Charlie Cook On Air: Black Friday Sales

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K-Mart and Sears had 32-inch TV sets for $97. Verizon had Samsung tablets for $99. Best Buy was selling laptops for under $200.

This year Black Friday either set records for spending or was below expectations. I have read each analysis and I don’t understand what either side is saying. According to one report, 44% of the total US population shopped Friday-Monday. I believe this is a low estimate as at least 50% of the entire population was at the Partridge Creek Mall in Macomb, Michigan on Friday. It took me until Saturday to find a parking space.

Americans spent $59 BILLION dollars over the weekend in retail sales.

Here is where the numbers get crossed up: There was either a 13% increase in total weekend sales over last year, or sales were down from a 16% growth last year over 2010.

There was a 3.5% increase in the number of store visits, but there was a 1.8% drop in revenue from those visits.

Well yeah, they were pooped out from looking for a parking space. I get that.

What scares me the most is that the average amount consumers plan to spend on gifts is $423. I did that before lunch Friday and I have 15 more people to buy for. Which means a lot of you should be looking for Christmas cards this year instead of Xboxes or fruit baskets.

The website www.blackfriday.com listed hundreds of stores and sales for last week. I browsed the coupons and the sales but failed to see one ad for music or radios. I know how hard it is to find a radio that doesn’t also include an iPod/iPhone connection.

After the east coast got hammered by Sandy, I went looking for a “simple” battery radio to throw in the car this winter. But they didn’t have it at Target, Walmart or Sam’s. And trying to find a radio in Radio Shack is like trying to find Victoria in Victoria’s Secret. She’s not there. I’ve looked.

We’ll get some numbers this week on music sales. I suspect that Red is going to be under a lot of Christmas trees. There is a new Toby Keith album this season, as well as new music from Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, and Jerrod Niemann, and Christmas CDs from Blake Shelton, Lady A and Scotty McCreey.

I listen to a lot of country radio each week and I didn’t hear any mention of  “Pick up some country music while you’re out shopping on Black Friday.” I didn’t hear ads about stocking stuffers while 150 million Americans were out shopping in stores or on-line this past Monday.

I don’t know anything about marketing hard goods to the American consumer, but it seems to me that getting them in the store is half the challenge. If the big guys are going to do that for you, led by the news media and the culture in this country to not be left behind, why not put a bug in their ear?

There is nothing really hot this year. I went online and looked at some sites and these are what they considered the top ten gifts for 2012:

1. iPhone Virtual Video Glasses
2. Atari iPad Arcade Console
3. Air Guitar with Laser Strings
4. Remee Mind Control Dreaming Mask
5. Retro iPhone Rotary-style Headset
6. Fog Ring Blaster
7. NFL Logo Toasters (Creates team logo on the toast.)
8. Beer Box Cowboy Hat
9. iPhone Pinball Magic Console
10. Polly the Insulting Electronic Parrot

I seriously doubt this list’s credibility, but I would like to see the Logo Toaster in action.

There are at least four goofy things on this list, though if the mind control mask works I am going to buy one. Why can’t we add a battery powered radio and a six pack of country music CDs to the list?

Heck, radio should be running ads for radios everyday. The brick and mortar stores should remind the guy with $423 in his pocket that he can get a half dozen CDs and knock off half his list… before getting himself a Polly the Insulting Electronic Parrot.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Primetime ‘Nashville’: Lovesick Blues

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Divas onstage.

Lovesick Blues—episode 107

Whether the fur is flying or they are just tolerating each other—Nashville is at its best when Juliette and Rayna share the screen. On Wednesday night’s episode (11/28), the dueling divas were forced to perform a duet at the EdgeHill Republic Records 25th anniversary concert. Claws came out when they couldn’t agree on what song to sing, so they teamed up to write one. The result was a sassy uptempo, ironically called “Wrong Song,” and actually penned by Marv Green, Sonya Isaacs, and Jimmy Yeary. Juliette and Rayna’s performance of the song at the end of the episode was a high point of the season thus far, with the mulit-Platinum upstart and the respected superstar strutting around the Ryman stage in sizzling hot dresses. Seeing Buddy Miller as band leader was an added bonus.

The episode offered plenty of juicy, plot-propelling bombshells. Trying to get over Avery, Scarlett hit the honky-tonks with Gunnar and his girlfriend. A few tequila shots later she was jamming onstage with The Cadillac Black singing “Ring of Fire,” and Gunnar’s romantic feelings for his co-writer were obvious. But she bolted from the bar and took a cab to her ex Avery’s house, just in time to walk in on him and his manager Marilyn—who was topless.

The cougar-manager is equally adept at making moves on the business front as she is in the bedroom. She landed Avery a big, headling gig at the Tequila Cowboy on Broadway and introduced him to Atlanta-based label head Dominic (Wyclef Jean).

It’s no-more-Mr.-nice-guy for Coleman after he was arrested for drugs during a traffic stop orchestrated by Lamar, so he is threatening to leak damaging photos of Teddy if he doesn’t drop out of the mayoral race. But Lamar has plenty more tricks up his Brooks Brothers sleeve to keep his son-in-law in the race.

In less shocking show moments, the romance heated up between Juliette and her football player beau Sean, and Deacon played sad songs at Bluebird, including the David Rawlings, Gillian Welch and David Lee Murphy tune “Papa Writes to Johnny.”

Actors Clare Bowen (“Scarlett”) and Sam Palladio (“Gunnar”) made their Grand Ole Opry debut Sat., Nov. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. They sang “Fade Into You” and “If I Didn’t Know Better,” which will be featured on the soundtrack for “Nashville” to be released by Big Machine Records on Dec. 11. Photo: Joel Dennis, Hollo Photographics

Exclusive: Songwriters Make A Stand in Washington

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Performing at the press conference. (L-R): BC Jean, Kara DioGuardi, Lee Thomas Miller, Linda Perry, and Desmond Child.

NSAI President/hit songwriter Lee Thomas Miller and NSAI Exec. Director Bart Herbison represented songwriters and music publishers at a hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday (11/28) about the controversial Internet Radio Fairness Act. Following the hearing, they called MusicRow to report on the day’s events.

The bill would change the royalty rates paid by non-interactive online streaming radio services, such as Pandora. The company, and others like it, are seeking a lower rate, which they argue would spur digital music innovation. Most music industry organizations and trade groups oppose the bill, including SoundExchange, RIAA, the Recording Academy, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NSAI and NMPA. More on the background here.

“The bill at hand deals with payment to the record companies, but [Pandora and other internet radio services] have also sued the P.R.O.s to lower the rates paid to songwriters and publishers,” explained Miller. “We were here to arm lawmakers with information about songwriters before the hearing.

“You can argue all you want about how to split up this pie, but remember we [songwriters] created 100 percent of this product. There was nothing and we made it up out of thin air.” Referencing the numerous jobs that surround music production, including careers at record labels, publishing companies, CD packaging, distribution and digital music, he continued, “Everybody else is trafficking in goods that we made. As you devalue the product, jobs go away in an already fragile industry. It’s ludicrous to go into the digital world with an assault to further devalue what is already being unfairly compensated.”

Miller performed alongside Kara DioGuardi, Linda Perry, Desmond Child, and BC Jean at the press conference, hosted by NMPA and NSAI, prior to the hearing.

“We played five songs, one each, and it was very well received,” Miller continued. “We played huge hits and explained to the press that the five songs had won multiple awards. In the last quarter, they collectively had 33 million spins on internet radio, and collectively we were paid $500. It was very powerful. I pointed out that I’m not famous, I don’t sell concert tickets or have another income stream. I write songs and I’m dependent on the royalties to raise a family. We wanted those in attendance to understand the rate internet radio is currently paying, before they went into the hearing and heard Pandora complain about unfair rates. We put a face with the creation.”

Herbison explained, “[Songwriters and publishers] get paid from a share of the ad revenue that is on the free part of Pandora [and there aren’t many ads]. I’ve been doing this 25 years, and I’ve never felt such emotion as was in that room today, based on those songs. Even some of the articles written by the tech industry today were some of the fairest I’ve seen. If the argument is that new technology gets preferential treatment on the price they have to pay for the creative product they’re distributing—that’s not what history shows. Thomas Edison put a needle to a wax cylinder and records were born and fair rate was set. Then radio came along and a fair rate was set.” He said he sensed fatigue among lawmakers, who have been asked to restructure rates several times since the dawn of the digital age. As for this bill, he added, “the next step depends on whether or not members of Congress reintroduce the legislation next year. It was a good day for songwriters and their side was presented fairly.”

Upcoming Album Releases

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Jeff Black‘s B-Sides and Confessions Volume 2 is scheduled for release on Jan. 15, 2013. The release follows 2011’s Plow Through the Mystic. Black has been a frequent collaborator with musicians Sam Bush, the late Waylon Jennings, Alison Krauss, Dierks Bentley, Iris Dement, Wilco and others. Black’s song “Frozen Fields,” co-written with Jon Randall Stewart, was featured on the album Paper Airplanes from Krauss and Union Station, as well as on Jerry Douglas‘ album Traveler.

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Omnivore Records will release a 28-song, two-CD set of previously unavailable music from Townes Van Zandt, titled Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions and Demos 1971-1972. The set is scheduled to hit shelves Feb. 5, 2013.

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Sweethearts of the Rodeo released their first studio album in 16 years, Restless, on Oct. 23. The duo, comprised of Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold, will celebrate the release with a concert Thursday (Nov. 29) at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley at 7 p.m CT. Tickets are $15.

 

 

Artist Updates (11/29/12)

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Little Big Town postponed two concerts in California and cancelled an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno due to a death in the immediate family of one of the band members. The group’s Nov. 29 show at the Wiltern in Los Angeles will take place on Feb. 8, 2013. Little Big Town will also reschedule their Nov. 28 concert in Riverside, Calif. at a later date.

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Jamie O’Neal and Rachele Lynae are getting into the holiday spirit with a new duet of the holiday classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which has been released to iTunes by the Momentum Label Group. The pair are currently in the studio finishing up Lynae’s debut album, which is scheduled for release in early 2013.

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Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw shot a music video at a Nashville soundstage on Wednesday (Nov. 28), with director Roman White. The clip will promote the new single “We Both Know,” co-written by Caillat and DeGraw. The song is featured in the Nicholas Sparks film Safe Haven, starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough, and set for release Feb. 14, 2013.

MIDEM Direct2Fan Camp

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MIDEM’s Direct2Fan Camp is slated to run from Jan. 26-29, 2013 in Cannes. The program of discussions and workshops allows artists and industry personnel to mentor independent artists in the areas of distribution, retail, publishing, artist management and promotion.

Artists confirmed for the event’s Artists Speak to Artists sessions include Mark Hoppus of rock band Blink-182, singer-songwriter Julia Nunes and Paul Miller (aka DJ Spooky).

“Direct-to-fan is an increasingly effective tool for independent artists, labels, publishers, managers, marketers, and others in the music industry,” said Bruno Crolot, Reed MIDEM Director of Music Markets. “This rapidly developing strategy is being adopted by those looking to build and leverage a fan community. MIDEM’s Direct2Fan Camp is the place to find out how this vector can accelerate an artist’s career.”

Artists Added To GRAMMY Nominations Concert

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Hunter Hayes, The Who, The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley have been added to the lineup for The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night. The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley will perform together in a special tribute to Johnny Cash. Previously announced performers include Luke Bryan, FUN., Maroon 5, Ne-Yo.

LL COOL J and Taylor Swift will co-host the one-hour concert special. The show, which will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees will take place live for the first time at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 5, and will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 9 p.m. Central. Presenters will be announced shortly.

Longtime music and television producer Ken Ehrlich, and his production company AEG Ehrlich Ventures, will produce The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night and the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, continuing his long run as executive producer of Music’s Biggest Night.

‘Forbes’ Ranks 25 Highest-Paid Musicians

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Forbes’ list of The World’s 25 Highest-Paid Musicians includes country stars Taylor Swift, Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney.

Dr. Dre leads the list with $110 million in pretax earnings between May 2011 and May 2012. His popular Beats headphones helped him bop to the top. Coming in second and third are touring forces Roger Waters with $88 million, and Elton John with $80 million.

Swift was Nashville’s top grossing artist, coming in at No. 8 with $57 million, a tie with Sir. Paul McCartney. Swift’s touring revenue earned her a reported $1 million per night in addition to revenue from marketing partnerships with CoverGirl and others. She also pulled in income from album sales and publishing for writing her own songs.

Keith tied for 10th place with 18-year-old Justin Bieber, each bringing in $55 million. Keith’s revenue is due to his Ford sponsorship, successful I Love This Bar And Grill restaurant chain, as well as label, management, and publishing interests.

Chesney came in No. 17 on the list with $44 million earned mostly from 48 tour stops in the U.S. and Canada, and Corona and Hooters sponsorships. His album, Welcome To The Fishbowl, was also released this year.

Methodology: Forbes estimates are based on total earnings from May 2011 to May 2012—the amount of money an act makes from record sales, touring, endorsements, merchandise sales and other ventures before subtracting management fees, legal costs and taxes (which can gobble up the bulk of a big payday). The totals were compiled with the help of data from Pollstar, RIAA and others, as well as interviews with industry insiders including concert promoters, lawyers, managers, agents and, in some cases, the musicians themselves.

Snapshots (11/29/12)

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Justin Moore recently headlined a benefit concert featuring his friends, Jake Owen, Randy Houser and Thomas Rhett at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. The event raised funds for the Jersey Shore Relief Fund and his publicist Carly Caramanna of PLA Media, whose parent’s home and business were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The proceeds collected for the Caramanna family and the hurricane victims in New Jersey totaled over $20,000. The Caramanna family was also presented with a charitable donation from Big Machine Label Group and Scott Borchetta. “I was completely blown away by the Nashville community. Their love and support has kept us going through this difficult time,” said Carly.

(L-R): Cindy Salgado, Dakota Caramanna, Nancy Caramanna, Carly Caramanna, Justin Moore, Adam Wurtzel, Photo: Bev Moser

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Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood returned to Leogane, Haiti, to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s 29th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. They were among the nearly 600 volunteers who helped build 100 homes in the Santo community in partnership with families affected by the 2010 earthquake, which destroyed 105,000 homes.

(L-R): Brooks and Yearwood. Photo: George Hipple/Habitat for Humanity International

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Alan Jackson recently played for 30,000 people in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Jackson has returned to the US and is wrapping up his 2012 tour dates with three stops in Florida.

 

Big Ride Launches Booking Division

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Pictured (L-R): Kim Leiske and Silver Treft

Big Ride Entertainment has launched an in-house booking division to join the newly relocated label services, management and artist development departments. Booking agent Silver Treft has been tapped lead the new division.

“In-house booking allows us to better provide complete services to our artists, specifically in the early stages of their careers,” said Big Ride Entertainment President Kim Leiske.

The new booking branch of the company is focusing on its roster including Marlee Scott, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Donny Fallgatter.

Treft was previously a booking and management services provider at West Virginia Radio Corporation. Her additional experience includes work as an event promoter and talent buyer for various artists.

For more information on the company, visit bigride.us.