Lady A To Appear On Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel and More

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Lady A celebrated the success of their 5 week No. 1 single "Need You Now", in Nashville. Pictured L-R: Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Steve Moore, Josh Kear.

Lady A celebrated the success of their 5 week No. 1 single "Need You Now", in Nashville. Pictured (L-R): Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Steve Moore, Josh Kear.

To promote their sophomore album, Need You Now, set for release Jan. 26, Lady Antebellum will be making various media appearances. Their schedule is highlighted by a Jan. 27 performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a performance slot on both the MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 29 and CBS’s telecast of the GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31, as well as a two song outdoor concert on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Feb. 2. The band will wrap up three weeks on the road with a trip to Vancouver for a performance on TODAY live from the 2010 Olympic games on Feb. 16.

Lady A is offering fans who purchase either the physical or digital album, through any retailer, added bonus content through ladyantebellum.com. One track will be given away each month in 2010 with the first track available on Jan. 26. Additionally, the band is world-premiering the album online through MySpace Music, and they will also participate in AOL’s “Sessions” program and Yahoo’s “Maximum Performance” series. Recently Lala started offering the uptempo track “Stars Tonight” through the Facebook gift store, a first time promotion for a country artist.

Lady A is also currently prepping to join Tim McGraw’s Southern Voice Tour kicking off on Feb. 11 in Omaha, NE.

Walmart’s SoundCheck to Feature Josh Turner

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Josh_Turner06Walmart’s Soundcheck series is getting set to launch performance features in February and March on Josh Turner (2/15), Jessie James, Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson. The video programs can be viewed at soundcheck.walmart.com. In addition to live performances the site also has video interviews and a custom soundcheck playlist feature.

One way to stay connected with new offereings is to subscribe to the site’s free RSS feed. One can also stay connected via various social networking outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. Many of the performances can also be enjoyed via free iPhone apps such as the one featuring Miranda Lambert’s exclusive performance from Starstruck Studios released Oct. 31, 2009.

New Music From Texans Josh Abott Band And Zane Williams

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Josh Abott Band

Josh Abott Band

Fast rising Texas act Josh Abbott Band played over 250 shows last year, packing Texas hot spots such as Wild West in Lubbock, Cowboys in San Antonio and Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. Coming off the success of their 2008 debut album Scapegoat, the Josh Abbott Band now returns with their sophomore album She’s Like Texas hitting streets Feb. 16.

Produced by Erik Herbst, Josh Abbott wrote or co-wrote all of the 12 tracks on the album including the lead off single, “All Of A Sudden,” which landed inside the Top 10 on the Texas Music Chart and brand new single, “She’s Like Texas,” to hit radio mid-January.  Released via Pretty Damn Tough Records / Thirty Tigers, the album features special guest performances from Kacey Musgraves, Roger Creager and Trent Willmon.

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Zane Williams

Zane Williams

Fellow Texan Zane Williams released a new album this week called The Right Place. He’ll mark the occasion with a party for all of his Tennessee friends and fans at Judge Beans BBQ in Brentwood, TN on Friday, Jan. 29. The show will begin at 6:00pm and it is free to the public. Radney Foster, another Texas native, produced the project for the singer-songwriter. Williams is also celebrating his writing credit on Jason Michael Carroll’s current hit single “Hurry Home.”

Helping Haiti: Benefits With Superstars, Locals

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taylor_swift_13557The ultimate superstar telethon for Haiti relief efforts airs tonight (1/22) at 8/7 PM/CT on all the major networks and cable outlets. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban are among the A-list celebs set to sing on Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief. The two-hour telethon will also feature performances by Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Coldplay, Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna. Jean, George Clooney and CNN’s Anderson Cooper, will host. Other stars will be answering the phones for donations.

The musical performances will be available for purchase through iTunes beginning tomorrow (1/23), with proceeds benefiting Haiti relief funds. As the most widely distributed telethon in history, the event can be found on numerous television networks and will be live streamed on numerous Web sites and mobile phone carriers.

Before the big telethon, the Gospel Music Channel is world premiering the video for “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” at 6 PM/CT. Kirk Franklin spearheaded the charity recording in Nashville, and more than 150 participants joined the cause including BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, and Jeremy Camp, who were in Music City for the 25th Annual Stellar Awards.

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Charity outreach organization Can-Do has joined forces with Livin The Music to create Project Haiti and is accepting supplies for drop-off at Sound Stage in Nashville (1420 Cowan Ct. 37207, 9am – 5pm). Toby Keith has donated 7 trailers/trucks to be filled with supplies and shipped to Haiti. You can follow the supplies that you donate, on-site operations in Haiti, or make an online donation here. Items needed: Medical supplies (first aid kits, bandages, rubbing alcohol, wipes, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Tylenol…etc.), soap, purified water, hydration containers, non perishable food, baby formula, diapers, work gloves, tarps, face masks, headlamps, clothing, and blankets.

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Word Records & UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) will present a Benefit Concert for Haiti Relief with Point of Grace, Mark Schultz and special guests on Sat., Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m. at Brentwood United Methodist Church. Ticket info here.

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Radio stations are banding together for a one-day national radio event on Feb. 1 to help Haiti through Compassion International. “Help Haiti with Compassion” has a radio tool kit for stations. Content and resources are still being added such as liners and spots from country artists. Any radio group or station is invited to participate. For information contact Mike Severson, Compassion International, Artist & Radio Relations, at 615-496-6023 or mikeseverson@comcast.net.
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The Features, Blue Mother Tupelo, Zach Broocke, Damien Horne, Jason Johnson, Jeanne Jolly, Denitia Odigie, Joe E. Rich, The Roots Union and Scott Simontacchi are set for Nashville Reaches Out: A Benefit For Haiti. It will be at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, at Third & Lindsley. Cost is $10. All proceeds will go to Yele Haiti. The event is headed up by Broocke, Johnson and publicist Jill Garrett.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Grammy Nominees Party

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Nominee Francesca Battistelli, George Flanigen, Recording Academy® chair of the board of trustees, nominee Colbie Caillat Courtesy of The Recording Academy® 2009 Photograph by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com Photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com

(L-R): Nominee Francesca Battistelli; George Flanigen, Recording Academy® chair of the board of trustees; and nominee Colbie Caillat. Photo courtesy of The Recording Academy® 2009. Photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com

Chapter 330

It’s all about the guest list.

“Go on in,” I said to late-arriving Tracy Gershon. “It’s everybody you’ve ever met in your life.”

“This is one of my favorite parties of the year,” said Tom Baldrica. “It’s January 21st, and I still get to wish everybody Happy New Year.”

It’s true. The Grammy is the great community unifier. So the Nashville chapter’s Grammy-nominees party (1/21) drew songwriters, publishers, record-label folks, bluegrass pickers, pop purveyors, gospel-industry honchos, rockers, country stars, managers, classical representatives and media from across the city’s spectrum.

This year’s nominees include attendees Dierks Bentley, Jim Brickman, Jars of Clay, Alison Brown, Ashley Cleveland, fire-breathing vocal phenomenon Jason Crabb, Tom Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Bela Fleck, pop princess Colbie Caillat, Matthew West, James Slater, Nathan Chapman and Michael Martin Murphey.

“To have a Grammy nomination is like, ‘Poof: You did good,” said Rhonda Vincent.

“It’s a pat on the back,” echoed Trace Adkins.

“I hope you win,” I said to Steve Wariner. He replied with the classic statement, “I’m just glad to be recognized and nominated.”

In the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Ballroom, Susan Stewart introduced our Recording Academy chapter president Pete Fisher (who also served as our fearless leader in 1996-97, by the way).

“As each year passes, more and more nominations come from Nashville,” Pete said. “And we are very pleased and honored to have so many nominees with us tonight.”

Susan also recognized Mayor Karl Dean and wife Anne Davis, Nancy Shapiro, Debbie Carroll and the local chapter staff. Loews’ ever-gracious manager and party host Tom Negri was presented with framed Grammy artwork for the 52nd annual awards. Our own George Flanigen is the new national chairman of the board of trustees.

George explained the work and activities of the Grammy Foundation, MuisCares and the Producers & Engineers Wing. “Our local nominees represent what is best about our community,” he added.

Pete congratulated an absent Loretta Lynn on her Lifetime Achievement Award win and introduced Harold Bradley, who is getting a Trustees Award.

“Actually, I was the first president of the Nashville chapter,” said Harold. “I was at a meeting [forming the chapter] and had to leave for a funeral. When I got back, they’d voted me the president!”

“Mr. Bojangles” a 1970 hit by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, is going into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. Jeff Hanna took the stage to accept framed Grammy artwork on behalf of the band.

“They didn’t say that you SANG it,” I complained to him. “They made it sound like I WROTE it,” Jeff replied. “That’s OK. I’ll take it any way I can.”

Have I mentioned the food? We’re talking brie toast points, cheese grits & shrimp, crab cakes with chipotle sauce, succulent roast beef slices, a pasta station and black-eyed peas in shot glasses, not to mention the full bars plus éclairs, chocolates, cream puffs and other assorted desserts.

And back to that guest list. The cast of this fabulon-packed soiree included Shelby Kennedy, Gordon Kennedy, Tim Fink, Tim Nichols, Erika Wollam Nichols, Dan Hill, Dan Hays, Dan Keen, Dennis Lord, Tom Lord, Joanna Carter, Jimmy Carter, Pat Higdon, Paul Barnabee, Mark Bright, Tony Brown, Joe Galante, Drew Alexander, Denise Stiff, Angelo, Garth Fundis, Mary Ann McCready, Clay Myers, power couples Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan and Ron & Regina Stuve, Kay West, Jody Williams, Matraca Berg, Terry Hemmings, John Briggs, Victoria Shaw, Fletcher Foster, Lori Badgett, Lisa Harless, Allen Brown, Doug Howard, Jeff Walker, Jed Hilly. Jason Houser, Jennifer Bohler, Peter Cooper, Karen Byrd, Ronna Rubin, Schatzi Hageman, Chris Keaton, Brad Schmitt, Bill VornDick…..

Like I said, just about everybody you’ve ever met in your life.

Face The Music: The New Sales Math

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“Record labels shouldn’t worry about falling album sales because digital track sales are making up the difference.”

The above statement, often heard in anecdotal discussions, is easy to prove wrong. Let’s look at 2009’s results for the overall industry. According to Nielsen SoundScan, digital track sales grew by 8.3% from 1.07 billion to 1.159 billion, an increase of 89 million. Album sales (including digital albums) slid 12.7% from 428.4 million to 373.9 million, or down 54.4 million units.

Now some basic math: Our formula includes revenue (to record labels) of .70¢ per digital track and average revenue of $9.25 per album sale.

Results: 2009 digital track revenue grew about $62.3 million while album sales revenue fell about $503 million showing a 2009 net revenue loss in excess of $440 million.

So clearly digital track sales are not fully replacing lost album sales revenue. In fact during 2009, digital track increases offset less than 15% of the revenue lost from shrinking album purchases.

SSchartAnother byproduct from album sales tumbling about 50% over the last decade (2000: 785.1 million units; 2009: 373.9 million) is that artists already on the Top Ten Selling Album Artists of the SoundScan Era (1991-1/3/2010) are increasingly likely to become “grandfathered.”

There are four Nashville artists on this exalted Top Ten list: Garth Brooks (No. 1; 68.363 million units sold), George Strait (No. 6; 41.843 million), Tim McGraw (No. 7; 38.677) and Alan Jackson (No. 8; 37.447). This group is likely to become the faces on the Mount Rushmore of all-time country album sales.

For example, Taylor Swift’s Fearless was the top selling album in 2009 and scanned about 3.217 million units. Across all her titles she reached about 4.6 million. Carrie Underwood was the second highest selling Nashville artist with a total of 1.895 million units. Trying to reach 40 million career album units in the face of diminishing album sales is becoming increasingly difficult. It will be extremely rare to see any new artists enter those rankings.

Our final math exhibit is sure to please calendar scribes. This year’s SoundScan numbers are based upon a 52 and 53 week period. Last year’s rankings ended on 12/29/08 and this year the closing date was 1/3/10, a 53 week period. However, SoundScan has chosen to view some data based on the full 53 weeks and some on a 52 week span, starting 1/5/09. This “apples to oranges” approach is confusing everyone. Basically note that for year-to-year sales comparisons the data researchers have used the 52-week period, but for individual artist rankings they are covering the full 53 weeks. This means that officially country sales (based upon 52 weeks, see chart page 1) were down 3.2% and overall industry album sales were down 12.7%. Note that except for the Jazz format, country had the smallest sales drop this year.

Microsoft Salutes CMA’s Tech Initiatives

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Cm,a

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer honored CMA for its technological leadership in the industry last night. CMA Board members in attendance included (l-r) Ed Hardy, President of GAC; Patrick Collins, SESAC Sr. VP of Licensing; Steve Bogard, One Music Group Partner; Ballmer; Jeff Walker, President, The AristoMedia Group; Kitty Moon Emery, CEO, Kitty Moon Emery Enterprises; Tim Wipperman; Greg Hill, Red Light Management; and Chris Felder, CMA Digital Media Director. Photographer: Donn Jones / CMA

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer was in Nashville last night (1/20), where he saluted the Country Music Association as a leader in technology initiatives. During the event at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, he also reconfirmed his company’s commitment to working with the CMA to bridge technology and country music, and presented CMA Digital Media Director Chris Felder with a guitar signed by artists who participated in the 2009 CMA Music Festival.

Ballmer also said he plans to continue helping the CMA’s music education initiative “Keep the Music Playing.” The guitar will be used in a future fundraiser for “Keep the Music Playing,” CMA’s charity initiative in partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education that donates funds to Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Last year, the CMA worked with Microsoft and Firefly Logic to develop new Web-based applications for CMAfest.com. There were the “Be This Close” and “Hot Shots” applications, as well as the “Where Am I” mobile web app that allowed Festival-goers to pinpoint their location and their next destination at CMA Music Festival venues as well as to access shuttle bus schedules. The CMA has worked with Firefly Logic on additional Silverlight-based rich media experiences, including a well-received Twitter-based feed aggregator r for the 2009 CMA Awards.

Stoney Creek Adds Thompson Square

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Pictured below from L-R: SCR’s CEO/President Benny Brown, Thompson Square’s Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson and Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith

Pictured (L-R): SCR’s CEO/President Benny Brown, Thompson Square’s Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson and Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith

Stoney Creek Records CEO/President Benny Brown has signed Thompson Square to a record deal as well as publishing deal with Magic Mustang Music.

The duo is made up of Shawna Thompson and Keifer Thompson. The singer-songwriters are busy finishing their debut album, with the lead single “Let’s Fight,” set for a spring 2010 release.

Thompson Square is managed by Shawn Pennington of Matchless Music Group.

Blue Steel Builds Promo Team

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bsrBlue Steel Records’ label head Steve Pope has been building the radio promotion team. Steve Freeman will head the division as Promotion Director and oversee the Southeast territory. Joining Freeman are Blake Hunter handling the Midwest region, and Faron Smith as the West Coast rep. First on the schedule is working Burns & Poe’s new single, “Don’t Get No Better Than That.” The duo is gearing up for a full album release and radio promotion tour. The single is set to impact country radio on Feb. 2, 2010, with a music video following in the coming weeks.

Freeman is a songwriter and producer who also spent 14 years in radio as on-air talent and Program Director. He held positions at KSSN/Little Rock, KMVK/Little Rock, WKXJ/Chattanooga, KFAY/Fayetteville and KTTI/Yuma. Contact: 615-478-4593;  radio@bluesteelrecords.com

Hunter began his radio career at KSSN/Little Rock as an on-air personality and image director. Over the last ten years, he’s spent time as an on-air talent at KCJC-KVOM/Russellville, AR, and others, and secured KCJC-KVOM and KCNY as reporters for the MusicRow Country Breakout chart. Contact: 501-553-2982; blake@bluesteelrecords.com

Smith has spent the last 10 years fine-tuning his relationships with all forms of media, including working promotional campaigns for BMW/MINI, Bronco Camp For Kids, and Texas Motor Speedway. He has also had experience handling radio promotion on the West Coast. Contact: 505-990-9641; faron@bluesteelrecords.com

Sony Signs Jordyn Shellhart

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JS.IAR.3x3Sony Music Nashville has signed Jordyn Shellhart, a 15-year old singer/songwriter from Franklin, Tenn. The label group is distributing her first album, In A Room, which has already been released.

Shellhart got her start by performing for Frank Rogers and Chris Dubois. It was the day after her 14th birthday and Sea Gayle Music offered her a publishing deal on the spot.

Her entire debut was recorded in a room at her manager Rick Barker’s house, using only instruments and sound equipment available at Best Buy. In conjunction, Shellhart is set for a series of summer performances as part of Best Buy’s @15 initiative, which helps give teenagers a voice.

Sony says Shellhart is a straight “A” student at Centennial High School, and that the sophomore is adamant about graduating before pursuing a full-fledged country music career.