Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Music Modernization Act in the Senate today (May 10). The Senate bill (S.2823) is nearly identical to HR 5477, which the House of Representatives passed in a unanimous vote (415-0) on April 25. The bill combines three unique segments of legislation, including the Music Modernization Act of 2018, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act.
A hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee has bee scheduled for Tuesday (May 15).
“The introduction of the Music Modernization Act package in the Senate is a massive step forward for songwriters,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “Senators Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lamar Alexander, Roy Blunt, Chris Coons, John Kennedy, Kamala Harris, Bob Corker, Dick Durbin, Johnny Isakson, Patrick Leahy, Mike Crapo, Doug Jones, Thom Tillis, Bill Nelson, Shelley Moore Capito and David Perdue have done music creators a great service by sponsoring a music licensing package which will help not only songwriters and composers but also producers and legacy artists. The bill improves both how and how much songwriters are paid while increasing transparency and enabling digital music platforms to thrive. The MMA represents unprecedented consensus around necessary updates to how music creators are valued, and we look forward to seeing it become law.”
“On behalf of the 150,000+ music creators represented by SoundExchange, we are grateful to Senator Hatch for building this consensus legislative package that will benefit the entire music ecosystem,” said SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe. “Taken together, the elements of this legislation will strengthen and protect the rights and interests of creators — the artists, songwriters and producers whose music enriches our lives – and it will improve engagement between the creative community and the digital services whose businesses rely on their work. We look forward to working with the sponsors and the entire community of stakeholders that built accord on this package to make it law.
“We encourage our members – thousands of whom have already reached out to lawmakers and expressed their support for reform – to ask their senators to back this comprehensive legislative package that protects our legacy artists, gives music creators the right to fair market value for their work, guarantees efficient payment to producers, and creates efficiencies in the mechanical licensing process for songwriters and publishers.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “After a unanimous vote to pass the MMA in the House, we are thrilled to see such ardent, bipartisan support for music creators in the Senate. This legislation is critical to ensuring songwriters have a pathway to fair compensation so they can sustain their livelihoods and create the next great songs. We applaud the leadership of fellow songwriter Senator Hatch, along with Senators Alexander and Whitehouse, for spearheading this effort in the Senate and to Chairman Grassley and all other co-sponsors for being champions of American songwriters. We look forward to the Senate’s vote and eventual passage of the MMA.”
“BMI applauds the introduction today, by Senators Hatch and Grassley, of the Music Modernization Act,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill. “This legislation represents an unprecedented collaboration among music creators and users, and represents an historic opportunity to make meaningful music licensing reform which will benefit America’s creative communities.”
In Pictures: Chris Janson, The Shadowboxers
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Janson Leads Entertainment For U.S. Shared Services Event
Pictured (L-R): Ken Williams (CFO, Warner Music Group Shared Services); John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville); Chris Janson; Steve Cooper (CEO, Warner Music Group); Kris Ahrend (President, Warner Music Group Shared Services). Photo: Scoobie’s Photographic Images
Warner Music Group hosted an event yesterday (May 10) celebrating the U.S. Shared Services center of excellence in downtown Nashville, and along for the ride was Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist Chris Janson. Following speeches from Shared Services president Kris Ahrend, Nashville mayor David Briley and councilman Freddie O’Connell, along with a special Warner/Chappell songwriter’s round, Janson closed out the event with a performance that included his Platinum-certified “Buy Me A Boat,” and his current single “Drunk Girl.”
The Shadowboxers Rock Out At The Basement East
Following their opening slot on Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods tour stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, May 9, Nashville-based band The Shadowboxers performed a headlining show as part of their On The Side Tour at Nashville’s The Basement East.
Ryan Griffin Releases Three New Tracks
/by Jessica NicholsonRyan Griffin
Singer-songwriter Ryan Griffin, known for co-writing Kelsea Ballerini’s “Dibs,” releases three of his own new tracks today (May 11), each produced by busbee.
“Good Company,” “Play It By Heart,” and “Best Cold Beer” are available via all digital streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify. “Best Cold Beer” is on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
“This is the music I’ve always wanted to make and I’m grateful to have a team that whole-heartedly believes in it,” says Griffin. “Working with busbee has brought out the best in me as an artist and a songwriter and I’m so thankful the world will get to hear the songs we’ve poured our hearts and souls into.”
“Ryan Griffin represents everything that makes the country genre a uniquely impactful and diverse musical space,” adds busbee. “His vocal and songwriting abilities convey genuine emotion and a true sense of craft that rival the best artists in the format.”
Griffin previously gained recognition with his Sake of the Summer EP, as “Backseats & Burnt CDs” was featured on SiriusXM as a Highway Find in 2017. The EP’s vulnerable ballad “Woulda Left Me Too” has been streamed more than 5 million times on Spotify, landing on the platform’s all-genre Viral 50 – US chart.
Joshua Hedley, Tim Rushlow, Aaron Barker Set For “Country With Heart” St. Jude Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup includes Riders in the Sky, Tim Rushlow, Sylvia, Joshua Hedley, Jeff Bates, Jeannie Kendall, Charlie McCoy, Barbara Fairchild, Johnny Counterfeit, Aaron Barker, Lulu Roman, Host of The Music Row Show Scott Southworth, Zach Janson, and the Evermean Evergreen Cloggers.
“The lineup features some of the best folks you will ever meet and the bottom line is these are amazing entertainers,” said organizer Bobby Marquez. “It is rare to see many of these stars in Nashville, so this is a great opportunity. I hope everyone spreads the word, so we can help the kids and families at St. Jude. The need is ongoing.”
The evening will also include prize giveaways, a one-of-a-kid auction and a nice menu from the Nashville Nightlife Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and can be found at eventbrite.com.
Radiate Music/BEC Recordings Signs Aaron Bucks, Releases “California”
/by Jessica NicholsonAaron Bucks
Radiate Music, in partnership with BEC Recordings, has signed Nashville singer-songwriter Aaron Bucks, and today releases his debut single “California.” Produced by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning producer-writer Ian Eskelin, “California” was penned by Bucks, Eskelin and Doug McKelvey. Bucks will release a full album later this year.
“Everyone has moments in life where we feel isolated and that no one else has experienced what we are going through,” Bucks explains. “I had a couple friends in my life who, during some tough moments, were there for me and chose to take the time to be my ‘brothers keeper.’ This song speaks deeply into that friendship and our camaraderie.”
While growing up in Vancouver, Canada, Aaron Bucks always gravitated towards music, but the pressure to pursue a conventional career kept him from taking his passion for music and songwriting seriously. Opting instead for culinary school, he spent every weekend performing at weddings and parties while also leading worship at his local church. Through encouragement from fans who’d heard him play and friends who knew his passion for music, an old acquaintance offered to help pay for him to record an album, which pushed him to reevaluate his career path and follow his music passion.
Brandon Ebel, President of BEC Recordings/Tooth & Nail Records, shares, “I’ve known and worked with Ian Eskelin for almost 20 years and I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership. Ian played me Aaron’s music and his first single grabbed my attention right away. I look forward to working with Aaron alongside Radiate Music.”
Sugarland, Amy Grant, Matthew West Celebrate Mother’s Day With Music
/by Jessica NicholsonSeveral artists have released songs in celebration of Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday (May 13).
Sugarland recently revealed a new track, aptly titled “Mother,” from their upcoming album Bigger, which releases June 8.
A mother herself, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles shares, “We wanted to celebrate what we feel is so beautiful about mothers. What we shared with our own mothers and what we see is beautiful about that relationship and that kind of unconditional open-ended love.”
As someone who has lost his mom, fellow Sugarland member Kristian Bush explained, “This song is about a lot of things, our families, our lives, our country, but mostly, it is about my mom and what she was like. Now you see why it says what it says, especially in the lyric ‘As long as she’s alive you’re not alone’.”
Meanwhile, Amy Grant released “Say It With A Kiss,” on digital and streaming platforms for the first time. A video (below) for the track was released last year.
“Delivery is everything. No matter what it is we want to communicate to those we love, how we deliver the message determines the success of its reception,” shares the six-time Grammy winner. “‘Say It With A Kiss’ is a fun reminder that love is the best language of all.”
CCM artist Matthew West released his new music video today (May 11) for “Becoming Me” as a tribute to moms this Mother’s Day. Found on West’s latest chart-topping album, All In, the heartfelt song was written to honor his wife, Emily, along with his own mother.
Justin Adams’ Sophomore EP ‘Horizon’ Released Today
/by Lorie HollabaughAlongside the release of Horizon, Adams is celebrating his first major cut as a writer with Granger Smith’s new single “You’re In It.” Hailing from Bixby, Oklahoma, Adams is signed to Universal Music Publishing and has shared the stage with nationally touring acts Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Dan and Shay, Eli Young Band, Craig Morgan, Chase Rice, Easton Corbin, Eric Paslay and more.
Produced by guitarist Derek Wells, Horizon is available on iTunes, Spotify and all other digital retailers today.
Horizon Track Listing
1. The Road // Chase McGill, Ben Hayslip
2. Back Then // Justin Adams, Andy Sheridan, Jared Scott
3. Fly // Justin Adams, Trent Willmon
4. Don’t Hold It Against Me // Mark Nesler, Josh Osborne, Marty Dodson
5. Good Rain or Jesus // Jonathan Singleton, Barry Dean
6. Feel That Feeling // Justin Adams, Houston Phillips
7. How It Rolls // Eric Arjes, Brad Tursi
8. Green Grass Blue Water // Justin Adams, Eric Arjes, Lance Carpenter
Sylvia Reimagines Her 80’s Hits For New CD
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“My desire was to bring my music from the ’80s into alignment with the music I’m creating today,” said Sylvia. “I wanted to breathe new life into the songs as if I was recording them for the first time while still honoring their musical identity. I believe the spirit of the music is just as relevant today as it was when these songs first bloomed.”
Fans who order digitally will receive “Like Nothing Ever Happened” as an instant grat track. Those who prefer a disc, will have their album autographed by Sylvia and receive an email containing instructions on how to obtain their grat track download.
The album includes songs like “Sweet Yesterday,” “Cry Just A Little Bit,” and “Fallin’ In Love,” along with one track that was not previously released as a single, “You Can’t Go Back Home.”
Roland White To Release Legacy Project On Mountain Home Label
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (Front row, L-R): Roland White, sound engineer Scott Barnett. (Back row, L-R): producer Ty Gilpin, producer Jon Weisberger
Roland White is recording a legacy album on the Mountain Home label. The project pairs some of the most-talented rising acoustic players with White as well as some of the best veteran players in the business. Produced by Ty Gilpin and Jon Weisberger, the album release is slated for early Fall 2018.
The player list includes: David Grier, Kristin Scott Benson, Jon Stickley, Brooke Aldridge, Darin Aldridge, Lindsay Lou, Kimber Ludiker, Aaron Bibelhauser, Gina Clowes, Jon Weisberger, Drew Matulich, Josh Haddix, Lyndsay Pruett, Jeremy Darrow, Nick Dauphinais, Darren Nicholson, and many more of today’s talented young musicians.
“Among the annals of Bluegrass legends, Roland White is in a class of his own,” said Jon Stickley. “As a pioneer of California Bluegrass, turned Bluegrass Boy turned Grammy-winning contemporary Bluegrass artist, he is a living link between old and new. At 80, his playing is still fun, fresh and youthful. Working with him on this project is one of the highlights of my career to date!”
Mountain Home is is a premiere bluegrass label with global distribution, representing such artists as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Balsam Range, The Grascals, Lonesome River Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, NewTown, Donna Ulisse, Gina Clowes, Kristin Scott Benson, The Cleverlys, Adam Steffey, Danny Roberts, Lawson and Williams, Sideline, The Snyder Family Band, John Bowman and Unspoken Tradition.
Weekly Chart Report (5/11/18)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Music Modernization Act Introduced In Senate
/by Jessica NicholsonSenator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Music Modernization Act in the Senate today (May 10). The Senate bill (S.2823) is nearly identical to HR 5477, which the House of Representatives passed in a unanimous vote (415-0) on April 25. The bill combines three unique segments of legislation, including the Music Modernization Act of 2018, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act.
A hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee has bee scheduled for Tuesday (May 15).
“The introduction of the Music Modernization Act package in the Senate is a massive step forward for songwriters,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “Senators Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lamar Alexander, Roy Blunt, Chris Coons, John Kennedy, Kamala Harris, Bob Corker, Dick Durbin, Johnny Isakson, Patrick Leahy, Mike Crapo, Doug Jones, Thom Tillis, Bill Nelson, Shelley Moore Capito and David Perdue have done music creators a great service by sponsoring a music licensing package which will help not only songwriters and composers but also producers and legacy artists. The bill improves both how and how much songwriters are paid while increasing transparency and enabling digital music platforms to thrive. The MMA represents unprecedented consensus around necessary updates to how music creators are valued, and we look forward to seeing it become law.”
“On behalf of the 150,000+ music creators represented by SoundExchange, we are grateful to Senator Hatch for building this consensus legislative package that will benefit the entire music ecosystem,” said SoundExchange President/CEO Michael Huppe. “Taken together, the elements of this legislation will strengthen and protect the rights and interests of creators — the artists, songwriters and producers whose music enriches our lives – and it will improve engagement between the creative community and the digital services whose businesses rely on their work. We look forward to working with the sponsors and the entire community of stakeholders that built accord on this package to make it law.
“We encourage our members – thousands of whom have already reached out to lawmakers and expressed their support for reform – to ask their senators to back this comprehensive legislative package that protects our legacy artists, gives music creators the right to fair market value for their work, guarantees efficient payment to producers, and creates efficiencies in the mechanical licensing process for songwriters and publishers.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “After a unanimous vote to pass the MMA in the House, we are thrilled to see such ardent, bipartisan support for music creators in the Senate. This legislation is critical to ensuring songwriters have a pathway to fair compensation so they can sustain their livelihoods and create the next great songs. We applaud the leadership of fellow songwriter Senator Hatch, along with Senators Alexander and Whitehouse, for spearheading this effort in the Senate and to Chairman Grassley and all other co-sponsors for being champions of American songwriters. We look forward to the Senate’s vote and eventual passage of the MMA.”
“BMI applauds the introduction today, by Senators Hatch and Grassley, of the Music Modernization Act,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill. “This legislation represents an unprecedented collaboration among music creators and users, and represents an historic opportunity to make meaningful music licensing reform which will benefit America’s creative communities.”