NAMM members rolled into Nashville’s Music City Center July 17-19 finding the largest Summer NAMM in six years.
“NAMM members who attended Summer NAMM are leaving Nashville with a competitive edge to succeed in the second half of the year,” said Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM. “We are grateful to the members who shared their paths to success with their peers during breakfast sessions and the Top 100 Dealers Awards. Together we will continue to strengthen our industry.”
This year’s Summer NAMM featured the most exhibitors since 2006. When the show opened on Thursday (July 17), 438 exhibitors representing 1,510 brands debuted new products. An increase in exhibiting companies expanded the show to two full halls, 25 percent larger than the footprint of last year’s Summer NAMM.
Adding to the convention were 103 new-to-Summer NAMM companies including Hang Over Guitar Straps, Blakhart Guitar Company, and Emerson Custom Guitars. Another 112 companies including Pearl Corporation, KHS, and Orange Amplifiers returned to the showroom after a hiatus. The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM increased 5 percent over 2013, which saw an 8 percent increase over 2012. In total 12,442 people registered for the event.
Singer/songwriter/actor Jonathan Jackson and brother singer/songwriter Richard Jackson attend Music Industry Day At Summer NAMM. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM
Leading retailers from Japan, Venezuela, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and exhibitors from 12 countries including China, Sweden, and Germany added to the global business opportunities at Summer NAMM. Overall international attendance increased 19 percent over last year’s event.
Recording artists Chase Bryant and Greg Bates attend Music Industry Day At Summer NAMM. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM
Similar to January’s NAMM Show, the exhibitor mix reflected the full spectrum of music products including woodwinds, percussion, pro audio, recording, publishers and as to be expected in Nashville, a strong showing of fretted string instruments. Pro audio and technology driven exhibitors grew 23 percent, filling up much of the expanded floor space.
Perennially popular acoustic string instruments remain one of Summer NAMM’s star attractions. Attendees crowded C.F. Martin & Co., Taylor Guitars, Gibson Brands, Cordoba Guitars, Deering Banjos, Eastman Guitars, Breedlove, Bedell and Weber Acoustic Instruments to strum the latest instruments. Just off the show floor, NAMM’s new Acoustic Nation stage featured acoustic performances by dozens of artists including
Greg Bates,
Jonathan Jackson and Enation,
The Ukedelics and more.
“Insight,” Wednesday night’s
pre-show opening party featured country music icon
Vince Gill, his band The Players, and Two Old Hippies’ founder
Tom Bedell. They combined musical performances and a lively discussion on the relationship between musicians and their musical instruments.
The world’s best retailers packed Davidson Ballroom Friday night for the
Top 100 Dealer Awards. The industry celebrated excellence and innovation as host
Ira Dean of the Country trio
Trick Pony awarded trophies in eight ‘Best Of’ categories. Enlisting flourishing forward thinkers of music retail, NAMM U’s breakfast and Idea Center sessions tutored attendees on making the most of the industry’s current opportunities.
'L.A. Times' Reports on Country's Global Expansion
/by contributorThis past Saturday (July 19), LA Times reporter Randy Lewis delved into the topic of Country music’s global expansion. Artists such as Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift were featured as having a major impact on audiences abroad, and bringing the American spirit with them.
Dolly Parton’s new album, Blue Smoke–The Best Of, was recently certified Gold in the UK.
In 2000, Paisley tells the LA Times, the reception he and his band received overseas was far less welcoming than when they played stateside. But Country’s appeal grew substantially since then. In 2010 he played two sold-out shows in London, and the next year sold 10,000 tickets at London’s O2 Arena. Aligning with the trend, 15 of the 100 highest grossing tours worldwide were Country acts in 2013 (Pollstar).
“The Internet has been a huge help,” noted Scott Borchetta, to the Times. “Whether it was the first time we took The Band Perry over or the first time we took Taylor [Swift], there was already an awareness by a small group of super fans. That never would have happened pre-Internet.”
Although today’s Country artists often use traditional instruments, such as steel guitars and banjos, they have maintained a pop-like sound, noted Lewis. Cross-over artists such as Swift have contributed to the success of Country outside North America.
Mainstay artists such as Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks are experiencing global success too. Parton played to an estimated 150,000 people on June 29 at the Glastonbury Festival in Britain, and Brooks’ comeback was initially planned for Dublin, Ireland, but was cancelled due to permit issues.
To read the full article by Lewis, click here.
Tourism Campaign Showcases Music 'Made In Tennessee'
/by Sarah SkatesSongwriter Brett James in the new ad campaign.
Music and other Tennessee exports are the centerpiece of a new advertising campaign to boost the state’s growing amount of tourism. Songwriter Rivers Rutherford voices the television commercials (below) which are part of the Made In Tennessee campaign. The $8 million initiative, featured in the New York Times, showcases the state’s varied musical offerings, its rich history, natural beauty and fun for families.
Also featured is music from Tennessee bands including the Apache Relay and the Black Cadillacs.
Advertising agency VML has a five-year contract worth up to $60 million with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, reports the NYT.
The campaign sends potential visitors to tnvacation.com
Artist Updates (7/21/14)
/by contributorCharlie Worsham
By: Laura Hostelley
On Wednesday, July 23 Warner Bros. Records recording artist Charlie Worsham will play this summer’s third Pickin’ On The Patio party, hosted by Warner Music Nashville. The free event takes place on the WMN Patio at 5:30 pm, while doors open at 5:00. Pickin’ On the Patio events take place on the fourth Wednesday of every month May-September. Next month’s event will be on August 27.
• • •
Eli Young Band
Republic Nashville’s Eli Young Band will perform current single “Dust” on the Late Show With David Letterman on Tues., July 22. The show will air at 10:35 pm CT on CBS. You can catch EYB on the road on select dates with Jake Owen this summer.
• • •
Lee Roy Parnell
Lee Roy Parnell will be playing the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn. on Friday, July 25. Parnell will take the stage at 8:00 pm to perform hits such as “A Little Bit of You,” “On the Road,” and “I’m Holding My Own” in addition to new music. Tickets are available for $36-$46, and can be purchased at franklintheatre.com.
Journalist Lydia Dixon Harden Passes
/by Robert K OermannLydia Dixon Harden
Country-music journalist Lydia Dixon Harden passed away last week at age 55.
During the 1980s and 1990s, she profiled hundreds of Country celebrities in the pages of the fan publication Music City News. She rose to become the monthly magazine’s managing editor.
At the time, Music City News was country music’s most prominent fan periodical. It published continuously between 1963 and 2000. The magazine began giving annual awards in 1967, and these were nationally televised in 1978-1999.
Lydia Dixon Harden was also the co-author of the books The Stars of Country Music: The Legends and the New Breed (1996), New Country Stars (1993) and The Stars of Country Music (1994). She wrote essays for the program books for the Academy of Country Music Awards and penned one of the Dolly Parton biographies.
In recent years, the Tennessee Tech University alumna worked for Windsor Health Care. Lydia Dixon Harden died on July 15.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Tim Harden, by daughter Claire Harden, by brother David Dixon and by sisters Donna Dixon, Sue Ellen Weaver, Janet Hopkins and Amy Becktell.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel.
Highlights Of Summer NAMM's Largest Show In Six Years
/by Sherod Robertson“NAMM members who attended Summer NAMM are leaving Nashville with a competitive edge to succeed in the second half of the year,” said Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM. “We are grateful to the members who shared their paths to success with their peers during breakfast sessions and the Top 100 Dealers Awards. Together we will continue to strengthen our industry.”
This year’s Summer NAMM featured the most exhibitors since 2006. When the show opened on Thursday (July 17), 438 exhibitors representing 1,510 brands debuted new products. An increase in exhibiting companies expanded the show to two full halls, 25 percent larger than the footprint of last year’s Summer NAMM.
Adding to the convention were 103 new-to-Summer NAMM companies including Hang Over Guitar Straps, Blakhart Guitar Company, and Emerson Custom Guitars. Another 112 companies including Pearl Corporation, KHS, and Orange Amplifiers returned to the showroom after a hiatus. The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM increased 5 percent over 2013, which saw an 8 percent increase over 2012. In total 12,442 people registered for the event.
Singer/songwriter/actor Jonathan Jackson and brother singer/songwriter Richard Jackson attend Music Industry Day At Summer NAMM. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM
Leading retailers from Japan, Venezuela, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and exhibitors from 12 countries including China, Sweden, and Germany added to the global business opportunities at Summer NAMM. Overall international attendance increased 19 percent over last year’s event.
Recording artists Chase Bryant and Greg Bates attend Music Industry Day At Summer NAMM. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NAMM
Similar to January’s NAMM Show, the exhibitor mix reflected the full spectrum of music products including woodwinds, percussion, pro audio, recording, publishers and as to be expected in Nashville, a strong showing of fretted string instruments. Pro audio and technology driven exhibitors grew 23 percent, filling up much of the expanded floor space.
Perennially popular acoustic string instruments remain one of Summer NAMM’s star attractions. Attendees crowded C.F. Martin & Co., Taylor Guitars, Gibson Brands, Cordoba Guitars, Deering Banjos, Eastman Guitars, Breedlove, Bedell and Weber Acoustic Instruments to strum the latest instruments. Just off the show floor, NAMM’s new Acoustic Nation stage featured acoustic performances by dozens of artists including Greg Bates, Jonathan Jackson and Enation, The Ukedelics and more.
“Insight,” Wednesday night’s pre-show opening party featured country music icon Vince Gill, his band The Players, and Two Old Hippies’ founder Tom Bedell. They combined musical performances and a lively discussion on the relationship between musicians and their musical instruments.
The world’s best retailers packed Davidson Ballroom Friday night for the Top 100 Dealer Awards. The industry celebrated excellence and innovation as host Ira Dean of the Country trio Trick Pony awarded trophies in eight ‘Best Of’ categories. Enlisting flourishing forward thinkers of music retail, NAMM U’s breakfast and Idea Center sessions tutored attendees on making the most of the industry’s current opportunities.
Weekend Round-Up
/by Sarah SkatesBlake Shelton played a sold-out stadium show at Chicago’s Wrigley Field over the weekend, topping out capacity with over 40,000 fans in attendance. Shelton is only the fourth country artist to have appeared at the 100-year-old ballpark. Currently on his Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014, Saturday night (July 19) Shelton hosted opening acts The Band Perry, Dan + Shay and Neal McCoy. The outing also includes sold-out shows August 1 at NYC’s Madison Square Garden and October 4 at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. Shelton recently celebrated his 12th consecutive No. 1 single, “My Eyes,” which is his 17th No. 1 overall.
Shelton onstage at Wrigley Field.
• • • •
Brad Paisley and Sarah Darling performed Paisley’s hit “Whiskey Lullaby” Friday night (July 18) on the Grand Ole Opry. Paisley is a judge on ABC’s new singing competition show Rising Star, where Darling was a contestant. She was eliminated from the show last week by a fraction of a percentage in votes and Paisley promised they play the Opry together when she returned to Nashville.
Brad Paisley and Sarah Darling. ©2014 Grand Ole Opry. Photo By: Chris Hollo
Luke Bryan Leads Country Noms For Teen Choice Awards
/by Sarah SkatesLuke Bryan received four nominations for the Teen Choice Awards.
The next wave of nominees has been announced for Teen Choice 2014, airing Sunday, Aug. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live) on FOX. Country stars receiving nominations include Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and Jake Owen. 22 Jump Street leads the nominees with seven nods, while Iggy Azalea follows closely with five. Trophies will be presented at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.
Fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day per category for their favorite nominees at www.teenchoiceawards.com. Voting ends at 11:59 PM PT on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Choice Country Song
“Bartender,” Lady Antebellum
“Beachin,'” Jake Owen
“Play It Again,” Luke Bryan
“Somethin’ Bad,” Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood
“This is How We Roll,” Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan
Choice Summer Music Star: Male
Luke Bryan
Jason Derulo
John Legend
Sam Smith
Pharrell Williams
Choice Summer Music Star: Group
5 Seconds of Summer
Fifth Harmony
Florida Georgia Line
Magic!
Rixton
Choice Summer Tour
Beyonce and Jay-Z, “On The Run Tour”
Justin Timberlake, “The 20/20 Experience World Tour”
Katy Perry, “The Prismatic World Tour”
Luke Bryan, “That’s My Kind of Night Tour”
One Direction, “Where We Are Tour”
A full list of categories and nominees is available at www.teenchoiceawards.com.
Radio Friendly: Chris Young, Kristian Bush, Kip Moore, Dan + Shay
/by Sarah SkatesKristian Bush co-hosted with Larry and Klaudia in the Morning on Go Country 105/KKGO. The station was the first to premiere “Trailer Hitch,” the debut single from Bush’s solo project. “Trailer Hitch” officially goes for radio adds July 28.
Bush is currently on his Put Your Soul In It Tour and working with longtime producer Byron Gallimore on his debut solo album to be released via Streamsound Records.
Pictured (L-R): KKGO’s Larry Morgan, KKGO/PD Tonya Campos, Kristian Bush and KKGO’s Klaudia Aresti
• • • • •
CMT Radio’s Cody Alan chatted with Kip Moore at a taping for the Mountain Dew CMT Summer Concert Series. CMT and Mountain Dew are teaming up for live performances from Moore, Dierks Bentley, David Nail and Chris Young. The four-part series launches with Moore on CMT Hot 20 Countdown Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT.
Pictured (L-R): Kip Moore, CMT’s Alecia Davis, Cody Alan
• • • • •
RCA Records Nashville artist Chris Young recently headlined a sold out show at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, MS. On hand for the performance was WGKX music director Kay Manley. Young’s current single “Who I Am With You” has already reached No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.
Pictured (L-R): Kay Manley and Chris Young
• • • • •
Dan + Shay show off WGNA’s Country Fest banner last weekend with Sean McMaster from the station’s morning show.
Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney and Sean McMaster
Revenue From Google Play Continues Climb
/by Sarah SkatesExecutives discussed the news this week at the company’s second quarter earnings conference call.
The Play store, which sells and/or streams apps, music, movies, television, books and more is the tech company’s fastest growing business segment.
Revenue from Play is included in Google’s “Other Revenue” segment of the earnings report. This segment represents one tenth of the company’s overall sales. In the second quarter Other Revenue pulled in $1.596 billion in sales, 10 percent of Google’s overall $15.955 billion.
Photo Friday
/by Sarah SkatesA new cinema spot stars Carrie Underwood performing “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” the opening theme for primetime television’s No. 1 program, Sunday Night Football on NBC. The 2.5-minute clip will debut Friday, July 25 on more than 19,000 movie screens nationwide in AMC, Cinemark, and Regal theaters. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this year’s Sunday Night Football show opener featuring Underwood and NFL stars.
Movie theater clip goes behind the scenes of Carrie Underwood’s Sunday Night Football opener. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC
• • • •
BMI treated restaurant association executives who were in Music City for the Annual Summer Meeting of the CSRA (Council of State Restaurant Associations) to a good old fashioned guitar pull that featured three of Nashville’s finest songwriters. Award-winning BMI songwriters Kylie Sackley, Clint Daniels and Phillip White played July 14 in front of a packed house at Puckett’s in downtown Nashville, performing the hits they have written for country giants like Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Reba, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn.
Pictured after the performance (L-R): BMI’s Dan Spears, Clint Daniels, Kylie Sackley, BMI’s Mike Steinberg, CSRA President and Arkansas Hospitality Assoc. Exec. Dir. Montine McNulty, Phillip White, BMI’s Jessica Frost.
• • • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Deana Carter to the office recently. While at the Academy, she performed her hit “Strawberry Wine,” as well as Kenny Chesney’s hit “You and Tequila,” which she co-wrote with Matraca Berg. Click here to watch a video from Carter’s visit featuring an exclusive interview and clips from her performance.
Carter currently hosts Southern Roots Movement, an acoustic music series at Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, California.
Deana Carter performs at the Academy of Country Music in Encino, CA. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of ACM.