MusicRow Launches New Print Issue

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MusicRow’s December 2012/January 2013 issue will be a “Digital Toolbox” for the music industry. Formerly known as the “Rewind Issue,” the newly reformatted magazine will serve as the music industry’s premier guide to all things digital, including the Digital Tools directory, resources and services, and exclusive interviews with the industry’s top digital experts.

“We are all navigating the constantly changing environment in the digital world,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “It’s a great resource to have an issue dedicated to aggregating the digital tools that have risen above the fray, expose new ones on the horizon, and solicit input from leaders in the digital field.”

If your business is primarily a digital company, submit your information (company name, address, phone number, email, website, contact name and title) to directory@musicrow.com by Fri., Nov. 16 to be considered for the directory.

Advertising inquiries should be made to Sherod Robertson at 615-499-5418 or emailed to sales@musicrow.com no later than Wed., Nov. 19.

MusicRow will offer the annual awards recap and Rewind of the year’s most notable stories on its website.

Pandora Seeks Lower Fees From ASCAP

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Pandora has filed a lawsuit against ASCAP in an attempt to get lower licensing rates for the performances of ASCAP’s works.

The suit, which was filed in a New York federal court, is asking the court to determine “reasonable fees and terms” for ASCAP licenses through 2015. The parties’ original licensing agreement was made in 2005, and Pandora now claims it is “ill-suited” to Pandora’s business. Since January 1, 2011, Pandora has been paying ASCAP interim licensing fees. The organizations have been negotiating over a year but have not been able to reach a satisfactory final licensing agreement, prompting the lawsuit.

Pandora’s justification in filing the suit comes from the court’s approval of the Radio Music Licensing Committee’s agreement with ASCAP. That agreement blankets traditional broadcasting and internet content (including Pandora competitor iHeartRadio) and offers RMLC members a lower fee.

Additionally, Pandora claims it is due lower rates because of publisher new media licensing withdrawals from ASCAP. Going forward, publishers such as EMI who exercise withdrawal rights will negotiate those licensing fees directly with Pandora and similar companies. Pandora’s agreement with EMI spans two years beginning January 1, 2012.

The publishing community was none too thrilled with the move. “It’s outrageous Pandora would try to reduce the already nominal amount they pay songwriters and music publishers, when Pandora’s business model is based entirely on the creative contributions of those songwriters,” said David Israelite, president/CEO of the National Music Publisherss Association in a statement. “To file this suit at the same time that Pandora’s founders are pocketing millions for themselves adds insult to injury.”

The NMPA’s statement elaborates by noting that Pandora’s 2011 revenue was $338 million with a market cap of $1.6 billion.

Added Israelite, “Royalty rates should protect songwriters and compensate them for their significant contribution to the success of music services like Pandora. As this area of the market grows, we need to ensure that songwriters are protected, and that they are appropriately compensated for their work.”

Belmont’s “Pipeline Project” Concludes Another Successful Year

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Belmont University is wrapping another session of its entertainment industry solutions think tank, The Pipeline Project. Launched last year, the initiative encourages students to identify problems in the industry and explore possible solutions through research, collaboration, and innovation.

In 2012 the team explored: how to find music industry investors, engaging music consumers using methods often found in video games, LiveLunch daytime concerts, turning passive listeners into active music consumers, and enhancing the consumer experience at music festivals with technology.

Among the industry mentors participating in the project were Jay Frank, Former CMT and Yahoo! Music Executive, owner of digital record company DigSin; Barry Jeffrey, Vice President, WME Nashville; Sloane Scott, former sponsorship expert at George P. Johnson, social media strategist, and partner at FLO {Thinkery}; Tiffany Davis, Executive Director of IEBA, director of Membership Programs and Creative Services at the Academy of Country Music; Wayne Leeloy, Senior Director of Topspin; David M. Ross, President of BossRoss Media and Founder of MusicRow Magazine; Mark Montgomery, Music and tech entrepreneur, founder of Flo {Thinkery}; Joe Galante, former chairman of Sony Music Nashville; and John Pisciotta, Managing partner at Loudlab, founder of MusicSynk.

Belmont students selected for The Pipeline Project include Théo Halls, Kelsie Saison, Phil Haddad, Rachel Glidden, Kendall Durkee, Ryan McAdoo, Danielle Meeker, Erik Coveney and Matt Maher.

Members of the industry are invited to a reception at BMI on Nov. 8, from 5:30-7 p.m. to mark the wrap of Pipeline Project 2012. www.pipelineproject.org.

Aldean Announces First Leg of “Night Train Tour”

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Jason Aldean will kick off the first leg of his 2013 Night Train Tour in Bossier City, LA on Feb. 21. The tour will roll through 23 cities from February to May. Special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will also be on board on the train to share the stage with Aldean.

“The thing I’m most excited about for next year is getting to add some new songs off the Night Train album into my show,” said Aldean. “As a musician, it’s great to be able to shake up the set list and think of cool ways to present these new songs in the live show. We’re already working on some cool production ideas, and we’re going to come back from the holidays ready to go. I’m a big fan of both Jake and Thomas Rhett, so it’ll be awesome to have those guys out with us.”

Additionally, the first-announced stadium dates of the 2013 Night Train Tour sold out in minutes. In 2013 Aldean will play to sold out crowds at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA (4/13), with a two-night stand at Boston’s Fenway Park (7/12 and 7/13) before heading to Wrigley Field in Chicago.

For a full list of appearances and more information on Night Train, please visit www.jasonaldean.com.

2013 Night Train Tour stops:
Austin, TX
Biloxi, MS
Bossier City, LA
Charleston, WV
Columbia, MO
Duluth, MN
Evansville, IN
Grand Forks, ND
Greenville, SC
Greensboro, NC
Houston, TX
Knoxville, TN
Lafayette, LA
Las Cruces, NM
Little Rock, AR
Louisville, KY
Lubbock, TX
Madison, WI
N. Charleston, SC
Omaha, NE
Tulsa, OK
Uncasville, CT
Wichita, KS

“American Songwriter” Reveals Lyric Contest Judges, Prize Co-Write

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American Songwriter magazine has announced the judges and Grand Prize for its 27th annual Amateur Lyric Contest, sponsored by Gibson Guitars and Shure Microphones. Winners are chosen bi-monthly and one winner will be awarded a Nashville co-writing meeting and demo recording.

Included on the judging panel are Scott Billington (Rounder Records), Tom DeSavia (Songs Music Publishing), Tim Hunze (Parallel Music), Ali Tamposi (songwriter), Carter Little (35Sound), Dave Barnes (songwriter), Caine O’Rear (American Songwriter), Marshall Altman (Producer/Songwriter), Lee Dannay (Warner-Chappell Music), John Ritchie (American Songspace), Sue Drew (ASCAP), Jocelyn Harms (SESAC) and Bradley Collins (BMI).

Additionally, the Grand Prize “Dream Co-Writer” for the 2013 winner will be songwriter and Curb Records artist Lee Brice, who has scored numerous hits both as an artist (“Hard to Love”) and as a songwriter (“Crazy Girl”). The contest winner and Brice will be paired up in early 2014 for a writing session.

“It’s an honor to be featured in a magazine that celebrates the craft of songwriting,” said Brice. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill but I am definitely looking forward to sitting down with an aspiring songwriter. Songs are the foundation of country music – of all music – and writing is one of my favorite parts of the creative process.”

More information on the contest here.

Election Day Links

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NYT chart shows paths to the White House.

Here are some cool election day tools. The New York Times has an interactive chart that shows 512 paths to the White House, based on electoral college wins. According to the site, Obama has 431 ways to win, Romney has 76 ways to win, and there are five paths to a tie.

CNN and Google partnered to create Campaign Explorer which breaks down the candidates ad spending, travel, and fundraising by state. The site’s stats about Tennessee:

Fundraising: Obama raised about $2.5 million, and Romney raised about $5.8 million. Davidson is listed as the most generous county.

Travel: Obama hasn’t visited Tennessee and Romney visited Franklin in June.

Ad Buys: Obama spent $1.66 million and Romney spent $666,350.

2012 “CMT Artists of the Year” Hosts Announced

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Rascal Flatts and Hayden Panettiere will host the third annual CMT Artists of the Year honors, set to premiere on the network Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11:00 pm, ET/PT.

The 90-minute special honors Country’s top acts with performances and special appearances from others in entertainment. This year marks the first time the list of honorees will be kept secret until the broadcast.

“Nashville is my second home now,” says Panettiere. “I am so happy to be embraced by the country community and to be included in such a big event, especially with Rascal Flatts. I can’t wait to see how the evening unfolds!”

Previous CMT Artists of the Year include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Zac Brown Band.

The program’s executive producers are R.A.Clark, John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux.

Football Snapshots (11/6/12)

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper joined Phil Vassar and his band for some pre-game music on the Tennessee Titans Party Stage at LP Field when the Titans played the Chicago Bears. Fans were treated to classics like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “Knock On Wood,” “In the Midnight Hour,” and more.

(L-R): Vassar band members Steve Cook and Andy Sheridan; Cropper; Vassar; and Vassar band members Jeff Smith and Brock West. Photo: Tommy Garris

• • • •

Country sibling trio High Valley recently performed its US debut single “Love You For A Long Time” during the pre-game concert at Heinz Stadium when the Pittsburgh Steelers took on the Washington Redskins.

(L-R): High Valley’s Curtis, Brad, and Bryan Rempel

45 RPM To Salute Connie Smith Tomorrow Night

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Monthly concert series 45rpm will salute Connie Smith during a special installment on Wed., Nov. 7. The event will be held at Douglas Corner at 7 p.m., there is a $5 cover. Surprise guests are expected.

Created by steel guitar player Mike Johnson, songwriter Jimmy Melton, and UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, 45rpm highlights the great artists, songs, songwriters and producers from the ’60s and ’70s such as Mel Street, Don Williams, Gary Stewart, Gene Watson and Tammy Wynette. The band is led by Johnson and Melton, and includes some of Nashville’s top studio musicians.

The event is usually held the last Wednesday of each month. Occasionally, 45rpm spotlights a specific person from the era. Past spotlight shows have honored Gene Watson, Leona Williams, Norro Wilson, Garth Fundis and Sonny Throckmorton.

Details on Facebook.

Reba Celebrates Return To Television

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Reba

Reba McEntire celebrated the premiere of her new ABC show Malibu Country this past Friday night (11/2) with staff at her Nashville Starstruck offices on Music Row.

The new comedy series ranked in the evening’s top slot, with 8.9 million viewers tuning in. The debut also helped to make ABC the evening’s number one network among adults 18-49.

Preceding the 8:30 pm ET/7:30 CT premiere, McEntire held an hour-long webchat to answer questions from fans and host phone calls from Malibu Country co-stars.

Included in promotions for Malibu Country is new music from McEntire called “The New Me,” written by Dave Stewart, McEntire, and her husband/manager Narvel Blackstock. The song is currently available from ABC on iTunes.

The morning of the CMA Awards (11/1), McEntire performed another new song from the show, called “Goodbye Looks Good On Me” as well as recent hits “Turn On The Radio” and “Consider Me Gone,” live from Nashville on Good Morning America.