Lyric Street Creates Off Cycle Flatts Holiday Song Bundle

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Rascal Flatts and Lyric Street are offering fans a special Valentines Day song bundle, 14 Love Songs For The 14th. The 14-track bundle offers some of the group’s more passionate songs from previous CDs including “Bless the Broken Road,” “Unstoppable” and “My Wish.” The specially priced digital-only package is available at retailers such as iTunes and Amazon for only two weeks starting Feb. 9.

Ashley Heron

Ashley Heron

“Ultimately, in the business of digital music we live in a very a la carte world,” says Lyric Street Sr. Manager of Marketing, Ashley Heron. “Sometimes customers don’t get the opportunity to discover album tracks that they otherwise may have looked over. It’s not unusual to purchase the CD for a specific song, and later fall in love with an additional album cut. In today’s digital marketplace we aren’t force feeding these other tracks which are potentially new fan favorites. The love songs compilation allows us to not only wrap a bundle around a theme of songs, but also reintroduce some tracks to Flatts fans. It’s also a way to partner with iTunes and our other digital retailers and say, “We don’t have new product right now, but here’s a way for us to give something new to the fans. We’re not trying to confuse them, but want to make sure that if they were creating a play list then we gave them an easy way to bundle them together.”

The fourteen song bundle has special pricing. MusicRow found it on iTunes for $9.99 and Amazon at $9.49. “It’s up to the retailer,” says Heron. “We have a wholesale price which determines our cost, then it is up to the retailer to assign a price. This kind of package is still an experiment. I expect we’ll get both good and bad feedback. In the future you might see packages like this with added new tracks or a pdf file. But this bundle is a good step toward taking advantage of the digital format and the ability to release products off cycle.”

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Here’s some actual reviews lifted from iTunes this morning that illustrate different fan reactions
by the_heights
…of course if you’re a Flatts fan then you probably already have all of these songs. So just go make a play list to match. If you’re new though this would be an excellent album to buy because the songs are some of their best stuff.

by Gabe 19
I’m a big fan of Rascal Flatts, but this seems like an unnecessaaryu release. Anyways all songs on here are great.

Mix Magazine Announces Third Annual “Mix Nashville”

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Mix magazine announced programming today (2/5) for the third annual Mix Nashville, a professional audio event being held May 25-26 at Soundcheck Nashville. This gathering offers two full days of panels on the business and applications of studio and live production and features top engineers, producers and executives from the Nashville community.

This year’s programming will showcase everything from advances in production technology to new business strategies in the Mix Nashville expert panel series. Scheduled topics include The Power of Collaboration; Advanced Plug-In Techniques; Boosting Revenue; Recording Guitar; and Analog Techniques: When To Reach For The Rack.

This year’s event also marks the return of the popular Anatomy of a Hit Panels, which feature industry-leading producers, artists and engineers discussing the production techniques behind some of today’s biggest songs.

“We started Mix Nashville two years ago because we discovered a need to bring engineers, producers, record industry executives and manufacturers together under one roof,” says Mix Editor Tom Kenny. “Nashville is a true recording community, and the techniques and styles employed from Music Row to Berry Hill to Franklin are the techniques and styles of the recording industry at large. It’s a town steeped in analog recording and the latest digital technologies. And country music continues to sell. There is plenty to learn from Nashville.”

In addition to the expert panels, manufacturer partners will outfit the Soundcheck facility and host a series of master classes and hands-on product demos in themed production spaces: Plug-in Pavilion, Live Sound Showcase and Analog Alley. Post-panel Q&As will give attendees the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Over the last two years, the event was attended by nearly more than 1,500 people from the Nashville professional audio community. Event programming has featured appearances by Dann Huff, Bill Vorn Dick, Jacquire King, Vance Powell, John McBride, George Massenburg, Robert Scovill, Buford Jones, Tony Brown, Lee Ann Womack, and Chuck Ainlay.

Kenny Rogers Announces Guest-Filled TV Special

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Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center was the setting yesterday (2/4) for a press conference announcing Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years. The artist himself was on hand to unveil details of the upcoming TV special, which will celebrate the singer’s hit-filled career with a star-studded list of musical guests. Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna and The Oak Ridge Boys are some of the big names already slated to appear on the show. The array of artists will be part of the performance, and a few will host different segments of the show traveling through Rogers’ six decades of hits.

The distributed press release promises “a rollicking celebration, filled with music and comedy from some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world performing, appearing and sharing stories about Kenny Rogers and his music.”

Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years will tape on April 10 in Connecticut at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods and will be produced by Dreamcatcher Artist Management and Locomotive Entertainment Group. Filmed in hi-definition, digital 3D, the special will find the viewer “visually surrounded and fully immersed” in the concert. Mark Lucas, who recently directed 3D concert films for Dave Matthews and Kings of Leon, will direct. Producer Monty Powell, SESAC’s 2009 Songwriter of the Year, will serve as Musical Director.

Starting Februrary 11, tickets may be purchased here, throught Ticketmaster or by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Box Office at 1-866-646-0609.

“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said.  “I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome – the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.”

Details on the network airing the special, more guest stars and other surprises will be announced shortly.

J.D. Haas Offers ACM Trip Packages

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J.D. Haas Entertainment has joined forces with the Academy of Country Music for the ninth consecutive year to produce the Official Trip Package to the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 18 at 7:00 CT on CBS.

The package is a deluxe 4-day, 3-night hotel stay at MGM Grand with tickets to the Awards Show, Post-Awards All-Star Jam and the All-Star concert special honoring Brooks & Dunn. The package also includes the Academy of Country Music concert on Fremont Street, airport and Fremont Street Shuttles, and a comprehensive trip winner’s kit. For more information click here or call (615) 244-9445.

Digital Rodeo Taps Blair Garner For Guilty Pleasures

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DigitalRodeo.com and CRB have announced After MidNite’s Blair Garner as a co-host of this year’s Digital Rodeo Guilty Pleasures Show, set for Feb. 26 at Cadillac Ranch during CRS 2010. The “Guilty Pleasures” theme encourages artists to choose and perform cover versions of one of their favorite songs from any artist, across any genre of music. Last year’s show featured performances from Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Jimmy Wayne, Julianne Hough, James Otto, Jamie O’Neal, Justin Moore, Brady Seals and more.

Garner will host segments of the show, as well as gather content for his website and nationally syndicated radio program, After MidNite with Blair Garner. The Guilty Pleasures show will kick off at 10 PM or immediately following the CRS New Faces Show at the Nashville Convention Center, whichever comes first.

“I heard about Digital Rodeo’s event last year during CRS, so I was already intrigued by the chance to see and hear so many artists perform their ‘guilty pleasure’ songs,” says Garner.  “But when I got the invitation to host, it was really a no-brainer. First, because it’s going to be a blast, but also because of the opportunity to get to see some rare performance moments with these artists in such a unique environment.”

“Having a such a respected radio personality like Blair Garner host the show is an incredible thrill for us,” says John Pyne, Digital Rodeo’s Director of Marketing and Promotions.  “We feel like last year’s show was a great success, especially for the first show we had done at Country Radio Seminar.  This year, we have even higher expectations for the show and I know Blair will help bring it to that next level.”

Artists appearing at this year’s Digital Rodeo Guilty Pleasures Show will be announced shortly.  Contact John Pyne at [email protected] for booking inquiries.

Smith And Sturgeon Join “Artist-Owned” Ranks

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Country artists Anthony Smith and Jason Sturgeon are joining artists like Big Kenny and Gretchen Wilson in establishing their own record labels and teams to release, promote and market their new music. Debut country artist Sturgeon will release his leadoff single, “Simple Life,” to radio through his own label, Toolpusher Records. He will follow that up with his first full-length CD, That’s Me, later in the year, also on Toolpusher. Smith, who formerly recorded for Mercury Nashville and Stroudavarious, will release his new CD, Sunshine, and its leadoff single, “Love Is Love Is Love,” on his own recently established Krankit Records imprint, a joint venture with Artist Garage, who distributes through Fontana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Music Group

Both artists have assembled teams of industry veterans to help promote their new music. Sturgeon’s team includes Dennis Kurtz (Showgun Entertainment/Project Management), Larry Pareigis (Nine North Records) Jeri Petty (Rodeo Legacy Marketing), Nancy Tunick (GrassRoots Promotion), Debbie Gibson Palmer and Jack Pride (Spinville Records), Craig Bann (Aristo Media) Bobbe Morhiser (Marco Club Connection) Brian Cecil (Briserv/Internet Marketing & Web Design) and Vanessa Parker-Davis (Splash! PR).

“Sturgeon is a breath of fresh air. His head-on approach to life and his career is refreshing,” says  Pareigis. “We are excited about taking Jason’s music to radio and beyond.”

Smith will also work with Pareigis and his artist services company, Nine North, in promoting his new releases. Also working with Smith are Mike Regan, who will serve as Krankit’s Director of Operations, Jules Wortman of Wortman Works Media and Marketing, and Nicole Cochran of Nic of Time Communications, who will handle public relations and media for the label.

“I believe ‘Love is Love is Love’ has the unmistakable Anthony Smith sound and at the same time is the most commercial single he’s sent to country radio,” Pareigis says. “Nine North is honored to be partnered in the launch of Anthony’s label Krankit Records.”

Celebrity Ads Increase For Grammy Night


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GreenLight, a global media licensing, talent negotiation and rights representation consultancy, has released the results of its annual GreenLight Ad Gauge of the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, revealing a 150% spike in ads featuring celebrity endorsements. The full report is available for download here. The 2010 analysis reveals that after a pulling back from celebrity collaborations in 2009, brands are once again partnering with celebrities and using pop music to maximize brand awareness and forge emotional connections with consumers.

 Key findings from GreenLight’s 2010 analysis include:
 15% of 2010 Grammy ads featured celebrity endorsements, a 150% spike from last year
;  22% of ads featured pop music, about the same as the past two years
;  U.S. car makers dominated Grammy ads, with 16% of total ads, and more
 than a quarter of ads featuring celebrity endorsements or pop music. Olay (11 spots), Target (8 spots), Lincoln (6 spots) and Chevy (5 
spots) were the biggest Grammy advertisers, with Target and Lincoln 
incorporating celebrities and/or pop music.

Jewel And Aldean Team With Country Financial

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Financial planning firm Country Financial is teaming with country artists Jason Aldean and Jewel for the “Road Trips and Guitar Picks” series, which will present 30 concerts beginning in March. Each artist will perform separate concerts, but the “Road Trips and Guitar Picks” website, www.tripsandpicks.com, will serve as a one-stop destination for both, giving Aldean and Jewel fans access to an array of special features. The series will offer fans enhanced live concert experiences, online offerings and prizes including chances to win one of several all-expense paid flyaways to see Jewel or Aldean.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with these two amazing artists,” says Doyle Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at Country Financial. “Jason and Jewel share our down-to-earth personality, and like Country, they’re involved in their communities.”

Aldean’s first Country Financial concert is March 10 in Ames, Iowa. Jewel will kick off her performances in June. As part of “Road Trips and Guitar Picks,” concert-goers will be able to text for seat upgrades, enter mobile sweepstakes and win VIP backstage opportunities.

“I’m stoked to partner with Country,” says Aldean. “Their customers and my fan base are very similar, so it’s awesome that we can get together and offer all of these cool extras that my fans can’t get anywhere else.”

CMT Names Farmer Top 20 Countdown Host

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Evan Farmer has been tapped as the new host of CMT’s top-rated weekly CMT Top 20 Countdown, it was announced today by John Hamlin, Senior Vice President, Production, Development and Talent for CMT. Most recently known as host and handyman on TLC’s home makeover series While You Were Out, Farmer has also appeared in such films and television shows as Austin Powers in Goldmember, Shaft Returns, JAG and Total Request Live. He officially joins CMT Top 20 as host this Friday, February 5.

“Evan is a gifted broadcaster with music in his DNA,” says Hamlin. “He is also a one-of-a-kind talent with an impressively unique resume. We’re thrilled to have him at CMT.”

“Hosting CMT Top 20 Countdown is a dream job for me,” says Farmer. “I get to interview inspiring people, surround myself with great music and stay close to my family here in Nashville. CMT already feels like home.”

Former Echo Execs Launch Sponsorship Agency

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Rockhouse Partners (l-r): Tawn Albright, Kevin Brown, and Joe Kustelski

Former echo/Ticketmaster executives Tawn Albright, Kevin Brown and Joe Kustelski have formed sponsorship agency Rockhouse Partners, which officially launches today (2/2) with a full slate of clients. The Nashville based company will focus on connecting sponsor brands to consumers in the music and sports industries through digital marketing strategy, online/offline activation programs, and new digital products, along with data aggregation and analysis.

Rockhouse Partners’ initial clients include C3 Presents (Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival), Lance Armstrong and the RadioShack Pro Cycling Team, Next BIG Nashville, the Tennessee State Fair, Nashville agencies like redpepper, and other entities across the entertainment vertical. The company’s target clients are sponsorship brokers, live entertainment properties, brands and their agencies, sports entities, advertising/marketing firms, and media companies.

In addition to Rockhouse Partners’ initial clients, the company has formed partnerships with Nashville entities including American Songwriter magazine and email marketing firm Emma; along with Austin-based design/development shop Smith & Robot.

Co-founders Albright, Brown, and Kustelski bring to Rockhouse Partners over 40 years combined experience in technology, digital media, consumer products, ticketing, live entertainment, artist management, promotions, start-ups, advertising, and Fortune 500 brands. The trio met at Echo, Ticketmaster Entertainment’s digital marketing firm, where Albright served as CEO, Brown led Strategic Marketing, and Kustelski was Vice President of Product & Technology. While collaborating at Ticketmaster/Echo, the Rockhouse Partners founders fine tuned their eye toward data by managing 15 million consumer database relationships, 200,000 paid fan club subscriptions, one million mobile fan records, and more than $25 million in ticket sales annually.

“From my days at The Coca-Cola Company in corporate development to Ticketmaster and Echo where we managed the digital presence for more than 250 artists, festivals, and properties; sponsorships have become the glue in connecting brands to the entertainment industry. The way the industry is moving, brands are demanding more value in the form of measuring data and proving ROI. We see a major opportunity to activate brands and fans in a meaningful, relevant, and interactive way,” stated Albright.

“We launched this venture hell-bent on not creating just another digital marketing firm. We’re creating scalable technology products that address specific business opportunities, we understand the value of data, and we bake measurement into everything we do,” said Kustelski.

“The response so far to our unique model has exceeded all expectations. We’re busy growing the team, building out our technology platform, and we’re beyond excited to take this next step,” said Brown. “2010 looks bright as we’ll be focusing on business development, with programs planned at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin and the annual IEG Sponsorship Conference in Chicago.”

“We can’t say enough great things about Rockhouse,” offers Courtney Graber, Director of Sponsorships for C3 Presents. “They have the unique ability to grasp digital strategy and technology at the highest level, combine that knowledge with an in-depth understanding of brand sponsorships, all the while being able to manage and measure the most critical success metrics.”

Contact Rockhouse at [email protected] or 615-772-4326. The Rockhouse offices are located at 2120 8th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204.