Photo Spread

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Jason Aldean’s sixth annual “Concert for the Cure” on Friday (9/30) raised $315,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® during a sold-out show in Roanoke, Va. “This is one of my favorite things we do all year,” said Aldean. “All of the money we raised will go to the local Roanoke effort, allowing them to give free mammograms to those who can’t afford it. We’ll pick a different spot for next year and try to beat it. October is a big month for raising money and awareness, and I have to thank my fans for doing their part! Seeing an arena filled with pink is just a really cool thing!”

Photo: Rick Diamond, WireImage

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Several Nashville songwriters headed to Georgia for the 10th Annual John Jarrard Foundation Concert on Sept. 24 at Brenau University. Marc Beeson, Steve Dorff, Bruce Burch, Jan Smith, Will Robinson, Greg Barnhill, John Driskell Hopkins performed and helped raise over $115,000 for local charities that were dear to the heart of late tunesmith Jarrard, such as The Boys and Girls Clubs, Good News Clinics, and Challenged Child. The John Jarrard Foundation has topped $1,000,000 for the 10 years.

(L-R): Marc Beeson, Steve Dorff, Bruce Burch, Jan Smith, Will Robinson, Greg Barnhill, John Driskell Hopkins

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Columbia Nashville artist Bradley Gaskin made his fourth appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on a recent Saturday night. Backstage, he took a photo with the renowned Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

(L-R): Jeff Hanna, Bob Carpenter, Bradley Gaskin, also the legendary Charlie McCoy, NGDB's Jimmie Fadden and John McEuen. Photo: Rick Malkin

 

 

Antony Bruno Joins NARM

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NARM, National Association of Recording Merchandisers has hired noted technology/music journalist Antony Bruno to join the organization’s digital initiatives at digitalmusic.org. Bruno has been named Community Manager.

“Antony has spent the past seven years examining all the players in the digital media arena, making him the perfect person to build up the digitalmusic.org community,” said Bill Wilson, VP of Digital Strategy & Business Development at NARM. “Our goal is to bring together all of the companies that are critical for the business of music in the digital realm, and Antony can bring the right people to the table and then conduct meaningful, productive conversations that move the business forward.”

Bruno was previously Executive Director of Content & Programming, Digital/Mobile at Billboard, where he spent seven years reporting on the intersection of new media and music. He will continue to be based in Denver, CO, and also operate an independent consulting business. Reach him at antony.bruno@digitalmusic.org.

 

Radio/Promo Update: WSM Mornings, Nathan Cruise

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Change is afoot at Cumulus’ 95.5 FM WSM/Nashville, as afternoon personality Lisa Manning will move to mornings and team with Rick Marino for “Marino and Manning.” Station PD Dan Bowen is searching for Manning’s replacement in the afternoon time slot. Interested parties can email materials to him here. Former morning personality Beth Brightwell has exited WSM, which she joined in July 2010 after a decade at WTRS/Ocala. Reach her at 352-875-1530.

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Nathan Cruise has joined the Tenacity Records promotion team as National Dir., effective today. Cruise joins previously announced National Directors Gary Greenberg and Jeff Davis, in addition to SVP Promotion David Haley and label President Mike Kraski. Cruise’s career in music stretches back to 1986, as on-air talent for a Top 40 station. He got into the record promotion business in 1994, and most recently worked with Warner Bros. Nashville. “I am thrilled to add a promotion executive of Nathan’s experience and passion to the Tenacity team,” says Kraski. The Tenacity crew is currently working to promote flagship artist Bill Gentry’s single “This Letter.” Reach Cruise at nathan.cruise@tenacityrecords.com or 615-496-6356.

AIMP Nashville Elects Officers

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville Chapter announced newly elected officers of its steering committee: President Jill Napier, VP Tim Fink, Co-Secretaries Dianna Maher and Jewel Coburn, and Treasurer Eli Ball.

“We are pleased that a chapter of the AIMP has been approved for our close-knit community,” commented Napier. “Independent music publishing is more prevalent than ever. Our chapter will focus on exploiting and monetizing music in a positive way and provide its membership with educational opportunities on the latest national and international trends, as well as addressing issues specific to the Nashville music community.”

All members of the music community are encouraged to join now before the holiday mixer and the first membership meeting in February 2012. Membership dues are $74 per year. To register go to www.aimp.org.

Back row (L-R): Teri Nelson Carpenter (LA Chapter Board Member), Randy Watchler, David Preston, Ross Archer, Walter Campbell, Kevin Lamb, Kerry O’Neil, Josh Collum, Marc Driskill. Front row (L-R): Jewel Coburn, Eli Ball, Jill Napier, Tim Fink, Dianna Maher

 

2011 October/November—On The Cover: Jake Owen

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CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY

Label: RCA Records Nashville
Current Album: Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Current Single: “Alone With You”
Current Video: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
Management/Booking: Morris Artist Management
Current Producers: Tony Brown, Rodney Clawson and Joey Moi
Recent Hits: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
Awards: ACM Top New Male Artist
RIAA Certs to date: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”-Platinum single, “Eight Second Ride”-Gold single
Hometown: Vero Beach, FL
Birthdate: August 28
Interesting Facts: After a serious wakeboarding accident, Jake had reconstructive shoulder surgery. During that time with his left arm in a sling, he learned to play guitar and started writing songs.
Outside Interests: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing
Musical Influences: Alabama, Vern Gosdin, Waylon Jennings, Tom Petty
Favorite Record: Too many to choose from

Guided by musical instinct, a drive for self-improvement and a willingness to experiment, Jake Owen has crafted Barefoot Blue Jean Night as one of the most innovative and refreshing country collections of the year. The CD’s title tune is already exploding as the biggest hit of Owen’s career to date.

“I never wanted to be the guy that did everything the way you’re supposed to do it,” says the candid and outgoing music maker. “And that led me to make this record, which I think really represents who I am more than anything I’ve ever recorded. If nothing else happens after this, I can honestly say that I did the absolute best that I can do. I’ve never felt this good about music, or anything in my career, as I do right now.”

In 2005, Jake went from performing in Florida bars to moving to Nashville and within months he had a Music Row song-publishing contract. Less than a year later, he was signed by RCA Records and was on the charts with his first two singles, “Yee Haw” and “Startin’ with Me.” He went from being a speck in a stadium crowd at a Kenny Chesney concert to opening shows for the superstar. Then Brad Paisley took him on the road as Owen scored his third hit, 2007’s “Something About a Woman.” In 2008, Owen opened shows for Sugarland and this year, Keith Urban asked Jake to be his touring partner on the Get Closer 2011 World Tour.

Jake has previously enjoyed major-league success with such performances as 2006’s “Startin’ with Me,” 2008’s “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” and 2009’s “Eight Second Ride.” His revival of “Life in a Northern Town” with Sugarland and Little Big Town in 2008 earned him Grammy and CMA Award nominations. Owen was named 2009’s Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. But nothing, he says, compares to the impact his new music is making.
“If you want to get better at your craft, you have to push yourself, take risks and try something
different,” he reflects. “In order to grow and not be complacent, you have to open your mind, expand your horizons and be grateful. That’s what this record represents for me.”

Web Round Up

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• Bids for EMI Music are due Wednesday (10/5). Among those eyeing the label, publishing company, or both, are Ronald Perelman, Access Industries/Warner Music Group, Sony Corp., BMG Chrysalis, Universal Music Group, and Alec and Tom Gores (Platinum Equity). More here and here.

• The Tennessean looks at Kenny Chesney’s curious omission from the CMA Entertainer of the Year race.

• Negotiations between AFTRA and the major labels aren’t going smoothly, with threats of a strike by AFTRA members looming. Read AFTRA’s statement here and more from The Hollywood Reporter.

• Rhapsody announced today plans to purchase Napster from retailer Best Buy. Under the terms of the agreement, Rhapsody will acquire Napster subscribers and other assets, and Best Buy will receive a minority stake in Rhapsody. The transaction is expected to close around Nov. 30. More from cnet.

 

TuneSat Offers New Portal And Extends Reach

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Audio service TuneSat is extending its TV monitoring services to all music rightsholders with a new online portal. The service which aids copyright holders in recovering royalties and tracking unauthorized use will now monitor eight new European territories:  Austria, Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, in addition to over 200 channels in the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy.

Monthly subscription rates vary by number of tracks, type of service, and territories to be monitored, starting at as little as $10 per month. Within hours after a user uploads the audio files for fingerprinting, TuneSat begins to deliver tracking of usage within an hour of broadcast, providing the tracking data and the audio clip necessary to monitor licensing and royalty payments.  In addition to tracking royalties and resolving copyright infringement, TuneSat reports also provide important business intelligence regarding usage rates for a catalog, or specific writers, artists, and tracks, as well as gauging revenue patterns over time.

“Our monitoring to date shows that 80% of music on TV is unreported, and often music synchronization is not properly licensed in the first place,” said Chris Woods, Co-Founder and COO of TuneSat. “TuneSat has been trusted by companies such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, NBC Olympics, and many more, but my vision was always to make TuneSat accessible to any size copyright holder who cared about how their songs were being used. Now anyone can quickly and easily get started using TuneSat to ensure they are getting paid what they deserve for the use of their music.”

 

Kilgore Launches Boutique Publicity Firm

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Music industry professional Natalie Kilgore has announced the launch of new publicity boutique Dashboard Media, LLC, which will focus on comprehensive and creative promotion solutions blending publicity, marketing and social media.

A 12 year music industry professional, Kilgore was most recently Sr. Publicist at George P. Johnson’s G7 Entertainment Marketing, the world’s premier experience and event marketing agency. Prior to that she served for four years as Head of Publicity for Big Machine Label Group, working on publicity campaigns for the the company’s artists such as Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Martina McBride and more. Her career also includes time as Communication Director for NSAI and on-air talent for WBUZ 102.9 The Buzz.

“The past year has afforded me the opportunity to discover where my heart truly lies and that’s here with the Music Row community,” says Kilgore. “While I’ve missed the camaraderie, the dedication, and the tangible reward of those many long hours; what I’ve missed most of all is the Music.”

Dashboard is already open for business. Contact info:

Dashboard Media, LLC.
P.O. Box 60467
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-227-2306
Email: Natalie.Kilgore@dashboardmedia.biz

CMA Songwriters Series Returns To Nashville

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The CMA Songwriters Series will return to Nashville Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Limelight. The event is part of Country Music Month’s 45 days of promotions, events and activities leading up to the  CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

This year’s CMA Songwriters Series will feature Deana Carter, Kelley Lovelace, Eric Paslay and Rivers Rutherford, who will provide insight to the stories behind their songs.

Carter is a CMA Single of Year nominee this year for co-writing Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter’s “You and Tequila.” She also won Single of the Year in 1997 for her song “Strawberry Wine.”

Lovelace wrote “He Didn’t Have To Be” recorded by Brad Paisley, which was nominated in 2000 for CMA Song of the Year. His writing credits also include “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” recorded by Carrie Underwood, and “The Impossible” recorded by Joe Nichols.

Paslay recently had his first No. 1 single with Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” Lady Antebellum and the Eli Young Band have also recorded his songs. Paslay recently signed with EMI Records Nashville and released his debut single, “Never Really Wanted.”

Rutherford was a 2006 CMA Song of the Year nominee for Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going.” He also wrote “Real Good Man” recorded by Tim McGraw, “Ain’t Nothin’ Bout You” recorded by Brooks & Dunn and “If You Ever Stop Lovin’ Me” recorded by Montgomery Gentry.

Tickets for the Nov. 8 CMA Songwriters Series are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at www.limelightnashville.com or by calling (615) 780-3099. Limelight is located at 201 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37213.

CMA Songwriters Series at Library of Congress
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the CMA Songwriters Series will visit the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium in D.C. Hosted by Bob DiPiero, the showcase will feature Clint Black, Tim Nichols and Patty Loveless. The show is free but requires a ticket, which can be attained through www.ticketmaster.com. For more details, visit www.loc.gov./concerts.

For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series, visit www.cmasongwritersseries.com.

2011 Class OF IEBA Hall Of Fame Announced

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During the annual IEBA conference in Nashville, the second class of the International Entertainment Buyers Association will be inducted, as the closing event on October 4. Inductees are honored for their exceptional contributions to the live entertainment industry.

Laura Bell Bundy will host his year’s celebration with performances by Roy Clark, Don Schlitz and Bundy, along with live art by Michael Israel. Inductees include: Bobby Baker, Jimmy Jay, Paul Moore, Tandy Rice, Lou Robin, Mike Smardak, Leroy Van Dyke and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Baker began his booking agency over 30 years ago and has become a key entertainment producer. He was instrumental in getting ICMBA changed to IEBA to include all types of entertainment.

After creating Jayson Promotions in 1983, Jay won the Academy of Country Music Talent Buyer of the Year award in 1999 and was again nominated for the Academy of Country Music Talent Buyer of the Year in 2010.

Moore began his agency career at William Morris Agency in the summer of 1978. With over 30 years experience, he has helped guide the careers of countless artists in country, pop and contemporary Christian music.

Rice is President and Chief Executive Officer of Top Billing International, a leading Nashville-based entertainment sales and marketing company. In March of 2006, Rice was inducted into two Halls of Fame: The Franklin High School Athletic Hall of Fame (Tennessee mile track champion, 1956) and the North American Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1957, Robin and college friends founded Concerts, Incorporated, which later became Artist Consultants Productions. Artist Consultants concert promotions figured prominently in the early career development of such artists as The Kingston Trio, Tijuana Brass, Bill Cosby, Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, Steve Martin, Stevie Wonder and more.

Smardak is the President and Founder of Outback Concerts, one  of the largest independent concert promoters in the world that promotes musical tours throughout North America.

Van Dyke is known as an entertainer, recording artist, radio and television star, actor, auctioneer and veteran of the Nevada circuit. Along with recording over 500 songs, he was a founding co-host of “Country Crossroads” and hosted his own television series, “The Leroy Van Dyke Show.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established over 78 years ago and has drawn recording artists such as Kiss, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Selena, Bon Jovi, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The three day talent showcase schedule is as follows:

Sunday, October 2
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Showcase: APA (Sheraton Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Lyndsey Highlander, Aaron Parker, Ray Scott, Dread Clampitt, Wanda Jackson, Jim Messina

9:30 – 11:30 PM: Showcase: Paradigm Agency (War Memorial Auditorium – aka “Joe’s Bar Nashville”) Artists: Reno Collier, Marlee Scott, Dean Alexander, JT Hodges, Jack Ingram, Here Come the Mummies

Monday, October 3
10:35 – 10:45 AM: Showcase: Conway Entertainment, Artist: Matt Gary (Polk Theater – TPAC)

10:50 – 11:00 AM: Moscow Ballet (Polk Theater – TPAC)

12:40 PM: Showcase: Operation Troop Aid (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artist: Easton Hamlin

1:20 – 3:20 PM: Showcase: CAA (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor)
Artists: Kip Moore, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, Craig Campbell, Sonia Leigh, Love and Theft

7:30 – 9:30 PM: Showcase: BLA (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Bush Hawg, Sarah Darling, Josh Gracin, Mark Chesnutt, Corey Smith, LoCash Cowboys

9:45 – 11:45 PM: Showcase: WME (War Memorial Auditorium – aka “Joe’s Bar Nashville”) Artists: Wynonna, Neal McCoy, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, The Band Perry

Tuesday, October 4
10:30 – 10:50 AM: Showcase: Cold River Records (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artist: Katie Armiger

1:40 – 3:40 PM: Showcase: Paradise Artists (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Artists: Paul Revere and the Raiders, Uriah Heep, Dave Mason, Glen Templeton, Blackhawk, Outlaws

6:30 – 8:30 PM: Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner (Sheraton “Texas Rodeo” Ballroom – 2nd Floor) Hosted by Laura Bell Bundy featuring special guest star performances by Roy Clark and Don Schlitz with live art by Michael Israel.