Pictured: Kevin Jonas, Sr. (Founder and CEO), Denise Jonas (Founder), Terri Jo Box (Songwriter), Roger Hodges (Artist Manager with Jonas Group Entertainment). Photo: Courtesy of Jonas Group Publishing
Jonas Group Entertainment, led by founder/CEO Kevin Jonas, Sr., has opened the Nashville-based publishing division, Jonas Group Publishing, with flagship writer Terri Jo Box.
The company will begin building out its publishing staff and signing more writers to the roster over the next year.
Jonas, Sr., 55, helped guide the early careers of his three sons, Kevin, Joe and Nick, collectively known as the superstar group the Jonas Brothers. The sibling trio rose to popularity via a series of Disney Channel shows, before releasing their 2007 self-titled album, which was certified Platinum. Last year, they returned to the spotlight with their first single in six years “Sucker,” which earned a Grammy nomination earlier this year for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance.
In 2005, Jonas, Sr. launched the talent management company Jonas Group Entertainment, which counts rock group PUBLIC, Melanie Pfirrman, LIVVIA, Mandy Harvey, Lucy Cloud, and author Shaina Kohli Russo on the roster.
Along the way, he co-wrote songs including Jonas Brothers’ “When You Look Me In The Eyes” and Michael W. Smith’s “I Still Have The Dream.”
However, Jonas, Sr.’s musical roots can be traced to Nashville. “My love of Nashville goes way back as a writer and an artist,” he says.
When Jonas was in high school, he began singing clubs and talent contests around Charlotte, North Carolina, performing country classics from Alabama and Kenny Rogers.
One of his fellow contestants in one of those North Carolina talent competitions was a young singer named Randy Traywick—who went on to find country music stardom by the name Randy Travis.
“I remember I would win the contest one week, he would win another week,” Jonas, Sr. said. “He beat me in the finals,” Jonas, Sr. adds.
Jonas, Sr. went on to enter Bible College, and he and his wife moved to Arizona. Still his sights were on music, and he would fly to Nashville and tried unsuccessfully at the time to break into the Nashville music scene. He and his wife soon started a family, and took on an early management role in his sons’ careers as they showed an early talent for music.
Having spent years managing artists to success in the Top 40 space, his love of country music comes full-circle with the new publishing venture. “I’ve always loved the craft of songwriting and I have so much respect for songwriters,” he says.
Flagship writer Box is known for co-writing songs such as Ashley McBryde’s “Bible and a .44” and Miranda Lambert’s “Dear Old Sun,” from her ACM-winning The Weight of These Wings double album.
“That’s the little song that could,” she says of “Bible and a .44.” “Ashley came in with all the pieces. It was her heart and the story about her dad. That song’s been a good run for us, since Eric Church did a live performance of it and Trisha Yearwood put it on her last record, and performed it with Patty Loveless. It’s funny because you go into work that day and write a song and you have no idea where the song is going to take you.”
Beginning in 2010, Box also owned and hosted the songwriters showcase Music Row Freakshow at Nashville venue The Local. Jonas, Sr. had traveled to Nashville numerous times during his career, and met Box through the writers’ round.
“I was amazed at the talent at this show,” Jonas, Sr. said. “She was a shepherd and encourager and emcee over this group and she also wrote incredible songs. I felt like she was a perfect choice as the leader for this group of people and to launch our publishing efforts in Nashville.”
Box began touring around Texas before moving to Nashville, and has been writing full-time for the past decade.
“The roots of Nashville we both have in country and CCM and the wings of Top 40 that he has, it was a no-brainer for me to have the best of both worlds, working with Kevin,” Box says. “He’s also focused on integrity, so that was another thing that drew me to being part of the company. They also set up my situation to where it didn’t look like a lot of deals, because I am able to have creative control in helping to build the company and consulting on writers and artists we work with. He has a long-term game plan. I’m excited about what we are building here in Nashville.”
Initially, Jonas Group Publishing will focus on country music but intends to add to the roster songwriters in various genres, including Contemporary Christian and rock/pop.
“I would love to find some of the incredible talent in the Christian world. I’ve been fortunate to have mainstream Top 40 success, but having a presence in church music and CCM music has been a lifetime passion of mine. But, the rising pop and alt-pop producers in Nashville also inspire me. There is a multi-genre story that is rising fast in Nashville and we want to be part of it.” Jonas, Sr. says.
SiriusXM’s Jim Meyer To Retire, Jennifer Witz To Become CEO
/by Jessica NicholsonFollowing his retirement, Meyer will remain on SiriusXM’s Board of Directors and will serve as Vice Chairman. Witz will be appointed as a member of the Board, while George W. Bodenheimer has announced his decision to resign from the Board, effective immediately.
Witz has been with SiriusXM for over 18 years, most recently serving as President, Sales, Marketing and Operations of SiriusXM since March 2019. Prior to that, she served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2017 until March 2019. In her time at the Company, Witz has served in a variety of senior financial and operating roles including Senior Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Finance. Prior to SiriusXM, Witz served as VP, Planning and Development at Viacom, Inc., and VP, Finance and Corporate Development at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Sullivan has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AMC Networks Inc., a global entertainment company, since June 2011. From September 2010 to June 2011, he was the Chief Corporate Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, the predecessor of AMC Networks Inc. and then a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corp. Prior to that, Sullivan was Chief Financial Officer of HiT Entertainment, a children’s entertainment company, from 2009 to 2010.
Gregory B. Maffei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jim for his outstanding service, helping to create the leader in audio entertainment in North America. During his tenure as CEO, SiriusXM has grown to become a diversified audio entertainment provider that is poised to reach more than 150 million people, the largest addressable digital audio audience in North America. We are a better company for his stewardship. We look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board and to build on SiriusXM’s strong momentum.”
Maffei continued, “Our Board of Directors is thrilled to unanimously appoint Jennifer as the next CEO. With nearly two decades of success at the Company, no one is better suited for this position. Jennifer brings the thorough understanding of our business from every angle. She has played a key role in significantly growing SiriusXM’s subscriber base. Jennifer will lead the Company’s strong executive team as it continues building out its platforms and executes on its growth strategies.”
“It has been a privilege to lead SiriusXM, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last eight years,” Meyer said. “This Company has never been in a better position. We have transformed our business, growing SiriusXM and its offerings, welcoming the team from Pandora through our game changing combination and increasing our scale in podcasting with Simplecast and the pending acquisition of Stitcher. Today, we deliver the best content with a consumer reach that is unmatched in audio entertainment in North America. My decision to retire has long been in the works, and now is the right time to begin this transition. I could not be handing the reins over to a stronger leader than Jennifer. I know firsthand how talented and innovative she is, and I believe she will drive SiriusXM to new heights. This is a key time for SiriusXM, and I look forward to working with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition as we execute on our near-term priorities.”
Witz commented, “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and lead SiriusXM at this exciting time. We have the best audio content available anywhere and incredible growth platforms. At SiriusXM, we are rolling out new programming, introducing new technology and expanding our OEM relationships, while pursuing new avenues of growth at Pandora and strengthening our position in the podcasting space. It has been an extraordinary privilege working with Jim and learning from him over the years. SiriusXM has tremendous opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with Scott Greenstein, Sean Sullivan and the rest of our talented management team and our incredible employees to capture those opportunities, drive growth and enhance stockholder value.”
A release from SiriusXM highlighted several of Meyer’s accomplishments during his tenure as CEO of the company, including growing the subscriber base to 34.3 million as of June 30, 2020. Following the completion of the Stitcher transition, the SiriusXM’s listener base will grow to 150 million across the combined properties. The company grew to expected revenues of nearly $7.7 billion in 2020, compared to $3.4 billion in 2012. He oversaw the acquisitions of Pandora and Simplecast, and the pending acquisition of Stitcher.
Meyer said, “Sean brings two-plus decades of financial and operating experience, strong leadership abilities and an in-depth understanding of the entertainment industry. We are thrilled he is joining the team. I want to thank David for his many years of dedication to the Company and excellent contributions to SiriusXM.”
Kevin Jonas, Sr. Launches Nashville-based Publishing House Jonas Group Publishing (Exclusive)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Kevin Jonas, Sr. (Founder and CEO), Denise Jonas (Founder), Terri Jo Box (Songwriter), Roger Hodges (Artist Manager with Jonas Group Entertainment). Photo: Courtesy of Jonas Group Publishing
Jonas Group Entertainment, led by founder/CEO Kevin Jonas, Sr., has opened the Nashville-based publishing division, Jonas Group Publishing, with flagship writer Terri Jo Box.
The company will begin building out its publishing staff and signing more writers to the roster over the next year.
Jonas, Sr., 55, helped guide the early careers of his three sons, Kevin, Joe and Nick, collectively known as the superstar group the Jonas Brothers. The sibling trio rose to popularity via a series of Disney Channel shows, before releasing their 2007 self-titled album, which was certified Platinum. Last year, they returned to the spotlight with their first single in six years “Sucker,” which earned a Grammy nomination earlier this year for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance.
In 2005, Jonas, Sr. launched the talent management company Jonas Group Entertainment, which counts rock group PUBLIC, Melanie Pfirrman, LIVVIA, Mandy Harvey, Lucy Cloud, and author Shaina Kohli Russo on the roster.
Along the way, he co-wrote songs including Jonas Brothers’ “When You Look Me In The Eyes” and Michael W. Smith’s “I Still Have The Dream.”
However, Jonas, Sr.’s musical roots can be traced to Nashville. “My love of Nashville goes way back as a writer and an artist,” he says.
When Jonas was in high school, he began singing clubs and talent contests around Charlotte, North Carolina, performing country classics from Alabama and Kenny Rogers.
One of his fellow contestants in one of those North Carolina talent competitions was a young singer named Randy Traywick—who went on to find country music stardom by the name Randy Travis.
“I remember I would win the contest one week, he would win another week,” Jonas, Sr. said. “He beat me in the finals,” Jonas, Sr. adds.
Jonas, Sr. went on to enter Bible College, and he and his wife moved to Arizona. Still his sights were on music, and he would fly to Nashville and tried unsuccessfully at the time to break into the Nashville music scene. He and his wife soon started a family, and took on an early management role in his sons’ careers as they showed an early talent for music.
Having spent years managing artists to success in the Top 40 space, his love of country music comes full-circle with the new publishing venture. “I’ve always loved the craft of songwriting and I have so much respect for songwriters,” he says.
Flagship writer Box is known for co-writing songs such as Ashley McBryde’s “Bible and a .44” and Miranda Lambert’s “Dear Old Sun,” from her ACM-winning The Weight of These Wings double album.
“That’s the little song that could,” she says of “Bible and a .44.” “Ashley came in with all the pieces. It was her heart and the story about her dad. That song’s been a good run for us, since Eric Church did a live performance of it and Trisha Yearwood put it on her last record, and performed it with Patty Loveless. It’s funny because you go into work that day and write a song and you have no idea where the song is going to take you.”
Beginning in 2010, Box also owned and hosted the songwriters showcase Music Row Freakshow at Nashville venue The Local. Jonas, Sr. had traveled to Nashville numerous times during his career, and met Box through the writers’ round.
“I was amazed at the talent at this show,” Jonas, Sr. said. “She was a shepherd and encourager and emcee over this group and she also wrote incredible songs. I felt like she was a perfect choice as the leader for this group of people and to launch our publishing efforts in Nashville.”
Box began touring around Texas before moving to Nashville, and has been writing full-time for the past decade.
“The roots of Nashville we both have in country and CCM and the wings of Top 40 that he has, it was a no-brainer for me to have the best of both worlds, working with Kevin,” Box says. “He’s also focused on integrity, so that was another thing that drew me to being part of the company. They also set up my situation to where it didn’t look like a lot of deals, because I am able to have creative control in helping to build the company and consulting on writers and artists we work with. He has a long-term game plan. I’m excited about what we are building here in Nashville.”
Initially, Jonas Group Publishing will focus on country music but intends to add to the roster songwriters in various genres, including Contemporary Christian and rock/pop.
“I would love to find some of the incredible talent in the Christian world. I’ve been fortunate to have mainstream Top 40 success, but having a presence in church music and CCM music has been a lifetime passion of mine. But, the rising pop and alt-pop producers in Nashville also inspire me. There is a multi-genre story that is rising fast in Nashville and we want to be part of it.” Jonas, Sr. says.
Jacob Davis Inks Publishing Deal With UMPG Nashville (Exclusive)
/by Jessica NicholsonJacob Davis. Photo: Katelyn Brown
Jacob Davis has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville. Davis earned his first No. 1 as a songwriter in 2019, as a co-writer on his brother Jordan Davis’ hit “Take It From Me,” which has earned more than 250 million streams. He also co-wrote Jordan Davis’ song “Detours.”
Terry Wakefield, Senior Vice President A&R, UMPG Nashville, said: “I have been friends with Jacob over the last four years, and I’m grateful we now have the opportunity to work together. Jacob is a dynamic songwriter and storyteller. We are thrilled to have him as part of the Universal family.”
Davis commented, “I’m over to moon be a part of the team that Troy [Tomlinson], Terry and rest of the staff is building at Universal. The excitement of that team overwhelmed me the first time I walked into the building…and it feels good to call it home.”
Weekly Register: Gabby Barrett, Luke Combs Dominate
/by Jessica NicholsonGabby Barrett, Luke Combs
Luke Combs and Gabby Barrett top two country sales charts this week, according to Nielsen.
Combs continues to dominate the country albums chart with What You See Is What You Get at No. 1 with 23K. Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me is at No. 2 with 21K, followed by Combs’ This One’s For You at No. 3 with 20K.
The top album debut this week is HARDY‘s A ROCK, which bows at No. 4 on the country albums chart with 18K in total consumption. Kane Brown‘s Mixtape Vol. 1 rounds out the Top 5 with 14K.
On the Country Audio On-Demand Streaming chart, Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” returns to No. 1 with 8.2 million streams this week. Wallen takes the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, with “7 Summers” at No. 2 with 7.4 million streams this week, followed by “Chasin’ You” with 6.4 million streams. Maddie & Tae‘s “Die From A Broken Heart” is at No. 4 with 6.4 million streams, while Wallen appears again in the No. 5 spot, featured on Diplo & Julia Michaels‘ “Heartless,” which earned 6.1 million streams this week.
Shane McAnally Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellShane McAnally moves up two slots to enter the top five this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with credit from co-writes such as Morgan Wallen’s “7 Summers,” Lady A’s “Champagne Night,” Midland’s “Cheatin’ Songs,” and Ashley McBryde’s “One Night Standards.”
The top three remains the same this week, with Josh Thompson at No. 1, HARDY at No. 2 and Josh Osborne at No. 3.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
RIAA Releases 2020 Mid-Year Report
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Industry Association of America has released its mid-year 2020 report, which showed growth in subscription streaming more than offset revenue declines in other areas of the U.S. recorded music market. The report also detailed ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the music market.
Among the key findings of the report was total first-half 2020 revenues from recorded music in the U.S. increased 5.6% to $5.7 billion. Paid streaming subscriptions continued to drive the growth as the number of paid subscriptions increased by 24% to more than 72 million on average, growing subscription streaming revenues for first-half 2020 by 14% versus first-half 2019. 85% of U.S. music industry revenues in the first half of 2020 came from streaming, with 7% coming from physical product, 6% from digital downloads, and 2% from synch licenses.
At the same time, with advertising markets slowing across the economy due to the pandemic, growth in ad-supported streaming revenues slowed dramatically. Physical sales, including vinyl and CDs, were also affected by the pandemic and fell 23%.
“These are historically difficult times: the live music sector is shut down; studio recording is limited; and millions of Americans are out of work across the broader economy,” said RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier. “While we’re pleased that the years of hard work and resources we’ve invested in streaming are driving growth in paid subscriptions, today’s report demonstrates just how much work remains to achieve a sustainably healthy music ecosystem for both music creators and fans. We must continue working to help sustain live music and venues, support gig workers and session musicians, and ensure fair pay for music on all digital platforms. Despite all the challenges from the pandemic, one thing clearly hasn’t changed – fans still love music.”
Oracle Wins TikTok Bid
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Wall Street Journal states that Oracle will be referred to as TikTok’s “trusted tech partner” in the U.S., and reported that insiders say the deal will most likely not be an outright sale.
“ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to Microsoft,” Microsoft said via a statement on Sept. 13. “We are confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok’s users, while protecting national security interests. To do this, we would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security, privacy, online safety, and combatting disinformation, and we made these principles clear in our August statement. We look forward to seeing how the service evolves in these important areas.”
Retailer Walmart had also bid on TikTok’s U.S. operations, and released its own statement: “Walmart continues to have an interest in a TikTok investment and continues discussions with ByteDance leadership and other interested parties. We know that any approved deal must satisfy all regulatory and national security concerns.”
Last month, Kevin Mayer resigned as CEO of TikTok, following President Trump’s executive order threatening to ban TikTok in the U.S., if its U.S. operations, owned by Chinese-based parent company Bytedance, were not sold by mid-September. The ban threat was due to alleged national security concerns.
In return, TikTok sued the Trump administration, stating that the ban is “not based on a bona fide national emergency and authorizes the prohibition of activities that have not been found to pose ‘an unusual and extraordinary threat.'”
TikTok has become one of the hottest apps in the U.S. and other western countries, and was downloaded 315 million times during the first three months of 2020.
Ryan Kinder Signs With The Anvil For Management
/by Jessica NicholsonRyan Kinder. Photo: The Anvil
Ryan Kinder has signed with The Anvil for exclusive management representation.
The Anvil was formed in 2018 by Jake Kennedy, and represents music clients Sykamore (Wheelhouse Records/Music Knox Records), Sam Outlaw, and ENZI, along with filmmakers The Clyde Brothers.
“There’s a difference between a manager and a leader,” Kinder says of joining The Anvil. “Managers rely on positional authority whereas leaders exercise interpersonal influence. In a relationship like this, it can never be ‘I,’ it must always be ‘we.’ There’s a quote from Bill Taylor who started Fast Company and has written a bunch of great books, ‘The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action…even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. The only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.’ When deciding on a manager I realized that’s what Jake and his company are doing, finding what is special and leading alongside his clients as an engaged and thoughtful partner.”
“Ryan is a perfect example of the kind of talent we are looking to represent,” Kennedy says. “When considering bringing someone into the family there are two questions that we ask. The first, is this artist exceptional and do they have something to say? Second, is this artist a good human being with whom we would enjoy working?’ During my time as an agent, if a client asked me for advice when choosing a manager, I’d always tell them to ‘choose someone you could sit next to on a flight to Tokyo.’ Find someone you really click with and enjoy spending lots of time with. Two years into this adventure, I can happily say that’s the case with not only Ryan, but each client we represent.”
Kinder has earned nearly 80 million on-demand global streams. In addition to the new management partnership, Kinder continues to be represented by Creative Artists Agency and Jess Rosen at Greenburg Traurig.
Jenn Schott Inks With RED Creative Group, Anthem Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughJenn Schott
Jenn Schott has signed a global publishing deal with RED Creative Group and Anthem Entertainment.
The Pittsburg, Kansas native has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band, Pam Tillis, Francesca Battistelli, Mickey Guyton and many others. Schott co-wrote Mickey Guyton’s debut single, “Better Than You Left Me,” which was named one of Billboard’s 10 Best Country Songs of 2015, and also penned the title track of Tim McGraw’s Grammy-nominated album, Two Lanes of Freedom, which was the namesake of McGraw’s 2013 summer tour. She has already celebrated success in 2020 with the release of Tim McGraw’s “7500 OBO,” Rascal Flatts “Feel It In The Morning,” & LJ’s “Preachin.”
“Jenn’s songwriting has a depth and humility to it that will stand the test of time. Her talent, character and work ethic will continue to bring her success and we couldn’t be more thrilled to represent her,” said Jeremy Stover, President/Owner, RED Creative Group.
“Jenn is a powerhouse and we are excited to welcome her into the Anthem Entertainment and Red Creative family,” said Helen Murphy, CEO, Anthem Entertainment. “We look forward to more amazing songwriting from Jenn and to reaching new heights together with the Red Creative team.”
“I have so much respect for what Jeremy and Brooke have built at RED, and I’m so honored to be joining their team in partnership with Anthem. I’m grateful to both companies for their belief in me and can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together,” said Schott.
Warner Music Nashville Signs Ian Munsick
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto ID (L to R): Ben Kline (EVP / GM, WMN); Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Ian Munsick; Caroline Rudolph (CEO / Executive Creative Director, Not A Public Figure Management); Erv Woolsey (CEO & Founder, The Erv Woolsey Co.); Allen Mitchell (The Erv Woolsey Co.)
Warner Music Nashville has added singer-songwriter Ian Munsick to its roster. The Wyoming native has spent the past five years working on his music in Nashville, and has earned 20 million streams from his previous indie releases.
He is signed with Not A Public Figure Management/The Erv Woolsey Co., United Talent Agency, and Universal Music Publishing.
“I’ve always aimed to work with good humans,” Munsick said. “If you don’t have good humans on your team, longevity goes out the window and so does the potential to make a difference in the world. Warner Music Nashville is an ideal home not only because of their admiration for authenticity, but also because of their genuine, family-like workforce. From the executives all the way down to their boots on the ground, every member of the WMN staff loves his or her job. I never thought I would sign a record deal without physically meeting a single label representative, but that just goes to show how confident I am in their ability to amplify and nurture my artistry. I really believe that Warner is the final ingredient to round out my team and I cannot wait to show the world what we got cooking.”
Munsick will release his first major label track, “Long Haul,” on Friday, Sept. 18. Munsick wrote the track alongside Jamie Kenney and Dave Villa.