Kenny Chesney spent the July 4th holiday weekend playing a two-night stand at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s The Joint in Las Vegas. It marked his second trip to the venue this summer. He offered up old favorites, obscure fan requests, a few covers and broadcast the first show on his online station, No Shoes Radio.
Chesney’s camp reports that the superstar has wrapped recording for his Sept. 28 studio release Hemingway’s Whiskey. The first song from the album is coming Monday, July 12.
His upcoming documentary about high school football, The Boys of Fall, is also in its final stages.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2010-07-06 09:42:572010-07-06 09:42:57Chesney Returns To Vegas Hard Rock
A movie coming this October delves into the dirty laundry of Facebook founders Mark Zuckerberg and company. The Social Network from director David Fincher (Fight Club) is being described as dark, which seems to fit with the latest announcement that NIN’s Trent Reznor will be scoring the soundtrack.
Jesse Eisenberg stars as Zuckerberg, and Justin Timberlake plays Napster founder Sean Parker.
Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay from Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal.Kevin Spacey is on board as a producer.
The film is distributed by Columbia Pictures and is set for an October 1, 2010 release.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2010-07-06 09:26:242010-07-06 09:26:24Movie Digs Up Dirt On Facebook
A series of free Saturday afternoon concerts starts this weekend (7/10) in Centennial Park with Damien Horne, Mindy Smith and more. The Musicians Corner will offer live music from 3-6 PM on a stage at the southwest corner of the park (near West End and 27th Ave. N., and McDonald’s).
The series will continue through October 16, offering a mix of local and national talent, and surprise guests. Lifestyle, food, and artisan vendors will be on hand.
Musicians Corner aspires to be a central point, free and open to all, where Music City will gather to perform and enjoy its music. Inspired by London’s “Speakers Corner,” the series will help fill Nashville’s void of free outdoor summer music offerings.
Saturday, July 10: Mikky Ekko, Sam & Ruby, The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker, Damien Horne, Mindy Smith
July 17: Musicians Corner presented by Blood:water Mission, Lemon:Aid project, featuring: Matthew Perryman Jones, The Kicks, Judd & Maggie, Nathan Lee, additional artists tba
July 24: Justin Branam, Slow Motion Centerfold, Amy Stroup, Keegan Dewitt, Roman Candle
July 31: Gabriel Kelley, Elenowen, Madi Diaz, additional artists tba
Twenty thousand fans and music industry professionals from around the globe will converge on the Nashville Convention Center from September 27 through October 3 for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass. The week is equal parts homecoming, family reunion, expo, business conference, celebration and music festival, highlighted by the International Bluegrass Music Awards which honor the year’s most outstanding talent.
The theme for World of Bluegrass 2010 is “Face Time, It Matters,” because the event is all about relationships within the business of bluegrass music. IBMA events are where everyone in the industry meets to sharpen and share their professional skills.
Legendary mandolinist Sam Bush will deliver the keynote address for World of Bluegrass 2010. The 100th birthday of Bill Monroe, widely recognized as the father of bluegrass music, is just around the corner, on September 13, 2011. Bush will talk about what that milestone means to the bluegrass music community and how we might best celebrate a century of Monroe’s influence.
Showcases from The Boxcars, Brand New Strings, The Chapmans, Cherryholmes, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, The Cockman Family, Rodney Dillard, the Downtown Ramblers, The John Hartford Stringband, The Infamous Stringdusters, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, The Claire Lynch Band, Kati Penn & NewTown, Lou Reid & Carolina, The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, The Snyder Family Band, Summertown Road, Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa and The Darrell Webb Band will be highlighted during the week, in addition to scores of privately-hosted shows.
Thirty seminars and educational labs will provide a spirited forum on topics ranging from “How to be a Better Broadcaster and Developing a Business Plan,” to “Using Video to Expand your Business.” Also included are a Website Critique, Branding & Marketing, Parenting Talented Bluegrass Kids, Web & Catalog Marketing and more.
The 21st anniversary of the IBMAs is the high point of the week, when the music comes home to the historical Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Sept. 30. The show is also broadcast live on Sirius/XM and around the world via a syndicated radio network. According to show co-producers Cindy Baucom and Trisha Tubbs, “You dont want to miss the 2010 IBMA Awards Show! Its going to be a one-of-a-kind experience all about amazing music, reunion moments, special guests and performances that will create lasting memories.”
The weekend (Oct. 1-3) kicks off with the Bluegrass Fan Fest, sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Inside the Nashville Convention Center, fans will enjoy music from more than 60 acts on three stages, including the Main Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. A 100-booth expo center is the place to browse and buy the latest music gear, publications, recordings and merchandise while meeting artists at their booths in between performances.
Featured acts confirmed at press time include the award-winning talents of Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper, Dale Ann Bradley, Tony Rice, The SteelDrivers, Cherryholmes, Lonesome River Band, The Isaacs, Danny Paisley & Southern Grass, Josh Williams Band, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Boxcars, The Claire Lynch Band, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Grasstowne, G-2 and Barry Scott & Second Wind. Additional acts will be announced throughout the summer.
Returning to the festival is the popular Fan Feast breakfast on Friday morning, Oct. 1. For only $25, fans can enjoy breakfast served by the biggest stars in bluegrass.
Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as support IBMA’s marketing and educational events to promote the music year-round. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause.
Tickets for all events are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 1-888-GET-IBMA. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716. A full schedule of events is available here. Check out the video below for a good introduction to this important annual industry gathering.
Curb Music recently held a writing retreat at Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN to write songs for upcoming projects from Heidi Newfield (Curb), Thompson Square (Stoney Creek) and J.T. Hodges’ (Showdog-Universal). Pictured L-R: (Back) Joe Leathers, Heidi Newfield, Drew Alexander, Bobby Tomberlin, Vicky McGehee, J.T. Hodges and Brian Davis; (Front) Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson and Westin Davis.
CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan on Tour made its first tour stop at Billy Bob’s in Dallas, TX with radio station KPLX-The Wolf on June 30. LeAnn Rimes and Lee Brice were special guests for the tour’s first of six stops across the country. CMT Radio Live affiliates can vote now for the tour to stop in their city with Eventful’s “Demand it!” service. (L-R) Cody Alan, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice and Mark Phillips, KPLX PD.
Magic Mustang’s Creative Director Juli Newton- Griffith has announced the signing of singer/songwriter Sherrie Austin to a publishing deal.
“I am thrilled to have such a talented and respected writer back on our team,” explains Newton-Griffith. “Sherrie has a unique approach to writing and we are very excited about her return to Magic Mustang.”
Magic Mustang’s current roster of writers includes Jason Aldean, Rob Hatch, John Edwards, Westin Davis, Garrett Parris, Angie Broberg, Ash Bowers, Blake Wise and Thompson Square.
(l-r): Broken Bow Records CEO/President Benny Brown; Austin; Magic Mustang Music Creative Director Juli Newton-Griffith.
SPIN ZONE There’s a new CountryBreakout No. 1 song this week, and it comes courtesy of the same label who was on top last week. Keith Urban’s “I’m In,” one of the fastest rising singles we’ve seen in some time, now sits in the No. 1 position after only eight weeks charting. Little Big Town’s “Little White Church” slips back to No. 2 despite a healthy 110 spin gain. Rounding out the top 5 are sure-to-be contenders Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” at No. 3, Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight” at No. 4 and Jerrod Niemann’s “Lover, Lover” at No. 5.
Speaking of contenders, Darius Rucker has returned to the chart and posted the week’s biggest debut at No. 47. His new single “Come Back Song” is from an upcoming album, and its gain of 546 spins suggests that he will continue to enjoy his chart-topping success through another album. Following in the wake of a couple of smash hits Miranda Lambert wastes no time returning to the chart with the rowdy “Only Prettier,” which lands at No. 57. Other new arrivals include John Rich’s “Country Done Come To Town,” Leah Seawright’s “Country Girl 101,” Susan Hickman’s “Hell Still Ain’t Frozen Over,” and Frankie Ballard’s “Tell Me You Get Lonely.”
Though the middle section of the chart is a tough grind at times, singles like Toby Keith’s “Trailerhood” (No. 31) are sailing right through with ease. Not far behind at No. 33, The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” is bucking the feel-good summer single trend and faring even better for it. And lastly, Eric Church’s “Smoke A Little Smoke” is blazing at No. 40 as it picks up an additional 235 spins.
Frozen Playlists: KNCQ, WATZ, WDHR, WOOZ, WTCR
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week Artist/song/label/chart pos.
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 47
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 57
John Rich/Country Done Come To Town/Reprise/WMN 68
Leah Seawright/Country Girl 101/Skytone Records 71
Susan Hickman/Hell Still Ain’t Frozen Over/4L Clover/Prickly Pear 72
Frankie Ballard/Tell Me You Get Lonely/Reprise/WMN 75
Lucky Seven Greatest Spin Increase Artist/song/label/spin+
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 546
Billy Currington/Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer/Mercury 368
Toby Keith/Trailerhood/Show Dog – Universal 332
Lady Antebellum/Our Kind Of Love/Capitol 315
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 285
Eric Church/Smoke A Little Smoke/Capitol 235
Keith Urban/I’m In/Capitol 215
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting Artist/song/label/spins
Randy Rogers Band/Too Late For Goodbye/MCA 256
Nathan Lee Jackson/Inside 253
Darren Kozelsky/Somebody Find Me a Preacher/Major 7th/Spinville 230
Sean Hogan/Suck It Up/Lakeland Heart 221
Chelsea Field/Things I Should Have Said/Moxy Records 215
James Wesley/Real/Broken Bow 209
Charlie Allen/Grandpa’s Recipe/River Run 198
Braden Gray/I’m Not Hungover/ATP Records 195
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA Nashville 182
Jimmy White and Jonell Mosser/Just What I Need/Tone Box Records 177
Two Week Most Added* Artist/song/label/new adds
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 38
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 20
John Rich/Country Done Come To Town/Reprise/WMN 16
Toby Keith/Trailerhood/Show Dog – Universal 15
Sunny Sweeney/From A Table Away/Republic Nashville 12
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA 11
Blaine Larsen/Chillin’/Treehouse 11
Joe Nichols/The Shape I’m In/Show Dog – Universal 11 *Total Adds rec’d over two weeks
Upcoming Singles: Going For Adds July 6, 2010
The Warren Brothers/Dear Mr. God/CO5
Sherry Lynn/What A Day To Shake A Heartache/Steal Heart
Blake Wise/Cornfields/Broken Bow
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol
July 12, 2010
Stealing Angels/He Better Be Dead/Skyville/Nine North
Thompson Square/Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not/Stoney Creek
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA
Jessie James/Boys In The Summer/Mercury
July 19, 2010
Chris Young/Voices/RCA
Joe Nichols/The Shape I’m In/Show Dog – Universal
July 26, 2010
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia
Sugarland/Stuck Like Glue/Mercury
August 16, 2010
Emerson Drive/That Kind of Beautiful/AMDIAN Music Co./Nine North
With the summer touring season in full swing and seasonal singles lighting up country radio, MusicRow checked in with some busy country artists to find out what’s on their minds and what’s motivating their music and their life on the road. Check out the audio clips below to hear their responses.
Danny Gokey
Danny Gokey talks about the feelings behind his powerful new single, “I Will Not Say Goodbye,” the power of faith and how it can reach out and affect the people in your life.
Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks loves to surprise the fans, and performing his new single, “Hold That Thought” at his shows usually does the trick. Listen to Chuck explain why.
Jerrod Niemann
Jerrod Niemann’s debut album is getting ready to drop and, as the big day approaches, the singer talks about keeping his expectations in check.
Alan Jackson
As you might imagine, Alan Jackson’s got lots of cars in his garage(s), but there’s one set of wheels that means more than all the others.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00contributorhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngcontributor2010-07-02 11:39:452010-07-02 11:39:45Artists Step Up and Speak Out
Terrestrial radio, like many media properties, has recently faced sobering economic challenges, not the least of which could be a fast approaching showdown with Internet radio. There are those that cry the sky is falling for terrestrial radio—because Internet radio in cars is already on the horizon and because the costs of setting up a pure-play online signal are significantly lower than the cost of entry into the land-based radio business.
However, radio’s future may still be very much alive. “One of Internet radio’s greatest challenges has been brand awareness,” says a Bridge Ratings Report titled Is Terrestrial Radio Ready For A Digital Future? “Compared to its terrestrial simulcast brothers whose Internet brands are well-known to a good percentage of its AM/FM audience, pure-play Internet radio can get lost in the mix of over 65,000 streams around the world.”
But the Bridge Ratings report warns that social media networking can be very effective and warns stations that fail to harness its power of being left behind. “Terrestrial radio management in general seem to be getting the message that leveraging the Internet’s tools to further its business is a critical component of future growth and success. Intellectually it is clear. In the old days, the speed of change was manageable in an environment where the ability to act was sometimes detained due to operational limitations. In 2010 the luxury of waiting to act is more of a detriment.” The Bridge Ratings study cites that 91% of Americans own cell phones and names Internet radio streaming as the fourth most popular activity used with those phones after social networking (29%), text messaging (25%), and Tweeting (22%).
Edison Research VP Tom Webster’s recent study (with Arbitron) The Infinite Dial 2010 claims, “The Internet has nearly usurped radio as the primary source for music discovery.” Webster comforts programmers saying they too can, “put up a website.” He also adds, “The curation of music is still based upon credibility and branding. Terrestrial radio brands have every bit as much right to earn and retain a credible claim to an image for music discovery as Internet outlets.” He cites music discovery as being important because, “Music is important.”
What Are You Waiting For?
Bridge Ratings spoke with 242 GMs at the top 150 radio markets to find out what might be preventing them from transitioning or transitioning faster toward a digital future. Budget was the most popular response (92%). Another concern was “having the know-how or specially trained personnel dedicated to digital efforts (91%).” However, considering the stacks of research which prove the growing importance of a coordinated digital strategy, should these answers be viewed as justifiable roadblocks, or merely excuses for poor implementation?
Country Radio Broadcasters, which will host its annual CRS country radio event again on March 2-4, 2011 recently held a One-on-One event devoted to New Media marketing opportunities. It’s encouraging that CRB is using its leadership role to focus on the future. According to its new website, CRB’s event is “an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.” One can only hope that included in the CRS 2011 Agenda will be ample time devoted to understanding the challenge of Internet radio, social networking and discussion of various strategies for leveraging your brand and staying competitive in this about-to-explode new marketplace.
According to CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, “The 2011 agenda is taking shape, but not yet complete.” Mayne insists however, that social networking and Internet Radio are on the Agenda Committee’s radar. That’s great news, because country radio’s support for the country music industry remains critical and the record industry has a vested interest in its continued health. But just like Gulf Coast store front owners who board the windows when a hurricane approaches, country radio had best begin facing tomorrow head on, lest the future sweep it off its feet.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2010-07-02 10:28:362010-07-02 10:28:36Terrestrial Radio Technology Challenge Rising
Longtime competitors BC Powder and Goody’s Headache Powders have recruited country star Trace Adkins and NASCAR legend Richard Petty for what has been dubbed the Pick A Powder campaign. As part of the campaign, the two celebrities will play out a humorous rivalry of one-upsmanship about who experiences the toughest pain, with their respective brands leading the charge. The BC and Goody’s Pick A Powder campaign plays off the fierce and generational loyalty users have to either Goody’s or BC.
Both Adkins and Petty will try to get their fans around the country to pick their team online at www.pickapowder.com to support either Team Richard for Goody’s or Team Trace for BC. The man who gets the most fans to join his team will get to see the other “perform” live at the Goody’s 500 in Martinsville, VA next spring. The campaign also features a charity component with a donation being made to the Wounded Warrior Project on behalf of Adkins and BC, and Victory Junction Camp for seriously ill children on behalf of Petty and Goody’s.
Through a series of spoofs, jabs, challenges and contests, Adkins and Petty take on new experiences in each other’s profession that sometimes work and sometimes don’t. The funny moments were captured on film and will be posted to www.pickapowder.com. Fans will be able to watch 6-foot-6 Trace try to get in and out of Petty’s race car, and you’ll be able to hear Petty sing Karaoke. Fans of either or both men will be brought into the fold to help decide which brand is the favorite among powders users and which one of the two men truly suffers from the toughest pain.
Once registered, fans can vote daily through September 30, 2010. Fans and supporters will be able to participate in various contests and win prizes, including an all expense paid VIP trip for four to The Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway (race tickets, air and hotel) for the Team Richard winner, and an all-expense paid VIP trip for four to a Trace Adkins concert stop (concert tickets, air and hotel) in early 2011 (location TBD) for the Team Trace winner. Winners will be announced in early October.
“I want to win and I want my fans to win, so I encourage everyone to join Team Trace,” said Adkins. “I want to see Richard feel some of my pain for a change. He thinks we have it so easy out here on the road, but he has no idea.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00contributorhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngcontributor2010-07-02 09:38:122010-07-02 09:38:12Adkins and Petty Go Head to Head For Headache Powder
Chesney Returns To Vegas Hard Rock
/by Sarah SkatesChesney’s camp reports that the superstar has wrapped recording for his Sept. 28 studio release Hemingway’s Whiskey. The first song from the album is coming Monday, July 12.
His upcoming documentary about high school football, The Boys of Fall, is also in its final stages.
Movie Digs Up Dirt On Facebook
/by Sarah SkatesJesse Eisenberg stars as Zuckerberg, and Justin Timberlake plays Napster founder Sean Parker.
Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay from Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal. Kevin Spacey is on board as a producer.
The film is distributed by Columbia Pictures and is set for an October 1, 2010 release.
Musicians Corner Launches Saturday
/by Sarah SkatesThe series will continue through October 16, offering a mix of local and national talent, and surprise guests. Lifestyle, food, and artisan vendors will be on hand.
Musicians Corner aspires to be a central point, free and open to all, where Music City will gather to perform and enjoy its music. Inspired by London’s “Speakers Corner,” the series will help fill Nashville’s void of free outdoor summer music offerings.
Saturday, July 10: Mikky Ekko, Sam & Ruby, The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker, Damien Horne, Mindy Smith
July 17: Musicians Corner presented by Blood:water Mission, Lemon:Aid project, featuring: Matthew Perryman Jones, The Kicks, Judd & Maggie, Nathan Lee, additional artists tba
July 24: Justin Branam, Slow Motion Centerfold, Amy Stroup, Keegan Dewitt, Roman Candle
July 31: Gabriel Kelley, Elenowen, Madi Diaz, additional artists tba
IBMA Readies Nashville Convention
/by contributorThe theme for World of Bluegrass 2010 is “Face Time, It Matters,” because the event is all about relationships within the business of bluegrass music. IBMA events are where everyone in the industry meets to sharpen and share their professional skills.
Legendary mandolinist Sam Bush will deliver the keynote address for World of Bluegrass 2010. The 100th birthday of Bill Monroe, widely recognized as the father of bluegrass music, is just around the corner, on September 13, 2011. Bush will talk about what that milestone means to the bluegrass music community and how we might best celebrate a century of Monroe’s influence.
Showcases from The Boxcars, Brand New Strings, The Chapmans, Cherryholmes, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, The Cockman Family, Rodney Dillard, the Downtown Ramblers, The John Hartford Stringband, The Infamous Stringdusters, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, The Claire Lynch Band, Kati Penn & NewTown, Lou Reid & Carolina, The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, The Snyder Family Band, Summertown Road, Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa and The Darrell Webb Band will be highlighted during the week, in addition to scores of privately-hosted shows.
Thirty seminars and educational labs will provide a spirited forum on topics ranging from “How to be a Better Broadcaster and Developing a Business Plan,” to “Using Video to Expand your Business.” Also included are a Website Critique, Branding & Marketing, Parenting Talented Bluegrass Kids, Web & Catalog Marketing and more.
The 21st anniversary of the IBMAs is the high point of the week, when the music comes home to the historical Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Sept. 30. The show is also broadcast live on Sirius/XM and around the world via a syndicated radio network. According to show co-producers Cindy Baucom and Trisha Tubbs, “You dont want to miss the 2010 IBMA Awards Show! Its going to be a one-of-a-kind experience all about amazing music, reunion moments, special guests and performances that will create lasting memories.”
The weekend (Oct. 1-3) kicks off with the Bluegrass Fan Fest, sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Inside the Nashville Convention Center, fans will enjoy music from more than 60 acts on three stages, including the Main Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. A 100-booth expo center is the place to browse and buy the latest music gear, publications, recordings and merchandise while meeting artists at their booths in between performances.
Featured acts confirmed at press time include the award-winning talents of Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper, Dale Ann Bradley, Tony Rice, The SteelDrivers, Cherryholmes, Lonesome River Band, The Isaacs, Danny Paisley & Southern Grass, Josh Williams Band, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Boxcars, The Claire Lynch Band, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Grasstowne, G-2 and Barry Scott & Second Wind. Additional acts will be announced throughout the summer.
Returning to the festival is the popular Fan Feast breakfast on Friday morning, Oct. 1. For only $25, fans can enjoy breakfast served by the biggest stars in bluegrass.
Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as support IBMA’s marketing and educational events to promote the music year-round. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause.
Tickets for all events are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 1-888-GET-IBMA. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716. A full schedule of events is available here. Check out the video below for a good introduction to this important annual industry gathering.
Friday Photo Flash: Cody ‘n’ Curb
/by adminCurb Music recently held a writing retreat at Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN to write songs for upcoming projects from Heidi Newfield (Curb), Thompson Square (Stoney Creek) and J.T. Hodges’ (Showdog-Universal). Pictured L-R: (Back) Joe Leathers, Heidi Newfield, Drew Alexander, Bobby Tomberlin, Vicky McGehee, J.T. Hodges and Brian Davis; (Front) Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson and Westin Davis.
CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan on Tour made its first tour stop at Billy Bob’s in Dallas, TX with radio station KPLX-The Wolf on June 30. LeAnn Rimes and Lee Brice were special guests for the tour’s first of six stops across the country. CMT Radio Live affiliates can vote now for the tour to stop in their city with Eventful’s “Demand it!” service. (L-R) Cody Alan, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice and Mark Phillips, KPLX PD.
Sherrie Austin Rejoins Magic Mustang
/by contributor“I am thrilled to have such a talented and respected writer back on our team,” explains Newton-Griffith. “Sherrie has a unique approach to writing and we are very excited about her return to Magic Mustang.”
Magic Mustang’s current roster of writers includes Jason Aldean, Rob Hatch, John Edwards, Westin Davis, Garrett Parris, Angie Broberg, Ash Bowers, Blake Wise and Thompson Square.
(l-r): Broken Bow Records CEO/President Benny Brown; Austin; Magic Mustang Music Creative Director Juli Newton-Griffith.
Weekly Chart Report 7/02/10
/by FreemanSPIN ZONE
There’s a new CountryBreakout No. 1 song this week, and it comes courtesy of the same label who was on top last week. Keith Urban’s “I’m In,” one of the fastest rising singles we’ve seen in some time, now sits in the No. 1 position after only eight weeks charting. Little Big Town’s “Little White Church” slips back to No. 2 despite a healthy 110 spin gain. Rounding out the top 5 are sure-to-be contenders Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” at No. 3, Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight” at No. 4 and Jerrod Niemann’s “Lover, Lover” at No. 5.
Speaking of contenders, Darius Rucker has returned to the chart and posted the week’s biggest debut at No. 47. His new single “Come Back Song” is from an upcoming album, and its gain of 546 spins suggests that he will continue to enjoy his chart-topping success through another album. Following in the wake of a couple of smash hits Miranda Lambert wastes no time returning to the chart with the rowdy “Only Prettier,” which lands at No. 57. Other new arrivals include John Rich’s “Country Done Come To Town,” Leah Seawright’s “Country Girl 101,” Susan Hickman’s “Hell Still Ain’t Frozen Over,” and Frankie Ballard’s “Tell Me You Get Lonely.”
Though the middle section of the chart is a tough grind at times, singles like Toby Keith’s “Trailerhood” (No. 31) are sailing right through with ease. Not far behind at No. 33, The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” is bucking the feel-good summer single trend and faring even better for it. And lastly, Eric Church’s “Smoke A Little Smoke” is blazing at No. 40 as it picks up an additional 235 spins.
Frozen Playlists: KNCQ, WATZ, WDHR, WOOZ, WTCR
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label/chart pos.
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 47
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 57
John Rich/Country Done Come To Town/Reprise/WMN 68
Leah Seawright/Country Girl 101/Skytone Records 71
Susan Hickman/Hell Still Ain’t Frozen Over/4L Clover/Prickly Pear 72
Frankie Ballard/Tell Me You Get Lonely/Reprise/WMN 75
Lucky Seven Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label/spin+
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 546
Billy Currington/Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer/Mercury 368
Toby Keith/Trailerhood/Show Dog – Universal 332
Lady Antebellum/Our Kind Of Love/Capitol 315
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 285
Eric Church/Smoke A Little Smoke/Capitol 235
Keith Urban/I’m In/Capitol 215
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label/spins
Randy Rogers Band/Too Late For Goodbye/MCA 256
Nathan Lee Jackson/Inside 253
Darren Kozelsky/Somebody Find Me a Preacher/Major 7th/Spinville 230
Sean Hogan/Suck It Up/Lakeland Heart 221
Chelsea Field/Things I Should Have Said/Moxy Records 215
James Wesley/Real/Broken Bow 209
Charlie Allen/Grandpa’s Recipe/River Run 198
Braden Gray/I’m Not Hungover/ATP Records 195
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA Nashville 182
Jimmy White and Jonell Mosser/Just What I Need/Tone Box Records 177
Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label/new adds
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol 38
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia 20
John Rich/Country Done Come To Town/Reprise/WMN 16
Toby Keith/Trailerhood/Show Dog – Universal 15
Sunny Sweeney/From A Table Away/Republic Nashville 12
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA 11
Blaine Larsen/Chillin’/Treehouse 11
Joe Nichols/The Shape I’m In/Show Dog – Universal 11
*Total Adds rec’d over two weeks
Upcoming Singles: Going For Adds
July 6, 2010
The Warren Brothers/Dear Mr. God/CO5
Sherry Lynn/What A Day To Shake A Heartache/Steal Heart
Blake Wise/Cornfields/Broken Bow
Darius Rucker/Come Back Song/Capitol
July 12, 2010
Stealing Angels/He Better Be Dead/Skyville/Nine North
Thompson Square/Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not/Stoney Creek
George Strait/The Breath You Take/MCA
Jessie James/Boys In The Summer/Mercury
July 19, 2010
Chris Young/Voices/RCA
Joe Nichols/The Shape I’m In/Show Dog – Universal
July 26, 2010
Miranda Lambert/Only Prettier/Columbia
Sugarland/Stuck Like Glue/Mercury
August 16, 2010
Emerson Drive/That Kind of Beautiful/AMDIAN Music Co./Nine North
Artists Step Up and Speak Out
/by contributorWith the summer touring season in full swing and seasonal singles lighting up country radio, MusicRow checked in with some busy country artists to find out what’s on their minds and what’s motivating their music and their life on the road. Check out the audio clips below to hear their responses.
Danny Gokey talks about the feelings behind his powerful new single, “I Will Not Say Goodbye,” the power of faith and how it can reach out and affect the people in your life.
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Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks loves to surprise the fans, and performing his new single, “Hold That Thought” at his shows usually does the trick. Listen to Chuck explain why.
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Jerrod Niemann
Jerrod Niemann’s debut album is getting ready to drop and, as the big day approaches, the singer talks about keeping his expectations in check.
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Alan Jackson
As you might imagine, Alan Jackson’s got lots of cars in his garage(s), but there’s one set of wheels that means more than all the others.
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Terrestrial Radio Technology Challenge Rising
/by adminTerrestrial radio, like many media properties, has recently faced sobering economic challenges, not the least of which could be a fast approaching showdown with Internet radio. There are those that cry the sky is falling for terrestrial radio—because Internet radio in cars is already on the horizon and because the costs of setting up a pure-play online signal are significantly lower than the cost of entry into the land-based radio business.
However, radio’s future may still be very much alive. “One of Internet radio’s greatest challenges has been brand awareness,” says a Bridge Ratings Report titled Is Terrestrial Radio Ready For A Digital Future? “Compared to its terrestrial simulcast brothers whose Internet brands are well-known to a good percentage of its AM/FM audience, pure-play Internet radio can get lost in the mix of over 65,000 streams around the world.”
But the Bridge Ratings report warns that social media networking can be very effective and warns stations that fail to harness its power of being left behind. “Terrestrial radio management in general seem to be getting the message that leveraging the Internet’s tools to further its business is a critical component of future growth and success. Intellectually it is clear. In the old days, the speed of change was manageable in an environment where the ability to act was sometimes detained due to operational limitations. In 2010 the luxury of waiting to act is more of a detriment.” The Bridge Ratings study cites that 91% of Americans own cell phones and names Internet radio streaming as the fourth most popular activity used with those phones after social networking (29%), text messaging (25%), and Tweeting (22%).
Edison Research VP Tom Webster’s recent study (with Arbitron) The Infinite Dial 2010 claims, “The Internet has nearly usurped radio as the primary source for music discovery.” Webster comforts programmers saying they too can, “put up a website.” He also adds, “The curation of music is still based upon credibility and branding. Terrestrial radio brands have every bit as much right to earn and retain a credible claim to an image for music discovery as Internet outlets.” He cites music discovery as being important because, “Music is important.”
What Are You Waiting For?
Bridge Ratings spoke with 242 GMs at the top 150 radio markets to find out what might be preventing them from transitioning or transitioning faster toward a digital future. Budget was the most popular response (92%). Another concern was “having the know-how or specially trained personnel dedicated to digital efforts (91%).” However, considering the stacks of research which prove the growing importance of a coordinated digital strategy, should these answers be viewed as justifiable roadblocks, or merely excuses for poor implementation?
Country Radio Broadcasters, which will host its annual CRS country radio event again on March 2-4, 2011 recently held a One-on-One event devoted to New Media marketing opportunities. It’s encouraging that CRB is using its leadership role to focus on the future. According to its new website, CRB’s event is “an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry.” One can only hope that included in the CRS 2011 Agenda will be ample time devoted to understanding the challenge of Internet radio, social networking and discussion of various strategies for leveraging your brand and staying competitive in this about-to-explode new marketplace.
According to CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, “The 2011 agenda is taking shape, but not yet complete.” Mayne insists however, that social networking and Internet Radio are on the Agenda Committee’s radar. That’s great news, because country radio’s support for the country music industry remains critical and the record industry has a vested interest in its continued health. But just like Gulf Coast store front owners who board the windows when a hurricane approaches, country radio had best begin facing tomorrow head on, lest the future sweep it off its feet.
Adkins and Petty Go Head to Head For Headache Powder
/by contributorLongtime competitors BC Powder and Goody’s Headache Powders have recruited country star Trace Adkins and NASCAR legend Richard Petty for what has been dubbed the Pick A Powder campaign. As part of the campaign, the two celebrities will play out a humorous rivalry of one-upsmanship about who experiences the toughest pain, with their respective brands leading the charge. The BC and Goody’s Pick A Powder campaign plays off the fierce and generational loyalty users have to either Goody’s or BC.
Once registered, fans can vote daily through September 30, 2010. Fans and supporters will be able to participate in various contests and win prizes, including an all expense paid VIP trip for four to The Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway (race tickets, air and hotel) for the Team Richard winner, and an all-expense paid VIP trip for four to a Trace Adkins concert stop (concert tickets, air and hotel) in early 2011 (location TBD) for the Team Trace winner. Winners will be announced in early October.
“I want to win and I want my fans to win, so I encourage everyone to join Team Trace,” said Adkins. “I want to see Richard feel some of my pain for a change. He thinks we have it so easy out here on the road, but he has no idea.”