“The Blown Away Tour” broke records at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON, Canada as the fastest sell-out to date for the arena, as well as record-breaking attendance. The tour, which launched last June, has played across the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia, and will perform a total of 111 dates in less than a year before wrapping on May 23 in Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
• • •
Bernie Taupin and Elton John
The Rymer Gallery, Nashville’s premier Fine Art Gallery, presents
“Beyond Words”, an extraordinary collection of contemporary artworks by legendary songwriter and lyricist
Bernie Taupin. Beginning on March 30, the public will be able to preview the artwork at The Rymer Gallery – 233 5
th Avenue North. Exhibition previews will run through April 7, with special appearances by Taupin on Saturday, April 6 (1-3 p.m.) and Sunday, April 7 (1-3 p.m.). Visit
www.therymergallery.com for more information.
• • •
Manuel
Clothier
Manuel has started the Indiegogo campaign to fund New Vision, an inspired design direction that speaks to the demand for individualism in fashion. Launching on April 9, 2013, Manuel American Designs is hosting a 40-day long pledge drive to raise $250,000 to purchase state-of-the art equipment; establish an artisan co-operative; restructure business operations; and to produce and promote first run items. Ushering in this New Vision in his storied career, Manuel is bringing to life a unique line of one-of-a-kind American apparel pieces and accessory items that will include a variety of accessories, leather goods, boots, dresses, pants, shirts, skirts and other apparel items for men and women priced from $50-$600.
“In a world of mass produced clothing and a culture that has rewarded ‘sameness’ for three decades, Manuel is calling for a new age for individualism,” said
Corissa Benchley, Marketing, Sales, and Product Development Manager for Manuel American Designs. “Fashion is a natural outlet for people to express who they are and, up until now, the kind of high fashion Manuel creates was limited to wealthy consumers. New Vision is a way for Manuel to reach the new audience of the ‘everyday American’ while preserving his legacy of art and craftsmanship.”
In addition,
Manuel American Designs is hosting an official campaign launch party with singer
Jordan Allena on Wednesday, April 10 from 5-7 p.m.
A
“Manuel Pub Crawl” will follow as party-goers at acclaimed Nashville hot-spots will preview a sampling of some of the
New Vision pieces and can pledge their support. For more information, visit
manuelcouture.com
Jo Dee Messina To Perform "Live Rehearsal" April 16 at 3rd & Lindsley
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’m so excited about making a new record and I’m loving the songs we’re recording. It’s going to be such fun to perform them for a crowd. We thought, no place better than 3rd & Lindsley to do a show featuring new material with the hits. The crowd there is always appreciative of artists,” says Messina about her new tour and rehearsal show.
The opening act, selected by Messina’s fans via Twitter, will be selected on Friday, April 5. Messina sent a Tweet in March asking for videos from her fans that were interested in opening for the rehearsal date. The singer personally viewed all the entries and narrowed down the finalist. She setup a poll on her Facebook page for her fans to help choose the winner of the opening slot, and fans can help Messina by voting now through Friday.
Tickets on sale now at JoDeeMessina.com
MusicRowPics: Tyler Barham Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaLast week (3/27), Tyler Barham visited MusicRow headquarters. The Montana native got his start on YouTube posting cover videos, but now sings originals of his own.
Barham shared four songs, including his single, “17 and Young.” He also played “It’s All Because of You,” “Dance With The One That Brought You,” and “Just Two Kids.”
Barhamn’s music is currently available on iTunes. For more information visit www.tylerbarham.com or click here to see his YouTube channel.
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Industry Ink (4-3-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood has returned from a series of overseas dates and has played to sold-out crowds each night so far on the 2013 U.S. leg of her The Blown Away tour. All 22 tour dates performed so far this year have been sell-outs, including Buffalo’s First Niagara Center, Hamilton, ON’s Copps Coliseum, Spokane’s Spokane Arena, and Fresno’s SaveMart Center, each with sold-out crowds of over 10,000 attendees.
• • •
Bernie Taupin and Elton John
The Rymer Gallery, Nashville’s premier Fine Art Gallery, presents “Beyond Words”, an extraordinary collection of contemporary artworks by legendary songwriter and lyricist Bernie Taupin. Beginning on March 30, the public will be able to preview the artwork at The Rymer Gallery – 233 5th Avenue North. Exhibition previews will run through April 7, with special appearances by Taupin on Saturday, April 6 (1-3 p.m.) and Sunday, April 7 (1-3 p.m.). Visit www.therymergallery.com for more information.
• • •
Manuel
Clothier Manuel has started the Indiegogo campaign to fund New Vision, an inspired design direction that speaks to the demand for individualism in fashion. Launching on April 9, 2013, Manuel American Designs is hosting a 40-day long pledge drive to raise $250,000 to purchase state-of-the art equipment; establish an artisan co-operative; restructure business operations; and to produce and promote first run items. Ushering in this New Vision in his storied career, Manuel is bringing to life a unique line of one-of-a-kind American apparel pieces and accessory items that will include a variety of accessories, leather goods, boots, dresses, pants, shirts, skirts and other apparel items for men and women priced from $50-$600.
“In a world of mass produced clothing and a culture that has rewarded ‘sameness’ for three decades, Manuel is calling for a new age for individualism,” said Corissa Benchley, Marketing, Sales, and Product Development Manager for Manuel American Designs. “Fashion is a natural outlet for people to express who they are and, up until now, the kind of high fashion Manuel creates was limited to wealthy consumers. New Vision is a way for Manuel to reach the new audience of the ‘everyday American’ while preserving his legacy of art and craftsmanship.”
In addition, Manuel American Designs is hosting an official campaign launch party with singer Jordan Allena on Wednesday, April 10 from 5-7 p.m. A “Manuel Pub Crawl” will follow as party-goers at acclaimed Nashville hot-spots will preview a sampling of some of the New Vision pieces and can pledge their support. For more information, visit manuelcouture.com
Artist Updates (4-3-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
• • •
• • •
Presenters Announced for 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThey join previously announced presenters Tori Kelly and LL Cool J.
In addition, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jewel, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and The Band Perry have been announced as performers for the event.
Robold To Lead Southern Ground Artists
/by Sarah SkatesKen Robold
Music industry veteran Ken Robold has been named president of Zac Brown’s label Southern Ground Artists. Robold will oversee Southern Ground’s recorded music, publishing and studio divisions. He will focus on building the publishing catalog, which will include Zac Brown Band’s future works, and growing the label roster, currently home to Blackberry Smoke, Clay Cook, Nic Cowan, Sonia Leigh, Levi Lowrey, The Wheeler Boys and The Wood Brothers.
Robold most recently served as Executive VP and General Manager of Universal Music Group Nashville, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and worked with artists including Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, George Strait, Shania Twain, Ryan Adams, Jamey Johnson, Lucinda Williams and Lee Ann Womack. The role was the culmination of a nearly 22-year career at PolyGram Records / Universal Music Group.
“My vision for Southern Ground Artists has always been to create a home for diverse and talented songwriters. Based on Ken’s work at UMG Nashville, and particularly at Lost Highway, he is the perfect fit to head up the label,” said SGA founder Zac Brown. “We’re looking forward to what Ken brings to our team.”
“To get to work with an artist such as Zac Brown at an artist-owned, entrepreneurial company is simply a dream come true,” said Robold. “While getting to know Zac in the last few months, I have found that his talent and creativity are surpassed only by what a quality human being he is. Im looking forward to building this company together.”
Arista Nashville Taps Cooper as National Director of Promotion Strategy
/by Jessica NicholsonJeri Cooper
Arista Nashville has added Jeri Cooper as National Director, Promotion Strategy, reporting to Lesly Tyson, VP, Promotion. Cooper rejoins the Arista Nashville team with more than two decades of experience in country record promotion. In her new position, she will play a key strategic role on the promotion team alongside Arista Nashville National Director of Promotion John Sigler.
“Jeri is not only an outstanding promotion executive, she is a member of the Sony family. She spent 12 years of her career breaking artists and helping create superstars with Arista Nashville, and I am absolutely thrilled to welcome her home in this incredible new role,” said Tyson.
Cooper had spent the past year and a half at Sony Music Nashville subbing in for various promotion roles across the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville Promotion teams after rejoining the company from Red Light Management, where she served as a day-to-day manager for Arista artists Jason Michael Carroll and Adam Brand from 2010-2011. A Sony veteran, Cooper served as Director of Regional Promotion for Arista Nashville from 1998-2010, where she oversaw the major market airplay of the Arista Nashville roster including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn and others. Prior to that, she served as Regional Promotion Manager for Columbia records from 1993-1998. Cooper began her tenure with the company in 1991 as a Manager of secondary promotion at BNA Records. Cooper currently lives in Franklin with her husband and their son.
Weekly Register: Shelton Surge And Q1 Countdown
/by bossrossTake me for example. Only a few weeks ago I was complaining over the lack of fresh new product and having to endure dire sales. But today, at the close of Q1, country music sales are starting to show strength if not honest-to-goodness resilience. Might be exactly the moment to offer a tip of the hat to label marketing departments. Good job guys (and gals)…
On the country chart this week we are enjoying Top 10 debuts from Blake Shelton (No. 1; 199k, 39 percent digital), Alan Jackson (No. 2; 55k, 13 percent digital) and Thompson Square (No. 4; 36k, 31 percent digital). There’s also a various artist ACM Awards Zinepak Wal-Mart Exclusive that hit No. 11 with over 15k physical-only units. And last, but not least Ms. Maggie Rose entered the chart at No. 36 with almost 2k units (69 percent digital).
Since fans are less genre conscious than ever these days, the full house of debuts on the Top 200 chart was also a solid source of sales momentum. Justin Timberlake topped the chart with week 2 of his 20/20 Experience that scanned over 968k last week plus almost 318k this week. Blake, Alan and Thompson Square were joined on the Top 200 by debuts from Lil Wayne (No. 2; 217k), Onerepublic (No. 4; 60k), Depeche Mode (No. 6; 52k) and Strokes (No. 10; 41k).
Grid Lock
So let’s take a look at where we are, compared to last year, as we turn the first quarter corner of 2013.
And there’s even good news for the eternal optimists that cling to the concept that digital sales (both albums and tracks) will make up for losses in physical sales. Well, at least according to country units (not profits), this week you are correct. Note the special column on the far right of the Q1 Weekly Grid which shows “Albums with TEA” and you’ll note that country album sales including TEA are up .8 percent.
Weekly Grid stats for All Genre sales are less positive, but improving. Even albums with TEA is still in negative territory (-3.8 percent).
Over the next few weeks look for new releases from The Band Perry (April 2), Brad Paisley (April 9), Eric Church (April 9) and Kenny Chesney (April 30). See a complete list here.
Craig Wiseman's Music Row Rally To Be Held April 16
/by Jessica NicholsonThe proceeds go toward a great cause; 10 percent of all profits made by the food trucks will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. A $1 donation from all attendees at the door is requested as an additional way to give to this incredible charity.
Presented by O’Charley’s, this not-to-be missed evening helps to raise awareness of hunger issues in Tennessee. Tickets are on-sale now for $35 at ticketmaster.com. For preferred VIP seating please contact the Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. For more information contact Brittany Hansen at 615.329.3491 or visit their website at secondharvestmidtn.org.
'Muscle Shoals Live' Nashville Benefit and NaFF Screening
/by Eric T. ParkerThe evening, titled “Muscle Shoals Live: The River That Sings” will be held at Lipscomb’s Collins Auditorium at 8:30 p.m., shortly after the documentary’s Tennessee debut at the Nashville Film Festival beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT.
Hosted by the International Black Film Festival of Nashville and Mid-Town Music Academy in close collaboration with the NaFF, the Lipscomb event will feature music from The Swampers, Jesse Boyce and FAME Gang, Gino Speight and The SOS Band, Harvey Thompson of The Muscle Shoals Horns, Angela Primm of Still Waters; jazz musician & vocalist Thomas Cain.
“This is a great story that reveals how local musicians and internationally known artists came together to create soulful music that connected people beyond race, gender and national origin around the world during the era of segregation,” said Hazel Joyner Smith, IBFFN Executive Director and founder IBFFN. “We are offering a double treat with both the film and musical production that will feature many of the original players and their music that still rocks today.”
The documentary, which chronicles the spiritual influence of the music of Muscle Shoals, premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival from writer and director Greg “Freddy” Camalier.
To purchase tickets, visit the IBFFN website. Tickets will also be available onsite during the NaFF and at the Allen Arena Box Office the day of the concert.