An agreement was reached by various music business trade organizations on Thursday (May 5) to increase the mechanical rate for physical and download sales to 12 cents per song. If agreed to by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), the rate will increase from the 9.1 cent rate per track that has been in place since 2006.
The settlement was reached between the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—who represents the interest of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group—with National Music Publishers’ Association and the Nashville Songwriters International Association.
This news breaks as the CRB is currently in the midst of proceedings that will set mechanical rates for 2023-2027.
According to NMPA President & CEO, David Israelite, “This new settlement gives songwriters a 32% raise on sales of vinyl, CDs and downloads—raising the rate from 9.1 cents to 12 cents—and critically also includes a yearly cost of living adjustment to address inflation. This extremely positive result is due in large part to the creators who made their voices heard in the CRB process. With this settlement filed, we clear the way to focus solely and tirelessly on raising streaming rates. As we battle the biggest companies in the world, who are pushing for the lowest royalty rates in history, songwriters and their advocates stand more united than ever.”
NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, adds, “We want to thank the CRB for signaling an opportunity for an increase on physical rates. The 32% increase on CDs, Vinyl and downloads is welcome and the fact that the cost of living adjustment is built in helps us maintain increases in the future.”
Other trade organizations have voiced their approval of the settlement.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, says, “I want to applaud the NMPA and RIAA for working together to act in the best interest of songwriters. This settlement demonstrates that when the music community acts collaboratively, we can achieve meaningful progress for music creators.”
In a joint statement, the Association of Independent Music Publishers offers, “The AIMP fully endorses the proposed CRB Subpart B settlement, which would increase the mechanical rate for physical sales and digital downloads from 9.1 cents to 12 cents. This is a step in the right direction and will be a significant boon for the independent music publishing community. Moving forward, nearly all independent publishers will tell you that the future of the music business is in streaming, and we applaud the continued efforts of the NMPA to fight for better streaming rates for all independent music publishers and songwriters.”
Michelle Lewis, Executive Director, Songwriters of North America, shares, “SONA enthusiastically supports the proposed phonorecords IV Subpart B settlement, which controls how much songwriters and publishers are paid for Digital Permanent Downloads, Vinyl & CD sales. Big or small, all songwriters should always have a voice in the decisions that govern and affect our livelihood. We are grateful that our collective voice has been heard. This is a long overdue step in correcting the low rates historically paid to songwriters and it’s about time a song’s inherent value is properly recognized.”
To view the full joint motion, click here.
Tim McGraw Trades Truck For MusicRow No. 1
/by Alex ParryTim McGraw works his way to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “7500 OBO.” Written by Matt McGinn, Jennifer Schott, and Nathan Spicer, the single appears on his 16th career release Here On Earth and on the Here On Earth Ultimate Edition album.
McGraw is slated to headline several upcoming festivals including Faster Horses Festival and GoldenSky Country Music Festival. He is currently on his “McGraw Tour 2022” which launched in April. He is joined by Russell Dickerson as direct support, as well as rising artists Alexandra Kay and Brandon Davis.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
CRB Settlement Reached To Increase Songwriter Royalties To 12 Cents Per Song
/by LB CantrellAn agreement was reached by various music business trade organizations on Thursday (May 5) to increase the mechanical rate for physical and download sales to 12 cents per song. If agreed to by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), the rate will increase from the 9.1 cent rate per track that has been in place since 2006.
The settlement was reached between the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—who represents the interest of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group—with National Music Publishers’ Association and the Nashville Songwriters International Association.
This news breaks as the CRB is currently in the midst of proceedings that will set mechanical rates for 2023-2027.
According to NMPA President & CEO, David Israelite, “This new settlement gives songwriters a 32% raise on sales of vinyl, CDs and downloads—raising the rate from 9.1 cents to 12 cents—and critically also includes a yearly cost of living adjustment to address inflation. This extremely positive result is due in large part to the creators who made their voices heard in the CRB process. With this settlement filed, we clear the way to focus solely and tirelessly on raising streaming rates. As we battle the biggest companies in the world, who are pushing for the lowest royalty rates in history, songwriters and their advocates stand more united than ever.”
NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, adds, “We want to thank the CRB for signaling an opportunity for an increase on physical rates. The 32% increase on CDs, Vinyl and downloads is welcome and the fact that the cost of living adjustment is built in helps us maintain increases in the future.”
Other trade organizations have voiced their approval of the settlement.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, says, “I want to applaud the NMPA and RIAA for working together to act in the best interest of songwriters. This settlement demonstrates that when the music community acts collaboratively, we can achieve meaningful progress for music creators.”
In a joint statement, the Association of Independent Music Publishers offers, “The AIMP fully endorses the proposed CRB Subpart B settlement, which would increase the mechanical rate for physical sales and digital downloads from 9.1 cents to 12 cents. This is a step in the right direction and will be a significant boon for the independent music publishing community. Moving forward, nearly all independent publishers will tell you that the future of the music business is in streaming, and we applaud the continued efforts of the NMPA to fight for better streaming rates for all independent music publishers and songwriters.”
Michelle Lewis, Executive Director, Songwriters of North America, shares, “SONA enthusiastically supports the proposed phonorecords IV Subpart B settlement, which controls how much songwriters and publishers are paid for Digital Permanent Downloads, Vinyl & CD sales. Big or small, all songwriters should always have a voice in the decisions that govern and affect our livelihood. We are grateful that our collective voice has been heard. This is a long overdue step in correcting the low rates historically paid to songwriters and it’s about time a song’s inherent value is properly recognized.”
To view the full joint motion, click here.
RecordingTheMasters Announces New Wave Of Cassette-Only Reissues
/by Lydia FarthingRecordingTheMasters, a leader in reel-to-reel tape manufacturing, will release its latest cassette-only music series in conjunction with ThinkIndie Distribution.
The series features a new full-length album from Patty Griffin comprised of demos and home recordings titled Tape, alongside a number of reissues available on cassette for the first time ever: Built to Spill‘s Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston, John Prine’s The Tree of Forgiveness, Suzanne Vega’s An Evening of New York Songs and Stories, Mother Nature’s Sznz and Versus’ Ex Voto.
The albums will be released on RecordingTheMasters’ RTM C-60 high quality audio cassette tape, offering best-in-its-class sound quality in an analog cassette. The cassettes will be available at participating indie record stores beginning June 17.
Additionally, RecordingTheMasters’ B-1000 Portable Cassette Player, features a built-in microphone and external microphone recording, will be available via select indie retailers.
Previous cassette releases from RecordingTheMasters and ThinkIndie include Sturgill Simpson’s Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions, Major Lazer’s Peace Is The Mission, Maren Morris’ Girl, Lupe Fiasco & Kaelin Ellis’ House EP, The Mavericks’ En Español, The Story So Far’s Proper Dose, Killswitch Engage’s Atonement, and more.
Kane Brown Announces International ‘Drunk Or Dreaming Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown has announced dates for his upcoming international fall trek, “The Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” kicking off Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia.
The tour will visit cities throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Europe, and marks the first time Brown will tour Australia and New Zealand. Artists providing support across select dates include Blanco Brown, Chris Lane, Jesse James Decker, and Restless Road.
Pre-sale will begin on Tuesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. local in Canada and the UK and on Tuesday, May 10 at 12 p.m. local in Australia and New Zealand. Tickets for the international tour go on sale May 13 at 10 a.m. local time for all Canada and UK/EU dates, with Australia and New Zealand tickets on sale at 12 p.m. local time.
The announcement comes just before Brown’s hometown stadium show in Chattanooga on May 7, as well as the release of his new single, “Like I Love Country Music” on Friday (May 6).
ACM Lifting Lives Announces New Grant Cycle For Mental Health Awareness Month
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives has announced that its 2022-2023 grant cycle will open for submissions beginning May 16 through June 16.
With support from Gibson Gives, Country Thunder, and other donors, this month-long application window continues ACM Lifting Lives’ history of supporting mental health organizations, as well as individuals struggling with those issues.
With the submission window opening tied to May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the 2022-2023 grant cycle moves ACM Lifting Lives’ landmark COVID-19 Response Fund into its next phase.
“We are proud to re-open submissions for our grant making process and support the essential work being done by organizations providing music therapy as a way of healing,” says Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We also have listened carefully to the members of our country music community who suffered emotional and mental setbacks from loss of work during the pandemic. We are proud to continue to support those that qualified for our COVID-19 Response Fund to get the additional help they need to thrive and participate in an industry that celebrates healing through the power of music.”
Eligible beneficiaries for the 2022-2023 grant cycle will fall into one of three primary areas:
More information on how to submit, along with further details on eligibility requirements, can be found at acmliftinglives.org. Recipients for this grant cycle will be notified in summer 2022 with funds arriving shortly thereafter.
Sixth Annual SIP Cabo Unveils 2022 Dates, Initial Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughSongwriters in Paradise has announced the sixth annual SIP CABO set for Nov. 30-Dec. 3, featuring some of Music City’s most talented songwriters and performers playing nightly acoustic shows.
The SIP CABO 2022 lineup includes Jedd Hughes, David Ryan Harris, Mark Bryan, Patrick Davis, Lauren Jenkins, and more to be announced. This year’s featured venues include Bahia Hotel, Sur Beach House and Bar Esquina.
The SIP Family will also host its first ever SIP Healdsburg, taking place July 20-23 in Sonoma County, California. The Healdsburg lineup will feature David Ryan Harris, Kristian Bush, Patrick Davis, Ashley Campbell, Marc Broussard, William Beckmann, Lauren Jenkins, Paul McDonald, Chris Stills, and more. Featured venues for the inaugural SIP Healdsburg include Robert Young, Bella, Comstock and La Crema.
Passes for all SIP experiences can be purchased at songwritersinparadise.com/cabo.
Songwriters In Paradise is a boutique music festival series that showcases singer-songwriters performing in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. SIP was created in 2013 when Nashville singer-songwriter Patrick Davis brought together a few of his songwriting friends for a weekend of shows on the tiny Bahamian Island of Hope Town. Charitable funds are raised at each SIP event via the auctioning off of signed guitars, handwritten lyrics and other items.
Brittney Spencer To Sing National Anthem At Saturday’s Kentucky Derby
/by Lorie HollabaughBrittney Spencer. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Brittney Spencer is set to sing the national anthem at the upcoming 148th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 7.
Spencer will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of the approximately 160,000 fans expected to be in attendance at this year’s run for the roses. The performance will take place just after 4 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage.
“We are so excited to have Brittney Spencer help us kick off this year’s Run for the Roses by joining us as the coveted national anthem singer,” notes Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “As an incredible rising talent breaking through in country music right now, we cannot wait to amplify her voice on the Kentucky Derby stage and hear her rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’”
Brittney is the twelfth major artist to perform the national anthem at the iconic horse race. Past artists who have performed include Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), and Mary J. Blige (2012).
Play It Again Entertainment Adds Bear Bailey To Artist Roster
/by Lydia FarthingBear Bailey. Photo: The Dwyers
Play It Again Entertainment, the label division of PIA Music Group, has added rising star and TikTok sensation Bear Bailey to its roster.
Known for broadcasting his popular cover performances in his local gas station, his videos have propelled him to over 100 million views and now over 3.2 million followers on TikTok. Bailey will release his own debut song, “Put Your Heart On My Tab,” later this month.
Bailey also recently launched his new YouTube series, Gas Station Sessions, with his rendition of Rascal Flatts‘ “Prayin’ For Daylight.” The series will pay tribute to his hometown, his fans and to the roots of his discovery.
Play It Again Entertainment, founded in 2020 by award-winning singer-songwriter Dallas Davidson, is the label, publishing, and artist management division of parent company Play It Again Music Group. PIA Entertainment also includes rising singer-songwriters Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.
City of Nashville To Adopt Resolution Honoring Ryman’s 130-Year History
/by Lorie HollabaughThe city of Nashville is adopting a new resolution recognizing the Ryman Auditorium and its 130 years as Music City’s most famous and respected concert venue.
The resolution states, “The venue is most famous for being a home for country music…its legacy has been defined by showcasing one of the most expansive lists of diverse performers ranging from jazz, pop and bluegrass to rock and roll, classical, and hip hop. From its very beginning, the Ryman has been a stage to just about every type of music and every type of performer.”
Since the first concert held on May 4, 1892, the Ryman has welcomed an array of acts and genres of music on its hallowed stage, from Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to former president Theodore Roosevelt and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., plus music icons including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, Garth Brooks, Lizzo and Harry Styles.
“The Ryman is the crown jewel of Nashville, and we are so excited to celebrate 130 years of Music City’s most famous concert venue,” says Metro Nashville District 19 Council Member Freddie O’Connell. “Whether you are a country music superstar or an up-and-coming artist, music lover or history buff, out-of-towner or Nashvillian, the Ryman is for everyone.”
“As the stewards of this magnificent historical landmark, we have the unique privilege of sharing its 130-year legacy with guests from all over the world,” adds Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Auditorium’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We are thankful that the City of Nashville has chosen to recognize this tremendous milestone and look forward to continuing our commitment to celebrating and sharing the Ryman with our community.”
The Ryman’s annual Community Day, when Tennessee residents are invited to experience the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge, will take place Sunday, May 29. Complimentary self-guided tours will be available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with presentation of a valid Tennessee state ID at the Ryman box office.
Throughout the year, the Ryman will continue celebrating its anniversary with more concerts and residencies than ever before, new daytime tour experiences, community events, giveaways and more. For more information on the Ryman’s 130th, click here.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Announces Staff Additions, Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): John Goodwin, Sydney Gilbert, and John Sloboda
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added two new staff directors and promoted one.
John Goodwin recently joined the museum as Director of Digital Marketing, John Sloboda joins as Director of Exhibitions, and Sydney Gilbert has been promoted to Associate Director of Creative Project Management.
In his role, Goodwin will oversee the digital marketing team, contribute to the museum’s owned media initiatives, and help expand public access to the museum’s collections. He served as communications manager at MTSU for over six years, where he oversaw digital communications, social media strategy and video production for the marketing and communications division. He also served as an executive producer for True Blue TV, the university’s television station. Prior to joining MTSU, Goodwin was an account executive at WKRN News 2 and Capitol Broadcasting in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As Director of Exhibitions, Sloboda will guide all phases of the museum’s gallery exhibition program, from conception and design through fabrication and installation. He will lead the exhibits team in collaboration with curatorial, creative, education and editorial staff to create 12 temporary exhibits each year that draw from the museum’s collections and interpret the history of the country genre. Sloboda comes to the museum from the exhibitions department at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he worked for nearly 12 years, ultimately serving as the Director of Museum Design and Exhibitions. He most recently held the role of Director of Exhibits and Creative at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
In her new position, Gilbert will direct the strategy, workload and timelines for all of the museum’s creative and content initiatives. Prior to joining the museum, she most recently served as development manager at the Queens Museum in New York City, where she launched a unique membership program connecting members with the museum’s World’s Fair archive and the opportunity to own museum-quality editions from its collection. Prior to her promotion, Gilbert was the museum’s Creative Project Manager.