Music News (4/10/19)

Spotify’s “Secret Genius” Songwriters Pen Open Letter: “Do The Right Thing And Drop Your Appeal”

Many songwriters who have been part of Spotify’s “Secret Genius” program are speaking out against the digital service provider’s appeal of the Copyright Royalty Board’s recent rates determination.

MusicRow has obtained a copy of an open letter to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, which urges Ek and the company to drop its appeal. Several of Nashville’s top writers are among the letter’s signees.

Shortly after the CRB finalized its rate determination in February—a decision which would ultimately raise the pay from digital service providers to songwriters and publishers by 43.8%—most of the leading streaming services appealed the rate determination. Apple Music chose not to appeal.

Numerous industry organizations, including the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Songwriters of North America (SONA), have criticized the digital service providers’ appeal of the CRB rates. Additionally, the NMPA and NSAI are planning a Town Hall Meeting in Nashville for tomorrow (April 10) from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. CT at 3rd & Lindsley.

Read the full open letter at MusicRow.com.

Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Tali Canterbury Launch Publishing, A&R Venture

Pictured: Luke Combs, Tali Canterbury, Jonathan Singleton

Luke Combs and Jonathan Singleton are launching a new publishing and artist development venture alongside A&R executive and publisher Tali Canterbury, who will serve as the company’s President.

Singleton originally launched 50 Egg Music in 2016 with the Big Machine Music (BMM) co-signing of Luke Combs. Also part of the 50 Egg/BMM roster are artist/writer Kenton Bryant and songwriter Reid Isbell.

Previously, Canterbury served as Director A&R/Project Management and Manager of Publishing at BMLG. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Nashville School of Law in 2016. Her career also includes time at NSAI and Full Circle Music Publishing.

Nashville Singer/Songwriter Darrin Bradbury Signs To ANTI- Records

Nashville-based artist Darrin Bradbury has signed with ANTI- Records.

He recently released the track “Newark,” a love letter to his hometown in New Jersey. He also has an album in the works for later this year.

This month, he joins Robert Earl Keen for five shows, and also has dates on the books with The Milk Carton Kids. He has previously toured with Margo Price, Billy Joe Shaver, Wanda Jackson and more.

ANTI- Records is recording home to Wynonna, Neko Case, Tweedy, Elliott Smith and more.