With budgets and playlists getting smaller by the day,
the Nashville music publishing scene has grown increasingly competitive, forcing songwriters and publishers to become more innovative and resourceful in their efforts to get songs recorded. Ole, one of Nashville’s most successful independent publishers, is leading the charge for creative catalog promotion by handing out copies of songwriter Liz Rose’s notebook.
Back in 2008, when the publisher bought 50 percent of Jody Williams Music, along with it came Rose’s catalog. Known for pairing with Taylor Swift for some of the star’s biggest hits (“You Belong With Me,” “White Horse,” “Teardrops On My Guitar,” “Picture To Burn”), Rose’s name is well-known on Music Row.
With these big singles to her credit, ole knew there was more gold to mine from Rose’s catalog. The ole team decided to send out a promotional package featuring some of her best songs to producers, artists and A&R people. Gilles Godard, ole’s chief creative officer, says the challenge even for a songwriter with Rose’s track record, is to make people open the package and listen to the songs.
“We got together the most creative minds in our company and
we batted around some ideas,” he tells MusicRow. “We proposed and
critiqued and defended and argued, and we came up with something we call Liz’s notebook. What’s more precious to a songwriter than their songbook? And our writers’ demos are often gems in themselves, so we decided to combine both with this unique promotion.”
The appeal in Liz’s notebook is that it seems so genuine; with post-it notes, scribbled lyrics on the back of an envelope, family photos, a card from a flower arrangement, a to-do list, even concert ticket stubs and a take-out menu. It is a realistic peep into Rose’s personal life, neatly spiral-bound in a 7” x 9” book. The painstaking accuracy of the reproduction is evident on every page.
Upon closer inspection, the promotional aspects of the product come into focus. There are news articles about the songwriter, and an invitation to the Grammy Awards, where Rose and Swift won a trophy for Country Song of the Year. And in the back pocket is a strategically placed photo of Swift and Rose receiving a BMI award. Also included is a birthday email from Josh Turner, and it turns out the card was delivered with a thank-you bouquet from songwriter/artist Rachel Proctor. Though Rose’s work with Swift is her most recognized, a handwritten list also points out her cuts by artists Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Gary Allan, and Jo Dee Messina. Most importantly, the book contains a CD with a selection of Rose’s best uncut songs.
Godard reports that the response to the notebook has been fantastic. “Putting this song book together was a labor of love,” he says. “We believe that if producers, artists and label people will open Liz’s notebook, Liz’s songs will open their eyes… and their ears.”
James Otto Is A New Dad
/by contributorAmy and James Otto
Warner Bros. Records Nashville artist James Otto and his wife Amy are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Katherine Otto. Born Tuesday night at 9:23 pm at a Nashville-area hospital, Ava Katherine came into this world weighing 8 lbs., 2 oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long.
Faith Hill Performs For Katrina Victims
/by contributor“We are here for you still and you are not forgotten,” Hill said. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to give back. When you’ve been given so much, it’s only right that I do what I can to help, if I can.”
Hill said the concert was intended to celebrate how far the Gulf Coast has come since 2005, when Katrina flooded New Orleans and surrounding areas of Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band served as opening act for the concert, and about 2,200 tickets were distributed in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette and the Mississippi cities of Biloxi and Jackson.
Hill opened the show with her hits “Free” and “Wild One” before bringing the New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band back on stage to join her on “There Will Come A Day.”
“This city inspires great music and sometimes when I get together with my band I never know what will happen,” Hill said. “We want you to just sit back and forget about it all and just have a great time”
“She brought all these people here,” said Lola Russell, a paramedic from New Orleans. “They’ll probably get a room tonight, go out after the concert and pour even more money into our economy. That can’t do anything but help the city’s recovery.”
Hill’s husband, country star Tim McGraw, is a Louisiana native and both are veterans of employing celebrity clout to help raise money or awareness for causes. The couple helped organize the Nashville Rising benefit for Nashville after the city was flooded in early May.
“Sometimes, with celebrity, you can make things happen pretty easily,” said Hill. “My message is, ‘Come to New Orleans and experience this great city.’ Yes, there are places that are still rebuilding and are not quite back yet, but when they do come back, they’ll come back better.”
Owen Opens Sandbox Entertainment
/by Sarah SkatesJason Owen
Owen’s last day as Senior Vice President of Artist Development and Marketing for Universal Music Nashville will be Sept. 3. However, he will continue his nearly decade-long association with the label in a consultancy role, working with Chairman & CEO Luke Lewis.
“Shania and I have been together for over 8 years in my role at UMG and to start this new journey with her is a true privilege for me,” said Owen. “Shania is a true music icon who has broadened country music’s boundaries and brought many new fans to the genre. We have some exciting plans in the works that will expand her worldwide career into new areas of music and entertainment, which will all be revealed very soon.”
While at Universal Music Nashville, Owen developed and implemented successful publicity, marketing and creative initiatives for such chart-topping artists as Sugarland, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Billy Currington, and Laura Bell Bundy.
He launches Sandbox with extensive experience in building and managing campaigns across a wide range of platforms, and is credited for his work on high-level programs for Shania Twain and Sugarland, including producing the hit ABC-TV special, “Sugarland: Live On The Inside.”
Prior to joining Universal, Owen enjoyed an extensive and successful career in television, serving as Director of Marketing and Talent Relations at Columbia TriStar Television. His background also includes stints with Spelling Entertainment and New Line Cinema/Fine Line Features.
“During my time at Universal, I’ve also worked with many of the world’s most talented artists and many of the most dynamic people in the business, most notably, my mentor and friend, Luke Lewis,” added Owen. “I am fortunate to be able to continue my relationship with him and UMG, while branching out with this exciting new venture.”
“Jason has done a tremendous job in helping us to guide the careers of many of our artists,” commented Lewis. “While we are sorry to see him move on, we certainly understand it. We wish him only the very best and are delighted that we will continue to work with him in his consultancy role.”
John Ettinger Launches Firm
/by Sarah Skates“This is an exciting time in our industry, an evolution of what controls country music,” said Ettinger. “To jump into this new-model environment with an amazing group like Emerson Drive and an A-level talent in Alissa is exactly where I want to be. Many artists are searching for representation, advice, and skillful handling of their number one marketing tool, radio. ETA will provide this and more.”
Ettinger’s 20 years in the music business include 14 years with Mercury Records, the last seven as Promotion VP, overseeing promotion for Shania Twain and Toby Keith, and launching multi-platinum artists Sugarland and Billy Currington.
Ettinger joined Disney in 2008 in the role of promotion head for Carolwood Records where he oversaw the launch of trio Love And Theft. He segued to Lyric Street for the same role in 2009. He has served in the management offices for various acts, including The Kentucky HeadHunters. Ettinger holds a B.S. from Cornell University.
He can be reached at john@ettingertalent.com or 615-438-7667.
Martha’s Vineyard Gets Songwriters
/by adminFeatured performers will include producer/writer Keith Stegall, Tom Douglas, Thom Schuyler, Even Stevens, and a host of others. In addition to the concert part of the reason for the event is to allow the composers to establish new creative partnerships in the retreat-like setting. The second annual Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival is sponsored by BMI, Southwest Airlines, Mansion House, Key West Songwriters Festival, Fury Key West, ticketsMV.com, and Bose.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL VENUE SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 24
Mansion House – Vineyard Haven, MA
5-7 PM; MVSWF Kick-Off Party
Hosted by Storme Warren
Tony Roberts mindflowmusic.com
Phil DaRosa phildarosa.com
Friday, Sept. 24
Union Chapel – Oak Bluffs, MA
Hosted by Storme Warren
8-9PM
Arama Brown songspub.com/songwriters.php?id=95
Jeff Cohen myspace.com/panchoslament
Toby Lightman tobylightman.com/
9:15-10:30PM
Thom Schuyler thomschuyler.com
Laura Warshauer laurawarshauer.tumblr.com
Even Stevens
Saturday, Sept. 25
Union Chapel- Oak Bluffs, MA
Hosted by Storme Warren
8-9PM
Mayaeni mayaeni.com
Shane Stevens myspace.com/shanestevensmusic
Courtney Jaye courtneyjaye.com
9:15-10:30PM
Tom Douglas myspace.com/tomdouglassongs
Kylie Sackley myspace.com/kyliesackley
Keith Stegall keithstegall.com
ACM Adds SVP Teresa George
/by Sarah Skates“Teresa has been an important part of the ACM team for a long time, and we’re thrilled to have her on board as an executive staff member,” said Romeo. “Her work has always elevated the level of ACM brand integrations and with her reach, the Academy’s strategic partnerships can only continue to grow.”
George has worked on the Academy’s television properties and strategic initiatives, through her entertainment marketing company Cornerstone Communications, since 2000. During that time, she has secured corporate and promotional partners including Dr Pepper, The Home Depot, Cover Girl, The RAM Truck Brand, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Miller/Coors, Neutrogena, Southwest Airlines, Westwood One, Justin, Wrangler and more.
“I have really enjoyed working with Bob, the Academy staff and board over the past decade as we have focused on reinvigorating and elevating the ACM brand,” George said. “In both the music business and in television, strategic and corporate partnerships have become even more crucial over the past few years. I look forward to creating more synergies for the Academy in this new staff role.”
Prior to forming Cornerstone Communications in 2000, George held executive positions at the Country Music Association for 12 years, including Senior Director of Communications and also creative consultant for the CMA Awards.
Amy Cannon, previously with George at Cornerstone Communications, has also been hired by the Academy and will assume the role of Coordinator, Brand Integration & Strategic Partnerships. Both positions will be based in Nashville, TN.
George and Cannon can be reached at teresa@acmcountry.com and amy@acmcountry.com, respectively or via phone at (615) 383-5522.
Singer Bill Phillips Passes
/by Sarah SkatesParton co-wrote and sang on “Tomorrow,” which helped her garner enough attention to land a record deal.
When Phillips came to Nashville he signed with Cedarwood Publishing and Columbia Records. But his biggest success came at Decca Records, where he had two top 10 hits in 1966: “Tomorrow” and “The Company You Keep,” both written by Parton and her uncle Bill Owens. Phillips also reached the Top 10 with 1969’s “Little Boy Sad.” Among the hits he wrote that were recorded by others were Webb Pierce’s “Falling Back To You.”
Phillips was also a frequent guest on many television shows, including those headed up by Porter Wagoner, Bill Anderson, and Parton. He was also part of Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright’s TV show and touring troupe from the late ‘60s until 1984.
Nashvillians Help Revive Fame Studios
/by Sarah SkatesMuscle Shoals, Alabama’s renowned Fame Studios, its publishing company, and record label are experiencing a revival. Hit Nashville songwriter Brad Crisler has signed with House of Fame Publishing, where Music Row veteran Steve Williams has been hired on as Creative Director.
For Crisler, it is a return the publishing company where he had early success. His credits include cuts by Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney, as well as the hits “Sweet Southern Comfort” (Buddy Jewell) and “Hillbilly Deluxe” (Brooks & Dunn).
Williams brings his two decades of experience to Fame, including time at Arista Nashville and later as Creative Director at Sea Gayle Music.
Throughout the 1960s, artists that recorded at founder Rick Hall’s Fame Studios included Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, and Otis Redding. Decades of hits followed with The Osmonds, Bobbie Gentry, Jerry Reed, and Shenandoah laying down tracks at the southern soul studio. Since its inception, Fame has been involved in projects selling over 350 million copies worldwide.
Williams can be reached at 603 East Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661; steve@fame2.com.
ole Piques Interest With Liz Rose’s Notebook
/by Sarah SkatesBack in 2008, when the publisher bought 50 percent of Jody Williams Music, along with it came Rose’s catalog. Known for pairing with Taylor Swift for some of the star’s biggest hits (“You Belong With Me,” “White Horse,” “Teardrops On My Guitar,” “Picture To Burn”), Rose’s name is well-known on Music Row.
With these big singles to her credit, ole knew there was more gold to mine from Rose’s catalog. The ole team decided to send out a promotional package featuring some of her best songs to producers, artists and A&R people. Gilles Godard, ole’s chief creative officer, says the challenge even for a songwriter with Rose’s track record, is to make people open the package and listen to the songs.
“We got together the most creative minds in our company and we batted around some ideas,” he tells MusicRow. “We proposed and critiqued and defended and argued, and we came up with something we call Liz’s notebook. What’s more precious to a songwriter than their songbook? And our writers’ demos are often gems in themselves, so we decided to combine both with this unique promotion.”
The appeal in Liz’s notebook is that it seems so genuine; with post-it notes, scribbled lyrics on the back of an envelope, family photos, a card from a flower arrangement, a to-do list, even concert ticket stubs and a take-out menu. It is a realistic peep into Rose’s personal life, neatly spiral-bound in a 7” x 9” book. The painstaking accuracy of the reproduction is evident on every page.
Upon closer inspection, the promotional aspects of the product come into focus. There are news articles about the songwriter, and an invitation to the Grammy Awards, where Rose and Swift won a trophy for Country Song of the Year. And in the back pocket is a strategically placed photo of Swift and Rose receiving a BMI award. Also included is a birthday email from Josh Turner, and it turns out the card was delivered with a thank-you bouquet from songwriter/artist Rachel Proctor. Though Rose’s work with Swift is her most recognized, a handwritten list also points out her cuts by artists Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Gary Allan, and Jo Dee Messina. Most importantly, the book contains a CD with a selection of Rose’s best uncut songs.
Godard reports that the response to the notebook has been fantastic. “Putting this song book together was a labor of love,” he says. “We believe that if producers, artists and label people will open Liz’s notebook, Liz’s songs will open their eyes… and their ears.”
Country Co-hosts on “Today”
/by Sarah SkatesBlake Shelton and Hoda Kotb on the Today show.
Country stars are filling-in as co-hosts on NBC’s Today show this week. Yesterday (8/23) Blake Shelton joined Hoda Kotb while regular co-host Kathie Lee Gifford is out on vacation. Amid jokes about the need for a five-second delay and his notorious Tweets, Shelton serenaded Kotb, showed off his cooking skills, and talked about his fashion sense.
Today (8/24) Martina McBride was the guest, chatting about her favorite cover songs, family life and her ’92 Honda. See the video clip below.
Look for John Rich tomorrow (8/25), Trisha Yearwood on Thursday (8/26) and Josh Turner on Friday (8/27). Turner will perform his current single, “All Over Me.”
See more here.