Photo Friday (3/09/12)

/by

“Longnecks and Rednecks,” the entrance music for TNA Impact Wrestling star Cowboy James Storm, is being released to country radio. The song is performed by TNA Knockout Music Vice President Serg Salinas and the song’s music video features Montgomery Gentry, Cowboy Troy and Sean Patrick McGraw.

This is the first time TNA Knockout Music has serviced a song to country radio. “The response to this song has been so overwhelming and fits James’ persona so perfectly, we felt like releasing it as a single and shooting a music video was a great way to expose James in a different way,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “Having Montgomery Gentry, Cowboy Troy and Sean Patrick McGraw join us in the video truly made it a party.”

(L-R): Eddie Montgomery from Montgomery Gentry, Impact Superstar James Storm, TNA Impact Wrestling President Dixie Carter, Troy Gentry from Montgomery Gentry and Cowboy Troy

• • • •

Country artist John Carter hosted and performed at the advance screening of the Disney film, John Carter on March 1 at Regal Green Hills Stadium 16. Before the screening, Carter performed his new single, “Beer Money,” and introduced the film to the audience. Carter is a former Marine Corps helicopter mechanic who manned the 50-caliber machine gun before beginning his singing career.

Based on a novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Carter the film tells the story of former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) who is transported to Mars and becomes involved in a conflict amongst its inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). The film reportedly hits theaters tonight (March 9).

John Carter with fans at the "John Carter" advance screening

Latocki Team Creative Launches Team Design Labs

/by

Latocki Team Creative has launched its new service, Team Design Labs. The service offers one-on-one consultations with graphic designers to create affordable solutions for logos, invitations, flyers, CD packages, posters and websites.

Team Design Labs was created specifically with small business owners and recording artists in mind. Half-day or full-day appointments are available.

“Being an entrepreneur myself, it’s important to me to find ways to help other entrepreneurs see their dreams come true,” says Luellyn Latocki Hensley, Owner. “So far I’ve witnessed new company logos be developed in a day, which is very cost effective & efficient for a start-up company.”

For rates and more information, check the Team Design Labs website.

AirPlay Direct Promotes Michael Harnett

/by

Digital delivery company AirPlay Direct has announced the appointment of Michael Harnett to President. Harnett joined AirPlay Direct as Director of Special Projects in late 2011, securing and launching partnerships with ASCAP, Folk Alliance, Hello Music, and Powderfinger Promotions among others. He has also overseen the addition of artists and promotions for Ani DiFranco, John Oates Band, Paul Kelly, Lydia Loveless, and the Del McCoury weekly radio program “Blue Side of Town.”

“I am honored and privileged to be working with Michael. He is a talented executive that has proven over and over again to be a powerful asset to our company,” says Robert Weingartz, Chairman and CEO of AirPlay Direct. “We had a great rebuilding year at AirPlay Direct in 2011 and I am confident that with Michael in the position of President we can expect continued advancements through 2012.”

Harnett’s 25 years of experience includes building Made in Heaven Entertainment and serving as a senior business development executive at Launch Media, Remix Galaxy, Zymeta and Starcast Networks. Harnett has worked with artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Flaming Lips, Rage Against the Machine, and Midnight Oil.

Congratulate him at Michael@airplaydirect.com.

SESAC Changes Royalty Distribution Model

/by

SESAC has announced a major change in its royalty distributions. The performing rights organization plans to accelerate domestic/terrestrial radio performance royalties from  quarterly distributions to monthly payments, beginning in the coming months. Monthly distributions will also be expanded to other performance platforms later in the year.

“We are proud to provide this accommodation to our affiliates and to continue SESAC’s legacy of providing the best level of service to songwriters and music publishers,” said Pat Collins, SESAC President and Chief Operating Officer.

Always a proponent of technology, SESAC uses BDS tracking to monitor radio airplay for accurate payments and has also implemented fingerprinting technology in its survey and distribution systems.

Keen, Lovett, and Van Zandt Inducted to TxHSA Hall of Fame

/by

(L-R) Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle and Robert Earl Keen performing at the 2012 Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Show. Photo: Jenny Hartgrove

The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association held its 7th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Show March 4 at Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theater in downtown Austin. This year’s honorees included beloved singer/songwriters Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and the late Townes Van Zandt. Keen and Lovett performed at the show, along with Steve Earle and other Texas artists.

The Awards Show is part of a two-day celebration which coincides with Texas’ Independence Day. On March 3, a private homecoming party was held at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum with performances by Bob DiPiero, Jeffrey Steele and David Lee Murphy.

As an ongoing supporter of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association donated five dollars of every ticket sold directly to the organization, which provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low income, uninsured musicians.

Past honorees and performers include Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, Clint Black, Allen Shamblin, Gary Nicholson, Bruce Channel, Red Steagall, Lee Roy Parnell, Mac Davis, Larry Gatlin and Kris Kristofferson.

L-R: David Lee Murphy, Jeffrey Steele, Jody Williams, Bob DiPiero. Photo: Rick Henson

ASCAP Reports Increased Revenues

/by

ASCAP released its 2011 financial results today (3/8), posting an increase in revenue over the previous year. For the calendar year of 2011, ASCAP reports revenues of $985 million, the second highest in the organization’s history and a 5.4% increase over 2010.

Foreign collections played an important role by bringing in $347 million, a $50 million increase from 2010. “The demand for ASCAP’s repertory across all genres of music is enormous and growing by leaps and bounds, both domestically and abroad,” commented ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. “A major driver of our revenue growth in 2011 was the popularity of our members’ music abroad, leading to the highest-ever foreign collections bolstered by an advantageous foreign exchange rate. As songwriters and composers, we depend on the efficiencies of ASCAP to manage our performing rights in a rapidly changing global economy. ASCAP’s advocacy throughout the world is an important factor in ensuring fair treatment and compensation for songwriters and composers of every kind of music.”

Total distribution to the organization’s 400,000-plus songwriter members was down slightly, from $845 million in 2010, to $824 million in 2011. Its operating expense ratio was 11.9%, down two percent from 2010.

Providing a stable future for songwriter members is one of the organization’s key goal, and it has negotiated multi-year licenses with Sirius/XM, HBO, Viacom and the radio industry. The radio agreement includes a return to a revenue-based fee structure as radio broadens its revenue base through new delivery mechanisms.

In 2011, ASCAP developed a new organizational structure by consolidating some areas and expanding the Membership, Licensing, and International departments. EVP, Membership Randy Grimmet was promoted to oversee the membership department. Nashville-based Vincent Candilora, formerly SVP, was elevated to EVP, Licensing. London-based Roger Greenaway was promoted to EVP, International, from his previous role of SVP.

• • • • •

Earlier in the week ASCAP Nashville unveiled its new Music Lounge, a cozy and stylish performance/meeting room on the third floor that previously served as executive office space. Singer/songwriters Whitney Duncan and Jonathan Singleton christened the room with a selection of their songs, and guests were treated to a catered lunch.

Whitney Duncan and Jonathan Singleton performing at the ASCAP Nashville Music Lounge.

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

/by

In the 45 rpm singles era, the B-side would occasionally eclipse the A-side single in popularity and go on to experience huge success. Examples include Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” In the CD/Digital era, sometimes Bonus Tracks like Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” (from Petty’s Greatest Hits) end up standing as tall as the artist’s previous hits.

Taylor Swift’s “Ours” seems to fall in that last category, though it might be its own animal in that it’s a Bonus Track from the Target exclusive version of Swift’s album Speak Now. Regardless of origin, “Ours” is still a smash and it’s now the new CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 song. The lyrics are classic Swift: us-against-the-world romance that shines optimistically in spite the naysayers. Country fans got to see an intimate rendering of the tune at the 2011 CMA Awards, when Swift performed it live.

Swift recently played the 100th show of her globe-trotting Speak Now World Tour at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Australia. She is also currently nominated for ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year. Additionally, Swift lent her voice-over talents to Disney’s The Lorax, which opened at No. 1 last weekend and scored the biggest box office debut so far in 2012.

Nashville Artists Joining Summer TV Competitions

/by

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles

Nettles, Clarkson and Richie Headed to ABC

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke have been announced the headliners for a new music competition show called Duets. The series, which debuts on ABC this summer, distinguishes itself by allowing contestants to sing with the stars.

Clarkson, Nettles, Richie and Thicke will individually journey across America looking for undiscovered talent. Ultimately, each star will choose two singers to be his/her duet partners. Each week the pro’s will take the stage with their protégés to perform together in front of a live studio audience. The winning contestant will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

“The concept of Duets is so fresh because it’s mentoring is active and participatory,” said Nettles. “Most of my greatest learning was from singing and playing with other performers throughout my life and career. To have had the opportunity to perform with an established artist would have been so incredible when I was up and coming.”

“The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can’t wait to be a part of!” said Clarkson.

Amateur singers interested in auditioning can apply online at: www.ABC.com/Casting. For a sneak peek of the show, click here.

Duets is a production of Keep Calm and Carry On Productions. Robert Deaton is executive producer. Charles Wachter is the co-executive producer.

• • • •

John Rich on the CW

The CW Network has ordered a new reality series for summer 2012 called The Star Next Door. So far, John Rich and Gloria Estefan have been secured as celebrity mentors.

The Star Next Door will search nationwide to find undiscovered local talent and prepare them to represent their home city on the national stage.

The Star Next Door is produced by CBS’ Raquel Productions, 25/7 Productions and Flavor Unit Entertainment, with Dave Broome (The Biggest Loser) and Queen Latifah as an executive producer.

Additional mentors, host and premiere dates will be announced at a later time.

Chatterbox Music Closes Offices

/by

Mark Bright’s publishing company, Chatterbox Music, LLC, is closing its administrative offices.

“I would like to thank Stephanie Greene for her outstanding leadership. She is one of the most brilliant publishers I have had the honor of working with,” said Bright. “I would also like to thank Ashley Hertzog for her wonderful assistance to our writers. I appreciate all their hard work and talent.”

Chatterbox was previously known as My Good Girl Music, a publishing co-venture with Sony/ATV. The company was officially renamed Chatterbox by Greene and Bright in August 2011. Songwriters on the staff included Mallary Hope, Jamie Teachenor, Jason Saenz, Allison Veltz, and April Geesbreght.

Bright’s resume also includes producing 13 No. 1 singles for Carrie Underwood, as well as serving as President/CEO of Word Entertainment from 2008-2010. Additionally, Bright produced Underwood’s forthcoming album Blown Away, including lead single “Good Girl.”

Hertzog joined the company in May 2011 as Creative Manager after six years with Combustion Entertainment. Reach her at ashleyhertzog@gmail.com. Stephanie Greene can be reached at stephaniegreene615@gmail.com.

Weekly Chart Report (3/9/2012)

/by

Lee Richey

RADIO NEWS
Former WCJW/Warsaw, NY PD/MD Lee Richey has landed at WKPQ Kickin’ Country in Hornell, NY. Reach him at lrichey@stny.rr.com.

SPIN ZONE
Taylor Swift launched her third album Speak Now with “Mine,” and now six singles in, she’s made it to “Ours” which is the new CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 song. Lady Antebellum’s “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” is less than 100 spins behind at No. 2, trailed closely by Blake Shelton’s “Drink On It.” Everything seems to be on the move this week, with Miranda Lambert’s “Over You” (No. 6), Zac Brown Band’s “No Hurry” (No. 11), Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States,” and Luke Bryan’s “Drunk On You” (No. 21) just a few of the singles picking up triple digit spin gains.

Arista Nashville’s Kristen Kelly recently visited WUSN Chicago to promote her first single, “Ex Old Man.” (L-R): WUSN Jeff Kapugi (WUSN PD), Kristen Kelly, and Marci Braun (WUSN MD)

Carrie Underwood’s new single “Good Girl” made a huge splash last week when it debuted at No. 29, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing much in week 2. It received an additional 711 spins–the biggest increase of the week–and leapt up to No. 20. Where newcomers are concerned, a slew of artists are performing well. Kip Moore has a bonafide hit on his hands with “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” which lands at No. 15. Tim Culpepper’s “Ghost” ratchets up a 104 spin gain, propelling him to No. 38. Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angels,” Jana Kramer’s “Why Ya Wanna,” and Thomas Rhett’s “Something To Do With My Hands” are all clustered together at Nos. 44-46, and earned 100+ spins each.

Two trios lead the chart debuts. The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” looks to be another successful single for the Perry siblings as it hits No. 63 in its first week. Aussie sister trio The McClymonts are a few steps behind at No. 68 with “I Could Be A Cowboy.” Also debuting are Aaron Lewis’ “Endless Summer” at No. 73. Matt Kennon’s “You Had To Pick On Me” at No. 76, David Nail’s “The Sound of a Million Dreams” at No. 77 and Scott Steele’s “Paycheck to a Prayer” at No. 78.

Frozen Playlists: KBCR, KITX, KRRV, KTHK, KYEZ, WJMQ, WKSR, WKWS, WTCM, WUPY, WYVY

Upcoming Singles
March 12
Sonia Leigh/Bar/Southern Ground/Quarterback
Glen Templeton/Sing That Song Again/Black River
Josh Abbot Band/Touch/PDT
Joanna Smith/We Can’t Be Friends/Columbia

March 19
Darryl Worley/You Still Got It/Tenacity
Kix Brooks feat. Joe Walsh/New To This Town/Arista
Eric Paslay/If The Fish Don’t Bite/EMI Nashville
Justin Moore/‘Til My Last Day/Valory
Rachel Holder/In Your Arms/Curb

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
The Band Perry/Postcard From Paris/Republic Nashville – 63
The McClymonts/I Could Be A Cowboy/BSM Music – 68
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/R & J Records – 73
Matt Kennon/You Had To Pick On Me/Roaddawg – 76
David Nail/The Sound Of A Million Dreams/MCA – 77
Scott Steele/Paycheck To a Prayer/In The Spot Light – 78

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Good Girl/19 Recordings/Arista – 711
Luke Bryan/Drunk On You/Capitol – 396
Jason Aldean/Fly Over States/Broken Bow – 368
The Band Perry/Postcard From Paris/Republic Nashville – 334
Eric Church/Springsteen/EMI Nashville – 286

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
The Band Perry/Postcard From Paris/Republic Nashville – 26
Carrie Underwood/Good Girl/19 Recordings/Arista – 23
Easton Corbin/Lovin’ You Is Fun/Mercury – 14
Luke Bryan/Drunk On You/Capitol – 12
Eric Paslay/If The Fish Don’t Bite/EMI Nashville – 11
Justin Moore/’Til My Last Day/Valory – 11
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/R & J Records – 10
Dustin Lynch/Cowboys And Angels/Broken Bow Records – 10
David Nail/The Sound Of A Million Dreams/MCA – 10

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Levi Riggs/My Best Friend’s A Girl/Windridge Records – 202
Clay Walker/Like We Never Said Goodbye/Curb – 196
Acklen Park/Great American Song/Otter Rapids Music – 192
One Night Rodeo/We Could Go To Jail / – 191
Matt Stillwell/Ignition/Average Joe’s – 190

Jaida Dreyer is the debut artist for newly formed Streamsound Records, which was created by Grammy-winning producer Byron Gallimore and music industry veteran Jim Wilkes. Dreyer’s single “Guys Girl” will appear in late March, and she has been busy visiting country radio to introduce herself. Recently she stopped in San Antonio to chat with the staff at KAJA. (L-R): Streamsound’s Jamice Jennings, KAJA PD Travis Moon, Dreyer, Streamsound’s Mike Wilson

The Band Perry welcomed a few familiar faces backstage after their concert stop in Baltimore with Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour 2012 at the 1st Mariner Arena. TBP's latest single "Postcard From Paris" just debuted at No. 63 on the CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Republic Nashville’s Cliff Blake, TBP’s Neil Perry, WMZQ’s Meg Stevens, TBP’s Kimberly Perry, WPOC’s Justin Cole and TBP’s Reid Perry. Photo: Courtesy of Republic Nashville

Calusa/GMV Nashville recording artist Adam Gregory visits with Jerry Duncan Promotions. Gregory's new single "High On You" shipped to radio this week. (L-R): Jen Trail, Gregory, Lisa Smoot, Jerry Duncan