Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins were named Songwriters of the Year and co-wrote Song of the Year "All Over Me," recorded by Josh Turner. Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Davidson, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, EMI Music Publishing’s John Platt and Ben Vaughn, Turner, Akins, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell
Chapter 383
More Stars Than There Are in the Heavens.
Underwood on the red carpet.
That was the slogan at MGM Studios during Hollywood’s golden age, but for country lovers, it was also true at the BMI Awards on Tuesday evening (11/8). Get this:
Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Bill Anderson, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Hall of Fame Steelers quarterback and country songwriter Terry Bradshaw (!), Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Ralph Emery, Vince Gill & Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Jerrod Niemann, pop star John Oates, Paul Overstreet, Jake Owen, Randy Owen of Alabama, Blake Shelton, Ray Stevens, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Clay Walker, Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young.
And that’s just scratching the surface. I’ll tell you more in a moment.
Georgia Peach Pickers band mates Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, who are frequent songwriting collaborators, tied for BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. They held their twin trophies high and were presented with custom Martin guitars.
“Wow, it really actually happened,” said a beaming Dallas. “This is a Big Deal. I thank the writers in this room for teaching me about craftsmanship. This is the best night: I was the worst waiter that Nashville, TN has ever seen. I accept this award representing the State of Georgia. God bless country music.”
“This is unbelievable,” Rhett exclaimed. “I’m a singer and a songwriter, but I’m a fan first of all. I want to thank Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins and Luke Bryan for recording our songs. Wherever Hank Williams Jr. and George Strait are tonight, you’re the reason I’m standing up here. I love Nashville!”
Sony/ATV Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year. This is the company’s 10th consecutive win and its 35th time to win through BMI history overall.
The BMI Country Song of the Year was presented for the first time as the Frances W. Preston Award. Frances received a standing ovation when she was introduced as, “the best friend a song ever had.”
Braddock accepts his BMI Icon award.
The trophy went to “All Over Me,” the Josh Turner hit co-written by Rhett and Dallas. Their other winning songs were “Farmer’s Daughter” (Dallas), “Rain Is a Good Thing” (Rhett) and (together) “All About Tonight,” “Gimmie That Girl” and “The Shape I’m In,” as well as “All Over Me.”
The biggest award of the evening went to new Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock, to whom the evening was effectively dedicated. He is the 2011 BMI Icon.
“We will not stop loving him today, or any other day,” said Del Bryant.
“When I was a teenager, I would read Billboard magazine every week and memorize the charts,” Bobby reminisced. “I noticed that all my favorite country and rock ‘n’ roll records were with BMI. I wanted to become a BMI writer. That’s the truth….We are so lucky. We get to earn a living doing something we love, writing songs.”
Throughout the awards show, the certificate presentations paused for performances of Bobby’s gems. Pistol Annies did a super countrified “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Blake Shelton, who was discovered and first produced by Bobby, chose a humorous and obscure title, “Same Old Song.”
John Anderson delighted the crowd with “Would You Catch a Falling Star.” LeAnn Rimes and Vince Gill teamed up for the iconic “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Singing a torchy lead, LeAnn reached down into her lower register and totally nailed it. Martina led the standing ovation.
Gill and Rimes salute Braddock with a splendid rendition of "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
“To hear these new interpretations of these old songs just thrills me,” said Bobby.
The musical interludes helped the evening move along smoothly. When you’re giving out 50 awards, things can get a mite tedious. Musical punctuations made the extravaganza seem much livelier.
As usual, the BMI garage was utterly transformed for the occasion. Now it can be told: The mastermind behind the opulent décor is BMI’s own Bucky Farnor.
The garage columns were covered in mirrors with glowing, fabric shaded lights clustered above each. Masses of violet hydrangeas, green anthurium blossoms, lime mums, purple winter cabbage heads, greenery and tall peacock feathers were arranged at the bases. The center stage was ringed with amber light strands and greenery. Two giant floral towers topped with tall stuffed peacocks flanked the band stage.
“We’re proud as peacocks,” explained Del. “There’s a theme here. We are proud to represent your works and proud to be your family and your friends.”
Urban and Kidman arrive at the BMI Country Awards.
Lime green tablecloths held silver candelabras dripping with crystals on elegant beaded chargers as the centerpieces, surrounded by pale blue glass votives. Dazzling guitarist Guthrie Trapp played as we took our seats. He was ear ecstasy.
I promised I’d drop more stellar names. Among those seated at those tables were The Band Perry, Big Kenny, Josh Thompson, James Otto, Mark Collie, Lauren Alaina (it was her 17th birthday, what a party), Brantley Gilbert, Dailey & Vincent, Eden’s Edge, Kip Moore, Scotty Emerick, members of the Zac Brown Band, Sarah Buxton, Jennifer Hanson & Mark Nesler, Gerry House, Terry McBride, Jack Ingram, American Idol alumnus Casey James, Keith Stegall, Hunter Hayes, Del McCoury & Ronnie McCoury, Brett Eldredge, Lee Roy Parnell, Sam Bush, new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Thom Schuyler, Deborah Allen, Dickey Lee, Al Anderson, Sandra Lee and The Warren Brothers.
“Welcome to the 59th BMI Country Awards,” Del proclaimed. “This room is beautiful, and you are beautiful in it.”
BMI awards host Jody Williams proposed a toast to all the wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents and pas who support struggling songwriters.
“Welcome to the greatest cocktail party in country music,” said Clay Bradley. He pointed out that 16 writers were winning their first BMI country awards this year: “There is nothing like being embraced by the Nashville songwriting community.”
That night, the community included Michael Kosser, Mike Hollandsworth, Mike Vaden, Mike Milom, Tom Shapiro, Tom Collins, Bob Montgomery, Bob Doyle, Bob Schieffer (yes, the Face the Nation TV star is a BMI country songwriter, too), Bob Beckham, Red Lane, Lane Brody & Eddie Bayers, Scott Hendricks, Sandi & Scott Borchetta (who just won a T.J. Martell Award in New York), Norro Wilson, Wally Wilson and his fellow double-initials Luke Laird, Luke Lewis, Fletcher Foster and Dean Dillon.
Also attending the gala were Mark Bright, Mark Wright, Jim Foglesong, James Stroud, John Wiggins, Jerry Crutchfield, Jeff Stevens, Even Stevens, Frank Liddell, Dick Frank (did you know he is the king of daffodil growers?), Dennis Morgan, Don Henry, Rod Essig, Ron & Regina Stuve, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Lewis Anderson, Sherod Robertson, Cindy Heath, Joe Galante, Jo Walker-Meador, Tim Nichols, Jerry Bradley, Anastasia Brown, Clint Higham, Greg Fowler and the mono monikered Angelo and Busbee.
Former BMI honcho Roger Sovine attended, arriving from L.A. (Lower Alabama, where he is retired). Dale Morris talked about his talented new bi-lingual management client, Andy Gibson. Josh Leo had his new production client with him, singer Morgan Tobias. Kent Blazy, Larry Henley, Walter Campbell, Bruce Hinton (also retired, to both Sun Valley and Mexico), Kyle Young, Ansel Davis, David Wykoff, Becky Harris and Sherman Halsey worked the room.
Looks we liked: Allison Jones wore a ruched eggplant-hued, body-conscious cocktail dress with a plunging bodice. Red-haired Phran Galante donned an eye-popping, red-orange creation with slashed sleeves. Leggy Nicole Kidman was breathtaking in a figure-hugging, floor-length red & white gown with a dramatic, asymmetrical neckline. Ashley Monroe chose a beige mini dress with starburst, silver-sequined designs and long fringe dripping from the hem.
Taylor Swift accepts for "Back To December."
Natalie Hemby looked great in a floor-length, draped evening gown with dramatic alternating red and black panels. Miranda Lambert was in a black ruched cocktail dress with lace bodice, sleeves and back. Carrie Underwood glowed in silver-and-black shiny tiger stripes on a tight mini dress. Butch Baker dusted off his dad’s 60-year-old gold brocade tux jacket. Tall Taylor Swift showed off a plum-purple, patterned, long-sleeved, glittering, sequined mini dress. She’ll be named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in December. Blake Shelton was in a crisp white shirt with rolled sleeves, a red tie, a navy vest and blue jeans. Eternally young Connie Bradley wore a vivid red evening jacket.
Ree Guyer Buchanan was in a clingy, floor-length ebony jersey gown and extra-long, sparkling earrings. Martina McBride was a knockout with her upswept hair and halter-necked, flowing evening gown in autumn tones of umber and ochre. The chiffon creation had a wafting train and was gathered with a jewel clasp at the waist. Hubby John McBride wore a dark velvet corduroy jacket.
The salad was a meal in itself – artichoke, roasted red pepper, Portobello mushroom, baby greens, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, roasted yellow pepper and zucchini. We dined on beef medallions over mashed potato and excellent crab cake plus asparagus spears, baby carrots and roasted cherry tomatoes.
Desserts were served downstairs in the BMI lobby. We were serenaded there by Hall of Famer Harold Bradley & The All Star Band. The repertoire? Why, BMI country classics, of course. Singer Chuck Mead did the chestnuts proud.
Fun facts to know and tell: With 500-some workers, BMI is the largest employer on Music Row. In 1953, BMI became the first-ever organization to give awards to country writers and publishers.
Country Noms for People’s Choice Awards
/by Caitlin RantalaShelton, in his first time being nominated for the awards show, received nods in Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Country Artist.
Swift is nominated for Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Country Artist and also Favorite Headline Tour.
Lady A’s Own The Night received recognition with a nomination for Favorite Album of the Year. Additionally, the band is nominated for Favorite Country Artist, vying against Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts.
NBC’s The Voice, where Shelton sits on the coaching panel, is also nominated for Favorite TV Competition Show.
The People’s Choice Awards will air live on Jan. 11, 2012 at 9/8c on CBS from the Nokia Theatre LA Live.
To vote for awards show, visit www.peopleschoice.com/pca/vote.
Industry Pre-Parties at BBR/Stoney Creek Bash
/by FreemanStoney Creek's Thompson Square played at the BBR/SC Bash, and their hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" is 2011's top played country song.
A near capacity crowd of industry workers flocked to Hard Rock Cafe’s Reverb Room last night (11/8) for Broken Bow/Stoney Creek’s second annual Pre-CMA Party. The label also wrangled radio personnel in town for the CMA Awards to showcase some of its top-shelf talent.
Newcomer Dustin Lynch was first to perform, offering some of the rock swagger that’s worked so well for his labelmate Jason Aldean. The Tullahoma, Tenn. native’s songs included “That’s The Thing About A Hurricane” and “She Cranks My Tractor.”
Speaking of Aldean, the BBR flagship artist has been virtually everywhere this week. He was there mingling in the crowd at Hard Rock, before he had to make his way over to the BMI soiree. Prior to CMA voting, the young star was delivering Double Platinum plaques around town to commemorate his top-selling My Kinda Party album, and label execs Jon Loba, Lee Adams, Carson James, and Rick Shedd presented him with his own special version of the milestone. He’s nominated for just about every CMA award on the docket, including Entertainer of the Year, and he’ll perform on the show tonight. He has also started working on the followup to My Kinda Party.
James Wesley was up next, in a bizarrely mismatched green trucker hat and red graphic t-shirt. Thankfully his questionable sartorial choices didn’t keep him from delivering the vocal goods, including his recent hit “Didn’t I.”
The news of the evening was Stoney Creek’s addition of Randy Houser, who reminded the audience that he’s one of the best singers in town with a short acoustic performance accented by barrelhouse piano. Seriously Stoney Creek, get this dude something gritty and soulful, and I’ll be first in line to buy it.
Stoney Creek breakout success Thompson Square was the headlining act, and the husband-wife team charged through an amped up set that included recent CountryBreakout No. 1 “I Got You,” as well as album cuts like “Glass” and “As Bad As It Gets.” SC boss April Rider interrupted Keifer and Shawna’s set to present them with a plaque commemorating their smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” which is apparently the most-played country song of 2011. The duo responded by finishing their set with a triumphant, grin-inducing run through the endlessly catchy tune. Tonight they’re nominated for New Artist of the Year and Duo of the Year.
The Hard Rock’s open bar kept the cocktails and beer flowing, and servers roved with platters of satay and coconut shrimp, in addition to a table well-stocked with fresh veggies, assorted cheeses and spinach dip. Spotted in the crowd were Ebie McFarland and team (Amanda, Leigh, and Darlene), Craig Bann, Michelle Goble, John Shomby, Jaime Marconette, Natalie Kilgore, MR staffers Caitlin Rantala and Eric Parker, and Billboard chart guru Wade Jessen.
Bobby Karl Works The BMI Awards
/by Bobby KarlDallas Davidson and Rhett Akins were named Songwriters of the Year and co-wrote Song of the Year "All Over Me," recorded by Josh Turner. Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Davidson, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, EMI Music Publishing’s John Platt and Ben Vaughn, Turner, Akins, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell
Chapter 383
More Stars Than There Are in the Heavens.
Underwood on the red carpet.
That was the slogan at MGM Studios during Hollywood’s golden age, but for country lovers, it was also true at the BMI Awards on Tuesday evening (11/8). Get this:
Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Bill Anderson, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Hall of Fame Steelers quarterback and country songwriter Terry Bradshaw (!), Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Ralph Emery, Vince Gill & Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Jerrod Niemann, pop star John Oates, Paul Overstreet, Jake Owen, Randy Owen of Alabama, Blake Shelton, Ray Stevens, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Clay Walker, Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young.
And that’s just scratching the surface. I’ll tell you more in a moment.
Georgia Peach Pickers band mates Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, who are frequent songwriting collaborators, tied for BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. They held their twin trophies high and were presented with custom Martin guitars.
“Wow, it really actually happened,” said a beaming Dallas. “This is a Big Deal. I thank the writers in this room for teaching me about craftsmanship. This is the best night: I was the worst waiter that Nashville, TN has ever seen. I accept this award representing the State of Georgia. God bless country music.”
“This is unbelievable,” Rhett exclaimed. “I’m a singer and a songwriter, but I’m a fan first of all. I want to thank Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins and Luke Bryan for recording our songs. Wherever Hank Williams Jr. and George Strait are tonight, you’re the reason I’m standing up here. I love Nashville!”
Sony/ATV Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year. This is the company’s 10th consecutive win and its 35th time to win through BMI history overall.
The BMI Country Song of the Year was presented for the first time as the Frances W. Preston Award. Frances received a standing ovation when she was introduced as, “the best friend a song ever had.”
Braddock accepts his BMI Icon award.
The trophy went to “All Over Me,” the Josh Turner hit co-written by Rhett and Dallas. Their other winning songs were “Farmer’s Daughter” (Dallas), “Rain Is a Good Thing” (Rhett) and (together) “All About Tonight,” “Gimmie That Girl” and “The Shape I’m In,” as well as “All Over Me.”
The biggest award of the evening went to new Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock, to whom the evening was effectively dedicated. He is the 2011 BMI Icon.
“We will not stop loving him today, or any other day,” said Del Bryant.
“When I was a teenager, I would read Billboard magazine every week and memorize the charts,” Bobby reminisced. “I noticed that all my favorite country and rock ‘n’ roll records were with BMI. I wanted to become a BMI writer. That’s the truth….We are so lucky. We get to earn a living doing something we love, writing songs.”
Throughout the awards show, the certificate presentations paused for performances of Bobby’s gems. Pistol Annies did a super countrified “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Blake Shelton, who was discovered and first produced by Bobby, chose a humorous and obscure title, “Same Old Song.”
John Anderson delighted the crowd with “Would You Catch a Falling Star.” LeAnn Rimes and Vince Gill teamed up for the iconic “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Singing a torchy lead, LeAnn reached down into her lower register and totally nailed it. Martina led the standing ovation.
Gill and Rimes salute Braddock with a splendid rendition of "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
“To hear these new interpretations of these old songs just thrills me,” said Bobby.
The musical interludes helped the evening move along smoothly. When you’re giving out 50 awards, things can get a mite tedious. Musical punctuations made the extravaganza seem much livelier.
As usual, the BMI garage was utterly transformed for the occasion. Now it can be told: The mastermind behind the opulent décor is BMI’s own Bucky Farnor.
The garage columns were covered in mirrors with glowing, fabric shaded lights clustered above each. Masses of violet hydrangeas, green anthurium blossoms, lime mums, purple winter cabbage heads, greenery and tall peacock feathers were arranged at the bases. The center stage was ringed with amber light strands and greenery. Two giant floral towers topped with tall stuffed peacocks flanked the band stage.
“We’re proud as peacocks,” explained Del. “There’s a theme here. We are proud to represent your works and proud to be your family and your friends.”
Urban and Kidman arrive at the BMI Country Awards.
Lime green tablecloths held silver candelabras dripping with crystals on elegant beaded chargers as the centerpieces, surrounded by pale blue glass votives. Dazzling guitarist Guthrie Trapp played as we took our seats. He was ear ecstasy.
I promised I’d drop more stellar names. Among those seated at those tables were The Band Perry, Big Kenny, Josh Thompson, James Otto, Mark Collie, Lauren Alaina (it was her 17th birthday, what a party), Brantley Gilbert, Dailey & Vincent, Eden’s Edge, Kip Moore, Scotty Emerick, members of the Zac Brown Band, Sarah Buxton, Jennifer Hanson & Mark Nesler, Gerry House, Terry McBride, Jack Ingram, American Idol alumnus Casey James, Keith Stegall, Hunter Hayes, Del McCoury & Ronnie McCoury, Brett Eldredge, Lee Roy Parnell, Sam Bush, new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Thom Schuyler, Deborah Allen, Dickey Lee, Al Anderson, Sandra Lee and The Warren Brothers.
“Welcome to the 59th BMI Country Awards,” Del proclaimed. “This room is beautiful, and you are beautiful in it.”
BMI awards host Jody Williams proposed a toast to all the wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents and pas who support struggling songwriters.
“Welcome to the greatest cocktail party in country music,” said Clay Bradley. He pointed out that 16 writers were winning their first BMI country awards this year: “There is nothing like being embraced by the Nashville songwriting community.”
That night, the community included Michael Kosser, Mike Hollandsworth, Mike Vaden, Mike Milom, Tom Shapiro, Tom Collins, Bob Montgomery, Bob Doyle, Bob Schieffer (yes, the Face the Nation TV star is a BMI country songwriter, too), Bob Beckham, Red Lane, Lane Brody & Eddie Bayers, Scott Hendricks, Sandi & Scott Borchetta (who just won a T.J. Martell Award in New York), Norro Wilson, Wally Wilson and his fellow double-initials Luke Laird, Luke Lewis, Fletcher Foster and Dean Dillon.
Also attending the gala were Mark Bright, Mark Wright, Jim Foglesong, James Stroud, John Wiggins, Jerry Crutchfield, Jeff Stevens, Even Stevens, Frank Liddell, Dick Frank (did you know he is the king of daffodil growers?), Dennis Morgan, Don Henry, Rod Essig, Ron & Regina Stuve, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Lewis Anderson, Sherod Robertson, Cindy Heath, Joe Galante, Jo Walker-Meador, Tim Nichols, Jerry Bradley, Anastasia Brown, Clint Higham, Greg Fowler and the mono monikered Angelo and Busbee.
Former BMI honcho Roger Sovine attended, arriving from L.A. (Lower Alabama, where he is retired). Dale Morris talked about his talented new bi-lingual management client, Andy Gibson. Josh Leo had his new production client with him, singer Morgan Tobias. Kent Blazy, Larry Henley, Walter Campbell, Bruce Hinton (also retired, to both Sun Valley and Mexico), Kyle Young, Ansel Davis, David Wykoff, Becky Harris and Sherman Halsey worked the room.
Looks we liked: Allison Jones wore a ruched eggplant-hued, body-conscious cocktail dress with a plunging bodice. Red-haired Phran Galante donned an eye-popping, red-orange creation with slashed sleeves. Leggy Nicole Kidman was breathtaking in a figure-hugging, floor-length red & white gown with a dramatic, asymmetrical neckline. Ashley Monroe chose a beige mini dress with starburst, silver-sequined designs and long fringe dripping from the hem.
Taylor Swift accepts for "Back To December."
Natalie Hemby looked great in a floor-length, draped evening gown with dramatic alternating red and black panels. Miranda Lambert was in a black ruched cocktail dress with lace bodice, sleeves and back. Carrie Underwood glowed in silver-and-black shiny tiger stripes on a tight mini dress. Butch Baker dusted off his dad’s 60-year-old gold brocade tux jacket. Tall Taylor Swift showed off a plum-purple, patterned, long-sleeved, glittering, sequined mini dress. She’ll be named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in December. Blake Shelton was in a crisp white shirt with rolled sleeves, a red tie, a navy vest and blue jeans. Eternally young Connie Bradley wore a vivid red evening jacket.
Ree Guyer Buchanan was in a clingy, floor-length ebony jersey gown and extra-long, sparkling earrings. Martina McBride was a knockout with her upswept hair and halter-necked, flowing evening gown in autumn tones of umber and ochre. The chiffon creation had a wafting train and was gathered with a jewel clasp at the waist. Hubby John McBride wore a dark velvet corduroy jacket.
The salad was a meal in itself – artichoke, roasted red pepper, Portobello mushroom, baby greens, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, roasted yellow pepper and zucchini. We dined on beef medallions over mashed potato and excellent crab cake plus asparagus spears, baby carrots and roasted cherry tomatoes.
Desserts were served downstairs in the BMI lobby. We were serenaded there by Hall of Famer Harold Bradley & The All Star Band. The repertoire? Why, BMI country classics, of course. Singer Chuck Mead did the chestnuts proud.
Fun facts to know and tell: With 500-some workers, BMI is the largest employer on Music Row. In 1953, BMI became the first-ever organization to give awards to country writers and publishers.
Topical WebReads: Co-writers For Sale and Crowdfunding To Fame
/by admin>>>American Songwriter’s Rand Bishop raises some important questions about hit songwriters selling writing appointments to anyone with cash, in Makin’ Stuff Up: Selling The Dream.
“I can’t fault any songwriter for exploring every avenue possible to keep the pantry stocked,” says Rand. “However, not every alternative is on the up and up. I personally know and genuinely like several of the writers who are milking what has become Music Row’s newest cash cow. However, I do not endorse what they are doing, nor do I feel they are going about their business in a completely forthright manner. It’s not so much that wannabe’s are paying hit writers exorbitant fees for co-writing appointments. … To me, the murky part is the implicit promise that, by writing with a bona fide ‘hit writer,’ a thus-far credit-less dilettante will immediately be welcomed into the exclusive hit-maker club just by having his or her name juxtaposed next to someone who has penned a chart topper or two.”
The web site offering this service, www.songwriterinstitute.com says, “Songwriter Institute connects serious amateur and professional writers with seasoned, successful hit songwriters. Through our intimate retreats, coaching, and appointments we provide aspiring writers an unmatched edge in the business of music.” According to the site, the cost of a full-day writing session is $2,500. There is a long list of well known writers participating who are pictured on the site, but I was unable to find the names anywhere on the site of the people running this company.
What do you think about this??? [Please comment below]
• • •
Hendrick’s organization has created an infographic called Drawing a Crowd: The Crowdfunding Phenomenon Heats Up that examines the current crowdfunding landscape including a recent effort to purchase Pabst Blue Ribbon using crowdfunding that was shut down by the SEC…
Consumers Finding Extra TV Content Online
/by adminResults also show that 27% of all U.S. television subscribers (cable, satellite or IPTV) subscribe to Netflix and almost half (46%) also pay for a premium movie or sports channel.
“Even though many consumers are paying for more content from their TV-service providers in the form of premium channels and video-on-demand, there’s still quite a lot of alternative video downloading and streaming activity going on,” said Russ Crupnick, senior VP and entertainment analyst for The NPD Group. “There may also be too much emphasis on so-called ‘cord cutters’ who represent a small group, as opposed to potential ‘cord throttlers,’ who are a massive segment of the subscribing population.”
Three out of four (73 percent) consumers who used Netflix, streamed video for free, or who paid for Internet-video downloads and rentals also have a cable, satellite, or IPTV subscription. “With all the various methods consumers now have to download video, TV-service providers would be in a better competitive position if they could expand their content offerings and improve on-screen search functionality,” Crupnick suggested.
The Entertainment Trends in America report is based on 10,058 completed surveys from qualified respondents (age 13 and older) conducted in July and August 2011. Final survey data was weighted to represent U.S. population.
ABC, CMA Renew Broadcast Agreement
/by Sarah SkatesThis follows a bidding war between the major networks.
The 45th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live tonight on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
CMA Country Christmas, hosted by Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland is scheduled to air Thursday, Dec. 1 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. The two-hour television special will tape in front of a live audience tomorrow (11/10) at 7:30 PM/CT at the Bridgestone.
Aldean & Durante Launch AMC’s “Hell On Wheels”
/by MichelleDurante (L) and Aldean (R) next to the "Hell on Wheels" train. Photo: Alan Mayor
Jason Aldean and Margaret Durante performed yesterday (11/8) at Nashville’s Riverfront Station in a free concert event celebrating AMC’s return to the Western genre with the epic new television series Hell on Wheels. A special “Hell on Wheels” train brought Aldean and 120 contest winners to the location, and country music newcomer Durante opened the show. The contest winners will also attend the 45th Annual CMA Awards.
Hell On Wheels tells the story of a Confederate soldier (played by Anson Mount) who sets out to exact revenge on Union soldiers who murdered his wife. The journey takes him west to a lawless town called “Hell on Wheels” that lies along the Union Pacific line of the Transcontinental Railroad. Also starring in the series are Common, Dominique McElligott and Colm Meaney. The AMC series premiered Nov. 6.
Stoney Creek’s Surprise Signing Announcement
/by Caitlin RantalaBroken Bow/ Stoney Creek President Benny Brown and Senior VP of Operations Rick Shedd made the surprise announcement to the packed house. Afterward, Houser performed a short set for the standing room-only crowd.
Check back for MusicRow’s exclusive subscriber-only coverage of the event.
Nashville For Sale: Albums, Labels and Publishers
/by adminUsually when reporting the weekly Nielsen SoundScan results we deal in facts, data, calculations and tabulations. However, this week the verifiable facts are only a small fraction of the equation. “What ifs” are flooding the horizon like a tsunami of change headed for the music industry overall and therefore Nashville…. But first let’s look at what we know: the Wednesday morning facts.
As we prepare for tonight’s CMA Awards and on the heels of celebrating the songs and songwriters responsible for driving the sales of our industry at SESAC, ASCAP and BMI over the past three evenings, news continues to surface that could/would reshape the country music landscape and conceivably have far reaching effects…
According to Bloomberg.com’s Andy Fixmer (11/8), Sony is actively negotiating to purchase Big Machine Records, founded by Scott Borchetta in 2005 and home to Taylor Swift. Valuations discussed in the article place the label group at around $200 million.
According to the article, “Negotiations are at an early stage and an agreement may not be completed. Universal Music Group also may enter the bidding, one of the people said. Borchetta, with a roster of the biggest country acts, would run Sony’s Nashville, Tennessee- based operation as part of the sale, the people said.”
The New York Times reported (11/7) on new Sony leader and 72-year-old industry vet, Doug Morris. In its article it notes that Morris in aggressively trying to dominate the industry. “My plan here is very simple,” Morris says. “To help create the pre-eminent record company in the world.” Last week Morris signed producer Dr. Luke to Sony and created a new record label Luke will run, Kemosabe Records. (Luke will no longer be able to work with EMI’s Katy Perry under the new deal.) The article also states, “Late last year, Mr. Morris stunned the industry when it emerged that he would take over Universal’s biggest competitor, going head-to-head against his former protégé, Lucian Grainge, Universal’s new chairman. The two are expected to bid aggressively for artists and for Cash Money and Big Machine, two independent labels whose distribution deals with Universal are expiring soon.”
Meanwhile EMI Records and EMI Music Publishing remain in play. Unconfirmed reports place the publishing company moving to Sony ATV as the result of a late night, last night deal. Sony ATV’s Marty Bandier reportedly was scheduled to be at the BMI awards where his company was named Publisher of the Year, but cancelled his trip at the last minute to firm the deal.
Analysis: Speculation does not create a good basis for informed analysis. However, the EMI publishing offering has been quite public, and seems destined to happen soon, even if the buyer remains unconfirmed. The consolidation of two top dog publishers is certain to realign the creative community in Music City. On the label side, the impending absorption of EMI Records and possibly Big Machine is also sure to involve a game of musical chairs.
Despite a cheery upbeat article in the Tennessean last Sunday stating that country music sales are ahead and quite healthy, insiders know that is is not the case. “Flat” is the very best one could say at this time, and if you get label heads together, off the record, they will get quite a bit less enthusiastic. While the SoundScan numbers appear flat, one must remember that album prices have fallen, margins have shrunk and costs of doing business continue to rise. Squeeze
However, despite the possible impending changes, if the previous three nights in Nashville have shown us anything, it’s that our town’s creative voices are strong and vibrant. Writers, artists and producers continue to make meaningful emotion-packed music. As long as that force remains intact, Nashville’s future will be just fine.
BMI Award Winners [Updated w/ Most Performed Songs List]
/by Sarah SkatesPictured at the 2011 BMI Country Awards are (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Publisher of the Year Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, Songwriter of the Year Rhett Akins, 2011 BMI Icon Bobby Braddock, Songwriter of the Year Dallas Davidson, and BMI’s Jody Williams.
Songwriters of the Year: Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson
Frances W. Preston Award (Country Song of the Year): “All Over Me,” Davidson and Akins; publishers EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Rhettneck Music, String Stretcher Music; recorded by Josh Turner
Publisher of the Year: Sony/ATV
BMI Icon: Bobby Braddock
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From top: Braddock, Akins, and Davidson
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind country music’s most-performed songs of the past year during last night’s (11/8) 59th annual BMI Country Awards, staged at the organization’s Nashville offices.
Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson shared the Songwriter of the Year crown. The frequent collaborators co-wrote four of the year’s most-performed songs: “All About Tonight” (Blake Shelton), “All Over Me” (Josh Turner), “Gimmie That Girl” (Joe Nichols) and “The Shape I’m In” (Joe Nichols). Individually, Akins’ “Farmer’s Daughter” (Rodney Atkins) and Davidson’s “Rain Is a Good Thing” (Luke Bryan) also made the list.
“All Over Me” also earned Song of the Year honors for Davidson and Akins, as well as publishers EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Rhettneck Music, and String Stretcher Music.
In a surprise announcement, the BMI Country Song of the Year award was rechristened the Frances W. Preston Award in honor of the legendary former BMI President & CEO.
With 15 songs among the year’s most performed, powerhouse Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville scored its tenth consecutive Publisher of the Year win.
Bobby Braddock was saluted as a BMI songwriting Icon. Braddock is the master craftsman behind staples including “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “People Are Crazy,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “Old Flames Have New Names,” “Golden Ring,” “Time Marches On” and more. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Braddock is the only living songwriter to have penned chart-toppers in five consecutive decades. Taking the stage to perform some of Braddock’s classics were Pistol Annies, Blake Shelton, John Anderson, LeAnn Rimes and Vince Gill.
BMI President & CEO Del Bryant hosted the show with Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville; and Clay Bradley, Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville.