Music News (4/8/26)

NSAI Celebrates Successful 34th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

Sean McConnell, John Eddie and Olivia Wolf perform for a packed room at The Bluebird Cafe (Southbound Tequila Stage). Photo: Jason Davis for Tin Pan South

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival 2026 is in the books, after a successful 34th annual festival featuring hundreds of songwriters in Nashville March 24-28.

With 10 venues, 97 shows and over 300 hours of stories and songs, nearly 12,000 fans experienced unvarnished, intimate performances of current hits, legendary songs, future chart-toppers and anthems that have been cemented in music history. Various last-minute lineup additions and special guest appearances added to the excitement of the 2026 event and audiences were surprised with appearances by writers and artists including Bob DiPiero, Kashus Culpepper, Sam Palladio, Forrest Whitehead, Rivers Rutherford, Jaxson Free, Matthew Perryman Jones, Dave Turnbull, Andy Buckner, Erin Kirby and Kassi Ashton, among others.

Throughout the week, shows featured a wide variety of genres and songs spanning decades. At the Custom House by Guitar Center Stage at the Station Inn, James Otto quieted the audience with a stunning rendition of “In Color” on Tuesday, while Contemporary Christian hitmaker Matthew West performed at Anzie Blue.

On Wednesday the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Stage at the 1865 Club welcomed the Y’all 106.7 show featuring songwriters Chuck Cannon, Billy Dean and James Dean Hicks, while audiences at the Jack Daniel’s Stage at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville enjoyed a show featuring ASCAP writers Pat Alger, Caylee Hammack and Mark Irwin at 6 p.m., and a round featuring NSAI Board Presidenth/hit songwriter Lee Thomas Miller with Sela Campbell, Thomas Edwards, Randy Montana and Randy Rogers, presented by BMI took place at 9 p.m.

Thursday saw shows with five-time CMA Musician of the Year Jenee Fleenor alongside Rob Hatch and Jenny Tolman at the round presented by SESAC on the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Stage at the Analog at Hutton Hotel, while singer-songwriter Sean McConnell joined John Eddie and Olivia Wolf at the Southbound Tequila Stage at The Bluebird.

On Friday and Saturday, the Nashville Scene Stage at Love and Exile featured a performance from Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk,  the Visit Music City Stage at The Cowan hosted the four songwriters behind the hit song “Texas” – Johnny Clawson, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock, and Josh Dorr at 6 p.m., while the 9 p.m. round opened with “Grenade” (recorded by Bruno Mars) performed by Louis York, and simultaneously over at the Beyerdynamic Stage at the Commodore Grille, Lydia Slagle of The Secret Sisters was filling the room up with pure Americana on the round featuring Slagle, Matthew Perryman Jones and Mary Bragg.

Plans are already underway for the festival’s upcoming 35th year celebration March 30-April 3, 2027.

The Bluebird Cafe Hosts Tennessee Songwriters Week Finale

Photo: Hunter Berry Photography

Seven finalists selected from Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases across the state were invited to perform three original songs at The Bluebird Cafe earlier this week.

This year’s finalists included Amanda Robinette, D Boone Pittman, Keefe Klug, Derek Sellers, Andrew Worley, Ryan Jacobs and Colleen d’Alelio.

Family, friends and members of the music industry, including music industry executive Scott Borchetta, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars and WSM Radio were in attendance.

Each of the seven finalists also received a one-year membership to NSAI, a commemorative Taylor Guitar and additional prizes, including opportunity to perform at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.

Tennessee Songwriters Month Showcases in 2027 will be Feb. 21-27, 2027 with qualifying rounds kicking off in late January 2027. Since its inception in 2019, the program will celebrate more than 6,000 songwriters who have shared their original music on Tennessee stages.

MusiCares Opens Annual Wellness In Music Survey

MusiCares has opened the 2026 Wellness In Music Survey.

Since its inception in 2020, the annual survey has served as a year-over-year check in regarding the health, financial stability and overall well-being of music professionals across the country. Last year, over 3,200 music professionals participated in the survey, more than any other year.

Using the results of the survey, MusiCares has provided over $135 million in assistance to music professionals. In 2025, the organization donated $17 million in support, through year-round services and disaster relief efforts. Support has gone to mental health care, addiction recovery services, emergency financial assistance, resources for touring professionals and more. It also provided critical relief for music professionals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires and broader economic instability, helping cover immediate needs, rebuild stability and access essential care during times of crisis.

The survey is open now through April 17, and is open to music professionals across all roles and genres, available in English and Spanish, and is submitted completely anonymous.

To access the survey in English, click here.
To access the survey in Spanish, click here.

The MLC Seeking Board Of Directors & Advisory Committee Candidate Suggestions

The Mechanical Licensing Collective is accepting Publisher candidate suggestions for its Board of Directors and Dispute Resolution, Operations Advisory, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight committees.

Under the Music Modernization Act, certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of musical work copyright owners. The terms of several Publisher seats on the Board and the organization’s advisory committees are slated to end later this year, and elections related to the open Board seats will be held this summer. Board and committee members sit for three-year terms and may be re-elected, and seats are filled according to The MLC’s Bylaws.

There is an opening on the Board of Directors for one Publisher representative. Under The MLC’s Bylaws, a “Publisher” means a music publisher to which songwriters have assigned exclusive rights of reproduction and distribution of musical works with respect to Covered Activities. “Covered Activities” means the making of digital phonorecord deliveries of musical works, including in the form of permanent downloads, limited downloads, or interactive streams, where such activity qualifies for a compulsory license under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act.

The openings on The MLC’s advisory committees are as follows:

• Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership;
• Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on theOperations Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of The MLC, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources; and
• One seat for a representative of musical work copyright owners on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties.

The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation so that travel is not generally required. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here. Suggestions should be made no later than May 4 here.

 

Sam Tinnesz Inks With Reservoir Media [Exclusive]

Sam Tinnesz. Photo: Ryan Sims

Sam Tinnesz has inked a publishing deal with Reservoir Media.

Based in Nashville, the Platinum-selling singer-songwriter’s catalog has surpassed eight billion global streams and generated more than nine billion views on TikTok. Tinnesz is best known for his Platinum-certified single “Play With Fire” and the Gold-certified “Legends Are Made.”

Tinnesz co-wrote Sum 41’s No. 1 alternative radio single, “Dopamine,” and his collaboration with Kygo, “Don’t Give Up On Love,” reached the Top 40 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic charts. His tracks have earned placements across major television series, including Grey’s Anatomy, Riverdale and American Ninja Warrior, as well as in national campaigns for brands such as Target, Jeep, Toyota, Xbox, PlayStation, Pepsi and T-Mobile.

Tinnesz was recently named the official lead singer of the Savannah Firefighters, the rival team of the popular exhibition baseball team the Savannah Bananas. He is currently on a 33-date stadium tour with the team for their 2026 season.

“Reservoir feels like home to me, and their long history of being advocates for their creatives speaks for itself,” shares Tinnesz. “I have known the members of this team for over a decade and watched the impact they’ve had on Nashville. It was definitely time for me to join in on the fun! Excited to see all we are able to accomplish in joining forces!”

“Sam is an exceptional songwriter and artist with a distinct voice and a proven ability to create music that resonates across film, television, and the global streaming landscape,” adds John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to Reservoir and look forward to supporting the next chapter of his career as he continues to push creative boundaries and connect with audiences worldwide.”

 

Blue Harbor Music Celebrates Two Years

Pictured (L-R): Anthony Olympia, Nick Donley, Miller Arant, Trey Pendley, Will Jones, Alex Hall, Jacob Bryant, Meg McRee, Ben Chapman, John Davidson, Steve Markland and Kendall Lettow

Blue Harbor Music recently celebrated the company’s two-year anniversary.

Since inception, Blue Harbor Music has built a roster composed of 10 writers, which includes Jacob Bryant, Ben Chapman, John Davidson, Nick Donley, Alex Hall, Will Jones, Kendell Marvel, Meg McRee, Anthony Olympia and Trey Pendley.

“I am so proud of our team at Blue Harbor Music and the amazing writers that we work with,” says President Steve Markland. “It’s an honor to represent such an extraordinary roster of incredibly talented and unique creators. We look forward to building a robust catalog of strong, diverse, meaningful songs as well as artist careers that stand out and set trends amongst today’s modern music business. We are truly excited and over the moon about our mission here at Blue Harbor Music!”

Accomplishments from the past two years include the launch of Pendley’s career, who has a record deal with Leo33, as well as development for Hall, Jones and more. Across the roster, there are several major label cuts.

“When I joined the team at Blue Harbor Music, I was already impressed by the roster Steve and Miller [Arant] had built and what they had achieved in just one year,” shares Senior Creative Director Kendall Lettow. “Looking back now on our two-year anniversary makes me very excited for what is ahead for our team of writers and artists.”

“I’m a huge fan of our writers and am so proud of the roster we’ve built over the past two years,” adds Arant, Creative Coordinator. “Working with Steve, Kendall, and the incredible Music Row community has been such an amazing experience, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”

 

Jessie Brackin Signs With RED Creative Group

Photo: Courtesy of Red Creative Group

Songwriter Jessie Brackin has signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group.

An Alabama native, Brackin first began coming to Nashville for co-writes in 2023. On her first visit, became a member of NSAI.  She caught the attention of RED Creative Group’s Kaileen Mangan Smith while performing at NSAI’s Summer 2025 Showcase Luncheon.

“I knew Jessie was special the first time I heard her music,” says Mangan Smith. “I’m incredibly grateful she’s placed her trust in me and Red, and I can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together.”

“Jessie is a natural songwriter with an authenticity that cuts through. Her songs feel honest, effortless, and built to last,” says RED Creative Group’s Jeremy Stover. “We’re excited to have her as part of the Red Creative family.”

“I’m beyond grateful to join the Red Creative team, and so thankful to Kaileen and Jeremy for taking a chance on me,” says Brackin. “This opportunity means everything – I’ve dreamed about this my entire life, and it still feels surreal to call it my job. I’m so excited for what’s to come.”