February 29, 2004

News, Country

Mercury’s Julie Roberts Signs with BMI and EMI Music Publishing

As her career launches, new Mercury Nashville artist Julie Roberts has signed with BMI and EMI Music Publishing. She is currently on a radio promotion tour in support of "Break Down Here," the leadoff single from her debut album, set for summer release. In addition to radio appearances all over the country, she is already scheduled for a segment on "Good Morning, America" as a newcomer to watch. The music video for "Break Down Here" has been chosen as a "Hot Shot" by CMT, the first time a new artist's debut video has earned the "Hot Shot" spot.

Pictured at the signing at BMI Nashville are BMI's Del Bryant, EMI's Gary Overton and BMI's David Preston. Photo by Steve Lowry

Roberts grew up singing country music in Lancaster, South Carolina, performing in plays, choirs and camps. She spent four summers working in music shows at Carowinds, a theme park in Charlotte, and later at Dollywood. After attending the University of South Carolina, Lancaster, for two years, she transferred to Belmont University in Nashville and formed a band. After graduation she continued to write and perform, but to pay the bills began working at Mercury Nashville, first as receptionist and later as assistant to Chairman Luke Lewis. In 2003, producer Brent Rowan met with Lewis to play new songs from several artists, Roberts among them; after the listening session, Lewis learned that the singer he wanted to meet was actually his assistant, and she was soon offered a record deal.

In this story: Del Bryant, Julie Roberts

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BMI represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers with more than 6.5 million works.