November 2014 - Page 11 of 19

YouTube Launches Music Streaming Service

November 12, 2014/by Jessica Nicholson

YouTube and Google have launched their long-rumored music streaming service, available beginning today (Nov. 12).
The service offers a new home focused solely on music on YouTube’s app for Android, iOS and on YouTube.com. On the YouTube website, the new music-focused space appears essentially as an additional tab. The new music home includes recommended playlists, as well as YouTube Mixes, and a collection of videos a user has recently viewed.
A post on YouTube’s official blog promises that viewers will soon be able to see an artist’s discography on YouTube, and play a full album with both the artist’s official music videos, as well as songs from YouTube’s music partners.
YouTube Music Key, the paid tier of the new roll-out, will launch with invite-only beta testing on Monday (Nov. 17) in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Finland, and Portugal. YouTube Music Key enables offline and ad-free listening, and the monthly subscription service will begin at the promotional price of $7.99/month (discounted from $9.99/month). It will include a subscription to Google Play Music (with 30+ million songs and curated playlists).
Music Key subscribers can access video-free songs in addition to YouTube’s existing collection of songs with music videos. Also, Music Key users can choose videos, songs and playlists for offline listening.

Kenny Rogers To Launch 'Farewell Down Under Tour' In 2015

November 12, 2014/by Kelsey_Grady

Kenny Rogers

GRAMMY Award-winning Country artist Kenny Rogers will return to Australia and New Zealand in January and February for his Farewell Down Under Tour.
The tour will begin in Sydney on Jan. 23, 2015, followed by shows across the country in Tamworth, Newcastle, Melbourne, Launceston, Gold Coast, Townsville, Perth and Adelaide. The tour will conclude in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Feb. 15, 2015.
While the concerts scheduled in January and February 2015 will be Rogers’ final performances in Australia and New Zealand; the popular vocalist will continue to tour in other parts of the world.
“For all of the traveling I’ve done around the world, Australia and New Zealand remain two of my favorite places to perform,” Rogers said. “When I was with the First Edition, we made this same trip several times, and no matter how many times I’ve gone, I’ve always loved the audiences Down Under. They have a great sense of humor, and they’ve always treated me with such great respect, so for that, I say thank you.”
KENNY ROGERS FAREWELL DOWN UNDER TOUR
Fri 23 Jan SYDNEY The Star Event Centre
Sun 25 Jan TAMWORTH TRECC
Wed 28 Jan NEWCASTLE Entertainment Centre
Fri 30 Jan MELBOURNE Palais Theatre
Sun 1 Feb LAUNCESTON Country Club Tasmania
Tues 3 Feb GOLD COAST Jupiters Theatre
Wed 4 Feb GOLD COAST Jupiters Theatre
Fri 6 Feb TOWNSVILLE Entertainment & Conv. Ctr.
Sun 8 Feb PERTH City Muster 2015
Wed 11 Feb ADELAIDE Entertainment Centre
New Zealand
Fri 13 Feb CHRISTCHURCH Horncastle Arena
Sun 15 Feb HAMILTON Claudelands Arena Hamilton

Weekly Register: CMA Awards Sales Bump

November 12, 2014/by Sarah Skates

Carrie Underwood performs “Something In The Water” on the CMA Awards

Taylor Swift sold another 402K units of 1989 this week, yielding a two-week total of almost 1.7 million. Her TEA sales for this album are 2.07 million.
Back in Country land, the CMA Awards gave a boost to artists who performed on the show.

meghan trainor miranda lambert cma awards

Meghan Trainor and Miranda Lambert bring the “Bass”

Pop star Meghan Trainor stepped out for a performance with Miranda Lambert, helping to bump “All About That Bass” back to No. 1 on the overall tracks chart. It sold 190K this week for a RTD total of 3.5 million.
All of the Top 5 Country tracks were showcased on Wednesday night’s awards, except for “Leave The Night On” by newcomer Sam Hunt.
Top 5 Country Tracks
Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water,” 84K, up 144%
Tim McGraw, “Shotgun Rider,” 51K, up 82%
Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down,” 45K, up 19%
Little Big Town, “Day Drinkin,'” 43K, up 184%
Sam Hunt, “Leave The Night On,” 36K, up 15%
The Doobie Brothers took the stage at Bridgestone Arena to showcase their Country collaborative effort, Southbound, which debuted with sales of 16K.
Top 5 Country Albums
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt, 35K
Florida Georgia Line, Anything Goes, 30K
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am, 26K
Sam Hunt, Montevallo, 25K
Blake Shelton, Bringing Back The Sunshine, 21K
Coming next week… the sales tally for Garth Brooks’ just-released album.

The Doobie Brothers were joined by Jennifer Nettles, Hillary Scott and Hunter Hayes on the CMA Awards.

[Updated]: Industry Ink: APEX Entertainment, Sandbox Entertainment, Sonia Leigh Visits CMT

November 12, 2014/by Jessica Nicholson

Sandbox Entertainment has added Josh Matas as a member of the full-service management and entertainment firm. Matas will work with CEO/President Jason Owen to create and oversee all domestic and international marketing initiatives for the Sandbox roster, which includes Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Dan+Shay. Matas will also develop new business for the company, as well as creating new opportunities within the Johnny Cash brand.
Matas’ career began 13 years ago working for Fine Line Features, followed by an international publicity role at DreamWorks Studios. Matas later worked as brand manager for the Spider-Man film franchise, working on behalf of Sony Pictures. He then joined Sony Pictures to handle international marketing for Terminator Salvation, One Direction: This Is Us, Django Unchained and other projects.
Matas can be reached at [email protected].

• • •

Nashville-based APEX Entertainment Management, which represents Laura Bell Bundy, Dailey & Vincent and Sammy Arriaga, is expanding. They are currently seeking a day-to-day manager/digital media and marketing manager.
Submissions can be sent to Zac Koffler at [email protected].
Required Qualities include but are not limited to:
2 or more years of Experience in the Music Industry
Entrepreneurial and an Out-of-the-Box thinking
Multitasking skills
Hard working Attitude
Social Media expertise
Photoshop / Graphic Design desired
Organizational skills
Tasks Include:
Artist management
Client and Company Social Media management
Client and Company Communications
New Business Generation
Record Label Operations
Assisting the senior manager

• • •

Sonia Leigh visited with the music and talent team members at CMT after an in-office performance earlier this week. Her new single, “When We Are Alone,” will soon be released to SiriusXM.

Pictured (L-R): Alina Thompson, Jen Danielson, Jordan Stephens, Jen Morrison, Sonia Leigh, Leslie Fram, Paul Logan, Julia Blosil. Back Row (L-R): Stacey Cato and Brian Bayley

Ready Set Records Adds Folk Duo Elenowen

November 12, 2014/by Troy_Stephenson

Elenowen

Husband-and-Wife folk duo Elenowen has joined the esteemed roster of Ready Set Records. The duo is set to release a new record in January 2015 and will begin a tour this Sunday (November 16) in Decatur, GA.
They were featured on the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice and released their debut album, Pulling Back The Veil in 2010. Their music has been featured on TV shows including Pretty Little Liars, One Tree Hill and Army Wives.
Recently named one of “9 record labels you should know about” by Nashville Lifestyles, Ready Set Records is the home to critically acclaimed group Ten Out Of Tenn and successful indie artists such as Trent Dabbs, Sugar & The Hi-Lows and Young Summer.
“Our vision for Ready Set is to create an artist friendly label that focuses on fostering independent musicians,” says Kristen Dabbs, Co-Owner of Ready Set Records. “We are excited to bring Elenowen into the family. We’ve always been fans of Josh and Nicole’s music and cannot wait for everyone to hear their incredible new album. It’s an honor for all of us a Ready Set to get to be a part of it!”

Bobby Karl Works The NATD Honors Banquet

November 12, 2014/by Bobby Karl

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 476

Pictured (L-R): Tim Corbin, Rob Beckham, Charlie Daniels, Demetria Kalodimos, Michael W. Smith, Gov. Bill Haslam. Photo: Jason Davis / Getty Images for NATD

All intimate music-industry galas should be held at the elegantly gorgeous Hermitage Hotel.
“Welcome to the beautiful NATD living room, for the evening,” greeted Nashville Association of Talent Directors president Steve Tolman. The 50-year-old organization staged its fourth annual Honors Banquet at the Hermitage on Tuesday night (Nov. 11).
The hotel is a landmark, beaux-arts architectural monument, opened in 1910. The NATD’s cocktail hour was held in the building’s opulent lobby. Awesome, two-story, light-blue archways embellished with polychromed medallions support the stained-glass ceiling. Heavy brocade drapes and tapestry wall hangings are staged between veined white marble columns.
The ballroom hosted dinner for 150. The gold-and-white coffered ceiling panels soar above chocolate-toned wood walls with hand-carved accents. These are hung with portraits of Tennessee-bred U.S. presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson as well as with sublime landscape oils. The room’s stunning, antique-bronze chandeliers with multiple teardrop-glass globes are beyond sumptuous.
This year’s honorees were Gov. Bill Haslam, pop/CCM star Michael W. Smith, WSMV news anchor and filmmaker Demetria Kalodimos, Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin, manager and producer J. P. Williams, William Morris Endeavors honcho Rob Beckham and country, rock and Opry star Charlie Daniels. WKRN’s Stephanie Langston hosted.
“I’m too young to get this,” protested Beckham before the banquet. “Yes, you are,” I agreed. He is, however, more than deserving. Beckham recalled coming from the world of rock promotion in the Pacific Northwest. His first country concert as a promoter was Randy Travis, followed by The Judds and Reba McEntire. They all sold out. So he stuck around.
“We are living the dream,” said Michael W. Smith. He recalled working as a waiter and for Coca-Cola before Amy Grant hired him for her band and changed his life forever. Chaz Corzine, Greg Ham and John Huie presented his honor.
Kalodimos got her statuette from venerable Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Dickens, who turns 93 next month. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” she said.
Bebe Evans presented Charlie Daniels with his award. C.T. Wyatt did the honors for J.P. Williams. Chip Esten, ”Deacon” on TV’s Nashville, saluted Haslam.
“I have made this my home,” said Esten. “My family moved here one-and-a-half years ago. And we sold our home in L.A. last week. We [the show’s cast] are fans not only of the city of Nashville, but of the whole state….I appreciate the support of the Governor so much.”
“My kids are totally unimpressed that I am the governor,” said Haslam. “But they are totally impressed with the fact that I know Chip…The people in this room make our job easier,” he added, referring to the fact that the glamor of the entertainment industry helps lure other businesses to the state.
Industry mavens working the room included Ray Shelide, Bonnie Sugarman, Paula Szeigis, Dean Unkefer, Randi Perkins with The Voice TV contestant and niece Kat Perkins, Rod Essig, Bob Romeo, Kate Richardson, Preshus Tomes, Debbie Moore & Carrie Moore-Reed (that’s twin singing sisters Moore & Moore, to you), Ree Guyer Buchanan, Tinti Moffatt, David & Carolyn Corlew, Verlon Thompson (who is working on a new solo album), Steve Lassiter, Holly Ashby, Kirt Webster and the Rev. Joseph Patrick Breen, who delivered the Veterans-Day themed invocation.
NATD founding member Tandy Rice, who was kidded for looking like Santa Claus, was named the first inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

ole Hosts Fiesta, CMA Viewing Party

November 11, 2014/by Sarah Skates

Pictured (L-R): Gilles Godard, ole VP of Business Development; Tim Nichols, THiS Music Publishing Songwriter/Partner; Rusty Gaston, THiS Music Publishing GM/Partner; and Jody Williams, BMI VP of Writer/Publisher Relations in Nashville

The 3rd Annual ole Fiesta took place last week at the publishing company’s Nashville office. The event on Thurs., Nov. 6, the day after the CMA Awards, served as an opportunity for executives on Music Row to come together for lunch during the hectic awards week.

Ben Strain, ole Creative Director; Gilles Godard, ole VP of Business Development; Jody Williams, BMI VP of Writer/Publisher Relations in Nashville; Josh Dorr, an ole songwriter and RCA artist; and John Ozier, ole GM of Creative in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Ben Strain, ole Creative Director; Gilles Godard, ole VP of Business Development; Jody Williams, BMI VP of Writer/Publisher Relations in Nashville; Josh Dorr, ole songwriter and RCA artist; and John Ozier, ole GM of Creative in Nashville

ole also hosted a lively CMA Awards viewing party, packing the house at One at Cannery Row. The Canada-based company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, which it marked on Oct. 24, with a star-studded, tribute-filled party at the Fermenting Cellar in the historic Distillery District of Toronto.

CMA Awards viewing party in Nashville. Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Stover, Robert Ott, Jordan Rager, John Ozier, Gilles Godard

Star Studded Benefit Concert for Robin Majors Tonight in Nashville

November 11, 2014/by Troy_Stephenson

Long-time touring manager, sound man, merch guy and “get it done” guy Robin Majors was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer last year. Thirteen days after being placed on the transplant list, a healthy liver was found and successfully transplanted in January. A star-studded benefit concert is planned at Acme Feed & Seed (101 Broadway) in Nashville tonight, Nov. 11 at 7:00pm. The concert will help offset ongoing medical bills.
Jake Owen is confirmed to play the free concert tonight, along with a list of other stars. “Headline Country” host and SiriusXM personality Storme Warren will emcee the event, and an incredible band including Wyatt Beard, Clayton Feibusch, Jon Conley, Sean Paddock and Kenny Greenberg will back The Outlaws, Paulette Carlson from Highway 101, John Berry, Mark Collie, Wade Hayes, Ray Scott and more. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
A silent auction will be held during the concert, and a $4,000 guitar donated by Takamine will be offered to the highest bidder.
For those unable to make it to the benefit concert, there are two ways to make donations. Straight into the Robin Majors Gift of Life Fund, through Wells Fargo Private Bank, 3100 West End Ave, Ste 550, Nashville, TN, 37203. Attn: Danielle Bouharoun. Donations can be made online here.

Nashville Music Hotspots Included in Top 100 "Most Buzzed About" Venues

November 11, 2014/by Jessica Nicholson

Photo courtesy Eventbrite

Several Nashville venues are among the “most buzzed about” venues. Eventbrite and Mashworks gathered 12.5 million social media conversations across Twitter, Facebook, blogs and forums for more than 600 venues, from Aug. 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014.
Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry ranked as the 11th most talked about U.S. venue on social media, just behind NYC’s Pacha. The list’s Top 10 was primarily filled with EDM-related music clubs.
Other Nashville venues making the Top 100 include the Ryman Auditorium (No. 52 on the list), CMA Theatre (No. 59), and Mercy Lounge (No. 79).
Forty-three percent of the conversations surrounding these venues came from millennials, aged 18 to 34.
Other findings from the research:
* Millennials tend to talk about their experiences on the weekends and on Mondays. More than half of the venue conversations occurred on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Monday was the third most-popular day of the week for social media postings, with millennials talking about their weekend experiences.
* Posts from millennials include a picture, video or link 30 percent of the time. Millennials are most likely to include a picture, video, or link when engaging in conversation about fashion, events, and artists.
* Image and status were primary concerns in 34 percent of the conversations. Nineteen percent of posts centered on portraying a party lifestyle, while 15 percent of the conversations centered on fashion.

Owen, Swindell, Rice Join Chesney's The Big Revival Tour

November 11, 2014/by Kelsey_Grady

Pictured (L-R): Chase Rice, Cole Swindell, Jake Owen

Kenny Chesney has always brought acts he’s believed in out on the road. His 2015 The Big Revival Tour is no different as Chesney brings on labelmate Jake Owen, MusicRow‘s 2014 Breakthrough Songwriter winner Cole Swindell, and Chase Rice for what will be one of the summer’s best parties.
“When I came to town, I was a writer, trying to get my songs cut – and playing on a stool down on Lower Broadway,” Chesney says. “I didn’t have nearly the success Cole and Chase are enjoying right now, but I know the difference getting your music in front of an audience makes. For both of these guys, who have a lot of energy and a real way of grabbing people, I think it’s the perfect way to get the audience fired up for the show.”
Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour is presented by Corona Light.