AIMP Nashville Elects Officers

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter announced newly elected officers of its steering committee: President Jill Napier, VP Tim Fink, Co-Secretaries Dianna Maher and Jewel Coburn, and Treasurer Eli Ball.

“We are pleased that a chapter of the AIMP has been approved for our close-knit community,” commented Napier. “Independent music publishing is more prevalent than ever. Our chapter will focus on exploiting and monetizing music in a positive way and provide its membership with educational opportunities on the latest national and international trends, as well as addressing issues specific to the Nashville music community.”

All members of the music community are encouraged to join now before the holiday mixer and the first membership meeting in February 2012. Membership dues are $74 per year. To register go to www.aimp.org.

Back row (L-R): Teri Nelson Carpenter (LA Chapter Board Member), Randy Watchler, David Preston, Ross Archer, Walter Campbell, Kevin Lamb, Kerry O’Neil, Josh Collum, Marc Driskill. Front row (L-R): Jewel Coburn, Eli Ball, Jill Napier, Tim Fink, Dianna Maher

 

Web Round Up

• Bids for EMI Music are due Wednesday (10/5). Among those eyeing the label, publishing company, or both, are Ronald Perelman, Access Industries/Warner Music Group, Sony Corp., BMG Chrysalis, Universal Music Group, and Alec and Tom Gores (Platinum Equity). More here and here.

The Tennessean looks at Kenny Chesney’s curious omission from the CMA Entertainer of the Year race.

• Negotiations between AFTRA and the major labels aren’t going smoothly, with threats of a strike by AFTRA members looming. Read AFTRA’s statement here and more from The Hollywood Reporter.

Rhapsody announced today plans to purchase Napster from retailer Best Buy. Under the terms of the agreement, Rhapsody will acquire Napster subscribers and other assets, and Best Buy will receive a minority stake in Rhapsody. The transaction is expected to close around Nov. 30. More from cnet.

 

TuneSat Offers New Portal And Extends Reach

Audio service TuneSat is extending its TV monitoring services to all music rightsholders with a new online portal. The service which aids copyright holders in recovering royalties and tracking unauthorized use will now monitor eight new European territories:  Austria, Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, in addition to over 200 channels in the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy.

Monthly subscription rates vary by number of tracks, type of service, and territories to be monitored, starting at as little as $10 per month. Within hours after a user uploads the audio files for fingerprinting, TuneSat begins to deliver tracking of usage within an hour of broadcast, providing the tracking data and the audio clip necessary to monitor licensing and royalty payments.  In addition to tracking royalties and resolving copyright infringement, TuneSat reports also provide important business intelligence regarding usage rates for a catalog, or specific writers, artists, and tracks, as well as gauging revenue patterns over time.

“Our monitoring to date shows that 80% of music on TV is unreported, and often music synchronization is not properly licensed in the first place,” said Chris Woods, Co-Founder and COO of TuneSat. “TuneSat has been trusted by companies such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, NBC Olympics, and many more, but my vision was always to make TuneSat accessible to any size copyright holder who cared about how their songs were being used. Now anyone can quickly and easily get started using TuneSat to ensure they are getting paid what they deserve for the use of their music.”

 

Kilgore Launches Boutique Publicity Firm

Music industry professional Natalie Kilgore has announced the launch of new publicity boutique Dashboard Media, LLC, which will focus on comprehensive and creative promotion solutions blending publicity, marketing and social media.

A 12 year music industry professional, Kilgore was most recently Sr. Publicist at George P. Johnson’s G7 Entertainment Marketing, the world’s premier experience and event marketing agency. Prior to that she served for four years as Head of Publicity for Big Machine Label Group, working on publicity campaigns for the the company’s artists such as Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Martina McBride and more. Her career also includes time as Communication Director for NSAI and on-air talent for WBUZ 102.9 The Buzz.

“The past year has afforded me the opportunity to discover where my heart truly lies and that’s here with the Music Row community,” says Kilgore. “While I’ve missed the camaraderie, the dedication, and the tangible reward of those many long hours; what I’ve missed most of all is the Music.”

Dashboard is already open for business. Contact info:

Dashboard Media, LLC.
P.O. Box 60467
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-227-2306
Email: Natalie.Kilgore@dashboardmedia.biz

CMA Songwriters Series Returns To Nashville

The CMA Songwriters Series will return to Nashville Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Limelight. The event is part of Country Music Month’s 45 days of promotions, events and activities leading up to the  CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

This year’s CMA Songwriters Series will feature Deana Carter, Kelley Lovelace, Eric Paslay and Rivers Rutherford, who will provide insight to the stories behind their songs.

Carter is a CMA Single of Year nominee this year for co-writing Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter’s “You and Tequila.” She also won Single of the Year in 1997 for her song “Strawberry Wine.”

Lovelace wrote “He Didn’t Have To Be” recorded by Brad Paisley, which was nominated in 2000 for CMA Song of the Year. His writing credits also include “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” recorded by Carrie Underwood, and “The Impossible” recorded by Joe Nichols.

Paslay recently had his first No. 1 single with Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” Lady Antebellum and the Eli Young Band have also recorded his songs. Paslay recently signed with EMI Records Nashville and released his debut single, “Never Really Wanted.”

Rutherford was a 2006 CMA Song of the Year nominee for Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going.” He also wrote “Real Good Man” recorded by Tim McGraw, “Ain’t Nothin’ Bout You” recorded by Brooks & Dunn and “If You Ever Stop Lovin’ Me” recorded by Montgomery Gentry.

Tickets for the Nov. 8 CMA Songwriters Series are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at www.limelightnashville.com or by calling (615) 780-3099. Limelight is located at 201 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37213.

CMA Songwriters Series at Library of Congress
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the CMA Songwriters Series will visit the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium in D.C. Hosted by Bob DiPiero, the showcase will feature Clint BlackTim Nichols and Patty Loveless. The show is free but requires a ticket, which can be attained through www.ticketmaster.com. For more details, visit www.loc.gov./concerts.

For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series, visit www.cmasongwritersseries.com.

2011 Class OF IEBA Hall Of Fame Announced

During the annual IEBA conference in Nashville, the second class of the International Entertainment Buyers Association will be inducted, as the closing event on October 4. Inductees are honored for their exceptional contributions to the live entertainment industry.

Laura Bell Bundy will host his year’s celebration with performances by Roy Clark, Don Schlitz and Bundy, along with live art by Michael Israel. Inductees include: Bobby Baker, Jimmy Jay, Paul Moore, Tandy Rice, Lou Robin, Mike SmardakLeroy Van Dyke and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Baker began his booking agency over 30 years ago and has become a key entertainment producer. He was instrumental in getting ICMBA changed to IEBA to include all types of entertainment.

After creating Jayson Promotions in 1983, Jay won the Academy of Country Music Talent Buyer of the Year award in 1999 and was again nominated for the Academy of Country Music Talent Buyer of the Year in 2010.

Moore began his agency career at William Morris Agency in the summer of 1978. With over 30 years experience, he has helped guide the careers of countless artists in country, pop and contemporary Christian music.

Rice is President and Chief Executive Officer of Top Billing International, a leading Nashville-based entertainment sales and marketing company. In March of 2006, Rice was inducted into two Halls of Fame: The Franklin High School Athletic Hall of Fame (Tennessee mile track champion, 1956) and the North American Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1957, Robin and college friends founded Concerts, Incorporated, which later became Artist Consultants Productions. Artist Consultants concert promotions figured prominently in the early career development of such artists as The Kingston Trio, Tijuana Brass, Bill Cosby, Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, Steve Martin, Stevie Wonder and more.

Smardak is the President and Founder of Outback Concerts, one  of the largest independent concert promoters in the world that promotes musical tours throughout North America.

Van Dyke is known as an entertainer, recording artist, radio and television star, actor, auctioneer and veteran of the Nevada circuit. Along with recording over 500 songs, he was a founding co-host of “Country Crossroads” and hosted his own television series, “The Leroy Van Dyke Show.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established over 78 years ago and has drawn recording artists such as KissElvis PresleyBob DylanBrooks & DunnGeorge StraitGarth BrooksWillie NelsonSelenaBon JoviZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The three day talent showcase schedule is as follows:

Sunday, October 2
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Showcase: APA (Sheraton Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Lyndsey Highlander, Aaron Parker, Ray Scott, Dread Clampitt, Wanda Jackson, Jim Messina

9:30 – 11:30 PM: Showcase: Paradigm Agency (War Memorial Auditorium – aka “Joe’s Bar Nashville”) Artists: Reno Collier, Marlee Scott, Dean Alexander, JT Hodges, Jack Ingram, Here Come the Mummies

Monday, October 3
10:35 – 10:45 AM: Showcase: Conway Entertainment, Artist: Matt Gary (Polk Theater – TPAC)

10:50 – 11:00 AM: Moscow Ballet (Polk Theater – TPAC)

12:40 PM: Showcase: Operation Troop Aid (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artist: Easton Hamlin

1:20 – 3:20 PM: Showcase: CAA (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor)
Artists: Kip Moore, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, Craig Campbell, Sonia Leigh, Love and Theft

7:30 – 9:30 PM: Showcase: BLA (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Bush Hawg, Sarah Darling, Josh Gracin, Mark Chesnutt, Corey Smith, LoCash Cowboys

9:45 – 11:45 PM: Showcase: WME (War Memorial Auditorium – aka “Joe’s Bar Nashville”) Artists: Wynonna, Neal McCoy, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, The Band Perry

Tuesday, October 4
10:30 – 10:50 AM: Showcase: Cold River Records (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artist: Katie Armiger

1:40 – 3:40 PM: Showcase: Paradise Artists (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Paul Revere and the Raiders, Uriah Heep, Dave Mason, Glen Templeton, Blackhawk, Outlaws

6:30 – 8:30 PM: Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Hosted by Laura Bell Bundy featuring special guest star performances by Roy Clark and Don Schlitz with live art by Michael Israel.

Artist Lifenotes

Gwen Yearwood Passes
Trisha Yearwood’s mother, Gwen Yearwood, passed away Sat., Oct. 1 in Tifton, Ga. following an extended battle with cancer. She was 73. Gwen Yearwood spent most of her life in Monticello, Ga., where she worked as a teacher and raised daughters Trisha and Beth Yearwood Bernard with husband Jack. In recent years the three Yearwood women penned two cookbooks. Gwen is preceded in death by Jack, who passed in 2005. In lieu of flowers, family members request donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

Joshua Scott Jones Enters Rehab
Steel Magnolia’s Joshua Scott Jones has entered a rehabilitation and treatment facility to address alcohol and substance abuse issues. Meanwhile, fellow Magnolia and fiancee Meghan Linsey will be remaining on the road, performing previously scheduled dates which include the Reba tour with The Band Perry and Edens Edge.

Colt Rich Arrives
John Rich and wife Joan welcomed son Colt Daniel Rich on Sept. 29. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 ozs, and joins big brother Cash Rich. Proud papa shared the news via Twitter, exclaiming “He’s a real ‘Son of a Gun!’ VERY Proud!”

BMI To Honor Braddock As Songwriting Icon

BMI will honor Bobby Braddock as a BMI songwriting Icon during its 59th annual Country Awards. The private ceremony is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 8 at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville, Tenn.

The Icon award is given to BMI songwriters who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Braddock, who will be celebrated with a musical tribute that evening, joins a list of past honorees that includes Billy Sherrill, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Isaac Hayes, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, the Bee Gees, Ray Davies, James Brown and more.

Along with George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” Braddock’s songwriting repertoire also includes “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “I Feel Like Loving You Again,” “Texas Tornado,” “Old Flames Have New Names,” “Golden Ring,” “Thinkin’ of a Rendezvous,” “Faking Love” and “Time Marches On.”

Thirty years after his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Braddock became the only living songwriter to have penned chart-toppers in five consecutive decades. The CMA Award winner has earned 30 BMI songwriting awards, and ten of his compositions have earned more than one million performances each. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year, Braddock is currently writing his second memoir, Hollywood, Tennessee: A Life on Nashville’s Music Row, the follow-up to 2007’s well-received Down in Orburndale: A Songwriter’s Youth in Old Florida.

During the BMI Country Awards, BMI will crown the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year and salute the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed songs from BMI’s country catalog. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant will host the ceremony with Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville; and Clay Bradley, BMI Associate Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville.

Shelton Stages Arena Tour

Blake Shelton’s career is taking a step forward as the celebrity plans to fill arenas nationwide with the “Well Lit & Amplified Tour 2012.” Shelton’s 27-city arena tour will launch in Toledo, OH this January, ending in March at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas. Assisting the reigning CMA Male Vocalist and five-time CMA nominee will be opening acts Justin Moore and Dia Frampton. Frampton was coached by Shelton on last season’s NBC hit show The Voice and emerged as a finalist.

The New York Times recently named Shelton one of the “most versatile of contemporary country singers.” His current single “God Gave Me You” is Top 10 and rising in the wake of his multi-week No. 1 “Honey Bee.” Shelton has had nine No. 1 hits and each of his singles since 2007 has peaked inside the Top Ten.

VIP packages for the tour will be available on www.blakeshelton.com with items such as premium seats and exclusive merchandise.

In other Shelton news, tune in Thurs., Oct. 6 to Entertainment Tonight when the show will premiere the full length video of “Footloose.” Shelton sings the classic song, originally recorded by Kenny Loggins for the first version of the now classic 1984 film. The soundtrack for the new version of the film which stars Dennis Quaid and Julianne Hough, will have 12-tracks and include music from Big & Rich, Cee Lo Green, Whitney Duncan and more.

 

 

Mark Cooke Releases Debut EP

Monday (9/26), country artist Mark Cooke released his limited edition, debut EP Living For The Weekend.  Produced by J.Gary Smith and John Smith, the six track collection includes the upcoming single, “Anyway The Wind Blows.”

Mark recently began his national radio tour to promote Living For The Weekend and “Anyway The Wind Blows.”  The EP is available on iTunes, Amazon and other online outlets. It can also be ordered at www.MarkCooke.com.

Track Listing:
1. Anyway The Wind Blows (Marty Dodson, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler)
2. Living For The Weekend (Mike McQuerry, Mark Nesler, David Reed)
3. Can’t Cheat In A Small Town (Don Goodman, Brad Wolf, Abby Boykin)
4. Stay With Me Tonight (Pete Sallis, Kris Bergsnes, Mark Carson)
5. I Love It (Philip Douglas, Ron Harbin, Jimmy Yeary)
6. I’ll Take This Town (Jim Collins, Ashley Gorley)