Music News (1/22/19)

Mechanical Licensing Collective Names Kris Ahrend As CEO

Kris Ahrend.

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has named industry executive Kris Ahrend as the organization’s CEO. Nashville-based Ahrend will begin his tenure with the MLC, effective immediately. According to a spokesperson for the organization, one of Ahrend’s first tasks will include finalizing the official location for the MLC.

MLC Board Chair Alisa Coleman said, “Kris was selected by our Board after a months-long competitive process; both his background and vision stood out amongst many qualified candidates. The unique combination of his experience with license administration, his tenure as a business and legal affairs executive in the music industry, and his most recent involvement in leading the design and operation of a large client service organization makes him well-suited to operate the MLC. He has spent his career making sure artists and songwriters get paid, and the Board is thrilled to have found someone whose passion and expertise align so well with the mission of the MLC.”

Ahrend added, “Nothing could be more exciting than leading a company that helps ensure songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers receive the money they deserve from digital service providers and offers them new tools to take control of their careers. We will provide songwriters and publishers unprecedented transparency, rights, and the ability to claim what is theirs. Through the MLC, we are committed to improving the system for everyone.”

The Mechanical Licensing Collective was designated by the United States Copyright Office, and created by U.S. music publishers and songwriters (backed by the National Music Publishers’ Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Songwriters of North America), as a new entity to license and administer rights under the Music Modernization Act which was signed into law in 2018. The law ensures that the mechanical rights of songwriters and music publishers are properly licensed and royalties fully paid by digital services, and it improves how those royalty rates are determined. It also establishes a publicly accessible mechanical rights database to ensure accurate, transparent copyright ownership information.

Jaron Boyer Renews Deal With peermusic

Jaron Boyer. Photo: Michael Gomez

Jaron Boyer has renewed his exclusive songwriter agreement with peermusic, it was announced Wednesday (Jan. 22) by peermusic President and COO Kathy Spanberger, as well as peermusic Nashville Sr. VP Michael Knox.

peermusic’s exclusive deal with Boyer includes all future works, and the company will now be collaborating with Hipgnosis Song Fund and Merck Mercuriadis, who purchased Jaron’s back catalog. Boyer was represented in the deal by Jason L. Turner, Esquire, Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem.

Boyer’s recent work includes five songs on Jason Aldean’s recent chart-topping album 9 from BBR Music Group/BMG. Boyer’s credits also include four No. 1 hits including “Hell Of A Night” (Dustin Lynch), “Somewhere On A Beach” (Dierks Bentley), “Flatliner” (Cole Swindell ft. Dierks Bentley), and “Girl Like You” (Aldean). Boyer also earned SESAC’s 2016 Country Song of the Year honor as a writer on “Somewhere On A Beach.”

peermusic’s Spanberger and Knox recently discussed peermusic Nashville’s move into a new office in Nashville’s Music Row area, as well as the recent Ken Burns documentary Country Music, which highlights the work of peermusic founder Ralph S. Peer.

Anthem Entertainment Hires Lindsay Hyslop As Manager, Marketing For Anthem Records

Lindsay Hyslop

Anthem Entertainment has hired Lindsay Hyslop as Manager, Marketing to its label division, Anthem Records. Hyslop, who is based in Nashville, will report to Anthem Records’ Head of Label Allison Hamaura and will oversee all aspects of marketing strategy and execution for Anthem Records’ label roster.

Hyslop has worked in label and management positions in Nashville and Toronto, most recently managing marketing, brand partnerships and streaming for RGK Entertainment Group. Prior to RGK, Hyslop worked in Digital Marketing for Universal Music Canada.

Hamamura said, “Lindsay comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Her natural affinity for music, creative capabilities and spirit make her a welcome addition to Anthem Records.”

Anthem Records was founded in 1977, with a rich history of artists including the legendary band Rush.
 

Rob Snyder Signs With 50 Egg Music

(L-R): Tali Canterbury, Rob Snyder, Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton

Rob Snyder has inked a worldwide publishing agreement with 50 Egg Music. Snyder becomes the latest signing to the co-venture between Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Tali Canterbury.

Snyder is the writer behind Combs’ multi-week No. 1 platinum smash “She Got The Best Of Me,” along with several other cuts forthcoming this year.

“Rob is one of the most beloved and genuine guys in Nashville, not to mention an incredible songwriter. He is the epitome of a team player and is always excited about what is new and upcoming. We are beyond excited to see how his success unfolds in the coming years” said Canterbury, President, 50 Egg Music.

“I am so incredibly grateful to have landed at 50 Egg Music. The culture here is a breath of fresh air and the work ethic truly stands out on Music Row. 50 Egg feels like home and that is what is most important to me” Snyder remarks. “Not everyone gets to say they love where they work… I’m just glad I do. I’m fired up about 2020 & beyond here! Que the Rocky training scene music…”