CMA Launches “CMA Industry Insite”

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cmaAs part of its ongoing strategic mission of being a resource for the country music industry, the Country Music Association is launching “CMA Industry InSite,” a monthly online educational series for CMA members. The first episode — on publishing — will be available Monday, May 18 on CMA’s member Web site (MyCMAworld.com). Future topics include personal management, record labels, radio, social networking, entertainment law, and touring. New episodes will be posted on the third Monday of the month. CMA members will also be able to submit questions to the panel of experts interviewed for each episode. The series was developed by CMA’s Artist Relations Committee, chaired by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, to lay a foundation for how the various business interests within the industry function. The series is produced by digital marketing firm Hi-Fi Fusion.

“Initially, this information was available to new artists on DVD, but the format made the information obsolete very quickly and did not allow us to keep pace with the changing face of the industry,” Brooks said. “Housing the series online and archiving the episodes once they are posted enables us to routinely update the material to stay current with changing business trends.”

It was also important to the Artist Relations Committee that the project reach beyond the artist community and become a tool that could be easily accessed at any time by CMA’s entire membership. Each segment, which is 8-10 minutes long, features specialists from that field. Each month, a new segment will be rolled out to the community with the opportunity to submit questions to the experts with the answers posted online.

Participants in the publishing episode include: Chris DuBois, Partner, Sea Gayle Music; Rusty Gaston, General Manager/Partner, This Music; Ree Guyer Buchanan, President/Owner Wrensong Publishing/WE Records; Pat Higdon, President, Universal Music Publishing Group; Victoria Shaw, President/Owner AvaRu Music; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.

Global Events Kick Off CMA Fest

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cmaSixteen prominent international country artists will convene in Music City next month to participate in a series of global country music events, beginning June 8 in downtown Nashville. The CMA Global Artist Party (presented by CMA and sponsored by NiteTrain Coaches) will once again serve as the unofficial start to the 2009 CMA Music Festival with its annual showcase on Monday, June 8. The event, hosted by Jace Everett, will feature a total of eight artists from Australia, Ireland, U.K., Canada and New Zealand, including Australia’s “Telstra Road to Tamworth” winner, Peter McWhirter. The showcase begins at 6:15 PM at The Stage on Broadway.

CMA Global Artist Party performers include Kirsty Lee Akers (Australia), Colm Kirwan (Ireland), Lucie Silvas (U.K.), Alex J. Robinson (Canada), Peter McWhirter (Australia), Ashley Cooper (New Zealand), The McClymonts (Australia) and George Canyon (Canada).

aristoThe annual AristoMedia Global Showcase (presented by AristoMedia and sponsored by CMA, NiteTrain Coaches and Digital Rodeo) will be held Tuesday, June 9 at 3 p.m. at The Second Fiddle. International artists from France, U.K., Norway, Switzerland, Australia and Canada will perform, including the “Telstra Road to Tamworth” Songwriter’s Award winner Corey Colum. Former Mavericks bassist and Digital Rodeo Director of Industry Relations Robert Reynolds will host the event, which will feature Pierre Lorry (France), Brianie (U.K.), Tore Andersen (Norway), Rolf Fritschi (Switzerland), Dianna Corcoran (Australia), Codie Prevost (Canada), Corey Colum (Australia) and David Bradley (U.K.).

“Both of these events are certainly a highlight for the global Country Music community each year,” says AristoMedia President Jeff Walker. “Music City is regarded as the heart of Country Music and the CMA Music Festival is one of the best live events in the world.  The chance for these artists to travel and perform here is not only an exciting opportunity for the artists, but for the city of Nashville and the entire international country music movement as well.”

Austin Guitarist Stephen Bruton Dies

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brutonGuitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Stephen Bruton, a highly respected and much-loved member of the Austin, Texas music community, died Saturday (5/9) in Los Angeles of complications of cancer. He was 60. Bruton served as guitarist for Kris Kristofferson for nearly 40 years and spent several years on the road as guitarist for Bonnie Raitt.

Turner Stephen Bruton was born Nov. 7, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware, but moved with his family to Texas when he was 2.  As a teenager, he won banjo competitions, switching to guitar in his teens. Shortly after graduating from Texas Christian University, Bruton joined Kristofferson’s band just as the singer/songwriter’s career was getting started and toured with him on and off for decades.

He recorded five critically acclaimed solo albums, and his songs were recorded by artists including Raitt, The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kristofferson), Jimmy Buffett, Patty Loveless and numerous others. He died at the home of his childhood friend, producer T Bone Burnett, with whom he had been working on Crazy Heart, a film being produced by Burnett. Bruton produced the music for the film.

“We finished it about two weeks ago,” Burnett said. “I’m deeply grateful he got to complete his work on the film. It meant a tremendous amount for him to get it finished. In the last 72 hours things just started shutting down. I think everybody thought he would kick it quickly because he was Stephen Bruton. We all thought he was invincible.”

Prime Time Press Conferences Irk Broadcasters

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Executives at the largest broadcast networks claim that the new president has already cost them $30 million in ad revenue  as a result of his three prime-time news conferences. The Hollywood Reporter story notes that none of the broadcasters mentioned in the article were willing to go on the record, but says that the Fox network’s decision not to carry the last news conference, might serve as a precedent. The Hollywood Reporter quotes one unnamed broadcast exec who says, “We will continue to make our decisions on White House requests on a case-by-case basis, but the Fox decision gives us cover to reject a request if we feel that there is no urgent breaking news that is going to be discussed.”

[Hollywood Reporter]

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“The Session Players” Announces Online Chat

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sesionOn Tuesday, May 19 beginning at 8:00 PM CT, The Session Players (www.thesessionplayers.com) will host a special live online chat. The website offers an up-close, inside look at the recording process through the eyes of the musicians who make it happen. The online chat will allow anyone anywhere in the world to talk directly to the players featured in the premier webisode, Sand Bank Road. Callers can ask about the creative process, the instruments used and about the musicians’ experiences working on countless recording projects. As the date for the chat moves closer, members of the site’s email list will receive up-to-the-minute details about the chat, including a complete list of the musicians that will be online and details about participating in the chat. Those who have not yet signed up for the email list can get the updated information by logging onto the site and visiting the Forum’s Music Category. Today (5/8), the site also began featuring a special promo of webisode two, Second First Impression.

Rebel Hearts

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“Jesse Dunn”

RHR/Nine North

rh-playlist“Jesse Dunn” is the newest single by vocal group Rebel Hearts. Comprised of Darren Castle, Don McDowell and Kody Anderson, their music is a blend of country and rock that draws on influences like Elvis, Garth, and the Eagles.

Singer/songwriter Don McDowell created Rebel Hearts in 1997 and recruited Canadian producer/pianist/songwriter Steve Soucy. Don also added lifetime friend and lead singer Darren Castle to front the group and they began recording music. Kody Anderson was added to the fold in 2003.

After a string of independent radio releases, Rebel Hearts broke into the Billboard charts in 2000. In 2002-2003, Rebel Hearts videos for “Daddy’s Dream” and “Everything To Me” aired on Great American Country (GAC). In the summer of 2007, Rebel Hearts finalized their CD Runnin’ Wild with a Renegade Heart for international release. The album features the European radio hits “Good to Go,” “Wrangler Walk” and “Hard Rock Hotel.”

The videos for “Jesse Dunn” (link included below) and “Wrangler Walk” have been released to GAC and CMT. Current full-length project Rebel Hearts-Runnin’ Wild is a  CD/DVD featuring 6 videos.

“Jesse Dunn” video
http://www.RebelHearts.com

SOLID Readies Music Row Yard Sale

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solidNashville Music Industry Organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) has announced the 2009 edition of its Music Row Yard Sale. This year’s yard sale will take place during the CMA Music Festival on June 13 at 8 AM at Nashville’s Sommet Center. SOLID has provided collection bins to Music Row businesses for donations to the yard sale. Businesses willing to donate promotional items should add them to their collection bin or contact the SOLID Yard Sale Chair, Katie Pope, at kpope@sesac.com. Autographed items will be auctioned off throughout the day and any signed memorabilia from your company is greatly appreciated. A SOLID representative will be by later in the month to collect the donated items. SOLID has traditionally teamed with Leadership Music on the Music Row Yard Sale, but beginning this year they are taking full responsibility for the event. For more information click here.

CMA Int’l Awards To Bentley and Brooks & Dunn

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cmaKix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn (aka Brooks & Dunn), and Dierks Bentley are this year’s recipients of the CMA International Artist Achievement Award for their contributions to country music overseas. They were presented the awards backstage at Sydney’s Acer Arena on May 6 during the final stop of their current Australian tour. The International Artist Achievement Awards were presented by CMA Board member Rob Potts, CEO of Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, and Australia’s No. 1 radio presenter, Ray Hadley from Radio 2GB.

“I can’t think of any more deserving U.S. artists to win this award,” Potts said. “Their tour here has had a huge impact on the profile of country music in this territory and it’s fantastic that we were able to present the awards to them in Australia.”

The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of country music outside of the United States. Previous winners include Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and Dwight Yoakam.
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(l-r) Sydney radio presenter Ray Hadley, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks,
Dierks Bentley and CMA International Director Rob Potts. (Photo: Dean Turnbull)

Music Row Past Award Winners

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mrawards20Producer Honor Role
A listing of producers scoring the most top-20 Singles and Top-10 Albums for each year.
1982-89: Jimmy Bowen
1990: Tony Brown
1991-92: Allen Reynolds
1993: Tony Brown
1994: James Stroud
1995: Allen Reynolds
1996: Tony Brown
1997: Wilbur C. Rimes
1998: No Award presented
Becomes Producer of the Year–To honor a producers work on albums active during the awards time period. Can include, but is not limited to, single chart performance and album sales.
1999: Byron Gallimore
2000: Byron Gallimore
2001: Mark Wright
2002: Keith Stegall
2003: James Stroud
2004: Buddy Cannon
2005: Frank Rogers
2006: Dann Huff
2007: Byron Gallimore
2008: Frank Rodgers

Top Songwriters
A listing of writers scoring the most Top-20 Singles for each year.
1985: Troy Seals
1986: Dave Loggins
1987-90: Don Schlitz
1991: Pat Alger
1992: Garth Brooks
1993: Clint Black
1994: Gary Burr
1995: Tom Shapiro
1996: Mark D. Sanders
1997: Craig Wiseman
Becomes Breakthrough Songwriter-Honors a Nashville writer who, for the first time in their career, wrote or co-wrote a top 10 song.
1996: Jim Lauderdale
1997: Cathy Majeski, Sunny Russ, Stephony Smith
1998: Harley Allen
1999: Phil Vassar
2000: Carolyn Dawn Johnson
2001: Troy Verges
2002: Anthony Smith
2003: Lee Thomas Miller
2004: Jim Brown/Don Rollins
2005: Vicky McGehee
2006: Jason Matthews
2007: Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear
2008: Luke Bryan

Song of the Year
1996: “What Mattered Most,: Vince Melamed and Gary Burr; Publishers MCA Music, Patrick Joseph Music
1997: “Friends,” Jerry Holland; Publishers: That’s A Smash Publishing, Mike Curb Music; Performed by John Michael Montgomery
1998: “Something That We Do,” Clint Black and Skip Ewing; Publishers: Blackened Music & Opryland Music Group
1999: “Don’t Laugh At Me,” Allen Shamblin & Steve Seskin; Publishers: Built On Rock Music; David Aaron Music/Love This Town Music (ASCAP)
2000: “He Didn’t Have To Be,” Brad Paisley & Kelley Lovelace; Publishers EMI April Music, Sea Gayle Music, Love Ranch Music
2001: “There Is No Arizona,” Jamie O’Neal, Shaye Smith and Lisa Drew; Publishers EMI Music, Zomba Music
2002: “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” Alan Jackson, Publisher EMI Music Publishing
2003: “Red Ragtop,” Jason White; Publisher Sony/ATV Music
2004: “Almost Home, “Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Phillips; Publishers Magic Mustang Music Inc. & Sufferin’ Succotash Songs
2005: “Whiskey Lullaby,” Bill Anderson, John Randall; Publishers by Sony-ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba/Reynsong/Who Ya Say/Wrensong, BMI
2006: “What Hurts The Most,” Jeffrey Steele, Steve Robson; Publishers Songs of Windswept Pacific & Almo Music Corp.
2007: “Stealing Kisses,” Lori McKenna; Publisher Melanie Howard Music, Inc.
2008: “Letter To Me,” Brad Paisley; Publishers EMI April Music/New Sea Gayle Music

Critic’s Pick/New Artist
2000: Eric Heatherly
2001: Mark McGuinn
2002: Blake Shelton
2003: Joe Nichols
2004: Buddy Jewell
2005: Miranda Lambert
2006: Carrie Underwood
2007: Taylor Swift
Becomes Breakthrough Artist–Voted by readers to honor an artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.
2008: Lady Antebellum

Marketing Achievement
1996: MCA Records for Joe Ely’s Hour At Tower Train Tour
1997: RCA Records for Clint Black’s Greatest Hits
1998: Curb Records for LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live”
1999: RCA Records for Alabama’s For The Record—41 Number One Hits and Monument Records for the Dixie Chick’s Wide Open Spaces
2000: Dreamcatcher Entertainment for Kenny Rogers “The Greatest” and “Buy Me A Rose”
2001: Sony Music Nashville for Billy Gillman, One Voice
2003: Lyric Street Records for Rascal Flatts, Melt
2004: DreamWorks/Sony music for Toby Keith Shock ‘n Yall and Buddy Jewel
2005: none
2006: Lyric Street Records for Rascal Flatts, My And My Gang and Equity Music Group for Little Big Town, The Road To Here (tie)

Get Ready To Cast Your Vote

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21st Annual Music Row Awards Underway

mrawards200Music Row’s 21st Annual Awards will be announced in the publication’s June/July issue and plaques presented at ASCAP on June 30.

Featured will be the Top Ten Album All-Star Musician accolades which are based upon the actual number of Top Ten CDs that each musician appeared on during the eligibility period (5/1/08-4/30/09).

Also included will be the subscriber-voted Breakthrough Artist, Producer of the Year, Song of the Year and Breakthrough Songwriter choices.

Nominees in the reader-voted categories will be announced on May 18, and numbered ballots will be emailed to readers on May 27.

For a complete list of past Award winners click here.

For a complete list of past Musician Award winners click here.