Judds and Loretta Lynn Join ACM's Girls' Night Out

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The Judds and Loretta Lynn are the latest lineup additions to the ACM’s Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country tribute concert.
Previously announced performers include Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Reba and Carrie Underwood. These female artists will be honored at the taping on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. There will also be special guest duets, including Ronnie Dunn with Nettles, Rascal Flatts with Reba, Vince Gill with Underwood, and performances by Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and more to be announced.
The show is scheduled to air Friday, April 22, 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS. Ticket sales from the special will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy.
For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com or Ticketmaster.

Industry Ink Wednesday

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>>Warner Music Nashville is bringing back its successful Pickin’ On The Patio series. The party for industry guests lets the label showcase its rising artists. This summer’s dates will be May 26,  June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, and Sept. 22.
>>WKDF/Nashville has upped morning host Marty McFly to Program Director. He will continue his AM gig as well.
>>Carly Horvat‘s Back Porch Productions is offering backstage hospitality and artist gift bags. The company recently hosted Josh Thompson, Chuck Wicks, Thompson Square, Katie Armiger, Stealing Angels, and others at the Country Music Is Love Concert at the Hard Rock in Nashville.
>>BMI has created a discounted music license for members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The program gives them copyright clearance to perform live and recorded music at discounts of at least 30% less than BMI’s previous fee schedule, reducing the cost from about $332 per year, to about $230.
>>The MTSU Department of Recording Industry is seeking music businesses to have a table at its Career Day. The event is Thursday, March 17 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Bragg Mass Communications Building. For details or to register visit www.rimcareerfair.com.

Americana Music Association Concert Series

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Performers at the Americana Music Association Bluebird Series.

The Americana Music Association will present the third annual “Live at The Bluebird Cafe” concert series celebrating some of the genre’s best-loved and most influential performers. All proceeds will benefit the organization.

Performing will be Webb Wilder with Brad Jones and Hans Rotenberry (3/17), Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer (3/22), and Jerry Douglas (3/24).

Showtime for all performances will be 9 PM. For details visit www.americanamusic.org.

Happy Tales Humane’s Wednesday Night Wags Series

Burns and Poe will perform at Wednesday Night Wags.


Happy Tales Humane’s “Wednesday Night Wags” music series returns this month with 7:30 PM shows at The Basement, including a show tonight (3/9). Among the artists on the line-up are Burns & Poe, Lauren Lucas with special guests Gerry House & Rick Huckaby, and Daddy (Tommy Womack + Will Kimbrough).
Proceeds from the series will benefit Happy Tales Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of animals in Middle Tennessee. Tickets are $10. For information, or to volunteer, visit www.happytaleshumane.com.

Take 6 For USN

Grammy and Dove Award-winning vocal group Take 6 will make a rare Nashville concert appearance at University School of Nashville’s Music Night tomorrow (3/10) at 7:30 PM/CT. The concert takes place at Ingram Hall at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. General admission tickets are $60, which includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Patron tickets are $125. Tickets can be purchased online at www.USN.org.

Bigger Picture Acquires Idea Den

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Nashville’s Bigger Picture Group has acquired online marketing and creative services company Idea Den, which will allow BPG to offer a wider array of services to its clients.
The acquisition also means staff expansion for Idea Den, which has added former Music City Networks partners Jon Wright and Dennis Thompson to the roles of Production Director and Senior Designer, respectively.
Founded in 2004 by Dale Manning, Idea Den has provided web solutions for a roster that includes Casting Crowns, Alice Cooper, Mandy Moore, Christian Kane, Switchfoot, Craig Campbell, The Harters, Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp.
“The acquisition of Idea Den has positioned Bigger Picture uniquely amongst entertainment companies,” says Bigger Picture principal William Hein. “We now have a partner and a team that is leading the way in online excellence. Dale has brought an innovative spirit along with an impressive country and CCM client roster.”
In addition to the Bigger Picture roster, Idea Den will continue to provide web and creative services to Christian and Country artists.

Has Gwyneth Signed A Record Deal?

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Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Sony CRS Boat Show. Photo credit: Alan Poizner


Reports of Gwyneth Paltrow signing a record deal are buzzing around the internet this week, but there is still no official word from any of the parties involved.
According to numerous sources including the New York Post and The Wrap, Paltrow has inked with Atlantic Records in a contract worth $900,000.
However, E online reports talking to Paltrow’s reps who will only confirm that negotiations are ongoing.
Paltrow has been a familiar face in Nashville during the last year, thanks to her filming the Country Strong movie in middle Tennessee and also singing on the soundtrack.
She surprised guests on Sony Music Nashville’s CRS boat show last week, appearing to host and duet with Tim McGraw on their song from the movie.
She has also been showing off her singing skills on the hit Fox show Glee, the CMA Awards, Grammys, and the Oscars.
But not everyone is on board with the actor-turned-singer scenario, particularly a columnist at The Atlantic who posted “5 Reasons Gwyneth Paltrow Shouldn’t Have Gotten a Record Deal.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/9/11)

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Can you be fabulously famous and a new face at the same time?
If your name is Jennette McCurdy, you can. Known by millions of teens for her role as sassy “Sam” on the Nickelodeon TV comedy series iCarly, 18-year-old Jeanette can’t go out to a restaurant without being mobbed. But in country music, she is a newcomer. Her handlers are currently taking her on a mall tour to introduce “Generation Love.” In my opinion, you’d have to be made of stone to resist it. Give the gal a DisCovery Award.
It will come as no surprise that Taylor Swift has the Disc of the Day. She may be out conquering the planet on her world tour right now, but she left behind plenty of killer tunes on her Speak Now album to keep on delighting us folks back home. “Mean” is definitely one of them.
LEAH SEAWRIGHT/On The Backroads
Writer: Leah Seawright/Frank Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Ineylue/Frank Thomas Green, ASCAP; SkyTone (www.leahseawright.com)
—She has an attractive little vocal rasp, but it is somewhat overwhelmed by the driving, rocking track.
ASHLEY GEARING/Five More Minutes
Writer: Ashley Gearing/Tiffany Goss/Nicole Witt; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: Curb/Curb Congregation/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Curb
—She needs five more minutes saying goodnight to her boyfriend on the back porch. Daddy needs five more minutes before he gives his daughter away. And, you guessed it, the husband needs five more minutes at his dying wife’s bedside. Pretty, if predictable.
PAUL NUNN/Dead And Gone
Writer: Paul Nunn; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Paul Nunn, BMI; PN (www.paulnunnbanc.com)
—He sings with force and feeling, the production is perfect and the band is tight. The song, however, is way too wordy and meandering. Programmers will also not be thrilled to find that it clocks in at over four minutes.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Mean
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—The wispy, melodic “Back to December” was just about a perfect single. This chunky little bopper goes in a totally different direction. Toe tapping, tongue tripping and terrific. Hang on for the multi-voiced finale.
THE STEVEN L. SMITH BAND/Pieces
Writer: Steven L. Smith; Producer: Bob Bender; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Vinyl (track) (www.slsmith.info)
—The title tune to Smith’s new CD is a stark, dark ballad. His shredded, barely-there voice is extremely effective in conveying the soul of a broken man. Celebrity guests on the album include Joe Bonsall, Jimmy Van Zant, Crystal Gayle and Glenn Duncan.
JENNETTE McCURDY/Generation Love
Writer: Tom Douglas/Heather Morgan/Ross Copperman; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Tomdouglasmusic/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Capitol Nashville
—Introduced at last week’s Capitol CRS luncheon, this soaring, inspirational and completely captivating anthem makes my heart pound with pleasure. She sings like a bird, Jay’s production is fabulous and the song is a minor masterpiece. Play this.
KIP BOARDMAN/Runnin’ Right
Writer: Kip Boardman; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kip Boardman, no performance rights listed; Ridisculous (track)
—The groove is hypnotic, and his pop vocal has a drowsy, dreamy quality. Americana music programmers are probably the best audience for this.
EDEN’S EDGE/Amen
Writer: Skip Black/Hannah Blaylock/Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Sony-ATV/401 Kye/Fouche River/Kye ya con Dios/Ink Pen Mama/Songs of Maxx/Tunes of R and T Direct/Syd and Sophie, BMI/SESAC/SOCAN/ASCAP; Big Machine
—The no-good girlfriend has split, and the whole town is celebrating Jimmy’s liberation. Airy harmonies and a sunny lead vocal are just two of this single’s many charms.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Crazy Girl
Writer: Lee Brice/Liz Rose; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria/Sony-ATV Timber/Hillsboro Valley, BMI/SESAC; Republic (CDX)
—When are the rest of you people going to get with it? Every single this Texas group has released has been splendid. This oomphy, mid-tempo outing is, too. I am going to keep raving about these guys until they get the big hit they deserve.
COLT FORD/Country Thang
Writer: Colt Ford/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jason Chance, Michael Zeuhsow & Dustin Burnett; Publisher: Average ZJS/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—The big guy rawks. He growls the verses, then bursts into melody on the choruses. Upbeat and infectious.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

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Bug Music has renewed its administration agreement with award-winning songwriter, producer and recording artist T Bone Burnett. The publishing company has represented the artist since its inception in 1975. Burnett’s acclaimed work has resulted in Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe and American Music Award wins. His recent production work includes The Union from Elton John and Leon Russell.

Pictured at a Grammy Week event co-chaired by Sir Elton John and Leon Russell honoring Burnett. (L-R): Bug Music’s SVP of Creative Services Eddie Gomez, CEO John Rudolph, Burnett, and President David Hirshland. Photo: Getty Images

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SESAC affiliate Anthony Smith, who co-wrote the Lone Star hit, “What About Now” among many others, has signed with Nettwerk One Music/Revelry Music Group for publishing. See which other songwriters also joined the new joint venture here.

Back row (l-r): Nettwerk One Music’s Blair McDonald; Revelry Music Group’s Greg Beeckman and Greg Gallo. Front row (l-r): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Revelry’s AJ Burton, Anthony Smith and SESAC’s John Mullins. Photo: Peyton Hoge

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Upper Management Music has signed Gene Watson, who is currently working on a duets album with labelmate and bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent. They have previously released two duet singles. The first single from the new project is expected in May, with the album to follow in June. Watson is known for his 1975 hit “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” his 1982 hit “Fourteen Carat Mind,” and his signature song, “Farewell Party.”

Upper Management Pres. Herb Sandker and Gene Watson make the agreement official during the first recording session at Ronnie's Place on Music Row.

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Mountain Heart has signed with The Roots Agency/SMG Artists for exclusive performance booking representation. With offices in New Jersey, Michigan, and Tennessee, The Roots Agency represents more than thirty artists from genres including Americana, blues, pop/rock and jazz. Larry Kosson will be the responsible agent for Mountain Heart. He can be reached at [email protected].

CMA Music Fest Lineup Additions

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Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, the JaneDear girls, Little Big Town, Ashton Shepherd, Josh Turner, and Chris Young have been added to the lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2011 CMA Music Festival. The four-day event celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and will be held Thurs-Sunday June 9-12 in Downtown Nashville. It will once again be filmed for an ABC Television special that will air later this summer.
Previously announced performers include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban, with more to be revealed later.
For ticket information, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Top (L-R) Chris Young, Little Big Town; Bottom (L-R) Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley

Spotify Celebrates One Million Paid

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“It seems like only yesterday we were hatching ideas for a new music service in a tiny office-cum-apartment with a broken coffee machine, and the party we threw having reached one million users almost two years ago today was one to remember,” said Spotify founder Daniel Ek in his March 8 blog. “So it’s with a sense of real pride and excitement that we can announce a new milestone today, having welcomed our millionth paying subscriber to the service. It’s a testament to our fantastic users who continue to support us and spread the Spotify word, either by telling friends or sharing some of the 200 million playlists that you’ve put together so far.”

Daniel Ek


Spotify has about 10 million registered users across the U.K., Finland, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Spain and a song catalog with over 10 million tracks. The company offers a free ad-supported channel with a cap on total time per month, and a paid subscription offering with better quality sound that also allows users to enjoy the service on mobile devices. Reports say that Spotify lost $26 million in 2009, however the pace of success has been accelerating in recent months. For example, the first goup of 250,000 subscribers took 21 months to amass. However, the last group, from 750,000-1 million took a scant three months.
Of course the biggest single question mark now hanging over Spotify, is its ability to seal the deal with the U.S. labels and launch on this side of the big pond. Reports indicate that Sony and EMI in fact have formed agreements to enable a U.S. launch, but that leaves WMG and Universal still deciding. Should the service successfully negotiate, its next big set of metrics will find it being measured against iTunes which controls the digital market stateside.

BMG Chrysalis Combines Name, Staff

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Now operating under the new moniker BMG Chrysalis, the growing music company continues to rework its top leadership. The name change follows the news that the BMG’s acquisition of Chrysalis is complete.
Last week it was announced that Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Lascelles will leave his post at the end of the month. Lascelles, a longtime Chrysalis executive, steered the company during its $175 million purchase by BMG Rights Management last year. He joined Chrysalis in 1994.
In late February, Hartwig Masuch, CEO of BMG Rights Management, announced that the new BMG Chrysalis will be led in the UK by Alexi Cory-Smith and John Dobinson. Steven Moran is the global Chief Operating Officer.
Nashville is already feeling the trickle-down effect from these changes, with today’s news of downsizing at the company’s EverGreen office. More news is expected as the local offices continue to merge.
In a separate, ongoing story, BMG Chrysalis is one of the potential purchasers for Warner Music Group.