ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Skates: Taylor Swift—Her global impact is unprecedented. In 2012 her mind-boggling success continued with a blockbuster world tour and record breaking sales.
Freeman: Kenny Chesney—He spent much of the last year reminding us why he’s won four of these things already: a monster stadium tour with his buddy Tim McGraw and a couple more smash hits for good measure.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Miranda Lambert—Four The Record is a masterpiece and her popularity both inside and outside of country music grew this year.
Freeman: Carrie Underwood—After a relatively quiet 2011, Carrie came roaring back in 2012 with a hot new album (Blown Away), tour, and a batch of big singles.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Luke Bryan—A string of monster hits resulted in a breakthrough year for Bryan.
Freeman: Jason Aldean—The Georgia native vaulted into the superstar stratosphere with a record-setting tour, spectacular sales, and a string of chart-topping hits.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Brantley Gilbert—A winning combination of radio hits, sales and touring added up for a fantastic debut year.
Freeman: Hunter Hayes—A thrillingly talented musical prodigy finds his footing and an enthusiastic fanbase.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Skates: Lady Antebellum—A smash world tour and songwriting chops helped Nashville’s favorite trio maintain momentum.
Freeman: Zac Brown Band—This hard-working ensemble has been consistently churning out memorable hits on its steady trajectory to stardom.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Skates: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—It’s a production marvel enhanced by masterful songwriting. Church’s edgy sound and lyrical perfectionism can’t be topped.
Freeman: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—Near universal acclaim, hits-a-plenty, sonic alchemy–this one seems pretty obvious.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Skates: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Will Hoge and Eric Paslay—They perfectly captured the pursuit of musicians, and simultaneously touched heartstrings of everyone on Music Row. Plus, Hoge’s hard-earned success and Paslay’s stellar breakout year gave voters all the more reason to pick this song.
Freeman: “Home,” Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers, and Dierks Bentley—Expertly walks the tightrope of being patriotic, inspiring, and anthemic without resorting to hawkish chest beating.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Skates: “Springsteen,” Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—A big hit from a fantastic album. The well-written, radio friendly track even drew praise from The Boss himself.
Freeman: “Pontoon,” Little Big Town, Produced by Jay Joyce, Capitol Records Nashville—Summer’s inescapable smash about escape, “Pontoon” motorboated to the top of the charts with help from an exotic mandolin riff and one slinky, party-ready groove.
DUO OF THE YEAR
Skates: Sugarland—The band soldiered onward, with Nettles scoring a judging slot on primetime show Duets.
Freeman: The Civil Wars—The critical darlings broke out big time and managed to unite fans of all stripes in the process.
The show airs at 7 pm/CT tonight on ABC, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
BMLG Promotes Kelly Rich
/by Eric T. ParkerKelly Rich
The Big Machine Label Group announced the promotion of Kelly Rich to Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Interactive. Previously VP of the department, Rich will further lead sales and marketing efforts for the label’s roster which includes Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Reba, The Band Perry and many more.
Since Rich joined the label in 2006, BMLG has achieved over 27 million album sales. Her most recent accomplishments include Swift’s new album, RED, and work with key physical and online retailers to achieve major marketing presence across multiple media platforms. Additionally, Rich has been named a Billboard Women In Music honoree twice.
“Kelly arrived right around the release of Taylor’s first album – right when the company was taking flight,” said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of BMLG. “She has been instrumental in making sure we didn’t miss any opportunities in the retail space from day one and helped establish us as real and respected players in an extremely competitive environment.”
Rich is an industry veteran with over 22 years of experience in marketing and sales. Previously, she was the Vice President of Sales for Universal Music Group Nashville and was a part of the Dreamworks and BMG/Arista sales team.
CMA Awards Predictions
/by Sarah SkatesSkates: Taylor Swift—Her global impact is unprecedented. In 2012 her mind-boggling success continued with a blockbuster world tour and record breaking sales.
Freeman: Kenny Chesney—He spent much of the last year reminding us why he’s won four of these things already: a monster stadium tour with his buddy Tim McGraw and a couple more smash hits for good measure.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Miranda Lambert—Four The Record is a masterpiece and her popularity both inside and outside of country music grew this year.
Freeman: Carrie Underwood—After a relatively quiet 2011, Carrie came roaring back in 2012 with a hot new album (Blown Away), tour, and a batch of big singles.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Luke Bryan—A string of monster hits resulted in a breakthrough year for Bryan.
Freeman: Jason Aldean—The Georgia native vaulted into the superstar stratosphere with a record-setting tour, spectacular sales, and a string of chart-topping hits.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Skates: Brantley Gilbert—A winning combination of radio hits, sales and touring added up for a fantastic debut year.
Freeman: Hunter Hayes—A thrillingly talented musical prodigy finds his footing and an enthusiastic fanbase.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Skates: Lady Antebellum—A smash world tour and songwriting chops helped Nashville’s favorite trio maintain momentum.
Freeman: Zac Brown Band—This hard-working ensemble has been consistently churning out memorable hits on its steady trajectory to stardom.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Skates: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—It’s a production marvel enhanced by masterful songwriting. Church’s edgy sound and lyrical perfectionism can’t be topped.
Freeman: Chief, Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—Near universal acclaim, hits-a-plenty, sonic alchemy–this one seems pretty obvious.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Skates: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” Will Hoge and Eric Paslay—They perfectly captured the pursuit of musicians, and simultaneously touched heartstrings of everyone on Music Row. Plus, Hoge’s hard-earned success and Paslay’s stellar breakout year gave voters all the more reason to pick this song.
Freeman: “Home,” Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers, and Dierks Bentley—Expertly walks the tightrope of being patriotic, inspiring, and anthemic without resorting to hawkish chest beating.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Skates: “Springsteen,” Eric Church, Produced by Jay Joyce, EMI Records Nashville—A big hit from a fantastic album. The well-written, radio friendly track even drew praise from The Boss himself.
Freeman: “Pontoon,” Little Big Town, Produced by Jay Joyce, Capitol Records Nashville—Summer’s inescapable smash about escape, “Pontoon” motorboated to the top of the charts with help from an exotic mandolin riff and one slinky, party-ready groove.
DUO OF THE YEAR
Skates: Sugarland—The band soldiered onward, with Nettles scoring a judging slot on primetime show Duets.
Freeman: The Civil Wars—The critical darlings broke out big time and managed to unite fans of all stripes in the process.
The show airs at 7 pm/CT tonight on ABC, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Spin Doctors Adds New Team Member
/by Caitlin Rantala“Spin Doctors Music Group is on the cusp of really changing the way new artists are promoted and I am excited to be able to bring my visions and creativity to their family, expanding their footprint in Nashville as well as helping create new revenue streams,” said Blumenfeld of the new opportunity.
As Director of New Business, Blumenfeld will provide advice for the artist management division, and offer marketing insight for all areas. He will also help oversee the company’s expansion, which will include a publishing branch.
“Erik will bring some great things to our company. His vision, knowledge and expertise will help catapult us to the next level,” said Brock. “He is new school Nashville, and has a thorough understanding of where the industry is heading. I am excited to have him join us.”
CMA Presents Borchetta With Jo Walker-Meador Award
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Borchetta, Walker-Meador, Moore. Photo: Christian Bottorff
Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, was presented with the Country Music Association’s Jo Walker-Meador Award during the Association’s International Media Reception, yesterday (10/31). The award was presented by Jo Walker-Meador and CEO, Steve Moore.
“It’s truly an amazing honor – and Jo it is great to have you here,” said Borchetta upon receiving the award. “She’s truly a living legend and when you look at her works, in a lifetime of loving this music, there’s probably nobody more important than Jo…And so, I am honored today.”
Named for Country Music Hall of Fame member and longtime executive director of CMA – Walker-Meador – the award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
“Scott has a global vision and has opened the door for other Country Music artists,” said Moore. “He is helping to change the perception of Country Music internationally and very deserving of this award.”
Borchetta founded Big Machine in 2005. He was an early supporter and has been a consistent advocate of developing international markets for artists on his roster including Taylor Swift and The Band Perry.
Previous recipients of the Award include:
2011 Ralph Murphy, ASCAP, USA
2010 John Lomax III, Roots Music Exporters, USA
2009 Michael Chugg, Michael Chugg Entertainment, Australia
2008 Mark Moffatt, USA
2007 Heather Ostertag, FACTOR, Canada
2006 Alan McBlane, Mcb3, UK
2005 Greg Swain, Telstra, Australia
2004 Jeff Green, R&R, USA
2003 Meryl Gross, Australia
2002 Sheila Hamilton, Canadian Country Music Association, Canada
2001 Iain Snodgrass, Universal Music International, UK
2000 Jeffrey Stothers, Gone Country Promotions
1999 Sarah Brosmer & Kate Farmer, MCA Nashville & Universal International
1998 Judy Seale, Refugee International
1997 Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Management
1996 Bob Saporiti, Warner/Reprise Records Nashville
1995 CMT: Country Music Television
1994 Trisha Walker-Cunningham, TWI
First CMA Award Winners Revealed
/by Sarah Skates(Award goes to each Artist)
“Feel Like A Rock Star”
Kenny Chesney (duet with Tim McGraw)
Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville
Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Red Solo Cup”
Toby Keith
Directed by Michael Salomon
• • • •
Winners in two of the 12 CMA Awards categories were announced live on Good Morning America from New York’s Times Square this morning (11/1). The news was welcomed with cheers from the audience gathered on Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Plaza waiting to watch Reba perform.
McGraw and Chesney also received the Musical Event honor for their work on Tracy Lawrence’s “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” (2007).
Chesney, who is performing on tonight’s gala, will vy for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year. If he wins Entertainer, he’ll take the record for the most wins in the category. He is currently tied with Garth Brooks with four wins.
McGraw is performing with Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, and Blake Shelton as part of the Willie Nelson tribute during tonight’s broadcast. He has a career total of 12 CMA Awards.
Michael Salomon
Keith has received 28 CMA Award nominations in his career, and this marks his third CMA Award win. He and Salomon won Music Video of the Year in 2005 for “As Good As I Once Was,” and Salomon won in 1995 for “Baby Likes To Rock It” with The Tractors.
The two categories announced on Good Morning America are normally presented during pre-televised activities and acknowledged during the CMA Awards broadcast, which will happen again tonight. Two-time CMA Awards nominee Love and Theft will host pre-tel ceremonies and present the trophies to the winners as well as Musician of the Year and the CMA Broadcast Awards winners.
On GMA, Paisley announced the donation of a Chevrolet Traverse to Metro Nashville Public Schools for the new instrument repair facility funded by CMA’s Keep the Music Playing music education campaign.
See the complete list of nominees here.
Marketing Department Changes at CMHoF
/by Eric T. ParkerSabo will report to Senior Director of Marketing Jeff Schwartzenberg, where she will be involved in development, management and implementation of the museum’s advertising and promotional strategies, in addition to overseeing the museum’s internal client service function.
Sabo brings more than 15 years of marketing experience to the museum, including six years as director of marketing at Outback Concerts in Nashville and over four years with Feld Entertainment in Pittsburgh where she worked with Disney on Ice and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus brands. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University, and a Master of Business Administration from Belmont University.
Hershey, who joined the museum in 2010, will manage marketing initiatives while providing strategic planning and budget input for the museum. Hershey graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations.
TNN Debuts Nov. 1
/by Sarah SkatesJim Owens Entertainment and Luken Communications partnered to bring back the iconic country music lifestyle channel. Jim Owens Entertainment, headed by Lorianne Crook and husband Jim Owens, produces the nationally syndicated show Crook & Chase and the radio staple The Crook & Chase Countdown.
TNN’s first-run programming will include The Country Vibe, Crook & Chase, and The Rick & Bubba Show. Also on the schedule is Gaither Gospel Hour and Larry’s Country Diner. “We’re basing it right now on classic programming,” explained Crook. “We want to remind people where TNN came from and why it was so important to country music. Right now about 80 to 85 percent of the programming is classic—the shows that people love and remember like Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Crook & Chase, specials and awards shows. People will get to see stars like Garth Brooks, Alabama, and Randy Travis at the very beginning of their careers. In addition to the music, we’ll have lifestyle programming covering cooking, sports, and motor sports.” This will include Lorianne Crook’s Celebrity Kitchen, and Southern Fried Fitness.
Fans can visit the TNN bus in downtown Nashville following the CMA Awards (11/1). It will be near the Whiskey Bent Saloon.
The original TNN existed from March 7, 1983 to September 24, 2000, when it became The National Network, and then Spike in 2003. Since the end of TNN’s run, Crook says fans and members of the music industry have asked her if it would ever return. Around 2008, she started researching the TNN trademark, and discovered that it expired about 8 months prior. “We [Jim Owens Entertainment] applied for it because we felt it was a valuable brand, because here we are 12 years later and people still ask about it,” she said. “We truly didn’t know what we’d do with it, we just knew it was valuable. We’re very serious and very dedicated to being conservators of the TNN brand. We want to make sure TNN is beneficial to the industry and that it truly entertains the fans.”
By happenstance they met Henry Luken of Chattanooga based Luken Communications. “We each had what the other one was looking for,” Crook continued. “Jim Owens Entertainment has tremendous deep vaults of video of country music history, shows we had done over 15 years on TNN. At one point, we were doing 70 percent of the TNN primetime programming. Henry has all the technology and had launched other networks.” Luken Communications is home to Retro Television® (RTV), My Family TV, TUFF TV, PBJ, MyCarTV and Frost Great Outdoors. Its networks reach approximately 80 percent of all U.S. households via a blend of over-the-air, cable and satellite television. TNN will have headquarters on Music Row and in Chattanooga.
The Nov. 1 soft launch will lead up to the major push on March 7, 2013—the 30th anniversary of network’s debut. “Everyone seems to be so thrilled about it,” added Crook. “Garth Brooks did some promos for us, as well as Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Ray Stevens, and Ricky Skaggs. We want to stay true to what people expect from TNN, but we also want to grow into the future, so it’s going to be fun to see how it evolves.”
Original announcement posted on Apr. 18 here.
www.WatchTNN.com or www.facebook.com/WatchTNN
Little Big Town Spins Up “The Tornado Tour”
/by Caitlin Rantala“We’ve been looking forward to announcing this tour for so long and can’t wait to hit the road next year,” said Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman. “It’s going to be so much fun to share more music from this record with our fans and we feel very honored to have Kacey and David opening for us. They’re incredible artists. This new album means so much to us and to be able to showcase all of these songs is a dream come true.”
CMT will have an exclusive pre-sale for The Tornado Tour. Visit CMT’s Facebook page for the exclusive presale code to get tickets. Additionally, the network exclusively premiered Little Big Town’s music video for new single “Tornado” earlier today (10/31) and will feature it every hour throughout the day.
For a complete list of The Tornado Tour dates, click here.
Little Big Town, from left, Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Kimberly Schlapman, stuffs backpacks to support the Feeding America Tampa Bay Food Bank’s Kids Café program on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Little Big Town has teamed up with ConAgra Foods in support of its Child Hunger Ends Here campaign to help raise awareness of the more than one in five children in America who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. (Brian Blanco / AP Images for ConAgra Foods)
Benefit Snapshots (10/31/12)
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Joe Don, Gary, Addyson Clark, Addyson's Mom and Jay
Rascal Flatts hosted a Halloween performance for patients and families at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital yesterday (10/30). Following the performance, the band visited rooms of children unable to attend the performance.
“Rascal Flatts Surgery Center” was established at the hospital in 2010 recognizing the group’s on-going dedication to the pediatric surgical unit.
••••
Pictured (L-R): Jon Randall, Jessi Alexander, Tracy Lawrence, and Austen Adams, Allen Blevins, Derek Crownover, Don Schlitz. Photo: Alan Mayor
Over 250 of Nashville music industry insiders gathered at Nashville’s The Ruby for the 7th annual End of the Row Party last Thursday (Oct. 25) raising over $7,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation. The event was hosted by the law firm of Crownover Blevins and sponsored by Merrill Lynch’s Raj Patnik and Zach Richards, BPV Capital Management and The Ruby.
Performers included Jon Randall, Jessi Alexander, Don Schlitz, Tracy Lawrence, Stephanie Lambring, Sammy Arriaga, Jenna Paulette, Bryson Jennings, Caitlyn Smith, and Jen Foster.
••••
Pictured: Little Big Town with Crosby & Nash. Photo: Shahar Azran
Little Big Town joined Crosby & Nash at the TJ Martell Foundation’s 37th Honors Gala held at Ciprianis in New York on Tuesday (10/23). Both groups performed at the sold-out event.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/31/12)
/by Robert K OermannThe Mann Sisters, Brad Paisley
Trick or Treat!
It’s Halloween, and no one knows how to craft a topical tune like a country artist. In this case it’s a duo, The Mann Sisters. They have a song called “Halloween Night” that’s good enough to be played any time of the year. I’d love to hear what they can do with a non-holiday song. In the meantime, give them a DisCovery Award.
Regionalism isn’t especially valued in a musical genre that aims for national appeal. But I don’t care where you’re from, “Southern Comfort Zone” will make your heart beat faster and your emotions swell up. It is also, sonically speaking, an amazingly well-produced record. It earns Brad Paisley a richly deserved Disc of the Day prize.
DUSTIN LYNCH/She Cranks My Tractor
Writer: Dustin Lynch/Brett Beavers/Tim Nichols; Producer: Brett Beavers & Luke Wooten; Publisher: Big Music Machine/Super 98/Golden Gears/Chrysalis One/BMG/Chestnut Barn/Warner-Tamerlane/Contentment/Made for This Music, BMI; Broken Bow (track)
—The starter motor of the tractor starts things, then it’s off to the races with a spirited bopper. His warm baritone delivers the country-boy lyric with elan, and the lightning licks on fiddle and electric guitar provide the rest of the considerable energy in the track.
MELISSA BROOKE/Texas Rubye
Writer: Leslie Satcher/Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Vinny Mae/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; BGM (www.melissabrooke.com)
—She sings with such verve that she veers off pitch here and there. But she means well.
TOBY KEITH/Cold Beer Country
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Marc Fortney; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Bobby’s Lyrics & Livestock/Cold Beer Country/Do Write, BMI; Show Dog Universal (track)
—What with “Beers Ago,” “I Like Girls That Drink Beer,” “Red Solo Cup,” and now this, Toby seems to be in a bit of a rut in the lyric department. Melody-wise, however, he’s refreshingly creative, because this jazzy swinger laced with clarinet is as delightful a track as I’ve heard all year. Deserving of massive airplay.
SCARLETTA/Right Here, Right Now
Writer: none listed; Producer: Paul Taylor; Publisher: none listed; Average Joe’s (track) (www.scarlettamusic.com)
—This trio consists of Aubrey Collins and her partners Benji Harris and Nathan Stoops. I’d have mixed the boys’ contributions a little louder, since they sound kinda muffled on this debut single. The interwoven fiddle player is a plus.
MARK COOKE/Stay With Me Tonight
Writer: Pete Sallis/Mark Carson/Kris Bergsnes; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Cherry Heart/Mark Carson/Cauley Orleans/BMG/English Ivy/Chrysalis One, BMI/SESAC; CVR (www.markcooke.com)
—They’re both brokenhearted, so why not shack up? The accompanying piano is a overwhelmingly loud, whether he’s softly seductive on the verses or pleading on the choruses.
JOSH TURNER/Find Me a Baby
Writer: Josh Turner/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Songs of Universal/J. Otis/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Pleasant, gently bopping and inoffensive, but not exactly gripping listening.
BRAD PAISLEY/Southern Comfort Zone
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed; Arista (CDX)
—This manages to be both anthemic and splendidly rocking at the same time. Even if you’re not a Southerner, you’ll get caught up in the lyrics evoking a Dixie homeland. The throbbing undertow backbeat is just as inspirational. The sound collages that ebb and flow throughout the track are brilliantly mixed. A total home run, right down to the finale “Look away, look away.”
THE MANN SISTERS/Halloween Night
Writer: Alexandra Mann/Lauren Mann; Producer: Alexandra Mann, Lauren Mann & Derek Cintron; Publisher: Tanner Boy, BMI; Tanner Boy (CDX) (www.themannsisters.com)
—Tonight’s the night! These gals have the soundtrack for trick-or-treaters. It’s appropriately spooky and minor key. Here’s even better news: it’s quite well written, and they sing it splendidly.
HANNAH McNEIL/I Gotta Leave You for Me
Writer: Hannah McNeil/David Hansen/Rob Higgins; Producer: Rodney Good & Rob Higgins; Publisher: Positively Platinum/Hansen/Nilknarf, ASCAP/BMI; RED/Spinville (CDX) (www.hannahmcneil.com)
—A woman leaves a domestic violence situation. The country-rock track rumbles along splendidly, and she delivers the range-challenging melody with vocal assurance. Well done.
JOE BACHMAN/Small Town Rock Stars
Writer: Mark Irwin/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins; Producer: New Voice Entertainment & Arlis Albritton; Publisher: Oceans One/Year of the Dog/Darth Buddah/Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Songs, ASCAP; JPB (CDX) (www.joebachman.com)
—The local band covers Springsteen, Skynyrd, Hank Jr., Buffett and Rick Springfield, basking in the good-time glow of being big fish in a small pond, getting the girls and free beer. They know they’re going nowhere, but they’re having a ball. You’ll smile and rock along.