Industry Ink: Magic Mustang Music/BBR Music Group, ASCAP, Garth Brooks
/by Jessica Nicholson
Pictured (L-R): Lydia Schultz and Andrea Knipp
Magic Mustang Music Publishing has hired Lydia Schultz as Creative Coordinator. Schultz was previously BBR Music Group Business and Legal Affairs Associate. Schultz joined BBR Music Group in May 2013 after graduating from Belmont University with a degree in Business Administration.
Additionally, BBR Music Group hired Andrea Knipp as Business and Legal Affairs Associate. Knipp interned in the department from August 2013 through May 2014. Both roles are effective immediately.
Schultz can be reached at lydia@magicmustang.com and 615-610-2133. Knipp can be reached at andrea@bbrmusicgroup.com and at 615-610-2086.
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ASCAP President Paul Williams recently visited with CBS This Morning to discuss the battles the performing rights organization has won for songwriters over its 100-year history, and to weigh in the battles the industry now faces for digital rights.
To watch the interview, visit msn.com.
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Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks has postponed media appearances in the wake of responses nationwide after the grand jury verdict last night (Nov. 24) that Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson will not be indicted in the death of Michael Brown.
“We landed in [New York] last night to the news of the civil unrest that was going on in our nation,” Brooks said in a statement. “To spend the day promoting our stuff like nothing was wrong, seemed distasteful to me. I will gladly reschedule any or all appearances the networks will allow. Love one another…g”
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Preshias Harris
Music industry member Preshias Harris will host “A Preshias Day in Music” on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The free event is open to the public, and will include music from country-rock band Borrowed Blue, The Voice contestant Allison Bray, rock artist Stephen Hunley, America’s Got Talent singer-guitarist Paul Thomas Mitchell, Americana music’s Jess & Aaron, indie recording artist Katie Kendall, rock band The Sifters, as well as songwriters Dustin Bragg, Rye Davis, Rusty Dean,Demi Downing, Lindsay Harding, Emily Maygnn, Gyth Rigdon, Mike Short,Laurel Taylor, Clay Underwood, Ben Whisler and Jamie Whit.
Attendees are invited to bring a “water donation” (a 12-pack or 24-bottle case) to be collected at the door by USO Nashville.
/by Jessica Nicholson
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recently released its ‘Investing in Music’ report, which found that record companies’ total investment in A&R functions and marketing has topped $4.3 billion (U.S dollars) annually, and more than $20 billion over the past five years. Labels’ investment in A&R and marketing is at 27 percent of revenues, up from 26 percent in 2011.
The results of the study were revealed at ‘Friends of Music,’ an evening in Strasbourg, hosted by IFPI chairman Placido Domingo. The report featured data from labels and case studies from around the world, including studies on Ed Sheeran, 5 Seconds of Summer, Lorde, and others.
More than 7,500 artists were signed to major labels’ rosters in 2013, with tens of thousands more on independent labels. According to the study, one in five artists on labels’ rosters is a new signing.
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, says: “Investing in Music highlights the multi-billion dollar investment in artists made every year by major and independent record labels. It is estimated that the investment in A&R and marketing over the last five years has totaled more than US$20 billion. That is an impressive measure of the qualities that define the music industry, and which give it its unique value.”
Other highlights of the report include:
- The costs of breaking an artist in a major market remain between US$500,000 and US$2 million. The cost typically breaks down as payment of an advance (US$50,000-350,000), recording costs (US$150,000-500,000), video production costs (US$50,000-300,000), tour support (US$50,000-US$150,000) and marketing and promotional costs (US$200,000-700,000).
- Record companies invest in local talent and break them to a global audience. The recording industry is global in scale and exports artists internationally; but it heavily invests in local repertoire. In 12 of its leading markets, local repertoire accounts for more than 70 per cent of the sales of the top 10 albums.
- Live performance has not replaced recordings as the driver of the music industry. While record companies invest US$2.5 billion in A&R, there is little evidence of such substantial investment in new music coming from any other source. All of the five top grossing live tours of 2013 were by artists who first released albums nine or more years previously, with one group having recordings going back 50 years.
- Unsigned artists want a record deal. Research conducted with the Unsigned Guide in the UK found 70 percent of unsigned acts wanted a recording contract. The top drivers for wanting a recording contract are marketing and promotional support (76%), tour support (58%) and getting upfront financial support in the form of an advance (45%).
Global A&R and Marketing Investment:
| 2013 | |
| A&R | US$2.5bn |
| A&R as % of revenues | 15.6% |
| Marketing | US$1.8bn |
| Marketing as % of revenues | 11.4% |
| Total investment (A&R + marketing) | US$4.3bn |
| Total investment as % of revenues | 27.0% |
| Total industry revenues | US$16.1bn |
Love And Theft Debut 'Whiskey On My Breath'
/by Sarah Skates
Love and Theft are plowing ahead with the release of “Whiskey On My Breath,” the first single fromtheirupcomingalbum of the same name. The song is currently available on iTunes or for streaming on People.com.
“In some ways, we’ve played it safe in the past, and I think we’re over that now,” says the duo’sStephen Barker-Liles. “I don’t mind that songs like ‘Whiskey On My Breath’ may be a little controversial, because they’re honest, and I think that they’ll make people think about how they feel about life.”
Following a recent departure from Sony Music Nashville, the duo still has powerful team members intact including Vector Management, and is self-releasing its third album Feb. 10, 2015.
“The songs on this album show a side of us that’s legitimately us, and how we’ve grown up and matured in the time that we’ve been in this business,” continues Love & Theft’sEric Gunderson. “But there are plenty of songs on this album that are just good, fun songs, and that’s still a side of us too.”
The duo’s hits include “Angel Eyes” and “Runaway.” They have cross-country tour dates scheduled through June 2015.
'American Country Countdown Awards' To Honor Kenny Chesney
/by Eric T. Parker
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Country superstar Kenny Chesney is set to receive the American Country Countdown Awards’ Groundbreaker Award during the two-hour live telecast (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, Monday, Dec. 15, from Nashville’s Music City Center.
The award will recognize artists whopush the boundaries of what is possible within the definitions of today’s country music, honoringthose trailblazing concerts, musical accomplishment, creative innovation and connecting with fans across the United States.
“The Groundbreaker Award recognizes how Kenny has revolutionized the live music experience for Country fans,” said Executive Producer Mark Bracco. “He is a true groundbreaker, moving country music into new directions with his pioneering, record-breaking tours that have propelled him into one of the very biggest live performing artists in America. Kenny is the perfect recipient for our very first show.”
“Given what the ‘American Country Countdown’ radio show has meant to the music over the past 40 years, it’s humbling to be singled out like this,” Chesney responded. “For me, this music has always been about the fans – how we see them, what we give them and the way country moves them.”
As the 21st century’s biggest country music ticket-seller, Chesney has sold more than a million tickets to each of his 11 headlining tours since 2002 with over 30 million albums sold.
The American Country Countdown Awards is produced by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), John Dickey (Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, Cumulus), Richard Godfrey (MTV Europe Music Awards) and Tom Forrest (CMT Crossroads) are executive producers. Baz Halpin is co-executive producer.
Jason Aldean, Eric Church,Carrie Underwood and Brett Eldredge have recently been enlistedas performers alongside previously announced Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and hosting duoFlorida Georgia Line.
/by Sarah Skates
The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter and Producers & Engineers Wing will present a panel discussion titled Lost In Transaction, which will explore how to creatively structure deals with artists and labels. The event will be Wed., Dec. 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Ocean Way Nashville.
Panelists include Joe D’Ambrosio (Joe D’Ambrosio Management), Jay Frank (DigSin/DigMark), and Elizabeth Gregory (entertainment attorney), with moderator Dan Daley (author/multi-platinum composer).
Discussion topics will include identifying and creating multiple income streams and how to monetize and collect those income streams.
Admission is free for Academy members and $25 for guests. Details here. RSVP by Dec. 1 to PEWingNashville@grammy.com.
Amazon's Prime Music Debuts Exclusive Content
/by Jessica Nicholson
Amazon already offers exclusive video content as a part of its Prime Instant Video streaming service, and now the company aims to follow a somewhat similar strategy with music.
Amazon’s streaming service Prime Music debuted its first exclusive content last week, by offering a 43-track, Christmas album All Is Bright. The project culls music from selections made by Amazon’s music experts, and includes various artists’ renditions of holiday favorites, such as Ashley Monroe‘s “Tennessee Christmas,” and Lucinda Williams‘ “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Others included on the project are Liz Phair, Ladyhawke, Escort, Laura Gibson, Jenn Bostic, Sinclair, Yoko Ono & The Flaming Lips, and more.
Unlike the exclusive Prime Video content offered, music from All Is Bright is available outside of Prime Membership in the form of MP3 downloads. The holiday playlist is available for unlimited ad-free listening on Prime Music for Amazon Prime members, at no additional cost.
Amazon introduced the Prime Music streaming service earlier this year. Amazon Prime offers members free, two-day shipping for $99/year. In addition to Prime Music, other added features in Amazon Prime include access to Prime Video, early access to sales, and Kindle e-book rentals.
Leadership Music Raises Over $25,000 For Second Harvest
/by Jessica Nicholson
Leadership Music members, family, and friendsdonated$25,605 to help alleviate hunger in the Middle Tennessee area, enough to offermore than 100,000 meals to those in need. The organization greatly exceeded its original fundraising goalof$5,000.
The classes of Leadership Music held a friendly competition to see which class could raise the most money for the hunger drive.
The Class of 2012 has been named the winner of the competition, donating the most funds, in honoring classmate Jaynee Day who serves asPresident and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and serves on the board of Leadership Music.
“We always knew that the alumni of Leadership Music are extraordinary, but you managed to prove once and for all that you truly are the BAE…best alumni ever! We are so proud to be part of an organization and an industry that lives by the creed ‘from those to whom much is given, much is expected.’ Although we framed this as a friendly competition among classes, it was really all about feeding the hungry,” saysDiane Pearson, President of Leadership Music.
The top five class standings, in order of the most money raised, are:
Class of 2012
Class of 2003
Class of 2007
Class of 2008
Class of 2011
Artist Updates: BCM Awards, Randy Houser, Hunter Hayes
/by Jessica NicholsonWinners for the 8th Annual British Country Music Awards were announced during the BCM Awards, held Nov. 23 at The Concorde Suite at Heathrow in London. The awards show included the 16 British Awards and four International Awards.
International award winners included Chris Young (International Act of the Year), Eric Church‘s Outsiders (International Album), Brad Paisley‘s “Mona Lisa” (International Song), and Jeff Walker, CEO of The AristoMedia Group (International Services). Walker was presented with his award in advance during a special CMA International Event held during the recent CMA Awards week in Nashville. For a full list of award winners, visit bcmawards.co.uk.
Pictured (L-R): Steve Wariner, Cold River Records’ Katie Armiger and BCMA President, Lee Williams.
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Randy Houser recently partnered with Eckrich to honor a military family with an evening of surprises on Nov. 22, during Houser’s appearance in Baltimore, Md. as part of Dierks Bentley’s Riser Tour. The event began with Air Force Staff Sergeant Christopher Solso and his wife Clare meeting Houser backstage. Other gifts included a year of free groceries on behalf of Ekrich, as well as an all-expenses paid getaway to Tucson, Ariz., to enjoy a VIP experience at a Randy Houser concert.
Air Force Staff Sergeant Christopher Solso and his wife, Clare, are presented free groceries for a year and a VIP trip to Tucson, Arizona on behalf of Eckrich.
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Hunter Hayes. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
The CMA Foundation and VH1 Save the Music Foundation recently joined forces to support music education in Roanoke City Public Schools.
Hunter Hayes was the special guest at a ticketed concert showcasing 450 student musicians representing elementary, middle, and high school instrumental music programs in the district. Hayes spoke on the impact of music in his life and the importance of having music education in the schools.
“The CMA Foundation is very proud to be part of this important initiative,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA. “We are excited to partner with VH1 to help bring music education programs to students in Roanoke, and hopefully create in these students a life-long appreciation of music.”
The CMA Foundation offered a $100,000 grant. With 17 grantee schools and $510,000 worth of musical instruments donated to date, they have completed restoration of Roanoke’s music programs.
Black River Releases Breakout EP By Kelsea Ballerini
/by Eric T. Parker
Black River Entertainment songwriter and recording artist Kelsea Ballerini has digitally released her self-titled EP today (Monday, Nov. 24).
Ballerini, recently named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, contributed writing credits on all five tracks included on the project, co-produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey.
The acoustic music video for the Knoxville, Tenn.-native’s debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” is featured in CMT’s Artist Discovery campaign and is now playing on CMT Pure. The radio single is climbing the charts, landing at No. 44 on this week’s MusicRow Chart.
“I remember seeing the women that CMT chose last year for Next Women of Country and thinking, ‘I hope one day I can be part of a similar group because it’s such an exciting time for women in country music,’” said Ballerini.
Kelsea Ballerini EP Track Listing:
1. “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Kerr, Carpenter)
2. “Yeah Boy” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Timmer)
3. “The First Time” (Ballerini)
4. “Dibs” (Ballerini, Kerr, Griffin, Duke)
5. “Lookin’ At Stars” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Stepakoff)
Dallas Smith Releases 'Lifted' EP With Big Loud Mountain
/by Troy_Stephenson
Country rocker Dallas Smith is bringing new music to his fans today (Nov. 24) with the release of his EP Lifted (Big Loud Mountain). The seven-track project is now available at digital retailers.
MusicRow Magazine’s Robert K. Oermann recently penned a glowing review for the EP’s “Wastin’ Gas”: “The churning production is terrifically exciting. Luckily, he’s got the vocal chops to keep up with it, and the driving song has hooks aplenty.”
Smith teamed up again with producer Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen) for the EP, who also produced his award-winning Canadian country debut, Jumped Right In.
Fresh off from performing on Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Cruise” aboard the Norwegian Pearl, Smith, who previously fronted the successful international rock band Default, will embark next year on his headline TIPPIN’ POINT 2015 Tour across Canada featuring special guests Charlie Worsham and Sundy Best. Previously Smith was direct support for music legend Bob Seger.
LIFTED TRACK LISTING
1.) “Wastin’ Gas” (Adam Craig/Matt Dragstrem/Jon Nite)
2.) “Cheap Seats” (Sarah Buxton/Jesse Frasure/Tina Parol)
3.) “Lifted” (Jaren Johnston/Zac Maloy/Jeremy Stover)
4.) “Heat Rises” (Rodney Clawson/Ross Copperman/Jaren Johnston)
5.) “Thinkin’ Bout You” (Rhett Akins/Ashley Gorley/Jimmy Robbins)
6.) “Just Say When” (Rodney Clawson/Ross Copperman/Ben Hayslip)
7.) “Tippin’ Point” (Live) (Tyler Hubbard/Jaren Johnston/Brian Kelley)
