Elisha Hoffman Named Industry Relations Ambassador At Sound Royalties

/by

Elisha Hoffman

Producer, engineer, and songwriter Elisha Hoffman has joined Sound Royalties as an Industry Relations Ambassador. In this position, Hoffman will represent the company through direct community outreach and exclusively curated events in Nashville.

Hoffman began playing drums in theater productions at 10 and moved to Nashville at 18 to work as a drum tech for Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He soon became a sought-after multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and programmer in the music community. His credits include co-producing the remix of Shania Twain’s “It’s Alright” and the show-opening music for “The Dixie Chicks Fly Tour.” He has also penned songs for artists like Faith Hill and Runaway June, and co-wrote “Give In To Me” for the film Country Strong. 

Hoffman’s songs have also been heard on TV shows such as The Shield and Dark Angel. He is a founding member of The Loving Mary Band, Steven Tyler’s country band, as well as co-founder of Pumphouse Records, which he launched with Lee Brice and songwriter Rob Hatch.

“We are accelerating our business growth through many channels and are very excited to include this thoughtfully-targeted outreach to the music industry,” comments Michael Bizenov, Sound Royalties President. “We’re proud to have Eli on board helping expand our footprint in the creative community of Nashville.”

“As someone who has been immersed in the music industry for my whole life, I’m well-versed in the many options creatives face when it comes to taking full advantage of the earning potential of their work,” says Hoffman. “Joining Sound Royalties to help bring their services closer to music creatives is a no-brainer for me. A company that offers funding on all types of royalty streams without taking ownership, while offering the opportunity for ongoing cashflow is a valuable resource to my fellow musicians and others looking to grow and/or maintain their career in the music world.”

Creative Artists Agency To Acquire ICM Partners

/by

Creative Artists Agency is acquiring ICM Partners in a new deal to create broader and more competitive opportunities for clients in the entertainment, media, and sports landscapes. ICM brings a global roster of artists in film, TV, music, comedy, theater, games, politics, and podcasting.

“Today’s storytellers, athletes, thought-leaders, and trend-setters who can move, inspire, and attract large, global audiences have unprecedented opportunity and ability to achieve their goals and aspirations,” comment CAA’s Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett. “The strategic combination of CAA and ICM bolsters our collective resources, expertise, and relationships to deliver even more opportunities for our world-class clients to build their careers and their brands across multiple disciplines and platforms in an evolving marketplace. Our strong financial position enables us to continue to expand and diversify our businesses, with service and representation remaining central to what we do and who we are. We’re fortunate to have a partner in ICM who shares our commitment to the widest and most inclusive vision possible for what our clients and company can accomplish together.”

“We’re thrilled to partner and combine forces with the talented CAA team,” says ICM’s Chris Silbermann.  “Together, we will build upon our accomplishments and entrepreneurial spirit, and continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the best interests of our clients, as well as empowering new, diverse voices within the industry.”

Weekly Register: Scotty McCreery Earns Top 10 Country Album Debut

/by

Scotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray

Thirty Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery earns the top country album debut this week with Same Truck. The recently released project scores 10,000 first-week streams, coming in at No. 10 on the country chart and No. 86 overall, according to Nielsen.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album reclaims the No. 1 spot, racking in 39,000 streams contributing to 47 million RTD. Kacey Musgraves‘ Star-Crossed follows in second with 29,000 streams, while Luke Combs takes third with What You See Is What You Get and fourth with This One’s For You earning 22,000 and 15,000 streams, respectively. Walker Hayes takes fifth as Country Stuff adds 15,000 streams this week.

Hayes also keeps his top spot on the top country streaming songs as “Fancy Like” maintains its residency at No. 1. The track earned 14 million streams this week for a total of 152 million streams RTD, according to Nielsen. “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) sit at No. 2 with 7.6 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) stay at No. 3 with 6.8 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) rises to No. 4 with 5.9 million streams. Combs’ re-enters the top five this week with “Forever After All” gaining 5.9 million streams.

Niko Moon To Embark On “Good Time Tour”

/by

Niko Moon. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Niko Moon is hitting the road for his very own “Good Time Tour,” kicking off Nov. 19 in Nashville.

Moon will bring his high-energy and charisma to venues including Nashville’s Exit/In, NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, Boston’s Paradise Rock Club, and more. Singer-songwriter Kylie Morgan will serve as support on all dates.

Additionally, Moon’s new single “Paradise To Me,” which he co-wrote with his wife Anna Moon and his co-producer Joshua Murty, hits country radio today (Sept. 27). The track appears on Moon’s debut album Good Time, and has racked up more than 47 million on-demand streams so far.

Moon is currently serving as support on Lady A’s “What A Song Can Do Tour,” which continues this weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina (Sept. 30), Simpsonville, South Carolina (Oct. 1), and Alpharetta, Georgia (Oct. 2).

Tickets for Moon’s “Good Time Tour” go on sale Friday (Oct. 1) at 10:00 a.m. local time. Fan club presales begin tomorrow (Sept. 28) at 10:00 a.m. local time and are available exclusively to members of the Good Timers Facebook fan page. See below for a full list of dates.

NMPA, Roblox Reach Publishing Agreement

/by

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and digital experience platform, Roblox, have reached an agreement that settles any previous claims against Roblox. This agreement also sets the foundation for future partnerships with global publishers for new creative and commercial opportunities on its platform.

The new agreement offers an industry-wide opt-in for all eligible NMPA publishers and opens a negotiation period for members to engage in new licensing deals with the Roblox global platform. It also expands Roblox’s existing relationships with major publishers to the entire global publishing industry to unlock new ways for music to be more meaningfully integrated into the global Roblox community and to find new ways for songwriters to monetize their songs and catalogues.

For songwriters, publishers, artists, and record labels, Roblox provides a creative way to engage and attract fans as well as drive new revenue streams through virtual launch parties and concerts, music in games, persistent music worlds, and virtual merchandise.

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite comments, “We are extremely pleased to have found a way forward with Roblox as it continues to offer a unique platform for musicians and songwriters in the metaverse. Roblox understands that music has the potential to play a more integral role on its platform. I appreciate Roblox’s willingness to work with us in pursuit of advancing the interests of publishers and songwriters and look forward to seeing how they expand virtual experiences through music.”

Roblox Vice President, Global Head of Music Jon Vlassopulos adds, “We are delighted to have come to terms with select NMPA members, building on our existing relationships with major publishers. We are pleased that the publishing industry sees the potential of Roblox to be a significant creative and commercial opportunity for its members. Music is a natural way for people to express themselves, be entertained, and connect with likeminded people. We strive to offer experiences that bring millions of fans together with the songwriters and artists they love. Roblox currently enables labels and publishers to reach millions of fans at once in hyper social, immersive environments such as launch parties and virtual concerts. Moving forward, we are committed to partnering with the music industry, as a whole, to create an exciting new social era of the music business which engages fans and artists in an unprecedented way in the metaverse.”

ASCAP Expands Royalty Premium Payment Plans

/by

ASCAP is expanding its TV Premium payment plan to include eligibility for top streamed shows on services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple TV+, Disney+ and HBO Max.

The TV Premium Plan is being renamed and expanded to a platform agnostic Audio-Visual Premium plan. The expanded eligibility requirements for premium payments ensure that ASCAP composers, songwriters and publishers are also eligible for premium bonus payments for the top streamed shows and movies on these services.

In a further expansion of its premium payment program, ASCAP is also adding the Univision and UniMás networks to its existing broadcast TV premiums, recognizing the growing market for Spanish-language programming in the U.S.

“AV OTT services are rapidly scaling their businesses by providing subscribers with high-value offerings at price points that are disruptive to traditional TV economics,” says ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “ASCAP is expanding its premium plan structure to ensure that our composers have the ability to earn a viable living from top-streamed shows. This protects the economic value of their music in AV OTT programming by creating incentives to retain their future backend public performance royalties in their own deal making with production companies and streaming services.

“The board approved this change because ASCAP is committed to evolving its distribution rules to keep pace with the way music is consumed and licensed in the marketplace,” adds ASCAP Chairman of the Board of Directors Paul Williams. “ASCAP’s Audio-Visual Premium payments recognize the significant value that the music in top programs brings to ASCAP’s repertory.  The Board’s action here ensures the highest good for all concerned and the future health of the ASCAP membership.”

ASCAP’s expanded Audio-Visual Premiums will take effect with the December 2021/January 2022 Publisher and Writer distributions.

Jason Aldean Unveils Plans For Double Album, ‘Macon, Georgia’

/by

Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean is rolling out his upcoming double album Macon, Georgia in waves, with over two dozen songs set for release by next April.

On Nov. 12, fans will have access to 10 new tracks, including his Top 5 single “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, plus five live tracks from Macon, the first installment in the artist’s 10th studio album.

Macon was produced with longtime producer Michael Knox, and includes stadium rockers, barstool ballads, and more. Within the double album’s 30 tracks are 20 new songs and at least one live hit from each of his previous albums from shows in Nashville, L.A., Vegas, Dallas, and St. Louis.

“Where you were raised has such a big influence on who you become and for me it’s no different… especially from a music standpoint,” Aldean said. “My little hometown of Macon was heavily instrumental in my musical background. Growing up in an environment that was a crossroads between country music, southern rock, blues and R&B, it was just natural to blend different sounds in my on way.”

Over the last 16 years, the three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year has racked up 25 No. 1s, 15 billion streams, and sold more than 20 million albums. Seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified Platinum or more.

Aldean continues to cross the country on his Back In The Saddle Tour 2021 featuring special guests Hardy, Lainey Wilson, John Morgan and Dee Jay Silver, with stops this week in Phoenix (Sept. 30), Albuquerque (Oct. 1) and Denver (Oct. 2).

Macon Track List:
1. After You
2. Over You Again
3. That’s What Tequila Does
4. Small Town Small
5. If I Didn’t Love You
6. Story For Another Glass
7. Heaven
8. This Bar Don’t Work Anymore
9. The Sad Songs
10. Watching You Love Me
11. Amarillo Sky (Live from Nashville, TN)
12. Johnny Cash (Live from Los Angeles, CA)
13. She’s Country (Live from Las Vegas, NV)
14. Big Green Tractor (Live from Dallas, TX)
15. My Kinda Party (Live from St. Louis, MO)

Georgia Track List:
16. Whiskey Me Away
17. Trouble With A Heartbreak
18. The State I’m In
19. Midnight And Missin’ You
20. Ain’t Enough Cowboy
21. God Made Airplanes
22. My Weakness
23. Holy Water
24. Rock And Roll Cowboy
25. Your Mama
26. Take a Little Ride (Live from Las Vegas, NV)
27. Burnin’ It Down (Live from St. Louis, MO)
28. Any Ol’ Barstool (Live from Knoxville, TN)
29. Rearview Town (Live from St. Louis, MO)
30. Blame It On You (Live from Manchester, TN)

Industry Ink: Recording Academy, BMI, Song Suffragettes

/by

Recording Academy Appoints Todd Dupler To VP, Advocacy & Public Policy

The Recording Academy has appointed Todd Dupler as Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy. Dupler will report to Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Daryl Friedman.

In his role, Dupler will work with the Academy’s leadership to develop policy positions on issues affecting the music community as well as represent the interests of the Academy’s members before Congress and federal agencies. He will also coordinate state and local advocacy with the Academy’s 12 regional chapters. Friedman will continue to oversee the advocacy division focused on championing creators’ rights and elevating important policy issues.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Todd into his elevated role as Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy,” says Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “His track record for advocating on behalf of music creators nationwide has proven to be invaluable to the music community. As we continue to evolve to better serve the music industry at-large, we are excited to see what great work he will lead to ensure fair treatment and compensation for music creators.”

Dupler joined the Recording Academy in 2012, most recently serving as Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy. He was instrumental in launching the Academy’s District Advocate program as well as the Grammy Fund for Music Creators where he acts as it’s Treasurer. He has also managed the Grammys on the Hill Advocacy Day for nine years. Dupler also has over two decades of experience in Washington, D.C., serving on the legislative staffs of two members of Congress and a United States senator. He was also a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

 

BMI, Bluebird Cafe Unveil New Songwriters-In-The-Round Series

BMI and the Bluebird Cafe have partnered for a new songwriters-in-the-round series: BMI Presents at Bluebird Cafe.

The recurring monthly series will be curated by BMI’s Nashville Creative staff to highlight a lineup of emerging and established songwriters. The series will continue monthly through the end of 2022. The first installment will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 28 with Rissi Palmer, Kam Franklin, and Leon Timbo. Tickets for the first show are available here.

“We are excited to partner with the Bluebird to provide opportunities for our songwriters to be heard on this legendary stage,“ says Shannon Sanders, Executive Director, Creative, Nashville. “Songwriters are the lifeblood of our creative community. These writers and their craft are just as important to the Bluebird as they are to us, so there could not be a more perfect partnership.”

The Bluebird Cafe is now requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of show entry. For the most up-to-date information on the Bluebird Cafe’s COVID-19 policy, click here.

 

 

Song Suffragettes Adds Maddie Lenhart As New Event Director

Maddie Lenhart

Song Suffragettes, Nashville’s only all-female weekly singer-songwriter showcase, has added Maddie Lenhart as Event Director.

Lenhart will be responsible for the overall operations of the Monday night show at The Listening Room Café. A graduate of James Madison University, Lenhart most recently worked in licensing at SESAC.

“My personal passions and beliefs could not align more perfectly with an organization. Song Suffragettes has been elevating women and breaking ground in Nashville for years and I am beyond grateful and excited to be a part of it,” says Lenhart.

Sturgill Simpson Cancels November Shows At The Ryman Auditorium

/by

Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson announced via social media the cancelation of his five shows at New York City’s Webster Hall as well as his three upcoming shows at the Ryman Auditorium, originally set for Nov. 18-20.

“I am extremely disappointed and sorry to have to inform all of you that all five performances this week in New York at Webster Hall and all three performances in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium in November are officially cancelled,” he shares.

The reason for the unexpected cancellations of his remaining 2021 tour shows has not been specified. All ticket purchases will be refunded.

Simpson recently had to cancel his performances at the Outlaw Music Festival and Farm Aid 2021 due to losing his voice. The singer broke the news to his fans on Sept. 23, saying: “Lost my voice completely. Been four days still no better… hoping just viral laryngitis or inhaling treated wood from backstage campfire at Merlefest or something equally stupid and not actual injury to vocal chords for playing too many shows in a row after not singing much for over 18 months.”

After the release of his recent record, The Ballad of Dood & Juanita, Simpson also won the Album of the Year award for his first bluegrass project, Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 – The Butcher Shoppe Sessions, at the 20th Annual Americana Honors & Awards held earlier this week.

Lindsay Ell, Tenille Townes, Brett Kissel, More Receive CCMA Nominations

/by

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced the nominees for its 39th Canadian Country Music Awards presented by TD. This year’s ceremony will be broadcasted from London, Ontario on Nov. 29.

BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records’ Lindsay Ell, the female artist receiving the most nominations this year, earned five 2021 CCMA Award nominations–Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Interactive Artist or Group of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year, and PRS Guitars Video of the Year.

Brett Kissel also took home five for Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice, Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, PRS Guitars Video of the Year. Reigning Entertainer of the Year Dallas Smith also earned five nominations in Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice, Entertainer of the Year, FORD F-150 Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year.

Leading with six artist category nominations are Platinum-selling brother-sister duo The Reklaws for Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice, Group or Duo of the Year, two Single of the Year nods, Interactive Artist or Group of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year.

Other 2021 CCMA Awards nominations include three or more for Dean Brody, High Valley, Tyler Joe Miller, Jess Moskaluke, MacKenzie Porter, and Tenille Townes.

Chosen by Canadian country music fans, the Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice nominees include Tenille Arts, Brody, Jade Eagleson, High Valley, Kissel, Tyler Joe Miller, Porter, The Reklaws, Smith and Townes. Voting for Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice is now open.

For a full list of 2021 CCMA Award nominees, click here.