Eric Church in the music video for "Springsteen."
In the last twelve months, Eric Church has skyrocketed from first time CMA Award nominee to leading nominee competing for five categories at the Nov. 1 ceremony.
In 2011 he was in the running for New Artist of the Year, but the trophy went home with The Band Perry. Since then, Church has grown into an arena headliner, chart-topping radio act and serious sales force. His success has been propelled significantly by hit singles “Drink In My Hand” and “Springsteen,” which secured nominations today for Single, Song (co-written with Ryan Tyndell and Jeff Hyde) and Video of the Year (directed by Peter Zavadil). But without a solid foundation built by hard touring, meticulous songwriting, and an established fanbase, a few radio hits wouldn’t have justified today’s debut in the Male Vocalist category.
That fanbase showed up in August 2011 to purchase 145K copies of latest project Chief, even without a top 10 single, making it one of the best selling debuts of the year. And when the radio play caught up and attracted new fans, Church had the goods ready to bring them further into the fold with the expertly crafted album. Featuring production magic courtesy of Jay Joyce, it is now in the running for Album of the Year. Given his growing reputation for mad studio skills, maybe we should call him Dr. Jay.
The career of Church’s Capitol labelmate Luke Bryan has taken a steadier trajectory, but yielded the same result with his first Male Vocalist nod.
After a year absent from the race for CMA’s top prize—which many industry observers saw as a faulty omission—Kenny Chesney will vie for Entertainer of the Year against Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift. If Chesney wins Entertainer in 2012, he’ll take the record for the most wins in the category; he is currently tied with Garth Brooks. And P.S., aren’t Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum viable contenders in this race?
First Timers
Judging by the number of first-time CMA nominees, Country music is producing a bountiful crop. CMA newbies Eli Young Band will compete for Vocal Group of the Year, and Will Hoge and Eric Paslay earned their first noms for co-writing EYB’s hit “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”
The New Artist category includes inaugural CMA nominations for Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, and Love & Theft, who will also compete for Vocal Duo.
Proof of country music’s growing inclusivity are debut nods for Snoop Lion (or as we used to know him, Snoop Dogg) and Lionel Richie. And though Kelly Clarkson is not a CMA Awards newcomer (she shares the current Musical Event trophy with Aldean) some fans and members of the industry wondered if the pop singer belongs in today’s slate of Female Vocalist nominees.
Nine North/Turnpike Names New Team Member
/by Freeman“Moran and I like to collect smart people, and Chris is a very smart person,” says Pareigis. “He brings tremendous energy, dedication and innovative ideas to this crew. Now our team expansion is complete as we begin to field the most exciting, competitive music in this company’s young history.”
Borchetta’s career includes stops at Lofton Creek, Big Machine, Katapult, and his own New School, as well as experience in promotion, publishing, management and more. He has worked with artists including Travis Tritt, Jerrod Niemann, Mark Chesnutt, and Steve Azar.
He is on the job today (9/6) and will be based in Los Angeles. Congratulate him here.
Billy Ray Cyrus Releases New Single
/by Eric T. ParkerWritten by Cyrus and Michael Joe Sagraves, “Change My Mind” will be released by Los Angeles-based Blue Cadillac Music, whose founder, Brandon Friesen, produced the work.
Cyrus will perform the single on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening (9/6), to be followed by a live interview Friday (9/7) on Access Hollywood. The week of appearances continues when Cyrus hits the field in Texas, performing during the NFL Halftime Show at the Houston Texans home game vs the Miami Dolphins on Sunday (9/9).
“Growing up in Flatwoods, KY, I was surrounded by all kinds of music – bluegrass, Southern rock, gospel and country,” said Cyrus. “I tried to capture a little piece of every style of music I love and I can’t wait for fans to hear this new sound!”
For more information, visit billyraycyrus.com.
Red Light Management Adds Staffers
/by FreemanBryan Frasher
Former BNA Records VP Promotion and artist manager Bryan Frasher has joined the staff of Coran Capshaw’s Red Light Management in a newly created role. Most recently, Frasher opened his own Gunslinger Entertainment in March 2012, with artist Casey James as his first client. James will move with Frasher to become part of Red Light’s artist roster.
Red Light has also added Melanie Wetherbee to its Nashville staff, where she will be working with James. Previously, Wetherbee was on staff with McGhee Entertainment.
Congratulate Frasher here and Wetherbee here.
Colton Dixon Signs Record Deal
/by Caitlin Rantala“We are extremely excited to partner with 19 Management in presenting Colton Dixon’s recorded music to the world,” said Peter York, President of EMI CMG Label Group/Sparrow Records. “He is a world class vocalist with passion, a mission and a sincere depth of character. We are honored to bring his recordings to those fans that have championed him along his musical journey and introduce him to those who have not yet had the pleasure.”
Dixon is a Tennessee native and spent his high school years at Middle Tennessee Christian School. Following his American Idol elimination this year, he participated in the American Idol LIVE! Tour and debuted “Never Gone,” an original song which will also appear on his upcoming album.
“Two of the most important things in my life have always been my faith and my music. I am now blessed with the chance to combine both of these passions in working with 19 recordings/EMI CMG. With their support, I know I will be able to make an album that I am proud of and showcases who I am as an artist,” said Dixon.
Performers and Presenters Announced for International Bluegrass Music Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerAmong those slated to appear onstage are Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Gibson Brothers, Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, Eddie & Martha Adcock, Terry Baucom, Kristin Scott Benson, Byron Berline, Blue Highway, The Boxcars, Jason Burleson, Dale Ann Bradley, Alison Brown, Sam Bush, Martino Coppo, J.D. Crowe, Dailey & Vincent, Della Mae, Steve Dilling, Jeremy Garrett, Chris Jones, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jens Kruger, Kitsy Kuykendall, Rob McCoury, Joe Mullins, Mike Munford, Chris Pandolfi, Junior Sisk, Graham Sharp, Sammy Shelor, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Special Consensus, Pam Tillis, Tony Trischka, and Josh Williams. A finalized lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
For the first time, the event will be broadcast live as streaming video on BluegrassNation.org and BluegrassToday.com. In addition to online streaming, the show will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks. Program directors and station managers may register as affiliates by calling 615-256-3222.
“This year, as we give recognition to those musical heroes we have lost, but also focus on all of the great talent that we have, we celebrate our bluegrass family and community,” said Award Show co-producer, Stephen Ruffo.
A full list of IBMA nominees can be found here.
CMA Noms Solidify Church’s Place In Country Choir
/by Sarah SkatesEric Church in the music video for "Springsteen."
In the last twelve months, Eric Church has skyrocketed from first time CMA Award nominee to leading nominee competing for five categories at the Nov. 1 ceremony.
In 2011 he was in the running for New Artist of the Year, but the trophy went home with The Band Perry. Since then, Church has grown into an arena headliner, chart-topping radio act and serious sales force. His success has been propelled significantly by hit singles “Drink In My Hand” and “Springsteen,” which secured nominations today for Single, Song (co-written with Ryan Tyndell and Jeff Hyde) and Video of the Year (directed by Peter Zavadil). But without a solid foundation built by hard touring, meticulous songwriting, and an established fanbase, a few radio hits wouldn’t have justified today’s debut in the Male Vocalist category.
That fanbase showed up in August 2011 to purchase 145K copies of latest project Chief, even without a top 10 single, making it one of the best selling debuts of the year. And when the radio play caught up and attracted new fans, Church had the goods ready to bring them further into the fold with the expertly crafted album. Featuring production magic courtesy of Jay Joyce, it is now in the running for Album of the Year. Given his growing reputation for mad studio skills, maybe we should call him Dr. Jay.
The career of Church’s Capitol labelmate Luke Bryan has taken a steadier trajectory, but yielded the same result with his first Male Vocalist nod.
After a year absent from the race for CMA’s top prize—which many industry observers saw as a faulty omission—Kenny Chesney will vie for Entertainer of the Year against Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift. If Chesney wins Entertainer in 2012, he’ll take the record for the most wins in the category; he is currently tied with Garth Brooks. And P.S., aren’t Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum viable contenders in this race?
First Timers
Judging by the number of first-time CMA nominees, Country music is producing a bountiful crop. CMA newbies Eli Young Band will compete for Vocal Group of the Year, and Will Hoge and Eric Paslay earned their first noms for co-writing EYB’s hit “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”
The New Artist category includes inaugural CMA nominations for Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, and Love & Theft, who will also compete for Vocal Duo.
Proof of country music’s growing inclusivity are debut nods for Snoop Lion (or as we used to know him, Snoop Dogg) and Lionel Richie. And though Kelly Clarkson is not a CMA Awards newcomer (she shares the current Musical Event trophy with Aldean) some fans and members of the industry wondered if the pop singer belongs in today’s slate of Female Vocalist nominees.
Music City Roots Launches Roots Radio
/by Eric T. Parker“Music City Roots is approaching three years on the air and over more than 120 episodes we’ve accumulated an incredible archive of performances by the best roots artists in the world,” says co-producer John Walker. “For quite some time we’ve dreamed of growing and serving our community of music fans with a streaming music service that could be heard virtually anywhere free.”
The streaming music service will pull from a library of more than 500 tracks, compounding weekly from the shows, which have included The Civil Wars, Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Elizabeth Cook, Apache Relay, Rodney Crowell, The Kopecky Family Band, Jerry Douglas, and Riders In The Sky. News and talk/interview segements, produced by co-host Craig Havighurst, will be called Connect: The Roots Radio Interview and air Saturday and Tuesday nights at 8:00 pm CT.
Americana and Roots performances are available on the web in HD video, to smartphones via the free Roots Radio app, and on the air via Lightning 100, WRLT-FM.
Music City Roots went on air in October 2009, now broadcast Wednesday night at 7:00 CT at the Loveless Café Barn. Veteran Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey emcees with help from musical host, Jim Lauderdale, and Havighurst.
Industry Ink (9/05/12)
/by FreemanAaron Pope, a tax manager with Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, recently served the Tennessee Army National Guard/U.S. Army overseas. Pope was stationed at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan for one year working as a contracting officer. His responsibilities impacted the effort to mature the country’s economy for citizens. “While I was at Camp Eggers, I received constant support from the owners and employees of the FBMM family,” Pope told co-workers at FBMM’s end-of-summer party. “I was sent care packages each month that consisted of letters, cards, pictures, consumable items, as well as love and verbal support from everyone at FBMM.” To show his appreciation, Pope presented them with a US flag flown at Camp Eggers.
(L-R): FBMM’s Jamie Cheek, Aaron Pope, Julie Boos, Duane Clark. Back row: Mary Ann McCready, Chuck Flood.
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Roger LeBlanc
Management for Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has named industry veteran Roger LeBlanc as the venue’s new talent buyer, effective immediately. LeBlanc brings 20 years of experience to the role, including time as a promoter and talent buyer for The Coach House, The Canyon Theater and Saint Rocke. He also books talent for the Sunset Strip Music Festival and cruise ShipRocked. Additionally, he was a final nominee for IEBA’s “Club Buyer of the Year” honor. Congratulate him here.
• • • • •
Shawna Russell
Way Out West Records’ flagship artist Shawna Russell has signed for booking representation with William Morris Endeavor (WME). Russell’s latest single is “Sounds Like A Party,” which is currently No. 50 on the MusicRow chart.
• • • •
On Wednesday, September 12, the Curb College at Belmont University will host Stageit’s Evan Lowenstein for an Insider’s View seminar in the Massey Performing Arts Center. Lowenstein launched the online video platform in 2011 to help artists monetize special performances and interact with fans. For more info, email Sarah Cates.
• • • • •
Publishing veteran Jason Krupek has launched J. Krupek Photography, specializing in live events, parties, concerts, album artwork, and press shots. Krupek most recently served as GM of Big Tractor Music and co-founded the Buds n Suds benefit concert, which takes place September 12 at Losers. More information on J Krupek Photography here.
ASCAP Nashville Hosts Inaugural Music City Trifecta
/by Freeman(L-R) (back row) ASCAP's Marc Driskill, Cornman Music's Nate Lowery, Birch Street Music's Jake McKim, ASCAP's Michael Martin, Warner Music Nashville's Scott Hendricks, Shane Stevens, Billboard (Mathieu Jomphe), Justin Weaver, Ashley Gorley, Autumn Rowe, Brett James, Troy Verges, (front row) JT Harding, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, Mike Krompass and Catt Gravitt. Photo: Rory White.
ASCAP Nashville recently hosted its inaugural Music City Trifecta songwriting retreat August 27-29 at Brett James’ Cornman Music offices. The event, sponsored in part by City National Bank, served to spotlight ASCAP’s diverse talents and brought together a hand-selected group of creators from Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and beyond.
Songwriters joined in small co-writing groups and worked on songs for different artists each day of the retreat, including Beyoncé and Blake Shelton.
Participants included Greg Becker, Billboard, Chris DeStefano, Ben Glover, Ashley Gorley, Catt Gravitt, JT Harding, Brett James, Mike Krompass, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Autumn Rowe, Shane Stevens, Troy Verges and Justin Weaver. Among these writers’ many credits are hits by Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Ke$ha, Lady Antebellum, and many more.
Brett James, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan and Mike Krompass. Photo: Rory White
Weekly Register: If Track Prices Rise Will Consumers Support Them?
/by bossrossHow likely is this parity scenario and what are some of the dynamics that will affect it? First and foremost, let’s note that overall track sales are only up a modest 6% YTD for 2012 (including Taylor’s feat). In 2010 they barely budged, gaining only 1% and in 2011 they registered a more healthy 8.5% gain according to Nielsen SoundScan. So growth has hardly been overwhelming and although we have seen that it is possible for an artist to stimulate a massive track buy-in, the very fact that Swift set records indicates it is still a very special happening not to be confused with the title, “common occurrence.”
The next area to watch is pricing. As citizens of the SoundScan era we tend to talk about units, but pricing is the underlying measure that determines profits. Album pricing seems to be falling, especially downloads due to special sales and digital store-to store competition. This effect has caused Billboard to put a $3.49 pricing floor on units counted on the album chart sold during the first four weeks of release. However, tracks have actually enjoyed a price increase, with the introduction and stabilization of the $1.29 price level, making TEA album profits more competitive with regular albums. Will labels experiment soon with $1.39 and/or $1.49 levels? I believe we will see that trial balloon fly before long. Unlike the bricks and mortar days when labels completely controlled distribution and therefore pricing, the online world has introduced a new dynamic—free. Some consumers have moved to buying tracks because of the relatively low price and ease of purchase. If prices increase will they still feel that way? Or are they likely to move to an altogether new model—access?
Numbers Trending Lower
A quick week-to-week comparison shows album sales continuing to erode. As regular Weekly Register readers know, that usually has to do with release schedules. In fact, there were no country debuts that could muster even 9k in sales. Josh Turner delivered a live physical only album to Cracker Barrel (No. 9; 8k) and Thomas Rhett debuted at No. 24 with sales of 3.3k. Carrie Underwood rose to the top of the chart, benefitting from an iTunes $6.99 sale price with sales of almost 28k. We often talk about the 300k benchmark for Current Country Top 75 chart and this week the chart was well below that measure, registering a tepid 264k total.
Taylor Swift maintains a firm grip on the top of country tracks list with sales of almost 253k units this week. Her amazing three-week RTD (release to date) total is 1.183 million. Also floating on—well, a “Pontoon” boat—is Little Big Town celebrating the single’s voyage to platinum status in 14 weeks. This week the vocal quartet added another 78k units to its tally. Also in the million-plus club is Hunter Hayes who is becoming a regular on the Top 5 tracks list. “Wanted” added another 65k this week. Randy Rogers Band breaks Top 20 on tracks with week 1 for “One More Sad Song.”
Keep your eyes on the upcoming releases HERE. Stay tuned every Wed. for Weekly Register and thanks for reading!
PS: Congrats to EMI/Capitol Nashville with 80% of the CMA Album Of The Year Nominations!