AVETT BROTHERS DEFY EXPECTATIONS - ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: LUNA HALO, MGMT, PJ MORTON, LADY ANTEBELLUM
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M A G A Z INE
s pr i n g 20 0 8
Avett Brothers
defy expectations
A l s o i n t h i s i s s u e : L u n a H a l o , M g m t, P J M o r t o n , l a d y a n t e b e ll u m
17
SEE luna halo ON PAGE 17
President’s Message 4
SESA C NE W S 5
l e g i s l a t i v e U P DATE 5
Av e t t B r o t h e r s 6-7
N e w & N o w 8
Rico Love 9
Mgmt 9
CONTENTS
N a s h v i ll e M u s i c Aw a r d s 10-11
J a z z Aw a r d s 12
Joe Escalante 13
AutoVaughn 13
H o l i day Pa r t i e s 14
PJ Morton 15
B e t h N i e l s e n C h a pm a n 16
Luna Halo 17
Leeland 18
J a c k s o n Wat e r s 18
S t e ll a r K a r t 19
Mica Roberts 20
Reik 21
L a d y A n t e b e ll u m 22
Th i s B e a u t i f u l R e p u b l i c 23
FA C ES 24
SESA C sp r i n g
M A G A Z INE
2 0 0 8
SES A C
P at C o lli n s p r e s i de n t & c o o
We’ve only just gotten started but here at SESAC, 2008
C REDITS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
already feels like a year of new beginnings. With our vibrant new office
Ell e n Bl i g h J o n e s
in Miami, SESAC is busily mining those musical hotbeds, continuing our
A ssoci at e Vi ce Pr es ident, Co rpo rate Re lations
ongoing policy of signing the best and brightest in every musical genre.
s h a w n w i ll i a m s Even as the traditional record business struggles with the rapid changes Throughout the years SESAC has diligently from 9.1 cents to approximately 5 cents, a 45% reduction. songwriters and publishers as it relates to protecting their
M AN AGIN G editor brought on by the digital evolution, the elements of a new, thriving digital
worked on the behalf of our songwriters and music SESAC supports our songwriters and publishers and is mechanical rights. This is a crucial issue and the NMPA is
mary breen marketplace are slowly but surely falling into place. While there’s certainly
publishers to ensure the fair compensation for their strongly opposing this new change. SESAC is devoted to both knowledgeable and aware of the financial challenges
webs i t e design & ma rketing manager a rough road ahead as we continue to protect the intellectual property of
J o c e ly n H a r m s songwriters, all is not doom and gloom. Rather, we should appreciate that copyrights. Though SESAC’s role is to represent the writer ensuring the protection of rights of songwriters and music faced by songwriters and publishers. The NMPA is instead
cor por ate relations Coord inator we are in a position to influence the protection of intellectual property and music publisher’s performing right, we also recognize publishers and a reduction in mechanical rates would be a proposing an increase to 12.5 cents per song from the
during this time of dramatic change in the distribution and consumption of and appreciate the vital part that mechanical rights signify devastating and wholly unfair alteration. current 9.1 cents for physical products and 15 cents per
C r y st a l C a v i ness , P ete r C r on i n ,
music. Remember there’s still a No. 1 song at the top of the charts every
Jon W e i sbe r g e r , K e v i n Z i mme r m a n to their income. track for permanent digital downloads.
week, and more often now than ever before, you’ll find the name of a
Contribu ting Writers The proposed cut in mechanical rates for songwriters and
SESAC songwriter listed under the title.
The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) recently began hearings publishers is a response to the record companies financial Though SESAC is not actively involved in the hearings,
L at o c k i T e a m C r e at i v e
Among our latest triumphs is Timbaland’s “The Way I Are,” written by longtime SESAC affiliated songwriters in Washington to determine whether mechanical rates for plight in the on-going battle with illegal downloading. we do recognize these proposed cuts to be unjust and
A r t D i r e ct i on/Des i gn, www.latoc kiteamc reative.c om
Fo r mor e i nf o, c h ec k ou t: www.sesac .c om
Nate “Danja” Hills and Bale’wa Muhammad. The song recently hit #1 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles chart, songwriters and music publishers for physical products such SESAC is well aware of the crisis that is a result of illegal inequitable. SESAC will remain an advocate for fair
an incredible achievement for these talented songwriters. The song also went to #1 here in America, topping
as CDs should be cut from 9.1 cents to 6 cents, as suggested downloading as it affects us all in the music business. But compensation for all songwriters and publishers. The
Billboard’s Pop 100 and Pop 100 Airplay charts. And Danja strikes again with “LoveStoned,” a dancefloor smash for
by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) slashing the compensation due songwriters and publishers initial hearings will last for four weeks. At the end of the
superstar Justin Timberlake that recently hit No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.
and DiMA (Digital Music Association). This would mean is simply not the answer. initial hearing, there will be more discovery and then a
Meanwhile, here in Nashville, SESAC songwriter Brian White’s “Watching You,” a No. 1 hit for country star Rodney a staggering 33% reduction. Another alarming proposal rebuttal hearing taking place in May with a final decision
SESA C OFFI C ES Atkins this past year, was recently named Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2007. has been made by both the RIAA and DiMA to cut the The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) expected on October 2. For updates on the outcome on
N a s h v i ll e mechanical rate for digital downloads, such as i-Tunes, will be on the front lines in this battle representing the the hearings check www.sesac.com.
55 M u sic Square Eas t In news from SESAC Latina, Argentinean singer/songwriter Claudia Brant is enjoying a major hit with her song,
N as h ville, TN 37203 “Dime Quien Es.” Recorded by Mexican norteno stars Los Rieleros Del Norte, “Dime Quien Es” was recently
named #1 Regional Mexican Song.
SESAC PROMOTES BOB DYLAN’S
t el 61 5-320-0055 / fax 615-321-6290
New York
15 2 West 57th Stree t, 57th Floo r
N ew York, N Y 10019
It’s no secret that SESAC has been attracting some of Hollywood’s top film and television composers, and I’m BILL LEE & GREG RIGGLE AMERICAN JOURNEY,
tel 21 2-586-3450 / Fax 212-489-5699
especially proud to welcome Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal to the SESAC fold. As highly regarded for
his film scores, solo releases and concert works as he is for his acclaimed work on hit TV shows like “Monk” and
SESAC has announced the promotion of Bill Lee to Senior 1956–1966
Los Angeles
“Ugly Betty,” Beal brings a long and distinguished resume to SESAC, and he’s a wonderful addition to our growing Vice President, Licensing Operations. Formerly Vice President, Before emerging as arguably the most important
5 0 1 San ta M on ic a Blvd , Su ite 450
family of film and television composers. songwriter in rock history, the man born as Robert
San ta M on ic a, CA 90401-2430 Licensing, Lee will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of
Zimmerman grew up in a small Minnesota town.
tel 31 0-393-9671 / fax 310-393-6497
the Licensing Department including the administrative, cable, Hearkening back to his earliest days, this exhibition —
SESAC TV IS LIVE! Be sure to check out SESAC TV, a new and compelling web feature on www.sesac.com. SESAC
AT L ANTA organized by Experience Music Project — chronicles
9 8 1 Josep h E. Lowery Blvd. N .W.
TV features “Inside The Biz”, an educational section designed to assist web users learn more about the music broadcast and general licensing functions as well as the Business Dylan’s transformation from Midwestern teen to folk
industry, video interviews with some of the top talents in music such as producer/artist extraordinaire, Swizz Beatz, Lee troubadour, artistic innovator, and compelling voice
N.W. Ste.# 111, Atlan ta, GA 30318 Development Center and Accounts Resolution Departments.
and coverage on all SESAC parties, awards shows and music conferences. To see the latest just log onto www. of social conscience. The exhibition, sponsored by
tel 40 4-897-1330 / fax 404-897-1306
SESAC, is on view at the Skirball Cultural Center
miami sesac.com/tv. through June 8, 2008. Advance tickets to “Bob Dylan’s American Journey,
420 Linc oln Road, Ste. 502 SESAC has also promoted Greg Riggle to Associate Vice 1956-1966” are recommended and timed entry is required of all visitors. To
M iam i Beac h , FL 33139 Until next time, please continue to share your feedback with us. Your thoughts are welcomed and encouraged! secure advance, timed-entry tickets, visit www.skirball.org or call 877-SCC -
President, Broadcast Licensing. Formerly Director, Broadcast 4TIX. To obtain the SESAC $2 off each ticket discount use promo code 97095.
TE L 30 5-534-7500 / fax 305-534-7578
Licensing, Riggle is responsible for directing strategic licensing Upon picking up tickets at Skirball admissions, you will be required to present
London
this coupon. Photocopies will not be accepted. You may bring as many as guests
67 Upper Berkeley Stree t
riggle initiatives within broadcast and digital media industries. as you like and receive the discount on each ticket.
Lond on W1H 7QX, Eng lan d
tel 02 0 7 616 9284 / fax 0207 563 7029
W W W. SESA C . C O M
avett brothers
Rebe l s W i t h o u t a F o r m u l a
The song sashays sweetly along with lightly nine releases to their discography over the next seven years and
strummed guitar and banjo and the kind of straight-outta- touring non-stop the whole time.
Carolina sibling harmonies that bring to mind names like
Delmore, Stanley and Louvin. Suddenly, without warning, all By the time 2007’s Emotionalism was released, the Avetts had
hell breaks loose; the tempo takes off, the strumming turns to more than proven themselves to critics and fans alike, delivering
slamming, and one brother is lying on the floor while the other one unforgettable live show after another, and album after album
dances the pogo. And somehow it all makes perfect sense. Say of exceptional, hook-laden songs that hit somewhere between
hello to Scott and Seth – the Avett Brothers. the head and the heart and defy categorization at every turn.
“I’ve always been in tune with the dynamic of going from “Our formula is to do our best to avoid formula,” Avett says. “We
sweetness to just complete abrasion,” says Scott, the elder happen to have a lot of influences from a lot of angles, but we
Avett. “It’s a great tool. The Beatles did it constantly, especially don’t plan on any of it. We approach everything differently and
on the White Album and Abbey Road.” we work best that way.”
The Avetts grew up outside of Charlotte on a “hobby” farm Whatever the Avetts are doing, it’s working. With the critically
in Concord, North Carolina, where, sure enough, their rural acclaimed, independently released Emotionalism selling briskly,
southern roots came right up against their abrasive rebel angst. the band was honored at last fall’s Americana Music Awards,
Like all fledgling rock stars, they grabbed guitars, headed directly taking home trophies for Album of the Year and New and
to the garage and turned it all the way up to 11. Emerging Artist. Taking a much-deserved New Year’s break
from the road, the brothers are excited about heading back into
It took a few years and a ton of gigs with their former outfit the studio for their next project, one that, predictibly, promises
– hard-rocking regional favorites, Nemo – for the Avetts to to upend more than a few expectations.
get the metal out of their system, and the move back toward
their acoustic roots evolved over the course of a series of “The banjo and the guitar were just where we started,” Scott
local, alcohol-fueled gigs that became known as the Back says. “We’re both more comfortable trying instruments that we
Porch Project. Given the creative time and space to let all their may not have tried before. We’re realizing that the recording
influences settle, the siblings stumbled on a loose acoustic needs to be something great on its own, and the live show can
guitar-and-banjo chemistry and an anything-goes vibe. With be great on another plane. And we want to pitch both of
the addition of standup bassist Bob Crawford, they emerged as them.”
the Avett Brothers. The band released a self-titled debut album
in 2000, and they haven’t looked back since, adding a total of By Peter Cronin
W W W. SESA C . C O M
MGMT
new Dares To Be Different
and
For a member of a rock duo that regularly It wasn’t long before Time to Pretend caught the attention
employs wild costumes, face paint, and sardonic lyrics, of noted producer Steve Lillywhite, then serving as a
MGMT’s Andrew Vanwyngarden remains refreshingly blasé Senior Vice President of A&R at Columbia. He got in touch,
about a professional music career that was, for all intents and was able to convince MGMT that “the scarier parts of
and purposes, something of a fluke. “We’re not looking to being on a major label were not going to happen.”
sell a ton of records,” he says of recently-released debut
NOW
album Oracular Spectacular (Columbia). “We never really While MGMT is now smack in the middle of the Oracular
Amora Corvo { http://www.myspace.com/heirosgamosent } Jennie Arnau { www.jenniearnau.com } planned on even having a record deal.” push – playing “Time to Pretend” on Letterman, and
Known as “The Spiritual Girl,” Amora Corvo has spent many Born in the foothills of the Appalachia, Arnau now makes her gearing up for “a ton of shows, including a bunch of festivals
years underground honing her vision and craft as a Pop/HipHop/ home in New York City and both parts of the country infuse her Nevertheless, the album has quickly won strong reviews, this summer” – Vanwyngarden says he and Goldwasser
Soul recording artist. Known for her energetic and spontaneous landmark CD, Mt. Pleasant. Heralded by the Village Voice for the from Rolling Stone’s “dazzling” and Prefix Magazine’s are already hankering to return to the studio.
personality, Amora has earned respect for musical genre- ability to “pierce your heart one moment, then turn right around observation that Oracular “sounds like a college-dorm
bending and intertwining rap and song. After favorable reaction and calm your spirit the next.” By combining life experiences experiment gone horribly right.” The latter’s not too Now committed to a career that he never seriously
to her debut CD, Platinum Heart, Amora is set to release her with a unique brand of grassroots rock. Arnau explores the far from the truth, as Vanwyngarden and partner Ben thought would happen, Vanwyngarden is equally serious
second album, The Spiritual Girl EP in April 2008. curious dichotomy of her artistic temperament.
Goldwasser first hooked up as art students during their about being a part of SESAC. “What we liked most about
freshman year at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. SESAC was that it’s not a big monster,” he says. “They have
a smaller roster than the others, but I think that helps get
The pair specialized in electronic doodles fleshed out by you the attention you wouldn’t necessarily get somewhere
“trying to play in all these different styles,” according to else.
Vanwyngarden. “We’d have these crazy snowmen on the
stage, or run around in the middle of songs.” “Plus,” he adds waggishly, “the fact that they have Bob
Dylan’s a pretty good thing.”
Youthful enthusiasm carried them past graduation and into
recording the Time to Pretend EP for Cantora Records, as By Kevin Zimmerman
well as opening slots on a tour by pop band Of Montreal.
Linda Kiraly { www.lindakiraly.com }
Linda Kiraly received her start in music at the tender age of 13,
Lumi { www.myspace.com/lumibustamante }
Lumi has quickly impressed music lovers with her finesse as
Marc Nelkin { www.myspace.com/marcnelkin }
Marc Nelkin has experienced a year most songwriters dream Rico love
A Sta r O n T h e R i s e
when she performed at Carnegie Hall. That auspicious start a captivating pop and R&B entertainer. The accomplished about. In 2007, Nelkin was paired with newcomer singer/
evolved into a recording career that showcases Kiraly’s colossal singer and guitarist has already chalked up performances at songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae. The two penned “Breathless” for
The Kennedy Center or Constitution Hall. Lumi is currently a
talents as a singer. On her debut project Kiraly moves effortlessly her breakthrough debut album and have another collaboration, “I
lead vocalist with The Renowned Urban Nation H.I.P.–H.O.P.
between ballads and beats and back again. “I am a different artist,” Won’t Let You Lie To Yourself,” pegged for her follow-up CD in
Choir and a member of the all female vocal group No Illusion.
she continues. “I’m not just another blonde pop singer. I’ve studied 2008. Nelkin has other songs coming out on a range of projects and
Currently in the studio working on her debut project Lumi is
music since I was a baby,” Kiraly says. “This is my life.” It shows. is in the studio working on developing artists for various labels. Rico Love is a rising star, diligently striving As 2008 begins, Rico’s plate gets even more full—with
also in planning stages for future promotional performances.
to solidify his legacy in the business of music. The young work on a comeback album for Brandy at the top of his
songwriter, producer, arranger and recording artist recently schedule; completion of Pleasure P’s solo album (of Pretty
traveled to New York, Miami and Los Angeles all in the Ricky fame); as well as projects from newcomers Tiffany
course of one week to work with Michelle Williams, Jamie Evans, Prima J and Karrina Sian.
Foxx, Jesse James, and Boniface.
This year, Rico is developing two hot new female singing
Growing up between Milwaukee and Harlem, Rico got his solo talents, Paloma Ford and Leche Martin, as well
break in the music industry while signed to Usher’s US as forming a duo called Save The Hero along with his
Records—an imprint through J Records. He wrote the collaborative partner, producer Jim Johnson. According to
song, “Throwback,” featured on Usher’s multi-platinum Rico, the music is a collective of Rap, Techno, Hip-Hop
Confessions album—in addition to accompanying and and unique ‘off-the-wall music.’
performing with the mega star on tour.
Although Rico acknowledges his accomplishments of the
Rico’s growing resume is a virtual Who’s Who in past, he refuses to sit and bask on his laurels. “I really wanna
contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop—having collaborated take over music,” he states with confidence. “I don’t simply
with Omarion, Marques Houston, TLC, Donnell Jones want to be a writer-artist. I wanna be the face of music.
and Boyz II Men. Rico co-wrote five songs with Grammy- I want to be to music what Puffy is to music. That is my
Mieka Pauley { www.mieka.com } Ryan Toby { www.myspace.com/ryantoby } Michéal Castaldo { michealcastaldo.homestead.com } Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, “Scared of Lonely” with superstar future. When you say Pop music, when you say Hip-Hop,
Mieka Pauley follows her own vision for her music and her soul / Ryan Toby is a singer/songwriter/producer making some serious Singer, composer, award-winning songwriter/producer and Beyonce, plus scores of work with other industry heavies. I want you to think Rico Love. If I keep hustling and if I keep
blues / rock / acoustic / alternative style has brought comparisons inroads with his debut CD, Soul Of A Songwriter. The multi- recording artist Michéal Castaldo is an Italian-born Canadian Rico is a part of a writing-production squad called the making quality music, then I know this will happen!”
to Ben Harper, Cat Power, Neko Case and Patty Griffin. She is faceted Toby has already achieved success penning songs for and now a New York City resident. Throughout his early years, Runaways. Together, the team scored the recent Billboard
the winner of the first ever Starbucks Emerging Artist Award, the likes of Mary J. Blige, Brian McKnight, LL Cool J and Will Castaldo explored diverse musical directions and instrumentations. U.S. Top Ten and international hit, “Love Like This” for By David A. Mitchell
the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase and the Smith among many others. With his first CD being hailed as Castaldo is passionate about his current Italian CDs Villa and La Natasha Bedingfield. And he is also co-writer of Natasha’s
Rock Boat Song Contest. Her first album, Elijah Drop Your Gun, a welcome return to smoothly sensitive urban music Soul Of A Dolce Vita ‘NAmerica where the musician slows the tempo, reaches follow-up single, “Angel,” produced by super-producer
was entirely funded by her fans. Songwriter is a modern testament to timeless quality. deeper into the soul and passionately takes you back to his roots. Rodney Jerkins.
W W W. SESA C . C O M
Songwriter of the Year | Liz Rose | Song of the Year | “Watching You”, written by Brian White | SESAC Publisher of the Year | Hillsboro Valley Songs, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing |
Country Performance Activity Awards | “A Good Man”, written by Victoria Shaw, recorded by Emerson Drive, AvaRu Music, Multisongs; “Teardrops On My Guitar”, written by Liz Rose, recorded by
SES A C n a s h v i l l e
Taylor Swift, Hillsboro Valley Songs, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing; “Tim McGraw”, written by Liz Rose, recorded by Taylor Swift, Hillsboro Valley Songs, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing; “Watching You”, written by Brian
White, recorded by Rodney Atkins, Songs from the White House, Multisongs; “Moments”, written by Sam Tate and Annie Tate, recorded by Emerson Drive, Gravitron Music; “Just Might Have Her Radio On”, written
by Ashe Underwood, recorded by Trent Tomlinson, Geormac Music; “Dixie Lullaby”, written by Justin Pollard, recorded by Pat Green, Drum Groove Music; “Isn’t She”, written by Ron Harbin, recorded by Carolina
Rain, Harbinism.com Music; “Two Pink Lines”, written by Victoria Shaw, recorded by Eric Church, Ruby Dooby Tunes, ; “That Kind of Day”, written by Greg Barnhill, recorded by Sarah Buxton, Green City Music,
Music Awards
Green Wilderness Music. | Recurrent Country Performance Activity Awards | “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)”, written by Sam Tate, Annie Tate, recorded by Rodney
Atkins, Gravitron Music, Whattayadef Music. | Americana Performance Activity Awards | Jim Lauderdale and Kevin Welch, for the contribution to the album Nashville, recorded by Solomon Burke,
Spur 66 Music, Universal Tunes; Jim Lauderdale, for the contribution to the album Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame, recorded by Sunny Sweeney, Sky-Eye Music, Critter City Music; Bob Dylan, for the contribution to
the album Endless Highway: The Music of the Band, recorded by the Band, Dwarf Music, Big Sky Music; Carol Young and Jerry Salley, for the contribution to the album Viridian, recorded by the Greencards, Darling
Street Publishing, Country Gentleman Music; David Neuhauser, Monty Byrom and Scott Hutchison, for the contribution to the album The Shoe Box, recorded by Jay Boy Adams, Cooke’s Trust Limited, Beau’s Dad
Music, My Grace Music; Ilhan Ersahin, for the contribution to the album Not Too Late, recorded by Norah Jones, Tatu Music; Bob Dylan, for the contribution to the album Waterloo, Tennessee, recorded by Uncle Earl,
Ram’s Horn Music; Julie Lee, for the contribution to the album A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection, recorded by Alison Krauss, Still House Road Music, Country Gentleman Music; Gurf Morlix and Bob Dylan, for
the contribution to the album Diamonds To Dust, recorded by Gurf Morlix, Crankbait, Special Rider Music; Bob Dylan, for the contribution to the album Cimarron Manifesto, recorded by Jimmy LaFave, Special Rider
Music; Bob Dylan, for the contribution to the album Anchors & Anvils, recorded by Amy LaVere, Special Rider Music; Dwarf Music, for the contribution to the album Compadres: An Anthonlogy of Duets, recorded
by Marty Stuart; Bruce Burch and Bob Dylan, for the contribution to the album The One Who’s Leavin’, recorded by Doug Spartz, Bruce Burch Music, Inc;, Special Rider Music, Ram’s Horn Music; Bob Dylan, for
the contribution to the album Letters from Sinners & Strangers, recorded by Eilen Jewell, Special Rider Music; Walt Wilkins, Liz Rose, Sam Baker and Nick Pellegrino, for the contribution to the album Diamonds in
the Sun, recorded by Walt Wilkins & the Mystiqueros, Blue Limestone Publishing, Curb Congregation Songs, Sony/ATV Sounds LLC, Hillsboro Valley Songs, Multisongs, Mayflower Place Music; Liz Rose, for the
contribution to the album Unglamorous, recorded by Lori McKenna, Hillsboro Valley Songs, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing; Allison Moorer, for the contribution to the album Washington Square Serenade, recorded
by Steve Earle; Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Lucas Kane, for the contribution to the album Kane Welch Kaplin, recorded by Kane Welch Kaplin, Monkey Head Music, Family Style Publishing, Glacier Park Music.
Multi-faceted songwriter Liz Rose was named SESAC’s Country songwriters in the genre including Bob Dylan, Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and
Songwriter of the Year during ceremonies held at the company’s Music Row Walt Wilkins among many others.
Headquarters. On the strength of her hits for Taylor Swift ( “Tim McGraw”,
“Teardrops On My Guitar”) as well as her contributions to projects by Lori Among the evening’s many highlights was a touching version of “Watching You”
McKenna (Unglamorous) and Walt Wilkins & the Mystiqueros (Diamonds In The performed by the man who took the song to the top of charts, Rodney Atkins,
Sun), Rose was on hand to accept the evening’s top honor. who was joined onstage by Brian White.
Brian White was also honored for his song “Watching You” which was named In addition to Songwriter, Publisher and Song of the Year Awards for the country
SESAC’s Country Song of the Year. The song, a mega-smash hit for Rodney genre, many other country singles received performance activity awards.
Atkins, held the No.1 spot on the country charts four consecutive weeks.
Hillsboro Valley Songs, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing, the publisher of Liz Rose’s |4| |5|
catalogue, was named SESAC’s Country Publisher Of The Year.
In addition to their songwriting honors, SESAC Associate Vice President Tim Fink
awarded Songwriter Of The Year, Liz Rose, with a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted
Master Built acoustic guitar, courtesy of Gibson Guitar.
A highlight of the evening included the presentation of the “Spirit Of SESAC”
Award in memory of Americana songwriter/artist, Buck Jones, who tragically died
in an accident in March while traveling to perform a show in Texas. The”Spirit
Of SESAC” Award was presented in honor of Buck’s overwhelming spirit and
passion for music. Amy Beth Jones was on hand to accept the award in memory
of her husband.
Following tradition, SESAC also recognized the impact of the Americana format
during the night’s festivities, handing out awards to several top artists and |1| |6| |7|
|2| |3| |8| |9|
| 1 | (Left to right): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Brian White (writer of Song of the Year “Watching You”), SESAC’s Pat Collins, Liz Rose (Songwriter of the Year) SESAC’s Tim Fink, Pat Collins, Taylor Swift and SESAC’s Trevor Gale. | 6 | The 2007 SESAC Nashville Music Awards Publishers of the Year (left to
and SESAC’s Trevor Gale. | 2 | Brian White (second from left) and Rodney Atkins (far right) perform SESAC’s Song Of The Year, “Watching You” for a right): SESAC’s John Mullins, Hillsboro Valley Songs’ Driver Williams and Sony/ATV Timber Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson. | 7 | Liz Rose and Brian White
packed house at SESAC’s 2007 Nashville Music Awards. | 3 | Lady Antebellum entertains the crowd with their hot single, “Love Don’t Live Here.” | 4 | celebrate their honors. | 8 | Rodney Atkins shares a moment with SESAC affiliate Bruce Burch. | 9 | The winners of the 2007 SESAC Nashville Music
Americana artist Jim Lauderdale receives an award during the 2007 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. (Left to right): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Jim Lauderdale and Awards gather for a group shot at the end of the awards presentation.
Jessica Baum of Critter City Publishing. | 5 | SESAC Songwriter of the Year Liz Rose (third from left) celebrates the night’s big victory with (left to right)
W W W. SESA C . C O M
SESAC
ja z z
SESAC honored its affiliated composers in the jazz genre with the Fourth
Annual Jazz Awards Luncheon. The event, held at New York’s legendary
Tavern on the Green, honors the Top 10 jazz albums of 2007.
The audience, which included SESAC-affiliated composers and
Awa r d s
publishers as well as industry executives and press also enjoyed a
stunning improvised selection by jazz pianist Robert Glasper from his
2008
award-winning release, In My Element and a special performance by
Lauren Kinhan of New York Voices on “As We Live And Breathe”. Both AutoVaughn Is Ready To Rock
Glasper and Kinhan were honorees at this year’s awards ceremony. Group To Release Epic Records Debut in 2008
According to a self-effacing, self-written Now based in Nashville, the group started life as a.m.DRIVE The name was agreed upon by everyone since “We’re a
biography of pop/rock group AutoVaughn, “Future plans of in Potuck and drummer Andrew Grooms’ native Indiana. democracy,” according to Potuck. “Though we did have a
the band include: World domination, etc. etc. etc.” When that band split up, the pair eventually relocated to few caucuses first.”
Music City and renewed their acquaintance with lead
SESAC Jazz Award Winners 2008 | Tom Harrell, Tom Harrell Music, for the album Light On, recorded by Tom Harrell; Kate McGarry, Pavitra Music, for the album The Target, recorded by Kate McGarry; Now that the well-regarded four-piece has signed with guitarist Stephen Wilson, who’d spent a few years studying With six songs written, AutoVaughn is now deciding whether
Keith Ganz, Tripniplicus Music, for his contribution the album The Target, recorded By Kate McGarry; Lauren Kinhan, Best of Kin, for her contribution to the album A Day Like This, recorded by The New Epic Records, that no longer seems like such a joke. Not microbiology overseas at the University of Queensland. to put out an EP or stick it out to make their big-label bow a
York Voices; Ilhan Ersahin, Tatu Music, for the song “Thinking About You”, recorded by Norah Jones; Matt Wilson, Grainfed Music, for the album The Scenic Route, recorded by Matt Wilson; Marc Nelson, that the freewheeling foursome has started taking itself too Upon his return to the States, Potuck says, “We were full-length album. “The music industry has changed so much
Lyric Masters 911, for the song “All Through The Christmas Night”, recorded by Brian Culbertson; Robert Glasper, I’m a Jazzy Guy Music, for the album In My Element, recorded by Robert Glasper; Bill seriously. like, ‘Hang up that lab coat and let’s play some rock ‘n’ roll, recently,” Potuck says. “It’s cool and exciting to have a major
O’Connell, O’Connell Music, for the contribution to the album Come Fly With Me, recorded by Dave Valentin; Russell Gunn, East Boogie Music, for the album Russell Gunn Plays Miles, recorded by Russell
fool!’” label behind us, but we want to build this the right way.”
Gunn; Scott Colley, Scott Colley Music, for the album Architect Of The Silent Moment, recorded by Scott Colley; Michael Blake, Baby Tank, for his contribution to the album At Home, recorded by Slow Poke.
Guitarist/vocalist Darren Potuck says he’s changing his
nom de rock to Darren Edwards, since “Spell-check keeps Interest in music began early for all four members: Graham “The sooner we can be done with recording the better,”
changing my name to ‘Potluck.’” Bassist Ben Graham says did time on drums and trumpet before switching to bass, remarks Wilson. “We’re eager to get back out there on the
he was asked if he was cool and awesome before joining: while Grooms “was playing on buckets when I was quite road.”
“I answered yes to both questions, and five or six days later young, until my parents finally bought me a drum set.”
I was up onstage with them.” And asked when that Epic By Kevin Zimmerman
debut might see the light of day, they joke “early spring” to As for the moniker, the group points not to a certain
“by the end of the year” to “by the end of next year … if German electronic music group but instead to a parody of
we’re lucky.” same, the electro-nihilist band Autobahn in The Big Lebowski.
JOE ESCAL ANTE
Renaissance Man
Punk rock pioneer, record label chief, radio show host, video Indie 103.1 FM into a career as host of the
|1| |2|
and film director, lawyer, matador … Joe Escalante has been all of these in a wide station’s morning drive-time show, “The Last
and varied career, seemingly the very definition of a “renaissance man.” of the Famous International Morning Shows,”
featuring daily weather reports from film director
With an interest in music that began by playing violin, trumpet, and drums, Escalante David Lynch and sports commentary by actor
quickly found himself attracted by the first wave of punk rock’s D.I.Y. ethos. He Timothy Olyphant (TV’s Deadwood).
joined southern California punk band The Vandals as their first permanent drummer,
and later switching to bass. In the meantime, The Vandals continue to record
and tour, though thanks to Escalante’s other
Ceding much of the writing to guitarist Warren Fitzgerald – although Escalante’s commitments, shows are usually reserved for
“Oi to the World” was later covered by No Doubt – Escalante says the era was weekends. Nevertheless, the group will spend a
marked by “being an artistic hobby, really, so I never stopped doing other things, couple of weeks touring Australia later this year,
including going to college and then law school.” and will be featured on this summer’s Warped
Tour, alongside such acts as Gym Class Heroes,
After four years as an attorney, however, the milieu had evolved to the point where Relient K, and Reel Big Fish.
acts like Green Day and Offspring started topping the charts. “That was when The
Vandals’ phone started ringing, and we were able to quit our jobs and start being Through it all, Escalante knows what he likes.
|3| |4| full-time musicians,” he says. “When I first heard about SESAC, I looked into
it and found a performing rights society that’s
By 1996, Escalante and Fitzgerald had formed Kung Fu Records, whose roster actually interested in helping performers,” he says.
grew to include The Ataris, Tsunami Bomb, and The Vandals; four years later, “It makes the others look like a racket. SESAC is a
| 1 | Lauren Kinham of acclaimed group New York Voices entertains the crowd with a stunning performance of “As We Live And Breath.” | 2 | (Left to right):
Escalante launched Kung Fu Films as an outlet for music videos, concert DVDs, warmer, friendlier place where you actually can
SESAC’s Linda Lorence Critelli, Robert Glasper and SESAC’s Trevor Gale share a moment during the awards festivities. | 3 | (Left to right): SESAC’s Linda and other projects. get some help. That’s more my style.”.
Lorence Critelli bestows an award on Lauren Kinhan of New York Voices and her husband and SESAC lawyer, Rob Marcus. | 4 | (Left to right): SESAC’s
Trevor Gale congratulates Michael Blake for his jazz award for the Slow Poke project. He also successfully parlayed a legal advice radio show on L.A. area radio station By Kevin Zimmerman
W W W. SESA C . C O M
Holiday Parties
P.J. Morton
New Yor k
A Masterwork Still in Progress
Right about now, songwriter, producer, and independent
recording artist P.J. Morton is reeling in excitement over the recent Song of the Year
|1| |2| |3| accolade (a songwriter’s award) he received at the Stellar Awards for the single, “Let
Go,” recorded by Verity Gospel artist Dewayne Woods. It was like a snowball effect
| 1 | SESAC’s Trevor Gale and SESAC writer Katie Neil celebrate. | 2 | SESAC’s Linda Critelli, Michael Brettler of Shapiro Bernstein, Joyce Dollinger, SESAC that night, as Woods also received Best New Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year
writers Valentin and Kristine Hendricks, and SESAC’s Tara McDermott. | 3 | Jason Roberts and Brian Harding of The Hymns visit with Trevor Gale. trophies due to the chart-topping Gospel song.
Born and raised in New Orleans, yet currently residing in Atlanta (a Morehouse
L os a n geles College alumnus), Morton says he’s the son of ‘a preacher man.’ An understatement
from the humble artist as his father, Bishop Paul S. Morton, is one of the country’s
most respected ministers and musicians.
“The church was the foundation for much of my musical background,” he recalls,
“playing keyboards and all in a Baptist Church. I started writing songs at a very early
age, and people started to like them.”
Morton’s first significant placement while just a mere teen of 15 (the age he became
a SESAC affiliate) is the now-classic, “Don’t Lose Your Candlestick,” for gospel-
crossover group Men of Standard.
|4| |5| |6|
Things only got better for the young talent, as he was named Musical Director for
Gospel powerhouse Fred Hammond, and toured as a keyboardist and background
| 4 | SESAC’s Dennis Lord, Danny Lux, Bruce Miller and Chris Beck hang out. | 5 | SESAC’s Pat Rogers chats with Jeff Beal. | 6 | Steven Winogradsky,
vocalist with Neo-Soul singer Erykah Badu.
Brett Perry, Val Perry, SESAC’s Sherah Sandridge.
Morton’s worked with super-producer and fellow Atlanta resident Jermaine Dupri
n ashville on projects for R&B stars Jagged Edge and Monica—in addition to receiving a Dove
Award for his 2006 work with young Gospel diva KiKi Sheard. In 2002, Morton
received a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Album for his production and
songwriting contribution on the song, “Interested,” taken from India Arie’s Voyage
to India project.
“That was a very special time for me. I’m just blessed at being at the right place
at the right time. I’ve always been a go-getter – even though I’ve somewhat
kept to myself—yet people would always seem to notice my efforts. I’ve always
been somewhat unassuming. When I met India Arie—she and I lived in the same
apartment complex. I let India hear a song that I did and she liked it. That’s kind of
been the story of my life.”
|7| |8| |9|
Life and P.J.’s career path continue to be a positive work in progress. More recently
| 7 | SESAC’s Ellen Jones visits with Jeff Green of Country Aircheck. | 8 | Gary Burr, Liz Rose and SESAC’s Tim Fink take a moment to chat. | 9 | Bob he’s been in the studio working with American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, Neo-
Delevante, Amy Beth Hale and Walt Wilkins spend time at the holiday party. Soul singer-songwriter Musiq Soulchild and Gospel duo Mary Mary. Morton is also
co-producing songs on the forthcoming Pop compilation album for prolific film
composer/arranger A.R. Rahman (Lord of the Rings, Elizabeth: The Golden Age) and
atlan ta is developing two new acts, Christian act Anaysha and Pop/R&B newcomer India B.
Not to be completely overshadowed, P.J. Morton is working on music for the release
of his second independent solo album.
“I really want to see the industry get back to more focused records, more focused
songs—songs that have purity and substance,” he says. “Personally, I don’t want to
give away a song and just break – I’m trying to put my heart and soul into all the
records that I’m working on. I try not to juggle too much at the same time, but really
do my best to provide the artists I work with as well as the audience some really
great music.”
| 10 | | 11 | | 12 |
By David A. Mitchell
| 10 | Sharlinda Parker and Sabrina Rowe checking out the latest issue of SESAC’s magazine. | 11 | (Left to right): Carlo Farina hangs with Brandi and
SESAC’s Cappriccieo Scates. | 12 | SESAC’s Cappriccieo Scates spends time with songwriter Traci Hale.
W W W. SESA C . C O M
Beth L u n a Hal o
N i e lsen the waiting is the Hardest Part
Ch apman S ee s t he L igh t
Over the course of two decades, six solo releases and a several albums, international tours and her own successful SESAC has proven to be one of the more positive changes
It took three labels, a few years, several dead-end showcases and
more than a few broken promises, but the recent release of Luna Halo’s self-titled debut is
proof positive that good, kickass rock ‘n’ roll does indeed come to those who wait.
“To have this thing finally on the shelves is amazing, and it feels great,” says Luna Halo lead
singer/songwriter Nathan Barlowe. “Some bands break up over little bumps in the road,
Contractually bound to Sparrow, Luna Halo recorded one Christian album for the label
before Barlowe left to form an entirely different Luna Halo with bassist Aaron Jenkins,
drummer Chris Coleman, and his brother Cary on guitar. The new band buckled down
and began recording demos that immediately attracted major attention. The band signed
a development deal moments before the company closed its doors for good. Hearing the
news, Interscope Records stepped into the breach and was introducing the band as their
lifetime’s worth of triumph and tragedy, Beth Nielsen battle against breast cancer, the project was rekindled in her evolving world. “While comprehensive and far but we’ve encountered mountains. It forced us to circle the wagons, look inward and say, new act when the phone call came that the deal had fallen through. When the band’s
Chapman has consistently stunned fans and critics alike with in 2002 when Chapman heard South African Bishop reaching, SESAC also feels like a family,” says Chapman. ‘Hey, with or without a deal, we’re a great band and we’re going to prove it to people.’” high-dollar showcase at LA’s Viper Room turned up no offers, Barlowe had all but given
the uncommon musical and lyrical depth of her creations. Desmond Tutu speak to religious leaders in Washington, “There is a sense of flexibility and reasonableness toward up when the call came from superstar producer Rubin.
And with iconic tunesmiths like Neil Diamond, Elton John, D.C. on the one year anniversary of 9/11. it’s individual writers, and an unsurpassed commitment to Luna Halo’s leadoff single, “Untouchable,” is – to quote the lyric – “a little taste of heaven”
Bonnie Raitt and Patty Griffin clamoring to cover her songs, the protection of writer’s rights in the face of great changes that signals the arrival of a great American rock band. Produced by Neil Avron and executive “We flew out to LA and had to play for just Rick Rubin in a room; not a show, no nothing,”
the Nashville-based artist long ago redefined the term Although Prism was ten years in the making, the genesis in the industry.” produced by Columbia Records head Rick Rubin, the record’s impressive number of pre- Barlowe says. “It was horrible. We played three songs, and he came up to us and said, ‘I
“songwriter’s songwriter.” of the project goes back to Chapman’s childhood as an release spins portends a warm welcome at radio for Luna Halo’s straight-ahead, emotion- love it, it’s great, we’ll have a deal on the table by Monday.’”
“Air Force brat,” growing up on military bases around the The busy artist also continues her work with organizations packed brand of rock.
But even longtime Chapman admirers will be challenged world. such as Peacejam, an international aggregation of Nobel When Rubin finally made the move to head Columbia Records, he took Luna Halo with
and impressed by Prism, her latest effort. The self-released, Peace Laureates dedicated to teaching young adults about The son of a church pastor in Raleigh, North Carolina, Barlowe pretty much grew up on him, and their stunning debut is finally getting the full-blown release it deserves. For
two-CD collection is split between a 12-song disc of “An Air Force base is like a bubble of humanity, a bunch peacemaking, and as a board member for Healthy World gospel music. But when he finally experienced the rush of real rock ‘n’ roll, the creative Barlowe, who has learned to take it all in stride, the record’s release, after two years of
devotional songs from Buddhist, Jewish, Sufi, Muslim, of people from different cultures, colors and creeds all up Healthy Child, which provides education about the effects floodgates opened and all hell broke loose. delays, is both a blessing and a lesson.
Shaker, Negro Spiritual, Hindu, Catholic and Protestant and down the street. My family was Catholic, and in the of the environment on kids. And then, of course, there’s
traditions and a companion album of stellar pop songs that, building where we’d go to mass, they’d roll out Jesus, and the music business. Barlowe soon hooked up with local Christian rockers Reality Check, and the band went on “There are positive things,” he says. “I think we’re smarter now. We may
despite their similarly spiritual bent, will remind listeners then between 10 and 11 they’d roll in the Star of David for to win first place in a Gospel Music Association band competition. Barlowe made the move have become a bit more cynical, but at the same time we’ve always been
that this is the writer of hits like the No. 1 country/pop the Jewish services. So my first experience of spirituality “One of the things I find challenging about the day and age to Nashville, where Reality Check signed with Sparrow Records, recorded a debut CD, the kind of band that just won’t take no for an answer.”
smash, “This Kiss” for Faith Hill. was that God shows up in all these places. We all have a we’re in right now is that there are some really great artists Shimmer, and hit the road. When the business began to overpower the music, however,
certain bandwidth that we’re culturally on, and that’s how who are finding their way through the music business Barlowe made the decision to leave the band and form Luna Halo. By Peter Cronin
Chapman began work on Prism a decade ago, following we celebrate this wonderful mystery.” upheaval,” she says. “But that’s a whole other interview.”
the 1994 cancer death of her husband Ernest and the
subsequent release of her acclaimed project, Sand and With the January stateside release of Prism, Chapman By Peter Cronin
Water. And despite persistent interruptions, including continues to grow and evolve. Her new association with
W W W. SESA C . C O M
Stellar Kart Achieves “The Impossible”
J a ckson Wate r s R u ns Deep
The boys in Stellar Kart – vocalist/frontman Adam Agee, guitarist For all you non-believers, the proof is right there on YouTube, and Stellar Kart’s recently
Jackson Waters is one band that is not afraid A self-described “horrible student,” Leonard was spending supervisors when they caught the attention of the creative
Cody Pellerin, bassist Brian Calcara and drummer Jordan Messer – have been on a fast released third album, Expect the Impossible, with its leadoff single, “Jesus Loves You,” is
to wrap its heavenly message in music that’s as catchy as more time with the guitar than the books when he ran team behind the hit TV drama, “One Tree Hill,” who
track ever since the release of All Gas. No Brake, their debut album, back in 2005. While already igniting the same kind of fire here at home.
anything to be heard. For lead singer/songwriter David into drummer Ryan Hawk at a college coffee house gig. subsequently featured the band’s music – as well as their
that project established the band as Christian music’s foremost purveyors of 21st century
Leonard, the good book and a good hook have always Impressed by Leonard’s playing and singing, Hawk suggested image – prominently over the next season.
power punk, their sophomore effort, We Can’t Stand Sitting Down, broadened the musical “This new record is a lot more diverse, and the songs are more in depth and more like
been closely related. they start a band, and Jackson Waters was born.
palette and upped the ante considerably. complete thoughts,” says Agee, who is quick to credit producer Eskelin for letting the
As the band gets ready to take a much-needed break, they
band’s creativity run free. “On the last record, Ian came in at the last moment and saved
“Tom Petty says the formula is, ‘Don’t bore us, get to the “We found a guitar player who could rip up “Johnny are seeing the seeds they planted with their debut come
With upbeat messages and unbridled guitar still front and center, Agee’s indelible pop the day, but on this one we got to start from square one. He’s out there and he’s all over
chorus,’” Leonard says with a laugh. “We’re trying to focus B. Goode” and literally talked him into playing with us,” alive in their growing legion of fans.
hooks - along with the production touches of producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United) – took the place, but he’s got a great vision for the song as a whole.”
in on where we came from, that thing that we originally Leonard recalls.
the music to another level, earning Stellar Kart their first No. 1 and a Dove Award for
tried to create music for.” “The other night we did a show and the whole front row,
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for debut single “Me And Jesus.” The The songs on Expect the Impossible do cover a lot of stylistic ground, but Agee is quick to
Playing in churches, bars and anywhere that would have these kids sang every word,” he says. “I didn’t have to sing
On their 2007 debut, Come Undone, the band combines them, the band built a strong regional following, recorded at all. It was ridiculous, and it was just the coolest thing.” group also took home a songwriting award at the SESAC 2007 Christian Awards. But assure longtime Stellar Kart fans that some things never change.
influences that range from Stevie Wonder to the Black an indie CD in 2004 and hit the road opening for acts like even with all the excitement and success of the past couple of years, nothing could have
Crowes to Steven Curtis Chapman into a soulful pop/rock BarlowGirl, Thousand Foot Crutch and Bebo Norman By Peter Cronin prepared these guys for the reception they got last summer in the Netherlands, when they “There is enough classic Stellar Kart to keep our fans happy,” he states. “A lot of the
pastiche that defies description. Riding the band’s soaring before relocating to Nashville and signing with Word hit the stage at the huge Christian music festival known as EO Jongerendag. inspiration for this record came directly from fans and people we met on the road saying,
rock arrangements and rooted in Leonard’s distinctly Records in 2005. ‘Here’s what I’m going through,’ or ‘Here’s what our kids are dealing with.’ To me, that’s
southern-soulful pop vocals, Jackson Waters’ songs tend to “I couldn’t believe it,” Agee says. “There were 36,000 people there, and a lot of them were as real as it gets.”
explore themes of faith from the inside out. They were performing at a Nashville conference for music singing every word. They love us over there.”
By Peter Cronin
Leel a nd Th at’ s (N ot N ecess a r ily ) Enterta inment
You’d never know it to look at their cool playing churches, tent revivals, and throwing down a sermon “So labels flew down to little old Baytown and watched us
haircuts or to listen to their unique brand of powerhouse just about anywhere they could set up a pulpit. play and they loved it.”
pop or to dance to their go-for-broke live sets, but – surprise
– Baytown, Texas-based band Leeland isn’t really all about a That “onstage” experience served the brothers well when The band eventually signed with Provident Music and scored
good time. the younger Mooring started getting serious about the rock- a solid hit and a Grammy nomination with their 2006 debut
based praise songs he was writing. Word of their musical gift release, Sound of Melodies. With their sophomore release,
“Our goal is not necessarily to entertain people,” says Leeland began spreading to neighboring churches and the brothers Opposite Way, just hitting the streets, Leeland is hitting the
keyboardist Jack Mooring, who along with his younger brother, found themselves in demand as regional youth group road with fellow Christians Casting Crowns.
frontman Leeland Mooring, anchors this fast-rising Christian performers. When the younger Mooring entered his songs
band. “Sometimes entertainment can be a byproduct and it into the Embassy Music Ultimate Talent Search, things began “When we get onstage we want people to experience the
serves a purpose, but our heart is worship.” to happen fast. Though he didn’t win the contest, Leeland’s tangible presence of God,” Mooring says. “Leeland himself is
songs caught the ear of EMI Music Publishing’s Kent Coley, really passionate, and lots of times he’ll totally break the set
The fact that Leeland’s shows usually inspire an emotional who signed Leeland Mooring to a publishing deal before list and go somewhere else. We all try to just flow with the
frenzy in their audiences is as much a testament to the stepping in as the band’s manager. Holy Spirit.”
brother’s upbringing as it is to their relentlessly rocking
repertoire. Born and raised “under the pew,” the brothers “When labels started to look at Leeland, he said, ‘I don’t see By Peter Cronin
hit the road early on with their traveling evangelist parents, this as a solo thing; I have a band,’” says the elder Mooring.
W W W. SESA C . C O Mmica r oberts
persistence pays off
Mica Roberts’ story is the stuff dreams are made of and the reason hundreds of
singers, songwriters and wannabe artists move to Nashville every year.
Reik’s Evolving Success
The SESAC singer/songwriter entered 2008 with her first single ready for release,
a duet co-written by SESAC writer Liz Rose, titled “Things A Mama Don’t Know”
with country music superstar Toby Keith, for whom Roberts has sang backup with
for five years. Keith also is producing the debut album on his label, Show Dog
Records.
One cannot help but wonder how Roberts got so lucky to be working closely with
one of country music’s biggest stars on her first album, elements that point toward
almost certain success for a person many will label a newcomer.
The answer comes down to one word: persistence.
Roberts moved to Nashville in 1987, after spending several years singing in clubs
throughout the United States, which even led to a stint on a cruise ship. One
of her first stops was the famous Bluebird Café, where Jonell Mosser, one of
Nashville’s preeminent singer/songwriters, was performing.
“That was my first dose of reality,” she said, recalling the event. “I couldn’t believe
someone of that caliber didn’t have a deal, wasn’t a superstar.”
The reality doses kept coming through the years but despite the string of
disappointments, quitting was never an option.
“It’s not what I do,” Roberts said, “The music is who I am. I’m not going to quit
who I am. I’m still going to do this whether I’m successful or not. It was never
about the deal. It’s about making a living with music.”
Through perseverance, Roberts has racked up an impressive resume during her
two decades in Music City: background singer for four years with Faith Hill, tours
with Martina McBride, Jessica Andrews, Billy Bob Thornton, and, most recently,
toured and sang backup with Keith since 2003.
One of her most fortuitous gigs was waiting tables and singing at the Bull Pen
Lounge, located inside the Stock Yard Restaurant on 2nd Avenue North, where
Keith frequented when in Nashville.
A c o n v e r s at i o n w i t h lead s i n ge r / s o n g w r i te r J e s ú s
The Locust Grove, Okla., native impressed Keith enough with her talent that
when their paths crossed years later on Willie Nelson’s tour bus (Roberts was If you ask Jesús about what it means to be a performing songwriter, he’ll tell you that as a Recently affiliated to SESAC Latina, Jesús affirms that he’s beginning to evolve into a good
touring with Thornton at the time), Keith offered the fellow Okie a job singing on
member of the successful pop group Reik, performing your own songs is a big responsibility. songwriter. His vision is to “eventually acquire the knowledge and experience it takes to
his own tour.
His songs are no longer another songwriter’s words. His own songs are his feelings, his become one of those few who are called great songwriters.”
Fast forward five years to today when Roberts is criss-crossing the country doing a
radio tour to promote her first single, finishing production of her album and doing experiences, his words and his dreams and that to Jesús means he must be accountable
the final dates on Keith’s current tour, which ends in March.
for what he writes. Jesús admits that he feels comfortable writing a song either in an empty studio or in the
Throughout her life, Roberts has coupled her willingness to take risks with advice company of his career mates Julio and Bibi; who together, began their hugely successful
from her father. Now that her father is deceased, Roberts wears his wisdom
engraved on a bracelet on her left arm. Reik is considered one of the most successful Latin acts today. They have been nominated pop music career in Baja California’s Mexicali region just five years ago.
for many awards as well as the Latin Grammy category of “Best New Artist.” In 2007, they
“You only fail when you quit,” the bracelet says.
garnered four nominations from the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, winning “It is common for us to work 14-hour days traveling, acting and producing music,” he says.
Roberts did not quit and now, with a record deal in place to showcase her voice
three of the four nominations. “Even though it is not easy, we love life and are lucky to count on the strong
and her songs, she’s living the dream that many want but few obtain.
support of our families, friends, label, management firm and now SESAC.”
“I just woke up in Disneyland,” she said.
By Crystal Caviness
W W W. SESA C . C O MYou can also read
