‘Billboard’ Charts To Put Greater Emphasis On Paid Subscription Streams

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In 2018 the Billboard charts will put a stronger emphasis on paid versus ad-supported streaming subscription activity. It has been traditionally recognized that 1,500 on-demand song streams from an album make up one equivalent album sale (SEA).

Beginning in 2018, plays occurring on paid subscription-based services (such as Amazon Music and Apple Music) or on the paid subscription tiers of hybrid paid/ad-supported platforms (such as SoundCloud and Spotify) will be given more weight in chart calculations than those plays on pure ad-supported services (such as YouTube) or on the non-paid tiers of hybrid paid/ad-supported services.

Currently, Billboard has two defined types of streaming plays for the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart (and our other hybrid songs charts): on-demand (such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube) and programmed (such as Pandora and Slacker Radio), with on-demand having a greater weight. The Billboard 200 — and our other consumption-ranked albums charts — uses a single tier of only on-demand audio streams (paid or ad-supported) from subscriptions services. Video streams do not contribute to the Billboard 200’s calculations, but are incorporated into the Hot 100.

The Billboard 200 is made up of sales and streaming data.

The Hot 100 is made up of radio airplay, sales data and streaming.

Read more at Billboard.com.

ACM Lifting Lives To Donate $250K To Support Las Vegas Relief Efforts

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The Academy of Country Music’s ACM Lifting Lives will donate $250,000 to organizations in support of those affected by the recent Las Vegas tragedy at Route 91 Harvest Festival.

The ACM’s annual awards show has been held at various venues in Las Vegas since 2003 (not including the ACM’s 50th anniversary show, which was broadcast from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 2015).

A $200,000 donation will be made to MGM Resorts Foundation “Victim Relief & First Responders’ Fund,” which has been established to help the Las Vegas community heal and recover by providing humanitarian aid for victims, their families and organizations that serve first responders.

The National Compassion Fund will receive a donation of $25,000, with 100 percent of the funds to be distributed directly to the Las Vegas victims. Additionally, Friends of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Foundation will receive $25,000 for providing counseling and support for the first responders, victims and the families.

“This money will go a long way in aiding the healing and recovery of people who so desperately need it,” said ACM CEO Pete Fisher. “Our sizable contribution to the MGM Resorts Foundation not only will aid victims, but will send a very special sentiment to our long-time partners in Vegas.”

 

Belmont University Grad Katie Pruitt Signs With Round Hill Music

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Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, Senior Director, A&R, Round Hill Music; Katie Pruitt; Mark Brown, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Round Hill Music

Round Hill Music has added singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt to its roster, inking an exclusive co-publishing deal with the recent Belmont University graduate.

Pruitt won 2016’s inaugural Nashville Songwriting Scholarship from the BMI Foundation, and earned this year’s Holly Prize from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Katie is an exceptionally talented singer, songwriter, and artist,” says Round Hill Music’s Mark Brown. “I am really looking forward to working with her.”

Shania Twain Surprised By UMG Nashville Staff With ‘Now’ No. 1 Celebration

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Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville CEO & Chairman Mike Dungan, Shania Twain, and Maverick Management’s Scott Rodger. Photo: Chris Hollo

While in Music City this week, Shania Twain was surprised by UMG Nashville CEO & Chairman Mike Dungan, along with the UMG Nashville staff, with a champagne toast and plaque in celebration of Twain’s long-awaited album NOW debuting No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart in the U.S. and topping the sales charts in Australia, the U.K. and in her native Canada.

Her first album in nearly 15 years, NOW is one of Twain’s most personal to date as she singlehandedly wrote every song on the 16-track collection including her latest “We Got Something They Don’t,” impacting radio Oct. 30.

Twain co-produced the critically-acclaimed album with Matthew Koma, Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen, Gavin DeGraw), Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes) and Jacquire King (Kings of Leon).

Shania Twain with UMG Nashville and Maverick Management celebrating her NOW No. 1 album debut. Photo: Chris Hollo

CMT ‘Artists Of The Year’ Honored Hottest Artists At Year’s Most Exclusive Event

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Stapleton, Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images/CMT

Last night (Oct. 18) CMT hosted its most exclusive honors ceremony, CMT Artists Of The Year. The special brought in more than 1.1 million viewers for the premiere telecast and the encore, up 73 percent from last year.

Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center was surrounded by tour busses and dawned in formal black as invitees proceeded to a pre-party, hosted by Variety, which dawned its Music City Industry Impact Report issue.

CMT’s Frank Tanki welcomed guests to the pre-party, reminding guests the honors would be transformed as a healing night of music for the natural and man-made devastation over the past few months. Variety’s Executive Editor Steven Gaydos then welcomed many of the guests he featured in his fifth annual industry report.

Drinks did not stop flowing after the pre-party. Hosted tables on the symphony floor were tended to by servers, with bottles of wine on each table. The likes of Lionel Richie, Nicole Kidman, Diane Warren, John Oates, Backstreet Boys, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and Amy Grant as the clock counted town to 7 p.m. [CT] when the show would air live.

Artists of the Year for 2017 included Luke Bryan (six-time recipient), Chris Stapleton (two-time recipient), Keith Urban (first receipt), Florida Georgia Line (five-time recipient) and Jason Aldean (six-time recipient).

Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, CMT/TV Land GM Frank Tanki. Photo: CMT

Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Lionel Richie, Nicole Kidman, Common and Andra Day. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images/CMT

The five artists welcomed guests with a powerful speech, aimed at healing after the disasters in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Texas, Charlottesville and California. “Everything we go through, we can get through when we stick together,” said Urban, echoed by Aldean.

Artists rallied around Aldean, who was performing when tragedy in Las Vegas struck. “It could have been any one of us standing on that stage,” said Bryan in a video tribute. The evening wrapped with Stapleton and Urban joined Aldean for a performance of the late Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” with background vocals from Little Big Town. Prior to the tribute, Amy Grant ushered in an in memoriam segment, for “those taken too soon.”

Urban performed the most unique rendition of his MusicRow and AIMP Song of the Year and 2017 CMA Single/Song of the Year nominee “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” The brilliant piano-driven and muted horn version had the audience on their feet even before it ended.

Bryan was introduced by fellow 2017 American Idol judge Lionel Richie. Bryan’s success was noted particularly due to his connection with fans before a performance of his 2015 hit “Fast.”

Stapleton was introduced by music protégé’s and labelmate Brothers Osborne, with what is sure to amount to an FCC violation when they announced Stapleton as “F****** awesome.” Stapleton performed “Broken Halos” with wife Morgane.

 

 

Backstreet Boys brought a tribute for Florida Georgia Line, who noted they have been in the studio with the duo, along with recent co-headlining dates on the road. The ’90s boy band performed “H.O.L.Y.”

Additionally, the evening featured a performance of the Ram Truck Song of the Year, Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Backroad,” which has become the longest No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Hunt was in Hawaii at the last date of his tour, so Phillip Phillips stood in.

The evening began with Lee Ann Womack and Danielle Bradbery joining Andra Day and hip-hop artist Common for Day’s 2017 title “Stand Up For Something,” in addition to Day joining for another performance with Little Big Town, “Rise Up,” a song she released in 2015.

It’s especially poignant that the special performed strongest in the Las Vegas market, where it posted a 1.77 household rating, an increase of 1867 percent. Not only ratings, but the CMT special raised more than $1 million in media value across a myriad of platforms. Three public service announcements for the special leveraged media relationships for CMT One Country’s campaign. To help, visit cmtonecountry.com to find out how you can help those affected by the recent devastating hurricanes, wildfires and mass shooting in Las Vegas.

CMT’s Artists of the Year will re-telecast on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m. CT and Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. CT.

Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, Danielle Bradbery, Andra Day, Lee Ann Womack, Jimi Westbrook and Philip Sweet of Little Big Town. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images/CMT

Florida Georgia Line, Jerrod Niemann, Love And Theft To Play Shine For Susie ALS Benefit

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The Shine for Susie ALS Benefit Concert has been set for December 4 at the Ryman Auditorium. Proceeds from the show will benefit The ALS Association of Tennessee and help raise funds in the fight against ALS.

Love and Theft, Florida Georgia Line, Jerrod Niemann, Craig Campbell, Canaan Smith, Trent Tomlinson, The Warren Brothers, and Stevie Monce will perform at the show, which will be hosted by SiriusXM The Highway’s Storme Warren, Stephen Baker Liles from Love and Theft and Dee Jay Silver.

“I’ve had the privilege of helping with many charities through the years, but when the cause touches your life, it changes everything,” said Stephen Barker Liles. “When my mother was diagnosed with ALS, in March of this year, I was devastated. But I also felt called to make a difference to help her and others through my musical platform. I’m incredibly grateful for some of my dear friends who are joining me to shine light through our music and bring hope to millions.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, the Ryman box office, ryman.com and by phone at 800.745.3000. Tickets are $125, $75 and $55.

Shine for Susie ALS Benefit Concert was formed as a partnership between The ALS Association of Tennessee and the Burchett & Liles Family to raise funds in the fight against ALS. Susie Burchett, mother of Stephen Barker Liles from Love and Theft, was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017.

DISClaimer: Shenandoah Makes A Comeback, Ashley McBryde Makes Classic Country Debut

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A couple of comebacks and a whole lot of debuts characterize this edition of “DISClaimer.”

Returning after a 20 year absence are both Shendandoah and the late John Denver. The reunion of Shenandoah is particularly welcome. So welcome, in fact, that the band wins the Disc of the Day award with “Noise.”

Now for the newcomers. First timers in the column today include Sabin Sharpe and Michael Lee, both of whom I sincerely hope to hear more from. Our new group entries are Gal Friday and Scooter Brown Band.

Our top debut contenders are both females, singer-songwriters Jenny Tolman and this week’s winner of the DisCovery Award, Ashley McBryde.

MICHAEL LEE/Ain’t That Just Like Jesus
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Hen (CDX)
-Wow. This Southern-fried baritone glows with warmth, depth and kindness. The song’s lyric is extraordinary, describing how every selfless gesture, act of compassion, thought of forgiveness and charitable effort illustrates us at our best. He avows that loving your neighbor and being color blind are the truly Christian ways to behave. A honky-tonk ballad with a message we should all take to heart.

SHENANDOAH/Noise
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: none listed; BMG
– They sound as good as ever. Marty Raybon’s torrid tenor is still packed with heart and soul, and the reunited band is cooking with gas on this simmering slab of sound. The pace is a churning, burning, stately, mid-tempo march to glory. The noise of the world outside is obliterated by the power of her love. Amen from this corner, boys.

SABIN SHARPE/Empty Bottles
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Twisted Rooster
– I like the soulful little rasp in his voice. The production adds deep bass twang, steel embellishments and steady, slow, thumping rhythm in all the right proportions. And I’ve always been a sucker for a heartsick drinkin’ song. This pushes all my buttons.

 

IRLENE MANDRELL/Thanks To You
Writers: none listed; Producer: Pat Holt; Publishers: none listed; Reviver (download)
– I always thought she was the non-singing Mandrell sister. This doesn’t change my mind.

ASHLEY MCBRYDE/A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Nicolette Hayford/Jesse Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Songs of Song Factory / Veranda Music (SESAC) / Little Falcor Music (BMI); Warner Bros.
– Stupendously cool. The guitars echo from deep in a coal mine, the lyrics rise from the heart of blue-collar America and the voice evokes classic-country immortality. I live for musical moments like this. The woman is a stone bad-ass. Go to YouTube right now and check out her singing “Bible and a .44” on stage with Eric Church.

GAL FRIDAY/Scrapyard
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rundies (CDX)
– It’s a female trio with a cool, bluesy “attitude” song. But the too-busy track has so much going on it’s hard to hear it.

BRAD PAISLEY/Heaven South
Writers: Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: New House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP) adm by ClearBox Rights., ASCAP; Arista (track)
– This lively, joyful toe-tapper celebrates the everyday pleasures of being in love in Dixie. As usual, there’s a dandy guitar break in there. A smile from beginning to end.

 

SCOOTER BROWN BAND & CHARLIE DANIELS/American Son
Writers:Scott Brown; Producer: Casey Wood; Publishers: VAlor Ranch, BMI; BFD/Audium
– Despite the dark, relentless, bluesy, doom-y, Southern-rock track, the lyric is meant to positive and uplifting. I think. Charlie’s participation is limited to a snarling, spoken-word passage about working-class men.

JOHN DENVER/The Blizzard
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Soundcloud
-The John Denver Estate is commemorating the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing with this previously unreleased performance. It is a somewhat arty, wintertime song, daintily embroidered with rippling piano and flute notes. It also seems to go on forever.

JENNY TOLMAN/Stripper For A Week
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publisher: none listed; Jennyville (track)
– When you’re so dead broke that you’re gasping to pay the bills, and you’re young and fit…..what the heck? Saucy, winking and endearing. Her debut Jennyville collection of songs will floor you — Her creativity compares favorably with Brandy Clark’s (whom Brainard also produced). A&R talent scouts, let a word to the wise be sufficient: Sign this woman before somebody else does. Even as an unknown, she’s already surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify with this just-released gem.

 

Pro Bull Riders Association Forms Music Label, Signs Army Vet Ryan Weaver

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The Professional Bull Riders Association has formed a new record label, PBR Music, and signed its first artist, singer/songwriter and U.S. Army Combat Veteran Ryan Weaver.

Weaver will record music for the league and perform at its events as the Official Patriotic Voice of the PBR’s Celebrate America campaign, an initiative throughout the PBR season that honors American heroes, inspires youth and brings together local communities.

Weaver will make his debut in the primetime performance slot at the PBR World Finals at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Nov. 4 and 5. The PBR World Finals (Nov. 1 – 5) is the biggest global stage in professional bull riding, a growing sport now available in more than 400 million homes worldwide. The PBR will officially launch Weaver during championship week and debut his new EP, Celebrate America. Through PBR Music and the publishing company, Down in the Well, the PBR is serving as Weaver’s label and will feature Weaver’s songs, written for the sport and its fans, in upcoming events, marketing, digital and social media, and television broadcasts as the combat vet tours with the PBR at various event dates in 2018.

“Music has always been at the heart of the PBR experience, and Ryan Weaver represents the latest incarnation of our music strategy as PBR Music’s first artist,” said Sean Gleason, CEO, PBR. “Ryan is the real deal: an authentic American warrior turning concepts of service, sacrifice, and love of country into patriotic, foot-stomping country rock. We are privileged to associate with Ryan, and we believe he’ll connect with PBR fans along every stop of our Celebrate America tour.”

The son of a Marine, Weaver is a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost a brother and brother-in-law in service, making them a two-time Gold Star family. He will be dedicating his PBR performances to his brothers, including songs like “Never Forgotten,” a tribute to his brother, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver, who is now enshrined in the Infantry Hall of Fame along with his brother-in-law Randy Billings, one of four family Army Aviators.

The first two songs on Weaver’s EP are currently available on iTunes and the remaining tracks will be released during the World Finals. “Get Up” was penned last year as a call to stand during the National Anthem, and “That’s What American Means to Me” is also available now. Proceeds from the CD sales at PBR World Finals will benefit charities aiding the families of fallen heroes.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to partner with a sport whose message aligns with mine,” Weaver said. “I hope that fans hearing my story and songs will be further inspired to love their communities and each other.”

Given Music Publishing Appoints New VP/GM, Creative Director

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Hollandsworth, Jenny Hall

Michael Hollandsworth has been named Vice President/General Manager of Given Music Publishing, and Jenny Hall has been promoted to Creative Director of the company.

Hollandsworth has years of publishing experience, having opened and managed the Nashville office of Zomba Music Publishing, where he connected producer Mutt Lange with Shania Twain. The resulting albums during that period, The Woman In Me and Come On Over, went on to sell more than 60 million copies. Most recently, Hollandsworth founded Full Circle Music, a joint venture with Anderson Merchandising. Full Circle claimed seven #1 singles and twelve ASCAP and BMI Awards, as well as cuts by artists including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, among others. Hollandsworth is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Program with a minor in Business Administration.

“Mike’s history of effective leadership and success, as well as his dedication to fostering the careers of songwriters is well known in this industry. He is an innovative, forward thinker with a winning attitude,” Given Music partner Cindy Owen said.

“I’m tremendously excited about starting this new chapter in my career with Given,” Hollandsworth said. “My goal and vision for Given is to not only move forward but also to build on the foundation of a gifted staff and the team of extremely talented writers the company has assembled.”

Hall joined Given Music Publishing, which was formed by Owen and business partner Jim Kacmarcik, in May 2016 as Creative Manager. With her new Creative Director title, Hall’s primary responsibilities will include copyright exploitation and writer management. A native of Indiana, she is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Program with a minor in Marketing.

“Jenny’s creative instincts and enthusiasm, coupled with her passion for songs and songwriters, make her a tremendous asset to our company,” said Owen. “We are beyond proud to have Mike and Jenny a part of the team that we are continuing to build at Given.”

“I’m very blessed to be able to say I’m with Given,” Hall said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better, more genuinely caring work family on top of an amazing roster of talented writers. I look forward to building and growing with the company.”

Big Loud Adds Patch Culbertson As VP, A&R

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Patch Culbertson. Photo: Meredith Truax

Patch Culbertson has joined Big Loud as the new Vice President of A&R for its record label division, reporting to both label President Clay Hunnicutt and company Partner Seth England.

Culbertson joins Big Loud after eight years at Republic Records, most recently serving as Director of A&R in their New York headquarters. His extensive track record includes the signing and development of several multi-platinum artists, including Aminé, SoMo, Florida Georgia Line (via Republic Nashville), and The Naked & Famous. Culbertson has also overseen releases from Colbie Caillat, Mat Kearney, and The Lonely Island, among others, as well as a number of soundtrack projects such as Ted and Snow White & the Huntsman. In addition to his role as an A&R ace, he has also developed new research strategies for sourcing talent in the digital era.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Craig, Seth, Chief, Joey, Clay and the Big Loud team for the better part of a decade,” Culbertson says. “I couldn’t be more excited to join such an innovative, dedicated, and forward-thinking group of people as they continue to change the game in the music industry.”

“Patch’s intuition, ability and analytics are second to none,” Hunnicutt says. “He has proven that in every organization he’s worked in, and in the roster of talent he has discovered and helped make into stars. He is a game changer, and he is exactly the kind of team member we wanted to work with when we started Big Loud two years ago. Patch is a key person we’ve wanted for a long time to continue our evolution.”

Big Loud was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, and Joey Moi, four industry veterans with a vision to bring song publishing, artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. The organization scored its first win when it helped launch the career of Florida Georgia Line, and in 2015 the partners expanded their firm with the creation of Big Loud Records, led by Hunnicutt.

Big Loud has gone on to introduce breakout country star Chris Lane, along with his Gold-certified No. 1 hit, “Fix.” Big Loud has since added to its roster with artists like Morgan Wallen and Jillian Jacqueline.