Talent Merger Spawns WME

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logo_wma_smTop Hollywood talent shops William Morris Agency and Endeavor Agency agreed yesterday (4/27) to join forces. The newly combined entity would be called William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME). WM’s Jim Wiatt would serve as Chairman with three co-chiefs— Endeavor’s founder, Ari Emanuel; Endeavor managing partner Patrick Whitesell; and William Morris President Dave Wirtschafter. According to insiders, the move is more about consolidation and cost-reduction than about creating industry dominance.

WME is expected to have over 400 agents and more than 800 employees and will likely trim about 200 positions. According to the WSJ, the deal is still subject to approval by several Hollywood unions and government antitrust officials.

endeavorWMA represents artists such as Kanye West, Britney Spears and Russell Crowe; Endeavor claims Matt Damon, Adam Sandler and Robert DeNiro. Rival agencies which are likely to be carefully watching this deal include Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and International Creative Management (ICM). According to Billboard, motion picture agent and Endeavor co-founder  Tom Strickler has announced his resignation. WMA agent David Lonner has also announced plans to head for the door.

Nashville’s William Morris Agency office is co-headed by Rick Shipp and Paul Moore. Nashville artists represented include Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, John Rich, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and many more. The merger is not expected to have much effect in Nashville since Endeavor does not have a stand-alone Music City office, although it  has been affiliated with Buddy Lee Attractions and represents BLA for TV & Film projects.

Capitol Ups Mabe to Sr. VP, Marketing

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cindy-mabeCapitol Records Nashville has promoted Cindy Mabe to Senior VP, Marketing. Mabe previously held the position of VP Marketing. She will oversee marketing, digital marketing/new media, media, creative services, production and international strategies for Capitol Records Nashville, reporting directly to Capitol President and CEO Mike Dungan. Since joining the label in March 2007, Mabe has overseen marketing campaigns that have landed the label with five No. 1 albums and have resulted in breaking two new acts – Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker. Both of those acts recently celebrated RIAA certified Gold albums. Mabe was also instrumental in organizing the 2007 and 2008 “Capitol Records Pub Crawl.” The label shut down Demonbreun Street and brought in numerous music, local business and national sponsors to give a free music event to the public and showcase the label’s artists. In the two years over 15,000 fans, music industry members and local businesses have enjoyed the event.

“Cindy has brought to this label, it’s roster of artists, and our music, a superior level of marketing expertise and strategic planning, with focus and discipline for the process,” Dungan said. “Demonstrating willingness to jump in and just make things happen, she has also proven herself as a company-wide leader. I am thrilled to recognize her with this promotion to Senior Vice President.”

Jonell Mosser, Jason Michael Carroll, Loggins & Messina “Uncorked” and More

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jonellThough she’s been a regular (and intense) presence in Nashville’s many clubs and recording studios the whole time, it’s been eight long years since powerhouse vocalist Jonell Mosser has released an album of her own. That will change tomorrow (4/28) with the release of Trust Yourself, the singer’s debut record for the Better Angels label and her most fully realized solo release to date. Produced by Bil Vorn Dick and featuring songs from writers including Bob Dylan (the title cut), Michael McDonald and Kim Parent, the album also features Mosser’s blistering take on some of her own expertly crafted and emotionally riveting songs. Mosser will spend a busy day-of-release starting at radio station Lightning 100, where she will be featured live at noon live with Dan Buckley. From there Mosser will head to Grimey’s Preloved Music Grimey’s New & Preloved Music where she will do an instore performance. But the big celebration will take place on May 15 at Mosser’s home base at 3rd and Lindsley for an official record release party. The evening will double as a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank and all are being encouraged to bring along can of food.

jasonSpeaking of new releases, Arista artist Jason Michael Carroll has got one, and it also drops tomorrow (4/28). Growing Up Is Getting Old reunites the “Alyssa Lied” singer with noted producer Don Gehman (Hootie & The Blowfish, John Mellencamp), who helmed Carroll’s debut disc, Waitin’ in the Country. That album debuted at No. 1 and produced two back-to-back Top 5 hits. The new album’s leadoff single is “Where I’m From,” which is already Top 20 and climbing. For more news, visit www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com.

avKix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards will be hosting “Uncorked,” a lawn concert series featuring Etta James and the Roots Band on June 12 and ‘70s hit duo Loggins & Messina on September 6. Doors will open at 4:00 PM for James and at 3:00 PM for Loggins and Messina. Picnic fare may be brought to the event, and food and beverage will be available for purchase. No coolers or outside alcohol allowed. Tickets for both events are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets for this rain or shine event are $50.00.

cma3And speaking of outdoor music, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than the CMA Music Festival and ABC Television will be there capturing all the action. CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, will air on Monday, August 31. For the first time, the special will be three hours instead of two. This is the sixth time ABC will broadcast this special since the original Fan Fair® was launched in 1972. Last year’s Festival enjoyed its biggest-ever turnout, with more than 191,000 fans attending over its four days.

MerleFest Draws Over 70,000 Fans

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merleThey’ve barely finished packing the tents and tearing down the stage and it’s already clear that this year’s Merlefest was as expansive and impressive as ever. Preliminary estimates show that over the festival’s four days (April 23-26) more than 70,000 music fans filled the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina for MerleFest 2009. With the exception of a Friday night squall, the weather was perfect, and despite the tough economy, attendance remained high, with Friday posting the fourth highest Friday numbers in the Festival’s history, and Saturday’s numbers approaching last year’s attendance figures.

“Reports from surveys and interviews with fans tell us that our attendees took advantage of the entertainment value that we take pride in offering every year,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “With over 95 artists performing on 15 stages over the four days of the festival, in addition to a variety of activities and shopping, there was truly something for everyone.”

MerleFest honors the memory of Eddy Merle Watson and the musical contributions of Doc, Merle and the entire Watson family. The event started in 1988 and serves as the biggest fund-raiser for Wilkes Community College. Performers at MerleFest 2009 included Doc and Richard Watson, Linda Ronstadt with Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt with Jerry Douglas, The Waybacks, The Del McCoury Band, Blue Highway, The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, Mountain Heart with Tony Rice, Sam Bush, John Cowan, The Greencards, The SteelDrivers, Jim Lauderdale, David Bromberg, Tift Merritt, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, and many more. Additional information about all aspects of Merlefest can be found here.

Skip Ewing Announces Horse & Writer “Invitational”

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ewingGrammy nominated songwriter Skip Ewing is once again offering some aspiring songwriters the chance to learn from the best through Skip Ewing’s Horse & Writer “Invitational” 2009. Held at the Lazy L&B Ranch in Dubios, Wyoming, the event offers selected applicants “concentrated songwriting mentorship in the areas of creativity, self-exploration and observation, music business, co-writing, craftsmanship and more.” The key word here is “selected,” as Ewing stresses that Horse & Writer is not a songwriting contest. Ewing and his staff listen to each application package to identify the talented, committed writers who they feel have genuine promise—something Ewing calls “seeds of greatness.” All selected applicants attend on a full scholarship worth $2500 and pay no tuition. For its ninth consecutive year, Horse & Writer will feature Ewing, along with hit songwriters/mentors Clay Mills (“Beautiful Mess,” “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”) and Deanna Bryant (“Johnny and June,” “Stupid Boy”) overseeing the seven-day songwriting program and offering one-on-one instruction. Horse & Writer “Invitational” 2009 takes place July 12-18. Application fee is $100 with a two song maximum. Applicants wishing to submit additional songs can send a third song for a $50 charge and a fourth for an additional $40. Applications must be postmarked by May 15. Click here for more information.

Digital Summit Shares Masnick Keynote

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masnickmikeOne of the highlights from the recent 2009 Leadership Music Digital Summit was the keynote address from Michael Masnick titled, “How Trent Reznor and NIN Represent The Future of the Music Industry and How Others Are Making It Work As Well.” Masnick is well know for his work with Floor64 and frequent posting to award-winning technology blog Techdirt.

The keynote is captured on video so it can be viewed with sound and an ability to view the slide show as well. Masnick begins by outlining some of Reznor’s genius via a simple equation:

CWF + RTB = $$$$$

(connect with fans plus a reason to buy= DOLLARS)

This is a fascinating look at unorthodox ways to win using new models…

40th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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doveThe GMA held its 40th Annual Dove Awards last night (4/23), at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville with singer/songwriter Brandon Heath and worship band Casting Crowns earning the most awards.  Steven Curtis Chapman was honored as Artist of the Year and Tenth Avenue North received the Dove Award for New Artist which for the first time were voted on by both the gospel/Christian music industry and its fans. Televised live on the Gospel Music Channel, this year’s Dove Awards featured more than 75 artists, songwriters and producers receiving Dove trophies, including 38 out of the 43 award categories featuring different recipients. Among the nights major awards were:

Artist of the Year
Steven Curtis Chapman

New Artist of the Year
Tenth Avenue North

Songwriter of the Year
Steven Curtis Chapman

Song of the Year
“Give Me Your Eyes”; written by Brandon Heath and Jason Ingram

Male Vocalist of the Year
Brandon Heath

Female Vocalist of the Year
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns

Producer of the Year
Bernie Herms

Country Recorded Song
“I Wish”; from the album How You Live Deluxe Edition; recorded by Point of Grace; written by Cindy Morgan and Phil Madeira

Country Album
Around the Bend; recorded by Randy Travis; produced by Kyle Lehning

A complete list of all winners is available here.

“Bluebird On the Mountain” Lineup Unveiled

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bluebirdThe Bluebird Cafe’s “Bluebird On the Mountain” concert series is set to begin Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 PM with pop songstress Kim Carnes leading a a stellar lineup of singer/songwriters. The concerts are held in the beautiful country setting of Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory. Cost of admission is $399 per vehicle, with up to eight people per vehicle. Series passes and single concert tickets ($95.00) are available at Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/artist/964527. The full schedule of “Bluebird On the Mountain” concerts follows:

Saturday, May 16, 7:00 PM — Kim Carnes, Peter Cooper, Greg Barnhill & Tim
Nichols with Billy Panda, Tim Lauer & Dave Ellingson

Saturday, June 20, 8:00 PM — Al Anderson, Bob DiPiero, Karyn Rochelle

Saturday, July 18, 8:00 PM — Danny Flowers, James House, Jude Johnstone

Saturday, August 22, 8:00 PM — Dave Berg, Rivers Rutherford, Victoria Shaw

Saturday, September 26, 8:00 PM — Thom Schuyler, Fred Knobloch, Don Schlitz &

Saturday, October 10, 8:00 PM  — Kim Richey, Don Henry and TBA

SOLID Rocks For Musicians On Call

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solid1Members of Nashville music industry organization, SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), rocked out for a good cause recently. SOLID’s  2nd Annual Karaoke/Rock Band Challenge, held March 25 at 12th & Porter, raised $500 dollars for Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Following the karaoke challenge segment of the evening, Music Row businesses competed head to head for the title of Rock Band champion. The team from Flood, Bumstead, McCarthy and McCready (Justin Bullock, Jeff Jones, Ben Ewen & Adam Broman) won the title and received their own Wii Rock Band, compliments of CMT. “We wanted to add another aspect to this event and make it a little more relevant to our members,” said event coordinator Jon Romero. “By adding Rock Band we got more people to participate. For more information visit www.solidnashville.com.

solid-photo

(l-r) Jon Romero, SOLID Committee Chair; SOLID VP Katie Pope; Katy Brown, Musicians On Call; SOLID President Alicia Warwick; and Master of Ceremonies Big Fella

Swift Leads Country Twitterers

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These are the photos used for the artist's Twitter accounts

These are the photos used for the artist's Twitter accounts

Updated: The Kenny Chesney, cUnderwood83 and SugarlandFans feeds discussed below are not authentic.

[Date: 4/23/09] Ashton Kutcher (username: aplusk) has the most Twitter followers, 1,356,958. However, since social networks are like ocean tides moving in and out, one can expect these totals to change. MusicRow, decided to research which country music artists have the highest number of followers and found some surprising results, not the least of which is that the publication’s own Twitter feed is among the Top 20 in country music. Also no surprise is the enormous lead which Taylor Swift enjoys in this area. (In fact, the No. 2 entry on our list is a Swift wannabe.) Ms. Swift communicates all throughout the day, sharing her feelings with her fans with tweets such as, “wandering around an arena. By myself, looking like a lost child.” or “Kellie just got here. She just watched my dress rehearsal and is recommending the perfect pairs of shoes to go with each of my outfits. :)”

Artists use Twitter in different ways. But sometimes the feeds are unauthorized and not really from the artists. For example a feed labeled KennyChesney has 5,487 followers, with no tweets, but is not really from the artist. cunderwood83 with over 10,000 followers (listed below) is also unauthorized and not from the artist.

Log in to Twitter.com/username and read some of the tweets for yourself to see how artists are linking up with fans.

The numbers and ranking below were culled from data on Twittercounter.com and should be considered approximate. If your artist is missing, please send in their data and we’ll add them to this list. CountryMusic is the username for the CMA.

Overall Rank     Username     Followers
86        taylorswift13 304,804
267      tayswift 46,622
1029    LeannRimes 12,794
1048    KeithUrban 12,531
1151    cUnderwood83 10,838
1712    RascalFlatts 8,101
1713    Willie Nelson 8,100
1995    MartinaMcBride 7,150
2457    CountryMusic 5,913
2880    JulianneHough 5,137
4066    FaithHill 3,885
3849    Sugarlandmusic 3849
4352    SugarlandFans* 3,541
4433    MusicRow 3,523
4506    DierksBentley 3,485
4607    JohnRich 3,385
* According to BigMachine Records, Taylorswift13 is the official username for Taylor Swift.
* cunderwood83 according to the label is not authorized.
* SugarlandFans according to the label is not authorized.