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HomeAchieversSong Selected, Pitched by Students Climbs the Charts

Song Selected, Pitched by Students Climbs the Charts

Alumni of the 2007-08 edition of the Belmont/BMI Catalog Cast program are enjoying concrete evidence of their hard work, as compilation CD song “You Can Let Go” currently climbs radio airplay charts. Recorded by RCA artist Crystal Shawanda and co-written by Cory Batten and Kent Blazy, “You Can Let Go” snagged the attention of veteran producer Scott Hendricks, who added the track to Shawanda’s debut album.
Mentored by BMI staffers, Belmont students in Catalog Cast cull through hundreds of compositions penned by Music Row writers and dive into Nashville’s contemporary creative process by selecting a limited number of pitch-worthy, potential hit songs for a compilation CD. Participants then act as a liaison for the songwriters and publishers, distributing the compilation CDs to Music Row decision-makers including producers, managers and A&R executives. The Catalog Cast program was originally conceived by former Shelby Kennedy, now senior vice president and COO of Cherry Heart Music and adjunct instructor in Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
“Through the Catalog Cast, Belmont students grasp the true foundation of our industry,” says BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams. “The process of listening to, identifying and pitching songs is the lifeblood of Music Row.” Catalog Cast will continue its run when the program begins again in January.

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