Slicing The Nashville Sales Pie

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There are many ways to measure country music sales, but it all boils down to the fundamental question, how big is my slice of the pie? So first let’s talk about the overall pizza pie and then we’ll address some of the recent slices being cut up and handed out. (Source: Nielsen Soundscan.)

For the week ending 10/17/2010 country album sales are off 12.5% YTD compared with the same period last year. As always in our reports, this includes both physical and digital album sales. With only 11 shopping weeks remaining in 2010, the industry overall is now down 13.6%. Country YTD sales are 27.753 million units. For 2009 country sold 46.13 million units. To equal 2009, we have 11 weeks to scan 18.377 million more units or 1.67 million per week. (That’s a tall order considering that this week we sold a total of only 718k.)

However, before anyone runs out to Pizza Perfect to order more slices (not a bad idea), remember the holiday fever will greatly increase the rings of registers and there is a pile of platters yet to launch which are destined to entice consumers.

Now let’s look at how some of the individual slices are shaping up this week. Capitol Nashville served up Darius Rucker’s sophomore country set which tops the country chart and gets second place overall, selling almost 101,000 units. Rucker moved 31% of those in digital format. And then there is The Band Perry. The sibling trio storms this week’s list with over 52,000 units, placing them in the second spot on the current country album list. Personally it feels a bit early to start humming holiday carols, Lady Antebellum’s Merry Little Christmas (Target exclusive) hit the bins with debut sales of about 18k units, a number which is sure to grow as the holidays loom.

It’s hard to gauge how the previous week debuts are faring in terms of drop offs, but one clue is that even with recent releases—four weeks old or less—from Darius, TBP, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and Billy Currington, this week’s current country 75 still tallies an underperforming 470,368 units total.

Competing for this week’s debut slices are Sugarland who insiders are now predicting will notch sales of 200-225k and have an excellent chance of topping both the country and all genre album sales charts. And finally all Nashville is wishing Taylor luck with fingers crossed and breath held for what is sure to be the largest launch of the season for any genre (10/25). Stay tuned.

Garner Renews Contract, Kobalt Launches New Service, and BMI Board Announced

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Blair Garner Renews Radio  Contract

Blair Garner has renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks. Garner, a two-time recipient of the ACM’s “On-Air Personality of the Year,” hosts After MidNite with Blair Garner, which is heard by 2.7 million weekly listeners. The show will continue to broadcast daily from midnight to 6 a.m. on over 260 stations. Garner has been in national syndication for 17 years.

“I’m very pleased to continue my relationship with Premiere,” Garner says. “It’s an exciting time for radio and the opportunities for engagement that Premiere continues to develop–from on-air and digital to off-air events–are tremendous and benefit our listeners, artists, affiliates, record labels and advertisers. I look forward to breaking new ground with the Premiere team!”

Kobalt Launches Balance Updates

Kobalt Music Group launched a revolutionary service which will allow its clients to individually monitor their global royalty account balances online. The service, called Kobalt Weekly Online Balance Updates, allows clients to view current balances for their next quarterly statement period. Additionally, they will be able to request an online advance, allowing almost immediate access to their accruing royalties.

“With our new Weekly Online Balance Updates and Kobalt’s direct global collection infrastructure, copyright owners for the first time in history can get their money up to 2.5 years faster than the traditional industry standard,” explains Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group. “This gives our clients a significant advantage in transparency and value.”

Formed in 2001, Kobalt Music Group administers more than 175,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 900 content holders.

BMI Board of Directors Announced

BMI announced new and re-elected members to its Board of Directors at the company’s annual shareholder meeting, held in Nashville on October 19th. Jack Sander, former Vice-Chairman of Belo Corporation in Dallas, Texas, was re-elected as Chairman of the Board, and Cecil L. Walker, former Chairman & CEO, Gannett Broadcasting, Atlanta, GA, was re-elected Presiding Director. Both will serve one-year terms.

New Board members are Michael J. Fiorile, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dispatch Broadcast Group and President & COO of The Dispatch Printing Company, Columbus, OH; and Mark P. Mays, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., San Antonio, TX. Re-elected Board members are Catherine L. Hughes, Founder & Chairperson, Radio One, Inc., Lanham, MD; and Jerome L. Kersting, President, Tribune Broadcasting Company, Chicago, IL.

Those continuing in their terms on the Board are: Del R. Bryant, President & CEO, BMI, New York, NY; Amador Bustos, President & CEO, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC, Granite Bay, CA; Susan Davenport Austin, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and President, Sheridan Gospel Network, New York, NY; N. John Douglas, President/CEO, AIM Broadcasting, LLC, Palo Alto, CA; Craig A. Dubow, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gannett Co., Inc., McLean, VA; Kenneth J. Elkins, President & CEO, Pulitzer Broadcasting and Senior Vice President, Broadcasting, Pulitzer Publishing Co. (retired); Philip A. Jones, Mission Hills, KS; Paul Karpowicz, President, Meredith Broadcasting Group, Rocky Hill, CT; Virginia Hubbard Morris, President, Hubbard Radio and Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., St. Paul, MN; Mark Pedowitz, Founder and Chairman, Pine Street Entertainment, Burbank CA; G. Neil Smith, President, GNS Media, LLC, Liberty, SC.

Republic Nashville Goes Ape

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Click for larger image

Republic Nashville went “Ape” today after hearing that The Band Perry’s new release scanned a total of 52,500 albums this week. There’s no way to tell who is wearing the monkey suits, but note that Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen and Big Machine Founder/CEO Scott Borchetta both seem to curiously be missing????

TBP debuted on the Billboard Country Album chart at No. 2 this week. The young sibling group has been nominated for CMA Vocal Group of the Year plus received three nominations for the new American Country Awards set to air Dec. 6 from Las Vegas on FOX.

“If I Die Young” TBP’s hit single was recently certified Gold by the RIAA.

Flatts Wrap Tour Leg; Apple Debuts New Goodies

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Rascal Flatts

The first leg of the Rascal Flatts tour ended a week ago in Irvine, California closing out 2010 with 650,000 fans and 56 shows. In addition to the current “Nothing Like This” tour the numbers were also added to from the “Unstoppable” tour which took place in the early months of 2010.

“Nothing Like This” showcases the last ten years of hits for the trio and will continue in 2011 with special guests Chris Young and Luke Bryan. “Their easy rapport on stage- and Gary LeVox’s voice- makes it so great to see this band live,” shared the Palm Beach Post.

For the remainder of 2010 Rascal Flatts will promote its Nov. 16 album release on Big Machine Records—Nothing Like This— and new single “Why Wait.” They are also set to appear on the CMA Awards (11/10) and the American Country Awards on 12/6.

• • •

MacBook Air Laptop

Apple this morning announced a series of new products and software. The Cupertino-based shop now accounts for one in five PCs sold in the US. In addition to unveiling sleek new ultralight MacBook Air laptops, the next generation operating system OS X Lion was also announced with an availability date of summer 2011. A Mac App Store will go live in 90 days. Significant for social networking and possible artist/fan relationships is a giant expansion of Facetime, the video conferencing app that became available for iOS4 recently (iPhone and iPodTouch). Facetime for OS X is now available in beta format. On Monday (10/18) Apple announced its earnings. Net revenue surged almost 70% over the same quarter last year.

Photos: Jeff Barry, Best Cellars, ICM Winners

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Jeff Barry writing in Nashville with Rebecca Lynn Howard…TJ Martell Best Cellars Dinner with Charley Pride and Lee Ann Womack…Dailey and Vincent team with Garth Fundis…Point of Grace and The Roys win at ICM Awards.

Legendary songwriter and producer Jeff Barry was in Nashville recently, where he and artist/songwriter Rebecca Lynn Howard met for two day-long co-writing sessions at BMI. Often working with Phil Spector, Barry and former wife Ellie Greenwich composed classics including "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Then He Kissed Me," "Be My Baby," “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” "Chapel of Love," "Leader of the Pack," “River Deep-Mountain High” and many more. They produced and helped launch a young Neil Diamond and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. On his own, Barry helmed boards for The Monkees, and penned Gary Stewart’s “Out of Hand.” Pictured (l-r): Rebecca Lynn Howard, BMI’s Perry Howard, and Jeff Barry. Photo by Drew Maynard

The T.J. Martell Foundation’s Best Cellars Dinners, held recently in Atlanta and Houston, raised funds for innovative cancer research. The event is known for pairing Best Sellers (music’s top selling artists) with Best Cellars (top wine collectors) for a gourmet meal prepared by a guest chef. Pictured in Houston on Sept. 14 are (L-R): Laura Heatherly, Exec. Dir. of the T.J. Martell Foundation; Bigger Picture artist and actor Christian Kane, of TNT’s "Leverage"; Robert Del Grande, Exec. Chef/Owner of RDG +Bar Annie in Houston; Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride; MCA artist Lee Ann Womack; Dean Fearing, Exec. Chef/Owner of Fearing’s in Dallas; and artist Gary Morris. The event raised more than $95,000.

Dailey & Vincent, who recently claimed their third consecutive Entertainer of the Year title at the International Bluegrass Music Awards have paired with acclaimed producer Garth Fundis for their next album. The Rounder Records project is expected in early 2011. Pictured (L-R): Rounder’s Ken Irwin, Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Garth Fundis. Photo: Dan Loftin

Point of Grace (L) won Entertainer of the Year at 16th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show last week. The Roys (R) won Duo of the Year for the second consecutive time. Among other winners were Carrie Underwood (Inspirational Video of the Year for “Temporary Home” directed by Deaton-Flanigen) and Craig Morgan (Mainstream Country Artist of the Year and Mainstream Inspirational Song for “This Ain’t Nothin’").

Publisher Special 2010—On The Cover: Miranda Lambert

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CLICK HERE to purchase the 2010 Publisher Special

Label: Columbia Nashville
Current Album: Revolution
Current Single: “Only Prettier”
Current Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke for Carnival Productions
Hometown: Lindale, TX
Management: ShopKeeper Management
Booking: William Morris Endeavor
Musical Influences: “My dad was my mentor, he was the one teaching me to play
guitar. I absolutely love classic country and it’s no secret that Merle Haggard has been a huge inspiration. I really love Jack Ingram’s music, and Alison Moorer, as well. But in addition to country my family used to listen to southern rock like CCR and Lynyrd Skynyrd so I think you can hear those influences in my music as well. I also absolutely love Beyonce, she is the ultimate performer for me, she sings, dances and gives the audience a phenomenal show with all the bells and whistles. I have seen her live in concert several times and I am always completely blown away. I watch her live DVD’s often before I go on stage for inspiration.”
Favorite Records: Merle Haggard, Beyonce and Creedence Clearwater Revival
Other interests: Miranda’s dogs. Her charity Muttnation. Family. Her fiance Blake Shelton. Being at home and enjoying the simple things.
Recent Awards: 2010 CMT Female Video of the Year for “White Liar”; 2010 ACM Top Female Vocalist Award; 2010 ACM Album of the Year Award for Revolution; 2010 ACM Video of the Year Award for “White Liar”; 2008 ACM Album of the Year Award for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; 2007 ACM Top New Female Vocalist Award; 2005 ACM Cover Girl Fresh Face of Country Music Award; 2005 17th Annual MusicRow Critics Pick Award

Revolution, Miranda Lambert’s critically-acclaimed third album, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Album Charts, making her one of four artists in country music history whose first three albums landed in the top position right out of the box. The project quickly surpassed the Gold sales mark and produced two No. 1 singles. “The House That Built Me,” held the top position for four weeks, following “White Liar” which was Lambert’s first career No. 1.

Revolution was recorded with the same producers, Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke, and same musicians as her previous albums, Kerosene and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. It features 15 tracks, the vast majority of which were recorded in one whirlwind session in early 2009.

“I mean every word I say in every lyric of every song on this record, and every record I’ve ever done,” Miranda declares. “I would never take back one word or lyric or point I’ve ever made, because it’s part of who I am. And there are plenty of artists who wouldn’t do so much of that, if that’s the kind of music you’re into. But if you’re into honesty, I have the records for you,” she laughs.

Trailer Choir Shows Comedic Chops On YouTube

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Members of Show Dog-Universal band Trailer Choir have tapped into their inner comedians and teamed with director John Ritchie to create a series of comedy vignettes for YouTube. The storyline follows the hijinks of an up-and-coming country band, and the oftentimes hilarious situations they find themselves in. The first two vignettes have already been posted, with a third coming next week. Meanwhile, the band continues its hard driving tour schedule and promoting its latest album and single, “Shakin’ That Tailgate.”

“Trailer Choir continues to cross-pollinate their unique blend of music, fun and funny into yet another platform that works for them, extending their reach yet again,” explains Show Dog – Universal Music’s George Nunes.

“There was a time when country artists also used to be the biggest television stars around, you know, like Buck Owens on Hee Haw and The Johnny Cash Show and Barbara Mandrell and The Mandrell Sisters,” says Ritchie. “Trailer Choir reminded me of the type of band that has that potential. Placing these videos on an outlet like YouTube is a great way to showcase something fun.”

Ritchie is a Nashville-based writer (GAC’s Top 20, MTV Movie Awards) who recently started Gold Sounds Entertainment, a company that produces music oriented content for television and the web, including the country music news blog Carl’s Country Club.

Swift, Paltrow Added to CMA Awards

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Taylor Swift will perform on the 44th Annual CMA Awards

Taylor Swift and Gwyneth Paltrow have been added to the list of performers for the 44th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The Awards broadcast starts at 7 pm CT on the ABC Television Network.

Oscar-winner Paltrow will be making her first-ever appearance on the Awards when she performs “Country Strong,” title track to her upcoming feature film starring Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester. Paltrow will be joined for the performance by Vince Gill. The soundtrack to Country Strong is set for release on Oct. 25.

That is the same day reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift will release her third album, Speak Now. She has been added to the awards show line-up where she is nominated again for Female Vocalist of the Year, a category she won last year along with Album of the Year (for Fearless), and Music Video of the Year (for the Trey Fanjoy-directed “Love Story”).

Swift and Paltrow join previously announced performers Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band (with Alan Jackson), and Keith Urban. Additionally, Sheryl Crow and Lambert will give a special duet performance in tribute to Loretta Lynn’s 50th Anniversary as a recording artist.

Big Week For Lambert, Shelton

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Overton presents Lambert a plaque for her platinum album, Revolution.

Hot country couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are having an exciting week.

Lambert just celebrated the Platinum certification of her album Revolution with Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton. The album has yielded the No. 1 singles, “White Liar” and “The House That Built Me,” and was voted the ACM Album of the Year. With nine nominations, she is the leading nominee going into the CMA Awards.

Trace Adkins surprised Blake Shelton when he asked him to be the Opry's newest member.

Shelton is being inducting into the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (10/23) and is celebrating all week long. The notorious Twitter hound will host a Twitterview with fans tomorrow (10/21) at 11 a.m. Central at Twitter.com/opry. Fans can submit questions for Shelton to @opry via Twitter.com. Shelton’s Opry week also includes his “Blakeover” of the Opry’s YouTube channel and giveaways at opry.com. Last night he visited late night talk show Chelsea Lately for the show’s 600th episode. He is up for four awards at the CMAs.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/20/10)

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I always like a listening session with plenty of newcomers.

After all, the thrill of discovery is what every critic lives for. This week sees column debuts by Chet O’Keefe, Corinne Chapman, The Jeremy Miller Band, James Lann and Daniel Warren.

In the cases of Mr. O’Keefe and Ms. Chapman, I believe we’re in the presence of important new songwriting voices. Both of them are really classy tunesmiths.

If you want an example of a songwriting masterpiece, look no further than “I Wouldn’t Be a Man.” This 1987 Don Williams classic was previously revived by Billy Dean in 1996. Now it is the sublime new single by Josh Turner. It is also the Disc of the Day.

Of those newcomers cited above, I’m singling out James Lann for a DisCovery Award, simply because his record is the best produced of the lot. His website says that his new CD Honky Tonk Kung Fu is this authentic Texas cowboy’s second. But he’s new this week to DisClaimer.

THE JEREMY MILLER BAND/Reckless
Writer: Jeremy Miller/The Jeremy Miller Band; Producer: Keith Davis; Publisher: none listed, BMI; JMB (www.jeremymillerband.com)
—Somewhat amateur sounding, but not without its charms. The band has an enthusiastic, garage-country approach. The lead vocal is ever-so-slightly pitch-y, but remains endearing with its drawling little tenor rasp.

KENNY CHESNEY/Somewhere With You
Writer: J.T. Harding/Shane McAnally; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Adopted Songs/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; BNA
—The second single from Hemingway’s Whiskey has a lot to live up to, since “The Boys of Fall” was such a masterpiece. This time out, its an atmospheric mid-tempo outing with plenty of yearning in the vocal over a lost love. Swirling and dreamy.

CORINNE CHAPMAN/Weeds
Writer: Corinne Chapman/Gene Reynolds; Producer: Ken Coomer; Publisher: Lilchap, SESAC; CC (track) (www.corinnechapman.com)
—She’s produced by Ken Coomer, who’s noted for his work with Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. But before you slap this with an “Americana” label, give this track a listen. The guitars twang, and the tune is super catchy. “Let love spread like weeds,” she warbles. The song has been picked up by Crocs for its program to provide shoes for people in third-world countries and is also the theme song for a soccer club started by the homeless in Ft. Worth. It comes from Corinne’s six-song EP titled Dirty Pretty Things.

JOSH TURNER/I Wouldn’t Be A Man
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
—How perfect is this timing? Don Williams will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday evening. And Josh’s new single this week is his glowingly warm and deeply lustrous remake of Don’s 1987 hit. You will absolutely swoon over this utterly gorgeous performance. MCA’s label copy is non existent, but just for the record, this song’s authors are both Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members—Rory Bourke and Mike Reid.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/Gracias
Writer: Stephanie Urbina Jones/Mark Marchetti/Jack Williams; Producer: Stephanie Urbina Jones; Publisher: none listed, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Casa Del Rio (210-378-5897)
—I have always liked this Texas gal. On this upbeat twang-fest, she thanks God “for what I have and haven’t got.” Bopping and engaging. Get up and twirl around the dance floor.

AARON TIPPIN/I Wanna Play
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; NAMM (track)
—This is the title tune to a CD that aims to raise funds “to put musical instruments into the hands of every child in America.” Ambitious? Sure, but worth the effort. Especially when the song is as uplifting, anthemic and catchy as this one. You’ll want to clap along in time.

JAMES LANN/Every Kiss Goodnight
Writer: James Lann/Gary Leach; Producer: Greg Hunt, Gary Leach & James Lann; Publisher: none listed; Ari-Tex (www.jameslann.com)
—Infectious. It has a rocking, nervous, full-bodied energy that propels it relentlessly forward. It takes awhile to get to the title, but the rush getting there is so cool that you don’t care. Beautifully produced. Listen and believe.

DANIEL WARREN/Only For A Moment
Writer: D. Warren; Producer: Al Hurschman & Daniel Warren; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Chaprielle (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—The mostly acoustic production and his gentle vocal lilt give this a somewhat folkie quality. It’s such a peaceful, easy feeling that his rather word-y songwriting style glides by almost unnoticed.

MATT GARY/I’m Just Sayin’
Writer: Frank Myers/Gary B. Baker/Billy Montana; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Quarterback (www.mattgarymusic.com)
—If she were his, he’d treat her right. So he advises her to walk away from “that ball and chain” because, “love’s not supposed to make you hurt.” His tenor floats above a frothing, churning sonic stew that gives the whole thing an empowering vibe.

CHET O’KEEFE/Ring The Bell
Writer: Chet O’Keefe; Producer: Thomm Jutz & Pat McInerney; Publisher: O’Keefe Street, ASCAP; CO (track) (www.chetokeefe.com)
—He’s been in town only a couple of months, and his very first cut as a writer wins him a Song of the Year prize at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award show. His own version of it kicks off his Game Bird CD. His voice has a comfy, lived-in quality, and the accompanying sighing steel and rolling rhythm give the track an easy-going lilt. His other tunes are equally refreshing, by the way. Try “Nashville Star,” for one. Or “Petting Zoo,” for another.