Industry News Friday (11/7/08)

ECONOMY HAMMERS COUNTRY SALES: In its 10th consecutive monthly decline, nonfarm U.S. payrolls cascaded downward with an oversize drop of 240,000 jobs for the month of October. The result extends jobs lost for the year...

Artist News Friday (11/7/08)

MCA Recording artist Josh Turner is launching the "Josh Turner Scholarship Fund" to provide assistance to a high school student who would like to pursue a career in the field of Arts and Entertainment. The...

Artists Help Relay For Life

11/06/2008

Katie Armiger, Ray Scott, and Buddy Jewell recently joined the artist community in giving back to a great charity, Songs For The Cure, benefitting the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. The event took place at The Listening Room.

(L-R) back: Hack Andrews, Nile “Big Daddy” Peaytt, Ray Scott, Buddy Jewell, Rich Miller, Aaron Benward and Dean Sams. Middle: Mark Craven (Listening Room), Josh Carroll, Dan Shafer, Misty Rae, Cody Collins, Ashlee Hewitt and Katie Armiger. Front: Chris Blair (Listening room), Titans cheerleaders and Eddie Heinzlman.

Minnie Murphy @ Texaco?

11/06/2008

Montage Music Group recording artist Minnie Murphy (L) and radio marketing rep Kathleen Drosey (R) hit the road to promote Murphy’s debut single, “Take Me To Texas Tonight.” Minnie and Kathleen hit the daily double—they got the add at WKSR/Pulaski and found gas for under $2 a gallon (I-65 exit 46, just south of Nashville).

Dean Brody @ WGTY

11/06/2008

Broken Bow recording artist Dean Brody (R) and WGTY PD Scott Donato celebrated Scott’s birthday with cake.

Shawna Russell in the Lone Star State

11/06/2008

Way Out West Records artist Shawna Russell visited with the Craig “Moose” Morgan of the East Texas Broadcasting Group in Sulphur Springs last week to promote her latest single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.” Photo: Tim Russell

Charlie Allen @ WCOW

11/06/2008

River Run/Spinville Records artist Charlie Allen visited WCOW Cow 97.1 Country in Sparta, Wisconsin recently to promote his latest single, “Why Ask Why.” (L-R): WCOW’s Arnie Andrews and Allen. Photo: Diane Delena

Jennifer Nettles Launches Charity Event Common Thread

Sarah Skates – 11/06/2008

Jennifer Nettles

Jennifer Nettles is behind a three-date music and lifestyle benefit event called Common Thread, taking place next month in Beaver Creek, Colo. (11/20); Aspen, Colo. (11/21); and Santa Fe, New Mexico (11/22). The inaugural dates will feature Nettles and Sugarland partner Kristian Bush, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, and Amos Lee weaving together individual and group acoustic performances in intimate settings.

Nettles came up with the idea for the event as a way to share the Common Thread of music, lifestyle and philanthropy, all of which make up her personal philosophy for balanced living. “I’m hoping Common Thread will be a multi-genre diverse bill under the ‘common thread’ of activism and community organization,” she says. “I do believe that one action can cause a ripple and make a difference. So, if you inspire some of your fans to go out into their own communities and effect change, then that’s success.”

All proceeds from the events will be donated to the performers’ charities of choice. Nettles’ proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society, Bush’s will go to the American Liver Foundation, Salier’s will benefit Honor the Earth, and Lee’s will help Music & Mentorship Program of Intercultural Family Services. Tickets for all performances are on sale now, starting at $50.

Music Businesses Make “Hot 100” List

Sarah Skates – 11/06/2008

Several music industry companies were recently named to the “Hot 100” list published by Business TN, which is owned by Music Row parent company SouthComm Communications. The publication describes the list as “the 2008 list of Tennessee companies that are fast-growing, emerging and brimming with promise.” Among those with close Music Row connections are:

• The American Music Channel, headed by CEO Hal Willis, which offers videos on demand and more.
• Batson Guitar Co., under the leadership of Pres. Cory Batson, which builds custom acoustic guitars, including its unique model with the opening on the side of the instrument instead of under the strings.
• Marcie Allen Cardwell’s award-winning company MAC Presents which specializes in sponsorship negotiation and fulfillment. Recent deals include tour sponsorships for Tim McGraw (KC Masterpiece/Kingsford) and John Mayer (BlackBerry).
• RFD-TV, founded by Patrick Gottsch, which is dedicated to the interests of rural America, offering plenty of country music programming such as Crook & Chase, Hee Haw, and The Marty Stuart Show. Currently, RFD-TV is distributed in over 32 million homes in all 50 states.
• Also making the list is Knoxville’s AC Entertainment, which started Bonnaroo with Superfly Productions.

Ellen Hosts Album Release Party for Taylor Swift

11/06/2008

The Ellen DeGeneres Show recently hosted a one-of-a-kind album release party for Taylor Swift’s sophomore album, Fearless. Taped ahead of time, the show will air on release day, Tues., Nov. 11. Swift will perform “Love Story” and “Should’ve Said No,” as well as open up about her break-up with Joe Jonas. Plus, Ellen surprises Taylor with visits from her musical crush Justin Timberlake, and her best friend from the ninth grade.