Oscar Noms; Grammy Ratings Spur Digital Sales; CMT Special

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Academy Award nominations were revealed this morning (2/2), with country music movie Crazy Heart getting a few nods. Nominated for Best Music (Original Song) is “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart),” by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett. The film’s star Jeff Bridges secured a nod for Actor in a Leading Role, and Maggie Gyllenhall received a nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role. The 82nd annual Academy Awards will air March 7 on ABC.

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GRAMMY Ratings Hit High Note: The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards posted the highest ratings since 2004 with an average audience of 25.8 million viewers, up 35 percent from last year’s telecast, and marked increases across key demographics, according to preliminary ratings results from Nielsen. Compared to last year’s telecast, the GRAMMYs posted a 36 percent increase in adults 25–54, and a 32 percent increase in adults 18–34 and 18–49.

GRAMMY Songs Dominate iTunes Top 20: Yesterday, following the Sunday night Grammys, fans flocked to iTunes to download the songs performed on the show. Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” hit No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Songs chart. The Black Eyed Peas had two songs in the Top 10 with “Imma Be” and “I Gotta Feeling.” Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige’s duet of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was No. 11, with all proceeds benefitting Haiti relief. Other GRAMMY-performed songs charting included tracks from Taylor Swift, Pink, Dave Matthews Band, Lady Gaga and the 2010 GRAMMY Nominees collection.

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MTV, VH1 and CMT say “Save The Date.” On 10-10-10 the networks will host a special live musical event highlighting the top artists of the decade as selected by the viewers. For the first time ever, these powerful music brands will come together to celebrate the decade in music on one big night, across all 3 networks.

Sanford And Nichols At Sound Kitchen; Celeb Softball

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Chas Sandford

Tim Nichols

Chas Sandford, Tim Nichols and friends will perform at Strings and Stories: A Night of Songwriter’s Tales on Feb. 20 at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin. The event will benefit the children of High Hopes Inclusive Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic, and in addition to the performances, will include a “Meet the Artist” session with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres. To make reservations please send a check for $125 per person payable to High Hopes, Inc., c/o High Hopes Fund Development, 1647 Mallory Lane, Suite 103, Brentwood, TN 37027.  You may also make reservations by phone at (615) 522-5611.

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The 20th annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge is set for June 7 at Greer Stadium in Nashville. Considered as an unofficial kickoff to the CMA Music Festival, this high-profile game features country stars, athletes and celebrities taking the field to represent team sponsors Grand Ole Opry Live and After MidNite with Blair Garner. Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Clint Black and many others have all stepped up to the plate in past years to help raise funds and awareness for City of Hope’s lifesaving mission.

Carrie Underwood at a past Celebrity Softball Challenge.

Underwood Video Debut; No Shoes Radio Live From Miami

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Carrie Underwood just took home her fifth Grammy award for Best Country Collaboration (“I Told You So,” with Randy Travis), and her current single “Temporary Home,” the second from Play On, is already a certifiable hit. Today (2/2) the song’s video is available for purchase and download exclusively on iTunes, an offer that will run through tomorrow (2/3). The video will make its television debut on both CMT and GAC Thursday. (2/4).

Underwood will be at South Florida’s Sun Life Stadium Sunday (2/7) to sing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Queen Latifah will also be present to sing “America The Beautiful.” The performances will be broadcast live on CBS Sports prior to kickoff.

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Also in South Florida this week for a Super Bowl pre-party of sorts will be Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio. Starting today (2/2), the online station will broadcast live for a few hours daily through Thursday (2/4) from poolside at Miami’s legendary South Beach hang the Surfcomber Hotel. Exact times will be updated via the NSR Twitter and Facebook, but programming is expected to include a pre-show and concert broadcast with Uncle Kracker tomorrow (2/3) tentatively set for 8 pm EST.

“Miami is strictly VIP, invitation only,” says Chesney. “But we’re gonna take my friends to hang out by way of No Shoes Radio. There’ll be people stopping by… a party going on… and all of the post-long-day-in-the-sun vibe that is South Beach in full swing. I can’t get you in, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring you along.”

Chesney’s latest single “Ain’t Back Yet” will be arriving at country radio February 8, and fans across America will soon be able to experience his national film release Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D.

Former Echo Execs Launch Sponsorship Agency

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Rockhouse Partners (l-r): Tawn Albright, Kevin Brown, and Joe Kustelski

Former echo/Ticketmaster executives Tawn Albright, Kevin Brown and Joe Kustelski have formed sponsorship agency Rockhouse Partners, which officially launches today (2/2) with a full slate of clients. The Nashville based company will focus on connecting sponsor brands to consumers in the music and sports industries through digital marketing strategy, online/offline activation programs, and new digital products, along with data aggregation and analysis.

Rockhouse Partners’ initial clients include C3 Presents (Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival), Lance Armstrong and the RadioShack Pro Cycling Team, Next BIG Nashville, the Tennessee State Fair, Nashville agencies like redpepper, and other entities across the entertainment vertical. The company’s target clients are sponsorship brokers, live entertainment properties, brands and their agencies, sports entities, advertising/marketing firms, and media companies.

In addition to Rockhouse Partners’ initial clients, the company has formed partnerships with Nashville entities including American Songwriter magazine and email marketing firm Emma; along with Austin-based design/development shop Smith & Robot.

Co-founders Albright, Brown, and Kustelski bring to Rockhouse Partners over 40 years combined experience in technology, digital media, consumer products, ticketing, live entertainment, artist management, promotions, start-ups, advertising, and Fortune 500 brands. The trio met at Echo, Ticketmaster Entertainment’s digital marketing firm, where Albright served as CEO, Brown led Strategic Marketing, and Kustelski was Vice President of Product & Technology. While collaborating at Ticketmaster/Echo, the Rockhouse Partners founders fine tuned their eye toward data by managing 15 million consumer database relationships, 200,000 paid fan club subscriptions, one million mobile fan records, and more than $25 million in ticket sales annually.

“From my days at The Coca-Cola Company in corporate development to Ticketmaster and Echo where we managed the digital presence for more than 250 artists, festivals, and properties; sponsorships have become the glue in connecting brands to the entertainment industry. The way the industry is moving, brands are demanding more value in the form of measuring data and proving ROI. We see a major opportunity to activate brands and fans in a meaningful, relevant, and interactive way,” stated Albright.

“We launched this venture hell-bent on not creating just another digital marketing firm. We’re creating scalable technology products that address specific business opportunities, we understand the value of data, and we bake measurement into everything we do,” said Kustelski.

“The response so far to our unique model has exceeded all expectations. We’re busy growing the team, building out our technology platform, and we’re beyond excited to take this next step,” said Brown. “2010 looks bright as we’ll be focusing on business development, with programs planned at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin and the annual IEG Sponsorship Conference in Chicago.”

“We can’t say enough great things about Rockhouse,” offers Courtney Graber, Director of Sponsorships for C3 Presents. “They have the unique ability to grasp digital strategy and technology at the highest level, combine that knowledge with an in-depth understanding of brand sponsorships, all the while being able to manage and measure the most critical success metrics.”

Contact Rockhouse at [email protected] or 615-772-4326. The Rockhouse offices are located at 2120 8th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204.

Editorial: Nashville Connects Grammy Dots

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Taylor Swift, Zac Brown, Kings of Leon….
The biggest and brightest Grammys all have a thread that at least a few thousand of us should be smiling about this morning. NASHVILLE!

Now we all knew Ms. Swift was going to need a valet to help her get all of hers to the limo. She is a true phenomenon and is getting just rewards for making music that millions of people love and want—I’m one of them. But, frankly Nashville has always thrown out a gem every generation or so that reaches dizzying heights.   So, you can almost dismiss that to “blind pig, truffle” cynicism if that makes you more comfortable—more comfortable in a high rise office in a city where the bar b cue sucks, that is.

by Craig Wiseman

But just to look back up at those three names and think about the scope of music that is there—Contemporary pop/country at its finest. New traditional, college town, party band gun slingers and then, well frankly, one of the best pure rock bands to come along in years.

Once again, cynicism might come in and look for threads to connect them—that one label, one a&r person is really hitting the premium koolaide and it all teeters on one fragile stack of luck, timing and marketing and promotion. All gone with the slightest shift.

But, no. The only thing more varied than their music is their completely different journey up the mountain. In fact, I can’t think of ONE place where their paths crossed even in some way-back-in-the-boiler-room industry way.

Well, I can think of one thing that connects these souls barely within light years of one another—NASHVILLE.   Not so much that everyone lived here as much as they found what they needed to do what they do here—and they needed nothing more. What they found here was people who still believed in great music and did all they could to get it  out there. Now, that is not to take away from all of the people who are very involved all over America to get acts up there on the stage thanking the academy—but, at the same time, I will not stand by and have NASHVILLE minimized as these entities step forward either.

What was going on at the Grammys last night was only what me and some of my friends have been seeing for the last few years breaking the surface. It really is all coming to NASHVILLE. I went to dinner a few months ago with a multiple Grammy winning, LA rock star—certified, type guy who was in town working. When I got to the table and saw that he had his wife with him I jokingly leaned over and said, “So, when are you moving to town?”  His eyes got big and he leaned in and whispered, “Man, who told you? I’m trying to keep it under the radar since I have a record coming out—but my wife came with me this time to look at houses.”

That conversation in various forms has been happening a lot in recent years and after the Grammys last night  I’m charging up my phone cause I know it’s gonna be blowing up this week with people calling asking for a placement in  advanced hillbilly lessons from their lil’ country mouse buddy, Craig. The difference being 5 years ago  it was guys who had cooled off  in the pop world hoping they could learn how to rhyme window and fender. Now days its pop and rock writers and producers who are going to keep on doing what they do—they just see they need to do it in a place where music is alive and players play and, well….people thank the academy.

In this last month alone—Kara Dioguardi, The Academy Is, Hinder, The Plain White T’s, Mike Elizondo, (M&M’s producer and writer- dude!!!), Joy Williams, just to name a few have all been in my building—writing and loving NASHVILLE. amen.

Least we forget—Keith and Carrie and Kenny and Brad and Darius and Lady A and Toby and Rascal F and B&D and Alan and Tim and Faith and Jason and so many others that have long held the flag high. No one can speak of the success of our fair city without mentioning some of the ones that made it amazing already. Dig you guys and proud to know you.

Take heart my friends—this truly is music city. The industry is shrinking—but it is shrinking to us—and I can’t help but see more and better. I can’t help but look up at those names at the top of this and see that people stopped over-thinking it and just put out great music and the world responded. I am SO proud of us and excited about the days ahead. I am SO convinced that we have all we need to do anything we want to do.

Blessings to you all.
Craig Wiseman

Nine North Staff Additions

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Nine North Records has announced the hire of Stephanie Keshe and Dave Collins to the posts of Regional Director in the NE/MW and WC/SW respectively. Both are officially on the job as of today (2/1/10), and both were previously regional promotion reps with Carolwood/Lyric Street Records.

“Both Stephanie & Dave were part of an excellent team that most recently broke Love & Theft Top 10 in a very challenging environment,” says Nine North/Turnpike Music President Larry Pareigis. “I look forward to them bringing their professionalism and magic to Nine North 2.0.”

Reach Collins at [email protected] and Keshe at [email protected].

This news follows last week’s announcement that Pareigis has opened a new division of the company called Turnpike Music that will focus on promoting to secondary country radio. Existing Nine North staffers Greg Stevens ([email protected]) and Ryan Barnstead ([email protected]) have shifted over to handle respective West and East regional duties for Turnpike, which opened for business today. Roster announcements are forthcoming.

Lifenotes: Tom Howard

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Local musician Thomas L. Howard passed away suddenly on January 29, 2010. He was 59 years old. Howard was an accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, and producer, mainly on the Christian circuit. He also recorded under the name Dorian.

Howard is survived by his wife, Dori; children, Katie and Joseph; and sister, Susann (John) Anderson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, TN 37215). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Bartholomew’s. Arrangements by Marshall Donnelly Combs, (615) 327-1111.

Zac Brown Band Tours, Sells Cookbooks

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Best New Artist Grammy winners Zac Brown Band have announced a 15-date West Coast portion of their Breaking Southern Ground tour, to begin March 2. Later in July, ZBB will join the Dave Matthews Band for select shows, including Citi Field in New York City.

Concertgoers will get the full ZBB experience: eat-and-greets for a few lucky fans, as well as performances by the Atlanta-based artists signed to Brown’s Southern Ground Records: Sonia Leigh, Levi Lowrey and Nic Cowan. Special guests Joey + Rory will emcee the shows.

Those not fortunate enough to attend an eat-and-greet catered by Brown and friends can still purchase his Southern Ground cookbook, which is available at the ZBB webstore. The volume boasts 27 recipes like Southern Fried Chicken, Hearty Brunswick Stew, Farmer’s Fried Green Tomatoes and Revival Peach Cobbler.

ZBB Tour Dates:
March 2 –  Sports Arena  San Diego, CA
March 3 –  Dodge Theatre  Phoenix, AZ
March 4 – Pan American Center  Las Cruces, NM
March 5 – World Arena  Colorado Springs, CO
March 6 – The Rail  Salt Lake City, UT
March 9 – Fox Theatre- Oakland, CA
March 10 – Event Center  San Jose, CA
March 11 – Arco Arena  Sacramento, CA
March 12 – Gibson Amphitheater  Los Angeles, CA
March 13 – The Joint  Las Vegas, NV
March 17 – Arlington Theatre – Santa Barbara, CA
March 18 – RaboBank Theater  Bakersfield, CA
March 19 – Redding Convention Center  Redding, CA
March 20 – Armory Auditorium  Salem, OR
March 21 – Comcast Arena  Everett, WA

With Dave Matthews Band:
July 3 & 4 – Alpine Valley Music Theatre – East Troy, WI
July 9 – Hersheypark Stadium  Hershey, PA
July 10 – PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
July 16 & 17 – Citi Field  New York, NY
July 23  Nationals Park – Washington, DC

ACM Noms. Coming Soon; AMA Sets SXSW Show

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Nominees for the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced sometime during the week of February 22. Nashville will also be buzzing that week with the annual Country Radio Seminar. ACM reps say the nominations will be revealed during a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Details about the exact date and artist participation are coming soon. The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM/CT on the CBS Television Network.

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The Americana Music Association has revealed the initial lineup for its annual SXSW showcase, scheduled for Thursday, March 18. The show presented by SESAC and the Utne Reader, will return to historic Antone’s in Austin, Texas and feature performances by Hayes Carll, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, plus a special guest who will be announced at a later date. SXSW badge and wristband holders will have priority admission to the event.  For more information on SXSW Festival and Conference Registrations visit www.sxsw.com.

The Americana Music Association is also busy planning its 11th annual Festival & Conference, running Wednesday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 in Nashville.

Brenda Lee, Marty Stuart, Tanya Tucker To Discuss Child Stardom

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The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present a special panel discussion on Feb. 20 with Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee, Marty Stuart and Tanya Tucker to discuss the highs and lows of early fame and success. The Kid’s Got Talent: Child Stardom in the Music Business will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Museum’s Ford Theater, and is included with Museum admission and is free to Museum members.

The panel is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network, which will run through June 13, 2011 and be accompanied by an ongoing series of programs.