U.S. music rights organization SESAC Holdings and Swiss collecting society SUISA are forming Mint Digital Licensing, the first transatlantic alliance between organizations that represent musical works on behalf of music publishers, songwriters and composers.
Starting in January 2017, the two companies will work closely together to license and administer the rights to use musical compositions in online music services under a joint venture. The collaboration aims to strengthen the competitive position and value of the music entrusted to SUISA and SESAC Performing Rights by copyright owners in the international online music market.
John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC Holdings said, “Mint Digital Licensing represents the first step in SESAC Holdings’ plan to build a multi-regional licensing platform at scale. The key to our success will be an unrelenting focus on our customer’s needs, access to the most comprehensive and accurate data available in the market and a best of breed technology solution. Like SESAC, SUISA is a leader in technology as well as a dependable and experienced partner. Together, we will significantly improve online licensing for creators, copyright owners and DSPs.”
Andreas Wegelin, SUISA CEO, added, “This partnership allows SUISA to expand its position in the online arena and remain autonomous in the long term in this competitive market. Furthermore, we will benefit from significant economies of scale in terms of data and IT infrastructure. In recent years, SUISA has invested heavily in updat-ing its IT infrastructure to be better positioned for the challenges of copyright licensing for the distribution of online music.”
Mint Digital Licensing will offer digital music services single source licenses for reproduction, distribution and performance rights for both SUISA’s and SESAC Performing Rights’ repertoires as well as the repertoires of music publishers seeking to license their catalogs across Europe and beyond.
It intends to provide licenses to online service providers such as YouTube, Apple, Spotify and others as well as administer licenses negotiated directly between music publishers and digital music services.
The integration of SUISA’s and SESAC Holdings’ expertise, data assets and technology allows a variety of improvements in multi-territorial licensing:
• Increased Song Matching: Continuous matching improvements and increased matching rates ensure that rights holders will be identified and properly paid in a timely manner.
• Greater Transparency: Easy access for rights holders to review and manage their catalogs, licenses and royalty reports.
• Faster Payment and Reporting: Substantially reduced file processing times will allow for even faster usage processing and royalty payment to copyright owners.
The joint venture’s database will include approximately 11.5 million documented works by SESAC Holdings and 4.5 million by SUISA, over 21 million sound recordings pre-linked to musical compositions by SESAC Holdings and 4 million by SUISA and over 60 million sound recordings by SESAC Holdings and 36 million by SUISA, which will form the basis of Mint Digital Licensing’s offerings.
SUISA and SESAC believe the cooperation, combination of data and pooling of repertoires embodied by the joint venture is consistent with the European Commission’s expressed wish for cooperation among music rights organizations to enable users to negotiate licenses with as few companies as possible. This new, multi-territorial platform will maximize efficiency for music users, music publishers, songwriters, composers and other rights owners while vastly improving transactional transparency.
SESAC Holdings, SUISA Create Transatlantic Licensing Venture
/by Craig_ShelburneU.S. music rights organization SESAC Holdings and Swiss collecting society SUISA are forming Mint Digital Licensing, the first transatlantic alliance between organizations that represent musical works on behalf of music publishers, songwriters and composers.
Starting in January 2017, the two companies will work closely together to license and administer the rights to use musical compositions in online music services under a joint venture. The collaboration aims to strengthen the competitive position and value of the music entrusted to SUISA and SESAC Performing Rights by copyright owners in the international online music market.
John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC Holdings said, “Mint Digital Licensing represents the first step in SESAC Holdings’ plan to build a multi-regional licensing platform at scale. The key to our success will be an unrelenting focus on our customer’s needs, access to the most comprehensive and accurate data available in the market and a best of breed technology solution. Like SESAC, SUISA is a leader in technology as well as a dependable and experienced partner. Together, we will significantly improve online licensing for creators, copyright owners and DSPs.”
Andreas Wegelin, SUISA CEO, added, “This partnership allows SUISA to expand its position in the online arena and remain autonomous in the long term in this competitive market. Furthermore, we will benefit from significant economies of scale in terms of data and IT infrastructure. In recent years, SUISA has invested heavily in updat-ing its IT infrastructure to be better positioned for the challenges of copyright licensing for the distribution of online music.”
Mint Digital Licensing will offer digital music services single source licenses for reproduction, distribution and performance rights for both SUISA’s and SESAC Performing Rights’ repertoires as well as the repertoires of music publishers seeking to license their catalogs across Europe and beyond.
It intends to provide licenses to online service providers such as YouTube, Apple, Spotify and others as well as administer licenses negotiated directly between music publishers and digital music services.
The integration of SUISA’s and SESAC Holdings’ expertise, data assets and technology allows a variety of improvements in multi-territorial licensing:
• Increased Song Matching: Continuous matching improvements and increased matching rates ensure that rights holders will be identified and properly paid in a timely manner.
• Greater Transparency: Easy access for rights holders to review and manage their catalogs, licenses and royalty reports.
• Faster Payment and Reporting: Substantially reduced file processing times will allow for even faster usage processing and royalty payment to copyright owners.
The joint venture’s database will include approximately 11.5 million documented works by SESAC Holdings and 4.5 million by SUISA, over 21 million sound recordings pre-linked to musical compositions by SESAC Holdings and 4 million by SUISA and over 60 million sound recordings by SESAC Holdings and 36 million by SUISA, which will form the basis of Mint Digital Licensing’s offerings.
SUISA and SESAC believe the cooperation, combination of data and pooling of repertoires embodied by the joint venture is consistent with the European Commission’s expressed wish for cooperation among music rights organizations to enable users to negotiate licenses with as few companies as possible. This new, multi-territorial platform will maximize efficiency for music users, music publishers, songwriters, composers and other rights owners while vastly improving transactional transparency.
Creative Nation Adds Belmont Student Kassi Ashton To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonFrom (L-R): Beth Laird, Creative Nation; Matthew Beckett, Beckett Law Office; Austen Adams, Dickinson Wright; Kassi Ashton; Johnny Ellett, Ten Four Management; Luke Laird, Creative Nation; Carrie Murphy, WME.
Creative Nation has signed songwriter Kassi Ashton to its roster. Ashton is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville, and is slated to graduate in December.
Creative Nation is an independent music publishing and management company owned by songwriter Luke Laird and CEO Beth Laird, and includes writers Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird, Maggie Chapman, Natalie Hemby, Native Run, Steve Moakler and Tyler Johnson.
“After I met with Creative Nation, it immediately felt like home,” Ashton says. “I couldn’t ask for bigger badasses for my first publishing deal!”
Beth Laird adds, “The first time Luke and I heard Kassi’s voice, we were blown away. Her authentic artistry and unique ability to connect emotionally makes her a force to be reckoned with.”
Big Yellow Dog Music Inks Deal With Keelan Donovan
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Carla Wallace, co-owner, Big Yellow Dog; Devon Devries, VP of Film and TV A&R, Big Yellow Dog; Keelan Donovan; Alex Stefano, Film and TV Music Manager, Big Yellow Dog; Noah McPike, Partner, Almon & McPike, PLLC; Matt Lindsey, VP Creative, Big Yellow Dog
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed singer/songwriter Keelan Donovan to its roster, with plans to release an EP.
“Amazing voice, amazing songs, and a natural artist,” said Carla Wallace, CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music.
“Keelan is just finishing a new EP produced by Dan Agee and Daniel Tashian that we’re very excited to bring to the market,” said Devon Devries and Alex Stefano, who have worked with Keelan in the sync division of Big Yellow Dog Music.
CTM Writer’s INK Signs Paige Blue
/by Craig_ShelburnePaige Blue
CTM Writer’s INK has signed writer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Paige Blue to an exclusive songwriting agreement.
The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native starting writing in Nashville in 2015 and already has accrued a list of TV and film placements, including The Vow (Sony), Delivery Man (Disney), The Brass Teapot (Magnolia Pictures), Beauty is Embarrassing (Future You Pictures), Makers (PBS/AOL Initiative), The Words (CBS Films), and multiple placements on MTV’s The Real World.
Blue was also the drummer and vocalist for the indie-rock band Avian Sunrise, who released two records produced by Paul Leavitt (The Used, Yellowcard, All Time Low) and toured the U.S. for several years. She will continue writing for film and TV, and producing several indie-pop artists, but will also be writing for country and other projects as well.
“I was looking for a publishing family that fully supported and encouraged my work, even when it felt a little left-of-center. I am thrilled to have found that so quickly and to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at CTM Writer’s INK!” Blue said.
“Our CTM Writer’s INK family is excited to have Paige join our team of creators. What drew me to Paige is that she is a little left-of-center. Her tracks, producing and writing ability have been a hidden secret that Nashville is now starting to realize,” said Eddie Robba, President/CEO of CTM Writer’s INK.
“What I love about Paige is that her production instincts are fresh and risky. And I’ve heard from so many co-writers about her ability to sculpt a lyric as well, so we’re partnering with an incredibly diverse and adaptable talent who will be a big part of CTM breaking into new markets,” said Brandon Perdue, Creative Director of CTM Writer’s INK.
CTM’s roster also includes Scott Stevens, Faren Rachels, Autumn McEntire, Ella Mae Bowen, Chris Roberts and catalog of Marcus Hummon.
Live Nation, Municipal Auditorium Enter Three-Year Deal
/by Craig_ShelburneThe three-year deal entails a significant investment in the property, which opened in 1962. Live Nation has agreed to pay $1 million to the venue’s operating fund. Metro government will supply $1.5 million in upgrades to the venue as soon as possible, according to a spokesperson for Municipal Auditorium. According to The Tennessean, the Metro Council has approved upgrades for improved dressing rooms and restrooms, new paint, and high-speed internet, among other items.
The agreement indicates that if Live Nation’s net profit exceeds $2 million, the revenue will be divided evenly between the two entities. Live Nation and Metro Nashville also operate Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville.
Dwight Yoakam Plans Bluegrass Album With Sugar Hill Records
/by Craig_ShelburneDwight Yoakam will release a bluegrass album titled Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… on Sept. 23 on Sugar Hill Records. The 11-track album features reinterpretations of his compositions from his extensive catalog.
The new album reflects the love for bluegrass music that Yoakam developed at an early age in Kentucky, and that has inspired him for many years thereafter.
This project was produced by Gary Paczosa, Jon Randall and Yoakam, recorded at both Southern Ground Studio in Nashville and the legendary Capitol Records Studio B in Los Angeles and mixed by Chris Lord Alge.
For the recording, the production team gathered a band of bluegrass’s current greats including Bryan Sutton on guitar, Stuart Duncan on fiddle and banjo, Barry Bales on bass, Adam Steffey on mandolin, and Scott Vestal on banjo. The collection also features harmony vocals by Jonathan Clark, Brian Whelan, Davey Faragher and newcomer Bryan Joyce.
In Pictures: BMI Showcases New Artists At Lollapalooza
/by Eric T. ParkerLANco preps for the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI continued its presence at Lollapalooza showcasing new artists throughout the four-day Chicago festival, including Arista Nashville’s LANco.
Day Two at the BMI Stage featured indie rock quintet Horse Thief, boundary-pushing singer-songwriter Polly A, alt-rockers Weathers, duo Muddy Magnolias, electro-punk band PVRIS, R&B crooner JAHKOY, and psych-rock trio Sunflower Bean.
Day Three continued with pop-rockers AudioDamn!, punk-pop trio Potty Mouth, post-punk quartet DROWNERS, introspective alt-rockers Nothing, fiery pop singer-songwriter FRANKIE, and the electric Secret Weapons.
Wrapping up with Day Four country newcomers LANco, indie rock band the Dreamers, musically diverse duo Unified Highway, R&B crooner TOTEM, the unconventional quartet Mothers, and provocative rap trio the Flatbush ZOMBiES.
The festival’s 25th Anniversary wrapped Sunday, July 31. See photos from Day One of Lollapalooza.
LANco plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
The Drowners at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
Muddy Magnolias at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
Potty Mouth at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
PVRIS plays the BMI Stage at Lollapalooza 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
RCA Inspiration Relocates To Nashville Under Provident Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonRCA Inspiration is home to artists Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Le’Andria Johnson, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond and more. Artists on Kirk Franklin‘s Fo Yo Soul Recordings label are part of RCA Inspiration as well.
Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, says, “Provident Music Group is delighted to welcome RCA Inspiration, and their incredible lineup of artists whose ever-evolving and diverse sounds have continued to make such an impact on Gospel and inspirational music. They mark a valuable addition to Provident Music Group’s ongoing growth and shared vision in delivering wide-ranging and uplifting entertainment across the world.”
In relocating under Provident Music Group, RCA Inspiration joins the division’s scope of faith-based entertainment across multiple creative platforms from Christian music and worship to music publishing and film. Provident Music Group’s labels and entertainment entities encompass Christian and worship artists such as Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Third Day, as well as Provident Films (War Room, Woodlawn), Essential Music Publishing, among other services.
Industry Ink: SOURCE, BBR Music Group, Springer Mountain Farms
/by Jessica NicholsonSOURCE Membership Luncheon Features YWCA Nashville President/CEO Pat Shea
SOURCE held its monthly membership luncheon at ASCAP on July 28. Pat Shea, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville was the invited guest speaker. Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry.
Pictured (L-R): Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Edie Emery; Pat Shea, President & CEO, YWCA Nashville; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank. Photo: Lyndie Wenner/SOURCE.
BBR Music Group Adds Promotion Coordinator
Jessica Crans
BBR Music Group has added Jessica Crans as the new promotion coordinator for Broken Bow Records and Stoney Creek Records.
Crans spent the last three semesters as an intern in BBR Music Group’s radio promotion and digital marketing departments. While majoring in Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University, Crans was also employed by Ryman Hospitality and served as a tour manager for Stoney Creek Records’ Lindsay Ell on the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour.
Crans takes over the role formerly held by Carly Ronayne and will report directly to Broken Bow Records VP/Promotion Lee Adams and Stoney Creek Records VP/ Promotion Chris Loss.
Crans can be reached at 615-610-2134 and at Jess@bbrmusicgroup.com. Ronayne will remain with BBR Music Group through Aug. 12. She is currently exploring other opportunities and can be reached at carlyronayne@gmail.com.
Springer Mountain Farms To Host Nashville Shows
Springer Mountain Farms will present Nashville concerts from country traditionalists Moe Bandy and Kelly Lang in August.
Bandy will celebrate the release of his latest album, Lucky Me, at the Nashville Palace on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The show will also include a performance from Hawshaw Hawkins Jr. Tickets can be purchased here.
Singer/songwriter Kelly Lang will take the stage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley on Monday, August 29 at 7pm to perform songs from her brand new album Throwback. T.G. Sheppard will be a featured guest. Tickets for the show can be purchased for $20 here.
Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Kix Brooks, Southern Halo
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley And His Team Thrill In Indianapolis
Brad Paisley joined members of his team backstage during a tour stop at Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis on July 30. The show was part of Paisley’s 2016 Life Amplified World Tour.
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley; Sarah Trahern, CEO, CMA; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Paisley; Exec. Producer Robert Deaton; Rob Beckham, Co-head of Nashville division, WME.
Kix Brooks Cooks Up New Book Endeavor
Written with longtime radio producer and friend Donna Britt, the book includes over 100 recipes showcasing Brooks’ passion for all types of outdoor cooking, oftentimes with a flare of his Louisiana heritage highlighted, in family recipes alongside personal stories.
From side dishes to desserts, cocktails to hot sauces and duck gumbo to beignets, Brooks created the book for casual get-togethers and easy entertaining. Readers can pre-order the cookbook at www.kixbrooks.com.
Sibling Trio Southern Halo Featured On Radio Disney
Southern Halo
Sibling trio Southern Halo will be featured in a 10-week digital series, Southern Halo, which launched Tuesday (Aug. 2) on Radio Disney Country’s digital platforms. Episode 1 is available on the Radio Disney app, RadioDisneyCountry.com, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. The series was produced by Nashville’s Artist Integration.
“Having been early supporters of their music, we’re excited for our audiences to get to know this talented group even better and are glad to have them as part of the Radio Disney Country family,” said Phil Guerini, Vice President, Music Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide and General Manager, Radio Disney Networks.