BMI Distributes More Than One Billion In Royalties For The First Time In Its History

/by

BMI has broken another revenue record for the third consecutive year, generating $1.130 billion to end its 2017 fiscal year. The company also distributed and administered $1.023 billion to its songwriters, composers and publishers, representing a 10 percent increase over last year and a new milestone for the organization. The results rank the performing rights organization with the highest royalty distributions of any rights organization in the world.

“No matter how much the industry continues to evolve, BMI remains the leader in supporting songwriters, composers and publishers and maximizing their royalties across all platforms,” said Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI. “We are thrilled to have been able to achieve these record distributions, but we still believe our affiliates deserve more.  We thank them for entrusting their music to us and will continue to work hard on their behalf to secure the full and fair value of their creative work.”

The company’s total domestic revenue, encompassing digital, media, and general licensing, came in at a record $836 million, a $52 million increase over last year. Digital revenue saw its highest performance to date, up seven percent to $163 million, helped in part by new long-term agreements with Netflix and Hulu, among others. Media Licensing came in at $524 million, a $32 million increase over last year driven by growth in the terrestrial radio, cable and satellite radio categories.

The $1.023 billion in total distributions included both domestic and international royalties, as well as royalties from direct deals that BMI administers on behalf of its publishers. Those deals, which account for approximately three percent of BMI’s total distribution, helped the company achieve its record payments to affiliates.

BMI processed nearly 1.4 trillion performances this year, 40 percent more than last year. This includes both audio and audiovisual performances, of which 1.35 trillion were digital, highlighting the ongoing move to digital within the industry as well as BMI’s ability to manage big data and convert it to actionable information.

BMI operates as a non-profit, returning approximately 88 percent of all revenue to the musical creators and copyright owners the company represents.

Cumulus Media To Simplify Station Advertising Through Agreement With WideOrbit

/by

WideOrbit and Cumulus Media are entering into a licensing agreement to install WideOrbit Traffic software and other software at all 447 Cumulus Media radio stations across the U.S.

Under the terms of the agreement, WideOrbit will provide Cumulus with a comprehensive operations solution for traffic management, digital advertising, network and barter ads, electronic payments, revenue optimization, and hosting. The software allows all stations to log into the same database, and will streamline corporate reporting and credit management, optimize spot scheduling, and give Cumulus advertisers a simple, integrated method for paying invoices with credit cards and ACH electronic payments.

WideOrbit products will replace Cumulus’s Stratus traffic system, with implementation expected to begin before the end of the year and continue through the First Quarter of 2019.

“WideOrbit’s best-in- class traffic operations system will support and propel our businesses across the U.S. by simplifying and streamlining the advertising process,” said Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cumulus Media. “This step is another move to further integrate operating systems companywide, empowering managers in local markets with tools to maximize revenues by making it easier for our customers to buy radio in every Cumulus market.”

2017 IEBA Awards Nominees Announced

/by

IEBA has announced the nominees for its 2017 Industry Awards. A full list of nominations is below. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of IEBA’s 47th Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 8 pm.

Club of the Year
• 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
• Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
• The Fillmore Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
• Iron City – Birmingham, AL
• Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
• Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
• Webster Hall – New York, NY

Casino of the Year
• Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, OK
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC
• Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT
• Snoqualmie Casino – Snoqualmie, WA
• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mt. Pleasant, MI
• Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA
• Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch, MN

Theater of the Year
• Apollo Theater – New York, NY
• Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
• Bellco Theatre – Denver, CO
• Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL
• Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
• The Novo – Los Angeles, CA
• Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall – Los Angeles, CA

Arena of the Year
• Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
• American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
• Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
• Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
• Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
• Moda Center – Portland, OR
• T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV

Amphitheater of the Year
• Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
• Daily’s Place – Jacksonville, FL
• Forest Hills Stadium – Forest Hills, NY
• The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
• Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO

Fair of the Year
• Arizona State Fair – Phoenix, AZ
• The Great Allentown Fair – Allentown, PA
• The Great New York State Fair – Syracuse, NY
• OC Fair – Costa Mesa, CA
• Oregon State Fair – Salem, OR
• State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX
• Washington State Fair – Puyallup, WA

Festival of the Year
• BottleRock Napa Valley – Napa Valley, CA
• Country Thunder USA – Twin Lakes, WI
• The Governors Ball Music Festival – New York, NY
• The Hangout Music Festival – Gulf Shores, AL
• Newport Folk Festival – Newport, RI
• Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival – San Francisco, CA
• Stagecoach – Indio, CA
• Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI

Club Buyer of the Year
• Melanie Cantwell – 9:30 Club / I.M.P.
• Stacie George – Live Nation
• Hannah Gold – City Winery NYC
• Jim Mallonee – House of Blues
• Danny Sax – AEG Presents
• Adam Weiser – AEG Presents
• Jennifer Yacoubian – Goldenvoice

Casino Buyer of the Year
• Andrew Blank – C3 Presents
• Bill Borenstein – MotorCity Casino Hotel
• Billy Brill – Billy Alan Productions
• Ted Files – Scott Dean Agency
• Lori Otelsberg – Signature Entertainment
• Kristen Reynolds – Live Nation
• Terrye Seigel – Terrye Seigel Productions, Inc.
• Lea Swanson – AEG Presents

Corporate Buyer of the Year
• Ron Blackmore – NextLevel Productions
• Adam Kahan – Empire Entertainment
• Denise Kirk – Brattle Entertainment
• Ron Pateras – Jam Entertainment & Creative Services
• Corey Shapoff – SME Live Nation
• Fred Suss – Talent Source, Inc.
• Kevin White – OnStage Talent

International Buyer of the Year
• Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment Group (Canada)
• Toby Leighton-Pope – AEG Presents (UK)
• Noel McHale – MCD Productions (Ireland)
• Anna-Sophie Mertens – Live Nation (UK)
• Bruce Moran – Live Nation (Latin America)
• Rob Potts – Rob Potts Entertainment Edge (Australia)
• Chris York – SJM (UK)

Fair Buyer of the Year
• Renee Alexander – Minnesota State Fair
• Pat Powelson – Jayson Promotions
• R.J. Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
• Lisa Sexton – OC Fair
• Sara Shelton Novak – Triangle Talent
• Glenn Smith – Glenn Smith Presents, Inc.
• Suzanne Wilson – Wilson Events

Festival Buyer of the Year
• Louis Bellavance – Festival d’Été de Québec
• Tom Hoppa & Dave Graham – BottleRock Napa Valley
• Huston Powell – C3 Presents
• Allen Scott – Another Planet Entertainment
• Stacy Vee – Goldenvoice
• Brooke Wirth – C3 Presents

Venue Executive of the Year
• Becky Colwell – The Greek Theatre
• Sid Greenfeig – T-Mobile Arena
• Laurie Jacoby – MSG Entertainment
• Ralph Marchetta – Talking Stick Resort Arena
• Michael Marion – Verizon Arena
• James Rasmussen – Golden 1 Center
• Chris Semrau – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Young Professional of the Year
• Sam Forbert – CAA
• Joe Giordano – BOK Center
• Austin Neal – WME
• Molly Warren – Live Nation
• Max Wiebrecht – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Samantha Zastrow – AT&T Center

Talent Agent of the Year
• Corrie Christopher – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Sam Hunt – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Adam Kornfeld – Artist Group International
• Cara Lewis – Cara Lewis Group
• Brian Manning – CAA
• John Marx – WME
• Darin Murphy – CAA
• Adam Voith – The Billions Corporation

Promoter of the Year
• Larry & Fred Frank – Frank Productions
• Lenore Kinder – AEG Presents
• Mike Luba & Don Sullivan – Madison House Presents
• Ryan McElrath – Live Nation
• Louis Messina – MTG
• Gregg Perloff & Sherry Wasserman – Another Planet Entertainment
• Mike Smardak – Outback Concerts
• Jason Wright – Live Nation

ACM Lifting Lives Announces 2017 Grant Cycle

/by

ACM Lifting Lives, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music, has announced a call for submissions for the 2017 Grant Cycle. Through grant cycles, ACM Lifting Lives provides funding to programs that promote education and healing with a musical connection.

Beginning today, Sept. 6, 2017 and ending on Oct. 4, 2017, submissions will be taken for the 2017 Grant Cycle.

For information on program guidelines and how to submit, please visit www.acmliftinglives.org. Funding decisions will be made and programs will be notified in November 2017.

Organizations that received funding previously include Abe’s Garden Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Center of Excellence in Nashville, TN; Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN; The Art of Elysium in Los Angeles, CA; Barefoot Republic, Inc in Nashville, TN; Bridges Academy in Nashville, TN; the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY; CreatiVets in Washburn, IL; Free Arts for Abused Children in Los Angeles, CA; Kesem in Culver City, CA; Legacy Music in Salt Lake City, UT; LiveBeyond in Nashville, TN; Middle Tennessee State University Foundation in Murfreesboro, TN; Music National Service Initiative in the Bay Area, CA; Musicians on Call in Nashville, TN; Nashville Rescue Mission in Nashville, TN; Notes for Notes in Nashville, TN, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, CA; Operation Song in Nashville, TN; Peace thru Music in Ventura, CA; Peggy R. McConnell Worthington Center for the Arts in Worthington, OH; Porter’s Call in Franklin, TN; Possibilities! in Cumberland Furnace, TN; The Quest Center for Art & Community Development in Dickson, TN; Rochelle Center in Nashville, TN; Rock for Kidsin Chicago, IL; Shepherd Center Music Therapy for Veterans in Atlanta, GA; Songs For Sounds in Nashville, TN; Tapping Individual Potential in Nashville, TN; Uintah School of Music and the Arts in Vernal, UT; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in Nashville, TN; Vanderbilt Music Therapy Program in Nashville, TN; W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School in Nashville, TN; and Youth for Tomorrow – New Life Center, Inc in Bristow, VA.

Top Musicians Remember Elvis at Historic RCA Studio B

/by

Pictured (L-R): Norbert Putnam, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Editor Michael Grey, Musician David Briggs, Charlie McCoy and James Burton. Photo Credit: Carissa Riccardi

On Thursday, Aug. 31 musicians David Briggs, James Burton, Charlie McCoy and Norbert Putnam spoke about their extensive work with Elvis Presley at Historic RCA Studio B in honor of the Studio’s 60th anniversary. Presley, Studio B’s most famous client, recorded more than 200 songs at Historic RCA Studio B, including “Stuck on You,” “Little Sister,” “Good Luck Charm,” “Guitar Man,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” and many of his gospel classics.

The musicians swapped stories about their recording sessions in the studio with Presley, reliving old memories in the very same spot where they recorded with “The King.” Studio B’s 60th anniversary year coincides with the 40th anniversary of Presley’s passing.

Historic RCA Studio B, once the recording home for legends like Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Charley Pride, is celebrating its 60th anniversary through Oct. 29 with a slate of special surprise performances during random public tours and unique after-hours programming.

A related program, Hit-Makers Reflect on Historic RCA Studio B takes place Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green and Connie Smith will share their perspectives on working at the Home of 1,000 Hits.

Pilgrimage Festival Details Complete Performance Schedule

/by

The complete schedule, including set times, was released today for the third annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, taking place Sat. and Sun., Sept. 23 and 24 at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tenn. The stacked lineup offers talent across five stages.

Among the top-name headliners set to perform are Justin Timberlake, who will take the stage at 7 PM on Saturday night, and Eddie Vedder, who will perform at 7:20 PM Sunday night. See complete lists below.

Adding to the festival’s stellar schedule are Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Mavis Staples, Gary Clark Jr., Walk The Moon, and Fitz and The Tantrums.

An app will be available soon on both iPhone and Android to allow festival goers to keep up with the latest info on all their favorite artists, set times, customized schedule and time sensitive notifications.

Attendees can expect over 50 artisan booths in the bazaar, 24 local and regional food craft booths, and the Bell’s Craft Beer Hall showcasing the top college and NFL games.

The festival continues to drive tourism dollars to Williamson County and the Pilgrimage Foundation, the festival’s non-profit arm, and will donate a portion of each ticket sale to benefit the City of Franklin and Friends of Franklin Parks. Additional proceeds go to Dark Horse Institute and MusiCares.

 

Click to enlarge.

 

Click to enlarge.

Jo Dee Messina Diagnosed With Cancer

/by

Jo Dee Messina shared news of her recent cancer diagnosis on her Facebook page today (Sept. 6).

MusicRow wishes her the best as she begins treatment this fall.

Messina’s last tour date for the year will be Oct. 7 at the Harrington Raceway & Casino in Harrington, Delaware.

Her team posted on Facebook, “It has been a trying summer, but her heart has been filled with gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to see God’s hand at work… We don’t know anything specific regarding the treatment plan at this point, but Jo Dee is working closely with a team to explore all options.”

Recently, Messina had been writing and recording in the studio with producer Seth Mosley.

She celebrated her 47th birthday on Aug. 25.

Jo Dee Messina performs at MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row event in 2014, at the Omni Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Jake Owen Celebrates Sixth No. 1 Single With ‘American Country Love Song’

/by

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Jake Owen, Jaren Johnston and Ross Copperman celebrate their No. 1 hit “American Country Love Song.” Photo: Steve Lowry

Exactly one year after topping the charts, Music Row, friends and family assembled at The Sutler Saloon in Nashville on Tuesday (Sept. 5) to celebrate Jake Owen’s sixth No. 1 single “American Country Love Song.”

Written by BMI’s Ross Copperman and ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston, the close friends—who cumulatively boast over 50 No. 1 hits—shared many laughs as they rejoiced in their second shared chart-topping hit.

BMI’s David Preston hosted the crowd and congratulated Copperman on his 16th No. 1 country song. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe thanked their partner, First Tennessee Bank, and spoke on behalf of writers Gorley and Johnston, who is also her husband.

Rezonant Music’s Copperman was up first and recognized his fellow writers and Owen for recording the song.

“Everybody asks when you’re at these things, do you take these for granted after a while. And I always hear Ashley say it, and Jaren, and everyone, that having a No. 1 song is like winning the Super Bowl every time. It’s so special to be here,” Copperman remarked. “When Jake sings a song it comes to life in a whole new way. I just feel lucky that I got to work with him on this track. He sang it in my basement with me and now we hear it on the radio. I’m honored to be here with you guys.”

Up next, four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Gorley celebrated his 34th No. 1 hit as a writer and 12th No. 1 as a publisher with his company Tape Room Music.

“This was a blast to write this song,” said Gorley. “This is one of the best cuts I’ve heard that I’ve had. So I want to thank Ross and Shane [McAnally] and Jake for making an amazing record on this one.”

The Cadillac Three’s Johnston celebrated his second No. 1 recorded by Owen, after penning 2014’s “Beachin.”

“Jake, buddy, your delivery on this whole thing is great. You made it a hit and you bought me a house and made a wonderful life for me and my wife and our new kid and I really appreciate that,” Johnston praised.

On writing with Copperman and Gorley, Johnston remarked, “It’s pure excitement and it’s pure creative bliss. It’s pure flexing those muscles that you don’t get to do with most other co-writers in this town. It’s always a joy and I really appreciate you guys writing with me. Let’s do it again!”

Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Jaren Johnston, Good Company Entertainment’s Keith Gale, Jake Owen, BMI’s David Preston, Ashley Gorley, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Steve Lowry [Click photo to enlarge]

Presenters on stage included Rezonant Music’s Tim Wipperman and Cumulus Radio/CRB’s John Shomby.

“A hit song has staying power. I hear this song three times a day at least on our stations. It continues. It is probably one of the biggest on the radio still and that tells you something about the type of song that Jake sings and that these guys write. Congratulations on behalf of all the country radio broadcasters and thanks for keeping our radio stations alive with a good tune,” said Shomby.

Owen wrapped up the celebration by thanking the writers, publishers, country radio and his team for their continued support. “I first say thanks to these three guys for writing a song that’s not just a hit song but a career song, there’s a difference. This is something that for my career is a major player and I’m thankful for guys like the three of them.

“Thanks to so many songwriters in this town that graciously give their songs to artists like myself. I like to consider myself a songwriter but I’m also not dumb enough to just not record songs that aren’t mine that are great like these, that these guys are writing,” said a humble Owen.

“To sum it all up, thirteen years ago I moved to Nashville and my entire life has changed and it’s been for the best. I’m super thankful to every single one of you guys that have been a part of my life and my career and I look forward to many more years of doing this and calling this a job.”

Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant Band Against Cancer With Opry Show

/by

Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant and other special guests will perform on a star-studded Grand Ole Opry show to support Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon on Oct. 1.

As the lead ambassador for Band Against Cancer, Paisley has teamed up with HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon cancer institute, to educate communities on the ways everyone can prevent, fight and survive cancer today.

Tickets for the special show go on sale Sept. 7 at opry.com and (800) SEE-OPRY.

This is the second annual Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon Grand Ole Opry event. Paisley and other Band Against Cancer ambassadors will continue to share cancer-related education and messages through special media activations that will run into 2018. More information can be found at bandagainstcancer.com.

BREAKING: Cris Lacy Promoted at Warner Music Nashville

/by

Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville executive Cris Lacy has been promoted to the role of SVP, A&R where she will continue to sign and develop new artists and the existing roster by helping to identify songs, songwriters and producers while providing A&R resources and creative support. Additionally, Lacy will oversee the day to day operations of the A&R department. She will report directly to EVP A&R, Scott Hendricks.

On her promotion, WMN Chairman and CEO John Esposito said, “Cris is an incredibly gifted A&R executive who also has an amazing leadership skill set. The combination of Cris, Scott, Stephanie Davenport and Rohan Kohli has created the strongest and most diverse ‘ears’ in this town and they will be a driving force behind WMN for many years to come.”

Hendricks added, “Developing artists and executives is actually pretty similar, and Cris has grown into a superstar. Artists sign to this label because of her passion and expertise and seek her council on a daily basis. I’m so proud of Cris and the future of Warner Music Nashville.”

Lacy graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in English before beginning her first full-time industry job at Tom Collins Music Publishing. She continued her publishing experience at Rick Hall / FAME Publishing, Island Bound Music and Warner/Chappell Music before accepting an A&R position at Warner Music Nashville in 2005. In 2016, Lacy was selected as a “Rising Women on the Row” honoree by MusicRow magazine and was highlighted as one of the “100 Most Powerful Executives” in Billboard’s “Women in Music” feature.

“The musical heroes that shaped my life were signed to Warner before I came to Nashville,” said Lacy. “Under Espo’s and Scott’s leadership that history is not only being preserved, but that artist-friendly culture is flourishing. It’s truly an honor to work with the special artists who’ve chosen to trust us with their music and their hearts. Every facet of this company is made up of people I admire, and I’m excited to move forward with all of them to build what I believe is the best record label in this town.”

Warner Music Nashville is home to Warner Bros. Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, Elektra Nashville and the LoudMouth comedy label.