Industry Ink Wednesday (7/20)

“American Picker” Turns Songwriter
Mike Wolfe, known for his role in the History Channel series American Pickers, owns a home in Nashville and recently opened the second of his Antique Archeology retail stores in Music City—the first is in LeClair, Iowa. He has been working with producer Brian Ahern on a project called Music to Pick By. They’ve been collaborating with songwriter Dale Watson, one of Wolfe’s favorites.

CCMA Fans Choice Nominees
The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced the nominees for the 2011 Fans’ Choice Award. From Friday, July 22— Friday, Sept. 9, fans can vote at www.ccma.org for Dean Brody, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker or Johnny Reid. The winner will be announced during the Canadian Country Music Awards® broadcast live on CBC in Hamilton, ON on Sept. 12.
Free Frankie Ballard Track
Frankie Ballard’s “A Buncha Girls” is the iTunes Single of The Week. The song is from his self-titled debut produced by Michael Knox.
Doyal Exits AirPlay Direct, Expands Own Agency
Clif Doyal has left his post as Executive VP of AirPlay Direct. He had worked for the digital music delivery service since 2009. Doyal continues to operate the Clif Doyal Agency, an artist and label management/consulting business, and CDA Promotions-Nashville, a publicity and marketing company. He currently works with Shawna Russell, LiveWire and others. Doyal is seeking experienced candidates for an in-house radio promotion staff and an in-house booking agent. Interested parties can contact him at CDAnashville@aol.com.
“Nashville Skyline” On Murdoch
CMT.com’s Chet Flippo offers an interesting backstory on embattled media mogul Rupert Murdoch here. Flippo’s piece was also picked up by the LA Times.