"MusicRow" Exclusive With StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein

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(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Evan Lowenstein, MR Owner/Pres. Sherod Robertson


Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011, Evan Lowenstein, Founder and CEO of StageIt, sat down exclusively with MusicRow to discuss the success of his innovative company.
First, a little background: launched in fall 2010, StageIt.com offers artists a web-based platform to perform live and have direct interaction with fans from their laptops. Although much like a virtual concert, the artists have much more flexibility in delivering the entertainment.
Artists choose when and how long to perform, and how much to charge. The artist not only decides how many tickets to sell, but can change the number up until the performance starts. In other words, the ticket cost, “size” of venue, and length of show can be completely reactive to demand.
Lowenstein says country music particularly lends itself to such a platform because the genre’s fans enjoy accessibility to artists. He also points out that country artists are more comfortable delivering their music in stripped down settings than acts in other genres.

“We say we offer a front row seat to a backstage experience,” explains Lowenstein. “The most expensive ticket in the house is a front row seat. We are capitalizing on the connectivity of the Internet and the advancements in the broadcasting to literally bring [fans] this amazing content. Take a country artist, or any artist, and put them together with the fans, and the medium becomes less important. If you meet a famous artist or someone special, it doesn’t matter if it’s in a rickety elevator or stairwell or on a plane, it’s the content [that matters], not the medium.”

As a former member of pop brother-duo Evan and Jaron, known for Top 10 hit “Crazy for this Girl,” Lowenstein has always been fascinated with connectivity to fans. Although the technology existed, he was equally frustrated with not having a way to share his experiences with fans without devaluing his content and himself as an artist. This frustration led to the creation of StageIt.

StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein


StageIt offers a way for the artist to monetize the online experience. Perhaps more importantly, it allows fans a way to show direct appreciation to the artist through a virtual tip jar and online chatting during the performance. Some users spend over $50 a week. Artists on StageIt can also sell their records during the show, much like in a traditional venue. Hear something you like and a purchase is just one click away.
In an era when we can see anything anytime we want, StageIt appears to be heading in the opposite direction. None of the live shows are ever recorded or archived. Regarding technology, Lowenstein is quick to respond, “Just because it’s available doesn’t mean we have to use it.” The company focuses on bringing back the mystery of the artist and feels if someone is available 24/7 there is less value. Today’s artists have too much access according to Lowenstein. He says, “This is why artists have careers for four and a half minutes.”
StageIt continues to focus on the needs of the artist and the best way to connect with their fans, which to Lowenstein means no distracting advertising. The site creates moments and intimate experiences for the fan and many artists have taken advantage.
StageIt performances from country music artists include Big Kenny, Don Schlitz, Sherrie Austin, James Otto, Jerrod Neimann, Chris Young and others. After using the StageIt platform, Jimmy Buffett was so impressed with the experience, he partnered with the company.
While the industry is plagued with piracy issues and declining revenues, Lowenstein says, “We’ve found a playing field where the fans and artist agree there is value.”
Visit StageIt.com for more information.

Cliff O'Sullivan Named GM Sugar Hill Records

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Longtime artist manager and UMG Distribution executive Cliff O’Sullivan has been named General Manager and Senior VP of Welk Music Group’s Sugar Hill Records. The label is home to Marty Stuart, Joey+Rory, Jim Lauderdale, Sam Bush, Sarah Jarosz and many more.
O’Sullivan comes to Sugar Hill from Universal Music Group Distribution, where he served as Senior VP of Group Marketing. His career began as a college rep for CBS Records while earning his BA at University of California Berkeley. He went on to work at Epic, Columbia, PolyGram, RCA, Chrysalis, and EMI Distribution. He is also a 2011 graduate of Leadership Music.
“We are extremely excited to have Cliff lead our Sugar Hill team in Nashville. His passion for music and leadership skills are key to delivering the goals we have set out for Sugar Hill Records,” says Kevin Welk, President of Sugar Hill and Vanguard Records.
“Having been involved with the Vanguard Records and Welk Music family on the artist management side for many years, I developed a great respect for their love of music and dedication to artist development,” says O’Sullivan. “The opportunity to join the company in Nashville in a leadership role is the realization of a longtime dream of mine on both a personal and professional level.”
O’Sullivan can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 615-297-6890 ext. 14. The Sugar Hill Nashville office is located at 120 31st Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203.

Merle Haggard's New Album: Working In Tennessee

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Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard will release his new album Working In Tennessee (Vanguard Records) on Oct. 4. The collection is his second for Vanguard and features self-penned tunes as well as two classics made famous by Johnny Cash.
Working In Tennessee was produced by Haggard with Lou Bradley at Hag’s Tally studio in California and features backing by longtime bandmates The Strangers. The title track nods to Haggard’s sometimes confrontational relationship with Nashville, “Sometimes I Dream” was co-written with his daughter Janessa, and “Down On the Houseboat” was co-written with his wife Theresa. Haggard’s son, Ben, and Willie Nelson join him on a remake of “Working Man Blues,” and Theresa is his duet partner on the Johnny Cash/June Carter standard “Jackson.” Full tracklist below.
“I’m swinging back in full throttle right now,” says Haggard. “Music keeps me alive. It makes me breathe better. It’s funny, but I feel better when I come off a tour than when I start out.”
Get a download of “Working In Tennessee” here.
Track listing:
1.    Working in Tennessee (Merle Haggard)
2.    Down on the Houseboat (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard, Doug Colosio)
3.    Cocaine Blues (TJ Arnall)
4.    What I Hate (Merle Haggard)
5.    Sometimes I Dream (Merle Haggard, Jenessa Haggard)
6.    Under the Bridge (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard)
7.    Too Much Boogie Woogie (Merle Haggard)
8.    Truck Driver’s Blues (Merle Haggard, Tim Howard)
9.    Laugh It Off (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard, Doug Colosio)
10.  Working Man Blues (Merle Haggard)
11.   Jackson (Billy Edd Wheeler, Gaby Rodgers)

Red River Runs Deep

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Blake Shelton’s Red River Blue braved the Soundscan rapids to debut at the top of the all-genre album chart today (7/20). He moved 116K units, making it the biggest sales week of his career. In fact, the Warner Music Nashville release is the only title that broke the 100K mark on this week’s report.
Shelton scored 29% digital album sales. Meanwhile, his new single “God Gave Me You” debuted with 40K downloads.
Chris Young’s Neon also lit up the charts in a glowing debut week. With 73K units sold, the Sony Music Nashville album came in at No. 4 on the overall rankings, and No. 2 on the Country list.
By comparison, rockers Incubus debuted with 80K, and singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat opened with 66K.
Ashton Shepherd’s sophomore effort Where Country Grows got started with 11K. Young and Shepherd both raked in 20% digital.
Shepherd’s UMG labelmate Scotty McCreery is climbing the Country albums chart with his American Idol project, which has moved 71K copies in just three weeks. He sold 17K units for a 23% week-to-week jump.
Elsewhere, Jason Aldean’s still kicking up dust with “Dirt Road Anthem” selling 115K downloads this week. And after 37 weeks on the charts, his BBR album My Kinda Party is hanging at No. 3 on the Country list, selling 42K this week for a RTD total of 1.5 million-plus.
There’s also a small bright spot for the Country genre as a whole, which saw its first year-to-year growth on the latest report: album sales are up .6%.

Digital Release Today From The Dirt Drifters

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Warner Bros. Records is releasing the debut album from The Dirt Drifters today (7/19). This Is My Blood is available at all digital retailers and features current single “Always A Reason,” as well as debut single, “Something Better.”
The Dirt Drifters members wrote or co-wrote 10 of the project’s 11 tracks, and played on every song of the Justin Niebank-produced album. They also tapped legend Willie Nelson for guest vocals on “I’ll Shut Up Now.”
Comprised of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, the band will be hitting the road this summer, visiting radio and playing shows.
Track Listing for This Is My Blood:
1. Something Better
2. Always A Reason
3. There She Goes
4. It Takes A Man
5. Hurt Somebody
6. Married Men And Motel Rooms
7. I’ll Shut Up Now (ft. Willie Nelson)
8. Name On My Shirt
9. Sun Goes Down
10. Just Got Tonight
11. This Is My Blood

Industry, Artists Fight Secondary Ticket Market

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Music industry powerhouses are teaming to bring fair ticketing practices to fans. The Fans First Coalition, announced today (7/19), is backed by some of the biggest artists, companies and organizations in the music business.
Among the 35-plus acts supporting the organization are The Dixie Chicks, Maroon 5, R.E.M., Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, and Journey.
Also on board are Ticketmaster, Live Nation, The Recoding Academy, Red Light Management, and Front Line Management, as well as numerous venues, and professional sports teams.
Fans First says it seeks to protect fans from fraudulent business practices when they purchase tickets for concert, sporting events and shows. More at www.standwithfans.org.

Hirings At Quarterback, Gary Musick Productions

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Valerie Summers


Gary Musick Productions announces the addition of Valerie Summers as Vice President of Sales and Customer Relations. Summers, who was previously an agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, brings with her 20 years of music industry experience. Valerie and her husband, Kip Summers, are co-owners of Arrington Vineyards where her husband is also the winemaker.
Gary Musick Productions is a creative event and live entertainment production company, based in Nashville since 1980. The company produces more than 200 corporate and association events each year. It also creates and manages stage shows for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.
She can be contacted at [email protected] or (615) 324-5549.
• • • •

Kelly Symone


Kelly Symone has joined Quarterback Records as West Coast/Southwest Promotion Director. She has spent more than three years with KNTY/Sacramento, most recently as MD. Her previous stops include KNCI, KREL and WDAF.
“We’re glad to round out our regional staff with Kelly,” says VP of Promotion Tony Benken. “Her energy and passion will complement the rest of the team.”
Symone will remain based in Sacramento. She can be reached at (916) 868-3331 or [email protected].

Worley's River Run Still Growing in 10th Year

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(L-R): Wynn Varble, Darryl Worley, Jim “Moose” Brown and Steve Leslie performing at the recent Darryl Worley and Friends Songwriters in the Round show in Jackson, Tenn. Along with another event in Memphis, they raised more than $70,000 to benefit the Darryl Worley Foundation.


Darryl Worley has recruited Montgomery Gentry and classic rock band Kansas for his Tennessee River Run, set for Sept. 15-17 in Savannah, Tenn. The 10th anniversary event includes a rock concert in downtown Savannah with headliners Kansas and Mike Slaughter, golf tournament, bass tournament, motorcycle ride, boat poker run, crafts fair, 5k, and country concert at Pickwick Landing State Park with Montgomery Gentry and Worley.
Proceeds from this and other events fund the Darryl Worley Foundation, which serves area charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center.
Leading up to The Tennessee River Run is the Battle of the Bands and several writers-in-the-round events, most scheduled for Bumpus Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the southeast. The Battle of the Bands Preliminary Competition kicks-off July 21 in Jackson, Tenn., with other preliminary rounds in Memphis on Aug. 4; Florence, Ala. on Aug. 18; and the finals Aug. 27 at Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Jackson. The winner will receive studio time and be the opening act at the 2011 Tennessee River Run country concert.
On July 27, Worley will join hit songwriters Bernie Nelson, Jim “Moose” Brown and Lee Roy Parnell for a show at the Murfreesboro Harley Davidson store.
Details on all these events at www.tnriverrun.org.

Borders, Gannett Latest Victims of Digital Media

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The shuttering of Borders bookstores has been a long time coming, the latest casualty in the switch to digital media. Yesterday (7/18), the nation’s second-largest bookstore chain, which also sold music, announced plans to begin the liquidation process.
The company had been seeking buy-out offers in recent months, but nothing came to fruition. Now it will liquidate its remaining 399 stores. Clearance sales could start as early as Friday (7/22), with the chain expected to be closed by September. Borders’ Nashville location is already closed.
Borders President Mike Edwards said in a statement, “We were all working hard toward a different outcome, but the head winds we have been facing for quite some time, including the rapidly changing book industry, [electronic reader] revolution and turbulent economy, have brought us to where we are now.”
More from the Wall Street Journal.
Borders isn’t the only one suffering as a result of the digital migration. Gannett Co., which owns 82 newspapers including The Tennessean and USA Today, has released a dismal second-quarter earnings report. This follows the recent lay-offs that hit the Nashville newspaper as part of a nationwide loss of 700 jobs.
According to the Q2 report, profits decreased 22%, coming in at $151.5 million, from $195.5 million, a year earlier.
Publishing revenue, including advertising and circulation, declined 4.9% to $977.1 million.
As with music sales, digital revenue was on the rise, up 13%. More from AdAge.
As digital continues to stamp out print, Google revealed record-setting revenues last week. The company’s second-quarter revenue rose 32% year-to-year, coming in at a company record of $9.03 billion.

Spotify Taps HFA

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The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has entered into a publishing licensing, administration and management agreement with Spotify, which is in the middle of its US launch following much success overseas. HFA will clear mechanical publishing rights for Spotify, licensing certain rights in millions of musical works.
Under the agreement, Spotify will utilize HFA’s end-to-end publishing licensing, reporting, and royalty services. HFA’s state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive database make the organization uniquely qualified to provide these services.
Headed by President & CEO Gary Churgin, HFA has more than 46,000 affiliated publishers.