ASCAP reports that for the second year, its combined domestic and foreign revenue topped $1 billion, with total 2015 revenue of $1.014 billion.
Domestic revenue topped $716.8 million (a $61 million increase from 2014), with $867.4 million in total royalty distributions. ASCAP reports that it returned 88 cents of every dollar collected to music creators, with an operating expense ratio of 12.3 percent. ASCAP tracked, matched and processed 570 billion performances in 2015, an increase of 14 percent over 2014.
The PRO saw growth in several areas. General Licensing, which covers bars, restaurants, music venues, and similar businesses, garnered $11 million, with growth of 9.1 percent. In the Audio/Visual category, which covers broadcast and cable TV as well as top streaming services like Amazon and Netflix, ASCAP closed 68 agreements representing 245 programming services and their related websites.
Additionally, ASCAP created a new Global Services Team in 2015 to offer services to its music creator and publisher members as well as to its foreign PRO partners, which annually handled over 70,000 inquiries.
According to ASCAP, the company has more than 10 million song in its database, as well as a total of 560,000 songwriter, composer, and publisher members. Nearly 40,000 members joined in 2015, including Kelsea Ballerini and Fetty Wap.
Among the creators renewing their memberships are Ashley Gorley, Kevin Kadish, Meghan Trainor, Calvin Harris, and more.
ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “ASCAP is a tireless advocate for the rights of music creators who depend on ASCAP to earn a living, whether it’s on Capitol Hill or at the negotiating table, and we are truly invested in their success. ASCAP’s superlative results mean we are doing the best job possible for our songwriter and composer members even as we advocate for changes to the outdated music licensing laws that disadvantage songwriters in the today’s digital world. These results are a testament to why the world’s most talented songwriters choose to call ASCAP home.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said, “2015 was a winning year for ASCAP members, who are the heart and soul of our organization. While the music industry is in the midst of tremendous change, ASCAP has stayed ahead of the curve with a strategic focus on revenue growth, operational efficiencies, technology and service innovations demonstrating that the collective licensing model delivers the best value proposition in the performing rights world. We are happy that we could deliver a 6.2 percent increase in domestic royalties to our members in 2015, and we remain committed to transforming into the most progressive operation ensuring that songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers can enjoy a sustainable living in today’s music marketplace.”
Eric Church Unveils “Record Year” Video, Gibson Hummingbird Dark Customized Guitar
/by Jessica NicholsonThe video, which was shot in an abandoned schoolhouse near Nashville, features Church’s new, signature customized edition of the Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, which Church has dubbed Hummingbird Dark.
The instrument offers translucent ebony burst lacquer finish, dark mother of pearl fingerboard inlay, black body binding, and a matching new Hummingbird Dark pickguard. Upgraded performance features include a more slender body depth for a superior tonal balance and an LR Baggs VTC pickup for completely natural acoustic sound reproduction when amplified.
Church can be seen performing on his Hummingbird Dark during the Stagecoach Festival today (Friday, April 29) in Indio, California.
Weekly Chart Report (4/29/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Old Dominion’s “Snapback” Succcess Leads To LIDS Deal
/by Craig_ShelburneOld Dominion has partnered with sports retailer LIDS and headwear manufacturer New Era for a strategic partnership coinciding with the country band’s latest hit, “Snapback.”
The announcement of a hat design contest represents LIDS’ first-ever music partnership, as well as Old Dominion’s first with a corporate brand.
From now until June 20, shoppers are encouraged to design a hat for the band and submit their design image via Twitter or Instagram by tagging LIDS and Old Dominion while including the hashtags #OldDominionLids and #contest. A design image can also be uploaded through LIDS’ dedicated contest microsite. Old Dominion is supporting the design contest through continuous social promotion to fans and recorded vignettes now playing in participating stores.
A winning hat design will be selected each week for the duration of the contest, and the entrant will receive two free tickets to a show agreed upon between the winner and LIDS to see Old Dominion on Kenny Chesney‘s 2016 Spread the Love Tour. After eight weeks of design selections, those eight designs will be put forward for a fan vote to determine the grand prize winner. The winning fan will receive a VIP ticket and travel package to a tour stop complete with an Old Dominion meet-and-greet backstage.
With the help of New Era, LIDS will also put the grand prize winner’s design into production on a New Era snapback to be sold at participating stores throughout the country. LIDS will also carry the New Era hat that appears in Old Dominion’s “Snapback” music video.
“Working with a company like LIDS just makes sense for us,” said Old Dominion’s lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “Every night we play a song we wrote that has now become a hit and was inspired by seeing so many of our fans wearing Snapbacks. Our fans are LIDS customers and we are excited to partner up and bring them into the Old Dominion family.”
“We are excited to partner with a group of musicians that exemplify the core values of our brand,” said LIDS co-founder Glenn Campbell. “This band is known for its passion and commitment to the music, the same way our patrons are known for their dedication to their favorite sports teams. Their ambition and love of ‘snapbacks’ makes Old Dominion the perfect partner for LIDS.”
Florida Georgia Line Release New Single, Announce Album
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line released a new single titled “H.O.L.Y.” to country radio on Friday (April 29). It’s the lead single from their third album, Dig Your Roots, which is scheduled for a summer release on Big Machine Label Group.
The duo’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley once again enlisted longtime collaborator Joey Moi to produce the single, which was written by busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Larsen.
“We really put in the time making sure this song was the strongest it could be and we’re pushing ourselves on all levels: vocally, lyrically, melodically,” said Kelley. “I promise the fans, the wait was worth it.”
Hubbard added, “As we continue to grow and mature in our lives, we really wanted our music to start reflecting those changes. ‘H.O.L.Y.’ definitely lets the fans see a deeper side to us and we’re excited about this next chapter.”
Florida Georgia Line is currently on their Dig Your Roots Tour, which runs through October. In addition, the duo shot a music video for “H.O.L.Y.” on location at The Twelve Apostles, just outside of Melbourne, Australia. Their wives, Brittney Cole Kelley and Hayley Hubbard, also appear in the video. The project premiered on Vevo on Friday.
Scotty McCreery Plans 14-City Book Tour, TV Appearances
/by Jessica NicholsonNow, McCreery will release his first book, Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward The Dream, on Tuesday (May 3) and will make several stops across the country in support of the endeavor. He wrote the book with author Travis Thrasher.
McCreery will hold book signings at bookstores and venues in 14 cities, beginning in New Jersey on Tuesday, and ending in his hometown of Garner, North Carolina, on May 14.
In addition, he is scheduled to perform on NBC’s Today on Tuesday and to appear on FOX & Friends on Wednesday.
Martina McBride, Cam, Jennifer Nettles To Open American Country Countdown Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonMartina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Cam will kick off the 2016 American Country Countdown Awards. The trio will take the stage together for the first time, performing McBride’s 2003 hit, “This One’s For the Girls.”
“I always look forward to singing this song because it resonates with so many different people of all different ages,” said McBride. “With Jennifer and Cam joining me for the first time, the song will be even more fun and I’m so happy we’ll be performing this together.”
The two-hour show will also feature performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Cam, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Martina McBride, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, and Toby Keith’s tribute to Merle Haggard, with Haggard’s longtime band the Strangers.
The American Country Countdown Awards will air live from the Forum in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
Hillary Scott To Perform At Gospel Music Association Honors
/by Jessica NicholsonHillary Scott and The Scott Family are among the performers slated for the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Honors celebration, set for Tuesday, May 10 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. Scott and her family will perform “Thy Will,” the debut single from her upcoming faith-based project Love Remains.
Additional performers include Amy Grant, Jason Crabb, The Voice‘s Jordan Smith, and more.
GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees include Hezekiah Walker, Howard Rachinski, The Nelons and Russ Taff.
The event also honors individuals and organizations that are impacting culture both past and present. This year’s honorees include BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations and Hope For Harvest founder Catherine Brewton, Jars of Clay for Blood: Water Mission, Michael W. Smith for Rocketown, and the Gospel Music Trust Fund.
Artist Updates: Jennifer Nettles, Parmalee, Native Run, Marty Brown
/by Jessica NicholsonJennifer Nettles Performs For Big Machine Rocks
Pictured (L-R): Adam Vasallo, Director of Entertainment & Marketing, HSN; Kelly Rich, SVP of Sales, Marketing and Interactive, BMLG; Andrew Kautz, COO, BMLG; Scott Borchetta, President and CEO, BMLG; Jennifer Nettles; Sandi Spika Borchetta, SVP Creative and Music Has Value; BMLG; John Zarling, SVP Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, BMLG; Jackie Campbell, Director Strategic Partnership, BMLG; Jennifer Conner, EVP of TV Content and Programming, HSN. Photo: Jason Davis
Jennifer Nettles performed during the second installment of the Big Machine Rocks event in Nashville earlier this week, as part of a long-term collaboration between Big Machine Label Group and leading live content retailer HSN. Nettles debuted songs from Playing With Fire, due May 13 on Big Machine Records,. She treated audiences to signature hits and spoke about her career throughout the special.
Parmalee Meets With CMT Team
Pictured (L-R, Top Row): CMT’s Stacey Cato; BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba and Lynette Garbonola; (Center Row): CMT’s Jennifer Danielson, Anne Oakley, Leslie Fram, Leeanne Lisk, Julia Blosil, and Jordan Stephens (Bottom Row): Parmalee members Josh McSwain, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, and Scott Thomas
Stoney Creek Records group Parmalee met with CMT executives and staffers this week to preview their upcoming single “Roots,” the lead single from their upcoming sophomore album.
Native Run Member Engaged To Former Edens Edge Member
Rachel Beauregard and Dean Berner. Photo: Dean Berner, Facebook
Native Run singer Rachel Beauregard is engaged to former Edens Edge member Dean Berner. “We’re so excited to share our happiness all our family, friends, and loved ones around the world and elsewhere,” said Berner via social media. “We’re so excited and are currently celebrating over our favorite and most important meal of the day, breakfast. So to sum it up…love and breakfast. But the greatest of these is LOVE!”
Songwriter, America’s Got Talent Performer Marty Brown Makes Ryman Auditorium Debut
Marty Brown at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Shellie Brown
Singer-songwriter Marty Brown made his debut performance at the Ryman Auditorium earlier this month.
Brown penned Tracy Byrd‘s 1998 hit “I’m From The Country,” as well as “When I Stop Loving You” for Trace Adkins. Brown also appeared on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent, where he performed a rendition of the Bob Dylan classic “Make You Feel My Love.”
Brown has worked with Keith Stegall‘s Dreamlined Entertainment to release a recording of “Make You Feel My Love.”
MTSU Will Host Match Records Showcase On Sunday
/by Craig_ShelburneMatch Records, a student-run record label at Middle Tennessee State University, will be presenting an artist showcase and fundraiser on Sunday (May 1) at Soulshine Pizza in Nashville.
Held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the showcase will feature performances from Patrick Britt, Brittney Spencer, Reign, and Chasing Lights.
Proceeds will benefit Match Records, which is part of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry. The event is free but the organization is accepting donations on its ticketing page.
ASCAP Revenue Topped $1 Billion in 2015
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP reports that for the second year, its combined domestic and foreign revenue topped $1 billion, with total 2015 revenue of $1.014 billion.
Domestic revenue topped $716.8 million (a $61 million increase from 2014), with $867.4 million in total royalty distributions. ASCAP reports that it returned 88 cents of every dollar collected to music creators, with an operating expense ratio of 12.3 percent. ASCAP tracked, matched and processed 570 billion performances in 2015, an increase of 14 percent over 2014.
The PRO saw growth in several areas. General Licensing, which covers bars, restaurants, music venues, and similar businesses, garnered $11 million, with growth of 9.1 percent. In the Audio/Visual category, which covers broadcast and cable TV as well as top streaming services like Amazon and Netflix, ASCAP closed 68 agreements representing 245 programming services and their related websites.
Additionally, ASCAP created a new Global Services Team in 2015 to offer services to its music creator and publisher members as well as to its foreign PRO partners, which annually handled over 70,000 inquiries.
According to ASCAP, the company has more than 10 million song in its database, as well as a total of 560,000 songwriter, composer, and publisher members. Nearly 40,000 members joined in 2015, including Kelsea Ballerini and Fetty Wap.
Among the creators renewing their memberships are Ashley Gorley, Kevin Kadish, Meghan Trainor, Calvin Harris, and more.
ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “ASCAP is a tireless advocate for the rights of music creators who depend on ASCAP to earn a living, whether it’s on Capitol Hill or at the negotiating table, and we are truly invested in their success. ASCAP’s superlative results mean we are doing the best job possible for our songwriter and composer members even as we advocate for changes to the outdated music licensing laws that disadvantage songwriters in the today’s digital world. These results are a testament to why the world’s most talented songwriters choose to call ASCAP home.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said, “2015 was a winning year for ASCAP members, who are the heart and soul of our organization. While the music industry is in the midst of tremendous change, ASCAP has stayed ahead of the curve with a strategic focus on revenue growth, operational efficiencies, technology and service innovations demonstrating that the collective licensing model delivers the best value proposition in the performing rights world. We are happy that we could deliver a 6.2 percent increase in domestic royalties to our members in 2015, and we remain committed to transforming into the most progressive operation ensuring that songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers can enjoy a sustainable living in today’s music marketplace.”