The Morris Radio Group of Morris Communications will send crews from six of its country format stations to broadcast live from Country Radio Seminar 2010. The stations will set up in the exhibit hall beginning Wed. Feb. 24 and continue through Friday, Feb. 26. The six stations inlcude KGNC (Amarillo, TX), KBRJ (Anchorage, AK), KYEZ (Salina, KS), WIBW (Topeka, KS), KAYO (Wasilla, AK) and KKRV (Wenatchee, WA).
John Windus, from KKRV in Wenatchee, WA, will facilitate interview requests for each of the stations. “Nashville and CRS are so special because it’s the only time during the year that we can connect our listeners with so many of their favorite artists,” says Windus. “The accessibility to artists that the labels provide remains unique to our format and is one of our ‘secret weapons.’ What the Morris Group is doing is special too, because we’re not just attending seminars, we’re also bringing listeners to the party.”
Radio consultant Jaye Albright, commented, “These broadcasts will give listeners the ability to experience some of the entertaining and educational aspects of CRS and hopefully set a trend, as more stations take advantage of this opportunity at future Country Radio Seminars.”
Exhibitors already announced for CRS-2010 include Avid Path, Ad Mall, Country Fastball, Operation Troop Aid, Moby in the Morning and Radiolicious.
CMA Posts “Rhythm Of The Radio Charts”
/by adminUnderstanding radio airplay charts is the focus of the latest installment of CMA Industry InSite, an online educational series, posted today.
This latest installment discusses why chart success is crucial to an artist’s career as well as the methodology behind the Billboard, Country Aircheck and MusicRow charts. “Chart position is the primary measurement of success that everyone in the departments outside of promotion look at,” said Loba.
Episodes are posted on the third Monday of the month. With each new episode, CMA members are able to submit questions to the panel of experts. The series began as a member benefit designed to provide information about each segment of the music industry in a clear, informative, and entertaining way. Due to the popularity of the series, the CMA Board of Directors saw the importance of sharing these webisodes with non-members as the organization focuses on becoming an educational resource for the community. Non-members will now be able to view the first two episodes in the series on CMA’s consumer Web site, CMAworld.com. Subsequent episodes will be posted on the third Monday of each month. The series is produced by digital marketing firm Hi-Fi Fusion.
Shelton Promotes Six Pak With Bundle, Web Series
/by MichelleImage of Hillbilly Bone Premiere Pak, www.blakeshelton.com
As the March 2 release date for Blake Shelton’s new Hillbilly Bone Six Pak draws near, Warner Music is offering special bundles for those who pre-order between Feb. 16 and March 1. The packages range in price from $18.99 to $34.99 and include items such as an autographed copy of the album, fan club membership, and T-shirt.
Shelton has also been posting short Take 6 Tuesday videos on his web site as a lead-in to the Six Pak. The latest installment in the series offers his take on the top six worst Valentine’s Day cards. The weekly series began on Dec. 31 and will continue through the March 2 release. See the videos here.
Stoney Creek Grabs Durham For Northeast Region
/by adminAbi Durham
April Rider, General Manager of Operations for Stoney Creek has announced the addition of Abi Durham to the label’s promotion staff as Manager Regional Promotion, Northeast. Durham will report directly to Rider. Stoney Creek, a Broken Bow Records imprint, has an artist roster which inlcudes Ash Bowers, Megan Mullins and Crossin Dixon.
“Abi is a dedicated, passionate worker and had much success working the Midwest region on my team in the past,” says Rider. “I am so happy to have her added to the great staff at Stoney Creek Records and confident she will take over the Northeast region with ease.”
“Carson James [Broken Bow Sr. VP Promotion] gave me my first break into the industry so this new opportunity is a natural fit,” explains Durham. “I am thrilled to work with April and Carson again and so thankful for the relationships I have built in the Midwest. Now I’m excited to get out and make new friends in the Northeast.” Durham can be reached at abi@stoneycreekrecords.com
Morris Stations To Broadcast Live From CRS
/by adminJohn Windus, from KKRV in Wenatchee, WA, will facilitate interview requests for each of the stations. “Nashville and CRS are so special because it’s the only time during the year that we can connect our listeners with so many of their favorite artists,” says Windus. “The accessibility to artists that the labels provide remains unique to our format and is one of our ‘secret weapons.’ What the Morris Group is doing is special too, because we’re not just attending seminars, we’re also bringing listeners to the party.”
Radio consultant Jaye Albright, commented, “These broadcasts will give listeners the ability to experience some of the entertaining and educational aspects of CRS and hopefully set a trend, as more stations take advantage of this opportunity at future Country Radio Seminars.”
Exhibitors already announced for CRS-2010 include Avid Path, Ad Mall, Country Fastball, Operation Troop Aid, Moby in the Morning and Radiolicious.
Loretta Lynn Celebrates 50-Year Career
/by Sarah SkatesLynn shot 16 songs to the top of the charts, and 51 singles into the Top 10. Among the classic country tunes that helped her build a legacy are “One’s on the Way,” “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (with Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and her signature, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Lynn is a three-time Grammy winner who was honored in late January with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at a special invitation-only ceremony in Los Angeles. She is member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1972, Lynn was also the first woman named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year.
Also coming in 2010 is the reissue of Lynn’s 1976 bestselling autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as the 30th anniversary of the classic film of the same name. It tells the story of the Butcher Holler, Kentucky native who had four of her six children before age 18, and went on to become a country music icon.
Special thanks to historian and critic Robert K. Oermann for his assistance with this story.
Luke Bryan Debuts Video, iheartradio Performance
/by Sarah SkatesBryan was also in Los Angeles recently where he performed a three song set for iheartradio which debuts today (2/15) on the web site. It features “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” and a cover of the One Republic hit “Apologize.” All three songs are from his sophomore album Doin’ My Thing, which debuted with 57,000 albums its first week, more than doubling the first week sales of his 2007 debut album I’ll Stay Me.
Bryan is currently on the road opening Jason Aldean’s Wide Open Arena Tour. Bryan is nominated for Top New Vocal Soloist at the upcoming ACM Awards.
Adkins’ Bus In Fatal Crash
/by Sarah SkatesOfficial statement from Trace Adkins’ publicist Schatzi Hageman:
Tube Time W/ Turner, Jewel, Lady A, Nail, Paisley, Pickler
/by adminPhoto credit: Nick D./The Martha Stewart Show
Josh Turner made a guest appearance on Martha Stewart’s “Valentine’s Day Show” airing, Feb. 12. In addition, Turner was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition airing Saturday, February 13. Turner’s new CD Haywire was released last week.
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David Nail will perform his Top 10 song “Red Light” on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson Monday (2/15) at 12:35am ET/PT on CBS.
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Kellie Pickler will be spending Fat Tuesday (2/16) with one of her favorite people, New Orleans native Ellen DeGeneres, as part of Ellen’s upcoming Mardi Gras special.
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While on the West Coast with his American Saturday Night tour, Brad Paisley will visit Jimmy Kimmel Live! for an interview and performance on the Bud Light Golden Wheat Outdoor Stage, Wednesday, February 17. The late-night show airs on ABC 12:05am ET/PT.
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Last week in Los Angeles (Feb. 2), Lady Antebellum caught up with tennis superstar Serena Williams backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! before they performed their No. one smash “Need You Now” and new single “American Honey.”
L-R: Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Serena Williams and Dave Haywood
Wal Mart To Sell For Ticketmaster
/by contributorTicketmaster lost retail outlets for event sales with the closing of big-box music retailers like Tower Records. There are no details regarding what ticket fees will be charged for in-store sales.
Underwood Partners With Pedigree
/by contributor“I can’t imagine life without my dog, Ace,” said Underwood. “I’ve had a passion for animals my entire life. They’re such sweet and gentle souls that love you just because you love them back. That’s why I’m really excited about the opportunity to partner with The Pedrigee Adoption Drive to help get other people involved in this important cause. Showing your support is easy, just become a fan, help a dog.”
Every year nearly four million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations, and Pedigree is launching its sixth annual Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs in America. The program focuses on helping dogs in need through a variety of efforts that help generate awareness, food and funding.
Dog lovers who want to do their part to help can become a fan of The Pedigree Adoption Drive on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pedigree). For each new fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to help feed shelter dogs nationwide. While on the Facebook page, dog lovers can also show their support by donating money to help find dogs loving homes, a portion of which will be matched by Pedigree up to $500,000. All donations go to The Pedigree Foundation, a non-profit, organization benefiting animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide.