• Carrie Underwood brought a touch of country elegance to the Emmy Awards last night as she performed a Beatles tune during a tribute marking the role TV played in the assassination of JFK and the aftermath of his death. Since the period also marked the Beatles’ 50th anniversary of their first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, the homage to 1963 featured Carrie in a long navy gown performing their hit “Yesterday,” as images of the group appeared behind her on the screen.
Her performance of the tune can be seen here:
(l-r): Trevor Rosen, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski
• Audience members at last Saturday night’s Bluebird Cafe’ show may have thought they were actually at a
Nashville taping since
Nashville actor
Eric Close was in the audience for the sold-out show featuring top ASCAP songwriters
Shane McAnally,
Brandy Clark,
Josh Osborne, and
Trevor Rosen. Rosen and McAnally have ties with the series since they co-wrote the song “Fade Into You,” performed by characters Scarlett and Gunnar during the first season of the program. The four hit songwriters have nearly a dozen chart-topping songs between them, and Clark will release her debut album
12 Stories on Oct. 22 on Slate Creek Records. During the season two premiere of
Nashville, featured songs include those written by ASCAP members
Striking Matches.
•
Brad Paisley’s
Beat This Summer Tour presented by Cracker Barrel will continue through November.
Chris Young and
Lee Brice will join him on the October leg of the tour and
Voice winner
Danielle Bradbery will perform on the November dates. Paisley’s current single, “I Can’t Change The World,” is the third from his latest CD
Wheelhouse, which has already spawned two Number Ones, “Southern Comfort Zone,” and “Beat This Summer.”
Beat This Summer Tour tour dates:
October 17 Copps Coliseum Hamilton, ON
October 18 Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa, ON
October 19 Budweiser Gardens London, ON
October 23 MTS Centre Winnipeg, MB
October 24 Brandt Centre Regina, SK
October 25 Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
October 26 Rexall Place Edmonton, AB
November 14 CenturyLink Center Omaha, Neb.
November 15 BMO Harris Bank Center Rockford, Ill.
November 16 Xcel Energy Center St. Paul, Minn.
November 21 Prairie Capitol Conv Center Springfield, Ill.
November 23 The Palace at Auburn Hills Detroit, Mich.
(L to R) C.T. Wyatt (Parallel Music), Tree Paine (SVP, Publicity), Dean Alexander, Chris Stacey (SVP, Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), William Michael, Kevin Herring (VP, National Promotion), Cris Lacy (VP, A&R), Lisa Ray (VP, Brand Management), Joe Carter (Carter & Co)
• WMG artists Dean Alexander and William Michael did some Pickin’ on the Patio recently for the fifth installment of Warner Music Nashville’s summer celebration. A packed crowd enjoyed music from both Alexander and Michael at the fun-filled event, held the fourth Thursday of each month from May through October at the label. The final installment of the series will take place Oct. 24.
BMI 2013 Fiscal Report
/by Sherod RobertsonRevenues increased by $45 million, a 5 percent gain over the prior fiscal year. Royalty distributions increased by $64 million or 9 percent compared to the previous year. This represents the largest fiscal year revenue posted and royalties distributed in the company’s 74 years of operation.
New media and digital revenue continued its year-over-year growth, reaching new record revenues exceeding $57 million, an increase of 65 percent over the previous fiscal year. This achievement was driven in large part by agreements with Netflix, Hulu and other digital entertainment outlets.
Licensing revenues from bars, restaurants and other commercial establishments saw a 7 percent increase over the prior year to a new benchmark high of $116 million.
International revenues contributed $297 million, more than 30 percent of BMI’s total for the year.
Commenting on the year, BMI President Del Bryant, said: “The success we are reporting today has been achieved in a very transitional period for BMI and the music and entertainment business. We are alert to the challenges that the restructuring of the industry presents, but we also see unprecedented opportunity. BMI’s dynamic and constantly evolving repertoire is able to reach the public across a myriad of platforms in which music is the core offering, or an essential part of the creative product. As this year’s results demonstrate, we have continued to capture the value that music contributes, and deliver it to our writers, composers and publishers.”
Michael O’Neill, BMI’s recently elected Chief Executive Officer, added: “What is most impressive about this year’s significant success is not only the diversity and growth in our revenues, but also our ability to increase royalties by an even larger margin. This is the result of a true team effort. I would like to congratulate everyone at BMI for their dedication to service, their diligent attention to the details of our business, and for these great results! Our songwriters, composers and publishers deserve this kind of performance, and we have delivered. To everyone at BMI, job well done!”
O’Neill, who most recently was BMI’s Senior Vice President, Repertoire and Licensing will assume his role as President upon Bryant’s June 2014 retirement.
BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 7.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. This year, more than 45,000 new writers joined BMI via its online portal – the company’s virtual open door.
Blackwater Records Launches with Brad Long
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): Blackwater Records’ Nicole Jordan, Hayden Herr, Artist Brad Long, Blackwater Records’ Jennie Roquemore and CEO Jeff Chandler
Blackwater Records launches with Brad Long as its flagship artist. Brad is presently a featured vocalist and emcee at The Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has opened shows for Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Justin Moore and Keith Urban. His debut single, “Every Heart Has a Different Road”, is written by Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs and Kylie Sackley. Long’s upcoming album, slated for a November release, is produced by Teddy Gentry (Alabama), New Voice Entertainment (Thompson Square, Parmalee) and Brad Long and features songs penned by Nashville’s top songwriters including Neil Thrasher, Ashley Gorley, Wendell Mobley and others.
Blackwater Records’ in house promotion team is led by VP of Promotions Rick Roberts; Nicole Jordan (Northeast Regional); Hayden Herr (West Coast Regional); Chase Burnett (Mid West Regional) and Jennie Roquemore (Southeast Regional). Secondary radio promotion is spearheaded by Nancy Tunick and Grassroots Promotion. Blackwater Records is based in Myrtle Beach and formed by CEO, Jeff Chandler.
Tyler Farr Launches “Redneck Ranch” Web Series
/by Michael_SmithIn promotion of his debut album Redneck Crazy, Tyler Farr has launched a limited web series called Redneck Ranch. The series debuts today, September 23, and will include four episodes, chronicling Farr and his team. Future episodes will air on 9/25, 9/27 and 9/30. Beginning today, fans can check out an exclusive behind the scenes look at Farr’s newest endeavor on NRACountry.com.
Fans can visit Country Outfitter to hear an exclusive full album stream of Tyler Farr’s new album, a full week before it is available everywhere on 9/30, as well as an exclusive interview with the artist.
In addition to receiving 5 million views on VEVO, Farr’s hit single “Redneck Crazy” continues to climb the charts and receive praise from numerous media outlets, including The New York Times. Last week, Farr threw a packed album release party in Nashville, showcasing his talent as an artist and a performer.
Farr is currently performing on select tour dates with Lee Brice and will open for Florida Georgia Line’s headlining tour, beginning in October. His debut album is currently available for preorder.
Click here to check out the first episode of Farr’s Redneck Ranch.
Lifenotes: Country Songwriter Buck Moore Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonBorn on January 3, 1934 to George Moore and Margaret (Warren) Moore in Arnold, Nebraska, he moved with his family to Emmett, Idaho at the young age of 6 months. In 1936 the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID, where he attended the Rimrock country school and later graduated from Rathdrum High School in 1952. He married Darlene Hogue with whom he had three sons, Rodney, Jeff, and Marty who all preceded him in death. He later married Virginia Harms and they had one son, Todd.
He loved to race snowmobiles and claimed the title as North American Champion three different years. He also raced motorcycles and loved anything that went fast. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, making yearly trips to Alaska to fish for salmon.
Buck loved music from a very young age, played the guitar and could sing and yodel. In the ’70s he moved to Nashville and began his career as a songwriter.
Buck leaves behind one son, Todd Moore, his loving companion and best friend, Michelle Bryner, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother William (Bill) Moore and sister, Arlene (Moore) Galovic. Another sister, Mary (Moore) Dalby, preceded him in death as well as his parents, George and Margaret Moore.
The family invites his friends and loved ones to join in remembering Buck on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at Sun Aire Estates from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Legal Wraps: Nielsen Gets FTC Approval; Labels Allowed To Pursue Vimeo
/by Lorie HollabaughIn a press statement, Nielsen addressed the transaction: “Nielsen’s agreement with the FTC is intended to preserve the competitive landscape in place before our announced intent to acquire Arbitron. It does not affect the strategic rationale of the acquisition or the anticipated benefits to Nielsen from the transaction. No Nielsen assets are affected by the FTC’s order. The FTC’s order effectively enables the continuation of a cross-platform project measuring TV, radio, PC, mobile, and tablet engagement which was announced by Arbitron in concert with ESPN and comScore, Inc. in September 2012. In the event that an FTC-approved third-party elects to agree to licensing terms and other requirements, Nielsen would make available for license Arbitron PPM and related data as well as software and technology currently being used in the ESPN project for the sole purpose of cross-platform measurement or up to eight years.”
Memphis Music Hall of Fame Adds Thirteen
/by Eric T. ParkerEach inductee is honored and celebrated through a dedicated tribute page on the Memphis Music Hall of Fame’s website, and each receives the Mike Curb Award, a locally hand-crafted trophy and the official award of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
The Inductees have been selected by a national Nominating Committee comprised of authors, music historians, national educators, and members of the music community. There are 25 current members in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, which launched in 2012, including W.C. Handy, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis and Al Green, among others.
Tickets for the November ceremony are on sale for between $50-100. To purchase, call 901-205-2536 or visit here.
Show Dog-Universal Music Signs New Duo
/by Sherod RobertsonFront (L-R): Native Run (Bryan Dawley and Rachel Beauregard)
Back (L-R): Show Dog – Universal Music President Mark Wright, Producer Luke Laird, Show Dog GM George Nunes, Show Dog Sr. Director A&R Cliff Audretch, III
Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright, signs Virginia duo, Native Run, to an exclusive recording contract, making them the first duo for the Nashville-based label. Produced by CMA Nominated Producer and BMI Songwriter of the Year, Luke Laird, the duo is currently working on their debut album. The duo has already been hailed by Paste Magazine as “The Best of What’s Next”.
“It is rare to find two people thinking as one musically and stylistically,” says Wright. “When we heard and saw Native Run we knew they were that rare find. It’s a great feeling to sign a new artist who is ready for the big stage the day you sign them.”
“The Show Dog-Universal Music team’s enthusiasm and vision for our music sealed the deal for us,” adds Native Run’s Rachel Beauregard and Bryan Dawley. “They’re the kind of quality people you want around you and fighting for you. We’re beyond stoked!”
“Bryan and Rachel captured my attention the first time I saw them perform live,” remarked Laird. “Their stage presence combined with their songwriting ability and musicianship are inspiring and I feel honored to work with them.”
Artist Action (9/23)
/by Lorie HollabaughHer performance of the tune can be seen here:
(l-r): Trevor Rosen, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski
• Audience members at last Saturday night’s Bluebird Cafe’ show may have thought they were actually at a Nashville taping since Nashville actor Eric Close was in the audience for the sold-out show featuring top ASCAP songwriters Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, and Trevor Rosen. Rosen and McAnally have ties with the series since they co-wrote the song “Fade Into You,” performed by characters Scarlett and Gunnar during the first season of the program. The four hit songwriters have nearly a dozen chart-topping songs between them, and Clark will release her debut album 12 Stories on Oct. 22 on Slate Creek Records. During the season two premiere of Nashville, featured songs include those written by ASCAP members Striking Matches.
Beat This Summer Tour tour dates:
October 17 Copps Coliseum Hamilton, ON
October 18 Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa, ON
October 19 Budweiser Gardens London, ON
October 23 MTS Centre Winnipeg, MB
October 24 Brandt Centre Regina, SK
October 25 Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
October 26 Rexall Place Edmonton, AB
November 14 CenturyLink Center Omaha, Neb.
November 15 BMO Harris Bank Center Rockford, Ill.
November 16 Xcel Energy Center St. Paul, Minn.
November 21 Prairie Capitol Conv Center Springfield, Ill.
November 23 The Palace at Auburn Hills Detroit, Mich.
(L to R) C.T. Wyatt (Parallel Music), Tree Paine (SVP, Publicity), Dean Alexander, Chris Stacey (SVP, Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), William Michael, Kevin Herring (VP, National Promotion), Cris Lacy (VP, A&R), Lisa Ray (VP, Brand Management), Joe Carter (Carter & Co)
• WMG artists Dean Alexander and William Michael did some Pickin’ on the Patio recently for the fifth installment of Warner Music Nashville’s summer celebration. A packed crowd enjoyed music from both Alexander and Michael at the fun-filled event, held the fourth Thursday of each month from May through October at the label. The final installment of the series will take place Oct. 24.
MTSU Partners with Americana Music Association
/by Caitlin RantalaMTSU Mass Communication Dean Ken Paulson presented the Spirit of Americana Freedom of Speech Award to artist Stephen Stills Wednesday night at the association’s Honors & Awards show at the Americana Music Festival. The award is given by the association and the First Amendment Center. Photo: Getty Images
This weekend’s (Sept. 21) Americana Music Festival and Conference marked the beginning of a unique educational partnership between the festival’s organizer, the Americana Music Association, and MTSU’s College of Mass Communication.
The collaboration between MTSU and the association, based in Franklin, Tenn., will bring special learning opportunities to students pursuing careers in music, said Mass Communication Dean Ken Paulson. Under the partnership, prominent artists will participate in special lectures at the university. Students also got to attend the Americana Music Festival and Conference, which ran this year from Wednesday to Sunday in Nashville, featured about 130 live performances at six music venues.
“We’re indebted to the Americana Music Association for its commitment to a new generation of recording industry and music professionals,” Paulson said. “It’s a great fit on so many levels.”
As part of the festival, Paulson presented the Spirit of Americana Freedom of Speech Award on Wednesday (Sept. 18) to artist Stephen Stills during the Honors & Awards Show at Ryman Auditorium. The award was given by the association and the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center. The award spotlights and celebrates Stills’ contributions to some of the most thought-provoking and observational songs of the 60s and 70s, as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and beyond. Among them; “For What It’s Worth,” “Wooden Ships,” and “The Ecology Song.” Students also got to hear from British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg on Thursday (Sept. 19). He was the inaugural guest speaker for the new Americana Music series at MTSU.
Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, said the partnership is a logical extension of the association’s overall mission.
Demonbreun Strip Sells For Nearly $18M
/by Michael_SmithCommercial real estate investment firm Elmington Capital has purchased Nashville’s Demonbreun strip, which includes restaurants, bars and offices, for $17.67 million.
The property was purchased from LUI Nashville, a subsidiary of the Houston based company The Lionstone Group. Independent real estate broker Richard Wallace brought the property to Elmington Capital, with Crews Johnston of the Nashville office of Cassidy Turley representing The Lionstone Group.
Elmington Property Management will manage the property and XMI Commercial Real Estate managing director Henry Menge will handle leasing services.
Demonbreun contains 63,000 square feet of retail space, including Off Broadway Shoes, The Tin Roof, The Pavilion and 24,000 square feet of office space in the Miller Harris building, which houses Country Weekly. The entire property covers over 3.38 acres.
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to invest in a Nashville landmark, and we look forward to continuing to provide [the city] with a venue that is uniquely Nashville,” said Elmington Capital president Cary Rosenblum.
Demonbreun will add several new operations, including The Dawghouse Saloon, El Camino Taco and a beer and burger joint spearheaded by an unnamed Nashville restaurateur. The diverse area also contains members of the music industry in the Miller Harris building.
Elmington Capital senior VP Ben Brewer commented on that building, saying, “When you step into the building, you can feel the energy and the history that surrounds you. We are pleased to offer this Music Row address to the creative community in Nashville.”