Music News (9/27/23)

NSAI Notches Another Epic Nashville Songwriter Awards Show

2023 Nashville Songwriter Award winners. Photo: Jason Davis

Songwriters and publishers were celebrated Tuesday night (Sept. 26) at NSAI’s 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented in partnership with City National Bank.

At the Ryman Auditorium, dozens of performers honored a great group of award-winning songwriters.

Ashley Gorley was honored as Songwriter of the Year for a record seventh time. Gorley was honored with performances of “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” by Cole Swindell.

Song of the Year was awarded to Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Lainey Wilson for their hit “Heart Like A Truck,” recorded by Wilson. Nine additional songs and their writers were celebrated as winners in the peer-voted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award category.

Previously announced honorees, David Israelite (Chairman & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association) and Tim McGraw, were both celebrated with special performances for their achievements. Brett Young honored Israelite with a performance of his favorite song, “Hallelujah.” Lori McKenna took the stage to honor McGraw with a performance of her own “Humble And Kind.”

Garth Brooks presented Bobby Braddock with the 2023 Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored with multiple performances from Jimmy Yeary and Sonya Isaacs, Tracy Lawrence and Blake Shelton.

Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.

Joey Harris Promoted To VP Of Publishing At 50 Egg Music

Joey Harris

50 Egg Music has promoted Joey Harris to VP of Publishing.

In his new role, effective immediately, Harris will continue to cultivate talent, bring in new collaborations, as well as oversee the entire publishing roster alongside Tali Canterbury.

Harris has served as 50 Egg’s Sr. Creative Director since the company’s inception. 50 Egg Music is a full-service artist development and publishing company co-owned by hit songwriter Jonathan Singleton, multi-Platinum selling recording artist Luke Combs and publishing/A&R executive Canterbury.

“Since the beginning, Harris has been a crucial part of the culture and community that is 50 Egg Music. His wisdom, attitude, and know-how are cherished at our company, and I couldn’t think of a better way to acknowledge that than this promotion,” says Canterbury, Co-owner/President, 50 Egg Music.

“I’m very thankful and absolutely blessed to have been an early addition to this 50 Egg family” says Harris. “Having the opportunity to assist this wildly talented roster of artists and writers work toward their goals has been nothing short of amazing. In this new capacity, I’m very excited to continue that mission and run this race to the finish.”

Big Machine Music Promotes Michelle Attardi To Sr. Dir., Publishing

Michelle Attardi

Big Machine Music has elevated Michelle Attardi to Senior Director, Publishing, effective immediately.

Since joining BMM seven years ago, Attardi has been part of the core creative team representing roster of songwriters and its catalog that has grown to over 14,000 songs and more than 50 No. 1’s across the top 40, country and rock radio charts. Attardi was integral in the signing of Daniel Ross, Matt Roy, Troy Cartwright and Geoff Warburton. She has also secured cuts with Jon Pardi, Lady A, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others.

“Michelle has great ears and a passion for her songwriters. I’m happy to see her take this hard-earned next step in her career at Big Machine Music,” shares BMM’s President Mike Molinar of the promotion.

Named to MusicRow Magazine’s esteemed Next Big Thing industry directory in 2020 and 2023, the Berklee College of Music graduate is currently on the board of Wags and Walks Nashville.

“I’m deeply honored and thankful to be part of Big Machine Music,” shares Attardi. “I have the privilege of working with incredible talent and I’m excited to continue fostering these exceptional songwriters and artists. I’m grateful for the support and mentorship of Scott Borchetta and Mike Molinar and look forward to contributing to the continued success of our publishing roster.

Creative Nation Signs Songwriter/Producer Ben West

Pictured (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Emily Furman, Alex Tamashunas; (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Ben West, Beth Laird, Kelsey Granda. Photo: Spencer Combs

Creative Nation has signed songwriter/producer Ben West to an exclusive worldwide publishing and producer management deal.

A Detroit-area native, West began his career working on Los Angeles-based sync projects for major networks like ABC, Disney and others before scoring a 2x Platinum, Top 10 Billboard hit with P!nk’s “Try” in 2012. Written alongside beloved songwriter/producer Busbee, “Try” pointed West towards Nashville.

West has co-written songs such as Lori McKenna’s “The Tunnel,” Brett Eldredge’s “Songs About You,” Parker McCollum’s “Heart Like Mine,” Blake Shelton’s “Neon Time,” Carly Pearce’s “Show Me Around” and Kelly Clarkson’s “I Dare You.” His most recent production credits include the entirety of emerging country artist Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Søn of Dad album, as well as Patrick Droney’s Subtitles for Feelings, and tracks by Pearce, Hailey Whitters, Ashley Monroe, Monsta X and more.

“I was a fan of Ben’s writing and production long before we met. He puts artists and their visions before all else, germinating song ideas into cohesive, living, breathing works of art. As cliche as it is, I mean it when I say we are lucky to work with Ben,” says Creative Director of Publishing, Alex Tamashunas.

“Creative Nation has been a fan of Ben West as a songwriter and producer for a long time but we never had the chance to meet. Lori McKenna loves writing with him and encouraged me to reach out. Once we connected, I instantly knew he would fit our culture because he is an exceptional talent and human and our whole team wanted to work with him. We are so excited about building his momentum together,” shares Co-Founder and CEO, Beth Laird.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of what Beth and Luke have built at Creative Nation. Getting to know their exceptional team has been an absolute delight, and their ability to accommodate arrangements like mine is truly unique. I am deeply appreciative of their faith in me, as well as their vision and support for both the writing and production aspects of my work. I couldn’t be more excited to join this talented roster!” West says.