Billboard’s Antony Bruno does an excellent job peering under the hood at Soulja Boy’s recent Nov. 30 album release which managed to shift 13,000 units, a surprisingly modest debut considering the artist has 2.5 million Twitter followers. Does this mean that Twitter’s ability to influence and drive sales is becoming less important? What about for […]
An article in the New York Times points out the growing divide between communication modes of people young and old. Not surprisingly, those in the younger bracket prefer real-time online chats and text messaging to traditional email. Actual phone calls have been on the decline for some time. Younger people tend to prefer a more […]
Nielsen SoundScan handicappers are now melancholy with the realization that country will not achieve flat sales compared with 2009. With two 2010 sales weeks remaining—one leading into the holiday and one after,
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SoundExchange reports its distributions to rights holders increased 55% in 2009 to $156 million. Total revenues rose 20% to 204.2 million. SoundExchange is a non-profit performance rights organization that collects statutory royalties from satellite radio (such as SIRIUS XM), Internet radio (like Pandora), cable TV music channels and similar platforms for streaming sound recordings on […]
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Perhaps country labels should consider the possibility of making album releases into first person shooter video games. According to an article in the New York Post, Acitivision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Black Ops game has crossed the $1 billion sales threshold in only 42 days. Though not quite in Avatar territory ($1B in 20 days), […]
Shania Twain is on the cover of the latest issue of US Weekly, as her reps confirmed to the magazine that Twain is engaged to Frederic Thiebaud. Thiebaud is the ex-husband of Twain’s former friend Marie-Anne Thiebaud — the woman Robert “Mutt” Lange, Twain’s husband of 14 years, reportedly left Twain for in May 2008. […]
Who can beat Celebrity Taste-makers when it comes to discerning between the jealous and the zealous? Their snarky wit is discerning and head turning. So when LA Times blog Ministry of Gossip asked the musical question, is Julianne Hough’s new video “Is That So Wrong” deserving of being “kinda banned” by CMT, as the young […]
Lewis Copeland recently debuted his original theme song “Smashville” at the Nashville Predators game vs. the San Jose Sharks (12/15). Later during a special performance at the Stage on Broadway, Copeland again performed the song. Among those present at the “Smashville” after party were several Nashville Predators Ice Girls who passed out Preds merchandise to […]
Josh Turner and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their third son, Crawford Marion Turner, on Monday, December 13. He was born at 8:52 p.m. at a Nashville hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. Both baby and mother are doing well. “Jennifer and I are overjoyed at Marion’s arrival,” Turner says. […]
Jimmy’s holiday ballad “Drunk on Christmas” has officially become a tradition on his show. Fallon reintroduced the song (12/16) on his show with country star John Rich, who came decked out in a Santa costume with golden cowboy boots. Seasons drinkings everybody! In the wake of response to the musical pairing, the “inappropriate holiday duet” […]
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Country Thunder Festival stops in Arizona and Wisconsin have added additional performers to their lineups. Joining the performance schedule for the Florence, Arizona Country Thunder Festival April 7-10 are Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Neal McCoy. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, and Martina McBride. Full weekend […]
I dread this column every year. It’s not that I don’t like Christmas. Far from it. It’s just that so much bad music gets recorded in its name. And, as usual, there is far more of it than I can hope to cover in a column.
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Chrysalis hosted a luncheon to congratulate Jeff Stevens on his inclusion in Billboard’s Year In Music 2010 Hot Country Songs Producers list. “2010 was a great year for Jeff,” says Chrysalis Nashville Executive VP Dale Bobo. “With another hit single (“Someone Else Calling You Baby”), a gold record for his production on Luke Bryan’s “Doin’ […]
A recent Wall Street Journal article by Damian Kulash Jr., lead singer and guitarist of rock band OK Go delves into some of the corners around which the new models are being built. “We once relied on investment and support from a major label,” says Kulash. “Now we make a comparable living raising money directly from fans and through licensing and sponsorship. Music isn’t going away. We’re just moving out of the brief period—a flash in history’s pan—when an artist could expect to make a living selling records alone.”
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The 140,000 concertgoers turning out this week for Garth Brooks’ Nashville shows haven’t been disappointed. His infectious energy radiated through the sold-out Bridgestone Arena last night (12/19) as the headset-wearing hit machine ran through two hours of material. Dubbed Nashville 10: The Rescue Party, the series of shows benefiting flood relief has raised $5 million to date.
Nominations from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Awards were recently announced, with the Grascals and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage both earning multiple nominations. Reigning SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year The Grascals are up for 10 SPBGMA Awards, including Album of the Year (The Famous Lefty Flynn’s), Entertaining […]
Schatzi Hageman, President and founder of Hot Schatz PR, has announced that her long-term professional relationship with Trace Adkins will be ending at the end of the year. Hageman and Adkins have worked together since 1998. “Changes like these are difficult, but they can be very invigorating and energizing, as well,” Hageman continues. “I’m really looking forward to […]
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Emrose/Stroudavarious/Nine North’s Margaret Durante played the WPOC Charm City Country Showcase at Hightopps Backstage Grill in Baltimore last night while promoting her single “Mississippi’s Crying.” Durante, now 22 years old is a native of Potomac, Maryland. Some of her influences include Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bonnie Raitt whose voices gave her a love of “soulful, […]
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Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus (L) and wife Allison DeMarcus (R) welcomed their first child on Fri., December 17. Madeline Leigh DeMarcus was born in Nashville at 4:49pm, weighing in at 6 pounds and 9 ounces. “Allison and I are thrilled!” shares Jay. “Madeline is absolutely gorgeous; she looks just like her daddy! Both mom […]
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Nashville’s own Jeremy Lister and Street Corner Symphony have made the finals of NBC’s The Sing Off, which will air live tonight (12/20) at 7 pm CT. The a capella singing competition began with 10 vocal groups and has been whittled down to a final four groups: Street Corner Symphony, Committed (Huntsville, AL), The Backbeats […]
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Hot Schatz PR has hired Michelle Lorge as Associate Publicist and Operations Manager. In this role, Lorge will be responsible for implementing regional media campaigns for Hot Schatz artists as well as overseeing the office’s day-to-day administrative functions. “I’m very excited about adding Michelle to the Hot Schatz PR team,” says President/Owner Schatzi Hageman. “With […]
Grammy winning producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon and KMG recording duo Curtis and Luckey recently recorded new music at Blackbird Studios. Cannon said of the duo, “The songs these guys are writing and recording offer a fresh, energetic and exciting take on country music.” (L-R): Cannon, Curtis Baxter and Luckey Moore (standing). • • •
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Orville Almon has announced he will open a private practice on Jan. 3, 2011. Almon, a founding partner of Zumwalt, Almon and Hayes and known for his expertise in contract law, is now making the jump to focus more on business affairs for entertainment and corporate entities. “The business model for an entertainment law firm […]
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Amazon Can’t Dent iTunes,” when it comes to selling music. One of the key differences between the two music retailers is pricing. Amazon often employs steep discounts to draw consumers. For example, Amazon will sometimes price new front line albums $3.99. iTunes usually sells albums for $9.99 […]
Trace Adkins will appear on CBS’ new daytime talk show The Talk today (12/17) at 1 pm CT as a guest and performer. He will talk with show hosts Julie Chen, Leah Remini, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Sara Gilbert as well as performing the holiday classic, “The Christmas Song.” Adkins […]
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SPIN ZONE Note: Today’s chart edition is the final one of 2010, and we will take the next two weeks off. The first chart of 2011 will be published on Friday, January 7. Happy Holidays! • • • • Keith Urban will close out 2010 with “Put You In A Song” at the top of […]
Recently, two country artists’ teams successfully deployed new singles and managed to keep their current singles on the rise. At the 44th edition of the CMA Awards, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean both debuted songs other than their current singles. Thanks to years of hard work at radio by the artists and labels, the move […]
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Entertainment law firm Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, founded in 1975, is joining with Shackelford, Melton & McKinley creating the only law firm with offices in Nashville, Dallas and Austin. Beginning Jan. 1 the new group in Nashville will be named Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes. The newly combined firm brings together over 45 lawyers with experience […]
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If, as pundits proclaimed 12 months ago, “flat is the new up,” then 2010 will have been a pretty good year for country music sales—at least on the surface. Happily, for the week ending 12/5/2010, YTD country sales (down 5.7%) are handily outperforming the all genre average (down 12.7%) compared with the same period in 2009…
Americana Dates Announced The Americana Music Association (AMA) has announced that the 12th Annual Festival & Conference will take place October 12-15, 2011 in Nashville. The event, hailed as the “Best Music Festival” by Southern Living Magazine, features over 100 performing artists, 50 panels, and fans and industry professionals from all of the world. Past […]
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JaneDear girls in YouTube Challenge the JaneDear girls are one of 50 artists selected to participate in MyYouTube, an online promotion that encourages fans to help musicians score points and subscribers on their YouTube channel. The contest, which runs through February 4, 2011, features artists such as B.O.B., Justin Bieber and Rihanna. The JaneDear girls […]
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BMI honored Lee Brice’s record-breaking Billboard Song of the Year, “Love Like Crazy,” at a reception at BMI’s Music Row office on December 14. The song, produced by Doug Johnson and co-written by Johnson and Tim James, was on the Billboard Country Singles cart for an unprecedented 56 weeks, breaking Eddy Arnold’s previous record of […]
Rascal Flatts performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 14 to wrap up their year-long celebration of their 10th anniversary year. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean presented the band with an official city proclamation to recognize the band for their charitable endeavors and honors, including the Jason Foundation and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital […]
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Womack Aids Africa Lee Ann Womack has joined forces with Join My Village, a click-to-commit social change initiative that hopes to release $500,000 of General Mills’ charitable dollars to leading international humanitarian organization CARE. CARE will use the money for economic and educational opportunities for girls and women in Malawi. Join My Village allows individuals […]
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Lauren Thomas has been promoted to Regional Promotion Manager, Arista Nashville. Her responsible territory will be confirmed soon. Sony Music Nashville VP Promotion Skip Bishop made today’s (12/15) announcement. “I’m so happy to escort Lauren to this next level of her promising career. She is a natural born promotion machine and her passion for music […]
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Garth Brooks and The Judds were among Larry King’s final guests, as his venerable CNN show comes to an end this week. Wynonna and Naomi Judd discussed their reunion/farewell tour. Brooks talked about his ongoing shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and flood relief benefits opening tomorrow night in Nashville. See video below. More […]
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Jamey Johnson’s The Guitar Song has been certified gold by the RIAA and is making numerous best albums of 2010 lists. The 25-song double disc set came in at No. 5 on lists in Rolling Stone and SPIN. Hear Johnson talk about the songs here. The UMG Nashville project received two Grammy nominations, including Best […]
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn –collectively known as Stealing Angels to the office for a visit when they were in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Stealing Angels signed up for ACM professional membership and performed a few songs for the staff including their new single […]
Click Here to Order the 2010 Rewind Issue Brad Paisley Label: Arista Nashville Current Album: The double-disc Hits Alive, released November 2, including 25 tracks, blending studio hits and live recordings from Brad’s H2O World Tour. Current Single: “This Is Country Music,” the first single from Brad’s new studio album, releasing spring of 2011. Current […]
Longtime label executive Nick Hunter passed away early this morning (12/15). He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and friends report he fought the disease with grace. Hunter’s career in radio promotion and sales included time among the top leadership at Warner Bros. Records, Giant Records, and as General Manager of Koch Records. […]
The ladies rule the day. There were only two of them is this listening session, but they bested the fellows to take our top two awards. Meaghan Blanchard hails from Canada. This talented singer-songwriter with a songbird’s voice wins the DisCovery Award.
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Several country stars have been recruited for roles in the upcoming HBO Civil War mini-series To Appomattox. Dwight Yoakam, Laura Bell Bundy, Kix Brooks and members of Rascal Flatts are expected to appear in the eight-hour event. They will play real Americans who were involved in the Civil War. Rascal Flatts are also on board […]
The International Entertainment Buyers Association will move its annual conference to the newly renovated Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in 2011. The event will be held October 2-4, 2011. IEBA Executive Director Tiffany Davis says the organization had outgrown its former location, thanks to an increasing number of registrants, showcases, and growing production needs. The Sheraton […]
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (12/11) honored Dallas Frazier in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Frazier discussed his life, career and extensive repertoire, which includes “There Goes My Everything,” “Elvira,” “Beneath Still Waters” and “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” •••••• Local songplugging group the Crazy 8’s invited MusicRow […]
Kix Brooks is on a USO Tour through the Middle East, which will continue through this weekend. Joining him on the run is hit songwriter Bob DiPiero, and stars Lance Armstrong, Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan and Robin Williams. “We just did our first show, and it went great!” reports Brooks. “This group of folks I’m […]
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The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 1 million units. The self-penned song from the trio scored a Grammy nomination and is their first No. 1 single. “This song is about hope and contentment,” says lead vocalist Kimberly Perry. “Fans seem to have taken this […]
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The Hank Williams box set is showing up on numerous best of 2010 lists, earning raves from the Washington Post and CMT.com’s Chet Flippo. The meticulously compiled project won a Pulitzer Prize in May, and is nominated for a 2011 Grammy for Best Historical Album. Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings…..Plus! is culled from […]
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Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee Gerry House ends his venerable show, “The House Foundation,” tomorrow (12/15). During its 22 years on-air, the program on Clear Channel’s WSIX has become a Nashville institution. “The House Foundation” has been counting down the 12 Days of Christmas in celebration, featuring tons of celebrity guests leading up to […]
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Two songs written by Nashville songwriters and with ties to the Sony Music Nashville label group earned Golden Globe nods this morning (12/14) for Best Original Song—Motion Picture. One nominee is “Coming Home,” performed by Gwyneth Paltrow for the Country Strong soundtrack and written by Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, and Troy Verges. Also […]
Lady Antebellum will close out a huge 2010 atop several of Billboard’s year-end charts. The Capitol trio earned the No. 1 spot on the Top Country Album Artists chart, the Top Country Albums chart for Need You Now, the Hot Country Songs Artists recap, the Country Digital Songs list with “Need You Now” and overall […]
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Do Twitter Followers Equal Sales?
/by adminBillboard’s Antony Bruno does an excellent job peering under the hood at Soulja Boy’s recent Nov. 30 album release which managed to shift 13,000 units, a surprisingly modest debut considering the artist has 2.5 million Twitter followers. Does this mean that Twitter’s ability to influence and drive sales is becoming less important? What about for […]
OMG, Email, WRU?
/by FreemanAn article in the New York Times points out the growing divide between communication modes of people young and old. Not surprisingly, those in the younger bracket prefer real-time online chats and text messaging to traditional email. Actual phone calls have been on the decline for some time. Younger people tend to prefer a more […]
Country ’10 Sales Fall Short
/by adminNielsen SoundScan handicappers are now melancholy with the realization that country will not achieve flat sales compared with 2009. With two 2010 sales weeks remaining—one leading into the holiday and one after,
SoundExchange Reports Record Distributions, New Rates
/by adminSoundExchange reports its distributions to rights holders increased 55% in 2009 to $156 million. Total revenues rose 20% to 204.2 million. SoundExchange is a non-profit performance rights organization that collects statutory royalties from satellite radio (such as SIRIUS XM), Internet radio (like Pandora), cable TV music channels and similar platforms for streaming sound recordings on […]
“Black Ops” Boasts Explosive Sales
/by FreemanPerhaps country labels should consider the possibility of making album releases into first person shooter video games. According to an article in the New York Post, Acitivision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Black Ops game has crossed the $1 billion sales threshold in only 42 days. Though not quite in Avatar territory ($1B in 20 days), […]
Garth Tickets on StubHub; Twain Gets Engaged
/by MichelleShania Twain is on the cover of the latest issue of US Weekly, as her reps confirmed to the magazine that Twain is engaged to Frederic Thiebaud. Thiebaud is the ex-husband of Twain’s former friend Marie-Anne Thiebaud — the woman Robert “Mutt” Lange, Twain’s husband of 14 years, reportedly left Twain for in May 2008. […]
Hough’s Video Banned… Really?
/by adminWho can beat Celebrity Taste-makers when it comes to discerning between the jealous and the zealous? Their snarky wit is discerning and head turning. So when LA Times blog Ministry of Gossip asked the musical question, is Julianne Hough’s new video “Is That So Wrong” deserving of being “kinda banned” by CMT, as the young […]
Copeland Debuts “Smashville” Theme
/by adminLewis Copeland recently debuted his original theme song “Smashville” at the Nashville Predators game vs. the San Jose Sharks (12/15). Later during a special performance at the Stage on Broadway, Copeland again performed the song. Among those present at the “Smashville” after party were several Nashville Predators Ice Girls who passed out Preds merchandise to […]
Josh Turner Welcomes Son; Jake Owen Benefit Concert
/by MichelleJosh Turner and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their third son, Crawford Marion Turner, on Monday, December 13. He was born at 8:52 p.m. at a Nashville hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. Both baby and mother are doing well. “Jennifer and I are overjoyed at Marion’s arrival,” Turner says. […]
Fallon And Rich Holiday Duet On iTunes
/by adminJimmy’s holiday ballad “Drunk on Christmas” has officially become a tradition on his show. Fallon reintroduced the song (12/16) on his show with country star John Rich, who came decked out in a Santa costume with golden cowboy boots. Seasons drinkings everybody! In the wake of response to the musical pairing, the “inappropriate holiday duet” […]
Country Thunder Lineup Expands
/by FreemanCountry Thunder Festival stops in Arizona and Wisconsin have added additional performers to their lineups. Joining the performance schedule for the Florence, Arizona Country Thunder Festival April 7-10 are Clay Walker, Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Neal McCoy. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, and Martina McBride. Full weekend […]
DISClaimer Single Reviews (12/21/10)
/by Robert K OermannI dread this column every year. It’s not that I don’t like Christmas. Far from it. It’s just that so much bad music gets recorded in its name. And, as usual, there is far more of it than I can hope to cover in a column.
Chrysalis Fetes Jeff Stevens Producer Honor
/by adminChrysalis hosted a luncheon to congratulate Jeff Stevens on his inclusion in Billboard’s Year In Music 2010 Hot Country Songs Producers list. “2010 was a great year for Jeff,” says Chrysalis Nashville Executive VP Dale Bobo. “With another hit single (“Someone Else Calling You Baby”), a gold record for his production on Luke Bryan’s “Doin’ […]
Music Evolves From Commodity To Experience
/by adminA recent Wall Street Journal article by Damian Kulash Jr., lead singer and guitarist of rock band OK Go delves into some of the corners around which the new models are being built. “We once relied on investment and support from a major label,” says Kulash. “Now we make a comparable living raising money directly from fans and through licensing and sponsorship. Music isn’t going away. We’re just moving out of the brief period—a flash in history’s pan—when an artist could expect to make a living selling records alone.”
Garth: Good Ride Cowboy
/by Sarah SkatesThe 140,000 concertgoers turning out this week for Garth Brooks’ Nashville shows haven’t been disappointed. His infectious energy radiated through the sold-out Bridgestone Arena last night (12/19) as the headset-wearing hit machine ran through two hours of material. Dubbed Nashville 10: The Rescue Party, the series of shows benefiting flood relief has raised $5 million to date.
Grascals, Vincent Earn Multiple SPBGMA Nominations
/by FreemanNominations from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Awards were recently announced, with the Grascals and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage both earning multiple nominations. Reigning SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year The Grascals are up for 10 SPBGMA Awards, including Album of the Year (The Famous Lefty Flynn’s), Entertaining […]
Hot Schatz and Adkins End Business Relationship
/by MichelleSchatzi Hageman, President and founder of Hot Schatz PR, has announced that her long-term professional relationship with Trace Adkins will be ending at the end of the year. Hageman and Adkins have worked together since 1998. “Changes like these are difficult, but they can be very invigorating and energizing, as well,” Hageman continues. “I’m really looking forward to […]
Durante Plays WPOC Show
/by adminEmrose/Stroudavarious/Nine North’s Margaret Durante played the WPOC Charm City Country Showcase at Hightopps Backstage Grill in Baltimore last night while promoting her single “Mississippi’s Crying.” Durante, now 22 years old is a native of Potomac, Maryland. Some of her influences include Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bonnie Raitt whose voices gave her a love of “soulful, […]
Artist Tidbits: Jay DeMarcus, Eddie Montgomery and Joanna Smith
/by MichelleRascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus (L) and wife Allison DeMarcus (R) welcomed their first child on Fri., December 17. Madeline Leigh DeMarcus was born in Nashville at 4:49pm, weighing in at 6 pounds and 9 ounces. “Allison and I are thrilled!” shares Jay. “Madeline is absolutely gorgeous; she looks just like her daddy! Both mom […]
Nashville’s Street Corner Symphony In “The Sing Off” Finale
/by FreemanNashville’s own Jeremy Lister and Street Corner Symphony have made the finals of NBC’s The Sing Off, which will air live tonight (12/20) at 7 pm CT. The a capella singing competition began with 10 vocal groups and has been whittled down to a final four groups: Street Corner Symphony, Committed (Huntsville, AL), The Backbeats […]
Hot Schatz Adds Lorge; Al Brock Launches Spin Doctors
/by FreemanHot Schatz PR has hired Michelle Lorge as Associate Publicist and Operations Manager. In this role, Lorge will be responsible for implementing regional media campaigns for Hot Schatz artists as well as overseeing the office’s day-to-day administrative functions. “I’m very excited about adding Michelle to the Hot Schatz PR team,” says President/Owner Schatzi Hageman. “With […]
Cannon Records Curtis and Luckey
/by contributorGrammy winning producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon and KMG recording duo Curtis and Luckey recently recorded new music at Blackbird Studios. Cannon said of the duo, “The songs these guys are writing and recording offer a fresh, energetic and exciting take on country music.” (L-R): Cannon, Curtis Baxter and Luckey Moore (standing). • • •
Almon Opens Private Practice
/by adminOrville Almon has announced he will open a private practice on Jan. 3, 2011. Almon, a founding partner of Zumwalt, Almon and Hayes and known for his expertise in contract law, is now making the jump to focus more on business affairs for entertainment and corporate entities. “The business model for an entertainment law firm […]
iTunes And Amazon Consolidate Leads
/by adminAccording to a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Amazon Can’t Dent iTunes,” when it comes to selling music. One of the key differences between the two music retailers is pricing. Amazon often employs steep discounts to draw consumers. For example, Amazon will sometimes price new front line albums $3.99. iTunes usually sells albums for $9.99 […]
Upcoming Media Appearances For Adkins and Reba
/by FreemanTrace Adkins will appear on CBS’ new daytime talk show The Talk today (12/17) at 1 pm CT as a guest and performer. He will talk with show hosts Julie Chen, Leah Remini, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Sara Gilbert as well as performing the holiday classic, “The Christmas Song.” Adkins […]
Weekly Chart Report (12/17/10)
/by FreemanSPIN ZONE Note: Today’s chart edition is the final one of 2010, and we will take the next two weeks off. The first chart of 2011 will be published on Friday, January 7. Happy Holidays! • • • • Keith Urban will close out 2010 with “Put You In A Song” at the top of […]
Paisley and Aldean Enjoy Two Times The Airplay
/by FreemanRecently, two country artists’ teams successfully deployed new singles and managed to keep their current singles on the rise. At the 44th edition of the CMA Awards, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean both debuted songs other than their current singles. Thanks to years of hard work at radio by the artists and labels, the move […]
Zumwalt Firm Embraces New Model
/by adminEntertainment law firm Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, founded in 1975, is joining with Shackelford, Melton & McKinley creating the only law firm with offices in Nashville, Dallas and Austin. Beginning Jan. 1 the new group in Nashville will be named Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes. The newly combined firm brings together over 45 lawyers with experience […]
As Digital Revolution Continues, Artists Expand Reach
/by adminIf, as pundits proclaimed 12 months ago, “flat is the new up,” then 2010 will have been a pretty good year for country music sales—at least on the surface. Happily, for the week ending 12/5/2010, YTD country sales (down 5.7%) are handily outperforming the all genre average (down 12.7%) compared with the same period in 2009…
Americana Conference and ACM Awards Dates Announced
/by contributorAmericana Dates Announced The Americana Music Association (AMA) has announced that the 12th Annual Festival & Conference will take place October 12-15, 2011 in Nashville. The event, hailed as the “Best Music Festival” by Southern Living Magazine, features over 100 performing artists, 50 panels, and fans and industry professionals from all of the world. Past […]
JaneDear Girls Taking Over YouTube; Upcoming Marty Stuart Film
/by contributorJaneDear girls in YouTube Challenge the JaneDear girls are one of 50 artists selected to participate in MyYouTube, an online promotion that encourages fans to help musicians score points and subscribers on their YouTube channel. The contest, which runs through February 4, 2011, features artists such as B.O.B., Justin Bieber and Rihanna. The JaneDear girls […]
Photos: BMI Honors Brice, CMA Christmas Cheer, and Ballard Hits the Road
/by contributorBMI honored Lee Brice’s record-breaking Billboard Song of the Year, “Love Like Crazy,” at a reception at BMI’s Music Row office on December 14. The song, produced by Doug Johnson and co-written by Johnson and Tim James, was on the Billboard Country Singles cart for an unprecedented 56 weeks, breaking Eddy Arnold’s previous record of […]
Artist News: Rascal Flatts, Josh Thompson and More
/by MichelleRascal Flatts performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 14 to wrap up their year-long celebration of their 10th anniversary year. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean presented the band with an official city proclamation to recognize the band for their charitable endeavors and honors, including the Jason Foundation and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital […]
Lee Ann Womack Aids Africa; Dierks Bentley is Tops in 2010
/by contributorWomack Aids Africa Lee Ann Womack has joined forces with Join My Village, a click-to-commit social change initiative that hopes to release $500,000 of General Mills’ charitable dollars to leading international humanitarian organization CARE. CARE will use the money for economic and educational opportunities for girls and women in Malawi. Join My Village allows individuals […]
Lauren Thomas Promoted At Arista
/by Sarah SkatesLauren Thomas has been promoted to Regional Promotion Manager, Arista Nashville. Her responsible territory will be confirmed soon. Sony Music Nashville VP Promotion Skip Bishop made today’s (12/15) announcement. “I’m so happy to escort Lauren to this next level of her promising career. She is a natural born promotion machine and her passion for music […]
The Judds and Garth Bid Farewell To Larry King
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks and The Judds were among Larry King’s final guests, as his venerable CNN show comes to an end this week. Wynonna and Naomi Judd discussed their reunion/farewell tour. Brooks talked about his ongoing shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and flood relief benefits opening tomorrow night in Nashville. See video below. More […]
Jamey Johnson Gets Gold Plaque, Critical Praise
/by Sarah SkatesJamey Johnson’s The Guitar Song has been certified gold by the RIAA and is making numerous best albums of 2010 lists. The 25-song double disc set came in at No. 5 on lists in Rolling Stone and SPIN. Hear Johnson talk about the songs here. The UMG Nashville project received two Grammy nominations, including Best […]
ACM Noms Close Today; Stealing Angels Visit
/by Sarah SkatesThe Academy of Country Music welcomed Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn –collectively known as Stealing Angels to the office for a visit when they were in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Stealing Angels signed up for ACM professional membership and performed a few songs for the staff including their new single […]
2010 Rewind Issue—On The Cover: Brad Paisley
/by contributorClick Here to Order the 2010 Rewind Issue Brad Paisley Label: Arista Nashville Current Album: The double-disc Hits Alive, released November 2, including 25 tracks, blending studio hits and live recordings from Brad’s H2O World Tour. Current Single: “This Is Country Music,” the first single from Brad’s new studio album, releasing spring of 2011. Current […]
Nick Hunter Passes
/by Sarah SkatesLongtime label executive Nick Hunter passed away early this morning (12/15). He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and friends report he fought the disease with grace. Hunter’s career in radio promotion and sales included time among the top leadership at Warner Bros. Records, Giant Records, and as General Manager of Koch Records. […]
DISClaimer Single Reviews (12/15/10)
/by Robert K OermannThe ladies rule the day. There were only two of them is this listening session, but they bested the fellows to take our top two awards. Meaghan Blanchard hails from Canada. This talented singer-songwriter with a songbird’s voice wins the DisCovery Award.
Country Stars To Appear In HBO Mini-Series
/by Sarah SkatesSeveral country stars have been recruited for roles in the upcoming HBO Civil War mini-series To Appomattox. Dwight Yoakam, Laura Bell Bundy, Kix Brooks and members of Rascal Flatts are expected to appear in the eight-hour event. They will play real Americans who were involved in the Civil War. Rascal Flatts are also on board […]
IEBA Convention Sets Dates, New Venue
/by Sarah SkatesThe International Entertainment Buyers Association will move its annual conference to the newly renovated Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in 2011. The event will be held October 2-4, 2011. IEBA Executive Director Tiffany Davis says the organization had outgrown its former location, thanks to an increasing number of registrants, showcases, and growing production needs. The Sheraton […]
Photos: Dallas Frazier; Crazy 8’s
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (12/11) honored Dallas Frazier in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Frazier discussed his life, career and extensive repertoire, which includes “There Goes My Everything,” “Elvira,” “Beneath Still Waters” and “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” •••••• Local songplugging group the Crazy 8’s invited MusicRow […]
Artists and Comedians Support Armed Forces
/by FreemanKix Brooks is on a USO Tour through the Middle East, which will continue through this weekend. Joining him on the run is hit songwriter Bob DiPiero, and stars Lance Armstrong, Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan and Robin Williams. “We just did our first show, and it went great!” reports Brooks. “This group of folks I’m […]
The Band Perry Earns Platinum Single
/by Sarah SkatesThe Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 1 million units. The self-penned song from the trio scored a Grammy nomination and is their first No. 1 single. “This song is about hope and contentment,” says lead vocalist Kimberly Perry. “Fans seem to have taken this […]
Praise For Hank Williams Box Set
/by Sarah SkatesThe Hank Williams box set is showing up on numerous best of 2010 lists, earning raves from the Washington Post and CMT.com’s Chet Flippo. The meticulously compiled project won a Pulitzer Prize in May, and is nominated for a 2011 Grammy for Best Historical Album. Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings…..Plus! is culled from […]
House Foundation Signs Off Tomorrow
/by Sarah SkatesCountry Radio Hall of Fame inductee Gerry House ends his venerable show, “The House Foundation,” tomorrow (12/15). During its 22 years on-air, the program on Clear Channel’s WSIX has become a Nashville institution. “The House Foundation” has been counting down the 12 Days of Christmas in celebration, featuring tons of celebrity guests leading up to […]
Nashvillians Score Golden Globe Nods
/by Sarah SkatesTwo songs written by Nashville songwriters and with ties to the Sony Music Nashville label group earned Golden Globe nods this morning (12/14) for Best Original Song—Motion Picture. One nominee is “Coming Home,” performed by Gwyneth Paltrow for the Country Strong soundtrack and written by Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, and Troy Verges. Also […]
Lady A, Corbin and Brice Lead Recent Lists
/by FreemanLady Antebellum will close out a huge 2010 atop several of Billboard’s year-end charts. The Capitol trio earned the No. 1 spot on the Top Country Album Artists chart, the Top Country Albums chart for Need You Now, the Hot Country Songs Artists recap, the Country Digital Songs list with “Need You Now” and overall […]