Weekly Register: Digital Divide Becoming Key Metric?

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Today’s sales report “soundbyte” is contained in the weekly grid boxes below—country YTD album sales ticked slightly lower (-1.6%), the format’s digital album sales as a percentage of total country sales was mostly flat, and the Digital Divide is predicted to continue throughout the fourth quarter. Digital Divide? Yes, the difference in digital vs. physical sales rates among various country artists and their fans.

There has been a lot of discussion about the rate at which country consumers are adopting the digital album format. Country’s “heavy” sales season will fast be upon us, specifically new CDs from Jason Aldean (10/16) and Taylor Swift (10/22) whose admirers should show themselves to be above average mouse-clickers. Will these two debuts reset the bar for digital purchases?

According to Nielsen SoundScan, country digital album sales YTD are 27% of total country album sales (week ended 9-23-12). Last year at this time that metric was 20.5%. (For all genre music the metric is 39% YTD vs. 32.4% a year ago.)

Today, with physical shelf space rapidly declining countrywide, the digital storefront is becoming increasingly critical. But as the term Digital Divide suggests, not all artists share in the digital bounty equally, a fact likely to accelerate roster changes as the industry continues to evolve.

A quick look at our Digital Album Sales By Artist example shows the divergence among artists. Zac Brown Band after half a million RTD albums has 46% digital share. Carrie Underwood fans are also purchasing digital format above the 27% average. It’s too early to draw conclusions, but surprisingly, Little Big Town sales (after only two weeks) are leaning strongly physical. Normally, debut week brings a higher digital percentage. For example, this week we have country debuts from Easton Corbin (No. 2; 29k) with 47% digital; Dwight Yoakam (No. 3; 19k) 37% digital, Big & Rich (No. 4; 16k) 27% digital and Ryan Bingham (No. 7; 12k) 58% digital.

Low digital scans could be attributed to several reasons including pricing, but for the immediate future it appears that having a mobilized digital fan base is becoming incrementally more important than ever. When fans can’t easily find their favorite artist’s new music on neighborhood shelves, then sales suffer, UNLESS they are comfortable shopping at their favorite neighborhood online store—iTunes, Play, Amazon or Google.

Artists like Taylor Swift (FB: 34 million; Twitter: 19 million) and Jason Aldean (FB: 6.3 million; Twitter 700k) with passionate online armies are perfectly positioned for the next sales phase.

(Check out MusicRow’s Country Artist Twitter-Facebook chart for more artist info.)

Weekly Register: Taylor Swift, Hunter Hayes Romance?
Hunter Hayes and Taylor Swift make a great couple. I mean chart-wise, of course. Because this week they appear as country’s Queen and King in the top 2 positions on the country tracks chart. Taylor adds a demure 196k downloads this week and Hayes gains a substantially less demure 91k. Don’t look for this chart-top romance to continue, however, because Swift’s just released “Begin Again” track is already No. 1 on iTunes and sure to claim marquee status next week.

Swift’s appeal is so mainstream, her songwriting so inspired and her charisma so powerful that I sometimes wonder if Nashville bizniks realize what we are witnessing firsthand. She ranks with the best of the best and I’ll boldly state that you will never ever ever see another Nashville artist play on this level during your industry tenure.

The country tracks Top 5 also includes Carrie Underwood “Blown Away” (No. 3; 76k), Little Big Town “Pontoon” (No. 4; 63k) and Florida Georgia Line “Cruise” (No. 5; 60k).

Emmylou and Mumford & Sons Collaborate on ‘CMT Crossroads’

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Worlds will collide when beloved English folk rockers Mumford & Sons share the stage with beloved Country Music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris on the latest edition of CMT Crossroads.

The musical entities met for the first time in Nashville and collaborated on the group’s hits “The Cave” and “Awake My Soul” as well as Harris songs “The Road” and “Orphan Girl.” CMT Crossroads: Mumford & Sons and Emmylou Harris premieres Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 pm/CT.

Mumford & Sons (comprised of Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford, and Country Winston) became a global sensation with the 2010 album Sigh No More, featuring hit singles “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave.” The group’s latest album, Babel, is in stores now.

Emmylou Harris previously appeared on Crossroads in 2003 opposite Dave Matthews. Over the course of her lengthy career, she has secured her position as a highly influential artist across numerous genres. Her latest album is the Jay Joyce-produced Hard Bargain from 2011.

“Moon River” Crooner Andy Williams Passes

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Andy Williams

Andy Williams, the singer and television star known for the classic “Moon River,” died last night (9/25) at his home in Branson, Mo. He was 84 and had been battling cancer.

Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer penned “Moon River” which first grew to notoriety in the 1961 Audrey Hepburn film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Williams’s performance of the song on the next year’s Academy Awards solidified it as his own.

Williams’ repertoire also includes the timeless songs “Love Story,” “The Way We Were,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

His career grew with the musical-variety television series The Andy Williams Show, where he used “Moon River” as the theme song. His guests on the show ranged from established artists Judy Garland and Bobby Darin, to then new faces Elton John and the Mamas and the Papas. He introduced the Osmond Brothers to a national audience. Williams’ show was one of the first to delve into comedy skits, and his Christmas specials were very popular. The Emmy winning series ran from 1962 to 1971 on NBC.

More from the New York Times.

Ray Stevens with Andy Williams. Stevens said, "Andy Williams was one classy guy. He was a marvelously talented and generous performer who in 1970, entrusted his nationally acclaimed TV Show and audience to a green kid from Georgia. That kid was me and he changed my life. Thank you Andy and God Bless your wife Debbie, your brother Don, who was my longtime manager, your children and entire family. We miss you already!"

Andy Williams with Ray Charles.

David Nail, The Time Jumpers Added To Leadership Music Gala

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David Nail

• David Nail and The Time Jumpers have joined the growing line up of talent slated to perform musical tributes at the 9th Annual Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards Wed., Oct. 17 at War Memorial Auditorium. They join previously announced artists Rodney Crowell and Little Big Town in honoring music icons and humanitarians Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Randy Owen, as well as award recipient Mayor Karl Dean. Blair Garner will host the event. Tables are sold out but seats are available starting at $50. Tickets here.

• In lieu of the final Warner Music Nashville Pickin’ On The Patio party, the label group has assembled a band to compete in the CRS Battle of the Bands (details here). The event will be tomorrow night (9/27) 6-9 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley and benefits the CRS Scholarship Fund and The Country Radio Hall of Fame. Pickin’ On The Patio will return in May 2013.

The Time Jumpers are Dennis Crouch, Larry Franklin, Paul Franklin, Vince Gill, “Ranger Doug” Green, Andy Reiss, Dawn Sears, Kenny Sears, Joe Spivey, Jeff Taylor and Billy Thomas.

• Pop hitmakers Train are shooting a music video for the song “Bruises” in Nashville today. Fans were invited to be extras.

• Nashville-bred singer Kesha has released her first new music since 2010. “Die Young” is from her album Warrior. Due out Dec. 4, it reportedly includes collaborations with The Black Keys, Iggy Pop, Flaming Lips, Dr. Luke and Max Martin. See the video on YouTube.

• A new pizza joint is open at the end of the Row. DeSano Pizza Bakery is at 155 16th Ave. S. More from the Nashville Scene.

St. Jude Releases Star-Studded Video

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To bring awareness to National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and honor its 50 years of finding cures and saving children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has released a new video set to the classic Beatles song “Hey Jude.” The clip features patients, staff, and an all-star roster of celebrities coming together on behalf of the children of St. Jude.

Celebrities featured in the video include Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Big & Rich, Randy Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Betty White, Michael Jordan, Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Oz, Jimmy Kimmel, Jordin Sparks, Michael Strahan and many more. The video was produced by Tony Thomas, son of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas.

“It is truly wonderful to see how the ‘Hey Jude’ video brings together in such an inspiring way an amazing cast of celebrity friends, patients and faithful supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude. “We are grateful to everyone who joined us in this creative endeavor as we continue to mobilize the world in the fight against cancer and other catastrophic diseases that threaten so many precious children. I urge all video viewers to learn more about our mission by visiting heystjude.org where they will also have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition T-shirt featured in the video.”

See the video here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/26/12)

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Buffy Lawson, The Abrams Brothers

Every dog has his day, and this day belongs to the underdogs.

I am happy to report that we have plethora of contestants for this week’s DisCovery Award. Branch & Dean’s “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone,” Alex Flanigan’s “Diesel, Guns and Rust,” and Gideon’s Daughter’s “Ain’t Got Nothin’” are all essential listening. So is our winning artist, The Abrams Brothers.

The Disc of the Day prize also goes to an indie act. You won’t find as superb a performance on any major as Buffy Lawson gives us with “I’m Leaving You for Me.”

BUFFY LAWSON/I’m Leaving You for Me
Writer: Buffy Lawson/Angie Russell/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Walt Aldredge; Publisher: Buffster/Angelinalou/Little Painters, ASCAP/SESAC; Wrinkled (track) (www.wrinkledrecords.com)
—Magnificent. The throbbing production puts every sonic punctuation in its perfect place. The wounded-woman lyric of the power ballad is superbly crafted. Her vocal delivery is a wall of emotional fire. A star-making performance.

THE ABRAMS BROTHERS/Northern Redemption
Writer: John Abrams/James Abrams; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bug/Rogues Writers Circle/Granite Hall, no performance rights listed; UFO (track)
—There are three of them — John, Elijah and James — and they hail from Canada. This is the title track of an album that’s a banquet of neo-Everly harmonies, percussive energy, folk charm, acoustic thump and sunshine-bright production. What a discovery: This one’s staying in the play-me stack for some time to come.

FAITH HILL/American Heart
Writer: Jonathan Singleton/Jim Beavers; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Faith Hill; Publisher: BMG Gold/Glassbean/We Jam/Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—She remains one of our vocal treasures. Her soulful delivery of this well-crafted anthem gives even its most rah-rah lines believability.

CHRIS DANIELS/South Carolina
Writer: Chris Daniels; Producer: Chris Daniels, Jim Ratts, John McVey & Bradley Kopp; Publisher: none listed; CWD444 (track) (www.chrisdaniels.com)
—This singer-songwriter has a hearty vocal delivery and definite style as a composer. This lively track from his Better Days CD features jaunty, Cajun flavored accompaniment. The album’s cast should give you an idea of its overall quality– Sam Bush, Richey Furay, Mollie O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Lloyd Maines, John Cowan, Tim Goodman, plus sidemen from The Punch Brothers, Joe Walsh, The Subdudes and more. Play on.

BRANCH & DEAN/Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone
Writer: Steve Branch/Marion Dean/Michael Huffman; Producer: Michael Huffman, Jeff Silvey & Marion Dean; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Huffstuff, BMI/ASCAP; Spinville (www.branchanddean.com)
—This ode to Hank is loaded with wit and panache. From the yodel to the steel solo, this must be heard to be believed. Absolutely great.

HEARTLAND/The Sound a Dream Makes
Writer: Shana Canada/Gary Duffey/Gordon Mote; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; R&J (www.heartlandband.com)
—The “I Loved Her First” fellows from 2006 have weathered label and personnel changes, as well as a self-imposed hiatus, over the past few years. Their comeback single is a sweet ballad of becoming a father (and then a grandfather) that tugs at the heartstrings and sounds just like a hit.

WANDA JACKSON/Tore Down
Writer: Sonny Thompson; Producer: Justin Townes Earle; Publisher: ARC/Carbert, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
—Her last CD had Jack White in the producer’s chair, and it rocked. This time around, Miss Wanda has enlisted another alt-Nashvillian, Justin Townes Earle, for a collection titled Unfinished Business. Its lead-off single finds her in a stripped-down, urban-blues, rockin’ roots groove. Solid.

GIDEON’S DAUGHTER/Ain’t Got Nothin’
Writer: Gideon’s Daughter; Producer: Brad Petit; Publisher: none listed; Gideon’s Daughter (track) (www.gideonsdaughter.com)
—This trio from the Pacific Northwest features a slamming, slapping rhythm track and alternating male-female vocal leads that are equally sassy. A stomping surprise. Delightfully in-your-face.

MATT NATHANSON/Modern Love
Writer: Matt Nathanson/Mark Weinberg; Producer: Mark Weinberg & Matt Nathanson; Publisher: Little Victories/Stage Three/BMG Chrysalis/Rogue Leader/EMI April, ASCAP; Vanguard (track)
—This guy’s “country” connection comes via his outstanding duet with Sugarland on his album track “Run.” The collection’s second single and title tune confirms him as one of the great vocal newcomers of the year. If you don’t mind a few little horn blasts here and there, it could really liven your country playlist with its completely catchy tune, bopping rhythms and stellar production.

ALEX FLANIGAN/Diesel, Guns and Rust
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; AF (615-329-1032)
—She sings from the dark side of town, where the prison gates are. The song is just this side of Johnny Cash perfection. The production snarls and spits and rocks. She owns it vocally, from start to finish. An outlaw queen is born.

ACM Honors: A Night of Authenticity

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Alan Jackson accepts the Jim Reeves International Award at the ACM Honors.

Country music fans, superstar talent and industry elite turned out in force for the Academy of Country Music’s 6th Annual ACM Honors Monday night (9/24) at the Ryman Auditorium. Hosted by Dierks Bentley and presented by City National Bank, the sold-out event was an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

As a first-time host of the ACM Honors, Bentley kept the pace moving fast during the three-hour show which included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives, and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients, MBI category winners (Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist) and Industry Awards categories. Jana Kramer presented the Industry awards and Love and Theft presented the MBI awards.

One of the best things about this awards show is its authenticity. It was pointed out early in the evening that this show was about sincerely honoring those people who have made significant contributions to our industry and not about acting or speaking a certain way for a televised production. Led by Academy of Country Music CEO Bob Romeo, this set the stage for a very real, and sometimes emotional, evening of accolades and stories.

Upon receiving Promoter of the Year honors, Brian O’Connell with Live Nation said, “This will never suck… never, ever, ever suck.” Kenny Greenberg, honored as Guitarist of the Year confessed, “My favorite guitar player in the world is here tonight–my wife, Ashley Cleveland.”

Kellie Pickler, sporting a recently shaved head in support of a friend’s battle with cancer, introduced Frank Liddell as Producer of the Year along with a list of his impressive accomplishments. Liddell then took the stage asking the audience, “How do I follow that?” Pickler, with her quick wit, responded, “Shave your head!”

Luke Bryan shared how he met the night’s Songwriter of the Year, Dallas Davidson, during deer season in the ’90s when Dallas left a note on his car regarding his unsolicited use of Davidson’s deer stand. After performing “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End” in a medley tribute to Davidson, host Bentley shared the best joke of the evening. Looking at Bryan, he quipped “What do Luke Bryan’s pants and Motel 6 have in common? No ballroom!” The audience loved it and “tight pants” vs. “baggy pants” become fodder as Davidson accepted the trophy saying, “This is not pretty cool. This is extremely cool. And I wore my Luke Bryan jeans today, but he let me down with those baggy pants.”

(L-R): Bob Romeo, CEO of the ACM; Randy Houser; Dallas Davidson, Songwriter of the Year; Luke Bryan; Butch Waugh, ACM Chairman

Bentley gave nods to Vince Gill being honored with the Career Achievement Award, telling the audience Gill once played with the then unknown star for 122 minutes at a show on Lower Broadway. Referring to Bentley after that night, Gill told a friend, “He has that ‘thing.'” An emotional Gill then shared the story of turning down an offer to join Dire Straits at a point where his career was really struggling saying, “I knew I had something to contribute to Country Music.” He was right. His next single, “When I Call Your Name,” became one of his biggest career hits.

Alan Jackson, who received the Jim Reeves International Award, shared a story of arriving in the Bahamas on a fishing trip and upon landing on a small airstrip was greeted by a dreadlocked fan with one of his CDs to sign. Jackson confessed, “You never know where your music will end up.”

After Clint Black‘s performance of a medley tribute to Roger Miller for his Poet’s Award (posthumously), Miller’s wife Mary Miller and son Dean Miller came on stage to accept the honor from Stan Moress.

Receiving the Crystal Milestone Award from Louie Messina, Kenny Chesney said, “The longer I do this, the more I realize how fortunate we are to be able to do what we do– to catch lightning in a bottle.”

Big Kenny honored Gayle Holcomb with the Mae Boren Axton Award. Holcomb was instrumental in bringing the ACM Awards to Las Vegas and creating the success of ACM Lifting Lives. “It feels like I’m surrounded by family and friends,” Holcomb gushed. “In fact, I am.”

(L-R): Big Kenny; Tiffany Moon, EVP/Managing Dir. of the ACM; Mae Boren Axton honoree Gayle Holcomb; Bob Romeo, CEO of the ACM

Will Hoge performed “Time Marches On,” followed by Randy Houser‘s performance of “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today” in tribute to Bobby Braddock and Billy Sherrill. Troy Tomlinson called Braddock a “distinguished poet and artist,” adding “artists interpret life for the rest of us.” Braddock took the stage sharing how he was once in Kroger during a rainstorm. Braddock told the crowd, “Roger (Miller) used to say the last word in lonesome is ‘me’ and I wished I could call him and tell him the last word in Kroger is ‘Roger.'” The audience enjoyed the whimsical reference.

Kellie Pickler sings "Stand By Your Man" at the ACM Honors.

One of the many highlights included Kellie Picker’s performance of “Stand By Your Man” as a tribute to Billy Sherrill for his Pioneer Award honor. Norro Wilson referred to Sherrill as “one gifted person” and bestowed the honor to the aging icon standing near his seat on the main floor. Sherill didn’t offer any words. He didn’t need to as we all stood in his honor.

Performances from Rodney Crowell, then T Bone Burnett with Buddy Miller and The Secret Sisters, saluted Emmylou Harris. After receiving her Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. Harris said, “I share this recognition with so many people. I was a Joan Baez wannabe… and Gram Parsons brought me to Country music.” She added, “I became this obnoxious convert to Country music and my parents are the heroes of my life. I’m not done yet!”

After a performance medley by Dailey & Vincent of “Highway 40 Blues,” “Wouldn’t Change You If I Could,” and “Honey,” followed by Dierks Bentley’s performance of “I Don’t Care,” Ricky Skaggs was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. Skaggs gave thanks to the many influences in his career and thanked the Whites “for showing me what family is all about.”

The house band for the evening, led by musical director Buddy Cannon, included Wyatt Beard (background vocals), Eddie Bayers (drums), Jon E. Conley (guitar), Mike Johnson (steel guitar), Liana Manis (background vocals), Larry Paxton (bandleader/bass), Gary Prim (piano) and Bobby Terry (guitar).

In the final tribute of the evening to Dwight Yoakam for his Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Ashley Monroe performed “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” and Hunter Hayes performed “Fast As You.” Yoakam took the stage joking, “Hunter, you might want to cut that!” He then thanked the beacons who preceded him in his career which included Emmylou Harris and emotionally admitted to the audience, “My road was paved.”

I think that speaks for us all.

Hunter Hayes performs "Fast As You" at the ACM Honors.

Here’s a recap of the winners:

Industry Awards:
Jimmy Jay, Jayson Promotions, Inc. – Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation – Promoter of the Year
Billy Bob’s Texas (Ft. Worth, TX) – Nightclub of the Year
Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN) – Venue of the Year
Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV) – Casino of the Year
Dallas Davidson – Songwriter of the Year

Special Awards Recipients:
Bobby Braddock and Roger Miller (posthumously) – Poet’s Award
Kenny Chesney – Crystal Milestone Award
Vince Gill – Career Achievement Award
Emmylou Harris, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Dwight Yoakam – Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Gayle Holcomb – Mae Boren Axton Award
Alan Jackson – Jim Reeves International Award

MBI (Musician/Bandleader/Instrumentalist) Awards:
Stuart Duncan – Fiddle Player of the Year
Shannon Forrest – Percussionist/Drummer of the Year
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Kenny Greenberg – Guitarist of the Year
Aubrey Haynie – Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year
John Hobbs – Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Frank Liddell – Producer of the Year
Justin Niebank – Audio Engineer of the Year
Michael Rhodes – Bass Player of the Year

Jake Owen Releases ‘Endless Summer’ EP

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Jake Owen is keeping summer alive with his four-song Endless Summer EP, released today (9/25). Executive produced by Owen, the EP reunites him with producer Joey Moi for the four tracks.

Coinciding with the EP release, fans can enter to win one of 10 limited edition guitars by creating summer-themed videos set to “Summer Jam.”

The collection, able to be streamed its entirety, helps set the stage for the singer’s first headlining tour titled CMT On Tour Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012. The tour kicks off on October 10, with special guests Love and Theft and Florida Georgia Line. For tickets and information, visit cmtontour.cmt.com.

Owen’s 2011 album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, contained back-to-back, No. 1 songs including from the title track and “Alone with You.” His current single, “The One That Got Away,” is featured in promotional spots for the October 2 season premiere of the CW series, Hart of Dixie.

EP Track Listing:
1. Summer Jam – featuring Florida Georgia Line (Craig Wiseman/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelly)
2. Pass a Beer (Brandon Kinney/Casey Bethard/Ben Daniel)
3. Steal My Kisses (Ben Harper)
4. Surefire Feeling (Ryan Hurd/Steve Moakler/Matt McGinn)

Quick Pics

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(L-R): Due West’s Brad Hull, Tim Gates and Matt Lopez. Photo: Chris Hollo

Black River Entertainment’s Due West made its Grand Ole Opry debut recently. Upon entering the circle, Opry member Jim Ed Brown extended them a warm welcome. Due West performed two songs including the current radio single, “Things You Can’t Do In A Car.” Playing the Grand Ole Opry is a career high for the vocal trio. Due West described the milestone as “nothing less than a magical experience and an evening we’ll never forget.”

Produced by Garth Fundis and written by Due West’s Brad Hull, “Things You Can’t Do In A Car” is the lead single from the band’s release due out in early 2013.   

• • • •

BMI recently co-sponsored a showcase with Secret Road, a Los Angeles-based film and TV licensing company, at Nashville venue the Basement. Featuring the songs of Adam Agin, Amy Stroup, Liz Longley, Peter Bradley Adams, Trent Dabbs, and Holly Williams, the show celebrated the launch of Secret Road’s newly-opened publishing division and gave some of its writers the opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic Nashville music industry crowd.

Pictured are Ali Harnell, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Holly Williams, Adam Agin, Amy Stroup, Daniel Higby, Joshua Sarubin, Liz Longley, Peter Bradley Adams, Trent Dabbs, and BMI’s Penny Everhard. Photo by Drew Maynard

• • • •

Columbia Nashville singer-songwriter Tyler Farr recently made a return visit to the Grand Ole Opry and performed his Top 50 single “Hello Goodbye.” The autobiographical song was written by Farr, Kris Bergsnes and Skip Black. Farr’s debut album will be released in early 2013.

Tyler Farr met Billy Dean backstage at the Opry.

 

Swift to Play Joni Mitchell

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Taylor Swift is “already in line” to play songwriting legend Joni Mitchell in the Sony/Di Bonaventura film adaptation of the book Girls Like Us, according to Variety. The movie is still in development and has yet to be given the green light, but other stars are reportedly testing for the roles of Carly Simon and Carole King.

The story follows the careers of the three singer-songwriters and their influence on female musicians that followed. Sheila Weller wrote the book, and John Sayles adapted the script.

In other Swift news, her label Big Machine just released the new single “Begin Again” to country radio with an October 1 add date. Swift’s pop-friendly breakup anthem “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is still a big presence on the radio (including country) so it will be interesting to see how programmers react to the more country-tinged “Begin Again.”

Swift’s highly-anticipated fourth album Red is due out October 22 and she will continue releasing one new song per week for download on iTunes until the album drops. She is previewing each new song on Good Morning America at the beginning of each week. Check here for days and times.