Industry Ink (3/27/14)

SESAC recently hosted an afternoon of music and politics when Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) visited the New York offices to talk about the Songwriter Equity Act. The bill, co-sponsored by Jeffries along with Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), endeavors to modernize the music licensing system by updating provisions to the Copyright Act of 1976 to ensure songwriters are fairly compensated for their creative work. During the afternoon meeting Jeffries was treated to some incredible music courtesy of SESAC-affiliated songwriter/artists such as Angela Hunte, Michael Michel, Steve Cooper, Martha Redbone and Tiombe Lockhart.

Front Row: SESAC’s Pat Collins. Back Row (L-R): Michael Michel, SESAC’s Keenan Popwell, Diane Blagman (Greenberg Traurig & SESAC Legislative Advocate), Steve Cooper, Martha Redbone, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, SESAC’s Trevor Gale & Jamie Dominguez, Angela Hunte, Tiombe Lockhart, Kirsten Donaldson (Legislative Director and Counsel to Rep. Jeffries) and SESAC’s Linda Lorence Critelli. Photo: Jerritt Clark

Songwriter Billy Montana has added his catalog to TweelX, a Nashville-based company that acquires songs through digital publishing and co-publishing arrangements with labels and publishers. It also issues stock in these songs to accredited investors.

“TweelX provides the opportunity for investors to participate in one of the most exciting industries there is,” says Montana. “At the same time, it gives songwriters and musicians a way to partner with people who appreciate their creative work and are willing to share in the potential for its growth and success. It’s a win—win, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Under the TweelX model, investors have the ability to buy stock in music and obtain a cut of song royalties. By pairing a music publishing operation with an online trading platform, TweelX has established a securities market in single songs.

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Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum recently took home the top honor, the 2014 Award of Excellence, at the Tennessee Association of Museums Conference. Exec. Director Sydney Robinson and founder Bill Miller were recognized for their “superlative achievement for the permanent exhibition.”

Miller and Robinson were awarded the honor in a ceremony held at the General Morgan Inn in Greenville, Tenn.

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A night with Marcus Hummon and the premier of “The Passion,” a cantata he produced, will take place April 4, 2014, at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville at 7:30 p.m. The free event will also feature Chris Roberts, the Belmont Chamber Singers and narrator Rev. Becca Stevens. “The Passion” is being released on CTM Records.