Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Drew Parker

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Relative Music Group’s Caroline Bouldin, Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy and Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Rusty Gaston; (L-R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Drew Parker, Relative Music Group’s Michael Hardy and Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Relative Music Group has partnered with Sony Music Publishing to sign country singer-songwriter Drew Parker to a global publishing deal.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of the Relative family that Dennis [Matkosky], Jesse [Matkosky] and Hardy have built,” shares Parker. “Getting to learn from and be encouraged by a guy like Dennis who has written some of the biggest songs of all time is an experience I never even dreamed of. I’ve also always wanted to be seen as not only a great artist but as a great songwriter, and no one does both of those better than Michael Hardy. I’m so excited for this journey.”

Parker is a Grammy and CMA Award nominee that has penned hits including Luke Combs‘ “Doin’ This” and “Forever After All” as well as Jake Owen‘s “Homemade.”

“Drew is such a talented writer,” says Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “He’s truly one of those guys that has a voice with his pen. It doesn’t matter who sings it, you know a Drew Parker song when you hear it. I’m excited to hear what he has to say over the next few years and can’t wait to watch his great songwriting pay off”

Additionally, Parker will be hitting the road this summer on Combs’ “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour,” and is also scheduled to appear at Big As Texas Fest, CMA Fest, Country Jam and more.

Emily Ann Roberts To Release ‘Can’t Hide Country (Deluxe Edition)’ In April

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Emily Ann Roberts is releasing an extended version of her debut album, Can’t Hide Country, on April 19.

The deluxe version features three new songs, “Working on Love,” “When I’m Gone,” and Roberts’ personal favorite “Back Home.” With the project, the artist seeks to encourage fans to always remain true to themselves and to be proud of what makes them, them. Since it’s release in September, Can’t Hide Country has garnered more than 26 million streams.

“This record is my introduction to country music and when you have the opportunity to have three more songs as a part of that, they better say something,” says Roberts. “I’m so excited to complete this project with, ‘Working On Love,’ ‘Back Home’ and ‘When I’m Gone.’ These songs mean so much to me for different reasons, but most of all they’re all rooted in the things I’ve learned from over the past eight years of pursuing this dream. I love songs that make me think and feel something that wasn’t there before.”

Additionally, she is currently wrapping up her 17-date run on Blake Shelton’s “Back To The Honky Tonk Tour.”

Can’t Hide Country (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “Whole Lotta Little” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon /Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Chickens” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Paul Overstreet)
3. “Infinity” (Emily Ann Roberts/Stephanie Chapman)
4. “Keep On” (Emily Ann Roberts/Chris McKenna/Chase McDaniel)
5. “He Set Her Off” (Emily Ann Roberts/Parker Welling/Seth Mosely)
6. “Find Me A Man” (Emily Ann Roberts/Steve Fee/Jesse Reeves)
7. “Walkin’ Shoes” (Emily Ann Roberts/Chris Utley/Nicole Croteau/Kaylin Roberson)
8. “Out Of Sight” (Emily Ann Roberts/Jerry Salley/Mike Rogers)
9. “Loves Me For My Heart” (Emily Ann Roberts/Michael Farren/Phillip Lammonds)
10. “Devil Wears Denim” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Autumn McEntire)
11. “Still Searching (feat. Vince Gill & Ricky Skaggs)” (Jerry Salley/Phillip White)
12. “Can’t Hide Country” (Emily Ann Roberts/Melissa Fuller)
13. “The Building” (Emily Ann Roberts/Michael Farren)
14. “Back Home” (Emily Ann Roberts/Joe Clemmons)
15. “Working On Love” (Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon/Autumn McEntire)
16. “When I’m Gone” (Emily Ann Roberts/Autumn McEntire)

SoundExchange Reaches $11 Billion In Royalty Distribution

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Music tech organization SoundExchange has distributed $11 billion in digital performance royalties since its inception in 2003. The company reached the milestone this month while making its 174th distribution of payments to creators and rights holders.

“We continue to be driven every day by the guiding principle of putting more money into the hands of creators and rights holders,” says Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “The continuing growth in royalty distributions to a billion dollars a year is reflective of a healthy digital music ecosystem, but it’s not something we take for granted. Our dedication to the community of creators we serve is unshakable, and we will continue to advocate tirelessly for artists to receive fair and equitable compensation for the use of their work on all platforms.”

SoundExchange enables digital service providers to meet their obligations and advocates to ensure creators are properly compensated for their work in the digital age of music. They frequently represent creators in front of the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board and have gained increases of 711% for satellite royalties, 294% for subscription royalties and 215% for non-subscription royalties since their start.

The company also leads the push for the American Music Fairness Act in front of Congress. The legislation ends the practice of not paying performers when their music is played on broadcast radio. SoundExchange is also a contributor to ongoing discussions lawmakers are having around artificial intelligence and how it could affect creators.

Luke Combs To Bring Back ‘Bootleggers Tailgate Party’ For 2024 Tour

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Luke Combs is bringing back his “Bootleggers Tailgate Party” this year for his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour.”

The parties, presented by Jack Daniel’s and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails and powered by Whiskey Jam, will take place ahead of each of Combs’ Saturday night shows throughout the tour, starting at 3 p.m. local time each weekend.

Each event will have food and drink options, pre-show merch stands and live music, with the first three weekends featuring Ryan Larkins, Graham Barham, Shaylen, Greylan James, Redferrin and Alex Lambert. The remaining lineups will be announced soon.

Dates on Combs’ 2024 run include sold-out, back-to-back nights at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium, Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium and Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, among others. The artist has continued to break records with the journey, becoming the highest-selling and first-ever country artist to play back-to-back shows at SoFi Stadium, the highest-selling male country artist at Levi’s Stadium and Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium as well as the fastest-selling two-day run in the region of Paycor Stadium. For more information, click here.

Additionally, Combs has partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to develop Category 10, a multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville, expected to open this summer.

Greater Nashville Music Census Deadline Extended

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The deadline to complete the Greater Nashville Music Census, a survey for anyone working in the music industry, has been extended to April 1 at 11:59 p.m.

The census aims to capture key information about the Nashville music economy to help the city and community make informed, data-driven decisions to support the music business going forward. Since its launch on March 1, more than 2,500 industry professionals have contributed to its findings. Lead partners include Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), Music Venue Alliance of Nashville, Belmont University, Americana Music Association, Backstage Strategies, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC), Nashville Musicians Union (AFM Local 257), Tennessee Entertainment Commission and the Country Music Association (CMA).

“Our numbers have been steady since launch,” says Kelly Walberg, CFMT VP of Communications. “But we’re still low in a couple of key demographics, such as those aged 18-24, and we’re hoping with some additional time and outreach, we can capture those voices as well.”

Early findings have indicated that participation has been strongest among independent creatives (51%), followed by music industry professionals (35%) and venues (10%). However, the 18-24 demographic overall has only accounted for 6% of those participating.

“We know that our local colleges are putting out some the best and brightest young musicians and minds in the nation, but that the hustle and grind can often dominate bandwidth,” says Chris Cobb, Music Venue Alliance of Nashville President. “From TSU’s award-winning marching band to Belmont and MTSU’s stellar music business programs to Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers–the very reason Nashville is called Music City–we are confident the future of our city’s music ecosystem is already living here. We need to hear their voices, too.”

The Census Steering Committee also admits that, as Music City, they really want to break the record for most participants of any music census to date. Austin, Texas currently holds the record with approximately 4,000 surveys filled out in 2019.

“We have the highest concentration of musicians in the nation living here in greater Nashville,” notes Dave Pomeroy, Nashville Musicians Association President. “So we’re asking each and every one of them to take the census, spread the word, and help us set the bar for all other cities moving forward.”

The Census Steering Committee has created a Social Media Tool Kit and Communication Tool Kit available for anyone to download from the census website. Additionally, because the census will remain anonymous for all participants, the coalition has created a separate sign-up form on the website for those interested in participating in future advocacy initiatives that emerge from the census results.

For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Ernest, Texas Regional Radio Awards, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Todd Stepp

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Ernest Hosts First Annual ERNvitational

Photo (L-R): Kiley Donohoe (Manager & Head of Digital, Big Loud Management), Paul Logan (SVP, Sync & Brand Partnerships, Big Loud Records), Jason Rashley (Founder/President, Ozark Music Group), Ally Parsons (Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee), ERNEST, Kristen Hohl (Vice President of Marketing, SPB Hospitality), Vic Wise (CMO, Tivoli Brewing Co | Outlaw Light Beer), Austin Adams (COO, Big Loud), Kelly Carrazzone (Executive Assistant, Big Loud Management)

On Monday (March 25), Ernest hosted the first annual ERNvitational golf tournament. Sponsored by Big Loud, Logan’s Roadhouse, Outlaw Beer, Ozark Music Group and The Neal Agency, all proceeds from the event went to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

 

Texas Regional Radio Music And Radio Awards Celebrates Winners

Randy Rogers accepts the award for Album of the Year.

The 14th annual T3R Texas Music & Radio Awards took place Monday night (March 25) at Texas Live in Arlington, Texas. The awards celebrated artists and radio stations based on radio and chart achievement, touring success and fan input. Winners included Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen, Bri Bagwell, Jenna Paulette, Randy Rogers Band, Ryder Grimes, Amanda Kate Ferris, Lukas Nelson + POTR and more.

For a full list of winners, click here.

 

SongwritingWith:Soldiers Appoints Three New Board Members

Pictured (L-R): Collin McMillan, Pepper Evans, Suzanne Hogan

SongwritingWith: Soldiers has appointed three new board members, Collin McMillan, Pepper Evans and Suzanne Hogan. McMillan is the Owner/CEO of Grey Area Entertainment, which consists of a record label, an artist management arm and a publishing company. Evans is a senior marketing executive with experience leading teams and launching new products for American Express, Capital One and UnitedHealth Group. Hogan the President of Big Red Ideas.

“Pepper, Suzanne and Collin each bring important expertise to our board of directors,” says Executive Director Kristin Starling. “Their unique perspectives, skills and contributions will positively impact and advance our mission at SongwritingWith:Soldiers.”

 

Todd Stepp Joins Transparent Productions As SVP Of Global Marketing

Todd Stepp.

Transparent Productions has added Todd Stepp to their team as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. Stepp brings nearly 20 years of  music industry experience to the new role, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing at Sony Music’s Provident Entertainment. While at Provident, he worked with Brandon Lake, Cain, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin, Zach Williams and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have a veteran like Todd join our executive leadership team,” shares Jared Gibo, President of Transparent Productions. “Todd has an incredible reputation in our industry and we’re proud to have him represent our company!”

Louie TheSinger Plots Summer ‘Desperado Tour’

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Louie TheSinger. Photo: Victor Gonzalez

Louie TheSinger will launch the “Desperado Tour,” his first-ever U.S. journey, on June 15.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off at the House of Blues in Orlando and makes stops in San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Chicago, Denver and more before wrapping at The Underground in Charlotte on July 27.

Despite facing obstacles, including a prison stint in 2018 that challenged his identity, the UMG Nashville artist strived to remain true to himself and his music. After amassing a fanbase and millions of streams, he is ready to share his story and sound with music lovers across the nation.

Citi is the official card of the “Desperado Tour,” and Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets now until Thursday (March 28) at 10 p.m. local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general sales beginning Friday (March 29). For more information, click here.

Weekly Register: Kacey Musgraves Scores Top Country Album Debut

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Kacey Musgraves‘ Deeper Well scores the top debut on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 1—and No. 2 on the all-genre chart—with 97K in total consumption (66K album only/38 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time descends to No. 2 on the country albums chart with 70K (1.6K album only/88 million song streams), while Zach Bryan‘s self-titled collection shifts down to No. 3 with 40K (3.4K album only/48 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves to No. 4 with 38K (337 album only/49 million song streams), and Bryan’s American Heartbreak transitions to No. 5 with 30K (770 album only/38 million song streams).

The top five country streaming songs stay the same again this week.

Bryan and Musgraves’ “I Remember Everything” maintains its No. 1 status with 18 million new streams, adding to 599 million ATD. Beyoncé‘s “Texas Hold ‘Em” holds No. 2 with 13 million streams, adding to 124 million ATD, as Wallen’s “Last Night” takes No. 3 with 12.4 million new streams, adding to 1.28 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” sits at No. 4 with 12.3 million streams, adding to 1.29 billion ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” rests at No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 674 million ATD.

Lily Rose To Debut New EP At One-Night-Only Immersive Show In May

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Lily Rose is holding a one-night-only immersive live experience that will feature a first look of her upcoming EP, Runnin’ Outta Time, at Nashville’s newly renovated Cannery Hall on May 9.

Held the night before the album’s release, the exclusive event will showcase Rose’s storytelling with a fusion of music and visual artistry. She will be the first country artist to integrate the venue’s new video technology as she invites listeners into her next musical chapter.

“I’m so pumped to share my new EP Runnin’ Outta Time with y’all, that I wanna do it before the EP releases,” shares Rose. “If you’ve seen us play a show, you know performing for you guys is easily my favorite part of this job. With the help of my band, we have planned a one-night-only, one-of-a-kind show in Nashville on May 9 before the music drops. We don’t just want to play a show…we want to bring y’all into the EP, so we can all immerse ourselves in the new music together. You guys are everything to me, and I’m so excited to share my new music with my biggest fans LIVE before they release, and of course play some of y’all’s old favorites, too. See you in Nashville!”

Tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow (March 27) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.

RIAA Releases 2023 Recorded Music Revenue Report

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released its 2023 recorded music revenue figures. This year saw an 8% growth for a total of $17.1 billion, the highest figure in the reports history and the eighth consecutive year of growth.

Streaming made up 84% of the total revenue, totaling $14.4 billion. This year also saw an all time high of on-demand service paid subscriptions, totaling 96.8 million.

Courtesy of RIAA

“Recorded music keeps reaching new heights as labels’ ‘all of the above’ commitment to meet fans everywhere they want to be continued to pay off for the entire music community. Licensing of social networks, fitness apps, and short form video are adding new value […] and physical sales once again boomed, with vinyl records delivering yet another double-digit increase,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.

He continues, “For artists, songwriters, and fans, this strong and sustained growth signals a time of incredible opportunity—with new formats, styles, and sounds rising up across innovative platforms and emerging ways to listen. As new services continue to get fully licensed at rates reflecting music’s incredible value, revenue for artists and songwriters will only continue to grow.”

The revenue from paid subscriptions in 2023 increased to $11.2 billion, making up 78% of streaming revenues and almost two-thirds of total revenues.

Physical formats are continuing to trend upwards, marking an 11% growth totaling $1.9 billion. Vinyl outsold CDs (43 million vs 37 million) for the year and grew 10%. This is the second time since 1987 vinyls outsold CDs.

“As music continues to soar and bring Americans together in new ways, new challenges continue to emerge—led by the mushrooming threat of generative artificial intelligence that, absent thoughtful and effective guardrails, put this dynamic growth and cultural reach at risk. No one has moved more quickly than the music industry to embrace responsible uses of this technology to create new possibilities and push human artistry forward,” says Glazier.

“Used responsibly, generative AI tools can take human creativity to new places. But irresponsibly, it could stifle a generation of artists across all mediums. RIAA and our members are committed to staying on the field every day, fighting with the music community for a pro-human, pro-creator future. Artists, songwriters, and their fans deserve nothing less.”

For RIAA’s full 2023 report, click here.