Pictured (L-R): Scott Siman (RPM Entertainment), Paula Abdul, Barry Adelman (Dick Clark Productions), singer Melinda Doolittle and moderator Fred Bronson. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA
Moderator Fred Bronson led a panel discussion with Paula Abdul (former American Idol judge), Melinda Doolittle (former AI contestant), Barry Adelman (Dick Clark Productions) and Scott Siman (President, RPM Entertainment) titled “How Reality TV has Affected the Music Industry,” Monday (10/8) in TPAC’s James Polk Theater during the IEBA conference. Bronson has guest‐starred on AI, CMT’s Next Superstar and has contributed writing for The American Music Awards, ACM Awards and multiple Dick Clark Productions concert specials.
The panel began by recognizing that talent competitions have had a longstanding history on TV, dating to the ’30s on radio with the show Major Bowes Armature Hour, which helped Frank Sinatra gain popularity in his group Hoboken Four. Country Music Hall of Fame singer Brenda Lee began on ABC’s TV program Ozark Jubilee (produced by Siman’s father). Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and UMG Nashville’s new artist Kacey Musgraves all came from Nashville Star while numerous others have origins in shows produced by Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Cowell.
“There is a connection between music and TV to have an impact on careers,” said Siman. “We launched Julianne Hough’s single right after her performance on Dancing with the Stars with Apolo Ohno. She went on to sell 500k records. In 2000, Billy Gilman took off after a performance on the ACM Awards with Asleep At The Wheel. TV is a great partner and it’s here to stay. You can’t dismiss the impact it has on our format. If you’re stuck thinking it doesn’t, you’re not mining down far enough. We need to understand it.”
The panel discussed the impact of AI, which distinguishes itself from previous talent competitions by introducing a critical panel.
“AI was accused of ruining the industry,” said Abdul. “I had to remind every contestant that it is a TV show first, second and third. Talent comes fourth or fifth. Good singers were left behind for the extraordinarily great or wacky. It introduced me to a whole new aspect of humiliating people. These young adults would leave devastated and crying. It takes a lot to put it all out there.”
“AI changed everything for me,” said Doolittle. “It was a bootcamp. It was cool to have people sharing in your journey, but the attachment was so strong that people feel free to criticize wherever I go.”
“Dick Clark was criticized for American Bandstand,” commented Adelman. “Dick would say, ‘I’m a retail shopkeeper. I stock the shelves with what people want. Whatever sells, I put out.’ The people have created the stars, so viewers take ownership of them.”
For the contestants, TV creates a valuable channel for exposure, but does not necessarily translate to success in the industry. That still comes down to image and audience perception.
“You have to give the contestants a chance to make it after the show,” said Abdul. “They got the TV show part right, but picked some of the worst songs to be released at radio at the end. The tour schedule kept the winner from releasing a CD until the next season had began. By then, the audience’s interest was lower. So, I encouraged them to set up their own websites and YouTube channels.”
“It is really difficult to jump from reality TV to the recording industry,” said Siman. “Demand is high, and ultimately it comes back to hit singles. The issue is: do you have what it takes?”
“My catalog continue to sell because of the show,” added Abdul. “It’s a bullet train. Change was everywhere bringing pressure far beyond a normal artist. It all boils down to whether or not you have paid your dues.”
Following the panel discussion, Abdul received the IEBA Career Achievement Award.
Streamsound Records Signs New Artist
/by Freeman(L-R): Streamsound co-founder and producer Byron Gallimore, artist Austin Webb, Streamsound’s radio department exec, Mike Wilson. Photo: AristoMedia
Nashville independent label Streamsound Records has announced the signing of new country artist Austin Webb to its roster. Webb’s debut single “It’s All Good” will be released in December.
A Nashville resident and native of South Carolina, Webb aims to combine influences of his favorite artists from country and soul. He is currently on the road visiting radio stations in advance of his single release.
“Austin Webb is one of those artists that is hard to categorize in conventional terms,” says Streamsound co-founder and Grammy-winning producer Byron Gallimore. “I can tell you that he is a truly gifted and creative force that has been driven solely by his music and his songs since he first picked up a guitar at 16 years old.”
More on Webb here.
Streamsound Records was founded in February 2012 by Gallimore with Jim Wilkes and includes up-and-coming artist Jaida Dreyer. The label also has an exclusive distribution deal through Sony Music Nashville.
Symphony Names Harmony Award Recipient
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto by Jeff Lipsky
Keith Urban will receive the 2012 Harmony Award at the Symphony Ball on Dec. 8 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Each year the honor goes to an individual who exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s thriving musical community.
“Music City is home to so many talented people who live and work here, and Keith Urban has been such a vital force in this community,” says Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan Valentine. “What he brings to Nashville, his passion for music, his presence at Symphony concerts and his involvement in this community, is precisely what the Harmony Award symbolizes. There’s such a wide variety of music in Nashville. Whether it’s country, classical or jazz, this is the essence of what makes our city and its music so distinctive and special.”
Urban has been instrumental in providing support for a number of charities, including his renowned “All for the Hall” annual concert, which has raised millions for the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. In addition, he has participated in efforts to raise money for victims of the 2010 Nashville flood, and has given generously to causes as diverse as Artists for Peace and Justice, Live Earth, Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few.
The Symphony Ball is co-chaired by Mrs. Ansel Lewis Davis (Jana) and Mrs. Orrin Henry Ingram II (Lee Ann).
Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike & Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Marty Stuart.
Two Exit UMG Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesKen Robold and Beverly Keel
MusicRow has confirmed the exits of Universal Music Group executives Beverly Keel and Ken Robold. These are the first staff changes following UMG’s acquisition of EMI’s recorded music division.
Robold served as Executive VP/GM, and Keel worked as Sr. VP Artist & Media Relations. Both had contracts that were up for renewal.
Robold had been with the company over 21 years where he oversaw day to day operations including sales, digital, production, finance and administration.
Keel joined the label group in 2010 and has over 20 years experience as a journalist and 15 as a music industry professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Reach her at 615-310-5602 or email her here.
More staff and artist changes are expected as UMG integrates EMI’s operations including Capitol Records Nashville. This ongoing process will likely take place in the coming weeks, and possibly into the new year.
Former Capitol Nashville head Mike Dungan took on the Chairman & CEO post at Universal Music Nashville Entertainment on May 1, in anticipation of the buyout’s regulatory approval. He succeeded Chairman & CEO Luke Lewis.
MusicRowPics: Parmalee Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaYesterday (10/09), Stoney Creek Records’ Parmalee stopped by MusicRow headquarters before heading back out on the road. The North Carolina based group is made up of member Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox and Josh McSwain. The band, who is still in the process of recording their upcoming album, played several songs including “Carolina,” “Wanna Take You Home,” “Another Day Gone,” and their single “Musta Had a Good Time.”
Their single “Musta Had a Good Time,” which is based on true events, is now at country radio. It’s been voted by fans as the no. 1 song on The Highway’s The Hot 30 Live for four consecutive weeks.
Parmalee is currently giving fans a chance to submit their crazy “good time” moments through Facebook and Twitter. All photos will be uploaded into an exclusive musical digital photo frame that plays “Musta Had A Good Time.”
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Nashvillians Among Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees
/by Sarah SkatesNon-performing songwriters up for nomination include Don Covay (“Chain of Fools”), Holly Knight (“Love Is a Battlefield”), Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”), Rick Nowels, Tony Hatch, as well as Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, and P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri.
The induction gala will take place June 13 in New York City. This news is according to the Associated Press, which received the information prior to the official announcement set for Oct. 16.
New ‘Crossroads’ To Pair Avett Brothers and Randy Travis
/by FreemanOriginally from North Carolina, the Avett Brothers was formed in 2001 by siblings Scott and Seth Avett with bass-playing buddy Bob Crawford. Since then, the group has released a string of acclaimed albums, including Emotionalism (2007) and I and Love and You (2009). The group’s latest album, The Carpenter, was produced by Rick Rubin and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200.
Over the course of his storied career, Randy Travis has sold over 20 million albums, notched 18 No. 1 singles and won numerous industry awards. He was inducted to the Grand Ole Opry in 1986 and awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004. He is also a three-time CMA Song of the Year winner, for “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever Amen,” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”
CMT Crossroads: The Avett Brothers and Randy Travis premieres Friday, November 23 at 11 pm/ET.
Weekly Register: Tracking Swift Mania
/by bossrossAnswer: You betcha. In fact that is exactly what Taylor Swift and her marketing team have accomplished, which may be a country music first. Of course we are talking about TEA sales (track equivalent albums 10 tracks= 1 album).
Swift’s team released her “Never Ever…” single 8 weeks ago and RTD has sold 2.2 million copies. To further raise awareness for the Oct. 22 album launch, the label began offering a new track each week. Two weeks ago it was “Begin Again,” which now has sold almost 390k units and last week they released title track “Red” which now sits atop the Country tracks chart with debut week sales of 312k.
Summed, Swift has scanned 2,908,459 track sales from the upcoming set. Album launch is 11 days and counting with two more tracks scheduled to debut. So it is entirely possible this new album will pre-launch, Gold (TEA).
Also gaining honorable tracks mention this week is Florida Georgia Line at No. 4 with weekly scans of almost 68k. Gary Allan (49k) and Brad Paisley (40k) have debut tracks entering at No. 7 and 8 respectively.
Album Notes
Currently, 27% of total country album sales are digital which compares with 39.2% for all genre product. Therefore 73% of all country album sales are physical. So Walmart, Target and Best Buy–please keep those shelves loaded.
Looking to the Top 200 Top Albums list for perspective we note that Mumford and Sons turned in a second stellar week shifting 169k units for a two week total of 769k. In fact the Top 10 spots featured seven debuts— Muse, Miguel, Three Days Grace, Diana Krall, Jackie Evancho, Cher Lloyd and Van Morrison.
Country album sales (-2.7%) slipped a bit deeper into the minus column this week (see grids), but expectations are high for upcoming releases from Swift and Jason Aldean (10/16).
Aldean’s label has not released a series of tracks from his upcoming new album, but a pre-order link and free stream of the entire album went live today on iTunes. His single “Take A Little Ride,” is No. 9 on the Country tracks list after 12 weeks with RTD sales of 803k.
Stay tuned for the final 11 weeks of 2012 sales!
Nokia Music Taps Eli Young Band For Launch Party
/by Sarah SkatesBillboard’s Ray Waddell will host the event which also benefits Musicians On Call, the organization that brings music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Additionally, members of Eli Young Band will visit the local VA facility that day.
Nokia Music, under the direction of Nokia VP of Entertainment Jyrki Rosenberg, allows consumers to stream unlimited music from a suite of over 150 playlists spanning numerous genres. Top artists including Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lana Del Ray have contributed playlists and music fans can create their own soundtracks on the app. Nokia Music can be streamed offline. It is advertisement-free, and requires no registration or subscription. It is exclusive to Nokia Lumia handsets available at AT&T stores.
IEBA Conference Closes With Awards Presentation
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): IEBA Awards Host MC Hammer, Charley Pride and Neal McCoy. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images
The International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 42nd Annual Conference in Nashville wrapped yesterday (10/9) with record-breaking attendance of nearly 700 registrants.
MC Hammer hosted last night’s dinner and ceremony, which was a joint celebration of the IEBA Industry Awards and the CMA SRO Awards (see SRO winners list). Artist Charley Pride, entertainment publisher Ray Pilszak and talent buyer Joe LaGuardia, posthumously, were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame.
The evening included appearances by David Cassidy, Peter Noone, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Ronnie Dunn, Neal McCoy, John Schneider and Tom Wopat (The Duke Boys) as well as performances by Melinda Doolittle and Belmont University School of Music students.
“The conference and awards dinner exceeded all of our expectations,” said Tiffany Davis, Executive Director of IEBA. “It was a once in a lifetime experience with the legendary Charley Pride and the many other current and future legends of our industry all in the room together. MC Hammer entertained and charmed everyone. It was a perfect conference with an enchanted ending.”
See MusicRow’s coverage of the conference’s reality TV panel discussion here.
International Buyer of the Year: Larry Werner, Panhandle Productions
Fair Buyer of the Year: Todd Boltin, Variety Attractions
Festival Buyer of the Year: Mike Smardak, Outback Concerts
Club Buyer of the Year: Gary Osier, Gary Osier Presents
College Buyer of the Year: Mark Letson, EastCoast Entertainment
Corporate Buyer of the Year: Fran Romeo, Romeo Entertainment Group
Casino Buyer of the Year: Kell Houston, Houston Productions
Venue Executive of the Year: Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Emerging Talent Agent of the Year: Travis Wolfe, Paradigm Agency
IEBA Talks Reality TV and the Music Industry
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Scott Siman (RPM Entertainment), Paula Abdul, Barry Adelman (Dick Clark Productions), singer Melinda Doolittle and moderator Fred Bronson. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA
Moderator Fred Bronson led a panel discussion with Paula Abdul (former American Idol judge), Melinda Doolittle (former AI contestant), Barry Adelman (Dick Clark Productions) and Scott Siman (President, RPM Entertainment) titled “How Reality TV has Affected the Music Industry,” Monday (10/8) in TPAC’s James Polk Theater during the IEBA conference. Bronson has guest‐starred on AI, CMT’s Next Superstar and has contributed writing for The American Music Awards, ACM Awards and multiple Dick Clark Productions concert specials.
The panel began by recognizing that talent competitions have had a longstanding history on TV, dating to the ’30s on radio with the show Major Bowes Armature Hour, which helped Frank Sinatra gain popularity in his group Hoboken Four. Country Music Hall of Fame singer Brenda Lee began on ABC’s TV program Ozark Jubilee (produced by Siman’s father). Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and UMG Nashville’s new artist Kacey Musgraves all came from Nashville Star while numerous others have origins in shows produced by Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Cowell.
“There is a connection between music and TV to have an impact on careers,” said Siman. “We launched Julianne Hough’s single right after her performance on Dancing with the Stars with Apolo Ohno. She went on to sell 500k records. In 2000, Billy Gilman took off after a performance on the ACM Awards with Asleep At The Wheel. TV is a great partner and it’s here to stay. You can’t dismiss the impact it has on our format. If you’re stuck thinking it doesn’t, you’re not mining down far enough. We need to understand it.”
The panel discussed the impact of AI, which distinguishes itself from previous talent competitions by introducing a critical panel.
“AI was accused of ruining the industry,” said Abdul. “I had to remind every contestant that it is a TV show first, second and third. Talent comes fourth or fifth. Good singers were left behind for the extraordinarily great or wacky. It introduced me to a whole new aspect of humiliating people. These young adults would leave devastated and crying. It takes a lot to put it all out there.”
“AI changed everything for me,” said Doolittle. “It was a bootcamp. It was cool to have people sharing in your journey, but the attachment was so strong that people feel free to criticize wherever I go.”
“Dick Clark was criticized for American Bandstand,” commented Adelman. “Dick would say, ‘I’m a retail shopkeeper. I stock the shelves with what people want. Whatever sells, I put out.’ The people have created the stars, so viewers take ownership of them.”
For the contestants, TV creates a valuable channel for exposure, but does not necessarily translate to success in the industry. That still comes down to image and audience perception.
“You have to give the contestants a chance to make it after the show,” said Abdul. “They got the TV show part right, but picked some of the worst songs to be released at radio at the end. The tour schedule kept the winner from releasing a CD until the next season had began. By then, the audience’s interest was lower. So, I encouraged them to set up their own websites and YouTube channels.”
“It is really difficult to jump from reality TV to the recording industry,” said Siman. “Demand is high, and ultimately it comes back to hit singles. The issue is: do you have what it takes?”
“My catalog continue to sell because of the show,” added Abdul. “It’s a bullet train. Change was everywhere bringing pressure far beyond a normal artist. It all boils down to whether or not you have paid your dues.”
Following the panel discussion, Abdul received the IEBA Career Achievement Award.