Primetime “Nashville”: Episode 104

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Episode 104: “We Live in Two Different Worlds”
The episodes are named for classic country songs, this week it’s a Hank Williams tune.

Nashville ratings slipped to a season low Wednesday (10/31) night, impacted partly by Hurricane Sandy coverage and Halloween. The ABC show drew about 5.8 million viewers, according to overnight ratings from Zap2It.com. In more business news, the network ordered full seasons of several other series, but not Nashville.

Last night’s episode was packed with new locations (Catch This Music, Jack’s BBQ, Watermark, Hillwood Country Club) and cameos (Katie Couric, Robin Roberts), but only debuted one song. Laying the foundation for a few story arcs, including one led by Kimberly Williams Paisley, resulted in a somewhat slow-paced hour.

During a $1400-per-ticket fundraiser for husband Teddy’s slumping mayoral campaign, Rayna sang “Changing Ground,” a Gillian Welch song making its first appearance as part of Rayna’s catalog. The concert at the country club ended disastrously after a fight between Teddy and Deacon caused Rayna to decide to fire Deacon from her band. Emotions between the star and her former lover remain fresh years after the end of their romantic relationship. It makes for the show’s best drama, with Rayna’s steamy dreams and their fantastic onscreen chemistry.

New plot developments included a secret meeting between Teddy and former flame Peggy to discuss keeping a deep secret, which has yet to be revealed but could destroy their families. Adding to the intrigue was the revelation that Deacon’s addiction recovery sponsor is opposing mayoral candidate Coleman Carlisle, which means he is also in recovery.

Teddy and Peggy's secret meeting.

Juliette’s shoplifting scandal spun out of control after she refused to accept the seriousness of the situation. She repeatedly tried to shrug it off because “it’s just a bottle of nail polish.” She slammed the door in the police officers’ faces and laughed, “seriously, get a real job.” Her story showed up in all the major media, including a report by Katie Couric and an SNL sketch. But when the CMA Awards dropped her as a presenter, she conceded to an interview with GMA’s Robin Roberts (a real life country music supporter). When asked about her mother’s recent arrest, Juliette yanked off her microphone and ended the interview. It should have been a dramatic, highly-charged scene, but was anticlimactic instead. Industry viewers might have noticed James “Spoon” Williams as part of the TV crew, and Juliette’s Martin Guitars shirt in another scene.

One of the episode’s most emotional moments was when Juliette found a tattered photograph in her mom’s bag, a picture of them when Juilette was a child. She collapsed in tears. During such a trying time, Juliette didn’t have one friend in her corner. The scandal resulted in her losing tour sponsors and likely having to call off the outing. Looks like Deacon is going to be out of job from both camps. Her manager Glenn tried to drop her as well, but she convinced him otherwise.

The Scarlett, Avery, Gunnar triangle is getting tired. Avery’s jealousy and resentment of Scarlett and Gunnar’s new publishing deal, as well as their potential interest in each other, is driving Avery and Scarlett apart. Spicing up the storyline was Gunnar’s fling with Hailey, an assistant at the publishing company, which is housed at the real-life offices of Catch This Music. The video below features the actors singing “Fade Into You” with The Mavericks at a recent party at Anastasia Brown’s home.

Send Nashville show news to [email protected].

Miranda Lambert Joins “got milk” Campaign

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Miranda Lambert is the latest celebrity to join the popular National Milk Mustache “got milk?” Campaign. The ad campaign was unveiled yesterday (10/31) at a press conference at the Country Music Association.

Lambert makes a point to eat breakfast every day, either at home or on her tour bus and sets the table with milk. The ad copy reads “Fine tune your morning. got milk? Nourish every day.”

Visit thebreakfastproject.com or www.facebook.com/milkmustache for more information.

(L-R): Melissa Malcolm, Field Marketing Manager, MilkPEP; Katie DeGenova, Marketing Manager, MilkPEP; Miranda Lambert; and CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. Photo: Christian Bottorff

BMLG Promotes Kelly Rich

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Kelly Rich

The Big Machine Label Group announced the promotion of Kelly Rich to Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Interactive. Previously VP of the department, Rich will further lead sales and marketing efforts for the label’s roster which includes Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Reba, The Band Perry and many more.

Since Rich joined the label in 2006, BMLG has achieved over 27 million album sales. Her most recent accomplishments include Swift’s new album, RED, and work with key physical and online retailers to achieve major marketing presence across multiple media platforms. Additionally, Rich has been named a Billboard Women In Music honoree twice.

“Kelly arrived right around the release of Taylor’s first album – right when the company was taking flight,” said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of BMLG. “She has been instrumental in making sure we didn’t miss any opportunities in the retail space from day one and helped establish us as real and respected players in an extremely competitive environment.”

Rich is an industry veteran with over 22 years of experience in marketing and sales. Previously, she was the Vice President of Sales for Universal Music Group Nashville and was a part of the Dreamworks and BMG/Arista sales team.

CMA Awards Predictions

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ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Skates: Taylor Swift—Her global impact is unprecedented. In 2012 her mind-boggling success continued with a blockbuster world tour and record breaking sales.

Freeman: Kenny Chesney—He spent much of the last year reminding us why he’s won four of these things already: a monster stadium tour with his buddy Tim McGraw and a couple more smash hits for good measure.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Miranda Lambert—Four The Record is a masterpiece and her popularity both inside and outside of country music grew this year.

Freeman: Carrie Underwood—After a relatively quiet 2011, Carrie came roaring back in 2012 with a hot new album (Blown Away), tour, and a batch of big singles.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Luke Bryan—A string of monster hits resulted in a breakthrough year for Bryan.

Freeman: Jason Aldean—The Georgia native vaulted into the superstar stratosphere with a record-setting tour, spectacular sales, and a string of chart-topping hits.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Brantley Gilbert—A winning combination of radio hits, sales and touring added up for a fantastic debut year.

Freeman: Hunter Hayes—A thrillingly talented musical prodigy finds his footing and an enthusiastic fanbase.

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Skates: Lady Antebellum—A smash world tour and songwriting chops helped Nashville’s favorite trio maintain momentum.

Freeman: Zac Brown Band—This hard-working ensemble has been consistently churning out memorable hits on its steady trajectory to stardom.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR 
Skates: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—It’s a production marvel enhanced by masterful songwriting. Church’s edgy sound and lyrical perfectionism can’t be topped.

Freeman: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—Near universal acclaim, hits-a-plenty, sonic alchemy–this one seems pretty obvious.

SONG OF THE YEAR 
Skates: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Will Hoge and Eric Paslay—They perfectly captured the pursuit of musicians, and simultaneously touched heartstrings of everyone on Music Row. Plus, Hoge’s hard-earned success and Paslay’s stellar breakout year gave voters all the more reason to pick this song.

Freeman: “Home,” Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers, and Dierks Bentley—Expertly walks the tightrope of being patriotic, inspiring, and anthemic without resorting to hawkish chest beating.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR 
Skates: “Springsteen,” Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—A big hit from a fantastic album. The well-written, radio friendly track even drew praise from The Boss himself.

Freeman: “Pontoon,” Little Big Town, Produced by Jay Joyce, Capitol Records Nashville—Summer’s inescapable smash about escape, “Pontoon” motorboated to the top of the charts with help from an exotic mandolin riff and one slinky, party-ready groove.

DUO OF THE YEAR
Skates: Sugarland—The band soldiered onward, with Nettles scoring a judging slot on primetime show Duets.

Freeman: The Civil Wars—The critical darlings broke out big time and managed to unite fans of all stripes in the process.

The show airs at 7 pm/CT tonight on ABC, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Spin Doctors Adds New Team Member

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Al Brock, President/CEO of Spin Doctors Music Group, announced yesterday (10/31) that former owner and founder of OT Entertainment Erik Blumenfeld has been hired as Director of New Business.

“Spin Doctors Music Group is on the cusp of really changing the way new artists are promoted and I am excited to be able to bring my visions and creativity to their family, expanding their footprint in Nashville as well as helping create new revenue streams,” said Blumenfeld of the new opportunity.

As Director of New Business, Blumenfeld will provide advice for the artist management division, and offer marketing insight for all areas. He will also help oversee the company’s expansion, which will include a publishing branch.

“Erik will bring some great things to our company. His vision, knowledge and expertise will help catapult us to the next level,” said Brock. “He is new school Nashville, and has a thorough understanding of where the industry is heading. I am excited to have him join us.”

CMA Presents Borchetta With Jo Walker-Meador Award

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Pictured (L-R): Borchetta, Walker-Meador, Moore. Photo: Christian Bottorff

Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, was presented with the Country Music Association’s Jo Walker-Meador Award during the Association’s International Media Reception, yesterday (10/31). The award was presented by Jo Walker-Meador and CEO, Steve Moore.

“It’s truly an amazing honor – and Jo it is great to have you here,” said Borchetta upon receiving the award. “She’s truly a living legend and when you look at her works, in a lifetime of loving this music, there’s probably nobody more important than Jo…And so, I am honored today.”

Named for Country Music Hall of Fame member and longtime executive director of CMA – Walker-Meador – the award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

“Scott has a global vision and has opened the door for other Country Music artists,” said Moore. “He is helping to change the perception of Country Music internationally and very deserving of this award.”

Borchetta founded Big Machine in 2005. He was an early supporter and has been a consistent advocate of developing international markets for artists on his roster including Taylor Swift and The Band Perry.

Previous recipients of the Award include:
2011 Ralph Murphy, ASCAP, USA
2010 John Lomax III, Roots Music Exporters, USA
2009 Michael Chugg, Michael Chugg Entertainment, Australia
2008 Mark Moffatt, USA
2007 Heather Ostertag, FACTOR, Canada
2006 Alan McBlane, Mcb3, UK
2005 Greg Swain, Telstra, Australia
2004 Jeff Green, R&R, USA
2003 Meryl Gross, Australia
2002 Sheila Hamilton, Canadian Country Music Association, Canada
2001 Iain Snodgrass, Universal Music International, UK
2000 Jeffrey Stothers, Gone Country Promotions
1999 Sarah Brosmer & Kate Farmer, MCA Nashville & Universal International
1998 Judy Seale, Refugee International
1997 Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Management
1996 Bob Saporiti, Warner/Reprise Records Nashville
1995 CMT: Country Music Television
1994 Trisha Walker-Cunningham, TWI

First CMA Award Winners Revealed

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Musical Event of the Year
(Award goes to each Artist)
“Feel Like A Rock Star”
Kenny Chesney (duet with Tim McGraw)
Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville

Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Red Solo Cup”
Toby Keith
Directed by Michael Salomon

• • • •

Winners in two of the 12 CMA Awards categories were announced live on Good Morning America from New York’s Times Square this morning (11/1). The news was welcomed with cheers from the audience gathered on Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Plaza waiting to watch Reba perform.

Hosted for the fifth time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, The 46th Annual CMA Awards airs tonight (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) from the Bridgestone Arena on the ABC Television Network.

McGraw and Chesney also received the Musical Event honor for their work on Tracy Lawrence’s “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” (2007).

Chesney, who is performing on tonight’s gala, will vy for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year. If he wins Entertainer, he’ll take the record for the most wins in the category. He is currently tied with Garth Brooks with four wins.

McGraw is performing with Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, and Blake Shelton as part of the Willie Nelson tribute during tonight’s broadcast. He has a career total of 12 CMA Awards.

Michael Salomon

Keith has received 28 CMA Award nominations in his career, and this marks his third CMA Award win. He and Salomon won Music Video of the Year in 2005 for “As Good As I Once Was,” and Salomon won in 1995 for “Baby Likes To Rock It” with The Tractors.

The two categories announced on Good Morning America are normally presented during pre-televised activities and acknowledged during the CMA Awards broadcast, which will happen again tonight. Two-time CMA Awards nominee Love and Theft will host pre-tel ceremonies and present the trophies to the winners as well as Musician of the Year and the CMA Broadcast Awards winners.

On GMA, Paisley announced the donation of a Chevrolet Traverse to Metro Nashville Public Schools for the new instrument repair facility funded by CMA’s Keep the Music Playing music education campaign.

See the complete list of nominees here.