[Updated] Pandora Purchases Broadcast Radio Station

/by

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

/by

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

/by
tamworth aristo photo1111

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.

tamworth aristo photo 3333322222

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


tamworth aristo photo 22222

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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.
 
 

Grand Ole Opry Adds Wednesday Night Shows To Summer Schedule

/by
the band perry opry chris hollo

The Band Perry performs on the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

Nashville will get an additional night of Opry performances each week this summer. The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® is adding eight weeks of Wednesday night shows to its schedule, running June 19 – Aug. 7. The Wednesday evening performances will join the Opry’s Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday weekly scheduled lineup on the Opry’s show calendar.

Alison Krauss will celebrate her 20th anniversary as an Opry member on Wednesday, July 3, and The Band Perry will visit the Opry the following Wednesday, July 10, playing an extended 30-minute segment.
Additional performers scheduled for Wednesday evenings include American Idol finalist Janelle Arthur (who will make her Opry debut), Larry Gatlin, Kristen Kelly, Dustin Lynch and Restless Heart (June 19); and Aaron Tippin (June 26).
 

Weekly Register: Tickets n' Touring Bar Goes Up; Rimes and Pope Debut

/by

leannTouring has always been an active part of the country album sales formula as well as a hefty revenue stream in its own right. So it should be no surprise to see the competition to attract live audiences (and the ticket profits they yield) ratcheting up. Artists have an array of social media tools and media channels such as reality TV shows like The Voice, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars and Celebrity Apprentice to help put butts in seats. But like every other part of the entertainment biz, the pressure to “deliver the goods” is also rising.
CMA Music Festival 2013 presented a revealing window through which to view and grade onstage wow! as country’s major acts graced the LP Field Stage in short 30-minute time slots. Being chosen to perform in that venue is a testimonial in itself, and as expected, all of the acts presented well. But some came ready to show they intend to dominate—while others seemed to feel that pretty darn good was good enough.
This writer did not see every act over the four days, so please don’t consider the following examples to be a comprehensive list. Two acts that turned the stage into a high energy audio-visual battleground were Florida Georgia Line and The Band Perry, both on the same label.
weeklygrid6-9-13Kimberly Perry exploded onto the stage jumping up and down making calculated sharp turns and spins almost reminiscent of Beyonce in scale and scope. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget that she can sing, sing sing. The crowd responded like a stick of dynamite with a lit fuse jumping to its feet all at once. Florida Georgia Line was different, but similar, if you will. They have a different vibe, but from the second they appeared the energy level was on high alert. (Isn’t it great to see how a few platinum plaques can up an act’s swagger?) Also deserving mention was Keith Urban who substitutes intergalactic guitar licks for choreography to achieve the same out-of-your-seats effect.
weeklygrid6-2-13When the touring smoke clears at the end of the summer, the acts that did their homework should own the pole positions for next year while the others may find themselves riding out in smaller buses.
And now to this week’s results…
Weekly Register
LeAnn Rimes was this week’s sole Top 10 country debut coming in with Spitfire at No. 9 and almost 11k units (54% digital). Last week’s CMT Awards didn’t seem to pump Country album sales much. Overall they climbed 1% W/W while the Current Country tally was slightly down. The fast facts are contained on the grids which show country’s Y/Y lead edging down while all genre sales also lag.
Blake Shelton enjoys a second consecutive week at No. 1 with over 36k units on his Gold-headed-for-Platinum Based On A True Story. Darius Rucker spins his “Wagon Wheel” single which keeps his album True Believers No. 2 again although sales fell about 18% w/w to 33k. The next three titles are Florida Georgia Line (No. 3; 28k), George Strait (No. 4; 21k) and Lady Antebellum (No. 5; 20k).
At the end of Q2 we’ll study the TEA effect more closely, but through this week, Taylor Swift’s Red leads the country pack in YTD Albums w/TEA showing over 1 million combined units. Blake Shelton’s True Story (almost 900k) and FGL’s Good Times (almost 800k) follow.

Pope12

Cassadee Pope


Keeping Track
This week’s track listings reinforce the industry adage, “don’t diss TV cred.” Echoing the wisdom of that advice is The Voice’s Cassadee Pope with her new single “Wasting All These Tears.” Pope impressed the trade press with her recent meet/greet/perform visits. During last year’s show she sold enough tracks to make most any new artist green with envy and this week she storms onto the chart at No. 2 with a robust 125k units. But for now, nothing can touch FGL who remain in No. 1 with 225k units. The duo’s track “Cruise” has now passed an RTD of over 4 million.
This year’s new The Voice star-in-the-making, Danielle Bradbery, continues her reign of chart terror with the Sara Evans hit “A Little Bit Stronger” which debuts at No. 13 with almost 36k units. Not Bradbery’s best showing, but clear evidence she has developed a solid fan base.
Stay tuned…