Toby Keith’s “Beers Ago” is once again the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 song, which compellingly blends the grand country tradition of drinking beer with reflecting on one’s life experiences. We wrote about it at length in the previous week, including a comparison to the musical Rent (seriously). So in the meantime, just check out Toby’s rocked-up performance of the song from the CMT Music Awards below.
(L-R): Caryl Healey (Sony Music Nashville VP Sales), Ann Edelblute (XIX Entertainment), Underwood, Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO), Alaina Vehec (Sony Music Nashville Director Digital Sales). Courtsey of Sony Music Nashville
Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for more than 1 million digital downloads. “Good Girl,” the lead single from Underwood’s latest album, Blown Away, marks Underwood’s tenth Platinum or Multi Platinum digital single.
On the heels of her wins at the 2012 CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year (“Good Girl”) and Collaborative Video of the Year (“Remind Me” with Brad Paisley), Underwood is also nominated for Choice Female Country Artist at Teen Choice 2012 which airs Sunday, July 22 at 8pm ET on FOX. Fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day per category for their favorite nominees at www.teenchoiceawards.com.
The title track from Blown Away was recently announced as Underwood’s next single. The song was written by Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins. The upcoming video for the single was directed by Randee St. Nicholas and produced by Brandon Bonfiglio. It can be previewed here.
Underwood will head overseas next week for the UK launch of her Blown Away album and to perform a sold out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on June 21. From there she’ll head to Australia for five shows including a sold-out stop at the Sydney Opera House on July 2.
Pictured (L-R): Jessica Myers (Director, Copyright Administration), Katelyn Orr (Assistant, Licensing & Administration), Guelay Ekin (Royalty Analyst), Benom Plumb (Manager, Licensing & Administration), Peter A. Roselli (Chief Operating Officer), Kathryn Graham (Artist Development & Management), Emily Henninger (Assistant, Copyright Administration), Dustin Bank (Accounting Services)
Bluewater Music has moved office location from Music Row to 705 2nd Ave. S., in downtown Nashville. The new building will better serve the company’s growing needs. Bluewater’s mailing address remains the same P.O. Box 120904, Nashville, TN 37212.
The company is focused on publishing rights administration and royalty collection for both U.S. & international spectrums while continuing to build creative networks through its artist management services as well as pitching and placing music with record labels, TV, film, advertising, video games, and other creative products.
Recently, the company signed front-woman and bass player of Nashville based rock band Kink Ador, Sharon Koltick, to an exclusive worldwide management and publishing deal.
A small office space will be available for rent at the new location. Contact Benom for details, [email protected].
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Pictured from left to right are: Gilles Godard-Chief Creative Officer, ole; Kele Currier- Secretary, Copyright Society of The South; Melissa Bailey- Assistant, Administration, ole; Michael McCarty-President, ole; John Barker, President, Copyright Society of The South. Photo: Julie Moe
The Copyright Society of the South held a meeting June 7 discussing corporate music piracy at BMI with guest speaker and ole President, Michael McCarty.
Founded in 1953, the Society works to advance the study and understanding of copyright law and related rights, the scope of rights in literature, music, art, theater, motion picture, television, computer software, architecture, and other works of authorship, and their distribution via both traditional and new media. Comprised of business people, lawyers in private practice and in-house, law professors and law students who share a common interest in copyright and related intellectual property rights
The Society provides opportunities for interaction with the copyright law community through national events including The Brace Lecture, Annual Meeting, and Mid-Winter Meeting. The society’s next guest speaker will be hosted in September of this year.
WMN’s Brett Eldredge poses with VP CBS Radio/WUSN PD Jeff Kapugi (R) after a performance at Chicago’s downtown Joe’s Pub for IL Governor Pat Quinn
SPIN ZONE
In the post CMA Music Fest CountryBreakout Chart, Toby Keith’s “Beers Ago” remains unseated from the No. 1 spot, followed by Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0” moves up to No. 3, followed by The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” at No. 4 and Keith Urban’s “For You” at No. 5.
Texas artist Hudson Moore (L), kicked off his regional Texas/Oklahoma radio tour this week to promote his new single “Fireworks.” Moore is pictured with Barry Diamon (R), afternoon DJ at KITX/Hugo, OK.
It’s a pretty tight chart overall but interesting things are happening. Gloriana is working on one of the biggest hits of its career with “(Kissed You) Good Night,” which moves up to No. 7. Newcomer Thomas Rhett is already off to a great start with “Something To Do With My Hands,” which is at No. 10 and gaining. Phil Vassar is back in heavy rotation with “Don’t Miss Your Life” at No. 11 and Love and Theft is making a strong comeback with “Angel Eyes” at No. 12. And floating at No. 20 with a 265 spin increase, Little Big Town might have a little big ole summer hit on its hands with “Pontoon.”
Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town” makes a very speedy debut at No. 47. Also making a strong first appearance is Trace Adkins’ “Them Lips (On Mine)” at No. 68.
Frozen Playlists: KSED, KXBZ, WJVL
KFGE CELEBRATES LEE
Froggy 98/KFGE in Lincoln, Nebraska threw a big party called “Celebrate Lincoln” last Saturday night (6/9) with performers Randy Houser and Lee Brice. It was Brice’s birthday and the station presented him with a birthday cake and 11,000 people sang to him. See the video below:
Upcoming Singles
June 18
Gwen Sebastian/Met Him In A Motel Room/Flying Island
Craig Morgan/Corn Star/Black River
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19/BNA
Denae Gardner/Welcome to America/4D Records
Wayne Warner/Dare The World/B-Venturous
June 25
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA
Maggie Rose/I Ain’t Your Mama/RPM
Stephanie Grace/Hey There
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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 47
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal – 68
Lathan Moore/Nothin Like A Woman/Render Records – 78
Bobby Dean/Me and George Strait/Lamon – 79
Daniel Smith/Sometimes Love – 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 597
Kenny Chesney/Come Over/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 430
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 394
Blake Shelton/Over/Warner Bros. – 361
Love and Theft/Angel Eyes/RCA Nashville – 357
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 39
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA-Nashville – 36
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal – 17
Gwen Sebastian/Met Him In A Motel Room/Flying Island – 14
Love and Theft/Angel Eyes/RCA Nashville – 13
Hank Williams Jr./That Ain’t Good/Blaster Records – 11
Big & Rich /That’s Why I Pray/Warner Bros. – 11
Taylor Made/Some Things You Never Grow Out Of – 9
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk Records – 8
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Michael Dean Church/That’s How We Roll/MDC – 148
Tim Dugger/God For A Day/Curb – 140
David Frizzell/Say Hello To Heaven/Nashville America – 140
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19-Columbia Nashville – 135
Britt & Blaire/Young Summer/Mt. Juliet Records – 128
David Frizzell stopped by WPAP/Panama City supporting his single, "Say Hello To Heaven," as part of a national awareness campaign for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The song lands 'On Deck' in this week’s CountryBreakout Chart. Frizzell's book on the life of his brother Lefty, was recently nominated for an Award of Excellence by the Association for Recorded Sound Collections. (L-R): Tom Lewis (Panama City/WPAP, Frizzell, Jimmy Carter (historian/reporter)
EMI Records Nashville artist Kelleigh Bannen continues her promotion tour across the country, stopping to play for WUBL/Atlanta, GA this week. (L-R): Trudie Daniell (EMI Nashville Director of Southeast Promotion), Brian Michel (WUBL PD), Bannen, Brad Uhlmann (WUBL), Lance Houston (WUBL APD/MD)
Way Out West Records' LiveWire dropped by 95.3 KDKD in Clinton, MO to promote new single, "Gone (Remix)" from the group’s forthcoming debut album. The single lands at No. 54 on this week’s CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): LW's Bobby DeGonia and Cory Shultz, "Dr" Dave (KDKD Drivetime Personality), LW's Danny Bell and Adam Hagerman
I understand that I am a week or so behind the curve on this topic. It was early last week when the Big Machine Label Group and Clear Channel cut a deal that had Nashville and Washington, DC. buzzing for a day or two.
I think much of the buzz was because of the timing of the announcement. Many broadcasters were surprised (and angered) that this came down the day before they were going before Congress with this issue on the agenda.
Much of the buzz has died down since because most people see this as inconsequential today. It appears to be much ado about not much. I don’t believe that the actual number was ever publically announced and not many outside of Scott Borchetta and Bob Pittman actually know it. Or know the real purpose of the deal.
I want to go on record as saying that Scott is a friend of mine. I consider him a first class promotion person, businessperson and he has proven to be a step ahead of most others in Nashville for several years now.
I have met Bob but he wouldn’t know me if I stepped on his toes in an elevator. I have written in the past that I think that Bob is good for broadcast radio. I like high profile people saying good things about the business and he is radio’s number one cheerleader.
I cannot tell you who went to whom with this idea. This would be in character for either of them. They could both see a promotional benefit. Scott sees a benefit of this being announced at the beginning of CMA week in Nashville and Bob sees this as a benefit to control the room the day before Congress meets. Who the hell knows who benefits the most from the announcement’s timing?
That can be said of the entire deal. Mr. Pittman says that iHeartRadio accounts for 2% of the CCME business today. I wonder if this deal also is going to include Cumulus? Cumulus is soon to be part of iHeartRadio so is it automatically included in this deal?
Does Mike Dungan now say, “Hey, what about my music? I have more music on Clear Channel digital than Scott does. Where is my cut?” What about Gary Overton?
I thought that all of this digital money was supposed to be shared across the entire recording platform. Wasn’t that the original thought? How could radio chains and labels possibly do separate deals?
RIAA says it likes the “acknowledge(ment)” of Clear Channel. RIAA’s Cary Sherman calls this a “breakthrough.”
The National Association of Broadcasters and musicFIRST danced to separate songs after the announcement but it will be interesting to see if this moves the issue forward. I guess that it is possible these organizations know the inside of the deal and maybe this will be a starting point. If that is the case then something good may come from the agreement.
My fear is that Mr. Pittman has taken the issues important to broadcasters off the table. This is not just a digital issue. Radio needs help with FM chips and performance rights costs that deal with music on the broadcast side.
Because radio provides a 360 experience to listeners, not just online, it is in radio’s best interest to keep all of our leverage on the table.
Without question the digital royalty structure is out of whack. But people like Tim Westergren, who does nothing in the public interest, to demand a level playing field is ludicrous. Let him step up and provide public service, daily and during times of tragedy, then he can ask for level playing field.
You do not have a level playing field because you stream music. That’s it.
Until you provide more than just the music, pay your 50% of total revenue and recognize that the model is a tough one. That’s why broadcasters are not willing to come down to your level.
I hope that Scott and Bob see way down the field and have a plan that works on every level.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden, BMG Chrysalis Music’s Kevin Lane, Cornman Music’s Brett James, Kip Moore, co-writer Dan Couch, BMI’s Jody Williams, and MCA Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Steve Lowry
The show must go on, and the late Frances Preston wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. BMI toasted the No. 1 hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” yesterday (6/13), the same day as the passing of its legendary leader.
Jody Williams discussed her devotion to songwriters at the opening of the ceremony. He explained, “The first thing Frances would say about today is, ‘get that party started and honor those songwriters.’” Flags flapped at half-staff above the crowd gathered on BMI’s sunny rooftop.
Penning a charttopping song is a grand achievement for any writer, but the first time is often the sweetest. “Truck” is the first No. 1 for songwriters Kip Moore and Dan Couch, and is also Moore’s first No. 1 as an artist. BMI presented him with a guitar to mark the occasion. The song, which hung out at the radio pinnacle for two weeks, is well on its way to Platinum download status.
Mike Dungan was also celebrating a first. “Truck” is his first No. 1 as leader of UMG Nashville. “I’m getting lots of nods, but I’ve had nothing to do with it,” he said, turning the spotlight to his label team. Ever the colorful character, Dungan took the opportunity to hand out his own unique prizes. Moore received a tie-dyed T-shirt that said “Get F*&%@d,” Couch’s trophy was a Richie Sambora figurine, and producer Brett James was honored with a lifesize Jonas Brothers cardboard stand-up.
James has shepherded younger tunesmith Moore for years. “He’s my little brother and he’s one of my best friends,” said James before presenting Moore with a small body road guitar. James took the usual honors one step further, giving plaques to engineers Nick Brophy and Ben Fowler, as well as Nate Lowery, who operates his publishing outfit Cornman Music.
Several others took the stage to honor the writers. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on their behalf. Brandi Simms represented the CMA.
The mood turned emotional when Couch and Moore swapped turns at the mic, choking back tears as they savored the hard earned moment. Couch recalled his 16-year journey and how his family supported his career. His hometown even cheered his success recently when the mayor of Logansport, Ind. declared it “Dan Couch Day.”
“I’m more nervous now than when I played the stadium the other night,” exclaimed Moore, who performed last weekend at CMA Music Festival. He acknowledged James’ patience while helping him develop as an artist and writer. “In an instant world, Brett has stood by me,” he said gratefully.
Partygoers munched on a spread of mini hot dogs, black bean burgers, chips and canned beer—perfect food for a “Truck” tailgate party.
CMT is set to world premiere multi-award Blake Shelton’s new video “Over” with a half-hour special Diary of a Director: Blake Shelton’s “Over” tomorrow (6/15) at 9 a.m. CT
CMT teamed with Hi-Fi Fusion Shelton and director Roman White to launch a special four-part webisode series leading up to the premiere. Diary of a Director will give fans a humorous glimpse at what goes into making a music video, including the inside scoop on why Shelton fears this particular video more than his previous three creations with White. “Over” will also be the featured bonus video in this week’s CMT Top 20 Countdown airing Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m. CT
Shelton’s “Over” will air across CMT, CMT.com and CMT Pure, the network’s 24-hour all music channel.
Steve Cropper performs at the NMPA annual meeting. Photo: Gary Gershoff/NMPA
Music industry guests gathered for The National Music Publishers’ Association annual meeting yesterday (6/13) in New York City.
The organization honored songwriting legend Steve Cropper with the 2012 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award, which recognizes outstanding songwriters for personal achievement and who personify the NMPA’s vision. Additionally, U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (NC) was honored with the 2012 President’s Award, which recognizes an individual who works diligently to strengthen intellectual property protection.
“The NMPA is pleased and privileged to recognize Steve Cropper and U.S. Rep. Mel Watt for their achievements in their respective professions,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “At first glance it may appear that these two individuals are very different. Steve’s illustrious music career has led him to the Hall of Fame while Mel’s distinguished public service career has most recently been spent in the halls of Congress. But these two do have one thing in common: unwavering dedication to the creative spirit and to those who generate it. And it’s for that reason that we honor them today.”
As a songwriter, Cropper penned (with Booker T & the MGs) the No. 1 hit “Green Onions,” as well as co-writing “Knock On Wood,” “Midnight Hour,” and Otis Redding’s timeless “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Additionally, his guitar work can be heard on numerous albums by artists including Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and Ringo Starr, among others.
Songwriters Hall of Fame awardee, Lance Freed (left) with David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers' Association (right), present legendary songwriter and musician Steve Cropper with the 2012 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Photo: Gary Gershoff/NMPA
(L-R) Kathie Lee Gifford, Josh Turner, Hoda Kotb
Josh Turner performed his current hit single “Time Is Love” on NBC’s Today Show yesterday (6/13). Turner’s new album Punching Bag hit stores on Tuesday, June 12. See the performance here.
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Tim McGraw was recently interviewed by CNN to talk about his HomeFront program, which aids military veterans in getting mortgage-free homes. See the interview here.
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Sara Evans will perform the national anthem tonight (6/14) prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The performance and game airs live on ABC beginning at 7:53 pm/CT.
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Photo: Ed Bunker/No Problem! Marketing
Lee Brice performed his hit “A Woman Like You” on CBS’ The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson last night (6/13). The single has sold more than 1 million digital downloads to date.
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Maggie Rose has been tapped to be Country Weekly’s on the road correspondent during the 2012 Country Throwdown Tour. Rose will provide five installments of behind the scenes footage, which will be featured on the magazine’s website.
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Sugarland’s Kristian Bush has penned “She Won’t Drive In The Rain Anymore,” for Falling Off The Sky, the first album in 30 years by influential Southern power pop group the dB’s. Bush, a longtime fan of the North Carolina band, co-wrote the song with dB’s leader Peter Holsapple and it is the first song released via Bush’s Songs of the Architect publishing company. Bush will also join the CMA Songwriters Series later in June, appearing at Los Angeles’ House of Blues on June 26 and Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum on June 27.
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Gwen Sebastian recently visited KBEQ/Kansas City to promote her new single and perform for some lucky listeners. (L-R): Q104’s Joshua James, Sebastian, Q104’s T.J. McEntire, and Q104 PD Mike Kennedy
Flying Island’s Gwen Sebastian, fresh from a performance at LP Field during CMA Music Festival, will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, June 16. Sebastian is also currently out visiting radio to promote her new single “Met Him in a Motel Room.”
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Glen Templeton will make his national television debut Sunday, June 17, when he visits Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends. His two performances will be his latest single “Sing That Song Again,” and his rendition of Conway Twitty’s classic “That’s My Job.” The appearance will air beginning at 7:10 am/CT on Father’s Day.
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Render Records’ Jason Charles Miller has been added to the lineup of the KKGO “Go Country 105 Summer Under the Stars” concert, set for July 20 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Alan Jackson is the headliner, and Ashley Monroe will also perform.
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Mark Wayne Glasmire is featured this week on Inside Music Row, which airs locally in Nashville on WNAB-TV. Glasmire and host Kelly Lynn taped the segment in Hillsboro Village across from the Belcourt Theatre and discussed his summer touring plans and new self-titled EP.
Trustees and officers were elected at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s quarterly board meeting today (6/14). Re-elected to three-year terms as trustees were Rod Essig, agent, Creative Artists Agency; Keel Hunt, president, the Strategy Group; Ken Levitan, co-president, Vector Management; Mary Ann McCready, president, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.; and Steve Turner, president, Butler’s Run LLC.
Turner was also tapped for a fifth term as chairman, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill was re-elected to an eleventh consecutive term as president.
Remaining trustees include David Conrad, J. William Denny, Randy Goodman, John Grady, Henry Juszkiewicz, Ernie Williams and Jody Williams.
Current officers Earl Bentz, Mark Bloom, Connie Bradley, Tony Brown, Mike Dungan, Vince Gill, Al Giombetti, Francis Guess, Lon Helton, Mike Helton, Don Light, Donna Nicely, Brian O’Connell, David Ross, John Seigenthaler, Clarence Spalding, Troy Tomlinson and Tim Wipperman were all re-elected.
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In more news from the Hall, the Museums welcomed country fans with a slew of events during the recent CMA Music Festival, and is hosting the Hot Nights At The Hall series throughout the summer.
David Nail became an honorary “Friends and Family” member of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum when he kicked off the members-only Hot Nights at the Hall summer concert series. Pictured (L-R): Rachel Weingartner, Membership Manager; Jeff Krones, Agent, CAA; Kyle Young, Director; David Nail; Pamela Johnson, VP, Development; and Brian Wolf, Red Stick Management.
Steve Wariner performed at the Hall on Sat., June 9 during CMA Music Festival in support of the Chet Atkins exhibit, which closes July 15. Pictured (L-R): Director of Education and Public Programs Ali Tonn, John Knowles, Marie Yandell, Steve Wariner and Don Light. Photo: Larry McCormack