BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 503
Garth and Trisha on the Music City Walk of Fame. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser
We headed for Walk of Fame Park on Wednesday afternoon (9/10) for the unveiling of two new stars in its Walkway, and got three instead.
Star #64 was presented to Trisha Yearwood. Star #65 went to Garth Brooks. The surprise of the afternoon was that Star #66 was given to “The Music Mayor,” Karl Dean.
“Mayor Dean made the world know how great Nashville was,” said Trisha. “Everybody wants to be here, and it’s because of you”
“For all that you’ve done for Nashville, let Nashville do something for you,” said Garth. “You are the newest star on the Walk of Fame!”
“I am not often surprised, but I AM surprised,” said Mayor Dean. “Music is so important to Nashville….The fundamental thing about Nashville that’s so cool is the creative people. Cities thrive on creative people. Other cities would die to have what we have. It has been an honor to be the Mayor of Nashville.”
Ken Levitan and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser
Bill Cody ably hosted this 15th Walk of Fame ceremony. Ken Levitan inducted Trisha into the Walkway. He cited her 12 million in sales, three best-selling cookbooks, 1999 Grand Ole Opry cast induction, upcoming furniture collection and six seasons of her Emmy-winning Food Network TV series Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.
“I moved to town in 1985,” she recalled. “I wanted it [singing renown] more than anything in the world. It’s very surreal to have gone from moving here and driving up and down 16th and 17th Avenues, being a tour guide [at the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as being the receptionist at MTM Records]…. to standing here — This is very emotional and really, really special.
“This is a very special city. If you want to catch a glimpse of me, just come down here, where I’ll be standing on it every day, to make sure it’s still here.”
“To see that star, that is forever,” she added later. “It will be here long after I’m not.”
Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Karl Dean, Anne Davis, and Garth Brooks. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Allen Reynolds did the honors for Garth. “I know he’s a famous person, but he is also one of the best human beings I’ve known in my life,” said Allen of the superstar whose records he produced. “He’s been so gracious to everybody around him. He is kind, consistent, compassionate and generous.
“Nashville is lucky to have him as a friend and a neighbor.”
“What I love about this place is that it is the home of the dreamers,” said Garth of Music City. “I cannot thank Nashville enough for giving me a second home. It is the home and the protector and the haven of the songwriters.”
Karl Dean and Ed Hardy surprised Garth with the presentation of the Music City Ambassador Award. “He has carried the Nashville message around the world,” said the Mayor. He also reminded the crowd of the nine concerts that Garth did for the Community Foundation’s flood relief fund. They raised $4 million.
“You have been a model of giving back. Your random acts of kindness have impacted thousands in this community.”
Mayor Karl Dean. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser.
“Taking this music around the world has been a joy,” said Garth. “Be proud that it’s country music you’re taking around the world.” He added that because of his current concert trek, “The No. 1 tour in the world is under the flag of country music.”
Ed Hardy presented Mayor Dean with a custom-designed, 18-carat gold pin in the shape of a musical note, embedded with a diamond. “Music has a $10 billion impact on Nashville. He was the first mayor to ever recognize that. You understood the importance and value of our music industry. Thank you for all that you’ve done.”
More than 1,000 fans surrounded the site, cheering as Garth and Trisha waved and posed for snapshots. After admiring each others’ stars in the Walkway, they talked to the press corps.
“I was shocked to hear that we’re the first husband and wife to be inducted together,” Trisha remarked. “That makes it so much sweeter. Being on the same piece of pavement with this man is an honor as an artist and a wife.”
When Loretta Lynn’s star, “is right next to you, that’s when you know you’ve made it,” added Garth. “And we went in with ‘The Elvis Presley Mayor,’ a rock star who can also balance a budget.”
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Mayor Dean steps down in a couple of weeks. Trisha asked him what’s next. He responded, “My plan on leaving office is to take a vacation, teach at Belmont and stay involved with the community. I love Nashville, and I’ll never leave.”
Guitarist David Anderson serenaded the crowd before the stars arrived and provided instrumental versions of their hits in between the speeches and presentations.
Terry Bulger, Terry Bumgarner, Kerry O’Neil, Kent Oliver, Bob Doyle, Bobby Wood, Joe Galante, Joe Mansfield, Storme Warren, Preshias Tomes, Rusty Jones, Randy Goodman, Jason Moon Wilkins, Cindy Watts, Hunter Kelly, Bruce Bouton, Bill Catino, Ken Robold, Mike Bohan, Butch Spyridon and Sally Williams worked the room.
So did Megan Barry, campaigning to succeed Dean as Mayor of Nashville. As it happened, the event occurred on Election Day.
“Megan’s got a couple of things going on today, so bear with her,” kidded Karl.
At 9:10 p.m. that night, Megan Barry took to the podium to deliver her victory speech as she handily won the election to become the first female mayor in Nashville history. At a party at the Farmer’s Market attended by hundreds, she said, “I need you to help me write the next chapter in Nashville’s story….I cannot do this without all of you.”
Like Mayor Dean, mayor-elect Barry is a graduate of Leadership Music. She added, “This story is going to be written by the artists, the musicians, the entertainers who inspire all of us. These creatives need a mayor who is going to support the artistic community and make sure that Nashville stays affordable.”
She was cheered by business folks like Ron Samuels, Saralee & Larry Woods, Michael O’Neill and Randy Rayburn; visual artists Bill Myers and Myles Mailiie; politicians Howard Gentry, Harold Love, John Ray Clements, Brenda Wynn and Jeff Yarbro; and our own Music Row fabulons Nancy Shapiro, Mary Ann McCready & Roy Wunsch, Beth Gwinn, Rolff Zwiep, Pat Halper, Rob Simbeck, Kay West, her son Harry West of the rock band Wild Cub, Beverly Keel, Hunter Davis, Manuel and Lauren Tingle.
We waved foam-rubber hammers reading, “Nail it Down: Mid-South Carpenters for Barry.” We dined on chicken barbecue, bow-tie pasta salad, coleslaw, corn casserole, beans, bruschetta, cornbread and pudding deserts. We sipped box wine and tapped beer. We bopped to classic Motown hits booming over the sound system. We cheered as the results rolled in.
“At the end of the day, Nashville always does the right thing,” said Ronnie Steine.
Weekly Chart Report (9/11/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Bobby Karl Works Music City Walk of Fame Induction
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 503
Garth and Trisha on the Music City Walk of Fame. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser
We headed for Walk of Fame Park on Wednesday afternoon (9/10) for the unveiling of two new stars in its Walkway, and got three instead.
Star #64 was presented to Trisha Yearwood. Star #65 went to Garth Brooks. The surprise of the afternoon was that Star #66 was given to “The Music Mayor,” Karl Dean.
“Mayor Dean made the world know how great Nashville was,” said Trisha. “Everybody wants to be here, and it’s because of you”
“For all that you’ve done for Nashville, let Nashville do something for you,” said Garth. “You are the newest star on the Walk of Fame!”
“I am not often surprised, but I AM surprised,” said Mayor Dean. “Music is so important to Nashville….The fundamental thing about Nashville that’s so cool is the creative people. Cities thrive on creative people. Other cities would die to have what we have. It has been an honor to be the Mayor of Nashville.”
Ken Levitan and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser
Bill Cody ably hosted this 15th Walk of Fame ceremony. Ken Levitan inducted Trisha into the Walkway. He cited her 12 million in sales, three best-selling cookbooks, 1999 Grand Ole Opry cast induction, upcoming furniture collection and six seasons of her Emmy-winning Food Network TV series Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.
“I moved to town in 1985,” she recalled. “I wanted it [singing renown] more than anything in the world. It’s very surreal to have gone from moving here and driving up and down 16th and 17th Avenues, being a tour guide [at the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as being the receptionist at MTM Records]…. to standing here — This is very emotional and really, really special.
“This is a very special city. If you want to catch a glimpse of me, just come down here, where I’ll be standing on it every day, to make sure it’s still here.”
“To see that star, that is forever,” she added later. “It will be here long after I’m not.”
Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Karl Dean, Anne Davis, and Garth Brooks. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Allen Reynolds did the honors for Garth. “I know he’s a famous person, but he is also one of the best human beings I’ve known in my life,” said Allen of the superstar whose records he produced. “He’s been so gracious to everybody around him. He is kind, consistent, compassionate and generous.
“Nashville is lucky to have him as a friend and a neighbor.”
“What I love about this place is that it is the home of the dreamers,” said Garth of Music City. “I cannot thank Nashville enough for giving me a second home. It is the home and the protector and the haven of the songwriters.”
Karl Dean and Ed Hardy surprised Garth with the presentation of the Music City Ambassador Award. “He has carried the Nashville message around the world,” said the Mayor. He also reminded the crowd of the nine concerts that Garth did for the Community Foundation’s flood relief fund. They raised $4 million.
“You have been a model of giving back. Your random acts of kindness have impacted thousands in this community.”
Mayor Karl Dean. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments by Moser.
“Taking this music around the world has been a joy,” said Garth. “Be proud that it’s country music you’re taking around the world.” He added that because of his current concert trek, “The No. 1 tour in the world is under the flag of country music.”
Ed Hardy presented Mayor Dean with a custom-designed, 18-carat gold pin in the shape of a musical note, embedded with a diamond. “Music has a $10 billion impact on Nashville. He was the first mayor to ever recognize that. You understood the importance and value of our music industry. Thank you for all that you’ve done.”
More than 1,000 fans surrounded the site, cheering as Garth and Trisha waved and posed for snapshots. After admiring each others’ stars in the Walkway, they talked to the press corps.
“I was shocked to hear that we’re the first husband and wife to be inducted together,” Trisha remarked. “That makes it so much sweeter. Being on the same piece of pavement with this man is an honor as an artist and a wife.”
When Loretta Lynn’s star, “is right next to you, that’s when you know you’ve made it,” added Garth. “And we went in with ‘The Elvis Presley Mayor,’ a rock star who can also balance a budget.”
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Mayor Dean steps down in a couple of weeks. Trisha asked him what’s next. He responded, “My plan on leaving office is to take a vacation, teach at Belmont and stay involved with the community. I love Nashville, and I’ll never leave.”
Guitarist David Anderson serenaded the crowd before the stars arrived and provided instrumental versions of their hits in between the speeches and presentations.
Terry Bulger, Terry Bumgarner, Kerry O’Neil, Kent Oliver, Bob Doyle, Bobby Wood, Joe Galante, Joe Mansfield, Storme Warren, Preshias Tomes, Rusty Jones, Randy Goodman, Jason Moon Wilkins, Cindy Watts, Hunter Kelly, Bruce Bouton, Bill Catino, Ken Robold, Mike Bohan, Butch Spyridon and Sally Williams worked the room.
So did Megan Barry, campaigning to succeed Dean as Mayor of Nashville. As it happened, the event occurred on Election Day.
“Megan’s got a couple of things going on today, so bear with her,” kidded Karl.
At 9:10 p.m. that night, Megan Barry took to the podium to deliver her victory speech as she handily won the election to become the first female mayor in Nashville history. At a party at the Farmer’s Market attended by hundreds, she said, “I need you to help me write the next chapter in Nashville’s story….I cannot do this without all of you.”
Like Mayor Dean, mayor-elect Barry is a graduate of Leadership Music. She added, “This story is going to be written by the artists, the musicians, the entertainers who inspire all of us. These creatives need a mayor who is going to support the artistic community and make sure that Nashville stays affordable.”
She was cheered by business folks like Ron Samuels, Saralee & Larry Woods, Michael O’Neill and Randy Rayburn; visual artists Bill Myers and Myles Mailiie; politicians Howard Gentry, Harold Love, John Ray Clements, Brenda Wynn and Jeff Yarbro; and our own Music Row fabulons Nancy Shapiro, Mary Ann McCready & Roy Wunsch, Beth Gwinn, Rolff Zwiep, Pat Halper, Rob Simbeck, Kay West, her son Harry West of the rock band Wild Cub, Beverly Keel, Hunter Davis, Manuel and Lauren Tingle.
We waved foam-rubber hammers reading, “Nail it Down: Mid-South Carpenters for Barry.” We dined on chicken barbecue, bow-tie pasta salad, coleslaw, corn casserole, beans, bruschetta, cornbread and pudding deserts. We sipped box wine and tapped beer. We bopped to classic Motown hits booming over the sound system. We cheered as the results rolled in.
“At the end of the day, Nashville always does the right thing,” said Ronnie Steine.
Megan Barry Elected As Nashville’s First Female Mayor
/by Sherod RobertsonMegan Barry
Mayoral candidate Megan Barry earned her place in Nashville’s history tonight as the first female mayor of the city. With 55% of the vote, Barry beat out opponent David Fox for the coveted position.
Barry’s campaign addressed issues important to all of Nashville’s citizens and Barry spoke favorably of the Nashville music industry when she addressed her supporters tonight at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. She said, “This story is going to be written by the artists, the musicians, the entertainers who inspire all of us. These creatives need a mayor who is going to support the artistic community and make sure that Nashville stays affordable.” She added, “This is really a story about our working families. And, those families who are the backbone of our economy who need access to transportation, excellent public education, and affordable places to live.”
The inauguration is set for September 25.
Blake Shelton Reloads For Greatest Hits Album
/by Sarah SkatesShelton shared the news last night (Sept. 9) on Twitter.
The singer recently celebrated his 20th No. 1 single when “Sangria” reached the top of the charts. All 20 of the titles will be on the album, as well as current single, “Gonna,” which will be a bonus track.
Shelton will also return to the big red chair on NBC’s The Voice on Sept. 21.
Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton, his first greatest hits album, was released in 2010.
Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits track list:
1. Sangria
2. Lonely Tonight (feat. Ashley Monroe)
3. Neon Light
4. My Eyes (feat. Gwen Sebastian)
5. Doin’ What She Likes
6. Mine Would Be You
7. Boys ’Round Here (feat. Pistol Annies and Friends)
8. Sure Be Cool If You Did
9. Over
10. Drink On It
11. God Gave Me You
12. Honey Bee
13. Who Are You When I’m Not Looking
14. All About Tonight
15. Hillbilly Bone (feat. Trace Adkins)
16. She Wouldn’t Be Gone
17. Home
18. Some Beach
19. The Baby
20. Austin
21. Gonna (Bonus Track)
Black River Entertainment Launches Christian Imprint
/by Jessica NicholsonBlack River Entertainment, home to artists including Kelsea Ballerini and Kellie Pickler, has teamed with artist-producer Mark Miller and Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall to launch the new Christian imprint M2T Records (Made To Thrive Records), MusicRow has confirmed.
The label’s first signing is 18-year-old Hannah Kerr, daughter of Black River’s CEO Gordon Kerr. Hannah Kerr’s Mark Miller-produced EP will release this fall, followed by a full-length project in early 2016.
The new imprint is distributed by Sony’s Provident Distribution.
Miller, the longtime lead singer for country band Sawyer Brown, also produces Casting Crowns under his own Beach Street label.
The new imprint was first reported by Billboard.
Belcourt Already Over 50 Percent Funded For Restoration Project
/by Eric T. ParkerRendering: Tuck-Hinton Architecture
Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre has already raised over 50 percent of a $4.5 million restoration, refurbishing and preservation fundraising effort it publicly announced this morning (Sept. 10). Much of that funding has come from early leadership gifts and pledges, including those from its board of directors. Individuals, foundations and businesses can now join in.
Once home to the Grand Ole Opry (1934-36), the 90-year-old building has not seen upgrades in 50 years. New seats, draping, carpeting, and aisle lighting were however treated, in addition to the installation of 4K digital cinema projection systems in both halls.
With membership at an all-time high, the nationally-recognized space hopes to renovate the original proscenium arch and wooden fly loft, restrooms, handicap accessibility, safety features, and core systems like HVAC and plumbing.
A new 2nd floor classroom/meeting space and a small screening room are part of the plans. The flexible screening room (with seating capacity of about 45) will be outfitted with a digital projection system and used for public screenings—as well as Belcourt classes and education programs, private screenings, and test screenings for local filmmakers.
This plan will not change the Belcourt’s current footprint or parking.
The project has an estimated start date at the beginning of 2016. Both architects (Tuck-Hinton) and builders (R.C. Mathews Contractor) estimate a five-month timeline, a period when the Belcourt will close its building. A series of pop-up screenings around town with community partners will be organized during the downtime. Its annual Red Carpet Evening event will take place off-site on Feb. 28, 2016. Memberships will be extended for the time period of the closure.
More information here.
Rendering: Tuck-Hinton Architecture
SNG Music Signs Abbey Cone
/by Jessica NicholsonSeated: Abbey Cone. Standing (L-R): Clay Neuman (Founder/President of Vision Entertainment), Steve Leslie (Partner at SNG Music), Lynn Morrow (Entertainment Attorney Adams and Reese), Beth Brinker (Creative Manager at ASCAP) , Bobby Fischer (SNG Songwriter Emeritus), Brandy Reed (Founder of RPR Media & Public Relations), Michael Martin (VP of ASCAP Nashville Membership Office), Gary Reamey (Partner at SNG Music), Erin Kidd (Director of promotion and Administration at SNG Music).
SNG Music has signed singer-songwriter Abbey Cone through their Nashville office. The 16-year-old Ft. Worth native recently released the project Abbey, which features 16 tracks, including 15 co-written by Cone.
SNG Music is a Nashville-based publishing company founded by partners Steve Leslie and Gary Reamey.
“We at SNG are very proud and honored to have Abbey as part of our creative family. She is a true artist and a wonderful young lady who has important things to say to her young generation. We’re all ears!” said Leslie.
Industry Ink: Warner Music Nashville, Dress Up For St. Jude, Elite Talent Agency
/by Jessica NicholsonWMN Promotes Haymes
Stephanie Haymes
Stephanie Haymes has been promoted to Manager of A&R at Warner Music Nashville. Haymes has worked in a support role for each artist on the roster in her four years.
She was previously with William Morris Endeavor.
“Stephanie has more than earned this promotion,” said Scott Hendricks, EVP of A&R. “Our A&R team would not be what it is without her and we are excited to utilize her talents even more.”
Crazy Pitches Hosts ‘Dress Up For St. Jude’
“We’ve had lots of amazing donations from generous artists and individuals in the music industry, political arena and elsewhere,” said Hannah Showmaker. “These items are perfect for your next formal event or award show.”
The fundraiser idea came after Crazy Pitches members Chelsea Kent (Still Working Music), Hannah Showmaker (Parallel Entertainment), Ciara Shortridge (Disney Music Publishing) and Sarah Feldman (Writer’s Den Music Group), visited St. Jude in Memphis.
Sponsors of this debut occasion have donated event space, food, beverage and raffle items and include 5/3 Bank, Style Kitchen Hair Salon, Little Cesar’s Pizza, Still Working Music and SNG Music Publishing. Campbell Entertainment Group is handling publicity for the event.
Fowler Signs with Elite Talent Agency
Jason Fowler
Singer-songwriter Jason Fowler, who went from rising artist to being homeless to fighting, has Elite Talent Agency of Nashville. Jason has an amazing story of rise, fall and redemption. He went from a rising star, to being homeless on the streets of Atlanta, to finding redemption through grace — and now he shares that story through music.
“We are excited to partner with Jason here at Elite. We consider it our job as agents to provide a platform for artists to communicate their story; and Jason has an amazing, compelling story of redemption that people need to hear,” said Elite President Mark Claassen. “We look forward to helping him bring that to the world on a greater scale.”
“I am excited to sign with Elite Talent Agency! It’s such an honor to join a great roster of talent that includes Switchfoot, POD, Fireflight, Derek Minor, Lincoln Brewster, Brian Head Welch of KORN, and Jillian Edwards who sings a duet with me on my new album,” says Fowler. “I am looking forward to working with the talented team of agents at Elite.”
Jason is currently finalizing his latest recording in Nashville at Darkhorse Studios with producer Billy Smiley (Whiteheart, Johnny Cash, Newsboys, Bebe and Cece Winans) for an upcoming new studio album and tour. Fowler has recruited a heavy hitter list of talented artists on his new album including Leigh Nash (Six Pence None the Richer), Will Turpin (Collective Soul), Peter Furler (Newsboys) and more.
George Canyon Expands Publishing Relationship with ole
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Canyon
ole has expanded its relationship with country singer/songwriter George Canyon, inking a worldwide co-publishing agreement that includes Canyon’s back catalog and future copyrights.
Over the course of his nearly two-decade career, Canyon has won two Juno Awards and seven CCMA Awards. This year, he is nominated at the CCMAs in the Country Music Program or Special of the Year category for his radio show Down East Country with George Canyon.
“George is a superstar in the Canadian country music scene, and ever since joining ole in 2012, we have expanded that legacy through tireless promotion of his music and ongoing support.” said John Ozier, GM of Nashville Creative at ole. “Now, ole is thrilled to take our relationship with George to the next level via master ownership of his forthcoming album and a purchase of his formidable back catalog.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with ole, and I’m glad to have their support,” said Canyon. “ole has been a tremendous partner where it really counts, getting me the opportunity to collaborate with top notch songwriters and pitching me incredible music for my forthcoming album.”
Songwriters, PROs, and Publishers Unite For Change at NMPA Town Hall Meeting
/by Jessica NicholsonThe National Music Publishers’ Association’s Songwriter Town Hall drew a packed crowd of songwriters, PRO executives and publishers to the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI president/singer-songwriter Lee Thomas Miller welcomed NMPA president/CEO David Israelite, who shared a series of bleak statistics regarding songwriter and publisher income from music services including Spotify, Pandora and SiriusXM. “Digital music companies are making millions off the backs of songwriters,” he said.
Israelite shared that SiriusXM brings in $22 billion in revenue, and keeps 86 percent of its revenues. Labels get 10 percent, while writers/publishers get four percent.
Next up, Spotify. Of Spotify’s $8.53 billion income, 10.5 percent goes to publishers/songwriters, while 59 percent goes to labels and Spotify keeps 30.5 percent. This total revenue comes from Spotify’s paid subscribers. According to Israelite’s statistics, 73 percent of Spotify users do not pay for the service, meaning that revenues are based on only 27 percent of Spotify users.
NMPA Town Hall Meeting. Photo: SongSpace/Twitter
He also noted that songwriters currently do not have a choice as to whether their music is included on these services.
“When Taylor Swift removed her music from Spotify,” said Israelite, “understand that she could make that decision, as she was the artist behind these songs. She couldn’t do that if she was [only] the songwriter.”
Finally, Pandora. The company’s $3.79 billion is split, with 42 percent going to labels, 54 percent kept by Pandora, and four percent to publishers/writers. Israelite included that 95 percent of Pandora users do not pay for the service.
In 2014 total revenue for the U.S. songwriting and publishing industry was down 2.5 percent from the prior year, bringing in a total of $2,151,828,613.00. Of this amount, approximately 52.6 percent is from performance royalties, while 21.3 percent is from mechanicals and 20.4 percent is sync licensing.
Pictured (L-R): While members of NMPA were in Nashville for the Songwriters’ Town Hall Meeting, NMPA honored Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, Michael Carter, and Cole Taylor with songwriting Gold & Platinum Awards at the Bluebird Cafe.
With more than half of publisher/songwriter revenues coming from performance royalties, Israelite says it underlines the importance of the battle that PROs, publishers and songwriters are fighting against the antiquated consent decrees that have governed PROs BMI and ASCAP since 1941.
“Companies that are against songwriters will spend an estimated $79.8 million in lobbying efforts, from 405 lobbyists,” said Israelite. “Companies fighting for songwriters will spend a total of $1.9 million on those activities. It’s an uphill battle, and it’s crucial that all interests come together to say we want our songs to be worth more than they are currently valued,” said Israelite. He also noted that the battle continues to increase statutory mechanical rates for physical formats and permanent digital downloads from the current 9.1 cents per song.
Israelite called for publishers, songwriters, PROs and music fans to unite to cause changes to laws that govern mechanical and performance royalties. “Nearly 75 percent of your song’s value is regulated by the government in a way that doesn’t regulate it properly,” said Israelite.
He lauded NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Lee Thomas Miller for their efforts to lobby for songwriters, and for bringing songwriters to testify and perform before members of Congress.
After taking questions from members of the audience, Israelite and Miller offered a myriad of suggestions to aid in the battle, including urging songwriters to join NSAI, and to support their PROs’ efforts to bring about a fair income for writers.
Israelite also mentioned the power of the artist-songwriter. “Many artists, themselves songwriters, have also joined us in these efforts,” he said, noting the work of Lady Antebellum, Bon Jovi, and Steven Tyler. “I will tell you, I feel that having Steven Tyler perform and meet with members of Congress in Washington did more to make them aware of the situation songwriters face than I had done over the course of a few years. Writers, when you are writing with other songwriters or artists, bring up these issues and get them involved. These artists are songwriters themselves and are passionate about this cause. Let’s use our secret weapon.”
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Cole Taylor, Michael Carter, Nicolle Galyon, and NMPA CEO David Israelite.