Stoney Creek Records Adds Director of Regional Promotion/West Coast

/by
Matt Vieira

Matt Vieira

BBR Music Group has added Matt Vieira as its new Director of Regional Promotion/West Coast for Stoney Creek Records.

A 17-year veteran of KNCI-FM in Sacramento, Vieira has held the position of Music Director at the Top 30 ranked market station for the past five years. Vieira also served as Promotion Director for both KNCI, as well as Sports 1140 KHTK.

“I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life and to join the Stoney Creek and BBR Music Group family,” says Vieira. “It will be amazing to get out and meet all my new friends in the West and share my passion for music with everyone!”

“Country Radio will love Matt! He has always been a champion for the music while in radio,” says Stoney Creek VP of Promotion Chris Loss. “We can’t wait for him to unleash his passion with Stoney Creek Records and BBR Music Group.”

Vieira’s first official day with Stoney Creek Records will be Wednesday, May 20. He can be reached at [email protected] and at 530-701-2210.

Bret Michaels Releases Country Material, Debuts on CMT

/by
Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels made his country debut with a new album titled True Grit, released today (May 5) at digital retailers.

The album features 21 new and classic Michaels hits, including a remake of his Poison hit, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” featuring country legend Loretta Lynn.

A new video for the album’s single “Girls on Bars” debuted exclusively on CMT and CMT Pure.

Michaels co-wrote the party song with Luke Laird.

Duo Makenna & Brock Ink Deal With Clif Doyal Agency

/by
L-R: Orville Almon, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Makenna Sullinger; Brock Wade; Clif Doyal

Pictured (L-R): Orville Almon, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Makenna Sullinger; Brock Wade; Clif Doyal

The Clif Doyal Agency of Nashville has signed Country duo Makenna & Brock to an exclusive artist development deal that will include personal management, publicity, booking and A&R.

The duo is made of Makenna Sullinger and Brock Wade. The pair began working together in 2007 and were featured on the television competition show The X-Factor in 2011.

“Makenna & Brock have that intangible ‘it’ factor that artists either have, or they don’t,” Doyal says. “Their enthusiasm, dedication, and work ethic are very impressive. They are both great singers in their own right, but many have commented that their harmonies are so close that they sound like siblings, which they are not. That is a rare and magical quality. I see a very bright future ahead for them and I am honored to represent them.”

The duo’s debut single is expected to be released this summer.

ASCAP Elects Officers; Paul Williams Gets 4th Term

/by
Paul Williams, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board

Paul Williams, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced today (May 5) the results of its Board of Directors officers elections held on April 29 in Los Angeles.

Award-winning songwriter Paul Williams was re-elected Chairman and President for the fourth time. Williams has held the office since 2009. Williams says, “I continue to be inspired by ASCAP’s mission of advocacy and service for songwriters. It is a great honor and privilege to help lead the organization forward during this transformative time. I’m confident that, together with our CEO Beth Matthews, the ASCAP Board will continue to make the decisions that enable ASCAP to meet the evolving needs of our members and licensees.”

Doug Wood, a composer and producer of music for television programs and commercials, was newly elected as Writer Vice Chairman; and Irwin Z. Robinson, Vice President of Industry Affairs for Cromwell Music, was re-elected Publisher Vice Chairman.

The ASCAP Board re-elected Caroline Bienstock, President and CEO of publishing company Carlin America, Inc., as Secretary; and James M. Kendrick, representing Schott Music/European American Music, as Treasurer.

The ASCAP Board also elected a new publisher member, Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.

Industry Ink: BMLG, iHeartRadio, Sandy Mason, Big Spark Music Group

/by

Big Machine Label Group Celebrates at iHeartRadio Country Music Festival

Big Machine Label Group celebrated performances from artists including Tim McGraw and Justin Moore during the iHeartRadio Country Music Festival recently in Austin, Texas.

Pictured (L-R): John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Tim McGraw, Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore, Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler and Clay Hunnicutt.

Pictured (L-R): John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Tim McGraw, Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore, Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler and Clay Hunnicutt.

 

Celebration of Life Set for Sandy Mason Theoret

Sandy Mason Theoret

Sandy Mason Theoret

A celebration of life honoring Sandy Mason will take place Wednesday, May 6 at Douglas Corner Cafe, beginning at 6 p.m. Pennsylvania native Sandy Mason Theoret provided background vocals on recordings from Garth Brooks, Crystal Gayle, Johnny Cash, John Prine, and more. She wrote and recorded both as Sandy Mason and as Sandy Mason Theoret. Among the hits she penned was the 1997 hit “Two Pina Coladas,” co-written with Shawn Camp and Benita Hill.

Her composition “When I Dream” reached No. 3 on Billboard‘s country chart in 1979. Other songs penned by Theoret include “All I Wanna Do in Life” (recorded by Gayle, George Jones and Marianne Faithfull), “Only Love” (Prine, Don Williams), “Feel the Love Go Round” (Petula Clark), “I’d Even Let You Go” (Debbie Boone) and “After All” (Cash).

 

Big Spark Music Group’s Olivia Lane Visits iHeartRadio Music Studios

Big Spark Music Group vocalist-songstress Olivia Lane recently made a visit to iHeartRadio Music Studios in New York City, where she performed an acoustic set, including her upcoming single “You Part 2,” which will hit Country radio on June 8. iHeartMedia Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms, Clay Hunnicutt, and staff heard the newcomer’s debut single, “Steal Me Away,” along with other tracks off her STEAL ME AWAY EP while enjoying pizza and sushi.

Pictured (L-R): iHeartMedia’s Jenny Sperling, iHeartMedia’s Marissa Morris, Artist Olivia Lane, iHeartMedia’s Clay Hunnicutt, Big Spark Music Group's Denniz Kurtz, Star Farm Nashville’s Michael Powers.

Pictured (L-R): iHeartMedia’s Jenny Sperling, iHeartMedia’s Marissa Morris, Olivia Lane, iHeartMedia’s Clay Hunnicutt, Big Spark Music Group’s Denniz Kurtz, Star Farm Nashville’s Michael Powers.

Ashley Monroe Plans Sophomore Album with Gill and Niebank

/by
Ashley Monroe.

Ashley Monroe.

Rising star Ashley Monroe will release her sophomore Warner Bros. album on July 24. Vince Gill and Justin Niebank again teamed for the 13-track collection, her follow-up to Like A Rose.

The talent’s first single from the yet-to-be-titled album, “On to Something Good,” received its official music video, which was revealed yesterday (May 4) on a CMT broadcast and NPR online. Rachel McDonald directed the piece for “On to Something Good,” which was written by Monroe, Barry Dean and Luke Laird.

Monroe recently celebrated her first No. 1 at country radio, the “Lonely Tonight” duet with Blake Shelton. She is currently on a radio tour, before embarking on summer treks with Rascal Flatts and Little Big Town, as well as select festival appearances.

Ashley Monroe’s Sophomore Album Track Listing
1. On To Something Good
2. I Buried Your Love Alive
3. Bombshell
4. The Weight Of The Load
5. The Blade
6. Winning Streak
7. From Time To Time
8. If Love Was Fair
9. Has Anybody Ever Told You
10. Dixie
11. The Devil Don’t Want Me
12. Mayflowers
13. Good At Leavin’

Pandora’s FM Radio Station Gets FCC Approval

/by

pandora-logoRadio listeners can now hear Pandora’s music on the FM radio dial, according to Billboard.

Pandora purchased Rapid City, S.D. radio station KXMZ for $600,000 in 2013, and has been given the green light by the FCC for broadcast approval.

The radio station purchase is part of Pandora’s initiative to take advantage of ASCAP’s lower royalty rates offered to companies which own broadcast radio stations as well as the digital radio services those broadcasters operate. ASCAP’s settlement with the Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC) has set a blanket license fee of 1.7 percent of gross revenue, minus standard deductions. Pandora currently pays ASCAP 1.85 percent of revenue.

“Pandora is radio, and the acquisition of KXMZ would qualify Pandora for the same RMLC license under the same terms as our competitors,” Pandora’s director of public affairs Dave Grimaldi said in a statement. “This move makes sense to us beyond the licensing parity alone,” going on to say the company was excited to work with the local community in Grand Rapids.

BMI is currently awaiting a decision on recent arguments delivered in Manhattan court that will set rates for that PRO.

National Music Publishers’ Association President and CEO David Israelite responded to the FCC approval, saying, “In the history of the struggle between creators and those who try to profit off of their work without paying them fairly, this move by Pandora ranks as the most cynical and shameless. Sadly this small station in South Dakota has become a pawn in Pandora’s game to pay the creators on which it built its business even less. Now, there can be no doubt that Pandora has declared war on songwriters.”

Grand Ole Opry Set For A “Salute The Troops” Celebration

/by

grand ole opry logo

The Grand Ole Opry will honor the U.S. military on Tuesday, May 19 with a “Salute The Troops” celebration. Members of the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band and other honored soldiers will enter the Opry House via a red carpet. The public is invited to be part of the celebration by lining the carpet beginning at 5:45 p.m.

The performances will begin at 7 p.m. and will include Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, Craig Morgan, and others. The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band will also make a special appearance for the second time.

MusiCorps Band

MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band

The night is a part of The Opry show’s 90th anniversary celebration that will span nine months and support nine causes including the “Salute The Troops,” which will benefit the MusiCorps and USO. Throughout the month of May, a percentage of the proceeds from Opry ticket sales will go to the cause when fans mention the code “SALUTE.”

For more information, visit www.opry.com.

Artist Pics: St. Jude Marathon, Cam, Wade Hayes, Naomi Judd

/by

 A Race To The Finish Line

Country music artists showed their support for the annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon last Saturday as Nashville set the stage and welcomed more than 30,000 registered runners from around the world. Martina McBride headlined the post-race concert. John Rich, along with guests Phil Vassar and Megan Mullins, hosted a Sunday brunch for the top 25 St. Jude Heroes who fundraised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while training for race day.

SJCMM.Pickler

Kellie Pickler and the Bironas Family

St. Jude Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon

Nashville’s Sam Palladio and Chaley Rose. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

 

Cam’s American Pride

Arista Nashville’s Cam was in her native California earlier this week for appearances that included a performance of the national anthem at Tuesday’s Los Angeles Dodgers game, where National Baseball Hall of Fame member and Dodger’s former manager Tommy Lasorda told the “My Mistake” singer it was one of the best anthem performances he’d ever heard.

Cam on the field of Dodger Stadium

Cam on the field of Dodger Stadium

 

Wade Hayes Visits With American Country Countdown

Wade Hayes stopped by “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks” this week to chat about his new single and album, Go Live Your Life and talk about his life after two bouts with cancer.

Kix Brooks and Wade Hayes

Kix Brooks and Wade Hayes

 

Naomi Judd Gets Honorary Doctorate

Six-time Grammy award winner, best-selling author, and speaker Naomi Judd was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree at Berea College’s 143rd Commencement yesterday, Sunday, May 3.

Judd concludes her Commencement speech at Berea College’s 143rd Commencement ceremonies. Photo: O’Neil Arnold

Naomi Judd concludes her commencement speech at Berea College’s 143rd Commencement ceremonies. Photo: O’Neil Arnold

Nashville Makes Up 25 Percent of ‘Billboard’ Money Makers

/by
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, George Strait, Jason Aldean.

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, George Strait, Jason Aldean.

Billboard has released a list of the top 40 Money Makers of 2014. Twenty-five percent of artists were Nashville-based (listed below).

The all-genre estimates are based off the Nielsen and Boxscore 2014 U.S. earnings, conveniently displayed by sales, streaming, publishing and touring. Merchandising, sync and sponsorship revenue is not included. A four percent producer’s fee and 10 percent manager fee were deducted.

bb_earner_pie1-moneymakers-bb13-2915-billboard-510Interesting to note Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean grossed a near $900k combined, after a highly-publicized withdraw from free streaming music sites. Also for sales, Swift had the highest on the list, ahead of labelmates Florida Georgia Line. Swift also boasted the highest publishing quadrant of anyone else.

Speaking of BMLG, Motley Crue’s (No. 25) tribute album was noted to boost the band’s publishing revenue, which totaled over $500k.

British boy band One Direction, which visited Nashville’s LP Field in 2014, topped out the list with $46m in gross revenue.

Methodology: royalty rates used were 22 percent of retail revenue for album and track sales; 22 percent for streaming revenue for current acts and 50 percent for heritage acts. Statutory mechanical rates for album and track sales and the Copyright Royalty Board streaming formula; for labels’ direct deals with interactive services, blended audio and video rates of, respectively, $0.0075 and $0.0045. Touring revenue equals 34 percent of an act’s Boxscore.

•••

No. 6 – Luke Bryan, $25m ($3.8m sales, $397k streaming, $641k publishing, $20.2m touring)

No. 8 – George Strait, $22.5m ($2.3m sales, $238k streaming, $308.1k publishing, $19.7m touring)

No. 10 – Jason Aldean, $20.2m ($3m sales, $287k streaming, $81.3k publishing, $16.8m touring)

No. 15 – Taylor Swift, 13.6m ($9.4m sales, $608.1k streaming, $3.5m publishing, $0 touring)

No. 19 – Zac Brown Band, $12.6m ($1.5m sales, $145.8k streaming, $645.3k publishing, $10.3m touring)

No. 22 – Eric Church, $10.2m ($2.6m sales, $160k streaming, $1.1m publishing, $6.4m touring)

No. 27 – Blake Shelton, $9m ($3m sales, $228.6k streaming, $26.1k publishing, $5.8m touring)

No. 31 – Florida Georgia Line, $8.4m ($4.3m sales, $354.4k streaming, $464.5k publishing, $3.3m touring)

No. 33 – Brad Paisley, $7.4m ($1m sales, $125.2k streaming, $608.9k publishing, $5.7m touring)

No. 39 – Rascal Flatts, $6.9m ($1.2m sales, $117.7k streaming, $53.1k publishing, $5.5m touring)