NMPA Reveals New Board Members During Annual Meeting

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nmpaThe National Music Publishers Association revealed the results of the NMPA’s biannual board election during its annual meeting. All board members are active U.S. music publishers and will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. Nashville publishers Barry Coburn and Bob Doyle are on the board.
Elected members are:
Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt Music Group
Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV
Caroline Beinstock, Carlin America
Helene Blue, Helene Blue Musique
Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Music Group
Bob Doyle, Major Bob Music
Lee Eastman, MPL Communications
Mark Fried, Spirit Music
Neil Gillis, Round Hill Music
Laurent Hubert, BMG/Chrysalis
Zach Horowitz, Universal Music Publishing Group
Dean Kay, Demi Music Corp
Leeds Levy, Leeds Music
Ralph Peer II, peermusic
Matt Pincus, Songs Music Publishing
Irwin Z. Robinson, The Richmond Organization
Cameron Strang, Warner/Chappell
Richard Stumpf, Imagem Music

Concrete/TEC Direct Media Launches "BuyNow"

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tecdirect111Concrete/TEC Direct Media, a media planning and buying agency for music and entertainment marketing, has partnered with TriVu Media, a provider of broadcast-style advertising data for online video, to create a new service called “BuyNOW” to connect online video advertising with entertainment sales.
The solution leverages TEC Direct’s M3D® media buying platform with TriVu Media’s ability to search the Web for targeted video advertising inventory. The approach matches video advertising opportunities for auction/sale on various exchanges and demand-side platforms, with highly detailed information about the actual video.
“BuyNOW” identifies the right content most likely to generate the intended outcome, like a sale on a partner web site (Amazon or iTunes), a studio-owned web store or artist site.
Working with the Concrete/TEC Direct media team, entertainment marketers can implement their own buy-side strategies by aligning with content most likely to drive purchases. Areas of specialization include: Adult Contemporary, Hard and Modern Rock, Pop, Country and Urban music as well as theatrical and Blu-ray disc releases.
“Buy-like-TV is the oft-stated digital marketing goal of many entertainment marketers,” said Charles Fetterly, President of TEC Direct Media. “Much like cable TV revolutionized music marketing in a previous generation, online video is doing the same today. The segment-exclusive partnership with TriVu Media creates a scalable and predictable marketing platform nobody else can match.”
“Concrete/TEC-Direct is constantly vetting out different online platforms and presenting our clients only those we feel meet entertainment industry requirements,” said Concrete Marketing CEO Bob Chiappardi. “We’ve successfully tested “BuyNOW” and we believe it’s head and shoulders above other platforms. Best of all it comes with a cost of entry that is affordable to all our clients.”
For more information, visit tec-direct.com.
 

[Updated] Pandora Purchases Broadcast Radio Station

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pandora_logo[Update (6/13/13)]: BMI has ended negotiations for publishing rates with Pandora and has decided to file suit in rate court. Billboard’s sources claim BMI management believes further negotiations with Pandora would be futile, in light of what publishers are calling a questionable maneuver to obtain lower rates than the 4.1 percent of revenue that Pandora paid to publishers last year.
• • •
Pandora has signed an agreement to purchase Rapid City, S.D. radio station KXMZ-FM, a small-market Hot AC format broadcast radio station.
The strategic purchase is reportedly a way for the company to qualify for Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC) agreements regarding royalties and public performances of musical works from the PROs.
An op-ed by assistant general counsel at Pandora, Christopher Harrison explains the streaming service has been discriminated against and exposed to copyright infringement as a result of ASCAP members withdrawing new media rights:

ASCAP and its members have abruptly shifted away from 100 years of business practice and attempted to create a new right to ‘withdraw’ from ASCAP the right to license certain songs on what is essentially a case-by-case basis.
Terrestrial broadcasters and their Internet properties were given preferential treatment via a January 2012 agreement between the RMLC and ASCAP and BMI. To put this in perspective, at least 16 of the top 20 Internet radio services that compete with Pandora operate under the RMLC license that has not been made available to Pandora.
So, today we are also announcing the purchase of KXMZ-FM. This acquisition allows us to qualify for the same RMLC license under the same terms as our competitors. While this might seem like an unexpected move for Pandora, it makes sense even beyond the licensing parity. Pandora excels in personalizing discovery and terrestrial radio is experienced in integrating with a local community. We look forward to broadcasting our personalized experience to the community in Rapid City, an area where over 42,000 residents already use Pandora. And we will apply Pandora’s insights about listening habits to program music that accurately reflects local listeners’ evolving tastes.

ASCAP and NMPA responded harshly to the acquisitions on June 12. “Pandora is trying every trick in the book to brazenly and unconscionably underpay and take advantage of the creative labor that produces the core offering of their business — music written by individual songwriters and composers,” said ASCAP president Paul Williams (see his full statement). David Israelite, president and CEO of the NMPA stated: “While other digital partners are making voluntary deals, Pandora chooses to sue the very creators who make its business possible.”
In addition to EMI and Sony/ATV withdrawing new media rights from ASCAP and BMI in previous years, Billboard highlights forthcoming new media withdrawals dates from ASCAP as follows:
BMG/Chrysalis: July 1, 2013
Universal Music Publishing: July 1, 2013
Warner/Chappell Music Publishing: July 1, 2013
Kobalt Music Publishing: Oct. 1, 2013
Ruminating Music: Oct. 1, 2013
Sea Gayle Music Publishing: Jan. 1, 2014

– Jessica Nicholson & Eric Parker

Toby Keith's Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert Set For July 6

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toby keithToby Keith’s Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert will be held Saturday, July 6 at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. The lineup of performers, now being assembled, will include Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood and Ronnie Dunn. Proceeds will benefit The United Way Of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund. Updates on the event and lineup will be posted at www.tobykeith.com.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m., show time is 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m.; all seats are $25, all inclusive, all seats reserved – eight-ticket purchase limit.
“I grew up in Moore [Okla.], I live in Norman and I’ve got lots of family and friends who were directly affected,” Keith says. “I know these folks and they’re resilient, but we’re going to keep helping them any way we can. I’m proud to get together with some others from around here who are just as committed as I am to supporting these communities.”
“Once we got the news that the tornado had hit Toby’s hometown, Miss Yearwood and I told Toby we were at his service for whatever he chose to do,” Brooks says. “I am amazed at the human spirit the tornado victims have shown. I am humbled by the giving of the volunteers. It is an honor to get to be a part of this healing process.”
Keith’s publicist tells MusicRow.com that plans to televise or stream the concert are currently being discussed.
 
 

Nashville and Tamworth, Australia Join as Sister Cities

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Tamworth Mayor Col Murray and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean sign the treaty that officially links Nashville and Tamworth as Sister Cities. Photo Credit: Gary Layda, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

Tamworth, Australia and Nashville are officially joined as sister cities. On June 7, Nashville mayor Karl Dean and Mayor Col Murray of Tamworth signed a treaty at the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that officially joined the cities; Tamworth is the seventh sister city to Nashville.

Tamworth, known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia,” hosts the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January. The signing ceremony was held to coincide with the CMA Music Festival taking place downtown.
“Our shared love and appreciation of country music make this Sister City partnership a natural fit,” Mayor Dean said. “I look forward to a rich and long-lasting relationship that gives our citizens opportunities for musical, artistic, cultural and educational exchanges.”
Ten delegates from Tamworth, including three city “councillors,” are visiting Nashville to take part in the ceremony and the CMA Music Festival. Tamworth officials have an educational booth at Fan Fair X as part of CMA activities.
“There have been many links developed between Tamworth and Nashville over the years through the affinity both cities have for country music,” Mayor Murray said. “It is fantastic that we are now formalizing our Sister Cities relationship after years in the making.”
Clare Bowen, the Australian actress/artist who portrays Scarlett O’Connor in the television show Nashville, was to attend the ceremony; Australian duo Mark and Jay O’Shea and singer Morgan Evans performed. The husband-and-wife O’Sheas have multiple No. 1 singles in Australia and live and work in Nashville.
Nashville’s other sister cities include: Belfast, Northern Ireland; Caen, France; Edmonton, Canada; Magdeburg, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; and Taiyuan, China.

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Music Executive Bob Saporiti, CMA Board Member/AristoMedia CEO Jeff Walker, Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Director Kyle Young, Tamworth Mayor Col Murray, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and CMA Board Member and Entertainment Edge CEO Rob Potts join Australian performers (seated, L-R) Mark O’Shea, Clare Bowen (“Nashville”), Jay O’Shea and Morgan Evans at the official Sister Cities Signing Ceremony. Photo Credit: Gary Layda, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County


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Members of the Tamworth Delegation at the Sister Cities Signing Ceremony. Top row (L to R): Judy Coats, Tamworth Mayor Col Murray, Councilor Helen Tickle, Councilor Tim Coats, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, GM – Tamworth Regional Council Paul Bennett, Carol Murray, Gail Bennett, Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Director Kyle Young, Tamworth Country Music Festival Coordinator Kate Baker. Bottom row (L to R): Mark O’Shea, Clare Bowen, Jay O’Shea and Morgan Evans. Not pictured: Tamworth Regional Council Director of Business/Events John Sommerlad, CEO West Entertainment Group Rod Laing. Photo Credit: Gary Layda, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County


 

2013 ICM Convention Coming To Nashville in October

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2012_ICM_Awards_logo_sm
The 19th annual Inspirational Country Music Convention and Awards will be held at Two Rivers Fellowship at Opryland in Nashville from Oct. 20-24, 2013.
The week features several activities in honor of the artists who perform Inspirational and Christian country music, including the ICM Faith, Family and Country Talent Show, The Power Source No. 1 Party, the Media Appreciation Luncheon and more.
“I truly love Nashville and all the benefits it has to offer our attendees,” says ICM Executive Director Jason Higgins. “We are excited to be back in Nashville and have plans to expand the week in 2014!”
The first ICM Awards were held in 1993 and have since grown to include over twenty award categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year and Video of the Year. The awards also honor new artists, youth, radio stations, films and TV networks which have impacted Inspirational and Christian country music.
For more information on the ICM Convention and Awards, visit www.faithfamilycountry.com.
 

Southland Conference Connects Investors and Start-Ups

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southland13The Southland conference, designed to bring together the ideas, talent and capital that fuel a strong startup culture, is going on today and tomorrow (June 12-13) at the Cannery in Nashville. The debut event is expected to attract 500-plus entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators with the goal of connecting the Southeast’s best early-stage companies with investors from across the country. Attendees have the opportunity to network with investors as well as hear a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions and pitch competitions.
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN), a public-private partnership supporting high-growth companies in Tennessee, organized the event, which sold out weeks in advance.
Southland speakers and panelists include Slava Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Indiegogo; Dan Pelino, general manager of IBM Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry; Ali Partovi, co-founder of Code.org; George Kliavkoff, executive vice president and deputy group head of Hearst Entertainment & Syndication; Gary Swart, CEO of oDesk; Paul Singh, partner at 500 Startups; and Sarah Lacy, founder and editor-in-chief of PandoDaily. Panels will also feature top national and regional investors.
Details at southlandse.com.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Ustream Announce 2013 Webcast Lineup

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bonnaroo 2013 logo11The 12th annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, in association with Ustream, has announced the lineup for the festival’s 2013 live webcast, which begins Friday June 14. Fans will be able to experience exclusive Bonnaroo performances from artists including Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Wilco, The National, Nas, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Wu Tang Clan, Of Monsters & Men, Kendrick Lamar and others while they are happening via Ustream’s interactive, socially integrated platform.
Additionally, Bonnaroo will webcast a live SuperJam for the first time ever. This year’s SuperJam features RZA, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Schoolboy Q, Earl Sweatshirt, Solange, Chad Hugo (of The Neptunes), Lettuce and special guests.
Bonnaroo will take place this weekend, June 13 – 16, in Manchester, Tenn. This year’s Bonnaroo webcast will be available for viewing on two channels (available below).
2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Webcast Lineup Via Ustream:
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
CHANNEL 1
4:00pm-5:00pm — Local Natives
5:00pm-6:15pm — Of Monsters and Men
6:30pm-8:00pm — Wilco
8:00pm-9:00pm — Passion Pit
9:00pm-10:00pm — Paul McCartney (first hour)
10:00pm-11:30pm — Jim James
12:00pm-2:00am — Superjam with RZA, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Schoolboy Q, Earl Sweatshirt, Solange, and Chad Hugo featuring Lettuce plus special guests
CHANNEL 2
4:00pm-4:30pm — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
4:30pm-5:30pm — Calexico (partial set)
5:30pm-6:45pm — Grizzly Bear
6:45pm-7:30pm — Glen Hansard (partial set)
7:30pm-9:00pm — Wu-Tang Clan
9:00pm-10:15pm — Foals
10:30pm-11:30pm — The Vaccines
11:30pm-12:45am — The xx
12:45am-2:00am — Conspirator
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
CHANNEL 1
3:45pm-4:45pm — Lord Huron
4:45pm-6:15pm — Nas
6:15pm-7:15pm — Four Tet
7:15pm-8:15pm — Matt & Kim
8:15pm-9:30pm —The Lumineers
9:30pm – 11:30pm — TBD
CHANNEL 2
4:00pm-5:15pm — Portugal. The Man
5:15pm-6:30pm — Dirty Projectors
6:30pm-7:00pm — Solange (partial set)
7:00pm-8:30pm — Beach House
8:30pm-10:00pm — Gov’t Mule
10:00pm-11:30pm — A-Trak
11:30pm-12:30am — Japandroids
12:30pm-1:30am — ALO with Special Guests
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
CHANNEL 1
2:30pm-3:30pm — Delta Rae
3:30pm-4:30pm — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
4:30pm-5:30pm — Kendrick Lamar
5:30pm-6:30pm — Allen Stone
6:30pm-8:00pm — The National
9:30pm-10:45pm — Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
CHANNEL 2
2:45pm-3:45pm — Father John Misty
3:45pm-4:45pm — Big K.R.I.T.
5:00pm-6:30pm — Swans
6:30pm-7:45pm — Tame Impala
7:45pm-9:00pm — A$AP Rocky
9:00pm-10:00pm — Divine Fits

Video streaming by Ustream

Video streaming by Ustream

Blake Shelton Brings Stars For 'Boys 'Round Here' Celebrity Mix

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blake shelton 2013Blake Shelton is undoubtedly one of country music’s biggest stars–and one of it’s biggest partiers, judging from the list of celebrities joining him on the new mix of his hit “Boys ‘Round Here.”
The song features Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Ronnie Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Reba, Josh Turner, Keith Urban and Hank Williams, Jr., along with the Pistol Annies singing harmonies.
Hear the audio below:

YouTube video

CMA Music Festival Sets New Attendance Record

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cma music fest 2013 logo111CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record in 2013 with daily attendance topping 80,000 fans, a nearly 13 percent increase over 2012. 71,000 were attendance in 2012. The increase was attributed to expanding the event into the new Music City Center, which was dubbed the AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X. The new venue nearly tripled the space available, creating room for new exhibits, additional stages, and attractions for families in the Keep the Kids Playing Pavilion.
“This event has a global reputation as the destination for any Country Music fan,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The support we receive from our industry and the dedication of our fans is unduplicated. Each year we strive to improve and enhance the event for our attendees and the artists – and this is undeniably our best CMA Music Festival ever!”
Attendance figures for 2013 include four-day ticket packages and promotional tickets, attendance in Fan Fair X, and free areas downtown. More than 450 artists and celebrities participated, giving 200 hours of concerts on 11 different stages.