Show Dog-Universal Promotes Natalie Moore

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Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore has been promoted to Director of Artist Development and Creative Services for Show Dog-Universal Music, it was announced today (6/3) by George Nunes, General Manager of the label to whom Moore reports.

Formerly, Moore served as Manager of Artist Development and Creative Services for the company. In her new role, Moore is responsible for overseeing artwork, design, photo shoots, video shoots, and media with independent publicity for all Show Dog – Universal Music artists.

“Natalie has played a key role at Show Dog–Universal and her contributions have been invaluable,” said Nunes. “Her work ethic and attention to detail is second to none. I am extremely proud to be working with Natalie and this promotion is well-deserved.”

Moore joined Universal Records South in 2003 as Artist Development Coordinator with the creative and publicity departments.

Toby Keith Event Nets Almost $600,000

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The seventh annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised close to $600,000 May 21-22 in Norman, Oklahoma. Comprised of a dinner/auction/concert and golf tournament the following day, the event has raised almost $3,000,000 since its inception for Oklahoma’s children battling cancer and their families.

The perennially sold-out gathering was standing-room-only again, with co-emcee Larry The Cable Guy keeping the crowd in stitches and Toby Keith jumping on stage to perform with headliner David Allan Coe. Surprise guest, and Show Dog-Universal Music label mate, Phil Vassar also took the stage to rock the house for a few songs.

Top draws in the auction included dinner for 20 with Keith. As it did last year, the meal generated such interest that Keith agreed to do two dinners, one for each of the top bidders at $28,000 a piece. A Super Bowl package went for $16,000 and top silent auction items included a canvas of Keith featuring the lyrics to “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” that went for $3,900, Vikings and Jets Brett Favre jerseys at $4,100 and a Cal Ripken, Jr. package that brought in $3,500.

Pros For Africa and Whitten-Newman Foundation Co-Founder Reggie Whitten donated a custom Triumph Rocket III motorcycle autographed by NFL stars Tommie Harris (Bears), Adrian Peterson (Vikings), Roy Williams (Bengals) and Mark Clayton (Ravens). The bike sold for $40,000 and Whitten intends to make the cycle donation an annual occurrence because, in his words, “Triumph” is exactly what he wants the sick children of Oklahoma to do.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the OK Kids Korral 16-room guest lodge, which will house pediatric cancer patients and their families on the grounds of Oklahoma University Medical Center. With completion expected in 2012, the 30,000 sq. ft. facility will be a haven of respite for families of young children struggling through cancer treatments. Visit the website at www.tobykeithfoundation.org for details.

BMG acquires Adage IV Catalog

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BMG Rights Management has announced the acquisition of the Adage IV catalog. Adage IV consists of rights in a number of classic compositions performed by artists including John Mayer, Ray Charles, Rob Thomas, Joni Mitchell, Faith Hill, Elvis Presley, Frankie Lymon, Joe Cocker, The Beach Boys and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Among the acquired music rights are well-known pieces such as “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” “Stay,” “Let’s Go Get Stoned,” “Little Darling,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Breathe.”

“Working with BMG Rights provides an opportunity to participate in the future of music publishing,” said Herb Jordan, founder and CEO of the Los Angeles based Adage Group. “The Adage Group looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of BMG Rights.”

“Herb Jordan and his team at Adage Group have built an impressive catalog of music rights – the iconic songs in the Adage IV catalog are a perfect fit for our synch and licensing strategy,” Laurent Hubert, COO North America, BMG said. “We look forward to working with Herb and his team”.

After the acquisition of Cherry Lane and the formation of the JV One Haven Music Publishing earlier in 2010, this acquisition is another cornerstone in building up high quality repertoire for BMG Rights Management, the joint venture between the international media company Bertelsmann and the global private equity firm KKR.

ABC Special Captures CMA Fest

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ABC TV is heading to Nashville to take fans to the hottest music event of the year with CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock. Between Thursday and Sunday, June 10-13, today’s biggest country stars will hit the stage during a four-day celebration of America’s music for a special that will air Wednesday, Sept. 1 (7:00-10:00 PM/CT) on the ABC Television Network.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at LP Field during CMA Music Festival include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and more. Taylor Swift will host a free 13-hour fan meet and greet event during the Festival at the Bridgestone Arena, which will include a short acoustic performance.

“Our announced lineup this year is the strongest ever and a country music enthusiast’s dream bill,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors.

The primetime television special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, debuted in 2004 as a two-hour special highlighting the Festival and Music City. In 2005, the special moved to the ABC Television Network.
In 2009, the special expanded to three hours boosting ABC ahead of CBS, NBC and FOX with the network’s second biggest audience during the summer season. With 7.4 million viewers and a 4.7/8 overall rating, it outperformed its broadcast rivals in total viewers topping CBS by 6 percent, NBC by 32 percent and FOX by 85 percent.

The special had a 43 percent increase in viewers compared to 2008, generating the biggest audience in four years and tallied its highest Adult 18-49 rating (2.0/6) in three years. The special ranked No. 12 for the week among total viewers and No. 11 for the week for Adults 18-49.

CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson. The 2009 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

SoundExchange Enlists AFTRA in Royalty Search

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The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), a national union of more than 70,000 performers, recording artists and broadcast journalists, and SoundExchange, a non-profit U.S. digital performance rights organization authorized to collect royalties for the digital performance of sound recordings, today announced a new joint initiative to identify and distribute SoundExchange royalties which are owed to AFTRA member recording artists.

Starting today (5/2) AFTRA will begin notifying more than 6,000 AFTRA recordings artists for whom SoundExchange has collected royalties from digital services that have streamed their recordings online. SoundExchange provided AFTRA with a list of artists who are members of the union, but who are not yet registered with SoundExchange. AFTRA will mail letters, send email notices and make direct person-to-person phone calls to all AFTRA member recording artists who are due royalties. As a union representing recording artists, AFTRA is in the unique position to have contact information for many recording artists, and was glad to be a part of the project.

“Increasingly, our world is evolving into the digital age,” said AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth. “This means more opportunities for AFTRA recording artists to share their creative contributions with a wider audience and more opportunities for our members to earn the income they need, such as the royalties collected by SoundExchange, to sustain their careers, support their families and continue enriching our culture and society through their gift of music. As AFTRA’s National Executive Director and as a board member of SoundExchange, I am very pleased to partner with SoundExchange to identify, to locate and pay AFTRA members their share of the tremendously profitable digital revolution.”

“SoundExchange is constantly reaching out to notify artists about their unclaimed royalties, yet it can be difficult to get them to register,” said SoundExchange Executive Director John Simson. “Many don’t know about the law that entitled them to these royalties, or believe it’s too good to be true. That’s why partners like AFTRA are essential: they understand the value of our work and have existing relationships with those artists who can most benefit from registering. AFTRA is a great resource to artists, and hearing about SoundExchange from such a trusted organization helps reassure artists that these royalties are both real and theirs.”

When sound recordings are played on satellite radio, Internet radio or digital cable services, SoundExchange collects a royalty on behalf of the recording artists and the copyright holder, as directed under U.S. Copyright Law. Since 2001, SoundExchange has collected and processed billions of spins and paid out more than $412 million in digital royalties, unfortunately thousands of music professionals are not yet registered and millions of dollars in royalties are currently unclaimed. AFTRA and SoundExchange have partnered to locate unregistered AFTRA recording artists and ensure the distribution of these payments.

AFTRA is represented by Hedgpeth on the SoundExchange Board of Directors which consists of equal representation between artists’ representatives and label representatives. Legendary recording artist and AFTRA member Martha Reeves also serves as a Board member, though not as a union representative.

Recording artists may register with SoundExchange, free of charge, to receive royalties. New registrants can claim any back royalties collected in their names and they will continue to be paid quarterly, every time they’re owed. For more information on registration, please visit www.soundexchange.com.S

DISClaimer Reviews (6/02/10)

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There is some solid stuff in this stack of platters.

Richie Fields, Sunny Sweeney and Kim Parent are all back, singing as superbly as ever. Newcomers Dianna Paul and Sherry Lynn prove that they are ready to run with the big dogs. From the folkier side of things are delightful discs by Ellis Paul and TV star Robert David Hall.

Our Disc of the Day comes from the good people at Broken Bow. It is “Real” by James Wesley. And hand a DisCovery Award to Dianna Paul. Both of these singles, by the way, are fine pieces of country songwriting. And that always goes a long way with this listener.

RICHIE FIELDS/Wichita
Writer: Dave Robbins/Tim Gates/Trey Robbins; Producer: J. Gary Smith; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Tim Bert/Songs of Platinum Pen/Slickhead/Jo Trey, BMI/ASCAP; Joint Journey (CDX) (410-442-4629)
—Dramatic sounding. The descending chords, chiming guitars and stately tempo set up a resonant, throaty baritone who can really deliver the goods. Everything I have heard by this man has been top notch. Surely one of you big labels could use a talent like this.

SUNNY SWEENEY/From a Table Away
Writer: Sunny Sweeney/Bob DiPiero/Karyn Rochelle; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Big Machine/Super 98/International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Words & Music/Clarity Tree/Sony-ATV/Love Monkey, BMI; Republic Nashville (CDX) ()
—I remain a fan. She is confidently country, and the steel-guitar soaked midtempo song is loaded with hooks and harmonies.

JAMES WESLEY/Real
Writer: Neal Coty/Jimmy Melton; Producer: Dan Frizsell & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Bug/Songs of Universal/Write Em Rite, BMI; BBR (CDX) (615-244-8800)
—Any song that begins with, “500 channels and there ain’t much on tonight” is fine with me. The gist of it is the comparison between his own experience and what he sees on “reality” TV. The struggle to survive, losing a job, foreclosure, death and flooding are what is “Real.” Superbly written and strongly sung.

KACEY JONES/It’s Gonna Take One Helluva Man
Writer: Kacey Jones/Benita Hill/Becky Hobbs; Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Gooby/Becca’s Mecca, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (CDX) (www.kaceyjones.com)
—Cute and clever, as usual. “It’s gonna take one helluva man to be better than no man at all.”

ELLIS PAUL & KRISTIAN BUSH/Annalee
Writer: Ellis Paul; Producer: Thad Beaty & Jason Collum; Publisher: none listed, SESAC; Black Wolf (CDX) ()
—This folkie, formerly on Rounder, has a bunch of Boston Music Awards on his shelf. Accompanied by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, he embarks on a more soaring, pop-country sound with this tuneful outing. The track builds in excitement throughout as Paul’s voice soars with power and intensity on succeeding high choruses.

DARRYL WORLEY/Keep the Change
Writer: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell/Jim “Moose” Brown; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown & Kevin “Swine” Grantt; Publisher: House of Sea Gayle/Antlered One/Pickwick Landing/Big Loud Bucks/Imokalee/Daphil, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious ()
—“I work half the year for me the other half for Uncle Sam.” No you don’t. The federal tax rate is lower than it has been since 1950. “America’s in trouble/If they don’t wise up and stop busting out the blocks that were laid as a foundation.” What, exactly, does that even mean? “Our nation could wind up in a pile of rubble” he asserts, without offering anything to back that statement up. In other words, stupidity set to music.

SHERRY LYNN/What a Day to Shake a Heartache
Writer: Sandy Ramos/Ronnie Kimball/Kalii Palmer; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Lawyer’s Wife/Kimbro, BMI/ASCAP; Stealheart (www.sherrylynnmusic.com)
—The track has a nice, rolling, rumbling quality to it. Her sprightly vocal rides atop the churning rhythm with aplomb. Listenable.

ROBERT DAVID HALL/Things They Don’t Teach You in School
Writer: Robert David Hall; Producer: Chris Wall; Publisher: Chenango, BMI; RDH (track) (www.robertdavidhallmusic.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s new CD is an acoustic-based gem with plenty of rippling guitar work, harmonica, brushed drums and upright bass. His plain-spoken vocal is just right for the lyric that praises the virtue of street smarts over book learnin.’ Hall portrayed coroner “Dr. Robbins” on the original CSI TV series. He has also had recurring roles on L.A. Law, The Practice and other shows and is active on radio and in voice-over work. In addition to this tune, check out his versions of producer Chris Wall’s “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” and of the country goldies “Sittin’ on Top of the World” and “Just Because.”

DIANNA PAUL/Maker’s Mark
Writer: Dianna Paul/John Paule/Daniel Steigerwald; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Willow Pond, BMI; Seacoast (www.diannapaul.com)
—It is a ballad. It starts out really slowly. But things perk up when she gets to the chorus hook. Drinking won’t ease your pain. “When it all goes dark/Look to your Maker’s mark.” Nicely written and sung with trembling emotion.

KIM PARENT/Don’t Tell a Soul
Writer: Getzov/Erlich; Producer: Harry Stinson; Publisher: none listed; KP (track) (www.kimparent.com)
—Drenched in sultry, sensuous, bluesy atmosphere. This is the title tune to Kim’s second collection, and it is a sound to get completely lost in. For a funkier groove, check out her equally sexy and swampy performance of “Puttin’ on the Dog.” Right now, she’s out backing Brooks & Dunn on their farewell tour. But you might also know Kim Parent as one of the vocalists on CMT’s The Singing Bee television series. She sings jingles for Wendy’s and has appeared on records by Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar, Reba, Aaron Tippin, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner and many others. The lady has the goods.

Swift and Pickler Set Musicfest Plans

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Two of country music’s biggest stars (and best buds) Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler have unveiled their ambitious game plans for the upcoming CMA Music Festival. Pickler will be visiting with fans and signing autographs at Opry Originals: The Shop on Broadway located at 300 Broadway on Thursday, June 10, from Noon-2:00 PM. 

The singer will immediately follow the singing with a 30-minute acoustic performance in the store. Opening at 8:00 AM, the store will distribute a limited number of autograph vouchers with the purchase of a Pickler CD or Pickler-branded prints and photos created exclusively for the signing at Opry Originals.

While Pickler’s signing event seems like a well planned crowd pleaser, superstar Swift’s autograph signing event is likely to be the highlight of the week for many a country fan. The multi-Platinum singer has announced that she will spend 13 hours meeting as many of her fans as possible. Swift will host Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 13th. 

The event will run from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Swift will kick off the festivities at 8:00 a.m. that day, and will meet as many fans as possible over the course of the 13-hour event. The event will include a short acoustic performance that afternoon shortly after 2:00 PM, and will also feature several different fan activities throughout the day. Taylor Swift’s 13-Hour Meet & Greet is open to the public and admission is free.

“My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible,” Swift said. “Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Additional event details will be posted on www.taylorswift.com the week of the event.
This will be Swift’s only performance during the CMA Music Festival.

Sony Music Adds Katie McCartney

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Katie McCartney

Sony Music Nashville has announced the addition of Katie McCartney as Manager, Marketing & Artist Development for the Arista Nashville and RCA Nashville rosters. She arrives at the company following a two-year tenure with the Disney Music Group, most recently as Marketing Coordinator for Lyric Street Records.

McCartney reports to Associate Director, Marketing & Artist Development Laura McKinley and fills the vacancy created by McKinley’s recent promotion. McCartney is on the job now and can be reached at katie.mccartney@sonymusic.com.

Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods Help Flood Victims

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Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods have partnered to bring more than 2500 pounds of food to Nashville’s hungry, particularly those hard hit by the devastating floods May 1 and 2. While so many remain homeless and without the means to provide food for their families, the donation was a welcome sight to Second Harvest, the organization selected to receive the food, and distribute it to people in need.

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is extremely grateful for this wonderful donation from Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods,” said Jaynee K. Day, President and CEO of the organization. “Many people in Middle Tennessee have been affected by the recent flooding disaster – the Food Bank has already seen a drastic increase in requests for assistance.  This timely donation will provide hope while they rebuild their lives.”

Wayne, who has logged more than 1200 miles on his Meet Me Halfway walk halfway across America, was not in Nashville when the floodwaters hit his city. But his concern for those affected by the flood is great.

“It’s been really hard for me to be away from Nashville during this time,” Wayne said. “Hearing from friends who have suffered immeasurable loss is so difficult. And seeing people who are now homeless just breaks my heart. I was thrilled when I found out that Bryan Foods was ready to help out, and so grateful to them that they are working with me to bring some relief to my town.”

Wayne and Bryan Foods recently partnered for another event: the Ultimate Bryan Neighborhood Grill-Out contest. Wayne will perform at an upcoming backyard barbeque for the contest winner, their family and friends.

CMT Music Awards Adds Performers 


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The 2010 CMT Music Awards have announced the addition of Jamey Johnson, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and John Mayer to the performance line-up. Johnson will debut “Macon,” a Southern-rock infused song from his upcoming fall release, while Rimes will perform a fully-choreographed rendition of the John Anderson classic, “Swingin’,” from her forthcoming album Lady and Gentlemen.

Pop star Mayer will trade guitar licks with his CMT Crossroads partner Keith Urban on the unreleased single “Hit The Ground Running” from Urban’s Defying Gravity. These performances, along with every performance from the show, will be streamed live and available for viewing after the show on CMT.com. The 2010 CMT Music Awards premieres live on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM/CT on CMT.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the show will feature performances from country music’s biggest stars, including Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. Presenters will include celebrity cook Paula Deen, American Idol’s Kara Dioguardi, the NFL’s Terrell Owens, actress Hayden Panettiere, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson.

In addition, country superstars Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band are scheduled to present.
Fans can vote online at vote.CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners. The final nominees for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.