ASCAP Rebrands Admin Services As Songwize

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ASCAP is relaunching its administration services business as Songwize. The services aid rightsholders such as major and independent music publishers who direct license their performance rights to digital services, functioning as their royalty administration arm. Services include performance matching, royalty and market share calculations, distributions, and standard business intelligence and data analytics.

ASCAP’S administration services business has been in operation since 2013. In the last year, it added technological and analytical expertise to a team headed by Senior Vice President Administration Services, Lisa Selden. In 2016, SONGWIZE administered a 121 percent year-over-year increase in performances across digital service providers including Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Pandora and YouTube.

“With the increase in streaming music consumption, the number of individual public performances that are occurring is increasing dramatically,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Songwize, built on our trusted matching system and transparent distribution rules, ensures that songwriters and publishers can depend on ASCAP for proper royalty processing and payment under a variety of licensing scenarios.”

The Band Perry To Headline St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon In Nashville

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The Band Perry will perform the post-race concert following this year’s St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon on Saturday, April 29 at Ascend Amphitheater. The Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll concert series event is open exclusively to runners and their friends and family, and will start at 7 p.m.

The musically-themed race attracts more than 30,000 runners who will take on the 26.2, 13.1-mile and 5K courses, while many of Nashville’s best live bands perform along the route. In addition, 3,500 junior racers will participate in KiDS ROCK Nashville, a one mile race taking place on Sunday, April 30. The St. Jude marathon weekend kicks off April 27 with a free, two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Nashville Music City Center. Race participants will visit the expo to pick up their numbers and browse over 100 exhibitors featuring free samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel, and interactive clinics.

New for 2017 is a one mile race on Thursday night, warming runners up for the main event. Participants can earn a third, bonus medal for taking on two days of running over the weekend, completing the inaugural ‘Remix Challenge’. Thursday’s (April 27) mile race ends at Ascend Amphitheater where Jake Owen will play a ticketed performance, open to the public.

“St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon, is a marquee event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series,” said Katie Holmes, Event Manager. “We are thrilled that The Band Perry will headline this year’s post-race concert at the new Ascend Amphitheater celebrating the many musical genres that Nashville is known for. Their country roots and new pop sound are sure to keep the party rocking for runners and spectators after the race.”

Spotify Series ‘Music Happens Here’ Debuts First Episode Today

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Music Happens Here, an original new music and travel video series that visits some of the most iconic places around the world where music has been created, performed, and celebrated, is launching today on Spotify.

The premiere episode takes viewers inside the Los Angeles music scene, from the ocean sunsets that lit up Jim Morrison‘s work with The Doors to the Sunset strip neon that bathed Guns N’ Roses and other metal acts as they crafted the soundtrack music of the ’80s. Future episodes will highlight specific locations that inspired some of the most beloved songs, from “New York State of Mind” to “London Calling.”

The Music Happens Here Spotify series is part of Hilton’s music program with Live Nation and The Recording Academy. Launching last month, the Music Happens Here program provides Hilton Honors members with access to top concerts, private meet-and-greets, one-on-one experiences, and exclusive shows at Hilton hotels/resorts and in iconic music landmarks. Additional episodes are set to roll out throughout the year.

Watch the trailer for Music Happens Here below.

MusicRowPics: Carly Pearce Makes Radio Debut With “Every Little Thing”

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Carly Pearce visits MusicRow.

Big Machine Records newcomer Carly Pearce recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to share new music, including her radio debut, “Every Little Thing,” which began adding at stations this week.

The Kentucky native moved to Tennessee at the age of 16 to work full time at a Dollywood country show. Now, 10 years and a few heartbreaks later, Pearce is ready to speak out with her own material.

“When I was living in Pigeon Forge I messaged Jeremy Spillman over MySpace because he had written a couple of my favorite Eric Church and Lee Ann Womack songs,” Pearce told MusicRow. “He and his wife Melissa came to see me perform, so I kind of got the fast track to the Nashville industry, but eight years later [here I am].”

After taking out a loan to record an EP with no Nashville takers, Pearce caught the attention of Pretty Little Liars’ actress and singer Lucy Hale. The invitation to join Hale’s country tour as a background vocalist came after appearing in Hale’s music video.

Pearce then fiercely broke out on her own, landing as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country (2016), a deal with busbee and BMG, a management deal with Vector and a record contract with Scott Borchetta‘s empire, announced in January. Earlier this month, along with the rest of BMLG Records’ artists, Pearce was transitioned to Big Machine Records.

“busbee signed me two and a half years ago to a production deal,” said Pearce of her deal with BMG. “I was the first artist in Nashville. We’ve been working together for a long time.”

Carly Pearce with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson.

With the support of her power-player team, Pearce has garnered additional appearances at the Opry and on Sirius XM. A duet with Josh Abbott Band, “Wasn’t That Drunk,” has already charted while she has toured with Hunter Hayes, Eli Young Band and Kelsea Ballerini.

“My Kentucky people are loving me too,” Pearce says of her hometown support. “They know I have the state of Kentucky tattooed on my wrist. A lot of my family live in Louisville and are so surprised to hear my song on the radio!”

Pearce wrote “Every Little Thing” with Emily Shackelton and busbee and has spent time in the writing room for additional debut tracks with Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Laura Veltz and Allison Veltz.

Pearce additionaly treated MusicRow to “Ride Home,” a tribute to her family and hometown she says she may not have appreciated as well as she could have while growing up. She also delivered the whimsical “Hide The Wine,” cleverly advising against pouring alcohol on an old flame.

Pearce is currently in the studio finalizing her debut project.

Carly Pearce with MusicRow staffers.

Bee Gees Tribute Gets Airdate At CBS

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Stevie Wonder, Andra Day, Demi Lovato, Barry Gibb, Nick Jonas, and DNCE. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the soundtrack to the film Saturday Night Fever with an all-star special, titled  Stayin’ Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees, set to air Sunday, April 16 on CBS, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

During the previously-taped special, Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett perform “Islands In The Stream,” while Keith Urban offers “To Love Somebody.” Little Big Town performs twice, with a rendition of “How Deep Is Your Love,” as well as joining Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly, and Andra Day for a medley of “Stayin’ Alive,” “Tragedy,” and “Night Fever.”

Also performing are Jason Derulo, Celine Dion, DNCE, Nick Jonas, John Legend, Pentatonix, Tavares, and Stevie Wonder.

Bee Gees co-founder Barry Gibb offers a selection of hits from Saturday Night Fever—Soundtrack, which won Album Of The Year at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2004. The tribute special also features appearances by Cynthia Erivo, John Travolta, and Wilmer Valderrama.

Dierks Bentley, Cam, Brandy Clark, Dean Dillon Sign On For ACM Party For A Cause

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Dierks Bentley, Cam, Brandy Clark and Dean Dillon will take part in the ACM Party For A Cause Songwriter Showcase. The event, hosted by Storme Warren, will take place Friday, March 31 at Las Vegas’ The Pearl, Palms Casino Resort. The event is presented by AIMP, as well as Combustion Music, Creative Nation and SMACKSongs.

Additional performers include Ross Copperman, Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley, Matthew Jenkins, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Josh Osborne with Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion.

All proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the ACM, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.

Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Jack Ingram, Jimmy Fortune

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Paisley Returns To Wild West Comedy Festival

Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley is flexing his funnybone again as he returns to the Wild West Comedy Festival this year to host a pair of stand-up comedy shows at Zanies Comedy Club on April 18. This marks Paisley’s third stint hosting the evening, and both shows will be filmed for an upcoming comedy special. Now in its fourth year, this year’s Wild West festival is set for April 17-23 in Nashville, and brings a full slate of all-star comedians to its lineup. Tickets to the Paisley-hosted evening go on sale today (March 21) at nashville.zanies.com.
 

Reba To Sing National Anthem At City Of Hope Softball Game

Reba McEntire has been tapped to sing the national anthem before the 27th Annual City Of Hope Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday, June 10 at First Tennessee Park. Additional participating artists will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will raise money for City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and cancer and diabetes treatment center. Proceeds from the game go to support City of Hope’s research, innovative treatments and patient care. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

 

Jack Ingram Hits The High Seas On Texas Country Cruise

Jack Ingram has been announced as the headliner on the Texas Country Music Cruise Sept. 3-10. He will be joined by artists Curtis Grimes, Matt Kimbrow, Bri Bagwell,The Rankin Twins, Jake Worthington, Dalton Domino, and Abbi Walker on the inaugural cruise setting sail from Galveston, Texas aboard the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas ship. Ports will include Roatán, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

 

Jimmy Fortune Puts Spin On The Classics On New CD

Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune is releasing a new album, Jimmy Fortune: Sings the Classics. Available April 21, the collection features collaborations with longtime friends Ricky Skaggs, The Isaacs, and the Voices of Lee.

Fortune puts a new twist on some of his old favorites on the upcoming album including “Make The World Go Away” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The Gaither Music Group project will be available at music retailers everywhere, along with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide.

Bonnaroo Reveals Dance, Hip-Hop “Other” Stage

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The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has revealed a new open-air stage, dubbed The Other – A New Bonnaroo Experience, devoted to dance and hip-hop.

The stage expands on the festival’s legendary “Other Tent” to become a fully immersive, all-night dance, electronic, and hip-hop showcase (lineup below).

Thirteen unique stages sprawl the farm complex to showcase over 100 artists during the four-day camping festival, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, and U2. Taking place June 8 – 11, Bonnaroo tickets—including general admission, VIP and the brand-new Platinum Pass—are on sale exclusively at bonnaroo.com.

“THE OTHER – A NEW BONNAROO EXPERIENCE” LINEUP

Marshmello
Big Gigantic
Yellow Claw
D.R.A.M.
Matoma
Louis the Child
Borgore
NGHTMRE
Getter
Snails
Skepta
Illenium
Claude VonStroke
G Jones
OOKAY
Herobust
Ganja White Night
Rezz
Goldfish
San Holo
Haywyre
Vanic
Unlike Pluto
Barclay Crenshaw
Innanet James
Jason Huber
DJ Mel
Case Bloom

ASCAP Elects Board Of Directors

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Paul Williams

ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams has announced the 12 writer and 12 publisher members elected to serve on the ASCAP Board for a two-year term, beginning April 1, 2017.

Newly-elected writer member in the at-large field is songwriter/composer Michelle Lewis. In addition to Paul Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: songwriter Marilyn Bergman; composer Richard Bellis; composer Bruce Broughton; songwriter/producer Desmond Child; composer Alf Clausen; composer Dan Foliart; composer/producer Marcus Miller; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood. Composer Alex Shapiro was re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field.

The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Caroline Bienstock, Bienstock Publishing Co.; Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Music Group; Jody Gerson, Universal Music Publishing Group; Zach Katz, BMG US; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music Company; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Mary Megan Peer, peermusic; Matt Pincus, SONGS Music Publishing; Jon Platt, Warner/Chappell Music; and Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music, Inc. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is publisher James M. Kendrick, Schott Music/ European American Music Distributors Company.

Williams said, “ASCAP is the only member-owned and governed US Performing Rights Organization with a Board elected by the membership, for the membership and from the membership. I believe I speak for the entire Board when I say that it is both an honor and a privilege to have been chosen by our writer and publisher peers to represent them on the ASCAP Board. It is a responsibility we take very seriously.”

Sarah Darling Blends Experimental, Soothing Sounds On ‘Dream Country’

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Sarah Darling’s latest album, Dream Country, which released Feb. 10, finds the singer-songwriter in an experimental space, connecting the concepts of dreams, celestial imagery, aspirations and of course, music.

The project’s 10 tracks (seven of those penned by Darling) revel in pensive musings, and incorporate elements of country, jazz, and pop into an ethereal tone.

Her latest single, “Halley’s Comet,” was one of the first penned for the new album, and served as a catalyst for Dream Country’s whimsical theme. Darling co-wrote the song with Cheyenne Medders and Rebekah Powell.

“I had no idea where I was going to go musically,” Darling said. “This album is very different from what I’ve done before and this was me being me and putting my heart into something I love. ‘Halley’s Comet’ is about chasing a dream and understanding the challenges that come with that. Nobody said it’s going to be easy. That’s the best part about it.”

Darling offered an acoustic take on several tracks off the project during a recent visit to the MusicRow offices, including “Where Cowboys Ride,” a love letter to the state of Wyoming, and “Starry Eyes,” a letter of encouragement to her younger self.

Sarah Darling with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson.

Darling teamed with musician and producer Larissa Maestro to assemble Dream Country, after first partnering for a performance of “Halley’s Comet” on the Grand Ole Opry, featuring Darling on vocals and Maestro on cello.

“There was something that connected musically, with my voice and the strings. I was trying to figure out where to go and I asked her to make a record. It’s very melodic, and there are a lot of string parts. There was definitely some girl power going on.”

Darling has been creating music in Nashville since 2006. Darling was signed to Black River Entertainment for several years, before stepping out on her own to make Dream Country.

“This album is really honest. A lot of the songs are about what it felt like to transition out of having a team to figuring out how to move forward with just me. That opened up a deep place in my heart to write about dreaming.”

The album’s airy quality lends itself to possible sync licensing, which Darling intends to focus on this year.

“Everyone who has heard this album has mentioned sync licensing, so I’m going to work on that,” Darling said. “There is a song called ‘Montmartre’ on the album that just sounds made for a movie. My husband took us to Paris on our first date, which he totally set the bar really high. We went back there last September and I shot a music video there and it will come out in May.”

Darling will take Dream Country’s universal themes overseas again in May, when she plays a series of shows in UK markets.