SONGWRITERS GREG BATES AND SKIP BLACK INK DEAL WITH LIV WRITE PLAY, LLC

Songwriters Greg Bates and Skip Black have inked a deal with Liv Write Play, LLC.

With several notable cuts under his belt by artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, and hot country newcomer William Michael Morgan, Bates offers a unique perspective to today’s fresh talent having spent his own time as a successful solo artist on Republic Nashville. The Nashville native hit Top 5 with “Did It for the Girl” and has further made his mark as a multi-talented songwriter, producer, singer, and guitarist.

"I'm so excited to be joining such an amazing team of staff and writers at Liv Write Play,” Bates shares. “I look forward to future successes at this new creative home.”

“Greg is a very in-demand writer in Nashville. We know how fortunate we are to have him,” says Ilya Toshinskiy, Liv Write Play, LLC Partner. “With his kind of talent and versatility, he’ll be able to fit into so many different writing situations. His potential is unlimited.” 

Black deemed Music City home in 2007, after traveling back-and-forth from North Carolina over four years. He started a publishing deal with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Kye Fleming the same year, and has since established himself as an accomplished guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Black’s also had several cuts with major label and international artists including Gary Allan, Dean Alexander, Wade Bowen, The Voice’s Craig Wayne Boyd, Edens Edge’s Top 20 “Amen,” Jana Kramer, LOCASH, Craig Morgan, Eric Paslay, and Drake White.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the excellent team that Liv Write Play has assembled,” Black adds. “Their great work ethic and commitment to their writing staff has me excited about what the future holds. I'm thankful we partnered for my next chapter!”

Dedicated to being a strong presence among Music Row, Liv Write Play, LLC has hired Victoria Goodvin as their newly appointed Creative Director. Goodvin previously served as creative manager at Row Entertainment and Song Factory. Originally from Princeton, North Carolina, Goodvin graduated with a B.A. degree in Entertainment Industry Studies from Belmont University in 2013.

"I’m thrilled to be a part of Liv Write Play. I feel like I’m coming on board at the perfect time,” Goodvin admits. “I’m excited to join this extremely talented team and play a part in helping this company reach its full potential.” 

“Greg and Skip complement our team and fit well with our family-oriented company. We’ve been blown away by their work ethic and creativity and are looking forward to working with them to craft some incredible songs,” says Dennis Kurtz, Liv Write Play, LLC VP and Partner. “Victoria brings her unbridled passion for country music and an extensive knowledge of songs and songwriting. Her efforts will inspire and enable the creative process for our writing team and staff.”  

Liv Write Play, LLC, led by producer-composer and GRAMMY-nominated musician Ilya Toshinskiy, industry veteran Dennis Kurtz and singer-songwriter Olivia Lane, is the publishing division of Big Spark Music Group, a music development entertainment company.