Sales Magic Might Turn Deficit

This week the smart money is on the Trickster who says, “Watch my magic wand and you’ll see the current country music album sales deficit of 11.8% rise back up to flat or even positive when the revelers welcome 2011.” Considering the scheduled torrent of superstar product, the feat may be more treat than trick. […]

MyWerx Offers Innovative Copyright Ownership ID


Billboard magazine’s current issue (cover date August 21) includes a feature story titled 10 Best Startups of 2010, profiling companies that “share a vision that the best days of the music industry are not behind us, but still lie ahead.” One of the featured startups is Nashville-based MyWerx, a technology company that develops cloud computing […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/18/10)

These may be the Dog Days of summer, but some of the puppies in this stack of new tunes are as cute as the dickens. Ashley Gearing, Taylor Swift, The Roys and Amber Hayes are all bopping brightly. Joey + Rory have teamed with The Zac Brown Band to record an excellent ode to country’s core fans. Jesse Lee wins the DisCovery Award. She not only has a richly evocative country vocal style, but also the listening session’s best written song.

Rodney Atkins Teams With Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced that Rodney Atkins will release his next album with the restaurant chain. Cracker Barrel Presents Rodney Atkins will be available on September 6, and will feature four No. 1 hits, including “These Are My People,” “Watching You,” and the current Billboard Top 20 single “Farmer’s Daughter,” which is approaching […]

IBMA Awards Nominees Announced

IBMA has announced the nominees for the 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday, September 30, 2010, at the Ryman Auditorium. The 2010 IBMA Award Show celebrates the strength and popularity of the genre both inside the bluegrass world and beyond, as the nominees reach out to new audiences with new music and […]

Blake Shelton Celebrates No. 1

Warner Bros. Records artist Blake Shelton has plenty of reason to celebrate these days as his new SIX PAK album, All About Tonight, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, making it his highest charting record to date. The title song from the collection also […]

George Richey’s Mysterious Passing

Nashville producer, songwriter, publisher, manager and record executive George Richey died more than three weeks ago, but the news was kept private for unknown reasons. WSMV news and The Tennessean have confirmed that Richey died on July 31. The station stated that, at his request, he was buried without a public memorial or publicity. Posts […]

MTV Networks Cross-Premiere Swift Single

Sister networks CMT, MTV, VH1 and MTV International will team up to present the global premiere of Taylor Swift’s new video “Mine” on Friday, August 27. The first single from Swift’s upcoming album Speak Now, “Mine,” was rushed to radio after being leaked across the internet. The song went on to debut at No. 1 […]

Deborah Allen on the Wrong Side Of Memphis

E1 Records artist Deborah Allen and her video crew recently found themselves on the wrong side of Memphis. While in the Bluff City to debut her new release, “Amazing Graceland,” during Elvis Week, Allen was scouting locations for her new video when her team decided to take an interesting, but ultimately very wrong, turn. Allen, her manager […]

Niemann’s “Lover, Lover” Gets Gold Certification

Jerrod Niemann’s first No. 1 hit is now also his first RIAA-certified Gold Digital Single. “Lover, Lover” has been a breakthrough song for the Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville artist and his album, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury, has been in the Top 3 country best-sellers since its release. After a quick stop in Nashville last […]

Dierks Plans “Miles And Music For Kids”

Dierks Bentley will host his fifth annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and benefit concert on Oct. 17 in Nashville. For the concert at Riverfront Park, Bentley has recruited special guests Miranda Lambert and Jerrod Niemann, with more to be announced in coming weeks. In only five years, the event has attracted […]

Casey James Signs Record Deal With 19/BNA

Sony Music Nashville has added another American Idol alum to its roster. Casey James, who finished third on the show’s most recent season, has inked with 19 Recordings/BNA Records. The Cool, TX native is currently on the American Idols Live! Tour 2010, and will soon be at work on his debut album, set for release […]

Canadian Country Org Gets New Exec

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has named Don Green Executive Director of the Association. Green starts at the CCMA on Monday, August 23 and will be onsite at Country Music Week Edmonton, September 8-12. Current interim Executive Director, Sheila Hamilton will remain on staff through the Fall to ensure a flawless transition. Green is […]

CMA Noms To Be Revealed Over 2 Days

Final nominees for The 44th Annual CMA Awards will be announced over two mornings, on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. On Wednesday, Sept. 1, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert will announce the final nominees in five CMA Awards categories live from the Good Morning America studios in New York City on ABC. The announcement will […]

Social Media Success Story CJaye LeRose

Online marketing success stories are becoming more and more common and CJaye LeRose is the latest example. She started a YouTube channel in April 2009 to raise awareness about pet adoption, and posted a self-penned song along with dog rescue videos. Now the Texas native has had more than one million video views on YouTube […]

Date Set For Grammy Noms Concert

The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night® will air live on the CBS Television Network on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 10–11 PM ET/PT. The one-hour special will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees. Presenters, performers and additional information will be announced […]

Burns and Poe

“How Long Is Long Enough” Blue Steel Records Already spinning at: KAIR, KBCN, KBCR, KCJC, KCNY, KFAV, KGRT, KKAJ, KKOW, KLMJ, KLQL, KMGO, KNAF, KNCQ, KREK, KRRV, KRVN, KSMA, KTJJ, KTKS, KTNT, KVVP, KWCK, KWOX, KWWR, KXIA, KXOX, KZZY, WATZ, WBRF, WBYZ, WCJW, WCOW, WDNB, WGGC, WGLR, WHMA, WIFE, WJMQ, WJNR, WKKW, WKSR, WMEV, WOWF, […]

Warner Adds Niederhauser; CRS Liner Registration Open

Mark Niederhauser will join the Warner Music Nashville promotion team as Southwest Regional Promotion Manager starting September 7. He will report directly to Vice President of Promotions Bob Reeves. Warner Music Nashville is home to Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records and Word Label Group. Niederhauser can be reached after September 7 at Mark.Niederhauser@wmg.com. ••••••••••••• Following […]

Toby Keith Goes Deluxe

Toby Keith is planning to release a deluxe edition of his new album when it comes out Oct. 5 via his label Show Dog-Universal Music. The special edition of Bullets In The Gun will have four live tracks which were recorded during his surprise “Incognito Bandito” show at The Fillmore in Manhattan. It is available […]

Photos: Dave Bartholomew; Nashville Publishers Network

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Bartholomew recently stopped by BMI’s Music Row offices. The legendary songwriter, producer, musician, arranger and A&R man hooked up with Fats Domino and their collaborations sent shock waves from New Orleans, forever changing the soundscape of American music. Bartholomew wrote classics including “Ain’t That a Shame,” “I’m Walkin’” […]

WMBA Week Celebrates New Non-Profit Status

The Nashville-based Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is hosting its inaugural WMBA week to celebrate its new non-profit status. Events, welcoming both men and women, are scheduled for August 22 –27. WMBA VP Penny Dionne believes the events will give members of the organization a chance to connect with friends and colleagues on Music Row, […]

Hirings At Black Ink Publishing

Black Ink Music Publishing announced two new hirings today. Noah Dewey has re-joined the company as VP of Creative Services and Meghan Orga is on board as the Office Manager. Richard Orga has been at the helm of Black Ink for seven months. The boutique music publishing company is home to writers Matt Jenkins, Justin […]

UMG Videos Back on MTV.com

Universal Music Group is temporarily allowing MTV.com to stream music videos from its artists. The label group had recently forced MTV.com to remove the videos until a licensing agreement could be reached. According to AdAge.com, UMG came around, at least for the time being, so that fans can watch the videos and vote for MTV’s […]

George Richey Passes

MusicRow has confirmed George Richey, longtime husband of Tammy Wynette, passed away recently. According to Woodlawn Memorial Park, Richey has been laid to rest near Wynette in the Woodlawn Cross Mausoleum. Richey and Wynette wed in 1978; it was her fifth and longest marriage. Songwriter/producer Richey had been in her life for many years as […]

Friday Photos: Artists Out And About

Josh Thompson in Dallas Columbia Nashville’s Josh Thompson caught up with KSCS Dallas PD Chris Huff last weekend while he was there with the Brad Paisley H20 World Tour.  Thompson’s current single, “Way Out Here,” is Top 20 and climbing the country charts. • • • Josh Kelley in the Twin Cities With his debut […]

Lionel Richie To “All For The Hall” Fundraiser

Superstar Lionel Richie will perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s All for the Hall Los Angeles fundraiser on Thursday, September 23, at Club Nokia, Museum officials announced today (8/13). The event, which will follow a “guitar pull” format, will feature performances by Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Kris […]

Eric Church’s “Smokin’” Video Premiere

EMI Records Nashville artist Eric Church is premiering the video for his new single,  “Smoke A Little Smoke” on Yahoo! Music today (8/13). “Smoke A Little Smoke” is the third single from Church’s critically acclaimed album Carolina. Previous hits “Love Your Love The Most” and “Hell On The Heart” both spent time in the Top 10 of […]

Reba Conquers Facebook, Announces New Album

Valory Music Company artist Reba surpassed the one million fan mark on Facebook this week, propelling her into an elite group of only 10 country artists to achieve the popularity milestone. Reba, who continues to gain over 11,000 new Facebook Fans each day, joins Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Kenny […]

Weekly Chart Report (8/13/10)

SPIN ZONE And the hits keep on coming. Capitol Nashville locks the CountryBreakout Chart’s top spot as Lady Antebellum’s “Our Kind Of Love” ascends, following a multi-week stay at No. 1 by Keith Urban’s “I’m In.” Urban slips to No. 2, followed by another recent No. 1, Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight.” Yet another previous […]

Johnny Mathis Goes Country

Gwyneth Paltrow’s doing it, Platinum-selling rockers Train are doing it, and rumor has that even Cher is getting into the game. Now we can add romantic crooner Johnny Mathis to the list of celebrities who have recently jumped over to the country side of the fence. For his first full album inspired by country music, […]

Nashville’s Frost Specialty Merges With Integro

The insurance brokerage and risk management firm Integro announced today (8/13) that it has completed a merger with Frost Specialty, LLC, a third-generation insurance agency specializing in serving the music industry and located on Music Row. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. From its founding in 1980 as a trailblazer in the Country […]

Mix Nashville to Feature Keynoters Dodd and Niebank

Mix Magazine will hold its annual Mix Nashville Sept. 13-14 at the newly reopened Soundcheck facility. The two-day event includes panels on the business and applications of studio and live production and features top engineers, producers and music industry professionals from the Nashville community. Sessions include topics diverse as Recording Guitar to Selling Your Music […]

Pete Drake Enters Georgia Musician’s Hall

Musician’s Hall of Fame Member, pedal steel guitarist, producer, and recording artist Pete Drake will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during the 32nd Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show on September 11, 2010. Nashville musicians being inducted along with Drake (also posthumously) include songwriter John Jarrard and songwriter/recording artist […]

CMA Music Fest Tickets Available Aug. 23

The dates for the 2011 CMA Music Festival are Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, 2011. Four-day ticket packages will go on sale Monday, Aug. 23 at 10:00 AM CT.  Fans can purchase their tickets at Ticketmaster.com or 1-(800)-745-3000. They  can also purchase them through CMAfest.com or 1-(800)-CMA-FEST. Ticket prices are based on the level of […]

Turcotte Joins Big Machine In Int’l Role

The Big Machine Label Group has announced the addition of Brad Turcotte in the newly created position of International Director of Marketing. In his new role Turcotte will coordinate and liaison with all international distribution partners in regards to all aspects of foreign releases for the Big Machine Label Group. The Big Machine Label Group’s current […]

Facebook Enters Net Neutrality Fray

[Updated 8/12] The net neutrality debate which has been slowly heating to a boil between Verizon,Google and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski now has Facebook entering the fray. Facebook, the giant social network with over 500 million users, obviously has a vested interest in the outcome of rules affecting its ability to move data over broadband […]

Swift’s “Mine” Leaps Into Billboard’s Hot 100

Taylor Swift’s new, rush-released single, “Mine,” has entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 3, making Swift the second female artist in the history of the Hot 100 to debut multiple tracks in the top five during a calendar year. Mariah Carey is the only other female with multiple top five debuts in a […]

Performers Added To Dale Franklin Award

Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan and Randy Travis have been added to the list of tribute performers for the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, a gala event honoring Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson on Sunday, August 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville. Shawn Camp will lead a band of many of Nashville’s […]

Benefit News: Good Times For a Good Cause

Annual Buds-n-Suds Music Fest Returns The 13th Annual Buds-n-Suds Music Festival Presented by Big 98 Country will take place on Wednesday, August 25 at Loser’s Bar and Grill in support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Tennessee Chapter.  The outdoor concert will take place from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This year’s […]

Music Row Ladies Golf Tourney This Monday

The 23rd Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) will tee off at the Old Natchez Country Club (1323 Sneed Road) on Monday August 16. Golfers can support the event’s beneficiary, the United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee (UCP), by registering a team as well as bidding on exciting online auction items. This year’s roster includes industry drivers from […]

Little Big Town Readies “The Reason Why”

With the fastest-climbing hit of their career, “Little White Church,” currently climbing the country singles chart, Capitol Nashville’s Little Big Town’s fourth studio album, The Reason Why, will hit shelves on August 24. The platinum-selling band, which consists of Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook, co-produced the album alongside Wayne Kirkpatrick and […]

IBMA Conference Offers Early-Bird Discounts

The International Bluegrass Music Association is gearing up for their annual IBMA Business Conference at Nashville’s Convention Center/Renaissance Hotel Sept. 27-30. The annual business conference for the bluegrass music industry features artist showcases, an exhibit hall with more than 100 booths, professional development seminars, member constituency meetings, one-on-one networking and more. The Conference culminates with the International […]

Buddy Miller Kicks Off Hall of Fame Residence

Acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Buddy Miller delivered a stellar performance last night (8/10) in the first of three Artist-in-Residence appearances at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Miller, who served as host and curator for the sold-out evening, invited many of his collaborators onstage, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Tom T. […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/11/10)

It’s Independents’ Day. As regular readers know, I occasionally like to stray off the major-label path and devote a column entirely to indies. Just to survey the scene and see what’s going on.

Summer Sales Await Fall Finale

The album sales chart which compares 2010 YTD sales against 2009 sales (physical and digital) finds country languishing in the summer sales doldrums, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The steep purple trend line shows the genre’s fall continues to worsen compared with 2009. Although all genre YTD sales percentages are lower overall they have leveled somewhat […]

Free Taylor Swift App Garners Critical Raves

Country sensation Taylor Swift is no stranger to rave reviews, and now the superstar can add her own iPhone app to her list of success stories. The new Mix Me In2 app gives listeners the ability to play or sing along with Swift, and, from the NY Times to US Magazine, critics are lining up […]

Dierks Bentley Readies “Draw Me A Map”

Capitol Nashville artist Dierks Bentley will release “Draw Me A Map” as the second single off his critically acclaimed album Up On The Ridge. The pleading ballad ships this week and goes for official adds on Aug. 23. “When we were making this album, we didn’t follow the rules of what a modern ‘country’ record […]

Chesney Offers Hemingway’s Whiskey

Kenny Chesney’s Hemingway’s Whiskey will be released Sept. 28th on BNA Records. Its debut single, “The Boys of Fall,” is already Top 15 at country radio and an eight minute video, co-produced by Chesney, featuring football superstars Peyton Manning and Brett Favre can now be seen on video outlets, including VEVO, CMT and GAC. Other […]

Jesse Lee

“Like My Mother Does” Atlantic/WMN “Like My Mother Does” is the debut single for new artist Jesse Lee, and her upcoming album will be released by Atlantic Records. The song is a tribute to a mother-daughter relationship that represents Jesse’s own relationship with her mom. “My mom’s my best friend, so when I’m singing that […]

Can Karl Dean’s industry think tank rebrand Music City?

by Adam Gold [Nashville Scene] Nearly everyone can agree on why Nashville should be considered a world-class city and a music-business player in the same league as New York or L.A.: We’re the cradle of country music, the citadel of contemporary Christian. We’re home to many of the most skilled session players, songwriters, producers and […]