Charlie Cook On Air: See A Show

/by

Unless you’re a big college football fan, you most likely agree that summer is the best time of the year. Yeah, I love the third week of November through January 2 because you get so much time off from work during that period and then it does seem like everyone is smiling during the Christmas season. That’s very nice.

But if you are a Country Music fan the summer is unequaled.

Last week Kenny Chesney and American Express partnered for an amazing show at Wildwood Beach in New Jersey. Kenny guessed that there were 25,000 to 30,000 fans in attendance for the free show. There were 30,000 smiles throughout the entire show.

That same night Hunter Hayes played in front of 8,000 fans in Kansas City at a street fair like event.

Last weekend my old friends at Go Country had Reba on Friday, LeAnn Rimes on Saturday, and Glen Campbell on Sunday. The first full weekend of summer in Southern California was a big one for fans of live country music performances.

Three weekends ago summer kicked off with the CMA Fest where almost every big and new name played Nashville with 70,000 people a night at LP Field and thousands more around town traveling into Music City to see live Country Music.

Staying in Nashville for a second, thousands more make the trip see performances at the Opry during their summer breaks.

Festivals abound all Summer with BamaJam fighting through tough weather to make Dothan, Alabama the center of live Country Music a couple of weekends ago. Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Eric Church laughed at the thunder and lightning to make sure their fans went into the night convinced that these superstars know how important their fans are.

I once was interviewing an act that had big success in Pop music and then was transitioning to Country Music. I asked them how they felt about 230 dates a year on the road. They told me that they were not going to do it. One record and they were out of Country Music.

I saw the Country Throwdown tour last month in Ohio. Seeing fans “dress up” for these events makes a radio programmer’s heart jump. It shows that the passion for the music is big and getting bigger. Seeing fans from 10 years old to 60 years old makes me know that we are the format that will be around forever.

I just want to take a second and say thank you the Country Music performers who leave their families behind for weeks on end and bring the music to the fans.

I know that some of them make a lot of money from these shows but there are a lot of acts that are paying back recoupables and some pickers are making a salary and not getting rich. They get on a crowded bus because they love the looks from the fans and love what they are doing.

In or out of the business, go see a show this summer as a fan. Don’t work. Take your family or friends, drink beer that you paid for and see the show through a fan’s eyes. That feeling will pay off when you get back to work the next day.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Jay DeMarcus To Host Weekly iHeartRadio Show

/by

Jay DeMarcus

Jay DeMarcus, bassist and background vocalist Rascal Flatts, is launching his own radio program on Big Machine Radio’s Clear Channel iHeartRadio station.

The Jay DeMarcus Show: Live From Flatts Shack will premiere June 28 at 4 pm CT with appearances by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and songwriter James Slater. DeMarcus’ wife, CMT correspondent Allison DeMarcus, will join the 60-minute show each week to deliver entertainment reports.

“I’ve been trying to get Jay in front of a microphone for some time now,” notes Clay Hunnicutt, Clear Channel SVP/Programming. “His natural ability to hold court—and tell compelling stories in the process—makes him the perfect fit for a format such as this.”

iHeartRadio is Clear Channel’s customizable digital listening service, with free access to more than 1,000 live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created Custom Stations inspired by favorite artists and songs.

Click here for access to Big Machine Radio.

Rascal Flatts just launched Farmers Insurance Presents Changed Tour, summer tour with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.

Photo Spread: Jana Kramer, Gwen Sebastian, Craig Wayne Boyd

/by

ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp was in session last week in Nashville. The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities while providing music enrichment through performance and education. On Thursday, Jana Kramer dropped by the Vanderbilt campus for a cookout with the campers. On Friday, the week wrapped with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry where the campers joined Big & Rich to sing “We’re Having a Party,” which the students wrote with Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy. The camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Pictured at the cookout (L-R): Greg Hill, McGhee Entertainment; Jana Kramer; Erick Long, ACM Senior Vice President, Operations and Events; Adam Michael, Director of Development for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

• • • •
Flying Island artist and former The Voice contestant Gwen Sebastian performed for a gathering of industry executives and Country Radio Broadcasters board members at The Renaissance Hotel recently. Sebastian appeared in conjunction with the annual CRB board and CRS agenda committee meetings. CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.

Pictured (L-R): Nancy Tunick, Flying Island; Tim Roberts, WYCD-FM; Shelia Shipley Biddy,Flying Island; CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne; Gwen Sebastian; John Shomby, WGH-FM; and CRB President Mike Culotta, WQYK-FM.

• • • •
Big Ride Entertainment artist Craig Wayne Boyd visited the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He performed an acoustic show in the facility’s activity center and spent two hours going room to room. Boyd was particularly touched by a one-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis. Earlier this year, Boyd lost his friend and guitarist Levi Sims to the disease. The artist is a passionate supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Boyd is currently touring and visiting radio stations in support of his debut single “I Ain’t No Quitter.” This summer will be full of more big debuts for the artist, including the release of his first album and the birth of his first child.

Two McGraw Singles Competing For Airplay

/by

Next week Tim McGraw will have two current singles at radio. His former label home Curb recently released “Right Back Atcha Babe,” which is climbing the radio charts, and on July 3 at 12:01 AM his new label Big Machine will debut “Truck Yeah.”

The upcoming single is his first release via Big Machine, where he signed one month ago. He’s been previewing the song on the Brothers of the Sun stadium tour with Kenny Chesney, which played at Nashville’s LP Field on Saturday (6/23).

Select members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of McGraw’s music for Big Machine Friday (6/22) at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. Before playing four tracks, including “Truck Yeah,” BMLG head Scott Borchetta told the attendees, “These songs coming are epic. I know that’s a big word, but I believe these are the best songs Tim has ever done.” After one listen, it was apparent the invited guests agreed.

“Truck Yeah” was written by Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Danny Myrick and Chris Janson, and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw.

“Right Back Atcha Babe,” by Joe West and Dave Pahanish, is from McGraw’s Emotional Traffic album, released in January by Curb. The project has already yielded Gold-certified hit singles “Better Than I Used To Be” and “Felt Good On My Lips.”

Members of the industry enjoyed a sneak preview of Tim McGraw’s new music for Big Machine, Fri. (6/22), at Notable Blends Coffee House in Nashville. (L-R): McGraw, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta

Howell Joins Valory Promotion Staff

/by

The Valory Music Co. has named industry veteran Brad Howell Director of Southwest Promotion, effective immediately. In his new role, Howell will lead promotion efforts in the region for the label’s artists including Reba, The Mavericks, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett.

“The experience and passion that Brad brings to The Valory Music Co. is a great addition to the team. Brad’s association with past successes will only enhance an already strong promotion team and roster that is poised for even greater success,” said George Briner, VP of Promotions for The Valory Music Co.

Howell’s experience includes time working with Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and Faith Hill. Most recently he served as Director of Regional Promotion for upstart label Streamsound Records. He previously served as National Director of Promotion for Show Dog-Universal and as General Manager of Broken Bow Records.

Howell will continue to be based in Nashville and can be reached at 615-324-7793 or at brad.howell@valorymail.com.

From the Road (6/25/12)

/by

Somethin’ ‘Bout Thumbs Up
MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore played to a packed house at the KSKS/Fresno Summer Series Show. Moore’s new single “Beer Money” is currently going for adds.

(L-R): MCA's Marlene Augustine, KSKS MD JodyJo Mize, Moore, KSKS PD Mac Daniels

• • • • •

“T” For  Two
Curb Records’ Rachel Holder scored a little swag when she paid a recent visit to KRRV/Alexandria, LA PD Melissa Frost. Rachel’s single “In Your Arms” is currently at No. 18 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.

(L-R): Frost, Holder

• • • • •

Smokin’ Hodges
Show Dog-Universal’s JT Hodges recently rocked Kix 106 WGKX/Memphis’ Smokin’ Summer Showcase.

(L-R): SDU’s Greg Sax, WGKX PD/Mornings Duane Shannon, WGKX Mornings Abby Summers, Hodges, WGKX APD/MD Kay Manley

Sidewalk Records Adds Kristina Carlyle

/by

Sidewalk Records has added Kristina Carlyle to its promotion staff for the Southwest/Midwest region starting July 2.

Carlyle previously served as Music Director at KRST/Albuquerque for the past three years. Additionally, she co-hosted KRST’s morning show for eight years.

“I have known Kristina for the last several years,” said Larry Hughes, head of promotion for Sidewalk. “Kristina is a self-starter and a hard worker and I believe that radio and our artists will love working with her.”

Carlyle can be reached at (505) 603-9196.

Weekly Chart Report (6/21/2012)

/by

Artist Craig Morrison (R) visited with WUCZ’s (Carthage, TN) Dennis Banka earlier this week. Morrison, who has had a successful career in his native Australia, is visiting radio introducing his debut US single, “Fences.”

SPIN ZONE
Call the po-po, it’s Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0” taking over the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot after 13 weeks of reports. Just 70 spins back at No. 2 is Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” followed by The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” at No. 3. It’s a tight top 10 and though most are gaining spins, only Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” sees forward movement from No. 8 to 6.

Toby Keith’s Live in Overdrive Tour recently played to a packed house in Salt Lake City where Keith visited KEGA/The Eagle’s MD, Jon Watkins (L) and his red solo cup.

Quickly climbing toward the top is Little Big Town’s “Poontoon,” which adds another 254 spins this week and moves to No. 17. Also looking strong are Big & Rich’s “That’s Why I Pray” at No. 32 and Zac Brown Band’s “The Wind” at No. 33. And living up to its title is Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town,” which is already up to No. 40 in only its second week charting.

This chart edition sees the return of Aaron Lewis’ “Endless Summer,” which debuts at No. 70. The single originally had a few weeks of airplay under R&J Records, and now the gang over at Blaster Records (along with Skip Bishop) has rebooted it just in time for the heat. Also debuting are Casey James’ “Cryin’ On A Suitcase” at No. 76 and Michael Dean Church’s “That’s How We Roll” at No. 79.

Frozen Reports: KBOE, KFTX, KYEZ, KYKX, WAKG, WBYZ, WKWS, WOOZ

RADIO NEWS
Tony Thomas has departed his on-air position with Dial Global’s “Country Today” format, as the company is restructuring and closing its Seattle offices. Thomas joined the company in March following 22 years with KMPS/Seattle. “It’s been a real pleasure working with Melody Morgan, John Paul, Beau Phillips and the other Country Today jocks; along with the terrific Dial Global Seattle crew (special thanks to Susan Stephens and Tim Maranville),” says Thoams. His final day was last Friday (6/15).

Upcoming Singles
June 25
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA
Maggie Rose/I Ain’t Your Mama/RPM
Stephanie Grace/Hey There

July 2
Chris Cagle/Let There Be Cowgirls/Bigger Picture
Colt Ford feat. Jake Owen/Back/Average Joes
Andy Gibson/Summer Back/Curb
Steele/Do You Really Have To Go
Shane Yellowbird/They’re All About You/On Ramp

• • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 70
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19-Columbia Nashville – 76
Michael Dean Church/That’s How We Roll/MDC – 79

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 327
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground/Atlantic – 317
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 288
Kenny Chesney/Come Over/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 282
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 254

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 19
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 12
Glen Templeton/That’s My Job/Black River Entertainment – 12
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog–Universal – 11
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 10
Tim McGraw/Right Back Atcha Babe/Curb – 9

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Bobby Dean/Me and George Strait/Lamon – 162
Shawna Russell/Sounds Like A Party/Way Out West – 159
Scarletta/Right Here Right Now – 157
Bill Gentry/That Kind of Life/Tenacity Records – 151
Colt Ford with Jake Owen/Back/Average Joes – 148

Arista/Sea Gayle’s Jerrod Niemann hangs with KKWF/Seattle’s Mike Preston and crew. Niemann’s latest single, “Shinin’ On Me,” lands at No. 35 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart this week. (L-R): Terri Yankovich (Mike’s wife), Arista Nashville’s Lesly Tyson, Jerrod Niemann, KKWF’s Mike Preston, Arista Nashville’s Lauren Thomas

Florida Georgia Line stopped in Terre Haute, IN to visit HI-99/WTHI between stops on the Country Throwdown tour. The band met with PD Eric Michaels and staff in support of their debut single “Cruise,” which takes them to No. 41 on the CountryBreakout Chart this week. (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, Michaels, Brian Kelley

Josh Turner dropped by WSM-AM/Nashville this week to play his new album “Punching Bag” on air with Eddie Stubbs. (L-R): Stubbs, Turner, and WSM-AM PD Joe Limardi.

Charlie Cook On Air: New Acts

/by

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. He listens to Country Music Radio about a third of the time, and listens to CHR and Talk Radio the other times. I think he sneaks in Howard [Stern] on Sirius during his alone time too but our conversation was about Country Music and how a real “fan” has come to appreciate the new music on the radio.

I asked him who his favorite artists were and the usual suspects were all near the top of the list. He loves Garth Brooks and still raves about seeing his show in Las Vegas over a year ago. He likes Jake Owen and Carrie Underwood.

By then I figured that I had a focus group of one and I could find out some habits from a male P2 as long as I continued to pay for the beer. I thought I should hurry along before all of the answers were Hank, Jr. or Jamey Johnson.

Remember that this is a fan who listens to about 4 hours of the format every week. He appreciates the music and likes the “Newer Country Music,” as he called it. So who are your favorite new acts? I asked.

Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry and Reba were mentioned after a little thought. I decided to ask him about some individual songs and see if he could ID even newer artists associated with the music.

How about, “Need You Now”? He told me that this was one of his favorite songs from the last 6 months (?) but he wasn’t sure who the singers were. He knew it was a male and female duo. (Sorry Dave).

He knew that Toby Keith sings “Made in America” and that Billy Currington sings “People Are Crazy”.

He loves “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” but could not tell me who sang it with a gun to his head. He thought it might be Jason Aldean.

We are very lucky in the format right now as there are a ton of new and newish acts that sound like they could be around for a long time.

The earlier referenced Brantley Gilbert is near the top of the list. Thompson Square, and now Kip Moore make up the level of acts that have gotten significant radio play but are still finding a base of fans that can support an appearance on their own.

We have a strong tier of acts like Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Jake Owen who are now multiple No. 1 acts and can play bigger venues by themselves. Of course we have the stadium acts like Kenny, Carrie and Jason.

Just being able to identify these performers by only their first names is an indication that they have made it and are the big stars. Those of us inside the format can easily refer to Luke, Eric and Jake and know who we are talking about but my friend might be challenged to come up with their surnames and certainly he would have trouble matching a name with a face.

I admit that a focus group of one and particularly a male in his 40s is going to be a tough putt when discussing Country Music Radio but in order to grow the format we need to make these P2s comfortable and include them in our growth curve.

If you accept the above three tiers then in order to grow the format we need to work the fourth tier.

A couple of weeks back I watched Sonia Leigh absolutely capture the crowd at the CMA Music Fest Bud Light Stage. I had not seen her and her tight band perform before and I was impressed not only by her performance but by the passion of the smallish group of fans who did know her music.

That stage was hopping all day with The Trailer Choir working their butts off (pun intended in Big Vinny’s case) for the fans there and Jaida Dreyer, who is totally comfortable on stage and has a unique vocal styling that helps her stand out.

I know Vinny was on TV and the band was in the Toby Keith movie so they might have an advantage over some of the new acts but if we are going to move Luke, et al into tier one and then Brantley into tier two so we can make room for Sonia, Jaida, Maggie Rose, Andy Gibson, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett and on and on into the next group, radio has to step up and work it.

Because this is what radio does best. Nothing beats radio for introducing new artists to fans but not everyone has Shazam on their smart phones so it is incumbent on radio to talk about the new acts just like we talk about the Superstars.

The old slogan is true: If you play it, say it.

Many AC stations use song tags but this is not going to work on a current format like Country. WUBL in Atlanta used to tag the new songs. I like this but we need to know about what makes Dustin Lynch different from Greg Bates. Why is Edens Edge, beyond great harmonies, worth my 10 to 30 bucks for a CD or concert ticket?

I have talked about this many times and the recent CMA research convinces me that we are on the cusp of another format explosion. CHR Music is GREAT right now. The format has some killer music today but that music changes about every 6 months so who knows what acts will be noteworthy by Christmas on CHR.

Country is not like that. We are going to be playing Josh Thompson, Hunter Hayes and Gloriana for years. Let’s get to know them better. Ultimately we will see them on TV, which is the best way hook the face with the music, but radio is the best way to tell a story about the act.

As long as WYCD does not tell their listeners that Josh is a Green Bay Packer fan, he has a real chance to be star in Detroit.

We have so many great new acts to talk about, why keep the good news a secret?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Robinson Joins rpmentertainment Promotion Staff

/by

Will Robinson

Rpmentertainment’s VP of Promotion Jack Christopher has announced the hiring of Will Robinson as Director of Midwest Promotion, effective immediately.

“Will is a one of the most well-rounded guys in the business,” says Christopher. “He understands that this job is about relationship building, follow-up and using all the tools you have to make it work. We are really excited to add him to our team.”

Most recently, Robinson joined the team launching Triple Crown Promotions, and he will continue to promote Triple Crown projects Rich O’Toole and Lonestar until July 16. Previously, his career includes time in country radio with WQYK/Tampa, WCAT/Harrisburg, and WFRE/Frederick, as well as Midwest promotion for Nine North Records.

Rpmentertainment officially launched in May 2012, adding promotion staffers Jack Christopher, Rocco Cosco, Jon Conlon, and Kelsey Lantrip to promote Maggie Rose’s music including new single “I Ain’t Your Mama.” The company has also partnered with Jeff Solima and Southern Ground Artists to promote future singles by Zac Brown Band.