Yesterday (Sept. 2), Universal Music Group‘s (UMG) parent company, France-based Vivendi, reported increased financials for the music division’s first half of 2015.

Highlights include UMG revenue up 3.4 percent (accounting for exchange rates and internal restatements, +15.4 percent on an actual basis), compared to the first half of 2014. Recorded music revenues reportedly grew by 3.6 percent. Growth in subscription and streaming revenues (+34 percent) have finally offset the decline in both digital download (-5 percent) and physical sales. Apple Music numbers were not reflected.

Music publishing revenues grew 2.7 percent (accounting for exchange rates and internal restatements), also driven by increasing subscription and streaming revenues.

Just for its second quarter, UMG had $1.35 billion in revenue and $139 million in earnings. For its six month mark, UMG totaled $2.57 billion in revenue, $255 million in earnings.

Artists cited to fuel the recorded music boon were Taylor Swift (for whom UMG distributes BMLG), Sam Smith, the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack and new releases from Drake, Maroon 5 and Mumford & Sons. Merchandising and other revenues were up 3.2 percent (accounting for exchange rates) due to to greater touring activity.

This news comes after beginning the 2015 calendar with a restructuring that also now finds Chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge leading the music division through at least 2020, in addition to Nashville-based Jay Frank leading global streaming for the company.

Regions Bank Hosts “Friend-Raiser” For Classical Music Initiative

Regions Bank recently hosted a “Friend-Raiser” for Intersection, an initiative focused on the professional performance of contemporary classical music in Nashville. Attendees were treated to live musical performances, a presentation by Kelly Corcoran, and a tour of Haynes Galleries. Corcoran announced the new season performances which are described at www.intersectionmusic.org.

Pictured (L -R): Emily Bowland (performing musician), Kelly Corcoran (Artistic Director of Intersection), Craig Havighurst (Intersection Board member), Lisa Harless (Regions Bank Senior Vice President), and Alicia Enstrom (performing musician).

Phil Vassar Signs with Webster Public Relations

Phil Vassar

Kirt Webster, President of Webster Public Relations, has added Phil Vassar as the latest addition to the publicity firm’s roster.

“Phil is an extraordinary talent, both as a songwriter and an artist,” says Webster.  “Our team is excited about the new partnership with Phil and excited to bring new opportunities to his career.”

Vassar, a native of Lynchburg, Va., has called Nashville home since his music scene debut in the late ‘90s. His accolades include ACM Top New Male Vocalist of the Year, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, and a Daytime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Original Song.” As a songwriter he has 26 Top 40 hits, 15 Top 10 hits, and 10 No. 1 hits.

David Crow, Esq. To Present Songwriter Contracts Seminar in Nashville

David Crow

David Crow, Esq. of Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC will host a seminar on Songwriter Contracts at BMI’s Nashville office on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

The seminar will focus different types of agreements for songwriters and their copyrighted works, including single song agreements, exclusive songwriting agreements, co-publishing agreements and administration agreements.

Cost is $10 for Arts & Business Council members, and $15 for non-members.

BMI Nashville is located at 10 Music Sq. E.

Sony Music Entertainment Joins Artist Growth’s AG Accel

The labels of Sony Music Entertainment have joined Artist Growth’s AG Accel artist discovery network. AG Accel provides a platform for artists to meet with a curated network of labels, including Sony Entertainment’s labels, as well as managers, booking agents, distributors, brand sponsors and more.

“Data is playing an increasingly important role in our A&R process,” says Justin Eshak, VP of A&R at Columbia Records, about the decision to partner with AG Accel. “How information is gathered and ultimately used is paramount in our goal to distance ourselves from competition, and we view touring data as another key metric in this equation.”

AG Accel is open to all Artist Growth Premium users on an opt-in basis.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Brad Lovell – Courtesy of Iconic Entertainment

On the heels of her first No. 1 song, Black River Entertainment artist Kelsea Ballerini has notched her first Gold single. Her debut chart-topper “Love Me Like You Mean It” has been certified Gold by the RIAA for sales and streams of more than 500,000 in the United States.

While Ballerini might be basking in her newfound success, she isn’t slowing down. Her follow-up single, “Dibs,” has sold more than 66,000 units and is impacting country radio. The tune was co-written by Ballerini along with Josh Kerr, Ryan Griffin and Jason Duke.

Ballerini’s tour schedule is packed with festivals, headlining club dates, and slots opening for Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. She will join Dan+Shay‘s Just The Right Kind of Crazy Tour this fall.