Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson will hit the road for Xtreme Muzik The Tour beginning June 18. The show will visit over 30 cities, and will include special guests Cowboy Troy and Two Foot Fred. Sharing one eight-piece band on a custom stage that includes, of course, a fully-operational bar as the centerpiece, the […]
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.pngMichelle2011-04-01 15:23:492011-04-01 15:23:49On Tour: Toby Keith; Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson; Jason Aldean
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00contributorhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngcontributor2011-04-01 15:22:442011-04-01 15:22:44ASCAP VP Tim Dubois Meets with Source
Cheer Up Charlie Daniels Win Road to Bonnaroo Round Two Fans were out in full force for the second installment of BMI’s 2011 Road to Bonnaroo competition, held at Mercy Lounge on March 21. Cheer Up Charlie Daniels proved victorious, narrowly edging out the other competing bands: Leroy Powell, Big Surr, Born Empty, Keegan Dewitt, […]
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A memorial service for Nashville songwriting great Harley Allen will be held on Wednesday (4/6) at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. (37211) — He died on March 30, of lung cancer at home in Nashville. The gifted and prolific Allen won BMI Awards for such songs as “Between the Devil and Me” (Alan Jackson, […]
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 Oermann2011-04-01 14:22:202011-04-01 14:22:20Harley Allen Service Scheduled
Cricket’s new Muve Music service debuted in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga on March 10, 2011. Paired with a Samsung Suede mobile device, Cricket offers consumers a $55 per month all-in plan. Unique is the addition of unlimited music. The plan includes unlimited nationwide calling, text, picture and video messaging plus unlimited global text messaging, […]
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Grand Ole Opry star Mel McDaniel passed away Thursday evening at age 68. He had been battling cancer for several years. The Oklahoma native has been an Opry cast member since Jan. 11, 1986. McDaniel is noted for such hits as “Gentle to Your Senses” (1977), “God Made Love” (1978), “Right in the Palm of […]
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 Oermann2011-04-01 10:41:422011-04-01 10:41:42Mel McDaniel Passes
KAIR/Atchison, KS PD/MD/Mornings Jason Drake has departed his post after 13 years with the station. Also departing are Drake’s Wake Up Crew co-hosts Brian Hagen (News Director/Afternoons) and Rachel Lehcar (Listener Liaison).
It’s the week Vegas Goes Country, with tons of events surrounding Sunday night’s (4/3) ACM Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. For a recap of the nominees, click here. The fan-voted Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories will be chosen by text voting powered by the RAM Truck Brand […]
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 Skates2011-04-01 09:49:272011-04-01 09:49:27Lawrence Music Group Signs Rick Huckaby
ASCAP released its financial results for 2010 today (3/31), showing a dip in total revenues and member distributions since last year’s record highs. The information was presented at the organization’s General Annual Membership Meeting in New York City. Financial distributions to members in 2010 totaled $845 million, down 2.1% versus the 2009 high of over […]
The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival kicked off Tuesday night (3/29) in Nashville. Over 120 songwriters took the stage at nine local venues over the first two nights.
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 Skates2011-03-31 15:29:382011-03-31 15:29:38Tin Pan South In Full Swing
Victoria Shaw helmed production for a new pop/country album by CNN HLN anchor Robin Meade. The singer debuted songs from the project on Monday night (3/28) at New York City’s legendary Birdland club. Shaw, who also produced Lady Antebellum’s debut album, joined Meade onstage for the event, bringing along fellow Nashville tunesmith Gary Burr. For […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194630/front-kathy.jpg260390Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-03-31 14:23:132011-03-31 14:23:13Woods Retires, Magill To Head Sony Business Dept.
Longtime Dutch country music journalist Rineke Van Beek passed away last month following a lengthy battle with cancer. During her 30-year career, she worked for Country Gazette in Holland, which was the recipient of the CMA’s award for international journalism. Following the closure of Country Gazette, Van Beek worked with Nashville FM. Among the many fans of […]
Taylor Swift’s worldwide album sales total has passed the 20 million mark. This includes her three Big Machine Records studio albums, plus a holiday collection and a Walmart exclusive. In addition, Swift has sold over 33 million paid song downloads, making her the top-selling digital artist in history. Next the star heads to Sunday night’s […]
Lori McKenna debuted music from her latest album Lorraine in Nashville this week. The Massachusetts based songwriter has been in Music City for a listening party, and Tin Pan South performance.
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Renowned producer, musician, artist and songwriter Billy Joe Walker, Jr. has signed with The Consortium Group for exclusive worldwide representation. He is currently working on projects with singer/songwriters Shelley Skidmore and Drew Smith as well as composer Mike Post.
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.pngFreeman2011-03-31 09:39:462011-03-31 09:39:46The Consortium Inks Billy Joe Walker, Jr.
The T.J. Martell Foundation hosted its third annual Honors Gala on March 28 at the Hutton Hotel. The sold-out event drew 420 guests for dinner, awards presentation, live auction and entertainment by Tommy Shaw, Lorrie Morgan and Committed. The event raised $370,000 to fund innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and […]
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Better Angels Music Group President/CEO Rob Rappaport has added Chief Creative Officer to his roles, and will also become Creative Director of the Publishing Group. Previous Creative Director Todd Wilkes has exited the company but will continue to work with Better Angels as a consultant. Better Angels Director of Artist Relations Gary Ray will assume […]
I live for listening sessions like this one. The best part of this job is the thrill of discovery. There is simply nothing like hearing a great new artist for the first time. Or watching young ones develop.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/10194636/disclaimer33011.jpg260390Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2011-03-30 08:57:402011-03-30 08:57:40DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/30/11)
The Better Angels Music Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has grown exponentially since debuting 16 years ago. This year’s event, running April 27 through May 1 will offer performances from more than 100 top-tier songwriters. Recently added to the lineup are genre-hopping singer/songwriters Raul Malo, Marshall Chapman, and Robert Earl Keen; serial country chart-toppers […]
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 15:51:072011-03-29 15:51:07Key West Songwriters Fest Draws Top Nashville Talent
Stoney Creek Records is celebrating the first No. 1 from Thompson Square. “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” spent three weeks at No. 1 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. The single has sold over 750k digital downloads, holding the top position for two weeks on the DigitalSoundscan chart. The song was penned by David Lee Murphy and Jim Collins. Next up […]
Today’s just-announced off-camera awards will be presented at the ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Songwriter Dan Muckala, MercyMe, and Third Day (pictured) were among the top honorees at last night’s (3/28) ASCAP Christian Music Awards, presented at Nashville’s Richland Country Club.
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?
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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“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. […]
Friday Factoids
/by MichelleKerry Hansen • Corey Crowder • Sarah Cates
On Tour: Toby Keith; Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson; Jason Aldean
/by MichelleBig & Rich and Gretchen Wilson will hit the road for Xtreme Muzik The Tour beginning June 18. The show will visit over 30 cities, and will include special guests Cowboy Troy and Two Foot Fred. Sharing one eight-piece band on a custom stage that includes, of course, a fully-operational bar as the centerpiece, the […]
ASCAP VP Tim Dubois Meets with Source
/by contributorPlus, Curb’s Dylan Robinson celebrates 20 and CMA EDU/SOLID welcomes McGhee Entertainment
BMI Out and About
/by contributorCheer Up Charlie Daniels Win Road to Bonnaroo Round Two Fans were out in full force for the second installment of BMI’s 2011 Road to Bonnaroo competition, held at Mercy Lounge on March 21. Cheer Up Charlie Daniels proved victorious, narrowly edging out the other competing bands: Leroy Powell, Big Surr, Born Empty, Keegan Dewitt, […]
Harley Allen Service Scheduled
/by Robert K OermannA memorial service for Nashville songwriting great Harley Allen will be held on Wednesday (4/6) at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. (37211) — He died on March 30, of lung cancer at home in Nashville. The gifted and prolific Allen won BMI Awards for such songs as “Between the Devil and Me” (Alan Jackson, […]
Muve Music Moves To TN
/by adminCricket’s new Muve Music service debuted in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga on March 10, 2011. Paired with a Samsung Suede mobile device, Cricket offers consumers a $55 per month all-in plan. Unique is the addition of unlimited music. The plan includes unlimited nationwide calling, text, picture and video messaging plus unlimited global text messaging, […]
Mel McDaniel Passes
/by Robert K OermannGrand Ole Opry star Mel McDaniel passed away Thursday evening at age 68. He had been battling cancer for several years. The Oklahoma native has been an Opry cast member since Jan. 11, 1986. McDaniel is noted for such hits as “Gentle to Your Senses” (1977), “God Made Love” (1978), “Right in the Palm of […]
Weekly Chart Report (4/01/11)
/by FreemanKAIR/Atchison, KS PD/MD/Mornings Jason Drake has departed his post after 13 years with the station. Also departing are Drake’s Wake Up Crew co-hosts Brian Hagen (News Director/Afternoons) and Rachel Lehcar (Listener Liaison).
Vegas Goes Country For Sunday's ACM Awards
/by Sarah SkatesIt’s the week Vegas Goes Country, with tons of events surrounding Sunday night’s (4/3) ACM Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. For a recap of the nominees, click here. The fan-voted Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories will be chosen by text voting powered by the RAM Truck Brand […]
Lawrence Music Group Signs Rick Huckaby
/by Sarah SkatesTracy Lawrence signs Rick Huckaby • Sarah Darling scores simultaneous hits • New Curb artist Dylan Robinson
ASCAP Releases 2010 Financial Results
/by Sarah SkatesASCAP released its financial results for 2010 today (3/31), showing a dip in total revenues and member distributions since last year’s record highs. The information was presented at the organization’s General Annual Membership Meeting in New York City. Financial distributions to members in 2010 totaled $845 million, down 2.1% versus the 2009 high of over […]
Tin Pan South In Full Swing
/by Sarah SkatesThe Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival kicked off Tuesday night (3/29) in Nashville. Over 120 songwriters took the stage at nine local venues over the first two nights.
Shaw Produces Debut From Newswoman Robin Meade
/by Sarah SkatesVictoria Shaw helmed production for a new pop/country album by CNN HLN anchor Robin Meade. The singer debuted songs from the project on Monday night (3/28) at New York City’s legendary Birdland club. Shaw, who also produced Lady Antebellum’s debut album, joined Meade onstage for the event, bringing along fellow Nashville tunesmith Gary Burr. For […]
Woods Retires, Magill To Head Sony Business Dept.
/by Sarah SkatesAngie Magill has been promoted following the retirement of Kathy Woods.
Garth Brooks Salutes Late Journalist Rineke Van Beek
/by Sarah SkatesLongtime Dutch country music journalist Rineke Van Beek passed away last month following a lengthy battle with cancer. During her 30-year career, she worked for Country Gazette in Holland, which was the recipient of the CMA’s award for international journalism. Following the closure of Country Gazette, Van Beek worked with Nashville FM. Among the many fans of […]
Swift's Worldwide Sales Pass 20 Million
/by Sarah SkatesTaylor Swift’s worldwide album sales total has passed the 20 million mark. This includes her three Big Machine Records studio albums, plus a holiday collection and a Walmart exclusive. In addition, Swift has sold over 33 million paid song downloads, making her the top-selling digital artist in history. Next the star heads to Sunday night’s […]
Lori McKenna Shares New Music In Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesLori McKenna debuted music from her latest album Lorraine in Nashville this week. The Massachusetts based songwriter has been in Music City for a listening party, and Tin Pan South performance.
The Consortium Inks Billy Joe Walker, Jr.
/by FreemanRenowned producer, musician, artist and songwriter Billy Joe Walker, Jr. has signed with The Consortium Group for exclusive worldwide representation. He is currently working on projects with singer/songwriters Shelley Skidmore and Drew Smith as well as composer Mike Post.
T.J. Martell Honors Gala Raises $370,000
/by Sarah SkatesThe T.J. Martell Foundation hosted its third annual Honors Gala on March 28 at the Hutton Hotel. The sold-out event drew 420 guests for dinner, awards presentation, live auction and entertainment by Tommy Shaw, Lorrie Morgan and Committed. The event raised $370,000 to fund innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and […]
Zac Brown Fears No Endeavor
/by Sarah SkatesZac Brown’s bag of tricks seems bottomless. The superstar-on-the-rise is adding a TV show to his ever-growing repertoire.
Soundscan: Sugarland Gets Upswing
/by Sarah SkatesIn brief: Country absent from this week’s all-genre Top 25 • Country album sales down 12.5% YTD • All-genre and country digital album sales up 13% YTD
Songwriter Harley Allen Passes [Updated]
/by Sarah SkatesRespected songwriter Harley Allen succumbed to cancer early this morning, Wednesday, March 30, 2011.
Better Angels Staff Updates
/by FreemanBetter Angels Music Group President/CEO Rob Rappaport has added Chief Creative Officer to his roles, and will also become Creative Director of the Publishing Group. Previous Creative Director Todd Wilkes has exited the company but will continue to work with Better Angels as a consultant. Better Angels Director of Artist Relations Gary Ray will assume […]
Photo Roundup Wednesday
/by MichelleCMA Songwriters Series • Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum • SOLID at MTSU
DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/30/11)
/by Robert K OermannI live for listening sessions like this one. The best part of this job is the thrill of discovery. There is simply nothing like hearing a great new artist for the first time. Or watching young ones develop.
Key West Songwriters Fest Draws Top Nashville Talent
/by Sarah SkatesThe Better Angels Music Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has grown exponentially since debuting 16 years ago. This year’s event, running April 27 through May 1 will offer performances from more than 100 top-tier songwriters. Recently added to the lineup are genre-hopping singer/songwriters Raul Malo, Marshall Chapman, and Robert Earl Keen; serial country chart-toppers […]
Industry Ink Tuesday
/by Sarah SkatesBMI promotes Michael Steinberg • Ray Shelide joins APA • Grammy Awards 101 seminar • Twenty First Republic management for producers/engineers
Rising Artists Stealing Angels, Thompson Square, Margaret Durante
/by Sarah SkatesStoney Creek Records is celebrating the first No. 1 from Thompson Square. “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” spent three weeks at No. 1 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. The single has sold over 750k digital downloads, holding the top position for two weeks on the DigitalSoundscan chart. The song was penned by David Lee Murphy and Jim Collins. Next up […]
ACM Reveals Off-Camera Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesToday’s just-announced off-camera awards will be presented at the ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
ASCAP Christian Awards Honor MercyMe, Dan Muckala
/by Sarah SkatesSongwriter Dan Muckala, MercyMe, and Third Day (pictured) were among the top honorees at last night’s (3/28) ASCAP Christian Music Awards, presented at Nashville’s Richland Country Club.
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.