Charlie Cook On Air

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Social Engineering In Your Car

In the minds of engineers at Ford Motors, media is media is media. I read recently that they are eliminating CD players from their cars, starting with the Fusion. Now, it would be one thing if they were eliminating the CD player as a way to save money on production—kind of like the little surprise you get when you get a flat tire and look for the spare in your trunk for the first time.
But they are not eliminating the CD player for costs. They are doing their own version of social “media” engineering.
First there was no place to buy a CD as record stores closed. Soon there will be no place to play them as your dashboard closes. Well, not exactly closes, but rearranges. I have read that Ford is toying with either eliminating the tuner or moving it down the list of available media options. Yeah, your smartphone can do everything short of steering your car (for now, at least) but there are what, 80 million smartphones in the US? Even in a tough market weren’t there 250 million CDs sold last year? Arbitron says that 280 million Americans use the radio every week.
The problem is that as non-media folks attempt to predict the future they are wreaking havoc with the present. I mean, do we really need a car that parks itself? If I can’t laugh at drivers who cannot parallel park and then you take the CD out of my car, I got nothing during a commercial break on my favorite station.
All kidding aside, the CD was at least a guarantee that someone spent money on music. We know that a lot of the music that shows up on iPods and smartphones doesn’t always come through iTunes. We know that Country music listeners say that Country radio is the number one source for finding out about new music and new artists.
Ask my friend Charlie Anderson at Anderson Merchandising how he feels about the CD player disappearing from the automobile. Ask him if he thinks the FoMoCo engineers are seers, or prophets of doom.
Instead of eliminating the CD and the radio, how about disabling the smartphone’s texting function as soon as the engine starts? Or how about designing a car that keeps drunk drivers from starting it? Or making a darn navigation system that doesn’t talk down to me like I’m an idiot just because I get lost once in a while.
As a way of expanding your media options in the auto, what they are doing is erasing your choices. Choices that Americans are still making every day. Write your congressman, call your local radio station or just buy a Japanese car. Okay, don’t do any of those things. Well, maybe call your local radio station, and request a song.

Capitol Brings Big Guns, Baby Acts To Street Party

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Alan Jackson, Eric Church, and newcomers Eric Paslay and Jon Pardi make the line-up for the “Capitol Street Party 4.” The free, public party is scheduled to shut down Demonbreun Street near Music Row on Wed., Sept. 21. The fun begins at 7:00 pm and is presented by Grand Avenue Chauffeured Transportation.

Jackson, Church and Paslay will literally take to the street, on a stage set up at one end of the closed-off Nashville thoroughfare.  EMI Records Nashville’s newest singer/songwriter Jon Pardi will extend the street party into the night with a special post-party performance at the Tin Roof.
Last year, over 10,000 fans packed Demonbreun Street.
Capitol Records Nashville President & CEO, Mike Dungan says it best, “Where else can you experience a true American icon, the artist with the #1 album in America, and the best new artist to come out this year? All for the low, low price of … Nothing! It’s free! You’d be crazy not to be there!”

Martina McBride To Release “Eleven”

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Platinum-selling recording artist Martina McBride will release her 11th studio album, aptly titled, Eleven on Oct. 11. For the project, the powerhouse vocalist penned six of the 11 tracks. Album joins a growing list of 4th quarter 2011 releases.

According to data from Nielsen-BDS and Mediabase, McBride is Country radio’s “most-played female artist” of the past 11 years (1999-2010).

The upcoming release comes at a time of major changes in McBride’s career, with new music, a new producer (Byron Gallimore), a new manager (Morris Artists Management) and a new record label (Republic Nashville).

“This is such an amazing time in my life and my career,” says McBride. “I feel like I’ve been given the support and power to go into the studio and write and create an album that pushes the boundaries of what people expect of me, while still being true to myself. I can’t wait for October 11th so that I can finally share this new music with my fans!”

Eleven Track List:
1. One Night
2. Always Be This Way
3. I’m Gonna Love You Through It
4. Marry Me
5. Broken Umbrella
6. You Can Get Your Lovin’ Right Here
7. Whatcha Gonna Do
8. Teenage Daughters
9. Summer of Love
10. When You  Love A Sinner
11. Long Distance Lullaby

Martina McBride To Release "Eleven"

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Platinum-selling recording artist Martina McBride will release her 11th studio album, aptly titled, Eleven on Oct. 11. For the project, the powerhouse vocalist penned six of the 11 tracks. Album joins a growing list of 4th quarter 2011 releases.
According to data from Nielsen-BDS and Mediabase, McBride is Country radio’s “most-played female artist” of the past 11 years (1999-2010).
The upcoming release comes at a time of major changes in McBride’s career, with new music, a new producer (Byron Gallimore), a new manager (Morris Artists Management) and a new record label (Republic Nashville).

“This is such an amazing time in my life and my career,” says McBride. “I feel like I’ve been given the support and power to go into the studio and write and create an album that pushes the boundaries of what people expect of me, while still being true to myself. I can’t wait for October 11th so that I can finally share this new music with my fans!”

Eleven Track List:
1. One Night
2. Always Be This Way
3. I’m Gonna Love You Through It
4. Marry Me
5. Broken Umbrella
6. You Can Get Your Lovin’ Right Here
7. Whatcha Gonna Do
8. Teenage Daughters
9. Summer of Love
10. When You  Love A Sinner
11. Long Distance Lullaby

Hall Hosts Grand Opening of Chet Atkins Exhibit

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(L-R): Steve Wariner, Fred Gretsch, Merle Russell and Kyle Young. Photo: Donn Jones


Steve Wariner, one of only a few Atkins-anointed Certified Guitar Players, gave a lively musical tribute. Photo: Christie King


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its Chet Atkins exhibition last night (8/10) to a group of industry tastemakers, sponsors, and the late guitar-great’s descendants including daughter Merle Russell.
Museum Director Kyle Young welcomed guests in the Ford Theater. “Chet was always a supportive friend of this institution,” he said. “He was also one of country music’s ultimate renaissance men, one of the greatest instrumentalists in American music history, and a true musical savant. We are truly honored to tell his story, one we know will resonate with country fans old and new.”
Fred Gretsch and members of his family were there to help salute Atkins’ history with their guitar company dating back to 1954. Mr. Gretsch recalled George Harrison’s admiration of the Country Gentleman, and also brought onstage Atkins’ teary-eyed friend, Paul Yandell. The instrument manufacturer provided generous support of the new exhibit.

Photo: Christie King


Upstairs guests got the first look of Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player. Classic guitars take center stage in the exhibition which tells the remarkable story of Atkins’ rise from near-poverty in Luttrell, Tennessee to acclaimed musician. Included is his first guitar, a Sears Silvertone he acquired at age 11 and upon which he taught himself to play; and his 1938 Gibson L-10 designed for original owner Les Paul.
At a very early age, Atkins set his mind to becoming a famous guitar player. He was a shy boy, who moved as a child to Columbus, Georgia where the climate eased his asthma. It was there that he got his first radio gig. By age 18 he was earning a living as a musician.

Photo: Christie King


The exhibit highlights his signature thumb-and-two-finger picking style, developed while trying to emulate Merle Travis. It covers his 1950 move to Nashville as the guitar player for Maybelle and the Carter Sisters.
Guitars, contracts and letters show his progress over the next several decades. There is a 1951 photograph of Atkins playing alongside Hank Williams at the Grand Ole Opry.
One highlight is the meticulous re-construction of the work-bench and shelves in Atkins’ basement home studio, including tools, cameras, hats, guitar straps, and golf clubs.
There are a few video clips, but missing in this smaller exhibit are some of the interactive, multimedia components that made the Hall’s Williams Family exhibition so successful.
Atkins’ storied career criss-crossed from A-Team studio work, to artist, producer, and record executive. He played on recordings by Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. His first hit as an artist came in 1955 with “Mister Sandman.” As a producer, he was a key architect of the Nashville Sound, and worked with the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings and Jim Reeves. Atkins was elected to the hallowed Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, and before dying in 2001, he received a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Downstairs in the conservatory, CPG (certified party goers) enjoyed the night’s signature mango cocktail while munching on hors d’oeuvres and mini desserts.
Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player officially opens tomorrow (8/12) with special events throughout the weekend. Details at countrymusichalloffame.org.

(L-R): Steve Wariner, Earl Klugh, Reggie Young, Duane Eddy, James Burton, Scotty Moore, Paul Yandell, Ben Hall and Mark Pritcher, Pres. of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. Photo: Donn Jones.

Marlee Scott Goes Dancing • New Darrell Scott Disc • AJ Offers Free Concert

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Marlee Scott has released a dance mix of her country single “Beautiful Maybe” to over 240 DJs, club owners and dance instructors. The special high-energy version was remixed and produced by Allen Morgan. Listen to it here. The radio version was produced by David Kalmusky and written by Marcus Hummon, Tia Sillers and Tania Hancheroff. “I cannot wait to get out on the road and start playing my music for everyone!” says Scott, who grew up in Alberta, Canada. “There are parts of the U.S. that I’ve never been before, and I’m getting ready for my first official radio tour down here. I am so pumped to meet everyone at Country radio!”
 
 
Darrell Scott is set to release Long Ride Home, the artist’s seventh studio album, on Oct. 11. The self-produced, 16-track project was mixed by Ray Kennedy and will utilize the services of Thirty Tigers for marketing and distribution. According to Scott, the collection leverages his songwriting as a vehicle to revisit and pay tribute to the music of his youth. Scott has three Grammy nominations and an Americana Music Award. http://www.darrellscott.com/
 
 
 
 
Alan Jackson fans will have the chance to earn a free show in conjunction with the release of Jackson’s as yet unnamed album coming up this Fall. Fans will have until Oct. 10 to vote for their city at  http://eventful.com/alanjackson. Eventful works closely with partners in the entertainment and music industries to design and execute powerful social media marketing campaigns which engage consumers, generate critical data regarding local demand, drive awareness and generate ticket sales for movies, concerts, family shows and other live events. Eventful’s community of over 17 million registered users use Eventful to discover, promote, share and create events.
 

Full Scope Rebrands As Average Joe’s Management

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(L-R) CEO Ken Madson, and Manager Rusty Harmon

Full Scope Entertainment, the management home to Colt Ford, Ty Stone, and others, has partnered with Average Joe’s Entertainment label to form Average Joe’s Management.

The management firm was established in early 2009 by CEO Ken Madson. He explains, “Since its creation, Full Scope Entertainment has worked closely with Average Joe’s Entertainment. While this will not affect day-to-day management operations, this re-branding is part of a larger effort to grow Average Joe’s Entertainment and Average Joe’s Management.”

Shannon Houchins, CEO of the label, points out that the renaming emphasizes that the management company uses the label’s marketing resources for management clients regardless of whether or not they are signed to the record company.

In addition, Average Joe’s Management has hired Rusty Harmon, who brings with him management clients Bo Bice, Scarletta, and Nick Norman. Harmon got his start working with Hootie & The Blowfish, who went on to worldwide sales of more than 25 million.

Harmon has secured endorsement deals from Budweiser, Nike, BMW, and Gibson for his clients. From 1997-2000 he was President of the Atlantic imprint, Breaking Records.

“At a time when everyone in the music industry is talking about making changes in the way we conduct our business, Average Joe’s has actually done it,” Harmon shares. “I’m thrilled to be on board with such a progressive, aggressive, and proactive management company and record label.”

Additional Nashville management staffers include Houchins, Lex Lipsitz, Andrew Parvin, and Jamie Reeder.

Orlando McGhee will continue at the helm the Atlanta hub of the management company.

The Average Joe’s Management roster lists Anamul House, Bizarre, JB and The Moonshine Band, Nappy Roots, REHAB, Scarletta, Space Capone, The Lacs, Bo Bice, Lauren Briant, Lenny Cooper, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, John Michael Montgomery, Nick Norman, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, and Morgan Strebler.

Average Joe’s offices are located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 337, Nashville, TN 37203. For additional information, visit www.averagejoesmanagement.com or call (615) 733-9983.

Average Joe’s Management Staff contact:

Ken Madson, [email protected]
Shannon Houchins, [email protected]
Rusty Harmon, [email protected]
Orlando McGhee, [email protected]
Lex Lipsitz, [email protected]
Andrew Parvin, [email protected]
Jamie Reeder, [email protected]

Full Scope Rebrands As Average Joe's Management

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(L-R) CEO Ken Madson, and Manager Rusty Harmon


Full Scope Entertainment, the management home to Colt Ford, Ty Stone, and others, has partnered with Average Joe’s Entertainment label to form Average Joe’s Management.
The management firm was established in early 2009 by CEO Ken Madson. He explains, “Since its creation, Full Scope Entertainment has worked closely with Average Joe’s Entertainment. While this will not affect day-to-day management operations, this re-branding is part of a larger effort to grow Average Joe’s Entertainment and Average Joe’s Management.”
Shannon Houchins, CEO of the label, points out that the renaming emphasizes that the management company uses the label’s marketing resources for management clients regardless of whether or not they are signed to the record company.
In addition, Average Joe’s Management has hired Rusty Harmon, who brings with him management clients Bo Bice, Scarletta, and Nick Norman. Harmon got his start working with Hootie & The Blowfish, who went on to worldwide sales of more than 25 million.
Harmon has secured endorsement deals from Budweiser, Nike, BMW, and Gibson for his clients. From 1997-2000 he was President of the Atlantic imprint, Breaking Records.
“At a time when everyone in the music industry is talking about making changes in the way we conduct our business, Average Joe’s has actually done it,” Harmon shares. “I’m thrilled to be on board with such a progressive, aggressive, and proactive management company and record label.”
Additional Nashville management staffers include Houchins, Lex Lipsitz, Andrew Parvin, and Jamie Reeder.
Orlando McGhee will continue at the helm the Atlanta hub of the management company.
The Average Joe’s Management roster lists Anamul House, Bizarre, JB and The Moonshine Band, Nappy Roots, REHAB, Scarletta, Space Capone, The Lacs, Bo Bice, Lauren Briant, Lenny Cooper, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, John Michael Montgomery, Nick Norman, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, and Morgan Strebler.
Average Joe’s offices are located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 337, Nashville, TN 37203. For additional information, visit www.averagejoesmanagement.com or call (615) 733-9983.
Average Joe’s Management Staff contact:
Ken Madson, [email protected]
Shannon Houchins, [email protected]
Rusty Harmon, [email protected]
Orlando McGhee, [email protected]
Lex Lipsitz, [email protected]
Andrew Parvin, [email protected]
Jamie Reeder, [email protected]

The Dirt Drifters “Give Blood”

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Warner Bros. Records’ new band The Dirt Drifters will be giving away 30,000 copies of their debut album entitled This Is My Blood.

Beginning this week, the group will give fans exclusive physical copies of the album at all tour dates. Fans will actually receive two copies of the CD packaged together and separated by a perforation. The Dirt Drifters are recruiting their fans to “get blood” and “give blood” by keeping one disc for themselves and passing along the second album to a friend. Produced by Justin Niebank, the album features their new single “Always A Reason.”

“For us it is all about the music and we want to get it out there,” says lead singer and guitarist Matt Fleener. “We are not asking for anything in return. If you like what you hear, then tear it and pass it along.” Vocalist and guitarist Ryan Fleener adds, “We are so excited for this opportunity and have to give a huge shout out to our label President, John Esposito, for making our dream of sharing our music a reality!”

The band, composed of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, will be kicking off their “Always A Reason” tour this September.

For more information on The Dirt Drifters and their upcoming shows, visit www.TheDirtDrifters.com.

The Dirt Drifters "Give Blood"

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Warner Bros. Records’ new band The Dirt Drifters will be giving away 30,000 copies of their debut album entitled This Is My Blood.
Beginning this week, the group will give fans exclusive physical copies of the album at all tour dates. Fans will actually receive two copies of the CD packaged together and separated by a perforation. The Dirt Drifters are recruiting their fans to “get blood” and “give blood” by keeping one disc for themselves and passing along the second album to a friend. Produced by Justin Niebank, the album features their new single “Always A Reason.”

“For us it is all about the music and we want to get it out there,” says lead singer and guitarist Matt Fleener. “We are not asking for anything in return. If you like what you hear, then tear it and pass it along.” Vocalist and guitarist Ryan Fleener adds, “We are so excited for this opportunity and have to give a huge shout out to our label President, John Esposito, for making our dream of sharing our music a reality!”

The band, composed of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, will be kicking off their “Always A Reason” tour this September.
For more information on The Dirt Drifters and their upcoming shows, visit www.TheDirtDrifters.com.