Music News (3/25/20)

ASCAP Launches New Coronavirus Resource For Music Creators

ASCAP has launched “Music Unites Us,” a new resource especially for music creators to help respond to their unique needs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tailored to help songwriters stay healthy, creative, connected and financially stable during this uncertain time, it includes information on how to receive ASCAP royalties through direct deposit, online works registration, available financial assistance programs, and access to free services from ASCAP Wellness Benefit providers such as Aaptiv, BetterHelp and Shine. Information can be found on the site at ascap.com/musicunitesus.

The pandemic has profoundly disrupted life for those in the industry who depend on touring and live shows, as well as those who collaborate on music in person. Based on research from its 2019 U.S. Music Creator Wellness Survey and anticipated effects on music creators from the COVID-19 crisis, ASCAP is working to provide more resources on the page based on real-time wants and needs, and will promote it on social media using #MusicUnitesUs.

ASCAP has also joined a coalition of songwriter organizations urging Congress to provide more relief for music creators in any new stimulus packages.
 

New Dates Set For Tin Pan South

Songwriter event Tin Pan South has set new dates for the popular gathering, after it was previously postponed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International has revealed the organization’s Tin Pan Week has been rescheduled for Oct. 19-24, 2020, where the 28th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank will welcome a slew of songwriters performing their top hits. The organization states it is working to bring back as much of the originally scheduled programming as possible. Details on new venues, times, performers, and more will be announced in the coming weeks.
 

Grand Ole Opry Launches Livestream Initiative To Connect Artists, Fans

The Grand Ole Opry has developed a guide to help fans around the world discover upcoming livestream events as artists turn to the medium to stay connected to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developed with industry partners, the Opry’s guide to livestreams will be updated daily as new information becomes available.

Opry Entertainment Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit said, “With an abundance of livestreamed events happening daily, the Opry is excited to offer this resource to help fans continue to engage with their favorite artists and discover new music during this time where artists and fans are following recommendations to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

View the guide here: opry.com/livestreamguide. Online submissions.to be considered for inclusion can be made at opry.com/livestreamsubmit
 

Johnny McGuire Extends Publishing Deal With Combustion Music and COR Entertainment

Photo L to R: Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music), Chris Farren (Combustion Music), Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones (COR Entertainment), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music)

Johnny McGuire has extended his publishing deal with Combustion Music, in conjunction with Mickey Jack Cones’ COR Entertainment.

As a recording artist, McGuire recently signed as a solo artist to BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records. His debut single, “I Can’t Even,” is currently climbing the charts, and appears on McGuire’s debut EP, Neon Nights, which was released in late 2019.

As a writer, McGuire co-wrote “Chevys and Fords,” a duet with Billy Ray Cyrus which the two performed at Nissan Stadium during 2019’s CMA Fest. McGuire also co-wrote multiple songs as half of the Stoney Creek Records duo Walker McGuire, including their debut single “Til Tomorrow” and streaming hit “Mysteries of the Worlds.”