Twitter Launches #Music

Twitter copyThe much-anticipated Twitter #Music was made available today at music.twitter.com and as a separate app for the iPhone through the App Store.
The app helps music listeners find music that’s popular on Twitter and find music based on the bands you follow. The app centers around four pages or tabs that can be easily accessed.
The Popular page shows new music that’s trending across Twitter. The Emerging tab shows “hidden talent found in tweets.” Meanwhile, on a more personal level, The Suggested page shows artists you might like based on artists you follow on Twitter, and who those artists follow. The #NowPlaying tab shows songs your friends are tweeting about and/or listening to.
 

MusicRow No. 1 Song

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney


Columbia Nashville and Blue Chair Records have raised Kenny Chesney’s “Pirate Flag” to full staff on this week’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Written by David Lee Murphy and Ross Copperman, the song is the first single from Chesney’s forthcoming April 30 album, Life On A Rock.
Chesney once again takes listeners back to the islands where he shows off his most recent sunshine escapades. Have a look at the Shaun Silva-directed music video below, which includes bikinis, underwater swimming and yacht jumping––apparent results of escapism to the islands.
MusicRow recently listened in to the new album at a private Nashville event, click here for coverage.

Chesney’s convoy will bring his “Pirate Flag” booty throughout North America this summer with a variety of opening acts including Eric Church, Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves.

The Mavericks To Headline Manuel Cuevas, Jr. Benefit April 23

The Mavericks. Photo: Mark Tucker

The Mavericks. Photo: Mark Tucker


The Mavericks will headline “Wear It Well, Wear It Out,” a benefit for long-time friend Manuel “Manny” Cuevas, Jr., on Tuesday (April 23) at Cannery Ballroom (One Cannery Row, Nashville). The benefit will begin at 6 p.m. CT.
The fashion designer and Nashville personality has successfully followed in his father Manuel’s footsteps. Cuevas, Jr. recently suffered a near-death battle with diverticulitis, which has resulted in multiple surgeries, a lengthy recovery, medical bills and an indefinite pause on growing his “Wear It Out Manuel” brand.
The “Wear It Well, Wear It Out” benefit concert will be hosted by Billy Block and Kelly Maselli. The event also includes performances by Eric Lee Beddingfield, Craig Campbell, William Stuart, Coy Taylor, Ty Bates, Keith Gattis, Jeff “Shaky” Folks, The Pit Crew, Brittany Dunbar, Craig Wayne Boyd, Greta Gaines and others.
Tickets and additional information are available at WearItOutManuel.com.

Grand Ole Opry, ACM Win at Social Media Icon Awards

Pictured (L-R): Jenelle Scott (ACM), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Jenny Driessen (ACM), Lauren Brauchli (ACM).

Pictured (L-R): Jenelle Scott (ACM), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Jenny Driessen (ACM), Lauren Brauchli (ACM).


The Grand Ole Opry and the Academy of Country Music represented country music at the recent Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News. The Grand Ole Opry won in the “Twitter: Best Use of Hashtags” category, while the Academy of Country Music won in the“Twitter: PR Campaign” category. Both were recognized for their 2012 marketing campaigns.
The Social Media Icon Awards, held in New York, honor the most outstanding social media campaigns in the communications and public relations arena.
“It’s an honor for the Opry to be recognized for this achievement in social media,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “Just as with the Opry itself, we have country music fans and great country artists to thank for our successes in social media. We’re particularly thrilled that our award comes in recognition of the country music community sharing its love for one of the Opry’s greatest treasures, Loretta Lynn.”
“We have a gifted team here at the Academy, and I’m proud that their collective creative vision and spot-on execution is being recognized,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “A lot of folks are under the impression that country music fans don’t necessarily embrace technology, but we’ve found that if you have an authentic daily dialogue with them, the response can be remarkable.”
The Opry went up against campaigns from Guthy-Renker, Neiman Labs and SAP. The Academy faced off with other finalists including Cathay Pacific Airways, Dixon Schwabl, Littelfuse, National Safe Boating Council, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, and Weber Shandwick + MilkPEP. For more information on PR News Social Media Icon Awards, visit www.prnewsonline.com.

Industry Ink (4-19-13)

Songwriter Kat Higgins stopped by BMI offices to play a few songs and officially become part of the BMI family. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Higgins has spent most of her life writing and performing music. Previously part of the Canadian trio, The Higgins, she moved to Nashville in 2012 to pursue a solo recording career. Higgins recently inked a publishing/artist development deal with Patrick Joseph Music / Songs Music Publishing.

Pictured (L-R): PJM's Pat Higdon, BMI's Jody Williams, Kat Higgins, PJM's Stevie Erickson, BMI's Penny Everhard - photo by Drew Maynard

Pictured (L-R): PJM’s Pat Higdon, BMI’s Jody Williams, Kat Higgins, PJM’s Stevie Erickson, BMI’s Penny Everhard. Photo: Drew Maynard

• • •

ricky young1Red Light Management/Atlanta announces the signing of country rocker Ricky Young for management representation.

“After seeing Ricky perform, we knew that we wanted to build a partnership with him,” says Red Light Management’s Charlie Brusco. “We see big things in the future with the addition of his talent to the roster, and we are happy to welcome Ricky to the Red Light family.”

Young shares, “It’s humbling to join such a well-respected management team. I’m looking forward to having Charlie and Red Light’s guidance and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”Young joins a roster that includes Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley, Luke BryanStyxBlackhawk and others.

                       • • •

thumbs up for what's wright111UMG Nashville’s David Nail, Kristen Kelly, Jonathan Singleton, Randy Montana and others will perform at Nashville’s Tin Roof (1516 Demonbreun) on Wednesday, May 15 as part of the Thumb’s Up For What’s Wright benefit concert. Shane Tallant will serve as emcee for the evening.
Admission is $25 and the doors will open at 5 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Payton Wright Foundation and the Thumbs Up For Lane Goodwin Childhood Cancer Foundation. For more information visit TinRoofNashville.com.

                                                                     • • •
MusiccityRootsMusic City Roots: Live From The Loveless Cafe will host its first-ever show devoted to Nashville’s jazz scene on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Performers include Jeff Coffin & The Mu’Tet, Rahsaan Barber & Everyday Magic, Annie & The Hot Club, Ryan Cavanaugh & Tyson Rogers, and David Jacobs-Strain. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 to the public.
 
 

Country Artist Jim Seal Passes

jim-seal1-225x300

Jim Seal


Country artist Jim Seal passed away April 17 at his home in Nashville. He was 68.
Seal performed most of his early career in the Los Angeles area, and began recording in Nashville in the late 1970s, earning the Billboard chart hit “Bourbon Cowboy” in 1980.
In 1994, Jim was an independent A&R consultant for BNA Records, and later played a role in bringing California artist Gary Allan to Nashville producer/songwriter Byron Hill. Jim is survived by his wife Keven, and son Marc Seal.
Service arrangements have not yet been announced.

CMT/MTV/VH1 Debut Opportunities for Artists Pages

Artist-PagesCMT/MTV/VH1 have announced the launch of an artist opportunities hub, where for the first time artists can opt into a selection fan engagement opportunities across CMT Pure, MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Soul, and Palladia.

Beginning yesterday (April 18), artists having claimed or created an account are able to be selected by fans to receive on-air, editorial and partnership opportunities among the site’s affiliates.
“For the first time, we’re opening our gates and providing artists with a massive entry point to have their music spotlighted and heard across and beyond all of our channels and screens,” said Van Toffler, President of MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo. “We’re handing the power over to the fans and their rallying cries and artist support will help decide which artist’s breakthrough.”
Inaugural offerings include selection as Hunter Hayes’ opening act; all-expense-paid performances at Hangout Festival for two artists with recording opportunities; videos/track submission for editorial features across CMT/MTV/Vh1 networks; and on-air music video rotation during 1200 hours of weekly music video programming in addition to potential MTV/VH1/CMT shows features, Palladia, and advertiser sponsorships. Evaluations will be based on fan engagement on each artist’s page.
More than 100 million potential homes are reached by these artist sites (Artists.CMT, Artists.MTV, Artists.VH1), which launched less than one year ago as part of Viacom Music and Logo Group’s Connected Content Network.
In the coming months, CMT/MTV/VH1 will introduce a mobile app, an artist commerce tool and more.

Weekly Chart Report (4/19/13)


SPIN ZONE

Susan Ashton recently met with Lake Broadcasting's Steve Culberson at WKGA while on a radio tour. Pictured (L-R): Susan Ashton, Steve Culberson and guitarist Jesse Michael Howard.

Susan Ashton recently met with Lake Broadcasting’s Steve Culberson at WKGA while on a radio tour. Pictured (L-R): Susan Ashton, Steve Culberson and guitarist Jesse Michael Howard.


Kenny Chesney‘s “Pirate Flag” is flying high atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart this week with 3671 spins. Darius Rucker‘s “Wagon Wheel” rolls into the No. 2 slot, while Eric Church‘s “Like Jesus Does” ups one notch to No. 3. Florida Georgia Line‘s former No. 1 single, “Get Your Shine On,” sits at No. 4, while Brantley Gilbert‘s “More Than Miles” holds steady at No. 5 for another week.
Tim McGraw w/ Taylor Swift‘s “Highway Don’t Care” rises from No. 8 to No. 6 this week, while Brad Paisley‘s “Beat This Summer” lands at No. 7. The Band Perry‘s “Done” leaps into the Top 10 this week, rising from No. 12 to No. 8, as does Jake Owen‘s “Anywhere With You,” jumping from No. 11 to No. 9. Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill‘s “Don’t Rush” holds steady at No. 10 this week.
Big gainers this week include Luke Bryan‘s “Crash My Party,” the top gainer with 717 added spins and landing at No. 26. Carrie Underwood‘s “See You Again” is at No. 30, with 484 additional spins. Hunter Hayes‘ “I Want Crazy” is at No. 40, gaining 438 spins this week. Blake Shelton‘s “Boys ‘Round Here” added 376 plays, enough to take the No. 14 spot. Little Big Town‘s “Your Side of the Bed” gained 336 additional spins this week, rising from No. 45 to No. 33.
New to the chart this week are LoCash Cowboy‘s “Chase A Little Love” at No. 65, Lizzie Sider‘s “I Love You That Much” at No. 66, Danny Griego‘s “I Wear My Own Kind of Hat” at No. 75, Hoyt Hughes‘ “Happy Endings” at No. 76, Adam Dean Mullins‘ “All My Favorite Memories” at No. 77, Maggie Rose‘s “Better” at No. 78, Michael Lynne‘s “Missing You” at N0. 79 and JB & The Moonshine Band‘s “The Only Drug” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: WRHT, KMKS, WBKR, WXXK
Upcoming Singles
April 15
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/19-Arista
Hayden Panettiere/Hypnotizing/Big Machine
Rachel Holder/Five Days/Curb
Chris Cagle/Dance Baby Dance/BPG
Casey Donahew Band/Whiskey Baby/Almost Country Entertainment
Chris Weaver Band/ So Damn Beautiful/American Roots
Tracy Delucia/Night Swim/GTR
April 22
Jared Ashley/Last Train to Memphis/Blaster
Eric Paslay/Friday Night/EMI Nashville
Hunter Hayes/I Want Crazy/WMN
Randy Rogers Band/Fuzzy/MCA Nashville
LoCash Cowboys/Chase A Little Love/Average Joes
Sins Country/Romeo and Juliette Sparks/GTR
 April 25
Steve Richard/Keep On Rollin’/Force MP
April 29
Joanna Smith/Girls Are Crazy/RCA
IMAJ/Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner/Triomphe Records
Dakota Bradley/Somethin’ Like Somethin’/Streamsound
David Shelby/Kick A Little Dirt Around/Highway South
May 6
Scotty McCreery/See You Tonight/Mercury-19-Interscope
• • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
LoCash Cowboys/Chase A Little Love/Average Joes Entertainment – 65
Lizzie Sider/I Love You That Much/Lizzie Sider Music – 66
Danny Griego/I Wear My Own Kind Of Hat – 75
Hoyt Hughes/Happy Endings/BlueBolt Records – 76
Adam Dean Mullins/All My Favorite Memories/PLC Records – 77
Maggie Rose/Better/RPM Entertainment – 78
Michael Lynne/Missing You/CMG – 79
JB & The Moonshine Band/The Only Drug/Average Joe’s – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Luke Bryan/Crash My Party/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 38
Hunter Hayes/I Want Crazy/Atlantic-WMN – 30
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/Arista – 26
LoCash Cowboys/Chase A Little Love/Average Joes Entertainment – 15
Little Big Town/Your Side Of The Bed/Capitol – 15
Lizzie Sider/I Love You That Much/Lizzie Sider Music – 14
Eric Paslay/Friday Night/EMI Nashville – 12
Kacey Musgraves/Blowin’ Smoke/Mercury Nashville – 12
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Luke Bryan/Crash My Party/Capitol/UMG Nashville – 717
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/Arista – 484
Hunter Hayes/I Want Crazy/Atlantic-WMN – 438
Blake Shelton/Boys Round Here/Warner Bros. – 376
Little Big Town/Your Side Of The Bed/Capitol – 336
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Casey Donahew Band/Whiskey Baby – 154
Joanna Smith/Girls Are Crazy/RCA Nashville – 153
Chris Cagle/Dance Baby Dance/Bigger Picture Group – 151
Breelan Angel/It’s My Turn/MisBhavin’ – 147
Amy Rose/I Just Want You To Know/Wild Rose – 146
Toby Keith gave Arizona’s Country Thunder festival its first-ever complete sell-out in its 25 year history and celebrated KMLE/Phoenix. Pictured (L-R): Tim Richards (PD); Drew Bland (MD); Lisa Owen (Show Dog Universal); Toby Keith; Brad Booker (morning show host); and Tim Pohlman (GM)

Toby Keith gave Arizona’s Country Thunder festival its first-ever complete sell-out in its 25 year history and celebrated KMLE/Phoenix. Pictured (L-R): Tim Richards (PD); Drew Bland (MD); Lisa Owen (Show Dog Universal); Toby Keith; Brad Booker (morning show host); and Tim Pohlman (GM)


Charlie Worsham visited with Eddie Haskell of KYGO while in Denver recently.

Charlie Worsham visited with Eddie Haskell of KYGO while in Denver recently.


 

Charlie Cook On Air: The Hottest Music Genre

CCook-onair-sm11The shifts in musical tastes are interesting to watch as a radio person. I am involved with all radio formats in my jobs as a programmer and consultant. That said, country music radio is what I watch most closely.

Country music is hotter than any other music genre today. The recently aired Academy of Country Music Awards show was more proof of this popularity. The broadcast was up 39 percent in audience appeal from last year and everyone I have spoken to agrees that it was the best ever ACM show.

First, congratulations to Bob Romeo and his hard-working staff, the Board of the ACM and Rac Clark, who has directed and produced this show for years now. The beginning of the show is always so important for locking the viewer into the program. Watch for the beginning of the shows every year on both the ACM and the Country Music Association shows. The opening in Las Vegas last week was exciting, energizing and enticing. The opening chat bit was funny; a little blue for my 11-year-old daughter who was my date to the show, but played right into the relationship that Blake has with the viewers of The Voice and with Luke Bryan, who is a star in his own right, playing the role of Adam Levine.

It was 45 minutes into the program before the first award was handed out. These shows are really all-star concerts with a few awards sprinkled in. The viewers are very happy with this format and 10-12 performers get to add a trophy to their resumes.

No other single musical format could pull this off. NARAS draws a good audience each year as long as the music from that year is balanced for the mainstream consumer. No other format can pull off ACM week in Las Vegas, the CMA Music Fest/Fan Fair and the CMA Awards show in the fall. This is not just because those of us involved with the format play well together for the health of the format (think Country Radio Seminar) but because the fans love and support the music and the artists to the highest levels.

The shift towards country music and country music radio are documented in CD sales and increased ratings with the younger demos. Overall Country Radio is at its highest 12+ national share ever scoring 14.1 percent of the listening. (Arbitron Fall 2011). Even in PPM markets (the top 48 markets in America) the format is the fourth most popular. This is before Cumulus put a Country station in New York City, so we expect that number to increase.

This increased interest in Country music was also reflected in CD sales this week, a consequence of the tune in of the ACM show. The much talked about Wheelhouse by Brad Paisley sold over 100,000 copies. Also in the Top 20 of sales were Eric Church (with two different titles), Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan (also with two different titles). Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert also all saw increases from the preceding week.

If you doubt the increased visibility of Country music, think about this. An album cut from a Country artist, even a superstar like Brad Paisley, stopped the media in its tracks for almost a week.

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

George Jones Hospitalized in Nashville

George Jones

George Jones


George Jones was admitted to a local Nashville hospital for observation today (April 18). During a routine checkup, Mr. Jones was running a slight fever with irregular blood pressure.
This weekend’s shows in Atlanta, Ga. and Salem, Va. have been postponed. Information on the rescheduling of these concerts will be available soon. For more information on George Jones, please visit georgejones.com