SiriusXM Adds 1.7M Subscribers in 2011

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Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced yesterday it ended the year with nearly 21.9 million subscribers, reporting approximately 540,000 net new subscribers in the fourth quarter and approximately 1,700,000 for the full year 2011.

“Based on preliminary subscriber data, we are very pleased to announce that SiriusXM exceeded its subscriber guidance for the year. Our subscriber growth accelerated in 2011 as net additions grew approximately 20%, delivering our best year for net additions since the merger and demonstrating the strong continuing demand for our unmatched audio content,” said Mel Karmazin, Chief Executive Officer, SiriusXM.

SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to its subscribers.

Sara Evans Releases Third Novel

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Sara Evans released her third novel, Love Lifted Me, earlier this week (1/03). The novel, co-written by Rachel Hauck, is the third installment in Evans’ Songbird series, which include The Sweet By and By (2009) and Softly and Tenderly (2011). All three books follow the life of protagonist Jade Benson.

A starred Booklist review on the novel’s cover tells readers, “Hang on for an emotional ride, as a woman who married into a Southern soap opera learns to forgive and trust again.”

Love Lifted Me chronicles a trying time in Jade Benson’s life, in which she and her husband, Max, gain custody of his son. As the three face the challenge of becoming a family, a stranger reveals a secret that threatens their newly formed unit.

“All my songs tell a story. But this one is special. My first book series is about looking backward while moving forward. It’s about chasing dreams, endless country roads, and tender faith,” explains Evans.

Love Lifted Me is available now at Amazon.

Davidson, EMI Renew Publishing Deal

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Hit songwriter Dallas Davidson and EMI Music Publishing have entered a new co-publishing deal, extending their four-year relationship. EMI Music Publishing will continue to represent Davidson’s catalogue and future works on a worldwide basis in partnership with Davidson’s Two Chord Georgia Music.

Davidson’s recent hits include songs recorded by Lady Antebellum (“We Owned The Night”), Luke Bryan (“I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “Country Girl Shake It For Me”), Blake Shelton (“It’s All About Tonight”) and Montgomery/Gentry (“Where I Come From”). He was crowned this year’s BMI Songwriter of the Year and was awarded BMI’s Song Of The Year for “All Over Me” (Josh Turner).

EMI Music Publishing Nashville Executive Vice President Ben Vaughn said, “Dallas is a talented, driven, world class songwriter who writes songs that sell records and radio plays. Our entire EMI team could not be prouder to have partnered with him during his rise to the top of the charts many, many times. He cares deeply about his friends, his music, and he’s a great guy to go hang out with at The Cracker Barrel.”

“Today is a big day for me,” added Davidson. “I’m very excited to be moving forward with the EMI team. Ben Vaughn is the reason that I came here four short years ago and he has done everything he said he would. I believe in loyalty and friendships in this business and with EMI I have both. On the business side of things I see EMI, Ben Vaughn, and Big Jon Platt as the best of the best. Together we are extremely productive. Why in the hell would I wanna be anywhere else?”

Since his breakout 2006 hit “Honky Tonk Badonadonk” (Trace Adkins), Davidson has racked up 16 top 20 singles, including 12 No. 1s, a few of which include “Start a Band” (Brad Paisley & Keith Urban), “That’s How Country Boys Roll” (Billy Currington), “Rain Is A Good Thing” (Luke Bryan), “Gimmie That Girl” (Joe Nichols), “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (Justin Moore) and “Just A Kiss” (Lady Antebellum).

Lambert’s “Four The Record” Goes Gold

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Miranda Lambert started the New Year with some shiny new metal and high praise for her latest album Four The Record. The album achieved Gold status faster than any of her previous three albums, all of which have been certified Platinum.

Released last November (11/1/11), Four The Record garnered rave reviews from the press and has ended up on many Album of the Year lists including Rolling Stone, USA Today, People Magazine, American Songwriter, The Houston Chronicle and many others. Additionally, Rolling Stone added the song “Mama’s Broken Heart” to their Singles of the Year list.

“Over You,” is Lambert’s recently released second single from Four The Record. The track includes some of the most personal lyrics of her career. Written by Lambert with husband Blake Shelton, the song is about Shelton’s brother who died in a car accident when Shelton was a teenager.

Lambert is scheduled to kick-off her new headline tour On Fire, next Thursday, Jan. 12, in Rockford, IL. As previously announced, labelmates Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann will also join Lambert for the coast-to-coast tour, which will play more than 30 cities.

Texaco Country Showdown Returns To Ryman

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LeAnn Rimes will host the competition for the sixth consecutive year.

The Texaco Country Showdown talent search will present its National Final on Jan. 26 at the Ryman Auditorium. LeAnn Rimes will host the free event for the sixth consecutive year.

Five Regional Winners will perform that night, competing for the $100,000 grand prize. The show will be taped for television and is scheduled to air in April via nationwide syndication.

The year-long competition typically draws 50,000 contestants who perform at over 450 shows produced by country radio stations. Local winners then advance to State and Regional Showdowns.

Past Country Showdown competitors include Miranda Lambert, Garth Brooks, Chris Young, Miley Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Thompson Square, Brad Paisley and Sara Evans.

Dean Unkefer is President of Special Promotions, Inc. and producer of the Texaco Country Showdown.

For free tickets to the National Final visit the Ryman box office or call (615) 889-3060.

More at www.texacocountryshowdown.com.

Arista Adds Renee Leymon

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Renee Leymon

Arista Nashville has tapped Renee Leymon to serve as Regional Promotion Director. She’s in the role now and reporting to Lesly Tyson, Vice President, National Promotion for Arista Nashville.

Leymon began her music career over nineteen years ago at Arista Nashville as the receptionist and A&R assistant. She spent the next twelve years at Lyric Street rising to Sr. Director, National Promotion. Most recently Leymon worked in radio promotion at Bigger Picture Group, LLC / New Revolution.

In welcoming Leymon, Tyson praised, “Renee’ is the perfect addition to the Arista Nashville team. She is a powerhouse promotion person with incredible experience in this format and amazing relationships in the industry. I am thrilled to have her back at Arista where her career began.”

“I’m so thankful AND blessed to be given this opportunity by Lesly Tyson and Gary Overton,” shares Leymon. “And, I’m grateful for all the folks I’ve learned so much from and worked with the past several years.” She continues, “And, now I’m back home again!”

In related news, before joining Arista Leymon and Laurie Smith had met with many record company and college executives regarding the launch of Promo 1on1. An important announcement about Promo 1on1 and Leymon’s replacement in the project is forthcoming.

Republic Nashville Honors The Band Perry

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(L-R) TBP’s Reid Perry; BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta; TBP’s Kimberly Perry; Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen; TBP’s Neil Perry and BMLG VP of Sales, Marketing & Interactive Kelly Rich. Photo: Justin Nolan Key, Courtesy of Republic Nashville

Republic Nashville surprised 2012 Grammy nominees The Band Perry with a special plaque presentation to commemorate the band’s recent achievements. While in Las Vegas, the label staff honored the sibling trio for their Triple Platinum single, “If I Die Young,” and Platinum debut album, The Band Perry, certifications.

The band’s current love ballad, “All Your Life,” is already No. 2 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart. Meanwhile, the Perrys spent the holidays working on their next album.

Carrie and Faith Appear in Tony Bennett Special

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Carrie Underwood performs with Tony Bennett

A host of country and Nashville-related artists will appear with the legendary Tony Bennett for the January PBS special Tony Bennett: Duets II, a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of his acclaimed album Duets II.

Joining Bennett for performances of his greatest hits are Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Michael Buble, k.d. lang, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Alejandro Sanz and more. The special is being shown as part of PBS’ Great Performances Series, and features stars singing with Bennett on his greatest hits during the Duets II recording sessions. In Music City, several sessions took place at Ben’s Studio on 17th Ave. S.

Highlights include Bennett and Faith Hill on “The Way You Look Tonight,” as well as Amy Winehouse’s final recording on “Body & Soul.” Full song program is included below.

Released in September 2011, Duets II topped sales charts and earned heaps of critical praise. It is currently nominated for Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Pop Vocal, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).

Tony Bennett: Duets II is scheduled to air Friday, January 27. Check local listings for time.

Song Program:

“The Lady Is a Tramp” (Lady Gaga)
“One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” (John Mayer)
“Body and Soul” (Amy Winehouse)
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” (Michael Bublé)
“Blue Velvet” (k.d. lang)
“How Do You Keep the Music Playing” (Aretha Franklin)
“The Girl I Love” (Sheryl Crow)
“On the Sunny Side of the Street” (Willie Nelson)
“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” (Queen Latifah)
“Speak Low” (Norah Jones)
“This Is All I Ask” (Josh Groban)
“Watch What Happens” (Natalie Cole)
“Stranger in Paradise” (Andrea Bocelli)
“The Way You Look Tonight” (Faith Hill)
“Yesterday I Heard the Rain” (Alejandro Sanz)
“It Had to Be You” (Carrie Underwood)

Miranda McDonald Joins MCA Promo Team

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Miranda McDonald

Miranda (Williams) McDonald has been named director of regional promotion-Southwest for MCA Nashville. She most recently held a similar post at The Valory Music Co.

McDonald fills the vacancy left by EJ Bernas’ recent move to Tin Roof Corporation.

Royce Risser, senior vice president of promotion, Universal Music Group Nashville announced her hiring. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Miranda join MCA Nashville,” he says. “Her reputation is killer, her passion for the music is obvious, and her interpersonal skills are second to none. If you know her, you know that she is going to fit right in here. If you don’t know her, well, you will soon.”

She’ll handle promotion for the roster which includes Gary Allan, Vince Gill, Mallary Hope, Josh Kelley, Kip Moore, David Nail, Randy Rogers Band, George Strait, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack.

“I am so happy to be joining the MCA/Universal Family as the Southwest Director of Regional Promotion,” McDonald says. “I’ve been a fan of their roster and staff from afar, so it feels great to be part of the team.”

McDonald’s career also includes four years at CMT Radio. The Newcastle, Wyoming native has one daughter, Charlie.

All-Star Lineup Announced for WCRS Live!

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Natalie Hemby, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna

Country Radio Seminar recently announced its WCRS Live! songwriter showcase will feature Matraca Berg, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna. The event, sponsored by BMI and Country Aircheck, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 during CRS 2012 on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center.

Berg’s songs have been cut by artists including Reba McEntire (“The Last One to Know”), Patty Loveless (“I’m That Kind of Girl”), Trisha Yearwood (“Wrong Side of Memphis”) and Martina McBride (“Wild Angels”). She has also released three albums as a solo artist, including her 2011 release, The Dreaming Fields. Hemby’s recent successes include work with Miranda Lambert (“Baggage Claim,” “Fine Tune,” “White Liar,” “Only Prettier,” “The Airstream Song,” “Virginia Bluebell”) and Eli Young Band (“Mystery in the Making,” “The Fight,” “How Quickly You Forget”). Meanwhile, McKenna has not only had cuts by Faith Hill (“Stealing Kisses,” “Fireflies,” “If You Ask”) and Tim McGraw (“I’m Workin’”), she also toured with them both. Her studio albums include Bittertown, Unglamorous and 2011’s Lorraine.

“This lineup presents a rare opportunity to experience the work of three of Nashville’s best,” says BMI Assistant VP Dan Spears. “To have Matraca Berg, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna sharing the same stage is incredible. But the event will also serve to highlight the vital contributions made by women throughout the music and radio industries, while acting as the perfect complement to ‘Rising Through the Ranks,’ a program that BMI pioneered with the Radio Advertising Bureau. Each year, BMI awards 25 scholarships to female radio executives to attend a Nashville workshop on executive management best practices. The tremendous success of Matraca, Natalie and Lori will be a great reminder of the enormous successes enjoyed—and driven—by women throughout our industries.”

CRS 2012 is held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, TN.  $499 registration is currently available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.