Three amazing days in Los Angeles with songwriters and creators from every musical genre, freely sharing their knowledge, their experience and their love. And best of all, sharing their music.
photo: Preshias Harris
Despite the bleary-eyed early morning start from Nashville, when we pulled back the curtains on our hotel room and saw that famous HOLLYWOOD sign through the L.A. haze, we felt a rush of energy. We knew we were in for an unforgettable three days, and we were right.
Paul Williams at ASCAP EXPO. Photo credit: Lester Cohen, Getty Images/ASCAP
After so many years of doom and gloom and dire predictions about the music industry, it was a shot in the arm to hear ASCAP President Paul Williams remind us of the good news from Washington. Legislators and the music industry are working together to pass the long awaited Music Modernization Act. And music sales are on the rise again.
“This is the most amazing collection of Musoids on the planet!” – Paul Williams, President of ASCAP, starting his EXPO kickoff speech
Meghan Trainor proves you can make it
Songwriter J Kash and Meghan Trainor at ASCAP’s ‘I Create Music’ Expo. Photo credit: ASCAP
Songwriters can feel disheartened, particularly when their careers seem to stall. If any needed some encouragement and inspiration, they found it in Meghan Trainorwho first attended the EXPO as a young unknown songwriter.
This year, she was back, but this time she was on stage with the credentials of being a hit writer and performer. Meghan and songwriter J Kash took part in the Keynote Conversation on Day 3, and Meghan’s family were in the audience to share in the success that her perseverance had created.
Songwriter credit must add up to 100%!
Perhaps one of the funniest (and very important) presentations came from Desmond Child who really does have world music in his blood, care of his Hungarian father and Cuban songwriter mother. He has writing credits on mega-hits for Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, Bon Jovi, Cher, Kiss, Clay Aiken and many more across multiple genres. Not surprisingly, Child is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Desmond Child and his 99 ‘volunteers.’ Photo credit: Preshias Harris
The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) held their Spring #1 Party on Monday April 23, 2018, recognizing 75 songwriters (23 songs) for their #1 achievements during the period of August 2017-December 2017.
At the brunch event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and held at The Listening Room Cafe, the songwriters were presented plaques for topping the Billboard Country or Christian, Airplay, Digital, and Hot Charts and/or Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.
Back row (L-R): Earle Simmons (SunTrust), Dusty Miller (SunTrust), Ashleigh Overly (SunTrust), Jaron Boyer, Ray Fulcher, Adam Hambrick, Brock Berryhill, Tom Douglas, Steve Bogard (NSAI President), David Hodges, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller, Matt Dragstrem, Tim Timmons, AJ Pruis, Bart Millard Front row (L-R): Lindsay Gum (NSAI Director of Events and Pro Membership), Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton, Jordan Schmidt, Tebey Ottoh, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Matt McGinn, Matthew West
These are the Number One songs and songwriters honored at the event:
Friday night at Tin Pan South with Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin.
[L to R]: Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin. Photo Credit: Catrina EngelbyAnthony Smith. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Anthony Smith:A super songwriter and producer extraordinaire. He kicked off his segment with his chart topper hit for Lonestar, ‘What About Now.’ Anthony’s string of hits include ‘I Want My Life Back’ for Bucky Covington, ‘Watch This’ for Clay Walker and ‘It’s Too Late to Worry’ by Jo Dee Messina. Anthony ended with the super hit, ‘Tomorrow,’ that he co-wrote with Frank Myers and Chris Young. It appeared on Chris’s album ‘Neon.’ The song sold 30,000 digital downloads in its first week of release!
Clint Daniels. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Clint Daniels: Clint has been a mainstay in Music City since 1993, when he signed to Arista Records. He is an artist, songwriter and co-producer. As the night made its final round, Clint finished with his first No. 1 hit that he wrote with three other dudes (Donny Kees, Blake Mevis, Randy Boudreaux) over a bottle of Crown Royal. ‘Brokenheartsville’ was Joe Nichols first No. 1 single chart topper!
Note: Clint has penned Number One singles for Montgomery Gentry, as well as a Top 20 hit ,“God Must Be Busy,” for Brooks & Dunn and cuts by Easton Corbin, Jon Pardi and Josh Thompson.
Lance Miller. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Lance Miller:Lance began his segment with the song, ‘Drink To That All Night,’ Jerrod Niemann’s chart hit. Lance said, “On this next one, Eddie sang this song on Montgomery Gentry’s ‘Crazies Welcome’.” Wow what a hit! Lance did it justice as the co-writer, along with Jessi Alexander, Brett and Brad Warren. I’m going straight home and listen and buy the MG version.
Knowing Lance for all these years and seeing his success with ‘Real Men Love Jesus’ for Michael Ray and Lee Brice’s ‘Beautiful Every Time’ and Thomas Rhett’s ‘Beer With Jesus’ make me proud to call him a friend! I know HOW HARD he worked to achieve this success! It’s a 10 year town for sure.
Jamie Paulin. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Jamie Paulin:When he made his way into the circle, Jamie sang his song ‘Backwoods’ that Justin Moore cut. He co-wrote it with Justin and Jeremy Stover. Jamie also sang the song that Tim McGraw cut: ‘How I’ll Always Be.’ Jamie co-wrote the song with Chris Janson and Jeremy Stover and it is one of my Favvvvorites!!! Jamie ended on ‘Her World or Mine’ that he co-wrote with Travis Denning and Brett Breavers. A very moving song about a painful split, but an incredible heartfelt song.
All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from four masters of the art of songwriting.
On Wednesday, April 4, ASCAP presented its annual songwriter round at The Station Inn. Featured performers included EMI recording artist Eric Paslay, hit songwriters Clint Lagerberg and Gordie Sampson, and emerging songwriter-artist Caylee Hammack.
{L to R]: Eric Paslay, Caylee Hammack, Clint Lagerberg, Gordie Sampson. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Eric Paslay began the round and as it came around second time Eric sang MY FAVORITE song ‘She Don’t Love You.’ “I have had a record deal ever since I had a publishing deal and every hit song is a million miracles,” said Paslay, then he kicked into his new song ‘Young Forever’ that he co-wrote with Morgan Evans.
His first hit as a songwriter was ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’ recorded by Jake Owen. He told the story of how his publisher (who is now his wife, Natalie) carried the song up and down Music Row for over a year, “…until someone forgot to say no,” said Eric. NOTE: In 2013, Paslay appeared on Amy Grant’s album ‘How Mercy Looks From Here,’ sharing lead vocals with Grant and Sheryl Crow on a song he wrote called ‘Deep As It Is Wide.’ In publicity for the album, Grant stated that she was most excited about Paslay as an up-and-coming artist.
[Note: In an earlier version of this post, the name of Eric Paslay’s wife Natalie was misidentified. Apologies for the error!]
Clint Lagerberg kicked off with ‘Sombrero’ that he co-wrote with Chris DuBois. Clint explained, “It was cut by an artist but didn’t make the record. We know that sometimes happens.” Still a cool song if I ever heard one. Then he sang his super hit for Rascal Flatts, ‘Here Comes Goodbye’ co-written with Chris Sligh. Next pass was ‘Small Town Big Time’ by Blake Shelton. As he ended with his mega hit for Keith Urban that he co-wrote with Hillary Lindsey and Steven Lee Olsen ‘Blue Ain’t Your Color.’ everybody was whoooing it!!
Next up was award-winning songwriter Gordie Sampson, who has penned over 1,000 songs and counting. He started his round with his FGL hit ‘God Your Momma and Me.’ As he made the round again He told the story behind Faith Hill’s cut ‘Paris.’ The song was featured on her ‘Fireflies’ album and was co-written with Troy Verges and Blair Daly. He played his super hit for Carrie Underwood, ‘Jesus Take The Wheel,’ and you could have heard a pin drop. This song still stops me in my tracks. Gordie’s songs have been cut by Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson and others.
Since the age of 13, Caylee Hammack has been playing in smoky bars, opry houses, and music festivals around the southeast. On her first run through, Caylee warned us that it was about her life in 3 and 1/2 minutes of ”AMAZING!!!!” SHE KICKED us in our heart. It moved me so much that I didn’t even notice a title! That was mainly because it took us to a place that songwriters love to take us.
As they made it through the next circle, the audience became aware that this lady is incredibly talented. She ended up her part with a true life experience and a very emotional song called ‘Forged By The Fire’ and the story will bring you to your knees. She is now focused is on writing songs for Nashville’s A-list artists while also working on her own artist career.
[L to R]: Eric Paslay, Clint Lagerberg, Gordie Sampson, Caylee Hammack. Photo credit: Ed Rode
More great Tin Pan South music, this time at SOUTH on Nashville’s Demonbreun Street…
(L to R): Keith Burns, Josh Ronen, Joie Scott, Michael Peterson and Trey Bruce. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Keith Burns kicked it off and told a ‘road story’ about being on the road and meeting an old cowboy and that inspired him to write his song, ‘Cowboys Don’t Get Old.’ Then, in the next round, Keith brought up his BFF, the super talented Matt Kennon, who got up and sang ‘The Call’ which has over 12 million YouTube views. Keith co-wrote one of my favorite Joe Diffie songs, ‘Whole Lotta Gone,’ co-written with Mark Oliverius.
Joie Scott started out with ‘His Name,’ a song that she and Josh Ronen wrote together. She said it had been inspired by her love for her grandfather and Josh’s memories of his own great-grandfather. Most wonderful! Joie Scott is a #1 and Emmy-nominated songwriter and landed her first cut with the well-known cowboy trio, Riders In The Sky. As we circled around again, she did her super hit with Collin Raye’s ‘Not That Different’ that she co-wrote with Karen Taylor-Good. As the round circled again, Joie sang ‘Shoes’ that Shania Twain recorded and was used on the soundtrack of ‘Desperate Housewives.’ As a special treat, Josh Ronen sang ‘I Don’t Want to Know,’ a song that he co-penned with Joie. Joie has had over 75 songs cut globally.
Michael Peterson played his song ‘When the Bartender Cries.’ The whole room just ‘whoo-hooed’it!! Still one of the most wonderfully-written songs!! Michael is an amazing SONGwriter and as we passed through again, he sang a song that he and Chris Wallin had written, ‘From The Grave To The Cradle.’ Of course, my favorite of his is ‘Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie,’ that is still one of the most clever songs ever written. Peterson co-wrote the title track to Travis Tritt’s album ‘No More Looking over My Shoulder’ with Craig Wiseman.
“I got my publishing deal and had my first hit,” said Trey Bruce, referring to his deal with MCA Music Publishing and ‘Things Are Tough All Over’ for Shelby Lynne. He then began his segment with his mega Randy Travis hit song ‘Look Heart No Hands,’ one of the songs that streamed his career into over drive in the 1990s. Travis also recorded two more songs written by Bruce: 1994’s ‘Whisper My Name’ and 1998’s ‘Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man.’ NOTE: He also has had cuts by Doug Stone, Lee Roy Parnell, Diamond Rio, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Mindy McCready, Trisha Yearwood, and SHeDAISY. Trey has also co-produced albums for Trace Adkins, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Chris LeDoux. Bruce also produced three of Adkins’s albums: 1999’s ‘More,’ 2001’s ‘Chrome’ and 2003’s ‘Comin’ On Strong.’
A great round of songs and stories from Keith, Joie, Michael and Trey.
It was a real pleasure to see these great songwriters on the stage together: Aaron Barker, Billy Dean, Eddie Raven, Frank Myers and Jimmy Nichols. They shared many memories behind the hit songs they have written.
Left to right: Billy Dean, Eddie raven, Jimmy Nichols, Frank Myers, and Aaron Barker. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Aaron Barker: I was fortunate enough, when I moved to town, to get an internship at this new label called BNA Records. Aaron was an artist just signed to the label. I feel like I sorta grew up with him, as I continued to follow his career. I remember his mega hits for George Strait like ‘Baby Blue,’ ‘Easy Come Easy Go.’ I loved it when he performed ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’ and ‘Love Without Ending Amen.’ NOTE:Barker also writes and performs commercials for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Aaron was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the fall of 2016.
Billy Dean: Every time he sings, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Especially when he sings his song ‘Somewhere in My Broken Heart.’ Billy co-wrote the song with Richard Leigh. It had been previously recorded by Randy Travis on his 1989 album ‘No Holdin’ Back.’ Billy has recorded a total of eight studio albums (of which the first three – ‘Young Man,’ ‘Billy Dean’ and ‘Fire in the Dark’ – have been certified gold by the RIAA) and a greatest hits package which is also certified gold. His studio albums have accounted for more than 20 hit singles on the Billboard country charts, including 11 Top Ten hits. As a special treat he brought up ‘America’s Got Talent’ season eight contestant, Chloe Channell.
Eddy Raven: The Louisiana born Cajun-country star Eddy Raven brings the heat and six number ones to the stage. He has charted more than thirty-five singles in his career, including the Number One hits ‘I Got Mexico,’ ‘Shine, Shine, Shine,’ ‘I’m Gonna Get You,’ ‘Joe Knows How to Live,’ ‘In a Letter to You’ and ‘Bayou Boys,’with seventeen consecutive Top Tens between 1984 and 1990. His songs have been cut by Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Roy Orbison, George Jones, Toby Keith, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Heather Myles, Brenda Lee, Don Gibson, Faron Young, Jack Greene, Gene Watson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lorrie Morgan, Roy Acuff, Jerry Reed, Oak Ridge Boys, Connie Smith and Charlie Louvin. He ended with the super song for the super group Oak Ridge Boys, super hit ‘Thank God For Kids’ that was a solo write for Eddy.
Frank Myers just kept playing hit after hit after hit. One of my favorites was the number one record for Lonestar, ‘I’m Already There,’ co-written with Richie McDonald and Gary Baker. Frank said, “I never thought I could top Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle’s mega hit duet ‘You and I’ but I did!” Frank also said, “This next song I pitched a hundred times. Finally, [songplugger] Matt Lindsay took it. All-4-One recorded it and it stayed eleven weeks at number one on Billboard’s Top 100 charts and four weeks at number one on the country charts.” It was also a number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for John Michael Montgomery who actually cut it first. The song? The ginormous hit, ‘I Swear.’
Jimmy Nichols was the surprise guest. He is one of the busiest and most respected keyboardists in town, and has appeared on albums with Buckcherry, Scotty McCreery, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Drake White, Reba, Faith Hill, Lonestar, Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tim McGraw and this is just starting the list!
One of the exciting things about attending any show at Tin Pan South: you never know who might show up as a surprise guest!
Veteran songwriters Jeff Prince, Rafe Van Hoy, Dave Gibson and Earl Bud Lee were playing and sharing memories of the way the wheels turned on Music Row.
(L to R) Rafe Van Hoy, Jeff Prince, Earl Bud Lee, Dave Gibson. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Jeff Prince – “Me and Jimmy Melton wrote ‘Django and Jimmie’ as a tribute to Willie Nelson’s music hero, Django. (Jean “Django” Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Romani French jazz guitarist and composer, regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century.) Jimmie Rogers is known as the Father of Country and is Merle Haggard’s hero. So it was a perfect fit for them as a duo. When we wrote the silly song, we had no idea they [Willie and Merle] would be recording a duet album [titled ‘Django and Jimmie’]. Somebody heard the song and got it to their producer Buddy Cannon. It was the crappy work tape. When we heard the song, it was amazing.”
Rafe Van Hoy – “Bobby Braddock called me in to write, because Curley Putman didn’t show up. I was 20 and just wanted to write. So, Bobby and I wrote it in the morning, cut a demo in the afternoon, and George and Tammy recorded it the next week. The song was ‘Golden Wedding Ring.’”
Some of my favorite songs from the hands of Rafe are ‘Lady Lay Down,’ a song co-written with Don Cook, and recorded by John Conlee, oh yes, and ‘What’s Forever For,’ a solo write by Rafe and first recorded by England Dan and John Foley. – PH
Dave Gibson – “Greg Crow, Bill Gentry and I wrote ‘Corner of Lonely And Gone.’ It just was a great write. It went and made its way to the record and as a single.” Of course they knew they had a hit as it made it’s way up to the top of the charts in 1999. NOTE: It is one of my FAVORITE Montgomery Gentry songs! – PH
Earl Bud Lee- “Roger Cook, Eddie Kilgallon and I wrote it on Monday, demoed on a Tuesday, and it got cut the next week and ended up as the title track to George Strait’s ‘One Night At A Time.’ NOTE: This was in 1996, I thought Earl Bud couldn’t upstage his hit “Friends In Low Places” that Garth did in 1990. Then he comes along with one of my Blake Shelton’s favorite song “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” co-written, by John Wiggins. – PH
Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items
How artists and songwriters can stay safe on social media
Bellamy Brothers still touring! Exclusive interview
Copyright Royalty Board OK’s big raise for songwriters
ACM Lifting Lives: stars turn out in Vegas
The Outlaws, Blackhawk benefit MusiCares, cancer research
Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items
Social media safety vital for singers, songwriters
Staying safe on social media is important for everyone, but it can be vital for young singers, musicians and songwriters who are posting photos and information about themselves as a way to build a following and boost their careers. However, your posts at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can also attract stalkers, cyber-scammers and identity thieves.
For a helpful guide to staying safe online, read this article by Jim Akin posted on Experian’s website. Among Jim’s recommendations: adjust your Facebook privacy settings and uncheck the ‘Discoverability’ boxes in Twitter’s safety and security controls. He also suggests being discreet about your whereabouts on social media. He explains how to disable location tagging on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Read the full article for many more helpful online safety tips.
Bellamy Brothers still circling the globe
David (left) and Howard Bellamy. Photo: Preshias Harris
The Bellamy Brothers remain hugely popular both in the USA and overseas. They have been touring almost nonstop for more than 40 years. They have written a new autobiography titled ‘Let Your Love Flow: Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers’ that will be available this month. Additionally, ‘Honky Tonk Ranch,’ a TV show about their hectic lives, is set to air in the USA on the Cowboy Channel.
I caught up with Howard and David Bellamy while they were on a brief break between international tour dates, and we sat down in Nashville to talk about their new projects. My exclusive interview with the Bellamys has now been posted at Country Music News International, a blog based in Germany. You can find the full interview here.
Songwriter royalties: ‘significant increase’
The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has released its ruling on mechanical rates for songwriters for 2018 – 2022. This decision is the result of a trial that took place between March and June of 2017 with NMPA and the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), representing the interests of music publishers and songwriters against Google, Amazon, Apple, Spotify and Pandora.
The court’s decision includes a significant increase in the overall percentage of revenue paid to songwriters from 10.5% to 15.1% over the next five years – the largest rate increase in CRB history. Additionally, the CRB removed the Total Content Cost (TCC) cap, giving publishers the benefit of a true percentage of what labels are able to negotiate in the free market resulting in significantly higher royalties for songwriters.
The CRB also increased the TCC rate resulting in the most balance between record label and publishing rates in the history of mechanical licensing. In addition, the CRB granted a late fee which will dramatically alter the licensing practices of digital music companies. Read the full press release from NSAI here.
ACM is ‘Lifting Lives’ in Vegas
With the ACM Awards just around the corner, it seems like half of Nashville is heading to Las Vegas. The stars and their crews will be getting there early for ACM’s ‘Party For A Cause.’ On Friday, April 13, The Joint at the Vegas Hard Rock is the venue for ‘ACM Stories, Songs & Stars,’ a songwriters’ event benefitting ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Among those scheduled to appear: Lee Brice, Midland, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and more, The event will be hosted by Storme Warren.
The next morning, Saturday, April 14, Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley host ACM Lifting Lives Top Golf Tee-Off at the MGM Grand’s Top Golf. Among the celebs who have signed up: Chris Lane, Levi Hummon, Raelynn, Eric Pasley and more.
It’s back to the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sunday night for the Official After Party with performances by Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, Luke Combs, Cassadee Pope, Jerrod Niemann, Tracy Lawrence and more.
Anything else? Oh yes! Almost forgot. The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas, Sunday, April 15, 8:00pm / 7:00 Central on CBS, hosted by Reba McEntire. The show will pay tribute to the victims of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival.
Since 2008 ACM Lifting Lives has given more than 8 million dollars to more than 150 worthy causes and supports many projects throughout the year to create awareness and help those in need.
Blackhawk and The Outlaws make $$ donations to MusiCares and cancer research
Last week in Nashville, Henry Paul and Dave Robbins, members of country group BlackHawk, as well as southern rock band The Outlaws, paid visits to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and MusiCares to deliver donations raised for each organization.
L to R: Debbie Carroll (MusiCares Sr. Executive Director), Henry Paul (BlackHawk / The Outlaws)
Paul and Robbins presented a $40,000 check to Vanderbilt (on behalf of BlackHawk’s “Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund”) and a $20,000 check to MusiCares (on behalf of The Outlaws’ “Fallen Outlaw Fund”).
“The ‘Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund’ and ‘The Fallen Outlaws Fund’ were both formed to help give back to two very worthwhile causes in the name of BlackHawk and Outlaw fans, respectively,” says Paul. “Raising money for cancer research at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and also for MusiCares, an organization that helps fund healthcare costs for uninsured musicians, is the cause. Honoring former founding BlackHawk member Van Stephenson and former founding Outlaws members Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones and Frank O’Keefe, by perpetuating their memory in the name of these two charities, is our goal.”
The only problem with Tin Pan South: having to decide WHERE you are going to go! There are 100 venues, all with a full schedule of amazing songwriters, performing their songs to packed audiences of appreciative listeners.
Here’s a taste. Tuesday evening, April 3 at 3rd and Lindsley…
Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano
Super songwriter extraordinaire Ashley Gorley kicked it off with his first Number One for Jon Pardi, ‘Dirt On My Boots.’ As of this week, Ashley (ASCAP’s Songwriter of The Year, for five consecutive years) has the current number one record on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for Thomas Rhett with ‘Marry Me.’ This makes Ashley’s 37th or 38th Number one record. I have lost count! This Kentucky boy sure makes us proud J.
L to R: Ashley Gorley, Brett Young and Chris DeStefano. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Then next up was Grammy Award-winning American singer and songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist and dad, Chris DeStefano. Chris started out with his celebrated number one as a co-writer with Dan + Shay’s ‘From The Ground Up.’ Chris also co-wrote the Carrie Underwood, 7-week, #1 song ‘Something in the Water,’ the third-longest running female #1 Hot Country song in chart history.
Brett Young surprise guest
The show’s surprise artist was BMLG’s ‘Golden Boy’ Brett Young. Every single Brett has released (all three) have gone to number one status. He told the story of his first number party experience. It was about award-winning songwriter Jon Nite’s second number one party. He talked about how Jon told about his journey and Jon and his wife’s move here for him to be a songwriter when they were both just 18 years old and had a 18 month old child. They had all they owned in a Uhaul trailer. So Brett dedicated his next single song to Jon Nite, ‘Beautiful Believer.’
As another artist surprise, Chris brought up newcomer Warner Brothers/Nashville artist Morgan Evans. Morgan is from Australia and is Kelsea Ballerini’s better half. He surprised the crowd with a “Story Behind the Song and the Song” for his recent chart-climbing single ‘Kiss Somebody’ that he co-wrote with Chris and Josh Osborne.
As things ended, the best quote of truth, that made me smile was Brett’s. “God‘s plan was a little different from mine, but he got me up here.” — Brett Young talking about his journey as songwriter that turned into an artist.
… and then on to the next venue!
For more about Tin Pan South, click here. And for info about Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) click here.
‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ Season 2 will soon be coming to U.S. television, as a new series of tapings wrapped up a few days ago.
The tapings took place over four nights in the Natchez Hills Winery at The Fontanel, on Whites Creek Pike in Nashville. The intimate venue, seating no more than a hundred guests, was an ideal setting for the laid-back show.
In each show, Berry talks with his featured guest who shares personal stories about the music that has changed their lives and inspired them to become the artists they are today. Each artist also joins Berry and the band to perform some of those songs.
Berry feels that ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ is a title that sums up the essence of the show. “For me and so many others, songs help us express what we feel inside and stories are the inspiration for the song that lies within,” he says.
New shows start airing in April
The season kicks off in April with the following shows scheduled:
Episode 1, Week of April 02: Mac Macanally;
Episode 2, Week of April 09: Rhonda Vincent;
Episode 3, Week of April 16: Steve Dorff;
Episode 4, Week of April 23: Ryan White;
Episode 5, Week of April 30: John Schneider.
(Left to Right): Blane Howard, John Berry, Sean Thomas Berry, Preston James at ‘New Artists Show’ episode of ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Episodes airing in May and June will feature Radney Foster, Terri Clark, Tracy Lawrence, Daryle Worley, Pam Tillis, Exile, and will wrap up with a ‘New Artists’ Show’ with Sean Thomas Berry, Preston James and Blane Howard. A ‘Best Of’ compilation show will air highlights of Season 2 during the week of June 25.
At one of the tapings, Tracy Lawrence recalls a decision that changed his life. He had two years of college under his belt in Louisiana and was earning money in tips while playing in bars in the evening. “I decided, if I don’t go to Nashville now, I’ll never go,” he says.
John Berry performs with guest Tracy Lawrence (Right) during a show taping. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
He took the $700.00 that he’d made in tips over the past few weeks, packed his guitar in his car and headed to Nashville. Speaking about the music he is making now, he says, “I’m not chasing hits anymore. I’m going back to what I was passionate about.”
Each of the artists shares similar stories about their lives and their music, often revealing personal experiences that are connected to their songs.
TV show channel listings
The second season of ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ will be shown on numerous outlets, including The Family Channel, Heartland TV, The Country Network, ROKU and more. For show time listings in your area, click the ‘Where To Watch’ tab at www.songsandstories.com
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
Staying safe on social media is important for everyone, but it can be vital for young singers, musicians and songwriters who are posting photos and information about themselves as a way to build a following and boost their careers. However, your posts at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can also attract stalkers, cyber-scammers and identity thieves.
The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has released its ruling on mechanical rates for songwriters for 2018 – 2022. This decision is the result of a trial that took place between March and June of 2017 with NMPA and the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), representing the interests of music publishers and songwriters against Google, Amazon, Apple, Spotify and Pandora.
With the ACM Awards just around the corner, it seems like half of Nashville is heading to Las Vegas. The stars and their crews will be getting there early for ACM’s ‘Party For A Cause.’ On Friday, April 13, The Joint at the Vegas Hard Rock is the venue for ‘ACM Stories, Songs & Stars,’ a songwriters’ event benefitting 
