President Donald Trump issued executives orders on Thursday (Aug. 6) to ban social media apps TikTok and WeChat from operating in the United States if they are not sold by their Chinese-owned parent companies within 45 days.
The order regarding TikTok prohibits “any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance Ltd.,” the Chinese company that owns the social media platform, after 45 days. The orders do not state that a definite amount of funds from the TikTok sale are required to be sent to the US Treasury Department.
The order alleges that TikTok’s platform “automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users,” which “threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information — potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.”
After issuing the order regarding TikTok, a similar order for the Tencent-owned chat app WeChat soon followed, with Trump stating, “the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned by companies in the People’s Republic of China (China) continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To protect our Nation, I took action to address the threat posed by one mobile application, TikTok. Further action is needed to address a similar threat posed by another mobile application, WeChat.”
TikTok
released a statement Friday morning (Aug. 7) in response to President Trump’s Executive Order. The statement can be read in full below:
TikTok is a community full of creativity and passion, a home that brings joy to families and meaningful careers to creators. And we are building this platform for the long term. TikTok will be here for many years to come.
We are shocked by the recent Executive Order, which was issued without any due process. For nearly a year, we have sought to engage with the US government in good faith to provide a constructive solution to the concerns that have been expressed. What we encountered instead was that the Administration paid no attention to facts, dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.
We made clear our intentions to work with the appropriate officials to devise a solution to benefit our users, creators, partners, employees, and the broader community in the United States. There has been, and continues to be, no due process or adherence to the law. The text of the decision makes it plain that there has been a reliance on unnamed “reports” with no citations, fears that the app “may be” used for misinformation campaigns with no substantiation of such fears, and concerns about the collection of data that is industry standard for thousands of mobile apps around the world. We have made clear that TikTok has never shared user data with the Chinese government, nor censored content at its request. In fact, we make our moderation guidelines and algorithm source code available in our Transparency Center, which is a level of accountability no peer company has committed to. We even expressed our willingness to pursue a full sale of the US business to an American company.
This Executive Order risks undermining global businesses’ trust in the United States’ commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth. And it sets a dangerous precedent for the concept of free expression and open markets. We will pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and our users are treated fairly – if not by the Administration, then by the US courts.
We want the 100 million Americans who love our platform because it is your home for expression, entertainment, and connection to know: TikTok has never, and will never, waver in our commitment to you. We prioritize your safety, security, and the trust of our community – always. As TikTok users, creators, partners, and family, you have the right to express your opinions to your elected representatives, including the White House. You have the right to be heard.
Jared Mullins Joins Young Guns Publishing Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Adam Romaine – Sr. Creative Director/A&R; Micah Wilshire – VP of TV/Film; Jared Mullins; Will Hamric – President; Aubrey Rupe – Sr. Creative Director
Jared Mullins has signed a publishing deal with Young Guns Publishing.
Mullins achieved his first No. 1 this year, co-writing Jake Owen’s “Homemade,” and has penned cuts for Kane Brown, Justin Moore, Granger Smith, Chase Rice, Runaway June and more.
“Jared’s talent is undeniable, he’s one of the best writers in Nashville and we couldn’t be happier to be working with him at YGP,” said Adam Romaine, Young Guns Sr. Creative Director/A&R.
“I’ve been a fan of Jared’s for years, and I’m thrilled to now have the privilege of working with him,” added Aubrey Rupe, Young Guns Sr. Creative Director. “He is a songwriter in the truest form, and his lyrical sense is undeniable. I’m excited to watch his career continue to grow here at YGP!”
“I’m proud and excited to sign with Young Guns and to get to work with such talented, genuine people. They’ve made me feel right at home and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” said Mullins.
Instagram Launches TikTok Competitor Instagram Reels
/by Jessica NicholsonInstagram launched Reels in Brazil in 2019 (where it was known as Cenas) and later expanded to markets including India earlier this year.
Instagram Reels allows users to craft and share 15-second videos, with editing tools including a countdown timer, AR effects, and music. Instagram Reels also allows for captions, hashtags, and tagging friends. Reels can also be published to Instagram Stories, though if published to Stories, they will disappear in 24 hours.
Instagram users with a public account can share reels to a dedicated space in Explore, where it can be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community. Public users can also share their reels with followers by posting it on their feeds.
BRELAND’s "My Truck" Certified Gold
/by Jessica NicholsonBRELAND. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Bad Realm/Atlantic Records artist BRELAND is celebrating a Gold-certified single, with his viral country-trap hit “My Truck.” The track was released earlier this year and the music video has earned 27 million views. “My Truck” is featured on BRELAND’s self-titled EP, which released in May, and also includes a remix of “My Truck” featuring Sam Hunt. BRELAND co-wrote every track on the EP, including “In The Woulds” which features guest vocals from Lauren Alaina and Chase Rice.
Breland shared on Instagram, “WOW. My debut single. I know I usually hit y’all with the long captions but all I can say this time is thank you so much ❤️ ? The first of many.”
‘The Center Of Nowhere’ Documentary Shines Light On Springfield, MO Music Scene
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Center of Nowhere (The Spirit and Sounds of Springfield, Missouri), a new documentary featuring Dan Penn, Brenda Lee and others, offers up a look at the history and celebration of “America’s most overlooked music scene.” The film was released earlier this week and is available digitally.
Weaving the tale of how the city shaped a sound, influencing country, folk, gospel, rock, and roots music globally, the film premiered at the County Music Hall of Fame and was nominated for the Maverick Award for Best Documentary, Best Director and Special Achievement for animation sequences, and was also an official selection at AmericanaFest and The St. Louis International Film Festival.
The film explores how Springfield created a fiercely independent sound that has influenced artists all over the world, and includes additional interviews with musicians such as Dave Alvin, The Del Lords, members of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, the pop rock band Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Jonathan Richman, Robbie Fulks, Syd Straw, and the final on-camera interviews with Merle Haggard and Springfield music avatars Bobby “Lloyd” Hicks and Lou Whitney.
Viewers can purchase or rent the film from digital platforms including Amazon, Vimeo and nationwide OnDemand on cable networks Comcast, Charter/Spectrum, and Cox.
Elvis Presley’s "Nashville Cats" Sessions Chronicled On New Four-CD Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughFrom Elvis In Nashville, a new four-CD digital collection due out Nov. 20, will chronicle Elvis Presley‘s 1970 marathon sessions with the “Nashville Cats.” Recorded live in RCA’s Studio B in Nashville over the course of five days in June 1970 (with an additional session on Sept. 22), Elvis’ performances from those sessions formed the core of three of his most successful studio albums from the 1970s: Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old) and Love Letters from Elvis.
On From Elvis In Nashville, Presley’s studio tracks from the 1970 marathon sessions are presented newly-mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spring (John Prine, Jason Isbell) without the added overdubs or orchestration appearing on earlier releases. The project will be available in a boxed set including two bonus discs of rare and/or unreleased outtakes from the 1970 sessions (also available digitally).
The sessions are widely recognized as among Elvis’ best because of the undeniable chemistry between Elvis and his studio band comprised of multi-instrumentalist Charlie McCoy, bassist Norbert Putnam, and pianist David Briggs. Known as the “Nashville Cats,” this finely-honed studio ensemble connected the worlds of pop, rock and country. For the June sessions, Elvis brought in his longtime on-stage guitarist James Burton; Eddie Hinton (who, like Putnam and Briggs, was part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section) played lead guitar on Elvis’ Sept. 22 session, and Elvis plays acoustic guitar throughout the June sessions.
Graceland will be offering an exclusive double LP edition of From Elvis In Nashville, pressed on aqua/tangerine 12″ vinyl. A country classic from the album, Elvis’ rendition of “I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water,” is available now digitally.
‘Idol’ Creator Simon Fuller, TikTok Team To Assemble The World’s Next Music Supergroup
/by Lorie HollabaughFuller will be looking for extraordinary, undiscovered artists to earn a spot in the innovative new group, via a TikTok in-app audition process.
“TikTok has empowered self-expression and creativity and captured the hearts and minds of hundreds of millions of passionate users. The next generation of Pop Stars have eagerly embraced the platform,” said Fuller. “With the help of the TikTok audience, I will bring together a line-up of incredible artists to shape the next level of Pop Fandom. This will be the most connected Pop Group ever, thriving on every platform and sharing their talent and positive energy with the world.”
“It’s been nothing short of awe-inspiring to see the extraordinary musical talent – from up-and-coming artists to superstars like Lizzo, JLo and Justin Beiber – that shows up on TikTok every day and inspires even more creativity around the world,” said Kevin Mayer, TikTok CEO. “Together with Simon Fuller, we have the opportunity to find the next stars, many of whom are on TikTok today, and empower them to become a cultural phenomenon.”
TikTok has become the go-to staging ground that has helped previously little known or undiscovered artists like Lil Nas X, Curtis Waters, Ambjaay, Breland, Mxmtoon, Y2K, and bbno$ find mainstream fame.
The partnership news comes as President Trump has issued executive orders that would ban transactions with TikTok and another Chinese-owned app, WeChat. The orders are set to take effect in 45 days.
President Trump Issues Executive Orders Regarding TikTok, WeChat Bans
/by Jessica NicholsonThe order regarding TikTok prohibits “any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance Ltd.,” the Chinese company that owns the social media platform, after 45 days. The orders do not state that a definite amount of funds from the TikTok sale are required to be sent to the US Treasury Department.
The order alleges that TikTok’s platform “automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users,” which “threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information — potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.”
After issuing the order regarding TikTok, a similar order for the Tencent-owned chat app WeChat soon followed, with Trump stating, “the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned by companies in the People’s Republic of China (China) continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To protect our Nation, I took action to address the threat posed by one mobile application, TikTok. Further action is needed to address a similar threat posed by another mobile application, WeChat.”
Weekly Radio Report (8/7/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
Priscilla Block’s New Single Debuts At No. 1 On iTunes Country Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughPriscilla Block. Photo: Victoria Blalock
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Priscilla Block is finding some instant success with her latest single, “Just About Over You,” which was released on Wednesday, (Aug. 5). The breakup ballad, released through inDent Records, hit the No. 1 spot on iTunes Country Charts and currently sits at No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre Chart.
Block has garnered over 3 million views on TikTok and amassed a following of over 300K through sharing her original songs and empowering mission. Block entertains with her TikTok videos, but also inspires fans to embrace who they are, exactly as they are. She first previewed “Just About Over You” on TikTok, earning over 1.8 million views with the sneak peek. Block co-wrote “Just About Over You” with Emily Kroll and Sarah Jones.
Block’s songs captivate audiences with their unfiltered, relatable messages. Her latest single, “Thick Thighs” was written about being confident in the skin you are in, without taking yourself too seriously. “I’ve been told far too many times how I need to look as a female trying to make it in country music, and this is my response,” said Block.
Ryman Auditorium To Launch Livestream Concert Series With Cam, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, And More
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s Ryman Auditorium will launch its first livestream concert series, Live At The Ryman, on Aug. 14 with a a headlining show from Grammy winners for King & Country.
The six-week livestream series will be held each Friday night from Aug. 14-Sept. 18, and will also include full sets from Cam, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Brett Young, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Ryman Auditorium will strictly comply with operating plans developed in partnership with Vanderbilt Health and approved by Nashville Public Health Department that include mandatory masks for all Ryman operations and production staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices.
Live At The Ryman is a hybrid concert model developed by Opry Entertainment with input from the company’s official wellness advisor, Vanderbilt Health. The series will launch first via livestream and expand to incorporate a small, socially distanced audience in accordance with local health ordinances.
Tickets go on sale to the public this Monday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. CST at ryman.com. Ticket prices begin at $10 with optional VIP add-ons. Six-week series passes for the livestreams begin at $50. Exclusive Live At The Ryman merchandise, including limited edition custom Hatch print posters, t-shirts and more will be available for purchase in advance online to commemorate the landmark series.
“Our company has prioritized the health and safety of our employees, customers and artists since day one of the pandemic,” said Colin Reed, chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties. “This unique live music experience represents the next step in our commitment to doing things the right way while also creating a repeatable model that will allow artists and fans to connect during this bridge period until a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is available.”
“Both fans and artists are eager to once again feel the energy and excitement that concert venues foster, but we must prioritize health and safety as we reimagine live entertainment today,” said Scott Bailey, President of Opry Entertainment Group. “Our team has developed a turn-key way for artists to connect directly with their fans. We hope that this series will be the first of many shows to use this model in the months ahead.”
Nissan and Pickers Vodka are supporters of Live at the Ryman and Ryman Auditorium.
LIVE AT THE RYMAN Upcoming Dates:
Aug. 14 – for KING & COUNTRY
Aug. 21 – Cam
Aug. 28 – Chris Janson
Sept. 4 – Scotty McCreery
Sept. 11 – Brett Young
Sept. 18 – Old Crow Medicine Show