Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Eric Church

A big congratulations goes out to Eric Church who just scored his first #1 single this week with “Drink In My Hand”.  It’s been way overdue since releasing his first single to radio in 2006.  From that time Eric has sold an amazing amount of albums even though just two of his previous nine singles made it into the Top 10, and all the while he has amassed a large and passionate fan base.

Eric Church is a ridiculously talented writer and artist, but what makes him even more so is his ability to connect to his ardent fans with authenticity.  A novel concept lost on a fair share of mainstream country artists.  It took a good portion of country radio a while to understand connection, passion, sellout shows, and huge sales without huge radio hits translates into an artist they should be playing a lot more of.  I’m glad they finally have because an artist like Church is important to the format.

And if they thought “Drink In My Hand” was big, just wait till “Springsteen“.

Here is the first single “Homeboy” from one of my favorite albums released in 2011, “Chief”.

Project 365

On New Year’s Day I decided to start a Photo A Day in 2012, otherwise known as a Project 365.  Whatever title it gets, I’ve thought about doing it for years and it plays into many things I want to attend to every year – savoring moments in each day, keeping my eye sharp, being challenged creatively, to look at things in a new way, and to find redemption in unlikely places.  So now it begins.

I’m only a few days into it and must remind myself each day to make it happen, but I’m told if you do something for 21 days straight it becomes a habit.  I’ll try and test that theory.

If you are interested, check out my 365 Project blog or Flickr page as the project photos will be on each.  There is no theme and I don’t really want a plan – just to find a moment or subject within a day and record it.

Here’s to forming good habits in 2012!

Favorite Music of 2011

It’s been an amazing year for great music!  For what it’s worth here’s my own little “Best Of” for 2011.  In no particular order.

Best Musical Groups of 2011:

Mumford and Sons, MuteMath, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Fitz and the Tantrums, Foo Fighters, Downhere, Zac Brown Band, PawnShop kings, Switchfoot, The Black Keys, Little Big Town, Needtobreathe, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Avett Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Attwater

Best Female Musical Artists of 2011:

Adele, Joss Stone, Alison Krauss, Kelly Clarkson, Sierra Hull, Francesca Battistelli, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Jessica Campbell, Melissa Fuller, Sandra McCracken

Best Male Musical Artists of 2011:

Mat Kearney, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Marc Scibilia, Darius Rucker, Matt Maher, Dom Liberate, Drew Womack, Keb Mo, Landeau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Best Albums of 2011 (somewhat in order):

1. Mumford and Sons “Sigh No More”
2. Adele “21″
3. Mat Kearney “Young Love”
4. MuteMath “Odd Soul”
5. Fitz & The Tantrums “Picking Up The Pieces”
6. Eric Church “Chief”
7. Joss Stone “LP1″
8. Alison Krauss & Union Station “Paper Airplane”
9. Switchfoot “Vice Verses”
10. Foo Fighters “Wasting Light”
11. Needtobreathe “The Reckoning”
12. Little Big Town “Reason Why”
13. Chris Thile & Michael Daves “Sleep With One Eye Open”
14. Lady Antebellum “Own The Night”
15. The Black Keys “El Camino”
    
16. Kelly Clarkson “Stronger”

Best Songs of 2011:

Mumford & Sons “Roll Away Your Stone”,  Mutemath “Blood Pressure”,  Adele “Someone Like You”,  Drew Holcomb “Fire & Dynamite”,  Jason Aldean “Dirt Road Anthem”,  Fitz & The Tantrums “Don’t Gotta Work It Out”,  Eric Church “Homeboy”, Laura Story “Blessings”,  Miranda Lambert “Baggage Claim”,  Jessie J. “Price Tag”,  Civil Wars “Barton Hollow”,  Needtobreathe “Slumber”,  Lady Antebellum “We Owned The Night”,  Little Big Town “Kiss Goodbye”,  Alison Krauss & Union Station “My Love Follows You Where You Go”,  Attwater  “Daydreaming”

Best Comeback: The Cars

Best Concert:  U2 @ Vanderbilt Stadium

Slow Down And Smile

Over the past six months or so, a reoccurring theme has been generating in front of me.  Maybe you’ve had a similar thing happen, where you receive a series of messages that have to do with a related idea or subject.

This particular one started in line at the grocery store where I was no doubt in a hurry to get in and out of the store in the shortest amount of time possible.  An older gentleman and I arrived at the checkout space at the same time, each of us with just a few items.  We had the awkward moment where we were deciding who was going first and then the man said, “Go ahead, I stopped being in a hurry a long time ago”.  Bam.  Instant realization that there was a lesson coming from experience and wisdom.  I liked it and resolved to hang on to the teaching, but it got blurred by the time I walked out the door.

A few months later I was at the gym on one of the weight machines.  I was attempting to get in a full workout within a limited window of time, when suddenly an older guy I’d never seen at the gym before said, “Slow down!”  He took me by surprise and I couldn’t answer by the time he repeated it again, “Slow down.”  He had probably noticed I was pressed for time and trying to have a speedy workout.  I laughed and said, “Yes, trying to get a quick workout in.”  But that didn’t satisfy him, so he pressed on, “Slow down, you’ll get more out of it!”  Instantly the recognition of wisdom of how to not only maximize use of the weight machine, but wisdom about life.

“Slow down, you’ll get the most out of it.”  Yeah, that one needed to stay and become a part of me.  Properly living and savoring moments, experiences, and life.

Shortly after the gym incident, I was speed walking through a parking lot from my vehicle to a store.  With my head down I was stopped again by an older man who was passing by and said, “Slow down son……and smile.”  I looked up and did exactly that while thanking him for the sage advice.  Boom.  There it was again.  Slow.  Down.

One of these incidents on it’s own is a good reminder, but three of them within a short period of time is a message.  I got it.  Message received.  There were also other smaller incidents that revolved around the same theme.  Now I have to remind myself to slow down, create enough time and space to not be in a hurry, and manage my time better so I won’t be pressed for it. Imagine the stress that would take off and the peace it could give.

I found it interesting that each of these messages were delivered by older gentlemen in their 70′s and 80′s.  How many times in my life had I received advice from someone older only to realize many years later that they were absolutely correct, and wishing I would have heeded their advice sooner?  Many times.

This lesson has to be taken in, practiced, and lived out.  While I’m not going to be driving my car 35 in a 50 (let’s not get crazy!), I can take steps to leave earlier so I don’t have to be in hurry.  To arrive at appointments earlier.  To enjoy the moment and the day while not being consumed about the hours and days ahead.  To take the time to look around and enjoy the scenery.  To savor life and live it more to the full.  Continue to work hard and efficiently of course, but with a more purposeful pace.

Our culture will tell us just the opposite, but by slowing down, I believe we can truly get more out of this life.  And as a result, be in a better position to enhance the life of others.

On Being Thankful

We are annually reminded to be thankful during the Thanksgiving holiday and contemplate what we are grateful for.  It’s a good and noble thing to do, but it shouldn’t be a once a year event; we should be practicing being thankful every single day of our lives because there is something we can find in each of those days we are given.

The obvious make the list – family, friends, health, etc., but so many blessings we tend to overlook.  I think about my trip to Africa a few summers ago and it once again reminds me of all the things we take for granted in this country.  Clean water, food, clothing, education, electricity, shelter, shoes, basic medicine, sanitation and so many needs we do not lack for.  My eyes open up again to the stark reality of this world.

Aren’t you thankful that you can have a hope and a future?  The same can’t be said for many people we came across during our trip.  They didn’t even know what the word “hope” meant.  There was no word in their language that would translate it because hope has never existed for them.  It is more like a dream or fantasy – something that they could never actually have.

Be thankful you can have a future full of hope.  And that you have the ability to give hope to others as well.  There are many ways to help those in desperate need around the world.  You may know of an organization that will put your thankfulness to good use, but if you are open to suggestions, please give strong consideration to World Vision, Samaritans Purse, or Visiting Orphans.  You will find no better organizations that gives hope to children and families.

I am also reminded of a post from author John Fischer on being thankful:

“It’s hard to think of one vice that the virtue of thankfulness cannot render useless. One does not need to steal when one is thankful. A man does not covet his neighbor’s home when he is thankful for his own. No one craves more when he is grateful for what he has.

You don’t care if you get the important seat at the table when you are overcome with gratitude at simply being invited to the dinner. You don’t put heavy weights on other people’s shoulders when you are thankful that God has lightened your own load.  You don’t have to try for the highest place when you are already grateful for whatever place you were given.

In the same way, a thankful heart cancels out pride and arrogance. No need to judge other people when you are thankful for who you are. No need to measure yourself by and compare yourself to others when you are thankful for what God has done in your life.”

The point is to be thankful on a daily basis and to be mindful of it always.  It’s amazing what a good consistent dose of thankfulness and gratitude can do for not just our own lives, but those who come in contact with us.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday and remember to be thankful on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and all the days forward.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Brooke Fraser

I’ve been looking to feature this amazing New Zealand born artist for a while now, but could never decide on exactly which video to post since there is so much quality content.  I solved that problem by posting two videos below and will leave it to your own capabilities to check out the others.  It’s worth the time, believe me.  Brooke Fraser is not only Ridiculously Talented, but has a huge heart by using her talent to in helping those in need through charity organizations such as World Vision and charity: water, among others.

I have never seen her live show, but it is on my short list of artists I must see should she make it back to the states.

2011 CMA Award Winners

2011 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Nominees and Winners

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

New Artist
The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Thompson Square
Chris Young

Vocal Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year
‘All About Tonight’ – Blake Shelton
‘My Kinda Party’ – Jason Aldean
‘Speak Now’ – Taylor Swift
‘This Is Country Music’ – Brad Paisley
‘You Get What You Give’ – Zac Brown Band

Single of the Year
‘A Little Bit Stronger’ – Sara Evans
‘Colder Weather’ – Zac Brown Band
‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ – Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
‘Honey Bee’ – Blake Shelton
‘If I Die Young’ – The Band Perry

Song of the Year
‘Colder Weather’ – Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles
‘Dirt Road Anthem’ – Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford
If I Die Young’ – Kimberly Perry
‘Mean’ – Taylor Swift
‘You and Tequila’ -Matraca Berg and Deana Carter

Vocal Duo
The Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Musical Event of the Year
‘As She’s Walking Away’ – Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson
‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ – Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert
‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ – Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
‘Old Alabama’ – Brad Paisley featuring Alabama
‘You and Tequila’ – Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter

Music Video
‘Honey Bee’  – Blake Shelton
‘If I Die Young’ – The Band Perry
‘Mean’ – Taylor Swift
‘Old Alabama’ – Brad Paisley featuring Alabama
‘You and Tequila’ – Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter

Musician
Sam Bush – Mandolin
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar

Good Hike

Good Hike, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Marc Scibilia

I’ve been ready to feature Marc since I started this particular series, but didn’t have a recent video to post.  That has changed now that he has teamed up with Director Julian Smith and released a couple of videos, including the one below for “Better Man”, which will give you an indication of just how ridiculously talented Marc is.  He is also a great guy with an amazing future ahead of him.  Get ready world!

Bringing Local Back

We are changing banks again.  We left the mammoth Bank of America to a smaller regional bank about a year ago.  Seeing the writing on the wall regarding fees and charges with the regional establishment, we made the move to a local bank and have already seen a glowing difference.  For starters, I don’t have to press #1 on my phone and wait through a catalog of options – I talk to an actual person in Nashville.  We also received a gift card to a restaurant with a hand written thank you note from the manager of the branch where we opened our account.  They are neighborly and make us feel at home.  I imagine their business is booming from other customers fleeing national banks who are increasing fees and charges.

Why had we waited so long to go local?  Were we just victims of slick advertising and “bigger is better” mentality?  I was reminded that this was no huge revelation or breaking ground here; this is how it used to be done.  We come from local.  Local banks, local hardware, local doctor, local produce, local auto mechanic, local radio station, local eggs, and so on.  I’m reminded of that small town feel, where you were known, appreciated, and felt connected.

You see local happening in other areas besides banking.  Some embrace it as a hip trend, while others recognize it as going back to a better time.  Either way, both sides view it as a better option in most cases.

Local cannot be forced to be embraced again.  It has to happen naturally and will thanks to major corporations who are pressured to keep their stock up and play to the lowest common denominator, which causes them to bite the hand that feeds.  While some people will allow the feeding to continue, others are moving on to a more personal substitute.  What they currently long for in local is something that has been lost among the masses for a while now.

True, some localization is more expensive and in today’s economy we are all inclined to save money where we can.  However, as local makes a return the competition increases and prices will come down.  Also, lower prices will occur as the quantity of people go local.  The more the better for us all.

I’m no anti-capitalist and believe that the same process that spurred mega-corporate growth will be the process that will move companies and industries to go more local and win.  As long as the government doesn’t get in the way, which they have a habit of doing. Whether that would be food markets, financial institutions, bookstores, radio, or any other business that has gotten away from what once made them desirable or relevant.  It’s just a matter of time before others are driven away by the impersonal and unappealing ways of large companies that have lost their way.

Yet, we must be watchful that “local” isn’t just a misleading statement or a strategic brand imaging ploy.  There are bad local businesses as much as bad national businesses and people in each looking to rip the consumer off.  The key is always to evaluate the quality of product, customer service, follow up, and true local authenticity.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like my Lowe’s and Target, but there is room for local to come back and take hold in many segments of daily life.  Filling a place that has been lost, forgotten, or ignored.  A place that will be reclaimed by smart businesses and down home people that wish to reconnect to genuine community.

Have you made any moves to local?  What businesses would you like to see become more local?

Texas Theater

Texas Theater, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Little Big Town

Little Big Town has been around making great music since 1998 and they get better and more ridiculously talented all the time.  Here’s the stirring new single and video “Shut Up Train”:

9/11 Over The Atlantic

Flying over the Atlantic the pilot makes an announcement, “I don’t know exactly how to tell you this…”  That got my attention and heart racing.  Then something to the effect that the twin towers in New York City have been attacked by terrorists and have fallen to the ground. Also, something about the Pentagon being bombed.  The only thing I knew for sure is that we were at war now.

“The FAA has grounded all flights within, out of, and into the U.S., so we must turn around and return to London.”  A little further into flight and we could have continued to Canada, but we just hadn’t traveled far enough.  So about halfway into our flight we head back to Heathrow airport having no idea what was really going on and only hearing occasional reports.  No one was able to get a connection out on the airline phones.  Speculation of 50,000 dead, mass chaos, and more attacks to come.  It was beyond comprehension.

Having just enjoyed a vacation to Italy and Paris, the stop at Heathrow on 9/11 was for the connection home to the United States.  The previous two weeks were a great time, but I was ready to get home.  Now that we were on our way back to London, there was no way to know what would happen in the moments and days that followed.

Upon arrival at Heathrow, about five hours after the announcement, it was absolutely crazy.  Everyone was talking, but there were no video screens, televisions, or any way to view what had happened.  No one could get a call in our out.  All we could do was get our bags and after a couple of hours board an American Airlines shuttle to a hotel they were providing in Brighton, England.  There were no rooms in London whatsoever and Brighton was the closest we could get booked which was 80 miles away on the southern UK coast.

After a two hour ride to Brighton it was around 3am before everyone got to their rooms.  I immediately turned on a TV and for the first time saw the horrific images that up that point I could only imagine in my mind.  It’s not what I expected and did not seem real.  How could it be?  How could anyone do this?  But it was real and I could not get to bed until I got caught up on what had happened 12 hours before.

The next day we were unclear at what to do.  Do we go to the airport?  Do we try to land a hotel in London?  Or do we stay put in Brighton?  Since American Airlines was not providing another night stay at the hotel many of us decided to go to the airport and figure out some way to get on a flight home, but that was going to be impossible.  My friend Shawna and I were at the airport with our bags for the entire day and decided to find a spot and sleep there for the night along with the thousands of other people that were filling every available floor space.  There were no hotels to be found.

About the time Shawna and I decided on a sleep schedule in our luggage lined foxhole, a very nice couple approached us and asked if we had seen any families with children.  They mentioned watching the news reports at a pub of all the people stranded at the airports with no place to go and they drove from their town to find a family to take in.  We actually didn’t see any families near us (we would find out later that it was because other people had taken them in) and since they didn’t locate any as quickly as they had hoped and were parked illegally out front of the airport, they asked us if we would like to stay with them for the night so we could each have a bed to sleep in.  We looked at one another and what would normally be an odd invitation, was just what we needed.  We knew this was a gift from God.

P.J. and Katie loaded our bags and us into their Land Rover and we commenced a one hour journey southwest of London to the town of Headley in Hampshire.  They lived in what was once an old bakery converted into a charming little home.  Upon arrival they served us tea, food, and got our rooms prepared.  Our heads were spinning from everything that had happened and for me it felt much like a story of fiction.  This can’t really be happening, right?

The kindness of the English couple had provided us with a night of comfortable sleep, a shower, and rejuvenation.  After another gracious act of cooking breakfast for us, P.J. took us to the train station so we could return to the airport and hopefully catch a flight back.  There was no news on if the FAA had lifted the restriction on flights, but if they did we wanted to be in a position to get on any flight to the U.S. that we could.

On Thursday the 13th the airport was still chaotic and information was difficult to come by.  Lugging the bags was getting seriously annoying, as was the constant waiting and wondering.  When it became apparent nothing was going to happen on this day either, I gave a call to my friend Lex who worked for MCA Records in London.  I asked her if she knew of any hotels that would be available since I was still having trouble finding anything.  She came to the rescue and located an available hotel in London and said she was paying for two nights for us.  The kindness we were shown by her, the couple in Headley, and all around the UK was overwhelming.  True compassion and caring.

Having a hotel in London was a relief, as was being in a country that spoke the same language.  It could have been so much more difficult than it was.  As such, it was nice to be able to walk around London and try to enjoy being there.  Any other occasion it would have felt like a continued vacation, but it didn’t feel like that at all.  I wanted to be home, in the United States, with my people, family, and friends.  I felt entirely disconnected from the events taking place at home in the States and I longed to be there to go through it with them.

On Friday we were told that flights may start going out again and that we could keep up with our status via a telephone service that was set up by the airline.  It didn’t seem promising at all.  Part of that day was spent shopping for clothes, since everything I had was completely filthy.  We also found an internet cafe that allowed us to communicate with my family and friends via email. It was a calmer day, but Shawna and I were tumultuous inside.  The ordeal was taking its toll emotionally.

On Saturday it was decided that instead of waiting and hoping that we would go to the airport and try our luck.  It was time to get home.  With persistence, a friendly agent, and fortunate flying experience we found one seat on a flight home.  I told Shawna to go and I would keep trying for stand by on other flights now that there was some encouraging news.  I didn’t make it on anything the rest of the day and night so I took the long trip back to the hotel wondering if I was going to have to take a boat to the United States.

Sunday morning I awoke early and returned to Heathrow and was determined to get a flight out that day or stay at the airport until I did.  I went back to the familiar gate agent and asked her what she could do for me and repeated my story.  She was surprised I had not gotten on a flight yet and with the click of a few keys I had a seat on a flight to Chicago that was boarding immediately.

With air traffic still out of whack, I arrived in Chicago too late to make a connection to Nashville, but I didn’t care.  I was home.  I wanted to kiss the ground and sing God Bless America.

Early on Monday morning the 17th I was on a flight for Nashville thinking about the six prior days I had experienced.  Reflecting on how evil had inflicted a wound and impacted the lives of so many people, but more importantly how good people had responded in attempting to heal the wound.  I was overcome with the generosity, hospitality, and selflessness of P.J., Katie, Lex, and numerous people in London, Brighton, and at Heathrow.

I know we all have our own unique stories and at the same time how we are all linked with the benevolence of people we have never met.  I remember how I wished that spirit would continue and things would never be “normal” again, but unfortunately it had to return.

May our reflection to that day ten years ago bring some of that togetherness back again, if only for a little while and may we never forget.

Country Music Artists Join Efforts of World Vision

Country Music Artists Join Efforts of Global Humanitarian Organization World Vision  Use Your Voice: Do Good campaign gains new artists (Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 8, 2011)  Global humanitarian organization World Vision has announced the addition of several Country music artists to its growing list of supporters in the United States and around the world.  The most recent round of artists to join the World Vision efforts are: Attwater, Carter’s Chord, Jason Crabb, Sarah Darling, Lainey Edwards, LoCash Cowboys and Gary Morris.  Since 2009, World Vision has become an active sponsor at the CMA Music Festival and increased its presence within the Country music community through its Use Your Voice: Do Good campaign.  The campaign has already achieved success within the Gospel and Contemporary Christian markets with more than 900,000 sponsorships of children in need. Artists in partnership with World Vision use their voices on the road and elsewhere to encourage fans to join them in speaking out on behalf of those around the world whose voices are not heard: the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed.  Among the diverse roster of acts already committed to the World Vision cause are: Terri Clark, Patty Griffin, The Isaacs, Sarah McLachlan, PawnShop kings, Kenny Rogers, Jordyn Shellhart, Ricky Skaggs, Chuck Wicks and Wynonna.  Together, these and many other artists and fans have sponsored nearly one million children over the last 23 years. World Vision Artists are humanitarian advocates who mobilize and educate their fans about the desperate need of millions of children and families worldwide.  Because of their strong voice among a crucial audience, World Vision Artists play a vital role in supporting World Vision’s efforts to make a difference and influence change around the world. About World Vision: World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  For more information, visit www.WorldVision.org. World Vision Contact: Mike Severson – (615) 496-6023 – mikeseverson@comcast.net Charles Dorris – (615) 236-1684 – charlesdorris@gmail.com

Artists – Keep It Simple

Money should be the result, not the reason.

Do it because it’s what you love to do.

If you live for the chart position, you will die by the chart position.

Create exceptional work.

Work hard.

Build an audience and fans.

Have a career.

Have fun and enjoy.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Joss Stone

She launched in 2003, has five albums to her credit, and has been a feature vocalist on dozens of other top artists projects.  Her latest album, LP1, was released on July 26th and recorded in Nashville in just six days.

Joss Stone is obviously ridiculously talented and has been for a long while now.  Her latest album and this video for “Karma” further proves the point…..

Rigid Mission

Have you ever worked for a company or been involved in a venture that was resistant to change, expanded services, or innovative ways of doing business? Met with resistance because of an overtly intense focus on their mission?

I’m a big proponent of having a mission statement and being committed to it. It’s critical for a business to have a well communicated mission and inspiring for employees and clients to be a part of that solid unity, but it can also be a problem. There are companies that are unable to see that new ideas, technology, and enhanced positions don’t have to change the overall mission but can actually add to it and make it stronger.

Fear of variation paralyzes growth. Yes, most new ideas will not fit within the mission, but some can actually make it possible to hit targets with more precision and be big game changers. It’s the ability to be open to those ideas and new models of business that can launch an organization to new levels.

Rigidness may feel like an unwavering commitment to excellence, but in these days of rapid industry change it can look like desperation to hold onto a stagnant or dying model in hopes of resurrecting past success.  This is especially true in the music industry.  Mission statements don’t have to change if defined correctly, but they do need to be evaluated and made stronger through growth, vision, and enhancement within the context of the mission.

Having a mission statement is essential in these times of distraction, but not properly attending to it will cause it to be inadequate and ineffective.

Which reminds me, I need to re-evaluate my own mission statement.  How about you?

In Between

In Between, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Mat Kearney

Nashville resident Mat Kearney isn’t necessarily a new artist, but not exactly what you’d call widely known by the masses.  Yet.

The 2006 single “Nothing Left To Lose” and “Closer To Love” released in 2009 are his most recognized songs, heard on adult contemporary, mainstream alternative, and contemporary Christian radio stations. His new album “Young Love” was released on August 2nd and is one of the best album of 2011.  It’s a fantastic collection of varied musical influences from a ridiculously talented singer/songwriter.  It should propel Mat to new levels of acclaim and recognition.

Here is the current single “Hey Mama”:

How You Treat People

The last music morsel post was about how excellent music always wins, and it does.  However, there is a sure fire way to sabotage a career even if the music is amazing and that is by treating people poorly.  I’ve seen it happen over and over in the music industry.  Talented artists that let their egos or bad attitudes limit their potential and success.

Here are a few examples I have personally witnessed.

First scenario:  This particular artist is brand new with his first single just now charting. Not many people have heard of him just yet. He gets booked for a prestigious festival, but all he does is complain about what he’s not getting, what time he’s going on, where the stage is located and in the process is treating people horribly.  Brutal first impression by all concerned.

Contrast that with another new female artist in the same type of position who is just glad to be there, is pleasant, and willing to play to whomever and wherever she can because she considers it a privilege to be involved with the festival.

Who’s going to have the most fun, success and come away making friends, fans, business contacts, and will be invited back next year?

Second scenario:  Backstage prior to a show from an A-list artist who is doing a meet and greet with select fans, special guests, contest winners, and radio.  She comes out and the cattle call begins.  No photos, no conversations – just get your autograph and move along please.  Or perhaps she’s sitting down behind a table so you can’t touch her.  Or there’s no autographs and one big group picture.  Whatever the setup, it’s not an enjoyable event for the guests who very likely walk away thinking they had just met a Madame Tussaud’s wax figure of the artist and not the actual person.

Contrast that with the just as popular artist who arrives backstage and proceeds to engage his guests.  Looks them in the eyes, signs photos, takes pictures, answers questions, ASKS questions, and does it with a smile.  I’ve seen this done with a line to keep some sense of order or without a line to make it a more “hang out” vibe.  In either case it’s more personable and inviting.

Who is getting the better reputation with fans, radio, sponsors, and music industry professionals?  Who’s fans will be more impressed and more passionate than ever?

Third scenario:  Emerging artist with a couple of big hits under his belt who is now headlining a tour.  He has a variety of opening acts along the way who are all newer artists and he treats them all like crap.  He’s a power trip extraordinaire who will make the opening acts life hell just because he and his crew can.

Contrast that with one of the biggest bands in the world who have had countless hits and world tours.  You would expect that if anyone treats opening acts as the scourge it would be this artist, yet they have a reputation of being one of the most gracious and welcoming acts in the industry.  They treat their opening guests with respect and thoughtfulness.

If any of these opening acts become big, who will they have to thank more?  Who will have been a stellar role model for them on how to treat people and stay humble in the midst of clamoring success?

There are many more examples of how rude, narcissistic, vain, disrespectful, stingy, and overbearing artists contrasts with artists that are classy, humble, respected, generous, and thankful.  Yes, an artist needs to be authentic and have personal boundaries, but just like in any business relationship, there are professional and courteous ways to go about doing business.  Not to say an artist should allow people to walk all over them or agree to every request.  There are just as many people within the industry that treat artists poorly or are trying to take advantage of them, but it’s best to be handled with class or allowing a manger to handle it for them.  A good manager knows how to the bad guy when needed.

Real or imagined success has a way of skewing reality, so it’s important for an artist to keep a level head and surround themselves with friends and colleagues that will set them straight if an attitude adjustment is needed.  Or they will eventually be sent straight out the door begging to get back in.

We all have examples of people who have treated us poorly and who think they are above the Golden Rule.  Let’s not become one of those individuals just because we are able to.  Have a positive influence on others by treating them with respect and kindness no matter how successful and “famous” you are.  It will not only serve you well with others, but help keep you solidly grounded.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Eric Paslay

Listening to Eric Paslay’s advance song sampler I hear hints of Radney Foster meets Tom Petty meets Keith Urban meets Rodney Crowell meets Mat Kearney meets Brad Paisley. Yet this ridiculously talented singer/songwriter stands tall on his own (literally and figuratively) with versatility and originality. Country radio needs more male artists like Eric that are set apart from the saturation of sameness that can pervade the format.

All six songs on the sampler are first-rate. EMI Nashville just released his debut single “Never Really Wanted” and an album is planned for release in the very near future. Make sure you get yourself a copy.

Excellent Music Wins

I consistently listen to most of the singles going for airplay at radio to keep up with what music and artists are out there in the trenches.  Each time I do I shake my head in disbelief.  There are typically a number of releases that are simply not good quality songs (my opinion of course).  It makes me wonder who is making the decision to release this stuff and saying “That’s a hit!”?  Or is it more of a strategy to simply bring awareness to radio for a particular artist and their music? In either case it doesn’t make a difference if the music doesn’t cut it.

On the other hand, being excellent doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything at radio.  I hear those singles as well – incredible songs and vocals that deserve to be heard by a larger audience.  Some will be embraced by radio and others will fall through the cracks for a variety of reasons that seem to make no sense.  It happens to both major and indie label artists, but more often to the latter.  They find a tougher time getting traction beyond CMT Pure, GAC, or secondary radio, but it can be accomplished if the song is undeniable.

That’s why, if you’re an artist, it’s so important to connect directly to an energetic fan base and engaging them through social media, a focused marketing plan, by establishing a tour presence and showing everyone how exceptional you are at what you do.  If radio comes to the party, great, go with it!  If they ultimately do not then you can be in an advantageous position to carry on and have a career without them.  There are other ways to move forward.  It’s not easy and takes a lot of hard work, but the bottom line is you still must have outstanding, compelling music to deliver. 

Excellent music usually finds it’s way to the audience one way or another, but may not always make it on mainstream radio or top the charts.  But it always wins.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – MUTEMATH

The following words have been used to describe them:

Epic, Untouchable, Unique, Genius, Evolving, Experimental, Intense, Mind Blowing, Creative, Incredible……Ridiculously Talented…..

Each and every word fits as Mutemath continues to redefine, surprise and yet maintain their own unique brand and sound. Yes it has changed and evolved from the first project, but they aren’t necessarily interested in doing exactly what they’ve done before, but making it better and “embarrassing” their previous work, to quote the lead singer Paul Meany.

Not only do they release quality, front edge work, they also market themselves in the same front edge manner.  The band currently has an interactive video and a “mashup” single remix contest going on which you can check out here.

The following new single and video entitled “Odd Soul” was released just yesterday with the album due October 4th.  It’s on my must have list and if you’ve never seen them live, the show is a must see.

Back in the Day

Back in the Day, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Zac Brown Band

Everything that is good, true, and right about country music is on display in the Zac Brown Band. No gimmicks or studio tricks necessary.

Here is video of the ridiculously talented band performing at the amazing Red Rocks in Colorado.

Are We Musically Dumbed Down?

I was having a conversation with a music industry friend the other day about how it can be argued that people have been dumbed down musically.  It’s not the fault of the music fan and we may not even be aware that it has happened to us.  It seems like a logical sequence down a slippery slope.

A majority of music listening is done on the radio.  As a whole radio is slow to add new music causing stations to have a small playlist of current songs, so a majority of singles are never actually heard.  When they are added onto a station, they will be thoroughly tested  until it is determined which songs fare the best with the largest amount of the target audience.  Songs appealing to the masses will tend to be, more often than not, down the middle, non-offensive, non-polarizing and have a good “hook”.  As a result it is extremely difficult for songs pushing the creative edges to gain a foothold.

Replicate this process a thousand times over for years and what would be the natural conclusion?  That mass appeal becomes the lowest common denominator and listeners will become accustomed to what is offered up, defining it as the best music has to bestow, which is not the case at all.  Songs that are inventive, out of center and polarizing will seldom see the light of day unless they are by an artist that has already successfully established themselves.  There are exceptions of course, but when you break it down it’s not about the best music, but about what music tests with the most people and will get them to listen to the radio longer.  The longer they listen, the higher the station’s ratings.  The higher the ratings the more advertising dollars are available.  The more money that comes in the happier the corporate stockholders will be.  It’s business.

It’s no different than a product or service that is offered by a particular corporation or the government.  They are looking for mass support and once they have secured it through strategic marketing, publicity and campaigning, will continue to serve exactly what keeps the masses submissive to their brand, buying what they are selling, believing what they are saying, or voting for utopian promises.  Left unchecked it becomes a race to the bottom and arguably the dumbing down of the people to the point where they don’t realize they may be getting screwed and that there is something better out there for them.

It’s the creative edges and authenticity that push discovery, excitement and growth. It’s the freedom of creativity that fuels the future, and as more avenues become available to discover new music, it will hopefully ignite a musical renaissance.  Sure we will always want the big pop culture hit and to be a part of that experience, but just as much we will want artists and music that speak to us individually.  And we will remember what we have forgotten….how much we love music and how much we enjoy defining that on our own terms and taste.  That journey may even take us back to the fundamentals that are now “new” again.

I challenge you, as I challenge myself, break free of the wallpapered room, get out of the house and rediscover your musical passion.  Don’t let others dictate what you care about, listen to, purchase and ultimately enjoy.

Ghostly Grass

Ghostly Grass, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculoulsly Talented Tuesday – Mumford and Sons

Mike:  I’ll take Ridiculously Talented Tuesday for $1000 Alex.

Alex:  The band Mumford & Sons plays this style of music with a strong Shakespearean literary influence.

Me:  What are English folk, bluegrass, country, Irish, Americana, roots, alternative, indie rock and anything else they want?

Alex:  Correct.  They are that Ridiculously Talented.

The Fans Rule

It’s been years since I’ve fully dived into Fan Fair, modernly known as CMA Music Festival.  Even when I’ve attended in the past I would usually just go to the stages to watch and support whatever artists I was representing at the time , but I typically didn’t walk around the entire festival. This year I decided to do exactly that.

Even thought I was there on business to connect with industry colleagues and artists I help represent, I also had the opportunity to check out other artists I like or haven’t had an opportunity to see perform live.  Some shows I  spontaneously stopped by were artists I had barely or never heard of.  I walked amongst the fans and watched them in the autograph booth lines and at shows.  I walked miles every day under the uber hot sun to make the most of my time and the experience that is Fan Fair.

Standing behind one of the stages I was enjoying a new artist who barely has any airplay on radio, yet the fans were into it……and there were a lot of them.  This artist was very good and was one of countless acts I saw that had great songs and put on entertaining shows.  It further drove home the point to me that there are many more than 20-30 deserving artists and songs that a majority of radio limit themselves to playing in their current rotation.  There is a great deal more talent than is allowed through the pipeline that the fans were responding to, showing up for and genuinely supporting.

CMA Music Fest brings in the passionate country music fans from all over the world and from what I gathered in the four days I was in the mix, they like a variety of country music styles and niches.  The genre casts a wide net and the same can be true of the country music fan.  They like music beyond the center and I sense they are a lot more musical savvy and open minded than radio and the music industry give them credit for.

Music fans are kind of like that…..and so are music listeners.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Kevin Montgomery

I’ve known Kevin Montgomery for over 20 years since attending Nashville’s Belmont College together.  From the first time I saw him perform and to this very day I’ve always been struck by his musical and songwriting talent as a solo artist and with the Road Trippers.  For that reason alone he is featured this week, but I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention what a great person he is and how he has a heart for helping others.  Kevin is the kind of guy you want in your corner.

Following is one of his newer songs “Some Comfort”.  Take it in.

Downtown Dusk

Downtown Dusk, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Attwater

I had the pleasure of seeing this Sacramento based band perform in Nashville about a month ago and was incredibly impressed.  Attwater teamed up with producer extraordinaire Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars, Switchfoot) to put together several new tracks and then with the incredibly talented photographer Jeremy Cowart for two videos.  The first video for “Never Gonna Happen” is below and you can go to their site to download the single for free and also go here to get a beautiful song entitled “Daydreaming”.  Attwater is powerful, versatile and authentic.  Check them out….and watch out…..they are ridiculously talented.

Relationships In The Music Industry

There is typically a common denominator between those people I highly respect in the music industry:

• Authenticity
• Humility
• How they treat other people in all levels of profession

The music business is an amazing industry to be a part of, but like any business it can be difficult to navigate relationships and networking that may appear genuine, but found out to be purely based on a pervasive “what can you do for me” mentality.  It is tricky to separate yourself from those situations, so just be aware, acknowledge it, see it for what it is and don’t be deluded by it.  More importantly, surround yourself with people who are passionate about music, artists and who you trust and respect.  Care about people more than positions and power.  And don’t let the industry define who you are.

We are all in this together and life is too short.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – NEEDTOBREATHE

One of the best bands in any format and has yet to be heard by the masses, but that’s been changing. Needtobreathe has opened up for some prominent artists and is currently on tour with Taylor Swift. The band alone is worth the price of the ticket. The following video is raw concert footage of an acoustic performance of “Washed By The Water” and I would urge you to dig further if you aren’t familiar with the band just yet. They are ridiculously talented.

Walk To Union Station

Walk To Union Station, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Adele

Not much needs to be said here.  Everyone knows Adele is ridiculously talented, especially judging from the fact I couldn’t get tickets to her show in Nashville the morning they went on sale.  So if I didn’t include her then everyone would wonder how I could possible exclude her.  A dilemma averted.

She is most certainly a refreshing shot in the arm for current music.

Lefsetz On The Charts

From the Lefsetz Letter.  Some of the more interesting and relevant commentary on this weeks top albums listed below.  Great points are made.  For the complete post with additional commentary go here.

1. Adele “21″

Sales this week: 155,209

This is the future of the mainstream.  A quality album of songs that sells itself.  Sure, there was set-up, but word of mouth is selling this album.  Otherwise, Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” would be number one, and it’s not.

In other words, airplay is no longer king.

When people could only be exposed on radio and MTV, record labels could drive sales of their priorities across broad demographics.  Now, so many have tuned out the mainstream and are waiting for the imprimatur of their friends, which causes them to check music out and buy it, become fans of it.

Adele is not perceived to be fake.  No one feels her music is being jammed down their throats.  People are coming to her. Becoming fans of her.

So, focus on getting the music right, not the marketing.  And your music doesn’t have to sound like everybody else’s, you don’t have to work with the usual suspects, it’s just got to be good.

And Adele can SING!  In order to overcome a lousy voice you need A+ material.  Too many people operating in the rock genre believe their attitude trumps material.  You have to be so good that those who are not fans of your genre take notice and are enraptured.  And those who can only sing but can’t write…  Your time is dying.  Either you’ve got to be a great interpreter or you’re gonna find no one cares, the usual suspects can make you a hit, but not a career.

6. Stevie Nicks “In Your Dreams”

Sales this week: 52,370
I don’t understand this.  This record was promoted like it’s 1980, but it’s 2011.

Hell, check out her Website, it positively SUCKS!

All these old rockers have it wrong.  First and foremost you’ve got to know who your audience is.  Stevie Nicks needs to have her fans’ e-mail addresses, she needs to be in constant communication, creating a relationship, so people feel the bond. Today, with all your dirty laundry exposed online, you can’t speak from above down to the masses, no one cares.

I would have said an EP would have been enough.

And then she should have motivated her fans.  To the point where the mainstream media she’s courting finally pays attention.

And after playing to her core, Stevie should be broadening her audience not by playing to the usual suspects, but to those on the fringe, who don’t care or don’t know.  Stevie needs to play Bonnaroo.  Even show up and sing backups with Katy Perry. Have a sense of humor about herself.  Even show up in a new outfit.

She needs to fire her manager.  It’s a new world, not only about scorched earth media and booking tours.  It’s about being in the pits with your fans.  Stevie’s not.

But the album is better than anything she’s done in eons.  Critics don’t matter. Only fans do.

9. Mumford & Sons “Sigh No More”

Sales this week: 32,222
Story of the year.

It’s all about authenticity.

People believe Mumford & Sons is real.  It’s not about hysteria, but music.  They underplay and undercharge, you’d think it’s 1970 all over again.

15. Alison Krauss & Union Station “Paper Airplane”

Sales this week: 22,966

She’s bigger than Robert Plant.

She did it her way, didn’t sell out, isn’t beholden to country music, she’s got fans and no one’s got a bad word to say about her or her music.  She’s winning.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Chris Thile & Michael Daves

Nickel Creek is one of my all time favorites and I look forward to including them in a future Ridiculously Talented Tuesday, especially when/if they get back together.  One member of that trio, Chris Thile has been involved in numerous projects with other talented musicians.  His latest endeavor is a collaboration with guitarist Michael Daves.

Chris Thile & Michael Daves

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday – Joe Bonamassa

I had trouble deciding which video to post on this week’s installment because Joe Bonamassa is just too ridiculously talented.  So I picked two.  One from the studio and another raw concert footage.  Enjoy.

Spring

Spring, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday

Hey look, it’s officially a series now!  I have a list of over 20 artists I’d like to ultimately get to.  Some have been around for a while and others are newer.  I look forward to discovering more along the way as well.  Today’s installment of Ridiculously Talented Tuesday features the Carolina Chocolate Drops.  This particular video was in conjunction with their most recent album released in February. Enjoy.

World Vision President Invites Music Row to Use Their Voice on Behalf of the Poor

From Aristo PR — For Immediate Release:

Contact:  Mike Severson – 615-496-6023 – mikeseverson@comcast.net

Nashville, TN–Humanitarian and relief organization World Vision hosted a reception at the CMA headquarters for Music Row executives to meet World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns. For the past two years World Vision has been working to expand their successful “Use Your Voice: Do Good” campaign into the Country marketplace by partnering with artists through tour sponsorships and development.

Stearns, a best-selling author and former president of Parker Brothers Games and CEO of Lenox China, wanted to meet with country music influencers to further the conversation regarding global issues of justice and poverty and the positive impact artists can have. “Use Your Voice: Do Good” provides an opportunity for the Country music community to join forces with one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world in an effort to combat the issues of poverty around the globe.

The event was attended by over 50 Music Row executives and was hosted by World Vision’s Nashville based team. The “host committee” for the event included John Huie (CAA), Kathy Olen (WME), Lynn Morrow (Adams & Reese, LLP) and Steve Moore (CMA), each of whom have been involved in discussions with World Vision during the past two years regarding country music initiatives.

“Use Your Voice: Do Good” has been a very successful campaign within the Gospel and Contemporary Christian touring market with more than 750,000 children in need being sponsored over the past 12 years alone. World Vision has more than 20 years of experience in touring and music business partnerships and believes the Country market is a natural fit in their ongoing efforts to help more children. Artists who have been involved thus far include Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Kenny Rogers, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Jordyn Shellhart.

Stearns stated, “At World Vision we look for the most relevant and impactful means of telling the message of those who desperately need our help around the world. Over and over we have seen and experienced the power of the voice of artists like those in country music. Not only does the music have an impact, but artists also have the platform and the respect to influence significant change for generations to come.”

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Ridiculously Talented Tuesday

A new feature. I just thought of it today and since today is Tuesday, why not begin like, now…..

The first installment of Ridiculously Talented Tuesday features the PawnShop kings in an acoustic performance of “Carolina”. 

Live Acoustic Music

Live Acoustic Music, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

Partnering With World Vision

World Vision makes an indisputable impact on poverty and suffering around the world and I’m thrilled that I will be representing this amazing organization. I’m looking forward to conveying the many opportunities to artists and anyone in the music industry that has a heart for making a true difference. – Mike

From Music Row magazine:

Longtime music business exec Mike Severson has joined the charity World Vision as a consultant for the country music format. He will be working with Charles Dorris to develop partnerships between World Vision and the music industry. Severson was most recently at Compassion International, and has a 20+ year resume that includes Midas Records, Rounder Records, All Access Music Group, MCA Nashville, KWEN/Tulsa and KCKI/Tulsa. Severson is also pursuing other projects for artist management and label clients. He can be reached at 615-496-6023 or mikeseverson@comcast.net.

That Way

That Way, originally uploaded by Mike Severson.

A Graph Is Worth Millions Of Words

From Digital Music News:

The following shipment figures are from the RIAA, dating back to 1973.  The first shows album unit sales across four formats: 8-tracks, vinyl, CDs, and digital albums.  The second shows singles across four formats: CD-singles, cassette singles (or ‘cassingles’), vinyl singles, and digital singles.  US specific.

Musical Values Upheld At Grammy Awards

There always seems to be controversy and tension where the Grammy Awards are concerned. The battle between commercial triumphs and artistic success annually emerge.  Sometimes they meet in the middle, but many times they don’t. I was always a fan of the Grammy’s showcasing the formats that don’t get the hyped media attention in the pop culture world – jazz, classical, gospel, blues, country, singer/songwriter, etc.  Those genres may be somewhat ignored, but they are the enduring foundation of where true artists and songs historically emerge from.

Following this year’s Grammy broadcast I was struck at the contrast between how much noise and bravado came from the most popular of our pop culture and the more foundational music artists that were showing genuine respect and class during the evening.  That difference was especially apparent by country award winners Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum.

The stark differences go beyond attitude and humility; they are also revealed by the light of history, craftsmanship and musical values that are still honored by artists in their music.  This is explained very well in an article by Tom Roland in this week’s Billboard Country Update.  His assessment is right on target:

“Some of the national media seem perplexed by Lady A’s record of the year victory. Rappers Eminem and Jay-Z were widely regarded as favorites by prognosticators in Los Angeles and New York, where country is an after-thought. The pop media invariably expects Recording Academy voters to cast their ballots with an eye toward pushing the outer edge of sonic trends, forgetting that the Academy is dominated not by marketers or record-company personnel, but by actual musicians and creative people.

The entire music community has a say in who wins in the top four all-genre categories, and many of them aren’t particularly vested in popular culture. Classical musicians, jazz players, gospel singers, bluegrass acts, blues artists—many of them are traditionalists in whatever field they represent, and despite the cultural ascent of music built around recited hooks, that voting contingent still values songs built on melodies.

With that in mind, Lady Antebellum had a beneficial slate of competitors for record of the year. Each of the other entries was based in hip-hop or R&B, which almost guaranteed their votes would be split.

“Need You Now” meanwhile exhibited all the signatures that great pop-culture singles are able to incorporate: a hooky, singable melody; classy, defining harmonies; and a great production that infuses a series of subtle, key instrumental hooks. It was also much bigger than any one genre, scoring high on the pop charts and selling a cool 3.2 million downloads in 2010.

“It just shows that country music is relevant and it’s relatable,” Lady A’s Hillary Scott told reporters in the press room, assessing the feat.

Even as the larger music industry focused on the group, the band was particularly concerned with what its accomplishments mean within the country industry.

“I just hope they think we’re flying the flag right,” Scott said.

The contrasts between country and pop’s center were pointedly displayed during the evening. The winner of the best female pop vocal honor, Lady Gaga, created a surreal stir by arriving on the red carpet in an egg. Miranda Lambert, who won country’s best female vocal for “The House That Built Me,” gave a demure performance of the common-man song, which she characterized as one “everyone can relate to.”

Christina Aguilera trilled and battered and belted out her part of an Aretha Franklin tribute, while Martina McBride—standing right beside her—sang “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” in a direct manner that prioritized the song instead of the performer.

Keith Urban, who won the best country male Grammy for “’Til Summer Comes Around,” teamed with John Mayer and Norah Jones for a version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” that infused three-part harmony and gurgling guitars in an understated manner. Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson took the country collaboration honor with “As She’s Walking Away,” a song built on quiet harmonies, a deceptively attractive melodic contour and familiar street wisdom. And Marty Stuart’s country-instrumental winner “Hummingbyrd” gets its sound primarily from the Bakersfield inspiration of Merle Haggard and Don Rich.

Observers in the media seem to want to consider the Grammys a gauge of music’s future. But in practice, the major awards rarely look forward. Eminem has lost the record of the year trophy previously to Norah Jones and Coldplay and lost album of the year to Jones and Steely Dan.

Each of those acts is grounded in old-school music values, and many of the classical, jazz and traditional-pop musicians who vote are similarly invested in maintaining the legacy of their craft. Country, with its current adaptation of classic-rock sounds and traditional song structures, has rarely been a genre that tests the edges of the general pop culture. But it increasingly sculpts itself in ways that would make musicians in other time-tested genres comfortable. And for that reason, it’s likely that while “Need You Now” is the first country hit to become record of the year, it may not be the last.”

Complete List of 2011 Grammy Award Winners

POP:
Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Train, “Hey, Soul Sister (Live)”
Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé, Crazy Love
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance,” The Fame Monster
Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars, “Just The Way You Are,” Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: “Imagine,” Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare, The Imagine Project
Pop Instrumental Performance: “Nessun Dorma,” Jeff Beck, Emotion & Commotion
Pop Instrumental Album: Take Your Pick, Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto

ROCK:
Rock Album: Muse, The Resistance
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Paul McCartney, “Helter Skelter,” Good Evening New York City
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Keys, “Tighten Up,” Brothers
Rock Song: “Angry World,” Neil Young, Le Noise
Hard Rock Performance: New Fang, “Them Crooked Vultures,” Them Crooked Vultures
Metal Performance: “El Dorado,” Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, “Hammerhead,” Emotion & Commotion

COUNTRY:
Country Album: Lady Antebellum, Need You Now
Female Country Vocal Performance: Miranda Lambert, ” The House That Built Me,” Revolution
Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, “‘Til Summer Comes Around”
Country Song: “Need You Now,” Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum) (Need You Now)
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
Country Instrumental Performance: Marty Stuart, “Hummingbyrd” (Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions)

JAZZ:
Contemporary Jazz Album: The Stanley Clarke Band, The Stanley Clarke Band
Jazz Vocal Album: Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee, Dee Dee Bridgewater
Improvised Jazz Solo: “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Herbie Hancock (The Imagine Project)
Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Moody 4B, James Moody
Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Live at Jazz Standard, Mingus Big Band
Latin Jazz Album: Chucho’s Steps, Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers

GOSPEL:
Gospel Performance: “Grace,” BeBe & CeCe Winans, Still
Gospel Song: “It’s What I Do,” Jerry Peters & Kirk Whalum, songwriters (Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway), The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III
Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Hello Hurricane, Switchfoot
Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: Love God. Love People, Israel Houghton
Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: The Reason, Diamond Rio
Traditional Gospel Album: Downtown Church, Patty Griffin
Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Still, BeBe & CeCe Winans

R&B:
Female R&B Vocal Performance: Fantasia, “Bittersweet,” Back to Me
Male R&B Vocal Performance: Usher, “There Goes My Baby,” Raymond V Raymond
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Sade, “Soldier of Love,” Soldier of Love
Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: John Legend & The Roots, “Hang On In There,” Wake Up!
R&B Song: John Legend & The Roots, “Shine,” Wake Up!
R&B Album: Wake Up!, John Legend & The Roots
Contemporary R&B Album: Raymond V Raymond, Usher

RAP:
Rap Song: Jay Z & Alecia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” The Blueprint 3
Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” The Blueprint 3
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz, “On to the Next One,” The Blueprint 3
Rap Solo Performance: Eminem, “Not Afraid,” Recovery
Urban/Alternative Performance: “F*** You,” Cee Lo Green

TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE/WORLD:
Alternative Music Album: Brothers, The Black Keys
Americana Album: You Are Not Alone, Mavis Staples
Bluegrass Album: Mountain Soul II, Patty Loveless
Traditional Blues Album: Joined At The Hip, Pinetop Perkins & Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith
Contemporary Blues Album: Living Proof, Buddy Guy
Traditional Folk Album: Genuine Negro Jig, Carolina Chocolate Drops
Contemporary Folk Album: God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
Hawaiian Music Album: Huana Ke Aloha, Tia Carrere
Native American Music Album: 2010 Gathering Of Nations Pow Wow: A Spirit’s Dance, Various Artists
Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Zydeco Junkie, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
Reggae Album: Before The Dawn, Buju Banton
Traditional World Music Album: Ali And Toumani, Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté
Contemporary World Music Album: Throw Down Your Heart, Africa Sessions Part 2: Unreleased Tracks, Béla Fleck
New Age Album: Miho: Journey to the Mountain, Paul Winter Consort

VISUAL MEDIA:
Short Form Music Video: “Bad Romance,” Lady Gaga
Long Form Music Video: “When You’re Strange,” The Doors
Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Crazy Heart (Various Artists)
Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Toy Story 3, Randy Newman, composer
Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: “The Weary Kind” (From Crazy Heart), Ryan Bingham & T Bone Burnett, songwriters
Instrumental Composition: “The Path Among the Trees,” Billy Childs, composer (Billy Childs Ensemble), Autumn: In Moving Pictures Jazz—Chamber Music Vol. 2
Instrumental Arrangement: “Carlos,” Vince Mendoza, arranger (John Scofield, Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orkest), 54

CLASSICAL:
Engineered Album, Classical:Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony; Deus Ex Machina, Giancarlo Guerrero &Nashville Symphony Orchestra
Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost
Classical Album:Verdi: Requiem, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus
Orchestral Performance:Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony; Deus Ex Machina, Nashville Symphony
Opera Recording:Saariaho: L’Amour De Loin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Choral Performance:Verdi: Requiem, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus
Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (With Orchestra):Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 24, Mitsuko Uchida (The Cleveland Orchestra)
Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra): Paul Jacobs, Messiaen: Livre Du Saint-Sacrement
Chamber Music Performance:Ligeti: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2, Parker Quartet
Small Ensemble Performance:Dinastia Borja, Jordi Savall, conductor; Hespèrion XXI & La Capella Reial De Catalunya
Classical Vocal Performance:Sacrificium, Cecilia Bartoli (Giovanni Antonini; Il Giardino Armonico)
Classical Contemporary Composition: Michael Daugherty: Deus Ex Machina, Michael Daugherty (Giancarlo Guerrero), Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony
Classical Crossover Album:Christopher Tin: Calling All Dawns
Surround Sound Album:Britten’s Orchestra, Michael Stern & Kansas City Symphony

CHILDREN:
Musical Album for Children: Tomorrow’s Children, Pete Seeger with the Rivertown Kids and Friends
Spoken Word Album for Children: Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

Comedy Album: Lewis Black, Stark Raving Black
Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s): “Baba Yetu,” Christopher Tin, Soweto Gospel Choir & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Calling All Dawns
Recording Package: Brothers, The Black Keys
Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: Under Great White Northern Lights (Limited Edition Box Set), The White Stripes
Album Notes: Keep An Eye On The Sky, Big Star
Historical Album: The Beatles (The Original Studio Recordings), The Beatles
Engineered Album, Nonclassical: Battle Studies, John Mayer
Producer of the Year, Nonclassical: Danger Mouse

Remember Customer Service?

Have you ever had customer service so good and people working that were so nice that it kind of freaked you out? Almost to the point that you wondered what was going on?

I had that experience recently at Firehouse Subs in Nashville and it made me remember something that once was; what customer service used to be and is meant to look and feel like. Not what we now typically receive on a daily basis.

The reason excellent customer service is odd to us is because we have become accustomed to sub par and impersonal service. The fundamentals have been entirely lost by bad managers hiring the wrong people for the job or not coaching them the correct way to serve the customer.

It’s not like you have to be a brilliant manager or make it so complicated it’s difficult to execute. Like most things, we don’t have to over think it.  It’s foundational and easy.

Let’s take what I experienced as an example:

• I was welcomed when entering the door.
• The shop was clean.
• The cashier looked me in the eye, smiled, and asked me how my day was.  Before taking my order. (That’s when I began thinking something was amiss)
• I was given clear options when ordering.
• Server brought order with a smile and a great attitude.
• Floor employee (most likely a strictly customer service position) engaged me in conversation and was incredibly pleasant and genuine.
• My order was spot on correct (and good I might add)
• Entire staff was courteous.
• Staff member said goodbye and thank you when I was walking out the door.

See?  Easy stuff.  Basic.  Fundamental.  The lost art of customer service in action

I can think of a handful of businesses that routinely have excellent service and are places that I would shop at in person where interaction is possible. Because of their outstanding customer service I will frequent those businesses, if their product is good of course (a whole other subject matter).  And if I’m choosing between stores with similar products I will go with the one with better service, even if I have to pay a little bit more.

Top notch customer service is not difficult. It doesn’t take a consultant or a seminar to learn how to make the customer happy. It simply takes the right people, a service oriented leader and great attitudes.