Screenwriters Conference Draws Top Talent

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Standing in back are staff from panel sponsor ole, (L-R): COO Gillies Godard and stafters, Matt Turner, Whitney Taylor and Kele Currier. Seated are panelists Julia Michels, host/organizer Anastasia Brown, Howard Parr, Dave Jordan and Andrea Von Foerster. Photo: Alan Mayor

The 12th annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference hit town last weekend with events at the Union Station Hotel. One highlight of the gathering is always the Music in the Movies panel, held this year at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Founded by 821 Entertainment Group President Anastasia Brown, the luncheon features advice from top music supervisors for those hoping to tap into the world of song placement in television and film, as well as opportunities to submit music for placement in upcoming projects.

For the recent event, Brown recruited Music Supervisors Julia Michels (Sex and the City 1 and 2, The Blind Side, The Devil Wears Prada), Andrea Von Foerster (500 Days of Summer, It’s Kind of A Funny Story, Stargate Universe), Howard Paar (Hung, Monster, L Word), and Dave Jordan (Iron Man 1 and 2, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, The Upside of Anger). Sponsored by ole.

Also at the Screenwriters Conference, a performance at the Loveless Barn by songwriters (L-R): Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Jim Lauderdale (Host), Deana Carter and Rosanne Cash. Photo: Alan Mayor

V-Albums Offer Swift Giveaway

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ScatterTunes™ new V-album technology gains added traction in country markets with the June 8 release of product from Big Machine and Valory Music artists Taylor Swift, Reba, Jewel and Justin Moore. Other albums listed on the ScatterTunes website as available in the new V-Album format include artists Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker and Dierks Bentley. As part of a special introductory offer, ScatterTunes plans to give away 100,000 copies of the Taylor Swift Fearless V-Wrap which contains the added features but not the music.

The new format relies upon proprietary software which must first be downloaded and installed before one can purchase and/or enjoy the V-Album features. In addition to MP3 tracks, consumers can find lyrics, photos, videos and links to artist merchandise plus concert tickets. In order to move purchased MP3 files via this new format onto an iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player it is necessary to import the tracks into iTunes. It is possible to set a preference so that newly purchased songs always get imported, but either way it seems to create a double entry organization strategy that seems to make the process more complicated, not less.

ScatterTunes describes itself as a “unique digital kiosk…a rich media tool to purchase and manage your MP3 music. The main attractions are the immersible and interactive V-Albums that can only be purchased from ScatterTunes.” The company says its iBoard software, “will quickly become your favorite tool for purchasing and managing MP3 music.”

Well, maybe this will become a favorite tool for some, but considering how difficult country fans find it just to download a track from iTunes or Amazon, this multi-program digital software installation may pose a challenge many aren’t quite ready to overcome. In many ways ScatterTunes seems to be like an iPhone App, except that it lacks portability—you have to be at your computer to use it. That is a serious drawback to adoption. And isn’t the single biggest challenge to make purchasing easier so consumers can enjoy the music however, wherever and whenever they want?

Pricing for the V-Album features for the Lee Ann Womack, Darius Rucker and Dierks Bentley albums was $12.99—$3 more than the same albums at iTunes.

Click on the V-Albums promo video below and make up your own mind. Better yet go download the proprietary software…

HonkyTonk TV Spots, Webchat With Urban, See Flatts On Today

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Honky Tonk TV is scheduling artist interview slots for June 7-13. Through a partnership with Microsoft, artists are also invited to come by the Microsoft booth at Fan Fair Hall to mingle with fans, play XBOX, explore gadgets like Zune, and tour Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, Office 2010, Silverlight, Bing, Windows Phone and the Surface. Artist reps should contact Honky Tonk TV at 615-206-3463 or watchus@HonkyTonkTV.com for details.

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Rascal Flatts will head to New York City to perform on NBC’s Today show “Summer Concert Series” on Friday, June 11. This appearance is the day prior to their visit to the CMA Music Festival where the band will sign autographs for fans at the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall in the CMT booth and will also perform at LP Field later that evening on Saturday, June 12. Rascal Flatts will launch a new tour in two weeks, the “Nothing Like This Tour,” on June 25 in Raleigh, North Caroline with opening acts Chris Young and Kellie Pickler.

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Keith Urban will web chat tonight (Monday, June 7th at 5:00pm CST/6:00pm EST) with fans about his current tour Summer Lovin’ 2010, appearing at CMA Fest, his performance with John Mayer at the CMT Awards, and his new single “I’m In.” Fans can submit questions in advance at www.keithurban.net/live or via Facebook or Twitter. The chat will be streamed live at www.keithurban.net/live.

Latest iPhone Debuts June 24

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“Stop me if you’ve seen this,” joked Apple CEO Steve Jobs, referencing the highly publicized version of the new phone that was found in the wild and leaked on blogs all over the Internet several weeks ago. “It’s the most beautiful thing we’ve ever created.” The new iPhone is glass on both sides with a metal band that binds it together and acts as an antenna. In addition to the phone and its numerous new features, the iPhone operating system’s newest version—4—will now be named iOS4 and drop the word iPhone from its title. Jobs noted that the iOS also powers the iPad which made the name change necessary.

While the Apple faithful will no doubt study the exact tech specs, suffice to say the new phone is faster, smaller, thinner, has an improved 5 megapixel camera with flash, improved battery life, sports a front facing camera which makes video chat possible and a higher resolution screen. It also has a gyroscope which will ad untold new possibilities for gaming programmers. The new phone will be available on June 24.

For complete iPhone 4 tech specs click here...

Stay tuned for more

Sony Promotes Scott McDaniel To VP Creative

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Scott McDaniel

Scott McDaniel has been promoted to Vice President, Creative Services, for Sony Music Nashville. He joined the company in March 2008 as Sr. Director, Creative Services with 15 years of design and production experience to his credit.

In his new post, McDaniel will continue to head the Sony Music Nashville creative team, overseeing artist imaging and all operations related to print and video creation, including video production, album packaging, photography, and design for the label group and its four recording imprints: Arista Nashville, BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville.

VP, Marketing Tom Baldrica announced the promotion. “Scott has made an impact on all aspects of our creative process from the day he came to Sony Music Nashville,” said Baldrica. “He has raised the bar on videos, album packaging, and photo shoots, all while dealing with the changing economics of our business. He inspires his team, our artists, and our company on a daily basis.”

McDaniel remarked, “It is a privilege to serve with such an innovative creative department, the Sony Music Nashville team, world renowned photographers, landmark directors, artist managers, and our collective family of recording artists. To be entrusted in executing the visual art that will best communicate our artists’ music is a treasure. Without question, this career benchmark is humbling.”

McDaniel’s prior tenures include LifeWay, EMI Christian Music Label, CCM Communications, and ForeFront Records.

Dan Bowen Exits CMA

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It remains unofficial, but MusicRow has learned that CMA VP of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Dan Bowen, has exited the Country Music Association, as a result of his position being eliminated.

According to his CMA public phone message, Bowen can now be reached at DanBowenDB@gmail.com or 615-440-6346.

New Boots, New Single, NASCAR For Curb’s Rio Grand

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Nashville based Brand N Music Partnerships, has announced that Corral Boots and Curb Records artists Rio Grand have entered into a one-year brand partnership and endorsement agreement. This strategic integrated marketing campaign includes tour bus decals, product endorsements, retail appearances, digital components and a tour sponsorship element.

The campaign launched in May with a concert at Hillbilly’s in McAllen, Texas, located near the Corral Boot headquarters. Additionally, Rio Grand will make appearances in many key account retail stores nationwide.

“Rio Grand represents the face of Texas and country music, something that we feel is critically important to the Corral Boots brand,” says General Manager Distribution Retail Sales, George Allen. “We hope that this is just the beginning of a long and lasting relationship between Rio Grand and Corral Boots.”

“We are very excited about our relationship with Corral Boots and this is really a natural partnership,” Fred Stallcup, lead guitarist of Rio Grand says. “We believe in the product, the brand, and we wear it proudly. The timing is right and coincides with the launch of our new single ‘Beckett’s Back 40,’ which is making its way to radio right now.”

Rio Grand and Corral Boots will also offer fans the opportunity to win an exciting grand prize package that includes custom Corral Boots, plus tickets and backstage passes to a Rio Grand concert of their choice, and other contests throughout the year.

In other Rio Grand news, the band will be joining NASCAR drivers Scott Lagasse, Scott Wimmer and Trevor Bayne on EPSN Television.

The segment will air tomorrow (6/5) during the live telecast of the Federated Auto Parts 300 from Nashville Super Speedway. The Rio Grand appearance will include some on-camera time with the drivers and an acoustic performance. The segment and race will air on EPSN2 beginning at 7:30 PM/CT.

Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods Help Flood Victims

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Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods have partnered to bring more than 2500 pounds of food to Nashville’s hungry, particularly those hard hit by the devastating floods May 1 and 2. While so many remain homeless and without the means to provide food for their families, the donation was a welcome sight to Second Harvest, the organization selected to receive the food, and distribute it to people in need.

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is extremely grateful for this wonderful donation from Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods,” said Jaynee K. Day, President and CEO of the organization. “Many people in Middle Tennessee have been affected by the recent flooding disaster – the Food Bank has already seen a drastic increase in requests for assistance.  This timely donation will provide hope while they rebuild their lives.”

Wayne, who has logged more than 1200 miles on his Meet Me Halfway walk halfway across America, was not in Nashville when the floodwaters hit his city. But his concern for those affected by the flood is great.

“It’s been really hard for me to be away from Nashville during this time,” Wayne said. “Hearing from friends who have suffered immeasurable loss is so difficult. And seeing people who are now homeless just breaks my heart. I was thrilled when I found out that Bryan Foods was ready to help out, and so grateful to them that they are working with me to bring some relief to my town.”

Wayne and Bryan Foods recently partnered for another event: the Ultimate Bryan Neighborhood Grill-Out contest. Wayne will perform at an upcoming backyard barbeque for the contest winner, their family and friends.

Country Sales Slide Continues

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How are country album sales doing this year? As the accompanying graph shows, not exactly stellar. After a 38% drop over the previous three years (2007—2009), we are again facing declines. We started 2010 with an 18% YTD gain, but as we near the end of May country album sales have slipped to -5.6%, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The early lead was largely due to a new offering from Lady Antebellum, but since then, the release schedule has not been able to generate enough scans to keep up with last year’s sales totals. And, of course that is exactly what determines overall sales for the format—release schedules. So, what should we expect to happen to our sales stats over the next two months (June/ July)?

During the June/July period for 2009 we had ongoing heavy sales from Taylor Swift’s Fearless and the Hannah Montana soundtrack, each scanning in the 30-45,000 range on a weekly basis. New releases were scarce with the largest being Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night that debuted on 7/5/09 with about 130k units.

This year’s June/July 2010 lineup shows a Dierks Bentley album dropping June 8, but few others likely to break the 100k debut week mark. We also have ongoing titles from Taylor, Zac Brown Band, Miranda and Carrie that tally in the 10-20k range now each week and will add some momentum. As a result, expect that YTD country album sales will likely continue to slowly dip into the mid-summer. At that time we’ll re-examine the sales horizon for the remainder of the year.

Viewership Down For “Idol” Finale

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American Idol winner Lee DeWyze

Lee DeWyze emerged victorious last night, as the ninth season of American Idol came to a close. The show drew 24.2 million total viewers, down 15.9% from the 28.8 million that watched last year’s Idol finale, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Last night was the lowest-rated season finale for the show since the first season, when Kelly Clarkson was the title. That finale earned 22.7 million viewers. The highest-rated finale happened in 2003, when Ruben Studdard won and 38 million viewers watched.

As the winner was revealed in the second hour, the show’s viewership on Wednesday night jumped dramatically. 19.7 million watched the first hour, while 26.5 million tuned in for the final hour, including the show’s seven minute overrun.