(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Evan Lowenstein, MR Owner/Pres. Sherod Robertson
Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011,
Evan Lowenstein, Founder and CEO of StageIt, sat down exclusively with
MusicRow to discuss the success of his innovative company.
First, a little background: launched in fall 2010, StageIt.com offers artists a web-based platform to perform live and have direct interaction with fans from their laptops. Although much like a virtual concert, the artists have much more flexibility in delivering the entertainment.
Artists choose when and how long to perform, and how much to charge. The artist not only decides how many tickets to sell, but can change the number up until the performance starts. In other words, the ticket cost, “size” of venue, and length of show can be completely reactive to demand.
Lowenstein says country music particularly lends itself to such a platform because the genre’s fans enjoy accessibility to artists. He also points out that country artists are more comfortable delivering their music in stripped down settings than acts in other genres.
“We say we offer a front row seat to a backstage experience,” explains Lowenstein. “The most expensive ticket in the house is a front row seat. We are capitalizing on the connectivity of the Internet and the advancements in the broadcasting to literally bring [fans] this amazing content. Take a country artist, or any artist, and put them together with the fans, and the medium becomes less important. If you meet a famous artist or someone special, it doesn’t matter if it’s in a rickety elevator or stairwell or on a plane, it’s the content [that matters], not the medium.”
As a former member of pop brother-duo Evan and Jaron, known for Top 10 hit “Crazy for this Girl,” Lowenstein has always been fascinated with connectivity to fans. Although the technology existed, he was equally frustrated with not having a way to share his experiences with fans without devaluing his content and himself as an artist. This frustration led to the creation of StageIt.
StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein
StageIt offers a way for the artist to monetize the online experience. Perhaps more importantly, it allows fans a way to show direct appreciation to the artist through a virtual tip jar and online chatting during the performance. Some users spend over $50 a week. Artists on StageIt can also sell their records during the show, much like in a traditional venue. Hear something you like and a purchase is just one click away.
In an era when we can see anything anytime we want, StageIt appears to be heading in the opposite direction. None of the live shows are ever recorded or archived. Regarding technology, Lowenstein is quick to respond, “Just because it’s available doesn’t mean we have to use it.” The company focuses on bringing back the mystery of the artist and feels if someone is available 24/7 there is less value. Today’s artists have too much access according to Lowenstein. He says, “This is why artists have careers for four and a half minutes.”
StageIt continues to focus on the needs of the artist and the best way to connect with their fans, which to Lowenstein means no distracting advertising. The site creates moments and intimate experiences for the fan and many artists have taken advantage.
StageIt performances from country music artists include
Big Kenny, Don Schlitz, Sherrie Austin, James Otto, Jerrod Neimann, Chris Young and others. After using the StageIt platform,
Jimmy Buffett was so impressed with the experience, he partnered with the company.
While the industry is plagued with piracy issues and declining revenues, Lowenstein says, “We’ve found a playing field where the fans and artist agree there is value.”
Visit
StageIt.com for more information.
Chesney Leads Country Tour Rankings
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney onstage in Columbus, Ohio in late June.
The touring industry is rebounding following the 2010 slump according to Pollstar’s Mid-Year report. Gross box office receipts and ticket sales are on the rise, despite an increase in ticket prices.
The report tracks data from Jan. 1-June 30, 2011. It shows a 10.2 percent hike in the average ticket price in North America, which climbed $6.25 to a record high of $67.02.
Total ticket sales for the first half of the year equal 16.7 million, a 5.3 percent jump over a year ago.
Concerts have grossed $1.12 billion, an increase of $157 million (16.2 percent).
Nashville’s own Bridgestone Arena ranks ninth in the United States and 23rd in the world for concert attendance, based strictly on tickets sold to music events. Last year, Bridgestone ranked 23rd in the U.S. and 48th in the world.
Country on Pollstar’s Top North American Tours list
(gross in millions, 1/1/11- 6/30/11)
No. 4—Kenny Chesney, 46.7 million
No. 6—Taylor Swift, 29.5
No. 15—George Strait, Reba, Lee Ann Womack 18.4
No. 27—Brad Paisley, 11.9
No. 28—Jason Aldean, 11.8
No. 33—Sugarland, 10.1
No. 39—Rascal Flatts, 9.2
No. 49—Tim McGraw, 7.3
No. 50—Zac Brown Band, 6.7
* Culled from the list’s Top 50 tours. See report for full list, including each tour’s average ticket price, average number of tickets sold, total tickets, average gorss, number of cities and number of shows.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/20/11)
/by Robert K OermannAnd there’s a heck of a lot more going on here than honky-tonk tunes. In addition to hosting the pop-crossover success of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” the Hot 100 features Ke$ha’s “Blow” as well as the runaway top-10 smash “Tonight Tonight” by our own Hot Chelle Rae.
Let’s see—Paramore has a single called “Monster” on the Transformers soundtrack, and lead singer Hayley Williams is teaming up with Weezer on a Muppets tribute CD. Jack White’s Third Man imprint is promoting a single by Stephen Colbert (!). Jeff the Brotherhood has scored a Warners deal. Kings of Leon, Ben Folds and The Black Keys continue to be beacons of excellence.
In this pop-rock DisClaimer roundup, the aforementioned Hot Chelle Rae wins our Disc of the Day prize. I’m a little late getting to him, since his album dropped early this year, but Sharif Iman is most assuredly the DisCovery Award winner in this stack of platters.
JONELL MOSSER /When He Gets Home
Writer: Tom Britt/Jonell Mosser; Producer: Kevin McKendree, Tom Britt, Jonell Mosser & The Nico Teen Idols; Publisher: Slugfish/Brothers Mothers, no performance rights listed; City Hall (track) (www.cityhallrecords.com)
—Widely regarded as one of the 10 best female singers in Music City, regardless of genre, this blue-eyed soul diva co-wrote most of her new Fortunes Lost, Fortunes Told album with Nashville rock guitarist and co-producer Tom Britt. The set kicks off with this backbeat romper that marries New Orleans with new-wave soul. Elsewhere, she covers Taj Mahal’s “Giant Step,” Nick Lowe’s “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day,” and Craig Fuller’s “Fool for You.” This vet still sounds great.
WILL HOGE/When I Get My Wings
Writer: none listed; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: none listed; Ryko (track)
—This guy is a true Music City treasure. We nearly lost him four years ago when a truck crashed into his scooter, crushing his lungs and breaking multiple bones. His superb 2007 CD Draw the Curtains contained the thrillingly soulful “Washed By the Water.” He performed it, unforgettably, as the finale song of the Ryman telethon to benefit the victims of the May 2010 Nashville flood. This fitting successor is the lead single to his forthcoming, fall-release, seventh solo album titled Number Seven. Complete with blasting horns, it’s a simmering, stately Memphis/Stax slow-burn religious revival. Awesome.
HOT CHELLE RAE/Tonight Tonight
Writer: R.K. Follese/N. Overstreet/E. Kiriakou/E. Kidd Bogart/L. Robbins; Producer: Emanuel Kiriakou; Publisher: Midas/Sleep When I’m Rich/Scarlet Moon/Nash O/Roditis/Here’s Lookin’ at You Kidd/Beluga Heights/Sony-AATV/Hey Kiddo/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Jive (track)
—Chord Overstreet is gone from from the cast of Glee, but brother Nash Overstreet has a big, fat pop hit with his band Hot Chelle Rae. Both are the sons of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Paul Overstreet. In addition to Nash, HCR also contains Jamie and R.K. Follese, the sons of country hit writer Keith Follese, plus Ian Keaggy, the son of Christian-music guitar wonder and multiple Dove awardee Phil Keaggy. “Tonight Tonight” has entered the pop top-10 with its cheerfully bright choruses, spoken passages and thumping party beats. It is the centerpiece of the group’s EP featuring three videos and four equally catchy audio tracks. Irresistible.
JIOSA/On The Edge
Writer: Denny Jiosa/John Toomey/Jon Von Boehm; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jazzdaddy, SESAC; Sonic Canvas (track) (www.jiosa.com)
—Veteran Nashville guitarist Denny Jiosa now has a trio containing bassist Jon Von Boehm and drummer John Toomey. The title tune to the group’s new album is a rocking affair with improvised metallic axe screaming and steady rhythm undertow. Fling your hair around to this one. Also check out the groovy, echoey instrumental cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Bummer
Writer: Jake Orrall/Jamin Orrall; Producer: Jeff the Brotherhood; Publisher: Infinity Cat, ASCAP; Infinity Cat (track) (www.infinitycat.com)
—Brothers Jamin and Jake Orrall are beloved graduates of Be Your Own Pet. Their second CD as Jeff the Brotherhood seems to address their reputation as being better live than on disc, for it is quite the production. Audaciously titled We Are the Champions, the stoner-punk collection is full of wit as well as bashing and crashing. This single gets under your skin with its deep, dark instrumental bed and droning vocal. The boys’ father is Robert Ellis Orrall, of “Al Gore” notoriety, and the only Nashville songwriter to have written for both Shenandoah and Lindsay Lohan, not to mention “Look it Up” for Ashton Shepherd. By the way, this is the last chance you’ll have to buy Jeff as an indie (on vinyl, if you wish), because Warners is about to give Infinity Cat a shot at world domination.
ROYAL TAILOR/Hold Me Together
Writer: none listed; Producer: Chuck Butler; Publisher: none listed; Provident (track) (www.royaltailoronline.com)
—This bi-racial foursome is scaling the Christian charts with this track from its debut album Black & White. The plaintive tenor lead vocal arches skyward with shadowing backup singing and gently electrified, spacey instrumental work. The lyric could be romantic or religious, depending on the listener, so I sense definite pop-crossover potential.
BILLY FALCON/When
Writer: Billy Falcon; Producer: Billy Falcon & Nick Pellegrino; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BF (track) (www.billyfalcon.com)
—Billy moved to Music City some 20 years ago following the loss of his wife to breast cancer. He raised daughter Rose on his own in Nashville, and she is now a pop record maker, herself. The two spent a good part of this year on the road opening for Bon Jovi, and Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are his co-writers on the album track “When We Were Beautiful.” “When,” the CD’s title tune, addresses Billy’s grief. It is a starkly arranged ballad with his cracked delivery fronting a sighing string section. The moving lyric wishes mom could only see her daughter now, as a blossoming adult. Essential listening that is loaded with soul.
BURLAP TO CASHMERE/Build A Wall
Writer: Steven Delopoulos; Producer: Mitchell Froom; Publisher: SD Songs, SESAC; Jive/Essential (track) (www.burlaptocashmere.com)
—Although based in Brooklyn, this five-man folk-rock band is marketed out of Music City. Its hair-raising back story involves guitarist John Philippidis being nearly beaten to death by two now-imprisoned male assailants because of a road-rage incident in 2005. His cousin, Steve Delopoulos, is the band’s songwriter and lead singer. The group’s long comeback has led to a self-titled CD that includes this very cool, crunchy, compelling thumper. Burlap to Cashmere deserves to stand alongside Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers and other stellar practitioners of heart-pumping alternative, acoustic pop.
MATTHEW WEST/Strong Enough
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sparrow (track)
—In addition to being an award-winning CCM artist, West writes songs for folks like Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Point of Grace, Mallary Hope (”Love Lives On”) and Diamond Rio (”This Is My Life”). His current hit has a shuddering, hard-rock track that contrasts somewhat disturbingly with his light, tenor vocal delivery. Pass.
SHARIF IMAN/Shine
Writer: Sharif Iman; Producer: Dave Wilson; Publisher: Fox/Chocolate Soul Child, SESAC; Foxy/CSC (track) (www.sharifiman.com)
—This Nashville singer-songwriter was so determined to make it in music that he endured periods of homelessness. The handsome, self-proclaimed “Chocolate Soul Child” has made solid strides forward with his indie single, which is also the title tune to his CD. It is a shimmering, soaring outing that showcases his impressive vocal range and inspirational songwriting. I believe in this guy.
"MusicRow" Exclusive With StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Evan Lowenstein, MR Owner/Pres. Sherod Robertson
Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011, Evan Lowenstein, Founder and CEO of StageIt, sat down exclusively with MusicRow to discuss the success of his innovative company.
First, a little background: launched in fall 2010, StageIt.com offers artists a web-based platform to perform live and have direct interaction with fans from their laptops. Although much like a virtual concert, the artists have much more flexibility in delivering the entertainment.
Artists choose when and how long to perform, and how much to charge. The artist not only decides how many tickets to sell, but can change the number up until the performance starts. In other words, the ticket cost, “size” of venue, and length of show can be completely reactive to demand.
Lowenstein says country music particularly lends itself to such a platform because the genre’s fans enjoy accessibility to artists. He also points out that country artists are more comfortable delivering their music in stripped down settings than acts in other genres.
As a former member of pop brother-duo Evan and Jaron, known for Top 10 hit “Crazy for this Girl,” Lowenstein has always been fascinated with connectivity to fans. Although the technology existed, he was equally frustrated with not having a way to share his experiences with fans without devaluing his content and himself as an artist. This frustration led to the creation of StageIt.
StageIt CEO Evan Lowenstein
StageIt offers a way for the artist to monetize the online experience. Perhaps more importantly, it allows fans a way to show direct appreciation to the artist through a virtual tip jar and online chatting during the performance. Some users spend over $50 a week. Artists on StageIt can also sell their records during the show, much like in a traditional venue. Hear something you like and a purchase is just one click away.
In an era when we can see anything anytime we want, StageIt appears to be heading in the opposite direction. None of the live shows are ever recorded or archived. Regarding technology, Lowenstein is quick to respond, “Just because it’s available doesn’t mean we have to use it.” The company focuses on bringing back the mystery of the artist and feels if someone is available 24/7 there is less value. Today’s artists have too much access according to Lowenstein. He says, “This is why artists have careers for four and a half minutes.”
StageIt continues to focus on the needs of the artist and the best way to connect with their fans, which to Lowenstein means no distracting advertising. The site creates moments and intimate experiences for the fan and many artists have taken advantage.
StageIt performances from country music artists include Big Kenny, Don Schlitz, Sherrie Austin, James Otto, Jerrod Neimann, Chris Young and others. After using the StageIt platform, Jimmy Buffett was so impressed with the experience, he partnered with the company.
While the industry is plagued with piracy issues and declining revenues, Lowenstein says, “We’ve found a playing field where the fans and artist agree there is value.”
Visit StageIt.com for more information.
Cliff O'Sullivan Named GM Sugar Hill Records
/by Sarah SkatesO’Sullivan comes to Sugar Hill from Universal Music Group Distribution, where he served as Senior VP of Group Marketing. His career began as a college rep for CBS Records while earning his BA at University of California Berkeley. He went on to work at Epic, Columbia, PolyGram, RCA, Chrysalis, and EMI Distribution. He is also a 2011 graduate of Leadership Music.
“We are extremely excited to have Cliff lead our Sugar Hill team in Nashville. His passion for music and leadership skills are key to delivering the goals we have set out for Sugar Hill Records,” says Kevin Welk, President of Sugar Hill and Vanguard Records.
“Having been involved with the Vanguard Records and Welk Music family on the artist management side for many years, I developed a great respect for their love of music and dedication to artist development,” says O’Sullivan. “The opportunity to join the company in Nashville in a leadership role is the realization of a longtime dream of mine on both a personal and professional level.”
O’Sullivan can be reached at cliffo@sugarhillrecords.com or by calling 615-297-6890 ext. 14. The Sugar Hill Nashville office is located at 120 31st Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203.
Merle Haggard's New Album: Working In Tennessee
/by FreemanWorking In Tennessee was produced by Haggard with Lou Bradley at Hag’s Tally studio in California and features backing by longtime bandmates The Strangers. The title track nods to Haggard’s sometimes confrontational relationship with Nashville, “Sometimes I Dream” was co-written with his daughter Janessa, and “Down On the Houseboat” was co-written with his wife Theresa. Haggard’s son, Ben, and Willie Nelson join him on a remake of “Working Man Blues,” and Theresa is his duet partner on the Johnny Cash/June Carter standard “Jackson.” Full tracklist below.
“I’m swinging back in full throttle right now,” says Haggard. “Music keeps me alive. It makes me breathe better. It’s funny, but I feel better when I come off a tour than when I start out.”
Get a download of “Working In Tennessee” here.
Track listing:
1. Working in Tennessee (Merle Haggard)
2. Down on the Houseboat (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard, Doug Colosio)
3. Cocaine Blues (TJ Arnall)
4. What I Hate (Merle Haggard)
5. Sometimes I Dream (Merle Haggard, Jenessa Haggard)
6. Under the Bridge (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard)
7. Too Much Boogie Woogie (Merle Haggard)
8. Truck Driver’s Blues (Merle Haggard, Tim Howard)
9. Laugh It Off (Merle Haggard, Theresa Haggard, Doug Colosio)
10. Working Man Blues (Merle Haggard)
11. Jackson (Billy Edd Wheeler, Gaby Rodgers)
Red River Runs Deep
/by Sarah SkatesShelton scored 29% digital album sales. Meanwhile, his new single “God Gave Me You” debuted with 40K downloads.
Chris Young’s Neon also lit up the charts in a glowing debut week. With 73K units sold, the Sony Music Nashville album came in at No. 4 on the overall rankings, and No. 2 on the Country list.
By comparison, rockers Incubus debuted with 80K, and singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat opened with 66K.
Ashton Shepherd’s sophomore effort Where Country Grows got started with 11K. Young and Shepherd both raked in 20% digital.
Shepherd’s UMG labelmate Scotty McCreery is climbing the Country albums chart with his American Idol project, which has moved 71K copies in just three weeks. He sold 17K units for a 23% week-to-week jump.
Elsewhere, Jason Aldean’s still kicking up dust with “Dirt Road Anthem” selling 115K downloads this week. And after 37 weeks on the charts, his BBR album My Kinda Party is hanging at No. 3 on the Country list, selling 42K this week for a RTD total of 1.5 million-plus.
There’s also a small bright spot for the Country genre as a whole, which saw its first year-to-year growth on the latest report: album sales are up .6%.
Digital Release Today From The Dirt Drifters
/by Sarah SkatesThe Dirt Drifters members wrote or co-wrote 10 of the project’s 11 tracks, and played on every song of the Justin Niebank-produced album. They also tapped legend Willie Nelson for guest vocals on “I’ll Shut Up Now.”
Comprised of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, the band will be hitting the road this summer, visiting radio and playing shows.
Track Listing for This Is My Blood:
1. Something Better
2. Always A Reason
3. There She Goes
4. It Takes A Man
5. Hurt Somebody
6. Married Men And Motel Rooms
7. I’ll Shut Up Now (ft. Willie Nelson)
8. Name On My Shirt
9. Sun Goes Down
10. Just Got Tonight
11. This Is My Blood
Industry, Artists Fight Secondary Ticket Market
/by Sarah SkatesAmong the 35-plus acts supporting the organization are The Dixie Chicks, Maroon 5, R.E.M., Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, and Journey.
Also on board are Ticketmaster, Live Nation, The Recoding Academy, Red Light Management, and Front Line Management, as well as numerous venues, and professional sports teams.
Fans First says it seeks to protect fans from fraudulent business practices when they purchase tickets for concert, sporting events and shows. More at www.standwithfans.org.
Hirings At Quarterback, Gary Musick Productions
/by Sarah SkatesValerie Summers
Gary Musick Productions announces the addition of Valerie Summers as Vice President of Sales and Customer Relations. Summers, who was previously an agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, brings with her 20 years of music industry experience. Valerie and her husband, Kip Summers, are co-owners of Arrington Vineyards where her husband is also the winemaker.
Gary Musick Productions is a creative event and live entertainment production company, based in Nashville since 1980. The company produces more than 200 corporate and association events each year. It also creates and manages stage shows for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.
She can be contacted at valerie@garymusick.com or (615) 324-5549.
• • • •
Kelly Symone
Kelly Symone has joined Quarterback Records as West Coast/Southwest Promotion Director. She has spent more than three years with KNTY/Sacramento, most recently as MD. Her previous stops include KNCI, KREL and WDAF.
“We’re glad to round out our regional staff with Kelly,” says VP of Promotion Tony Benken. “Her energy and passion will complement the rest of the team.”
Symone will remain based in Sacramento. She can be reached at (916) 868-3331 or kellysymone@quarterbackrecords.com.
Worley's River Run Still Growing in 10th Year
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Wynn Varble, Darryl Worley, Jim “Moose” Brown and Steve Leslie performing at the recent Darryl Worley and Friends Songwriters in the Round show in Jackson, Tenn. Along with another event in Memphis, they raised more than $70,000 to benefit the Darryl Worley Foundation.
Darryl Worley has recruited Montgomery Gentry and classic rock band Kansas for his Tennessee River Run, set for Sept. 15-17 in Savannah, Tenn. The 10th anniversary event includes a rock concert in downtown Savannah with headliners Kansas and Mike Slaughter, golf tournament, bass tournament, motorcycle ride, boat poker run, crafts fair, 5k, and country concert at Pickwick Landing State Park with Montgomery Gentry and Worley.
Proceeds from this and other events fund the Darryl Worley Foundation, which serves area charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center.
Leading up to The Tennessee River Run is the Battle of the Bands and several writers-in-the-round events, most scheduled for Bumpus Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the southeast. The Battle of the Bands Preliminary Competition kicks-off July 21 in Jackson, Tenn., with other preliminary rounds in Memphis on Aug. 4; Florence, Ala. on Aug. 18; and the finals Aug. 27 at Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Jackson. The winner will receive studio time and be the opening act at the 2011 Tennessee River Run country concert.
On July 27, Worley will join hit songwriters Bernie Nelson, Jim “Moose” Brown and Lee Roy Parnell for a show at the Murfreesboro Harley Davidson store.
Details on all these events at www.tnriverrun.org.