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©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected]
Table of Contents1 Miller Wins Big At Americana Honors & Awards2 Copyright Holders Fighting For Performance Fees3 AirPlay Direct Opens Nashville Office3 Conference Update: IEBA And CRS4 Campbell Adds To Roster4 Chevy To Honor Military Members At CMA Awards 4 615 Produces New Music For Today Show4 Kostas Is Makin’ Music 4 Local Voice Coach Expands Business Internationally4 Allman Brothers Take UMG To Court5 DISClaimer: Not a Clunker In Sight
Music Row Communications, LLC1231 17th Ave. S.Nashville, TN [email protected]
page 1 Friday, September 18, 2009
The annual Americana Honors & Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize artists for their contribution to the roots-based genre, and the 10th installment of the program last night (9/17) at the Ryman delivered a spectacular night of music and entertainment. Buddy Miller was the night’s big winner. In fact, the only thing standing between Miller and a clean sweep was an absent Gurf Morlix winning Instrumentalist of the Year. The veteran songwriter/producer/sideman took home the awards for Album of the Year (Written in Chalk), Song of the Year (“Chalk,” featuring Patty Griffin), Duo/Group of the Year (with wife Julie), and Artist of the Year. When not walking to the podium to accept awards, Miller also led the all-star house band featuring hot shot players like Spooner Oldham and Al Perkins. Oldham opened the event with a rendition of the Box Tops’ hit “Cry Like A Baby,” which he wrote with Dan Penn. Lifetime Achievement Award Performance winners Asleep At The Wheel were up next and then Rodney Crowell performed “Closer to Heaven” from his Sex & Gasoline collection. Affable Jim Lauderdale returned to host the proceedings, and kept the crowd
engaged during setup changes. Midway through the show he even donned a Pilgrim’s hat and delivered a semi-impromptu song called “Now That’s Americana” backed only by piano. While his attempt at a kickline with Buddy Miller wasn't quite Broadway-ready, the effort was still appreciated. Dobro wizard Jerry Douglas delivered a dazzling medley featuring elements of “Tribute to Peador O’Donnell,” and the Allman Brothers’ “Little Martha.” John Prine teamed with Nanci Griffith to salute
Miller Wins Big at Americana Honors & Awards by Jon Freeman
(L-R): Buddy Miller & Justin Townes Earle.Photo: Ray Kennedy/The Image Thief
Friday, September 18, 2009
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Lifetime Achievement Producer/Engineer winner Jim Rooney on his “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.” The music always leaves lasting memories at the Americana Honors, and the night of outstanding performances included Band of Heathens, Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles, The Belleville Outfit, Reckless Kelly, The Flatlanders, Raul Malo, The Gourds, Buddy Miller with Patty Griffin, Lauderdale, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and Sam Bush. The night’s boldest sartorial choice came courtesy of Justin Townes Earle, who would go on to be named the New & Emerging Artist of the Year. The wiry son of Steve Earle was dressed in a red velvet three piece suit, thick plastic eyewear, and a bowtie. And he also gave one of the night’s best performances, a breathtaking version of “Mama’s Eyes.” Jerry Douglas presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting to John Fogerty, who was given a standing ovation. Fogerty called Douglas his “favorite musician in the whole world” and then explained how he always saw his musical development and love of disparate styles very strange. “I thought I was the weirdest person in the history of the world, until I came here today.” Fogerty treated those in the know to a set at the Mercy Lounge on Wednesday night (9/16), and he performed two songs for Awards attendees: “Garden Party” from his Blue Ridge Ranger Rides Again collection, and a hair-raising version of the classic “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” Emmylou Harris paused to pay tribute to recently departed Mary Travers before honoring manager/businessman extraordinaire Ken Levitan with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. Another Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sam Bush for his instrumental contributions. Presenter John Cowan noted of Bush’s percussive playing style, “If there’s a drummer’s hall of fame, I hope Sam goes in it as the first mandolin player.” Bush accepted his award graciously, only to be jokingly interrupted by Lauderdale saying that another mandolin player should have won. Bush
fired back, “Now, Jim, this isn’t the Ameri-Kanye Awards,” drawing laughs and applause. The Americana Music Association’s President’s Award was given to the late Lowell George, who led the band Little Feat and whose career also included work with Frank Sinatra, The Standells, and Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. The last performance of the evening was a fitting salute, a romp through Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken” with help from Lauderdale, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and Sam Bush. Later in the evening New & Emerging nominee Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles performed at the Mercy Lounge, delivering a ferocious set that mixed country melody with punk energy. She was followed up by Texan Charlie Robison, supporting his Beautiful Day collection. Cross Canadian Ragweed was playing simultaneously at the Cannery Ballroom downstairs. Across town, Raul Malo was playing at 3rd & Lindsley. There are still two more days of amazing musical showcases left, so get out there and find your new favorite artist.
Americana Award WinnersAlbum Of The Year: "Written In Chalk," Buddy & Julie MillerArtist Of The Year: Buddy MillerDuo/Group Of The Year: Buddy & Julie MillerNew & Emerging Artist Of The Year: Justin Townes EarleInstrumentalist Of The Year: Gurf MorlixSong Of The Year: "Chalk" Written By Julie Miller, Performed By Buddy Miller And Patty Griffin
Lifetime Achievement AwardsPerformance: Asleep At The WheelExecutive: Ken LevitanSongwriter: John FogertyProducer/Engineer: Jim RooneyInstrumentalist: Sam BushPresident's Award: Lowell George
Copyright Holders Fighting For Performance Fees Music stakeholders—with performing rights organizations in the lead—want iTunes and other digital download stores to start paying performance fees. Cnet.com tackled the issue recently, explaining that while digital music downloads are subject to mechanical fees, there is no performance fee for the 30-second song clips available on iTunes. Copyright holders are also seeking performance fees from film and TV downloads. This content contains music but there is not usually a mechanical or performance payment for the download. "If you watch a TV show on broadcast, cable or satellite TV there is a performance fee collected," David Israelite, president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association told Cnet. "But if that same TV show is downloaded over iTunes, there's not. We're arguing that the law needs to be
L-R): Emmylou Harris, Justin Townes Earle, Jim Lauderdale, John Fogerty and Buddy Miller. Photo: Erika Goldring
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clarified that regardless of the method by which a consumer watches the show there is a performance right." This is a major point of contention—whether playback of a download is a public or private performance. Cnet says the music industry is lobbying Congress to pass legislation that would require anyone who sells a download to pay a performance fee, but little progress has been made. The Digital Media Association (DiMA), a trade group that represents online music/media companies such as iTunes, is fighting the initiative. Among its arguments is that rights holders are typically paid a synchronization fee on the front end for the use of their music in film and TV.
AirPlay Direct Opens Nashville Office AirPlay Direct has established a Nashville office and appointed longtime songwriter/plugger Raleigh Squires as Operations Manager. AirPlay Direct, headed by CEO Robert Weingartz, is a digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio/artist promotion activities. Squires’ 30 year career includes time as a staff songwriter and songplugger for the Mel Tillis music publishing companies before establishing his own independent songplugging company, www.HitMenSongPluggers.com. His outfit was one of the first to pitch songs via the Internet. George Strait, Vern Gosdin, Don Williams, and The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded his songs. Squires can be reached at [email protected].
Conference Update: IEBA And CRS IEBA: Leadership/management expert Dan Clark will be the opening keynote speaker at the 2009 IEBA Conference, running Oct. 11-13 at the Nashville Downtown Hilton. He is CEO of Clark Success Systems, a multi-million dollar speaking, publishing, sports performance and business-consulting firm, and has authored twenty books on leadership including Common Ground and Forgotten Fundamentals, as well as
being a primary contributor to the Chicken Soup For The Soul series. Other special guests at IEBA include Phil Vassar, Michelle Branch, Joey & Rory, Chubby Checker, Boyz II Men, Don Felder, The Wailers, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Chris Young, Jessie James and blogger Bob Lefsetz. CRS: Best-selling business author and award-winning journalist Bob Rosner will host the “Workplace 911” panel at Country Radio Seminar 41, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center. Rosner is the author of The Boss's Survival Guide, as well as a regular contributor on the Today show and CNBC.
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ASCAP recently hosted a release party for Radney Foster's new album Revival. The album features tracks with collaborations from longtime co-writers Darrell Brown, Jay Clementi and friends Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker. In conjunction with the release of Revival, Foster also released a feature length DVD documentary that explored the making of the album titled Behind The Confessions. The 90-minute film was directed by Sundance award-winning filmmaker Jeff Horny and was co-produced by Foster, his wife Cyndi, and Horny. (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Brown, Foster, Clementi, Sea Gayle Music's Chris DuBois, and Fitgerald Hartley's Bill Simmons. Photo: Kay Williams
©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected]
Campbell Adds To Roster Craig Campbell’s Campbell Entertainment Group has signed Eric Lee Beddingfield as a management client. The Georgia native has a strong following on the college circuit and has charted his last three singles in the Top 40 of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ Chart. He is working on his sophomore album with producer Kent Wells.
Chevy To Honor MilitaryMembers At CMA Awards Chevy, the official ride of country music, will salute a special service member at the CMA Awards on Nov. 11. Nominations for someone who has demonstrated exceptional
military spirit are being accepted at www.youreverydayhero.com. The winning serviceman or woman and family will attend the awards and get to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr.
615 Produces New Music ForToday Show Nashville’s 615 Music, headed by President Randy Wachtler, has made a new theme song for longtime client the Today show. “Your Day is Today,” part of the NBC show’s new promotional campaign, is performed by Paisley Van Patten.
Kostas Is Makin’ Music Grammy award winning songwriter Kostas has signed with Makin’ Music for independent songplugging. His No. 1 hits include BMI Song of the Year “Blame It On Your Heart,” and “Timber I’m Falling In Love” (Patty Loveless), “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (Dwight Yoakam), and “I Can Love You Better” (Dixie Chicks). Makin’ Music provides independent songplugging and creative services for songwriters including Mac McAnally, Rafe Van Hoy, and Karen Staley.
Local Voice Coach Expands Business Internationally Celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams has trained and certified her first Canadian affiliate Dawn King. With over twenty years’ experience in the field, King’s studio is located in Vernon, B.C., midway between Vancouver and Calgary. King joins the ranks of those few vocal coaches who have been specially trained by Grant-Williams to teach her unique techniques. Nashville associates include Christy Sutherland and Misty Rae; Zelda Sheldon will be joining the team as a certified affiliate in Australia later this year.
Allman Brothers Take UMG To Court A judge for the Southern District of New York has ruled that the Allman Brothers Band’s action against Universal Music Group will proceed. UMG had filed a motion to dismiss the case which seeks millions for underpayment of digital download royalties and refusal to re-negotiate terms in good faith. The case is now proceeding through discovery and is scheduled to go to trial in early 2010.
Learning Opportunities• The Arts And Business Council of Greater Nashville/Volunteer
Lawyers For the Arts is offering some upcoming seminars that might be helpful for artists. “Building a Business Plan for Artists” will be Wed., Sept. 23, 5:30-7:00 PM at Cummins Station. Cost is $10 members, $15 non-members. “Starting a Nonprofit Arts Organization: Incorporation and the Application for Tax-Exempt Status” will be Tues., Sept. 22, 5:30-7:00 PM at The Arts Company. Call (615) 743-3055 or email [email protected] for reservations.
• The Music City Piano Workshop and Concert will be Fri., Sept. 25 at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin. Made possible
Warner Bros. artist Jason Reeves, cowriter with Colbie Caillet of "Bubbly," has moved to Nashville. ASCAP's Connie Bradley and Dan Keen welcomed Reeves and his manager, Ken Krongard. (L-R): Keen, Reeves, Bradley and Krongard. Photo: Anna Maki
On September 9, Cumberland Heights dedicated its new Levitan-Hiatt Music Room. The new facility adds another dimension of treatment available at Cumberland Heights and honors music management veteran Ken Levitan and legendary singer-songwriter John Hiatt, two men responsible for establishing The John Hiatt Concert Series for Cumberland Heights, one of the longest-running and most successful annual events raising money to help fight addiction and treat adolescents. (L-R): Hiatt, Levitan and Cumberland Heights CEO Jim Moore.
Eric Lee Beddingfield
Renee Grant-Williams
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by a public-service grant from MTSU, students, teachers and aspiring professionals can learn about music production, music business, performance and more during the three workshops. Details at www.solopiano.com and www.musiccitypiano.com.
Tidbits•EMI Christian Music Group Publishing, one of the largest publishers of Christian music in the world, has affiliated with music rights licensing organization The Harry Fox Agency (HFA), to make its catalog of over 35,000 songs available for licensing for limited digital downloads and interactive streams.•Jim O’Baid of OB-1 Entertainment is looking for independent artists who want radio airplay on his show, airing Saturday mornings from 6-9 at 88.5 FM dial and streaming at WVCP.NET.
CDs can be sent to Uncle Pepe, PO Box 22552, Nashville, TN 37202. Questions to [email protected].
• The Thompson Entertainment Group and Mark Hybner Management have re-located their offices within the Faron Young Executive Building near Music Row. The new mailing address for both companies is 1300 Division Street, Suite 207, Nashville, TN 37203. All other contact information will remain the same. The companies co-manage Ricochet, Eric Durrance, and others and also handle marketing and publicity for Ricochet and others.
• Television production company CJM Productions/Program Factory, LLC has increased the viewership of two of its most popular programs, Inside Music Row and On Solid Rock, thanks to new agreements. Nashville based Country music news show Inside Music Row already goes to 24 million households in approximately 100 markets, and will reach an additional 2.3 million Australian households via CMC Australia. Christian music show On Solid Rock can now be seen in 175 countries as a result of a recent agreement with the American Forces Network.
• The paperback version of True Adventures With The King of Bluegrass: Jimmy Martin will be released this month by Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music Foundation Press. Tom Piazza authored the biography.
• Composer/producer Steve W. Mauldin recently earned a Master of Music Composition degree from Belmont University. He entered the program at age 51, making him the oldest member of his class and eventually the oldest student to be awarded such a degree from Belmont.
DISClaimerby Robert K. Oermann No cash this week, because there’s not a clunker in sight. Everybody is playing at the top of their game, especially the ridiculously talented Steve Wariner, Gene Watson and Darius Rucker. Programmers are going to hate this next sentence. All 10 of these platters deserve airplay. Polish off a DisCovery Award for Chris Heers. He is a native and resident of Las Vegas who plays clubs there. But he wisely came to Music City to record his Western Stars CD and its “Dirt Rich” single. Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy” is deservedly a nominee as CMA Single, Song and Video of the Year. Especially Song. So I was leery about a follow-up with a junky title like “That’s How Country Boys Roll.” But, surprise, it is groove soaked and highly listenable. It is also the Disc of the Day.
TELLURIDE/StayWriter: Adam Seaunier/Keesy Timmer/Ryan Jones; Producer: Rex Paul Schnelle; Publisher: none listed, BMI; American Roots (track) (www.tellurideband.com) —Delightfully propulsive, undeniably sunny and brightly romantic. Lead singer Adam Craig brings plenty of power to the table.
KACEY JONES/I Can Always Get Skinny But You’ll Never Be TallWriter: Kacey Jones/Jesse Goldberg/Bill Flowerree; Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Lindcrest/Flying Buddha, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (track) (www.kaceyjones.com) —Kacey’s CD is titled Donald Trump’s Hair. It is full of comedy songs, which we can always use more of. “How dare you call me pudgy, you stubby little runt?” goes one line in this rib tickler. Another? “There is no Viagra for the inches you lack.” The goofy-guy backup vocals are a nice touch, too, particularly when chanting “Ding Dong, Ding Dong.”
GENE WATSON & RHONDA VINCENT/Staying TogetherWriter: Jerry Salley Jr./Monty Holmes; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publisher: EMI/Country Gentleman, ASCAP/SESAC; Shanachie (track) (www.genewatsonmusic.com) —It’s a weeper about a couple who stay together although the spark is long gone. Gene and Rhonda harmonize sublimely. The mournful, moaning steel and honky-tonk piano underline every heartache. The track is drawn from A Taste of the Truth, which stars one of our greatest country vocalists alongside stellar guests such as Alison Krauss, Trace Adkins, Aubrey Haynie, Sonny Garrish and John Wesley Ryles, as well as Rhonda. The set’s superb songs come from the likes of Hank Cochran, Shawn Camp, Jim Rushing, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Tim Mensey, Keith Stegall, Harley Allen and Curly Putman. If you love real country music, buy this record.
MusicRow's Michelle Ross married Timothy Stephens during a sunset ceremony held August 29th at her parents' home. The bride, a native of Nashville, is the daughter of Susana and David Ross. The groom, a pharmacist for Walgreen's, is a native of Suwanee, Ga. and a graduate of the University of Georgia. The bride is a graduate of University School of Nashville and CSU Sacramento and works as RowFax Manager for MusicRow. After honeymooning in Bora Bora and Moorea, the couple resides in the Oak Hill area of Nashville.
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STEVE WARINER/Chet’s GuitarWriter: Steve Wariner/Rick Carnes; Producer: Steve Wariner; Publisher: Steve Wariner/Songs of Peer, BMI/ASCAP; Selectone (track) (www.stevewariner.com) —My Tribute to Chet Atkins is Steve’s album of mostly instrumentals written in imitation of and as a salute to Mr. Guitar. This bopper has plenty of Chet-style picking, but it also has a charming lyric about, “the touch and the tone and the twang of Chet’s guitar.” There’s also a line about “every lick that I stole from Chet,” which Steve swears is the truth.
CHRIS HEERS/Dirt RichWriter: Chris Heers; Producer: Steve Tveit, Pat McGrath & Chris Heers; Publisher: SaddleFarm, ASCAP; SaddleFarm (www.chrisheers.com) —He’s a farmer who is thankful for what little he has. “Dirt Rich” is such a clever concept it’s amazing that nobody has written this before.
DARIUS RUCKER/History In The MakingWriter: Darius Rucker/Frank Rogers/Clay Mills; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Cadaja/New Sea Gayle/EMI April/MXC/Still Working for the Man/ICG, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (CDX)—His prettiest melody yet, and perhaps his most romantic lyric. As usual, Frank’s production touches and mix choices are perfect—I love the way the acoustic guitars and steel slide in and out.
RANDY HOUSER/My Kind Of CountryWriter: Randy Houser/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Mark Wright/Cliff Audretch III; Publisher: Songs of Windswept Pacific/Big Borassa/Words & Music, BMI; Universal South (CDX) —It’s redneck wailer with a stomping beat and low, growled verses that lead to shrieked-up-high choruses. There’s no question about this guy’s vocal talent, but this is extremely in-your-face.
BILLY CURRINGTON/That’s How Country Boys RollWriter: Billy Currington/Brad Jones/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Carson Chamberlain & Billy Currington; Publisher: Universal/Off My Rocker/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher/Brad Jones/Words & Music, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (CDX)—It has a similar theme to the Randy Houser single (Dallas Davidson is a writer on both). But this has a much slinkier,
rump-shaking groove. And Billy’s vocal rides atop the low thumping percussion with considerable finesse. Both performers are following up major hits (”Boots On” and “People Are Crazy,” respectively). Billy wins this round.
THE PARKS/The Party’s Right HereWriter: Johnny Park/David Lee; Producer: Johnny Park & Clint Park; Publisher: Halftime/Universal-Careers, ASCAP/BMI; Carolwood (CDX)—This rocks furiously. Lyrics are spit out in double time and the sidemen, especially the lead guitarist, kick up plenty of dust. In short, it lives up to its title.
BILLY JOE ROYAL/Hard Rock To RollWriter: Charlie Craig/Moe Lytle; Producer: Nelson Larkin & Charlie Craig; Publisher: Power Play, BMI; Gusto (CDX) (615-889-8000) —A homeless man, a war-widowed mom and the crucified Jesus all have “a hard rock to roll.” Billy Joe’s emotional reading of the well-written song and the crisp, gently lulling production earn bonus points.
Julia Burton recently performed during an "Eat 'n Greet" at WDSY in Pittsburgh. She sang songs from her upcoming debut album Woman From The Country and supplied sandwiches and a jar of her family's famous bread and butter pickles. (L-R): WDSY's Stoney Richards and Burton.
Luke Bryan (R) stopped by CMT Radio Live on September 15 to chat with host Cody Alan (L) about his latest single, "Do I" and upcoming album, Doin' My Thing. Photo: Brian Bayley
Chris Hanners’ current radio tour included a stop at WTHO in Thomson, Georgia. Hanners’ debut single, “It’s My Lie (Let Me Live It),” is climbing the MusicRow chart. (L-R): Hanners and WTHO MD Steve Ferguson.
PCL Music artist Clay Underwood visited MusicRow's office Wednesday (9/16) and played a selection of songs including "Behind These Walls" and current single "New Beginnings and Old Honky Tonks." (L-R): MR Publisher/Editor David Ross, Rowfax Mgr. Michelle Stephens, Underwood, Robert K. Oermann, MR Chart Dir. Jon Freeman, MR News Editor Sarah Skates.
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