Cliff Blake
Republic Nashville has tapped Cliff Blake to serve as Director of Northeast/Midwest Promotion. Based in Dover, NH, Blake will begin his new role Mon., Oct. 3, working solely with the Republic Nashville roster which includes Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney. Blake has held positions in radio as an Operations Manager, Program Director and on-air talent. After 25 successful years, he joined the label side of the industry, where he spent time as Director, Northeast Region Promotion at Columbia Nashville. This past year at CRS Cliff was one of five finalists for “Regional Promotion Director of the Year.” Blake replaces Shari Roth, who resigned, and will report directly to Republic Nashville’s National Director of Promotion Matthew Hargis. Cliff Blake can be reached at 615-324-7904 or Cliff.Blake@republicnashville.com.
• • • •
The Capitol Street Party 4 drew over 12,000 fans to Demonbreun Street last week. The free and open event was led by WSIX personalities Billy and Karla and Capitol Records President & CEO, Mike Dungan. The Street Party main stage featured performances by country superstar Alan Jackson, Eric Church and newcomer Eric Paslay.
• • • •
Paradigm Agency will be showcasing six acts from its current roster as part of the upcoming IEBA Conference. Set to perform are Reno Collier, Marlee Scott, Dean Alexander, JT Hodges, Jack Ingram and Here Come the Mummies on Sun., Oct. 2 at 9:30 pm CT at War Memorial Auditorium. Over 500 of the live entertainment industry’s top decision makers will converge in Nashville for IEBA Oct. 2-4.
• • • •
The Beveled Edge, a leading Nashville framing and gift store located at 73 White Bridge Road, will host a book signing for He Stopped Loving Her Today: George Jones, Billy Sherrill, and the Pretty-Much Totally True Story of the Making of the Greatest Country Record of All Time. Author Jack Isenhour will sign copies Thurs., Sept. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Nashvillian since 1978, Isenhour produced long-form stories for WSMV and WKRN that earned him recognition from organizations ranging from Robert F. Kennedy Foundation to the United States Industrial Film and Video Festival.
• • • •
The core panel moderators for CRS 2012, to be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, will be Beverlee Brannigan (KFDI/Wichita, KS), Marc Chase (NuVoodoo Media Services), Bob Richards (WLHK/Indianapolis, IN), Dan Halyburton (McVay Media) and Charlie Morgan (WLHK/Indianapolis, IN). Between them, the five industry pros will oversee and direct nearly 20 educational panels over three days. The $399 Early Bird registration rate for CRS 2012 remains in effect for a limited time. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com to register or call (615) 327-4487.
• • • •
The Songwriters Festival and Independent Music Fest will run Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at locations around Music Row. Details here.
Promoting #Hashtag Happiness
/by adminOne way to fine tune the tweet-flow, is by using hashtags, a word preceded by the poundsign, i.e. #mynews. Hypebot.com recently wrote about some of the favorite tags its readers are using to parse the news. Although the hashtag uses up some of Twitter’s precious 140 character real estate, most news stories are a headline with a shortened link to the full article, so the space taken up is less of a consideration than the increased search visibility which the tag provides.
For example, Sonicbids, a company which helps connect bands and promoters recommends #ArtistTip or #MusicNews. Music 3.0, a book by author Bobby Owsinski dedicated to how companies can use social media, provides a pretty long list of tags—#musicbiz, #musicbusiness, #musicindustry, #musicadvice, #musicmarketing, #crowdfunding, #recordlabels, #artistadvice, #majors, #musicindustrytips.
Thenextweb.com warns readers to use caution however, and be careful to not cause, “hashtag fatigue.” It suggests some pound sign Dos and Don’ts. For example Do use hashtags to keep track of communities, join a cause, run a contest or encourage topic participation. But Don’t use them on every word in your tweet or string several of them together in an effort to get picked up by more searches.
Social media still lacks the precision to allow users to pinpoint and discover specific topics. Until that search ability improves, hashtags are one way to find and be found.
Honky Tonk TV Acquired
/by Sarah Skates“We are thrilled to welcome Honky Tonk TV to the Morgans’ family and to expand our love for music and entertainment,” says Geoff Owens, President/Chief Executive Officer of Morgans Media Group. “We’re committed to an immediate growth strategy, beginning in the 4th quarter, to help the show maximize its target audience and more aggressively establish its brand. Our plan also includes building a stronger presence in Nashville and other key markets.”
HTTV Executive Producer Chris James will become Chief Creative Officer of the new company, which recently relocated its headquarters to the back-lot of Universal Studios Orlando.
“Morgans Media Group believes in our creativity and innovation, which was important to us, ” says James. “We started the Honky Tonk brand back in July 2007 and I’m glad to say that they share our vision for building on a well-established foundation. Additionally, they have the sources and know-how to help us forge a new path in this industry and it’s exciting to know what their plans are, including who they’re bringing on board in other cities like Nashville to help us reach our goals.”
Morgans Media Group delivers entertainment content through a range of media, with brands including Chill Report, Freestyle, Blu Ink Entertainment and more. Honky Tonk started in Orlando in 2007 as a print magazine, and has evolved into a national weekly program shown in numerous markets. MusicRow Chart Director Jon Freeman also contributes special Music Row insider segments for HTTV shows.
Johnnie Wright Passes
/by Sarah SkatesHe was born Johnnie Robert Wright in Mount Juliet, Tenn. on May 13, 1914. Wells and Wright married in 1937 when she was 18, and formed a trio with her sister Louise, known as Johnnie Wright and the Harmony Girls. Louise later married Johnnie’s duo partner Jack Anglin. Also, Wells sang with Johnnie & Jack in the early ‘40s.
By 1947 Johnnie & Jack secured a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry and went on to join the Louisiana Hayride. Signing with RCA brought the duo its biggest hits in the 1950s including “Poison Love,” “Cryin’ Heart Blues,” “Oh, Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely),” and “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight.” They were known for intertwining latin and calypso influences with their country sound.
At one point Wright even hired a young Chet Atkins as a fiddler, prior to his rise to fame as a guitar player.
Switching to Decca in the 1960s resulted in changing the spelling of Johnnie to Johnny. Anglin passed in 1963, and by 1965 Wright was working as a solo artist and scored the No. 1 “Hello Vietnam.”
He was a lifelong booster of his wife’s career, encouraging her to go by the stage name Kitty Wells, and guiding her business endeavors. He also steered her toward her career-making hit “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.”
Later they toured with their children the late Ruby, Carol Sue, and Bobby as The Kitty Wells-Johnnie Wright Family Show.
Services will be at the Madison Church of Christ (corner of Gallatin Rd. and Old Hickory Blvd. 615-868-3360). Visitation will be Thurs., Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Funeral will be Fri., Sept. 30 at 2 p.m.
Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright. Photo: Patricia Presley
peermusic Adds Creative Manager
/by Sarah SkatesKim Wiggins
peermusic has tapped Kim Wiggins to serve as Creative Manager. The announcement was made today (9/28) by Kevin Lamb, Vice President, peermusic Nashville.
Wiggins comes from Sony/ATV, where she held a similar post. Before her tenure at Sony/ATV, Wiggins was a songplugger at Blacktop Music as well as Acuff-Rose Music Publishing.
“Kim is going to be a great addition to our family,” said Lamb. “She’s well respected, and has a great way of working with and nurturing songwriters. Kim understands the creative atmosphere Michael Knox and I are developing and she will be a vital part of helping this to come together.”
Added Michael Knox, peermusic Senior Creative Director, “She is hands down one of the best songpluggers and creative minds in town and I’m very lucky to have gotten her on the peermusic/Nashville team.”
Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic operates 35 offices in 28 countries and has more than 250,000 titles in its catalogue.
As previously reported, Ben Strain is filling the vacancy at Sony/ATV left by Wiggins’ departure.
NBN SoundLand: Day 4
/by FreemanAfter late nights with Next Big Nashville’s SoundLand on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I spent the rest of the weekend dragging. I guess there’s always a price for pursuing good times.
But you know what? Totally worth it.
On Saturday (9/24), BMI sponsored a brunch gathering for SoundLand VIPs at the über-hip Imogene + Willie boutique on 12th Ave. S., thanks to BMI (picture included below). Riff’s and Taste of Belgium food trucks were on site to provide eats. Thank festival organizers Jason Moon Wilkins and Kevin Brown, along with “Party Czar” Emilee Warner, for putting these happenings together.
Later SoundLand turned up the volume at the Neuhoff Factory, a former meat-packing plant overlooking the Cumberland River that is being re-purposed as a mixed-use arts facility. The imposing five-stories high brick exterior enveloped festival attendees in the outdoor performance area and made for a strangely beautiful setting.
The Black Belles
Performers on the bill included Knoxville’s Royal Bangs, Ohio native Jessica Lea Mayfield, followed by Nashville’s Apache Relay and Tristen. The buzz was big for The Black Belles, an all female group discovered by Jack White who looked bewitching in black dresses and hats while concocting a strange brew of surf rock, punk, and rockabilly. Three-quarters female local faves Those Darlins were next, and raced through an energetic set of garage rock rave-ups including “Be Your Bro.” Final slot of the Neuhoff stage went to Jake and Jamin Orrall in JEFF the Brotherhood.
Over at The Basement, twin sister act The Watson Twins were on the bill, to be followed by Nashville’s Caitlin Rose, whose debut Own Side Now is out Sept. 27 via ATO Records. To finish the festivities with a bang, late night revelers got to be nostalgic and rock the night away as My So-Called Band performed all of Nirvana’s Nevermind in tribute to the legendary album’s 20th anniversary.
Pictured at the BMI and Soundland VIP Brunch at Imogene + Willie are (L-R): SoundLand/American Songwriter's Robert Clement, BMI's Jody Williams, Chancellor Warhol, SoundLand’s Jason Moon Wilkins, BMI's Clay Bradley, Matchstick Management’s Mark Hobson and BMI's Julie Stuckey. Photo: Erika Goldring
Industry Ink: Republic Nashville Hiring
/by Sarah SkatesCliff Blake
Republic Nashville has tapped Cliff Blake to serve as Director of Northeast/Midwest Promotion. Based in Dover, NH, Blake will begin his new role Mon., Oct. 3, working solely with the Republic Nashville roster which includes Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney. Blake has held positions in radio as an Operations Manager, Program Director and on-air talent. After 25 successful years, he joined the label side of the industry, where he spent time as Director, Northeast Region Promotion at Columbia Nashville. This past year at CRS Cliff was one of five finalists for “Regional Promotion Director of the Year.” Blake replaces Shari Roth, who resigned, and will report directly to Republic Nashville’s National Director of Promotion Matthew Hargis. Cliff Blake can be reached at 615-324-7904 or Cliff.Blake@republicnashville.com.
• • • •
The Capitol Street Party 4 drew over 12,000 fans to Demonbreun Street last week. The free and open event was led by WSIX personalities Billy and Karla and Capitol Records President & CEO, Mike Dungan. The Street Party main stage featured performances by country superstar Alan Jackson, Eric Church and newcomer Eric Paslay.
• • • •
Paradigm Agency will be showcasing six acts from its current roster as part of the upcoming IEBA Conference. Set to perform are Reno Collier, Marlee Scott, Dean Alexander, JT Hodges, Jack Ingram and Here Come the Mummies on Sun., Oct. 2 at 9:30 pm CT at War Memorial Auditorium. Over 500 of the live entertainment industry’s top decision makers will converge in Nashville for IEBA Oct. 2-4.
• • • •
• • • •
The core panel moderators for CRS 2012, to be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, will be Beverlee Brannigan (KFDI/Wichita, KS), Marc Chase (NuVoodoo Media Services), Bob Richards (WLHK/Indianapolis, IN), Dan Halyburton (McVay Media) and Charlie Morgan (WLHK/Indianapolis, IN). Between them, the five industry pros will oversee and direct nearly 20 educational panels over three days. The $399 Early Bird registration rate for CRS 2012 remains in effect for a limited time. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com to register or call (615) 327-4487.
• • • •
The Songwriters Festival and Independent Music Fest will run Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at locations around Music Row. Details here.
Luke Bryan Launches CMT Tour With Sold-Out Show
/by Sarah SkatesLuke Bryan at Terminal 5 in NYC
Luke Bryan kicked-off his headlining tour earlier this month. CMT ON TOUR: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines launched with a sold-out show at Terminal 5 in New York City, and setting an attendance record in Utica, New York.
The tour features special guests Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason. Dates run through November, with a total of 22 shows along the way.
Tickets for Bryan’s Farm Tour concert in Athens, Georgia on Friday, Sept., 30 are also sold out. The benefit series will take place during a 2-week break in the CMT On Tour shows.
Photos by Scott Gries
(L-R): Lucia Folk, Sr. Director Public Affairs, CMT; Evan Farmer, Host CMT Top 20 Countdown; Luke Bryan; Anne Oakley, Director Program Enterprises, CMT; Kerri Edwards, Red Light Management.
Photo Spread: Octagon Ent., Bill Anderson, Edens Edge
/by Sarah SkatesOctagon Entertainment and Ramblin Music hosted an open house and block party earlier this month to mark Octagon’s official Music City launch. The sports and entertainment management firm expanded into Nashville with the hiring of Sr. VP/GM Stuart Dill.
Pictured (L-R): Zac Koffler (Octagon Ent. Nashville, Manager), Stuart Dill (Octagon Ent. Nashville, SVP/GM), Brian Rabolli (Octagon Ent. LA, VP/Business Affairs), Jo Dee Messina (Octagon Artist), Kyell Thomas (Octagon Ent. LA, Manager), Laura Bell Bundy (Octagon Artist), Lo Bosworth (Octagon Ent. LA, Manager), Christianne Amodio (Octagon Ent. LA, Coordinator), Phillip de Picciotto (Octagon, President), Gene Brooks (Ramblin Muisc, Owner), Cliff Downs (Ramblin Music, President), and John Ferriter (Octagon Ent., Managing Director)
• • • •
Whisperin’ Bill Anderson celebrated the naming of a venue in his honor recently in Commerce, Ga. Plans for the center began in 1997 during a celebration for the 40th Anniversary of WJJC Radio, where Anderson once worked as a DJ. From that discussion, the City Lights Festival was created and named for the hit song Anderson wrote as a teenager living in Commerce. The event evolved into a decade of annual concerts to raise funds for a performing arts center within the Commerce High School, which is called the Bill Anderson Performing Arts Center.
Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson opens his namesake performing arts center.
• • • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Big Machine Records band Edens Edge to its offices while they were in Los Angeles. While at the Academy, they performed their current Top 40 hit single, “Amen” and signed up for professional ACM membership.
Pictured (L-R): Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music; Edens Edge’s Cherrill Green: R.A. Clark, Executive Producer of the Academy of Country Music Awards; Edens Edge’s Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy ACM
CMA Celebrates Country Music Month, Honors Mayor Dean
/by Caitlin RantalaKarl Dean (L) receives honor from CMA Pres. Steve Buchanan (R).
The Country Music Association is celebrating Country Music Month with 45 days of promotions, events, and activities leading up to the annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean issued a proclamation from the city citing the important role and tangible impact of the Country Music industry on Nashville’s economy and reputation as a center for entertainment business and global tourism.
“It is important to recognize and celebrate the numerous contributions that CMA, the Country Music industry and artists have made to our community and to the lives of millions of people around the world,” Dean said.
Dean was recognized for his contributions to the music industry during a CMA reception Tuesday night (9/20). CMA Board Chairman Steve Buchanan presented Dean with the CMA Chairman’s Award, an annual award given at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board.
“Mayor Dean has shown, and continues to show, his support of the music industry in numerous ways,” said Buchanan, Sr. VP of Media and Entertainment for Gaylord Entertainment.
In more news from the CMA, it is holding a members event on Thurs., Sept. 29 at 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Red Rooster.
The CMA Awards will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. The award-winning program book will feature cover art by local artist, Eva Oglander, who has designed the book since 1986. The book will be archived on www.CMAawards.com.
Aaron Lewis’ “Country Boy” Goes Gold
/by Caitlin Rantala“Country Boy” also features vocals by George Jones and Charlie Daniels.
The “Country Boy” music video includes appearances by all three artists and picked up CMT nominations for Collaborative Video of the Year and USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year.
Lewis is currently touring with his acoustic show. Scheduled performance dates are as follows:
Oct. 2: The Summer Stage at Tag’s (w/ Blake Shelton) – Big Flats, NY
Oct. 5: Bush Hall – London,UK
Oct. 27: Lumiere Place Casino – St. Louis,MO
Nov. 5: Sycuan Casino – El Cajon, CA
Nov. 11: The Oasis at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino – Maricopa, AZ