Industry Ink Tuesday (5/10)

Logan Bosemer


Logan Bosemer Joins KCA
Keith Case & Associates has added booking agent Logan Bosemer. She will be responsible for placing artists in venues across the western and mid-western territories.
Prior to joining KCA, Bosemer was an agent at New Frontier Touring in Nashville. Her career background also includes artist management, touring, label operations and publicity. The MTSU graduate grew up in New Orleans and Houston.
“We are excited about Logan joining our team,” said Pres. Keith Case. “We were in need of someone who would have the knowledge and ability to begin working with our clients immediately and Logan has already proven that she can do that.” The agency represents Dan Tyminski, Elizabeth Cook, Guy Clark, Peter Rowan, Ralph Stanley, and many more.
Loretta Lynn Added To Dale Franklin Award Line-up
Loretta Lynn has been added to the list of tribute performers for the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, a gala event honoring the CMA on Tuesday, May 17 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville. The evening will be hosted by Martina McBride and include appearances from previously announced luminaries Little Big Town, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. Tickets and details at www.dfa.eventbrite.com; password DFA2011.
Opry House Restoration on Today Show
The Grand Ole Opry and the Opry House’s refurbished backstage area will be featured in a segment on Today Show Weekend on Sun., May 15. NBC’s Lester Holt visited the Opry last month for the story that showcases the Opry House following its $20 million refurbishment after May 2010 flooding placed much of the venue under four feet of water.
Inside Music Row’s 200th Episode
With its total reach now exceeding 100 million U.S. homes, country music news and entertainment program Inside Music Row is proud to announce the airing of its 200th episode. The Nashville-based television show added 30 million households to its overall viewership recently with the addition of the FamilyNet network to its list of affiliates.
Headed by Executive Producer Jeff Moseley and Director Brian Covert, Inside Music Row airs in Nashville on WNAB/CW58 every Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. CST.
In addition to its U.S. affiliates, the weekly program also airs internationally in more than 40 million households. The program can be viewed online at www.InsideMusicRow.com, www.truecountry.tv, iTunes, and AOL Television.
Summer NAMM in Nashville
The 2011 Summer NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show will be held at the Nashville Convention Center Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, 2011. More than 12,000 attendees and 400 music exhibitors are expected to attend the showcase of the latest musical instruments and state-of-the-art technologies. There will be master artist clinics, workshops, panels, and live music.
Also being held in conjunction with Summer NAMM is “Wanna Play Music Day” which is open to the general public, the Muriel Anderson All-Star Guitar Night, and Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Superstar 2011, an acoustic & electric guitar talent competition.
Local Drummer Offers Instructional Materials
Nashville based drummer Spencer Strand has released Volume 10 in his “Test Of Time” series. Strand has worked in the drum industry as a publisher of instructional materials and other capacities for several years and his educational series has been lauded by the Berklee College of Music.

Chris Young's "Neon" Lights Up Release Schedule

Chris Young’s third album, Neon, will be released July 12 by RCA Nashville. James Stroud produced the ten track project, which has seven songs co-written by Young, including the hit lead single “Tomorrow.”
Penned with Frank Myers and Anthony Smith, it is the fastest-rising single of Young’s career. It has scanned more than 225,000 digital downloads since its release in February. See the video here.
In preparation of the upcoming release ChrisYoungCountry.com has been relaunched with a new look, additional fan features, and pre-order options. The website includes the latest news, photos, tour dates, merchandise and social networking updates.
Young’s career has been building momentum, with three consecutive No. 1’s at radio, and an album approaching Gold certification. He also garnered his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance with his hit, “Gettin’ You Home.” He will spend the summer on the road with Jason Aldean’s sold out My Kinda Party Tour.
Other upcoming releases include two John Rich Six Paks on May 17, Brad Paisley on May 24, Ronnie Dunn on June 7, and Blake Shelton on July 12. See the complete calendar.

Google Unveils Cloud Lockers: Analysis

Various sources are reporting that Google will announce a new unlicensed cloud locker service as early as today (5/10). Amazon recently debuted something similar and received strong criticism from the four major record labels who believe that a service which allows users to store music files in the cloud must be licensed.
Both Amazon and perhaps Google seem to believe that as long as the lockers are merely a storage facility for individual users a license is not necessary. The more streamlined approach—which apparently would require a license— would be to have one copy of a song in the cloud and allow various users to link and listen to it on demand. Apple is said to have such a system ready to roll as soon as it is able to negotiate licenses.
Google’s new system, termed a “passive” locker offers a limited set of fucnctions. Speculation is that the Google service will allow users to listen to songs they have uploaded in streaming mode, but users will then be unable to download them.

The WSJ explains, “Users of the service are expected to be able to listen to songs they have uploaded to the service in a so-called streaming mode but won’t be able to download the files themselves. That limit appears to be a bid by Google to hinder the service from being used to spread pirated music.”

Analysis: In essence the Google offering will resemble a personalized streaming music service, such as Spotify with the restriction that users will only be able to listen to music which they have uploaded themselves. This is a time consuming endeavor. Amazon has a similar unlicensed service which has some added bells and whistles as it is tied closely to Amazon’s MP3 music store and allows downloads. European company Spotify, has a complete streaming music service which is ad supported and/or subscription based. Labels are resisting a licensing deal which would allow Spotify to launch in the U.S. due to concerns that it will not generate enough revenue. Labels are also resisting a deal with Apple for a comprehensive streaming music service.
But is this smart? Pirated downloads outnumber paid downloads 20 to 1. Isn’t there something to be gained by subsidizing new business models and helping to create new “paid” consumer listening habits? Wouldn’t the music industry have benefited if it had nurtured Napster, for example, instead of litigating it out of existence which only succeeded in stimulating a new generation of filesharing sites and a decade of disastrous falling sales?
 

Microsoft Pays $8.5 Billion For Skype

Microsoft has jumped squarely into the communication sector with its purchase of Skype Technologies SA for $8.5 billion in cash. The VOIP phone service will headline a new division at the aging tech giant under the leadership of Skype’s Tony Bates. Bates will report directly to Microsoft’s Steve Balmer. News of the sale was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and is scheduled to be officially announced mid-day today (5/10).
Analysts believe the purchase will give Microsoft more top level online recognition which will also help strengthen the company’s Bing search engine. Microsoft said it plans to connect Skype with its Xbox and Kinect game consoles. Skype users rung up about 207 billion minutes of voice and video calls during 2010.

According to the WSJ, “Mr. Ballmer, though, sees the Internet as an essential battleground for Microsoft, a company that still makes the vast bulk of its profits from Windows and Office software systems. Investors have become increasingly concerned about Microsoft’s ability to squeeze continued growth out of those businesses, as rival technologies from Apple Inc., Google and others put more pressure on profits.”

Interestingly, Skype’s VOIP technology has netted only small profits to date. In 2010 the company received revenue of $860 million with $264 million in operating profits but had a loss of $7 million due to its long term debt of $686 million.
The earnings multiple of approximately 32 illustrates that Microsoft is extremely bullish about Skype’s future.
 

Tickets For Swift's "Speak Now…Help Now" Benefit

Taylor Swift is opening the final dress rehearsal for her Speak Now Tour to the public, with 100 percent of ticket proceeds going to tornado relief efforts. She announced the benefit last week and has now revealed ticketing details.
Tickets to “Speak Now…Help Now” will go on sale Thursday, May 12, at 10 a.m. CT. All tickets are $50, and will be available through TaylorSwift.com, and Ticketmaster.com.
The show will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, May 21. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the rehearsal will start at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will receive a complimentary commemorative event T-shirt.
Through this unprecedented step of opening the last dress rehearsal to the public, 13,000 fans will get a first look at Swift’s new show almost a week early. “We’ll probably still be doing some fine-tuning to the show that night, since this will be a true rehearsal,” she says, “but I feel like it is so important for me and my fans to help if we can.”
100% of ticket sales will go directly to help victims of the recent tornadoes in the southeast via the Speak Now … Help Now Fund established through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“I was watching the coverage of the tornadoes backstage at rehearsals, and I wanted to do something for the families affected by the damage,” explains the star. “I’ve never opened a rehearsal to the public before, but I felt that inviting my fans to the last rehearsal for the Speak Now Tour would be a great way to raise money. So, tickets will be available for people to come see us in the Bridgestone Arena, where we’ve been rehearsing for the last five weeks.”
The North American portion of the Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour 2011 kicks off May 27 in Omaha, Nebraska.
“Speak Now…Help Now” event details will be updated daily on TaylorSwift.com.

Burns & Poe – Second Chance

Thank You For a Great Add Day: KBCN, KCNY, KFAV, KGRT, KLMJ, KREK, KSMA, KTJJ, KVVP, WATZ, WGGC, WKBQ, WKSR, WMEV, WPPL, WTHO, WUCZ, WUPY, WYBL
MusicRow’s Independent Artists of the Year Burns & Poe is releasing their latest single “Second Chance” to country radio; the track is going for adds May 16. The duo’s self-titled debut album (produced by Mark Oliverius) for Blue Steel Records hit stores May 10, 2011.
Written by members Keith Burns and Michelle Poe with Tom Stipe, “Second Chance” is a conversation between two ex-lovers revisiting their shared history.
“Is there a more relatable sentiment than hoping for a second chance with someone you love?” asks Michelle Poe. “It’s a beautifully romantic notion that we hope strikes a chord with country radio and the listeners.”
Burns & Poe have been very active in the last year, touring the country and landing Top 20 singles like “How Long Is Long Enough” and “Don’t Get No Better Than That” on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Many media outlets have praised their dynamic chemistry, even comparing them to classic country duos such as George and Tammy or Conway and Loretta. They currently have numerous live dates scheduled through summer, so check their website for show details.
www.burnsandpoe.com
www.facebook.com/burnsandpoe
Burns & Poe – Second Chance

Average Joe's Inks Kevin Fowler


Kevin Fowler


Kevin Fowler is the newest addition to the Average Joe’s Entertainment roster. Like the rest of the label’s artists, Fowler has built a strong fan base the grassroots way. He’s sold over 330,000 albums and regularly sells 2,000-4,000 tickets per night for his headlining shows.
“I couldn’t be more excited about Kevin coming to Average Joe’s Entertainment,” said President, Tom Baldrica. “He’s the perfect fit for our roster–great music, constant touring and loyal fans! Can’t wait to share his new music with the fans and our friends at country radio.”
Fowler joins fellow Average Joe’s artists Colt Ford, Corey Smith, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Gracin and more.
Average Joe’s Entertainment, an Atlanta and Nashville-based record label, launched with flagship artist Colt Ford in 2008. Average Joe’s focuses on a grassroots approach, availability of product, and cross-promotional opportunities that expand artist visibility.

CMA Establishes Touring Musician Award

The inaugural CMA Touring Musician Award will be presented during the 2011 CMA Music Festival, running Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, in downtown Nashville.
Established by the CMA Board of Directors and its Awards and Recognition Committee chaired by GAC Pres. Ed Hardy, the honor will be presented annually at CMA Music Festival. This Award will be given in recognition of a touring musician who is known primarily as an instrumentalist or background vocalist in a non-headlining capacity. In order to qualify, a musician must have toured with an artist in the Country Music industry.
Beginning tomorrow (5/10), CMA members in the Affiliated, Artist, Musician, Personal Manager, Talent Agent/Promoter, and Talent Buyer categories will be able to nominate and vote for the award recipient. Final ballots must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 24.
In more CMA Music Festival news, Kroger is now selling single-night tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. They are available at Kroger stores in Middle Tennessee and Bowling Green and Hopkinsville, Ky. at the stores’ Ticketmaster outlet at the Customer Service desk. Shoppers with a Kroger Plus Card receive a $10 discount, making the tickets $25 each, plus applicable fees.
Artists currently scheduled to appear at LP Field include (in alphabetical order):
Thursday, June 9: Jason Aldean (with special guest Kelly Clarkson), Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band (with special guest Alan Jackson)
Friday, June 10: Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Reba, Ashton Shepherd, Sugarland, and Keith Urban
Saturday, June 11: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, and Chris Young
Sunday, June 12: The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift

Operation Bloodhound Sniffs Out The Hits

Newly launched Flying Island Entertainment has revealed Operation Bloodhound, a music and radio testing service for its clients.
Developed by veteran radio consultant Keith Hill, Operation Bloodhound will survey radio professionals directly responsible for adding music to station playlists. A minimum of 20 panelists will be participating, representing Mediabase, Billboard or Indicator reporting stations. Each panelist will listen to an entire song and anonymously evaluate, score, and provide feedback on the song. Operation Bloodhound will be available as a standalone or package service through Flying Island.
“Operation Bloodhound is based on a panel of real decision makers,” says Hill.  “The results are genuinely meaningful and honest, because the identity of the panelists isn’t disclosed along with their comments. Therefore, they are free to be completely honest in either a negative or a positive way.”
For more information on Operation Bloodhound contact Keith Hill at 252-453-8888.

Global Talent To Shine During CMA Music Festival

Eighteen country artists representing five different countries will perform at the Global Events showcases on June 6 and 7 during CMA Music Festival week in downtown Nashville.
Chevrolet Presents The CMA Global Artist Party will be Monday, June 6, at The Stage on Broadway. Kicking off at 6:30 PM/CST with a special performance from legendary guitarist and Australian native Tommy Emmanuel, the evening also features performances from Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), Dean Brody (Canada), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Diana Corcoran (Australia), Luke Dickens (Australia), McAlister Kemp (Australia), O’Shea (Australia), Raintown (UK) and Marlee Scott (Canada). Duo O’Shea is hosting the event. Sponsors include Chevrolet, CMA, The Stage on Broadway, Billboard, AristoWorks, and Four Seasons Coach Leasing.
The AristoMedia Global Show will be Tuesday, June 7, at noon/CST at famed downtown honky-tonk The Second Fiddle. Hosted by trio The McClymonts, performers at the AristoMedia Global Show include High Valley (Canada), Brett Kissel (Canada), Ryan Laird (Canada), Mike & Ashley (New Zealand), Craig Morrison (Australia), Six West (Canada), Springfield (Australia), and Steve & Heather (France). Event sponsors include AristoMedia, CMA, The Second Fiddle, Billboard and Four Seasons Coach Leasing. A free lunch will be offered for attendees.

Hosting the Global Events will be Aussie husband and wife duo O’Shea (L), and Australian sister trio The McClymonts (R)