DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/19/11)

Let’s do a little Grammy gazing, shall we? For starters, let’s look beyond the stunning and well-deserved six nominations for Lady Antebellum. What Nashville act has the second most? Surprise! It’s the quintuple nominated outing by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Which, by the way, wins our Disc of the Day. I’d also like to give a shout-out to Darrell Scott, who not only has a Country Instrumental nomination, but is also a crucial component of Band of Joy, the twice nominated CD by Robert Plant.

Colt Ford's Free Download, New Web Series

Colt Ford is giving fans a free download of the tune “Hip Hop In A Honky Tonk” featuring Texas star Kevin Fowler. Get it here with no strings attached, or check out the new video at CMT.com. In more news from the Average Joes artist, Ford has debuted the Mr. Goodtime Show on his website […]

Open Road Signs Miller; Bishop Media/Marketing Formed

Karyn Bishop announces the formation of Bishop Media & Marketing, formerly known as KB Radio Works. According to Bishop, the new company is designed to better serve the diversified client base she now represents. Services include artist radio tours, artist marketing and syndicated radio show recruitment and affiliate relations activities. Current clients include “Rise-Up Country […]

Lifenotes

Reminder—Nick Hunter memorial• Derek Crownover welcomes baby • Sony’s Joe Freel’s father passes • Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys loses father

Comcast, NBC Universal Merger Approved

Comcast’s purchase of NBC Universal is expected to be complete before the end of the month, following today’s approval of the merger by the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department. The government approved the $30 billion transaction, tagging it with numerous conditions designed to ensure fair competition between Comcast and other programmers, ISPs and […]

Finding A Way Out Of The Record Biz Maze

Hollywood entertainment blog TheWrap.com, usually content to bluster over the world of film and TV has issued a pair of music industry articles offering dire 2011 predictions.

Etix Acquires Rockhouse Partners

Rockhouse Partners, the Nashville digital marketing company specializing in live events, has been acquired by ticketing service Etix. Founded by former Echo executives Tawn Albright, Kevin Brown, and Joe Kustelski, Rockhouse had recently announced its expansion with Rockhouse Live, a division focused on helping live entertainment properties sell more tickets. Kustelski and Brown will stay […]

Rascal Flatts Concert Special on ABC

The ABC Television Network will air a Rascal Flatts concert special on Sat., March 12 at 7 PM/CT. The band’s show this Friday, Jan. 21 at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Xcel Energy Center will be taped for the special. Rascal Flatts: Nothing Like This Presented by JCPenney will be directed by George Flanigen and executive produced […]

Faith Hill, Pretenders Pair For Super Bowl CMT Crossroads

A special episode of CMT Crossroads will pair Faith Hill with The Pretenders, live from the Super Bowl festivities. The show will premiere on CMT Saturday, February 5 at 9 p.m. CT. It is part of the NFL Pepsi Super Bowl Jan Fam, a three-show concert series being held at the Verizon Theatre in Grand […]

Schwartzenberg Named HoF Sr. Dir. of Marketing

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has named Jeff Schwartzenberg to the position of Sr. Dir. of Marketing. Schwartzenberg will report to VP Sales and Marketing Sharon Burns and will oversee advertising, promotions, creative, digital marketing and related initiatives for the museum. Schwartzenberg most recently served as Sr. Dir. of Marketing and Communications […]

Media Consumption Shifts Content Value

It’s no secret that music sales have tanked over the last several years, and today’s LA Times examines how media consumption is shifting as Hollywood also feels the hurt. All kinds of media purchases are on the decline, ranging from CDs and DVDs to video games and movie theater attendance. Another major factor impacting the […]

The Producer's Chair Expands; Radio Show Debuts

The monthly interview series The Producer’s Chair will begin airing online and on TV. The show from creator/host James Rea is also moving to a new venue. Beginning with the Friday, January 28 show featuring multi-Grammy winning producer, engineer, mixer, David Z (Prince, Elvis Costello, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Cropper), The Producer’s Chair will be taped […]

Aldean's "Party" Goes Platinum

That’s right, it’s time for the My Kinda Party party. Less than three months since the release of Jason Aldean’s fourth album My Kinda Party, it has earned Platinum certification. This makes his third career Platinum album and brings his overall sales total to five million. “I just can’t say enough about country music fans […]

Hirings At Monarch Publicity, Davis Music Group

Heather Conley has joined Cindy Heath’s Monarch Publicity as Director, Marketing. With the company’s expansion, it will begin offering consumer, third-party marketing and sales support, as well as publicity services. Conley was previously Marketing Director at Disney’s Lyric Street Records and most recently with Big Machine Label Group. “Heather is a great creative mind who […]

Carter's Chord

“A Little Less Comfortable” Show Dog-Universal Sister trio Carter’s Chord (Emily, Joanna, and Becky Robertson) is releasing its new single “A Little Less Comfortable.” The song was written by Emily and Joanna with Phillip White and tells the story of someone longing to return a more exciting, unpredictable time in a relationship. The music of […]

Urban, Kidman Welcome New Daughter

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman announced today that they have a new addition to their family. Faith Margaret Kidman Urban was born in Nashville at Centennial Medical Center via surrogate on December 28, 2010. She joins two-year-old big sister Sunday Rose. The proud parents issued the following statement: “Our family is truly blessed, and just […]

Country Strong Sales Jump

Movies aimed directly at country music and the country lifestyle are few and far between, but one of the joys of their arrival is that they often have an original soundtrack that goes with them. Country Strong, staring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw happily extends the tradition. The Country Strong soundtrack album has been released […]

Americana Fundraiser at Blackberry Farm

John Hiatt, Nanci Griffith, and Rodney Crowell will lead the lineup for a concert at the Smoky Mountain resort Blackberry Farm to benefit the Americana Music Association. The concert weekend is set for March 25-27. “Hearing internationally respected poet-troubadours in such a gorgeous setting will really be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director […]

NBC To Search For "The Voice" In Music City

NBC is holding Nashville auditions for its new singing competition The Voice (working title). Based on the Dutch show, Voice of Holland, the American version is from reality TV gurus/ executive producers John de Mol and Mark Burnett. Internet rumors abound that Carson Daly is in negotiations to host the show. Interested contestants can try […]

Pop Shined in 2010, But All Formats Face Changes

it was also a year in which some basic industry assumptions were trampled. The touring industry, thought to be bulletproof, was derailed by the weak economy and digital track sales growth, long touted as the savior of falling album sales, slowed to a crawl.

Fan Jam Remote Will Coincide With ACM Awards Telecast

As awards shows strive for more and more fan involvement, the Academy of Country Music has announced plans to add a Fan Jam concert, to be held in Las Vegas during and after the April 3 ACM Awards. This will let even more fans take part in the Awards show excitement. Sugarland will headline the […]

BMI Trailblazers; Keep The Music Playing Concert; USO Tour

Commissioned and Shirley Caesar Honored at BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards • Sara Evans Visits Pearl-Cohn Choir Students In Preparation For Keep The Music Playing All-Stars Concert • Kix Brooks Visits The Troops

DVD Kiosk Rental On The Rise

In 2010, more DVDs and Blu-ray Discs (BDs) were rented from standalone kiosks like Redbox and Blockbuster, than in retail stores. This according to the latest research by The NPD Group. “Consumers are obviously responding positively to the perceived value and convenience of kiosks,” said Russ Crupnick, entertainment industry analyst for NPD. According to NPD, […]

Country Cares for St. Jude

Many members of the country music community spent the weekend in Memphis to help kick off the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon season. The event, spearheaded 22 years ago by Randy Owen, drew more than 800 artists, label representatives, radio station personnel and executives. Country Cares is one of the nation’s largest radio fundraising […]

Steve Jobs Taking Medical Leave

Apple boss Steve Jobs is taking an indefinite medical leave of absence. During his absence, day-to-day control of the company will be in the hands of Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook. Jobs will retain the title of CEO and said in a letter to employees that he will be involved in “major strategic decisions” for […]

Memorial Set For CDB Guitarist Tommy Crain

Friends and family will gather Friday evening at Soundcheck Nashville to honor he music and the memory of longtime Charlie Daniels guitarist Tommy Crain. Crain died last Thursday, Jan. 13. He was 59 years old. During his 15-year tenure in the Charlie Daniels Band, the guitarist recorded more than 20 albums with the group. He […]

Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert

The Nashville Alliance for Public Education, along with the Country Music Association and the Nashville Symphony will host a student concert Tuesday, Feb. 1 (6:30 PM/CT) to celebrate the return of the city’s world-class Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the development of our next generation of musicians and performers during the second Keep the Music Playing […]

BNA Talent Signs Lopez And Tallant

BNA Talent Group, located on Music Row, continues to increase its footprint in country music programming with the announcement of its signing of TV and radio hosts Patricia Lopez and Shane Tallant. BNA Talent Group represents hosts, actors and recording artists for television, feature film and commercial representation. Lopez recently made her country television debut […]

Former CDB Guitarist Tommy Crain Passes

MusicRow extendes its condolences to family and friends of longtime Charlie Daniels Band guitarist Tommy Crain, who passed away yesterday (1/13) in Franklin. He was 59. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ella Helen Crain, and survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Crain; his wife, Melissa Williams Crain; daughter, Ann […]

Saporiti Joins Savannah Music Group

“It’s nice to be back among the living,” smiles Bob Saporiti new General Manager of Savannah Music Group. “We’re already having a blast.” Saporiti was appointed to the new SMG position shortly before the holidays replacing Ed Salamon who joined the company Oct. 1. Savannah Music Group consists of three principals including SMG President Dave […]

TV Roundup: John Rich, Lady Antebellum

John Rich will follow in the footsteps of Trace Adkins and Clint Black as he joins the upcoming season of Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump revealed yesterday (1/13) on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The season kicks off March 6 and the typically bonkers cast includes LaToya Jackson, Gary Busey, Star Jones, Real Housewives of Atlanta’s […]

Wii Game Blends Country Hits With Dancing

GameMill Entertainment recently announced Country Dance for the Nintendo Wii, a one of a kind interactive dance video game featuring over 25 country hits. Slated for a Spring release, Country Dance will include the following songs and more: Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova” Brad Paisley – “Water” Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue” Trace Adkins – […]

Benefit News

Lady A & Friends Star in 4th Annual Dustin J. Wells Foundation Gift of Music Concert • Clay Walker To Host Second Annual MS Benefit • “A Night of Nostalgia” with Jo Dee Messina

McDonough Re-Activates JEMMedia

Veteran publicist Judy McDonough has re-activated her PR company, JEMMedia. Most recently she worked with Nancy Russell’s management company the co-op until just before the holidays. Shortly before joining the co-op McDonough worked with Republic Nashville doing publicity for acts such as The Band Perry. Before that she served as Director of Media and Public […]

Carter's Chord Signs With UMPG

Show Dog-Universal Music’s Carter’s Chord has signed an exclusive songwriter and publishing agreement with UMPG Nashville. They are currently in the studio working on their new album, co-produced by Toby Keith and Mark Wright, to be released in 2011. Their new single, “A Little Less Comfortable” written by UMPG Nashville’s Emily, Joanna and Philip White […]

Weekly Chart Report (1/14/11)

SPIN ZONE Things are a little slow early in 2011, with several older singles hanging on in the Top 10 for a chance at No. 1. Keith Urban’s “Put You In A Song” remains at the top of the stack, but appears to be losing some ground to Luke Bryan’s “Someone Else Calling You Baby” […]

Brice and Niemann Co-Headline Tour

Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann are teaming up to co-headline The Higher Education Tour. Kicking off March 10, the tour will run through college markets around the country, with additional dates to be announced. Brice will also appear on the nationally syndicated morning show, The Daily Buzz on January 17 to promote the tour and […]

Yes Marks The Spotify

The New York Post is reporting that European music provider Spotify is “days away from signing a deal with Sony Music,” and has gained support from another major U.S. music company as well making a 2010 launch imminent. Spotify offers users a free account with advertising to listen to unlimited music or a $10/month option […]

Online Video Reports Best Practices

According to TubeMogul.com’s Jan. 2011 Report for Online Video Best Practices, fewer than 1% of all videos exceed one million views. The report says, “Even getting featured on YouTube’s homepage yields fewer views than it used to, despite the site’s meteoric growth (or perhaps because of it). Videos in the ‘Featured’ or ‘Spotlight’ spots on […]

the co-op Recruits Maurice Miner

Maurice Miner has joined the team at Nancy Russell’s management and entertainment company, the co-op, working with artists Alan Jackson and Loretta Lynn. Miner was most recently Director of Syndicated and Satellite Radio for Sony Music Nashville, a position he inaugurated for the company six years ago. In this role, Miner worked with the careers […]

Shania To Join Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Shania Twain will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this year. As part of the festivities she will be honored with a special musical tribute at the March 27 Juno Awards. The superstar from north of the border has earned 12 Junos during her career, and has album sales totaling more than […]

Lambert Gets Grammy Slot, More News

Miranda on Grammys • JaneDear tonight • Opry stops by Wanda Jackson/Jack White and Toby Keith • Alan Jackson GE commercial • Lady A and Dr. P •  Steel Magnolia • Bleu Edmondson >>Miranda Lambert is the first country artist announced to perform on the Feb. 13 Grammy Awards. She joins fellow nominees Arcade Fire, […]

SXSW Adds Fashion Focus, Names Keynote

Preparations are underway for SXSW 2011, set to bombard the streets of Austin March 11-20. As the music, film and industry event enters its 25th year, it has added a fashion component to the mix. Organizers have also announced that political activist and musician Bob Geldof will be the Keynote Speaker and Showcase Performer. The […]

Dan Keen Named Belmont Instructor

The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business (CEMB) has appointed longtime adjunct Dan Keen Instructor of Music Business. The industry veteran is a 2007 alum of Belmont’s Master of Education program and also serves on the CEMB Advisory Board. Keen’s career has included time as VP at ASCAP, even receiving the PRO’s Award […]

Singer Margaret Whiting Passes

Pop vocalist Margaret Whiting, who was made an honorary member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1949, has died at age 86. Capitol Records paired Whiting with singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely in a series of highly successful duets, beginning with 1949’s “Slipping Around.” As a result, Whiting became the first woman to have a No. […]

BMI Toasts "Come Back Song" Team

BMI toasted the team behind Darius Rucker’s latest chart-topper, “Come Back Song,” at an intimate dinner on Tuesday, January 11. Written by Casey Beathard, Chris Stapleton and Rucker, the song is the lead single from Rucker’s second country album Charleston, SC 1966.

ASCAP Presents BMG at the Bluebird

As part of its popular monthly songwriter showcase at the Bluebird Cafe, ASCAP Nashville presented BMG songwriters Brett James, Neil Thrasher, busbee and other guests at a sold-out show on January 11. James was ASCAP’s 2010 Country Songwriter of the Year (he also won this award in 2006, along with the Song of the Year […]

SESAC Promotes Shannan Hatch

SESAC has announced the promotion of Shannan Hatch to Sr. Dir., Writer/Publisher Relations. Formerly Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Hatch is based in Nashville’s office and will continue her duty of recruiting and nurturing the careers of songwriters and publishers. “Shannan has proven herself to be a very gifted music executive with a keen eye for recognizing […]

Chesney Sets Dates; Flatts Hit Road

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Tim McGraw are among the stars hitting the road in 2011. Following last year’s touring slump, The New York Post reports that promoters are planning to lower ticket prices for this season. Chesney, whose tickets come with a traditionally low price point, probably would have weathered the downturn with […]

Photo Edits: Peach Pickers, Dirt Drifters and Christian Kane

The Peach Pickers Celebrate “All About Tonight” • The Dirt Drifters Begin Radio Tour • Christian Kane Performs At Inaugural Ball The Peach Pickers Celebrate “All About Tonight” During a party at ASCAP on January 7, Music Row songwriting trio The Peach Pickers (Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson) celebrated another No. 1 on […]