While content remains the coin of the realm for artists and the companies that promote them, one cannot ignore the proliferation of new channels to expose and distribute. It’s also impossible to ignore how connected society has become. Today’s label marketers and radio programmers must scan across a wide canyon of video, radio, music sales, sponsorships, social networking, mobile, and more to assess strategies for success. The dynamics between radio, sales, artists and social networking are being forged together like an edge on fine steel.
Meanwhile country sales are down almost 50% this decade. Retail space is fast disappearing despite the fact that during 2010 country fans still purchased about 85% of albums in physical format. Will CDs become a value add offered with other merchandise? Is there a viable plan for labels that offers a chance for survival? Are our revenue streams drying up?
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-03-29 11:03:112011-03-29 11:03:11Label Head/Futurist Map The Entertainment Landscape (Pt. 2)
As previously tipped in MusicRow’s Headline News on March 14, publicist Dixie Owen has joined Universal Music Group Nashville. The move was officially announced today (3/29) by Beverly Keel, UMG Nashville’s Senior Vice President of Artist and Media Relations. Owen has been named Senior Director of Artist and Media Relations for the label group. Based […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Michellehttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMichelle2011-03-29 11:02:032011-03-29 11:02:03UMG Media Team Adds Dixie Owen
Google and Apple, you just got served. Online retail giant Amazon pulled a fast one this week with the launch of its Cloud Player, a service that allows users to upload and play music through the web or Android phones. Existing Amazon customers are given 5GB free space by default, with the option to upgrade […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-03-29 10:10:192011-03-29 10:10:19Amazon Launches Cloud Player Service
Brinson Strickland has rejoined artist management firm McGhee Entertainment, handling management duties, as well as event production and sponsorship opportunities through a new partnership with his company 262Five, Ltd. He and longtime marketing exec Kyle Gustie run 262Five, which lists Netflix, PGA, Nokia, and Georgia-Pacific as clients. Prior to rejoining McGhee, Strickland also served as […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-29 09:12:412011-03-29 09:12:41Brinson Strickland Returns To McGhee Entertainment
While content remains the coin of the realm for artists and the companies that promote them, one cannot ignore the proliferation of new channels to expose and distribute. It’s also impossible to ignore how connected society has become. Today’s label and radio programmers must scan across a wide canyon of video, radio, music sales, sponsorships, social networking, mobile, and more to assess strategies for success. The dynamics between radio, sales, artists and social networking are being forged together like an edge on fine steel.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-03-28 16:13:302011-03-28 16:13:30A Futurist Maps The Entertainment Industry Landscape (Pt. 1)
With the ever-growing popularity of the iPad, music companies are finding new ways to share music and extras with fans through the device. EMI has released an iPad edition of an album by Swedish House Mafia which includes the music, video, photo gallery, notes from the band, and links to social media pages. It has […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194641/ipadfront.jpg260390Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-28 15:59:242011-03-28 15:59:24iPad Apps Offer New Music Possibilities
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Michellehttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMichelle2011-03-28 15:29:502011-03-28 15:29:50Artist News: Little Big Town Heads To Conan
Orpheus Media Research surveyed 500 consumers about how they discover new music: 87 percent of respondents said they actively search out new music 82 percent identified radio as the greatest single influence of their music listening 57 percent indicated that they most often relied on radio or word of mouth to learn about new music […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-28 14:54:552011-03-28 14:54:55New Music Discovered Via Radio, Word of Mouth
Benefit news from Lee Brice, Chris Young, Mel Tillis, Trent Dabbs, Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe, Jessi Alexander, Jeremy McComb and engineer Jimmy Daniel.
Taryn Pray joined the Capitol/EMI Records Nashville team today (3/28) as Director, Media & Public Relations. She will report directly to Lori Genes Christian, Senior Director, Media & Public Relations. In her new role Taryn will help oversee the media campaigns for the artists on Capitol/EMI Nashville which include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-28 10:44:492011-03-28 10:44:49Taryn Pray Joins Capitol Media Team
Sirius XM has announced that Tim McGraw will perform a special, invitation only concert at New York City’s Beacon Theatre Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 pm CT. The concert will celebrate 10 years of Sirius XM broadcasting country music. McGraw’s Emotional Traffic Tour guests Luke Bryan and The Band Perry will also perform at the […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-03-28 10:43:132011-03-28 10:43:13McGraw And Sirius XM Team For Intimate Show
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194642/twain.jpg260390Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-28 09:46:302011-03-28 09:46:30Twain Joins Canadian Musical Hall of Fame
As she prepares to wrap the European leg of her Speak Now World Tour, Taylor Swift has announced the addition of 16 dates to the tour’s North American portion. Swift will now headline 78 shows in 63 cities across the US and Canada. New dates are included below, and full dates are on http://www.taylorswift.com/ Tickets […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-03-25 16:07:382011-03-25 16:07:38Swift Expands Speak Now Tour
It’s only appropriate that wrestler Hulk Hogan (!) made an appearance on last night’s (3/24) American Idol results show. The evening’s exciting conclusion was practically worthy of its own WWE story line.
At midnight Lady Gaga let loose a country version of her hit “Born This Way,” sharing it with her Twitter followers. Her producers toned down the dance-thump backbeat and added in some country-staple instrumentation for the remix. Gaga also added some new lyrics, around the 3-minute mark. Meanwhile, the original track is spending its sixth […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194724/lady-gaga.jpg355250Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-25 12:35:072011-03-25 12:35:07Lady Gaga Offers Countrified Version of Born This Way
“I remember sitting in 3rd & Lindsley a few years ago, with about 15 other people in the audience, listening to a new trio,” recalls Capitol’s Melissa Spillman. “That was Lady Antebellum, and it was their second show.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194724/toby-keith1.jpg168200Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-25 10:10:052011-03-25 10:10:05Toby Keith Heads To Dancing With The Stars
SPIN ZONE Darius Rucker’s “This” ascends to the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot with a gain of 139 spins, following a multi-week run by Thompson Square. This makes the sixth No. 1 hit for Rucker, and the second from his Charleston, SC 1966 collection. Positions 3-6 all see triple digit spin gains, but remain unchanged. […]
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will enjoy a 200,000 square foot expansion as part of the planned Omni Nashville Hotel, being built to accompany the Music City Center downtown convention center. Construction for the Music City Center is already underway, and construction on the 21-story Omni will break ground early this summer. […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-24 15:36:362011-03-24 15:36:36Omni Hotel Will Include Country Music Hall of Fame Expansion
R&B star Rihanna is set to perform with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles on the upcoming ACM Awards. They will team up for Rihanna’s “California King Bed.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-24 14:46:032011-03-24 14:46:03Rihanna, Nettles Set For ACM Performance
According to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, the percentage of internet users downloading music from P2P file-sharing services has fallen from a high of 16 percent in Q4 of 2007, to 9 percent in Q4 2010. While illegal downloading of this kind is on the decline, it is far from eradicated. NPD […]
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present a special program honoring Hank Williams on April 16. Titled I Saw the Light: Songwriters Salute Hank, the program will feature Rodney Crowell, Ashley Monroe, the Secret Sisters and Steve Young. Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall will host and each artist will perform one or more […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Michellehttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMichelle2011-03-24 09:58:582011-03-24 09:58:58Songwriters Salute Hank at the Hall of Fame
Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd have reunited for their first album of new material since 1990. The acclaimed duo of the late ‘80s will release It’s Already Tomorrow to digital outlets April 26, followed by a CD release May 17 on ‘Effin ‘El Records. The duo co-produced and co-wrote all twelve songs on the set, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-24 09:52:162011-03-24 09:52:16Foster & Lloyd Reunite For New Album
Artist manager Jeff Carver, whose career includes work with Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker, has teamed with businessman Joe McDaniel to form NuCorp Entertainment. The company has signed flagship artist Darren Warren and is prepping the release of his debut single. Handling distribution and promotion will be execs Chuck Rhodes, and longtime Warner Bros. staffer […]
The Roys‘ latest album, Lonesome Whistle, was released yesterday (3/22) on Rural Rhythm records. The duo is currently on a nine-day nationwide media tour. The 11-song album includes 10 Roy originals, and was co-produced by the duo and Andy Leftwich. The disc’s first single, “Coal Minin’ Man,” is climbing the bluegrass charts. The video, which […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194730/mow-the-row.jpg151250Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-23 14:17:352011-03-23 14:17:35Benefits: Mow The Row In Memory of Joshua Ragsdale
Alan Jackson is teaming with Capitol Records Nashville to release his next album. The superstar is heading into the studio soon and his new music will be released as a joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and Capitol/EMI Records Nashville.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-23 12:27:202011-03-23 12:27:20Alan Jackson Teams With Capitol's EMI Records Nashville
“If it was as easy as it looks, everyone would do it.” These words may best describe some of the early pain being felt by the New York Times as it struggles to adjust the rules, technology and concept of its, about-to-begin March 28, paywall. And although the music industry is just an onlooker in […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-03-23 10:55:112011-03-23 10:55:11NYT Feels Music Industry Pain
Dolly Parton is making plans to release her new studio album Better Day (Dolly Records) this summer, followed by an extensive worldwide tour. The iconic star will perform the album’s first single “Together You & I” live May 26 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The album’s exact release date is yet to be announced, but […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-03-23 10:48:102011-03-23 10:48:10Dolly's "Better Day" Still To Come
This week, we’re going from one extreme to the other. At one end of the sonic spectrum, we have the stone-country sound of Bradley Gaskin. He stopped the show with “Mr. Bartender” during the CRS Convention, and now his hardcore honky-tonk single of the same will leave you gasping for breath.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194732/disclaimer32311.jpg260390Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2011-03-23 09:06:202011-03-23 09:06:20DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/23/11)
Steel guitar great Ralph Mooney, the co-writer of the country standard “Crazy Arms,” died Sunday, March 20, at his home in Arlington, Texas. Mooney was noted for his distinctive playing behind such superstars as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. He can be heard on such early 1960s Owens hits as “Under Your Spell […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2011-03-23 08:47:102011-03-23 08:47:10Steel Guitar Master Ralph Mooney Passes
Members: Caroline Cutbirth, Tayla Lynn, Jennifer Wayne Single: “Paper Heart” Album: Stealing Angels, releasing 2011 Label: Skyville Records Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn are STEALING ANGELS. In case any of their last names sound familiar…they should! These young women are descended from American icons, including country great Loretta Lynn, film legend John Wayne […]
BMI toasted the No. 1 success of Luke Bryan’s latest single “Someone Else Calling You Baby” during a feel-good gathering on Monday, March 21 at the company’s Music Row offices. Written by Bryan and his producer Jeff Stevens, the song is Bryan’s third consecutive No. 1 off his Gold certified album, Doin’ My Thing. It […]
Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour, presented by Corona, kicked off last Thursday in West Palm Beach. He also performed recently in Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium to a sold-out crowd of over 50,000. The tour now sets the compass north for upcoming shows in Des Moines, IA (3/24); St. Paul, MN (3/25); and Omaha, NE […]
Songwriter Wynn Varble is among the top 10 finalists on CMT’S Next Superstar, the competition series set to premiere Friday, April 8 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT. Varble has written or co-written hits including “Have You Forgotten” (Darryl Worley), “Waitin’ on a Woman” (Brad Paisley) and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” (Easton Corbin), and […]
Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson have been added to the presenters list for the April 3 ACM Awards. Hosted by Reba and Blake Shelton, the show will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS. These Hollywood heavyweights join previously announced presenters Nancy O’Dell and Ryan Seacrest. In addition, […]
Rootmetrics, a Seattle-based company that compiles data about mobile networks has released a study showing that Verizon’s LTE 4G network delivered faster upload and download speeds in a test conducted inside the Seattle area market. Verizon’s LTE network also had better access. Other 4G networks sampled in the test included T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. [Download […]
Sugarland is slated to perform on Fox’s American Idol for Thursday’s (3/24) results show. This will be the Mercury duo’s first appearance on the series. Also set to perform is former Idol contestant and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson. The remaining 11 contestants will compete for the crown by singing the hits of Motown on Wednesday (3/23) […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-03-22 10:15:032011-03-22 10:15:03Sugarland To Perform On "Idol"
Ronnie Dunn will be releasing his self-titled solo debut album on June 7. The 12 track collection, Ronnie Dunn, was produced soley by Dunn and includes eight songs that he wrote or co-wrote. Dunn’s first televised performance of the album’s debut single, “Bleed Red” will be on The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Michellehttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMichelle2011-03-22 09:55:472011-03-22 09:55:47Ronnie Dunn To Release Solo Debut
Bidding for Warner Music Group continues with today’s (3/22) news that six companies are participating in the second round of the auction, according to the Financial Times. Publishing giant BMG, in a partnership with private equity group KKR, is interested in buying Warner as a whole. Private investment group Tamares is also interested in the […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-22 09:41:162011-03-22 09:41:16Bidding Continues For Warner Music Group
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this afternoon (3/21) that it will not hear the appeal from Universal Music Group in a digital royalty dispute between Eminem’s former production company and the label. Last year the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Eminem’s former production company, who filed the suit claiming they […]
Keith Urban is making the media rounds this week. The star will perform his latest single “Without You” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wed., March 23. Then he will visit Ellen for a performance set to air on Mon., March 28. “Without You” is No. 10 and climbing on MusicRow’s Country Breakout […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-21 15:22:522011-03-21 15:22:52Urban Lines Up TV Shows, Tour Dates Down Under
[Updated 3/22] Cher’s rep has revealed that the singer was originally planning to do a country project, but is now making a full-on dance record. Hitfix has the scoop. No word on whether Mark Bright is still producing the project. ******* Cher is working on a country-influenced album with stellar Nashville producer Mark Bright, known […]
Some of country music’s biggest superstars will perform at a special event honoring former President George H. W. Bush tonight (3/21) in Washington D.C. On the schedule are Reba, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, rapper Cee Lo Green, and r&b icon Sam Moore. The event called All Together Now – […]
Label Head/Futurist Map The Entertainment Landscape (Pt. 2)
/by adminWhile content remains the coin of the realm for artists and the companies that promote them, one cannot ignore the proliferation of new channels to expose and distribute. It’s also impossible to ignore how connected society has become. Today’s label marketers and radio programmers must scan across a wide canyon of video, radio, music sales, sponsorships, social networking, mobile, and more to assess strategies for success. The dynamics between radio, sales, artists and social networking are being forged together like an edge on fine steel.
Meanwhile country sales are down almost 50% this decade. Retail space is fast disappearing despite the fact that during 2010 country fans still purchased about 85% of albums in physical format. Will CDs become a value add offered with other merchandise? Is there a viable plan for labels that offers a chance for survival? Are our revenue streams drying up?
UMG Media Team Adds Dixie Owen
/by MichelleAs previously tipped in MusicRow’s Headline News on March 14, publicist Dixie Owen has joined Universal Music Group Nashville. The move was officially announced today (3/29) by Beverly Keel, UMG Nashville’s Senior Vice President of Artist and Media Relations. Owen has been named Senior Director of Artist and Media Relations for the label group. Based […]
Amazon Launches Cloud Player Service
/by FreemanGoogle and Apple, you just got served. Online retail giant Amazon pulled a fast one this week with the launch of its Cloud Player, a service that allows users to upload and play music through the web or Android phones. Existing Amazon customers are given 5GB free space by default, with the option to upgrade […]
Brinson Strickland Returns To McGhee Entertainment
/by Sarah SkatesBrinson Strickland has rejoined artist management firm McGhee Entertainment, handling management duties, as well as event production and sponsorship opportunities through a new partnership with his company 262Five, Ltd. He and longtime marketing exec Kyle Gustie run 262Five, which lists Netflix, PGA, Nokia, and Georgia-Pacific as clients. Prior to rejoining McGhee, Strickland also served as […]
A Futurist Maps The Entertainment Industry Landscape (Pt. 1)
/by adminWhile content remains the coin of the realm for artists and the companies that promote them, one cannot ignore the proliferation of new channels to expose and distribute. It’s also impossible to ignore how connected society has become. Today’s label and radio programmers must scan across a wide canyon of video, radio, music sales, sponsorships, social networking, mobile, and more to assess strategies for success. The dynamics between radio, sales, artists and social networking are being forged together like an edge on fine steel.
iPad Apps Offer New Music Possibilities
/by Sarah SkatesWith the ever-growing popularity of the iPad, music companies are finding new ways to share music and extras with fans through the device. EMI has released an iPad edition of an album by Swedish House Mafia which includes the music, video, photo gallery, notes from the band, and links to social media pages. It has […]
Artist News: Little Big Town Heads To Conan
/by MichellePlus news from Frankie Ballard, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Colt Ford and Bucky Covington.
New Music Discovered Via Radio, Word of Mouth
/by Sarah SkatesOrpheus Media Research surveyed 500 consumers about how they discover new music: 87 percent of respondents said they actively search out new music 82 percent identified radio as the greatest single influence of their music listening 57 percent indicated that they most often relied on radio or word of mouth to learn about new music […]
Darius Rucker's ACM Benefit Performance
/by Sarah SkatesBenefit news from Lee Brice, Chris Young, Mel Tillis, Trent Dabbs, Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe, Jessi Alexander, Jeremy McComb and engineer Jimmy Daniel.
Taryn Pray Joins Capitol Media Team
/by Sarah SkatesTaryn Pray joined the Capitol/EMI Records Nashville team today (3/28) as Director, Media & Public Relations. She will report directly to Lori Genes Christian, Senior Director, Media & Public Relations. In her new role Taryn will help oversee the media campaigns for the artists on Capitol/EMI Nashville which include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, […]
McGraw And Sirius XM Team For Intimate Show
/by FreemanSirius XM has announced that Tim McGraw will perform a special, invitation only concert at New York City’s Beacon Theatre Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 pm CT. The concert will celebrate 10 years of Sirius XM broadcasting country music. McGraw’s Emotional Traffic Tour guests Luke Bryan and The Band Perry will also perform at the […]
Industry Ink Monday
/by Sarah SkatesLeadership Music deadline • Larry Wayne Clark honored • CMA Songwriters Series in NY • ASCAP Deems Taylor Awards
Twain Joins Canadian Musical Hall of Fame
/by Sarah SkatesCanada’s Juno Awards were given out over the weekend, where Shania Twain was inducted into the Canadian Musical Hall of Fame.
Swift Expands Speak Now Tour
/by FreemanAs she prepares to wrap the European leg of her Speak Now World Tour, Taylor Swift has announced the addition of 16 dates to the tour’s North American portion. Swift will now headline 78 shows in 63 cities across the US and Canada. New dates are included below, and full dates are on http://www.taylorswift.com/ Tickets […]
Eye On Idol (3/25/11)
/by FreemanIt’s only appropriate that wrestler Hulk Hogan (!) made an appearance on last night’s (3/24) American Idol results show. The evening’s exciting conclusion was practically worthy of its own WWE story line.
Lady Gaga Offers Countrified Version of Born This Way
/by Sarah SkatesAt midnight Lady Gaga let loose a country version of her hit “Born This Way,” sharing it with her Twitter followers. Her producers toned down the dance-thump backbeat and added in some country-staple instrumentation for the remix. Gaga also added some new lyrics, around the 3-minute mark. Meanwhile, the original track is spending its sixth […]
Rowfile: Melissa Spillman
/by Sarah Skates“I remember sitting in 3rd & Lindsley a few years ago, with about 15 other people in the audience, listening to a new trio,” recalls Capitol’s Melissa Spillman. “That was Lady Antebellum, and it was their second show.”
Toby Keith Heads To Dancing With The Stars
/by Sarah SkatesPlus more TV and film news from Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Thompson Square, Josh Thompson, and Diana DeGarmo
Weekly Chart Report (3/25/11)
/by FreemanSPIN ZONE Darius Rucker’s “This” ascends to the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot with a gain of 139 spins, following a multi-week run by Thompson Square. This makes the sixth No. 1 hit for Rucker, and the second from his Charleston, SC 1966 collection. Positions 3-6 all see triple digit spin gains, but remain unchanged. […]
"Voices" Songwriters Celebrate Chart-topper
/by Sarah SkatesASCAP toasted the writers and publishers of Chris Young’s multi-week No. 1 “Voices” with a party at its Nashville offices on Monday, March 21.
McAnally, Harding Score First No. 1 With Chesney Smash
/by Sarah SkatesASCAP and BMI toasted Kenny Chesney’s multi-week chart-topper “Somewhere With You” with a party at Cabana in Nashville on Wed., March 24th.
Baby Boom
/by Sarah SkatesNews from Eric Church, and UMG staffer Fount Lynch
Omni Hotel Will Include Country Music Hall of Fame Expansion
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will enjoy a 200,000 square foot expansion as part of the planned Omni Nashville Hotel, being built to accompany the Music City Center downtown convention center. Construction for the Music City Center is already underway, and construction on the 21-story Omni will break ground early this summer. […]
Rihanna, Nettles Set For ACM Performance
/by Sarah SkatesR&B star Rihanna is set to perform with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles on the upcoming ACM Awards. They will team up for Rihanna’s “California King Bed.”
P2P Downloading on Decline
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, the percentage of internet users downloading music from P2P file-sharing services has fallen from a high of 16 percent in Q4 of 2007, to 9 percent in Q4 2010. While illegal downloading of this kind is on the decline, it is far from eradicated. NPD […]
Songwriters Salute Hank at the Hall of Fame
/by MichelleThe Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present a special program honoring Hank Williams on April 16. Titled I Saw the Light: Songwriters Salute Hank, the program will feature Rodney Crowell, Ashley Monroe, the Secret Sisters and Steve Young. Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall will host and each artist will perform one or more […]
Foster & Lloyd Reunite For New Album
/by Sarah SkatesRadney Foster and Bill Lloyd have reunited for their first album of new material since 1990. The acclaimed duo of the late ‘80s will release It’s Already Tomorrow to digital outlets April 26, followed by a CD release May 17 on ‘Effin ‘El Records. The duo co-produced and co-wrote all twelve songs on the set, […]
NuCorp Ent. Launches With Flagship Act Darren Warren
/by Sarah SkatesArtist manager Jeff Carver, whose career includes work with Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker, has teamed with businessman Joe McDaniel to form NuCorp Entertainment. The company has signed flagship artist Darren Warren and is prepping the release of his debut single. Handling distribution and promotion will be execs Chuck Rhodes, and longtime Warner Bros. staffer […]
The Roys Release Lonesome Whistle
/by MichelleThe Roys‘ latest album, Lonesome Whistle, was released yesterday (3/22) on Rural Rhythm records. The duo is currently on a nine-day nationwide media tour. The 11-song album includes 10 Roy originals, and was co-produced by the duo and Andy Leftwich. The disc’s first single, “Coal Minin’ Man,” is climbing the bluegrass charts. The video, which […]
Musical Chairs
/by Sarah SkatesJordan Zucker joins CO5 • Jerry Bailey retiring from BMI • Laura McKinley exits Sony • Emblem ups Haley Melikian
Benefits: Mow The Row In Memory of Joshua Ragsdale
/by Sarah SkatesPlus news from songwriter Harley Allen, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Steve Cropper, Lee Roy Parnell, Randy Owen and the Country Weekly Fashion Show
Alan Jackson Teams With Capitol's EMI Records Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesAlan Jackson is teaming with Capitol Records Nashville to release his next album. The superstar is heading into the studio soon and his new music will be released as a joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and Capitol/EMI Records Nashville.
NYT Feels Music Industry Pain
/by admin“If it was as easy as it looks, everyone would do it.” These words may best describe some of the early pain being felt by the New York Times as it struggles to adjust the rules, technology and concept of its, about-to-begin March 28, paywall. And although the music industry is just an onlooker in […]
Dolly's "Better Day" Still To Come
/by FreemanDolly Parton is making plans to release her new studio album Better Day (Dolly Records) this summer, followed by an extensive worldwide tour. The iconic star will perform the album’s first single “Together You & I” live May 26 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The album’s exact release date is yet to be announced, but […]
Industry Ink Wednesday
/by Sarah SkatesCMA International Awards • TCN Adds Affiliates • Shock Ink Signs David St. Romain • Debut Broadcasting’s New Programs
DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/23/11)
/by Robert K OermannThis week, we’re going from one extreme to the other. At one end of the sonic spectrum, we have the stone-country sound of Bradley Gaskin. He stopped the show with “Mr. Bartender” during the CRS Convention, and now his hardcore honky-tonk single of the same will leave you gasping for breath.
Steel Guitar Master Ralph Mooney Passes
/by Robert K OermannSteel guitar great Ralph Mooney, the co-writer of the country standard “Crazy Arms,” died Sunday, March 20, at his home in Arlington, Texas. Mooney was noted for his distinctive playing behind such superstars as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. He can be heard on such early 1960s Owens hits as “Under Your Spell […]
Stealing Angels "Paper Heart"
/by ProgrammerPlaylistMembers: Caroline Cutbirth, Tayla Lynn, Jennifer Wayne Single: “Paper Heart” Album: Stealing Angels, releasing 2011 Label: Skyville Records Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn are STEALING ANGELS. In case any of their last names sound familiar…they should! These young women are descended from American icons, including country great Loretta Lynn, film legend John Wayne […]
Someone Else Getting A Payday
/by Sarah SkatesBMI toasted the No. 1 success of Luke Bryan’s latest single “Someone Else Calling You Baby” during a feel-good gathering on Monday, March 21 at the company’s Music Row offices. Written by Bryan and his producer Jeff Stevens, the song is Bryan’s third consecutive No. 1 off his Gold certified album, Doin’ My Thing. It […]
Photos: Chesney, Carter’s Chord, SXSW
/by MichelleKenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour, presented by Corona, kicked off last Thursday in West Palm Beach. He also performed recently in Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium to a sold-out crowd of over 50,000. The tour now sets the compass north for upcoming shows in Des Moines, IA (3/24); St. Paul, MN (3/25); and Omaha, NE […]
Wynn Varble Among CMT Next Superstar Finalists
/by Sarah SkatesSongwriter Wynn Varble is among the top 10 finalists on CMT’S Next Superstar, the competition series set to premiere Friday, April 8 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT. Varble has written or co-written hits including “Have You Forgotten” (Darryl Worley), “Waitin’ on a Woman” (Brad Paisley) and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” (Easton Corbin), and […]
Witherspoon, Pattinson To Present at ACM Awards
/by Sarah SkatesReese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson have been added to the presenters list for the April 3 ACM Awards. Hosted by Reba and Blake Shelton, the show will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS. These Hollywood heavyweights join previously announced presenters Nancy O’Dell and Ryan Seacrest. In addition, […]
Rootmetrics Finds Verizon 4G Fastest
/by adminRootmetrics, a Seattle-based company that compiles data about mobile networks has released a study showing that Verizon’s LTE 4G network delivered faster upload and download speeds in a test conducted inside the Seattle area market. Verizon’s LTE network also had better access. Other 4G networks sampled in the test included T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. [Download […]
Sugarland To Perform On "Idol"
/by FreemanSugarland is slated to perform on Fox’s American Idol for Thursday’s (3/24) results show. This will be the Mercury duo’s first appearance on the series. Also set to perform is former Idol contestant and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson. The remaining 11 contestants will compete for the crown by singing the hits of Motown on Wednesday (3/23) […]
Ronnie Dunn To Release Solo Debut
/by MichelleRonnie Dunn will be releasing his self-titled solo debut album on June 7. The 12 track collection, Ronnie Dunn, was produced soley by Dunn and includes eight songs that he wrote or co-wrote. Dunn’s first televised performance of the album’s debut single, “Bleed Red” will be on The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, […]
Bidding Continues For Warner Music Group
/by Sarah SkatesBidding for Warner Music Group continues with today’s (3/22) news that six companies are participating in the second round of the auction, according to the Financial Times. Publishing giant BMG, in a partnership with private equity group KKR, is interested in buying Warner as a whole. Private investment group Tamares is also interested in the […]
Supreme Court Won't Review Eminem/UMG Royalty Dispute
/by Sarah SkatesThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled this afternoon (3/21) that it will not hear the appeal from Universal Music Group in a digital royalty dispute between Eminem’s former production company and the label. Last year the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Eminem’s former production company, who filed the suit claiming they […]
Urban Lines Up TV Shows, Tour Dates Down Under
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban is making the media rounds this week. The star will perform his latest single “Without You” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wed., March 23. Then he will visit Ellen for a performance set to air on Mon., March 28. “Without You” is No. 10 and climbing on MusicRow’s Country Breakout […]
Cher Switches Gears [Updated 3/22]
/by Sarah Skates[Updated 3/22] Cher’s rep has revealed that the singer was originally planning to do a country project, but is now making a full-on dance record. Hitfix has the scoop. No word on whether Mark Bright is still producing the project. ******* Cher is working on a country-influenced album with stellar Nashville producer Mark Bright, known […]
Country Stars Taping NBC-TV Special Tonight
/by Sarah SkatesSome of country music’s biggest superstars will perform at a special event honoring former President George H. W. Bush tonight (3/21) in Washington D.C. On the schedule are Reba, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, rapper Cee Lo Green, and r&b icon Sam Moore. The event called All Together Now – […]