Study Compares Industry Perception With Fan Results

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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® and the Country Music Association have partnered to present a unique research project at CRS 2011, which tracks new media usage by country fans, as well as music executives’ perception of that usage.
The study dissects the awareness, interest in and usage of new media devices, social media, smartphone applications and radio station and artist websites in the country consumer’s daily life. It also polls participants on topics including music consumption, interaction with and purchase of music via new media outlets, radio listening versus television and Internet usage, and adoption trends of services such as Netflix, Skype and standard texting.
“I think one of the most interesting things about this year’s study is that it’s going to poll people within our industry, not just fans and radio listeners,” said Rusty Walker, president of Rusty Walker Programming. “It will be interesting to see how accurate we are in predicting the popularity of new media in the daily lives of our listeners. I’m betting there will be some surprises there.”
The study, conducted by Coleman Insights, covers a cross-section of 18- to 54-year-old country radio listeners who will be polled via online interviews. A significant sample of industry professionals including programmers, managers, and artists will be contacted as well. Surveying begins this month to ensure the most current findings.
The results will be presented Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Nashville Convention Center. CRS 2011 runs March 2-4, 2011. The $499 regular registration rate is available at www.CRB.org or through the Country Radio Broadcasters offices at (615) 327-4487.

Awards Show Changes Boost Viewers, Ad Rates

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Awards show changes designed to boost ratings seem to be paying off in terms of ad revenue. The ACM has added fan voting over the last few years in order to encourage participation which leads to viewership on the big night.
Last year, the Oscars attracted a bigger audience by expanding the Best Picture category, which allowed for more blockbusters to be eligible for the night’s top honor. The move yielded an average audience of 41.3 million viewers, an increase from 2008’s low of 32 million.
Heading into the Feb. 27, 2011 Academy Awards, ABC is increasing ad rates for its broadcast for the first time in three years. AdAge reports a 30-second spot on the show in going for about $1.7 million, up from the 2009 and 2010 cost of $1.3 – $1.5 million.
The publication says that major, live TV events like awards shows are becoming increasingly attractive to advertisers in the face of audience fragmentation due to mobile devices, online viewing, etc.
The Oscars typically follow only the Super Bowl and NFL championship games for top annual TV ratings.

2010 Sales Wrap: Country Slide Continues

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Today is an especially robust data day for Nielsen SoundScan watchers since the week ending 1/2/2011 closes the door on 2010. Pundits will continue squeezing out details over the next few weeks in an effort to fully understand the past and perhaps peer into what lies ahead, but simply stated the industry overall continued its decline, with CD sales (both physical and digital) dropping 12.8% compared with 2009. Country CD sales for the same period fell a kinder, gentler 5.2% affording the format a slightly stronger market share of total CD sales— 13.4%—up from last year’s 12.3%. (As the album sales graph shows, country CD sales have plummeted almost 50% since this decade’s highpoint in 2004.)

Keeping this year’s decline in the 5% range required a massive fourth quarter full court press on the consumer. (As late as 9/5/10 country was behind 13.2%.) The ten Top Selling Q4 Country CD releases shown in the colorful graph [above] show how much superstar product was launched into the marketplace. The Sales Percent graph [top] shows how the numbers (and consumers) responded. Six artists were able to shift more than a half million units each in the 15 week (or less) holiday season leading to year end. Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now also must be mentioned. Although the trio debuted 49 weeks earlier this year and therefore didn’t make our Q4 chart, they racked up 3.09 million units YTD.
Taylor Swift’s spotlight continued to shine brightly this year, eclipsing all but a very few other artists worldwide. Her 1.05 million unit Speak Now debut week (10/31) exploded and she ended the year selling just shy of 3 million units over a 10 week period. The colorful Q4 graph tells the tale and explains why the young singer/songwriter continues to reap large editorial coverage.
As we wonder about 2011, insiders project that retail shelf space will continue to shrink, and marketers will therefore continue to place a premium on prospecting for new sales opportunities.
In 2010 country digital album sales grew to about 15% of the total up from 11% in 2009. However, all genre digital album purchases equal 26% (up from about 20% last year). This 15/26 gap shows that country consumers still have a lot of catching up to do as they travel toward the digital frontier. However, with the amazingly rapid integration of smartphones, tablets and more, 2011 may well be the year that country’s fans narrow the format’s “technology gap.”

Brad Howell Joins Show Dog-Universal

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Brad Howell


Show Dog-Universal Music has added Brad Howell as VP of National Field Promotion. His extensive experience ranges from radio programming, to promo exec positions at Warner Bros. and Equity, as well as GM of Broken Bow Records. Howell will report to Show Dog-Universal VP of Promotion Rick Moxley.
“Brad has been both an innovative promoter and a rock-solid record executive for several years now,” commented Moxley. “His experience and leadership will greatly benefit our team as the New Year unfolds.”

Macy Morgenthaler


In addition, Moxley announced the promotion of Macy Morgenthaler to Northeast Regional Promotion & Marketing Manager. Morgenthaler, a Belmont graduate and Arkansas native, previously served as A&R Coordinator for the label as well as executive assistant to label Pres. Mark Wright for four years.
Morgenthaler’s previous position will be filled by Laurel Kittleson who has worked as Production/Creative Services Assistant at the label for the past year. Her new title is A&R/Production Coordinator. A Belmont graduate and Seattle native, Kittleson held previous positions at Elevation Music Publishing and served as personal assistant to award–winning songwriter Rivers Rutherford. She will continue performing her previous duties as well as assisting Wright.

Laurel Kittleson


Brad Howell / VP National Field Promotion/615.324.7779/ brad.howell@sdumusic.com
Macy Morgenthaler 615.324.7768/ macy.morgenthaler@sdumusic.com
Laurel Kittleson/ 615.324.7763/ laurel.kittleson@sdumusic.com

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/5/11)

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Happy New Year.
What a great way to start 2011: There’s not a stinker in this stack of platters.
You’ll find two DisCovery Award contenders here, The Don Ray Band and our winners, Brother Slade. Both of them are Nashvillians, by the way.
Similarly, we have two pop veterans in attendance, Johnny Mathis and Johnny Rivers.
But the Disc of the Day has no companions. The Zac Brown Band stands alone in its greatness.
BROTHER SLADE/Tom Petty Song
Writer: Marc Christian; Producer: Marc Christian; Publisher: Brother Slade, SESAC; Sully Boy (traqck) (www.brotherslade.com)
—This winsome four-piece band is based south of Music City in Franklin. On its debut single, the group sports a jangling, jaunty sound that’s mighty fine. The rootsy, drawling, conversational vocals are just right for the down-home lyric. The album is called No Relation, and it’s recommended.
THE BAND PERRY/You Lie
Writer: Brian Henningsen/Chris Henningsen/Aaron Henningsen; Producer: Paul Worley; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/How Bout That Skyline/Cactus Moser, BMI; Republic Nashville
—This trio of siblings broke through with a tender ballad in 2010. The follow-up is a slab of sass. Don’t be misled by the acoustic mandolin intro—this little doggie bites with sharp teeth. Attitude with a capital A.
MIKE DEKLE/Ode To Bob Dylan
Writer: Mike Dekle; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Square D, ASCAP; Parlay (track) (www.mikedekle.com)
—Dekle is a Georgia songwriter noted for “Scarlet Fever” (Kenny Rogers), “Don’t Love Make a Diamond Shine” (Tracy Byrd), “Size Matters” (Joe Nichols) and “A Day in the Life of a Fool” (George Jones, Keith Whitley, Mark Chesnutt). His new Nashville-produced album is called Tributes. He sings with great country “heart.” Despite his hillbilly grit, he says in this song that he was inspired to become a songwriter by Dylan, rather than Haggard. It’s totally cool that he “wanted to be Mr. Tambourine Man.”
ZAC BROWN BAND/Colder Weather
Writer: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/Levi Lowrey/Coy Bowles; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound/Lil’ Dub/Angelika/Southern Ground/Poppsolotamus, BMI; Atlantic (track)
—Zac sounds like a hillbilly James Taylor on this highly-melodic, folkie ballad. And, man, can his bandmates harmonize. Hang on to your hat when they get to the soaring midsection. I can’t get over how fantastic this group is. We are not worthy.
DON RAY BAND/On Top Of The Heap
Writer: Don Ray/Curt Ryle; Producer: Don Ray; Publisher: Margdon/Big Matador, BMI; Margdon (track) (www.donrayband.com)
—This Nashvillian has a growling, bluesy, bruiser delivery. On the title tune to his current CD, he is a working-class moaner with more than a little Southern-rock punch. For some grins, spin “Perfect Ten,” wherein he digs a fat chick to a rocking backbeat. “So Wicked” is voodoo swamper. “Boom Chika Wah Wah” and “Good Bad Boy” are irresistibly sexy. Heck, this whole album rawks. I bet these guys are great live.
JOHNNY RIVERS/New Home
Writer: Eric C. Bibb; Producer: Johnny Rivers & Oren Waters; Publisher: Bug, no performance rights listed; Soul City (www.johnnyrivers.com)
—This pop legend’s second country-leaning single is written by nouveau blues practitioner Eric Bibb (the son of folk star Leon Bibb), and that gives the lyric tremendous believability. Johnny has always enacted the poor boy effectively, and he continues that tradition here.
DANIELLE CAR/Walk Of Shame
Writer: Danielle Car; Producer: Chuck Alkazian & Danielle Car; Publisher: none listed; DC (track) (www.daniellecarmusic.com)
—I first encountered this Detroit country gal in last year’s Christmas column. It turns out that she also has a five-song EP that kicks off with this blistering, breakneck country rocker. Promising in the extreme.
JOHNNY MATHIS & ALISON KRAUSS/Let It Be Me
Writer: Gilbert Becaud/Mann Curtis; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publisher: France/Universal, ASCAP/SDRM; Columbia (track)
—This legendary crooner came to Nashville last year to make his latest CD. But despite the Music Row players and Music City repertoire (”Make the World Go Away,” “Crazy,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Please Help Me, I’m Falling,” “You Don’t Know Me” etc.), this is not an attempt at a “country” record. However, it is—as this string-embellished Everly Brothers remake perfectly illustrates—very, very pretty.
D.J. MILLER/A Little Naughty Is Nice
Writer: Charlie Black/Don Goodman/Robert Resnick; Producer: Morris, Goodman & Resnick; Publisher: none listed; Evegreen (615-327-3213)
—With its merry tempo and insistent guitar groove, it has the feel of a fun-ride Tilt-a-Whirl. Miller sings with verve and gusto while the track spins along.
PETE ANDERSON/Even Things Up
Writer: Pete Anderson; Producer: Pete Anderson, Michael Murphy & Tony Rambo; Publisher: Jessee Lee, BMI; Little Dog (track) (www.peteanderson.com)
—Guitar wonder and Dwight Yoakam hit producer Pete Anderson sings with a cool, sandpapery whisper on his current Even Things Up CD. The bluesy title tune has rumbling percussion and plenty of Pete-played harmonica and electric guitar. Music City’s Becca Bramlett is the esteemed guest lead vocalist on “Still in Love,” but otherwise this is Mr. Anderson’s showcase from top to bottom.

WSIX's New Morning Team

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Billy Greenwood and Karla Lawson


Billy Greenwood and Karla Lawson have taken over the morning shift at WSIX following the end of Gerry House’s long-running “House Foundation” show.
Their first day with the new gig was Jan. 3, 2011.
Lawson previously handled traffic duties for the “House Foundation.” She has 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, and has spent 15 years in broadcast radio.
Greenwood has been in radio for 20 years, and was nominated for R&R’s Personality of the Year in 2007. He was also a judge on USA Network’s Nashville Star in 2004.
Zak is on board as the show’s producer. Check out the show’s blog.
In other Gerry House news, expect details this week about an invitation-only roast of the DJ Hall of Fame inductee, set for Feb. 3.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame New Board

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John Van Mol


The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) has elected John Van Mol Chairman of the Foundation, and elected NaSHOF inductee Pat Alger, and veteran songwriter Steve Bogard to its 2011-12 Board of Directors.
Van Mol succeeds Roger Murrah who is stepping down after five years as Chairman.
NaSHOF Board officers:
Chair: John Van Mol, CEO, Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence
Vice Chair: Wayland Holyfield, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member
Treasurer: Pete Fisher, VP/GM, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Entertainment
Secretary: Layng Martine, Jr., songwriter
Also serving on the Board of Directors are: Mike Dye, Managing Partner, GroupXcel; Kye Fleming, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member; Becky Judd, Exec. Asst. to Mike Curb, Curb Records; Dr. Bethel Thomas, VP of University Advancement, Belmont University; Troy Tomlinson, Pres. and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Nashville; and Mike Vaden, Director, Decosimo/Vaden.
Ex-officio members serving on the board are entertainment attorney David L. Maddox as Counsel; and author/critic/MusicRow contributor Robert K. Oermann as Historian. Jeff Skillen is the board’s Director of Development, while NSAI’s Mark Ford serves as Manager of Affairs.

The Grascals Raise Awareness For Childhood Cancer

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The Grascals


Nashville’s music community is gathering in support of “I Am Strong,” a song raising awareness about childhood cancer. The song was written by The Grascals band member Jamie Johnson and his wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson along with Jenee Fleenor after the group visited the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. One version of the song was recorded by The Grascals, with special guest Dolly Parton. Another version includes The Grascals, Parton, Randy Owen, Joe Nichols, Darryl Worley, Terri Clark, Charlie Daniels, Tom T. Hall, The Oak Ridge Boys and Steven Seagal.
A music video was directed by cancer survivor David Corlew of d. corlew films and is available below and at several online outlets. Clear Channel Digital and Citadel Digital are hosting the video on the homepage of all their country radio station websites.
Cracker Barrel is donating a percentage of the proceeds from The Grascals & Friends—Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Top Country Tours of 2010

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George Strait and Reba headlined one of the year's biggest country tours.


The biggest grossing tours in 2010 belonged to George Strait/Reba/Lee Ann Womack, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
The Strait tour was the highest grossing North American country tour in 2010, according to Pollstar’s year-end chart. Grossing $41.6 million in box office receipts, the outing placed 14th on the all-genre Top 50 North American tours list (see full list containing agencies, ticket sales, number of dates).
Brad Paisley came in right behind the Strait package with $40.7 million, followed closely by Tim McGraw with $39 million, and Carrie Underwood with $38.8 million.
Other country stars on the top 50 include Taylor Swift ($34.2mm), Rascal Flatts ($28.4mm), Brooks & Dunn ($25.7mm), Toby Keith ($25.5mm) and Sugarland ($19mm).
Bon Jovi secured the No. 1 spot with $108 million.
Here are some of the Worldwide tour rankings: McGraw ($42.9mm), Paisley ($42.4mm), Strait/Reba ($41.6mm), and Swift ($40.4mm).
The magazine says box office grosses and ticket sales were down from 2009. The combined gross for the Top 50 North American tours in 2010 was $1.69 billion, down about 15% from last year. Total tickets sold was 26.2 million, a 12% decrease from 2009.

Recording Academy To Honor T Bone Burnett

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Producer T Bone Burnett will receive a salute from the Producers & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy during Grammy Week. Titled “Shaken Rattled & Rolled,” the special event is part of the 10th Anniversary celebration of the P&E Wing. Grammy winners Elton John and Leon Russell (whose duet album The Union was produced by Burnett) will serve as honorary co-chairs of the gala, which will be held Wednesday, February 9 at The Village Recording Studios in Los Angeles.
“When the Producers & Engineers Wing was established, an essential voice was created for music makers: the voice of those ‘behind the glass’ that work so diligently to ensure that the quality and integrity of recorded music is captured and preserved,” says Recording Academy CEO/President Neil Portnow. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is only fitting that we pay tribute to one of our industry’s finest, T Bone Burnett, whose visionary talent and masterful skills have greatly impacted the landscape of audio production.”
Grammy Week ends with the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 13, airing live on CBS at 8/7 pm ET.