Digital Weblinks: Apple and Google Eye Streaming Services

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google• • • According to the LA Times and Financial Times, Google is in talks with the majors to launch a streaming music service similar to Spotify. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has its own streaming service in the works.
apple
• • • Songwriters are getting more love from iTunes. The latest iTunes update, version 11.0.2, includes a new Composers view. After installing the update, the view doesn’t display automatically, users have to select the option under the Preferences menu. The update also includes a redesigned Store, a new MiniPlayer and more.
• • • The New York Times offers an interesting look at revenue paid by streaming services.
• • • Spotify will soon be available via an app in Ford cars, according to the New York Times.
• • • Sprint will unlock the radio chip in its phones which will allow the hardware to pick up terrestrial signals. Charlie Cook has the story on MusicRow.com.
• • • A new RIAA report states Google has failed to follow through with its plan to lower the search ranking of sites that are known copyright infringers.
• • • The implementation phase of the Copyright Alert System (CAS) began this week. ISPs will receive notices of alleged P2P copyright infringement and forward those notices, or Copyright Alerts, to consumers. Alerts are meant to educate rather than punish, and direct consumers to legal alternatives.

Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie Team For 'Roots & Boots' Tour

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roots and boots11Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Joe Diffie have teamed up for the Roots & Boots tour. The trio of stars will take the stage together, performing acoustic versions of their over 40 Top Ten hits and sharing stories about the roots of their music. The 15+ city tour kicks off March 8 in Wilkesboro, N.C. at the John A. Walker Community Center, with more dates to be added soon.
“The ‘Roots & Boots’ tour is three friends who love country music having a good time, telling jokes about each other and telling jokes on each other,” says Kershaw. “We tell stories behind all of our songs. It’s a great show, so don’t be square, be there!” Tippin adds, “Being onstage with Sammy and Joe is a blast. I admire both of these guys so much. We have a great time together and the show is different every night and always a lot of fun.”
A full listing of ‘Roots & Boots’ tour dates is below.
March 8 – Wilkesboro, N.C. John A. Walker Community Center
March 12 – Palm Desert, Calif. – McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts
March 13 – Modesto, Calif. – Gallo Center for the Arts
March 14 – Redding, Calif. – The Cascade Theatre
March 15 – La Mirada, Calif. – La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
March 16 – Chandler, Ariz. – Chandler Center for the Arts
March 17 – El Cajon, Calif. – Sycuan Casino
March 18, 19 – Folsom, Calif. – Three Stages At Folsom Lake College
March 23 – Rising Sun, Ind. – Rising Star Casino Resort
March 24 – Meadville, Pa. – Alleghey College Auditorium
March 29 – Mahnomen, Minn. – Shooting Star Casino
April 6 – Biloxi, Miss. – IP Casino Resort & Spa / Convention Center
April 19 – Moncton, Canada – The Centre At Casino New Brunswick
May 10 – Branson, Mo. – RFD-TV Theatre
May 11 – Sand Springs, Okla. – Osage Casino – Sand Springs
May 24 – Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – Country Tonite Theatre
 

View the tour EPK below.

Youtube video

Vince Gill, Dan Auerbach, Kip Moore To Appear on 'Nashville'

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dan auerbach vince gill11

Pictured (L-R): Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and Vince Gill. Photo: Katherine Bomboy-Thornton/ABC.


Vince Gill, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Pam Tillis, Kip Moore and Kate York will appear on Wednesday’s (Feb. 27) episode of ABC’s Nashville. The episode, titled “Dear Brother,” features a surprise birthday party for Deacon (played by actor Charles Esten) which takes place at The Bluebird Café.

“I had a really fun time hanging out with the cast and crew,” commented Gill. “I really do enjoy watching the show and I think it’s great for Nashville. Plus, I was playing myself which wasn’t a big stretch.”
Nashville stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Eric Close as Teddy Conrad, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Robert Ray Wisdom as Coleman Carlisle and Powers Boothe as Lamar Wyatt.

Garth Brooks Added To George Jones Farewell Concert

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George Jones

George Jones


The star-packed lineup for George Jones’ final concert continues to grow with the addition of Garth Brooks, Kid Rock, Shelby Lynne, The Oak Ridge Boys and Sam Moore. The event is set for Friday, Nov. 22 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Previously announced special guests at the hometown show include Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Lorrie Morgan, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner and Gene Watson. More stars are expected to be added.
Jones will mark the end of an era with 2013’s farewell tour titled The Grand Tour. The outing will make more than 40 stops. Tickets for the Nashville finale are available at all Ticketmaster locations.

Kellie Pickler, Wynonna Join 'Dancing With The Stars'

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dancingwithstars_logo_240111Kellie Pickler and Wynonna are getting ready to put on their dancing shoes. Both have signed on to be part of the cast of Dancing With The Stars‘ upcoming season. Interestingly, Pickler’s dancing partner is Derek Hough, brother to actress-singer Julianne Hough. Meanwhile, Wynonna will dance with Tony Dovolani. Wynonna and Pickler will compete against Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill, NFL star Jacoby Jones, boxer Victor Ortiz, soap star Ingo Rademacher, Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman and reality star Lisa Vanderpump.
The full list of competitors is listed below:
• Boxer Victor Ortiz and new pro Lindsay Arnold
• Singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
• Country star Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani
• Soap star Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson
• Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• Comedian Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess
• Reality star Lisa Vanderpump and new pro Gleb Savchenko
• Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas
• Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus
• Comedian D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke
• NFL star Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff
Previous country entertainers to compete on Dancing With The Stars include Sara Evans, Chuck Wicks, Jewel and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Luke Bryan Declares Spring Break in Louisville

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker

Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker


A slew of industry professionals were ready to party with Luke Bryan this past weekend (Feb. 22) at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky., as part of Bryan’s Dirt Road Diaries Tour.
Although the winter weather outside was in the 30’s, the undulations of Bryan’s hips easily raised the arena temps while he sang a slew of signature tunes and covers including Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite,” Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven,” and Maroon 5’s “One More Night.” Bryan’s own hits included many off his 2011 album Tailgates and Tanlines and tracks from various spring break releases.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker

Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Parker


Lyrics to “If You Ain’t Here To Party” most appropriately define the event, with opening acts Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square encouraging the Louisville set-list towards a spring break atmosphere. Bryan delivers desirable sex-appeal to today’s country music, easily gearing up his fanbase for his headlining event in Panama Beach, Fla., March 12-13.
Booked through October, the Dirt Road Diaries Tour will take place intermittently with one-off dates at various festivals and events. Bryan will co-host the ACM Awards with Blake Shelton (Apr. 7) and vie for Vocal Event, Male Vocalist, Album and Entertainer of the Year.
While Bryan has spent previous years as an opening act for artists including Jason Aldean, as well as headlining his own Farm Tour, 2013 very well could be the year Bryan solidifies his bid for the Entertainer of the Year trophy.
In advance of the beach weekend, Bryan will release the album Spring Break … Here to Party on March 5. The 14-song set boasts tracks that were previously only available via digital download, as well as new titles “Just a Sip” and “Buzzkill.”
If you’re ready to party, be sure to get your ticket to Luke Bryan in 2013. He’s worth it!

Stoney Creek Promotes Heather Propper

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Heather Propper

Heather Propper


Stoney Creek Records recently promoted Heather Propper to Director of National Promotion. In her new role, Propper will grow national airplay for Stoney Creek Records artists including Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee and Lindsay Ell. Propper will report directly to BBR Music Group SVP of Promotion Carson James as well as Stoney Creek Records VP of Promotion Chris Loss.
Since joining Stoney Creek on the first day of the label’s operation in 2009, Propper has spent the last four years as its Director of Southeast Promotion.
“Heather was the first regional hired at SCR and she has proven her skill and tenacity over and over again. What better next step than to reward her with National responsibilities,” says James.
“Heather has been a big part of the Stoney Creek promotion team’s success. She has earned these stripes and this promotion,” adds Loss. “Elevating her makes our team even stronger for super-serving Country radio. It will fuel more growth for Thompson Square, Randy Houser and Parmalee all while preparing to launch Lindsay Ell this year!”
“I am so grateful to Benny Brown and my amazing bosses for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I truly love this company and my artists! I can’t wait to get on the road and make some new relationships in other parts of the country,” says Propper.
With a BA in Communication from Arizona State University, Propper spent five years at KMLE/ Phoenix, ending as Promotion Director. She then joined Equity Music as Promotion Coordinator and rose to Southeast Regional.
She may be reached at (615) 320-1372 and at heather@stoneycreekrecords.com.

Bigger Picture Group Renews with WEA

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BiggerPicture1Bigger Picture Group has renewed its distribution deal with Warner-Elektra-Atlantic Corporation (WEA). The Nashville-based music company, headed by CEO David Robkin, Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall and President Michael Powers, currently represents artists Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell and Chris Janson.
“WEA provides us with first-class support and we enjoy working with them,” said Robkin. “We look forward to building on our long-term partnership with Mike Jbara and the team.”
“Bigger Picture Group continues to sign and nurture great artists, forging a strong identity as a label and providing a home for up-and-coming Nashville talent. We are very pleased to continue to help grow their success,” said Mike Jbara, President & CEO, WEA.
 

Nashville Signings

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Sony Music Nashville artist Angie Johnson has signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The YouTube sensation was a contestant on The Voice and is currently a Missouri Air National Guard Tech Sergeant. She is working on her debut, with Josh Leo producing.

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Pictured (L-R): Angie Johnson and Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville.

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derek george1Writer/producer Derek George has signed with Warner/Chappell.
George produced the chart-topping single from Randy Houser, “How Country Feels.”
 

3 Doors Down, Phillip Phillips, Road To Bonnaroo In Nashville

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3 doors down logo13 Doors Down will perform an acoustic engagement at Nashville’s War Memorial on May 4, beginning at 8 p.m. The event is presented by WBUZ and tickets for the event go on sale beginning Friday (March 1). It will be a local performance for the group’s five band members, who currently reside in Nashville.
Singer Brad Arnold shares, “We all call Nashville home, and we cannot wait to perform for our fans in a more intimate setting at War Memorial. It will also be the first time we have performed a full set acoustically. It’s going to be a great evening.”
For more information, visit 3doorsdown.com.

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phillip phillips11Season 11 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips will appear in a headlining concert at Nashville’s Belmont University Curb Event Center on April 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 for general admission and will go on sale Tuesday (Feb. 26) at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsnashville.com, by calling (615) 460-8500, or by visiting the Curb Event Center box office. Phillips’ debut single went quadruple platinum and was used as the soundtrack for the 2012 U.S. Olympics Women’s Gymnastics team.

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road to bonnaroo1BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo 2013 will bring Nashville’s indie bands and music fans together for the fifth consecutive year to select three local artists to represent the city’s music scene on a national stage. Slated for three Mondays at the Mercy Lounge over the next three months–Feb. 25, March 25 and April 15–Road to Bonnaroo will offer one slot each night to perform at the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
The first round will take place Monday (Feb. 25) beginning at 9 p.m. at Mercy Lounge. The show is free is and open to those 21 and older. The lineup will include Sol Cat, Five Knives, Alanna Royale, Magnolia Sons, Dylan McDonald & The Avians, Grass Roots Kids, Schools and The Young International. The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will take place June 13-16 in Manchester, Tenn.