Pictured (L-R) Front: Clint Higham, Alan Valentine, John Huie, George Jones, Robert Williams, Mike Fisher. Back: Ed Bazel, Bonnie Sugarman, Rod Harris, Tony Conway, Carrie Moore-Reed, Randi Perkins, Steve Tolman
The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) spent yesterday evening (11/14) honoring a group of individuals who share the organization’s objectives and ideals during its 2nd Annual Gala at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.
After a silent auction to raise funds for the NATD’s College for Knowledge program, along with hors d’oeuvre and cocktails in the lobby, attendees were called to the dining hall by xylophone for the main event.
“Community involvement and the legacy they have made in their career have made tonight’s honorees deserving of recognition,” said President Steve Tolman.
Robert K. Oermann took the stage prepping the crowd to receive the evening’s first honoree, George Jones. “Great voices attract great songs,” praised Oermann of Jones’ 60 year legacy before listing the singer’s accolades including 167 chart placements. “Tonight we will be giving him another award, but you can’t give him enough.”
A reminiscent Tanya Tucker shared equal praises of the Country icon before bringing him to the stage for a brief acceptance. Tucker and Jones will perform together in 2013 for his final Nashville concert on the Grand Tour.
The organization’s Hubert Long Award was presented to WBA’s Robert S. Williams for significant and positive contributions to the music industry relating to artist development. Williams was introduced by Bob Kinkead.
Michael W. Smith honored CAA’s John Huie, noting that his contributions “took music out of the churches and into the arenas.” Huie’s responsibilities at the company included establishing its first satellite office in Nashville, which recently celebrated the 75th employee hired at its new SunTrust Building headquarters.
Nashville Predator Mike Fisher received recognition for his community engagement efforts from Predators head coach and last year’s NATD honoree, Barry Trotz. Fisher’s wife, Carrie Underwood, was not in attendance.
Dale Morris took the stage to recall offering Clint Higham $70 a week and a tank of gas when he first began work at Morris Artist Management. Higham, now President, oversees the roster including Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, and Jake Owen. “All I ever wanted to do was work in the industry, I don’t know how to do anything else,” said Higham, who corrected Morris, saying his starting compensation was only a tank of gas.
Béla Fleck remarked about honoree Alan Valentine’s contribution to the Nashville Symphony from expansion, to the Schermerhorn, and rebuilding after the 2010 flood. Valentine received the honor saying, “we should have this kind of Hall and Symphony in Music City.”
The 2012 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, led by Steve Tolman, including Rod Harris, Bonnie Sugarman, Ed Bazel, Rod Essig, Randi Perkins, Tony Conway, Mike Smardak, Carrie Moore-Reed, Jeff Debusk, Karen Entz, Josh DeBusk, Philip Lyon, Clyde Bright, Neal Spielberg, and Kirt Webster.
“A concerted effort was recently focused on this gala and scholarships to support up and coming talent,” notes Tolman of the organization’s education ideals. “We take industry professionals to colleges to do panel discussions to showcase the variety of jobs, teaching students the strongest aspect of our industry is relationships. You’ve gotta get involved, even if it is a voluntary thing to get your foot in the door to meet people.”
The key players in the College of Knowledge programs include Murray University in KY, where NATD will return for the third time; institutions in Montana; and through IEBA, Belmont University.
Dinner included salad, rolls, steak served over mashed potatoes and a side of broccolini. Dessert choices included a fruit tart or coconut cake.
Top Digital Companies Form Strategic Partnership
/by FreemanFive digital music leaders have combined forces to become a sort of music biz Voltron, which established artists can take into battle every day. The strategic partnership, involving Topspin, Artist Growth, Firebrand, Ingrooves Fontana, and Pledgemusic, was announced by Topspin CEO Ian Rogers yesterday (11/15) at Billboard’s FutureSound conference in San Francisco.
“Increasingly, artists and managers need an end-to-end solution to fund their projects, then market and distribute them, then hit the road,” said Rogers. “The Internet has given artists the ability to connect directly with fans, bundle their rights to create new value, and keep a daily eye on their business — without licensing their rights. But artists still need to work with experts who add real value to make the most of this Internet-created opportunity.”
By combining tools for funding, distribution, and marketing, the new partnership will allow users to combine rights for recorded music and merchandise, raise funds, build fanbases, and make money without having to surrender ownership. The relationship between the companies is non-exclusive. Artists looking for a one-stop solution are encouraged to contact any of the partners and mention the integrated marketing partnership for more info.
Charlie Cook On Air: The CD
/by contributorThis “playing disc-jockey” continued with CDs as I would jump around the disc passing up songs that I didn’t particularly like to get to one that would stop me in my tracks (excuse the pun). There was an anticipation of knowing the song that I was going to hear and then actually experiencing it.
Stop for a second and think of your favorite song. Then hear it in your mind. Even that is an incredibly enjoyable experience. Even that makes you feel good. Actually add the sound of the song and the next 4 minutes is great.
I can remember the first time I heard “Roundabout” from the album Fragile by Yes. First of all, it is about 8 and one half minutes. And it takes you through about 10 emotions. I sat on the floor and just played it over and over all night. And no, I was not high. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t. Even today I will stop whatever I am doing and just listen to the song if I run across it.
Where am I going with this?
The CD is dead. The album is long dead.
That experience is dying.
Today music listeners will get “in the ballpark” of that experience. I know that if want to hear “Roundabout” I had better be listening to a Classic Rock station. WUSN is not going to play it. And even then my chance is about 1 in 4000.
Yeah, I can program Pandora for a Yes Channel and “Roundabout” is going to come up at some point.
Yeah, I can go on Spotify and “ask” for “Roundabout.”
Yeah, I can go to my iPod and play “Roundabout.”
Why does none of that feel the same?
Last week The NPD Group, a consumer research firm, published a study showing that Internet and on-demand services (Pandora, Spotify and YouTube) are pushing the CD off the shelves in America.
Our friends on Music Row can vouch for this.
So far these services are far behind radio but they are going in different directions and The NPD Group found radio listening down 4% year to year. Even digital downloads were reported down 2%
From an article I read (online) from the San Francisco Chronicle, NPD SVP Russ Crupnick said, “Although AM/FM radio remains America’s favorite music-listening choice, the basket of Internet Radio and Streaming services that are available today have, on a whole, replaced the CD for second place.”
With even digital downloads losing some ground music listeners have decided that owning the music is not important. Having access to the music is more important.
The thing about all of these services it that the revenue model is still shaky. I have Pandora. I have Spotify. I use YouTube. I have the free version of all of these channels.
I do not want the artist to be compromised by my not paying for the service but it seems like the artist payment is so far down the road on some of these services that me putting up with a commercial every 15 minutes or so is not going to impact them.
Artists reportedly get about 1/3 of a penny per stream on iTunes Match, but that is for playing a song you have already purchased once.
Want to make a dollar from Spotify? Hope that your song streams hundreds of times.
I like broadcast radio. I like the streaming services but both should be sources for introducing music to the consumer who then goes out and BUYS the music so that they can sit on the floor and play their favorites over and over and over.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow)
People’s Choice Awards Nominees
/by Sarah SkatesJason Aldean helped announce the PCA nominees.
Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton received all-genre nominations for the People’s Choice Awards 2013. Jason Aldean, who is nominated for Favorite Country Artist, joined other celebrities to reveal the news.
Fans cast more than 93 million votes to pick new categories and determine the slate. Justin Bieber, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, Channing Tatum, Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence are among the top nominees.
Fans can vote for winners without leaving their favorite social media outlets, including Facebook, which has a custom app, and Twitter, through the use of specific hashtags. This is a significant step forward for fan-voted shows, which in the past have relied mainly on website voting.
• Website – PeoplesChoice.com continues to be the main voting platform
• Facebook – Facebook.com/PeoplesChoice features a custom application where fans can personalize their voting experience and share their votes with friends.
• Twitter – Fans can cast official votes by tweeting a specific series of hashtags based on the nominee’s name and category. Details at PeoplesChoice.com/pca/vote.
• Mobile – Fans can vote in all categories on the People’s Choice Awards mobile site, and via the official voting application for Android and iOS devices.
Voting will end on Dec. 14, 2012. Winners will be revealed during the live broadcast from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on CBS.
Favorite Male Artist
Blake Shelton
Chris Brown
Jason Mraz
Justin Bieber
Usher
Favorite Female Artist
Adele
Carrie Underwood
Katy Perry
P!nk
Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Artist
Blake Shelton
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Taylor Swift
Tim McGraw
Favorite Song
“Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen
“One More Night,” Maroon 5
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift
“We Are Young,” Fun. ft. Janelle Monae
“What Makes You Beautiful,” One Direction
Favorite Album
Believe, Justin Bieber
Blown Away, Carrie Underwood
Overexposed, Maroon 5
Some Nights, Fun.
Up All Night, One Direction
Tickets to the awards show are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.
Primetime ‘Nashville’: Episode 106
/by Sarah SkatesJuliette and Sean sneak away to Miami.
Episode 106: “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)”
First aired: November 14, 2012
Nashville finally picked up the pace last night, with interesting new characters and storylines. As usual, the music made a phenomenal centerpiece, with new songs by characters Avery and Rayna.
Characters hitting the Music City scene were squeaky-clean NFL rookie Sean Butler, new-to-town hit rock producer Liam McGuinnis, and artist manager Marilyn Rhodes, a cougar on the prowl for (un)suspecting young singers.
Liam (played by Treme’s Michiel Huison) initially dismissed Rayna as a “moms and SUVs” singer, but he was intrigued after she convinced him to listen to the new song she wrote “Buried Under” (actually by Natalie Hemby and Chris DeStefano). A whiskey fueled recording session helped him see her as a true artist and helped her tap into her reason for singing in the first place. The result was an edgy sound that pleased labelhead Marshall Evans, until he found out who produced it. The subplot shares a lot of parallels with Black Keys singer Dan Auerbach, who has a studio here and produced Rayna’s version of the Lucinda Williams song “Bitter Memory” for an upcoming episode.
Juliette agreed to a date with Sean as a strategic PR move, but things got interesting when they ditched the café and hopped a jet to Miami. Sean wasn’t as boring as she thought when he grabbed a guitar and started strumming her song “Black Mascara Tears.” Later, he fought off the paparazzi outside a nightclub, and she returned the favor by paying the photog $25K not to sell the photos.
Elsewhere, potentially damaging photos of Peggy (Kimberly Williams Paisley) and Rayna’s doormat husband Teddy landed in the hands of his mayoral race rival Coleman. He’s considering leaking the pics after his campaign was damaged by Lamar (to whom avid watcher David Ross refers as the Belle Meade Monster). During a traffic stop Lamar orchestrated, police found a bottle of Oxycontin in Coleman’s car. Ironically, he was pulled over on his way to the “clean campaign” event. In a no-good-deed-goes-unpunished scenario, Coleman had possession of the pills because his addiction recovery sponsoree, Deacon, surrendered them.
At The 5 Spot Avery’s (Jonathan Jackson) howling vocals shined on groovy, cool new song “Kiss” (written by Sean McConnell) and caught the attention of manager Marilyn. Avery and Scarlett called it quits after she suspected him of cheating on her with Marilyn—or at least wanting to.
Actors Clare Bowen (Scarlett) and Sam Palladio (Gunnar) are set to make their Grand Ole Opry debut this Saturday (11/17) at the Ryman Auditorium.
The episode also included a performance of “The Day You Die” by Lindi Ortega at The 5 Spot. It’s available for free download here.
Big Machine Records will release the Nashville soundtrack on Dec. 11, featuring music performed by cast members Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, and Sam Palladio. A full track listing is here.
Nashville needs extras on Tues., Nov. 20, at Bridgestone Arena. Details at nashvilleextras.com.
Actor Charles Esten (Deacon) made his Grand Ole Opry debut Sat., Nov. 10 at the Ryman Auditorium. He sang “Back Home,” a song he has performed on the show, and Buck Owens’ “Act Naturally.”
Christmas Tree Lightings
/by Eric T. ParkerChristmas in Rockefeller Center
Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie will co-host the celebration, featuring an 80 ft. Norway Spruce estimated to be about 80 years old.
• • • •
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will officially kick off its winter celebrations with a Christmas tree lighting featuring Craig Morgan on Friday, Nov. 23.
Morgan is also scheduled to perform and sign copies of his latest CD during the free event, which begins at 4 pm. The festivities begin a season of holiday programs at the museum. Further details are available here.
• • • •
Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting
The 2012 ceremony will air on public television throughout the December, and can also be viewed live online, with a pre-show beginning at 4:30 pm/ET.
The Lighting Ceremony is the first in a four-week holiday series presented at President’s Park by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation from President Calvin Coolidge’s 1923 tradition.
Additional guests are forthcoming.
Lambert Loads the ‘Pink Pistol’ for Grand Opening
/by Caitlin Rantala“We’re having the Grand Opening the day after Thanksgiving, on Black Friday, only we’re calling it Pink Friday,” said Lambert. “We’re going to make it a tradition to turn the block pink every year at that time. Pink Friday will be country fun with some glitz. Tishomingo is the epitome of a great, small American town, and I am excited to dress it in my favorite color ‘pink.’”
The store will carry a variety of merchandise selected by Lambert including handmade boots and belts from Corral, Farm Boy & Farm Girl with their fashionable line of clothing and home goods, items from Junk Gypsy including clothing, jewelry and other accessories plus much more. “It’s antiques, gifts, boots, jeans and pretty much everything you can imagine,” said Lambert.
In addition to the grand opening, other activities planned for the day include a Pink-aoke area for everyone to sing their favorite song, marching bands and, the 1st Annual Pink Pistol Princess Pageant. The contestants, who have already been selected, will be judged on the creativity of their pink costumes, their spunkiness and their sass.
CMA Adds New Team Members
/by Freeman(L-R): Nicole James, Michelle Jacobs. Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA
The Country Music Association has announced the addition of Nicole James as Senior Manager of Market Research and Michelle Jacobs as Strategic Partnerships Coordinator.
In her new role, James will report to Senior Director of Market Research Karen Stump and manage research initiatives related to CMA events and the consumer-based CMA Insiders panel. James previously served as Senior Project Manager for Market Decisions Corporation in Portland, Oregon and has held marketing and management roles with Victoria’s Secret and Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier. She is a graduate of Belmont University and earned her MBA at Pepperdine University.
“Nicole brings a unique combination of research skills and knowledge that allow her to quickly step into the role and make a positive impact on our research programs here at CMA,” said Stump.
Strategic Partnerships Coordinator Michelle Jacobs will report to Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships Angela Mendenhall, and will be responsible for execution of partner programs within CMA Events, as well as development and partnership fulfillment. Jacobs previously served as Sales and Marketing Coordinator with Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe, developing partnerships for special events and overseeing the venue’s digital presence. She graduated from Illinois State University in Recreation Management.
“We are privileged to have Michelle join our team,” said Mendenhall. “Her unique experience and vast relationships are the perfect complement to our partnership building efforts.”
Music Organizations and Retailers Launch Digital Music Guide
/by FreemanVisitors to whymusicmatters.com can browse through a grid of companies offering a variety of different music services, including mp3 downloads, streaming sites, mobile music, digital radio, retail and more. The site also includes videos about the value of music featuring Jay-Z, Louis Armstrong, Kate Bush, and more.
“The music community has transformed how it does business, and the launch of the Why Music Matters site is another great milestone in that evolution,” said RIAA Chairman & CEO Cary Sherman.
Whymusicmatters.com is based on a similar website created by the British Phonographic Industry in the United Kingdom in 2010, which was then expanded to Australia and New Zealand. The services listed on the website all have an agreement with at least one of the three major record companies and offers a significant catalog of music, or have signed up for the statutory license intended for online radio services.
NATD Honors Recipients at Second Annual Gala
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R) Front: Clint Higham, Alan Valentine, John Huie, George Jones, Robert Williams, Mike Fisher. Back: Ed Bazel, Bonnie Sugarman, Rod Harris, Tony Conway, Carrie Moore-Reed, Randi Perkins, Steve Tolman
The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) spent yesterday evening (11/14) honoring a group of individuals who share the organization’s objectives and ideals during its 2nd Annual Gala at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.
After a silent auction to raise funds for the NATD’s College for Knowledge program, along with hors d’oeuvre and cocktails in the lobby, attendees were called to the dining hall by xylophone for the main event.
“Community involvement and the legacy they have made in their career have made tonight’s honorees deserving of recognition,” said President Steve Tolman.
Robert K. Oermann took the stage prepping the crowd to receive the evening’s first honoree, George Jones. “Great voices attract great songs,” praised Oermann of Jones’ 60 year legacy before listing the singer’s accolades including 167 chart placements. “Tonight we will be giving him another award, but you can’t give him enough.”
A reminiscent Tanya Tucker shared equal praises of the Country icon before bringing him to the stage for a brief acceptance. Tucker and Jones will perform together in 2013 for his final Nashville concert on the Grand Tour.
The organization’s Hubert Long Award was presented to WBA’s Robert S. Williams for significant and positive contributions to the music industry relating to artist development. Williams was introduced by Bob Kinkead.
Michael W. Smith honored CAA’s John Huie, noting that his contributions “took music out of the churches and into the arenas.” Huie’s responsibilities at the company included establishing its first satellite office in Nashville, which recently celebrated the 75th employee hired at its new SunTrust Building headquarters.
Nashville Predator Mike Fisher received recognition for his community engagement efforts from Predators head coach and last year’s NATD honoree, Barry Trotz. Fisher’s wife, Carrie Underwood, was not in attendance.
Dale Morris took the stage to recall offering Clint Higham $70 a week and a tank of gas when he first began work at Morris Artist Management. Higham, now President, oversees the roster including Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, and Jake Owen. “All I ever wanted to do was work in the industry, I don’t know how to do anything else,” said Higham, who corrected Morris, saying his starting compensation was only a tank of gas.
Béla Fleck remarked about honoree Alan Valentine’s contribution to the Nashville Symphony from expansion, to the Schermerhorn, and rebuilding after the 2010 flood. Valentine received the honor saying, “we should have this kind of Hall and Symphony in Music City.”
The 2012 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, led by Steve Tolman, including Rod Harris, Bonnie Sugarman, Ed Bazel, Rod Essig, Randi Perkins, Tony Conway, Mike Smardak, Carrie Moore-Reed, Jeff Debusk, Karen Entz, Josh DeBusk, Philip Lyon, Clyde Bright, Neal Spielberg, and Kirt Webster.
“A concerted effort was recently focused on this gala and scholarships to support up and coming talent,” notes Tolman of the organization’s education ideals. “We take industry professionals to colleges to do panel discussions to showcase the variety of jobs, teaching students the strongest aspect of our industry is relationships. You’ve gotta get involved, even if it is a voluntary thing to get your foot in the door to meet people.”
The key players in the College of Knowledge programs include Murray University in KY, where NATD will return for the third time; institutions in Montana; and through IEBA, Belmont University.
Dinner included salad, rolls, steak served over mashed potatoes and a side of broccolini. Dessert choices included a fruit tart or coconut cake.
‘Nashville’ Stars Bowen and Palladio to Make Opry Debut
/by Caitlin RantalaBowen and Palladio have two songs on the official Nashville soundtrack which will be released on Big Machine Records on December 11. Their duets “If I Didn’t Know Better” and “When The Right One Comes Along” are included on the album alongside tracks performed by other cast members including Hayden Panettiere, Connie Britton and Charles Esten.
Bowen and Palladio will sign advance downloads of the Nashville soundtrack after their Opry performance at Opry Originals, located at 300 Broadway in downtown Nashville.
Others scheduled for Opry at the Ryman this weekend include the Opry’s newest member Darius Rucker, Charlie Daniels Band, Diamond Rio, John Conlee, Bill Anderson and more.