Kris Ahrend.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective has chosen Nashville as the home base for the organization, with plans to add up to 100 full-time employees, with the majority of those to be based in Nashville.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective is still determining a specific office location within Nashville. In January, it was announced the organization would be led by CEO Kris Ahrend.
“Locating The MLC’s headquarters in Nashville further cements the city’s reputation as the national hub for the music industry,” Ahrend said in a statement. “Nashville is an extraordinary city with a strong talent pool and a terrific entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re excited to build a brand new, globally recognized data and technology startup right here in Music City.”
A graduate of Binghamton University and the Washington & Lee School of Law, Ahrend worked as a law clerk for the Western District of the Virginia District Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals before joining the Intellectual Property & Litigation Group of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP in New York. Ahrend began his career in the music industry working in the Law Department at Sony Music, where he provided legal services to all of Sony’s US divisions, including its publishing company. He subsequently worked in the business and legal affairs department at Sony BMG Music Entertainment before accepting a senior executive role at Rhino Entertainment.
In 2013, Ahrend left Rhino to assume a senior executive role within Warner Music Group, where he led a large legal, financial, and administrative shared services organization that he helped to create. In 2016, Ahrend was promoted to President of U.S. Shared Services and tapped to lead the development and launch of Warner Music’s new Center of Excellence for Shared Services in Nashville, where he oversaw the operations of 15 different functional teams providing a variety of administrative, financial, and legal services to Warner Music’s U.S.-based publishing teams, record labels, and corporate divisions.
He serves on the boards of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Downtown Partnership, and is a member of the Music City Music Council.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective was designated by the United States Copyright Office, and created by U.S. music publishers and songwriters (backed by the National Music Publishers’ Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Songwriters of North America), as a new entity to license and administer rights under the Music Modernization Act which was signed into law in 2018. The law ensures that the mechanical rights of songwriters and music publishers are properly licensed and royalties fully paid by digital services, and it improves how those royalty rates are determined. It also establishes a publicly accessible mechanical rights database to ensure accurate, transparent copyright ownership information.
NEEDTOBREATHE Announces New Project For 2020
/by Lorie HollabaughNEEDTOBREATHE is releasing their seventh studio album Out of Body later this year on Elektra Records/Centricity Music.Out of Body follows NEEDTOBREATHE’s 2016’s H A R D L O V E, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales Chart, and featured the Gold-certified title track “Hard Love.” The new album marks the beginning of the next chapter for NEEDTOBREATHE, as prior to entering the studio last year, longtime member Bo Rinehart departed the group.
Two new songs from the upcoming album, “Hang On” and “Seasons” are available to stream and download beginning today. “Hang On” inspires with a timely message that doubles as a clarion call for a world in need of a little hope.
“Sometimes it’s nice to look back and reminisce on some of the best parts of growing up: when you were a kid and there were no limits in the world, when you first fell in love, or when you first left your small town for something new,” the band shared. “It’s good to look back to those moments and grab hold of that energy. ‘Hang On’ is about taking the magic of going through life for the first time and believing it can happen again. I think it’s a refreshing way to view the world in these tough times.”
Recording Academy Adds Valeisha Butterfield Jones As Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: grammy.com
The Recording Academy has added its first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, naming Valeisha Butterfield Jones to the role, effective May 11. Butterfield Jones will report to Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
“We are thrilled to welcome Valeisha Butterfield Jones into the Recording Academy family,” said Harvey Mason Jr. “Valeisha has been a force in driving systemic change and enhancing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups across entertainment, technology and politics. I’m excited to work with her to continue evolving the Recording Academy as an organization that represents our music community and a place where all voices are welcomed, supported and nurtured. We are so fortunate to have Valeisha’s leadership in this crucial area.”
Butterfield Jones’ appointment follows recommendations set forth by the Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force in December 2019 with a request for the Academy to hire a Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the executive level responsible for enterprise-wide diversity and inclusion efforts by May 1, 2020. The move also follows the very public departure of former Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan.
“It’s imperative that the music industry continue to make strides toward a more equitable and inclusive industry, and I am pleased to see the Recording Academy take this important step toward change within its own walls today by appointing Valeisha Butterfield Jones as its first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer,” said Tina Tchen, chair of the Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and president and CEO of TIME’S UP. “Creating this executive-level position was a principal recommendation of our Task Force because it is one significant way the Academy can demonstrate that issues of diversity are mission-critical and will be prioritized in the future.”
“The Recording Academy has an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that diversity and inclusion is embedded in its core values. I’m deeply honored to join the Academy as we enter a new chapter of transformational growth, leadership and change,” said Butterfield Jones. “During this unprecedented time in world history, together we will double-down on our focus to drive systemic change and equitable outcomes for underrepresented communities and creators.”
Butterfield Jones previously served as global head of inclusion for Google, Inc. Prior to her work at Google, she served as the national youth vote director for the Obama for America campaign, deputy director of public affairs for international trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Obama Administration, executive director at Rush Communications (Def Jam Enterprises, Baby Phat, Phat Farm, Hip-Hop Summit Action Network) and as the national director of diversity and inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association. Her two decades-long career began at Home Box Office (HBO Sports). As a philanthropist, Butterfield Jones co-founded the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) in 2007, a nonprofit, global coalition of women and men committed to the balanced, positive portrayal of women in the entertainment industry. She also serves on the National Board of Directors of ColorComm, MC Lyte’s Hip Hop Sisters Network and iVote.
Got A Job Or Open Position In The Music Industry? Let Us Know
/by LB CantrellAs the COVID-19 pandemic has swept through the nation, it has left many music industry workers unemployed. While organizations like Music Health Alliance, the Recording Academy and MusiCares, and more have launched relief resources, many of those affected are looking for work.
MusicRow wants to encourage its members and readers who have full-time, part-time or temporary job needs that can be filled while still following governmental COVID-19 guidelines, to post it on our Marketplace page. To post a job/task listing please complete this form. Listings on the site are free and will be posted for 60 days.
Navigate to the MusicRow Marketplace by clicking the “Marketplace” tab in the menu bar at the top of MusicRow.com.
Country Music Association Launches COVID-19 Webinar Series
/by Jessica NicholsonCMA offers year-round, member-only tools and resources to those working in the country music industry, but this series of webinars will be available for public access as well.
See the full webinar schedule and registration links below.
YOUR CHANGING AUDIENCE AND CONSUMER – NEW RESEARCH
Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 AM/CT
It is often said the most valuable question any business should be able to answer is “How is my customer changing?” Be the first to see the latest COVID-19 research insights on consumer behavior in a study done in partnership with the international research and consulting company SmithGeiger – who surveyed 1,300 Americans to uncover their shifts in media and shopping behavior during this unique time.
You should tune in if: You want to hear from experts on what to expect of the consumer landscape, spending behavior, and more. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
LEADING WITH CLARITY – COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS
Thursday, May 7 at 12:00 PM/CT
The need to effectively communicate with employees and customers has never been more important. Join CMA and experts on crisis communications to hear the latest insights into some of the unique employee and management communication challenges created by COVID-19. Learn some of the topics you need to be prepared for and how to effectively get any message across to an audience during this time of uncertainty.
You should tune in if: You’re looking for helpful tips and advice on how to effectively communicate with your employees and customers regarding COVID-19. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
GETTING BACK TOGETHER – VENUE AND EVENT HEALTH PLANNING
Thursday, May 12 at 1:00 PM/CT
Your audiences are anxious to get back to being together – but what is the new normal today for safe events?
The reopening of venues and the events that will start to take place require new thinking and preparation in the time of COVID-19. Join CMA and the team at SmithGeiger to explore what the top issues are in staging events and group activities (including those in your place of business). Learn about respected resources that your team can turn to and how to stay up to date on the latest guidance.
You should tune in if: You have your eyes set toward the future and want to be proactive in thinking through what “recovery” looks like. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
MARKETING TO AUDIENCES – WHAT ARE THE CREATIVE APPROACHES
Tuesday, May 19 at 1:00 PM/CT
Smart brands and companies know that now is not the time to hide from the audience – instead it is a time for leadership. Connecting with audiences requires you understand the three concepts of successful advertising in the stressful world of COVID-19. Join us as SmithGeiger walks you through examples and ideas of advertising today. Learn some of the top concepts in connecting with consumers with the right approach that reflects their personal needs.
You should tune in if: You are looking for creative ways to connect with your audience and tips for navigating “advertising” in a time of crisis. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Walker Hayes Reaches Double Platinum With "You Broke Up With Me"
/by Lorie HollabaughWalker Hayes’ single “You Broke Up With Me” has reached double platinum status. The achievement makes Hayes’ hit one of only 25 double platinum country songs and one of only five debut singles to reach that status in the past three years.
The RIAA’s Jackie Jones was on hand to tell Hayes about his achievement, as well as Bobby Bones, who was originally set to surprise Hayes on his “Bobby Bones Super Easy Trivia Show,” but Hayes was eliminated during an early trivia round, so Bones didn’t have a chance to surprise Hayes on the show. Ultimately, Bones had Hayes on The Bobby Bones Show today (April 29) to present him with the plaque.
“It seriously feels like a miracle,” said Hayes. “I’ve been on quite a long journey, and getting this affirmation is huge. Excited doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt when I first found out, and truthfully how I still feel thinking about It. I used to intro ‘You Broke Up With Me’ at shows by saying ‘This went platinum’ and now I can be like ‘This is a multi-platinum record.’ Grateful for this song’s success and now I am ready to do it all over again with my new one ‘Trash My Heart.’”
Mechanical Licensing Collective To Be Headquartered In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonKris Ahrend.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective has chosen Nashville as the home base for the organization, with plans to add up to 100 full-time employees, with the majority of those to be based in Nashville.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective is still determining a specific office location within Nashville. In January, it was announced the organization would be led by CEO Kris Ahrend.
“Locating The MLC’s headquarters in Nashville further cements the city’s reputation as the national hub for the music industry,” Ahrend said in a statement. “Nashville is an extraordinary city with a strong talent pool and a terrific entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re excited to build a brand new, globally recognized data and technology startup right here in Music City.”
A graduate of Binghamton University and the Washington & Lee School of Law, Ahrend worked as a law clerk for the Western District of the Virginia District Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals before joining the Intellectual Property & Litigation Group of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP in New York. Ahrend began his career in the music industry working in the Law Department at Sony Music, where he provided legal services to all of Sony’s US divisions, including its publishing company. He subsequently worked in the business and legal affairs department at Sony BMG Music Entertainment before accepting a senior executive role at Rhino Entertainment.
In 2013, Ahrend left Rhino to assume a senior executive role within Warner Music Group, where he led a large legal, financial, and administrative shared services organization that he helped to create. In 2016, Ahrend was promoted to President of U.S. Shared Services and tapped to lead the development and launch of Warner Music’s new Center of Excellence for Shared Services in Nashville, where he oversaw the operations of 15 different functional teams providing a variety of administrative, financial, and legal services to Warner Music’s U.S.-based publishing teams, record labels, and corporate divisions.
He serves on the boards of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Downtown Partnership, and is a member of the Music City Music Council.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective was designated by the United States Copyright Office, and created by U.S. music publishers and songwriters (backed by the National Music Publishers’ Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Songwriters of North America), as a new entity to license and administer rights under the Music Modernization Act which was signed into law in 2018. The law ensures that the mechanical rights of songwriters and music publishers are properly licensed and royalties fully paid by digital services, and it improves how those royalty rates are determined. It also establishes a publicly accessible mechanical rights database to ensure accurate, transparent copyright ownership information.
New Documentary Details Johnny Cash’s Relationship With His First Wife Vivian
/by Jessica NicholsonVivian Liberto, Johnny Cash
While fans of movies such as Walk The Line are well-versed in late music legend Johnny Cash‘s 35-year relationship with his late wife June Carter Cash, a new documentary centers on Johnny Cash’s relationship with his first wife, Vivian Liberto. Cash and Liberto wed in 1954, and were parents to four daughters, including Rosanne, Kathy, Cindy and Tara. The couple divorced in 1966, and Johnny married June Carter in 1968. June and Johnny had one son, John Carter Cash, and were married until they died just months apart in 2003.
The documentary, titled My Darling Vivian, is now streaming for free on Amazon Prime Video. The doc was slated to be shown as part of South by Southwest’s Film Festival Collection, before the conference was canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The documentary was directed by Matt Riddlehoover and produced by Dustin Tittle.
My Darling Vivian offers never-before-seen footage, photographs of Vivian Liberto and Johnny Cash, and letters the two exchanged while Johnny served in the United States Air Force. The couple’s daughters are also featured in the documentary, chronically tracing Vivian’s life, and the rise and fall of her relationship with Cash.
George Strait To Launch Ace In The Hole Radio Channel On SiriusXM
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Strait is one of the artists who will launch a SiriusXM channel on May 1, alongside pop and rock icons such as the Eagles, Rolling Stones, Metallica and more.
Titled Ace In The Hole Radio, after Strait’s longtime touring band, the channel will include personal stories and insights on his life and career from Strait himself, as well as playing the superstar’s biggest hits, which includes 60 No. 1 singles throughout his career.
The curated channels will begin rolling out in conjunction with SiriusXM’s Stream Free period, which has been extended through the end of May.
“It’s like catching lightning in a bottle for SiriusXM to be able to offer authorized channels from these iconic artists, not only to our subscribers, but at a time when our app is free to everyone,” said SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein. “These channels, combined with our already incredible set of artist-dedicated channels, makes SiriusXM the ultimate audio destination to bring fans closer to the artists they love, and at a time when people can use some great music.”
Adrian Michaels, WEA’s National Director of Radio & Streaming, To Exit Warner Music
/by Sherod RobertsonAdrian Michaels
Adrian Michaels, WEA’s National Director of Radio & Streaming, will be exiting Warner Music Nashville when his contract ends at the end of May.
“We are sad to see Adrian go, but excited for his next opportunity,” says a representative from Warner Music Nashville.
Michaels joined Warner Music Nashville in 2014 and has worked with artists such as Ingrid Andress, Morgan Evans, Kenny Chesney, Devin Dawson, Michael Ray, and many others. He was formerly Sr. VP of Curb Records for 10 years, where he worked with Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice and others. Prior to Curb, Michaels worked the Southwest region for RCA.
His departure leaves the position vacant. Inquiries and resumes for the position can be emailed to Kristen William, SVP of Radio & Streaming, at kristen.williams@wmg.com and Tom Martens, VP of Radio & Streaming, at tom.martens@wmg.com.
Spotify’s Premium Subscribers Increased By 6 Million In First Quarter Of 2020
/by Jessica NicholsonSpotify released its first quarter earnings results for 2020 on Wednesday (April 29), and records show the streaming service has added 6 million premium subscribers in the first quarter of 2020, for a total of 130 million subscribers, a 31% year-over-year increase. According to Spotify’s report, the company’s Family Plan was a large driver of the subscription increase.
The company’s Total Monthly Active Users have also increased by 15 million in the first quarter of 2020, reaching 286 million monthly active users, a 31% year-over-year increase.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company stated it has lowered its revenue projections for the year, decreasing its expectations from an earlier range of €8.08 billion-€8.48 billion, down to €7.65 billion-€8.05 billion (approximately $8.29 billion to $8.73 billion) in sales.
In a letter to shareholders, the company stated it saw a “notable decline” in daily active users and consumption in hard hit markets including Italy and Spain, though they have seen listening begin to rebound in the past few weeks. They have seen usage in car, wearable and web platforms drop, though Spotify audiences through TV and Game Consoles has grown. For Ad-Supported monthly active users in the United States, game consoles have been one of the top three platforms in terms of consumption for the better part of the month, and connected device usage generally is up more than 40% among Ad-Supported users globally.
As of 2020 Q1, the company has 5,779 full-time employees globally. The company stated it plans to slow hiring for the rest of the year “until we have better visibility into the economic impact of COVID-19.” The company has reduced open headcount by roughly 30% from prior growth expectations. The company also stated it will “continue to focus our investments in areas of strategic importance, and remain committed to our longterm targets for hiring in Research & Development. Additionally, we are committed to retaining all existing employees, but are mindful about the absolute level of hiring until we have more clarity on the global economic picture and the length of our work from home status.”