Australia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims
Larry Gatlin—the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim”—and the Gatlin Brothers are working on the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on Curb Records. On it the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with his son John Carter Cash as producer. The lead single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering attention, and the group performed it live on FOX TV’s Huckabee show this past weekend.
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This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded "Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE" at the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco. It will be released as a combo CD/DVD package on Sept. 15. With the help of a few thousand fans, he kicked off the two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.
Big Kenny’s solo single “Long After I’m Gone” is at radio now, and a music video has also been released. The song is being promoted by Bigger Picture Entertainment/Love Everybody. It was written by Big Kenny, Marc Beeson, and Richie Supa.
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Well-known songwriter Vince Melamed (“Walkaway Joe,” “What Mattered Most,” “I’ll Take That As a Yes,” “She’d Give Anything”) is releasing a solo album on Adroit Records. It includes the aforementioned hits as well as six other songs. Jim Tract, president of Adroit records, produced the new album, What Matters Most. In his illustrious career, Melamed has toured or recorded with Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Buffett. He has written songs for Tina Turner, Trisha Yearwood, John Anderson, and most recently Phil Vasser.
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Emerging country artist Brittini Black (Slugfest Records / Star Tour Records, Nashville) has released “America,” written by Dustin James, to country radio as her newest single. A video will follow soon on GAC and CMT and is available now at www.brittiniblack.com.
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Rising country crooner Cooper Boone proves his cooking prowess on his weekly online cooking show “Cowboy Kitchen.” The multi-talented Boone is also a farmer, store owner, doctor of psychology and all-around entrepreneur. On “Cowboy Kitchen,” he treats viewers to a song while waiting for the pots to simmer. Boone’s self-titled debut album comes out August 4 on Green Rooster Records. See what “Coop’s Cookin'” here.
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George King, President of Size 10 Records in Nashville, has formed a cross-promotional partnership with Mansion Entertainment to launch the sophomore single from its flagship artist Dennis Wilson. Wilson is set to introduce his second single, “Gotta Get Away,” from his debut CD, Castles In The Sand, in early July. More than 100 radio stations are anticipated to participate in the “Gotta Get Away” radio promotion headed up by veteran radio-man Jerry Duncan of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Headed by founding President Gene Bicknell, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center is the umbrella company of various entertainment venues and productions in Branson.
Photo Ops: Costco Queen, Winans, Walker, and Wayne
/by Sarah Skates"Costco Queen," from the hit show, Motherhood: The Musical, is available for download on iTunes as a song or music video. The video was filmed inside the Brentwood Costco and features the cast of Motherhood. The retailer is using the video as part of its national marketing. (L-R): Jaclyn Brown, Janna Landry, Sue Fabisch (co-writer), Gerry D'Arco (Costco Mgr.), Ilene Angel (co-writer), Ruth Rosen and Gina D'Arco
Jeff Foxworthy performed at the 2nd Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Resorts on June 30, at the tournament’s gala to benefit Walker’s charity, Band Against MS. The event raised more than $56,000 from live and silent auctions which will be used to fund education for those living with MS, research and more. To date, BAMS has raised more than $2 million to fight MS. Photo: Christine Bush
Coffee Talk attendees recently met at the Stillwater Café to hear gospel artist CeCe Winans discuss her Always Sisters/Forever Brothers organization which will hold its Youth Conference at Belmont University in July. The conference’s goal is to educate, motivate and re-direct the life choices of teens and young women and men. Coffee Talk unites business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for the purpose of effective networking. Pictured: Connie Kinnard, SVP Convention & Visitors Bureau with Winans
Jimmy Wayne takes a camera with him everywhere he travels, and this week his label Valory Music Co. launched a weekly series spotlighting some of his favorite photos from the road. See below.
Wayne and Dierks Bentley having a blast on Brad Paisley’s "American Saturday Night Tour."
Also, a few shots from Eldon, Iowa where Wayne visited the American Gothic House, home of the famed painting, and while there dressed up in garb worn by the dentist in the picture.
Revisiting The New Rules Of Engagement
/by bossrossIn August 2007 MusicRow released a special report entitled Embracing Change: The New Rules of Engagement. Its content was the result of a series of think-tank sessions with Jim Beavers, David Gales, Scott Heuerman, Todd Cassetty and David Ross—tech devotees with group experience in virtually all aspects of the music industry. Now, two years later, the report’s business model predictions have become reality.
1. Redistribution of Risk and Reward
2. Artist Development Costs Must Be Flexible and Scaleable
3. Balance of Power Will Be Redefined
4. The Artist Is A Brand
5. Profitability—the new No. 1 Party. In Nashville people are obsessed with getting a No. 1 radio hit, when good business demands profits be the goal.
A copy of the full 2007 report can be downloaded here.
In this model labels create value for many revenue streams, but only benefit from record sales.
The new model demands a redistribution of risk, reward and roles. Revenue from all streams is aggregated and divided accordingly.
New Music Rundown
/by Sarah SkatesAustralia's 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth winner, Peter McWhirter, has finished recording his debut album in Nashville with veteran producer and fellow Aussie Mark Moffatt. The first single is slated for release in Australia in August. Pictured: Moffat (L) with McWhirter (R) Photo: Kenny Mims
Larry Gatlin—the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim”—and the Gatlin Brothers are working on the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on Curb Records. On it the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with his son John Carter Cash as producer. The lead single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering attention, and the group performed it live on FOX TV’s Huckabee show this past weekend.
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This past weekend, Texas’ own Aaron Watson recorded "Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson LIVE" at the Hog Creek Icehouse’s backyard amphitheater in Waco. It will be released as a combo CD/DVD package on Sept. 15. With the help of a few thousand fans, he kicked off the two-hour show with his first nationwide single “Love Makin’ Song” from his most recent album Angels and Outlaws.
Big Kenny’s solo single “Long After I’m Gone” is at radio now, and a music video has also been released. The song is being promoted by Bigger Picture Entertainment/Love Everybody. It was written by Big Kenny, Marc Beeson, and Richie Supa.
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Well-known songwriter Vince Melamed (“Walkaway Joe,” “What Mattered Most,” “I’ll Take That As a Yes,” “She’d Give Anything”) is releasing a solo album on Adroit Records. It includes the aforementioned hits as well as six other songs. Jim Tract, president of Adroit records, produced the new album, What Matters Most. In his illustrious career, Melamed has toured or recorded with Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Buffett. He has written songs for Tina Turner, Trisha Yearwood, John Anderson, and most recently Phil Vasser.
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Emerging country artist Brittini Black (Slugfest Records / Star Tour Records, Nashville) has released “America,” written by Dustin James, to country radio as her newest single. A video will follow soon on GAC and CMT and is available now at www.brittiniblack.com.
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Rising country crooner Cooper Boone proves his cooking prowess on his weekly online cooking show “Cowboy Kitchen.” The multi-talented Boone is also a farmer, store owner, doctor of psychology and all-around entrepreneur. On “Cowboy Kitchen,” he treats viewers to a song while waiting for the pots to simmer. Boone’s self-titled debut album comes out August 4 on Green Rooster Records. See what “Coop’s Cookin'” here.
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George King, President of Size 10 Records in Nashville, has formed a cross-promotional partnership with Mansion Entertainment to launch the sophomore single from its flagship artist Dennis Wilson. Wilson is set to introduce his second single, “Gotta Get Away,” from his debut CD, Castles In The Sand, in early July. More than 100 radio stations are anticipated to participate in the “Gotta Get Away” radio promotion headed up by veteran radio-man Jerry Duncan of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Headed by founding President Gene Bicknell, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center is the umbrella company of various entertainment venues and productions in Branson.
Photos: Rascal Flatts, Rhonda Towns, Colt Ford
/by Sarah SkatesJay DeMarcus Photo: Zach Henderson
Rascal Flatts visited a JC Penney store in a Washington, D.C. suburb prior to their show at the Nissan Pavilion on June 27. The band created a little “fan fare” when their secret visit was leaked by a local radio station and hundreds of fans showed up to greet them. The retailer’s American Living clothing line sponsors their tour- “Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour.”
Rhonda with Gwen Foster/KMLE Music Director
Rhonda Towns (Dawn Records/Spinville Records) is on a radio tour to promote the remix of her current single “Slow Rain,” and on Wednesday, June 24 visited the staff and radio personalities at Camel Country–KMLE Country 108 in Phoenix.
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How Artists Are Spending the 4th
/by Sarah SkatesBroken Bow Records' Dean Brody will be included in "Operation Music City," a special to air on the Pentagon Channel over the 4th of July weekend. He talks about his debut single "Brothers" with Sgt. Ted MacDonald and also discusses new single "Gravity."
Here’s a list of what a few artists are doing this weekend. What is your artist up to? Add a comment below and let us know.
Nashville always celebrates the 4th of July with style and this year’s 25th anniversary event will be better than ever with headliner Wynonna Judd performing alongside the Symphony Orchestra. The Riverfront Park free festivities will begin at noon with the Family Fun Zone, presented by Coca-Cola. The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage will feature music beginning at 2 PM with Frankie Ballard, The Grascals, MTA’s “Transit,” Lee Roy Parnell and more. The main stage concert will kick off at 7 PM with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performing the national anthem, then there will be a patriotic salute by Mayor Karl Dean, followed by The Gabe Dixon Band and Wynonna. The evening will conclude with fireworks dancing to the rhythm of the Nashville Symphony at around 9:25 PM. Wynonna will also be appearing at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on the afternoon of July 4th to sign autographs from 2-4 PM. http://www.musiccityjuly4th.com/
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Charlie Daniels, Phil Vassar and Jimmy Webb will appear on a new singer-songwriter series called Legends & Lyrics, airing Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m. on local Nashville public television channel WNPT. The program, which debuted on May 9, pairs legendary songwriters and performers with promising new talent in an “in-the-round” writer’s format that features performances and interviews with the artists. Daniels recently returned from his third international trip to visit military troops in Iraq and Kuwait and is currently touring the U.S. through the end of 2009.
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StarCity Recording artist Brady Seals visits host Harry Chapman on the set of News Channel 5+’s Words & Music this Sat., July 4 at 4:00 pm. Words & Music: The Showcase for Nashville’s Songwriters gives viewers an inside look at some of the area’s most successful songwriters and the stories behind some of their biggest hits. Seals will perform “God Blessed Texas,” a #1 single he co-wrote during his time with Little Texas, and “Ho Down,” the debut single from his upcoming solo album, Play Time.
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Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records Comedian Larry the Cable Guy will release his first 4th Of July Special, Tailgate Party, digitally on the holiday. The digital download package will be distributed exclusively by Basecamp Productions and will be available at http://live.larrythecableguy.com. The special was taped during a unique performance at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE on Independence Day in support of Husker Fans on the UNL Campus.
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American Roots Records Group TelluRide will head south to Daytona Beach on the 4th of July for a performance on the Coca Cola Fan Stage prior to the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race that evening at the Daytona International Speedway.
Toby K., Holly W., Luke B. and Aaron T.
/by Sarah SkatesHolly Williams recently visited E’s "Chelsea Lately" (pictured here with host Chelsea Handler). Williams will also perform, interview and sign autographs tomorrow (6/3) at 1:30 PM at the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by her Grand Ole Opry debut that night.
Toby Keith‘s sixth annual golf and music fundraising weekend to benefit Ally’s House raised more than a half-million dollars to help children with cancer and their families in Keith’s native Oklahoma. The $550,000 raised brings the to-date total to nearly $3 million. The dinner, music and auction saw several big ticket items drawing huge bids. A dinner party for 20 with Keith earned $32,500. The Alaskan Adventure with Deadliest Catch boat captain Sig Hansen brought in $13,000, and a Costa Rica getaway to the Four Seasons drew a $19,000 bid. More than 40 sports and music celebrities were in attendance, including Keith’s Beer For My Horses co-star and co-writer Rodney Carrington, and baseball player Roger Clemens.
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Luke Bryan hosted Yahoo! Music’s first Country Music Wednesdays on Twitter last night. Fans were able to watch the conversation by adding twitter.com/lukebryanonline and twitter.com/yahoo_music to their “follow” list. Bryan also debuted the video for his current single “Do I” on Amazon this week, where fans can watch the video, buy the single, and pre-order his Capitol Nashville album Doin’ My Thing, which will be released Oct. 6. Bryan is on the road all summer on his Miller Lite sponsored tour.
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Aaron Tippin has launched a line of nutritional supplements called Aaron Tippin Nutrition (ATN). In his mid 20s the singer was a competitive bodybuilder and he’s been a fitness buff ever since, which led to him starting what he describes as this new “way-of-life” program.
Jackson Sales Surge But Country Lags
/by bossrossDigital Download Dialog
Among country consumers, the digital album sales picture is nowhere as large as might be indicated based upon the MJ stats. Last year, digital country album sales as a percentage of total album sales equaled about 7.2%. This year (2009) country album downloads have jumped to 11.4%. A nice leap to be sure, but a far cry from the tech-savvy mouse clicks of the pop consumers where about 21.5% of total CD sales are digital.
Current Country
The Hannah Montana movie soundtrack (34,397) remained in the top spot on Current Country Albums (10th consecutive week), but sales only exceeded the No. 2 contender, Taylor Swift, by 397 units. Moving up to the No. 3 position is the feisty Zac Brown Band which scanned 23,799 units this week. Kenny Chesney (22,209) and Jason Aldean (20,533) filled out the Top 5.
Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” was the top country digital track, downloading 74,968 copies this week placing the song in soon-to-be Platinum status (825k). Miley Cyrus sold 53,712 digital “Climb” tracks for a to-date total of about 1.87 million. “Out Last Night” from Kenny Chesney came in third, clicking its way to 41,510 downloads in its fourth week on the tracks chart.
Looking ahead we have the just released American Saturday Night from Brad Paisley which should add some spice to next week’s totals…
CMT Ratings Continue Upward Trend
/by Sarah SkatesIn addition, the network increased viewers among adults 18-49 for total day (+6%) and primetime (+9%) over last year. The June 16 Awards were the network’s highest-rated telecast of the year.
Music video hours have also increased on the channel, with ratings up +17% versus the same quarter last year among total viewers, and up +14% among adults 18-49. In addition, video streams are up +23% for CMT.com for second quarter when compared to the same quarter last year.
New Artists Now
/by Sarah Skates———————————-
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Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson has been visiting radio in support of his self-penned debut single, “Beer On The Table,” which goes for adds on July 27. The 31-year old singer/songwriter grew up with in a working class family and arrived in Nashville in 2005. His energetic live shows drew in a fan base, and eventually caught the attention of hit songwriters and Columbia Nashville. He recently scored his first major cut as a songwriter with “Growing Up Is Getting Old,” the title track of Jason Michael Carroll’s current album. Produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean), Thompson is finishing his first album which features 10 songs he wrote or co-wrote.
Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson hangs out with the KBEQ Morning Drive crew while promoting his debut single, "Beer On The Table." Pictured (l-r): KBEQ's Zeke Montana, Thompson, Natalie Puhr, and PD Mike Kennedy.
Music Biz Whiz Kids
/by Sarah SkatesPictured at the finalists meet and mingle (L-R): Jensen Sussman, Mandy Gallagher, SESAC's Justin Levenson, David Plyler, and Katy Brown.
There are several familiar names on Music Row among the finalists for the 2009 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs), given out annually by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville. The organizations say the awards are proof of the demographic’s strong leadership, community impact and success. Many of the nominees are members of music business organization SOLID.
In the Arts, Entertainment, and Music Business category, the finalists are Jessica Baum, Bluewater Music Services Corporation; Katherine Beakes, Universal Music Group; Lucia Folk, CMT; Danny Ray Martin, East Nashville School of Music and Jensen Sussman, Sweet Talk Publicity.
Other finalists with strong ties to the music business are Katy Brown of Musicians On Call, who is nominated in the Community Service Nonprofit category; and Mandy Gallagher of SunTrust Bank, nominated in the Financial Services section.
SESAC President/COO Pat Collins has already been announced as the 2009 Sage Award Winner, given out in conjunction with the honors to one of Nashville’s top leaders who has made a significant impact on the city’s young professional demographic.
The 2009 NELAs Awards Ceremony will be 7-9 PM, Thurs., July 30 at Lipscomb University, with a pre-event reception at Cabana from 5-6:30 PM.