Striking Matches Preview Debut Album at Nashville’s House of Blues Studio

Pictured (L-R) at House of Blues Studio A: Tom Moran (VP of Promotion, I.R.S. Nashville), John Grady (President, I.R.S. Nashville), STRIKING MATCHES (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman), T Bone Burnett (Award-winning Producer) Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Pictured (L-R) at House of Blues Studio A: Tom Moran (VP of Promotion, I.R.S. Nashville), John Grady (President, I.R.S. Nashville), Striking Matches (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman), T Bone Burnett (Award-winning Producer). Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

President of I.R.S. Nashville, John Grady, hosted an album listening event Friday (Jan. 9) at House of Blues Studio Studio A, featuring the guitar slinging duo Striking Matches (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman). Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett played the 11 tracks on Striking Matches’ debut album, which was recorded in the very room where guests enjoyed a lunch of southern soul food. The duo co-wrote every song on the record, as well as played on the recording sessions.

Ronnie Dunn Officially Signs with NASH Icon Records

Ronnie Dunn. Photo: Russ Harrington

Ronnie Dunn. Photo: Russ Harrington

NASH Icon Records has confirmed that Ronnie Dunn has been added to its stable of artists. The singer-songwriter recently teased the announcement via his social media outlets. Dunn joins a roster that includes Martina McBride and Reba McEntire.

Dunn and former Brooks & Dunn partner Kix Brooks will join Reba for the Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together In Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, opening June 2015.

“This is the best possible scenario that I can imagine. The Big Machine and Cumulus combination is a force, and I am proud to be included in this innovative venture,” shared Dunn.

“Ronnie Dunn has one of the smoothest, most-recognized and most-popular voices of the last twenty five years in Country music. I’m truly honored to have him join us and take his rightful place as an Icon. Great music is on the way!” said BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta.

“Having Ronnie Dunn as part of Nash Icon Records just a few months after our launch is an honor. We appreciate his trust and vote of confidence in the Nash Icon brand,” continued John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus.

NASH Icon Begins Syndication Through Westwood One

NASHIcon1Westwood One has announced the syndication of the NASH Icon brand of country stations nationwide. Cumulus owns and operates 20 NASH Icon radio stations. Westwood One syndication will enable other station groups to adopt 24/7 NASH Icon branding, as well as programming elements.

Four voices will represent the brand on-air during weekdays: Marty McFly (weekdays, 6 a.m.-10 a.m.), Lisa Manning (weekdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.), Scott Gaines (weekdays, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.), and Darlas Rai (weekdays, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.).

“NASH ICON is quickly emerging as a cornerstone of our NASH Country music brand, and we’re excited to make this radio format available to stations nationwide given the growing demand from advertisers and listeners,” said John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content & Programming at Cumulus.

“NASH Icon is a solid, mainstream addition to our line-up of 24-hour Country formats at Westwood One,” added Kirk Stirland, President of Programming at Westwood One. “It employs our top technology, it’s got a great track record right out of the box in Nashville, and it’s got hooks to a great brand.”

Music Row Named ‘National Treasure’ by National Trust for Historic Preservation

national trust for historic preservation logo1Today (Jan. 12) the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Nashville’s Music Row as its newest National Treasure. National Treasures are highly-significant historic places throughout the country that are threatened and where the National Trust is committed to ensuring their future. Music Row has been selected because of its central importance to Nashville’s identity as Music City and the strong desire to preserve it as a cornerstone of America’s cultural and music heritage.

The National Trust will continue to raise awareness of Music Row’s importance and the growing threat to its survival. Activities include researching and documenting Music Row’s 60-year history and developing strategic plans to ensure Music Row’s sustainability as a center of culture and creativity. Key partners in this endeavor include the Music Industry Coalition, Nashville Office of the Mayor, Metro Nashville Historical Commission, Historic Nashville, Inc., Tennessee Preservation Trust and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation.

“Music Row is the very definition of a National Treasure. The sounds created here have echoed throughout the country for decades, earning it an unparalleled place in America’s cultural life,” said David J. Brown, executive vice president and chief preservation officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “As a native Tennessean who grew up with a deep love of the sounds of Nashville, I am especially passionate about helping ensure the future of Music Row as a vibrant center of culture, economy and creativity.”

Despite its significance, Music Row area has not been immune to the changes occurring as greater Nashville has experienced an influx of new residences, and the construction of multiple new condos, apartments and other business constructions. Often construction includes plans to tear down older buildings that hold historical significance, most recently evidenced by the near demolition of historic RCA Studio A. Ben Folds, a multi-platinum selling artist/singer/songwriter, has operated out of the studio since 2002. In the early summer of 2014, Folds penned an open letter online expressing concern about the fate of Studio A and the Music Row area in the face of development. His post caught the attention of the National Trust and sparked an impromptu meeting with Folds.

RCA Studio A was later purchased by philanthropist Aubrey Preston, as well as Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan.

“I remember meeting with Tom Mayes (National Trust’s Deputy General Counsel) after one of my concerts in Washington, D.C., just days after I posted my first open letter of concern for Studio A,” recalled Folds. “Tom had reached out to me to offer the support of the National Trust, the first such outreach by any organization for our cause. That meant a lot to me, and has since led to a great partnership for Music Row, for the people who make the music here, and for our city.”

American Express is Presenting Partner of the National Treasures program, and has pledged $2 million to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help promote and enable the preservation of these cultural and historic places.

ACM Partners with CMT, Announces New Artist of the Year Award Semi-Finalists

acm 50th logoThe Academy of Country Music and CMT announced a new partnership that will bring the fan voting for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards newcomer category to VoteACM.com and voteacm.CMT.com, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. This marks the seventh consecutive year that fans will vote to determine the nominees for the newcomer category, and is the inaugural Academy and CMT partnership for the interactive fan voting experience.

As part of the new partnership, CMT will produce two television specials highlighting this year’s nominees for New Artist of the Year, with the first special featuring all eight semi-finalists scheduled to air in conjunction with fan-voting (dates/times to be announced).

In addition, the Academy and CMT announced the New Artist of the Year semi-finalists, including:

Brett Eldredge
Tyler Farr
Sam Hunt
Kip Moore
Thomas Rhett
Chase Rice
Cole Swindell
Dan + Shay

“We take pride in uncovering the best new artists in country music,” said Leslie Fram, Sr. VP of Music Strategy, CMT. “The Academy’s New Artist category represents the best in our format, and we’re thrilled to partner with them on fan-voting.”

The ACM professional membership voted to determine the eight semi-finalists. The final three nominees for the ACM New Artist of the Year Award will be determined via the first round fan voting at VoteACM.com and voteacm.CMT.com, combined with the ACM professional membership vote.

The final three nominees will then compete for the trophy, with a final round of combined fan and ACM professional membership vote to determine the winner. The winner will be revealed on the LIVE telecast of the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

The first round of fan voting for New Artist of the Year will begin at VoteACM.com and voteacm.CMT.com on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. ET, and will close Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. ET. The final three nominees will be announced in the coming weeks and will move on to compete in the final round of voting for the New Artist category at VoteACM.com. The final round of fan voting begins April 8 and will close on April 19.

A 30-Second Commercial On ‘Nashville’ Costs How Much?

nashville

The cast of ‘Nashville’

While media has been in a frenzy over the reported $4.5 million per 30-second commercial spot during the upcoming Super Bowl on NBC Feb. 1, Advertising Age has released its annual guide, Marketing Fact Pack, 2015 Edition, to marketers, media and agencies, revealing statistics in the advertising industry.

adageWhile not in the stratospheric range of the Super Bowl, data shows the TV show Nashville brought in $97,581 per 30-second commercial, during its Wednesday viewings on ABC last fall.

Acquired from Ad Age‘s survey using data from media-buying agencies, the report also reveals Monday episodes of The Voice brought in $274,157 per 30-second spot on NBC, with the show’s Tuesday episodes fetching $253,840.

And positive news for radio: U.S. ad spending forecasts for 2015 in major media and marketing services is showing a 1% increase at $17.6 billion. While increase is down from prior year, growth remains in positive territory.

Swift’s Online Video Earnings Pegged at $4.1m

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift‘s VEVO channel earned $4.1m last year on YouTube, according to proprietary data from from Outrigger Media’s analytics platform, Open Slate. Those dollars would typically flow through the platforms to the owner of the channel (usually label, distributor), who then pay the copyright owners (publisher, songwriter) according to arrangements.

The pop star’s VEVO channel also made No. 2 of Open Slate’s 2014 YouTube views list, tracking top monthly views (improperly denoted in the link below). Swift averaged 341m views per month for the year, partially from her subscriber base now over 10.5m. Currently she sits just shy of 800m views for the 10 videos she released in 2014, all in the latter half of the year.

“Our specialty is estimated earnings about pre-roll advertisements, not sponsorships,” said Kate Ritchie, Senior Marketing Manager at Outrigger Media. “Earnings are calculated through proprietary data including quality scores and subscriber gains. We also have access to Ad Exchange, to see inventory.

“Open Slate scores ad-supported content on 250k YouTube channels, providing quality scores and metrics to brands and agencies that target media to buy on the platform. All of those channels have strong quality scores (a 3 digit number).”

EMI Music is oddly situated two slots from Swift on that top monthly views list, No. 5, apparently irregardless of its 2012 acquisition by Universal Music Group and only having released one video last year with less than 500k views. Ritchie confirmed in the past 30-day window, EMI Music’s YouTube channel has racked up 197k views.

View the full list, compiled by VentureBeat.

NSAI Honors Marsha Blackburn

Pictures (L-R): Bobby Tomberlin, David Briggs, Lee Thomas Miller, Harry Chapman, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Honoree Marsha Blackburn, Joe Scaife, Bart Herbison, Lisa Ramsey

Pictures (L-R): Bobby Tomberlin, David Briggs, Lee Thomas Miller, Harry Chapman, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Honoree Marsha Blackburn, Joe Scaife, Bart Herbison, Lisa Ramsey

Nashville Songwriters Association International, hosted a recent coffee reception honoring Congressman Marsha Blackburn, recipient of the 2014 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award. The award is given annually to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry and this year highlighted Blackburn’s contributions to the songwriting industry.

Hosts for the event included NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Lee Thomas Miller, Mike Curb, NATIVE Entertainment Group, Little Extra Music Publishing, Danielle and Joe Scaife, Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, and LaRawn and Richard RheaSpeakers included Harry Chapman, producer David Briggs, and Little Extra Music Publishing President Lisa Ramsey.

LaRawn Scaife Rhea, who founded the event, said “Many people who become well known or ‘famous,’ as many of you in this room have become, know how easy it is to let their feet leave the ground, and appear to be someone they really aren’t. I have known Marsha since I was her assistant in 1976 and she is still the same smart, hard-working, and caring person. She continues to attend church regularly on Sunday and then prepares lunch for her family, with many of the veggies from her own garden and biscuits made from her mother’s family recipe. She still writes hand written notes of encouragement to her girlfriends and is always there when we need her. She is not afraid to take on anyone, when she needs to stand up for what she knows is right.”

The visibly moved Blackburn, who was accompanied by her husband Chuck, stated in her remarks what a huge honor this is for her and spoke about the times she sat at the breakfast table with Cecil Scaife and heard him speak of his vision, and how he was always lending a helping hand to encourage others on their path. Blackburn thanked the songwriters for their wonderful talents and contributions and reiterated that her door was indeed always open to them.

Recipients of the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award:
Mike Curb 2008
Tony Brown 2009
Wynonna Judd 2010
David Briggs & Norbert Putnam 2011
Amy Grant 2012
Jo Walker-Meador 2013
Marsha Blackburn 2014

LifeNotes: Former Industry Executive Claudia Mize Dies

Claudia Mize

Claudia Mize

Longtime industry executive Claudia Mize, 61, died Jan. 3 in Nashville.

Mize was a former A&R executive and production coordinator at Mercury Records, and also worked at Warner Bros. Nashville during her career. She worked on albums by Johnny Cash, Billy Ray Cyrus, Terri Clark, John Anderson, Steve Azar, Wynonna, Neal Coty, Kim Richey, Ronna Reeves and many others. Mize is among those credited with the idea of launching Cyrus’ career by creating a dance contest around his 1992 single, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

She is preceded in death by her father, Claude Mize. She is survived by mother Dorothy Mize; brothers, Frank (Missy) Mize and Randy Mize, and many other friends and family.

A celebration of life is planned for February, with more details to come.

Warner/Chappell Music Extends Agreement with Songwriter Michael Dulaney

 Pictured (back row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel (W/C), Travis Carter (W/C), BJ Hill (W/C), Phil May (W/C), Ben Vaughn (W/C), Blain Rhodes (W/C). Pictured (front row, L-R): Alicia Pruitt (W/C), Michael Dulaney, Chip Petree (Partner - Ritholz Levy). Photo: Jason Krupek / J. Krupek Photography

Pictured (back row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel (W/C), Travis Carter (W/C), BJ Hill (W/C), Phil May (W/C), Ben Vaughn (W/C), Blain Rhodes (W/C). Pictured (front row, L-R): Alicia Pruitt (W/C), Michael Dulaney, Chip Petree (Partner – Ritholz Levy). Photo: Jason Krupek / J. Krupek Photography

Warner/Chappell Music extended a long term co-publishing agreement with hit songwriter Michael Dulaney.

A well-established Chappell songwriter, Dulaney’s latest successes include the hits “Night Train” by Jason Aldean and Joe Nichols’ “Sunny & 75.” Dulaney has earned seven total No. 1 records to date. Other recent projects include recordings with David Nail, Chase Bryant and Randy Houser, among others.