Apple’s iAds To Focus On iTunes Radio

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iTunesRadioApple’s advertising platform iAds will reportedly focus efforts on iTunes Radio. AdWeek reports that Apple will use iAds to compete with Internet radio service Pandora, which recently hired hundreds of employees for its advertising division.
The report also claims that Apple’s iAds team is developing a real-time bidding system to help automate in-app ad sales on iOS. The system would bring convenience to advertisers and help Apple contend with mobile app competitors like Google, Twitter, Millenial Media and MoPub.
Currently, Apple’s iAds are more expensive than advertising options at competing companies.

Recording Academy Announces Finalists For First Music Educator Award

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narasThe Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation have announced the 10 finalists for its first-ever Music Educator Award. Ten music teachers from ten cities across eight states were chosen as finalists for the award, out of more than 30,000 initial nominations.
The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools. The special award will have its inaugural presentation at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & Nominees Reception honoring recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical Grammy Award during Grammy week in 2014.
One recipient will be selected from 10 finalists each year, and flown to Los Angeles to accept the award, attend the 56th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, and receive a $10,000 honorarium. The nine finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists also will receive matching grants.
10 Music Educator Finalists:
Lisa Bianconi of Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster  Vt.
Charles Cushinery of Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas
Andrew DeNicola of John P. Stevens High School in Edison, N.J.
Vivian Gonzalez of South Miami K-8 Center in Miami, Fla.
Kent Knappenberger of Westfield Academy and Central School in Westfield, N.Y.
Kathrine Kouns of Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Glen McCarthy of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
Steve Vutsinas of Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Va.
Jo Wallace-Abbie of Plano West Senior High School in Plano, Texas
Mary Jo West of George Mason High School in Falls Church, Va.

Williams Joins Regions Bank As Wealth Advisor

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Laura Williams


Laura Williams has joined Regions Bank as a wealth advisor in its Music Row Sports and Entertainment Division. In her new role, Williams will focus on total wealth management for high net worth individuals and families focusing on estate planning, retirement planning, investment management, personal insurance needs, and others.
A native of Birmingham, Ala., Williams earned her B.S. in business administration, her Masters of Accountancy from Auburn University, and her CPA in 2012. She began her career as a tax associate and before joining Regions, held a position at the Birmingham firm Sellers, Richardson, Holman, & West, LLP.

CMT Unveils Seven New Series

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cmt logo111Viacom-owned CMT will premiere seven new unscripted series in 2014. CMT is pursuing younger viewers and men in the new programming slate, and aims to have four nights of original content by 2016.
The new slate of shows includes My Big Redneck Family, Tattoo Titans, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Ranch, Death Valley, FNA USA, Tobacco Wars, and My Dysfunctional Family.
MY BIG REDNECK FAMILY (premieres on Saturday, Jan. 18)-Thirteen half-hour episodes
After sharing their last three vacations with the world, the Clampet family is back; only this time, they’re hanging out in their hometown of Shreveport, La. My Big Redneck Family will document America’s favorite family in this all-new comedy following their everyday routines and parenting misadventures. From Jared’s awkward introduction to the world of temporary employment, to Doug’s relentless pursuit of intimacy with Wendy, it’s clear that the vacation is over, but their real-life comedy has just begun. My Big Redneck Family is produced by Pink Sneakers with executive producers Kimberly Belcher Ehrhard and John Ehrhard. Lewis Bogach and Joe Livecchi executive produce for CMT.
TATTOO TITANS (premieres February 2014)-Eight one-hour episodes
Television’s first-ever self-contained tattoo competition series inks up in early 2014 when four of the country’s best tattoo artists face off each week for a chance at $10,000 in cold hard cash. Three rounds, 10 hours, no compromises. Which artist can sling the best ink to take down the rest of the competition? Tattoo Titans is produced by Original Media with executive producer Charlie Corwin and co-EP Sam Berns. Jordan Harman, Livecchiand Jayson Dinsmore executive produce for CMT.
STEVE AUSTIN’S BROKEN SKULL RANCH (premieres June 2014)-Ten one-hour episodes
In this ultimate badass competition show, Steve Austin brings eight elite athletes to his Broken Skull Ranch in Texas to test their strength, stamina and endurance. Each episode contestants go head-to-head until the last man standing earns the right to take on the toughest obstacle course in America, the “Skullbuster,” and the chance to win $10,000. The series is produced by Cris Abrego Productions with executive producers Cris Abrego, Steve Austin, Jack Heller, Rabih Gholam and Ben Samek. Melanie Moreau and Livecchi executive produce for CMT.
DEATH VALLEY (premieres summer/fall 2014)-Eight one-hour episodes
Cut off from society and all the comforts it provides, this docu-series follows five Death Valley residents who brave the elements — and the perils of a lawless environment — in order to live their lives on their own terms. The series is produced by Glassman Media with Andrew Glassman as executive producer. Julia Silverton and Dinsmore executive produce for CMT.
FNA USA (premieres April 2014)-Six one-hour episodes
Each week on FNA USA, we’ll countdown the top 20 riotous reasons that America is the most badass, Olympic medal-winning, dictator-toppling, hot dog-eating competing superpower in the world. Based on the premise that Americans work hard and play harder than anyone else, FNA USA celebrates everything from six-packed babes to six packs of beer; and if it rocks, we invented it! FNA USA is produced by Juma Entertainment with executive producers Bob Horowitz, Lewis Fenton, Len Webber and Tim Golier. Harman, Livecchi and Dinsmore are executive producers for CMT.
TOBACCO WARS (premieres spring/summer 2014)-Five one-hour episodes
Tobacco Wars is set in the high-stakes world of Kentucky’s dark fire tobacco industry, following the families of two fifth-generation tobacco men. In dark fire country, carefully guarded farming know-how and family traditions are passed down — and freedom is as essential as the air they breathe. It’s a high-stress world, but these folks blow off steam with ease, living their country life to the fullest with endless wagering and outrageous country-boy hijinks. The series is produced by Leftfield Pictures with executive producers Brent Montgomery, David George, Jordana Hochman and Matthew J. Braley. David Brown, Augi Jakovac, Chuck Ardezzone and Frank Monti are co-executive producers. Ryan Becherer serves as consulting producer. Livecchi and Bogach are the executive producers for CMT.
MY DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY (premieres April 2014)-Eight one-hour episodes
Commando-turned-family fixer and dubbed “Teen Whisperer,” Dave Vitalli pulls no punches as he comes to the aid of teenagers and parents in distress. Armed with lie detectors and years of experience navigating his way through war zones, Dave’s presence provides a wakeup call for the badly behaving teens. Mom and Dad beware, however, as his no-holds-barred approach will put their behavior under as much scrutiny as their teen’s. The series is produced by Shed Media with executive producers Pamela Healey, Dan Peirson and Jeff Cvengros. Moreau and Livecchi executive produce for CMT.
Guntucky, which returns in March 2014, and Dog And Beth: On The Hunt, which returns in spring 2014, will return for second seasons.

Haggard, Kristofferson, Nelson and Shelton to Appear at Grammy Awards

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GrammysThe first performances for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards® telecast have been announced. The show will feature a special “Grammy Moment” featuring two-time Grammy winner Merle Haggard, three-time Grammy winner and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, seven-time Grammy winner Willie Nelson, and current nominee Blake Shelton. Haggard will be performing for the first time on the Grammy stage.
Additional initial performers include Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar joined by Imagine Dragons, P!nk and Nate Ruess.
The event will take place live on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast on CBS Television Network beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Through The Lens (12/18/13)

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The Academy of Country Music welcomed Sugarland’s Kristian Bush to the office while he was in Los Angeles last week. While at the Academy, he performed his latest single, “Love or Money” which is already a smash hit in the UK, and is now available on iTunes in the United States.

Photo (L-R): Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director; Kristian Bush. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

Photo (L-R): Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director; Kristian Bush. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

• • •
Front row: Kim McCollum (Membership chair), Cheryl Martin (5/3 Bank), Denise Nichols (Secretary), Marc Driskill (Executive Director), Cassidy Lynn (singer/songwriter). Back row: Heather Cook (Administrative Director), Tim Fink (Board Member), Craig Currier (Board Member), Randy Wachtler (Board Member), and David Preston (Board Member).

Front row: Kim McCollum (Membership chair), Cheryl Martin (5/3 Bank), Denise Nichols (Secretary), Marc Driskill (Executive Director), Cassidy Lynn (singer/songwriter). Back row: Heather Cook (Administrative Director), Tim Fink (Board Member), Craig Currier (Board Member), Randy Wachtler (Board Member), and David Preston (Board Member).


The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter hosted their first annual holiday party at The Row.
Food donations were collected in support of Second Harvest Food Bank. Attendees enjoyed food, music and door prizes including guitars, wine, champagne, and a Predators package including four tickets to a game.
Sponsored separately by 5/3 Bank, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, peer music, and Warner/Chappell Production Music.
                                                              • • •

The holidays came early for Country music singer/songwriter Kellie Pickler and her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, who received a special delivery on Dec. 16 – an entire barrel of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey personally delivered by Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett. The couple received more than 280 bottles of Single Barrel, the empty barrel in which the whiskey matured, customized neck medallion, a brass plaque and a framed certificate of ownership.
Pickler is currently on radio with her single “A Little Bit Gypsy” from her new album, The Woman I Am.

Pictured (L-R): Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs, and Jack Daniels' Jeff Arnett.

Pictured (L-R): Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs, and Jack Daniels’ Jeff Arnett.

Copyright Society Welcomes U.S. Register Of Copyrights

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Pallante-CSofS-12-17-13

Pictured (L-R): Copyright Society of the South Chairman of the Board John Barker;
Board Members Bob Mather, Wendi Crosby, Kele Currier and Casey McGinty; Copyright Office Counsel
Steve Ruwe; Maria Pallante; Board Members Dan Ekback, Ted Goldthorpe, and Jill Napier.

The Copyright Society of the South, in partnership with the Nashville chapter of AIMP, recently held an event with the U.S. Register of Copyrights, The Honorable Maria Pallante, at The First Amendment Center. Pallante discussed several court cases on copyright and technology, the proposed Next Great Copyright Act, and briefed the crowd on legislative updates.

Pallante is the 12th Register of Copyrights and director of the United States Copyright Office, effective June 1, 2011. She served as the Acting Register for five months, following the retirement of Marybeth Peters on December 31, 2010. Pallante has had wide-ranging experience in copyright transactions, policy and litigation, in both the government and private sectors.

The Copyright Society of the South was formed in 1988, in Nashville by music publishers, attorneys, business people and others interested in copyright law. It provides a forum for study and discussion of domestic and international copyright law and other matters pertaining to the entertainment industry.

ASCAP 100th Birthday Song/Video Features Grant, Kelley, Haywood, Kear

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ascap 100 years11The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has released its 100th birthday campaign’s centerpiece song and music video, “More Than the Stars,” a collaboration featuring 15 top ASCAP songwriter and composer members, including Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Josh Kear, Ne-Yo, Dan Wilson, Bill Withers and more.
KelleyKearCommenting on “More Than the Stars,” recent ASCAP Foundation Champion Award honoree Ne-Yo said: “It’s really special for me to be a part of something that speaks so heavily to the art of songwriting and what it does to people… a kind of ‘We Are the World’ for songwriters. The song came out fantastic. The film came out fantastic. And I was happy to be a part of it.”
“More Than the Stars” will join the Why We Create Music film, both directed by Already Alive filmmaker and co-founder Michael Marantz. Ascap.com also features an interactive timeline that is revealing 100 Years of ASCAP’s history, one day at a time.
Featured in the song and music video are:
Aloe Blacc, soul singer-songwriter behind “I Need a Dollar” and Avicii’s international hit “Wake Me Up”
Claudia Brant, Latin Grammy-winning songwriter for Song of the Year
Carter Burwell, Oscar-nominated film composer renowned for scoring The Coen Brothers films
Amy Grant, Grammy and Dove Award-winning and all-time best-selling contemporary Christian singer-songwriter
Josh Kear, four-time Grammy-winning country pop songwriter, including Song of the Year, and 2013 ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year winner
Savan Kotecha, hit pop songwriter for Britney Spears, Usher, One Direction and Maroon 5, as well as vocal producer on The X Factor
David Lang, Pulitzer Prize-winning concert music composer and Bang on a Can co-founder
Lady Antebellum‘s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, seven-time Grammy-winning country pop singer-songwriters and Song and Record of the Year winners
Bear McCreary, Emmy-winning composer known for his work on The Walking Dead
Ne-Yo, three-time Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter
Stargate, Grammy-winning record producing and songwriting duo behind pop hits for Ne-Yo, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rihanna and others
Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-producer of Adele’s “Someone Like You” and “Closing Time” with his band Semisonic
Bill Withers, Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter of “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Just the Two of Us”
Watch the video below.

'Alive At The Bluebird' Concert Series Schedule Announced

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bluebird logo1Nearly 100 songwriters will come together at the Bluebird Cafe’ through the month of January to help Middle Tennessee’s Alive Hospice program. Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Kristian Bush, Lori McKenna, Scotty Emerick, Larry Gatlin, Kim Carnes and more will perform in 23 different shows to help benefit the organization, which provides hospice care and grief support services locally.
Alive At The Bluebird kicks off Jan. 2 with featured songwriters Ellen Britton, WT Davidson, Sally Barris and Henry Hipkens (9 p.m., $12). Reservations for the Jan. 2 show will become available to the public on Dec. 26 at 8 a.m. CST at www.BluebirdCafe.com. Reservations for all other upcoming shows can be made through the website when they open to the public. The 21st Annual Alive At The Bluebird series runs from Jan. 2 – Feb. 1.
“January is always a ‘warm’ month at The Bluebird, despite the temperatures outside!” said Erika Wollam Nichols, GM of The Bluebird. “The songwriters we work with are all excited about being a part of this event to celebrate and support an organization that has given so much to members of our music community and to the community at large.”
The Alive At The Bluebird concert series has raised over $500,000 in the 21 years since it began, thanks to participating sponsors, the Bluebird, songwriters, and fans who support it.

Cumulus Hires Three Key NASH Execs

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nash logo11Cumulus has hired three key NASH executives in preparation for the national launches of America’s Morning Show and NASH Nights Live with Shawn Parr next month.
The new executives are:
Ian Zak, Executive Producer for America’s Morning Show. Zak most recently served as National Producer for Clear Channel’s Contemporary Hit Radio channel on Premium Choice, as well as Producer for 102.7 KIIS/Los Angeles popular JoJo on the Radio show. Before moving to KIIS FM, Zak held a series of producing roles at 104.3 MY FM in Los Angeles.
Elaina Smith, Co-host of NASH Nights Live with Shawn Parr. Smith was most recently with Cumulus station WA1A 107.1 FM in Florida, where she served as Co-host of the A1A Morning Show alongside DJ Timmy Vee. Prior to joining Cumulus, Elaina was an on-air personality on San Diego’s Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw show on 100.7 JACK FM.
Jason Addams, Program Coordinator (for all programming originating at the NASH studio in Nashville). Addams brings to Cumulus more than 15 years of programming experience, having served as Program Director at 101.5 WBNQ FM in Bloomington, Ill. and WSTO HOT 96 FM in Evansville, Ind. Addams also held on-air and programming positions at stations including 99.5 WZPL in Indianapolis, Ind., Hoosier Country 103.7 in Royal Center, Ind. and The Beat 104.3 in Austin, Texas.
Cumulus launched the NASH entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle in January of this year, starting with the flagship NASH FM 94.7 in New York City. In addition to country radio stations, the NASH brand will include a NASH magazine, concerts/events, online content and television programming.