ASCAP, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, reported record-breaking financial results for the fifth year in a row, with total revenues topping $1.274 billion in 2019, a $47 million increase over 2018. Royalty distributions to ASCAP members also hit a record high in 2019 and increased by $75 million, crossing the $1 billion mark for a third year with $1.184 billion in royalties paid out to ASCAP songwriter, composer and publisher members.
Domestic revenue collected by ASCAP in 2019 was $945 million, up $39 million over the prior year, driven in part by an increase in audio streaming which increased 16%. Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances in the US totaled $869 million, up $55 million over last year. Foreign revenue increased to $329 million and foreign distributions were $315 million, up by nearly $20 million over 2018. ASCAP operates on a not-for-profit basis and distributes all revenues collected, less operating expenses.
“We are pleased to report ASCAP’s strong financial results for 2019, but we know that our members are concerned about the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their royalties in 2020 and beyond,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Fortunately, ASCAP closed a record number of multi-year licensing deals in 2019 and instituted immediate operational changes and expense cuts in early March 2020. As a result of these efforts, while collection efforts are increasingly challenging, our first quarter 2020 royalty distributions have proven to be among our highest ever. Hopefully, this distribution will provide a cushion to members to help weather the storm of COVID-19.”
“Music remains essential to our culture and to humanity. We see it in good times as evidenced by the achievements of our members and ASCAP in 2019, and we see it now, when music creators show their generosity and compassion, even as they struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their own lives and livelihoods,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “We are proud of ASCAP’s strong 2019 financial results, but our focus now is on the future, and fighting for our members. The ASCAP team is working tirelessly on behalf of our members to navigate through this crisis and protect their livelihoods, even in these challenging times. I am grateful to stand together with so many talented and dedicated members of the ASCAP family, at a time when we need each other more than ever.”
Last year, the performing rights organization invested in state-of-the-art technology systems to process trillions of performances annually. ASCAP also added new members including Mariah Carey, Dua Lipa, Mustard, Charlie XCX, Hayley Kiyoko, Courtney Hadwin, Epikh Pro and composer Siddhartha Khosla (This Is Us). ASCAP also renewed agreements with Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, Louis Bell, Diplo, Ne-Yo, James “Poo Bear” Boyd, Brothers Osborne, Andrew Taggart (The Chainsmokers), Polo G, Tommy “TB Hits” Brown, Scooter Carusoe, Angel Del Villar and Chris Jeday; film/TV composers Michael Giacchino, James Levine and Daniel Romer; and the estates of XXXTentacion and Tom Petty. ASCAP elected 45,875 members in 2019 and the organization is currently home to approximately 750,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.
Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett To Release ‘Goldmine’ In June
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Music Nashville artist Gabby Barrett will release her debut album Goldmine on June 19. She recently celebrated her very first No. 1 single on country radio with “I Hope.” The song also reigns for the third consecutive week as the No. 1 streamed country single in the United States.
“I am so excited that my first album is finally complete,” shares Barrett. “I’ve been writing for this project for almost two years, pulling together who I am as an artist and working hard with my team to make this album an expression of that. To see it come together like this feels amazing and is such a huge blessing. I’m so excited for June 19 – can’t wait for you to hear it!”
Barrett co-wrote 12 of the album’s 13 song. The project was co-produced by Grammy-nominee Ross Copperman and Zach Kale, with additional production by Jimmy Robbins, Sam Martin and Bryan Fowler on select tracks. Charlie Puth also appears on a remixed version of “I Hope.”
Goldmine Track List:
1. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)^
2. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins) †
3. “Write It on My Heart” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)^
4. “Footprints on the Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)^
5. “You’re the Only Reason” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Kear)^
6. “Goldmine” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)*
7. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)^
8. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)^
9. “Hall of Fame” (Gabby Barrett, Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson, Zach Kale)^
10. “Got Me” feat. Shane & Shane (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Shane Barnard, Cade Foehner, Bryan Fowler) •
11. “Rose Needs a Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)*
12. “Strong” (Gabby Barrett, Emily Weisband, Ross Copperman)^
13. “I Hope” feat. Charlie Puth (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite, Charlie Puth)^
^ Produced by Ross Copperman and Zach Kale
† Produced by Ross Copperman, Zach Kale and Jimmy Robbins
* Produced by Ross Copperman, Zach Kale and Sam Martin
• Produced by Ross Copperman, Zach Kale and Bryan Fowler
ASCAP Reports Record-Breaking 2019 Revenues And Distributions
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, reported record-breaking financial results for the fifth year in a row, with total revenues topping $1.274 billion in 2019, a $47 million increase over 2018. Royalty distributions to ASCAP members also hit a record high in 2019 and increased by $75 million, crossing the $1 billion mark for a third year with $1.184 billion in royalties paid out to ASCAP songwriter, composer and publisher members.
Domestic revenue collected by ASCAP in 2019 was $945 million, up $39 million over the prior year, driven in part by an increase in audio streaming which increased 16%. Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances in the US totaled $869 million, up $55 million over last year. Foreign revenue increased to $329 million and foreign distributions were $315 million, up by nearly $20 million over 2018. ASCAP operates on a not-for-profit basis and distributes all revenues collected, less operating expenses.
“We are pleased to report ASCAP’s strong financial results for 2019, but we know that our members are concerned about the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their royalties in 2020 and beyond,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Fortunately, ASCAP closed a record number of multi-year licensing deals in 2019 and instituted immediate operational changes and expense cuts in early March 2020. As a result of these efforts, while collection efforts are increasingly challenging, our first quarter 2020 royalty distributions have proven to be among our highest ever. Hopefully, this distribution will provide a cushion to members to help weather the storm of COVID-19.”
“Music remains essential to our culture and to humanity. We see it in good times as evidenced by the achievements of our members and ASCAP in 2019, and we see it now, when music creators show their generosity and compassion, even as they struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their own lives and livelihoods,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “We are proud of ASCAP’s strong 2019 financial results, but our focus now is on the future, and fighting for our members. The ASCAP team is working tirelessly on behalf of our members to navigate through this crisis and protect their livelihoods, even in these challenging times. I am grateful to stand together with so many talented and dedicated members of the ASCAP family, at a time when we need each other more than ever.”
Last year, the performing rights organization invested in state-of-the-art technology systems to process trillions of performances annually. ASCAP also added new members including Mariah Carey, Dua Lipa, Mustard, Charlie XCX, Hayley Kiyoko, Courtney Hadwin, Epikh Pro and composer Siddhartha Khosla (This Is Us). ASCAP also renewed agreements with Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, Louis Bell, Diplo, Ne-Yo, James “Poo Bear” Boyd, Brothers Osborne, Andrew Taggart (The Chainsmokers), Polo G, Tommy “TB Hits” Brown, Scooter Carusoe, Angel Del Villar and Chris Jeday; film/TV composers Michael Giacchino, James Levine and Daniel Romer; and the estates of XXXTentacion and Tom Petty. ASCAP elected 45,875 members in 2019 and the organization is currently home to approximately 750,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.
Lori McKenna To Release New Album ‘The Balladeer’ In July
/by Lorie HollabaughLori McKenna is releasing her new album, The Balladeer, July 24 on CN Records via Thirty Tigers. A new single from the project, “When You’re My Age,” is premiering today.
McKenna wrote the majority of the album solo except for three songs written with Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose, who also provide backing vocals on some tracks along with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman.
“I’m at the age now where you can see really well where you’re going, because you’re helping your parents and you’ve lived through what your kids are doing. It’s this weird emotional time where you’re like a bookkeeper, writing it all down, trying to make sense of it and add it all up somehow.”
In conjunction with its release, “When You’re My Age” has been selected as the official song for the Class of 2020 by Jostens—the nation’s leading provider of custom class jewelry, graduation products and yearbooks. The song will be featured as part of Jostens’ free online “Virtual Commencement” programs this spring and summer, which have been designed to help high schools and colleges celebrate their Class of 2020 throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryan Stevenson Reveals ‘Wildest Dreams’ In June
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Stevenson will debut his latest studio album, Wildest Dreams, on June 5 via Gotee Records. The project includes the newly released title track, current Top 25 Billboard radio hit, “Amadeo (Still My God)” and “When We Fall Apart,” and was almost entirely produced by Micah Kuiper and Bryan Fowler along with production from Jordan Sapp and Tyrus Morgan.
In addition to honoring his mother on the album on “When We Fall Apart,” Stevenson also penned a song for his dad, “With Your Life,” acknowledging how he now realizes how much his dad loved him as he reflects on his own life with two boys. Another impactful song, “Through It All,” touches on secrets and how debilitating the shame and pressure of sin can be if not brought into light. He also brings an upbeat melody to the project with the nostalgic, “My ’90s.”
“Over the last couple of years, I feel like I’ve been learning to rest more, and not worry so much about what may or may not happen in the future,” said Stevenson about the idea behind the new album. “In the beginning, I tended to operate out of a posture to ‘obtain’ success; then over time, I morphed into a posture of trying to ‘maintain’ success. Trying to micromanage and ‘maintain’ success is exhausting and is a thief of joy and peace. This last season has been an eye opener; in the way of realizing how good God is all the time. The title of this new record is so appropriate, because I truly feel like at every turn, God continues to blow my mind and come through in ways that I never thought were possible. His goodness and blessing, even in the midst of my chaos, is so humbling. My wife and I reflect regularly on our journey, and where the Lord has brought us on this journey. It really is better than our wildest dreams.”
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records Signs Ayron Jones
/by Jessica NicholsonSeattle rocker Ayron Jones has signed a record deal with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, and will soon release “Take Me Away,” the first single off his forthcoming album.
“Never in a million years did I think that I would have the opportunity to work with two of the biggest and most influential figures in the music world, let alone be signed to their label. But, as unbelievable as it may seem, it’s real and I consider myself extremely blessed to now be partnered with John, Scott, and the rest of the team at Big Machine/John Varvatos Records,” says Ayron.
“There is such a rich heritage of amazing and iconic rock musicians from Seattle and I truly believe Ayron is next in line,” says BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “Long Live Rock.”
“Ayron’s story of growing up in Seattle is one of heartbreak and triumph,” says John Varvatos. “He weaves his life into explosive rock anthems and passionate soulful grooves. All heralding a much needed new voice in rock. The rock world has been waiting for this for too long, and we can’t wait to unleash Ayron for all to discover.“
Big Yellow Dog Music Signs Clare Dunn
/by Jessica NicholsonBig Yellow Dog Music has signed Clare Dunn to its publishing and label roster. Her new single “Safe Haven” is now available via Big Yellow Dog Music.
Colorado-born Dunn’s songs reflect her rural upbringing and life raised on a family farm, blended with an array of music influences she gained through years spent at a small hometown dance studio.
“I was exposed to every genre imaginable and grew to have a deep appreciation for the history of it’s roots,” says Dunn. “I’m passionate about making music and playing it. Any day I get to do that is a vacation day.”
“I got a call from one of our BYD artists who told me they had been getting songs from Clare Dunn and asked if I had heard of her,” says Big Yellow Dog Music co-owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “I reached out and couldn’t believe all the hits she was writing. Her voice and sense of style grabbed me immediately. I’m excited to share her music.”
MusiCares Temporarily Halts COVID-19 Relief Fund Aid Applications
/by Jessica NicholsonHowever, on Thursday evening (April 30), the organization released a statement noting it has had to temporarily stop accepting new applications for aid through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, as request for aid has exceeded funds available.
The Recording Academy provided the following statement to MusicRow:
Donations to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund can be made at grammy.com.
iHeartMedia Launches New COVID-19 Help Resource For Small Businesses
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Small Business Crisis Resource will serve as a centralized source for small business owners and includes a weekly iHeart Small Business newsletter, as well as a website providing information on the Federal stimulus package, up-to-date news, state-by-state resources, links to top business-focused podcasts and more, at iHeartRadio.com/SmallBusiness.
Small business owners also have the opportunity to sign up for special webinars, which will kick off this Monday, May 4 featuring iHeartRadio’s Elvis Duran joining senior officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration and discussing ways small businesses can find assistance and vital information during this unprecedented time. The webinar will also include a Q&A session offering the opportunity to ask the SBA questions. Details on how to sign up for the webinar are available here.
In March, the government approved a historic $2 trillion stimulus package that includes $376 billion in relief for small businesses. Since it can be challenging for small business owners to understand the key details of the stimulus package, including eligibility requirements, this new resource helps business owners know exactly what they must do in order to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans and additional support from the U.S. government.
In addition, iHeartMedia is offering local business owners bonus media incentive opportunities and extended payment terms to help with their advertising and marketing “re-opening” strategy.
“At iHeart, our focus continues to be about serving our local communities, including the small businesses that support many residents,” said Hartley Adkins, Chief Operating Officer for iHeartMedia Markets Group. “We also know that studies show business owners look to radio as their trusted news source more than any other medium, so we want to do everything we can to ensure that these businesses have the important information they need to survive and get through this pandemic as best they can.”
Small Business Crisis Resource is available free of charge online and is promoted across iHeartMedia’s 850 broadcast stations in 150 markets, station social media and websites, and iHeartRadio.com, reaching millions of listeners and small business owners nationwide.
Paul Williams Appointed Program Director Of WKDF Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPaul Williams
Paul Williams has been named Program Director of Cumulus Nashville country station WKDF-FM.
Williams adds WKDF programming duties after being named Director of Programming for Westwood One Nashville earlier this month. In that role, Williams oversees the marketing, content, and operations for Westwood One’s programming which includes The Ty Bentli Show, The Blair Garner Show, Nights With Elaina, American Country Countdown, Country Countdown USA, Country Gold, and With Elaina.
Williams was most recently Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for Reviver Entertainment Group in Nashville. He had previously served as an executive at RCA Label Group Nashville and as Operations & Marketing Director for the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick Show. Prior to that, he programmed KPLX-FM in Dallas, and spent six years as a liaison to national radio at Universal Studios Orlando radio broadcast center.
“After Paul joined the company, Allison Warren and I saw an opportunity to have him take on the added responsibility of WKDF,” said Charlie Cook, Operations Manager/VP Country Formats, Cumulus Media. “Allison and I appreciate his creativity and we look forward to WKDF’s continued growth under his leadership.”
“What a unique opportunity to lead a radio station in a community you have lived in for over 14 years in one of the craziest times in history,” says Williams. “We’re going to get through this with our Tennessee neighbors then rebound together with music, hope, fun and the larger-than-life Volunteer State spirit.”
Cumulus Media owns and operates five radio stations in Nashville, including: WGFX-FM (Sports Talk), WQQK-FM (Urban), WSM-FM (Country), WWTN-FM (News/Talk), and WKDF-FM (Country).
Weekly Radio Report (5/1/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.