Incredible Machine To Start Up Oct. 19

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Sugarland’s upcoming album, The Incredible Machine is set for release on Oct. 19. Also being released on the same day will be a Deluxe Edition which, in addition to the project’s 11 songs, includes Blood Love Hope Lust and Steam, a “making of”  album documentary. Also inside will be the music video for “Stuck Like Glue,” and a live performance video for the title track.

The project is already getting notice from critics because it takes the duo into musically uncharted waters. “We are in a place of discovery,” Jennifer says. “It is the essence of who we are as people in this band.” Adds Kristian, “It’s just the two of us. In the story of who we are, this album is more us than we’ve ever been.”

The CD’s 11 songs were all co-written and co-produced by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush who worked in the studio with producer Byron Gallimore. Lead single from the new package, the Top 5 hit “Stuck Like Glue” has already been certified Gold for digital downloads.

itunes is making a new track from The Incredible Machine available every tuesday. To date fans can download/purchase the title track plus “Wide Open.” “Little Miss” will be posted for download on Oct. 12.

Here’s some background about the inspiration of this album from Kristian’s blog on www.sugarlandmusic.com…

Of the movies I saw as a teenager, none had more impact on me than the films of John Hughes. I think it was some combination of age, angst, young love and an overpowering need to be understood. As his films unfolded — films like The Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink — I was sucked into the worlds of these characters and their lives, and I connected to them in some basic, almost archetypal way. The emotional turns in these movies were always layered with the character saying something perfect — and then, always, the perfect song. I wanted the soundtracks immediately.

In East Tennessee where I’m from,” we were slow to get news or music from of many of the bands on Hughes’ soundtracks, so there was also a discovering combined with those compilations. Some of the bands had the strangest names: Echo and the Bunnymen. New Order. The Smiths. Where do these kinds of bands come from? I would ask myself. Who are they, and how is it that they are writing the soundtrack to these movies — and, in a way, to my life? I’m not sure I would have discovered Simple Minds if Hughes hadn’t played “Don’t You Forget About Me” under the last scene of Breakfast Club, or learned to play Psychedelic Furs songs had “Pretty in Pink” not been the title track to the movie of the same name.

During the process of writing and recording our new album, I remember thinking, “If those movies were made today, what songs would be on the soundtracks?” I’m sure that with more than a few of the songs on this new album, I was trying to make that cut. After we finished the basic recordings and moved in to the process of mixing the album, I revisited this idea while sitting in the window, eyes closed, headphones on, trying to imagine the scenes that matched up with each song. I wonder what lives these songs will supply the soundtrack for? What kiss will have “Tonight” playing in the background? What kid’s party will rock to “Find the Beat Again” while their parents are out of town?  What road trip will forever be linked to The Incredible Machine? I wonder if there is a sixteen year old out there who will discover something new in the sounds coming out of their speaker like I did at that age.

People Releases Nov. Country Special

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People’s Nov. Country Music Special reaches newsstands nationwide today (10/8) with a cover price of $3.99. Newlywed Carrie Underwood does the cover girl honors for this issue which contains an article about her new marriage to hockey player Mike Fisher, which the article calls, “a perfect fit.”

Also highlighted in this sixth and final country special of 2010 are trio Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Jimmy Wayne, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band and more. The issue also contains a link to download free iTunes music from artists such as Jerrod Niemann, Josh Kelley, Joey & Rory, Katie Armiger, Chelsea Field and others. To get the music click here.

Wilson Partners With Dollar General

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Gretchen Wilson has partnered with Dollar General for their “Country Million” sweepstakes, where more than 5,500 prizes will be awarded. The sweepstakes, which kicked off Oct. 3, will run through Dec. 15, 2010.

The grand prize consists of a trip to Nashville  as well as $1 million in cash. Prizes such as Wilson’s CD and Dollar General gift cards will also be awarded.

This is not the first time Gretchen has partnered with Dollar General. A high school drop out, Gretchen earned her GED in 2008. She has since teamed up with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Ad Council to promote a PSA targeted towards other high school drop outs who are interested in information on how they can earn their GED.

Presently Gretchen is on a nationwide tour promoting her current CD, I Got Your Country Right Here.

To  enter the “Country Million” sweepstakes, visit http://www.dollargeneral.com.

Tech Bytes: Nashville Gets 4G; Apple Cloud Shopping?

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Nashville is on the list of 38 metro areas that will be part of Verizon’s initial launch of its new 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. “The launch of our 4G LTE network in Nashville, TN is the start of a new era in wireless communications with faster connections and endless possibilities for both consumers and businesses,” says Jerry Fountain, regional Verizon President for the Carolinas and Tennessee. “Choosing Nashville as one of the first markets to launch LTE in the United States is further proof of our commitment to and investment in the Nashville community.” The deployment of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE in Nashville provides LTE coverage to metro Nashville and the surrounding cities of Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Franklin, Dickson, Kingston Springs, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Lebanon, Spring Hill, Columbia, Tullahoma, Shelbyville and Manchester.

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Reuters reports that once again rumors are surfacing that Apple is in discussion with record labels to provide a subscription-based music service that would allow unlimited access to music for a monthly fee. The New York Post reports that Apple iTunes boss Eddy Cue has been in recent talks with the labels.

Prices in the $10-$15/mo. range are being talked about. Actual prices might also depend upon how much music was included and for how long consumers might access the content. Apple has not commented.

Capitol Nashville Promotes Amanda Heinrichs

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Capitol Records Nashville has promoted Amanda Heinrichs to Marketing Manager. In her newly elevated role, she will be responsible for marketing research and analysis, budgets, coordinating album marketing plans, creating presentations for sponsorship opportunities, event logistics and coordination, advertising buys and managing marketing interns. She will report directly to Sr. VP, Marketing Cindy Mabe.

“I am so proud and excited to be able to promote Amanda to the position of Manager,” said Mabe. “She has shown what a great team player and contributor she can be to our marketing team, our artists and Capitol Records with her outstanding attention to detail and her unstoppable ‘get it done’ attitude. Amanda is truly an asset to our team.”

The Belmont graduate joined Capitol Records Nashville in 2007 as Marketing Coordinator. Her experience also includes time as an administration assistant at Cal IV Entertainment. Heinrichs enjoys working with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also coaches youth hockey and plays on ASCAP’s Hit Men Ice Hockey Team.

ZBB This Week’s Top Dog, Next Week Chesney?

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Country’s big sales stories are the No. 1, 2 and 3 CDs on this week’s Top 75 Current Country Albums list—Zac Brown Band (153k+), Billy Currington (45k) and Jamey Johnson (30k). ZBB’s last studio album is close to 2.3 million and so this debut’s opening number may seem a bit shy of expectations, but it bin jumped with enough heat to also own the No. 1 spot on the Top Current Albums chart. Based upon Zac’s last CD, which opened with sales of only 44k on 11/18/08, the real measure of success will be the build between this week’s starting gate and the close of the holiday season. By the way, 53k of ZBB’s 153k total sales were digital, about 34%. Also of note is Johnson’s 2-disc set which saw sales slide a  less than normal (for a 2nd week) 52%. Johnson’s tour de force is generating buckets of critical acclaim.

A bit further down the list we see Randy Houser’s No. 8 debut, They Call Me Cadillac with almost 9k units sold.

Checking a few more of country’s vital signs, 818.5k country tracks were sold on the Digital Genre Country 100 chart down slightly form 821k last week. YTD album sales (physical & digital) for both the overall business and for country are starting to align. The overall business is down 13.1% Y/Y, and country, including this week’s debuts is down 13.3%. There was lots of talk this week about the sputtering market for physical CDs, but note that this year, 80% of all country album sales are physical (72% of all-genre sales are physical.) However, despite the heavily tipped physical format scale, the overall numbers are dropping, so the pie is indeed shrinking. (Source: Nielsen SoundScan)

Looking to next week’s numbers there is an increasingly good chance that country music might again occupy the pinnacle on the all-genre album list. After first day sales, insiders are predicting that Kenny Chesney’s new title Hemingway’s Whiskey may scan from 180-200k units which should place him in the exalted “top dog” position.

Artists Visits: Sturgeon, Bice & JaneDear

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Jason Sturgeon On Fox
Toolpusher Records’ artist Jason Sturgeon visited Fox 17’s Tennessee Mornings to perform his new single “Rollin’ On” and to talk about his brand new album, That’s Me. Sturgeon made a stop in Nashville for this TV appearance and a showcase at The Listening Room before “rollin’ on” to Bloomington, IN for a special album release concert on Friday.

(l-r): Tennessee Mornings hosts Shane Tallant and Kelly Sutton, and Jason Sturgeon

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Bo Bice Does Beantown
Saguaro Road Records artist Bo Bice recently stopped by the WKLB Boston studio for a live webcast. Bice played some tunes and answered questions with morning show host Lori Grande.

(l-r): New School Ent's Chris Borchetta, WKLB's Ashley Cook, morning show DJ Lori Grande, Bice, WKLB's MD Ginny Rogers, and WKLB's Promotions Director Dawn Santolucito.

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Jane Dear Girls Get Their Kix
the JaneDear girls were in the studio recently visiting with American Country Countdown host Kix Brooks.

(l-r): Susie Brown, Kix Brooks, Danelle Leverett

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Gloriana Join Quaker’s After School Campaign

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Emblem/Warner Music Nashville artists Gloriana have teamed up with Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and the nonprofit organization, Afterschool Alliance, to help raise awareness about the importance of after school programs through the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign.

“Gloriana was a natural fit as a featured artist for the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign because of their personal experiences with — and support for — after school programs,” said Bill Fiely, Senior Manager of Quaker Snack Bars. “We hope Gloriana’s music and behind-the-scenes videos will help to inspire and energize a new generation of after school activities.”

The Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign builds support for affordable, quality after school programs that give children opportunities to learn and grow. To help energize after school activities, Quaker Chewy has pulled together a must-see music library at www.quakeroats.com/afterschoolrocks, which features more than 250 songs from over 70 artists, including Gloriana, Jordin Sparks, and Jason Derulo. Parents can get codes for two free song downloads from the Afterschool Rocks music library by purchasing specially-marked boxes of Quaker Chewy Granola Bars.

Gloriana, who were chosen to represent country music for the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign, recorded several exclusive videos that give fans an inside look into how they each stay active, how they came to be in a group together, and much more. Parents can check out these videos with their families as well as download five featured Gloriana tracks including “How Far Do You Wanna Go?,” “If Your Leavin’,” and “ The Way It Goes” by visiting www.QuakerOats.com/afterschoolrocks.

The Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign will help more than 25,000 after school programs nationwide get access to vital resources. The Afterschool Alliance is the nation’s leading voice for after school programs, and is dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality programs, especially in under served communities. While 8.4 million children participate in after school programs, more than 15 million children are alone and unsupervised after the school day ends due to a lack of affordable programs.

Gloriana is out on their Long Hot Summer Tour 2010 through the fall. The foursome have started working on their second album. For more information on Gloriana visit www.gloriana.com.

MTV And Swift Offer “Speak Now” Promotion

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CMT and MTV Networks will host an international streaming event and online contest to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s new album Speak Now at the United Nations in New York on the album’s release date, Monday, October 25.

The online contest, Speak Now With Taylor Swift In New York City, is live now at www.WinWithTaylor.com, offering fans the opportunity to see Swift perform live in New York and join her on a cross-country flight to Los Angeles, where they will have the chance to ‘speak now’ with the superstar mid-air.

CMT and many MTV Networks web properties worldwide, including CMT.com, MTV.com, VH1.com and websites across Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America, will stream the event from New York at approximately 5:00 PM ET, which is set to include an intimate performance from Swift. 

CMT and MTV Networks recently hosted the global video premiere of “Mine,” which reached more than 160 countries. MTV Music Group ranks as the most visited online music destination according to the newly released U.S. comScore MediaMetrix numbers for August 2010.

In addition to their international reach, Big Machine Records will offer select radio partners from across the United States the opportunity to qualify winners for their own Speak Now With Taylor Swift In New York City similar contest.

Following the New York City event, a select number of Grand Prize winners from both radio and international entries will also fly across the United States with Swift from New York City to Los Angeles. While mid-flight, the winners will ‘speak now’ with Swift at more than 30,000 feet above America, conducting live radio interviews with the superstar. Winners will experience first-hand the whirlwind surrounding a major album release.

To enter to win or for more information, visit www.WinWithTaylor.com.

Mandy Barnett Brings Holidays To Cracker Barrell

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The newest CD in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s music program is Winter Wonderland, a holiday album from Mandy Barnett. In addition to the title track, holiday standards such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “White Christmas” are all included in the holiday collection.

In recapturing a golden era for holiday music, Barnett was aided by a cast of musical veterans including Harold Bradley, Lloyd Green, Louis Nunley, Gene Chrisman and Tony Migliore. Guitarist Bradley and back-up singer Nunley actually appeared on the original versions of several of these songs, including “Jingle Bell Rock.” The album is available only at Cracker Barrel.

“I wanted this album to be a classic and to remind people of the simpler times they had when they were children,” said Barnett. “It was important to record these songs in an authentic fashion so people would connect with them emotionally.”

Barnett is best known for portraying country music legend Patsy Cline in the stage show Always…Patsy Cline at the Ryman Auditorium. Her performances were sold out nightly and received impressive reviews across the country. Barnett went on to record various albums, including one with legendary producer Owen Bradley. She is an active performer nationally and internationally, and is a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry.

“Mandy has a strong, resonant voice that warms your heart as soon as you hear it,” says Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing Peter Keiser. “Cracker Barrel is very pleased to provide this high quality, pleasing CD for our guests’ holiday entertainment and gift-giving.”