Music News (10/17/18)

UMPG’s Chase McGill Rises To The No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

MusicRow has published its first Top Songwriter Chart, revealing the top 60 writers every Monday, using algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive new addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Originally created by MusicRow founder, David Ross, under his own company imprint and brand, the newly rendered MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart is a valuable information source for our industry. Josh Osborne moves to No. 2 after an impressive 13-week consecutive run in the top spot behind Universal Music Publishing Group songwriter Chase McGill. McGill earns his first-ever week at No. 1 with four active song titles; “Lose It,” “Break Up In The End,” “Short Skirt Weather,” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Read more, and see the chart at MusicRow.com.

 
The Shadowboxers Ink Deal With Kobalt

Pictured (L-R): Mark Abramowitz, Kobalt; Laura Alexander, Kobalt; Jesse Willoughby, Kobalt; Carolyn Snell, Twelve5 Management; Scott Tyler, Matt Lipkins, Adam Hoffman, The Shadowboxers; Ali Harnell, Twelve5 Management; Kevin Lane, Kobalt; Stephanie Cox, Kobalt

Kobalt​ has signed American pop band The Shadowboxers to a worldwide agreement, including publishing administration with artist development firm Villa 40 for all of The Shadowboxers’ future works and back catalogue.

Discovered by Justin Timberlake and signed to his Villa 40 artist development company, The Shadowboxers recently completed the opening support slot on the first US leg and European leg of his Man of The Woods Tour. APOLLO, the band’s debut EP, was co-produced by Timberlake and Israeli writer/producer, K-Kov. The lead track, “Runaway,” was featured with live performances on The Today Show and The Talk. Their latest single, “Telephone,” was released today and is co-written by Timberlake. An accompanying video features an modernized ode to the three-part harmonies of the Bee Gees.

 
RED Creative Group Signs Singer-Songwriter LJ

LJ. Photo: Andrew Morton

Nashville-based singer-songwriter LJ has inked a publishing agreement with RED Creative Group.

Originally from Texas, LJ moved to Nashville in 2017. She signed with RED in 2018 and quickly began collaborating and developing a foundation of songs for her project. LJ, along with producers Jeremy Stover and Paul DiGiovanni, are currently in the studio recording for her debut release. 

Madeline Merlo Inks With Deluge Music

Pictured (L-R): Ron Kitchener (RGK Entertainment) Madeline Merlo, Mark Friedman (president Deluge Music) David Robkin (Managing Member Deluge Music) Emily Dryburgh (Creative Manager Deluge Music)

Deluge Music has signed Madeline Merlo to a worldwide publishing deal.

Big Machine Records Signs Dan Smalley

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Jim Weatherson, Dan Smalley and Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta

Big Machine Records has signed Dan Smalley to its artist roster. The Shreveport, Louisiana native officially joins the Big Machine Label Group imprint which boasts Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Cheap Trick, Carly Pearce, Midland, The Cadillac Three and Lauren Jenkins.

The singer/songwriter, who spent years playing local gigs in his home state and Texas, now resides in Nashville with his wife and two children. His affinity for artists like Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell is reflected in his standout songwriting. Smalley continues to preview his music from coast to coast and has shared the stage with John Conlee, Justin Moore, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, Randy Rogers Band, The Turnpike Troubadours and more.

 
Reviver Records Signs Aaron Goodvin

Aaron Goodvin

Reviver Records has signed Canadian-born country singer/songwriter Aaron Goodvin with plans to release a new record in early 2019. The CCMA Award winner already has three Top 10 hits under his belt as an artist with “Woman in Love,” “Miss Me Yet,” and the Platinum-selling single “Lonely Drum.” Goodvin has also had songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, and Cole Swindell.

After appearing as a writer on Luke Bryan’s multi-platinum selling album Crash My Party, Aaron’s star power continued to rise. His self-titled Warner Music Canada debut featured three Top 10 singles including the platinum certified smash hit “Lonely Drum.” The track has the honorable distinction of being the only Canadian country single released in the past two years to be certified Platinum. In both 2017 and 2018, Aaron was nominated for CCMA awards, winning the 2018 Songwriter of the Year award for “Lonely Drum.”

In February 2019, Aaron will be set to release his much-anticipated sophomore album on Reviver Records worldwide with Warner Music Canada continuing as his Canadian home, driven by the lead single “You Are” in Canada and a single released to radio in the US in early 2019.

Paul Wright III Launches New Label United Alliance Music Group

Paul Wright III has launched a new Nashville-based label, United Alliance Music Group (UAMG).

United Alliance Music Group’s current roster includes Jekalyn Carr, CMT Music City cast star Jessica Mack, Joe Pace, Lamar Campbell and many more.

Read more at MusicRow.com.

Alicia Pruitt Launches Madfun Entertainment With Red Light Management

Alicia Pruitt

Alicia Pruitt, longtime Warner/Chappell Nashville senior A&R executive, has launched Nashville-based talent management company Madfun Entertainment, in partnership with Red Light Management.

Madfun will provide full service talent management, serving artists and songwriters across the music industry. With a roster including up-and-coming Atlantic Records Recording artist Josie Dunne, Pruitt will represent, promote, and guide talent through every stage of their career. Pruitt will continue consulting with Warner/Chappell, and supporting songwriters Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Brantley Gilbert, and Lauren Alaina.

Kinkead Entertainment Signs Juliana Hale

Juliana Hale

The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has signed Juliana Hale to its roster. Hale released the EP Small Talk in May, and is produced by Skidd Mills.