Video News (1/19/12)

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(L-R): BMLG’s Jake Basden, EYB’s James Young, Mike Eli, Director Brian Lazzaro, BMLG’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, EYB’s Chris Thomspon, Jon Jones, Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen, Matthew Hargis and Triple 8 Management’s George Couri. Photo: Mike Moore, Courtesy of Republic Nashville

Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” is currently impacting radio (No. 34, CountryBreakout Chart) and the video premiered on CMT last week (Jan. 13). Brian Lazzaro directed the video, which was shot in downtown Nashville in and around Gruhn Guitars.

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Alan Jackson has released his new single “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” to country radio through his partnership with EMI Records Nashville. The accompanying video, directed by Steven Goldmann and shot at Coney Island, is currently airing on GAC and CMT.

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MCA’s Josh Kelley has unveiled the highly personal video for “Naleigh Moon,” a song about his three-year-old daughter. Kelley’s wife, actress Katherine Heigl, directed the clip that features home footage of the couple with Naleigh. The song appears on Kelley’s 2011 album Georgia Clay.

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Rural Rhythm Records has released the music video for “Trailblazer,” the latest single from The Roys. The video was shot outside Nashville in Hermitage, and the song appears on their album Lonesome Whistle.

Artist Photos (1/18/12)

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Sea Gayle/BNA Recording Artist Wade Bowen made an impromptu stop in Denver, CO last week on his way home from his tenth performance at MusicFest in Steamboat Springs to catch Vince Gill’s show at the Soiled Dove. The two are pictured here with three of Bowen’s band members. Wade’s current country radio single is “Saturday Night.”

(L-R): Ross Smith, Wade Bowen, Vince Gill, Caleb Jones and Gary Wooten

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On Saturday, Jan. 14 Capitol Records Nashville executives gathered backstage at TPAC to surprise comedian Rodney Carrington with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum Certification of his album Rodney Carrington – Greatest Hits. “If I had known y’all would be doing this tonight, I would have dressed up,” said Carrington as he was preparing to take the stage for a second sold-out performance of the evening.

(L-R): Cindy Mabe – SVP Marketing, Capitol Records Nashville, Rodney Carrington, Tom Becci – COO, Capitol Records Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

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Aussie trio The McClymonts recently visited with broadcaster Voice of America’s “Border Crossings,” and will also be visiting the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(L-R): Mollie McClymont, Brooke McClymont, Larry London, Sam McClymont

Taylor Swift Covers Vogue

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Vogue: February 2012

Taylor Swift will be featured on the Feb. 2012 cover of Vogue with a Mario Testino photo spread and in-depth interview on her 22 years of life lessons and experiences. The article, titled “Taylor Swift: The Single Life,” is currently posted on the Vogue website. The issue hits stands Jan. 24.

The three-time Grammy nominee reveals how her ‘awkward’ years influenced her inner reliance and shares the moment she came to embrace her individuality. Swift confides about the pressure to stay thin, shares insightful ‘red flag’ advice from her storied dating life and expresses anxieties about her longevity in the business.

“I fret about the future,” Swift told Vogue writer Jonathan Van Meter for the feature. “What my next move should be. What the move after that should be. How I am going to sustain this. How do I evolve. I get so ahead of myself. I’m like, ‘What am I going to be doing at 30?’ But there’s no way to know that! Lately I’ve been focusing on trying to be here. Trying to be who I am, where I am, at the moment. But, you know, I am having a big meeting with my team next week, planning 2013. Which makes it hard!”

The article also covers Swift’s Nashville and California residences, her parents’ role in her life and career and concludes by crediting Kris Kristofferson with the career she envies. “He is so versatile and so appreciated for all of the things that he has done. The fact that he shines in songwriting, shines in his solo career, shines in movies and does it all so tastefully…he’s just one of those people who has been in this business for years but you can tell it hasn’t chewed him up and spit him out. He just seemed like the human embodiment of gratitude. Sometimes you see these people who are just so—God—so affected by all of it, where ambition has taken precedence over happiness. But when I meet people who really embody this serenity of knowing that they have had an amazing life—James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, and Ethel Kennedy. They just seem to be effervescent.”

Bobby Karl Works The Nashville Grammy Nominee Party

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Chapter 385

Nominee Dave Barnes walks the red carpet. Photo: Caitlin Rantala/MusicRow

When the Nashville Grammy Nominee Party calls, you always rsvp.

This annual event is a significant marker on the music community’s social calendar. The holidays are over, a new year is beckoning with promise and we’re all well over our families and eager to reconnect with our real family. It is the first significant gathering of the fabulons of the year and one of the only ones that unites the diverse elements of Music City.

“I love this party,” said Drew Alexander. “I get invited, I show up,” said Rod Essig. They spoke for the whole merry-making room.

The Tuesday evening (1/17) event was held, as is customary, at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel ballroom. As indicated by the attendees, the 54th annual Grammys are throwing a spotlight on all kinds of Music City music makers.

“As everyone here knows, the talent that comes out of this town is extraordinary,” said Dan Hill, the current president of Nashville’s Recording Academy chapter. “The nominations for Nashville this year come from everything from rock to classical, including Best New Artist.”

“There are 20 categories represented [by Nashville nominees],” added George Flanigen, who is serving his second term as the Recording Academy’s national president. “This year’s nominations reflect the respect that the voters have for Music City.”

In addition to categories such as the predictable country, bluegrass and Christian musics, Nashvillians popped up in such categories as rock album, pop group, blues, folk, children’s, spoken word, engineering, classical, instrumental composition and soundtrack song.

George Jones walks the red carpet at the Nashville Grammy Nominee party. Jones is being honored with the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Photo: Caitlin Rantala/MusicRow

Blues nominee Keb Mo’ said he was proud and pleased to call himself a Nashvillian. In one of the cooler, only-in-Nashville moments, he walked the red carpet alongside Lifetime Achievement honoree George Jones.

Several nominees elected to face the media in groups. Matraca Berg, Deana Carter and Kenny Chesney (in a black stocking cap) made a grand entrance. Tom T. Hall, Peter Cooper and Eric Brace united as well.

Alas, the children’s-music Grammy is a producer’s award, lamented Cooper of their Songs of Fox Hollow project. “But we’ll find a way to get Tom T. one. He’s never won for an album.”

Jim Collins, waiting to walk with fellow nominee David Lee Murphy (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”), recalled opening a Texas concert for Tom T. years ago where nobody showed up: “It wasn’t promoted very well, but he went out there and told his stories and sang his songs and gave those few people his full show. He’s an old-school pro.”

Also meeting the media on the red carpet were such diverse stars as Jason Aldean, Natalie Grant, Jerry Douglas, TobyMac, Royal Tailor, The Del McCoury Band, Brandon Heath, The WannaBeatles, Dave Barnes and Steven Curtis Chapman. Twinkling in the welcoming throng were the Nashville Symphony’s Alan Valentine, plus Jon Randall Stewart, Jeff Hanna, Charlie Chase & Lorianne Crook, Eric Paslay and Mayor Karl Dean.

(L-R): Chris Parr, Jessica Aldean, nominee Jason Aldean, The Academy’s Susan Stewart, George Flanigen, Daniel Hill. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com, Courtesy of The Recording Academy

“Will you introduce me to him?” enquired first lady Ann Davis of hizzoner when she spotted George Jones in the valet-parking area. I love it when celebs are starstruck, since I am too, perpetually.

The Loews staffers outdid themselves in the catering department. We were treated to a mac-and-cheese station with smoked chicken and gouda. Pulled barbecue pork nestled in red-potato skins. The catfish tacos with pickle slaw were delish. There were grits, veggies, condiments and a roast-beef carving station. Full bars flanked either end of the ballroom and waiters circulated with wine trays.

“They are such good partners for our Chapter,” said South Regional Director Susan Stewart in presenting Loews with a framed 2012 Grammy poster. Jones got one, too.

The décor was dominated by two, massive, gleaming-gold Big-Ass Grammys, worth more than $10,000 apiece, I am told. They travel in their own road cases from L.A.

The organization is flush with cash, having recently re-signed a multi-year TV contract with CBS. The network was doubtless pleased that last year’s Grammy telecast drew 26.6 million viewers, setting a record. Flanigen termed it, “one of the longest partnerships in television history.”

Jon Freeman was there, fresh from the Brantley Gilbert No. 1 party and celebrating his promotion at this very publication. Wishing each other Happy New Year were Pete Fisher, Joanna Carter, Ben Fowler, Arthur Buenahora, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Carla Wallace, Gilles Godard (there, I finally spelled him right), Garth Fundis, Clint Higham, Stacy Weidlitz, Ron Stuve, Gary Overton, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Wes Vause, and Norbert Nix.

Also Fletcher Foster, Lori Badgett, Diane Pearson, Pat McMakin, Sherod Robertson, LeAnn Phelan, Nancy Shapiro, Nancy Jones, Scott & Sandi Borchetta, Doug Casmus, Allen Brown, Kay West, Terry Hemmings, David Corlew, Lisa Harless, Tamara Saviano, Doug Howard and Paul Barnabee.

(L-R): Nominee TobyMac, nominee Jamie Grace, nominee Steven Curtis Chapman, The Academy’s George Flanigen, Susan Stewart and Daniel Hill. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com, Courtesy of The Recording Academy

“Idol” Time—Eleventh Season Debuts Tonight

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American Idol returns tonight for its 11th season with an episode centered around auditions held in Savannah, Ga. Fox’s two-night premiere runs Wed., Jan. 18, and Thurs., Jan. 19 at 8/7 CT. The audition round of episodes will continue Sun., Jan. 22 following the NFC Championship Game. Among the cities hosting auditions for the next Idol were Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis. See the schedule.

Idol has turned numerous contestants into stars, regardless of whether or not they won the show’s top prize. Last season country music shined on the singing competition, resulting in winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina.

Returning this year is host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler.

The series has been the top-rated show on television since 2006, resulting in a slew of similar singing competitions. Former Idol judge Simon Cowell just wrapped the first season of his talent show The X Factor, also on Fox. Meanwhile, NBC hit The Voice featuring celebrity coaches Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green returns with a big premiere following the Feb. 5 Super Bowl.

Haggard Hospitalized In Georgia

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Merle Haggard has been hospitalized in Macon, Ga. for pneumonia. The country legend has been sick since leaving his home in California last week, and became more ill after arriving in Macon for last night’s concert. That date was cancelled, as were the remainder of his January shows. Frank Mull is Haggard’s tour manager.

Haggard, 74, has dates booked through August, including an April 11 show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

He released a new album in October 2011. Working In Tennessee is his second disc for Vanguard Records.

 

New Artists Jessie James and Dustin Lynch Debut Singles

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Dustin Lynch and Jessie James

Show Dog – Universal Music has partnered with Mercury/IDJ to release new music from Jessie James. “When You Say My Name” will be available at iTunes on Jan. 31, and the music video directed by Kristin Barlowe will soon follow.

James, who spent her youth moving around in a military family, has been singing, songwriting and performing since age nine.

“I remember hearing a demo on Jessie a few years ago and being very impressed with what a big voice she had for such a young girl,” said Mark Wright, President Show Dog – Universal Music, who also produced the single. “I followed up, only to find that Mercury in New York had signed her. I was so excited to hear from my friend and colleague David Massey at Mercury that Jessie had always considered herself a country artist and would I consider joining forces with him to launch her into the country market.”

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Broken Bow Records has released the debut single from Dustin Lynch. He penned the song “Cowboys and Angels” with Tim Nichols and Josh Leo. It is one of several songs he wrote for his debut album, which is being produced by Brett Beavers and is due later this year.

The Tullahoma, Tenn. native moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb University. It was during this time that he rented an apartment behind the Bluebird Cafe so he could walk to the venue and learn the craft of songwriting.

Country Weekly is featuring Lynch in the online series, “CW on the DL,” offering exclusive song premieres and video diary episodes.

He’s also among the artists performing at Nashville Lifestyle’s “Music in the City” on Jan. 31 at The Tin Roof.

Randy Travis Aligns With New Team Members

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2011 marked the 25th year of Randy Travis’ storied career, and he’s beginning 2012 with new management and publicity teams.

Going forward, the multi-platinum star’s career will be guided by Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Jeff Davis of SUM Management. Davis’ working association with Travis spans over 24 years, and he will be creatively aligned with Levitan to continue developing opportunities for Travis. Levitan has worked with Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Fray, Trace Adkins, Kings of Leon and many more.

Additionally, Travis has tapped Webster & Associates Public Relations & Marketing to handle his publicity matters. CAA’s Marc Dennis will continue to represent Travis for booking and live performances.

In 2011 Warner Bros. released Anniversary Celebration, featuring Travis collaborating with the stars he influenced, to commemorate the singer’s 25 years of recording. In 1986 he broke out with “On The Other Hand” and went on to land 18 No. 1 hits, with sales totaling over 20 million.

Levitan and Davis will reportedly announce several new career initiatives for Travis in 2012.

Artist Growth Debuts Offering Mobile Toolbox For Musicians

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Artist Growth, a Nashville based company offering a sophisticated set of cloud-based business management tools for artists, officially launches today. Musicians Matt Urmy and Jonathan Sexton created the app that works on any mobile device to integrate finances, calendars, inventory, contacts, social media and mentoring resources from industry experts.

Joe Galante and Dr. Harry Jacobson, investors in Artist Growth, marked its debut with a party last night at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Mayor Karl Dean was scheduled to give a keynote address, while Vince Gill and Cowboy Jack Clement were set to make special appearances. Galante calls the system, “the record business in a box.”

Artist Growth reps will showcase the product later this week at the NAMM Show in Anahaim, followed by MIDEM in Cannes, France; Folk Alliance convention in Memphis, and South by Southwest in Austin.

As previously reported, other investors include echomusic founder Mark Montgomery and Moontoast founder Joe Glaser.

Urmy told Venture Nashville that the company has already raised $1 million in outside capital, and that the influx is continuing in 2012. According to the report it is also likely that the technology can be applied to areas other than music, including healthcare and education.

“It empowers artists to participate in the business side of music without being too distracted from their creativity,” explains Urmy, who conceived the idea in 2009 with Sexton. They began developing the application 18 months ago.

A low price point makes the app even more attractive. The monthly starter rate is $4.95, and a 30-day trial is being offered for 99 cents. The app is available in the Android Market, and Apple’s App Store.

Here’s a breakdown of what Artist Growth offers:

1. Combines every aspect of business in one place, helping artists understand what their career means to a label, manager, bandmate, or investor.

2. Cloud-based technology. Access Artist Growth and all resources via any web-based or mobile platform, with wireless syncing across multiple devices and users.

3. Simplified, customized daily tasks. Artist Growth’s Action Packs package to-do lists curated by industry professionals, using push notifications to organize everything from promoting a show to writing a business plan.

4. In-app financial management. Snap photos of receipts on the road, input directly to tax filing systems, and keep track of fan merchandise inventory all in one place.

5. A library of expertise. Access to career tips, tools, and advice from record executives, producers, artists, managers, and other industry experts on Artist Growth’s AGtv video portal, and more than 30K industry contacts via the Indie Bible.

Debate Over Piracy Acts Continues With Wikipedia Blackout

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A message posted on Wikipedia.com.

Internet and tech companies are in an uprising against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), bills making their way through Congress which have drawn support from copyright holders in the music and film industries.

Wikipedia is instituting a self-imposed blackout tomorrow in protest. Designed to draw attention to the bills, Wikipedia will go offline at midnight ET tonight (1/16) and resume operations 24 hours later.

Other sites joining the blackout include user-submitted news site Reddit, tech blog Boing Boing and the Cheezburger network of comedy sites. WordPress, a platform which helps bloggers build websites, is offering users a protest-SOPA widget to be place on their own blogs.

Other internet giants who have spoken out against the legislation include Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, eBay, and AOL.

The RIAA announced its support of the bill when it was introduced to the House of Representatives in October.

Last week a panel of experts assembled at Nashville’s Ocean Way Studios to discuss SOPA’s implications.

The Obama administration released its first statement about the bills on Saturday (1/14), noting that it would not support legislation that mandates “tamper[ing] with the technical architecture of the Internet through manipulation of the Domain Name System (DNS).”

DNS blocking is no longer part of SOPA or PIPA.

Currently, SOPA is in the U.S. House of Representatives, and PIPA is under consideration in the Senate. The
 Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN Act) has been proposed as an alternative.