Spins.FM Enables Radio Requests

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Country music research, unlike data from some other musical formats continues to return a gaping disconnect between social networking, radio and sales success. Why? Because country format research overwhelmingly shows radio as the dominant exposure medium for engaging and interacting with fans. In fact, conventional wisdom in this musical arena firmly names radio as essential for success. But what about an artist with strong social networking numbers? How can they leverage that digital strength to help them on the airwaves?
Spins.FM has launched a listener request tool that bridges social media and FM radio. The company explains, “The listener request line has always been the primary channel for radio stations to connect with fans. Our social radio request app gives it an update, enabling Twitter and Facebook conversations to take to the airwaves.”
The new software, launched last month, allows artists and radio stations to place the app on their Facebook pages. With a click, followers, friends and likes can send a fast message to their local stations to request  favorite songs.

“Our Social Radio Request App enables radio station program directors and DJs to improve their presence on social media while tracking what their audiences want with more precision than ever,” said Spins.FM founder David Baker.

Examples of artists who are already using the app include Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Cody Simpson.
 

ACM News: LeAnn Rimes, Hunter Hayes

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LeAnn Rimes and American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox are set for a concert to benefit ACM Lifting Lives. Joe’s Bar in Chicago, winner of the ACM Nightclub of the Year Award, will host the Aug. 15 event and underwrite costs so that every ticket purchase will go directly to the work of the philanthropy. ACM Lifting Lives works to improve lives through the power of music.
Tickets are available through Ticketweb. General admission tickets are $25 which includes light appetizers and open bar, while VIP tickets may be purchased for $95 and includes premiere viewing area for the concert and a VIP reception to meet and greet each artist.
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In more ACM news, Atlantic Records’ newcomer Hunter Hayes stopped by the organization’s Los Angeles offices last week to perform current single, “Storm Warning,” and sign up for professional membership.

(L-R): Back row: Peter Strickland, Warner Music Nashville Sr. VP Brand Management and Sales; manager Betsy McHugh, Martingale Entertainment. Front row: Hunter Hayes and Michelle Goble, ACM Senior Vice President, Membership & Events. Photo: Michel Bourquard

Margaret Durante To Guest Blog For Ladies’ Home Journal

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It’s not often a music artist unveils a writing style that rivals the professional pen pushers? So get ready to be surprised by Ladies’ home Journal’s latest blogger discovery, 23-year old Margaret Durante and her Nashville Diaries. The rising artist has been asked to do a series of essays as she “experiences the highs and lows that come with living far away from home while getting a music career off the ground.”

“I’m just your average 23-year-old daughter/sister/granddaughter/niece/best friend who also happens to be chasing down my dream of living in Music City and making a name for myself in the crazy music industry,” writes Durante. “I currently have a single on the radio called “Maybe Tonight” and I’m finishing my first album after living here for four years. [Recent events] got me thinking about who I turn to in times when I need some extra support and I definitely look to my family—especially my two sisters and my mother, back home in the Washington D.C. area. Growing up in a family of women meant that a) my dad was and is a very lucky man, and b) I was able to (and still do) take full advantage of “the sisterhood.” And, no, I’m not talking about the Rebecca Wells novel, but more about the unconditional support system me, my mom and my sisters have developed. Luckily, my parents and sisters supported my choice to leave Clemson University in my sophomore year to pursue my music career after I had a promising meeting with former Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola. Sure, I’d done my homework, made some connections and built some relationships down in Nashville, so I felt as if I was making a sound decision, but I was still scared. Having my family’s approval meant so much to me….”

Durante’s “Maybe Tonight” video recently spent two weeks in the No. 1 position on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown.
 

Photo Spread

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Lucy Angel has signed a booking agreement with Paradigm Agency. Comprised of mother Kate Anderton, and daughters Emily and Lindsay, the band is working new single, “Serious.” On board are veteran radio promoters Jerry Duncan, Jan Woods, Quarterback Records and more. The song is No. 31 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart.

(L-R): Kate Anderton, Paradigm’s Mike Snider, Lindsay Anderton, Paradigm’s Steve Dahl, and Emily Anderton


• • • •
The rebuilding has begun at Cowboy Jack Clement’s home and studio following a recent fire. Photographer Alan Mayor sent in this new picture of the reconstruction at Cowboy Arms.

Photo: Alan Mayor

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The Cleverly’s, comprised of Digger, Harvey D, Miles, Otto, and Vernon Dean Cleverly, stopped by the CMA offices on Friday, July 15 to entertain the staff.

(L-R): CMA Senior Coordinator of Member & Industry Relations Betsy Walker, The Cleverly's co-manager Jules Wortman, The Cleverly's Otto, Vernon Dean, Harvey D, Digger, and Miles Cleverly, Conway Entertainment Group President and CMA Board Member Tony Conway, The Cleverly's co-manager Joe Sullivan, Conway Entertainment Group Agent Brandon Mauldin, and CMA Senior Manager of Membership & Balloting Brandi Simms. Photographer: Amanda Eckard / CMA

Musical Chairs at Cold River, Tenacity

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Jeff Davis


Cold River Records and Tenacity Records are shuffling radio promotion staffers.
Promo exec Jeff Davis has exited Cold River and joined Tenacity. Meanwhile, his former label is filling the void with a promotion and two new hirings.
Davis’s first official day as Tenacity’s National Director of Promotion will be July 26. He joins Sr. VP of Promotion David Haley, and National Director of Promotion Gary Greenberg at the label headed by President Mike Kraski.
Davis’s other stops include Southeast regional for Country Thunder Records, and 18 years in country radio, including time programming WGNE/Jacksonville, FL.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to add someone with the passion, energy and knowledge of country music that Jeff brings to our team,” Kraski said.
Davis will continue to be based in Jacksonville and can be reached at 615-260-4975 or jeff.davis@tenacityrecords.com.
“We love Jeff and wish him great success in his new position,” said Cold River Pres. Pete O’Heeron. “His passion and dedication will be missed and it will take two people to replace him…and that is just what we decided to do.”
Jim Dandy has been promoted to National Director of Promotion for the Cold River team. New regionals joining immediately are WKDF’s Halie Hampton, and longtime radio personality Wayne Manning.
“We are excited about Halie and Wayne joining our team,” added O’Heeron. “They bring a new energy and passion to support the growing national audience of Katie Armiger.”
Mary Lynne O’Neal will continue her role as a regional.
Jim@coldriverrecords.com, (615) 483-4250
Halie@coldriverrecords.com, (615) 881-3622.
Wayne@coldriverrecords.com, (801) 361-2993.
Marylynne@coldriverrecords.com, (903) 926-0625

Montgomery Gentry – Where I Come From

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Average Joe’s Entertainment is pleased to announce “Where I Come From,” the new country radio single from multi-platinum hitmaking duo Montgomery Gentry. The pair signed with Average Joe’s in March 2011 and are at work on their first album project with the label.
“We couldn’t be happier to be signing with the guys at Average Joe’s,” says Eddie Montgomery.  “Those guys are cut from the same cloth we are and man, they are so creative. We can’t wait to get this new project out there to our fans!” Troy Gentry adds, “Eddie and I are really excited about this new partnership with Average Joe’s. We love the team they have in place and the passion and excitement that they bring. We look forward to going in and making a project we’re all proud of.”
Montgomery Gentry first hit big on Columbia Records in 1999 with “Hillbilly Shoes.” They followed with numerous hits, including “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “My Town,” “Hell Yeah,” and “Roll With Me.” In 2000, they nabbed the CMA Duo of the Year Award and the ACM Top New Group/Duo honor.
http://montgomerygentry.com/
http://www.facebook.com/montgomerygentry
http://twitter.com/#!/mgunderground
http://www.averagejoesent.com
Montgomery Gentry – Where I Come From

Lady A Share "Own The Night" Track List

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Lady Antebellum revealed new details today (7/18) about its upcoming album, Own The Night, including the track list and cover art. Set for release Sept. 13, it is the band’s third Capitol Nashville studio album.
The trio penned 10 of the new disc’s 12 tracks, including their fastest rising single to date, “Just A Kiss,” which is already No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Collaborating again with veteran producer Paul Worley, Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott also return as co-producers.
“We’re definitely more in tune with each other musically and personally than ever,” says Haywood. “It’s an exciting place to be. This album was created from the ground up—we are writing these songs, playing these instruments and creating these arrangements. With Own The Night, more than ever before, I think we share a real feeling of accomplishment both as a band and as friends.”
“Our only hope and expectation for this record is that it will build on the first two,” adds Kelley. “At the end of the day, we just want our fans to be able to say that we continue to give them solid albums with solid songs they can enjoy from start to finish.”
The new album follows the band’s GRAMMY winning second disc Need You Now. Since its release in January 2010, the album has sold over five million copies across the globe, spawned three multi-week No. 1 hits (“Need You Now,” “American Honey,” “Our Kind of Love”), taken home five GRAMMY Awards, and over a dozen other award show trophies.
Own The Night track list:
1. We Owned The Night
2. Just A Kiss
3. Dancin’ Away With My Heart
4. Friday Night
5. When You Were Mine
6. Cold As Stone
7. Singing Me Home
8. Wanted You More
9. As You Turn Away
10. The Love I’ve Found In You
11. Somewhere Love Remains
12. The Heart Of The World

Monday Moments

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(L-R): Capstone Artists Management's/R.J. Romeo, Black River Entertainment's COO/Gordon Kerr, Glen Templeton, Black River Entertainment's General Manager/Greg McCarn, Capstone Artists Management's/Lance Combs and Producer/ Mark Lambert. Photo: Robert Chavers


BlackRiver Entertainment has signed artist Glen Templeton according to COO Gordon Kerr. GM Greg McCarn will take over marketing, promotion and sales immediately for the artist. Templeton’s current single, “I Could Be The One” was released in May of this year and can be found on Templeton’s upcoming self-titled album, which also features a special guest performance by musical legend, Leon Russell.
>>Country Radio Seminar announces its $399 Early Bird Rate for CRS 2012 scheduled for Feb. 22-24, in Nashville. “We have kept our price the same as last year, but there is a good possibility we will not offer this rate for as long as we did last year,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. Registration for CRS 2012 is currently available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or by contacting the Country Radio Seminar offices at (615) 327-4487.
>>JoAnne Ritchey of TKO Artist Management will be retiring on Friday, July 22 after working for 25 years in the music industry. She has worked with some of country music’s hottest acts including Toby Keith and Sawyer Brown.  Upon retirement, JoAnne will relocate to Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband.

Swift Launching Signature Perfume

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Taylor Swift has partnered with Elizabeth Arden to launch her first signature fragrance. Wonderstruck will debut in department stores nationwide in October.
The name Wonderstruck comes from a lyric in the song “Enchanted” on Swift’s current album, Speak Now.
Swift explains, “I wrote the lyric, ‘I’m wonderstruck, blushing all the way home,’ for the song ‘Enchanted’ about the first time you meet someone. A fragrance can help shape someone’s first impression and memory of you.”
Among the other country celebs with signature fragrance lines are Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Linda Davis's Mother Passes

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Lois "Onita" Davis


MusicRow sends condolences to Linda Davis, her husband Lang Scott, and daughters Hillary Scott and Rylee Scott on the passing of Linda’s mother last week.
Lois “Onita” Davis died July 14 in Carthage, Texas. She was 80 years old and her family describes her as a wonderful homemaker and devoted mother to three children, including Linda, daughter Vernell Owen (husband Jimmy), and son Troy “Tator” Davis (wife Sonya).
Davis spent many years working in the local school cafeteria and was a longtime member of Carthage Missionary Baptist Church.
The funeral was held yesterday (7/17) in Carthage.
The family request memorials be made to Heartsway Hospice, 437 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633.
Lady Antebellum postponed its concert on Friday, July 15 in Toledo, OH, and resumed the tour Saturday, July 16 in Sarnia, Ontario as planned.