” (one million airplays), “Every Little Thing” (two million airplays), “Love You Like I Use To” (three million airplays) and “Blue Tacoma” (three million airplays).

Inspired by his latest single, “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” the event featured exclusive merchandise, a meet-and-greet opportunity and a food truck. Dickerson wrote the new tune with Jesse Frasure, Justin Tranter and Eren Cannata as an ode to his positive outlook on life and to spread the message that every day is worth celebrating.

This summer, he plans to visit the United Kingdom and Europe on his “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” in addition to traveling across the country as a special guest on Sam Hunt’s “Locked Up Tour.”