Publishing Notes: The High Cost of Synch, 'Blurred Lines' Deposition Released

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the eagles11What does it cost for a synch license to play a musical title on national television? David Letterman revealed his “no play” list for The Late Show recently, and told viewers the cost per performance of at least one musical classic.
In addition to “no play” songs from Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, titles from The Eagles catalog are restricted. Letterman revealed The Eagles’ licensing fee for one song on the national broadcast is $250,000.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVM2T–jg4&feature=youtu.be

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Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke


The Los Angeles Times released the deposition about the copyright infringement suit from the 2013 summer smash “Blurred Lines.” Writer credits include Pharrell Williams, T.I., and singer Robin Thicke, with the latter retaining about 18-22 percent of publishing and writer royalties, despite testifying that Williams made the song without him. Thus, Thicke believed he has a larger piece than he deserves. Thicke stated he had “nothing to do” with the most successful song of his career.
Thicke also noted he hoped to sell more records by taking the writer credit to claim it was his idea, in order to play off public perception that the song was more personal to him.
Williams, co-writer and producer of the song, noted in his own deposition, “This is what happens every day in our industry. You know, people are made to look like they have much more authorship in the situation than they actually do. So that’s where the embellishment comes in.”

NSAI Celebrates Chart-Topping Songwriters

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Pictured (L-R) first row seated: Chris DeStefano, Phillip LaRue, Katrina Elam, Bonnie, Baker, Jason Sellers. (2nd row seated): Dallas Davidson, Michael Carter, Rodney Clawson, Paul Jenkins, Jimmy Robbins, Andrew Dorff (Standing): Derek George, Tommy Lee James, John Ozier, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Marv Green, Ben Hayslip, Shane Minor, Rob Crosby, Bryan Simpson, Nicolle Galyon, Rose Falcon, Natalie Hemby, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan, Rhett Akins, Jon Nite, Luke Laird, NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

Pictured (L-R) first row seated: Chris DeStefano, Phillip LaRue, Katrina Elam, Bonnie, Baker, Jason Sellers. (2nd row seated): Dallas Davidson, Michael Carter, Rodney Clawson, Paul Jenkins, Jimmy Robbins, Andrew Dorff (Standing): Derek George, Tommy Lee James, John Ozier, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Marv Green, Ben Hayslip, Shane Minor, Rob Crosby, Bryan Simpson, Nicolle Galyon, Rose Falcon, Natalie Hemby, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan, Rhett Akins, Jon Nite, Luke Laird, NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison


The NSAI #1 Party was held on Monday, Sept. 15 at the organization’s Music Mill headquarters, presenting No. 1 plaques to the writers of songs reaching the top chart spot between February and July 2014 (full list below).
Additional honors included the NSAI President’s Choice Award, selected by Lee Thomas Miller, for guitarist/producer Jerry Kennedy for contributions to the betterment of all songwriters. The Maggie Cavender Award, voted by the NSAI Board of Directors, was presented to Eileen Littlefield in recognition of her late husband, Merlin Littlefield for service to the songwriting community. The Stephen Foster Award, chosen by NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, was presented to Douglas Corner co-owner and producer, Mervin Louque, in recognition of generous support and dedication to songwriters.
The organization will present additional nods for Best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” on Oct. 5 at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Music City Center.
Pictured (L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, Mervin Louque (NSAI President’s Choice Award), Eileen Littlefield (Maggie Cavender Award), Jerry Kennedy (Stephen Foster Award), NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison

Pictured (L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, Mervin Louque (NSAI President’s Choice Award), Eileen Littlefield (Maggie Cavender Award), Jerry Kennedy (Stephen Foster Award), NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison


Songs Recognized (February – July 2014)
“Whatever She’s Got,” Jimmy Robbins, Jon Nite, recorded by David Nail
“Sweet Annie,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durette, Sonia Leigh, John Pierce, recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Friday Night,” Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon, Rob Crosby, recorded by Eric Paslay
“Invisible,” Hunter Hayes, Bonnie Baker, Katrina Elam, recorded by Hunter Hayes
“Chillin’ it,” Cole Swindell, Shane Minor, recorded by Cole Swindell
“When She Says Baby,” Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Helluva Life,” Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear, recorded by Frankie Ballard
“I Hold On,” Dierks Bentley, Brett James, recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Doin’ What She Likes,” Wade Kirby, Phil O’Donnell, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Goodnight Kiss,” Rob Hatch, Jason Sellers, Randy Houser, recorded by Randy Houser
“Drink To That All Night,” Derek George, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, recorded by Jerrod Niemann
“Fever,” Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Brian Burton, recorded by the The Black Keys
“Play It Again,” Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, recorded by Luke Bryan
“Get Me Some of That,” Michael Carter, Rhett Akins, Cole Swindell, recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Rewind,” Eric Paslay, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, recorded by Rascal Flatts
“Ain’t It Fun,” Hayley Williams, Taylor York, recorded by Paramore
“Automatic,” Nicolle Gaylon, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert, recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Somethin’ Bad,” Chris DeStefano, Brett James, Priscilla Renea, recorded by Miranda Lambert feat Carrie Underwood
“Beat Of The Music,” Brett Eldredge, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan, recorded by Brett Eldredge
“My Eyes,” Andrew Dorff, Tommy Lee James, Josh Osborne, recorded by Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Sebastian
“Lettin’ The Night Roll,” Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Justin Moore
“Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church, Luke Laird, recorded by Eric Church
“American Kids,” Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, recorded by Kenny Chesney
“Beachin’,” Jaren Johnston, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, recorded by Jake Owen
“We Believe,” Richie Fike, Matt Hooper, Travis Ryan, recorded by Newsboys
“Dirt,” Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Yeah,” Ashley Gorley, Bryan Simpson, recorded by Joe Nichols
“Whiskey In My Water,” Tyler Farr, Phillip LaRue, John Ozier, recorded by Tyler Farr
“Who I Am With You,” Marv Green, Paul Jenkins, Jason Sellers, recorded by Chris Young

NMPA Holds Annual Songwriters Showcase in Nashville

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The National Music Publishers’ Association recently held its annual Songwriters Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Troy Verges, Caitlyn Smith, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and others took part in the event, where the writers were also honored with gold & platinum awards.

Rhett Akins receives 10 NMPA Gold & Platinum Awards at NMPA’s annual Songwriter Showcase at the Bluebird Café. Pictures: (L-R:) Mike Whelan (Sony/ATV), Rhett Akins, Tom Luteran (Sony/ATV), Terry Wakefield (Sony/ATV), David Israelite. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.


Caitlyn Smith and Rhett Akins perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.

Caitlyn Smith and Rhett Akins perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.


Ben Hayslip and Troy Verges perform during last night’s NMPA Songwriter Showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Photo: NMPA/Bev Moser.

Industry Ink: Staffing Changes at TKO, New APA Nashville Signing

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Michelle Tristan

Misha Williams Tristan


TKO Staffing Changes: TKO Artist Management has promoted Misha Williams Tristan from Publishing Coordinator to Director of Publishing. Tristan has been with the company for 3 ½ years. Additional promotions and hirings include Robby Schneider, who has been promoted from Personal Assistant to Management Assistant after two years with the company.
Kelly Bolton has added Management Assistant duties to her Brand Assistant responsibilities after one year with the company; Sophie Cape recently graduated from NYU’s Music Business program and has been hired as Executive Assistant to the President.
 

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doug seegers111

Doug Seegers


APA Nashville Adds To Roster: APA Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Doug Seegers to its roster. After spending numerous homeless nights with only a guitar at The Little Pantry That Could in the basement of West Nashville United Methodist Church, the 62-year-old singer-songwriter was discovered by Swedish Country artist Jill Johnson. While Johnson was shooting a documentary on street musicians, she met Seegers and took him to Cash Cabin Studios to record the song “Going Down To The River.” The song found success in Sweden, topping the iTunes chart.
Seegers will release his debut project on Lionheart Music Group, Going Down To The River on Rounder Records on Oct. 7, 2014. The project is produced by Will Kimbrough and features a duet with Emmylou Harris on “She,” which also features instrumentals on Harris’ Red Dirt Boys Band, and steel guitarist Al Perkins. Buddy Miller also makes an appearance on the project.

Industry Pics: Tomlin Celebrates RIAA Certs, Grand Ole Opry, T.J. Martell Foundation

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CCM artist Chris Tomlin held a private performance at Nashville’s 12th and Porter last week to preview songs from his upcoming 10th studio album, Love Ran Red, which will release Oct. 27.

During the event, sixstepsrecords’ Chief Strategist Shelley Giglio and Capitol CMG President Peter York presented Tomlin with plaques to certify the RIAA Platinum certification of his songs “How Great Is Our God” and “Our God,” as well as the RIAA Gold Certification of “Indescribable,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” “I Will Follow,” “I Will Rise,” and “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies).”

chris tomlin11

Pictured (L-R): Bill Hearn, Capitol Christian Music Group President & CEO; Chris Tomlin; Shelley Giglio, Chief Strategist, sixstepsrecords; Peter York, President, Capitol Christian Music Group

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During Friday evening’s (Sept. 12) Grand Ole Opry, Country legends Ray Stevens, Mel Tillis and Roy Clark reunited to share career memories and lots of laughs.

Pictured (L-R): Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens

Pictured (L-R): Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens

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Tommy Shaw, founder of STYX, recently presented Tinti Moffat (Director Strategic Development of the T.J. Martell Foundation) with a $50,000 check at the Let’s Talk Nashville fundraising event which took place Sept. 4 at the Nashville Country Club.
Guests included Brent Dougherty (Host of 3HL Sports Network), Joe Guercio (Musical Director/Composer for Elvis Presley), Pete Fisher (Vice President and General Manager, Grand Ol’ Opry), emcee John Dwyer (Former News Channel 2 Anchor) and many others.  Shaw presented the check on behalf of the Rock for a Cure Foundation which will be earmarked for future Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS research.

Pictured (L-R): Tinti Moffat, Tommy Shaw, Ben Jumper. Photo: Randi Radcliffe

Pictured (L-R): Tinti Moffat, Tommy Shaw, Ben Jumper. Photo: Randi Radcliffe

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30 Music Square West Tenants to Exit

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studio

Grand Victor Sound studio


Tenants of the building at 30 Music Sq. W. have been instructed to move out before Dec. 1, following the controversial sale of the property to Bravo Development.
The property is home to historic RCA Studio A, which is today know as Ben Folds’ Grand Victor Sound studio. Citing the legendary artists who recorded there, Folds rallied support to save the property from being sold and likely demolished. The sale to the developer went through anyway, and the building inspections that followed deemed it “no longer economically viable.”
Bravo’s Tim Reynolds released this statement yesterday (Sept. 15): “From the time I purchased this building at 30 Music Sq. W., I have been extremely candid about my intentions to fully assess its condition before making any decisions. I engaged structural, electrical and mechanical engineers to oversee that process and they came back with reports that detailed the extremely poor condition of both the 20,000-square-foot building and the 5,000-square-foot studio. I released those reports to the public several weeks ago so they could understand the situation better. It is based on these reports that I must make my decisions about this building moving forward. I have kept my tenants informed of the process and have been very open with them about what the future might hold.”
Read more about the studio’s history.

Nashville Celebrates Inaugural 'Women In Music City Awards'

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hillary scott1111

Hillary Scott. Photo: Nathan Morgan/Nashville Business Journal


The Nashville Business Journal celebrated several music business honorees last night (Sept. 15) at the Omni Nashville as part of its inaugural 2014 Women in Music City Awards. The event feted women in Nashville’s music business community who are making an impact on the $9.8 billion industry.
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott served as the keynote speaker. In attendance were Scott’s parents, MCN Interactive’s Lang Scott, and singer-songwriter Linda Davis.
Honorees included Marcie Allen of MAC Presents, Sharon Brawner of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Debbie Carroll of MusiCares, Tiffany Dunn of Loeb & Loeb LLP, Kerri Edwards of Kpentertainment, Leslie Fram of CMT-Viacom, Lisa Harless of Regions Bank, Ali Harnell of AEG Live/The Messina Group, Kelli Cashiola Haywood of Starstruck Entertainment Group, Laura Heatherly of T.J. Martell Foundation, Linda Edell Howard of Adams & Reese LLP, Martha Ivester of Creative Artists Agency, Beverly Keel of Middle Tennessee State University, Gina Keltner of Grand Ole Opry, Chandra LaPlume of Taillight, Shari Lewin of William Morris Endeavor, Cindy Mabe of Universal Music Group Nashville, Pam Matthews of International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), Mary Ann McCready of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Jill Napier of Music Services Inc., Erika Wollam Nichols of The Bluebird Café, Diane Pearson of City National Bank, Kelly Rich of Big Machine Label Group, Alison Smith of BMI, Ellen Truley of SESAC and Sally Williams of Ryman Auditorium/Opry Entertainment Group.

Clear Channel Becomes iHeartMedia

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Screen Shot 2014-09-16 at 8.50.52 AMClear Channel announced today (Sept. 16) that it has become iHeartMedia. The newly named company includes a wide range of advertising-supported, consumer-focused media businesses, including 859 radio stations in over 150 markets, iHeartMedia Digital, Premiere Networks,  the Total Traffic and Weather Network,20,000 live music events, its related companies, including Katz Media Group, and Clear Channel Outdoor, one of the world’s largest outdoor advertising companies. Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.  will retain the Clear Channel brand.
“iHeartMedia reflects our commitment to being the media company that provides the most entertainment to the most engaged audiences wherever they go, with more content and more events in more places on more devices,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “We have massive consumer reach and influence across our platforms because we know how to program the live content people want to hear, see and share right now, we are the largest mobile media company in existence — more than 60 percent of our broadcast usage is out of home, compared to just 30 percent for other mobile devices – and we deliver more live programming than any other media company today, built on the national and local on-air personalities who are the heart of our powerful broadcast radio franchises. Combined with Clear Channel Outdoor’s reach of over half a billion people worldwide across 30 countries and five continents, it’s clear that no other company can match our reach or broad spectrum of media platforms.”
In connection with the company’s new brand, the company’s ticker symbol (OTCCB: CCMO will also change, effective Sept. 17. Of the company’s major businesses, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment will become iHeartMedia; other company brands, including iHeartRadio, Premiere Networks, Total Traffic and Weather Network, Katz Media Group and RCS, will retain their current names.

Rucker Preps Debut Holiday Album

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Darius-Rucker-Home-For-The-Holidays-Christmas-Album-2014Darius Rucker will release his first Christmas album, Home For The Holidays, on Oct. 27 with Capitol Records Nashville.
Frank Rogers produced the 12-track album, which includes holiday classics and two Rucker originals, “Candy Cane Christmas” (Rucker/Rogers/Steve Leslie) and “What God Wants For Christmas” (Rucker/Rogers/Monty Criswell). Special guest appearances include Sheryl Crow for the holiday standard “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
Rucker is also in the studio prepping his fourth solo County album to be released in early 2015. The album’s debut single “Homegrown Honey” has just been released to Country radio.
Home For The Holidays Track Listing:
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
White Christmas
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Winter Wonderland
Please Come Home For Christmas
What God Wants For Christmas
Baby, It’s Cold Outside (feat. Sheryl Crow)
O Come, All Ye Faithful
You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Candy Cane Christmas

Jerrod Niemann Headlines The Ryman Auditorium

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jerrodOn Friday, September 12, Jerrod Niemann‘s childhood dream came true when he headlined the revered Ryman Auditorium to the delight of a packed house. “I remember when I first moved to town, my buddies and I would hang out in the honky-tonks off Lower Broadway and the Mother Church of Country Music would always smile down at us from her perch,” said Niemann. “It’s a rite of passage for all musicians to grace her stage as the main act.”
Donning his signature cap, the Sea Gayle Records/Artista Nashville artist opened with “We Know How to Rock,” from his third major label release, High Noon. And with his unique Country swagger, Niemann launched into “One More Drinking Song” for the enthusiastic crowd, followed by the newer song “I’m Here ‘Cause I Ain’t All There.”

Radio VIPs were treated to dinner at Jack's Bar-B-Que by Jerrod Niemann and the Artist Nashville promotion team last Friday evening prior to Jerrod's headline concert at The Ryman. Pictured (L-R): Front Row – *Rusty Sherrill, Mike Kennedy (PD, KBEQ), *Lesly Tyson, Charlie Cook (PD, WKDF/WSM) and Kay Manley (MD/APD WGKX); Middle Row – *Elizabeth Heller, Lana DeLuca (Promotions Cumulus), Lonnie Napier (Executive Producer American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, Kickin' It with Kix), Nikita Palmer (NASH Network Producer, Cumulus Media), Jerrod Niemann, Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Heather McBee (industry vet), Colleen Lelis (John Marks's wife); Back Row – Micheal Bryan (PD WSIX), *Andy Elliott, John Marks (SiriusXM Sr. Director of Programming), Will Overton (William Morris Endeavor), Bill Simmons (Fitzgerald-Hartley management), *Lauren Thomas, *Jeri Cooper, *Ali O'Connell and Christy Garbinski (Sony Promotion Rep; Photo Bomb: Robert Simon (Lesly Tyson's fiancé); Photo: Ivor Karabatkovic (* Arista Nashville promo staff)

Radio VIPs were treated to dinner at Jack’s Bar-B-Que by Jerrod Niemann and the Artista Nashville promo team prior to the concert. Pictured (L-R): Front Row – *Rusty Sherrill, Mike Kennedy (PD, KBEQ), *Lesly Tyson, Charlie Cook (PD, WKDF/WSM) and Kay Manley (MD/APD WGKX); Middle Row – *Elizabeth Heller, Lana DeLuca (Promotions Cumulus), Lonnie Napier (Exec. Producer American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, Kickin’ It with Kix), Nikita Palmer (NASH Network Producer, Cumulus Media), Jerrod Niemann, Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Heather McBee (industry vet), Colleen Lelis (John Marks’s wife); Back Row – Micheal Bryan (PD WSIX), *Andy Elliott, John Marks (SiriusXM Sr. Dir. of Programming), Will Overton (WME), Bill Simmons (Fitzgerald-Hartley management), *Lauren Thomas, *Jeri Cooper, *Ali O’Connell and Christy Garbinski (Sony Promotion Rep); Photo Bomb: Robert Simon (Lesly Tyson’s fiancé); Photo: Ivor Karabatkovic. (* Arista Nashville promo staff)


The set list included popular tunes “Only God Could Love You More,” “Shinin’ on Me,” “Beach Baby,” and “Lover, Lover,” which wooed the audience for a successful sing-along from the very first word. Two members of the six-man band, the Hung Jury, grabbed a trombone and saxophone to assist Niemann on his respectable rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” which the crowd loved.
He gave a shout out to fiancé Morgan Petek before performing “What Do You Want,” and shared that he would be getting married in a month, while more cheers ensued. During “Buzz Back Girl,” the current single from High Noon, Niemann took ample time shaking hands with members of the audience as they came forward to the stage.
Fan favorite “Donkey” caused a stampede of stomping feet on the auditorium’s wood floor, escalating the energy for his chart-topper: the RIAA Gold-certified multi-week No. 1 hit “Drink to That All Night.”
Opening for Niemann and continuing his Get Your Buzz Back Tour this fall, Big Loud Mountain’s Chris Lane warmed up the audience with several songs including his first single, “Broken Windshield View,” a showcase for his powerful vocals. Catching up with him backstage before his first ever performance at the Ryman, Lane told MusicRow about recording his first single. “The song title alone jumped out and grabbed me,” he says. The video features his work truck from his landscaping job before moving to Nashville. “It had a huge crack across the windshield,” he says. The video was shot in his hometown Kernersville, NC. “Singing is something I always enjoyed doing. Growing up, I would never do that in front of anybody, because sports was really all I ever knew growing up.” But that’s all changed now.
Chris Lane celebrates debut Ryman Auditorium performance backstage with his management team. Pictured (L-R): Back Row: Big Loud Mountain's Seth England, Akii Lanier, Big Loud Mountain’s Brandon Matthews, Chris Lane, Big Loud Mountain's Craig Wiseman, KK Wiseman, Big Loud Mountain’s Christina Sharpe and Big Loud Mountain's Joey Moim; Front Row – Denise Roxen, Big Loud Shirt’s Amy Allmand and Big Loud Mountain’s Bart Allmand

Chris Lane celebrates his debut Ryman Auditorium performance backstage with his management team. Pictured (L-R): Back Row: Big Loud Mountain’s Seth England, Akii Lanier, Big Loud Mountain’s Brandon Matthews, Chris Lane, Big Loud Mountain’s Craig Wiseman, KK Wiseman, Big Loud Mountain’s Christina Sharpe and Big Loud Mountain’s Joey Moi; Front Row – Denise Roxen, Big Loud Shirt’s Amy Allmand and Big Loud Mountain’s Bart Allmand