Dan+Shay’s “Tequila” Tops 100 Million Spotify Streams

Dan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Dan+Shay have reached another milestone in a year of career achievements. The duo’s Platinum-selling single “Tequila” has reached 100 million streams on Spotify, which contributes to more than 250 million on-demand streams.

The song is currently in the Top 15 on the Hot AC chart, and earned a multi-week run at the top of the country charts. The song is also the second most-streamed country song of the year, with nearly 75 million combined views of the track’s accompanying videos.

Together, Dan+Shay are nominated for Duo of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards, the latter two nominations earned for “Tequila.” Additionally, the duo’s Dan Smyers is nominated for Song of the Year and Producer, also both for “Tequila.”

Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, Luke Combs To Perform At Maui Songwriters Festival

The fourth annual Maui Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, will feature a headlining performance from Miranda Lambert, with a special performance as part of Pistol Annies. CMA Best New Artist nominee Luke Combs will also be performing.

The festival runs Nov. 29-Dec. 1, hosted by Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Other top songwriters featured over the three-day festival include country music hitmakers Dallas Davidson, Jon Randall, The Warren Brothers, Jessi Alexander, and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers. Returning for the second year in a row is Randy Houser, who will attend the festival directly following the release of his 5th studio album, Magnolia, out Nov. 2. Ashley Monroe will be performing solo as well as joining Angaleena Presley and Lambert as part of the Pistol Annies. Presley will also treat the crowds to a solo set. Country rocker Lukas Nelson, nine-time Grammy Award winner Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel, and local favorite Lily Meola round out the impressive lineup.

“It is such an honor to return for our fourth annual Maui Songwriter Festival,” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “This year’s lineup is stellar and the folks on the island are always so welcoming. We look forward to once again bringing the world’s best songwriters to Maui for a magical event.”

Hosted by Storme Warren of SiriusXM’s The Highway, these concerts will fill Maui’s premiere venues including Fleetwood’s on Front St., Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Many of these acoustic sets will feature Nashville’s signature “songwriters-in-the-round” where in addition to performing, songwriters share the stories behind their hit songs.

Adding a philanthropic element to the Maui Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a portion of the proceeds will once again benefit Dorvin and Betty Leis Charities, Inc., the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the BMI Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

SteelDrivers, John Prine, Actor Bill Murray Share “Opry Moment”

Pictured: Richard Baily (SteelDrivers), Brent Truitt (SteelDrivers), Tammy Rogers (SteelDrivers), Bill Murray, Mike Fleming (SteelDrivers), John Prine and Kelvin Damrell (SteelDrivers). Photo: Chris Hollo/Opry


 

A special “Opry moment” happened last night at the Tuesday night performance of the Grand Ole Opry when The SteelDrivers were joined by a surprise appearance from actor Bill Murray and folk singer-songwriter John Prine. The performance marked Murray’s debut appearance on the Opry.
 

Songtrust Opens Nashville Office

Songtrust, a music royalty collector and publishing administrator, has opened a Nashville office and continues its growth with the company’s first full-time representatives based in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Songtrust’s Nashville office is located at 909 Division Street.

Client Acquisition Representative Carli Gonderinger joins in Nashville after her internship stint with Songtrust’s parent company Downtown Music Publishing and a degree in Music Business from Belmont University.

“While most people may assume Songtrust in Nashville would be focused on country, Songtrust knows there’s a wide–and widely underserved–talent pool in the Tennessee Valley,” said Songtrust Co-Founder and GM Joe Conyers. “So we will be focused on other musics that make Nashville great, including indie/alt/rock, hip-hop/r&b/soul, composers, and even the rare electronic artist that have begun flocking to the area in the last few years.”

In Los Angeles, 10-year music industry vet Alex Gershwin has been named a Business Development Representative, reporting to Molly Neuman, the Global Head of Business Development. Mr. Gershwin comes to Songtrust from ASCAP, where he worked in client relations. Prior to ASCAP, he was with MusicBox, the production music library of Ole, and started his career at RightsFlow, a digital royalty-payment platform later acquired by Google.

Breanna Harper will be joining Songtrust in Atlanta as a Client Acquisition Representative, reporting into CJ Olivieri, Songtrust’s Client Acquisition Manager. Prior to Songtrust, Ms. Harper has held roles with Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace Records, The Grammy Foundation, and Spotify).

Songtrust will be participating at A3C in Atlanta Oct. 3 – 7, with Britnee Foreman, Songtrust’s Head of Data Strategy, who will be speaking on The Future of Data panel October 3rd at 3:30 in the Loudermilk Center HQ. Also on hand at A3C will be Songtrust’s CJ Olivieri, who manages the Client Acquisition Team for Songtrust throughout New York, Atlanta and Nashville, and Breanna Harper, Songtrust’s newest Client Acquisition Representative.

 

Austin Addams Joins Pearl Snap Team

Austin Addams is the newest music producer added to the Pearl Snap Studios roster. The senior producer of Pearl Snap Studios, Justin Morgan, discovered Addams by chance when Lauren Duski (NBC’s The Voice, Season 7 runner up) was recording a demo at the studio.

Morgan recalls, “I remember venting, saying that it’s been difficult to find someone who has that ‘ear’. Everybody can play an instrument, but not everyone knows how to make a song stand out. Addam’s ear for production and strong work ethic perfectly fits the vibe at Pearl Snap Studios.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Addams moved to Nashville at 21 years old to become a full time musician. His guitar skills landed him gigs with Cassadee Pope, Smithfield and the Rhett Walker Band.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards

Pictured (L-R): Ronna Rubin, Holly Gleason, Cathy Gurley, JoAnn Berry, Anita Hogan, Barbara Baker and Tammy Genovese. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 605

It’s always “Old Home Week” at the SOURCE Hall of Fame awards banquet, and this year’s event was no exception.

The gala is now so popular that it sells out months in advance. That’s because everyone you’ve ever met and liked in the Nashville music biz attends and because it’s such a cool idea to honor, “the women behind the music.”

Staged at the Musicians Hall of Fame on Tuesday night (Sept. 25), this 16th annual celebration honored Barbara Baker, JoAnn Berry, Tammy Genovese, Holly Gleason, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin and Ronna Rubin.

Brenda Lee, Barbara Baker, Jeannie Seely. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

 “I am so pleased to be among the ladies being inducted tonight,” said Barbara. “I have had such a blessed life.”

Her journey has taken her through Blue Crest Music, Tree International, Frank Mull Promotions, Ray Baker Productions and Baray/Honeytree Publishing.

Her producer/publisher husband Ray Baker and their enduring songwriting friend Dallas Frazier cheered Barbara on. Connie Smith sent video congratulations.

“It’s just such an honor to be here,” said JoAnn Berry. “It’s been a great trip and a great career.”

Jeannie Seely, JoAnn Berry, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

JoAnn went from KHOO radio in Waco to The Jim Halsey Company, the Dick Blake Agency, World Class Talent and her own management and show-production firm. The Oak Ridge Boys appeared via video to salute her.

Tammy Genovese alluded to how male dominated the Nashville music business is. “I am so appreciative of what these SOURCE women do to acknowledge women in this industry,” she added.

Following a long career at the CMA, Tammy joined The Country Network (TCN), then launched her own Music City Sports & Entertainment Group.

“To recognize all these women is to recognize the real guts of this music,” said Holly Gleason. “Thank you very much for this honor, but really it’s been my privilege to serve the message….I’ve written for just about anybody whose check would clear the bank.”

Jeannie Seely, Holly Gleason, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Holly has worked as a music journalist, publicist, editor, songwriter and university educator.

Her video greeting came from Kenny Chesney. Tanya Tucker did the video honors for Cathy Gurley.

“This is definitely an exciting night,” said Cathy. “It was, and still is, an unpredictable ride. Music is a gift that enriches us, whoever and wherever we are.”

Jeannie Seely, Cathy Gurley, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Cathy’s career stops have included Jamboree in the Hills, the CMA, Gurley & Co., Capitol Records, Spirit of America and You Have the Power.

Suzanne Lee reminded the crowd that three prior SOURCE honorees passed away during the past year, Helen Farmer (1926-2018), Hazel Smith (1934-2018) and Jo Walker-Meador (1924-2017). Citing the banquet as “a labor of love,” she recognized the event’s planning committee and sponsors.

Co-host Brenda Lee called Kay Smith to the stage to say, “There have been many people who have been involved in this, but really, THIS is the one,” who hatched the SOURCE concept. “And wasn’t this a good idea?” The audience applauded its approval.

Pictured (L-R): Co-host Jeannie Seely, Source President Mandy Gallagher, Source Treasurer Catherine Moore, Holly Gleason, Ronna Rubin, JoAnn Berry, Cathy Gurley, Barbara Baker, Anita Hogan, Tammy Genovese, Chair of Source Hall of Fame Committee Suzanne Lee, co-host Brenda Lee, Source Vice President Alicia Jones and Source Secretary Jennifer Turbow. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Co-host Jeannie Seely continued the honors by bringing Anita Hogin to the podium. Anita recalled the chapters of her life by thanking Shelby Singleton, Jack Clement, Roger Cook & Ralph Murphy (Picalic Music), Ted Hacker (International Artists Management and Hugh Howser (H3 Events). Diamond Rio offered a video salute.

“I fell in love with country music, and I knew I’d found my place,” said Anita. “You’ve made me so, so happy.”

“It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, ‘Speak softly and carry a big publicist,” quipped Ronna Rubin. She recalled Cathy Gurley and Mary Ann McCready as mentors and thanked her “wing women,” Jenny Bohler, Judi Turner and Susan Niles. Helping people to make their music dreams come true, “is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

“It was Saint Teresa who said, ‘We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.’”

Jeannie Seely, Ronna Rubin, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Ronna’s video greeting came from Dwight Yoakam, and her cheering tablemates included Bohler, Gary Kraen, Deb Barnes, Maura O’Connell, Tom Roland and her always-genial “spousal equivalent,” Fred Pierson.

“We’re just having a big party here tonight,” Brenda beamed. She and Jeannie were having as much fun as anyone, trading wisecracks and ad libs on stage as they guided us through the three-hour ceremony.

Among the merry makers were power couples Joe & Linda Chambers, Pat & Charlie McCoy, Chuck & Sandy Neese and Areeda & Joe Stampley. Also working the room during the cocktail hour were Susan Stewart, Stacy Schlitz, Mike Martinovich, Martha Moore, Claire Cook and Fletcher Foster. Pianist/singer Ronnie Brown provided the soundtrack, and Monster Energy drinks funded the libations.

Jeannie Seely, Tammy Genovese, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

We dined on baked Springer Mountain Farms chicken, braised carrots and cheesy risotto. Greens, shaved parmesan, tomato cubes and black-eyed peas were mixed in the salad. Each dessert cup held a chocolate brownie embedded in caramel and topped with whipped cream and a white chocolate square stamped with the SOURCE logo.

The happy diners included David Pomeroy, David Wade, Karen Clark, Karen Conrad, Jackie Monahan, Jackie Patillo, Debbie Carroll, Debi Fleischer, John Zarling, John Lomax III, Bonnie Garner, Bonnie Sugarman, Paul Moore and Paula Szeigis.

Andrea Conte was there to support Cathy Gurley, because of You Have the Power. This was heroic considering how busy her schedule is campaigning to get hubby Phil Bredesen elected Senator.

Among those basking in the convivial, “Old Home Week” atmosphere were Amy Kurland, Bebe Evans, Beverly Keel, Bob Doyle, Brandi Simms, Burt Stein, Buzz Cason, Charlie Monk, Christy Walker-Watkins, Dale Bobo, Diane Pearson, Don Cusic, Ed Benson, Fiona Prine, Hank Adam Locklin, Jennifer Turnbow, Judy Harris, Laura Crawford, Lisa Harless, current SOURCE prez Mandy Gallagher, Margie Hunt, Nathan Pyle, Neal Spielberg, Pat Rolfe, Preshias Harris, Ray Shelide, Ron “Snake” Reynolds, Sarah Brosmer, Whitney Daane and Woody Bomar.

Jeannie Seely, Brenda Lee, Anita Hogan. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

RaeLynn To Headline Three Shows For SiriusXM The Highway

RaeLynn has teamed with SiriusXM for a three-show headlining run this fall, alongside special guest Ross Ellis. The SiriusXM The Highway Presents: RaeLynn mini-tour will hit Joe’s Live Rosemont in Chicago on Oct. 12, Cannery Ballroom in Nashville on Nov. 1 and conclude at the House of Blues in Houston on Dec. 12. Additional live show announcements are expected in coming weeks.

Show pre-sales begin Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. local, with general on-sales beginning at 10 a.m. local on Sept. 28 at ticketmaster.com.

Upcoming shows include:

Oct. 12: Chicago @ Joe’s Live Rosemont*
Nov. 1: Nashville @ Cannery Ballroom*
Dec. 12: Houston @ House of Blues
*Featuring special guest Ross Ellis

RaeLynn recently released her brand new track “Tailgate,” which has accumulated more than 4.2 million streams before traditional radio airplay. She penned the song alongside Canaan Smith, Corey Crowder and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.

BMI Re-Elects Six To Board Of Directors

BMI re-elected six members of its Board of Directors during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Monday (Sept. 24) at BMI’s office in Nashville.

The following Board members have been elected to new three-year terms: Caroline Beasley, CEO, Beasley Media Group, LLC; Amador Bustos, President and CEO, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC; Michael Fiorile, current Chairman, BMI Board of Directors; Chairman and CEO, The Dispatch Printing Company; and Chairman and CEO, Dispatch Broadcast Group; Bill Hoffman, President, Hoffman Communications, Inc. and Retired President, Cox Media Group; Catherine Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Urban One, Inc.; and Jerry Kersting, Former President, Tribune Broadcasting and past EVP/CFO, Clear Channel Radio.

Continuing in their terms on the Board of Directors are: Greg Ashlock, President, iHeartMedia Markets Group; Susan Davenport Austin, Senior Managing Director, Brock Capital Group LLC; Rebecca Campbell, President, The Walt Disney Company – Europe, Middle East and Africa; Craig Dubow, Retired Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Gannett Company, Inc.; Phil Jones, Retired Former President, Meredith Corporation Broadcast Group; Paul Karpowicz, Presiding Director, BMI Board of Directors and Retired President, Meredith Local Media Group; Dave Lougee, President and CEO, TEGNA, Inc.; Ginny Morris, Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. and Chair and CEO, Hubbard Radio, LLC; Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI; Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW Network; Neil Smith, President, GNS Media, LLC; and Jack Sander, Honorary Director, BMI Board of Directors and Retired Vice Chairman, Belo Corporation.

Industry Ink: Soundstripe, Billy Blue Publishing, NATD

Soundstripe Expands Team

Pictured (L-R): Artist Relations Manager, Ashton Myers, Soundstripe Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Micah Sannon, Director of Artist & Label Services, Mike Arnoult

Soundstripe and Soundstripe Productions, the music tech company and contemporary label, has expanded its team. Mike Arnoult has been promoted to Director of Artist & Label Services while Ashton Myers joins the company as Artist Relations Manager.

Arnoult began his tenure at Soundstripe in Nov. 2016 and quickly become one of the company’s top-performing recording artists. The Belmont University grad transitioned to the administrative sector of the company as Artist Relations Director before being promoted to Director of Artist & Label Services. Ashton Myers majored in Recording Industry Music Business with a minor in Marketing at Middle Tennessee State University, and specializes in artist relations, label operations and administration. She was previously artist/label manager for The Mavericks at Mono Mundo Recordings, Nashville.

Billy Blue Publishing Joins Billy Blue Records Family

Pictured (L-R): Jerry Salley, Joe Dan Cornett, Ed Leonard. Photo: Courtesy of Billy Blue Publishing

Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Records, and Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director for Billy Blue and Billy Jam Records (imprints of Daywind), have announced the formation of a new publishing entity, Billy Blue Publishing.

The company will focus on all types of Bluegrass and Americana music, and Nashville native Joe Dan Cornett will step into a new role leading Billy Blue Publishing. Cornett currently works as Creative Director at Daywind Publishing, where his duties include song pitching and songwriter development. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Cornett has also worked in tour management and in film and television for BMI.

 

NATD Hosts Streaming Panel

Pictured (L-R): NATD’s Pepper Meiler and Steve Tolman, Cohen, Schaffer, Hart, Frank and NATD’s Zach Farnum. Photo: 117 Entertainment

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) hosted a panel on streaming last week featuring Amazon Music’s Emily Cohen, Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer, YouTube Music’s Margaret Hart and Universal Music Group’s Jay Frank.

Breaking: Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act Passes House Vote

The final procedural vote on the Music Modernization Act occurred today (Sept. 25) as the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill with its new name, The Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act. The act’s new name honors retiring Senator Orrin Hatch, the lead Senate sponsor of the legislation and U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA) who is also retiring from Congress at the end of this term.

The final step for the MMA is for President Donald Trump to sign the act into law.

“Today Congress officially passed the Music Modernization Act, giving American songwriters real hope for fair royalty compensation in the future,” said songwriter Steve Bogard, President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

“It has been a long, long journey,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “But in many ways the journey has really just begun. After the President signs the legislation into law. songwriters and music publishers being a two-year process to create a new licensing agency that they will oversee. Controlling that process is very important and along with tools to achieve higher streaming royalty rates makes the MMA the most important bill for songwriters in history.”

The Music Licensing Collective (MLC) begins operation Jan. 2, 2021 and will administer a new blanket license for digital mechanical royalties, work to identify song owners so they can be properly compensated, distribute unclaimed funds and represent every American songwriter. It will also be the first time in history 100 cents of every dollar collected will be paid to songwriters since the streaming companies have agreed to pay all costs associated with operating the MLC.

The bill will also:
Changes the standard by which songwriter streaming rates are established replacing an outdated 1909 law that governs songwriter mechanical or sales royalties, changes consent decree regulations from 1941 that govern songwriter performance royalties.
Requires the random selection of judges when performing rights societies ASCAP or BMI go to a rate court proceeding. Presently those judges are appointed for life.
Eliminates the disastrous Notice of Intent (NOI) program administered by the U.S. Copyright Office that allows digital streaming companies to put the licensing burden back on songwriters.
Guarantees streaming royalty payments to artists whose recordings were done before 1972 who now are not required to be paid due to a loophole in the Copyright Act.
Pays streaming royalties directly to music producers and engineers instead of going through other parties first.

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite commented, “After many months moving through Congress, we are thrilled to see the Music Modernization Act officially passed. Now, only days stand between tonight’s House vote and this bill becoming law. We thank our champions Congressman Doug Collins, Hakeem Jeffries, Bob Goodlatte and all of the members who again voted unanimously to improve the lives of millions of music creators and fans. This was not an easy process, but it has galvanized the entire industry behind the songwriters, artists, producers and composers whose voices carried the bill across this threshold. Music is at the core of our country and it’s edifying to see Congress work together to ensure those who make it can make a living in the digital age.”

“The trajectory of the Music Modernization Act has shown the power of music creators to effect real change. From its unanimous approval in the House of Representatives in April, to its passage in the Senate last week, we have seen unprecedented advocacy from the music community. With today’s final passage of the bill in the House, we are one step away from the most sweeping music copyright reform since the 8-track tape era, and we look forward to this being signed into law,” says Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow.

“If you are a music fan, you should celebrate today’s House passage of the Music Modernization Act. The music industry came together to demand that Congress modernize our music laws. That includes ensuring that music creators get paid more fairly. Because we spoke with one voice, Congress heard us. On behalf of SoundExchange’s 170,000-member community, thank you.” said SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe.

John Josephson, SESAC Chairman and CEO, adds “Tonight’s unanimous passage of the Music Modernization Act by the House is a big win for content creators, and we remain hopeful the President will sign the bill in the coming days. Thanks to all for their support on this important legislation for our creative community.”

“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the Music Modernization Act, now known as the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act. We are now one step away from enacting comprehensive copyright reform that will benefit American music creators for generations to come, while simplifying the licensing process for music streaming services. We would like to thank our music industry partners, the diverse businesses that utilize music, the bipartisan legislators, and the highly engaged, passionate community of songwriters and composers, all of whom together championed this bill to protect the future of music in our nation. We hope to be able to celebrate the final passage of this historic bill into law in the near future,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill.