CMT Adds New Sr. VP, Music Strategy

/by

Leslie Fram


CMT has hired industry vet Leslie Fram to serve as Sr. VP, Music Strategy, overseeing all music integration within the CMT brand, including original programming, CMT.com, CMT Radio and music video airplay across all media platforms. The former PD and morning show co-host of New York rock station WRXP will join the team Sept. 1, reporting to Pres. Brian Philips. She replaces the exiting Jay Frank who is launching a new initiative.
Fram first worked with Philips in the early 90s, transforming Atlanta pop radio station Power 99 into a trendsetting, alternative rock station, 99X. Fram spent a decade at 99X both on-air and as Assistant Program Director and Program Director. She has been honored for her radio work, and outstanding contributions to the industry by the TJ Martell Association and NARAS’s Atlanta Chapter, where she served on the Board of Governors. She is a Lifetime Achievement Inductee in the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
“Leslie Fram is beloved throughout the entire industry,” said Philips. “Everyone knows of her hard-driving passion for music, her unyielding integrity and her relentless work ethic. I have always believed that Leslie, in her soul, ‘belonged’ at MTV Networks, and she’s finally here!”
Fram adds, “This move just feels right for me on so many levels. CMT is on a creative hot streak, and I’m honored to join Brian Philips and his all-star team at the network. CMT is a big stage — 93 million homes! I am excited about the creative freedom I’ve been given to invent and innovate with music across all CMT’s platforms. I’m anxious to get to Nashville, reconnect with old friends, make new ones and blaze a new trail with CMT.”
Philips added, “Jay has helped CMT make great strides, leaving in place a strong music infrastructure. He’s a futurist and successful author with an entrepreneurial spirit, and we wish him huge success with his new venture.”
Fram joins CMT at a time of growth across several divisions: CMT Radio Network now has 160+ affiliates across the country; CMT Radio Live With Cody Alan, the nightly syndicated show is heard in over 100 markets; CMT Pure, the network’s 24-hour music video channel is now in 25 million homes; and music video hours on CMT are up 10% over the last year.

Letter From Sugarland

/by

Sugarland has just released this statement regarding the tragedy that occurred Saturday before the duo took the stage at the Indiana State Fair.

Dear Fans, Family and Friends,
We have taken a couple of days to try and even begin to emotionally process the magnitude and gravity of the tragedy in Indiana on Saturday. While the path to healing from this type of trauma and loss is long and winding, we wanted to reach out and update you on where we are and how we are.
We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana, to honor those fans who died. We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them. We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For those suffering from injury we hold you up with prayers for complete healing of your own.
We are also addressing our own specific healing. Our road family experienced its traumas together. While we all scattered to our given families for their comfort, the trauma we experienced together binds us in a unique way that we share only with each other and those who were there. There is healing in our being together. There is healing in our working together. For this reason we are planning to get back on the road this weekend, beginning with our scheduled show in Albuquerque this Thursday, August 18th.  The emotions have us yearning to be close to each other immediately. The logistics have us needing to replace all of our instruments and equipment. (The set is a loss that is insignificant in light of the tragedy).
This Incredible Machine is more than a tour and more than a set. We have always celebrated music as a Healer. While music cannot change the events and losses at the Indiana State Fair, it can hopefully serve as a ritual and a balm to provide comfort and facilitate healing in this time of great sorrow. We hope to see you all soon.
Love,
Sugarland

The statement is also available on the band’s official website, www.sugarlandmusic.com.

Combustion Promotes Chris Van Belkom

/by

Chris Van Belkom


Combustion Music announces the promotion of Chris Van Belkom to VP. Van Belkom formerly served as Sr. Creative Director and has been with Combustion since 2004. Working directly with company President, Chris Farren, Van Belkom will oversee all aspects of the creative department and manage the writing staff, which includes songwriters Ashley Gorley, Brett James, Blair Daly and Matthew West.
“Chris has been a trusted and integral part of Combustion’s growth and success over the past 6 years,” says Farren.  “I couldn’t be happier about this partnership and know that he will continue to bring exceptional instincts, leadership and musicality to the Combustion team.”
Combustion Music is an independent publishing and production company which opened its doors in 2002.  They have represented the catalogs of: Ashely Gorley, Kings of Leon, Brett James, Blair Daly, Gordie Sampson, Matthew West, Drew Ramsey, and many others. Van Belkom can continue to be reached at 515-5490.

Sound Of Change Headed To Music City

/by

Put your ear to the music industry railroad tracks and you’ll likely hear a faint rumbling headed toward Nashville—don’t recognize it? It’s the sound of change.
Warner Music’s recent purchase by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries seemingly brought little or no change to Music City, but the upcoming sale of EMI—both publishing and records— is likely to generate a substantial restructuring along Music City streets during 2012.
Deal Points
According to the Financial Times (8/2) expectations are that EMI, a British company, will fetch between $3-$4 billion, possibly higher than the $3.3 billion that Warners recently commanded. Key to the bidding is the disposition of EMI’s publishing and record music divisions. Do they go as a unit? Or do they get split up? Reports are that bids have been received under both scenarios and bidders include Sony, Universal, Warner Music and BMG’s publishing venture.
Sony and BMG are likely focused on EMI’s substantial publishing assets. Warner Music could reap cost benefits by adding the EMI label asset and funneling it through Warner distribution, thereby eliminating the EMI distribution and hundreds of millions of dollars in overhead. According to the Financial Times, market leaders Universal and Sony would face tough regulatory winds were they to attempt to acquire the EMI record label.
More recent updates, (8/11) note that the global financial crisis is making credit harder to obtain which could ultimately lower EMI’s final take. “It’s likely that the weakness in the financial markets could have an impact on the price,” Singer Capital Markets media analyst Jonathan Barrett told the Financial Times. “If EMI was a small business, there wouldn’t be an issue here, but it isn’t and so it will affect what people are willing to pay. Buyers may just decide to walk away—or, if they do bid, there’s a good chance that there will be some very conservative bids. If this happens there’s a real chance that Citi will put the transaction on ice. The same thing has already happened in a number of other sectors.”
Nashville Skyline
Recent speculation in HitsDailyDouble.com posits, “All three majors believe they can absorb recorded music. As for publishing, the sheer size of UMG’s pubco precludes the company from making a deal for EMI Music Publishing, with its 1.3 million-song catalog, while Sony Corp.-owned Sony/ATV appears to be in a good position to add EMI’s publishing assets… However, HDD also notes, “Vegas lists Warner as the 8-5 favorite to come out on top.” Viewed from a macro perspective, it seems highly likely that when the unpredictable  sales dust settles, Nashville will be left with one less major label and one less major publisher.
Regardless of which company chairs remain when the music stops playing, this round of musical chairs will effect artists, label heads, staffers, publishers and songwriters. And one can’t help but wonder what domino effects might ensue as sale-created “free agents” get absorbed back into the music economy.
So yes, it’s too to early handicap all the possible scenarios, but bet on change, that’s a sure thing.
 

Capitol Brings Big Guns, Baby Acts To Street Party

/by

Alan Jackson, Eric Church, and newcomers Eric Paslay and Jon Pardi make the line-up for the “Capitol Street Party 4.” The free, public party is scheduled to shut down Demonbreun Street near Music Row on Wed., Sept. 21. The fun begins at 7:00 pm and is presented by Grand Avenue Chauffeured Transportation.

Jackson, Church and Paslay will literally take to the street, on a stage set up at one end of the closed-off Nashville thoroughfare.  EMI Records Nashville’s newest singer/songwriter Jon Pardi will extend the street party into the night with a special post-party performance at the Tin Roof.
Last year, over 10,000 fans packed Demonbreun Street.
Capitol Records Nashville President & CEO, Mike Dungan says it best, “Where else can you experience a true American icon, the artist with the #1 album in America, and the best new artist to come out this year? All for the low, low price of … Nothing! It’s free! You’d be crazy not to be there!”

Hall Hosts Grand Opening of Chet Atkins Exhibit

/by

(L-R): Steve Wariner, Fred Gretsch, Merle Russell and Kyle Young. Photo: Donn Jones


Steve Wariner, one of only a few Atkins-anointed Certified Guitar Players, gave a lively musical tribute. Photo: Christie King


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its Chet Atkins exhibition last night (8/10) to a group of industry tastemakers, sponsors, and the late guitar-great’s descendants including daughter Merle Russell.
Museum Director Kyle Young welcomed guests in the Ford Theater. “Chet was always a supportive friend of this institution,” he said. “He was also one of country music’s ultimate renaissance men, one of the greatest instrumentalists in American music history, and a true musical savant. We are truly honored to tell his story, one we know will resonate with country fans old and new.”
Fred Gretsch and members of his family were there to help salute Atkins’ history with their guitar company dating back to 1954. Mr. Gretsch recalled George Harrison’s admiration of the Country Gentleman, and also brought onstage Atkins’ teary-eyed friend, Paul Yandell. The instrument manufacturer provided generous support of the new exhibit.

Photo: Christie King


Upstairs guests got the first look of Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player. Classic guitars take center stage in the exhibition which tells the remarkable story of Atkins’ rise from near-poverty in Luttrell, Tennessee to acclaimed musician. Included is his first guitar, a Sears Silvertone he acquired at age 11 and upon which he taught himself to play; and his 1938 Gibson L-10 designed for original owner Les Paul.
At a very early age, Atkins set his mind to becoming a famous guitar player. He was a shy boy, who moved as a child to Columbus, Georgia where the climate eased his asthma. It was there that he got his first radio gig. By age 18 he was earning a living as a musician.

Photo: Christie King


The exhibit highlights his signature thumb-and-two-finger picking style, developed while trying to emulate Merle Travis. It covers his 1950 move to Nashville as the guitar player for Maybelle and the Carter Sisters.
Guitars, contracts and letters show his progress over the next several decades. There is a 1951 photograph of Atkins playing alongside Hank Williams at the Grand Ole Opry.
One highlight is the meticulous re-construction of the work-bench and shelves in Atkins’ basement home studio, including tools, cameras, hats, guitar straps, and golf clubs.
There are a few video clips, but missing in this smaller exhibit are some of the interactive, multimedia components that made the Hall’s Williams Family exhibition so successful.
Atkins’ storied career criss-crossed from A-Team studio work, to artist, producer, and record executive. He played on recordings by Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. His first hit as an artist came in 1955 with “Mister Sandman.” As a producer, he was a key architect of the Nashville Sound, and worked with the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings and Jim Reeves. Atkins was elected to the hallowed Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, and before dying in 2001, he received a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Downstairs in the conservatory, CPG (certified party goers) enjoyed the night’s signature mango cocktail while munching on hors d’oeuvres and mini desserts.
Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player officially opens tomorrow (8/12) with special events throughout the weekend. Details at countrymusichalloffame.org.

(L-R): Steve Wariner, Earl Klugh, Reggie Young, Duane Eddy, James Burton, Scotty Moore, Paul Yandell, Ben Hall and Mark Pritcher, Pres. of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. Photo: Donn Jones.

Full Scope Rebrands As Average Joe's Management

/by

(L-R) CEO Ken Madson, and Manager Rusty Harmon


Full Scope Entertainment, the management home to Colt Ford, Ty Stone, and others, has partnered with Average Joe’s Entertainment label to form Average Joe’s Management.
The management firm was established in early 2009 by CEO Ken Madson. He explains, “Since its creation, Full Scope Entertainment has worked closely with Average Joe’s Entertainment. While this will not affect day-to-day management operations, this re-branding is part of a larger effort to grow Average Joe’s Entertainment and Average Joe’s Management.”
Shannon Houchins, CEO of the label, points out that the renaming emphasizes that the management company uses the label’s marketing resources for management clients regardless of whether or not they are signed to the record company.
In addition, Average Joe’s Management has hired Rusty Harmon, who brings with him management clients Bo Bice, Scarletta, and Nick Norman. Harmon got his start working with Hootie & The Blowfish, who went on to worldwide sales of more than 25 million.
Harmon has secured endorsement deals from Budweiser, Nike, BMW, and Gibson for his clients. From 1997-2000 he was President of the Atlantic imprint, Breaking Records.
“At a time when everyone in the music industry is talking about making changes in the way we conduct our business, Average Joe’s has actually done it,” Harmon shares. “I’m thrilled to be on board with such a progressive, aggressive, and proactive management company and record label.”
Additional Nashville management staffers include Houchins, Lex Lipsitz, Andrew Parvin, and Jamie Reeder.
Orlando McGhee will continue at the helm the Atlanta hub of the management company.
The Average Joe’s Management roster lists Anamul House, Bizarre, JB and The Moonshine Band, Nappy Roots, REHAB, Scarletta, Space Capone, The Lacs, Bo Bice, Lauren Briant, Lenny Cooper, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, John Michael Montgomery, Nick Norman, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, and Morgan Strebler.
Average Joe’s offices are located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 337, Nashville, TN 37203. For additional information, visit www.averagejoesmanagement.com or call (615) 733-9983.
Average Joe’s Management Staff contact:
Ken Madson, [email protected]
Shannon Houchins, [email protected]
Rusty Harmon, [email protected]
Orlando McGhee, [email protected]
Lex Lipsitz, [email protected]
Andrew Parvin, [email protected]
Jamie Reeder, [email protected]

Full Scope Rebrands As Average Joe’s Management

/by

(L-R) CEO Ken Madson, and Manager Rusty Harmon

Full Scope Entertainment, the management home to Colt Ford, Ty Stone, and others, has partnered with Average Joe’s Entertainment label to form Average Joe’s Management.

The management firm was established in early 2009 by CEO Ken Madson. He explains, “Since its creation, Full Scope Entertainment has worked closely with Average Joe’s Entertainment. While this will not affect day-to-day management operations, this re-branding is part of a larger effort to grow Average Joe’s Entertainment and Average Joe’s Management.”

Shannon Houchins, CEO of the label, points out that the renaming emphasizes that the management company uses the label’s marketing resources for management clients regardless of whether or not they are signed to the record company.

In addition, Average Joe’s Management has hired Rusty Harmon, who brings with him management clients Bo Bice, Scarletta, and Nick Norman. Harmon got his start working with Hootie & The Blowfish, who went on to worldwide sales of more than 25 million.

Harmon has secured endorsement deals from Budweiser, Nike, BMW, and Gibson for his clients. From 1997-2000 he was President of the Atlantic imprint, Breaking Records.

“At a time when everyone in the music industry is talking about making changes in the way we conduct our business, Average Joe’s has actually done it,” Harmon shares. “I’m thrilled to be on board with such a progressive, aggressive, and proactive management company and record label.”

Additional Nashville management staffers include Houchins, Lex Lipsitz, Andrew Parvin, and Jamie Reeder.

Orlando McGhee will continue at the helm the Atlanta hub of the management company.

The Average Joe’s Management roster lists Anamul House, Bizarre, JB and The Moonshine Band, Nappy Roots, REHAB, Scarletta, Space Capone, The Lacs, Bo Bice, Lauren Briant, Lenny Cooper, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, John Michael Montgomery, Nick Norman, Matt Stillwell, Ty Stone, and Morgan Strebler.

Average Joe’s offices are located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 337, Nashville, TN 37203. For additional information, visit www.averagejoesmanagement.com or call (615) 733-9983.

Average Joe’s Management Staff contact:

Ken Madson, [email protected]
Shannon Houchins, [email protected]
Rusty Harmon, [email protected]
Orlando McGhee, [email protected]
Lex Lipsitz, [email protected]
Andrew Parvin, [email protected]
Jamie Reeder, [email protected]

Pinpointing 2011 Country Sales

/by


 
Country album sales are up an astounding 4% YTD as of 8/7/2011 with 22,930,000 units scanned. That is some good news. However, before we open the second bottle of Cristal Champagne (on sale HERE for $295 ea.) it seems appropriate to survey 2010 and compare it with possible expectations and release schedules for 2011.
Graph 1 (above): This line graph shows how 2010 sales increased during the period from mid-August through mid-November.
Graph 2 (right): This shows how the rate of sales increased last year (2010) during the same period covered in Graph 1. Note that late Oct and Nov. show particularly steep increases generated by Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban debuts.
Table 1: This table shows the albums and debut week sales totals that occurred between data points on Graph 1.
Table 1: 2010 High Roller Album Debuts
8/15/2010: Blake Shelton-33k
9/5/10: Little Big Town-42k, Trace Adkins-50k
9/19/10: Jamey Johnson-63k
10/3/10: Kenny Chesney-184k, ZBB 153, Billy Currington-45k
10/17/10: Darius Rucker-101k, Band Perry-53k, Toby Keith-71k
10/31/10: Taylor Swift-1,047, Sugarland-202.7
11/21/10: Jason Aldean-193k, Rascal Flatts-165k, Keith Urban-162k, Reba-64k, Brad Paisley Hits-31
 
Looking at 2010 there are 17 “heavy hitter” releases on our list including Taylor Swift’s million plus effort and Sugarland’s 200k+ debut. Then we had Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Zak Brown Band all in the 150-200k range.
This year’s schedule is not completely revealed, but MusicRow’s upcoming Album Release Calendar currently shows only six power titles ahead— Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, George Strait, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes and Miranda Lambert. However,  Trace Adkins just debuted (8/7/2011), with 47k (pretty close to last year’s 50k showing) and there are some newcomers on the list like Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alina that are shifting product nicely. Also contributing to 2011’s early lead are solid recent debuts from Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Chris Young and Justin Moore. However, to surpass 2010 country will need to find additional sales ammunition with which to entice consumers especially during this uncooperative economy.
Reader Challenge
Cook up some math-based scenarios and ring in below with your year-end prognostications in the comment area. Country scanned 43.718 million album units in 2010. Guess the correct first three digits of the 2011 sales total and win a free MusicRow subscription! Ready, set, GO!

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/10/11)

/by

With temperatures hovering near 100 muggy degrees, day after day, we have definitely reached the Dog Days of Summer in Tune Town.
In weather like this, who the heck feels like making the effort to find new music?
I do. I always do, especially when folks are playing at the top of their games.
This week, those folks include Reba, Jeff Bates and, especially, Danny Gokey. As for Miranda Lambert, she is completely in another league. As excellent as she has been so many times before, she outdoes herself with “Baggage Claim.” Give that Texas Tornado a Disc of the Day.
Newcomer Andy Gibson is off to a flying start. I don’t know when I have heard a debut single as terrific as his “Wanna Make You Love Me.” Welcome to the party, pal. You definitely have what it takes. Here’s a DisCovery Award to wish you well and send you on your way.
RELUCTANT SAINTS/Right Behind You
Writer: B.C. Wilson; Producer: Reluctant Saints & Jonathan Beckner; Publisher: none listed; Inio (track) (www.reluctantsaints.com)
—These roots rockers are receiving airplay on Atlanta’s biggest country station with this choppy, blue-eyed-soul bopper. The playing is cool, and the song is solid. What is lacking is a charismatic lead vocal.
REBA /Somebody’s Chelsea
Writer: Reba/Liz Hengber/Will Robinson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Zavitson/Red Sox Fan/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Texoma Ten/Detect An Intruder/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/BMI; Starstruck/Valory (track)
—Lovely. A woman yearns to be part of a never-ending love story in this aching, heart-in-throat ballad.
COLTON JAMES/Date With Dixie
Writer: Colton James/Greg Crowe; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Ride ‘N’ High
—Trashy sounding. The too-busy rhythm track is irritating. His vocal tries to hard. The crowd whistling and shouting is overload. The lyric shamelessly name-checks “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “Whiskey River,” “Dixieland Delight” and other Southern staples.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Baggage Claim
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird; Producer: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainley & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Tiltawhirl/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI; Columbia
—She’s wise to his “business trip” and is giving him his walking papers. The crunchy track is beyond cool with its chugging acoustic guitar, organ solo and slapped drumming. And it goes without saying that her vocal is busting with piping-hot personality. Play it again. And again.
TYLER DEAN/That Smile
Writer: Doug Johnson; Producer: Doug Johnson; Publisher: Mike Curb/Sweet Radical, BMI; Curb (CDX)
—Young sounding. The track is as breezy as his soft, romantic vocal.
DANNY GOKEY/Second Hand Heart
Writer: Cary Barlowe/Josh Kear/Shane Stevens; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; 19/RCA (CDX)
—I love this guy’s voice. Here, he’s throaty and slightly raspy on the verses, then brightly mighty and skyward soaring on the choruses of this mid-tempo heart song. An absolutely stirring single.
JEFF BATES/He Wasn’t Like Us
Writer: Jeff Bates/Ben Hayslip/Brandon Kinney; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones & Kenny Beard; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/How ‘Bout That Skyline/Kinney Empire/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, BMI/ASCAP; Black River (CDX)
—Jeff returns with a terrific message song about bullying. The ballad follows the progress of a picked-on “slow” kid who grows up to be Jesus. This man’s gripping, deeply soulful voice is particularly potent here.
ANDY GIBSON/Wanna Make You Love Me
Writer: Jim Collins/Bobby Pinson; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Music of Cal IV/Music of Stage Three/Bobby’s Song and Salvage/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; R & J (CDX)
—Now here’s a toe tapper with a relentless, heartbeat rhythm. The production is totally in the pocket, the song craftsmanship is superb and, best of all, the singer’s delivery completely owns it with heartfelt tenor honesty. Who is this guy? Why isn’t this on a major label?
SUSAN HERNDON/Land Of The Living
Writer: Herndon; Producer: Lloyd Maines, Bob Livingston & Susan Herndon; Publisher: Okie Turtle, ASCAP; SH (track) (www.susanherndon.com)
—The groove has bopping panache. Her songwriting is characterized by simple charms. She won’t take home any vocal blue ribbons, but still has a sweetly innocent style.
FOLK FAMILY REVIVAL/Come Get Me
Writer: Mason Lankford/Barrett Lankford; Producer: Jeffrey Armstreet; Publisher: Magnolia Red/Poodawalamus, ASCAP; Magnolia Red (track) (www.folkfamilyrevival.com)
—This country rocker takes hold and never lets go. The hallmarks of the band are take-no-prisoners drumming, twanging guitar work and a drawling, conversational lead vocalist with chesty, out-of-breath phrasing. Rootsy and winning.