Amy Willis Joins Webster PR

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Veteran publicist Amy Willis has been added to the staff at Webster & Associates Public Relations, it was announced today (6/6) by company president Kirt Webster.

“Amy brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise that is hard to find in our industry,” said Webster. “Having worked at a label and independently, she has a proven track record for being able to adapt to all client scenarios.”

Willis brings 15 years experience as a Nashville publicist, having worked with clients Trent Willmon, John Michael Montgomery, The Lost Trailers, and Jeff Bates, as well as Christian music artists, painters, authors, charity organizations, football players, local restaurants, producers, trade organizations and professional rodeo riders.

Willis is a graduate of MTSU’s music industry program and has worked at Spring Hill Music Group, Sony Music Nashville, Hallmark Direction and Wortman Works before opening her own company in 2010.

She can be reached at [email protected].

Vehec Promoted at Sony Music Nashville

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Alaina Vehec has been named Director, Digital Sales for Sony Music Nashville, it was announced today (6/6) by Sony Music Nashville VP Sales Caryl Healey. Vehec is based in Nashville and already in her new role.

A native of Pennsylvania, Vehec was most recently Associate Director, Digital Sales for Sony Music Nashville. She started her career at Arista Records in New York City, followed by RCA Music Group then Sony BMG’s global business group. She relocated to Nashville in 2006 to become Manager, Mobile Marketing and Sales at Sony Music Nashville.

Wiseman Brings Out the Stars For Second Harvest

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Pictured (L to R): Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Vince Gill. Photo: Peyton Hoge

The Ryman Auditorium received its yearly dose of Craig Wiseman’s eccentric personality yesterday evening (6/5) at the 8th Annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit concert.

Wiseman whisked across the stage wearing a trademark big and loud shirt with a sparkly serpent. After a prayer from his minister wife K.K. Wiseman and an introduction by figure skater Scott Hamilton, Wiseman was joined for a starter round with Vince Gill and Dallas Davidson.

The round included the songwriters’ hits “Summertime,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “Look at Us.” Wiseman clarified for the audience, “This is a songwriter round, if we sing it, we wrote it.”

After the opening round, the evening came to life. Songwriters seemed to be cast out to the stage in no particular order. The audience did not seem to mind, especially as Chris Tompkins joined Wiseman for the Chris Young hit “Voices.”

Tompkins branched off on his own to perform “Before He Cheats,” which Wiseman jokingly speculated allowed Tompkins to build a Carrie Underwood commemorative hot tub in his backyard. The audience excitedly sang along.

Rhett Akins then joined his Peach Pickers band mate Dallas Davidson, delivering a medley of Akins’ “Honey Bee” and “That Ain’t My Truck.”

Rodney Clawson partnered with Tompkins for his recent No. 1 “Drunk on You,” and “I Saw God Today.”

Wiseman invited Gill back out to perform his, “Bread and Water,” which he wrote with his brother in mind and dedicated to the evening’s mission. Wiseman then auctioned a few signed items to the crowd, with one signed concert poster bringing $1,000.

The audience gave a warm reception for newcomers Florida Georgia Line. The duo, comprised of Georgia’s Tyler Hubbard and Florida’s Brian Kelley, recently released a new EP, It’z Just What We Do on Big Loud Mountain, a partnership between Wiseman, Joey Moi, and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. The band performed two songs from the release with “Cruise” and “Tip It Back.”

Jake Owen rounded-off the night fresh from his opening run on the Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney Brothers of the Sun arena tour. The “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” singer mentioned his parents and newlywed wife were watching from the wings as he sung “Journey of Your Life,” “Alone With You,” and “Heaven.”

Thanks to a sponsorship from O’Charley’s restaurants, 100% of tickets, auctioned items and merchandise went toward benefiting the food bank. According to Wiseman, each dollar raised could provide four meals to be served by Second Harvest.

We’re hoping nobody from the Ryman went to bed hungry, at least from a lack of good songwriting.

Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Jaynee Day (Second Harvest), Rhett Akins, Jake Owen, Brittany Hansen. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Obama and Romney To Appear in CMT Awards Opening

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Entertainment is politics, and vice versa. So it’s only fitting that United States President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney are slated to appear in the opening segment of the CMT Music Awards. The annual fan-voted event, hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, airs tonight (6/6) at 7 pm/CT on CMT.

CMT previously had political candidates on the awards during the 2008 presidential race. Candidates Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain all taped cameos for the show’s opening.

“The President and Governor Romney each understand the reach of the CMT audience, particularly on our highest-rated night of the year,” said Brian Philips, President, CMT. “They’re each great sports, they’re ‘in on the joke’, and they each went out of their way to deliver great moments for CMT. Tune in at the top of the show or you’ll miss them!”

Photo Spread: Chevy Test Drive, MCTI Donation, Tiffany Houghton Debut

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CMA Hosts Chevy Test Drive
Chevrolet, The Official Ride of Country Music, hosted an Industry Test Drive at the CMA offices on Friday (6/1). Participants had the opportunity to test drive their choice of several exciting Chevrolet vehicles, including the 2012 Camaro pictured with CMA CEO Steve Moore behind the wheel. For every test drive, Chevrolet donated money to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing campaign.

(L-R): Steve Moore; CMA Board member and AristoMedia Group President and CEO, Jeff Walker; CMA Board member and Conway Entertainment Group Pres., Tony Conway; Chevrolet Manager of National Promotions, Phil Caruso; CMA Board member and Buddy Lee Attractions VP, Kevin Neal; and CMA Legal Counsel, R. Horton Frank. Photo: Christian Bottorff

MCTI Donates To Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
The 39th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational (MCTI) proudly donated $81,000 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The funds will support the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with developmental disabilities. A Nashville tradition since 1973, MCTI is the longest running music-related charity tennis tournament in the country and has raised more than $1.5 million for Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Pictured (L-R) MCTI's Jeff Burrow, Greg Travis, Bill Riddle, Kathy Ashworth, Corrie Cron, Luann Mayer, Sherry Bond, Patsy Wells, Dr. Tyler Reimschisel, Joanne Nairon, Jim Massey, Rob Blackford and Patsy Bradley. Photo: Steve Green

Tiffany Houghton Celebrates Debut Release
Crowd Surf artist Tiffany Houghton celebrated the digital release her self-titled debut EP with a gathering Monday (6/4) at the Crowd Surf offices in Nashville. The singer is also teaming with Roughstock.com for CMA Music Fest week contest where one lucky fan and three friends will join her for dinner. She will appear at the BBQ Beach Meet & Greet on Saturday (6/9) and Sunday (6/10), and the Martin Guitars tent on Broadway on Saturday.

Pictured (L-R): Jade Driver, co-owner Crowd Surf; Tiffany Houghton; Eric Richter, Crowd Surf; and Cassie Petrey, co-owner Crowd Surf. Photo: Alex Barr

Publishing News (6/06/12)

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter and Fifth Third Bank will present “Music In Advertising: What Works – What Doesn’t and How To Get In The Game,” a panel for those interested in commercial song placement, on Monday, June 11, 4-6 pm at Cabana. Panelists work with global brands such as Amazon, Chevy, Coke, NFL, Super Bowl, Nokia and include Amy Rose (Grey), John Meililo (Meililo Music), Karen Macmillan (Nettwerk Music Group), Sarah Gavigan (Sarah Gavigan Music). Craig Currier of peermusic will serve as moderator. Only a few seats remain. Visit aimp.org to reserve a spot.

• • • • •

Ryan Hurd has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group – Nashville.

(L-R): Robert Filhart (ASCAP), Chip Petree (Attorney), Kent Earls (UMPG), Ryan Beuschel (ASCAP), seated Freeman Wizer (UMPG), and Ryan Hurd.

• • • • •

George Canyon

ole has inked a co-publishing and worldwide administration deal with Canadian country singer/actor George Canyon. Notable copyrights in this agreement include “Pretty Drunk Out Tonight,” “Just Like You,” and “Let It Out,” among others. Also included is Canyon’s recently released single “Saddle Up.” His next studio album is slated for a fall release.

“We are proud that George has chosen ole as his music publisher, and are looking forward to working closely with Team Canyon on his future music and film projects,” says ole President Michael McCarty. “This signing further underscores our commitment to publishing the greatest stars in Canadian country music.”

Weekly Register: The Crystal Ball Didn’t See That One!

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The country music pulse is beating rapidly this week.

CMA’s MusicFest, the CMT Awards and a city swarming with press and visitors from all over the world have turned up the heat…and the fun!

Closer to the sales beat, Sony announced it has re-signed superstar Kenny Chesney and will move him to his own imprint, Blue Chair Records, just in time for his June 19 new album release, Welcome To The Fishbowl. In the process BNA Records, Chesney’s longtime home was retired with all staff and artists moved to Sony’s Columbia Nashville imprint.

Also noteworthy this week was the groundbreaking arrangement between Big Machine and Clear Channel which effectively creates a new artist/label revenue stream generated from terrestrial radio airplay. At the same time it reshuffles the royalty deck with respect to digital radio, redefining the tariff into a form that allows the digital radio industry to grow, profit and ultimately contribute even more money into the music royalty pot. Will this eventually lead to the American rights groups being able to collect reciprocal sound performance royalties from their terrestrial overseas collection counterparts? Hopefully. This agreement represents a major forward move on the path to creating a healthy future for the music industry and radio. Congrats to both parties. Perhaps one day we’ll be measuring monthly digital royalty payments in the same way we look at Nielsen SoundScan-generated sales numbers today. Wow! Didn’t see that one coming in my crystal ball, did you?

Albums
Our sales report this week pales in comparison to all the happenings listed above, but hopefully some of those events will also spur additional scans in the weeks to follow. Album sales suffered slightly for both all-genre and country compared with last week. Most other key indicators in our weekly table remained stable. The Current Country Top 75 again failed to break the 300k mark for a second consecutive week. Debuts included Opus Collection from Johnny Cash (No. 6; 11k) and Given from Texan Wade Bowen on BNA, (No. 9; 9k). Bowen album purchases were 77% in digital format.

Carrie Underwood maintained her top spot, in her fifth week, easing back to a weekly total of almost 32k and a RTD (release-to-date) of 517k. Luke Bryan, whose career is as hot as his smile, enjoys the No. 2 spot in this, his 42nd week. Luke’s Tailgates and Tanlines scanned over 24k this week for a RTD of 1.124 million. Filling out the Top Ten Current Country Albums for this week ended 6-3-12 are Lionel Richie, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Johnny Cash, Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Wade Bowen and Lady Antebellum.

Tracks
Luke, Eric, Kip, Carrie and Hunter Hayes own the first five spots on the country tracks chart this week. Luke’s “Drunk On You” sold over 101k downloads. Church, in the No. 2 position with “Springsteen” downloaded almost 79k. Country tracks are up 17% YTD over last year and when coupled with album sales (up 6% YTD) the numbers show some real strength for country artists at the cash register. It also shows that country consumers, in increasing numbers, are using the mouse to click their way to new music. This evolution has likely been sped up by the difficulty of finding physical albums in the marketplace. Have you walked into a Target or Walmart lately? Looked for your favorite album? Then you know what I mean. The music racks are probably further in the back than you remember and a whole lot smaller.

Coming up next week we’ll see some new entries from Alan Jackson, Colt Ford and Jana Kramer. We should also feel some lift from the CMT Awards and the MusicFest crowd…

As usual, post your Weekly Register comments below, tweet ‘em out or send me a note, and thanks for reading…

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/06/12)

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We went wandering off the beaten path this week to see what we could see. Or rather “hear.”

First of all, despite a plethora of unknowns, Miss Willie Brown muscled everyone aside to grab an utterly uncontested DisCovery Award. These gals are playing both Bonaroo and the CMA Music Festival, so look out, world.

The duo’s “You’re All That Matters to Me” was also in contention for Disc of the Day, as were “Crying on a Suitcase” by Casey James and Steele’s “Do You Really Have to Go.” But I went with the most stone-country performance of the week, “She Did” by veteran Clinton Gregory.

MAGGIE ROSE/I Ain’t Your Mama
Writer: Judson Spence/Candy Cameron; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Music of RPM/Dumb Dog/Dixie Stars/Sounds of RPM, ASCAP; RPM (www.maggierosemusic.com)
—Bluesy and groovy. She oozes sultry sex appeal in this performance of a come-on lyric. Sounds good. Send more.

CASEY JAMES/Crying on a Suitcase
Writer: Lee Thomas Miller/Tom Shapiro/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Chris Lindsey & Casey James; Publisher: Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby/EMI Blackwood/Little Dooey/Songs of Peer/Team Thrash, BMI/ASCAP; BNA/19 ()
—The song is quite unusual, in that it doesn’t ever really rhyme anywhere. The track is a pulse pounding delight, and Casey James one of those rare American Idol kids who sounds like he could have a real future. Recommended.

PHIL HAMILTON/Bad
Writer: Phil Hamilton/Beau Bedford; Producer: Beau Patrick Bedford; Publisher: Phil Hamilton/Beau Patrick Bedford/North Patrick, BMI; Winding Road (www.philhamiltonmusic.com)
—This has a lazy, loping quality that is quite appealing. He has a dusty, dry delivery, and the band keeps it slow, steady and simple. It will probably sound “underproduced” to some, but I think that’s part of its charm.

TONY KERR/Dig Deep
Writer: Tony Kerr/Steven Sheehan; Producer: Steven Sheehan; Publisher: Doreen/Scared Stiff, ASCAP/BMI; Barking Turtle (track) (www.tonykerrmusic.com)
—Kerr is a native of Ireland who has called Nashville home for more than a decade. He’s had a good bit of songwriting success in his homeland. This is the title tune of his second American CD. It is typical of the whole record in that it is a straightforward, acoustic-guitar-and-vocal presentation. His tenor voice is strong and supple, and Sheehan’s guitar work is exemplary. Song-wise, you could dress this up in a full Music Row production with a star warbling and easily have a hit. Also check out “Whiskey and Wood” and “The Prayer.”

MISS WILLIE BROWN/You’ve All That Matters to Me
Writer: Robert John “Mutt” Lange; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: Out of Pocket/Universal, no performance rights listed; A&M/Octone ()
—Don’t let the name throw you: Miss Willie Brown is a duo comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley. They’re the first artists on the new A&M/Octone imprint. Based on this throbbing bopper, I’d say they have quite a future. They harmonize perfectly, the guitars and steel chime right where they should and the song is as catchy as all get out. Play it again.

LONNIE SPIKER/You Can Go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas
Writer: Lonnie Spicher; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; LS (888-455-5504)
—This regular visitor to the “DisClaimer” column is back, singing a hard-country ode with “Lone Star State” stamped all over it. Despite the twin fiddles and shuffle beat, there’s no escaping the utter dullness of the melody. Not to mention his rather limited vocal ability.

CLINTON GREGORY/She Did
Writer: Craig Martin; Producer: Jamie Creasy & Clinton Gregory; Publisher: Melody Roundup, BMI; Melody Roundup (CDX) (www.melodyroundupmusic.com)
—We still remember him fondly for 1991’s “(If it Weren’t for Country Music) I’d Go Crazy.” This comeback single is a heartbreak ballad demonstrating how much grace, style and finesse he has retained vocally. Caution: This is real country music: “They say you can’t take it with you/But she did,” when she died, taking his love with her. Prepare to blubber.

STEELE/Do You Really Have to Go
Writer: Karen R. Staley/Timothy P. Henneberry; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Tim Henneberry/Jake and Vegas, SOCAN/BMI; Steele (CDX) (902-221-2340)
—He’s a strong singer, with plenty of lung power, range and feeling. The “open” production of this mid-tempo outing gives him plenty of room to strut his stuff. Promising.

COREY WAGAR/Take Ya Back
Writer: Corey Wagar/Cece Dubois/Beau Fuller; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; GTR (CDX) (www.coreywagar.com)
—It’s a sprightly “party” ditty that name-checks Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and such while telling its tale about songs prompting fond memories. Hang on for the delightful vocal counterpoint at the finale.

BOBBY LEWIS/Love Me and Make it All Better
Writer: E. Rabbitt; Producer: Jim Loessberg; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (325-597-1895)
—Bobby’s new Then & Now CD contains recreations of his old United Artists Records hits such as 1966’s “How Long Has It Been,” 1968’s “From Heaven to Heartache” and 1970’s “Hello Mary Lou,” as well as some new material. As this revival of his melodic 1967 hit reminds us, he was also among the first to recognize the songwriting ability of future star Eddie Rabbitt. At age 70, Bobby still sings well, and the slight echo chamber, Floyd Cramer style piano and sighing vocal background singers do an excellent job of conjuring up the classic Nashville Sound recording style. Nice job.

ABC Block Party Returns To CMA Music Fest

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ABC television will return to CMA Music Festival, hosting its Block Party and taping the annual primetime television special about the event.

CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will air Mon., Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. The special is a primetime postcard of all the best festival concert performances and behind-the-scenes stories with Country stars. This is the eighth time ABC will broadcast this special.

The ABC Summer Block Party at CMA Music Festival will be filled with appearances by stars from the network’s shows. Hosted by Bradford Anderson (General Hospital) the event will be held Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Broadway, featuring activities, games and exclusive screenings of some of ABC’s new fall pilots.

In addition, Q&A sessions and autograph signings will feature the stars of the upcoming series Nashville, including Hayden Panettiere, Clare Bowen, and Sam Palladio. Also appearing will be General Hospital stars Steve Burton (“Jason Morgan”), Scott Reeves (“Dr. Steven Webber”), Brandon Barash (“Johnny Zacchara”), and Anderson (“Damian ‘The Jackal’ Spinelli”), who makeup the band Port Chuck.

Nashville’s own Grilled Cheeserie Truck will be on site with sandwiches inspired by ABC’s The Chew, and you never know who might turn up from the show.

Belmont To Offer Motion Picture Degree

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Belmont University is adding an undergraduate degree program focusing on motion pictures, cinematography, screenwriting, and film production. Classes will begin in fall 2013. Will Akers, Belmont’s new assistant professor and chair of the program, is developing the curriculum.

Akers has 25 years experience as a screenwriter, and had three feature films produced from his screenplays. He has written for the network television series Strange Luck, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Eerie, Indiana.

Akers’ also background includes 19 years of teaching at Vanderbilt University in film studies, theater and communication studies. He is the author of an industry-standard text, Your Screenplay Sucks!, 100 Ways To Make It Great. The Nashville native graduated from Vanderbilt and earned a master’s degree in cinema production from the University of Southern California.

“Today motion pictures can be found in all kinds of media including television, cell phones and computers; it’s not simply film-in-a-theater anymore,” Akers said. “Belmont’s new program will capitalize on the growing diversity of motion pictures, teaching students all aspects of the craft from script development, through production, to marketing and distribution.”

Belmont Provost Thomas Burns added, “This new undergraduate major is a natural extension of Belmont’s strong liberal arts curriculum and our commitment to high-quality professional programs related to the management and development of the entertainment industry.”

U.S. News & World Report ranked Belmont No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category, and listed it for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top “Up-and-Comer” universities. Belmont University consists of approximately 6,400 students.