Industry n' Artists Ink 2/24/11

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Rebekah Alperin


Kobalt Ups Alperin • Bellamy Brothers “Hold It Against…” Britney • SESAC Signs Mark Carson
>>Kobalt Music Group has upped Rebekah Alperin to Sr. VP of Communications and Marketing Worldwide. Alperin will report to company CEO/Founder Willard Ahdritz. Her duties will now include global PR/media relations, corporate marketing and branding strategy plus social marketing and online communications. For the last seven years, Alperin operated her own firm, Alperin Entertainment, and served as a PR/Marketing consultant to Kobalt, and many other corporate clients.
>>If I Offered To Settle Would You Cash My Check?: The Bellamy Brothers have released a statement through their attorney, Nashville-based Christopher E Schmidt Esq., regarding the Britney Spears hit single “Hold It Against Me.”

Bellamy Brothers


While ultimately the statement fails to detail any planned concrete legal action, it repeatedly raises the question of whether the new composition infringes on the song recorded by the duo and written by David Bellamy in 1979, “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me.” Schmidt also notes, “The scale tips substantially in knowing that Dr. Luke not only co-produced Britney’s song with Max Martin, but that Dr. Luke also co-wrote the song with Max Martin and others. This isn’t the first time Max Martin and Dr. Luke have been accused of copyright infringement.” Actually apart from the above indirect accusation, Schmidt does not state in the letter that the new Spears effort is in fact a copyright infringement. He concludes his note saying that the two songs have been submitted, “to a renowned musicologist for evaluation and expert opinion.”
>>SESAC has signed Cauley Music Group songwriter Mark Carson for representation.

(L-R): Cauley Music Group’s Jennifer Hicks & Blake Mevis; Carson; SESAC’s Tim Fink & Shannan Hatch. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Fab Photos Wednesday

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Schmidt Named Sec./Treas. of CMA Board
Jessie Schmidt, President of Schmidt Relations, has been named Secretary Treasurer of the CMA Board of Directors. Schmidt gathers with other CMA Board leadership including Chairman Steve Buchanan, President Gary Overton, and President-Elect Pat Collins during last week’s Board meeting in Los Angeles.

Pictured (L-R): CMA Board Chairman and Gaylord Entertainment Senior Vice President of Media and Entertainment, Steve Buchanan; CMA Board President and Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, Gary Overton; CMA Board Secretary Treasurer and President of Schmidt Relations, Jessie Schmidt; and CMA Board President-Elect and SESAC President and COO, Pat Collins.


Rutherford Talks Song Matters With Belmont Students
Earlier this month Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business launched the Song Matters seminar series with hit songwriter Rivers Rutherford. The seminar focused on professional songwriters writing with artists, and Rutherford shared his advice and experience with students.

Pictured (L-R): CEMB Faculty and Song Matters organizer, Dan Keen; Guest, Rivers Rutherford; CEMB Student Enrichment Coordinator, Hanna Easley; CEMB Songwriting Program Chair, James Elliott. Photo: Donnie Hedden


Paisley Revs Up Daytona
CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley revved up the crowd at the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show on Sunday (2/20). He performed “Water,” “Mud on the Tires,” and his current single, “This Is Country Music,” before heading to the pit where he got behind the wheel of the red Chevrolet Camaro SS official pace car as the honorary driver.

Artist Action: Rascal Flatts Get Bieber Fever

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Jay DeMarcus tweeted this photo from the set.


>>Some fans may find it surprising that Rascal Flatts made a music video with Justin Bieber this week, but the real news maker was that the shoot is where Bieber chose to cut his famous locks. They were taping the video for “That Should Be Me” from Bieber’s Never Say Never—The Remixes soundtrack.
>>Eric Church is offering a free download of his new single “Homeboy” through tomorrow (2/24) at www.ericchurch.com. The song is from his upcoming third album and won’t be available for purchase until March 8. Fans have to retweet the message about his ACM nomination to get the download. He penned “Homeboy” with Casey Beathard.
>>Gloriana is letting fans in on the recording process with a new web series called “Studio Insider” at www.gloriana.com. Fans who sign-up for the series will get a first-listen to the album’s lead single, “Wanna Take You Home,” which was co-written by Tom Gossin, the band’s producer and Emblem Music Group label owner Matt Serletic, and Wendell Mobley.

Tim McGraw searches for his roots.


>>Tim McGraw explored his family tree on a recent episode of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? See more.
>>A deluxe edition of Keith Urban’s Get Closer is now available on iTunes. In addition to the CD’s eight original tracks, the deluxe version of the album features three new studio tracks and four live recordings from his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” World Tour. The track “Georgia Woods,” written by Urban and Darrell Brown, is the iTunes’ free download of the week.
>>Blake Shelton is celebrating his third consecutive No. 1 single with “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking.” This hit marks Shelton’s eighth charttopper.
>>Jerrod Niemann’s song “How Can I Be So Thirsty” was featured on last night’s episode (2/22) of Glee.
>>Kellie Pickler visits The Ellen DeGeneres Show today (2/23) to chat about her wedding and share exclusive photos from the big day.
>>Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman will run June 23 through July 28 on Thursday nights. Among the performers will be Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent and Doc Watson.
>>Toby Keith has formed “Pros 4 Vets” with NFL superstars Tommie Harris (Chicago Bears), Roy Williams (Cincinnati Bengals), and Mark Clayton (St. Louis Rams). The non-profit will bring together lawyers, doctors and other professionals to provide free services for military members.

Sales: Thank You Edition

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Jimmy Fallon’s late night show has a Friday feature where he thanks various people and explains why. So on behalf of MusicRow and record label stakeholders everywhere, we’d like to extend the tradition to this week’s column. So let me say…
“Thank You,” Valentines Day. “You bring so much heart to the SoundScan chart by reminding people to give gifts. After chocolate, flowers and jewelry, music is high on the list.
“Thank You,” Grammy Awards. For the last three years you have highlighted Nashville’s musical contributions resulting in nice ‘week after’ numbers. (PS: You didn’t deserve that ‘sore loser’ letter earlier this week.)
Yes, this week’s SoundScan report was heavily influenced by the Grammy telecast (2/13) and the holiday of hearts. Country album sales climbed 10% over the previous week, all-genre sales jumped 12%. But it can all be summed up in three words, “Need You Now.”
Lady Antebellum’s TV trophy romp resulted in the album and single of that name rising to No. 1 on the Current Country Albums (85k) and Country Digital Singles charts (105k) respectively. The album has now sold almost 3.3 million units and the single almost 4.8 million. Taylor Swift is the trio’s only competition for  totals this lofty on the country charts. Swift’s “Love Story,” leads Lady A slightly with over 4.9 million downloads and her Speak Now album trails by about 100k units.
Lost Highway’s Hayes Carll debuts in the No. 12 position on the country chart with sales over 10k of his album Kmag Yoyo. Chris Young’s “Tomorrow” crashes into the digital download chart in the No. 8 position downloading over 30k tracks. By way of comparison, Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” performed on the Grammy show debuted with over 508,000 downloads!
Some careful number crunching shows that YTD country digital album sales as a percentage of total country album sales now total 20.3% (33% all genre). Last year the number  for this period was 15.3%. In line with that number, digital country album sales are up 16.35% this year which shows that country consumers are continuing to catch up to all genre consumers which download more and purchase physical product less—but still have a way to go.
“Thank You SoundScan,” for helping us to track industry sales.

Two-Screen Viewing Enhances TV Experience

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How many nights a week do you sit in front of the TV with a mobile device in your hand or a notebook computer in your lap? Well, marketers are on to you—and they’ve named it “two-screen viewing.”
A new study by Deloitte’s media and entertainment group shows that three-quarters of television viewers are also either online, on the phone or texting.
“The initial fear was that Internet and mobile video and entertainment would slowly cannibalize traditional TV viewing,” says Nielsen Company media product leader Matt O’Grady. “But the steady trend of increased TV viewership alongside expanded simultaneous usage argues something quite different.”
Instead of detracting from program viewing, marketers say the two-screen experience can enhance it. They believe viewers feel more connected to the show when they are discussing it online, turning the shared viewing experience into an event. Engaging with other watchers of the program before, during and after the show via Facebook, Twitter and other sites creates a sense of camaraderie. This trend also encourages live viewing of an episode or awards show, instead of recording it on DVR.
“We know people are multitasking while they’re watching TV,” ABC-TV exec Albert Cheng told the New York Times. “The question is, how do we tap into that and create a whole different consumer experience? We don’t have all the answers, but we are definitely trying different things and seeing how people are reacting.”
ABC is the broadcast home to this Sunday’s (2/27) Academy Awards. The network is teaming with Oscar.com to live stream behind-the-scenes video of the big night. Through about 30 strategically placed cameras, viewers will get to see all the action on the red carpet, in the theater, backstage and at the post-awards Governors Ball. There is a free ad-supported version, or a $4.99 all-access pass. Also available is an Oscar Backstage Pass app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod for 99 cents.
In recent years, awards shows and other programs have been experimenting with ways to enhance viewing through social media. The CMA has hosted Twitter Viewing Parties and live streaming feeds for its awards. At fan-voted awards ceremonies, fans can often vote while the show is airing live.

SESAC Ups Jungmichel

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Scott Jungmichel


SESAC has named Scott Jungmichel Vice President, Royalty Distribution & Research Services. Formerly Associate Vice President, Jungmichel will be responsible for the distribution of both domestic and international royalties to SESAC’s affiliates. Jungmichel will also oversee SESAC’s royalty administration processes including works registration, performance data collection, and royalty calculations for all performance types.
Jungmichel began his career with SESAC in 1993 as a Coordinator in the Licensing Administration department before becoming the Foreign Royalties Administrator in 1994 and Manager, International Royalties & Documentation in 1995. He worked in the Royalty Distribution & Research Services department as Manager, Director & Senior Director before being named Associate Vice President in 2006, a position he held until his recent appointment. Jungmichel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University with degrees in Music Business & Management.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/23/11)

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Music City is Boys Town today.
The ladies are evidently taking the week off, since every platter here on the reviewing desk comes from a solo male. Let the testosterone festival begin.
Your top choices for airplay come from David Nail, Keith Bryant, Steve Azar, Walker Hayes, Kip Moore and Toby Keith. I know nothing whatsoever about Kip Moore, except that he is an exceptional singer with a sensationally well written song. Give him the DisCovery Award.
The Disc of the Day was a contest among Steve Azar, David Nail and Toby Keith. For melodic inventiveness and for daring to do something different, Toby Keith is my man of the hour.
JON WOLFE/Let a Country Boy Love You
Writer: Jon Wolfe/Britton Cameron; Producer: Lex Lipsitz & Jon Wolfe; Publisher: Fool Hearted/Big Music Machine/Golden Gears/Super 98, SESAC/BMI; Fool Hearted (track) (www.jonwolfecountry.com)
—There already is a George Strait. Find your own style.
TOBY KEITH/Somewhere Else
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Music of Stage Three/Bobby’s Song & Salvage, BMI; Show Dog Universal
—This has a very cool, tongue-tripping groove and unexpectedly jazzy chord changes. He fires the lyric at you, but holds back just a wee bit of bluesy drawl. A terrific, addictive change of pace.
ALLEN KARL/That’s All Behind Me Now
Writer: Larry Alderman; Producer: Tom Manche; Publisher: Aldersong, ASCAP; Century II (track)
—The title tune to this artist’s latest CD is taken at a glacial pace, without the global warming.
STEVE AZAR/Hard Road
Writer: Steve Azar/James House; Producer: Steve Azar & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Webbie Writin’/Nice Shot/Kobalt/Jamshare/Friday Records/Evergreen, BMI; Ride (track) (www.steveazar.com)
—The sound is marvelously crisp as this shambles its way into your heart. It’s a traveling-the-highway song with just the right touch of blue-collar angst. Play and believe.
THE PEAR RATZ/Ozona
Writer: Joe Talbert; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; KSB (www.pearratz.com)
—The vocal is mired in sonic muck to thick you can hardly hear it. Incompetence preserved forever on plastic.
DAVID NAIL/Let It Rain
Writer: David Nail/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Chuck Ainley & Frank Liddell; Publisher: Scrambler/Carnival/BMG Gold Songs/Glassbean and We Jam Writers Group, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This man’s winning streak continues. His heart is shredded to pieces in this midtempo meditation, and it shows in every vocal inflection.
KEITH BRYANT/The Note
Writer: George Teren/Tom Hambridge; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Songs of Elevation/Teren It Down, BMI; Jordash (www.jordashrecords.com)
—I have always liked this guy’s singing, and I’ve always been a sucker for story songs. His clear phrasing is just right for this tale of old lovers reconnecting in the wake of her father’s passing.
HAYES CARLL/KMAG YOYO
Writer: Hayes Carll/Scott Davis/John Evans; Producer: Brad Jones; Publisher: Highway 87/Bug/Scott Davis/Shakeabush, SESAC/BMI; Lost Highway
—This nightmare imagery of wartime Army drug experimentation is equal parts Jerry Lee Lewis and Bob Dylan, with a dash of Hendrix electric guitar tossed in for spice. It probably rocks too hard for country radio, but is mighty potent nonetheless.
WALKER HAYES/Why Wait for Summer
Writer: Walker Hayes/Fred Wilhelm; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (track)
—I loved everything about his debut single, “Pants.” This shiny, bright follow-up bops right along with its good-times message. Sunny, to say the least.
KIP MOORE/Mary Was the Marrying Kind
Writer: Kip Moore/Scott Stepakoff/Dan Couch; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Connan/Roll Though/BMG Rights Management/Sony-ATV/Songs From the Couch, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—He sings with terrific urgency, and the thumping production matches him lick for lick. As he goes through a laundry list of lovers, he realizes what an awful mistake he’s made in romance. The heartbeat rhythm section is perfection.

Brantley Gilbert Signs With Valory

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The Valory Music Co. has signed country rocker Brantley Gilbert. His first single for the label will impact radio in April with an album to follow later in the year.
With two albums to his credit, Gilbert has been building a career through previous label home Average Joe’s Entertainment.
His most recent release, Halfway to Heaven, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and has spent 48 consecutive weeks in the chart’s Top 20.
Gilbert’s first album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, also spent 32 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.
As a songwriter the Georgia native had a recent hit with “My Kinda Party,” the title track to fellow Georgian Jason Aldean’s new album.
Gilbert, who consistently sells out 2,000+ capacity venues, is set to headline the second stage of Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown tour this summer.
Rich Egan of Hard 8 Management is Gilbert’s manager, he can be contacted at [email protected].

TV Appearances: Adkins, Lewis, Thompson Square, and Ford

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Trace Adkins on CMT and GAC

Trace Adkins made recent stops at CMT and GAC to premiere his latest video, “Brown Chicken Brown Cow.” Trace was joined by the cast of the hit video on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown.

Left: Adkins with video cast and GAC host Nan Kelley. Right: Adkins with CMT host Evan Farmer. Photo: Amber McSwain

Aaron Lewis on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Aaron Lewis will mark the March 1 release of his solo debut CD, Town Line, on Stroudavarious Records with a performance that night on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Staind frontman will perform “Country Boy,” the CD’s first single.  He’ll also appear the day before (2/28) on the nationally syndicated radio show “Rockline.” Since its release, the single has sold over 182,000 copies (over 21,000 last week alone, outselling the top 5 most-played songs at rock radio combined) and is currently No. 15 on the Billboard Country Digital Singles sales chart.

Thompson Square on The Country Vibe

Breakout duo Thompson Square joins hosts Chuck Long and Becca Walls this week as The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca begins its third season. The show which features interviews and news from the world of country music airs The CW-Nashville (WNAB) Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. CST.

(L-R): Chuck Long; Shawna and Keifer Thompson; and Becca Walls.

Colt Ford on MTV

Average Joe’s Entertainment’s Colt Ford will make a guest appearance on MTV’s The Theriot Family: Riot In The Bayou series premiere debuting February 23 as part of their “True Life” series. Ford invited the Theriot family to attend his show at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where a few of the members even danced to the title track of his latest album, “Chicken And Biscuits,” on stage with Ford and his band.

Garth Brooks, Leon Russell To Join Songwriters Hall

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Garth Brooks (L), Leon Russell (R)


Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, John Bettis, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint will become the newest members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The event is set for Thursday, June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Certified by the RIAA as the No. 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history, Brooks has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. As a songwriter his credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and more.
Fellow inductee Leon Russell has been busy collaborating with Elton John. His songwriting credits include “A Song For You,” “This Masquerade,” ” Delta Lady,” “Tight Rope,” “Bluebird,” “Back To The Island,” and “Hummingbird.” He will also be honored with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s first Award for Musical Excellence in March.

Other inductees include John Bettis, who has written songs that have sold more than 250 million records worldwide such as “Human Nature” and “Crazy For You;” musician, songwriter and record producer Allen Toussaint, who wrote songs “Yes We Can” and “Working in the Coalmine;” and Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly who co-wrote five No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including “Like A Virgin,” “True Colors,” and “Eternal Flame.”