HD radio has been on the radio landscape the last couple of weeks. It started when a spokesman for General Motors was misquoted about the future of AM/FM in the automobile dashboard.
The journalist that heard something not said, stated that the GM rep had predicted AM/FM was coming off the dashboard in the next year or two. This is not what was said and it started a firestorm about the future of the “radio” in cars. HD radio is being added to many dashboards. As are apps for Pandora, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Soon your dashboard is going to look like your iPad, which is okay with me as long as they continue to add apps and not eliminate choices used by 250,000,000 Americans every week.
Is HD the answer for AM/FM broadcasters? I agree the limited power output was a disadvantage but the increase to higher broadcast power levels for digital carriers will significantly increase the coverage in the auto and help with building penetration. I have not heard many current broadcasters complain about HD, but not too many have been vocal supporters. I would think if you have the ability to add stations to your reach, with drastically reduced costs, you would be on board.
As a consumer I like being offered more choices, without having to pay a subscription fee. I would be interested in hearing what is being offered. If my new car comes with HD factory installed I am excited about the additional choices. I can see why Sirius/XM, Pandora and Spotify will pooh-pooh HD radio. Unfortunately if I am a listener right now, I am also going to pooh-pooh HD radio. Many stations are simply rebroadcasting a co-owned AM signal, trying to expand that reach. I like this is some cases. I have a problem hearing WAJR-AM in my office. This is more about the hardware then the station, but now I have an HD radio in my office so I can listen to WAJR-AM as WVAQ-FM HD2. The coverage in my car will also be better in the evening after WAJR-AM changes their signal pattern.
Broadcasters should provide different programming on their HD channels if they are going to expect this programming to have an impact in the marketplace. If you’re a mainstream country music station on FM how about a Classic Country or Hot Country on your HD2 channel? Or how about programming a format that competes with your direct competitor in the market? Granted, today it would not get a tremendous amount of exposure but as HD shows up in automobiles, the reach will get bigger and bigger.
I know the point has been made that stations have cut back staff in recent times and there are not enough people to program another station in-house. Good point. I hope this does not stifle the growth of a new transmission source. Do you think the other sources are having an easy time at their business? I’m referring to the financial challenges of Pandora and Spotify. They haven’t given up. You think their technology is simple? Heck no. Once a strategy is designed for the HD channels, let’s find the people to execute it.
I hope this isn’t another example of a wasted opportunity. Automakers are being cooperative about installing HD as an option. Please do not respond to their interest in the equipment by failing to provide something that can generate an audience. I do not want radio to lose a place on the dashboard. Maybe not in 2013 but in 2014 and beyond. If someone in each market does not take the lead no one else will step up and this will become a missed opportunity of major proportions. Now this may be applicable to the larger markets only. I know the expense involved for smaller markets may be prohibitive. Not only the start-up costs but the fees stations pay year in and year out. Very likely those smaller market stations are not going to go out there as a leader. This could very well put an obstacle in the whole issue going forward.
That said, where you can do it, I see little downside if broadcasters are willing to step up and provide compelling programming. Of course that is also said of AM/FM. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/10190035/CCook-onair-3902.jpg260390contributorhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngcontributor2013-03-29 09:16:492013-03-29 09:16:49Charlie Cook: Will Broadcasters Step Up?
After a few weeks of re-runs, Nashville fans finally get some new material.
After news of her divorce from Teddy hits headlines, Rayna agrees to a sit-down interview with Katie Couric on her show Katie. Rayna and Teddy try to come to terms with parental arrangements for their two children, and decide to the (odd) arrangement of having each parent live at their home for a week or so, so that the children can stay in one place and not be shuttled from place to place. The toll of the divorce is already showing in older daughter Maddie, whose grief is causing her to act out.
In Atlanta, Dominic plays a new mix of “Keep Asking Why” and decides that Avery’s new sound will stay and that there will be no discussion about it, Avery finally musters the courage to steal his sound back–literally. He steals the masters from the recording studio and burns them, which leads to an explosive argument between, Avery, Dominic and Marilyn. Avery turns his back on both of them.
Scarlett returns home to find that Gunner is drinking heavily, still grieving the death of his brother. After Gunner discovers that the detective who is supposedly working hard to find who killed Gunner’s brother doesn’t seem to care about the case, he tries to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, his heroic-yet-naive efforts are ill-timed, as he abandons Scarlett on the day of their audition for Rayna James’ new label. O’Connor ends up doing the audition solo, performing the song “Looking For A Place To Shine.” Afterward, O’Connor and her uncle Deacon figure out that Gunner has gone to a bar in a seedy part of town in order to avenge his brother. They track him down in time to prevent him from getting into harm. Later that evening, the real consequences of Gunner’s actions are revealed when O’Connor gets a phone call saying they want to sign her as a solo artist.
Juliette’s determination to keep control of her own career leads to disaster when what was supposed to be a private fan club event turns into a public event after the singer tweets the time and location (Nashville’s Two Old Hippies) to all of her fans. Meanwhile, Rayna cut Scarlett’s audition a bit short when she received a phone call that her daughter Maddie was at said Juliette show. The massive crowd storms the building after seeing Juliette’s tweet. At first, while Juliette sings “Hypnotizing,” the crowd seems content and in calm, eventually, though, they rush the stage, knocking over shelves and other items in Two Old Hippies. One of the shelves falls on top of Maddie. Fortunately, Deacon saves the day.
Once Rayna finds out why Maddie is hurt–and that Maddie lied to Teddy about her whereabouts so she could attend the show–Rayna’s frustration comes to a boiling point when she speaks with Juliette. Rayna tells the younger singer bluntly that she needs to grow up and realize that her actions are hurting other people. Rayna later surprises Maddie back home with a present—Rayna’s first guitar. She tells her daughter that she understands the hurt and confusion she is going through and that she’ll need an outlet for it.
Meanwhile, Juliette’s present to Deacon–a puppy–is the catalyst for newfound love (or lust) when Deacon finds himself attracted to Stacey, a pretty veterinarian.
Avery makes his way back to Nashville, where he gets a performance slot at the Bluebird Cafe. Away from the Dominic-controlled, overly-processed music, he performs “Let There Be Lonely,” with only a piano for accompaniment.
Juliette, who is still in counseling with her mother, eventually accepts Rayna’s (emotionally charged) advice, and vows to pay for the medical costs of all the people injured at the concert. She also invites her mother and the counselor on tour with her.
At the end of the episode, Deacon returns to the veterinary clinic to ask Stacey on a proper date and tells her he named his male dog Sue. A take on Johnny Cash’s song “A Boy Named Sue.” Of course, Stacey really doesn’t like country music, remember? She doesn’t get it (the music or Deacon’s reference).
Songwriters Odie Blackmon and Jim Lauderdale wrote a song called “Tough All Over” that will be featured on “Nashville” this month. Pictured here, they also recorded an installment of On The Record for ABC’s website.
Rolling Stone has a first look at Jewel in the role of June Carter Cash in the Lifetime biopic Ring of Fire, which premieres May 27. The singer/actress sings “Wildwood Flower” in the clip.
Jewel previously appeared in the 1999 Ang Lee film Ride with the Devil and in the 1995 film The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True. Jewel even made a cameo in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story – a parody of the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line.
Watch a scene of Jewel as June Carter Cash in Ring of Firehere.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2013-03-28 16:20:372013-03-28 16:20:37A Look At Jewel Portraying June Carter Cash in 'Ring of Fire'
Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of the Big Machine Label Group, will appear on CBS This Morning on Friday, March 29. Charlie Rose and Gayle King will interview Borchetta about the growth of Country music and the success of Borchetta’s label since he open its doors just over seven years ago.
• • •
Faison & Associates has named its Music Row Roundabout apartment building 1505 Demonbreun, according to the Nashville Post. The site has been excavated for foundations and will begin footings and foundations in mid-April, according to Steve Smith, managing director of construction and development for Faison.
Metro is reviewing the building permit required for the wood construction above the two levels of concrete parking deck. 1505 Demonbreun will rise seven stories at its highest point.
• • •
Warner Chappell has signed singer-songwriter Zac Maloy.
• • •
Baillie & The Boys have signed for booking representation with Brand Entertainment Agency. For reunited band members, Kathie Baillie, Michael Bonagura and Alan LeBeouf, the signing with Brand Entertainment Agency celebrates Baillie & The Boys longevity and devotion to country music.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the group Blended an East Coast pop sound while keeping the traditional themes of Nashville songwriting and sometimes personal lyrics. The group generated 10 Top 10 Billboard hits and yielded eight CMA and ACM Group/Duo of the Year nominations.
Banner Music is proud to announce that Kevin Kleindienst is now part of the Banner Music team. Kleindienst will be working closely with President Camilla Kleindienst in the daily operations as well as tour manager with artists and involved with artist development.
Kevin Kleindienst grew up in rural Missouri in a musical family. Throughout his youth and as an adult Kleindienst attended concerts and connected with bands and performing artists. He formed business connections to bands and venues.
In 2013 he decided to move to Tennessee and put his music business abilities to work for Banner Music.
“Family is a great foundation but nothing replaces hard work and that’s what I’m here to do,” said Kleindiensth
Kleindienst will be reviewing artists and songwriters, pitching songs, booking and touring with developing acts. You can reach him at kevin@bannermusic.com
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10185457/banner.jpg194300Caitlin Rantalahttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCaitlin Rantala2013-03-28 14:59:142013-03-28 14:59:14Banner Music Adds New Hire
Charlie Daniels is recovering after having a pacemaker implanted today (March 28) at a Nashville area hospital. He plans to be released tomorrow and will spend two weeks resting at home.
As a result of the surgery, his performance at MTSU’s Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as part of the World Outreach Church Easter service, has been cancelled. Additionally, two Charlie Daniels Band concert dates will be re-scheduled, those are performances originally set for April 5 in Englewood, NJ and April 6 in Newark, OH. Daniels will resume his touring schedule April 11 with an appearance in Lynchburg, Va.
During a doctor visit on Monday (March 25), he was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia and admitted to the hospital for routine tests. The tests revealed that a pacemaker was needed to regulate his heart rate.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2013-03-28 14:28:592013-03-28 14:28:59Charlie Daniels Recovering in Hospital
Earlier this month (March 12), Angel Mary and the Tennessee Werewolves stopped by MusicRow headquarters. The family trio explained their name is Johnny Cash-inspired rather than Twilight inspired.
They played three songs including their single “Cowboy,” along with “Nashvegas” and “Country Girl.”
For more information on the band, visit www.angelmary.net.
[slide]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10185457/DSC_7989.jpg400600Caitlin Rantalahttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCaitlin Rantala2013-03-28 14:19:052013-03-28 14:19:05MusicRowPics: Angel Mary and the Tennessee Werewolves
TNT is poised to premiere a new Nashville-centric series in 2014. The eight-episode, unscripted docudrama Nashville Confidential is set in and around the country music business in Nashville, according to Deadline.com. The series will be produced by Evolution Media–the producers of The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Nashville Confidential promises to give a glimpse behind the scenes of the competitive industry and its power couples.
Evolution’s Douglas Ross, Greg Stewart and Alex Baskin will executive produce the series.
The series is TNT’s latest unscripted pickup, joining Donnie Wahlberg‘s Boston’s Finest, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson‘s The Hero, 72 Hours and Cold Justice.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2013-03-28 14:12:582013-03-28 14:12:58TNT's 'Nashville Confidential' Coming in 2014
Luke Bryan has launched an interactive online music video for his song “Just A Sip,” from his latest project, Spring Break…Here To Party. The video allows fans to replace frames of the video with images of themselves replicating his movements. Nearly 1300 frames have been swapped with fan images, representing over 30 percent of the final video.
The interactive video, available at www.justasipvideo.com, allows Bryan to engage and collaborate with his fans to create original online content through crowdsourcing. To join the video, fans visit the website and are directed through three easy steps to have their images included. First, they pick a frame of the video they want to replicate, followed by copying the pose using their webcam. Once they are happy with their photo, they can hit submit to have their image added. The video is continually updated with new submissions every 20 minutes.
“Fans are growing and transforming the way media is created and distributed every day,” says Dawn Gates, VP, Digital Marketing at Universal Music Group Nashville. “Luke has always been a great partner on campaigns and this time it’s rewarding to facilitate a dynamic platform that allows his fans to interact, invent, and re-invent official content.”
“The best part about my job is getting to interact with my fans and this interactive video is just another fun way to do that,” says Bryan. “I hope everyone enjoys making it as much as I did!”
Some screenshots from the video:
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2013-03-28 10:37:532013-03-28 10:37:53Luke Bryan Launches Fan Interactive Video for "Just A Sip"
The Academy of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry are nominated for Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News. Honors will be presented April 17 in New York City.
The Opry’s nomination recognizes a Twitter campaign using the hashtag #Love4Lorettaduring Lynn’s 50th Opry member anniversary celebration. Components of the digital campaign included a Lynn take-over of the Opry’s YouTube channel; opry.com editorial features, playlists, and sweepstakes; digital streaming of Lynn’s 50th anniversary press conference featuring the Opry legend as well as Crystal Gayle, Pistol Annies, and Lee Ann Womack; and Twitter messaging from dozens of notable artists and organizations, including The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert, Bret Michaels, and Carrie Underwood. Campaign results included eight million Twitter impressions via #Love4Lorettaas well as a 334% increase in Opry app listenership for the Opry performance featuring Lynn and guests.
“We are so pleased that the Opry, which utilized the cutting-edge technology of the day to first hit the airwaves in 1925, is being recognized more than 85 years later for continuing to excel in sharing its music and its message, now to an entirely new audience using all-new technology,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager.
The Academy of Country Music is recognized in the Twitter: PR Campaigncategory for work on the 2012 ACM Awards. The Academy of Country Music was nominated based on the success of its first-ever digital press conference to announce nominees, tune-in initiatives with GetGlue, involvement within community chats on Twitter, on -site Twitter contesting from Las Vegas, the ACM Social Splash webpage, telecast integration with dick clark productions and the CBS Television Network, and more. Brooke Primero, Senior Vice President, PR & Marketing at the Academy of Country Music, said, “Over the past year, we’ve taken the Academy’s media channels and fan engagement to a new level, and this award is just proof of that.”
“We focus on the creative as much as possible to bring rich, funny and appealing content to the table consistently,” added Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Creative, PR & Production. Nominees in select categories Twitter: Best Use of Hashtags
Grand Ole Opry – #Love4Loretta
Guthy-Renker – #ProactivWorks
Neiman – #Tweettoshoot
SAP – #SAPChat Twitter: PR Campaign
Academy of Country Music – 2012 ACM Awards
Cathay Pacific Airways – Cathay Pacific Klout Campaign
Dixon Schwabl – RBC Heritage
Littelfuse – Littelfuse Speed2Design
National Safe Boating Council – NSBC and Paul Werth Associates – 2012 ‘Wear It!’ Campaign Increases Awareness of Boating Safety
Smithsonian National Zoological Park – #PandaAI
Weber Shandwick + MilkPEP – The Breakfast Project See the complete list of nominations.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2013-03-28 10:11:452013-03-28 10:11:45ACM and Opry Nominated For Social Media Icon Awards
Charlie Cook: Will Broadcasters Step Up?
/by contributorThe journalist that heard something not said, stated that the GM rep had predicted AM/FM was coming off the dashboard in the next year or two. This is not what was said and it started a firestorm about the future of the “radio” in cars. HD radio is being added to many dashboards. As are apps for Pandora, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Soon your dashboard is going to look like your iPad, which is okay with me as long as they continue to add apps and not eliminate choices used by 250,000,000 Americans every week.
Is HD the answer for AM/FM broadcasters? I agree the limited power output was a disadvantage but the increase to higher broadcast power levels for digital carriers will significantly increase the coverage in the auto and help with building penetration. I have not heard many current broadcasters complain about HD, but not too many have been vocal supporters. I would think if you have the ability to add stations to your reach, with drastically reduced costs, you would be on board.
As a consumer I like being offered more choices, without having to pay a subscription fee. I would be interested in hearing what is being offered. If my new car comes with HD factory installed I am excited about the additional choices. I can see why Sirius/XM, Pandora and Spotify will pooh-pooh HD radio. Unfortunately if I am a listener right now, I am also going to pooh-pooh HD radio. Many stations are simply rebroadcasting a co-owned AM signal, trying to expand that reach. I like this is some cases. I have a problem hearing WAJR-AM in my office. This is more about the hardware then the station, but now I have an HD radio in my office so I can listen to WAJR-AM as WVAQ-FM HD2. The coverage in my car will also be better in the evening after WAJR-AM changes their signal pattern.
Broadcasters should provide different programming on their HD channels if they are going to expect this programming to have an impact in the marketplace. If you’re a mainstream country music station on FM how about a Classic Country or Hot Country on your HD2 channel? Or how about programming a format that competes with your direct competitor in the market? Granted, today it would not get a tremendous amount of exposure but as HD shows up in automobiles, the reach will get bigger and bigger.
I know the point has been made that stations have cut back staff in recent times and there are not enough people to program another station in-house. Good point. I hope this does not stifle the growth of a new transmission source. Do you think the other sources are having an easy time at their business? I’m referring to the financial challenges of Pandora and Spotify. They haven’t given up. You think their technology is simple? Heck no. Once a strategy is designed for the HD channels, let’s find the people to execute it.
I hope this isn’t another example of a wasted opportunity. Automakers are being cooperative about installing HD as an option. Please do not respond to their interest in the equipment by failing to provide something that can generate an audience. I do not want radio to lose a place on the dashboard. Maybe not in 2013 but in 2014 and beyond. If someone in each market does not take the lead no one else will step up and this will become a missed opportunity of major proportions. Now this may be applicable to the larger markets only. I know the expense involved for smaller markets may be prohibitive. Not only the start-up costs but the fees stations pay year in and year out. Very likely those smaller market stations are not going to go out there as a leader. This could very well put an obstacle in the whole issue going forward.
That said, where you can do it, I see little downside if broadcasters are willing to step up and provide compelling programming. Of course that is also said of AM/FM.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
Primetime 'Nashville': 'When You're Tired of Breaking Others' Hearts'
/by Jessica NicholsonRayna and Katie Couric
After a few weeks of re-runs, Nashville fans finally get some new material.
After news of her divorce from Teddy hits headlines, Rayna agrees to a sit-down interview with Katie Couric on her show Katie. Rayna and Teddy try to come to terms with parental arrangements for their two children, and decide to the (odd) arrangement of having each parent live at their home for a week or so, so that the children can stay in one place and not be shuttled from place to place. The toll of the divorce is already showing in older daughter Maddie, whose grief is causing her to act out.
In Atlanta, Dominic plays a new mix of “Keep Asking Why” and decides that Avery’s new sound will stay and that there will be no discussion about it, Avery finally musters the courage to steal his sound back–literally. He steals the masters from the recording studio and burns them, which leads to an explosive argument between, Avery, Dominic and Marilyn. Avery turns his back on both of them.
Scarlett returns home to find that Gunner is drinking heavily, still grieving the death of his brother. After Gunner discovers that the detective who is supposedly working hard to find who killed Gunner’s brother doesn’t seem to care about the case, he tries to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, his heroic-yet-naive efforts are ill-timed, as he abandons Scarlett on the day of their audition for Rayna James’ new label. O’Connor ends up doing the audition solo, performing the song “Looking For A Place To Shine.” Afterward, O’Connor and her uncle Deacon figure out that Gunner has gone to a bar in a seedy part of town in order to avenge his brother. They track him down in time to prevent him from getting into harm. Later that evening, the real consequences of Gunner’s actions are revealed when O’Connor gets a phone call saying they want to sign her as a solo artist.
Juliette’s determination to keep control of her own career leads to disaster when what was supposed to be a private fan club event turns into a public event after the singer tweets the time and location (Nashville’s Two Old Hippies) to all of her fans. Meanwhile, Rayna cut Scarlett’s audition a bit short when she received a phone call that her daughter Maddie was at said Juliette show. The massive crowd storms the building after seeing Juliette’s tweet. At first, while Juliette sings “Hypnotizing,” the crowd seems content and in calm, eventually, though, they rush the stage, knocking over shelves and other items in Two Old Hippies. One of the shelves falls on top of Maddie. Fortunately, Deacon saves the day.
Once Rayna finds out why Maddie is hurt–and that Maddie lied to Teddy about her whereabouts so she could attend the show–Rayna’s frustration comes to a boiling point when she speaks with Juliette. Rayna tells the younger singer bluntly that she needs to grow up and realize that her actions are hurting other people. Rayna later surprises Maddie back home with a present—Rayna’s first guitar. She tells her daughter that she understands the hurt and confusion she is going through and that she’ll need an outlet for it.
Meanwhile, Juliette’s present to Deacon–a puppy–is the catalyst for newfound love (or lust) when Deacon finds himself attracted to Stacey, a pretty veterinarian.
Avery makes his way back to Nashville, where he gets a performance slot at the Bluebird Cafe. Away from the Dominic-controlled, overly-processed music, he performs “Let There Be Lonely,” with only a piano for accompaniment.
Juliette, who is still in counseling with her mother, eventually accepts Rayna’s (emotionally charged) advice, and vows to pay for the medical costs of all the people injured at the concert. She also invites her mother and the counselor on tour with her.
At the end of the episode, Deacon returns to the veterinary clinic to ask Stacey on a proper date and tells her he named his male dog Sue. A take on Johnny Cash’s song “A Boy Named Sue.” Of course, Stacey really doesn’t like country music, remember? She doesn’t get it (the music or Deacon’s reference).
Songwriters Odie Blackmon and Jim Lauderdale wrote a song called “Tough All Over” that will be featured on “Nashville” this month. Pictured here, they also recorded an installment of On The Record for ABC’s website.
A Look At Jewel Portraying June Carter Cash in 'Ring of Fire'
/by Jessica NicholsonJewel previously appeared in the 1999 Ang Lee film Ride with the Devil and in the 1995 film The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True. Jewel even made a cameo in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story – a parody of the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line.
Watch a scene of Jewel as June Carter Cash in Ring of Fire here.
Industry Ink (3-28-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonMetro is reviewing the building permit required for the wood construction above the two levels of concrete parking deck. 1505 Demonbreun will rise seven stories at its highest point.
Banner Music Adds New Hire
/by Caitlin RantalaKevin Kleindienst grew up in rural Missouri in a musical family. Throughout his youth and as an adult Kleindienst attended concerts and connected with bands and performing artists. He formed business connections to bands and venues.
In 2013 he decided to move to Tennessee and put his music business abilities to work for Banner Music.
“Family is a great foundation but nothing replaces hard work and that’s what I’m here to do,” said Kleindiensth
Kleindienst will be reviewing artists and songwriters, pitching songs, booking and touring with developing acts. You can reach him at kevin@bannermusic.com
Charlie Daniels Recovering in Hospital
/by Sarah SkatesCharlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels is recovering after having a pacemaker implanted today (March 28) at a Nashville area hospital. He plans to be released tomorrow and will spend two weeks resting at home.
As a result of the surgery, his performance at MTSU’s Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as part of the World Outreach Church Easter service, has been cancelled. Additionally, two Charlie Daniels Band concert dates will be re-scheduled, those are performances originally set for April 5 in Englewood, NJ and April 6 in Newark, OH. Daniels will resume his touring schedule April 11 with an appearance in Lynchburg, Va.
During a doctor visit on Monday (March 25), he was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia and admitted to the hospital for routine tests. The tests revealed that a pacemaker was needed to regulate his heart rate.
MusicRowPics: Angel Mary and the Tennessee Werewolves
/by Caitlin RantalaEarlier this month (March 12), Angel Mary and the Tennessee Werewolves stopped by MusicRow headquarters. The family trio explained their name is Johnny Cash-inspired rather than Twilight inspired.
They played three songs including their single “Cowboy,” along with “Nashvegas” and “Country Girl.”
For more information on the band, visit www.angelmary.net.
[slide]
TNT's 'Nashville Confidential' Coming in 2014
/by Jessica NicholsonEvolution’s Douglas Ross, Greg Stewart and Alex Baskin will executive produce the series.
The series is TNT’s latest unscripted pickup, joining Donnie Wahlberg‘s Boston’s Finest, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson‘s The Hero, 72 Hours and Cold Justice.
Luke Bryan Launches Fan Interactive Video for "Just A Sip"
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan has launched an interactive online music video for his song “Just A Sip,” from his latest project, Spring Break…Here To Party. The video allows fans to replace frames of the video with images of themselves replicating his movements. Nearly 1300 frames have been swapped with fan images, representing over 30 percent of the final video.
The interactive video, available at www.justasipvideo.com, allows Bryan to engage and collaborate with his fans to create original online content through crowdsourcing. To join the video, fans visit the website and are directed through three easy steps to have their images included. First, they pick a frame of the video they want to replicate, followed by copying the pose using their webcam. Once they are happy with their photo, they can hit submit to have their image added. The video is continually updated with new submissions every 20 minutes.
“Fans are growing and transforming the way media is created and distributed every day,” says Dawn Gates, VP, Digital Marketing at Universal Music Group Nashville. “Luke has always been a great partner on campaigns and this time it’s rewarding to facilitate a dynamic platform that allows his fans to interact, invent, and re-invent official content.”
“The best part about my job is getting to interact with my fans and this interactive video is just another fun way to do that,” says Bryan. “I hope everyone enjoys making it as much as I did!”
Some screenshots from the video:
ACM and Opry Nominated For Social Media Icon Awards
/by Sarah SkatesThe Opry’s nomination recognizes a Twitter campaign using the hashtag #Love4Loretta during Lynn’s 50th Opry member anniversary celebration. Components of the digital campaign included a Lynn take-over of the Opry’s YouTube channel; opry.com editorial features, playlists, and sweepstakes; digital streaming of Lynn’s 50th anniversary press conference featuring the Opry legend as well as Crystal Gayle, Pistol Annies, and Lee Ann Womack; and Twitter messaging from dozens of notable artists and organizations, including The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert, Bret Michaels, and Carrie Underwood. Campaign results included eight million Twitter impressions via #Love4Loretta as well as a 334% increase in Opry app listenership for the Opry performance featuring Lynn and guests.
“We are so pleased that the Opry, which utilized the cutting-edge technology of the day to first hit the airwaves in 1925, is being recognized more than 85 years later for continuing to excel in sharing its music and its message, now to an entirely new audience using all-new technology,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager.
The Academy of Country Music is recognized in the Twitter: PR Campaign category for work on the 2012 ACM Awards. The Academy of Country Music was nominated based on the success of its first-ever digital press conference to announce nominees, tune-in initiatives with GetGlue, involvement within community chats on Twitter, on -site Twitter contesting from Las Vegas, the ACM Social Splash webpage, telecast integration with dick clark productions and the CBS Television Network, and more.
Brooke Primero, Senior Vice President, PR & Marketing at the Academy of Country Music, said, “Over the past year, we’ve taken the Academy’s media channels and fan engagement to a new level, and this award is just proof of that.”
“We focus on the creative as much as possible to bring rich, funny and appealing content to the table consistently,” added Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Creative, PR & Production.
Nominees in select categories
Twitter: Best Use of Hashtags
Grand Ole Opry – #Love4Loretta
Guthy-Renker – #ProactivWorks
Neiman – #Tweettoshoot
SAP – #SAPChat
Twitter: PR Campaign
Academy of Country Music – 2012 ACM Awards
Cathay Pacific Airways – Cathay Pacific Klout Campaign
Dixon Schwabl – RBC Heritage
Littelfuse – Littelfuse Speed2Design
National Safe Boating Council – NSBC and Paul Werth Associates – 2012 ‘Wear It!’ Campaign Increases Awareness of Boating Safety
Smithsonian National Zoological Park – #PandaAI
Weber Shandwick + MilkPEP – The Breakfast Project
See the complete list of nominations.