Leslie Fram
CMT has hired industry vet
Leslie Fram to serve as Sr. VP, Music Strategy, overseeing all music integration within the CMT brand, including original programming, CMT.com, CMT Radio and music video airplay across all media platforms. The former PD and morning show co-host of New York rock station WRXP will join the team Sept. 1, reporting to Pres.
Brian Philips. She replaces the exiting
Jay Frank who is launching a new initiative.
Fram first worked with Philips in the early 90s, transforming Atlanta pop radio station Power 99 into a trendsetting, alternative rock station, 99X. Fram spent a decade at 99X both on-air and as Assistant Program Director and Program Director. She has been honored for her radio work, and outstanding contributions to the industry by the TJ Martell Association and NARAS’s Atlanta Chapter, where she served on the Board of Governors. She is a Lifetime Achievement Inductee in the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
“Leslie Fram is beloved throughout the entire industry,” said Philips. “Everyone knows of her hard-driving passion for music, her unyielding integrity and her relentless work ethic. I have always believed that Leslie, in her soul, ‘belonged’ at MTV Networks, and she’s finally here!”
Fram adds, “This move just feels right for me on so many levels. CMT is on a creative hot streak, and I’m honored to join Brian Philips and his all-star team at the network. CMT is a big stage — 93 million homes! I am excited about the creative freedom I’ve been given to invent and innovate with music across all CMT’s platforms. I’m anxious to get to Nashville, reconnect with old friends, make new ones and blaze a new trail with CMT.”
Philips added, “Jay has helped CMT make great strides, leaving in place a strong music infrastructure. He’s a futurist and successful author with an entrepreneurial spirit, and we wish him huge success with his new venture.”
Fram joins CMT at a time of growth across several divisions: CMT Radio Network now has 160+ affiliates across the country; CMT Radio Live With Cody Alan, the nightly syndicated show is heard in over 100 markets; CMT Pure, the network’s 24-hour music video channel is now in 25 million homes; and music video hours on CMT are up 10% over the last year.
DIY ‘U’ Showcases Digital Artist Career Tool
/by adminTopspin has many layers of tools and ways to obtain and analyze data. Looked at simply, it is the next step for an artist who has already begun to engage fans on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, but wants to gather more individual information about those fans, for example an email address. It is one thing to have a Friend, Follower or Like, but another level of trust entirely when a fan feels secure enough to give you his or her email address which then allows you to contact them when you want to do so.
(L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Jesse Willoughby, Topspin's Wayne Leeloy and ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan.
Some of the kinds of available tools include a series of flexible widgets that allow artists to offer free content, fan club memberships, tickets or contests in exchange for email acquisition. The widgets retain full functionality when shared on social networks and third party websites. So, for example, a widget can be shared in someone’s Facebook stream and others can discover and interact with its functionality. A second key feature of the platform is its robust data dashboard where the fan list is kept and analyzed. Artists are able to filter the list and sort by zip code and distance parameters. Emails are ranked in terms of influence, engagement and other interests. The list can also be downloaded for use with email programs such as Mailchimp, for example.
One ASCAP member noted that while the platform seemed “amazing,” the learning curve for best leveraging its power can be challenging. “Think Pro Tools, and what that did for recording,” said Leeloy. “It takes some time to master, but it’s worth it.” The Topspin website has a series of educational features and videos to help artists move through the process. Also Berklee College of Music’s online school has a 12-week course given four times a year designed to provide “deep insight into the strategies, skills and tools required to market your business online as well as the tactical training you need to become a Topspin pro.”
Sharing, awareness, viral engagement and data acquisition systems like the Topspin platform aren’t just terms or concepts for tomorrow’s music industry, serious careers are already immersed in them.
DIY 'U' Showcases Digital Artist Career Tool
/by adminTopspin has many layers of tools and ways to obtain and analyze data. Looked at simply, it is the next step for an artist who has already begun to engage fans on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, but wants to gather more individual information about those fans, for example an email address. It is one thing to have a Friend, Follower or Like, but another level of trust entirely when a fan feels secure enough to give you his or her email address which then allows you to contact them when you want to do so.
(L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Jesse Willoughby, Topspin's Wayne Leeloy and ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan.
Some of the kinds of available tools include a series of flexible widgets that allow artists to offer free content, fan club memberships, tickets or contests in exchange for email acquisition. The widgets retain full functionality when shared on social networks and third party websites. So, for example, a widget can be shared in someone’s Facebook stream and others can discover and interact with its functionality. A second key feature of the platform is its robust data dashboard where the fan list is kept and analyzed. Artists are able to filter the list and sort by zip code and distance parameters. Emails are ranked in terms of influence, engagement and other interests. The list can also be downloaded for use with email programs such as Mailchimp, for example.
One ASCAP member noted that while the platform seemed “amazing,” the learning curve for best leveraging its power can be challenging. “Think Pro Tools, and what that did for recording,” said Leeloy. “It takes some time to master, but it’s worth it.” The Topspin website has a series of educational features and videos to help artists move through the process. Also Berklee College of Music’s online school has a 12-week course given four times a year designed to provide “deep insight into the strategies, skills and tools required to market your business online as well as the tactical training you need to become a Topspin pro.”
Sharing, awareness, viral engagement and data acquisition systems like the Topspin platform aren’t just terms or concepts for tomorrow’s music industry, serious careers are already immersed in them.
On Location: Jason Jones, Eric Lee Beddingfield Shoot Debut Videos
/by Sarah SkatesJason Jones surrounded by the video cast.
Warner Bros. newcomer Jason Jones, and indie artist Eric Lee Beddingfield recently shot their first music videos.
Jones traveled to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park near Chattanooga, Tenn. to shoot the video for his single “Ferris Wheel.” Directed by Kristin Barlowe, the video captures the fun of spending the afternoon at the county fair. “Ferris Wheel” recently debuted on the country singles charts and is quickly climbing. The song is available now on Jones’ self-titled digital Six Pak and will be on his upcoming full-length debut produced by Brett Beavers (Dierks Bentley).
“Making this music video was one of the most fun experiences I have had so far,” shares Jones. “I’m not gonna lie, my favorite part was having the entire amusement park to ourselves. We even got to go on the rides without waiting in any lines!”
• • •
Beddingfield and Jones
Eric Lee Beddingfield scored a cameo from George Jones for his first music video for “The Gospel According to Jones.” Jones also lends his vocals to the single track.
“It was a dream come true of mine for George to sing on the song, but to have him appear in the video is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Beddingfield. “All artists want the respect of their peers, and to have a legendary artist like George Jones give his personal endorsement is like the Holy Grail to a country artist.”
The clip was produced and directed by Ryan Lassan and Daniel Slezinger for Autumn Addict Productions. Locations included the popular 12th & Porter venue in Nashville, Kings Chapel in Arrington, Tenn., and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Springfield, Tenn.
Country Superstars Tour Overseas
/by Sarah SkatesAlan Jackson played to a total of 30,000 fans during his recent Scandanavian tour. Pictured onstage in Stavanger, Norway. Photo: Scott Scovill
Alan Jackson and Toby Keith are taking their tours across the pond.
Jackson’s tour visited Sweden and Norway last week. Tickets to see the superstar and his band The Strayhorns were in high-demand for all three shows. The run kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden.
This isn’t the first international trek for the singer-songwriter this year – in March, Jackson toured Australia for the first time and all six shows sold out in minutes.
Jackson is currently climbing the charts with the new song, “Long Way to Go,” his debut single from EMI Records Nashville and ACR (Alan’s Country Records).
• • • •
The lead single, “Made In America,” is fast rising, already landing at No. 2 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.
Keith is set for twelve concerts in Europe, kicking off Oct. 30 in Edinburgh. This isn’t his maiden voyage overseas, in 2009 he did a nine-date, six-city sold-out run.
Locked & Loaded International Dates:
Oct. 30—Edinburgh
Oct. 31—Manchester
Nov. 1—London
Nov. 3—Amsterdam
Nov. 5—Munich
Nov. 7—Cologne
Nov. 8—Hamburg
Nov. 11—Helsinki
Nov. 13—Stockholm
Nov. 15—Oslo
Nov. 17—Copenhagen
Nov. 19—Berlin
Artist Action
/by Sarah SkatesSESAC’s Nashville headquarters hosted a recent gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary of legendary bluegrass group the Lonesome River Band. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, band member Brandon Rickman, SESAC’s Amy Beth Hale and band member Sammy Shelor. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Crystal Hoyt
• • • Former Trailer Choir singer Crystal Hoyt is hosting a weekly songwriters showcase called Renegade Junction starting tonight (8/16) at The Attic at Piranhas. Hoyt will premiere her new songs at the multi-genre showcase running for six weeks. Doors open at 7:00 pm, and live performances will go from 8:00 pm – 11:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Kellie Pickler
• • • Kellie Pickler will make her acting debut this fall on the upcoming season on 90210. Pickler will play the role of “Sally,” the country-singing cousin of local cowboy “Austin” (Justin Deeley). In addition to her acting debut, she will perform her new single “Tough,” the lead single from her next album. 90210 airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. eastern on The CW.
Jacob Lyda
• • • Davis Music Group’s Jacob Lyda debuted on The Grand Ole Opry recently, performing “I’m Doing Alright,” and his next radio single, “Born At A Truck Stop;” both co-penned by Lyda and found on his upcoming album, Another Song I had To Write. Lyda made his debut in the coveted circle with plenty of friends and family in the audience cheering him on—fans in his hometown of Stevenson, AL chartered a bus to go to the show.
• • • Country artist Lacy Green recently visited BMI’s Nashville offices during a break from her ongoing radio tour. Green, who is signed with BMI, was in town for a series of writing sessions with producer Ronnie Bowman. Since June, the 22-year-old North Carolina native has been out on the road visiting Country radio in support of her debut single, “For the Summertime.” Green also entered into a sponsorship agreement in July with NYC-based fine jewelry company, SLANE. Green continues to work on her debut album for SwanGate Records, due out later this year.
SwanGate Records artist Lacy Green (c) poses with BMI’s Leslie Roberts (l) and Bradley Collins. Photo: AristoMedia.
CMT Adds New Sr. VP, Music Strategy
/by Sarah SkatesLeslie Fram
CMT has hired industry vet Leslie Fram to serve as Sr. VP, Music Strategy, overseeing all music integration within the CMT brand, including original programming, CMT.com, CMT Radio and music video airplay across all media platforms. The former PD and morning show co-host of New York rock station WRXP will join the team Sept. 1, reporting to Pres. Brian Philips. She replaces the exiting Jay Frank who is launching a new initiative.
Fram first worked with Philips in the early 90s, transforming Atlanta pop radio station Power 99 into a trendsetting, alternative rock station, 99X. Fram spent a decade at 99X both on-air and as Assistant Program Director and Program Director. She has been honored for her radio work, and outstanding contributions to the industry by the TJ Martell Association and NARAS’s Atlanta Chapter, where she served on the Board of Governors. She is a Lifetime Achievement Inductee in the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
“Leslie Fram is beloved throughout the entire industry,” said Philips. “Everyone knows of her hard-driving passion for music, her unyielding integrity and her relentless work ethic. I have always believed that Leslie, in her soul, ‘belonged’ at MTV Networks, and she’s finally here!”
Fram adds, “This move just feels right for me on so many levels. CMT is on a creative hot streak, and I’m honored to join Brian Philips and his all-star team at the network. CMT is a big stage — 93 million homes! I am excited about the creative freedom I’ve been given to invent and innovate with music across all CMT’s platforms. I’m anxious to get to Nashville, reconnect with old friends, make new ones and blaze a new trail with CMT.”
Philips added, “Jay has helped CMT make great strides, leaving in place a strong music infrastructure. He’s a futurist and successful author with an entrepreneurial spirit, and we wish him huge success with his new venture.”
Fram joins CMT at a time of growth across several divisions: CMT Radio Network now has 160+ affiliates across the country; CMT Radio Live With Cody Alan, the nightly syndicated show is heard in over 100 markets; CMT Pure, the network’s 24-hour music video channel is now in 25 million homes; and music video hours on CMT are up 10% over the last year.
Letter From Sugarland
/by contributorThe statement is also available on the band’s official website, www.sugarlandmusic.com.
Chesney Reigns As King of the Road
/by Sarah SkatesChesney fans pack the New Meadowlands Stadium Saturday night.
Kenny Chesney is the country king of the road. For several years he’s been one of the biggest touring forces in all genres, and he continues to set records, such as Saturday night’s (8/13) concert which was the biggest ticketed country show in New York/New Jersey history. The monstrous event at New Jersey’s New Meadowlands Stadium featuring Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker sold over 55,000 tickets.
It was one of a dozen stadium dates on the 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour. And he’s not the only country act filling stadiums this summer.
Chesney’s huge catalog of hits has contributed to his major draw. Combine that with top-name special guests and a party atmosphere, and its the reason his outing ranked as Pollstar’s highest-grossing country tour of 2011 so far.
While in the New York area, Chesney discussed his business enterprise with the New York Times in an article called “Country Singer, Songwriter and C.E.O.” In the interview he talks about the intricacies of being a boss and friend, keeping his team motivated with merch lotteries to win the night’s proceeds (sometimes up to $300,000), and the life lessons learned from his high school football coach.
Always the sports fan, Chesney brought New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan onstage for Saturday night’s final moments. He had practiced with the Jets earlier in the week.
Chesney at the New York Jets training camp.
Atkins Sets Fall Release Date
/by Sarah SkatesDigital downloads of the single already total 350,000 units, moving almost 40,000 per week.
This will be Atkins’ fourth album for Curb Records.
The star is spending most of the summer and fall on tour. Beyond the road, Atkins is busy with an upcoming GAC shoot for the popular Origin series and will be shooting the video for “Take A Back Road” in several locations in the coming weeks.
Take A Back Road Track Listing:
Take A Back Road
He’s Mine
Family
The Corner
She’s A Girl
She’d Rather Fight
Feet
Cabin In The Woods
Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll
Growing Up Like That
Tips
Lifetime
Farmer’s Daughter
Valory and Sony/Sea Gayle Launching New Acts
/by Sarah SkatesSea Gayle/Sony BNA artist Wade Bowen is in the studio finishing his sixth album—his first on a major label. Recently Bowen was joined by one of his biggest musical influences, legendary singer/songwriter Guy Clark for a duet that is slated to appear on the upcoming project.
Bowen has made a living playing 200-plus nights a year on the road and grassroots fan development. With seven No. 1’s on the Texas Music Chart, multiple awards including 2009 Texas Music Awards’ Male Vocalist of the Year and the 2010 LoneStarMusic Awards’ Live Act of the Year, three studio albums and a Live At Billy Bob’s CD/DVD combo under his belt, the Texas native’s new music isn’t a debut, more like a fresh start on a bigger stage.
Guy Clark and Wade Bowen
• • • • •
The Valory Music Co. hosted a gathering of radio staffers at Brantley Gilbert’s sold-out performance in Foxboro, MA recently. They also used to opportunity to introduce the label’s newest artist, Thomas Rhett, known to many in Nashville as an EMI songwriter and son of hit songwriter Rhett Akins.
Back Row: George Briner, Mike Brophey (WKLB), Dave Hovel (WXCY), John "JT" Thomas (KYGO), Kris Wilson (Citadel) Mike Ferris (WMAD), Mike Tyler (WPKX), JoJamie Hahr (Valory), Miranda Williams-McDonald (Valory) Front: Bob Walker (WCTK), Don Gosselin (WNOE), Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Brooke Yancey (Valory)