In an effort to clarify The Blackstone Group and SESAC’s proposed changes to the Music Modernization Act (MMA), SESAC released the following statement:
“Our position on the MMA is that preserving competition will help songwriters,” SESAC said in a statement. “The only change in the compromise SESAC has offered is that that Private Certified Administrators must compete to be hired to process and distribute the royalties based on the database maintained by the Collective. It is our belief that this change ensures healthy free market competition, which will drive better and more accurate royalty distributions to songwriters. Additionally, the proposed amendment will not impact any other aspects of the law, the governance of the Collective, or payments to songwriters in any way.”
SESAC continued, “It is because of our dedication, loyalty, and commitment to our songwriters that we stand by this compromise and continue to wholeheartedly support the goals of the Music Modernization Act.”
The statement follows assertions made by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Songwriters of North America (SONA) earlier this week, criticizing private equity firm The Blackstone Group. The Blackstone Group acquired SESAC last year, and the acquisition included the Harry Fox Agency, which SESAC purchased in 2015.
The Blackstone Group took issue with a portion of the MMA that calls for a single Music Licensing Collective (MLC) to oversee blanket digital mechanical licenses, collect money from digital services, track the digital usage of songwriters’ works and pay writers. The creation of an MLC would threaten the business activities of mechanical royalty agencies such as HFA.
SESAC and The Blackstone Group instead propose that Harry Fox Agency, as well as other administrative companies, continue their work in administration and royalty payments, while the Collective would create and oversee a song and recording database.
Numerous songwriters have spoken out against The Blackstone Group (and SESAC by association), following the company’s proposed 11th-hour changes to the MMA legislation. Earlier this year, the MMA was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives and has gained widespread support from varying sectors of the music and digital communities after years of hammering out details. The Music Modernization Act is now being considered by the Senate.
Numerous members of the songwriting and publishing communities have taken issue with Blackstone’s proposed changes, with some even calling for writers to leave the performing rights organization.
Among those denouncing Blackstone Group’s proposed changes to the MMA have been many in Nashville’s songwriting and publishing communities.
“Every writer SESAC should threaten to leave if the MMA is haled because of their own PRO’s selfishness,” Brothers Osborne said via twitter. “They’re literally putting their interests over THEIR OWN D**M WRITERS!”
Ryan Hurd noted, “I’m in the window right now to choose which PRO I’ll work with for the next 3 years…I can tell you right now who isn’t getting a second meeting if this goes the way it looks like it might @SESAC…”
“This legislation is the last shot songwriter’s [sic] have at a future,” Lee Thomas Miller said via Twitter. “Ask them why they are killing the American songwriter? Without this bill Songwriter’s [sic] will continue to be crushed in the digital age. Blast this message to the moon.”
Others, including Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters, and Abe Stoklasa retweeted Miller’s comments. Additional songwriters speaking out include Josh Kear and Jim Collins,
SESAC previously issued the following statement in response the call from NSAI and SONA:
SESAC is America’s 2nd oldest PRO. We have a long history of advocating on behalf of songwriters and providing a premium value for their work unavailable at other PROs in the U.S. since the 1940s. SESAC is a driver of competition that benefits ALL songwriters. SESAC wholeheartedly supports the goals of the Music Modernization Act and wants those goals made law – just like you do. We are concerned that a lack of competition might damage not only our business, but songwriters too. We’ve suggested a simple amendment to improve competition so we can continue to ensure that ALL songwriter and publisher royalties continue to grow. Any assertion to the contrary is simply dishonest.
Luke Bryan Celebrates Eight BMI Million-Air Awards During Dodger Stadium Headlining Show
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative; BMI’s David Preston, Senior Director, Creative; Luke Bryan; BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Creative; Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment
Luke Bryan recently became the first country artist to headline a concert at Dodgers Stadium on Saturday (July 28). The sold-out show was the eighth stadium show out of 13 planned as part of his What Makes You Country Tour XL Stadium Sized.
The What Makes You Country Tour plays in Arkansas and Nebraska this week then Luke heads to Denver to perform at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 4. Luke first headlined this stadium in 2015 and in 2016 he played back to back stadium dates in Denver’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Luke Bryan. [Click to enlarge image]
Kesha To Release ‘Rainbow’ Documentary Via Apple Music
/by Jessica NicholsonKesha will celebrate the one-year anniversary of her album Rainbow with the release of a behind-the-scenes documentary, available exclusively on Apple Music. The documentary will release Aug. 10.
Directed by Kesha along with her brother Lagan Sebert and Kevin Hayden, and produced by Magic Seed Productions, Rainbow – The Film details the creation of the album and echoes her most recent LP’s messages of self-love, perseverance and strength.
“Making Rainbow the album was such a therapeutic process and given the opportunity to turn it into a three dimensional piece of art has helped me find even deeper healing and catharsis,” said Kesha. “I hope this film inspires others to never give up even if you feel full of hurt or lost, because after the storm comes a rainbow. Depression, anxiety and mental illness are things we all need to talk about more, and there is no shame in asking for help. Making the decision to work on yourself is the bravest thing you can do. I hope this film helps bring light and love to everyone.”
Rainbow – The Film offers previously unseen footage chronicling Kesha’s joy playing rock clubs and dive bars around the country, writing and recording Rainbow, preparing for her performance at this year’s GRAMMY Awards and more.
Watch the documentary’s trailer below:
Reba To Receive Inaugural Career Maker Award From Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire will be honored by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame with its inaugural Career Maker Award at the upcoming 48th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Oct. 28. The award is presented to a non-Hall of Fame member whose artistic endeavors have helped songwriters achieve their dreams of induction into the Hall of Fame. McEntire will be honored for her significant influence on the songwriting careers of Hall of Fame members during the special evening at the Music City Center.
Throughout her career McEntire has been a strong advocate for the songwriting community, recording over 80 songs, 33 of which were singles written or co-written by over 40 songwriters who have gone on to achieve induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“Reba has played a significant role in helping more than 40 songwriters achieve induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” said Pat Alger, chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Foundation Board of Directors. “That’s about 20 percent of the hall’s entire membership. She has supported songwriters throughout her career and was one of the first industry leaders to help the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame build our Hall of Fame Gallery at the Music City Center. Her Hall of Fame career as an artist has in turn helped create so many other Hall of Fame careers for songwriters – which is why we want to say Thank You on Nashville songwriting’s most legendary night. Reba is a songwriter’s best friend. Once she chooses your song and puts her inimitable stamp on it, you begin to understand why you became a songwriter in the first place. She is indisputably a great singer who continues to transform a diverse catalog of songs into works of art of the highest order. Simply put, when Reba sings your song, it’s not likely to get any better than that.”
“I love to record! Being in the studio is so creative and so much fun and very rewarding. That process starts with the songwriters and publishers sending me songs to listen to” said Reba. “Over my recording career, I have listened to thousands of songs written by incredibly gifted people. The songwriters in this community have never let me down, and have always shared their very best songs with me, which I appreciate more than they know. Being the first recipient of the Career Maker Award means so much to me because it’s an award from the songwriters whose songs have helped me create and maintain a career I love. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
The nominees for the upcoming 48th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame were recently released.
Bobby Bones Named VP Creative Director For iHeartCountry
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Photo
Bobby Bones, host of The Bobby Bones Show, has added VP stripes to his growing list of achievements, as he steps into the role of VP/Creative Director of iHeartCountry.
Bones reaches more than nine million people monthly as host of The Bobby Bones Show and Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones, in addition to more than 5 million monthly downloads of his morning show podcast. He will continue as host of both radio programs along with his new role, as well as hosting and executive producing his new radio show Women Of iHeart Country. The Bobby Bones Show is nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks on more than 100 radio stations, in addition to airing on iHeartRadio, and Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones is heard nationwide on more than 160 stations.
In addition, Bones will continue to participate in iHeartMedia’s marquee live events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the iHeartRadio Music Awards, as well as host the iHeartCountry Festival and iHeartRadio Album Release parties for artists.
“Country continues to be one of the fastest-growing music formats and Bobby is the leading on air personality connecting with country fans across multiple platforms nationwide,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “He has created a relatable, fun and engaging brand of entertainment that drives unmatched results for our advertising and partners. We’re proud to be in the country music business with Bobby, and look forward to developing new and exciting ways to reach this expanding community.”
“This is the opportunity I’ve been chasing my entire career,” said Bones. “Thanks to Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler and Kevin Legrett for their years of support and for the space to build this partnership.”
With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 131 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or TV outlet in America.
Phil Wickham Celebrates Platinum Success
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Front row, L-R): Dan Franquemont (Spotify), Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), Phil Wickham, Kim Davis (BrickHouse Entertainment), Kevin Huffman (WME). Pictured (Back row, L-R): Scott Brickell (BrickHouse Entertainment), Jeff Moseley (FairTrade Services), Mike Snider (WME)
While recording with Spotify at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, Phil Wickham was surprised by FairTrade Services and long-time management, BrickHouse Entertainment, with an RIAA-certified platinum plaque for his song, “This Is Amazing Grace.” The track was released in 2013, and penned by Wickham alongside Josh Farro and Jeremy Riddle.
The plaque was presented to Wickham while recording exclusive songs for the Spotify Singles program at Sound Stage Studios on Music Row.
The surprise plaque presentation precedes the anticipated release of Wickham’s Living Hope, the artist’s first full-length, new album in two years. Living Hope releases Aug. 3.
Belmont University Faculty To Study Role Of Female Executives On Music Row
/by Jessica NicholsonDr. Cheryl S. Carr
Dr. Cheryl S. Carr, associate dean and associate professor at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, recently received a research grant from the University to study the role of women on Music Row. Carr’s initiative to launch the study stems from a vision for the Curb College as an academic institution that not only educates and prepares the next generation of entertainment industry participants, but one that also supports the music and film industries through practical research that can identify new directions and trends to serve the industry.
As an examination of women on the Row, the study will analyze the role of women in business (non-artist) roles, from early decision-makers to newer entrants navigating and contributing to Nashville’s increasing genre and demographic diversity.
The study’s aims are distinct from efforts to examine gender equity or working conditions within the industry. Rather, the study will focus on discovery of lesser-known narratives of women and their impact on the past, present and future of Music Row, particularly as the Row itself experiences a period of transition.
Carr said, “I hope the study will tell a story we may not have heard and provide insights on the power of outsider influence on an industry. I’m inspired by my belief that innovation is often found where we least expect it, fostered by those who may seem least equipped to create it, yet are uniquely positioned to shape it.”
Prior to beginning her academic career, Carr worked as an entertainment and intellectual property attorney in Maryland where she was selected as a Maryland Bar Foundation Fellow. She is also a Leadership Music alumna, a vocalist and author. She is co-author of Music Copyright Law, among other publications, and is currently at work on a book about entertainment industry careers to be released in late 2018. Molly Shehan, Belmont University alumna and Attorney at Milom, Horsnell, Crow and Kelley serves as a research consultant.
Dr. Carr invites narratives from women working within the music industry whose lives have impacted (or are impacting) Music Row. She can be reached at cheryl.slaycarr@belmont.edu.
LANCO Leads Global Sony Music Partnership With Hard Rock Hotels
/by Jessica NicholsonLANCO
Sony Music Nashville band LANCO, known for their breakthrough, platinum-selling hit “Greatest Love Story,” leads a new initiative for Hard Rock Hotels as the first artist in any genre to offer a concert experience via a global partnership between Hard Rock Hotels and Sony Music Entertainment.
The band performed for fans recently at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida. Various performers will be featured in concert at Hard Rock Hotels properties around the world through 2019.
Industry Ink: Anna Moon, Kenny Chesney, ‘CMA Fest’ TV Special
/by Lorie HollabaughPatrick Droney’s Debut EP To Release Aug. 3
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based pop and soul artist Patrick Droney‘s single “Stand And Deliver” has done just that since it’s debut two weeks ago, notching more than 100,000 streams and reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral 50 in the U.S. On Aug. 3, this independent Kobalt/AWAL artist will release his self-titled EP. Droney is managed by G Major Management, which also oversees Thomas Rhett’s career.
Friday (July 27), Droney released his latest track, “Always Been The End Of The World.”
“As Springsteen put it, ‘there’s something transformational about a last ditch do-or-die effort. It brings out honesty, sincerity and humility combining it with a willingness to risk it all,’” Droney says of the track. “There’s great comfort to be found in the fact that every generation has had their own version of the end of times yet carried on.”
The just released song was written by Droney, Melissa Peirce and Ben West, and produced by Droney, West and Ian Fitchuk. With tribal drums and buoyant chants, “Always Been the End of the World” questions if bad times are in fact opportunities to shine your light in the dark: “It’s always been the case / There’s always been a flood/ Always gonna say it’s the worst it ever was / I’ll give you my best / Honey that’s what you deserve / Let’s forget the rest / Cause it’s always been the end of the world.”
Patrick Droney EP Track List
“Stand and Deliver” (Patrick Droney/Kevin Griffin)
“Brooklyn” (Patrick Droney/Gordie Sampson)
“Ruined” (Patrick Droney/Sarah Buxton/Ian Fitchuck)
“Always Been the End of the World” (Patrick Droney/Melissa Peirce/Ben West)
“High Hope” (Patrick Droney/Aron Wright)
*Track 4 – Additional Production by Ben West
SESAC Aims To Clarify MMA Position Following Criticism From Songwriter Community
/by Jessica NicholsonIn an effort to clarify The Blackstone Group and SESAC’s proposed changes to the Music Modernization Act (MMA), SESAC released the following statement:
“Our position on the MMA is that preserving competition will help songwriters,” SESAC said in a statement. “The only change in the compromise SESAC has offered is that that Private Certified Administrators must compete to be hired to process and distribute the royalties based on the database maintained by the Collective. It is our belief that this change ensures healthy free market competition, which will drive better and more accurate royalty distributions to songwriters. Additionally, the proposed amendment will not impact any other aspects of the law, the governance of the Collective, or payments to songwriters in any way.”
SESAC continued, “It is because of our dedication, loyalty, and commitment to our songwriters that we stand by this compromise and continue to wholeheartedly support the goals of the Music Modernization Act.”
The statement follows assertions made by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Songwriters of North America (SONA) earlier this week, criticizing private equity firm The Blackstone Group. The Blackstone Group acquired SESAC last year, and the acquisition included the Harry Fox Agency, which SESAC purchased in 2015.
The Blackstone Group took issue with a portion of the MMA that calls for a single Music Licensing Collective (MLC) to oversee blanket digital mechanical licenses, collect money from digital services, track the digital usage of songwriters’ works and pay writers. The creation of an MLC would threaten the business activities of mechanical royalty agencies such as HFA.
SESAC and The Blackstone Group instead propose that Harry Fox Agency, as well as other administrative companies, continue their work in administration and royalty payments, while the Collective would create and oversee a song and recording database.
Numerous songwriters have spoken out against The Blackstone Group (and SESAC by association), following the company’s proposed 11th-hour changes to the MMA legislation. Earlier this year, the MMA was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives and has gained widespread support from varying sectors of the music and digital communities after years of hammering out details. The Music Modernization Act is now being considered by the Senate.
Numerous members of the songwriting and publishing communities have taken issue with Blackstone’s proposed changes, with some even calling for writers to leave the performing rights organization.
Among those denouncing Blackstone Group’s proposed changes to the MMA have been many in Nashville’s songwriting and publishing communities.
“Every writer SESAC should threaten to leave if the MMA is haled because of their own PRO’s selfishness,” Brothers Osborne said via twitter. “They’re literally putting their interests over THEIR OWN D**M WRITERS!”
Ryan Hurd noted, “I’m in the window right now to choose which PRO I’ll work with for the next 3 years…I can tell you right now who isn’t getting a second meeting if this goes the way it looks like it might @SESAC…”
“This legislation is the last shot songwriter’s [sic] have at a future,” Lee Thomas Miller said via Twitter. “Ask them why they are killing the American songwriter? Without this bill Songwriter’s [sic] will continue to be crushed in the digital age. Blast this message to the moon.”
Others, including Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters, and Abe Stoklasa retweeted Miller’s comments. Additional songwriters speaking out include Josh Kear and Jim Collins,
SESAC previously issued the following statement in response the call from NSAI and SONA: