Matt Rollings and Lyle Lovett. Photo:
Nashville-based pianist Matt Rollings is releasing his first solo album in over 30 years, Matt Rollings Mosaic, on Aug. 14. The album will be available for pre-order beginning today (4/16), and includes the new single, a cover of “Accentuate The Positive,” featuring his longtime friend and collaborator for more than three decades, Lyle Lovett.
Rollings invites some other big-name friends to lend their talents to the new album as well, including guest vocals from Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, The War And Treaty, Molly Tuttle, Buddy Miller, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Alison Krauss, and Vince Gill, among others. The project combines his own originals with timeless classics and some of the more famous tunes he’s performed over the years.
“I’m a piano player,” says Rollings. “I’ve made a career out of listening deeply and supporting other artist’s visions, and that’s brought a lot of joy and meaning into my life. With this record, though, it was time for me to explore my own vision. I called this album Matt Rollings Mosaic not only because it’s a mosaic of styles and genres and artists, but because I feel like I’m a mosaic myself. I love being a performer and a writer and an arranger and a producer, but so often, you’re made to feel like you have to pick just one. With this record, I got to choose them all.”
Matt Rollings Mosaic tracklist:
1) Take Me To Mardi Gras (ft. The War and Treaty)
2) Accentuate The Positive (ft. Lyle Lovett)
3) Stay (ft. Alison Krauss with Vince Gill)
4) Wade In The Water (ft. The War and Treaty with The Blind Boys of Alabama)
5) If I Had A Boat (ft. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott)
6) Spirits In The Material World (ft. Charlie Greene)
7) When You Loved Me Still (ft. Heidi Talbot)
8) That Lucky Old Sun (ft. Lyle Lovett, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Willie Nelson)
9) I’ll Come Knocking (ft. Lukas Nelson with Molly Tuttle and Buddy Miller)
10) Slumber My Darling (ft. Heidi Talbot with John McCusker)
11) Pontiac
Americana Music Association Launches Livestream With Ed Helms, The Bluegrass Situation
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Americana Music Association has partnered with The Bluegrass Situation and its co-founder, actor/comedian/musician Ed Helms, to present Whiskey Sour Happy Hour, an online variety show benefiting MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund and Direct Relief. The show, presented in part by TX Whiskey and Allbirds, will debut on April 22 at 8 p.m. ET.
With Helms serving as host of the series, Whiskey Sour Happy Hour will draw on his long-running Whiskey Sour Radio Hour shows at LA’s Largo to bring music, comedy, and interviews directly into homes across the country and world. April 22nd’s edition of Whiskey Sour Happy Hour will feature music from Lee Ann Womack, Aubrie Sellers, Billy Strings, and Madison Cunningham, plus more surprise guests.
After the premiere on April 22, new shows will be broadcast every Wednesday at the same time for the following three weeks — April 29, May 6, and May 13. Confirmed guests for the series include Chris Thile, Yola, Sarah Jarosz, Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi, Rodney Crowell, Aoife O’Donovan, Robert Ellis, and Watkins Family Hour, to name a few. Additional guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
“As soon as we realized the severity of the current crisis, Ed and I both knew we had to do something to support both our musical and medical community — and not just a one-time thing, but something that could promote more sustained giving through multiple shows,” says BGS Co-Founder and Executive Director, Amy Reitnouer Jacobs. “In a short amount of time, our BGS family of artists have come together in such a big way to make this happen. It makes us feel like even though we’re all separated right now, we’re closer than ever before.”
Whiskey Sour Happy Hour can be streamed on the Association’s Facebook page, as well as on The Bluegrass Situation’s website, Facebook and YouTube pages. Fans are able to donate to MusiCares and Direct Relief here.
Colin Rushing Elevated To Chief Legal Officer Of SoundExchange
/by Lorie HollabaughColin Rushing
Colin Rushing has been promoted to Chief Legal Officer of SoundExchange. With the promotion, Rushing will now lead SoundExchange’s business development strategy in addition to overseeing the company’s legal, regulatory, and enforcement initiatives. Rushing will serve in this role in Nashville.
Rushing has served as SoundExchange’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel since 2014. He has played a key role supporting SoundExchange’s successful advocacy for music creators, including securing a $150 million settlement with SiriusXM and a more than 40% increase in satellite radio rates in the last proceeding before the Copyright Royalty Board. He was SoundExchange’s General Counsel prior to serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Before joining the company, Rushing practiced intellectual property and media law as an attorney at WilmerHale. Rushing was named to Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers list in 2018 and 2019.
“Colin is one of the music industry’s leading minds whose knowledge and dedication to fair payment has improved the livelihood of all music creators,” said SoundExchange President & CEO Michael Huppe. “I look forward to Colin serving in this new role and creating new opportunities for our organization and the overall music community.”
Rushing’s promotion comes at a time when SoundExchange is advocating for increased royalty rates for music creators during the Copyright Royalty Board’s “Web V” proceeding, and at a time when SoundExchange is expanding its suite of publisher services that includes tools like Music Data Exchange.
“SoundExchange is committed to maximizing the value of music, and to empowering music creators to thrive in a constantly shifting environment. I’m proud to be a part of this team and excited to advance SoundExchange’s mission,” said Rushing.
Producer/Pianist Matt Rollings To Release First New Album In Three Decades
/by Lorie HollabaughMatt Rollings and Lyle Lovett. Photo:
Nashville-based pianist Matt Rollings is releasing his first solo album in over 30 years, Matt Rollings Mosaic, on Aug. 14. The album will be available for pre-order beginning today (4/16), and includes the new single, a cover of “Accentuate The Positive,” featuring his longtime friend and collaborator for more than three decades, Lyle Lovett.
Rollings invites some other big-name friends to lend their talents to the new album as well, including guest vocals from Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, The War And Treaty, Molly Tuttle, Buddy Miller, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Alison Krauss, and Vince Gill, among others. The project combines his own originals with timeless classics and some of the more famous tunes he’s performed over the years.
“I’m a piano player,” says Rollings. “I’ve made a career out of listening deeply and supporting other artist’s visions, and that’s brought a lot of joy and meaning into my life. With this record, though, it was time for me to explore my own vision. I called this album Matt Rollings Mosaic not only because it’s a mosaic of styles and genres and artists, but because I feel like I’m a mosaic myself. I love being a performer and a writer and an arranger and a producer, but so often, you’re made to feel like you have to pick just one. With this record, I got to choose them all.”
Entercom’s Radio.com Announces Record Digital Audience
/by Jessica NicholsonRadio.com has earned 63% year-over-year growth across all devices including mobile, smart speakers and desktop, with its web platform’s visitor base growing 107% year-over-year. Other year-over-year highlights for radio.com include a 22% increase in total listening hours, the eighth straight month of double-digit growth, as well as a 90% year-over-year spike in listenership on smart speakers, with 27% month-over-month growth. There has also been a 122% growth in video consumption across the platform, with radio.com live producing over 4,000 hours of live music and sports video content in March, an 18% year-to-date increase.
Tony Morreale Launches Morreale Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonTony Morreale
Tony Morreale has launched Morreale Entertainment, a Nashville-based indie promotion, marketing, brand development and management company. The company will represent Aaron Watson‘s BIG Label Records and Jeremy McComb.
“I’m blessed to be able to continue to work with Aaron Watson and his manager, Gino Genaro, as we set up the release of Aaron’s new music while expanding my role into management with Jeremy McComb,” Morreale said. “This is a trying time for everyone, the music business included. I believe that in redefining success and our approach to it, we can develop and strengthen careers, engage fans and build the business.”
Over the past three decades, Morreale has spent time working at Evelyn Shriver Public Relations, Columbia Records, RCA Label Group, Average Joes Entertainment and more.
Morreale can be contacted at tonymorreale67@gmail.com.
ASCAP, BMI, SESAC Create Songwriters Fund In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Aid Endeavor
/by Jessica NicholsonPerforming rights organizations ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC have announced contributions to create a fund as part of the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. While the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund helps all music industry workers in need, the funds collected from these performing rights organizations will go toward helping their respective songwriters, composers and lyricists. Members and affiliates of each contributing performing rights organization are encouraged to apply for a grant through the fund at musicares.org.
Since the fund’s establishment in March, with initial seed donations of $1 million each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, millions more have been raised with the support of numerous partners. However, more is needed to meet the growing demand.
Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy said, “It’s inspiring to see every sector of the music industry band together during a time of need. With the help of these latest contributions and the generous donations over the past few weeks, we’ve been able to garner more than $10 million to provide aid for music people across all genres, crafts and disciplines affected by the coronavirus pandemic. That said, the need is still so great and these times remain critical for music people.”
Steve Boom, Chair of MusiCares, said, “We’re thrilled to see the continued support from organizations to help all the people who were depending on their next gig to make ends meet. There is still much more work to be done, and we hope that those who have supported us will continue to inspire others to do what’s needed for the music industry during this unprecedented time.”
Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, said,”Songwriters, composers and lyricists are the backbone of the music industry — not only is their craft vital to our creative culture and so many other businesses, they also help to lift up humanity in moments like these. We thank our fellow PROs for joining together with ASCAP to create and support this specially created fund through MusiCares and the Recording Academy that will provide our music writers with the emergency relief grants they need at this difficult time.”
Mike O’Neill, President & CEO of BMI, said, “The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund is an important resource for songwriters and composers, who, like so many, have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. BMI is grateful to be able to contribute to this initiative and help in some small way to ease the financial hardship of music creators during this trying time. We are happy to join ASCAP and SESAC in supporting this vital effort and we thank them, the Recording Academy, and MusiCares for helping all of our writers. The creative community is resilient and will continue to inspire the industry as we get through this together.”
John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC, said, “We recognize the profound impact which the COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated shutdowns are having on songwriters as well as the global music community. We’re pleased to be joining with ASCAP and BMI to support MusiCares’ expanded funding in support of songwriter and composer applicants. It’s essential that we do all we can to make sure that our creators have the resources they need to navigate this crisis and continue practicing their craft.”
Tyler Rich Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Rich was recently surprised with an RIAA plaque commemorating the Gold certification of his single “The Difference.”
A virtual hangout with members of his Collective Artist Management and Big Machine Label Group teams brought some good news for Rich, when he was surprised with the certification for the track, which reached the Top 30 on country radio, and No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway. Rhett Akins, Devin Dawson, Benjamin Burgess and Jacob Durrett penned the song.
“A virtual hang with my label and team, turned into a surprise presentation for ‘The Difference’ going GOLD! I couldn’t think of a better way to thank everyone that has bought, streamed, or shared this song than to cheers you all and have Devin [Dawson] join for a livestream jam,” said Rich. “I’ve spent this quarantine working on and recording new material non-stop, I can’t wait for you to hear what’s next!”
Evan Coffman Inks Joint Venture Pub Deal With Angry Mob Music, Demolition Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shane Barrett, Steve Bloch, Jon D’Agostino, Evan Coffman, Lauren Spahn, Michael August, Jamie Dryburgh
Evan Coffman has signed an exclusive worldwide joint venture with independent Nashville-based publishing company Angry Mob Music and Demolition Music.
The joint venture covers current and future works, and within it, Demolition will set Coffman up in Nashville with co-writing opportunities and seek cuts for his expansive catalogue while Angry Mob will handle pop and synch co-writes in Los Angeles. They also will oversee synch pitching and all publishing administration.
An Arkansas native, Coffman began his career shortly after he left Arkansas to attend music school in Orlando. He created his own music studio and began work with local and national bands including A Rocket To The Moon, Twenty One Pilots, and VersaEmerge, securing Gold records with both A Rocket To The Moon and Twenty One Pilots. Following a 2015 move to Nashville, Coffman worked with Waterloo Revival and landed a song that was featured during the college football season on ESPN, and the same year produced and co-wrote “Right Now” for Caroline Kole, which landed in the Billboard Top 40.
Angry Mob Music’s CEO and co-founder Marc Caruso said, “We couldn’t be more excited. This joint venture to sign Evan Coffman reflects the shared spirit and principles of Angry Mob and Demolition. Evan is a multi-dimensional talent and we can’t wait to leverage the individual strengths of both companies to achieve even greater success and accomplishments for Evan’s career.”
Jon D’Agostino, President of Demolition Music said, “Evan is a special kind of producer and songwriter who will allow our company to create music at the highest level in multiple formats and genres. Being able to share his talent with a company like Angry Mob Music means we are looking at unlimited potential to do some amazing things together.”
“I am excited to be joining the Demolition and Angry Mob music family,” said Coffman. “I am extremely thankful to have a team that believes in my abilities and talents, which fuels my drive to be even more successful. I have no doubt that we are going to reach new heights together! I appreciate everyone involved in making this new partnership come to life!”
Staff Layoffs Hit Valence Media Properties Including Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Vibe
/by Jessica NicholsonValence Media, parent company for outlets including Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Vibe, Dick Clark Productions and Media Capital Rights, laid off more than 100 staffers Tuesday (April 14), reports CNN, slashing more than a third of its media jobs.
Among the media staff that exited yesterday are Vibe Deputy Editor William Ketchum III, and staffers for Vibe and Billboard including Lauren Craddock, Will Gottsegen, Bianca Gracie, Hilary Hughes, Chris Payne, Annie Reuter, Desire Thompson and more. The layoffs came shortly after Hollywood Reporter editorial director Matthew Belloni stepped down from his role after clashes with Valence Media’s management.
Additionally, Variety reports that all members of Billboard‘s IT staffers were let go, according to a scornful article that was published late Tuesday evening (April 14) to Billboard‘s website. The article’s byline was titled “devops,” and featured a photo of the character Flounder from the movie National Lampoon’s Animal House, as well as a quote from the movie.
The now-deleted article on Billboard‘s site read, “In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, Valence Media has decided to lay off their entire web IT staff. Effective today. The online Billboard Charts are essentially perfect, so IT staff are no longer needed. Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life… #SavingABuckAtYourExpense.”
Deadline obtained a copy of an internal memo from Valence Media co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk that attributes the layoffs to advertising impacts from coronavirus, but also to a restructuring that was planned prior to the pandemic.
“Each of our divisions was affected differently, dependent on the specifics of the business. The greatest impact was on our Media division, which underwent layoffs and a restructuring, part of which was a response to advertising market conditions and part of which was an acceleration of actions that were planned for 2020-2021,” the memo reads.
The memo also states that hiring freezes and salary reductions have taken place, with salary reductions only affecting staffers making more than $100,000 per year. The memo states that staffers whose salaries are impacted are eligible for a program that will enable them to recoup the contributions based on the future success of the company. Satchu and Wiczyk noted they are not taking a salary and will not participate in the recoupment program.
Madeline Merlo Hits Top Spot On iTunes With ‘Songland’ Composition
/by Lorie HollabaughMadeline Merlo is kicking off her career in a big way by winning Monday night’s (April 13) episode of NBC’s songwriting show Songland. The show chronicled Merlo’s co-write of “Champagne Night” with hit songwriter Shane McAnally and Lady Antebellum, and the upbeat, party anthem was deemed the winning song by Lady A, who recorded and released the tune digitally as well as a music video immediately following the episode. “Champagne Night” ranked No. 1 on the iTunes Country and All Genres Chart yesterday following the airing of the show.
“Songland was one of the most incredible and inspiring experiences,” said Merlo. “The knowledge I obtained throughout is invaluable, and the opportunity to work with such seasoned and decorated songwriters is something I won’t ever forget. As a young songwriter in this business, I felt so validated and honored by this experience. Lady Antebellum was so kind and gracious to me, and it was incredibly cool to be able to pitch a song to a band that I admire so much. I made lifelong friends, grew as a writer all while getting to share my vocals and songwriting abilities on network television.”
After a series of successful single releases in Canada, including debut “Sinking Like A Stone,” “War Paint,” “Whatcha Wanna Do About It,” “Neon Love,” and her most recent Canadian country radio Top 10 “Dear Me,” Vancouver native Merlo will release a trio of songs including “If You Never Broke My Heart,” “It Didn’t,” and Canadian radio single “Kiss, Kiss” on April 24.