Journalist, Author Martha Hume Passes

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Noted music journalist and author Martha Hume died in her sleep at home in Nashville on Monday night, December 17.

The former managing editor of Country Music magazine was the author of the books You’re So Cold I’m Turnin’ Blue: Martha Hume’s Guide to the Greatest in Country Music (1982) and Kenny Rogers: Gambler, Dreamer, Lover (1980). Hume was the wife of CMT columnist Chet Flippo.

Born in 1947, she grew up in Stearns, Kentucky, a company-owned, coal-mining town. Her first journalism experience was writing for the McCreary County Record, a weekly newspaper owned by her parents. She graduated from the University of Kentucky, then obtained a Master’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Texas in 1974.

Martha Hume and Chet Flippo initially rose to prominence as music journalists in New York. He became a reporter for Rolling Stone. She became managing editor at Country Music. By the early 1980s, she had also written for Texas Monthly, The Chicago Sun-Times, US magazine, McCall’s, Rolling Stone and more. She was the pop-music columnist for The New York Daily News.

After relocating to Nashville, she became the editor for several educational publications based in Knoxville. Martha Hume was the first writer to reveal the story of Hank Williams “lost” daughter, Jett Williams. She also wrote liner notes for recordings, including 1999’s Intimate Portrait: Women of Country. In later years, she worked for agencies combating substance abuse.

It was her wish to be cremated. Funeral and/or memorial services have not been announced.

Guitar Center’s Singer-Songwriter Contest–Four Days Left To Enter

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There are four days left to enter Guitar Center’s Singer-Songwriter Contest, a nationwide search for the next great undiscovered singer-songwriter. Dec. 23 is the last day for unsigned singer-songwriters across the United States to submit an original live music performance video at www.guitarcenter.com/songwriter.

Submissions will be ranked through the use of WHOOZNXT, a leading digital music company that tracks an artist’s fan growth across top social networks. All artists who enter will be ranked based on their online fan growth during the first round. In the second round, the top-ranked 140 artists will be reviewed by a panel of judges (including producer John Shanks), who will handpick 10 finalists. The finalists will perform live at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, where one winner will be chosen.

The contest was first introduced last fall, receiving over 17,000 submissions. The program has quickly become a viable platform for aspiring songwriters to achieve opportunities for a successful career.

The winner will receive multiple prizes, including the chance to record a 4-song EP with Shanks, a live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, the chance to design his or her own electric or bass guitar courtesy of Fender, $10,000 cash, a feature in American Songwriter Magazine, recording studio time at Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in Brooklyn, N.Y., worldwide digital music distribution from TuneCore and gear from Martin, Bose, Korg, Zoom, Shure, D’Addario, TC-Helicon and Converse.

“Last season was such a positive experience that I am thrilled to be back for another round of Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter,” says Shanks. “Working with up-and-coming artists to help them hone their sound and refine their style is what I love to do, and this program has laid out the perfect platform to allow me to do just that.”

For contest rules, click here.

* Winner must be 21 or older to qualify for a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Zac Brown Inks Admin Agreement

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Reach Music Publishing has entered a global administration, synch licensing, and creative support agreement with Zac Brown, other members of the Zac Brown Band and artists affiliated with the Southern Ground Label.

Under the terms of the deal, Reach Music will provide back-office functions for the Band’s entire catalog and affiliated Southern Ground Artists including Nic Cowan, Sonia Leigh and Levi Lowrey.

Michael Closter founded the Burbank, Calif. publishing and administration company in 1993. The independent company, which maintains catalogs for additional artists including John Mayer, was honored as AIMP’s Publisher of the Year during a ceremony held in Los Angeles last week (12/13).

For more information, visit www.reachmusic.com

Reach Music Staff. Pictured (L-R) Top: Michael Cusimano, Shilpa Das, Nancy Matalon, Scott Rubin, Megan Grosz. Bottom: Joe Mondry, Michael Closter, Mike Phegley, Jean Montiel

Yamaha’s Nashville Headquarters Launches Label

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Chris Gero, Founder of Yamaha Entertainment Group.

Yamaha Corporation of America has been securing strategic branding partnerships with talent for the past 10 years from its headquarters on Main Street in Franklin, Tenn. This year, Chris Gero’s artist relations offices founded a new division called Yamaha Entertainment Group (YEG).

Traditionally, Gero maintains additional offices in New York, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles, which oversees marketing partnerships with over 3,500 North American acts including Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood, Michael W. Smith, and Michael McDonald. It now offers recording and video production studios to help artists record, produce, and market their original content.

MusicRow spoke exclusively with Gero about founding the new initiative.

“The current state of the music industry is evolving,” said Gero. “As a method of delivering our brand, we started producing videos, concerts, and promotional campaigns including websites for artists. As a result, a shift took place where talent was approaching us to provide these services and partnerships and we were turning away too many opportunities.

“YEG is a significant step forward for us. Our aim is to release five titles a year to have small successes. We have the leverage to keep the costs down and a much higher equity return to the artist. Every deal is different and right now, A&R is under my lead along with the artist services, marketing, film and record production.”

Yamaha’s 18-year partnership with Elton John not only led to the department overseeing the production and direction of John’s Million Dollar Piano Live DVD from Las Vegas, but also led YEG to its first signing of Leogun, a 3-piece rock band associated with the musical icon’s management company.

“We recorded Leogun in Nashville,” said Gero. “We have already released an EP, with a full-length album expected in the spring of 2013.” Following that will be a release by jazz bass player Nathan East, a founding member of Fourplay and collaborator with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.

“One end of the spectrum is searching for emerging artists or established artists without a record deal. Another part is a for-hire service, placing product for strategic partnerships and branding opportunities. I’m looking at every possible partnering opportunity that upholds what Yamaha represents.

“Warner’s [Alternative Distribution Alliance] will be our distribution partner for the next three years,” continued Gero. “I outsource publishing and marketing and promotion, indicative of that genre, to work each specific record.

“We have one of the most recognizable brand names on the planet,” he added. “We have an international reach because we’re a global corporation. Yamaha is a very patient company. We’re a big company and we’re not afraid to take these chances. We’re strong enough to be isolated, but we’re in an age where we have to partner with a bunch of other people and help support each other.”

For more information on the company, click here.

Industry Pics (12/19/2012)

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Standing (l-r): Noah C. McPike, Esq. of Almon Law, PLLC; Walter Campbell, Walter Campbell Music Publishing; Kos Weaver, VP, Disney Music Publishing, Nashville. Seated: Casey Wood

Disney Music Publishing, Nashville has signed Casey Wood to its expanding creative writer roster. The deal is a partnership between Disney Music Publishing and Walter Campbell Music Publishing.

Disney Music Publishing VP Kos Weaver says, “The minute I heard ‘This Is My Blood,’ a song Casey wrote by himself that was recorded by The Dirt Drifters (Warner Bros.), I knew I wanted to work with Casey. It’s great to have a trusted colleague like Walter Campbell along for the ride!”

“I’m very excited for this wonderful opportunity and I’m looking forward to being a part of the success of Disney Music Publishing! My three-year-old thinks it’s pretty awesome too!” added Wood. He is a native of Dallas, West Virginia who left his home of coal mines, steel mills, and farmland after high school graduation to pursue his dream of becoming a household name singer/songwriter in Music City.

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Photo: Pat Christenson (President, Las Vegas Events) presents Chris Young with an NFR jacket before his performance on the Rodeo Live Stage at Cowboy Fanfest. Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau

For the seventh consecutive year, the Academy of Country Music hosted musical performances at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), held in Las Vegas from Thursday (Dec. 6) through Saturday (Dec. 15). The ACM’s Rodeo Live Stage in the Las Vegas Convention Center featured Ryan Beaver, Bucky Covington, Sarah Darling, Brett Eldredge, Jack Ingram, Chris Janson, Tracy Lawrence, David Nail, Aaron Watson and Chris Young.

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Photo (L-R): CSOS Board Member Amy Cranford, Belmont University's Tish Stewart, Morgan Swank, Caleb Kelly, Cassandra Lavoro, and CSOS Chairman of the Board John Barker. Photo: Bob Mather.

The Copyright Society of the South awarded three college students with the Excellence Scholarship this fall. Representing Nashville’s Belmont University is Morgan Swank, while Caleb Kelly and Cassnadra Lovoro are from Middle Tennessee State University. Included in the monetary scholarship is a 1-year membership to the Copyright Society of the South.

 

 

PLA Media Hires Dawn DeJongh

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Dawn DeJongh

PLA Media has added Dawn DeJongh as Senior Publicity/Marketing Executive.

President/CEO of PLA Media, Pam Lewis, says, “Dawn has the extensive experience, diversity and a great reputation within the industry and we’re excited to have her join our momentum after a very successful 2012 and forward into an even better 2013.”

Prior to joining PLA Media, DeJongh worked to secure international media coverage on world movie tours and also worked with numerous charities across the country to raise awareness for their missions.

DeJongh can be reached at [email protected].

DISClaimer: CCM Leads Holiday Season

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Point of Grace

Despite some Country star power, it’s the CCM artists who had the goods this holiday-music review session.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Point of Grace. Along with “Walking Through Bethlehem” by Billy Smith and Dixie & Tom T. Hall, Andrew Peterson’s “Labor of Love” gets my vote as the best new Christmas song of the year.

The DisCovery Award also goes to an artist from the CCM genre. Lincoln Brewster‘s hits on the Christian charts include “Everlasting God” and “Love The Lord.” This singer-guitarist rocks. Buy his album.

DAUGHTERS OF BLUEGRASS/Walking Through Bethlehem
Writer: Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall/Billy Smith; Producer: Ben Isaacs; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Circle 
—Featuring the lovely voice of Sonya Isaacs, this bluegrass waltz is an awesome audio gem. When her sister Rebecca and mother Lily join in as harmony singers, it soars straight to hillbilly heaven.

TOBY KEITH/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Toby Keith & Randy Scruggs; Publisher: St. Nicholas Music, ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—Toby turns this rockabilly oldie into a honky-tonk two step. As always, few modern country vocalists are as thoroughly steeped in the tradition as this man is.

JAIDA DREYER/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Writer: Tommie Connor; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Streamsound
—And speaking of two stepping, Ms. Dreyer takes this classic out onto the country dance floor while down-home fiddles and steel back her solid vocal performance.

SAWYER BROWN/Joseph’s Prayer
Writer: Mark A. Miller/Gregg Hubbard; Producer: Mark Miller & Dale Oliver; Publisher: Travelin’ Zoo/Myrt & Chuck’s Boy, ASCAP; Beach Street
—Tender and touching, this new holiday lyric finds Joseph addressing God about the newborn baby in his care. Softly persuasive.

TOBI GORDON/Follow the Star
Writer: Tobi Gordon & Rob Thorson; Producer: Robert Metzger; Publisher: Bobby & Billy/Sony-ATV, BMI; Platinum Plus
—She doesn’t seem to have much lung power, but the nicely arranged track keeps her wispy, lightweight performance afloat.

LORRIE MORGAN/Wrapped Up in Love
Writer: Oliverius/Cole/Linville; Producer: Mark Oliverius & Kelley Corbitt; Publisher: none listed, BMI; LM
—Merry and bright, with plenty of good-natured fun. The sprightly track bops along, and her vocal performance is splendid. You country kiddies out there ought to check out Lorrie’s Christmas events at Opryland for a tutorial about how a real pro puts on a show.

LINCOLN BREWSTER & KJ-52/Little Drummer Boy
Writer: Catharine Davis/Henry Onorati/Harry Simeone; Producer: Lincoln Brewster & Colby Wedgeworth; Publisher: EMI Mills/International Korwin, ASCAP; Integrity
—Brewster is a highly regarded worship leader at a church in Sacramento. If his music there is anything like this, those services must seriously rock. The drum track is outstanding and his voice fits into the groove perfectly. When the guest rappers kick in, the rhythms explode. The CD is titled Joy to the World. It is essential listening.

SHERRI GOUGH/Cold December Night
Writer: Sherri Gough/Bill DiLuigi; Producer: Sherri Gough; Publisher: Steel Train, ASCAP; SG 
—Gough’s locally recorded Merry Christmas Believe CD is dominated by her well written original holiday tunes. She sings them in an earnest soprano that occasionally veers off pitch when she reaches into her upper register. Lower your keys, and you’ll be fine.

POINT OF GRACE/Labor of Love
Writer: Andrew Peterson; Producer: Stephanie Chapman & Nathan Chapman; Publisher: New Spring, ASCAP; Word
—This appears on the group’s Home for the Holidays album, as well as on a 16-track Word artists compilation titled A Very Special Christmas. The ballad is beautifully embellished with delicate mandolin, piano and fiddle notes, not to mention their celestial vocal harmonies. Breathtaking.

NATALIE GRANT/I Believe
Writer: Natalie Grant; Producer: Bernie Herms; Publisher: Nat-in-the-Hat, ASCAP; Word
—Her airy soprano aches while keyboards tinkle and strings sigh throughout a hookless, meandering melody. It’s all very fey.

SiriusXM Radio Appoints Interim CEO

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SiriusXM Radio has announced that effective immediately, James E. Meyer will take over as Chief Executive Officer, on an interim basis. Meyer will also join the SiriusXM Board of Directors.

“We are fortunate to have a very strong executive team in place at SiriusXM and in Jim we have a highly qualified leader and operator,” said Eddy Hartenstein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SiriusXM, via a release. “Jim has been an integral part of SiriusXM for eight years and his extensive knowledge of SiriusXM’s business and significant industry experience are a great asset. Given Jim’s current position, we expect this will be a seamless transition. Thanks to Mel Karmazin’s leadership, strategic vision and operating focus, SiriusXM is poised for a continuation of the results and performance investors have come to expect.”

Meyer has served as President of Sales and Operations since May 2004. Prior to joining SiriusXM, Meyer was President of Aegis Ventures, as well as provided consultant support for SiriusXM. Before Aegis, he held a number of senior management positions in consumer electronics, including the Senior Executive Vice President of Digital Media Solutions for Thomson, a worldwide leader in consumer electronics.

“I’m honored to lead SiriusXM during this important time for our Company,” said Meyer. “SiriusXM is a great business and I look forward to working with our talented management team to continue to deliver the best content and service to our subscribers, while enhancing value to our shareholders.”

Weekly Register: Holiday Harmony, Chart Divide and Pope Wins

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Weekly Register regular readers realize (say that 5 times fast!) there’s only two weeks remaining in the 2012 sales year and country is virtually assured that the year’s tally will outdistance 2011—but alas, not by much.

2011 country album sales were 42.923 million according to Nielsen SoundScan. YTD 2012 country sales have tallied 41.133 million, leaving us a mere 1.79 million to break even. This past week country sold 1.63 million, so breaking last year’s benchmark will most certainly occur.

But note that the Y/Y gain of approximately 3.3% in country album sales amounts to only about 1.4 million additional units or just one platinum release.

For example, if Billboard decided to remove Taylor Swift’s Red from the country charts as they have done with several of her album tracks then country sales could be down for the year. (Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” this past week’s second most downloaded track overall (167k; YTD 1.24 million) does not appear on the country tracks list.)

Am I the only journalist offended by the Billboard/SoundScan decision to chart music tracks by style, rather than by artist? Billboard has every right and rhyme to organize its charts as it sees fit, but I object to our industry’s accountant of record, Nielsen SoundScan—no longer owned by Billboard—doing the same. Next year will we see a Lady Antebellum or Carrie Underwood track banished from country? Or perhaps Little Big Town will be punished for straying past the censors guidelines? Maybe Jason Aldean, Eric Church or Brantley Gilbert will be arbitrarily banished from the format chart where their careers began. Will no one challenge this behavior or at least ask for a detailed explanation—managers, labels, etc.? Can I get a witness? Or a comment below?

OK, now I feel better, so let’s get on with a rundown of the week’s highlights and sip some holiday spirit!

Holiday Chart Scans
Did you know that according to Nielsen SoundScan (through 12-4-12) Bobby Helm’s “Jingle Bell Rock” is the most played holiday song on this year’s radio airwaves and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is the most streamed track. Pop/Rock songs dominate holiday downloads (32%) followed by jazz (13%) and country (12%).

There’s lots of seasonal cheer atop the weekly Top Country Current Albums list, too. Holiday sets from Blake Shelton (No. 2; 68k), Lady Antebellum (No. 3; 60k) and Scotty McCreery (No.7; 47k) continue to sell well, but “mirror, mirror on the wall, Taylor Swift’s Red is the fairest of all.” The superstar’s 8-week-old No. 1 album tops both the country and Top 200 charts [again] logging another 208k copies this week for an RTD of 2.59 million.

Cassadee Pope and Avril Lavgine during "The Voice" live finale. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC

There’s also a new soundtrack release from the Nashville TV show, Music Of Nashville (56k) which enters the chart at No. 4 and a 5-CD Blake Shelton set (No. 62; 1.3k). Shelton’s multi-album package was available this morning on Amazon for $19.88 and at Blakeshelton.com for $21.95.

Heading our sleigh to trackland, we acknowledge The Voice winner Cassadee Pope. Pope’s rendition of “Stupid Boy” scanned 117k units this week and topped country tracks. She was on Team Blake (two consecutive wins) and her version of “Over You” which also topped the chart a few weeks ago sold 17k units to land at No. 21 with RTD of about 225k. Very impressive sales for a reality show contestant!

Country track sales are leveling slightly but showing a healthy 13% increase over last year, especially when compared with all-genre track sales that are up a more modest 6%. And did you know that Country digital albums account for 25.6% of total country albums sold (last year that was 19.2% at this time).

May your holiday be safe, warm and spent with the ones you love. See you next week.

Google Launches Scan-And-Match Service

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Yesterday (12/18), Google launched its free scan-and-match music locker service in the U.S., following a European launch last month.

According to Billboard, Google declined to disclose which independent labels are onboard, but copyrights have been secured from all three major labels.

The reveal of Google’s licensed service comes on the heels of both Apple and Amazon’s scan-and-match offerings, which both charge a yearly $24.99 rate for files playing at 256kbps.

Google’s service has two competitive advantages: it is free of charge and plays music at a compression rate of 320kbps, the highest among its competitors.

However, Google’s 20,000 songs is slightly less than Apple’s 25,000, and each are nearly 10 times less than Amazon’s 250,000.

“Our new music matching feature gets your songs into your online music library on Google Play much faster,” said Google Play in a post on Google Plus. “We’ll scan your collection and quickly rebuild it in the cloud – all for free. And we’ll stream your music back to you at up to 320 kbps.”

Prior to receiving copyright licenses, Google lacked the ability to mirror users’ catalogs with a central file in its cloud, so each library was independently uploaded and stored on servers for playback.

For a first-person account about migrating music libraries to digital cloud services, see MusicRow’s latest (Dec. ’12-Jan. ’13) Digital Toolbox print magazine, available here.