These days he’s a successful and respected Nashville singer/songwriter, but back in the early ‘90s, Shawn Camp was a promising, up-and-comer on the mainstream country scene. He had some early success with his self-titled 1993 debut, which garnered attention with singles “Fallin’ Never Felt So Good,” and “Confessin’ My Love,” so it was expected that his second album might be the breakthrough.
One problem: “The label said it didn’t sound like the latest hit,” Camp says. “They wanted me to change everything. Told me to take all the fiddles and dobros off and put electric guitars on. I got crossways and never did it.”
That would be the end of the story if current WMN President John Esposito hadn’t happened into an impromptu guitar pull with Camp at last year’s Leadership Music opening retreat. Reportedly, the label head was “mesmerized by Shawn’s singing and finger-picking.”
Esposito opened the label’s vaults, and took a listen to Camp’s unreleased sophomore effort.
“This stuff is magic,” Esposito says of first hearing the album. “There’s this sly, underlying sexiness to Shawn’s songwriting that I dig. I was trained to sign people who are magnificent and then to allow them show their magnificence. It shouldn’t be about trying to change what they do.”
On Sept. 28, Reprise Records will release Camp’s long lost album, now titled 1994. That same day, the label will also re-release his long out-of-print eponymous debut album.
“This is an unchanged snapshot of that moment 16 years ago,” Camp says. “At least it’s getting out there for the folks to hear. It’s kind of a shock, but I’m awfully thrilled.”
Camp’s impact on country music has been significant. While 1994 (produced by Emory Gordy, Jr.) remained shelved and Camp left Reprise Records, his songs were recorded by other artists including Garth Brooks (“Two Pina Coladas”), George Strait (“River of Love”), Josh Turner (“Would You Go With Me”) and Brooks & Dunn (“How Long Gone”). Today, Camp co-writes with Americana songwriting legends including Guy Clark (“Sis Draper,” “Magnolia Wind”) and Jim Lauderdale (“Forever Ain’t No Trouble Now”).
“Shawn sings, plays and writes up there in the fine, rarified air where very few can breathe,” says Clark. “It’s a joy to behold.” Echoes legendary producer and songwriter Cowboy Jack Clement: “I have always thought Shawn should be a star. He’s got the talent, the voice and the looks to do it.”
Independently, Camp released four critically-acclaimed CDs: 2001’s Lucky Silver Dollar, Live At The Station Inn in 2004, Fireball in 2006 and The Bluegrass Elvises with Billy Burnette in 2007. He is also a member of The World Famous Headliners, a band he formed with fellow songwriters Al Anderson and Pat McLaughlin.
Camp will be appearing with Clark tonight at 11:00 PM at the Station Inn. The show is part of this week’s Americana Music Festival. On Saturday (9/11) he’ll make a full-band appearance at the Mercy Lounge.
Industry Vets Establish Media Maverick
/by contributorVernell Hackett
Media Maverick LLC, a media training company, has established offices in Nashville. The company trains entertainers, CEO’s, business executives, government officials and other people who must interact with the media.
The three partners in Media Maverick have more than 50 combined years of experience in print, social media, radio and television, and video production. Broadcast executive Clark Taylor partners with music journalist Vernell Hackett and photographer/videographer John Lee Montgomery III to offer a broad range of expertise for those who wish to expand their interview skills.
Taylor has been involved in broadcast journalism since his early days as a deejay. He was the developer of radio and television news for the Department of the Army and the Pentagon, Soldiers Radio and Television (SRTV), in Washington, D.C. As part of his duties, he trained men and women to testify in front of Congress, talk to the national media and speak before various government committees.
“We have a combined experience that is needed to develop the skills to provide our clients with the confidence they need to talk to the media,” says Taylor. “I am excited about making Nashville the home base for this company.”
John Lee Montgomery III
Hackett covers Nashville’s music industry as an editor and freelance journalist. Montgomery photographs numerous major entertainment and political figures as well as works on various film crews for commercials, music videos and interview shows.
“I can recall many interviews where the person I was speaking with answered in very short, non-descriptive sentences which left me with very little to work with as I was writing my story,” Hackett says. “I look forward to working with people who want to broaden their skills during an interview situation in order to convey their message to the journalist they are interviewing with in order to give them everything they need so they can write their story or edit their radio or television show.”
Montgomery brings extensive work as a videographer and still photographer to Media Maverick LLC. He worked in Nashville’s music industry throughout the 1990’s, then went on travel and work with video production teams that captured numerous political events as well as various advertising campaigns. He has also worked on artist videos and television shows.
“Media Maverick training offers a personalized, adaptive and interactive session with highly diverse and experienced radio, print and TV professionals teaching individuals to more effectively handle themselves when conducting press conferences or business meetings,” Montgomery says. “I personally look forward to helping people understand what goes on behind the camera so as to be better prepared them to be in front of the camera.”
Media Maverick provides personalized media training, with every one-on-one training session customized to meet the needs of the individual. The team of professionals can work in the client’s office or they can provide a training area in which to meet. Instructors teach individuals to more effectively handle themselves in front of journalists, TV and radio personalities and when conducting press conferences or business meetings.
Members of the Media Maverick team will continue in their individual roles of journalist and photographer outside of their duties with the newly formed company.
Media Mavericks LLC has branches in Washington, D.C. and New York City, and plans to open one in Los Angeles in the near future.
Underwood Becomes Olay “Ambassador”
/by contributor“We are thrilled that someone as inspirational as Carrie has joined Olay,” said Joe Arcuri, Vice President for North America, Procter & Gamble Beauty. “Carrie epitomizes Olay’s mission to challenge possibilities and encouraging a new generation of women to learn about skin care and make a noticeable impact on their skin’s appearance.”
“With her genuine beauty and girl-next-door likeability, Carrie is a natural fit and wonderful addition to the Olay family,” said Chris Heiert, Marketing Director, Olay.” Through all her success, Carrie remains grounded and connects with women everywhere using her powerful voice. She personifies the iconic image of the brand while representing the faces of the future.”
“I am so excited to be associated with a beauty brand that has been trusted by women for more than 50 years,” Underwood said. “As a little girl, I remember my mom always using the original Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid and encouraging my sisters and I to take care of our skin. My music career has been a dream come true and proven to me that the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Olay’s inspiring campaign echoes my beliefs.”
Olay is also a sponsor of Carrie’s Play On Tour this fall. For up-to-date tour information, log on to www.carrieunderwood.fm.
WMN To Release “Lost” Shawn Camp Album
/by contributorOne problem: “The label said it didn’t sound like the latest hit,” Camp says. “They wanted me to change everything. Told me to take all the fiddles and dobros off and put electric guitars on. I got crossways and never did it.”
That would be the end of the story if current WMN President John Esposito hadn’t happened into an impromptu guitar pull with Camp at last year’s Leadership Music opening retreat. Reportedly, the label head was “mesmerized by Shawn’s singing and finger-picking.”
Esposito opened the label’s vaults, and took a listen to Camp’s unreleased sophomore effort.
“This stuff is magic,” Esposito says of first hearing the album. “There’s this sly, underlying sexiness to Shawn’s songwriting that I dig. I was trained to sign people who are magnificent and then to allow them show their magnificence. It shouldn’t be about trying to change what they do.”
On Sept. 28, Reprise Records will release Camp’s long lost album, now titled 1994. That same day, the label will also re-release his long out-of-print eponymous debut album.
“This is an unchanged snapshot of that moment 16 years ago,” Camp says. “At least it’s getting out there for the folks to hear. It’s kind of a shock, but I’m awfully thrilled.”
Camp’s impact on country music has been significant. While 1994 (produced by Emory Gordy, Jr.) remained shelved and Camp left Reprise Records, his songs were recorded by other artists including Garth Brooks (“Two Pina Coladas”), George Strait (“River of Love”), Josh Turner (“Would You Go With Me”) and Brooks & Dunn (“How Long Gone”). Today, Camp co-writes with Americana songwriting legends including Guy Clark (“Sis Draper,” “Magnolia Wind”) and Jim Lauderdale (“Forever Ain’t No Trouble Now”).
“Shawn sings, plays and writes up there in the fine, rarified air where very few can breathe,” says Clark. “It’s a joy to behold.” Echoes legendary producer and songwriter Cowboy Jack Clement: “I have always thought Shawn should be a star. He’s got the talent, the voice and the looks to do it.”
Independently, Camp released four critically-acclaimed CDs: 2001’s Lucky Silver Dollar, Live At The Station Inn in 2004, Fireball in 2006 and The Bluegrass Elvises with Billy Burnette in 2007. He is also a member of The World Famous Headliners, a band he formed with fellow songwriters Al Anderson and Pat McLaughlin.
Camp will be appearing with Clark tonight at 11:00 PM at the Station Inn. The show is part of this week’s Americana Music Festival. On Saturday (9/11) he’ll make a full-band appearance at the Mercy Lounge.
Artist Stalking In A Social Media Age
/by contributorby Randy Obrien
The popularity of social media websites like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace have lowered the barrier between artists and celebrities, creating for some fans, a false sense of intimacy. When the adoration turns into obsession, the unwanted attention from a fan could become dangerous and deadly.
Jeffery Bilyeu
Stalking is defined legally as a person who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person in such a manner as would cause that person to be in reasonable fear of being assaulted, suffering bodily injury, or death. Recent examples of stalking incidents include actresses and celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jennifer Anniston, Miley Cyrus and many more. A young man who had stalked her, believing he had established an intimate relationship with her, murdered actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989.
Personal security expert Jeffery R. Bilyeu, President of The Bilyeu Group, a security firm in Nashville, says there are precautions that victims of stalkers can take to be safe. Bilyeu advises his clients to keep a detailed log of any suspicious, or stalking-related activities. Recording this information is vital for restraining order applications or criminal prosecution. “The log will also be utilized as a tool to preserve your memory of individual incidents,” Bilyeu said.
According to Captain Michele Donegan of Metro Nashville’s Police Domestic Violence Division says, if the matter goes to court, the information gathered by the stalking victim could be called upon for testimony. This log must include any harassing phone calls, letters, email messages, acts of vandalism, and even threats communicated through third parties. Once reported to the Police, Bilyeu said, ”You must always obtain the Officer’s name and badge number for your records, and make sure you obtain a copy of the report”.
If you have any photographs of the stalker, place it with all detailed reports. Bilyeu recommends giving friends and family members photographs of the alleged stalker. You should create a chart with the date, time, description of incident, location, and any witnesses, (making sure to get names, phone numbers, and addresses). Also, if any electronic surveillance footage is available, make a copy and place in a secure location.
Experts advise installing home security systems at home, and Donegan says something as simple as a cordless phone can be one way a stalker can find out victims movements. “People can pick them up with scanners.” She advises victims to be extra vigilant when in public places and call in experts before a possible stalking incident gets out of control.”
Bilyeu advise clients to be proactive regarding potential stalking cases because in rare cases it could be a matter of life and death.
According to the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking could involve as many as 3.4 million people each year in the U-S. For more information about stalking, visit www.ncvc.org/src.
(Randy O’Brien is an award-winning print and radio journalist. He is a past-President and board member of the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcast Association and a published novelist.)
Alan Jackson Offers 2-Disc Hits Package
/by Sarah SkatesAlongside Alan’s first chart-topper, 1990’s “Here in the Real World,” fans will find such enduring favorites as “Gone Country” (1995); Jackson’s poignant, GRAMMY-winning “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” (2001); the Jimmy Buffett duet “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” (2003); last year’s “Country Boy,” and many more. Also included are the beautiful “Look at Me” (previously available on the 2008 soundtrack to Billy: The Early Years) and Jackson’s never-before-released take on the classic Johnny Cash hit, “Ring of Fire.”
During his two decade career, Jackson has become one of the most successful and respected songwriter/performers in music, inspiring audiences across several generations with his modern approach to classic country. A 16-time CMA and ACM Award winner and a GRAMMY-honored songwriter, Jackson’s career to-date includes sales of more than 50 million albums.
Later this month, Jackson will add to his long list of ASCAP honors, when he is presented with the ASCAP Founders Award, recognizing him for his innovative, influential, and pioneering contributions to music, joining such past recipients as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and James Taylor.
Lee Ann Womack Truck
/by adminChris Gantry
Songwriter Chris Gantry has been on the loose lately. Some readers will recall that Gantry, who first hit Nashville in 1963, wrote “Dreams Of An Everyday Housewife” for Glen Campbell.
Here, for your afternoon video break we invite you to see his latest production with his Gantry’s associates, Hank Vecheechio and The Original Not-So-Happy Campers. The man in the porkpie hat strumming a Gretsch is Sam Cooper and Jon Roniger is the bass player in the video. The song was co-written by the three musicians. The other man with a guitar in the alley is Campbell Wright.
WARNING: Watch the following at your own risk…
Jay Cruze Joins Average Joes Entertainment
/by Sarah SkatesJay Cruze
Average Joes Entertainment, label home to Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, Matt Stillwell, Josh Gracin and others, has hired seasoned radio pro, Jay Cruze to work radio promotion for the label. Cruze, who spent years with Clear Channel Communications in Augusta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Lexington, KY; Panama City Beach, FL; and most recently, Chattanooga, TN, is looking forward to getting back involved in radio, this time from a different perspective.
“To say I’m excited is definitely an understatement,” offered Cruze. “After seeing the business model, hearing the great music from Colt, Brantley, Matt and Josh and seeing what AVJ has on the horizon, I knew I HAD to be part of this!”
“As we continue to change the landscape of the business of music, Average Joes looks to add innovators with a similar vision and work ethic,” says Shannon Houchins, CEO of Average Joes Entertainment. “Jay Cruze furthers our viewpoint by bringing years of experience and a unique perspective to the team, and we are happy to have him on board.”
Cruze officially starts today (9/7) and can be reached by calling (423) 580-3549 or at jay@averagejoesent.com.
Matt Kennon
/by ProgrammerPlaylistBamaJam/Nine North
“Matt Kennon’s ‘The Call’ was one of best indie singles of the past few months. He proves it was no fluke with this driving, propulsive, pounding, power-packed anthem. I still love his soulful, raspy delivery. Make this man a star.”
—Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow
Matt Kennon’s latest release to country radio is “You Can Still Wear White,” which the Georgia singer co-wrote with Aaron Scherz. This song and Kennon’s breakthrough debut single “The Call,” both appear on his BamaJam Records album The Call.
After moving to Nashville, Kennon began working with producer Kyle Lehning and those sessions led to one of Kennon’s songs being cut by Randy Travis. Kennon eventually found a label home with producer James Stroud, who signed him to BamaJam Records. “It couldn’t be a better fit,” says Matt. “James just let me be me.”
The Call includes songs Kennon wrote with tunesmiths Rob Crosby, Noah Gordon and Brian White, among others, and features his own unique blend of music. “It’s country, but it’s got a hint of rock ‘n’ roll mixed in,” Matt says. Guests on the project include Mark Slaughter of Slaughter and Jimi Jamison of Survivor, the band that sparked Matt’s performing fire years earlier.
The heavily tattooed singer has many stories to share, and his songs reflect that. “I want to touch people with my music,” Matt says. “This is my calling. This is what God put me on this earth to do. Whether it’s a hundred people or a million, I want to have an impact.”
http://www.myspace.com/mattkennon
http://www.facebook.com/MattKennonMusic
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Dierks Bentley Sets Up NYC Residency
/by Sarah SkatesBentley will kick off his New York City residency on Oct. 18, with each show focusing on a different aspect of his career. The first evening Bentley will play all his chart-topping country hits at the Bowery Ballroom. He will spend the next evening with bluegrass legends the Del McCoury Band at City Winery. The week will progress with an intimate singer/songwriter night at Joe’s Pub where Bentley will be joined by award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander, Jim Beavers and Jon Randall Stewart. The run will conclude in Brooklyn with acoustic virtuosos the Punch Brothers.
“This entire year has been about following my heart, musically,” says Bentley. “Getting the opportunity to be in New York in the Fall, playing with my heroes and my friends is really exciting…it’s a cool way for me to take everything we’ve done this year and pick it apart and really focus on each different element of the music for an entire night.”
A limited number of four day passes will be available on dierks.com beginning Fri., Sept 10 with single tickets available both on his web site and through each venue. Sirius/XM will also give fans across the country the opportunity to listen in as they stream the shows on both The Highway and Bluegrass Junction channels.
Bentley snagged three CMA Awards nominations last week for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Up On The Ridge, and Musical Event of the Year for the album’s track “Bad Angel” featuring Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson. The new music video for “Bad Angel” features appearances by both guest stars and was taped in front of a live crowd on Nashville’s historic Lower Broadway.
UP ON THE RIDGE – NEW YORK CITY DATES:
10/18 Bowery Ballroom Country Concert
10/19 City Winery Featuring the Del McCoury Band
10/20 Joe’s Pub Songwriter Night
10/21 South Paw Featuring the Punch Brothers
Court Says iTunes Subject To Licensing, Not Sales Rates
/by Sarah SkatesEminem signed with FBT in 1995, and when he eventually moved to Universal, the new contract stated that FBT was entitled to a 12% royalty on “records sold” and 50% rate on licensing agreements, which typically refers to sync licensing.
Last week the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that iTunes downloads can’t be considered sales. The court said that the label is licensing use of the master recordings to iTunes, which then sells the digital downloads without further involvement from the label.
The case was originally rejected by a lower court in California in 2009 and was sent up for appeal. Now it has been sent back to the lower court to determine the amount of damages.
“We will be filing a petition for a rehearing,” Universal said in a statement. “In the meantime, it should be noted that this ruling sets no legal precedent as it only concerns the language of one specific recording agreement.”
Most recording contracts today specifically address how to handle royalties for digital downloads, which would make this kind of after-the-fact litigation unlikely.
Nashville-based lawyer Richard Busch, a partner with King & Ballow, was among the attorneys representing FBT, according to the Tennessean.