Americanafest Sets Attendance Records, 2012 Dates

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The Americana Music Association will host its 2012 Festival & Conference in Nashville, TN from Sept. 12-15. The announcement comes on the heels of one the music association’s most successful events yet.

The 2011 Americana Music Association Festival and Conference saw the participation of over 10,000 fans, 300 performing artists and 1,000 music industry professionals during the four-day celebration of American Roots inspired music.

The most significant increase in attendance took place at the conference portion of this year’s event, where industry and artists gathered for a series of educational workshops and seminars. Peaking at over 1,130 attendees, a 25% gain over last year, registration for the conference has now increased by 35% since 2009. The 2011 Festival & Conference also stimulated a boost in new AMA memberships, with a 13% increase in members in the last 12 months. Membership now stands at 1356.

The association’s capstone event, the Americana Music Honors & Awards show sold out the Ryman Auditorium for the first time in its ten-year history.  The program was broadcast live on Nashville Public Television (WNPT-Channel 8). Additionally, for the first time in the event’s history, it will be broadcast nationwide by PBS. ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival is set to air this Sat., Nov. 19.

“This year’s event reflects the growing national and international popularity of the Americana genre,” says AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly. “That artists like Gregg Allman, Robert Plant and Lucinda Williams along with industry leaders like Neil Portnow, Rich Bengloff and Michael Huppe have flown to Nashville to be a part of our community is a huge honor.”

Lawrence To Host Sixth Annual Turkey Fry

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Tracy Lawrence is preparing to host the sixth annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry on Tuesday, Nov. 22. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Since the launch of the “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry, Lawrence and his friends have donated more than 5,000 turkeys, serving almost 35,000 meals and raised more than $100,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission.

This year Lawrence is getting help from his sports and entertainment friends, including 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold, Restless Heart, American Idol’s Lacey Brown, The Roys, The McClymonts, and Tennessee Titan cheerleaders and football players Rob Bironas, Daniel Graham, and Jordan Babinaeux. Each of them will join Lawrence in an effort to help prepare and fry more than 500 turkeys that will serve more than 7,000 meals this holiday season.

“The Nashville Rescue Mission is a blessing to our community,” said Lawrence. “Each year I am humbled by the outpouring of support from friends who give their time to be part of the turkey fry, which allows us the opportunity to help raise awareness of the great services that the Nashville Rescue Mission provides everyday to the homeless and those in need.”

The sixth annual event will be held in the parking lot of the Nashville Rescue Mission. “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry is free and open to the public, though donations to the Nashville Rescue Mission are requested.

Do The MusicRow Awards Predict CMA Winners?

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Pictured at the MusicRow Awards, hosted by ASCAP. (L-R): Bob Doyle & Associate's Kates Snyder, Neil Perry, Republic Nashville Pres. Jimmy Harnen, Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, MR's David Ross, Jesse Frasure, and manager/publisher Bob Doyle.

Examining this year’s list of MusicRow Award winners is like peering into a Crystal Ball of future CMA Award winners. Last week The Band Perry took home three CMA trophies, after also taking home honors for the same achievements at the MusicRow Awards, held in June at ASCAP. And this isn’t the first time this has happened.

This trend has become especially clear since the trade publication instituted reader voting. Essentially, many of the same people vote for both awards ceremonies.

In 2011, The Band Perry won MusicRow Breakthrough Artist and CMA New Artist of the Year. The trio’s hit “If I Die Young” received Song of the Year honors from both organizations, also earning sole writer Kimberly Perry the MR Breakthrough Songwriter prize. Additionally, the monster TBP hit won CMA Single of the Year. MusicRow doesn’t give a comparable award.

In 2010 MusicRow readers bestowed Song honors on “The House That Built Me,” and in 2009 they chose “In Color,” both of which went on to win the CMA trophy.

Almost every year since 2006, MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist winners also received the CMA New Artist/Horizon Award later the same year, including Zac Brown Band (2010), Lady Antebellum (2008), Taylor Swift (2007), and Carrie Underwood (2006).

CMAs Barely Budge Albums, But TEAs Talk

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No one wants to sound cynical as the holiday season approaches, but really, why do you think there are so many Award shows? If you used the word “marketing” in your answer then you are correct.

It’s about selling product. That includes TV ratings and ads, which do little for our industry and selling music product which is of great importance to Music City. So when you see reports later this week spinning the numbers, like “Sugarland’s sales jumped 132% from the previous week,” please note the tremendous boost landed them at No. 32 on this week’s country albums chart (according to Nielsen SoundScan) with a total of under 4,000 units sold. In fact, the duo’s entire bump was a meager 1,500 units.

 I’m not picking on Sugarland. The Band Perry, the second largest percentage album gainer in the wake of the Awards won three trophies and saw sales jump 112%. That sounds great, but it placed them at No. 7 with an increase of about 10,000 units. Fans went out to “Shake It” for Luke Bryan, but only increased his week over week (w/w) total by 34% or about 6,000 units.

The point here is that the Award show hardly influenced album sales. In fact, Top 75 country album sales actually dropped 4.9% this week compared to last week. But what about track sales?

A few months ago we asked, “Are tracks the new albums, in terms of marketing strategy?” Looking at this week’s country track sales you could say, “Perhaps.” Country track sales increased this week by 51% to 3.452 million tracks. Taylor Swift leads the Love Story on this chart. According to Big Machine Sales VP Kelly Rich, they released six Taylor tracks (11/8) that were included last year on a Target exclusive version of Speak Now. Contractually they were able to release them now as digital tracks and wanted to position them in the marketplace in time to catch momentum from the CMA Awards and Thanksgiving’s black Friday. iTunes gave the new material great positioning and the plan worked. The top three country tracks this week are all Taylor. In fact the six new tracks sold over 435,000 units this week! Fans didn’t offer up much album love, but it was all kisses in the tracks arena. The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Lady Antebellum also made great showings.

In closing, it’s time once again to invite everyone to TEA. Track Equivalent Albums that is (10 tracks= 1 album). This week’s country tracks calculate to 345,200 albums which would increase this week’s total country album sales (891k) by almost 40%. My question is, wouldn’t it be especially helpful if we could allocate the TEA album sales directly by artist.

It was a great show, as the strong ratings attest. I believe that the numbers in this article are trying to show us something. I believe that if the country sales industry starts paying more attention to tracks we will find better ways to exploit the excitement that an award show can generate. “I want it now!” That is the impulse that track downloads satisfy and perhaps why they are growing. Getting trusty SoundScan, our industry’s measuring stick, to delve deeper into tracks and TEA, would be in everyone’s best interest.

 

Voting Open For CRS New Faces Show

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Voting is now open to all country radio station employees for the CRS 2012 New Faces of Country Music Show, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at the Nashville Convention Center.

Any employee of a commercial, full-time Country formatted radio station is allowed to vote for the 2012 New Faces of Country Music Show performers. This year’s nominees are: Craig Campbell, Edens Edge, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney, Thompson Square, James Wesley and Eli Young Band. Voting for the five finalists will remain open at CountryRadioSeminar.com through Wednesday, Nov. 23. The top five emerging artists will be selected to perform at the showcase event.

“The New Faces show at Country Radio Seminar has always been about giving new artists the opportunity to show us who they are and giving programmers a sense of what the future holds,” says New Faces Committee Chair John Crenshaw. “We at CRS believe in involving all of radio in deciding in who should have this opportunity. This is where stars can emerge in a matter of 20 minutes, in large part because of the participation of Country radio.”

The official New Faces of Country Music qualification criteria is at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (11/16/11)

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Since this is awards season, let’s chop the DisClaimer honors into categories this week.

Our Vocal Collaboration Award goes to Matt Nathanson & Sugarland. Drop what you’re doing and go out and buy his Modern Love pop CD right now.

Our Female Vocalist Award is a no-brainer. Faith Hill rules. The Male Vocalist Award goes to an artist of a completely darker stripe, the wicked good Greg Garing.

The Vocal Group prize is a toss-up between Sawyer Brown and Stealing Angels, with the gals grabbing the bouquet.

DANIEL WARREN/Brent Creek
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: Al Hurschman & Daniel Warren; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—The track is breezy and wafting with sighing organ and deftly plucked guitars. His song is nicely written, but his voice is quite thin and lacks authority.

JASON CASSIDY/What If
Writer: Cassidy/Stockton/Diggs; Producer: Doug Deforest, Jody Booth & Jason Cassidy; Publisher: none listed; Blake-A (www.jasoncassidymusic.com)
—I have liked this fine country vocalist in the past, and this single is another in a string of solid efforts by him. The ballad is extremely well constructed, and his resonant singing has ache and longing in all the right places. A winner.

FAITH HILL/Come Home
Writer: Ryan Tedder; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Faith Hill; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tunes/Velvet Hammer/Midnight Miracle, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Introduced on last week’s CMA Awards telecast, this ballad of lovers separated by war has timely emotional heft. Faith sings it in her upper soprano range, which brings out the pain of loneliness.

THE KENNETH BRIAN BAND/Welcome to Alabama
Writer: Kenneth Brian; Producer: Johnny Sandlin; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Southern Shift (track) (www.kennethbrian.com)
—This bluesy Southern-rock outfit has connections. Its CD features such notable guests as David Hood, Jason Isbell, Bonnie Bramlett, Charlie Hayward and James Pennebaker, not to mention Allman Brothers producer Johnny Sandlin. This title tune is strikingly reminiscent of classic-era Charlie Daniels.

GREG GARING/My Time for Leaving
Writer: Greg Garing; Producer: Todd Perlmutter; Publisher: none listed; L.E.S. (track)
—The greatest of all the neo honky-tonk performers on Lower Broadway is back with a collection titled, simply, Greg Garing. It kicks off with this doom-y, echoey ballad punctuated by squalling saxophone. His singing remains hair raising in its intensity. Spooky, scary and thoroughly hypnotizing.

LAUREN ALAINA/Georgia Peaches
Writer: Mallary Hope/Blair Daly/Rachel Proctor; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed; Mercury/19 (CDX)
—The American Idol runner-up’s second single is a bright rocker celebrating the fairer sex of the state of Georgia. She gives shout-outs to the state’s Alan Jackson and Jason Aldean along the way. I still say this teen sings better than winner Scotty McCreery does.

STEALING ANGELS/Little Blue Sky
Writer: Caroline Cutbirth/Tayla Lynn/Jennifer Wayne/Keith Follese/Adrienne Follese; Producer: Paul Worley; Publisher: Shaw Enuff/Red Leo/Multisongs/How Bout That Skyline/BMG Chrysalis/Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Little Dutchess/The Family Business/3 In the Key, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Skyville (CDX) (615-320-7052)
—I was crazy about this group’s debut single, and this follow-up is just as good. I know it’s confusing with so many female trios out there right now, but this is the one to keep your ears on. Superb melody, heartbeat percussion, stunning production and celestial vocals, this has it all. Stay tuned for the passage where all three voices weave together like an audio tapestry.

SAWYER BROWN/Travelin’ Band
Writer: Mark A. Miller; Producer: Mark A. Miller; Publisher: Travelin’ Zoo, ASCAP; Beach Street (CDX) (615-799-2229)
—Miller reflects nostalgically back on the glory days of his band. Strikingly autobiographical, it specifically mentions having hits like “Some Girls Do” and “Used to Blue,” touring with Kenny Rogers, wearing ‘80s haircuts and identifying various band members by name. Undeniably wistful and quite moving.

DANNY CLICK/I Feel Good Today
Writer: Danny Click; Producer: none listed; Publisher: One Bullet, no performance rights listed; DC (1-800-584-5524)
—He sings in an earnest, sincere tenor. The production is rather dull, and the bopping song with its downbeat lyric is just so-so.

MATT NATHANSON & SUGARLAND/Run
Writer: Matt Nathan/Jennifer Nettles/Kristian Bush; Producer: Kristian Bush, Matt Nathanson, Jennifer Nettles & Mark Weinberg; Publisher: Little Victories/Stage Three/BMG Chrysalis/Jennifer Nettles/Dirkpit, ASCAP/BMI; Vanguard (track) (www.mattnathanson.com)
—I was so smitten with this when they performed it on the CMA show that I bought Matt’s Modern Love sophomore CD just so I could hear it again. It is just as throbbing and sexy and melodic as I remembered it. Maybe even more so. This guy is a major, major talent.

Kirk Franklin and Pastor Hezekiah Walker Named BMI Trailblazers

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Kirk Franklin (L) and Pastor Hezekiah Walker (R)

BMI will salute gospel leaders Kirk Franklin and Pastor Hezekiah Walker at the 13th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 13. The invite-only event will take place one day before the 27th Annual Stellar Awards, to be hosted at Rocketown.

Franklin was the first gospel artist to sell more than one million albums, and has exceeded sales of 15 million, making him the best-selling contemporary gospel artist in SoundScan history. In addition, Franklin is one of gospel’s most decorated creators with 20 No. 1 singles on gospel charts, seven Grammys, 37 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards, and six NAACP Image Awards.

Franklin’s volunteer efforts contribute World Vision and the Children’s Defense Fund, for which he was an Ambassador.

Pastor Hezekiah Walker has led the Love Fellowship Choir, one of gospel music’s most influential groups that infuses traditional gospel and choir music with hip-hop and funk. Pastor Walker is a multiple Grammy winner and has taken home 11 Stellar Awards, and has had numerous nominations for Dove, NAACP Image, and Soul Train honors.

Walker founded Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church and Hezekiah Walker Ministries, which serve as brick and mortar churches in New York and Pennsylvania, and resource centers for congregations all over the country.

Kobalt Celebrates Major Signing

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Pictured (L-R): Merril Wasserman, EVP Business Development of Kobalt; John Rich; Whitney Daane; and Charlie Pennachio

Kobalt Music Publishing’s Nashville office recently celebrated the signing of an exclusive administration deal with hitmaking artist/songwriter/producer John Rich. Under terms of the agreement, Kobalt will represent all new and previously released works in his Godfather Rich Muzik and Program 360 catalogs throughout the world. The company will also provide synchronization services.

Kobalt and Rich held a CMA week party at Rich's home to celebrate their new agreement. Pictured with CEO Willard Ahdritz

Rich and Charlie Pennachio began Program 360 to sign and develop artist/writers, it is home to works by Rich and writers Billy Lawson, Gabe Garcia, Tammy Hyler, Andy Gibson, Trevor Rosen, Shanna Crooks, Shannon Lawson, Marsha Hancock and Columbia artist Bradley Gaskin. Godfather Rich Muzik recently received its first No. 1 ASCAP award for the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson hit, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”

Rich is a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, thanks to hits including Faith Hill’s “Mississippi Girl,” Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Like We Never Loved At All,” Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” and Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown.”

Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt, commented, “I am very excited that Kobalt is starting to work with John. I am impressed with his vision for music and how bravely he approaches the execution of his ideas. I am convinced that John and Kobalt will make a difference to country music.”

Kobalt Sr. VP Creative Whitney Daane, head of the Nashville operation, added, “I have known John and respected his talent for the past 15 years. It is an incredible honor and opportunity for Kobalt to be able to work with him and look forward to contributing to his continued success and expanding his artistic influence on a worldwide scale.”

At Rich's party (L-R): Whitney Daane, Sr. VP. Creative Kobalt Music, John Rich, and Lil Jon

Nashville Film Company Gets Kickstart

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Best Part Productions, a Nashville production company created by brothers Chad and Trey McClarnon, recently completed two short films using local labor and talents. The brothers wanted to “embody the city’s new film culture” by creating an independent film company that would give form not only to their ardor and expertise in making great films, but that also would allow them to be surrounded by like-minded talent such as award-winning filmmaker Motke Dapp, photographers Kris D’Amico and Bradley Spitzer, wardrobe stylist Ciciley Hoffman, actress Elan Crawford, model Jennifer Blake, and Tennessee theatre mainstay Andrew Kanies. To date, Best Part Productions has created two complete short films, “A New Life” and “Without,” and are now using new fundraising avenues, including Kickstarter, to get these films out to the public.

Writer-Director Chad, a Nashville-based photographer, and Writer-Producer Trey, a trial lawyer, first filmed “A New Life,” featuring Kanies and Blake. The second film “Without,” which stars Chelsea McMahon, was produced as part of the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project where it won an award for Best Art Direction. Both “Without” and “A New Life” include original music scores from local composers, Rae Hering and Uncle Skeleton, respectively, engineered by Nashville producer Bobby Holland at County Q in Berry Hill.

BPP’s focus on Nashville as a film launch pad has enticed a number of local companies to help fund its efforts. Griffin Technology, Williams Medical Supply, Doug Bates Video, LLC., iV Music Group, Fox’s Donut Den, dose coffee, B&C Barbeque, and Carniceria Don Juan have all provided support.

In keeping with BPP’s innovative approach the company is using Kickstarter.com to raise funding intended to help bring the films to wider audiences. Currently the project has 32 backers and pledges of $970 with 21 days to go. Trailers for the films can be viewed here.

Sherrie Austin Introduces Circus Girl

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Sherrie Austin’s first new music in eight years, the full-length album Circus Girl, is in stores today (11/15).

Included on the album is “Naughty or Nice,” a holiday duet with songwriter Shane Stevens, who also co-wrote Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey.” Austin and Stevens are real-life best friends and appear in the song’s video experiencing different Christmases on opposite sides of the globe. GAC is also featuring the clip in its On The Street segments, and AOL’s The Boot is offering an exclusive free download of the title track here.

Austin previously scored hits with “Streets of Heaven,” “Never Been Kissed,” and “Lucky In Love,” before landing roles in theatrical productions like Bonnie & Clyde and Ring Of Fire–The Johnny Cash Musical Show. More recently, she proved her abilities as a songwriter with cuts by Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and George Strait. Her experiences as a songwriter helped inform the female-empowerment themes of Circus Girl.

“The last few years I had been complaining about that fact that there weren’t any females speaking to women above the age of 30, so I started thinking about how I was writing my songs and came up with the idea for ‘Friday Night Girls,’” says Austin. “I wanted to write a three minute song with every Sex and the City episode that had ever existed, so I did. I quickly noticed that the women in my audiences loved it and so I switched my songwriting focus for a while to concentrate on that audience, who are my peers, to speak to them.”

Austin and Stevens also appear together in the upcoming Sundance Channel reality documentary series Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, about women and their gay best friends. The series premiere is Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 pm CT.