SoundExchange Enlists AFTRA in Royalty Search

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The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), a national union of more than 70,000 performers, recording artists and broadcast journalists, and SoundExchange, a non-profit U.S. digital performance rights organization authorized to collect royalties for the digital performance of sound recordings, today announced a new joint initiative to identify and distribute SoundExchange royalties which are owed to AFTRA member recording artists.

Starting today (5/2) AFTRA will begin notifying more than 6,000 AFTRA recordings artists for whom SoundExchange has collected royalties from digital services that have streamed their recordings online. SoundExchange provided AFTRA with a list of artists who are members of the union, but who are not yet registered with SoundExchange. AFTRA will mail letters, send email notices and make direct person-to-person phone calls to all AFTRA member recording artists who are due royalties. As a union representing recording artists, AFTRA is in the unique position to have contact information for many recording artists, and was glad to be a part of the project.

“Increasingly, our world is evolving into the digital age,” said AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth. “This means more opportunities for AFTRA recording artists to share their creative contributions with a wider audience and more opportunities for our members to earn the income they need, such as the royalties collected by SoundExchange, to sustain their careers, support their families and continue enriching our culture and society through their gift of music. As AFTRA’s National Executive Director and as a board member of SoundExchange, I am very pleased to partner with SoundExchange to identify, to locate and pay AFTRA members their share of the tremendously profitable digital revolution.”

“SoundExchange is constantly reaching out to notify artists about their unclaimed royalties, yet it can be difficult to get them to register,” said SoundExchange Executive Director John Simson. “Many don’t know about the law that entitled them to these royalties, or believe it’s too good to be true. That’s why partners like AFTRA are essential: they understand the value of our work and have existing relationships with those artists who can most benefit from registering. AFTRA is a great resource to artists, and hearing about SoundExchange from such a trusted organization helps reassure artists that these royalties are both real and theirs.”

When sound recordings are played on satellite radio, Internet radio or digital cable services, SoundExchange collects a royalty on behalf of the recording artists and the copyright holder, as directed under U.S. Copyright Law. Since 2001, SoundExchange has collected and processed billions of spins and paid out more than $412 million in digital royalties, unfortunately thousands of music professionals are not yet registered and millions of dollars in royalties are currently unclaimed. AFTRA and SoundExchange have partnered to locate unregistered AFTRA recording artists and ensure the distribution of these payments.

AFTRA is represented by Hedgpeth on the SoundExchange Board of Directors which consists of equal representation between artists’ representatives and label representatives. Legendary recording artist and AFTRA member Martha Reeves also serves as a Board member, though not as a union representative.

Recording artists may register with SoundExchange, free of charge, to receive royalties. New registrants can claim any back royalties collected in their names and they will continue to be paid quarterly, every time they’re owed. For more information on registration, please visit www.soundexchange.com.S

DISClaimer Reviews (6/02/10)

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There is some solid stuff in this stack of platters.

Richie Fields, Sunny Sweeney and Kim Parent are all back, singing as superbly as ever. Newcomers Dianna Paul and Sherry Lynn prove that they are ready to run with the big dogs. From the folkier side of things are delightful discs by Ellis Paul and TV star Robert David Hall.

Our Disc of the Day comes from the good people at Broken Bow. It is “Real” by James Wesley. And hand a DisCovery Award to Dianna Paul. Both of these singles, by the way, are fine pieces of country songwriting. And that always goes a long way with this listener.

RICHIE FIELDS/Wichita
Writer: Dave Robbins/Tim Gates/Trey Robbins; Producer: J. Gary Smith; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Tim Bert/Songs of Platinum Pen/Slickhead/Jo Trey, BMI/ASCAP; Joint Journey (CDX) (410-442-4629)
—Dramatic sounding. The descending chords, chiming guitars and stately tempo set up a resonant, throaty baritone who can really deliver the goods. Everything I have heard by this man has been top notch. Surely one of you big labels could use a talent like this.

SUNNY SWEENEY/From a Table Away
Writer: Sunny Sweeney/Bob DiPiero/Karyn Rochelle; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Big Machine/Super 98/International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Words & Music/Clarity Tree/Sony-ATV/Love Monkey, BMI; Republic Nashville (CDX) ()
—I remain a fan. She is confidently country, and the steel-guitar soaked midtempo song is loaded with hooks and harmonies.

JAMES WESLEY/Real
Writer: Neal Coty/Jimmy Melton; Producer: Dan Frizsell & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Bug/Songs of Universal/Write Em Rite, BMI; BBR (CDX) (615-244-8800)
—Any song that begins with, “500 channels and there ain’t much on tonight” is fine with me. The gist of it is the comparison between his own experience and what he sees on “reality” TV. The struggle to survive, losing a job, foreclosure, death and flooding are what is “Real.” Superbly written and strongly sung.

KACEY JONES/It’s Gonna Take One Helluva Man
Writer: Kacey Jones/Benita Hill/Becky Hobbs; Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Gooby/Becca’s Mecca, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (CDX) (www.kaceyjones.com)
—Cute and clever, as usual. “It’s gonna take one helluva man to be better than no man at all.”

ELLIS PAUL & KRISTIAN BUSH/Annalee
Writer: Ellis Paul; Producer: Thad Beaty & Jason Collum; Publisher: none listed, SESAC; Black Wolf (CDX) ()
—This folkie, formerly on Rounder, has a bunch of Boston Music Awards on his shelf. Accompanied by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, he embarks on a more soaring, pop-country sound with this tuneful outing. The track builds in excitement throughout as Paul’s voice soars with power and intensity on succeeding high choruses.

DARRYL WORLEY/Keep the Change
Writer: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell/Jim “Moose” Brown; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown & Kevin “Swine” Grantt; Publisher: House of Sea Gayle/Antlered One/Pickwick Landing/Big Loud Bucks/Imokalee/Daphil, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious ()
—“I work half the year for me the other half for Uncle Sam.” No you don’t. The federal tax rate is lower than it has been since 1950. “America’s in trouble/If they don’t wise up and stop busting out the blocks that were laid as a foundation.” What, exactly, does that even mean? “Our nation could wind up in a pile of rubble” he asserts, without offering anything to back that statement up. In other words, stupidity set to music.

SHERRY LYNN/What a Day to Shake a Heartache
Writer: Sandy Ramos/Ronnie Kimball/Kalii Palmer; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Lawyer’s Wife/Kimbro, BMI/ASCAP; Stealheart (www.sherrylynnmusic.com)
—The track has a nice, rolling, rumbling quality to it. Her sprightly vocal rides atop the churning rhythm with aplomb. Listenable.

ROBERT DAVID HALL/Things They Don’t Teach You in School
Writer: Robert David Hall; Producer: Chris Wall; Publisher: Chenango, BMI; RDH (track) (www.robertdavidhallmusic.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s new CD is an acoustic-based gem with plenty of rippling guitar work, harmonica, brushed drums and upright bass. His plain-spoken vocal is just right for the lyric that praises the virtue of street smarts over book learnin.’ Hall portrayed coroner “Dr. Robbins” on the original CSI TV series. He has also had recurring roles on L.A. Law, The Practice and other shows and is active on radio and in voice-over work. In addition to this tune, check out his versions of producer Chris Wall’s “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” and of the country goldies “Sittin’ on Top of the World” and “Just Because.”

DIANNA PAUL/Maker’s Mark
Writer: Dianna Paul/John Paule/Daniel Steigerwald; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Willow Pond, BMI; Seacoast (www.diannapaul.com)
—It is a ballad. It starts out really slowly. But things perk up when she gets to the chorus hook. Drinking won’t ease your pain. “When it all goes dark/Look to your Maker’s mark.” Nicely written and sung with trembling emotion.

KIM PARENT/Don’t Tell a Soul
Writer: Getzov/Erlich; Producer: Harry Stinson; Publisher: none listed; KP (track) (www.kimparent.com)
—Drenched in sultry, sensuous, bluesy atmosphere. This is the title tune to Kim’s second collection, and it is a sound to get completely lost in. For a funkier groove, check out her equally sexy and swampy performance of “Puttin’ on the Dog.” Right now, she’s out backing Brooks & Dunn on their farewell tour. But you might also know Kim Parent as one of the vocalists on CMT’s The Singing Bee television series. She sings jingles for Wendy’s and has appeared on records by Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar, Reba, Aaron Tippin, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner and many others. The lady has the goods.

Swift and Pickler Set Musicfest Plans

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Two of country music’s biggest stars (and best buds) Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler have unveiled their ambitious game plans for the upcoming CMA Music Festival. Pickler will be visiting with fans and signing autographs at Opry Originals: The Shop on Broadway located at 300 Broadway on Thursday, June 10, from Noon-2:00 PM. 

The singer will immediately follow the singing with a 30-minute acoustic performance in the store. Opening at 8:00 AM, the store will distribute a limited number of autograph vouchers with the purchase of a Pickler CD or Pickler-branded prints and photos created exclusively for the signing at Opry Originals.

While Pickler’s signing event seems like a well planned crowd pleaser, superstar Swift’s autograph signing event is likely to be the highlight of the week for many a country fan. The multi-Platinum singer has announced that she will spend 13 hours meeting as many of her fans as possible. Swift will host Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 13th. 

The event will run from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Swift will kick off the festivities at 8:00 a.m. that day, and will meet as many fans as possible over the course of the 13-hour event. The event will include a short acoustic performance that afternoon shortly after 2:00 PM, and will also feature several different fan activities throughout the day. Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet is open to the public and admission is free.

“My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible,” Swift said. “Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Additional event details will be posted on www.taylorswift.com the week of the event.
This will be Swift’s only performance during the CMA Music Festival.

Sony Music Adds Katie McCartney

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Katie McCartney

Sony Music Nashville has announced the addition of Katie McCartney as Manager, Marketing & Artist Development for the Arista Nashville and RCA Nashville rosters. She arrives at the company following a two-year tenure with the Disney Music Group, most recently as Marketing Coordinator for Lyric Street Records.

McCartney reports to Associate Director, Marketing & Artist Development Laura McKinley and fills the vacancy created by McKinley’s recent promotion. McCartney is on the job now and can be reached at katie.mccartney@sonymusic.com.

Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods Help Flood Victims

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Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods have partnered to bring more than 2500 pounds of food to Nashville’s hungry, particularly those hard hit by the devastating floods May 1 and 2. While so many remain homeless and without the means to provide food for their families, the donation was a welcome sight to Second Harvest, the organization selected to receive the food, and distribute it to people in need.

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is extremely grateful for this wonderful donation from Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods,” said Jaynee K. Day, President and CEO of the organization. “Many people in Middle Tennessee have been affected by the recent flooding disaster – the Food Bank has already seen a drastic increase in requests for assistance.  This timely donation will provide hope while they rebuild their lives.”

Wayne, who has logged more than 1200 miles on his Meet Me Halfway walk halfway across America, was not in Nashville when the floodwaters hit his city. But his concern for those affected by the flood is great.

“It’s been really hard for me to be away from Nashville during this time,” Wayne said. “Hearing from friends who have suffered immeasurable loss is so difficult. And seeing people who are now homeless just breaks my heart. I was thrilled when I found out that Bryan Foods was ready to help out, and so grateful to them that they are working with me to bring some relief to my town.”

Wayne and Bryan Foods recently partnered for another event: the Ultimate Bryan Neighborhood Grill-Out contest. Wayne will perform at an upcoming backyard barbeque for the contest winner, their family and friends.

CMT Music Awards Adds Performers 


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The 2010 CMT Music Awards have announced the addition of Jamey Johnson, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and John Mayer to the performance line-up. Johnson will debut “Macon,” a Southern-rock infused song from his upcoming fall release, while Rimes will perform a fully-choreographed rendition of the John Anderson classic, “Swingin’,” from her forthcoming album Lady and Gentlemen.

Pop star Mayer will trade guitar licks with his CMT Crossroads partner Keith Urban on the unreleased single “Hit The Ground Running” from Urban’s Defying Gravity. These performances, along with every performance from the show, will be streamed live and available for viewing after the show on CMT.com. The 2010 CMT Music Awards premieres live on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM/CT on CMT.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the show will feature performances from country music’s biggest stars, including Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. Presenters will include celebrity cook Paula Deen, American Idol’s Kara Dioguardi, the NFL’s Terrell Owens, actress Hayden Panettiere, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson.

In addition, country superstars Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band are scheduled to present.
Fans can vote online at vote.CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners. The final nominees for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.

Desert Rose Band Reunites For Live Dates

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‘80s hitmakers The Desert Rose Band have reunited for a series of live performances, and LA Times contributor Randy Lewis, who attended the band’s recent show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, CA, reports that the band is sounding better than ever. Desert Rose leader Chris Hillman, a veteran of pioneering country rock bands like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, joined Desert Rose guitarists Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson, steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, bassist Bill Bryson and drummer Steve Duncan in reprising the band’s hits including “Ashes of Love,” “One Step Forward,” “Love Reunited,” “Price I Pay,” “She Don’t Love Nobody” and more. You can check out the complete LA Times story here.

(L-R) John Jorgenson, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen of the Desert Rose Band. Photo: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Bug Music Reportedly On The Block

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The New York Post is reporting today (6/2) that Bug Music, one of the world’s biggest independent music publishers, is being shopped by JPMorgan Chase, with an asking price of $300 million.

In the chase for the firm are several big record companies including Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, Sony/ATV Music and a joint venture with private equity powerhouse KKR and BMG.

The privately-owned indie publisher/administrator reps acts such as Kings of Leon and Kara DioGuardi. Bug claims to have shares in eight top 100 charting hits in the first quarter including the Kings of Leon hit, “Use Somebody,” and “Sex on Fire.” The company is number six in the Billboard top publishers chart.

At $300 million, Bug is looking for a higher multiple than other recent music company sales. That price would equate to 12 times net publisher’s share (NPS), or the equivalent of gross margin. Revenue is said to be $70 million.

Bug was established in Los Angeles in 1975 by entrepreneur Dan Bourgoise.

Chad Schultz Joins WMG Promotion Team

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Chad Schultz

Warner Music Nashville (WMN), the Nashville-based music operations of Warner Music Group, announced today Chad Schultz will join the newly created Warner Bros., Atlantic & Reprise (WAR) promotion team as National Director starting June 7. Schultz will report directly to Chris Palmer, the Vice President of Promotions.

Schultz began his career as Director of Marketing/Promotions for Insight Management out of Scottsdale, AZ. Following his time at Insight, he spent eight years with Mercury Records, where he eventually became Sr. Director of Promotion for the Southwest region. He went onto Sony BMG, where he spent three years as Director of Promotion for Epic and Columbia Records, managing the Southwest region.

The last four years, Schultz has worked on the technology side of the music business. Recently, he was the Director of Business Development and Client Services for the Silicon Valley based company Mozes, Inc, running the Nashville office after they acquired Hurricane Interactive Promotions. During his time at Mozes, he worked with clients such as EMI, Rock The Vote, Universal, Virgin Mobile, Warner Music Group  and many others.

Time Life To Release Rare Hank Sr. Recordings

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Time Life is scheduled to release the highly anticipated The Hank Williams Complete Mother’s Best Recordings….Plus!, on September 28. The 16-disc collector’s box set contains 72 complete 15-minute shows, featuring 143 performances by Hank Williams together with conversation, and much more. 

The recordings are from Williams’ Mother’s Best Flour shows, recorded at the pinnacle of his career in 1951. When Williams was planning to be out on tour, he pre-recorded his Mother’s Best shows, and 72 of them miraculously survived. Thinking the shows would only reach a small, mostly rural audience in mid-Tennessee, Hank was unguarded in both his conversation and choice of songs. Accordingly, we hear him perform many songs he never performed elsewhere, including some from his childhood. The original acetate recordings were painstakingly restored after they were salvaged from a trash can by a WSM employee and turned over to the Hank Williams estate. The sound quality of these exceptional radio shows is at least comparable to his studio recordings, and many critics have remarked that the “direct-to-disc” Mother’s Best recordings actually have more presence and clarity.

Hank Williams Complete Mother Best Recordings….Plus! is comprised of fifteen audio discs and a bonus DVD. The shows contain so many priceless moments, including Williams’ first-ever performances of “Cold, Cold Heart” and “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” just days after they were written, as well as many songs he never recorded elsewhere such as “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “On Top of Old Smoky.” On the DVD, two of Hank’s original band members reminisce about his brief, incendiary career. Sadly, both of them died shortly afterward. The project also contains a booklet with an introduction by Hank Williams, Jr. and over one-hundred pages on the history of Williams, written by respected music writer and Hank Williams historian, Colin Escott. This deluxe, limited box set is packaged in an antique working radio where the listener presses the radio dial and selections of Williams will play..

For additional information about the box set please visit, www.hankwilliamsmothersbest.com.