Industry Ink (8/29/12)

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As part of its 15th Anniversary celebration, SOLID Nashville will present a conversation with KISS member Gene Simmons and manager Doc McGhee in the Hutton Hotel Ballroom at 8:15 am. Tuesday, September 4. Billboard’s Ray Waddell will moderate the panel, and a light breakfast will be provided for attendees. RSVPs are required to attend. Reserve seats here and make sure to print out tickets after reserving.

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Little Big Town and ConAgra Foods have partnered in support of the company’s Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. LBT is recording an exclusive video of the original song “Here’s Hope” in the style of their web series “Scattered, Smothered, and Covered.” The group’s version will be available on the ConAgra Foods Facebook page in September. More info about the campaign here.

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Jimmy Carter, the only living founder of The Blind Boys of Alabama, will participate in a symposium on Friday (8/30) called “The Influence of Music on the Civil Rights Movement.” The symposium will take place at the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, 5:30-7:30 pm on August 31. The event, hosted by John Seigenthaler, is free and open to the public. Carter will discuss his 70 years in music, and the Blind Boys’ role in the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s.

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IBMA Award-winning group Balsam Range has signed with Class Act Entertainment for booking representation. The North Carolina-based outfit topped bluegrass charts with its “Trains I Missed” in 2011, and its most recent album Papertown was released earlier in 2012. The Class Act roster includes The Boxcars, The HillBenders, Chip Taylor, Bryan Sutton and more.

U.S. Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante Plans Nashville Visit

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Maria Pallante

U.S. Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante will spend two days in Nashville next month, taking meetings and participating in NSAI’s Songposium Week. She is making the trip at the invitation of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Pallente is expected to attend NSAI’s “World’s Largest #1 Party” on Mon., Sept. 17 and help present No. 1 Awards to the more than 130 songwriters who penned hits that topped the radio charts in the past 12 months. During her visit she will hold briefings, question-and-answer sessions and meetings with a broad cross-section of the Nashville music industry.

Her itinerary includes a recording session at a studio and a songwriter show at the Bluebird Cafe. She will also speak to students and invited guests at The Copyright Forum, a collaboration between NSAI and Belmont University designed to foster copyright dialogue, debate and solutions.

“Ms. Pallante’s trip to Nashville and Music Row is very important,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “Her role is critical as technology companies and copyright industries figure out how creative content is licensed and delivered to consumers in the digital era. And it’s really cool that our songwriters are going to be presented a No. 1 award by the head of the U.S. Copyright Office.”

“We are incredibly excited and honored that Ms. Pallante will be visiting Music Row,” agreed NSAI President, songwriter Lee Thomas Miller. “She will be participating in the week’s activities combining copyright issues with an inside look at Nashville’s music industry.”

Pallante became the 12th Register of Copyrights on June 1, 2011 after serving six months as interim Register. She previously held two senior positions in the U.S. Copyright Office and served eight years as intellectual property counsel and licensing advisor for the Guggenheim Museums.

 

Toby Keith Announces New Album

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Toby Keith will release his new album Hope On The Rocks on Nov. 13. Like his previous recordings, Keith produced Hope On The Rocks and served as its principle songwriter.

The lead single off the upcoming album, “I Like Girls That Drink Beer” was co-written by Keith and collaborator Bobby Pinson. The song is already gaining airplay at country radio and sits at No. 19 on the MusicRow chart. The standard edition of Hope on the Rocks will have 10 tracks, and a deluxe version will have fourteen tracks. A full track listing is forthcoming.

Currently, Keith is still touring on his Live In Overdrive Tour, presented by Ford F-Series. For more information visit tobykeith.com.

Weekly Register: A Lynch Mob

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Once in a while someone challenges the status quo.

They ask “Why?” about something so much a part of the established routine that after reading their question, you realize you never even considered it a choice, it just seemed automatic and above reproach.

So when veteran journalist Ed Christman questioned the practice of scheduling top selling album releases for the fourth quarter in a recent Billboard column, it stopped me in my “tracks.” (Tis The Season?, Ed Christman, Billboard, Aug. 25, 2012.)

Conventional wisdom firmly dictates that a fourth quarter release is an efficient strategy for taking advantage of the holiday sales season. But Christman asks, “As the music industry goes digital…will albums continue to be an important gift item?” The article notes that according to Nielsen Soundscan, the last seven weeks of 2000 saw 181 million albums get scanned. In 2011 the number of scans for that period fell to 69 million units.

Of course, album sales have also been falling year-round, not just during the holidays. So how does one explain the holiday losses? Partially it is due to increased competition from video games, DVDs and other impulse gift items. Gift cards are also possibly contributing to the decrease, since they are often redeemed after the holiday and don’t show up in the holiday sales numbers. And the ongoing, year-round slide in album sales hints that consumers are becoming more interested in buying hit singles than entire albums for many artists. Lastly, there are subscription models like Spotify and Rhapsody that are also helping to shrink download tallies.

“I’m not saying the industry should stop concentrating on the fourth quarter, because my brick-and-mortar merchant friends would get annoyed at me,” says Christman. “Still there’s a good case to be made that, instead of saving everything for the last three months, more thought should be given to spreading big releases throughout the entire year.”

It’s a point worth considering. And in fact country’s sparse superstar release schedule this holiday season may be a reflection that Music City marketers are doing just that.

Swift Track Stays No. 1
Country YTD album sales continue to slowly relinquish the lead established earlier this year as scans ease back a few more points from last week’s 2.2% to 1.8%. The all-genre balance remains fixed at -3.7%.

Country track sales are up 12% YTD (all-genre tracks +6%) thanks to help from Ms. Swift’s “We Are Never Ever…” which was downloaded almost 307k times this week for a two-week total of 930k. Swift’s single rides atop both Country and all-genre chart lists for a second week, forging the current definition of “mainstream.” And assuredly, Swift’s upcoming Oct. 22 album will be a major factor in measuring country album sales for 2012.

With Swift’s album promotion tour about to begin, one can only marvel at how smoothly this talented 22-year-old has weathered her rite of passage from teen to adult. Especially considering the ever-present pop-culture media lens that is constantly focused upon her. (PS: We don’t give romance advice in this column, but perhaps a quick viewing of The Kennedys, the controversial and Emmy-nominated series from Producer Joel Surnow might provide some historical background about the new Cape Cod neighbors.)

Topping Country’s Current album chart this week is Broken Bow newbie Dustin Lynch with impressive week one scans of over 23k. Rounding out the Top 5 are Zac Brown Band (No. 2; 18k), Lionel Richie (No. 3; 15k), Carrie Underwood (No. 4; 15k) and Luke Bryan (No. 5; 14.5k).

Also chart-new this week was Dierks Bentley’s digital EP (No. 12; 8k) and Show Dog’s J.T. Hodges (No. 23; 4k).

Did you know that country artists have sold about 110 million tracks YTD? (Total track sales YTD are 894 million). See all the upcoming country album releases HERE.

Darius Rucker and UMPG Extend Agreement

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Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Darius Rucker have extended their worldwide publishing agreement. The contract encompasses his previous works and his next album, due in 2013.

“Darius has raised the bar with his upcoming album and we look forward to many more years of hit songs,” said Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville EVP/GM.

“UMPG has been a partner from the beginning and they are as passionate about my music as I am,” shared Rucker. “For me, that’s what’s it’s all about.”

Rucker has released two albums with Capitol Nashville including his platinum-selling debut album, Learn to Live, and 2010 sophomore release Charleston, SC 1966. Collectively, the projects have produced five No. 1 songs, each co-written by Rucker, including “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” “Alright,” “This” and “Come Back Song.” Rucker’s first single off his upcoming album, “True Believers,” is set to impact radio this month.

Rucker, managed by McGhee Entertainment, has sold over 25 million albums – both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Hootie & the Blowfish.

The Gary Group Adds Connie Baer

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Connie Baer

Music industry veteran Connie Baer has re-joined The Gary Group as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and will be based in Nashville, marking the marketing agency’s first permanent Music City presence. In her new role, Baer will be responsible for creating and executing campaigns for its clients, as well as building new relationships in the Middle Tennessee area.

“We continue to be very committed to supporting our Nashville clients,” says Rick Rogers, President, The Gary Group. “Given today’s marketing challenges and emerging creative and digital technologies, we are stepping up our efforts to help our clients capitalize on opportunities with urgency. We are thrilled to have Connie back with us. She is one of the industry’s leading creative thinkers. With Connie’s tremendous experience in music marketing, promotion and distribution as well as so many other facets of the entertainment industry, along with her personal experience and knowledge of Nashville, we will provide our clients an undeniable marketing edge going forward.”

Baer served as VP Promotion/Marketing at The Gary Group’s Los Angeles offices for over a decade and worked on campaigns for numerous brands including record labels, artists, casinos, HBO, AT&T, Folgers and more. She moved to Nashville to assume the VP Marketing post at Sony Music, and also spent time with Giant Records, Imprint Entertainment, Watkins College of Art, and peermusic.

Congratulate her at connie@garygroup.com or 615-210-7908.

Promotions at Avenue Bank

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Ronald L. Samuels, Chairman and CEO of Avenue Bank, has announced five new promotions in the Nashville branches.

Andy Moats has been promoted to Bank Group Director and is responsible for management of the bank’s Private Client Banking team, Music & Entertainment Division, Business Banking, as well as oversight of retail banking growth and client service. He joined Avenue Bank in 2006 and brings more than 12 years of commercial banking experience. He remains Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, with continued responsibility for management of Credit Underwriting and Credit Strategy.

Aaron Dorn has been named Vice President, Director of Concierge Banking, responsible for management of the bank’s retail banking team and four branch locations. He was one of the original group of employees who started Avenue Bank in 2006. In 2009 he joined the United States Marine Corps, and returned to Avenue Bank upon completion of his military service in June 2012.

Mallory Bishop has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, West End Branch Manager. She joined Avenue Bank as a Concierge Banker in 2009.

Chris Schlueter has been promoted to Business Banking Manager and is responsible for business development and management of the bank’s new team dedicated to small business owners and their companies. He most recently served as the Branch Manager of the bank’s West End location, the role he held since the branch location’s opening in 2008.

John Moore has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Private Client Banking Manager. He joined Avenue Bank when it opened in July 2007.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/29/12)

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Top: Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Farr, Darius Rucker. Bottom: High Valley

There’s a star in our winner’s circle, but the day belongs to little lights who twinkle a little less brightly.

Darius Rucker rides away with a Disc of the Day award for singing and co-writing the pulse quickening “True Believers.” It’s a song for lasting lovers everywhere.

But right behind him is a gaggle of unknowns, clamoring to be heard. Three of them are getting DisCovery Awards this week. Our Female DisCovery is Kacey Musgraves, who has an outstanding song. I first heard “Merry Go ‘Round” when she sang it earlier this year at CRS. It and she both blew me away then, and they did so again today.

The Male DisCovery Award goes to Tyler Farr, who has the outstanding voice, as well as a finely crafted song. “Hello Goodbye” pushed all my buttons.

The Group DisCovery Award goes to a sibling trio called High Valley. Their debut disc scores points for production excellence, as well as vocal performance. High Valley has already had several hits and awards nominations in its Canadian homeland.

LISA MATASSA/Somebody’s Baby
Writer: Kelly Archer/Casey Koesel/Justin Weaver; Producer: Tony Bruno; Publisher: Pubple Cape/ole/Major Bob/Music of Stage Three, BMI; 9 North/
itishwhatitis (www.lisamatassa.com)
—Mama sends her on her way with uplifting advice and assurance that home will always be there. Matassa attacks this tempo tune with gusto and admirable self assurance. Tell that rock guitarist to get out of her way.

ALAN JACKSON/You Go Your Way
Writer: Troy Jones/Tony Lane/David Lee; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Tee Roy/Carnival/Uncle Beast/Songs of Universal/Horns on the Hood, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
—Loping and relaxed in musical tone, but with more than a few conflicted feelings in the lyric. This finely written song is sung to perfection by this modern country master. Heartily endorsed listening.

HIGH VALLEY/Love You For a Long Time
Writer: Jared Crump/Ben Stennis/Brad Rempel; Producer: Phil O’Donnell & Jeremy Spillman; Publisher: Pickin’/BMG Chrysalis/Songs of Kickingbird/Bug/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Big Brave Bendito/Centricity, BMI/SESAC/SOCAN/ASCAP; Eaglemont (www.highvalleymusic.com)
—Male trio harmonies atop a beefy, rocking track. If you’re not bopping along by the second chorus, there’s something wrong with your rhythm mojo. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

THOMAS RHETT/Beer with Jesus
Writer: T. Rhett/Rick Huckaby/Lance Miller; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Songs of Stylesonic/Melvin’s Pistol/Melvin’s Bullets/13th Avenue/I-40, BMI/SESAC; Valory Music
—Awesome. Only in country music will you find a song this simultaneously poignant, wry, emotionally honest, courageously creative and heartfelt. Rhett’s drawling, countryboy delivery of it is completely believable and absolutely perfect. This is the kind of thing we do best.

ATTERBERRY STATION/Fool’s Game
Writer: none listed; Producer: Cody Braun; Publisher: none listed; AS (track)
—Country rock, served up with relentless guitar grooves and steady-as-she-goes rhythmic propulsion. Roll on down the highway with this cranked up in your car speakers.

TYLER FARR/Hello Goodbye
Writer: Tyler Farr/Kris Bergnes/Skip Black; Producer: Jim Catino & Julian King; Publisher: none listed, BMI/IMPRO/ASCAP; Columbia (CDX)
—Tenderly sung, with just the right amounts of heartache, self-pity and tenor sobs. The song is extremely well crafted, lyrically, and also takes advantage of his striking vocal range. Eminently playable.

DARIUS RUCKER/True Believers
Writer: Darius Rucker/Josh Kear; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Universal/Cadaja/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
—Surprisingly stirring. He really gets inside this thumping ode to an enduring love story. The chorus has more hooks than a tuna boat. The underscored strings at the bridge tickle your heartstrings and by the time of the final guitar chimes, you’re a complete goner.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Merry Go ‘Round
Writer: Kacey Musgraves/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producer: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/351 Music/Want a Fresh One/Black River/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP; Mercury (CDX)
—This brilliant song of defeated expectations and dysfunctional dynamics deserves massive exposure. Musgraves’ lulled, downbeat delivery matches the lyric’s every nuance.

CRAIG MORGAN/More Trucks Than Cars
Writer: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Craig Morgan & Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Bucks/Sixteen Stars/Rooster Pecked/CMOGO, ASCAP/BMI; Black River (CDX) (615-780-3079)
—The lyric touches on all the backwoods cliches about how much better country folks are than city dwellers. He can do better, and has. Just so you know, neither grits nor biscuits are on my list of favorite foods.

PHIL HAMILTON/Running
Writer: Phil Hamilton/Beau Bedford; Producer: Beau Bedford; Publisher: none listed; PHM
—Texas garage country, with appropriately dusty atmosphere and a certain rollicking likeability. The sound might be a mite muffled, but this guy has talent.

Swift To Receive CCMA Award, Sets Music Video Debut

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Taylor Swift will receive the CCMA Generation Award, a new accolade created in conjunction with the Canadian Country Music Association’s 30th anniversary. The award is designed to honor an artist expanding the global popularity of country music.

“With her increased and continual success on the international scene, Taylor Swift embodies every aspect of the CCMA Generation Award,” said Ted Ellis, Chair of CCMA Board of Directors. “Since 2010, she has not only become the biggest-selling country artist in Canada, she is also one of the top selling artists in the world, across all genres. Taylor has already been recognized with over 100 prestigious international industry honors (including three previous CCMA awards for Top Selling Album) and she maintains a connection with her 200 million fans online daily.”

She will attend the 2012 CCMA Awards in Saskatoon, which will be broadcast live across Canada on Sun., Sept. 9 at 8 PM/ET on CBC, with encore airings on CMT Canada starting at 10 PM/ET.

Swift will also debut the music video for her current single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” on Thursday (8/30). The video will air simultaneously on MTV and CMT at 7:49 PM/ET.

Adkins, Chenoweth Return As ACA Awards Hosts

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Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth will return as hosts of the third annual American Country Awards, airing from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay this December on FOX. Nominations will be announced soon.

The American Country Awards gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists in traditional awards categories as well as other areas including touring.

“The ACAs honor the best and brightest of country music, from the hotshot breakthrough artists to the icons,” said Adkins. “I’m looking forward to cutting loose again with Kristin, who’s quite the firecracker comedienne, while we also take viewers through an evening of great music and awards.”

“I’m excited to return to the ACA stage with Trace and his big personality and even bigger boots,” said Chenoweth. “We had a blast last year and I plan to pull out all the stops to make sure everyone has a good time!”

American Country Awards is executive-produced by Bob Bain (Teen Choice 2012, Kids’ Choice Awards). Paul Flattery, Tisha Fein and Fletcher Foster serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.