Charlie Cook On Air: Streaming Profitability

Is streaming music ever going to be profitable? For anyone? Recently in Washington DC a group that is purportedly interested in ending discrimination against internet radio met with Congressmen interested in, who knows?

I could not actually find the name of the group that claims to be discriminated against. I guess they can be called, “The Companies Who Continue To Beat Their Heads Against the Wall Thinking That Consumers Are Going to Begin Paying For Things That They Get For Free.” That is kind of a long name for a business card but it best describes the group.

We could also refer to them as the group that hides behind Internet discrimination but whose real purpose is to impose a fee on Broadcast Radio.

I looked up the word discrimination. By the way I looked it up for free on the Internet. Here is what I got from Dictionary.com: Treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.

With a broad interpretation one could say that treatment is different for Internet streaming, so that they can claim discrimination but maybe that word is used more to inflame than inform. This is not exactly forcing someone to sit in the back of the bus because of their color. This is not exactly failing to hire someone because of their religion or refusing to rent an apartment to a young gay couple. This is more like, “if we use an inflammatory term Congress will have to listen to us.”

But that is not really the subject of this note. The entire meeting was a ruse to get in front of Congress and begin to bash Broadcast Radio. The meeting was supposed to address the Internet Radio Fairness Act, which does not include anything about Broadcast Fees. But in about 2 minutes, the wolf jumped out of the sheep’s clothing.

Okay, back to can anyone ever make money streaming music? Look we hear poor-mouth from the big players. They say the fees are crushing them. Well, of course they are. First, they provide a free version. Who the hell is going to pay for something that is available, with a slight modification, for free?

Second, selling commercials is hard. Broadcast radio could have told them this. Finding and training sales people is not as simple as running an ad and putting someone in a suit. You have to find people who can hear the word “no” one hundred times a day hoping to uncover the one business that thinks buying air is a good idea.

I see where 27 million people built Christmas stations last year on Pandora. Twenty- seven million is a big number. Bigger still when you take a beat and try to think of five people you know who might do this. I know one. Twenty-seven million Christmas stations, a perfect target for, well Target, and Wal-mart and on and on and still Pandora is reporting losses as recently as this week.

Broadcast radio, which already has the most professional staff on the street selling advertising, is not making money online. Most broadcasters never see the light at the end of the road. In order to make money you need to appeal to more people. As broadcasters do this online, their costs escalate past where there will ever be a profit. And by the way, this streaming is provided free to consumers, just like the broadcast side.

A recent study by Vision Critical found that Pandora users spent more time with Broadcast Radio than non-Pandora users. This should follow. We know that there are music lovers and most likely looking for new music. Additionally, radio is free.

Many broadcasters stream because they feel they are expected to. They lose money in the process, or at least do not make money. I wonder really how many broadcast stations are making money at all. Maybe 25% of a cluster?

If Congress were to impose a broadcast royalty, the stream would disappear the next day. There is no way broadcast radio is going to pay a fee on both sides with no guarantee of profit on either.

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

Average Joes Entertainment Adds To Artist Roster

(l-r): Tony Morreale, Doug Kaye, LoCash's Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, Shannon Houchins, AJE CEO/President, Tony Conway, Noah Gordon

Average Joes Entertainment has signed LoCash Cowboys to their roster. The duo’s first full-length album with Average Joes Entertainment will be released in early 2013.

“LoCash Cowboys are the perfect fit for Average Joes, and everyone on our team is really excited to have them aboard,” says Shannon Houchins, CEO/Average Joes Entertainment. “We’re extremely impressed with what they’ve already accomplished, and their style of music and dedication to their fan base perfectly aligns with Average Joes’ philosophy.”

LoCash Cowboys’ first Christmas video, “What Time Is It?” will begin airing on Friday (Dec. 7) on GAC at 9 a.m. CT. The clip was directed by Sunny Mabrey (Mad Men, The Closer, Desperate Housewives, House MD).

In 2012, LoCash Cowboys’ co-writing credits include two hit singles, Tim McGraw‘s “Truck Yeah” and “You Gonna Fly,” a Billboard Hot Country Songs No. 1 hit for Keith Urban.

Skates On The Case: Grammy Noms Press Room

Dierks for Mayor?

Dierks Bentley is a walking, talking Chamber of Commerce for the city of Nashville. Visits by him and newer country star Hunter Hayes left favorable impressions on members of the national and local press gathered backstage at last night’s Grammy nominations concert. Other country stars, who appeared on the show but didn’t stop by the press parade, missed a wonderful opportunity to welcome the media to their hometown.

Bentley is so proud of Nashville that he thinks non-residents are lucky to visit. “It’s a good opportunity for everyone else to get a peek of Nashville,” he said. “Our town’s really special.” He also elaborated on the enormous talent pool, and community of support and respect among the industry, artists, musicians and songwriters. He received his twelfth career nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for “Home.” Of the hit, he said, “At the live show, it is great to have a song that gives the singer goosebumps night after night.” After years of nominations without wins, he joked, “They’re starting a new thing next year, where if you’re nominated 13 times it’s an automatic win.” Surrounding the February Grammy ceremony, Bentley is considering hosting his annual special-guest-packed show at the Troubadour. As for his performance of “Jackson” with The Band Perry, he explained, “We really wanted to honor the song’s original spirit but also wanted to make it new and fresh. The Band Perry came up with the arrangement. It was career highlight. Kimberly’s a fireball.”

“I’m proud to wave the country flag in the new artist category,” said first-time nominee Hayes, who will compete in the all-genre category. He appeared on the show to announce the nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album by performing a snippet of each song. Because he couldn’t find out the nominees until the last minute, he admitted the reveal “was nerve racking, fun and a little challenging.” He was nominated for Best Country Album and will compete against Bentley for Best Country Solo Performance for his hit “Wanted.” “It’s what you dream of as a songwriter,” added Hayes, “to connect with that many people. I came to town to be one crazy dreamer and to get this kind of recognition is [unbelievable]. I spent years writing this record. I want to keep evolving and searching, that’s what I live for musically.”

Performer and nominee Ne-Yo was lively. “I would absolutely make a country album, and follow one of my idols, Lionel Richie,” he told the press. “I tell everyone in L.A. that Nashville is the place to be.” The r&b star, who collaborated with Tim McGraw for the country singer’s upcoming album, added, “The fact that he’d even step down off the country music throne [to work with me] means the world to me. He’s a super open-minded guy.” Ne-Yo shared how welcoming McGraw was, inviting him over for dinner for Faith’s homemade chicken after one of their first meetings.

Hunter Hayes

The Recording Academy President/CEO Neal Portnow declared, “Nashville gets an A-plus tonight. There’s not a city like Nashville, and the warmth we felt, the collaboration and enthusiasm, it was a beautiful night.” As for the nominations show or awards ceremony returning, he added, “We have a fresh canvas, and no rules that say we have to be in a certain city. We’ve had a great experience here.” He also noted that the awards take up a week at an arena due to the extensive production and, of course, the economics of a move have to be considered.

First time nominee Rhett Walker received a nod for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for writing the Rhett Walker Band hit “When Mercy Found Me” with Jeff Pardo. “I’m blown away!” he said. “I’m here at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for the Grammy nomination event with my wife and our six-week-old daughter and I could not be more overwhelmed. I’m just a kid from the South that writes songs about life.”

Other first time nominees The Lumineers credited label home Dualtone as a major factor in their success. Wesley Schultz said, “In this whole process we’ve felt like underdogs, but our label has done a tremendous job.” As for the revival of roots-driven music, the band thanked Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers for “kicking down the door.”

Based on the nominations, Fun.’s Jack Antonoff noted, “There’s a change coming in music. If you turn on the radio it is pretty obvious.” As for their own nominations? “These things that we have no control over, we try not to think about them.”

The musical talent of rising success stories The Lumineers and Alabama Shakes is apparent, but in person their star qualities are ready-to-be-polished.

When asked about wardrobe, Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard drew friendly chuckles with her frank explanation: “I got these shoes at Burlington Coat Factory.” After making their debut album here, the Shakes are enthusiastic about Music City. “Nashville is a town with all kinds of sounds, there’s a lot of hidden things here,” she explained. As for the band’s nominations, she summed it up: “I’m happy and my Nana’s happy.”

Inside Nashville’s Grammy Nominations Concert

The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley open the show with "Jackson."

Before cameras rolled last night (12/5) at The Grammy Nominations Live!–Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich extended gratitude to those who helped bring the show to Nashville. “We’re gonna pay tribute to Nashville and the music you’ve given to the world,” said Ehrlich just minutes before the show aired live. “Thanks to this great city, mayor, and governor.”

For the first time, the CBS Grammy nominations show was wooed from L.A., where it found itself competing for primetime ratings against the ABC drama Nashville, which was coincidentally shooting downtown at aVenue simultaneous to the Bridgestone show.

Music City’s numerous genres were represented throughout the show, with local stars Hunter Hayes, Taylor Swift, The Black Keys, Kelly Clarkson and Jack White receiving nominations.

Swift, one of the city’s major supporters and exports, appropriately served as host, reuniting with co-host LL Cool J in her hometown. “You have no idea how excited I am to have you in Nashville,” said Swift. “This is my town.” The two hosted the inaugural 2008 Grammy nom show.

After a welcoming number mentioning the Country Music Hall of Fame, honky-tonks, and Nashville’s wax museum, in addition to a beat-box performance of Swift’s “Mean,” the show was underway.

Johnny Cash, who won 15 Grammys over the years, was paid tribute by The Band Perry  and Dierks Bentley performing “Jackson,” his classic hit with wife June Carter Cash. A video also featured Cash’s 1978 Grammy awards performance, the year the telecast came to Nashville for the first time.

Hunter Hayes announced the Grammy Pop Vocal of the Year category with an acoustic guitar medley of songs from each nominee.

Luke Bryan performs.

Sheryl Crow and Chris Young (who is on vocal rest) announced nominees for Record of the Year, which included Swift’s “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Capitol Record’s Luke Bryan performed “I Don’t Want This Night To End” with the largest stage production, incorporating confetti, CO2 jets and mechanized stage risers. The label’s Little Big Town then sang an a cappella snippet of The Beatles’ “Yesterday” before announcing Best New Artist nominees, which included Hunter Hayes. The newly merged Universal imprint will release the Grammy Nominations album early next year.

The co-hosts spent most of the time on a satellite stage, where they introduced presenters, a pre-recorded set by The Who, and performers including Fun., Maroon 5, and Ne-Yo.

Maroon 5 followed the live telecast with a 20-minute concert for attendees consisting of hits “This Love” and “She Will be Loved.”

MusicRow’s list of nominees can be found here.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards air Sunday, Feb. 10 on CBS.

Hunter Hayes reveals nominees.

House of Hassle Publishing Gets Nashville Office

House of Hassle Publishing, which has offices in New York City and on the West Coast, has opened a new office in Nashville, led by Lynn Gann. The Nashville operation will be focused on plugging House of Hassle songs and artists, as well as pairing House of Hassle writers with Music City’s local talent.

House of Hassle Publishing also recently signed a number of writers to publishing deals, including rockers Zach Schwartz (of Rogue Wave and Release The Sunbird), Menomena, Lucero, Two Gallants, Paul Banks (of Interpol), and Grizzly Bear.

“These are exciting times for House of Hassle,” says Sarah Smith, head of House of Hassle’s West Coast operations. “We’re very proud of our roster, and these new signings take the company to the next level. We feel more than ever that we’re in a great position to attract special opportunities for our artists as we begin this next phase of business.”

These newly signed writers join a solid roster of songwriters under the House of Hassle umbrella: Black Lips, Sharon Van Etten, Mates of State, The War on Drugs, Jennifer O’Connor, Ra Ra Riot, The Tallest Man on EarthSuperchunk, Tortoise, Antietam, Trans Am, Red House Painters, Vivian Girls, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, and Black Mountain/Pink Mountaintops.

House of Hassle was borne from a union between Ken Weinstein‘s Big Hassle Media and Bank Robber Music, a boutique TV/film licensing firm representing multiple labels in independent rock.

LifeNotes: Amber Jacobson

MusicRow extends our condolences to the family of CountryWired Executive Director Amber Jacobson, who died in a tragic car accident on Friday (Nov. 30) while with her family in Ohio. She was 33.

Jacobson had been with CountryWired, a Nashville-based entertainment internet consulting agency, for over eight years. “Amber was an invaluable member of our CountryWired family,” says Stephanie Orr-Buttrey, owner of CountryWired. “She was an intricate part of our team. The impact of her loss will be felt for many years.”

Jacobson was a graduate of Belmont University. She is survived by her father, Rick Jacobson, and her grandmother, Wanda Ellerman.
A Celebration of Life party will be held on Dec. 16 from 12 p.m.–3 p.m. at Occasions Party Centre located at 6800 Manchester Rd., Clinton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jacobson Family Benevolent Fund at any First Merit location. For more information, visit www.firstmerit.com

Primetime ‘Nashville’: Where He Leads Me

 

Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) performs "For Your Glory" on Nashville. Photo: ABC.com

“Where He Leads Me”–Season 1, Episode 8

Judging by Nashville’s winter finale, viewers can expect some major twists in the second half of the season.

In the previous episode, Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) and Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) co-wrote and then performed “Wrong Song” at the Ryman Auditorium. In this episode, it becomes clear that the single has been released to radio and become a smash country hit, prompting Edgehill Republic’s executives to ask for a co-headlining tour between Rayna and Juliette—an idea that Rayna, surprisingly, doesn’t immediately shoot down. Still, the label hasn’t yet asked Juliette what she thinks of the idea.

Of course, Rayna has larger worries on her mind than a tour, after husband Teddy (Eric Close) comes clean about the photos of him with Peggy Kenter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). He swears he isn’t cheating on Rayna and she seems convinced, until politician Coleman Carlisle shows her the photos of Teddy hugging Peggy. Rayna goes to confront Peggy, but arrives at Peggy’s home just in time to see Peggy being wheeled out on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. A neighbor reveals to Rayna that Peggy’s husband just returned from a business trip to find his wife overdosed on pills in an apparent suicide attempt. Teddy reveals the whole story to Rayna, confessing the embezzlement. A shocked Rayna essentially calls him a criminal and claims she can’t trust him anymore.

Rayna later appears at a press conference organized by Teddy to clear up the situation. Rayna takes the podium to defend her husband and their marriage, but tells him privately that she “did it for our daughters.”

While Rayna’s relationship seems to have hit a major snag, Gunnar (Sam Palladio) experiences a breakup and a first kiss with a new flame, all in one episode. At the beginning of the episode, Gunnar’s girlfriend Hailey (Chloe Wang) attempts to convince Scarlett (Clare Bowen) to audition as the lead singer of a band, which tests her loyalty to writing with Gunnar. Scarlett tells Gunnar of Hailey’s idea. Just a block or two away, Gunnar and Hailey break up at Legato Gelato in Edgehill Village, after he confronts her about the idea for Scarlett to front a band and she realizes Gunnar’s strong feelings for Scarlett. He meets Scarlett at the Bluebird Cafe, revealing his romantic intentions and his very recent breakup with Hailey, before he shares a spontaneous first kiss with a confused Scarlett. Gunnar later performs “When The Right One Comes Along” (written by Justin Davis, Georgia Middleman and Sarah Zimmerman) at the Bluebird Cafe, as Scarlett watches and wrestles with her feelings for him. She announces that she wants to take a break from writing with Gunnar, that is, until their publishing company tells them that their song “Fade Into You” is on hold to be recorded by an artist.

As Scarlett and Gunner wade through the new dimension of their relationship, Avery Barkley’s career seems to finally be gaining traction. After a full band performance of “Peace In The Valley” (written by Gillian Welch), Avery (Jonathan Jackson) receives an invitation to fly to Atlanta to work with industry bigwig Domino Wells (Wyclef Jean). However, Avery’s loyalty to his band members, and a close friend in particular, is tested when Avery is informed that the producer only wants work with him, not the rest of the band.

Deacon (Charles Esten) gets an offer to be a guitar player for the newly sober band The Revel Kings. Both Rayna and Juliette encourage him to accept the gig, which he does.

Meanwhile, Juliette’s pious athlete boyfriend, Sean Butler (Tilky Jones), maintains his stand of abstinence before marriage and asks his country singer girlfriend to visit church with his well-to-do family. In an attempt to impress the fam, Juliette agrees to sing a song with the church choir (“For Your Glory,” written by Kate York, Leeland Mooring and Jack Mooring), and later visits Sean’s family for dinner. At first, it seems Juliette is the perfect girlfriend in the eyes of Sean’s parents—she brings flowers for Sean’s mother and custom boots for Sean’s sister Dana (Madison Lintz). Juliette seems enchanted with the supportive, wholesome family, until Sean’s mother tells Juliette to get lost because she doesn’t want the singer’s tainted reputation to spoil Sean’s good-boy persona.

This seems to make Juliette determined to be part of the Butler clan. At the close of the winter finale’s, she invites Sean to her home where Juliette has set up a romantic outdoor atmosphere, complete with candles. Partly revealing the conversation she had with Sean’s mother, Juliette then asks him to marry her.

Industry Pics (12/6/2012)

CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore presented a crystal gavel to outgoing CMA Chairman Gary Overton (Sony Entertainment Nashville Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), and a crystal globe to incoming CMA Chairman Troy Tomlinson (President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony/ATV Music Publishing), to recognize their volunteer service to the CMA Board of Directors. The presentations were made during the annual CMA membership meeting in Nashville.

(l-r): Gary Overton, Steve Moore, Troy Tomlinson. Photo: Christian Bottorff/ CMA

•••

Chris Keaton of Chris Keaton Presents recently signed new artist Emily Minor. North Carolina native Minor is currently touring the southeast in support of her self titled debut EP.

(l-r): Emily Minor, Chris Keaton. Photo: Alan Mayor

•••

Bob Saporiti, General Manager at Savannah Music Group, was the guest speaker during SOURCE’s monthly members luncheon. The event was held at ASCAP’s Nashville offices. SOURCE is a nonprofit invitation-only organization unifying women executives who work in all facets of the Nashville Music Industry.

(l-r): Lainie Allbee (SOURCE President), Bob Saporiti (Savannah Music Group), Denise Fussell (Fussell Graphics). Photo: Wendy Crosby

 

 


Sheryl Crow Readies Country Album

Sheryl Crow is officially gearing up to release her first country album. Warner Music Nashville tells MusicRow that the singer has signed to the label, but a release date for a new project has not been confirmed.

Crow has long had ties to the country music scene. In 2002, Crow recorded a duet with Kid Rock, “Picture.” The song ultimately reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Her single, “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” also charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The singer is no stranger to CMA Award nominations, either. “Picture” was nominated for a CMA Award in 2003 for Vocal Event of the Year. In 2006, she earned a Musical Event of the Year nomination for “Building Bridges,” with Ronnie Dunn and Vince Gill. Most recently, her collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn for “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” earned a 2011 nod in the same category.

Crow’s country collaborations have earned the versatile singer multiple Grammy nominations. In 2001, Crow earned a nomination for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Strong Enough,” with The Dixie Chicks. She earned another Grammy nod in 2002 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues.” In 2003, her performance of “Flesh and Blood” with Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter earned a nomination in the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals category, and she was nominated in that category again in 2006 for “Building Bridges” with Dunn and Gill.

In 2011, Crow made an appearance at the CMT Music Awards, performing “Collide” with Kid Rock.

CMA Elects New Board of Directors

Troy Tomlinson

The CMA announced Thursday (Dec. 6) the new Board of Directors. For the first time, the CMA conducted the Board of Directors election online. Appointments take effect Jan. 1.

Gary Overton, Sony Music Entertainment Nashville Chairman and CEO, completes his term as Chairman of the CMA Board, while current CMA Board President Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville, assumes that post. President Elect, Ed Hardy, President of Great American Country (GAC), becomes President of the Board, and Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready, & McCarthy, Inc., has been named President-elect. John Esposito, President Warner Music Nashville, will become the new Secretary/Treasurer of the CMA Board.

“It has been both a pleasure and a learning experience for me to serve alongside Gary over this past year,” Tomlinson said via a statement. “I look forward to working with Ed as he takes on his new role as President and we begin another exciting year for CMA.”

“I am proud, and deeply honored to have been selected by my peers in the Country Music industry for a leadership position on the CMA Board of Directors,” said Hardy. “I have enjoyed working under Gary Overton’s leadership, look forward to working with and learning from Troy Tomlinson and with Steve Moore and his talented team this next year to continue to grow the Country Music industry and genre to new levels.”

2013 CMA Directors and Directors-At-Large
Directors By Membership Category

Ed Hardy

Carryover Directors, who are serving the second year of a two-year term, are followed by newly-elected Directors indicated in bold.

Advertising Agency/PR/Marketing
Mary Hilliard Harrington, The GreenRoom PR
Jeff Walker, The AristoMedia Group

Affiliated
Joe Galante, Galante Entertainment Organization
Steve Buchanan, Grand Ole Opry Group

Artist
Luke Bryan
Kix Brooks, Don’t Miss This, LLC

John Esposito

Broadcast Programming and Air Talent
Blair Garner, After Midnite with Blair Garner, Premiere Networks
Mike Moore, Entercom Communications, Portland, OR

Composer
Brett James, Cornman Music
Tom Douglas, Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Entertainment Services
Stacey Schlitz, Schlitz Law
Frank Bumstead, Flood, Bumstead, McCready, &
McCarthy, Inc.

International
Bob Shennan, BBC, London
Rob Potts, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Five Dock,
Australia

Frank Bumstead

Music Publisher/PRO
Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Jody Williams, BMI

Musician
Biff Watson, Biff-Bangs Productions, Inc.
Kenny Greenberg

Personal Manager
Bill Simmons, The Fitzgerald Hartley Company
Clarence Spalding, Spalding Entertainment

Producer/Engineer/Studio
Jeff Stevens, Jeff Stevens Music

Radio Management
Clay Hunnicutt, Clear Channel Communications
Natalie Conner, Vice President/General Manager, WXTU,
Philadelphia, Penn.

Record Company
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group Nashville
John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville

Talent Agent
Rob Beckham, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment,
LLC

Talent Buyer/Promoter
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation
Tony Conway, Conway Entertainment Group, LLC

Television/Video/Media
Ed Hardy, Great American Country
Lon Helton, Country Aircheck

Venue
Sally Williams, The Ryman Auditorium

Lifetime Directors
J. William Denny
Ralph Peer II, peermusic

Ex-Officio Members
Jim Free, The Smith-Free Group, Washington, D.C.
Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Directors at Large:
Charlie Anderson, Anderson Media Corporation, Knoxville, Tenn.
Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group
Becky Brenner, Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Country Radio Specialists, Seattle, Wash.
Randy Chase, Cox Media Group, San Antonio, Texas
Pat Collins, SESAC
Charlie Cook, West Virginia Radio Corp., Morgantown, W.Va.
Jay DeMarcus, Rascal Flatts
Bob DiPiero, Love Monkey Music
Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle Music
Tim DuBois, Tim DuBois Entertainment
Ann Edelblute, XIX Entertainment
Kerri Edwards, Red Light Management
Ted Ellis, CMT Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Karen Fairchild, Little Big Town
Randy Goodman
John Hamlin, CMT – Country Music Television
Mark Hamilton, iTunes, San Bruno, Calif.
Pat Higdon, Patrick Joseph Music
Clint Higham, Morris Artists Management Group
John Huie, Creative Artists Agency
Jan Jeffries, Cumulus Media, Chicago, Ill.
Kurt Johnson, Townsquare Media, Dallas, Texas
Michael Knox, Music Knox, LLC. and peermusic Nashville
Marion Kraft, ShopKeeper Management
Daren Lashinsky, National Shows 2
Ken Levitan, Vector Management
Luke Lewis
Jon Loba, Broken Bow Records
John Marks, Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Deb McDermott, Young Broadcasting
Kevin Neal, Buddy Lee Attractions
Gary Overton, Sony Music Nashville
Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment
John Paul, Dial Global Radio Networks, Englewood, Colo.
Brian Philips, CMT – Country Music Television
David Ross, BossRoss Media
Victoria Shaw, Victoria Shaw Songs
Mike Vaden, Decosimo Vaden
Larry Vallon, AEG Live, Los Angeles, Calif.
Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell Music
Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar, Chicago, Ill.