Mechanical Licensing Collective Announces Slate Of Informational Panels

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective has announced a full week of panels and programming for Oct. 26-30, intended to provide important updates about its progress as the organization prepares to launch its full operations in January 2021.

Each day during the week, The MLC will offer a webinar featuring updates on the progress of different aspects of The MLC’s operations. Participants will also hear from leading stakeholders who were instrumental to the passage of the Music Modernization Act and the establishment of The MLC, including representatives from the U.S. Copyright Office, National Music Publishers’ Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Digital Licensing Committee, The MLC Board, and senior leaders of The MLC.

“We’re looking forward to sharing information and engaging with future Members during this exciting week of programming,” said Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. “It’s an important time for future Members of The MLC to catch up on our progress and make sure they are fully-prepared for 2021.”

A schedule of events:
  • Monday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. CT: “Join us in Supporting The MLC”
    Established by the historic Music Modernization Act of 2018, The MLC will address longstanding challenges in how music creators collect the mechanical royalties they’re owed. This session will review the origin and purpose of The MLC and hear directly from industry stakeholders about how this organization aims to empower copyright owners around the world. Moderated by Billboard’s Robert Levine, this kickoff event features a panel with National Music Publishers’ Association EVP and General Counsel Danielle Aguirre; The MLC CEO Kris Ahrend; ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and The MLC Board Chair Alisa Coleman; Digital Media Association President and CEO (and representative for the Digital Licensee Coordinator) Garrett Levin; and United States Copyright Office General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights Regan Smith. Register here.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. CT: “The MLC Portal” 
    This session will provide a look into The MLC Portal. The MLC’s Chief Information Officer Richard Thompson will preview The Portal, discuss the Data Quality Initiative and share updates on next steps. Register here.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. CT: “Members First: Making Customer Service our Priority”  
    MLC Head of Customer Experience Lindsey Major and Head of Rights Management Maurice Russell will take part in a Q&A about the MLC’s customer service operation. Serona Elton, The MLC’s Head of Educational Partnerships, will moderate this session. Register here.
  • Thursday, Oct.  29 at 11 a.m. CT: “Engaging International, Educational and Third-Party Partners”   
    Three members of the MLC’s leadership team will discuss how they are building partnerships in three key areas. Panelists include Head of Third-Party Partnerships Dae Bogan, Head of International Relations Indi Chawla, and Head of Educational Partnerships Serona Elton. The MLC’s Head of Rights Management, Maurice Russell, will moderate. Register here.
  • Friday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. CT: “What’s Next: A Vision for the Future”
    Music Business Association President Portia Sabin joins for a conversation with CEO Kris Ahrend to discuss The MLC’s vision for the future, including a preview of the milestones that lie ahead over the next six months (and beyond) as The MLC continues to ramp up operations. Register here.

Pet Community Center Establishes Donor Society Honoring Phran Galante

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Phran Galante

Pet Community Center, Nashville’s only low-cost spay/neuter and wellness veterinary clinic, has established Phrannie’s Phriends, a donor society for those contributing $1,000 or more annually to the nonprofit, in memory of animal welfare visionary Phran Galante, who died in 2019.

Galante was a pioneer in the animal welfare field in Nashville. In 1996, the city’s Metro Animal Control shelter was ranked as the worst in the nation, and she helped lead the Animal Care Task Force and pushed city leaders for change. Galante personally volunteered in the shelter, cleaning, feeding, and caring for the animals until finally in 2001 a new shelter opened under new leadership.

Nashville still had a lot of work to do back then as the city struggled with a shelter euthanasia rate in the 80% range, and Galante was at the forefront as she stepped into the Chair role to lead a coalition effort known as the United Partnership for Animal Welfare and served on the advisory board of Metro Animal Care and Control

Over the next five years, Galante led efforts including a rewrite of city ordinances, spearheading outreach clinics in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and lobbying to end puppy mills and animal fighting. In 2017, PCC honored Galante with the Jourdan Parenteau Leadership in Animal Welfare Award, their highest honor.

“Phran’s support of the Pet Community Center has helped us to spay, neuter, and provide veterinary care to more than 85,000 dogs and cats,” said Natalie Corwin, president and CEO of PCC. “These preventative efforts helped tip the scales at Metro Animal Care and Control, moving the euthanasia rate from 80% in 2011 to under 10% in 2018 and 2019. We are thrilled to establish Phrannie’s Phriends in her memory.”

Donations to Phrannie’s Phriends may be made at petcommunitycenter.org/phrannies-phriends.

Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope” Featuring Charlie Puth Tops Hot AC Chart

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Photo: Robby Klein

Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett hits No. 1 on the all-genre Hot AC chart this week with “I Hope” feat. Charlie Puth. Adding to over 750 million career global streams to date, the 3x multi-Platinum crossover hit marks her first Hot AC chart-topper as well as her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, as the song currently sits at No. 8. The track also sits atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for its 13th week.

“I’m so grateful for this amazing achievement. ‘I Hope’ continues to do more than I ever imagined, and I cannot believe it’s the #1 song at HOT AC THIS WEEK,” Barrett shares. “Thank you God for this gift and for all of the blessings I continue to receive, thank you to my team, my sweet husband, my family, my unbelievable fans, the folks at radio, my co-writers, and of course to Charlie Puth for hopping on this song and making it even bigger. I’m so thankful for all of this and I don’t take an inch of it for granted! THANK YOU!”

Kids Corner: Jimmie Allen, Bobby Bones To Launch Children’s Books

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Jimmie Allen Encourages Kids With New Book ‘My Voice Is A Trumpet’

Jimmie Allen. Photo: John Shearer

Jimmie Allen has created a new children’s book, My Voice Is A Trumpet with Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, to encourage young readers to speak up for what you believe in and use your voice. The new book is illustrated by veteran illustrator Cathy Ann Johnson and is set for release July 13, 2021. In the book all voices are as diverse as the characters and heard loud and clear. From voices that roar like a lion, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world.

“It’s very important to me that kids learn at a young age that they have a voice, and that it is powerful. It is up to us as adults to teach them to use their voice to encourage and show love,” said Allen. “Being a father of two kids, I try to encourage them to be themselves and love everyone around them. I’m hoping this book inspires at least one child and they always remember their voice is a trumpet.”

 

Bobby Bones’ Puppy Stanley Is Star Of New Children’s Book

Bobby Bones has announced his upcoming children’s picture book, Stanley the Dog and His First Day of School with illustrations by Stephanie Laberis. The story features Bones’ real-life pup, Stanley, and follows him as he faces down his fears about his first day at Doggy Day Care. The book is published by HarperCollins and slated for Summer 2022.

A two-time New York Times No. 1 bestselling author, touring stand-up comedian, and philanthropist, Bones is also set to star in a new travel TV show titled Breaking Bobby Bones, coming soon to the National Geographic channel.

 

Loretta Lynn Honored With Statue On Ryman Auditorium Icon Walk

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Photo credit: Kit Wood

A Loretta Lynn statue has been added to the Icon Walk on the grounds of the Ryman Auditorium. Visitors can find the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” statue standing at the northwest corner of the building near the venue’s driveway on Fifth Avenue next to the likeness of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music.

The detailed bronze likeness of Lynn, which took a year to craft, was added to the permanent outdoor exhibition on the venue’s grounds, and joins likenesses of beloved legends Little Jimmy Dickens and Monroe. The Ryman team collaborated once again with artist Ben Watts, the talent behind the Dickens and Monroe statues, for the tribute to Lynn.

Lynn, who was unable to attend the unveiling, shared a statement: “I will never forget the morning Dolittle and I pulled in and parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time. It was 1960 and I had a No. 14 record on the charts called ‘I’m A Honky Tonk Girl.’ My dream, like thousands of other singers, was just to sing on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For many years I’ve stood on the stage of the Ryman and there’s no place like it. Now they’re unveiling this statue in my honor. It’s like I’m going to get to be there for many more years to come. It means so much to have the statue and to be a part of all of these wonderful artists. One day soon I’m gonna get to come up there and see it for myself. But for today I want to say thank you and I love each and every one of you for thinking of me.”

“I don’t think it’s possible to tell the history of the Opry or Ryman without Loretta,” Colin Reed, Chairman & CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said. “She is a trailblazer who has remained one of the most beloved entertainers to ever set foot on that stage.”

Chris Tomlin, Lady A Top Christian Radio Chart

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Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein

CCM superstar Chris Tomlin, with the help of country trio Lady A, has earned his 17th career No. 1 hit, as “Who You Are To Me” tops this week’s Billboard Christian Airplay chart. Tomlin co-wrote the inspirational track alongside Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott.

The song has earned more than 18 million global streams, becoming Tomlin’s biggest hit single since 2015’s “Good Good Father.” “Who You Are To Me” is included on Tomlin’s recent No. 1 album, Chris Tomlin & Friends, a collaboration project featuring Lady A, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, We The Kingdom, and more. “Who You Are To Me,” along with another track from the album, “Thank You Lord,” both hit Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart.

Tomlin is nominated for his first CMA Award, in the Music Event of the Year category for his work on Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light,” which also features Scott, Reba and Keith Urban.

BMG Expands Into Live Music Business

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BMG is entering the live music business for the first time, with a plan to offer artists a new alternative to the established live promotion industry. The company has inked an agreement to acquire a majority stake in indie German live music promotion company/event agency Undercover GmbH. The transaction is set to close at the end of October.

The Braunschweig-based company was founded in 1991 and, pre-pandemic, promoted more than 200 concerts and shows held a year. Through the new venture, BMG can now offer artists an integrated tour promotion and ticketing service.

The live music promotion service will remain an opt-in service. The new unit will also collaborate with other content divisions of BMG shareholder Bertelsmann in Germany, including broadcaster RTL, book publisher Penguin Random House and magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr under the banner of the Bertelsmann Content Alliance.

Dominique Casimir, BMG, EVP Repertoire & Marketing Continental Europe, said, “Moving into live is the logical extension of BMG’s plan to integrate all the services an artist could need under one roof, with the artist brand at the center of it all. Crucially, we have found in Michael Schacke and his team a partner who shares our values.”

Undercover CEO Michael Schacke said, “I founded this company in 1991 to be able to perform with my band and that’s how I became a promoter. This idea has since grown into a nationwide concert agency with over 30 employees. Discussions about a partnership with BMG commenced long before the coronavirus pandemic, but we are now perfectly set up for when the market returns. There is a significant opportunity for us working together to offer a genuine alternative for artists in Germany and beyond, building on Undercover’s established recipe of ‘live entertainment and artist partnership.'”

Maximillian Kolb, BMG, Managing Director GSA, said, “Artists want partners who build their business around them rather than the other way around. Above all, this means offering the best possible service. The German music market has proven to be extremely adaptable and is one of the strongest in the world, especially in the live segment. I am very happy that we have become the first territory within BMG to be able to offer a complete service portfolio to artists including live.”

Casimir, who is also a board member of the Bertelsmann Content Alliance said, “An important part of our job will be, together with the Undercover team, to form a center of excellence for events within the Content Alliance. We look forward to working with the other divisions and together adding even more value to our artists and media brands by creating bespoke live experiences.”

Vivendi Sets IPO For UMG

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Today (Oct. 20), UMG parent company Vivendi confirmed its plans to take UMG public in 2022, according to fiscal documents that were released.

The documents also revealed that in the third quarter of 2020, UMG had year-over-year revenues increase 3%, with a 5.1% increase for the first nine months of this year.

In August, Universal had nine of the Top 10 albums in the United States on Billboard 200 (week of Aug. 21-27), marking the fourth time that feat had occurred in the chart’s 64-year history (all four of those instances involving Universal).

Endurance Music Group Inks Publishing Agreement With RECORDS Nashville’s Chase Martin

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Chase Martin. Photo credit: Jason Myers

Endurance Music Group has signed RECORDS Nashville artist-songwriter Chase Martin to a global publishing agreement. Her single, “Levi Denim,” released Oct. 9, marking the debut release from the newly-launched Nashville division of Barry Weiss’ RECORDS. The track was co-written by Martin’s labelmate Matt Stell, alongside Abby Anderson and Allison Veltz-Cruz, and produced by Endurance Music Group songwriter Ash Bowers.

“Chase has it all: natural talent, incredible energy, a strong work ethic and a passion for songwriting,” said Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin. “She’s the real deal, and we’re so excited to introduce her to the world alongside Ash and our friends at RECORDS Nashville.”

Endurance Music Group launched in 2019 with songwriters Scooter Carusoe and Clint Lagerberg, as well as rising writer-artists Natalie Madigan, Ryan Plappert and Jake Rose, songwriter Ben Stoll, and more. In early 2020, the acquisition of Wide Open Music brought hit songwriter-artists Jimmie Allen and Stell, songwriter/producer Bowers, and songwriters Seth Alley and Paul Sikes into the Endurance family, along with a catalog of cuts by Keith Urban, Brett Young, Dustin Lynch and more. To date, Endurance has earned 45 No. 1s, 19 top fives and seven top 10 singles.

Black River Publishing Signs Blake Ruby

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Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Katie Barolak, Rebekah Gordon, Blake Ruby, Rachael Skvorak, Gordon Kerr. Photo: Provided courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Publishing has signed Blake Ruby to its writer roster, expanding Black River’s footprint in the pop and sync world. Maryland native Ruby moved to Nashville in 2016 and is a Belmont University graduate.

During his time at Belmont, Ruby assisted at Ocean Way Studios, where he refined his writing, production, and engineering skills. He also wrote and produced several of his own artist projects, including his most recent single “Dirty Laundry.”

“It’s a real blessing to be on this team. Everyone already feels like family, and it’s an honor to create music with so many talented writers on the roster. I know we are going to make some amazing stuff together, and I’m looking forward to it!” shared Ruby.

Black River’s Vice President of Publishing Rebekah Gordon offered Ruby a publishing deal right after his college graduation.

“Blake was such an obvious standout while searching for young songwriters. His musical intuition blew us away. We are thrilled to be building something new and special around his talent,” shared Gordon.