Music Modernization Act Introduced In Senate

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Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Music Modernization Act in the Senate today (May 10). The Senate bill (S.2823) is nearly identical to HR 5477, which the House of Representatives passed in a unanimous vote (415-0) on April 25.  The bill combines three unique segments of legislation, including the Music Modernization Act of 2018, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act.

A hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee has bee scheduled for Tuesday (May 15).

“The introduction of the Music Modernization Act package in the Senate is a massive step forward for songwriters,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “Senators Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lamar Alexander, Roy Blunt, Chris Coons, John Kennedy, Kamala Harris, Bob Corker, Dick Durbin, Johnny Isakson, Patrick Leahy, Mike Crapo, Doug Jones, Thom Tillis, Bill Nelson, Shelley Moore Capito and David Perdue have done music creators a great service by sponsoring a music licensing package which will help not only songwriters and composers but also producers and legacy artists. The bill improves both how and how much songwriters are paid while increasing transparency and enabling digital music platforms to thrive. The MMA represents unprecedented consensus around necessary updates to how music creators are valued, and we look forward to seeing it become law.”

“On behalf of the 150,000+ music creators represented by SoundExchange, we are grateful to Senator Hatch for building this consensus legislative package that will benefit the entire music ecosystem,” said SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe. “Taken together, the elements of this legislation will strengthen and protect the rights and interests of creators — the artists, songwriters and producers whose music enriches our lives – and it will improve engagement between the creative community and the digital services whose businesses rely on their work. We look forward to working with the sponsors and the entire community of stakeholders that built accord on this package to make it law.

“We encourage our members – thousands of whom have already reached out to lawmakers and expressed their support for reform – to ask their senators to back this comprehensive legislative package that protects our legacy artists, gives music creators the right to fair market value for their work, guarantees efficient payment to producers, and creates efficiencies in the mechanical licensing process for songwriters and publishers.”

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “After a unanimous vote to pass the MMA in the House, we are thrilled to see such ardent, bipartisan support for music creators in the Senate. This legislation is critical to ensuring songwriters have a pathway to fair compensation so they can sustain their livelihoods and create the next great songs. We applaud the leadership of fellow songwriter Senator Hatch, along with Senators Alexander and Whitehouse, for spearheading this effort in the Senate and to Chairman Grassley and all other co-sponsors for being champions of American songwriters. We look forward to the Senate’s vote and eventual passage of the MMA.”

“BMI applauds the introduction today, by Senators Hatch and Grassley, of the Music Modernization Act,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill. “This legislation represents an unprecedented collaboration among music creators and users, and represents an historic opportunity to make meaningful music licensing reform which will benefit America’s creative communities.”

National Museum Of African American Music Adds Senior Curator

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Dr. Dina M. Bennett

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), which will open in Nashville in 2019, has hired ethnomusicologist Dr. Dina M. Bennett as senior curator. Bennett has over 30 years of experience in the music field and specializes in African American music and culture.

Bennett previously served as the associate director of the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, director of education at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi, and the manager of collections and exhibitions at the American Jazz Museum (AJM) in Kansas City, Missouri. During her AJM tenure, she oversaw the museum’s temporary and permanent collection exhibitions, and also served as the co-curator and consulting ethnomusicologist for the museum’s John H. Baker Jazz Film Collection Exhibition (2009), the first addition to the jazz museum’s permanent exhibition since its opening in 1997.

“It is an honor that Dr. Bennett has joined our team,” said NMAAM President and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks, III. “Her expertise is unmatched, and I’m positive that her work with NMAAM will result in an exceptional experience for our museum guests.”

Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Bennett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies from Washburn University, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Kansas State University, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology with a minor in African American and African diaspora studies from Indiana University.

Bennett is an accomplished pianist and serves on the advisory team of scholars for “A History of African American Music,” an interactive timeline produced as a resource for Carnegie Hall’s 2009 festival “Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy,” curated by internationally renowned soprano Jessye Norman.

YouTube Updates Music Charts, Reveals New Trending Chart

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YouTube revealed its newly improved music charts today (May 10), which showcase the most popular artists, songs and music videos for 44 global destinations including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and more.

The YouTube charts now include new Trending charts for each destination, which are updated multiple times per day to provide a real time view of the top new music fans are enjoying. The new Trending charts represent YouTube’s first dedicated external signal of the most-viewed new music on the platform.

The charts for Top Songs, Top Artists, and Top Music Videos are each updated weekly, on Sundays at 12 p.m. PST.

The Top Songs chart is calculated by combining all official versions of a song (including official music video, official song used in user-generated content, and lyric videos). The Top Artists chart is calculated based on the total views of an artist’s entire discography, including official music videos, official song user-generated content, official live performances, remixes, lyric videos, album tracks and collaborations.

The Top Music Videos chart highlights the most-viewed official music videos on the YouTube platform.

YouTube boasts 1.8 billion global monthly users.

 

Innovation In Music Awards To Honor Red Light Management’s Coran Capshaw

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Coran Capshaw

The Innovation in Music Awards has announced Coran Capshaw, founder and CEO of Red Light Management, as 2018’s Innovator of the Year. The IMAs shine the national spotlight on some of the music industry’s brightest risk takers and creative thinkers. Capshaw and his fellow honorees will be presented their awards at the Second Annual Innovation in Music Awards gala on Sunday, June 3 at the Westin Hotel in Nashville.

The event will be hosted by media executive Bill Werde, who is the Director of the Bandier Music Industry Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.

The IMAs were created to recognize achievements in the advancement of music through inspiration and ingenuity. A blue-ribbon committee of music professionals determines the honorees.

“Coran Capshaw is not this successful by simply following old-school industry protocol,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chairman of the Innovation in Music Awards. “Coran inspires innovation in all he touches, building Red Light through twists on everything from the festival experience to the whole process of artist management.”

Honorees in remaining categories will be announced next week. For a complete list of 2018 nominees and more information about the Innovation in Music Awards, visit innovationinmusic.net.

Craig Campbell Preps ‘See You Try’ EP For June Release

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Red Bow Records artist Craig Campbell is set to release his first collection of music in five years, titled See You Try, on June 8.

The title track was penned by Florida Georgia Line‘s Tyler Hubbard, along with co-writers James McNair, Bart Butler, and Jordan Schmidt. The EP also includes two versions (one electric and one acoustic) of Campbell’s radio single “Outskirts of Heaven.” Other tracks on the EP include the Tejano-dipped “Mas Tequila,” and the ballad “Upstairs.”

“For the past few years, I’ve created and found some of the best music of my career,” shared Campbell. “I’m beyond excited to release this EP and show the country music world what I’ve been up to. I’m very proud of the music and can’t wait for everyone to finally hear these songs!”

See You Try EP Track List:

1. “See You Try” (James McNair, Tyler Hubbard, Bart Butler, Jordan Schmidt)
2. “Me Missing You” (Barry Dean, Jonathan Singleton, Dave Barnes)
3. “Outskirts of Heaven” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull)
4. “Mas Tequila” (Craig Campbell, Jim Beavers, Chris DuBois)
5. “Upstairs” (Kelly Archer, Justin Weaver, Al Anderson)
6. “Kids in the South” (Chase McGill, Ben Hayslip)
7. “Outskirts of Heaven (Acoustic)” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull)

George Dickel Whisky Preps 2018 Country Music Season

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George Dickel Whisky in Tullahoma, Tennessee is continuing its tradition of music partnerships through 2018.

The 130-year-old whisky brand has announced its first three artists performing at its 2018 Porch Sessions season. Country artist Ashley McBryde will perform May 19, Chase Bryant will perform June 2, and Paul Cauthen, and The Texas Gentlemen will perform June 23.

The Saturday series will run from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on specified Saturdays and is presented by performing rights organization BMI, for whom Dickel sponsors their Tennessee Whisky and Cigar’ Rooftop Party. Previous Porch Sessions have included Frankie Ballard, LOCASH, Jon Pardi and Maddie & Tae.

Concurrently running, The Shotgun Seat blog and songwriter supporters are hosting The Hang: Live From Cascade Hollow, where the distillery is located and formerly named. Most recently Carnival Music’s Hailey Whitters showcased her solo-write, recorded by Martina McBride in addition to two Lori McKenna co-writes, Little Big Town’s “Happy People” and an original, “Janice In The Hotel Bar” she will be releasing on a forthcoming album. The Shotgun Seat’s recent Facebook Live events have also included Erin Enderlin, Charlie Worsham, American Young and many more.

To get your tickets for the 2018 Porch Sessions in Cascade Hollow, visit dickelporchsessions.com.

Ashley Monroe To Appear On Country Music Hall Of Fame Songwriter Session

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Ashley Monroe will appear on the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Songwriter Session series on June 9. Monroe will perform songs from her new album Sparrow and will be interviewed by Tyler Mahan Coe of the podcast “Cocaine & Rhinestones.”

Songwriter Sessions are included with museum admission or free to museum members. The program is interactive, with visitors encouraged to ask the songwriter questions about the industry. Following the program, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum store will host a Sparrow CD and vinyl signing for fans.

Monroe will perform on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Monday, May 14.

DISClaimer: The 1980s All Over Again

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DISClaimer receives a blast from the past this week.

It’s the 1980s all over again as Gene Watson, Karen Tobin, Gail Davies and Jim Chesnut all pop up with vibrant new sounds.

We also have a dandy crop of newcomers, including Dillon Carmichael, The Young Fables and our DisCovery Award winners, Blue Honey. Send more sounds, you two.

We have a tie for the Disc of the Day prize. Finishing in a dead heat are Joe Nichols and Michael Ray, both of whom are singing at the tops of their games.

THE YOUNG FABLES/Half As Good
Writers: L. Wright/W. Lunsford/K. Foster/P. Larney; Producers: Mitch Dane, Patryk Larney/The Young Fables; Publishers: none listed, BMI/SESAC; Hope Tree (track)
– Lauren Wright sings lead in a winsome soprano. Partner Wes Lunsford provides gentle harmony and some of the guitar in a twinkling, ear-catching production. They lyric is about making yourself happier by accepting romance in your life. The duo hails from Maryville, TN and is very, very promising.

JOE NICHOLS/Billy Graham’s Bible
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow
– This masterful country stylist has a new ballad about finding a home and peace in his lover’s arms. It’s a place as comfy as “Billy Graham’s Bible and that old guitar Willie plays.” Joe’s vocal sent shivers up my spine. Play this.

BLUE HONEY/August Without Us
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BHM
-Comprised of the husband-wife duo of Troy Brooks & Kassie Jordan-Brooks, Blue Honey has a haunting, mid-tempo summer jam that’s as warm as sunshine. Lead vocalist Kassie has a smokey, blue-eyed-soul quality in her voice that is fascinating. As the song reaches its crescendo, Troy begins interjecting vocal “comments” and high “woo-hoos” that jack the excitement up ever higher. I dig this record a bunch.

RODNEY ATKINS/Caught Up In The Country
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (CDX)
– Atkins returns with a rousing summer rocker. The multi-layered, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink production includes everything from vocoder interjections and spoken-word passages to gang shouts and massed drumming.

GAIL DAVIES/Beyond The Realm of Words
Writers: Ron Davies; Producer: Chris Scruggs/Gail Davies; Publisher: BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Little Chickadee
– The title tune of Gail Davies’ current collection is a lovely waltz composed by her late brother, Ron Davies (”Long Hard Climb,” etc.). Co-produced by her super talented son Chris Scruggs, the track is characterized by a classy, classic simplicity with just the right touch of twang. Gail has also recently published a new edition of her autobiography The Last of the Outlaws.

MICHAEL RAY/Her World Or Mine
Writers: Brett Beavers/Jamie Paulin/Travis Denning; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic
– This is a dynamite break-up ballad, loaded with hooky lines and lovely production touches. His deeply expressive vocal is infused with heartache. I remain a big fan.

JIM CHESNUT/Rode Hard and Put Away Wet
Writers: Jim Chesnut; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jim Chesnut Muisc, BMI
– Chesnut had a flurry of chart activity in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s on ABC, MCA, UA and Liberty. Now back in his native Texas, he has a new, “golden-years” CD titled I Sure Do Miss My Hair. Its lead single is a lively two-step about still rocking while sliding into old age.

GENE WATSON/Old Roman Soldier
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Canyon Creek
– Everlasting, preeminent, honky-tonk immortal Watson already has a hit on the country Christian hit parade with this. No wonder. The intense roadhouse waltz is drenched with steel, fiddle and piano and boasts one of the most soulful vocals of this man’s already fabulous career. The parent album is My Gospel Roots, and it is essential. Put this man in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

DILLON CARMICHAEL/Hell on an Angel
Writers: Carmichael/Daniel Smalley; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: none listed; Riser House (track)
– It’s easy to hear why producer Cobb was attracted to this Kentucky-bred vocalist. His baritone has resonance and power to spare. This is the soul-country title tune to a CD that drops in August.

KAREN TOBIN/Before It’s Too Late
Writers: none listed; Producers: Brian Soucy/Karen Tobin; Publishers: none listed; Sunnyland (track)
– Californian Tobin made her Nashville stand on Arista and Atlantic in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. She’s still out there making noise on the West Coast, as this title tune from her new CD attests. It’s a ringing meditation on love that reveals that her vocal delivery remains as expressive as ever, although it is maybe paced just a little too slowly.

Nashville’s Songwriter Community Shines During ASCAP Expo

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Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope and Meghan Trainor attend The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 9, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for ASCAP

Members of the Nashville songwriter community have been in California this week to take part in ASCAP’s “I Create Music” EXPO at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, California.

Songwriters Hall of Fame member and Nashville resident Desmond Child (“Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Livin’ la Vida Loca”) used sing-alongs, improv skits, animation and audience participation to take EXPO attendees to “Splitsville USA,” a lively, informative panel on the ins and outs of songwriting splits.

David Garcia, who wrote the chart-topping country song “Meant To Be” by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line (and who is producing Carrie Underwood’s upcoming album Cry Pretty), appeared on the cross-genre “We Create Music” panel to discuss first breaks, overcoming self-doubt and the art of songwriting with multi-platinum recording artist Jason Mraz, ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year Claudia Brant and noted film composer Junkie XL.

Cassadee Pope, the first female winner of The Voice and chart-topping country singer-songwriter, performed as part of the EXPO finale Writers’ Jam. Pope reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 with her debut album Frame By Frame and had a No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts with her Chris Young collaboration “Think of You.”

A team of Nashville power players from William Morris, Warner/Chappell, Red Light Management and Spotify tackled “Making It In Music City,” in a conversation with No. 1 songwriter Adam Sanders, whose decade-long rise was also used as a case study by the group. Among other insights, Sanders and team discussed how playing a 2:30PM show on a Tuesday and befriending a pre-fame merch salesman named Cole Swindell changed his life forever.

Grammy-winning songwriter Darrell Brown spent more than four hours on Tuesday helping music creators get the best of their song ideas as part of his annual “Multi-Genre Feedback” panel. With No. 1 Billboard hits on the country, dance and pop charts, Brown is uniquely qualified to give hands-on advice to writers in a wide range of genres.

Nashville singer-songwriter Edwin McCain, whose smash hit “I’ll Be” turns 20 this year, shared a star-studded stage with Marc Cohn, Jason Mraz, songwriter Johnta Austin (Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige) and more at the EXPO’s first night Center Stage concert.

Pictured (L-R): Agent Kevin Meads, Ryan Beuschel (VP, A&R, Warner/Chappell Music) and musician Adam Sanders speak onstage at the ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Songwriter; Making it in Music City’ panel during The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 7, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Desmond Child and Michelle Lewis and composer Alex Shapiro speak onstage at the ‘Welcome to Splitsville: Where Co-Writers Live in Harmony’ panel during The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 8, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): Singer/songwriter Jason Mraz and songwriter/producer David Garcia speak onstage at the ‘We Create Music’ panel presented by Billboard at The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 7, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP

Attendees join Desmond Chld (C) onstage at the ‘Welcome to Splitsville: Where Co-Writers Live in Harmony’ panel during The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 8, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP [Click to enlarge]

Edwin McCain performs onstage at the ‘We Create Music Center Stage’ showcase during The 2018 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Loews Hollywood Hotel on May 7, 2018 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for ASCAP

CMA Foundation Honors Teachers Of Excellence

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Photo credit: Kayla Schoen/CMA

The CMA Foundation honored 34 music educators during its third annual CMA Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony Tuesday night (May 8) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. The invite-only event, hosted by CMA Foundation board member Chris Young, celebrated teachers from districts across the state of Tennessee as well as from Chicago, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Seattle for their advocacy and commitment to music education.

More than a dozen artists and celebrities attended the ceremony in addition to Nashville Mayor David Briley, Metro Nashville Public Schools Superintendent Shawn Joseph, CMA and CMA Foundation board members, industry leaders, and representatives from eight CMA Foundation beneficiary programs. In addition to Young, artists, songwriters and celebrities in attendance included Jimmie Allen, Craig Wayne Boyd, Kix Brooks, Max Camp, CB30, Adam Craig, Jacob Davis, Devin Dawson, Jerry Douglas, Lindsay Ell, David Fanning, Nicolle Galyon, Hunter Hayes, Kristi Hoopes, R&B trio SWV’s Taj Johnson-George, Tracy Lawrence, Steve Moakler, Eric Paslay, Walker McGuire, and Charlie Worsham.

“I am honored as we celebrate 34 music teachers from across the state of Tennessee and beyond who have demonstrated excellence—not only in their classrooms, but in their communities, those who work tirelessly to help our young people develop a love for music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

“Your students will remember everything you do for them,” added Young, a product of music education himself. “They will remember the patience and passion you have when you teach and how you helped build their confidence and gave them self-worth. Music teachers can shape their students in ways you might not even realize. I’m living proof of that.”

The CMA Foundation created the Music Teachers of Excellence program in 2016 in an effort to recognize the best and brightest music teachers from Nashville and beyond. Award recipients were selected because of their dedication to delivering a quality music program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music. The dedicated educators will each receive $5,000 from the CMA Foundation to not only support their classroom needs, but to support their professional development as well.

2018 Music Teachers of Excellence Recipients:
Pam Andrews, Station Camp Elementary School, Gallatin, TN
Ronda Armstrong, Stanford Montessori Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Jennifer Barnes, Lockeland Elementary Design Center, Nashville, TN
Lisa Benton, Heritage Middle School, Thompson Station, TN
Rita Black, Eakin Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Christopher Blackmon, Thomas A. Edison Elementary School, Antioch, TN
Jacob Campos, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Darnella Davidson, Los Angeles Unified School District, San Pedro, CA
Joel L. Denton, Ooltewah High School, Ooltewah, TN
Benjamin Easley, Nolensville High School, Nolensville, TN
Kim Folsom, Dan Mills Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Lisa Forbis, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, Nashville, TN
Elizabeth Fortune, Washington Middle School, Seattle, WA
Glenn Fugett, Nashville School of the Arts, Nashville, TN
Mark Hale, Mt. View Elementary School, Antioch, TN
Katie Harrah, Oliver Middle School, Nashville, TN
Trey Jacobs, Nashville School of the Arts, Nashville, TN
Kevin Jankowski, Oliver Middle School, Nashville, TN
Julie Jolly, West End Middle School, Nashville, TN
Andrew McGuire, Roger C. Sullivan High School, Chicago, IL
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School & Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School, Nashville, TN
Jennifer Partridge, Gower Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Dr. JD Phillips, Oak Ridge High School, Oak Ridge, TN
Lauren Ramey, Ravenwood High School, Brentwood, TN
Alaina Schwartz, Crieve Hall Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Matthew Taylor, Meigs Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN
Christina E. Tierney, Roselawn Condon Elementary School, Cincinnati, OH
Barry Trobaugh, Munford High School, Munford, TN
Alice Asako Walle, Waverly Belmont Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Paul Waters, Bellevue Middle School, Nashville, TN
Kristina Waugh, Rossview Middle School, Clarksville, TN
Franklin Willis, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Old Hickory, TN
Chad Witemeyer, Henry C. Maxwell Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry, Lascassas Elementary School, Lascassas, TN

Students from Nashville’s Andrew Jackson Elementary School’s Eagle Honor Choir perform under the direction of two-time Music Teacher of Excellence Franklin Willis Tuesday, May 8 at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works during the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence event. Photo credit: Kayla Schoen/CMA