BMI filed an action in its rate court today (Sept. 12) to determine fees for a license with SiriusXM.

According to BMI, SiriusXM is attempting to lower its payments to BMI songwriters, composers and publishers despite years of negotiations. The PRO alleges that the digital radio giant is ignoring their large market share, changes in the marketplace, SiriusXM’s product evolution towards a digital service and the company’s strong revenue growth.

“After attempting to negotiate with SiriusXM in good faith for more than two years, we were compelled to file this action given their insistence on underpaying the creators of the music that drives the majority of their business,” says Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President & CEO. “SiriusXM’s proposal is a clear attempt to rely on a rate that was established when the company was very different in terms of its size, reach, degree of digital focus and revenue growth, and falls well below what is in the best interests of our affiliates. We will continue to fight for fair and appropriate rates when we believe the music created by our songwriters and composers is being significantly undervalued.”

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite has come out in support of BMI’s action.

“Digital radio payments to songwriters and music publishers have been a huge problem for many years. We are extremely pleased that BMI has taken the largest satellite radio company in the world to court to demand what’s fair,” Israelite shared in a statement. “Today, record labels and artists receive from digital radio significantly more than songwriters on a model that has historically valued them equally. Labels and artists are not paid too much. Songwriters and publishers are not paid enough. That’s why for years we have called to lessen the ‘Digital Radio Divide.’”

SiriusXM did not immediately return a request for comment.

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed established songwriter Trent Tomlinson.

With a career spanning over two decades, Tomlinson has penned hits including No. 1 single “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery and RIAA Black Diamond-Certified track “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young, which earned a BMI Song of the Year award. His songwriting work has garnered more than three billion streams across platforms.

As a solo artist, Tomlinson has made his mark in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with singles like “One Wing In The Fire,” “She Just Might Have Her Radio On” and “Drunker Than Me,” and has become an in-demand collaborator for Lainey Wilson, George Strait, Chris Young, Sara Evans and more.

“Trent Tomlinson is a world-class songwriter who has honed his craft through dedication and hard work,” says Carla Wallace, Co-Founder, Big Yellow Dog Music. “I’m thrilled to work with him and proud to welcome him to the Big Yellow Dog Music family.”

“What an honor and privilege to be a part of such an iconic company as Big Yellow Dog,” shares Tomlinson. “From the very first meeting, I knew it’s where I wanted and needed to be. The ownership and staff shared my same passion for the hustle, and the camaraderie was second to none of any place I had ever been professionally. Thank you, Carla and Kerry.”

Outback Presents has elevated Emily Scerri to Vice President of Entertainment Strategy.

Based in Nashville, Scerri most recently served as Director of Touring. In her new role, she will continue to expand the live entertainment company’s footprint and drive the success of its special events and music initiatives, working alongside Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Outback Presents’ Board of Directors.

The Brisbane, Australia native started her career working in the box office for music festivals, including Byron Bay Bluesfest, Soundwave and CMC Rocks, with family-owned, independent ticketing and marketing company Emedia Campaigns. She then went on to assist with operations and artist liaison for the Big Pineapple Music Festival and Bondi Beachfest.

Later, Scerri moved to Los Angeles and spent time at Dick Clark Productions, where she assisted with talent booking for the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), American Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve. Scerri also worked in AEG Presents’ Comedy and Global Touring departments. While at Outback Presents, she has been instrumental in overseeing and leading projects for acts like The Kid Laroi, Erykah Badu, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and America.

“Emily exhibits every attribute of success needed for a tremendous career in this business: integrity, work ethic and core promoter values,” says Smardak. “I am very excited to see all of the things she will accomplish in the future, and I am eager to continue supporting her initiatives.”

“I’m beyond excited to be part of Outback Presents’ continued growth and proud to share the same values of innovation and the boutique approach of an independent promoter,” Scerri shares. “Being part of this team has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m especially grateful to work alongside Mike Smardak. His mentorship, support and extensive industry insight have been invaluable. I’m eager to continue expanding our reach and impact in the live entertainment space.”

Tucker Wetmore made his Grand Ole Opry debut last night (Sept. 10).

He received a standing ovation following his three-song set, which included “Wind Up Missin’ You” and a first-ever performance of the unreleased track “What Not To.” But the full-circle moment was made even more special when UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe and Back Blocks Music CEO Rakiyah Marshall surprised Wetmore onstage with two RIAA Gold plaques for his back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 charting hits “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You.”

“Before I moved to Nashville, I came here with my mom in 2020. I remember sitting out front and looking at her the very first day I had ever been to Nashville and I said ‘I’m going to play that one day’ and I’m doing it right now,” reflected Wetmore from the hallowed circle. “I’m here to tell you that if you think you can do something, if you have a dream of doing something, you can… and if you’re wondering how to do it, Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’”

Making his debut on Face The Fight Night to raise awareness against veteran suicide, Wetmore took a moment on stage to remove his hat and acknowledge the veterans in the audience, at home, still serving and those that have passed on, sharing that the circle was for each and every one of them tonight.

Wetmore’s debut EP, Waves on a Sunset, is due out on Oct. 4. The eight-song collection includes five brand new tracks, including “Silverado Blue,” which drops this Friday. After joining Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour 2024” later this month, Wetmore is set to embark on his first-ever headlining tour, “Waves on a Sunset Tour 2024,” on EP release day (Oct. 4), kicking off in Statesboro, Georgia.

Hunter Hayes is set to release his new three-song EP, Lost & Found, which features remixed and remastered versions of his previously released songs.

The EP includes “In A Song,” which is set to be unveiled on Sept. 20, as well as “Still Fallin'” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak.” Announced on his birthday, the project aims to be a celebration of his musical journey so far. Lost & Found is a glimpse into Hayes’ evolving sound and what fans can expect from his upcoming work. Sticking to the songs’ original DNA and playing every instrument on the tracks, the artist reimagines how the tunes have grown with time and seeks to paint a narrative of transformation.

“Talking about being an independent artist has been liberating, empowering and inspiring,” says Hayes. “I didn’t want it to be about business, I wanted it to be about ownership of one’s life, story and narrative. That is something I have been learning a lot about in the past 10 years. These are songs that carry important messages for me, and it’s a chance for me to go back to the garden and check on things that I planted over 10 years ago so I can see how they are doing now.”