Tag Archive for: featured-2

Dill’s ‘Murder’ Hits Home Run

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Author/manager Stuart Dill with client Laura Bell Bundy.

Murder On Music Row
by Stuart Dill
John F. Blair, Publisher
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Veteran Nashville manager Stuart Dill’s sharp new novel, Murder On Music Row has more twists than a narrow country road. The plot revolves around a hired assassin, an international record company merger and fight for control of superstar, Ripley Graham’s new, but still undelivered album. The writing style is concise and the dialogue feels real. Dill’s day job has him currently managing artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Laura Bell Bundy and Jo Dee Messina.

Named checked in the book, but not included as characters are real life industry entities such as Erv Woolsey, Brian Mansfield, Pete Fisher, Tony Brown and Frank Liddell, plus artists such as Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill and others. The locations range from Hillsboro Village to the Castle studios on Old Hillsboro Road to the superstar Ripley Graham’s mansion at the Governers Club in Brentwood. Elite Management, the company owned by Graham’s manager, Simon Stills, has offices in a high rise at the Music Row roundabout above Killen Cirlce.

One of the most insightful paragraphs of the book reveals Dill’s management sensibilities presented in terms of the 1776 book Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. Manager Simon Stills tells intern Judd Nix one of the book’s two heros why he should be a manager.

“…Adam Smith explained why people’s jobs are so boring. They do the same thing over and over until they’re bored out of their minds. If you want to be a doctor, you can’t be just a doctor, you have to be a specialist. Every day you work in gastroenterology or hematology or oncology—there are no ordinary doctors anymore. Same deal with lawyers. They specialize in tax law or corporate law or divorce law. Same thing over and over until they’re bored to the point of heavy drinking. It’s also true in the music business. It’s a specialized industry. You’ve got your booking agent, publicist, business manager, record producer, music publisher, all doing the same thing day in and day out. But then you get to artist managers. We are the exception. We are the ones that say, ‘Adam Smith is dead!’ We don’t specialize in any one sector of the music industry. We master it all. We advise and counsel our clients on every aspect of their careers. We build a team of specialists around an artist and direct them all. Artist management as a profession is the only unrestricted, unrestrained, non-boring career in the modern world! That’s why you should strive to be an artist manager.”

The book seems tailor made to come alive on the silver screen except for the fact that Judd Nix and heroine Meagan Olsen, obviously kindling a love flame, never actually consummate the attraction. Perhaps that is is due to Dill’s strong religious background as evidenced in the acknowledgements, but never mind, the Hollywood screenplay writers should have no problem inserting that gratuitous detail.

Considering it’s Dill’s first novel, it’s a home run. Once you get to turning a few pages you’ll find yourself caught in the intrigue like the draft behind a fully-loaded 18 wheeler barreling down interstate I-65.

 

Grant and Gill To Be Honored With Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award

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Artists Amy Grant and Vince Gill will be presented with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s 18th annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award on Nov. 1. The award honors the duo’s unmatched philanthropic spirit.

“As incredible as their professional success has been and as much as their words and music have impacted our lives, Amy and Vince’s philanthropic support for causes and people in need typifies the size of their hearts. They have dedicated themselves to helping others with a creative and caring fervor as inspirational as any other this community has ever enjoyed,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Grant and Gill have supported a multitude of causes over the years including Challenge America, The Red Cross, The Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee, Project Redesign and Samaritan Ministries.

The couple will be honored during the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award Luncheon at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. Tickets and reservations for the event are available through www.cfmt.org or by calling 615-321-4939.

Mayor Dean Unveils Music Makes Us Education Initiative

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Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has announced plans to beef up the music education curriculum in Metro Nashville schools, pledging to make the program the worldwide leader.

Dean unveiled his new approach today (9/15) at a press conference at the Ryman Auditorium, surrounded by industry insiders including Atlantic artist Hunter Hayes.

The new initiative, Music Makes Us: The Nashville Music Education Project, will overhaul the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ music program to include a contemporary curriculum with new technologies that more accurately reflect the diversity of popular music.

Hunter Hayes and Nancy Shapiro, Vice President, Member Services and Regional Management for The Recording Academy, at the Ryman Auditorium for the ‘Music Makes Us’ press conference. Photo: Betsy McHugh

Expected to be added to the curriculum in area middle and high schools are classes in songwriting and composition, rock band and hip-hop performance, and technology-based production such as DJ/Remixing and recording. Traditional music curriculum in band, orchestra and choir will also be enhanced.

“Through Music Makes Us, Music City will become the standard bearer of what music education can be and should be in public education,” Dean said. “Our innovative curriculum will draw in students that may have felt left out in the past. Beginning at a young age, Metro students will be exposed to a wide array of musical styles and influences.”

Metro Schools will now have an Office of Music Education with a full-time director and staff. The current school year will be an organizational period, with private donations, to hire the director and a program coordinator. An audit of the school district’s facilities and equipment will also be conducted.

“Whereas traditional PreK-12 music education programs rely heavily on orchestras, marching bands, and choirs, students in Nashville will start enjoying new outlets for their creativity as soon as the 2012 school year,” said Dr. Jesse Register, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “Music Makes Us will promote strong music literacy, appreciation and creativity and will enhance academic learning in other subjects.”

Music Makes Us was formulated over the last two years through the education committee of the Music City Music Council, formerly the Nashville Music Council, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Metro School. Education committee chair Nancy Shapiro helped lead the program’s development.

Weekly Chart Report (9/16/11)

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Blair Garner’s (L) “After MidNite Live” summer concert series will take listeners backstage to Brad Paisley’s H2O II: Wetter & Wilder World Tour this weekend at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa, FL. The series gives listeners a behind-the-scenes account of what happens on the road with a superstar country concert. Special guests include Blake Shelton (pictured with Garner), Jerrod Niemann, JaneDear Girls, Sunny Sweeney and Edens Edge.

SPIN ZONE
It’s a perpetual party at the top of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart, so it only makes sense that George Strait’s “Here For A Good Time” get to spend a little time at No. 1. This week the King’s latest single is blessed with an additional 175 spins and moves up from No. 2, staying ahead of Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” which jumps up from No. 6. Right behind at No. 3 is Thompson Square’s “I Got You” and Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” at No. 4.

New singles from young stars dot the chart’s Top 40, comprising many of the hottest upcoming tunes. Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” has already climbed to No. 11 in its seven week journey, faster than her previous releases. Lady Antebellum’s domination continues with “We Owned The Night,” up to No. 18 in its fifth week charting. That other hot new trio–The Band Perry–is two spots behind at No. 20 with “All Your Life” after only seven weeks. Also quickly rising are Eric Church’s “Drink In My Hand” at No. 21 (five weeks), Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos On This Town” at No. 28 (four weeks), Luke Bryan’s “I Don’t Want This Night To End” at No. 33 (three weeks), and Zac Brown Band’s “Keep Me In Mind” at No. 36 (two weeks).

Eric Lee Beddingfield (R) recently spent some time with WSM-AM host Bill Cody (L) to promote his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed his debut hit “The Gospel According to Jones” on the hallowed stage for George Jones’ 80th birthday celebration.

Indie-label new face Andy Gibson notches a big debut at No. 64 with “Wanna Make You Love Me” (R&J Records), thanks to a 150-spin gain. Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar might have major label pedigrees, but they’re both now working outside that world on smaller labels. MG’s “Where I Come From” is currently at No. 24, with Vassar’s “Let’s Get Together” right behind at No. 25. Sneaking in the Top 30 is the iconic Dolly Parton’s “Together You and I” (Dolly Records), followed by newcomer Rachel Holder’s “Chocolate” at No. 31 and Burns & Poe’s “Second Chance” at No. 32.

Frozen Playlists: KYKX, WBYZ, WCJW, WDHR, WKWS

Upcoming Singles
September 19
The Lost Trailers/Underdog/Stokes Tunes/CO5
JaneDear Girls/Merry Go Round/Warner Bros./WMN
Bill Gentry/This Letter/Tenacity
Courtney Stewart/Telling You/Lamon

September 26
Coy Taylor/Fall For You/Twang City/Flying Island Ent.
Bobby Dean/White Lightning or Pink Champagne/Lamon
Crystal Shawanda/Love Enough/Sun/Nine North
Kip Moore/Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck/MCA

• • • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Andy Gibson/Wanna Make You Love Me/R&J Records — 64
The O’Donnells/She Leaves The Light On/Song Valley Music — 73
Chris Cagle/Got My Country On/Bigger Picture — 75
David Wood/Ride The Wild West (Cowabunga)/DeW Note Records — 76
Ronnie Milsap/If You Don’t Want Me To (The Freeze)/Bigger Picture — 77
Joel Warren & Jason Allen/Straight Up Country/Wynnesong — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 428
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 390
Lady Antebellum/We Owned The Night/Capitol — 389
Eric Church/Drink In My Hand/EMI Nashville — 293
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 282

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 22
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 19
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 15
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 14
Chris Young/You/RCA Nashville — 13
Andy Gibson/Wanna Make You Love Me/R&J Records — 12
David Wood/Ride The Wild West (Cowabunga)/DeW Note Records — 9
Scotty McCreery/The Trouble With Girls/19 Ent./Mercury — 9

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Scotty McCreery/The Trouble With Girls/19 Ent./Mercury — 183
Jimmy White/Forever And A Day/Tone Box Records — 152
Randy Travis/Everything and All/Warner Brothers — 152
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 149
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 144

Cold River Records artist Katie Armiger meets up with WRNS/Greenville/New Bern, NC Program Director, Tommy Garrett and his wife Vicki backstage at Katie’s show in Winterville, NC this weekend. (L-R): Cold River SE Rep Halie Hampton, Tommy Garrett, Armiger, Vicki Garrett

Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge (“It Ain’t Gotta Be Love”) recently opened for Little Big Town at WKLB’s charity show at the Hard Rock Boston benefiting The Floating Children's Hospital. (L-R) Eldredge, LBT's Jimi Westbrook & Kimberly Schlapman, Ginny Rogers (MD WKLB), Mike Brophey (PD WKLB), LBT's Karen Fairchild, and Philip Sweet

Charlie Cook On Air

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A Kinder, Gentler Ratings Period

This is a very important time of the year for smaller market radio stations. We have already talked about the top 48 markets being measured for 13 months a year (only Arbitron has figured out how to charge a monthly fee 13 times).

This year Arbitron measures medium and smaller markets from September 15-December 7. Radio stations do things during this 12 week period (and another 12 weeks in the Spring) that they don’t do during the Summer or other non-rated periods.

Often stations tighten down on the music that they play, believing that listeners actually make choices based on familiar/favorite music. How dare those programmers mess with Scott Borchetta’s marketing plan.

Considering so many in the record industry spent their formative years on radio I am surprised that they don’t understand this programming anxiety and cut radio some slack. What the heck are the record folks thinking releasing new music in the last quarter of the year, knowing that radio is locked in a battle for their ratings life?

Okay, I hope that you get the point. From now to the end of the year is VERY important to both sides of the business. Records has to get the new music exposed to take advantage of the Christmas buying season. I don’t know what percentage of their budget is hit from now through New Year’s Day (don’t forget gift cards). I’m sure that bonuses are on the line. But I can tell you that 50-60% of a small to medium market radio station’s success is set in the next month or two.

So what can the two industries do to make sure both have success? Can we strive to be kinder and gentler for the next couple of months?

Music Row is meeting radio more than halfway. With CD releases from Lady A, George Strait, Martina and Dierks this Fall and with new product from newcomers like Luke Bryan and Eric Church creating a lot of excitement we should all be excited about our fortunes.

Add to this the CMA Awards show right in the middle of the radio rating period and we have a lot to talk and be eager about. Let’s make sure that we get the record buyers and the radio listeners enthusiastic too.

We can do that by working together for the greater good. How about both sides pulling out music-based promotions this rating period? I am not a fan of radio stations giving away CDs or downloads. I know that it is an easy deal to pull off. Record companies get way more promotion for each give away than they could pay for. A $15 CD gets promotional time, solicit time and delivery time, and the radio station gets “free” stuff to give away.

The problem: this is a zero sum game.

If you were in the focus group panel during CRS 2011, I asked a participant who had won a Reba CD from her favorite radio station what she did with that CD. She told us that she took it to her car and listened over and over to it on the way to and from work. Presumably this is time she would have been listening to her favorite radio station.

Not the end of the world in an Arbitron diary rated market—people list “top of mind” listening habits more than anything—but in PPM markets that listening is like an empty seat on Delta. Once it’s in the air you are never getting the revenue back. Once that quarter hour ticks to the next you lost audience, and likely from an active listener who spends a great deal of time with your station.

But what other things can you do? How about autographed material from the artists? Pictures? Once at an auction I bought a script for the TV show Adventures of Superman. I don’t know why, but I did. You know what would be cool to win? An autographed lyric sheet from a hit song. A phone call from Luke Bryan. Heck, I know he would do that. He is a great guy and he loves to talk to his fans. We’re close to 2012. Why not do a down and dirty station calendar that lists the top songs of the year so far? Just a one sheet that can be traded out. Get the okay to include some pictures and I can guarantee you that it will land on the refrigerator for 2012, with your call letters and pictures of their favorites.

Let’s get creative this quarter and make everyone a winner.

Bobby Karl Works The Room

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Chapter 373—Part 1

The party circuit is on warp speed this week.

In just the first three days of it, there were multiple schmoozefests to attend on the same day, often at the same time. This party boy sometimes felt like he was juggling multiple plates on sticks. Filled with hors d’oeuvres.

Ten Out of Tenn Launch Party

“I am the TOT Mom,” explained Kristen Dabbs when Clay Bradley introduced us at BMI (9/12). “This is our seventh tour and our fourth album.”

The BMI party was to launch this year’s edition of “Ten Out of Tenn,” the compilation CD and its accompanying fall tour, which starts this week. Each year, Nashville’s pop/alternative community pulls together to show just how fabulous our non-country music makers are. They not only share the TOT Vol. 4 CD, but also a bus.

After the first successful compilation, Kristin approached BMI about hosting its annual TOT kick-off celebration, which the organization has been doing for the past three years in a row.

This year’s TOT participants are Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman-Jones, Gabe Dixon, Tyler James, k.s. Rhodes, Andrew Belle, Trent Dabbs, Amy Stroup, Butterfly Boucher and Jeremy Lister. Most of this collective attended the soiree.

“These are the most unique, valuable songwriters in our community,” said Clay in welcoming the crowd. This year’s tour will hit 16 cities with sensational TOT sounds.

“Everyone at BMI has been amazing in supporting this whole concept,” said Trent. “There’s so much happening – so many people are moving here. Tell all your friends [who live] in the cities that we’re playing.”

Trent introduced Gabe, who recently splendidly showcased his new One Spark CD at the newly expanded and renovated 3rd & Lindsley (9/4). Gabe followed that with a performance of the CD’s “Running on Fumes” on Jimmy Kimmel Live (9/8), which is the same song he did at BMI. The participants all sang and played percussion behind him, then gathered at the front of the stage to form a circle around Trent for an unplugged moment.

Amy was next, followed by k.s. Rhodes, whose ebullient “Where I Come From” fully captures the spirit and camaraderie of Ten Out of Tenn. Last week (9/8), k.s. performed with The Nashville Symphony, by the way.

Susan Myers, Suzanne Alexander, Jon Randall Stewart, David Wykoff, Dan Keene, Heather Byrd, Luke Laird and more were digging the sounds and sampling the roast beef mini sandwiches, quiche slices, fruits, cheeses and beverages.

The Ten Out of Tenn tour runs through Oct. 1 with dates all across the eastern U.S. The group's latest album, aptly titled Volume 4, is available on iTunes. Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley and Ten out of Tenn’s Trent Dabbs, Jeremy Lister, Andrew Belle, K.S. Rhoads, Amy Stroup, Tyler James and Gabe Dixon. Photo: Drew Maynard

 

City National Grand Opening

The party bar has officially just been raised. The opening of the Music Row office of City National Bank (9/12) was among the most flashy and opulent of celebrations. After touring the office, we entered a massive white tent on the blocked-off South Street. Inside, it was like an igloo Casbah. White couches, white carpet, white flowers, white chandeliers, white cloth, white tables, white, white, white. Palm trees stood in the corners.

Bartenders were serving “CNBtini’s,” a specially concocted blue martini. Wait staff circulated, bearing trays of sushi, bacon-wrapped asparagus, mushroom tarts, cheeseburger sliders and other assorted canapes. Las Paletas frozen treats of various flavors were also served.

In one corner was a green screen where you could have your photo taken with a Times Square, tumbling dollar bills or CNB logo digital backdrop. Before you departed, they handed you the finished snapshot in a leather CNB frame.

I am told that event planner Jayne Bubis put the bash together. Well done, Jayne.

Lori Badgett shushed the schmoozing fabulons to introduce celebrity impersonator Pete Peterkin. He came out wailing as Little Richard, then had the crowd clapping and laughing as he “did” Elvis, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, Chuck Berry (complete with duck walk), Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown and Michael Jackson. “I taught them all!” he brayed. “Shut up!” It was quite entertaining.

Tim DuBois, Joe Galante, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Ed Hardy, Becky Harris, Bob Doyle, Kerry O’Neil, Susan Stewart, Chuck Flood, Pete Fisher, Harry Chapman, Beverly Keel, Dan Hill, Jayne Rogovin, Jon Freeman, Karen Oertley, Barry Coburn, Sherod Robertson, Allen Brown, Sarah Brosmer, Mary Ann McCready, John Lytle, Sally Williams and Mike Vaden were in the throng.

The office, itself, at 54 Music Sq. E., gleamed with modern décor. Posters of the Hollywood films that CNB has financed were placed throughout the space. This is, after all, the bank of everyone from Jack Benny to Marilyn Monroe. CNB loaned Lucille Ball the moolah to buy out Desi Arnez and become the first female head of a major studio, Desilu. CNB provided the big cash for Frank Sinatra to pay off the kidnappers of his son. We are talking loaded and show-biz connected up the wazoo.

And now the CNB largess extends to Music City. At the party, the bank made a $15,000 donation to Jonah Rabinowitz for the W.O. Smith Community Music School.

Let the record show that Holly Bell, who heads the new Nashville division, chose the smaller office and gave the bigger ones to Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett.

“We’re very proud and excited to be here,” said Lori. It showed, believe me.

To mark the grand opening, City National Bank presented a check for $15,000 to Nashville’s W. O. Smith Music School. Pictured (L-R): Jonah Rabinowitz, WO Smith executive director; Holly Bell, SVP/team leader, CNB; Martha Henderson, EVP Entertainment, CNB; Russell Goldsmith, CEO, CNB; Ed Hardy WO Smith board president; and Tony Conway, WO Smith board.

 

Connie Smith Wraps Residency

Zipping on down to the Country Music Hall of Fame, we caught the finale of Connie Smith’s three-concert Artist-in-Residence shows at the Ford Theatre (9/12). So did Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Dallas Frazier, Marty Stuart, Hunter Kelly, Craig Havighurst, Steve Betts and David McCormick. Bill Denny and Barry Mazur had perfect attendance records, having witnessed all three shows.

Her theme of the eve was “Connie and the Girls.” She welcomed mentor Jean Shepard and disciples The Quebe Sisters Band, Tanya Tucker and Martina McBride. “I stole everything from you,” Tanya told Connie. “Well, not everything, because you’ve still got it.” And how.

Connie closed with “Take My Hand,” featuring daughters Jodi Seyfried, Jeanne Haynes and Julie Barnick. She encored with a hand-clapping “Satisfied.”

Many of the attendees, by the way, were also at the BMI party last week (9/8) celebrating the release of Connie’s awesome Long Line of Heartaches CD.

Onward. The festivities continued on Tuesday (9/13) with a downtown party to salute the 80th birthday of George Jones.

Read Pt. 2 of Bobby Karl Works the Room tomorrow exclusively on MusicRow.com.

Connie Smith with two featured performers, Martina McBride and Jean Shepard, before her final Artist-in-Residency show Monday night (9/12) at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum. Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride, Connie Smith, Jean Shepard and Museum Senior Vice President of Public Relations Liz Thiels. Photo: Donn Jones

The Dirt Drifters Celebrate Album Release

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Warner Music Nashville’s The Dirt Drifters celebrated the release this week of their full length debut This Is My Blood, with a full-band showcase Tuesday (9/13) at 3rd & Lindsley.

Armed with electrified instruments and a full drum kit, The Dirt Drifters’ (Matt and Ryan Fleener, Jeff Middleton, Jeremy Little, and Nick Diamond) excelled in this environment. Their tales of blue collar struggle, like “Always A Reason” and “Something Better,” sounded large and vibrant, a potent mixture of country grit and heartland rock ‘n’ roll. Singer/guitarist Matt Fleener charmed the crowd with his sly humor, even inadvertently taking an “outlaw” stance when he recalled how his grandmother’s two favorite albums were Willie Nelson’s Stardust and Red Headed Stranger. “What the hell happened to us?” he joked before launching into the blistering “I’ll Shut Up Now,” which features a brief interpolation of Willie’s “On The Road Again.” The album version from This Is My Blood actually features a cameo by Willie.

As for 3rd & Lindsley, the southside musical venue been remodeled and (seemingly) expanded. Performers no longer have to share the cramped stage in the corner, as they now have a large stage on the wall opposite the entrance that should make many of the Broadway honky-tonks jealous.

Produced by Justin Niebank, This Is My Blood features 11 tracks, 10 of which were written or co-written by members of  The Dirt Drifters.

(L-R): Ryan Fleener, Ben Schmitt (The Dirt Drifters Tour Manager), Nick Diamond, Steve Daly (The Dirt Drifters Steel Player), Matt Fleener, Jeremy Little and Jeff Middleton

CCMA Wins With Canadian Hospitality And Talent

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At the Industry Award brunch husband/wife duo Pear elicited a standing ovation, using dueling fiddles to create an avante garde musical mash-up of The Beatles' “Eleanor Rigby” and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”

The Canadian Country Music Association presented its 34th annual week of events (9/9-9/12), culminating in its nationally televised Awards show on Mon., Sept. 12. (Click here for awards winners.) This year’s location was Hamilton, Ontario, about a one hour drive south from Toronto. The organization’s passionate membership—artists and industry—gathered to celebrate their musical triumphs, network profusely, discover some new sounds, and oh yeah, do some dedicated partying.

“This is the first of four award ceremonies during this week,” said Don Green, the CCMA’s new Executive Director at Saturday morning’s Industry Award brunch. “We’ve upgraded the staging, sound and lights this year and hope you enjoy the difference.” In fact, the staging rivaled a TV Award show set with detailed lighting and sound. Green announced that CCMA has over 1600 members and about 47% of them participated in the award voting this year.

The brunch was hosted by Canadian stars Tara Oram and Aaron Pritchett and presented about 15 industry awards to labels, managers, retailers, radio and more. Awards were punctuated with musical performances. Standouts included Jason Blaine and husband/wife duo Pear. Pear elicited a standing ovation after using dueling fiddles to create an avante garde musical mash-up of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”

Marlee Scott (center) showcased with Sony Canada.

Later that afternoon many of the country artists performed at FanFest on the Jackson Square rooftop plaza for Hamilton’s country fans. The city used the opportunity to schedule two additional events—a Supercrawl and Locke Street Festival. As a result, over 40,000 people came downtown to enjoy the activities, music and beautiful sunshine-packed afternoon.

The four-day gathering was busting with seminars, guitar pulls and showcases. Nashville songplugger Sherrill Blackman and Ole’s Chad Richardson helmed one titled, “Song Spotting: Tips & Tricks for Placement & Plugging.”

Ole's "Hitsville" team. (L-R) Front: Arthur Buenahora, Gilles Godard, Chad Richardson; Back: Denny Carr, Chris Taylor, Robert Ott, Cadence Grace, Michael McCarty

“Hitsville” was another of the many panel offerings for attendees. Created and staffed by Ole Music, this hardcore, reality-TV-ready game show invited songwriters to submit a song. Based upon repeated listens, the judges would decide if it should reach first, second or third base and finally home plate where a publishing contract awaited. Nashville-based Gilles Godard and Arthur Buenahora anchored the third base judging and ole CEO Robert Ott and President Michael McCarty waited at home plate to make the call—“safe” or “out.”

Saturday evening featured parties and various showcases, but one of the highlights for this writer turned out to be a last minute pairing with Premiere Networks VP Promotions and Integrated Marketing Rick Murray, AristoMedia Chairman Jeff Walker and After Midnight’s Blair Garner. We settled in at a local neighborhood Lebanese eatery. Despite the uneven service, the food was tasty and the conversation downright hot. Discussions covered social networking, industry sales solutions, radio airplay, music discovery and how to solve a variety of industry problems. (Too bad I didn’t have a tape recorder handy for that session…)

Sunday morning featured a warm Canadian style breakfast (bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, sausage) for all the delegates, followed by a 2 1/2 hr. roundtable merry-go-round. Panelist groups rotated among the 10 delegate-packed circles every 15 minutes. Among those helping out were Ralph Murphy, Larry Wayne Clark, your Humble Scribe, Victoria Banks and Jeff Walker.

Futurist Jay Frank gave the Keynote Address.

Sunday’s big event was the Gala Awards Dinner (see winners here). Canadian superstar Johnny Reid was honored with the Humanitarian Award. A moving video montage showed some of the artist’s charitable activities. Reid, who was present with new manager Jim Morey, said, “It’s been an enriching experience to work with so many organizations over the years. The word ‘humanitarian’ is a complex word. We hear it all the time. But it’s not just the big concept, it’s also the small things we all do to help others one day at a time. I’m so grateful to be able to do music every day, but I realize that without the love and support of those around me and my fans I’d never find myself here tonight. So I’d like to dedicate this to everyone that offers a ‘wee bit of love to those that need it the most…”

The awards list also included Hall of Fame inductions for Michelle Wright and Bill Langstroth. Longtime Wright manager Brian Ferriman inducted Michelle. “I first heard Michelle 26 years ago at Gladstone Tavern here in Hamilton,” said Ferriman, also a Hall of Fame member.

Performances of note included The Band Perry, a Michelle Wright tribute with Terri Clark, Victoria Banks and Katie Love Hess, and a spellbinding new song from Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Backstage CDJ and I reminisced about getting stranded in Calagary ten years ago at CCMA in the aftermath of 9/11. Together with Scott Siman and Mike Kraski we drove in a van over the border to Cut Bank, Montana where we got picked up by Tim McGraw’s jet and thankfully flown home. I remember Kraski kissing the ground in Nashville after getting off the plane. We were all so happy to get home and be with loved ones during that terrible time.

(L-R) Katie Love Hess, Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Wright, manager Brian Ferriman, Victoria Banks and Terri Clark.

Monday morning’s big draw was the hard hitting Keynote address featuring Nashville futurist Jay Frank and his recent book, Futurehit.DNA. “You must grab the listener within 7 seconds or your chances for success drop exponentially,” Frank warned. “Don’t construct your songs as you would have 10 years ago. Every single play online starts at zero seconds.” Frank noted that country music fans now listen to multiple formats so they are all competition. “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus,” he joked. Frank also argued that all outlets need to be aggressively pursued. “Revenue streams will be greatly fragmented. Record companies are looking more like the publishing business every day. Administrators must be ready to collect small amounts from many sources to be in the new record biz.” Frank also advised new artists, “Radio has abdicated the responsibility of breaking songs to the Internet. Therefore, artists should build a story elsewhere before going to radio.”

Other Nashvillians seen and heard in Hamilton were songwriters Bob Regan and Marty Dodson who performed at the CCMA Great Guitar Pull, Byron Hill who produces hit Canadian artist Gord Bamford, SESAC’s Tim Fink, TBP manager Bob Doyle, Award show performers Luke Bryan plus Ronnie Dunn with manager Clarence Spalding, and Capitol label head Mike Dungan.

If you’ve already attended CCMA, then you know how the hospitality, passion and talent translates into a great experience. If not, next year’s CCMA event will take place in Saskatoon, Sept. 6-9, 2012. Participate! For more information visit www.ccma.org. All photos by Grant Martin except where noted.

CCMA artists performed on the Jackson Square rooftop plaza for Hamilton’s country fans on Saturday afternoon at FanFest. Photo: David Ross

Strait To The Top

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George Strait’s Here For A Good Time shot straight to No. 1 on the Country Albums chart, debuting with 91K first-week sales. The King’s 30-plus year career is showing no signs of slowing down, with the album landing at No. 3 overall. It garnered about 18 percent digital album sales. The title track and lead single was written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon. It is at No. 2 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart.

Strait once again co-produced this album with longtime friend and legendary producer Tony Brown at Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, FL. It’s the same studio where Strait recorded his last three award-winning albums.

Meanwhile, Lady Antebellum’s hot new single “Wanted You More” debuted with 74K digital downloads, landing at No. 1 Country. All signs point to strong first-week sales for the band’s third album Own The Night which was released Tuesday (9/13). Lead single “Just A Kiss” is already past the one million downloads mark. Nearing the Platinum point are “Remind Me” from Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, and Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”

Strait by the Numbers
69 million—albums sold
2006—year of induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame
89—singles released
89—Top 20 singles
84—Top 10s
57—No. 1 singles
33—Platinum or multi-platinum albums
30—years active
24—No. 1 albums

Music Biz Buzzes Over “Honey Bee”

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Music Row came together to toast the team behind Blake Shelton’s four-week No. 1 hit “Honey Bee” at a shindig co-hosted by BMI, ASCAP and Warner Music Nashville at the latter’s offices on Sept. 8. Written by longtime friends Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, it is the fourth consecutive chart-topper for Shelton, and his ninth overall.

Akins and Hayslip have now both written six songs recorded by Shelton, including another No. 1, “All About Tonight,” which they penned with frequent collaborator Dallas Davidson. Together, the trio of Georgia-bred tunesmiths are known as the Peach Pickers.

Shelton’s remake of the classic song “Footloose” is now available on AOL and AOL’s The Boot. The track is from the Footloose soundtrack, set to be released Sept. 27. Shelton also debuted his music video for “God Gave Me You” recently at www.BlakeShelton.com, which includes a never-before-seen testimonial from Miranda Lambert shot before their May wedding.

Pictured (back, L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, EMI Music Publishing’s Jon Platt, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Warner Music Nashville’s Chris Stacey, producer Scott Hendricks, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, EMI Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn and Starstruck Entertainment’s Brandon Blackstock; (front, L-R) Warner Chappell’s Steve Markland, co-writer Ben Hayslip, Blake Shelton, co-writer Rhett Akins and Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito. Photo: Rick Diamond

Shelton also celebrated with his WB radio promo team. Pictured (back, L-R): Blake Shelton, WMN VP of Promotion Bob Reeves, (front L-R): National Dir. Of Promotion Kristen Williams, Coordinator Tyler Wall, SVP of Promotion Chris Stacey, Southeast Regional Lou Ramirez, and Northeast Regional George Meeker