Industry Ink: Milkbone Challenge, 78 RPM Records, ‘Nash Nights Live’

Writers Compete In ‘Milkbone Challenge’

Pictured (L-R) Back row: James McNair, Scott Thomas, Matt Alderman, Seth Ennis, Josh Dunne, Brock Berryhill, Tyler Reeve, Jeremy Bussey, Barry Knox, Jamie Paulin. Second Row (L-R): Jona Sherwood, Jared Mullins, Jay Brunswick, Jody Stevens, Tommy Cecil, Jaida Dreyer, Greylan James, Brad Clawson, Matt Thomas. Front Row (L-R): Mandelyn Monchick, Kasey Tyndall, Lainey Wilson. Photo: Kristin KJ Joyner. [CLICK TO ENLARGE]

The challenge was divided into two sessions with five writing teams per session where teams had three hours to write and record their song. At the end of the day, those involved gathered to listen to all the songs. Judges Tom Luteran (SonyATV), Dave Rose (Deep South Entertainment {DSE}), Mandelyn Monchick (DSE), Tiffany Bearden (Evolution PR) and Kasey Cleckler (NSAI) deliberated to choose the winners of the three existing categories, as well as establish a new category for Best Radio Song.

Best Song of the Day was awarded to “Back Of A Baptist Church,” penned by Seth Ennis, Jaida Dreyer, Tommy Cecil and Jared Mullins. Line of the Day was awarded to Seth Ennis for “Cause she’s got it all and her only flaw is who’s holding her hand” in the song “She Loves Me,” penned by Ennis, Barry Knox, Matt Alderman and Lainey Wilson. Lick O’ The Day was awarded to James McNair for the song “Home Away from Home,” written by McNair, Jona Sherwood, Parmalee’s Matt Thomas, Kasey Tyndall and Parmalee’s Barry Knox. The brand new Best Radio Song award was presented to “Looking For A Song,” written by Jody Stevens, Jay Brunswick, Greylan James and Brad Clawson.

This year’s participants included: Tommy Cecil, Jared Mullins, Jaida Dreyer, Seth Ennis, Jody Stevens, Jay Brunswick, Greylan James, Brad Clawson, Barry Knox, Jona Sherwood, Matt Thomas, James McNair, Kasey Tyndall, Will Weatherly, Scott Thomas, Jamie Paulin, Matt Alderman, Josh Dunne, Brock Berryhill, Tyler Reeve, Lainey Wilson and Jeremy Bussey.

78 RPM Records Inks Deal With Vince Youngs

Pictured (L-R): Attorney William Whitacre, Vince Youngs and 78 RPM Records’ Bernie Faulkner (standing). Photo: so much MOORE media

President of 78 RPM Records’ Bernie Faulkner has announced the signing of Modesto, California based country newcomer Vince Youngs to the label and On The Wall Music. Expect Youngs’ first radio release later this month.

Nash Nights Live‘s Elaina Smith To Be Featured On Final Season Of Nashville

Elaina Smith with the episode’s director, Tim Busfield (The West Wing, Studio 60).

NASH Nights Live‘s Elaina Smith debuts Thursday night (Jan. 4) on the season premiere of CMT’s Nashville. Smith will play herself, conducting an interview with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). The CMT episode, titled “New Strings,” launches the series’ sixth and final season.