SoundCloud is introducing a brand new system of fan-powered royalties starting on April 1.

This new model of payouts aims to level the playing field by allowing up-and-coming and independent artists to make money off of SoundCloud based on the dedication of their listeners. Starting April 1, each listener’s subscription or advertising revenue is distributed among the artists that they listen to, rather than their plays being pooled. Fan-powered royalties reflect feedback from the independent artist community on SoundCloud who want equitable payouts, transparency, and control over their own careers.

“Many in the industry have wanted this for years. We are excited to be the ones to bring this to market to better support independent artists. SoundCloud is uniquely positioned to offer this transformative new model due to the powerful connection between artists and fans that takes place on our platform,” said Michael Weissman, chief executive officer of SoundCloud. “As the only direct-to-consumer music streaming platform and next generation artist services company, the launch of fan-powered royalties represents a significant move in SoundCloud’s strategic direction to elevate, grow and create new opportunities directly with independent artists.”

The new process also aims to weed out bots and fake plays, and allow for listeners and artists to build connections and create a community of fans. The nearly 100,000 independent artists monetizing directly on SoundCloud through SoundCloud Premier, Repost by SoundCloud or Repost Select will benefit from fan-powered royalties.

Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is reintroducing his Two Lane American Golden Lager and a new Two Lane Hard Seltzer to the market following a rollout last year and subsequent pause on production during the pandemic.

The Constellation Brands beer is back on shelves now and available in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, with plans to steadily expand distribution in the coming years. Bryan’s Two Lane Hard Seltzer, available in cherry limeade, peach tea, blueberry lemonade and watermelon punch flavors, was initially introduced in Georgia, and is now available beyond the Peach State.

“Two Lane is a natural extension of our high-end portfolio, and we are thrilled not only to get lager back on shelf, but to also offer Two Lane Hard Seltzer to fans across the Southeast,” says Jim Sabia, executive vice president and managing director, Beer Division, Constellation Brands. “We found an incredible co-creator in Luke Bryan. He’s down to earth and is direct in sharing his likes and dislikes, so working with him and evolving the Two Lane brand has been a really fun ride.”

“It’s no secret that I love a good time, and I’m also deeply connected to my roots. Two Lane has found the perfect balance, combining my celebratory approach to life and my connection to home,” Bryan says. “I’m very excited that Two Lane is back on shelves, and I can’t wait for people to get their first sips of Two Lane Hard Seltzer. It’s a great complement to the lager, and I hope y’all love it as much as I do.”

Those wishing to try the new lager or seltzer can check out drinktwolane.com for more information and details on where to find the nearest Two Lane retailer, or get it delivered straight to your door. Additionally, pending the ability to safely enjoy live music together in the months ahead, fans can also crack open a Two Lane at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee (Sept. 2-5, 2021), and Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Nov. 12-14, 2021).

Mike Donehey, founding member of CCM band Tenth Avenue North, is launching his solo career with the debut of his new EP, Work of Art. 

The project is being released as a thank-you to his fans and those who supported his Kickstarter campaign for his full-length album, set for release later this year on Fair Trade Music Services. During 2020 while at home during the pandemic, Donehey began writing as a therapeutic process to deal with the abrupt end of his band, which called it quits in 2020, as well as being home during lockdown. It was during this time that he realized that his musical career was not ending, but pivoting.

Donehey’s Kickstarter campaign reached its goal in just 13 hours. By the end of the campaign, Donehey had raised more than $100k to continue to make and release new music on his solo venture. Because the goal was reached and beyond, next week he is also releasing a second EP, A Father and Two Sons, which is an exploration of a parable from Jesus with three thematic songs each from a different character’s perspective.

“I think I’ve written more songs this year than I ever have in that span of time of being home,” he says. “The Work of Art EP is all about the different things it takes to make and keep beautiful relationships. The songs are about listening, becoming less defensive, radical ownership and radical acceptance. My full-length album is due in the fall, and it is about my spiritual journey and the things I’ve been wrestling with lately. From starting over, to stepping into the unknown, to forgiving people I don’t want to, to loving my wife and children better.”

Donehey’s podast, Chasing The Beauty, airs on KLOVE’s Access More network.

Andie Rankins Promoted To Dir. Publishing Admin At Essential Music

Andie Rankins has been promoted to Director of Publishing Administration at Essential Music Publishing. Rankins manages the administration of a growing catalog of award-winning copyrights, and previously served as Manager of Publishing Administration, where she led the conception and development of the intuitive new online licensing tool for the company’s catalog. In her expanded duties, Rankins will also guide the overall growth of the publishing administration arm of the company and expand the metadata initiatives. She joined Provident in 2015, following stints at Music Services, Inc. and LifeWay.

John Pate Inks With Mixtape Music

John Pate has signed a publishing deal with Mixtape Music. His new single, “He Didn’t Know,” was released February 25.

Pate, who hails from Jackson, Tenn., attended college at Faulkner University and during that time traveled all over the Southeast singing in an a capella quartet. When the group disbanded, he transferred to the University of Memphis Lambuth and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Entertainment. After moving to Nashville, he interned for 50 Egg Music.

IBMA Foundation Announces $12,050 In Arnold Shultz Fund Grants

The International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation recently awarded $12,050 in Arnold Shultz Fund grants to eight programs and individuals in Alaska, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The Arnold Shultz Fund was established in 2020 by the IBMA Foundation to encourage participation in bluegrass music by people of color.

“We’re proud to announce the first round of Arnold Shultz Fund grant recipients, and we hope to keep doing this for many years to come,” said Dr. Richard Brown, co-chair of the Shultz advisory committee. “We are pleased to offer a proactive, helping hand to individuals who come from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the bluegrass community. Bluegrass music belongs to everyone. We are grateful to our donors who continue to support the IBMA Foundation and this initiative, especially during the COVID pandemic. Their generosity has made it possible to award grants to these very deserving musicians and program organizers.”

Arnold Shultz Fund grant recipients:

• BASEArizona and Jam Pak Band, BanJam 2021; Chandler, AZ
• Bluegrass Pride and Decolonizing the Music Room, “Juneteenth: A Rainbow Revival”; San Francisco, CA and Fort Worth, TX
• Dancing with the Spirit, Bluegrass Song Videos & Curriculum for Alaskan Village Schools; Fairbanks, AK
• Nokosee Fields, recording project; Lafayette, LA
• Louisville Folk School, “Black Voices in Kentucky Music History”; Louisville, KY
• NorthStar Church of the Arts, “Country Soul Songbook”; Durham, NC
• Stephen Wang, guitar lessons; Los Gatos, CA
• Tray Wellington, audio and visual gear upgrade; Johnson City, TN

The Nashville Songwriters Association International held its 21st Annual Song Contest, welcoming aspiring songwriters from around the world to enter their songs and/or lyrics for a chance to win, on Feb. 16.

The contest, which was presented by Martin Guitars, Strings and CMT, had nearly 2,500 entries. After several rounds of judging, a total of 22 songs placed in the contest following the final judging by a panel that included Jacqueline Renner, CEO of C.F.Martin & Co., Leslie Fram, Senior VP of Music & Talent at CMT, Tim Hunze, Senior Director of Creative at Anthem Entertainment, and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard.  “I Do” by Matthew Soileau (co-written by Brandon Chase) won the coveted top prize.

Matthew Soileau

Soileau, who hails from Spring, TX, took home $5,000 cash, mentor sessions with Tenille Townes and songwriters Ross Golan and Joe London, and a one year single-song contract with Anthem Entertainment along with several other prizes, including a brand new Martin Guitar.

Claire Bunnik from Pefferlaw, Ontario, Canada won the contest’s Lyric-Only category with her entry “Raising A Son,” winning a mentor session with Grammy-winning songwriter-artist Brett James, $2,000 cash, a Martin Guitar and more.

The other nine finalists also won a Martin Guitar, an industry meeting, and one year of NSAI membership. Every contest entry also has a scorecard evaluation from the judging that will be sent out to participants.