Entertainment Audience Fragmentation Spurs Decline In Perceived Value

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Results from the 5th annual Value, Engagement and Trust in the Era of Social Entertainment Survey.


Public Relations firm Edelman, with offices in 53 cities and over 3,700 employees worldwide, has released findings from its fifth annual Value, Engagement and Trust in the Era of Social Entertainment survey. Results from the 2011 study show that compared with 2010, consumers believe they are getting 68% less value from entertainment sources in all areas and that only 17% feel that entertainment sources provide “very good” or “excellent” value. Interestingly, consumers rank social networking sites as a form of entertainment and its value has remained largely constant with 31% in the U.K. and 37% in the U.S. giving them “very good” or “excellent” value. Trust in the entertainment industry has fallen by 9% in the U.K .and 11% in the U.S.
“A lower perception of value in the entertainment industry represents the commoditized nature of today’s entertainment,” said Gail Becker, president of Edelman’s Western U.S. Region. “With so many forms of entertainment, consumers are spreading their attention across multiple platforms—leading to a decline in perceived value in any one format. Given the ongoing debate about revenue models and what we see from this year’s study findings, entertainment companies have a real opportunity to regain trust by articulating a stronger value proposition to their consumers and by offering the opportunity to engage with them through multiple platforms.”
The study also shows that consumers are spending more time with digital devices. Fifty-nine percent of people in the U.K. and 53% in the U.S. spent more time on their laptops in the last year, and 49% of people in the U.K. and 52% in the U.S. spent more time on their mobile phones. More than half of all respondents would like to use a computer to access entertainment content, and 30% lead by the youth market, would like to be able to access that content on their mobile phones.
Overwhelmingly, consumers (84% in the U.K. and 88% in the U.S.) feel negatively about the move from free to paid entertainment services. Pay walls created by entertainment sources for previously free services are being met with feelings of frustration and distrust by users. Some cite the lack of improvement in quality of service, while others state they would suspect a profit motive driven by greed. According to the study content providers can try to overcome feelings of pay wall distrust by delivering value in other ways. Respondents consider visual and sound quality important (87% in the U.K. and 85% in the U.S.) in making their entertainment purchasing decisions, and nearly half (47% in the U.K., 48% in the U.S.) consider the number of devices with which they can access the entertainment.
The Value, Engagement and Trust in the Era of Social Entertainment Survey is an annual online survey among 18- to 54-year-old consumers in the U.K. and U.S. and was conducted between February 22 and February 28, 2011. The sample comprised 1,017 respondents, 500 from the U.K. and 517 from the U.S. For the fifth year running, the Value, Engagement and Trust in the Era of Social Entertainment Survey explores consumer attitudes toward the entertainment industry in the U.K. and U.S. It examines consumer perceptions and behaviors as they relate to consumption habits, purchase recommendations, file downloading and sharing.
 

Signing Pics: Dean Alexander, Ahmande Grimes

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Dean Alexander Builds Team
Elektra recording artist Dean Alexander has signed with J.P. Williams and C.T. Wyatt of Parallel Entertainment for management representation. He has inked with Paradigm Nashville for booking.
Alexander joined Warner Music Nashville in early 2010 and is currently in the studio working on his debut album.
Parallel Entertainment is known for its work on the Blue Collar Comedy projects.

Pictured celebrating at a recent Predators hockey game. (L-R): Paradigm's Keith Shackleford and Mike Snider, Charlie Daniels, Dean Alexander, Parallel Entertainment's C.T. Wyatt, and Dean Alexander's producer Justin Weaver


 
Ahmande Grimes Signs With Bug Music Nashville
SESAC songwriter/producer Ahmande Grimes has signed with Bug Music Nashville for representation. Grimes recently stopped by SESAC’s Nashville headquarters to share the good news.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Salina Grimes, Ahmande Grimes, Bug Music Nashville’s Kim Hylick, SESAC’s John Mullins, and Bug Music Nashville’s Roger Murrah. Photo: Ed Rode

Bigride Records Launches With Marlee Scott

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Bigride Entertainment has launched new division Bigride Records, expanding the artist management business that has been headed by Gerry Leiske since 1997 and achieved success with country band Emerson Drive.
Marlee Scott is the label’s flagship artist and her debut U.S. single, “Beautiful Maybe,” goes for adds June 27. She is currently on a radio tour in support of the song co-written by Marcus Hummon, Tia Sillers and Tania Hancheroff, and produced by David Kalmusky.
CO5 Nashville and Marco Promotions are working the single at radio, with Teboo Consulting’s Teddi Bonadies overseeing all radio operations. Entertainment PR and marketing firm Aristo P.R. is handling publicity for Scott, while management, social media, and creative services are being handled in-house. RED/MRI is responsible for national sales and distribution. Chant Image and Music City Networks are providing additional social media and web services, and brand development company Art of the Game has been hired to explore sponsorship and corporate event opportunities.
The Canadian-born singer-songwriter has lived in Nashville since 2007, and has scored hits and award nominations around the world. She was nominated last year for the Rising Star award at the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs). Her most recent single, “Here to Heaven,” was a Top 20 success in Canada and Australia and a No. 1 hit in England, Germany and Holland.
Bigride Records President Kim Leiske says Scott’s U.S. debut album is due out in late 2011 or early 2012.
Contact Bigride Records at (615) 889-4451 or visit them online at www.bigride.us and www.marleescott.com.

The Marlee Scott Team (L-R): Dewayne Brown (Distribution, RED), Chris Kary (Distribution, RED), Gerry Leiske (Management, Bigride Entertainment), Marlee Scott, Kim Leiske (Label Services, Bigride Entertainment), Jeff Walker (PR, AristoMedia), David Newmark (Radio, CO5) and Teddi Bonadies (Radio, Teboo Consulting).

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/24/11)

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It’s John Rich’s world, we just live in it.

On Sunday, he won this season’s Celebrity Apprentice championship. He’s a publisher on the No. 1 hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” He has two new Warner “Six Pak” albums, Rich Rocks! and For the Kids. And now he has two tunes in the same “DisClaimer” column, the St. Jude’s fund-raiser, “For the Kids,” plus his romping Big & Rich reunion with Big Kenny, “Fake ID.”
Nevertheless, it’s Ladies Day here at MusicRow. How can you deny a Disc of the Day award to Taylor Swift after “The Story of Us” zips through your ears?
And among our four newcomers—Glen Templeton, Whitney Mann, Jessica Ridley and David Adam Byrnes—there is no doubt about who is the strongest vocalist. Glen might have a mighty winning song, but Jessica Ridley has the performance, and therefore the DisCovery Award.
JOSH KELLEY/Gone Like That
Writer: Josh Kelley/Clint Lagerburg/Nicole Galyon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville (track)
—His pop/rock background shows in the vocally compressed mix and the overall dominance of production over lyric. A little more audio clarity would be welcome. That said, it’s a very cool, hooky song and a compelling, well-phrased performance.
JOHN RICH/For The Kids
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (ERG)
—Little kids face grim medical conditions while their parents pray. The chorus is an overt plea for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. But it’s still catchy as all get out.
KID ROCK & SHERYL CROW/Collide
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Roadrunner (ERG)
—The most “country” outing yet for both of these artists. The simple tune and spare accompaniment, plus sincere and straightforward vocal performances make this a solid winner. Not to mention the sexy “hook-up” lyric.
TAYLOR SWIFT/The Story Of Us
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—Her Speak Now CD is a really special collection, full of delightful hooks and dandy textures. This frothy rocker is one of its high-energy pleasures. The sizzling, fizzy guitar work, relentless rhythm and her personality-packed vocal are all fabulously infectious. Love this.
SARA EVANS/My Heart Can’t Tell You No
Writer: Simon Climie/Dennis Morgan; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Kobalt/Little Shop of Morgan Songs, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (track)
—Sara’s limp remake of this 1989 Rod Stewart pop smash adds little to the song. And let’s face it, there are very, very few—in any genre—that are as gripping a vocalist as he is.
BIG & RICH/Fake ID
Writer: John Rich/John Shanks; Producer: John Shanks & John Rich; Publisher: Reservoir/WB/Sony ATV, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Rousing and spirited, this has “good times” written all over it. The kid in his daddy’s Caddy is buying a fake ID in a back alley, and he’s in a rush. Extremely likable.
DAVID ADAM BYRNES/She Only Wanted Flowers
Writer: David Adam Byrnes/Jay Brunswick/Adam Fears; Producer: Rob Rappaport; Publisher: Canalco/Byrnes Country/Better Angels/Croton U/Faverett Tracks/LRB, ASCAP/BMI; Better Angels (track)
—She didn’t care about all of the material things he bought her, so now he’s lost her. He has a sturdy, if limited, country vocal range, but the ballad never really grabbed me.
GLEN TEMPLETON/I Could Be The One
Writer: Jay Knowles/Tom McHugh; Producer: Mark Lambert; Publisher: none listed; Capstone (615-686-8344)
—Glen has pleasing vocal confidence on this easy-going toe tapper. The track is mixed to perfectly showcase what a cleverly written song this is. Spin it.
JESSICA RIDLEY/Flaming Red
Writer: Bob Carlisle/Dennis Patton; Producer: Michael Lee & Don Somerville; Publisher: Jacque’s Retirement Fund/McHouse/Fun Attic, SESAC; EMG/Fontana (track) (www.jessicaridley.com)
—This lilting pop-country confection has a wafting, breezily bopping production. Her rapid-fire vocal is bursting with optimism and sunny self-assurance. Highly promising and recommended.
WHITNEY MANN/Home
Writer: Whitney Mann; Producer: Whitney Mann; Publisher: 100 Fake Kisses, SESAC; Mud Dauber (track) (www.whitneymannmusic.com)
—She wrote all the tunes on her seven-song outing titled The Western Sky and sings them in an appealing, down-home drawl. The backing is a jaunty, O Brother, string band that sounds as comfy as a living-room couch. Rootsy and charming.

Industry Ink Tuesday (5/24)

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Pictured seated (L-R): Kenneth Johnson (BNG Music Group), Samantha Stroh, Ray Bruce (BNG Music Group). Standing (L-R): Gary Stroh, Nicholas Carsner (BNG Music Group), Amy Stroh


Sharp Objects has expanded with the launch of BNG Music Group; the label joins its songplugging and artist/writer development services. CEO Kenneth Johnson and Pres. Ray Bruce have signed Samantha Stroh for recording and publishing as the independent label’s flagship artist. Her debut album is expected this fall. The Georgia native was the State Winner of the Texaco Country Showdown in 2009, and has been writing and performing since she was a teenager, opening for The Band Perry, Montgomery Gentry and more.
“Samantha has been working hard to hone her songwriting craft and sound, and writing with some of Nashville’s most talented songwriters,” said Bruce. “She is as genuine a person as she is a talent. With an undeniable passion for country music, her direction, intuition and foresight align perfectly with our vision at BNG Music. We are excited to welcome Samantha as part of the family.”
Now in its eighth year, Sharp Objects Entertainment represents Jan Buckingham, Bobby Carmichael, Michael Peterson, Randy Sharp, Maia Sharp and Jeff Silbar. The Sharp Objects/BNG Music Group offices are located at 62 Music Sq. W., Nashville, TN.

Clay Bradley


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BMI Asst. VP Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley has joined the Advisory Board of Fifth Third Bank, Tennessee.
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Bill Catino and Tim McFadden have hired Kelsey Lantrip as Promotion Coordinator for R&J Records. The recent graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University, has completed internships with the promotion department at Big Machine Records as well as Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing and Bullseye Marketing’s NashvilleCountryClub.com website. Lantrip can be reached at (615) 290-9559 or [email protected].
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The Ram Truck brand and its experiential marketing partner George P. Johnson (GPJ) took home a coveted Gold Ex Award for the Zac Brown Band Letters for Lyrics campaign at the recent Event Marketing Summit in Chicago. The Gold Ex Award acknowledges the campaign’s unconventional, cause-based approach to brand storytelling through experiences delivered online, at concerts, dealerships and through mobile devices.

Richard Marx


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Richard Marx will receive the 2011 Songwriter Icon Award at the NMPA’s Annual Meeting in New York City on June 15. In addition to selling more than 30 million records, Marx has achieved great success writing and producing songs for some of the biggest names in music, including country stars Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, and Travis Tritt.

Jamey Johnson Plans New Album, Produces Other Artists

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Jamey Johnson and the Blind Boys of Alabama


Jamey Johnson has been working on a new album for Mercury Nashville, as well as manning production for other acts. His upcoming project will be his follow-up to the gold-certified, critically acclaimed two-disc set The Guitar Song. “I’ve written some and recorded a bunch,” he says, “not necessarily new songs that I wrote, but just finding songs that I’ve never done before. That has been a lot of fun for me. Songs that I never thought to break out onstage, it seems kind of easy in the studio when you have a little help from musicians and can put a little more focus into it and a little more style on it.”
Johnson also produced the new album for the Blind Boys of Alabama, Take the High Road. He offered guest vocals for the project and recruited Hank Williams Jr., Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson and the Oak Ridge Boys to do the same. The album includes classics such as “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” “I Saw the Light,” and “Jesus, Hold My Hand.” They celebrated the release with a recent listening party at Ben’s Studio in Nashville.
Johnson is also producing a project for up-and–coming singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin. She will be one of the numerous artists joining Johnson on Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour 2011 this summer. The outing kicks off May 27 in Philadelphia, stops June 3 at Nashville’s The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel, and ends July 4th at Nelson’s famed picnic in Fort Worth.

Grady Forms Management Alliance

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New York based Crush Management and Nashville music vet John Grady have joined forces to form a new venture. Along with Crush principals Jonathan Daniel and Bob McLynn, Grady will open Crush Nashville.
The first two artists on the Crush Nashville roster are Sony Music Nashville recording artist Kristen Kelly, and the duo of Sarah Zimmerman and Justin Davis.
“Getting to know Jonathan, Bob and their staff in New York has been an enormous gift for me,” said Grady. “We have been working on this for months, and during that time there has never been one conversation that did not include music. What I see in the Crush operation is very inspiring to me. It is all about the present, the future and an absolute respect for the music we represent and the artists who create it. I see Crush as a major player in the future of this industry, and that is what I want to do with the rest of my career.”
The Crush artist roster spans numerous musical genres and includes Train, Fall Out Boy, Panic At the Disco, Travie McCoy & Gym Class Heroes and Courtney Love.
Crush Management Nashville will be located at 1227 17th Ave. S., #2, Nashville, TN 37212 and John Grady can be reached via email at [email protected].

Kristen Kelly signs with RCA. (L-R): Paul Overstreet, Gary Overton (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Kristen Kelly, John Grady (artist manager), Skip Bishop (Sr. VP, Promotion), Jordan S. Keller (Lassiter, Tidwell, Davis, Keller & Hogan, PLLC), Paul Barnabee (Sr. VP, Marketing), Kerri Fox-Metoyer (VP, Sales)


 

Gaga's Fans Put Their Paws Up For New Album

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Lady Gaga’s fans (affectionately known as “Little Monsters”) attacked Amazon on Monday when the retail giant offered one-day-only full downloads of her new album Born This Way for 99 cents. The resulting surge in traffic and purchases choked Amazon’s servers, leaving many customers unable to download or stream the album.
At 99 cents, Amazon’s download was $11 cheaper than the equivalent iTunes download. The loss-leading move could be viewed as a way for Amazon to bolster its Cloud Drive and Player service, as Apple prepares to launch its own cloud music service. Amazon users get 5 GB cloud storage by default; purchasing the album grants them a full 20 GB.
Despite the price difference, iTunes users still purchased enough downloads of Born This Way to push it to the No. 1 spot ahead of Adele’s 21. There is also a bonus track digital edition of the album available for $15.99.
Other retailers also went Gaga with clever promotional deals. Best Buy gave away copies of Born This Way for free, provided that the customer purchased one of three smartphones with a two-year service plan. Visitors to Starbucks.com could stream the entire album for free, and download single “The Edge Of Glory” for keeps.
The hype over Born This Way also raises questions about first week sales figures. Easily one of the most anticipated releases of the summer, Billboard estimated its first week sales would fall in the 450k-750k range. Following the flurry of promotional deals, however, that number could shift upward.

Picture Party

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Songwriters Go Coastal
Some of Nashville’s finest songwriters took a bus to the Kenny Chesney Goin’ Coastal 2011 Tour stop in Lexington, KY, where they hung with opening star Billy Currington.

(L-R): David Lee, Shane Minor, Jerry Flowers, Troy Verges, Billy Currington, Rivers Rutherford, Monte Criswell, George Teren, Kelly Lovelace, and Jim Beavers


Book Party For Business Wisdom of The Beatles
Authors George Cassidy and Richard Courtney celebrated the release of their book Come Together: The Business Wisdom of The Beatles, with a recent reception at Regions Bank on Music Row.

(L-R): George Cassidy, Richard Courtney, Midsouth Region President of Regions Bank Keith Herron, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, fine art photography printer Dave Leonard, Senior VP of Regions Bank/event co-chair Lisa Harless, and event co-chair Jerri Malloy. Photo: Steve Lowry.


Justin Moore Visits ACM
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore to its offices when he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, he sang his current single “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and others from his upcoming CD Outlaws Like Me, which will be released June 21.

(L-R): Justin Moore and Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. Photo: Michel Bourquard

Bentley's Miles & Music for Kids Riding Strong

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Dierks Bentley’s “Miles & Music for Kids” rolled through Columbus, Ohio on Sun., May 22, raising over $143,000 for Columbus’ Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Nearly 1,000 bikers stretched eight miles behind Bentley as he led the pack of motorcycles to the LC Pavilion where an additional 4,000 fans joined for the afternoon concert featuring Bentley and pals Joe Nichols, Uncle Kracker, Josh Thompson, Miss Willie Brown, and CMT’s Adam Black as emcee.
Over the series’ five-year history, Bentley has raised over $1.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2009, Bentley joined forces with Nationwide Insurance, CMT ONE COUNTRY and the Children’s Miracle Network to expand the successful “Miles & Music for Kids” first held in Nashville across the country, visiting Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, Atlanta and now Columbus. Events in Chicago and Nashville are also planned for later this year. Each “Miles & Music For Kids” event begins with a motorcycle ride that starts at a local Harley dealership and continues through city landmarks before ending at a local venue for a concert.
As part of CMT’s involvement, “Miles & Music For Kids” and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will be promoted on all of its media channels: on-air, online at CMTONECOUNTRY.com and CMT.com and via radio. CMT talent will be on-site at each event to serve as emcee.