Publishing News (6/15/12)

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Pictured (L-R): Jessica Myers (Director, Copyright Administration), Katelyn Orr (Assistant, Licensing & Administration), Guelay Ekin (Royalty Analyst), Benom Plumb (Manager, Licensing & Administration), Peter A. Roselli (Chief Operating Officer), Kathryn Graham (Artist Development & Management), Emily Henninger (Assistant, Copyright Administration), Dustin Bank (Accounting Services)

Bluewater Music has moved office location from Music Row to 705 2nd Ave. S., in downtown Nashville. The new building will better serve the company’s growing needs. Bluewater’s mailing address remains the same P.O. Box 120904, Nashville, TN 37212.

The company is focused on publishing rights administration and royalty collection for both U.S. & international spectrums while continuing to build creative networks through its artist management services as well as pitching and placing music with record labels, TV, film, advertising, video games, and other creative products.

Recently, the company signed front-woman and bass player of Nashville based rock band Kink Ador, Sharon Koltick, to an exclusive worldwide management and publishing deal.

A small office space will be available for rent at the new location. Contact Benom for details, [email protected].

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Pictured from left to right are: Gilles Godard-Chief Creative Officer, ole; Kele Currier- Secretary, Copyright Society of The South; Melissa Bailey- Assistant, Administration, ole; Michael McCarty-President, ole; John Barker, President, Copyright Society of The South. Photo: Julie Moe

The Copyright Society of the South held a meeting June 7 discussing corporate music piracy at BMI with guest speaker and ole President, Michael McCarty.

Founded in 1953, the Society works to advance the study and understanding of copyright law and related rights, the scope of rights in literature, music, art, theater, motion picture, television, computer software, architecture, and other works of authorship, and their distribution via both traditional and new media. Comprised of business people, lawyers in private practice and in-house, law professors and law students who share a common interest in copyright and related intellectual property rights

The Society provides opportunities for interaction with the copyright law community through national events including The Brace Lecture, Annual Meeting, and Mid-Winter Meeting. The society’s next guest speaker will be hosted in September of this year.

Somethin’ ‘Bout The First No. 1

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Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden, BMG Chrysalis Music’s Kevin Lane, Cornman Music’s Brett James, Kip Moore, co-writer Dan Couch, BMI’s Jody Williams, and MCA Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Steve Lowry

The show must go on, and the late Frances Preston wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. BMI toasted the No. 1 hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” yesterday (6/13), the same day as the passing of its legendary leader.

Jody Williams discussed her devotion to songwriters at the opening of the ceremony. He explained, “The first thing Frances would say about today is, ‘get that party started and honor those songwriters.’” Flags flapped at half-staff above the crowd gathered on BMI’s sunny rooftop.

Penning a charttopping song is a grand achievement for any writer, but the first time is often the sweetest. “Truck” is the first No. 1 for songwriters Kip Moore and Dan Couch, and is also Moore’s first No. 1 as an artist. BMI presented him with a guitar to mark the occasion. The song, which hung out at the radio pinnacle for two weeks, is well on its way to Platinum download status.

Mike Dungan was also celebrating a first. “Truck” is his first No. 1 as leader of UMG Nashville. “I’m getting lots of nods, but I’ve had nothing to do with it,” he said, turning the spotlight to his label team. Ever the colorful character, Dungan took the opportunity to hand out his own unique prizes. Moore received a tie-dyed T-shirt that said “Get F*&%@d,” Couch’s trophy was a Richie Sambora figurine, and producer Brett James was honored with a lifesize Jonas Brothers cardboard stand-up.

James has shepherded younger tunesmith Moore for years. “He’s my little brother and he’s one of my best friends,” said James before presenting Moore with a small body road guitar. James took the usual honors one step further, giving plaques to engineers Nick Brophy and Ben Fowler, as well as Nate Lowery, who operates his publishing outfit Cornman Music.

Several others took the stage to honor the writers. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on their behalf. Brandi Simms represented the CMA.

The mood turned emotional when Couch and Moore swapped turns at the mic, choking back tears as they savored the hard earned moment. Couch recalled his 16-year journey and how his family supported his career. His hometown even cheered his success recently when the mayor of Logansport, Ind. declared it “Dan Couch Day.”

“I’m more nervous now than when I played the stadium the other night,” exclaimed Moore, who performed last weekend at CMA Music Festival. He acknowledged James’ patience while helping him develop as an artist and writer. “In an instant world, Brett has stood by me,” he said gratefully.

Partygoers munched on a spread of mini hot dogs, black bean burgers, chips and canned beer—perfect food for a “Truck” tailgate party.

Industry Ink (6/12/12)

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BubbleUp LTD has announced the addition of Michael Sloane to the company’s Nashville office as Director of Sales. Sloane will focus on business development and marketing with current clientele, while expanding the client roster. Sloane was previously with 13 Managmenet where he was principal in managing digital initiatives for  Taylor Swift. He also founded digital agency Strategic Blend, and served as a senior client manager for Ultrastar Entertainment and Echo Music. Congratulate him here.

Based in Houston, BubbleUp launched in 2004 and has offices in Texas, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Oregon. The company has worked with clients including Margaritaville, BB King’s House of Blues, Luke Bryan, Rodney Atkins, Zac Brown Band and more.

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Singer/songwriter Ryan Griffin has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Christina Cook’s Merci Dupre Music and Dan Hodges Music, LLC. “I have known Ryan for many years, since serving as a Belmont University ‘Best of the Best’ judge when he participated as a student,” says Hodges. “Ryan is an extraordinary voice and Christina and I are pleased with both the opportunity and perfection in the timing.  We are excited to be moving forward as a part of his career.”

(L-R): Susan Hodges, Christina Cook, Ryan Griffin, Dan Hodges, Brittany Spyksma) Photo: Robbie Quinn

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SESAC recently hosted a standing-room only showcase to help the Bluebird Cafe celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Songwriters performing at the event included Brice Long, Brian White, Jon Stone, and Jim Lauderdale.

(L-R): NSAI's Erika Wollam, Brice Long, SESAC's Shannan Hatch, Brian White, Jon Stone, Jim Lauderdale & SESAC's Tim Fink.

Also helping to celebrate the beginning of the Bluebird’s 30 Anniversary on Saturday, June 9 was a pack of hot up and coming singer/songwriters.

(L-R): John Milstead, Bonner Black, Lance Carpenter, Carolina Story (Emily and Ben Roberts)

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ASCAP has launched a redesigned version of its ASCAP Mobile app, available free to users of iPhone, Android, iPad and web-capable cell phones. Users can keep their accounts up to date and review catalog on the go. More info here.

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New York City’s The New School will present a free screening of new Hank Williams film The Last Ride, to be followed by a panel discussion of Williams and his place in American music. The event takes place 6 pm June 20 at The New School’s Tishman Auditorium, Alvin Johnson / J.M. Kaplan Hall. Panelists include film director Harry Thomason, Jett Williams, and Benjy Gaither. The film’s soundtrack releases June 19 on Curb Records.

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Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park will play host to a free tribute concert for the late singer/songwriter Laura Nyro. Titled “The Triple Goddess Twilight Revue – Celebrating the Music of Laura Nyro,” the event will take place Saturday, August 11. Details of the show’s guest lineup will be revealed in the coming weeks.

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IBMA’s World of Bluegrass will return to Nashville September 24-30, and registration is currently open. Full week registration is $325 for IBMA members and $425 for non-members. More info here.

Creative Nation Announces Grand Opening, First Signing

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Luke and Beth Laird

Songwriting and publishing power couple Luke and Beth Laird have announced the grand opening of their publishing and management company Creative Nation. The company will offer tailored deals for songwriters and producers in an effort to meet each individual’s needs. Creative Nation’s first signing is songwriter/producer Barry Dean.

“Luke and I both love music and are so excited to start this new business together to help elevate other songwriters and market them across multiple genres and platforms,” says Beth Laird. “I can’t think of two better songwriters to work with out of the gate. I feel so blessed to get to represent Luke and Barry Dean and look forward to new opportunities in the future.”

Barry Dean

Dean’s credits as a writer include the Martina McBride single “God’s Will” and Reba’s “Moving Oleta.” Dean also produced and co-wrote five songs with Lori McKenna for her acclaimed album Lorraine. Currently Dean has the Little Big Town single “Pontoon,” which is rapidly moving up the charts. Additionally he has cuts by Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Jason Aldean and many more.

Luke Laird has co-written nine No. 1 singles in the last five years, including Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name,” Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone” and Eric Church’s “Drink In My Hand.” Beth Laird was most recently in writer/publishers for five years at BMI.

At launch, Creative Nation has over 15 cuts including the ConAgra “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign theme performed by Jewel, Jay Sean, Owl City and Little Big Town.

More info here.

New Officers Elected to NaSHOF Board

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Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Pat Alger and songwriting community supporter Mike Dye have been elected to officer positions on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF).

Alger will serve as the Vice President, while Dye has been named Treasurer and Finance Chair. They join Chairman John Van Mol and Secretary Layng Martine, who were re-elected to their respective positions.

Also serving on the NaSHOF Board are Steve Bogard, songwriter and Director of The Copyright Forum at Belmont University; Kye Fleming, NaSHOF member; Wayland Holyfield, NaSHOF member; Ken Paulson, President and CEO of The First Amendment Center; Dr. Bethel Thomas, VP of University Advancement at Belmont University; Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville; and Mike Vaden, Director of Decosimo/Vaden.

Ex-officio board members include attorney David L. Maddox (Counsel), David L. Maddox & Associates, P.C.; and author/entertainment journalist Robert K. Oermann (Historian). NSAI’s Mark Ford serves as Manager of Affairs.

Bluebird Commences 30th Anniversary Celebration

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The Bluebird Cafe is currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary and got the event underway with a series of special showcases. The performances kicked off an extended celebration of homecoming shows, guest appearances, and events planned throughout the coming year. For more info check bluebirdcafe.com.

During ASCAP’s popular monthly showcase series at the Bluebird featured veteran hitmakers Walt Aldridge and Dave Berg, as well as rising singer/songwriter Eric Paslay and newcomer Carly Pearce.

(L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Jonathan Kingham, Eric Paslay, Dave Berg, Carly Pearce, Walt Aldridge and ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.

As part of the Bluebird’s celebration, BMI showcased four rising young songwriters at the famed venue on June 7.

(L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins and songwriters Neal Carpenter, Hailey Steele, Sammy Arriaga, Adam James. Photo: Steve Lowry

Music Row Country Club To Host Open House

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The recently opened Music Row Country Club on 16th Ave. S. provides a “home base” for songwriters, musicians, artists and industry professionals. MRCC is hosting an Open House on Mon., June 11th 4:00 pm–7:00 pm providing food, drinks and entertainment including a dunking booth with proceeds benefiting MusiCares.

“It’s a brand new concept and has taken off here on the Row,” says MRCC President Jimi Whitelaw. “Basically, we are a private club catering to the professional community. We saw a need for songwriters, publishers, label reps, managers, artists, etc. to have a place where they can meet and network. There are a lot of hit songwriters out of a deal. We provide a place on the Row for them to write, take meetings and do business.”

Located at 1010 16th Ave. S., MRCC offers seven writer rooms, a business center where members can check their email, surf the web, etc., a coffee lounge, a conference room, and an executive suite. Other amenities include individual business phone lines with answering service and the option to use the facility’s address as a drop off location for song pitches.

“The concept of the MRCC came from a brainstorming session I had with a handful of Music Row’s elite,” says Whitelaw. I just ran with it and it’s serving the community in a really cool way.”

Membership is $16.99 a month or $175 a year. Click here for more information.

Fest Week Photos: Tom-Leis, Walk of Fame, Regions Bank

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Tom-Leis Celebrates Signing
Tom-Leis Music celebrated the signing of Blue Mother Tupelo members Ricky and Micol Davis at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville earlier this week. Songplugging group Singles Only hosted the event to mark the start of CMA Music Festival.

Pictured (L-R): Emily Peacock (Tom-Leis office manager), Ricky Davis, Micol Davis, Alex Heddle (Tom-Leis Creative Director), Leslie T. DiPiero (partner Tom-Leis Music), Kimberly June (staff writer), and Penny Everhard (BMI). Photo: Aaron Crisler / The Judy Nelon Group

 

Regions Rides in CMA Festival Parade
Regions Bank associates participated in Wednesday’s (6/6) CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade in Nashville. Representing the bank’s Sports and Entertainment branch on Music Row were Cory Owen, Michael Leidel, Ellen Hammer and Ann Brock. The group carried an inflatable as part of the parade, and also rode a tandem version of Regions’ signature LifeGreen Bicycle.

Pictured (L-R): Regions Associates Cory Owen, Michael Leidel, Ellen Hammer and Ann Brock.

 

Music City Walk of Fame Inductions
Revered bass player Bob Babbitt and famed artist Steve Winwood were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday (6/5). The event was held in Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. Dave Pomeroy, President of the Nashville Musicians Association, helped Babbitt’s wife, Ann Kreinar, mark the occasion.

Steve Winwood accepts his star. Photo: Alan Mayor

Dave Pomeroy and Ann Kreinar. Photo: Alan Mayor

BMLG, Clear Channel Deal Likely To Pave Way For Other Artists

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The new agreement between Clear Channel and Big Machine Label Group is likely to spur more record companies and artists to seek similar opportunities with CC or other radio conglomerates.

Announced yesterday (6/5), the agreement is very important in two respects: 1) it marks the first time artists will be paid a performance royalty for radio airplay in the United States. Traditionally, only songwriters have received radio performance payments. 2) It is designed to drive digital radio growth.

Today’s Wall Street Journal says the agreement “represents a historic shift,” calling it “a major bet that radio’s future is online rather than over the air… With the growing ubiquity of smartphones and more cars that include Internet-radio options, consumers are spending more time listening to music online, escalating the royalty costs along the way.”

The LA Times agrees, “The Clear Channel pact with Big Machine is evidence that the radio company is making a big bet on its online operations.”

The new business model set forth in the agreement is designed to level the royalty payment playing field for all types of radio. The model has BMLG and its artists being paid terrestrial performance royalties in exchange for a lower rate of digital performance royalties, which will distribute the royalty cost more evenly between both kinds of radio.

Under current circumstances—which the CC/BMLG model aims to change—the growth of digital radio is stunted because a high percentage of each company’s income goes to pay artist and songwriter royalties. These royalty rates are often based on individual song plays, and though they are fractions of a cent, can add up very quickly to large sums. By comparison, a low percentage of terrestrial radio station revenue goes to royalties, which are exclusively paid to songwriters via the performing rights organizations. Additionally, terrestrial radio recently entered a different agreement to decrease the rates it pays to the P.R.O.s.

Irving Azoff is the first music industry giant to publicly share his approval of the new business model, which was created by BMLG Pres./CEO Scott Borchetta, who is also a partner with Azoff and Virginia Davis in BAD Management.

Azoff told Bloomberg Businessweek that he is inclined to seek radio royalties for the artists he manages. “We’re trying to convince labels to enter into a direct deal [with radio] because we can’t get legislation passed,” he explained.

Tom Poleman, Clear Channel’s Pres./National Programming Platforms stated in a letter, “Because of the expense, we may not be able to partner with everyone until we see results from accelerated digital growth to offset the cost of sharing our broadcast radio revenue. But these are the kind of risks we have to take to be an innovator and fundamentally change our industry.

“This move is historic because it introduces a completely new structural model for our businesses,” he continued. “Why the change? Because it’s good for the long-term health of the music and radio industries. For digital radio to grow, it’s critical to have a predictable, sustainable pay structure that aligns radio, label and artist interests. It’s a bold move. And, yes, it will cost us more money in the short term and possibly even in the long run. Under this new, aligned structure, radio, labels and artists now all stand to make more money as we drive the growth of digital radio. Our interests will be linked. As we make money, labels and artists make money.”

In recent years the artist performance royalty debate pitted record labels and artists against radio stations. Until yesterday, radio maintained a united front under the trade organization the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters). Clear Channel is the first company to make an outside deal.

NAB Exec. VP of Communications Dennis Wharton responded, “NAB remains steadfastly opposed to a government-mandated performance tax on local radio stations. Beyond our respect for private contracts, we take no position on free-market agreements negotiated between broadcast companies and other businesses.”

RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman told a House Subcommittee today that his organization is “delighted that the biggest radio group acknowledged that something should be done.”

Wiseman Brings Out the Stars For Second Harvest

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Pictured (L to R): Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Vince Gill. Photo: Peyton Hoge

The Ryman Auditorium received its yearly dose of Craig Wiseman’s eccentric personality yesterday evening (6/5) at the 8th Annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit concert.

Wiseman whisked across the stage wearing a trademark big and loud shirt with a sparkly serpent. After a prayer from his minister wife K.K. Wiseman and an introduction by figure skater Scott Hamilton, Wiseman was joined for a starter round with Vince Gill and Dallas Davidson.

The round included the songwriters’ hits “Summertime,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “Look at Us.” Wiseman clarified for the audience, “This is a songwriter round, if we sing it, we wrote it.”

After the opening round, the evening came to life. Songwriters seemed to be cast out to the stage in no particular order. The audience did not seem to mind, especially as Chris Tompkins joined Wiseman for the Chris Young hit “Voices.”

Tompkins branched off on his own to perform “Before He Cheats,” which Wiseman jokingly speculated allowed Tompkins to build a Carrie Underwood commemorative hot tub in his backyard. The audience excitedly sang along.

Rhett Akins then joined his Peach Pickers band mate Dallas Davidson, delivering a medley of Akins’ “Honey Bee” and “That Ain’t My Truck.”

Rodney Clawson partnered with Tompkins for his recent No. 1 “Drunk on You,” and “I Saw God Today.”

Wiseman invited Gill back out to perform his, “Bread and Water,” which he wrote with his brother in mind and dedicated to the evening’s mission. Wiseman then auctioned a few signed items to the crowd, with one signed concert poster bringing $1,000.

The audience gave a warm reception for newcomers Florida Georgia Line. The duo, comprised of Georgia’s Tyler Hubbard and Florida’s Brian Kelley, recently released a new EP, It’z Just What We Do on Big Loud Mountain, a partnership between Wiseman, Joey Moi, and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. The band performed two songs from the release with “Cruise” and “Tip It Back.”

Jake Owen rounded-off the night fresh from his opening run on the Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney Brothers of the Sun arena tour. The “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” singer mentioned his parents and newlywed wife were watching from the wings as he sung “Journey of Your Life,” “Alone With You,” and “Heaven.”

Thanks to a sponsorship from O’Charley’s restaurants, 100% of tickets, auctioned items and merchandise went toward benefiting the food bank. According to Wiseman, each dollar raised could provide four meals to be served by Second Harvest.

We’re hoping nobody from the Ryman went to bed hungry, at least from a lack of good songwriting.

Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Jaynee Day (Second Harvest), Rhett Akins, Jake Owen, Brittany Hansen. Photo: Peyton Hoge