This week, the major labels are stepping up to the plate with quality.
Mercury has two excellent singles, by the Randy Rogers Band and Holly Williams. Warner Bros. Records is offering us a dandy uptempo by Jessica Harp. Columbia has the DisCovery Award winners, Caitlin & Will.
But at the end of the listening session, an indie walked off with the Disc of the Day prize. That would be Broken Bow with its Megan Mullins & Randy Owen duet of a dynamite Dolly Parton tune.
Duets rule.
MAIDEN TEXAS/Don’t You
Writer: Johnny Edward Pierce/Otha Young; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Oh the Music/Sony-ATV Tree; Maiden Texas (817-283-7984)
—This Dallas-Ft. Worth trio is composed of Stephanie Mulder, Krista Hughes and DeAnna Edwards. Their revival of this 1989 Forester Sisters single has sprightly energy and flawless three-part harmony throughout. A winner.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/Buy Myself A Chance
Writer: Randy Rogers/Sean McConnell; Producer: Radney Foster; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Lonely Motel/WBM, BMI/SESAC; Mercury Nashville (CDX)
—The gently loping rhythm and spare instrumental work throw the spotlight on the country-soulful, slightly raspy lead vocal. The hillbilly boy trying to hit on someone else’s dance partner is completely sweet and believable. Whether for this outfit or somebody else, this is a hit song.
CAITLIN & WILL/Even Now
Writer: Casey Beathard/Karen Rochelle; Producer: Chris Lindsey; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (CDX)
—They both sing splendidly, and the pristine production is marvelously supportive on this lovelorn little slice of heartache. Well worth your attention.
MEGAN MULLINS & RANDY OWEN/Holding Everything
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: John Rich & Sean Pennington; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; BBR (CDX)
—From production to songwriting, this has pedigree credentials. The prodigiously gifted Miss Mullins more than holds her own with her Country Music Hall of Fame duet partner. The heartbeat thump in the track is goose-bump inducing. And the song is a thing of perfect wonder.
HOLLY WILLIAMS/Keep The Change
Writer: Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: Raylene/BPJ/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury Nashville
—By far her finest vocal performance on disc to date. There’s passion and personality in this that she hasn’t displayed before. Her sister has co-written a dandy kiss-off tune, and Niebank’s production has just enough raggedy rock edge to keep your ears perked up. I’m in.
SHELLEY LYNCH/You Can’t Look Back
Writer: Shelley Lynch; Producer: Shelley Lynch & Les Bolen; Publisher: Lynch, ASCAP/SOCAN; Lynch (CDX) (www.shelleylynch.net)
—The echo is laid on just a little too thick. The verse lyrics are a mite wordy. And the high-end in her vocal is a kinda weak.
JESSICA HARP/Boy Like Me
Writer: Jerry Flowers; Producer: Jerry Flowers; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/JFLO, BMI; Warner Bros.
—Former Wreckers member Harp has a snappy solo outing. The rocking rhythm and cool repeated guitar riff back a sassy lyric about finding a guy who’s just like her, right down to the drinkin’ and makin’ love parts. She wails it. Solid work.
NATASHA JAMES/Tequila Time
Writer: Natasha James; Producer: Natasha James & Ronnie Rivera; Publisher: 40 Miles of Road, ASCAP; Highway One (www.natashajames.com)
—This comes to us from California, where apparently they record in cardboard shipping crates.
BYRON HILL/Stay A While
Writer: Byron Hill/Jennifer Schott; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Byron Hill/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; BHP (track) (www.byronhillmusic.com)
—I love Nashville songwriter albums. Byron’s is a 12-tune dandy showcasing his burnished baritone in wonderfully produced tracks. The title tune is a gentle, winning, mid-tempo invitation to romance that’s as warm as a hearth. Over the years, he’s won 10 ASCAP Awards and had more than 575 cuts. “Fool Hearted Memory,” “Nothing On But The Radio,” “Pickin’ Up Strangers,” “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Born Country” and “Size Matters” are all in his vast catalog. So the man knows what he’s doing. Highly recommended.
BEN KWELLER/Homeward Bound
Writer: Jemima James/Michael Mason; Producer: Ben Kweller; Publisher: none listed, BMI; ATO (track)
—Austin resident Kweller wrote all the tunes on his Changing Horses CD except this set-closing ballad. It’s about a lost soul heading for the other side. His cracked delivery and the funeral-march rhythm are both deeply affecting. Check him out.
Sirius XM Creditors Consider Ejecting Chief
/by Sarah SkatesMel Karmazin
Sirius XM Radio chief executive Mel Karmazin may be removed from his post by creditors if the company files for bankruptcy instead of making a deal to remain operational, the Wall Street Journal reports. Among the satcaster’s options to stay afloat are making deals with either EchoStar or Liberty Media Corp. The New York-based Sirius XM is supposed to repay $175 million in bonds held by EchoStar Corp. by tomorrow’s (2/17) deadline, or bankruptcy could be imminent. Some reports say word on the outcome could come as early as today (2/16).
Benefit Gala Honors Sweethearts Amy and James Otto
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville State Community College 2009 Sweethearts for Scholarships Gala was held Friday night (2/13) honoring celebrity sweethearts Amy and James Otto. There is also an auction coinciding with the fundraiser for the school’s scholarship program going on at CMTAuctions.com. Starting at $50, and available until Feb. 20, the Love Lyrics auction includes lyrics autographed by Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Charlie Daniels, Brooks & Dunn, Rodney Atkins, Bill Anderson, and numerous others.
(L-R): Amy and James Otto; Allison DeMarcus; Warner Bros. Nashville Exec. VP Bill Bennett; NSCC's Brent Young; and event chair/music industry publicist Ebie McFarland. Photo: Alan Mayor.
Belmont Hosts Events For Wynonna, Industry Execs.
/by Sarah SkatesWy with Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Dean Dr. Wes Bulla Photo: J. Michael Krouskop/Belmont
Wynonna mentored Belmont University’s Music Business students last week as part of the school’s The Insider’s View series. Students of a Record Company Operations class produced and promoted the event which also served as a CD release party and concert for her latest release, Sing.
On Sat., Feb. 21 Belmont and its music business students will present the 2009 Country Showcase. Great American Country’s Nan Kelley has signed on to host the 7 PM show at the Curb Event Center where Belmont artists Jenna Basso, Steven Darden, Cassidy Lynn, W.C. Marion and The Westbound Rangers have been selected to perform following a rigorous audition process. They will sing for industry judges Gina Keltner, Talent Manager of the Grand Ole Opry; Freeman Wizer, Creative Manager of Universal Music Publishing Group; and Steve Powell, General Manager of Bandit Lites. Admission to the 2009 Country Showcase is free and open to the public. VIP seating can be reserved for music industry professionals who RSVP at country@belmontshowcaseseries.com.
Belmont’s Director of Development and Major Gifts Harry Chapman and Wynonna. Chapman hosts “The Insider’s View” interview series. Photo: J. Michael Krouskop/Belmont
Derek Sholl
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“But It Was”
CO5 Nashville
Sholl’s journey from pro baseball hopeful to fast-rising country star is a true-to-life tale of one big man, two big talents, and countless nights of dues-paying gigs that took the singer/songwriter from local bars in his native southern California to state-of-the-art stages in Vegas, to Nashville’s top recording studios, all the way to his current touring base in Texas.
“I first started listening to country music when I got drafted by the Kansas City Royals,” Sholl recalls. “I’d come into the clubhouse singing Randy Travis and Alan Jackson in my ‘new’ country voice. I was half kidding, but everybody would always say, ‘Hey, that’s really good.’ I was learning a lot of songs, but baseball was my first love. I still thought I was going to be a professional ball player.”
Baseball was his life until a series of injuries effectively ended his sports career. He began to delve into country music, honing his high energy live act, which has taken him to places like the Mirage in Las Vegas, where he supported appearances by TV host Jay Leno.
“I take a lot of pride in our live stage show,” he says. “What I’m doing up there is not an act. On a big stage or in a small bar, it’s high energy and it’s exactly who I am.”
www.dereksholl.com
Music Marketing Crosses Platforms
/by Sarah SkatesAll seven American Idol winners join Mickey Mouse to celebrate the new attraction at Disney World.
Cross-promotion and corporate tie-ins are an ever-growing part of the music business. Here are some of the latest and most creative examples, with Disney and 19 Entertainment leading the way.
“The American Idol Experience,” a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, is opening this week. Guests can audition to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer from the audience and vote for their favorite singer. Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment, the show is designed to give park guests the feel of a live television production. Winners of the daily competition will receive a “Dream Ticket” to the front-of-the-line at a regional audition for the television show.
The world’s best-selling CD compilation series NOW That’s What I Call Music! is coming to television and the Internet through a new interactive program. Though details are still under wraps, it will be the result of a partnership with 19 Entertainment founder/Idol creator Simon Fuller. The 10-year-old NOW That’s What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from EMI, Sony, and Universal, and has sold over 72 million units in the US and over 200 million worldwide.
The Jonas Brothers are heading to the 3-D big screen in a Walt Disney Pictures rockumentary. The film blends excerpts from the Brothers’ Burning Up concert tour, including guest performances from Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, a never-before-heard song and more. The Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience debuts Feb. 26 at midnight and fans are already scooping up advance tickets at fandango.com. Fandango ticket buyers will receive a free download of the Jonas Brothers’ music video, “Tonight.”
MTV is the latest company to get in the 360 game. They have teamed with Snoop Dogg for a global 360 deal including a new album, TV show, and Rock Band video game. The TV show, Dogg After Dark, is described as a “nightclub” variety talk show premiering Feb. 17.
MAC Presents Hires Ruth Gonzalez
/by Sarah SkatesRuth Gonzalez
Music sponsorship specialists MAC Presents has added Operations Manager Ruth Gonzalez to its team. She brings more than fifteen years of experience as a talent agent to the Nashville-based firm, including nine years at Creative Artists Agency in Beverly Hills, where she was responsible for artists including Jesse McCartney and Ashlee Simpson. She also represented all CAA music talent for booking into West Coast territory club venues, as well as Mid South Casino and Performing Arts Centers.
MAC Presents President Marcie Allen Cardwell says she has known Gonzalez since the beginning of her own career in the music industry. Originally from Atlanta, Gonzalez has also worked for the Dark Horse Tavern, The Point, Alienation Inc., and as stage manager for the Music Midtown festival.
Flatts Fans Pick New Album Art
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (l-r): Fred Nelson, President People's Choice; Jay DeMarcus; Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox. Photo: Zach Henderson
Spotify Offers Free Streaming
/by Sarah SkatesA new online listening service is getting rave reviews from users in Europe. Originally from Sweden and now available in the UK, Spotify allows free ad-supported streaming of personalized playlists. Because the streaming is unlimited, proponents of the system say it provides an incentive not to download illegally. Spotify reportedly has an exceptional catalog through deals with many labels, but has also had its share of legal trouble and was forced to remove thousands of tracks over licensing issues. It claims its catalog is doubling in size every few weeks. Listeners also have the option of paying 99 pence for a single day of ad-free access, or £10 a month for no ads at all.
DISClaimer 2/13/09
/by Robert K OermannMercury has two excellent singles, by the Randy Rogers Band and Holly Williams. Warner Bros. Records is offering us a dandy uptempo by Jessica Harp. Columbia has the DisCovery Award winners, Caitlin & Will.
But at the end of the listening session, an indie walked off with the Disc of the Day prize. That would be Broken Bow with its Megan Mullins & Randy Owen duet of a dynamite Dolly Parton tune.
MAIDEN TEXAS/Don’t You
Writer: Johnny Edward Pierce/Otha Young; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Oh the Music/Sony-ATV Tree; Maiden Texas (817-283-7984)
—This Dallas-Ft. Worth trio is composed of Stephanie Mulder, Krista Hughes and DeAnna Edwards. Their revival of this 1989 Forester Sisters single has sprightly energy and flawless three-part harmony throughout. A winner.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/Buy Myself A Chance
Writer: Randy Rogers/Sean McConnell; Producer: Radney Foster; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Lonely Motel/WBM, BMI/SESAC; Mercury Nashville (CDX)
—The gently loping rhythm and spare instrumental work throw the spotlight on the country-soulful, slightly raspy lead vocal. The hillbilly boy trying to hit on someone else’s dance partner is completely sweet and believable. Whether for this outfit or somebody else, this is a hit song.
CAITLIN & WILL/Even Now
Writer: Casey Beathard/Karen Rochelle; Producer: Chris Lindsey; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (CDX)
—They both sing splendidly, and the pristine production is marvelously supportive on this lovelorn little slice of heartache. Well worth your attention.
MEGAN MULLINS & RANDY OWEN/Holding Everything
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: John Rich & Sean Pennington; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; BBR (CDX)
—From production to songwriting, this has pedigree credentials. The prodigiously gifted Miss Mullins more than holds her own with her Country Music Hall of Fame duet partner. The heartbeat thump in the track is goose-bump inducing. And the song is a thing of perfect wonder.
HOLLY WILLIAMS/Keep The Change
Writer: Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: Raylene/BPJ/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury Nashville
—By far her finest vocal performance on disc to date. There’s passion and personality in this that she hasn’t displayed before. Her sister has co-written a dandy kiss-off tune, and Niebank’s production has just enough raggedy rock edge to keep your ears perked up. I’m in.
SHELLEY LYNCH/You Can’t Look Back
Writer: Shelley Lynch; Producer: Shelley Lynch & Les Bolen; Publisher: Lynch, ASCAP/SOCAN; Lynch (CDX) (www.shelleylynch.net)
—The echo is laid on just a little too thick. The verse lyrics are a mite wordy. And the high-end in her vocal is a kinda weak.
JESSICA HARP/Boy Like Me
Writer: Jerry Flowers; Producer: Jerry Flowers; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/JFLO, BMI; Warner Bros.
—Former Wreckers member Harp has a snappy solo outing. The rocking rhythm and cool repeated guitar riff back a sassy lyric about finding a guy who’s just like her, right down to the drinkin’ and makin’ love parts. She wails it. Solid work.
NATASHA JAMES/Tequila Time
Writer: Natasha James; Producer: Natasha James & Ronnie Rivera; Publisher: 40 Miles of Road, ASCAP; Highway One (www.natashajames.com)
—This comes to us from California, where apparently they record in cardboard shipping crates.
BYRON HILL/Stay A While
Writer: Byron Hill/Jennifer Schott; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Byron Hill/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; BHP (track) (www.byronhillmusic.com)
—I love Nashville songwriter albums. Byron’s is a 12-tune dandy showcasing his burnished baritone in wonderfully produced tracks. The title tune is a gentle, winning, mid-tempo invitation to romance that’s as warm as a hearth. Over the years, he’s won 10 ASCAP Awards and had more than 575 cuts. “Fool Hearted Memory,” “Nothing On But The Radio,” “Pickin’ Up Strangers,” “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Born Country” and “Size Matters” are all in his vast catalog. So the man knows what he’s doing. Highly recommended.
BEN KWELLER/Homeward Bound
Writer: Jemima James/Michael Mason; Producer: Ben Kweller; Publisher: none listed, BMI; ATO (track)
—Austin resident Kweller wrote all the tunes on his Changing Horses CD except this set-closing ballad. It’s about a lost soul heading for the other side. His cracked delivery and the funeral-march rhythm are both deeply affecting. Check him out.
TV Goes Country With Cable Guy Roast, New “Crossroads”
/by Sarah Skates••••
Others getting tube time next month include Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson who are the latest pairing for CMT Crossroads. The show, where artists sing their own songs as well as each other’s, will tape before an invitation only audience in Nashville later this month and premiere Mon., March 23 at 9 PM/CT on CMT.
••••
Also at CMT, the network is planning season two of its original singing competition Can You Duet. An open casting call will be March 7 at the Wildhorse Saloon. Doors open at 8 AM. For up-to-date casting information and instructions for sending in a video tape submission, visit www.canyouduet.com.