Industry Ink: BMLG, Oswald Entertainment's Cole Johnstone, The Recording Academy

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Several Big Machine Label Group employees are taking part in No Shave November. Throughout the month, they will ditch their razors and let their beards grow, in order to bring awareness for the research and treatment for diseases in children. BMLG’s Beards For My Horses efforts will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, the team raised more than $16,000. Contributions can be made here.
Staff members recently gathered at the start of the challenge to show off their clean-shaven faces.

Pictured (L-R): Andrew Thoen, Dave Kelly, George Briner, Jim Weatherson, Andrew Kautz, Macklin Andrick, Chris Stacey, Kris Lamb, Alex Heddle, Garrett Hill and Stephen Brady; Not Pictured: Erik Powell, Michael Sloane, Alex Valentine, Julian Raymond and Allan Geiger

Pictured (L-R): Andrew Thoen, Dave Kelly, George Briner, Jim Weatherson, Andrew Kautz, Macklin Andrick, Chris Stacey, Kris Lamb, Alex Heddle, Garrett Hill and Stephen Brady. Not Pictured: Erik Powell, Michael Sloane, Alex Valentine, Julian Raymond and Allan Geiger

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Cole Johnstone

Cole Johnstone


Oswald Entertainment partner Cole Johnstone, day-to-day manager for Big & Rich, B&R Records, John Rich, Big Kenny and The Farm, has exited after five years and is seeking his next opportunity.
Johnstone’s previous day-to-day management clients with Marc Oswald and Dale Morris included Randy Owen, Krista Marie, as well as marketing/web efforts for Fontanel Resorts and The Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino & Hotel.
Austin Neal, who joined Oswald Entertainment in June, has assumed day-to-day responsibilities for Big & Rich and The Farm.
Johnstone can be reached at colejohnstone@gmail.com.

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GrammysThe Recording Academy has announced the official name of the annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony.
Formerly referred to as the Grammy Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony, the event presents the first Grammy Awards of the day in approximately 70-73 categories, and is streamed live internationally at grammy.com.
 
 

Scott Borchetta, Daniel Ek Weigh In On Spotify Debate

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spotifySpotify has been a hot topic following the removal of Taylor Swift’s music from the streaming service. More recently, Jason Aldean followed suit and pulled his latest album, Old Boots, New Dirt, from the service. 

Today (Nov. 11), Spotify CEO Daniel Ek responded with a blog post. Here is an excerpt:

Piracy doesn’t pay artists a penny – nothing, zilch, zero. Spotify has paid more than two billion dollars to labels, publishers and collecting societies for distribution to songwriters and recording artists.

Myth number one: free music for fans means artists don’t get paid…on Spotify, free music is supported by ads, and we pay for every play. Our free service drives our paid service. Today we have more than 50 million active users of whom 12.5 million are subscribers each paying $120 per year. But here’s the key fact: more than 80% of our subscribers started as free users.

Myth number two: Spotify pays, but it pays so little per play nobody could ever earn a living from it….If a song has been listened to 500 thousand times on Spotify, that’s the same as it having been played one time on a U.S. radio station with a moderate sized audience of 500 thousand people. Which would pay the recording artist precisely … nothing at all. But the equivalent of that one play and it’s 500 thousand listens on Spotify would pay out between three and four thousand dollars.

Ek is correct that recording artists are not paid by radio, unless they or their labels have entered into other revenue sharing agreements with radio corporations, such as the ones pioneered by Big Machine Label Group Pres. and CEO Scott Borchetta. It is worth noting that songwriters are paid for plays on terrestrial radio. 

Borchetta visited the national radio program Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx and discussed pulling Swift’s music from Spotify. The full interview is available here. An excerpt is below:

If this fan went and purchased the record, CD, iTunes, wherever, and then their friends go, ‘why did you pay for it? It’s free on Spotify,’ we’re being completely disrespectful to that super fan who wants to invest, who believes in their favorite artist…

So, what we had done in the past with her records, is after that initial period, we put them up for streaming services. And for this album coming in to everything that’s going on in the business and how dramatic the streaming moment is and how it’s affecting sales, we determined that her fan base is so in on her, let’s pull everything off of Spotify, and any other service that doesn’t offer a premium service. Now if you are a premium subscriber to Beats or Rdio or any of the other services that don’t offer just a free-only, then you will find her catalogue. So the problem we have with Spotify is, they don’t allow you to do anything with your music. They take it, and they say we’re going to put it everywhere we want to put it, and we really don’t care about what you want to do. Give us everything that you have and we’re going to do what we want with it. And that doesn’t work for us.
Well, they have a very good player. It’s a good service. And they’re gonna just have to change their ways on how they do business. If you’re going to do an ad-supported free service, why would anybody pay for the premium service? The premium service that you pay for, which they do have a premium service, has to mean something. So, what we’re saying is it can’t be endless free. Give people a 30-day trial, and then make them convert. Music has never been free. It’s always cost something and it’s time to make a stand and this is the time to do it.

Meanwhile, Nashville techie Jay Frank has posted a new blog called “Understanding Spotify.”

Read more about legislation which seeks a higher royalty for digital music services in MusicRow’s Publisher Issue, which includes an interview with NSAI’s Bart Herbison.

Scooter Carusoe Re-Signs With Carnival Music

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carnival music1Songwriter Scooter Carusoe has extended his publishing contract with Carnival Music.
Carusoe co-wrote Brett Eldredge‘s hit song “Mean To Me,” and has co-penned chart-toppers including “Anything But Mine” and “Better As A Memory” (both recorded by Kenny Chesney).
He has also penned several songs for David Nail‘s albums I’m About to Come Alive, The Sound of a Million Dreams, and I’m A Fire, as well songs for Eli Young Band (“Guinevere”), Uncle Kracker (“Blue Skies”), and Casey James (“The Good Life”), among others.
“Writers, songs, and publishers don’t find their way to success by chance,” Carusoe says. “It is a collaborative effort that requires belief on all sides. That’s what I’ve found in my relationship with Carnival. We believe in a common goal, achieved by a unique sound.”
“Scooter is exactly the kind of writer Carnival exists to champion: brilliant, stubborn, and in constant pursuit of a sound that is entirely his own,” says Frank Liddell, Carnival Music Co-founder & Owner. “He’s a favorite writer of mine—I’d listen to him no matter who published his songs. But I couldn’t be prouder that it’s us.”
Born in North Carolina and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Carusoe lives in Nashville with his wife and two sons.

Diamond Rio To Celebrate 25 Years With First Live Album

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DIAMOND RIO LIVE. COVERDiamond Rio will celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary by releasing their first ever live album. The live tracks will be available exclusively at iTunes on Nov. 18 and the CD/DVD through Rio Hot Records at www.diamondrio.com.
“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while,” lead singer Marty Roe says. “Our live show plays a major role in who we are. I didn’t start as a recording artist. I started on stage.”
Diamond Rio Live includes 22 of their top 10 singles, five no.1 singles and two never before recorded highlights of their show, the Newgrass Medley and Western Medley.
After 25 years together, the band has sold more than 10 million albums, won a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, six Vocal Group of the Year awards (CMA and ACM), released two Greatest Hits projects and nine studio albums including three certified platinum and five gold, had five multi-week no. 1 singles, 22 Top 10 singles, an autobiography and zero band member changes.
Diamond Rio Live track listing:
1. Show Opening
2. “Unbelievable”
3. “Norma Jean Riley”
4. Hits Medley #1 (“This Romeo Ain’t Got Julie Yet,” “Oh Me, Oh My Sweet Baby,” “Imagine That,” “Sweet Summer,” “Wrinkles”)
5. “Mirror Mirror”
6. Talking
7. “One More Day”
8. “Beautiful Mess”
9. Hits Medley #2 (“You’re Gone,” “In A Week Or Two,” “Mama Don’t Forget To Pray For Me,” “Walkin’ Away,” “Holdin’,” “Love A Little Stronger,” “It’s All In Your Head”)
10. “In God We Still Trust”
11. “This Is My Life”
12. “I Believe”
13. Newgrass Medley (“Walk This Way,” “Carry On My Wayward Son,” “Born To Be Wild”)
14. Talking
15. “Meet In The Middle”
16. “How Your Love Makes Me Feel”
17. “Bubba Hyde”
18. Talking
19. Western Medley (“Cattle Call,” “El Paso,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “They Call The Wind,” “Mariah,” “Way Out There”)

Luke Bryan Leads American Country Countdown Awards Finalists

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luke bryan11

Luke Bryan


Luke Bryan dominates the finalists for the inaugural American Country Countdown Awards, with seven nominations in categories including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year, and Digital Song of the Year (“Drink A Beer,” “Play It Again,” and “This Is How We Roll”).
Closely following Bryan are Florida Georgia Line with six nominations, including Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year, Digital Song of the Year (for “This Is How We Roll” and “Dirt”).
Jason Aldean picked up four nods, while Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert tied with three nominations.
The American Country Countdown Awards will air from Nashville’s Music City Center on Monday, Dec. 15, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Bryan is a featured performer during the evening, as well as Florida Georgia Line and Miranda Lambert. Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley will serve as hosts for the awards.
Finalists were announced this morning (Nov. 11) on Cumulus’ nationally syndicated radio show, “America’s Morning Show with Blair Garner.”
Finalists are determined by statistics and radio airplay charts from Nov. 1, 2013 through Oct. 31, 2014. Finalists for Album of the Year are based on album sales from Soundscan and finalists for Artist of the Year are based on a combination of Mediabase airplay, digital data from Big Champagne and tour information from Pollstar. All other award categories are made of those with the largest audience reach according to Mediabase.
The only fan-voted category is Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by Samsung Galaxy. Fan voting begins Nov. 24 and continues through Dec. 10. Fans can vote by including the following in a tweet: the artist’s Twitter handle, “Breakthrough Artist,” and the hashtag #ACCAwards.
American Country Countdown Awards Finalists:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
  • Jason Aldean
  • Luke Bryan
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Lady Antebellum
  • Blake Shelton  
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Jason Aldean
  • Dierks Bentley
  • Luke Bryan
  • Randy Houser
  • Blake Shelton 
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Danielle Bradbery
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Cassadee Pope
  • Taylor Swift
  • Carrie Underwood
GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
  • The Band Perry
  • Eli Young Band
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Lady Antebellum
  • Zac Brown Band 
SONG OF THE YEAR
  • “When She Says Baby” – Jason Aldean
  • “Beat Of The Music” – Brett Eldredge
  • “Lettin’ The Night Roll” – Justin Moore
  • “Drink To That All Night” – Jerrod Niemann
  • “Chillin’ It” – Cole Swindell
 COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
  • “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan
  • “Small Town Throwdown” – Brantley Gilbert featuring Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett
  • “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” – Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
  • “My Eyes” – Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian
  • “We Were Us” – Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert 
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
  • “Crash My Party” – Luke Bryan
  • The Outsiders” – Eric Church
  • “Here’s To The Good Times” – Florida Georgia Line
  • “Just As I Am” – Brantley Gilbert
  • “Platinum” – Miranda Lambert 
DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR
  • “Burnin’ It Down” – Jason Aldean
  • “Drink A Beer” – Luke Bryan
  • “Play It Again” – Luke Bryan
  • “Dirt” – Florida Georgia Line
  • “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan 
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY®
(Fan-voted Award via Twitter)
  • Brett Eldredge
  • Tyler Farr
  • Kip Moore
  • Thomas Rhett
  • Cole Swindell

Jason Aldean Removes Latest Album From Spotify

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jason aldean slider 2014Jason Aldean‘s latest album, Old Boots, New Dirt, has been removed from Spotify, though the entertainer’s previous albums are still available on the popular digital music streaming outlet. Aldean’s label, Broken Bow Records, had no comment.
Old Boots, New Dirt thundered onto the charts in October with sales of 278K, the second most sales in one week for a Country album this year.

The move follows Taylor Swift‘s headline-making removal of her entire catalog from Spotify. The singer did not offer up her latest Big Machine Label Group release, 1989, to be streamed on the service. Swift’s 1989 became her third project to move one million units in its first week, making it the first million-selling album of 2014, and the first album to sell one million albums in its first week since Swift’s own 2012 release, Red.
It is worth noting that Broken Bow Records and Big Machine Label Group are independent label groups.
Both Aldean and Swift will be on the road in 2015 to promote their new releases. Aldean’s headlining Burnin’ It Down Tour will launch Feb. 12 in South Carolina, while Swift’s 1989 World Tour will begin in May in Japan.

The Recording Academy Names Alicia Warwick Exec. Dir.

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Alicia Warwick

Alicia Warwick

Alicia Warwick has been promoted to Executive Director for The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, handling day-to-day operations. 

Susan Stewart, who previously served as Regional Director of the South Region and Executive Director of the Nashville Chapter, will retain her Regional Director duties overseeing the Nashville Chapter and three other Chapters in the South Region.

Warwick’s 15-year career began at NSAI. She joined The Recording Academy in 2006, where she most recently worked as Sr. Project Manager, handling the Nashville Chapter’s initiatives including branding, sponsorship, social media and the Nashville Producers & Engineers Wing. She is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Music.

Supporting the South Region will be team members Lyn Aurelius, Sr. Production Manager, and Ashley Ernst, Manager Administrative Operations. Nathan Pyle is Administrative Assistant to both the South Region and the Nashville Chapter.

Meanwhile, the Nashville Chapter team includes Laura Crawford, Sr. Membership Coordinator; Courtney White, Project Coordinator; Bri Stewart, Chapter Assistant; and Stephen Lavender, Grammy U Representative.

Leadership Music's Virtual Food Drive Begins Today

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LeadershipMusicLogoLeadership Music and Music Row publications are once again partnering in a Virtual Food Drive (VFD) to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
The joint efforts in 2013 resulted in 1,519 pounds of food collected, which translated into 1,266 meals.
This year, organizers have chosen to open the event up to all Leadership Music alums, whether in Nashville or across the country, by creating VFD which begins today, Monday, Nov. 10, and runs through Friday, Nov. 21.
Leadership Music alumni may donate and designate their class year, with accumulated totals per class shown on the donation website. Leadership Music welcomes anyone to participate in this effort and has set up a special category for non-alumni labeled Friends of Leadership Music.
To donate, click here.
For more information, contact Leadership Music at lm@leadershipmusic.org or 615.770.7090.

Eric Church Joins Five Stadium Shows On Kenny Chesney's 'The Big Revival Tour'

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Kenny Chesney


Kenny Chesney’s stadium shows are always full-blown concert experiences, and what better way to up the intensity level of the The Big Revival Tour than to bring on good friend Eric Church? Church will join five stadium shows on Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour in 2015.
“There is something about the way Eric connects with my audience,” says the man whose sold in excess of a million tickets on each of his headlining tours, “that left me feeling like he made the No Shoes Nation Tour something special! He attacks the stage with so much force – and his songs really speak to the people who are fighting the fight to get by – and I love that about what he does onstage.”
The Big Revival Tour dates featuring Church are as follows:
Saturday, May 9 | Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium
Saturday, May 30 | Pittsburgh at Heinz Field
Saturday, June 13 | Atlanta at The Georgia Dome
Saturday, July 11 | Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field
Saturday, August 22 | Detroit at Ford Field
“Some of the most fun I’ve ever had on tour was last summer with Kenny,” shares Church. “He’s an artist that isn’t afraid to let you come full blast and do what you do. It’s rare you get to tour with someone you respect and you are friends with. I can’t wait to do it again.”

11th Annual 'Ringside: A Fight For Kids' Charity Event Announced

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rumble on the rowThe 11th annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids, an annual black tie gala boxing event that supports The Charley Foundation, will take place Friday, March 13, 2015 at The Factory in Franklin, Tenn. Music industry members will square off for two “Rumble on the Row” bouts that evening.
Nashville music industry attorneys Scott Safford and Rob Femia (VP, Business & Legal at UMG Nashville) will touch gloves in the first “Rumble on the Row” three-round bout of the evening. Radio promotion professionals Stacy Blythe (Southeast Regional, Republic Nashville) and Anna Johnson (West Coast Promotions, MCA) then step into the ring to become the first female “Rumble on the Row” fighters in the event’s history.
The Charley Foundation is a Nashville non-profit organization that provides assistance to multiple charitable agencies throughout middle Tennessee, to assist disabled and underprivileged children.
“All four ‘Rumble’ boxers are committed and fiercely competitive in their jobs and are sure to bring their best on March 13,” said Carolyn Miller, founder and chairman of The Charley Foundation. “And kudos to Stacy and Anna for being the first women to step into the ring for this event to directly help impact the lives of so many local children.”
For tables, standing room only tickets and additional event information, please visit www.charleyfoundation.org. For training updates, visit www.rumbleontherow.com.