Boots and Hearts Music Festival Launches Emerging Artist Showcase

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bootsandheartsRepublic Live, organizers of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, has launched the Emerging Artist Showcase presented by SiriusXM Canada. The competition will allow any aspiring Canadian country artists, 12 years of age and older, to upload a video or audio performance for a chance to perform on the Main Stage at Boots and Hearts 2013 on Sunday, August 4.
The Emerging Artist Showcase will be taking place at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Aug. 1 – 4, 2013, which takes place at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.
The competition is now open and will run until June 27, 2013 at 8 a.m. EST, at which time the submissions will be narrowed down to select eight contestants. These eight finalists will perform for a panel of judges and fans at the side stage of the festival Saturday, August 3, and two finalists will be chosen to perform on the Main Stage to decide the final winner of the competition. The two finalists will open for Dierks Bentley on the Main Stage during the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. The winner will earn a single release with Big Machine Label Group Canada.
“We are so grateful to SiriusXM Canada for partnering with us on the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase this year,” said Shannon McNevan, Executive Director and Founder Republic Live. “It’s so important for us to not only support our local artists, but to actually find that next big country music star from Canada. Last year we had Tebey win the Emerging Artist Showcase and Tim Hicks came in second, we can see where their careers are going. To have a partner like Big Machine Label Group Canada, whose artists include Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, The Band Perry and so many more, a single release with them is huge for any artist.”
Full contest details are available at bootsandhearts.com/showcase.
 
 

Facebook To Unveil Video App for Instagram?

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facebookSocial media giant Facebook is set to hold a press event on Thursday (June 20) at its California headquarters to unveil a new product. According to TechCrunch, a source says that Facebook will reveal that the popular photo-sharing app Instagram will begin to allow people to take and share short videos.
If true, it seems that the launch would be a response to video apps, including Twitter’s Vine app, Viddy, Socialcam and others. Twitter’s Vine app allows users to take six-second video footage on iOS or Android handsets and share the clips on Vine’s network.
There is at least some evidence that the video app is indeed what Facebook is planning to unveil. In May, former Reuters social media editor Matthew Keys blogged that Facebook was internally testing a Vine-like video for Instagram. He reported that a user could upload between five and 10 seconds of video using the new app.
 
 
 

28 Entertainment Working on George Jones Biopic

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georgejones28 Entertainment has acquired the story rights to George Jones and his wife Nancy for a feature film project about the life and career of the iconic country singer. The project is written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman and Brian A. Hoffman.
Nancy Jones will Executive Produce and consult on the project. Baxter worked closely with Nancy and George on the story before George passed away on April 26th in Nashville at the age of 81.
“Over the years we have been approached to make George’s life into a feature film, but it was not until Dennis Baxter became involved that we were confident the story could be told accurately. George and I started working with Dennis six years ago in crafting the life-long story. Knowing George had input in this film and that it will be told the way he wanted it told, I feel we are in good hands to collaborate with 28 Entertainment as we move forward with production,” said Nancy Jones.
“George had hoped to see the movie before he passed and worked with me to make sure the story was complete,” said Baxter.
“George’s career is one of the most celebrated of country music legends, and we feel it is important to tell his story for fans and music lovers around the world. We are huge fans of George and his music and look forward to working closely with Nancy as we bring his life to the big screen,” said Hoffman.

Stars For Second Harvest Raises $100,000

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stars for second harvestThe 9th Annual “Stars For Second Harvest” benefit concert raised $100,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The June 4 concert at the Ryman Auditorium was headlined by Ronnie Dunn and Florida Georgia Line with a special appearance by Nelly, comedian Ralphie May and more. The event, combined with the live auction and several generous donations, helped to make this the most successful fundraising year.
Founder Craig Wiseman says, “When I got the numbers I couldn’t believe we finally did it! Since we started this show in 2005, it has been a goal of mine to get to $100,000 for Second Harvest. With help from all of the artists, and the continued help of O’Charleys, we finally reached that goal this year. Now I am raising that goal to $250,000!!”
In the last nine years, this event has raised $611,032 to feed hungry children, seniors, and families in Tennessee. Because each dollar provides four meals, the funds raised from the nine years of this benefit concert have provided Second Harvest with means to supply 2,444,128 meals.
This year’s benefit concert line-up included a songwriters round with Wiseman, Rhett Akins, Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton and a special performance from Dunn, who sang his iconic song “Believe.” Comedian May got the audience laughing before country duo Florida Georgia Line closed out the show, including an appearance from rapper Nelly.

Global Music Industry Shows Slight Growth

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IFPI_LogoReports from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) show growth in the global music industry in 2012 and 2013. Overall global recorded music trade revenues increased by 0.2 percent in 2012, the first year of growth since 1999. The IFPI tracks revenue streams including physical, digital, performance rights and synch.
During 2012:
• The US remained the world’s largest music market, though sales declined .5 percent. Japan was a close second and experienced 4 percent growth in 2012.
• Digital channels accounted for 35 percent of overall industry trade revenues. Downloads remained the biggest source of digital revenues, with combined unit sales of track and album downloads up by 11 percent in 2012.
• Music subscription and ad-supported streaming services accounted for 20 percent of digital revenues globally, up from 14 percent in 2011.
• Albums accounted for 56 percent of recorded music sales value, with album downloads growing faster than single sales.
• Physical sales represented 57 percent of record companies’ income.
• Performance revenues were the fastest growing sector in the recording industry at 9.4 percent, accounting for 6 percent of recorded music revenues.
• Income from synch deals grew by 2.1 percent to US $337 million in 2012.
• Unlike the rest of the world, CD sales are on the rise in Japan, with an 11 percent growth in physical sales. According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, CD sales nearly doubled year-over-year during the first quarter of 2013, with CD-based revenues rising 92 percent. Digital revenues fell by 25 percent in 2012, due to a leveling in the mobile market and an increase in piracy. Digital Music News looks at the rise in physical sales here.
• Growth areas: Brazil, India and Mexico have seen market growth respectively of 24%, 42% and 17% since 2008.

IFPI report

In addition to rising physical sales, this Japanese market report shows significant digital growth. Source: RIAJ

Patty Loveless Celebrates 25 Years as a Grand Ole Opry Member

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patty loveless vince gill opry

Patty Loveless and Vince Gill perform on the Grand Ole Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® honored Patty Loveless on her 25th anniversary as an Opry member this past weekend with performances by Loveless, fellow Opry members Vince Gill and Loretta Lynn, and more. Loveless was inducted as an Opry member on June 11, 1988.

Pictured (L-R): Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and Connie Smith.

Pictured (L-R): Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and Connie Smith.


Following an hour of performances, Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher saluted Loveless with a commemorative print and words about her career.
“This has been an absolutely magical night at the Grand Ole Opry. I think we have heard everything that makes country music great,” Fisher said. “If I was to describe what makes country music great, I would use the name Patty Loveless,” he continued, describing Loveless as doing everything with “grace, humility, and excellence.”
Loveless said, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years. I know my family is listening in tonight, and I’m sure they are very, very proud of this moment for me. My dreams were their dreams as well.”
Patty Loveless celebrates her 25th year as an Opry member.

Patty Loveless celebrates her 25th year as an Opry member.


The night concluded with Loveless and Gill collaborating on their beloved 1995 release “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” The two were joined by a number of other artists who had appeared on stage earlier in the evening.

Industry Ink (6-18-13)

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The Academy of Country Music welcomed Average Joes act LoCash Cowboys to the office while they were in Los Angeles last month. While at the Academy they performed “Chase A Little Love,” the latest single from their upcoming self-titled album in stores on June 18.

Pictured (L-R): Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys; Bob Romeo, CEO, Academy of Country Music, Preston Brust of LoCash Cowboys

Pictured (L-R): Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys; Bob Romeo, CEO, Academy of Country Music, Preston Brust of LoCash Cowboys

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The Robertsons of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and the Duck Commander Sporting Empire recently signed with BMI in Nashville during the CMA Music Festival. Later this year, Universal Records will release Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas.

Pictured are (back row, L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, John Luke Robertson, Sadie Robertson, Si Robertson, Kay Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jep Robertson and BMI’s Jody Williams; (front row, L-R): attorney Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig, Missy Robertson, Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson and Jessica Robertson. Photo by Erika Goldring

Pictured are (back row, L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, John Luke Robertson, Sadie Robertson, Si Robertson, Kay Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jep Robertson and BMI’s Jody Williams; (front row, L-R): attorney Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig, Missy Robertson, Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson and Jessica Robertson. Photo by Erika Goldring

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SESAC-LOGO1SESAC will hold its 6th annual Songwriters Bootcamp on Friday, July 26 at the Skirball Educational Center in Los Angeles. The event offers sessions covering all aspects of the music industry and advice for songwriters and composers looking to establish and advance a music career. The event will feature Grammy award-winning songwriter-producer Rico Love, along with panels, song critiques from music supervisors and live performances from songwriter attendees. For more information, visit sesac.com.

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Hank Williams Jr. 2013 photoHank Williams Jr. and Blaster Records will distribute Williams’ latest music project Old School New Rules at participating NAPA Auto Parts locations starting in June.
“This is the first time music is going to be available at NAPA Auto Parts stores,” says Williams. “NAPA customers are my fans. I am glad that my CDs are going to be sold there and right next to the Blaster products.”
“We look forward to introducing Hank’s music to the NAPA customers as well as displaying our latest products in the stacker promotion,” said Tom Porter, NAPA Auto Parts CEO.
 
 


David Israelite To Remain NMPA President and CEO Through 2018

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nmpaDavid Israelite has accepted a contract extension to continue his role as the National Music Publishers’ Association‘s President and CEO through 2018. Israelite has served as President and CEO since February 2005.
Irwin Z. Robinson, Chairman of the NMPA Board of Directors, said Israelite’s tireless effort on behalf of creators and music publishers merited the organization’s commitment to retaining its CEO.
“David has been an exceptional leader for the publishing and songwriting community and also the larger music industry,” Robinson said. “As our music marketplace is being redefined, music publishers and songwriters are seeing the benefits of his leadership financially and professionally. He has increased the stature of NMPA and remains one of our industry’s strongest public champions for the rights and value of musical works. We’re pleased he’s agreed to stay on.”
Israelite said, “I am humbled and honored to be asked to continue my advocacy on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. NMPA’s focus will continue to be protecting the rights of creators and ensuring songwriters and music publishers receive their fair share of the digital music marketplace.”
Prior to leading NMPA, Israelite held senior positions in various capacities for the U.S. Government including at the Department of Justice where he was appointed Chairman of the Department’s Task Force on Intellectual Property and in the U.S. Senate where he was Administrative Assistant for Missouri Senator Kit Bond. Israelite earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri and his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College.
 
 

"String City" Means Smiles

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string city hall of fame

On June 11 the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, the Nashville Public Library and the Nashville Public Library Foundation presented a VIP premiere of String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry in the museum’s Ford Theater. Pictured at the premiere (L-R): Steve and Judy Turner; puppeteers Brian Hull (with Johnny Cash marionette) and Pete Carden (with Hank Williams marionette); Museum Director Kyle Young; Tari Hughes, president, Nashville Public Library Foundation, and Kent Oliver, director, Nashville Public Library.

Photos by Donn Jones

George Strait

George Strait

The most entertaining country-music show in Nashville this week features stars who can’t sing.

They can’t even talk. But the more than 80 puppets who are featured in the revue titled “String City” are still wildly entertaining. The production, which premieres Thursday (June 20) at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, is a journey through country-music history via the puppets’ “miming” of some of the genre’s greatest songs.
The special effects are surprising. The craftsmanship is impressive. The sound is superb. The variety of the presentations is consistently amusing. All sorts of puppets are used in “String City.” There are hand puppets, marionettes, stick puppets, shadow puppets and other types of “mini-people” in the show.
More than 30 country legends appear in puppet form. They include Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, George Jones, Charley Pride and Loretta Lynn. The revue unfolds chronologically, beginning with the old-time sounds of DeFord Bailey, The Possum Hunters and The Carter Family. One by one, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams and Eddy Arnold appear to sing their hits. Along the way, “String City” presents dancing mice, a yodeling cow, cavorting insects, animated characters, toy trains and a water skier.
Highlights include the “transformation” scenes with the Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift puppets. The members of Alabama are portrayed as Mt. Rushmore figures singing “Mountain Music.” Reba McEntire turns blue while singing “How Blue.” The Dixie Chicks are, of course, hen chicks bopping along to the strains of “Wide Open Spaces.”
“String City” is a collaboration between the Hall of Fame’s staff and Wishing Chair Productions. The latter is the group at the Nashville Public Library that stages weekly children’s puppet shows. Nashville’s library includes one of the greatest puppet collections in the world.
Puppets are only part of the pleasure to be found in the “String City” production. The sound system in the museum’s Ford Theatre gives an audio experience that is just as dazzling as the show’s visuals. Classics showcased in the revue include “Wabash Cannonball,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “Chattahoochie,” “Cattle Call,” “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Ring of Fire,” “Jackson” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
The fast-paced production is equally entertaining to both adults and children. Whichever you are, you will leave “String City” wearing a smile.
“String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry” premieres at 7:00 p.m on June 20 at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Tickets are $30. The performance kicks off the International Puppet Festival, which takes place at the downtown Nashville Public Library on Friday through Sunday, June 21-23. The festival is free.

Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff marionettes.

Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff marionettes.


 

BMLG Adds Two Staffers

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michael sloane11111

Michael Sloane


Big Machine Label Group has added two members to its Sales, Marketing & Interactive (SMI) team – Director of Interactive Michael Sloane and Marketing Coordinator Braden Carney.
Sloane, an entertainment technology veteran, will facilitate the overall media strategy for BMLG’s web, mobile and ecommerce platforms. He will guide implementation and measurement of digital campaigns. Carney will also serve as support for the SMI team, splitting his duties between the department’s marketing efforts and assisting in the management and growth of digital properties.
Sloane comes from BubbleUp Interactive where he was Director of Sales and Marketing, managing the Nashville office. He has also worked at 13 Management, helping manage and develop digital initiatives for taylorswift.com. In addition, Sloane was founding partner at digital agency Strategic Blend and had stints as a Senior Client Manager at Ultrastar Entertainment and Echo Music. He will continue his adjunct duties teaching Branding and Digital Strategy at Belmont University, where he received an MBA in 2005.
braden carney11

Braden Carney


Carney is a recent Communications graduate of University of Dayton. In 2011 and 2012, he held summer internships with various BMLG departments including promotions, publicity and marketing.
Sloane can be reached at (615) 324-7922 or via michael.sloane@bmlg.net. Carney can be reached at (615) 324-4527 or via braden.carney@bmlg.net.