
Aleep At The Wheel was honored at this year's Americana Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Performance. At a recent celebration of the award, the CMA also presented them with a plaque in recognition of 40 years of furthering country music. Pictured L-R: Business Manager Peter Schwarz, Asleep At The Wheel's Ray Benson, CMA's Hank Adam Locklin and ASCAP's Herky Williams.
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Kieran Kane will give a free in-store performance at Grimey’s Thirsty Friday celebration (Free PBR!) today (9/18) at 6 PM. He’ll play songs from his new CD Somewhere Beyond the Roses. It’s a full band show featuring Deanna Varagona (Lambchop), Richard Bennett (Mark Knopfler), and Lucas Kane (Kane, Welch, Kaplin).
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Rockabilly boogie master Sleepy Labeef will bring his brand of American roots music to the grand opening of the new Sun Records Store in Music Valley today (9/18) from 7- 9 p.m. He is a one-time Sun Records artist who worked with Elvis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. Admission is free.
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Lost Highway’s Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears will make their national television debut Sept. 21 on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The band released its first album, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!, in March.
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Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rob Blackledge released his debut album, Inside These Walls, this week (9/15), through One Revolution Entertainment (ORE). Among his other recent success is co-writing Love And Theft’s first single “Runaway.”
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Thad Cockrell’s first solo album in six years, To Be Loved, is due out Oct. 13. He worked with producer/engineer Jason Lehning (Alison Krauss, Guster, Lyle Lovett) to make the record which he says is a dramatic departure from his three previous recordings.
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Girls, Guns & Glory released its debut CD for the Lonesome Day label, Inverted Valentine, on Sept. 15.
The Alt-Country outfit garnered much acclaim on the New England club scene, earning 2 Boston Phoenix awards, a Boston Music Award and a spot on the Boston Globe’s list of “Top 15 Local Albums of 2007.”
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The Americana cruise returns in 2010. The trip called Caribbean on Cayamo 2010: A Journey Through Song will depart from Miami on Feb. 21, 2010 and make stops in Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico. The five-day journey will include returning artists Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Darrell Scott, Shawn Mullins, Vienna Teng and Katie Herzig, alongside Cayamo newcomers Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Allison Moorer, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, Rachael Yamagata, and plenty more artists that will be announced throughout the year.
Fall At The Hall: Hank III, Jerry Chesnut On Schedule
/by Sarah SkatesHank III
Hank Williams III will visit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Sat., Oct. 10, for a special performance in the Museum’s Ford Theater. Like his father, Hank III blends the honky-tonk and country blues sounds of his grandfather with the rock & roll sensibility of his own generation. The program, which is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Co-Presented by SunTrust and Ford Motor Company, will begin at 1:30 p.m. The program is included with Museum admission and is free to Museum members. It will be hosted by Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall and may contain mature content.
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Jerry Chesnut
Prolific songwriter Jerry Chesnut will take a seat at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Sat., Sept. 26, as the latest subject of the quarterly programming series Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters. The 1:30 p.m. program, which will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with Museum admission and free to Museum members.
Museum Editor Michael Gray will conduct an in-depth, one-on-one interview with Chesnut, illustrated with audiovisual elements from the Museum’s collection, including recordings, photos and film clips. Chesnut will perform briefly during the program, and immediately following he will sign autographs in the Museum Store.
One of the most prolific and successful songwriters ever to hit Nashville, Jerry Chesnut is best known for composing classics such as “A Good Year for the Roses” (George Jones, Elvis Costello), “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” (Elvis Presley, Travis Tritt), “Another Place Another Time” (Jerry Lee Lewis), “It’s Four in the Morning” (Faron Young, Tom Jones), “They Don’t Make ’Em Like My Daddy” (Loretta Lynn) and “Holding on to Nothin’” (Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton). The long list of artists who have cut his songs includes Bill Anderson, Johnny Cash, Johnny Darrell, Alan Jackson, Del Reeves, Marty Robbins, George Strait, Kitty Wells, Hank Williams Jr. and Tammy Wynette, among others.
Americana-Rama: The Latest Music And News
/by Sarah SkatesAleep At The Wheel was honored at this year's Americana Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Performance. At a recent celebration of the award, the CMA also presented them with a plaque in recognition of 40 years of furthering country music. Pictured L-R: Business Manager Peter Schwarz, Asleep At The Wheel's Ray Benson, CMA's Hank Adam Locklin and ASCAP's Herky Williams.
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Kieran Kane will give a free in-store performance at Grimey’s Thirsty Friday celebration (Free PBR!) today (9/18) at 6 PM. He’ll play songs from his new CD Somewhere Beyond the Roses. It’s a full band show featuring Deanna Varagona (Lambchop), Richard Bennett (Mark Knopfler), and Lucas Kane (Kane, Welch, Kaplin).
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Rockabilly boogie master Sleepy Labeef will bring his brand of American roots music to the grand opening of the new Sun Records Store in Music Valley today (9/18) from 7- 9 p.m. He is a one-time Sun Records artist who worked with Elvis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. Admission is free.
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Lost Highway’s Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears will make their national television debut Sept. 21 on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The band released its first album, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!, in March.
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Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rob Blackledge released his debut album, Inside These Walls, this week (9/15), through One Revolution Entertainment (ORE). Among his other recent success is co-writing Love And Theft’s first single “Runaway.”
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Thad Cockrell’s first solo album in six years, To Be Loved, is due out Oct. 13. He worked with producer/engineer Jason Lehning (Alison Krauss, Guster, Lyle Lovett) to make the record which he says is a dramatic departure from his three previous recordings.
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Girls, Guns & Glory released its debut CD for the Lonesome Day label, Inverted Valentine, on Sept. 15.
The Alt-Country outfit garnered much acclaim on the New England club scene, earning 2 Boston Phoenix awards, a Boston Music Award and a spot on the Boston Globe’s list of “Top 15 Local Albums of 2007.”
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The Americana cruise returns in 2010. The trip called Caribbean on Cayamo 2010: A Journey Through Song will depart from Miami on Feb. 21, 2010 and make stops in Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico. The five-day journey will include returning artists Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Darrell Scott, Shawn Mullins, Vienna Teng and Katie Herzig, alongside Cayamo newcomers Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Allison Moorer, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, Rachael Yamagata, and plenty more artists that will be announced throughout the year.
Musical Chairs, Memberships and More
/by Sarah SkatesThe Society of Leaders in Development’s Education Committee (SOLID) has been hosting a series of continuing education events for members to connect with industry veterans and to learn more about the ever changing music business. Guests have included Jay Williams (WMEE), Chip Petree (Petree Law), David Ross (MusicRow), Jensen Sussman (Sweet Talk Publicity) and Diana Garcia (Turner Nichols). Recently, guests Chuck Flood and David Boyer of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy; and David Corlew of Blue Hat Records and Corlew Music Group spoke about grassroots touring. SOLID is recruiting new members now. Details at www.solidnashville.com. Pictured (L-R): SOLID’s Landon Dirickson; with speakers Chuck Flood, David Corlew and David Boyer
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Following the resignation of long time Lyric Street/Carolwood Records Vice President Greg McCarn, label President Randy Goodman has announced he has no immediate plans to fill the position. The current marketing department staff comprised of Director of Marketing Heather Conley; Director of Publicity Cindy Heath; and Senior Manager of Marketing Ashley Heron, will oversee operations for the Sales, Marketing, Publicity, Creative and New Media functions for Lyric Street and Carolwood Records, reporting directly to Goodman.
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Brooke Boston has left her post as BBR Promotion Coordinator and Director of Secondary Promotion. She has been with the company for nearly two years working hit singles including Jason Aldean’s recent 4 week No. 1 “Big Green Tractor.” She is looking for her next opportunity in promotions and can be contacted at brookeboston16@yahoo.com or 214-558-7922.
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CMA will be offering a special discounted rate of $85 for Sterling Individual memberships at NSAI’s World’s Largest #1 Party on Mon., Sept. 21. At the industry-only event sponsored by NSAI, CMA and Avenue Bank, prospective CMA members will receive the discounted rate as well as a complimentary gift. The Sterling Individual membership’s benefits, including the right to vote in the 2010 CMA Awards, can be found here. For more information, contact Betsy Walker at bwalker@cmaworld.com.
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Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher is the subject of an in-depth interview by Larry LeBlac. Read it here.
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Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains fame was in Nashville recently and visited with SESAC executives Hunter Williams and Tim Fink. The band will be releasing new album "Black Gives Way To Blue" on Sept. 29, and are currently on a worldwide tour. Pictured (l-r): Williams, Cantrell, and Fink Photo: Ed Rode
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Former Senator Gordon Smith (Rep.-Oregon) has been named president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
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Don Passman’s book All You Need To Know About The Music Business, has been updated to a new 7th Edition due out Nov. 17. The latest version includes all the music biz basics like record deals, songwriting, merchandising, and touring, as well as addressing digital downloading, digital royalties, piracy, and “360” deals. Passman is a well-respected Los Angeles based music industry lawyer.
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The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), a leading U.S. music rights licensing organization, was ranked #182 in the 2009 InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. One of the only media and entertainment companies on the list, HFA was recognized for how it has created new products and services and increased the efficiency of its business processes, which enabled the creation of new revenue opportunities for the company.
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Recording Academy members can now access to a new Facebook group to get real-time information about the issues in Washington that affect music makers. Facebook users log in and request to join the group “GRAMMYs on the Hill.”
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New WSM-AM Show Will Be Live From Loveless
/by Sarah SkatesWSM 650-AM will launch a weekly Americana program on Oct. 14 called “Music City Roots: Live From The Loveless Cafe,” with the debut show featuring icon Emmylou Harris, acclaimed duo Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy, as well as emerging artists Annie Crane and Robin Ainger. With a long history of live broadcasts, WSM will air the show Wednesday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. live from the Loveless Barn.
Artists committed to performing in the opening months include Sam Bush, Radney Foster, John Cowan, Dexter Romweber, Dale Ann Bradley, Peter Bradley Adams, Mike Farris, Scott Miller and Webb Wilder. Each broadcast will feature three to four artists in 30-minute segments, followed by a free-form “Loveless Jam” where all the artists and their bands will be invited to collaborate on the fly.
The show will be produced by Todd Mayo, founder of Music City Media and WSM-AM radio show Bluegrass Underground. “Music City Roots: Live from the Loveless Cafe” will be emceed by legendary WSM-650 AM broadcaster Eddie Stubbs, guest hosted by artist Jim Lauderdale, and writer/NPR contributor/String Theory Media owner Craig Havighurst will interview the artists.
Audio of the shows will be streamed live on WSMonline.com, where they will also be archived for streaming on demand. “Music City Roots: Live From the Loveless Cafe” will also be syndicated internationally.
Tickets are $10 or $5 with a student ID. They are available in advance at Grimey’s New and Pre-loved Music (1604 8th Ave. S) or online at www.musiccityroots.com. Tickets may also be purchased in advance or on-site at the Loveless Barn.
(Pictured L to R): Eddie Stubbs (WSM-AM broadcaster), Joe Limardi (WSM-AM operations manager), John Walker (WSM-AM general sales manager), Jesse Goldstein (Loveless Cafe), Craig Havinghurst (String Theory Media), Todd Mayo (producer “Music City Roots"), Laurie Dashper (stage manager “Music City Roots"), Monica Romero (Dir./Marketing for “Music City Roots" sponsor Vietti Chili) and Chris Kulick (WSM-AM general manager). Photo: Mary Claire Crow
Buddy Miller Wins Big At Americana Awards
/by Sarah SkatesAward winners Buddy Miller (L) and Justin Townes Earle (R) Photo: Ray Kennedy/The Image Thief
Acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Buddy Miller won almost every award for which he was nominated at last night’s (9/17) 8th Annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards Show, held at the Ryman Auditorium. He and his collaborators, including wife Julie Miller, walked away with Artist, Album, Duo/Group of the Year, and Song of the Year. The only thing standing between Miller and a clean sweep was Gurf Morlix winning Instrumentalist of the Year. A detailed account of the Americana Awards is available to paid subscribers in today’s @MusicRow.
The packed performance line-up included John Fogerty, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel, and Sam Bush celebrating their lifetime achievement awards. John Prine and Nanci Griffith sang a duet in honor of recipient Jim Rooney. Hosted by Jim Lauderdale, the show also included performers Rodney Crowell, The Gourds, Raul Malo, The Flatlanders, Reckless Kelly, and the nominees for New & Emerging Artist of The Year—Band of Heathens, The Belleville Outfit, Sarah Borges and Justin Townes Earle. Earle took home the trophy in that category.
The show ended with an all-star jam around “Dixie Chicken,” a salute to the posthumous President’s Award recipient Lowell George of Little Feat.
The Americana Music Association’s annual festival and conference, featuring panels and approximately 100 performances by legends and the next generation of stars, runs through Saturday at venues throughout Nashville.
(l-r) Emmylou Harris, Justin Townes Earle, Jim Lauderdale, John Fogerty & Buddy Miller. Photo: Erika Goldring
Americana Awards
Album Of The Year: “Written In Chalk,” Buddy & Julie Miller
Artist Of The Year: Buddy Miller
Duo/Group Of The Year: Buddy & Julie Miller
New & Emerging Artist Of The Year: Justin Townes Earle
Instrumentalist Of The Year: Gurf Morlix
Song Of The Year: “Chalk” Written By Julie Miller, Performed By Buddy Miller And Patty Griffin
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Performance: Asleep At The Wheel
Executive: Ken Levitan
Songwriter: John Fogerty
Producer/Engineer: Jim Rooney
Instrumentalist: Sam Bush
President’s Award: Lowell George
Front Line Aquires Stake In DS Management
/by Sarah SkatesDenise Stiff
Front Line Management has acquired an interest in DS Management, the company helmed by Denise Stiff. From its Nashville headquaters, DS Management represents Alison Krauss and Union Station, Dan Tyminski and Alyssa Bonagura.
Stiff has managed Krauss for 23 years, during a career that has earned the performer 26 Grammys, the most of any female artist in Grammy history. Stiff also served as Executive Music Producer for the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou, as well as concert producer for the related Down from the Mountain tour and accompanying CD/DVD.
Irving Azoff and Howard Kaufman founded powerhouse management company Front Line in 2004. Its roster of about 200 clients includes the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, and Aerosmith.
McCarn Leaves Lyric St.; Capitol Changes
/by bossrossGreg McCarn
After nearly 12 years at the label, Greg McCarn has resigned from Lyric Street/Carolwood Records to pursue new opportunities. McCarn was Vice President, Sales, Marketing, and Media at the labels and was a founding member of the team that started Lyric Street. He can be reached at 615-243-1276 or gmccarn@me.com. “I’m looking forward to my next opportunity,” McCarn said this afternoon. “It’s been a great 12 years working with Randy Goodman and the Lyric team.”
It is not known at this time if McCarn’s position will be filled.
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Capitol Records Nashville has promoted Alisa Bowman and hired Allison Hardy. Bowman is raised form Coordinator to Manager of Promotion and will remain based in Nashville. She will continue to report directly to Sr. VP Promotion, Steve Hodges.
Hardy joins as Promotion and Marketing Analyst where she will analyze and research radio charts, SoundScan and digital trending, as well as focus on social networking for Capitol Nashville artists. Hardy will dual report to Hodges and Sr. Director Interactive Marketing & Development Dawn Gates. The Birmingham, AL native interned at the label for two semesters and has been working part-time in New Media since she graduated from Belmont University in May.
Explore Nashville’s Mix of Art and Music
/by Sarah SkatesKellie Pickler (R) and Hilary Williams (L) joined friends Saturday night at Tootsies Orchid Lounge following her performance with Taylor Swift and Gloriana across the street at Sommet Center. Pickler even Tweeted that she was headed to the world famous honky-tonk.
Nashville shows its varied love of music and the arts with this list of upcoming events ranging from pickin’ parties to superstar rappers. Join Kellie Pickler (see photo) and get out on the town!
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Hot off his just released No. 1 album, Jay-Z will perform at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym on Fri., Nov. 13. Tickets go on sale 9/29 via Ticketmaster…Vandy will also host indie rockers O.A.R., Latin hip-hop sensation Pitbull and rapper Asher Roth at the 8th annual Commodore Quake on Thurs., Oct. 15. The homecoming tradition will take place in Memorial Gymnasium. Tickets for Commodore Quake are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations or with no service charge at the Sarratt Box Office on the Vanderbilt Campus.
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The ten finalists from the Doorpost Film Project’s Short Film Contest will be shown at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre tonight (9/17) beginning at 7 p.m. Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Sept. 19, also at the Belcourt. On hand to make the announcement will be Doorpost jurist and writer/producer Jeff “The Dude” Dowd (the inspiration for “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski). He will be joined by producer Dean Batali (That 70’s Show). The festivities will begin with red carpet arrivals at 6 p.m. followed by the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. The three films with the highest scores will receive cash prizes of $100,000, $35,000 and $25,000 respectively. The Sept. 17 and 19 events are open to the public, but to attend you must RSVP to RSVP@thedoorpost.com.
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The final Full Moon Pickin’ Party of 2009 will take place Fri., Oct. 2 and honor the late mandolin virtuoso Butch Baldassari. The bluegrass music fundraiser is 7-11 PM at the Steeplechase Barn in Percy Warner Park and will include Kathy Chiavola, Sharon Cort & New River Ranch, Matt Combs and others. Proceeds will benefit the Warner Parks in Nashville. Tickets and details at www.Nowplayingnashville.com
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Loveless Cafe will host the fifth annual Biscuits & Bluegrass on Sat., Oct. 10 from 11 AM-5 PM. Created as a way to give back to the community that has supported the Cafe for more than 50 years, Biscuits & Bluegrass has free fun for all ages to enjoy pumpkin decorating, face painting, apple bobbing, a biscuit eating competition, live music, impromptu pickin’ parties (be sure to bring your instrument), a cash bar for adults and, of course, biscuit samples for everyone!
ICMDAY Honors Davies & Walker
/by bossrossAndoni Urkiaga, Coordinator of ICMDAY commented, “These awards honor not only a model career in international country music but also a visionary way of promoting country music, opening new markets, setting new paths and predicting future tendencies for the rest of the industry. Everyone would have to stop and listen to what these people have to say about international country music.”
Interviews with the winners will be published later this week on www.icmday.org. International Country Music day is held on Sept. 17 every year to commemorate the birth of Hank Williams.
Davies career has included success as an artist, songwriter and producer. She was notified of her honor while on tour in Sweden. A grammy-nominated artist, her Top 10 singles include “Grandma’s Song” and “Someone is Looking For Someone Like You.” Davies’ newest CD, The Songwriter Sessions, is a two-CD set featuring 45 of her original compositions.
Walker, has been a long-time supporter of growing country music globally. He was previously honored by the Canadian Country Music Association with its Leonard T. Rambeaux Award for International Achievement in 1998. Walker was also part of the CCMA TV committee which just received a 60% ratings boost on its live Awards show last week.
Capitol Orders Bleve To Cease & Desist
/by Sarah SkatesA statement from Bleve says, “Capitol Records has threatened legal action if Bleve Records does not immediately halt any further publicity or sales of ‘My First Ride.’”
Ronnie Milsap
Earlier this week a party to celebrate the single release was canceled, without explanation. It was scheduled for Wed., Sept. 16 at ASCAP.
Mickey Milam, a retired Metro Nashville police officer and Bleve Entertainment President and CEO, started the label to benefit the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Firefighters’ disaster relief funds. These funds, which aid firefighters and police officers and their families after a disaster or in times of need due, were severely depleted by 9/11 and the devastating hurricanes. The proceeds from the sale of “My First Ride” and the compilation CD were slated to help replenish these funds. “Trace was gracious enough to sing on this single, not only as a favor to his good friend Ronnie Milsap, but also because he believes in our cause, “ says Milam. “I just don’t understand Capitol’s reaction.”
Capitol Records Nashville was contacted for comment on the story, but had not responded by press time.
Oftentimes in the entertainment industry well meaning ideas—such as this charity initiative—run up against the reality of artist release schedules and exclusive recording agreements. Labels can be especially concerned when multiple releases by the same artist are being promoted to radio. It’s possible that this project was not properly “green-lighted” in advance.