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.
Lily Rose To Debut New EP At One-Night-Only Immersive Show In May
/by Lorie HollabaughLily 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
/by Madison HahnenThe 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.
Hardy Notches Third No. 1 As An Artist, 14th As A Songwriter
/by LB CantrellHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Country-rock fusionist Hardy is celebrating his hit “Truck Bed” reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The track marks his first solo Country Airplay No. 1, third as an artist and 14th as a songwriter, not counting his rock radio No. 1 “Jack” that topped the charts last year.
“Truck Bed” appears on Hardy’s widely-acclaimed 2023 album The Mockingbird & The Crow. He co-wrote the song with Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps and Ashley Gorley, and it became the latter’s record-breaking 75th No. 1 song.
Hardy has previously topped the country radio charts alongside other artists, including with his double Platinum “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson and his award-winning, double Platinum “Wait In The Truck” featuring Lainey Wilson. He was also featured on the Platinum Dierks Bentley and Breland collaboration, “Beers On Me,” which he co-wrote.
Now a chart-topping hit, “Truck Bed” is nominated for 2024 CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year. Meanwhile, track “Rockstar” is impacting rock radio.
Hardy is set to embark on his “Quit!! Tour” of North America this spring and summer. Dates include headline sets at festivals including Stagecoach and CMA Fest, plus his own shows across the country.
‘Country For A Cause’ To Return To Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley In June
/by Lorie HollabaughAn American flag vertical background with place for text
The 10th annual “Country For A Cause” benefit show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley is set for June 5 and will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Presented by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms, the show will include performances by Moe Bandy, John Berry, Chad Brock, T. Graham Brown Chapel Hart, Lacy J. Dalton, Mike Farris, Crystal Gayle, Terri Gibbs, Lee Greenwood, The Kody Norris Show, John McEuen, Makenzie Phipps, Stephanie Gayle, Sister Sadie, Leona Williams and more. The benefit will be hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with Devon O’Day. Tickets are on sale now and are $50 for general admission.
“To say that Kelly and I are honored to host ‘Country For A Cause’ again is an understatement,” shares Sheppard. “It truly amazes us that this year’s group of artists is the most diversified we have ever had the pleasure of hosting. We have everything from country, bluegrass, Americana, and much more in between. There will be legends and newcomers… and maybe a couple of surprises along the way. This is going to be an incredible show.”
“Country for a Cause is one of my favorite annual events,” says Meredith “Mamie” Shepherd, Senior Program Manager for Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “We are so fortunate to have T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang as wonderful hosts and supporters of our patients and families. Huge thanks to the entire team that puts on such a wonderful night of music to make a difference for the children who rely on us for care.”
Riley Green To Take Fans ‘Way Out Here’ In April
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Riley Green plans to take fans Way Out Here with his new EP. The seven-song project is set to be released on April 12, the first day of his inaugural Duckman Jam, via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
Green explores the familiar territory of life, relationships and hard truths through a different lens on Way Out Here. The collection includes the previously released title track and his current single “Damn Good Day to Leave,” which was recently the most added at country radio upon impact, as well as a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” along with “Jesus Saves” and “Worst Way,” both of which the multi-Platinum artist penned solo.
Green has been traveling across the country on his “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour,” giving arenas and amphitheaters a preview of the new music with support from Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley.
“We’ve been playing these new songs on the road and wanted to get them to the fans soon as possible,” he says. “I’m always working on new music and have more coming throughout the year.”
Way Out Here Track Listing:
1. “Jesus Saves” (Riley Green)
2. “Way Out Here” (Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Josh Thompson)
3. “Atlantic City” (Bruce Springsteen)
4. “Good Morning from Mexico” (Riley Green)
5. “Damn Good Day to Leave” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
6. “Pick a Place” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan)
7. “Worst Way” (Riley Green)
AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee Announces New Members & 2024 Events
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Alex Tamashunas, Lauren Lieu, Michael Giangreco, Nina Jenkins Fisher, JD Groover, Sam Sarno and Courtney Kruckeberg. (L-R, bottom row): Raleigh Berschback, Megan Pekar, MaryAnn Keen and Sophie Moll Ziegler. Not Pictured: Maurna Donovan Crosby, Autumn Ledgin, Ciara Shortridge, Jacee Badeaux and Sam Shelton.
The Nashville chapter of AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers) has added six new members to its Young Professionals Committee for 2024.
Courtney Kruckeberg (Endurance Music Group), Autumn Ledgin (Back Blocks Music), Jacee Badeaux (Big Yellow Dog Music), JD Groover (Sea Gayle Music), Sam Sarno (SMACKsongs) and Sam Shelton (Goat Island Sound) have all joined the Young Professionals Committee.
The Committee has also announced several events planned for 2024, including a fall panel at Belmont University where YPC members and industry veterans will share insights with students, and a “Back Then Breakfast” event in which music publishing executives will share their journey through the industry. The YPC will also launch its Independent Songwriter Series this year, which will expand the annual AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series to unsigned Nashville-based songwriters. The 2024 edition of the Independent Songwriter Series will mark the chapter’s 10th installment.
The AIMP Nashville YPC’s goal is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices by providing a forum for the discussion of issues and problems confronting the publishing industry and activating the next generation of music publishers, involving more students and driving student membership.
PNC Plaza At The Ryman To Offer 30 Weeks Of Free Programming
/by Madison HahnenConner Smith performing on the PNC Plaza stage. Photo: Erika Goldring
The Ryman Auditorium and PNC Bank have extended their partnership. In celebration, the Ryman and PNC will offer 30 weeks of free programming and a rededication of the PNC Plaza.
The PNC Plaza at the Ryman outdoor stage was first introduced in 2021. The stage is used for live performances, free for visitors to enjoy. The Fisk Jubilee Singers were the first performers on the stage, and since then, the Ryman and PNC have hosted 130 events with 162 artists performing.
“Engagement in arts and culture helps enrich lives and build stronger, more vibrant communities,” says Mike D. Johnson, PNC Regional President for Tennessee. “PNC’s substantial support of the arts in Greater Nashville, highlighted by the iconic Ryman Auditorium, and across our coast-to-coast footprint, reflects the economic, social and personal impact the arts can have on all of us.”
PNC Bank also has sponsorships with The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Austin City Limits and ACL Live, showing its dedication to supporting communities through music.
Kiran Gupta will take the PNC Plaza stage tonight (March 26). The free programming will continue on April 4 with the return of the Ryman Sidewalk Sessions. The stage will also host various events throughout the summer, including “Bluegrass Nights Pickin’ on the Plaza,” CMA Fest events, Ryman Community Day and more.
Additional Performers Set For 2024 CMT Music Awards
/by Madison HahnenAdditional performers and collaborations have been announced for the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place at Moody Center in Austin, Texas on April 7. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the awards will air live on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Platinum hitmaker Cody Johnson will hit the Moody Center stage for a performance of his song “That’s Texas” from his latest album Leather. Johnson is nominated for Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year at this year’s awards.
Last year’s Breakthrough Female Video of the Year winner Megan Moroney will make her debut on the CMT main stage with her newest single “No Caller ID.” Moroney is nominated for Female Video of the Year, Collaborative Video of the Year and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year. She will also join Old Dominion on stage for their collaboration “Can’t Break Up Now.” The song is nominated for Collaborative Video of the Year. Old Dominion has also earned a nomination for Duo/Group Video of the Year.
Parker McCollum and Brittney Spencer, who has scored a Breakthrough Female Video of the Year nomination, will team up for a first-ever collaboration of McCollum’s hit “Burn It Down.” This will be Spencer’s first performance on the CMT main stage.
These five join previously announced performers Ballerini, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, NeedToBreathe, Sam Hunt and Trisha Yearwood. More performers and presenters will be announced soon.
Amazon Music To Stream ‘Breland & Friends’ On Twitch Channel [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellBreland. Photo: Henry Ammann
Amazon Music’s Twitch Channel is set to livestream Platinum artist Breland‘s third annual “Breland & Friends” benefit concert, taking place tonight (March 26) at the Ryman Auditorium. This is the second time the two have partnered to stream the event.
Since selecting Breland as their Breakthrough Artist in early 2022, Amazon Music has put their full support behind his music and his debut record, Cross Country, which is now officially certified Gold. According to the platform, over 50 percent of the streams that contributed to Breland’s Gold certification came from Amazon Music.
Other ways Amazon Music has supported Breland include curating a bespoke album release party for Cross Country held at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), his inclusion as the face for the new echo studio color launch and the latest version of echo buds in addition to several Amazon Music Originals, global marketing campaigns, increased visibility across playlists and programming and more. He was also prominently featured in For Love and Country, an Amazon Music Original feature-length documentary that highlights prominent Black voices who are pushing country music forward.
Additionally, Breland makes a performance cameo in Prime Video’s Amazon/MGM film Road House, where he sings his song “Praise the Lord,” a special re-recording specifically created for the film. The film, directed by Doug Liman and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor, is now available to stream on Amazon’s Prime Video.
“Breland & Friends,” which kicks off his headlining “Little More Countrier Tour,” will feature a star-studded cast and benefit the Oasis Center, an organization dedicated to helping Middle Tennessee’s at-risk youth. The event has raised over $300,000 so far in its three years. Livestream the 2024 “Breland & Friends” here.
Sam Hunt Slates New EP ‘Locked Up’ For April
/by John Nix ArledgeThe EP features Hunt’s latest single, the title track “Locked Up,” which was released on Friday (March 22), along with his current top 10 hit “Outskirts” and two new songs. Writers contributing to the project consist of Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Jeremy Flowers, Luke Laird, Michael Lotten, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Hunt, who co-wrote three of the four tracks.
The artist is set to perform “Locked Up” for the first time at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on April 7. Currently, he is on the road for his “Outskirts Tour 2024” alongside Brett Young and Lily Rose with upcoming stops in Knoxville, Greensboro, Savannah, Columbia and Charlottesville.
Locked Up Track Listing:
1. “Locked Up” (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
2. “Country House” (Sam Hunt, Ross Copperman, Michael Lotten, Josh Osborne)
3. “Last Hurrah” (Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
4. “Outskirts” (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Josh Osborne)