Lil Nas X Makes ‘TIME’ Cover

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Lil Nas X. Photo: Kelia Anne for TIME

Lil Nas X, the 20-year-old who found record-breaking success with his history-making hit “Old Town Road,” is featured on the cover of the current issue of TIME.

TIME’s Andrew Chow writes, “The fact that Lil Nas has risen so far and so fast testifies not only to his skill, but also to the erosion of the systems that for generations kept artists like him on the sidelines. As streaming and social media have democratized pathways to success, hip-hop—once an outlet for disenfranchised people of color—has become the dominant sound of popular music. More and more in recent years, hip-hop has been merging with country, a genre long associated with white conservatism…. At a time when debates about categorization and identity are ubiquitous, Lil Nas X represents a more unified vision of the future, one in which a young queer black man can dominate popular culture by being unapologetically himself.”

“Everything lined up for this moment to take me to this place,” Lil Nas X tells the outlet. “Not to sound self-centered, but it feels like I’m chosen, in a way, to do this stuff.”

The star discusses how streaming and meme culture have changed the music industry, his genre-blending success, the impact of coming out on Twitter during Pride month, and his journey to accepting his newfound fame. Read the full story at TIME.

 

UMPG Signs Hillsong To European Administration, Writer Development Agreement

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UMPG has signed Hillsong to an administration and writer development agreement in Europe.

The agreement includes both Hillsong Music Publishing and SHOUT! Music Publishing. Hillsong Music Publishing is the publishing arm of Hillsong Church, which has locations in 23 countries and 200,000 people attending services every week. UMPG will work with Hillsong to provide publishing administration services for the church’s catalogue in Europe. The deal will also allow for UMPG and Hillsong to collaborate in writer development opportunities, as well as new joint signings.

SHOUT! Music Publishing is home to an international roster of composers, writers and catalogues, including Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, Reuben Morgan, Benjamin Hastings, Alex Pappas, Aodhan King, Hannah Hobbs, Melody Wagner, Ryan Taubert and most recent signing, Josh Grimmett (GOODBOYS).

“The administration agreement with Hillsong is a fantastic relationship that has grown from initially exploring collaborative and creative ideas to formalising a partnership in a unique environment,” said Dougie Bruce, UMPG UK. “We are looking forward to integrating their writers into our team and identifying key opportunities across the music sphere. UMPG will also handle some 11,000 existing works, and new signings and songs will further increase this catalogue.”

“UMPG are leaders in the music publishing world and we’re looking forward to exploring the opportunities for our song writers and have great respect and trust in their team,” said Steve McPherson, Publishing Manager of Hillsong. “We have had fruitful relationships within the Universal family in different parts of the world for many years and we’re very excited to extend this to the UK and Europe.”

CAA Promotes Katie Anderson To Music Leadership Team

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Katie Anderson. Photo: CAA

CAA has promoted Nashville-based Katie Anderson to its music leadership team, MusicRow has confirmed. In her new role, she will work with Co-Heads Darin Murphy, Brian Manning and Marc Dennis (Nashville) as well as Darryl Eaton, Rob Light, Mitch Rose and Rick Roskin (Los Angeles).

“We’re thrilled for Katie as she assumes her new role. Over the years, she has proven to be an invaluable colleague and friend whose insights and expertise will continue to be a true asset to the department.” Roskin said.

Anderson previously served as an executive in strategy and operations at CAA, and began working in the company’s music department in 2006.

Industry Ink: Blake Shelton, ACM, BMI

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Blake Shelton Celebrates RIAA Cert

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks, Blake Shelton and John Esposito attend the No. 1 Party for “God’s Country” at Ole Red on Aug. 07, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

Blake Shelton recently celebrated his two-week No. 1,“God’s Country” with his team at Warner Music Nashville. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.

Pictured (L-R): Shane Tarleton, Scott Hendricks, Blake Shelton, John Esposito and Narvel Blackstock. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

 

Cody Webb Visits ACM

Pictured (L-R): Greg Burroughs, Copperline Music Group; Cody Webb; RAC Clark, Interim ACM Executive Director; Rusty Harmon, Copperline Music Group. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Copperline Music Group’s Cody Webb to the office while he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Webb performed his current single, “Jon Boat,” along with a few other songs from his self-titled EP, Cody Webb.

 

BMI Partners With Warner Chappell For New Sounds of Nashville

 

For the second year in a row, BMI partnered with publisher Warner Chappell to curate talent for The New Sounds of Nashville, an interactive and intimate experience for the guests at Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida, this Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 1). This year’s lineup includes veteran songwriters Sarah Buxton, Casey Beathard, and Dylan Altman, as well as Ben Burgess, Brett Tyler, Randy Montana, Trent Harmon, and Troy Cartwright.

Hatch Foundation Holds Music Licensing Symposium

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Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, leads a panel discussion.

Yesterday (Aug. 13), the Hatch Center—the policy arm of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation—hosted a symposium entitled “Music Licensing in the 21st Century.”

Speakers included Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice; Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters; Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; Michael O’Neill, President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc; and Orrin G. Hatch, Chairman Emeritus of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.

“What an honor to have so many music luminaries here in our own backyard,” said Hatch. “As a lifelong songwriter myself, I have long advocated on behalf of the talented men and women who contribute greatly to our arts and culture through their work in the recording industry. Today we heard insightful commentary from a handful of policymakers who are committed to building on the coordinated effort between lawmakers and stakeholders that resulted in the Music Modernization Act last year.”

“In true Orrin Hatch fashion, today’s symposium brought together two sides of an issue to work towards a unifying solution,” said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. “The focus of our discussion was on striking a balance in music licensing: We need a regulatory environment that allows our broadcasters to thrive, but we also need consent decrees that work for our songwriters and publishers. The biggest takeaway from today is that we can do both.”

Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice

Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters

Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers

Michael O’Neill, President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc.

Staff Promotions At NSAI

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Pictured (clockwise from top left): Goad, Hudson, Perry, Parker

The Nashville Songwriters Association International has promoted four staffers. Nina Goad has been promoted to Executive Assistant to NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. Goad will also assist Herbison and NSAI’s Director of Operations Jennifer Turnbow on legislative and advocacy work.

Leah Hudson has been named NSAI member representative-member events director, and will assume responsibility for NSAI’s Tin Pan South and both of NSAI’s Summer Song Camps. McKenzie Parker has been named NSAI Chapter Director, overseeing NSAI’s 100 chapters around the world. Brooke Perry has been appointed Fulfillment and Production Manager, handling production and logistics for the Nashville Songwriter Awards, Tin Pan South, Sponsorships, and assisting Turnbow.

Hunter Hayes To Release Album ‘Wild Blue (Part 1)’ On Friday

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Hunter Hayes had a surprise for his fans Wednesday morning, as he announced he will release Wild Blue (Part 1), his first album in four years, on Friday, Aug. 16. The album will be the first in a trilogy of albums.

During his visit to NBC’s Today, Hayes thanked his fans for sticking with him through the past few years.

“You’ve been patient and you’ve also given me the strength to be here.” he said. “I was originally going to put out the album on the anniversary of my debut album, because I felt like I was picking up where I left off there, but I decided I couldn’t wait any longer.

Over the past several months, Hayes has introduced fans to selections from the project, including “Dear God,” “One Shot,” and “One Good Reason.” Last night, he released the title track from the album, “Wild Blue.”

Wild Blue Track Listing:
1. Madness (Hunter Hayes, Sam Ellis, Sara Haze)
2. Wild Blue (Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges, Gordie Sampson)
3. Heartbreak (Hunter Hayes, Thomas “Tawgs” Salter, Gordie Sampson, Simon Wilcox)
4. One Good Reason (Hunter Hayes, Sam Ellis)
5. Dear God (Hunter Hayes, Andy Grammer, Dave Spencer)*
6. Loving You (Hunter Hayes, Jordan Reynolds, Dave Barnes)
7. My Song Too (Hunter Hayes, Jordan Reynolds, Dave Barnes)
8. One Shot (Hunter Hayes)**
9. Night and Day (Hunter Hayes, Derrick Southerland, Sam Ellis)
10. Still (Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges, Tommee Profitt)^
Produced by Hunter Hayes and Sam Ellis
* Produced by Hunter Hayes and Dave Spencer
** Produced by Hunter Hayes
^ Produced and Engineered by Hunter Hayes

 

YouTube video

 

Lauren Daigle, for KING & COUNTRY, Kirk Franklin Lead 50th Annual Dove Awards Nominees

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Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle leads this year’s GMA Dove Awards nominees, earning six award nominations, including Song of the Year for her smash hit “You Say,” as well as Artist of the Year.

Duo for KING & COUNTRY, and Gospel mainstay Kirk Franklin, earned five nods each. Among for KING & COUNTRY’s nods are Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“joy.”), and Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (for “God Only Knows”). Franklin’s nominations include Gospel Artist of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“Love Theory”), among others.

Also nominated for Artist of the Year are Hillsong UNITED, MercyMe, and TobyMac.

Artist of the Year

for KING & COUNTRY, Curb / Word Entertainment

Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music / Capitol CMG

Lauren Daigle, Centricity

MercyMe, Fair Trade

TobyMac, Forefront / Capitol CMG

 

Song of the Year

“Counting Every Blessing” – (writers) Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, (publishers) Capitol CMG Paragon, Rend Family Music

“Everything” – (writers) David Garcia, Toby McKeehan, (publishers) Achtober Songs, D Soul Music, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing

“joy.” – (writers) Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Matt Hales, Seth Mosley, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Tedd Tjornhom, (publishers) 9t One Songs, Ariose Music, CentricSongs, Curb Wordspring Music LLC, Fleauxmotion Music, Kilns Music, Method to the Madness, Shankel Songs, Shaun Shankel Pub Designee, Stephen Blake Kanicka Publishing, These Tunes Go To 11, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“Known” – (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Capitol CMG Paragon, Crucial Music Entertainment, EGH Music Publishing

“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs

“Only Jesus” – (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, My Refuge Music, One77 Songs

“Red Letters” – (writers) David Crowder, Ed Cash, (publishers) Alletrop Music, Inot Music, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.com songs

“The Breakup Song” – (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli, (publishers) Bartatronic Millaphonic, D Soul Music, Francesca Music, Tunes of MercyMe, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing, Word Music LLC

“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing

“Won’t He Do It” – (writers) Loren Hill, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Rich Shelton, (publishers) SONGSBYMAK, Janice Combs Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Nieze World Music, One Dynasty Music

“You Say” – (writers) Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury, Lauren Daigle, (publishers) CentricSongs, Fellow Ships Music, Flychild Publishing, So Essential Tunes

 

New Artist of the Year

Aaron Cole, Gotee Records

Austin French, Fair Trade

Josh Baldwin, Bethel Music

Kelontae Gavin, MBE / Tyscot

Riley Clemmons, Sparrow Records / Capitol CMG

 

Gospel Artist of the Year

Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group

Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Records

Koryn Hawthorne, RCA Inspiration

Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel

Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration

 

Worship Song of the Year

“Build My Life” – (writers) Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Kaple Music, Martin Karl Andrew, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music Thankyou Music worshiptogether.com songs

“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs

“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” – (writer) Elyssa Smith, (publisher) UR Global Publishing

“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing

“Yes I Will” – (writers) Eddie Hoagland, Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, (publishers) All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Hickory Bill Doc, Jingram Music Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Upside Down Under

 

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

“Only Jesus” – Casting Crowns, (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West

“God Only Knows” – for KING & COUNTRY, (writers) Joel Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom

“The Breakup Song” – Francesca Battisteli, (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli

“You Say” – Lauren Daigle, (writers) Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury

“Known” – Tauren Wells, (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells

 

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“Blessings On Blessings” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy, (writer) Anthony Brown

“Make Room” – Jonathan McReynolds, (writer) Jonathan McReynolds

“Love Theory” – Kirk Franklin, (writer) Kirk Franklin

“Unstoppable” – Koryn Hawthorne, (writers) Kid Class, Makeba Riddick, Robert D. Reese

“My God (feat. Mr. Talkbox)” – Nashville Life Music, (writer) Dwan Hill

 

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“Longing For Home” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Hasse, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun

“We Are All God’s Children” – Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Benjamin Gaither, Sara Beth Terry, Todd Suttles

“How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs)” – Josh Turner, (writer) Stuart K. Hine

“I Know I’ll Be There” – Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun

“Even Me” – Triumphant Quartet, (writers) Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West

 

Inspirational Film of the Year  

Breakthrough – (director) Roxann Dawson, (producers) DeVon Franklin, Jessica Dunn

Indivisible – (director) David G. Evans, (producers) Darren Moorman, David G. Evans, Esther Evans

Run The Race – (director) Chris Dowling, (producers) Darren Moorman, Jake McEntire, Ken Carpenter

Unbroken: Path to Redemption – (director) Harold Cronk, (producers) Matt Baer, Mike Elliot

Unplanned – (directors) Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon, (producers) Cary Solomon, Chris Jones, Chuck Konzelman, Daryl C. Lefever, Fabiano Altamura, Jason Stafford, Joe Knopp, Mark Cheatwood, Megan Harrington, Sheila Hart

 

The Dove Awards are to be held live Tuesday, October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air on TBN on Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST

Warner Chappell Music, Round Hill Music Announce Global Partnership

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Warner Chappell Music has inked an exclusive sub-publishing agreement with Round Hill Music. Warner Chappell will administer Round Hill copyrights around the world, excluding the United States, the British Isles and the Nordics. Warner Chappell Music will also explore creative opportunities for Round Hill songs and songwriters across the globe.

“In less than a decade, Round Hill has built an extraordinary collection of evergreen copyrights and iconic catalogs, while at the same time signing some of today’s most exciting and gifted songwriters,” said Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot and Co-Chair & COO Carianne Marshall. “The global potential is enormous, and all of us at Warner Chappell around the world are thrilled to partner with Josh, Richard, Neil and the entire Round Hill team to find new avenues and audiences for this amazing body of work.”

“Carianne and Guy have a vision for Warner Chappell that works really well for the Round Hill catalog overseas,” said Round Hill Music President Neil Gillis. “We know and respect their team, and we are looking forward to a long and wonderful partnership.”

Round Hill was founded in 2010 by Josh Gruss along with Richard Rowe and Neil Gillis. Its catalog includes hit songs such as “Happy Together,” “All of Me,” “She Loves You,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “Calendar Girl,” “Living In America,” “Cool Kids,” “Best Day Of My Life,” “Fever,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Total Eclipse Of The Heart,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Bye, Bye, Bye,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Cherry Pie,” “Land of A Thousand Dances,” I Feel Good,” “Marry You,” “What A Wonderful World,” and many more.

Some of Round Hill’s current artists and songwriters include Valerie Broussard, Brittany Howard, Des Rocs, Topaz Jones, Morgan Taylor Reid, Tim Myers, Cobi, Thutmose, Mama Haze, Gramatik, Shawn Hook, TT the Artist, Palm Springsteen, Marc Broussard, REZZ, Nick Waterhouse, Confidence Man, Bones UK, Katie Pruitt, Mr. Gabriel, Ryan Shaw, Langhorn Slim and bands such as American Authors, Yonaka, Bronze Radio Returns, SHEL, Sleater-Kinney, Lettuce, Florida Georgia Line, Too Many Zooz, Royal Teeth, VHS Collection, and Umphrey’s McGee.

Round Hill Nashville’s roster of hit songwriters includes Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Jimmy Robbins, Wade Kirby, Eric Arjes, and Danny Myrick. Through a partnership with Big Loud, Round Hill Nashville also represents writers like Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Sarah Buxton, and Matt Dragstrem.

RIAA Certifications: Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ Hits 4x Multi-Platinum

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has revealed a slate of recent Gold and Platinum certifications. Chris Stapleton‘s breakthrough debut solo album Traveller, which released in 2015, has been certified 4x Multi-Platinum as of July 24.

So far in August, Platinum single certifications have included Chase Rice‘s “Eyes On You,” the Jason Aldean/Miranda Lambert collaboration “Drowns The Whiskey,” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Miss Me More.” Old Dominion‘s “Hotel Key” has been certified Gold as has their album Happy Endings. Lauren Daigle‘s “You Say” has been certified 2x Multi-Platinum.

In July, Maren Morris‘ debut album HERO was certified Platinum, while Keith Urban‘s 2018 album Graffiti U was certified Gold.

Blake Shelton earns three Gold and Platinum certifications for his singles “I Lived It,” “I’ll Name The Dogs,” and his latest chart-topper “God’s Country.” Stapleton’s signature rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” reaches 6x Multi-Platinum status.

Newcomer Morgan Wallen celebrates a Platinum single with “Whiskey Glasses,” as does Jimmie Allen with “Best Shot.”

 

Albums

Chris Stapleton, Traveller – 4x Multi-Platinum

Maren Morris, HERO – Platinum

Keith Urban, Graffiti U – Gold

Old Dominion, Happy Endings – Gold

Single Certifications

Chase Rice, “Eyes On You” – Platinum

Jason Aldean ft. Miranda Lambert, “Drowns The Whiskey” – Platinum

Kelsea Ballerini, “Miss Me More” – Platinum

Old Dominion, “Hotel Key” – Gold

Lauren Daigle, “You Say” – 2x Multi-Platinum

Blake Shelton, “I Lived It”- Gold

Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs” – Platinum

Blake Shelton, “God’s Country” – Platinum

Keith Urban, “Somebody Like You” – 2x Multi-Platinum

Brett Eldredge, “Love Someone” – Gold

Chris Stapleton, “Tennessee Whiskey” – 6x Multi-Platinum

Chris Stapleton, “Millionaire,” – Platinum

Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos” – 2x Multi-Platinum

Morgan Wallen, “Whiskey Glasses” – Platinum

Scotty McCreery, “This Is It” – Platinum

Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am (Live)” – Gold

Casting Crowns, “Oh My Soul”- Gold

Casting Crowns, “Thrive” – Gold

Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be” – 8x Multi-Platinum

Lee Brice, “Rumor” – Platinum

Russell Dickerson, “Blue Tacoma” – Platinum

Maren Morris, “GIRL” – Gold

Maren Morris, “The Bones” – Gold

Jimmie Allen, “Best Shot” – Platinum

Tim McGraw, “Something Like That” – Platinum

Tim McGraw, “Just To See You Smile” – Platinum

Tim McGraw, “Live Like You Were Dying” – 3x Multi-Platinum

Tim McGraw, “When The Stars Go Blue” – Platinum

Tim McGraw, “The Cowboy In Me” – Gold

Tim McGraw, “I Need You” – Platinum

Tim McGraw, “Where The Green Grass Grows” – Gold

Tim McGraw, “Real Good Man” – Gold

Tim McGraw, “My Next Thirty Years” – Gold

Tim McGraw, “My Best Friend” – Platinum