HFA Inks Gracenote Lyrics Deal

/by

hfaLogoU.S. music rights licensing organization, the Harry Fox Agency has entered into a digital lyrics licensing arrangement with Gracenote, a provider of lyrics for digital music applications. The agreement includes lyric delivery with permanent downloads, CD playback, online subscription services, lyrics search, mobile services and consumer devices. HFA’s over 37,000 represented publishing catalogs will have the option of licensing Gracenote™ Lyrics under the new deal.

“The Gracenote Lyrics offering enhances many different music services including Clear Channel, MetroLyrics, MTV, Pandora, and Yahoo! Music, and adds another layer to the fan’s experience,” said Michael Simon, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, General Counsel and Chief Strategic Officer for HFA. “This arrangement demonstrates HFA’s continuing commitment to deliver new revenue opportunities for its represented publishers.”

Gracenote, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, is a global leader in embedded technology, enriched content, and data services for digital entertainment solutions within the Internet, consumer electronics, mobile, and automotive markets.  The company is one of the largest providers of lyrics, with authorized song lyrics from all four major music publishers and hundreds of independent publishers.

Chesney In 3-D

/by

Kchesneynown for his blockbuster roadshow, Kenny Chesney has his own concert movie coming to theaters in April. He teamed with Sony Motion Pictures’ The Hot Ticket Division to release Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D.

The film was shot over six nights in five cities—Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boston and Indianapolis—using 22 different 3-D cameras. Other 3-D concert films have covered the Rolling Stones and U2.

“It’s crazy how up close this puts you,” exclaims Chesney. “It was an amazing—and at times scary—experience to have cameras that close, in the air, on a blimp… ’cause they are everywhere. But to see what this film captures, all the energy, the thrill and an even better focus on some of the most rocking nights we’ve ever had, all I can say is…wow.”

With three CMA nominations (Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, and Vocal Event with Mac McAnally) Chesney performs “I’m Alive” with Dave Matthews on the CMA Awards live telecast Nov. 11 on ABC.

For further information and to purchase tickets for Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D, visit www.TheHotTicket.net.

Moraine Inks Admin Deal With Nettwerk

/by
(L-R) Brent Maher, Dianna Maher and Mark Jowett

(L-R) Brent Maher, Dianna Maher and Mark Jowett

Moraine Music Group has completed a worldwide administration deal and joint venture with Vancouver-based Nettwerk One Music. Moraine recently celebrated a No. 1 country single, “Small Town USA” recorded by Justin Moore. Moraine writer/artist Johnny Reid with producer/writer Brent Maher swept the CCMA Awards winning a total of six trophies.

Nettwork has publishing, label and management activities and has been involved with artists such as Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies and more.

“We have been looking for the right partner to continue to expand our company, and Nettwerk’s vision, passion, and ‘artist first’ approach to the industry met all of our needs. We are excited to align ourselves with such an innovative and creative company.” adds Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group.morainelogo

“Nettwerk is thrilled to be working with Moraine Music. The caliber of writers and artists that Moraine works with is tremendous, and we are excited to team up with Moraine and expand their global reach,”  says Mark Jowett, Co-MD of Nettwerk One.

New Music Coming From Montgomery Gentry

/by

Mmontgomery gentryontgomery Gentry is planning a new album to be released in early 2010. The lead single “Oughta Be More Songs About That,” is at radio now and has an official impact date of Nov. 30.

The song, co-penned by Eddie Montgomery, recognizes the importance of hard work, forgiveness, and social responsibility. It will be on the duo’s forthcoming CD for Columbia Nashville, which marks their seventh studio effort. Montgomery Gentry rejoins Blake Chancey, who produced their 2008 album Back When I Knew It All. That most recent project yielded the No. 1 hits “Back When I Knew It All,” and “Roll With Me,” the Top 10 “One In Every Crowd,” as well as a nod for ACM Album of the Year.

Wariner, Morgan Find Inspiration In The Past

/by

steveArtists are looking to the past for inspiration for their new albums. Steve Wariner salutes Chet Atkins with his release out tomorrow (11/10) and Lorrie Morgan revisits Country classics for her new project.

Wariner’s My Tribute to Chet Atkins, is a self-produced ode to the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. For the album, Wariner took a unique approach and did more than simply play Atkins’ songs. As he has repeatedly stated, “You can’t out-Chet Chet.” Instead, Wariner arranged the album as a rough timeline of Atkins’ life, from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that Atkins recorded or performed—“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry” and “Blue Angel, as well as “Producer’s Medley,” but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous. The album is available on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records, distributed by Allegro Media Group. This week Wariner visits GAC Nights, Kix Brooks on American Country Countdown, Eddie Stubbs’ on 650 AM WSM (11/16), and RFD’s Ralph Emery Live (11/23). On Friday, Nov. 13, he will sign copies of the CD at Opry Originals, the Opry store in downtown Nashville, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to his Opry at the Ryman appearance.

morganLorrie Morgan’s latest, A Moment In Time, is her interpretation of classic country songs such as “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Cry” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Available through Country Crossing Records, the album was recorded live and produced by Wally Wilson and Chip Voorhis. The album also features duets with Raul Malo (“Easy Lovin’”) and Tracy Lawrence (“After The Fire Is Gone”). Her promotional appearances include GAC, CMT, The Daily Buzz, Sirius/XM, Fox News, HLN’s and the Food Network’s Iron Chef.

Early next year, Morgan will return to New York to begin rehearsals for the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country, the 1992 film starring George Strait. Morgan will star as “Lula,” in the role originally played in the movie by Lesley Ann Warren. Playing opposite Morgan is fellow country star Joe Nichols in the role of “Dusty.”

Sony Moves McKinley, Reworks Marketing Dept.

/by

lmSony Music Nashville Marketing Vice President Tom Baldrica announced today (11/9) that Laura McKinley has assumed the post of Manager, Marketing & Artist Development for the label group’s Arista Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. A seven-year company veteran, McKinley first became Manager, Marketing & Artist Development in 2007, most recently working with the BNA and Columbia Nashville labels.

Remarking on the shift in responsibilities, Baldrica praised, “Laura’s drive, focus, and creativity are undeniable. We’re currently in the process of filling a senior vacancy in the department, and having Laura’s experience and ability in place for these labels is ideally suited to keeping things on track and flowing smoothly.”

In her new role, McKinley will be a key member of the marketing team working with such artists as Brooks & Dunn, Jason Michael Carroll, Sara Evans, Danny Gokey, Alan Jackson, Jypsi, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Chuck Wicks, and Chris Young.

An announcement of a new head of marketing & artist development for Arista Nashville and RCA will be forthcoming.

Jon Elliot was previously VP of Marketing & Artist Development for Arista Nashville and the RCA Records label. In June he and fellow former Sony exec. Christian Svendsen formed W.A.Y. Entertainment, offering management and marketing services.

Underwood Plays On; More Artist News

/by

Carrie and Brad co-host the CMA Awards on Nov. 11.

Carrie and Brad co-host the CMA Awards on Nov. 11.

Carrie Underwood will make her first ever appearances on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (11/16) and Jimmy Kimmel Live! (11/19), and is set for a return visit to Ellen (11/18). She is making the rounds in support of her new album Play On. Unofficial estimates are expecting debut week sales to hit close to 350k units.

This week Underwood appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, and Live! with Regis and Kelly. As previously announced, next week for the CMA Awards she will make a second appearance on GMA live from downtown Nashville (11/10), and co-host the Awards with Brad Paisley, where both are nominees. On Thurs., Nov. 12 A&E debuts Biography-Carrie Underwood.

———————————

Randy Houser’s video for his new single, “Whistlin’ Dixie,” is premiering today on CMT. It was directed by Revolution Pictures’ Chris Hicky. The song will appear on Houser’s sophomore album scheduled for release this spring. Houser is currently on the CMT tour with Jamey Johnson. In between shows this week, Johnson performed at actor Matthew McConaughey’s 40th birthday party.

——————————————————————

Brooks & Dunn are the inspiration behind Toyota’s new “Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater by Brooks & Dunn.” The Tundra has been a sponsor of Brooks & Dunn for the past three-plus years and this concept vehicle celebrates the duo’s upcoming 2010 farewell tour. Dubbed the “Ultimate Tailgating Experience®” the truck has a cooking space with countertops, infrared barbeque, beverage tap, ice chest, 42-inch flat screen TV in the bed and Kicker sound system. The exterior is accented by custom door handles, a chrome Brooks & Dunn logo steer skull on the grille, and a chrome-accented steer skull tailgate handle.

———————————
Toby Keith’s new single “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” and its accompanying video are a
tribute to his late friend and basketball legend, Wayman Tisdale. Tisdale passed away unexpectedly in May from health problems. Keith is on his America’s Toughest Tour drawing standing-room-only crowds, and he’ll embark on his first European tour this month.

———————————

Zac Brown Band has added a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 28. Tickets go on sale Fri., Nov. 13 at 10 AM, Ryman box office or Ticketmaster. Last night ZBB played The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.

Flatts Wrap First Leg of Tour

/by

rascalflattsThe first leg of the Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour wrapped last weekend, just in time for Gary, Jay, and Joe Don to make it home for the CMA Awards on Nov. 11. Since the run began in June, the Lyric Street act sold 550,000 tickets and played 39 shows. This total includes the two sold-out stadium concerts at Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Columbus’ Crew Stadium.

During 2009 the band has sold over a million concert tickets, bringing its four year total to just over 4 million tickets sold.

Next up, Rascal Flatts are nominated for Group of the Year at the CMA Awards, and Country Group and Country Album of the Year at the American Music Awards on Nov. 22.

Rascal Flatts newest CD Unstoppable has been certified platinum, which brings their career album sales to 20 million units.

John Rich To Grand Marshal Parade

/by

John Rich

John Rich

John Rich will serve as Parade Grand Marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade, hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas. The parade benefits Piedmont’s Share the Warmth Round Up program, and kicks-off the Christmas season in downtown Nashville on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

Rich and Mayor Karl Dean will light the Nashville Christmas Tree at the Public Square, near the intersection of 2nd Ave and Union Street. Following the tree lighting, the Parade will start at the intersection of Broadway and 6th Avenue in front of the Sommet Center and continue through Nashville’s historic downtown, concluding at LP Field. Fireworks sponsored by the Nashville Downtown Partnership will kick off the parade.

Swift on SNL

/by

swift200AOL country fan site TheBoot.com is kicking the media competition when it comes to reporting on Taylor Swift’s upcoming Saturday Night Live experience as host and musical guest (11/7). Here’s a few of the insider tips being revealed. Swift will participate in a spoof of the Kanye West incident which involves a promo with SNL castmember Bill Hader who gets a last minute on-air call from West. The site also reports that Swift tweeted, “Starting the SNL process. I kinda feel like I might have a heart attack or pass out in the pitch meeting. I’m that excited.”

The video below shows Swift seeking advice from late night host Jimmy Fallon about how to act and interact with the SNL crowd. “I have a lot of questions for you,” said Taylor. “I have my first meeting tonight … so what happens there?” Check out Fallon’s responses.