Sales/Marketing Archives - Page 30 of 175

Cole Swindell’s Debut Album Certified Platinum By RIAA

April 1, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Cole Swindell onstage after performing "You Should Be Here" on Saturday, March 26. ©2016 Grand Ole Opry / Photo: Chris Hollo

Cole Swindell‘s self-titled debut album has earned platinum certification from the RIAA. The project includes four No. 1 songs, including gold-certified “Let Me See Ya Girl,” as well as platinum-certified “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” and “Chillin’ It.”

“Wow, I just got the news about my album going platinum, and I am so taken aback,” said Swindell. “That is one of those things you hope you can achieve but can never really prepare yourself for it actually happening. Being a part of the country music family is something I take seriously, and I am truly honored.”

In March, Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, accounts for streaming, radio airplay and digital sales. The song marks Swindell’s fifth consecutive No. 1 single, and eighth overall as a songwriter. He performed the tune onstage at the Grand Ole Opry on March 26. His forthcoming album, You Should Be Here, is due May 6 via Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville.

Additionally, Swindell has been announced as a performer at the ACM Awards on Sun., April 3.

Weekly Register: Kane Brown, Bobby Bones, ‘Southern Family’ Make Top 5 Debuts

March 29, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Debuts make the headlines this week in the top country albums rankings. New RCA Nashville signing Kane Brown debuted at No. 9 on the overall album rankings, and No. 3 on the country chart, with Chapter 1 (28k, 22k album only).

Joey+Rory‘s Hymns collection remains at No. 1 on the country album rankings (27k, album only), followed by Chris Stapleton‘s million-seller Traveller (26k this week, album only).

The rest of the top 5 is rounded out by three debuts, including Brown, Bobby Bones And The Raging Idiots at No. 4 (11k, album only), and the Dave Cobb-produced Southern Family (11k, album only). William Michael Morgan‘s latest EP, featuring his single “I Met a Girl,” landed at No. 28, with 1.8k sold.

Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots

Gwen Stefani take the top overall album position this week with This Is What The Truth Feels Like (84k). Notably, Passion: New Orleans soundtrack (featuring Trisha Yearwood, among others) comes in at No. 8 on the overall albums chart, with 31k sold (28k album only).

Overall album sales are down 16.9 percent from last year, while overall digital album sales are down 24.4 percent from last year. Country album sales have decreased 4 percent from this time last year, while country digital album sales are down 13.1 percent.

Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” tops the digital country tracks chart, with 35k sold, followed by Maren Morris’ “My Church” (31k), Blake Shelton‘s “Came Here To Forget” (31k), Dierks Bentley‘s “Somewhere on a Beach” (28k), and Cole Swindell‘s “You Should Be Here” (27k).

Kane Brown also lands the highest debut country track this week, with “There Goes My Everything” selling 22k, and landing at No. 8 country and No. 35 in the overall rankings.

Meghan Trainor‘s “No” is at No. 1 on the overall digital tracks rankings, with 128k.

Overall, digital tracks sales are down 26.1 percent, while country track sales have decreased 22.1 percent over last year.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan

RIAA Releases 2015 Year-End Report, Streaming Grows

March 23, 2016/by Eric T. Parker

RIAA’s 2015 year-end Music Sales & Shipments Report shows total retail income from recorded music in the U.S. increasing 0.9 percent to $7.02 billion ($4.95 billion wholesale).

Streaming—led by paid subscription models, which grew 40 percent in paid subscribers—clocked in at $2.4 billion, slightly outperforming physical and download sales to become the largest revenue-generator for the U.S. recording industry.

Streaming, permanent downloads and physical sales are “the most balanced revenue mix in recent history, with just about 1/3 of revenues coming from each of the major platform,” cites Joshua Friedlander, RIAA’s Sr. VP of Strategic Data Analysis.

Thus, permanently downloaded albums declined 7 percent from the previous year (5 percent decline in dollar value), while single-track downloads declined 15 percent (13 percent decline in dollar value).

The report continues, noting SoundExchange distributions grew 4 percent to $803 million, and on-demand ad-supported streaming grew 31 percent year-over-year to $385 million. Sync royalties grew 7 percent to $203 million.

Total value of shipments in physical formats was $2.0 billion, down 10 percent versus the prior year. Vinyl LPs were up 32 percent by value, and at $416 million were at their
highest level since 1988. Synchronization royalties were $203 million, up 7 percent versus the prior year.

RIAA Chairman & CEO Cary Sherman offered his take:

The music industry is now a digital business, deriving more than 70% of its revenues from a wide array of digital platforms and formats. The share of revenues from those digital formats surpasses that of any other creative industry.

Another headline? In 2015, digital music subscription services reached new all-time highs, generating more than $1 billion in revenues for the first time, and averaging nearly 11 million paid subscriptions for the year. Heading into 2016, the number of subscriptions swelled even higher — more than 13 million by the end of December — holding great promise for this year.

While today’s data is encouraging, the challenges facing us are significant. The consumption of music is skyrocketing, but revenues for creators have not kept pace. In 2015, fans listened to hundreds of billions of audio and video music streams through on-demand ad-supported digital services like YouTube, but revenues from such services have been meager — far less than other kinds of music services.

Need further proof that some fundamental market distortions are at play? Last year, 17 million vinyl albums, a legacy format enjoying a bit of a resurgence, generated more revenues than billions and billions of on-demand free streams: $416 million compared to $385 million for on-demand free streams.

I’m confident that music’s future is bright. The popularity of music is greater than ever. Like never before, it drives our culture and commerce. It is the throbbing heartbeat of social media and it is a must-have ingredient of any major technology platform. But reforms are necessary to level the playing field and ensure that the entire music community derives the full and fair value of our work.

Elyse McKenna Joins Ticketing Platform Applauze

March 18, 2016/by Sarah Skates

Elyse McKenna

Elyse McKenna is taking on a new role leading business development initiatives for Applauze, a direct-to-fan ticketing platform serving the artist and event communities. She will focus on partnership opportunities, brand expansion, and marketing strategies for Applauze clients and partners. McKenna’s 12 years of experience in ticketing includes time as an agent, as well as business development catalyst at both Crowdsurge and Songkick. She has worked on initiatives for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and many more.

“I’m thrilled to have Elyse joining the Applauze team,” said CEO Kiran Bellubbi. “Her experience, knowledge and understanding of the music ecosystem in Nashville are both distinguished and unmatched. Her expertise will undoubtedly elevate our strategic alliances and brand propositions.”

“Ticketing is an exciting area within the industry and incredibly important within the live event community,” said McKenna. “It’s a great privilege to join Applauze, and I’m excited to be able to drive immediate value alongside such an outstanding group of individuals who are committed advocates to being partners in shaping the future of events for recording artists and their dedicated fan bases.”

McKenna joins the business development team alongside New York executive David McKay. Applauze is also adding account managers to the Nashville office.

“Over the past three years we have laid the groundwork for an outstanding team in Nashville and are prepared to invest even more in the region under Elyse’s leadership,” stated Bellubbi. “We’re really looking forward to growing the business together.”

Elyse McKenna can be reached at 615-507-8100 or elyse@applauze.com.

John Zarling Among ‘Billboard’ Branding Power Players

March 15, 2016/by Sarah Skates

John Zarling

Big Machine Label Group Sr. VP Partnership Marketing and Promotion Strategy John Zarling ranks on Billboard’s just-released list of Branding Power Players.

Zarling has been with the company since it was founded in 2005, starting in a radio promotion role and then expanding to brand partnerships. He tells Billboard, “in the past five years, we’ve secured $22 million in cash and in-kind value…we deliver the artist but also produce, manage and execute the events.” Zarling recently secured partnerships for Brantley Gilbert and Harley-Davidson, and Levi Hummon and Ram trucks.

According to the article, branding partnerships bring about $2 billion in revenue to the music industry.

Also included in the list is Marcie Allen, President of MAC Presents. The Nashville native commutes to her offices in New York, and has executed numerous award winning partnerships. Her recent deals include Southwest Airlines and Imagine Dragons.

Others on the power players list with strong Nashville ties include Jennifer Breithaupt, Citi’s Managing Dir. of Media, Advertising and Global Entertainment; and Shari Lewin, Agent, William Morris Endeavor.

See the methodology and complete list here.

Weekly Register: Blake Shelton, Joey + Rory Top Country Sales Charts

March 14, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

On the digital country tracks chart, Blake Shelton’s latest single, “Here To Forget” takes the top spot this week (and lands at No. 10 overall) with 53k sold. Following Shelton at No. 2 on the digital country tracks rankings is Maren Morris, whose “My Church” has a loyal following with 36k sold. Jake Owen’s “American Country Love Song” is at No. 3 with (35k), followed by Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” at No. 4 (33k), and Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” at No. 5 (30k).

On the overall digital tracks rankings, Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” is No. 1, with 121k sold. The top debut this week is from Meghan Trainor. “No” lands at No. 2 on the overall digital singles rankings, with 113k sold.

Overall digital tracks sales are down 26.1 percent, with country tracks sales down 22.1 percent.

On a bright note, Cam’s “Burning House” digital single has sold more than 1 million.

Following the death of Joey+Rory’s Joey Martin Feek on March 4, the duo’s latest album Hymns, has taken the top spot on the Country album rankings, with 44k sold. The project is at No. 10 on the all-genre album rankings.

They are followed on the country albums chart this week by Chris Stapleton’s Traveller at 31k, Granger Smith’s Remington with 24k, Loretta Lynn’s Full Circle (20k) and Sam Hunt’s Montevallo (7.5k).

Kendrick Lamar’s Untitled Unmastered debuted at No. 1 on the overall rankings this week, with 178k (142k album only). The project marks Lamar’s second chart-topping project in less than a year, after To Pimp A Butterfly. Untitled Unmastered was a surprise album drop, and released to digital retailers and streaming services on March 4. The physical version of Untitled Unmastered (explicit version) released March 11. An edited version will release March 18.

Year to date, country album sales are down 4.2 percent, with country digital album sales down 12.8 percent. Overall album sales are down 16.4 percent, while overall digital album sales are down 23.5 percent.

Dolly Parton Plans North American Tour, Double Album For 2016

March 7, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Dolly Parton

In 2016, Dolly Parton will embark on her first major U.S. and Canadian tour in more than 25 years. For the last 20 years, Parton has only played select dates in the U.S., but her upcoming tour will cover cities across North America.

Parton’s set list will include hit songs while weaving in a few new tracks from her upcoming double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits. She will also be playing songs that have not been heard live for decades.

“We’re so excited to get out there and see the fans again. I’m really looking forward to singing songs the fans have not heard in a while, as well as the hits, while debuting a few new ones off Pure & Simple,” Parton said.

Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits will include new material as well as a compilation of Parton’s most-loved songs. A track listing for Pure & Simple will be announced soon.

In December, the Country Music Hall of Fame member launched the successful TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, which attracted 15.8+ million viewers and was the most-watched movie on network TV in more than three years. Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors will be released on DVD May 3.

Full tour dates and a track listing for Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits will be released soon.

Weekly Register: Maren Morris’ “My Church” Tops Country Digital Tracks

February 29, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

In its 16th week on the country digital tracks chart, Maren Morris’ “My Church” has risen to No. 1, with 34.5K sold this week and 180K overall. She’s at No. 16 on the overall digital tracks chart.

Morris places just ahead of longtime leader Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man,” which moves 31K units this week, for a No. 2 position. Overall sales for that single are approaching 1.2 million.

The Top 5 is rounded out by Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” (30K), Carrie Underwood’s “Heartbeat” (25K) and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind.” (24K).

Morgane & Chris Stapleton enjoy the week’s highest debut with “You Are My Sunshine,” entering at No. 41, with 5K. The track comes from an upcoming project by producer Dave Cobb titled Southern Family, out March 18.

Speaking of Stapleton, he’s hanging tough at No. 1 on the country album chart. Traveller picks up 44K units this week, with 958K overall. He’s followed by Joey + Rory’s Hymns (37K) and Sam Hunt’s Montevallo (12K).

Sister Hazel makes an unexpected appearance at No. 4 with Lighter Than the Dark, their first set of new material in five years. Released on Croakin’ Poets Records, the album was produced by Chip Matthews. The band’s new single, “That Kind of Beautiful,” was written by Hillary Lindsay, Gordie Sampson, and Luke Laird. Sister Hazel scored a pop hit in 1997 with “All For You.” Nashville label Average Joes manages the band and the album is distributed through Selecto Hits.

Vince Gill’s Down To My Last Bad Habit ranks at No. 5 with 7.5K units.

Info provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Weekly Register: Joey + Rory Earn No. 1 Country Debut

February 22, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

Joey + Rory didn’t win a Grammy last week, but they can claim a No. 1 spot on the country album chart this week with Hymns. Due to some early sales ahead of its Feb. 12 street date, the project technically debuted on the chart last week, but it grabs No. 1 thanks to sales of 68K. It’s at No. 4 on the overall chart.

Chris Stapleton’s Traveller got a sales boost from the Grammys. After winning Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (for the title track), sales surged 60 percent, with 51K sold last week, and rising to 914K overall. Sam Hunt, another Grammy nominee, lands at No. 3 with Montevallo, with 20K sold last week.

Among the new arrivals are Vince Gill’s Down to My Last Bad Habit (No. 4, 17K), dirty country comedian Wheeler Walker Jr.’s Redneck S— (No. 8, 5.8K), and Wynonna & the Big Noise’s self-titled release (4.7K).

Meanwhile, new Big Machine Label Group artist Brett Young lands at No. 35 with his self-titled EP, and Lorrie Morgan’s Letting Go…Slow enters at No. 47.

Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” crashed the country digital tracks sales following their performance on the Grammys. The group won Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and the song’s writers picked up Best Country Song statuettes. Last week, the track surpassed 2 million units. This week, they add 48.5K to the grand total.

Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” lands at No. 2 (40K), trailed by Carrie Underwood’s “Heartbeat” (37K), Maren Morris’ “My Church” (35K) and Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here.”

Sam Hunt

Hunt holds down the No. 6 and 7 positions with “Break Up in a Small Town” (28.5K) and “Take Your Time” (24K). Hunt and Underwood performed the latter track on the Grammys as part of a mashup with “Heartbeat.” Overall sales of “Take Your Time” should surpass two million units by the end of the month.

Brett Eldredge’s “Drunk on Your Love” (24K), Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild’s “Home Alone Tonight” (23K) and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (20K) round out the Top 10.

Adele’s 25 jumps back to No. 1 on the overall album chart with 151K units (125K albums only). Flo Rida’s “My House” stays lodged at No. 1 on the overall digital tracks chart with 125K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Vevo CEO Mulls Adding Subscription Model

February 18, 2016/by Eric T. Parker

Erik Huggers. Photo: Code/Media

Ten months after taking the helm of Vevo, the ex-Verizon Communications Sr. VP Erik Huggers has revealed his streaming company may be moving towards subscription-based model to pair with its existing ad-supported platform.

“We believe in a dual revenue stream,” said Huggers to a crowd at the 2016 Code/Media conference on Wednesday, Feb. 17. “We’ve got a phenomenal sales force that knocked it out of the park in 2015–absolute biggest year in Vevo history. We want to build on that strength. The second piece would be a pay model.”

The CEO did not elaborate on the details of a pay-wall, but confirmed “there will be absolutely free Vevo” moving forward.

“Just having a ad-supported model is not sustainable in the long run,” he concluded at the Dana Point, California-conference. “We do believe an ad-supported plus a pay model makes a ton of sense.”

Vevo distributes to an estimated two-dozen video platforms including YouTube, according to Billboard. The service is co-owned by Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Abu Dhabi Media and Google.