Music News (7/26/23)

Ashley Monroe Joins Sheltered Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Darrell Franklin (Sr. Vice President Sheltered Music), Ashley Monroe, Freeman Wizer (Sr. Creative Director Sheltered Music)

Ashley Monroe has joined Sheltered Music through an exclusive publishing deal.

“I am so excited about joining the Sheltered music family,” Monroe says. “Not only do I get to be on the same roster as some of my biggest songwriting heroes (Marty Stuart, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris — I mean come on!), but I feel equally supported and empowered in exploring new collaborations outside of the Nashville norm.”

Monroe has received three separate Grammy nominations—one as a solo artist, one as member of the group Pistol Annies and one as a featured performer alongside Blake Shelton. She has also written No. 1 songs for megastars Miranda Lambert (“Heart Like Mine”) and Jason Aldean (“The Truth”) and has had her songs recorded by many artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brendan Benson, Guy Clark, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Caitlyn Smith and Morgan Wade.

“Ashley just has a passion for music that moves the soul first and foremost, which is what makes her such a versatile writer with songs that go beyond the country genre,” says Darrell Franklin, Sheltered Music’s Senior Vice President. “The heart that you feel in her songwriting mixed with the pure authentic tone and emotion in her voice have made her one of Nashville’s one-of-a-kind treasures. I’m honored for us at Sheltered Music to have the opportunity to represent her music.”

SMACKSongs Promotes Jeremy Groves

Jeremy Groves. Photo: Lance Wilson

SMACKSongs has promoted Jeremy Groves to Senior Creative Director.

In his new role, effective immediately, Groves will continue to work closely with the more than 20 writers signed to SMACK, as well as be responsible for signing and developing new talent and generating fresh opportunities.

He joined SMACKSongs in 2020 and has since been integral in the publishing house’s success at country radio. At SMACK, Groves has worked with writers such as SMACK founder and multi-Grammy winner Shane McAnally as well as Emily Falvey, Jared Scott and Nate Miles, and artists Kylie Morgan, Pillbox Patti and Walker Hayes. Notably, Groves worked with Hayes on the smash hit “Fancy Like,” which propelled the country artist into superstardom.

“Jeremy has been instrumental to SMACK’s growth and success in the last 3 years,” says SMACK VP of Publishing Lee Krabel. “He continues to prove himself day in and day out as an incredible publisher. We are extremely excited to promote Jeremy and watch his career grow.”

“At its core, SMACK is a company that believes in and supports such an important aspect of our business: great songwriters and great songs,” adds Groves. “I couldn’t be more grateful and proud to continue to work with the best writers and best colleagues in the business!”

Ian Christian Signs With Sea Gayle Music

Songwriter and producer Ian Christian has signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music.

The Jacksonville, Florida native is a rocker-turned-producer who grew up touring the East Coast in  several bands. His love for music led him to L.A. and eventually to Nashville in 2014. He was selected as one of the writers in the AIMP’s Class of 2020 and nominated for AIMP’s 2022 Publisher Pick. Christian has had cuts with artists including Megan Moroney, Lily Rose, Jordan Fletcher and Ella Langley, and is also a co-writer on Matt Stell‘s single, “Man Made.”

“Ian brings top level songwriting skills, production capabilities and musicianship into every writing session that he is a part of,” says Chris DuBois, CEO of Sea Gayle Music. “We couldn’t be more excited about having him as part of the Sea Gayle family.”

“Sea Gayle has felt like family since day one. I feel right at home with the artists, writers and creative team,” says Christian.

Play It Again Music Group Hires Grayson Clotfelter

Grayson Clotfelter has joined Play It Again Music Group (PIAMG) as Creative Manager. In his newly appointed role, he will oversee the creative direction of Play It Again’s roster of writers, which includes owner and hit songwriter Dallas Davidson as well as Lee Brice, Lewis Brice, John Morgan, Dylan Marlowe, Kyle Fishman, John Edwards and Tyler Farr.

Clotfelter is a Georgia native and an MTSU alum. After college, he started his career as a catalog manager at UMPG Nashville. After growing his relationships while at UMPG, Clotfelter went out on the road with Seaforth and then joined Lily Rose in 2022. After two years on the road, he was drawn back to his passion of working with songwriters, and joined PIAMG.

“I’m very excited to announce Grayson Clotfelter as PIAMG’s Creative Manager,” says Davidson. “Grayson came in our door and made an immediate impact on our company and our songwriters. He’s a very versatile guy, bringing not only knowledge from Universal Music Publishing, but also his time spent on the road as tour manager for Lily Rose. He understands and relates well to creative people. Grayson is responsible, focused and, most importantly, passionate about our writers. He’s a great asset to PIAMG.”

“Working with the incredible team and songwriters at Play It Again has been nothing short of amazing,” says Clotfelter. “Dallas Davidson is someone I’ve always looked up to and I’m thrilled to join his company and continue to grow in the world of publishing.”