Pandora’s Q3 Financials Show Paid Subscribers, Revenue Up

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Pandora’s third-quarter financials, ending Sept. 30, were released Monday (Nov. 5).

Q3 revenue was $417.6 million, a 16 percent growth year-over-year, with subscriptions now making up 30 percent of that. There are now 6.8 million Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium subscribers, up around 12 percent, year-over-year. Active users were down to 68.8 million at the end of the third quarter of 2018, and total listener hours were 4.81 billion for the third quarter of 2018.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year to reinvigorate Pandora,” said Roger Lynch, the company’s CEO. “A year ago, we committed to drive listener engagement through product innovation, expand our content, and increase distribution partnerships. We also prioritized making our ad tech capabilities a strategic advantage. And we executed. We launched new products like Premium Access, delivering on-demand functionality and improved listener engagement in our ad-supported tier; forged partnerships with leading brands such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Comcast, and Snap; and solidified our global leadership in digital audio advertising with the acquisition of AdsWizz and the launch of our programmatic audio marketplace.”

Continued Lynch, “Looking ahead, I couldn’t be more excited about Pandora joining forces with SiriusXM. A combined Pandora-SiriusXM will create the world’s largest audio entertainment company, bringing Pandora additional resources to accelerate growth and building on SiriusXM’s leadership in the car, subscription expertise, and unique content.”

Added CFO Naveen Chopra, “Our Q3 financial results, which exceeded both revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, showed meaningful improvement. Revenue growth accelerated, thanks to better monetization and a fast-growing subscription business; gross margins are expanding as evidenced by a 500 basis point sequential improvement in Q3; and we’re operating more efficiently: we recorded a 300 basis point reduction in operating expenses (excluding marketing and subscription commissions) as a percentage of revenue. All of this puts us on track to significantly improve cash flow and adjusted EBITDA next year and beyond.”

At the end of September it was announced SiriusXM will acquire the Oakland-based music service in an all-stock transaction, which was valued at approximately $3.5 billion and expected to be made official in Q1 of next year. Also beginning in 2019, a partnership with SoundCloud will enable advertisers and brands to purchase SoundCloud’s U.S. ad inventory directly through Pandora. This will increase Pandora’s U.S. ad audience reach to over 100 million users. Concurrently, SoundCloud entered into an agreement to use AdsWizz’s programmatic platform globally.

The year-over-year earnings comparisons do not include Australia and New Zealand, where the service was discontinued in July 2017, and Ticketfly, which was sold to Eventbrite in September 2017.

BMI Highlights Rising Writers As Part Of Next Big Wave Series

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI songwriter Rocky Block, BMI’s Nina Carter and BMI’s Mason Hunter gather for a photo at the Next Big Wave mixer.

On Monday (Nov. 5), BMI held the final 2018 installation of its Next Big Wave series sponsored by Pinnacle Bank. The mixer provided an opportunity for songwriters who had either recently signed or are about to sign their first publishing deal, to network and mingle with their peers. Several writers in attendance had previously attended a Next Big Wave session for unsigned writers or had participated in Belmont and BMI’s Catalog Cast.

BMI’s Leslie Roberts shared words of encouragement during the mixer, including highlighting several writers who had attended a Next Big Wave session in the past and will return to BMI next week as award winners at the BMI Country Awards.

Designed to forge personal relationships, foster professional connections and inspire growth and creativity within budding careers, each event in the series is specifically tailored to a different group of new arrivals. With three evenings dedicated respectively to songwriters without publishing deals, new music industry hires and songwriters who have recently secured their first publishing deal, attendees have the opportunity to mix, mingle and dine with their peers. BMI’s Creative team is on-hand for a unique opportunity to network and learn more about BMI’s role in their individual careers. The series allows Nashville’s rising talent to create lasting relationships with BMI and beyond for a stronger Music Row community.

Kane Brown Previews Sophomore Effort ‘Experiment,’ Out Nov. 9

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Kane Brown is prepping the release of his sophomore album, Experiment, on Nov. 9 via RCA Nashville. Sony Nashville held an album reveal party at Nashville’s The Bobby Hotel on Friday, Nov. 2 for industry insiders.

“I feel like with this album we were really trying to grow, and make the live show a lot better,” said Brown. “We were experimenting. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing [with] the first album. I didn’t really help [producer Dann Huff] out at all. I didn’t know Dann. I didn’t know what I was supposed to listen for. I got to this album and told Dann I wanted to be in the studio—give my input and be a lot more involved with it.”

What came from that was a special bond, Brown said. “There was one time where I told him he could do a better guitar solo on a song—he’s one of the best guitar players in the world. He sent me like eight solos within 30-minutes that were all No. 1 solos.”

Label Pres./CEO Randy Goodman took to the mic to describe the pressures Brown faced in recording a follow-up to his self-titled debut, which spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the country consumption chart, where is still top 5 after 100 weeks. “[Kane’s debut album was] an unvarnished look at [one] young African-American man growing up in the South,” said Goodman. “It’s that hard-straggle journey that’s brought him here today.

“If writing a sophomore album in a matter of months is not enough pressure, add to that an intense touring schedule—at a uniquely high level for a brand new artist—media attention, if not scrutiny, the highs of his first award to his inexplicable snub by the CMA membership, followed by his sweep of fan-voted AMA’s, and the unprecedented programatic commitments by the DSP’s—all of that paling in the light of his nuptials,” praised Goodman. “You might be willing to cut the 25-year old some slack if the pressure prompted a change in his attitude, or persona. I can attest Kane remains the even-keeled man of few words. I’m so proud of and for Kane.”

The party included gifts for attendees, including Sony’s XPERIA Ear Duo wireless headphones, for which Brown is a spokesperson.

Earlier last week, Apple Music hosted an exclusive show at 12th & Porter to record live performances, released with the streaming music provider. In addition, there’s a 15-minute behind-the-music video, which Apple Music produced for its service. Brown is the first country artist to partner with Apple Music for a partnership like this.

Before his first-ever sold-out headlining performance at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 7, Brown will appear on LIVE with Kelly & Ryan on Tuesday, November 6 ahead of a 6 p.m. iHeartCountry LIVE for a first look inside Experiment. Additionally Brown will appear on Pickler and Ben Nov. 8, The Voice on Nov. 13, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE Outdoor Stage on Nov. 14 and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 22.

Apple Music Presents Kane Brown Live in Nashville

Dolly Parton Offers New Song, “Girl In The Movies,” Plus Sia Collaboration As Instant Grat Tracks

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Fans who preorder The Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will receive Dolly Parton’s “Girl In The Movies” and her previously-released collaboration with Sia, “Here I Am” as instant grat tracks. The soundtrack, which features Parton on every song, releases Nov. 30, and “Dumplin’” will premiere in select theaters and on Netflix on Dec. 7.

Limited edition Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack merchandise bundle offerings are available as well, from The Girl In The Movies Tiara to t-shirts and coffee mugs, plus a limited run of Dolly autographed album covers.

Guests on the project include Sia, Elle King, Mavis Staples, Miranda Lambert, Willa Amai, Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, Macy Gray, and DOROTHY, as well as cameos by “Dumplin’” stars Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston. The song “Girl In The Movies,” has already garnered a nomination for Best Original Song from a Feature Film by the Hollywood Music In Media Awards.

DUMPLIN’ ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK Track Listing:
1. Here I Am (Dolly Parton & Sia)*
2. Holdin’ On To You (Dolly Parton & Elle King)*
3. Girl in the Movies**
4. Red Shoes**
5. Why (Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples)*
6. Dumb Blonde (Dolly Parton & Miranda Lambert)+
7. Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton & Willa Amai)^
8. Who**
9. Push & Pull (Jennifer Aniston & Danielle MacDonald)**
10. If We Don’t (Dolly Parton & Rhonda Vincent with Alison Krauss)**
11. Two Doors Down (Dolly Parton & Macy Gray with DOROTHY)*
12. Jolene (New String Version)

Songwriters:
*Dolly Parton
**Dolly Parton/Linda Perry
+Curly Putman
^Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil

Justin Moore To Kick Off 2019 With Shows In Northeast, Midwest

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Justin Moore

Justin Moore has announced some new dates for 2019 with special guests Cody Johnson, Eric Paslay and Riley Green at select dates. His Feb. 15-16 shows in Ohio and Pennsylvania will feature both Johnson and Paslay as openers.

Moore’s new single “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” was most added at country radio last week, and will be featured on his forthcoming new album due in 2019.

Justin Moore Tour Dates:
Fri., Jan. 25 / Bos Center / Springfield, IL*
Sat., Jan. 26 / Baxter Arena / Omaha, NE^
Thurs., Feb. 8 /Canton Civic Center / Canton, OH^
Sat., Feb. 9 / Wings Stadium / Kalamazoo, MI^
Thurs., Feb. 14 / Moheagan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza / Wiles Barre, PA+
Fri., Feb. 15 / Huntington Center / Toledo, OH**
Sat., Feb. 16 / 1st Summit Arena @ CCWMA / Johnstown, PA**
Fri., May 31 / Del Mar Fairgrounds / DelMar, CA

*Riley Green opening
^Cody Johnson opening
+Eric Paslay opening
**Cody Johnson and Eric Paslay opening

Industry Ink: Dillion Carmichael, Rumble On The Row, Leadership Music

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Dillon Carmichael Celebrates LP Release At Grand Ole Opry

Dillon Carmichael

Dillon Carmichael celebrated the release of his Dave Cobb-produced LP Hell On An Angel at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

 

2019’s Rumble On The Row Adds Two More Rounds

The Charley Foundation, the Nashville-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports area children’s charities, has announced two additional “Rumble on the Row” bouts scheduled for the 15th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids gala happening Friday, March 1 in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.

Country artist Andy Velo dukes it out with Brandon Perdue (A&R/Creative Director at Riser House Entertainment/Song Factory), and Jenny Sciullo (co-owner of Phivestarr Productions) will dance in the ring with entertainment attorney Farrah Usmani (Loeb & Loeb).

Previously announced “Rumble on the Row” bouts include Scott Gaines (APD/MD PM Drive at Kicks 101.5 Atlanta) vs. Chris Waters (Director of Promotion, Pearl Records), and Adam Davis (Content Director, Sony Music Nashville) vs. Alan Bullington (co-founder and CEO, MGC Sports).

Ringside: A Fight for Kids is an action-packed evening of gourmet dining, music, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with numerous one-of-a-kind items and boxing. This year’s gala theme will be “80s Prom.”

 

Leadership Music Virtual Food Drive Happening Now

For the sixth year, Leadership Music is organizing a Virtual Food Drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The program began Nov. 5 and continues through Friday, Nov. 16.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Nashville-based Leadership Music is a national nonprofit educational program for leaders in the entertainment industry. Through their donations to Second Harvest over the past five years, Leadership Music alumni and friends have supplied more than 328,000 meals for hungry children, families and seniors in Middle Tennessee.

“We appreciate our friends in the Leadership Music family, who always generously support our mission through their Virtual Food Drive,” says Jaynee Day, president and CEO of Second Harvest and a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2012. “Year after year, it continues to set the bar as our top Virtual Food Drive. Leadership Music has raised more than $80,000 in the past five years and we couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment in helping us fight hunger in Middle Tennessee.” For every dollar donated, Second Harvest can provide four meals.

Click here to donate.

Jordan Brooker Releases Self-Titled EP

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Jordan Brooker released his self-titled EP on Nov. 2. The project was recorded at Luke Wooten‘s Station West Studios in Nashville.

The Spencerville, Indiana native was discovered by Wooten on YouTube performing a cover of Dierks Bentley’s “Thinking of You.” After moving to Nashville, Brooker began working with Wooten, and earlier this year signed a publishing and artist development deal with Wooten’s Warehouse West Entertainment. 

Brooker has signed with Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy for business management, and Creative Artists Agency for booking.

Jordan Brooker Track Listing:
1) Find My Fire (Jordan Brooker, Dave Turnbull)
2) Over My Head (Jordan Brooker, Michael Hardy, CJ Solar)
3) Sounds Like You (Jordan Brooker, Ashley Brooker)
4) Dancin’ On the Boulevard (Jordan Brooker, Neil Medley, Jeff Middleton)
5) You Are (Jordan Brooker, Michael Hardy, CJ Solar)
6) Life In Your Days (Jordan Brooker, Dave Turnbull)

Ryan Hurd Reveals Series Of Club Performances For 2019

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RCA Records Nashville singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd will launch 2019 with a short series of club shows. Hurd hand-picked each of the venues on his upcoming four-date, full-band tour.

He will visit Los Angeles’ The Troubadour on Jan. 17, New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on Jan. 25, Chicago’s Joe’s On Weed St. on Feb. 23, and Nashville’s Exit/In on Feb. 28.

“These are my first American shows in over a year and they are in four of my favorite markets; and in absolutely iconic venues,” said Hurd. “We’ve built a lot of momentum this season with the release of ‘Diamonds or Twine’ and ‘To A T,’ it’s exciting to get to share all of it live with our fans.”

In addition to his own career as an artist, Hurd has co-written hits including “Lonely Tonight” (Blake Shelton), “You Look Good” (Lady Antebellum), and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” (Luke Bryan).

SMACKSongs writer Ryan Beaver will join the shows; Beaver has penned songs included on albums from Steve Moakler, HARDY, Ashley Monroe, and was nominated as AIMP’s Rising Independent Artist-Writer of the Year in 2017.

Bobby Bones Joins ‘American Idol’ As Official In-House Mentor

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Bobby Bones will join American Idol this season as the show’s in-house mentor, it was announced during Monday night’s (Nov. 5) telecast of Dancing With The Stars. Bones appeared on Idol last season, joining the top 24 hopefuls as they prepared to take the stage with their all-star celebrity duet partners. This season, his role has expanded and he will offer his expertise throughout the competition, helping contenders reach the next level of their artistry and performances.

With a nationally syndicated radio show The Bobby Bones Show reaching millions of listeners that recently garnered its third ACM Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, Bones also earned a 2017 CMA award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year. His popular podcast, “BobbyCast,” recently surpassed 100 episodes and has been downloaded more than 6 million times, and he is also a two-time New York Times No. 1 best-selling author, touring stand-up comedian, philanthropist and chart-topping comedy artist.

American Idol is returning to ABC for the 2018-2019 season, after its inaugural season on the network during 2017-2018 with all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

CMA Foundation Grant Program Invests $3.5 Million Toward Student Success In 2019

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The CMA Foundation announced today that it will invest $3.5 million in financial resources over the course of 2019 to support those working to create positive change in the lives of children through music, bringing total foundation contributions to over $25 million.
The CMA Foundation focuses on five areas of revitalization—youth development through music, in-school music education, professional development for teachers, capacity building and research. Since its inception in 2006, the CMA Foundation has continued their mission to ensure every child has access to a quality music education.
“National trends show us that students who study the arts—specifically music, are more likely to see postsecondary success, however, the research concludes most music education programs are still not properly supported through funding and resources,” said Tiffany Kerns, executive director, CMA Foundation. “Our mission is not just to provide funding for music programs, but to also provide resources and support that can be used to create models for success in establishing and sustaining thriving music education programs in communities across the country.”
In 2018, more than 350 artists performed for free at CMA Fest, allowing ticket proceeds to help fund grants distributed by the CMA Foundation. Those funds have helped enrich programs throughout national public school systems, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.

A full list of the CMA Foundation’s 2019 grantees can be found here.