“Soundstage” On GAC, Kid Rock’s Beer, SheDaisy, and Rascal Flatts

Disney Music Group labelmates SHeDAISY and The Jonas Brothers headlined the Stadium of Fire 4th of July celebration at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Pictured backstage (L-R): Kevin Jonas, Kelsi Osborn, Kassidy Osborn, Joe Jonas, Kristyn Osborn, Nick Jonas

Disney Music Group labelmates SHeDAISY and The Jonas Brothers headlined the Stadium of Fire 4th of July celebration at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Pictured backstage (L-R): Kevin Jonas, Kelsi Osborn, Kassidy Osborn, Joe Jonas, Kristyn Osborn, Nick Jonas

GAC To Present The Best of Soundstage: Great American Country (GAC) is pleased to present the best of the legendary music television series, Soundstage, and will air nine Country episodes beginning with Sugarland on July 12 at 7 PM/CT. The groundbreaking series aired from 1974–1985 before returning in 2003 and continues to feature outstanding high definition concert performances. The schedule is: Alison Krauss + Union Station (7/19), Trace Adkins (7/26), Lee Ann Womack/Billy Currington (8/2), Trisha Yearwood (8/9), Travis Tritt/Nickel Creek (8/16), Martina McBride (8/23), Kenny Chesney (8/30), and a George Jones Tribute (9/20).

Flatts Set For Today Show: Rascal Flatts will head to the Big Apple this Friday, July 10 to perform on NBC’s Today show as part of the Summer Concert Series. They’ll perform new single “Summer Nights,” from their latest album Unstoppable, as well as a couple of their biggest hits. The date of the appearance also coincides with lead singer Gary LeVox’s birthday. Gary, Jay and Joe Don will then head back out on their Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour with two dates in New York this weekend- Darien Center and Syracuse.

American Badass Beer: Consumers will get their first taste of Kid Rock’s new American Badass Beer at a July 17 concert in his hometown of Detroit. Kid poured $7 million into the venture which has reportedly boosted the economy in his home state by creating about 400 jobs. He is said to have played a major role in everything from the beer’s taste (American style lager) to the design of its label.

AristoVideo & Travis Television Form DownCast

e1246395348AristoVideo and Travis Television Productions have formed an alliance that bundles the two companies’ specialized video services into one consolidated package, named DownCast.

The arrangement integrates broadcast-quality video content with a distribution network that services an extensive list of radio, television, national and regional video programs, newspapers, trade publications, celebrity and entertainment shows, wire services, closed-circuit partners, global outlets and a full range of online destinations.

“This is a service that has been in development between AristoVideo and Travis Television since the beginning of the year,” says AristoVideo Senior Vice President Craig Bann. “We feel like this alliance is a natural marriage between two companies that have a proven history of success in the entertainment industry. From download to broadcast, DownCast will provide clients with top-notch, professional video content that is created and then distributed in a format that is already prepared for streaming and broadcast use

In addition to its video delivery mechanism, DownCast is designed to provide outlets with easily accessible tour press materials and a variety of content in advance of album releases. Outlets are notified electronically as new assets are uploaded. The system provides on-demand access to video content, digital photos, audio clips and press materials as needed on a secure, password-protected server.

Atkins and Waltrip On GAC’s “Drafting Partners”

Rodney Atkins and NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip were featured on GAC’s Drafting Partners, which premiered July 2 and was taped at Lowes Mother Speedway.

The new GAC series combines one of country’s hottest stars and one of NASCAR’s coolest drivers for an insider’s look at the colliding worlds of country music and motorsports.

Rodney Atkins (L) and Michael Waltrip (R)

Rodney Atkins (L) and Michael Waltrip (R)

Plugger Group Meets Blake Chancey

Pictured L to R: Anthony Corder, Dan Hodges Music; Tina Crawford, Magic Mustang Music; Blake Chancey; Stevie Erickson, ole Songs; Ben Strain, Monument.

Pictured L to R: Anthony Corder, Dan Hodges Music; Tina Crawford, Magic Mustang Music; Blake Chancey; Stevie Erickson, ole Songs; and Ben Strain, Monument

The Perfect Pitches Plugger Group recently met with noted producer Blake Chancey at the cocktail lounge The Patterson House on Division Street.

R.J. Curtis Is Arista’s New Reg. Promo. Mngr.

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R.J. Curtis will be Arista Nashville’s new Regional Promotion Manager, Midwest beginning July 20. He will relocate to Music City to serve the region previously helmed by Tyler Waugh, who segues to the Southeast territory.

Skip Bishop, Vice President, National Promotion for Arista Nashville stated, “Bringing R.J. into the Arista family just felt like a natural fit. His plethora of talents and rigid high standards will be a tremendous contribution to our team. R.J.’s unshakable passion for music and remarkable knowledge of radio’s inner workings are a perfect match for our DNA.”

Curtis is well known throughout the industry, most recently as Country Editor for Radio & Records, and for his more than 25 years of experience in radio, including 16 years at KZLA Los Angeles. He is a past member of the CMA and ACM Board of Directors and current CRB Board of Directors Vice President.

Glamorous Tidbits

cover_glamour_190Taylor Swift is on the cover of the August issue of Glamour magazine. In an article titled Taylor Swift: Bomb-Shell in Blue Jeans, she dishes on her favorite career moments (Saturday Night Live, Rolling Stone cover), future goals (a world tour, moving out of her parents’ house), and where she sees herself in the future.

Toby Keith recorded his new single “American Ride” last week and following extreme demand, rushed it to radio in time for the Independence Day weekend.

Blake Shelton will be on Good Morning America on ABC on Mon. July 6.

Check out the music/film industry gossip site of Nikki Finke at www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com.

Nashville pop/folk songstress Madi Diaz, signed to Cherry Lane Publishing, recently received the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting.

Comedian Rodney Carrington’s new all-music album, El Niño Loco, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Comedy chart last week, as well as at No. 19 on the Country chart.

Rascal Flatts is the first country act set to participate in the iTunes Pass program which allows fans access to exclusive content like live recordings, demos, and more. After the program launches on July 21, new audio will be released each week for the remainder of the summer.

Emerging singer Shawn Mayer is gearing up for her summer tour kicking off in Nashville at Cadillac Ranch on July 7. Show starts at 6:00PM and is a benefit concert for Spinal Muscular Atrophy presented by singer/songwriter Warren Silvers. From there, Shawn will travel to the Midwest for upcoming dates in Iowa and the surrounding areas opening for Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neal, John Michael Montgomery and Andy Griggs.

Digital distribution label GMV Nashville has announced the addition of several new titles to their online catalog, including the epic This Is My America set, out-of-print titles from the Charlie Daniels Band and Toy Caldwell, and more. This Is My America is a three-disc compilation of original material that chronologically recounts the history of America through songs from 58 of Nashville’s finest award-winning singers and songwriters.

Rising country singer-songwriter Shane Wyatt has entered into a sponsorship with Farm Boy & Farm Girl brands, which makes clothing and accessories that capture the heartfelt pride of the farming lifestyle.

Williams Riley Celebrates William Morris Endeavor Signing

L-R): Brinson Strickland, Pres./CEO Golden Music Nashville; Tinti Moffat, WME; Rob Beckham, WME; Paul Moore, WME; Steve Williams, Williams Riley; Rick Shipp, WME; Steve Hauser, WME; Charlie Hutto, Williams Riley; Lane Wilson, WME; and Derek George, Williams Riley. Photo: Bev Mosser

(L-R): Brinson Strickland, Pres./CEO Golden Music Nashville; Tinti Moffat, WME; Rob Beckham, WME; Paul Moore, WME; Steve Williams, Williams Riley; Rick Shipp, WME; Steve Hauser, WME; Charlie Hutto, Williams Riley; Lane Wilson, WME; and Derek George, Williams Riley. Photo: Bev Mosser

An industry crowd gathered at Nashville’s 12th & Porter yesterday (7/1) for a Cajun lunch and showcase hosted by Golden Music, William Morris and Jim Havey PR on behalf of new band Williams Riley. The seven piece outfit, fronted by singer/songwriter Steve Williams, charged through an energetic set including its current single “I’m Still Me,” “I Wish I Would Have Said That” and possible next single “(All About) Country Livin’.” The band is back on the road over the holiday weekend with an appearance in Cincinnati scheduled today and another in Frederick, Maryland on July 4. Kix Brooks even offered a video intro. WME’s Rob Beckham commented, “I was immediately a big fan of Williams Riley after seeing the ‘I’m Still Me’ video on GAC. Great song, great harmonies. I was drawn in immediately. I have known and worked with the band’s Derek George for years, and am proud to be a part of any project he is associated with.”

IBMA Members Elect Leadership To Board

Professional members of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) recently elected several positions on the organization’s board of directors. Two new faces will be added and three were re-elected to new terms. Those elected and the membership categories they represent are:

* Alison Brown, an executive with Compass Records and an award winning artist from Nashville, Tennessee was re-elected to represent members involved in recording, distribution and marketing.

* Mike Bub, an award-winning musician from Nashville, Tennessee, was re-elected to represent artists, composers and music publishers.

* Craig Ferguson, a festival producer with Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado was elected by members involved in event production.

* Jim Roe, of Roe Entertainment from Owensboro, Kentucky was elected to represent agents, managers and publicists.

* Neil Rosenberg, an author and historian from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada was re-elected by all professional members to an at-large post.

Each was elected to a three-year term which begins on September 28, 2009.

The board is IBMA’s policy-making governing body which determines long range goals and priorities for the association.

Photo Ops: Costco Queen, Winans, Walker, and Wayne

"Costco Queen", from the hit show, Motherhood: The Musical, is now available for download on iTunes.  Get the mp3 for 99 cents or go for the FULL, never-before-seen Music Video for $1.49.   The music video was filmed inside Costco #386 in Brentwood TN and features real Costco employees, as well as the original Nashville cast of  Motherhood: The Musical Costco is using the video for their marketing events nationwide..pictured l-r: Jaclyn Brown, Janna Landry, Sue Fabisch (co-writer), Gerry D'Arco (mgr Costco #386), Ilene Angel (co-writer), Ruth Rosen and Gina D'Arco) 

"Costco Queen," from the hit show, Motherhood: The Musical, is available for download on iTunes as a song or music video. The video was filmed inside the Brentwood Costco and features the cast of Motherhood. The retailer is using the video as part of its national marketing. (L-R): Jaclyn Brown, Janna Landry, Sue Fabisch (co-writer), Gerry D'Arco (Costco Mgr.), Ilene Angel (co-writer), Ruth Rosen and Gina D'Arco

Jeff Foxworthy who performed at the 2nd Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Resorts on June 30, during the tournament’s evening Gala event to raise money for Walker’s charity, Band Against MS. The Gala event raised more than $56,000 from live and silent auctions which will be used to fund education for those living with MS, research and to further support the goals of BAMS. To date, BAMS has raised more than $2 million to fight MS. Photo: Christine Bush

Jeff Foxworthy performed at the 2nd Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Resorts on June 30, at the tournament’s gala to benefit Walker’s charity, Band Against MS. The event raised more than $56,000 from live and silent auctions which will be used to fund education for those living with MS, research and more. To date, BAMS has raised more than $2 million to fight MS. Photo: Christine Bush

 Coffee Talk attendees recently met at the Stillwater Café to hear featured guest, national gospel artist CeCe Winans discuss her Always Sisters/Forever Brothers organization which will hold its Youth Conference at Belmont University in July. The conference’s goal is to educate, motivate and re-direct the life choices of teens and young women and men. Coffee Talk unites business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for the purpose of effective networking. Pictured: Connie Kinnard, SVP Convention & Visitors Bureau with Ms. Winans

Coffee Talk attendees recently met at the Stillwater Café to hear gospel artist CeCe Winans discuss her Always Sisters/Forever Brothers organization which will hold its Youth Conference at Belmont University in July. The conference’s goal is to educate, motivate and re-direct the life choices of teens and young women and men. Coffee Talk unites business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for the purpose of effective networking. Pictured: Connie Kinnard, SVP Convention & Visitors Bureau with Winans

Jimmy Wayne takes a camera with him everywhere he travels, and this week his label Valory Music Co.  launched a weekly series spotlighting some of his favorite photos from the road. See below.

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Wayne and Dierks Bentley having a blast on Brad Paisley’s "American Saturday Night Tour."

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Also, a few shots from Eldon, Iowa where Wayne visited the American Gothic House, home of the famed painting, and while there dressed up in garb worn by the dentist in the picture.

Revisiting The New Rules Of Engagement

In August 2007 MusicRow released a special report entitled Embracing Change: The New Rules of Engagement. Its content was the result of a series of think-tank sessions with Jim Beavers, David Gales, Scott Heuerman, Todd Cassetty and David Ross—tech devotees with group experience in virtually all aspects of the music industry. Now, two years later, the report’s business model predictions have become reality.

1. Redistribution of Risk and Reward
2. Artist Development Costs Must Be Flexible and Scaleable
3. Balance of Power Will Be Redefined
4. The Artist Is A Brand
5. Profitability—the new No. 1 Party. In Nashville people are obsessed with getting a No. 1 radio hit, when good business demands profits be the goal.

A copy of the full 2007 report can be downloaded here.

In this model labels create value for many revenue streams, but only benefit from record sales.

In this model labels create value for many revenue streams, but only benefit from record sales.

The new model demands a redistribution of risk, reward and roles. Revenue from all streams is aggregated and divided accordingly.

The new model demands a redistribution of risk, reward and roles. Revenue from all streams is aggregated and divided accordingly.