Morgan Wallen Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Thinkin’ Bout Me’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

In just nine weeks, Morgan Wallen‘s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. The chart-topper follows Wallen’s “Everything I Love” reaching No. 1 on the MusicRow chart one month ago.

Written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Ryan Vojtesak, the hip-hop infused country hit appears on Wallen’s blockbuster third studio album One Thing At A Time. The project arrived in March as the No. 1 album on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for 12 consecutive weeks; the most at the top for a country album in over 30 years.

“Thinkin’ Bout Me” currently sits at No. 2 on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton’s New ‘Stately Ballad Is Exquisite’

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DISClaimer slows things down today as the country stars concentrate on ballads.

Most of them are romances, paced by Disc of the Day winner Chris Stapleton’s heart-warming “It Takes a Woman.” In addition, lend your ears to the highly listenable offerings by Tanner Adell and Colbie Caillat.

Also checking in with a ballad is our DISCovery Award winner, Roman Alexander.

This turned out to be a day for comebacks as Lisa Brokop, Shenandoah and Carolyn Dawn Johnson all return to the scene.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Sick of Sex”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Emily Reid; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Empire
– This is a pop ballad that explores a topic I don’t believe has been addressed in song before. It is quite wordy and complex, so I doubt radio will play it.

ZACH BRYAN & THE LUMINEERS / “Spotless”
Writers: Zach Bryan/Wesley Schultz/Jeremy Caleb Fraites; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner
– This guy is always worth a listen. On this spare, stark, ear-catching ballad he’s joined by the Americana stars who chant along as he unspools this lyric of a downer heading nowhere romantically. If you haven’t listened to his self-titled collection, you should.

MADELINE MERLO / “Tim + Faith”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Madeline Merlo/Parker Welling/Stephony Smith/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– This lady is a spectacular vocalist, and this dandy slice of romantic nostalgia just might be the tune that lets the whole world know it. The lyric cleverly folds in the power couple’s hit titles. I’m in.

JON PARDI & LUKE BRYAN / “Cowboys and Plowboys”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Two hicks swapping country cliches. Probably a hit.

ELVIE SHANE / “Pill”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The lovely, echoey production and Shane’s captivating voice draw you into a dark tale of a struggle with addiction. Essential listening.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “It Takes a Woman”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ronnie Bowman/Jerry Salley; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This stately ballad is exquisite. Wrap your loved one in your arms and slow dance around the room while his magic voice swirls in the air.

RESTLESS ROAD / “You Don’t Have to Love Me”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Nate Kenyon/Shawn Austin/Zach Beeken; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Nashville/1021
– As always with this group, the singing is lustrous and warm. The ultra-romantic ballad is immensely comforting.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Meant for Me”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/AJ Pruis/Liz Rose; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– The Grammy-winning pop star slips easily into country music on her new Along the Way collection. This lushly produced, romantic ballad from it flows as smoothly as liquid gold.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON / “Road Blocks”
Writers: Carolyn Dawn Johnson/Jennifer Lynn Kennard/Oscar Charles; Producer: Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Label: CDJ
– Johnson re-enters the music scene with a snappy country rocker about persevering through difficulties. Well worth your spins.

SHENANDOAH & LUKE COMBS / “Two Dozen Roses”
Writers: Mac McAnally/Robert Byrne; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Shenandoah dusts off its chart-topping 1989 hit with a mighty assist from our reigning country Entertainer of the Year. A classic song performed by classic singers.

ROMAN ALEXANDER & KARLY SCOTT COLLINS / “Downtime”
Writers: Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Mark Holman/Brett Tyler; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RA
– This sultry slow jam showcases both voices admirably. It’s snuggle, cuddle-up music in front of the evening fireplace. Alexander seems to be specializing in female collaborations, having previously sung with Alana Springsteen and Ashley Cooke. This title tune of his EP was co-written by Beeken, Nichols and Pack, who are collectively better known as Restless Road.

LISA BROKOP & GEORGETTE JONES / “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels”
Writers: Lisa Brokop/Max D. Barnes/Troy Seals; Producers: Chuck Rhodes/Buddy Hyatt; Label: BFD
– The Canadian country award winner returns after a 10-year pause between albums. The title tune of her comeback collection is a female version of the iconic George Jones hit from 1985. George’s daughter lends her terrific voice to the track. The whole thing chimes with charisma.

TANNER ADELL / “Luke Combs”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Evan Cline/Tanner Adell; Producer: Evan Cline; Label: Columbia
– Sweet, touching, vulnerable, lilting and charming. She listens to the radio and wishes she could be “the girl in a Luke Combs song” like “Better Together” or “Forever After All.” This so richly deserves to be a smash.

Stephanie Alderman Named Partner At Farris, Self & Moore​

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Stephanie Alderman

Business manager Stephanie Alderman has been promoted to Partner at Farris, Self & Moore (FSM). The firm will continue with its current name, but will now include Alderman in all leadership decisions and high-level initiatives, effective immediately.

Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, Alderman kicked off her career by gaining a wide range of experience spanning artist management, publicity and tour production. She found her stride in business management, and now has helmed finances for established recording artists, major touring acts and up-and-coming songwriters for over 15 years.

“Stephanie Alderman is undeniably one of the best business managers in our business,” share Founding Partners Kella Farris, Stephanie Self and Catherine Moore in a joint statement. “Her ability to relate and listen to her clients, create a financial strategy, and then execute it effortlessly is truly exceptional. Her all-in approach, innovation, and authenticity make her the perfect fit for our leadership team.”

“I’m thrilled to become a partner at FSM and work alongside Kella, Stephanie, and Catherine in growing this exceptional firm,” says Alderman. “We share the same values and vision, and FSM has shown day-in and day-out to be a unique player in the industry — one that offers all-in, exceptional service to clients throughout their lifetime, empowers and invests in employees’ growth, and continually gives back to the entire music industry ecosystem. I’m proud to collaborate with this incredible team and delighted by the opportunity to help scale our impact in the years ahead.”

Alderman can be reached at salderman@fsmnash.com.

In This Issue: MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue Features A Legion Of Experts

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MusicRow Magazine’s recently released 2023 Publisher Issue offers a myriad of resources for industry professionals and songwriters.

This annual edition contains a comprehensive Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies as well as organizations available for songwriters.

In addition to the valuable directory, the 2023 Publisher Issue brings back the State of the Union roundtable, including UMPG Vice President of A&R, Missy Roberts; Warner Chappell Vice President of A&R, BJ Hill; Sony Music Publishing Vice President of Creative A&R, Kenley Flynn; Curb | Word Entertainment Vice President of Country Publishing & Creative, Colt Murski and 50 Egg Music Co-Owner/President, Tali Canterbury.

These top executives discuss the implications of AI on publishing, catalog sales, TikTok, outside songs and more.

When asked about AI, Murski, shared, “It’s a whole new frontier. I feel like I’m just sitting back watching the destruction coming, but it could be a tool. I remember when Napster happened, everybody was afraid of it and they were trying to shut it down. There’s a little bit of that vibe going on, but eventually we had to learn to embrace it. It’s better to just start learning how to embrace it and get on the forefront of the legalities and the creativity of how we’re going to handle it moving forward.”

In a section titled “Doin’ Deals With Derek,” Loeb & Loeb Partner and Co-Manager of the Nashville office, Derek C. Crownover, talks to MusicRow about trending music industry deals and offers some advice.

“We’ve got some artist deals that are changing people’s lives right now,” he said. Creating generational wealth and creating wealth that’s going to stay in Nashville. That’s what I’m excited about.”

Elsewhere, Concord Music Publishing Senior Vice President of A&R, Brad Kennard, speaks about the company’s resurgence in Nashville. Over the last few years, Kennard has worked to grow the Music City roster and staff, resulting in industry-leading deals and successes.

“We’re not looking for redundancy, we’re not looking to just get everything for sale, it’s really intentional,” Kennard shared about building his roster. “Every time an opportunity comes up, we ask ourselves: ‘Are we passionate? Does this person bring something unique to the table? Can we make a deal that makes sense for both parties?'”

Additionally, Anthem Music Publishing’s Gilles Godard spoke to MusicRow about his journey from a staff writer at the company to his promotion to President of the Nashville office last summer. He spoke about his approach to publishing and Anthem’s creative mindset.

Godard shared, “I think the secret to success is nurturing your writers and helping them write up and sign their way to the correct collaborations. Sometimes it’s not by putting them in a room with a No. 1 writer. Sometimes it’s putting them in the room with the writers at their level, which is the next wave of hits.”

In the annual Writers’ Notes section of the 2023 Publisher Issue, MusicRow interviewed Warner Chappell/Home Team Music Publishing’s Parker Welling, Sony Music Publishing’s Madeline Edwards, Big Machine Music’s Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose Music/Warner Chappell’s Cameron Bedell, UMPG/Back Blocks Music’s Lily Rose and newly-inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rafe Van Hoy. Each songwriter spoke about their success stories and personal hit-making approaches.

Also included in the 2023 Publisher Issue is a My Music Row Story feature on ASCAP’s AVP of Strategic Services, Nashville Membership Kele Currier, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund, a look at MusicRow‘s weekly Top Songwriter Chart and more.

COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville artist Cody Johnson graces the cover of the 2023 Publisher Issue.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

On The Cover: MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue Features Cody Johnson On Cover

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MusicRow Magazine has released its 2023 Publisher Issue print edition, with COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville artist Cody Johnson gracing its cover.

This highly-anticipated annual resource includes the 2023 Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies as well as organizations available for songwriters.

“The annual Publisher Issue, curated by MusicRow, accentuates the publishers and lyricists who form the bedrock of our industry. It unfolds a comprehensive Publisher Directory, profiles spotlighted songwriters, and features exclusive articles written by our stellar MusicRow team,” shares Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher of MusicRow Magazine.

Back again in the 2023 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG’s Missy Roberts, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn, Curb | Word Entertainment’s Colt Murski and 50 Egg Music’s Tali Canterbury.

Elsewhere, Loeb & Loeb’s Derek C. Crownover tells MusicRow about trending music industry deals, and ASCAP’s Kele Currier is the subject of the popular My Music Row Story column.

For the 2023 Publisher Issue, Concord’s Brad Kennard speaks to MusicRow about the company’s resurgence in Nashville, and Gilles Godard sheds light on Anthem Music Publishing Nashville’s bright future. Additionally, this issue offers a look at some of the publishing news hits of this year.

MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Warner Chappell/Home Team Music Publishing’s Parker Welling, Sony Music Publishing’s Madeline Edwards, Big Machine Music’s Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose Music/Warner Chappell’s Cameron Bedell, UMPG/Back Blocks Music’s Lily Rose and newly-inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rafe Van Hoy.

Cover star Johnson is known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, and has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly attend his sold-out shows across the country. MusicRow predicted early on that Johnson “just might be the future of real country music” as his career has now skyrocketed with three celebrated albums, Human: The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas and Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live, as well as an award-winning feature-length documentary Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story. He has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award and nearly five billion global streams after increasing his streams in both 2021 and 2022 by one million each year.

His numerous industry honors include recognition as a CMT Artist of The Year, three CMT Music Awards wins, two CMA Awards and being named Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards. His television appearances have entertained fans on the Today show, The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, in addition to outstanding live TV performances at the iHeart Music Awards, the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill and the CMT Artist of the Year special. Johnson’s stellar 2023 CMT Music Awards performances included hit “Human” and featured him as a lead vocalist on a show-stopping all-star tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring a stacked lineup of music royalty including Johnson, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Paul Rodgers, Slash and Warren Haynes, alongside LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd. This summer on the CMA Fest 2023 special, Johnson and Reba McEntire delivered a knock-out rendition of “Whoever’s in New England.”

Johnson recently released “The Painter,” the first single from his third studio album, Leather, due out Nov. 3. The single launched with the biggest radio add date of his career with 73 stations jumping to put the song on air.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Dolly Parton To Perform Halftime Show At Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton will perform in Texas at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show, during the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders.

The Dallas Thanksgiving Day game, airing on CBS, has become the most-watched regular season game of the year, drawing 42 million viewers last year. Parton will perform her biggest hits as well as songs from her new Rockstar album, out Nov. 17. The Thanksgiving Day game marks the official start of one of the longest-running annual fundraisers of its kind that has been a Cowboys tradition for 27 years. The halftime show puts a national spotlight on the need of millions during the holiday season, rallying for donations to The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which began in 1891.

“Wow! What an honor to get to kick off The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign with the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys game this Thanksgiving,” Parton shares. “Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times. My goal is to encourage everyone who can to donate and support their neighbors in need. Every small act of generosity helps, and together, we can all love our neighbors this holiday season and beyond.”

“Dolly’s contagious energy and positive spirit are just what we need to support The Salvation Army’s enormous effort to make this holiday bright for millions of individuals and families in need,” adds Charlotte Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer for the Dallas Cowboys and former National Advisory Board Chairperson for The Salvation Army. “Dolly’s music has a way of inspiring hope, and we’re thrilled to have her on our national stage to spotlight the campaign this year.”

The Red Kettle Campaign is especially needed now to meet the increasing needs of millions of families living in the U.S. As the nation’s largest private provider of social services, The Salvation Army works to provide Christmas gifts, food, shelter and rent and utility assistance to millions of people struggling this holiday season and beyond. Funds raised in 2022 supported services for nearly 24 million people living in America.

Chase McGill Inches Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Chase McGill. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Chase McGill shifts up two spots on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week to No. 5. McGill is a co-writer on Luke Bryan’s “But I Got A Beer In My Hand,” Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl” and Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen’s new collaboration, “Mamaw’s House.”

Zach Bryan maintains his position at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the sixth consecutive week this week, while Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Tracy Chapman (No. 3) and Jelly Roll (No. 4) complete the top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

‘Try That In A Small Town’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart For The Second Time

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After hitting No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in August, Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” is back at the top spot six weeks later.

Written by Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy and Kurt Allison, “Try That In A Small Town” will appear on Aldean’s 11th studio album Highway Desperado, due out Nov. 3. The song topped the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 songs chart in July, marking Aldean’s first Hot 100 No. 1.

“Try That In A Small Town” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hailey Whitters’ New Tune Is ‘Fizzy As Soda Pop’

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Our veterans today are Sawyer Brown and Miss Reba. Our newcomers are Dillon James and Chris Ryan. The “borrowed” tune is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

As for something blue, that would be “Scared to Go to Church” by our DISCovery Award winner, Chris Ryan, with an assist by Jelly Roll.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Hailey Whitters. Her challengers for the crown were all collabs—Craig Morgan & Luke Combs, Miko Marks & The Fisk Jubilee Singers and Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves.

NOAH KAHAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “She Calls Me Back”
Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Noah Kahan/Gabe Simon; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– New Englander Kahan is a huge Americana favorite. His pairing with Nashville’s Musgraves is a hooky pop-rocker with a delicious punch. The wordy song is brought down to earth when Musgraves starts singing lead about midway through, and then the two singers take it home, joyously, together.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I’ll Be a Bartender”
Writers: Rocky Block/John Byron/Grady Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jacob Durrett/Grady Block; Label: Curb
– If you are heartbroken, head on over to Scott’s kitchen counter and he’ll mix you a pick-me-up. It helps that he’s got a crush on ya. The wooshing production of this breezy, midtempo outing adds perfect support to his supple singing.

MORGAN EVANS / “Thank God She’s a Country Girl”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Jesse Frasure/John Sommers; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Label: Warner
– It’s a rewrite of the 1975 John Denver smash “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Sommers was the song’s first creator. Evans and Frasure flip the gender and perspective. Thanks, I’ll take the original.

CARLY PEARCE / “Heels Over Head”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Producers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– It’s not a single, yet, but this new track is as cleverly written as anything she’s done to date. The fiddle-led track skips along jauntily as she describes the cheap trash he’s fallen for. In the bedroom, the new gal is “heels over head” for him, you see.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love”
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Nicolle Galyon/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Pigasus/Songs & Daughters
– Adorable. As cute as a kitten. As fizzy as soda pop. Ya gotta love this little ray of sunshine. Whitters is the reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is vying for a similar CMA award next month. Play this.

SAWYER BROWN / “Get Me to the Stage on Time”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– The durable band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new documentary film, and this is its title tune. It is upbeat and propulsive like much of their classic work, but is not retro sounding. It’s very engaging and up to date.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Southern Sound”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jon Green/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown/Jon Green; Label: FH
– Hagood hosts “Trailblazers Radio” on Apple Radio. This tune teases his sophomore album. It’s the follow-up to his Southern Curiosity collection, which has accumulated more than 30 million streams. What we have here is a plaintive, aching plea of young lovers. Hagood’s heartbreak tenor vocal is framed by an echoey electronic production that is lustrous.

REBA McENTIRE / “Seven Minutes in Heaven”
Writers: Olivia Rudeen/Matt Wynn; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– The Country Music Hall of Famer’s new Not That Fancy collection mainly consists of stripped down versions of some of her biggest hits. It also includes her new single, this tender-hearted ballad about missing a loved one. As always, she delivers the goods as a singer.

DILLON JAMES / “Walking Man”
Writers: Dillon James/Paul Sikes/Paul Wrock; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Paul Sikes; Label: Buena Vista/UMG/19 Recordings
– This American Idol alumnus rose from homelessness and substance abuse to garner a country recording contract. His disc debut has a deep-twang production and an intense vibe due to its autobiographical nature. To the accompaniment of electric, echo-chamber guitars he sings of going from being a “dead man walking to a walking man living.”

GABBY BARRETT / “Cowboy Back”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
– Barrett co-penned and co-produced this midtempo ode to hard working men with solid, good-guy values in honor of her hubby, a Texan. The production marries twin fiddles to a rocking rhythm track.

MIKO MARKS & THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS / “Jubilee”
Writer: Lee Bob Wilson; Producer: none listed; Label: MM
– As you might expect, this has a gospel vibe, from the steady, stately piano work to the acclaimed, Grammy honored backing vocalists. Marks takes charge with a confident, assured lead vocal that lifts the song skyward. She and her celebrated choir singers will stage the first live performance of this stirring collaboration tomorrow evening (Oct. 13) at the Grand Ole Opry.

CRAIG MORGAN & LUKE COMBS / “Raise the Bar”
Writers: Craig Morgan/Billy Dean; Producers: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell; Label: Broken Bow
– Morgan’s new Enlisted EP features collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Gary LeVox and Combs. The last named is as rousing and raucous as peerless country singer Morgan is on “Raise the Bar.” The two blue-collar buddies invade the wine-and-cheese crowd’s tavern while singing loud and proud about giving the place “some working class.” The snootier set soon sings along. Lots and lots of fun.

CHRIS RYAN & JELLY ROLL / “Scared to Go to Church”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Jelly Roll/Logan Turner/Dave Kuncio/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– A sinner wails the blues about his lifestyle. Ryan’s searing tenor begins the power-packed lament with an anguished delivery. Jelly Roll takes a verse that is even more intense. When newcomer Ryan returns to the mic, he drives the song home with ferocious emotion. A grand disc debut.

Music Industry Organizations Back Newly Proposed ‘No Fakes’ AI Bill

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The impact of artificial intelligence is being discussed on Capitol Hill after the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act—or the No Fakes Act—was proposed.

Sponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), the bill seeks to protect singers, musicians actors and other creators from having their voices and/or likeness replicated by artificial intelligence in sound recordings and audiovisual works. The bill would hold people, companies and platforms liable for creating or hosting unauthorized AI replications of entertainers and creators.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) applauded the introduction of the No Fakes Act via a statement made today (Oct. 12). The statement reads, “Our industry has long embraced technology and innovation, including AI, but many of the recent generative AI models infringe on rights – essentially instruments of theft rather than constructive tools aiding human creativity.

“We applaud Senators Coons, Blackburn, Tillis, and Klobuchar for recognizing that unauthorized uses of one’s name, image, likeness, and voice are a clear threat to artists, songwriters, performers, authors, journalists, photographers, and the entire creative community. We look forward to engaging in a robust bipartisan process with a strong bill that effectively protects against this illegal and immoral misappropriation of fundamental rights that protect human achievement.”

The Human Artistry Campaign, an alliance of entertainment companies who seek to keep human creativity at the center of technological innovation, also supported the act.

Their statement reads, “The Human Artistry Campaign believes AI could provide exciting new tools that assist human creativity if established in a responsible manner. However, generative AI applications that steal copyrighted recordings and images to produce voice clones and digital replicas or misappropriate the names and likenesses of artists and performers without consent are incredibly harmful to our society and culture.

“These supposed ‘tools’ attack the most basic elements of human individuality and creativity. We thank Senators Coons, Blackburn, Tillis, and Klobuchar for putting forward draft legislation to protect creators and their work. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to strengthen this proposal while providing clear and effective remedies to stop the wrongful appropriation of creators’ identities and encourage ethical AI practices.”

Of the bill, Tennessee’s senator Blackburn shared, “Songwriters, actors, and our incredibly talented creative community deserve the right to own their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This legislation is a good first step in protecting our creative community, preventing AI models from stealing someone’s NIL, and ensuring that those rights are given primary consideration under the law. I look forward to joining Senator Coons and my colleagues in the Senate and House to develop strong bipartisan legislation we can pass into law.”