Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, George Strait, Jason Aldean.
Billboard has released a list of the top 40 Money Makers of 2014. Twenty-five percent of artists were Nashville-based (listed below).
The all-genre estimates are based off the Nielsen and Boxscore 2014 U.S. earnings, conveniently displayed by sales, streaming, publishing and touring. Merchandising, sync and sponsorship revenue is not included. A four percent producer’s fee and 10 percent manager fee were deducted.
Interesting to note Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean grossed a near $900k combined, after a highly-publicized withdraw from free streaming music sites. Also for sales, Swift had the highest on the list, ahead of labelmates Florida Georgia Line. Swift also boasted the highest publishing quadrant of anyone else.
Speaking of BMLG, Motley Crue’s (No. 25) tribute album was noted to boost the band’s publishing revenue, which totaled over $500k.
British boy band One Direction, which visited Nashville’s LP Field in 2014, topped out the list with $46m in gross revenue.
Methodology: royalty rates used were 22 percent of retail revenue for album and track sales; 22 percent for streaming revenue for current acts and 50 percent for heritage acts. Statutory mechanical rates for album and track sales and the Copyright Royalty Board streaming formula; for labels’ direct deals with interactive services, blended audio and video rates of, respectively, $0.0075 and $0.0045. Touring revenue equals 34 percent of an act’s Boxscore.
•••
No. 6 – Luke Bryan, $25m ($3.8m sales, $397k streaming, $641k publishing, $20.2m touring)
No. 8 – George Strait, $22.5m ($2.3m sales, $238k streaming, $308.1k publishing, $19.7m touring)
No. 10 – Jason Aldean, $20.2m ($3m sales, $287k streaming, $81.3k publishing, $16.8m touring)
No. 15 – Taylor Swift, 13.6m ($9.4m sales, $608.1k streaming, $3.5m publishing, $0 touring)
No. 19 – Zac Brown Band, $12.6m ($1.5m sales, $145.8k streaming, $645.3k publishing, $10.3m touring)
No. 22 – Eric Church, $10.2m ($2.6m sales, $160k streaming, $1.1m publishing, $6.4m touring)
No. 27 – Blake Shelton, $9m ($3m sales, $228.6k streaming, $26.1k publishing, $5.8m touring)
No. 31 – Florida Georgia Line, $8.4m ($4.3m sales, $354.4k streaming, $464.5k publishing, $3.3m touring)
No. 33 – Brad Paisley, $7.4m ($1m sales, $125.2k streaming, $608.9k publishing, $5.7m touring)
No. 39 – Rascal Flatts, $6.9m ($1.2m sales, $117.7k streaming, $53.1k publishing, $5.5m touring)
Pandora’s FM Radio Station Gets FCC Approval
/by Jessica NicholsonPandora purchased Rapid City, S.D. radio station KXMZ for $600,000 in 2013, and has been given the green light by the FCC for broadcast approval.
The radio station purchase is part of Pandora’s initiative to take advantage of ASCAP’s lower royalty rates offered to companies which own broadcast radio stations as well as the digital radio services those broadcasters operate. ASCAP’s settlement with the Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC) has set a blanket license fee of 1.7 percent of gross revenue, minus standard deductions. Pandora currently pays ASCAP 1.85 percent of revenue.
“Pandora is radio, and the acquisition of KXMZ would qualify Pandora for the same RMLC license under the same terms as our competitors,” Pandora’s director of public affairs Dave Grimaldi said in a statement. “This move makes sense to us beyond the licensing parity alone,” going on to say the company was excited to work with the local community in Grand Rapids.
BMI is currently awaiting a decision on recent arguments delivered in Manhattan court that will set rates for that PRO.
Grand Ole Opry Set For A “Salute The Troops” Celebration
/by Troy_StephensonThe Grand Ole Opry will honor the U.S. military on Tuesday, May 19 with a “Salute The Troops” celebration. Members of the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band and other honored soldiers will enter the Opry House via a red carpet. The public is invited to be part of the celebration by lining the carpet beginning at 5:45 p.m.
The performances will begin at 7 p.m. and will include Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, Craig Morgan, and others. The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band will also make a special appearance for the second time.
MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band
The night is a part of The Opry show’s 90th anniversary celebration that will span nine months and support nine causes including the “Salute The Troops,” which will benefit the MusiCorps and USO. Throughout the month of May, a percentage of the proceeds from Opry ticket sales will go to the cause when fans mention the code “SALUTE.”
For more information, visit www.opry.com.
Artist Pics: St. Jude Marathon, Cam, Wade Hayes, Naomi Judd
/by Kelsey_GradyA Race To The Finish Line
Country music artists showed their support for the annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon last Saturday as Nashville set the stage and welcomed more than 30,000 registered runners from around the world. Martina McBride headlined the post-race concert. John Rich, along with guests Phil Vassar and Megan Mullins, hosted a Sunday brunch for the top 25 St. Jude Heroes who fundraised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while training for race day.
Kellie Pickler and the Bironas Family
Nashville’s Sam Palladio and Chaley Rose. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Cam’s American Pride
Arista Nashville’s Cam was in her native California earlier this week for appearances that included a performance of the national anthem at Tuesday’s Los Angeles Dodgers game, where National Baseball Hall of Fame member and Dodger’s former manager Tommy Lasorda told the “My Mistake” singer it was one of the best anthem performances he’d ever heard.
Cam on the field of Dodger Stadium
Wade Hayes Visits With American Country Countdown
Wade Hayes stopped by “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks” this week to chat about his new single and album, Go Live Your Life and talk about his life after two bouts with cancer.
Kix Brooks and Wade Hayes
Naomi Judd Gets Honorary Doctorate
Six-time Grammy award winner, best-selling author, and speaker Naomi Judd was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree at Berea College’s 143rd Commencement yesterday, Sunday, May 3.
Naomi Judd concludes her commencement speech at Berea College’s 143rd Commencement ceremonies. Photo: O’Neil Arnold
Nashville Makes Up 25 Percent of ‘Billboard’ Money Makers
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, George Strait, Jason Aldean.
Billboard has released a list of the top 40 Money Makers of 2014. Twenty-five percent of artists were Nashville-based (listed below).
The all-genre estimates are based off the Nielsen and Boxscore 2014 U.S. earnings, conveniently displayed by sales, streaming, publishing and touring. Merchandising, sync and sponsorship revenue is not included. A four percent producer’s fee and 10 percent manager fee were deducted.
Speaking of BMLG, Motley Crue’s (No. 25) tribute album was noted to boost the band’s publishing revenue, which totaled over $500k.
British boy band One Direction, which visited Nashville’s LP Field in 2014, topped out the list with $46m in gross revenue.
Methodology: royalty rates used were 22 percent of retail revenue for album and track sales; 22 percent for streaming revenue for current acts and 50 percent for heritage acts. Statutory mechanical rates for album and track sales and the Copyright Royalty Board streaming formula; for labels’ direct deals with interactive services, blended audio and video rates of, respectively, $0.0075 and $0.0045. Touring revenue equals 34 percent of an act’s Boxscore.
•••
No. 6 – Luke Bryan, $25m ($3.8m sales, $397k streaming, $641k publishing, $20.2m touring)
No. 8 – George Strait, $22.5m ($2.3m sales, $238k streaming, $308.1k publishing, $19.7m touring)
No. 10 – Jason Aldean, $20.2m ($3m sales, $287k streaming, $81.3k publishing, $16.8m touring)
No. 15 – Taylor Swift, 13.6m ($9.4m sales, $608.1k streaming, $3.5m publishing, $0 touring)
No. 19 – Zac Brown Band, $12.6m ($1.5m sales, $145.8k streaming, $645.3k publishing, $10.3m touring)
No. 22 – Eric Church, $10.2m ($2.6m sales, $160k streaming, $1.1m publishing, $6.4m touring)
No. 27 – Blake Shelton, $9m ($3m sales, $228.6k streaming, $26.1k publishing, $5.8m touring)
No. 31 – Florida Georgia Line, $8.4m ($4.3m sales, $354.4k streaming, $464.5k publishing, $3.3m touring)
No. 33 – Brad Paisley, $7.4m ($1m sales, $125.2k streaming, $608.9k publishing, $5.7m touring)
No. 39 – Rascal Flatts, $6.9m ($1.2m sales, $117.7k streaming, $53.1k publishing, $5.5m touring)
Americana Music Triangle Launches During National Travel And Tourism Week
/by Troy_Stephenson“With focused online outreach, we can reach countless music fans worldwide and motivate them to visit the Americana Music Triangle,” said Aubrey Preston, a proprietor of Nashville’s RCA Studio A and founder of the Americana Music Triangle. “The Triangle is a unique destination where history made music, then music made history. There’s no other place like it in the world.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined other state and local dignitaries, musical artists, and tourism leaders to launch the new preservation project.
The whistle-stop tour launching the Americana Music Triangle will visit six locations along the Gold Record Road and will visit Florence, Ala.; Tupelo, Miss.; Lafayette, La.; Helena, Ark.; and Clarksdale, Miss. this week.
For more information, visit AmericanaMusicTriangle.com.
The Cadillac Three Catches A Buzz with New Single “White Lightning”
/by Jessica NicholsonWhen Big Machine Label Group trio The Cadillac Three brings their high-energy set to the stage each evening, they don’t just entertain; they also listen. The trio’s latest single “White Lightning” (not to be confused with the George Jones classic) has garnered fervent fan response for the past couple of years. The trio and their label have listened to the demand, setting a release date for June 1. First week sales of the song have topped 6,000, according to BMLG’s Jack Purcell.
The Cadillac Three, the trio of guitarist/songwriter Jaren Johnston, lap steel player Kelby Ray and drummer Neil Mason, recently stopped the BMLG offices to offer a glimpse into what Johnston calls “a little bit of our side of Nashville.”
Johnston, whose songwriting credits include “Raise ‘Em Up” (Keith Urban/Eric Church), “Beachin’” (Jake Owen), and “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” (Tim McGraw), was the sole writer on “White Lightning.” The single is rife with vivid imagery on lines like She stole my heart / Faster than a heat-seekin’ missile on a mission / Faster than a bass to the hook when daddy’s fishin.’
“It’s my take on love at first sight,” said Johnston, before breaking into the song’s bluesy first verse, a cappella style.
They also offered up an acoustic version of “The South,” the trio’s 2013 debut single featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. They followed with “Days of Gold,” a song featured on the trio’s 2013 self-titled project. The hard-driving rocker was later recorded and released as a single by Jake Owen.
“They paint the corners of the format and give it an interesting texture,” said Purcell.
“White Lightning” is slated for the trio’s upcoming BMLG project, and is available to download now on iTunes.
Industry Ink: The Recording Academy, SandCastle Entertainment, Next Generation Artist Management
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Academy Rallies Support For Updating Music-Related Copyright Laws
The Recording Academy is inviting those interested to use the organization’s advocacy tools to send a message to Congress.
Bryan Austin Named Sr. VP, A&R at SandCastle Entertainment
Bryan Austin
Guitarist and former Nashville recording artist Bryan Austin has been named the new Sr. Vice President of A&R at SandCastle Entertainment, according to CEO Richard Buckman.
“I have known Bryan Austin for 20 years,” said Buckman. “He is an all-around class act and is a huge addition to our SandCastle team.”
Austin has played guitar for artists including Steve Wariner, T, Graham Brown, Trick Pony, Josh Turner and Clint Black.
Next Generation Artist Management Signs Amy Rose
Amy Rose
Next Generation Artist Management, sister company to SMG Records Nashville, has added Canada native Amy Rose to its artists roster. Spin Doctors Promotions will promote her new radio single, “Show Up Naked and Bring Beer.”
Next Generation Artist Management and SMG Records Nashville are part of the Spin Doctors Music Group, located in Nashville, Tenn.
Country Music Hall of Fame Taking Part in The Big Payback
In support of the museum’s participation, Ford Driving Skills for Life has committed $5,000 to provide an admission voucher to the museum – a value of $24.95 – to the first 200 people who make a donation of $25 or more to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve its world-renowned collection.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of Ford Driving Skills for Life in this initiative to help us raise the funds necessary to fulfill our mission to document, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music,” said museum Vice President of Development, Lisa Purcell. “Henry Ford actually launched many of his early models at fiddling competitions across the US, knowing that country music and the stories behind it were strongly connected to the everyday American. Ford’s ties to country music run deep, and their backing allows us to continue this important work.”
All donations made to the museum help to secure the legacy of country music for future generations and support its mission to preserve the 2.5 million artifacts in its growing collection.
The Big Payback will begin at midnight on Tuesday, May 5 and will run for 24 hours. Once the clock starts, anyone can visit TheBigPayback.org and make donations to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and other participating non-profits that serve the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.
Clay Myers, Tony Harrell Form MV2 Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Clay Myers, Tony Harrell.
Industry members Tony Harrell and Clay Myers have teamed to form music publishing and artist development business MV2 Entertainment. Harrell will serve as General Manager, focusing on artist development, while Myers will work as Creative Director. Also joining the company are CEO and President James Archer, as well as executive team members Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.
“Collectively, Clay and I bring a unique combination of business and creative experience into MV2,” says Harrell. “Our vision is to advance the art of music through inspiration, integrity and values.”
Harrell was named MusicRow Magazine‘s Keyboardist of the Year in 2011. His work has appeared on albums from artists including Jason Aldean, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn and more.
Myers began his career in music in the mid-’80s at Alabama’s publishing company Maypop Music. Myers later transitioned to Starstruck Entertainment to launch their music publishing division. He also worked as an artist manager for Billy Dean (Capitol Records), Linda Davis (Arista Records), 4 Runner (Polydor Records), and River Road (Capitol Records). Myers worked with Creative Artist Agency’s Chrysalis Music joint venture, where he aided in securing record deals for Little Big Town/Mercury Records and Emerson Drive/DreamWorks Records and at Roy Orbison Music/Still Working Music overseeing numerous chart topping singles. Under Clay’s helm, Still Working Music was awarded the 2010 BMI Song of the Year for Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me.” His most recent ventures included leadership roles at Big Tractor Music and Trey Turner and Associates Artist Management.
MV2 Entertainment is located at 1107 17th Ave. S. in Nashville. Harrell can be reached at tony_harrell@mv2entertainment.com, and Myers can be reached at clay_myers@mv2entertainment.com. MV2 Entertainment can also be reached via phone at 615-320-0036.
Eric Church Adds Second Show For Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre
/by Troy_StephensonEric Church
Tickets for Eric Church’s inaugural concert at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 30 sold out in less than five minutes. Due to overwhelming demand, a second solo performance has been added for Friday, July 31.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t listen to my fans, and this time they spoke up loud and clear,” shares Church. “I am keeping with the tradition of The Outsiders Tour in that no show will be the same, but I am adding a second night to ensure we can get all our friends in for this performance.”
Tickets going on sale to general public Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m. CT. General admission pit and reserved seating is priced at $85 and general admission lawn seats are $45. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
Artist Updates: iHeartRadio, Ashley Monroe, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Kelsea Ballerini
/by Jessica NicholsonThe second annual iHeartRadio Country Festival drew several superstars on Saturday, May 2, to the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Sam Hunt, and Tyler Farr. The event was hosted by Jennifer Nettles and Darius Rucker.
Among the evening’s highlights were The Band Perry’s cover of Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” as well as Justin Moore and Brantley Gilbert’s onstage collaboration on “Small Town Throwdown.”
NBC will televise the iHeartRadio Country Festival on NBC Wednesday, May 27 from 9-11 p.m. ET / 8-10 p.m. CT.
Artists gather at iHeartRadio Country Festival. Photo: Harper Smith for iHeartRadio
Third Man Records To Host Live-to-Acetate Performance From Ashley Monroe
Monroe is currently preparing for a summer tour on which she will perform select dates on Rascal Flatts’ Riot Tour before joining up with Little Big Town. The Music Biz 2015 Conference will run from May 12-14 in Nashville. For more information, visit musicbiz2015.com.
Eric Paslay Weds Natalie Harker
Singer-songwriter Eric Paslay married music publisher Natalie Harker on April 26, 2015 at Front Porch Farms in Charlotte, Tenn., according to people.com. The couple became engaged in December 2014, after dating for two years.
Eric Paslay weds Natalie Harker. Photo: Brown Lab Photography
Tyler Farr Trades Autographs with Chicago Bulls Player
While celebrating this past week’s release of his new album, Suffer in Peace, Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr was in the Windy City on Thursday (April 30) for a performance at Joe’s Bar, where he traded autographs with Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler.
Pictured (L-R): Butler, Farr, Farr’s tour manager Houston Phillips, and their friend, “E.”
Kelsea Ballerini Launches CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour in Michigan
On April 30, Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini was in Grand Rapids, Mich., to launch CMT’s Next Women of Country tour – the network’s first-ever ladies-only tour. Ballerini is co-headlining the run with Warner Music Nashville/Elektra artist Jana Kramer. The CMT Next Women of Country Tour will make 10 stops across the country this spring, including Chicago, Nashville and Orlando.
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Black River Entertainment