eMusic, a download-to-own music retailer, will now allow all customers–regardless of whether they pay a monthly membership fee–to purchase music from the online store. Beginning today (Feb. 12), anyone can visit eMusic.com and purchase as many songs or albums as they want at retail price. The move makes eMusic more accessible to everyone, which is appealing to consumers and business partners alike, according to eMusic President & CEO Adam Klein.
“For nearly 14 years, eMusic has been devoted to music collectors who support artists and labels by purchasing their albums. That’s why our base is comprised of culturally independent thinkers and music enthusiasts who are considered to be the tastemakers of the industry,” Klein said. “Although our focus on this audience hasn’t changed, our new business model is more inclusive and invites everyone to engage with what eMusic offers: insightful editorial that we curate independent of our sales division, and personalized discovery technology that draws upon the diverse tastes of our unique eMusic community.”
Until now, eMusic has operated by subscription only. For a regular, pre-paid amount each month, eMusic members could — and still can — download and own music at discounted prices. Now eMusic will open its doors to everyone, allowing music consumers to access its personalized discovery tools and features, and its catalogue of songs from every major label and nearly all of the independent labels.
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Nash FM 94.7 invites country fans to enter the Nash Bash contest to see their favorite artists in concert. Hundreds of winners will attend the concert, which features three nights of entertainment at New York City’s historic Roseland Ballroom. Artists listed on the concert’s webpage include Lady Antebellum, Kix Brooks, Sara Evans, Brantley Gilbert, Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Gary Allan, The Henningsens and more.
The Ballroom can accommodate up to 3,200 attendees. To enter the Nash Bash, visit nashfm947.com.
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Female singer-songwriters now have a new place to showcase original music.
Get It Girl, a musical showcase occurring the first Thursday of every month at Belcourt Taps, gives female singer-songwriters a chance to perform new songs and network with other female writers in town.
“So far, the response has been overwhelming,” Rachel Lipsky, a co-founder of the project, said. “Two shows in and we have packed Belcourt Taps both times and the emails are flooding in from other girls who can’t wait to be a part of Get It Girl.”
Get It Girl will be held at 6 p.m. each Thursday, beginning March 7, at Belcourt Taps and Tapas. To be part of Get It Girl as a performer, visit
getitgirlnashville.com to fill out a booking form.
Lady A Plans First Ping Pong & Songs Fundraiser
/by Sarah SkatesWant to challenge “The Dynasty”?
Lady Antebellum’s inaugural Ping Pong & Songs fundraiser is set for March 23 in Nashville. Inspired by the band’s favorite backstage hobby and love of songwriting, the event includes a celebrity ping pong tournament and an in-the-round songwriters’ night benefiting Lady A’s new charitable initiative LadyAID™. Tickets for both portions of the event go on sale this Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 AM CT through LadyAID.org.
“This is really a dream day for us…getting friends and fans together to play ping pong, play music and raise money for LadyAID,” said Dave Haywood. “Charles and I…better known as ‘The Dynasty’…will challenge anyone who wants to try and take us at the table! It’s going to be a total blast.”
With registration to the tournament, players will receive a commemorative player kit and two tickets to the finals and concert portion of the event. Individual tournament finals tickets and ticket bundles are also available for purchase. For more ticket information or to make a donation, visit LadyAID.org.
All proceeds will benefit LadyAID™, which was created to generate support for children in need locally, nationally and globally. Grant recipients include Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, myLIFEspeaks and The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Industry Ink (2/12/13)
/by Jessica Nicholson“For nearly 14 years, eMusic has been devoted to music collectors who support artists and labels by purchasing their albums. That’s why our base is comprised of culturally independent thinkers and music enthusiasts who are considered to be the tastemakers of the industry,” Klein said. “Although our focus on this audience hasn’t changed, our new business model is more inclusive and invites everyone to engage with what eMusic offers: insightful editorial that we curate independent of our sales division, and personalized discovery technology that draws upon the diverse tastes of our unique eMusic community.”
Until now, eMusic has operated by subscription only. For a regular, pre-paid amount each month, eMusic members could — and still can — download and own music at discounted prices. Now eMusic will open its doors to everyone, allowing music consumers to access its personalized discovery tools and features, and its catalogue of songs from every major label and nearly all of the independent labels.
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The Ballroom can accommodate up to 3,200 attendees. To enter the Nash Bash, visit nashfm947.com.
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“So far, the response has been overwhelming,” Rachel Lipsky, a co-founder of the project, said. “Two shows in and we have packed Belcourt Taps both times and the emails are flooding in from other girls who can’t wait to be a part of Get It Girl.”
'MusicRow' Announces Second Annual Rising Women on the Row Breakfast
/by Sherod RobertsonThis year’s honorees will again be feted at a sit-down breakfast and awards ceremony set for Friday, March 22 at 8:30 a.m. at Maggiano’s, featuring special guest speaker Mary Ann McCready of Flood, Bumstead, McCready, McCarthey. Read more about McCready here.
“We are very excited to present MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row breakfast again this year,” says Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “This event gives us a great opportunity to honor professional women in our industry who are making significant contributions as they advance their careers. Nashville’s music industry has never shone brighter in the national spotlight than it does right now, and we are proud to highlight some of the women that make it all happen.”
MusicRow invites the industry to celebrate with us at the event. Tickets are now on sale for $35 for individuals or $300 for a table of ten and can be purchased below.
Click here for MusicRow’s announcement of honorees.
Tickets for this event are completely SOLD OUT. Thank you for your orders!
Rising Songwriters Set For Guitars and Bars Tour
/by Sarah SkatesChancie Neal
Sony/ATV’s “Nashville Guitars and Bars” tour is hitting the road again this month with free shows at four Tin Roof locations. February’s line-up will feature singer/songwriters Jacob Powell and Chancie Neal, who will share the stories behind the songs, and host a meet and greet after the show.
“Sony/ATV is committed to developing artists, which benefits both them and our roster of talented songwriters,” said Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s President/CEO, Nashville. “These events will allow our new artists to build their road chops, develop their fan base, and do what they do best – entertain music lovers.”
Jacob Powell
Tour dates include:
Feb. 19, 2013 – Cincinnati, OH – The Tin Roof
Feb. 20, 2013 – Lexington, KY – The Tin Roof
Feb. 26, 2013 – Indianapolis, IN – The Tin Roof
Feb. 27, 2013 – Louisville, KY – The Tin Roof
The first event in January featured Joey Hyde and Cheryl LuQuire. The dates and artists for March will be announced soon.
Dwight Yoakam Sells Out Ryman In 30 Minutes, Adds Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThis marks Yoakam’s return to the Mother Church of Country Music’s sacred stage for the first time since 2005. “The Ryman is one of a handful of places in the world, that from the moment you step inside, you can feel that you have entered a hallowed chamber occupied by the essence of the great,” said Yoakam, who is currently touring in support of his latest album, 3 Pears. The Lone Bellow is set to open.
For more information, visit ryman.com
Alabama To Launch Back To The Bowery Tour
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’m so excited to celebrate 40 years since our first show at The Bowery,” says Alabama frontman, Randy Owen. “We still love one another, have played music together all these years, and are blessed to still be around. Most importantly, we are ever grateful for the fans, many having been with us since we used to play for tips, so to be able to go back out and play for them will make this a very special year.”
April 5- Myrtle Beach, S.C.–Alabama Theatre
April 6- Myrtle Beach, S.C.–Alabama Theatre
April 26 – Wallingford, Conn.–Oakdale Theatre Presented by Toyota
April 27- Rama, ON–Casino Rama
May 1 – Westbury, N.Y.–The NYCB Theatre at Westbury
May 17 – Atlanta, Ga.–Fox Theatre
July 5 – Orange Beach, Ala.–Amphitheater at the Wharf
Aug. 30 – Highland Park, Ill.–Ravinia Festival
Aug. 31 – Hinckley, Minn.–Grand Casino
Oct. 4- Minot, N.D. –Norsk Hostfest
Oct. 5 – Minot, N.D.–Norsk Hostfest
Oct. 12 – Thackerville, Okla.–Winstar Casino
Additional dates for the Back to the Bowery Tour will be announced soon. Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning Friday (Feb. 15). For more information, visit www.thealabamaband.com.
Artist Snapshots (2/11/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonRascal Flatts took their “Change Tour” to Columbus, Ohio, the hometown and home state of band members Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus. Not wanting to leave out band mate Joe Don Rooney, the First Lady of Ohio Karen Kasich proclaimed him an honorary “Ohioan” for the day.
Pictured (L-R): Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, Karen Kasich, Jay DeMarcus.
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Hunter Hayes celebrated his three nominations and performance during the 55th Annual Grammy Awards after the awards show with members of Warner Music Nashville and Martingale Management.
Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, GM, Warner Music Nashville; Ansel Davis, Martingale Management; Hunter Hayes, Betsy McHugh, Martingale Management and John Esposito,President and CEO, Warner Music Nashville
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Casey James joined The Big D and Bubba Show live in studio to give a live performance of his sophomore single “Crying On A Suitcase.”
Casey James performing on The Big D and Bubba Show.
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Ryman Auditorium Earns 3rd Consecutive Theatre of the Year Honor
/by Jessica NicholsonRyman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium was named Theatre of the Year for the third consecutive year on Thursday (Feb. 7) at the 24th Annual Pollstar Awards, held in Los Angeles.
The 2,363-seat Ryman Auditorium was nominated along with five other theatres: Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater Austin (capacity: 2765), Beacon Theatre in New York City (capacity: 2829), Fox Theatre Atlanta (capacity: 4670), Nokia Theatre L.A. Live Los Angeles (capacity: 7100) and Radio City Music Hall New York City (capacity: 6013).
During the past 15 years, the Ryman Auditorium has won the title five times.
“Coming to a concert at the Ryman is an unparalleled experience–the rich history, the amazing sound and the intimacy of the room all make for a concert event that just can’t happen elsewhere,” says Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams. “We’re incredibly honored and grateful to our peers for naming us Theatre of the Year for a third year in a row. We like to say that we make history one night at a time and that’s just what we will continue to do in the year ahead.”
For more information, visit Ryman.com.
Live Nation To Launch New Country Music Festival in Michigan
/by Jessica NicholsonBrian O’Connell
Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell has created a new three-day country music and camping festival, Faster Horses, set to launch in Brooklyn, Mich. on July 18-21, according to Billboard.
The festival will be held in a field adjacent to the Brooklyn International Speedway.
Faster Horses is the second country music festival produced by Live Nation and O’Connell; the first festival, Watershed, launched in 2012 at the Gorge amphitheater in Quincy, Wash.
Twenty-five artists have been booked for the show so far, though a formal announcement of the talent lineup is not expected until next week. Live Nation represents artists including Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and others.
Grammy Ratings and Weblinks
/by Sarah SkatesEmmylou Harris and Mumford & Sons’ Marcus Mumford at the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Bruce Springsteen on Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Grammy ratings fell from last year’s high of more than 39 million viewers to about 29 million for last night’s (Feb. 10) primetime show (8-11 p.m). The slip was expected due to 2012’s ceremony drawing a 30-year ratings high, spurred by the death of Whitney Houston the night before.
Last night’s show on CBS attracted 28.4 million viewers for the full show (8-11:30 p.m.), the second-highest since 1993. The show received a 10.1 rating among viewers in the advertiser coveted age group of 18 and 49, topping every Grammy telecast since 2004.
Ratings according to Zap2It.com.
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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Zac Brown, Kenny Chesney, Natalie Maines and Elton John were among the performers who saluted Bruce Springsteen as MusiCares Person of the Year at a Grammy week ceremony. More from EW.
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Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell recruited a slew of star guest performers for their Saturday (Feb. 9) night show at the Los Angeles Troubadour. They were joined by Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, the Zac Brown Band, J.D. Souther, Damien Rice, Joan Osborne, Shannon McNally, John Fullbright and Shawn Camp, reports the LA Times.
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Snoop Dogg decided the BMI panel “How I Wrote That Song” was a good place to light up a doobie on Saturday. He was a panelist at the Grammy week event at The Roxy alongside Luke Laird, Busta Rhymes, B.o.B. and Evan Bogart. Get the buzz from The Hollywood Reporter.
Kenny Chesney performs at the MusiCares tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Photo: Mark Davis/WireImage.com