Charlie Cook On Air: Subway's 11 Inches

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CCook-onair-sm111So the Subway Footlong sandwich is only 11 inches. So Lance Armstrong was not living strong when he won 7 Tour de Frances. So Manti Te’o may or may not have “thought” he had a girlfriend. (Which reminds me of one of my favorite lines. “My girlfriend thinks that I am stalking her. Well, she is not actually my girlfriend yet.”) The funny thing about all of this is it is perfect for Facebook, Twitter, etc. In fact, a sports show host from Tampa was suspended for a couple of days this week for an exchange he had with Erin Andrews via Twitter about Te’o. He was taken off the air, not for what he said on the air, but what he said on Twitter. I was thinking about what other lies are out there and how we live with them every day.
WYYY plays the most music on the radio.
KXXX plays the best music on the radio.
(Fill in the blank) is the most exciting act on tour this summer.
Are they NEVER EVER getting back together again?
The real truth is that the day after Manti was jilted (or is that jolted?) my life was not different. I don’t care that Lance is a liar. I hardly ever even get on my bike anymore. I do kind of care about Subway. You’ve gotta wonder if the veggies are fresh as they claim. What is important when it comes to marketing yourself to the American Public? The truth apparently is not. How many millions has Subway spent convincing consumers that 11 inches is a foot? How many millions did Lance Armstrong raise for cancer research based on cheating? Was Manti Te’o second in Heismann voting because he is a great linebacker or because voters thought he was incredible for playing through turmoil? Can Taylor possibly date that many guys? Heck she has had tens of hits? I looked up the word marketing. It really is quite simple. The act of buying or selling in a market. That of course is a noun. Making it a verb is what I am talking about here. So if exaggeration is acceptable when marketing a product or a person, I thought I would take liberties with marketing slogans. Let’s see how these work.
Pandora: “Enjoy a wealth of music while we go broke.”
iHeart Radio: “More live radio stations from cities you can’t find on a map.”
This one could fit any of these three stations. KKGO/LCA WUSN/Chicago or NASH 94.7/NY. They all use a variation. “Listened to by over a billion Americans every day.”
BMI: “Where one good idea will last 70 years…after you die”
Sony Records: “We know that you couldn’t care less what label Kenny Chesney is on but we need to make a living too.”
Any publishing company: “We carried these losers for years, now we’re getting paid back.”
A particular writer for Music Row On the Air: “You try doing this every week without insulting someone along the way.”
It’s harder than it looks.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Momentum Label Group Partners with New Revolution Entertainment

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logoMomentum Label Group has announced that they are partnering with New Revolution Entertainment, a full-service radio promotion and artist development company. Formed in 2006 by Rob Dalton and Jeff Solima, the New Revolution Entertainment team will assist Momentum with their national promotion efforts for flagship artist Rachele Lynae on her upcoming new single, “Fishin’ for Something.”
New Revolution’s current and previous clients include The Farm, Montgomery Gentry, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Lee Brice, Gloriana, Randy Owen, Steve Holy, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Jerrod Niemann, Bucky Covington, Darryl Worley and many others.
“It’s very exciting and a privilege for me to work with Rob, Jeff and the entire New Revolution team,” says Momentum Label Group’s Jimmy Murphy. “I have the highest regard for their skill and dedication. All of us at Momentum can’t wait to work together getting Rachele’s new music to the ears of the industry and fans.”
“Rachele’s new single, “Fishin’ for Something” couldn’t be a more appropriate, hooky and relatable song for country radio right now,” says Dalton. “She’s such a talented artist and we’re excited to be working with her, as well as everyone on the Momentum team.”
For more information on Momentum Label Group visit www.momentumlabelgroup.com.

CMT Hires Sr. VP of Program Planning and Scheduling

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Katie Buchanan

Katie Buchanan


CMT has hired Katie Buchanan as Sr. VP of Program Planning and Scheduling. Buchanan will begin Jan. 28.
Buchanan is a 10-year veteran of The Style Network, where she was most recently Sr. VP of Programming and Acquisitions. Prior to that, she worked with VH1’s West Coast original movies and series group.
She will relocate from Los Angeles to Nashville. In her new role, Buchanan will control program scheduling and acquisitions and will be responsible for their distribution across CMT’s various media platforms. She will report directly to CMT president Brian Philips.
“Katie is a top strategist and fast-rising star. She joins CMT as our slate of originals grows exponentially,” said Philips. “True to character, Katie will jump in head-first, as our representative at NATPE! Then she will immediately relocate to Nashville, where she will lead the programming strategy team. We proudly welcome Katie back to the Viacom family.”

Artist News (1-24-13)

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chelywright1Chely Wright and wife Lauren Blitzer-Wright are expecting two new members to their family this June. The couple announced that Wright is carrying identical twins on Howard Bragman’s YouTube show, “Gwissues.”
“When gay couples have babies, it’s logistically a little different than when straight people have babies, as we all know,” Wright said. “It’s been an [amazing] experience.”

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soundFloridaGeorgiaLineFlorida Georgia Line traveled to Cancun this week to shoot the video for their current single, “Get Your Shine On.”

 

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patgreenPat Green is now part-owner of the Rustic, a bar and restaurant slated to open this spring in Dallas, according to Dallas Morning News. The restaurant’s menu will center around barbecue, and it will have ample seating to allow for concerts of up to 500-600 at an inside performance or up to 2,000 for an outdoor event.

 

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stealingangelsTwo members of the group Stealing Angels—Caroline Cutbirth and Jennifer Kuhle–will compete on the CBS reality series The Amazing Race. The reality show pits 10 teams against each other as they travel to exotic locales (including New Zealand, Bora Bora, Botswana and Switzerland) as part of the competition.

Artist Events Inc. Nashville Adds Two New Staffers

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Tim Gray

Tim Gray


Artist Events Inc. Nashville has added industry professional Tim “TJ” Gray as Booking Agent and Trent Houghton as New Agent Assistant/Office Manager.
Gray is the founder and former President of Concert Gorilla LLC., an entertainment company focusing on promotion, talent buying and booking based in Virginia Beach, Va. Gray was most recently working in the day-to-day management activities at Big Show Music Co., including artists Joe Diffie, Mickie James and Jeff Jenkins. He also handled all in-house artist bookings for the company. Gray will be working primarily with Artist Events expanding the emerging talent side of the roster and handling the North American club bookings. Gray’s diverse skill set includes video production, artist management and artist photography.
Houghton is a graduate of Belmont University and most recently interned at Outback Concerts.
Gary Kirves, Tim Gray and Trent Houghton can be reached at 615-309-0458 or [email protected]

Primetime 'Nashville': 'You Win Again'

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Rayna and Juliette at the No. 1 party.

Rayna and Juliette at the No. 1 party.


Episode No. 111: “You Win Again”
Nashville debuted two songs on last night’s (Jan. 23) fast-paced episode. Scarlett and Gunnar offered “One Works Better,” written by Kate York, Tofer Brown, Natalie Hemby and Rosi Golan. During an outdoor concert festival at Belmont, Avery Barkley performed “Keep Asking Why” written by York and Erin McCarley.

Most of the action happened at the swanky soiree saluting Rayna and Juliette’s No. 1 duet “Wrong Song.” The affair was definitely a step up from the more informal No. 1 parties held on real-life Music Row. Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert and BMI’s Jody Williams exchanged pleasantries with Rayna during the scene. Elsewhere, radio personality Blair Garner played fan blogger Adam Wergeles and ruffled Juliette’s feathers by asking what it was like to write with a legend like Rayna Jaymes.
Juliette’s mom Jolene had a daylong reprieve from rehab so Juliette reluctantly let her tag along to the party. Jolene was out on the town because she had a court hearing, where Juliette gave an unconvincing and unsympathetic testimony on her mom’s behalf. But by the end of the episode, they reconciled and bonded.
The chemistry between producer Liam and Rayna was red-hot, in private and when he filled in onstage as her guitar player. But that relationship went up in flames at the No. 1 party when she found out that he had been manipulative and deceitful. Calista, the powerhouse head of Countless Records, was trying to woo Rayna away from longtime home Edgehill Republic, and Liam was encouraging the move. But at the party, Edgehill boss Marshall notified Rayna of a key piece of information Liam was withholding: Liam would get his own imprint at Countless if he brought Rayna on board with him. By the end of the episode, Rayna decided to stay with Edgehill, if she gets her own imprint.

Liam is a button pusher, whether it’s ticking off Juliette or questioning Rayna’s happiness with husband Teddy. Nashville’s new mayor Teddy seems to genuinely want to repair his marriage, but Rayna isn’t sure.
And Liam’s not the only guitar player in Rayna’s life giving her a hard time about her marriage. Deacon is at it again, during a scene in his front yard where he is putting out a For Sale sign.
After leaving the Revel Kings tour, Deacon is sinking low. Juliette wants to help him and convinces him to come on her tour as guitar player—much to the surprise of Rayna and Teddy who find out about this at the airport as they leave for the next round of concert dates.
Curious about the characters’ musical influences? Check out their playlists. 
 

Disney, Keds Tap Swift For Campaigns

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Swift's Disney Parks ad will appear in national publications.

Swift’s Disney Parks ad will appear in national publications.


Taylor Swift will be featured in marketing campaigns by Disney and Keds.
For Disney Parks’ ongoing Disney Dream Portrait series, she stars as Rapunzel in an image by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz. The advertisement can be seen in upcoming issues of Vanity Fair, InStyle and People. 
Additionally, Keds is deepening its relationship with Swift, who will be the face of a new girl-power marketing campaign by the shoe company. The “Bravehearts” initiative encourages young females to be courageous, independent, confident, optimistic and unique. A dedicated website will debut soon at bravehearts.com. According to the New York Times, the campaign’s budget is estimated at $20 million.
Swift first partnered with Keds in October around the launch of her album Red, and the company released a special pair of red sneakers.
Digging further into Swift’s appeal as an endorser, the NYT reports her unusually high Q score, which ranks celebrity appeal. Swift scores a 24, compared with 17 for the average celebrity and 16 for the average female singer. For younger demographics, her Q score increases. It is 26 for females ages 13 to 24, and 45 for children ages 6 to 12.
Keds campaign

Jerry Duncan Promotions Adds Secondary Promotions Manager

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mariaJerry Duncan Promotions is pleased to welcome Belmont University graduate Maria Drummond as Secondary Promotions Manager.
In her new role, Drummond will focus on building and maintaining relationships with country radio stations stateside and abroad.
Drummond, 23, recently relocated back to her home state of Tennessee from New York City. She completed her Entertainment Industry Studies degree via Belmont East with internships at SiriusXM and The Press House, a boutique publicity firm. Her resume also includes time at AAM Management and Outpost Digital.
“It’s very exciting,” Drummond says, “I’m working for a company with over 65 Number One records to its name. I’m thrilled to be with Jerry and Lisa, who have both been instrumental in breaking many of the biggest acts in country music.”
Drummond can be reached at [email protected].

Southern Ground Names Two Promo VPs

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sgaZac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists has promoted both Mara Sidweber and Chuck Swaney to Vice President of Radio Promotion.
Sidweber has been with ZBB for over four years, while Swaney recently hit the two-year mark after returning to the team in July 2012. As VPs, the two will jointly handle all relationships with national radio corporations and consultants, while also maintaining internal operations, and their respective regional duties, West Coast/Southwest and Midwest/Southwest.
“Our goal is to exceed people’s expectations with service and hospitality, and now that we have our ‘A’ team of passionate people in place, I couldn’t be more proud,” said Zac Brown. “They work hard for us every single day, and we’re so happy they’re part of the Southern Ground family.”
Sidweber, who is based in Dallas, previously worked at Capitol Records helping to launch the country radio careers of Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, and Darius Rucker. Swaney, based in Nashville, has over 30 years experience in the industry, working at Capitol, Mercury, Sony, and most recently EMI Nashville, promoting a wide range of artists, including Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, and Eric Church.
The SGA in-house radio team, also includes radio promotions executives Neda Tobin (Southeast), Paul Williams (Northeast), and Clay Henderson (Director of Syndication and Special Projects).
Zac Brown Band’s recent hit “Goodbye In Her Eyes” marks the band’s 10th country radio charttopper.

Kobalt Music Group Signs Lady Antebellum

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Pictured (L to R): Dave Haywood, Kobalt’s Director of Creative Jeff Skaggs, Hillary Scott, Kobalt SVP Creative Whitney Daane, Charles Kelley, Kobalt VP of Creative Stephanie Cox, and Lady Antebellum attorney Linda Edell Howard of Adams & Reese.

Pictured (L to R): Dave Haywood, Kobalt’s Director of Creative Jeff Skaggs, Hillary Scott, Kobalt SVP Creative Whitney Daane, Charles Kelley, Kobalt VP of Creative Stephanie Cox, and Lady Antebellum attorney Linda Edell Howard of Adams & Reese.


Kobalt Music Group (Kobalt) has inked an exclusive, worldwide administration deal with trio Lady Antebellum.

Through the deal Kobalt will provide full global creative and synch services and represent all songs written by the trio (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) for their highly anticipated, upcoming Capitol Nashville release.

In addition, Kobalt will also represent select Lady Antebellum catalog repertoire, including works on their 2011 album, Own The Night (Capitol Nashville), including the recent smash hits “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss,” and the songs “Cold As Stone,” “Singing Me Home,” and “Somewhere Love Remains,” among others.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with such unique individual and collective talent as Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott,” said Whitney Daane, Sr. VP of Kobalt Music Group. “As songwriters, they each bring their own creative vision for Lady Antebellum. Their collaboration has created one of country music’s top bands, and they are truly a global ambassador for the format. We are honored that Lady Antebellum has chosen Kobalt and look forward to being a part of their ongoing and future success.”

“It’s very gratifying to be recognized by Lady Antebellum and their team as their publishing partner. As writers and performers they are one of music’s most respected acts. We look forward to a long relationship,” said Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt Music Group.