Music News (9/24/14)

Spirit Music Group has obtained $50 million in new capital commitments from Fortress Credit Corp. This brings Spirit’s total capital raised since 2012 to more than $100 million. The company plans to use the capital to acquire additional music rights, including publishing and masters, as well as to increase its roster of catalogs, A&R activities and to further expand internationally.

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Nathan Nicholson

Ten Ten Music Group has named Nathan Nicholson to lead their creative department as VP, Creative. Nicholson’s chart successes include David Nail’s current single, “Kiss You Tonight.” He will continue to handle Tim McGraw‘s StyleSonic Music, whose recent chart toppers include McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” and Jerrod Niemann‘s “Drink to That All Night.”

Nicholson’s previous placements include Toby Keith‘s “Red Solo Cup” and Montgomery Gentry’s “She Couldn’t Change Me,” as well as cuts by George Strait, Reba, Patty Loveless, and several others.

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What does it cost for a synch license to play a musical title on national television? David Letterman revealed his “no play” list for The Late Show recently, including Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and titles from The Eagles catalog. Letterman revealed The Eagles’ licensing fee for one song on his national broadcast is $250,000.

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Robin Thicke

The Los Angeles Times released the deposition about the copyright infringement suit from Robin Thicke’s 2013 summer smash “Blurred Lines,” revealing the practice of offering a stake in publishing rights for artists who did not participate in the process. Read more at MusicRow.com.

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Pat Higdon‘s Patrick Joseph Music has promoted Stevie Erickson to the role of Sr. Creative Director. Erickson joined PJM in 2013. Additionally, Christina Wiltshire has been hired as Creative Assistant. Wiltshire previously served internships at Warner Bros. Music and Cornman Music.

PJM was originally founded in 1989 by Pat Higdon. It was relaunched in 2012 as a partnership between Higdon and New York-based Songs Music Publishing. The roster features Matraca Berg, George Teren, Ben Carver, Kat Higgins, Jake Mitchell and Melissa Peirce.

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Pandora and BMG have struck a multi-year agreement for a US license for BMG’s complete catalog of BMI and ASCAP musical works. Read more at MusicRow.com.

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BMI has reported the highest revenues and royalty distributions in its 75-year history for its fiscal year ended June 30. BMI generated revenues of $977 million, and distributed and administered more than $840 million to its songwriters, composers and music publishers. Read more at MusicRow.com.

The PRO additionally announced  Vince Gill will be celebrated as a BMI Icon at the performing rights organization’s 62nd annual BMI Country Awards. The invitation-only event is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville.

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Don’t miss the recent MusicRow feature, The Writer’s Room, featuring Nicolle Galyon and Natalie Hemby.

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