Warner Music Group (WMG) has released its inaugural Environment Social Governance (ESG) report. A first-of-its-kind standalone report by a major music company, the document helps communicate to key stakeholders and acts as a baseline for WMG to measure its ESG progress in areas such as employee wellbeing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; social impact; and climate change.
Spearheaded by Vice President of ESG, Samantha Sims, and WMG’s ESG Executive Oversight Committee, the report includes input from more than 70 employees.
Steve Cooper, CEO of WMG, comments: “Becoming a more equitable and sustainable company is a moral, commercial, and creative imperative. WMG operates in more than 70 countries around the world, each with distinct customs, cultures, needs, and regulations. So, our sustained, global approach to ESG requires us to have a sophisticated local, individualized line of action. We’re exploring what creating positive change should look like for our company, our artists and songwriters, and the broader community. We’ve made some great strides so far, but this report isn’t just a snapshot of what we’ve done to date–it’s a long-term commitment to action and accountability.”
Sims adds: “The increased focus on global social and environmental challenges has prompted all stakeholders–from our people to investors–to expect businesses to more proactively address ESG risks and opportunities. I’m incredibly proud to have worked with teams across our global footprint to produce WMG’s first annual ESG report. This report signifies our dedication to creating an ESG platform with measurable targets to catalyze positive societal change and engage more of our stakeholders along the way.”
“The past two years particularly have highlighted the global fights for social justice, anti-racism, and equitable healthcare, and the needs for ethical workplaces and creative solutions, says Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett, WMG’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We’ve set out in the report our company-wide DEI commitments to help create a cultural shift, and we’re excited to translate these commitments to the needs of our teams in all our locations. Reflecting on where we come from and what we’ve done will enable us to move forward, together, in the most informed and effective way possible.”
Some of the highlights from the ESG report can be found below:
Environment
WMG calculated its first direct greenhouse gas emissions footprint (including emissions from Scopes 1 and 2, as well as employee travel) and will propose a target to the Science-based Targets initiative in 2022.
WMG became a founding signatory of the Music Climate Pact, developed with support from the UN Environment Programme, to collectively tackle the industry’s environmental impacts.
The company avoided using 46 tons of virgin plastic by producing 100% recycled vinyl records for artists like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Gorillaz, Biffy Clyro, and Foals.
Social
In light of the impacts of the pandemic, WMG enhanced investments in mental health programs, learning and development, and technology to support its people.
In 2021, WMG was certified as a Great Place to Work™ in the U.S. and France, and was included in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year.
WMG established a set of north star DEI commitments, put in place new support for its 45 Employee Resource Group chapters, and developed new recruitment and educational programs to foster more inclusive thinking and behaviors.
The company piloted mental health initiatives for its creative community. It is also launching a legacy unrecouped advances program for eligible artists and songwriters who signed with WMG before 2000 and didn’t receive an advance during or after 2000. The program will also benefit other artist royalty participants such as producers, engineers, mixers, and remixers. It goes into effect for royalty periods starting July 2022.
Throughout the pandemic, WMG contributed to more than 20 non-profits around the world, to aid frontline workers, small business owners, out of work concert/touring staff, and others who need assistance during this difficult time.
Since it was established in 2020, the $100 million Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has pledged $22.5 million in grant commitments to 24 organizations.
Governance
The company increased the representation of independent directors on its Board committees and the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has assumed oversight of ESG.
Click here to read the report.
Warner Music Group Releases Inaugural Environment Social Governance Report
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group (WMG) has released its inaugural Environment Social Governance (ESG) report. A first-of-its-kind standalone report by a major music company, the document helps communicate to key stakeholders and acts as a baseline for WMG to measure its ESG progress in areas such as employee wellbeing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; social impact; and climate change.
Spearheaded by Vice President of ESG, Samantha Sims, and WMG’s ESG Executive Oversight Committee, the report includes input from more than 70 employees.
Steve Cooper, CEO of WMG, comments: “Becoming a more equitable and sustainable company is a moral, commercial, and creative imperative. WMG operates in more than 70 countries around the world, each with distinct customs, cultures, needs, and regulations. So, our sustained, global approach to ESG requires us to have a sophisticated local, individualized line of action. We’re exploring what creating positive change should look like for our company, our artists and songwriters, and the broader community. We’ve made some great strides so far, but this report isn’t just a snapshot of what we’ve done to date–it’s a long-term commitment to action and accountability.”
Sims adds: “The increased focus on global social and environmental challenges has prompted all stakeholders–from our people to investors–to expect businesses to more proactively address ESG risks and opportunities. I’m incredibly proud to have worked with teams across our global footprint to produce WMG’s first annual ESG report. This report signifies our dedication to creating an ESG platform with measurable targets to catalyze positive societal change and engage more of our stakeholders along the way.”
“The past two years particularly have highlighted the global fights for social justice, anti-racism, and equitable healthcare, and the needs for ethical workplaces and creative solutions, says Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett, WMG’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We’ve set out in the report our company-wide DEI commitments to help create a cultural shift, and we’re excited to translate these commitments to the needs of our teams in all our locations. Reflecting on where we come from and what we’ve done will enable us to move forward, together, in the most informed and effective way possible.”
Some of the highlights from the ESG report can be found below:
Environment
WMG calculated its first direct greenhouse gas emissions footprint (including emissions from Scopes 1 and 2, as well as employee travel) and will propose a target to the Science-based Targets initiative in 2022.
WMG became a founding signatory of the Music Climate Pact, developed with support from the UN Environment Programme, to collectively tackle the industry’s environmental impacts.
The company avoided using 46 tons of virgin plastic by producing 100% recycled vinyl records for artists like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Gorillaz, Biffy Clyro, and Foals.
Social
In light of the impacts of the pandemic, WMG enhanced investments in mental health programs, learning and development, and technology to support its people.
In 2021, WMG was certified as a Great Place to Work™ in the U.S. and France, and was included in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year.
WMG established a set of north star DEI commitments, put in place new support for its 45 Employee Resource Group chapters, and developed new recruitment and educational programs to foster more inclusive thinking and behaviors.
The company piloted mental health initiatives for its creative community. It is also launching a legacy unrecouped advances program for eligible artists and songwriters who signed with WMG before 2000 and didn’t receive an advance during or after 2000. The program will also benefit other artist royalty participants such as producers, engineers, mixers, and remixers. It goes into effect for royalty periods starting July 2022.
Throughout the pandemic, WMG contributed to more than 20 non-profits around the world, to aid frontline workers, small business owners, out of work concert/touring staff, and others who need assistance during this difficult time.
Since it was established in 2020, the $100 million Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has pledged $22.5 million in grant commitments to 24 organizations.
Governance
The company increased the representation of independent directors on its Board committees and the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has assumed oversight of ESG.
Click here to read the report.
Joe Nichols’ ‘Good Day For Living 2022 Tour’ To Kick Off In February
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Nichols. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott
Joe Nichols has announced dates for his coast to coast “Good Day For Living 2022 Tour.” Nichols’ new single, which is the namesake for the tour, debuted as a Top 3 Most Added Song at radio this week on the Mediabase chart.
The new tour will kick off Feb. 12 in Jackson, Mississippi, with visits in Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Tulsa, and more through Sept. 24. Tickets for the “Good Day For Living 2022 Tour” can be found at JoeNichols.com.
The shows launch on the heels of the release of his new album, Good Day For Living, available Feb. 11. His first new full-length project in four years, the 13-song collection reunites Nichols with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, who helmed his 2013 album Crickets and back-to-back number No. 1 Gold hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”
Songs already released from the forthcoming album include “Home Run,” written by Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Ross Copperman; “Screened In,” penned by Neil Thrasher and Anthony Jerome Martin; and “I Wanna Be Your Tonight,” written by Philip O’Donnell, Wade Kirby and Marv Green.
“Good Day For Living 2022 Tour” Dates are listed below:
Americana Music Association Announces 2022 Board Of Directors
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, top row): Tressie McMillan Cottom, Megan West; (L-R, bottom row): Andrea von Foerster, Gina Miller
Following its first meeting of the year, the Americana Music Association has announced its 2022 Board of Directors.
This year’s newly appointed board members for the Americana Music Association include Tressie McMillan Cottom (Author, MacArthur Genius Grant Award Recipient), Gina Miller (SVP & GM, MNRK Music [formerly eOne Music]), Andrea von Foerster (Music Supervisor, Firestarter Music) and Megan West (Director, Music Label Partnerships for Meta, Inc.).
Attorney John Strohm has been elected by membership to the Board of Directors for a second term.
The Board has also approved its 2022 Executive Committee to include President Courtney Gregg (Carnival Music), Past President Garth Fundis (Producer/Slate Creek Records), President-Elect Bruce Warren (WXPN, Philly/NPR), Treasurer Kurt Vitolo (KV Financial Group) and Secretary Lynne Sheridan (Grammy Museum). The Executive Committee’s new At-Large members are Kim Buie (New West Records), Gail Gellman (Gellman Management), Shannon Sanders (BMI/Producer) and Sally Williams (Live Nation).
“I’m so honored to step into the role of board president for the Americana Music Association,” shares Gregg. “This year’s board represents some of the finest individuals from many facets of our industry; it is an extraordinary group! I know the board, together with Executive Director Jed Hilly and his incredible staff, will work tirelessly to set forth and achieve great things this year!””
Americana Music Association 2022 Board of Directors:
Kim Buie, New West Records
Emily Cohen, Amazon Music
Tressie McMillan Cottom, Author/MacArthur “Genius Grant” Award Recipient
Garth Fundis, Producer/Slate Creek Records
Gail Gellman, Gellman Management
Brian Greenbaum, CAA
Courtney Gregg, Carnival Music
Mike Kopp, Kopp Management/Arts Advocate/Political Consultant
Jackie Marushka, Marushka Media
Gina Miller, MNRK Music (formerly eOne Music)
Mark Moffatt, Producer
Lindsay Reid, Thirty Tigers
Allison Russell, Artist
Shannon Sanders, BMI/Producer
Lynne Sheridan, GRAMMY® Museum
John Strohm, Attorney
Jonathan Taplin, Annenberg Innovation Lab, USC
Kurt Vitolo, KV Financial Group
Andrea von Foerster, Firestarter Music
Bruce Warren, WXPN, Philly/NPR
Megan West, Meta, Inc.
Jody Whelan, Oh Boy Records
Rachel Whitney, Spotify
Sally Williams, Live Nation
CMHOF To Open Latest Installment Of American Currents: State Of The Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Tom T. Hall’s microphone, Reba’s red dress, and Walker Hayes’ outfit
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new American Currents: State of the Music exhibit is slated to open on Friday, March 4.
Presented annually, American Currents explores notable music, artist achievements and events from the past year, as determined by the museum’s curators. The latest exhibit will run through Feb. 5, 2023.
Billy Strings’s handwritten lyrics to “This Old World.” He included the song on his 2021 album, Renewal.
This year’s exhibit of artists, musicians, songwriters and institutions features Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Jerry Douglas and John Hiatt, Jenee Fleenor, the Grand Ole Opry, Mickey Guyton, Walker Hayes, Wanda Jackson, Alison Krauss, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, Allison Russell, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings and Taylor Swift.
A portion of the exhibit titled Unbroken Circle will highlight artists and their musical connections, including those who have influenced them or share musical perspectives. Featured pairings include Breland and Keith Urban, Thomm Jutz and Tom T. Hall, Brittney Spencer and Reba McEntire, and Lainey Wilson and Lee Ann Womack.
“Through the annual American Currents exhibit, the museum documents the genre’s evolving history, diverse sounds and broad cultural influence,” shares Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “In another year characterized by the complexities of the pandemic, the continued pursuit of social justice and more, country music stood out as a microcosm of American culture. This exhibit offers perspectives on music and events that shaped the genre in 2021.”
American Currents also includes a video compilation of important country moments from 2021. In addition, the exhibit recaps the year’s chart-topping country albums, singles and highest-grossing tours as reported by Billboard and Pollstar.
Steven Curtis Chapman & Ricky Skaggs To Host KY Tornado Relief Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughSteven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs have organized a benefit concert for Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at Heartland Church in Chapman’s hometown of Paducah, Kentucky. The concert will serve to aid victims of the Dec. 10 tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Chapman and Skaggs enlisted friends Jason Crabb, Larry Stewart, and more for the lineup. All proceeds will benefit victims of the tornado via Samaritan’s Purse. Tickets can be purchased here.
“As a boy who was born and raised in Paducah, Ky. (and spent a lot of my childhood in Mayfield), I have been broken-hearted to see the devastation caused by the tornadoes that swept through my home state back in December,” says Chapman. “I’ve been praying for the folks back home and have wanted to find a way to encourage them and show them some love. So I reached out to my ‘bluegrass big brother’ and fellow Kentuckian, Ricky Skaggs, and said, ‘let’s go play some music and try to raise some money to love on the people there’…and thankfully he agreed! I’m also very grateful to be joined by two other Kentucky brothers, Jason Crabb and Larry Stewart (also from Paducah) for this one night only Kentucky tornado relief benefit, with proceeds going to Samaritan’s Purse to help the work that they’re doing there for those who have been most devastated and affected by these tornadoes.”
“I’m really glad to be coming back again to help the people of Mayfield, Ky. I came with Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse on Christmas Eve, but I knew I just had to come back. My heart broke when I saw the devastation,” shares Skaggs. “This benefit concert will be a great opportunity for the people of Kentucky and the surrounding states to come and help our neighbors that have lost so much. Bring your friends and help all you can, as they really need us right now.”
“As Kentucky families continue to recover, we are incredibly grateful for the talent and generosity of Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs,” adds Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “The proceeds of this concert will go toward our ongoing efforts to help tornado victims return home while reminding them that God loves them and they are not forgotten.”
Brian Kelley Sets Sail On ‘Made By The Water Tour’ This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Kelley. Photo: Ben Christensen
Brian Kelley is setting out on his first-ever solo trek, the “Made By The Water Tour,” launching this April. Presented by Boat Trader and his partners at Oyster City Brewing Co., the run will also feature special guests The Boat Boys.
The 11-date tour will bring tunes from his solo album, Sunshine State Of Mind, and will kick off in his home state on April 21 at the Daytona Beach Bandshell in Daytona Beach, Florida. The trek will also make stops in South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, and more, before docking May 19 at The Hall in Little Rock.
“Y’all, I am beyond excited to announce my own tour,” shares Kelley. “Releasing my first album has been nothing short of a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring these songs, along with some beach vibes, to the stage!”
Tickets to all dates are on sale to the general public this Friday (Feb. 4) via officialbriankelley.com, with various presale opportunities beginning tomorrow (Feb. 2).
Following the tour, Kelley will be gearing up as his production company CuzBro Productions, in partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment, welcomes their anticipated country musical “May We All” to Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville this summer. The show makes its world premiere engagement from June 7–July 17.
Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2023
/by LB CantrellLeadership Music has started accepting applications from established music industry leaders for its Class of 2023 program. Applications will be accepted online only throughout the month of February.
The Nashville-based national program is designed to educate participants in various segments of the music industry, as well as encourage dialogue and understanding among industry leaders and explore the challenges facing the music business. Each class meets in-person for one monthly 12-hour program day plus two-day Opening and Closing Retreats.
The eight-month program is structured so that class participants attend an Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at Closing Retreat.
The application form, program dates, policies and FAQs are available at leadershipmusic.org.
“For the past several years, we have received more than 300 applications for the Leadership Music program, from which the selection committee chooses approximately 45 participants,” says Leadership Music Executive Director, Debbie Linn. “One reason the process is so competitive is the reputation the national program has garnered from alumni during its 33-year history. They recognize how important and transformative the process was for them, the value of the educational component, and the unique community created from that experience with their class and the organization itself. The selection committee is tasked with choosing a class composed of passionate, balanced and diversified professionals who are leaders in their field representing all segments of the music industry globally.”
BMG Nashville Adds Kelsey Worley As Creative Director
/by Lydia FarthingKelsey Worley
BMG Nashville has added Kelsey Worley as Creative Director. She will report to Chris Oglesby, VP Creative.
Worley, who just relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles, will be responsible for working with BMG’s roster of songwriters such as Shy Carter, Sam James, Chris August and Drew Kennedy. She will also develop and sign both established and up-and-coming talent.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Worley began her career at Interscope Records where she served as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, John Janick. She was then promoted to her most recent position of A&R Manager for the rosters of Interscope Records, Geffen Records and Darkroom Records.
“I am thrilled to have Kelsey become a part of our BMG family,” says Oglesby. “Her experience and passion for songs and songwriters open up opportunities for our whole team.”
Worley can be reached at kelsey.worley@bmg.com.
Mickey Guyton To Sing National Anthem At Super Bowl LVI
/by Steven BoeroMickey Guyton. Photo: Bonnie Nichoalds
Mickey Guyton will sing the national anthem before the Rams and Bengals face off in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 14.
Guyton will join a long list of superstars who have sung the “Star Spangled Banner” before a Super Bowl, including Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks and many more.
The Capitol Nashville singer is coming off a huge 2021 with the release of her debut studio album, Remember Her Name. She is also nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song (“Remember Her Name”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Remember Her Name”), and Best Country Album of the Year (Remember Her Name), the first-ever for a Black artist.
She also co-hosted The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS along with Keith Urban, and was recently named CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year.
Jhene Aiko, Zedd, and gospel duo Mary Mary, accompanied by the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), will give pre-game performances. As previously announced, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will headline the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
The highly anticipated Super Bowl LVI is set for Sunday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. CT and will air exclusively on NBC.
Rhiannon Giddens Shares Cover For Debut Picture Book ‘Build A House’
/by Lorie HollabaughRhiannon Giddens. Photo: Ebru Yildiz
Rhiannon Giddens has revealed the cover for her upcoming debut Candlewick Press picture book, Build a House, ahead of its Oct. 11 publication date.
Written as a song to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, Build a House is illustrated by painter Monica Mikai, and tells the story of a people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them. Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, the debut offers a message for readers: honor your heritage, express your truth, and let your voice soar, even when your heart is heaviest.
Build a House is the first of four children’s books Giddens has planned with Candlewick Press. The second scheduled book, We Could Fly, is slated for publication in fall 2023 and is based on “We Could Fly,” written with Dirk Powell, a dialogue between mother and daughter drawing on African folklore and celebrating resilience and love. It will be illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu.
The announcement follows the recent news of Giddens’ two Grammy nominations with her partner Francesco Turrisi: Best Folk Album for They’re Calling Me Home and Best American Roots Song for “Avalon.” She is also looking forward to the long-awaited world premiere of her opera, “Omar,” later this year, and the very first tour of the Lucy Negro Redux ballet for which she composed the score.