Industry Ink (8-15-13)

The Combustion Music staff and “Don’t Ya” co-writer Ashley Gorley gathered at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday evening (Aug. 13) to celebrate Brett Eldredge‘s first chart-topping single. After a three-song performance Eldredge and the Combustion crew visited backstage with “Don’t Ya” co-writer Chris Destefano and Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. “Don’t Ya” is Gorley’s 11th No. 1 as a songwriter. He has been with Combustion Music since 2001.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.

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Matt Cottingham

Entertainment law firm Petree Law has moved offices and announced a new hire. The law practice is now operating from 336 22nd Ave. N. in Nashville. Entertainment attorney Chip Petree has hired Matt Cottingham to join the firm as an associate. Cottingham started at Petree Law on Aug. 1; previously he worked with ICS Law Group for four years, specializing in entertainment, intellectual property and business law. He serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), and is a member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Association.

Petree has represented a diverse client group including songwriters, artists, producers and music publishers since 2004. Prior to establishing Petree Law, he worked in the legal and business affairs departments for the RIAA, BMG Entertainment and MTV Networks. Petree continues to serve as general manager of Copyright Exchange, the Nashville-based consulting and brokerage firm he helped found in 2005.

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Katie Alphonso

SESAC has promoted Katie Alphonso to Manager, Royalty Distribution. Alphonso will supervise royalty distribution functions and related staff, including the processing, calculation and analysis of royalty distribution for broadcast and live music, as well as the compilation and distribution of royalty statements for all SESAC affiliates.

Alphonso joined SESAC in 2004, and has held numerous positions, including Data and Reporting Analyst, Copyright Administrator, Per Program Project Leader, and most recently, Domestic Royalty Administrator.