Artist Action: Rascal Flatts Get Bieber Fever

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Jay DeMarcus tweeted this photo from the set.


>>Some fans may find it surprising that Rascal Flatts made a music video with Justin Bieber this week, but the real news maker was that the shoot is where Bieber chose to cut his famous locks. They were taping the video for “That Should Be Me” from Bieber’s Never Say Never—The Remixes soundtrack.
>>Eric Church is offering a free download of his new single “Homeboy” through tomorrow (2/24) at www.ericchurch.com. The song is from his upcoming third album and won’t be available for purchase until March 8. Fans have to retweet the message about his ACM nomination to get the download. He penned “Homeboy” with Casey Beathard.
>>Gloriana is letting fans in on the recording process with a new web series called “Studio Insider” at www.gloriana.com. Fans who sign-up for the series will get a first-listen to the album’s lead single, “Wanna Take You Home,” which was co-written by Tom Gossin, the band’s producer and Emblem Music Group label owner Matt Serletic, and Wendell Mobley.

Tim McGraw searches for his roots.


>>Tim McGraw explored his family tree on a recent episode of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? See more.
>>A deluxe edition of Keith Urban’s Get Closer is now available on iTunes. In addition to the CD’s eight original tracks, the deluxe version of the album features three new studio tracks and four live recordings from his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” World Tour. The track “Georgia Woods,” written by Urban and Darrell Brown, is the iTunes’ free download of the week.
>>Blake Shelton is celebrating his third consecutive No. 1 single with “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking.” This hit marks Shelton’s eighth charttopper.
>>Jerrod Niemann’s song “How Can I Be So Thirsty” was featured on last night’s episode (2/22) of Glee.
>>Kellie Pickler visits The Ellen DeGeneres Show today (2/23) to chat about her wedding and share exclusive photos from the big day.
>>Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman will run June 23 through July 28 on Thursday nights. Among the performers will be Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent and Doc Watson.
>>Toby Keith has formed “Pros 4 Vets” with NFL superstars Tommie Harris (Chicago Bears), Roy Williams (Cincinnati Bengals), and Mark Clayton (St. Louis Rams). The non-profit will bring together lawyers, doctors and other professionals to provide free services for military members.

Sales: Thank You Edition

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Jimmy Fallon’s late night show has a Friday feature where he thanks various people and explains why. So on behalf of MusicRow and record label stakeholders everywhere, we’d like to extend the tradition to this week’s column. So let me say…
“Thank You,” Valentines Day. “You bring so much heart to the SoundScan chart by reminding people to give gifts. After chocolate, flowers and jewelry, music is high on the list.
“Thank You,” Grammy Awards. For the last three years you have highlighted Nashville’s musical contributions resulting in nice ‘week after’ numbers. (PS: You didn’t deserve that ‘sore loser’ letter earlier this week.)
Yes, this week’s SoundScan report was heavily influenced by the Grammy telecast (2/13) and the holiday of hearts. Country album sales climbed 10% over the previous week, all-genre sales jumped 12%. But it can all be summed up in three words, “Need You Now.”
Lady Antebellum’s TV trophy romp resulted in the album and single of that name rising to No. 1 on the Current Country Albums (85k) and Country Digital Singles charts (105k) respectively. The album has now sold almost 3.3 million units and the single almost 4.8 million. Taylor Swift is the trio’s only competition for  totals this lofty on the country charts. Swift’s “Love Story,” leads Lady A slightly with over 4.9 million downloads and her Speak Now album trails by about 100k units.
Lost Highway’s Hayes Carll debuts in the No. 12 position on the country chart with sales over 10k of his album Kmag Yoyo. Chris Young’s “Tomorrow” crashes into the digital download chart in the No. 8 position downloading over 30k tracks. By way of comparison, Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” performed on the Grammy show debuted with over 508,000 downloads!
Some careful number crunching shows that YTD country digital album sales as a percentage of total country album sales now total 20.3% (33% all genre). Last year the number  for this period was 15.3%. In line with that number, digital country album sales are up 16.35% this year which shows that country consumers are continuing to catch up to all genre consumers which download more and purchase physical product less—but still have a way to go.
“Thank You SoundScan,” for helping us to track industry sales.

Two-Screen Viewing Enhances TV Experience

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How many nights a week do you sit in front of the TV with a mobile device in your hand or a notebook computer in your lap? Well, marketers are on to you—and they’ve named it “two-screen viewing.”
A new study by Deloitte’s media and entertainment group shows that three-quarters of television viewers are also either online, on the phone or texting.
“The initial fear was that Internet and mobile video and entertainment would slowly cannibalize traditional TV viewing,” says Nielsen Company media product leader Matt O’Grady. “But the steady trend of increased TV viewership alongside expanded simultaneous usage argues something quite different.”
Instead of detracting from program viewing, marketers say the two-screen experience can enhance it. They believe viewers feel more connected to the show when they are discussing it online, turning the shared viewing experience into an event. Engaging with other watchers of the program before, during and after the show via Facebook, Twitter and other sites creates a sense of camaraderie. This trend also encourages live viewing of an episode or awards show, instead of recording it on DVR.
“We know people are multitasking while they’re watching TV,” ABC-TV exec Albert Cheng told the New York Times. “The question is, how do we tap into that and create a whole different consumer experience? We don’t have all the answers, but we are definitely trying different things and seeing how people are reacting.”
ABC is the broadcast home to this Sunday’s (2/27) Academy Awards. The network is teaming with Oscar.com to live stream behind-the-scenes video of the big night. Through about 30 strategically placed cameras, viewers will get to see all the action on the red carpet, in the theater, backstage and at the post-awards Governors Ball. There is a free ad-supported version, or a $4.99 all-access pass. Also available is an Oscar Backstage Pass app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod for 99 cents.
In recent years, awards shows and other programs have been experimenting with ways to enhance viewing through social media. The CMA has hosted Twitter Viewing Parties and live streaming feeds for its awards. At fan-voted awards ceremonies, fans can often vote while the show is airing live.

SESAC Ups Jungmichel

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Scott Jungmichel


SESAC has named Scott Jungmichel Vice President, Royalty Distribution & Research Services. Formerly Associate Vice President, Jungmichel will be responsible for the distribution of both domestic and international royalties to SESAC’s affiliates. Jungmichel will also oversee SESAC’s royalty administration processes including works registration, performance data collection, and royalty calculations for all performance types.
Jungmichel began his career with SESAC in 1993 as a Coordinator in the Licensing Administration department before becoming the Foreign Royalties Administrator in 1994 and Manager, International Royalties & Documentation in 1995. He worked in the Royalty Distribution & Research Services department as Manager, Director & Senior Director before being named Associate Vice President in 2006, a position he held until his recent appointment. Jungmichel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University with degrees in Music Business & Management.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/23/11)

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Music City is Boys Town today.
The ladies are evidently taking the week off, since every platter here on the reviewing desk comes from a solo male. Let the testosterone festival begin.
Your top choices for airplay come from David Nail, Keith Bryant, Steve Azar, Walker Hayes, Kip Moore and Toby Keith. I know nothing whatsoever about Kip Moore, except that he is an exceptional singer with a sensationally well written song. Give him the DisCovery Award.
The Disc of the Day was a contest among Steve Azar, David Nail and Toby Keith. For melodic inventiveness and for daring to do something different, Toby Keith is my man of the hour.
JON WOLFE/Let a Country Boy Love You
Writer: Jon Wolfe/Britton Cameron; Producer: Lex Lipsitz & Jon Wolfe; Publisher: Fool Hearted/Big Music Machine/Golden Gears/Super 98, SESAC/BMI; Fool Hearted (track) (www.jonwolfecountry.com)
—There already is a George Strait. Find your own style.
TOBY KEITH/Somewhere Else
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Music of Stage Three/Bobby’s Song & Salvage, BMI; Show Dog Universal
—This has a very cool, tongue-tripping groove and unexpectedly jazzy chord changes. He fires the lyric at you, but holds back just a wee bit of bluesy drawl. A terrific, addictive change of pace.
ALLEN KARL/That’s All Behind Me Now
Writer: Larry Alderman; Producer: Tom Manche; Publisher: Aldersong, ASCAP; Century II (track)
—The title tune to this artist’s latest CD is taken at a glacial pace, without the global warming.
STEVE AZAR/Hard Road
Writer: Steve Azar/James House; Producer: Steve Azar & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Webbie Writin’/Nice Shot/Kobalt/Jamshare/Friday Records/Evergreen, BMI; Ride (track) (www.steveazar.com)
—The sound is marvelously crisp as this shambles its way into your heart. It’s a traveling-the-highway song with just the right touch of blue-collar angst. Play and believe.
THE PEAR RATZ/Ozona
Writer: Joe Talbert; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; KSB (www.pearratz.com)
—The vocal is mired in sonic muck to thick you can hardly hear it. Incompetence preserved forever on plastic.
DAVID NAIL/Let It Rain
Writer: David Nail/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Chuck Ainley & Frank Liddell; Publisher: Scrambler/Carnival/BMG Gold Songs/Glassbean and We Jam Writers Group, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This man’s winning streak continues. His heart is shredded to pieces in this midtempo meditation, and it shows in every vocal inflection.
KEITH BRYANT/The Note
Writer: George Teren/Tom Hambridge; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Songs of Elevation/Teren It Down, BMI; Jordash (www.jordashrecords.com)
—I have always liked this guy’s singing, and I’ve always been a sucker for story songs. His clear phrasing is just right for this tale of old lovers reconnecting in the wake of her father’s passing.
HAYES CARLL/KMAG YOYO
Writer: Hayes Carll/Scott Davis/John Evans; Producer: Brad Jones; Publisher: Highway 87/Bug/Scott Davis/Shakeabush, SESAC/BMI; Lost Highway
—This nightmare imagery of wartime Army drug experimentation is equal parts Jerry Lee Lewis and Bob Dylan, with a dash of Hendrix electric guitar tossed in for spice. It probably rocks too hard for country radio, but is mighty potent nonetheless.
WALKER HAYES/Why Wait for Summer
Writer: Walker Hayes/Fred Wilhelm; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (track)
—I loved everything about his debut single, “Pants.” This shiny, bright follow-up bops right along with its good-times message. Sunny, to say the least.
KIP MOORE/Mary Was the Marrying Kind
Writer: Kip Moore/Scott Stepakoff/Dan Couch; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Connan/Roll Though/BMG Rights Management/Sony-ATV/Songs From the Couch, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—He sings with terrific urgency, and the thumping production matches him lick for lick. As he goes through a laundry list of lovers, he realizes what an awful mistake he’s made in romance. The heartbeat rhythm section is perfection.

Brantley Gilbert Signs With Valory

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The Valory Music Co. has signed country rocker Brantley Gilbert. His first single for the label will impact radio in April with an album to follow later in the year.
With two albums to his credit, Gilbert has been building a career through previous label home Average Joe’s Entertainment.
His most recent release, Halfway to Heaven, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and has spent 48 consecutive weeks in the chart’s Top 20.
Gilbert’s first album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, also spent 32 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.
As a songwriter the Georgia native had a recent hit with “My Kinda Party,” the title track to fellow Georgian Jason Aldean’s new album.
Gilbert, who consistently sells out 2,000+ capacity venues, is set to headline the second stage of Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown tour this summer.
Rich Egan of Hard 8 Management is Gilbert’s manager, he can be contacted at rich@hard8mgt.com.

TV Appearances: Adkins, Lewis, Thompson Square, and Ford

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Trace Adkins on CMT and GAC

Trace Adkins made recent stops at CMT and GAC to premiere his latest video, “Brown Chicken Brown Cow.” Trace was joined by the cast of the hit video on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown.

Left: Adkins with video cast and GAC host Nan Kelley. Right: Adkins with CMT host Evan Farmer. Photo: Amber McSwain

Aaron Lewis on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Aaron Lewis will mark the March 1 release of his solo debut CD, Town Line, on Stroudavarious Records with a performance that night on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Staind frontman will perform “Country Boy,” the CD’s first single.  He’ll also appear the day before (2/28) on the nationally syndicated radio show “Rockline.” Since its release, the single has sold over 182,000 copies (over 21,000 last week alone, outselling the top 5 most-played songs at rock radio combined) and is currently No. 15 on the Billboard Country Digital Singles sales chart.

Thompson Square on The Country Vibe

Breakout duo Thompson Square joins hosts Chuck Long and Becca Walls this week as The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca begins its third season. The show which features interviews and news from the world of country music airs The CW-Nashville (WNAB) Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. CST.

(L-R): Chuck Long; Shawna and Keifer Thompson; and Becca Walls.

Colt Ford on MTV

Average Joe’s Entertainment’s Colt Ford will make a guest appearance on MTV’s The Theriot Family: Riot In The Bayou series premiere debuting February 23 as part of their “True Life” series. Ford invited the Theriot family to attend his show at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where a few of the members even danced to the title track of his latest album, “Chicken And Biscuits,” on stage with Ford and his band.

Garth Brooks, Leon Russell To Join Songwriters Hall

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Garth Brooks (L), Leon Russell (R)


Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, John Bettis, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint will become the newest members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The event is set for Thursday, June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Certified by the RIAA as the No. 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history, Brooks has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. As a songwriter his credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and more.
Fellow inductee Leon Russell has been busy collaborating with Elton John. His songwriting credits include “A Song For You,” “This Masquerade,” ” Delta Lady,” “Tight Rope,” “Bluebird,” “Back To The Island,” and “Hummingbird.” He will also be honored with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s first Award for Musical Excellence in March.

Other inductees include John Bettis, who has written songs that have sold more than 250 million records worldwide such as “Human Nature” and “Crazy For You;” musician, songwriter and record producer Allen Toussaint, who wrote songs “Yes We Can” and “Working in the Coalmine;” and Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly who co-wrote five No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including “Like A Virgin,” “True Colors,” and “Eternal Flame.”

Industry Ink: Latocki Takes Home ADDYs

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>>Latocki Team Creative (LTC) won two ADDY awards at the American Advertising Federation Nashville ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Limelight. The company won a Gold ADDY for SESAC’s quarterly newsletter, and a Silver ADDY for a revolving door entrance wrap promoting Jason Aldean during the Country Radio Seminar.

Working on the winning projects were Latocki Team Creative team members (L-R): Maggie Berry, Miranda Crump, Andy Baggett, Rebekah Lee Beard and owner Luellyn Latocki Hensley, as well as Jeff Crump (not pictured).


>>The Second Annual Billboard Country Music Summit, in association with the Country Music Association, will take place Monday – Tuesday, June 6-7 in Nashville. Like last year, the Summit will kick off activities leading up to the June 9-12 CMA Music Festival.
The two-day event will feature panel discussions, case studies and keynote interviews, as well as artist showcases and networking opportunities. Panels and round tables will cover digital content, country radio, touring saturation, new business models, and sponsorship/branding initiatives.
Last year’s inaugural Summit drew more than 400 registrants, as well as superstars Martina McBride and Tim McGraw.
>>The Atlantic is raving about Nashville, calling it a “major force in the music business,” and noting the big Grammy wins by Miranda Lambert, Alison Krauss and Taylor Swift in recent years. The article says:

Over the past several decades, Nashville transformed itself from a rather narrow country music outpost in the 1960s and 1970s into a major center for commercial music. By the mid-2000s, only New York and Los Angeles housed more musicians. Nashville’s rise is even more impressive when you look at its ratio of musicians to total population. In 1970, Nashville wasn’t even one of the top five regions by this measure. By 2004, it was the national leader, with nearly four times the U.S. average. Today, it  is home to over 180 recording studios, 130 music publishers, 100 live music clubs, and 80 record labels… The ongoing evolution of Nashville has made it into something of a Silicon Valley of the music business, combining the best institutions, the best infrastructure, and the best talent.

>>Cold River Records has hired Mary Lynne O’Neal as Regional Director of Promotion. She was most recently Assistant Country Editor at All Access. O’Neal will join Cold River promo staffers including Jeff Davis, Jim Dandy and Staci Schane, and label head Pete O’Heeron in marketing flagship artist Katie Armiger. O’Neal can be reached starting March 7 at marylynne@coldriverrecords.com or (903) 926-0625.
>>Radio-info.com reports WSM-FM Nashville PD Russell Penuell has exited the station.

Underwood Makes Film Debut In "Soul Surfer"

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Carrie Underwood’s first major motion picture, Soul Surfer, will premiere April 8. She plays a church youth group leader in the real-life story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack. The trailer is available on EW.com.
AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terebithia) plays Hamilton, and her parents are played by Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.
Underwood has also guest starred on the hit comedy “How I Met Your Mother.”