Chase Rice signs with CAA. Pictured (L-R): CAA's Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA's Brandon Frankel, CAA's Jim Butler, and Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard
• Chase Rice recently signed with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents. Chase’s debut album Dirt Road Communion, featuring lead single “How She Rolls,” was released March 20 and climbed to No. 6 on the iTunes Top Country Album Charts and No. 48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rice is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line. Rice’s interesting background includes CBS Survivor: Nicaragua, time as a UNC Chapel Hill football player, and work on the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.
• Shaun Silva has a new venture in the works. Currently known as Forward, the project has been in development for about 18 months. The new company will be a standalone venture, separate from his decade old Tacklebox Films, which will remain in its current location with current staff. Details on Forward are coming soon, in the meantime get a preview at weareforward.com.
Flynnville Train
• Flynnville Train’s latest single, “The One You Love,” was the most streamed and third most downloaded on Play MPE its first week of release. Written by Kentucky HeadHunters members Richard Young, Fred Young and Doug Phelps, the track is the first release from the band’s album due out in early 2013. The single is available via Whiskey Bent Records/Flying Island Entertainment. Flynnville Train’s upcoming appearances include shows with Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky HeadHunters and Gretchen Wilson.
• Nashville publicist Ed James is rejoining marketing company Cornerstone, with clients including Microsoft and Pepsi. He will resume his role as president and co-founder of the agency’s public relations division. James recently served as VP of Global Public Relations for Gibson Guitar. Prior to that he co-founded the Cornerstone Public Relations agency in 2006 as an extension of the New York based lifestyle marketing company. During his time as president, he signed numerous accounts for the firm and handled campaign strategy and execution for clients including HBO, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Pepsi, Nike, Reader’s Digest, Converse, Guitar Center and Levi’s.
• First-call studio keyboardist Gordon Mote has released his own album. Songs I Grew Up Singing is available on New Haven Records in association with RSI Music Group.
• The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has announced the renewal of a lyrics licensing agreement with LyricFind. Since its launch in 2004, LyricFind has entered into lyrics distribution agreements with major and many independent music publishers. In addition, LyricFind provides licensed lyrics to various digital service providers and has developed successful mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry Playbook. Using its bulk licensing process, HFA will continue to provide licenses for songs in LyricFind’s extensive database ensuring that music publishers and songwriters are accurately compensated for use of their lyrics.
• Porfirio Piña has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the BMI Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music. Piña is currently Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI.
Industry Ink (7/19/12)
/by Sarah SkatesChase Rice signs with CAA. Pictured (L-R): CAA's Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA's Brandon Frankel, CAA's Jim Butler, and Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard
• Chase Rice recently signed with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents. Chase’s debut album Dirt Road Communion, featuring lead single “How She Rolls,” was released March 20 and climbed to No. 6 on the iTunes Top Country Album Charts and No. 48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rice is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line. Rice’s interesting background includes CBS Survivor: Nicaragua, time as a UNC Chapel Hill football player, and work on the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.
• Shaun Silva has a new venture in the works. Currently known as Forward, the project has been in development for about 18 months. The new company will be a standalone venture, separate from his decade old Tacklebox Films, which will remain in its current location with current staff. Details on Forward are coming soon, in the meantime get a preview at weareforward.com.
Flynnville Train
• Flynnville Train’s latest single, “The One You Love,” was the most streamed and third most downloaded on Play MPE its first week of release. Written by Kentucky HeadHunters members Richard Young, Fred Young and Doug Phelps, the track is the first release from the band’s album due out in early 2013. The single is available via Whiskey Bent Records/Flying Island Entertainment. Flynnville Train’s upcoming appearances include shows with Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky HeadHunters and Gretchen Wilson.
• Nashville publicist Ed James is rejoining marketing company Cornerstone, with clients including Microsoft and Pepsi. He will resume his role as president and co-founder of the agency’s public relations division. James recently served as VP of Global Public Relations for Gibson Guitar. Prior to that he co-founded the Cornerstone Public Relations agency in 2006 as an extension of the New York based lifestyle marketing company. During his time as president, he signed numerous accounts for the firm and handled campaign strategy and execution for clients including HBO, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Pepsi, Nike, Reader’s Digest, Converse, Guitar Center and Levi’s.
• First-call studio keyboardist Gordon Mote has released his own album. Songs I Grew Up Singing is available on New Haven Records in association with RSI Music Group.
• The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has announced the renewal of a lyrics licensing agreement with LyricFind. Since its launch in 2004, LyricFind has entered into lyrics distribution agreements with major and many independent music publishers. In addition, LyricFind provides licensed lyrics to various digital service providers and has developed successful mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry Playbook. Using its bulk licensing process, HFA will continue to provide licenses for songs in LyricFind’s extensive database ensuring that music publishers and songwriters are accurately compensated for use of their lyrics.
• Porfirio Piña has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the BMI Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music. Piña is currently Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI.
SOURCE Awards Celebrate 10 Years
/by Eric T. ParkerSOURCE honorees pictured (L-R): Pat Rolfe, Judy Harris, Karen Conrad, Kay Smith, Judy Wray, and Connie Bradley; Shelia Shipley Biddy is not pictured. Photo: Denise Fussell
Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely return to host the 2012 SOURCE Awards which will honor successful women in Nashville’s entertainment industry at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville Thurs., Aug. 23.
This year’s honorees include founding members Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris, Pat Rolfe, and Kay Smith. Other longtime supporting members of SOURCE being honored include Judy Wray, Connie Bradley, and Karen Conrad.
Invitations to the awards dinner are being mailed this week to SOURCE colleagues and special guests.
For more information, call 615-416-3814. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Shauna Collins.
Little Big Town Announces Next Album
/by Caitlin Rantala“I am so excited for people to hear this new record,” said Jimi Westbrook. “We worked with Jay Joyce and he really pushed us to be in the moment. There was such an amazing energy between all of us in the studio and I think you can feel it.”
The album’s lead single “Pontoon” was released to radio in April and is currently No. 7 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout radio chart. It has been the Capitol Nashville act’s fasting rising single to date. “Pontoon” is No. 1 on the Soundscan Digital Country chart for the second week in a row and has sold over 520,000 tracks in eight weeks.
Tornado track listing:
1. Pavement Ends (Jason Saenz/Brent Cobb)
2. Pontoon (Barry Dean/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird)
3. Sober (Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna)
4. Front Porch Thing (Chris Stapleton/Adam Hood)
5. On Your Side Of The Bed (Lori McKenna/K.Fairchild/J.Westbrook/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)
6. Leavin’ In Your Eyes (Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jay Joyce/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
7. Tornado (Natalie Hemby/Delta Made)
8. On Fire Tonight (Luke Laird/P.Sweet/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
9. Can’t Go Back (Natalie Hemby/Kate York/Rosi Golan)
10. Self Made (Natalie Hemby/Jedd Hughes/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild)
11. Night Owl (Natalie Hemby/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)
Chesney Tops “Pollstar” Country Rankings
/by Sarah SkatesScoring the top 3 spots on the list are Cirque du Soleil Michael Jackson ($78.5 million), Roger Waters (61.9) and Van Halen (44.9).
Pollstar’s Top Country Tours of the Year
No. 4 Kenny Chesney, 33.9 million
No. 5 Lady Antebellum, 30.9
No. 15 Brad Paisley, 20.5
No. 22 Miranda Lambert, 17.6
No. 25 Jason Aldean, 13.8
No. 27 Eric Church, 12.8
No. 31 Zac Brown Band, 11.9
No. 33 Rascal Flatts, 11.3
No. 34 Blake Shelton, 10.6
No. 35 George Strait, 10.4
Others Nashville related acts charting in the Top 100 include Willie Nelson, Casting Crowns, Sugarland, Glen Campbell, Alison Krauss and Union Station and MercyMe.
Pollstar reports that the Top 100 Tours in North America generated a combined gross of $1,125.9 billion, up 1.2 percent over last year. This increase came despite a 9.4 percent drop in ticket prices, which currently average $58.61 per ticket. Artists made up the difference by playing more shows. More here.
For the full list on North American tours and details including average ticket price, average gross, and number of shows click here. The top Worldwide Tours list is here.
JT Hodges Sets Debut Album Release
/by Sarah SkatesEarlier this month, Hodges asked fans to help select the next single via a Facebook poll. As voting edges past the halfway point, the contenders have been narrowed down to major frontrunner “Sleepy Little Town” and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely.” Fans may continue to vote here.
Hodges hit the scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Hunt You Down,” and a slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour. He followed that with “Goodbyes Made You Mine,” the second single from his soon to be released CD.
JT Hodges track list
1. Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely
2. Sleepy Little Town
3. Hunt You Down
4. Give It One More Night
5. When I Stop Crying
6. Goodbyes Made You Mine
7. Leaving Me Later
8. Right About Now
9. Rhythm of The Radio
10. Green Eyes Red Sunglasses
Hot Line Up For “Country’s Night to Rock” TV Special
/by Sarah SkatesKimberly Perry and Luke Bryan host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock."
Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry host this summer’s hot television music event CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, airing Monday, Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC.
Shot June 7-10 at the Festival, the special offers behind-the-ropes access and interviews, late-night jams, and full-throttle performances. Bryan and Perry will be featured on the three-hour show along with Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kix Brooks, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr. and Zac Brown Band.
The primetime television special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, debuted in 2004 on CBS as a two-hour special. In 2005, it moved to the ABC Television Network, and then expanded to three hours in 2009. The special will air annually on ABC through 2021.
In 2011, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock drew an average audience of 7 million viewers and finished as the most-watched program in its three-hour time period.
“Tuskegee” Tops Mid-Year Album Sales
/by Caitlin RantalaTuskegee sold approximately 912,000 copies, more than any other album released in 2012, by the mid-year point that ended July 1. It comes in second only to Adele’s 21 for total sales of all albums for the first half of this year.
With sales now topping 934,000, it claimed the No. 1 spot on the overall Billboard Top 200 albums chart for two consecutive weeks and sat atop the Billboard Country Albums chart for four weeks. It was certified platinum in five weeks.
“What a year!” Richie says. “This album has taken me on an unforgettable journey filled with new friends, new jokes and new musical inspirations. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the success of Tuskegee and am thrilled by how it has been embraced by music lovers of all ages and backgrounds around the world.”
The album features duets of 13 of Richie’s hits with Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and Shania Twain.
Richie will appear on the E! Network’s Chelsea Lately tonight (7/18). He is also performing shows throughout the United States, including July 28 at Detroit’s Comerica Park, and will embark on a European tour in the fall.
Weekly Register: ZBB Rides High As Universal Deal Suffers
/by bossrossBut joy on one side of the industry see-saw can mean pain somewhere else. In this instance, while Atlantic celebrates the hearty start by one of its signature acts, Universal Music Group is having to stave off criticism that its upcoming bid to purchase EMI will unbalance the global music marketplace. To win regulatory approval Universal is virtually being forced to hack off its own body parts to slim its hefty footprint. Assets being rumored for the scalpel include Virgin UK and/or US plus EMI Classics. This increasingly costly deal could easily extend into October before being resolved.
And then there is the disturbing news that, according to Nielsen SoundScan, catalog albums are outselling current ones. During the first six months of 2012, 76.6 million catalog albums bested 73.9 million currents. Nielsen analyst David Bakula cites lower prices on catalog material ($5.99—$7.99) for the unsettling occurrence.
The Cash Drawer
It ought to be Zac Brown’s birthday today, because country fans sure left a plethora of presents on his musical doorstep. According to the ever vigilant Neal Spielberg, of Spielberg Entertainment, “ZBB debuts at No. 1 on the Top 200 albums chart, Top digital albums and Top country albums. Adding to the dominance is his No. 1 on the country catalog chart with Foundation and No. 6 Pass the Jar, selling 14K and 5.2K respectively. Add in You Get What You Give, rising to No. 6 country (17k) and it adds up to a whole lot of ZBB. 270K to be exact, giving ZBB 26% of country albums sales this week.”
Thanks Mr. Spielberg. As they say on the six o’clock news, “That sums it up nicely.” Kudos to Zac, Atlantic and the entire ZBB team. And special thanks as well to Amazon and iTunes whose debut week price wars and overall country music sales were responsible for much of the week’s good news.
Also a nicely placed debut in the Warner Music camp is the latest from Hank Williams Jr. Old School New Rules enters the chart at No. 4 with sales over 25k.
All that debut energy boosts the weekly country album tally into the million+ range. Even the Top 75 Country Current list broke 600k this week and as our Weekly Register grid shows, country album sales (week ended 7/15/12) are now up a healthy 6%!
TrackingTheTracks!
As predicted last week, Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” easily glided into Gold territory while remaining at the top of the Digital Genre Country tracks chart for a second week with downloads over 84k. And, we now know to expect the vocal quartet’s next studio album, Tornado, on Sept. 11. But the week belongs to ZBB. So we must also note that the artist with the most unique hat in country music placed FIVE tracks in the Top 30!
Do you know how many country tracks get downloaded each week on average? This week country downloaded 3.391 million tracks and we have a YTD total (28 weeks) of 90.386 million or an average of 3.23 million downloads per week.
See you next week!
BLA Launches Talent Competition
/by Eric T. ParkerThe talent search includes solo artists and bands from across the nation. Five finalists will perform Sept. 6 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon and will be judged on showmanship, musicianship and vocal abilities by a committee of music and entertainment industry executives.
The grand prize is $1,000 cash, a professional photo shoot in Nashville and the opportunity to open for RCA/Sony recording artists Bush Hawg. Second and third place winners will receive cash prizes of $500 and $250, respectively.
“We see extraordinary talent come and go on Music Row, and this talent search was created to give artist hopefuls the chance to be seen and heard…and treated like an ‘artist for a day,’” explains Donna Lee, Vice President & General Manager/Buddy Lee Attractions.
The entry fee is $75.00 and must be received by Aug., 22. Click here for details.
Jimmy Rector Joins EMI Records Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesJimmy Rector
Capitol Records Nashville has hired country radio promotion veteran Jimmy Rector as Director of Promotion, Midwest for EMI Records Nashville. Rector will begin his new gig Aug. 1 and will report directly to EMI VP of Promotion, Kevin Herring.
Rector was most recently VP of Strategic Planning & Promotion for Show Dog Universal.
“I feel like the Miami Heat when they signed LeBron James!” says Herring. “We are thrilled to have a promotion pro and boxer of Jimmy’s caliber on the EMI team.”
The move brings Rector’s career full circle. His promotion career began at Capitol Records in 1990 as a coordinator, working with artists such as Garth Brooks. Of his return to the Capitol family Rector says, “very rarely do you get to go back to where it all began and join the choir. My mom will be proud!”
Rector’s other stops include regional rep for Decca Records, regional Director at Capitol and BNA Records, Head of Promotion for RAYBAW Records, and VP of Promotion for Columbia Records.
Starting Aug. 1, he can be reached at jimmy.rector@emicap.com.