BMI Hosts ‘Next Big Wave’ Writer Mixer, Announces AT&T ‘Country Deep’ Relationship

“Nashville’s Next Big Wave,” a mixer for BMI writers who have recently signed their first publishing deal, was presented by AT&T’s on-demand music channel ‘Country Deep’ and hosted by BMI’s Director, Writer-Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts in the Company’s Nashville office. Writers in attendance, along with many others, included Drew Castleberry, signed to Tree Vibez Music and Jody Stevens and Jon Langston, both signed to Sony/ATV. BMI songwriter Michael Ray, who celebrated his first #1 single “Kiss You In the Morning” just last week, was also on hand to provide words of encouragement to the crowd of more than 100. Ray has been featured on Country Deep’s My Opry Debut and has followed his #1 with his latest single, “Real Men Love Jesus.”

“It was an honor to be asked by my BMI family to talk with the new songwriters and the future of our industry,” said BMI songwriter Michael Ray. “Country Deep has been such a great partner to me and it’s so exciting that they have teamed up with BMI to create these amazing writing rooms for all the BMI writers; I can’t wait to get in there and start writing.” 

During the mixer, BMI and AT&T also announced a new relationship, focusing on developing BMI writers into country music’s next stars. The partnership includes turning BMI’s newly decorated songwriter rooms and the hallway between them into an oasis for creativity that will be known as the “Country Deep Songwriter Wing.” The rooms offer a home away from home for writers wanting to hole away and write, complete with pianos, other instruments and a near-endless supply of coffee. AT&T will further enhance the experience for writers, encouraging and motivating them along the way.

“We are excited about this new relationship with BMI in our continued efforts to support the Country Deep platform,” said Tom Sauer, Vice President, video development for AT&T. “We look forward to expanding our ongoing initiatives – from the artists we highlight every day on Country Deep to the songwriters creating the music.”

“AT&T, with its unique channel ‘Country Deep,’ is an exciting platform that has often supported our affiliates through special concerts, events and on-air performance opportunities,” said Mason Hunter, BMI’s Executive Director, Strategic Partnership. “I’m thrilled ‘Country Deep’ is supporting BMI and our mission to help songwriters hone their talents. BMI is pleased to have ‘Country Deep’ featured in our songwriter rooms and look forward to expanding this long term relationship.”

BMI is committed to helping songwriters develop their craft through seminars, showcases and other learning experiences. The relationship with AT&T allows this mission to continue, giving writers a relaxing place to work on their art. Writer rooms are available to BMI members only by appointment and inquiries should be directed to WritersRooms@bmi.com.