The Copyright Royalty Board reached a determination of the appeal of the Phonorecords III proceedings today (July 1). The CRB decided to uphold the 15.1% headline rate increase that was determined in 2018, while returning the Total Content Cost (TCC) and bundle definitions to the Phonorecords II levels.
In 2019, Spotify, Amazon, Google and Pandora appealed the rate increase won in 2018 by NMPA and NSAI, which raised mechanical streaming rates from 10.5% to 15.1% over years 2018 – 2022. Due to this appeal, copyright owners received the lower rate while the remand was pending. The trial for CRB IV, which determines rates for 2023-2027, begins later this year.
Of the news, NMPA President & CEO, David Israelite, shares: “Today the court reaffirmed the headline rate increase we earned four long years ago, confirming that songwriters need and deserve a significant raise from the digital streaming services who profit from their work. We will fight to increase the TCC, or percentage of label revenue, which amounts to an insurance policy for songwriters, in the next CRB and will also fight for stronger terms regarding bundles.
“This process was protracted and expensive and though we are relieved with the outcome, years of litigation to uphold a rate increase we spent years fighting for is a broken system,” Israelite adds. “Now, songwriters and music publishers finally can be made whole and receive the rightful royalty rates from streaming services that they should’ve been paid years ago. We will work to ensure that the services quickly backpay copyright owners as they are required by law. We appreciate Pryor Cashman‘s relentless work to secure this result and the voices of all songwriters and publishers who supported this mission. As an industry, we move forward united as we press for even fairer rates in the next CRB starting this fall.”
NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, says, “This verdict represents mixed news. The good news is songwriters received the 15.1% headline rate we won four-and-a-half years ago. The bad news is that the definition of ‘bundled services’ and of total content costs, one of the streaming rate tiers, were not what we wished. We will return our focus to the next CRB proceeding which is already underway. Along with the National Music Publisher’s Association (NMPA) we are asking for further increases going forward.
“The original 15.1% rate set by the CRB was to go into effect in 2018, but an appeal by streaming services delayed that. The retroactive increase for American songwriters, is supposed to be paid within six months of the verdict being finalized, but the streaming giants have asked for that time period to be extended, which we strongly oppose. Until the U.S. Copyright Office makes that determination, it is still unknown when songwriters will receive their payments. It is unbelievable that these tech companies who pay a myriad of rates across the globe have not figured this out when they realized four-and-a-half years ago they would have to,” Herbison says.
“More and more songwriters continue to leave the business. Some may have been able to hold on had the streaming companies not appealed. We do not want to see anyone else leave because arrearage payments cannot get to them in time. A few thousand dollars might make that kind of difference to a writer. We thank the NMPA and the songwriters who testified during CRB III, NSAI Board Members Steve Bogard, Lee Miller and Liz Rose. Without them there may have been no increase in royalties.”
Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Ian Munsick Among Mile 0 Fest Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe first round of artists has been announced for the 6th Annual Mile 0 Fest Key West, slated for Jan. 24-28, 2023.
Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Morgan Wade, Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Cody Canada & The Departed and Ian Munsick are among the artists set to perform, with more lineup announcements to come. Festival packages and passes will go on sale to the public on July 8.
“The fact that we’re coming into the 6th year of this festival is really astounding, but this reality is not owed to some secret sauce or a stroke of luck,” says Kyle Carter, Founder & CEO of Mile 0 Fest. “Our history of success is due to three simple elements…incredible fans, the greatest bands and artists and one world-class destination city.”
Founded in 2018, Mile 0 Fest Key West brings the best of Americana and Red Dirt Music to Key West for five days of full-band performances, acoustic jam sessions, and song swaps from over sixty legendary, established and emerging artists. The festival will also host an array of local food vendors, clothing, art, jewelry and more.
Oh Boy Records To Celebrate John Prine With Vinyl Pressings, More
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine. Photo: Danny Clinch
Oh Boy Records is releasing new vinyl pressings of two of John Prine classics: Aimless Love (1984), set for release Aug. 26, and German Afternoons (1986), out Sept. 16 for its multi-faceted “The Summer of Oh Boy Records” celebration.
Aimless Love, Prine’s first full-length album via Oh Boy, was completely fan-funded and launched the label, which was founded in 1981 by Prine and his longtime manager Al Bunetta. In celebration of the German Afternoons release, Oh Boy is hosting an event at Nashville’s The Vinyl Lab on Sept. 16, including food, drinks, entertainment and a live pressing of German Afternoons while the party takes place.
Oh Boy Records has also teamed up with Vinyl Brew for a series of special events across the country this summer in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Lexington and more. At each event, a limited amount of vinyl pressings will be available, including German Afternoons on pink swirl vinyl, Aimless Love on yellow swirl and Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows Vol. 2: Songs of John Prine on blue and black swirl.
The indie label has also partnered with Newport Folk Festival in creating the new John Prine Songwriter Fellowship with this year’s inaugural recipient, Leith Ross.
“We created this fellowship in partnership with John’s family to celebrate John’s life and the impact he had on our festival community,” organizers of the Newport Folk Festival share. “Each year, we choose one young songwriter that we feel embodies John’s spirit and provide them with their first slot at the festival. Leith’s intimate, yet relatable songwriting style and clever lyrics remind us of John all while being completely unique.” They continue, “We have also partnered with Almanack Arts to provide Leith with a week-long songwriting retreat on Nantucket this summer. There, Leith will be given the time, resources, and space to hone their craft.”
“The Summer of Oh Boy Records” celebration will culminate with “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Life & Songs of John Prine,” a full week of concerts and events held at various venues in Nashville from Oct. 7-12.
Dailey & Vincent Partner With BMG For Upcoming Album [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingDailey & Vincent. Photo: Josh Daubin
Highly decorated bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent have signed with BMG for the release of their upcoming album, slated for later this year.
Comprised of Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, the pair are Grand Ole Opry members, and have played across the globe from the Ryman Auditorium to Carnegie Hall. Among their many accolades are 5 individual Grammy awards; 3 collective Grammys; 4 Dove awards; and an impressive 35 IBMA Awards, including as 3-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award winners and 3-Time Vocal Group of the Year Award winners.
Now on season five of their nationally broadcast television series, The Dailey & Vincent Show on the Circle Network, Dailey & Vincent bring their music to a national audience on a weekly basis. The duo has also created their own festival brand called “Dailey & Vincent’s American Made Music Festivals,” where they bring artists such as Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Shenandoah, Del McCoury, The Isaacs, Ricky Skaggs, and other country, bluegrass, and gospel artists throughout the southeast.
“Throughout our career, we’ve been blessed to work with some incredibly talented people, whether it be on stage, on recordings, on the radio, or on television,” says Dailey. “When we first met with the team at BMG I knew right away we were going to be in good hands. I’m thankful they are on board to help us launch our next record. We are stoked about our new relationship with one heck of a great and creative team!”
“It’s a huge honor to be in the family of BMG. Our manager, Zac Koffler—APEX Entertainment Management, and our lawyer, David Crow, have worked tirelessly to partner and position Dailey & Vincent with a powerhouse platform,” adds Vincent.
Their most recent live album, Dailey & Vincent Alive, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and remained at the top for over 15 weeks. The pair’s first-ever Christmas album, Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart and No. 8 on the Billboard Holiday Chart as the only country, bluegrass and gospel act in the top 10.
Copyright Royalty Board Upholds 15.1% Rate Increase, Reduces Some Protections
/by LB CantrellThe Copyright Royalty Board reached a determination of the appeal of the Phonorecords III proceedings today (July 1). The CRB decided to uphold the 15.1% headline rate increase that was determined in 2018, while returning the Total Content Cost (TCC) and bundle definitions to the Phonorecords II levels.
In 2019, Spotify, Amazon, Google and Pandora appealed the rate increase won in 2018 by NMPA and NSAI, which raised mechanical streaming rates from 10.5% to 15.1% over years 2018 – 2022. Due to this appeal, copyright owners received the lower rate while the remand was pending. The trial for CRB IV, which determines rates for 2023-2027, begins later this year.
Of the news, NMPA President & CEO, David Israelite, shares: “Today the court reaffirmed the headline rate increase we earned four long years ago, confirming that songwriters need and deserve a significant raise from the digital streaming services who profit from their work. We will fight to increase the TCC, or percentage of label revenue, which amounts to an insurance policy for songwriters, in the next CRB and will also fight for stronger terms regarding bundles.
“This process was protracted and expensive and though we are relieved with the outcome, years of litigation to uphold a rate increase we spent years fighting for is a broken system,” Israelite adds. “Now, songwriters and music publishers finally can be made whole and receive the rightful royalty rates from streaming services that they should’ve been paid years ago. We will work to ensure that the services quickly backpay copyright owners as they are required by law. We appreciate Pryor Cashman‘s relentless work to secure this result and the voices of all songwriters and publishers who supported this mission. As an industry, we move forward united as we press for even fairer rates in the next CRB starting this fall.”
NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, says, “This verdict represents mixed news. The good news is songwriters received the 15.1% headline rate we won four-and-a-half years ago. The bad news is that the definition of ‘bundled services’ and of total content costs, one of the streaming rate tiers, were not what we wished. We will return our focus to the next CRB proceeding which is already underway. Along with the National Music Publisher’s Association (NMPA) we are asking for further increases going forward.
“The original 15.1% rate set by the CRB was to go into effect in 2018, but an appeal by streaming services delayed that. The retroactive increase for American songwriters, is supposed to be paid within six months of the verdict being finalized, but the streaming giants have asked for that time period to be extended, which we strongly oppose. Until the U.S. Copyright Office makes that determination, it is still unknown when songwriters will receive their payments. It is unbelievable that these tech companies who pay a myriad of rates across the globe have not figured this out when they realized four-and-a-half years ago they would have to,” Herbison says.
“More and more songwriters continue to leave the business. Some may have been able to hold on had the streaming companies not appealed. We do not want to see anyone else leave because arrearage payments cannot get to them in time. A few thousand dollars might make that kind of difference to a writer. We thank the NMPA and the songwriters who testified during CRB III, NSAI Board Members Steve Bogard, Lee Miller and Liz Rose. Without them there may have been no increase in royalties.”
New Everly Brothers Compilation Of Gems & Deep Cuts Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughEverly Brothers
Hey Doll Baby, a new compilation album of hidden gems and deep cuts from rock pioneers The Everly Brothers, is out now via Warner Records. The project includes the final contribution from the last living brother Don Everly ahead of his passing on August 21, 2021.
The remastered 17-track collection was curated by Adria Petty, daughter of Tom Petty, and brought both Everly families together for the first time in nearly 20 years to pioneer the Everly Brothers legacy. She worked alongside Phil Everly’s widow Patti, and son Jason Everly, who provided insight into each song in the album’s liner notes. Don was also involved, prior to his passing.
Adria’s deep connection to the Everly Brothers started with her father and the profound influence they had on his music. With this project, Adria intends to carry on her dad’s tradition of honoring his heroes by helping to preserve these musical archives.
“The Everly Brothers held a special place in his heart because they were the rock’n’roll trailblazers [my dad] related to the most,” Adria says. “Self-made and determined like him. From the time I was around five years old, he passed on his passion for their music and story to me. This compilation was curated with an eye towards celebrating the deeper rockabilly tracks and some great covers, with a small emphasis on hits. This is sequenced for a great listening experience. Put this record on and get transported to another time and place. It will leave you feeling better.”
In celebration of the release, a star-studded lineup of artists came together for a virtual tribute concert, “’Hey Doll Baby’ Virtual Festival: Celebrating The Lives And Music Of The Everly Brothers.” Sponsored by Gibson, the show featured new and archival performances by Graham Nash and Chris Stills, Chris Isaak and Nicole Atkins, Bob Weir and Chris Robinson, Lukas Nelson, Jakob Dylan, Dave Stewart and Amy Lee, Butch Walker and Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast), Paul Simon and Edie Brickell, The Milk Carton Kids, Secret Sisters and more.
Hey Doll Baby Track List:
Side One
1. Hey Doll Baby
2. When Will I Be Loved
3. Muskrat
4. Gone, Gone, Gone
5. Walk Right Back
6. (‘Til) I Kissed You
7. That’s Just Too Much
8. Baby What You Want Me To Do
Side Two
1. Cathy’s Clown
2. Devoted To You
3. Maybellene
4. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
5. Made To Love
6. Sigh, Cry, Almost Die
7. I Walk The Line
8. Love Hurts
9. So Fine
CAA Completes Acquisition Of ICM Partners
/by LB CantrellCreative Artists Agency (CAA) has completed its deal to acquire ICM Partners (ICM).
“Today marks a new chapter in the history of our company, positioning us better than ever to deliver extraordinary opportunities for many of the world’s preeminent artists, athletes, thought leaders, brands, and organizations in entertainment, sports, and culture,” says CAA’s Co-Chairmen Kevin Huvane, Bryan Lourd, and Richard Lovett. “We are thrilled to welcome our new ICM colleagues to CAA, and look forward to combining their expertise, relationships, and resources with those of our agents and executives around the world. Our diverse range of clients who entertain and inspire large global audiences have never been in more demand, nor have their opportunities been greater. With today’s addition of our new colleagues, the scope of possibilities for helping clients achieve their goals is limitless.”
The combination of CAA and ICM now reflects more than 3,200 total employees operating in 25 countries worldwide. In addition to massive growth in other departments, CAA’s reach grows tremendously in music booking. CAA now books more than 30,000 music and comedy shows each year for genres spanning pop, rock, country, urban, Latin, EDM, and more. The Touring department also services clients through its brand partnerships, marketing, private events, and crossover divisions.
“Combining with the best-in-class agency to build an even greater representation company for our clients and our colleagues is the core strategic reason for this move. We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about our future together, and are energized by the sophisticated, forward-thinking representation we offer clients. This is the ideal next step for our companies,” shares ICM’s Chris Silbermann and Ted Chervin.
Andrew Hall Joins 3rd And Lindsley As Talent Buyer
/by Lorie HollabaughAndrew Hall has joined 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville as its new talent buyer. He will take over the talent buyer position at the iconic, independent venue on July 3.
Hall’s experience is rooted as a buyer in Americana, country, rock, world music, R&B, jam-bands, and funk. He started his career in Austin, Texas.
3rd and Lindsley opened its doors in 1991 and is still guided by its original owner, Ron Brice. With a long diverse list of artists and bands that have played the venue, it has evolved and expanded through the years to become a versatile multipurpose venue that scales from 200-700 capacity, capable of providing an environment to present all kinds of shows.
“3rd and Lindsley has and always will be that place that has been known for building budding artists, while also honoring the laundry list of legendary acts that have paved the way in our scene; and that’s exactly where I like to live,” shares Hall. “I spent time with Ron and his team before making the decision, and I’m excited and eager to adapt to their incredible business practices. 3rd treats bands like royalty, provides top-notch production, and markets / advertises aggressively to produce a terrific show.”
Hall can be reached at andrew@3rdandlindsley.com.
The Class Of 2022 Inducted Into The Country Radio Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Barry Mardit, Steve Grunwald, CRB/CRS Executive Director RJ Curtis, Bob Call; (L-R, back row): Cathy Martindale, Rachael Hunter, Debbie Conner, Whitney Allen, Becky Brenner. Photo: Caitlin Harris
The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was inducted last night (June 30) at a dinner and awards ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville.
The special evening was packed with honoree presentations, acceptance speeches, video segments, and a performance by Lauren Alaina. Honorees praised their mentors and shared some of their most cherished moments of their career during the annual event.
The off-air honorees were Becky Brenner and Barry Mardit, along with 2021 honoree Bob Call, who was unable to attend last year’s event. On-air honorees were Whitney Allen, Debbie Conner, Cathy Martindale, and Rachael & Grunwald.
Pictured (L-R): Kurt Johnson, Lauren Alaina, Trisha Yearwood, RJ Curtis. Photo: Caitlin Harris
CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson presented Chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville, John Esposito, with the 2022 CRB President’s Award, and CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis presented Trisha Yearwood with the 2022 CRB Artist Achievement Award. A musical tribute featuring Lauren Alaina was held during the evening in honor of Yearwood.
Among the sold-out audience were past inductees, including Jaye Albright, Beverlee Brannigan, Charlie Chase, Charlie Cook, Lorianne Crook, RJ Curtis, Jonathan Fricke, Jeff Garrison, Dan Halyburton, Mike Hammond, Lon Helton, Gregg Lindahl, Mike O’Malley, Joel Raab, Tim Roberts, and Ed Salamon. The evening also paid tribute to honorees lost over the past year, who were Ralph Emery (Class of 1989), Eddie Edwards (Class of 2013), and Bob Robbins (Class of 2008).
Chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville, John Esposito; CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson. Photo: Caitlin Harris
Chart Action: Sam Hunt Makes A Splash At Country Radio
/by Alex ParrySam Hunt
Sam Hunt‘s latest release “Water Under the Bridge” dives headfirst into the radio waters this week earning 133 new station adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow radio charts. It charted at No. 25, No. 37 and No. 67, respectively.
Written by Hunt with Chris LaCorte, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne, “Water Under the Bridge” is a fun, fast paced trip down memory lane with lyrics and melody reflecting the carefree days of youth.
“Water Under the Bridge” follows Hunt’s recent No. 1 smash hit “23,” also written by Hunt with the trio of LaCorte, McAnally, and Osborne. “23” was Hunt’s eighth chart-topping hit and has amassed over 180 million global streams. The pair of songs are the latest from Hunt since his No. 1 debuting album Southside, featuring multiple back-to-back No. 1 hits with “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Kinfolks,” and “Hard To Forget.”
For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Opens Chris Stapleton Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s newest exhibit, “Chris Stapleton: Since 1978″ presented by Ram Trucks, opens today (July 1).
The exhibit spotlights the course of Stapleton’s multi-faceted career, from his Kentucky roots and success as a songwriter to his rise to stardom as one of country’s most powerful voices. Items featured in “Chris Stapleton: Since 1978” include instruments, awards, stage and screen costumes and personal artifacts.
The dynamic singer, songwriter and musician has collaborated with everyone from Bobby Bare and Carlos Santana to Justin Timberlake and P!nk. Before breaking out in 2015 with his quadruple-Platinum album Traveller, he became an in-demand songwriter in Nashville for more than a decade. In addition to Stapleton’s own hits, he’s had songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss and Union Station, George Strait, Sheryl Crow, Thomas Rhett, Lee Ann Womack and many more.
Stapleton recently joined forces with the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and Fandiem to launch a fundraising sweepstakes campaign to benefit his charity, Outlaw State of Kind. The special campaign offers one lucky fan and a guest an all-expense-paid VIP trip to the 2022 Pilgrimage Festival from Sept. 24-25 in Franklin, Tennessee, plus a signed Stapleton Gibson ES-335 vintage burst guitar.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.