For the first time, voting members of The Recording Academy will cast their Grammy Awards votes online rather than by paper ballot, according to new rules and regulations established by The Recording Academy. The move will allow greater access and flexibility for the Recording Academy’s 13,000 voting members, including touring artists. The move helps eliminate the possibility of invalid ballots, and protects against fraudulent voting. All voting members in good standing are eligible to vote online in both rounds for the 60th annual Grammy Awards.
“As an Academy, it’s imperative that we continue to meet the needs of music creators everywhere, and this year’s transition to online voting is an enormous step forward in the evolution of our voting process,” said Bill Freimuth, Senior Vice President of Awards for the Recording Academy. “We work diligently to ensure we’re keeping up with our ever-changing industry and team up with music people year round, across all genres and disciplines, to make sure we are doing everything we can to support the creative community.”
The move is one of several following the Academy’s annual review of all proposed amendments, which are voted on and ratified at the Recording Academy’s semiannual Board of Trustees meeting held in May.
Additionally, all music creators, including songwriters, producers, mixers, mastering engineers and featured artists credited with at least 33 percent or more playing time on the winning album will be eligible to receive a Grammy in the Album of the Year category. Songwriters were not previously recognized in this category.
Additional changes for the upcoming 60th annual Grammy Awards are as follows:
Nominations Review Committees Established For Rap, Contemporary Instrumental, And New Age Fields
Beginning this year, Nominations Review Committees will be created and implemented for the Rap, Contemporary Instrumental, and New Age Fields. A Nominations Review process was established in 1989 as an additional round of checks and balances to eliminate the potential for a popularity bias that puts emerging artists, independent music, and late-year releases at a disadvantage. Since then, Nominations Review Committees have been established across 15 awards fields.
Album Definition Expanded To Allow For More Inclusion In Classical, Dance, And Jazz Fields
To be eligible for GRAMMY® consideration, an album must comprise a minimum total playing time of 15 minutes with at least five distinct tracks or a minimum total playing time of 30 minutes with no minimum track requirement. Prior to this amended album definition, the only delineation was 15 minutes and five tracks. The definition expansion allows for greater inclusion of music creators who produce longer pieces, particularly in the Classical, Dance, and Jazz Fields.
Amendments To The Music For Visual Media Field
As a general rule, only one version of a track is permitted for entry in the GRAMMY Awards process. Moving forward, an exception will be made in the Best Song Written For Visual Media category, allowing the film version of a track to be entered in the category, even if a different version of the track is submitted in other categories.
In the Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media category, eligibility guidelines have been amended to require soundtrack albums for a documentary or biopic to contain 51 percent or more of newly recorded music.
Additional amendments were made to the Technical GRAMMY Award qualifications, and procedural updates were made to Nominations Review Committees. For information on the GRAMMY Awards process, visit www.grammy101.com.
The 60th annual Grammy Awards will take place Jan. 28, 2018 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Grammy Awards Move To Online Voting, Will Recognize Songwriters In Album Of The Year Category
/by Jessica NicholsonFor the first time, voting members of The Recording Academy will cast their Grammy Awards votes online rather than by paper ballot, according to new rules and regulations established by The Recording Academy. The move will allow greater access and flexibility for the Recording Academy’s 13,000 voting members, including touring artists. The move helps eliminate the possibility of invalid ballots, and protects against fraudulent voting. All voting members in good standing are eligible to vote online in both rounds for the 60th annual Grammy Awards.
“As an Academy, it’s imperative that we continue to meet the needs of music creators everywhere, and this year’s transition to online voting is an enormous step forward in the evolution of our voting process,” said Bill Freimuth, Senior Vice President of Awards for the Recording Academy. “We work diligently to ensure we’re keeping up with our ever-changing industry and team up with music people year round, across all genres and disciplines, to make sure we are doing everything we can to support the creative community.”
The move is one of several following the Academy’s annual review of all proposed amendments, which are voted on and ratified at the Recording Academy’s semiannual Board of Trustees meeting held in May.
Additionally, all music creators, including songwriters, producers, mixers, mastering engineers and featured artists credited with at least 33 percent or more playing time on the winning album will be eligible to receive a Grammy in the Album of the Year category. Songwriters were not previously recognized in this category.
Additional changes for the upcoming 60th annual Grammy Awards are as follows:
Nominations Review Committees Established For Rap, Contemporary Instrumental, And New Age Fields
Beginning this year, Nominations Review Committees will be created and implemented for the Rap, Contemporary Instrumental, and New Age Fields. A Nominations Review process was established in 1989 as an additional round of checks and balances to eliminate the potential for a popularity bias that puts emerging artists, independent music, and late-year releases at a disadvantage. Since then, Nominations Review Committees have been established across 15 awards fields.
Album Definition Expanded To Allow For More Inclusion In Classical, Dance, And Jazz Fields
To be eligible for GRAMMY® consideration, an album must comprise a minimum total playing time of 15 minutes with at least five distinct tracks or a minimum total playing time of 30 minutes with no minimum track requirement. Prior to this amended album definition, the only delineation was 15 minutes and five tracks. The definition expansion allows for greater inclusion of music creators who produce longer pieces, particularly in the Classical, Dance, and Jazz Fields.
Amendments To The Music For Visual Media Field
As a general rule, only one version of a track is permitted for entry in the GRAMMY Awards process. Moving forward, an exception will be made in the Best Song Written For Visual Media category, allowing the film version of a track to be entered in the category, even if a different version of the track is submitted in other categories.
In the Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media category, eligibility guidelines have been amended to require soundtrack albums for a documentary or biopic to contain 51 percent or more of newly recorded music.
Additional amendments were made to the Technical GRAMMY Award qualifications, and procedural updates were made to Nominations Review Committees. For information on the GRAMMY Awards process, visit www.grammy101.com.
The 60th annual Grammy Awards will take place Jan. 28, 2018 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
BREAKING: Leslie DiPiero Named GM At Tree Vibez Music
/by Jessica NicholsonLeslie DiPiero
Tree Vibez Music has named Leslie T. DiPiero as the artist development and music publishing company’s General Manager. Tree Vibez Music was founded in 2015 by Florida Georgia Line members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.
In this new role, DiPiero will continue to build upon more than two decades of experience and success in the industry working with and nurturing top songwriters and artists, while advancing the talent and resources of Tree Vibez Music.
“Brian and Tyler have changed the course of musical history as songwriters and artists,” shares DiPiero. “They are unstoppable trailblazers, visionaries, and dream-makers. I am beyond excited to work for them along with their business manager Lou Taylor and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.”
DiPiero joins Tree Vibez Music following tenures with Buddy Killen Music, Beckett Music Group (a co-venture with Almo Irving and Sony), Song Planet, and becoming a partner at Tom-Leis Music.
Under DiPiero’s guidance, the Tom-Leis Music catalog has garnered song recordings by Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Justin Moore, hit TV show Nashville, and many others. In 2013, she opened Nashville’s Advanced Alternative Media office which has garnered over 100 cuts since launching in Music City.
DiPiero currently serves on the Advisory Board of The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and is an alumna of Leadership Music Class of 2007. She is married to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Bob DiPiero.
Leslie DiPiero can be reached at leslie@treevibezmusic.com.
Granger Smith’s “Backroad Song” Earns RIAA Gold Certification
/by Alex ParryPictured (L-R): President, Repertoire & Marketing, U.S. BMG, Zach Katz; BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records’ Jennifer Shaffer; Byron Kennedy; Carson James; Granger Smith; Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group, Jon Loba; BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records’ Brittany Pellegrino; Teddi Bonadies; JoJamie Hahr; Lexi Wilson; Renee Leymon
Wheelhouse Records artist Granger Smith recently accepted a Gold certification plaque from the RIAA for his No. 1 hit “Backroad Song.” Alongside reps from BBR Music Group, BMG, his band, crew and support team, Smith received the honor in front of a record crowd during his Riverfront Stage performance at this year’s CMA Music Fest.
“It has been a childhood dream of mine to achieve a national No. 1 song,” says Smith. “Now, with this Gold certification, that dream has been amplified. To my incredible Wheelhouse team, the confidence of country radio, my incomparable band, crew and support team, my family and friends, and all those who make up Yee Yee Nation – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“The minute I met Granger and his team, I knew it wasn’t a matter of if but when he would get his first Gold record,” says Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group. “His commitment to music, touring, alter-ego Earl Dibbles Jr. and feeding his rabid YEE YEE Nation fan base made his signing to BBR/Wheelhouse our fastest ever. The entire label knew we would have long-term success with him, but you can’t predict the short-run. Typical for Granger, the bar was set high with his hope to have a No. 1 airplay single and Gold record on his first single. I am so happy that with the help of our fantastic partners he once again accomplished exactly what he set out to do. Platinum record, here we come!”
Play It Again’s Trea Landon Releases Self-Titled EP
/by Jessica NicholsonTrea Landon
Play It Again Records artist Trea Landon released his debut self-titled EP on June 9 during CMA Music Festival.
The six-song EP features five tracks co-written by Landon. Other writers on the project include Play It Again’s Dallas Davidson, along with Ashley Gorley, Kelly Lovelace, Justin Wilson, John Belt, Casey Yarbrough, Bryan West and more.
Landon, a Claxton, Georgia native, caught the attention of hit songwriter Dallas Davidson, who signed Landon to a publishing deal. Since then, Landon has co-written with hit writers and/or artists including Craig Campbell, Chris Young, and Rob Hatch.
“This EP release has been a long time coming – as my debut, I’m incredibly blessed to see this kind of response before it’s even out,” said Landon. “I’m so thankful to Pandora, The Highway and Spotify for taking a chance on my music right out the gate, and I’m looking forward to seeing what fans think of it.”
1. There’s That Smile (Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley, Kelley Lovelace)
2. Taking Me Back (Trea Landon, Justin Wilson)
3. A Little Bit (Trea Landon, Bryan West, Casey Yarbrough, Jerry Jacobs, John Belt)
4. Nobody Goes (Trea Landon, Casey Yarbrough)
5. When I Get There (Trea Landon, Nick Alligood)
6. Shot In The Dark (Trea Landon)
GMA’s Immerse Conference Announces Performers For BMI Songwriters Showcase
/by Jessica NicholsonAmong those taking part are Danny Gokey, Jonny Diaz, Benji Cowart, Seth Mosley, Jeff Pardo, Ed Cash and Emily Weisband. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Lipscomb University. Individual tickets are on sale for $10.
The Immerse Conference, which runs from June 12-14, is presented by the Gospel Music Association, and offers three days of music workshops, networking opportunities, and performances.
For more, visit experienceimmerse.com.
Taste of Country Festival Draws Record Crowd For 2017
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Patrick Tewey /Taste of Country Music Festival
The 5th Annual Taste of Country Music Festival hosted a record 56,000-plus fans over its three-day run June 9-11 at Hunter Mountain Resort in New York.
The star-packed lineup for this year’s festival included headliners Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert, and also featured Chris Young, Kip Moore, Tyler Farr, Maren Morris, Joe Nichols, Maddie & Tae, Cody Johnson, RaeLynn, and a host of rising new artists as well. Sam Hunt had to cancel his scheduled Sunday performance at the festival due to illness.
Photo credit: Joshua Timmermans/ Taste of Country Music Festival
Nashville Chamber Of Commerce Announces Emerging Leader Award Finalists
/by Lorie HollabaughThe NELAs program also includes the YP Nashville Impact Award, which honors a business leader making a significant impact in terms of community leadership and professional development of Nashville’s YPs and YP organizations. The 2017 Impact Award winner is Mary Ann McCready, president and founding owner of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy.
More than 800 nominations from the business community were received for the NELAs this year, and a committee comprised of a diverse group of community leaders and experts within each industry selected the finalists based on their answers to essay questions, level of professional achievement, demonstrated leadership and community impact.
The Top 5 Finalist in the Arts, Entertainment and Music Business for 2017 are:
Arts, Entertainment and Music Business
ASCAP, YouTube Ink Voluntary Deal For U.S. Performance Rights
/by Jessica NicholsonThe deal combines ASCAP’s database of 10.5 million musical works with YouTube’s data exchange to aid in identifying songwriter, composer and publisher works on YouTube. The agreement is retroactive, allowing ASCAP to be compensated for content streamed on YouTube since the company’s 2013 deal to operate on a compulsory interim license with ASCAP.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said, “This agreement achieves two important ASCAP goals – it will yield substantially higher overall compensation for our members from YouTube and will continue to propel ASCAP’s ongoing transformation strategy to lead the industry toward more accurate and reliable data. The ultimate goal is to ensure that more money goes to the songwriters, composers and publishers whose creative works fuel the digital music economy.”
“YouTube is dedicated to ensuring artists, publishers and songwriters are fairly compensated,” said Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music at YouTube. “As YouTube delivers more revenue to the music industry through a combination of subscription and advertising revenue, it’s great to see ASCAP take a progressive approach towards the long term financial success of its members.”
Creative Nation Promotes Two
/by Jessica NicholsonJeff Skaggs and Kelsey Granda
Nashville-based music company Creative Nation has promoted Jeff Skaggs to VP, Creative and Kelsey Granda to Sr. Director, Creative Administration of the music publishing division. In his role, Skaggs will help oversee all publishing responsibilities including songwriters’ calendars, pitching songs, signing and developing writers and artists and continuing to diversify and grow CN’s publishing roster. In her role, Granda will handle all creative administration for CN writers including demo booking and billing, production coordination, writer calendar bookings, WRIOS software development, catalog management and overseeing CN events.
“Jeff and Kelsey are the cornerstones of Creative Nation publishing. They are outstanding, not only at their jobs, but because they go above and beyond in their roles. More importantly, they are passionate about our songwriters and are the type of people I want to hustle alongside. Our greatest asset is our people,” says Creative Nation co-founder & CEO, Beth Laird.
Sheryl Crow Adds Farm Aid, Iridium Taping To Fall Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Marc Seliger
Sheryl Crow has announced additional dates on her tour in support of her latest album Be Myself which will include appearances at Wolf Trap, Chastain Park, Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid, and a special club show at the Iridium in New York which will be filmed for the PBS concert series “Front and Center.” She is also a special guest on Nelson’s Outlaw Tour this Summer and Fall as well.
Crow is also releasing a video for her new song “Halfway There” today which was shot in Nashville and Los Angeles and directed by filmmaker Gus Black. The video features a cameo from Gary Clark Jr. who also plays leads guitar on the track. She’ll perform the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 27.
Crow describes the essence of the song as “…even though you may drive a big Chevy truck and I drive my hybrid, or you may wear designer clothes and I wear ripped jeans, that doesn’t mean we don’t want the same things in life and the same things for our kids in the future. The message is we need to agree to disagree and just try and meet halfway there.”