Charting A Combined Course: Singles And Album Sales by Artist

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Like a giant cruise ship returning home from the party, the music industry is slow to alter its direction (or perceptions). For decades we have been judging weekly sales based upon album units. But fair-minded industry observers are beginning to feel the impact from digital singles. This effect is becoming more pronounced because while singles improve, album sales have fallen. A few years ago a No. 1 country debut album might expect to easily top 100,0000 units as it marched out of the box and into consumer’s hands. But now expectations are lower. Even 50k units can be enough to earn the No. 1 position on the Current country Top 75 album sales chart.
Country Albums: This week, for example, Sara Evans rules the roost with her Stronger debut posting sales of over 55k units. Jason Aldean is No. 2 with almost 23k units this week.
Country Tracks: Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger” downloaded over 45k units for a No. 4 showing. Aldean, however, has five tracks showing on the Top 100 country digital chart. Including “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” his duet with Kelly Clarkson (47k units), he shows a total of almost 76k units.
Now let’s compare the retail value of the above examples plus a few more, derived the same way:
Evans
55k albums X $9.99=$550,000
45k singles X $1.29=$58,000
Aldean
23k albums X $9.99=$230,000
76k singles X $1.29=$98,000
Thompson Square
12k albums X $9.99=$120,000
54k singles X $1.29=$70,000
Taylor Swift
16k albums X $9.99=$160,000
63k singles X $1.29=$81,000
Lady Gaga
20k albums (various) X $9.99=$200,000
231k singles X $1.29= $298,000
Yes, album sales mostly outweigh single sales in dollar value, but the gap, which swings widest during debut album weeks (see Evans) is starting to close. This week Lady Gaga proves the point that single sales are gaining on album sales (see above numbers). Moving forward, a combined value chart would be especially prescient in revealing what is truly happening at music sales cash registers. The methodology, considering specially-priced packages and such could be a bit cumbersome, but even if the above basic retail values were used across all units, its value would be undeniable.
Factually Focused
For the week ended 3-13-11 country album sales are down 13.7% YTD. Digital album sales continue to grow however, now totaling 19.8% of total country album sales for 2011. (Last year they were about 15% YTD at this time.)
In addition to Sara Evans’ No. 1 debut, Kenny Rogers released a Cracker Barrel special that took No. 8 honors with over 12.5k units. The other Top 10 players remain the usual suspects. Aaron Lewis, who debuted last week at No. 1, has slipped back to No. 4 on the the chart and his unit sales dropped about 53% to below 18k—not a bad showing considering it is quite normal to fall back 50-63% in the second week.
The remainder of the Top Ten shapes up like this: Jason Aldean (No. 2, 22k+); Lady Antebellum (No. 3, 18k+); Rascal Flatts (No. 5, 16k+); Taylor Swift (No. 6, 16k+); Zac Brown Band (No. 7, 15k+); Thompson Square (No. 9, 12k+); and The Band Perry (No. 10, 9k+).
Upcoming country album releases are still light, no heavyweight product is scheduled through the end of April.

CO5 Teams With Azar's Ride Records

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CO5 Records has teamed with Steve Azar’s Ride Records, handling radio promotion duties for the independent label. The CO5 camp is hitting the ground running, taking on Azar’s new single, “Hard Road.”
This development follows the exit earlier this week of Ride promo staffers David Shaw and Jamice Jennings.
“Hard Road” is the third single from Azar’s Slide on Over Here album. It is the follow-up to his Top 20 hit, “Sunshine,” which also produced a No. 1 video.
Co-written by Azar and James House, the new single is “a song of hope” explains the singer. “We all go through hard times in life, but so often we get through them with the help of others. It’s great to know that when the weight becomes too dang heavy, there’s someone in your life to carry the load for a while.”
Azar’s career has charted hits including “Waitin’ on Joe,” “I Don’t Have to Be Me (Til Monday),” “You’re My Life,” “You Don’t Know a Thing,” “Moo La Moo” and “Sunshine.”
He is headed to St. Augustine, FL later this month to play in the 11th Annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack® Charity Golf Tournament.

Leon Russell Joins Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Elton John congratulates Leon Russell at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.


Acclaimed Nashville musician Leon Russell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday night (3/14), part of a class that includes fellow luminaries Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Dr. John and Darlene Love.
Russell, who has contributed keys to albums by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, and projects from producer Phil Spector, joined the Hall under the “sideman” category.
During the star-studded event at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, Russell performed his “A Song For You,” accompanied by John Mayer on guitar.

Leon Russell. Click to read his bio.


From the podium, Russell thanked collaborator Elton John, bringing tears to the eyes of the British songman. The two paired for the acclaimed album, The Union. Russell explained that John “found me in a ditch at the side of the highway of life and took me up to the high stages with big audiences, and treated me like a king.”
John described Russell as his idol, adding that when they first met in the 1970s, that Russell looked like “something from outer space.”
Also joining the Hall were record execs Art Rupe of Specialty Records, and Jac Holzman of Elektra Records.
The television event airs Sunday night, March 20 at 9 PM on Fuse TV.

CO5 Expands Newmark's Role

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David Newmark

CO5 Music is expanding the role of VP of Business Development David Newmark to include VP of Country Promotion responsibilities. He held this position prior to heading business development, and is again taking on the duties following the exit of Denise Roberts, who left CO5 to join Lytle Management.

Newmark will be hiring at least one new regional promotion rep.

The announcement was made by CO5 co-CEOs Tracy Brown and Todd Sievers.

Newmark can be reached at 615-469-1756 or factor@co5music.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/16/11)

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This week, let’s do like the televised awards shows do.

Our Female Vocalist of the Week is Amber Hayes. Her sophomore single is every bit as lively, fun and delightful as her debut. I remain a fan.

The Male Vocalist of the Week is no stranger to DisClaimer honors. It’s Eric Church, who has won more prizes from this column than any other artist. “Homeboy” is just one more reason to love and revere him.

The winner of Group of the Week is Gloriana. Is there any other group in this genre that looks and sounds this good? I think not. These four kids deserve to become superstars.

So give all three of those releases a Disc of the Day award.

Chase Rice lost by just one vote on the reality show Survivor: Nicaragua. In addition, he is notable as a former University of North Carolina linebacker and as a member of the NASCAR pit crew for driver Ryan Newman. Now he has yet another career, as a country singer with a “spring break” single. He also has a DisCovery Award.

AMBER HAYES/Wait

Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill DiLuigi/Mark Conklin; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Blue/Jive Buddha, ASCAP; FUNL (888-875-1617 ext. 102)

—As before, she’s a twirling, swirling confection of pop-pop-pop fizz. Enjoy the moment. Get up and dance around the room. Grin while that steel takes its soaring solo. Laugh while you sing along deliriously.

ERIC CHURCH/Homeboy

Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (ERG)

—Superbly written, it’s a cautionary, minor-key address to a hip hopper heading down the wrong path. Everything this artist puts out raises the bar, burns with integrity and is a credit to this genre.

GLORIANA/Wanna Take You Home

Writer: Tom Gossin/Matt Serletic/Wendell Mobley; Producer: Matt Serletic; Publisher: Gossin/Melusic/Primary Wave Emblem/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby, ASCAP/BMI; Emblem/Warner Bros.

—It’s pretty direct. He wants to have sex. Tonight. The joyous track is a choppy, chunky bopper, laced with fiddle and steel. As usual, their chorus harmonies are captivating. Catchy in the extreme.

CHASE RICE/Buzz Back

Writer: C. Rice/J. Rice/B. Kelley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Artist Revolution (877-999-9975)

—He’s hung over, but not for long. Rocking and promising, this is the debut country single from the first runner up on TV’s Survivor: Nicaragua.

GREG HANNA/Makin’ Love Real

Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pheromone/Paradigm/Megaforce/RED (www.greghanna.com)

—It’s an over-the-top romance ballad that’s taken at a v-e-r-y slow pace, but his singing is so pure and true that it overcame any reservations I had about it.

THE NEW RELICS/Dixie Queen

Writer: J. Edmondson/D. Edmondson/A. Patrick/A. Heller; Producer: Joshua Swiger & The New Relics; Publisher: Supo Lavo, BMI; Blues Alley

—The third radio single by this band features hearty harmony singing and a rollicking instrumental performance. But there’s something faintly junky about the sound. I recommend a production upgrade.

EMERSON DRIVE/Let Your Love Speak

Writer: Danick Dupelle/Josh Bartholomew/Steven Lee  Olsen; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Quarterback (615-438-7667)

—The reggae-flavored rhythm and echo chambered baritone vocal are both ear catching. The song has hooks a-plenty.

ADAM FISHER/Freight Train

Writer: Adam Fisher/Josh Taylor; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: none listed; AF

—If I remember correctly, I have liked this guy in the past. He sings with great gusto here. The song, guitar work and production are either an homage to or are slavishly imitative of Waylon Jennings, depending on your point of view.

JEFF COOK & THE ALLSTAR GOODTIME BAND/Waitin’ On Willie To Sing

Writer: E. Todd/C. Owens; Producer: Jeff Cook; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Quest (CDX) (www.jeffcook-agb.com)

—Sung with a weary smile, he name drops “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Whiskey River,” “Always on My Mind,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Hearted Woman.” Plus, there’s an acoustic guitar playing in dropped-note Willie fashion. Enjoyable.

TYSON BOWMAN/Thank God For People

Writer: Tyson Bowman/Vince Lambert/Judy Rodman; Producer: Val Lupescu & Rick Filer; Publisher: none listed; Guitar Shark (track) (www.tysonbowman.com)

—The title tune to this fellow’s CD is an ode to understanding, opportunity and unselfishness. Heartfelt, if vocally wobbly.

Kick the Crap Outta Cancer—A Benefit for Jayne Rogovin

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Jayne Rogovin and Manuel


Kick the Crap Outta Cancer, a benefit to support the medical fund of longtime Nashville music business publicist Jayne Rogovin, will be held Tuesday, April 5, 6–10 PM at Cabana restaurant.
The event will include performances by Raul Malo, Jim Lauderdale, Foster & Lloyd, Steve Cropper, Peter Cooper & Eric Brace, Mandy Barnett, Ruby Amanfu, James Intveld, Matt Urmy and others.
Beer, wine and creative southern cuisine from Cabana chef Brian Uhl are included in the price of admission and a silent auction will feature a variety of cool and eclectic items.
Tickets are $50 per person or $1000 for a VIP cabana for 10, and are available by logging on to www.cabananashville.com. Donations can also be made directly to the Jayne Rogovin Medical Fund at any SunTrust Bank.

Sony's Bush Hawg In Japan

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New RCA Nashville recording group Bush Hawg was on a two-week tour of Japan and Guam for Armed Forces Entertainment when the area was struck by last week’s record 9.0 magnitude earthquake. The six-man group, consisting of band members Jim Phipps, Russ Caldwell, Craig Hand, Shaun Ames, Alex Wilshire, and Ben Helton, are now safe in Guam.
They were loading in for a performance at Yokota Air Base when the quake registered 5.0 at their base location, less than 30 miles from Tokyo. Temporarily stranded at Yokota, the band was able to assist in preparing barracks for relief workers. Bush Hawg has been sharing some of their experiences via their Facebook page.
The group is currently recording its debut album with multi-Platinum producer Michael Knox, with a release slated for later this year.

In this photo from earlier in their journey, several band members shared a ride in a Humvee. Pictured (l-r): Bush Hawg’s Shaun Ames, Craig Hand, Alex Wilshire, and Jim Phipps.

IODA Debuts Open API

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IODA, has released a metadata and content API designed to increase exposure and revenue opportunities for content owners while enabling partners to monetize artist content more effectively. Open API provides access to metadata, buy links and media assets for partners and third party developers. The announcement was made March 15 at SXSW in Austin, TX.
Open API is a means to offer accurate data on demand—from release notes and track info to release dates, artist bios, images and more. All data is provided and approved directly by IODA’s rightsholders to ensure the accuracy and completeness. Metadata, as it is referred to is essentially the information required to properly compensate rightsholders. It is only possible to  pay those involved if one knows who they are and where to send the payments. As the range of uses for content becomes ever more complex, the Open API, like several other systems that have been announced previously, endeavors to make this important information available in real time to the appropriate parties. Click here to see an example use of this data. Interested developers should click here.
Known as the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, IODA is one of the industry-leading digital distribution companies for the global independent music and video community. IODA provides comprehensive services to record labels, physical distributors, artists, and filmmakers, including license negotiations; media encoding and metadata management; royalty payment administration and reporting; and marketing and promotional support. Founded in 2003, IODA represents a rapidly expanding roster of more than two million music tracks and thousands independent film and video titles. IODA distributes its music and video catalog to hundreds of digital storefronts worldwide, including all major digital music services like iTunes®, Amazon MP3 and Spotify, and mobile carriers and outlets such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Vodafone. The company’s website is www.iodalliance.com.

CMT Original Movies Division Launches With Two Projects

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LeAnn Rimes (L) and Laura Bell Bundy (R) are slated for new projects from CMT Original Movies.


CMT is expanding with a new division focusing on made-for-television movies including romantic comedies and music-related projects.
 CMT Original Movies already has two projects in the works. To The Mat stars Ricky Schroder and Laura Bell Bundy, and Reel Love stars LeAnn Rimes.

Mary Beth Cunin, SVP, Programming, CMT, explains, “We’ve had great ratings success programming with acquired theatrical romantic comedies, so it is only natural for us to create original stories that are tailor made for the CMT audience.”
The department’s previous incarnation, CMT Films, produced and distributed films from 2005-2010. It was a full-service film studio that used theatrical and network premieres to distribute the films before premiering them on CMT, and releasing them for DVD sales. Films included Broken Bridges (Toby Keith, Kelly Preston), Beer For My Horses (Toby Keith, Rodney Carrington), the Emmy-nominated Dale about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, and Petty Blue, a documentary about NASCAR’s royal racing family.
As for the new projects, To The Mat (working title) was written by C. Jay Cox (Sweet Home Alabama), and stars Schroder (24, NYPD Blue) and UMG Nashville artist Bundy (Legally Blonde: The Musical, How I Met Your Mother). It tells the story of a laid-back ex-wrestler (Schroder) who’s trying to keep his family’s down-and-out southern wrestling school above water. Bundy is the uptight consultant from New York charged with getting the books in order to save the business. Directed by Rob Iscove (She’s All That), To The Mat is currently in production and is set to premiere in August on CMT. It is taping in British Columbia.
Reel Love stars Rimes as a successful, big city girl who returns to her small town roots after a family emergency, and reconnects with family and friends and finds romance along the way. Written by Sharon Weil Aaron and directed by Brian K. Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), Reel Love is set to begin production in late April and will premiere in September on CMT. It is taping in Ontario.
Both films will be produced by Entertainment One Television with John Morayniss, Noreen Halpern, Margaret O’Brien and Ira Pincus as Executive Producers. Lisa Silfen, Robin Palmer, Lewis Bogach and Mary Beth Cunin serve as Executive Producers for CMT.

Martina Releases New Music

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Martina McBride has released her first music since 2009 with new single “Teenage Daughters.” It is the lead single from the superstar’s label debut for Republic Nashville, due out this fall. The song, co-written by McBride and The Warren Brothers, deals with the experiences of both children and parents during the teenage years.
McBride has co-written seven more tracks for her new album. After 18 million career album sales, the upcoming project will be her first on a new label, first working with co-producer Byron Gallimore, and first to have written the majority of the material herself.
McBride, a mother of three daughters, comments, “I love the fact that ‘Teenage Daughters’ blends humor, sass and sweetness. It shows a very real side of my personality that I’m not sure I’ve shown in a song before. It’s definitely a very personal song and, to me, it just feels like an honest conversation between mothers and fathers of teenage daughters everywhere.“