Signings & Hirings (1/24/14)

Kayla Calabrese

Kayla Calabrese has signed with Next Generation Artist Management, a division of Spin Doctors Nashville.

“I have known Al Brock and Kristin Johnson for a while and I’ve come to trust them and their judgment,” Calabrese says. “Spin Doctors’ radio promotion department was already promoting my new single, to radio, so it just made sense to have their management company involved in my entire career instead of just part of it.”

“We are so proud to have Kayla on our team,” adds Next Generation Artist Management president Kristin Johnson. She is a true gem with a heavenly voice and a great head on her shoulders. She will go far in Country music.”

Calabrese’s first single, “Kiss Me,” from her self-titled album, reached No. 59 on the MusicRow Country Breakout chart; Calabrese recently released her second single, “This Is How It Feels.”

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Given Music Publishing has signed songwriter/instrumentalist Chris Caminiti to its roster. Caminiti, a Chicago native, moved to Nashville in 2005 to further his songwriting craft. He was a Top 4 finalist in consecutive years in the CMT/NSAI song contest, and has performed during Tin Pan South and Key West Songwriter’s Festivals.

“I have watched Chris Caminiti blossom as a writer over the last year, and in the last six months he has really come into his own,” said the company’s VP/GM Mike Sebastian. “Chris’ unique take on lyrics, combined with his production and melody chops, make him sure to be a successful and diverse writer.”

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Mike Sebastian, VP/General Manager, Given Music Publishing; Chris Caminiti. (Back row, L-R): Michael Martin, Senior Creative Director, ASCAP; Denise Stevens, Senior Counsel, Loeb & Loeb LLP.

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Landon Dirickson

Landon Dirickson has been named a partner in the Nashville, Tenn., based law firm of Davis Dirickson, PLLC (formerly Ansel L. Davis & Associates, PLLC).

The firm’s practice is focused on a range of entertainment related matters including negotiation of agreements for artists, producers, managers, publishers, songwriters and executives. In his new position, Dirickson will play a continuing role in the representation of many of the firm’s current clients as well as focusing on the growth of new business.

The Tulsa, Okla., native joined the firm shortly after graduating from law school in 2005 and was admitted to the Tennessee Bar that same year. While at the University of Tulsa Law School Dirickson was one of two students selected from his class for publication of a legal article concerning trademark dilution under Federal Trademark Law. He is a member of the Troubadour Society of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Young Entertainment Professionals and is an alumnus of Society of Leaders In Development.