Satcaster Merger Could Swing on One Vote

Sarah Skates – 06/25/2008

FCC Commissioner and Nashvillian Deborah Taylor Tate may have the deciding vote in the proposed merger of Sirius and XM, Bloomberg reports this afternoon. Of the FCC’s five members, two Republicans are expected to vote for the $2.73 billion buyout, and two Democrats are expected to vote against it. This leaves the final vote with Tate, a Republican.

On the Republican front, Chairman Kevin Martin announced his support following a conditional agreement with the companies. Analysts expect Rep. Commissioner Robert McDowell to also give the merger the go-ahead, though his spokeswoman says he hasn't decided.

The agency's two Democrats Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps haven’t officially announced decisions, but have consistently opposed media consolidation.

Bobby Karl Works The 20th Annual Music Row Awards
Chapter 284

Photos: Alan Mayor

Has it really been 20 years, and is Music Row still the only entity honoring session musicians based on album credits?

The answer to both questions is, “Yes.” The 20th annual Music Row awards fete at BMI...

Writer’s Notes—Monty Criswell
The Idea Is Everything

You can almost hear the vaudeville rimshots when Monty Criswell starts talking about his biggest fan and supporter, his father—who also helped keep Monty humble. “I’m a piano player and a hack guitar player, much to the chagrin of...

Legal—When Forever Is Too Long

Time is a very important concept in entertainment industry contracts relating to record deals, publishing and even management. By itself, time is neither an enemy or a friend, but there is no greater contractual disaster than when there is potentially...

Row File—Sandi Spika Borchetta
Sparkly, Rhinestone, Magpie Lover

What first piqued your interest in clothing design?
“Basically I’ve been an artist since I was little. I could always draw. My grandmas and my mother taught me how to crochet and knit, so I did that too. But I...

Capitol Restructuring Hits Nashville

06/24/2008

Larry Willoughby and Bill Kennedy

Music Row has learned the long anticipated and previously announced worldwide restructuring of EMI’s recorded music division finally reached Nashville today.

As part of the downsizing, longtime staffers Larry Willoughby (VP A&R), Bill Kennedy (VP Sales) and Denise Arguijo (Production Manager) will exit Capitol Records Nashville.

Willoughby and Arguijo joined the label about nine years ago. Kennedy had been there over fourteen years.

CMA Songwriters Series Returns To NY

Sarah Skates – 06/24/2008

The CMA Songwriters Series returns to Joe's Pub in New York City on Thurs., July 17. The shows at 7:00 and 9:30 PM/ET will be hosted by Bob DiPiero, with participating songwriters Dave Berg ("If You're Going Through Hell,” "Stupid Boy," and "Moments"), Capitol Records' Jedd Hughes ("Stay With Me [Brass Bed]); Karyn Rochelle ("Georgia Rain,” "I Wonder,” and "When You Love Someone Like That"); and Chris Tompkins ("Before He Cheats,” "That's How They Do It in Dixie," and "Bama Breeze”).

Additional CMA Songwriters series performances are scheduled for Sept. 9, Oct. 29 and 30. Tickets for the July 17 CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub are $25 each. For information or to order tickets, visit www.joespub.com.

Our First Winner: Breakthrough Artist—Lady Antebellum

06/24/2008

Click to see Lady Antebellum’s acceptance from the road.

Tonight’s Music Row Awards will feature plenty of special guests and honorees, but Breakthrough Artist winner Lady Antebellum is having too much of a “Good Time” on the road to make it to the party. Instead, the gang sent us a video thank-you, and we wanted to share it with our readers. After all, you guys voted them Breakthrough Artist of the Year!

Join us tonight at 5:30 PM at BMI as we reveal the other subscriber-voted winners, and enjoy a special performance from the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year. All readers are welcome!

Nashville Star: Week 3—Highs & Lows

RATINGS
Nashville Star network NBC finished fourth in last night’s (6/23) overall ratings. In the 8 PM CT hour, the show drew a 3.6 rating/6 share to come in fourth, reports Zap2It.com. Then at...

Lee Thomas Miller Celebrates “You’re Gonna Miss This”

06/24/2008

Friends, colleagues and family of BMI songwriter Lee Thomas Miller gathered in the BMI lobby on Music Row on June 18 to toast the respected Nashville hit-maker and the success of his latest chart-topper, “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The tune was recorded by Trace Adkins and co-written by Ashley Gorley. In addition to the traditional No. 1 accolades and awards, Miller received a surprise presentation prepared by his wife, Jana: A video montage featuring photos of the Millers’ four children played, as “You’re Gonna Miss This” served as the fitting soundtrack.

(L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, EMI’s Gary Overton, Sea Gayle Music’s Chris DuBois, Adkins, producer Frank Rogers, Miller and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell