Live Nation; EMI/Terra Firma

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Live Nation Entertainment today (5/11) released financial results for the first quarter of 2010, the first earnings report since completing its merger with Ticketmaster on Jan. 25. The company reported a loss of $112 million (76 cents/share) in the quarter that ended March 31, which was more than the prior-year Q1 loss of $102.7 million ($1.29/share). The first quarter in 2009 had fewer shares outstanding, prior to the Ticketmaster deal.

Revenue grew 49% to $723 million, mainly thanks to the merger. Concert attendance fell 3% to 6.8 million from 7.1 million a year ago, while the total spending per concertgoer grew 2% to $59.71 from $58.57.

Michael Rapino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation Entertainment, said he expects the combined company to save at least $40 million during 2010 as operations between Live Nation and Ticketmaster are streamlined.

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EMI parent company Terra Firma has successfully raised 105 million pounds ($155.4 million) to stay in the good graces of lender Citigroup, according to a report today in the Wall Street Journal, citing sources close to the situation.

Meanwhile, the New York Post says Queen is the latest act planning to leave EMI, which has been its label home for four decades. An in-depth Business Week piece also reports contracts with Pink Floyd and Robbie Williams are coming up for renewal and could be in jeopardy. Paul McCartney, Radiohead and the Rolling Stones already exited the label.

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The New York Times looks at the royalty issues surrounding websites like Metrolyrics.com, which made almost $10 million in revenue last year.

Country’s Newest Acts Debut Music

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EMI Records Nashville’s flagship artist Troy Olsen released his self-titled EP today (5/11). Among the four tracks is his debut single, “Summer Thing,” for which the singer recently taped the music video in his home state Arizona. Olsen has been visiting radio stations across the country promoting the song, co-written with Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary. Olsen hits the road Thurs., May 14 in Tampa, FL as part of the multi-stage Country Throwdown tour.

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Jennette McCurdy, known to fans of the Nickelodeon show iCarly,  is trying on her cowgirl boots with debut country single “Not That Far Away.” The 17-year-old Californian penned the song with Rachel Proctor and Blair Daly. McCurdy’s fans helped pick it as the first single via a poll on AOL’s The Boot. McCurdy’s album follows this fall on Capitol Records Nashville and was produced by Paul Worley. She’ll spend the summer on a radio tour and filming another season of iCarly.

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Katie Armiger’s new song “Leaving Home” is generating a big response from high school seniors as graduation draws near. The song was written by Armiger with Sarah Buxton and Blair Daly. An enhanced version of the “Leaving Home” CD was serviced to high schools, including a message from Katie, the music video, and footage of the singer’s journey over the last year. She is working on her third album for Cold River Records and has teamed with the “Hear The Music Live” organization to give youth in foster homes and orphanages a chance to attend a live concert.

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Susan Hickman with KITX/Paris, TX's Shane Oats and Chad Lindsey

Country newcomer Susan Hickman has wrapped up the second leg of a radio promotion tour for her current single, “Hell Still Ain’t Frozen Over.” The petite blonde from Texas visited a total of 24 stations and traveled over 1400 miles during the combined outings, visiting numerous stations which report to MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart.

Blackberry Smoke

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BamaJam Records’ southern rock band Blackberry Smoke is prepping the June release of single “Good One Comin’ On.” The group made an accompanying music video combining footage from the stage  with scenes from life on the road. A new version of their album Little Piece of Dixie will be released this month, containing the bonus track “Yesterday’s Wine.” The song, a cover of the Willie Nelson tune, features guests George Jones and Jamey Johnson. Blackberry Smoke is on their Jim Beam-sponsored tour throughout the summer, including a May 13 stop at Nashville’s Mercy Lounge.

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Chelsea Field’s debut single, “Things I Should’ve Said” is garnering praise from radio and reviewers. The song was produced by Trey Bruce, and the video was directed by Jeff Johnson. Two dance remixes of the track are being shipped to DJs and dance clubs across the country. Field, whose Nashville home suffered significant damage in the recent floods, is on a 12-week radio tour in support of the new single. Her full-length album is due out on Nashville-based independent Moxy Records this summer.

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Stoney Creek Records’ husband-wife duo Thompson Square has released its debut single, “Let’s Fight,” and is on radio tour promoting it. The up-tempo song was co-written by Thompson Square’s Keifer Thompson.

Shelton, Lambert Announce Engagement

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Lambert and Shelton at her black and white, '40s themed No. 1 party for "White Liar."

People.com reports that one of Country music’s favorite couples got engaged over the weekend. Blake Shelton surprised his girlfriend of five years, Miranda Lambert, with a diamond and platinum engagement ring on Sunday, May 9.

He popped the question near her home in Oklahoma, after receiving her father’s blessing, Lambert tells People. Get the full story here. More details and a photo of the ring will be in the upcoming issue of People, on newsstands Friday.

It’s already been a big year for the stars. Both racked up at the recent ACM Awards, and Lambert scored her first No. 1 hit “White Liar,” while Shelton released a new six-pak album and had the hit “Hillbilly Bone.”

Photos: CBS Nashville Reunites For One Night

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Roy Wunsch and Mary Ann McCready hosted a CBS Nashville Reunion over the weekend at Cellar One on 2nd Ave. The event attracted artists, former label staff, and industry friends from the 1975-95 time period. Album cover art adorned the walls as decoration. Guests including Billy Sherrill, Janie Fricke, Joe Stampley, Bobby Bare, Ricky Skaggs, Lynn Anderson, Barbara Fairchild, Charlie McCoy, Luke Lewis, Rick Blackburn, Joe Mansfield, Bill Ivey and Nancy Shapiro enjoyed food and drink as they mingled and reminisced.

Pictured L-R: Roy Wunsch, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Walter Yetnikoff, Mary Ann McCready. Photo: Nick Baumgardner

(L-R): Lynn Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Mary Chapin Carpenter. Photo: Nick Baumgardner

L-R: Billy Sherrill, Frances Preston, Walter Yetnikoff and his wife Lynda Yetnikoff.

Fans Set To Vote For CMT Final Nominees

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Laura Bell Bundy and CMT's Evan Farmer announce the nominees in a video posted at People.com.

With three nods each, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood lead the just-released list of nominees for the CMT Music Awards, revealed on CMT.com and People.com. Following closely behind are Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band with two nominations each.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 9 on CMT and CMT.com. Country music’s biggest stars are slated to perform, including Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, with more to be announced.

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.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
·         Jason Aldean – “The Truth”
·         Kenny Chesney – “Out Last Night”
·         Toby Keith – “American Ride”
·         Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”
·         Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
·         Brad Paisley – “Welcome to the Future”
·         Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
·         Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”
·         Keith Urban – “‘Til Summer Comes Around”
·         Zac Brown Band – “Toes”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
·         Jason Aldean – “The Truth”
·         Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
·         Toby Keith – “American Ride”
·         Tim McGraw – “Southern Voice”
·         Keith Urban – “‘Til Summer Comes Around”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
·         Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
·         Reba McEntire – “Consider Me Gone”
·         Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
·         Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
·         Gloriana – “How Far Do You Wanna Go?”
·         Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”
·         Rascal Flatts – “Here Comes Goodbye”
·         Zac Brown Band – “Toes”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
·         Brooks & Dunn – “Indian Summer”
·         Steel Magnolia – “Keep On Lovin’ You”
·         Sugarland – “Keep You”
·         Sugarland – “Nightswimming/Joey”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)
·         Luke Bryan – “Do I”
·         Laura Bell Bundy – “Giddy On Up”
·         Easton Corbin – “A Little More Country Than That”
·         Steel Magnolia – “Keep On Lovin’ You”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
·         Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – “Heaven” from CMT Crossroads: Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean
·         Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews – “I’m Alive”
·         Kellie Pickler featuring Taylor Swift – “Best Days of Your Life”
·         Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins – “Hillbilly Bone”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
·         Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For A Good Time” from the 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
·         Reba McEntire – “Consider Me Gone” from INVITATION ONLY: REBA
·         Tim McGraw – “Southern Voice” from INVITATION ONLY: TIM McGRAW
·         Brad Paisley – “Then” from the 2009 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
·         Carrie Underwood – “Temporary Home” from INVITATION ONLY: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year
·         Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Jason Aldean’s “The Truth” and Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home”)
·         Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” and Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA”)
·         Shaun Silva (award eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night” and Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights”)
·         Roman White (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and Kellie Pickler’s “Best Days of Your Life”)

Photos: Little Big Town, Matt Giraud, Toby Keith

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Matt Giraud, American Idol Top Five Finalist, Season 8, has signed with ASCAP. He is currently working on an EP with Grammy-winning producer Drew Ramsey to be released this summer. Victoria Shaw, Marcus Hummon and JT Harding are collaborators on the new project. The soulful pianist is also busy on tour.

Pictured (l-r): ASCAP's Marc Driskill and Tim DuBois, Giraud and ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan.

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Capitol Nashville’s Little Big Town headed to Louisville, KY on April 30-May 1 for the running of the 136th annual Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby horse races. The Platinum selling quartet was tapped to sing the national anthem at the Kentucky Oaks race which was held on Friday, April 30 at Churchill Downs. The group wrapped their latest video shoot for current single “Little White Church” late Thursday night (4/29) and arrived in the Bluegrass state early Friday morning to kick-off the Derby festivities.

Photo by Josh Fulmer

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Toby Keith is on his eighth USO tour, traveling to four countries and boosting the morale of thousands of military families in Korea and Germany as well as troops serving on the front lines in the Persian Gulf. Joining Keith on the 14-day, 13-show adventure is singer/songwriter Scotty Emerick. Since his first USO tour in 2002, Keith has traveled to more than 10 countries and participated in seven previous USO tours.

USO Photo by Dave Gatley

CMT Award Noms., A Word From Pres. Brian Philips

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The final nominees for the 2010 CMT Music Awards will be revealed tomorrow (5/11) morning exclusively on People.com starting at 8 AM/CT. Mercury recording artist Laura Bell Bundy and CMT’s Evan Farmer will do the honors. And more nominations will be announced later in the day on CMT.com. The top nominees in all categories, except Video of the Year, will be posted on People.com, along with a video featuring Bundy and Farmer making the official announcement. Fans will be able to vote online at CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT Music Awards will air live on Wednesday, June 9 and will feature performances from Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, with more to be announced.

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An update from CMT Pres. Brian Philips:

Greetings from 330 Commerce Street, where I am delighted to say that power has been restored and our CMT team is back!  As were many of our downtown business partners, CMT was without power all last week.  Fortunately, through remote operations, we were able to keep CMT on the air and on schedule, in 90 million homes, throughout the disaster.

Many of you have kindly asked how CMT was affected by the floods: Most importantly, all CMT/MTVN Nashville employees are safe and accounted for, although a few of our families suffered widespread damage and loss to their homes.  In addition to CMT’s downtown power loss, which affected every aspect of our production, we experienced extensive damage to our warehouse facilities, including the loss of state-of-the-art television production vehicles.

We’ve always known the people of Tennessee to be extraordinarily caring, but their strength and generous spirit during this difficult time has been inspiring to witness.  It was rewarding to see CNN and other national media pick up on this theme, and use it to define Tennessee to the world.  Our hearts are with all in our area who continue to suffer hardship.

Like many of you this past week, our staffers have volunteered tirelessly with Hands On Nashville to begin helping people restore lives.  As a network, CMT has directed viewers on-air and online to give donations via CMT One Country to organizations which will help Tennessee rebuild.

We’ve decided that the single greatest contribution that we, as an organization, can make to the city of Nashville is the bold continuation of plans for the 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS.  Broadcasting live from the Bridgestone Arena on June 9, the Awards Show, coinciding with the CMA Music Fest, will provide a national platform for Nashville and the music community to demonstrate its recovery and celebrate its resilience.  These days will also bring in much needed commerce to help the city get back on its feet. We’re also developing other plans to support ongoing relief and recovery, more Awards Show-related news to follow soon.

Although CMT seemingly remained unchanged, broadcasting last week with no interruption, we were indeed immeasurably changed by the surging waters which affected Music City and neighboring communities.  We’ve never been prouder to live in the ‘Volunteer State’.  We look forward to showing off our amazing city and getting back to what we do best — throwing the best live music party in town, this June. Hope to see you there!

Thanks, BP
Brian Philips| CMT | President |

BMI Nashville Remains Closed; SoundCheck Inspects Damage

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BMI’s Nashville office remains closed Monday, May 10 due to a lack of water pressure and air conditioning in the six-story Music Row building. BMI’s Nashville office usually houses over 400 employees and is currently relying on a reduced on-site staff. However, Nashville Writer/Publisher executives are still readily accessible by email and cell phone, and are actively checking office voicemail as well. BMI’s systems infrastructure remains fully operational. Songwriters and publishers can visit bmi.com for building updates, and to access their accounts for royalty information, catalogs, new works registration and more.

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SoundCheck Nashville owner Ben Jumper says he is in the process of reviewing the extent of damage to the storage and rental facility that house guitars and equipment belonging to Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and others. Jumper has arranged for artists to begin inspecting and loading out their equipment in the next several days so that the facility can be professionally cleaned and repaired. In the meantime, Soundcheck’s Los Angeles and Austin-based sister company, Center Staging, is providing the 600+ artists with as many available resources as possible.

Jumper explains, “As owner of SoundCheck Nashville for the past six years, I have always regarded the storage and safety of our artists’ and our facility’s equipment as my highest professional priority…I thank everyone for their patience and concern as we begin the arduous task of recovering from this historic disaster.” For updates, visit www.SoundCheckNashville.com.

Latest Flood Relief Benefits

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Standing: Victoria Shaw and Marcus Hummon. Seated: Julie Gold and Don Henry. Photo: Alan Mayor

Victoria Shaw, Marcus Hummon, Julie Gold and Don Henry performed a benefit for MusiCares Friday (5/7) at the Bluebird Cafe. MusiCares has established the Nashville Flood Relief Fund to assist music people affected by the Middle Tennessee Floods. Initial assistance will provide funds for food and clothing, gasoline and transportation, clean up efforts, relocation costs, medicine and other critical supplies. In order to apply for assistance or to donate, please contact the South Regional office at (615) 327-0050 or toll free (877) 626-2748.

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CeCe Winans, Kellie Pickler, Jaci Velasquez and Will Hoge have been added to the line-up for Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief. The May 16 show will be the first nationally televised telethon and live concert for Nashville flood aid. Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley and Rodney Atkins were previously announced for the event at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It will air on GAC, WKRN-TV in Nashville on Comcast channel 245 (over the air delivery at 2.2), and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio.

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale at www.ryman.com and www.opry.com, by phone at 1-800-SEE-OPRY or the Ryman box office.

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Pop star Ke$ha is headlining her own flood recovery benefit at Limelight on Wed., June 16. General admission and VIP tickets are available here. “Nashville helped shape me as an artist and as a person and my love for this city is beyond words,” she says. “I will continue to do anything I can to help rebuild this city and support the families and animals who have been affected by this tragedy.” When the singer arrived in Nashville last week she immediately donated 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food to a local animal shelter.
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Music City’s latest fashion craze is “We Are Nashville” T-shirts. After being featured on CNN by Anderson Cooper, demand for the shirts crashed the Cool People Care site which is selling them. The Cool People Care clothing company picked up the saying from a post-flood rallying post on Patten Fuqua’s Predators fan blog. According to the Tennessean, 3,500 T-shirts have been sold so far, with proceeds raising $25,000 for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Flood Relief Fund. The newspaper also reports that starting Thurs., the Nashville Clothing Co. will be the first retail outlet to carry the shirts.

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Tide, in partnership with Dollar General, is bringing its “Loads of Hope” team to Nashville. Free laundry services for residents and relief workers will be available Wednesday, May 12 through Wednesday, May 19 from 8AM – 6PM. They will be at Dollar General, 2403 Lebanon Pike.

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On May 12, venue Center Stage (514 8th Ave. S.) is hosting a benefit from 3-10 p.m. featuring Marthia Sides, Marty Raybon, Razzy Bailey, Kristina Cornell,  DecemberRadio, Rachel Williams, Thom Shepherd, and more. $5 cover, donations welcome.

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BLEVE Records founder Mickey Milam will donate proceeds from this month’s sales at www.blevemusic.com to the local FOP and IAFF organizations to aid Middle Tennessee First Responders who lost their homes and belongings during the floods.

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During May, Delgado Guitars will donate profits from guitar and accessory purchases, and guitar repair to the flood relief efforts.

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On-air host CW at KMKS in Texas is offering free voiceover services to any flood victim who might need it. Email cw@kmks.com.

Alison Krauss Joins Borman Entertainment

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Gary Borman officially announced this morning that 26-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss has signed with Borman Entertainment for management. “Alison’s timeless talent defies stereotype or any ordinary definition,” says Borman. “It is truly a privilege to represent such a gifted artist.”

Previous manager Denise Stiff (DS Management) and Krauss amicably parted ways last February after a relationship that lasted almost 23 years with a mutual statement that said, “We have the utmost respect and love for one another.”

Krauss was first signed to Rounder Records at age 14. Over her nearly three-decade career she has earned multiple CMA, GMA, ACM and IBMA Awards and is the most decorated female artist in Grammy history. Krauss and band Union Station are currently recording a new album.

Borman Entertainment, formed in 1976, has offices in Los Angeles and Nashville. The Music City division is headed by industry veteran John Grady. In addition to Krauss, the firm represents Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Michael Franti.

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MusicRow’s Humble Scribe first tipped the new Borman/Krauss pairing on April 14 saying, “The Scribe’s crystal ball is percolating like a Starbucks on steroids. Alison Krauss…soon to affiliate with a respected management company with Nashville and Los Angeles offices.”