Media Bytes: Spotify, RFD-TV, WholeWorldBand

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spotifySpotify is launching two new types of video ads that users will watch in exchange for free music streaming. With a Sponsored Session, a user views a brand-sponsored spot in exchange for 30 minutes of uninterrupted music. The other new option, Video Takeover, is where brands sponsor a video ad break on a user’s desktop. Spotfiy has 30 million-plus free users. More from Spotify.

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rfd tv
Nashville based television network RFD-TV will now be carried on AT&T U-verse.
As previously reported, Rural Media Group, RFD’s parent company, is relocating to the former GAC building.
According to the New York Times, Rural Media has been one of the most vocal critics of the proposed mergers between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV.
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WholeWorldBand is a new app that lets musicians add their own vocal or instrument tracks, for a fee, to tracks started by celebrity musicians to complete the song. More from the LA Times.

TuneCore Establishes Nashville Office Headed By Shelby Kennedy

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Shelby Kennedy

Shelby Kennedy


Digital music distribution and music publishing administration company TuneCore has launched a Nashville office under the direction of longtime industry player Shelby Kennedy.
TuneCore’s Entertainment Relations office is located at 1227 17th Ave. S., Unit D; Nashville, TN 37212.
Shelby brings 25 years of experience to the company, where he is serving as Vice President, Entertainment Relations. Prior to joining TuneCore, Kennedy has held diverse roles with ASCAP, BMI, Lyric Street Records, Wide Open Music Group and Cherry Heart Music and Entertainment, and his own Porch-Pickin’ Publishing. He is the son of legendary guitarist Jerry Kennedy.
“Nashville is one of the most creative cities in the world, and Shelby Kennedy has deep relationships and broad expertise in the music industry. As TuneCore expands our support for the increasing number of musicians and songwriters who choose independence to take control of their careers, both are a natural fit,” stated Scott Ackerman, CEO of TuneCore. “We’re confident that this expansion positions TuneCore to stay at the forefront of the evolving music industry.”
“I am tremendously excited to join TuneCore and take a leadership role in building the new model of the music industry,” commented Kennedy. “I hope to tap my experience spanning the spectrum of roles across the business—from songwriter to performer to business executive—to act as a catalyst in driving opportunities for artists, songwriters and other key partners.”
TuneCore has about forty employees throughout its headquarters in Brooklyn, NY, and offices in Burbank, CA and Nashville, TN. It is backed by Opus Capital and Guitar Center.
Since its inception in 2006, TuneCore Artists has distributed $438.8 million on 8.8 billion streams and downloads. In Q2 2014, it distributed $33.2 million, an increase of 18.4 percent over Q2 2013.
TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music worldwide through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play, and other major download and streaming sites while retaining 100% of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee.

Garth Brooks Debuts GhostTunes Music Service

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garth brooks ghosttunes
Garth Brooks today unveiled the beta launch of GhostTunes at www.ghosttunes.com, a full-service music store offering his music in digital format for the first time, as well as millions of major label songs across multiple genres.
For a limited time fans can download his entire catalog and upcoming projects for $29.99. The mega bundle includes all eight digitally updated studio albums, and the new double live 25th Anniversary Edition, including 30 songs and 30 videos.
As for new music, the bundle also includes an instant download of latest single “People Loving People,” and bonus track “Send ‘Em On Down The Road.” Other songs from Brooks’ upcoming album will automatically arrive in a user’s GhostTunes locker as they become available prior to the arrival of the complete digital album on Black Friday. Also included is his just-announced 2015 album.
GhostTunes offers current releases from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Big Machine Label Group. Artists and labels can choose to sell full albums, singles only or other configurations. Singles are available for 99 cents and $1.29.
Randy Bernard is CEO of GhostTunes. He joined the company after time as Chief Executive Office of Rural Media Group, Professional Bull Riders Association and INDYCAR.
GhostTunes enables fans to listen to their music from their personal “locker” immediately upon purchase, without having to download it to their device. Fans also can download their purchased content to play with the audio player of their choice.
“When I decided it was time to ‘go digital’ I didn’t find an existing way that really fit how I wanted to do it,” said Brooks. “I shared my dream with some amazing minds and together have created something really special – GhostTunes.”

Example of the current Country offerings on Ghost Tunes.

Example of the current Country offerings on GhostTunes.

Logan's Roadhouse to Serve Up Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum

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blue chair bay rum111Diners at Logan’s Roadhouse can soon enjoy the taste of Kenny Chesney‘s Blue Chair Bay Rum.
The restaurant chain has partnered for a limited time Everlasting Summer promotion which features two salmon entrees that include a glaze made with Blue Chair Bay White Rum. Guests can also include a specialty drink made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, such as a Blackberry Mojito.
“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to be the first national restaurant chain to feature Kenny’s Blue Chair Bay Rum,” said Bob Kim, Logan’s Roadhouse vice president of marketing. “Kenny and our team at Logan’s don’t want the summer to end, so we’re extending the season with signature entrees and refreshing drinks in a casual, authentic roadhouse atmosphere.”
“Blue Chair Bay Rum was created to share with good friends, family and great food,” said Chesney. “We’re excited to team up with Logan’s as a way to extend everyone’s summer throughout 2014. Just because Labor Day‘s happened, there’s no reason for the summer to end…”
The Everlasting Summer promotion will extend through mid-November.

Brooks Debuts Single, Announces More Tour Dates

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garth brooks people singleGarth Brooks debuted his first single for RCA Recods Nashville/Pearl Records this morning (Sept. 3). “People Loving People” aired on the syndicated radio program, The Bobby Bones Show, where Brooks called in to discuss the new music before boarding a plane to Chicago for tour rehearsals. “People Loving People” was written by Lee Miller, Chris Wallin and busbee.
Also announced today, Brooks is set to make his first appearance in Florida in 17 years. The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood will stop in Jacksonville on Friday, Oct. 10; Saturday, Oct. 11; and Sunday, Oct. 12. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 12 at 10:00 AM EST, with an eight ticket limit per purchase at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks. Utilizing a one-price-house method, all tickets cost $68.00, including fees.
Brooks’ tour launches tomorrow in Chicago, where he will give multiple performances.
Yearwood also debuted a single on RCA Nashville, “PrizeFighter,” which won MusicRow critic Robert K. Oermann’s Disc of the Day honor today.

Weekly Register: Paisley Brings 'Moonshine…' To The Party

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brad paisley moonshineBrad Paisley’s Moonshine In The Trunk debuted with sales of 53K, locking in the No. 1 spot on the Country album chart, and No. 2 on the overall chart this week. Paisley produced the Arista Nashville release with Luke Wooten.
Due to the overall downslide of music purchases (largely due to streaming) comparing current debut week sales numbers to debut weeks in previous years isn’t exactly comparing apples to apples. Nonetheless, here is the info: In April 2013, Paisley released Wheelhouse, which sold 100K and entered at No. 1. In May 2011, This Is Country Music debuted at No. 1 with sales of 153K units.
Meanwhile on the Country tracks chart, Jason Aldean’s “Burnin’ It Down” sold 76K this week for a RTD total of 658K. Darius Rucker had the sweetest Country track debut with “Homegrown Honey” selling 25K. Taylor Swift sits pretty at No. 1 overall in her second week of release with “Shake It Off,” which sold 355K, for a total of 899K.
 Top 5 Country Albums this week
Brad Paisley Moonshine In The Trunk 53K
Luke Bryan Crash My Party 15K
Chase Rice Ignite The Night 14K
Various Nashville Outlaws Tribute to Motley Crue 12K
Brantley Gilbert Just As I Am 9.8K
Top 5 Country Tracks this week
Jason Aldean “Burnin’ It Down” 76K
FGL “Dirt” 61K
Kenny Chesney “American Kids” 52K
Sam Hunt “Leave The Night On” 43K
Lady Antebellum “Bartender” 38K

Weekly Register: Debuts From Taylor Swift, Chase Rice

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Swift shakes off the "haters" in new hit.

Swift shakes off the “haters” in new hit.

chase ricealbum1“Shake It Off” the lead single from Taylor Swift’s upcoming album 1989 sold and impressive 544K downloads its first week out, debuting at No. 1 overall.

However, this marks a sales tally slip from the 2012 debut of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” the lead single from her mega blockbuster Red album. “Never Ever…” sold 623,000 units, marking the biggest digital sales week ever for a female. In the two years since the release of “Never Ever…” streaming has grown in popularity, while simultaneously decreasing sales.

On the Country album chart, Chase Rice debuted at No. 1 selling 44K copies of Ignite the Night. Following at No. 2 is Nashville Outlaws—A Tribute to Motley Crue, selling 31K.

Rounding out the Top 5 Country albums are Luke Bryan (16K this week), Brantley Gilbert (10K) and Miranda Lambert (10K).

Tracking Tracks

Jason Aldean is still smoldering at the top of the Country tracks chart with “Burnin’ It Down” scoring 83K clicks to cross the 500K mark. Making notable debuts are Blake Shelton’s “Neon Light” with 28K, and Lee Brice’s “Girls In Bikinis” with 18K.

The Top 5 Country tracks this week are “Burnin’…” (83K), FGL “Dirt” (62K), Kenny Chesney “American Kids” (61K), Sam Hunt “Leave The Night On” (50K) and Lady A “Bartender” (42K).

All numbers based on Nielsen Soundscan.
WeeklyReg082714

Mobile Usage Surpasses Desktop in US

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App_Report_Cover_mediumcomScore has issued its U.S. Mobile App Report, in part outlining the top 25 mobile apps by unique visitors. According to Talking New Media, the report also finds mobile device usage has now surpassed consumer consumption on a desktop, 60 percent to 40 percent, respectively. This compared to March 2013 when desktops were used 53 percent of the time vs. mobile’s 47 percent.
“Mobile has swiftly risen to become the leading digital platform, with total activity on smartphones and tablets accounting for an astounding 60 percent of digital media time spent in the U.S.,” notes comScore. “The fuel driving mobile’s relentless growth is primarily app usage, which alone makes up a majority of total digital media engagement at 52 percent.”
Pandora ranks as the fifth most accessed app, with 69 million unique visitors, according to Digital Music News. Besting the music streaming app is Facebook (115.4 million), YouTube (83.4 million), Google Play (72.3 million), and Google Search (70.2 million). Other popular iOS and Android apps include Instagram at No. 8, iTunes Radio/iCloud at No. 11, Twitter at No. 14, Netflix at No. 17, and Snapchat at No 18.
The report also notes that more consumers are using Andriod, but iOS users skew younger. Samsung dominates that market with 54 percent share.

Paisley Defies Label and Management, Leaks Album

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Brad-Paisley-Moonshine-In-The-Truck-LeakBrad Paisley is all about leaking his forthcoming album, Moonshine in the Trunk, due to hit shelves next Monday, Aug. 25. It’s the ubiquitous power struggle, this time between record label “suits” vs. artists, in which Paisley played the hero to fans on social media over the past month by posting teasers for unreleased album tracks.
The original leak, now banned on YouTube, has been replaced by a steady stream of content leading up to the album’s shelf date. Most recently (Aug. 20), Paisley enlisted the help of the Ellen Show to release the lyric video to his self-proclaimed favorite song on the album, “Shattered Glass.” The single, about the struggle women face against the glass ceiling, became available for digital purchase at midnight.
With the social media hashtag #leakingmoonshine, Paisley has additionally sought social partnerships for the release with Chevrolet, racecar driver Jeff Gordon, athlete Aaron Rodgers, Bobby Bones, Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy, Kermit the Frog, NASA, Dave Ramsey and Ludacris. Various email, voicemail, and phone exchanges with his label Sony Nashville and management Fitzgerald/Hartley pair with many of the “unplanned” promotion leaks online.
Fans can pre-order Moonshine in the Trunk and immediately receive the songs “River Bank,” “Crushin’ It,” “Perfect Storm,” “Country Nation,” and “Shattered Glass,” which are available for individual purchase. The album will be available in-full the day after Sunday’s (Aug. 24) Rising Star season finale, for which Paisley is a guest expert on the ABC-TV show.

Weekly Register: Sam Hunt Drops "X2C"

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Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt


X2C, the digital EP from UMGN’s Sam Hunt entered the Country album chart this week with sales of 8.1K to land at No. 5, driven largely by the success of his debut single “Leave The Night On.”
On the overall tracks chart, “All About that Bass” by Big Yellow Dog songwriter Meghan Trainor sold 239K, booming at the top for another week.
Kenny  Chesney scored the top Country track debut with “Flora Bama” surfing in with 29K.
Taylor Swift confirmed Tuesday that her Oct. 27 release, 1989, will be her first official pop album—meaning its sales numbers, which are likely to be huge, won’t count toward Country’s album sales tally.
At this point, Country album sales are down -19.4 percent compared to last year, having sold 18.7 million units YTD. (By comparison, overall album sales are down -14.5 percent.) Can Country’s major releases help the genre’s album sales total rebound before year’s end? The line up includes: Aug. 25 Brad Paisley; Sept. 9 Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch; Sept. 16 Tim McGraw; Sept. 23 Kenny Chesney; Sept. 30 Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton; Oct. 7 Jason Aldean; Oct. 14 Florida Georgia Line; Oct. 21 Little Big Town; and a Garth Brooks project expected around Thanksgiving.
Top 5 Country Albums TW
Luke Bryan, 19K
Brantley Gilbert, 12K
Miranda Lambert, 12K
FGL, 10K
Sam Hunt, 8.1K
Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down” 93K
FGL, “Dirt” 70K
Kenny Chesney, “American Kids” 70K
Dierks Bentley “Drunk on a Plane” 49K
Lady Antebellum, “Bartender” 46K
Country track sales lag -18.7 percent compared to last year, having sold 93.4 million. Overall track sales are down -12.8 percent.