Pickin' on the Patio Welcomes John Oates and Jon Wolfe

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (SVP A&R, WMN), Jon Wolfe, John Oates, Cris Lacy (VP A&R, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Chris Stacey (SVP Promotion, WMN)

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks (SVP A&R, WMN), Jon Wolfe, John Oates, Cris Lacy (VP A&R, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Chris Stacey (SVP Promotion, WMN)


John Oates and Jon Wolfe were featured as performers yesterday (June 27) during Warner Music Nashville’s Pickin’ on the Patio event.
Thanks to sponsors Budweiser, Riffs and Spring Hill Bourbon, the packed crowd of attendees enjoyed Oates and Wolfe’s performances as the second event for 2013.
Pickin’ on the Patio is held on the WMN patio the fourth Thursday of every month from May through September. The next event to be held on July 25.
For more information, visit: warnermusicnashville.com.
 

New Myspace Garners Interest

myspaceMyspace garners interest after its June 12 relaunch. The social media site received 31 million visitors and 995,000 app downloads just two weeks after the relaunch. In its first week, the site received 16 million visitors and 450,000 app downloads.
Myspace is primarily attracting a millennial demographic after launching a $20 million advertising campaign across multiple platforms, aimed at younger people.
The site’s new mobile app, which is currently ranked at only No. 147 on the iPhone’s list of free apps, faces competition from other music apps including Shazam (No. 72), Slacker Radio (No. 76) and SoundCloud (No. 103).
The company also faces additional challenges. Merlin CEO Charles Caldas recently criticized Myspace in an email to VentureBeat, accusing the company of playing music from several independent labels without their permission. Myspace responded, saying, “We have offered a relationship with Merlin that provides equal opportunities to Merlin’s labels and Merlin’s artists that we have provided to ALL labels and artists whether they are Indie Artists, Major Artists or Unsigned artists.”
 
 
 
 

ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp Comes to Nashville

ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp is in session this week in Nashville, Tenn. with campers from around the country visiting Music City for a week of songwriting, recording and performing with several of Country music’s brightest stars.
Jake Owen visited the campers during a recording session with producer Ross Copperman at Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios. Lauren Alaina stopped by the Wildhorse Saloon to spend time with the campers, while they shared stories from their week and then participated in a line dancing lesson.
The campers wrote a song with Jerrod Niemann and Lance Miller, then performed karaoke with Love and Theft at Winner’s bar (see video below).
The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome, while providing music enrichment through performance and education. The camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Pictured (L-R):Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives; Lauren Alaina; Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director; Rondal Richardson, Entertainment Industry Relations Manager at Vanderbilt University.

Pictured (L-R): Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives; Lauren Alaina; Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director; Rondal Richardson, Entertainment Industry Relations Manager at Vanderbilt University.


Pictured (L-R): Ross Copperman, Producer, Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives, Jake Owen, Rondal Richardson, Entertainment Industry Relations Manager, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Bruce Bowman, Chairman, ACM Lifting Lives.

Pictured (L-R): Ross Copperman, Producer; Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives; Jake Owen; Rondal Richardson, Entertainment Industry Relations Manager, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Bruce Bowman, Chairman, ACM Lifting Lives.

Warner Music Nashville Promotes Williams To Sr. VP, Finance

wmnWarner Music Nashville (WMN) has promoted Ken Williams to Sr. VP, Finance, WMN. In this position, Williams will oversee all financial operations for Warner Music Group’s country and Christian divisions, which include Atlantic, Elektra, Warner Bros., LoudMouth, and Word Entertainment. Williams also serves as a key member of the WMN executive team, advising on general business strategy, and will continue to oversee the companies’ accounting, operations and financial planning divisions. Ken previously served as VP, Finance, and will continue to report to John Esposito, President and CEO, WMN.
“Ken is a brilliant and essential part of our family,” said Esposito. “Having spent the better part of two decades with Warner Music Nashville, he has a deep understanding of our company and the industry. Ken’s promotion is well-deserved and I’m very happy to report this great news.”
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with so many talented staff members over the years,” said Williams. “The culture and energy at WMN and Word are incomparable, and are a direct result of the tremendous efforts of both John Esposito and Rod Riley. It’s truly an honor to work alongside these two talented leaders.”
Williams is a 15-year veteran of the Christian music industry. His career began in 1998 when Williams worked in the credit services division of Word Entertainment. He held various positions before being appointed Vice President, Finance, for WMN in 2010. Williams is an active member of the Franklin, Tenn., community, and has mentored students of Pearl Cohn Entertainment Magnet School as part of the school’s partnership with WMN. Williams earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Tennessee Technological University and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Belmont University.

Weekly Chart Report (6/28/13)

chart

Toby Keith took his Hammer Down tour to Pittsburgh promoting his latest single “Drinks After Work” which takes home the greatest spin increase this week. Pictured with WDSY APD/MD Stoney Richards.

Toby Keith took his Hammer Down tour to Pittsburgh promoting his latest single “Drinks After Work,” which takes home the greatest spin increase this week. Pictured with WDSY APD/MD Stoney Richards.


SPIN ZONE
Carrie Underwood’s “See You Again” lives up to its name, earning the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week with 3,346 spins. Keith Urban’s “Little Bit Of Everything” comes in at No. 2. Both Justin Moore and Kip Moore continue to hold the No. 3 and 4 spots with “Point At You” and “Hey Pretty Girl,” respectively. Hunter Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” continues to enjoy a steady climb up the chart, landing at No. 5. Rounding out the Top Ten this week is Lady Antebellum’s “Goodbye Town” at No. 6, Randy Houser’s “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” at No. 7, Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” at No. 8, Little Big Town’s “Your Side Of The Bed” At No. 9 and Gary Allan’s “Pieces” at No. 10.
Toby Keith’s “Drinks After Work” is once again the week’s greatest gainer, landing at No. 25 with an additional 435 spins. Miranda Lambert’s “All Kinds of Kinds” is all kinds of popular, climbing to the No. 36 spot with an added 276 spins. Jason Aldean’s “Night Train” reaches the No. 32 spot with another 265 spins. Big Machine labelmates Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw come in at No. 56 and 80 with their songs “Red” and “Southern Girl.” “Red” garnered 235 extra spins, while “Southern Girl” gained 228 additional spins.
There are six promising debuts this week, with Eli Young Band’s “Drunk Last Night” debuting at No. 65, The Lockets’ “Stepping Stone” stepping up to No. 73, Tracy Lawrence’s “Footprints On The Moon” coming in at No. 74, Herrick’s “Do You Love Me” at No. 78 and Sherry Lynn f. Crystal Gayle’s “Beautiful Life” at No. 79. Finally, McGraw’s “Southern Girl” rounds out this week’s chart, debuting at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KCNY, KZTL, KVVP, KXKZ, KYYK, WAAG, WKWS, WXXK
Upcoming Singles
June 28
Ashton Shepherd/This Is America/Pickin Shed Records
July 1
Chris Stapleton/What Are You Listening To/Mercury
Eli Young Band/Drunk Last Night/Republic Nashville
Hannah Michelle Weeks/More Than One Kind Of Love/HunnyBee
July 2
Colby Dee/He Don’t Know/Donard Music Group
Joe Allen/Looks Like It’s Raining/Stubborn Horse Records
July 8
Downday/Back In The Day/Render
Denae Gardner/Sound Of A Woman Sayin Goodbye/4D
Kelly Clarkson/Tie It Up/RCA/Columbia Nashville
Craig Morgan/Wake Up Lovin’ You/Black River
July 15
Old Crow Medicine Show/Carry Me Back To Virginia/ATO Records
Blackberry Smoke/Ain’t Much Left Of Me/Southern Ground
Kayla Taylor/See You In Summer/Go Time
Uncle Kracker/Blue Skies/Sugar Hill
July 22
North 4o/Hey Girl Hey/RHYMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT
Jay Jolley/God Save Us All From Religion/Double J Records
July 29 
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records
Blue Sky Riders/Brave/3 Dream Records
August 6
Brett Eldredge/Bring You Back/Atlantic
• • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Eli Young Band/Drunk Last Night/Republic – 65
The Lockets/Stepping Stone/Nu Toy – 73
Tracy Lawrence/Footprints On The Moon/Lawrence Music Group – 74
Herrick/Do You Love Me/BreakAway Entertainment – 78
Sherry Lynn f. Crystal Gayle/Beautiful Life/Steal Heart – 79
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Toby Keith/Drinks After Work/Show Dog-Universal – 435
Miranda Lambert/All Kinds Of Kinds/RCA – 276
Jason Aldean/Night Train/Broken Bow – 265
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 235
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 228
Most Added
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 23
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 20
Toby Keith/Drinks After Work/Show Dog-Universal – 19
Miranda Lambert/All Kinds Of Kinds/RCA – 12
Eli Young Band/Drunk Last Night/Republic – 12
Jason Aldean/Night Train/Broken Bow – 12
Cassadee Pope/Wasting All These Tears/Republic Nashville – 11
Aaron Lewis/Granddaddy’s Gun/Blaster – 10
Dierks Bentley/Bourbon In Kentucky/Capitol Nashville – 6
Kenny Chesney/When I See This Bar/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 6
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Frank Ortega/Two Places At Once/Villa One – 197
Randy Rogers Band/Fuzzy/UMG Nashville – 197
Aaron and Amanda Crabb/I’m Learning/Difference Media – 189
Bobby Dean/Kiss My Doublewide/Lamon Records – 179
David Shelby/Kick A Little Dirt/Highway South Records – 174
Flying Island's Gwen Sebastian celebrates her album release and latest single “Suitcase” with the staff of KMNB, Minneapolis. Pictured (L-R): Mick Anselmo (Sr. VP), Rob Morris (PD), Gwen, Tommy Jay (APD), and Tricia Jenkins (MD).

Flying Island’s Gwen Sebastian celebrates her album release and latest single “Suitcase” with the staff of KMNB, Minneapolis. Pictured (L-R): Mick Anselmo (Sr. VP), Rob Morris (PD), Gwen, Tommy Jay (APD), and Tricia Jenkins (MD).


Kari & Billy spent yesterday morning visiting about their new single, "Play Me A Fiddle Song," with WDKN’s Dale Turner in Dickson, TN.

Kari & Billy spent yesterday morning visiting about their new single, “Play Me A Fiddle Song,” with WDKN’s Dale Turner in Dickson, Tenn.

Aristo Int'l Report: CMA Music Festival, Global Accolades

aristomedia 2013 report

Click above to view the report.


The AristoMedia Group has released the June 2013 issue of its Aristo International Report. Highlights include:
• Global Events Help Kick Off Record-Breaking CMA Music Festival
• Canadian Country Music Week will be held Sept. 5-8 in Edmonton, Canada
• The 2013 Americana Music Festival and Conference is set for Sept. 18-22
• Nashville Mayor Karl Dean was joined by Mayor Col Murray of Tamworth, Australia during CMA Music Fest week to sign a treaty that officially joined Nashville and Tamworth as sister cities
• Aristo Q&A with Canadian Executive Ted Ellis
• 2013 British Country Music Awards are set for Nov. 24
• The Maverick Festival is set for July 5-7 with a lineup that includes 50 artists
• Award-winning Australian Duo McAlister Kemp To Headline Nashville Showcase
AristoMedia has been issuing this quarterly review of global activities since 2008. Please click to view the newsletter online at www.AristoMedia.com.

[Updated] Industry Ink (6-28-13)

michelle goble111

Michelle Goble


• Michelle Goble, the Academy of Country Music’s Sr. VP, Membership & Industry Relations, is exiting her post. She will be with the organization through July 10. Goble can be reached at michelle@acmcountry.com until July 10, and later at her personal email address, which is michellegoblela@gmail.com.
• Construction is set to begin on a 225-unit apartment building at 1505 Demonbreun St. on Music Row soon. Metro Nashville has issued a $23 million building permit for construction; the project’s developer is North Carolina-based company Faison, who bought the property last fall for $6.75 million. Balfour Beatty Construction will handle the project’s building.
 
Joey Jones

Joey Jones


 
• Former Cumberland River bass player Joey Jones has joined as a member of The Roys’ band. His first gig with the group as an official member of the band is Saturday, July 6 at the 14th Annual Oats Bluegrass Festival in Benton, Pa. Jones founded Cumberland River in 2009 with Jamie Dean.
In April 2013, Jones stepped down from touring with the band to work full-time with Rock House Entertainment booking agency, which he formed earlier this year.
 
 
Rebekah Long

Rebekah Long


Catch This Music LLC (CTM) has hired audio engineer Rebekah Long. Long has worked on prior albums and projects for groups such as Blue Circle Records and with artists ranging from Stella Parton to Pam Tillis. She joins the CTM team as the newest house recording engineer.
“We are thrilled to have Rebekah become a part of the team,” says CTM President/CEO, Eddie Robba. “She has demonstrated her many talents as an engineer on past projects and is now bringing those skills and talents to the CTM table.” Long has a B.A. in Music Education and a B.A. in Bluegrass from Glenville State College and graduated from Nashville’s School of Audio Engineering.
 
 
• Premiere Networks’ The Bobby Bones Show presented the American Red Cross with a check for $135,060.71 to support the organization’s tornado relief effort in Oklahoma. The check was presented to Joel Sullivan, regional CEO for the Tennessee Volunteer Region of the Red Cross, during a reception at Bones’ Nashville radio studio on Thursday, June 27.
After devastating tornadoes tore through the city of Moore, Okla., The Bobby Bones Show reached out to friends in the Nashville music industry. More than 60 of Country music’s biggest stars donated personal items, concert tickets, signed memorabilia and more to be auctioned on eBay.com. From May 24-30, thousands of listeners and fans bid on the items to support the disaster relief effort. In addition, Broken Bow/Stoney Creek Records, Black River Entertainment and Big Machine Label Group donated $5,000 each.
Pictured (Back row, L-R):Tim Battles (BBS), Brenda Black (RC), Jennifer Robins (RC), Joel Sullivan (RC), Bobby Bones, David Kitchen (RC), Justin Cole (PN), Robin Rhodes (PN), Eddie Garcia (BBS), Nada Taha (CC), Lunchbox (BBS), Abby Stuart and Danny Oldani (BBS Interns). Pictured (Front row, L-R): Lizzie Clemons (BBS Intern), Alayna Messer (BBS), Syndey Bottoms and Rachel Trottier (BBS Interns), Amy and Ray (BBS).

Pictured (Back row, L-R):Tim Battles (BBS), Brenda Black (RC), Jennifer Robins (RC), Joel Sullivan (RC), Bobby Bones, David Kitchen (RC), Justin Cole (PN), Robin Rhodes (PN), Eddie Garcia (BBS), Nada Taha (CC), Lunchbox (BBS), Abby Stuart and Danny Oldani (BBS Interns). Pictured (Front row, L-R): Lizzie Clemons (BBS Intern), Alayna Messer (BBS), Syndey Bottoms and Rachel Trottier (BBS Interns), Amy and Ray (BBS).

HitShop Records Signs Natalie Stovall and The Drive

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Skip Bishop (HitShop Records), Natalie Stovall (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Amara Hall (HitShop Records). Pictured (Back row, L-R): James Bavendam (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Zach Morse (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Joel Dormer (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Tracy Gershon (Red Light Management), Diane Monk (HitShop Records), Miguel Cancino (Natalie Stovall and The Drive)

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Skip Bishop (HitShop Records), Natalie Stovall (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Amara Hall (HitShop Records). Pictured (Back row, L-R): James Bavendam (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Zach Morse (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Joel Dormer (Natalie Stovall and The Drive), Tracy Gershon (Red Light Management), Diane Monk (HitShop Records), Miguel Cancino (Natalie Stovall and The Drive).


HitShop Records has signed an exclusive recording agreement with dynamic new talent, Natalie Stovall and The Drive.
Stovall, a Tennessee native, has amassed more than 200 dates each year across college campuses, clubs and military bases around the globe. In 2012, she won the coveted Campus Activities Magazine Entertainer of the Year Award, marking the first time a female performer has received the honor in more than 20 years. The Drive includes band members James Bavendam, Joel Dormer, Zach Morse and Miguel Cancino.
Stovall is managed by Red Light Management’s Tracy Gershon and booked through the Paradigm Agency and Degy Entertainment.
“Natalie and her band are the total music experience,” shares HitShop President Skip Bishop. “They are the personification of heart pounding performances, remarkable musicianship, dynamic material and purely joyful American-made music entertainment! She arrives at HitShop with a ready-made, rabid fan base and more energy and road chops than ten bands. Make plans to see Natalie Stovall and the Drive as soon as you can. You will leave reminded why we all do what we do!”
Stovall is currently working on her debut HitShop Records album with producer Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, The Band Perry).
For more information, visit nataliestovall.com.

Charlie Cook On Air: Halfway MVPs

charlie cook new image1111111111

Charlie Cook


It is the 186th day of 2013. Not the exact middle of the year but close enough. This means it is time to look at the “Halfway MVP’s” for the year.
Some of them are obvious. Blake Shelton has not only had No. 1 after No. 1, he has become the top mentor to new talent on The Voice. He has taken three kids in a row to the edge of their dreams. Shelton’s current CD is the best of his career and he will be on the Ten Times Crazier Tour beginning in Virginia Beach on July 19. I can tell you Luke Bryan is as hot as a July afternoon in Nashville. During the CMA Music fest, I sat for 20 minutes and watched young ladies (I could stop there) climb up on a building window sill to have their photo taken next to a Luke Bryan poster in the window. You can also make the case that Bryan got the most screams during his LP Field performance Thursday night.
In the under 25 category, Hunter Hayes is a consistent act. Not only is he a staple on Country radio but “Wanted” got additional play on AC radio. Kacey Musgraves still has a couple of weeks in this category; opening for Kenny Chesney makes her a player for 2013. Taylor Swift is the winner. She will most likely win the award for a couple more years.
Using a baseball analogy, Florida Georgia Line is the best double play combination in Country music. The duo’s first two singles were actually home runs. It is going to be fun to watch the duo battle between Thompson Square and FGL in coming years at award shows. Love and Theft could be in there too.
In the “I sing country music on the radio but I am a rocker in concert” category, Brantley Gilbert has to be the MVP. For you Eric Church fans, of which I am one, I think Eric is country even though he looks like he could go either way.
The Group of the Year category is tough this year. Little Big Town enjoyed an incredible 18 months with “Pontoon” and “Tornado,” though that is pretty much off Country radio today because of the recent tragedy in Moore, Okla. Certainly they were the comeback group of the year last year and they will get a real boost when they host the CMA Music Fest TV show in August. The Zac Brown Band has been an instant add to radio and their live show is a must see. Zac has also become a record executive and will soon be in the food business. Lady Antebellum just keeps putting out Top 10 songs. And of course The Band Perry, which has gotten a great deal of exposure with their “Outnumber Hunger” charity and their lead at the ACM concert/party in Las Vegas in April. They followed up their debut CD with Pioneer and scored almost 130,000 sales the first week. I go with TBP as the MVP.
The MVP female is a tough one. There are three All-Stars and then a few others. Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Taylor are the undisputed leaders. A case can be made for each to get the MVP. Miranda is winning everything in sight on the award show circuit. Carrie has shown she is the hostess with the mostess (that was 2012 though) on the CMA Awards and Taylor continues to outsell everyone on the block. I think both Miranda and Taylor were incredible at the CMA Music Festival last month. They were both confident and in control of the stage when they were on. Carrie got short shrift because of the rain Sunday night. Plus, why the rock song?
I’m going with Miranda.
I believe there should be a Rookie of the Year award in addition to the Under 25 category. This should be someone that really came to light this year. A pretty tight window. Rachel Farley, Weston Burt, Dakota Bradley, Joel Crouse, Charlie Worsham, Brett Eldridge, Tyler Farr, Chris Janson and Jon Pardi are all in the running. For just radio success, I have to go with Brett Eldridge but all of these acts, plus a handful more, have assured that there will be lists like this for years to come.
Let me know your thoughts.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

The Pandora Battle Continues

pandora_logoThe online struggle between internet music provider Pandora and several industry organizations—including the NMPA, ASCAP and others—continues. We’ve compiled the latest posts and responses between Pandora, the NMPA, Pink Floyd and songwriter David Lowery.
Pink Floyd wrote a scathing op-ed piece in USA Today, stating, “The open letter to Pandora that we signed last year said, ‘Lets work this out as partners’ and that’s what we should do. But tricking artists into signing a confusing petition without explaining what they are really being asked to support only poisons the well.”
• Songwriter David Lowery, best known as the lead singer for 1990s band Cracker, says that Pandora played his song more than 1 million times and gave the songwriter only $16.89 in royalties.
Pandora responded to the Pink Floyd op-ed with a statement to Radio Ink, saying, “We have enormous respect for the members of Pink Floyd, and their amazing artistic contributions. We also respect the genuineness of their opinion. Unfortunately, they have been given badly misleading information – the result of a well-orchestrated campaign by the RIAA and their lobbying arm to mislead and agitate artists.” Pandora CEO Tim Westergren also posted a blog on Pandora’s website yesterday, clarifying Pandora’s stance, saying, “While we have generally tried to steer clear of debating this issue in the media, the volume of misinformation has reached a level where I feel it’s important to set the record straight – not only for Pandora, but also for the artists themselves as they consider what, if any role, to play in shaping the policy around royalties in the coming months and years. There is a window of opportunity here to create a healthy and sustainable music ecosystem, but that won’t happen if the discussion is dominated and controlled by entrenched incumbents.”
David Israelite, CEO of the National Music Publishers Association, released a response statement to Westergren’s blog, saying, “Put simply, Pandora has gone to war against creators of music.”