Nashville-via-Akron rockers The Black Keys released their seventh full-length album El Camino (Nonesuch) last week to some seriously high expectations. Recorded in Nashville with producer Danger Mouse, El Camino follows the Keys’ 2010 breakthrough Brothers (featuring the breakout hit “Tighten Up”). It retains their typical soulful grit and mixes it in a stew of peppy raveups, glam rock stompers, and instantly familiar hooks.
But if you’re hoping to hear it on Spotify, Rdio, or Rhapsody, sorry, not happening. Digital Music News reported last week that El Camino wasn’t available on any of the streaming services, a move that echoes the release of Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto earlier in 2011. The album is however readily available for purchase through digital retailers such as iTunes and Amazon. There’s no official word if El Camino will be made available at a later date.
There’s a reasonable argument to be made for both sides, and the question seems to be how much sales will the band have generated/missed because of the strategy?
It’s hard to believe a band wouldn’t want expose its music as widely possible through all available (and legal) services. People naturally want to check stuff out before they plunk down $10.99 at iTunes, so they have some idea what they’re getting. In fairness, you can listen to a handful of the Keys’ new tracks on their website in exchange for your email address.
But on the other hand, it might be an attempt to position the album as a “classic” artistic statement that must be heard in its entirety rather than as isolated tracks. And as revenue goes, the common criticism of streaming services is that it takes hundreds of plays to equal the revenue generated by a purchased album download.
While Spotify and the like aren’t really an answer for declining sales, they can still be used as effective marketing tools to generate interest in an artist. Hopefully, that also helps bring some people out to the shows, where they buy some merchandise, join the mailing list, and start to build some brand loyalty.
The Black Keys were highly visible in the days leading up to El Camino’s release, including performance slots on Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Report. El Camino currently sits at No. 2 on the iTunes album downloads chart, and first week sales totals will be in this Wednesday (12/14/11).
Black Keys’ El Camino Not Licensed For Streaming Services
/by FreemanBut if you’re hoping to hear it on Spotify, Rdio, or Rhapsody, sorry, not happening. Digital Music News reported last week that El Camino wasn’t available on any of the streaming services, a move that echoes the release of Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto earlier in 2011. The album is however readily available for purchase through digital retailers such as iTunes and Amazon. There’s no official word if El Camino will be made available at a later date.
There’s a reasonable argument to be made for both sides, and the question seems to be how much sales will the band have generated/missed because of the strategy?
It’s hard to believe a band wouldn’t want expose its music as widely possible through all available (and legal) services. People naturally want to check stuff out before they plunk down $10.99 at iTunes, so they have some idea what they’re getting. In fairness, you can listen to a handful of the Keys’ new tracks on their website in exchange for your email address.
But on the other hand, it might be an attempt to position the album as a “classic” artistic statement that must be heard in its entirety rather than as isolated tracks. And as revenue goes, the common criticism of streaming services is that it takes hundreds of plays to equal the revenue generated by a purchased album download.
While Spotify and the like aren’t really an answer for declining sales, they can still be used as effective marketing tools to generate interest in an artist. Hopefully, that also helps bring some people out to the shows, where they buy some merchandise, join the mailing list, and start to build some brand loyalty.
The Black Keys were highly visible in the days leading up to El Camino’s release, including performance slots on Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Report. El Camino currently sits at No. 2 on the iTunes album downloads chart, and first week sales totals will be in this Wednesday (12/14/11).
Paisley Finds Special Collaborator For Benefit Song
/by Eric T. ParkerAll U.S. digital royalties of Kindregan’s song will benefit the special initiative, A-T Children’s Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at finding life-improving therapies and a cure for A-T.
“I’ve known Joe for several years and he is one of my favorite people,” says Paisley. “His disease is physically debilitating but creatively and mentally, Joe has such tremendous depth. It’s an honor for me to be the person to give voice to his creativity and cause.”
The two met in 2005 at a fundraiser when Joe was convinced by friend Brian Christiansen, who also had A-T, to sing with Brad onstage. When Brian lost his battle with A-T, Joe decided to share Brian’s story with a song.
Joe came to Paisley’s Nashville studio twice to be a part of laying down the tracks and to see his song being produced firsthand.
“Hard Life” is currently on sale and can be purchased here.
Big & Rich Host “Christmas In The Black Hills” Tonight On GAC
/by Caitlin RantalaBig & Rich
Tonight (12/12) on GAC Big & Rich host a holiday music special, Christmas in the Black Hills. Taped in the national historic landmark of Black Hills in Deadwood, SD, the show premieres at 8 p.m./ET.
Joining Big & Rich on the special are performers The Farm, Thompson Square, Bradley Gaskin, Tracy Lawrence and Andy Gibson. Big & Rich will offer “Blue Christmas” and “Drunk on Christmas” (an original song by Jimmy Fallon). A clip of the duo singing the Fallon tune can be viewed here.
GAC’S Christmas in the Black Hills airdates:
12/12/2011 08:00 PM
12/13/2011 12:00 AM
12/13/2011 07:00 PM
12/13/2011 10:00 AM
12/21/2011 08:00 PM
12/22/2011 12:00 AM
12/22/2011 11:00 AM
12/23/2011 07:00 PM
12/24/2011 11:00 PM
12/24/2011 04:00 PM
12/25/2011 03:00 AM
New Sony Music Nashville Signing
/by FreemanSony Music Nashville has signed family trio The Henningsens to a recording deal. Comprised of Brian, Clara, and Aaron Henningsen, the group is working on its debut album with Paul Worley and will be assigned a label imprint soon. The trio is also the songwriting team behind The Band Perry’s hit single “You Lie.”
(L-R): Lisa Ramsey-Perkins (Senior Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville), The Henningsens (Brian, Clara & Aaron Henningsen), Gary Overton (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Paul Worley (Producer)
Greg Travis’ Father Passes; Wade Hayes Fights Cancer
/by Sarah SkatesWade Hayes
MusicRow sends condolences to Greg Travis, and well-wishes to Wade Hayes.
• Joe Travis, father of Travis Television Owner/President Greg Travis, passed away on Friday, Dec. 9 in Cleveland, Tenn. Raymond Joe Travis, 83, was an avid golfer, fisherman and bowler. Survivors include wife Emma Lee Travis; and son and daughter-in-law Greg and Sara Travis. Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 11. Arrangements by Coulter Garrison Funeral Home in Dayton, TN 37321.
• Singer Wade Hayes is recovering from a successful operation for colon cancer. He will undergo follow-up treatment. The 42-year-old first hit the country charts in 1994 with “Old Enough to Know Better.”
Americana Episode of “Austin City Limits” Hits Right Chord
/by Caitlin RantalaThe Civil Wars perform at The Americana Music Festival
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival hit the right chord with PBS viewers, reaching over two million households during its Nov. 19-21 airing, making it the third highest-rated episode of Austin City Limits this year.
It is currently the most viewed ACL episode on PBS.org, see it here.
Hosted by Jim Lauderdale, the program featured an all-star band led by Buddy Miller and performances by Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Gregg Allman, Alison Krauss, Justin Townes Earle, Amos Lee, The Avett Brothers, Candi Staton, Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, The Civil Wars, Jessica Lea Mayfield, as well as Miller and Lauderdale. Sponsored by Nissan, the show was filmed live at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 13, 2011 during the sold-out 10th Annual Americana Music Association’s Honors and Awards show.
“We’re thrilled that the music we treasure is also loved and appreciated by the public,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association. “We could not have better partners than Nashville Public Television president and CEO Beth Curley for our Middle Tennessee premiere, and Austin City Limits executive producer Terry Lickona to take this to a national audience.”
Performance Rundown:
Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Buddy Miller, Jerry Douglas and Don Was / “I’ll Fly Away,” O’ Brother Tribute Performance
The Avett Brothers / “The Once And Future Carpenter”
Lucinda Williams / “Blessed”
Amos Lee / “Cup of Sorrow”
Elizabeth Cook / “El Camino”
The Civil Wars / “Barton Hollow”
Justin Townes Earle / “Harlem River Blues”
Jessica Lea Mayfield / “For Today”
Buddy Miller / “Gasoline And Matches”
Candi Staton / “Heart On A String”
Jim Lauderdale / “Life By Numbers”
Robert Plant / “Monkey”
Gregg Allman / “Melissa
Carole King Coming To Bluebird
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Carole King, Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman, Jim Photoglo
Carole King is scheduled for an upcoming performance at the Bluebird Cafe. The acclaimed singer-songwriter will join revered Nashville tunesmiths Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman and Jim Photoglo at the benefit for Alive Hospice.
The concert on Mon., Jan. 2 will kick off the Alive at The Bluebird concert series, a fundraiser for Alive Hospice. Showtime is 9 p.m.
Tickets are $100 and go on sale tomorrow morning (12/13) at 8 a.m. at www.bluebirdcafe.com.
Singled Out (12/12/11)
/by FreemanCurb Records and Tim McGraw might be parting ways, but the label still has his last album in the can. “Better Than I Used To Be” is the first single from McGraw’s long-awaited Emotional Traffic album, due out January 17, 2012. Meanwhile, McGraw has a holiday song out called “Christmas All Over The World” and plans to release another, new single after the start of the year. He’ll also join Kenny Chesney for the stadium-conquering Brothers of the Sun Tour starting in June. Tickets are selling out rapidly, so act quickly.
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YEP To Host 90’s Night
/by Caitlin RantalaThe event is a benefit for the Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry.
The Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) Network is an organization for up and comers in the entertainment industry, which plans mixers, showcases and educational events throughout the year.
90‘s Night performers include Thomas Rhett, Charlie Worsham, Jessica Cayne, Brinn Black, Ward Guenther, Lindsay Brandt, Josh Grider, Morgan Myles, Brinley Addington, Shea Raye, Kelly Paige, Landon Austin, Joshua Eric Wright, Melany Watson, Robert Kelly, Chase Foster, Joey Hyde and Brent Cobb.
Memorial Services Set For Dobie Gray
/by Caitlin RantalaDobie Gray
Arrangements for artist and songwriter Dobie Gray have been announced. As previously reported Gray, age 71 of Nashville, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011.
Visitation will be at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home from 3 p.m – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, and noon until 2 p.m. at Brentwood Baptist Church on Thursday, Dec. 15. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. Dec. 15, with interment to take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Brentwood Baptist is located at 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027.
In lieu of customary floral tributes, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Tennessee School for the Blind.
Gray was born on July 26, 1940, in Simonton, TX. He is survived by sisters Vivian Jean Outley (H.L.-deceased), Arthurine Brown Williams (James) and Naomi Mason (Earl-deceased); brother, Lee Clifton Brown; a host of nieces and nephews, and many others.