Weekly Radio Report (11/15/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

Taylor Swift Claims Scooter Braun, BMLG Won’t Allow Her To Play Older Hits At AMAs; BMLG Responds

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Taylor Swift has been scheduled to perform a medley of her older hits as part of the celebration of her Artist of the Decade honor at the American Music Awards on Nov. 24, but now the superstar says that appearance is “a question mark.”

Swift penned an open letter titled “Don’t Know What Else To Do” to her fans on social media on Nov. 14, stating that SB Projects’ Scooter Braun and her former label head, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, are not allowing her to include her older hits from her six-album catalog recorded under BMLG in the performance. Swift states they have refused to allow her to perform her older songs “because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I’m allowed to next year.”

She also revealed that a documentary on her life has been in the works with Netflix, and claims that Braun and Borchetta are also prohibiting the use of her songs recorded during her time at BMLG to be used as part of the documentary. According to Swift’s message, she says she was told by Big Machine that the use of her older material would be allowed only if she agreed “to not re-record copycat versions of my songs next year (which is something I’m both legally allowed to do and looking forward to) and also told my team that I need to stop talking about him and Scooter Braun.”

In June, Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine, including the master recordings to Swift’s albums recorded under BMLG. Approximately one year ago, Swift announced her exit from BMLG and a new recording contract with Universal Music Group’s Republic Records.

Swift’s message to her fans, in full, is below:

“Guys – It’s been announced recently that the American Music Awards will be honoring me with the Artist of the Decade Award at this year’s ceremony. I’ve been planning to perform a medley of my hits throughout the decade on the show. Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun have now said that I’m not allowed to perform my old songs on television because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I’m allowed to next year. Additionally — and this isn’t the way I had planned on telling you this news — Netflix has created a documentary about my life for the past few years. Scott and Scooter have declined the use of my older music or performance footage for this project, even though there is no mention of either of them or Big Machine Records anywhere in the film.

“Scott Borchetta told my team that they’ll allow me to use my music only if I do these things: If I agree to not re-record copycat versions of my songs next year (which is something I’m both legally allowed to do and looking forward to) and also told my team that I need to stop talking about him and Scooter Braun.

I feel very strongly that sharing what is happening to me could change the awareness level for other artists and potentially help them avoid a similar fate. The message being sent to me is very clear. Basically, be a good little girl and shut up. Or you’ll be punished.

This is WRONG. Neither of these men had a hand in the writing of those songs. They did nothing to create the relationship I have with my fans. So this is where I’m asking for your help.

Please let Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun know how you feel about this. Scooter also manages several artists who I really believe care about other artists and their work. Please ask them for help with this – I’m hoping that maybe they can talk some sense into the men who are exercising tyrannical control over someone who just wants to play the music she wrote. I’m especially asking for help from The Carlyle Group, who put up money for the sale of my music to these two men.

I just want to be able to perform MY OWN music. That’s it. I’ve tried to work this out privately through my team but have not been able to resolve anything. Right now my performance at the AMAs, the Netflix documentary and any other recorded events I am planning to play until November of 2020 are a question mark.

I love you guys and I thought you should know what’s been going on.”

Big Machine Label Group responded Friday morning (Nov. 15) via a blog on the label’s official site, denying Swift’s allegations regarding the use of her earlier recorded music on the American Music Awards and in the Netflix special. BMLG’s statement is below in full:

“As Taylor Swift’s partner for over a decade, we were shocked to see her tumblr statements yesterday based on false information. At no point did we say Taylor could not perform on the AMAs or block her Netflix special. In fact, we do not have the right to keep her from performing live anywhere. Since Taylor’s decision to leave Big Machine last fall, we have continued to honor all of her requests to license her catalog to third parties as she promotes her current record in which we do not financially participate.

The truth is, Taylor has admitted to contractually owing millions of dollars and multiple assets to our company, which is responsible for 120 hardworking employees who helped build her career. We have worked diligently to have a conversation about these matters with Taylor and her team to productively move forward. We started to see progress over the past two weeks and were optimistic as recently as yesterday that this may get resolved. However, despite our persistent efforts to find a private and mutually satisfactory solution, Taylor made a unilateral decision last night to enlist her fanbase in a calculated manner that greatly affects the safety of our employees and their families.

Taylor, the narrative you have created does not exist. All we ask is to have a direct and honest conversation. When that happens, you will see there is nothing but respect, kindness and support waiting for you on the other side. To date, not one of the invitations to speak with us and work through this has been accepted. Rumors fester in the absence of communication. Let’s not have that continue here. We share the collective goal of giving your fans the entertainment they both want and deserve.”

CMA’s Female-Focused Awards Show Sees 12% Increase In Viewership For 2019

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Carrie Underwood, with special guest hosts Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, host “The 53rd Annual CMA Awards” live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, November 13 on ABC. Photo: John Russell/CMA

In an evening brimming with strong performances from female artists, and hosted by a trio of country music’s queens—namely, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood—this year’s CMA Awards telecast on Nov. 13 saw a 12% increase in viewership over the previous year.

Last night’s awards show earned a 2.0 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, and brought in 11.3 million viewers, according to zap2it.com (Live+SD ratings), marking a 12% increase from 2018’s 10.1 million viewers (and 2018’s comparable 2.1 rating in the 18-49 demo).

Garth Brooks was the evening’s top winner, taking home his seventh Entertainer of the Year honor. Kacey Musgraves was named Female Vocalist of the Year (and earned Music Video of the Year for “Rainbow”). Maren Morris‘ GIRL was Album of the Year, while Luke Combs was named Male Vocalist of the Year and earned Song of the Year for “Beautiful Crazy.” Blake Shelton‘s “God’s Country” was named Single of the Year. Dan+Shay was named Vocal Duo of the Year, while Old Dominion earned Vocal Group of the Year. Ashley McBryde was named New Artist of the Year, while Jenee Fleenor was named Musician of the Year. Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus‘ “Old Town Road” was named Musical Event of the Year.

DISClaimer: Hannah Dasher Gets “Wildly Imaginative” On Funky Track “Stoned Age”

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The emphasis was on female country artists on this year’s CMA Awards show.

So I am happy to report that the women didn’t let us down in this week’s edition of DisClaimer. Kelsea Ballerini, Farewell Angelina, Henriette, Honey County and JaeLee Roberts all turned up with stellar performances.

Best of ‘em all is witty Hannah Dasher, who wins the Disc of the Day award. Right behind her is an equally deserving DisCovery Award winner, Kelsey Lamb. Listen to these ladies. Now.

FAREWELL ANGELINA/More Problems
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Farewell A
– Feisty and frisky, with a touch of sass and a lotta class. These ladies have it all going on with this uptempo, devil-may-care romp. Not a care in the world, because you know what they say, “more money, more problems.”

KELSEA BALLERINI/Club
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– Catchy and clever. The pop track is super rhythm happy, even though the lyric is downbeat. She’s particularly effective in her lower register here, as well as in the double-tracked choruses.

HONEY COUNTY & SPENCER CRANDALL/Under Your Influence
Writers: Dani Rose/JP Williams/Maks Gabriel; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; 117Group
– They sing well, but the song meanders aimlessly. Tenor vocalist Spencer sounds especially promising here.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Second One To Know
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
-His Southern-rock influences are front and center on this rousing, bluesy, roaring outing. The video features Chris and the band as Lego figures battling evil ninjas and a dragon.

JAELEE ROBERTS/One’s Real Life
Writers: Jaelee Roberts; Producer: Deanie Richardson & Brandon Bostic; Publisher: none listed; Euphony
– This newcomer has a harmony-soaked approach to bluegrass. Liquid vocals and fiery picking. What’s not to like?

MORGAN EVANS/Diamonds
Writers: Morgan Evans/Chris DeStefano/Evans Bogart; Producers: Evans/DeStefano; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music
– The plinkety plunk rhythms and looped guitar notes tip you off that this is another gem from the one-man band. It ain’t very country, but it definitely gets your attention.

HENRIETTE/Dream Boy
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Dr. Music
– She is from Germany, but her recent sojourn in Music City has evidently paid off in songwriting chops. This lilting, charming tune comes wafting through the speakers like a summer breeze. An audio vacation trip to a lovely land.

MATT STELL/Everywhere But On
Writers: Lance Miller/Matt Stell/Paul Sikes; Producer: none listed; Publishers: W.B.M./Sony-ATV Accent/Pedal Down/Presley Jake, no performance rights listed; Arista
– Very cool. She’s left him, but he can’t stop thinking about her. “I’ve moved everywhere but on,” he sings. This “Prayed for You” fellow shows here he’s got more where that came from. There’s a soaring guitar solo in it that I really liked, too.

KELSEY LAMB/Girl at the Bar
Writers: Kelsey Lamb/Taylor Goyette/Jean Nolan; Producers: Matt McVaney/Josh Hoge; Publisher: none listed; Marco
– Best song of the listening session, hands down. The lyric is full of terrific details and emotional truths and poignant passages. Her performance is an arrow to the heart, and the production is a wonder of dynamics and power. A total winner.

HANNAH DASHER/Stoned Age
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jaren Johnston/Oscar Charles; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP; Sony
– Ya gotta love this lyric, with its echoes of ‘60s icons, references to Southern rockers and comments on getting high. Janis Joplin, Keith Richards, The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker and Burt Reynolds are all name dropped as she drawls with abundant personality and the beats lay funky on top of funky. Wildly imaginative, addictive listening.

Zac Brown Band Adds Spring Dates To The Owl Tour

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The Zac Brown Band will extend The Owl Tour into Spring 2020. The new upcoming dates will feature support from Amos Lee and Jason ‘Poo Bear’ Boyd throughout the run, which takes its name from Zac Brown Band’s album The Owl. The Spring jaunt will include a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on April 25.

Last summer, the group brought the 32-stop tour to some of the nation’s most iconic venues, such as Boston’s Fenway Park, where ZBB played two consecutive sold-out shows.

“The energy throughout ‘The Owl Tour’ has been electric at every stop,” said Zac Brown. “It’s been an unforgettable year and we’ve had so much fun sharing the new music with our fans. We can’t wait to get back on the road next spring.”

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 22 at LiveNation.com. The Zamily Fan Club pre-sale will begin on Nov. 19. Citi is the official presale credit card of the Zac Brown Band The Owl Tour Spring 2020, and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning November 20 through November 21 through CitiEntertainment.

“The Owl Tour” Spring 2020 Dates:
Feb 28, 2020 – Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center *
Feb 29, 2020 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena *
Mar 04, 2020 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena *
Mar 05, 2020 – Knoxville, TN –  Thompson Boling – Arena *
Mar 06, 2020 –  Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena *
Mar 12, 2020  – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center *
Mar 13, 2020  – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena *
Mar 14, 2020  – Detroit, MI  – Little Caesars Arena * (on-sale Monday, November 25)
Mar 15, 2020 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *
Mar 26, 2020 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center *
Mar 27, 2020 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena *
Mar 28, 2020 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion *
Apr 15, 2020 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center *
Apr 16, 2020 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center *
Apr 17, 2020 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena *
Apr 23, 2020 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena *
Apr 24, 2020 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena *
Apr 25, 2020 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena *
July 24, 2020 Shakopee, MN Twin Cities Summer Jam+
July 25, 2020 Monticello, IA Great Jones County Fair+

* Denotes special guests Amos Lee and Poo Bear
+ Denotes festival stops

 

Apple Music Launches Replay Playlists

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Apple Music has launched Replay playlists as an added feature for subscribers. Beginning now, subscribers can relive the highs, lows and in-betweens of 2019 with the songs, artists, and albums that soundtracked and defined their year. Additionally, with Apple Music Replay a playlist is created with the top songs for 2019 and one for every year a customer has subscribed. Playlists can be saved to the library and shared with friends.

Apple Music Replay can be accessed all year long and the Apple Music Replay playlist and data insights update on Sundays with the latest listening activity.

Mechanical Licensing Collective, Digital Licensee Coordinator Reach Agreement

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (the MLC) and the Digital Licensee Coordinator, Inc. (the DLC) announced today (Nov. 14) an agreement that will allow the MLC to perform critical tasks as directed under the Music Modernization Act (MMA).

The agreement states that the MLC will receive $33.5 million for start-up costs and an initial annual assessment for 2021 of $28.5 million; that the MLC will provide public disclosures, including as to royalty collection and distribution, executive compensation, significant expenses, and projected annual budgets; and the creation of a new budgeting advisory committee comprised of equal numbers of representatives of the MLC and the DLC, which will enhance collaboration in evaluating operating costs.

MLC Board Chair Alisa Coleman and DLC Board Chair James Duffett-Smith offered the following statement upon announcement of the agreement:

“Today’s agreement between the MLC and the DLC represents a landmark achievement for every facet of the music industry. As a result of this accord, the central feature of the Music Modernization Act will be able to commence operations with the resources necessary to help ensure its success.

“Overall, this agreement is a great step forward for all of us within the music community and clearly builds off the tremendous progress we made with the passage the Music Modernization Act. With this phase behind us, we will now continue our work together to finalize the operations and other requirements under the law as we prepare to help songwriters get the royalties they are owed.”

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said, “The deal struck with the biggest streaming companies in the world to fund the collective’s start up and future operational costs is an important step forward for our industry. The collective is an unprecedented agency serving both songwriters and steaming services so that the entire system works better. We are pleased the digital services met the budgetary requirements to ensure the success of the MLC’s mission. The Music Modernization Act contained ambitious requirements and this agreement will give all parties a good head start on achieving its goals.”

Highlights of the agreement include:

  • Funding Agreement Demonstrates a Commitment to Getting Implementation Right
    • The MLC will receive $33.5 million for start-up costs and an initial annual assessment for 2021 of $28.5 million.
    • All costs will be divided up among licensees, with the largest services paying a greater share.
    • Interim financing will be provided for the MLC before formal assessment collections begin in 2021.
  • Continued Commitment to Operational Transparency
    • The MLC will provide public disclosures, including as to royalty collection and distribution, executive compensation, significant expenses, and projected annual budgets.
  • Collaboration In Evaluating Operating Costs Builds Off Spirit of MMA
    • Creation of new budgeting advisory committee comprised of equal numbers of representatives of the MLC and the DLC that will enhance collaboration in evaluating operating costs.
    • The committee will provide input on future budgets and modifications to the annual assessment going forward.
    • Streamlined budget adjustments and assessment dispute process will limit the need to turn to the Copyright Royalty Board.

Established by the MMA, the MLC is a nonprofit entity designated by the United States Copyright Office to develop and administer a revolutionary mechanical licensing system that will launch on Jan. 1, 2021. The MLC will be responsible for collecting and distributing royalties payable to songwriters and copyright owners by digital music services, and for the creation of a first-of-its-kind, public database that will contain critical copyright information on all musical works.

The DLC is a nonprofit entity designated by the United States Copyright Office to represent the interests of digital music services under the MMA. The founding members of the DLC board are Amazon, Apple, Google, Pandora and Spotify.

For more information, visit themlc.com.

Big Machine Label Group Celebrates CMA Night

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Pictured (L-R): Thomas Rhett, Scott Borchetta and Brantley Gilbert attend Big Machine Label Group celebration of The 53rd Annual CMA Awards in Nashville at The Bell Tower on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Big Machine Label Group celebrated several performers during last night’s (Nov. 13) Country Music Association Awards. Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Thomas Rhett, Jennifer Nettles and Carly Pearce all performed, while Nettles and Midland both presented honors.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 13: (Back row, L-R) Andrew Kautz, Kelby Ray of The Cadillac Three, Allison Jones, Lauren Jenkins, Riley Green, Noah Schnacky, Tyler Rich, Brett Young, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff of Avenue Beat, Dan Smalley, Conner Smith, Callista Clark; (Middle row, L-R) Justin Moore, Danielle Bradbery, Neil Mason of The Cadillac Three, Jess Carson and Mark Wystrach of Midland, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Scott Borchetta, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum, Carly Pearce, Brantley Gilbert; (Front row, L-R): Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, Thomas Rhett and Scooter Braun attend Big Machine Label Group celebration of The 53rd Annual CMA Awards in Nashville at The Bell Tower on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Pictured (L-R): Scooter Braun, Lindsay Ell and Scott Borchetta. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Pictured (L-R): Mary Travis, Scott Borchetta, Randy Travis and Allison Jones. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Pictured (L-R): Andrew Kautz and Justin Moore. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Warner Music Nashville Celebrates CMA Wins For Blake Shelton, Dan+Shay, Ashley McBryde

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Photo (Front Row, L-R); Ingrid Andress; Wes Vause (SVP Publicity, WMN); Morgan Evans; Devin Dawson; Michael Ray; Ryan Griffin. (Second Row, L-R): Cody Johnson, Gabby Barrett, Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Sreaming, WMN); Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay); John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Ashley McBryde; Cris Lacy (Exec. VP, A&R, WMN); Sophie Dawn (Walker County). (Third Row, L-R): Victoria Nugent (VP Strategic Marketing, WMN); Shy Carter, Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, WMN); Cale Dodds; Trea Landon; Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay); Matt Signore (COO, WMN); Ben Kline (EVP / GM, WMN); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); Chris Janson; Randall King; Troy Cartwright; Ivy Dene (Walker County); Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN); Cole Swindell. (Fourth Row, L-R): Diego Navaira (The Last Bandoleros); Emilio Navaira (The Last Bandoleros), Jerry Fuentes (The Last Bandoleros), Derek James (The Last Bandoleros), Brad Rempel (High Valley); Curtis Rempel (High Valley); Logan Turner (Bexar); Chris Ryan (Bexar); Dee White; Tyler Braden

Warner Music Nashville celebrated huge wins during last night’s CMA Awards (Nov. 13). Blake Shelton took home Single of the Year for “God’s Country,” (co-written by Warner Music labelmate Devin Dawson). Dan+Shay took home their first CMA Award for Duo of the Group, while Ashley McBryde earned New Artist of the Year.

Photo (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Blake Shelton; Gwen Stefani; Max Lousada (CEO of Recorded Music, WMG); Chris Janson; Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records); Kelly Janson. Photo: Katie Kauss

Photo (L-R): Ashley McBryde; Blake Shelton. Photo: Katie Kauss

Photo (L-R): Dan Smyers (Dan + Shay); Devin Dawson; Max Lousada (CEO of Recorded Music, WMG); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay); Blake Shelton; Ashley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Universal Music Group Artists Gather For CMA Afterparty At Musicians Hall Of Fame

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Back row (L-R): Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne and TJ Osborne, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. Front row (L-R): Tae Dye (Maddie & Tae), Carrie Underwood, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Maddie Marlow (Maddie & Tae). Photo Credit: Chris Hollo

Universal Music Group Nashville celebrated the 53rd Annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 13) at an after-party at the Musicians Hall of Fame. Along with host Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne and Maddie & Tae both performed earlier in the evening during the telecast.

Pictured: Kassi Ashton, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Kylie Morgan, Parker McCollum, Brandon Lay, Travis Denning, Jordan Davis, Adam Hambrick, Clare Dunn. Photo Credit: Chris Hollo