Photos by Mike Severson
Category Archives: Music Business
Celebrating 30 Years in the Music and Events Industry
This past October marked three decades since I embarked on my journey in the music business, making the move to Nashville with a U-Haul in tow and the contents of my meager savings from my radio jobs in Tulsa. Crazy … Continue reading
What is a Hit Songwriter Show?
It’s a common question we get because it’s been the best kept secret in realm of premier event and entertainment. But not for long. Songwriter shows, also known as writers rounds or songwriters-in-the-round, are typically a group of 2 to … Continue reading
Posted in corporate events, event planning, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged Songwriter Shows
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SONGWRITER CITY OFFERING SPEAKER & KEYNOTE PACKAGES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Songwriter City Now Offering Speaker and Keynote Packages Songwriter City, the premier destination for hit songwriter show experiences, has announced the launch of a new Keynote and Speaker division featuring some of the biggest songwriters in the … Continue reading
Posted in Business/Marketing, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged keynote address, keynote session, keynotes, speakers
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The Best Entertainment in Nashville (or anywhere)
Having lived in Nashville for over 25 years and worked with countless top recording artists in my career, I often get asked, “What was your favorite show you’ve ever worked?” That’s always a tough, if not impossible, question, as I’ve … Continue reading
Posted in corporate events, event planning, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged corporate entertainment, corporate events, corporate meetings, entertainment, event planning, Nashville, nashville corporate events, Nashville entertainment, nashville events, private events, songwriter event, songwriter round, songwriters in the round, visit music city
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Songwriter City Spotlight: The Warren Brothers
The Warren Brothers are award winning songwriters and artists with 9 #1 songs to their credit. They have written hits for Tim McGraw (“If You’re Reading This”, “Felt Good on My Lips”, “Highway Don’t Care”), Toby Keith (“Red Solo Cup”), … Continue reading
Posted in corporate events, Media & Entertainment, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Ridiculously Talented, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged corporate entertainment, corporate events, event planning, eventprofs, live entertainment, meeting planners, nashville corporate events, Nashville entertainment, nashville events, nashville music, private events, songwriters, songwriters in the round, The Bluebird Cafe, the warren brothers, Tim McGraw
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Songwriter City Spotlight: Josh Kear
Josh Kear is the only songwriter in Grammy history to win Best Country Song three times (for Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away”). He also won CMA, ACM, and ASCAP Song of … Continue reading
Posted in corporate events, event planning, Media & Entertainment, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Ridiculously Talented, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged Carrie Underwood, corporate entertainment, corporate events, corporate meetings, event planning, eventprofs, josh kear, Lady Antebellum, meetingprofs, nashville corporate events, Nashville entertainment, nashville events, private events, songwriters, songwriters in the round, The Bluebird Cafe
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Songwriter City Spotlight: Bob DiPiero
Since his first #1 in 1983, Hall of Fame Songwriter Bob DiPiero has been one of music’s most prolific and consistent songwriters. He’s had over 1,000 songs recorded, countless hit singles, and an incredible 15 #1 hits. Bob has won … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, corporate events, event planning, Media & Entertainment, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged bob dipiero, corporate entertainment, corporate events, corporate meetings, my ilea, Nashville, nashville events, Songwriter City, songwriter entertainment, songwriter event, Songwriter Shows, songwriters, songwriters in the round
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Two Years In Songwriter City
It’s been two years since our first Songwriter City show in 2016 and I began the full-fledged plunge into owning and running my own business. Working in the corporate world and hired as an independent contractor have been the only roles I’ve … Continue reading
Posted in Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged corporate entertainment, corporate events, corporate meetings, event planning, Music, Nashville entertainment, nashville events, Songwriter City, songwriter entertainment, songwriter event, songwriters in the round, visit music city
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Celebrating Songwriters
Having been in Nashville for over 20 years now, I’ve had the opportunity to attend many Tin Pan South Songwriters Festivals, which just concluded their 25th annual event last week. The packed five nights of over 300 writers, at ten different venues, allow songwriters to share … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged event planning, eventprofs, Music, Music City, Nashville, Songwriter City, songwriter entertainment, songwriter nights, Songwriter Shows, songwriters, songwriters in the round, Tin Pan South, visit music city, writers round
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Songwriter City Spotlight: Lee Thomas Miller
Lee Thomas Miller left his hometown to attend Eastern Kentucky University and graduated in 1990. After graduation, he moved to Nashville to find work as a songwriter. Ken Mellons was the first artist to record his material in 1994, … Continue reading
Featured Songwriter: Josh Kear
Josh Kear is a four-time Grammy nominated songwriter and recipient of the ACM Song of the Year for Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” He is the only songwriter in Grammy history to win Best Country Song three times. Josh boasts a … Continue reading
The “Why” Behind Building Songwriter City
After more than 20 years working at various companies in the music business, I have been getting asked the question in recent months, “Why did you decide to launch Songwriter City?” It sounds like an innocuous question, but it’s also profound. … Continue reading
Posted in Business/Marketing, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriter City, Songwriters
Tagged allen shamblin, bob dipiero, casey beathard, chris wallin, corporate events, corporate meetings, corporate show, country music, destination management, event plann, jessi alexander, josh kear, Music City, Nashville, private events, private shows, Songwriter City, songwriter round, songwriters, songwriters in the round, the warren brothers, wynn varble
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Nashville is Songwriter City
I’ve been in the music industry for over 25 years and have seen every type of show and performance. From my time working at record labels traveling around the country, I’ve witnessed the biggest artists in country music, the newest emerging acts, and everything in between. … Continue reading
BMI Country Music Awards 2015 Winners
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) held their Country Music Awards last night on Music Row. Taking top songwriter and publisher honors were: Songwriter of the Year: Rodney Clawson Song of the Year: “Beat of the Music,” written by Brett Eldredge, Ross … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriters
Tagged Artists, BMI, CMA Awards, entertainment, Lee Thomas Miller, Mac Davis, Music, Nashville, songwriters
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2015 ASCAP Country Music Award Winners
As CMA week continues in Nashville, ASCAP hosted their 2015 awards at the downtown Omni Hotel. This year’s top winners were: Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley Songwriter-Artist of the Year: Sam Hunt Song of the Year: “Leave the Night On,” … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Songwriters
Tagged Artists, ASCAP, CMA Awards, country music, Music, Nashville, songwriters, Trisha Yearwood
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World Vision Continues to Expand Presence, Sends Country Music Songwriters to Dominican Republic
(Nashville, Tenn. – July 9, 2013) Global humanitarian organization World Vision continues to follow its mission of giving back to children, families and their communities worldwide. This past month, World Vision sent a group of artists and songwriters to … Continue reading
Guest Post: Ella Mae Bowen – World Vision Songwriters Trip to The Dominican Republic
The following is a guest post from singer/songwriter Ella Mae Bowen, who was one of the incredible artists on the recent World Vision trip. Her own blog site, including this original post, can be found here. Hello, friends! I feel … Continue reading
Posted in Charity, Guest Bloggers, Music, Music Business, World Vision
Tagged Artists, charity, country music, Dominican Republic, Ella Mae Bowen, Music, songwriters, World Vision
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Join The Journey: World Vision Songwriters Trip
We’re less than a week away from our World Vision songwriters trip to the Dominican Republic. Nine of Music City’s premiere songwriters are journeying together to witness firsthand the work World Vision does in helping children and families out of … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Culture, Music, Music Business, Nashville, World Vision
Tagged Artists, Luke Laird, Matt Wertz, Natalie Hemby, songwriters, Travel, World Vision
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Does the Best Music Always Rise to the Top?
Every time I hear a debate about music and the charts, without exception one person will chime in and say “the cream always rises to the top”. Meaning that the best songs will always prevail. REALLY? Honestly, do they? Come on now. … Continue reading
Gwen Sebastian Partners With World Vision
Pictured (L-R): World Vision’s Mike Severson, Michael Bianchi, Sebastian, World Vision’s Jenny Lockwald, and Tim Sawer Flying Island’s Gwen Sebastian is partnering with World Vision in an effort to raise awareness of the organizations’ dedication to combat poverty and injustice … Continue reading
Posted in Music Business, World Vision
Tagged Artists, Gwen Sebastian, Music, Nashville, World Vision
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2012 ACM Award Winners
Here’s a run down of the nominees and winners (in bold) during the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards held in Las Vegas. via @mikeseverson Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Taylor Swift Male … Continue reading
Posted in Music, Music Business
Tagged ACM, ACM Awards, Artists, awards, country music
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World Vision Continues to Spread Message, Expand Presence in Country Music Market
Carter’s Chord trip, Rick & Bubba radiothon, CRS sponsorship among organization’s latest initiatives (Nashville, Tenn. – March 21, 2012) With recent initiatives involving Carter’s Chord, The Rick & Bubba Show and its presence at Country Radio Seminar 2012, global humanitarian … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Charity, Music Business, World Vision
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2011 CMA Award Winners
2011 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Nominees and Winners Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Taylor Swift Keith Urban Female Vocalist of the Year Sara Evans Miranda Lambert Martina McBride Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood Male Vocalist … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville
Tagged 2011, CMA Awards, country, Music, winners
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Country Music Artists Join Efforts of World Vision
Country Music Artists Join Efforts of Global Humanitarian Organization World Vision Use Your Voice: Do Good campaign gains new artists (Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 8, 2011) Global humanitarian organization World Vision has announced the addition of several Country music artists … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Charity, Music, Music Business, Nashville, World Vision
Tagged Artists, charity, country music, World Vision
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Rigid Mission
Have you ever worked for a company or been involved in a venture that was resistant to change, expanded services, or innovative ways of doing business? Met with resistance because of an overtly intense focus on their mission? I’m a … Continue reading
Posted in Business/Marketing, Music Business
Tagged business, innovation, mission statement
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How You Treat People
The last music morsel post was about how excellent music always wins, and it does. However, there is a sure fire way to sabotage a career even if the music is amazing and that is by treating people poorly. I’ve … Continue reading
Excellent Music Wins
I consistently listen to most of the singles going for airplay at radio to keep up with what music and artists are out there in the trenches. Each time I do I shake my head in disbelief. There are typically … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business
Tagged Artists, Music, Music Business, Radio, singles, songs
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Are We Musically Dumbed Down?
I was having a conversation with a music industry friend the other day about how it can be argued that people have been dumbed down musically. It’s not the fault of the music fan and we may not even be … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business
Tagged Artists, Music, music industry, Radio
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The Fans Rule
It’s been years since I’ve fully dived into Fan Fair, modernly known as CMA Music Festival. Even when I’ve attended in the past I would usually just go to the stages to watch and support whatever artists I was representing … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville, Radio
Tagged Artists, CMA Music Festival, country music, Fan Fair, Radio
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Relationships In The Music Industry
There is typically a common denominator between those people I highly respect in the music industry: Authenticity Humility How they treat other people in all levels of profession The music business is an amazing industry to be a part of, … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Music Business, Nashville
Tagged career, Music Business, music industry, relationships
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Lefsetz On The Charts
From the Lefsetz Letter. Some of the more interesting and relevant commentary on this weeks top albums listed below. Great points are made. For the complete post with additional commentary go here. 1. Adele “21” Sales this week: 155,209 This … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business
Tagged Adele, Alison Krauss, Artists, marketing, Mumford & Sons, Music, sales
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Partnering With World Vision
World Vision makes an indisputable impact on poverty and suffering around the world and I’m thrilled that I will be representing this amazing organization. I’m looking forward to conveying the many opportunities to artists and anyone in the music industry … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music Business, World Vision
Tagged Artists, charity, country music, World Vision
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Musical Values Upheld At Grammy Awards
There always seems to be controversy and tension where the Grammy Awards are concerned. The battle between commercial triumphs and artistic success annually emerge. Sometimes they meet in the middle, but many times they don’t. I was always a fan … Continue reading
Thank You Garth
The 9pm show last night was the final of nine shows that Garth Brooks put on in Nashville to benefit flood relief. Around 160,000 tickets were sold and five million raised. Add to that the economic impact of Garth’s shows … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Media & Entertainment, Music, Music Business, Nashville
Tagged concert, flood, Garth Brooks, Nashville, show, Trisha Yearwood
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2010 CMA Award Winners
Here is a list of the 2010 Country Music Association award winners presented Wednesday evening in downtown Nashville. Congratulations to all the winners! Music Video of the Year: “House that Built Me” by Miranda Lambert Musical Event of the Year: … Continue reading
Posted in Music, Music Business, Nashville
Tagged awards, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, CMA, CMA Awards, country music, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Music, Zac Brown Band
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Artists and Social Media: The Art Of Perfect Exposure
I attended a panel recently at a music industry seminar that discussed how artists should better utilize social media to connect to their audience. There was discussion on what artists were doing it right and questions on why other artists … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Social Media
Tagged Artists, Facebook, fans, marketing, Music, Social Media, Twitter
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Revealing Speak at Billboard Country Music Summit
The Billboard Country Music Summit was held in downtown Nashville on June 7th and 8th. It was a gathering of all segments of the music industry to discuss, debate and pontificate about current issues within the music business and ideas … Continue reading
New Words For A New World
In a recent article concerning the 2010 first quarter sales of music at retail and online the following was written: “In examining where album sales occur, the chain category — which includes Best Buy, Borders and Trans World — suffered … Continue reading
Posted in Business/Marketing, Music Business
Tagged Amazon, business, digital, itunes, labels, marketing, Music, retail, sales, Technology, Walmart
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2010 ACM Award Winners
Like all awards shows, the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards featured some stellar, some forgettable, and some cringing performances. I’ll let you decide which is which, but it seemed clear to me. I will say that the top two … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business
Tagged 2010, ACM, Artists, awards, country, Lady Antebellum, Las Vegas, Miranda Lambert, Music, Nashville, nominees, winners
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So Far In 2010: Digital Drops, Non-Traditional Rises
From Billboard.biz By Ed Christman, N.Y. With the first quarter of 2010 now completed, the good news for the U.S. music industry is the slowing decline of album sales. And another observation is the emergence of the non-traditional sector as … Continue reading
A Songwriting Perspective
The following is a concise and relevant conversations between Peter Cooper and Carnival Music’s Frank Liddell on the state of songwriting and publishing. Published by Peter Cooper on March 19, 2010 in The Tennessean’s Features Frank Liddell owns Carnival Music … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville
Tagged art, artist, Artists, country, Frank Liddell, Music, Nashville, publishing, songs, songwriting
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Passion for the Music. Compassion for the Poor.
Compassion International Benefit Show All proceeds will go to the Global Food Crisis Fund, assisting children and their families in the most needed areas where Compassion serves. • Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009, doors open at 7:30pm • Mercy Lounge in … Continue reading
2009 CMA Award Winners
The List of Country Music Association Award Winners: Musical Event of the Year: “Start A Band ” Brad Paisley and Keith Urban Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally Music Video of the Year: “Love Story” Taylor Swift – directed by … Continue reading
Posted in Media & Entertainment, Music, Music Business
Tagged 2009, ABC, Brad Paisley, CMA, CMA Awards, country, Country Music Association, Music, Nashville, show, Taylor Swift
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Teen Taylor Swift is up against her elders at the CMA Awards
By Brian Mansfield, Special for USA TODAY See complete article w/ Taylor photo here. Could a teenager really win country music’s biggest honor? That’s the key question at the Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night (ABC, 8 ET/PT) as Taylor … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music, Music Business, Nashville
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The Fan I Was Before, Again.
I got into the music business because I was passionate about artists and music. I had a heart for it and wanted it to be all around me. That dream came true and has moved me into places I could … Continue reading
Posted in Business/Marketing, Music, Music Business, Personal
Tagged business, concert, fan, industry, Music, MuteMath, Radio, show
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Google OneBox helping industry out of the box
By David Lieberman, USA TODAY Google is about to give beleaguered record companies a potentially powerful boost by offering people who search for information about musicians the tools to listen to songs — and buy them. The new capabilities will … Continue reading
Posted in Music Business, Technology
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A Message from Keynote Speaker for CRS 41
Dave Ramsey is an incredibly successful broadcast personality and is on over 400 radio stations. In addition, Dave is a prominent author, speaker, businessman, and culture shaper. He’s also a heck of a nice guy. I should know since my … Continue reading
Posted in Music Business, Nashville, Radio, Video
Tagged country, CRB, CRS, Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace, keynote, Music, Nashville, Radio, seminar
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All for the Hall
If ever there was an industry show I was glad I went to, this one was it. I caught myself smiling at times because of the pure talent that graced the stage and the quality of the music. The production … Continue reading
Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio
The silence didn’t last all that long. Guitarist Jimmy Olander was outlining his vision for the next Diamond Rio project to the group’s lead singer, Marty Roe. Rather than just another album, Olander thought, perhaps the story of Roe’s struggles … Continue reading
Posted in Artists, Music Business
Tagged artist, band, country, Diamond Rio, Music, The Tennessean
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For The Record 