Nashville Writers Honored At ASCAP’s 35th Annual Pop Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Toni Osborne, Josh Osborne, guest host songwriter/producer Antonina Armato, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley

ASCAP hosted its 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on Monday, April 23, at the historic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles before a packed audience of songwriters, composers, producers and music industry executives.

A spotlight was on ASCAP Founders Award winner Desmond Child, who has written indelible hits over five decades like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and, more recently in 2015, “Beautiful Now” by Zedd. Rock icons Alice Cooper and Paul Stanley of KISS helped pay tribute to Child. Cooper delivered a hard-hitting performance of their hit, “Poison,” while Stanley bestowed the award onstage to Child, who was also honored with a medley of his hits by singer Justin Benlolo. The ASCAP Founders Award is presented to ASCAP songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators, and adds Child to the ranks of such past recipients as Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and more.

Nashville-based hit country songwriters Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt and Josh Osborne were honored for Hunt’s crossover smash “Body Like a Back Road,” which Crowell also produced.

Pictured: Paul Stanley, Desmond Child, Alice Cooper

​Pictured (L-R): ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Zach Crowell, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Josh Osborne, ASCAP President & Chairman Paul Williams and ASCAP’s Michael Martin

Pictured (L-R): Marc Emert Hutner, Beth Matthews, Zach Crowell, Darrell Brown

Warner Bros. Recording Studios Nashville Gets Gear Upgrade

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The Neve VR60 console, the centerpiece of Studio A.

Warner Bros. Recording Studios Nashville is now equipped with a variety of new and upgraded gear in both of its recording facilities, the larger Studio A and compact Studio B. Both facilities are available to book for in-house and independent clients.

Studio A is a facility for bands and large ensemble recording sessions with one of the last remaining large-format analog recording consoles in Nashville. A newly upgraded array of Avid HD audio interfaces, an Antelope Audio Isochrone OCX word clock, and a 16-core Mac Pro workstation provide fast and reliable recording. The upgrades also include eight new Classical Audio Products, Inc. FD312 “Heider” preamps.

Studio B, a room for overdub recording and writing/programming sessions, has been upgraded with Avid HD audio interfaces, a 16-core Mac Pro workstation, and an Antelope Audio Isochrone OCX word clock. A Grace M905 monitoring system serves as the studio’s centerpiece. A pair of Empirical Labs EL-8 Distressors as well as brand new preamps and EQs from Classic Audio Products Inc. and Shadow Hills expand the versatility of this space. A variety of new microphones, such as the Wunder Audio CM-7, have also been included in the studios.

“The ease and efficiency of working with Madli Kents [Alto Music], Jeff Steigen [Classic Audio Products Inc.], and Mike Castoro [Wunder Audio] was critical for the completion of the upgrade plans,” said Clarke Schleicher, director of studio services.

Studio B’s control room and upgraded equipment.

Music Modernization Act Passes U.S. House With Unanimous Vote

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Rep. Doug Collins, R-GA

The Music Modernization Act, (MMA) H.R. 5447, was adopted today (April 25) by a unanimous vote (415-0) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where a hearing is scheduled for May 15 in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“We are an important step closer to the adoption of this landmark copyright reform legislation,” said Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) President Steve Bogard. “I’ve seen too many of my colleagues give up writing songs professionally because of unfairly low streaming royalties and other changes in the era of digital music delivery. The MMA gives us tools to move toward better compensation from streaming companies, while giving songwriters and music publishers control of digital mechanical music licensing.”

The Music Modernization Act would change a 1909 mechanical royalty standard to one that reflects a song’s worth in today’s marketplace. The bill also creates a new Music Licensing Collective governed by songwriters and music publishers, and mandates equitable distribution to songwriters of any unclaimed funds.

Other portions of the bill include:

  • Changing the lifetime appointment of a single rate court judge for ASCAP and BMI to a fairer method, similar to other federal court appointments
  • Altering Section 114(i) of the Copyright Act, allowing a rate court to consider all relevant evidence on a “willing buyer / willing seller” basis when determining songwriter compensation – including the rates that recording artists earn – which is currently prohibited by law
  • Ending the Copyright Office mass “Notice of Intent” program
  • Providing federal protection to sound recordings made before February 15, 1972 and brings these “pre-72” recordings under the same federal licensing system applied to “post-72” recordings
  • Allowing music producers to be paid directly by Sound Exchange.

“This is an historic day for music creators,” said SoundExchange’s CEO Michael Huppe. “Today’s overwhelming support in the House for the Music Modernization Act reflects the bill’s widespread consensus, both across the aisle and across the music industry. This legislation stands to benefit artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, studio producers and others – many of whom are represented by the SoundExchange Companies.

Huppe continued, “The Music Modernization Act includes provisions SoundExchange has advocated for over many years, as we work to advance fair treatment for all creators involved in bringing our music to life. We are grateful that lawmakers in the House worked to update our nation’s copyright laws for the digital age, and we look forward to working with the Senate to get this legislation passed quickly. Music creators have waited long enough.”

“The House passage of the Music Modernization Act is truly historic for songwriters and the entire music ecosystem which they fuel,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “The MMA improves how songwriters are paid and how their work is valued, both of which are long overdue. The bill also helps digital streaming companies by giving them access to all the music their consumers want to enjoy.”

Israelite added, “I am immensely grateful to Congressmen Doug Collins and Hakeem Jeffries who have seen this process through from the beginning and have stood by songwriters through a complex and lengthy collaboration process, and to Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Nadler for getting this bill to the House floor. Today’s vote sends a strong message that streaming services and songwriters can be on the same side – pushing for a better future for all. We now look forward to the Senate advancing the MMA and it ultimately becoming law.”

Photos: Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers, Jackie Lee, Cassadee Pope, Chris Young

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Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers, Jackie Lee Sing In Support Of MusiCares

Pictured (L-R): Susan Stewart, recording artist Randy Rogers, Lee Ann Womack, artist/host of Nash FM’s Ty, Kelly and Chuck Chuck Wicks, Jackie Lee and MusiCares Debbie Carroll. Photo: Mickey Bernal/WireImage

Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers and Jackie Lee offered musical entertainment for a MusiCares event, hosted at Alan Jackson’s AJ’s Goodd Time Bar on Tuesday night (April 24). The acoustic evening featured food from Party Fowl, tequila from George Strait’s Codigo, brew from Yazoo and a silent auction from many artists, including Shore Fire Media clients.

Lee Ann Womack performs. Photo: Mickey Bernal/WireImage

Randy Rogers performs. Photo: Mickey Bernal/WireImage

Jackie Lee performs. Photo: Mickey Bernal/WireImage

Cassadee Pope Showcases Stage Production And Surprise Guests At Nashville Show

Pictured (L-R): Chris Young and Cassadee Pope. Photo: PFA

Cassadee Pope performed an 11-song set Tuesday night (April 24) at the Hutton Hotel’s Analog hall. The set included a surprise performance by Chris Young for the Grammy-nominated, No. 1 duet “Think of You,” in addition to stand-out tracks “Alien” and Pope’s latest single in nearly two years “Take You Home,” all produced by Corey Crowder. Pope’s girlfriends joined her on stage after a medley of pop tunes ending with a performance of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” including Maren Morris, Lindsay Ell, Kalie Shorr, Mickey Guyton, Maggie Rose, Natalie Stovall, Kelleigh Bannen and Hannah Ellis. Pope will tour with her four-piece band, including a stop at CMA Fest’s Riverfront Stage after wrapping three appearances on The Voice as a key adviser for coach Kelly Clarkson’s team earlier this month.

YouTube video

Cassadee Pope with backup celebrity power from Maren Morris, Lindsay Ell, Kalie Shorr, Mickey Guyton, Maggie Rose, Natalie Stovall, Kelleigh Bannen and Hannah Ellis. Photo: PFA

The Oak Ridge Boys, Trea Landon Perform At BMI Series

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, 95.5 NASH Icon’s Lisa Manning, Richard Sterban, BMI’s Branden Bosler, BMI’s Jody Williams, Joe Bonsall and Lightning Rod Records’ Logan Rogers.

Despite poor weather, Music Row tastemakers, family and friends packed out the BMI lobby rather than the rooftop on April 24 to enjoy the first of several summer shows to be held at BMI.

Hosted by BMI with the help of event sponsors George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, NASH FM 103.3 and 95.5 NASH ICON, attendees were treated to special performances from up-and-coming Warner recording artist Trea Landon and legendary group The Oak Ridge Boys.

Pictured: The Oak Ridge Boys perform to an engaged crowd at Rooftop On The Row.

The Oak Ridge Boys performed several of their greatest hits before playing a few new tracks off their latest 17th Avenue Revival, produced by BMI songwriter Dave Cobb. Food and beverages were provided by sponsors George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, Texas Roadhouse, Topo Chico, Sam Adams and Twisted Tea, with a few lucky attendees receiving Yeti Rambler tumblers.

Upcoming BMI shows include Charlie Worsham and Lucie Silvas (May 22), Travis Denning and Riley Green (June 20), Morgan Wallen and Kalie Shorr (July 17), Mitchell Tenpenny and Lindsay Ell (Aug. 21).

Pictured: Trea Landon performs in the BMI lobby.

 

AIMP Announces Initial Agenda for Second Annual Indie Music Publishing Summit

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Indie Music Publishing Summit, which will take place in New York City on Tuesday, June 12, has announced its first slate of featured speakers and panels. Featured speakers include a keynote conversation with John Josephson, Chairman/CEO of SESAC, and the slate of panels will cover topics ranging from the current state of the industry and music supervision from both U.S. and international perspectives to New Revenue Opportunities for Independent Music Publishers, Digital Tools of the Trade, an update on international news from CISAC, and more.

Registration for the event is now open with full-priced tickets at $429, increasing to $529 after May 4, which includes a one-year Professional membership in the organization. Current Premier Professional and Professional members receive a 30% and 20% discount, respectively, off the non-member price; codes are available in the member section of aimp.org, and discounts are also available for members of the event’s promotional partners.

Confirmed AIMP Indie Music Publishing Summit Panel Agenda (more speakers to be added):
AIMP leadership kickoff address:
Alisa Coleman – AIMP NY Executive Director (ABKCO Music)
Michael Eames – AIMP President, Los Angeles (PEN Music Group)
John Ozier– AIMP Nashville Executive Director (ole)

CISAC Cross Industry Projects Update:
Teri Nelson Carpenter, President & CEO of Reel Muzik Werks, LLC and Vice President of AIMP

Digital Tools of the Trade:
John Raso, SVP of Client Services at HFA

International State of the Industry:
Teresa Alfonso, CEO of Teddysound, President of the Spanish Association of Music Publishers, and Executive Board at IMPF (Spain)
Ger Hatton, EU Specialist and IMPF Secretary General (Europe)
Jennifer Mitchell, CEO of Red Brick Songs and member of the CMPA Board of Directors (Canada)
Mary Megan Peer, Deputy CEO and President of Asia Pacific & Strategic Markets at peermusic (Asia)
Chris Butler, Group Head of Publishing & Rights at The Music Sales Group and President of ICMP Board of Directors (UK) (moderator)

Music Supervision Abroad:
How to navigate blanket licensing, multi-territorial licenses, and getting your music into commercials, TV shows, and films from overseas.
Nicky Bignell, BBC
Catherine Grimes, BBC

New Revenue Models for Songwriters and Music Publishers:
Chantal Epp, Clicknclear
Mark Greenburg, Tresona
Deborah Evans, Tracklib

U.S. Music Supervisors panel:
Ricki Askin, Vice
Megan Currier, Search Party

U.S. State of the Industry:
Michelle Lewis, Songwriter & Co-Founder of SONA
MaryJo Mennella, CEO of MNM and Pulse
Alison Smith, EVP of Broadcast Music Inc.
Kelli Turner, EVP, Operations, Corporate Development and CFO, SESAC
Amelia Wang Binder, Vice President, Industry & Government Affairs, NMPA
Teri Nelson Carpenter, President & CEO of Reel Muzik Werks, LLC and Vice President of AIMP (moderator)

In Pictures: Change The Conversation, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC

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Nielsen’s Erin Crawford Speaks At Change The Conversation

Pictured (L-R): Beverly Keel, Tracy Gershon, Lydia Schultz and Erin Crawford

Change the Conversation co-founders Beverly Keel and Tracy Gershon, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz and Nielsen Entertainment’s Erin Crawford hosted “The Power of Female Country Artists” at this month’s Change the Conversation event. The conversation included more than 75 attendees at the CMA office on Music Row.

 

ASCAP Gives Back To Room In The Inn

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Room In The Inn’s Maggie Sananikone, Josh Martin, Marla Cannon-Goodman, ASCAP’s Mary Self, Room In The Inn’s Jonathan Mowry

Inspired by Country Music Hall of Fame member and lifelong ASCAP member Don Schlitz, ASCAP will feature writers to perform at the Room In The Inn shelter once a month throughout 2018, while ASCAP staff volunteers serve the guests.

In April., the series featured songwriter Marla Cannon-Goodman and songwriter-artist Josh Martin. ASCAP’s Mary Self and Robert Filhart were on hand to serve the guests alongside Room In The Inn staff and volunteers.

 

Nashville Bands Nightingail, Sun Seeker Join BMI’s Eastside Sounds

Pictured: BMI’s Nina Carter and Alt 97.5’s Jessica Kelley pose with Nightingail and Sun Seeker before the show. Photo: Emily Quirk

Nightingail and Sun Seeker rocked the Basement East Monday night (April 23) in the latest installment of BMI and Alt 97.5’s Eastside Sounds series. Indie-folk songwriter Alicia Gail kicked off the night as Nightingail, followed by a high-energy performance from Nashville-based alt-rockers Sun Seekers who debuted a few new tracks throughout their set. Each night offers free admission, a “happy half-hour” open bar sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon before the show, and two up-and-coming acts from Nashville’s emerging alternative scene. 

The series is slated to continue June 25, Aug. 20, Sept. 26 and Oct. 30 of this year. 

 

Nashville Startup RootNote Announces Inaugural Artist Investments

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Nashville-based startup RootNote has announced its inaugural investments into artist-owned companies, and has a third investment planned for the third quarter of 2018.

Founded by brothers Jason and Jeremy Burchard, RootNote works with entrepreneurial artists helping them build companies around their music, investing in them for equity, and supporting their long-term growth. In addition to capital, RootNote will help these artists and their existing teams develop tailored growth strategies and connect them with a network of forward-thinking industry professionals.

“This is an exciting moment,” said Jeremy Burchard. “Our goal is to provide a structure that allows artists to have the creative control and career autonomy they desire while still having access to the support and knowledge of the traditional music industry.”

“The beauty of the model is that it allows artists to still work with all the traditional components of the music industry, from major labels to publishers and sync licensing companies,” Jason Burchard said. “But it also opens up possibilities to work with outside capital, brands, and other partners. We want to ‘grow the pie’ in a global way.”

RootNote is also announcing the opening of its first round of capital raise. While the company’s inaugural three investments are already funded, RootNote is raising $400,000 to expand the team and make four additional investments into artists in 2019. Officially founded in September 2016, RootNote joined 12 other music startups as the sole Nashville company to participate in the Project Music Portfolio music tech accelerator program.

Spotify Offers Upgrades For Free Tier Users

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Spotify’s mobile device free tier got new updates this week, allowing for greater discovery of new tunes and access to up to 15 playlists, including RapCaviar and New Music Friday. Users can also play songs on demand for the first time.

The mobile free tier will offer the same options found on the premium tier, including the same daily-mix playlists such as Discover Weekly and Release Radar, as well as a simplified home screen. Among the differences in the free and premium tiers are absence of ads, offline access to music, and more control for users.

New licenses from labels allow Spotify to offer 40 hours of personal music recommendations per week on the free tier.

During a recent revealing of the new features in New York, Spotify’s Troy Carter noted the service creates partnerships with artists, which come with financial benefits, particularly for younger artists.

“When you’re looking at the old model with physical, you get a one-time payment,” Carter said. “With streaming, there’s a string of perpetual payments. Artists who are not locked into the CD model understand it better.”

Spotify’s execs also announced Data Saver, a toggle switch that optimizes the listening experience to use less mobile data when listening to music.

GoFundMe Account Set For Nashville Music Industry Member Sharita Henderson

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Sharita Henderson

Nashville music industry member Sharita Henderson, part of Cumulus Nashville’s pop station Nash FM 92Q Promotions Department, was with her friends at the Waffle House in Antioch on Sunday, April 22, when gunman Travis Reinking opened fire on the restaurant, killing four people and also injuring several others, including Henderson.

Henderson was shot several times, and required numerous surgeries at Vanderbilt. She is now listed in stable condition.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Henderson, with 100 percent of the money raised going directly to cover her medical expenses. The fund, which has a goal of $10,000, had raised nearly $7,800 by Wednesday morning (April 25).

To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com.