OUR SONGWRITERS:
RODNEY ATKINS Rodney Atkins is country - every essence of country. He comes from it, writes about it, and sings about it. He loves it. And he's proud of it. He believes in how its music affects people. "There are values and beliefs inside of country music that speak to people, and it's that spirit that lives at the Grand Ole Opry. I think that's why they call it the Mother Church of Country Music. Every time I'm on that stage, I'm reminded of the message I'm supposed to carry out on the road and on the radio to represent this format. It makes me proud and very humbled." A native of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, Rodneys interest in music began when he was given a guitar as a Christmas gift while in high school. In 2004 Rodneys "Honesty" rose to Number 4 on the Billboard Country chart and in 2006 received his first Number 1 hit with "If Youre Going Through Hell" which remained at the top for 4 weeks. His second release, "Watching You", from his sophomore album has reached Number 1 for an amazing 5 weeks!Mark Wills, Chad Brock, Tommy Shane Steiner, Chalee Tennison and Lee Greenwood have all recorded Rodney Atkins penned songs. Rodney writes on guitar.
www.rodneyatkins.com
www.myspace.com/rodneyatkins
LEE BRICE Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Lee began writing his own songs when he was about ten or, as he puts it, "when I could start picking them out on the piano". After moving to Nashville in 2001, Lee signed a writing deal with Curb Publishing and quickly gained a solid reputation in the Nashville songwriting community.
In April of 2007 Lee co-wrote “More Than A Memory†with Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana and just a few weeks later “More Than A Memory†was recorded by Garth Brooks. “More Than A Memory†went on became the fastest rising single in the history of country music when it debuted at 1 only one week after being released.
Lee is currently working on his debut album as an artist which will be released in early 2008. Lee’s sound is as true and unique as his musical heroes who range from Garth and Hank Jr. to Coldplay and John Mayer. Lee Brice's goal is to make a positive impact on the music industry and chances are, he will.
Lee's songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Sister Hazel, Crossin' Dixon, Cowboy Crush, Keith Gattis and others. Some of Lees co-writers include Kyle Jacobs, Joe Leathers, Billy Montana, Doug Johnson, Bobby Tomberlin, Nicole Witt, Walt Wilkins, Kylie Sackley, Philip Douglas, Tiffany Goss, Marv Green, Casey Beathard, Tim Nichols, and Craig Wiseman. Lee writes on guitar and piano.
www.leebrice.com
www.myspace.com/leebrice
PHILIP DOUGLAS Philip Douglas lives in Bowling Green, KY where he keeps his chops up fronting the house band at a local club. Philip has had great success as a writer with cuts by Lonestar, Tracy Lawrence, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin, Lisa Shaffer, Cowboy Crush, Lila McCann, Jeff Carson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Van Shelton, Carolina Rain, and Chad Brock. In 2000 he achieved a Number 1 record with Aaron Tippins, "Kiss This", which was nominated for Song Of The Year by the Academy Of Country Music. Philip also wrote Aaron Tippins "Blue Angel" and the current Emerson Drive single, “You Still Own Meâ€.
Some of Philips co-writers include Casey Beatherd, Richie McDonald, Ron Harbin, Jim Weatherly, Donny Kees, Wayne Perry, and Michael Garvin.
ASHLEY GEARING Ashley Gearing is no stranger to hard work or the demands of the music business. At the young age of 12, she made history by entering Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, eclipsing a 46 year-old record previously held by Brenda Lee. Her version of “Can You Hear Me When I Talk to You†gave Ashley immediate national exposure by displaying a talent well beyond her years.
Now, at the age of 16, Ashley is busy taking her vocal career to the next level. Currently working in the studio with famed music producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina) and recently signed to Curb Records, she readying herself for a new single, album and a very busy 2008.
www.ashleygearing.com
www.myspace.com/ashleygearingfans
TIFFANY GOSS Tiffany Goss was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama and attended Troy University where she earned a degree in public relations. She moved to Nashville in 1997 where she began her career in the music industry working at the front desk of Warner Brothers Records. In 2007 Tiffany signed with Curb Music Publishing and she has cuts by artists including Brooks & Dunn and Sarah Gunsolus.
Tiffany writes on guitar, is an accomplished vocalist and collaborates with many of the industry’s finest writers and artists including Lee Brice, Greg Barnhill, Hal Ketchum, Jon McElroy, Kyle Jacobs, Joe Leathers, Steve Bogard, Nicole Witt, Kylie Sackley, and Sherrie Austin. Be sure and look for Tiffany in Jennifer Hanson’s video “Joyrideâ€.
www.myspace.com/tiffanygossmusic
SARAH GUNSOLUS With a face made for Hollywood, and a voice absolutely destined for Nashville, Sarah Gunsolus was fated for stardom. Part southern belle and part musical diva, the blue-eyed blonde from southern Georgia is a sassy blend of singer and songwriter.
With influences ranging from Amy Grant to Whitney Houston, Sarah comes by her love of singing honestly.
After enrolling in the Music Business program at Belmont University, she landed an internship at Curb Records, working at the front desk. With full access to the Curb Publishing catalog, she soon found herself pouring over hundreds and hundreds of great songs, and wishing that she could see them brought to life. The opportunity to do just that came sooner than anyone would have guessed.
Chosen to be part of a young group of aspiring performers and entertainers, Sarah was featured on Fox’s Laguna Beach-esque reality show “Nashville.†The constant cameras and microphones that come with reality TV were an inevitable change of pace for the then-college-sophomore, but the unique experience provided that turning point platform for Sarah to showcase some of those favorite Curb selections along with her own music prowess. Soon, she found herself in talks with the renowned Curb Publishing department.
With sincere lyrics and a voice that could rival Reba, LeAnn and Martina, Sarah’s music has a sure-fire place in country music history. Leaning on past heartaches, random moments and advice from her mom for inspiration, she has crafted a warm, pop-country sound reminiscent of Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood.
Toting an acoustic guitar and contagious Southern melodies, Sarah Gunsolus is ready to make good on her promise to be the best singer, songwriter and performer she can be.
www.myspace.com/sarahgunsolus
www.sarahgunsolusmusic.com
STEVE HOLY With his blend of 50's rock & roll, pop and traditional country, Steve Holy has crafted a unique sound that has won fans over across the nation.
Refusing to be labeled musically and sticking to his country roots, Steve sites country greats Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley and John Conlee as his influences, but is quick to add that Elvis, Sam Cooke, and a variety of Doo-Wop bands play a major role in his vocal style and on-stage persona.
In 1997, Steve signed with Curb Records. He released his debut album Blue Moon in October 2000. The initial offering was a swing-driven single entitled "Don't Make Me Beg" and set his course in motion. He followed in April 2000 with "Blue Moon," featuring more traditional which climbed all the way to Number 19 on the charts. This set the stage for his biggest song yet "Good Morning Beautiful," which charted at Number 1 for five straight weeks in 2002. His title-track single "Brand New Girlfriend" went to Number 1 and his second album is in stores now.
www.steveholy.com
www.myspace.com/steveholy
KYLE JACOBS Kyle Jacobs moved to Nashville from Minneapolis, MN in 2000 and achieved his first significant success as a writer in 2003 with Kimberly Locke's Top 10 AC single "8th World Wonder." In 2007 Kyle wrote what became the fastest rising single in the history of country music, Garth Brooks' “More Than A Memoryâ€, which debuted at 1 in R&R on 9/4/07. A staff writer for Curb Music since 2003 Kyle’s songs have also been recorded by Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Lee Brice, Plumb, Crossin' Dixon, and JoDee Messina. Kyle collaborates with many of the industry's top songwriters including Billy Montana, Lee Brice, Lisa Carver, and Doug Johnson, he writes on piano and guitar and is an accomplished vocalist.
www.myspace.com/kylejacobsmusic
DOUG JOHNSON For the past 29 years Doug Johnson has been a professional in the music business. He has enjoyed success as a recording engineer, mixer, musician, songwriter, producer and record company executive. Johnson says, "By far my greatest love is the song. Everything else is an attempt to powerfully capture and express the song in its truest sense, and to get it to the listener." As a songwriter Doug has penned seven 1 singles and thirteen Top 10 singles including 2003 CMA, ACM, NSAI, and CCMA Song Of The Year, and Grammy winning "Three Wooden Crosses". Other number 1 singles he has written include, "Livin In A Moment To Die For", "Skin", "Love Is Stronger Than Pride", and "I Dont Think I Will". Doug has had over one hundred songs recorded by major artists including Rascal Flatts, Buddy Jewell, Kenny Rogers, Steve Holy, Trace Adkins, Patty Loveless, Ty Herndon, Don Williams, the Oak Ridge Boys, and John Michael Montgomery. Doug says, "I've been fortunate to be involved in several different aspects of the music business. If I could only do one, it would definitely be songwriting. Every other job I've had means absolutely nothing without a great song." Doug writes on guitar and some of his co-writers include Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Nicole Witt and Pat Bunch.
SETH JONES BIO COMING SOON
www.myspace.com/sethjonesmusic
JOE LEATHERS Golden Gloves boxer, NCAA Division I football player, managing partner Bear Stearns, airline pilot, motocross racer, guitarist on the Memphis club circuit, husband, father of four, staff writer for Curb since 2003…these are a few of the hats Joe Leathers wears or has worn. Joe’s influences are diverse and that diversity is evident in his songwriting. "Inspiration comes from all over the place", says the native of Memphis, "women, dogs, cars, Wal-mart check out lines, I just try to pay attention to what’s going on around me.†2007 was a breakout year for Joe, his song "Tough", recorded by Craig Morgan, reached the Top 10 and Joe also had cuts by Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. Thus far in 2008 Joe’s songs have been recorded by two of country music’s hottest new male artists Jason Michael Carroll and Lee Brice. Joe’s approach to life and the craft of songwriting can be summed up by his own words, “swing hard, you might hit it.â€
Joe's co-writers include Walt Wilkins, Bobby Tomberlin, Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, and Doug Johnson. Joe writes primarily on Taylor Guitars.
www.joeleathers.com
www.myspace.com/joeleathers
KIMBERLEY LOCKE From Gallatin, TN native to TV and music star via the hit series "American Idol," KIMBERLEY LOCKE quickly rose to fame when she became the second runner-up on season two of the Fox-TV competition. In addition to being featured on two cast albums, landing in third would find the Last-Girl-Standing taking part in the national Idol concert tour. Shortly after the tour ended, Locke released her Curb Records debut album "One Love," which features the 1 Billboard Single Sales hit "8th World Wonder," as well as "Wrong," "Over the Rainbow," and the top 10 AC smash, "I Could." "8th World" became a top 10 AC radio and top 20 Pop radio hit, as well as a 1 Maxi Single (Remix) smash. "Wrong" hit the top 40 Pop radio charts as well. Music videos for both tunes, as well as "Coulda Been," have been produced. Locke headlined her own "One Love Live" concert tour in support of the CD. A holiday recording of "Up On The Housetop" was a 1 Billboard AC hit for 4 weeks in December 2005.
Her sophomore album – the follow-up to "One Love," which debuted at 16 upon its release - is due in stores fall ’06 via Curb Records. Titled, "Based on a True Story" Locke co-wrote 9 new songs for the project teaming with collaborators who have helmed hits for Whitney Houston, Jesse McCartney, Destiny's Child, Anastasia, Nick Lechey, Patti LaBelle, and more. The set includes the first single "Supawoman" and features writers/producers: Denise Rich, Matthew Gerrard, Danielle Brisbois, Mark Feist & Damon Sharpe, Ty Lacy & Dennis Matkosky, and Allan Rich & Jud Friedman.
www.kimberleylockeweb.com
www.myspace.com/kimberleylocke
BRAD MARTIN Brad first whet his appetite for stone country as a small boy, listening to his father plunk out tunes on his guitar while rehearsing in the family den in the tiny four-stoplight town of Greenfield, OH. It sunk in deep with Brad at an early age that music was what he was supposed to do.
In 1994, Brad made a beeline for the Tennessee state line and his dreams of becoming an artist/songwriter, and was soon performing five nights a week in Printers Alley at a club and writing every chance time would permit.
After a few short long years later Brad soon signed with his first co-publishing deal that lead him to the doorstep of Curb Music Publishing. Brad inked a deal with Curb and began his quest to his first debut album with Epic records, Wings of a Honkytonk Angel. Brad wrote or co-wrote eight of the ten songs on his debut album and his first release Before I Knew Better landed him his first hit on country musics Billboard and R&R charts. Brad soon was crisscrossing across the country and others opening and headlining shows for all to see.
Brad now is currently working hard on his next project and writing songs for Mike Curb/Sweet Radical Music and has all the intensions of making his next album something to be reckoned with.
www.bradmartin.com
www.myspace.com/bradmartinfanclub
MIKESCHAIR The mention of a guy’s dorm room generally tends to conjure up images of foul socks and pizza boxes, not record deals and hit songs. But in the case of Curb Records new worship-driven rock band Mikeschair, Pembroke Hall 106 was more than just a space for late-night study sessions and never-ending video games—it was a space for history in the making.
“We all went to Belmont University and lived on the first floor of Pembroke except for Mike,†explains Seth Jones, the multi-faceted songwriter/background vocalist/keys/guitar player for the group, speaking of lead singer and songwriter Mike Grayson. “He was constantly in our room—playing music, writing songs, recording—and he wanted something that was his own in our room.â€
After retrieving a chair and writing ‘MIKE’ on it in big letters, a befitting moniker was unknowingly born. The group is quick to point out that while it’s not a typical Christian band name, it is a name that accurately tells their story without limiting who or what they’re supposed to be. And with across-the-board church backgrounds and songs that consistently point upward, it would be easy to quickly stereotype them.
However, to say that Mikeschair is simply an “experience†is a serious underestimation. The combination of Grayson’s warm vocals and violinist Jesse Hale’s signature strings creates a unique atmosphere in which the group’s collaborative songwriting efforts can brilliantly shine through. If that weren’t enough, guitarist Sam Tinnesz’ rock-based hooks, Jon Haire’s accomplished bass abilities and Seth Jones’ inventive guitar/keys contributions make it easy to see why the five freshman went from Belmont’s dorm room to Curb’s reputable roster so quickly—the music easily holds it’s own next to veteran industry bands.
www.mikeschair.com
www.myspace.com/mikeschair
MARIE MILLER Marie's music is the natural intersection of her faith and fervor for life. Her Christ-centered view of faith and love is well beyond her 16 years and is beautifully reflected in her songwriting. While her personal journey continues to unfold, Marie uncompromising vision is driving her to not only share her music, but to be obedient to the call and purpose that God has placed on her life and the music that she is sharing with the world.
"Most young people are looking in all the wrong places [for happiness]; they think that romance or status or pleasure will satisfy their cravings for peace and happiness," shares Marie. "I hope that my songs will reach some of these souls and communicate to them that true happiness can be found only by doing what God created them for; their particular calling in life, their specific way of loving Him and loving other people."
As the third of nine children, Marie's upbringing has certainly given her a different perspective and drive than most teens her age. Her musical passage began when she was merely eleven years singing and playing professionally in her home state of Virginia.
www.mariemiller.net
www.myspace.com/mariemiller
BILLY MONTANA Billy Montana has achieved three Number 1 country records which include Garth Brooks, “More Than A Memoryâ€, Sara Evans "Suds In The Bucket" (2004) and Jo Dee Messina "Bring On The Rain" (2002). "Bring On The Rain" was nominated for awards by both NARAS (Grammys) and the Country Music Association and reached Number 6 on the A/C chart. It appeared on the Country and A/C Charts for a combined total of 66 weeks! "Suds In The Bucket" was the most played female country song of 2004 and “More Than A Memory†is the fastest rising single in the history of country music.
Billy Montana was first inspired to pick up a guitar as a teenager in rural upstate New York by his musician father and soon after formed a country/rock band with his brother. In college Billy decided to try music full time and traded studying agriculture at Cornell University for a record deal on Warner Brothers. His 1996 Warner Brothers release "No Yesterday" was critically acclaimed by such publications as USA Today, Music Row, and Billboard.
Billys songs have recurring themes of faith, love, and rural life. Many prominent artists including Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks , Pat Green, Jo Dee Messina, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Sister Hazel, Steve Holy, Kenny Rogers and Lee Ann Womack have recorded his songs.
Billy writes on guitar, is an accomplished vocalist and some of his co-writers include Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Steve Dean, Brian White, and Rodney Clawson.
www.myspace.com/billymontana
LEANN RIMES When a performer grows up in the spotlight, it’s often hard for public perception to mature along with them. Some people still picture LeAnn Rimes as the pretty 13-year-old with the incredible voice who first burst on the national scene with the hit “Blue.†In reality, LeAnn Rimes is so much more. As an artist, she’s matured into a songwriter of considerable depth and as a vocalist; she’s grown into her gift in an even more impressive way.
Her new album, “Family,†marks the first time LeAnn has written or co-written every song, and the result is a collection that reflects where she is at this season in her life. “I’m just completely baring my insides,†LeAnn confesses. “I think people feel like they’ve known me for so long. They’ve grown up with me and I’ve grown up with them. A lot of people believe what they read and what they see on the surface, but there’s so much underneath for me as a human being, not as an artist, and that’s where this is coming from. It’s coming from real life. What I’ve lived outside the whole fame and fortune world is real life, real relationships, hardships, pain and real honest emotion. That’s where it’s coming from.â€
www.leannrimes.com
www.myspace.com/leannrimes
JEFF ROSS Atlanta native, Jeff Ross, moved to Nashville in 1984. He knew that it was going to be a roller coaster ride when, in his first month there, he had songs recorded by both Molly Hatchet and Jimmy Swaggart. He has played bass and sung back up vocals for a number of country recording acts, mostly notably a ten year stint as Terri Clark's musical director. In 2005 he made a decision to retire from the road and devote all of his time to nurturing his song writing career, his wife and baby girl...coming April 2006. He has been a Curb staff writer since December 2005. Co-writers include Lee Brice, Doug Johnson, Tiffany Goss, Nicole Witt, Tim Nichols, Terri Clark, Bryan White, Connie Harrington, Dickey Lee, Georgette Jones and Gilles Godard.
www.myspace.com/jeffrossmusic
NATE SALLIE The classically trained Nate Sallie grew up in Washington D.C banging away on a Baldwin upright piano until his fingers hurt. "Music brought out emotions in me like nothing else could. It could make me laugh, scream and cry all during the same song." This is when Nate realized how powerful a tool music was. This is what he wanted to be a part of and use for the right reason: to reach those within his reach. He would create musical masterpieces in his mind, but looking back says "they were absolutely awful." Over the years, he played his way in and out of bands, in and out of competitions, and in and out of record deals. Nate's first experience inside a recording studio involved recording three original songs live, which led to his first record contract. "I thought I was on my way until I realized that the record contract was the easy part." Before recording his debut release Inside Out, Nate saw three record deals come and go with no results. "I had no idea what was happening, each time I would start to record, my record label would get bought out by another label, and that was the end of it." It was definitely a learning process for Nate who says he realizes what it is all about now, and looking back, is glad he had the opportunity to grow both musically and, most importantly, spiritually.
www.myspace.com/natesallie
JAMIE SLOCUM Jamie Slocum established himself as a successful independent artist, songwriter, and producer before being signed to his first major record deal on Curb Records this past year. Jamie's first country radio single is "Say Hello To Heaven".
www.jamieslocum.com
www.myspace.com/jamieslocum
STAR DE AZLAN Star De Azlan was just 13 when she started singing at open mic nights in San Marcos, Texas. The music was country and the place was legendary--the Cheatham Street Warehouse, where George Strait and his Ace In The Hole Band got their start in the mid-'70s, and where the sounds of Willie Nelson, Flaco Jimenez, Jerry Jeff Walker and Asleep At The Wheel still echoed in the cobwebbed rafters.
The little girl who loved the classic country singers impressed the band, who began calling her to the stage no matter where they were playing, and they impressed her with their flawless renditions of the songs she sang. Eventually, she learned that these were no ordinary musicians. Three of them were members of the Ace In The Hole Band, playing for the love of it in the place that gave them their start, and they were joined now and then by members of Asleep At The Wheel. Star had proven herself among some of country's finest.
Nine years of experience and hard work later, Star's first single is bringing her to the attention of a national audience. Called "She's Pretty," it embodies the traditional country sound she has loved for so long and shows off the songwriting skills she has honed along the way.
Just 22, Star is a veteran performer with a passionate approach, a mature writing style and a world-class voice. She remains both a fan and student of classic country.
www.myspace.com/stardeazlan
RAY STEPHENSON Ray Stephenson is one of the most talented, up-and-coming songwriters gracing the Nashville scene today. Stephenson’s commitment to his craft is clearly sensed in the character of his songs. Ray brings that “special something†needed to make a great song spectacular and that is why legendary writer/artists such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, John Anderson, and Guy Clark have all turned to Ray’s songs for their projects. Ray Stephenson writes on guitar and is an accomplished vocalist and visual artist.
www.myspace.com/raybosplace
BOBBY TOMBERLIN 2002 Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominee Bobby Tomberlin hails from Luverne, AL. At 12 years of age he began working in country radio and began to develop a love for its music. In 1990 Bobby moved to Nashville to focus on a career as a writer and he has enjoyed great success during the past thirteen years he has been with Curb Music Publishing. Bobby’s songs have received 7 BMI awards and he wrote the 1 single and CMA, ACM, and Grammy nominated “One More Day†and also co-authored the inspirational book by the same name.
Other artists whom have cut his songs include Faith Hill, Rodney Atkins, Josh Turner, Terri Clark, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Daryl Worley, Eddy Arnold, Billy Dean, Little Jimmy Dickens, the Oak Ridge Boys and his songs have been on six Diamond Rio albums.
Bobby Tomberlin works with such diverse writers as Mac Davis, Lee Brice, Steve Dorff, Bill Anderson, Paul Overstreet, Steven Dale Jones and Phil Everly. Bobby is a regular guest on the Steve Dorff and Friends songwriter show. Bobby writes on guitar.
www.myspace.com/bobbytomberlin
NICOLE WITT Nicole Witt grew up in a musical family in Springfield, Missouri and began to play the fiddle in third grade. By high school she was writing and performing her own compositions and was recognized as a four year all-state violinist and was Missouri's sole representative to the National High School Orchestra in Washington D.C. After receiving a degree in music from the University of Missouri, Nicole moved to Nashville to focus on a career in music and has had great success as a writer. Nicole’s songs have been recorded by Rodney Atkins, George Strait, Clay Walker Vince Gill , Diamond Rio and many others and she wrote Terri Clark’s 2005 single "She Didn’t Have Time". Nicole is committed to her passion for music. "There has never been a period of time when music wasn't the focus of my life. This is the only thing I have ever wanted to do. There is no Plan B. It has truly been a blessing and I'm excited about seeing where it takes me next."
Nicole Witt works with such diverse writers as Doug Johnson, Lisa Carver, Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Jamey Johnson, Joe Leathers, Tiffany Goss and Bobby Tomberlin. Nicole writes on piano and is an accomplished vocalist and fiddle player.
www.nicolewitt.com
www.myspace.com/nicolewitt