The MLC Announces $2.5 Billion in Distributed Royalties At Fourth Annual Meeting

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) held its fourth annual membership meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 8). During the meeting, The MLC announced the re-selection of Oak Felder as a Songwriter Director for a second three-year term on the Class A Board of Directors along with the re-election of Publisher Representative Rell Lafargue and the newly elected Jason Rys as Publisher Director on the Class B Board of Directors. The organization also announced that the Class C Board of Directors would remain the same in 2025.

Alisa Coleman, Chair of The MLC Board of Directors, provided remarks on the organization’s progress over the past year, and the leadership team shared updates on key metrics. Since April 2021, the organization has enrolled over 47,000 members and completed all of its monthly royalty distributions on time. With over 42 million works in its public database, The MLC has achieved match rates of over 90 percent and totaled royalty distributions of nearly $2.5 billion.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we have received from our Members and industry partners,” says The MLC’s CEO, Kris Ahrend. “It is because of their support and partnership that we have been able to fulfill our mission so effectively and achieve these milestones. We remain committed to providing world-class service that empowers our Members, enhances transparency, drives innovation, and transforms the way rights are administered in the music industry. We look forward to continuing our work in the coming year to fulfill our mission of ensuring songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the United States accurately and on time.”

Additional metrics provided at the meeting include The MLC’s development and enhancement of its growing suite of tools, such as the newly released Overclaims Tool, which allows Members to register works, claim shares of previously registered works, and submit proposed matches for unmatched usage. The MLC has also made significant outreach and educational efforts, hosting over 350 in-person events to engage and educate the rightsholder community.

Julian Bunetta Signs With Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Katie Welle, Julian Bunetta and Damon Bunetta. Photo: David OD

Multi-genre songwriter and producer Julian Bunetta has signed a global publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing.

With an expansive body of work that has exceeded 30 billion streams, Bunetta has achieved acclaim as a key collaborator with top talent including Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, One Direction, Niall Horan, Rudimental and many others.

Bunetta’s recent success includes co-writing and co-producing Carpenter’s top 40 No. 1 hit “Espresso,” which also topped Billboard’s Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts; and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” which became chart-toppers on top 40 and on the Billboard Hot 100, while also securing No. 1 spots on several airplay rankings including Pop, Adult Pop and Adult R&B.

Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Publishing, shares, “Julian and I have crossed paths many times since the beginning of his career, and it has been incredible to see all that he has accomplished. His continued success speaks volumes about his talent and integrity, and we are honored to be on this journey with him.”

“Julian is an exceptional talent who continues to up his game. His authenticity shines through in everything he works on, and he brings the best out of everyone,” adds Sony Music Publishing’s SVP of Creative Katie Welle. “We are excited to join forces with Julian and his team, and we look forward to further extending his success together.”

“I’m excited to be working with the Sony team. I’ve known Katie and Jon nearly my whole career and they’ve always been incredibly supportive of my songwriting,” Bunetta says.

Throughout his career, Bunetta has created iconic hits including One Direction’s “Story of My Life” and “Drag Me Down,” Niall Horan’s “Slow Hands,” Rudimental’s “These Days,” Rhett’s “Look What God Gave Her.” He contributed across Rhett’s 2017 Grammy-nominated album Life Changes, as well as his most recent album About A Woman.

Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Ella Langley To Perform At American Rodeo Championship

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Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green and Ella Langley are set to perform at the 12th Annual American Rodeo Championship Weekend on April 11-12 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Teton Ridge’s American Rodeo Championship Weekend merges high-stakes rodeo action with performances from music stars. Fans can cheer on both rodeo’s reigning champions as well as underdog contenders who are chasing life-changing payouts. In 2024, a record-breaking $4.6 million was awarded to athletes, cementing The American Rodeo as one of the most lucrative events in western sports.

Two-day packages and Infield Party Passes go on sale today (Oct. 11). Single-day tickets will go on sale in January.

“The American Rodeo is where the grit of Western sports meets the energy of live music, and this year’s lineup is going to be truly special,” says Deirdre Lester, CEO of Teton Ridge. “Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green and Ella Langley represent the best of modern country, and we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit of authenticity and excitement to the heart of rodeo. Our goal is to create a weekend that’s unforgettable for fans, athletes, and music lovers alike, continuing to push the boundaries of what this event can be.”

Morgan Wallen Stays Atop MusicRow Radio Chart

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Morgan Wallen stays atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Lies Lies Lies.”

The track is part of his Abbey Road Sessions, released in celebration of his third studio album One Thing At A Time, and was written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross and Chris Tompkins.

Wallen was recently presented with a seven times-Platinum plaque for One Thing At A Time. Since its release, it has yielded seven No. 1 hits and stayed atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks—the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album in history—and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify.

“Lies Lies Lies” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

George Pippen Recalls ‘Magnolia Nights’ On Debut EP

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Photo: Jon Taylor Sweet

George Pippen has released his debut EP Magnolia Nights today (Oct. 11) via Virgin Music Group.

The six-song project serves as a compelling introduction to the Indiana native’s heartfelt and cinematic version of country-rock. Among the tracks featured on the EP are “Speedin’,” which Pippen originally released in August. The track landed on Apple Music’s New In Country and Spotify’s All New Country playlists upon release, making fans excited for more.

The track listing also includes “Indiana Knows My Name,” which has accumulated nearly 400,000 views on TikTok. Pippen also shares his journey on the project with two tracks, the first being a nod to the simple life with “Silence In The Suburbs,” and “I-65,” which was the first song Pippen wrote after moving to Nashville.

Before becoming an artist, Pippen worked as a tour manager and traveled all over North America and Europe while working for a plethora of artists in various genres. After getting some encouragement from his music industry friends, Pippen began exploring his own musical side and vocal talents, unveiling a passion for songwriting. Soon after, he moved from Los Angeles to Nashville to hone his craft.

He creates his songs with fiery spirit and full-hearted emotion, drawing from one of his main influences Tom Petty, while encompassing the sounds of classic country and modern-day indie-folk. Pippen is set to release his debut album in early 2025.

Pippen will celebrate the release of Magnolia Nights throughout the rest of the year on the road, with support slots slated with Megan Moroney and David Kushner on select dates.

Magnolia Nights Track Listing:
1. “I-65” (Aaron Chafin, George Pippen, Hank Compton)
2. “Midnight Magnolia Drawl” (Christian French, George Pippen, Warren Russell)
3. “Where I’ll Be” (Christian French, George Pippen, Warren Russell)
4. “Indiana Knows My Name” (Christian French, George Pippen, Robert D’Andrea)
5. “Silence In The Suburbs” (Christian French, George Pippen, Mike Robinson)
6. “Speedin'” (Christian French, George Pippen, Robert D’Andrea, Warren Russell)

Music Industry Veteran Marty Gamblin Passes

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Marty Gamblin. Photo: Courtesy of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center (The MAX)

Beloved music industry executive Marty Gamblin passed away on Wednesday (Oct. 9). He was 80.

Gamblin spent more than 40 years in the music business, during which time he worked closely with famed songwriter/performer Jim Weatherly and Glen Campbell’s publishing firm, where he influenced the career of Alan Jackson and more.

A native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Gamblin started his career in high school and junior college booking R&B groups at local venues. He attended Mississippi State University and left to work as as a tour manager, promoter and booking agent at Vivace Music, where Weatherly was a client.

Gamblin moved to Nashville in the late ’70s to open Weatherly’s publishing company, Rip Keca Music. Artists including Ray Price, Charley Pride, Bob Luman and many more recorded Weatherly’s songs during Gamblin’s tenure, but his biggest hit came with Gladys Knight & the Pips’ recording of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The tune hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the 1974 Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus.

Gamblin became the President of Glen Campbell Music Group in 1982, where he would manage the careers of Alan Jackson, Bryan White, Dorothy Moore, Pearl River and Ruby Lovette. The company notched 16 No. 1 hits in his 20-year tenure through his representation of their writers’ catalogs, including Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and “Chattahoochee,” Jimmy Webb’s Grammy-winning “Highwayman” Randy Travis’ “It’ Just a Matter of Time.”

Gamblin used his expertise to pay it forward. He was a member of the advisory board at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and served as a guest lecturer in the Recording Industry Management department at MTSU.

Gamblin returned to Mississippi in 2003 to work for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in 2006. He became the founding executive director of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center (The MAX), a museum that highlights the state’s contributions to art and entertainment, and transitioned to a consultant role for The MAX Hall of Fame/Walk of Fame in 2019.

Gamblin also served as a consultant for Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music. He was honored with a marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail in 2019.

He is survived by wife Cherie and sons Josh and Caleb.

A visitation will take place at 563 East Main Street in Philadelphia, Mississippi starting at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 13). A funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m.

Grand Ole Opry’s ‘Opry Live’ Now Reaches 53 Million

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Lainey Wilson and Wynonna Judd perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Live show has expanded its broadcast reach and is now available to more than 53 million households across the U.S.

The expanded reach of weekly performances from the Opry stage in Nashville on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox networks in markets including Indianapolis, Austin and Oklahoma City marks a significant milestone in the Opry’s mission to showcase country to a broader audience than ever before. With this increased availability, more fans than ever can witness the unforgettable performances, hear the stories behind the songs and feel the energy that only the Opry stage can deliver. The Opry has been seen by audiences in more than 70 countries worldwide, and in addition to its broadcast reach, it already reaches a wide audience via livestream where weekly streams see an average of 300,000 viewers.

“We’re dedicated to offering greater accessibility and creating a deeper connection between our audience and the artists who define country music,” says Dan Rogers, SVP & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “With Opry Live now reaching more homes, we’re continuing to build on the Opry’s legacy of uniting fans through the shared experience of live country music.”

Opry Live Schedule:
Oct. 12: Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
Oct. 19: Little Big Town 10th Anniversary Show ft. Little Big Town, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, The Castellows, Ashley Ray, Shelby Lynn
Oct. 26: Big & Rich, Don McClean, Gretchen Wilson
Nov. 2: Gabby Barrett, Ashley Cooke, Carrie Underwood
Nov. 9: Veterans Day Special ft. Justin Moore, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan
Nov. 16: The Judds Tribute ft. Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, Mandy Barnett, Emily West, Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson ft. Ella Langley, The Isaacs, O.N.E. The Duo ft. Wendy Moten
Nov. 23: Cody Johnson, Ian Munsick, Drake Milligan
Nov. 30: Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, Carin Leon
Dec. 7: Forrest Gump 30th Anniversary ft. Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, Scotty McCreery, Jamey Johnson, Mandy Barnett, Madeline Edwards, Gary LeVox
Dec. 14: Opry Country Christmas: Scotty McCreery, The War And Treaty, Jon Pardi
Dec. 21: Lainey Wilson (Induction), Wynonna
Dec. 28: Tom Petty Tribute ft. Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Steve Earle

‘Christmas At Belmont’ To Stream Live On Amazon Music For The First Time

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Pictured (L–R): Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry and Dwan Hill

Belmont University’s annual “Christmas at Belmont” will stream live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video from the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, marking the concert tradition’s first appearance on a global streaming service, on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. CT. The event will also be available throughout the holiday season via video on demand.

This year’s show will feature over 600 student musicians and vocalists as well as performances by alumni Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry and Dwan Hill.

Since graduating with a corporate communications degree in 2019, rising artist Cooke has won a CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year and celebrated her first No. 1 hit, “Your Place.” After studying commercial music and graduating in 2012, singer-songwriter and composer Fry garnered attention for his approach to music production and has since earned a Grammy nomination for his orchestral version of “Eleanor Rigby,” collaborated with major symphony orchestras around the world and achieved success on platforms like TikTok. A 2008 music education graduate and 2013 master of music graduate, Multi-Grammy and GMA Dove Award winner and adjunct songwriting professor Hill recently established a partnership and funding from Belmont University’s Creative Arts Collective for Christian Life and Faith for his nonprofit organization, The Choir Room, which seeks to bring together a diverse mix of singers and musicians to exemplify a commitment to inclusive, community-driven music.

“This global showcase with Amazon Music is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students and faculty. It’s a moment of celebration for our entire community as we share the joy of music and the spirit of Christmas with people around the world,” says Belmont University President Greg Jones. “As viewers tune in from across the globe, they’ll see our students and alumni applying years of rigorous training and collaborative creativity in real-time, illustrating why Belmont, located in the heart of Nashville, is a premier destination for aspiring artists and musicians.”

Peachtree Entertainment Expands Team

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Holly Doscher & Justin Andrews

Peachtree Entertainment has made several key hires and strategic developments to account for its growth.

Among the newest additions are Holly Doscher and Justin Andrews, who join Peachtree’s leadership team. The company has also introduced a new territory system, expanding its regional presence with the appointment of Chris Drizen, Thomas Trainer and Charlsie Grace to oversee key markets.

Doscher joins the team as SVP of of Marketing, bringing over a decade of experience leading high-impact marketing campaigns for established live entertainment brands like Danny Wimmer Presents and Live Nation.

Andrews has been appointed to VP of Ticketing & Revenue. He comes to the company with 10 years of experience in ticket sales and revenue optimization, most recently working with Danny Wimmer Presents. His experience also includes key roles with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Live Nation.

In the new territory system, Drizen will cover the West Coast region, bringing with him a decade of experience from Madison Entertainment, where he was instrumental in driving event success on the West Coast. Trainer, a long-time member of the Peachtree team, will now manage the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic territories, including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Grace will oversee Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa.

In accordance with Peachtree’s expansion, they will open a new office in the T3 Finery Building in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood in January 2025.

“We are thrilled to welcome Holly, Justin, Chris, Thomas and Charlsie to the Peachtree family. Each of these individuals brings unique expertise and a passion for live entertainment that will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence across key markets,” shares Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment. “With these strategic hires and our new office in Wedgewood, we are positioning Peachtree for our next phase of growth and success.”

Shane Quick, President of Touring for Peachtree Entertainment, adds, “Peachtree is at a pivotal moment, and having this caliber of talent on board sets us up to deliver even more exceptional live experiences. I’m excited to see the impact these new team members will make as we continue to innovate and elevate our offerings in the touring space.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church Benefit Track Is A ‘Moving, Spiritual, Uplifting Recording’

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Eric Church. Photo: Robby Klein

The Disc of the Day competition is intense today.

There are at least six contenders—Tyler Hubbard, Zach Top, Steve Earle, Kane Brown, the Madeline Merlo & Dustin Lynch collab and the winner, Eric Church. He’s already the most awarded artist in this column’s history, but with this new soul sound and the generosity of his spirit, he’s undeniable.

Give a DISCovery Award to Annie Bosko for her sterling work alongside the mighty Joe Nichols.

DASHA / “Bye Bye Bye”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Bardo William Novotny/Cole Hutzler/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producers: Bardo, Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance princess has equalled the Platinum-selling “Austin” with this latest ear worm. It’s a kiss-off tune with a ridiculously catchy hook plus a feisty video that features her dragging the ex, feet-first, behind her John Deere tractor. Love her bopping charms.

ERIC CHURCH / “Darkest Hour”
Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– The Chief has stepped up to the plate to extend a helping hand to the devastated victims of Hurricane Helene in his home state. He is donating his songwriting royalties from this moving, spiritual, uplifting recording of falsetto blue-eyed soul to provide aid today and forever to his fellow North Carolinians. The social responsibility is as admirable as the beautiful song is. Applause, applause.

MADELINE MERLO & DUSTIN LYNCH / “Broken Heart Thing”
Writers: James McNair/Lalo Guzman/Madeline Merlo/Michael Tyler/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The two-time CCMA winner and 2024 CMT Next Woman of Country honoree unfurls a radiant, powerful delivery of this ultra melodic heartache tune. She’s simply sensational. Lynch offers vocal support and his own verse, but this is her show all the way. Absolutely play this. Merlo will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on the 16th.

STEVE EARLE / “Sister Angelina”
Writer: David Olney; Producer: Gwil Owen; Label: New West Records
– Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney is a tribute album that drops next week. Earle’s track from it is the advance listen. The Latin rhythms play beautifully against the dark-night-of-the-soul lyric. If you don’t know who Olney was, you need remedial Nashville-music education, because he is one of the greatest songwriters the city has ever produced. Just ask Lucinda Williams, the McCrary Sisters, Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Janis Ian and the rest of the stellar cast of this 17-track double album salute. “David Olney was the best of us,” says Earle. Amen, brother.

KANE BROWN / “Backseat Driver”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Zone 4
– He listens to his adorable daughter babbling about the passing scene from the backseat of his car. He wishes he had her wonder, her curiosity and her innocence. Warmth and love in every note. If you can’t get behind this, you’re made of stone.

ZACH TOP / “Beer For Breakfast”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Kevin Denney/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– The surprise CMA nominee this year is this indie-label traditionalist. He’s getting my vote, because there has not been a by-God COUNTRY singer this fine in ages. On top of that, his current single is a hillbilly hoot. Sign me up for this fan club. Oh, and give Lainey Wilson a rose for taking him out on tour with her. Make this man a star.

BRETT YOUNG / “Say Less”
Writers: Ben Caver/Brett Young/Justin Ebach; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always a romantic guy. This time, the swoon-y lyric is backed by some kick-butt percussion and ringing guitar work. Swirling energy—grab her hand and dance into the bedroom.

KIP MOORE / “Live Here To Work”
Writer: Kip Moore; Producers: Jaren Johnston, Kip Moore; Label: Virgin Music
– Moore tries on some rocking “outlaw” duds, and they fit just fine. Backbeats and guitar snarling abound. This is fire. Waylon would be pleased.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Heroes”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– Single moms, farmers, teachers, first responders, coaches and everyday citizens who make the world go ‘round. These are the real-life heroes, sings Hubbard. Written with insight and sung with conviction.

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO / “Better Than You”
Writers: Derek George/John Pierce; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Terrific listening. The charismatic Nichols takes charge from the opening notes while the production throbs subtly behind him. Then Bosko gets her turn, and she holds her own. Then she locks in a harmony vocal as they take the power ballad home. Goosebump-thrilling sounding.

THE COWARD BROTHERS / “Always”
Writers: Henry Coward/Howard Coward; Producers: Henry Coward, Howard Coward; Label: New West Records
– Ethereal and echoey, with whispery backing vocals and ghostly guitar. It’s more of a sonic slab than an actual country song. The imaginary “Coward” duo is comprised of Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett, and this is drawn from their 20-song soundtrack of their audio “biography.” Just so you know, Elvis is “Howard Coward” and T-Bone is “Henry Coward.”

CONOR CLEMMONS / “Growin’ To Do”
Writers: Conor Clemmons/Griffen Palmer/Will Hoge; Producer: Derek Drye; Label: 1929 Records
– Don’t be so much in a hurry to grow up. You only get to be young once. Clemmons sings with confidence, and the song is wonderfully written. The track is poorly mixed, with the electric guitars competing with his vocal to the point where you have to strain to catch the lyrics.