SoundExchange To Provide Monthly Payments

soundexchangeBeginning this month, SoundExchange will provide monthly royalties to artists, labels and rights owners signed up to receive electronic payments. Previously, SoundExchange sent royalty payments quarterly to its registrants.
“While SoundExchange was already a market-leader with quarterly distributions, moving to monthly payments takes our service to the next level,” SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe said. “By making performance royalties available sooner, we are making it easier for recording artists and record labels to focus on creating the music we all enjoy.”
Initially, monthly royalty payments will be sent to those signed up to receive electronic payments, and have royalties due of at least $250. Artists and labels that do not meet this minimum threshold will continue to be paid on a regular, quarterly schedule under the organization’s existing guidelines. After the initial roll out period, SoundExchange will re-evaluate eligibility qualifications for its monthly payment program.
SoundExchange administers the statutory license for more than 2,000 digital music services that rely on it for the use of sound recordings.

Country Stars Added To Grammy Line Up

Kacey Musgraves will perform at the Grammys on

Kacey Musgraves will perform at the Grammys on Jan. 26.


The latest performers for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards telecast include current nominees Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, John Legend, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr — who as members of The Beatles will receive the 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. Other special performances include Sara Bareilles with 2014 MusiCares® Person of the Year Carole King.
The Grammys will take place on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and be broadcast on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Musgraves and Swift have four nods each. Musgraves is nominated for Best New Artist, has two nominations in the Best Country Song category for “Mama’s Broken Heart” (along with Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally) and “Merry Go ‘Round” (along with McAnally and Josh Osborne), and is nominated for Best Country Album for Same Trailer Different Park.
Swift is up for Album Of The Year and Best Country Album for Red, Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Highway Don’t Care” (along with Tim McGraw and Urban), and Best Country Song for “Begin Again.”
Previously announced performers include Daft Punk with Nile Rodgers (of Chic), Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar with Imagine Dragons, Lorde,  Metallica and Lang Lang, Katy Perry, P!nk and Nate Ruess (of fun.), Robin Thicke and Chicago, and a special performance featuring Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, nominee Blake Shelton, and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson.

Industry Ink (1/14/14)

Gregory Riggle

Gregory Riggle


SESAC’s Gregory Riggle, VP of Industry Relations & Business Communications, has exited the company. Riggle’s new venture, Storycult, will launch in early 2014.
Storycult is a creative content developer linking creative industries directly to media and brands. Innovative rights management and licensing partnerships will allow both creator and client to monetize proprietary content.
For more information, visit storycult.com.

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Studio B Triple Threat11Catch This Music has opened Studio B, an intimate, state-of-the-art room designed to promote creativity. The inviting space has an isolation booth for vocal and instrumental overdubs, guitar-vocal demos, audio-book recordings, PSAs, and mixing.
CTM is located at 1008 17th Ave. S. For booking call 615-340-9000 or email info@catchthismusic.com.

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gordon-mote11featured

Gordon Mote


Singer, musician and songwriter Gordon Mote has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Jeff Roberts and Associates, and JRA Fine Arts, divisions of Jeff Roberts Corporation.
The JRA division includes Casting Crowns, Matthew West, the Newsboys and others in the CCM field. Within the Fine Arts division, which focuses on performing arts venues and symphonies, the company represents Sandi Patty, Jason Crabb, Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, Nicole C. Mullen, B.J. Thomas, among others.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible team at JRA Fine Arts,” Mote said. “Their vision is contagious and encouraging. My manager, Bob Rodgers, and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

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Pictured, Standing (L-R): Kevin Lane (BMG Chrysalis Creative Director); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Sara Johnson (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); John Allen (BMG Chrysalis Vice President); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); (Seated): Naia Kete

Pictured, Standing (L-R): Kevin Lane (BMG Chrysalis Creative Director); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Sara Johnson (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); John Allen (BMG Chrysalis Vice President); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); (Seated): Naia Kete


BMG Chrysalis has signed singer-songwriter Naia Kete. Kete is managed by Kimberly Knoller (The Knoller Group) and is booked by Dan Weiner (Paradigm Talent Agency). She divides her time between Nashville and Los Angeles and has collaborated with Linda Perry, Colbie Caillat, The Futuristics, Jason Reeves, Mikal Blue, Boots Oostead, Stephony Smith, Shelly Fairchild, Marshall Altman, Ben West, Trent Dabbs, and Liz Rose. Kete recently released her debut EP, Fire Breather.

Marcie Allen Appointed Board President of T.J. Martell Foundation

Marcie Allen

Marcie Allen


The T.J. Martell Foundation has appointed Marcie Allen, founder of MAC Presents, as board president, after Allen previously served as a board member. Jennifer Breithaupt, Citi’s SVP of entertainment marketing; Troy Carter, CEO and founder of the Atom Factory; and Marty Diamond, head of Paradigm Agency’s east coast music division, have been named as directors to the 2014 board. Tony Martell, Marcus Peterzell, Charlie Feldman, David Satler, Tom Corson and Kid Leo have been added as officers of the board.
John Huie, co-head of Creative Artists Agency in Nashville and David Corlew, president of Blue Hat Records, have been named as 2014 Advisory members.
The Board of Directors for 2014 includes Allen, Breithaupt, Carter, Bob Chiappardi, Corson, Derek Crownover, Diamond, Wendy Dio, Paul Donahue, Feldman, Dick Gary, Elsa Gary, Bruce Gearhart, Jody Gerson, Daniel Glass, Lisa Ryan Howard, Charlie Jones, Joel Katz, Rick Krim, Kid Leo, Paul LiCalsi, Avery Lipman, Monte Lipman, Dennis Lord, Debbie Martell, Tony Martell, Glenn Nordlinger, Melissa Ormond, Peterzell, Marc Reiter, Satler, Julie Swidler, Julie Talbott, Andy Tavel and Ron Wilcox.

Streamsound Music Group Appoints CEO/President

steve richardson11

Steve Richardson


Steve Richardson has been appointed CEO/President of the newly formed Streamsound Music Group. Richardson will oversee the Nashville-based entertainment group and its affiliated companies Streamsound Records and Red Vinyl Music. Streamsound Music Group principals are producer Byron Gallimore, Jim Wilkes and Tim McHugh. Richardson has already assumed the role and can be reached at srichardson@streamsound.com or 615-377-0495.
“I truly believe we have an incredibly talented team,” said Richardson. “Our producer needs no introduction, our promotion staff is second to none, and our support staff serves to no end. We are very excited about the future.”
Streamsound Music Group and the affiliated companies are located at 320 Southgate Court, Brentwood, TN 37027. The 11,500-square-foot facility includes songwriting rooms, staff offices, planned studio space, a performance hall for live events, and more. The office can be reached at 615-377-0495. Artists on the roster include Austin Webb, Dakota Bradley and Jaida Dreyer.
Red Vinyl Music is an independent music publishing company established in late 2010. The company represents songwriters Mark Irwin, Chris Janson, Dave & Julia Carlson of The Carlsons, Ben Daniel and Ed Hill, as well as Streamsound Records artists Bradley, Webb and Dreyer.

Bobby Karl Works The Grammy Nominees Party

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 444

Pictured: Little Big Town with Nashville Chapter President Jeff Balding and Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Christine Albert. Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured: Little Big Town with Nashville Chapter President Jeff Balding and Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Christine Albert. Photo: Ed Rode


This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy (NARAS), and the celebration began on Sunday evening (Jan. 12) at its annual Grammy Nominees Party.
“We’re here to celebrate our nominees,” said chapter board president Jeff Balding. “And the Nashville chapter was founded in 1964. This is our 50th anniversary, and we’re going to be celebrating all year long.”
So even before most of the nominees walked the red carpet, 10 of the 20 living former chapter presidents gathered for a celebratory group photo. In addition to Balding (2013-15), they included Harold Bradley (1964-66), Jim Black (1983-85), Ralph Murphy (1985-86), Jimmy Gilmer (1989-91), Katie Gillon (1994-96), Garth Fundis (1998-2000), Tony Brown (2000-02), Doug Howard (2004-06) and Dan Hill (2010-12).
Bradley, the first president, recalled that the chapter formed in response to the facts that the 1958 “Country” Grammy Award went to The Kingston Trio and the 1962 “Country” Grammy went to Burl Ives. Black noted that he was proud to be the board president the year that the chapter became financially viable. Gillon remains the only female board president to date. Fundis went from chapter prez to the national board presidency and spearheaded the organization’s transition into its current mode.
Expect to see more evidence of the “50 Years of Grammy Gold” anniversary commemoration at chapter events throughout the year.
Pictured (L-R): Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Christine Albert,GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductee B.J. Thomas, Recording Academy South Regional Director Susan Stewart and Nashville Chapter President Jeff Balding

Pictured (L-R): Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Christine Albert, GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductee B.J. Thomas, Recording Academy South Regional Director Susan Stewart and Nashville Chapter President Jeff Balding


The nominee party was held, once again, at The Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel. By the way, the public/lobby/bar/restaurant areas of this venue have been totally transformed. Go see.
Walking the red carpet were such new Grammy nominees as Lee Brice, Little Big Town, Tim O’Brien, Buddy Miller, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Guy Clark. B.J. Thomas, whose “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” is being inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame, was also there. Other RSVPs to the party invitation (please note: the word is “invitation;” the word “invite” is a verb, not a noun), included Matt Maher, TobyMac, Connie Harrington, Jason Roy of the CCM band Building 429, Ryan Stevenson, Jamie Moore, Chad Carlson and Justin Niebank.
In addition to being the first major Nashville music biz party of the year, it is also one of the very best. Loews really does a top job with its catering. Guests sampled beef sliders with pimento cheese, pickled fried chicken biscuits with cider apple preserves, white bean hummus on corn bread, duck tater tots with peach ketchup, shrimp and grit cakes, pulled pork in red potato skins and veggies with sundried tomato ranch dip, plus spicy meats and cheeses.
Mingling among the party’s giant gold Grammy statuettes were Mark Collie, Eddie DeGarmo and Sandy Knox. I congratulated Nashville TV star Jonathan Jackson (“Avery”) on landing a Country recording contract. He said he hasn’t chosen a producer yet. His TV co-star Charles “Chip” Esten (“Deacon”) was also amiably socializing. Both of them are super-nice, by the way. And they love our fair city. Attendee Carolyn Corlew is about to tour as Ms. Senior America. The Charlie Daniels backup singer says she sang the Etta James hit “Tell Mama” as her talent to win her title.
grammy party 211

Pictured (L-R): Matt Maher, Jason Roy (Building 429), TobyMac, Ryan Stevenson and Jamie Moore

Music-biz fabulons working the room included Tim Fink, Earle Simmons, Pat Higdon, Charlie Monk, Karen Clark, Jeff Walker, Jed Hilly, Andrew Kintz and Erika Wollam-Nichols. The current Nashville NARAS board was well represented by CCM star Brandon Heath and singer-songwriter-producer Victoria Shaw, plus Scott Hendricks, Scott Robinson, Leslie Roberts, Leslie Fram, Fletcher Foster, Allen Brown, Lori Badgett, Ben Fowler, Steve Gibson, Pat McMakin, David Corlew, Rod Essig and Woody Bomar.

“Isn’t this a fun party?” asked NARAS regional director Susan Stewart. “We have so many genres [in this year’s Grammy nominations]. We are in 18 genres this year. It’s incredible. It’s always great to see the respect that the Grammy voters have for Nashville.”
She and Balding recognized national vice president Nancy Shapiro and MusiCares exec Debbie Carroll. The party was extra special because national board chair Christine Albert attended.
“I travel to chapters around the country,” she said. “Nashville is really near and dear to my heart. I love this city.” It turns out that this Texan is former Maypop staff songwriter. Who knew?
The event was well covered by media mavens. Hacks and flacks on the scene included Storme Warren, Jimmy Carter, Ronna Rubin, Tom Roland, Janet Bozeman, Hunter Kelly, Susan Niles, Doak Turner, George Walker IV, Ed Morris and MusicRow‘s fearless leader Sherod Robertson.

Signings & Hirings (1/13/14)

Wyatt Thomas

Wyatt Thomas


Sandbox Entertainment has added Wyatt Thomas as the new Manager of Digital Strategy and Initiatives. He will create content, implement, and analyze digital results for all of the acts on Sandbox’s roster, which includes Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Dan+Shay, and Blackberry Farm.
Thomas’ background in the digital world includes work for Warner Bros. Records (LA) and Sony Music Nashville. He also fronted the Nashville office for ground(ctrl), handling artist services and new business.
“I am very excited to have Wyatt join the Sandbox team. He has an amazing understanding of the digital world and will bring fresh, new ideas to the table. His passion and motivation for the music business will be a great addition and we look forward to an exciting future with him,” said Sandbox Entertainment’s President/CEO, Jason Owen.
Wyatt can be reached at wyatt@sandboxmgmt.com or 615-829-5218.

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Jacob Knight

Jacob Knight


Magic Mustang Music has hired Creative Assistant Jacob Knight.
Knight previously worked as executive assistant to Jake Kennedy at CAA in Nashville after graduating from the University of Georgia in May 2013.
“I’m more than excited to be a part of the family here. Magic Mustang and BBR Music Group have a great team that I’m very proud to be a part of,” says Knight. “I’m looking forward to what’s ahead!”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jacob Knight to the Magic Mustang family,” says Juli Newton-Griffith, Sr. Creative Director at Magic Mustang Music. “We are confident that with his dynamic vigor and zest for the industry, he will be an excellent asset to the team.”
Part of the BBR Music Group, Magic Mustang Music is an independent music publishing company based in Nashville, TN. Magic Mustang Music also represents songwriters Jason Aldean, Thompson Square, Steve Bogard, Sherrie Austin, Lindsay Ell, David Fanning, Rob Hatch, Kristy Lee Cook, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards, Rich Redmond, Justin Lantz, Jason Delkou, Justin Wilson and Westin Davis.
Knight can be reached at Jacob@magicmustang.com

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 marshall dane111MTS Management Group has announced the signing of Canadian Country music artist Marshall Dane to a publicity and promotions deal. MTS will handle publicity for the Ontario-based singer.
MTS will also oversee the US and international release and radio campaign for Marshall’s single, “Alcohol Abuse.” A Feb. 10, 2014 radio release is scheduled, with a spring US radio tour is currently in the works.

Industry Pics (1/13/14)

Nashville-based actor Todd Truley was in New York recently to attend the premiere of the Robert DeNiro / Sylvester Stallone comedy, Grudge Match, in which he plays physician, Dr. Camare. Truley, a Nashville native, has acting credits in Prisoners starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal as well as on TV shows “Homeland,” “Army Wives,” and “Drop Dead Diva.” Most recently, Truley was a regular on ABC-TV series Nashville as Marshall Evans.
Truley was on the Grudge Match red carpet with his wife, Ellen Truley, an executive with SESAC. Ellen Truley was recently included in Billboard Magazine’s Women in Music issue in a spotlight “Women of the PROs” feature.

Photo: David Pomponio

Photo by David Pomponio

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On Thursday (Jan. 9), Will Hoge performed his single, “Strong,” on CBS’ The Late Show with David Letterman. “Strong” serves as the current Chevy Silverado campaign anthem. Hoge’s album Never Give In (Cumberland/Thirty Tigers) is currently in the Top 5 on the Americana music charts.

Will Hoge on CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman

Will Hoge on CBS’ The Late Show with David Letterman

• • •

Craig Morgan will return to television with a performance during the premiere of A&E’s new original series Crazy Hearts: Nashville on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. CT.
Filmed at the Bluebird Café, Black River Entertainment recording artist Morgan’s performance of his hit single, “Wake Up Lovin’ You” will be featured when the viewing audience is introduced to aspiring singer/songwriter Jimmy Stanley and his girlfriend/manager April Nemeth. “Wake Up Lovin’ You” was penned by Josh Osborne, Matt Ramsey, and Trevor Rosen, and is featured on Morgan’s project The Journey (Livin’ Hits).

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Stanley and Craig Morgan

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Stanley and Craig Morgan

Dick Clark Productions Thrives On Live Events

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton will host the ACM Awards, a Dick Clark Production.

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton will host the ACM Awards in 2014.


In a DVR-driven world, live events drawing real-time viewers are a big win for networks and production companies. A recent New York Times article explains that awards shows are a key ingredient in the success of Dick Clark Productions, the company behind the Academy of Country Music Awards, set for April 6 on CBS, and 13 other major shows this year.
Live programming, such as awards extravaganzas, sporting events and specialty shows including Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest, attract loads of viewers. In turn, advertising dollars follow. According to the NYT, “Advertisers spent roughly $500 million on envelope-opening shows and live non-sports events last year, a 25 percent increase compared to five years ago.”
16 million viewers tuned in to the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards telecast on April 7, 2013. ACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night, also from Dick Clark Productions, drew 11 million viewers, combined from airings on May 19 and July 26, 2013.
Dick Clark Productions delivered last night’s (Jan. 12) Golden Globe Awards on NBC, which hit a 10-year ratings high. DCP is also behind the new People Magazine Awards, slated for late 2014 on NBC.
The company, helmed by Allen Shapiro, also produces the American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

Tim McGraw's 'Sundown Heaven Town 2014 Tour' Coming in May

tim mcgraw lookin for that girl111Tim McGraw will crisscross the country this summer on his headlining Sundown Heaven Town 2014 Tour in May. Fans can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 24 in select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket.
Official tour dates on the 30+ city tour will be released at a later date. McGraw’s latest single, “Lookin’ For That Girl,” was sent to radio today (Jan. 13).
“This last year was unbelievable, and I don’t have any plans to let off the gas now. We didn’t want to waste any time getting new music out,” said McGraw. “With every album, my approach is to push a few of my own boundaries and try things I’ve never done before. It was hard to choose a lead single off this project because I really felt like we had six or seven good options. I kept coming back to ‘Lookin For That Girl’ because even though it may be a little different for me sonically, I couldn’t get it out of my head!”
SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 Tour Cities
Sacramento, Calif.
Mountain View, Calif.
Phoenix
San Diego
Irvine, Calif.
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Cleveland, Ohio
Hartford, Conn.
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
Virginia Beach, Va.
Charlotte, N.C.
Raleigh, N.C.
St. Louis
Chicago
Cincinnati
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Tampa, Fla.
Brooklyn, Mich.
St. Clairsville, Ohio
Toronto, ON
Atlanta
Salt Lake City
Albuquerque, N.M.
Houston
Dallas