White Prepares Solo Album, Schedules Ryman Dates

How does Jack White find the time? Nashville’s own resident rock star is a busy man in the extreme between his bands The Dead Weather and The Ranconteurs, as well as producing singles for his Third Man Records and albums for artists like Wanda Jackson. On April 24, he will go the extra mile and release his first solo album Blunderbuss, via Third Man Records/Columbia.

White also has a handful of live dates scheduled, including a two night stand May 15-16 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with hot up-and-comers The Alabama Shakes supporting. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, March 23, at Noon. Full dates here.

Blunderbuss is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, and single “Sixteen Saltines” can be downloaded ahead of the release date. Check out a clip of White performing the song on Saturday Night Live with an all male band here, as well as a clip of him performing “Love Interruption” with an all female band here.

Photo Roundup (3/21/12)

(L–R): BMI's Ari Surdoval, panelists John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin; and BMI’s Jody Williams

Featuring insight from John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin and moderated by BMI’s Jody Williams, the “How to Track and Capture Wild Roots Songs of North America” songwriting panel at SXSW offered a unique opportunity to listen to three master writers discuss their craft and perform acoustic versions of their songs.

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Oklahoma’s red dirt music pioneers the Red Dirt Rangers celebrated the life of Woody Guthrie at the Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration in Tulsa March 8-11 with four performances, including a group performance of Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” with John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Hanson, Arlo Guthrie, and others. Additional performers at the event included Del McCoury Band, Rosanne Cash, The Flaming Lips, Jimmy LaFave, Monica Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Old Crow Medicine Show at the Brady Theater on March 10 for the special tribute.

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L–R: Matthew O’Brien, Big Fella, Ryan Huie, Raeanna Mowl and Ashlee Locke

Yesterday (3/20), SOLID (Society of Leaders In Development) members spoke at “The Best Job Ever” for students at MTSU.

Brightwell Joins Diane Richey Promotions

Diane Richey Promotions has announced the addition of Beth Brightwell to the promotion staff. She replaces Katie Bright, who is leaving the company to take a regional promotion gig with Warner Music Nashville.

Brightwell’s background includes time as a morning personality with WTRS/Ocala, and most recently as the co-host of the Rick & Beth Morning Show on WSM-FM/Nashville. Congratulate her at richeypromobb@comcast.net.

Brantley Gilbert Announced for Ram Truck Series

Brantley Gilbert has been announced as the second artist to be included in the Road to the Ram Jam series and sweepstakes. Kellie Pickler was announced first, with a total of five artists to be included for an invitation-only concert in Nashville on Dec., 29th. The remaining three country artists will be announced throughout the year.

The series is presented by the Ram Trucks and will feature exclusive video, sweepstakes, and free downloads. Fans can enter for a chance to win trips for two to 2012 Ram Jam concert on the contest website or through the Facebook page. Gilbert will additionally offer fans a chance to win a free download of his single, “Kick It In The Sticks” when they enter the Road to the concert sweepstakes.

All five participating artists will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds benefiting a charity of each artist’s choice. Gilbert will donate to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“Teaming up with Ram for the Road to the Ram Jam was a no brainer – it’s a great way to reach out to the BG Nation and beyond with some amazing and very cool content,” said Gilbert. “The best part is we get to auction off my truck at the end of the year and donate the money to IAVA. How awesome is that?”

Signings and Hirings: G7, Hearts Bluff, Bobby Roberts, Centricity

Centricity Music Publishing has signed hit Christian songwriter Sam Mizell to an exclusive contract. His songs have been recorded by Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Madisa, Francesca Battistelli, and many others. His seven No. 1 singles have resulted in a Grammy nomination, and Dove and ASCAP awards. (L-R): Sam Mizell and Centricity Music head Steve Rice

Hearts Bluff Music has expanded its Creative Services department with the addition of Greg Gallo. His background includes placing songs with Faith Hill, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum, as well as roles at Ash Street Music and Big Loud Shirt.

Hearts Bluff President/CEO Scott Parker leads the company which according to a press release has $20 million in private funding and has acquired over 50 No. 1 hits in recent years.

In addition, Gallo continues to provide creative services for Revelry Music Group, Extreme Writers Group, Brave Music, Silent Gate Music, Savannah Music Group, Yacht Haven Music and Beautiful Day Music.

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The Bobby Roberts Company has signed Curb Records artist Morgan Frazier and Bigger Picture artist Chris Janson for exclusive booking representation. President Lance Roberts also announced the hiring of Matt Rizor as an agent.

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G7 Entertainment Marketing today announced the appointment of four new executives. Lori Cloud has joined G7 as Executive Director of Client Services. She has 25 years of entertainment marketing experience and was most recently VP Brand Strategy and Digital Media at management firm Big Enterprises. Previously she was a Brand Agent at the LA headquarters of Creative Artists Agency, where she managed client relationships such as The Coca-Cola Company, P&G, Sprint, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Starwood Hotels.

Rick Whetsel is on board as G7’s Director of Booking and Production. He has more than 20 years experience in the music industry including founding Nashville-based Great Big Shows, a top concerts promotions and productions company. Most recently he has focused on sponsor-driven events and corporate productions, working with a variety of Fortune 500 consumer brands.

Diana Garcia has joined G7 as Digital Strategist and Project Manager, specializing in data collection, viral marketing, social media and interactive storytelling. She has more than eight years of experience working with acts including Rascal Flatts, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton and many others.

Christian Henderson has joined G7 as Project Manager. Henderson was most recently at Creative Artists Agency.

Artist Updates (3/21/12)

Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC

Eric Church made an appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Monday night (3/19), where he played his current single “Springsteen.” See Church’s performance here, just after the 37 minute mark.

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Jake Owen will also play late night television, when he visits The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on March 26. Owen will play his current hit “Alone With You,” which was recently certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000-plus downloads.

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Lady Antebellum has named the community of Henryville, IN as the winner of the group’s “Own Prom Night” contest. The community was chosen for the resilience and unity it has displayed after devastating tornadoes hit earlier in March. Due to a prior commitment, Lady A won’t be able to make Henryville High School’s scheduled prom, but has decided to throw another event on May 16 in nearby Louisville, KY for the school’s juniors and seniors, as well as a benefit for the community. See the reveal here.

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Matt Kennon has launched “Music That Matters,” a national campaign to raise awareness on the issue of bullying in schools. Kennon addresses the concern in his current single, “You Had To Pick On Me,” and schools nationwide are invited to join the “Music That Matters” video campaign by submitting student-made videos for the song. Five videos will be voted on by the public, and a winning school will receive a free concert and meet and greet with Kennon. More info here.

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Gloriana’s Tom Gossin announced the engagement to his longtime girlfriend Jamie Moffett during a show in his upstate New York hometown last week. The couple met in North Carolina as teens, and celebrated their 10 year anniversary on March 1 with Tom’s surprise proposal. No official wedding plans have been made.

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(L-R): Firefly Co-Founder, Scott Newitt, and Average Joes JB Patterson of JB and the Moonshine Band.

Average Joes Entertainment’s JB and the Moonshine Band might have to make room in the cabinet for another type of spirit, as South Carolina-based Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka has signed on as a partner. When JB joins up with Colt Ford’s Declaration of Independence tour starting in April, he and band will be driving the Firefly Vodka RV across 17 states. Additionally, the band will play 15 club dates promoting Firefly. Dates here.

Industry Ink Wednesday (3/21/12)

Museum celebrates Chet Atkins—On Saturday (3/17), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a panel discussion, Chet Atkins at Studio. Artists Bobby Bare (“Detroit City”) and Jim Ed Brown (“The Three Bells”), background singer Dolores Dinning Edgin, studio guitarist Ray Edenton, and hit songwriter John D. Loudermilk (“Abilene”) shared their memories of Atkins as a record producer and the manager of RCA Studio B. This program was offered as part of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, Made Possible Through the Generous Support of the Gretsch Company. Pictured (L-R): panel host and Museum Senior Historian John Rumble, John D. Loudermilk, Ray Edenton, Dolores Dinning Edgin, Bobby Bare and Jim Ed Brown. Photo: Donn Jones

Scott B. Bomar has launched 4th and State Music Services offering music licensing, copyright research, historical research, online content creation, and organization services such as cataloging masters. He recently produced a 5-CD set for Bear Family Records featuring the music of Bakersfield, CA artist Red Simpson, and penned the accompanying coffee table book. He will moderate a panel March 24 at the opening of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Bakersfield Sound” exhibit. The Nashville native is son of publisher Woody Bomar, and is based in Los Angeles but available for work nationwide. His career most recently included time at Universal Music Publishing. Reach him at www.4thAndState.com.

CRS 2013 agenda committee applications are now available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com and will be accepted through Fri., April 6. The CRS Agenda Committee is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the Country radio and record industries. The committee is responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on June 20-22, 2012 and are expected to attend panels and meetings at CRS 2013, held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.

• The AristoMedia Group’s 2012 Country Video Outlet Status Report is now available for online viewing here. The annual report highlights the current media outlets using Country music video content as part of their programming and outlines important trends and opportunities at the national, regional, syndicated, pool/closed-circuit and online video outlet levels. The 2012 status report points to increasing demand for video content at nearly every outlet level, with the most substantial growth noted in mobile application platforms and blogs.

•  The 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown National Final will air on WZTV FOX-Nashville Sun., March 25 at 5:00 p.m. LeAnn Rimes hosted the pre-recorded show at the Ryman Auditorium where five rising artists compete for $100,000 and the title “Best New Act in Country Music.”

The Long Players band celebrates its eighth anniversary with a show Fri., March 23 at the Mercy Lounge. The band dedicated to performing classic albums in their entirety will play R.E.M.’s Murmur. The Long Players is made up of Steve Allen, John Deaderick, Steve Ebe and Bill Lloyd. Among the special guests joining them Friday night will be Don Dixon, who co-produced Murmur. Part of the $15 cover will be donated to Kim Collins’ medical relief fund.

 

Country Sales: All That Downloads Is Not Gold

Total country digital tracks was not available at this time last year which explains the actual sales number in the grid—34.7 million. Those numbers became available last year in mid-April and we will begin using the percentages at that time.

 

In The Viewfinder
Before we dissect some of this week’s sales metrics, let’s consider some of the recent industry talk which buoyantly notes that digital sales are up for both country music and the industry overall. And that is true. A brief glance at the grid above shows increasing numbers of consumers are making the transition from physical to digital.

However, all that downloads is not gold. Witness last week’s Google Play sale which was responsible for selling about 90,000 digital units of Lady Antebellum’s album for 25¢. Yes, that’s not a typo, just two thin dimes and a nickel for the entire album—not enough to satisfy even half the mechanical royalty. But don’t blame the act or the label, this sale was a retail ploy to draw attention to a new digital store. And it made digital sales look good. The point here is that SoundScan measures units, but we also need to reflect upon pricing, revenues and profits.

While the Google sale may be a one-off event, wholesale album prices are now averaging below $7 whereas a few years ago they were $11.99 and up. That difference translates to weaker revenues and profits and ultimately fewer major labels. The RIAA’s retail sales measurements show the U.S. industry falling from over $14.6 billion in 1999 to under $6.85 billion in 2010.

No. 1 Country Track for 4 consecutive weeks.

And Now Highlights From The Previous Week…
You’d never know that Capitol Nashville was about to be swallowed up this summer, based upon its stellar chart performance, and according to Nielsen SoundScan. The scrappy label has three of the Top 5 spots on this week’s country album chart; Luke Bryan (No. 1, 17k); Lady Antebellum (No. 3, 13k) and Eric Church (No. 4, 11k). Filling in the gaps are Jason Aldean (No. 2, 14k) and The Band Perry (No. 5, 9k). Shooter Jennings’ Family Man debut landed at No. 10 with about 8k in sales.

Overall, the Top Current Country Album 75 delivered one of its weakest performances in the history of SoundScan with the entire Top 75 totaling about 256k. [ouch!].

Happily, there’s more joy on the Digital Genre Country tracks chart. Carrie’s “Good Girl” remains atop the list for its fourth consecutive week with about 70k downloads and RTD total of over 360k. Rascal Flatts storms the list this week with “Changed” which scanned over 57k units to land in the No. 2 position. Making up the remainder of the Top Ten Nos. 3-10 are: Lee Brice, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Toby Keith.

Total country track sales YTD now equals 34.691 million which equates to about 3.47 million additional TEA album units. (TEA=track equivalent albums; 10 tracks =1 album).

As always upcoming album releases can be found here. New and upcoming projects include Casey James (3/20), Lionel Richie (3/27), Rascal Flatts (4/3), Kip Moore (4/27), Carrie Underwood (5/1), Colt Ford (6/5) and Kenny Chesney (6/19).

The Cadillac Black Set Debut Release Date

Nashville-based trio The Cadillac Black will release its self-titled debut album on Tuesday, April 17 via all major digital retailers. There will also be a small run of physical copies and vinyl available through the band’s website: www.thecadillacblack.com.

The band, who just returned from playing the ASCAP showcase at SXSW, will celebrate the album release with a Nashville show Friday, April 20 at The Basement. Following that, the band is scheduled to hit the road in May supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd on select dates, before spending the rest of the month out with Dierks Bentley and The Eli Young Band.

The Cadillac Black already has songs from the debut album featured in a number of television shows including three songs each on Vampire Diaries and Hart Of Dixie, as well as tracks on CSI Miami, Baseball Wives and House.

The Cadillac Black on tour:
5.4.12- Baltimore, MD supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd
5.5.12- Fredricksburg, VA supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd
5.10.12- Charlottsville, VA supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.11.12- Corbin, KY supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.12.12- Little Rock, AR supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.17.12- Salisbury, MD supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.18.12- Greensboro, NC supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.19.12- Portsmith, VA supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.24.12- Tupelo, MS supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band
5.26.12- TBD supporting Dierks Bentley & Eli Young Band

Todd Fritsch Releasing New Music

Todd Fritsch (Photo: Melissa Webb)

Todd Fritsch is returning to country radio after a roping accident on his family’s cattle ranch left him with a crippling leg injury three years ago.

“Calls I Haven’t Made,” produced by Butch Baker, will be released as Fritsch’s new single. The song is from his upcoming full-length project Up Here in the Saddle, due later this Spring.

“It was a long road to recovery,” said Fritsch. “But I had my second surgery this past December and I’m rehabbed and ready to go.” About the new single, he said, “It’s a little bit more of a ‘Nashville sound’ than anything I’ve done before.”

The single is currently available at iTunes.