Video Roundup: Grascals, Jesse and Noah, Adam Craig Band

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During Country Cares Radiothon last weekend in Memphis, The Grascals- Danny Roberts, Jeremy Abshire, Kristin Scott Benson, Jamie Johnson, Terry Eldredge and Terry Smith- posed with patient Ella at St. Jude's. (Credit: Jeremy Westby)


The Grascals‘ video for “I Am Strong” has been added for airplay by GAC and The Country Network. Country Hall of Famer Dolly Parton makes a special guest appearance in the video, which was directed by David Corlew and produced by former TN Commission head David Bennett. The song, written by Jamie Johnson and wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson with friend Jenee Fleenor, was inspired by stories of children being treated for cancer and other diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The emotional video was filmed at the hospital and several patients make appearances. “The bottom line and the whole point of the video was to convey the song’s message,” Johnson says.  “We didn’t want to take anything away from the children or their stories, and I think we stayed true to that.” A portion of the proceeds from the song will benefit St. Jude.
•  •  •  •  •
Jesse and Noah Bellamy’s single “Dirty With A Southern Drawl” has been shipped to Texas radio this week by Luna Chica Records, and it is accompanied by a controversial video. Shot in Memphis by director Mike McCarthy, the video incorporates elements of comic book style and WWII iconography to tell the story of a woman’s plan to stop the war through striptease. “Even though this video may raise a few eyebrows along Music Row and will most-likely not be embraced by CMT and GAC, we all feel it maintained the artistic integrity which it was meant to have,” says Brenda Cline, general manager and director of A&R for Luna Chica Records. “We think that viewers are tired of the same old cookie cutter videos. I say ‘bravo’ to Mike McCarthy, and Jesse and Noah’s creative risk taking. As far as the song is concerned, it’s as country radio as it gets and it’s great!”
•  •  •  •  •
The Adam Craig Band has released the video for its song “Nothin’ Wrong.” Directed by Jeff Johnson in conjunction with Gamma Blast, the video was shot in various locations around Manchester, Tennessee. The concept behind it was to capture the value and simple joy in small-town living, being surrounded by a few close friends and the memories shared with them. “I love working with Adam, Brian, Jimi and Ryan” says Jeff Catton, of InTune Entertainment, who manages the band. “They’re extremely hard working and very focused on their career.”

Toby Keith Releases DVD 10

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Toby Keith


Toby Keith will release a DVD compilation of his music videos on March 8. Titled 10, the DVD will include videos for songs such as his debut single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” his Willie Nelson collaboration “Beer For My Horses,” his latest “Bullets In The Gun” and others such as “I Love This Bar” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
Keith’s career includes airplay spins exceeding 70 million, and dozens of major honors including ten video awards.
On Jan. 29, Keith will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage eight years after his first and only performance there.
Toby Keith 10 Track Listing
1. Should’ve Been A Cowboy
2. How Do You Like Me Now?!
3. Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
4. Beer For My Horses (Toby Keith & Willie Nelson)
5. I Love This Bar
6. American Soldier
7. As Good As I Once Was
8. American Ride
9. Bullets In The Gun
10. God Love Her

Music Council Partners With Nashville Entrepreneur Center

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Mayor Karl Dean, along with the Nashville Music Council, have announced a partnership with the recently launched Nashville Entrepreneur Center. This agreement will provide local start-ups in digital media and entertainment with direct support.
Initially the NEC will present business plans for the Music Council, providing entrepreneurs with executive level feedback. Additionally, the NEC will launch a mentoring program for the Music Council, pairing a start-up venture with an industry leader. ASCAP President Tim DuBois and former Sony Chairman Joe Galante have been elected to start the mentoring program.
“Cities seeking to grow and prosper in the 21st century have to support innovation and entrepreneurism in key industries,” says Mayor Dean. “The music industry in particular is ripe for new ideas and new business models that will help shape its transition into the digital age. This partnership between the Music Council and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center will help ensure that the future leader and leading ideas of the music industry are being cultivated right here in Nashville.”
Nashville Entrepreneur Center was launched in 2010 by Vanderbilt faculty member Michael Burcham in hopes of being an incubator for local businesses in four industries: healthcare, technology, social enterprise, and digital media & entertainment. New entrepreneurs will be able to access NEC and its staff for available options and resources.

Wynonna Debuts Novel, Book Signing in Nashville and NYC

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Wynonna Judd will travel to New York next week to make several media appearances for the upcoming release of her debut fictional novel, Restless Heart. The book will be released Jan. 25 and accompanied by appearances on programs such as The Today Show (NBC), The Joy Behar Show (HLN) and Access Hollywood (NBC). On Jan. 27 she will be featured on NBC Nonstop Moms in the City and Sirius/XM Radio The Morning Jolt with Larry Flick.
Wynonna will also sign copies of her book at the Barnes & Noble on Mallory Lane in Brentwood, TN on Friday, Feb. 4 at 7 pm CST. She will also appear at Borders in New York City for a book signing on Jan. 25.
The novel chronicles the life of Destiny Hart, who grapples with love, loss, success and surrender. “I wanted to tell a story of a young woman with her life unfolding before her, facing incredible challenges and incredible opportunities, and making good decisions,” explains Wynonna.
For a complete listing of Wynonna’s television appearances, please click here.

Big Country Signs Morgan Tobias

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Entrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler announced the formation of Big Country Records and the signing of singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias during an industry launch at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this week.
(L-R) standing: Joe Brazil, attorney for Morgan Tobias and Norman Gillis, attorney for Big Country Records. Seated: Glen Baschke, Pres. Big Country Records; Morgan Tobias; and Tammy Hyler, VP Creative for Big Country Records.

Photo: Alan Mayor

MusicRow CRS Meet & Greet Performers Revealed

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Sitting down? You may want to brace yourself for this news.
This year’s MusicRow CRS Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards is going to be a doozie, and those who miss out will likely spend the rest of their days in regret and shame.
We are extremely pleased to feature emerging talents Colt Ford (Average Joe’s Ent.) and Joanna Smith (Columbia Nashville). Both entertainers hail from the great state of Georgia, but are miles apart on the stylistic continuum. Together they represent the wildly diverse talent parameters included under the big tent of modern country music.
Colt Ford’s unique party-starting hybrid of country-rock and hip-hop, combined with a high-energy live show, has catapulted him into a celebrated indie star. Originally from Athens, GA, the former pro-golfer turned musician built a massive following through relentless touring, eventually selling over 150k units of his debut Rollin’ Through The Country. His 2010 sophomore album Chicken & Biscuits hit No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and features an all-star list of collaborators like Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, DMC (of Run DMC), James Otto and more. Ford feels the key to his success has been in bringing something real to his shows and recordings.
“I tried to write songs I would like and that I thought people like me would like,” he says. “I wrote about things they know about, and I can’t tell you how often someone will say, ‘Are you from my home town?’ I’ll say no and they’ll say, ‘You must be, because you write about exactly who we are and what we do.’ That’s the connection. I just tried to be honest and real, and this is what happened. They know I’m one of them.”
Joanna Smith, raised on a farm in tiny Crestview unincorporated, GA, is a captivating young traditionalist, proudly displaying her rural roots in songs like “Farm Girl” and “Gettin’ Married.” After arriving in Nashville, she honed her live performance chops in front of the rowdy nighttime crowds at legendary Broadway hang Tootsie’s. Her upcoming debut album for Columbia features  her new single “Georgia Mud,” as well as a special guest appearance from another beloved traditionalist, Patty Loveless. Like Colt Ford, Smith’s music is an authentic extension of her upbringing and the sounds that inspire her.
“I write like I talk,” Smith says. “It’s just the way that I express myself and the most honest I can be. Songs that have a true story inspiring them are the songs that reach people. I play them and I watch the crowd. I see what they react to and that helps me write better songs.”
This special invitation-only event takes place Tuesday, March 1 leading up to Country Radio Seminar 2011.

Skyville Adds Herring

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Skyville Records managing partners Paul Worley, Glen Morgan and Wally Wilson have named Kevin Herring President of Skyville Records.
“I can hardly wait to get started!” declares Herring. “Few people have made bigger or better records than Paul Worley, from Lady Antebellum and The Dixie Chicks to Martina McBride. He knows hit music and recognizes superstar talent.  Paul will provide hit music, of that I have no doubt!”

Kevin Herring


Herring’s first priority at Skyville Records will be hiring and guiding an A-LIST promotion staff to work Stealing Angels and all future Skyville artists to country radio.
With more than twenty years experience in radio promotion, including tenures at Mercury Records and most recently as VP of National Promotion for The Walt Disney Company’s Lyric Street Records, Herring has been an integral part of breaking some of country music’s most well-known acts, including Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and Toby Keith.
Kevin Herring can be reached at 615-320-7052 or [email protected].
About Skyville Records: Industry veterans Paul Worley, Wally Wilson and Glen Morgan joined forces in 2004 to launch Skyline Publishing. Wayne Halper joined the organization in 2009 as head of business and legal affairs. After many years of successful chart action, the partners founded Skyville Records in 2010, with a focus and emphasis towards toward recognizing and nurturing the talents of new artists and artist/songwriters. Long time music industry executive Kevin Herring serves as the label’s president.

Weekly Chart Report (1/21/11)

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Lee Brice visited with NashvilleCountryClub.com's Editor Leslie Armstrong to discuss his current single "Beautiful Every Time."


SPIN ZONE
Three weeks into 2011, we are starting to see some movement on the CountryBreakout Chart. Luke Bryan’s long, patient climb with “Someone Else Calling You Baby” is rewarded by finally ascending to the No. 1 position. Bryan has over 150 spins on the No. 2 song, Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” but look to see it challenging the top spot soon, competing with Lady Antebellum’s No. 4 “Hello World” and Taylor Swift’s No. 5 “Back To December.”
Elsewhere, newly released singles are starting to pop as programmers move older titles into lighter rotations. Miranda Lambert’s “Heart Like Mine” gets a big boost, moving 35-27. Similarly, Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather” leaps up to No. 29, and Rascal Flatts is close behind at No. 32 with “I Won’t Let Go.” Also quickly advancing is The Band Perry’s “You Lie,” which makes a 54-37 jump in its third week.
Reba’s “If I Were A Boy” earns a huge debut, landing at No. 52 for its first appearance. In the final slot at No. 80 is sister trio Carter’s Chord, whose just-released “A Little Less Comfortable” picked up 120 spins to sneak on the chart. Also debuting are Jayme Lynn Scott’s “No Explainin’ Love” at No. 75, Sandra Piller’s “Days Like These” at No. 78, and LeAnn Rimes’ “Crazy Woman” at No. 79.

(L-R): Brett Eldredge, WDSY PD Stoney Richards, John Oates and Warner Music Nashville Pres./CEO John Esposito at the Pittsburgh Steelers v. Baltimore Ravens playoff game.


RADIO NEWS
Adelle Borchetta has joined McVay New Media as VP/Social Media. Borchetta most recently worked with Lofton Creek Records before launching her own Adelle Borchetta Promotion in 2008. Reach her at [email protected].
Hoss Michaels will join Clear Channel’s KXKT and KTWI/Omaha as Music Director, starting Wednesday, January 26. Michaels spent the previous six years as PD for KZKX/Lincoln, NE. Michaels will also be handling KXKT middays. KXKT/KTWI PD Erik Johnson says, “We couldn’t be happier to have Hoss join our team. His dedication to community and solid relationships in country music will help us build on our 4-book streak at #1 P25-54.”



Upcoming Singles
January 24
Jeff Bates/One Day Closer/Black River
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Valory
Star De Azlan/A Man Who Can Dance/Curb
January 31
Carter’s Chord/A Little Less Comfortable/Show Dog-Universal
Jacob Lyda/I’m Doin’ Alright/Davis Music Group/Nine North
Jamey Johnson/Heartache/Mercury
Jenny & Ashley/Indescribable/Tall Tree/Lofton Creek
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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Starstruck/Valory — 52
Jayme Lynn Scott/No Explainin’ Love/Big 7 — 75
Sandra Piller/Days Like These — 78
LeAnn Rimes/Crazy Women/Curb — 79
Carter’s Chord/A Little Less Comfortable/Show Dog-Universal — 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Starstruck/Valory — 419
The Band Perry/You Lie/Republic Nashville — 404
Zac Brown Band/Colder Weather/Bigger Picture — 403
Miranda Lambert/Heart Like Mine/Columbia — 362
Rascal Flatts/I Won’t Let Go/Big Machine — 315
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Daniel Smith/Until I Close My Eyes for Good/DLS Records — 190
Kate Russell/Damned If I Do — 179
Johnny Tillotson/Not Enough/MAYDU Inc. — 176
David Bradley feat. Rodney Crowell/Hard Time Movin’ On/Gecko — 171
Emma King & The Heartsets/I’m Not Forgotten/PLC — 168
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Starstruck/Valory — 33
The Band Perry/You Lie/Republic Nashville — 29
Rascal Flatts/I Won’t Let Go/Big Machine — 18
Zac Brown Band/Colder Weather/Bigger Picture — 16
Miranda Lambert/Heart Like Mine/Columbia — 15
Carter’s Chord/A Little Less Comfortable/Show Dog-Universal — 10
Trace Adkins/Brown Chicken, Brown Cow/Show Dog-Universal — 10
David Bradley feat. Rodney Crowell/Hard Time Movin’ On/Gecko — 9

Little Engine artist Sean Patrick McGraw stopped by WCJW (Warsaw, NY) to visit with PD/MD Lee Richey and play some songs from his upcoming album. (L-R) McGraw, guitarist "Shaker" and Richey.


New duo Jenny and Ashley recently stopped by MusicRow. (L-R) back: Mike Borchetta, MR’s David Ross and MR’s Jon Freeman. Front: Jenny Cooke, Ashley Cooke and Martha Borchetta.

AMA Announces 2011 Board Executive Committee

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The Americana Music Association has announced its Executive Committee for the 2011 calendar year. These positions are held for one year terms. Returning to their posts for an additional term, David Macias from Thirty Tigers has been named Board President; artist manager Tim McFadden, Vice President; Sylvia Giannitrapani, Secretary; and the two at large Executive Committee members are Music Fog’s Jessie Scott and Al Moss of Al Moss Promotion. Bob Benckert of The Alternate Root is the new Treasurer.
The Board of Directors consists of 19 industry representatives elected by the Americana Music Association membership. Each Director holds his seat for a two year term. The 2011-2012 Board brings newly elected Bob Benckert, Tim Fink of SESAC, Ramseur Record’s Holly Lowman, Todd Ohlhauser of the Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom, and artist Mary Gauthier.
The incoming directors join newly re-elected Amanda Hale-Ornales of New West Records, Sylvia Giannitrapani, Tim McFadden, Al Moss, John Allen of Bug Music, Jessie Scott and returning Board Members Ashley Capps of AC/Entertainment, Joan Kornblith of Voice of America, Pam Matthews, David Macias and artists Chip Taylor, Rodney Crowell, Raul Malo and Buddy Miller.
Super Early BirdFestival and Conference registration rates are now available for the annual Americana Music Festival and Conference which will take place October 12-15, 2011. Visit www.americanamusic.org

WMG Tests Dual Buy-Sell Strategy

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The New York Times has reported that Warner Music Group is putting itself in play. The major music label, one of the four remaining (Universal, Sony, EMI) has hired Goldman Sachs “to seek out potential buyers for the company, a process that will play out while Warner continues to explore buying the beleaguered British music giant EMI.”
Apparently, WMG had received several offers in recent months. The article specifically names Kohlberg Kravis Roberts as one of those having expressed interest.
Insiders note that Warner Music Group’s two main assets, the record label and Warner Chappell Music Publishing might be split. Interestingly, while preparing to place a For Sale sign in its front yard, WMG is also actively exploring talks with Citigroup to acquire EMI. EMI and Citigroup are embroiled in a debt process that might possibly result in the bank gaining control of EMI later this Spring.
The Times article, written by Tim Arango and Andrew Ross Sorkin, explains the dual approach saying it, “underscores the desire of Warner’s private equity owners to either make a big strategic move and double down on the music business by buying EMI, or cash out.” An investment group led by Edgar Bronfman Jr. purchased Warner Music from Time Warner in March 2004 for $2.6 billion.
K.K.R. is in a joint venture with Bertelsmann. The company has a large cash warchest and has been actively purchasing publishing catalogs.
The article cites a letter sent to shareholders by Mr. Bronfman who wrote, “Our confidence in the company’s future prospects is based on our consistent track record and our proven ability to outperform the rest of the industry.” WMG’s stock has had wide valuation swings. It reached a high of almost $30 per share in 2006 and fell below $2 per share in 2009. As of this writing (1/21 9:03 am CT) it was up $1.12 to $5.84 likely in response to the news about the possible deals described in this story.