Industry Ink: Jeff Cook, Deluge Music, Jaren Johnston, Writer’s Den

Heartland Signs Jeff Cook

Jeff Cook

Heartland Records Nashville has signed Jeff Cook, founding member of Alabama, to its label roster.

In a deal with Quest Records and Heartland Records Nashville, Cook will be releasing new solo album Gotcha Covered before the end of the year, which will include cover songs and originals. A second project with all new original music is planned for 2017.

Deluge Celebrates Birthday

Deluge recently signed Emily West. Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Mark Friedman, Emily West,  and David Robkin.

Deluge Music is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Since its launch, the company has signed the following writers, artists and producers: Kevin Savigar, Christine Connolly, Brennin, Oran Thornton, Smithfield, Susan Ruth and Emily West.

“We are so proud to be working with all of them and look forward to great success in the coming years,” said Deluge president Mark Friedman.

Johnstons Expecting First Baby

Evyn and Jaren Johnston were married in 2013.

ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston and The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston are expecting their first child in April 2017. Johnston surprised the crowd with the happy news onstage last week at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena during TC3’s set on Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots Tour.

In previously announced news from Johnston, his newly-formed publishing venture Two Black Dogs, along with his publishing home Sony/ATV, have signed Hannah Dasher and Dylan Schneider.

Writer’s Den Retreat

Writer’s Den Music Group recently hosted a songwriter’s retreat at Bell Bottom Farms in Cedar Hill, Tennessee. The retreat included songwriter’s from Writer’s Den, Big Deal Music, Word Entertainment, Universal Music Publishing Group, Belmont University and 3 Ring Circus.

Pictured (L-R): Drew Kennedy and Melissa Fuller (Writer’s Den), Sarah Emily Berrios (Big Deal Music), Hannah Ellis (Word Entertainment), Adam James (3 Ring Circus), Mikey Reeves (UMPG), and Anna Vaus (Belmont University).