SPIN ZONE
BE Music’s Zane Williams (L) continues his radio tour with a stop in Topeka, Kan., with WIBW’s PD, Keith Montgomery (R), in promotion of his latest album’s title-track, “Overnight Success.”
’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” finds love with
MusicRow’s stations, landing at No. 1 with 3233 spins. Meanwhile,
Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night” remains at No. 2.
Jake Owen’s “Days of Gold” climbs to No. 3, while
Cassadee Pope’s “Wasting All These Tears” jumps to No. 4.
Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” lives up to its name, rising to No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is
Eli Young Band’s “Drunk Last Night” at No. 6,
David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got” at No. 7,
Zac Brown Band’s “Sweet Annie” at No. 8,
Cole Swindell’s “Chillin’ It” at No. 9 and
Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” at No. 10.
Stations are thirsty for
Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer,” which is the week’s greatest gainer again, rushing to No. 26 with another 711 spins.
Jason Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” debuts at No. 55 with 466 spins. Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” ascends to No. 5 with another 354 spins, while
Lady Antebellum’s “Compass” leaps to No. 14 with 273 more spins. Finally,
Justin Moore’s “Lettin’ The Night Roll” moves to No. 31 with 267 more spins.
MusicRow welcomes six superb debuts this week, with Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” debuting at No. 55,
Aaron Watson’s “July In Cheyenne” at No. 76,
Granger Smith’s “Miles and Mud Tires” at No. 77,
Dallas Smith’s “Tippin Point” at No. 78,
Hoyt Hughes’ “All Good In The Woods” at No. 79 and
Callie Bobsin’s “Back Then” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KTJJ, KXKZ, WTHO
Dan + Shay recently stopped by KMLE on their west coast promo tour in support of the debut single “19 You + Me,” which lands at No. 61 after only three weeks rising! Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Tim Pohlman (GM), Shay Mooney, Raffaella Braun (WMN), Tim Richards (PD), Chris Palmer (WMN) & Drew Bland (MD).
Toby Keith/Shut Up and Hold On/Show Dog-Universal
Thomas Rhett/Get Me Some of That/Valory
Billy Currington/We Are Tonight/Mercury
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow
November 21
Kate McRae/ A Little Bit/HMG Nashville
November 25
Bush Hawg/More Than Corn/RCA Nashville
The Cadillac Three feat. Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley & Mike Eli/The South/Big Machine
December 16
Lindsay Ell/Trippin’ On Us/Stoney Creek
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 55
Aaron Watson/July In Cheyenne/HTK Records – 76
Granger Smith/Miles and Mud Tires/Pioneer – 77
Dallas Smith/Tippin Point/Big Loud Mountain-Republic Nashville – 78
Hoyt Hughes/All Good In The Woods/Momentum-Blue Bolt Records – 79
Callie Bobsin/Back Then/Stillbrook Records – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 40
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 38
Tyler Farr/Whiskey In My Water /Columbia Nashville – 18
Justin Moore/Lettin’ The Night Roll/Valory Music – 14
George Strait/I Got A Car/MCA – 14
Toby Keith/Shut Up and Hold On/Show Dog – Universal – 13
Dallas Smith/Tippin Point/Big Loud Mountain-Republic Nashville – 12
Robby Johnson/South of Me/Contrast Music Records – 9
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 711
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 466
Florida Georgia Line/Stay/Republic Nashville – 354
Lady Antebellum/Compass/Capitol – 273
Justin Moore/Lettin’ The Night Roll/Valory Music – 267
George Strait/I Got A Car/MCA – 267
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Ry Bradley/New Kind Of Lonely/Crimson Q Records – 185
Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves/Folsom Prison Blues/Verado – 180
Tim Sweeney/Baby I Try For You/Oil House Records – 176
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records – 166
Maggie Sajak/Wild Boy/Back East Records-GMV Nashville – 151
MTS Management’s Josey Milner (L) recently premiered her single, “Cowgirls” with Dr. Dave Young (R) on KDKD in Clinton, Mo.
CMA Names Sr. VP, Marketing and Partnerships
/by Jessica NicholsonDamon Whiteside
The Country Music Association has hired Damon Whiteside has been hired as the Senior VP of Marketing and Partnerships, effective Jan. 6, 2014.
“Damon is a highly-accomplished marketing and branding executive with extensive senior level marketing experience and a proven track record,” said CMA President of the Board Ed Hardy. “We are fortunate to have someone with his executive background from Disney, the No. 1 entertainment brand in the world, in this important leadership position at CMA.”
Whiteside will oversee CMA’s Marketing Department, which includes Creative Services and Digital, as well as the Research and Strategic Partnerships Departments. Whiteside will report to the recently appointed CEO, Sarah Trahern.
Since 2011, he has served as CMO, Brands and Talent, at Nomad Entertainment Group in Los Angeles, where he developed marketing, digital strategy, brand development, partnerships, TV and digital content production, music licensing, and celebrity talent relations for entertainment brand clients, music artists, producers, and songwriters.
Whiteside has also served on Disney’s Corporate Brand Management and Synergy Executive Committees, which identified and set strategy for the top franchise and marketing priorities across the Company.
His professional affiliations include NARAS, Music Business Association/NARM, CMA, Digital LA, CMO Club, American Marketing Association, Promotion Marketing Association, among others. Whiteside currently serves on the West Coast Board of Directors for the T.J. Martell Foundation. In 2013 he completed the Executive Program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
LifeNotes: Sarah Darling's Grandfather Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto credit: Sara Kauss
MusicRow sends its condolences to Country singer Sarah Darling. Darling’s grandfather, Richard Eugene Dicks, died yesterday (Nov. 14).
Darling’s songs “All You’ve Got” and “Knowing What I Know About Heaven” (which was recorded by Guy Penrod), were inspired by her grandfather.
Darling shared her loss with fans via social media, and included photos of her grandfather, along with a written tribute.
Kenny Rogers To Embark On 32nd Annual Christmas Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers will celebrate the holidays the same way he has for the last 32 years – on the road with fans in 24 cities, on his annual holiday tour. This year’s extravaganza, Christmas & Hits Through The Years With Special Guest Linda Davis, will kick off Nov. 27 in Montreal and run through Dec. 22nd.
Fans attending the shows will be treated to a mix of Rogers’ biggest hits like “Lady,” “The Gambler,” and “Islands In The Stream,” along with Christmas favorites like “Joy To The World” and “White Christmas.” Rogers gets each town in on the fun by inviting a local choir and children to perform with him on each tour stop, making for a homespun holiday experience.
For more information on the tour, go to kennyrogers.com.
MusicRowPics: Jason Mitchell
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Mitchell Artist Visit
Tenacity Label Group/WeBlast artist Jason Mitchell recently visited the MusicRow offices to preview music from his upcoming album.
On Sept. 22, the Pittsburgh Steelers debuted a version of Mitchell’s current single, “Stomp,” as part of a highlight video montage during a match against the Chicago Bears. Mitchell credits Tenacity’s Mike Kraski, as well as industry executive Dale Morris, with making the connections with the Steelers for use of the song. Mitchell was at home in Nashville when he heard his song used in the game. “It was crazy, my phone just blew up with people contacting me and saying congratulations,” says Mitchell.
Mitchell, whose father Dan Mitchell co-wrote the Alabama song, “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band),” also shared that he is currently working on a cookbook filled with signature dishes; the project is slated to release in Spring 2014.
In addition to his single, Mitchell performed the songs “Cold River” and “Nobody’s Lookin.”
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George Strait Crowned "Legend Of Live" At Billboard Touring Awards
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“I feel like I fit right in here,” Strait said. “I stared touring about Eighteen ninety – well, it feels like that anyway. I started touring in 1981. I tell ya, I’ve been touring so long that I kinda got it through the years. Part of it got a little hard for me and the burnout thing was happening. I’ve always loved the shows – don’t get me wrong, but all the other stuff that goes along with it I kinda got tired of. Thanks to Louis Messina for making it fun again for me out there, and giving me a lot of years on his team.”
The awards honored the concert industry’s top artists, execs, and venues for the year based on Billboard’s Boxscore chart and box office performance. Other big winners of the evening included Taylor Swift, who received the Top Package Tour Award for her Red tour, which was the top-grossing tour with three or more artists on the bill. Bon Jovi was also honored with Top Tour and Top Draw, which honors the top ticket-selling tour. P!nk pulled in the Top Boxscore Award for her July and August run at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, which grossed over $30 million.
Complete list of 2013 Billboard Touring Award winners:
TOP TOUR
Bon Jovi, Because We Can
TOP DRAW
Bon Jovi
TOP BOXSCORE
P!nk — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
TOP COMEDY TOUR
Jeff Dunham
TOP PACKAGE
Taylor Swift’s Red Tour, featuring Ed Sheeran, Joel Crouse, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Casey James
BREAKTHROUGH
One Direction
TOP FESTIVAL
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio, Calif.
TOP ARENA
O2 Arena, London
TOP VENUE — UNDER 10,000 SEATS
Radio City Music Hall, New York
TOP VENUE – UNDER 5,000 SEATS
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
TOP CLUB
House of Blues, Orlando, Fla.
TOP AMPHITHEATER
The Gorge, George, Wash.
TOP PROMOTER
Live Nation
TOP INDEPENDENT PROMOTER (INTERNATIONAL)
T4F
TOP INDEPENDENT PROMOTER (U.S.)
C3 Presents
TOP AGENCY
Creative Artists Agency
TOP MANAGER
Bon Jovi Management
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Marcie Allen, president of MAC Presents
EVENTFUL FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
Bon Jovi
CONCERT MARKETING & PROMOTION AWARD
The Rolling Stones and Citi for the 50 & Counting Tour
LEGEND OF LIVE
George Strait
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Marcie Allen
HAULER OF THE DECADE AWARD
Vans Warped Tour
Weekly Chart Report (11/15/13)
/by Michael_SmithSPIN ZONE
BE Music’s Zane Williams (L) continues his radio tour with a stop in Topeka, Kan., with WIBW’s PD, Keith Montgomery (R), in promotion of his latest album’s title-track, “Overnight Success.”
The Band Perry’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” finds love with MusicRow’s stations, landing at No. 1 with 3233 spins. Meanwhile, Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night” remains at No. 2. Jake Owen’s “Days of Gold” climbs to No. 3, while Cassadee Pope’s “Wasting All These Tears” jumps to No. 4. Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” lives up to its name, rising to No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is Eli Young Band’s “Drunk Last Night” at No. 6, David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got” at No. 7, Zac Brown Band’s “Sweet Annie” at No. 8, Cole Swindell’s “Chillin’ It” at No. 9 and Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” at No. 10.
Stations are thirsty for Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer,” which is the week’s greatest gainer again, rushing to No. 26 with another 711 spins. Jason Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” debuts at No. 55 with 466 spins. Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” ascends to No. 5 with another 354 spins, while Lady Antebellum’s “Compass” leaps to No. 14 with 273 more spins. Finally, Justin Moore’s “Lettin’ The Night Roll” moves to No. 31 with 267 more spins.
MusicRow welcomes six superb debuts this week, with Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” debuting at No. 55, Aaron Watson’s “July In Cheyenne” at No. 76, Granger Smith’s “Miles and Mud Tires” at No. 77, Dallas Smith’s “Tippin Point” at No. 78, Hoyt Hughes’ “All Good In The Woods” at No. 79 and Callie Bobsin’s “Back Then” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KTJJ, KXKZ, WTHO
Dan + Shay recently stopped by KMLE on their west coast promo tour in support of the debut single “19 You + Me,” which lands at No. 61 after only three weeks rising! Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Tim Pohlman (GM), Shay Mooney, Raffaella Braun (WMN), Tim Richards (PD), Chris Palmer (WMN) & Drew Bland (MD).
Upcoming Singles
November 18
Toby Keith/Shut Up and Hold On/Show Dog-Universal
Thomas Rhett/Get Me Some of That/Valory
Billy Currington/We Are Tonight/Mercury
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow
November 21
Kate McRae/ A Little Bit/HMG Nashville
November 25
Bush Hawg/More Than Corn/RCA Nashville
The Cadillac Three feat. Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley & Mike Eli/The South/Big Machine
December 16
Lindsay Ell/Trippin’ On Us/Stoney Creek
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 55
Aaron Watson/July In Cheyenne/HTK Records – 76
Granger Smith/Miles and Mud Tires/Pioneer – 77
Dallas Smith/Tippin Point/Big Loud Mountain-Republic Nashville – 78
Hoyt Hughes/All Good In The Woods/Momentum-Blue Bolt Records – 79
Callie Bobsin/Back Then/Stillbrook Records – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 40
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 38
Tyler Farr/Whiskey In My Water /Columbia Nashville – 18
Justin Moore/Lettin’ The Night Roll/Valory Music – 14
George Strait/I Got A Car/MCA – 14
Toby Keith/Shut Up and Hold On/Show Dog – Universal – 13
Dallas Smith/Tippin Point/Big Loud Mountain-Republic Nashville – 12
Robby Johnson/South of Me/Contrast Music Records – 9
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 711
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 466
Florida Georgia Line/Stay/Republic Nashville – 354
Lady Antebellum/Compass/Capitol – 273
Justin Moore/Lettin’ The Night Roll/Valory Music – 267
George Strait/I Got A Car/MCA – 267
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Ry Bradley/New Kind Of Lonely/Crimson Q Records – 185
Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves/Folsom Prison Blues/Verado – 180
Tim Sweeney/Baby I Try For You/Oil House Records – 176
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records – 166
Maggie Sajak/Wild Boy/Back East Records-GMV Nashville – 151
MTS Management’s Josey Milner (L) recently premiered her single, “Cowgirls” with Dr. Dave Young (R) on KDKD in Clinton, Mo.
Charlie Cook On Air: Putting Good Stock in Country Music
/by contributorCharlie Cook
Joe Queenan wrote a fun article last weekend in the Wall Street Journal about a company called Fantex Holdings. Fantex plans to associate with professional sports figures selling shares to the public. Still you never know how an investment in a celebrity is going to turn out. Fantex is currently concentrating on athletes.
At some point Alex Rodriguez probably looked like a good long term investment. All you fantasy footballers would have lined up to invest in Houston Texan Arian Foster, whom Mr. Queenan mentions in the article. That was obviously written before Mr. Foster announced he would miss the rest of a season with a back issue.
What if we did musicians?
Remember Davie Bowie did this years ago selling shares in his future earnings and receiving a lump sum of money. I remember at the time thinking this was a great idea for Mr. Bowie and not so much for the people willing to pony up money for the shares. I failed to understand just how significant David Bowie was/is to popular culture. He has sold 140 albums, plays about 15 instruments and has starred in scores of movies. He might be one of THE most significant music figures of the last 45 years so I would have missed a real buying opportunity.
Well I thought I would put prices on Country Music Stars. We can be safe to believe they are not going to tear an ACL or go out with a concussion too often. We will have to think about these maladies when pricing Jake Owen and Dierks Bentley, but otherwise we should be okay.
I decided to build a top ten value list. Their stock symbol is also listed. The top act has an IPO of 100.
1. Blake Shelton (BLK) 100. The reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and on a winning streak we all dream of. He is a real life TV star who drives The Voice success each season. I also credit him with being the driver of the format’s growth the last few years. His likability score has to be through the roof.
2. Luke Bryan (BUTT) 90. I over-estimated Luke’s ability to clean up with awards last week. He is an incredible fan favorite, just this week selling out Madison Square Garden for a show next year in the Big Apple. The industry folks are going to let Luke wait another year before bestowing him with awards.
3. Tim McGraw (TMC) 87. Tim is an amazing performer that has had a dream year with the release of his Two Lanes of Freedom CD. He won awards last week on the CMA show. He is going to star with George Clooney in a new movie next year. Like Blake, nobody doesn’t like Tim. Even though he has been around a long time, it does not look like he is anywhere near the end of a great career.
4. Taylor Swift (TSS) 86. You might think Taylor would be at the top of the list. She is the youngest of the group so she has the most future upside. She has sold more CDs and more concert tickets than anyone. She is a real international star and is the most significant music star in the world. But because she has such a huge profile in the pop world, you never know what is going to happen with those fans. By the way, if I really could buy shares in these acts I would load up with TSS stock.
5. George Strait (KING) 85. George is at the end of his touring life (if he really does hang it up) but he is going to continue to release music and the inability to see him perform the music live might drive more people to buy the CDs.
6. Keith Urban (GTR) 80. Keith has recently done a deal with the Home Shopping Network to sell custom guitars and lessons. Plus revenue comes from many sources, like a $20M a picture spouse.
7. Miranda Lambert (TUFF) 79. You gonna tell her she shouldn’t be on the list? You know she’s armed most of the time, right?
8. Carrie Underwood (LEGS) 78. The most natural performer we have in the format. She is at ease in everything she does. The most powerful voice and a GREAT award show host.
9. Eric Church (GOD) 77. When he is on stage you never take your eyes off of him. He simply owns the music.
10. I could go a lot of ways here. If I actually list a 10th stock, I am going to catch major problems for the ten people I left off the list. So I’m just going to say, “Yeah, your right, ____ belongs on the list at this spot.” I might have been born at night. But I wasn’t born last night.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
Zavitson Music Group Introduces MusicPubWorks
/by Jessica Nicholson“MPW was developed by music professionals for music professionals,” said Russ Zavitson, founder of Zavitson Music Group, and a long-time pioneer in Nashville’s extended music community. “Our goal was to build a tool that functions on a variety of levels, from the most comprehensive to the most basic. Regardless of how you are tied to the business, there is something in this software that will make your job easier to perform and help you be more effective performing it.”
Denise Zavitson, along with lead developer Kenny House, designed the software with a tiered structure, providing cost-efficiency and various levels of engagement. The software allows custom branding for each user, allowing both larger organizations and independent songwriters to maintain brand standards.
Acoustic fingerprinting technology has been incorporated into the system at a root level to enable rapid deployment of song tracking from date of creation.
The different tiers include EZ Songwriter (the most basic version), Songwriter Pro (created for established and emerging songwriters), Publisher (a one-stop creative rights management solution covering everything from song submission to royalty tracking), Accounting (which accepts and calculates digital, mechanical, performance and sync royalty statements) and Admin (which organizes and manages complex client catalogs).
For more information, visit musicpubworks.com.
Bigger Picture Group Teams With DMG For Music Licensing
/by Jessica Nicholson“I am thrilled to have Dominic Griffin and the Disney Music Group team represent our talented Bigger Picture Group artists and songwriters for music licensing and look forward to achieving great success together,” says Songs of Bigger Picture President, Alan Kates.
“We are equally thrilled to be representing this incredible roster of writers and performers. Our Team can’t wait to share this amazing music with our music supervisors,” adds Dominic Griffin, VP, Licensing for Disney Music Group.
BMG Chrysalis US Forms Joint Venture With Darrell Franklin
/by Jessica NicholsonThe initial signing to the joint venture is Chris Wallin, who has had success with chart-topping country artists including Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley.
“I think that the Nashville publishing and writing community has always been built on the development of talent and I am very excited to be getting back to doing that in this new JV with BMG,” said Franklin.
Kos Weaver, EVP at BMG Chrysalis Nashville, commented, “Darrell has a great track record, having developed strong songwriters such as Jonathan Singleton, busbee, Brandon Hood, Melissa Peirce and John Paul White (of the Civil Wars) and I have no doubt any signing will flourish under this joint venture.”