Skip Bishop, Larry Pareigis
Country YTD album sales are up 5.8% this year, which compares nicely with the overall industry’s not-so-pretty deficit of -2.9%. Could country’s energetic showing be connected with a change in the speed of songs traveling up and down the radio charts?
During country’s early ‘90s hey day, the genre’s charts bustled with songs moving up and down in rapid fire fashion as opposed to the congestion we have seen more recently. Artists could release three and sometimes four singles in one year. During those golden years, country radio played a higher percentage of current songs vs. older or recurrent titles, creating added airtime inventory for new music. Consumer familiarity with more singles in less time, translated to increased album and ticket sales.
A quick look at recent charts supports the idea that chart cycles might be starting to trend faster, again. Look at these recent No. 1 songs from the last six weeks atop Billboard’s Country List. Four artists rose to the top in 20 weeks or less. Only newcomer Kip Moore took the scenic 33-week route!
May 7: Miranda Lambert— 20 wks
May 14: Jason Aldean— 20 wks
May 21/29: Kip Moore— 33 wks
June 4: Carrie Underwood— 15 wks
June 11: Eric Church— 19 wks
But experienced promotion executive Skip Bishop, recently Sr. VP Promotion for Sony Nashville, isn’t convinced by the recent numbers. “The quickening of the chart is an illusion,” Bishop believes. “What you are seeing (in most cases) are singles from superstar acts being ingested to a higher rotation faster. Because of PPM methodology, programmers are relying more on very familiar hot acts to be on the radio when their P1s tune in. On the other hand it seems that the process for developing acts is actually taking even longer, up to 40 weeks due to the log jam at the top. It isn’t necessarily bad. If you have a young act that is working and driving downloads, the slow journey to the top can be a blessing to artist development!”
Nine North Records/Turnpike Music President Larry Pareigis, whose country airplay experience includes the wilder, faster ‘90s and current times, is also hesitant to pronounce today’s charts as “speeding up.” “As Kip’s 33-week path illustrates,” says Pareigis, “the road is still a long one for debut artists, whether on majors or indies. The chart has been faster—always been faster in fact—for major, established acts like Miranda and Aldean. The big 7-9 artists in the format at any given time are the exception rather than the rule.”
Are faster charts an illusion, exception to the rule, or simply a wish to return to a golden age? The answer is not yet clear, but what is verifiable is that country music sales have a nine-point spread ahead of all-genre sales and a 12.8% market share which compares nicely with 11.8% market share for the same period last year.
Sale-ing Along
Country album sales are up almost 6% and positive in all categories across our weekly grid snapshot. We’re coming off an incredible week for the format, with CMA’s Music Fest showing record attendance, the CMT Music Awards getting great ratings, a variety of major country tours selling arenas and stadiums plus album debuts from Alan Jackson and Jana Kramer. Have fortunes and futures for country music ever been better?
The answer to that depends upon whether we look at revenue streams overall, (especially touring, merch and endorsements) or focus primarily on product sales. From a multi-year sales standpoint, things are not really that rosy. For example, with all the above excitement and two debut albums, the Top 75 Current Country Albums chart fails to break the 400k barrier this week measuring in with a weak 364k. What’s worse, that is quite an improvement from last week when the total was a tepid 287k! Some observers would say that unless a new business model is crafted, shops currently depending upon music sales might find in the not too distant future that product sales will become inconsequential as a revenue stream for all but a very few artists.
So there’s the medicine, now let’s find a few positives to highlight.
Alan Jackson’s new set, (getting strong critical praise) strolls into the No. 1 spotlight with almost 73k units this week, (15% digital). He graces the No. 2 rung on the all-genre Top 200 ladder, behind Adele. The traditionalist also beats debuts from Beach Boys (No. 3), Neil Young (No.4) and Big K.R.I.T. (No. 5).
Jana Kramer, buoyed by her TV base and new country fans makes a nice Current Country debut in the No. 5 position with over 16k units (59% digital). The remainder of the Country Top 10 albums seem strangely unaffected by the week’s events with five titles showing mild, but negative sales moves.
In country trackland Luke Bryan is sailing with a strong wind, moving his “Drunk On You” to No. 1 with almost 109k units. Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” leaps up 202% to No. 2 with over 81k units. No doubt the jump comes as a result of the quartet’s hypnotic performance and incredible houseboat set on the CMT Awards.
In closing we turn to the #laughoutloud department and WMN’s sales division.. John Esposito and Peter Strickland’s merry band of marketers proved that if they don’t wear the pants, at least they own them. The mischievous mavens peppered the Row yesterday with pants of all colors and sizes to recognize the release of the label’s Jimmy Fallon comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off.
Sneak Peeks: Malibu Country, Nashville, Welcome to the Fishbowl
/by Eric T. ParkerWhile out at CMA Music Festival, MusicRow had the opportunity to screen the June test pilots* of two shows coming to ABC next season, Malibu Country and Nashville. Kenny Chesney’s documentary about the making of his June 19 release Welcome To The Fishbowl was also available for viewing in the Convention Center’s screening room. Don’t worry, no spoilers included.
*Disclaimer: Both ABC pilots were viewed during the 2012 CMA Music Festival where viewers were asked to submit evaluation forms aimed at revising sample pilots into final primetime cuts. MusicRow’s review is based on these tentative versions previewed by sample audiences.
Cast of ABC's Malibu Country
Malibu Country (premieres November, Fridays at 8:30/7:30 CT)
The pilot episode traces the story of Reba McKenzie (Reba McEntire) as she moves from Nashville with her mother (Lily Tomlin) and two children (Juliette Angelo and Justin Prentice) to her ex-husband’s ‘loveshack’ in Malibu.
The kitschy décor of the country beach house was as clichéd as the screenwriting, which was penned by Reba show writer Kevin Abbott. Since the set looked a Disney show, it was awkward when the pilot broached more mature subjects such as divorce, marijuana and homosexuality. Through attempts to highlight Reba’s difficulty adjusting to stereotypical differences between Southern culture and the California coast, the seriousness of some issues were handled a little too lightheartedly, even by sitcom standards, which was unsettling for the viewer.
The show veered into slapstick comedy, particularly for Reba’s character. Luckily, the acting was not lacking, with one particularly compelling scene featuring Tomlin and McEntire.
A few nods to McEntire’s real-life celebrity were made during the show, which got a great reaction from the crowd. The episode also seemed to pique the audience’s hope for new music from the star. “Here’s To The New Me,” the title track for the opening spot was featured throughout the show.
••••
Cast of ABC's Nashville
Nashville (Fall, Wednesdays at 10/9 CT)
The pilot of Nashville is a showcase for the city. The show centers around Rayna James, played by Connie Britton, attempting to regain footing in the music scene after an award winning 21 year career at Edgehill Republic Records. Political and entertainment lines are intertwined to create a dramatic web of intrigue. The well-written story follows a relatable character surrounded by corruption, greed, and money.
Eli Young Band’s “Even if it Breaks Your Heart” plays in the opening scene with a swooping shot of Nashville’s downtown skyline. The Loveless Café is featured, including when Britton’s character is sporting a t-shirt from the famed establishment.
Shots and mentions of the Terrazzo, walking bridge, Ryman, Grand Ole Opry, 650 WSM-AM, The Bluebird Cafe and Tootsies beg the question: what other local spots will receive a placement?
••••
Kenny Chesney in Welcome to the Fishbowl
Welcome To The Fishbowl
Kenny Chesney’s Welcome to the Fishbowl, a documentary about the making of the album of the same name, will appease fans until the music hits shelves next week (6/19).
The 40-minute Shaun Silva-directed video is available for purchase on iTunes for $4.99, or rental for $3.99 standard/$4.99 HD.
Tacklebox and Soul Shine Films follow the recording process track-by-track from Nashville’s Ocean Way studios to Buddy Cannon and Justin Niebank mixing the album at an Island beach house.
Tracks include:
“While He Still Knows Who I Am”
“Feel Like A Rockstar”
“El Cerrito Place”
“Time Flies”
“Come Over”
“I’m A Small Town”
“Welcome To the Fishbowl”
“Always Gonna Be You”
“Sing ‘em Good My Friend”
Chesney signs off by saying, “I hope I can bottle up the energy in this album and bring it to you on the road.” We’ll be excited to catch the Brothers of the Sun tour to see if that promise is lived up to.
3rd Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp Returning to Nashville
/by FreemanArtists participating in the camp include Lauren Alaina, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, along with singer/songwriter David Lee Murphy and producer Paul Worley. The program culminates in a live performance by Big & Rich at the Grand Ole Opry.
The week-long Camp has a dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities as well as providing music enrichment through performance and education. ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the Camp in addition to providing scholarships for several campers. The program is open to individuals with developmental disabilities, talented in music.
To apply for admission, email laura.mcleod@vanderbilt.edu.
Weekly Register: Are Faster Radio Charts Speeding Country Sales?
/by bossrossSkip Bishop, Larry Pareigis
Country YTD album sales are up 5.8% this year, which compares nicely with the overall industry’s not-so-pretty deficit of -2.9%. Could country’s energetic showing be connected with a change in the speed of songs traveling up and down the radio charts?
During country’s early ‘90s hey day, the genre’s charts bustled with songs moving up and down in rapid fire fashion as opposed to the congestion we have seen more recently. Artists could release three and sometimes four singles in one year. During those golden years, country radio played a higher percentage of current songs vs. older or recurrent titles, creating added airtime inventory for new music. Consumer familiarity with more singles in less time, translated to increased album and ticket sales.
A quick look at recent charts supports the idea that chart cycles might be starting to trend faster, again. Look at these recent No. 1 songs from the last six weeks atop Billboard’s Country List. Four artists rose to the top in 20 weeks or less. Only newcomer Kip Moore took the scenic 33-week route!
May 7: Miranda Lambert— 20 wks
May 14: Jason Aldean— 20 wks
May 21/29: Kip Moore— 33 wks
June 4: Carrie Underwood— 15 wks
June 11: Eric Church— 19 wks
But experienced promotion executive Skip Bishop, recently Sr. VP Promotion for Sony Nashville, isn’t convinced by the recent numbers. “The quickening of the chart is an illusion,” Bishop believes. “What you are seeing (in most cases) are singles from superstar acts being ingested to a higher rotation faster. Because of PPM methodology, programmers are relying more on very familiar hot acts to be on the radio when their P1s tune in. On the other hand it seems that the process for developing acts is actually taking even longer, up to 40 weeks due to the log jam at the top. It isn’t necessarily bad. If you have a young act that is working and driving downloads, the slow journey to the top can be a blessing to artist development!”
Nine North Records/Turnpike Music President Larry Pareigis, whose country airplay experience includes the wilder, faster ‘90s and current times, is also hesitant to pronounce today’s charts as “speeding up.” “As Kip’s 33-week path illustrates,” says Pareigis, “the road is still a long one for debut artists, whether on majors or indies. The chart has been faster—always been faster in fact—for major, established acts like Miranda and Aldean. The big 7-9 artists in the format at any given time are the exception rather than the rule.”
Are faster charts an illusion, exception to the rule, or simply a wish to return to a golden age? The answer is not yet clear, but what is verifiable is that country music sales have a nine-point spread ahead of all-genre sales and a 12.8% market share which compares nicely with 11.8% market share for the same period last year.
Sale-ing Along
Country album sales are up almost 6% and positive in all categories across our weekly grid snapshot. We’re coming off an incredible week for the format, with CMA’s Music Fest showing record attendance, the CMT Music Awards getting great ratings, a variety of major country tours selling arenas and stadiums plus album debuts from Alan Jackson and Jana Kramer. Have fortunes and futures for country music ever been better?
The answer to that depends upon whether we look at revenue streams overall, (especially touring, merch and endorsements) or focus primarily on product sales. From a multi-year sales standpoint, things are not really that rosy. For example, with all the above excitement and two debut albums, the Top 75 Current Country Albums chart fails to break the 400k barrier this week measuring in with a weak 364k. What’s worse, that is quite an improvement from last week when the total was a tepid 287k! Some observers would say that unless a new business model is crafted, shops currently depending upon music sales might find in the not too distant future that product sales will become inconsequential as a revenue stream for all but a very few artists.
Alan Jackson’s new set, (getting strong critical praise) strolls into the No. 1 spotlight with almost 73k units this week, (15% digital). He graces the No. 2 rung on the all-genre Top 200 ladder, behind Adele. The traditionalist also beats debuts from Beach Boys (No. 3), Neil Young (No.4) and Big K.R.I.T. (No. 5).
Jana Kramer, buoyed by her TV base and new country fans makes a nice Current Country debut in the No. 5 position with over 16k units (59% digital). The remainder of the Country Top 10 albums seem strangely unaffected by the week’s events with five titles showing mild, but negative sales moves.
In closing we turn to the #laughoutloud department and WMN’s sales division.. John Esposito and Peter Strickland’s merry band of marketers proved that if they don’t wear the pants, at least they own them. The mischievous mavens peppered the Row yesterday with pants of all colors and sizes to recognize the release of the label’s Jimmy Fallon comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off.
Colt Ford Releasing New Music
/by Eric T. ParkerWritten by Ford, Shannon Houchins, Noah Gordon, and Mike Hartnett, the lyrics come from Ford’s childhood memories.
“This is such a personal song for me,” explains Ford. “It’s about my past and my future. To have one of my best friends in the music business, Jake Owen, be a part of this song with me is a big deal. It’s a song that I wanted a friend of mine to be a part of.”
In addition to Owen’s appearance, Ford’s 15-track release will feature collaborations with Jason Aldean, Boyz II Men, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Darius Rucker and more.
Ford has sold 900k total albums and 3.1 million digital singles since his debut, Ride Through the Country, in 2008, and is now headlining his Declaration of Independence tour. Additionally, he has expanded his reach by launching his own Goodtime Vodka and Moonshine brand and creating own burger for Santa Fe Cattle Co.
Actress/Singer Lucy Hale Recording Country Album
/by FreemanLucy Hale
Hollywood Records has announced the signing of actress and country singer Lucy Hale to an exclusive recording deal. Hale currently stars as Aria Montgomery in the ABC Family series Pretty Little Liars, which airs Tuesday nights at 7 pm/CT.
Hale is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and cites Shania Twain and Faith Hill as important influences. She was a winner of the reality show American Juniors and has acted in television shows Privileged and Bionic Woman. She will begin recording later in 2012, and her first album and single will appear in 2013 on Lyric Street/Hollywood Records.
“Lucy’s immense talent and passion for music make her a great fit for the label,” said Executive Vice President of Disney Music Group, Ken Bunt. “We’re very excited to be working with her.”
(L-R): Chip McLean, SVP, Business Affairs/Development, Disney Music Group; Cathleen Taff, SVP/GM, Disney Music Group; Ken Bunt, EVP, Disney Music Group; Lucy Hale; Mike Daly, Director, A&R, Disney Music Group; Robbie Snow, Head of Global Marketing, Hollywood Records
Southern Ground Builds Promo Team With Solima, RPME
/by Sarah SkatesSolima, Christopher and Cosco were part of the team that previously logged nine consecutive No. 1 Zac Brown Band singles while working at Bigger Picture Group.
Going forward, Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists label will be hiring additional promotion executives to support ZBB, as well as Southern Ground Artists Sonia Leigh and Blackberry Smoke.
The team is working ZBB’s current single, “The Wind,” the lead track from the July 10 release, Uncaged.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/13/12)
/by Robert K OermannThere’s no question but that Miranda Lambert has the Disc of the Day with “Fastest Girl in Town.” But keep your ears open for Willie Nelson and Jason Eady, too.
It’s also completely self-evident to me that Charlie Worsham is the winner of the DisCovery Award. He completely knocked me out, and his self-titled, five-song, debut EP is definitely a keeper. Listen and believe.
RACHEL HARRINGTON/Makin’ Our House a Honky-Tonk
Writer: Rachel Lyn Harrington; Producer: Evan Brubaker; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Skinny Dennis (track) (www.rachelharrington.net*)
—True to its title, it sounds like it was recorded in her living room. That said, it has a certain, slightly sloppy, homemade charm.
CHARLIE WORSHAM/Could it Be
Writer: Marty Dodson/Ryan Tynsdell/Charlie Worsham; Producer: Charlie Worsham & Ryan Tyndaell; Publisher: I Hope Momma’s Listening/Black to Black/ole/Purple Cape, BMI; ole (track) (www.charlieworsham.com)
—Wow. This guy sings with immense warmth and personality. The production is an ear-tickling, acoustics-with-a-thump delight. The harmony work is flawless. And the song is a melodic wonder. Make this man a star.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Fastest Girl in Town
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track)
—Miranda’s back to rocking in her “bad girl” persona. She steams up the windows with this performance as a sexy vixen who goes out drinking and speeding with her beau, then ditches him for the cop who stops them. Get outta the way of those shrieking electric guitars, boys.
JAMES STORM/Longnecks & Rednecks
Writer: Serg Salinas/Dale Oliver; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TNA Knockout
—Storm is a professional wrassler, and this is his theme song. It’s a screamer.
BRIAN MOLNAR & THE NAKED HEARTS/Some Dreams
Writer: Brian Molnar; Producer: Brian Molnar & The Naked Hearts; Publisher: Low 12, BMI; Avenue A (track) (www.brianmolnar.com)
—This lilting ballad has a wistful, sweet/sad quality that goes down smoothly. He sings with soft honesty and the piano, steel and guitar notes are perfectly placed. There’s real talent in these grooves. An instant favorite.
JENNY SIMMS/A Reason to Come Home to You
Writer: Jenny Simms; Producer: Larry Butler; Publisher: none listed; JS (track) (www.jennysimmsmusic.com)
—The late Larry Butler was behind the board for this one. It’s a Caribbean-accented ditty, delivered by a confident, throaty vocalist. She has moxie. So does the song.
JASON EADY/AM Country Heaven
Writer: Jason Eady; Producer: Kevin Welch; Publisher: Jason Eady, SESAC; Underground Sound (track) (www.jasoneady.com)
—Singer-songwriter Kevin Welch, who’s producing here, sure knows a tunesmithing talent when he hears one. Eady sings of by-gone country days when people sang about reality and didn’t necessarily look like fashion models. His vocal is hillbilly-perfect, and the steel echoes his every sentiment. Essential listening for any true country fan.
WILLIE NELSON/Just Breathe
Writer: Eddie Vedder; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Legacy/Nine North (ERG)
—Willie is the Energizer Bunny of country music. He just keeps on keepin’ on. This smoothly produced outing finds his distinctive nasal voice ruminating on life, death and reincarnation amid soft harmonica sighs, rippling guitars, supportive background singing and light steel guitar grace notes. Extremely listenable, it’s the prettiest track he has released in years. The song was a 2009 hit for Pearl Jam and was penned by frontman Eddie Vedder.
CHRIS CAGLE/Let There Be Cowgirls
Writer: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: none listed; Bigger Picture (track) (www.chriscagle.com)
—Somehow, I doubt that the Almighty commanded that there be cowgirls at the dawn of creation. But that’s the premise here. Cagle is singing with a little more subtlety than he used to, but he still favors thunderous accompaniment.
LOGAN MAC/Red Dirt Town
Writer: Logan Mac/Rick Fowble; Producer: Joe Matthews; Publisher: Oil Trash, ASCAP; TCM (www.tcmrecordsnashville.com)
—The poor thing can just barely sing. And it doesn’t help that the production practically overwhelms his little bitty voice.
CMA Music Festival By The Numbers
/by Sarah SkatesLuke Bryan performs at LP Field on Sat., June 9 during the 2012 CMA Music Festival. Bryan and Kimberly Perry will host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airing Mon., Sept. 17 on ABC. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
$6.1 million festival proceeds donated to music education over the years
1.4 million fans in CMA’s aggregate digital audience
1.25 million consumer engagements including product sampling, sales leads and brand impressions
71,000 total daily attendance
31,000 tweets sent to the Jumbotrons at LP Field
22,500 texts sent to the Jumbotrons at LP Field
25,000 fans at the free concerts at the Riverfront both Friday and Saturday
20,000 cheering spectators at the kick-off parade
17,000 number of times the CMA Awards & Music Fest App was downloaded for the festival
10,000 hours worked by volunteers
882 attendees treated by medical workers
730 credentialed journalists, photographers, and videographers
460 volunteers
450 artists performances
250 artists and celebrities appearing at Fan Fair Hall
230 domestic and international media outlets represented
200 hours of concert
94 percent of attendees who are extremely satisfied and plan to attend next year
71 percent of attendees who are college educated
50 brand sponsors
50 number of states represented by attendees
40 radio stations represented by broadcaster attendees
38.5 average age of attendees
38 acts at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field
24 number of countries represented
14 ambulance transports
4 number of times the CMA Music Festival has won IEBA Festival of the Year
Edens Edge Celebrates Debut Album Release
/by FreemanThe Arkansas-bred group of Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner, and Cherrill Green will celebrate the album’s release with a stop at Fox & Friends Weekend which airs on Fox News Channel Saturday, June 16. Additionally, Edens Edge has been selected to support Rascal Flatts’ summer tour, and will join them on the road starting June 15 in Hartford, CT.
Cracker Barrel is also offering an exclusive version of Edens Edge with three additional tracks not found on the regular release. Full track listing below.
Edens Edge track list:
1. Amen (Skip Black, Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Gerald O’Brien)
2. Swingin’ Door (Terry Clayton, Brett James, Ashley Monroe)
3. Skinny Dippin’ (Dean Berner, Laura Veltz, Vince Melamed)
4. Too Good To Be True (Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges)
5. Last Supper (Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Danny Myrick)
6. Feels So Real (Angelo, Hillary Lindsey, Tia Sillers)
7. Who Am I Drinking Tonight (Hannah Blaylock, Laura Veltz)
8. Liar (Andy Stochansky, Laura Veltz)
9. Cherry Pie (Dean Berner, Vince Melamed, Laura Veltz)
10. Christ Alone (Steve Smith)
Cracker Barrel Deluxe Edition exclusive tracks:
1. Roots (Cherrill Green, Catt Gravitt, Skip Black)
2. Little Bird (Dean Berner)
3. Wherever I Go (Hannah Blaylock, Joy Williams, Danny Myrick, Jennifer Schott)
Pickler, Wynnona Score Brand Partnerships
/by Freeman• • •