Tag Archive for: featured-2

Ticket Technology War Escalates

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Touring is big business and filling the seats in a club or a giant stadium starts with one transaction—the ticket sale. The service charges that are collected from the sale of tickets is also big business. Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation Entertainment is the big dog in this market, currently dominating ticket sales at venues worldwide. But AEG, another concert promotion giant is set to unveil its own offering, Axs Ticketing, in an effort to capture some of the lucrative ticket fees for itself.
The ticket market is sure to become a battleground as Ticketmaster and now AEG fight for marketshare. The competition began as a result of the Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger last year when the Justice Department called for additional ticket outlets to be created as a merger condition.
AEG’s Axs Ticketing
This new service, according to the Wall Street Journal, is set to begin selling seats at two Denver venues, the Ogden Theatre and the Bluebird Theater. Soon, two AEG-owned theaters in San Francisco will be added and by the end of 2012 all 100 of AEG’s venues—such as the Staples Center in L.A. and O2 in London—will utilize Axs. The ticketing software was built by Outbox enterprises and has been about a year and a half in development. Axs will place tickets on its website and on venue websites.
Ticketmaster Gets Facebook Enhancement
Further raising the ticketing bar, Ticketmaster is set to introduce a new interactive Facebook-driven feature that allows ticket buyers to see where their Friends are sitting.

According to Mashable, “With the upgrade, Facebook members can now connect their accounts to view a Facebook-infused event seat map that highlights where friends are sitting with miniature Facebook flags. The feature is live for more than 9,000 events on Ticketmaster and Live Nation sites. The interactive seat maps experience is now designed to help Facebook users see where their friends are sitting, purchase nearby tickets, tag themselves into their seats, nudge their Facebook friends to do the same and share their seats with friends on Facebook.”

“We studied the way people bought tickets,” says Kip Levin Ticketmaster EVP of eCommerce told Mashable. “People said they would buy tickets …because they knew where their friends were sitting.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/24/11)

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There are plenty of marquee males marching into this listening session.
You’d be a fool to ignore the new sounds being made by Eric Church, Chris Young, Billy Yates, The Kentucky Headhunters or Billy Burnette. All of them are guaranteed to brighten your day.
But the fairer sex comes up with this week’s column’s honors. I have raved before about Joy Williams and her partner John Paul White in The Civil Wars. Listen to this duo and be enchanted.
Among all the stars on tap today, only one is a bona fide country queen. That would be Connie Smith, who has the Disc of the Day.
There is a singer-songwriter up in the Cumberland River town of Ashland City, TN who was utterly unknown to me until today. She sings in a throaty, husky alto that is gripping. As a songwriter, she is equally gritty on ballads (”Should I Run”), boppers (”Love a Good Love Song”) and story songs (”Daddy Went to Prison”). Her name is DeeAnn Dominy, our DisCovery Award winner whom some Music Row star maker needs to sign up pronto.
DEEANN DOMINY/I Still Believe
Writer: DeeAnn Dominy; Producer: DeeAnn Dominy & Jack Harris; Publisher: DeeAnn Dominy, ASCAP; Dizzee (track) (www.DeeAnnDominy.com)
—This Ashland City gal has a six-song sampler called Based on a True Story. This simply produced track showcases her husky vocal style and an extraordinary gift for truthful, down-to-earth lyrics. Talent scouts take note: There’s a whiff of stardom here.
CHRIS YOUNG/You
Writer: Chris Young/Luke Laird; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Runnin’ Behind/EMI April/Universal Careers/High Powered Machine, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (track)
—Chris switches gears to a groove tune. As always, he sings with brilliant, burnished luster, even when the lyric is a romantic trifle like this one.
BILLY YATES/Just Be You
Writer: Billy Yates; Producer: Billy Yates; Publisher: Graysongs, BMI; M.O.D. (track) (www.billyyates.com)
—The title tune to Billy’s latest is a lilting, light hearted ode to straightforward honesty and simplicity. The gist of it is, don’t sell yourself out, don’t worry about making it big, have a good time and be whoever you are. Highly personable and wonderfully engaging. I dare you not to tap your foot and smile.
BILLY BURNETTE/Rock N Roll With It
Writer: Billy Burnette; Producer: Billy Burnette; Publisher: Rock N Roll With It/Bi-Lo-Tex, BMI; Rock N Roll With It (track) (www.billyburnette.net)
—Burnette returns with a dynamite set of self-penned tunes, including some with such stellar collaborators as Gary Nicholson and Shawn Camp. The title number is a delightful, neo-rockabilly romp with some terrific guitar picking and a slap-back beat that just doesn’t quit. Jitterbug yourself into a frenzy.
THE CIVIL WARS/Poison & Wine
Writer: none listed; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed; Sensibility (track)
—This Nashville male-female duo (John Paul White and former CCM disc maker Joy Williams) has a CD titled Barton Hollow that is a fabulously mesmerizing audio experience. This haunting, throbbing track has been featured on the soundtrack of TV’s Grey’s Anatomy and is now the subject of the team’s new video. Call it country, pop, Americana, folk or whatever you like, but this entire album is essential listening. Buy it at once.
ERIC CHURCH/Drink in My Hand
Writer: Eric Church/Michael Heeney/Luke Laird; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sinnertina/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Universal Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI; EMI Nashville (track)
—This rumbles out of the chute like a muscular, stompin’ bull on a rampage. The cleverly penned lyric drawls of howling party times. Play it and make every day a weekend vacation. If you don’t already own every note of music this man has made (most definitely including the brand-new Chief), you are out of your cotton-pickin’ mind.
RICK KRAUSS/If I Could Do It Over
Writer: Rick Krauss; Producer: Rick Krauss; Publisher: Rick Krauss, BMI; Relkay (track)
—Not to be confused with Nashville’s Alison or Viktor, this guy is a Maryland troubadour with an 18-song presentation called The Edge of Heaven. This is labeled as the “single,” but like the rest of the tracks, it screams “demo.”
CONNIE SMITH/Long Line of Heartaches
Writer: Marty Stuart/Connie Smith; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart/Connie Smith/Bug, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
—Connie’s first new album in 13 years dropped yesterday. On its title tune, this peerless stylist cries from the heart while Gary Carter’s emotional steel guitar echoes every note. I remain hopelessly in love with this woman and her stunning voice.
THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS/Dixie Lullaby
Writer: The Kentucky Headhunters; Producer: The Kentucky Headhunters, Wayd Battle & Richie Owens; Publisher: Them Young Boys/Mr. Eric/B. Headed/Bug, ASCAP/BMI; Red Dirt (track) (www.thekentuckyheadhunters.com)
—The reunited Headhunters kick off their comeback album with this Southern-fried garage rocker, sporting plenty of grinding guitar and vocal attitude. Welcome back, boys. You have been sorely missed.
SHAWN CAMP/Jesus, My Old Dog and Me
Writer: Shawn Camp/Will Nance/Steve Dean; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Ann Wilson/Bridge Building/Dino’s Song Shop/Shawn Camp/Sony-ATV, BMI; Cloud 10 (track) (www.dogcountrysongs.com)
—Dog Country is a CD compiling songs written about man’s best friend. Participating tunesmiths include Jason Wyatt, Mandy York (”Bebe’s Riding Shotgun”), Ron Wallace (whose song features the timeless line, “I wish that I was half the man that my dog thinks I am”), Steve Oliver, Rusty Van Sickle (who contributes two songs), Mark Nesler and Melissa Duval. Shawn has the sweetly sad ballad set closer. A portion of the album’s proceeds benefits Happy Tales Humane in Franklin, TN.

Zac Brown Band Partners With Jack Daniel's

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Zac Brown Band and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey have announced a one-of-a-kind partnership, the famed distillery’s first with a major music artist in over a decade.
The partnership officially begins during ZBB’s sold-out two night run Sept. 5-6 at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO and includes U.S. and Canadian advertising/promotion, a dedicated responsibility campaign, and co-presenting tour support.
“There is a natural affinity between Jack Daniel’s friends and Zac Brown Band fans,” says JD Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “They are folks who embrace authentic values, love great music and the spirit of friendship. We couldn’t be happier to partner with ZBB.”
The Jack Daniel’s partnership with ZBB aims to enhance the fan experience at live events through its presence at ZBB’s “Eat & Greets,” bringing “Lynchburg on Wheels” to ZBB events, ticket giveaways and more. The pairing will also launch a commemorative bottle program to support Camp Southern Ground, Brown’s camp for special needs children, as well as a campaign promoting responsible drinking.
“We love what we do and every night when we take the stage, we promise to blow our fans away with an experience unlike any other,” says Brown. “Jack Daniel’s is one of the most iconic American brands and because of their dedication to giving people their very best, they’ve earned some of the most loyal fans in the country. We’re proud to be working with them.”

Zac Brown Band Partners With Jack Daniel’s

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Zac Brown Band and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey have announced a one-of-a-kind partnership, the famed distillery’s first with a major music artist in over a decade.

The partnership officially begins during ZBB’s sold-out two night run Sept. 5-6 at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO and includes U.S. and Canadian advertising/promotion, a dedicated responsibility campaign, and co-presenting tour support.

“There is a natural affinity between Jack Daniel’s friends and Zac Brown Band fans,” says JD Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “They are folks who embrace authentic values, love great music and the spirit of friendship. We couldn’t be happier to partner with ZBB.”

The Jack Daniel’s partnership with ZBB aims to enhance the fan experience at live events through its presence at ZBB’s “Eat & Greets,” bringing “Lynchburg on Wheels” to ZBB events, ticket giveaways and more. The pairing will also launch a commemorative bottle program to support Camp Southern Ground, Brown’s camp for special needs children, as well as a campaign promoting responsible drinking.

“We love what we do and every night when we take the stage, we promise to blow our fans away with an experience unlike any other,” says Brown. “Jack Daniel’s is one of the most iconic American brands and because of their dedication to giving people their very best, they’ve earned some of the most loyal fans in the country. We’re proud to be working with them.”

CMA Honors International Broadcaster of the Year

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Brad Paisley "presents" Sandy Harsch with the CMA International Broadcaster Award, improvising with a digital recorder until the award arrives. Photo credit: Ben Enos


RTE broadcaster Sandy Harsch recently received good and bad news when Brad Paisley revealed to her that she had been named CMA International Broadcaster of the Year.
The good news, of course, was the honor of being selected. The bad news was that the actual award was held up in customs and didn’t make it to the presentation backstage at Paisley’s show at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.
“I never could figure out why people cried when they won awards, but now I know,” Harsch said. “The CMA International Broadcaster Award is certainly the biggest thing that has ever happened to me, other than having my two children. And – does anyone really deserve getting an award for doing something they absolutely love?”
Harsch moved to Ireland from the US in 1960, working as a freelance photo journalist and then as chief photographer, reviewer and interviewer for Hot Press magazine. She started in radio at RTE as a guest critic on “Outside Track,” before moving on to Century Radio in 1989. She rejoined RTE in 1996, and has been presenting “Country Time” ever since. Harsch also serves as editor for Lonesome Highway magazine.
“Country Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid,” she said. “I have been sharing this passion on air for 22 years and I am totally honored that the CMA thinks I am doing a good job. Country is a wonderful part of my life and it is knockout to be given an award. Thank you so, so much.”

Jackson To Perform At 9/11 Concert

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Alan Jackson will perform at the Washington National Cathedral Sept. 11 for  “A Concert for Hope,” marking the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
R&B legend Patti LaBelle and renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves are also slated to perform. Following the 9/11 tragedy, the National Cathedral was called on to serve as a sacred national gathering place for mourning, reflection and prayer.
Jackson wrote and recorded “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. The song was later released as the lead single from his album, Drive.
The special weekend commemoration will be shared with military men and women deployed across the country and around the world by the Pentagon Channel. “A Concert For Hope” will also air live on numerous ABC affiliates nationwide Sunday, Sept.11, at 8 pm.
Viewers can watch the live stream at www.calltocompassion.com.

Vince Gill Offers First Music In Four Years

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Vince Gill’s first radio single in four years goes for adds on Aug. 29. “Threaten Me With Heaven” is the lead track from his latest album, Guitar Slinger, due Oct. 25 on MCA Nashville.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee co-wrote “…Heaven” with wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and Will Owsley. “Since the song was recorded, my friend Will Owsley took his own life, so the song has a profound impact on me now,” explains Gill. “In my lifetime, ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ has been the song that helped a lot of people through their grief. I think this one will in turn hopefully do the same thing. It’s a powerful, powerful song. I feel like it’s the crown jewel of the new record.”
Other tracks include “True Love,” which features Grant and her daughter, Sarah Chapman, on vocals. Daughters Jenny Gill and Corinna Gill, also make guest appearances.
Among the songwriters with credits on the upcoming project are Leslie Satcher, who penned “Bread and Water” with Gill.
For the first time, Gill recorded his new project in his home studio, which he says gave it a special warmth. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s so different than most studios in that there are windows all the way around the room. You look out and see trees,” says Gill. “There’s such a great spirit running around in the house. All the musicians have raved about the vibe.”
Guitar Slinger is the follow-up to Gill’s critically acclaimed, Grammy winning four-CD box set, These Days.
He will perform tomorrow night (8/23) at the Lyrics for Lyric Benefit Show at Roosters TX Style BBQ & Steakhouse in Nashville. Proceeds benefit two-year-old Lyric Alana Frizzell, who has a rare, aggressive form of Leukemia. The Roys will also take the stage.

Average Joe's Hires Director of Label Operations

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Britta Coleman


Britta Coleman has been tapped by Average Joe’s Pres. Tom Baldrica to serve as Director of Label Operations. Coleman’s twenty-year career includes time in the promotions and marketing departments for Sony BMG, where she first worked with Baldrica, and also as Manager of Marketing Operations for Sony Music Nashville.

Average Joe’s is label home to Lauren Briant, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Kevin Fowler, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, Sunny Ledfurd, Rich O’Toole, Corey Smith, Matt Stillwell, JB and the Moonshine Band, The Lacs, Montgomery Gentry and Nappy Roots.

Looking forward to her new role as Director of Label Operations, Coleman shares, “I am honored and excited to be joining Tom Baldrica and the extremely talented staff at Average Joe’s Entertainment.”

“Britta has been a part of my professional career from the day I started in the record business and I couldn’t be more thrilled to reunite with her here at Average Joe’s,” Baldrica adds. “Her respect within the industry is unquestioned and her organizational skills are a perfect fit for the growing and expanding AJE label.”

Coleman can be reached at (615) 733-9983 or [email protected].

Average Joe’s Entertainment has offices located at 209 10th Ave. S. in Nashville, Tenn.

Average Joe’s Hires Director of Label Operations

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Britta Coleman

Britta Coleman has been tapped by Average Joe’s Pres. Tom Baldrica to serve as Director of Label Operations. Coleman’s twenty-year career includes time in the promotions and marketing departments for Sony BMG, where she first worked with Baldrica, and also as Manager of Marketing Operations for Sony Music Nashville.

Average Joe’s is label home to Lauren Briant, Ira Dean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Kevin Fowler, Josh Gracin, Demun Jones, Sunny Ledfurd, Rich O’Toole, Corey Smith, Matt Stillwell, JB and the Moonshine Band, The Lacs, Montgomery Gentry and Nappy Roots.

Looking forward to her new role as Director of Label Operations, Coleman shares, “I am honored and excited to be joining Tom Baldrica and the extremely talented staff at Average Joe’s Entertainment.”

“Britta has been a part of my professional career from the day I started in the record business and I couldn’t be more thrilled to reunite with her here at Average Joe’s,” Baldrica adds. “Her respect within the industry is unquestioned and her organizational skills are a perfect fit for the growing and expanding AJE label.”

Coleman can be reached at (615) 733-9983 or [email protected].

Average Joe’s Entertainment has offices located at 209 10th Ave. S. in Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Names New Class

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(L-R): Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Bettis, Allen Shamblin and Thom Schuyler


The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) today (8/22) announced this year’s inductees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with John Bettis, Thom Schuyler and Allen Shamblin joining in the Songwriter category, and Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson being inducted in the Songwriter/Artist category.
They will be honored at the 41st Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 16 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Bettis’ songwriter credits include pop/country crossover hits such as “Top Of The World” (The Carpenters, Lynn Anderson) and “Slow Hand” (The Pointer Sisters, Conway Twitty). Schuyler’s resume is known for hits such as “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers) and “A Long Line Of Love” (Michael Martin Murphey). Shamblin is the tunesmith behind “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Bonnie Raitt) and “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert). Brooks popularized many of his own compositions such as “The Thunder Rolls” and “The River.” Jackson created hits from many of his self-penned songs such as “Chattahoochee” and “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).” For more biographical info click here.
John Van Mol, chairman of NaSHOF, notes the organization’s board of directors increased the number of inductees this year to five from the traditional three. “These five very talented individuals are among an era of powerhouse writers and artists who propelled country music to unparalleled heights beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and also made substantial contributions to popular and rock music,” he added. “We look forward to a fantastic evening of recognition for our inductees, and great entertainment for all who attend.”
Also at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner, sister organization Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), presents awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division.
Tickets for the event are $200 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased by contacting event director Mark Ford at [email protected] or 615-256-3354.