In Photos: UMG Nashville ACM After Party

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Universal Music Group Nashville celebrated the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at an after party at the 1923 Bourbon Bar inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Winners for the label group include Mercury Nashville’s Chris Stapleton (Male Vocalist of the Year, New Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Traveller, Song of the Year for “Nobody to Blame”), Capitol Records Nashville’s Little Big Town (Vocal Group of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year for “Smokin’ and Drinkin'” with Miranda Lambert), and EMI Nashville’s Eric Church (Video of the Year for “Mr. Misunderstood”).

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, top award winner of the night Chris Stapleton, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Morgane Stapleton.

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Chris Stapleton, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Morgane Stapleton.

 

Pictured (L-R): ACM nominees John Osborne, Eric Paslay and Mickey Guyton, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan and ACM nominee TJ Osborne.

Pictured (L-R): John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Eric Paslay, Mickey Guyton, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne.

 

Pictured (L-R): LBT's Phillip Sweet, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, LBT's Kimberly Schlapman, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, LBT's Karen Fairchild, LBT's Jimi Westbrook, award winning producer Jay Joyce .

Pictured (L-R): Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, producer Jay Joyce .

 

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, ACM presenter and nominee Kacey Musgraves.

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Kacey Musgraves.

 

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, ACM co-hosts, performers and nominees Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan.

Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, ACM co-hosts Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan.

In Photos: Darius Rucker, Maren Morris, BMLG’s Music Has Value

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Darius Rucker Tees Up For ACM Lifting Lives

Pictured (L-R): Darius Rucker, Gayle Holcomb. Photo: Getty Images for ACM

Pictured (L-R): Darius Rucker, Gayle Holcomb. Photo: Getty Images for ACM

Darius Rucker hosted the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas for the fifth consecutive year on Sat., April 2. The ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic—the tenth held since 2004—brought together country artists Hudson Moore and Drake White as well as other members of the music community in a scramble tournament to raise funds and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need in the music industry. The fund was established by former Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair Gayle Holcomb, in honor of her mother.

 

Maren Morris Celebrates Birthday In Las Vegas

Pictured (L-R): Chase Rice, Neil Perry (The Band Perry), Maren Morris, Kelsey Ballerini, Kimberly Perry (The Band Perry), Reid Perry (The Band Perry), Tae Dye (Maddie & Tae), Maddie Marlow (Maddie & Tae). Photo: Katie Kauss

Pictured (L-R): Chase Rice, Neil Perry (The Band Perry), Maren Morris, Kelsey Ballerini, Kimberly Perry (The Band Perry), Reid Perry (The Band Perry), Tae Dye (Maddie & Tae), Maddie Marlow (Maddie & Tae). Photo: Katie Kauss

Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Maren Morris (“My Church”) celebrated her 26th birthday on Fri., April 1, at a private party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Joining in the celebration were fellow artists in town for the 51st Annual ACM Awards, including Kelsea Ballerini, The Band Perry, Maddie & Tae, and Chase Rice.

 

BMLG’s Music Has Value Store Pops Up In Las Vegas

BigMachinePopUp_MGM_ACM

Big Machine Label Group opened a temporary pop-up shop inside the MGM Grand Hotel lobby over the weekend, for fans support the Music Has Value campaign and purchase branded merchandise. The space also served as a meet-and-greet location for BMLG artists such as Thomas Rhett, Maddie & Tae and Justin Moore.

Scott Borchetta and Sandi Borchetta founded the Music Has Value campaign in early 2015 to raise awareness and support of proper artist compensation. On Friday, April 1, they announced a partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to create the Music Has Value Fund, whose mission is to provide funding to nonprofit organizations which support those who make music, aspire to make music, and access and appreciate music.

“We developed the fund to support great organizations that show true appreciation of music,” said Sandi Borchetta. “We appreciate the outpouring support from BMLG artists and fans in support of the Music Has Value campaign over the past year. It has grown from a simple idea into a full-blown campaign in support of our industry.”

All proceeds from the sales of clothing and accessories at the BMLG Pop-Up Store were dedicated to the Music Has Value Fund, except for the sales of a limited-edition T-shirt whose sales were dedicated to the Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives charitable organization.

ACM Awards: Aldean, Lambert, Little Big Town, Stapleton Win Big

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Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

Jason Aldean won Entertainer of the Year at the ACM Awards, while Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Chris Stapleton racked up multiple wins on Sunday night (April 3) in Las Vegas.

“I was just starting to think this one wasn’t in the cards for me,” he said, referencing the fact that he’s been nominated for the last six years in that category, but only just now won the award. Because he is a former Male Vocalist and Top New Male Vocalist winner, Aldean can also claim a rare Triple Crown achievement. He thanked his wife and daughters, his business associates, country radio and country fans. “This is one of the best nights of my professional career,” he stated.

Lambert and Little Big Town won a Vocal Event of the Year award for “Smokin’ and Drinkin'” during a red carpet appearance. As the show progressed, Little Big Town picked up their third Vocal Group of the Year award. Lambert, meanwhile, collected her seventh consecutive Female Vocalist award.

Stapleton continues to rack up awards, for Album of the Year (Traveller), Male Vocalist of the Year, and Song of the Year (“Nobody to Blame”). Prior to the telecast he was named New Male Vocalist. As previously announced, Kelsea Ballerini picked up New Female Vocalist and Old Dominion claimed New Duo/Group of the Year.

Dolly Parton won the Tex Ritter Award for achievements in presenting country music in film, saluting her TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. One of the most star-studded performances came when Parton and Katy Perry teamed up for a medley of “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “9 to 5.” Parton wore a glittery, multi-colored jacket and white pants, while Perry pulled out a pink, shiny outfit with yellow accents, and they hammed it up with funny choreography and silly riffing. Alyvia Alyn Lind, who starred as a young Parton in the movie, danced in the audience.

Dolly Parton and Katy Perry. Photo: Getty Images/Ethan Miller

Dolly Parton and Katy Perry. Photo: Getty Images/Ethan Miller

Other highlights included Blake Shelton’s surprise appearance at the beginning of the show, when he suddenly appeared to overshadow Dierks Bentley’s first year as co-host, stepping out on stage to surprise Luke Bryan, who couldn’t help but grin.

New singles were the name of the game in Las Vegas. Bryan performed “Huntin, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” Shelton sang “Came Here to Forget” and, later in the show in the middle of the audience at MGM Grand, Bentley offered “Somewhere on a Beach.”

Eric Church’s rendition of “Record Year” paid tribute to late heroes like David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Lemmy and Scott Weiland. Charles Kelley offered “Lonely Girl” from his new solo album, Ballerini teamed up with Nick Jonas for a mashup for “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan,” and Cam brought the rowdy crowd to a hush with “Burning House.” Cole Swindell scaled it way back for an acoustic rendering of “You Should Be Here.”

Pictured (L-R)L Nick Jonas, Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: ACM Instagram

Pictured (L-R): Nick Jonas, Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Instagram.com/acmawards

Kenny Chesney roused the crowd with “Noise,” while Stapleton took a subdued approach with “Fire Away.” Aldean’s “Lights Come On” and Keith Urban’s “Wasted Time” previewed new albums, while Thomas Rhett delivered “Die a Happy Man.” Earlier in the night, he picked up his first ACM Award when that tune won Single of the Year.

Other performance slots included Sam Hunt’s elegant “Make You Miss Me,” Tim McGraw’s eloquent “Humble and Kind,” Old Dominion’s catchy “Snapback,” and Carrie Underwood’s dramatic “Church Bells,” incorporating the impactful production value that she’s become known for.

What an inspirational performance from @thetimmcgraw. #HumbleandKindACMs #ACMs ?: @gettyentertainment

A photo posted by Academy of Country Music (ACM) (@acmawards) on

See a full list of ACM Awards winners.

ACM Awards Reveal Winners For 2016

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The Academy of Country Music Awards honors country music’s biggest artists with its annual awards show, and this year, it returned to its Las Vegas home at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, after last year’s 50th anniversary celebration in Dallas, Texas.

Some honors were given even before the televised ceremony. Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert took home the honor for Vocal Event of the Year, while Florida Georgia Line took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Eric Church earned Video of the Year for “Mr. Misunderstood.”

Jason Aldean earned his first Entertainer of the Year honor.

Chris Stapleton earned the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year honor. Additionally, Stapleton, along with co-writers Barry Bales and Ronnie Bowman, took home the evening’s first award on the telecast, picking up Song of the Year for “Nobody To Blame.” Stapleton and producer Dave Cobb also took home Album of the Year for Traveller.

Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” earned Single Record of the Year. Little Big Town took home Vocal Group of the Year, while Miranda Lambert earned Female Vocalist of the Year.

Katy Perry was also on hand to honor Dolly Parton and the movie Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors with the Tex Ritter Award, prior to a duet performance of Parton’s classics “Coat Of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “9 to 5.”

Previously announced awards include New Male Vocalist of the Year (Chris Stapleton), New Female Vocalist of the Year (Kelsea Ballerini), and New Duo/Group of the Year (Old Dominion). Additional honors for Songwriter of the Year (Ross Copperman), Producer of the Year (Dave Cobb), as well as numerous Special Awards and studio awards were also previously revealed.

A recap of the show can be read here.

Nominees (winners marked in bold):

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Garth Brooks
• Luke Bryan
• Eric Church
• Miranda Lambert

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Dierks Bentley
• Eric Church
• Brett Eldredge
• Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Jana Kramer
• Miranda Lambert
• Kacey Musgraves
• Carrie Underwood

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• Joey + Rory
• Maddie & Tae

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Eli Young Band
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Brett Eldredge
• Chris Janson
• Thomas Rhett
• Chase Rice
• Chris Stapleton

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Cam
• Mickey Guyton
• RaeLynn

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
• A Thousand Horses
• Brothers Osborne
• Maddie & Tae
• Old Dominion
• Parmalee

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• I’m Comin’ Over – Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Records

• Montevallo – Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville

• Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

• Tangled Up – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Chris DeStefano, Joe London
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

• Traveller – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Burning House “– Cam
Songwriters: Jeffrey Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Cam
Publishers: Marvelous Oaks Records (ASCAP), Creative Pulse Music (BMI), One Year Yesterday Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI), These Are Pulse Songs (BMI), Way Above Music (BMI)

“Girl Crush” – Little Big Town
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
Publishers: HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), Hoodie Songs (BMI), Songs of Crazy Girl Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

“Nobody To Blame” – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Barry Bales, Ronnie Bowman
Publishers: House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Quackhead Music (BMI), RayLynn Publishing (BMI)

“Raise ‘Em Up” – Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church
Songwriters: Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Jeffrey Steele
Publishers: Jeffrey Steele Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), TomDouglasMusic (BMI), Sony/ATV Harmony (ASCAP), Texa Rae Music (ASCAP)

“She Don’t Love You” – Eric Paslay
Songwriters: Eric Paslay, Jennifer Wayne
Publishers: Five Stone Publishing (ASCAP), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP), Songwriters of Platinum Pen Publishing (BMI)

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• “Burning House” – Cam
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Camaron Ochs
Record Labels: Arista Nashville, RCA Records, Kravenworks

• “Buy Me A Boat” – Chris Janson
Producers: Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Chris Janson
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

• “Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

• “Girl Crush” – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• “I’m Comin’ Over” – Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Nashville

• “Take Your Time” – Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
• “Biscuits” – Kacey Musgraves
Director: Mark Klasfeld
Producer: Nicole Acacio

• “Burning House” – Cam
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Trent Hardville

• “Girl Crush” – Little Big Town
Directors: Karla Welch, Matthew Welch
Producer: Amanda Prunesti

• “Mr. Misunderstood” – Eric Church
Directors: Reid Long, John Peets
Producer: Megan Smith

• “Riser” – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• “Hangover Tonight” – Gary Allan Featuring Chris Stapleton
Producers: Gary Allan, Greg Droman
Record Label: MCA Nashville

• “Home Alone Tonight” – Luke Bryan Featuring Karen Fairchild
Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Nashville

• “Raise ‘Em Up” – Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Nashville

• “Smokin’ and Drinkin’” – Miranda Lambert Featuring Little Big Town
Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

• “Wild Child” – Kenny Chesney With Grace Potter
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville

In Photos: Westwood One Backstage At The ACM Awards

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Dozens of country artists participated in the Westwood One Backstage radio event in Las Vegas on Sat., April 2, leading up to the ACM Awards the following night. Artists chatted with radio personalities and signed guitars provided by D’Angelico Guitars. (Photos provided by Westwood One.)

Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt

Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina

Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina

Chris Stapleton and Whitney Allen, host of the Westwood One-syndicated The Big Time with Whitney Allen.

Chris Stapleton and Whitney Allen, host of the Westwood One-syndicated The Big Time with Whitney Allen.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett

Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett

Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Randy Houser and Little Big Town

Randy Houser and Little Big Town

Trace Adkins and Tim McGraw

Trace Adkins and Tim McGraw

The Band Perry

The Band Perry

Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton

Parmalee

Parmalee

Brandy Clark

Brandy Clark

Tucker Beathard

Tucker Beathard

Florida Georgia Line Receive RIAA Diamond Trophies, ACM Vocal Duo Award

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Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley.

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley collected special trophies on Friday night (April 1) in Las Vegas for their record-breaking single, “Cruise.” That breakout hit has achieved the first-ever Diamond certification for a country single, marking 10 million units sold. RIAA Exec. VP of Communications and Marketing Jonathan Lamy presented the award.

Held at Skyfall Lounge at the Delano, the stylish event was a gesture of thanks to the Nashville music community’s support. At the same party, Hubbard and Kelley were surprised with news of their win as ACM Vocal Duo of the Year, marking the fourth consecutive year they have won that award.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Pres./CEO, Big Machine Label Group; Tyler Hubbard; Brian Kelley; Jimmy Harnen, Exec. VP, BMLG/Pres., Republic Nashville. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Pres./CEO, Big Machine Label Group; Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley; Jimmy Harnen, Exec. VP, BMLG/Pres., Republic Nashville. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Kelley said, “We are blown away and couldn’t be more honored by these milestone moments. Our fans keep us doing what we do and made this possible!”

Hubbard added, “The past year has been such an incredible ride. Each time we release a single we can only pray that people are going to respond positively and thankfully they did. We have the best fans in the world, by far!”

The duo will perform “Confession” on the ACM Awards on Sunday night. They’re expecting to release their third full-length album later this year.

Pictured (L-R): Hayley Stommel-Hubbard, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Brittney Kelley. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Pictured (L-R): Hayley Stommel-Hubbard, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Brittney Kelley. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Pictured (L-R, Back Row) Jess Rosen, Robin Greenhill, Lou Taylor, Cheif Zaruk, Seth England

Pictured (L-R, Back Row) Jess Rosen, Robin Greenhill, Lou Taylor, Chief Zaruk, Craig Wiseman, Seth England. (Front Row) Brian O’Connell, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Clay Hunnicutt. Photo: Justin Mrusek

In Photos: Luke Bryan, Justin Moore Take Aim At ACM & Cabela’s Archery Event

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Pictured (L-R): Justin Moore, Luke Bryan. Photo: Getty Images/ACM

Pictured (L-R): Justin Moore, Luke Bryan. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Teams led by Luke Bryan and Justin Moore competed for victory at the ACM & Cabela’s Celebrity Tic-Tac-Toe Archery Tournament on Sat., April 2 at the Cabela’s Stage at the Las Vegas Fairground.

Team Luke included Chris Janson, Chase Rice, and Granger Smith plus Cabela’s pro staffer Wade Middleton. Team Justin included Dustin Lynch, Eric Paslay, former MLB player Adam LaRoche and Cabela’s Pro Staffer Kristy Titus. Country artist Lucas Hoge and bow hunting athlete Cameron Hanes also competed at the event during half-time.

Team Luke was leading the competition when emcee Storme Warren suggested that Bryan and Moore make a sudden death deal: the two artists shoot one last game of tic-tac-toe and whoever wins would take home the trophy. In spite of Team Luke’s commanding lead, Moore earned a victory.

Pictured (L-R): Lucas Hoge, Justin Moore, Luke Bryan. Photo: Getty Images/ACM

Pictured (L-R): Lucas Hoge, Justin Moore, Luke Bryan. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Storme Warren, Justin Moore

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Storme Warren, Justin Moore. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Chase Rice poses with a fan during the ACM & Cabela's Tic-Tac-Toe Archery Tournament. Photo: Getty Images/ACM

Chase Rice poses with a fan during the ACM & Cabela’s Tic-Tac-Toe Archery Tournament. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Chris Janson. Photo: Getty Images, Isaac Brekken

Chris Janson. Photo: Getty Images, Isaac Brekken

Dustin Lynch. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Dustin Lynch. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Granger Smith. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Granger Smith. Photo: Getty Images/Isaac Brekken

Eric Church Surprised With ACM Video of The Year Win

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Eric Church

When the Academy of Country Music Awards air Sunday, April 3 from Las Vegas, Eric Church will already be a winner.

Church was surprised today (April 1) at a Las Vegas event with the news that “Mr. Misunderstood” earned him the ACM Video of the Year honor. Watch video of the presentation here.

ACM Executive Vice President and Managing Director Tiffany Moon presented Church and his manager (and co-director of the video) John Peets with the award. “It’s unbelievable. I can’t believe it at all. It’s crazy. He did this record. We did it all kind of secret and decided to make our video really quick,” Peets said.

“It’s the cheapest video that’s ever won Video of the Year, I’ll tell you that. It’s just us,” said Church.

Church is nominated for four other trophies Sunday evening, including his first ACM Entertainer of the Year nomination, as well as his third Male Vocalist of the Year nomination. He is nominated for Album of the Year for Mr. Misunderstood, as well as Vocal Event of the Year for “Raise ‘Em Up” with Keith Urban.

The Valory Music Co. Releases Levi Hummon’s 5-Song Digital EP

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LeviHummon

Levi Hummon‘s self-titled debut EP, produced by Jimmy Robbins, has been digitally released by The Valory Music Co.

Hummon, the son of Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon (“Bless The Broken Road,” “Cowboy Take Me Away”), contributed writing credits on four of the five songs on the project. Additional co-writer credits on the project include Robbins, Matt Jenkins, Jon Nite, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, Tom Douglas and Travis Hill. The young artist also co-wrote Steven Tyler’s country single, “Red, White and You.”

“I am so excited to finally be able to share my music with the fans,” said Hummon. “Over the past two years, I have put my heart and soul into making this EP and hope everyone will be able to feel that passion through these songs.”

This spring Hummon will be featured on select dates of Billy Currington‘s Summer Forever Tour.

Levi Hummon EP Tracklist

1. “Life’s For Livin’” (Levi Hummon, Matt Jenkins, Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Chain Reaction” (Levi Hummon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
3. “Love You Hate You Miss You” (Ryan Hurd, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
4. “Guts And Glory” (Levi Hummon, Tom Douglas, Travis Hill)
5. “Window Down Days” (Levi Hummon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)

 

400 Artists, Managers, Industry Organizations Band Together For DMCA Reform

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An unprecedented group of 18 music industry organizations, as well as 400 songwriters, artists, managers, and other industry personnel, have banded together to plea with the U.S. Copyright Office to reform the “safe harbor” provisions of the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The music industry members have called it outdated, and stated that its “notice and takedown” system failed in its intent to promote healthier balance in online music market.

Under the DMCA, record labels and publishing companies are responsible for approaching website owner/operators to take down pirated music that they have illegally made available on their sites.

Cary Sherman

Cary Sherman

Cary Sherman, Chairman and CEO, RIAA, stated, “I don’t recall a time when the entire music community has united behind an issue like it has this one—speaking with a collective voice for reform of the DMCA. This outdated and dysfunctional law has hurt everyone involved in creating music, from the newest emerging artists and songwriters to the global superstars, from the smallest labels and publishers to the biggest majors. I hope this unprecedented coming together will encourage policymakers to take the steps necessary to update this law and ensure the creative future of music.”

According to MusicWeek, a sampling of those supporting the petition include: Scott Borchetta, Garth Brooks, Rosanne Cash,Emmylou Harris, Mick Fleetwood, Don Henley, Bryan Adams, Maroon 5, Pearl Jam, Rod Stewart, Pete Townshend, Irving Azoff, Jonathan Azu, Jon Landau, Larry Mestel, David Byrne, Elvis Costello, Sean Ono Lennon, Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt and John Zorn. Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and SESAC have also supported the petition.

The DMCA was signed into law during the era of dial-up internet and static websites, a time before music streaming and downloads had such a dominant impact on the sale of music.

Richard James Burgess

Richard James Burgess

“The Digital Millennium Copyright Act was a boon to artists and labels alike when it was enacted in 1998,” said Richard James Burgess, CEO, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM). “Unfortunately the systematic abuse of law makes it necessary for it to be rebalanced to lift the insurmountably one-sided burden that currently falls on music creators and copyright owners. We will not have a healthy creative community as long as organizations and individuals are allowed to profit from the use of unlicensed music. The seriousness of this problem is emphasized by the unprecedentedly unified response from all sides of the creative and copyright communities.”

Some companies on the tech side of the situation oppose the joint brief. The Internet Association, which represents companies like Pandora, Spotify, Facebook, Amazon, Yahoo!, Google and Netflix, commented via its blog Tuesday, stating the DMCA is effective.

“The Digital Millennium Copyright Act creates safe harbors for Internet platforms by ensuring they will not be liable for what their users do, so long as the platforms act responsibly,” says the post. “These smart laws allow people to post content that they have created on platforms — such as videos, reviews, pictures, and text. In essence, this is what makes the Internet great.”

The petition noted, in regard to the Section 512 notice-and-takedown process, that music trade associations have sent notices of more than 280 million infringements to Google alone. “To get a sense of the scope of the problem, consider that since 2012, RIAA alone has noticed over 175 million infringements of music. In just the short period between the Grammy nominations (Dec. 7, 2015) and the Grammy awards (Feb. 16, 2016), nearly 4,000 unique infringing links were noticed to digital services for just the five nominated Record of the Year tracks.”

The petition also stated “that the notice-and-takedown process, as currently implemented by some providers, does not in any manner address the reappearance of infringing material previously removed by a provider in response to a notice.”

“At its worst, the DMCA safe harbors have become a business plan for profiting off of stolen content; at best, the system is a de facto government subsidy enriching some digital services at the expense of creators.” the petition states. ” This almost 20-year-old, 20th Century law should be updated.”

Organizations that signed the brief include: A2IM, American Federation of Musicians, ASCAP, Americana Music Association, BMI, Christian Music Trade Association, Church Music Publishers Association, Global Music Rights, The Latin Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., Music Managers Forum—United States, Music Publishers Association, NSAI, National Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences, National Music Publishers’ Association, Recording Industry Association Of America, Rhythm And Blues Foundation, Screen Actors Guild—American Federation Of Television And Radio Artists, SESAC Holdings, Inc., and SoundExchange.

The full, 97-page joint brief can be read here.