Tag Archive for: featured-2

Tim DuBois To Exit ASCAP

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Tim DuBois has announced that he will be exiting his post at ASCAP as Vice President and Managing Executive, Nashville, at the end of this year.

Commenting on his decision, DuBois said, “My commitment to ASCAP was to guide the development of a newly configured Nashville Regional Office. Over the past two years we’ve built a strong structure and team to support and service the needs of our members in the Nashville region, and I am proud to pass the torch to such a capable group of young executives. It’s time for me to return to Vanderbilt and to devote more time and energy to my entrepreneurial activities.”

ASCAP Executive Vice President of Membership Randy Grimmett added, “We have been fortunate to have had Tim’s guidance these past two years during which he oversaw a major restructuring of ASCAP’s Nashville office. We thank Tim for his service to ASCAP. As a songwriter, he remains an important member of the ASCAP family, and we value his continued support for the team that will serve ASCAP for years to come.”

ASCAP’s Marc Driskill will expand his leadership role as VP & General Manager, Nashville, overseeing ASCAP’s Nashville operations with Senior Creative Directors LeAnn Phelan and Michael Martin continuing in their roles leading the creative staff of Mike Sistad, Jesse Willoughby, Ryan Beuschel, Robert Filhart, Jess Draper and Anna Maki, who have proven their excellence as a creative resource to the Nashville community and are committed to providing outstanding service to ASCAP’s members.

Jay Frank Announces New Venture

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Music industry veteran and author Jay Frank has announced the launch of Nashville-based DigSin, a digital music company where subscriber fans will get all releases for free. In a departure from the typical record label model, DigSin will focus on single song releases and maximizing listening audience.

“DigSin is the result of years of examining the new ways music fans find and listen to music,” says Frank, who will make the announcement at today’s Digital Music Forum West in Los Angeles, CA. “We are committing ourselves to expose new songs in a targeted, organic way that enables us to be a trusted filter to music fans.”

The name is a shortened version of Digital Single and aims to build a database of music fans who will receive every label release for free in their preferred genre and format. The label will focus on pop, rock and dance music.

“To succeed as a music company today, you must be open to multiple new revenue streams and new ways of thinking,” says Frank. “Through a combination of free music, social networking, analytics and traditional promotional outlets, we will be a new model for music companies for the future.”

Deals with DigSin purport to be flexible and artist-friendly, enabling the label to partner with advertisers and other outlets in numerous exposure opportunities. Frank founded the company on the principle that developing artists need smart marketing in the digital world, and hopes to provide a stepping stone to the next plateau.

Frank was most recently an executive with CMT and authored the 2009 book, Futurehit.DNA on what it takes to have a hit in the digital era. Prior to that, he was a digital music executive with Yahoo! Music.

For more info, visit http://www.digsin.com.

Weekly Chart Report (10/07/11)

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While in NYC recently, Craig Morgan (R) stopped by SiriusXM for some "Hangtime" with Director of Music Programming, Al Skop. Morgan’s latest single “This Ole Boy” (Black River) is currently at No. 40 on the CountryBreakout Chart.

SPIN ZONE
Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” emerges at the CountryBreakout No. 1 song for a second week, but there’s quite a battle shaping up just below him. Positions No. 2 and 3 remain occupied by Thompson Square’s “I Got You” and Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly,” respectively, both of which add over 120 new spins in this chart. If you think that’s impressive, check out positions 4-6. Brantley Gilbert’s “Country Must Be Country Wide,” on the way to living up to its title, moves to No. 4 with a gain of 187 spins. Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” is right behind at No. 5, following a 253 spin gain. And Lady Antebellum’s “We Owned The Night” bests them all at No. 6, picking up a 301 spin gain.

Aussie sibling trio The McClymonts is now inside the top 40 at No. 38 with “Wrapped Up Good,” marking the sisters’ highest charting single to date. One spot behind them at No. 39 is red-hot new Dierks Bentley single, “Home,” which earn’s the week’s biggest spin increase in its second week charting. Also joining the Top 40 are Mark Wills’ “Crazy Being Home” at No. 37 and Craig Morgan’s “This Ole Boy” at No. 40.

Sea Gayle/BNA artist Wade Bowen is currently out on his first radio tour, and stopped for a visit with WUBE/Cincinnati. Bowen’s sixth studio album--his first for a major label--is currently in the works. (L-R): WUBE Cincinnati PD Grover Collins, Bowen

Sony Music titans Kenny Chesney (BNA) and Brad Paisley (Arista) both experience strong debuts of new singles. Chesney’s “Reality” makes its first appearance at No. 67, while Paisley’s “Camouflage” shows up at No. 70. This is the first week either song picked up any reports. A little farther ahead, Trent Tomlinson’s “A Man Without A Woman”(Skyville) is moving impressively well with a 75-59 jump in its third week charting. Could be that love is in the air right now, as Kevin Fowler’s “That Girl” (Average Joe’s) is on to No. 51 in its third week, and newcomer Andy Gibson’s “Wanna Make You Love Me” (R&J Records) is up to No. 46 after eight weeks.

Frozen Playlists: KMKS KSED, KSMA, KTTI, WAAG, WCJW, WKWS, WOWF, WQNZ, WTCM

Upcoming Singles
October 10
Burns & Poe/I Need A Job/Blue Steel Records
Billy Currington/Like My Dog/Mercury
David Bradley/If You Can’t Make Money/Gecko
Dierks Bentley/Home/Capitol Nashville
Jackie Arredondo/Rockin’ That Trailer/Gold Voice
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA
River City Gang/This Old Town/Rio Grande

October 17
Jake Owen/Alone With You/RCA
Neal McCoy/A-OK/Blaster/Rodeowave
Lee Brice/Woman Like You/Curb
Glorianna/(Kissed You) Good Night/Emblem/WAR
Johnny Solinger/Livin’ Out A Country Song/Red Dirt/Turnpike
The Farm/Home Sweet Home/All In/Elektra Nashville/New Revolution

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA — 67
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 70
Jeff Bates/He Wasn’t Like Us/Black River — 78

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Dierks Bentley/Home/Capitol — 401
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 339
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA — 330
Lady Antebellum/We Owned The Night/Capitol — 301
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 290

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 31
Dierks Bentley/Home/Capitol — 29
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA — 26
Trent Tomlinson/A Man Without A Woman/Skyville Records — 16
Jake Owen/Alone With You/RCA — 13
Lee Brice/A Woman Like You/Curb — 9
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 8
Billy Currington/Like My Dog/Mercury — 8

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Lee Brice/A Woman Like You/Curb — 173
J.D. Malone & The Experts/Silver From (And You Still Want More)  — 170
Attwater/Never Gonna Happen/Twenty Ten Music — 165
Clay Dustin/I’ll Take That Job/Pure Heart Records — 150
Landon Michael/Might As Well Be Me/Big Dog Records — 150

As part of her ongoing radio tour, BigRide recording artist Marlee Scott stopped by KWOF 92.5 The Wolf/Denver to visit with morning show co-hosts Jonathan and Mudflap. Scott’s “Beautiful Maybe” is currently at No. 63 on the CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Mudflap (KWOF morning show co-host), Marlee Scott, Jonathan Wilde (KWOF PD/morning co-star), & InstiGator Entertainment’s Glenn Noblit

David St. Romain (L) hosts The WYNK/Baton Rouge-sponsored songwriter series at The Manship Theatre recently with Rodeowave recording artist Phil Vassar.

Row Rally Circles The Wagons For Second Harvest

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“This is our kick off event in support of the Stars For Second Harvest concert being held at The Ryman Auditorium on October 18, 2011 featuring Kix Brooks, Dave Barnes and songwriter Dallas Davidson,” said event organizer and publisher/songwriter Craig Wiseman.

The 2nd Annual Music Row Rally will take place Oct. 12 in Wiseman’s Big Loud Shirt parking lot at 1111 16th Ave. South during lunch time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be available from local food trucks including Riff’s Fine Street Food, Happy Eating, and Cupcake Collection. 10% of all profits made by the trucks will be donated to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Tickets for the Oct. 18 concert event are on sale for $35 at Ticketmaster.com. For special VIP seating opportunities contact the Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community.

Organized in 1978, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization.  Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is one of the largest and most comprehensive of over 200 food banks and food distribution centers nationwide and also a member of Feeding America – The Nation’s Food Bank Network. www.secondharvestmidtn.org.

 

Charlie Cook On Air

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iHeartRadio v. Pandora

I did not go to the iHeartRadio concert last month in Las Vegas. It would have been fun, and I doubt that anyone will ever put together a show this big again. However, I did read plans are already in place for next year.

You all noticed that it was a RADIO company that was able to pull it off, right? Okay, it was the on-line version of the RADIO company. I read that it cost $10 million but over 10 million people logged on and/or downloaded the new app. It seems to me Clear Channel got a great return for the marketing money.

I do not work for Clear Channel. I have never worked for Clear Channel. But I am pulling for Clear Channel to successfully blunt Pandora. I know that at least half of the people reading this article could not care less who wins this battle because a pipe is a pipe is a pipe.

But that is not true. The obvious advantage that Clear Channel has is that they also have about 1000 radio stations in their stable. They have thousands of boots on the ground. They have long-standing relationships with artists and record company representatives. Clear Channel is in it for the long haul.

They have the ability to impact music on their hundreds of music radio stations. Let’s think about that for a minute. If there are 5 million people using the “create your own station” on iHeartRadio, is that information being made available to their stations? I hope so. I hope that someone will say, “Here is some research about what songs are being marked positive or negative across the platform.”

We know that listeners and viewers are using everything at their disposal when looking for media. I watch HBO GO and Netflix on my Android phone. I use radio.com, IHeartRadio, TuneIn Radio and read the Wall Street Journal on my tablet.

We’re not tied to the standard radio any longer but we’re still listening to the radio. I am always going to lean to the players who think enough about the industry to include ‘radio’ in their name. It is NOT a small thing.

Everything at the recent National Association of Radio meeting in Chicago was digital. Bob Pittman, the new CEO of Clear Channel, gave an enthusiastic defense of radio versus Pandora at the meeting. The irony is that this was less than 10 days before Clear Channel touted their digital Pandora fighter in Las Vegas.

I want there to be no question that I see the irony but no hypocrisy. Clear Channel’s foray into that field is a defensive move as much as an attempt to build a new business. Radio should be behind Clear Channel in this effort.

I do not want to give Clear Channel an in against my radio stations. If I compete against a Clear Channel station in market X I am not going to run ads for IHeartRadio, but I would not be running ads for Pandora either. As an aside, do you ever wonder why over the air TV stations run ads for HBO? And then wonder why the audience for over the air TV has decreased year after year? I digress.

Those of us involved in radio or the record industry have a challenge every day to be the most entertaining, most compelling choice for the consumer. Newcomer Casey James is not jealous of Keith Urban (okay bad choice…we’re all jealous of Keith Urban). Casey knows that he has to work hard and find the best music, get out and see station personnel and work his way up the charts.

I have clients that compete directly with Clear Channel stations. I am not jealous or afraid of what these stations do with IHeartRadio. What we try to do is produce a better terrestrial radio station. What we try to do is build websites that are attractive to the listeners. We try to offer information and entertainment that they listeners want.

The bottom line for Clear Channel and all radio stations is that we have the bullhorn. Radio is the big guy in this space. I have an example where David is really Goliath.

A lot of manufacturers have made a run at the iPad. Most have fallen by the wayside: HP, Samsung, Motorola, etc. Why would Amazon think they can make a dent in Apple?

“Amazon has an advantage that other tablet manufacturers don’t have in that millions of people already visit its site on a regular basis,” said Evercore Partners analyst Ken Sena, in the Sept. 28 Wall Street Journal.

Radio has that same advantage over Pandora. It is just that until recently radio companies failed to provide an attractive alternative. It is now in the field. CBS radio will surely come with something similar in the coming months and then some entrepreneur will build something for smaller companies.

But behind it all, the 295 million people who listen to radio each week will know about it.

[updated] Keith Case & Associates Rebrands with New Name

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Keith Case & Associates, the well-known talent agency representing some of the biggest names in bluegrass, Americana, roots, songwriting and indie rock, is now known as KCA Artists. Owner Keith Case explains, “We’ve been known as ‘KCA’ for years. With this change, we are making it official and have created an updated image that reinforces the brand.”

The new name reflects how the company has grown since its inception more than 30 years ago. “In the early days, we were known for bluegrass music,” says Case. “Today we run the gamut—we still have bluegrass clients, but we are also representing the very best talent in many different styles of music. The lines of these genres cross, yet the agency has remained solid, changing to reflect what our industry looks like today.”

Case started his career in Denver and relocated to Nashville in 1982. As a talent agent, manager and/or promoter he has represented famed musicians including the late Townes Van Zandt, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Robert Earl Keen.

KCA Artists’ current roster includes Guy Clark, Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Seldom Scene, Jesse Winchester, Suzy Bogguss, Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Matraca Berg, The SteelDrivers, Billy Joe Shaver, Steep Canyon Rangers, Matrimony, Ralph Stanley, The Farewell Drifters, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, the Fairfield Four and many others.

Case also praises his staff: “We feel that we have the strongest team in the agency’s history. As the industry changes and evolves, we grow with it while remaining steadfast.” On board are agents Logan Bosemer, John Everhart and Lee Olsen; GM and artist manager Claire Armbruster; contract administrator Marilee Chipoletti; and agent assistants Jessi Shores and Brian Solomon.

KCA Artists can be reached at 1025 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212 and (615) 327-4646.

Aldean Will Party Into 2012

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CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party Tour will party on into 2012, with several new tour stops scheduled beginning in January. Aldean’s friend Capitol Records artist Luke Bryan will join the tour as special guest. The only date announced so far is Feb. 24 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which sold out in minutes.

“I never want this year to end,” said Aldean. “This has been the best year of my career, and our shows just keep getting bigger and better, so we’re just going to take the party on into the new year. Luke and I are really good friends…we hang out on our off days, we hunt and fish together, and we love to play music to our fans. It’s gonna be a blast.”

Aldean is currently finishing up the Fall leg of his 2011 My Kinda Party Tour, with the final show scheduled for October 28 in San Diego, Ca. During his break from touring, Aldean will perform on the CMA Awards Nov. 9, where he is tied for the most nominations with five.

First announced cities on 2012 My Kinda Party Tour:
Cedar Falls, IA
Champaign, IL
Charlottesville, VA
Dayton, OH
East Rutherford, NJ
Fayetteville, NC
Green Bay, WI
Greenville, SC
Huntsville, AL
Jonesboro, AR
Kansas City, MO
Nashville, TN — Feb. 24 @ Bridgestone Arena
Oklahoma City, OK
Orlando, FL
St. Paul, MN
Tupelo, MS
Wichita, KS

New Nashville Developments Nurture Artists

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Artist rendering of the Ryman Lofts.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Nashville’s first affordable community designed for artists was held downtown yesterday (10/5). The Ryman Lofts are scheduled to open in 2012, and will include 60 apartments for a range of creative types. The $5.289 million endeavor will include meeting spaces that are conducive to artistic endeavors. A focus group of local artists helped with the design.

The idea for Ryman Lofts grew from the Music City Music Council, which recognized that making quality affordable urban housing available to emerging artists can spur small business development, reduce transportation demands and nurture the city’s creative workforce. The architect is Smith-Gee Studio and the contractor is R.G. Anderson.

“Nashville is known around the world for the work of our creative community and each year more people move here to Music City to pursue careers in the arts,” Mayor Karl Dean said at the groundbreaking. “The Ryman Lofts speak directly to the uniqueness of the Music City identity and will continue to help cultivate the city’s culturally rich and diverse community by creating affordable urban housing opportunities for artists.”

Entertaining the crowd was The Collective, an a cappella group made up of some of Nashville’s independent singer-songwriters currently competing on NBC’s The Sing-Off.

The Ryman Lofts are part of the Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood, which also includes the Historic Trolley Barns, an 80,000 sq. ft. space being renovated for non-profit and creative companies. Moving in will be Emma, the Center for Nonprofit Management, Hands On Nashville, The Entrepreneur Center, Centric Architects and Metro Development Housing Authority, some as early as this year.

The Entrepreneur Center recently received a $2.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration—the largest EDA grant in state history—for its renovation of Trolley Barn #1, a 22,000 sq. ft. facility that will house 72 incubation spaces, education facilities, office space, expected to launch 40 to 70 companies annually.

Rolling Mill Hill already includes the Art Deco, Victorian, Metro Building and Nance Place apartments.

Rendering of the Historic Trolley Barns.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

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IEBA Conference Educates and Entertains

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Wanda Jackson and Jim Messina. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

The 41st Annual iteration of the International Entertainment Buyer’s Association (IEBA) conference concluded last night (10/4), following three days of record-breaking attendance, musical showcases, networking and educational sessions for the live entertainment industry.

On Sunday (10/2) evening following a welcome reception, talent agency APA showcased some of its talented artists including Lyndsey Highlander, Aaron Parker, Jim Messina and Ray Scott. But septuagenarian Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson stole the show from all of them. Clad in a glittery pink jacket, Jackson sang spunky versions of her classics “Riot In Cell Block #9,” “I Gotta Know,” and “Let’s Have A Party” as well as “Shakin’ All Over” from her Jack White-produced 2011 album The Party Ain’t Over. Youngsters take note: the lady’s still got it.

Later, attendees flocked over to War Memorial Auditorium for dinner and another round of showcases from Paradigm Agency. Comedian Reno Collier entertained between set changes, and performers included Canadian songbird Marlee Scott; newcomers Dean Alexander and JT Hodges; Texas hitmaker Jack Ingram; and the scary-talented costumed troupe Here Come The Mummies.

Sarah Darling. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Educational panel options were numerous on Monday, including an interview of legendary Kiss manager Doc McGhee by Billboard’s Ray Waddell. The two covered McGhee’s experience managing one of the biggest touring acts in history, as well as the future of the live entertainment business. Creative Artists Agency showcased in the early afternoon with its new faces Kip Moore, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, Craig Campbell, Sonia Leigh, and Love and Theft.

That evening, Buddy Lee Attractions showcased Bush Hawg, Sarah Darling, Josh Gracin, Mark Chesnutt, Corey Smith, and LoCash Cowboys. Darling showed promise and poise onstage, delivering recent single “Something To Do With Your Hands” and a cover of U2’s “With Or Without You” in fine voice. Corey Smith also displayed his knack for relatable story songs, followed by the big tent rock ‘n’ roll antics of LoCash.

Over at War Memorial, William Morris Entertainment created a stellar lineup that got underway with a fiery full-band set from Wynonna. Neal McCoy engaged the crowd between performers, also debuting his new Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton produced single “A-Ok.” EMI Nashville’s Eric Paslay performed acoustically, followed by a tandem acoustic set full of hits from buddies Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann. Brice and Niemann brought out new face Tyler Farr, who showcased his remarkable vocal talents. The Band Perry closed out the evening with a full band extravaganza of fancy lighting and tricked-out LED screens, though some sound mixing issues in the beginning put a damper on the spectacle. TBP will be playing its first headlining show in Nashville at the Ryman February 20, but getting tickets to that sold-out affair will probably take some pretty slick bargaining.

Pictured at the WME showcase are (L-R): Reid Perry, co-head of WME Nashville Rob Beckham, Kimberly Perry, Wynonna, co-head of WME Nashville Greg Oswald, Kerry Hansen with Big Enterprises and Neil Perry. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Laura Bell Bundy. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Yesterday (10/4), showcases included Cold River Records’ Katie Armiger, DJ Miller and the roster of Paradise Artists that included Glen Templeton, Blackhawk, Paul Revere and the Raiders and more. Ticketmaster CEO Nathan Hubbard delivered a much-anticipated speech on the importance of keeping music fans invested in live shows.

The conference closed out in style with the annual Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner, which was hosted by Laura Bell Bundy and featured performances by Roy Clark and Don Schlitz with live art created by Michael Israel. HoF inductees included Bobby Baker, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Jimmy Jay, Paul Moore, Tandy Rice, Lou Robin, Mike Smardak and Leroy Van Dyke.

“The evening exceeded all expectations. It was a once in a lifetime experience with the great Roy Clark and the many legends of our industry all in the room together. Laura Bell Bundy entertained and charmed everyone. It could not have been more perfect,” said IEBA Executive Director Tiffany Davis.

Pictured at the IEBA Hall of Fame induction: Back Row (L-R): Leroy Van Dyke, Leroy Shafer, Paul Moore, Mike Smardak, Lou Robin, Jimmy Jay; Front Row (L-R): Roy Clark, Bobby Baker and Tandy Rice. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

The following individuals were also honored by IEBA this year.

Venue Executive of the Year
John Bolton – BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Talent Agent of the Year
Stan Barnett – Creative Artists Agency

Club Buyer of the Year
Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar Chicago

College Buyer of the Year – Tie
Rick Stowe – East Coast Entertainment, Inc.
Adam Tobey – Concert Ideas

Corporate Entertainment Buyer of the Year
Paul Creighton – T Skorman Productions, Inc.

Casino Buyer of the Year
Robyn Smith – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Fair Buyer of the Year
Renee Pearson – Minnesota State Fair

Festival Buyer of the Year
Bonnaroo – Ashley Capps – AC Entertainment

International Buyer of the Year
Rob Waloschuk – Dauphin’s Countryfest, Manitoba, Canada