ASCAP Introduces Slate Of AI Initiatives For Creatives

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ASCAP is introducing a slate of AI initiatives to help music creators navigate the future while protecting their work. These newly announced initiatives include adoption of a set of key ASCAP AI principles, creator education, startup incubation and policy development.

“ASCAP has been adapting to disruption for more than 100 years. AI doesn’t scare us because we see technology as an opportunity to innovate for our songwriter, composer and music publisher members. The future is bright and we have our helmets on to fight the fight to protect the rights of music creators,” says ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews.

With the following AI initiatives, ASCAP plans to educate and inspire its members, champion music creator rights and help shape how new technologies are deployed and licensed across industry sectors.

In 2019, ASCAP launched the ASCAP Lab to drive innovation for its next century of growth. The multi-pronged effort is designed to explore how advanced technologies, new business approaches and creative collaboration can drive value for ASCAP music creator members and licensees. In each of the last three years, the ASCAP Lab has run an accelerator program in partnership with the NYC Media Lab, led by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, exploring new technologies such as the metaverse, augmented reality, spatial audio and computer vision, helping to incubate more than a dozen startups and university research projects.

The 2023 ASCAP Lab Music and AI Challenge is designed to identify creative, cutting-edge concepts at the intersection of music and artificial intelligence, enabling ASCAP to work closely with the tech community to help guide the development and application of this game-changing technology for the benefit of music creators. Five teams have been selected to receive grants and mentorship to develop and expand upon their emerging technologies during the 12-week challenge.

This year’s teams for the ASCAP Lab Music and AI Challenge include:

  • DAACI is a comprehensive AI system that composes, arranges, orchestrates and produces authentic, high-quality and original music with emotional and narrative awareness, especially for composers for video games, the metaverse, digital worlds and dynamic virtual experiences.
  • Infinite Album uses AI to generate continuous copyright-safe video game music that can react to game play in real time and can be customized by gamers and viewers in collaborative, interactive and monetizable ways.
  • Overture Games builds video games for beginner musicians designed to make practicing more fun and reduce burnout/quitting by using AI-based pitch detection to provide responsive visual feedback based on the musician’s playing.
  • Samplifi combines classical digital signal processing techniques with the latest advances in AI to isolate and enhance the auditory information needed to harmonically orient oneself within a piece of music, making the sonic world easier to navigate for hearing-impaired musicians.
  • Sounds.Studio by Never Before Heard Sounds is a browser-based music production platform that leverages AI to make producing music faster and more accessible with assistive tools like stem splitting, vocal conversion, timbre transfer and automatic song alignment.

Throughout and after the 12-week challenge, the teams will share their stories, progress and innovations with ASCAP members, some of whom will be involved in the mentoring and beta-testing processes of the program.

In addition to the ASCAP Lab Music and AI Challenge, the PRO is also bringing back the ASCAP Experience, the company’s signature event created to inspire, educate and connect songwriters and composers.

This year, ASCAP will host a panel dedicated to AI in Los Angeles on June 21. “Intelligently Navigating Artificial Intelligence” brings together experts from the creative, tech and business fields for a state-of-the-union on AI in music. The session will educate ASCAP member attendees on the potential of AI to change how music is made and consumed, how ASCAP is addressing these evolving opportunities and challenges and how to make informed decisions about using AI tools while protecting one’s intellectual property. Panelists include Lucas Cantor, Composer, ASCAP member; Rachel Lyske, CEO of DAACI; and Nicholas Lehman, Chief Strategy & Digital Officer, ASCAP.

“As the only creator-first US PRO, ASCAP always places our members at the core of everything we do and listening to them informs our strategy,” says Nick Lehman. “Our members are telling us that they want ASCAP to help them navigate technology disruption, advocate for better regulation in AI and pursue compensation if their music is used in AI-generated content.”

Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley & Zanies To Present Comedy Show Benefitting The Store

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Country music superstar Brad Paisley, actress and best-selling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Zanies will hold “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” on Wednesday, July 5 at Zanies in Nashville.

The evening will include Grammy-nominated comedian and Nashville native Nate Bargatze and will feature a night of improv with Brad, Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon and Groundlings Alumni, an improvisation and sketch comedy group that is Hollywood’s foremost comedy training ground and a springboard for countless careers.

Proceeds from the event will go to The Store. Founded by Brad and Kimberly, The Store is a free, referral-based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope.

Tickets are available now through Zanie’s website.

The night of comedy will follow Brad’s headline concert, Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, in the heart of downtown Nashville. The event will present one of the country’s largest July 4th fireworks show synchronized to live music from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony, and will feature charitable partner The Store. This is the second time Brad has headlined the July 4 concert for the city.

Thomas Rhett’s ‘Angels’ Rises To The Top Of The MusicRow Chart

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Thomas Rhett tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Angels Don’t Always Have Wings.”

Previously titled “Angels,” the track first appeared on Rhett’s most recent album Where We Started and was written by Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jaten Dimsdale and Josh Thompson.

Rhett recently celebrated his last seven No. 1 hits, adding to 20 throughout his career. To commemorate 20 chart-topping tunes, Rhett is releasing a retrospective vinyl collection of the hit songs, which will release Sept. 29 via The Valory Music Co.

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

Triston Marez Signs With Erv Woolsey Co.

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Pictured (L-R): EWC’s Clint Woolsey and Erv Woolsey, Triston Marez, EWC’s Allen Mitchell

Texas artist Triston Marez has signed with Erv Woolsey Co. for management. The rising artist is gearing up for the release of his brand new six-song EP, produced by Jake Gear.

Marez first began playing guitar at age six, performing a Buck Owens song at his first grade talent show. His love of the genre grew from there, and he continued to craft his sound, infusing modern country with a timeless swagger. Marez released his self-titled album in 2021, collaborating with Ronnie Dunn on the track “Where The Neon Lies.” Fans will get a first taste of Marez’ upcoming latest project with the Jon Pardi-penned “Too Soon For Goodbye,” out now.

L.A.-based Cinq Music Group and Boom Music Group in Nashville will release Marez’s new music through a marketing and distribution partnership to further amplify the 60-million plus global streams the Houston native has already amassed independently.

“Triston puts in the hard work it takes in this business, from the grind of playing the honky tonks on Broadway when he first arrived in Nashville at 17 years old, to burning up the highways across the country touring the last few years,” shares Woolsey. “It’s his time to shine and I’m excited for his future!”

“Being a part of a team as notable as the Erv Woolsey Co. is truly an honor,” says Marez. “I can’t thank them enough for believing in my music and the vision. I feel extremely blessed to be able to work alongside the team. To announce that I have signed with The Erv Woolsey Co. for management, along with releasing new music and partnering with Cinq Music Group and Boom Music Group, is truly amazing and a blessing.”

ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Announce OnRamp Program’s Inaugural Class

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The Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) have announced the 20 members that will make up the inaugural class of their OnRamp program, a guaranteed income program for young Black members of the Nashville music community.

The OnRamp program aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other resources to increase personal growth and industry exposure, including exclusive ACM membership panels and tentpole live events as well as visibility with the ACM Board and other industry leaders.

Half of this year’s class are artists and the other half consists of industry members ranging from attorneys and audio engineers to publicists and business managers. These rising musicians and industry professionals were all carefully selected from a robust pool of applicants. The inaugural class will be celebrated at a launch event at the Academy’s Music City headquarters, surrounded by ACM and BMAC leadership, Board members and industry supporters.

OnRamp programming officially begins shortly after the launch event. The first installment of the program’s monthly stipend will be delivered to participants’ accounts following the celebration. Upcoming programming for participants includes a celebratory mixer, regular team mentorship sessions and intensive quarterly workshops, focusing on critical industry areas such as artist development and production.

“Getting on that Zoom call with the 20 participants selected as the inaugural class of the BMAC x ACM OnRamp program was a powerful moment for me. So often we just talk about the issues, debate the problems and ideate around solutions, but that often doesn’t translate into direct action. BMAC issued a call-to-action to Music Row last June, and in less than 12 months, BMAC and the ACM developed and provided seed funding for a program that will begin to create true access and provide resources to young Black aspiring artists and professionals,” says BMAC Co-Founder & Co-Chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. “We are celebrating the third anniversary of The Show Must Be Paused by pressing play on a guaranteed income and mentorship program that will begin to level the playing field for the next generation of Black creatives.”

“I’m thrilled to be officially kicking off our OnRamp program, in partnership with the team at BMAC, and so excited to formally welcome these exceptional young professionals to our inaugural class, on behalf of the Academy Board of Directors and Officers, our DEI Task Force, our membership, and our staff. I’ve been eagerly looking forward to this moment for many months now, since we started envisioning and developing this program with our LEVel Up Rising Leaders cohort, and I’m particularly proud of the Academy for continuing our commitment and taking another impactful step, on behalf of our industry and Nashville community, towards making country music a welcoming and rewarding place for everyone,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside.

OnRamp Inaugural Class:
Erica Baker, Attorney
Jasmine Bavaro, Management & Audio Engineer
Tylar Bryant, Artist
Tatyana Carter, Artist Manager
Carmen Dianne, Artist
Larysa Jaye, Artist
The Kentucky Gentlemen, Artist
Chasidy Lauderdale, Business Management
Cameron Leavy-Thorn, Music Business Student
Tae Lewis, Artist
Roz Malone, Musician
Daisha McBride, Artist
Kim Ortiz, Music Licensing
Nina Teapot Owens, Creative Consultant
Qualls, Artist
Nick Tabron, Artist
Kendall Warner, Artist
Dede Neahn West, Public Relations
Julie Williams, Artist
Amari Young, A&R

NMPA Honors Ashley Gorley & Brandi Carlile, Announces Twitter Lawsuit

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Pictured (L-R): NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, Ashley Gorley, Luke Bryan

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) hosted its annual meeting at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Wednesday (June 14).

The event honored Brandi Carlile with the 2023 NMPA Songwriter Icon award. Ten-time Grammy nominee Brandy Clark performed “You and Me On The Rock” in a surprise tribute to Carlile, who recently produced her critically acclaimed album, and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Allison Russell performed Carlile’s hit “This Time Tomorrow.”

Carlile, a nine-time Grammy winner, performed “The Mother” and shared some words about songwriting.

“Every once in a while I’ll know that its time for me to end my constant struggle with internal feelings of aloneness, and I write songs again,” she said. “It’s not really a song for me until I’ve shared it. I write a song and then I’m that girl that’s going to call you immediately on the phone and sing it to you… I get so much songwriting inspiration from the uniqueness of other writers who write in community.”

Pictured (L-R): NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, Brandi Carlile

Ashley Gorley was also honored by the NMPA, receiving the Non-Performing Songwriter Icon award. Gorley has celebrated a whopping 67 No. 1 hits, is the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade and recently took home the ACM’s Songwriter of the Year award.

Luke Bryan honored Gorley with a performance of “What Makes You Country” and “Play it Again.”

When accepting, Gorley said “I want to say thank you to all the artists throughout the years like Luke who’ve trusted me along the way and my songs, and my instincts, or whatever it is that caused them to put their trust in me and let me be a part of the stories they were telling, that’s really special.”

Additionally, RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier was awarded the NMPA Industry Legacy Award and Senator Dick Durbin was given the NMPA President’s Award.

During the event’s State of the Industry address, NMPA EVP & General Counsel Danielle Aguirre unveiled a new lawsuit against Twitter for alleged infringement of publishers’ songs on its platform and failure to license. The complaint seeks over $250 million in damages for hundreds of thousands of noticed infringements of approximately 1,700 works.

The event also unveiled new analysis including the size of the U.S. publishing industry. NMPA President & CEO David Israelite announced that the 2022 total revenue came to $5,605,824,140—a 19.25 percent increase over 2021. Additionally, the revenue breakdown was divided out to 48.29 percent from performance royalties, 26.07 percent from sync, 20.27 percent from mechanical royalties and 5.37 percent from miscellaneous sources.

Israelite also touted streaming revenue increases. Stemming from the CRB IV settlement which went into effect in January, growing subscribers and increased prices from some platforms, NMPA reports a 27 percent revenue uplift overall from January 2022 to January 2023. Israelite noted the true increase is likely much larger since digital services still owe songwriters and publishers repayment at increased CRB III rates, which were upheld on appeal.

The meeting also included a surprise tribute to acclaimed songwriter Liz Rose, who yesterday exited the NMPA Board after fulfilling her four-year term. The tribute was performed by Nashville singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen. Israelite announced that four-time Grammy nominee and CMA, ACM and BMI Song of the Year winner Laura Veltz had been elected to her seat for the next term.

Legendary manager and tech entrepreneur Guy Oseary was also featured in a keynote conversation discussing the implications of AI on the music industry.

Hard Working Record Company Signs Flagship Artist Dylan Matthew

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Hard 8 Working Group’s Michael Duda, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Hard Working Record Company’s LJ Stoll, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Hard 8 Working Group’s Dirk Hemsath and Aimee Beren; (L-R, front row): Dylan Matthew, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Hard 8 Working Group’s Rich Egan. Photo: Nick Rau

Dylan Matthew has signed on as the flagship artist for Big Machine Label Group and Hard 8 Working Group’s The Hard Working Record Company.

An L.A.-based singer-songwriter, Matthew has gained over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 759,000 TikTok followers, has had multiple tracks in Billboard‘s Dance Top 50 and has worked on more than 40 projects. Matthew’s viral single, “Love Is Gone (Acoustic)” is certified Gold and has garnered over 650 million streams worldwide. His unique brand of indie pop has wowed sold-out crowds at Coachella, Lollapalooza and EDC Las Vegas, and he recently sold out his first-ever solo headline show at Avalon Hollywood.

“Dylan is exactly the kind of artist we wanted to kick off with for The Hard Working Record Company,” BMLG President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta explains. “He’s a mega-talented self-starter and a master of unique pop structure and melodies. We’re thrilled he chose us, and we look forward to the global attack.”

“Before we even finalized this label partnership with BMLG, we already knew we wanted Dylan to be part of it,” H8WG’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Dirk Hemsath, adds. “Dylan has already had some massive successes, but we knew that our team, alongside the BMLG team, would be the perfect fit to bring his new music out to the world. We’re so excited for what Dylan Matthew, The Hard Working Record Company, and BMLG will be doing together!”

“I met with a few different labels and spent a lot of time really ideating the different offers,” Matthew says. “It came down to certain points I felt were important to the growth of my career, the team that I would be working with, and the energy I got when meeting them. Big Machine and The Hard Working Record Company felt like the best fit for me.”

2023 Nashville Songwriter Awards To Honor Bobby Braddock, David Israelite & Tim McGraw

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Bobby Braddock, David Israelite, and Tim McGraw

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will hold its 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 26.

The evening, presented by City National Bank, will celebrate the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards, NSAI’s Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year. The Nashville Songwriter Awards will also honor Bobby Braddock, David Israelite and Tim McGraw.

NSAI’s highest honor—the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award—will be presented to Bobby Braddock. The legendary songwriter and producer has impacted music with works such as “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (George Jones), “I Wanna Talk About Me” (Toby Keith) and “Time Marches On” (Tracy Lawrence).

“Bobby Braddock is one of the greatest songwriters in any genre, in any era,” says Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “His legacy of iconic hit songs over many decades speaks for itself. We are honored to bestow him the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The NSAI Advocacy Award will be given to the much-deserving David Israelite, President & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association.

Herbison shares, “David Israelite is the architect of the Music Modernization Act and was the quarterback of recent Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) proceedings that will bring billions of dollars in new streaming revenue to songwriters over the next five years. Couple that with a myriad of other accomplishments including getting digital media platforms from Twitch to Peloton to compensate songwriters, we are proud to present him with the NSAI Advocacy Award.”

Tim McGraw will received the President’s Keystone Award. Personally selected by NSAI’s Board President, Steve Bogard, this award will honor of his significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters.

“Tim McGraw has been recording great songs by Nashville Songwriters for over three decades,” says Bogard. “On hit after hit, whether rocker or ballad, his artistry and moving performances brings our stories to life and take Nashville’s music across genres and platforms around the world.”

Information regarding tickets and scheduled performers will be announced at a later date.

Girls Of Nashville To Return To City Winery On June 20

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Girls of Nashville is returning with its seasonal writers round at City Winery Nashville on June 20, featuring Gretchen Peters, Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss.

With singer-songwriter Shelly Colvin serving as guest host, the full lineup for the evening includes Colvin, Peters, Berg, Bogguss as well as Girls of Nashville founders Heather Morgan and Mags Duval, and Joybeth Taylor, Leah Marie Mason and Emmi Elliott, accompanied by an all-female house band.

Founded in 2014, Girls of Nashville strives to share the female voices of Music City ever since co-founders Morgan, Duval and Caitlyn Smith realized there wasn’t an event that specifically highlighted the perspective and talent of female songwriters. Nine years later, the tradition stands strong. The show always focuses on giving back to the community, and this season’s event will be dedicated to Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Past performers include Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Maren Morris, Lainey Wilson, Danielle Bradbery and more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Gabby Barrett Has ‘Only Just Begun’ Making Hits

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Rockers and ballads share equal space in this edition of DISClaimer.

In the former category is Gabby Barrett, who earns a Disc of the Day with her toe tapper. But not without strong competition from Dierks Bentley and Brandy Clark.

In the ballad column, you’ll find our DISCovery Award winner, Ben Goldsmith. He’s joined by strong slow-song mavens Rebecca Lynn Howard and The War and Treaty. Play ‘em all.

JAKE OWEN / “On the Boat Again”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Devin Dawson/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Country’s resident Beach Boy heads back to the shore with this lively retooling of Willie’s “On the Road Again.” Boppy, goofy, summer-sunshine fun.

BRANDY CLARK / “Northwest”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label:Warner Records
– Clark sings of the majesty, beauty and space of her Pacific Northwest homeland on this punchy country rocker. Producer Carlile is also from that area, and maybe that’s why this has an extra touch of magic. There is simply no one in country music who is making music that is more consistently excellent than this awesome singer-songwriter.

LARRY FLEET / “Layaway”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Josh Miller/Mark Trussell; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– This blue-collar anthem depicts a hard-working man who struggles to make ends meet while finding solace with those who love him. The steel licks are as cool as his vocal drawl. A winner.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Something Real”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Luke Dick; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The deep bass rumble and chiming guitars frame a darkly dramatic vocal performance that yearns for authenticity and emotion in life. “I’m just looking for some truth,” he sings in a surprise, stark, blank passage amid the crashing, rocking track. Well done, son.

BEN GOLDSMITH / “Flowers in Your Hair”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Marshall Altman; Producer: Ben Goldsmith/Brad Jones; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Different and intriguing. He possesses a piercing tenor voice that conveys sincerity in every note. The arty, poetic ballad is accompanied by simple piano playing and a lovely string quartet. Send more.

VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)”
Writers: Ray Price/Mel Tillis/Wayne Walker; Producer: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin; Label: MCA Nashville
– Vince’s next collection, Sweet Memories, is a tribute to the music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. It’s a collaboration with steel-guitar great Paul Franklin, who answers the singer’s phrases with silvery instrumental passages. Price was the king of the country shuffle, so naturally this advance track is a dandy one. Country trends might come and go, but I will always love me some Vince Gill.

GABBY BARRETT / “Glory Days”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. Barrett heads to her home turf on Aug. 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue.

LEWIS BRICE & LEE BRICE / “Product Of”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Josh Gallagher/Taylor Goyette/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Ben Simonetti; Label: Digitally Sound Records
– This rousing, upbeat ode to small-town romance reflects the brothers’ South Carolina upbringing. It’s a terrific audio rush with an emotional core of honesty.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producers: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Pump House
– I remain an enormous fan of this lady. She remains one of country’s superior singers. Howard hits an emotional bullseye with this powerful ballad connecting her to her mother. “I look in the mirror expecting me/But her reflection is all I see.” Spine tingling stuff.

JELLY ROLL / “Need a Favor”
Writers: Jelly Roll/Rob Ragosta/Austin Nivarel/ Joe Ragosta; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Label: BBR
– “I only talk to God when I need a favor.” It has other lyrics, but those 10 words are repeated so often that it’s all you remember about the song. It and the ballad “She” have been on the market for a few months, but are now joined by the release of their parent album Whitsett Chapel.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Katie’s Song”
Writer: Robyn Ottolini; Producer: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Aleu Records
– Timed to Pride Month, Robyn’s lively new song celebrates her sister, “Sometimes girls and girls can fall in love….Katie’s got a girlfriend/Love is love, it is what it is/And they’re both happy as shit.” Alrighty then.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Dumb Luck”
Writer: Beau Bedford; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It seems like the label releases a new track by this titanically talented duo every week. Which is fine by me. In this case, it’s a performance video of a thrilling, to-God-the-glory power ballad. If your spirit needs a lift, play it now. Then shout, “Amen.”