Downtown Music Publishing Launches Neighbouring Rights Division

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unnamedDowntown Music Publishing has launched Downtown Neighbouring Rights, a new division that enables Downtown to secure global Neighbouring Rights for performers and master holders whose songs are performed in public. This service is open to all rights holders, not just Downtown Music Publishing clients.

Neighbouring Rights ensure that artists are compensated when the recorded performance of their songs are performed in public on satellite and online radio services such as Pandora. This is comparable to songwriters being compensated for the public performance of their songs or copyright.

Downtown is just one of the handful of companies providing Neighbouring Rights services globally. Although newly launched, the division has been operational for nearly five years and formed part of the Eagle-i Music acquisition from last year.

“We are already established and are currently members of over 30 Neighbouring Rights societies; offering a full global reach for labels, performers and non-featured performers alike,” said Roberto Neri, MD of Downtown UK. “The difference now is the unique unparalleled systems at Downtown, which take our level of transparency and service to new heights and makes us the destination of choice for Neighbouring Rights collection.”

Luke Montague has been appointed Neighbouring Rights Manager. “I am extremely proud of Luke who has been key to helping build our Neighbouring Rights division. He is a real asset to the company and our clients,” said Neri.

Last year, such payouts in the United States alone amounted to over $800 million, according to Downtown Music Publishing. Internationally, Neighbouring Rights also include compensation for performances on terrestrial radio.

 

MusicRowLife: RaeLynn Marries Josh Davis

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Photo: RaeLynn/Instagram

Valory Music Co. artist RaeLynn wed Josh Davis on Saturday, Feb. 27. The two were engaged in October 2015. The singer-songwriter shared photos from the event on social media, including a photo of RaeLynn and her husband with Warner Music Nashville artist and The Voice coach Blake Shelton, who attended with Gwen Stefani.

“What a beautiful day with such beautiful people,” said RaeLynn on Instagram. “I am so thankful for everyone in my life and for my amazing husband.”

Pictured (L-R): Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, RaeLynn, Josh Davis. Photo: RaeLynn/Instagram.

Pictured (L-R): Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, RaeLynn, Josh Davis. Photo: RaeLynn/Instagram.

Photo: RaeLynn/Instagram

Photo: RaeLynn/Instagram

Chris Stapleton’s “Fire Away” Video Brings Awareness To Mental Health

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Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton

The new music video for Chris Stapleton’s “Fire Away” is drawing attention to mental health and emotional suffering.

Conceived by Stapleton, the powerful video was directed by Tim Mattia and stars actors Ben Foster and Margarita Levieva.

Beyond serving as the visual representation of his song, the video aims to bring attention to the culture of mental health awareness throughout the country, specifically through The Campaign to Change Direction.

The organization, which was introduced to Stapleton through Foster, strives to start a common language about the Five Signs of suffering emotionally: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. The Five Signs are clearly represented in the video through Levieva’s performance.

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Photos: Chris Young, Cassadee Pope, Craig Wayne Boyd, Doug Johnson

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Chris Young Welcomes Cassadee Pope and AEG Live On Tour

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Chris Young and Adam Weiser (AEG Live). Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Monarch Publicity

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Chris Young and Adam Weiser (AEG Live). Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Monarch Publicity

On Thursday, Feb. 25, Chris Young played New York City’s PlayStation Theater with special guest Cassadee Pope, following a surprise performance on Southwest Airlines earlier in the week. Young’s 2016 I’m Comin’ Over Tour, presented by AEG, kicked off last month. Already this year, Young has played to a total of 19 sold-out shows. Pope joins Young onstage for the tour to perform their new single, “Think Of You.”

Craig Wayne Boyd Helps Raise Over $20,000 For St Jude

Craig Wayne Boyd (front right) with David Adam Byrnes (front left) and CJ Wilder (couch left) with crew from the Sudbury Broadcasting Group.

Craig Wayne Boyd (front right) with David Adam Byrnes (front left) and CJ Wilder (couch left) with crew from the Sudbury Broadcasting Group.

Blytheville, Arkansas’ Southern Bancorp 5th Annual Hope Concert, featuring Craig Wayne Boyd, raised over $22,500 Friday, Feb. 26 for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition to a performance from NBC’s The Voice winner, the event also featured Nashville artists David Adam Byrnes and CJ Wilder at the Holiday Inn. The concert was the kick-off for the 36th Annual ESA St Jude Country Cares For Kids Radio Cablethon, which is set for March 4-5.

Producer’s Chair Welcomes Doug Johnson

Pictured (L-R): Doug Johnson, James Rea. Photo: Tirk Wilder

Pictured (L-R): Doug Johnson, James Rea. Photo: Tirk Wilder

James Rea‘s The Producer’s Chair—an interactive monthly event at Douglas Corner, featuring top Nashville producers—welcomed Doug Johnson for the January 2016 event. Each producer guest receives a framed certificate, memorializing their appearance on the show, which has been running for nine years. The next event will be held March 31.

Anderson East, Sam Hunt Among New Martin Guitar Ambassadors

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Anderson East, Sam Hunt, and Elle King are among the newest additions to the Martin Guitar Ambassador Program roster.

Brett Dennen, Father John Misty, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Flo Morrissey and Megan Rapinoe have also been selected to represent the brand.

Current ambassadors in the country genre include Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, and Thomas Rhett.

“Martin Guitar has been fortunate to have countless legendary singer/songwriters play our instruments for decades–everyone from Hank Williams to Johnny Cash,” said Chairman & CEO Chris Martin. “Now with the Ambassador program, we are enhancing the successful relationships we have had with generations of popular musicians who have are devoted to our brand by formally acknowledging their talented musicianship and love of Martin Guitars.”

The Martin Ambassador Program consists of a variety of talented artists, whether their background lies in music or sports, and the diverse roster already includes professional Olympic snowboarder Danny Davis, Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Of Monsters and Men, The Milk Carton Kids, Ben Howard, LP, and more.

“Three years ago we wanted to create an Ambassador program that felt more like a family of friends than a list of artists that just happen to play Martin guitars. I am proud to say that we are accomplishing this goal through our flagship program,” said VP of Brand Marketing, Amani Duncan. “The Martin Ambassador program consists of a select number of the most talented singer/songwriters on the music scene today who we consider to be career-artists making a profound and diverse impact in music.”

Elle King said, “The only acoustic guitar I ever wanted to play was a Martin. And it’s the only acoustic guitar I’m ever going to play. It’s an honor to be a Martin Ambassador.”

Anderson East said, “There is so much history and possibility in these instruments. My Martin is a constant source of inspiration, a teacher and most of all a companion.”

Weekly Register: Maren Morris’ “My Church” Tops Country Digital Tracks

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MarenMorris

In its 16th week on the country digital tracks chart, Maren Morris’ “My Church” has risen to No. 1, with 34.5K sold this week and 180K overall. She’s at No. 16 on the overall digital tracks chart.

Morris places just ahead of longtime leader Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man,” which moves 31K units this week, for a No. 2 position. Overall sales for that single are approaching 1.2 million.

The Top 5 is rounded out by Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” (30K), Carrie Underwood’s “Heartbeat” (25K) and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind.” (24K).

Southern Family album coverMorgane & Chris Stapleton enjoy the week’s highest debut with “You Are My Sunshine,” entering at No. 41, with 5K. The track comes from an upcoming project by producer Dave Cobb titled Southern Family, out March 18.

Speaking of Stapleton, he’s hanging tough at No. 1 on the country album chart. Traveller picks up 44K units this week, with 958K overall. He’s followed by Joey + Rory’s Hymns (37K) and Sam Hunt’s Montevallo (12K).

unnamedSister Hazel makes an unexpected appearance at No. 4 with Lighter Than the Dark, their first set of new material in five years. Released on Croakin’ Poets Records, the album was produced by Chip Matthews. The band’s new single, “That Kind of Beautiful,” was written by Hillary Lindsay, Gordie Sampson, and Luke Laird. Sister Hazel scored a pop hit in 1997 with “All For You.” Nashville label Average Joes manages the band and the album is distributed through Selecto Hits.

Vince Gill’s Down To My Last Bad Habit ranks at No. 5 with 7.5K units.

Info provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Zac Brown Band To Launch Black Out The Sun Tour In May

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Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band will launch its sixth headlining US concert tour on May 19 in Hartford, Connecticut. The 26-date tour will welcome Drake White & The Big Fire as direct support. The tour will include stops at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Austin360 Amphitheater, Boston’s Fenway Park, Minneapolis’ Target Field, and more.

Prior to kicking off their 2016 tour, Zac Brown Band’s Southern Ground Music & Food Festival returns to Charleston, South Carolina for its fifth year on April 16-17. Headliners include Tedeschi Trucks Band and Thomas Rhett with additional performances by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Kacey Musgraves, Hunter Hayes, Marshall Tucker Band and more.

Zac Brown Band is represented by ROAR, a Beverly Hills-based talent and brand management company. The band is also represented by CAA, public relations firm Shore Fire Media and strategic digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing.

ZAC BROWN BAND’S BLACK OUT THE SUN TOUR DATES:

May 19: Hartford, Connecticut / XFINITY Theatre
May 20: Camden, New Jersey / BB&T Pavilion
May 21: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania / First Niagara Pavilion
May 22: Noblesville, Indiana / Klipsch Music Center
May 27: Kansas City, Missouri / Sprint Center
May 28: Minneapolis, Minnesota / Target Field
June 3: Mountain View, California / Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 4: Irvine, California / Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
June 5: Inglewood, California / The Forum
June 24: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio / Blossom Music Center
June 25: East Troy, Wisconsin / Alpine Valley Music Theatre
June 26: East Troy, Wisconsin / Alpine Valley Music Theatre
July 1: Cincinnati, Ohio / Riverbend Music Center
July 2: Clarkston, Michigan / DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 3: Darien Center, New York / Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 21: Syracuse, New York / Lakeview Amphitheater
July 22: Bethel, New York / Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 23: Hershey, Pennsylvania / Hersheypark Stadium
Aug. 12: Houston, Texas / Minute Maid Park
Aug. 13: Dallas, Texas / Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 14: Austin, Texas / Austin360 Amphitheater
Aug. 19: Flushing, New York / Citi Field
Aug. 20: Boston, Massachusetts / Fenway Park
Aug. 21: Boston, Massachusetts / Fenway Park
Sept. 2: Bristow, Virgina / Jiffy Lube Live
Sept. 3: Saratoga Springs, New York / Saratoga Performing Arts Center

In Photos: Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Granger Smith, Sierra Black

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Erik Johnson (PD/KXKT - Omaha, Nebraska) poses with Blake Shelton prior to a sold-out concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday (Feb. 25).

Erik Johnson (PD/KXKT – Omaha, Nebraska) poses with Blake Shelton prior to a sold-out concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday (Feb. 25).

While on tour in Pennsylvania this week, Carrie Underwood visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation where she was interviewed by and met patients at the Foundation’s Seacrest Studios.

While on tour in Pennsylvania this week, Carrie Underwood visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation where she was interviewed by and met patients at the Foundation’s Seacrest Studios.

Granger Smith (center) goofs around with at his hometown station in Austin -IHEART's KASE promoting his new release REMINGTON out on 3/4. VP of programming Travis Moon & MD Bob Pickett

Granger Smith (center) goofs around with his hometown station in Austin, Texas, iHeart’s KASE. Flanked by VP of Programming Travis Moon (L) and MD Bob Pickett, Smith is promoting his March 4 release, Remington.

OMG Entertainment’s Sierra Black is finishing up the recording of her debut album, featuring the single, "Heart on Ice." Pictured (L-R): Producer Michael Omartian, Sierra Black, and producer Tom Hemby.

OMG Entertainment’s Sierra Black is finishing up the recording of her debut album, featuring her new single, “Heart on Ice.” Pictured (L-R): Producer Michael Omartian, Sierra Black, and producer Tom Hemby.

Trisha Yearwood Adds Voice To ‘The Passion: New Orleans’

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Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood has recorded five tracks for the soundtrack for The Passion, which airs Palm Sunday, March 20.

On March 18 Deep Well Records/Virgin Records will release the soundtrack The Passion: New Orleans.  The soundtrack also features performances from cast members Yearwood who portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (Peter), and Seal (Pontius Pilate), plus special guests Yolanda Adams, Shane Harper (disciple) and Michael W. Smith (disciple).

The Passion tells the story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of well-known pop songs, sung by the cast. All of the songs were arranged specifically for the album and live event.

“Broken” is available for download ahead of the soundtrack’s release date (March 18). For behind-the-scenes video of Yearwood in the studio recording “Broken,” watch below:

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The Passion: New Orleans Soundtrack:
“When Love Takes Over” – Yolanda Adams
“Love Can Move Mountains” – The Passion Cast (Feat. Jencarlos, Prince Royce, Chris Daughtry, Shane Harper & Michael W. Smith)
“My Love Is Your Love” – Trisha Yearwood
“Home” – Jencarlos & Prince Royce
“With Arms Wide Open” – Jencarlos
“Hands” – Trisha Yearwood
“Bring Me To Life” – Chris Daughtry
“Calling All Angels” – Jencarlos
“I Won’t Give Up” – Trisha Yearwood
“Demons” – Chris Daughtry & Jencarlos
“The Reason” – Prince Royce
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Trisha Yearwood
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” – Seal & Jencarlos
“Mad World” – Seal
“Broken” – Trisha Yearwood
“Unconditionally” – Jencarlos

Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart Shares Inspiring Story In “I’m Possible” Video

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Jeremy Cowart

Jeremy Cowart

Celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart has released the inspiring story of his own career background by filming a new video, which has already garnered more than 1 million views.

Throughout his career, Nashville-area native Cowart has photographed Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Reba, Laura Bell Bundy, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Courteney Cox. His work has appeared in Southern Living, Billboard, Southern Weddings, and more.

In the video “I’m Possible,” Cowart details his journey of self-doubt and the obstacles he has had to overcome (including poor academic scores, being fired from a job, and the loss of his brother) to become a celebrity photographer. The video aims to inspire others to follow their passions.

Cowart has used his talent and success to give back to others in a myriad of ways, including the launch of See University, where Cowart shares his expertise with aspiring photographers. In 2008, Cowart also launched the Help-Portrait movement, which offers free portraits to people in need.

For more, visit jeremycowart.com.

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