In a new report from Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released Feb. 5, the gender and ethnicity of artists, producers and songwriters that made up the 700 most popular songs on the Billboard 100 year-end charts from 2012-2018 were analyzed.
The report found that of the 1,455 artists credited across the 700-song sample, male artists made up 82.9 percent of artists, while female artists represented 17.1 percent of artists surveyed in 2018 (the female percentage rose slightly from the 16.8 percentage of 2017). However, it is a drastic decline from the past few years, as female artists performed 22.7 percent of songs studied in 2012, 21.9 percent in 2013, 20.9 percent in 2014, 25.1 percent in 2015 and 28.1 percent in 2016.
Across those same 1,455 artists, 56 percent were white, while 44 percent were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. In 2018, the percentage of women of color on the charts was at a seven-year high, with 73 percent of female artists from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in 2018, which is 23 percent higher than 2017 and 40 percent higher than 2012. The percentage of male artists of color on the charts 2018 increased significantly by 12 percentage points from 2012 (40 percent).
The study also looked at seven years (2013-19) of Grammy nominations in select categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Producer of the Year, identifying every individual who earned a nominations in those categories, including the individual members of groups. The study also found that 10.4 percent of Grammy nominees from 2013-2019 were female. 89.6 percent were male. The table notes that the percentage of females nominated in those select categories in 2019 more than doubled from 8 percent in 2018 to 16.4 percent in 2019.
Top 10 Male Songwriters Responsible For 23 Percent Of 700 Most Popular Songs
Male songwriters also outpace female songwriters in the number of song credits. Across the 700 songs studied from 2012 through 2018, Martin Sandberg (Max Martin) was the top male songwriter, with 39 credits. By contrast, Onika Maraj (Nicki Minaj) was the top female songwriter, with 18 credits; it is also worth noting that Minaj is also a top-selling artist, while Martin operates solely as a songwriter. The Top 10 male songwriters were responsible for 23 percent of the 700 most popular songs from 2012-18.
As producers, males outnumber females 47 to 1, across the 400 popular songs studied in 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018. Across 400 songs, 871 producers, co-producers and vocal producers were credited.
21.7 percent of females are artists, 12.3 percent are songwriters and only 2.1 percent are producers, the study found.
Meanwhile, the study found that 44 percent of artists were people of color across the 700 songs studied from 2012-2018. Only four out of 871 producers in the study were women of color.
Female Songwriters, Producers Report Objectification, Having Abilities Dismissed In The Studio
As part of the study, 75 interviews were conducted with female producers and songwriters in 2018. 47 percent of those interviewed indicated they were songwriters, while 9 percent identified as producers and 44 percent held both roles. The average age of those interviewed was 33. 71 percent identified as white, while 29 percent were from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group. 17 percent of those interviewed worked outside the United States.
When asked what barriers they have faced as a songwriter or producer in music, 40 percent said they had difficulty navigating the industry, including breaking into the industry, making connections and getting into different rooms.
43 percent indicated that their skills were discounted, or taken seriously. They also felt they had to prove their competence to individuals who might work with them. 29 percent of those interviewed said they were demeaned and that others argued, embarrassed them or undermined their input. 16 percent said stereotypes about their gender was used to dismiss their abilities, while 19 percent said that females taking on leadership roles threatened men.
More than one-third (39 percent) of those interviewed stated that had been objectified, hit on, or experienced sexual innuendo while working. 25 percent also pointed to being the lone female or one of few women in environments populated by males. 28 percent reported having their contributions, knowledge or expertise dismissed, while 20 percent noted that drugs, alcohol and the sexualization of women were part of studio culture.
The “Boys Club” Continues
36 percent of those interviewed offered unprompted answers regarding a barrier that is the result of being a statistical minority in the music industry. 29 percent of interviewees stated the music industry was male-dominated, or functioned as a proverbial “boys club.” This group of interviewees also included 12 percent who stated there were few females in songwriting and productions, including few female role models. Four percent indicated that females in the industry were competitive with each other.
Solutions To Female Inclusion
The report offered opportunities to create change in the industry, including some that are already in the works. Suggestions included creating environments where females are welcome, generating opportunities for females to use their talents and skills, ensuring that role models and mentorships were available for females, and committing to consider and hire more women in creative roles.
The report also highlighted work of several organizations that aim to offer these types of opportunities, including She Is The Music, Spotify’s EQL Residency Program, For The Record Collective, and others.
Grammy Music Education Coalition Announces Nashville, Philadelphia Commitments
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Paul Katz, CEO/Founder Entertain Impact; Tarik Ward, Director of Music Programs, ELMA Music Philanthropies, GMEC Board Member; Lee Whitmore, Executive Director, GMEC; Brenda Robinson, Entertainment Attorney, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP, GMEC board member; Macy Gray, artist; Charyn Harris, Executive & Artist Logistics at Macy Gray Inc.
The Grammy Music Education Coalition (GMEC) has announced its 2019 plans which includes an All-Star Ambassador program and the launch of intensive programs in Philadelphia and Nashville.
This year, the GMEC is focused on funding and services for Nashville and Philadelphia public school systems, with a goal to invest $1 million in each district during the inaugural year, while overseeing and coordinating programs of its coalition partners. The Nashville investment includes an elementary music coach, a program coordinator, and professional development through spring/summer music and audio technology events for all teachers.
The coalition aims to invest $5 million into each of these two districts over the next three years.
The GMEC partners range from the The Grammy Museum and The Recording Academy to the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Little Kids Rock, VH1 Save the Music Foundation and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (full list below).
Starting this spring, the GMEC will launch an All-Star Ambassador program consisting of a diverse group of musicians who all have personal connections to music education and have committed to spreading awareness and raising funds for music education. Bebe Rexha will embark on a national campaign, created by Havas, in the spring. Additional GMEC Ambassadors include Rita Ora, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Marley, Luis Fonsi, Caroline Jones, Lang Lang, Matt Sorum, Mindi Abair, Regina Spektor and rock band War on Drugs.
“The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition is thrilled to be celebrating universal music education participation by American elementary, middle and high school students,” said Executive Director Lee Whitmore. “Today, we join with our GMEC member and partner, the GRAMMY® Museum Foundation, to inspire a future vision for careers and the arts for young people from around the Los Angeles area.”
The GMEC is also announcing its Founders Circle, Board members, and Executive Advisory Council.
Founders Circle Members
• The Dancing Tides Foundation
• The ELMA Music Foundation
• HARMAN
• Walker Family Foundation
• Wells Fargo Foundation
Board
• Roger Brown
• Richard Foos
• Jon Harris
• Neil Portnow
• Brenda Robinson
• Rusty Rueff
• Jeff Walker
• Tarik Ward
• Cheryl Zimlich
Executive Advisory Council
• Monique Felder
• Ruby Marchand
• Philip Nicol
• Susan Nesbit
• Ami Spishock
Active and pending Coalition members:
• GRAMMY Museum Foundation
• Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation
• Rock and Roll Forever Foundation
• Adopt the Arts Foundation
• The 39th Experience
• Berklee City Music
• Berklee College of Music
• Bohemian Foundation
• Conagra Brands
• David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation
• The ELMA Philanthropies Services Inc.
• Entertain IMPACT
• Ghetto Youths Foundation
• GRAMMY® Museum
• Lang Lang International Music Foundation
• Little Kids Rock
• Metro Nashville Public Schools
• The Musicians Foundation
• Musicians Institute
• NAfME
• NAMM
• NAMM Foundation
• Nat King Cole Generation of Hope
• Patti and Rusty Rueff Foundation
• Quadrant Research
• Recording Academy
• School District of Philadelphia
• Shout! Factory
• Sony / ATV Music Publishing
• VH1 Save The Music Foundation
• Walker Family Foundation
• Warner Music Group
Ambassador corps:
• Bebe Rexha
• Caroline Jones
• Fitz and The Tantrums
• Kristin Chenoweth
• Lang Lang
• Luis Fonsi
• Matt Sorum (Guns n’ Roses)
• Mindi Abair
• Noelle Scaggs
• Stephen Marley
• Regina Spektor
• Rita Ora
• War on Drugs
Copyright Royalty Board Finalizes Rates And Terms For Publisher Payouts
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Copyright Royalty Board published the finalized Final Rates and Terms for songwriters’ mechanical royalties, determining the amount labels and digital services are to pay music publishers, on Tuesday (Feb. 5); following last year’s announcement of the decision. The rates are effective for 2018 through 2022, with rates escalating from 10.5 percent of revenue to 15.1 percent of revenue.
Digital music companies now have 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling.
National Music Publishers Association president/CEO David Israelite commented on the development, saying via social media: “NMPA and NSAI fought hard to increase songwriter royalties by 44+%. The digital music companies now have 30 days to decide whether to appeal that ruling, and in effect declare war against songwriters. Apple has announced it will not appeal. The others won’t say. We will know soon whether some digital companies want to be partners or want to attack the songwriters who make their businesses possible. Stay tuned.”
Industry Ink: Quinton Digital, Maks Gabriel, Steel Blossoms
/by Lorie HollabaughAmanda Quinton Launches Quinton Digital
Pictured (front, L-R): Jordan Lipsey, Amanda Quinton, Maria Abdelnour. (Back, L-R): Lindsey Patkos, Kelsey Brown. Photo: Erika Rock
Amanda Quinton has opened artist development and digital marketing company Quinton Digital Inc. in Nashville. Kelsey Brown joins Quinton Digital as Director of Digital & Creative Strategy, having recently moved to Nashville from Los Angeles, where she was part of the digital marketing and strategy team at Dick Clark Productions.
Jordan Lipsey and Maria Abdelnour join the company as Account Managers. Lipsey is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and worked as an Agent Assistant at United Talent Agency prior to joining Quinton Digital. Abdelnour previously held roles at Townsquare Media and Girlilla Marketing while working as a freelance writer.
Nashville-based photographer Lindsey Patkos will oversee graphic design and photography for Quinton Digital’s roster, which includes Show Dog Nashville, Marie Osmond, Matt Stell, Walker Montgomery, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, Stephanie Quayle, Lena Stone, Dave Fenley and more. Quinton also manages pop artist Marisa Maino and singer/songwriter Adam Wakefield.
Maks Gabriel Aligns With Lady Luck
Maks Gabriel has signed with Lady Luck Songs. Gabriel is a Canadian-American producer-songwriter who has written and produced hits for numerous Canadian artists including Belly, Massari, Mia Martina, Danny Fernandes and Tyler Medeiros. He also received a Juno nomination for Dance Recording of the year for his work on Mia Martina’s album Devotion.
Upon moving to Nashville he started writing and producing for major label artists. His tracks have been featured in hit TV shows including Nashville, The Mindy Project and True Blood.
Steel Blossoms Ink With Billy Jam Records
Pictured: Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser of Steel Blossoms, pictured with Jerry Salley,
Creative and A&R Director of Billy Jam Records of Nashville
Duo Steel Blossoms have signed with Nashville-based bluegrass/Americana label Billy Jam Records. Members Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser met by chance at a festival in their home state of Pennsylvania, where they were each performing with separate acts. They soon established themselves as a duo. The duo’s first album on Billy Jam Records is set for release April 26.
“I could not be more excited about having Steel Blossoms as the first act signed to this label,” Billy Jam Creative and A&R Director Jerry Salley says. “These girls have an unparalleled gift for crafting clever, insightful songs, and for making a personal connection with their fans.”
Zac Brown Band Joins BMG
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band has inked a new global licensing agreement with BMG, to release their upcoming studio album. The new project, which follows 2017’s Welcome Home, will be marketed through BMG and BMG’s Nashville-based recordings business, BBR Music Group, through the Wheelhouse Records imprint.
“We’ve always approached our work and music in our own way, only doing what feels right for us,” said Zac Brown. “We’re excited to have BMG as a new partner, they understand our vision and sound and will help shape this next chapter in a way that’s uniquely ours.”
Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group, said, “Zac Brown Band is a musical phenomenon. Not only are they world-class musicians who have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles, they are one of the very few acts in any genre that can sell out stadiums. We have long admired Zac not only for his music, but his philanthropic efforts through his music.”
Thomas Scherer, EVP, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles, said, “The entire team is thrilled Zac Brown Band has chosen BMG as their new home and we welcome them to our family. We look forward to working together, as both our BMG recorded music and Wheelhouse Records teams deliver this exceptional release to his eagerly awaiting fans around the world.”
The band is gearing up to launch the second leg of their Down The Rabbit Hole Love Tour this March. They will embark on The Owl Tour in summer 2019. They recently released their latest single, “Someone I Used To Know.”
Zac Brown Band is Zac Brown (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy De Martini (fiddle, vocals), John Driskell Hopkins (guitar, vocals), Clay Cook (guitar, keys, vocals), Chris Fryar (drums), Coy Bowles (guitar, keys), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion), and Matt Mangano (bass).
USC Annenberg Report: Female Artists, Producers, Songwriters Remain Overlooked, Dismissed
/by Jessica NicholsonIn a new report from Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released Feb. 5, the gender and ethnicity of artists, producers and songwriters that made up the 700 most popular songs on the Billboard 100 year-end charts from 2012-2018 were analyzed.
The report found that of the 1,455 artists credited across the 700-song sample, male artists made up 82.9 percent of artists, while female artists represented 17.1 percent of artists surveyed in 2018 (the female percentage rose slightly from the 16.8 percentage of 2017). However, it is a drastic decline from the past few years, as female artists performed 22.7 percent of songs studied in 2012, 21.9 percent in 2013, 20.9 percent in 2014, 25.1 percent in 2015 and 28.1 percent in 2016.
Across those same 1,455 artists, 56 percent were white, while 44 percent were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. In 2018, the percentage of women of color on the charts was at a seven-year high, with 73 percent of female artists from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in 2018, which is 23 percent higher than 2017 and 40 percent higher than 2012. The percentage of male artists of color on the charts 2018 increased significantly by 12 percentage points from 2012 (40 percent).
The study also looked at seven years (2013-19) of Grammy nominations in select categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Producer of the Year, identifying every individual who earned a nominations in those categories, including the individual members of groups. The study also found that 10.4 percent of Grammy nominees from 2013-2019 were female. 89.6 percent were male. The table notes that the percentage of females nominated in those select categories in 2019 more than doubled from 8 percent in 2018 to 16.4 percent in 2019.
Top 10 Male Songwriters Responsible For 23 Percent Of 700 Most Popular Songs
Male songwriters also outpace female songwriters in the number of song credits. Across the 700 songs studied from 2012 through 2018, Martin Sandberg (Max Martin) was the top male songwriter, with 39 credits. By contrast, Onika Maraj (Nicki Minaj) was the top female songwriter, with 18 credits; it is also worth noting that Minaj is also a top-selling artist, while Martin operates solely as a songwriter. The Top 10 male songwriters were responsible for 23 percent of the 700 most popular songs from 2012-18.
As producers, males outnumber females 47 to 1, across the 400 popular songs studied in 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018. Across 400 songs, 871 producers, co-producers and vocal producers were credited.
21.7 percent of females are artists, 12.3 percent are songwriters and only 2.1 percent are producers, the study found.
Meanwhile, the study found that 44 percent of artists were people of color across the 700 songs studied from 2012-2018. Only four out of 871 producers in the study were women of color.
Female Songwriters, Producers Report Objectification, Having Abilities Dismissed In The Studio
As part of the study, 75 interviews were conducted with female producers and songwriters in 2018. 47 percent of those interviewed indicated they were songwriters, while 9 percent identified as producers and 44 percent held both roles. The average age of those interviewed was 33. 71 percent identified as white, while 29 percent were from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group. 17 percent of those interviewed worked outside the United States.
When asked what barriers they have faced as a songwriter or producer in music, 40 percent said they had difficulty navigating the industry, including breaking into the industry, making connections and getting into different rooms.
43 percent indicated that their skills were discounted, or taken seriously. They also felt they had to prove their competence to individuals who might work with them. 29 percent of those interviewed said they were demeaned and that others argued, embarrassed them or undermined their input. 16 percent said stereotypes about their gender was used to dismiss their abilities, while 19 percent said that females taking on leadership roles threatened men.
More than one-third (39 percent) of those interviewed stated that had been objectified, hit on, or experienced sexual innuendo while working. 25 percent also pointed to being the lone female or one of few women in environments populated by males. 28 percent reported having their contributions, knowledge or expertise dismissed, while 20 percent noted that drugs, alcohol and the sexualization of women were part of studio culture.
The “Boys Club” Continues
36 percent of those interviewed offered unprompted answers regarding a barrier that is the result of being a statistical minority in the music industry. 29 percent of interviewees stated the music industry was male-dominated, or functioned as a proverbial “boys club.” This group of interviewees also included 12 percent who stated there were few females in songwriting and productions, including few female role models. Four percent indicated that females in the industry were competitive with each other.
Solutions To Female Inclusion
The report offered opportunities to create change in the industry, including some that are already in the works. Suggestions included creating environments where females are welcome, generating opportunities for females to use their talents and skills, ensuring that role models and mentorships were available for females, and committing to consider and hire more women in creative roles.
The report also highlighted work of several organizations that aim to offer these types of opportunities, including She Is The Music, Spotify’s EQL Residency Program, For The Record Collective, and others.
Brad Paisley Announces 2019 World Tour Featuring Chris Lane, Riley Green
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley will be heading out on his just-announced 2019 World Tour this Summer, which kicks off May 30 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and runs through Oct. 13 in Dublin, Ireland. Special guests on the U. S. tour dates will be Chris Lane and Riley Green. Lane will also join Paisley on the European dates. Additional 2019 tour dates will be added soon.
Tickets for all dates are available now at bradpaisley.com.
2019 World Tour dates:
Feb. 15: San Antonio, Texas-San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – AT&T Center*
March 16: Houston, Texas- Houston Rodeo – NRG Stadium*
March 29: Thackerville, Oklahoma- WinStar World Casino*
April 13: Laughlin, Nevada- Laughlin Events Center*
April 26: Rama, Ontario- Casino Rama Resort*
April 27: Windsor, Ontario- The Colosseum at Caesars*
May 30: Albuquerque, New Mexico- Isleta Amphitheater
May 31: Phoenix, Arizona- Ak-Chin Pavilion
June 1: San Diego, California- North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 6: Sacramento, California- Toyota Amphitheatre
June 7: Mountain View, California- Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 8: Irvine, California- FivePoint Amphitheatre
June 13: Salt Lake City, Utah- USANA Amphitheatre
June 14: Missoula, Montana- Big Sky Brewery
June 15: Ridgefield, Washington- Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
June 27: Rogers, Arkansas- Walmart AMP
June 28: St. Louis, Missouri- Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 29: Oshkosh, Wisconsin- Country USA**
July 13: Prior Lake, Minnesota- Lakefront Park Music Fest
July 19: Birmingham, Alabama- Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
July 20: Indianapolis, Indiana- Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
July 21: Cincinnati, Ohio- Riverbend Music Center
July 25: Saratoga Springs, New York- Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 26: Syracuse, New York- St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
July 27: Boston, Massachusetts- Xfinity Center
Aug. 2: Cleveland, Ohio-Blossom Music Center
Aug. 3: Chicago, Illinois- Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 4: Davenport, Iowa- Mississippi Valley Fair**
Aug. 9: Atlantic City, New Jersey- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena***
Aug. 10: Bristow, Virginia- Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 11: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania- Musikfest**
Aug. 15:Raleigh, North Carolina- Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Aug. 16: Jacksonville, Florida- Daily’s Place
Aug. 17: West Palm Beach, Florida- Coral Sky Amphitheatre
Aug. 22: Orange Beach, Alabama- The Wharf Amphitheater
Aug. 23: Alpharetta, Georgia- Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 24: Charlotte, North Carolina- PNC Music Pavilion
Aug. 29: Hartford, Connecticut- XFINITY Theatre
Aug. 30: Wantagh, New York- Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 31: Holmdel, New Jersey- PNC Bank Arts Center
Sept. 22: Puyallup, Washington- Washington State Fair**
Oct. 4: Oslo, Norway- Oslo Spektrum***
Oct. 5: Copenhagen, Denmark- Royal Arena***
Oct. 6: Stockholm, Sweden- Hovet***
Oct. 9: Berlin, Germany- Tempodrom***
Oct. 11: Tilburg, Netherlands- 013 Poppodium***
Oct. 12: London, England- The O2 Arena***
Oct. 13: Dublin, Ireland- 3 Arena***
*Paisley Only
**Festival – includes Paisley and multiple artists
*** Paisley and Chris Lane
Grammys Lineup Adds Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Academy has expanded its lineup for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards with a special tribute to eight-time Grammy winner and 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year, Dolly Parton.
Parton has been added to the performer lineup, marking her return to the Grammy stage for the first time since 2001. This year’s Grammy Awards will feature Parton performing music from the Dumplin’ original motion picture soundtrack. Additionally, there will be a tribute segment with Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry performing some of Parton’s classic songs.
Musgraves‘ Golden Hour earned an all-genre nod for Album of the Year, as well as for Best Country Album, while Musgraves is also nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for “Butterflies.” Her “Space Cowboy,” which Musgraves penned with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally, also earned a Best Country Song nomination.
Little Big Town is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“When Someone Stops Loving You”). Morris is nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“The Middle”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters”), and Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Country Song (“Dear Hate”).
Parton is being recognized as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year for her considerable creative accomplishments and her longtime support of a number of causes through her Dollywood Foundation, including the Imagination Library, which, since 1996, has provided more than 100 million books to children from birth to 5 years of age in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the U.K..
The 61st Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Former BMG President Zach Katz Teams With Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings For New Venture
/by Jessica NicholsonZach Katz
Former BMG President Zach Katz, who exited the company in December 2018, has teamed with Scooter Braun‘s Ithaca Holdings to launch Raised In Space Enterprises, an investment group focused on creating collaboration between music and technology, with investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Katz joins Raised In Space as partner and CEO.
Ripple’s Xpring, an initiative that focuses on helping new blockchain products, and music entrepreneur Shara Senderoff are also involved in the project.
“The relationship between music and tech has massive untapped potential,” said Braun, who is also head of SB Projects and manages artists including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Dan + Shay. “I’m excited to launch a company focused on bridging these two industries in a transformative and actionable manner that raises the value of music.”
“Writing the check is easy. Hands-on guidance, time, and strategy is the real investment,” says Katz. “There has to be consistent collaboration and conversation – we get into the bones of these companies to help them see and reach their highest potential. We will unify the most forward-thinking leaders (the outliers, the out of this world thinkers who feel like they were raised in space) in both music and tech to foster community and ideas that will ultimately catapult the music industry into the future.”
“We’re excited about blockchain’s potential to solve problems in the entertainment space – from new ways to monetize creative content to innovative fan engagement models that were not previously possible. Xpring is about empowering the best entrepreneurs to apply technologies like the XRP Ledger in new and novel ways,” said Ethan Beard, SVP of Ripple’s Xpring. “Raised In Space is an extension of that effort, and we couldn’t ask for better partners than Zach, Scooter and Shara. Forming the company is an important first step, now we’re excited to see how the entrepreneurs they back will build new solutions that can reshape the music industry.”
Raised In Space is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.
WME’s Nashville Office Promotes Three
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Haley Teske, Emily LaRose, & Marissa Smith. Photo: WME
Marissa Smith, Emily LaRose and Haley Teske have been promoted to music agents in WME’s Nashville office.
Smith began her career at WME in 2016 after graduating from the University of South Florida. Most recently, she served as an assistant to Scott Clayton, Co-Head of WME’s Nashville office. In 2018, she spearheaded several social action events and initiatives, including Party at the Polls, a first-of-its-kind concert and voter turnout rally at Ascend Amphitheater. Smith joins the music department in the newly-created position of Social Action agent. She will be booking clients across all genres for various charity, political, and social action events.
LaRose began her agency career at APA in 2013 after graduating from the University of Arizona. She later moved to CAA before joining WME in 2017, along with several artists and executives from CAA, including Scott Clayton. Most recently she assisted Clayton with the national and international touring for several headlining acts including John Mayer, Dead & Company, Kings of Leon, Train and many others. LaRose joins the music department as a Booking agent in country music.
Teske began her career at WME in 2013 after graduating from Purdue University. She spent over three years assisting in the booking of arenas and amphitheaters in the Northeast and Canada. Most recently she worked on the national touring for several headlining artists on WME’s country roster including Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Jake Owen, Josh Turner, and Vince Gill. Teske joins the country music department as a Booking agent in country music.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Returns To Top Of Country Albums Chart
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs returns to the top of the country albums sales chart this week, with This One’s For You moving 22.5K (3.6K album only), according to Nielsen Soundscan. Last week’s album sales chart saw Combs’ project drop to No. 2, as Cody Johnson debuted at No. 1 with his album Ain’t Nothin’ To It. Johnson’s album falls to No. 5 this week, with 10K (3.9K album only). Dan + Shay‘s self-titled album is at No. 2 with 15K (1.7K album only). Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller ranks at No. 3 with 13K (3.5K album only), and Kane Brown‘s Experiment is at No. 4 with 11K (2.5K album only).
Dan + Shay continue to dominate the country streaming songs this week, again taking the top two spots. “Speechless” ranks at No. 1 with 9.3 million streams, while “Tequila” follows at No. 2 with 7.7 million streams. Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy” is at No. 3 with 7.5 million streams, followed by Brown’s “Heaven” with 6.9 million streams. Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 5 with 6.8 million streams.