Is Country Crushing Nashville’s Creativity?

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An article in the Sunday Tennessean (by Naomi Synder) asks “Could Nashville’s country and Christian music industry be crushing innovation? It sounds like a ridiculous question, were it not for the musicians who think it might be true.”

The feature length article confuses quality, diversity and professionalism in a swirling discussion which fails to distinguish and/or benchmark any kind of serious criteria with which to explain or build its premise. Read it here.

String Theory Media’s Craig Havighurst has fashioned an interesting response to the allegations in which he looks candidly at the reality of today’s music marketplace and how it effects the artists, writers and musicians that live and work in Music City. Read it here.

Tech Tracks: Kazaa, Rock Band, Twitter

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kazaaKazaa relaunched today (7/20) in a new form; morphed from an illegal file-trading service to a legal download subscription outfit. For $20/month, users get unlimited downloads of over 1 million tracks from all four major labels. The downside of the service is that the DRM tracks cannot be transferred to portable devices and can only be played on subscribed PCs. Kazaa is owned by the Australian company Altnet.
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The Rock Band Network is a ground-breaking initiative that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into gameplay files and sell their music as playable Rock Band video game tracks through the newly-created Rock Band Network Music Store. From Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, The Rock Band Network will launch as an open beta in late August 2009 in the U.S. and provide a sophisticated toolset, with detailed documentation on how bands can begin the process of authoring songs into Rock Band gameplay files.

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Wonder what the most popular subject matter is on Twitter? Find out what’s trending and why at whatthetrend.com.  You can also see the latest tweets, Flickr photos and news stories

Urban Signs With Universal Publishing

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urbanDavid Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Pat Higdon, President, UMPG Nashville, today announced the signing of a worldwide publishing agreement with Keith Urban. UMPG will publish Urban’s catalogue throughout the world, including his recently-released fifth studio album, Defying Gravity, which topped both the Billboard Top 200 and Country Album charts upon its release this past March.

“We are honored that Keith chose UMPG as his global home for music publishing,” said Renzer. “Keith is a huge star whose songwriting prowess and artistic success are only going to continue and we’re looking forward to working closely with Keith and his entire team in building on that success.”

“Keith is a phenomenal artist and songwriter and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him,” added Higdon. “We intend to work tirelessly to find new opportunities for his music. We are truly honored that Keith and his team have placed their trust in the UMPG and we will not let them down.”

The first single from Defying Gravity, “Sweet Thing,” recently hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. It marked Urban’s third consecutive No. 1 and his 11th overall. His first charttopper came in 2000 with “But For The Grace Of God.” He also has ten Top 5s. He has released five original studio recordings, the last three of which have charted at #1. Urban has received two GRAMMY awards, five CMA Awards and four ACMs.

AMA To Honor Sam Bush

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Ssamam Bush will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumentalist award at the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, presented by the Gibson Foundation, on Thurs., Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. As co-founder and leader of the seminal progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival for 18 years, Bush was among the first purveyors of newgrass–the wild bluegrass stepchild that features rock ‘n’ roll grooves and extended virtuosic jams–and he continues to burn as one of the genre’s most brilliant lights, both as a sideman and the leader of the Sam Bush Band.

Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, praised Bush’s standing as one of the greatest mandolin players ever. “Sam has created his own genre and has become such an integral part of the Americana community,” Hilly said. “It’s such a privilege to honor him this year.”

The past 20 years have found Bush performing as a sideman with Emmylou Harris; special guest artist with the likes of Lyle Lovett and Bela Fleck & The Flecktones; spearheading boundary-stretching collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor and David Grisman; and driving nearly every “bluegrass supergroup” imaginable with his mandolin playing. Bush’s newest album, Circles Around Me, will be released Oct. 20 on Sugar Hill Records.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist is one of several career honors that will be handed out during the awards ceremony on Sept. 17, to be hosted by Jim Lauderdale with Buddy Miller leading his all star band. Running Sept. 16-19, the 10th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will offer seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center by day, and bring a stellar lineup of musical showcases each evening. Conference registrations currently at the early bird discount rate of $350 for members and $450 for non-members are available here.

Wiles, Evans Announce Do Write Music

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dowriteDwight Wiles, President of Smith Wiles & Co., today (7/20) formally announced Do Write Music, his joint venture with music publishing veteran Marghie Evans. The company specializes in all aspects of music publishing administration and clearance services for songwriters, publishers, independent producers and label owners, and corporations in need of publishing administration, royalty accounting and licensing services.

Evans serves as Managing Director for Do Write Music, which was originally formed in February 2008 to provide ‘in-house’ music publishing services for Smith Wiles clients. Now it has expanded to include outside entities. In its first year of business, Do-Write Music represented various music publishing catalogs, including four major hits: “Johnny and June,” “In Color,” “One In Every Crowd” and “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.”

Evans was Head of Rights and Clearances for PolyGram and Universal Home Entertainment until 2001 when she moved to Nashville. Since then she has been an independent media consultant, and served as administrator for several independent publishers and songwriters, clearing music for film, TV and video projects, as well as licensing audio and audio visual projects for independent record companies and artists.

Do Write Music is under the umbrella of services provided by business management/tax accounting firm Smith Wiles & Co., and its affiliate, Copyright Exchange, which provides marketing and brokerage services for sellers and buyers of music copyrights. All three entities are located at 900 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Do Write Music can be reached at Dowritemusic.com, 615-620-0522, or marghie@dowritemusic.com.

Publishing Notes: Sony/ATV, Green Hills Music

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sonyatv_logo_offSeveral financial firms are looking into purchasing Michael Jackson’s share of the Sony/ATV catalog. Among those interested are Colony Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Plainfield Asset Management and the media mogul Haim Saban, the New York Times reports. Jackson’s 50% stake in the publisher–which owns a majority of the Beatles copyrights–could be worth as much a $500 million, says the newspaper. Sony/ATV’s catalog includes songs by Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell, and is the publishing home to artists/writers Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Bill Anderson, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and Eric Church, among many others.
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green-hills-gang1

Amie Sistad, Woody Bomar, and Tony Darren

Indie publisher Green Hills Music Group, headed by Woody Bomar, has scored numerous cuts and singles lately. It’s current singles are Bomshel’s “Fight Like A Girl,” and Jimmy Wayne’s “I’ll Be That.” The publisher, which represents music by Bonnie Baker, Rick Giles, J Fred Knobloch, Georgia Middleman, Paul Nelson, Bob Regan, and Steve Williams, also has two cuts on the upcoming George Strait album. Since opening two and a half years ago, Green Hills has secured 62 cuts by artists such as Jake Owen (2), Bomshel (5), Mark Chesnutt (2), Nashville rockers American Bang, and Luke Bryan.

LifeNotes: Ellen Wood Hospitalized, Tim Nichols’ Mother

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Get well wishes to former BMI publicist and Music City News writer Ellen Wood, who is in the hospital following surgery to repair a broken shoulder. The operation was complicated by Wood developing pneumonia. She is recuperating slowly at St. Thomas Hospital.

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Condolences to Grammy winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, on the loss of his mother, Janet Nichols, on Saturday, July 18 to lung cancer. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 21 in Springfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville TN 37203.

Industry Tourney Aids Children’s Hospital

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The 36th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational (MCTI) donated $118,473.19 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The money was raised by 125 tennis players who participated in the tournament, along with sponsorships, donations, auctions and a songwriters’ concert that benefited the event.

The annual MCTI charity tennis tournament has raised more than $1 million for Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and is the only fundraiser for the Center for Child Development.  A Nashville tradition since 1973, this year MCTI received two esteemed awards from tennis organizations. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) selected MCTI as the 2008 Charity Tennis Event of the Year, and the United States Professional Tennis Association recognized MCTI as the Southern Charity Tennis Event of the Year for 2008.

The 37th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be held on April 24-25, 2010. More information on player registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found online at www.musiccitytennis.com.

Pictured are (l-r): MCTI Co-Chairs Bill Riddle and Phran Galante; Dr. Tyler Reimschisel, Director of Center for Child Development; MCTI Co-Chair Patsy Bradley; and MCTI Sponsorship Chair Patsy Wells.

Pictured (l-r): MCTI Co-Chairs Bill Riddle and Phran Galante; Dr. Tyler Reimschisel, Director of Center for Child Development; MCTI Co-Chair Patsy Bradley; and MCTI Sponsorship Chair Patsy Wells.

NAMM, Jamey, Billy, Jimmy, Nashville Music Awards, Symphony Sale

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nashmusicawards

The deadline has been extended to Friday, July 24 for submissions for the Nashville Music Awards. Revived in a partnership with Next Big Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music, Inc. (LM), the Nashville Music Awards (NMA), were produced by LM from 1995 through 2000. The NMAs recognized outstanding contributions in all genres of music. Winners will be announced during the NBN festival taking place Wednesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 11, 2009, and are chosen by popular vote via online balloting. Details, nominations and eligibility requirements at www.nashvillemusicawards.com.

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Summer NAMM is going on this weekend at the Nashville Convention Center. The second annual gathering of the music products industry will be held July 17-19. NAMM unites its member manufacturers, retailers and distributors under one roof for the summertime musical instrument and products show.
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The debut single from Jamey Johnson‘s forthcoming album is entitled “My Way To You.” The song, co-written by Johnson and Charlie Midnight, is now available to radio stations via Play MPE. On August 3, “My Way To You” will be available as a free download at www.jameyjohnson.com. On August 11, the digital e-single will be available for download at iTunes and all other digital partners. The follow-up album to Johnson’s critically acclaimed That Lonesome Song will hit stores this fall and will also be released on vinyl.

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Billy Currington’s recent album, Little Bit of Everything, has been in the Top 10 on the Country Albums Chart the last two weeks, selling over 11,000 units each week. His hit single from the album, “People Are Crazy,” is powering up the Country Breakout chart, and is currently at No. 7.
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Near the end of his set at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night, Jimmy Wayne said to the crowd, “Come on and join me for some sweet tea and a baked sweet potato at Santa Fe,” referring to a nearby restaurant. By the time Wayne arrived at the restaurant, about a dozen fans were waiting in the parking lot and lobby to see if he’d really show up, and within 15 minutes about two dozen total were seated around tables together. Fans from Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota and other states got to know each other, and share sweet tea with Wayne. At the end of the evening, the artist got his guitar from his car, and invited his fiddle player Jake Clayton to join him in a couple more songs.

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Saturday (7/18) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., tickets to the select events at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center are only $15. That’s a savings of more than $60. This deal is available only on-site at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Photo Friday: Carrie, Randy, Sheryl, Sara, and Eric

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ASCAP celebrated the success of Carrie's Underwood's 10th #1 single "I Told You So" at The Palm on Tuesday, July 14th. The song, penned by 27 year ASCAP member Randy Travis, also won him a #1 on Billboard's Country Chart in 1988 as well as an ASCAP Country Award back in 1989. Pictured L-R are: ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis, producer Mark Bright and ASCAP's Earle Simmons.

ASCAP celebrated the success of Carrie's Underwood's 10th #1 single "I Told You So" at The Palm on Tuesday, July 14th. The song, penned by 27 year ASCAP member Randy Travis, also won him a #1 on Billboard's Country Chart in 1988 as well as an ASCAP Country Award back in 1989. Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Underwood, Travis, producer Mark Bright and ASCAP's Earle Simmons.

There were stars on the field and in the stands for this week’s 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which included musical performances by friends and fellow celebs Sara Evans and Sheryl Crow. Evans, who lit up the 7th inning stretch with a performance of “God Bless America,” is poised to impact country radio this coming Monday with her incredible new single, “Feels Just Like a Love Song." Photo credit: Stephen Navyac

There were stars on the field and in the stands for this week’s 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which included musical performances by Sara Evans and Sheryl Crow. Evans is poised to impact country radio this coming Monday with her new single, “Feels Just Like a Love Song." Photo credit: Stephen Navyac

Capitol Records Nashville artist Eric Church was proud to host Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and ESPN 's lead NASCAR reporter Marty Smith at his sold-out show in Johnson City, TN last night. Church will be part of a feature on Kahne that is slated to air on ESPN’s pre-race show on August 2.   pictured, l to r: Kahne, Church, Smith  Tune in to see Eric Church Perform “Ain’t Killed Me Yet” on  The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Monday at 12:35am ET/PT on CBS!

Capitol Records Nashville artist Eric Church was proud to host NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, and ESPN 's lead NASCAR reporter Marty Smith at his sold-out show in Johnson City, TN on Wednesday. Church will be part of a feature on Kahne that is slated to air on ESPN’s pre-race show on Aug. 2. He will also perform “Ain’t Killed Me Yet” on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on Monday at 11:35 PM/CT on CBS. (L-R): Kahne, Church, Smith