Music News (8/26/20)

SESAC, RMLC Announce New Agreement

SESAC and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have announced a new license agreement that sets the rates payable by the majority of America’s commercial terrestrial radio stations to publicly perform works in the SESAC repertory, effective Jan. 1 2019 through Dec. 31, 2022.

The agreement rolls forward rates and terms from the prior license, including a blanket license fee of 0.2557% of net revenue, and an all-talk rate of .0575% of revenue. As before, the agreement applies to stations’ over-the-air broadcasts, simulcast streams and HD signals.

The RMLC represents the vast majority of the nation’s radio stations, and SESAC represents more than 1 million songs and some 30,000 songwriters, composers and music publisher affiliates.

SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner said, “As a performing rights organization, we remain focused on bringing value to our songwriters and publishers—which has become increasingly important during these uncertain times. We appreciate the RMLC’s cooperation to once again reach an agreement that will enhance the livelihoods of the creative community.”

RMLC Chairman Ed Atsinger said, “We are pleased to carry forward the terms of the prior agreement with SESAC, which is an efficient path forward for both sides in a music licensing landscape that has become increasingly complex.”
 

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville Signs Bernie Herms

Bernie Herms

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has signed Grammy award-winning composer, producer, and songwriter Bernie Herms to a worldwide publishing deal.

Originally from Canada and currently residing in Nashville, Herms is known for his songwriting and production work with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, David Foster, Idina Menzel, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Casting Crowns, Brad Paisley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Matt Redman, and many more.

Herms has crafted 30 No. 1 hits in the U.S. and a string of No. 1s internationally, including Dove award Song of the Year “East to West,” recorded by Casting Crowns. Additionally, he has won eight Dove awards, including Producer of the Year in 2009 and 2016, and won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Thy Will,” the 14-week No. 1 single by Hillary Scott.

Recently, he lent his skill to Josh Groban’s new album Bridges, which follows the success of Groban’s album Stages, which Herms also produced. Additionally, he worked on Streisand’s Grammy-nominated album Partners, which debuted at No. 1, and Danny Gokey’s No. 1 album entitled Rise.
 

Reservoir, One Riot Sign American Aquarium’s BJ Barham

BJ Barham. Photo: Courtesy Reservoir

Reservoir and One Riot have signed BJ Barham, lead vocalist and guitarist of Americana country group American Aquarium, to a global publishing deal. The deal includes global rights to Barham’s entire catalog, plus future works.

Barham and American Aquarium have released seven projects since 2006. The group’s most recent album Lamentations reached No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Folk/Americana Albums, as well as the Top 20 on both the Top Country Albums and Top Rock Albums charts.

“I’m really excited to join such an amazing roster of talented songwriters,” said Barham. “The One Riot/Reservoir team has such a great history of putting artists first and I’m looking forward to see what we can create together.”

“BJ Barham is the quintessential country songwriter: someone who writes honest stories about real life experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the resiliency of the heart,” added One Riot General Manager Amy Patton. “It’s a true privilege to work with such an incredible writer and artist who is re-infusing raw storytelling into country music.”

Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier said, “Barham is driven by his desire to infuse American Aquarium’s music with honesty, and that’s exactly the type of creative vision we’re inspired by. We are honored to work with such a dedicated and talented songwriter.”
 

Mojo Music & Media Acquires Stake In Louvin Brothers Catalog

Global independent publishing and legacy marketing company Mojo Music & Media has acquired a co-publishing interest in Kathy Louvin’s Movin Louvin Music. Kathy is the daughter of Ira Louvin, one half of the legendary country duo the Louvin Brothers. The deal spans the group’s entire catalog, including classics such as “When I Stop Dreaming,” “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” “I’ll Take The Chance” and “The Knoxville Girl,” and religious standards including “Family Who Prays,” “I Like The Christian Life,” “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night” and “Let Us Travel, Travel On.”

Ira and Charlie Louvin, first cousins of Hall of Fame songwriter John D. Loudermilk, grew up in rural northeastern Alabama. Between 1955 and 1962, they released 12 Top 30 hits, including the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Believe  You’ve Met My Baby,” and Top 10 hits including “Hoping That You’re Hoping,” “You’re Running Wild,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” and “My Baby’s Gone.”

The Louvin Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2015, they earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They were included in Ken Burns’ recent documentary on country music and are the subject of an upcoming feature film produced by and starring Ethan Hawke.

Kathy Louvin is an award-winning songwriter in her own right, having penned such hits as Ricky Van Shelton’s chart-topper “Keep It Between The Lines” and Confederate Railroad’s “Queen Of Memphis,” among others. She also co-produced the 2003 tribute album, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs Of The Louvin Brothers, which won Best Country Album at the 2004 Grammys ceremony.
 

Demolition Music Adds Landon Wall To Roster

Top left: Jamie Dryburgh-Creative Director. Top Right: Michael August-General Manager. Middle left: Amanda Cooksey-Creative Coordinator. Middle right: Adam Epstein-Head of A&R. Bottom left: Jon D’Agostino-President. Bottom Right: Landon Wall-Artist/Writer

Landon Wall has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Demolition Music.

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter was recently featured in The Bluebird Documentary alongside Kelsea Ballerini for his original song “Lost Boy,” a response to Ballerini’s No. 1 single, “Peter Pan.”

“I’ve been watching Landon develop as both a songwriter and artist for the past few years and have been blown away by how far he’s come in such a short time” says Demolition Music President Jon D’Agostino. “With hard work, he could become one of tomorrow’s superstars of country music. The team looks forward to watching Landon develop as both an artist and writer.”

“I’m super excited to be working with the Demolition Team! I’m looking forward to working with some of the best and most respected people in the industry. There’s a lot of exciting things happening within this company, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to accomplish together,” says Wall.