BMI Launches Bonus System For Top Streamed Songs

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BMI logoBMI has implemented a bonus payment system for the most-played songs on some digital services. The system is meant to be a complement to similar premiums the performing rights organization offers for songs performed on radio and television.

As the performing rights organization has done previously with traditional radio, BMI will recognize writers and publishers of the most-performed songs on streaming services with a quarterly bonus payment. The bonus system began with payments from Spotify and Rhapsody in the first quarter of 2015, with additional services slated to be added in future distributions.

The bonus is calculated on a per-stream basis and will apply to the top 20 percent of the most-played BMI songs on each service. The per-stream rate increase applied is 25 percent.

Funds for the bonus payment will come from a general licensing pool designated for those types of payments.

Parallel Music Publishing Signs Jesse Lee

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JesseLeeSigningPhoto

Pictured (back row): Noah McPike, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb, LLP; (seated): Hannah Showmaker, Parallel Music Publishing; Jesse Lee; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing.

Parallel Music Publishing has signed songwriter Jesse Lee, who has garnered album cuts with Kelsea Ballerini, Uncle Kracker, Kristy Lee Cook and more.

“Writing has and always will be, my first love,” Lee says. “My ideas and lyrics are inspired by everyday life. Heartbreak, second-hand stories, love, tragedy. There’s a song in everything. I just can’t believe that I get paid to wake up everyday and write songs. I’m so excited to join the Parallel family. I love the staff and writers and feel so fortunate to work with people who are just as passionate about songwriting as I am. I can’t wait to hit the ground running and couldn’t ask for a better team to join. Thank you to Tim, Hannah, & Jeff for believing in me and wanting to work for me as hard as I’m going to work!”

“We at Parallel could not be more excited to begin our relationship with Jesse Lee,” says Tim Hunze, managing partner, Parallel Music Publishing. “Jesse Lee has vibrant energy and brings a new style of writing to the table. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Aaron Scherz Joins Liv Write Play

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Pictured (L-R): Nate Drake, Associate Attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, Austen Adams, Of Counsel at Dickinson Wright PLLC, Ilya Toshinskiy, producer, musician and Creative Director at Liv Write Play, Dennis Kurtz, VP of Liv Write Play, Aaron Scherz, Olivia Lane, Leland Grant, Page Kelley, Partner at Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC, and Jody Williams, VP of Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Nate Drake, Associate Attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, Austen Adams, Of Counsel at Dickinson Wright PLLC, Ilya Toshinskiy, producer, musician and Creative Director at Liv Write Play, Dennis Kurtz, VP of Liv Write Play, Aaron Scherz, Olivia Lane, Leland Grant, Page Kelley, Partner at Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC, and Jody Williams, VP of Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville.

Aaron Scherz, the co-writer/co-producer behind Maddie & Tae‘s hit “Girl In A Country Song,” has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Nashville-based music publishing house Liv Write Play. The company’s roster also includes Olivia Lane and Leland Grant.

“I am fired up to join the Liv Write Play family! They are a very forward-thinking organization that is tirelessly focused on creating what’s next for the format,” says Scherz. “Ilya and I have worked together in the studio for years and I think he is one of the best musical minds to ever grace Music Row. I’m looking forward to combining our unique skillsets to develop some very compelling artists and music.”

Scherz co-wrote five songs included on Maddie & Tae’s debut studio album, as well as the duet “Enough” performed by Reba and Jennifer Nettles. His tracks have also been featured on the series Nashville and The Music of Nashville soundtracks.

Liv Write Play’s Creative Director Ilya Toshinskiy shares, “Aaron is a very talented songwriter/producer and one of the hardest working people I know. He has done extraordinary work in artist development and it’s great to see all of his recent success. I know there is only more where that came from!”

“Because Liv Write Play is an artist development-driven company, we feel Aaron brings a lot to the team,” adds Liv Write Play’s VP Dennis Kurtz. “We are all looking forward to working with him. I can’t talk enough about how excited we are to welcome him to our Liv Write Play family.”

Nashville Gets ‘Tangled Up’ In Thomas Rhett’s New Groove

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Thomas Rhett shared the DJ Booth with one of Tangled Up’s producers Jesse Frasure. Photo: Katie Kauss

Thomas Rhett shared the DJ Booth with one of Tangled Up’s producers Jesse Frasure. Photo: Katie Kauss

Downtown Nashville was the place to party last night (Sept. 21) as the music industry celebrated the upcoming release of The Valory Music Co. artist Thomas Rhett’s sophomore album, Tangled Up. The project comes out Friday, Sept. 25.

More than 200 label staff, publishers, songwriters, producers, and more celebrated at swanky private club Citizen. Tangled Up co-producer Jesse Frasure spun tracks from the album, such as “Vacation,” “Learned From The Radio,” and current single “Die A Happy Man,” alongside tracks from The Weeknd, Blackstreet, Chris Stapleton, and more. Among the revelers were BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Rhett’s wife Lauren Akins, and Rhett’s BMLG labelmates Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery.

“It’s so exciting to have a moment like this to share it with all of you, when you literally can see an artist going to the next level,” BMLG founder/CEO Scott Borchetta shared with guests. “That’s what’s happening right here, right now, in real time. Thomas Rhett is getting ready…you watch what’s going to happen in the next 18 months, because then we’re going to be talking about the headlining tour. But we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves.”

Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co. SVP Promoition George Briner, Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Thomas Rhett and Big Machine Label Group’s President/CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Katie Kauss

Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co. SVP Promoition George Briner, Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Thomas Rhett and Big Machine Label Group’s President/CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Katie Kauss

Partygoers sipped on cocktails inspired by the album’s tracks, including Tangled Up, and Crash & Burn, each made with Crown Royal.

“We wanted to swing for the fences,” Rhett said of the record’s new sound. “As we’ve gone, my jeans have gotten tighter and my jeans have gotten skinnier,” he quipped. “My dad’s sittin’ here going, ‘Gosh I remember when you were in cowboy boots singing to Brooks & Dunn in the living room.’

“Thank you to those who have embraced this new sound and this new direction,” Rhett continued. “I think the best part is this album is fully 100 percent Thomas Rhett. There is nothing fake about this record. I have to give thanks to Scott and [BMLG’s] Allison [Jones] for saying, ‘We don’t want you to just turn in hits. We want you to turn in songs that move you, songs you believe in.’ We’re getting into that time where we might piss some people off with the songs we’re putting out, but hopefully the majority love us. Thank you to all my friends, the songwriters, Jesse [Frasure] and Dann [Huff] for going all out on this record, it’s pretty crazy. Cheers to you and thank you for being here and being part of this album release party.”

Pictured (L-R): Wife Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Katie Kauss.

Pictured (L-R): Wife Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Katie Kauss.

Borchetta and Rhett launched the party with Rhett’s soul-infused current single, “Die A Happy Man.”

“My wife asked me the other day if the song was written for her or just inspired by her, and the answer is both,” Rhett said of the single. “She’s always wanted me to write a song like ‘Just To See You Smile’ by Tim McGraw, even though this song doesn’t sound anything like that. It’s super personal to our relationship.”

Tangled Up releases Friday, Sept. 25.

Songwriter Neil Thrasher Extends Deal With peermusic

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Pictured (L-R) Michael Knox (VP peermusic Nashville), Ralph Peer (Chair & Chief Executive Officer), Neil Thrasher, Mary Megan Peer (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Kim Wiggins (Senior Creative Director)

Pictured (L-R): Michael Knox (VP peermusic Nashville), Ralph Peer (Chair & Chief Executive Officer), Neil Thrasher, Mary Megan Peer (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Kim Wiggins (Senior Creative Director)

Songwriter Neil Thrasher has extended his deal with peermusic Nashville. He has been a peermusic writer since 2011 and has penned several No. 1 songs during his time including ASCAP’s 2013 Country Song of the Year “How Country Feels,” recorded by Randy Houser. He also penned Jason Aldean’s platinum-selling “Tattoos On This Town,” “Fly Over States” and “Night Train.”

Thrasher was named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2004 and has enjoyed other chart toppers such as “There Goes My Life,” “Fast Cars And Freedom,” “Banjo,” “Take You There” and many others.

“It’s not that often you get to work with someone that you are a true fan of,” says Michael Knox, Vice President of peermusic Nashville. “It is a privilege to be working with Neil.”

“I”m excited about moving forward with my peer family! Here’s to the future!” says Thrasher.

George Strait To Play Four Vegas Shows in 2016, Plans New Album

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George Strait is headed to Las Vegas in 2016, he announced today (Sept. 22) during a live press conference. Strait will launch a series of concerts at the new, 19,000-seat Las Vegas Arena, beginning April 22, 2016. Kacey Musgraves will open the shows in Las Vegas.

Strait will play four concerts, on April 22-23, 2016, and on Sept. 9-10, 2016. Tickets for the shows go on sale Oct. 2, 2015.

UMG Nashville president Cindy Mabe announced that Strait will release a new album, Cold Beer Conversation. The project will release Friday, Sept. 25 exclusively with Apple Music and Walmart. The album’s title track will release to country radio tomorrow (Sept. 23).

The project will include songs penned by Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Buddy Cannon, Ben Hayslip, Bubba Strait, Dean Dillion, and more. Full track listing below.

Strait has released 40 albums, sold nearly 70 million albums, and had more than 60 No. 1 hits. He played to over 1 million fans during The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which marked the end of his touring career.

The entertainer’s awards count includes 23 CMA Awards, 17 ACM Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 5 American Music Awards, and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is also a National Medal of the Arts recipient and an ASCAP Founders Award recipient, among other honors.

Track listing for Cold Beer Conversation:
1. “It Was Love” (Keith Gattis)
2. “Cold Beer Conversation” (Al Anderson, Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary)
3. “Let It Go” (George Strait, Bubba Strait and Keith Gattis)
4. “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” (Wyatt Earp and Keith Gattis)
5. “Something Going Down” (Jamey Johnson and Tom Shapiro)
6. “Take Me To Texas” (Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally)
7. “It Takes All Kinds” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Bob Regan and Wil Nance)
8. “Stop And Drink” (Dale Dodson and Troy Jones)
9. “Everything I See” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Dean Dillon and Keith Gattis)
10. “Rock Paper Scissors” (Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
11. “Wish You Well” (Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde and Brice Long)
12. “Cheaper Than A Shrink” (Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson)
13. “Even When I Can’t Feel It” (Dean Dillon, Ben Hayslip and Lee Miller)

Music Biz Adds Garbarini, Rich, Healy To Board of Directors

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Bob Garbarini

Bob Garbarini

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has added three representatives from one major label and two independent music companies to its Board of Directors.

Bob Garbarini, Sr. VP of National Sales at Sony Music Entertainment; Kelly Rich, Sr. VP of Sales, Marketing and Interactive at BMLG, and Michael Healy, Exec. VP and GM of Entertainment One US, are the latest elections to the board, bringing the board to a total of 18 members.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bob, Michael, and Kelly to the Music Biz Board of Directors,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “Throughout their careers, they have done amazing things for the music community, helping to build some of the biggest stars in the biz and developing sales and marketing strategies that have brought the industry into the future. We look forward to working with them as we continue to tackle the biggest issues facing the business today.”

Garbarini’s 36-year industry career includes stints at Streetside Records in the 1970s, before he joined BMG in 1986 and Sony Music Entertainment in 2005. He has held positions in field sales, marketing management, supply chain logistics and inventory management. In his current role, he works with the company’s labels to develop sales strategies for a wide range of products and releases, and directly oversees the field team responsible for physical sales.

Michael Healy

Michael Healy

Healy has been with Entertainment One US since 1999. He previously served as Exec. VP of Finance and Operations, during which he managed all financial and administrative aspects for the company, then known as Koch Records. He also centralized the company’s Production, Royalties, A&R Administration, and Operations departments. Prior to joining Entertainment One, Healy was VP, Operations and CFO of the Velvel Music Group from 1997 to 1999. He began his music industry career in 1986 at independent record label Private Music as Vice President of Finance and Business Administration. Healy also worked at major label PolyGram, which has since been acquired by the Universal Music Group, as Director of Royalty Accounting, prior to joining Velvel.

Kelly Rich

Kelly Rich

Rich joined the Big Machine Label Group (an independent label formed in 2005 by Scott Borchetta and distributed by UMG) in 2006 and now oversees and implements sales, consumer marketing, and digital initiatives for the entire label group. Her efforts have contributed to more than 47 million album sales, more than 187 million digital track sales, and more than 10 billion streams from artists including Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Eli Young Band, Maddie & Tae, and more. Additionally, Rich has been named a Billboard Women in Music honoree in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. In 2014, she was also named one of MusicRow’s “Rising Women on the Row.” Rich has more than 27 years of experience in the music industry, including previous positions at Western Merchandisers, BMG, Arista Nashville, Dreamworks, and UMG Nashville.

LifeNotes: MMA Creative’s Veronica Greene Passes

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Americana musician Shakey Graves and Veronica Greene back stage at the 2015 Americana Honors & Awards Show on September 16, 2015.

Americana musician Shakey Graves and Veronica Greene backstage at the 2015 Americana Honors & Awards Show on Sept. 16, 2015.

MMA Creative Nashville’s National Accounts Manager, Veronica Greene, died Thursday, Sept. 17. She was 37.

Greene led the sponsorship acquisition and management team for the Americana Music Association since 2013. She previously served on the board of the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce and received the Board Member of the Year Award in 2005.

“It’s been a struggle these last few days and words on paper cannot possibly convey how truly magnificent Veronica was. Those who knew her would testify, there was no happier soul on the planet,” said Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly. “We are torn by our loss, but march forward knowing her spirit is with all of us. She was a dear, dear friend.”

Veronica is survived by her parents, Ronnie and Judith Barger, of Spring City; her sister, Krissy (David Tallent), of Spring City; her nieces, Davinity, Alexandra and Alyssa Tallent; her nephew, Garrett Tallent; her dog, Bogey and; “the best boyfriend on the planet,” Brooks Beauchap. She lived her life surrounded by her Rhea County family, Nashville family and tons of friends.

Funeral services were held in her hometown of Spring City, Tenn. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Memorials may be made to the Trustee Renovation Fund at Spring City United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 158, Spring City, TN, 37381.

Mac Davis To Be Honored As BMI Icon

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Mac Davis

Mac Davis

BMI will celebrate the songwriting career of Mac Davis by naming him a BMI Icon at the company’s 63rd annual BMI Country Awards on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville.

The invitation-only event will honor Davis and the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed country songs of the previous year.

“We’re honored to celebrate the incredible career of Mac Davis,” said Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville. “Artists ranging from Elvis to Avicii have recorded his songs. As an artist himself, Mac’s hits were embraced and loved internationally by both pop and country audiences. He hosted his own network TV variety show, appeared in many feature films, and even starred on Broadway, but Mac’s unique songwriting ability is what really sets him apart. In every way, Mac Davis is a BMI Icon.”

The BMI Icon award is given to songwriters who have had a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers. An all-star musical tribute will pay homage to Davis, who joins a list of past honorees that includes Vince Gill, Dean Dillon, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and others.

As a songwriter, Davis wrote several hits for Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Rascal Flatts.

Also during the event, BMI will crown the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year and salute the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed songs from BMI’s country catalog.

Kickstarter Restructures As Public Benefit Corporation

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kickstarter logo11Kickstarter has restructured as Kickstarter PBC, a public benefit corporation. In a statement on the company’s website, Founder/Chairman Perry Chen, Co-founder Charles Adler, and CEO/Co-founder Yancey Strickler offered an explanation of the new business model.

“Until recently, the idea of a for-profit company pursuing social good at the expense of shareholder value had no clear protection under U.S. corporate law, and certainly no mandate. Companies that believe there are more important goals than maximizing shareholder value have been at odds with the expectation that for-profit companies must exist ultimately for profit above all. Benefit Corporations are different. Benefit Corporations are for-profit companies that are obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on society, not only shareholders. Radically, positive impact on society becomes part of a Benefit Corporation’s legally defined goals.”

Among the company’s values and commitments listed in its charter are:

  • An agreement to not lobby or campaign for public policies unless they align with the company’s mission and values, regardless of possible economic benefits to the company.
  • A commitment to not use loopholes or other esoteric but legal tax management strategies to reduce the company’s tax burden. Kickstarter will be transparent in reporting the percentage of taxes it pays and explaining the factors that affect its tax calculation.
  • Kickstarter will seek to limit environmental impact. It will invest in green infrastructure, support green commuting methods, and factor environmental impact when choosing vendors. Additionally, Kickstarter will provide recommendations and resources that help creators make environmentally conscious decisions on tasks, like shipping and packaging, that are common to the use of its services.
  • Kickstarter will annually donate 5 percent of its after-tax profit towards arts and music education, and to organizations fighting to end systemic inequality. Half of the 5 percent will be devoted to music and arts programs, with a primary focus on underserved communities in New York City. The other half will be devoted to organizations addressing systemic inequality. Kickstarter will primarily focus such contributions on 501(c)(3) organizations fighting to end prejudices against and increase opportunities for people of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals.
  • Kickstarter will provide opportunities and paid time off for employees to provide professional mentorship and skills training to people from groups underrepresented in the worlds of art, business, or technology.
  • Kickstarter will report on team and leadership demographics, executive and CEO pay ratios, and programs and strategies employed to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.

The first of these benefits will be shared beginning in February 2017.

“From Kickstarter’s inception, we’ve focused on serving artists, creators, and audiences to help bring creative projects to life. Our new status as a Benefit Corporation hard-codes that mission at the deepest level possible to guide us, and future leaders of Kickstarter,” the statement summed.